bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination Treatment with EGFR Inhibitor and Doxorubicin Synergistically Inhibits Proliferation of MCF-7 Cells and MDA-MB-231 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Abrahams Beynon , Gerber Anthonie , Hiss Donavon Charles
Published: March 2024

The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumor progression and survival is often underplayed. Its expression and/or dysregulation is associated with disease advancement and poor patient outcome as well as drug resistance in breast cancer. EGFR is often overexpressed in breast cancer and particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which currently lacks molecular targets. We examined the synergistic potential of an EGFR inhibitor (EGFRi) in combination with doxorubicin (Dox) in estrogen-positive (ER+) MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell lines. The exposure of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 to EGFRi produced an IC50s of 6.03 µM and 3.96 µM, respectively. Dox induced MDA-MB-231 (IC50 9.67 µM) and MCF-7 (IC50 1.4 µM) cytotoxicity. Combinations of EGFRi-Dox significantly reduced the IC50 in MCF-7 (0.46 µM) and MBA-MB 231 (0.01 µM). Synergistic drug interactions in both cell lines were confirmed using the Bliss independence model. Pro-apoptotic Caspase-3/7 activation occurred in MCF-7 at 0.1–10 µM of EGFRi and Dox single treatments, whilst 1 μM Dox yielded a more potent effect on MDA-MB-231. EGFRi and Dox individually and in combination downregulated the EGFR gene expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates EGFRi’s potential for eliciting synergistic interactions with Dox, causing enhanced growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, and downregulation of EGFR in both cell lines.
Mega-Events: Assessing Road Safety through an Operating Framework. An Application for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games
Authors: Cigognetti Tommaso , Carra Martina , Ghirardi Andrea , Assefa Nuhamin Gezehagne , Ferretto Laura , Ventura Roberto , Maternini Giulio , Barabino Benedetto
Published: March 2024

To meet the United Nations and European Union goals of reducing road crash fatalities and injuries, it is also relevant to address the negative externalities due to mega-events on the road network and the local communities, to assess the safety of the road network involved, and to implement appropriate measures for different road environments. Despite their relevance, the literature often overlooks social costs and risks associated with mega-events. This study presents an operating framework for rapidly assessing the safety of the Milano–Cortina 2026—“Via Olimpica” road—which will host a significant proportion of the traffic during the Winter Olympic Games in 2026. The framework proposes a simplified Road Infrastructure Safety Management (RISM) to address the unique challenges posed by the limited time available for screening and implementation by local authorities. The framework integrates four data sources and follows a seven-step procedure. It provides recommendations for improving road safety by identifying critical road sections and blackspots. Road authorities, practitioners, and public administrations may all benefit from the framework, as it makes it easier to prioritise safety improvements within time constraints.
Prolongated Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) in Pediatric Patients before Surgery—Crying Wolf: Lupus (Anticoagulant) Does Not Always Threaten Children
Authors: Martini Tiziano , Santoro Rita Carlotta , Banov Laura , Ierardi Antonella , Leotta Marzia , Strangio Alessandra , Svahn Johanna , Molinari Angelo Claudio
Published: March 2024

A prolonged preoperatory aPTT in children is often the cause of a delay of scheduled surgeries and the repetition of multiple blood tests, with the consequent wasting of resources and significant discomfort for children and parents. The aim of this review is to analyze the situations in which an isolated prolongation of aPTT is found during preoperative evaluation in children, especially when it is due to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, providing the readers with the keys to interpret this situation and the possibility to correctly evaluate the hemorrhagic risk of a patient.
Numerical Simulation of Construction Disturbances during Bidirectional Advancement of Undersea Large-Diameter Dual-Line Shield Tunneling
Authors: Wang Tao , Xiang Yu , Liu Liyuan , Xiong Wang
Published: March 2024

Relying on the Mawan undersea large-diameter, dual-line, mud–water-balanced shield tunnel project and focusing on the characteristics of the tunnel, such as the complex geological conditions at the expected intersection location and the existence of a superimposed perturbation or secondary perturbation effect, theoretical calculations and three-dimensional numerical simulations were used to reveal the ground disturbance situation of the large-diameter, two-lane mud–water shield when it is propelled under various working conditions. The working conditions were set for the dynamic intersection of the left and right lines, with stopping and moving as the two modes, and a traversing simulation was carried out under three conditions related to the strata. The results show that the surface settlement curve for the two-lane construction became a “W”-shaped bimodal curve due to the superposition effect; the dynamic intersection construction greatly disturbed the ground layer and there was a plastic zone expanding outward at a small angle above the tunnel, with shear damage in the soil layer and tensile damage in the rock layer. A “one line stops, and another advances” intersection can reduce the impact of disturbance; the surface settlement value after the completion of the advancement was smaller than the dual-line intersection. The surrounding rock stress and displacement under the advancement of a single shield machine did not change to a great degree, there was no obvious change in the surface settlement above the tunnel, and the effect of the secondary disturbance was small.
Underwater Terrain Matching Method Based on Pulse-Coupled Neural Network for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Chen Pengyun , Li Zhiru , Liu Guangqing , Wang Ziyi , Chen Jiayu , Shi Shangyao , Shen Jian , Li Lizhou
Published: March 2024

