bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sweet Red Wine Production: Effects of Fermentation Stages and Ultrasound Technology on Wine Characteristics
Authors: Feng Zhao , Ruiz-Rodríguez Ana , Palma Miguel
Published: October 2024

Three different sweet red wines were produced using Tempranillo grapes with three different sugar concentrations: 25, 50 and 75 g/L, using sulfur dioxide and low temperature to stop the alcoholic fermentation. They were compared to the wine produced without stopping the alcoholic fermentation. Cold pre-fermentation macerations and ultrasound during the post-fermentation stage were applied to try to improve the organoleptic properties specifically for sweet wines. The treatment with ultrasound after stopping the fermentation enhanced the extraction of anthocyanins compared to the wines produced without ultrasound, increasing the red color of the final wines, resulting in increments in the range of 16–30%. In any case, significant differences were found between the regular dry red wine and the sweet wines in terms of polyphenolic content, anthocyanin, tannin concentration and absorbance at 520 nm, with lower contents for the sweet wines. The wines were evaluated by different tasting panels showing different results depending on the tasting panel composition. First, an inverse relationship was observed between the sweetness of the wines and their acidity, bitterness, and astringency descriptors. Additionally, wines with higher sugar levels were described as having the most fruity aromas. Finally, no differences in vegetal aromas were found in the different wines.
An Experimental Validation-Based Study of Airport Pavement Icing Mechanisms in Saline Environments and the Development of a Simplified Prediction Model
Authors: Ling Jianming , Xing Xinyuan , Zhang Jie , Liu Shifu
Published: October 2024

Runway icing presents a significant challenge to aviation safety, especially in saline environments, where comprehending the icing mechanisms and predicting the icing onset are crucial for efficient airport operations. This study developed a specialized experimental apparatus to examine the mechanisms of airport pavement icing under controlled conditions. The apparatus, comprising an environmental chamber, a data acquisition system, and a scaled pavement structure, allowed for detailed simulations of various environmental factors. The experiments specifically examined the effects of the air temperature (−3 °C to −20 °C), wind speed (2 m/s to 6 m/s), and deicing salt concentration (0% to 80%) on the icing process. The results demonstrated that higher wind speeds and lower temperatures significantly accelerated the pavement surface cooling, leading to earlier icing onset. Under the most extreme conditions, the pavement reached critical icing temperatures within 15 min. In contrast, higher deicing salt concentrations delayed the icing onset by up to 67 min and 33 s at an 80% concentration, effectively lowering the pavement surface temperature. A comparison of the experimental data with the theoretical predictions showed initial consistency, although the discrepancies increased over time. This study culminated in the development of a simplified prediction model, which was validated against the experimental results, offering a practical tool for airport operators to manage runway safety during winter conditions.
Evaluating Swarm Robotics for Mining Environments: Insights into Model Performance and Application
Authors: Tan Joven , Melkoumian Noune , Harvey David , Akmeliawati Rini
Published: October 2024

The mining industry is experiencing a transformative shift with the integration of automation, particularly through autonomous haul truck systems, and further advancements are anticipated with the application of swarm robotics. This study evaluates the performance of four swarm robot models, namely baseline, ant, firefly, and honeybee, in optimizing key mining operations such as ore detection, extraction, and transportation. Simulations replicating real-world mining environments were conducted to assess improvements in operational efficiency, scalability, reliability, selectivity, and energy consumption. The results demonstrate that these models can significantly enhance the precision and productivity of mining activities, especially in complex and dynamic settings. A case study of the Pilbara iron ore mine in Australia is presented to illustrate the practical applicability of these models in an actual mining context. The study also highlights specific enhancements in each model, including role specialization in the ant model, advanced communication in the firefly model, and improved localization combined with hybrid control in the honeybee model. While the honeybee model showed superior performance in high-precision tasks, its reliability was limited under high-error conditions, and it faced a computational resources bottleneck in large-scale operations, highlighting the need for further development. By evaluating these models against performance criteria, the study identifies the most suitable swarm models for various mining conditions, offering insights into achieving more sustainable, scalable, and efficient mining operations.
Characterization of Hydraulic Spool Clamping Triggered by Solid Particles Based on Mechanical Model and Experiment Research
Authors: Chen Qianpeng , Liu Min , Ji Hong , Chai Wenwei , Luo Changmin
Published: October 2024

