bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current challenges on the widespread adoption of new bio-based fertilizers: insights to move forward toward more circular food systems
Authors: Álvarez Salas Mario , Sica Pietro , Rydgård Maja , Sitzmann Tomas Javier , Nyang’au Jared Onyango , El Mahdi Jihane , Moshkin Egor , de Castro e Silva Hellen Luisa , Chrysanthopoulos Stamatis , Kopp Clara , Wali Khan , Zireeni Yusra , Ural-Janssen Aslihan , El Hajj Hassan Samaya , Kebalo Lelenda Florent , Chadwick David , Jensen Lars Stoumann
Published: July 2024

To meet global food demands sustainably, it is necessary to safeguard finite natural resources and reduce harmful emissions to the environment. Nutrients in biowastes are often not managed appropriately. Instead, they can be recovered, recycled into bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) and reincorporated into food production systems. This review addresses three critical issues for developing and adopting new BBFs, focusing on the European context: (1) BBFs should match the agronomic efficiency of mineral fertilizers. We propose that the agronomic efficiency of BBFs can be increased through pre-treating the inputs in biowaste transformation processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion), chemical treatments of existing BBFs, organo-mineral combinations, and soil placement strategies. (2) Production and use of new BBFs is not free of environmental impacts, and these are influenced by regional conditions. (3) Public perception and end-user preferences play a significant role in the adoption of BBFs. Therefore, it is vital to address the requirements of end-users of BBFs. Our findings indicate that for widespread adoption, BBFs need sufficient and reliable nutrient amounts and crop-adequate ratios, as well as competitive pricing. A key advantage of BBFs over mineral fertilizers is their ability to improve soil fertility. However, farmers also require fertilizers that can be handled and applied with existing machinery and offer the practicality of commercial products. Another important aspect is the willingness of consumers to buy products fertilized with BBFs. Designing and promoting BBFs requires a careful assessment of environmental impacts and regional conditions, as the sustainability of BBFs depends on factors like energy sources and biowaste transport distances. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a circular economy and not just to substitute mineral fertilizers with new products. This review aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders by highlighting key innovations and addressing critical barriers.
To further incorporate computer-aided designs to improve preoperative planning in total hip arthroplasty: a cohort study
Authors: Cheng Kai , Zhu Haotian , Peng Yuanhao , Yan Han , Wen Xinghua , Cheng Zixuan , Ding Huanwen
Published: July 2024

Background

Hip replacement surgeries are increasing in demand, requiring rigorous improvements to a mature surgical protocol. Postoperative patient dissatisfaction mainly stems from postoperative complications resulting from the inappropriate selection of prostheses to meet the needs of each patient. This results in prosthesis loosening, hospital-related fractures, and postoperative complex pain, which can all be attributed to inappropriate sizing. In this study, we aimed to further explore the intraoperative and postoperative benefits of incorporating computer-aided design (CAD) in preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

A total of 62 patients requiring total hip replacement surgery from January 2021 to December 2021 were collected and randomly divided into a preoperative computer-aided simulated group and a conventional x-ray interpretation group. The accuracy of implant size selection (femoral and acetabular implant) between the preoperative planning and surgical procedure of the two groups was compared. Patient parameters, perioperative Harris hip scores, operative time (skin-to-skin time), surgical blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were recorded, and the differences between the two groups were statistically compared using a single sample t-test.

Results

All patients in the study were successfully operated on and achieved good postoperative functional recovery. With CAD, the selection of the most suitable-sized prosthesis was significantly more accurate compared to the control group (accuracy of the acetabular component between the CAD/control: 80.6%/61.3%, and accuracy of the femoral component: 83.9%/67.7%). Intraoperative blood loss (177.4/231.0 ml, P = 0.002), operation time (84.2 ± 19.8 min/100.3 ± 25.9 min, P = 0.008), duration of hospital stay (6.5 ± 3/9.1 ± 3.9 days, P = 0.003), and postoperative Harris hip score (81.9 ± 6.5/74.7 ± 11.1, P = 0.003) were compared to the control group and showed statistical significance.

Conclusion

Incorporating CAD into the preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty can effectively guide the selection of the most suitable-sized prosthesis, reduce intraoperative blood loss, and promote short-term functional recovery after THA.
Hardness and Approximability of Dimension Reduction on the Probability Simplex
Authors: Bruno Roberto
Published: July 2024

Dimension reduction is a technique used to transform data from a high-dimensional space into a lower-dimensional space, aiming to retain as much of the original information as possible. This approach is crucial in many disciplines like engineering, biology, astronomy, and economics. In this paper, we consider the following dimensionality reduction instance: Given an n-dimensional probability distribution p and an integer m<n, we aim to find the m-dimensional probability distribution q that is the closest to p, using the Kullback–Leibler divergence as the measure of closeness. We prove that the problem is strongly NP-hard, and we present an approximation algorithm for it.
Crystal Symmetry-Inspired Algorithm for Optimal Design of Contemporary Mono Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell Solar Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Vais Ram Ishwar , Sahay Kuldeep , Chiranjeevi Tirumalasetty , Devarapalli Ramesh , Knypiński Łukasz
Published: July 2024

