bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behcet’s disease in a tertiary eye hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Shalwani Tabish Ali , Khowaja Alishan , Punjwani Narmeen
Published: January 2025

Behçet’s disease is a kind of variable vessel vasculitis (VVV) and inflammatory systematic disease affecting various organs of the body. The cause of the disease is idiopathic but is most commonly genetic in origin. A positive skin prick test (dermatographia), genital sores, eye irritation, skin sores, and at least three episodes of mouth sores in a year confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include immunosuppressive agents, immune modulators, and biological markers such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antibodies. We report a case of a 23-year-old male patient, presented in an outpatient clinic in a tertiary care eye hospital located in Pakistan. The patient reported sudden loss of vision in one eye and graduate loss of vision in the other eye. Ocular and systemic investigations were performed to correlate with clinical findings to reach a diagnosis. The patient was managed symptomatically and was put on corticosteroids. Our hospital is a research and postgraduate educational institution that deals with complex eye diseases. The range of investigations and clinical exams helped clinical decision-makers in evaluating the patient’s diagnosis.
The proneural transcription factor Atoh1 promotes odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs)
Authors: Sabatini Camila , Lin Huey-Jiun , Ovik Galib , Hall Richard , Lee Techung
Published: January 2025

Background

Bioengineering of human teeth for replacement is an appealing regenerative approach in the era of gene therapy. Developmentally regulated transcription factors hold promise in the quest because these transcriptional regulators constitute the gene regulatory networks driving cell fate determination. Atonal homolog 1 (Atoh1) is a transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family essential for neurogenesis in the cerebellum, auditory hair cell differentiation, and intestinal stem cell specification. The functional versatility of Atoh1 prompted us to test the possibility that Atoh1 may intersect the dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) gene regulatory network governing odontogenic differentiation.

Methods

We isolated DPSCs from human dental pulps and treated the cells with a replication-deficient adenoviral vector to achieve robust ectopic expression of Atoh1, following which the growth and odontogenic differentiation profiles of DPSCs were characterized.

Results

DPSCs harboring the Atoh1 expression vector exhibited an approximately 3,000-fold increase in the expression of Atoh1 compared to the negative control, leading to increased DPSC proliferation in the growth medium (P < 0.05). In the odontogenic medium, Atoh1 caused an early induction of BMP2 (P < 0.001) followed by a late induction of BMP7 (P < 0.01) and increased Wnt signaling (P < 0.01). The increased BMP/Wnt signaling led to up to 8-fold increased expression of the master osteogenic transcription factor Osterix (P < 0.005) while exhibiting no significant effect on Runx2 or Dlx5, which are abundantly expressed in DPSCs. Atoh1 stimulated expression of type I collagen (P < 0.005) and small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) such as bone sialoprotein (P < 0.001), dentin matrix protein 1 (P < 0.05), dentin sialophosphoprotein (P < 0.005), and osteopontin (P < 0.001), resulting in increased dentin matrix mineralization (P < 0.05). The odontogenic phenotype is associated with metabolic remodeling marked by enhanced glycolytic flux and attenuated mitochondrial metabolic enzyme activities.

Conclusions

Atoh1, despite being a proneural transcription factor in development, possesses a novel odontogenic function upon ectopic expression in DPSCs. This in vitro study demonstrates a novel odontogenic mechanism mediated by ectopic expression of the transcription factor Atoh1 in human DPSCs. The finding may offer an innovative strategy for gene-based regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex.
NKX6.3 modulation of mitotic dynamics and genomic stability in gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Yoon Jung Hwan , Kim Jeong-Kyu , Eun Jung Woo , Ashktorab Hassan , Smoot Duane T. , Nam Suk Woo , Park Won Sang
Published: January 2025

Background

Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Mitotic integrity and genomic stability are crucial in maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing tumorigenesis. The transcription factor NKX6.3 has emerged as a potential regulator of these processes in gastric epithelial cells, prompting an investigation into its role in gastric cancer development.

Methods

We employed a combination of in vitro and in vivo techniques to elucidate the impact of NKX6.3 depletion on mitotic dynamics and genomic stability in gastric epithelial cells. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to assess the expression of mitosis-related genes and proteins. Flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate cell cycle distribution, while immunofluorescence microscopy enabled the visualization of mitotic abnormalities. Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-test and ANOVA, were performed to determine the significance of our findings.

Results

Our results demonstrate that NKX6.3 depletion leads to significant mitotic defects, characterized by increased chromosome misalignment and lagging chromosomes during anaphase. These abnormalities corresponded with elevated levels of genomic instability markers, indicating compromised genomic integrity. Furthermore, the loss of NKX6.3 resulted in altered expression of key regulatory proteins involved in mitosis and DNA repair pathways, suggesting a mechanistic link between NKX6.3 and the maintenance of genomic stability in gastric epithelial cells. Depletion of NKX6.3 resulted in accelerated cell cycle progression and the formation of abnormal mitotic figures, leading to genomic instability characterized by increased DNA content and structural abnormalities. In both in vitro and xenograft models, the depletion of NKX6.3 significantly upregulated AurkA and TPX2, which correlated with gains in DNA copy number. An inverse relationship was observed between NKX6.3 expression and the levels of AurkA and TPX2 in human gastric cancer tissues.