The positioning results of terrain matching in flat terrain areas will significantly deteriorate due to the influence of terrain nonlinearity and multibeam measurement noise. To tackle this problem, this study presents the Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN), which has been effectively utilized for image denoising. The interconnection of surface terrain data nodes is achieved through PCNN ignition, which serves to alleviate the reduction in terrain similarity caused by measurement error. This enables the efficient selection of terrain data, ensuring that points with high measurement accuracy are preserved for terrain matching and positioning operations. The simulation results illustrate that the suggested methodology effectively removes terrain data points with low measurement accuracy, thereby improving the performance of terrain matching and positioning.
Control System Design for Offshore Floating Platform Transportation by Combination of Towing and Pushing Tugboats
Authors: Huynh Thinh , Kim Young-Bok
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the automated transportation control problem of an offshore floating platform that has limited or no maneuverability. The proposed solution involves two tugboats pushing into the platform and two other tugs towing it in the opposite direction. By implementing cooperative control of these tugs, the desired planar motion of the platform is achieved. For this, the proposed control consists of the following components: (1) an observer estimates the environmental disturbances, (2) a platform motion controller acts as the supervisory control, (3) an optimal constrained allocation distributes the required actions over the tugboats, and (4) the tugboats’ controller derived the control inputs of the tugs to fulfill these requirements. Simulation studies are conducted where the proposed solution is compared to one based on the robust H∞ control framework. The results prove the efficiency and robustness of the proposed system.
Aphids May Facilitate the Spread of Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Oilseed Rape by Carrying and Depositing Ascospores
Authors: Hao Zhong-Ping , Sheng Lei , Feng Zeng-Bei , Fei Wei-Xin , Hou Shu-Min
Published: March 2024

Aphids and Sclerotinia stem rot in oilseed rape are often studied in isolation, and their relationship is rarely explored. Our field studies have revealed a significant positive correlation between the number of aphids and the incidence of Sclerotinia stem rot. Hence, starting with the colonizing stages of the two pests, Breveroryne brassicae was assessed for its potential to acquire, transmit, and inoculate Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by being sprayed with an ascospore suspension. Moreover, distinctions in aphid feeding behavior were examined between aphids on inoculated/uninoculated winter and spring oilseed rape plants or aphids, both with and without S. sclerotiorum ascospores, using electropenetrography (EPG). The results showed that aphid feeding followed by dropping ascospore suspension significantly increased the incidence of S. sclerotiorum. Ascospores were able to adhere to aphids and were carried by aphids to healthy plants, causing disease. The results of the EPG analysis indicated that aphid feeding behavior was significantly altered in all leaf tissue levels following infection with S. sclerotiorum. Specifically, aphids initiated their first puncture significantly sooner, began probing mesophyll cells earlier, had a significantly shorter pathway duration, and secreted saliva more frequently but reduced salivation prior to feeding and ingestion compared to aphids feeding on uninfected oilseed rape. Additionally, the feeding behavior of aphids carrying ascospores was markedly different from that of aphids not carrying ascospores, implying that ascospores directly influence aphid feeding behavior but that this influence appeared to be beneficial only for S. sclerotiorum infection. Aphids carrying ascospores started to puncture cells more quickly, with a significant increase in the frequency and duration of short probes and cell punctures, shortened pathway durations, and reduced salivation before feeding compared to aphids not carrying ascospores. It is clear that there is an interaction between aphids and S. sclerotiorum. The impact of S. sclerotiorum on aphid feeding behavior is directional, favoring the spread of the fungus.
Innovation in Digital Media beyond Technology: The Audience-Centered Approach and Pending Challenges
Authors: Pérez-Seijo Sara , Silva-Rodríguez Alba
Published: March 2024

In the digital scenario, where news media organizations face technological disruption, innovation has been identified as key to the survival of journalism. While legacy media, rooted in a traditional mindset, have reacted more slowly to the changes that have occurred, digital native media have been better able to engage with audiences and adapt to new distribution platforms. Given this scenario, this article examined the perception of experts in the field of communication and journalism—both journalists and scholars—regarding the approach to journalistic innovation in digital media (N = 11). Specifically, this research sought to identify areas where the need for innovation is perceived to be greater and to determine the pending challenges in this process of digital innovation. To address these purposes, a descriptive qualitative methodology was applied, using the focus group technique. The findings revealed that an audience-centered approach to innovation is proposed to escape technological determinism and respond effectively to the needs and demands of audiences. This perspective requires embracing diversity in content, advocating for new formats and narratives, and adapting to consumption patterns on new platforms. There is a perception of incremental innovation in digital media, focusing on the introduction of small improvements and calling for a slowdown in processes for greater effectiveness. However, the experts noted a lack of pedagogy within organizations, of collaboration with key sectors of the industry, of investment in human capital, of qualitative audience measurement methods, and even of innovation in business models.
The Impact of Academic Publications over the Last Decade on Historical Bitcoin Prices Using Generative Models
Authors: Bâra Adela , Oprea Simona-Vasilica
Published: March 2024

