bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Drone-Based Remote Sensing Indices for Monitoring Rice Nitrogen Plant Status Under Different Irrigation Techniques
Authors: Carracelas Gonzalo , Ballester Carlos , Marchesi Claudia , Roel Alvaro , Hornbuckle John
Published: December 2024

The rice sector is facing the challenge of increasing rice yields while maintaining or improving input use efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective vegetation indices for monitoring nitrogen uptake (N uptake) under different irrigation techniques. The study was conducted in Uruguay over two rice-growing seasons. A split plot experimental design featured two irrigation treatments (main plots): continuous flooding (C) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD). The nitrogen-rate (N-rate) treatments (split plots) included no nitrogen, the recommended N-rate based on soil analyses, and two additional doses (±50% of the recommendation). The plant N uptake relationships with selected drone-based vegetation indices (VIs) were assessed at panicle initiation. The presence or absence of standing water during image collection affected the VIs and their relationships with N uptake. The relationships estimated for traditional irrigation may not be applicable for AWD. The SCCCI was the top index with a significantly stronger relationship with N uptake under the C (R2 = 0.84) and AWD (R2 = 0.71) irrigation techniques in relation to all evaluated vegetation indices. The Clre, NDRE2, NDRE, and CLg also had a significant relationship with N uptake under both irrigation treatments in both seasons, though their average R2 values of 0.75, 0.74, 0.73, and 0.71, respectively, were lower than the SCCCI (average R2 = 0.78). The findings would assist rice growers for selecting effective VIs for remote crop monitoring.
Poly-Glutamic Acid Regulates Physiological Characteristics, Plant Growth, and the Accumulation of the Main Medical Ingredients in the Root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Under Water Shortage
Authors: Shan Changjuan , Zhang Yibo
Published: December 2024

To supply information concerning the application of poly-glutamic acid (PGA) in the drought-resistant cultivation of red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), we investigated the role of PGA in regulating the physiological characteristics, plant growth, and the accumulation of the main medical components in the root under water shortage. The findings showed that different levels of water shortage (WS) all suppressed the photosynthetic function by reducing the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), Soil and plant analyzer development (SPAD) value, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (Y(II)), as well as increasing non-photochemical quenching (qN). Compared with WS, PGA plus WS enhanced the photosynthetic function by reducing qN and increasing the other indicators above. For water metabolism, WS increased stomatal limit value (Ls) and water use efficiency (WUE), but decreased transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal conductance (Gs). Compared with WS, PGA plus WS decreased Ls and increased Tr, Gs, and WUE. Meanwhile, WS enhanced the antioxidant capacity by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities. However, WS increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Compared with WS, PGA plus WS enhanced the above antioxidant enzymes. In this way, PGA reduced MDA content and improved the antioxidant capacity under WS. In addition, WS decreased the shoot and root biomass, but increased the root/shoot ratio. Compared with WS, PGA plus WS further increased the root/shoot ratio and shoot and root biomass. For medical ingredients, WS decreased the yield of rosmarinic acid (RosA) and salvianolic acid B (SalB), but increased the yield of dihydrotanshinone (DHT), cryptotanshinone (CTS), tanshinone I (Tan I), and tanshinone ⅡA (Tan ⅡA). Compared with WS, PGA plus WS increased the yield of these medical ingredients. Our findings clearly suggested that PGA application was an effective method to enhance sage drought tolerance and the yield of the main medical ingredients in sage root. This provides useful information for its application in sage production under WS.
Restoring Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Sensitivity to Ampicillin in Combination with (−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate
Authors: Kiddee Anong , Yosboonruang Atchariya , Siriphap Achiraya , Pook-In Grissana , Suwancharoen Chittakun , Duangjai Acharaporn , Praphasawat Ratsada , Suganuma Masami , Rawangkan Anchalee
Published: December 2024

