bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled Adsorption/Precipitation Modelling of Phosphonate Scale Inhibitors in a Batch Reactive System
Authors: Meybodi M. Kalantari , Sorbie K. S. , Vazquez O. , Jarrahian K. , Mackay E. J.
Published: February 2024

Scale inhibitor squeeze treatments are one of the most common ways to prevent scale deposition. The mineral scale will be inhibited if the concentration of the scale inhibitor (SI) in the produced water is above a certain threshold, known as the Minimum Inhibitor Concentration (MIC), which is controlled by scale inhibitor retention. Therefore, accurate modelling of the SI retention through adsorption (Γ) and precipitation (Π) is critical to the successful design and implementation of squeeze treatments.

In this study, an equilibrium model has been developed to simulate the coupled adsorption-precipitation (Γ/Π) of phosphonate scale inhibitors in reactive formations, such as carbonates, in the presence of calcium and magnesium cations. In this approach, the scale inhibitor (SI) was considered as a poly weak acid that may be protonated (HnA), resulting in the complexation with Ca/Mg ions, leading to the precipitation of SI_Ca/Mg complexes. All these reactions occur in an integrated system where carbonate system reactions and adsorption of the soluble species are occurring in parallel.

In the adsorption process, all the SI derivatives remaining in the solution, including free and complex species, are considered to participate in the adsorption process, described by an an adsorption isotherm model (e.g., Freundlich). For the precipitation part, the model considers the following reactions: (i) the carbonate system, (ii) SI speciation, considered as weak polyacid, HnA, (iii) the SI-metal (Ca and Mg) binding complexes, and (iv) subsequent precipitation of the SI-Ca/Mg complex. The system charge balance and the mass balances for calcium, magnesium, carbon, and SI are considered, to numerically equilibrate the system (excluding the adsorbed species), by solving a determined set of non-linear equations numerically. Following the algebraic reduction of the equations, the system is reduced to three non-linear equations that may be solved by the Newton-Raphson method. The precipitation of the SI-Ca/Mg is modelled in the equilibrium model based on the solubility of SI in the solution, determined from the lab experiments.

The reliability of the proposed model was established by comparison with experimental results from a previous study (Kalantari Meybodi et al., 2023) on the interactions of DETPMP in a Calcite/brine (containing free Ca/Mg) system, where the final concentration of SI, Ca2+, Mg2+, CO2 and pH were compared. The modelling showed good general agreement with the experimental results, and a further sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the behaviour of some uncertain parameters, such as the stability constant of complexes.
DPC-seq enables genome-wide monitoring of DNA-protein crosslink induction and repair
Authors: Bader Aldo S. , Erdenebat Chimeg , Acampora Aleida C. , Carnie Christopher J. , Jackson Stephen P. , Stingele Julian
Published: February 2024

DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) are highly toxic DNA lesions arising from a variety of endogenous and exogenous genotoxins including chemotherapeutic drugs. DPCs can be enzymatic or non-enzymatic in nature, with non-enzymatic DPCs arising from endogenous aldehydes such as formaldehyde constituting a potentially significant source of endogenous DNA damage. Mechanistic studies of non-enzymatic DPC repair have been hampered by the fact that any chromatin-associated protein could feasibly become crosslinked to DNA, making it challenging to assess the impact of genomic context on DNA induction and repair by conventional methods such as ChIP-seq. Here, we describe DPC-seq, a protocol by which researchers can purify and sequence genomic DNA that bore DPCs, where sequencing read coverage can be used to infer DPC occupancy at specific genomic loci.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells mediate hepatocyte proliferation and immune suppression during liver regeneration following resection
Authors: Pencovich Niv , Nachmany Ido , Edelheit Sarit , Friedlander Gilgi , Yakubovsky Oran
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Liver regeneration following resection is a complex process relying on coordinated pathways and cell types in the remnant organ. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) have a role in liver regeneration-related angiogenesis but their influence on hepatocyte proliferation and immune modulation during liver regeneration is unclear.
Methods
We examined the transcriptional response of regenerating liver hepatocytes after major resection in mice with CD11b+Ly6G+ MDSCs (G-MDSCs) depletion using RNA sequencing. Immune changes within regenerating livers post-resection upon MDSC depletion were assessed via cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF).
Results
Global gene expression profiling of regenerating hepatocytes upon G-MDSC depletion revealed disrupted transcriptional progression from day one to day two after major liver resection. Key genes and pathways related to hepatocyte proliferation and immune response were differentially expressed upon MDSC depletion. CyTOF analysis of intra-liver immune milieu upon MDSC depletion in regenerating livers post-resection demonstrated marked increases in natural killer cell and activated T cell proportions, alongside changes in other immune cell populations.
Conclusions
This study provides evidence that MDSCs contribute to early liver regeneration by promoting hepatocyte proliferation and modulating the intra-liver immune response. These findings illuminate the multifaceted role of MDSCs in liver regeneration.
Optimal pulse harvesting strategy based on uncertain Gompertz population model
Authors: Song Luben , Sheng Yuhong
Published: February 2024

