bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteosarcoma Cells and Undifferentiated Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Are More Susceptible to Ferroptosis than Differentiated Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Smirnova Yuliya D. , Hanetseder Dominik , Derigo Lukas , Gasser Andreas Sebastian , Vaglio-Garro Annette , Sperger Simon , Brunauer Regina , Korneeva Olga , Duvigneau J. Catharina , Marolt Presen Darja , Kozlov Andrey V.
Published: November 2024

Current research suggests that promoting ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of cell death, may be an effective therapy for osteosarcoma, while its inhibition could facilitate bone regeneration and prevent osteoporosis. Our objective was to investigate whether the susceptibility to and regulation of ferroptosis differ between undifferentiated (UBC) and differentiated (DBC) human bone mar-row stromal cells, as well as human osteosarcoma cells (MG63). Ferroptosis was induced by either inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) using RSL3 or blocking all glutathione-dependent enzymes through inhibition of the glutamate/cysteine antiporter with Erastin. Lipid peroxidation was assessed using the fluorescent probe BODIPY™581/591C11, while Ferrostatin-1 was used to inhibit ferroptosis. We demonstrate that neither Erastin nor RSL3 induces ferroptosis in DBC. However, both RSL3 and Erastin induce ferroptosis in UBC, while Erastin predominantly induces ferroptosis in MG63 cells. Our data suggest that ferroptosis induction in undifferentiated hBMSCs is primarily regulated by GPX4, whereas Glutathione S-Transferase P1 (GSTP1) plays a key role in controlling ferroptosis in osteosarcoma cells. In conclusion, targeting the key pathways involved in ferroptosis across different bone cell types may improve the efficacy of cancer treatments while minimizing collateral damage and supporting regenerative processes, with minimal impact on cancer therapy.
Cleavable Bio-based Epoxy Matrix for More Eco-Sustainable Thermoset Composite Components
Authors: Rossitti Ilaria , Bolis Arianna , Sambucci Matteo , Sarasini Fabrizio , Tirillò Jacopo , Valente Marco
Published: November 2024

Cleavable bio-based epoxy resin systems are emerging, eco-friendly, and promising alternatives to the common thermoset ones, providing quite comparable thermo-mechanical properties while enabling a circular and green end-of-life scenario of the composite materials. In addition to being designed to incorporate a bio-based resin greener than the conventional fully fossil-based epoxies, these formulations involve cleaving hardeners that enable, under mild thermo-chemical conditions, the total recycling of the composite material through the recovery of the fiber and matrix as a thermoplastic. This research addressed the characterization, processability, and recyclability of a new commercial cleavable bio-resin formulation (designed by R-Concept company) that can be use in the fabrication of fully recyclable polymer composites. The resin was first studied to investigate the influence different post-curing regime (room temperature, 100°C, and 140°C) on its thermal stability and glass transition temperature. According to the results obtained, the non-post-cured resin displayed the highest Tg (i.e., 76.6°C). The same post-curing treatments were also probed on the composite laminates (glass and carbon) produced via a lab-scale vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding system evaluating the flexural behavior, microstructure and dynamic-mechanical characteristics. The post-curing at 100°C would enhances the crosslinking of polymer chains, improving the mechanical strength of composites. With respect the non-post-cured laminates, the flexural strength improved by 3% and 12% in carbon and glass-based composites, respectively. The post-curing at 140°C was instead detrimental for the mechanical performance Finally, on the produced laminates, a chemical recycling procedure was implemented, demonstrating the feasibility of recovering both thermoplastic-based resin and fibers.
Geophysical Characteristics of Low-Sulfide Epithermal Gold Mineralized Bodies —an Case Study of the Alinghe Mining Area on the South Bank of the Heilong River in China
Authors: Yin Qichun , Sun Tong , Tan Guili , Ji Yuan , Yang Huaben , Chen Haijiang , Sun Yanhai , Liu Qin , Wang Kang
Published: November 2024

The inability of geophysical methods to directly detect gold ore bodies remains a hot topic in the realm of gold geophysical exploration. Through the analysis of high-precision magnetic method, resistivity and induced polarization methods with the gradient arrays, electrical resistance tomography , and well logging, combined with the discovery of gold mineralization in exploration trenches and boreholes, it has been found that gold mineralization in the andesite distributed area can be classified into two types: terminal and channel. The terminal-type gold mineralization is marked by a buried depth of less than 30m, accompanied by varying degrees of silicification and pyritization. In contrast, the channel-type of gold mineralization is buried deeper than 30m and occurs within structural fractures or volcanic breccia mineralized alteration zones. The resistivity difference constitutes a significant geophysical indicator differentiating these two types of gold mineralization. Both types of gold mineralization are located adjacent to high-polarization anomaly areas, potentially suggesting characteristics of low-sulfur gold mineralization. These research results provide geophysical technical support for breakthroughs in the exploration of low-sulfide epithermal gold deposits and represent a valuable exploration in the field of directly detecting such gold deposits using geophysical methods.
Evaluation of Rural Tourism Industry Competitiveness in the Yangtze River Economic Belt Based on the "Diamond Model"
Authors: Zhang Chunfeng , Xu Ke , Zhang Xiang , Han Dongxiao , He Yating
Published: November 2024