Hydraulic spool valves may clamp under the action of sensitive particles when working in hydraulic oils that contain solid particles, which will then bring about a devastating detriment to the machines. According to the failure statistics of hydraulic systems organized by ISO, more than 80% of the operational failures of hydraulic systems are caused by fluid contamination, and particulate contamination is the most important factor causing spool valve stagnation. In this paper, we considered various factors, including the material, size, and concentration of particles and the spool postures, and built a systematic spool clamping mechanical model. A device was designed to measure the spool valve friction under the action of particles. The influence of particle material, concentration, and size on the friction force of spool valves was investigated. By experiments, we measured the spool clamping force under the action of each single factor and then fitted the datum quantity of spool clamping force and the empirical equation of pulsating quantity. The study results demonstrate three types of non-ideal postures of spools in a valve hole, which are off-center, tilting, and off-center with tilting. Those three postures can engender clamping risk zones with different ranges inside the clearance between spool valves, increasing the risk of spool clamping. The kind of particles is found to have a certain but limited impact on the spool clamping force. Usually, particles with a higher elastic modulus can trigger a larger spool clamping force, which is in line with the theoretical equation. Within a certain range, the probability density distribution of particle size tallies with the normal distribution function, where the “sensitive particles” take up 0.7–1 of the clearance between spool valves. A higher particle volume fraction in oils means a greater number of sensitive particles and a larger spool clamping force. For the particles of a similar size with the clearance between spool valves, when their volume concentration tops over the “sensitive concentration”, namely 5%, the risk of spool clamping rises in a drastic manner. This study provides a theoretical reference and an empirical equation for the mechanism of spool clamping under the action of particles, as well as a definite quantitative indicator for the prediction and estimation of spool clamping which is of positive significance for the study of the predictive maintenance of hydraulic equipment.
Accurate Oil Temperature Prediction Model and Oil Refilling Parameters Optimization for Hydraulic Closed-Circuit System
Authors: Hu Kai , Zhang Wenyi
Published: October 2024

Oil temperature plays a crucial role in hydraulic closed-circuit systems (HCS), and conventional thermal equilibrium models and coupled simulation models face challenges in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost when calculating oil temperature. This study introduces an innovative HCS oil temperature precise prediction model and oil refilling parameter optimization method. The initial sample space was determined through a Sobol sensitivity analysis and improved Latin hypercube sampling, leading to the development of a combinatorial agent model (CAM) suitable for oil temperature prediction with superior accuracy and stability compared to other methods. Based on CAM, the optimal oil refilling flow rates under various operational conditions are computed. To validate the efficacy of the theoretical analysis, an HCS experiment platform was established. The data indicates that the temperature prediction error range of the CAM model falls between 0.30 °C and 1.05 °C, and optimizing the oil refilling flow rate can effectively enhance system efficiency while ensuring that the oil temperature remains within permissible limits. The research methodology and findings are applicable in engineering practice and can be extended to optimize the design of other hydraulic systems.
Evaluating Post-Pandemic Undergraduate Student Satisfaction with Online Learning in Saudi Arabia: The Significance of Self-Directed Learning
Authors: Alshathry Sahar , Alojail Mohammed
Published: October 2024

Presently, numerous universities in Saudi Arabia have embraced online learning following the experience gained during the COVID-19 pandemic. While several studies have assessed the quality of online learning and student satisfaction during that period, limited research has explored students’ satisfaction post-pandemic control despite several universities planning to offer some courses online. Investigating student satisfaction post-pandemic is crucial for predicting the quality of online learning and assisting universities in enhancing the outcomes of online learning. Consequently, this study aims to examine student satisfaction with online learning by proposing a model derived from the updated Information System Success Model. The updated model factors include system quality, service quality, and information quality, supplemented by student–student interaction quality and self-directed learning. Data were collected from a sample of 150 undergraduates at King Saud University in the second semester of the 2023–2024 academic year. The research model was validated using the PLS approach. The findings indicated that only self-directed learning significantly affects students’ satisfaction with online learning. This study contributes theoretically by expanding the existing literature and enhancing the understanding of the factors that drive student satisfaction. Moreover, it provides practical contributions to decision-makers and educators developing online learning strategies focusing on enhancing self-directed learning abilities.
Analysis of the Impact of Funding Policies for the Energy Refurbishment of Buildings Using Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Calise Francesco , Cappiello Francesco Liberato , Cimmino Luca , Vicidomini Maria
Published: October 2024

Dynamic simulations can accurately estimate the thermal demands for space heating and cooling in buildings, as well as the energy and economic performance of specific energy refurbishment actions. This study aims to evaluate the energy and economic savings resulting from the adoption of particular energy measures applied to a cluster of residential condominium buildings, also considering some possible Italian funding policies. To this scope, dynamic simulation models of several buildings with different features in terms of geometry, shape, and thermo-physical properties are considered. The selected buildings are representative of the most common buildings in the city of Naples, Southern Italy. Two scenarios regarding the possible penetration of the refurbishment actions are considered: the “25% scenario”, where 25% of buildings in the Naples municipality adopt the selected measures, and the “100% scenario”, where all buildings adopt such energy refurbishment actions. The results of the simulations, reported over different time periods, compare the economic, energy, and environmental benefits of the specific energy measures. This study evaluates the replacement of conventional natural gas-fired boilers with natural gas-fired condensing boilers, as well as the use of thermal insulation on the external walls of the buildings. The primary energy demand for space heating decreased by 28% when the proposed energy measures were implemented in all buildings of the Naples municipality.
Analysis of Spatiotemporal Gait Variables before and after Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Reis David Almeida e , Sousa Manoela Vieira , Fonseca Pedro , Chaffaut Antoine Amaudric du , Sousa Joana , Pires Jennifer , Moreira Flávia , Alves Filipe , Barroso João , Vilas-Boas J. Paulo
Published: October 2024

