bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor budding in stage II colon cancer: exploring zero budding as a prognostic marker
Authors: Pihlmann Kristensen Maria , Korsgaard Ulrik , Timm Signe , Frøstrup Hansen Torben , Zlobec Inti , Kjær-Frifeldt Sanne , Hager Henrik
Published: July 2024

Tumor budding, a biomarker traditionally evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, has gained recognition as a prognostic biomarker for stage II colon cancer. Nevertheless, while H&E staining offers valuable insights, its limitations prompt the utilization of pan-cytokeratin immunohistochemistry (IHC). Consequently, this study seeks to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor budding using IHC in a contemporary cohort of stage II colon cancer patients, aiming to deepen our understanding of this critical facet in cancer prognosis. We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study including 493 patients with stage II colon cancer and evaluated tumor budding using IHC, following the H&E-based guidelines proposed by the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference Group. Correlation between H&E-based and IHC-based tumor budding was assessed using a four-tiered scoring system that included a zero budding (Bd0) category. Survival analyses explored the prognostic significance of tumor budding assessed by IHC and H&E. As expected, IHC-based tumor budding evaluation yielded significantly higher bud counts compared to H&E (p < 0.01). Interestingly, 21 patients were identified with no tumor budding using IHC. This was associated with significantly improved recurrence-free survival (HR = 5.19, p = 0.02) and overall survival (HR = 4.47, p = 0.04) in a multivariate analysis when compared to tumors with budding. The Bd0 category demonstrated a 100% predictive value for the absence of recurrence. In conclusion, IHC-based tumor budding evaluation in stage II colon cancer provides additional prognostic information. The absence of tumor budding is associated with a favorable prognosis and may serve as a potential marker for identifying patients with no risk of recurrence.
Parameter identification and uncertainty propagation of hydrogel coupled diffusion-deformation using POD-based reduced-order modeling
Authors: Agarwal Gopal , Urrea-Quintero Jorge-Humberto , Wessels Henning , Wick Thomas
Published: July 2024

This study explores reduced-order modeling for analyzing time-dependent diffusion-deformation of hydrogels. The full-order model describing hydrogel transient behavior consists of a coupled system of partial differential equations in which the chemical potential and displacements are coupled. This system is formulated in a monolithic fashion and solved using the finite element method. We employ proper orthogonal decomposition as a model order reduction approach. The reduced-order model performance is tested through a benchmark problem on hydrogel swelling and a case study simulating co-axial printing. Then, we embed the reduced-order model into an optimization loop to efficiently identify the coupled problem’s material parameters using full-field data. Finally, a study is conducted on the uncertainty propagation of the material parameter.
Sharp Exponents for Anisotropic Hardy–Littlewood Type of Inequalities
Authors: Núñez-Alarcón Daniel , Serrano-Rodríguez Diana , Teixeira Katiuscia B.
Published: July 2024

We establish refined exponent ranges for anisotropic Hardy–Littlewood type of inequalities concerning m-linear operators. We further explore the optimality of these novel exponents.
MRI study on the influence of lumbosacral vertebral body and disc factors on lumbar lordosis in children
Authors: Ren Hong , Lin Nan , Zhao Peng , Han Huizhi , Zhao Hui , Xiao Lianxiang , Tian Mimi , Lin Xiangtao
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of vertebral and disc wedging on the contribution of lumbar lordosis and the change of disc thickness before and after walking based on MRI.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. A total of 96 normally developing children, aged 5.7 ± 3.0 years old, 55 boys and 41 girls. They were divided into 3 groups: Pre-walking group, Walking group, and Post-walking group. Parameters: lumbar lordosis Angle (LLA), the sum of the lumbar disc wedge Angle (∑D), the sum of the lumbar vertebral body wedge Angle (∑B), disc height (DH).

Results

(1) LLA, ∑D, ∑B, and DHL1-S1 were 33.2 ± 8.7°, 14.1 ± 8.6°, 11.9 ± 8.6°, and 6.9 ± 1.2 mm, 7.6 ± 1.4 mm, 8.2 ± 1.6 mm, 8.9 ± 1.7 mm, 8.5 ± 1.8 mm. (2) The difference in LLA values between the Pre-walking and the Post-walking group was statistically significant. DH were significantly different among the three groups. (3) In the Post-walking group, LLA value of girls was significantly higher than that of boys, and DHL3 − 4 and DHL4 − 5 values of girls were significantly lower than that of boys. (4) Age had a low positive correlation with LLA and ∑D and a moderate to strong positive correlation with DH; LLA showed a moderate positive correlation with ∑D, and a low positive correlation with ∑B and DH.

