bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ION-FAST as the NIRFI’s Ionospheric Diagnostic Platform
Authors: Moiseev Sergey P. , Shindin Alexei V. , Grekhneva Kseniya K. , Pavlova Viktoriya A. , Timukin Nikita S.
Published: February 2024

In December 2021, we presented a prototype of a fast ionosonde for vertical sounding based on the usage of publicly available radio-electronic components. This approach led to a major reduction in the cost of the created device. We called our development ION-FAST, which characterizes the key feature of the ionosonde: the possibility of continuous operation at a speed of one ionogram per second, which is required to study the rapid processes of redistribution of the electron concentration during heating experiments. In May 2022, an ionosonde for vertical sounding of the ionosphere, developed at the Radiophysical Research Institute of Nizhni Novgorod (NIRFI), was put into continuous operation at the SURA facility. This report provides a description of the improvements made to the prototype over the last year and the path to be passed from idea to implementation. The results of the first months of the prototype’s operation (especially the results of the supporting optic experiment in August 2022), as well as prospects for further use and modernization, are provided. In addition, the realization of the oblique chirp-sounding receiver prototype as an extension of the proposed diagnostic platform’s functionality, including the first results, is presented.
Implementation of an On-Line Reactive Source Apportionment (ORSA) Algorithm in the FARM Chemical-Transport Model and Application over Multiple Domains in Italy
Authors: Calori Giuseppe , Briganti Gino , Uboldi Francesco , Pepe Nicola , D’Elia Ilaria , Mircea Mihaela , Marras Gian Franco , Piersanti Antonio
Published: February 2024

A source apportionment scheme based on gas and aerosol phase reactive tracers has been implemented in the chemical-transport model FARM, to efficiently estimate contributions of different sources to ambient concentrations. The on-line scheme deals with all the main processes that the chemical species undergo in the model, to enhance consistency with the calculation of bulk concentrations. The fate of precursors through gas-phase chemical reactions is followed by an efficient solver that determines their incremental reactivity, while the contributions to the secondary particulate species from their gaseous precursors is determined by assuming the thermodynamic equilibrium between the two phases. The paper details the new employed methodologies and illustrates the application of the apportionment scheme (based on 6 source sectors) to PM10 and O3, simulated on three domains of different dimensions in Italy, all sharing the same horizontal resolution and a common region (Lombardy). Spatial patterns of results show, on average, a relevant contribution of heating on PM10 concentration in January, with local hotspots dominated by road traffic. Contributions appear consistent in the three simulated domains, apart from the boundary conditions, influenced by the dimension of the domain. Hourly series of contributions to O3 concentrations in July at three selected sites show the dominance of boundary conditions, underlining the large scale of O3 formation. Finally, for PM10 components, the resulting sectorial contributions are compared with the impacts computed via the brute force method, showing that results are similar for elemental carbon and sulfate, while they are different for nitrate and ammonium, due to a different allocation of contributions and impacts between the methods. Each approach responds in principle to a different purpose, and their combined use provides possibly a wide set of information useful for addressing the different air quality management needs.
Estimation and Analysis of Air Pollutant Emissions from On-Road Vehicles in Changzhou, China
Authors: Guo Mengjie , Ning Miao , Sun Shida , Xu Chenxi , Zhang Gaige , Zhang Luyao , Zhang Runcao , Zheng Jialin , Chen Chuchu , Jia Zimu , Liu Yuyun , Bo Yu
Published: February 2024

Vehicle emissions have become a significant contributor to urban air pollution. However, studies specific to city-level vehicle emission inventories are still scarce and tend to be outdated. This study introduces a methodology for developing high-resolution monthly vehicle emission inventories. We applied this methodology to Changzhou in 2022 to analyze emission characteristics and generate gridded emission data with a resolution of 0.01° × 0.01°. The results show that the total vehicle emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particulate matters (PM2.5) in Changzhou are 39.69, 8.68, 18.6, and 0.56 Gg, respectively. Light-duty passenger vehicles are the main contributors to CO (74.3%) and VOCs (86.1%) emissions, while heavy-duty trucks play a significant role in NOx (50.7%) and PM2.5 (34.7%) emissions. Gasoline vehicles are mainly responsible for CO (78.6%) and VOCs (91.4%) emissions, while diesel vehicles are the primary source of NOx (81.1%) and PM2.5 (70.6%) emissions. Notably, China IV vehicles have the highest emission contribution rates (ranging from 32.5% to 44.9%). Seasonally, emissions peak in winter and are lowest in April. Spatially, emission intensity is higher in the northeast of Changzhou compared to the west and south. The methodology presented in this study offers a valuable tool for developing comprehensive city-level emission inventories, and the results provide critical insights that can inform the formulation of effective environmental policies.
Spatiotemporal Variability Analysis of Glaciers in the Hindukush Region of Pakistan Using Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Shafiq Muhammad , Nergis Yasmin
Published: February 2024