A metaheuristic algorithm named the Crystal Structure Algorithm (CrSA), which is inspired by the symmetric arrangement of atoms, molecules, or ions in crystalline minerals, has been used for the accurate modeling of Mono Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) WSMD-545 and CS7L-590 MS solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The suggested algorithm is a concise and parameter-free approach that does not need the identification of any intrinsic parameter during the optimization stage. It is based on crystal structure generation by combining the basis and lattice point. The proposed algorithm is adopted to minimize the sum of the squares of the errors at the maximum power point, as well as the short circuit and open circuit points. Several runs are carried out to examine the V-I characteristics of the PV panels under consideration and the nature of the derived parameters. The parameters generated by the proposed technique offer the lowest error over several executions, indicating that it should be implemented in the present scenario. To validate the performance of the proposed approach, convergence curves of Mono PERC WSMD-545 and CS7L-590 MS PV modules obtained using the CrSA are compared with the convergence curves obtained using the recent optimization algorithms (OAs) in the literature. It has been observed that the proposed approach exhibited the fastest rate of convergence on each of the PV panels.
Mixed Graph Colouring as Scheduling a Partially Ordered Set of Interruptible Multi-Processor Tasks with Integer Due Dates
Authors: Mihova Evangelina I. , Sotskov Yuri N.
Published: July 2024

We investigate relationships between scheduling problems with the bottleneck objective functions (minimising makespan or maximal lateness) and problems of optimal colourings of the mixed graphs. The investigated scheduling problems have integer durations of the multi-processor tasks (operations), integer release dates and integer due dates of the given jobs. In the studied scheduling problems, it is required to find an optimal schedule for processing the partially ordered operations, given that operation interruptions are allowed and indicated subsets of the unit-time operations must be processed simultaneously. First, we show that the input data for any considered scheduling problem can be completely determined by the corresponding mixed graph. Second, we prove that solvable scheduling problems can be reduced to problems of finding optimal colourings of corresponding mixed graphs. Third, finding an optimal colouring of the mixed graph is equivalent to the considered scheduling problem determined by the same mixed graph. Finally, due to the proven equivalence of the considered optimisation problems, most of the results that were proven for the optimal colourings of mixed graphs generate similar results for considered scheduling problems, and vice versa.
A Framework for Messy Communication: A Qualitative Study of Competing Voices of Authority on Social Media
Authors: Meyer Seth J. , Wiley Kimberly
Published: July 2024

While governments, nonprofits, and influencers differ dramatically in their resource availability for social media content creation and their duties to public safety, health, and welfare, all play a role in communication with the public at large. Governments provide for the broader public good and nonprofits and influencers have the opportunity to serve isolated communities vulnerable to social ills and health crises. We explore how these three content creator groups concurrently and independently use social media to provide critical information. We qualitatively coded 1392 posts by governments, nonprofits, and influencers on 6 social media platforms shared across the United States during the 2022 Mpox outbreak. We constructed a framework defining a public health communication progression from chaotic to controlled. The findings indicated that governments can reach minoritized communities to resolve a public health crisis by partnering with nonprofits and influencers trusted by these audiences and, most importantly, practicing flexible control over shared messaging.
Compound Attitude Control Strategy for Reusable Launch Vehicle Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yang Shunfu , Gan Lu , Wang Tianyi , Zhu Enze , Yang Ling , Chen Hu
Published: July 2024

This study introduces an advanced dual-mode compound attitude control framework for reusable launch vehicles (RLVs), underpinned by an enhanced particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. This innovative strategy is tailored to meet the stringent demands for precision and robust anti-interference capabilities across the entire flight envelope of RLVs. The research commences with the formulation of a comprehensive attitude dynamics model and diverse heterogeneous actuator representations, meticulously crafted to reflect the distinct phases of RLV flight. Building upon this foundation, a synergistic control paradigm is engineered, integrating PID and fuzzy PID controllers and dynamically adjusting the inertia weights and learning factors of the PSO algorithm to achieve the balance between global and local optimization performance, complemented by a refined fitness evaluation function. The crux of the study is the application of an upgraded PSO algorithm to fine-tune the controllers’ weighting coefficients, culminating in an optimized dual-mode compound attitude control system. A series of comparative simulation analyses are thoroughly executed to appraise the system’s responsiveness, stability, precision, and resilience to interference. The simulation outcomes demonstrate an average reduction of 42.21% in step response overshoot, an 18.52% decrease in settling time, a 53.18% decline in steady-state error, a 56.80% drop in the maximum deviation value, a 55.82% improvement in recovery speed, and a 75.61% enhancement in tracking precision for the proposed controller. The findings clearly verify the superior performance of the proposed control system, affirming its contribution to the advancement of RLV attitude control. The proposed controller holds promising potential for real application in attitude control systems and is poised to augment the reliability and mission success rate of RLVs under intricate flight scenarios.
Proteomic Identification and Quantification of Basal Endogenous Proteins in the Ileal Digesta of Growing Pigs
Authors: Ávila-Arres Iris Elisa , Rodríguez Hernández Elba , Gómez Rosales Sergio , Reis de Souza Tércia Cesária , Mariscal-Landín Gerardo
Published: July 2024