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially Escherichia coli, are a major contributor to healthcare-associated infections globally, posing significant treatment challenges. This study explores the efficacy of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural constituent of green tea, in combination with ampicillin (AMP) to restore the effectiveness of AMP against 40 isolated MDR E. coli strains. Antimicrobial activity assays were conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of EGCG using the standard microdilution technique. Checkerboard assays were employed to assess the potential synergistic effects of EGCG combined with AMP. The pharmacodynamic effects of the combination were evaluated through time-kill assays. Outer membrane disruption was analyzed by measuring DNA and protein leakage and with assessments using N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN) and rhodamine 123 (Rh123) fluorescence dyes. Biofilm eradication studies involved biofilm formation assays and preformed biofilm biomass and viability assays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine changes in cellular morphology. The results indicated that EGCG demonstrated activity against all isolates, with MICs ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg/mL, while AMP exhibited MIC values between 1.25 and 50 mg/mL. Importantly, the EGCG-AMP combination showed enhanced efficacy compared to either treatment alone, as indicated by a fractional inhibitory concentration index between 0.009 and 0.018. The most pronounced synergy was observed in 13 drug-resistant strains, where the MIC for EGCG dropped to 8 µg/mL (from 1 mg/mL alone) and that for AMP to 50 µg/mL (from 50 mg/mL alone), achieving a 125-fold and 1000-fold reduction, respectively. Time-kill assays revealed that the bactericidal effect of the EGCG-AMP combination occurred within 2 h. The mechanism of EGCG action includes the disruption of membrane permeability and biofilm eradication in a dose-dependent manner. SEM confirmed that the combination treatment consistently outperformed the individual treatments. This study underscores the potential of restoring AMP efficacy in combination with EGCG as a promising strategy for treating MDR E. coli infections.
Multi-Segment Variable Speed Predictive Control Strategy for Eliminating Traffic Bottlenecks in Emergency Cases on Super-Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Yang Jingwen , Wang Ping
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we investigate traffic bottlenecks, a primary cause of congestion that significantly impacts the overall efficiency of traffic networks. To address this challenge, a multi-segment variable speed limit control strategy is proposed to mitigate moving bottlenecks, particularly those on super-long-span bridges. First, an extended macro-traffic flow model, built upon the classic MetaNet framework, is proposed as a state-space model to capture the critical characteristics of long segments, which is a key contribution of this paper. Next, a fast prediction model is developed to forecast traffic flow states in lane-drop bottlenecks with restricted passing capacity over long road segments. Then, a controller leveraging the state-compensation flow model is designed to regulate the future evolution of bottleneck density. Finally, the multi-segment variable speed predictive control (MVSPC) strategy is validated on a simulation platform integrating PYTHON and SUMO, and its performance is compared with both traditional and advanced methods. The results demonstrate that under varying traffic flow levels, particularly in high-demand scenarios, the strategy achieves significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and environmental metrics. These include a 62.44% reduction in waiting time, a 95.32% decrease in potential collisions, and reductions in emissions: 26.4% in CO2, 14.11% in CO, 26.53% in NO, and 32.90% in NOX. The proposed strategy is particularly effective for long segments, such as super-long-span bridges.
The Effect of the Particle Gradation and Pre-Treatment of Aggregate on the Performance of Alkali-Activated Slag Non-Sintered Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Deng Peng , Zhang Xianglong , Bai Weiting , Guo Jian , Chang Dongsong
Published: December 2024

Non-sintered lightweight aggregate (NSLA) produced by pelletizing and autoclaved curing has received widespread attention due to its environmental protection. However, the effect law of its characteristics, such as particle gradation and water absorption, on the performance of concrete still lacks clear understanding. In this study, seven different gradation types of concrete were designed to investigate the influence of the particle gradation (particularly particle size) of NSLA on the mechanical properties, especially the axial compressive performance, of alkali-activated slag non-sintered lightweight aggregate concrete (AN-LAC). Meanwhile, the different pre-treatment methods for NSLA were also studied to reduce the drying shrinkage of AN-LAC caused by the high water absorption of NSLA. The results showed that the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of AN-LAC at 3 d, 7 d, and 28 d showed an increasing trend when the average particle size decreased. The compressive strength of AN-LAC containing 3~5 and 6~10 mm NSLA at 28 days reached the maximum value of 56.7 MPa. AN-LAC containing NSLA with a small particle size exhibited improved elastic modulus. And the modified elastic modulus prediction model of AN-LAC was established considering the effect of particle size of NSLA. The NSLA, which was modified by using a silicone hydrophobic agent and pre-wetted by soaking in water, respectively, could enhance the strength of AN-LAC at 28 days. Combined with the analysis of the microscopic morphology of the ITZ, the shrinkage rate of the concrete with pre-wetted NSLA and modified NSLA at 90 days decreased by 17.7% and 10.3%, respectively.
Strategies and Methods for the Fault-Tolerant Function Development of Multi-Domain Systems
Authors: Stetter Ralf , Pulm Udo
Published: December 2024

