bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Aeroelastic Dynamics of Lightweight Flexible Variations of the SNL-NRT Turbine
Authors: Farrell Alayna , Ponta Fernando , Baruah Apurva
Published: April 2024

Current trends show that wind turbines are growing in size to meet a rising demand for renewable energy generation, and their upscaled rotors have inherently become more flexible to maintain a proportionally lighter design. This is because larger rotors must be less massive relative to their diameter to minimize the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), which means that blades that are notably less stiff are produced as a result. These structural changes to blades are often reflected in their compromised aeroelastic stability and amplified deformation during operation, which has the potential to decrease the blade’s expected lifetime and the performance of the machine overall. Variations in blade flexibility are also known to influence vortex-wake structures downstream of the turbine, causing patterns of velocity deficit to evolve in ways that affect the performance of other turbines in the farm. This research explores how the increased flexibility of modern utility-scale wind turbine blades influences rotor aeroelastic behavior and interactions with farm flow. High-fidelity simulations of Sandia National Laboratories’ (SNL) National Rotor Testbed (NRT) wind turbine are presented. Flexible variations of the NRT baseline blade are simulated in a variety of realistic operational conditions typically expected at the SNL’s SWiFT facility in Lubbock, Texas. Solutions are then compared to investigate how specific changes to the structural properties of the NRT baseline blade’s design and construction can influence its aeroelastic response at the rotor and the evolution of the turbine’s wake.
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses in Mobile Education: A Gender-Informed Self-Assessment of Teachers’ Use of Mobile Devices
Authors: Balanyà Rebollo Judith , De Oliveira Janaina Minelli
Published: April 2024

Mobile devices have the potential to transform education and society. Promoting mobile learning and enhancing teachers’ digital and entrepreneurial skills are essential in achieving this goal. This study analyses the conditions under which the use of mobile technology can support teachers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of teaching and learning processes. Data were collected using a quantitative method based on a self-assessment instrument (Cronbach’s alpha = 1.0046). A total of 327 educators filled out the survey, which included 67 items scored on a Likert scale. The self-assessment tool provided participants with feedback on their mobile device use for educational purposes and suggestions for improvement. The results indicate that the median score of the teachers was 7, which is regarded as satisfactory, with a gender gap of 3.5 points. In addition, three out of seven improvement dimensions were identified: technology learning spaces (54.74%), assessment (57.65%), and design activities (59.26%). In conclusion, the study enabled us to stratify and analyse teachers’ pedagogical perceptions of mobile learning and the significance of inference in certain training areas.
Vision-Based Object Manipulation for Activities of Daily Living Assistance Using Assistive Robot
Authors: Shahria Md Tanzil , Ghommam Jawhar , Fareh Raouf , Rahman Mohammad Habibur
Published: April 2024

The increasing prevalence of upper and lower extremity (ULE) functional deficiencies presents a significant challenge, as it restricts individuals’ ability to perform daily tasks independently. Robotic devices are emerging as assistive devices to assist individuals with limited ULE functionalities in activities of daily living (ADLs). While assistive manipulators are available, manual control through traditional methods like joysticks can be cumbersome, particularly for individuals with severe hand impairments and vision limitations. Therefore, autonomous/semi-autonomous control of a robotic assistive device to perform any ADL task is open to research. This study addresses the necessity of fostering independence in ADLs by proposing a creative approach. We present a vision-based control system for a six-degrees-of-freedom (DoF) robotic manipulator designed for semi-autonomous “pick-and-place” tasks, one of the most common activities among ADLs. Our approach involves selecting and training a deep-learning-based object detection model with a dataset of 47 ADL objects, forming the base for a 3D ADL object localization algorithm. The proposed vision-based control system integrates this localization technique to identify and manipulate ADL objects (e.g., apples, oranges, capsicums, and cups) in real time, returning them to specific locations to complete the “pick-and-place” task. Experimental validation involving an xArm6 (six DoF) robot from UFACTORY in diverse settings demonstrates the system’s adaptability and effectiveness, achieving an overall 72.9% success rate in detecting, localizing, and executing ADL tasks. This research contributes to the growing field of autonomous assistive devices, enhancing independence for individuals with functional impairments.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Metabolomic Data: From Raw Spectra to Biological Insight
Authors: Santamaria Guillem , Pinto Francisco R.
Published: April 2024