The accurate estimation of basal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids at the ileum is indispensable to improve nutrient utilization efficiency. This study used a quantitative proteomic approach to identify variations in BEL in the ileal digesta of growing pigs fed a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or a casein diet (CAS). Eight barrow pigs (39.8 ± 6.3 kg initial body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 crossover design. A total of 348 proteins were identified and quantified in both treatments, of which 101 showed a significant differential abundance between the treatments (p < 0.05). Functional and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the endogenous proteins were associated with intestinal metabolic function. Furthermore, differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in the digesta of pigs fed the NFD enriched terms and pathways that suggest intestinal inflammation, the activation of innate antimicrobial host defense, an increase in cellular autophagy and epithelial turnover, and reduced synthesis of pancreatic and intestinal secretions. These findings suggest that casein diets may provide a more accurate estimation of BEL because they promote normal gastrointestinal secretions. Overall, proteomic and bioinformatic analyses provided valuable insights into the composition of endogenous proteins in the ileal digesta and their relationship with the functions, processes, and pathways modified by diet composition.
The Influence of Male Biostimulation on Cloacal Anatomy and Egg-Laying Behavior in Young Female Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata forma domestica)
Authors: Linde Martin , Wehrend Axel , Farshad Abbas
Published: July 2024

The importance of Muscovy ducks in industrial poultry production is growing; however, little is known about the physiology of their reproductive cycles. This study investigated the influence of male biostimulation on female ducks before the commencement of the laying phase. A total of 30 muscovy ducks, hatched in the same year at 289–341 days of age, were divided into two groups of 15 birds each and kept with and without contact with a male duck until the day of first egg-laying—319 ± 14 and 335 ± 13, respectively. Before reaching egg-laying maturity, the cloacae of 29 adult ducks were subjected to daily clinical assessments. The evaluations yielded four unique categories of outcomes, determined by assessing factors such as the degree of redness and protrusion of the mucous membrane, the moisture level, and swelling of the cloacal sphincter muscle. The results of this study on biostimulation revealed that, on average, female ducks that had contact with males laid their first egg 16 days earlier, weighing 78.7 ± 3.0 g, compared to the isolated female ducks, weighing 79.1 ± 7.0 g. Furthermore, there was no significant difference observed in the mean initial egg weight between the groups (p = 0.841). The cloacal morphology indicated significant morphological changes 25–26 days before laying. Efforts to improve Muscovy production and develop biotechnological techniques to modify these ducks’ reproductive cycle will benefit from these advancements.
Effect of Heat Stress on Subsequent Estrous Cycles Induced by PGF2α in Cross-Bred Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Thammahakin Passawat , Yawongsa Adisorn , Rukkwamsuk Theera
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to determine the effect of heat stress (HS) on reproductive parameters (calving to first service (CTFS) and the first-service conception rate (FSCR)) and general physiological responses (rectal temperature (RT) and respiratory rate (RR)) in tropical cross-bred Holstein dairy cows raised in Ratchaburi province, Thailand. HS was determined using the temperature–humidity index (THI), calculated from temperature and humidity inside the barns, and was classified as moderate HS (THI: 80.67 ± 0.79) and mild HS (THI: 77.81 ± 1.09) in this study. Cows with detected corpus luteum were defined as cyclic cows and were injected with PGF2α at the beginning of the experimental period. Reproductive and physiological parameters were recorded. Cows showed significantly lower RT and RR in the mild HS group (38.47 ± 0.21 °C and 41.04 ± 4.55 bpm, respectively) than in the moderate HS group (38.87 ± 0.15 °C and 51.17 ± 10.52 bpm). The percentage of cows that ovulated after being induced by PGF2α and showed estrus signs was higher in the mild than the moderate HS groups (54.55% vs. 18.18%). Furthermore, the FSCR of cows under mild HS tended to be higher than that in the moderate HS group (42.11% and 15%, respectively) (p = 0.06), while the average CTFS interval was significantly shorter under mild HS than moderate HS (69.47 ± 18.18 and 84.60 ± 27.68 days, respectively). These results indicate that moderate HS impairs reproductive performance in crossbred Holstein cows, compared to mild HS conditions.
Sequential Behavior of Broiler Chickens in Enriched Environments under Varying Thermal Conditions Using the Generalized Sequential Pattern Algorithm: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Massari Juliana Maria , Moura Daniella Jorge de , Nääs Irenilza de Alencar , Pereira Danilo Florentino , Oliveira Stanley Robson de Medeiros , Branco Tatiane , Barros Juliana de Souza Granja
Published: July 2024