This study aimed (a) to evaluate the spatiotemporal gait variables of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) before (pre-) and after the procedure (post-), and (b) to investigate the influence of the surgical side on these variables. Twenty-one volunteers (13 females and 8 males) participated, undergoing assessments pre-surgery and nine to 12 months post-surgery. Clinical tests indicated significant reductions in knee pain and improvements in active and passive extension post-surgery. TKA resulted in decreased pain, extension deficits, and functional assessments, with lower scores on the WOMAC questionnaire. A gait analysis showed post-surgery improvements in gait speed (5.8%), cycle time (−4.8%), step time (4.4%), double limb support time (−11.1%), step (4.4%) and stride (6.3%) lengths, and step (5.1%) and stride (5.0%) cadences. Comparisons between surgical side and limb dominance indicated significant differences in gait speed, stance, swing and step times, double limb support time, step and stride lengths, and step cadence. The non-dominant limb demonstrated greater improvements across most parameters compared to the dominant limb. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the limb dominance of patients with knee osteoarthritis when evaluating post-TKA function. These conclusions can be helpful for personalized rehabilitation programs, allowing tailored interventions for individuals undergoing knee surgery.
Monitoring of Vegetation Drought Index in Laibin City Based on Landsat Multispectral Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Fan Xiangsuo , Zhang Yan , Chen Lin , Li Peng , Li Qi , Zhao Xueqiang
Published: October 2024

Due to the impact of global warming, drought has caused serious damage to China’s ecological environment and social status. This article selects Laibin City in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as the research area, utilizing multispectral remote sensing data as the data source and Landsat series image data for relevant preprocessing. It calculates the monthly normalized vegetation index (NDVI) and surface temperature (LST) data for Laibin City. Based on the ecological environment and surface coverage conditions of the research area, the ratio vegetation index (RVI), normalized vegetation moisture index (NDWI), temperature vegetation drought index (TVDI), and conditional vegetation temperature drought index (VTCI) were selected to calculate and invert the drought monitoring results of Laibin City. The drought monitoring results were obtained and overlaid with the vegetation area map to generate the vegetation drought monitoring results of Laibin City. Based on the climate, geography, and ecological characteristics of the monitored area in Laibin City, a specific analysis will be conducted to develop an appropriate TVDI index drought level, and generate vegetation drought level result maps for Laibin City in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Then, a detailed analysis of the vegetation drought situation in Laibin City is conducted according to time and space. Among them, in the past three years, the vegetation areas in Laibin City have experienced drought seasons mostly in summer and autumn. The interannual drought is mainly mild drought, and the proportion of areas with mild drought shows a relatively stable trend. In conclusion, TVDI proves to be a valuable tool for monitoring vegetation drought in Laibin City, offering insights for efficient water resource management strategies.
Swarm Intelligence-Based Multi-Robotics: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nguyen Luong Vuong
Published: October 2024

Swarm Intelligence (SI) represents a paradigm shift in artificial intelligence, leveraging the collective behavior of decentralized, self-organized systems to solve complex problems. This study provides a comprehensive review of SI, focusing on its application to multi-robot systems. We explore foundational concepts, diverse SI algorithms, and their practical implementations by synthesizing insights from various reputable sources. The review highlights how principles derived from natural swarms, such as those of ants, bees, and birds, can be harnessed to enhance the efficiency, robustness, and scalability of multi-robot systems. We explore key advancements, ongoing challenges, and potential future directions. Through this extensive examination, we aim to provide a foundational understanding and a detailed taxonomy of SI research, paving the way for further innovation and development in theoretical and applied contexts.
Calculated Randomness, Control and Creation: Artistic Agency in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Dzhimova Mariya , Tigre Moura Francisco
Published: October 2024

The recent emergence of generative AI, particularly prompt-based models, and its embedding in many social domains and practices has revived the notion of co-creation and distributed agency already familiar in art practice and theory. Drawing on Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and its central notion of agency, this article explores the extent to which the collaboration between the artist and AI represents a new form of co-creation and distributed agency. It compares AI art with artistic movements such as Dada, Surrealism, Minimalism and Conceptual Art, which also challenged the notion of the autonomous artist and her agency by incorporating randomness on the one hand and rule-based systems on the other. In contrast, artistic practice with AI can be described as an iterative process of creative feedback loops, oscillating between order and disorder, (calculated) randomness and calculation, enabling a very specific kind of self-reflection and entanglement with the alienation of one’s own perspective. Furthermore, this article argues that most artistic projects that explore and work with AI are, in their own specific way, a demonstration of hybridity and entanglement, as well as the distribution of agency between the human and the non-human, and can thus be described as a network phenomenon.
The Change Rate of the Fbxl21 Gene and the Amino Acid Composition of Its Protein Correlate with the Species-Specific Lifespan in Placental Mammals
Authors: Lyubetsky Vassily A. , Shilovsky Gregory A. , Yang Jian-Rong , Seliverstov Alexandr V. , Zverkov Oleg A.
Published: October 2024