Conclusion

Age and walking activity are the influencing factors of lumbar lordosis and disc thickening. Walking activity can significantly increase lumbar lordosis, and age is the main factor promoting lumbar disc thickening. DHL4-5 was the thickest lumbar intervertebral disc with the fastest intergroup thickening. Disc wedging contributes more to lumbar lordosis than vertebral wedging.
Boosting person ReID feature extraction via dynamic convolution
Authors: Akbaba Elif Ecem , Gurkan Filiz , Gunsel Bilge
Published: July 2024

Extraction of discriminative features is crucial in person re-identification (ReID) which aims to match a query image of a person to her/his images, captured by different cameras. The conventional deep feature extraction methods on ReID employ CNNs with static convolutional kernels, where the kernel parameters are optimized during the training and remain constant in the inference. This approach limits the network's ability to model complex contents and decreases performance, particularly when dealing with occlusions or pose changes. In this work, to improve the performance without a significant increase in parameter size, we present a novel approach by utilizing a channel fusion-based dynamic convolution backbone network, which enables the kernels to change adaptively based on the input image, within two existing ReID network architectures. We replace the backbone network of two ReID methods to investigate the effect of dynamic convolution on both simple and complex networks. The first one called Baseline, is a simpler network with fewer layers, while the second, CaceNet represents a more complex architecture with higher performance. Evaluation results demonstrate that both of the designed dynamic networks improve identification accuracy compared to the static counterparts. A significant increase in accuracy is reported under occlusion tested on Occluded-DukeMTMC. Moreover, our approach achieves a performance comparable to the state-of-the-art on Market1501, DukeMTMC-reID, and CUHK03 with a limited computational load. These findings validate the effectiveness of the dynamic convolution in enhancing the person ReID networks and push the boundaries of performance in this domain.
Innerklinische Notfallnarkose – Sicherheit durch Standards
Authors: Speicher Chris , Gordon Benjamin , Hossfeld Björn , Markus Christian , Schmid Benedikt , Meybohm Patrick , Wurmb Thomas , Kippnich Maximilian
Published: July 2024

Die innerklinische Notfallnarkose ist eine komplexe medizinische Maßnahme, da zum einen Informationen zur Vorgeschichte des Patienten fehlen und zum anderen die Maßnahmen häufig aufgrund drohender Lebensgefahr für den Patienten zeitkritisch sind. Die Durchführung der innerklinischen Notfallnarkose erfordert zudem hohe personelle und materielle Ressourcen. Die Sicherheit einer innerklinischen Notfallnarkose kann durch gute Teamarbeit, etablierte Standards und die Verwendung von Hilfsmitteln erhöht werden. Die hier vorgestellten für die Klinik entwickelten, auf Checklisten basierenden Taschenkarten sind eine gute Möglichkeit, auch unter Zeitdruck das gesamte verfügbare Wissen zum Thema innerklinische Notfallnarkose strukturiert zur Anwendung zu bringen.
Measurement of the distance between tumor micro-foci and gross tumor in rectal cancer pathological specimens: implication on margin distance of clinical target volume treated with high-dose radiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Bao Xu-Jie , Chen Xiao-Yan , Wen Lu , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Yu En-Hao , Wu Zheng , Liu Ke , Zhou Ju-Mei , Zhu Su-Yu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To measure the micro-foci distance away from gross tumor and to provide reference to create the clinical target volume (CTV) margin for boost radiotherapy in rectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Twenty-eight rectal cancer surgical specimens of only total mesorectal excision were collected. The pathological specimens were retrospectively measured, and the nearest distance between the tumor micro-foci and gross tumor was microscopically measured. The “in vivo–in vitro” retraction factor was calculated as the ratio of the deepest thickness laterally and the vertical height superior/inferiorly of the rectal tumor measured in MRI and those measured in immediate pathological specimens. The retraction factor during pathological specimen processing was calculated as the distance ratio before and after dehydration in the lateral, superior, and inferior sides by the “knot marking method.” The distances of tumor micro-foci were individually corrected with these two retraction factors.

Results

The mean “in vivo–in vitro” tumor retraction factors were 0.913 peripherally and 0.920 superior/inferiorly. The mean tumor specimen processing retraction factors were 0.804 peripherally, 0.815 inferiorly, and 0.789 superiorly. Of 28 patients, 14 cases (50.0%) had 24 lateral micro-foci, 8 cases (28.6%) had 13 inferior micro-foci, and 7 cases (25.0%) had 19 superior micro-foci. The 95th percentiles of the micro-foci distance for 28 patients were 6.44 mm (peripheral), 5.54 mm (inferior), and 5.42 mm (superior) after retraction correction.

Conclusion

The micro-foci distances of 95% of rectal adenocarcinoma patients examined were within 6.44 mm peripherally, 5.54 mm inferiorly, and 5.42 mm superiorly. These findings provide reference to set the boost radiotherapy CTV margin for rectal cancer.
Adaptive context-aware access control for IoT environments leveraging fog computing
Authors: Kalaria Rudri , Kayes A. S. M. , Rahayu Wenny , Pardede Eric , Salehi Shahraki Ahmad
Published: July 2024