Headwater in the Indus River in Pakistan is largely dependent on the glaciers located in the northern part of the country, along with other sources such as direct precipitation. Glaciers are a major source of freshwater that provides agriculture and livelihood to millions of people. The hydro-climatic variations in the Gilgit watershed of the Upper Indus basin are poorly investigated scientifically due to high topographical differences, geography, remoteness of the region, and larger variations in climatic conditions. These glaciers are continuously changing due to melting as a consequence of global warming or accumulation due to snowfall/precipitation at higher altitude regions. The study is carried out using remote sensing data to quantify glacier changes in spatiotemporal variability in the past three decades. Five glaciers in the Gilgit region (near the junction of the Hindukush and Karakoram Mountains) with an area of more than 5 square kilometers were selected, namely Phakor, Karamber, East Gammu, Bhort, and Bad-e-Swat glaciers. These glaciers were monitored for changes in their sizes through a cloud-free continuous series of Landsat satellite imagery. The annual climatic trends were studied through spatially interpolated gridded climate data WοrldClim version-1 climate database for 1970–2000, utilized for assessment of meteorological condition by analyzing the variations of minimum and maximum temperature, solar radiation, and precipitation. The temporal variations in five glaciers in the Gilgit watershed are found to be minimal and, thus, are rather stable and show no sign of rapid melting or diminishing. The little variability of glaciers’ extent may be attributed to their geographic condition, altitude, topography, and orientation. The mapped glacier classes have been validated to check the accuracy assessment through an error matrix method. The kappa coefficient from the error matrix has been calculated as 84%, which shows a good agreement. The study makes a critical input towards understanding the dynamics of the glacier in the upper Indus catchment’s Gilgit watershed.
Detection of miR-155 Using Peptide Nucleic Acid at Physiological-like Conditions by Surface Plasmon Resonance and Bio-Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Lavecchia di Tocco Francesco , Botti Valentina , Cannistraro Salvatore , Bizzarri Anna Rita
Published: February 2024

MicroRNAs are small ribonucleotides that act as key gene regulators. Their altered expression is often associated with the onset and progression of several human diseases, including cancer. Given their potential use as biomarkers, there is a need to find detection methods for microRNAs suitable for use in clinical setting. Field-effect-transistor-based biosensors (bioFETs) appear to be valid tools to detect microRNAs, since they may reliably quantitate the specific binding between the immobilized probe and free target in solution through an easily detectable electrical signal. We have investigated the detection of human microRNA 155 (miR-155) using an innovative capturing probe constituted by a synthetic peptide nucleic acid (PNA), which has the advantage to form a duplex even at ionic strengths approaching the physiological conditions. With the aim to develop an optimized BioFET setup, the interaction kinetics between miR-155 and the chosen PNA was preliminarily investigated by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). By exploiting both these results and our custom-made bioFET system, we were able to attain a low-cost, real-time, label-free and highly specific detection of miR-155 in the nano-molar range.
Dynamic Changes in Neuroglial Reaction and Tissue Repair after Photothrombotic Stroke in Neonatal Mouse
Authors: Liu Yitong , Gong Pifang , Qi Guibo , Tang Han , Gui Runshan , Qi Congcong , Qin Song
Published: February 2024

Perinatal and neonatal ischemic stroke is a significant cause of cognitive and behavioral impairments. Further research is needed to support models of neonatal ischemic stroke and advance our understanding of the mechanisms of infarction formation following such strokes. We used two different levels of photothrombotic stroke (PTS) models to assess stroke outcomes in neonatal mice. We measured brain damage, dynamic changes in glial cells, and neuronal expression at various time points within two weeks following ischemic injury. Our results from 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and immunofluorescence staining showed that in the severe group, a dense border of astrocytes and microglia was observed within 3 days post infarct. This ultimately resulted in the formation of a permanent cortical cavity, accompanied by neuronal loss in the surrounding tissues. In the mild group, a relatively sparse arrangement of glial borders was observed 7 days post infarct. This was accompanied by intact cortical tissue and the restoration of viability in the brain tissue beyond the glial boundary. Additionally, neonatal ischemic injury leads to the altered expression of key molecules such as Aldh1L1 and Olig2 in immature astrocytes. In conclusion, we demonstrated the dynamic changes in glial cells and neuronal expression following different degrees of ischemic injury in a mouse model of PTS. These findings provide new insights for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuroprotection and neural regeneration after neonatal ischemic injury.
Psychometric Evaluation and Misophonic Experience in a Portuguese-Speaking Sample
Authors: Hayes Chloe , Gregory Jane , Aziz Rahima , Cerejeira Joaquim , Cruz Marina , Simões José Augusto , Vitoratou Silia
Published: February 2024