This article proposes a methodology for establishing a relationship between the change rate of a given gene (relative to a given taxon) together with the amino acid composition of the proteins encoded by this gene and the traits of the species containing this gene. The methodology is illustrated based on the mammalian genes responsible for regulating the circadian rhythms that underlie a number of human disorders, particularly those associated with aging. The methods used are statistical and bioinformatic ones. A systematic search for orthologues, pseudogenes, and gene losses was performed using our previously developed methods. It is demonstrated that the least conserved Fbxl21 gene in the Euarchontoglires superorder exhibits a statistically significant connection of genomic characteristics (the median of dN/dS for a gene relative to all the other orthologous genes of a taxon, as well as the preference or avoidance of certain amino acids in its protein) with species-specific lifespan and body weight. In contrast, no such connection is observed for Fbxl21 in the Laurasiatheria superorder. This study goes beyond the protein-coding genes, since the accumulation of amino acid substitutions in the course of evolution leads to pseudogenization and even gene loss, although the relationship between the genomic characteristics and the species traits is still preserved. The proposed methodology is illustrated using the examples of circadian rhythm genes and proteins in placental mammals, e.g., longevity is connected with the rate of Fbxl21 gene change, pseudogenization or gene loss, and specific amino acid substitutions (e.g., asparagine at the 19th position of the CRY-binding domain) in the protein encoded by this gene.
Evolution of Repetitive Elements, Their Roles in Homeostasis and Human Disease, and Potential Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Snowbarger Jeffrey , Koganti Praveen , Spruck Charles
Published: October 2024

Repeating sequences of DNA, or repetitive elements (REs), are common features across both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Unlike many of their protein-coding counterparts, the functions of REs in host cells remained largely unknown and have often been overlooked. While there is still more to learn about their functions, REs are now recognized to play significant roles in both beneficial and pathological processes in their hosts at the cellular and organismal levels. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the various types of REs and review what is known about their evolution. In addition, we aim to classify general mechanisms by which REs promote processes that are variously beneficial and harmful to host cells/organisms. Finally, we address the emerging role of REs in cancer, aging, and neurological disorders and provide insights into how RE modulation could provide new therapeutic benefits for these specific conditions.
Undiagnosed Periprosthetic Infections in First-Time Aseptic Revision Hip Arthroplasties
Authors: Caternicchia Filippo , Castagnini Francesco , Donati Danilo , Cavalieri Bruno , Masetti Claudio , Di Liddo Michele , Tella Giuseppe , Traina Francesco
Published: October 2024

Background: Unexpected infections diagnosed after intraoperative cultures in aseptic revision hip arthroplasties are infrequent, but the features and outcomes of culture-positive cases are still poorly understood. A single-center retrospective study was conducted to assess the following: (1) the incidence, (2) the profile of the cases, and (3) the outcomes of the revision hips performed for presumed aseptic reasons that became septic after intraoperative cultures. Methods: Instances of first-time aseptic revision hips (a retrospective cohort study) in the hospital database were reviewed. The revisions with the isolation of two phenotypically identical microorganisms in the intraoperative cultures were selected. The profile (bacteria, pre-operative markers) and the outcomes of the revisions (survival rates, complications, reasons for re-revision) were assessed. Results: Out of 424 cases of presumed aseptic revision hip arthroplasty, 19 patients (4.48%) were classified as septic. Staphylococcus epidermidis (9, 47.37%) was the most frequent microorganism. In three patients (15.8%), C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values were higher, and in only one case (5.26%), C-reactive protein values and the white blood cell count were elevated. An antibiotic therapy was administered in every case. At a mean follow-up of 3.72 ± 2.18 years, three patients (15.79%) experienced complications (dislocation, pain without loosening, chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy) and two patients (10.53%) required re-revision for septic relapse (same microorganisms). The survival rate of the cohort was 89.47% (95% CI: 64.08–97.26) at 2 and 4 years. Conclusions: Missed periprosthetic infections rarely occurred in presumed aseptic revision hips. However, the outcomes are fair, and septic relapses are not uncommon.
Eco-Friendly and Biocompatible Material to Reduce Noise Pollution and Improve Acoustic Comfort in Healthcare Environments
Authors: del Rosario-Gilabert David , Carbajo Jesús , Hernández-Pozo Miguel , Valenzuela-Miralles Antonio , Ruiz Daniel , Poveda-Martínez Pedro , Esquiva Gema , Gómez-Vicente Violeta
Published: October 2024

