bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N6-methyladenosine-modification of USP15 regulates chemotherapy resistance by inhibiting LGALS3 ubiquitin-mediated degradation via AKT/mTOR signaling activation pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fang Ronghuan , Jia Zhigang , Xin Yuhang , Zhao Kai , Qin Wei , Lu Haoran , Zhou Yi , Yang Yongsheng , Fang He
Published: January 2025

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most malignant tumors and seriously threatens human health worldwide, and its incidence rate is increasing annually. USP15 is a member of the ubiquitination-specific protease (USP) family, which can regulate protein ubiquitination, thereby affecting their stability, and is dysregulated in many cancers, but its expression and regulatory mechanism in HCC are unclear. The aims of this study were to explore the role and mechanism of USP15 in regulating HCC cell stemness, proliferation, and lenvatinib resistance. Immunohistochemistry and high-throughput sequencing analyses of tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples from 52 patients with HCC were conducted. Functional analyses of immortalized human liver and HCC cell lines were conducted, including quantitative real-time PCR; western blot; plasmid, lentivirus, and siRNA transfection; co-immunoprecipitation; mass spectrometry; MeRIP-qPCR; and ubiquitination, cell growth, colony formation, and spheroid formation assays. HCC tumor growth was also assessed using cell transplantation in nude mice. We found that USP15 is upregulated in HCC and affects patient prognosis. Our results demonstrated that USP15 can increase LGALS3 stability in HCC through deubiquitination modification, and affect the stemness, proliferation, and lenvatinib resistance of HCC cells by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway. USP15 expression levels were positively correlated with HCC cell stemness, proliferation, and lenvatinib resistance. In addition, methyltransferase-like protein 3 (Mettl3) N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified USP15 to upregulate its levels by increasing its mRNA stability. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the potential discovery of new HCC oncogenes, as well as the identification of effective targets and development of novel anti-HCC drugs and clinical applications.
The proline-rich antimicrobial peptide Api137 disrupts large ribosomal subunit assembly and induces misfolding
Authors: Lauer Simon Malte , Gasse Jakob , Krizsan Andor , Reepmeyer Maren , Sprink Thiemo , Nikolay Rainer , Spahn Christian M. T. , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: January 2025

The proline-rich antimicrobial designer peptide Api137 inhibits protein expression in bacteria by binding simultaneously to the ribosomal polypeptide exit tunnel and the release factor (RF), depleting the cellular RF pool and leading to ribosomal arrest at stop codons. This study investigates the additional effect of Api137 on the assembly of ribosomes using an Escherichia coli reporter strain expressing one ribosomal protein per 30S and 50S subunit tagged with mCherry and EGFP, respectively. Separation of cellular extracts derived from cells exposed to Api137 in a sucrose gradient reveals elevated levels of partially assembled and not fully matured precursors of the 50S subunit (pre-50S). High-resolution structures obtained by cryogenic electron microscopy demonstrate that a large proportion of pre-50S states are missing up to five proteins (uL22, bL32, uL29, bL23, and uL16) and have misfolded helices in 23S rRNA domain IV. These data suggest a second mechanism for Api137, wherein it disrupts 50S subunit assembly by inducing the formation of misfolded precursor particles potentially incapable of evolving into active ribosomes, suggesting a bactericidal mechanism.
Engineered Mycobacterium tuberculosis triple-kill-switch strain provides controlled tuberculosis infection in animal models
Authors: Wang Xin , Su Hongwei , Wallach Joshua B. , Wagner Jeffrey C. , Braunecker Benjamin J. , Gardner Michelle , Guinn Kristine M. , Howard Nicole C. , Klevorn Thais , Lin Kan , Liu Yue J. , Liu Yao , Mugahid Douaa , Rodgers Mark , Sixsmith Jaimie , Wakabayashi Shoko , Zhu Junhao , Zimmerman Matthew , Dartois Véronique , Flynn JoAnne L. , Lin Philana Ling , Ehrt Sabine , Fortune Sarah M. , Rubin Eric J. , Schnappinger Dirk
Published: January 2025

Human challenge experiments could accelerate tuberculosis vaccine development. This requires a safe Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strain that can both replicate in the host and be reliably cleared. Here we genetically engineered Mtb strains encoding up to three kill switches: two mycobacteriophage lysin operons negatively regulated by tetracycline and a degron domain–NadE fusion, which induces ClpC1-dependent degradation of the essential enzyme NadE, negatively regulated by trimethoprim. The triple-kill-switch (TKS) strain showed similar growth kinetics and antibiotic susceptibilities to wild-type Mtb under permissive conditions but was rapidly killed in vitro without trimethoprim and doxycycline. It established infection in mice receiving antibiotics but was rapidly cleared upon cessation of treatment, and no relapse was observed in infected severe combined immunodeficiency mice or Rag−/− mice. The TKS strain had an escape mutation rate of less than 10−10 per genome per generation. These findings suggest that the TKS strain could be a safe, effective candidate for a human challenge model.
Comprehensive analysis of poly(A) tails in mouse testes and ovaries using Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing
Authors: Czarnocka-Cieciura Agnieszka , Brouze Michał , Gumińska Natalia , Mroczek Seweryn , Gewartowska Olga , Krawczyk Paweł S. , Dziembowski Andrzej
Published: January 2025

