bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant CAN-2409 plus Prodrug in Combination with Standard of Care Chemoradiation for
Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nichols William , Manzanera Andrea , Bloomston Mark , Rosas-Camargo Vanessa , Huitzil-Melendez Fidel David , Rao Shangbang , Dwyer Jessica , Barone Francesca , Tak Paul
Published: November 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a deadly form of cancer because of its cold and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A previous phase 1b clinical trial showed that treatment with CAN-2409 plus valacyclovir induced a significant increase in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumor. We report the findings of a randomized controlled phase 2a clinical trial of CAN-2409 plus valacyclovir with standard of care (SoC) for borderline resectable PDAC. Estimated median overall survival was 28.8 months in the CAN-2409 group versus 12.5 months in controls. There was systemic immune activation and formation of lymphocyte aggregates that resemble tertiary lymphoid structures in the test arm, but not in controls.
ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02446093
HMGB1 Box A gene therapy to alleviate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats
Authors: Patarat Rathasapa , Chuaybudda Suchanart , Yasom Sakawdaurn , Mutirangura Apiwat
Published: November 2024

Background:Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the destruction of normal lung tissue and then replacement by abnormal fibrous tissue, leading to an overall decrease in gas exchange function. The effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis remains unknown. The upstream pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis may involve cellular senescence of the lung tissue. Previously, a new gene therapy technology using Box A of the HMGB1 plasmid (Box A) was used to reverse cellular senescence and cure liver fibrosis in aged rats.
Methods:Here, we show that Box A is a promising medicine for the treatment of lung fibrosis. In a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model, Student's t‐test and one-way ANOVA was used for comparisons among groups of samples.
Results: Box A effectively lowered fibrous tissue deposits (from 18.74±0.62 to 3.45±1.19%) and senescent cells (from 3.74±0.40% to 0.89±0.18%) to levels comparable to those of the negative control group. Moreover, after eight weeks, Box A also increased the production of the surfactant protein C (from 3.60±1.68% to 6.82±0.65%).
Conclusions Our results demonstrate that Box A is a promising therapeutic approach for pulmonary fibrosis and other senescence-promoted fibrotic lesions.
WITHDRAWN: Excess Mortality in Alzheimer’s Patients on Anti-Aβ Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Dwivedi Alok K , Abanto Jesus , Schneider Lon S. , Herrup Karl , Schrag Matthew , Widera Eric , Mahajan Abhimanyu , Howard Robert , Espay Alberto J.
Published: November 2024

13 November, 2024 Editorial Update. Based on additional information received, Research Square has changed the withdrawal status of this preprint from an author-initiated withdrawal to an editorial withdrawal. This action was taken due to a breach of our preprint terms of service, which require consent from all listed authors prior to submission.
Cinnamon Leaves Extract as an Effective Inhibitor for Mild Steel Corrosion in Pickling Bath Environments
Authors: Senthooran Rathiga , Priyantha Namal
Published: November 2024

Inhibition effect of acidic extracts of cinnamon leaves for mild steel corrosion in HCl solutions of different concentrations was investigated using mass loss measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) analysis and potentiodynamic polarization studies at ambient temperature. According to mass loss measurements, 60 g dm− 3 extract shows excellent inhibition efficiency up to 90% after 24 h immersion in all tested acid concentrations. The charge transfer resistance (Rct) of mild steel electrodes obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements is found to be increased and the current density obtained by potentiodynamic polarization studies is decreased significantly in the presence of the extract. These studies suggest that the inhibition effect observed is due to the adsorption of corrosion-resistive components of the cinnamon leaf extract on the mild steel surface, which follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Single-molecule characterisation of soluble beta-amyloid aggregate binding by Aducanumab, Lecanemab, Gantenerumab, and Donanemab
Authors: Klenerman David , Fertan Emre , Lam Jeff , Albertini Giulia , Dewilde Maarten , Wu Yunzhao , Akingbade Oluwatomi , Böken Dorothea , English Elizabeth , De Strooper Bart
Published: November 2024

Monoclonal antibodies Aducanumab, Lecanemab, Gantenerumab, and Donanemab have been developed for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we have used single-molecule detection techniques and super-resolution imaging to characterise the binding of these antibodies to beta-amyloid aggregates including human post-mortem brain samples. Lecanemab is the best antibody in terms of binding to the small-soluble beta-amyloid aggregates, affinity, aggregate coating, and the ability to bind to post-translationally modified species, explaining its therapeutic success.
Intra-household Bargaining and Gender Role Attitudes in Uruguay
Authors: Amábile Florencia
Published: November 2024

