bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Responses to Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies during Pre-Liver Transplantation Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Recipients Associated with Post-Liver Transplantation Allograft Injury
Authors: Lin Shu-Hsien , Wu Kun-Ta , Wang Chih-Chi , Huang Kuang-Tzu , Hsu Li-Wen , Eng Hock-Liew , Chiu King-Wah
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: The impact of antibody responses following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected recipients before and after liver transplantation (LT) is still undetermined. Methods: In this observational cohort study, we aimed to explore the association between changes in anti-HCV antibody titers following pre-LT DAA therapy and allograft injury, including biliary complications (BCs) and acute cellular rejection (ACR). Results: A total of 153 cases were enrolled from January 2015 to February 2021. Serum anti-HCV antibody titers were assessed before and after (day 30) LT. Among all recipients, 31/153 (20.3%) had pre-LT DAA therapy (the DAA group) and 122/153 (79.7%) did not undergo pre-LT DAA therapy (the DAA-naïve group). A higher incidence of post-LT BCs was observed in the DAA group (p = 0.028). Compared with the DAA-naïve group, the DAA group had a significantly higher mean level of anti-HCV titer upregulation (p = 0.0024); furthermore, among the recipients with BCs (n = 28) and ACR (n = 41), those in the DAA group exhibited significantly higher mean levels of anti-HCV antibody titer upregulation (p < 0.005). Conclusions: In conclusion, we speculate that the upregulation of anti-HCV antibody titers, which might have been induced via the restoration of HCV-specific immune responses through pre-LT DAA therapy, was associated with post-LT allograft injury.
Anovaginal Colonization by Group B Streptococcus and Streptococcus anginosus among Pregnant Women in Brazil and Its Association with Clinical Features
Authors: Costa Natalia Silva , Oliveira Laura Maria Andrade , Rio-Tinto Andre , Pinto Isabella Bittencourt Ferreira , Oliveira Ana Elisa Almeida Santos , Santana Julia de Deus , Santos Laiane Ferreira , Costa Rayssa Santos Nogueira , Marinho Penelope Saldanha , Fracalanzza Sergio Eduardo Longo , Teixeira Lucia Martins , Pinto Tatiana Castro Abreu
Published: January 2024

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal invasive disease worldwide. GBS can colonize the human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, and the anovaginal colonization of pregnant women is the main source for neonatal infection. Streptococcus anginosus, in turn, can colonize the human upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts but has rarely been observed causing disease. However, in the last years, S. anginosus has been increasingly associated with human infections, mainly in the bloodstream and gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Although anovaginal screening for GBS is common during pregnancy, data regarding the anovaginal colonization of pregnant women by S. anginosus are still scarce. Here, we show that during the assessment of anovaginal GBS colonization rates among pregnant women living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, S. anginosus was also commonly detected, and S. anginosus isolates presented a similar colony morphology and color pattern to GBS in chromogenic media. GBS was detected in 48 (12%) while S. anginosus was detected in 17 (4.3%) of the 399 anovaginal samples analyzed. The use of antibiotics during pregnancy and history of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections were associated with the presence of S. anginosus. In turn, previous preterm birth was associated with the presence of GBS (p < 0.05). The correlation of GBS and S. anginosus with relevant clinical features of pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlights the need for the further investigation of these important bacteria in relation to this special population.
Do Microorganisms in Bathing Water in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) Have Resistance Genes?
Authors: Batantou Mabandza Degrâce , Colletin Edlyne , Dagot Christophe , Quétel Isaure , Breurec Sébastien , Guyomard-Rabenirina Stéphanie
Published: January 2024

Waterborne faecal contamination is a major public health concern. The main objectives of this study were to investigate faecal contamination and Escherichia coli (E. coli) antibiotic resistance in recreational fresh water from Guadeloupe and to characterise the microbiome and resistome composition in biofilms from submerged rocks. Significant faecal contamination was observed at 14 freshwater sites. E. coli predominated (62%), followed by Enterobacter cloacae (11%) and Acinetobacter spp. (11%). Of 152 E. coli isolated, none produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), but 7% showed resistance to streptomycin and 4% to tetracycline. Biofilm resistome analysis revealed clinically significant antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), including those coding for resistance to sulfonamides (sul1), carbapenems (blaKPC), and third-generation cephalosporins (blaCTX-M). Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (intI1, intI2, intI3) linked to resistance to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, tetracycline, as well as heavy metal resistance determinants (copA, cusF, czcA, merA) conferring resistance to copper, silver, cadmium, and mercury were also detected. Diverse bacterial phyla were found in biofilm samples, of which Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctonomycetes, and Cyanobacteria were predominant. Despite the frequent presence of E. coli exceeding regulatory standards, the low levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in freshwater and of ARGs and MGEs in associated biofilms suggest limited antibiotic resistance in Guadeloupean recreational waters.
Albumin Redox Modifications Promote Cell Calcification Reflecting the Impact of Oxidative Status on Aortic Valve Disease and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Sastre-Oliva Tamara , Corbacho-Alonso Nerea , Rodriguez-Sanchez Elena , Mercado-García Elisa , Perales-Sanchez Ines , Hernandez-Fernandez German , Juarez-Alia Cristina , Tejerina Teresa , López-Almodóvar Luis F. , Padial Luis R. , Sánchez Pedro L. , Martín-Núñez Ernesto , López-Andrés Natalia , Ruiz-Hurtado Gema , Mourino-Alvarez Laura , Barderas Maria G.
Published: January 2024

