bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing the Manipulation of Single Cells to Construct Biological Structures: Tools and Applications
Authors: Liu Congying , Chen Yuhe , Tong Rui , Wang Ziyang , Zhang Deyuan , Chen Huawei , Zhang Pengfei
Published: August 2024

Artificial biological structures hold the promise for modeling cellular assembly in vitro and have advanced considerable studies in cell biology, disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. Biological functions are derived from micro‐ and macroscale interactions of various cell types, and a structural property matching the tissue in vivo is required to enable precision biological function. Despite various types of tissues and organs are successfully constructed by conventional biofabrication technologies, they mostly only show a small fraction of structural features found in real tissues. Tools for single‐cell manipulation provide the approach to fabricate artificial tissues cell‐by‐cell, and have enabled the construction of biological structures with single‐cell and heterogeneous features, recapitulating the complexity in vivo. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the construction of biological structures through manipulating single cells, covering single‐cell technologies with operation principles and main advances, biological structures associated with informative explanations of single‐cell manipulation during construction, and representative applications mainly focusing on analysis and modeling. Current challenges and future perspectives in this field are also discussed.
Enhancement of Light–Matter Interaction Induced by Quantum‐Coherent Coupling Between Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance and Volume Plasmon Polariton
Authors: Chao Yu‐Chieh , Shih Chun‐Teng , Lin Jia‐Yu , Wu Jia‐Wei , Ho Chia‐Chun , Lai Meng‐Ching , Shen Ji‐Lin , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Chen Yang‐Fang
Published: August 2024

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) are known for their robust light–matter interaction and ability to generate volume plasmon polaritons (VPPs). Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) enable to enhance this interaction through localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), creating intense local electric fields. However, combining LSPR and VPPs in one device remains unexplored. This study proposes and demonstrates Au NP‐coupled‐HMMs (NPCHMMs), integrating Au NPs with HMMs to enhance random laser action and lower the lasing threshold. NPCHMMs boost emission intensity by ≈6 times compared to pure HMMs, with a ≈47% reduction in lasing threshold. Based on Fermi's golden rule, the calculated transition rate in NPCHMMs surpasses the algebraic sum of the individual transition rates derived from HMMs and Au NPs. It reveals the effect of the coherent coupling between the transition matrix elements of VPP and LSPR. This research indicates that NPCHMMs are a promising platform to create high‐performance optical and optoelectronic devices, such as lasers and phototransistors, for a wide range of application in many fields.
Achieving Low Propagation Loss and Small‐Index‐Contrast Carbonized Porous Silicon Waveguides Using Direct Laser Writing
Authors: Fletcher Jesse , Dell John , Parish Giacinta , Keating Adrian
Published: August 2024

Porous silicon (PS) is often overlooked as a platform for creating large‐mode area waveguides suitable for optical sensing applications due to challenges around creating laterally confined (in‐plane) open‐pore waveguide structures in the PS film. Direct laser writing (DLW) in hydrocarbon atmospheres can selectively increase the refractive index of the PS film; however, this results in large amounts of absorbing pyrolytic carbon in the pores. The efficacy of postprocessing techniques to remove unwanted absorbing carbon species created by this method is investigated through energy‐dispersive X‐ray and Raman analysis. The results show that oxygen plasma ashing effectively removes carbon from the pores and considerably reduces propagation losses, resulting in the lowest reported laterally confined refractive index contrast in PS waveguides. The low‐index‐contrast PS waveguides are shown to require adequate insulation from the high‐index silicon substrate to further reduce propagation losses. The carbonized PS waveguide mode is modeled and resulting simulations show low alignment tolerance with a SMF‐28 fiber mode. Herein, a method is demonstrated for creating carbonized (passivated), open‐pore, and low‐loss buried waveguide structures in PS films with a low alignment tolerance to SMF‐28 fiber using a DLW approach in ethylene and propane atmospheres.
Efficient Peroxymonosulfate Activation by Metallic Copper in TiO2–CaTiO3–Cu2O–Cu Anodes for Electrocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Tanos Fida , Makhoul Elissa , Nada Amr A. , Bekheet Maged F. , Petit Eddy , Razzouk Antonio , Lesage Geoffroy , Cretin Marc , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: August 2024