Gametogenesis is a process in which dysfunctions lead to infertility, a growing health and social problem worldwide. In both spermatogenesis and oogenesis, post-transcriptional gene expression regulation is crucial. Essentially, all mRNAs possess non-templated poly(A) tails, whose composition and dynamics (elongation, shortening, and modifications) determine the fate of mRNA. Moreover, gametogenesis, especially oogenesis, represents a unique instance of the complexity of poly(A) tails metabolism, with oocyte-specific waves of cytoplasmic polyadenylation. In this context, we provide a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset focusing on mRNA poly(A) tail composition and dynamics in murine testes and ovaries. It consists of RNA samples isolated from wild-type and transgenic mice lacking TENT5 polymerases, which can extend poly(A) tails in the cytoplasm. TENT5 deficiencies have serious consequences. For instance, the defect of TENT5D causes infertility in humans. The data described here are generated mainly using the Oxford Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing (DRS) method, which provides ground-truth information about mRNA molecules, including poly(A) tail length and nucleotide content. For instance, we show the prevalence of uridilated tails in testicular mRNAs.
Laboratory validation of patient-specific templating for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hafez Mahmoud A. , Jansen Arne , Portheine Frank , Jaramaz Branislav
Published: January 2025

Patient-specific templating (PST), which is a sister procedure to patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) but hospital-based, is relatively less complex and less expensive than robotics and navigation. However, there are some concerns about the PST including the process of preoperative planning, 3D printing and material, positioning of PST intraoperatively, availability, and clinical value. The purpose of this study was to validate the technical accuracy and reliability of the PST technique in the lab and to report the outcomes of clinical application. To test the reliability of the PST technique, five observers positioned the PST templates five times over the distal femur and proximal tibial whilst a navigation system was used to measure the level of bone cutting, coronal and sagittal alignment, and rotation in both femur and tibia. The mean alignment error in all planes was 0.67° (maximum 2.5°). Concerning the bone (femoral and tibial) cutting, the mean error was 0.32 mm (maximum 1 mm). The qualitative and quantitative analysis showed an overall agreement between observers (p < 0.05). The laboratory part of this study showed that the positioning of the PST over the proximal tibia and distal femur during TKA is reliable. There were statistically insignificant intraobserver and interobserver variations.
Machine learning identified novel players in lipid metabolism, endosomal trafficking, and iron metabolism of the ALS spinal cord
Authors: Cheng Jack , Wu Bor-Tsang , Liu Hsin-Ping , Lin Wei-Yong
Published: January 2025

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Although genes causing familial cases have been identified, those of sporadic ALS, which occupies the majority of patients, are still elusive. In this study, we adopted machine learning to build binary classifiers based on the New York Genome Center (NYGC) ALS Consortium’s RNA-seq data of the postmortem spinal cord of ALS and non-neurological disease control. The accuracy of the classifiers was greater than 83% and 77% for the training set and the unseen test set, respectively. The classifiers contained 114 genes. Among them, 41 genes have been reported in previous ALS studies, and others are novel in this field. These genes are involved in mitochondrial respiration, lipid metabolism, endosomal trafficking, and iron metabolism, which may promote the progression of ALS pathology.
A high-throughput ResNet CNN approach for automated grapevine leaf hair quantification
Authors: Malagol Nagarjun , Rao Tanuj , Werner Anna , Töpfer Reinhard , Hausmann Ludger
Published: January 2025

The hairiness of the leaves is an essential morphological feature within the genus Vitis that can serve as a physical barrier. A high leaf hair density present on the abaxial surface of the grapevine leaves influences their wettability by repelling forces, thus preventing pathogen attack such as downy mildew and anthracnose. Moreover, leaf hairs as a favorable habitat may considerably affect the abundance of biological control agents. The unavailability of accurate and efficient objective tools for quantifying leaf hair density makes the study intricate and challenging. Therefore, a validated high-throughput phenotyping tool was developed and established in order to detect and quantify leaf hair using images of single grapevine leaf discs and convolution neural networks (CNN). We trained modified ResNet CNNs with a minimalistic number of images to efficiently classify the area covered by leaf hairs. This approach achieved an overall model prediction accuracy of 95.41%. As final validation, 10,120 input images from a segregating F1 biparental population were used to evaluate the algorithm performance. ResNet CNN-based phenotypic results compared to ground truth data received by two experts revealed a strong correlation with R values of 0.98 and 0.92 and root-mean-square error values of 8.20% and 14.18%, indicating that the model performance is consistent with expert evaluations and outperforms the traditional manual rating. Additional validation between expert vs. non-expert on six varieties showed that non-experts contributed to over- and underestimation of the trait, with an absolute error of 0% to 30% and -5% to -60%, respectively. Furthermore, a panel of 16 novice evaluators produced significant bias on set of varieties. Our results provide clear evidence of the need for an objective and accurate tool to quantify leaf hairiness.
Increasing temporal stability of global tropical cyclone precipitation
Authors: Deng E , Xiang Qian , Chan Johnny C. L. , Dong Yue , Tu Shifei , Chan Pak-Wai , Ni Yi-Qing
Published: January 2025