Misophonia, a disorder characterised by an extreme sensitivity to certain sounds, is increasingly being studied in cross-cultural settings. The S-Five scale is a multidimensional psychometric tool initially developed to measure the severity of misophonia in English-speaking populations. The scale has been validated in several languages, and the present study aimed to validate the European Portuguese S-Five scale in a Portuguese-speaking sample. The scale was translated into Portuguese using a forward-backwards translation method. The psychometric properties of the S-Five scale were evaluated in a sample of 491 Portuguese-speaking adults. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a five-factor structure consistent with previous versions of the S-Five scale. The five factors were as follows: (1) internalising appraisals, (2) externalising appraisals, (3) perceived threat and avoidance behaviour, (4) outbursts, and (5) impact on functioning. The satisfactory psychometric properties of the S-Five scale further indicated its cross-cultural stability. As a psychometrically robust tool, the S-Five can measure misophonia in Portuguese-speaking populations, allowing future studies to explore and compare misophonia in this population.
Developmental Assets and Career Development in the Educational System: Integrating Awareness of Self-Identity, Knowledge of the World of Work and the SDGs in School Programs
Authors: Sgaramella Teresa Maria , Ferrari Lea
Published: February 2024

Individuals are embedded within systems that possess contextual or ecological developmental assets. Psychosocial assets refer to beliefs that enable positive responses to challenging situations and growth despite adversity, such as hope and a future orientation towards positive attitudes and expectations, as well as persistence and the ability to thrive. Career-related assets refer to career-related resources that characterize career decision-making processes and the world of work, such as the ability to negotiate transitions successfully as well as to tolerate and cope with uncertainty by increasing one’s flexibility and autonomy. This study investigated the effectiveness of two sets of psychoeducational activities in promoting positive attitudes and resources, developmental assets that are useful to strengthen students’ personal resources and shaping their future. This study also highlighted sensitivity to change in personal and career-related developmental assets. Using a mixed design approach, 108 students with an average age of 13.91 years were asked to participate in two psychoeducational activities. The first activity focused on developing a positive future self-identity and the second activity on career exploration and knowledge about the world of work. The results show that each of these two activities support the development of psychological assets as well as of a perspective that addresses complex dynamics and that may reduce inequalities.
Digital Twin Approach in Buildings: Future Challenges via a Critical Literature Review
Authors: Lauria Massimo , Azzalin Maria
Published: February 2024

In 2011, the term Digital Twin was originally introduced by Michael Grieves to define the synchronization between two realities: physical objects placed in a real space and virtual objects within in virtual space, linked through the mutual exchange of data throughout the entire lifecycle, both in real-time and asynchronously. Nowadays, Digital Twin is among the principal and emerging technological innovations of both Industry 4.0 and the emerging Industry 5.0, enabling an interaction between physical and virtual objects, Big Data, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence. The construction sector, too, is now exploring the potentialities offered by the Digital Twin approach in enhancing innovative, responsible, and sustainable governance of buildings’ lifecycles. Concerning these issues, this paper proposes visualizing future challenges with a specific focus on the operation and maintenance phase and its related impact on decarbonization via a critical literature review of the current statements. The applied methodology is based on three different questions related to certain research issues performed in the Scopus database. The selected findings were filtered, classified, and discussed. Some future challenges on specific issues have been identified, defining and promoting novel research ideas.
Assessment of the Carbon Storage Potential of Portuguese Precast Concrete Industry
Authors: Sousa Vitor , Silva André , Nogueira Rita
Published: February 2024

The concrete sector is known for its significant contribution to CO2 emissions. There are two main contributing factors in this situation: the large amount of concrete consumed per year on the planet and the high levels of CO2 released from the manufacture of Portland cement, the key binding agent in concrete. To face the consequent sustainability issues, diverse strategies involving the carbon capture and storage potential of cementitious materials have been explored. This paper addresses the potential of storing CO2 in concrete during the curing stage within the context of the precast Portuguese industry. To this end, it was assumed that CO2 will become a waste that will require an outlet in the future, considering that carbon capture will become mandatory in many industries. This work concluded that, in terms of carbon retention, the net benefit is positive for the process of storing carbon in concrete during the curing stage. More specifically, it was demonstrated that the additional emissions from the introduction of this new operation are only 10% of the stored amount, returning a storage potential of 76,000 tonnes of CO2 yearly. Moreover, the overall net reduction in the concrete life cycle averages 9.1% and 8.8% for precast elements and only non-structural elements, respectively. When a low-cement dosage strategy is coupled with carbonation curing technology, the overall carbon net reduction is estimated to be 45%.
A Scaffolding Assembly Deficiency Detection System with Deep Learning and Augmented Reality
Authors: Dzeng Ren-Jye , Cheng Chen-Wei , Cheng Ching-Yu
Published: February 2024

Scaffoldings play a critical role as temporary structures in supporting construction processes. Accidents at construction sites frequently stem from issues related to scaffoldings, including insufficient support caused by deviations from the construction design, insecure rod connections, or absence of cross-bracing, which result in uneven loading and potential collapse, leading to casualties. This research introduces a novel approach employing deep learning (i.e., YOLO v5) and augmented reality (AR), termed the scaffolding assembly deficiency detection system (SADDS), designed to aid field inspectors in discerning deficiencies within scaffolding assemblies. Inspectors have the flexibility to utilize SADDS through various devices, such as video cameras, mobile phones, or AR goggles, for the automated identification of deficiencies in scaffolding assemblies. The conducted test yielded satisfactory results, with a mean average precision of 0.89 and individual precision values of 0.96, 0.82, 0.90, and 0.89 for qualified frames and frames with the missing cross-tie rod, missing lower-tie rod, and missing footboard deficiencies, respectively. Subsequent field tests conducted at two construction sites demonstrated improved system performance compared to the training test. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of employing mobile phones and AR goggles were discussed, elucidating certain limitations of the SADDS system, such as self-occlusion and efficiency issues.
Environmental Sustainability Study of Urban Waterfront Landscapes Based on the LCA–Emergy–Carbon Footprint and Artificial Neural Network Method
Authors: Jiang Gang , Zuo Lanlan , Asutosh Ashish T. , Zhang Junxue
Published: February 2024

