bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Telecom Fraud Detection: A New Dataset and an Advanced Model with RoBERTa and Dual Loss Functions
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Cheng , Jiang Lanlan
Published: December 2024

Telecom fraud has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges in the criminal field. With advancements in artificial intelligence, telecom fraud texts have become increasingly covert and deceptive. Existing prevention methods, such as mobile number tracking, detection, and traditional machine-learning-based text recognition, struggle in terms of their real-time performance in identifying telecom fraud. Additionally, the scarcity of Chinese telecom fraud text data has limited research in this area. In this paper, we propose a telecom fraud text detection model, RoBERTa-MHARC, which combines RoBERTa with a multi-head attention mechanism and residual connections. First, the model selects data categories from the CCL2023 telecom fraud dataset as basic samples and merges them with collected telecom fraud text data, creating a five-category dataset covering impersonation of customer service, impersonation of leadership acquaintances, loans, public security fraud, and normal text. During training, the model integrates a multi-head attention mechanism and enhances its training efficiency through residual connections. Finally, the model improves its multi-class classification accuracy by incorporating an inconsistency loss function alongside the cross-entropy loss. The experimental results demonstrate that our model performs well on multiple benchmark datasets, achieving an F1 score of 97.65 on the FBS dataset, 98.10 on our own dataset, and 93.69 on the news dataset.
Investigation of the Effect of Slope and Road Surface Conditions on Traffic Accidents Occurring in Winter Months: Spatial and Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Kuşkapan Emre , Çodur Muhammed Yasin , Sahraei Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2024

Winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. In order to analyze traffic accidents occurring in winter months in more detail, it is very important to evaluate the slope and the condition of road surfaces together. For this purpose, this study analyzed the accidents that occur during these months in Erzurum, one of the cities in Turkey with long winter months. A total of nine different classes of road conditions were created according to these two factors. In accordance with these classes, the accidents were analyzed using machine learning algorithms, and the success of the classification was analyzed. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the J48 algorithm gave more accurate results. J48 processes both continuous and categorical attributes and is a decision tree algorithm that can effectively manage missing data. According to the results of this algorithm, a map of accident density in the city was created using ArcGIS 10.5 software. Accordingly, it was found that the highest risk of accidents during the winter months occurred on road sections with a slope of more than 6% and covered with ice. Another important result of the study is that the slope of the road is a more effective factor than the surface condition.
Research on the Model of High-Speed Railway Station Security Resource Scheduling Based on Dynamic Passenger Flow Prediction
Authors: Li Mengkun , Sun Yitian , Xu Chunjie , Du Chen’ao , Shao Wei
Published: December 2024

In high-speed railway systems, the management of security resources at high-speed train stations is crucial for ensuring passenger safety and improving service efficiency. Effective security resource management enables the quick and efficient handling of large volumes of passengers, reduces queuing times, and ensures that safety measures are strictly enforced. However, current management practices often rely on a fixed-shift system, which lacks a dynamic correlation between the number of open security lanes and real-time passenger flow. This mismatch leads to resource shortages during peak times and resource wastage during off-peak periods. To address these challenges, this study introduces the Multi-Head Attention Long Short-Term Memory Network and Model Predictive Control (MHALSTM-MPC) model to improve security resource management at high-speed railway stations. The MHALSTM component predicts passenger flow by capturing trends and patterns, while the MPC component formulates an optimization problem that minimizes waiting times and operational costs by repeatedly solving it within a finite time horizon based on predicted passenger flow. This approach ensures real-time adjustments to security checkpoint configurations and staff allocation, achieving optimal resource utilization in response to forecasted demand. Experimental results based on real passenger flow data from Z City East Station demonstrate that the MHALSTM-MPC model reduces the average waiting time per passenger by 18.79% compared to the fixed-shift model and by 13.59% compared to the static scheduling model. Additionally, it achieves a 4.82% reduction in total human-hours compared to the fixed-shift model and a 2.65% reduction compared to the static scheduling model, highlighting its effectiveness in optimizing resource allocation and improving operational efficiency.
The Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Dentinal Tubule Penetration of Endodontic Bioceramic Sealer
Authors: Bukhary Sundus , Alkahtany Sarah , Almohaimede Amal , Alkhayatt Nourah , Alsulaiman Shahad , Alohali Salma
Published: December 2024

