bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reprimo (RPRM) as a Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Target for Radiation-Induced Brain Injury via Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Ye Zhujing , Wang Jin , Shi Wenyu , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Yarui , Wang Jingdong , Yang Hongying
Published: December 2023

Patients receiving cranial radiotherapy for primary and metastatic brain tumors may experience radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI). Thus far, there has been a lack of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for RIBI. Due to its complicated underlying pathogenic mechanisms, it is rather difficult to develop a single approach to target them simultaneously. We have recently reported that Reprimo (RPRM), a tumor suppressor gene, is a critical player in DNA damage repair, and RPRM deletion significantly confers radioresistance to mice. Herein, by using an RPRM knockout (KO) mouse model established in our laboratory, we found that RPRM deletion alleviated RIBI in mice via targeting its multiple underlying mechanisms. Specifically, RPRM knockout significantly reduced hippocampal DNA damage and apoptosis shortly after mice were exposed to whole-brain irradiation (WBI). For the late-delayed effect of WBI, RPRM knockout obviously ameliorated a radiation-induced decline in neurocognitive function and dramatically diminished WBI-induced neurogenesis inhibition. Moreover, RPRM KO mice exhibited a significantly lower level of acute and chronic inflammation response and microglial activation than wild-type (WT) mice post-WBI. Finally, we uncovered that RPRM knockout not only protected microglia against radiation-induced damage, thus preventing microglial activation, but also protected neurons and decreased the induction of CCL2 in neurons after irradiation, in turn attenuating the activation of microglial cells nearby through paracrine CCL2. Taken together, our results indicate that RPRM plays a crucial role in the occurrence of RIBI, suggesting that RPRM may serve as a novel potential target for the prevention and treatment of RIBI.
Abrupt Photoperiod Changes Differentially Modulate Hepatic Antioxidant Response in Healthy and Obese Rats: Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE)
Authors: Cortés-Espinar Antonio J. , Ibarz-Blanch Néstor , Soliz-Rueda Jorge R. , Calvo Enrique , Bravo Francisca Isabel , Mulero Miquel , Ávila-Román Javier
Published: December 2023

Disruptions of the light/dark cycle and unhealthy diets can promote misalignment of biological rhythms and metabolic alterations, ultimately leading to an oxidative stress condition. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), which possesses antioxidant properties, has demonstrated its beneficial effects in metabolic-associated diseases and its potential role in modulating circadian disruptions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of GSPE administration on the liver oxidant system of healthy and diet-induced obese rats undergoing a sudden photoperiod shift. To this end, forty-eight photoperiod-sensitive Fischer 344/IcoCrl rats were fed either a standard (STD) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 6 weeks. A week before euthanizing, rats were abruptly transferred from a standard photoperiod of 12 h of light/day (L12) to either a short (6 h light/day, L6) or a long photoperiod (18 h light/day, L18) while receiving a daily oral dose of vehicle (VH) or GSPE (25 mg/kg). Alterations in body weight gain, serum and liver biochemical parameters, antioxidant gene and protein expression, and antioxidant metabolites were observed. Interestingly, GSPE partially ameliorated these effects by reducing the oxidative stress status in L6 through an increase in GPx1 expression and in hepatic antioxidant metabolites and in L18 by increasing the NRF2/KEAP1/ARE pathway, thereby showing potential in the treatment of circadian-related disorders by increasing the hepatic antioxidant response in a photoperiod-dependent manner.
Effects of Elevated Temperature on Pisum sativum Nodule Development: II—Phytohormonal Responses
Authors: Kitaeva Anna B. , Serova Tatiana A. , Kusakin Pyotr G. , Tsyganov Viktor E.
Published: December 2023

High temperature is one of the most important factors limiting legume productivity. We have previously shown the induction of senescence in the apical part of nodules of the pea SGE line, formed by Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 3841, when they were exposed to elevated temperature (28 °C). In this study, we analyzed the potential involvement of abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, and gibberellins in apical senescence in pea nodules under elevated temperature. Immunolocalization revealed an increase in ABA and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC, the precursor of ethylene biosynthesis) levels in cells of the nitrogen fixation zone in heat-stressed nodules in 1 day of exposure compared to heat-unstressed nodules. Both ABA and ethylene appear to be involved in the earliest responses of nodules to heat stress. A decrease in the gibberellic acid (GA3) level in heat-stressed nodules was observed. Exogenous GA3 treatment induced a delay in the degradation of the nitrogen fixation zone in heat-stressed nodules. At the same time, a decrease in the expression level of many genes associated with nodule senescence, heat shock, and defense responses in pea nodules treated with GA3 at an elevated temperature was detected. Therefore, apical senescence in heat-stressed nodules is regulated by phytohormones in a manner similar to natural senescence. Gibberellins can be considered as negative regulators, while ABA and ethylene can be considered positive regulators.
Benzodiazepine Delorazepam Induces Locomotory Hyperactivity and Alterations in Pedal Mucus Texture in the Freshwater Gastropod Planorbarius corneus
Authors: Fogliano Chiara , Carotenuto Rosa , Agnisola Claudio , Simoniello Palma , Karam Myriam , Manfredonia Claudia , Avallone Bice , Motta Chiara Maria
Published: December 2023