The development of heterogeneous electrodes with high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity is a crucial goal. Achieving this using a simple and low‐cost method is essential for wastewater purification by anodic oxidation combined with peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Herein, TiO2–CaTiO3(CTO)‐Cu2O–Cu heterojunction electrodes are prepared by mixing CaCu3Ti4O12 with different amounts of graphene oxide (GO). The different mixtures are pressed into pellets and sintered under inert atmosphere at 1100 °C for 3 h. The obtained pellets are used as anodes for PMS activation in the electrocatalysis. The efficiency of paracetamol (PCM) removal reaches its maximum (93%) after 90 min using the CTO–Cu–5GO electrode in a solution containing 10 ppm PCM, 210 mL sodium sulfate, and 0.5 mM PMS. The higher amount of metallic copper in this anode promotes the generation of radicals to effectively degrade PCM. In optimal conditions (1.2 V versus Ag/AgCl, 1 mM PMS, and 10 ppm PCM), PCM is completely removed in 45 min. According to the quenching test results, •O2− and •OH are the radicals generated during PCM degradation, and •O2− plays the main role. In this work, insights are provided into the rational combination of different metal oxides with TiO2 as a heterostructure electrode to ensure high mineralization of pharmaceuticals by electrocatalysis.
Cobalt Tetracationic 3,4‐Pyridinoporphyrazine for Direct CO2 to Methanol Conversion Escaping the CO Intermediate Pathway
Authors: Zhang Chanjuan , Follana‐Berná Jorge , Dragoe Diana , Halime Zakaria , Gotico Philipp , Sastre‐Santos Ángela , Aukauloo Ally
Published: August 2024

Molecular catalysts offer a unique opportunity to implement different chemical functionalities to steer the efficiency and selectivity for the CO2 reduction for instance. Metalloporphyrins and metallophthalocyanines are under high scrutiny since their most classic derivatives the tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and parent phthalocyanine (Pc), have been used as the molecular platform to install, hydrogen bonds donors, proton relays, cationic fragments, incorporation in MOFs and COFs, to enhance the catalytic power of these catalysts. Herein, we examine the electrocatalytic properties of the tetramethyl cobalt (II) tetrapyridinoporphyrazine (CoTmTPyPz) for the reduction of CO2 in heterogeneous medium when adsorbed on carbon nanotubes (CNT) at a carbon paper (CP) electrode. Unlike reported electrocatalysis with cobalt based phthalocyanine where CO was advocated as the two electron and two protons reduced intermediate on the way to the formation of methanol, we found here that CoTmTPyPz does not reduce CO to methanol. Henceforth, ruling out a mechanistic pathway where CO is a reaction intermediate.
Joint analysis of longitudinal count and binary response data in the presence of outliers
Authors: Sinha Sanjoy
Published: August 2024

In this article, we develop an innovative, robust method for jointly analyzing longitudinal count and binary responses. The method is useful for bounding the influence of potential outliers in the data when estimating the model parameters. We use a log‐linear model for the count response and a logistic regression model for the binary response, where the two response processes are linked through a set of association parameters. The asymptotic properties of the robust estimators are briefly studied. The empirical properties of the estimators are studied based on simulations. The study shows that the proposed estimators are approximately unbiased and also efficient when fitting a joint model to data contaminated with outliers. We also apply the proposed method to some real longitudinal survey data obtained from a health study.
Determination of amphetamines in hair samples using microextraction by packed sorbent and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Pires Bruno , Simão Ana Y. , Rosado Tiago , Barroso Mário , Gallardo Eugenia
Published: August 2024

Several protocols for the analysis of amphetamine‐type stimulants (ATS) in hair have been developed over the years, with microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) being used for drugs like opiates, cocaine and ketamine. However, concerning ATS determination in hair samples, this approach has only been applied so far to amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (MAMP). This study aimed at developing and validating a MEPS‐based procedure for the determination in hair of not only AMP and MAMP but also of 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 1‐(1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐yl)propan‐2‐yl (ethyl)amine (MDE) and N‐methyl‐1‐(1,3‐benzodioxol‐5‐yl)‐2‐aminobutane (MBDB) as well.