Conclusions

This study highlights the essential role of NKX6.3 in regulating mitotic integrity and genomic stability in gastric carcinogenesis. The findings suggest that targeting NKX6.3 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for improving treatment outcomes in gastric cancer by restoring mitotic fidelity and genomic stability.

Trial registration

This study was not registered.
New-onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Presenting as Bilateral Cataracts in a 15-year-old Girl
Authors: Gunaratne Naiomi , Tanenbaum Rebecca , Deplewski Dianne , Harris Marni , Rodriguez Sarah Hilkert
Published: January 2025

Cataracts secondary to type 1 or type 2 diabetes are not uncommon in adults; however, they are a rare finding in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. A 15-year-old girl presented with progressively worsened bilateral vision for 6 months. Her vision rapidly deteriorated over the previous month, prompting further evaluation that found bilateral cataracts with haziness in all layers and swollen lenses. Labs were done due to the findings and were significant for elevated serum glucose and hemoglobin A1c and mild diabetic ketoacidosis. Further testing confirmed type 1 diabetes. She had bilateral cataract surgery and has had a successful return of 20/20 vision in both eyes. The prevalence of early diabetic cataracts in the pediatric population is rare. Pathophysiology includes a defect in the polyol pathway, combined with oxidative stress, leading to increased fluid retention. Treatment involves cataract surgery and improved glycemic control. Current International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes guidelines recommend initial evaluation for cataracts and subsequent surveillance concomitant with diabetic retinopathy monitoring biennially with those with good glycemic control. Given the rapid formation and severity of onset of bilateral cataracts for this patient, we propose continual screening for visual symptoms at each visit and emphasize the importance of ophthalmologic referrals.
Effects of Acute Exercise and Carbohydrate Intake on Plasma GDF-15 Levels and Its Association With Appetite Regulation
Authors: James Ellen , Frampton James , Murphy Kevin G , Chambers Edward S
Published: January 2025

Background

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a potential therapeutic target for obesity due to its role in appetite suppression. Although acute exercise stimulates GDF-15 secretion, its relationship with appetite regulation remains unclear. It is also unknown whether preexercise carbohydrate intake would affect GDF-15 responses. This study aimed to examine the effects of acute exercise and carbohydrate intake on GDF-15 secretion and its potential links to appetite regulation.

Methods

In a secondary analysis of a randomized crossover trial, 12 healthy males completed four 120-minute trial conditions: (1) control (water) with rest, (2) control with exercise (0-30 minutes at ∼75% of maximal oxygen uptake), (3) carbohydrate (75 g maltodextrin) with rest, and (4) carbohydrate with exercise. Plasma GDF-15 levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, and 120 minutes, alongside subjective appetite ratings using visual analog scales. Energy intake was measured at the end of each trial condition with an ad libitum meal.

Results

Time-averaged area under the curve analysis showed that neither exercise [34 pg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], −2-69 pg/mL); P = .062) nor carbohydrate intake [10 pg/mL (95% CI, −39-58 pg/mL); P = .673] independently or interactively (P = .283) affected GDF-15 levels. Exercise induced a delayed independent increase in GDF-15 at 120 minutes [55 pg/mL (95% CI, 18-94 pg/mL); P = .008]. No significant associations were found between GDF-15 levels and subjective appetite ratings or energy intake.

Conclusion

A 30-minute bout of high-intensity exercise induces a delayed increase in GDF-15 levels, which is not affected by carbohydrate intake. Physiological GDF-15 responses to acute exercise display no association with markers of appetite regulation.
Pro-democracy platform advocacy: Resisting Big Tech-mediated authoritarianism in Southeast Asia
Authors: Tran Mai Van , Phattharathanasut Tuwanont , Soe Nyunt Haymarn , Ekapong Nalinthip , Young Lewis
Published: January 2025

Background Global platforms, such as Meta, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Telegram, have faced widespread criticisms for facilitating authoritarian repression of dissident voices, especially in the Global South. In response, human rights defenders have increasingly launched advocacy efforts toward the foreign platforms to defend free speech. Despite the varying forms and effects of such transnational efforts, there lacks research that systematically examines their dynamics. Methods This study advances a concept of pro-democracy platform advocacy and scrutinises the extent to which such advocacy might affect Big Tech’s practices and curb platform-mediated repression in the Global South. The comparative empirical evidence comes from Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia, as there exist similar combinations of digital repression while the human rights advocates adopt varying advocacy approaches during 2020–2024. We conduct an exploratory mixed methods analysis of an original dataset of 38 semi-structured expert interviews, 6000 Facebook posts, and relevant Meta’s Transparency Reports. Results We find that platform advocacy efforts are more likely to generate significant impact if the advocates focus on issues that resonate with Western democracies, promote campaign publicity via prominent international allies, and are able to engage marginalised dissidents. Conclusions The research makes important contributions to both the platform governance and transnational advocacy scholarship by underscoring the unique dynamics of Big Tech governance under authoritarianism in the Global South. Methodologically, by strictly limiting the scope of social media processing to publicly available content with carefully selected accounts and keywords, this study showcases a promising big-data design that minimises privacy risks to vulnerable social media users.
Multi-modality imaging technologies and machine learning for non-invasive, precise assessment of rabbit endometrium
Authors: Tan Zhaoping , Tian Yudong , Zha Xiaomeng , Qin Zihan , Xiong Qiaohua , Wang Mei , Xu Shaoyuan , Zhang Yuanzhen
Published: January 2025