Tropical cyclone (TC) precipitation has led to escalating urban flooding and transportation disruptions in recent years. The volatility of the TC rain rate (RR) over short periods complicates accurate forecasting. Here, we use satellite-based observational rainfall datasets from 1998 to 2019 to calculate changes in TC 24-h RR and quantify the temporal stability of TC precipitation. We demonstrate a significant global increase in the annual temporal stability of TC RR across the total rainfall area, inner-core, and rainband areas. Specifically, the probabilities of rapid RR increase and decrease events in the TC total rainfall area decreased at rates of –1.74 ± 0.57% per decade and –2.23 ± 0.55% per decade, respectively. Based on the reanalysis dataset, we propose that the synergistic effects of increased atmospheric stability and total column water vapor—both resulting from anthropogenic warming at low latitudes—are potentially associated with this trend.
Third-party evaluators perceive AI as more compassionate than expert humans
Authors: Ovsyannikova Dariya , de Mello Victoria Oldemburgo , Inzlicht Michael
Published: January 2025

Empathy connects us but strains under demanding settings. This study explored how third parties evaluated AI-generated empathetic responses versus human responses in terms of compassion, responsiveness, and overall preference across four preregistered experiments. Participants (N = 556) read empathy prompts describing valenced personal experiences and compared the AI responses to select non-expert or expert humans. Results revealed that AI responses were preferred and rated as more compassionate compared to select human responders (Study 1). This pattern of results remained when author identity was made transparent (Study 2), when AI was compared to expert crisis responders (Study 3), and when author identity was disclosed to all participants (Study 4). Third parties perceived AI as being more responsive—conveying understanding, validation, and care—which partially explained AI’s higher compassion ratings in Study 4. These findings suggest that AI has robust utility in contexts requiring empathetic interaction, with the potential to address the increasing need for empathy in supportive communication contexts.
Female sex is linked to a stronger association between sTREM2 and CSF p-tau in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Biel Davina , Suárez-Calvet Marc , Dewenter Anna , Steward Anna , Roemer Sebastian N , Dehsarvi Amir , Zhu Zeyu , Pescoller Julia , Frontzkowski Lukas , Kreuzer Annika , Haass Christian , Schöll Michael , Brendel Matthias , Franzmeier Nicolai
Published: January 2025

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Aβ triggers p-tau secretion, which drives tau aggregation. Therefore, it is critical to characterize modulators of Aβ-related p-tau increases which may alter AD trajectories. Here, we assessed whether factors known to alter tau levels in AD modulate the association between fibrillar Aβ and secreted p-tau181 determined in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To assess potentially modulating effects of female sex, younger age, and ApoE4, we included 322 ADNI participants with cross-sectional/longitudinal p-tau181. To determine effects of microglial activation on p-tau181, we included 454 subjects with cross-sectional CSF sTREM2. Running ANCOVAs for nominal and linear regressions for metric variables, we found that women had higher Aβ-related p-tau181 levels. Higher sTREM2 was associated with elevated p-tau181, with stronger associations in women. Similarly, ApoE4 was related to higher p-tau181 levels and faster p-tau181 increases, with stronger effects in female ApoE4 carriers. Our results show that sex alone modulates the Aβ to p-tau axis, where women show higher Aβ-dependent p-tau secretion, potentially driven by elevated sTREM2-related microglial activation and stronger effects of ApoE4 carriership in women.
Ru@MnO2 core@shell nanowires as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient solar-driven seawater splitting
Authors: Li Na , Yang Aitong , Jin Mengyuan , Wang Shun , Yu Ping , Wang Juan , Jin Huile
Published: January 2025

Ru@α-MnO2 nanowires (NWs) with a core–shell structure exhibited good long-term durability within 250 h, and reached a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 1.49 V in alkaline overall seawater splitting.
Dielectric properties depend on the crystal structure of perovskite-type RbTaO3 synthesized at high pressure
Authors: Murase Kimitoshi , Yamaura Jun-ichi , Hamasaki Yousuke , Kato Takeharu , Sagayama Hajime , Yamamoto Ayako
Published: January 2025

We prepared perovskite-type RbTaO3 at 1173 K and 4 GPa. It was cubic cell at 300 K, and showed phase transitions at 270 K with tetragonal and 80 K with orthorhombic. The relative permittivity was varied corresponding to the phase transitions.
Controlling pseudopolymorphism via robust and repetitive solvent-containing supramolecular interactions in urea-based isostructural coordination polymers
Authors: Khorshidi Ghazale , Notash Behrouz
Published: January 2025

Six isostructural pseudopolymorph zig-zag CPs with hydrogen-bonded chains through solvent-containing robust and repetitive motifs were obtained. In these CPs, urea–CO⋯πpy interactions were classified as semilocalized lone pair–π interactions.
Amorphous material based heterostructures with disordered heterointerfaces for advanced rechargeable batteries
Authors: Ding Junwei , Du Miao , Wang Shiwen , Zhang Linsen , Yue Yuanzheng , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: January 2025

The recent developments of amorphous material based heterostructures with disordered heterointerfaces for advanced rechargeable batteries are reviewed, focusing on the relation between material structure and electrochemical performance.
Dissolved phosphorous through dry–wet–dry transitions in a small-dammed river basin: integrated understanding on transport patterns, export controls, and fate
Authors: Mihiranga H. K. M. , Jiang Yan , Sathsarani M. G. S. , Li Xuyong
Published: January 2025

The connections between terrestrial DP sources and aquatic DP sinks were comprehended in a small-dammed watershed through an integrated understanding of DP transport patterns, export controls, and their fate over dry–wet–dry transitions.
The influence of food matrices on the bioavailability of curcuminoids from a dried colloidal turmeric suspension: a randomized, crossover, clinical trial
Authors: Schönenberger Katja A. , Ranzini Cristina , Laval Julie , Bellenger Pascale , Tenon Mathieu , Fança-Berthon Pascale
Published: January 2025