This paper analyzes the impact of intra-household bargaining on the labor supply of heterosexual couples with different divisions of domestic work. The research aims to compare the decision-making process in families with traditional and egalitarian gender role attitudes toward the division of domestic work. The collective model of labor supply with distribution factors is estimated using data from Uruguay from the year 2019. The findings indicate that couples of all types are sensitive to bargaining power shifts, as measured by the education and non-labor income gaps between partners and the type of partnership (marriage vs. cohabitation). These results suggest that households with a more egalitarian division of domestic work tend to assign a larger share of non-labor income to women after the negotiation process, highlighting the significant role of gender norms and intra-household dynamics in determining labor supply decisions, with key policy implications for promoting gender equality in labor markets.
JEL Classification: D13, J16, J22
Phenophasic model of mango using weather variables and remote sensing
Authors: SINHA ANKITA , Ajithkumar B , Vysakh Arjun , A Aswini , Sriniva K , P Lincy Davis , R Riya K , R Sarath
Published: November 2024

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is of great economic importance, especially in India, where diverse agroclimatic conditions support the cultivation of numerous varieties, solidifying the nation's leading position in the global market. In Muthalamada, Kerala, unique geographic and climatic factors enable early mango production, offering a market edge. However, in recent years, due to climate variability, a change in mango phenology has been observed in this region, which has affected yield and reduced market price. This study investigated the phenology of mango plants in 35 orchards in Muthalamada, Kerala, during the 2023–2024 season. Four major commercial varieties, namely, Alphonso, Sindhooram, Banganpalli, and Totapuri, were analyzed during key stages such as leaf bud development, inflorescence emergence, flowering, and fruit development through the pea, marble, and maturity stages until harvest. Weather variables—maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), rainfall (RF), mean relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), bright sunshine hours (BSS)—and remote sensing indices—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST)—were used to assess their influence on mango phenophases. The variation in NDVI values across different phenological stages for all farms was analyzed using single-factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The analysis showed that higher minimum temperatures (Tmin) can reduce the number of days to inflorescence emergence in Banganpalli, Alphonso, and Totapuri, while increased maximum temperatures (Tmax) can delay peak flowering in Banganpalli, Alphonso, and Sindhooram. Bright sunshine hours (BSS) can increase duration, whereas rainfall (RF) and relative humidity (RH) shorten the time to pea-size stage and marble stage. Increases in Tmax, Tmin, and BSS can delay the duration of maturity and harvest. Higher Land Surface Temperature (LST) can increase vegetative growth and delay flowering. Lower NDVI values indicate shorter phenophase durations, while higher NDVI values indicate extended phenological durations. The ANOVA results (F = 156.16, P < 0.001) indicate significant variation in NDVI across phenological stages. The results showed that the study can be used for phenophasic assessment of mango.
A Cross-Sectional Online Survey: Exploring the patient perspective of community pharmacies delivering care to ethnically diverse individuals with disabilities
Authors: Nguyen Cambrey B , Melton Brittany , Villa Kristin
Published: November 2024

Background
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four people live with a disability in the US, and 76.8% of adults with disabilities encounter barriers that prevent access to available healthcare. To reduce inequities, healthcare professionals are encouraged to provide patient-centered and culturally responsive care.
Aim
This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study that obtained patient perception of community pharmacies providing culturally responsive care to ethnically diverse patients with disabilities.
Methods
Respondents were recruited by Qualtrics to complete an anonymous, nationwide, online survey from August 7 to August 14, 2024. The survey asked for demographic information, frequency of encounters with the pharmacy, perception of quality of care based on their identities (ethnicity, disability), barriers in obtaining medications, and suggestions to improve services. Demographics were reported using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare Likert scale responses.
Results
A total of 1218 respondents completed the survey; 200 self-identified as white, non-Hispanic without disabilities which served as the control and 1018 patients were from an ethnically diverse background with a disability (n = 518) or without disabilities (n = 500). Overall, the median age was 41 years and 66% of respondents were female. In all of the cohorts, over 50% of respondents were satisfied with the quality of care provided by pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Barriers identified were communication issues (specific to hearing) and the limited physical space for patients in wheelchairs. Patients suggested increased diversity of staff members in the pharmacy along with training for pharmacists and staff on the needs of those with disabilities.
Conclusions
Patients reported positive experiences related to their race, ethnicity, and disability status when interacting with the pharmacy; however, many barriers and other considerations were noted by respondents that may improve their care and experiences.
An analytic model for TC4 titanium alloy tube bending springback considering temperature effects
Authors: Li Huitao , Wang Zhineng , Bin Guangfu , Tian Jing , Chen Renzhen , Ling Weiming , Ling Yaocheng
Published: November 2024