Developing a minimally invasive, real-time diagnostic tool to accurately assess endometrial conditions is critical to increasing pregnancy rates in assisted reproductive technology (ART). In this research, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used before and after alcohol injury and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-induced pseudopregnancy to monitor changes in the rabbit endometrium. Histological analysis and electron microscopy were performed on 1 cm uterine sections while simultaneously training a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) to convert OCT images into virtual hematoxylin and eosin H&E stained sections. By combining these optical elements, we have managed to non-invasively observe changes in the endometrium at different stages. Traditional endoscopy assesses surface changes such as mucosal color changes, congestion, and fibrous adhesions, while OCT provides detailed views of superficial and submucosal changes and can correspond to pathological H&E sections. Machine learning improves OCT by converting images to H&E format, enabling real-time, non-invasive assessment of endometrial status and improving the accuracy of endometrial receptivity assessment.
Enhanced three-dimensional imaging with large depth of field using pre-processing in optical scanning holography
Authors: Yao Yongwei , Zhang Yaping , Duan Jilu , Poon Ting-Chung
Published: January 2025

Optical scanning holography (OSH) emerges as a groundbreaking single-pixel real-time holographic recording technique, charting new territory beyond conventional digital holography. A notable challenge in OSH, as with all three-dimensional (3D) imaging methods, is the susceptibility of reconstructed images corrupted by defocus noise. The noise is an unintended result of diffraction on the focused plane from out-of-focus planes of the three-dimensional object, which can degrade image quality upon holographic reconstruction. Current methods, however, all use some algorithms to post-process holographic data to achieve the purpose of eliminating out-of-focus noise, which is difficult to meet the requirements of real-time image processing. We propose an innovative pre-processing approach in optical scanning holography that not only eliminates defocus noise but also significantly enhances image quality. Preprocessing is accomplished by the utilization of a focus-tunable lens (FTL) to refocus the optical scanning beam according to the depth of the occlusion-free object. Complex holograms are then captured without the artifacts associated with defocus through real-time holographic data pre-processing. Numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method can directly obtain high-quality reconstructed images with all the 3D information being in focus simultaneously.
Profiling atmosphere temperature from space using lidar with a Mach−Zehnder interferometer: principle and assessment
Authors: Hong Guanglie , Qian Yunsheng , Yinan Wang
Published: January 2025

The Mach Zehnder interferometer is an effective device for characterizing coherence of light. By the interference signals of the four channels for the Mach Zehnder interferometer, the interference contrast of Rayleigh Brillouin (RB) backscattering from atmospheric molecules to the laser beam is obtained. This interference contrast is related to the width of the RB backscattering spectrum, which is proportional to the average speed of irregular thermal motion of molecules. This average velocity is directly related to the temperature of the atmosphere at the backscattering point. The interference contrast of RB backscatter at different altitudes can vertically profile temperature. Using a Mach Zehnder interferometer with significant optical path difference, the ultraviolet spaceborne lidar can approach accuracy (random 1 K), vertical resolution (500 m), and horizontal resolution (50 km) of temperature in the troposphere.
Immersion factor determination for TriOS RAMSES radiance sensors
Authors: Barbedo Lucas , Kennebrew Tau , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

Immersion factors of two TriOS RAMSES ARC series radiance sensors were determined using a method adapted from Zibordi, "Immersion factor of in-water radiance sensors: assessment for a class of radiometers," J. Atmos. Ocean Tech., 23(2), 302 (2006) 10.1175/JTECH1847.1 with two different light sources, LED and tungsten-halogen lamps. The immersion factors determined for the two sensors differ from each other by 0.2% and together they differ by an average 0.3% from Zibordi and Darecki "Immersion factors for the RAMSES series of hyper-spectral underwater radiometers," J. Opt. A: Pure Appl. Opt., 8(3), 252 (2006) 10.1088/1464-4258/8/3/005 determination for a radiance sensor of the same class. The results confirm that the immersion factors for RAMSES radiance sensor are constant enough that measurements from a few samples can be used to represent the entire class. An average immersion factor based on the data measured in this study and in Zibordi and Darecki "Immersion factors for the RAMSES series of hyper-spectral underwater radiometers," J. Opt. A: Pure Appl. Opt., 8(3), 252 (2006) 10.1088/1464-4258/8/3/005 is proposed that has a root-mean-square-difference < 0.2% from 400 nm to 900 nm.
Robust peak localization of the modulation response curve in continuously scanning structured illumination microscopy using probability density distribution
Authors: Qu Tong , Chai Changchun , Xibei Zhou , Liu Xiaojun
Published: January 2025

In continuous vertical scanning structured illumination microscopy (CVS-SIM) for three-dimensional (3D) measurement, each scanning position requires only a single exposure, after which the surface topography is reconstructed using the vertical scanning position corresponding to the maximum modulation. However, limited acquisition signals and imaging noise introduced during the continuous scanning process result in significant noise interference in the calculated modulation response (MR), and existing peak localization methods cannot effectively work in signals overwhelmed by noise, leading to reduced accuracy or even complete failure of peak localization. In this paper, we propose a robust peak localization method of modulation response using probability density distribution. The probability density equation for the peak position is formulated using the gradient information from the collected image points across multiple dimensions. Based on the high-weight probability density distribution region, the effective range within the MR is adaptively selected according to varying noise levels for peak localization. This approach mitigates the disturbance from irrelevant noise in MR by analyzing the contribution of gradient changes in the captured information to the position of maximum modulation. Furthermore, the appropriate peak localization range is adaptively selected based on the noise condition, thereby minimizing redundant calculations and enhancing the reconstruction speed. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified through simulation and experimental validation, demonstrating its potential for high-precision and complex surface measurements.
Observed Interannual Variability and Projected Scenarios of Drought using Drought Indicators
Authors:   Nirma University, Gupta Nitesh , Gond Shivani ,   Indian Institute of Technology, Patel Jitendra ,   Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Omar Padam Jee ,   Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Tripathi Ravi P. ,   Rajkiya Engineering College
Published: January 2025