The increasing use of the Internet of Things (IoT) has driven the demand for enhanced and robust access control methods to protect resources from unauthorized access. A cloud-based access control approach brings significant challenges in terms of communication overhead, high latency, and complete reliance. In this paper, we propose a Fog-Based Adaptive Context-Aware Access Control (FB-ACAAC) framework for IoT devices, dynamically adjusting access policies based on contextual information to prevent unauthorised resource access. The main purpose of FB-ACAAC is to provide adaptability to changing access behaviors and context by bringing decision-making and information about policies closer to the end nodes of the network. FB-ACAAC improves the availability of resources and reduces the amount of time for information to be processed. FB-ACAAC extends the widely used eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML) to manage access control decisions. Traditional XACML-based methods do not take into account changing environments, different contexts, and changing access behaviors and are vulnerable to certain types of attacks. To address these issues, FB-ACAAC proposes an adaptive context-aware XACML scheme for heterogeneous distributed IoT environments using fog computing and is designed to be context-aware, adaptable, and secure in the face of unauthorised access. The effectiveness of this new scheme is verified through experiments, and it has a low processing time overhead while providing extra features and improved security.
Modelling the rheology of living cell cytoplasm: poroviscoelasticity and fluid-to-solid transition
Authors: Thekkethil Namshad , Köry Jakub , Guo Ming , Stewart Peter S. , Hill Nicholas A. , Luo Xiaoyu
Published: July 2024

Eukaryotic cell rheology has important consequences for vital processes such as adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Experiments indicate that cell cytoplasm can exhibit both elastic and viscous characteristics in different regimes, while the transport of fluid (cytosol) through the cross-linked filamentous scaffold (cytoskeleton) is reminiscent of mass transfer by diffusion through a porous medium. To gain insights into this complex rheological behaviour, we construct a computational model for the cell cytoplasm as a poroviscoelastic material formulated on the principles of nonlinear continuum mechanics, where we model the cytoplasm as a porous viscoelastic scaffold with an embedded viscous fluid flowing between the pores to model the cytosol. Baseline simulations (neglecting the viscosity of the cytosol) indicate that the system exhibits seven different regimes across the parameter space spanned by the viscoelastic relaxation timescale of the cytoskeleton and the poroelastic diffusion timescale; these regimes agree qualitatively with experimental measurements. Furthermore, the theoretical model also allows us to elucidate the additional role of pore fluid viscosity, which enters the system as a distinct viscous timescale. We show that increasing this viscous timescale hinders the passage of the pore fluid (reducing the poroelastic diffusion) and makes the cytoplasm rheology increasingly incompressible, shifting the phase boundaries between the regimes.
The role of anti-citrullinated protein antibody in pathogenesis of RA
Authors: Ma Hang , Liang Xu , Li Shan-Shan , Li Wei , Li Tian-Fang
Published: July 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune rheumatic disease that causes chronic synovitis, bone erosion, and joint destruction. The autoantigens in RA include a wide array of posttranslational modified proteins, such as citrullinated proteins catalyzed by peptidyl arginine deiminase4a. Pathogenic anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) directed against a variety of citrullinated epitopes are abundant both in plasma and synovial fluid of RA patients. ACPAs play an important role in the onset and progression of RA. Intensive and extensive studies are being conducted to unveil the mechanisms of RA pathogenesis and evaluate the efficacy of some investigative drugs. In this review, we focus on the formation and pathogenic function of ACPAs.
Invasion in cold: weather effects on winter activity of an alien mesopredator at its northern range
Authors: Selonen Vesa , Toivonen Pyry , Tuomikoski Elina
Published: July 2024

Whether an invasive species thrives in cold ecosystems depends on its response to winter weather. A potential threat to these ecosystems in Europe is the invasive raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). The survival of this mesopredator is supported in cold weather, because it can periodically use winter sleep, but its winter activity levels compared to native mesopredators remain unclear. We investigated the winter behaviour of raccoon dogs in Finland, near the edge of their invasion front, and compared their activity to native red foxes and badgers. Using wildlife cameras, we found that raccoon dogs do reduce activity during the coldest months, but camera observations did not strongly correlate with temperature perhaps due to feeding at camera sites. That is, artificial food sources may have increased raccoon dogs’ winter activity. Nevertheless, they responded more clearly to temperature drops than red foxes, but were more active than badgers that were mostly dormant and thus absent from our data. GPS-tracked raccoon dogs remained at some level active through winter, even near subarctic regions, but the cold and snowy weather clearly decreased activity and individuals stayed close to their nests during the coldest periods. Overall, these findings suggest that raccoon dogs can maintain some winter activity even in extremely cold environments, and they readily exploit human-provided resources. This potential ability to thrive in cold regions highlights the invasive potential of raccoon dogs. As winters become milder due to climate change, their numbers could increase significantly within cold-adapted ecosystems, impacting native species and posing conservation challenges.
Consumption Feedback and Water Saving: A Field Intervention Evaluation in the Metropolitan Area of Milan
Authors: Clò Stefano , Reggiani Tommaso , Ruberto Sabrina
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates whether informative feedback on consumption can nudge water saving. We launched a five-month online information campaign which involved around 1,000 households located in the province of Milan (Italy) with a smart meter. A group of households received monthly reports via email on their per capita daily average water consumption, including a social comparison component. The Intention to Treat (ITT) analysis shows that, compared to a benchmark group, the units exposed to the intervention reduced their per capita water consumption by around 6% (25.8 liters per day or 6.8 gallons). Being able to observe the email opening rate, we find that the ITT effect is mainly driven by complying units. Through an Instrumental Variable approach, we estimated a Local Average Treatment Effect equal to 54.9 liters per day of water saving. A further Regression Discontinuity Design analysis shows that different feedback on consumption class size differentially affected water saving at the margin. We also found that the additional water saving increased with the number of monthly reports, though it did not persist two months after the campaign expired.
Seasonal and trend variation of methane concentration over two provinces of South Africa using Sentinel-5p data
Authors: Sibiya Swelihle Sinothile , Mhangara Paidamwoyo , Shikwambana Lerato
Published: July 2024