Benzodiazepines, psychotropic drugs, are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment due to over-consumption and inefficient removal by sewage treatment plants. Bioaccumulation with consequent behavioral and physiological effects has been reported in many aquatic species. However, the responses are species-specific and still poorly understood. To improve the knowledge, we exposed the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus to 1, 5, or 10 µg/L of delorazepam, the most widely consumed benzodiazepine in Italy. Conventional behavioral tests were used to assess the effects on locomotor and feeding behavior. Histological and biochemical analyses were also performed to detect possible changes in the structure and composition of the foot mucus and glands. The results show a paradoxical response with reduced feeding activity and locomotor hyperactivity. Pedal mucus was altered in texture but not in composition, becoming particularly rich in fibrous collagen-like material, and a significant change in the protein composition was highlighted in the foot. In conclusion, exposure to delorazepam induces disinhibited behavior in Planorbarius corneus, potentially increasing the risk of predation, and an increase in mucus protein production, which, together with reduced feeding activity, would severely compromise energy resources.
HDAC1: An Essential and Conserved Member of the Diverse Zn2+-Dependent HDAC Family Driven by Divergent Selection Pressure
Authors: Yang Jing-Fang , Shi Le-Rong , Wang Ke-Chen , Huang Li-Long , Deng Yun-Shuang , Chen Mo-Xian , Wan Fang-Hao , Zhou Zhong-Shi
Published: December 2023

Zn2+-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that regulate gene expression by removing acetyl groups from histone proteins. These enzymes are essential in all living systems, playing key roles in cancer treatment and as potential pesticide targets. Previous phylogenetic analyses of HDAC in certain species have been published. However, their classification and evolutionary origins across biological kingdoms remain unclear, which limits our understanding of them. In this study, we collected the HDAC sequences from 1451 organisms and performed analyses. The HDACs are found to diverge into three classes and seven subclasses under divergent selection pressure. Most subclasses show species specificity, indicating that HDACs have evolved with high plasticity and diversification to adapt to different environmental conditions in different species. In contrast, HDAC1 and HDAC3, belonging to the oldest class, are conserved and crucial in major kingdoms of life, especially HDAC1. These findings lay the groundwork for the future application of HDACs.
The Complexity of the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Emerging Therapeutic Developments
Authors: Argentiero Antonella , Delvecchio Antonella , Fasano Rossella , Andriano Alessandro , Caradonna Ingrid Catalina , Memeo Riccardo , Desantis Vanessa
Published: December 2023

This review explores various aspects of the HCC TME, including both cellular and non-cellular components, to elucidate their roles in tumor development and progression. Specifically, it highlights the significance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their contributions to tumor progression, angiogenesis, immune suppression, and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, this review emphasizes the role of immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T-cells (Tregs), in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment that promotes tumor growth and immune evasion. Furthermore, we also focused only on the non-cellular components of the HCC TME, including the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the role of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Alterations in the composition of ECM and stiffness have been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis, while hypoxia-driven angiogenesis promotes tumor growth and metastatic spread. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, including the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, are also discussed. In addition to elucidating the complex TME of HCC, this review focuses on emerging therapeutic strategies that target the TME. It highlights the potential of second-line treatments, such as regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab, in improving overall survival for advanced HCC patients who have progressed on or were intolerant to first-line therapy. Furthermore, this review explores the implications of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging and classification system in guiding HCC management decisions. The BCLC system, which incorporates tumor stage, liver function, and performance status, provides a framework for treatment stratification and prognosis prediction in HCC patients. The insights gained from this review contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions and personalized treatment approaches for HCC patients, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in this challenging disease.
De Novo Donor-Specific Antibodies after Heart Transplantation: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians
Authors: Marco Irene , López-Azor García Juan Carlos , González Martín Javier , Severo Sánchez Andrea , García-Cosío Carmena María Dolores , Mancebo Sierra Esther , de Juan Bagudá Javier , Castrodeza Calvo Javier , Hernández Pérez Francisco José , Delgado Juan Francisco
Published: December 2023