The observation-based analysis of drought development in the Uttar Pradesh region in India showed that, despite the area being relatively large, agricultural drought exhibits high spatial variability. However, the lack of net radiation data hinders the capacity to provide reliable estimates of evapotranspiration (ET), affecting the assessment of drought occurrence since its propagation across the hydrological system becomes very sensitive to the estimation of ET. The most prominent precipitation deficits occur during the monsoon season (June to October), showing that changes in the large-scale circulation are responsible for the impact of severe drought. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modulates the variability of drought with a warm phase favoring drought development with the strongest influence between August and October. The climate change projections under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios suggest the intensification of drought events in the Uttar Pradesh region in the mid-century, with the Chambal River of the Ganges River basin being the most affected area in terms of precipitation and temperature. The projected scenarios correspond to an increase of 1.7°C for mean temperature, and 3.5°C for minimum and maximum temperature in the 2050 horizon, and a decrease of 400 to 800 mm for annual precipitation was projected under both RCPs.
Validity in Intercultural Interpretation of Romanticism: A Case Study of Qu Yuan’s Lisao
Authors: Li Qingben , Duo Duo
Published: January 2025

Whether Western theories can be employed to interpret Chinese literary texts and whether such interpretation is valid are two different propositions. Starting from an analysis of the relationship between Qu Yuan’s Lisao and Romanticism, in this paper, the thesis that “Qu Yuan is a Romantic” is thought to be a pseudo-proposition owing to its over-interpretation on Qu Yuan and his works, resulting in its invalidity. In order to achieve effective elucidation, it is necessary to change the statement from “Qu Yuan is a Romanticist” to “Qu Yuan and Romanticism” on the ground that we can neither deny the interpretability of Chinese texts via Western theory nor assert that “Qu Yuan is a Romanticist.”
Effect of Lipase Ionic Liquid Coating and Imprinting on Transesterification and Thermostability
Authors: Matsumoto M. , Tahara Yoshiro
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of the treatments (substrate analogue imprinting and ionic liquid coating) on the catalytic activity and thermostability of lipase from Burkholderia cepacia in the transesterification of vinyl acetate with benzyl alcohol. The catalytic activity was significantly enhanced when the lipase was coated with a Brij 56-based ionic liquid or surfactant Brij 56. Notably, the ionic liquid coating had a greater effect than the imprinting treatment. The activity of the ionic liquid-coated lipase was over 50 times greater than that of the free lipase. Additionally, after incubation at 90 °C for 2 hours, the residual activity of the ionic liquid-coated lipase was about twice those of the other lipases. These findings demonstrate that the ionic liquid coating substantially improved both the reactivity and thermostability of the lipase compared to the native lipase.
ПРОГНОЗ СДВИЖЕНИЙ ЗЕМНОЙ ПОВЕРХНОСТИ НА ОСНОВЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ДЕФОРМАЦИОННЫХ СВОЙСТВ ВОДОНАСЫЩЕННЫХ ГОРНЫХ ПОРОД
Authors: БОРИСЕНКО Э.В. , ГОЛУБЕВ Ф.М. , ПОПОВИЧ С.А.
Published: January 2025

Приведены результаты экспериментальных исследований по водонасыщению образцов горных пород основных литологических типов, свойственных для Донбасса. Обобщены изменения деформационных свойств, происходящие в горных породах, при их увлажнении. Приведена методика разработки модели, позволяющей учитывать влияние затопления различных горных пород на параметры сдвижения. На основании лабораторных данных построена конечно-элементная модель активизации геомеханических процессов, вызванных подработкой и затоплением массива горных пород. Установлено влияние литологического состава массива на параметры сдвижения при затоплении горных выработок закрывающихся угледобывающих предприятий. Полученные результаты могут лечь в основу совершенствования действующих нормативных документов, регламентирующих прогноз сдвижений земной поверхности при добыче угля и ликвидации угольных шахт за счет учета литологической структуры углепородного массива.

The article describes experimental studies on water saturation of samples of major rock types typical of Donbass. The alterations of deformation properties of moist rocks are generalized. The procedure of modeling with regard to the effect of flooding on displacement parameters in different rocks is presented. Using laboratory data, a finite-element model of activation of geomechanical processes initiated by rock mass undermining and flooding is constructed. It is found how rock mass lithology influences displacement parameters in flooding of underground roadways in coal mines being closed. The research results can help improve effective regulatory documents on ground surface displacement prediction in coal mining and mine closure through lithological analysis of coal-rock mass.
ВЛИЯНИЕ СКОРОСТИ НАГРУЖЕНИЯ НА РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ НАКОПЛЕННОЙ ЭНЕРГИИ В УГОЛЬНО-ПОРОДНЫХ ОБРАЗЦАХ И ХАРАКТЕР ИХ РАЗРУШЕНИЯ
Authors: ЧЕН Г. , ЧЖАН Ц. , СЮЙ Ю. , ЛИ Т. , ВАН Э. , ЧЖАН Г.
Published: January 2025