South Africa faces the urgency to comprehensively understand and manage its methane (CH4) emissions. The primary aim of this study is to compare CH4 concentrations between Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga regions dominated by cattle farming and coal mining industries, respectively. CH4 concentration trends were analyzed for the period 2019 to 2023 using satellite data. Trend analysis revealed significant increasing trends in CH4 concentrations in both provinces, supported by Mann–Kendall tests that rejected the null hypothesis of no trend (Eastern Cape: p-value = 8.9018e−08 and Mpumalanga: p-value = 2.4650e−10). The Eastern Cape, a leading cattle farming province, exhibited cyclical patterns and increasing CH4 concentrations, while Mpumalanga, a major coal mining province, displayed similar increasing trends with sharper concentration points. The results show seasonal variations in CH4 concentrations in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces. High CH4 concentrations are observed in the northwestern region during the December-January–February (DJF) season, while lower concentrations are observed in the March–April-May (MAM) and June-July–August (JJA) seasons in the Eastern Cape province. In the Mpumalanga province, there is a dominance of high CH4 concentrations in southwestern regions and moderately low concentrations in the northeastern regions, observed consistently across all seasons. The study also showed an increasing CH4 concentration trend from 2019 to 2023 for both provinces. The study highlights the urgent need to address CH4 emissions from both cattle farming and coal mining activities to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable development. Utilizing geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, policymakers and stakeholders can identify and address the sources of CH4 emissions more effectively, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
The Role of Urban Green Spaces on Life Satisfaction and Migration Willingness in Tirana, Albania
Authors: Kruja Samel , Braçe Olta , Kokthi Elena , Cumbrera Marco Garrido
Published: July 2024

In the framework of place attachment we explore how green spaces contribute to life satisfaction in a context of high emigration rates. We propose that green spaces affect life satisfaction of the population through the mediation of physical health and mental health, and this relationship is moderated by migration willingness. We conducted our study in March–April 2021 in the city of Tirana, Albania. Using physical and mental health indicators, our results demonstrate that urban green spaces directly and indirectly affect life satisfaction. The mediators with the highest impact on life satisfaction are psychological distress and well-being. Green space exposure plays a role in influencing health outcomes, but the relationship is not moderated by migration willingness, and it shows a higher impact on participants with better mental health. Designing more and improved urban green spaces is a pathway to positively affect the health and well-being of urban populations.
Anti-IL-17 Inhibits PINK1/Parkin Autophagy and M1 Macrophage Polarization in Rheumatic Heart Disease
Authors: Bai Ling , Li Yuan , Lu Chuanghong , Yang Yiping , Zhang Jie , Lu Zirong , Huang Keke , Xian Shenglin , Yang Xi , Na Na , Huang Feng , Zeng Zhiyu
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an important and preventable cause of cardiovascular death and disability, but the lack of clarity about its exact mechanisms makes it more difficult to find alternative methods or prevention and treatment. We previously demonstrated that increased IL-17 expression plays a crucial role in the development of RHD-related valvular inflammatory injury. Macrophage autophagy/polarization may be a pro-survival strategy in the initiation and resolution of the inflammatory process. This study investigated the mechanism by which IL-17 regulates autophagy/polarization activation in macrophages. A RHD rat model was generated, and the effects of anti-IL-17 and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) were analyzed. The molecular mechanisms underlying IL-17-induced macrophage autophagy/polarization were investigated via in vitro experiments. In our established RHD rat model, the activation of the macrophage PINK1/Parkin autophagic pathway in valve tissue was accompanied by M1 macrophage infiltration, and anti-IL-17 treatment inhibited autophagy and reversed macrophage inflammatory infiltration, thereby attenuating endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in the valve tissue. The efficacy of 3-MA treatment was similar to that of anti-IL-17 treatment. Furthermore, in THP-1 cells, the pharmacological promotion of autophagy by IL-17 induced M1-type polarization, whereas the inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA reversed this process. Mechanistically, silencing PINK1 in THP-1 blocked autophagic flux. Moreover, IL-17-induced M1-polarized macrophages promoted EndMT in HUVECs. This study revealed that IL-17 plays an important role in EndMT in RHD via the PINK1/Parkin autophagic pathway and macrophage polarization, providing a potential therapeutic target.
Digital Sustainability for Energy-Efficient Behaviours: A User Representation and Touchpoint Model
Authors: McCarthy Stephen , Ertiö Titiana , Fitzgerald Ciara , Kahma Nina
Published: July 2024