Behavior analysis is a widely used non-invasive tool in the practical production routine, as the animal acts as a biosensor capable of reflecting its degree of adaptation and discomfort to some environmental challenge. Conventional statistics use occurrence data for behavioral evaluation and well-being estimation, disregarding the temporal sequence of events. The Generalized Sequential Pattern (GSP) algorithm is a data mining method that identifies recurrent sequences that exceed a user-specified support threshold, the potential of which has not yet been investigated for broiler chickens in enriched environments. Enrichment aims to increase environmental complexity with promising effects on animal welfare, stimulating priority behaviors and potentially reducing the deleterious effects of heat stress. The objective here was to validate the application of the GSP algorithm to identify temporal correlations between heat stress and the behavior of broiler chickens in enriched environments through a proof of concept. Video image collection was carried out automatically for 48 continuous hours, analyzing a continuous period of seven hours, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, during two consecutive days of tests for chickens housed in enriched and non-enriched environments under comfort and stress temperatures. Chickens at the comfort temperature showed high motivation to perform the behaviors of preening (P), foraging (F), lying down (Ld), eating (E), and walking (W); the sequences <{Ld,P}>; <{Ld,F}>; <{P,F,P}>; <{Ld,P,F}>; and <{E,W,F}> were the only ones observed in both treatments. All other sequential patterns (comfort and stress) were distinct, suggesting that environmental enrichment alters the behavioral pattern of broiler chickens. Heat stress drastically reduced the sequential patterns found at the 20% threshold level in the tested environments. The behavior of lying laterally “Ll” is a strong indicator of heat stress in broilers and was only frequent in the non-enriched environment, which may suggest that environmental enrichment provides the animal with better opportunities to adapt to stress-inducing challenges, such as heat.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Methods in Processing of Emotions, Decisions, and Opinions
Authors: Ptaszynski Michal , Dybala Pawel , Rzepka Rafal
Published: July 2024

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) has profoundly impacted our understanding of emotions, decision-making, and opinions, particularly within the context of the Internet and social media [...]
Reduction of Phase Shifters in Planar Phased Arrays Using Novel Random Subarray Techniques
Authors: Valle Juan L. , Panduro Marco A. , del Río Bocio Carlos , Brizuela Carlos A. , Covarrubias David H.
Published: July 2024

Reducing the number of phase shifters by grouping antenna elements into subarrays has been extensively studied for decades. The number of phase shifters directly affects the cost, complexity, and power consumption of the system. A novel method for the design of phased planar antenna arrays is presented in this work in order to perform a reduction of up to 70% in the number of phase shifters used by the array, while maintaining the desired radiation characteristics. This method consists of creating fusions of subarrays to generate random sequences that form the best feeding network configuration for planar phased arrays. The obtained solution allows scanning the mainlobe at θ=−40∘ elevation with a range of scanning of [−75∘<ϕ<75∘] in the azimuth plane, while maintaining a side lobe level below −10 dB and achieving a reduction of 62% in the number of phase shifters. It is shown that each solution is created based on search criteria, which influence the morphology of the array in terms of subarray size and orientation. The proposed methodology shows great flexibility for creating new phased antenna array designs that meet the requirements of specific applications in a short period of time.
Characterization and Theoretical Analysis of the Venus Flytrap Trigger Hair
Authors: Qian Yanhao , Chen Siyuan , Zhang Zihao , Bao Guanyu , Ma Mingchen , Wang Kejun , Liu Chao , Wang Qian
Published: July 2024

The Venus flytrap, which possesses a number of mechano-sensitive trigger hairs, is a typical carnivorous plant that effectively senses and catches insects to survive in nutrient-poor habitats. When insects touch the trigger hairs on a leaf, once they reach the threshold, the Venus flytrap induces an action potential and sharply closes to capture the prey. In this paper, the trigger hairs obtain a special cantilever beam structure with a stiff hair lever and a flexible basal podium, and there is a noticeable notched structure at the basal podium, which differs from a common homogeneous hair. Based on the characteristics of the Venus flytrap trigger hairs, we established a three-dimensional model and conducted theoretical and finite element analysis. The results show that the unique hollow heterogeneous cantilever structure of the Venus flytrap trigger hair can achieve high sensitivity and optimal tactile perception. Overall, the morphology, structure and mechanical characteristics of Venus flytrap trigger hairs were characterized in detail, which may provide a deeper understanding of the trigger hairs’ tactile perception mechanism. And the mechanical simulation and optimization analysis of Venus flytrap trigger hairs had an important theoretical basis and parameter support for the further design of state-of-the-art tactile sensors with high sensitivity inspired by Venus flytrap trigger hairs.
Study on the Vibration Effects of Cyclic Blasting on Bridge Structures under Construction
Authors: Che Yunhao , Chi Enan
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the impact of cyclic tunnel blasting on adjacent bridge structures under construction. Monitoring vibration velocities of the bridge deck, piers, and middle column adjacent to the Zhanma Tian Tunnel, a three-dimensional numerical model was developed using FLAC3D software, utilizing blasting vibration test data from the Zhanma Tian Tunnel project in Guizhou. Results show that, as the distance between the bridge and tunnel increases, vibration velocity at the bridge deck decreases more rapidly compared to the base of the pier. Peak vibration velocities recorded were 0.235 cm/s for the bridge deck, 0.081 cm/s for the pier base, and a predicted 0.209 cm/s for the middle column. The impact order from blasting vibrations on the bridge structure is: pier base, middle column, bridge deck. Peak vibration velocity induced by blasting ranged between 0.05 and 0.25 cm/s, within safe limits of bridge material strength. Eight daily blasting cycles do not compromise the safety of bridge structures located 43 m away.
Removal Characteristics of Gas-Phase D-Limonene in Biotrickling Filter and Stoichiometric Analysis of Biological Reaction Using Carbon Mass Balance
Authors: Choi Youngyu , Kim Daekeun
Published: July 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose significant risks to human health and environmental quality, prompting stringent regulations on their emissions from various industrial processes. Among VOCs, d-limonene stands out due to its low threshold and contribution to malodorous emissions. While biofiltration presents a promising approach for VOC removal, including d-limonene, a comprehensive understanding of its performance and kinetics is lacking. This study aims to comprehensively assess the performance of a lab-scale biotrickling filter in treating gas-phase d-limonene. The experimental results indicate that the biotrickling filter efficiently removed d-limonene, achieving a critical loading rate of 19.4 g m−3 h−1 and a maximum elimination capacity of 31.8 g m−3 h−1 (correspondingly, up to 85% removal) at the condition of 94.2 s of EBRT. Microbial activity played a significant role in biotrickling filter performance, with a strong linear correlation being observed between CO2 production and substrate consumption. The Michaelis–Menten model was employed to represent enzyme-catalyzed reactions, suggesting no inhibition during biotrickling filter operation.
Temporal Distribution of Extreme Precipitation in Barcelona (Spain) under Multi-Fractal n-Index with Breaking Point
Authors: Gacon Benoît , Santuy David , Redolat Darío
Published: July 2024