The ecological landscape design of urban rivers plays a crucial role in mitigating the urban heat island effect and preserving urban ecology. This study focuses on the construction process data of key landscape nodes along Nanjing’s urban rivers. By employing a whole life cycle emergy approach and carbon emission method, the sustainable changes in the landscape system are quantitatively assessed. Furthermore, artificial neural networks have been used to conduct long-term sustainability analysis and predictions for the landscape system. The research findings reveal that over time, the maintenance investment in landscape projects gradually becomes dominant, increasing from 2% in the first year to approximately 75% after 30 years. This phenomenon signifies a decline in the efficiency of the landscape system. Sustaining the ecological balance of the landscape system necessitates continuous inputs of material flow, energy flow, and information flow. The major contributors to carbon emissions in the landscape engineering system are diesel fuel, cement, and steel. This highlights opportunities for sustainable improvement from a low-carbon perspective. To enhance the ecological sustainability of urban waterfront landscapes, three measures are proposed: sponge city construction concepts, coupled sewage treatment systems, and information flow monitoring systems. The effectiveness of these measures was preliminarily validated.
Shear Bearing Capacity Prediction of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced High-Strength Concrete Corbels on Modified Compression Field Theory
Authors: Li Hong-Mei , Zheng Jin-Yan , Li Shu-Shan
Published: February 2024

In order to analyze the shear mechanism of the steel-fiber high-strength concrete corbels, a calculation model for the shear bearing capacity of steel-fiber-reinforced high-strength concrete corbels was proposed based on the modified compression field theory. Considering the existence of residual tensile stress in steel-fiber-reinforced concrete at crack locations, the cracked steel-fiber-reinforced concrete was treated as a continuous material. The constitutive relation of cracked steel-fiber-reinforced concrete and the local stress equilibrium equation were modified. It was compared with the results of 34 steel-fiber high-strength concrete corbels, including those in this paper. The predicted results were compared with the experimental values and the predictions of the Fattuhi model, Campione model, and Russo model to validate the rationality of the proposed model. The results revealed that the mean value between the experimental values and the predicted results of the proposed model is 1.104, with a variance of 0.003, showing good agreement. The proposed model can accurately predict the shear bearing capacity of steel-fiber-reinforced high-strength concrete corbels.
Shaking-Table Test and Finite Element Simulation of a Novel Friction Energy-Dissipating Braced Frame
Authors: Yan Lijuan , Zhang Chunwei
Published: February 2024

To enhance the effect of seismic mitigation in medium-sized buildings, this study introduced a novel friction damper within a braced frame, forming a friction energy-dissipating braced frame (FDBF). The seismic reduction mechanism of the FDBF was examined, and its performance was evaluated through shaking-table tests and finite element simulations. The hysteresis performance of the novel damper was assessed through low-cycle repeated loading tests, which yielded predominantly rectangular and full hysteresis curves, exemplifying robust energy dissipation capacity. The shaking-table tests of the FDBF indicated significant modifications in the dynamic characteristics of the original frame structure, which notably reduced the natural vibration period and enhanced the damping. Additionally, the FDBF remarkably reduced both acceleration and displacement responses during seismic excitation. Optimizing the orientation of the energy dissipation brace significantly improved seismic reduction efficiency. A dynamic time history analysis, employing finite element software, was conducted on the FDBF equipped with a friction energy dissipation brace at each level. Comparative analysis with both the moment-resistant frame and ordinary braced frame revealed that the FDBF substantially lowered the peak acceleration at the apex of the structure, achieving a reduction rate of 40–50%. Under both design and rare earthquake conditions, the FDBF demonstrated superior seismic mitigation capabilities, especially under rare earthquakes. Future studies should investigate various structural types with energy dissipation braces at different levels to identify the most efficient layout for the novel friction energy dissipation brace, thereby guiding relevant engineering practices.
Bending Behaviour and Failure Modes of Non-Glue-Laminated Timber Beams Composed of Wooden Dowels and Self-Tapping Screws
Authors: Yeh Yu-Hsiang , Yeh Yi-Chi
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research is to compare the bending behaviour of non-glue-laminated timber beams and glulams by full-scale four-point bending tests. The focus is on the non-glue beams laminated by different materials or techniques and then to determine their bending stiffness and failure modes. The laminating efficiency of various materials or techniques is underlined. The manufacturing process concerning non-glue-laminated timber beams has to be determined. As structural elements with large dimensions, such components require adaptable laminating and producing techniques. While the beams composed of wooden dowels refer to the dowel-laminated timber (DLT), those made of self-tapping screws (STSs) can be simply related to nail-laminated timber (NLT) products. Then, a full-scale four-point bending test was carried out to appraise 26 laminated beams, including non-glue- and glue-laminated timber. The results of the test demonstrated that the material, the spacing and the angle of the transversal fasteners significantly influence bending behaviour. The bending stiffness of the beams laminated by STSs was about 7.86% higher than the value of the beams with wooden dowels, although the tendency of each pair of beams did not remain convergent. Reducing the interval of the fasteners can considerably increase the bending stiffness of the beams. Fasteners inserted at 45 degrees, or in a so-called V-type pattern, contribute to improving bending stiffness, and both wooden dowels and STSs reveal the same tendency. At this angle, STSs demonstrate better laminating efficiency than wooden dowels. The STS beams’ bending stiffness was about 48.6% of that determined for glulams. On the contrary, in beams with 135-degree fasteners, or, namely, an A-type pattern, inserted fasteners possessed lower bending stiffness than in those with 90-degree fasteners. In addition to the considerable bending stiffness, the STS beams revealed a stable response as far as their load-deflection curves were concerned. A comparison of experimental and theoretical results contributes to verifying the feasibility as well as the weakness of two analytic methods. The predicting capacity of the associated equations needs to be improved, particularly for the withdrawal resistance and connecting effect of inclined STSs.
Towards Designing Durable Sculptural Elements: Ensemble Learning in Predicting Compressive Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Nano-Silica Modified Concrete
Authors: Wang Ranran , Zhang Jun , Lu Yijun , Huang Jiandong
Published: February 2024