In response to climate change, nations have been tasked with reducing energy consumption and lessening their carbon footprint through targeted actions. While digital technologies can support this goal, our understanding of energy practices in a private household context remains nascent. This challenge is amplified by the ‘invisible’ nature of users’ interaction with energy systems and the impact of unconscious habits. Our objective is to explore how touchpoints embedded in digital sustainability platforms shape energy-efficiency behaviours among users. Building on data from semi-structured interviews and a two-hour co-creation workshop with 25 energy experts in the ECO2 project, we first identify three user representations of relevance to such platforms: energy-unaware, living in denial, and energy-aware and active. Our findings suggest that ‘static’ user representations (based on user demographics and average consumption) are giving way to socio-cognitive representations that follow users’ journeys in energy efficiency. We then develop a set of design principles to promote sustainable energy behaviours through digital sustainability platforms across user-owned, social/external, brand-owned, and partner-owned touchpoints. An analysis of user feedback from the ECO2 project shows support for our design principles across users’ journeys. Of 62 respondents covering all three representations, 76% of them intended to “implement changes in terms of energy consumption and energy efficiency”.
Thermal behavior and determination of physicochemical properties of novel candidates for antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Stępnicki Piotr , Gwarda Radosław Ł. , Bartyzel Agata , Karcz Tadeusz , Szczepańska Katarzyna , Wróbel Tomasz M. , Kaczor Agnieszka A.
Published: July 2024

Treatment of schizophrenia with currently available drugs is often ineffective or results in several adverse reactions. In previous studies focusing on the search for new antipsychotic drugs, we designed and obtained a series of dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor ligands that were pharmacologically evaluated and showed promising antipsychotic activity. Evaluation of ADMET parameters is an important issue in drug development and should be performed at its early stage to avoid developing molecules with poor pharmacokinetics, that are unlikely to enter the market. For this reason, in this work we focused on the assessment of physicochemical parameters of selected compounds from the series we obtained to assess their drug-like potential. The results of thermal analysis showed that most of the tested compounds are thermally stable above 200 °C, with one compound stable up to 190 °C. Permeability through biological membranes assessed in the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay indicated that all tested compounds effectively migrate through biological membranes by means of passive diffusion. The solubility of the tested compounds was determined in PBS, reflecting physiological pH, and 0.01 M HCl, indicating their low to moderate solubility in PBS, which was significantly improved in acidic environment. The lipophilicity of the studied compounds expressed as LogD falls within the range of 1.84–2.80, what suggest that they would show good oral absorption and the ability to cross lipid barriers. The studies were supplemented with in silico prediction of ADMET parameters, which also indicate the probable high drug-likeness of the tested compounds.
Structural response of half-scale pumice concrete masonry building: shake table/ambient vibration tests and FE analysis
Authors: Kaya Ali , Roudane Boudjamaa , Adanur Süleyman , Sunca Fezayil , Genç Ali Fuat , Gunaydin Murat , Altunişik Ahmet Can
Published: July 2024