Metabolites are at the end of the gene–transcript–protein–metabolism cascade. As such, metabolomics is the omics approach that offers the most direct correlation with phenotype. This allows, where genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics fail to explain a trait, metabolomics to possibly provide an answer. Complex phenotypes, which are determined by the influence of multiple small-effect alleles, are an example of these situations. Consequently, the interest in metabolomics has increased exponentially in recent years. As a newer discipline, metabolomic bioinformatic analysis pipelines are not as standardized as in the other omics approaches. In this review, we synthesized the different steps that need to be carried out to obtain biological insight from annotated metabolite abundance raw data. These steps were grouped into three different modules: preprocessing, statistical analysis, and metabolic pathway enrichment. We included within each one of them the different state-of-the-art procedures and tools that can be used depending on the characteristics of the study, providing details about each method’s characteristics and the issues the reader might encounter. Finally, we introduce genome-scale metabolic modeling as a tool for obtaining pseudo-metabolomic data in situations where their acquisition is difficult, enabling the analysis of the resulting data with the modules of the described workflow.
Could Dental Material Reuse Play a Significant Role in Preservation of Raw Materials, Water, Energy, and Costs? Microbiological Analysis of New versus Reused Healing Abutments: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Burioni Roberto , Silvestrini Lucia , D’Orto Bianca , Tetè Giulia , Nagni Matteo , Polizzi Elisabetta , Gherlone Enrico Felice
Published: April 2024

Aim: The objective of this in vitro study was to compare reused and sterilized versus new healing abutments to assess whether a decontamination and sterilization process performed on resued healing abutments was sufficient to remove residual proteins. The two groups were comparable with respect to patient safety. Materials and methods: During the period from September 2022 to October 2023, healing abutment screws were selected and divided into two groups according to whether they were new or previously used in patients. The samples were subjected to a decontamination and sterilization protocol, and results from sample sterility evaluation and assessment of surface protein levels were recorded. Results: The obtained results revealed a significant difference in the OD562 nm values between new and reused healing abutment samples. The assay demonstrates how treated healing abutments were still contaminated by residual proteins. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, although from an infectious point of view sterilization results in the total eradication of pathogens, surface proteins remain on reused healing abutments.
Tick-Borne Diseases—Still a Challenge: A Review
Authors: Andonova Radina , Bashchobanov Dzhaner , Gadzhovska Veronika , Popov Georgi
Published: April 2024

Tick-borne diseases account for a large proportion of vector-borne illnesses. They include, for example, a variety of infections caused by bacteria, spirochetes, viruses, rickettsiae, and protozoa. We aim to present a review that demonstrates the connection between the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the significance of certain emergency tick-borne diseases in humans and their clinical–epidemiological features. This review covers three diseases: anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. The emergence of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis is become more frequently diagnosed as the cause of human infections, as animal reservoirs and tick vectors have increased in numbers and humans have inhabited areas where reservoir and tick populations are high. They belong to the order Rickettsiales and the family Anaplasmataceae, and the clinical manifestations typically coexist. Furthermore, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical to the patient’s recovery. Similar to malaria, babesiosis causes hemolysis. It is spread by intraerythrocytic protozoa, and the parasitemia dictates how severe it can get. Left untreated, some patients might have a fatal outcome. The correct diagnosis can be difficult sometimes; that is why an in-depth knowledge of the diseases is required. Prevention, prompt diagnosis, and treatment of these tick-borne diseases depend on the understanding of their clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory features.
Effects of Chronic Stress from High Stocking Density in Mariculture: Evaluations of Growth Performance and Lipid Metabolism of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhychus mykiss)
Authors: Li Zhao , Gao Qinfeng , Dong Shuanglin , Dong Kang , Xu Yuling , Mei Yaoping , Hou Zhishuai
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: In aquaculture, chronic stress due to high stocking density impairs animals’ welfare and results in declined fishery production with low protein quality. However, most previous studies evaluated the effects of high stocking density on trout in freshwater rather than seawater. (2) Methods: Juvenile trout were reared for 84 days in circular tanks under three stocking densities, including low density (“LD”, 9.15 kg/m3), moderate density (“MD”, 13.65 kg/m3), and high density (“HD”, 27.31 kg/m3) in seawater. The final densities of LD, MD, and HD were 22.00, 32.05 and 52.24 kg/m3, respectively. Growth performance and lipid metabolism were evaluated. (3) Results: Growth performance and feeding efficiency were significantly reduced due to chronic stress under high density in mariculture. The digestive activity of lipids was promoted in the gut of HD fish, while the concentration of triglycerides was decreased in the blood. Furthermore, decreased acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), increased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) concentrations, and activated hepatic β-oxidation processes were observed in trout under HD. Redundancy analysis showed that glycerol and HSL can be used as potential markers to evaluate the growth performance of trout in mariculture. (4) Conclusions: We showed that chronic high stocking density led to negative effects on growth performance, reduced de novo synthesis of fatty acids, and enhanced lipolysis.
Cell Senescence in Heterotopic Ossification
Authors: Pignolo Robert J. , Kaplan Frederick S. , Wang Haitao
Published: April 2024