Antibodies directed against donor-specific human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) can be detected de novo after heart transplantation and play a key role in long-term survival. De novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSAs) have been associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy, antibody-mediated rejection, and mortality. Advances in detection methods and international guideline recommendations have encouraged the adoption of screening protocols among heart transplant units. However, there is still a lack of consensus about the correct course of action after dnDSA detection. Treatment is usually started when antibody-mediated rejection is present; however, some dnDSAs appear years before graft failure is detected, and at this point, damage may be irreversible. In particular, class II, anti-HLA-DQ, complement binding, and persistent dnDSAs have been associated with worse outcomes. Growing evidence points towards a more aggressive management of dnDSA. For that purpose, better diagnostic tools are needed in order to identify subclinical graft injury. Cardiac magnetic resonance, strain techniques, or coronary physiology parameters could provide valuable information to identify patients at risk. Treatment of dnDSA usually involves plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, immunoadsorption, and ritxumab, but the benefit of these therapies is still controversial. Future efforts should focus on establishing effective treatment protocols in order to improve long-term survival of heart transplant recipients.
Arthroereisis with a Talar Screw in Symptomatic Flexible Flatfoot in Children
Authors: Bobiński Andrzej , Tomczyk Łukasz , Pelc Marcin , Chruścicki Damian Aleksander , Śnietka Bartosz , Morasiewicz Piotr
Published: December 2023

Background: Pes planovalgus, or flexible flatfoot, deformity is a common problem in pediatric orthopedic patients. There is no consensus on using the technique of arthroereisis in the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus. The aim of our study was to prospectively assess the functional outcomes following symptomatic pes planovalgus treatment with the use of the Spherus talar screw. Methods: Twenty-seven patients (11 females, 16 males), at a mean age of 10.5 years (7–14 years) were included in the prospective study. We assessed the level of physical activity (including sports) based on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, a 10-point level-of-activity VAS scale, and the Grimby physical activity scale. Pain was assessed based on a VAS pain scale; foot function was assessed with the revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R); and ankle joint mobility was measured. Results: The mean follow-up period was 18 months (14–26 months). There was a significant improvement in VAS-measured physical activity scores from 5.47 to 7 at follow-up, p = 0.048. There was a significant improvement in UCLA activity scale scores from 4.78 to 6.05 at follow-up, p = 0.045. Pain levels decreased from a mean VAS score of 4.73 prior to surgery to a mean score of 2.73 at follow-up, p = 0.047. The functional FFI-R scores showed a significant improvement from 140 points prior to surgery to 97.75 points at follow-up, p = 0.017. Comparison of the preoperative and follow-up values of the range of plantar flexion, adduction, and abduction in the operated limb also showed no significant changes in those individual parameters. The mean values of dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, adduction, and abduction at the ankle joint at follow-up, compared individually between the operated and non-operated foot showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The use of a talar screw in the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus helps reduce pain and improve functional outcomes after treatment. Foot function assessments showed diminished pain, improved levels of physical and sport activity, and no effect on the range of motion after surgery in comparison with preoperative data. Arthroereisis with a talar screw is a valid surgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus.
Cytochrome b Sequencing as a Tool for Identification of Morphologically Similar Mediterranean Gobies Gobius incognitus and Gobius bucchichi (Actinopterygii: Gobiidae)
Authors: Čekovská Katarína , Šanda Radek , Ašenbrenerová Eva , Kassar Abderrahmane , Zogaris Dimitris , Pappalardo Anna Maria , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Vasil’eva Ekaterina , Santos David , Vukić Jasna
Published: December 2023

Despite being one of the most speciose fish families in the Mediterranean Sea, knowledge about the diversity of gobies (Actinopterygii: Gobiidae) in this sea is still unsatisfactory, as documented by recent descriptions of a number of new species. Although very common in shallow water, Gobius incognitus Kovačić & Šanda, 2016, had escaped attention until 2016, when it was discovered. Due to its overall superficial morphological similarity, G. incognitus used to be confused with a much rarer species, Gobius bucchichi Steindachner, 1870, which was considered one of the most common shallow-water gobies in the Mediterranean Sea. In this work, we tested the suitability of the genetic data (mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome b) for identifying and distinguishing between these two goby species, and assessed the congruency between the distribution records based on genetic data and those based on morphological identification. We analysed material of 304 specimens of G. incognitus and G. bucchichi from 49 localities covering a considerable part of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean near Gibraltar, representing 19 geographically well-separated areas. We detected 270 sequences of G. incognitus, and only 34 of G. bucchichi. In both species, a high haplotype variability was observed. The sequence species identity matched morphological identification for all specimens for which vouchers were available. The mean uncorrected p-distance between G. incognitus and G. bucchichi was 13%, while the mean intraspecific distances were much lower (0.63% and 0.68%, respectively). We found 79 fixed mutations between these two species. Data on distribution based on genetic identification are completely congruent with published results based on morphological identification. The results of this study support molecular methods as a reliable tool for distinguishing morphologically similar fish species, which is particularly useful when only tissue is available for determination.
Coastal Flood Risk Assessment: An Approach to Accurately Map Flooding through National Registry-Reported Events
Authors: Kralj Erik , Kumer Peter , Meulenberg Cécil J. W.
Published: December 2023