Existing theoretical models for tube bending springback can hardly accurately predict the springback under warm bending conditions. Thus, a springback model was proposed by considering temperature effects. Specifically, the influence of temperature on the material performance was analyzed. Secondly, the area formulas of the tensile plastic zone and elastic zone of the outside section as well as that of the compressive plastic zone of the inside section during the formation of tube bending under temperature effects were derived. Furthermore, the stress distribution characteristics of the above zones were calculated. Then, a theoretical springback model of tube warm bending springback angle was established according to the mechanical equilibrium equation in the springback process. This new model was verified by finite element simulations and warm bending forming experiments of TC4 titanium alloy tubes. Results show that the prediction accuracy of this new model has reached 93%. Moreover, a higher temperature results in a smaller springback angle because it reduces tubes’ elastic layer area and axial stress. Above all, this research clarifies the problem of the unclear springback mechanism under the effect of long-term temperature rise, which provides a reference for subsequent research.
Understanding factors influencing safety and team functionality at operative vaginal birth through multidisciplinary perspectives: A mixed methods study.
Authors: Skinner Sasha , Kippen Eleanor , Rolnik Daniel , Neil Peter , Hodges Ryan , Murray Nadine , Mol Ben , Kumar Arunaz
Published: November 2024

Background: Operative vaginal birth (OVB) relies on effective teamwork to optimise outcomes. This study aims to explore providers’ perspectives of factors influencing safety and team functionality at OVB.
Methods: This mixed methods study involved four maternity sites at Monash Health, Australia. Surveys sent to healthcare providers invited quantitative and qualitative appraisal of safety and team functionality at OVB. Semi-structured interviews further explored themes emerging from survey responses. Categorical survey data were compared between staff roles using Pearson’s chi-squared tests. Thematic analysis of free-text survey responses and interviews identified themes influencing safety and team functionality at OVB.
Findings: We received 100 survey responses from obstetric (n=41), midwifery (n=52) and paediatric (n=7) staff, including senior (n=49) and junior (n=51) roles. Overall, 99% thought team communication should improve and 82% had witnessed practices outside protocol. Obstetric versus midwifery or paediatric staff were less likely to rate communication as low or very low quality (5% vs. 29%, p=0.010). Reporting being extremely or very confident to escalate concerns was more likely in obstetric versus midwifery or paediatric staff (49% vs.12%, p=0.003) and senior versus junior staff (44% vs. 10%, p=0.008). Five overarching themes impacted on team functionality at OVB; (1) Calibre of communication, (2) Preparation and risk assessment, (3) Leadership and interpersonal dynamics, (4) Transfer from Birth Unit to Operating Theatre, (5) Variation in clinical practice.
Discussion: Some care providers perspectives of team functionality at OVB differed, with midwifery and paediatric staff more likely to report challenges with communication and were less empowered to escalate concerns. Training in factors impacting team functionality at OVB should be considered.
Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of the bHLH gene family in five fern species
Authors: Huang Xiong , Fan Jiangtao , Liu Cai , Wang Peiyun , Li Hongfei , Wang Gang , Chen Xiaohong
Published: November 2024

Background
The bHLH transcription factors are involved in the biosynthesis of a variety of secondary metabolites, but genome-wide studies on the bHLH gene family in ferns and its role in lignin biosynthesis are still scarce. As one of the few tree ferns with a distinct trunk, the study of potential genes regulating lignin synthesis in Alsophila spinulosa can help to deepen the understanding of the growth and development mechanism of Alsophila spinulosa trunk.
Results
Herein, we conducted a systematic study of bHLH gene families in five ferns, including 186 in Alsophila spinulosa, 130 in Adiantum capillus, 107 in Azolla filiculoides, 71 in Salvinia cucullata, and 67 in Ceratopteris richardii. based on phylogenetic analysis, all bHLH genes were classified into 28 subgroups. The number of bHLH members in different ferns was closely related to their growth patterns and life habits, with the number in tree ferns being much larger than in other ferns. In addition, we identified tandem duplication in C. richardii and A. capillus as a key driver of their bHLH gene diversity, whereas in A. spinulosa, segmental duplication contributed more to gene expansion and evolution. Most of the bHLH genes in ferns are in a state of purifying selection. In addition, AspbHLHs gene expression showed tissue-specific patterns, suggesting that it has rich and diverse functions in plant growth and development and metabolite synthesis. We also focused on three genes, AspbHLH80, 120, and 185, which are specifically highly expressed in xylem, and the results of WGCNA and downstream target gene prediction indicate that they may have regulatory roles in lignin synthesis.
Conclusion
The present study conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics survey of the bHLH family in five representative ferns and revealed the expression patterns of AspbHLH genes among different tissues as well as potential evidence in the involvement of lignin synthesis. This study provides important clues for further analysis of the mechanism and regulatory network of xylem formation in ferns, enriches our understanding of the genome evolution and functional properties of ferns, and provides some broad references for bHLH gene families studies in other ferns.
Adverse Pregnancy Experiences and Antenatal Depression: Mediation by Stress and Anxiety
Authors: Guan Ziqi , Li Jun , Lin Zherui , Zhang Leyi , Ji Dan , Huang Yanan , Xi Juzhe , Fang Wenli
Published: November 2024