The formation of bone outside the normal skeleton, or heterotopic ossification (HO), occurs through genetic and acquired mechanisms. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), the most devastating genetic condition of HO, is due to mutations in the ACVR1/ALK2 gene and is relentlessly progressive. Acquired HO is mostly precipitated by injury or orthopedic surgical procedures but can also be associated with certain conditions related to aging. Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging and thought to be a tumor-suppressive mechanism with characteristic features such as irreversible growth arrest, apoptosis resistance, and an inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, we review possible roles for cellular senescence in HO and how targeting senescent cells may provide new therapeutic approaches to both FOP and acquired forms of HO.
Risk Factors for Complications and Disease Recurrence after Ileocecal Resection for Crohn’s Disease in Children and Adults
Authors: Dipasquale Valeria , Milone Erica , Nigro Stefania , Alibrandi Angela , Antonelli Enrica , Di Fabrizio Donatella , Romeo Carmelo , Navarra Giuseppe , Romano Claudio
Published: April 2024

This study reports the complication and disease recurrence rates for ileocecal resection for pediatric and adult Crohn’s disease (CD) and identifies perioperative risk factors for these adverse outcomes in the two groups. Patients who underwent ileocecal resection for CD in a tertiary hospital in Italy (2010–2021) were included. Risk factors for postoperative complications and clinical and surgical disease recurrences were investigated with multivariate models. A total of 96 patients were included (children, 25%). There were no intraoperative complications. Thirty-one (32.3%) patients experienced 35 (36.5%) postoperative complications, and five (5.2%) were severe (Clavien–Dindo III–IV–V), with no intergroup difference for either overall postoperative complication rate (p = 0.257) or severe postoperative complication rate (p = 0.097). Most of these (77.1%) occurred within 30 days after surgery, especially in adults (p = 0.013). The multivariate analysis did not show risk factors for postoperative complications. Clinical and surgical recurrence rates after 5 years were 46.8% and 14.6%, respectively, with no intergroup rate differences. Clinical disease recurrence was positively correlated with previous abdominal surgery (p = 0.047) and negatively correlated with preoperative Hb levels (p = 0.046). A positive correlation was found between perianal disease and both clinical (p = 0.045) and surgical disease recurrences (p = 0.045). Urgent surgery was positively associated with surgical disease recurrence (p = 0.045). Notably, no children underwent urgent surgery in this study. In conclusion, the risk of postoperative complications among CD patients receiving ileocecal resection remains high, but most of them are nonserious. Some factors, such as urgent surgery, may increase the risk of disease recurrences.
Influence of Adipokines on Metabolic Dysfunction and Aging
Authors: Park Seongjoon , Shimokawa Isao
Published: April 2024

Currently, 30% of the global population is overweight or obese, with projections from the World Obesity Federation suggesting that this figure will surpass 50% by 2035. Adipose tissue dysfunction, a primary characteristic of obesity, is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, collectively termed metabolic syndrome. In particular, visceral fat accretion is considered as a hallmark of aging and is strongly linked to higher mortality rates in humans. Adipokines, bioactive peptides secreted by adipose tissue, play crucial roles in regulating appetite, satiety, adiposity, and metabolic balance, thereby rendering them key players in alleviating metabolic diseases and potentially extending health span. In this review, we elucidated the role of adipokines in the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders while also exploring the potential of certain adipokines as candidates for longevity interventions.
Plasma Circular RNAs as Biomarkers for Breast Cancer
Authors: Tierno Domenico , Grassi Gabriele , Zanconati Fabrizio , Dapas Barbara , Scaggiante Bruna
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most common neoplasm, the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, and is a major health problem. The discovery of new biomarkers is crucial to improve our knowledge of breast cancer and strengthen our clinical approaches to diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up. In recent decades, there has been increasing interest in circulating RNA (circRNA) as modulators of gene expression involved in tumor development and progression. The study of circulating circRNAs (ccircRNAs) in plasma may provide new non-invasive diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for BC. This review describes the latest findings on BC-associated ccircRNAs in plasma and their clinical utility. Several ccircRNAs in plasma have shown great potential as BC biomarkers, especially from a diagnostic point of view. Mechanistically, most of the reported BC-associated ccircRNAs are involved in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and invasion, mainly via MAPK/AKT signaling pathways. However, the study of circRNAs is a relatively new area of research, and a larger number of studies will be crucial to confirm their potential as plasma biomarkers and to understand their involvement in BC.
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Acute Cholestasis-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Billig Sebastian , Hein Marc , Kirchner Celine , Schumacher David , Habigt Moriz Aljoscha , Mechelinck Mare , Fuchs Dieter , Klinge Uwe , Theißen Alexander , Beckers Christian , Bleilevens Christian , Kramann Rafael , Uhlig Moritz
Published: April 2024