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are related cardiovascular diseases in which common mechanisms lead to tissue calcification. Oxidative stress plays a key role in these diseases and there is also evidence that the redox state of serum albumin exerts a significant influence on these conditions. To further explore this issue, we used multimarker scores (OxyScore and AntioxyScore) to assess the global oxidative status in patients with CAVD, with and without CAD, also evaluating their plasma thiol levels. In addition, valvular interstitial cells were treated with reduced, oxidized, and native albumin to study how this protein and its modifications affect cell calcification. The differences we found suggest that oxidative status is distinct in CAVD and CAD, with differences in redox markers and thiol levels. Importantly, the in vitro interstitial cell model revealed that modified albumin affects cell calcification, accelerating this process. Hence, we show here the importance of the redox system in the development of CAVD, emphasizing the relevance of multimarker scores, while also offering evidence of how the redox state of albumin influences vascular calcification. These data highlight the relevance of understanding the overall redox processes involved in these diseases, opening the door to new studies on antioxidants as potential therapies for these patients.
Vutiglabridin Alleviates Cellular Senescence with Metabolic Regulation and Circadian Clock in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Heo Jin-Woong , Lee Hye-Eun , Lee Jimin , Choi Leo Sungwong , Shin Jaejin , Mun Ji-Young , Park Hyung-Soon , Park Sang-Chul , Nam Chang-Hoon
Published: January 2024

The process of cellular senescence, which is characterized by stable cell cycle arrest, is strongly associated with dysfunctional cellular metabolism and circadian rhythmicity, both of which are reported to result from and also be causal to cellular senescence. As a result, modifying any of them—senescence, metabolism, or the circadian clock—may affect all three simultaneously. Obesity accelerates aging by disrupting the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via an increased mitochondrial burden of fatty acid oxidation. As a result, if senescence, metabolism, and circadian rhythm are all linked, anti-obesity treatments may improve metabolic regulation while also alleviating senescence and circadian rhythm. Vutiglabridin is a small molecule in clinical trials that improves obesity by enhancing mitochondrial function. We found that chronic treatment of senescent primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) with vutiglabridin alleviates all investigated markers of cellular senescence (SA-β-gal, CDKN1A, CDKN2A) and dysfunctional cellular circadian rhythm (BMAL1) while remarkably preventing the alterations of mitochondrial function and structure that occur during the process of cellular senescence. Our results demonstrate the significant senescence-alleviating effects of vutiglabridin, specifically with the restoration of cellular circadian rhythmicity and metabolic regulation. These data support the potential development of vutiglabridin against aging-associated diseases and corroborate the intricate link between cellular senescence, metabolism, and the circadian clock.
Research on an Energy Recovery Strategy for Fuel Cell Commercial Vehicles Based on Slope Estimation
Authors: Zheng Weiguang , Chen Jialei , Wang Shanchao
Published: January 2024