Hair, 50 mg, was incubated with 1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 45°C overnight, neutralization with 10 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) and centrifugation followed. The design of experiments approach was used for MEPS optimization, with the final optimized conditions including conditioning (250 μL methanol and deionized water), loading (18 × 100 μL) and elution (7 × 100 μL 2% NH4OH in acetonitrile). The eluted extract was evaporated to dryness and underwent microwave‐assisted derivatization with N‐methyl‐bis(trifluoroacetamide) (MBTFA), and it was afterwards injected onto the gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS).

The obtained recoveries ranged between 8% and 14% for AMP, 14% and 20% for MAMP, 10% and 15% for MDA, 18% and 28% for MDMA, 25% and 43% for MDE and 34% and 52% for MBDB, and the method was linear from 0.2 to 5.0 ng/mg. Precision and accuracy were in accordance with international method validation guidelines. This novel method involving MEPS coupled to GC–MS offers a swift, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective alternative to traditional procedures for detecting these AMPs in hair samples.
Effect of pressure on the phase stability, elastic anisotropy, and physical properties of CuZr structures
Authors: Zhang Yongmei , Wang Xiaopan , Gao Yuqi , Zhang Xiuqing
Published: August 2024

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the relative stabilities of the four main structures in CuZr has been estimated using first‐principles calculations. The results indicate that hydrostatic pressure induces the B19′ → B19 transformation at ~40 GPa and Cm → B19 transformation at ~68 GPa. At 0 GPa, these CuZr structures exhibit analogous values of B, G, and E and small difference in σ. However, the differences between these structures become appreciable in B, G, E, and σ values. 3D graphs of Young's modulus reflect the elasticity is directional. Pressure promotes the increase of elastic anisotropy degree of B2. For B19′ and Cm, the variation trends under pressure firstly decrease, then slightly increase, while that is opposite for B19. The quasi‐harmonic Debye model is used to evaluate the effects of temperature and pressure on the thermodynamic properties (heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, Debye temperature, and Grüneisen parameter) of the CuZr structures.
Revealing the Structural Intricacies of Biomembrane‐Interfaced Emulsions with Small‐ and Ultra‐Small‐Angle Neutron Scattering
Authors: Vidallon Mark Louis P. , Williams Ashley P. , Moon Mitchell J. , Liu Haikun , Trépout Sylvain , Bishop Alexis I. , Teo Boon Mian , Tabor Rico F. , Peter Karlheinz , de Campo Liliana , Wang Xiaowei
Published: August 2024

Utilizing cell membranes from diverse cell types for biointerfacing has demonstrated significant advantages in enhancing colloidal stability and incorporating biological properties, tailored specifically for various biomedical applications. However, the structures of these materials, particularly emulsions interfaced with red blood cell (RBC) or platelet (PLT) membranes, remain an underexplored area. This study systematically employs small‐ and ultra‐small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS and USANS) with contrast variation to investigate the structure of emulsions containing perfluorohexane within RBC (RBC/PFH) and PLT membranes (PLT/PFH). The findings reveal that the scattering length density of RBC and PLT membranes is 1.5 × 10−6 Å−2, similar to 30% (w/w) deuterium oxide. Using this solvent as a cell membrane‐matching medium, estimated droplet diameters are 770 nm (RBC/PFH) and 1.5 µm (PLT/PFH), based on polydispersed sphere model fitting. Intriguingly, calculated patterns and invariant analysis reveal native droplet architectures featuring entirely liquid PFH cores, differing significantly from the observed bubble–droplet core system in electron microscopy. This highlights the advantage of SANS and USANS in differentiating genuine colloidal structures in complex dispersions. In summary, this work underscores the pivotal role of SANS and USANS in characterizing biointerfaced colloids and in uncovering novel colloidal structures with significant potential for biomedical applications and clinical translation.
Typification of some Asian Metzgeria (Metzgeriaceae) taxa described by Kuwahara
Authors: Zheng Tian‐Xiong
Published: August 2024