Background: Previous studies have shown cardiac abnormalities in acute liver injury, suggesting a potential role in the associated high mortality. Methods: We designed an experimental study exploring the short-term effects of acute cholestasis-induced liver injury on cardiac function and structure in a rodent bile duct ligation (BDL) model to elucidate the potential interplay. Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to BDL surgery (n = 28) or served as sham-operated (n = 9) controls. Transthoracic echocardiography, Doppler evaluation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and myocardial contrast echocardiography were performed at rest and during adenosine and dobutamine stress 5 days after BDL. Immunohistochemical staining of myocardial tissue samples for hypoxia and inflammation as well as serum analysis were performed. Results: BDL animals exhibited acute liver injury with elevated transaminases, bilirubin, and total circulating bile acids (TBA) 5 days after BDL (TBA control: 0.81 ± 2.54 µmol/L vs. BDL: 127.52 ± 57.03 µmol/L; p < 0.001). Concurrently, cardiac function was significantly impaired, characterized by reduced cardiac output (CO) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) in the echocardiography at rest and under pharmacological stress (CO rest control: 120.6 ± 24.3 mL/min vs. BDL 102.5 ± 16.6 mL/min, p = 0.041; GLS rest control: −24.05 ± 3.8% vs. BDL: −18.5 ± 5.1%, p = 0.01). Myocardial perfusion analysis revealed a reduced myocardial blood flow at rest and a decreased coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) under dobutamine stress in the BDL animals (CFVR control: 2.1 ± 0.6 vs. BDL: 1.7 ± 0.5 p = 0.047). Immunofluorescence staining indicated myocardial hypoxia and increased neutrophil infiltration. Conclusions: In summary, acute cholestasis-induced liver injury can lead to impaired cardiac function mediated by coronary microvascular dysfunction, suggesting that major adverse cardiac events may contribute to the mortality of acute liver failure. This may be due to endothelial dysfunction and direct bile acid signaling.
Electrophysiological Screening to Assess Foot Drop Syndrome in Severe Acquired Brain Injury in Rehabilitative Settings
Authors: Piccione Francesco , Cerasa Antonio , Tonin Paolo , Carozzo Simone , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Masiero Stefano , Lucca Lucia Francesca
Published: April 2024

Background: Foot drop syndrome (FDS), characterized by severe weakness and atrophy of the dorsiflexion muscles of the feet, is commonly found in patients with severe acquired brain injury (ABI). If the syndrome is unilateral, the cause is often a peroneal neuropathy (PN), due to compression of the nervous trunk on the neck of the fibula at the knee level; less frequently, the cause is a previous or concomitant lumbar radiculopathy. Bilateral syndromes are caused by polyneuropathies and myopathies. Central causes, due to brain or spinal injury, mimic this syndrome but are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as spasticity. Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and myopathy (CIM), isolated or in combination (critical illness polyneuromyopathy, CIPNM), have been shown to constitute an important cause of FDS in patients with ABI. Assessing the causes of FDS in the intensive rehabilitation unit (IRU) has several limitations, which include the complexity of the electrophysiological tests, limited availability of neurophysiology consultants, and the severe disturbance in consciousness and lack of cooperation from patients. Objectives: We sought to propose a simplified electrophysiological screening that identifies FDS causes, particularly PN and CIPNM, to help clinicians to recognize the significant clinical predictors of poor outcomes in severe ABI at admission to IRU. Methods: This prospective, single-center study included 20 severe ABI patients with FDS (11 females/9 males, mean age 55.10 + 16.26; CRS-R= 11.90 + 6.32; LCF: 3.30 + 1.30; DRS: 21.45 + 3.33), with prolonged rehabilitation treatment (≥2 months). We applied direct tibialis anterior muscle stimulation (DMS) associated with peroneal nerve motor conduction evaluation, across the fibular head (NCS), to identify CIP and/or CIM and to exclude demyelinating or compressive unilateral PN. Results: At admission to IRU, simplified electrophysiological screening reported four unilateral PN, four CIP and six CIM with a CIPNM overall prevalence estimate of about 50%. After 2 months, the CIPNM group showed significantly poorer outcomes compared to other ABI patients without CIPNM, as demonstrated by the lower probability of achieving endotracheal-tube weaning (20% versus 90%) and lower CRS-R and DRS scores. Due to the subacute rehabilitation setting of our study, it was not possible to evaluate the motor results of recovery of the standing position, functional walking and balance, impaired by the presence of unilateral PN. Conclusions: The implementation of the proposed simplified electrophysiological screening may enable the early identification of unilateral PN or CIPNM in severe ABI patients, thereby contributing to better functional prognosis in rehabilitative settings.
Information Sharing in Land Registration Using Hyperledger Fabric Blockchain
Authors: M. Zein Reyan , Twinomurinzi Hossana
Published: April 2024