Rainfall regimes are experiencing variations due to climate change, and these variations are adequately simulated by Earth System Models at a daily scale for most regions. However, there are not enough raw outputs to study extreme and sub-daily precipitation patterns on a local scale. To address this challenge, Monjo developed the n-index by characterizing the intensity and concentration of precipitation based on mono-fractal theory. In this study, we explore the use of a multi-fractal approach to establish a more accurate method of time scaling useful to study extreme precipitation events at a finer temporal resolution. This study was carried out on the reference station of Barcelona (Spain) and its surroundings in order to be representative of the Mediterranean climate. For return periods between 2 and 50 years, two variables were analyzed: the n-index and the reference intensity I0. Moreover, a new parameter, the so-called “breaking point”, was designed here to describe the reference intensity I0, which is predominant for low time ranges. The results showed that both parameters are dependent on the time steps and the return period, and the scores confirmed the validity of our approach. Finally, the n-index was projected under downscaled CMIP6 climate scenarios by 2100, showing a sustained increase of up to +10%.
Study on the Influence of the Cell Structure on the Pressure Drop of Gasoline Particulate Filter
Authors: Huang Lishuan , He Chao , Yang Nan , Li Jiaqiang , Chen Yanlin , Yu Haisheng , Wang Dongge , Yao Yangyu
Published: July 2024

The cell structure of a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) is made up of thousands of individual cells. Although the symmetric square cell structure of the GPF is commonly used internationally, several cell designs have been proposed to reduce the pressure drop in the GPF trapping process. The aim of this paper was to use AVL-Fire software to establish GPF models of different cell structures, mainly including the symmetric square cell structure, asymmetric square cell structure, and symmetric hexagonal cell structure, and analyze the GPF pressure drop characteristics of different cell structures according to the carrier structural parameters and altitude. The results show that compared with the pressure drop of the symmetric square cell structure, the pressure drop of the asymmetric cell structure with inlet/outlet side length ratios ranging from 1.1 to 1.4 is decreased by 4.61%, 9.07%, 12.19%, and 13.22%, respectively, and the pressure drop of the symmetric hexagonal cell structure is decreased by 33.17%. Both asymmetric and symmetric hexagonal cell structure GPFs can decrease the pressure drop during trapping by increasing the cell density. From 200 CPSI to 300 CPSI, the pressure drop of the asymmetric cell structure with inlet/outlet side length ratios ranging from 1.1 to 1.4 is decreased by 20.43%, 20.53%, 20.39%, and 18.56%, respectively, and the pressure drop of the symmetric hexagonal cell structure is decreased by 18.70%. The pressure drop values of GPFs with asymmetric and symmetric hexagonal cell structures show an increasing trend with an increasing filter wall thickness and inlet/outlet plug length. The pressure drop values of GPFs with asymmetric and symmetric hexagonal cell structures show an increasing trend with an increasing altitude, and the larger the inlet/outlet ratio, the more significant the increase in the pressure drop.
Diversity Analysis of Fungi Distributed in Inhalable and Respirable Size Fractions of Aerosols: A Report from Kuwait
Authors: Habibi Nazima , Uddin Saif , Behbehani Montaha , Kishk Mohammad , Khan Mohd. Wasif , Al-Fouzan Wadha A.
Published: July 2024