Since 2012, researchers have explored various factors influencing Bitcoin prices. Up until the end of July 2023, more than 9100 research papers on cryptocurrencies were published and indexed in the Web of Science Clarivate platform. The objective of this paper is to analyze the impact of publications on Bitcoin prices. This study aims to uncover significant themes within these research articles, focusing on cryptocurrencies in general and Bitcoin specifically. The research employs latent Dirichlet allocation to identify key topics from the unstructured abstracts. To determine the optimal number of topics, perplexity and topic coherence metrics are calculated. Additionally, the abstracts are processed using BERT-transformers and Word2Vec and their potential to predict Bitcoin prices is assessed. Based on the results, while the research helps in understanding cryptocurrencies, the potential of academic publications to influence Bitcoin prices is not significant, demonstrating a weak connection. In other words, the movements of Bitcoin prices are not influenced by the scientific writing in this specific field. The primary topics emerging from the analysis are the blockchain, market dynamics, transactions, pricing trends, network security, and the mining process. These findings suggest that future research should pay closer attention to issues like the energy demands and environmental impacts of mining, anti-money laundering measures, and behavioral aspects related to cryptocurrencies.
Multi-Temporal Passive and Active Remote Sensing for Agricultural Mapping and Acreage Estimation in Context of Small Farm Holds in Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Tesfamariam Engida , Desta Lulseged Tamene , Gamba Paolo , Ayehu Getachew Tesfaye
Published: March 2024

In most developing countries, smallholder farms are the ultimate source of income and produce a significant portion of overall crop production for the major crops. Accurate crop distribution mapping and acreage estimation play a major role in optimizing crop production and resource allocation. In this study, we aim to develop a spatio–temporal, multi-spectral, and multi-polarimetric LULC mapping approach to assess crop distribution mapping and acreage estimation for the Oromia Region in Ethiopia. The study was conducted by integrating data from the optical and radar sensors of sentinel products. Supervised machine learning algorithms such as Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Classification and Regression Trees, and Gradient Boost were used to classify the study area into five first-class common land use types (built-up, agriculture, vegetation, bare land, and water). Training and validation data were collected from ground and high-resolution images and split in a 70:30 ratio. The accuracy of the classification was evaluated using different metrics such as overall accuracy, kappa coefficient, figure of metric, and F-score. The results indicate that the SVM classifier demonstrates higher accuracy compared to other algorithms, with an overall accuracy for Sentinel-2-only data and the integration of optical with microwave data of 90% and 94% and a kappa value of 0.85 and 0.91, respectively. Accordingly, the integration of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data resulted in higher overall accuracy compared to the use of Sentinel-2 data alone. The findings demonstrate the remarkable potential of multi-source remotely sensed data in agricultural acreage estimation in small farm holdings. These preliminary findings highlight the potential of using multi-source active and passive remote sensing data for agricultural area mapping and acreage estimation.
The Mystery of Homochirality on Earth
Authors: Weller Michael G.
Published: March 2024

Homochirality is an obvious feature of life on Earth. On the other hand, extraterrestrial samples contain largely racemic compounds. The same is true for any common organic synthesis. Therefore, it has been a perplexing puzzle for decades how these racemates could have formed enantiomerically enriched fractions as a basis for the origin of homochiral life forms. Numerous hypotheses have been put forward as to how preferentially homochiral molecules could have formed and accumulated on Earth. In this article, it is shown that homochirality of the abiotic organic pool at the time of formation of the first self-replicating molecules is not necessary and not even probable. It is proposed to abandon the notion of a molecular ensemble and to focus on the level of individual molecules. Although the formation of the first self-replicating, most likely homochiral molecule, is a seemingly improbable event, on a closer look, it is almost inevitable that some homochiral molecules have formed simply on a statistical basis. In this case, the non-selective leap to homochirality would be one of the first steps in chemical evolution directly out of a racemic “ocean”. Moreover, most studies focus on the chirality of the primordial monomers with respect to an asymmetric carbon atom. However, any polymer with a minimal size that allows folding to a secondary structure would spontaneously lead to asymmetric higher structures (conformations). Most of the functions of these polymers would be influenced by this inherently asymmetric folding. Furthermore, a concept of physical compartmentalization based on rock nanopores in analogy to nanocavities of digital immunoassays is introduced to suggest that complex cell walls or membranes were also not required for the first steps of chemical evolution. To summarize, simple and universal mechanisms may have led to homochiral self-replicating systems in the context of chemical evolution. A homochiral monomer pool is deemed unnecessary and probably never existed on primordial Earth.
Bis(N-tert-butylacetamido)(dimethylamido)(chloro)titanium
Authors: Seth Dennis M. , Waterman Rory
Published: March 2024