Yukinobu Kuwahara has described several Metzgeria taxa from Asia. However, most of these taxa have remained a mystery because their type specimens cannot be located in the herbarium where they were supposedly deposited in. This makes it difficult to effectively review the taxonomy of these taxa and Kuwahara's conception of the genus. In the present study, the unavailability of these types in NICH was formally investigated and addressed. These taxa are typified on the basis of newly located types or ordinary specimens identified by Kuwahara himself.
Introduction
Authors: Kapur S. Paul , Rajagopalan Rajeswari Pillai , Wueger Diana
Published: August 2024

Editors S. Paul Kapur, Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, and Diana Wueger outline the volume, in which experts from the United States and India produced seven chapters on subjects central to nuclear safety and security: insider threats, organizational culture, emergency response and crisis communications, physical protection of nuclear facilities and materials, control of radioactive sources, and cybersecurity. The editors note common themes in the chapters, including the pitfalls of complex security systems; the advantages of eliminating rather than mitigating risk; the importance of political, social, and economic context to nuclear safety and security; the dangers of new technology; the difficulty of assessing safety and security; and the shortcomings of universal safety and security “best practices.” In addition, the editors highlight opportunities for further U.S.-India cooperation on issues such as cyber vulnerabilities, transportation security, organizational culture, evaluation of past safety and security failures, and secure supply chains.
Mitigating Insider Threats and Ensuring Personnel Reliability
Authors: Rajagopalan Rajeswari Pillai , Lynch Patrick , Burbach Todd
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the human side of physical security, identifying and evaluating common practices used to mitigate insider threats, including personnel reliability programs, access controls, and defensive forces. Indian author Rajeswari Rajagopalan argues that insiders pose some of the most serious threats to the critical infrastructure of the nuclear enterprise. She points out that complacency can allow insider threats to take root and identifies two areas of improvement for personnel reliability programs: more thorough vetting of temporary workers and persistent monitoring of employees’ online activities. U.S. authors Todd Burbach and Patrick Lynch agree that insiders can pose significant threats to nuclear safety and security. They highlight the role of trustworthiness programs, which rely heavily on workforce cooperation, in mitigating insider threats.
The Role of Organizational Culture in Nuclear Security
Authors: Joshi Narendra Kumar , Lussier Cristina F. , Kaldenbach Karen
Published: August 2024

In this chapter, the authors discuss the importance of a strong security culture within the nuclear enterprise. Indian author N.K. Joshi argues that culture is a combination of values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors shared among an organization’s members and supported by its leaders. A strong security culture is one that is able to develop and maintain a close partnership between nuclear scientists and engineers and security professionals. U.S. authors Cristina Fekkes Lussier and Karen Kaldenbach argue that organizational culture consists of attitudes, values, and behaviors critical to operational success. They offer a detailed discussion of the Y-12 security breach and the corrective actions taken in its aftermath to demonstrate the vital importance of culture within the nuclear enterprise.
Emergency Response and Crisis Communications
Authors: Sundar R. S. , Cooper Daniela Helfet , Hornish Michael , Laufer Alisa
Published: August 2024

This chapter addresses best practices in emergency response and crisis communication, with an emphasis on the need for procedures and policies, communications systems, networks of trained personnel, and emergency exercise execution and appraisal programs. Indian author R. S. Sundar considers the need for the operators of nuclear power plants to build trust and familiarity with local populations. He uses the challenges of public relations at the Kudankulam Power Plant (KPP) to illustrate his points. U.S. authors Daniela Cooper, Michael Hornish, and Alisa Laufer explain that the U.S. approach to nuclear emergencies stems from a common emergency response structure, the National Response Framework (NRF). They argue that a central challenge of emergency response is establishing who has the authority to request and approve appropriate assistance. They illustrate their points with discussions of the Three Mile Island and Fukushima Daiichi accidents.
Introduction
Authors: Krauß Florian
Published: August 2024

The introduction establishes the central research question: How have television professionals in Germany negotiated the so-called quality TV drama from 2015 to the present (2024)? The central hypothesis is that practitioners have adapted quality TV drama from the US into a national context and, through this concept, have dealt with recent broader transformations of television and the local television industry. The introduction places practitioners’ discourse on quality TV drama and its writing and storytelling in the context of recent television history in Germany. Subsequently, the introduction elucidates the book’s particular focus on screenwriting and situates it in the research fields of media industry studies and screenwriting research. In doing so, this chapter takes a closer look at television-specific media industry studies and discusses interfaces with cultural studies. Following its broad understanding of “culture”, the introduction elaborates on the concept of “production culture”, which is an important basis for the subsequent study of German television, as it looks at both economic and cultural aspects. The project’s specific geographical and temporal contexts are described in more detail and justified against the background of theories on transnational and “glocal” media. Finally, the introduction presents the book’s structure.
Drama Production in Networks: Starting Points, Methods and First Results
Authors: Krauß Florian
Published: August 2024