The impact of adding silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to bioceramic (BC) sealer on their ability to penetrate dentinal tubules is still unknown. Thus, this confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) study aimed to assess the extent of dentinal tubule penetration of BC sealer (TotalFill® Hiflow BC Sealer™, FKG, Switzerland) with and without AgNPs using the single-cone (SC) technique and the continuous-wave condensation (CWC) technique. AgNPs alone as well as in a mixture with the BC sealer were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Single-rooted extracted human teeth (N = 100) were selected and prepared, and then divided into four groups (n = 25). Group 1 (BC/SC): BC sealer obturated with the SC technique. Group 2 (BC+AgNPs/SC): BC sealer with AgNPs obturated with the SC technique. Group 3 (BC/CWC): BC Sealer obturated with the CWC technique. Group 4 (BC+AgNPs/CWC): BC Sealer with AgNPs obturated with the CWC technique. After 2 weeks, roots were horizontally sectioned to obtain 1 mm thick dentin slices that were evaluated with CLSM. Sealer dentinal tubule penetration area and the maximum depth of penetration were measured. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple comparison tests (p ≤ 0.05). The characterization process demonstrated a spherical-shaped nanoparticles without obvious agglomeration. The results showed that Group 2 (BC+AgNPs/SC) significantly demonstrated the highest mean tubular penetration depth, while group 3 (BC/CWC) had the lowest mean depth. Group 2 (BC+AgNPs/SC) exhibited the significantly highest mean value for the total area of penetration. However, groups 1 (BC/SC) and 3 (BC/CWC) exhibited the lowest mean value of total penetration area, with no statistically significant difference. The integration of AgNPs with BC sealer markedly enhanced penetration into dentinal tubules. The SC technique demonstrated superior penetration relative to the CWC technique.
Transversal Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Circular Cylinder in Tandem with a Stationary Square Structure
Authors: Annapeh Henry Francis , Kurushina Victoria
Published: December 2024

This paper considers a system with two offshore structures in tandem, where the upstream square structure is fixed and the downstream circular structure has one degree of freedom. Cylinders are subject to uniform and linearly sheared flow conditions. The dynamics of the downstream structure are investigated by using a computational fluid dynamics approach for a Reynolds number range of 1000–6500 at the centerline. The spacing ratio for the tandem structures is L/D = 6 in this work, corresponding to the wake interference regime. The effect of the shear parameter on the development of vortex-induced vibrations in the lock-in state within the downstream structure is studied, in comparison with the lock-in of an isolated circular structure. The results of this research include statistics on the displacement amplitude, drag and lift coefficients, frequency ratio, time histories and contours of vorticity. The results obtained show the maximum displacement amplitude of the isolated structure in a uniform flow at the level of 0.8 diameters during the upper branch. The investigation also shows a later development in the maximum displacement during the upper branch of the downstream structure under shear flow conditions, with the highest maximum displacement of 1.18 diameters seen for the shear parameter of 0.05.
Towards the Particle Spectrum, Tickled by a Distant Massive Object
Authors: Dehghani Mehdi , Nejad Salman A. , Mardaani Maryam
Published: December 2024

To investigate the gravitational effects of massive objects on a typical observer, we studied the dynamics of a test particle following BMS3 geodesics. We constructed the BMS3 framework using the canonical phase space formalism and the corresponding Hamiltonian. We focused on analyzing these effects at fine scales of spacetime, which led us to quantization of the phase space. By deriving and studying the solutions of the quantum equations of motion for the test particle, we obtained its energy spectrum and explored the behavior of its wave function. These findings offer a fresh perspective on gravitational interactions in the context of quantum mechanics, providing an alternative approach to traditional quantum field theory analyses.
Characteristics of Strong Cooling Events in Winter of Northeast China and Their Association with 10–20 d Atmosphere Low-Frequency Oscillation
Authors: Wang Qianhao , Li Liping
Published: December 2024

In the past 42 years from 1980 to 2021, 103 regional strong cooling events (RSCEs) occurred in winter in Northeast China, and the frequency has increased significantly in the past 10 years, averaging 2.45 per year. The longest (shortest) duration is 10 (2) days. The minimum temperature series in 60 events exists in 10–20 d of significant low-frequency (LF) periods. The key LF circulation systems affecting RSCEs include the Lake Balkhash–Baikal ridge, the East Asian trough (EAT), the robust Siberian high (SH) and the weaker (stronger) East Asian temperate (subtropical) jet, with the related anomaly centers moving from northwest to southeast and developing into a nearly north–south orientation. The LF wave energy of the northern branch from the Atlantic Ocean disperses to Northeast China, which excites the downstream disturbance wave train. The corresponding LF positive vorticity enhances and moves eastward, leading to the formation of deep EAT. The enhanced subsidence motion behind the EAT leads to SH strengthening. The cold advection related to the northeast cold vortex is the main thermal factor causing the local temperature to decrease. The Scandinavian Peninsula is the primary cold air source, and the Laptev Sea is the secondary one, with cold air from the former along northwest path via the West Siberian Plain and Lake Baikal, and from the latter along the northern path via the Central Siberian Plateau, both converging towards Northeast China.
Comparison of the Contrail Drift Parameters Calculated Based on the Radiosonde Observation and ERA5 Reanalysis Data
Authors: Bryukhanov Ilia , Loktyushin Oleg , Ni Evgeny , Samokhvalov Ignatii , Pustovalov Konstantin , Kuchinskaia Olesia
Published: December 2024