The titanium amidate compound bis(N-tert-butylacetamido)(dimethylamido)(chloro)titanium was synthesized by the protonolysis of tris(dimethylamido)(chloro)titanium and structurally characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. The compound does not appear to react cleanly nor readily with routine alkylating agents such as sec-butyllithium, benzyl potassium, or trimethylsilyl methyllithium.
In Situ Preparation of rGO-Cement Using Thermal Reduction Method and Performance Study
Authors: Yao Jie , Guan Ao , Ruan Wenqiang , Ma Ying
Published: March 2024

In this study, the combination of freeze-drying and high-temperature thermal reduction methods was employed to in situ prepare reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-Cement based on graphene oxide (GO)-Cement. The electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the rGO-Cement were investigated. Microscopic analysis methods such as Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to confirm the successful transformation of GO-Cement to rGO-Cement. The research results demonstrated that with an increase in rGO content, the electrical resistivity of the rGO-Cement decreased first and then increased, reaching a percolation threshold at the dosage of 0.7 wt.%. The compressive strength and flexural strength of the rGO-Cement increased first and then decreased. The optimal dosage of rGO was 0.7%. The in situ preparation of rGO-Cement using the thermal reduction method holds a great potential for various applications, providing new ideas and methods for the modification and enhancement of cement materials.
Finite Element Analysis and Fatigue Test of INTEGRA Dental Implant System
Authors: Zieliński Rafał , Lipa Sebastian , Piechaczek Martyna , Sowiński Jerzy , Kołkowska Agata , Simka Wojciech
Published: March 2024

The study involved numerical FEA (finite element analysis) of dental implants. Based on this, fatigue tests were conducted according to the PN-EN 14801 standard required for the certification of dental products. Thanks to the research methodology developed by the authors, it was possible to conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of external and internal factors such as material, geometry, loading, and assembly of the dental system on the achieved value of fatigue strength limit in the examined object. For this purpose, FEM studies were based on identifying potential sites of fatigue crack initiation in reference to the results of the test conducted on a real model. The actions described in the study helped in the final evaluation of the dental system design process named by the manufacturer as INTEGRA OPTIMA 3.35. The objective of the research was to identify potential sites for fatigue crack initiation in a selected dental system built on the INTEGRA OPTIMA 3.35 set. The material used in the research was titanium grade 4. A map of reduced von Mises stresses was used to search for potential fatigue crack areas. The research [loading] was conducted on two mutually perpendicular planes positioned in such a way that the edge intersecting the planes coincided with the axis of the system. The research indicated that the connecting screw showed the least sensitivity (stress change) to the change in the loading plane, while the value of preload has a significant impact on the achieved fatigue strength of the system. In contrast, the endosteal implant (root) and the prosthetic connector showed the greatest sensitivity to the change in the loading plane. The method of mounting [securing] the endosteal implant using a holder, despite meeting the standards, may contribute to generating excessive stress concentration in the threaded part. Observation of the prosthetic connector in the Optima 3.35 system, cyclically loaded with a force of F ≈ 300 N in the area of the upper hexagonal peg, revealed a fatigue fracture. The observed change in stress peak in the dental connector for two different force application surfaces shows that the positioning of the dental system (setting of the socket in relation to the force action plane) is significantly decisive in estimating the limited fatigue strength.
Synergistic Effect of Carbon Micro/Nano-Fillers and Surface Patterning on the Superlubric Performance of 3D-Printed Structures
Authors: Gkougkousi Katerina , Karantzalis Alexandros E. , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G. , Dassios Konstantinos G.
Published: March 2024

Superlubricity, the tribological regime where the coefficient of friction between two sliding surfaces almost vanishes, is currently being investigated as a viable route towards the energy efficiency envisioned by major long-term strategies for a sustainable future. This current study provides new insights towards the development of self-lubricating systems by material and topological design, systems which tend to exhibit near-superlubric tribological performance, by reporting the synergistic effect of selective surface patterning and presence of carbon micro/nano-fillers on the frictional coefficients of additively manufactured structures. Geometric and biomimetic surface patterns were prepared by fused deposition modelling (FDM), using printing filaments of a polymeric matrix infused with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon fibers (Cf). The calorimetric, spectroscopic, mechanical and optical microscopy characterization of the starting materials and as-printed structures provided fundamental insights for their tribological characterization under a ball-on-disk configuration. In geometrically patterned PLA-based structures, a graphene presence reduced the friction coefficient by ca. 8%, whereas PETG exhibited the lowest coefficients, in the vicinity of 0.1, indicating a high supelubric potential. Biomimetic patterns exhibited an inferior frictional response due to their topologically and tribologically anisotropy of the surfaces. Overall, a graphene presence in the starting materials demonstrated great potential for friction reduction, while PETG showed a tribological performance not only superior to PLA, but also compatible with superlubric performance. Methodological and technical challenges are discussed in the text.
Controllable Technology for Thermal Expansion Coefficient of Commercial Materials for Solid Oxide Electrolytic Cells
Authors: Sun Ya , Jin Dun , Zhang Xi , Shao Qing , Guan Chengzhi , Li Ruizhu , Cheng Fupeng , Lin Xiao , Xiao Guoping , Wang Jianqiang
Published: March 2024