Fiber-reinforced nano-silica concrete (FrRNSC) was applied to a concrete sculpture to address the issue of brittle fracture, and the primary objective of this study was to explore the potential of hybridizing the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) with four robust and intelligent ensemble learning techniques, namely XGBoost, LightGBM, AdaBoost, and CatBoost, to anticipate the compressive strength of fiber-reinforced nano-silica concrete (FrRNSC) for sculptural elements. The optimization of hyperparameters for these techniques was performed using the GWO metaheuristic algorithm, enhancing accuracy through the creation of four hybrid ensemble learning models: GWO-XGBoost, GWO-LightGBM, GWO-AdaBoost, and GWO-CatBoost. A comparative analysis was conducted between the results obtained from these hybrid models and their conventional counterparts. The evaluation of these models is based on five key indices: R2, RMSE, VAF, MAE, and bias, addressing an objective assessment of the predictive models’ performance and capabilities. The outcomes reveal that GWO-XGBoost, exhibiting R2 values of (0.971 and 0.978) for the train and test stages, respectively, emerges as the best predictive model for estimating the compressive strength of fiber-reinforced nano-silica concrete (FrRNSC) compared to other models. Consequently, the proposed GWO-XGBoost algorithm proves to be an efficient tool for anticipating CSFrRNSC.
Model-Scale Reproduction of Fan Pressurization Measurements in a Wind Tunnel: Design and Characterization of a New Experimental Facility
Authors: Mélois Adeline , Tran Anh Dung , Moujalled Bassam , El Mankibi Mohamed , Guyot Gaëlle , Kölsch Benedikt , Leprince Valérie
Published: February 2024

In many countries, building airtightness is mandated by national regulations or energy efficiency programs, necessitating accurate measurements using the fan pressurization method. Given the significant influence of wind on measurement uncertainty and the need for reliable regulatory tests, experimental studies in a controlled environment are needed. This paper presents a novel experimental facility designed to replicate fan pressurization measurements on a model scale under controlled laboratory conditions. The key features of the facility include the ability to (1) conduct fan pressurization measurements, (2) generate steady wind conditions across varying wind speeds, and (3) accurately measure parameters like the pressure difference, wind speed, and airflow rate. The experimental facility includes a pressurization device, a wind tunnel, and a model representing a two-story house with nine distinct leakage distributions. A total of 96 fan pressurization measurements were executed using this setup, adhering to the similarity conditions specifically defined for assessing airflow errors due to wind. These tests followed the ISO 9972 standard, with the pressure differences ranging from 10 Pa to 100 Pa and steady wind speeds from 1 m·s−1 to 7.5 m·s−1. This experimental facility marks a significant advancement in understanding the effect of wind on building airtightness measurements.
NORAD-Regulated Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Capela Ana Maria , Tavares-Marcos Carlota , Estima-Arede Hugo F. , Nóbrega-Pereira Sandrina , Bernardes de Jesus Bruno
Published: February 2024