Aircraft contrails exhibit optical properties similar to those of natural high-level clouds (HLCs) and also form persistent cirrus cloudiness. This paper outlines a methodology for detecting and identifying contrails based on the joint analysis of aircraft trajectories (ADS-B monitoring), the vertical profiles of meteorological parameters (radiosonde observation (RAOB) and ERA5 reanalysis), and polarization laser sensing data obtained with the matrix polarization lidar. The potential application of ERA5 reanalysis for determining contrail drift parameters (azimuth, speed, distance, duration, and time of the contrail appearance above the lidar) and interpreting atmospheric polarization laser sensing data in terms of the presence of crystalline ice particles and the assessment of the degree of their horizontal orientation is demonstrated. In the examined case (6 February 2023; Boeing 777-F contrail; flight altitude of 10.3 km; HLC altitude range registered with the lidar of 9.5–10.3 km), the difference in the times of appearance of the contrail over the lidar, calculated from RAOB and ERA5 data, did not exceed 10 min. The difference in the wind direction was 12°, with a wind speed difference of 2 m/s, and the drift distance was approximately the same at about 30 km. The demonstrated technique will allow the experimental dataset of contrail optical and microphysical characteristics to be enhanced and empirical relationships between these characteristics and meteorological quantities to be established.
Psychological Distress and Social Adjustment of a Working Adult Population with Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Apa Enrico , Nocini Riccardo , Ciorba Andrea , Sacchetto Luca , Gherpelli Chiara , Monzani Daniele , Palma Silvia
Published: December 2024

Background: Hearing loss is a highly prevalent condition in the world population that determines emotional, social, and economic costs. In recent years, it has been definitely recognized that the lack of physiological binaural hearing causes alterations in the localization of sounds and reduced speech recognition in noise and reverberation. This study aims to explore the psycho-social profile of adult workers affected by single-sided deafness (SSD), without other major medical conditions and otological symptoms, through comparison to subjects with normal hearing. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, case-control study. Subjects aged between 24 and 65 years, all currently employed and affected by SSD, were enrolled. They were administered both disease-specific and psychometric tests, such as the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), the Profile Questionnaire for Rating Communicative Performance, the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), and the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ). Results: A total of 149 subjects (mean age = 49.9; SD ± 8.5) were enrolled in the period 2021–2023; 68 were males (45.6%), and 81 were females (54.4%). The normal hearing group was composed of 95 subjects, and the SSD sample was composed of 54 subjects. The results of our study show that the levels of psychological well-being and social functioning in subjects with SSD are statistically worse than in the group of subjects with normal hearing in most subscales. Conclusions: This study definitely outlined evidence for a significantly worse psychological health status and a poorer social attitude of working adults affected by SSD with respect to their normal-hearing counterparts. Understanding the impact of SSD on patients’ work environment suggests a multidisciplinary approach to such patients in order to increase their quality of life through adequate counseling, acceptance, and role modeling.
Volatile Fingerprints of Synthetic Wines Fermented by Different Oenological Yeast Strains
Authors: Pati Sandra , Benucci Ilaria , Rosiello Giuseppe , Esti Marco
Published: December 2024

Background: The role of the S. cerevisiae strain in defining the volatile fingerprint is expressed throughout alcoholic fermentation and post-fermentation sur lie aging and is crucial for customizing the wine style. Methods: In this study, the alcoholic fermentation was carried out in a synthetic must to exclusively bring out the performance of the yeast in terms of volatile compound production, excluding the effect of the grape. Results: Among the 33 volatile organic compounds identified in the synthetic wines by GC-MS, esters, alcohols, and acids, represented the major groups for the nine different commercial oenological strains tested. All the relevant differences in the volatile fingerprint of the synthetic wines, which were lab-scale fermented, were quantitative rather than qualitative. The clustergram representation of the volatiles revealed an outstanding fingerprint for two strains (VIN13 and VIN7) among those tested, featuring hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, the corresponding esters (ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate), and the acetates (2-phenylethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate), all at the highest levels. No relationship was appreciated between the fermentation rate and the volatile fingerprints. Conclusions: The outcomes of this study address the wine industry’s needs, supplying a full characterization of a broad range of commercial yeasts’ ability in fermentative volatile production.
Automated Assessment of the Pulmonary Artery-to-Ascending Aorta Ratio in Fetal Cardiac Ultrasound Screening Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Aoyama Rina , Komatsu Masaaki , Harada Naoaki , Komatsu Reina , Sakai Akira , Takeda Katsuji , Teraya Naoki , Asada Ken , Kaneko Syuzo , Iwamoto Kazuki , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko , Hamamoto Ryuji
Published: December 2024