The absorption and bioavailability of curcuminoids are increased when administered in food matrices, particularly if they contain lipids in a suspended form or polar lipids.
A self-sustained moist-electric generator with enhanced energy density and longevity through a bilayer approach
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Xuezhong , Cheng Minhan , Li Qianyang , Zhao Shuaijiang , Zhang Mao , Fu Qiang , Deng Hua
Published: January 2025

A self-sustained MEG with a dual-gradient (relative humidity gradient and ion density gradient) double-layer aero-hydrogel structure, which enables long-term power generation and ultra-high energy density.
The effect of calcination temperature on the structure and activity relationship of V/Ti catalysts for NH3-SCR
Authors: Li Yingjie
Published: January 2025

Calcination temperature can remarkably influence the physicochemical properties of V2O5/TiO2 catalysts by adjusting the redox sites and acid sites.
Anchoring Ru single-atoms on MXene achieves dual-enzyme activities for mild photothermal augmented nanocatalytic therapy
Authors: Wang Wenzhuo , Zhu Yanlin , Feng Lili , Zhao Ruoxi , Yu Chenghao , Hu Yaoyu , Hu Zhen , Liu Bin , Zhong Lei , Yang Piaoping
Published: January 2025

In this system (Ru-Ti3C2Tx-PEG), the Ru single-atom enhances light absorption and catalyzes the conversion of H2O2 into ·OH. In addition, the nanozymes possess the ability to generate O2 and deplete glutathione.
Preparation of bovine serum albumin nanospheres via desolvation: a study of synthesis, characterization, and aging
Authors: Bartlett Blake A. , Klier John , Razavi Sepideh
Published: January 2025

Bovine serum albumin nanoparticles synthesized via a modified desolvation method exhibit superior long-term stability in aqueous dispersion. Glucose investigated as a “green” alternative crosslinker.
The control mechanism of (BisSalen)Al-mediated asymmetric kinetic resolution polymerization of phenethylglycolide
Authors: Chen Zhongxuan , Guo Xuanhua , Xu Guangqiang , Zou Huibin , Wang Qinggang
Published: January 2025

Chiral (BisSalen)Al complexes have been confirmed as powerful catalysts for perfect asymmetric kinetic resolution polymerization (AKRP) of racemic phenethylglycolide (Pegl).
A novel benzothiazole-1,2,3-triazole-based arene osmium(ii) complex as an effective rhabdomyosarcoma cancer stem cell agent
Authors: Sharkawy Sofia , Hernández-García Alba , Kostrhunova Hana , Bautista Delia , Markova Lenka , Santana María Dolores , Kasparkova Jana , Brabec Viktor , Ruiz José
Published: January 2025

This is the first report of an osmium-based compound showing activity against CSC-enriched rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells, primarily caused by damage to cell membranes.
Preparation and characterization of novel PMMA bone cement containing 3,4-dichloro-5-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one
Authors: Bu Wen-Han , Asilebieke Ayakuzi , Han Lu-Yang , Xu Yang , Zhou Tao , Chu Jian-Jun
Published: January 2025

A novel antibacterial non-leaching bone cement based 3,4-dichloro-5-hydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one (DHF) was synthesized. We refer to it as DHF-MAA cement, and it exhibits excellent antibacterial activity, compressive properties, and biocompatibility.
Mechanistic insights into the base-mediated deuteration of pyridyl phosphonium and ammonium salts
Authors: Montoli Arianna , Dimasi Alessandro , Guarnaccia Miriana , Citarella Andrea , Ronchi Paolo , Blasi Delia , Rossi Sergio , Passarella Daniele , Fasano Valerio
Published: January 2025

Base-catalyzed deuterations have been studied, computationally and experimentally, using a series of pyridyl salts with a temporary electron-withdrawing group to block the para-position while increasing the acidity in the other positions.
Theoretical study of the in situ formation of H2O2 by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases: the reaction mechanism depends on the type of reductant
Authors: Wang Zhanfeng , Fu Xiaodi , Diao Wenwen , Wu Yao , Rovira Carme , Wang Binju
Published: January 2025

The O2 activation mechanism by LPMOs is dependent on the properties of the reducing agents employed.
Self-assembly of chromatic patchy particles with tetrahedrally arranged patches
Authors: Tarasewicz Dariusz , Raczyłło Edyta , Rżysko Wojciech , Baran Łukasz
Published: January 2025

The achievement of selectivity in the formation of cubic diamond is challenging due to the emergence of competing phases such as its hexagonal polymorph or clathrates possessing similar free energy.
Design and architecture of ZnIn2S4 and ZnIn2S4-based hybrid materials for photocatalytic, electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Ahmad Muzamil , Wu Kaili , Ahmed Adeel , Adnan Muhammad , Rafiq Muhammad , Cong Hailin , Yu Bing
Published: January 2025

Photocatalytic innovations are employed in the production of H2, environmental remediation, CO2 reduction, and additional critical disciplines because of their sustainability, ease of implementation, and dependence on solar energy.
Synergistically self-assembled in situ growth of MXene@MOF derived sodium alginate hydrogel 3D frameworks as next-generation electrocatalysts for oxygen and hydrogen evolution
Authors: Raza Saleem , Rehman Ata Ur , Chen Cheng , Zhao Tianyu , Hayat Asif , Bashir Tariq , Shen Liguo , Orooji Yasin , Lin Hongjun
Published: January 2025