Rural tourism has emerged as a significant option to meet the people's growing needs for a better life in the new era. Evaluating the competitiveness of the rural tourism industry plays a crucial role in promoting rural revitalization. This thesis is based on a modified Porter’s Diamond Model. The study focuses on representative rural tourism demonstration areas in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, specifically Wenjiang District in Chengdu, Huangpi District in Wuhan, and Jiangning District in Nanjing. A Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process were employed to construct a competitiveness evaluation index system for rural tourism and assign weights. The thesis evaluates and compares the competitiveness of the rural tourism industry in the case study regions. The research reveals that the competitiveness of the rural tourism industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt exhibits a pattern of strong competitiveness in the middle reaches, weaker competitiveness in the upper reaches, and moderate competitiveness in the lower reaches. These differences are significantly influenced by the region's tourism resource endowments, tourism infrastructure, and market scale. Huangpi District demonstrates strong competitiveness in its rural tourism industry. This strength is attributed to its well-developed rural tourism supply system. Jiangning District has moderate competitiveness in its rural tourism industry. This is supported by strong market demand and a relatively complete tourism support system. Wenjiang District shows weaker competitiveness in its rural tourism industry. This weakness results from a fragile rural tourism supply system and sluggish market demand. The thesis concludes with recommendations for enhancing the competitiveness of rural tourism in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
General Obstacle Avoidance Capability Assessment for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Lowe Evan , Guvenc Levent
Published: November 2024

As autonomous vehicle (AV) capabilities expand, it is important to assure their safety during testing and deployment for public usage. While several testing regulations have been proposed in research, US federal, and even global guidelines for low-speed vehicles in metropolitan settings, regulations for high-speed travel are mainly vacant. This is especially true for regulations relating to AV emergency obstacle avoidance maneuvers (EOAMs). With the motivation of filling this gap, research reported in this manuscript introduces a general obstacle avoidance capability assessment (GOACA) method for AVs traveling at highway speeds. This GOACA includes test modes including interactions with car and bicycle active road objects (AROs) in rural and urban highway settings. These tests are novel in their definitions, methodologies, and execution, especially in the context of AV driving at highway speeds. This research proposes a test evaluation protocol such that it could serve as a foundation for an official regulation in the future. The proposed GOACA tests include adjacent traffic vehicles which have not been utilized in the prior literature when considering EOAMs within a holistic AV system context. The use of the proposed GOACA method is illustrated using high fidelity simulations of an EOAM algorithm. Based on the assessments, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is recommended for usage with AVs at highway speeds for critical safety. This is especially true when considering oncoming traffic and low road surface friction conditions.
Effect and Mechanism of Nanobubbles on Fine Argentite Flotation Performance
Authors: Yan Shunde , Fang Xihui , Zhao Guanfei , Qiu Tingsheng , Ding Kaiwei
Published: November 2024

The recovery of fine silver (Ag)-bearing minerals from polymetallic lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) sulfide ore is crucial. This study investigated the effect and mechanisms of nanobubbles (NBs) on fine argentite flotation through contact angle tests, adsorption capacity tests, zeta potential tests, turbidity tests, microscopic observation, and flotation tests. The results indicated that NBs exhibited long-time stability and adsorbed onto the argentite surface, thereby enhancing surface hydrophobicity, reducing electrostatic repulsion between fine argentite particles, and strengthening their agglomeration. Additionally, NBs reduced the specific surface area of the fine argentite particles, leading to reduced adsorption of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) on the argentite surface. Micro-flotation tests indicated that the introduction of NBs enhanced argentite flotation recovery. Furthermore, flotation tests on actual ore confirmed that NBs enhanced Ag-bearing minerals in Pb concentrate.
A Dynamic Modeling Approach: Simplifying DFIG Theory, Simulation, and Analysis
Authors: Dal Mehmet , Kennel Ralph Mario
Published: November 2024