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) industrialization has been developing for many years. Commercial materials such as 8 mol% Y2O3-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC), La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF), La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC), etc., have been used for many years, but the problem of mismatched thermal expansion coefficients of various materials between cells has not been fundamentally solved, which affects the lifetime of SOECs and restricts their industry development. Currently, various solutions have been reported, such as element doping, manufacturing defects, and introducing negative thermal expansion coefficient materials. To promote the development of the SOEC industry, a direct treatment method for commercial materials—quenching and doping—is reported to achieve the controllable preparation of the thermal expansion coefficient of commercial materials. The quenching process only involves the micro-treatment of raw materials and does not have any negative impact on preparation processes such as powder slurry and sintering. It is a simple, low-cost, and universal research strategy to achieve the controllable preparation of the thermal expansion coefficient of the commercial material La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) through a quenching process by doping elements and increasing oxygen vacancies in the material. Commercial LSCF materials are heated to 800 °C in a muffle furnace, quickly removed, and cooled and quenched in 3.4 mol/L of prepared Y(NO3)3. The thermal expansion coefficient of the treated material can be reduced to 13.6 × 10−6 K−1, and the blank sample is 14.1 × 10−6 K−1. In the future, it may be possible to use the quenching process to select appropriate doping elements in order to achieve similar thermal expansion coefficients in SOECs.
On Stochastic Representations of the Zero–One-Inflated Poisson Lindley Distribution
Authors: Tajuddin Razik Ridzuan Mohd , Ismail Noriszura
Published: March 2024

A zero–one-inflated Poisson Lindley distribution has been introduced recently as an alternative to the zero–one-inflated Poisson distribution for describing count data with a substantial number of zeros and ones. Several stochastic representations of the zero–one-inflated Poisson Lindley distribution and their equivalence to some well-known distributions under some conditions are presented. Using these stochastic representations, the distributional properties such as the nth moments, as well as the conditional distributions are discussed. These stochastic representations can be used to explain the relationship between two or more distributions. Several likelihood ratio tests are developed and examined for the presence of one-inflation and fixed rate parameters. The likelihood ratio tests are found to be powerful and have ability to control the error rates as the sample size increases. A sample size of 1000 is acceptable and sufficient for the likelihood ratio tests to be useful.
Laser Therapy Effects on Periodontal Status: A Randomized Study Using Gaussian Network Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Ciurescu Codruta Elena , Dima Lorena , Ciurescu Vlad Alexandru , Noja Gratiela Georgiana , Istodor Alin Viorel , Moga Marius Alexandru , Ardelean Lavinia Cosmina , Rusu Laura-Cristina , Leretter Marius Traian
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives: This paper aims to assess the role of laser therapy in periodontitis through an innovative approach involving computational prediction and advanced modeling performed through network analysis (Gaussian graphical models—GGMs) and structural equations (SEM). Materials and Methods: Forty patients, exhibiting periodontal pockets with a minimum depth of 5 mm, were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and a laser group. Four specific indicators were measured for each tooth, namely periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI), and the mean of six measured values was recorded at five time markers (baseline, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years). The assessment algorithm included enrollment, measurements, and differential non-surgical periodontal treatment, according to the group allocation. Scaling, root planing, and chlorhexidine 1% were conducted for the control group, and scaling, root planing and erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,CR:YSGG) laser therapy were conducted for the laser group. Results: The main results highlight that the addition of laser treatment to scaling and root planing led to notable clinical improvements, decreasing the PPD values, reducing the BOP scores, and increasing the CAL. Conclusions: Notable relationships between the specific indicators considered were highlighted by both the GGMs and by SEM, thus confirming their suitability as proxies for the success of periodontal treatment.
A Bio-Inspired Drag Reduction Method of Bionic Fish Skin Mucus Structure
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Li Xin , Luo Zhengjie , Zhai Qihang , Tian Ye , Zhang Kaisheng , Guo Hao
Published: March 2024