Road slope is an essential parameter in the study of vehicle driving processes. In future traffic development, constructing road segments with slopes is indispensable. Furthermore, road slope is a fundamental parameter for realizing energy recovery during braking. Hence, research on road slope estimation is extremely crucial. This article proposes a combination of adaptive filtering and strong tracking filter factors for road slope estimation, followed by establishing case settings for verification. It was found that the proposed slope estimation algorithm has a high degree of accuracy in estimating the slope angle, with a mean absolute error (MAE) and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0254 and 0.0359, respectively, at fixed slopes, and a MAE and a RMSE of 0.2799 and 0.3710, respectively, at varying slopes. By combining the slope angle with a braking force distribution optimization algorithm, an optimized braking distribution coefficient is obtained. In the Cruise2019 software, slope angles of 0° and 5° are set and combined with the braking force distribution strategy built in Matlab2021/Simulink for verification under China Heavy-duty Commercial Vehicle Test Cycle (CHTC-HT) and Worldwide Transient Vehicle Cycle (C-WTVC) conditions. The recovered energy increased by 7.24% and 4.99%, respectively, under CHTC-HT conditions, and by 6.42% and 1.73%, respectively, under C-WTVC.
Research on the Mechanism of Frost Heaves Caused by Void Water Accumulation behind the Lining of High-Speed Railway Tunnels in Cold Regions
Authors: Ding Weicheng , Wu Yimin , Xu Peng , Hu Kaixun
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Lining voids and macroscopic water freezing are both prominent issues that threaten driving safety in high-speed railway tunnels. With the continuous expansion of the scale of high-speed rail tunnels in extremely cold areas in China, the issues of lining voids, water accumulation, and frost heaving have triggered heated discussions. The need to reveal the frost-heave mechanism is urgent. (2) Methods: Firstly, a simulation experiment of the frost heaving of accumulated water was carried out based on the discharge conditions of accumulated water. Secondly, a numerical model was used to study the evolution process of frost heaves caused by accumulated water in voids. Finally, a drainage coefficient was introduced to propose a method for calculating the frost-heave force of accumulated water in voids. (3) Results: The blockage of the drainage channel leads to the generation of frost-heave force; the freezing/thawing process of the void water develops from the thinnest part to the thickest part of the void edge, and the freeze/thaw cycle of the water body causes the frost-heave force to become greater and greater in the evacuated cavity. The higher the height and the closer the drainage channel is to the hollow bottom, the greater the frost-heave force when the accumulated water freezes. (4) Conclusions: When the evacuated water freezes, it develops from the thinner edge to the thicker center. The magnitude of the frost-heave force is affected by the freeze/thaw cycle, the height of the evacuated cavity, and the position of the drainage channel.
Enhancing Document Image Retrieval in Education: Leveraging Ensemble-Based Document Image Retrieval Systems for Improved Precision
Authors: Alzoubi Yehia Ibrahim , Topcu Ahmet Ercan , Ozdemir Erdem
Published: January 2024

Document image retrieval (DIR) systems simplify access to digital data within printed documents by capturing images. These systems act as bridges between print and digital realms, with demand in organizations handling both formats. In education, students use DIR to access online materials, clarify topics, and find solutions in printed textbooks by photographing content with their phones. DIR excels in handling complex figures and formulas. We propose using ensembles of DIR systems instead of single-feature models to enhance DIR’s efficacy. We introduce “Vote-Based DIR” and “The Strong Decision-Based DIR”. These ensembles combine various techniques, like optical code reading, spatial analysis, and image features, improving document retrieval. Our study, using a dataset of university exam preparation materials, shows that ensemble DIR systems outperform individual ones, promising better accuracy and efficiency in digitizing printed content, which is especially beneficial in education.
Comparison of Deep Transfer Learning Models for the Quantification of Photoelastic Images
Authors: Kim Seongmin , Nam Boo Hyun , Jung Young-Hoon
Published: January 2024

In the realm of geotechnical engineering, understanding the mechanical behavior of soil particles under external forces is paramount. The main topic of this study is how to use deep learning image analysis techniques, especially transfer learning models like VGG, ResNet, and DenseNet, to look at response images from models of reflective photoelastic soil particles. We applied a total of six transfer learning models to analyze photoelastic response images. We then compared the validation results with existing quantitative evaluation techniques. The researchers identified the most outstanding transfer learning model by comparing the validation results with existing quantitative evaluation techniques using performance metrics such as the coefficient of determination, mean average error, and root mean square error.
Secure Proxy Re-Encryption Protocol for FANETs Resistant to Chosen-Ciphertext Attacks
Authors: Park Hyun-A
Published: January 2024

In emergency situations, ensuring the secure transmission of medical information is critical. While existing schemes address on-road emergencies, off-road scenarios present unique challenges due to hazardous locations inaccessible to conventional vehicles. This research introduces a protocol for off-road emergencies, leveraging flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) formed by drones. The protocol, designed for users receiving emergency treatment, employs cryptographic techniques to protect sensitive information. To overcome the challenge of decrypting user medical records at emergency centers without the healthcare provider’s key, proxy re-encryption is employed. The control center (CC) securely generates encryption and decryption keys, facilitating the re-encryption process by the cloud server (CS) and transmission to the emergency center (E). The proposed protocol, free from pairing functions, underwent security and efficiency analyses, demonstrating resilience against chosen-ciphertext attacks (CCA) and collusion resistance (CR). Execution times of approximately 0.02 and 0.0 s for re-encryption and decryption processes, respectively, for a message size of 2000 bytes highlighted the efficiency of the protocol. The research contributes a secure and efficient proxy re-encryption protocol for off-road emergency medical information transmission within FANETs.
Integrating Root Morphology Based on Whole-Pullout Test of Model Roots: A Case Study
Authors: Zhai Kexiang , Zhang Junyun , Zhang Le , Luo Xiaolong , Wang Kai
Published: January 2024