Seismic performance evaluation of masonry structures is of paramount importance for ensuring the safety and resilience of buildings in earthquake-prone regions. There are limited number of studies on pumice elements in the literature. In addition, there are almost no studies investigating the earthquake behavior of pumice masonry building as a whole structure. In this context, a comprehensive understanding of their seismic response and dynamic characteristics has been lacking. To address this knowledge gap, a shake-table experimental campaign was undertaken, wherein half-scale pumice masonry building was exposed to simulated seismic forces. To enhance the experimental findings, numerical simulations were performed to confirm and expand our comprehension of how the pumice masonry structure responds to dynamic forces. Integrating both experimental and numerical outcomes provides a holistic understanding of how pumice masonry buildings behave during seismic events. At the end of the experimental study, the frequency values of the pumice model were observed to decrease up to 23.5% in the modes compared to the undamaged state. In the numerical model, this value decreases up to 19.85%. For the undamaged and damaged model, the first three experimental mode shapes were similar to the numerical mode shapes. Both experimental and numerical results show that the expected damages occur in the same regions. These results show that nonlinear FE models can be helpful in determining potential damage model locations. The findings have implications for the seismic design and retrofitting of similar traditional masonry buildings, facilitating the development of resilient and sustainable engineering solutions in seismic-prone regions.
Plasmonic enhanced gas sensing using polarization-insensitive 3D hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Al-Shalaby Noha A. , Malhat Hend A. , Zainud-Deen Saber H.
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates a hybrid coupled plasmonic gas sensor with stacked gold-SiO2 layers for air-quality monitoring. The gas absorption characteristics of hybrid-stacked layers sensors are studied and compared with single-layer sensors. Gases with different refractive indexes changing from 1 to 1.4 are studied. The total absorption radar cross section (ACS) has increased from 1.681 × 105 nm2 for single-layer sensors to 5.021 × 105 nm2 for hybrid stacked layers sensors. A graphene monolayer is used to enhance the total gas absorption. It acts as an insulator to the dipole sensor. The lumped-element equivalent circuit is developed using a particle swarm optimization technique (PSO). The sensitivity is 788 nm/RIU for the single-layer sensor and 910 nm/RIU for the hybrid-stacked layers sensor with a graphene monolayer placed as a cover for the plasmonic dipole. A polarization-insensitive sensor concerning the direction of the electric field (single layer/hybrid-stacked layers) is constructed from 45° quad-rotated dipole arms of sensors. The total ACS is enhanced to 2.31 × 105 nm2 for the polarization-insensitive single-layer sensor and 6.76 × 105 nm2 for the polarization-insensitive hybrid-stacked layers sensor. Planar arrays of 3 × 3, 4 × 4, and 5 × 5 elements of the last sensor are investigated for absorption and sensitivity enhancement. Ethanol, acetone, nitrogen dioxide, and toluene gases are tested with a total ACS peak value of 8.7 × 106 nm2. The sensitivity is 895.5 nm/RIU for 4 × 4 array elements.
Reconfigurable plasma OAM vortex wave generated by reflective metasurfaces
Authors: Badawy Mona M. , Zainud-Deen Anas S.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a planar OAM reconfigurable plasma reflective metasurface with size 30 × 30 cm2 is designed. It consists of the reconfigurable plasma metasurface reflector and a feed horn antenna. The phase distribution of the plasma reflective metasurface combines the OAM phase distribution and the beam focusing required phase distribution. The required phase shifting range is 360° which obtained by adjusting the plasma frequency with changing the applied DC biasing voltage for the argon gas. The advantages of the design are high gain 22.4 dBi, narrow divergence angle 5°, high purity, good stability, planar structure, and easy fabrication. Beam scanning using the reflective metasurface for l = 1 at (θ = φ = 0°), (θ = 10°, φ = 0°), (θ = 20°, φ = 0°) and (θ = 30°, φ = 0°) is demonstrated.
Instructor presence in instructional videos in higher education: three field experiments in university courses
Authors: Heidig Steffi , Beege Maik , Rey Günter Daniel , Schneider Sascha
Published: July 2024

In formal educational settings, such as online university lectures, instructional videos often consist of PowerPoint slides accompanied by a video or audio explanation from the instructor. It has been assumed that the social cues provided by the instructor’s video may facilitate affective processes and affect learning outcomes. Research on instructor presence in instructional videos has focused primarily on laboratory and online studies that are not embedded in the courses in which learners are enrolled. Therefore, we present three field studies examining instructor presence in instructional videos embedded in higher education courses to strengthen external validity (exam-relevant topic, > 30 min long, personally known instructor). The results of these studies show positive effects of a visible instructor compared to no visible instructor on some affective measures: social presence in Study 1 (n = 18, d = .85) and well-being in Study 3 (n = 38, d = 1.01), but not on others (well-being in Studies 1 & 2 (n = 53); motivation in Studies 1–3, social presence in Studies 2 & 3). They also show no effects on extraneous processing or learning outcomes (Studies 1–3). Thus, no general effect of instructor presence can be shown for instructional videos embedded in university courses in higher education, but there are also no detrimental effects. This leads to implications for future research, teaching, and design practice.
Biochemical properties of polyphenol oxidase purified from Sarali plum (Prunus domestica)
Authors: Kaya Elif Duygu
Published: July 2024

Enzymatic browning, catalysed by the enzyme polyphenol oxidase in fruit and vegetables, limits the efficient use of natural resources and promote food waste. Plums are a popular fruit with consumers around the world and are considered an important raw material in the food industry. Plums are very susceptible to enzymatic browning due to their high phenolic compound content and climacteric nature. The aim of this study is to purify the polyphenol oxidase enzyme from Sarali plum (Prunus domestica) and to determine its biochemical properties, kinetic parameters, pH and thermal stability and inhibition. In this study, polyphenol oxidase enzyme was purified 22.54-fold by affinity chromatography using Sepharose-4B-l-Tyr-p-amino benzoic acid affinity gel. The purity and molecular mass of the enzyme were determined by SDS-PAGE and non-denaturing PAGE (native PAGE). The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 72.44 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme was confirmed as PPO by native PAGE as a single band. Kinetic characterization studies were conducted for both catechol and 4-methyl catechol substrates. The optimal pH and temperature for both substrates were found to be 7.0 and 20 °C, respectively. The thermal stability of PPO was investigated, and it retained about 90% of its activity for 90 min at 4 °C. The determination of KM and Vmax was carried out using the Lineweaver–Burk plot. The substrate specificity (Vmax/KM) values for catechol and 4-methyl catechol were determined as 790.91 ± 37.34 and 492.06 ± 13.75 respectively. The enzyme exhibited the best activity towards catechol substrate. IC50, Ki constant and inhibition types were determined for various anti-browning agents on PPO enzyme. Ascorbic acid, l-cysteine, citric acid, salicylic acid and tartaric acid effectively inhibited PPO activity.
Structural simulation of Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposites using finite element analysis (FEA) for biomechanical stability of hip implant
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan Kobe , Abolarin Mathew Sunday , Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu , Omoniyi Peter Olorunleke , Mahamood Rasheedat Modupe , Jen Tien-Chien , Akinlabi Esther Titilayo
Published: July 2024