The operation and modelling of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) are quite different in grid-connected and stand-alone operated wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). Researchers usually simulate DFIG in these operations using the pre-built models provided in commercial software which are built using complex modeling techniques that most researchers new in the field are not familiar with. In this paper, a simple and easy-to-use modeling approach based on basic dynamic voltage equations of DFIG is proposed in order to provide a more physical and practical understanding of the dynamic behavior of DFIG. Its fundamental theory and various dynamic models are presented and discussed considering the difference between stand-alone and grid-connected operations. Several effective simulations using the proposed models are performed aiming to have new researchers working in this field to develop a more practical, in-depth and intuitive understanding of the theory and working principle of DFIG in stand-alone and grid connected operations. In addition, uncontrolled and a current-controlled operation of DFIG is realized through simulation and experiment. A small-sized laboratory hardware setup used in the experiment is introduced, and several results obtained for both con-trolled and uncontrolled operation of DFIG are presented.
Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Maternal and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Slovak National Study
Authors: Goldbergerová Adriána , Kováč Ladislav , Marčišová Cecília , Borovský Miroslav , Kotríková Dominika , Izáková Ľubomíra , Mikas Ján , Námešná Jana , Kristúfková Zuzana , Krištúfková Alexandra
Published: November 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the global challenge of inadequate data on SARS-CoV-2's effects on pregnant women and their infants. In response, Slovakia, along with other countries, launched a nationwide study to assess the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Methods: We conducted a national observational descriptive study of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases among pregnant women from the pandemic's onset to its conclusion. In collaboration with the Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic, we identified 1,184 pregnant women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and contacted them for participation. Results: Among the 240 participating SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women, 13 required hospitalization, with an increased need for intensive care and respiratory support. However, the absolute risk of poor outcomes remained low. Higher maternal age and infection during the second trimester emerged as key risk factors for hospitalization. A symptomatic course was dominant, with fatigue (70%), headache (58%), and fever (56%) as the leading symptoms. While maternal and neonatal outcomes were generally favorable, a slight increase in cesarean and preterm births suggests an indirect impact on maternity care. Vaccination during pregnancy correlated with reduced symptoms and no hospitalizations. Elevated CRP levels were common among infected women, while ultrasound findings remained normal. Conclusions: This study offers a multi-dimensional view of pregnancy during the pandemic, capturing both the mother’s personal concerns and the objective insights from prenatal and labor care settings. The findings suggest that most pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 experience mild to moderate illness, providing reassurance to clinicians about generally favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Stability of Neutron Star and Cosmological Constant
Authors: Singh Naveen K. , Kashyap Gopal
Published: November 2024

We derive the equation for pressure within a neutron star, taking into account a non-zero cosmological constant (Λ). We then examine the stability of the neutron star’s equilibrium state in the presence of cosmological constant. Our analysis shows that the theorem used to assess the stability of stellar structures at equilibrium remains applicable to neutron stars even when a cosmological constant is considered. We further numerically solve the stellar structure equations and determine the mass of neutron star using different equations of state (EOS). Moreover, we observe that the value of the cosmological constant (Λ≥10−11m−2) causes a significant change in the mass-radius relationship of neutron stars.
Treatment Options for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Failure of Previous Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Chemotherapy: Meta-Analysis of 5 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Messori Andrea , Ossato Andrea , Gasperoni Lorenzo , Del Bono Luna , Inno Alessandro , Damuzzo Vera
Published: November 2024

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), either alone or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy, are effective in the first-line treatment of metastatic, non-oncogene addicted, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, when NSCLC patients progress, the efficacy of available treatment options is limited. Methods: We undertook a meta-analysis that compared combination regimens with the current standard of care. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included (endpoint, overall survival [OS]). Our analysis used an artificial intelligence software program that reconstructs individual patient data from Kaplan–Meier curves. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was the main parameter. Heterogeneity was based on Wald’s test and likelihood ratio test. Results: Five RCTs were included, whose experimental arms included 5 different combinations. In our analysis, these combination regimes showed no OS benefit compared to chemotherapy (HR=1.066, 95%CI, 0.9311 to 1.221; p=0.35). Among the five control arms, cross-trial heterogeneity was remarkably low (likelihood ratio test=3.76 on 4 df, p=0.40; Wald test=3.83 on 4 df, p=0.40. Discussion: In conclusion, five new second-line combination treatments for patients with NSCLC were not found to determine any benefit in terms of OS in comparison with current standard of care.
Robotic Radical Trachelectomy in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer
Authors: Heras Marta , Gracia Myriam , Coronado Pluvio
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Background/Aim: Radical trachelectomy represents an alternative for early-stage cervical cancer in patients who want to preserve fertility. This procedure can be performed by vaginal, open or minimal invasive approach. The robotic approach may offer some advantages, especially for the surgeon´s ergonomics. Since the evidence is still scarce, larger studies are needed. Our objective is to present a retrospective review of our experience with robotic radical trachelectomy. Methods: Descriptive study carried out in Clinico San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. We included all our patients with early- stage cervical cancer that wished to preserve fertility, from 2023 to 2022. The surgery included bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by radical trachelectomy and cervical cerclage after confirmation of absence of nodal metastasis. Demographic data of the study population, perioperative and oncological outcomes were analyzed. Results: 7 patients who underwent radical robotic trachelectomy were studied. Median patient age was 30 (range 23-35) years old. Median body mass index was 24 (range 19-28). Tumor histology was squamous cell carcinoma in 57% (4) and adenocarcinoma in 43% (3) of the patients. Median surgical time was 285 (range 247-315) minutes. The median of pelvic nodes obtained was 15 (range 12-40). Two postoperative complications were observed. One patient tried to conceived and had preterm labor. One patient died of the disease. Conclusions: In selected cases robotic radical trachelectomy is a safe option for patients that wish to preserve their fertility with similar rates of oncological safety and complications than open procedures and a shorter recovery time.
MINDPRES: A Hybrid Prototype System for Comprehensive Data Protection in the User Layer of the Mobile Cloud
Authors: Ogwara Noah Oghenefego , Petrova Krassie , Yang Mee Loong (Bobby) , MacDonell Stephen G.
Published: November 2024