To investigate the sensitivity and significance of different morphological characteristics of plant root systems on vertical pullout resistance, this study considered four main influencing factors: the number of lateral roots, taproot length, the branching angle of the lateral root, and the unit weight of the soil around the root. PC plastic model roots were employed to conduct a vertical pullout orthogonal experiment. A comprehensive μX theoretical analysis method based on the whole root system pullout test was applied for a stress analysis on root segments. Based on the results, the factors affected the vertical pullout resistance of plant root systems in the order of number of lateral roots > taproot length > unit weight of soil around the root > branching angle of the lateral root. When the number of lateral roots increased from 2 to 3, the vertical pullout resistance increased by 64%. Also, when the taproot length increased from 50 to 60 cm, the vertical pullout resistance increased by up to 46%. Furthermore, the unit weight of soil around the roots had a positive linear correlation with vertical pullout resistance. Based on the results, the number of lateral roots and the taproot length were the primary factors affecting the magnitude of the root system’s vertical pullout resistance. When selecting plants for slope protection, plant types with a larger number of lateral roots and longer taproots should be considered as the two most significant factors for achieving a better slope protection methodology.
GENICS: A Framework for Generating Attack Scenarios for Cybersecurity Exercises on Industrial Control Systems
Authors: Song InSung , Jeon Seungho , Kim Donghyun , Lee Min Gyu , Seo Jung Taek
Published: January 2024

Due to the nature of the industrial control systems (ICS) environment, where process continuity is essential, intentionally initiating a cyberattack to check security controls can cause severe financial and human damage to the organization. Therefore, most organizations operating ICS environments check their level of security through simulated cybersecurity exercises. For these exercises to be effective, high-quality cyberattack scenarios that are likely to occur in the ICS environment must be assumed. Unfortunately, many organizations use limited attack scenarios targeting essential digital assets, leading to ineffective response preparedness. To derive high-quality scenarios, there is a need for relevant attack and vulnerability information, and standardized methods for creating and evaluating attack scenarios in the ICS context. To meet these challenges, we propose GENICS, an attack scenario generation framework for cybersecurity training in ICS. GENICS consists of five phases: threat analysis, attack information identification, modeling cyberattack scenarios, quantifying cyberattacks, and generating scenarios. The validity of GENICS was verified through a qualitative study and case studies on current attack scenario-generating methods. GENICS ensures a systematic approach to generate quantified, realistic attack scenarios, thereby significantly enhancing cybersecurity training in ICS environments.
The Difference between the Responses of Gross Primary Production and Sun-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence to the Environment Based on Tower-Based and TROPOMI SIF Data
Authors: Bai Jia , Zhang Helin , Sun Rui , Liu Xinjie , Liu Liangyun
Published: January 2024

The strong correlation between gross primary production (GPP) and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) has been reported in many studies and is the basis of the SIF-based GPP estimation. However, GPP and SIF are not fully synchronous under various environmental conditions, which may destroy a stable GPP–SIF relationship. Therefore, exploring the difference between responses of GPP and SIF to the environment is essential to correctly understand the GPP–SIF relationship. As the common driver of GPP and SIF, the incident radiation could cause GPP and SIF to have similar responses to the environment, which may obscure the discrepancies in the responses of GPP and SIF to the other environmental variables, and further result in the ambiguity of the GPP–SIF relationship and uncertainties in the application of SIF. Therefore, we tried to exclude the dominant role of radiation in the responses of GPP and SIF to the environment based on the binning method, in which continuous tower-based SIF, satellite SIF, and eddy covariance GPP data from two growing seasons were used to investigate the differences in the responses of GPP and SIF to radiation, air temperature (Ta), and evaporation fraction (EF). We found that the following: (1) At both the site and satellite scales, there were divergences in the light response speeds between GPP and SIF which were affected by Ta and EF. (2) SIF and its light response curves were insensitive to EF and Ta compared to GPP, and the consistency in GPP and SIF light responses was gradually improved with the improvement of Ta and EF. (3) The dynamic slope values of the GPP–SIF relationship were mostly caused by the different sensitivities of GPP and SIF to EF and Ta. Our results highlighted that GPP and SIF were not highly consistent, having differences in environmental responses that further confused the GPP–SIF relationship, leading to complex SIF application.
Unsupervised Deep Anomaly Detection for Industrial Multivariate Time Series Data
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Yan Li , Ma Ningning , Wang Gaozhou , Ma Xiaolong , Liu Peishun , Tang Ruichun
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of deep learning, researchers are actively exploring its applications in the field of industrial anomaly detection. Deep learning methods differ significantly from traditional mathematical modeling approaches, eliminating the need for intricate mathematical derivations and offering greater flexibility. Deep learning technologies have demonstrated outstanding performance in anomaly detection problems and gained widespread recognition. However, when dealing with multivariate data anomaly detection problems, deep learning faces challenges such as large-scale data annotation and handling relationships between complex data variables. To address these challenges, this study proposes an innovative and lightweight deep learning model—the Attention-Based Deep Convolutional Autoencoding Prediction Network (AT-DCAEP). The model consists of a characterization network based on convolutional autoencoders and a prediction network based on attention mechanisms. The AT-DCAEP exhibits excellent performance in multivariate time series data anomaly detection without the need for pre-labeling large-scale datasets, making it an efficient unsupervised anomaly detection method. We extensively tested the performance of AT-DCAEP on six publicly available datasets, and the results show that compared to current state-of-the-art methods, AT-DCAEP demonstrates superior performance, achieving the optimal balance between anomaly detection performance and computational cost.
Study on the Time Domain Semi Analytical Method for Horizontal Vibration of Pile in Saturated Clay
Authors: Ren Xin , Wang Li-an
Published: January 2024