The three-vessel view (3VV) is a standardized transverse scanning plane used in fetal cardiac ultrasound screening to measure the absolute and relative diameters of the pulmonary artery (PA), ascending aorta (Ao), and superior vena cava, as required. The PA/Ao ratio is used to support the diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD). However, vascular diameters are measured manually by examiners, which causes intra- and interobserver variability in clinical practice. In the present study, we aimed to develop an artificial intelligence-based method for the standardized and quantitative evaluation of 3VV. In total, 315 cases and 20 examiners were included in this study. We used the object-detection software YOLOv7 for the automated extraction of 3VV images and compared three segmentation algorithms: DeepLabv3+, UNet3+, and SegFormer. Using the PA/Ao ratios based on vascular segmentation, YOLOv7 plus UNet3+ yielded the most appropriate classification for normal fetuses and those with CHD. Furthermore, YOLOv7 plus UNet3+ achieved an arithmetic mean value of 0.883 for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which was higher than 0.749 for residents and 0.808 for fellows. Our automated method may support unskilled examiners in performing quantitative and objective assessments of 3VV images during fetal cardiac ultrasound screening.
Evaluation of Cold Resistance in Alfalfa Varieties Based on Root Traits and Winter Survival in Horqin Sandy Land
Authors: Li Tao , Zhu Tiexia , Liu Zhongguo , Yang Ning , Wang Zhipeng , Yang Tiegang , Gao Kai
Published: December 2024

The Horqin Sandy Land in China is a key alfalfa production base, challenged by low winter temperatures and large diurnal temperature shifts, affecting alfalfa’s winter survival. Alfalfa roots are the primary organs responsible for winter adaptability; consequently, by investigating the changes in the root physiology and nutritional components of alfalfa during the overwintering period, we can enhance our understanding of its mechanisms for cold resistance. Over the course of two years (2022–2023), field trials were conducted on 40 alfalfa varieties selected from both domestic and international sources for their potential cold resistance. This study assessed winter survival rates and analyzed root contents, including soluble sugars, starch, soluble proteins, and the concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and their stoichiometric ratios. Principal component analysis, subordinate function analysis, and cluster analysis were employed for comprehensive evaluation. Biochemical markers varied significantly across varieties. The C, N, and starch contents in the roots were the main factors determining cold resistance. The varieties were categorized into four groups: Category I included five highly resistant varieties (‘Baimu 202’, ‘WL168HQ’, ‘Zhongmu No. 1’, ‘Gongnong No. 1’, and ‘Legacy’); Category II consisted of six moderately resistant varieties; Category III included twenty-eight slightly resistant varieties; and Category IV contained one non-resistant variety (‘3010’). This study recommends the adoption of the five varieties in Category I to enhance alfalfa cultivation in the Horqin region. This research provides valuable theoretical and practical guidance for improving the cultivation of alfalfa in the cold regions of northeastern China, supporting the development of the local livestock industry.
Diversity of Endolysin Domain Architectures in Bacteriophages Infecting Bacilli
Authors: Koposova Olga N. , Kazantseva Olesya A. , Shadrin Andrey M.
Published: December 2024

The increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is a serious problem in medicine. Endolysins are bacteriolytic enzymes of bacteriophages, and a promising group of enzymes with antibacterial properties. Endolysins of bacteriophages infecting Gram-positive bacteria have a modular domain organization. This feature can be used to design enzymes with new or improved properties by modifying or shuffling individual domains. This work is a detailed analysis 1of the diversity of endolysin domains found in bacteriophages infecting bacilli. During the course of the work, a database of endolysins of such bacteriophages was created, and their domain structures were analyzed using the NCBI database, RASTtk, BLASTp, HHpred, and InterPro programs. A phylogenetic analysis of endolysins was performed using MEGA X. In 438 phage genomes, 454 genes of endolysins were found. In the endolysin sequences found, eight different types of catalytic domains and seven types of cell wall binding domains were identified. The analysis showed that many types of endolysin domains have not yet been characterized experimentally. Studies of the properties of such domains will help to reveal the potential of endolysins for the creation of new antibacterial agents.
Effects of Early Stress Exposure on Anxiety-like Behavior and MORC1 Expression in Rats
Authors: Mundorf Annakarina , Freund Nadja
Published: December 2024

Exposure to stress during early and late childhood can lead to long-lasting neurobiological and behavioral impairments. Although sensitive periods for stress exposure are well established, less is known about the trajectory of induced alterations throughout development. In this study, we investigated the impact of maternal separation (MS), social isolation, and their combination on anxiety-like behavior and gene expression across developmental stages. Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to one or both stressors and later assessed for anxiety-like behavior in juvenility, adolescence, and adulthood. mRNA levels of Morc1, a gene linked to early-life stress and depression, were measured in the medial prefrontal cortex to assess developmental changes. The results showed that MS had age- and sex-dependent effects on anxiety-like behavior. Juveniles exhibited less anxiety after MS, while adolescents showed more pronounced behavioral changes following social isolation. No behavioral changes were observed in adults. Males exhibited greater anxiety-like behavior than females in adolescence and adulthood, but not in juvenility. Female adults exposed to both MS and social isolation had significantly lower Morc1 expression compared to controls. These findings highlight the dynamic effects of early stress across the lifespan, underscoring the critical role of adolescence and differential stress susceptibility by age and sex.
The Physiological Functions and Therapeutic Potential of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α in Vascular Calcification
Authors: Zhang Zhenghong , Wang Defan , Xu Renfeng , Li Xiang , Wang Zhengchao , Zhang Yang
Published: December 2024