This chapter explains the two concepts of “project network” and “screen idea work group”, which form a central basis for the investigation of Germany’s television practitioners. The methodology employed builds on these two models, especially because the study includes interviews conducted with members of such screenwriting and production networks. In addition to the expert interview method, that of participant observation is presented in more detail. Subsequently, this chapter discusses the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained. Here, the project network and the screen idea work group (in addition to more fundamental considerations from media industry studies and production studies) once again represent an important basis of analysis. The final part of this chapter illustrates these models by discussing the role of commissioning editors. How are they involved in project-based screenwriting and production work? In what ways is their hybrid profession changing amid Germany’s diversified television landscape?
Contents and Forms of German TV Drama: Aesthetic and Narrative Styles and Criticisms
Authors: Krauß Florian
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores how the television professionals discussed the state of German television fiction, including its contents and forms. The chapter first describes how the TV creators, on the basis of their estimations of quality TV, critically dealt with current television fiction from Germany. The comparison with production from other countries also played a role. The chapter’s second part looks more closely at the practitioners’ criticism of contemporary quality drama projects from Germany. Finally, the third part shows how the producers dealt with German television history in this engagement with quality TV fiction. Their statements not only revealed the impression of a “golden age” in the recent past, with very different and increased distribution and licencing opportunities; they also reflected on the numerous reasons why quality drama faced difficult conditions in gaining ground in German television. Here, the chapter indicates how production cultures historically evolved within institutions.
Quality TV and Its Production Cultures: Negotiations on Writing and Producing
Authors: Krauß Florian
Published: August 2024

This chapter is fundamentally concerned with production cultures as a central object of the industry discourse on quality drama, and it focuses in particular on screenwriting. The practitioners considered this early phase to be a cornerstone of quality and discussed deficits in this regard. First, chapter 8 discusses the economic framework conditions of screenwriting. Subsequently, it elaborates on how producers negotiated the writers’ room and describes writers’ room practices in the German industry, including obstacles posed by its production cultures. The third part of the chapter focuses on practical and discursive approaches to the “showrunner”, the leader in the series production process who is responsible for both business and creativity and usually coordinates the writers’ room. The showrunner is a particular example of changes in series production in Germany and in discussions about hierarchies in script development. The fourth part looks more closely at the industry discourse regarding the agency of screenwriters. In addition to illuminating their traditional marginalisation, this final part investigates the often complicated relationship between director and writer.
Discrete Element Simulation Study of Multi-Layered Reinforced Geotextile Treatment of Karst Collapse
Authors: Wu Di , Wu Jian , Deng Lingyan , Wu Jianjian
Published: August 2024

The use of multi-layered reinforced geotextile to treat karst collapse can reduce the buried range of geotextiles, so as to achieve the purpose of saving project costs. In order to investigate the impact of varying layers of geotextile on the mitigation of collapses in karst regions, this study establishes a Discrete Element Particle Flow Code 2D (PFC2D) model for geotextile treatment with different layer configurations. The analysis in this research encompasses several critical aspects, including the top vertical settlement of soil, variations in tensile forces experienced by the first layer (bottom layer) of geotextile with changes in the position of the settlement plate, and the distribution of tensile forces across different horizontal positions within each layer of geotextile. The findings indicate the following trends: as the number of reinforced geotextile layers increases, there is an overall reduction in the vertical settlement of the soil. When employing multiple layers of geotextile, the first layer (bottom layer) experiences the highest tensile forces. Furthermore, as the number of reinforced geotextile layers increases, there is a general decrease in the tensile forces acting on the first layer (bottom layer).
Influence of Seepage Pressure Loading History on the Progressive Fracture Process of Concrete
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng
Published: August 2024