Blockchain technology is increasingly being recognized for its pivotal role in enhancing security, immutability, and transparency across government sectors, notably in land registration (LR) processes. This research emphasizes the need for contextually adapted blockchain technology solutions, particularly in resource-constrained and culturally diverse settings. Utilizing the elaborated action design research method, this study presents a Hyperledger-based blockchain technology system tailored for Sudan’s LR, addressing technical challenges, evaluation frameworks, privacy measures, and deployment strategies. This system not only facilitates secure and transparent land transactions from planning to certificate issuance, but also integrates the management of land sales, significantly reducing the need for intermediaries. By providing a detailed exploration of the system’s goals, technical hurdles, and practical deployment insights, this research contributes valuable knowledge to the implementation of blockchain technology in LR, with findings that are applicable to similar contexts globally. This study underscores the importance of customizing blockchain solutions to meet the unique requirements of different environments, thereby advancing digital government in resource-constrained settings.
Negative Acts in the Courtroom: Characteristics, Distribution, and Frequency among a National Cohort of Danish Prosecutors
Authors: Hovman Amanda Ryssel , Pihl-Thingvad Jesper , Elklit Ask , Roessler Kirsten Kaya , Vang Maria Louison
Published: April 2024

Danish prosecutors report exposure to negative acts from professional counterparts in courtrooms, which is associated with an increased risk of burnout. However, knowledge of the characteristics of these acts is limited. Based on existing theoretical frameworks, this study aims to characterize these negative acts. A nation-wide survey of Danish prosecutors (response rate: 81%) yielded 687 descriptions of experiences with negative acts from professional counterparts from a career perspective. These were analyzed using theory-directed content analysis based on the Stress-as-Offense-to-Self (SOS) theory by Semmer and colleagues and Cortina and colleagues’ characterization of incivility in American courtrooms. We identified a total of 15 types of behavior within the three main themes: illegitimate tasks (n = 22), illegitimate stressors (n = 68), and illegitimate behavior (n = 612). Tentative differences in the distribution of experienced negative acts from a career perspective were found for gender and seniority. Women reported negative acts more frequently than men, and assistant prosecutors reported verbal abuse more frequently than senior prosecutors, who, conversely, more often reported a perceived lack of court management. More prospective research is needed on negative acts experienced by prosecutors to assess the scope of these in Danish courtrooms and how they impact the risk of burnout.
Design and Simulation for Technological Integration of Bio-Based Components in Façade System Modules
Authors: Pracucci Alessandro , Vandi Laura , Morganti Luca , Fernández Ana Gallego , Nunez Diaz Miguel , Navarro Muedra Arsenio , Győri Viktor , Kouyoumji Jean-Luc , Astudillo Larraz Julen
Published: April 2024

Driven by environmental sustainability concerns, the integration of bio-based components in curtain wall systems is gaining traction in both research and the construction market. This paper explores the development and validation of a bio-based façade system within the Basajaun H2020 project (2019–2024). The project aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing environmentally friendly bio-based components into the mature curtain wall façade industry. The paper focuses on identifying technological solutions for replacing key components such as frame profiles, insulation, and the tightness system with bio-based and less environmentally impactful alternatives, presenting the results achieved in the façade system design of the Basajaun project. These solutions aimed at creating a bio-composite-based curtain wall façade that adheres to the current building envelope standards and normative, implementing diverse façade typologies for vision panels, opaque sections, and integrated windows and, moreover, engineering the prefabrication process for industrialization and enabling wider market replication and simplified transport and installation. The results demonstrate that the Basajaun façade successfully integrates selected components and meets the performance requirements set by regulations: the façade is designed to withstand a maximum and typical wind load of 3.5 kN/m2 and a typical load of 1.5 kN/m2, the weighted sound reduction index obtained is Rw = 44 dB, and the thermal transmittance of the vision façade is 0.74 W/m2K while that of the entire opaque façade is 0.27 W/m2K (an additional internal wall is required to achieve the requested thermal transmittance)—the values are in accordance with reference standards and design requirements. However, questions remain regarding the workability of bio-based profiles as a commercially viable, ready-to-market solution that can replace traditional aluminum profiles in the curtain wall façade industry.
Assessment of PSMA Expression of Healthy Organs in Different Stages of Prostate Cancer Using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11-PET Examinations
Authors: Einspieler Holger , Kluge Kilian , Haberl David , Schatz Katrin , Nics Lukas , Schmitl Stefan , Geist Barbara Katharina , Spielvogel Clemens P. , Grubmüller Bernhard , Baltzer Pascal A. T. , Kramer Gero , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Hacker Marcus , Rasul Sazan
Published: April 2024