Noise pollution negatively impacts people’s mental and physiological health. Unfortunately, not only is noise present in hospital environments, but its level frequently exceeds recommended thresholds. The efficacy of passive acoustic absorbers in reducing indoor noise in these scenarios has been well-documented. Conversely, given their inorganic composition and their origin in the petrochemical industry, most of these materials present a risk to human health. Over the last few years, there has been a notable increase in research on eco-friendly, low-toxicity, and biocompatible materials. This work outlines a methodology for fabricating recycled acoustic panels from plastic bottles and PET felt composites. This study encompasses three key objectives: (i) a comprehensive biocompatibility assessment of the panels, (ii) an evaluation of their thermal and acoustic properties, and (iii) their applicability in several case studies to evaluate potential acoustic enhancements. Specifically, antifungal resistance tests, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emission assessment, and cell viability experiments were conducted successfully. Additionally, experimental procedures were performed to determine the thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of the proposed material, along with its sound absorption coefficients in diffuse field conditions. Finally, the potential benefits of using this biomaterial in healthcare environments to reduce noise and improve acoustic comfort were demonstrated.
C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio as a Predictive Indicator for Evaluating Tolerability in S-1 Adjuvant Chemotherapy after Curative Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer: An External Validation Cohort Study
Authors: Funamizu Naotake , Mori Shozo , Sakamoto Akimasa , Iwata Miku , Shine Mikiya , Ito Chihiro , Uraoka Mio , Ueno Yoshitomo , Tamura Kei , Umeda Yuzo , Aoki Taku , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: October 2024

Background: S-1 in adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) administration after pancreatic cancer (PC) surgery has been standardized in Japan. The Ehime study confirmed that a postoperative higher C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) value predicted the risk of adverse event (AE)-related S-1 non-completion as an AC in patients with PC after curative surgery. This study aimed to investigate the index to predict S-1 tolerance among patients who underwent curative surgery for PC (the Dokkyo study). Methods: This retrospective validation cohort study included 172 patients at the Department of Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Japan, from January 2010 to December 2022. All patients underwent nutritional screening using the postoperative CAR. S-1 completion status and its effect on prognosis were systematically followed up and investigated. We conducted a statistical analysis of predictive markers to investigate their association with S-1 completion. Results: Patients were categorized into the S-1 completion (N = 91) and non-completion (N = 81) groups. The S-1 completion group demonstrated a significantly lower CAR than the S1 non-completion group. Moreover, the current study revealed a significant difference in the S-1 completion rate, applying the CAR cutoff value of 0.05 established in the Ehime study. Additionally, univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that a CAR of <0.05 was significantly associated with S-1 completion. Conclusions: The Dokkyo study confirmed the results observed in the Ehime study. Consequently, an increased postoperative CAR value appeared as a universal applicable marker for the risk factor of AE-related S-1 non-completion after curative surgery for patients with PC.
Palliation of Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Case of Biliary Obstruction—A Retrospective, Multicenter Study: The B-GOOD Study
Authors: Fugazza Alessandro , Andreozzi Marta , Binda Cecilia , Lisotti Andrea , Tarantino Ilaria , Vila Juan J. , Robles Medranda Carlos , Amato Arnaldo , Larghi Alberto , Perez Cuadrado Robles Enrique , Aragona Giovanni , Di Matteo Francesco , Badas Roberta , Hassan Cesare , Barbera Carmelo , Mangiavillano Benedetto , Crinò Stefano , Colombo Matteo , Fabbri Carlo , Fusaroli Pietro , Facciorusso Antonio , Anderloni Andrea , Spadaccini Marco , Repici Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Background: EUS-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel and effective procedure for the management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) with more durable results when compared to enteral stenting (ES). However, data comparing EUS-GE to ES in patients already treated with EUS-guided choledocoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) for distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) are lacking. We aimed to compare outcomes of EUS-GE and ES for the palliation of GOO in this specific population of patients. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective analysis of patients with DMBO treated by EUS-CDS and subsequent GOO treated by EUS-GE or ES from 2016 to 2021 was conducted. Primary outcomes were overall AEs rate and dysfunction of the EUS-CDS after GOO treatment. Secondary outcomes included clinical success, technical success, procedure duration, length of hospital stay and relapse of GOO symptoms. Results: A total of 77 consecutive patients were included in the study: 25 patients underwent EUS-GE and 52 underwent ES. AEs rate and patency outcomes of the EUS-CDS after GOO treatment were comparable between the two groups (12.5% vs. 17.3%; p = 0.74). No recurrence of GOO symptoms was registered in the EUS-GE group while 11.5% of ES patients had symptoms recurrence, even if not statistically significant (p = 0.16), after a mean follow-up period of 63.5 days. Conclusion: EUS-GE and ES are both effective and safe for the palliation of GOO in patients already treated by EUS-CDS for DMBO with no difference in the biliary stent dysfunction rate and overall AEs. EUS-GE is associated with less recurrence of GOO symptoms.
Secondary Transcriptomic Analysis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Reveals Reliable Universal and Subtype-Specific Mechanistic Markers
Authors: Rapier-Sharman Naomi , Spendlove Mauri Dobbs , Poulsen Jenna Birchall , Appel Amanda E. , Wiscovitch-Russo Rosana , Vashee Sanjay , Gonzalez-Juarbe Norberto , Pickett Brett E.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is diagnosed in 2.3 million women each year and kills 685,000 (~30% of patients) worldwide. The prognosis for many breast cancer subtypes has improved due to treatments targeting the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). In contrast, patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors, which lack all three commonly targeted membrane markers, more frequently relapse and have lower survival rates due to a lack of tumor-selective TNBC treatments. We aim to investigate TNBC mechanistic markers that could be targeted for treatment. Methods: We performed a secondary TNBC analysis of 196 samples across 10 publicly available bulk RNA-sequencing studies to better understand the molecular mechanism(s) of disease and predict robust mechanistic markers that could be used to improve the mechanistic understanding of and diagnostic capabilities for TNBC. Results: Our analysis identified ~12,500 significant differentially expressed genes (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05), including KIF14 and ELMOD3, and two significantly modulated pathways. Additionally, our novel findings include highly accurate mechanistic markers identified using machine learning methods, including CIDEC (97.1% accuracy alone), CD300LG, ASPM, and RGS1 (98.9% combined accuracy), as well as TNBC subtype-differentiating mechanistic markers, including the targets PDE3B, CFD, IFNG, and ADM, which have associated therapeutics that can potentially be repurposed to improve treatment options. We then experimentally and computationally validated a subset of these findings. Conclusions: The results of our analyses can be used to better understand the mechanism(s) of disease and contribute to the development of improved diagnostics and/or treatments for TNBC.
Surface Chemical Effects on Fischer–Tropsch Iron Oxide Catalysts Caused by Alkali Ion (Li, Na, K, Cs) Doping
Authors: Ribeiro Mirtha Z. Leguizamón León , Souza Joice C. , Gomes Igor Ferreira , Gnanamani Muthu Kumaran , Martinelli Michela , Jacobs Gary , Ribeiro Mauro Celso
Published: October 2024