The need to minimize carbon emissions and improve sustainable energy systems has stimulated significant research into multifunctional materials.
Mechanistic understanding of the antimony–bismuth alloy promoted electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to formate
Authors: Sun Jiameng , Yang Wanfeng , Yu Bin , Liu Yalong , Zhao Yong , Cheng Guanhua , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: January 2025

Introducing bismuth (Bi) into antimony (Sb) to form Sb–Bi alloys offers a promising way to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of Sb for CO2 reduction to formate.
Robust bifunctionality towards hydrogen evolution and ethanol oxidation reactions catalyzed by six-element high-entropy alloys
Authors: Yu Yingjie , Shi Han , Xie Yuhua , Chen Yazhou , Li Chunsheng , Ma Su , Sun Yan , Yang Zehui
Published: January 2025

FeCoNiIrPtPd/NCNT exhibits 3.4- and 1.6-fold higher levels of mass activity than does commercial Pt/C in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), respectively.
Learning optical flow from spiking camera with direction disassembly
Authors: Zhai Mingliang , Jiang Mingming , Xiang Xuezhi , Ni Kang , Gao Hao
Published: January 2025

Conventional optical flow estimation methods typically recover two‐dimensional motion from RGB image sequences. Recently, due to the rise and widespread use of spike cameras, learning optical flow from spiking cameras has become a hot topic in the field of two‐dimensional motion estimation. Although existing methods have been designed to learn optical flow by designing feature processing methods for spike streams, there is still insufficient consideration for flow field post‐processing, resulting in limited accuracy of optical flow estimation. To address this problem, an optical flow estimation method based on directional disassembly is proposed. Specifically, the estimated flow fields along the horizontal and vertical directions are disassembled and the motion vectors along the two directions are denoised separately to reduce the burden of post‐processing for complex two‐dimensional motion information. In addition, contextual information is introduced in the post‐processing so that the scene information can effectively contribute to the results of the flow post‐processing. Experimental results show that this proposed method is capable of achieving comparable performance on spike‐based public datasets.
A reinforcement learning‐based reverse‐parking system for autonomous vehicles
Authors: Al‐Mousa Amjed , Arrabi Ahmad , Daoud Hamza
Published: January 2025

This work presents the design and implementation of a reinforcement learning‐based autonomous parking system where an agent is trained to reverse‐park in a selected parking spot. The parking procedure is divided into three stages, and each stage has its corresponding surrogate objective that contributes to the overall parking process. The model solely depends on features extracted from a top‐view image of the parking space. It has the advantage of potential deployment in smart parking buildings without refitting non‐autonomous cars with modern sensors. The training was conducted offline on a simulation utilizing the proximal policy optimization algorithm. The model was then transferred and tested on a hardware prototype of the parking space. The results of the system were successful as the successful parking rate reached 100% with no collisions with any objects, and the fastest parking time reached 10 s. The testing was conducted on multiple samples and scenarios of the parking setup.
X-ray activity of nearby G-, K-, and M-type stars and implications for planet habitability around M stars
Authors: Zhu E. , Preibisch T.
Published: January 2025

Context. The intense X-ray and UV emission of some active M stars has raised questions about the habitability of planets around M-type stars.

Aims. We aim to determine the unbiased distribution of X-ray luminosities in complete, volume-limited samples of nearby M dwarfs, and compare them to those of K and G dwarfs.

Methods. We constructed volume-complete samples of 205 M stars with a spectral type ≤ M6 within 10 pc of the Sun, 129 K stars within 16 pc, and 107 G stars within 20 pc. We used X-ray data from Chandra, XMM-Newton, eROSITA, and ROSAT to obtain the X-ray luminosities of the stars.

Results. Our samples reach an X-ray detection completeness of 85%, 86%, and 80% for M, K, and G stars, respectively. The fractional X-ray luminosities relative to the bolometric luminosities, log(LX/Lbol), of the M stars show a bimodal distribution, with one peak at around −5, mostly contributed by early M stars (M0–M4), and another peak around −3.5, contributed mainly by M4–M6 stars. The comparison of the different spectral classes shows that 63% of all M stars in our sample (80% of the M stars with a spectral type < M4) have LX/Lbol values that are within the central 80% quantile of the distribution function for G stars. In addition, 55% of all M stars in our sample (and 72% of the M stars with a spectral type < M4) have LX/Lbol less than 10 times the solar value.

Conclusions. The X-ray activity levels of the majority (≳60%) of nearby M dwarfs no later than M6 are actually not higher than the typical (80% quantile) levels for G-type stars. The X-ray irradiation of habitable-zone planets around these stars should therefore not present a specific problem for their habitability.
An intriguing coincidence between the majority of vast polar structure dwarfs and a recent major merger at the M31 position
Authors: Akib Istiak , Hammer François , Yang Yanbin , Pawlowski Marcel S. , Wang Jianling
Published: January 2025