Выполнен анализ распределения энергии в угольно-породных образцах при их нагружении. Установлено, что разница накопленной энергии между углем и породой в основном зависит от их модулей упругости. На основе рассмотрения структурных характеристик и механических свойств угля и породы построена и проанализирована механическая модель угольно-породного тела и получена формула распределения энергии по компонентам. По результатам нагрузочных испытаний разработана энергетическая модель, позволяющая рассмотреть процесс деформирования угольно-породного тела. Предложен оценочный коэффициент склонности угольно-породного тела к ударному разрушению, учитывающий разницу энергии упругой деформации между компонентами и время высвобождения энергии. Этот коэффициент можно рассматривать в качестве критерия для оценки склонности угольно-породной среды к горному удару.

The difference in energy accumulation in coal and rock under the same stress level is analyzed, and it is found that the difference of energy accumulation of coal rock under the same stress level mainly depends on the elastic modulus of coal rock material. Based on the structural characteristics and mechanical properties of coal-rock, the mechanical model of combined coal-rock body was constructed and analyzed, and the calculation formula of partition energy storage of combined coal-rock body was deduced. The axial compression test of combined coal-rock body under different loading rates was designed and carried out. Finally, the differential energy instability model of the combined coal-rock body was constructed. An evaluation index of the impact tendency of the combined coal-rock body considering the elastic energy difference and the release time is proposed, which provides a multi-scale criterion for accurately evaluating the impact propensity of the combined body.
ГЕОМЕХАНИЧЕСКОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ СПОСОБА УПРАВЛЕНИЯ СОСТОЯНИЕМ МАССИВА ПОРОД ЦЕЛИКАМИ И ОБРУШЕНИЕМ КРОВЛИ ПРИ ВЫЕМКЕ НАКЛОННЫХ РУДНЫХ ЗАЛЕЖЕЙ МАЛОЙ И СРЕДНЕЙ МОЩНОСТИ
Authors: НЕВЕРОВ А.А. , КОНУРИН А.И. , НЕВЕРОВ С.А. , ВАСИЧЕВ С.Ю. , ЩУКИН С.А.
Published: January 2025

Приведены конструктивные особенности и дана оценка камерно-целикового порядка отработки рудных тел наклонного падения, совмещающего два разных способа управления горным давлением: за счет естественной устойчивости массива пород и обрушения налегающей толщи. Показано, что в тектонически напряженных массивах обеспечивается безопасность работ на стадии погашения камерных запасов и временного рудного целика под защитой нависающей породной консоли. Выявлено, что наклон залежи формирует преимущественно сдвиговой характер разрушения пород в целике и днище блока. Установлены рациональные соотношения минимальной ширины временного рудного целика и пролета камеры.

The authors design and estimate a room-and-pillar method for mining inclined orebodies with combination of two approaches to ground control: through natural stability of rock mass and by means of overlying rock caving. It is shown that in rock mass under tectonic stresses, it is safe to extract ore reserves from rooms and from temporal ore pillar under protection of rock overhang. Due to inclination of an ore body, rocks in the pillar and in the block bottom fail mostly by way of shearing. The efficient ratios of a minimal width of a temporal ore pillar to a span of a stope are determined.
ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЕ ПАРАМЕТРОВ БУРИМОСТИ ОСАДОЧНЫХ ГОРНЫХ ПОРОД
Authors: КАЯНИ Д.А. , ЗАХУР М.Х. , ИМАД М.З. , ШАХИД А.Ш.А.
Published: January 2025

Отмечена важность характеризующих эффективность бурения показателей: индексов скорости бурения DRI, износа коронки BWI и долговечности резца CLI. Дан обзор известных моделей прогнозирования буримости горных пород по индексу скорости бурения и указано на недостаточность изученности долговечности коронок с помощью индекса износа коронки. Экспериментально исследовано влияние различных геомеханических параметров горных пород на буримость и износ коронки. Получена отрицательная линейная корреляцию индекса скорости бурения DRI и положительная линейная корреляция индекса износа коронки BWI со значениями почти всех рассмотренных геомеханических свойств пород за исключением пористости, с которой DRI имеет положительную корреляцию, а BWI- отрицательную. Разработаны статистические модели прогнозирования DRI и BWI (с R 2 ≥ 0.83) методами простой и множественной статистической регрессии.

Fundamental considerations like drillability and tool wear may be pondered for development of deep well drilling for oil and gas, and tunneling projects. Careful considerations of key parameters may enhance the advance rate, operational costs, activity completion timeline and inventory control for spares. NTNU/SINTEF developed drilling rate index (DRI), bit wear index (BWI) and cutter life index (CLI) to quantify drilling and TBM related parameters. Until now, most of the research work has been carried out to develop models in order to recognize the effects of rock properties on drillability. However, very little if no studies have been conducted on the prediction of bit wear using BWI. This work deals with the effects of different geo-mechanical parameters of rocks on the drillability and the bit wear. The work shows that both drillability and bit wear are affected by physical and strength parameters of rocks. Moreover, various statistical models (with R2 ≥ 0.83) have been developed through simple linear regression analysis (SLRA) and multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) for the prediction of NTNU/SINTEF indices (DRI and BWI).
ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ИСТОЧНИКОВ МЕТАНОВЫДЕЛЕНИЯ В ОЧИСТНОЙ ЗАБОЙ УГОЛЬНЫХ ШАХТ АНАЛИЗОМ ИЗОТОПНОГО СОСТАВА УГЛЕРОДА МЕТАНА
Authors: ТАЙЛАКОВ О.В. , САЛТЫМАКОВ Е.А. , СОКОЛОВ С.В. , КОСТИНА А.В. , ПРОЦЕНКО Г.В.
Published: January 2025