Background
Women experience a range of challenging emotions during pregnancy, such as anxiety and depression, especially for the woman with a history of adverse pregnant experience. This study investigates the mental health impact of negative pregnancy experiences on antenatal women, focusing on the relationships between negative pregnancy events, perceived stress, pregnancy-related anxiety, and depression.
Methods
A total of 2,307 pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected from hospital outpatient obstetrics and gynecology clinics by online questionnaires.
Results
Perceived stress and pregnancy-related anxiety served as mediators linking otherwise weakly correlated negative pregnant experiences and antenatal depression. Significant differences in BMI were observed across subgroups, moderating the impact of negative pregnancy events on depression.
Conclusions
Our findings underscore the mediating effects of perceived stress, and pregnancy-related anxiety in the relationship of negative pregnant experiences and antenatal depression. Interventions should address multiple perspectives, focusing on alleviating stress and anxiety to improve the mental health and reproductive willingness of women with adverse pregnancy experiences
Effects of the scheduled exercise on clock gene-related circulating miRNAs in human
Authors: Ren Lei , Chen Yuanxiang , Yu Lei
Published: November 2024

Objective
Clock genes play an important role in the regulation of physiological function. Previous studies have found that scheduled exercise can effectively affect the molecular circadian clock in peripheral tissues. However, the mechanisms by which exercise affects clock genes are still not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be affected by exercise and regulate the expression of clock genes. Thus, we hypothesized that scheduled exercise could affect the level of miRNAs to regulate the molecular circadian clock.
Methods
Forty-six young healthy men were recruited. The relative changes of miRNAs in the blood of these individuals were tested after a scheduled exercise or sitting quietly as control. Then, an analysis to identify miRNAs that were differentially expressed between the two groups was performed. Next, the relationship of clock genes and the differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed, and the co-expression relationships among the miRNAs and their target clock genes were analyzed via one-tailed Pearson analyses.
Results
Among the detected miRNAs, four of them hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-107, hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-142-3p had significant fold changes between scheduled exercise group and control group. And these four miRNAs have been reported that they can regulate the expression of core clock genes. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that, in addition to hsa-miR-206, the contents of the other three miRNAs were linear dependence with their target core clock genes.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that the effect of scheduled exercise on miRNAs is related to molecular circadian clock and represent a new approach for interfering with clock genes.
Age and gender differences in repetitive sprinting in 9-14-year-olds living in Turkey
Authors: Can İbrahim , Ataş Bilgin , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien
Published: November 2024

Background: Since children’s daily activities are mostly anaerobic, it is important to assess anaerobic performance as part of the physical assessment. Therefore, running speed, power, and heart rate during repetitive sprints were investigated.
Method: 118 children participated (mean age:11.5 range 9-14; 48% boys, 52% girls) and performed the children’s repetitive and intermittent sprinting performance (CRISP) test, which consists of six sprint runs performed at maximal speed over 30-meter with short recovery periods (10 s) between each run. GLM Repeated Measures were used to examine the effect of runs (within-subject factor) and age and gender (between-subject factor) and possible interactions for running speed, power, and heart rate.
Results: A large main effect of runs was found on running time [p< 0.001, eta 0.54]; with a polynomial higher-order effect [p=0.013], indicating a non-linear slowdown over the runs. Themain effect of age, [p< 0.033, eta 0.11] and gender [p< 0.011, eta 0.06] indicated that overall older children and boys ran faster. However, interaction effects showed that girls fatigued more in the second half of the test, which led to larger differences with the boys in the later runs of the CRISP. Moreover, the interaction effect of age-by-run-by-gender revealed that children run faster after the age of 12 and before that age, there was no age effect. Also, young children, predominantly boys, showed less fatigue, as their last runs were comparable in time to the first ones. Analysis of the power showed a main effect of age, indicating more power in older children [p< 0.001, eta 0.40], especially after 11 years. No differences between genders were found for power. Heart rate increased significantly during the repetitive sprinting [p< 0.001, eta 0.77] No differences for age or gender were found for mean or peak heart rate.
Conclusion The CRISP test is sensitive to running fatigue [eta 0.54] and distinguishes between the performance characteristics of children according to age and gender. Running speed and power go up between 12 and 14 years. Girls run slower but generate comparable power over the runs. Yet they fatigue more in the second half of the test than boys.
Geometry Measurements of Turbulent Dimethyl Ether/Air Flames with Novel Levels of Preheat Temperature and Dilution
Authors: Diskerud Nicholas M. , Driscoll James F.
Published: November 2024