Based on the basic principles of the renewal process and α-paths, uncertain Gompertz population equation and optimal pulse harvesting strategy of uncertain Gompertz population equation are proposed in this paper. It is a differential equation of uncertain population model driven by canonical Liu process. First of all, the solution of Gompertz population equation with uncertainty is proposed for the first time. Whereafter, the uncertainty distribution and α-paths are given. Based on the basic principles of the renewal process, we study the population number following the uncertain Gompertz population equation, calculate the first hitting time when it reaches the preset level, design an accurate harvesting strategy which could be transformed into an problem of the maximum value of two variables.
Differential responses in recovery, growth and survival between intertidal and subtidal corals after acute thermal stress
Authors: Almeida Luis , Osinga Ronald , Knoester Ewout Geerten
Published: February 2024

Sea temperature increases may compromise ecological restoration as a tool for recovering degraded coral reefs. A potential solution may lay within using corals with naturally higher thermal resilience, such as intertidal corals. This study aimed at comparing thermal resilience, growth and survival between intertidal and subtidal corals in a reciprocal transplant experiment. Sixty coral nurseries were installed in a shallow coral reef area in Kenya: half were placed in the intertidal zone and half in the subtidal zone. At both zones, intertidal and subtidal Pocillopora cf damicornis coral fragments were cultured in equal proportions, resulting in 15 replicate nurseries for four treatments. After an initial culture phase of 1 month in situ, six nurseries per treatment were thermally stressed ex situ by exposing corals for 5 days to a temperature of 32°C (3°C above summer maximum), after which they were returned in situ to recover. Fragment brightness was measured as the response variable to thermal stress. Intertidal and subtidal corals increased brightness (i.e., bleached) at a similar rate, but during recovery intertidal corals returned quicker to their original brightness in both culture environments. Coral growth was highest for intertidal corals in the intertidal zone during cooler months and was highest for subtidal corals in the subtidal zone during peak temperatures. Intertidal corals transplanted to the subtidal zone registered the lowest survival. Thus, intertidal corals display higher thermal resilience through quicker recovery, but potential trade-offs require further investigation before these corals can be used as a climate-proof broodstock for reef restoration.
Clinically Validated Classification of Chronic WoundsMethod with Memristor-Based Cellular Neural Network
Authors: Secco Jacopo , Spinazzola Elisabetta , Pittarello Monica , Ricci Elia Bernardino , Pareschi Fabio
Published: February 2024

Chronic wounds are a syndrome that affects around 4% of the world population due to several pathologies. The COV-19pandemic has enforced the need of developing new techniques and technologies that can help clinicians to monitor the affectedpatients easily and reliably. In this study a new device, the Wound Viewer (WV), that works through a memristor-basedDiscrete-Time Cellular Neural Network (DT-CNN) has been developed and tested through a clinical trial of 150 patients. TheWV has been developed to serve as the state-of-art tool, capable to return the actual clinical information that is most neededby the caregivers. This work aims to describe in depth the technology and the computational techniques that have beenimplemented, and to demonstrate reliability in automatically identifying, classifying through internationally accepted clinicalscales and measuring such wounds, that peaked to over a 90% of accuracy.
Dietary vitamin D is a novel modulator of tumor engraftment through regulation of GC protein abundance.
Authors: Danahy Lo , Long Caela , Hofmann Ted J. , Tara Zahra , Mark Julian , Roizen Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2024