Mobile cloud computing (MCC) is a prevailing technological paradigm for providing services to customers who have access to mobile devices (MD). Security compromises at the user layer of MCC may cause harm to the MD user as well as to other MCC customers. This study proposes MINDPRES, a mobile app intrusion prevention and detection system to protect against malicious apps in the MD device. It applies machine learning models deployed on a cloud server to support the static analysis of the apps resident on the mobile device as well as performing dynamic monitoring of app activities and network traffic at runtime. The host-based MINDPRES manages the intrusion detection and protection process, including risk assessment and user communication. The paper also presents the outcomes of the testing of the prototype system on a set of real life benign and malicious apps, and compares its performance to results reported in the extant literature.
English as Symbolic Capital: Globalization and the Linguistic Landscape of Armenia, Quindío (Colombia)
Authors: Guarin Daniel , Arias-Cortés Diego
Published: November 2024

This research investigates linguistic hybridization in Armenia, Colombia, focusing on the usage of Spanish and English in public signage, particularly business names. Utilizing a quantitative methodology, we conducted a statistical analysis employing Chi-square tests to explore the rela-tionship between symbolic language choice and variables such as location and type of establish-ment. The results demonstrated a significant association between location and language choice (Χ² = 39.353, p < .001), revealing that commercial zones with high tourist traffic exhibited a pro-nounced preference for English (46.55%), reflecting branding strategies aimed at attracting a younger, cosmopolitan audience. Conversely, traditional sectors such as health services (74.24% in Spanish) and religious institutions (80% in Spanish) predominantly utilized Spanish, empha-sizing the community's need for accessible communication. Additionally, establishments in the most commercial area highlighted the presence of hybrid names, indicating a blending of lan-guages. Our findings suggest that the hybridization of English and Spanish serves as both a re-flection and reinforcement of cultural identity and social hierarchies, emphasizing the role of linguistic capital in shaping social dynamics within the urban landscape of Armenia, Colombia.
Seed Quality of Organically Fertilized Plant: A Solanum Melongena Study
Authors: Başay Sevinç , Dorak Saliha , Aşık Barış bülent
Published: November 2024

This research was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of the use of organic fertilizers in order to improve the organic seed production process and to increase the seed quality needed in organic agriculture production. The experiment was established with organic fertilizers (farmyard manure-FYM, leonardite-L, vermicompost-VC) and eggplant plant 'Pala-49' variety and conducted for two years. As a result of the study; plant height (52,65-68,06 cm), plant diameter (51,85-61,20 cm), fruit height (14,67-21,90 cm), fruit diameter (4,73-6,73 cm), number of seeds (1344-2508 pcs/fruit), seed weight (4,79-9,38 g/fruit) and germination percentage (14,67-21,90%) varied between FYM, L and VC organic fertilizer applications. In general, it was determined that the first year gave better results. In terms of parameters, the best result in all parameters was obtained from FYM organic fertilizer application. In addition, the nutrient element contents of the seed samples were found to be statistically significant. Organic applications significantly increased the nutrient element content of the seed samples according to the control. Nitrogen content varied between 0.242% and 0.271%, and phosphorus content varied between 0.274% and 0.456%. The highest K content was determined in FYM application in both years (0.272% and 0.309%), while Fe, Zn and Mn contents were 35.1 mg kg-1, 63.7 mg kg-1 and 200.7 mg kg-1 in VC application in the second year, respectively. The effect of the treatments on soil available nutrient content was also found to be significant. The amount of the soil available plant nutrients were higher in the second year.
Exploring Cartographic Differences in Web Map Applications: Evaluating Design, Scale, and Usability
Authors: Zejdlik Jakub , Vozenilek Vit
Published: November 2024