Under the framework of Biot porous media theory, a fractional order Kelvin model is used to describe the rheological effects of soil skeletons, and a coupled vibration model of saturated clay and a pile foundation is constructed. The Laplace transform is used to derive the analytical solution of the control equation in the transformation domain, and then the time–domain solution is obtained through numerical inversion. By analyzing numerical examples, the displacement and internal force response of pile foundations under horizontal vibration loads, as well as the influence of parameters, are studied. The results show that the displacement and internal force response of pile foundation vibrations in saturated clay foundations have a delayed effect. The stronger the rheological properties of the foundation soil, the more obvious the delay, the lower the load frequency, and the more significant the influence of the rheological properties on the delayed effect. The stronger the rheological properties of the soil, the smaller the displacement amplitude of the pile foundation vibration, and the higher the load frequency, the greater the decrease in displacement amplitude. The stronger the rheological properties of the soil, the smaller the positive bending moment of the pile body, while the negative bending moment increases. Both positive and negative shear forces increase, but the shear force at the top of the pile is not affected. Therefore, when designing pile foundations in saturated clay foundations, it is necessary to appropriately increase the pile foundation or increase the reinforcement to meet the shear resistance of the pile foundation. The results of this study can provide a valuable reference for geotechnical and seismic engineers in pile foundation design.
Characteristics of Absorbing Aerosols in Mexico City: A Study of Morphology and Columnar Microphysical Properties
Authors: Carabali Giovanni , Juárez-Sánchez Faustino , Liñan-Abanto Rafael N. , Estévez Héctor , Valdés-Barrón Mauro , Bonifaz-Alfonso Roberto , Riveros-Rosas David , González-Cabrera Adriana
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an analysis of the morphology and columnar microphysical properties of atmospheric aerosols in Mexico City (MC) for the period 2022–2023. The morphological study focused on the structure description of soot particles and tar balls (TB). By transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electrode microscope (SEM), voluminous soot aggregates mixed with TBs were observed. The chemistry shows that both soot and TBs are mostly carbonaceous species with well-defined morphologies. On the other hand, the columnar aerosol microphysical properties recovered from AERONET show that the particles have a bimodal aerosol size distribution (ASD) with two modes: fine and coarse. The ASD remains constant without showing significant seasonal changes, only with some variability for coarse particles. The aerosol optical depth (AOD) value is significantly high, typical of urban areas. The real (n) and imaginary (k) parts of the complex refractive index (CRI) were obtained from the photometric measurements. The CRI values show seasonal variations, with spring being the season with the highest values for n, while the highest values for k were measured in winter.
Identification of the Yield Rate by a Hybrid Fuzzy Control PID-Based Four-Stage Model: A Case Study of Optical Filter Industry
Authors: Chen You-Shyang , Hung Ying-Hsun , Lee Mike Yau-Jung , Lai Chien-Jung , Chang Jieh-Ren , Chien Chih-Yao
Published: January 2024

With the vigorous development of emerging technology and the advent of the Internet generation, high-speed Internet and fast transmission 5G wireless networks contribute to interpersonal communication. Now, the Internet has become popular and widely available, and human life is inseparable from various experiences on the Internet. Many base stations and data centers have been established to convert and switch from electrical transmission to optical transmission; thus, it is entering the new era of optical fiber networks and optical communication technologies. For optical communication, the manufacturing of components for the purpose of high-speed networks is a key process, and the requirement for the stability of its production conditions is very strict. In particular, product yields are always low due to the restriction of high-precision specifications associated with the limitations of too many factors. Given these reasons, this study proposes a hybrid fuzzy control-based model for industry data applications to organize advanced techniques of box-and-whisker plot method, association rule, and decision trees to find out the determinants that affect the yield rate of products and then use the fuzzy control Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) method to manage the determinants. Since it is unrealistic to test the real machine online operation at the manufacturing stage, the simulation software supersedes this for improved results, and a mathematical neural network is used to verify the given data to confirm whether its result is similar to that of the simulation. The study suggests that excessive temperature differentials between substrate and cavity can lead to low yields. It suggests using fuzzy control technology for temperature management, which could increase yield, reduce labor costs, and accelerate the transition to high-speed networks by mass-producing high-precision optical filters.
Toward Digital Twin Development for Implant Placement Planning Using a Parametric Reduced-Order Model
Authors: Ahn Seokho , Kim Jaesung , Baek Seokheum , Kim Cheolyong , Jang Hyunsoo , Lee Seojin
Published: January 2024