The escalating frequency and severity of climate-related hazards in the Mediterranean, particularly in the historic town of Piran, Slovenia, underscore the critical need for enhanced coastal flood prediction and efficient early warning systems. This study delves into the impediments of available coastal flood hazard maps and the existing early warning system, which rely on distant sensors, neglecting the town’s unique microclimate. The current study leverages the public registry maintained by the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (URSZR), an underutilized resource for generating comprehensive and accurate flooding maps for Piran. Here, we show that in the historic town of Piran, floodings reported through the national registry can be used to map coastal flooding by means of verification and validation of the georeferenced reports therein, with subsequent correlation analysis (hotspot, cluster, and elevation polygons) that show temporal and spatial patterns. The innovative approach adopted in this study aims to bolster the accuracy and reliability of flooding data, offering a more nuanced understanding of flood patterns (in Piran, but generally applicable where national or regional registries are available). The findings of this research illuminate the pressing need for localized field-report and sensor systems to enhance the precision of flood predictions. The study underscores the pivotal role of accurate, localized data in fortifying coastal towns against the escalating impacts of climate change, safeguarding both the inhabitants and the invaluable architectural heritage of historic areas.
Experimental Study on the Compressive Strength and Fatigue Life of Cement Concrete under Temperature Differential Cycling
Authors: Tao Chengyun , Dong Lin , Fan Wenbo , Yu Tianlai
Published: December 2023

Concrete, as an engineering material with extremely wide applications, is widely used in various infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and large buildings. However, structures such as highways and bridges often need to be situated in variable and harsh service environments for long periods. They not only face cyclic reciprocating vehicle loads but also have to contend with the effects of temperature cycling. Therefore, studying the impact and mechanism of temperature differential cycling on the compressive strength and fatigue life of cement concrete has certain theoretical significance and practical value. This study employed a comprehensive experimental design to investigate cement concrete specimens subjected to typical temperature variations (20–60 °C) and different numbers of temperature differential cycling (0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300). Axial compressive strength tests, ultrasonic tests, and compressive fatigue tests were conducted. The axial compressive strength test measured the compressive strength of the cement concrete. It was found that with an increase in the number of temperature differential cycling, the compressive strength exhibited a trend of an initial increase followed by a decrease: at 60 cycles, the strength increased by 10.8%, gradually declined; returned to near-initial strength at 120 cycles, and continued decreasing, reaching a decline of 19.4% at 300 cycles. The ultrasonic test measured the ultrasound velocity of the concrete specimens after different temperature differential cycling. It revealed a decreasing trend in ultrasound velocity with an increase in times of temperature differential cycling, showing a strong linear relationship between the ultrasound velocity loss and strength loss, confirming the correlation between the degree of concrete strength degradation and internal damage. The compressive fatigue test analyzed the fatigue life variation in cement concrete under different times of temperature differential cycling and stress levels, showing good adherence to the Weibull distribution pattern. Based on the approximation assumptions of log-normal distribution and the Weibull distribution, the Weibull distribution parameters for the compressive fatigue life of cement concrete under temperature differential cycling were obtained.
Handling Non-Linearities in Modelling the Optimal Design and Operation of a Multi-Energy System
Authors: Mallégol Antoine , Khannoussi Arwa , Mohammadi Mehrdad , Lacarrière Bruno , Meyer Patrick
Published: December 2023