The main focus of this paper is the exploration of fault accommodation possibilities in the context of the function development of multi-domain systems. Faults inevitably occur in complex technical systems and may lead, if no accommodation entities or processes are present, to catastrophic failure. Several entities and processes exist and are applied, but mainly on the concrete levels of product representation. Faults very often concern more than one physical domain and accommodation possibilities are present in many physical or even non-physical domains. This paper explores this specific challenge, investigates causes for the emergence of faults, and proposes an initial collection of countermeasures. These countermeasures are explained on the basis of concrete product development examples. The research is based on reflective participation, observation of best practices, and triangulation. The paper is concluded with an in-depth exploration of possible application areas and directions for further research.
Study of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Asymmetrical Blades and a Wind-Driven Power Plant with a Vertical Axis of Rotation
Authors: Isataev Muhtar , Manatbayev Rustem , Seydulla Zhanibek , Bektibai Birzhan , Kalassov Nurdaulet
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of wind tunnel experiments, where lift and drag coefficients were studied at various angles of attack and flow speeds, alongside numerical simulations conducted in ANSYS. The main objectives of this study are to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics and self-starting capabilities of three-bladed Darrieus rotors with asymmetrical blades and assess their efficiency. This study presents results on pressure distribution, velocity contours, and the impact of the angle of attack on pressure and aerodynamic characteristics. The results show that blades with asymmetric shapes achieve maximum values of lift and drag coefficients at angles of attack between 180° and 210°, with peak coefficients of Cx = 1.38 and Cy = 2.84, respectively. These findings indicate high effectiveness of the blades at low wind speeds, making them promising for use in WEIs where good starting characteristics and high power output are especially important. A good correlation was found between experimental data and numerical simulation results. This study contributes to the development of recommendations for optimizing the design and operating parameters of wind-driven powerplants, which in turn can improve their reliability and economic efficiency. Thus, the paper aims to expand the knowledge in the field of wind power engineering and to develop technologies to facilitate a wider adoption of wind-driven powerplants in the energy infrastructure of different regions.
Identifying NSFW Groups on Reddit Social Network by Identifying Highly Interconnected Subreddits Through Analysis of Implicit Communication Patterns
Authors: Krishnappa Pushwitha , Lindner Lance , Pasiliao Eduardo , Mukherjee Tathagata
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we analyze the Reddit social network with the goal of identifying “highly interconnected” subreddits. Intuitively, a subreddit is highly interconnected if the users in the subreddit interact a lot with users from other subreddits in the Reddit ecosystem. To identify the highly interconnected subreddits, we used the communication patterns of the users on the Reddit platform. We definde an “interconnectedness score” that was obtained from user interactions across subreddits. This score was used to identify the highly interconnected subreddits. We also leveraged the interactions among users within the subreddits to identify implicit leader–follower relationships within them. Intuitively, an implicit leader in a subreddit is someone who receives a lot of attention from other users, who are the followers. We inferred the implicit leaders using only the responses they received on their posts from other users in the subreddit. Finally, we studied the role played by these implicit leaders within the interconnected subreddits using the idea of a “leaderness score”. For the analysis, we used data obtained from Reddit in 2022 with a custom-built crawler. We analyzed a total of 125,000 subreddits for this work and identified the group of highly interconnected subreddits using the idea of the interconnectedness score. We manually evaluated the content of the posts on the identified interconnected subreddits in order to understand the nature of these subreddits. Our analysis showed that the highly interconnected subreddits discuss content considered to be “not safe/suitable for work” (NSFW). We also observed that though these subreddits were highly interconnected among themselves, they were sparsely connected with other non-NSFW subreddits. Furthermore, we found that the implicit leaders in these subreddits drove majority of the conversations in these groups. These results are socially significant as they can be used to make online social networks safe for the underage population. Thus, our results can be used for enforcing age-based restrictions on access to these NSFW subreddits. Finally, our results also open up the possibility of moderating the content on these subreddits by enforcing content moderation rules on the implicit leaders who drive the conversation in these groups. Finally, though these results are specific to Reddit, the insights obtained from this analysis can be used for analyzing other large-scale online social networks with similar goals to this study.
Quasi-Lower C2 Functions and Their Application to Nonconvex Variational Problems
Authors: Bounkhel Messaoud
Published: December 2024

This study presents a novel category of nonconvex functions in Banach spaces, referred to as quasi-lower C2 functions on nonempty closed sets. We establish the existence of solutions for nonconvex variational problems involving quasi-lower C2 functions defined in Banach spaces. To illustrate the applicability of our findings, an example is provided in Lp spaces.
Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar , Sethi Mallika , Punugoti Dedeepya , Kotha Sunil Babu , Alkhayal Zikra , Mubaraki Sarah , Almotawah Fatmah Nasser , Kotha Sree Lalita , Sajja Rishitha , Nettam Venkatesh , Thakare Amar Ashok , Sakhamuri Srinivasulu
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that focuses on designing machines or systems that can perform operations that would typically need human intelligence. AI is a rapidly developing technology that has grabbed the interest of researchers from all across the globe in the healthcare industry. Advancements in machine learning and data analysis have revolutionized oral health diagnosis, treatment, and management, making it a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in dentistry. Particularly in dentistry, AI is becoming increasingly prevalent as it contributes to the diagnosis of oro-facial diseases, offers treatment modalities, and manages practice in the dental operatory. All dental disciplines, including oral medicine, operative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontology, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, and forensic odontology, have adopted AI. The majority of AI applications in dentistry are for diagnoses based on radiographic or optical images, while other tasks are less applicable due to constraints such as data availability, uniformity, and computational power. Evidence-based dentistry is considered the gold standard for decision making by dental professionals, while AI machine learning models learn from human expertise. Dentistry AI and technology systems can provide numerous benefits, such as improved diagnosis accuracy and increased administrative task efficiency. Dental practices are already implementing various AI applications, such as imaging and diagnosis, treatment planning, robotics and automation, augmented and virtual reality, data analysis and predictive analytics, and administrative support. The dentistry field has extensively used artificial intelligence to assist less-skilled practitioners in reaching a more precise diagnosis. These AI models effectively recognize and classify patients with various oro-facial problems into different risk categories, both individually and on a group basis. The objective of this descriptive review is to review the most recent developments of AI in the field of dentistry.
Exploring the Adaptation Process of Huso dauricus to High Temperatures Based on Changes in Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Wang Ruoyu , Li Yutao , Zhang Yining , Wang Sihan , He Zheng , Cao Dingchen , Sun Zhipeng , Wang Nianmin , Zhang Ying , Ma Bo
Published: December 2024