The efficacy of radioligand therapy (RLT) targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is currently being investigated for its application in patients with early-stage prostate cancer (PCa). However, little is known about PSMA expression in healthy organs in this cohort. Collectively, 202 [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography (PET) scans from 152 patients were studied. Of these, 102 PET scans were from patients with primary PCa and hormone-sensitive biochemically recurrent PCa and 50 PET scans were from patients with metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) before and after three cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-RLT. PSMA-standardized uptake values (SUV) were measured in multiple organs and PSMA-total tumor volume (PSMA-TTV) was determined in all cohorts. The measured PET parameters of the different cohorts were normalized to the bloodpool and compared using t- or Mann–Whitney U tests. Patients with early-stage PCa had lower PSMA-TTVs (10.39 mL vs. 462.42 mL, p < 0.001) and showed different SUVs in the thyroid, submandibular glands, heart, liver, kidneys, intestine, testes and bone marrow compared to patients with advanced CRPC, with all tests showing p < 0.05. Despite the differences in the PSMA-TTV of patients with mCRPC before and after [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-RLT (462.42 mL vs. 276.29 mL, p = 0.023), no significant organ differences in PET parameters were detected. These suggest different degrees of PSMA-ligand binding among patients with different stages of PCa that could influence radiotoxicity during earlier stages of disease in different organs when PSMA-RLT is administered.
Ocular and Periocular Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Clinical Characteristics, Prognostic Factors and Treatment Outcome
Authors: Yousef Yacoub A. , Mohammad Mona , Khalil Hanan , Khouri Tala , Alsweiti Rand , Khzouz Jakub , Abu Laban Dima , Jaradat Imad , Ibrahimi Ahmad Kh. , Al-Ibraheem Akram , Masri Mahmoud Al , AlNawiaseh Ibrahim , Abdel-Razeq Hikmat
Published: April 2024

Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Ocular and periocular metastasis present as a rare but clinically significant manifestation. This study aims to explore demographics and clinical aspects of ocular and periocular metastasis in breast cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study comprising 45 breast cancer patients with ocular or periocular metastasis treated between 2013 and 2023. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities, visual outcomes, and survival data were analyzed. Results: Among 9902 breast cancer patients, 0.5% developed ocular or periocular metastasis, constituting 2.4% of metastatic cases. The median age was 50 years. Ocular metastasis timing varied: 5% before breast cancer, 24% concurrent, 22% within a year, and 49% after. The most common presentations included incidental MRI findings (42%) and vision decline (31%). Metastasis involved the orbit (47%), choroid (40%), optic nerve (11%), and iris (2%), with 44% having bilateral involvement. Predictive factors included invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) (p < 0.0001) and brain metastasis (p < 0.0001), with ILC exhibiting a sixfold higher likelihood of ocular metastasis than invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Primary treatment was radiation therapy (89%), yielding a 55% maintenance of excellent vision (<0.5), with 93% developing dry eye disease. Patients with ocular metastasis faced an increased risk of disease-related mortality (p < 0.0001), with 71% succumbing within 10 months post-diagnosis. Conclusions: Ocular metastasis in breast cancer is rare (0.5%) but signifies poor outcome. It is linked to ILC and concurrent brain metastasis. Primary treatment involves radiation therapy, with a favorable visual prognosis.
Mitigating Effect of Trans-Zeatin on Cadmium Toxicity in Desmodesmus armatus
Authors: Piotrowska-Niczyporuk Alicja , Bonda-Ostaszewska Elżbieta , Bajguz Andrzej
Published: April 2024

Phytohormones, particularly cytokinin trans-zeatin (tZ), were studied for their impact on the green alga Desmodesmus armatus under cadmium (Cd) stress, focusing on growth, metal accumulation, and stress response mechanisms. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy for the Cd level and high-performance liquid chromatography for photosynthetic pigments and phytochelatins, along with spectrophotometry for antioxidants and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for phytohormones, we found that tZ enhances Cd uptake in D. armatus, potentially improving phycoremediation of aquatic environments. Cytokinin mitigates Cd toxicity by regulating internal phytohormone levels and activating metal tolerance pathways, increasing phytochelatin synthase activity and phytochelatin accumulation essential for Cd sequestration. Treatment with tZ and Cd also resulted in increased cell proliferation, photosynthetic pigment and antioxidant levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing oxidative stress. This suggests that cytokinin-mediated mechanisms in D. armatus enhance its capacity for Cd uptake and tolerance, offering promising avenues for more effective aquatic phycoremediation techniques.
Study of the Surface-Layer Softening Effects in xLi2ZrO3–(1−x)Li4SiO4 Ceramics under Irradiation with He2+ Ions
Authors: Shlimas Dmitriy I. , Borgekov Daryn B. , Kadyrzhanov Kayrat K. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: April 2024

The study investigates alterations in the mechanical and thermophysical properties of ceramics composed of xLi2ZrO3–(1−x)Li4SiO4 as radiation damage accumulates, mainly linked to helium agglomeration in the surface layer. This research is motivated by the potential to develop lithium-containing ceramics characterized by exceptional strength properties and a resistance to the accumulation of radiation damage and ensuing deformation distortions in the near-surface layer. The study of the radiation damage accumulation processes in the near-surface layer was conducted through intense irradiation of ceramics using He2+ ions at a temperature of 700 °C, simulating conditions closely resembling operation conditions. Following this, a correlation between the accumulation of structural modifications (value of atomic displacements) and variations in strength and thermophysical characteristics was established. During the research, it was observed that two-component ceramics exhibit significantly greater resistance to external influences and damage accumulation related to radiation exposure compared to their single-component counterparts. Furthermore, the composition that provides the highest resistance to softening in two-component ceramics is an equal ratio of the components of 0.5Li2ZrO3–0.5Li4SiO4 ceramics.
Energy-Based Design of Buckling-Restrained Steel Braced Frames for Concurrent Occurrences of Earthquake and Wind
Authors: Shan Taonian , Lui Eric M.
Published: April 2024