Multi-energy systems (MESs) combining different energy carriers like electricity and heat allow for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. However, optimizing the design and operation of MESs is challenging due to non-linearities in the mathematical models used, especially the performance curves of technologies like combined heat and power units. Unlike similar work from the literature, this paper proposes an improved piecewise linearization method to efficiently handle the non-linearities, models an MES as a multi-objective mixed-integer linear program (MILP), and solves the optimization problem over a year with hourly resolution to enable detailed operation and faithful system design. The method uses fewer linear pieces to approximate non-linear functions compared to a standard technique, resulting in lower complexity while preserving accuracy. The MES design and operation problem maximizes cost reduction and the rate of renewable energy sources. A case study on an MES with electricity and heat over one year with hourly resolution demonstrates the effectiveness of the new method. It allows for solving a long-term MES optimization problem in reasonable computation times.
Membrane-Based Technologies for Post-Combustion CO2 Capture from Flue Gases: Recent Progress in Commonly Employed Membrane Materials
Authors: Gkotsis Petros , Peleka Efrosini , Zouboulis Anastasios
Published: December 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2), which results from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes, accounts for a substantial part of the total anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs). As a result, several carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies have been developed during the last decade. Chemical absorption, adsorption, cryogenic separation and membrane separation are the most widely used post-combustion CO2 capture technologies. This study reviews post-combustion CO2 capture technologies and the latest progress in membrane processes for CO2 separation. More specifically, the objective of the present work is to present the state of the art of membrane-based technologies for CO2 capture from flue gases and focuses mainly on recent advancements in commonly employed membrane materials. These materials are utilized for the fabrication and application of novel composite membranes or mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), which present improved intrinsic and surface characteristics and, thus, can achieve high selectivity and permeability. Recent progress is described regarding the utilization of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon molecular sieves (CMSs), nanocomposite membranes, ionic liquid (IL)-based membranes and facilitated transport membranes (FTMs), which comprise MMMs. The most significant challenges and future prospects of implementing membrane technologies for CO2 capture are also presented.
Computational and Experimental Study on Failure Mechanism of a GTD-111 First-Stage Blade of an Industrial Gas Turbine
Authors: Bayro-Lazcano Roberto Guillermo , Piedra-Gonzalez Saúl , García-Moreno Angel-Iván , Espinosa-Arbelaez Diego German , Villada-Villalobos Jhon Alexander
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the root cause of a recurring failure observed in the first-stage blades of an industrial gas turbine. The failure involves the loss of the trailing edge tip of the blades. The study employs a combination of metallographic analysis and computational simulations utilizing the finite element method and computational fluid dynamics. The metallographic analysis reveals significant degradation in the GTD-111 nickel-based superalloy within the region where the failure occurs. This degradation is characterized by the coarsening and coalescence of the gamma prime phase, which can be attributed to localized overheating. Additionally, the computational study enables the calculation of the trajectory, pressure, and temperature profiles of the hot gases, as well as the distribution of temperatures within the blade. These findings demonstrate that the cooling airflow is influenced by the hot gas flow, particularly in the vicinity of the fault location, owing to the orientation of the cooling ducts, which results in overheating in this area. Ultimately, the temperatures derived from the microstructural analysis using the Ostwald-ripening theory align remarkably well with the results obtained from the simulation, validating the accuracy of the computational model. By combining metallographic analysis and computational simulations, this study provides crucial insights into the failure mechanism of the first-stage blades.
Halophilic Plant-Associated Bacteria with Plant-Growth-Promoting Potential
Authors: Meinzer McKay , Ahmad Niaz , Nielsen Brent L.
Published: December 2023

The salinization of soils is a growing agricultural concern worldwide. Irrigation practices, drought, and climate change are leading to elevated salinity levels in many regions, resulting in reduced crop yields. However, there is potential for a solution in the microbiome of halophytes, which are naturally salt-tolerant plants. These plants harbor a salt-tolerant microbiome in their rhizosphere (around roots) and endosphere (within plant tissue). These bacteria may play a significant role in conferring salt tolerance to the host plants. This leads to the possibility of transferring these beneficial bacteria, known as salt-tolerant plant-growth-promoting bacteria (ST-PGPB), to salt-sensitive plants, enabling them to grow in salt-affected areas to improve crop productivity. In this review, the background of salt-tolerant microbiomes is discussed and their potential use as ST-PGPB inocula is explored. We focus on two Gram-negative bacterial genera, Halomonas and Kushneria, which are commonly found in highly saline environments. These genera have been found to be associated with some halophytes, suggesting their potential for facilitating ST-PGPB activity. The study of salt-tolerant microbiomes and their use as PGPB holds promise for addressing the challenges posed by soil salinity in the context of efforts to improve crop growth in salt-affected areas.
Compressive Stress Dewaterability Limit in Fluid Fine Tailings
Authors: Demoz Alebachew
Published: December 2023

Reclamation of fluid fine tailing (FFT) storage facilities to their pre-disturbance equivalent landforms is hampered because micrometer size fines, whose surface-area-to-volume ratio is remarkably high, are occupied with siloxane and hydroxy groups, which bind water strongly. The purpose of this study is to differentiate the forms of water physically distributions in FFT and determine their propensities for dewaterability under compressive stresses. Two thermal and two mechanical methods were used to analyze water distributions in FFT. Dynamic and isothermal thermogravimetric analyses of FFT gave a transition from predominately bulk water to coevolution with water of higher enthalpy of vaporization at 81% (w/w) solids. Differential scanning calorimeter studies were used to determine the non-freezable water amount, with the premise that water that does not freeze by −30 °C is also unlikely to be removable by compressive stresses encountered in tailing treatment processes. The solid weight percent of FFTs with the non-freezable water was 79.6%. A 1D finite-strain model simulation using the constitutive relations of void ratio and effective stress, void ratio, and hydraulic conductivity show that deep-pits filled with such clayey-silt FFT will consolidate to a maximum solids content of 74% (w/w). For separation by centrifugation, the solids content plateaued to a mean of 74% (w/w) for total centrifugal force of ≥30 mega Newtons. These solid contents represent upper thresholds and demonstrate dewatering limit property of an FFT under compressive stresses.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2-Substituted Quinazolin-4(3H)-Ones with Antiproliferative Activities
Authors: Karelou Maria , Kampasis Dionysis , Kalampaliki Amalia D. , Persoons Leentje , Krämer Andreas , Schols Dominique , Knapp Stefan , De Jonghe Steven , Kostakis Ioannis K.
Published: December 2023