HIF-1α plays a crucial regulatory role in vascular calcification (VC), primarily influencing the osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs through oxygen-sensing mechanisms. Under hypoxic conditions, the stability of HIF-1α increases, avoiding PHD and VHL protein-mediated degradation, which promotes its accumulation in cells and then activates gene expressions related to calcification. Additionally, HIF-1α modulates the metabolic state of VSMCs by regulating the pathways that govern the switch between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, thereby further advancing the calcification process. The interaction between HIF-1α and other signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin, creates a complex regulatory network that serves as a critical driving force in VC. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the role and regulatory mechanism of the HIF-1α signaling during the development and progression of VC is of great significance, as it is not only a key molecular marker for understanding the pathological mechanisms of VC but also represents a promising target for future anti-calcification therapies.
Biological and Cellular Effects of Percutaneous Electrolysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Sergi , López-de-Celis Carlos , Malo-Urriés Miguel , Pérez-Amodio Soledad , Pérez-Antoñanzas Román , Borrella-Andrés Sergio , Albarova-Corral Isabel , Mateos-Timoneda Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2024

Background: Percutaneous electrolysis is an invasive physical therapy technique that is receiving attention. The objective of this article is to evaluate the biological and cellular effects of percutaneous electrolysis and its influence on tissue healing processes. Methods. The search strategy performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Sciences databases resulted in a total of 25 studies. Once inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, seven studies were finally included in this systematic review. The biological effects of percutaneous electrolysis were evaluated and grouped into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, cell death, and extracellular matrix and tissue remodeling effects. Results. Percutaneous electrolysis generates a significant pro-inflammatory increase in the chronic tendon condition of IL1β-6-18-1α-1rn, NLRP3, and M1 polymorphonuclear cells and increased expression of COX2, TNFα, Cxcl10, and TGFβ1 during the first 7 days. This inflammation is regulated as of day 13. A significant increase in cell death markers, such as LDH, Yo-Pro, cytochrome C, and Smac/Diablo markers, was observed during the first 7 days. Finally, a significant increase in markers Mmp9, VEGF, VEGFR, PPAR-γ/tubulin, and COL-I was observed in the extracellular matrix and tissue remodeling, and a decrease in COL-III was observed during the first 7 days. In the acute inflammatory injury condition, an increase in anti-inflammatory markers, such as IL-10-13, CCL1, and IkB, and a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6-1β, CCL3-4-5, CCR5-8, NFkB, and TNFα, were observed during the first 7 days. Finally, a significant increase in VEGF, VEGFR, and PPAR-γ/tubulin markers in the extracellular matrix and tissue remodeling was observed for this condition during the first 7 days. Conclusions. Percutaneous electrolysis generates a controlled local pro-inflammatory effect in chronic conditions and regulates inflammation in inflammatory injuries (during the first 7 days). Electrolysis has short-term effects (0–7 days post) of cell death and controlled extracellular matrix destruction. Additionally, it facilitates subsequent healing by improving extracellular matrix synthesis starting from 7 days after application.
Critical Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma; Pathogenesis, Potential Biomarkers, and Targeted Therapy—A Narrative Review
Authors: Punnachet Teerachat , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon , Kumfu Sirinart
Published: December 2024

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, characterized by its aggressive nature and heterogeneity. Despite significant advances in understanding DLBCL pathogenesis, there is still a need to elucidate the intricate mechanisms involved in disease progression and identify novel therapeutic targets. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, have emerged as crucial mediators of intercellular communication in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. In recent years, evidence has suggested that EVs play a vital role in DLBCL biology by facilitating the exchange of genetic material, especially miRNAs, and proteins and lipids between tumor cells, immune cells, and the tumor microenvironment. We summarize and discuss the biological functions of EVs in DLBCL and their effects on the tumor microenvironment, highlighting their influence on DLBCL pathobiology, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. We also investigated EVs’ diagnostic and prognostic potential as circulating biomarkers in DLBCL, emphasizing their utility in the non-invasive monitoring of the disease status and treatment response. Understanding the complex interplay between EVs and DLBCL may open up new avenues for personalized medicine, improve patient stratification, and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic interventions in this devastating hematological malignancy.
Angiographic Predictors for Repeated Revascularization in Patients with Intermediate Coronary Lesions
Authors: Kim Yong-Kyun , Kwon Soon-Ho , Seo Young-Hoon , Kim Ki-Hong , Kwon Taek-Geun , Bae Jang-Ho
Published: December 2024