The structural integrity of new biocomposite implants is critical in ensuring the success of biomedical implants under physiological loading conditions. Studying the stress distribution, deformation, and potential failure modes under different loading scenarios is complex, expensive, and time-consuming, as it involves repeated surgery on clinical assessment. The present study aims to investigate the biomechanical stability of hip implants made of a Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposite using finite element analysis. The Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposite was modeled and simulated using Solidworks. The model mesh was generated to represent the implant’s geometry accurately, and normal human activities (standing and jumping) were considered the boundary conditions with the lower part of the femur fixed. The model was subjected to static loading following ISO 7206-4 with an equivalent load of 2300 N according to ASTM F2996-13 standard. The Ti–Ha–CaCO3 biocomposite demonstrated outstanding biomechanical stability under loading circumstances. The maximum von Mises stress (354.7 MPa) observed with the GSB-femur model in the implant was below the yield strength of the titanium implant, indicating that the implant can withstand applied loads without experiencing permanent deformation. However, 74.11 MPa was obtained as acceptable von Mises stress using GSB intramedullary rods for bone fixation. The most stable implant is DSB, with the lowest displacement value of 2.68 mm. Low equivalent strains were achieved for all the implants, as the highest strain (0.012) was obtained in the simulation of the stem DSB-femur model. Low-stress signals (SS) were obtained for the implant-femur models, indicating they are suitable for replacing bone for that loading. The DSB (7.19) is the most suitable among the studied stem-femur models, and GSB (0.87) remains the suitable intramedullary rod-femur model with the lowest SS.
Classifying Neuronal Cell Types Based on Shared Electrophysiological Information from Humans and Mice
Authors: Ophir Ofek , Shefi Orit , Lindenbaum Ofir
Published: July 2024

The brain is an intricate system that controls a variety of functions. It consists of a vast number of cells that exhibit diverse characteristics. To understand brain function in health and disease, it is crucial to classify neurons accurately. Recent advancements in machine learning have provided a way to classify neurons based on their electrophysiological activity. This paper presents a deep-learning framework that classifies neurons solely on this basis. The framework uses data from the Allen Cell Types database, which contains a survey of biological features derived from single-cell recordings from mice and humans. The shared information from both sources is used to classify neurons into their broad types with the help of a joint model. An accurate domain-adaptive model, integrating electrophysiological data from both mice and humans, is implemented. Furthermore, data from mouse neurons, which also includes labels of transgenic mouse lines, is further classified into subtypes using an interpretable neural network model. The framework provides state-of-the-art results in terms of accuracy and precision while also providing explanations for the predictions.
Possible protective effect of rosuvastatin in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in HER2 positive breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kettana Khlood M. , El‑Haggar Sahar M. , Alm El-Din Mohamed A. , El‑Afify Dalia R.
Published: July 2024

Cardiotoxicity is a side effect of chemotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer patients receiving both anthracyclines and trastuzumab. We looked for a possible protective effect of rosuvastatin against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: 50 newly diagnosed HER2 positive breast cancer patients were randomly allocated into two groups: 25patients in each. Group 1(control group) received doxorubicin for 4 cycles (3 months) followed by trastuzumab adjuvant therapy. Group 2 (treatment group) received doxorubicin for 4 cycles (3 months) followed by trastuzumab adjuvant therapy and 20 mg of oral rosuvastatin 24 h before the first cycle of chemotherapy and once daily for the rest of the follow-up period (6 months). Transthoracic echocardiography was done, and blood samples were collected for patients 24 h before the initiation of therapy, after 3 months and after 6 months to assess serum levels of high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The study was retrospectively registered in Clinical Trials.gov in April 2022. Its ID is NCT05338723. Compared to control group, Rosuvastatin-treated group had a significantly lower decline in LVEF after 3 months and after 6 months. They had significantly lower Hs-cTnI and IL-6 after 3 months and after 6 months, and significantly lower MPO after 6 months. Four patients in control group experienced cardiotoxicity while no one in rosuvastatin-treated group. Rosuvastatin attenuated cardiotoxicity, so it is a promising protective agent against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.
Resveratrol Modulates Diabetes-Induced Neuropathic Pain, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Neurotoxicity in Mice Through TRPV4 Channel Inhibition
Authors: Osmanlıoğlu Haci Ömer , Nazıroğlu Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is caused by several factors, including reactive free oxygen radicals (ROS)-induced excessive Ca2+ influx. Transient receptor potential (TRP) vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a member of the Ca2+-permeable TRP superfamily. Resveratrol (RESV) has been extensively utilized in TRP channel regulation due to its pharmacological properties, which include antioxidant and TRP inhibitory effects. The protective function of RESV and the contribution of TRPV4 to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neuropathic pain in mice are still unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of RESV through the modulation of TRPV4 on Ca2+ influx, ROS-mediated pain, apoptosis, and oxidative damage in the mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRGs). From the 32 mice, four groups were induced: control, RESV, STZ, and STZ + RESV. We found that the injection of RESV reduced the changes caused by the STZ-induced stimulation of TRPV4, which in turn increased mechanical/thermal neuropathic pain, cytosolic Ca2+ influx, TRPV4 current density, oxidants (lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial ROS, and cytosolic ROS), and apoptotic markers (caspase-3, -8, and -9). The RESV injection also increased the STZ-mediated reduction of viability of DRG and the amounts of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin A, β-carotene, and vitamin E in the brain, erythrocytes, plasma, liver, and kidney. All of these findings suggest that TRPV4 stimulation generates oxidative neurotoxicity, neuropathic pain, and apoptosis in the STZ-induced diabetic mice. On the other hand, neurotoxicity and apoptosis were reduced due to the downregulation of TRPV4 carried out through the RESV injection.