Efforts to enhance the speed and reduce the energy consumption of underwater vehicles have led to the proposal of a novel mucus release structure inspired by the secretion of mucus cells on fish skin. This structure features interconnected microgrooves with excellent flexibility for adjusting to different states, effectively reducing drag through mucus release. Numerical analysis of the drag reduction performance of the mucous-releasing micro-pore structure was conducted using ANSYS Fluent 19.2 software. This structure is capable of reducing the velocity gradient near the wall and, owing to the presence of micro-pore structures, decreasing the overall compressed area, thereby achieving drag reduction effects. The experimental results revealed a drag reduction effect of 20.56% when the structure was bent at an angle of 120°. The drag reduction varied under different attitudes such as tension and compression. This mucus release structure achieves reusability through a direct mucous injection process. This research provides valuable insights for the drag reduction study of underwater vehicles, such as ships and submarines, laying a foundation for advancing the development and applications of this field in the future.
State of the Art on the Role of Staphylococcus aureus Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Torrealba Marina Passos , Yoshikawa Fabio Seiti Yamada , Aoki Valeria , Sato Maria Notomi , Orfali Raquel Leão
Published: March 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory cutaneous disease. The role of host defense and microbial virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization, infection, and inflammation perpetuation in AD remains an area of current research focus. Extracellular vesicles (EV) mediate cell-to-cell communication by transporting and delivering bioactive molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes, to recipient cells. Staphylococcus aureus spontaneously secretes extracellular vesicles (SA-derived EVs), which spread throughout the skin layers. Previous research has shown that SA-derived EVs from AD patients can trigger cytokine secretion in keratinocytes, shape the recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes, and induce inflammatory AD-type lesions in mouse models, in addition to their role as exogenous worsening factors for the disease. In this review article, we aim to examine the role of SA-derived EVs in AD physiopathology and its progression, highlighting the recent research in the field and exploring the potential crosstalk between the host and the microbiota.
LDH/MXene Synergistic Carrier Separation Effects to Improve the Photoelectric Catalytic Activities of Bi2WO6 Nanosheet Arrays
Authors: Wang Yuting , Li Runhua , Zhang Jiaying , Liu Liming , Huang Weiwei , Wang Yajun
Published: March 2024

Photoelectric catalysis is a green and efficient way to degrade pollutants, which has been paid more and more attention by researchers. Among them, Bi2WO3 has been proved to have excellent photocatalytic oxidation activity on its {001} facets. In this study, {001}-oriented facets with high exposure were successfully integrated into Bi2WO6 nanoplate arrays (Bi2WO6 NAs) to create a photoelectrode. This structure was grown in situ on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. To promote photogenerated carrier separation efficiency and reduce agglomeration of Bi2WO6 photocatalysts, the electrochemical deposition of NiFe–layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) and Ti3C2 (MXene) were introduced in this research to synergistically catalyze pollutant degradation. Morphology, spectral characterization, and electrochemical analysis jointly confirmed that the outstanding performance of hole capture behavior with LDH and electron conduction properties with MXene were the main reasons for the improvement in catalytic activity of the photoelectrode. Taking bisphenol A (BPA) as the model pollutant, the rate constant k of the NiFe-LDH/Ti3C2/Bi2WO6 NAs photoelectrode reaches 0.00196 min−1 under photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) conditions, which is 4.5 times that of the pure Bi2WO6 NAs photoelectrode. This work provides a new way to improve the reaction kinetics of the PEC degradation of pollutants.
Gene Therapy in Pediatric Orthopedics
Authors: Olaonipekun Emmanuel , Lisyansky Anthony , Olaonipekun Robin , Merabia Bouchra Ghania , Gaber Karim , Kishta Waleed
Published: March 2024

Gene therapy is gaining traction as an effective treatment for several deleterious disorders by delivering genetic material using viral or non-viral vectors to correct mutated genes. Research in the field focuses primarily on the treatment of cancers; however, it shows great promise for treating diseases related to pediatric orthopedics. This review aims to describe gene therapy’s application, efficacy and safety in pediatric orthopedics. This paper will examine common pediatric orthopedic disorders including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, osteogenesis imperfecta, spinal muscular atrophy and osteosarcoma. Overall, gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy has made great advances with approved gene therapy drugs already in use, while therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta and osteosarcoma treatments is still widely preclinical but still promising. As a whole, gene therapy is rapidly advancing in the field of pediatric orthopedics; however, further research is crucial in continuing and spreading these advancements and for the treatment of other debilitating pediatric-related orthopedic disorders.
Portable Diffuse Optical Tomography for Three-Dimensional Functional Neuroimaging in the Hospital
Authors: Huang Jingyu , Jiang Shixie , Yang Hao , Czuma Richard , Yang Ying , Kozel F. Andrew , Jiang Huabei
Published: March 2024