The vitamin D binding protein, the GC protein, is a multifunctional protein that binds circulating vitamin D and also increases macrophage killing of tumor cells. Injecting exogenous GC protein concurrent with experimental tumor implant decreases tumor engraftment rate. Until now serum abundance of this protein was thought to be controlled by estrogen, glucocorticoids and inflammatory cytokines, but, not by vitamin D itself(1, 2). Nonetheless, increasing dietary vitamin D is thought to increase serum vitamin D, which is 98% bound by the GC protein. Based on the protection that excess GC protein offers we sought to determine if decreased GC protein abundance might decrease tumor immunity. Relatedly, we theorized, by contrast to the current model, that dietary vitamin D might affect serum abundance of GC protein. If exogenous vitamin D alters available GC levels, then this effect might indicate a novel pathway by which vitamin D enhances immunity. To examine these possibilities, we examined the effect of GC protein absence on tumor persistence or engraftment on two different and common tumor types (prostate cancer and breast cancer). We further examined the relationship between dietary vitamin D and serum GC abundance. We found that absence of GC protein allowed significantly more engraftment of breast tumor cells in female mice and of prostate tumor cells in male mice. Further, we found a U-shaped response of serum GC protein to dietary vitamin D dosage as well as to serum vitamin D, indicating the potential benefit of high exogenous doses to enhance immunity and reduce tumor burden.
Association of spirituality and quality of life in cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Firkins Jenny L. , Tomic Ivana , Hansen Lissi , Woodrell Christopher D.
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although people are living longer with cancer, cancer has the potential to negatively impact survivors’ quality-of-life (QOL). Spirituality encompasses the concepts of transcendence, meaningfulness, faith, connectedness, and integrative energy. Spirituality is a part of everyday existence across cultures and religions and is a part of the human experience. Yet little has been published on spirituality in cancer survivorship. We were unable to find any previous reviews that examined the literature on the potential relationship between QOL and spirituality in cancer survivorship. Thus the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the current literature to more fully understand the relationship between spirituality and QOL.
Methods:
Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between spirituality and QOL in cancer survivorship in studies sourced from PubMed, CINHAL, and PsycINFO databases.
Results:
Twenty-four articles, published between 2005 and 2023 were included for review. All studies included demonstrated a significant, positive correlation between QOL and spirituality with r values ranging from 0.15 to 0.817.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest a positive correlation between higher spirituality and increased QOL among cancer survivors. Future research is needed to improve the understanding of this relationship and its mediators so that supportive oncologic interventions can be modified to address unmet needs and spiritual suffering. By better understanding the relationship between spirituality and QOL, we can move towards supporting the highest level of QOL possible for cancer survivors.
WITHDRAWN: Analysis of Clinical and Demographic Characteristics among Turkish Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, with a Focus on Dermatological Features
Authors: Ahmadi Vahid , Karimi Nazli , Evans Sibel Ersoy , Karaduman Ayşen
Published: February 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Generalized and COVID related anxiety as risk factors for health outcomes among adolescents with HIV during COVID-19 in Tanzania
Authors: Siril Hellen , Gitagno David , Kaaya Sylvia , Caputo Matthew , Hirschhorn Lisa , Nyamuhanga Tumaini , Mtei Rachel , Festo Charles , Hawkins Claudia
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated prevention strategies caused widespread interruptions to care and treatment for people living with HIV. Adolescents living with HIV (AWHIV) were particularly vulnerable to poor mental and physical health during COVID-19. We assessed the burden of generalized and COVID-19–related anxiety and associations with adherence to HIV care and treatment and viral load suppression (VLS) among AWHIV during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among AWHIV aged 15–19 years attending 10 clinics in Dar es Salaam from April 2022-February 2023. Study participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), COVID-19-related anxiety, and other psychosocial and physical health and support measures. HIV visit adherence, viral load and sociodemographic data were abstracted from patient health records.Analysis: Multivariable (MV) quasibinomial and logistic regression models examined associations of Generalized and COVID-19-related anxiety with visit adherence and HIV virologic suppression (HIV VL < 50 copies/mL). Data were analyzed using R software. Results 658 AWHIV (52% male) were included in this analysis. Most (86%) had been on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for at least four years, 55% attended at least 75% of their scheduled clinic visits, and 78% were HIV virologically suppressed. The median GAD and COVID-19-related anxiety scores were 2 (IQR: 0–5, and 26 (IQR: 13–43; respectively. Only 2% scored moderate-severe generalized anxiety (score 10–21). We found no significant associations between COVID-19-related anxiety or GAD and visit adherence. Higher GAD was inversely associated with VLS (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.89 (95% CI 0.81, 0.98)). Female gender and higher quality of physical life were significantly associated with VLS.Conclusion. Low levels of generalized and COVID-19 related anxiety were reported among Tanzanian AWHIV. Integrating screening and management of generalized anxiety screening into HIV care for AWHIV could improve VLS among this population.
Sequential GP-UCB Bayesian Optimization for Deep Neural Network Fine-Tuning in Dissolved Oxygen Prediction
Authors: Garabaghi Farid Hassanbaki , Benzer Semra , Benzer Recep
Published: February 2024

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) is a key indicator of water quality, essential for sustaining aquatic ecosystems and human uses. Machine learning, particularly deep learning, is recognized as an effective approach for predicting DO levels by learning from data rather than requiring explicit human knowledge input. The effectiveness of deep learning models improves with fine-tuning of hyperparameters. Amongst hyperparameter tuning methods, Bayesian methods have gained particular interest for optimization. This study focuses on predicting DO levels in riverine environments using a Deep Neural Network model. The research employs a Gaussian Process Upper Confidence Bound (GP-UCB) Bayesian optimization technique to fine-tune hyperparameters, aiming for an optimal configuration. Comparative analysis is conducted between the optimized model and baseline model with default settings. Results indicate that the Bayesian-optimized model outperforms the baseline, particularly evident with moderately sized datasets. The findings underscore the pivotal role of Bayesian optimization in elevating model performance, exhibiting robust generalization capabilities while significantly reducing the need for manual parameter tuning. This successful application underscores a substantial methodological advancement in environmental management, particularly in predictive modelling for indicators of aquatic ecosystem health.
Risk Assessment Associated with Suicidal Ideation in the Pediatric Emergency Department Utility of an Adult-Verified Risk Assessment Tool
Authors: Capua Tali , Milshtein Nili Yanai , Yacobi Assaf , Sela Yarden , Mordel Inbar , Rimon Ayelet
Published: February 2024