Global warming has led to rising water temperatures, posing a significant threat to fish survival. Understanding the mechanisms by which fish respond to and adapt to temperature variations is thus of considerable importance. This study employed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics to investigate changes in the intestinal microbiota of the kaluga sturgeon (Huso dauricus) under four temperature conditions (19 °C, 25 °C, 28 °C, and 31 °C) and its relationship with adaptation to high-temperature stress. The results indicated that temperature variations caused significant changes in the intestinal microbiota. Over time, differences in the microbiota structure became more pronounced under different temperature conditions, and within-group variability gradually decreased. At higher temperatures, the relative abundance of Sphingomonas significantly decreased, while that of Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Cetobacterium, and Plesiomonas exhibited a significant increase in relative abundance. Upon the cessation of rapid mortality under various high-temperature conditions, the intestinal microbiota structure and composition became highly similar, with Clostridium sensu stricto 1 dominating both in terms of composition and relative abundance, suggesting a central role in adaptation to high-temperature stress. This study preliminarily confirms that the high-temperature adaptability of Huso dauricus is closely related to the structure and composition of its intestinal microbiota, with bacteria such as Clostridium sensu stricto 1 playing an important role. These findings provide new scientific insights into enhancing fish adaptability to high-temperature stress.
State of Knowledge About Thyroid Cancers in the Era of COVID-19—A Narrative Review
Authors: Bronowicka-Szydełko Agnieszka , Rabczyński Maciej , Dumas Ilias , Fiodorenko-Dumas Żanna , Wojtczak Beata , Kotyra Łukasz , Kustrzeba-Wójcicka Irena , Lewandowski Łukasz , Ponikowska Beata , Kuzan Aleksandra , Kluz Joanna , Gamian Andrzej , Madziarska Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

Thyroid cancer (TC), due to its heterogeneous nature, remains a clinical challenge. Many factors can initiate the carcinogenesis process of various types of TC, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. The presented review gathers current information on specific types of TC, taking into account the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is likely that COVID-19 has influenced and continues to influence the function of the thyroid gland. A high percentage of patients with COVID-19 showing simultaneous pathological changes in the thyroid suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may disrupt the function of this gland and initiate pro-oxidative mechanisms, inflammatory states, and autoimmune diseases, thereby promoting the formation of neoplastic changes. Furthermore, changes in the expression of the ACE2, TMPRSS2, CLEC4M and DPP4 genes, observed in TC, also occur in COVID-19. Therefore, it is probable that the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with thyroid cell receptors may initiate carcinogenesis in this gland. Additionally, some drugs used in TC therapy (e.g., levothyroxine) may increase the affinity of SARS-CoV-2 for cells, which could contribute to a more severe course of COVID-19 and the emergence of long-term symptoms (post-COVID-19). Moreover, the consequences of sanitary restrictions (limited access to medical services, reduction in endocrinological and oncological procedures) that took place in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead in the future to an increased number of missed diagnoses and the emergence of aggressive cancers.
ACTH-like Peptides Compensate Rat Brain Gene Expression Profile Disrupted by Ischemia a Day After Experimental Stroke
Authors: Filippenkov Ivan B. , Shpetko Yana Yu. , Stavchansky Vasily V. , Denisova Alina E. , Gubsky Leonid V. , Andreeva Lyudmila A. , Myasoedov Nikolay F. , Limborska Svetlana A. , Dergunova Lyudmila V.
Published: December 2024