A new turbulent flame burner, called the Vitiator-Assisted Preheat Oxygen Reducing (VAPOR) burner was designed to provide higher levels of reactant preheat temperature (TR, up to 1100K), Reynolds number (Re), and dilution with inert gases than in previous studies. The burner was demon- strated to provide stable dimethyl ether (DME)/air flames for both premixed and diffusion flame cases. An advantage of the design is that it avoids the need for a surrounding pilot flame, which was required in some previous studies. A pilot flame complicates any attempts to model the experiment. DME was selected because it is a low-carbon fuel that can be produced from bio-fuels and natural gas. The need for a new burner arises from the lack of flame measurements at high levels of TR, Re and inert dilution. Additionally, experimental measurements of DME/air combustion is an area of opportunity in alternative fuels research. In realistic engines, combustion often occurs when reactants are preheated, diluted with inerts (sometimes due to gas recirculation), and when Reynolds numbers are large. However, for the vast majority of previous turbulent flame studies, the reactant tempera- ture was limited to room temperature. To demonstrate the usefulness of the VAPOR burner, some measurements are reported and compared to previous studies and theoretical models. The normalized flame height for premixed flames was measured to decrease by 19% as the preheat temperature was increased from 600K− 1000K, and increase by 14% as the oxygen concentration was reduced from 21% − 15% for a preheat temperature of 600K. The normalized flame height for diffusion flames was measured to decrease by 7% as the preheat temperature was increased from 600K− 1100K. This work demonstrated the VAPOR burner’s potential for the study of premixed and diffusion jet flames subjected to novel levels of preheat at controllable levels of dilution.
Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Quinolone Antibiotics Using Lanthanide Metal-Organic Framework-Based White-Light Materials
Authors: Zhao Lina , Li Guangming , Liu Hongbo , Xia Ming
Published: November 2024

Antibiotics have emerged as predominant contaminants in wastewater, posing significant threats to ecosystems and public health. Consequently, the detection of these antibiotic residues is imperative for mitigating environmental pollution and ensuring food safety. Metal-organic frameworks, characterized by their distinctive structures and optical properties, present innovative solutions for the efficient and sensitive detection of antibiotics. In this study, two lanthanide-based MOF luminophores were synthesized, and by fine-tuning their proportions, white light-emitting materials were developed for the detection of quinolone antibiotics. These luminophores exhibit antibiotic detection through observable colorimetric changes, achieving detection limits as low as 4.863 × 10⁻⁸ M for ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and 9.259 × 10⁻⁷ M for norfloxacin (NFX). This research lays a substantial foundation for the development of high-performance sensors, thereby advancing the field of environmental monitoring technologies.
Preliminary Evaluation of SHAVER: Sharing Vector Registers with an Accelerator
Authors: Tanaka Tomoaki , Kato Michiya , Osana Yasunori , Miyoshi Takefumi , Tada Jubee , Tanaka Kiyofumi , Nakajo Hironori
Published: November 2024

In recent years, demand for data-parallel processing has been growing, and this parallelism often appears in AI processes. One method to accelerate these processes is using DSA, domain-specific architecture. A common data transfer method on DSA is DMA, which is direct memory access. There are several studies on DMA-based accelerators. However, few studies focus on data transfer methods. In this paper, a vector register-sharing mechanism has been proposed as a new data transfer method. Our proposed mechanism is named "SHAVER". In this mechanism, a part of vector registers is directly shared with an accelerator. An open-source RISC-V vector co-processor is used to evaluate the mechanism's potential. It has been implemented on an FPGA and a simulator for the evaluations. The results indicate the possibility of the proposal mechanism to achieve a maximum of 8.38% speedup over DMA transfer.
Smartphones usage and group activity improve depression among older adult residents of nursing institutions in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Zhu Chunpeng , Sheng Yaoyao , Li Hongxia , Chen Wenwen , Wang Lingling , Xu Haorong , Yu Li , Fang Cheng , Chen Yiping , Wang Caihua
Published: November 2024

Backgroud: The increasing prevalence of anxiety and depression among older adults has become a significant social and medical burden in China. While smartphone use and group activities are known to have a dual effect on mental health, the relationship between these factors and the well-being of the elderly remains poorly understood. This study aims to explore the relationship between smartphone use, group activities, and the mental health of older adult residents in nursing homes.
Methods: A total of 450 older adult residents (M = 84.71 years, SD = 7.82) completed a questionnaire assessing smartphone use, participation in group activities, and mental health (depression and anxiety). Logistic models were used to examine the association between smartphone use, group activity, and mental health outcomes.
Results: Smartphone use (OR = 0.51) and frequency of participation in group activities (OR = 0.91) were significantly associated with lower prevalence of depression. These associations remained significant when both smartphone use (OR = 0.56) and group activity participation (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85-0.98) were included in the model. However, neither smartphone use nor group activity participation showed a significant association with the prevalence of anxiety.
Conclusions: Smartphone use and group activities have a positive impact on reducing depression among older adults. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend incorporating both online and offline recreational activities, such as using smartphones and participating in group activities, to support the mental well-being of older adults.
Trial Registration: The status and influencing factors analysis of anxiety and depression among residents of older adult care institutions in Zhejiang Province. Identifiers NCT06006234. register.clinicaltrials.gov.
Aberrant expression of GTPase-activating protein ARAP1 triggers circular dorsal ruffles associated with malignancy in hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells
Authors: Sun Xiaowei , Li Yanan , He Yuxin , Wei Jinzi , Du Linxuan , Shen Zhongyang , Xie Yan , Midgley Adam , Jiang Wentao , Yoshida Sei
Published: November 2024