Objectives
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center created a guide for suicide risk assessment in adult emergency departments (EDs). We compared the findings of that decision support tool with those of pediatric psychiatrists' evaluations for risk stratification of pediatric ED admissions due to suicidal ideation.
Methods
The medical records of all 5- to 18-year-olds who presented to a pediatric ED due to suicidal ideation between May 2017 and January 2020 were reviewed. We used the 6-item decision support tool to retrospectively calculate and define "low" and "high" risk of attempting suicide. The recorded findings of psychiatric assessments and recommendations for management were retrieved.
Results
A total of 297 cases were included. The decision support tool calculated that 93 (31%) were low risk and 204 (69%) were high risk. Eighty-eight of the 93 low-risk patients (94.6%) were discharged home with follow-up instructions by a pediatric psychiatrist, and 5 of the 205 high-risk patients (5.4%) were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric ward for further observation. The remaining 199 high-risk patients were discharged home following psychiatric assessment with instructions to refer to mental health services follow-up
Conclusion
A decision support tool shows promise to assist the pediatric emergency physician in differentiating between low-risk youngsters presenting with suicidal ideation who may be safely discharged home with an appropriate follow-up plan and high-risk youngsters who require inpatient psychiatric observation. The tool may reduce the burden resulting from the expenditure of time and resources of a psychiatric evaluation in the ED. Prospective studies with follow-up are warranted to confirm its utility.
Abnormally accumulated GM2 ganglioside contributes to skeletal deformity in Tay-Sachs disease mice
Authors: Demir Secil Akyildiz , Seyrantepe Volkan
Published: February 2024

Tay-Sachs Disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the HEXA gene which is responsible for the degradation of ganglioside GM2. In addition to progressive neurodegeneration, Tay-Sachs patients display bone anomalies including kyphosis. Tay-Sachs disease mouse model (Hexa-/-Neu3-/-) shows both neuropathological and clinical abnormalities of the infantile-onset disease phenotype. In this study, we investigated the effects of GM2 accumulation on bone remodeling activity. Here, we evaluated the bone phenotype of 5-month-old Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice with age-matched control groups using gene expression analysis, bone plasma biomarker analysis, and micro-computed tomography. We demonstrated lower plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium levels along with increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase levels, indicating reduced bone remodeling activity in mice. Consistently, gene expression analysis confirmed osteoblast reduction and osteoclast induction in the femur of mice. Micro-computed tomography analysis also showed a reduction in trabecular bone volume, bone mineral density, number, and thickness in Hexa-/-Neu3-/-mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that abnormal GM2 ganglioside accumulation significantly triggers skeletal abnormality in Tay-Sachs mice. We suggest that further investigation of the molecular basis of bone structure anomalies is necessary to elucidate new therapeutic targets that prevent the progression of bone symptoms and improve the life standards of Tay-Sachs patients.
Preparation and preliminary application of a monoclonal antibody against the African swine fever virus D205R protein
Authors: Lin Zhi-Zhao , Ren Hao-Jie , Zhao Yan-Yan , Zhang Biao , Shi Sai-Yan , Han Shichong , He Wen-Rui , Wan Bo , Zhang Yuhang , Zhang GaiPing
Published: February 2024

Background
African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal infectious disease that causes significant economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. However, few vaccines or drugs were available to prevent or control ASF to date. The D205R protein (pD205R) is a non-structural protein of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) that is abundantly expressed in virus-infected macrophages. However, the antigenic epitopes of pD205R remain unclear.
Results
The main aim of this study was to investigate the new antigenic epitope of pD205R, providing a new tool for the prevention and diagnosis of ASF. Recombinant pD205R was firstly expressed with prokaryotic system and purified with Ni affinity chromatography. Hybridoma cell fusion, clone purification, and immunological assays were then used to develop a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against pD205R. Alanine scanning indicated that S167, W173, L174, G175, P178, and D180 were important for binding to mAb 19A5, and homologous and structural analysis revealed that these residues were highly conserved across all assessed ASFV strains and located on the protein surface.
Conclusion
The results of this study are expected to provide new insights into the development of vaccines and the establishment of serological diagnostic methods for ASF.
Short-chain fatty acids propionate and butyrate control growth and differentiation linked to cellular metabolism
Authors: Nshanian Michael , Geller Benjamin , Gruber Joshua , Chleilat Faye , Camarillo Jeannie , Kelleher Neil , Zhao Yingming , Snyder Michael
Published: February 2024