Although there are many articles dealing with web map applications, they often focus on just one or a few applications. Several articles deal with the technical solution of the applications, but relatively few are focused on the cartographic aspects of these applications. This article evaluates eight web mapping applications based on six cartographic aspects: map key, map scale, map layout, navigation elements, labels, and analytical tools. The objective is to identify differences in the presentation of geographic information and propose improvements for cartographic quality and user-friendliness. The methodology involved visual analysis at two scales: large (1:100,000) and medium (1:500,000). The comparison included applications such as Mapy.cz, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, Bing Maps, HERE Maps, MapQuest, ViaMichelin, and Locus Map. The results revealed significant differences among the applications that may impact user orientation and experience. For instance, Google Maps does not display forest symbols on its default map, which can reduce clarity, whereas Mapy.cz offers the most comprehensive range of analytical tools. Advertisements in applications like MapQuest and ViaMichelin disrupt the user experience, and some applications lack essential functions, such as distance measurement. The paper identifies strengths and weaknesses in the cartographic design of these applications. Findings reveal that while each application possesses unique characteristics, they share common features. An interesting feature is the absence of cartographic symbols and labels of some elements in some applications. The study recommends the unification of cartographic standards and further user testing to optimize the layout and functionality of web mapping applications.
Sixfold Discrete Symmetry of Fermion Fields as Explanation for Dark Matter
Authors: Nofech Avraham
Published: November 2024

We address the question, what is dark matter? The method used is the Pauli algebra form of the Dirac equation, equivalent to the standard one but allowing to use the multiplicative structure of the algebra. In this form discrete symmetries of fermion fields are the same as the automorphisms of the Pauli group. We construct the prototype Dirac equation in the Clifford algebra and then use its six representations by complex two by two matrices to construct the six symmetric versions, indexed by permutations of three letters. The solutions of symmetric equations form the six sectors of fermion fields. It is shown that the sectors are genuinely distinct, by proving that any fermion field belonging to two different sectors must have mass zero. Also shown is the lack of electromagnetic interaction from one sector to another, since each sector has its own matrix coupling the fermion field to the electromagnetic field. The key tool used is the mass inversion symmetry, introduced in []. The sixfold symmetry predicts the ratio of dark to ordinary matter of 5:1 which is close to the observed ratio of 5.2:1. However this symmetry is constructed only for interactions between fermion fields and the electromagnetic field, not yet taking into account the weak and strong interactions. So this article is an indication that maybe the complete answer can be found if the sixfold symmetry extends to these interactions.
The Substitution Effect of The Fine Aggregate in Concrete with Oyster Shell
Authors: Hong Yaoming , Choudhury Sharan Roy
Published: November 2024

The construction industry is responsible for around 27% of carbon emissions. Concrete raw materials consist of cement, Coarse Aggregates, Fine Aggregates, and admixtures. In this study, Oyster shell powder produced by Taiwan Sugar Company replaced fine aggregates in different proportions to test the strength of concrete. The proportion of concrete used is 16.67% of cement, 33.33% of coarse Aggregates, and 50% of 10-20 mm aggregates. The replacement rate of Fine Aggregates of Oyster Shell powder includes 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. The test results show that the increase in Oyster Shell content in concrete reduces its strength. When the replacement rate reaches 40%, the 56-day compressive strength still reaches 30MPa, which meets the building strength requirements. The Oyster Shell powder has lower specific gravity than sand. When the substitution reaches 40%, the unit weight of concrete is reduced by about 10% compared to the 0% substitution rate. This could help solve the problem of oyster shell waste, which is one of the substitutes for fine aggregates in concrete.
LoRaBB: An Algorithm for Parameter Selection in LoRa-based Communication for the Amazon Rainforest
Authors: Moreira Diogo Soares , Santos Gilmara , Yanai Angela Emi , Souza Pedro Barreto de , Melo Paulo Victor Fernandes de , Mota Edjair
Published: November 2024

Human activities’ interference in water bodies has contributed to the deterioration of the water quality. With the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT), aided by transmission technologies such as LoRa (Long Range), low-cost solutions have emerged for long-distance environment monitoring scenarios. One key challenge in such IoT-based systems is selecting LoRa transmission parameters to ensure efficient data exchange among nodes, adapting to varying network conditions. Well-known strategies adapting transmission parameters according to network context through information exchange among nodes and LoRa gateway(s). In this work, we introduce a novel LoRa parameter selection algorithm by incorporating three major LoRa metrics (RSSI, SNR, and PDR) and conducting a comprehensive characterization and validation in the forest environment to build a set of reference values of transmission quality, which are employed in a binary search methodology, utilizing the R-array, representing the transmission quality according of LoRa parameters. Experimental results indicated that the proposed algorithm achieves a 16.20% reduction in Time on Air (ToA). Furthermore, our algorithm optimized the Transmission Power (TP) selection, achieving at least 38% lower energy consumption than ADR TP parameters. These results highlight that our proposed algorithm can enhance the transmissions in a rainforest environment.
Analysis of Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Various Histological Subtypes of Adrenocortical Cancer
Authors: Pachuashvili Nano , Bastrich Asya , Porubayeva Erika , Elfimova Alina , Tertychnyy Alexander , Beltsevich Dmitry , Kogan Evgeniya , Reshetov Igor , Troshina Ekaterina , Tarbaeva Natalia , Mokrysheva Natalia , Urusova Liliya
Published: November 2024