A significant part of the Milky Way (MW) dwarf galaxies orbit within a Vast POlar Structure (VPOS), which is perpendicular to the Galactic disc and whose origin has not yet been identified. It includes the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and its six dynamically associated dwarf galaxies. Andromeda Galaxy (M31) experienced a major merger two to three billion years ago, and its accurate modelling predicts that an associated tidal tail is pointing towards the Galaxy. Here, we tested a possible association between M31 tidal tail particles and MW dwarf galaxies, focusing first on the LMC and its associated dwarfs since they are less affected by ram pressure. We traced back these dwarf galaxy orbits by one billion years and calculated their association with the tidal tail particles in the 6D phase space, based on their proper motion from Gaia DR3. We find that for low-mass MW models (total mass less than 5 × 1011 M⊙), the separation in the 6D space can be less than 1σ for most of the M31 modelling, albeit with a significant degree of freedom due to the still unknown proper motion of M31. We further discover that many other dwarfs could also be associated with the M31 tidal tails if their motions had been radially slowed, as expected from the ram pressure exerted by the MW corona. This intriguing coincidence could explain the origin of the VPOS, which resulted from a matter exchange between M31 and MW.
The impact of different coastal locations on the growth and Land suitability tissue culture on the Lampung Coast, Indonesia
Authors: Meiyana Maya , Rustiaty Banon , Rahman Rivaie Arief , Minjoyo Herno , Handoko  , Basi Dhoe Silfester , Saputra Suryadi
Published: January 2025

This research was conducted at three different locations in the coastal waters of Lampung Indonesia, namely Hurun, Ruguk, and Pahawang, for one- month (March – April) 2021. The cultivation method used is the Long Line method, consisting of 20 points across four lines, with an initial weight of 50 g of seedlings per planting point. A land suitability analysis was conducted by scoring method (23–45), followed by observation of seaweed growth in each location. The result of observation and assessment of land suitability shows that the waters of Ruguk with a score of 38 and the waters of Hurun with a score of 34 are appropriate criteria for seaweed cultivation while the waters of Pahawang are less suitable criteria by the score of 28. receiving a score of only 28. The growth of seaweed, characterized by weight gain, absolute growth, and specific growth rate, was different among locations. The best results were obtained in Ruguk, which achieved a total production of 26,700 g/m and a daily growth rate per month of 8.54%, followed by Hurun, with a total production of 13,680 g/m, and an average daily growth rate per month of 6.32%. Pahawang had the lowest production yield of 9,900 g/m, with an average daily growth rate per month of 5.35%. The assessment of land suitability analysis is very important in land planning and management so that land use can be sustainable and by local environmental characteristics.
Characterization and application of gelatin from red snapper skin for making wound healing membranes
Authors: Sahubawa Latif , Handrini Dewi Anne , Raynitha Murdik Irene , Ari Setiyawan Rio , Sabilil Hikma Afida
Published: January 2025

This study used the electrospinning method to process and characterize gelatin from red snapper skin for use as a raw material in biomedical membrane preparations. The research design used treatments involving different "ratios of fish gelatin to pullulan": 50% bovine gelatin: 50% pullulan (p0/control), 25% fish gelatin: 75% pullulan (p1), 50% fish gelatin: 50% pullulan (p2), and 75% fish gelatin: 25% pullulan (p3). The profile of gelatin from red snapper skin includes yield (12.27±3.37%), pH (5.05±0.06), moisture (3.45±0.20%), ash (1.46±0.44%), protein (53.40±3.15%), viscosity (9.24cP), and gel strength (99.37 bloom). Based on light microscopy observations, the percentage of nanofiber membrane threads formed (from the largest size/highest quality to the smallest size/lowest quality) was produced by treatments p0, p1, p2, and p3. SEM observations revealed that the size and shape of the threads in treatments p1 and p0 were relatively similar (<1 μm). FTIR analysis indicated that p0 and p1 have the same four functional groups (aliphatic phosphate, aliphatic secondary amine, monosubstituted alkyl, and aliphatic hydrocarbons). The p0 sample was superior because it also had one additional group detected: phenol. In the solubility test, p1 dissolved more slowly, taking 9.33±3.21 seconds, whereas p0 dissolved in 4.67±0.58 seconds.
Enteric Methane Emission Factor for Local Kedah-Kelantan Cross Beef Cattle in Smallholder Farms of Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Azmin Azizi , Bastami Mohd Saufi , Abu Bakar Nurul Ain , Mohammad Mardhati , Rusli Mohd Ghazali , Md Suptian Mohd Fairuz
Published: January 2025

The ruminant industry is crucial under Malaysia’s National Agrofood Policy (NAP) 2.0, which aims for a 50% Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) by 2030 to bolster food security. Increasing the ruminant population to meet this goal could elevate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation. Therefore, a targeted mitigation strategy is necessary, based on precise emission calculations. GHG emissions are determined by multiplying the total population by an emission factor (EF). For accurate estimates, breed-specific EFs are needed. This study developed enteric fermentation EFs for Malaysia’s main beef breed, Kedah-Kelantan (KK) crosses, using the IPCC 2006 tier-2 methodology. The study found that mature male and female KK crosses emit 52.5 and 39.7 kg CH4/head/year, respectively, with a pooled average of 46.1 kg CH4/head/year, differing from the previously developed EF from Brakmas cattle of 51.6 and 65.7 kg CH4/head/year for mature female and male, respectively, with a pooled average of 58.7 kg CH4/head/year and IPCC’s default EF of 47 kg CH4/head/year. Using these breed-specific EFs can lead to more accurate emission estimates and effective GHG mitigation strategies.
The Changes in Extreme Precipitation over Malaysia During Boreal Winter
Authors: Noor Amalina Bokri , Ester Salimun
Published: January 2025