Functional neuroimaging studies of neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment are commonly conducted in the clinic setting but less so in the acutely medically ill while hospitalized. This is largely due to technical and logistical limitations, given the lack of portable devices with high spatial and temporal resolutions. This exploratory study reports on the development and implementation of a novel diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system that can be employed for bedside three-dimensional functional neuroimaging. To test this portable DOT system, our protocol included a task-based sequence involving the Months Backwards Test with imaging centered on the bilateral prefrontal cortex. Fifteen subjects were recruited from intensive care units and the general wards of a single tertiary academic hospital and included in our final analysis. Volumetric hemoglobin analyses of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) were reliably captured in all our subjects. The peak value was calculated to be 3.36 µM and 0.74 µM for oxygenated-hemoglobin (HbO) and total-hemoglobin (HbT) (p < 0.042, [HbT]), respectively. The standard error was calculated to be 4.58 uM and 3.68 uM for (HbO) and (HbT). We additionally developed a seed-based correlation analysis to demonstrate the capability of DOT in studying functional connectivity. The right DLPFC was found to be moderately associated with the left DLPFC in all our subjects (r = 0.656). The DMPFC was observed to be associated with the left DLPFC but less so (r = 0.273) at the group level. Overall, the contribution of left-to-right DLPFC connectivity was significantly higher than left DLPFC to DMPFC in our group (p = 0.012). Future studies should investigate the potential of such a DOT system in the research of neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive disorders within the hospital to study different types of mechanisms, pathophysiology, and interventions that occur acutely and can advance our knowledge of these disorders.
Enhancing Open-Loop Wavefront Prediction in Adaptive Optics through 2D-LSTM Neural Network Implementation
Authors: Pérez Saúl , Buendía Alejandro , González Carlos , Rodríguez Javier , Iglesias Santiago , Fernández Julia , De Cos Francisco Javier
Published: March 2024

Adaptive optics (AO) is a technique with an important role in image correction on ground-based telescopes through the deployment of specific optical instruments and various control methodologies. The synergy between these instruments and control techniques is paramount for capturing sharper and more accurate images. This technology also plays a crucial role in other applications, including power and information systems, where it compensates for thermal distortion caused by radiation. The integration of neural networks into AO represents a significant step towards achieving optimal image clarity. Leveraging the learning potential of these models, researchers can amplify control strategies to counteract atmospheric distortions effectively. Neural networks in AO not only produce results on par with conventional systems but also proffer benefits in cost-efficiency and streamlined implementation. This study explores the potential of an artificial neural network (ANN) as a nonlinear predictor for open-loop wavefronts. Expanding on prior evidence showing advantages over classic methods, this investigation boosts prediction accuracy through the integration of advanced models and machine learning approaches.
Characterization among and within Sicilian Tetraploid Wheat Landraces by Gluten Protein Analysis for Traceability Purposes
Authors: Palombieri Samuela , Bonarrigo Marco , Potestio Silvia , Sestili Francesco , Messina Bernardo , Russo Giuseppe , Miceli Claudia , Frangipane Benedetto , Genduso Marco , Delogu Chiara , Andreani Lorella , Masci Stefania
Published: March 2024

The criteria of “Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability” as well as a high “overall quality index” are used to register the Italian modern varieties to the national register. Differently, local conservation varieties can be certified under different EU Directives that facilitate, as an overall objective, the preservation of biodiversity and the containment of genetic erosion. In recent years, products derived from ancient grains are perceived to be healthier and more sustainable by consumers, especially in Italy, with consequent higher market prices. The ancient tetraploid wheat varieties registered in the national register of conservation varieties amount to 28, 24 of which are Sicilian. They are supposed to have wide genetic variability compared to modern ones, making them vulnerable to fraud because they are difficult to trace. It is therefore important to have tools able to discriminate between autochthonous Sicilian varieties. This can be completed by gluten proteins composition, which also provides information on the technological properties of derived products. Fifty-one accessions belonging to twenty-two ancient varieties of Sicilian tetraploid (mostly durum) wheat were analyzed. Although wide intra-accession and intra-varietal variability measurements were assessed, the gliadin pattern of bulks of seeds belonging to each variety was discriminatory. Moreover, differences in technological attitudes were found between landraces. This paves the way to use gluten protein patterns for traceability, allowing local farmers and producers to valorize their products and assure consumers regarding the transparency of the entire supply chain.
The Role of Longevity-Indexed Bond in Risk Management of Aggregated Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyi , Li Yanan , Guo Junyi
Published: March 2024

Defined benefit (DB) pension plans are a primary type of pension schemes with the sponsor assuming most of the risks. Longevity-indexed bonds have been used to hedge or transfer risks in pension plans. Our objective is to study an aggregated DB pension plan’s optimal risk management problem focusing on minimizing the solvency risk over a finite time horizon and to investigate the investment strategies in a market, comprising a longevity-indexed bond and a risk-free asset, under stochastic nominal interest rates. Using the dynamic programming technique in the stochastic control problem, we obtain the closed-form optimal investment strategy by solving the corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation. In addition, a comparative analysis implicates that longevity-indexed bonds significantly reduce solvency risk compared to zero-coupon bonds, offering a strategic advantage in pension fund management. Besides the closed-form solution and the comparative study, another novelty of this study is the extension of actuarial liability (AL) and normal cost (NC) definitions, and we introduce the risk neutral valuation of liabilities in DB pension scheme with the consideration of mortality rate.
Validating Landsat Analysis Ready Data for Nearshore Sea Surface Temperature Monitoring in the Northeast Pacific
Authors: Wachmann Alena , Starko Samuel , Neufeld Christopher J. , Costa Maycira
Published: March 2024