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare malignant neoplasm originating from the adrenal cortex, presenting limited therapeutic options. An avenue for improving therapeutic efficacy may involve a deeper understanding of the role of adrenocortical stem/progenitor cells in the pathogenesis of this disease. Although existing data suggest stem/progenitor characteristics in certain cell populations within ACC, the challenge remains to identify adrenocortical stem cell markers directly involved in its carcinogenesis. In our study, we aimed to identify multipotency markers such as LGR5 and CD90 in various ACC types to confirm their presence and localization. The study included tumor tissue samples from 13 patients with ACC treated at the Endocrinology Research Centre (Moscow, Russia) between 2005 and 2023. We conducted immunohistochemical analyses to identify the aforementioned markers and examined the association between their expression and clinico-morphological parameters. Our pilot study results demonstrate the presence of LGR5- and CD90-positive tumor cells in all samples. Despite the small sample size, we observed statistically significant differences in disease-free survival based on the number of CD90-positive cells. These findings suggest a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value of cancer stem cells markers, underscoring the need for their further analysis in a larger cohort of patients with ACC.
Efficient Load-Bearing Capacity Assessment of a Degraded Concrete Manhole Using Sectional Homogenization
Authors: Garbowski Tomasz , Pawlak Tomasz Grzegorz , Szymczak-Graczyk Anna
Published: November 2024

This study addresses a practical and efficient approach to evaluating the load-bearing capacity of severely degraded concrete manholes. Concrete deterioration, often advanced and highly irregular, can be captured accurately through surface scanning to create a detailed model of the damaged structure. The repair strategy involves applying an internal polyurea layer, a variable-thickness polyurethane foam layer depending on the degree of localized degradation, and an external polyurea layer to restore the original shape of the manhole. However, these repairs do not fully restore the manhole's original load-bearing capacity. A full 3D model, encompassing millions of finite elements, would provide a detailed analysis of strength reductions but is impractical for engineering applications due to computational demands. An alternative approach is proposed, utilizing sectional homogenization, where sectional properties are sequentially averaged to calculate effective parameters. This approach enables the use of only a few hundred shell elements, each representing thousands of elements from the detailed 3D model, thus providing a rapid, engineering-level assessment of load-bearing reductions in degraded manholes.
Study on the Static Performance of Guyed Towers in High-Voltage Transmission Lines
Authors: Chen Haoyuan , Wang Yongan , Yin Hong , Xia Liwei , Wan Hengbang , Kalungi Musoke Paul , Zhu Aizhu
Published: November 2024

Guyed towers in High-voltage transmission line consists of the tower body, guy wire system, and foundation. A well-designed guy wire system with optimized tension levels is essential to maintain the stability of the tower under wind loads and other external forces. In practical operation, to prevent excessive corrosion of the pinned metal components at the tower base, these connections are often encased in concrete, altering the base connection conditions and affecting the structural forces on the tower. This study develops a finite element analysis model based on two guyed tower structures from a high-voltage transmission line project. By measuring the actual tensions of the guy wire and testing the basic material performance, this model considers the effects of varying base connection conditions and different guy wire tension levels. Under designed ice load and extreme wind load conditions, the analysis focuses on changes in tower body stress, tower-top displacement and inclination, and guy wire forces. The results indicate that when the tower base is uniformly pinned or fixed, the initial guy wire tension has minimal impact on maximum tower stress but significantly affects maximum tower displacement and inclination when the tower was under the ice and wind load conditions. The base connection condition has a pronounced impact on the stress states of the tower and guy wire system, especially under the designed wind loads. In particular, when the base is fixed, maximum base stress in Tower 1 under the wind loads is 275% higher than in a pinned condition. The initial guy wire tension level significantly affects the guy wire force under the ice and wind loads; for example, When Tower 1 is subjected to approximately 95% of the design level of high wind load, some guy wires reach full relaxation prematurely, presenting localized strength failure risks at the tower foot, potentially threaten to the tower safety under extreme design loads.
Machine Condition Monitoring System Based on Edge Computing Technology
Authors: Halenar Igor , Halenarova Lenka , Tanuska Pavol , Važan Pavel
Published: November 2024

The core of the publication is the design of a system for evaluating the condition of production equipment and machines by monitoring selected parameters of the production process with an additional sensor subsystem. The main positive of the design is the processing of data from the sensor layer using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Expert Systems (ES) with the use of Edge Computing (EC). Sensor information is processed directly at the sensor level on the monitored equipment, and the results of the individual subsystems are stored in the form of triggers in a database for use in the predictive maintenance process. The whole solution includes the design of suitable sensors and the design of the implementation of the sensor layer, the description of data processing algorithms, the design on the communication infrastructure for the whole system, and tests in the form of experimental operation on the device in laboratory conditions. The solution includes visualization of the production system status for the operator using an interactive online map.
Higher-Order DNA Secondary Structures and their Transformations: The Hidden Complexities of Tetrad and Quadruplex DNA Structures, Complexes, and Modulatory Interactions Induced by Strand Invasion Events
Authors: Völker Jens , Gindikin Vera , Breslauer Kenneth J.
Published: November 2024