Предложен и опробован комплексный подход к оценке зоны влияния углепородного массива на очистной забой по газовому фактору, основанный на изучении изотопии шахтного метана. Установлено количественное соотношение изотопов углерода метана в угольной пробе и рудничной атмосфере в условиях семи действующих шахт Кузбасса. Определены геометрические параметры рассматриваемых зон, а также максимальное значение объема метана, которое может оказать нагрузку на очистной забой в ходе отработки выемочного участка. Показано существенное отличие объема газа и параметров зоны миграции метана при общепринятом и комплексном подходах с применением метода оценки изотопного состава углерода метана в рудничной атмосфере и угле рабочего горизонта.

The authors propose an approved integrated approach to assessing influence of coal-rock mass on coal faces by a gas-based criterion through the isotope analysis of coalbed methane. The quantitative ratios of carbon isotopes of methane are determined in coal samples and in mine air samples from seven operating mines in Kuzbass. The geometrical parameters of such zones are assessed, and the maximal methane volume capable to affect a coal face during its operation is found. It is emphasized that the gas volumes and the methane migration zone parameters differ greatly when found using a traditional method and the integrated approach with the carbon isotopic analysis of methane in mine air and in coal.
ОЦЕНКА ОСОБЕННОСТЕЙ КИНЕТИКИ ФЛОТАЦИИ КАЛЬЦИЕВЫХ МИНЕРАЛОВ ПРИ ВТОРИЧНОМ ОБОГАЩЕНИИ ФЛЮОРИТСОДЕРЖАЩЕГО СЫРЬЯ
Authors: КИЕНКО Л.А. , ВОРОНОВА О.В.
Published: January 2025

Изучены особенности флотационного обогащения техногенных отходов карбонатно-флюоритовых руд Ярославской горнорудной компании. Выполнена оценка состава и технологических свойств сырья. Установлено, что содержащийся в них флюорит представлен минеральными сростками и шламовым материалом. Проблемы флотационного обогащения лежалых отходов обусловлены особыми свойствами поверхностей частиц, наличием пленочных покрытий и структурных преобразований. Рассмотрены перспективные способы воздействия на преобразование компонентов флотационной пульпы. Выявлено, что ультразвуковая и электрохимическая обработки технологических компонентов способствуют повышению показателей селективности разделения минералов. Проанализированы показатели обогащения в отдельные фиксированные промежутки времени в условиях специфических воздействий. При флотации по схемам, включающим ультразвуковую и электрохимическую подготовку пульпы, существенно увеличивается степень концентрации флюорита в пенных продуктах, возрастает селективность при разделении его с кальцитом. Извлечение флюорита в концентраты, содержащие более 94 % CaF2, увеличивается на 2.97 - 4.58 %. Показана возможность снижения массовой доли двуокиси кремния в концентратах на 0.3 - 0.5 %.

The research focuses on the specificity of flotation of carbonate-fluorite ore waste at Yaroslavskaya Mining Company. The waste composition and process properties are examined. Fluorite in the test waste occurs in mineral concretions and in slime. The problems in flotation of old mining and processing waste are governed by specific surface properties of particles, film coatings and structural transformations. The promising methods to induce conversion of components in flotation pulp are discussed. It is found that ultrasonic and electrochemical treatment of waste components promote selectivity of their separation. The indicators of processes at fixed time intervals and under special effects are analyzed. Flotation with ultrasonic and electrochemical pre-treatment of pulp substantially increases fluorite concentration in froth and enhances selectivity of fluorite separation from calcite. Recovery of fluorite in concentrates with CaF2 content more than 94% rises by 2.97-4.58%. It is demonstrated that it is possible to reduce mass fraction of silicon dioxide in concentrates by 0.3-0.5%.
First record of two rare Agaricales (Basidiomycota) from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Trierveiler-Pereira Larissa , Prado-Elias Amanda , Baltazar Juliano M.
Published: January 2025

Abstract The loss of natural forests in Brazil demands an urgent cataloging of species. The Atlantic Forest, one of the many Brazilian ecological domains, is considered a hotspot of biodiversity. Although this domain has the best documented funga among the Brazilian domains, more study is necessary in order to better understand its fungal composition. During our studies in the “Carlos Botelho” State Park (São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil), specimens of two rare species, Panellus olivaceus and Resupinatus porosus, were collected, examined and identified. The first, which grows on bamboo, produces tiny, olivaceus basidiomes (1-4 mm wide) with poroid hymenophore, and broadly ellipsoid, yellowish, amyloid basidiospores. The species is considered rare by the original author and in Brazil there are only records from the state of Paraná (Southern Brazil). Resupinatus porosus is characterized by its palmicolous/lignicolous habitat, small size (0.5-2.5 cm wide), light brown to grayish brown basidiomes, gelatinous context, poroid hymenophore, and globose, hyaline, inamyloid basidiospores. The species was previously only known from the type locality in Puerto Rico and here we report its occurrence in South America for the first time. Description and color photographs are presented for both species.
Eriocaulaceae from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Freitas Mariane da Silva , Trovó Marcelo , Echternacht Livia
Published: January 2025