Background: Intermediate lesions (ILs) present challenges in making therapeutic decisions. This study aimed to determine the practical coronary angiographic predictors for revascularization in patients with ILs who underwent repeated angiograms. Methods: This study was a retrospective single-center study. The study subjects were divided into two groups according to their target lesion revascularization (TLR) during the follow-up period: the TLR (+) group (n = 135, 30.9%) and the TLR (−) group (n = 302, 69.1%). We evaluated the angiographic characteristics of ILs such as the presence of branches, luminal irregularity, tortuosity, ulcer/erosion, haziness, and calcification in the ILs, with an average follow-up of 34.2 ± 32.0 months. Results: The TLR (+) group had higher percentage of diameter stenoses (47.3 ± 13.5% vs. 44.2 ± 12.2%, p = 0.006) than the TLR (−) group, whereas the lesion length of the ILs showed no significant differences between the two groups. The prevalence of branches (79.0% vs. 69.1%, p = 0.018) and haziness (4.3% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001) was higher in the ILs of the TLR (+) group than those of the TLR (−) group. Therefore, the angiographic predictors for the TLR of ILs were haziness (hazard ratio = 2.126, 95% confidence interval = 1.240–3.644, p = 0.006) and % diameter stenosis (DS) ≥ 60% (hazard ratio = 1.025, 95% confidence interval = 1.013–1.037, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Angiographic haziness and % DS > 60% were the independent angiographic predictors for TLR in patients with ILs. Our study is the first to present the angiographic findings of vulnerable plaques of ILs. Further studies such as intravascular imaging or physiologic studies should be strongly considered before making treatment decisions in ILs when such angiographic features are observed.
Research on Lipidomic Profiling and Biomarker Identification for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Yan Yuzhu , Wang Jihan , Wang Yangyang , Wu Wenjing , Chen Wei
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Abnormal lipid metabolism is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study aimed to explore the lipidomic profiles of ONFH patients, focusing on distinguishing between traumatic ONFH (TONFH) and non-traumatic ONFH (NONFH) subtypes and identifying potential biomarkers for diagnosis and understanding pathogenesis. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 92 ONFH patients (divided into TONFH and NONFH subtypes) and 33 healthy normal control (NC) participants. Lipidomic profiling was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). Data analysis incorporated a machine learning-based feature selection method, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, to identify significant lipid biomarkers. Results: Distinct lipidomic signatures were observed in both TONFH and NONFH groups compared to the NC group. LASSO regression identified 11 common lipid biomarkers that signify shared metabolic disruptions in both ONFH subtypes, several of which exhibited strong diagnostic performance with areas under the curve (AUCs) > 0.7. Additionally, subtype-specific lipid markers unique to TONFH and NONFH were identified, providing insights into the differential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these subtypes. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of lipidomic profiling in understanding ONFH-associated metabolic disorders and demonstrates the utility of machine learning approaches, such as LASSO regression, in high-dimensional data analysis. These findings not only improve disease characterization but also facilitate the discovery of diagnostic and mechanistic biomarkers, paving the way for more personalized therapeutic strategies in ONFH.
One-Step Fabrication Process of Silica–Titania Superhydrophobic UV-Blocking Thin Coatings onto Polymeric Films
Authors: Hayne Sharon , Kanovsky Naftali , Margel Shlomo
Published: December 2024

Developing a durable multifunctional superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that can be industrially scalable is a challenge in the field of surface engineering. This article presents a novel method for a scalable technology using a simple single-step fabrication of a superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that exhibits excellent water-repelling and UV-blocking properties, along with impressive wear resistance and chemical robustness. A mixture of titanium precursors, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), hydrophobic silanes and silica nano/micro-particles is polymerized directly on a corona-treated polymeric film which reacts with the surface via siloxane chemistry. The mixture is then spread on polymeric films using a Mayer rod, which eliminates the need for expensive equipment or multistep processes. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles along with titanium precursor and TEOS results in the formation of a silica–titania network around the silica nanoparticles. This chemically binds them to the activated surface, forming a unique dual-scale surface morphology depending on the size of the silica nanoparticles used in the coating mixture. The coated films were shown to be superhydrophobic with a high water contact angle of over 180° and a rolling angle of 0°. This is due to the combination of dual-scale micro/nano roughness with fluorinated hydrocarbons that lowered the surface free energy. The coatings exhibited excellent chemical and mechanical durability, as well as UV-blocking capabilities. The results show that the coatings remain superhydrophobic even after a sandpaper abrasion test under a pressure of 2.5 kPa for a distance of 30 m.
The Contrasting Effect of Sodium Alginate on Lysozyme and Albumin Denaturation and Fibril Formation
Authors: Khaibrakhmanova Diliara R. , Kuzivanova Polina R. , Gainutdinov Bulat R. , Magsumov Timur I. , Nikiforova Alena A. , Sedov Igor A.
Published: December 2024