The historical data of seepage pressure and flow rate can be used to speculate to some extent the development process of concrete micro crack structures. Based on the dynamic propagation of cracks in concrete measured in triaxial seepage tests, an equation reflecting the relationship between the dynamic size of cracks and the seepage rate was established, and a practical method for predicting the propagation process of micro cracks in concrete was obtained by measuring the seepage water flow rate through experiments.
Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Piling on the Surrounding Soil
Authors: Ci Dongyue , Gu Chuanyao
Published: August 2024

In pile driving construction, the soil around the pile will produce vibration and compaction effects to destroy the safety and stability of the surrounding pipelines and buildings. To study the deformation of surrounding soil during piling, this paper adopts ABAQUS finite element analysis software to drive piles at the penetration rates of 7.5, 5, 2, 1 and 0.2 cm/s, respectively, to study the variation law of soil stress and displacement. The results show that the stress distribution below the pile tip is hemispherical, with a range of 6 times the pile diameter, and there is stress concentration at the pile tip. The soil deformation first produces downward compression deformation, then oblique extrusion, and finally vertical unloading under the action of pile side friction resistance. With the increase of the distance from the pile axis, the vertical displacement of the ground surface on the pile side gradually decreases and tends to be gentle at twice the pile diameter. With the increase in penetration rate, the vertical stress at the pile tip increases to a certain extent, but the change is not obvious. The conclusion above can provide some reference value for practical piling construction.
Study on the Influence of Burner Size on the Maximum Temperature Rise of Smoke Flow Induced by Double Tunnel Fires
Authors: Shu Youming , Meng Na , Zhang Shenghao
Published: August 2024

Based on FDS, numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the maximum temperature rise of smoke flow induced by double fires in a tunnel with natural ventilation. A full-scale model tunnel was established. The influence of 4 different sizes of double fire sources on the maximum temperature rise under the ceiling is studied when the distance between fire sources is 0 ~ 2 m. Results found that the maximum temperature rise decreases with the increase in burner separation distance and also decreases with the increasing burner size. Based on the model for the highest temperature for the ceiling-jet of one fire source, a new expression considering the burner size and the burner distance was put forward to predict the maximum temperature rise for double fire sources in tunnel fire, which can well correlate the numerical results.
Monitoring and Prediction of Settlement in Large Diameter Slurry Shield Tunnels in Water-Rich Sand Layers
Authors: Zhang Hongxing
Published: August 2024

A major goal of the research is to find solutions to the problems caused by the unique geological features of the Large Diameter slurry shield as it tunnels through a water-rich sand stratum with sandy gravel layers. In order to improve the building process under comparable engineering conditions, the research intends to develop and test novel mud improvers as well as soil improvement methods. The investigation entails performing laboratory tests utilizing various compounds, such as xanthan gum, guar gum, and clay medium particulates, in conjunction with bentonite as the base mud. The researchers determined the optimal slurry preparation scheme by conducting tests which consists of 1% clay particles, 4% bentonite, 0.2% xanthan gum, and 0.04% soda ash. This combination is found to yield the best performance in enhancing the properties of the slurry used in tunneling, and the study concludes that xanthan gum is the most effective additive for improving slurry performance. The research provides guidance on the ideal ratio of new mud to be added to various soil types.
A New Bayesian Method for Dynamic System Identification Using FFT Data
Authors: Yang Jiahua , Meng En-Jie
Published: August 2024