Graphical Abstract

An overview of how resveratrol (RESV) inhibits TRPV4 in mice to modulate the effects of diabetes mellitus-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Ruthenium red (RuR) inhibits TRPV4, while GSK1016790A (GSK) and reactive free oxygen radicals (ROS) activate it. In the mitochondria of DRGs, the glucose oxidation brought on by diabetes mellitus (STZ) causes an intracellular free Ca2+ and Zn2+ influx excess that is dependent on TRPV4. The administration of STZ leads to the DRG becoming more depolarized (ΔΨm), which in turn causes an increase in mitochondrial ROS, apoptosis, and caspases (caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9) by downregulating enzymatic (glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px) and non-enzymatic (glutathione (GSH), vitamin A, and vitamin E) antioxidants. The mice’s molecular pathways were diminished by the RESV injections. (Increase (↑); diminish (↓))
DNA Damage and Chromatin Rearrangement Work Together to Promote Neurodegeneration
Authors: Sharma Harman , Koirala Sushma , Chew Yee Lian , Konopka Anna
Published: July 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases have a complex origin and are composed of genetic and environmental factors. Both DNA damage and chromatin rearrangement are important processes that occur under pathological conditions and in neurons functioning properly. While numerous studies have demonstrated the inseparable relationship between DNA damage and chromatin organization, understanding of this relationship, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, requires further study. Interestingly, recent studies revealed that known hallmark proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases function in both DNA damage and chromatin reorganization, and this review discusses the current knowledge of this relationship. This review focused on hallmark proteins involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as the microtubule-associated protein tau, TAR DNA/RNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), fused in sarcoma (FUS), huntingtin (HTT), α-synuclein, and β-amyloid precursor protein (APP). Hence, DNA damage and chromatin rearrangement are associated with disease mechanisms in distinct neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting common modulators of DNA repair and chromatin reorganization may lead to promising therapies for treating neurodegeneration.
Spanish Society of Medical Oncology recommendations for comprehensive assessment and care of cancer survivors’ needs
Authors: Gallego Alejandro , Beato Carmen , Brozos Elena , De La Cruz Susana , García Ruth Vera
Published: July 2024

This article reviews the contemporary and inclusive definition of cancer survivorship, including patients with and without disease who have completed or continue to undergo treatment. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) describes in this article the needs of these patients and outlines a care model based on an estimation of cancer incidence and identification of patient needs, to enable the provision of practical actions to achieve effective care. The objectives of this review are to identify the main effects of cancer on survivors and to establish appropriate ways of measuring these effects, as well as discussing the management of physical, psychological and social, occupational, financial, and other health-related needs. We suggest a multidisciplinary care model and training programs for the different professionals involved in care, and highlight challenges and the future role of the SEOM and health-care policy in ensuring optimum care of cancer survivors.
How Can I Get It Right? Using GPT to Rephrase Incorrect Trainee Responses
Authors: Lin Jionghao , Han Zifei , Thomas Danielle R. , Gurung Ashish , Gupta Shivang , Aleven Vincent , Koedinger Kenneth R.
Published: July 2024

One-on-one tutoring is widely acknowledged as an effective instructional method, conditioned on qualified tutors. However, the high demand for qualified tutors remains a challenge, often necessitating the training of novice tutors (i.e., trainees) to ensure effective tutoring. Research suggests that providing timely explanatory feedback can facilitate the training process for trainees. However, it presents challenges due to the time-consuming nature of assessing trainee performance by human experts. Inspired by the recent advancements of large language models (LLMs), our study employed the GPT-4 model to build an explanatory feedback system. This system identifies trainees’ responses in binary form (i.e., correct/incorrect) and automatically provides template-based feedback with responses appropriately rephrased by the GPT-4 model. We conducted our study using the responses of 383 trainees from three training lessons (Giving Effective Praise, Reacting to Errors, and Determining What Students Know). Our findings indicate that: 1) using a few-shot approach, the GPT-4 model effectively identifies correct/incorrect trainees’ responses from three training lessons with an average F1 score of 0.84 and AUC score of 0.85; and 2) using the few-shot approach, the GPT-4 model adeptly rephrases incorrect trainees’ responses into desired responses, achieving performance comparable to that of human experts.