Long non-coding RNA activated by DNA damage (NORAD) has recently been associated with pathologic mechanisms underlying cancer progression. Due to NORAD’s extended range of interacting partners, there has been contradictory data on its oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles in BC. This review will summarize the function of NORAD in different BC subtypes and how NORAD impacts crucial signaling pathways in this pathology. Through the preferential binding to pumilio (PUM) proteins PUM1 and PUM2, NORAD has been shown to be involved in the control of cell cycle, angiogenesis, mitosis, DNA replication and transcription and protein translation. More recently, NORAD has been associated with PUM-independent roles, accomplished by interacting with other ncRNAs, mRNAs and proteins. The intricate network of NORAD-mediated signaling pathways may provide insights into the potential design of novel unexplored strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance in BC treatment.
Intraoral Ultrasound versus MRI for Depth of Invasion Measurement in Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Kaltoft Mikkel , Hahn Christoffer Holst , Wessman Marcus , Hansen Martin Lundsgaard , Agander Tina Klitmøller , Makouei Fatemeh , Wessel Irene , Todsen Tobias
Published: February 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of the tongue is the most common type of oral cavity cancer, and tumor depth of invasion (DOI) is an important prognostic factor. In this study, we investigated the accuracy of intraoral ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing DOI in patients with OSCC. Histopathological measurement of DOI was used as a reference standard. We conducted a prospective study including patients planned for surgical treatment of OSCC in the tongue. The DOI was measured in an outpatient setting by intraoral ultrasound and MRI, and was compared to the histopathological DOI measurements. Bland–Altman analysis compared the mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) for ultrasound and MRI, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for significance. The correlation was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. We included 30 patients: 26 with T1 or T2 tumors, and 4 with T3 tumors. The mean difference from histopathology DOI was significantly lower for ultrasound compared to MRI (0.95 mm [95% LOA −4.15 mm to 6.06 mm] vs. 1.90 mm [95% LOA −9.02 mm and 12.81 mm], p = 0.023). Ultrasound also led to significantly more correct T-stage classifications in 86.7% (26) of patients compared to 56.7% (17) for MRI, p = 0.015. The Pearson correlation between MRI and histopathology was 0.57 (p < 0.001) and the correlation between ultrasound and histopathology was 0.86 (p < 0.001). This prospective study found that intraoral ultrasound is more accurate than MRI in assessing DOI and for the T-staging of oral tongue cancers. Clinical practice and guidelines should implement intraoral ultrasound accordingly.
The Interplay between Heat Shock Proteins and Cancer Pathogenesis: A Novel Strategy for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Somu Prathap , Mohanty Sonali , Basavegowda Nagaraj , Yadav Akhilesh Kumar , Paul Subhankar , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: February 2024

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are developmentally conserved families of protein found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. HSPs are engaged in a diverse range of physiological processes, including molecular chaperone activity to assist the initial protein folding or promote the unfolding and refolding of misfolded intermediates to acquire the normal or native conformation and its translocation and prevent protein aggregation as well as in immunity, apoptosis, and autophagy. These molecular chaperonins are classified into various families according to their molecular size or weight, encompassing small HSPs (e.g., HSP10 and HSP27), HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and the category of large HSPs that include HSP100 and ClpB proteins. The overexpression of HSPs is induced to counteract cell stress at elevated levels in a variety of solid tumors, including anticancer chemotherapy, and is closely related to a worse prognosis and therapeutic resistance to cancer cells. HSPs are also involved in anti-apoptotic properties and are associated with processes of cancer progression and development, such as metastasis, invasion, and cell proliferation. This review outlines the previously mentioned HSPs and their significant involvement in diverse mechanisms of tumor advancement and metastasis, as well as their contribution to identifying potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
The Contribution of Innate Immunity in Large-Vessel Vasculitis: Detangling New Pathomechanisms beyond the Onset of Vascular Inflammation
Authors: La Barbera Lidia , Rizzo Chiara , Camarda Federica , Miceli Giuseppe , Tuttolomondo Antonino , Guggino Giuliana
Published: February 2024

Large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) are autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases focused on vascular inflammation. The central core of the intricate immunological and molecular network resides in the disruption of the “privileged immune state” of the arterial wall. The outbreak, initially primed by dendritic cells (DC), is then continuously powered in a feed-forward loop by the intimate cooperation between innate and adaptive immunity. If the role of adaptive immunity has been largely elucidated, knowledge of the critical function of innate immunity in LVV is still fragile. A growing body of evidence has strengthened the active role of innate immunity players and their key signaling pathways in orchestrating the complex pathomechanisms underlying LVV. Besides DC, macrophages are crucial culprits in LVV development and participate across all phases of vascular inflammation, culminating in vessel wall remodeling. In recent years, the variety of potential pathogenic actors has expanded to include neutrophils, mast cells, and soluble mediators, including the complement system. Interestingly, new insights have recently linked the inflammasome to vascular inflammation, paving the way for its potential pathogenic role in LVV. Overall, these observations encourage a new conceptual approach that includes a more in-depth study of innate immunity pathways in LVV to guide future targeted therapies.
Identification and Characterization of HIRIP3 as a Histone H2A Chaperone
Authors: Ignatyeva Maria , Patel Abdul Kareem Mohideen , Ibrahim Abdulkhaleg , Albiheyri Raed S. , Zari Ali T. , Bahieldin Ahmed , Bronner Christian , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Hamiche Ali
Published: February 2024