Sixteen new 2-substituted quinazolines were synthesized using a straightforward methodology starting from 2-methoxybezoic acid or 3-methoxy-2-naphthoic acid. The anti-proliferative activity of the target compounds was evaluated against nine cancer cell lines. Additionally, all the compounds were screened for their potency and selectivity against a panel of 109 kinases and four bromodomains, using Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF). Compound 17 bearing a 2-methoxyphenyl substitution along with a basic side chain displayed a remarkable profile against the majority of the tested cell lines.
Late Luteal Subphase Food Craving Is Enhanced in Women with Obesity and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Authors: Hamidovic Ajna , Smadi Shahd , Davis John
Published: December 2023

Dysregulated food craving is a complex weight-related behavior. To identify novel targets for enhancing the efficacy of weight loss interventions, we examined whether food craving varies across the menstrual cycle according to the abdominal obesity type and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) diagnosis, and, if so, whether it is related to affective symptomatology. Reproductive-age women were classified into one of the four study groups according to whether they have abdominal obesity (AO) or are abdominally lean (AL), and the presence of PMDD: (1) AO:PMDD+ (n = 13), (2) AL:PMDD+ (n = 14), (3) AO:PMDD− (n = 15), and (4) AL:PMDD− (n = 16). Self-report measures as well as urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) tests were provided by the participants across 2–3 menstrual cycles. The ratings of food cravings were similar across the menstrual cycle, except the last, late luteal subphase as the AO:PMDD+ participants had the highest food craving rating. Irritability and depression were correlated with food cravings, but not in a distinctive manner across the menstrual cycle by group. Our study found that women with abdominal obesity and PMDD display a temporal vulnerability to a food-related behavior. The possibility of shared neurobiology between the two conditions is discussed and should be examined in future studies.
Pathophysiology of Childhood-Onset Myasthenia: Abnormalities of Neuromuscular Junction and Autoimmunity and Its Background
Authors: Hayashi Masatoshi
Published: December 2023

The pathophysiology of myasthenia gravis (MG) has been largely elucidated over the past half century, and treatment methods have advanced. However, the number of cases of childhood-onset MG is smaller than that of adult MG, and the treatment of childhood-onset MG has continued to be based on research in the adult field. Research on pathophysiology and treatment methods that account for the unique growth and development of children is now desired. According to an epidemiological survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, the number of patients with MG by age of onset in Japan is high in early childhood. In recent years, MG has been reported from many countries around the world, but the pattern of the number of patients by age of onset differs between East Asia and Western Europe, confirming that the Japanese pattern is common in East Asia. Furthermore, there are racial differences in autoimmune MG and congenital myasthenic syndromes according to immunogenetic background, and their pathophysiology and relationships are gradually becoming clear. In addition, treatment options are also recognized in different regions of the world. In this review article, I will present recent findings focusing on the differences in pathophysiology.
Targeted Alpha Therapy: All We Need to Know about 225Ac’s Physical Characteristics and Production as a Potential Theranostic Radionuclide
Authors: Jalloul Wael , Ghizdovat Vlad , Stolniceanu Cati Raluca , Ionescu Teodor , Grierosu Irena Cristina , Pavaleanu Ioana , Moscalu Mihaela , Stefanescu Cipriana
Published: December 2023

The high energy of α emitters, and the strong linear energy transfer that goes along with it, lead to very efficient cell killing through DNA damage. Moreover, the degree of oxygenation and the cell cycle state have no impact on these effects. Therefore, α radioisotopes can offer a treatment choice to individuals who are not responding to β− or gamma-radiation therapy or chemotherapy drugs. Only a few α-particle emitters are suitable for targeted alpha therapy (TAT) and clinical applications. The majority of available clinical research involves 225Ac and its daughter nuclide 213Bi. Additionally, the 225Ac disintegration cascade generates γ decays that can be used in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, expanding the potential theranostic applications in nuclear medicine. Despite the growing interest in applying 225Ac, the restricted global accessibility of this radioisotope makes it difficult to conduct extensive clinical trials for many radiopharmaceutical candidates. To boost the availability of 225Ac, along with its clinical and potential theranostic applications, this review attempts to highlight the fundamental physical properties of this α-particle-emitting isotope, as well as its existing and possible production methods.
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles’ Green Synthesis by Plants: Prospects in Phyto- and Bioremediation and Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Ashour Mohamed , Mansour Abdallah Tageldein , Abdelwahab Abdelwahab M. , Alprol Ahmed E.
Published: December 2023