Background: Ischemic stroke results from a disruption of cerebral blood flow. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) serves as the basis for the creation of synthetic peptides as neuroprotective agents for stroke therapy. Previously, using RNA-Seq we first revealed differential expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ACTH(4–7)PGP (Semax) and ACTH(6–9)PGP peptides under cerebral ischemia conditions. Analysis was carried out at 4.5 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in the ipsilateral frontal cortex of a rat brain. Methods: Here, we analyzed the penumbra-associated frontal cortex of rats and actions under the same peptides at 24 h after tMCAO using RNA-Seq. Results: 3774 DEGs (fold change > 1.5 and Padj < 0.05) were identified under ischemia conditions, whereas 1539 and 2066 DEGs were revealed under Semax and ACTH(6–9)PGP peptides at 24 h after tMCAO. Furthermore, both peptides significantly reduced expression distortions caused by ischemia for 1171 genes associated with immune and neurosignaling pathways. Concomitantly, there were 32 DEGs under ACTH(6–9)PGP versus Semax administration at 24 h after tMCAO. Besides, neurogenesis-, angiogenesis-, protein kinase- and growth factor-related DEGs were revealed under peptides action. Previously, we observed the neuroprotective effect of peptides at the histological level in rat brains at 24 h after tMCAO. Thus, here we demonstrate the transcriptome manifestation of this histological effect. Furthermore, comparison with previous data at the 4.5 h post-tMCAO time point showed that the pattern of peptide action on the transcriptome depends on the time elapsed after tMCAO. Conclusions: We revealed that the effect of ACTH(6–9)PGP was more similar to Semax than different from it a day after tMCAO. At this time point, ACTH-like peptides compensated rat brain gene expression profiles disrupted by ischemia. Thus, our results may be useful for selecting more effective structures for future anti-stroke drugs and appropriate post-stroke time points for their testing.
Extracellular Vesicles from Plasma of Patients with Glioblastoma Promote Invasion of Glioblastoma Cells Even After Tumor Resection
Authors: Lyukmanova Ekaterina N. , Kirichenko Artem V. , Medyanik Igor A. , Yashin Konstantin S. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Bychkov Maxim L.
Published: December 2024

Background: Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly aggressive tumor, whose progression is mediated by secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can pass the brain–blood barrier and be found in the plasma. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of the effects of EVs from the plasma of healthy donors (hEVs) and GB patients before (bEVs) and after (aEVs) tumor surgical resection on invasion of normal astrocytes and GB cells. Methods: We performed the transwell invasion assay, analyzed MAP kinases activation by Western blotting, studied SNAI1/SNAI2 cellular localization by confocal microscopy, measured cadherins expression by flow cytometry, and analyzed secretion of cytokines, which regulate migration and inflammation, by immunoassay. Results: hEVs did not affect invasion of astrocytes and GB cells, there was down-regulated cadherins expression in astrocytes, while there was increased E- and N-cadherin expression in GB cells. hEVs increased the secretion of inflammation and adhesion regulators both in astrocytes and GB cells. bEVs enhanced the invasion of GB cells but not of astrocytes via MAP AKT, JNK1/2/3, and p38 kinases activation, stimulated the clasterization of SNAI1 in the GB cell nucleus, promoted an E/N cadherin switch, and caused the secretion of inflammation and adhesion regulators in astrocytes and GB cells. aEVs exhibited the most of pro-oncogenic effects of bEVs (stimulation of GB cell invasion, SNAI1 nuclear localization, JNK1/2/3 activation, E/N cadherin switch, and secretion of inflammation and adhesion regulators in astrocytes and GB cells). However, aEVs effects were less pronounced than those of bEVs. Conclusions: In our study, we revealed common and different effects of plasma-derived hEVs, aEVs, and bEVs. hEVs can stimulate some pro-oncogenic effects in GB cells. Being less tumorigenic then bEVs, aEVs are still able to promote invasion of GB cells, probably remaining after tumor resection.
The Role of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer After Chemotherapy
Authors: Blokhin Victor , Zavarykina Tatiana , Kotsuba Vasily , Kapralova Maria , Gutner Uliana , Shupik Maria , Kozyrko Elena , Luzina Evgenia , Lomskova Polina , Bajgazieva Darya , Khokhlova Svetlana , Alessenko Alice
Published: December 2024

Background: The aim of our study was to determine the role of sphingolipids, which control proliferation and apoptosis, in the placenta of pregnant women with pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) after chemotherapy compared with healthy patients. Methods: We analyzed (by the PCR method) the gene expression of key sphingolipid metabolism enzymes (sphingomyelinases (SMPD1 and SMPD3), acid ceramidase (ASAH1), ceramide synthases (CERS 1–6), sphingosine kinase1 (SPHK1), sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase 1 (SGPL1), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PR1, S1PR2, and S1PR3)) and the content of subspecies of ceramides, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate in seven patients with PABC after chemotherapy and eight healthy pregnant women as a control group. Results: We found a significant increase in the expression of genes of acid ceramidase (ASAH1), sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase 1 (SGPL1), sphingosine kinase (SPHK1), and ceramide synthases (CERS 1-3, 5, 6) in the samples of patients with PABC during their treatment with cytostatic chemotherapy. The increase in the expression of the enzymes’ genes was not accompanied by changes in the content of the studied sphingolipids. Such significant changes in the expression of genes controlling the level of CER, sphingosine, and S1P may indicate their ability to initiate the metabolism of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic sphingolipids in the placenta of pregnant women with cancer undergoing chemotherapy in order to maintain levels typical of the placenta of healthy women. Conclusions: Our results may indicate the promising mechanism of placenta protection during chemotherapy for pregnant women with breast cancer and, consequently, of the newborn. This protective effect of the placenta and especially for the newborn has been discovered for the first time and requires more careful study.
Neurophysiologic Innovations in ALS: Enhancing Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Evaluation
Authors: Donaghy Ryan , Pioro Erik P.
Published: December 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease of both upper motor neurons (UMNs) and lower motor neurons (LMNs) leading invariably to decline in motor function. The clinical exam is foundational to the diagnosis of the disease, and ordinal severity scales are used to track its progression. However, the lack of objective biomarkers of disease classification and progression delay clinical trial enrollment, muddle inclusion criteria, and limit accurate assessment of drug efficacy. Ultimately, biomarker evidence of therapeutic target engagement will support, and perhaps supplant, more traditional clinical trial outcome measures. Electrophysiology tools including nerve conduction study and electromyography (EMG) have already been established as diagnostic biomarkers of LMN degeneration in ALS. Additional understanding of the motor manifestations of disease is provided by motor unit number estimation, electrical impedance myography, and single-fiber EMG techniques. Dysfunction of UMN and non-motor brain areas is being increasingly assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation, high-density electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography; less common autonomic and sensory nervous system dysfunction in ALS can also be characterized. Although most of these techniques are used to explore the underlying disease mechanisms of ALS in research settings, they have the potential on a broader scale to noninvasively identify disease subtypes, predict progression rates, and assess physiologic engagement of experimental therapies.
A Study on the Mechanisms Influencing Older Adults’ Willingness to Use Digital Displays in Museums from a Cognitive Age Perspective
Authors: Hu Anan , Chen Beiyue , Liu Sai , Zhang Jin
Published: December 2024