Abstract Eriocaulaceae exhibit wide diversity within the Campo Rupestre, with the Serra do Espinhaço as their richest region. However, other mountain ranges featuring Campo Rupestre, like Serra da Canastra, also harbor a significant number of species. The present work consists of the taxonomic treatment of Eriocaulaceae occurring in the Serra da Canastra, as well as an analysis of the species distribution in three main surrounding Campo Rupestre areas: the Espinhaço and Mantiqueira Ranges, and the Chapada dos Veadeiros and neighbor mountains. Thirty-one species were recorded: 19 of Paepalanthus, six of Syngonanthus, four of Comanthera, one of Eriocaulon, and one of Leiothrix. Canastra shares eight species with Espinhaço, Mantiqueira, and Veadeiros; seven with Espinhaço and Mantiqueira; two with Espinhaço and Veadeiros; five exclusively with the Espinhaço and two exclusively with Veadeiros. Seven species are endemic to Canastra: Paepalanthus claussenianus, P. canastrensis, P. polycladus, P. sericiscapus, P. sinuosus, P. uai, and Syngonanthus culcitosus. Photographs, descriptions, identification key and comments on the morphological variations and geographic distribution for each species are presented, in addition to maps of the occurrence and distribution of species in different locations.
Efficacy of octadecylamine-functionalized graphene versus graphene nanoplatelets and graphene oxide as asphalt binder modifiers for high-temperature performance
Authors: Almashaqbeh Hashem Khaled , Majdoub Mohammed , Sengottuvelu Dineshkumar , Nouranian Sasan , Doyle Jesse D. , Algharibeh Omar , Alkhateb Hunain , Rushing Grace , Al-Shraideh Nawal , Ucak-Astarlioglu Mine G. , Al-Ostaz Ahmed
Published: January 2025

In this work, we comprehensively report on the synthesis of octadecylamine (ODA)-functionalized graphene (G-ODA) and compare its performance to those of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and graphene oxide (GO) as asphalt binder modifiers. An exploration into the mechanisms through which asphalt binder properties are enhanced by each graphene-based material has been conducted, identifying the one that demonstrates superior compatibility with asphalt. The study systematically evaluates the performance of each modifier, analyzing viscosity, rheology, anti-aging properties, morphology, and chemical transformations within asphalt binders. Experimental results indicate that all three graphene-based modifiers enhance the high-temperature performance and aging resistance of the asphalt binder, with GO emerging as the most compatible material, exhibiting superior performance across all investigated responses. The rheological properties results show that GO can improve G*/sin(δ) for the unaged binder by about 120%, followed by G-ODA and GNP. On the contrary, multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) results indicate that both GO and GNP efficiently reduce permanent deformation, with reductions in Jnr of about 39% and 34%, respectively while the G-ODA shows a smaller reduction of − 10%. Additionally, GO excels in improving elastic response, showing a substantial increase in percent recovery at 297%, compared to 48.4% with GNP and 28.8% with G-ODA. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis establishes the absence of evidence indicating chemical interaction between any of the graphene-based materials and asphalt molecules. This suggests that the improvement is solely attributed to physical interaction, specifically through π-π interaction. On the other hand, AFM phase images indicate that all graphene-based materials can alter the morphology of asphalt binders. They increase the projected surface area of the Peri/Catana phases, which can influence the rheological properties of the binder.
Elevated-temperature dry sliding wear behaviors of dual-cathode HiPIMS TiN and TiZrN films
Authors: Lin Yu-Tse , Liu Wen-Chung , Kuo Chin-Chiuan
Published: January 2025

Titanium–zirconium nitride films with three Zr/Ti ratios (16/35, 22/29, and 25/26) were deposited using Ti and Zr dual-cathode reactive high-power impulse closed-field magnetron sputtering by adjusting the average power ratio of two cathode materials. The sliding wear resistances of the obtained TiZrN films at different temperatures were compared. The results revealed that the ternary TiZrN film exhibited a higher hardness (approximately 35 GPa) and lower elastic modulus (approximately 360–380 GPa) than those of the binary TiN film. This contributed to the lower friction coefficient and wear resistance at room temperature. However, the addition of Zr became disadvantageous with an increase in wear temperature. Above 400°C, the surface hardness of the TiZrN film decreased dramatically with an increase in the Zr fraction. This is attributed to the increased vulnerability of the film to oxidation. Structural discontinuity induced by the inhomogeneous oxidation (a multilayer structure with voids, embedded oxides, and oxynitrides formed in the surface layer) roughened the film surface and reduced the surface strength, which accelerated the wear of TiZrN films at elevated temperature in an ambient atmosphere. Such ternary nitride coatings should not be applied in oxidative high temperature environments without obstructing the oxidation through designed composition and structure.
Okul Öncesi Öğretmenlerin Erken Okuryazarlık Uygulamaları
Authors: Özbek Serap , Yurtal Filiz , Deretarla Gül Ebru
Published: January 2025