HIRIP3 is a mammalian protein homologous to the yeast H2A.Z deposition chaperone Chz1. However, the structural basis underlying Chz’s binding preference for H2A.Z over H2A, as well as the mechanism through which Chz1 modulates histone deposition or replacement, remains enigmatic. In this study, we aimed to characterize the function of HIRIP3 and to identify its interacting partners in HeLa cells. Our findings reveal that HIRIP3 is specifically associated in vivo with H2A–H2B dimers and CK2 kinase. While bacterially expressed HIRIP3 exhibited a similar binding affinity towards H2A and H2A.Z, the associated CK2 kinase showed a notable preference for H2A phosphorylation at serine 1. The recombinant HIRIP3 physically interacted with the H2A αC helix through an extended CHZ domain and played a crucial role in depositing the canonical core histones onto naked DNA. Our results demonstrate that mammalian HIRIP3 acts as an H2A histone chaperone, assisting in its selective phosphorylation by Ck2 kinase at serine 1 and facilitating its deposition onto chromatin.
The Influence of Salt Erosion on the Mechanical Performances of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete with Secondary Aluminum Dross
Authors: Sun Houchao , Sun Weixiang , Shi Feiting , Miao Lu , Wang Hui
Published: February 2024

Secondary aluminum dross containing a large amount of active substance can be used to prepare concrete. The mechanical strengths, the mass loss rate (MR) and the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RME) of ultra-high-performance concrete with secondary aluminum dross are researched. The NaCl freeze–thaw cycles (F-Cs) and dry–wet alternation (D-A) effects with NaCl and Na2SO4 are considered. The corresponding permeability of chloride ions and the carbonation depth (Dc) are obtained. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) photos are researched to reveal the variation of the mechanical mechanism. Results show that after specimens’ suffering from the action of 20 NaCl D-As, the MR of ultra-high-performance concrete is the highest. Specimens exposed to 200 NaCl F-Cs show the lowest MR and CMC. The RME of UHPC under salt actions increase in the order of 20 NaCl D-As < 20 Na2SO4 D-As < 200 NaCl F-Cs. After suffering 200 NaCl F-Cs, 20 Na2SO4 D-As and 20 NaCl D-As, the corresponding Dc values are 1.86 mm to 2.31 mm, 1.79 mm to 2.23 mm and 2.11 mm to 2.76 mm. The flexural strength decreases at the rates of 0.99%–25%, 3.92%–27.84% and 1.47%–21.59% respectively. The MR increases and the RME decreases as the cubic function changes with the amount of salt erosion. After the secondary aluminum dross is added, the CMC decreases at the rates of 0% to 11.53%, 0% to 33.17% and 0% to 8.41% during the process of the salt action. The SAD can reduce the Dc with the decreasing rates of 19.48%, 23.55% and 19.73%. The SAD can increase the compactness of ultra-high-performance concrete. Ultra-high-performance concrete suffering from 20 NaCl D-As shows the largest number and the highest width of cracks. However, when the specimens are exposed to 20 Na2SO4 D-As, the number of cracks is the lowest and the width is the narrowest.
In Situ Measurement of the Machining State in Small-Diameter Drilling by Acoustic Emission Sensing
Authors: Hase Alan
Published: February 2024

In drilling small holes with diameters of 1 mm or less, minute clogging and twining of chips or the adhesion of the workpiece material can become factors in causing breakages of the drill bit; moreover, it can be difficult to identify the machining state. Acoustic emission (AE) sensing is a nondestructive inspection technique that measures the elastic-stress waves that are generated when a material is deformed and fractured. AE sensing permits highly sensitive measurements to be made without changing the rigidity of the experimental system, unlike force sensing of cutting resistance, etc. In the present study, attempts were made to identify the machining state and tool wear, and to predict abnormalities in small-diameter drilling by using the change in the frequency of AE signal waveforms arising from deformation and fracture. It was shown that it is possible to predict the breakage of the drill bit by detecting high-frequency AE signals at about 1 MHz, caused by the adhesion of the workpiece material. In addition, a correlation map of the AE frequency spectrum for identifying the machining state in a drilling operation is suggested.
Evidence to Date on the Therapeutic Potential of Zolbetuximab in Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rogers Jane E. , Ajani Jaffer
Published: February 2024

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) continues to be a prevalent worldwide malignancy and a leading cause of cancer death, and it is frequently cited as incurable. Targeted therapy in GAC has lagged behind other solid tumors. The human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) represented the single target in GACs for many years, seen in approximately 20% of patients with advanced GAC. Recent advances in management now include the addition of immunotherapy checkpoint inhibition to select front-line advanced GACs. Unfortunately, outcomes remain poor for most patients. We anticipate finding a key to future discoveries in GACs in next-generation sequencing and more targeted approaches. Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) has emerged as a therapeutic target in GACs. CLDN18.2 is reportedly expressed in 14–87% of GACs, and CLDN18.2 is available for monoclonal antibody (mAb) binding as it is expressed on the outer cell membrane. Here, we review the exploration of CLDN18.2 as a target in GACs via the use of zolbetuximab (IMAB362). Zolbetuximab is now under priority FDA review for GACs, and we eagerly await the review outcome.
Acute Diabetes-Related Complications in Patients Receiving Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Mellor Rhiannon , Girgis Christian M. , Rodrigues Anthony , Chen Charley , Cuan Sonia , Gambhir Parvind , Perera Lakmalie , Veness Michael , Sundaresan Purnima , Gao Bo
Published: February 2024