This paper describes the development of a dual hazard spectrum for use in the dynamic analysis of steel frames subject to the combined effects of earthquakes and wind. The proposed spectrum is obtained by combining the power spectra of earthquakes and wind using the square root of the sum of squares (SRSS) combination method. An equivalent time excitation function is then computed using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) and serves as input for the dynamic analysis. Using time-history analysis on the OpenSees platform, the dynamic responses expressed in terms of peak and residual inter-story and roof drifts for two multistory steel frames located in two US cities (Los Angeles and Charleston) are obtained to demonstrate that designing these buildings based on just one hazard may not be adequate. For frames that are considered under-designed, an energy-based design procedure that uses buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) to dissipate the excess energy imparted to these frames is proposed so they will satisfy the FEMA 356 recommended drift limits for the performance levels of immediate occupancy and life safety.
Wind–PV–Battery Hybrid Off-Grid System: Control Design and Real-Time Testing
Authors: Rezkallah Miloud , Chandra Ambrish , Ibrahim Hussein
Published: April 2024

The paper presents the design and implementation of decentralized control for a PV–wind–battery hybrid off-grid system with limited power electronics devices and sensors. To perform well without using any maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique from the wind turbine (WT) based on a permanent-magnet brushless DC generator (PMBLDCG) and solar panels (PVs) and balance the power in the system, a cascade control structure strategy based on a linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC) is developed for the two-switch DC-DC buck-boost converter. Moreover, to ensure an uninterruptible power supply to the connected loads with a constant voltage and frequency, a cascade d-q control structure based on LADRC is developed for the interfacing single-phase inverter. Furthermore, the modeling and controller parameters design are presented. The performance under all operation conditions of the hybrid off-grid configuration and its decentralized control is validated by simulation using MATLAB/Simulink and in real-time using a small-scale hardware prototype.
Tribological Properties of Hard TiB2 Thin Films Prepared at Low Temperatures Using HiPIMS
Authors: Yu Jianjian , Zhang Ping , Ying Puyou , Lin Changhong , Yang Tao , Wu Jianbo , Li Chen , Huang Min , Levchenko Vladimir
Published: April 2024

Magnetron-sputtered WS2 composite thin films are solid lubricants with excellent performances. However, the low hardness of the WS2 thin films necessitates the further improvement of their wear resistance. For this purpose, an effective strategy is to alternately deposit or code posit WS2 and a hard phase, such as TiB2, to form hard lubricant thin films. Herein, a TiB2 thin film was prepared under the same conditions as those used for depositing the WS2 thin film with a dense structure and excellent tribological properties. Because of the high deposition energy of high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), the TiB2 thin film possesses a dense structure and leather-like flat surface (hardness = 24.17 GPa). The friction coefficient of the film under different loads ranges between 0.6 and 0.8. The wear rate of the thin film increases with load, mainly because of fatigue wear and abrasive wear. Under high loads, obvious furrow-like wear marks are observed. At different sliding frequencies, except 8 Hz, the friction coefficient of the film ranges from 0.6 to 0.8. The main wear mode is fatigue wear, particularly at increasing sliding frequencies. Although the film possesses a relatively high friction coefficient, its wear resistance is excellent (minimum wear rate = 1.96 × 10−6 mm3/(N·m)).
Graph-Based Interpretability for Fake News Detection through Topic- and Propagation-Aware Visualization
Authors: Soga Kayato , Yoshida Soh , Muneyasu Mitsuji
Published: April 2024

In the context of the increasing spread of misinformation via social network services, in this study, we addressed the critical challenge of detecting and explaining the spread of fake news. Early detection methods focused on content analysis, whereas recent approaches have exploited the distinctive propagation patterns of fake news to analyze network graphs of news sharing. However, these accurate methods lack accountability and provide little insight into the reasoning behind their classifications. We aimed to fill this gap by elucidating the structural differences in the spread of fake and real news, with a focus on opinion consensus within these structures. We present a novel method that improves the interpretability of graph-based propagation detectors by visualizing article topics and propagation structures using BERTopic for topic classification and analyzing the effect of topic agreement on propagation patterns. By applying this method to a real-world dataset and conducting a comprehensive case study, we not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the method in identifying characteristic propagation paths but also propose new metrics for evaluating the interpretability of the detection methods. Our results provide valuable insights into the structural behavior and patterns of news propagation, contributing to the development of more transparent and explainable fake news detection systems.
Human Emotion Recognition Based on Spatio-Temporal Facial Features Using HOG-HOF and VGG-LSTM
Authors: Chouhayebi Hajar , Mahraz Mohamed Adnane , Riffi Jamal , Tairi Hamid , Alioua Nawal
Published: April 2024