Climate change is altering the Earth’s atmospheric and oceanic conditions, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather patterns. This study evaluates the ability of three High-Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) CMIP6 models, CMCC-CM2VHR4, MRI-AGCM3-2-S, and FGOALS-F3-H to simulate extreme precipitation events during boreal winter over Malaysia. Three extreme indices, Consecutive Wet Days (CWD), Simple Precipitation Intensity Index (SDII) and Total Precipitation (PRCPTOT) from the Expert Team on SectorSpecific Climate Indices (ET-SCI) have been utilized for analysis. Future projections of extreme rainfall are based on the most accurate model identified from this evaluation. Statistical methods including the Taylor diagram and significance test are employed in the analysis. Results indicate that the MRI-AGCM3-2-S model exhibits superior capability in simulating all three extreme indices over the study region. This information provides valuable insights for local authorities to strategise their mitigation and adaptation plans at the local scale.
Fishing Gears in Sarawak: A Preliminary Survey
Authors: Maidin Mohd Samsul Rohizad , Harun Nadiayatul Atikah , Mustapha Mastura , Abdul Wahab Abdullah , Norhanida Daud , Jamil Musel
Published: January 2025

Unique to Sarawak, the fishing gears double-rig trawl, paka, panau, and rantau were gears that could only be found here. The focus of the present study was to catalog the diversity of fishing equipment across two regions, Wilayah II (Belawai, Daro, Mukah, Sarikei, Sibu and Tg Manis) and Wilayah III (Bintulu, Lawas, Limbang and Miri), via the interview method. A total of 163 respondents participated in the survey. In Wilayah II, 12 distinct types of fishing gears were identified, with monofilament gill nets (43.90%), fish trawl nets (30.49%), rentang (4.88%), bottom longlines (3.66%), and nylon gill nets (3.66%) being the most prevalent. Less common gears included paka, panau, shrimp trawl nets, rentang for jellyfish, modern bubu, and rantau. In Wilayah III, 14 different types of fishing gears were recorded, with monofilament gill nets (46.91%) and three-layer shrimp nets (20.99%) being predominant, followed by fish trawl nets (6.17%) and shrimp trawl nets (6.17%). Other less dominant gears included were modern bubu, panau, rantau, nylon gill nets, and bottom longlines. The mesh sizes of monofilament gill nets in both regions ranged from 25 to 170 mm, adhering to the regulations and guidelines set by the Department of Fisheries, Malaysia.
Life Cycle Assessment of Biofuel Production from Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Nasri Nurul Farhana , Mohd Hanafiah Marlia , Harun Siti Norliyana , Chong Jing Wen , Hassan Faez M.
Published: January 2025

Fossil fuels dominate global energy supply, accounting for over 80% of total consumption. Biofuels derived from renewable resources emerge as a promising alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study evaluated the environmental impact and hotspots of biofuel production from sugarcane bagasse using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The LCA was performed using SimaPro version 9.0 software, utilizing the ReCiPe 2016 methodology in a ’cradle-to-gate’ framework. The functional unit in this study was 252 kg of bioethanol produced from 1 ton of sugarcane bagasse. The findings revealed that biofuel production from sugarcane significantly impacts terrestrial ecotoxicity (10.44 kg 1,4-DCB), human non-carcinogenic toxicity (2.61 kg 1,4-DCB), and global warming (2.60 kg CO2 eq). The characterization factors for human health damage, ecosystem damage, and resource depletion were 3.68E-04 DALY, 3.04E-05 species.year, and 6.91E06 USD2013, respectively. These results offered valuable insights into the environmental footprint of biofuel production from sugarcane bagasse, providing essential information for policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop more sustainable energy strategies in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Comfort band for adaptive model based on quadratic regression and probit analysis
Authors: Aqilah Naja , Hom Bahadur Rijal , Yoshida Kazui
Published: January 2025

Many researchers focus on developing adaptive models without concerning the comfort band as most of them only refer to the ASHRAE or other global standards. Therefore, a field measurement was conducted at a residential building in Tokyo, Japan for 2 years in order to develop the comfort band by using quadratic regression and probit analysis for the adaptive thermal comfort model. A total of 32,988 thermal sensation votes (TSV) from thermal comfort surveys were collected. The results showed that the mean thermal sensation vote was 4.0 in free-running (FR), 3.7 in heating (HT), and 4.2 in cooling (CL) modes which indicates that the residents were generally satisfied with the condition of indoor environment in the dwellings. This may be because the residents are well-adapted to the local climate and culture. The comfort temperature during FR, HT, and CL modes were 23.7ºC, 20.9ºC, and 26.8ºC, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the difference between indoor and comfort temperature (ΔT) is 0.2±1.2°C. In developing the comfort band for the adaptive model in this study, quadratic regression and probit analysis utilized the data of ΔT. The appropriate comfort band was fixed as ±1.5°C and ±2.0°C for 90% and 80% limits of the comfort band. These results are crucial when creating reliable standards and guidelines for building design or indoor environmental quality assessment.
Hydrometallurgical Recovery of Copper from Computer-Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Abdol Jani Wan Nur Fazlina , Abdul Rani Noor Hidayu , Mohamad Nor Fadilah , Sayed Jamaludin Sharifah Iziuna
Published: January 2025