The short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) propionate and butyrate are produced in large amounts by microbial metabolism and have been identified as unique acyl lysine histone marks. In order to better understand the function of these modifications we used ChIP-seq to map the genome-wide location of four short-chain acyl histone marks H3K18pr/bu and H4K12pr/bu in treated and untreated colorectal cancer (CRC) and normal cells, as well as in mouse intestines in vivo. We correlate these marks with open chromatin regions along with gene expression to access the function of the target regions. Our data demonstrate that propionate and butyrate act as promoters of growth, differentiation as well as ion transport. We propose a mechanism involving direct modification of specific genomic regions, resulting in increased chromatin accessibility, and in case of butyrate, opposing effects on the proliferation of normal versus CRC cells.
Enhancing the Accuracy of GNSS-IR Sea Surface Height Retrieval with a Novel Deep-learning Composite Atmospheric Delay Correction Inversion Model
Authors: Shen Yifan , Zhu Huizhong , Zheng Wei , Wang Qiang , Chen Liang , Gui Yuqiang , Wen Jianyu
Published: February 2024

Accurate sea surface height (SSH) is critical for marine research and is an important basis for establishing the ocean gravity field. The Global Navigation Satellite System Interferometry Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) monitors SSH changes around the station, but it includes troposphere, ionosphere and other errors. Hence, it is crucial to remove these errors for accurate GNSS-IR sea surface altimetry. This study introduces a new Deep-learning Composite atmospheric delay Correction Inversion Model (DCCIM), which integrates a long short-term memory network based on the traditional GNSS-IR algorithm and the factor-driven dataset. This approach considers the atmospheric delay for factor-driven dataset to improve the accuracy of GNSS-IR SSH inversion. The Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) between the DCCIM and tide gauge data is 0.92, with a maximum of 0.99 at GOM1 GNSS station. The root mean square error (RMSE) ranged from 4.35 cm (TRRG) to 7.13 cm. This strongly suggests that the DCCIM can be used to effectively monitor SSH changes. To objectively demonstrate the superiority of the DCCIM over traditional GNSS-IR, the DCCIM and GNSS-IR are used to invert SSH changes and then compared with tide gauge data. In addition, this finding also shows that the DCCIM significantly promote the SSH inversion accuracy compared with that of conventional GNSS-IR altimetry. The RMSE was 61.74% lower on average, and the PCC was 67.44% higher. This highly valuable study provides effective SSH monitoring and a coastal SSH inversion technique for high-precision ocean gravity field construction.
Enhancing the performance of earth to air heat exchanger using annular and perforated fins ; numerical and experimental study
Authors: Hummood Eman A. , Hasan Mushtaq
Published: February 2024

In this study, a thorough investigation was conducted on an air-to-ground heat exchanger system designed for cooling of air compression equipments in oil pipe line system south of Iraq. The research involved numerical and experimental simulations for comparing non-finned tubes with finned tubes of various shapes, such as annular fin tubes, circular perforated annular fin tubes, and square perforated annular fin tubes. The system, utilizing a 1.5-meter-long, 6-inch-diameter PVC pipe buried approximately 3.5 meters deep in the ground, demonstrated effective cooling during summer and warmth in winter in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq, where the ground temperature remains relatively constant at around 30 degrees Celsius at a depth of 3 meters throughout the year. Practical experiments conducted from July to August 2023 revealed that, despite high inlet temperatures, annularly finned tubes exhibited superior heat transfer rates and higher pressure drops in both theoretical simulations and practical experiments compared to non-finned tubes. The consistent low outlet temperatures contributed to efficient system cooling. Theoretical simulations also indicated that finned tubes, particularly those in annular shapes, outperformed non-finned tubes in terms of heat transfer rates. The annularly finned tube demonstrated the most effective cooling performance despite challenging external conditions, generating the highest pressure drop among various fin shapes and non-finned tubes. Furthermore, the system showcased energy efficiency by consuming less electrical energy, emphasizing its effectiveness in providing cooling under demanding environmental circumstances.
Application of ROI Feature Decomposition and Local Matching in Multi-Object Tracking
Authors: Yang Jinlong , Ban Yandeng , Liu Jianjun
Published: February 2024

For multi-object tracking (MOT), matching newly detected target features and trajectory features often involves template matching. Typically, feature embedding for multi-object tracking relies on either the mean feature within the Region of Interest (ROI) or the vector at the target's center. However, both of these feature embeddings are vulnerable to interference in scenarios involving occlusion. Additionally, one-to-many (O-T-M) style matching strategies are prone to causing the loss of trajectories and detections, as one target only represented by a single indicator. To overcome those limitations, we propose utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the target ROI to decompose target features, expressing the identical feature of targets by collectively representing the principal component features of the ROI region, and utilizing these principal component features to form local features, the identical features are then trained through a classification task. Furthermore, in the template matching process, we introduce a local features matching algorithm for targets and trajectories. This algorithm adopts a many-to-many (M-T-M) matching style, aiming to associate every detailed part of the ROI feature. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed local matching algorithm effectively handles complex and dynamic scenes. The approach achieves leading performance on the motchallenge benchmark, validating its effectiveness.
Zoledronic Acid-Induced Orbital Inflammatory Disease
Authors: veisi amirreza , piryaiee golbarg , tahavvori mohammadreza
Published: February 2024

Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that are used to prevent the loss of bone density and treat osteoporosis and similar bone diseases. Zoledronate (zolenedronic acid) has been increasingly used because of its advantages of intravenous infusion and annual regimens. Here, we present a case of zolendronic acid-related diffuse orbital inflammation. A 67-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer and chemotherapy developed severe unilateral orbital and periorbital swelling approximately 8 hours after receiving her first zoledronate infusion. In this case, the interval between infusion and the beginning of the symptoms was too short compared with most other reported similar cases. Her signs and symptoms relapsed 4 days after discontinuation of the short course of systemic steroid therapy. Orbital inflammation improved after systemic corticosteroid therapy was restarted, but the patient did not relapse following discontinuation of the drug in a tapering manner.
An Efficient 3D Non-Linear Lifting-Line Method with Correction for Post-Stall Regime
Authors: Simonet Théo , Roncin Kostia , Faure Thierry , Daridon Loïc
Published: February 2024

The ongoing development of low order methods providing fast estimations of aerodynamic loading are essential for pre-dimensioning and optimization of wings and fins. The aim of this study is to present an efficient 3D Non-Linear Lifting-Line Method enhanced by an artificial viscosity correction, able to give reliable results for post-stall regime, where conventional lifting-line methods usually fail. In the present method, the lifting-line governing equation is solved by a Newton-Raphson algorithm, with an analytical Jacobian matrix. An artificial viscosity term has been added to the governing equation, in order to regularize the solution for post-stall regime. A unique parameter was defined to control the amount of artificial viscosity introduced in the governing equation. The investigations focus on the influence of the amount of artificial viscosity on the regularization of the final solution. The perturbation generated by the artificial viscosity on the governing equation is also analyzed. The method has been validated and evaluated with linear and non-linear test cases, from analytical and experimental data from the literature. It was shown that there is an optimal amount of artificial viscosity leading to a converged solution, for post-stall regime, associated with smooth circulations along the wing span, coherent 3D lift coefficients, and low deviations from the initial governing equation. When the amount of artificial viscosity increases beyond this optimal value, the solution deteriorates. The optimal value of the parameter controlling the amount of artificial viscosity has been found to be practically insensitive to the angle of attack, and to the wing discretization.
Label-Free Evanescent Imaging of Cellular Heterogeneity in Membrane Protein Binding Kinetics
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Huang Caixin , Liu Zhaoyang , Xu Jiying , Li Liangju , Chen Yi , Zhao Ying
Published: February 2024

Quantifying cellular heterogeneity of membrane protein binding kinetics is challenging but important for exploring drug resistance and screening drugs. Label-free analysis methods have emerged as promising tools for in situ binding kinetics analysis, but they have not been used for high throughput single cell analysis in live cells. Here we show that this is possible with Evanescent Scattering Microscopy (ESM). The ESM permits analyzing the kinetics of ligand binding onto membrane proteins in individual fixed and live cells, and provides a throughput of ~200 cells in a single measurement with a period of ~7 minutes. The statistical analysis further shows that the dissociation rate constant dominates the heterogeneity of cell responses to ligand binding, providing evidence for a long-standing hypothesis that the drug-target residence time may play a critical role in drug treatment. In addition, the ESM reveals that under some conditions the cells have responses to drug binding at the single cell level, whereas the ensemble measurements may average out the individual differences and present false negative results. We anticipate that the new evanescent imaging method will provide a powerful tool to quantify the functions of cellular proteins, especially their cell-to-cell heterogeneity that can provide fuel for drug resistance.
Physicochemical characterization of starch/citrate- capped plasmonic nanoparticles for effective quantification of fenobucarb pesticides in fruits
Authors: Rovina Kobun , Xia Felicia Ling Wen , Mamat Hasmadi , Maftuch Maftuch , Aziz Ahmad Hazim Abdul , Suriati Luh
Published: February 2024

Nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention from researchers due to their notable optical properties, demonstrating a significant enhancement in UV-visible sensitivity. This investigation aimed to fabricate colorimetric films through the amalgamation of starch with silver nanoparticles (Cit-AgNPs) for fenobucarb detection in fruits. The resultant films presented a uniform surface, the thickness of which was contingent upon the quantity of Cit-AgNPs integrated. Introducing fenobucarb into the Cit-AgNPs film induced displacement of negatively charged Ag surfaces. Remarkably, metal nanoparticles endowed with specific ligands have exhibited substantial promise in the advancement of miniaturized colorimetric assays, capable of detecting a broad spectrum of molecules, thereby facilitating the identification of trace-level target analytes through discernible visible color alterations perceptible to the unaided eye. Using localized surface plasmon resonance principles and nanoparticle self-assembly aggregation, plasmonic Ag has been effectively enhanced, resulting in a transition from yellow to dark grey-brown hue. The proposed sensor methodology demonstrates a linear range spanning from 0.005 µM to 500 µM, with a limit of detection and a limit of quantification of 8.86 µM and 29.53 µM, respectively. Determining fenobucarb in grapes, pumpkins, and passion fruit has consistently exhibited high reproducibility and reliability. This study is a paradigm of a straightforward, expeditious, and economically viable approach for fenobucarb detection in food commodities, presenting a novel avenue for evaluating food safety.
Investigating the relationship between self-regulated learning and language proficiency among EFL students in Vietnam
Authors: Dong Hoang Minh , Habók Anita
Published: February 2024