As older adults age, changes in their physiological, psychological, and cognitive functions often lead to inherent anxiety and fear regarding the use of digital technologies. Cognitive age, reflecting an older adult’s mental perception of their chronological age, is a crucial moderating factor in shaping their willingness and behavior towards technology adoption. However, the mechanisms through which cognitive age impacts the behavior of older adults within the realm of digital technology utilization remain unclear. Thus, grounded in the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM) and employing structural equation modeling, this study intends to investigate mechanisms which influence older adults’ behavioral intentions towards the use of museum digital displays. Consequently, it confirms that attitudes mediate the correlation between perceived usefulness, subjective norm, perceived self-efficacy, and the behavioral intention towards museum digital display utilization. Perceived ease of use does not directly affect attitudes, but instead exerts an indirect impact on attitude through perceived usefulness. Cognitive age negatively moderates the relationship between attitudes and the behavioral intention to use digital technologies. Additionally, the mediating role of attitudes in the correlation between older adults’ perception of museum digital displays and behavioral intention is moderated by cognitive age. Specifically, older adults with a higher cognitive age value (who perceive themselves to be younger than their chronological age) exhibit a weaker mediating effect of attitudes on the relationship between perceived usefulness and behavioral intention compared to those with a lower cognitive age value (who perceive themselves to be older than their chronological age). The findings seek to unbox the “black box” of how cognitive age mediates the correlation between attitudes and behavioral intention towards the use of museum digital displays among older adults, providing valuable theoretical insights for the bidirectional enhancement of digital technology utilization, the overall well-being of older adults, and high-quality development in museums.
Pre-Separation Mother–Child Relationship and Adjustment Behaviors of Young Children Left Behind in Rural China: Pathways Through Distant Mothering and Current Mother–Child Relationship Quality
Authors: Liang Ruwen , Van Leeuwen Karla
Published: December 2024

In China, some rural parents do not live together with their children because they migrate to urban regions for work, and therefore they sometimes use a mobile phone in parenting their left-behind children (LBC), who are living with grandparents. This study used a serial mediation model to test the mediating roles of distant mothering and post-separation mother–child relationship quality in the link between recalled pre-separation mother–child relationship quality and social–emotional adjustment of 3-to-6-year-old LBC living in a rural context in China. Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 185 triads, consisting of grandparents (rating child adjustment), migrant mothers (rating mother–child relationship qualities and distant mothering), and preschool teachers (rating child adjustment). The results showed that pre- and post-separation relationship qualities were positively related to each other and to positive distant mothering. There were no serial mediating effects, but a full individual mediating role of post-separation relationship quality and positive distant mothering was identified for the link between child prosocial behavior and externalizing problems, respectively. Despite the general decline in mother–child relationship quality after separation, mothers who perceived a higher quality of the pre-separation mother–child relationship showed a more cohesive relationship with their LBC, which might increase the prosocial behavior of the children. Additionally, a higher quality of the pre-separation relationship was associated with more distant mothering of positive characteristics, which went together with fewer children externalizing problems. These findings highlight the importance of a continuous high-quality mother–child bond and favorable maternal parenting practices in digital interactions for separated families.
Renewal Design of Art University Campuses Using Urban Image Theory: A Case Study on the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts (HIFA)
Authors: Wang Tianjia , Chen Yile , Huang Yuhao , Zheng Liang , Zhang Chenxi
Published: December 2024