Dynamic system identification is an important field of research focused on identifying accurate system models of structures for predicting dynamic behaviors. This field finds widespread application in downstream research such as response prediction, structural failure and reliability analysis, and related areas of structural health monitoring. Conventional methods update structural finite element models (FEMs) using experimental modal parameters, because excitations are difficult to measure for full-scale structures and measured responses cannot be used as data in model updating. One challenge of conventional methods is thus that additional time is required for modal analysis, and by packing response data into modal parameters, original information in response data may be lost and cannot be used for model updating. Concerning this issue, this paper develops a dynamical system identification method to directly update an FEM using experimental fast Fourier transform (FFT) data following a Bayesian approach. The modeling of FFTs combing FEM and an efficient algorithm for processing the large amount of FFTs are not available for conventional methods. In this paper, the posterior probability density function (PDF) of the model parameters is derived assuming that FFTs at different frequency. instances follow independent and identically distributed complex Gaussian distributions under the long-data condition. One contribution of this work is that the sub-structure FEM analysis is integrated into the formulation of the posterior PDF to make the direct use of FFT data possible, and increase computational efficiency. The most probable values (MPVs) of the model parameters are obtained by maximizing the posterior PDF. By making use of the special mathematical structure of the posterior PDF, a novel algorithm that iterates among the model parameters is developed to efficiently search parameter space for the maximization. A numerical case has demonstrated that the proposed method can accurately identify the FEM of the target structure together with the unmeasured excitation parameters and damping ratios.
Cost containment analysis of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) injection in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Solís Odette , Addae Jamin , Sweeting Raeshell , Meszoely Ingrid , Grau Ana , Kauffmann Rondi , Kelley Mark , McCaffrey Rachel , Hewitt Kelly
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Recent studies have established the safety and efficacy of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (SPIO, Magtrace®) for delayed sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who are undergoing mastectomy. The aim of our study was to measure cost containment with use of Magtrace® in comparison to upfront SLNB with traditional technetium-99 lymphatic tracer.

Methods

A total of 41 patients at our institution underwent mastectomy with Magtrace® injection for DCIS and were included in our single-institution, retrospective analysis. For comparison, total charges data were obtained for an upfront SLNB at the time of mastectomy. Cost comparison analysis was then performed against charges for intraoperative Magtrace® injection with additional charges incorporated for those patients who required return to the operating room for delayed SLNB. Total cost containment for the cohort with use of Magtrace® was then measured.

Results

Of the 41 patients who underwent Magtrace® injection, two patients required return to the operating room for a delayed SLNB for invasive disease. Including these charges for a second encounter into our cost analysis, the use of Magtrace® still yielded an overall cost containment of $205,793.55 in our cohort when comparing to patients who underwent upfront SLNB. For patients who underwent Magtrace® injection and did not require return to the operating room, charges were reduced by $6,768.52 per patient.

Conclusion

The use of Magtrace® for delayed SLNB in patients with DCIS undergoing mastectomy yielded a significant overall cost containment, further supporting its use in this patient population.
Nature inspired optimization algorithms for medical image segmentation: a comprehensive review
Authors: Houssein Essam H. , Mohamed Gaber M. , Djenouri Youcef , Wazery Yaser M. , Ibrahim Ibrahim A.
Published: August 2024

Image segmentation is the process of splitting a digital image into distinct segments or categories based on shared characteristics like texture, color, and intensity. Its primary aim is to simplify the image for easier analysis while preserving its important features. Each pixel in the image is assigned a label, grouped together by pixels with similar traits together. Segmentation helps to delineate boundaries and identify objects such as curves or lines within the image. The process generates a series of segmented images that cover the entire original image. This article reviews emerging applications of image segmentation in medical diagnostics, specifically employing nature-inspired optimization algorithms (NIOAs). It begins by outlining different segmentation methods and NIOAs types, then by examining relevant databases and medical imaging technologies. The study draws on a diverse range of research sources. Finally, this paper briefly discusses the challenges and future trends of medical image segmentation using NIOAs to detect different diseases.
Debunking Deterministic Narratives of Technological Development Through Experimentation: A Critical Review of the Prehistory of Tin Bronze Alloying
Authors: Montes-Landa Julia , Timberlake Simon , Martinón-Torres Marcos
Published: August 2024