We demonstrate that a short oligonucleotide complementary to a G quadruplex domain can invade this iconic, noncanonical DNA secondary structure in ways that profoundly influence the properties and differential occupancies of the resulting DNA polymorphic products. Our spectroscopic mapping of the conformational space of the associated reactants and products, both before and after strand invasion, yield unanticipated outcomes which reveal several overarching features. First, strand invasion induces disruption of DNA secondary structural elements in both the invading strand (which can assume an iDNA tetrad structure) and the invaded species (a G quadruplex). The resultant cascade of coupled alterations represents a potential pathway for the controlled unfolding of kinetically trapped DNA states, a feature that may be characteristic of biological regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, the addition of selectively designed, exogenous invading oligonucleotides can enable manipulation of noncanonical DNA conformations for biomedical applications. Secondly, our results highlight the importance of metastability, including the interplay between slower and faster kinetic processes in determining preferentially populated DNA states. Collectively, our data reveal the importance of sample history in defining state populations, which, in turn, determine preferred pathways for further folding steps, irrespective of the position of the thermodynamic equilibrium. Finally, our spectroscopic data reveal the impact of topological constraints on the differential stabilities of base-paired domains. We discuss how our collective observations yield insights into the coupled and uncoupled cascade of strand-invasion induced transformations between noncanonical DNA forms; potentially as components of molecular wiring diagrams that regulate biological processes.
Electrochemical Switching of Laser-Induced Graphene/Polymer Composites for Tunable Electronics
Authors: Fatkullin Maxim , Petrov Ilia , Dogadina Elizaveta , Kogolev Dmitry , Vorobiev Alexandr , Postnikov Pavel , Chen Jin-Ju , De Oliveira Rafael Furlan , Kanoun Olfa , Rodriguez Raul , Sheremet Evgeniya
Published: November 2024

Laser reduction of graphene oxide (GO) is a promising approach for realizing flexible, robust, and electrically conductive graphene/polymer composites. Resulting composite materials show significant technological potential for energy storage, sensing, and bioelectronics. However, in the case of insulating polymers, the properties of electrodes show severe performance. To overcome these challenges, we report on a post-processing redox treatment that allows tuning the electrochemical properties of laser-induced rGO/polymer composite electrodes. We show that the polymer substrate plays a crucial role in the electrochemical modulation of the composites’ properties such as the electrode impedance, charge transfer resistance, and capacitance. The mechanism behind the reversible control of electrochemical properties of the rGO/polymer composites is the cleavage of polymer chains in the vicinity of rGO flakes during redox cycling, which exposes rGO active sites to interact with the electrolyte. Sequential redox cycling improves composite performance, allowing the development of devices such as electrolyte-gated transistors, which are widely used in chemical sensing applications. Our strategy enables the engineering of the electrochemical properties of rGO/polymer composites by post-treatment with dynamic switching, opening up new possibilities for flexible electronics and electrochemical applications having tunable properties.
Physics in the Service of Oral Health: STEM Perspective
Authors: Kamiński Patryk
Published: November 2024

This study integrates STEM principles to explore the impact of fluoride toothpaste and acidic beverages on enamel-like structures using chicken eggshells as a model. Leveraging X-ray diffraction (XRD), the research examines the crystallographic changes in untreated, fluoride-treated, and Coca-Cola-exposed eggshells, representing key scientific and mathematical applications. Results show that fluoride forms a protective calcium fluoride layer, while acids erode this defense, mirroring dental decay processes. The experiment highlights the technological role of XRD in material analysis and demonstrates an engineering approach to modeling real-world biological effects. Additionally, the study promotes STEM education by encouraging hands-on experimentation in classrooms.
Critical Observability Enforcement in Discrete-event Systems Using Differential Privacy
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Zhiwu
Published: November 2024