Since its inception, the theory of urban image cognition has become one of the most important theoretical frameworks in the field of urban planning and design. It emphasizes people’s subjective perception and cognition of the urban environment, and states that the city is not only a collection of material space but also a place with a specific meaning and image in people’s minds. This study explored the history and current situation of the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts (HIFA) campus and analyzed six aspects based on urban image theory: road imagery characteristics, boundary imagery characteristics, node imagery characteristics, the imagery characteristics of landmarks, the imagery characteristics of buildings, and the imagery characteristics of regions. We then summarized its existing spatial layout, architectural features, and cultural elements. The researchers employed three methodologies—the investigation of historical archives, the field survey method, and a technique that combines cognitive mapping with questionnaire surveys—to assess the strengths and shortcomings of existing campuses regarding the urban image theory. These findings resulted in the concept for an extensive renewal design plan that integrates the cognitive principles of urban imagery. The strategies included the following: (1) optimizing the spatial structure to enhance the connectivity and visibility of the campus; (2) renovating and upgrading existing buildings to reflect the artistic characteristics of the HIFA; and (3) designing unique landscapes and public spaces to create a rich and vibrant campus atmosphere. At the same time, researchers and design teams carried out design practice projects for four sub-projects on the HIFA campus: Aesthetic Education Avenue, Long Scroll by the Lake, Nine-Curved Corridor Bridge, and Open Campus–Urban Life Plaza. Through a case study of the HIFA, this research aims to provide a valuable reference for the campus renewal of other art universities, and to promote the application and innovation of urban image theory in the field of campus planning and design. It ultimately emphasizes the importance of creating a campus environment that not only meets the functional needs of education and research, but also enriches urban cultural imagery and enhances the sense of identity and belonging in the campus community.
ChatGPT’s Agreement with the Recommendations from the 18th St. Gallen International Consensus Conference on the Treatment of Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Nabieva Naiba , Brucker Sara Y. , Gmeiner Benjamin
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide [...]
Reading Dye-Based Colorimetric Inks: Achieving Color Consistency Using Color QR Codes
Authors: Benito-Altamirano Ismael , Engel Laura , Crugeira Ferran , Marchena Miriam , Wöllenstein Jürgen , Prades Joan Daniel , Fàbrega Cristian
Published: December 2024

Color consistency when reading colorimetric sensors is a key factor for this technology. Here, we demonstrate how the usage of machine-readable patterns, like QR codes, can be used to solve the problem. We present our approach of using back-compatible color QR codes as colorimetric sensors, which are common QR codes that also embed a set of hundreds of color references as well as colorimetric indicators. The method allows locating the colorimetric sensor within the captured scene and to perform automated color correction to ensure color consistency regardless of the hardware used. To demonstrate it, a CO2-sensitive colorimetric indicator was printed on top of a paper-based substrate using screen printing. This indicator was formulated for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) applications. To verify the method, the sensors were exposed to several environmental conditions (both in gas composition and light conditions). And, images were captured with an 8M pixel digital camera sensor, similar to those used in smartphones. Our results show that the sensors have a relative error of 9% when exposed with a CO2 concentration of 20%. This is a good result for low-cost disposable sensors that are not intended for permanent use. However, as soon as light conditions change (2500–6500 K), this error increases up to ϵ20 = 440% (rel. error at 20% CO2 concentration) rendering the sensors unusable. Within this work, we demonstrate that our color QR codes can reduce the relative error to ϵ20 = 14%. Furthermore, we show that the most common color correction, white balance, is not sufficient to address the color consistency issue, resulting in a relative error of ϵ20 = 90%.
CRDS Technology-Based Integrated Breath Gas Detection System for Breath Acetone Real-Time Accurate Detection Application
Authors: Sun Jing , Shi Dongxin , Wang Le , Yu Xiaolin , Song Binghong , Li Wangxin , Zhu Jiankun , Yang Yong , Cao Bingqiang , Jiang Chenyu
Published: December 2024

The monitoring of acetone in exhaled breath is expected to provide a noninvasive and painless method for dynamic monitoring of summarized physiological metabolic status during obesity treatment. Although the commonly used Mass Spectrometry (MS) technology has high accuracy, the long detection time and large equipment size limit the application of daily bedside detection. As for the real-time and accurate detection of acetone, the gas sensor has become the best choice of gas detection technology, but it is easy to be disturbed by water vapor in breath gas. An integrated breath gas detection system based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is reported in this paper, which is a laser absorption spectroscopy technique with high-sensitivity detection and absolute quantitative analysis. The system uses a 266 nm single-wavelength ultraviolet laser combined with a breath gas pretreatment unit to effectively remove the influence of water vapor. The ring-down time of this system was 1.068 μs, the detection sensitivity was 1 ppb, and the stability of the system was 0.13%. The detection principle of the integrated breath gas detection system follows Lambert–Beer’s law, which is an absolute measurement with very high detection accuracy, and was further validated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) testing. Significant differences in the response of the integrated breath gas detection system to simulated gases containing different concentrations of acetone indicate the potential of the system for the detection of trace amounts of acetone. Meanwhile, the monitoring of acetone during obesity treatment also signifies the feasibility of this system in the dynamic monitoring of physiological indicators, which is not only important for the optimization of the obesity treatment process but also promises to shed further light on the interaction between obesity treatment and physiological metabolism in medicine.
Effect of Y Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of CoCrFeNi HEA Coatings by Laser Cladding
Authors: Shu Xinyu , Su Yu , Li Jun , Fu Huaqing , Lee Soo Wohn , Tang Jianguo
Published: December 2024