Among the alkali metals, potassium is known to significantly shift selectivity toward value-added, heavier alkanes and olefins in iron-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts. The aim of the present contribution is to shed light on the mechanism of action of alkaline promoters through a systematic study of the structure–reactivity relationships of a series of Fe oxide FTS catalysts promoted with Group I (Li, Na, K, Cs) alkali elements. Reactivity data are compared to structural data based on in situ, synchrotron-based XRD and XPS, as well as temperature-programmed studies (TPR-H2, TPC-CO, TPD-CO2, and TPD-H). It has been observed that the alkali elements induced higher carburization rates, higher basicities, and lower adsorbed hydrogen coverages. Catalyst stability followed the trend Na-Fe > unpromoted > Li-Fe > K-Fe > Cs-Fe, being consistent with the ability of the alkali (Na) to prevent active site loss by catalyst reoxidation. Potassium was the most active in promoting high α hydrocarbon formation. It is active enough to promote CO dissociative adsorption (and the formation of FeCx active phases) and decrease the surface coverage of H-adsorbed species, but it is not so active as to cause premature catalyst deactivation by the formation of a carbon layer resulting in the blocking active sites.
Selective Control of Catalysts for Glycerol and Cellulose Hydrogenolysis to Produce Ethylene Glycol and 1,2-Propylene Glycol: A Review
Authors: Song Jihuan , Wang Dan , Wang Qiyuan , Cui Chenmeng , Yang Ying
Published: October 2024

The bioconversion of cellulose and the transformation of glycerol can yield various diols, aligning with environmental sustainability goals by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering raw material costs, and promoting sustainable development. However, in the selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2-propylene glycol (1,2-PG), challenges such as low selectivity of catalytic systems, poor stability, limited renewability, and stringent reaction conditions remain. The production of diols from cellulose involves multiple reaction steps, including hydrolysis, isomerization, retro-aldol condensation, hydrogenation, and dehydration. Consequently, the design of highly efficient catalysts with multifunctional active sites tailored to these specific reaction steps remains a significant challenge. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the selective regulation of catalysts for producing EG and 1,2-PG from cellulose and glycerol. It discusses the reaction pathways, process methodologies, catalytic systems, and the performance of catalysts, focusing on active site characteristics. By summarizing the latest research in this field, we aim to offer a detailed understanding of the state-of-the-art in glycerol and cellulose conversion to diols and provide valuable guidance for future research and industrial applications. Through this review, we seek to clarify the current advancements and selective control strategies in diol production from glycerol or cellulose, thereby offering critical insights for future investigations and industrial scale-up.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Diamond–Ceramic Composites Fabricated via Reactive Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Shi Yunwei , Hu Lanxin , Wang Aiyang , Liu Chun , He Qianglong , Wang Weimin
Published: October 2024