The effect of sodium alginate on the denaturation and aggregation behavior of bovine serum albumin and hen egg-white lysozyme was studied. Large amounts of polysaccharide increase the thermal stability of albumin due to the weak binding interactions. At the same time, sodium alginate can reduce the quantity of amyloid fibrils formed by albumin under denaturing conditions, which is a consequence of the stabilization of the native protein form by glycan binding. In the case of lysozyme, the polysaccharide has no influence on the thermal stability of the protein in 2 M guanidinium hydrochloride. However, the inhibition of fibril formation with an increase in the lag time was observed, which is explained by the binding of sodium alginate to lysozyme fibrils, but not to the protein monomer. The molecular nature of the binding interactions between alginate and the studied proteins was elucidated using molecular docking and known experimental structures of glycan–protein complexes.
Long-Term Impact of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media on Balance and Vestibular Function in Children
Authors: Aldè Mirko , Bosi Pietro , Muck Stefanie , Mayr Thomas , Di Mauro Paola , Berto Valentina , Aleandri Beatrice Gaia , Folino Francesco , Barozzi Stefania , Zanetti Diego , Marchisio Paola
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) is a common disease in childhood, but its impact on the vestibular system remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of rAOM on balance and vestibular function in pediatric patients. Methods: A total of 55 children, aged 8 years (25 males and 30 females), with a documented history of rAOM, no AOM episodes in the past year, and no previous ear surgery were assessed. Static posturography was used to assess postural instability, measuring sway area (SX, mm2) under four conditions: eyes open and eyes closed, with and without foam pads. Vestibular function was evaluated using the video head impulse test (v-HIT) to quantify vestibulo–ocular reflex (VOR) gain and corrective saccades across all six semicircular canals. Results: Children with a history of rAOM demonstrated significantly greater postural instability than healthy controls (p < 0.001 for all test conditions). The number of AOM episodes was the primary factor influencing balance dysfunction, with children who had more than eight episodes showing the most pronounced deficits in postural stability (p < 0.05). In some cases, the v-HIT revealed hypofunction in the right anterior (14.5%), left posterior (7.3%), left lateral (5.5%), left anterior (3.6%), and right posterior (3.6%) semicircular canals. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that rAOM can lead to lasting balance and vestibular dysfunction, highlighting the importance of early monitoring and potential rehabilitation.
Addiction Memory, Family Functioning, and Depression in Illicit Drug Users: Self-Esteem as a Mediator
Authors: Zeng Li , Zhou Xiaojun , Lei Yuge , Chen Jiayan
Published: December 2024

Depression is a common issue among illicit drug users. However, the interaction between addiction memory, family functioning, and depressive symptoms remains insufficiently examined. This study investigates the relationship between addiction memory, family functioning, and depressive symptoms, with self-esteem serving as a mediator. A random sample of 600 illicit drug users from Hubei, China, was evaluated using the Addiction Memory Intensity Scale (AMIS), Family APGAR Index, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). A factorial algorithm was used to parcel the AMIS, PHQ-9, and RSES items, and structural equation modeling was applied to examine the mediation effect. The model fit the data well (χ2/df = 2.248, CFI = 0.956, NNFI = 0.966, RMSEA = 0.046, SRMR = 0.040), with significant path coefficients (p < 0.05). Addiction memory was positively correlated with depression (β = 0.195, p < 0.001), while family functioning negatively correlated with depression (β = −0.113, p = 0.008). Both addiction memory and family functioning indirectly influenced depression through self-esteem, with mediating effects equal to 1.154 (95% CI: 0.106 to 0.209) and −0.097 (95% CI: −0.154 to −0.047). These findings suggest that interventions targeting addiction memory and family functioning may alleviate depressive symptoms by improving self-esteem among illicit drug users.
Trait Anxiety Leads to “Better” Performance? A Study on Acute Stress and Uncertain Decision-Making
Authors: Yang Yuxuan , Yan Bingxin , Sun Kewei , Wu Di , Wang Cancan , Xiao Wei
Published: December 2024