Background
Circular dorsal ruffles (CDRs) are large and rounded membrane ruffles that function as precursors of macropinocytosis. We recently reported that CDRs form in Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, but not in Huh7 and HepG2 HCC cells or LO2 cells, suggesting that an unknown molecular mechanism implicates CDRs in Hep3B malignancy through macropinocytosis uptake of excessive extracellular nutrients. In this study, we investigated the cellular role and the mechanism of CDRs in Hep3B cells by focusing on the GTPase-activating protein ARAP1.
Methods
ARAP1 knock-out (KO) cells were generated. Confocal microscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for identification of the target proteins and structure analysis, respectively. Proteasome inhibitor MG132, mitochondrial function inhibitor CCCP, ARF1 inhibitor Golgicide A, and macropinocytosis inhibitor EIPA were used to investigate the molecular mechanism. Cell proliferation and Transwell migration/invasion assays were used to investigate the role of ARAP1 in cellular malignancy.
Results
ARAP1 was localized to CDRs, which had reduced size following ARAP1 KO. CDRs comprised small vertical lamellipodia, the expression pattern of which was disrupted in ARAP1 KO cells. Extracellular solute uptake, rate of cell growth, and malignant potential were attenuated in KO cells. ARAP1 was also localized to mitochondria in Hep3B cells but not in the control cell lines. Mitochondrial fission protein was increased in KO cells. CCCP treatment blocked CDRs in Hep3B cells but not in controls. Surprisingly, ARAP1 expression level in Hep3B cells was lower than in Huh7, HepG2, and LO2 cells. MG132 treatment increased the ARAP1 levels in Hep3B cells, but not in Huh7 cells, revealing that ARAP1 is actively degraded in Hep3B cells.
Conclusions
These results strongly suggest that the aberrant expression of ARAP1 in Hep3B cells modulates CDRs via mitochondrial function, thereby resulting in excess uptake of nutrients as an initial event in cancer development. Based on these findings, we propose that the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of CDRs, focusing on ARAP1, may serve as an effective therapeutic target in some types of HCC and cancers.
Effects of Porous Structure of Separation Column on Chromatograms Obtained by Phase-Separation Mode in HPLC
Authors: Katayama Tetsuro , Iharada Takeshi , Obata Yuki , Sakamaki Hiroshi , Tsukagoshi Kazuhiko
Published: November 2024

We developed a new type of HPLC system that uses phase-separation multiphase flow as an eluent. The separation mode is called phase-separation mode. A HPLC system with a packed separation column filled with non-porous octadecyl-modified silica (ODS) particles was used in the previous study. This study examined the effects of porous structure of the ODS column on chromatograms obtained by phase-separation mode in HPLC using porous ODS packed column (pore diameter, 12 nm). The obtained chromatograms were compared with those obtained by non-porous ODS column before. First, as preliminary experiments, twenty-four kinds of mixed solutions of water/acetonitrile/ethyl acetate and water/acetonitrile were supplied to the system to act as eluents at a columns temperature of 20°C. 2,6-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid (2,6-NDS) and 1-naphthol (1-NA) mixture was used as a model and mixed analyte was injected into the system. They were separated in each solution except for several highly organic solvent-rich solutions, in which 2,6-NDS eluted faster than1-NA. This means that HPLC worked under a reverse-phase mode for separation at 20°C. Next, the separation of the mixed analyte was examined on HPLC at a column temperature of 0°C, and then after judging the results four kinds of ternary mixed solutions were evaluated in detail as eluents on HPLC at 20°C and 0°C. Based on their volume ratio, the ternary mixed solutions acted as a two-phase separation mixed solution, leading to a phase-separation multiphase flow. Consequently, the solutions flowed homogeneously and heterogeneously in the column at 20°C and 0°C, respectively. For example, the ternary mixed solutions containing water/acetonitrile/ethyl acetate at volume ratios of 20:60:20 (organic solvent-rich) and 70:23:7 (water-rich) were delivered into the system as eluents in the column at 20°C and 0°C. In the organic solvent-rich eluent, the mixture of 2,6-NDS and 1-NA was separated at 0°C, the elution of 1-NA being faster than 2,6-NDS (phase-separation mode). In the water-rich eluent, the mixture of analytes was separated at both 20°C and 0°C, the elution of 2,6-NDS being faster than 1-NA. The separation at 0°C with porous ODS column was more effective than that with non-porous ODS column. These separation performance and elution order can be attributed to porous effect in the phase-separation mode at 0°C.
Voice Controlled 6 DoF Arm Mobile Robot in an Assisted Home Environment
Authors: TV ABHIRAM , UDUPA GANESHA
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the development and implementation of a wheeled robot equipped with a 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic arm for pick and place tasks in a home environment. The objective of the research is to create an intelligent robotic system capable of performing complex manipulation tasks through voice command control. To enable voice command control, a speech recognition system is implemented using voice assistant platforms. The system is trained to recognise specific voice commands for controlling the robot’s movements, including the wheeled base navigation, arm articulation, and gripper operation. The control software is developed to interpret the voice commands and translate them into precise movements of the robot. The software incorporates mapping algorithms that associate voice commands with corresponding actions, allowing the robot to execute pick and place tasks accurately and efficiently. The final implementation of the wheeled robot with the 6 DOF robotic arms demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of voice command control in a home environment and motion planning using ROS and MoveIt motion planner. This paper contributes to the field of robotics by providing implementation challenges and performance evaluation of a voice-controlled wheeled robot with a 6 DOF robotic arm. The research serves as a foundation for future advancements in intelligent robotics and human-robot interaction, with potential applications in various home automation and assistive robotics domains.
Comparing and Extracting AE Features From Different insulator Discharge
Authors: Ziling Wang , Yanhai Wang
Published: November 2024