Patients with cancer and diabetes face unique challenges. Limited data are available on diabetes management in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), a curative intent anticancer therapy commonly associated with glucocorticoid administration, weight fluctuations and enteral feeds. This retrospective case–control study examined the real-world incidence of acute diabetes-related complications in patients with head and neck cancer receiving CCRT, along with the impact of diabetes on CCRT tolerance and outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients with head and neck squamous cell or nasopharyngeal cancer who underwent definitive or adjuvant CCRT between 2010 and 2019 at two large cancer centers in Australia were included. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment complications and outcomes were collected from medical records. Results: Of 282 patients who received CCRT, 29 (10.3%) had pre-existing type 2 diabetes. None had type 1 diabetes. The majority (74.5%) required enteral feeding. A higher proportion of patients with diabetes required admission to a high-dependency or intensive care unit (17.2 versus 4.0%, p = 0.003). This difference was driven by the group who required insulin at baseline (n = 5), of which four (80.0%) were admitted to a high-dependency unit with diabetes-related complications, and three (60.0%) required omission of at least one cycle of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Patients with diabetes requiring insulin have a high risk of acute life-threatening diabetes-related complications while receiving CCRT. We recommend multidisciplinary management involving a diabetes specialist, educator, dietitian, and pharmacist, in collaboration with the cancer care team, to better avoid these complications.
Soil Horizons Harbor Differing Fungal Communities
Authors: Mager Enno , Brockhage Ronja , Piepenbring Meike , Segers Francisca , Yorou Nourou Soulemane , Ebersberger Ingo , Mangelsdorff Ralph Daniel
Published: February 2024

In the present study, the mycobiomes of two soils with different ecological conditions located in Benin (West Africa) were investigated by environmental sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) of the ITS2-region of ribosomal DNA to gain information about the influence of pedological stratification on fungal diversity. For each soil depth and horizon, fungal diversity and community composition were analyzed as well as the potential impact of site characteristics, like vegetation, on these traits. The retrieved sequences revealed in all their replicates high similarities between fungal communities of samples from the same site and soil horizon, but differed within one site in their horizons. It was possible to assign a saprotrophic, symbiotrophic, or parasitic lifestyle to 24% of the recorded fungal mOTUs. Plant parasites were found in all samples in similar proportions. The presence of ectomycorrhizal fungi in one site could be linked to the presence of ectomycorrhizal trees. Overall, it was observed that fungal diversity decreased with increasing depth if only one horizon was present, whereas a deeper horizon present at one site contained communities with a distinct composition regarding the taxonomical affiliations and lifestyles of the fungi found compared to the upper layer. Hence, soil horizonation seems to drive differences in the composition of fungal communities, and should be regarded with more attention when analyzing soil mycobiomes.
Feasibility of Tear Meniscus Height Measurements Obtained with a Smartphone-Attachable Portable Device and Agreement of the Results with Standard Slit Lamp Examination
Authors: Borselli Massimiliano , Toro Mario Damiano , Rossi Costanza , Taloni Andrea , Khemlani Rohan , Nakayama Shintato , Nishimura Hiroki , Shimizu Eisuke , Scorcia Vincenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a novel device, the Smart Eye Camera (SEC), for assessing tear meniscus height (TMH) after fluorescein staining and the agreement of the results with measurements obtained using standard slit lamp examination. Methods: TMH was assessed using both SEC and conventional slit lamp examination. The images were analyzed using the software ImageJ 1.53t (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). A common measurement unit scale was established based on a paper strip, which was used as a calibration marker to convert pixels into metric scale. A color threshold was applied using uniform parameters for brightness, saturation, and hue. The images were then binarized to black and white to enhance the representation of the tear menisci. A 2 mm area around the upper and lower meniscus in the central eye lid zone was selected and magnified 3200 times to facilitate manual measurement. The values obtained using SEC were compared with those obtained with a slit lamp. Results: The upper and lower TMH values measured using the SEC were not statistically different from those obtained with a slit lamp (0.209 ± 0.073 mm vs. 0.235 ± 0.085, p = 0.073, and 0.297 ± 0.168 vs. 0.260 ± 0.173, p = 0.275, respectively). The results of Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated strong agreement between the two instruments, with a mean bias of −0.016 mm (agreement limits: −0.117 to 0.145 mm) for upper TMH and 0.031 mm (agreement limits: −0.306 to 0.368 mm) for lower TMH. Conclusions: The SEC demonstrated sufficient validity and reliability for assessing TMH in healthy eyes in a clinical setting, demonstrating concordance with the conventional slit lamp examination.