Self-regulated learning strategies have received significant attention by researchers and become the topic of many empirical studies since they are believed to significantly influence the achievement levels in acquiring a foreign language. The current research investigated the self-regulated learning strategies most commonly employed by Vietnamese EFL students, as well as any potential correlation between these strategies and language proficiency levels. The study involved the random selection of 140 undergraduate students to participate. The participants had different levels of English proficiency and learning backgrounds. They completed a self-regulated learning (SRL) questionnaire including 50 items, which is comprised of two parts. The first part gathers participants' personal details, including age, major of study, duration of English learning, and English proficiency determined through international test outcomes, while the second part assesses the participants' utilization frequency of SRL strategies. Quantitative methods were utilized to collect data, and descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis were performed to investigate the correlation between self-regulated learning and the language proficiency of learners. Results indicated that the participants often employed a range of self-regulation strategies for language learning. The three strategies that were most frequently used by the participants were elaboration, help-seeking, and time and study environment management, while critical thinking and effort regulation were the least employed strategies. Furthermore, a notable positive association was observed between students’ self-regulated learning strategies and their language proficiency. It was clear that language proficiency and elaboration strategy correlated most significantly, while the lowest correlation existed between language proficiency and effort regulation.
Estimating the number of states of a quantum system via the Rodeo algorithm for quantum computation
Authors: Rocha Julio Cesar Siqueira , Gomes Raphael Fortes Infante , Nogueira Wallon Anderson Tadaiesky , Dias Rodrigo Alves
Published: February 2024

In the realm of statistical physics, the number of states in which a system can be realized with a given energy is a key concept that bridges the microscopic and macroscopic descriptions of physical systems. For quantum systems, many approaches relies on the solution of the Schr\"odinger equation. Our proposal introduces a customization of the recently developed rodeo algorithm to enables us to determine the number of states associated with all energy levels without any knowledge of the eigenstates. Quantum computers, with their innate ability to address the intricacies of quantum systems, make this approach particularly promising for the study of the thermodynamics of those systems. To illustrate the effectiveness of our approach, we apply it to compute the number of states of the 1D transverse-field Ising model and, consequently, its specific heat, proving the reliability of the method present here.
Psychometric properties of the SF-8 Health-Related Quality of Life Scale in Costa Rican
older adults
Authors: Román-Quirós Rafael , Blanco-Molina Mauricio , Pinazo-Hernandis Sacramento
Published: February 2024

Objective
To assess the psychometric properties of the SF-8 health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scale in older adults from Costa Rica.
Method
The sample consisted of 282 Costa Ricans aged 50 years or older, with an average age of 64 years (SD = 7.55). Data were collected between 2015–2016 in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica.
Results
Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the three-factor model (physical health, mental health, and general health) demonstrated a good fit (χ2 = 53.5, df = 17, p < .001; CFI = .964; RMSEA = .09 [.061–.114], SRMR = .045), along with a reliability of .87, based on Cronbach's alpha. The three-factor model showed a better fit than the traditional two-factor model did. Furthermore, significant relationships were found between HRQoL and satisfaction with present life, social support networks, and functional social support, supporting the nomological validity of SF-8 as a comprehensive measure of health perception in older Costa Ricans.
Conclusions
The three-factor model proved to be a superior solution to the traditional model. The designation of the third factor as one of general health is questioned, as it could equally be considered a social factor related to health given its importance for older individuals. The results endorse the utility of the SF-8 as a valid and reliable tool for measuring HRQoL in this population.
RanAway: A Novel Ransomware-Resilient ReFS File System
Authors: Long Jinting , Liang Hua
Published: February 2024