Real-time stress distribution data for implants and cortical bones can aid in determining appropriate implant placement plans and improving the post-placement success rate. This study aims to achieve these goals via a parametric reduced-order model (ROM) method based on stress distribution data obtained using finite element analysis. For the first time, the finite element analysis cases for six design variables related to implant placement were determined simultaneously via the design of experiments and a sensitivity analysis. The differences between the minimum and maximum stresses obtained for the six design variables confirm that the order of their influence is: Young’s modulus of the cancellous bone > implant thickness > front–rear angle > left–right angle > implant length. Subsequently, a one-dimensional (1-D) CAE solver was created using the ROM with the highest coefficient of determination and prognosis accuracy. The proposed 1-D CAE solver was loaded into the Ondemand3D program and used to implement a digital twin that can aid with dentists’ decision making by combining various tooth image data to evaluate and visualize the adequacy of the placement plan in real time. Because the proposed ROM method does not rely entirely on the doctor’s judgment, it ensures objectivity.
Schistosome Transgenesis: The Long Road to Success
Authors: Kalinna Bernd H. , Ross Allen G. , Walduck Anna K.
Published: January 2024

As research on parasitic helminths has entered the post-genomic era, research efforts have turned to deciphering the function of genes in the public databases of genome sequences. It is hoped that, by understanding the role of parasite genes in maintaining their parasitic lifestyle, critical insights can be gained to develop new intervention and control strategies. Methods to manipulate and transform parasitic worms are now developed to a point where it has become possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host–parasite interplay, and here, we summarise and discuss the advances that have been made in schistosome transgenesis over the past 25 years. The ability to genetically manipulate schistosomes holds promise in finding new ways to control schistosomiasis, which ultimately may lead to the eradication of this debilitating disease.
Sialidase NEU3 Contributes to the Invasiveness of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Tatsuta Takeo , Ito Jun , Yamamoto Koji , Sugawara Shigeki , Hosono Masahiro , Sato Makoto , Miyagi Taeko
Published: January 2024

Bladder cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. The current standard treatment for advanced bladder cancer is neoadjuvant cisplatin (NAC)-based chemotherapy followed by cystectomy. However, the response rate to chemotherapy is only 50%, owing to cisplatin resistance, and there is a need for novel therapies. Because the invasiveness of bladder cancer greatly influences patient prognosis, a mechanistic analysis of the invasive function can lead to therapeutic targets. Sialidases, which remove sialic acid residues from the nonreducing ends of sugar chains and catalyze the initial reaction in the degradation of sugar chains, are predicted to be involved in cell invasion and motility. However, the involvement of sialidases in bladder cancer, especially their relationship with the invasive ability, remains unclear. Here, using patient tissues and multiple bladder cancer cell lines, we show that the sialidase NEU3 is highly expressed in bladder cancer. Analysis of NEU3’s function using its siRNA-mediated knockdown revealed that NEU3 contributes to bladder cancer invasiveness. Mechanistic analysis showed that NEU3 activates ERK and PI3K signaling. Our results show that NEU3 is involved in the malignancy of bladder cancer, and its suppression may lead to novel treatments for bladder cancer.
Role of a Polyphenol-Enriched Blueberry Preparation on Inhibition of Melanoma Cancer Stem Cells and Modulation of MicroRNAs
Authors: Alsadi Nawal , Yahfoufi Nour , Nessim Carolyn , Matar Chantal
Published: January 2024

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer known for its high mortality rate. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that significantly contribute to tumour recurrence and differentiation. Epigenetic-specific changes involving miRNAs maintain CSCs. Plant polyphenols have been reported to be involved in cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy, with miRNAs being the novel effectors in their biological activities. A polyphenol-enriched blueberry preparation (PEBP) derived from fermented blueberries has demonstrated promising chemopreventative properties on breast cancer stem cells by influencing inflammatory pathways and miRNAs. In our current investigation, we seek to unveil the impact of PEBP on inhibiting melanoma development and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our study employs various human cell lines, including an ex vivo cell line derived from a patient’s metastatic tumour. We found that it elevates miR-200c, increasing E-cadherin expression and inhibiting miR-210-3p through NF-κB signalling, impacting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a critical process in cancer progression. PEBP increases the SOCS1 expression, potentially contributing to miR-210-3p inhibition. Experiments involving miRNA manipulation confirm their functional roles. The study suggests that PEBP’s anti-inflammatory effects involve regulating miR-200c and miR-210 expression and their targets in EMT-related pathways. The overall aim is to provide evidence-based supportive care and preclinical evaluation of PEBP, offering a promising strategy for skin cancer chemoprevention.
The Human Soluble NKG2D Ligand Differentially Impacts Tumorigenicity and Progression in Temporal and Model-Dependent Modes
Authors: Serritella Anthony V. , Saenz-Lopez Larrocha Pablo , Dhar Payal , Liu Sizhe , Medd Milan M. , Jia Shengxian , Cao Qi , Wu Jennifer D.
Published: January 2024

NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed by all human NK cells and CD8 T cells. Harnessing the NKG2D/NKG2D ligand axis has emerged as a viable avenue for cancer immunotherapy. However, there is a long-standing controversy over whether soluble NKG2D ligands are immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory, originating from conflicting data generated from different scopes of pre-clinical investigations. Using multiple pre-clinical tumor models, we demonstrated that the impact of the most characterized human solid tumor-associated soluble NKG2D ligand, the soluble MHC I chain-related molecule (sMIC), on tumorigenesis depended on the tumor model being studied and whether the tumor cells possessed stemness-like properties. We demonstrated that the potential of tumor formation or establishment depended upon tumor cell stem-like properties irrespective of tumor cells secreting the soluble NKG2D ligand sMIC. Specifically, tumor formation was delayed or failed if sMIC-expressing tumor cells expressed low stem-cell markers; tumor formation was rapid if sMIC-expressing tumor cells expressed high stem-like cell markers. However, once tumors were formed, overexpression of sMIC unequivocally suppressed tumoral NK and CD8 T cell immunity and facilitated tumor growth. Our study distinguished the differential impacts of soluble NKG2D ligands in tumor formation and tumor progression, cleared the outstanding controversy over soluble NKG2D ligands in modulating tumor immunity, and re-enforced the viability of targeting soluble NKG2D ligands for cancer immunotherapy for established tumors.
Nose-to-Heart Approach: Unveiling an Alternative Route of Acute Treatment
Authors: Papakyriakopoulou Paraskevi , Valsami Georgia , Kadoglou Nikolaos P. E.
Published: January 2024

Intranasal (IN) administration has emerged as a novel approach for rapid systemic absorption, with potential applicability in the management of acute cardiovascular events. This review explores the evolution of IN cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, emphasizing its potential in achieving systemic effects and bypassing the first-pass metabolism associated with oral administration. The extensive vascularization of nasal mucosa and a porous endothelial basement membrane facilitate efficient drug absorption into the bloodstream. The IN route ensures a critical swift onset of action, which allows self-administration in at-home settings. For instance, etripamil nasal spray, a first-in-class formulation, exemplifies the therapeutic potential of this approach in the treatment of spontaneous supraventricular tachycardia. The review critically assesses studies on IN formulations for angina, acute myocardial infarction, hypertensive episodes, and cardiac arrhythmias. Preclinical evaluations of beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and antianginal drugs demonstrate the feasibility of IN administration for acute cardiovascular events. A small number of clinical trials have revealed promising results, emphasizing the superiority of IN drug delivery over oral administration in terms of bioavailability and onset of action. Unambiguously, the limited clinical trials and patient enrollment pose challenges in generalizing experimental outcomes. However, the nose-to-heart approach has clinical potential.
Development, Insults and Predisposing Factors of the Brain’s Predictive Coding System to Chronic Perceptual Disorders—A Life-Course Examination
Authors: Yasoda-Mohan Anusha , Vanneste Sven
Published: January 2024

The predictive coding theory is currently widely accepted as the theoretical basis of perception and chronic perceptual disorders are explained as the maladaptive compensation of the brain to a prediction error. Although this gives us a general framework to work with, it is still not clear who may be more susceptible and/or vulnerable to aberrations in this system. In this paper, we study changes in predictive coding through the lens of tinnitus and pain. We take a step back to understand how the predictive coding system develops from infancy, what are the different neural and bio markers that characterise this system in the acute, transition and chronic phases and what may be the factors that pose a risk to the aberration of this system. Through this paper, we aim to identify people who may be at a higher risk of developing chronic perceptual disorders as a reflection of aberrant predictive coding, thereby giving future studies more facets to incorporate in their investigation of early markers of tinnitus, pain and other disorders of predictive coding. We therefore view this paper to encourage the thinking behind the development of preclinical biomarkers to maladaptive predictive coding.
Exploring the Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies of Turkish Preschool Teachers
Authors: Koçyiğit Sinan , Sezer Türker
Published: January 2024

This paper identifies preschool teachers’ sources of stress, the times they experience high stress, and their ways of coping with stress levels. The study was conducted using a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research models. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 36 preschool teachers working with children aged 0–6 in state and private schools. As a result of the content analysis, stressors were identified primarily at both interpersonal (positive and effective interactions) and organizational levels (school management and leadership style). It was also found that intense stress was experienced when children were difficult to control, such as during sleeping, eating, and cleaning. Finally, these results confirmed that the teachers used active/active behavioral, and passive/avoidant coping strategies. However, it was understood that preschool teachers perceived stress negatively, and did not see stress as a personal development situation. These results are discussed in terms of their ramifications for preschool education.
Daylighting Performance of CdTe Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Skylights with Different Shapes for University Gymnasium Buildings
Authors: Wu Yanpeng , Li Shaoxiong , Gao Xin , Fan Huifang
Published: January 2024