Bu çalışma erken okuryazarlık etkinlikleri kapsamındaki okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin uygulamalarının neler olduğunu belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çocukların okul öncesi dönemde erken okuryazarlığa ilişkin becerileri kazanmalarında okul öncesi dönemde uygulanan etkinlikler önemli bir yer tutmaktadır. Okuma, yazma, dinleme ve konuşma süreçleri de dahil olmak üzere dilin tüm bileşenlerinin gelişimini sağlayan etkinlikler erken okuryazarlık etkinlikleri olarak uygulanmaktadır. Çalışma grubunu Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı’na bağlı özel ve resmi eğitim kurumunda görev yapan 232 okul öncesi öğretmeni oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmanın verileri araştırmacılar tarafından ilgili alan yazın incelenerek oluşturulan “Okul Öncesi Öğretmenlerin Erken Okuryazarlık Uygulamaları Anketi” ile toplanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, okul öncesi öğretmenleri etkinliklerinde sözel dil becerilerine, sözcük dağarcığı becerilerine, görsel algı becerilerine, yazı yazma öncesi becerilerine daha fazla önem verdiklerini, erken okuryazarlığın en önemli alt becerileri olan harf bilgisi, yazı farkındalık ve ses bilgisel farkındalığı daha az yer verdiklerini ifade etmişlerdir.
İlkokul 4. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Yazma Kaygısı ve Yazmaya Yönelik Tutumlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: Kakuş Sezgin , Kasa Ayten Başak
Published: January 2025

Bu çalışmanın amacı, ilkokul 4. sınıf öğrencilerinin yazma kaygısı ve yazmaya yönelik tutumlarını cinsiyet, ebeveyn eğitim durumu ve aylık kitap okuma sıklığı gibi faktörler açısından incelemektir. Ayrıca, yüksek yazma kaygısı yaşayan öğrencilerin kaygı nedenlerini belirlemek hedeflenmiştir. Karma yöntemin açıklayıcı ardışık deseni kullanılmıştır. Nicel veriler, “Yazmaya Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği” ve “İlkokul Öğrencilerine Yönelik Yazma Kaygısı Ölçeği” ile nitel veriler ise yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile toplanmıştır. Nicel veriler tek yönlü ANOVA, t-testi ve Pearson korelasyon analizi ile; nitel veriler içerik analizi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırmanın örneklemi, Nevşehir Merkez ilçesindeki 753 4. sınıf öğrencisinden oluşmakta olup, 21 yüksek kaygı düzeyli öğrenci ile yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, yazma kaygısının düşük olduğunu ve ebeveyn eğitim durumu ile kitap okuma sıklığına göre farklılık gösterdiği ortaya konulmuştur. Kız öğrencilerin yazma tutumları erkeklerden daha olumlu olup, yazma tutumları ile yazma kaygıları arasında ilişki bulunamamıştır. Öğrenciler, yazma sürecinde olumlu duygular yaşadıklarını ancak çeşitli faktörlerden kaynaklı kaygılar yaşadıklarını belirtmişlerdir.
A simultaneous X-ray fluorescence and diffraction analysis method for internal depth profile probing of the volume of material
Authors: Qin Ling , Tang Tao , Ma Ce , Cai Jiqing , Zhang Pengcheng
Published: January 2025

A simultaneous X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis method for probing the internal depth profile of a material using tungsten target and cadmium telluride (CdTe) detectors is presented. To select a suitable target source, a Geant4 simulation is used to simulate the characteristic X-ray photon numbers produced by metallic materials with atomic numbers ranging from 24 to 92. The fluorescence analysis demonstrates the ability to measure intensity-depth profiles to greater than 500 μm depth in CeO2 powder, at least 400 μm depth in Er2
O3 powder, at least 200 μm depth in WO3 powder and up to 500 μm depth in Bi2 O3 powder. In addition, the diffraction analysis demonstrates the capacity to measure intensity-depth profiles to a depth of greater than 5 mm in silicon powder, at least 2 mm depth in nickel powder and up to 200 μm depth in tungsten powder. This method could be extended to component and phase detection in the safety inspection of flammable and explosive materials.
Ultrasonic measurement of axial preload in anchor rods
Authors: Sun Zhongrui , Liu Shuang , Zhan Huan , Ren Guanpin , Xiang Xingjun , Wang Hai , Tang Haisong , Liang Jian , Liu Yingwei , Qiu Wenping , Zhang Min
Published: January 2025

This paper reports on ultrasonic measurement of the axial preload of anchor rods loaded by a pulling machine. The axial preload of ultrasonic measurement was as high as 90 kN, limited by manual operation and the anchor protection structure. Ultrasonic response characterisation, high
accuracy and effective ultrasonic measurement of axial preload in anchor rods are reported here and are fully demonstrated. By bonding lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic sensors and self-designed ultrasonic probes on the anchor rods, A-scan ultrasonic signals were successfully
measured and originated from the bottom of the hollow anchor rod. The temporal A-scan signal featured a pure and broad frequency spectrum that peaked at around 16 MHz, but no original frequency signal component of the sensors was found. This phenomenon is attributed to the reflective characteristics
of the thread-like structure of the hollow anchor rod, potentially inducing a non-linear ultrasound effect, independent of the test instrumentation and coupling agent. When the loading tension of the calibrated pulling machine is lower than 30 kN, the axial preload of the anchor rods obtained
from the ultrasonic measurement has an error as high as ±16%. By comparison, the error is less than ±5% for the tension increasing from 60 kN to 90 kN. The experimental results indicate that the proposed ultrasonic measurement method is a simple, accurate and effective way to
obtain the axial preload of anchor rods.