In order to prepare diamond composites with excellent mechanical properties under non-extreme conditions, in this study, a diamond–ceramic composite was successfully prepared via reactive spark plasma sintering using a diamond–Ti–Si powder mixture as the raw material. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the diamond–ceramic composite sintered at different temperatures were studied. When the sintering temperature was 1500 °C, the diamond–ceramic composite exhibited a volume density of 3.65 g/cm3, whereas the bending strength and fracture toughness were high at 366 MPa and 6.17 MPa·m1/2, respectively. In addition, variable-temperature sintering activated the chemical reaction at a higher temperature, whereas lowering the temperature prevented excessive graphitisation, which is conducive to optimising the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composite.
Preterm Birth and Kidney Health: From the Womb to the Rest of Life
Authors: Tain You-Lin , Hsu Chien-Ning
Published: October 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread condition often resulting from multiple factors, including maternal influences. These risk factors not only heighten the likelihood of developing CKD but increase the risk of a preterm birth. Adverse events during nephrogenesis can disrupt kidney development, leading to a reduced number of nephrons. As survival rates for preterm infants improve, more individuals are living into adulthood, thereby elevating their risk of CKD later in life. This review aims to explore the connections between preterm birth, kidney development, and the increased risk of CKD, while proposing practical solutions for the future through a multidisciplinary approach. We examine human studies linking preterm birth to negative kidney outcomes, summarize animal models demonstrating kidney programming and reduced nephron numbers, and consolidate knowledge on common mechanisms driving kidney programming. Additionally, we discuss factors in the postnatal care environment that may act as secondary insults contributing to CKD risk, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), the use of nephrotoxic drugs, preterm nutrition, and catch-up growth. Finally, we outline recommendations for action, emphasizing the importance of avoiding modifiable risk factors and implementing early CKD screening for children born preterm. Together, we can ensure that advancements in kidney health keep pace with improvements in preterm care.
First-Principles Calculations of the Structural, Mechanical, Optical, and Electronic Properties of X2Bi4Ti5O18 (X = Pb, Ba, Ca, and Sr) Bismuth-Layered Materials for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Hussain Ahmad , Kainat Fatima , Jabeen Nawishta , Yaqoob Ali , Abbas Tassawar , Khan Muhammad Usman , Qaiser Muhammad Adnan , Mahmoud M. H. H.
Published: October 2024

For the first time, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been employed for the measurement of the structural, mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of a bismuth-layered structure ferroelectrics (BLSFs) family member possessing an orthorhombic structure with Cmc21 space group. Based on the exchange–correlation approximation, our calculations show that Pb2Bi4Ti5O18 possesses an indirect band gap, while the materials X2Bi4Ti5O18 (X = Ba, Ca, and Sr) demonstrate direct band gap, where the estimated density functional fundamental band gap values lie between 1.84 to 2.33 eV, which are ideal for photovoltaic applications. The optical performance of these materials has been investigated by tuning the band gaps. The materials demonstrated outstanding optical characteristics, such as high absorption coefficients and low reflection. They exhibited impressive absorption coefficient (α = 105 cm−1) throughout a broad energy range, especially in the visible spectrum (105 cm−1 region). The findings show that the compounds demonstrate lower reflectivity in the visible and UV regions, making them suitable for single-junction photovoltaic cells and optoelectronic applications. The Voigt–Reuss–Hill averaging technique has been employed to derive elastic parameters like bulk modulus (B), Young’s modulus, shear modulus (G), the Pugh ratio (B/G) and the Frantesvich ratio (G/B) at 0.1 GPa. The mechanical stability of the compounds was analyzed using the Born stability criteria. Pugh’s ratio and Frantesvich’s ratio show that all the compounds are ductile, making them ideal for flexible optical applications.
Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Using Hybrid Meta-ROI of MRI Structural Images
Authors: Zheng Xiaoming ,   on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2024