The features of AE wave from partial discharge, which can be used to identify different discharge types, are explored and analyzed in this paper. According to the difference in different discharge AE waves, 15 features have been found which reflect not only the differences between different AE waves but also the changes and the trends of every AE wave. In order to avoid the overlap and reduce redundancy of information among the primary features, the principal component analysis method is applied to extract the principal components, and then the primary 15 features are decreased to unrelated principal 3 features. With the 3 new features formula of principal component indexes, we can quickly carry out identification of discharge type and evaluation of discharge status.
Variation of Total Electron Content During a Severe Geomagnetic Storm of 23-24 April 2023
Authors: Tilahun Atirsaw Muluye , Uluma Edward , Ejigu Yohannes Getachew
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we study the geomagnetic storm that occurred on April 23–24, 2023. We present variations in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF-Bz), solar wind parameters (Vsw, Nsw, Tsw, and Psw), geomagnetic index (SYM-H), and vertical total electron content (VTEC) derived from 18 GPS-TEC stations situated in equatorial, mid-latitude, and high-latitude regions. We analyze the Total Electron Content (TEC) variations before, during, and after the storm using VTEC plots, dTEC% plots, and global ionospheric maps for each GNSS receiver station, all referenced to Universal Time (UT). Our results indicate that GNSS receiver stations located at high latitudes exhibited an increase in ionospheric density structures during the main phase and a decrease during the recovery phase. In contrast, stations in equatorial and mid-latitude regions showed a decrease in ionospheric density during the main phase and an increase during the recovery phase. Large dTEC% values ranging from − 80 to 190 TECU were observed a few hours before and during the storm period (April 23–24, 2023), compared to values ranging from − 10 to 20 TECU on the day before (April 22, 2023) and the day after (April 25, 2023). Notably, higher dTEC% values were observed at stations in high and mid-latitudes compared to those in the equatorial region. As the storm progressed, the TEC intensification observed on global ionospheric maps appeared to shift from east to west. A detailed analysis of these maps showed that equatorial and low-latitude regions experienced the highest spatial and temporal TEC variations during the storm period compared to higher latitude regions.
Bibliometric Insights of Aquaculture Waste Water Recycling: Sludge Digestion and Mixotrophy
Authors: Minhaz Tashrif Mahmud , Hasan Mohammad Najmul , Hossain Shahadat , Afrin Sadia , Khatoon Helena , Kasan Nor Azman
Published: November 2024

Aquaculture is a promising alternative to satisfy expanding global demand while addressing food security; yet, existing systems have sustainability issues with waste and resource management. Two techniques that aid in waste management and resource conservation include "sludge digestion" and "mixotrophy." 320 papers on these techniques from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000–2024) were analyzed for this study using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix in R Studio. According to network analysis, the core of mixotrophic and sludge digestion research, respectively, is microalgae production and recirculating aquaculture systems. Although less is known about nutrient cycling in these systems, anaerobic digestion and microalgae are essential for waste removal and water recycling. The importance of anaerobic digestion for waste management is growing, as evidenced by thematic progression. Newer studies concentrate on the combination of mixotrophy with sludge digestion; possible applications include aquaculture sludge, mixotrophic microalgae production, phosphorus recovery, and circular economy. Throughout the course of the last 23 years, the study has identified areas that require more research and highlighted trends and gaps in the field of sludge digestion and mixotrophy.
Theoretical investigation of slow gain recovery of quantum cascade lasers observed in pump-probe experiment
Authors: Kundu Mrinmoy , Ghosh Aroni , Iqbal Abdullah Jubair Bin , Talukder Muhammad Anisuzzaman
Published: November 2024