Modern electronic devices contain up to 60 different metals, leading to a growing interest in exploring secondary sources, particularly electronic waste (e-waste), to address potential shortages. This study focused on extracting copper (Cu) and gold (Au) from three different sources of computer-printed circuit boards (PCBs): board, USB jack, and capacitor. Aqua regia, a mixture of 68% concentrated nitric acid and 37% concentrated hydrochloric acid in a 1:3 ratio (HNO3=1:3), was used as a leachant under various conditions, including different types of e-waste components, leaching times, and surface areas. Acidic leaching with a 1% (w/v) e-waste pulp density resulted in higher Cu extraction from PCB board waste compared to USB jack and capacitor waste. The optimal recovery of Cu achieved was 2207 mg/L after 20 minutes of leaching, using a particle size of 10 mm, at 100°C, 150 rpm, and a pulp density of 1% (w/v). The dissolution of Au was only traceable in the capacitor and USB jack with significantly lower quantities of 0.4 and 3.2 mg/L, respectively. Additionally, the electrowinning process managed to recover Cu with just 31.6% purity after one hour of electrolysis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of recovering valuable metals from e-waste through acid leaching, without the need for additional chemical treatments.
Heritage Building of Residensi Tunku Abdul Rahman: Preserve and Conserve for The Future
Authors: Noor Aisyah Mokhtar , Adi Irfan Che Ani , Suhana Johar , Nur Athirah Khalit , Afifuddin Husairi Mat Jusoh Hussain , Nor Zalina Harun , Mohd Fadhli Shah Khaidzir , Amira Shazlin Adnan
Published: January 2025

Residensi Tunku Abdul Rahman is over 100 years and registered as National Heritage. Heritage building sets certain standard in preserving their value where weather and climate change have become biggest challenge in maintaining the status. Humidity, hot and rainy weather, also sunlight in tropical region made some damages to the building. Therefore, preserving and conserving the building is important to give knowledge and create awareness to the public. This research made to inspect the damage and defects of the building, then, propose the scope of conservation work and building conservation. Analysis of damage/defects thorough the building using the Building Condition Assessment Rating System (BCARS) by identifying the level of building condition and its’ rating. The basis of the assessment is in the aspects of safety, functionality, and maintainability of the building that was assisted by several equipment used for the purpose of damage assessment and measuring work. Based on the analysis, there are 71 types of damage that were identified including rotten and broken wood louvres and wall surfaces with a total of 15 damage each and a percentage of 7.5% each. Taking care of heritage building from climate and weather change needs constant preservation and maintenance.
Shah Alam City’s Current Restrictions on Flood Risk Management: Stakeholders Perspectives Review
Authors: Haziq Sarhan Rosmadi , Minhaz Farid Ahmed , Mokhtar Mazlin
Published: January 2025

Shah Alam, a city near the Klang River, is susceptible to flooding due to its urban transformation from oil palm plantations. Heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and flash floods have caused widespread flooding, landslides, power outages, disrupted water treatment plants, and port operations. The Malaysian government has faced criticism for its delayed response and apathy towards the disaster. This study aims to provide a unique perspective on flash flood problems and solutions in Shah Alam, focusing on the opinions and ideas of existing multi-stakeholder groups, particularly at the local level. Primary data was gathered through informal interviews and secondary data was obtained through a thorough examination of books, journals, research papers, and government reports. The thematic analysis of both primary and secondary data using Taguette tools found that the problem of disaster management in Shah Alam is related to inadequate proactive leadership roles of the local authority for coordination and collaboration among relevant agencies, as well as inadequate communication and data support systems. This leads to weaknesses in collaboration among agencies, making it difficult to carry out large-scale projects. Additionally, weaknesses in communication and information sharing are evident, where critical information such as weather forecasts are needed by rescue agencies to better prepare for disasters. Thus, the presence of NADMA in local level and a centralised data centre by the local authority with full cooperation from government agencies is important to improve the disaster management including flood risks.
Utilization of Donor Blood
Authors: MacDonald Pauline M. , Hutchinson John E. , Herring Wilbur , McAfee Thomas , Briseno Sam
Published: January 2025

Due to the adoption and adaptation of known confirmed methods, donor blood requirements have decreased in the cardiac surgical patient. Eight hundred thirty-five consecutive patients were studied for donor blood requirements in 1978. A total of 1,804 units of whole blood or packed cells was utilized, averaging 2 units per patient. The average duration on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was 103 minutes. During CPB, hematocrit levels were maintained at 25 ± 4%. No patients received donor blood replacement in the operating room prior to the commencement of CPB. Ten percent had homologous blood added to the prime, 76% received no blood during the conduct of CPB. Twenty percent received donor blood during perfusion. Twelve percent received donor blood during the period between completion of CPB and transfer to the recovery room. In the entire series, the average blood loss from the time of incision to completion of CPB was 513 cc’s. After completion of CPB to the time of transfer to the recovery room the average blood loss was 690 cc’s. In the open heart recovery room, 61% of patients received donor blood. Of the patients who received donor blood, 20% had CABG (1–5 grafts), 50% valve replacements (1-3 valves), and 38% miscellaneous procedures. A repeat thoracotomy was necessary to control post-operative hemorrhage in 10 patients (1%). The 30-day mortality for the series was 3%. No cases of hepatitis were reported. During the last decade at our institution, the donor blood requirements have decreased from 15 units availability to 4 units.
Extracorporeal Circulation with Venous Pump Return in a Patient with Sickle Cell Trait and Beta-Thalassemia Minor
Authors: Rullo Philip M.
Published: January 2025

The venous pump return has proven to be a safe and simple method for partial exchange transfusions in the patient with sickle cell disease. A partial exchange during the bypass procedure has eliminated the necessity of blood withdrawal and collection prior to surgery. The incorporation of an isolated cardiotomy reservoir as a holding chamber prevented the patient’s blood and the blood in the extracorporeal circuit from premixing.