In the face of global ocean warming, monitoring essential climate variables from space is necessary for understanding regional trends in ocean dynamics and their subsequent impacts on ecosystem health. Analysis Ready Data (ARD), being preprocessed satellite-derived products such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST), allow for easy synoptic analysis of temperature conditions given the consideration of regional biases within a dynamic range. This is especially true for SST retrieval in thermally complex coastal zones. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of 30 m resolution Landsat ARD Surface Temperature products to measure nearshore SST, derived from Landsat 8 TIRS, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 5 TM thermal bands over a 37-year period (1984–2021). We used in situ lighthouse and buoy matchup data provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Excellent agreement (R2 of 0.94) was found between Landsat and spring/summer in situ SST at the farshore buoy site (>10 km from the coast), with a Landsat mean bias (root mean square error) of 0.12 °C (0.95 °C) and a general pattern of SST underestimation by Landsat 5 of −0.28 °C (0.96 °C) and overestimation by Landsat 8 of 0.65 °C (0.98 °C). Spring/summer nearshore matchups revealed the best Landsat mean bias (root mean square error) of −0.57 °C (1.75 °C) at 90–180 m from the coast for ocean temperatures between 5 °C and 25 °C. Overall, the nearshore image sampling distance recommended in this manuscript seeks to capture true SST as close as possible to the coastal margin—and the critical habitats of interest—while minimizing the impacts of pixel mixing and adjacent land emissivity on satellite-derived SST.
Erosion Gully Networks Extraction Based on InSAR Refined Digital Elevation Model and Relative Elevation Algorithm—A Case Study in Huangfuchuan Basin, Northern Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Lu Pingda , Zhang Bin , Wang Chenfeng , Liu Mengyun , Wang Xiaoping
Published: March 2024

The time-effective mapping of erosion gullies is crucial for monitoring and early detection of developing erosional progression. However, current methods face challenges in obtaining large-scale erosion gully networks rapidly due to limitations in data availability and computational complexity. This study developed a rapid method for extracting erosion gully networks by integrating interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and the relative elevation algorithm (REA) within the Huangfuchuan Basin, a case basin in the northern Loess Plateau, China. Validation in the study area demonstrated that the proposed method achieved an F1 score of 81.94%, representing a 9.77% improvement over that of the reference ASTER GDEM. The method successfully detected small reliefs of erosion gullies using the InSAR-refined DEM. The accuracy of extraction varied depending on the characteristics of the gullies in different locations. The F1 score showed a positive correlation with gully depth (R2 = 0.62), while the fragmented gully heads presented a higher potential of being missed due to the resolution effect. The extraction results provided insights into the erosion gully networks in the case study area. A total of approximately 28,000 gullies were identified, exhibiting pinnate and trellis patterns. Most of the gullies had notable intersecting angles exceeding 60°. The basin’s average depth was 64 m, with the deepest gully being 140 m deep. Surface fragmentation indicated moderate erosive activity, with the southeastern loess region showing more severe erosion than the Pisha sandstone-dominated central and northwestern regions. The method described in this study offers a rapid approach to map gullies, streamlining the workflow of erosion gully extraction and enabling efficiently targeted interventions for erosion control efforts. Its practical applicability and potential to leverage open-source data make it accessible for broader application in similar regions facing erosion challenges.
A Sustainable Approach for Enhancing Stability and Bioactivity of Allium ursinum Extract for Food Additive Applications
Authors: Stupar Alena , Vidović Senka , Vladić Jelena , Radusin Tanja , Mišan Aleksandra
Published: March 2024

Utilizing natural plant extracts as food additives represents a promising strategy for enhancing the quality, nutritional value, and safety of food products, benefiting both consumers and the environment. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to develop an environmentally sustainable process for the production of solid powder derived from Allium ursinum liquid extract, with the intent of utilizing it as a natural food additive. To address the challenge of instability and enhance the solubility of bioactive compounds in A. ursinum extracts obtained through subcritical water extraction, this study employed the spray drying process. Notably, the results demonstrated the remarkable efficiency of the spray drying process, with maltodextrin as a carrier, yielding uniformly encapsulated particles with an average size of approximately 4 µm, spherical shape with smooth, intact surfaces. The most optimal conditions for achieving the highest content of total phenolics (23.10 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (4.92 mg CE/g) in the A. ursinum extract were identified, involving an inlet temperature of 120 °C and an 80% maltodextrin concentration. The encapsulated powders showed excellent stability, with minimal loss of total phenolics (12.64%) and total flavonoids (10.52%) after three months of storage. Physicochemical analysis confirmed the successful preservation of bioactive compounds through microencapsulation using maltodextrin, suggesting its potential for application in innovative food or pharmaceutical products.