Time-resolved spectroscopy-based pump-probe experiments performed on quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) exhibit an initial fast gain recovery followed by a slow tail such that the equilibrium gain is not recovered in a cavity round-trip time. This ultra-slow gain recovery or non-recovered gain cannot be explained by only the intersubband carrier dynamics of QCLs. This work shows that the Fabry-Perot cavity dynamics and localized intersubband electron heating of QCLs are essential in ultra-slow and nonrecovered gain recovery. We developed a comprehensive model, coupling cavity dynamics to the intersubband electrons' thermal evolution. We employ a four-level coupled Maxwell-Bloch model that considers temperature-dependent scattering and transport mechanisms in calculating the gain recovery dynamics. If an intense pump pulse electrically pumped close to the threshold propagates in the forward direction after being coupled into the cavity, the reflected pump pulse will significantly deplete the gain medium while propagating in the backward direction. Additionally, we show that the intersubband electron sustains a localized high temperature even after the pump pulse has left, which affects the overall carrier dynamics and leads to an ultra-slow gain recovery process. At near-perfect reflectivity, we observe a gain depletion of 4\% for 2 mm QCL. We further demonstrate that an additional 10\% gain depletion of probe pulse is seen at a steady state when the laser is pumped at 1.6 times the threshold compared to the case where the hot electron effect is not considered.
Comparative Analysis of Bioactive Compounds and Health Benefits of Wild and Cultivated Ficus carica Accessions from the Northern Himalayas
Authors: Sheikh Zahid Nabi , Sharma Neha , Sharma Vikas , Bakshi Parshant , Raina Shilpa , Ataya Farid S
Published: November 2024

The growing resistance to conventional antibiotics has spurred the need for alternative therapies, underscoring the significance of investigating medicinal plants for novel bioactive compounds. This study focuses on comparative qualitative and quantitative biochemical analysis, alongside an evaluation of the in vitro anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-cancer properties of different wild and cultivated Ficus carica cultivars. HPLC analysis was conducted to measure the content of bioactive compounds among the wild and cultivated ficus accessions. The extracts were subsequently evaluated for their therapeutic potential against several human cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer (PC-3), lung cancer (A-549), breast cancer (MCF-7), cervical cancer (HELA) and kidney cancer (HEK). This analysis highlighted distinct genetic similarities and differences among the ficus cultivars. Comprehensive statistical analyses were employed to discern patterns and relationships among various ficus cultivars. This research marks the first comprehensive examination of the phytochemical screening of wild and cultivated accessions of ficus ciraca. Among the cultivars examined, the wild varieties exhibited the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds and demonstrated the most significant health benefits. The results of this study provide a solid scientific basis for the future isolation and purification of therapeutic compounds in wild fruits, potentially leading to their application in pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements. This research will greatly enhance our understanding of the pharmacological properties of wild ficus fruits and establishes a basis for further investigation into their clinical benefits
An approach to create soft X-ray virtual arrays in tomography reconstruction considering non-rigid rotation of the plasma column in the tokamak
Authors: AHMADI Mona , KHORSHID Pejman , SARI AmirHossein , IZADIAN Jalaledin
Published: November 2024

A method was proposed to create Soft X-ray virtual arrays in tomography to study the rigid versus non-rigid rotation of the plasma column in a tokamak. The coordinate reference of the tokamak was transformed into the rotating plasma frame to generate virtual arrays. Data from physical arrays at time t2 were replaced by virtual arrays at time t1 to compare physical and virtual tomography images, thereby investigating the nature of the rotations. Three physical arrays were selected on both the low and high toroidal magnetic field sides and replaced by virtual arrays at time t2. The optimized angle was calculated by minimizing the differences between the tomography images and the reference image for each virtual array. A function based on the toroidal magnetic field profile was defined to determine the position of the virtual arrays. Results indicated differing rotation angles during the virtualization process due to the non-rigid rotation of the plasma column. The position angles for each island varied from the reference island during tomography reconstruction, both when adding and replacing virtual arrays. These differences were smaller under the assumptions of non-rigid rotation, enhancing the accuracy and validity of the tomography reconstruction.
Role of environmental self-regulation, innovation and export on manufacturing SME survival in Vietnam
Authors: Tran-Nam Quoc , Tiet Tuyen
Published: November 2024

In this study, we examine the impact of the pair synergies between environmental compliance, innovation, and export activities on the survivability of Vietnamese firms. Our findings prove that the complementary relationship between environmental self-regulation (ESR) and export activities can help improve firms' survival. Meanwhile, the synergy between environmental compliance and product innovation is substituted in enhancing the chance of survival. Moreover, combining environmental self-regulation and export activities could help ESR firms increase their survivability since engagement in the domestic/local environmental standards could significantly increase the chances for local firms to enter the export markets.
JEL Classification: D24; O3; Q55.