The daylighting environment in university gymnasiums affects daily teaching and sports training. However, direct sunlight, glare, and indoor overheating in summer are common problems. Semi-transparent photovoltaic glass can solve these issues by replacing shading facilities, blocking solar radiation, and generating electricity. This study examines the influence of different types of CdTe semi-transparent film photovoltaic glass on the daylighting environment of six typical university gymnasium skylights. The optimal types of CdTe semi-transparent film photovoltaic glass are determined by dynamic daylighting performance metrics DA, DAcon, DAmax, and UDI. The results show that, for instance, centralized rectangular skylights benefit from the 50–60% transmittance type, while centralized X-shaped skylights require the 70–80% transmittance type to enhance indoor daylighting. The research results offer specific recommendations based on skylight shapes and photovoltaic glass types and can provide a reference for the daylighting design of university gymnasium buildings with different forms of photovoltaic skylights in the future.
Cultural Heritage Deterioration in the Historical Town ‘Thimi’
Authors: Shrestha Ram , Shen Zhongwei , Bhatta Kishan Datta
Published: January 2024

The gradual or rapid deterioration of cultural heritage buildings can be a source of the loss of heritage assets over time. Cultural heritage encompasses tangible and intangible aspects of a society’s heritage, including historical buildings, archaeological sites, artworks, artifacts, traditions, customs, and ethnic customs. This research paper investigated the causes and effects of the deterioration of the heritage system from the Madhyapur Thimi in Nepal. A case study of tangible heritage (Thimi settlement) and intangible heritage (Bisket Jatra—community celebrations—and Ritual Guthi—a local group formed to conduct cultural activities) helped to achieve the objectives of this study. The existing unique cultures from the Madhyapur Thimi, including the built culture, Guthi, Bisket Jatra, and Ritual Guthi area support the sustainable development of heritage structures to some extent. The cultural heritage is now at risk due to institutional inadequacies, economic and social issues, resource depletion, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Policy should be modified, and heritage should be conserved and maintained well for future generations to own it as an identity and pride of the Thimi community.
Nondestructive Testing (NDT) for Damage Detection in Concrete Elements with Externally Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Ortiz Jesús D. , Dolati Seyed Saman Khedmatgozar , Malla Pranit , Mehrabi Armin , Nanni Antonio
Published: January 2024

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and durable alternative to traditional steel material in concrete structures. However, the lack of established inspection methods for assessing reinforced concrete elements with externally bonded FRP (EB-FRP) composites hinders industry-wide confidence in their adoption. This study addresses this gap by investigating non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for detecting damage and defects in EB-FRP concrete elements. As such, this study first identified and categorized potential damage in EB-FRP concrete elements considering where and why they occur. The most promising NDT methods for detecting this damage were then analyzed. And lastly, experiments were carried out to assess the feasibility of the selected NDT methods for detecting these defects. The result of this study introduces infrared thermography (IR) as a proper method for identifying defects underneath the FRP system (wet lay-up). The IR was capable of highlighting defects as small as 625 mm2 (1 in.2) whether between layers (debonding) or between the substrate and FRP (delamination). It also indicates the inability of GPR to detect damage below the FRP laminates, while indicating the capability of PAU to detect concrete delamination and qualitatively identify bond damage in the FRP system. The outcome of this research can be used to provide guidance for choosing effective on-site NDT techniques, saving considerable time and cost for inspection. Importantly, this study also paves the way for further innovation in damage detection techniques addressing the current limitations.
Developments in Quantifying the Response Factors Required for Linear Analytical and Seismic Design Procedures
Authors: Hussain Nadeem , Alam Shahria , Mwafy Aman
Published: January 2024

Despite the recent initiatives and developments in building design provisions using performance-based design, practicing engineers frequently adopt force-based design approaches, irrespective of the structural system or building irregularity. Modern seismic building codes adopt the concept of simplifying the complex nonlinear response of a structure under seismic loading to an equivalent linear response through elastic analytical procedures using seismic design response factors. Nevertheless, code-recommended seismic design response factors may not result in a cost-effective design with a uniform margin of safety for different structural systems. Previous studies also adopted different methodologies for quantifying the seismic response factors. Hence, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive review covering the developments in quantifying these vital design factors. This paper presents a systematic review of the response factors used with linear analytical procedures recommended by modern building design provisions and the techniques employed in previous studies to evaluate these factors using SDOF and MDOF systems covering analytical, experimental and hybrid assessment approaches. Limitations and gaps identified from the previous studies indicated that most investigations focused on 2D analysis and regular low-rise buildings, while limited studies were directed to shear wall structures, considering mostly unidirectional seismic loading. This comparative review provides insights into previous studies’ methodologies and constraints and identifies the need for future research to calibrate seismic response factors to achieve more economical designs with consistent safety margins for different structural systems.