In the context of discrete-event systems (DESs), critical states usually refer to a system configuration of interest, describing certain important system properties, e.g., fault diagnosability, state/language opacity, and state/event concealment. Technically, a DES is critically observable if an intruder can always unambiguously infer, by observing the system output, whether the plant is currently in a predefined set of critical states or the current state set is disjoint with the critical states. In this paper, given a partially observable DES modeled with a finite-state automaton that is not critically observable, we focus on how to make it critically observable, which is achieved by proposing a novel enforcement mechanism based on differential privacy (DP). Specifically, we consider two observations, where one cannot determine whether a system is currently in the predefined critical states (i.e., the observation violating the critical observability), while the other is randomly generated by the system. When these two observations are processed separately by the differential privacy mechanism (DPM), the system generates an output, exposed to the intruder, that is randomly modified such that its probability approximates the two observations. In other words, the intruder cannot determine the original input of a system by observing its output. In this way, even if the utilized DPM is published to the intruder, he/she is unable to identify whether critical observability is violated.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications to Pharmacokinetic Modelling and Dose Prediction of Antibiotics: A Scoping Review
Authors: Varela-Rey Iria , Bandín-Vilar Enrique José , Toja-Camba Francisco José , Cañizo-Outeiriño Antonio , Cajade-Pascual Francisco , Ortega-Hortas Marcos , Mangas-Sanjuan Victor , Gonzalez-Barcia Miguel , Zarra-Ferro Irene , Mondelo-García Cristina , Fernández-Ferreiro Anxo
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: The use of Artificial intelligence (AI) and, in particular, Machine Learning (ML) techniques is growing rapidly in the healthcare field. Their application in pharma-cokinetics is of potential interest due to the need to relate enormous amounts of data and to the more efficient development of new predictive dose models. The development of pharmacokinetic models based on these techniques simplifies the process, reduces time and allows more factors to be con-sidered than with classical methods, and is therefore of special interest in the pharmacokinetic monitoring of anti-biotics. This review aims to describe the studies that use AI, mainly oriented to ML techniques, to dose prediction and analyze their results in comparison with the results obtained by classical methods. Furthermore, in the review, the techniques employed and the metrics to evaluate the precision are described to improve the compression of the results. Methods: A sys-tematic search was carried out in the EMBASE, OVID and PubMed databases and the results ob-tained were analyzed in detail. Results: Of the 13 articles selected, 10 were published in the last three years. Vancomycin was monitored in 7 and none of the studies were performed on new an-tibiotics. The most used techniques were XGBoost and neural networks. Comparison was conducted in most cases against population pharmacokinetic models. Conclusion: AI techniques offer prom-ising results. However, the diversity in terms of the statistical metrics used and the low power of some of the articles make the overall assessment difficult. For now, AI-based ML techniques should be used in addition to classical population pharmacokinetic models in clinical practice.
Polymer Composites with Nanomaterials for Strain Gauging: A Review
Authors: Shchegolkov Aleksei Viktorovich , Shchegolkov Alexandr Viktorovich , Kaminskii Vladimir Vladimirovich , Chumak Maxim Alexandrovich
Published: November 2024

As the complexity of structures and materials used in modern engineering increases, so does the need for more accurate and reliable methods of stress and strain monitoring. Strain gauges, in turn, are used to measure force or strain on the surface of an object. Strain gauges and strain gauge transducers are important tools in the field of materials resistance research to measure stresses and strains in solids. These methods and devices have a wide range of applications, from construction to mechanical engineering, where the mechanical properties of materials need to be monitored and optimized.
The paper considers different types of composites based on polymer matrices with additives of dispersed nanomaterials, which are designed for strain gauge tasks. Thermoplastics and elas-tomers can be used as polymer matrices. Dispersed fillers can be based on MXene and nano-materials: carbon nanotubes, graphene, metals, etc. Despite the obvious advantages of strain gauges based on conducting polymers modified with dispersed structures - there are problems of creating effective strain gauges with the ability to operate under large deformations with im-proved sensitivity and accuracy of measurements in a wide range.
The use of nanomaterials in strain gauges allows for more sensitive and compact sensors. Nanotechnology makes it possible to create strain gauges with improved mechanical and electrical properties. At the same time, nanomaterials have unique properties that make them ideal for use in strain gauges. The purpose of this review study is to determine the prospects for the use of various nanomaterials as additives in polymers to create strain gauges.
A Review of CNN Applications in Smart Agriculture Using Multimodal Data
Authors: El Sakka Mohammad , Ivanovici Mihai , Chaari Lotfi , Mothe Josiane
Published: November 2024

This review explores the applications of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in smart agriculture, highlighting recent advancements across various applications including weed detection, disease detection, crop classification, water management, and yield prediction. Based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 115 recent studies, this paper contextualizes the use of CNNs within Agriculture 5.0, where technological integration optimizes agricultural efficiency. Key approaches analyzed involve image classification, image segmentation, regression, and object detection methods that use diverse data types ranging from RGB and multispectral images to radar and thermal data. By processing UAV and satellite data with CNNs, real-time and large-scale crop monitoring can be achieved, supporting advanced farm management. A comparative analysis shows how CNNs perform with respect to other techniques that involve traditional machine learning and recent deep learning models in image processing, particularly when applied to high-dimensional or temporal data. Future directions point toward integrating IoT and cloud platforms for real-time data processing and leveraging large language models for regulatory insights. Potential research advancements emphasize improving increased data accessibility and hybrid modeling to meet the agricultural demands of climate variability and food security, positioning CNNs as pivotal tools in sustainable agricultural practices. A related repository that contains the reviewed articles along their publication links is made available (https://github.com/MohammadElSakka/CNN_in_AGRI).