Fungi are an important part of the atmospheric ecosystem yet an underexplored group. Airborne pathogenic fungi are the root cause of hypersensitive and allergenic states highly prevalent in Kuwait. Frequent dust storms in the region carry them further into the urban areas, posing an occupational health hazard. The fungal population associated with the respirable (more than 2.5 µm) and inhalable (2.5 µm and less) fractions of aerosols is negligibly explored and warrants comprehensive profiling to pinpoint tAhe health implications. For the present investigation, aerosol was collected using a high-volume air sampler coupled with a six-stage cascade impactor (Tisch Environmental, Inc) at a rate of 566 L min−1. The samples were lysed, DNA was extracted, and the internal transcribed regions were sequenced through targeted amplicon sequencing. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Gleotinia and Cryptococcus were recorded in all the size fractions with mean relative abundances (RA%) of 17.5%, 12.9%, 12.9%, 4.85%, 4.08%, 2.77%, and 2.51%, respectively. A weak community structure was associated with each size fraction (ANOSIM r2 = 0.11; p > 0.05). The Shannon and Simpson indices also varied among the respirable and inhalable aerosols. About 24 genera were significantly differentially abundant, as described through the Wilcoxon rank sum test (p < 0.05). The fungal microbiome existed as a complex lattice of networks exhibiting both positive and negative correlations and were involved in 428 functions. All the predominant genera were pathogenic, hence, their presence in inhalable fractions raises concerns and poses an occupational exposure risk to both human and non-human biota. Moreover, long-range transport of these fungi to urban locations is undesirable yet plausible.
A Reconstruction of May–June Mean Temperature since 1775 for Conchos River Basin, Chihuahua, Mexico, Using Tree-Ring Width
Authors: Martínez-Sifuentes Aldo Rafael , Villanueva-Díaz José , Trucíos-Caciano Ramón , López-Hernández Nuria Aide , Estrada-Ávalos Juan , Rodríguez-Moreno Víctor Manuel
Published: July 2024

Currently there are several precipitation reconstructions for northern Mexico; however, there is a lack of temperature reconstructions to understand past climate change, the impact on ecosystems and societies, etc. The central region of Chihuahua is located in a transition zone between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Great Northern Plain, characterized by extreme temperatures and marked seasonal variability. The objectives of this study were (1) to generate a climatic association between variables from reanalysis models and the earlywood series for the center of Chihuahua, (2) to generate a reconstruction of mean temperature, (3) to determine extreme events, and (4) to identify the influence of ocean–atmosphere phenomena. Chronologies were downloaded from the International Tree-Ring Data Bank and climate information from the NLDAS-2 and ClimateNA reanalysis models. The response function was performed using climate models and regional dendrochronological series. A reconstruction of mean temperature was generated, and extreme periods were identified. The representativeness of the reconstruction was evaluated through spatial correlation, and low-frequency events were determined through multitaper spectral analysis and wavelet analysis. The influence of ocean–atmosphere phenomena on temperature reconstruction was analyzed using Pearson correlation, and the influence of ENSO was examined through wavelet coherence analysis. Highly significant correlations were found for maximum, minimum, and mean temperature, as well as for precipitation and relative humidity, before and after the growth year. However, the seasonal period with the highest correlation was found from May to June for mean temperature, which was used to generate the reconstruction from 1775 to 2022. The most extreme periods were 1775, 1801, 1805, 1860, 1892–1894, 1951, 1953–1954, and 2011–2012. Spectral analysis showed significant frequencies of 56.53 and 2.09 years, and wavelet analysis from 0 to 2 years from 1970 to 1980, from 8 to 11 years from 1890 to 1910, and from 30 to 70 years from 1860 to 2022. A significant association was found with the Multivariate ENSO Index phenomenon (r = 0.40; p = 0.009) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (r = −0.38; p = 0.000). Regarding the ENSO phenomenon, an antiphase association of r = −0.34; p = 0.000 was found, with significant periods of 1 to 4 years from 1770 to 1800, 1845 to 1850, and 1860 to 1900, with periods of 6 to 10 years from 1875 to 1920, and from 6 to 8 years from 1990 to 2000. This study allowed a reconstruction of mean temperature through reanalysis data, as well as a historical characterization of temperature for central Chihuahua beyond the observed records.
Postfilament-Induced Two-Photon Fluorescence of Dyed Liquid Aerosol Enhanced by Structured Femtosecond Laser Pulse
Authors: Apeksimov Dmitry V. , Babushkin Pavel A. , Geints Yury E. , Kabanov Andrey M. , Khoroshaeva Elena E. , Oshlakov Victor K. , Petrov Alexey V. , Zemlyanov Alexander A.
Published: July 2024

Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) is actively used for remote sensing of atmospheric aerosols and is currently one of the most sensitive and selective techniques for determining small concentrations of substances inside particles. The use of high-power femtosecond laser sources for LIFS-based remote sensing of aerosols contributes to the development of new-generation fluorescence atmospheric lidars since it makes it possible to overcome the energy threshold for the nonlinear-optical effects of multiphoton absorption in particles and receive the emission signal at long distances in the atmosphere. Our study is aimed at the development and experimental demonstration of the technique of nonlinear laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (NLIFS) based on the remote excitation of aerosol fluorescent emission stimulated by a spatially structured high-power femtosecond laser pulse. Importantly, for the first time to our knowledge, we demonstrate the advances in using stochastically structured plasma-free intense light channels (postfilaments) specially formed by the propagation of femtosecond laser radiation through a turbulent air layer to improve NLIFS efficiency. A multiple increase in the received signal of two-photon-excited fluorescence of polydisperse-dyed aqueous aerosols by the structured postfilaments is reported.
Distribution of Fine Particulate Matter Pollution in Winter over Eastern China Affected by Synoptic Conditions
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Wu Huafeng , Zou Youjia , Wang Pinya
Published: July 2024