Ransomware has emerged as a pervasive threat in the cybersecurity landscape, characterized by its ability to encrypt critical data and demand ransom for its release. Traditional cybersecurity defenses often fall short against sophisticated ransomware attacks due to their reliance on signature-based detection mechanisms and inadequate preventive measures. This paper introduces RanAway, an innovative solution designed to enhance ransomware resilience by leveraging the advanced features of the Microsoft Resilient File System (ReFS). Unlike conventional file systems, ReFS offers enhanced data integrity, automatic error correction, and robust resistance to data degradation—features that are crucial for mitigating the impact of ransomware attacks. RanAway integrates with ReFS to provide real-time monitoring of file system operations, employing heuristic and behavior-based algorithms to detect and prevent ransomware activities effectively. Our findings demonstrate RanAway's significant potential in reducing the risk of ransomware attacks, highlighting its contributions to the field of cybersecurity through innovative use of file system technologies for threat resilience. The deployment of RanAway represents a paradigm shift towards a more integrated and system-level approach in combating ransomware, offering a blueprint for future developments in cybersecurity defenses.
Wilhelm Fraenger, 1890–1964
Authors: Kelletat Andreas F. , Heyer Theresa
Published: February 2024

Wilhelm Fraenger gilt als Ausnahmeerscheinung unter den deutschen Kunsthistorikern des 20. Jahrhunderts. Dass der "subversive Kulturwissenschaftler" (Weckel) auch als Übersetzer und Herausgeber von Übersetzungen hervorgetreten ist, wurde bisher kaum beachtet.
Discord: Fomentando a Aprendizagem Significativa na Era Digital
Authors: SOARES MICHELLY CRISTINY , Cabral Marlucia Barros Lopes , Bezerra Neto Edgar Machado
Published: February 2024

Este estudo tem como objetiva apresentar discussões sobre as contribuições da plataforma Discord, no desenvolvimento da habilidade escrita em espanhol, de alunos do ensino médio integral. Neste artigo, a plataforma Discord é apresentada como uma ferramenta educacional facilitadora da interação e a construção da aprendizagem significativa da escrita em espanhol, desafiando os alunos à construção de textos que vão além de sentenças e fragmentos descontextualizados. O embasamento teórico fundamenta-se nos estudos voltados a aprendizagem significativa, tecnologia e o ensino de línguas. O estudo, de cunho qualitativo, ocorreu no decorrer da disciplina eletiva de língua espanhola de uma escola de Ensino Médio Integral do interior do Rio Grande do Norte e teve como participantes 36 alunos da segunda série. Os resultados demostraram que houve avanço significativo nas produções dos estudantes. Mesmo com algumas dificuldades, conseguiram produzir a partir dos temas selecionados.
Palavras-chave: Ensino de línguas; Tecnologia educacional; Aprendizagem significativa; Produção escrita.
OCCURRENCE OF DIETHYL PHTHALATE (DEP) IN FOOD USING DIFFERENT PACKAGING: DETECTION AND TRACEABILITY
Authors: de Almeida Maria Carolina , de Sá Fernando , Ishizawa Taís , da Silva Flávio , Pereira Julião , de Oliveira Tatianne
Published: February 2024

The objective of this work was the detection and traceability of the occurrence of diethyl phthalate (DEP) migrating from flexible packaging to food. Brazil is one of the largest producers of flexible plastics widely used in food. The evaluation of migrations of contaminants for food, mainly fatty foods, elucidates the possible transmission of diseases through the daily consumption of migrant contaminants from packaging. Throughout an accurate and highly specific methodology, with no use of simulants or organic solvents during sample preparation, the proposal of this study obtained a direct DEP ranking through migration traceability via headspace: HS-GC-MS. Of the 9 samples of flexible packaging and packaged foods analyzed, DEP was identified in 100%, thus confirming its occurrence in foods. Despite the storage conditions: temperature, shelf life, fat content of the products and the manufacturer’s assessment of use. It is urgent to review official standards to promote intense restrictions on the occurrence of DEP in food and encourage the benefits of reflecting daily consumption habits.
Being as Event and the Essence of Poetry in Later Heidegger’s Philosophy
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Pigalev Alexander I.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the concept of Being in later Heidegger’s philosophy with regard to its contexts in the study of poetry. The scrutiny, being guided by the recent interpretations, focuses on Heidegger’s turnabout that resulted in the renunciation of the metaphysical intuition of Being as some infinitely continuing state. The later Heidegger shifted from the task of understanding Being to considering it only as happening. The Being was since then construed as the emergent appropriating event (Ereignis), i. e., a break in familiarity with beings as a whole and at the same time the condition of the inception of a new familiarity or everydayness. According to Heidegger, this catastrophic and at the same time favorable, inceptive event does not exist permanently, but only unpredictably occurs sometimes. That is why the construal of Being as event implies in the first place the breakup of the shared senses of everydayness. However, Being gives us beings as a whole by appropriating sense to them and turning them into the familiar and accessible environment which is suitable for untroubled dwelling. The givenness of beings as a whole makes them “our own” and thereby ensures our identity and distinguishes us from the Other. Thus, Being as event, bringing the once-established identity into question, every time raise anew the problem of the Other. Accordingly, the essence of poetry that is for Heidegger mainly exemplified by F.Hölderlin’s poems is considered to be the ability to reveal Being in exactly the same way as it is inherent in the appropriating event. Heidegger therefore argues that poetry is essential for the formation of the national identity and the notion of the Other.