Over the past few decades, the production of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) has developed into an exciting and sophisticated research area. Green metal oxide nanoparticles have played an extremely imperative role in various fields, including biomedical, environmental, energy, agricultural applications, catalytic, bioactive, antibacterial, poisonous, and biocompatible. To achieve sustainability and adopt environmentally friendly practices, the production of MONPs is now increasingly focused on exploring green chemistry and alternative pathways. When made using green synthesis techniques, the metal oxide nanoparticles are especially important because they do not require external stabilizers, capping agents, dangerous chemicals, or harsh operating conditions (high pressure and temperature). Plant-mediated synthesis of different MONPs using either whole cells or extracts has several advantages, including rapid synthesis (compared with other biogenic processes (using fungi and bacteria)), being more stable than other types, being available in nature, and being non-toxic. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the green synthesis of MONPs using plant parts, factors affecting the synthesis, and the characterization of synthesized NPs. Additionally, it highlights the potential of these environmentally friendly nanoparticles that are widely used to treat environmental pollutants, including the removal of heavy metals, antibacterials, and the degradation of organic pollutants.
Acoustic Characterization Study of Beef Loins Using Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Jiménez Antonio , Rufo Montaña , Paniagua Jesús M. , González-Mohino Alberto , Antequera Teresa , Perez-Palacios Trinidad
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to non-destructively characterize samples of fresh beef loin by low-intensity ultrasound inspection at various frequencies and to correlate the acoustic parameters of these inspections with quality parameters. In this regard, ultrasonic parameters such as ultrasound pulse velocity (UPV) and variables related to attenuation and frequency components obtained from fast Fourier transform (FFT) were considered. For this, pulsed ultrasonic signal transducers with a frequency of 0.5 and 1.0 MHz were used. Acoustic parameters and those obtained through traditional instrumental analyses (physicochemical and texture) underwent a Pearson correlation analysis. The acoustic determinations revealed numerous significant correlations with the rest of the studied parameters. The results demonstrate that ultrasonic inspection has the ability to characterize samples with a non-destructive nature, and likewise, this methodology can be postulated as a promising predictive tool for determining quality parameters in beef loin samples.
A Review of Federated Learning in Agriculture
Authors: Žalik Krista Rizman , Žalik Mitja
Published: December 2023

Federated learning (FL), with the aim of training machine learning models using data and computational resources on edge devices without sharing raw local data, is essential for improving agricultural management and smart agriculture. This study is a review of FL applications that address various agricultural problems. We compare the types of data partitioning and types of FL (horizontal partitioning and horizontal FL, vertical partitioning and vertical FL, and hybrid partitioning and transfer FL), architectures (centralized and decentralized), levels of federation (cross-device and cross-silo), and the use of aggregation algorithms in different reviewed approaches and applications of FL in agriculture. We also briefly review how the communication challenge is solved by different approaches. This work is useful for gaining an overview of the FL techniques used in agriculture and the progress made in this field.
Development of a Framework for the Communication System Based on KNX for an Interactive Space for UX Evaluation
Authors: Lopez-Aguilar Ariel A. , Bustamante-Bello M. Rogelio , Navarro-Tuch Sergio A. , Molina Arturo
Published: December 2023

Domotics (Home Automation) aims to improve the quality of life of people by integrating intelligent systems within inhabitable spaces. While traditionally associated with smart home systems, these technologies have potential for User Experience (UX) research. By emulating environments to test products and services, and integrating non-invasive user monitoring tools for emotion recognition, an objective UX evaluation can be performed. To achieve this objective, a testing booth was built and instrumented with devices based on KNX, an international standard for home automation, to conduct experiments and ensure replicability. A framework was designed based on Python to synchronize KNX systems with emotion recognition tools; the synchronization of these data allows finding patterns during the interaction process. To evaluate this framework, an experiment was conducted in a simulated laundry room within the testing booth to analyze the emotional responses of participants while interacting with prototypes of new detergent bottles. Emotional responses were contrasted with traditional questionnaires to determine the viability of using non-invasive methods. Using emulated environments alongside non-invasive monitoring tools allowed an immersive experience for participants. These results indicated that the testing booth can be implemented for a robust UX evaluation methodology.
HARE: Unifying the Human Activity Recognition Engineering Workflow
Authors: Konak Orhan , van de Water Robin , Döring Valentin , Fiedler Tobias , Liebe Lucas , Masopust Leander , Postnov Kirill , Sauerwald Franz , Treykorn Felix , Wischmann Alexander , Gjoreski Hristijan , Luštrek Mitja , Arnrich Bert
Published: December 2023