Based on the mean sea level pressure field and 10-meter wind field across eastern China, weather patterns were classified using principal component analysis in the T-model (T-PCA), and four weather conditions were identified. Weather conditions and meteorological factors affecting the winter PM2.5 concentration in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) were also analyzed. The results showed that there were significant differences in the PM2.5 distribution between BTH and the YRD under different weather conditions. The intensity and path of cold air played important roles in regulating the PM2.5 concentration distribution in eastern China. For the BTH region, under type 2 and type 4 conditions, the weather was stable, and heavy pollution frequently occurred; however, under type 1 and type 3 conditions, cold air was active, and the air quality improved. For the YRD, both type 1 and type 4 conditions lead to high PM2.5 concentrations in this region. Type 1 cold air flows southward along the northwestern path and is beneficial for transporting pollutants from BTH to the YRD, causing a high probability of PM2.5 pollution. Conversely, the southward movement of type 3 cold air along the eastern path was beneficial for pollutant diffusion in the YRD.
The Roles of RAC1 and RAC1B in Colorectal Cancer and Their Potential Contribution to Cetuximab Resistance
Authors: Wahoski Claudia C. , Singh Bhuminder
Published: July 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers and a leading contributor to cancer-related deaths in the United States. Clinically, standard treatment regimens include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; however, there has been increasing development and clinical use of targeted therapies for CRC. Unfortunately, many patients develop resistance to these treatments. Cetuximab, the first targeted therapy approved to treat advanced CRC, is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor and inhibits downstream pathway activation to restrict tumor cell growth and proliferation. CRC resistance to cetuximab has been well studied, and common resistance mechanisms include constitutive signal transduction through downstream protein mutations and promotion of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. While the most common resistance mechanisms are known, a proportion of patients develop resistance through unknown mechanisms. One protein predicted to contribute to therapy resistance is RAC1, a small GTPase that is involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement, cell migration, motility, and proliferation. RAC1 has also been shown to be overexpressed in CRC. Despite evidence that RAC1 and its alternative splice isoform RAC1B play important roles in CRC and the pathways known to contribute to cetuximab resistance, there is a need to directly study the relationship between RAC1 and RAC1B and cetuximab resistance. This review highlights the recent studies investigating RAC1 and RAC1B in the context of CRC and suggests that these proteins could play a role in resistance to cetuximab.
Cardiotoxicity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adults: A Scoping Study
Authors: Konstantinidis Ioannis , Tsokkou Sophia , Grigoriadis Savvas , Chrysavgi Lalayianni , Gavriilaki Eleni
Published: July 2024

Introduction: According to the National Cancer Institute of the NIH, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rapidly growing cancer with a large quantity of myeloblasts. AML is most often observed in adults over the age of 35, accounting for 1% of all cancer types. In 2023, the number of new cases being reported was estimated to reach around 20,380 in total and the rate of mortality in the same year was 1.9%, or 11,310 cases, in the US. Purpose: This scoping study aims to extensively assess and explore the degree of cardiotoxicity in patients with AML that can be caused due to pharmaceutical treatments prescribed by hematologists. This is achieved by performing extensive searches of different scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Results: A variety of options are available that are summarized in tables included herein, with each having their advantages and risks of adverse effects, among these being cardiotoxicity. Important medications found to play a significant role include gemtuzumab ozogamicin, venetoclax, and vyxeos. Conclusions: It is understandable that being familiar with all the treatment options available and every potential adverse effect is impossible. However, hematologists and, in general, physicians must try to be updated with the most recent information released to improve the quality of life of their patients and minimize the risk of additional complications.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibition to Sensitize Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer to Pemetrexed: A Double-Edged Strategy
Authors: Ivanina Foureau Anna V. , Foureau David M. , McHale Cody C. , Guo Fei , Farhangfar Carol J. , Mileham Kathryn F.
Published: July 2024

Phosphosidesterases (PDEs) are key regulators of cyclic nucleotide signaling, controlling many hallmarks of cancer and playing a role in resistance to chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated the anti-tumor activity of the anti-folate agent pemetrexed (PMX), alone or combined with biochemical inhibitors of PDE5, 8, 9, or 10, against squamous and non-squamous NCSLC cells. Genomic alterations to PDE genes (PDEmut) or PDE biochemical inhibition (PDEi) can sensitize NSCLC to PMX in vitro (observed in 50% NSCLC evaluated). The synergistic activity of PDEi with PMX required microdosing of the anti-folate drug. As single agents, none of the PDEis evaluated have anti-tumor activity. PDE biochemical inhibitors, targeting either cAMP or cGMP signaling (or both), resulted in significant cross-modulation of downstream pathways. The use of PDEi may present a new strategy to overcome PMX resistance of PDEwt NSCLC tumors but comes with important caveats, including the use of subtherapeutic PMX doses.
Citrullinated Histone H3, a Marker for Neutrophil Extracellular Traps, Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developing in Patients with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Ragot Hélène , Gaucher Sonia , Bonnet des Claustres Mathilde , Basset Justine , Boudan Rose , Battistella Maxime , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Hovnanian Alain , Titeux Matthias
Published: July 2024