Human emotion recognition is crucial in various technological domains, reflecting our growing reliance on technology. Facial expressions play a vital role in conveying and preserving human emotions. While deep learning has been successful in recognizing emotions in video sequences, it struggles to effectively model spatio-temporal interactions and identify salient features, limiting its accuracy. This research paper proposed an innovative algorithm for facial expression recognition which combined a deep learning algorithm and dynamic texture methods. In the initial phase of this study, facial features were extracted using the Visual-Geometry-Group (VGG19) model and input into Long-Short-Term-Memory (LSTM) cells to capture spatio-temporal information. Additionally, the HOG-HOF descriptor was utilized to extract dynamic features from video sequences, capturing changes in facial appearance over time. Combining these models using the Multimodal-Compact-Bilinear (MCB) model resulted in an effective descriptor vector. This vector was then classified using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, chosen for its simpler interpretability compared to deep learning models. This choice facilitates better understanding of the decision-making process behind emotion classification. In the experimental phase, the fusion method outperformed existing state-of-the-art methods on the eNTERFACE05 database, with an improvement margin of approximately 1%. In summary, the proposed approach exhibited superior accuracy and robust detection capabilities.
Durability Evaluation of Polyurethane-Bound Porous Rubber Pavement for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure
Authors: Kabir Tamanna , Tighe Susan
Published: April 2024

Permeable pavements are vital in sustainable urban water management, addressing critical challenges while enhancing environmental resilience. This study focuses on the innovative polyurethane-bound Porous Rubber Pavement (PRP), which possesses high permeability and elasticity due to its unique composition of stone and crumb rubber aggregates with polyurethane binders. PRP’s useful benefits, such as noise reduction, efficient snow/ice management, and others, enhance its appeal, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough investigation into its performance and characteristics, especially in North America. To address these gaps, this paper comprehensively analyzes PRP’s durability and performance, including its strength range, failure criteria, and susceptibility to moisture-induced damage. Various testing methods are utilized, such as evaluating the abrasion loss of the stone aggregate, rutting, stripping due to moisture susceptibility, resistance to degradation from impact and abrasion, and permeability tests. This study evaluates five distinct mix compositions with varied proportions of aggregates and binders. Further, it investigates the effects of different binder types on PRP performance, such as aromatic and aliphatic binders obtained from various sources. Upon the analysis of the comprehensive test results, it was found that the mix characterized by increased rubber aggregates and a high binder content demonstrated a superior performance across various tests for PRP applications. This mix exhibited an enhanced resistance to abrasion, raveling, rutting, and permanent deformation, showcasing its durability and functionality. Additionally, when combined with an aliphatic binder, it displayed an optimal performance even in challenging freeze–thaw conditions, making it a recommended choice for long-term pavement solutions.
An Evaluation of Racial and Ethnic Representation in Research Conducted with Young Adults Diagnosed with Cancer: Challenges and Considerations for Building More Equitable and Inclusive Research Practices
Authors: Hou Sharon H. J. , Petrella Anika , Tulk Joshua , Wurz Amanda , Sabiston Catherine M. , Bender Jackie , D’Agostino Norma , Chalifour Karine , Eaton Geoff , Garland Sheila N. , Schulte Fiona S. M.
Published: April 2024

The psychosocial outcomes of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer are poorer compared to their peers without cancer. However, AYAs with cancer from diverse racial and ethnic groups have been under-represented in research, which contributes to an incomplete understanding of the psychosocial outcomes of all AYAs with cancer. This paper evaluated the racial and ethnic representation in research on AYAs diagnosed with cancer using observational, cross-sectional data from the large Young Adults with Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study. The purpose was to better understand the psychosocial outcomes for those from diverse racial and ethnic groups. A total of 622 participants with a mean age of 34.15 years completed an online survey, including measures of post-traumatic growth, quality of life, psychological distress, and social support. Of this sample, 2% (n = 13) of the participants self-identified as Indigenous, 3% (n = 21) as Asian, 3% (n = 20) as “other,” 4% (n = 25) as multi-racial, and 87% (n = 543) as White. A one-way ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between racial and ethnic groups in relation to spiritual change, a subscale of post-traumatic growth, F(4,548) = 6.02, p < 0.001. Post hoc analyses showed that those under the “other” category endorsed greater levels of spiritual change than those who identified as multi-racial (p < 0.001, 95% CI = [2.49,7.09]) and those who identified as White (p < 0.001, 95% CI = [1.60,5.04]). Similarly, participants that identified as Indigenous endorsed greater levels of spiritual change than those that identified as White (p = 0.03, 95% CI = [1.16,4.08]) and those that identified as multi-racial (p = 0.005, 95% CI = [1.10,6.07]). We provided an extensive discussion on the challenges and limitations of interpreting these findings, given the unequal and small sample sizes across groups. We concluded by outlining key recommendations for researchers to move towards greater equity, inclusivity, and culturally responsiveness in future work.