Sensor-based human activity recognition is becoming ever more prevalent. The increasing importance of distinguishing human movements, particularly in healthcare, coincides with the advent of increasingly compact sensors. A complex sequence of individual steps currently characterizes the activity recognition pipeline. It involves separate data collection, preparation, and processing steps, resulting in a heterogeneous and fragmented process. To address these challenges, we present a comprehensive framework, HARE, which seamlessly integrates all necessary steps. HARE offers synchronized data collection and labeling, integrated pose estimation for data anonymization, a multimodal classification approach, and a novel method for determining optimal sensor placement to enhance classification results. Additionally, our framework incorporates real-time activity recognition with on-device model adaptation capabilities. To validate the effectiveness of our framework, we conducted extensive evaluations using diverse datasets, including our own collected dataset focusing on nursing activities. Our results show that HARE’s multimodal and on-device trained model outperforms conventional single-modal and offline variants. Furthermore, our vision-based approach for optimal sensor placement yields comparable results to the trained model. Our work advances the field of sensor-based human activity recognition by introducing a comprehensive framework that streamlines data collection and classification while offering a novel method for determining optimal sensor placement.
A Blockchain and IPFS-Based Anticounterfeit Traceable Functionality of Car Insurance Claims System
Authors: Chen Chin-Ling , Zheng Ying-Ming , Huang Der-Chen , Liu Ling-Chun , Chen Hsing-Chung
Published: December 2023

Due to frequent traffic accidents around the world, people often take out car insurance to mitigate their losses and receive compensation in a traffic accident. However, in the existing car insurance claims process, there are problems such as insurance fraud, inability to effectively track and transmit insurance data, cumbersome insurance procedures, and high insurance data storage costs. Since the immutability and traceability features of blockchain technology can prevent data manipulation and trace past data, we have used the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) to sign and encrypt car insurance data, ensuring both data integrity and security. We propose a blockchain and IPFS-based anticounterfeiting and traceable car insurance claims system to improve the above problems. We incorporate the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) to reduce the cost of storing insurance data. This study also attempts to propose an arbitration mechanism in the event of a car insurance dispute.
Exploring Adversarial Robustness of LiDAR Semantic Segmentation in Autonomous Driving
Authors: Mahima K. T. Yasas , Perera Asanka , Anavatti Sreenatha , Garratt Matt
Published: December 2023

Deep learning networks have demonstrated outstanding performance in 2D and 3D vision tasks. However, recent research demonstrated that these networks result in failures when imperceptible perturbations are added to the input known as adversarial attacks. This phenomenon has recently received increased interest in the field of autonomous vehicles and has been extensively researched on 2D image-based perception tasks and 3D object detection. However, the adversarial robustness of 3D LiDAR semantic segmentation in autonomous vehicles is a relatively unexplored topic. This study expands the adversarial examples to LiDAR-based 3D semantic segmentation. We developed and analyzed three LiDAR point-based adversarial attack methods on different networks developed on the SemanticKITTI dataset. The findings illustrate that the Cylinder3D network has the highest adversarial susceptibility to the analyzed attacks. We investigated how the class-wise point distribution influences the adversarial robustness of each class in the SemanticKITTI dataset and discovered that ground-level points are extremely vulnerable to point perturbation attacks. Further, the transferability of each attack strategy was assessed, and we found that networks relying on point data representation demonstrate a notable level of resistance. Our findings will enable future research in developing more complex and specific adversarial attacks against LiDAR segmentation and countermeasures against adversarial attacks.
Vulnerability and Risk of Contamination of the Varaždin Aquifer System, NW Croatia
Authors: Larva Ozren , Brkić Željka , Marković Tamara
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the first study that assesses the vulnerability and risk of contamination of groundwater in the Varaždin aquifer system. The alluvial aquifer system is mostly unconfined with favorable hydrogeological features. Out of three wellfields, two still operate at full capacity, while the Varaždin wellfield, once the major source of drinking water, has been abandoned due to high concentrations of nitrates in the groundwater. Index-based methods are employed to assess groundwater vulnerability—two DRASTIC-based methods, standard and P-DRASTIC; two SINTACS-based methods, with normal and severe weighting strings; and the GOD method. Hazard is evaluated according to recommendations from the EU COST 620 action, while the risk intensity of the resource is calculated using the results of vulnerability and hazard assessments. The results reveal that for all vulnerability models, the resulting maps have a similar distribution pattern of vulnerability classes, with the high vulnerability class prevailing. However, notwithstanding the generally high groundwater vulnerability, a moderate resource contamination risk prevails as a consequence of a dominantly low hazard index. The validation of the groundwater vulnerability models demonstrates a weak correlation between the vulnerability indices and mean nitrate concentrations in groundwater. Conversely, a significantly higher correlation coefficient (0.58) is obtained when the groundwater vulnerability index is replaced by the resource risk intensity index, indicating that the results of resource risk intensity assessments are superior to groundwater vulnerability results in predicting the level of groundwater contamination.