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare severe hereditary skin disease characterized by skin and mucosa fragility, resulting in blister formation. The most severe complication in RDEB patients is the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), leading to premature death. There is a great deal of evidence suggesting a permissive tumor microenvironment (TME) as a driver of SCC development in RDEB patients. In a cohort of RDEB patients, we characterized the immune profiles of RDEB-SCCs and compared them with clinical, histopathological, and prognostic features. RDEB-SCCs were subdivided into four groups based on their occurrence (first onset or recurrences) and grading according to clinical, histopathological parameters of aggressiveness. Thirty-eight SCCs from 20 RDEB patients were analyzed. Five RDEB patients experienced an unfavorable course after the diagnosis of the first SCC, with early recurrence or metastasis, whereas 15 patients developed multiple SCCs without metastasis. High-risk primary RDEB-SCCs showed a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the tumor microenvironment and an increased proportion of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Additionally, citrullinated histone H3, a marker of NETs, was increased in the serum of RDEB patients with high-risk primary SCC, suggesting that this modified form of histone H3 may serve as a potential blood marker of unfavorable prognosis in RDEB-SCCs.
Short- and Long-Term Advantages of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Cancer
Authors: Puccetti Francesco , Cinelli Lorenzo , Turi Stefano , Socci Davide , Rosati Riccardo , Elmore Ugo ,   on behalf of the OSR CCeR Collaborative Group
Published: July 2024

Minimally invasive surgery has provided several clinical advantages in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) care, although a consensus on its application criteria remains unclear. Surgery remains a careful choice in elderly patients, who frequently present with frailty, comorbidities, and other disabling diseases. This study aims to assess the possible advantages of laparoscopic gastric resections in elderly patients presenting with LAGC. This retrospective study analyzed a single-center series of elderly patients (≥75 years) undergoing curative resections for LAGC between 2015 and 2020. A comparative analysis of open versus laparoscopic approaches was conducted, focusing on postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and long-term survival. A total of 62 patients underwent gastrectomy through an open or a laparoscopic approach (31 pts each). The study population did not show statistically significant differences in demographics, operative risk, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The laparoscopic group reported significantly minimized overall complications (45.2 vs. 71%, p = 0.039) and pulmonary complications (0 vs. 9.7%, p = 0.038) as well as a shorter LOS (8 vs. 12 days, p = 0.007). Lymph node harvest was equal between the groups, although long-term overall survival presented significantly better after laparoscopic gastrectomy (p = 0.048), without a relevant difference in terms of disease-free and disease-specific survivals. Laparoscopic gastrectomy proves effective in elderly LAGC patients, offering substantial short- and long-term postoperative benefits.
Overcoming Chemoresistance in Cancer: The Promise of Crizotinib
Authors: Musa Sanaa , Amara Noor , Selawi Adan , Wang Junbiao , Marchini Cristina , Agbarya Abed , Mahajna Jamal
Published: July 2024

Chemoresistance is a major obstacle in cancer treatment, often leading to disease progression and poor outcomes. It arises through various mechanisms such as genetic mutations, drug efflux pumps, enhanced DNA repair, and changes in the tumor microenvironment. These processes allow cancer cells to survive despite chemotherapy, underscoring the need for new strategies to overcome resistance and improve treatment efficacy. Crizotinib, a first-generation multi-target kinase inhibitor, is approved by the FDA for the treatment of ALK-positive or ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), refractory inflammatory (ALK)-positive myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) and relapsed/refractory ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Crizotinib exists in two enantiomeric forms: (R)-crizotinib and its mirror image, (S)-crizotinib. It is assumed that the R-isomer is responsible for the carrying out various processes reviewed here The S-isomer, on the other hand, shows a strong inhibition of MTH1, an enzyme important for DNA repair mechanisms. Studies have shown that crizotinib is an effective multi-kinase inhibitor targeting various kinases such as c-Met, native/T315I Bcr/Abl, and JAK2. Its mechanism of action involves the competitive inhibition of ATP binding and allosteric inhibition, particularly at Bcr/Abl. Crizotinib showed synergistic effects when combined with the poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARP), especially in ovarian cancer harboring BRCA gene mutations. In addition, crizotinib targets a critical vulnerability in many p53-mutated cancers. Unlike its wild-type counterpart, the p53 mutant promotes cancer cell survival. Crizotinib can cause the degradation of the p53 mutant, sensitizing these cancer cells to DNA-damaging substances and triggering apoptosis. Interestingly, other reports demonstrated that crizotinib exhibits anti-bacterial activity, targeting Gram-positive bacteria. Also, it is active against drug-resistant strains. In summary, crizotinib exerts anti-tumor effects through several mechanisms, including the inhibition of kinases and the restoration of drug sensitivity. The potential of crizotinib in combination therapies is emphasized, particularly in cancers with a high prevalence of the p53 mutant, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).