In uncertain situations, individuals seek to maximize rewards while managing risks. Yet, the effects of acute stress and anxiety on decision-making in ambiguous and risky contexts are unclear. This study aims to contribute to the exploration of how acute stress influences sensitivity to immediate vs. delayed rewards, risk management strategies, and the role of anxiety in these processes. This study used the laboratory acute stress induction paradigm to analyze the direction of influence of acute stress on ambiguity decision-making and risky decision-making in males and then used moderating effect analysis to study the impact of anxiety on this process. The results show that a combination of the Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Test and the Sing-a-Song Stress Test can successfully induce acute stress, which reduces both the proportion of the options selected that represent long-term rewards and risk-adjustment ability. Additionally, trait anxiety had a moderating effect on the influence of stress on ambiguity decision-making. Acute stress reduces focus on long-term rewards while increasing focus on short-term rewards, leading to impulsivity and impaired risk-adjustment. Additionally, to some extent, high trait anxiety scores predict better performance in making decisions under ambiguity during stress.
Social Acceptance of Integrated Photovoltaic Systems in Italian Heritage and Landscape Contexts
Authors: Bottino-Leone Dario , Stawinoga Agnieszka Elzbieta , Adami Jennifer , Troi Alexandra , Herrera-Avellanosa Daniel
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the social acceptance of integrated photovoltaic (IPV) systems in heritage and landscape contexts, focusing on Italian stakeholders in the construction sector. As part of the “BIPV meets History” research project, this study aims to identify barriers, potentials, drivers, and challenges for widespread PV technology adoption, considering heritage conservation, land preservation, energy production, and climate mitigation. A survey exploring opinions on PV technology integration was conducted. The survey was improved and extended to a total of 271 respondents, using the online method of Computer-Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI), to understand how perceptions of integrated photovoltaics have changed after COVID-19 and the European energy crisis, emphasizing aesthetic, environmental, economic, and personal aspects. The results indicate a general awareness of the technologies, with increasing acceptance in protected contexts, for historic buildings (from 51 to 68%) and especially landscapes (from 44 to 71%), driven by energy and environmental benefits. Cultural concerns, particularly the risk of impacting historical and natural identities, emerge as major barriers. Additionally, it is evident that awareness of PV panel recycling methods is still limited.
Evaluation of Behavior Characteristics of Reinforced Concrete Beam Shear Strengthening with Different FRCMs
Authors: Jo Min-Su , Kim Hyeong-Gook , Kim Dong-Hwan , Lim Su-A , Kong Hyun , Kim Kil-Hee
Published: December 2024

This paper evaluated the structural behavior of shear-strengthened externally bonded FRCM composites. The additional shear strength of FRCM composites with three different types of textile grids (T1, T2, and T3) was analyzed for different crack patterns and failure modes. The influence of the internal transverse reinforcement ratio (ρw: 0.19%, 0.285%) and application method (SB: side bonding; UW: U-type wrapping) on the FRCM-strengthened beam was investigated. Furthermore, the interaction of FRCM composites with internal shear reinforcement was analyzed based on the strain distributions measured in the experiments. The experimental results showed that the failure modes (flexural, shear slippage, and shear debonding) changed depending on the type of textile grid applied. A reduction in shear reinforcement strain (interaction) due to FRCM strengthening was observed for all the strengthened beams, with differences depending on the shear reinforcement ratio and the type of textile grid. In addition, the ratio of the strain measured at the ultimate load to the strain of the textile grid in shear-failed reinforced beams was the lowest for the T3 grid, which had worse physical properties, and increased at lower shear reinforcement ratios. However, application methods (SB, UW) did not show significant differences.
Analytical Model and Optimization of Joint Systems in Modular Precast Foundations for Onshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Zhang Dongliang , Liu Wantong , Fu Kun , Wang Fei , Wu Xiangguo , Zhao Chu , Shen Chao , Yu Zhiqiang , Tang Yunchao
Published: December 2024

This study presents a comprehensive design and calculation methodology for prefabricated expansion foundations of onshore wind turbines, addressing the critical need for modular construction while ensuring structural integrity. The proposed approach encompasses both overall structural performance verification and connection joint design, considering the stiffness reduction effects of modularization. A novel punching shear capacity checking method is developed specifically for assembled expansion foundations, incorporating joint weakening factors. The research establishes equilibrium equations and verification formulas for splice joints under different loading conditions, demonstrating that the shear amplification factor at joints varies with local compressive stress. The analytical results demonstrate several key findings: (1) the derived maximum joint shear formula shows excellent agreement with finite element results across various load conditions (R2 = 0.99906); (2) the optimized shear key configuration increases the joint’s load-bearing capacity by 35% compared to conventional designs; and (3) the developed Python-based calculation system reduces the design time by 60% while maintaining accuracy within 5% of detailed FEM analysis. These quantitative outcomes validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and provide practical guidelines for implementing modular construction in wind energy infrastructure.
Thermal Performance, Indoor Air Quality, and Carbon Footprint Assessment in Airport Terminal Buildings
Authors: Akyüz Mehmet Kadri , Açıkkalp Emin , Altuntaş Önder
Published: December 2024

This study explores energy consumption, thermal performance, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in terminal buildings. Through detailed thermal analysis, this research identifies key sources of heat loss, such as thermal bridges in walls and windows, which significantly increase energy demands for heating. IEQ measurements show that the lack of mechanical ventilation, combined with high passenger densities, frequently leads to CO2 levels exceeding recommended thresholds, highlighting the urgent need for improved ventilation systems. Energy requirements were calculated based on the TS 825 standard and compared to actual consumption data, showing that optimizing boiler settings could save 22% of heating energy without any additional investment. Simulations and economic analyses further showed that adding thermal insulation to the building envelope and installing double-glazed windows with improved U-values could achieve significant energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions, all with favorable payback periods. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of these interventions, demonstrating significant reductions in the airport’s carbon footprint. The findings underscore the importance of aligning operational standards with international guidelines, such as ASHRAE and CIBSE, to ensure thermal comfort and optimize energy use.