Background: The averaged cortical thickness of meta-ROI is currently being used for the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using structural MRI brain images. The purpose of this work is to present a hybrid meta-ROI for the detection of AD. Methods: The AD detectability of selected cortical and volumetric regions of the brain was examined using signal detection theory. The top performing cortical and volumetric ROIs were taken as input nodes to the artificial neural network (ANN) for AD classification. Results: An AD diagnostic accuracy of 91.9% was achieved by using a hybrid meta-ROI consisting of thicknesses of entorhinal and middle temporal cortices, and the volumes of the hippocampus and inferior lateral ventricles. Pairing inferior lateral ventricle dilation with hippocampal volume reduction improves AD detectability by 5.1%. Conclusions: Hybrid meta-ROI, including the dilation of inferior lateral ventricles, outperformed both cortical thickness- and volumetric-based meta-ROIs in the detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Validation of the 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid Syndrome Classification Criteria in a Cohort from Turkey
Authors: Mısırcı Salim , Ekin Ali , Yağız Burcu , Coşkun Belkıs Nihan , Dalkılıç Ediz , Pehlivan Yavuz
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Our aim was to validate the performance of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), published in 2023, in an APS cohort. Methods: A total of 193 patients, 83 with APS (secondary APS, n = 45; primary APS, n = 38) and 110 without APS (systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), n = 100; others, n = 10), were included in this study. The performance (sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC)) of the 2023 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for APS was evaluated and the agreement with the revised Sapporo criteria was compared using the kappa test. Results: In our cohort, the sensitivity and specificity of the 2023 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for APS were 73% and 94%, respectively (AUC: 0.836, 95% CI: 0.772–0.899), while the sensitivity and specificity of the revised Sapporo criteria were 66% and 98%, respectively (95% CI: 0.756–0.888). The performance of the two sets of criteria in our cohort was significantly consistent and significant (p < 0.001). When the sensitivity, specificity and ROC curve analysis were performed again by excluding livedo racemosa, the sensitivity of the new criteria in our cohort was 62% and the specificity was 100% (AUC: 0.813, 95% CI: 0.746–0.881). Conclusions: Although the newly published criteria broaden the scope of APS classification by including clinical findings other than thrombosis and obstetric criteria, their sensitivity in our cohort was low. On the other hand, we found that the specificity of the criteria in our cohort reached 100% when livedo findings were excluded.
Retrospective Investigator-Initiated Trial on Tocopherol Acetate Vaginal Administration in Pre-and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Venditti Noemi , Petronio Petronio Giulio , Guarnieri Antonio , Pietrangelo Laura , Spicciato Angela , Colalillo Alessio , Sabusco Giovanna Paola , Barattini Dionisio Franco , Di Franco Aldo , Papini Stefano , Cosentino Francesco , Di Marco Roberto
Published: October 2024

Background: Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, often adversely affects physical, mental, sexual, and emotional well-being due to low estrogen levels. This study examines the impact of vaginal ovules with tocopherol acetate (Filme Gyno-V® ovules, manufactured by Panin Srl and distributed by Hulka Srl, Italy), 500 mg per ovule, on vaginal health in pre- and menopausal women. Methods: Fifty women aged 50–70 were divided into menopausal (28) and premenopausal (22) cohorts and treated with the ovules for two weeks, with assessments before and after treatment. Results: The findings showed that distressing symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse, were resolved post-treatment. A molecular analysis revealed a reduction in Escherichia coli in both cohorts and an increase in three species of Lactobacillus in premenopausal patients. Conclusions: This study concludes that Filme Gyno-V ovules may benefit vaginal health by alleviating atrophy symptoms and promoting healthy vaginal microbiota.
The Effects of Depth and Altitude on Image-Based Shark Size Measurements Using UAV Surveillance
Authors: Rex Patrick T. , Abbott Kevin J. , Prezgay Rebecca E. , Lowe Christopher G.
Published: October 2024

Drones are an ecological tool used increasingly in shark research over the past decade. Due to their high-resolution camera and GPS systems, they have been used to estimate the sizes of animals using drone-based photogrammetry. Previous studies have used drone altitude to measure the target size accuracy of objects at the surface; however, target depth and its interaction with altitude have not been studied. We used DJI Mavic 3 video (3960 × 2160 pixel) and images (5280 × 3960 pixel) to measure an autonomous underwater vehicle of known size traveling at six progressively deeper depths to assess how sizing accuracy from a drone at 10 m to 80 m altitude is affected. Drone altitudes below 40 m and target depths below 2 m led to an underestimation of size of 76%. We provide evidence that accounting for the drone’s altitude and the target depth can significantly increase accuracy to 5% underestimation or less. Methods described in this study can be used to measure free-swimming, submerged shark size with accuracy that rivals hand-measuring methods.
Mixed Mutual Transfer for Long-Tailed Image Classification
Authors: Ren Ning , Li Xiaosong , Wu Yanxia , Fu Yan
Published: October 2024

Real-world datasets often follow a long-tailed distribution, where a few majority (head) classes contain a large number of samples, while many minority (tail) classes contain significantly fewer samples. This imbalance creates an information disparity between head and tail classes, which can negatively impact the performance of deep networks. Some transfer knowledge techniques attempt to mitigate this gap by generating additional minority samples, either through oversampling the tail classes or transferring knowledge from the head classes to the tail classes. However, these methods often restrict the diversity of the generated minority samples, primarily focusing on transferring information only to the tail classes. This paper introduces a simple yet effective method for long-tailed classification, called mixed mutual transfer (MMT), which facilitates the mutual transfer of knowledge between head and tail classes by blending samples. The core idea of our method is to create new samples by blending head and tail samples. Head samples are selected using a uniform sampler that retains the long-tailed distribution, while tail samples are selected using a differential sampler that reverses the long-tailed distribution to alleviate imbalance. Our approach aims to diversify both tail and head classes. During the training phase, we utilize the generated samples to update the original dataset for training deep networks. Mixed mutual transfer simultaneously enhances the performance of both head and tail classes. Experimental results on various class-imbalanced datasets show that the proposed method significantly outperforms existing methods, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving the performance of long-tailed deep networks.