In this study, CoCrFeNiYx (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) high entropy alloy (HEA) coatings were produced on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding. The influence of Y on the microstructure and mechanical properties of CoCrFeNi HEA coatings was systematically examined. The analysis uncovered that the coatings primarily consist of three principal phases: α(Ti), Ti2Ni, and TiC. The incorporation of Y led to enhanced lattice distortion, which positively influenced solid solution strengthening. Moreover, grain refinement resulted in a denser microstructure, significantly reducing internal defects and thereby enhancing the coating’s performance. The average microhardness of the CoCrFeNiY0.2 coating was 702.46 HV0.2. The wear rates were 1.16 × 10−3 mm3·N−1·m−1 in air and 3.14 × 10−3 mm3·N−1·m−1 in a neutral solution, which were 27.0% and 30.8% lower than those of the CoCrFeNi coatings, respectively, indicating superior wear resistance. The Y content in the CoCrFeNiY0.3 coating was excessively high, resulting in the formation of Y-rich clusters. The accumulation of these impurities at the grain boundaries led to crack and pore formation, thereby reducing the wear resistance of the coating. Our study demonstrated that laser cladding an optimal amount of Y-doped CoCrFeNi HEA coatings on the Ti6Al4V substrate significantly enhanced the microstructure and mechanical properties of the substrate, particularly its wear resistance in both air and neutral environments, thereby improving the durability and reliability of titanium alloys in practical applications.
Polyacrylate Latex Coating Binders Comprising Polypyrrole Component Prepared with “One-Pot” Synthesis
Authors: Boštíková Karolína , Kohl Miroslav , Kalendová Andréa , Knotek Petr , Trchová Miroslava , Stejskal Jaroslav , Schmidová Eva , Machotová Jana
Published: December 2024

This work deals with the coating properties of synthetic latices comprising two kinds of polymers, specifically polyacrylate and polypyrrole, which were simultaneously formed by semi-continuous emulsion polymerization using a “one-pot” synthesis strategy. In this procedure, both the emulsion polymerization of acrylate monomers and the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole occurred concurrently in one reactor. Polyacrylate latices differing in polypyrrole loading were prepared by applying various dosages of pyrrole, specifically 0, 0.25, and 0.50, based on the fraction of acrylate monomers. The effect of the in situ incorporated polypyrrole component (having the nature of submicron composite polypyrrole-coated polyacrylate latex particles) on the physico-mechanical properties and chemical resistance of the resulting heterogeneous coating films was investigated. The interaction of incorporated polypyrrole and anti-corrosion pigments (see ZnS, Zn3(PO4)2, ZnFe2O4, MoS2, and ZnO) on the corrosion resistance of coatings was evaluated by using the electrochemical linear polarization technique. The polyacrylate latex prepared with the lowest polypyrrole loading (achieved by polymerizing 0.25 wt. % of pyrrole related to acrylic monomers) was found to be the optimum binder for waterborne anticorrosive coatings based on their properties and protective function. Their compatibility with the selected types of pigments was studied for these latex binders. In addition, their influence on the anti-corrosion efficiency of polyacrylate paint films was evaluated using the linear polarization electrochemical technique. For high corrosion resistance, the ZnS and MoS2 pigments, showing compatibility with polyacrylate latices containing the polypyrrole component, proved to be advantageous.
Software Reliability Prediction Based on Recurrent Neural Network and Ensemble Method
Authors: Alshehri Wafa , Kammoun Jarraya Salma , Allinjawi Arwa
Published: December 2024

Software reliability is a crucial factor in determining software quality quantitatively. It is also used to estimate the software testing duration. In software reliability testing, traditional parametric software reliability growth models (SRGMs) are effectively used. Nevertheless, a single parametric model cannot provide accurate predictions in all cases. Moreover, non-parametric models have proven to be efficient for predicting software reliability as alternatives to parametric models. In this paper, we adopted a deep learning method for software reliability testing in computer vision systems. Also, we focused on critical computer vision applications that need high reliability. We propose a new deep learning-based model that is combined and based on the ensemble method to improve the performance of software reliability testing. The experimental results of the new model architecture present fairly accurate predictive capability compared to other existing single Neural Network (NN) based models.
Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Structural Materials
Authors: Kayani Saif Haider , Kim Byung-Joo
Published: December 2024

Metallic materials continue to attract significant interest for structural applications globally, ranging from high-performance sectors like aerospace and automotive industries to everyday household items [...]