The currently accepted narrative on the prehistory of bronze alloying technology follows deterministic, outdated assumptions of technological progression that ignore the role of contextual and performance factors in the decision-making processes, thus neglecting human agency. In essence, it is expected that newer techniques were overarchingly more advanced than older ones and hence replaced them. The validity of this narrative should be challenged and revised. A critical analysis of worldwide literature exposed that, contrary to predictions of the accepted theory, (1) the oldest alloying techniques persisted for centuries after newer ones were invented, and (2) several techniques usually coexisted in the same contexts. We hypothesised that these counterintuitive findings could be explained by differences in performance between techniques, (dis)advantageous at different settings. To obtain empirical information on the performance of techniques and test for behaviourally relevant performance differences between them, a series of alloying experiments were conducted. The results show that all techniques can produce objects of broadly equivalent quality while offering different trade-offs during production. Therefore, every technique—or a combination—can be advantageous under certain conditions, and there are no grounds to support a linear trajectory of substitution. These results debunk the traditional narrative and predict that co-smelting and cementation techniques were more frequently practiced in the past than hitherto assumed. Our propositions prompt a readjustment of explanatory models of bronze production organisation, trade, and consumption while opening unexplored research paths for archaeology and the history of technology.
Next-generation Vision Inspection Systems: a pipeline from 3D model to ReCo file
Authors: Lupi Francesco , Freitas Nelson , Arvana Miguel , Rocha Andre Dionisio , Maffei Antonio , Barata José , Lanzetta Michele
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes and implements a novel pipeline for the self-reconfiguration of a flexible, reconfigurable, CAD-based, and autonomous Vision Inspection System (VIS), expanding upon the modular framework theoretically outlined in (Lupi, F., Maffei, A., & Lanzetta, M. (2024). CAD-based Autonomous Vision Inspection Systems. Procedia Computer Science, 232, 2127–2136. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PROCS.2024.02.033.). The pipeline automates the extraction and processing of inspection features manually incorporated by the designer into the Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3D model during the design stage, in accordance with Model Based Design (MBD) principles, which, in turn, facilitate virtuous approaches such as concurrent engineering and design for (Dfx), ultimately minimizing the time to market. The enriched CAD, containing inspection annotations (textual or dimensional) attached to geometrical entities, serving as the pipeline’s input, can be exported in a neutral file format, adhering to the Standard for Product Data Exchange (STEP) Application Protocol (AP)242, regardless of the modeling software used. The pipeline’s output is a Reconfiguration (ReCo) file, enabling the flexible hardware (e.g., robotic inspection cell) and software components of the VIS to be reconfigured via software (programmable). The main achievements of this work include: (i) demonstrating the feasibility of an end-to-end (i.e., CAD-to-ReCo file) pipeline that integrates the proposed software modules via Application Programming Interfaces (API)s, and (ii) formally defining the ReCo file. Experimental results from a demonstrative implementation enhance the clarity of the paper. The accuracy in defect detection achieved a 96% true positive rate and a 6% false positive rate, resulting in an overall accuracy of 94% and a precision of 88% across 72 quality inspection checks for six different inspection features of two product variants, each tested on six samples.
Detection of spatiotemporal changepoints: a generalised additive model approach
Authors: Hollaway Michael J. , Killick Rebecca
Published: August 2024

The detection of changepoints in spatio-temporal datasets has been receiving increased focus in recent years and is utilised in a wide range of fields. With temporal data observed at different spatial locations, the current approach is typically to use univariate changepoint methods in a marginal sense with the detected changepoint being representative of a single location only. We present a spatio-temporal changepoint method that utilises a generalised additive model (GAM) dependent on the 2D spatial location and the observation time to account for the underlying spatio-temporal process. We use the full likelihood of the GAM in conjunction with the pruned linear exact time (PELT) changepoint search algorithm to detect multiple changepoints across spatial locations in a computationally efficient manner. When compared to a univariate marginal approach our method is shown to perform more efficiently in simulation studies at detecting true changepoints and demonstrates less evidence of overfitting. Furthermore, as the approach explicitly models spatio-temporal dependencies between spatial locations, any changepoints detected are common across the locations. We demonstrate an application of the method to an air quality dataset covering the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom.
LINC01370 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and metastasis by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Xiao Fei , Zhang Zhuoyun , Li Luqian , He Xiaojie , Chen Yufeng
Published: August 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a serious threat to human health worldwide. lncRNA dysregulation is frequently observed in various cancers, including HCC. However, the function of LINC01370 in HCC progression and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

LINC01370 expression in HCC tissues with cells was analyzed by applying the GEO and GEPIA databases and qRT-PCR. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to assess HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The PI3K, AKT, with p-AKT protein expression were analyzed by western blotting.

Results

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) showed that LINC01370 expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues than in normal tissues. LINC01370 overexpression markedly repressed HepG2 SMMC-7721 cells proliferation, migration, and invasion. To understand the downstream mechanism of LINC01370 regulation, we further analyzed the genes co-expressed with LINC01370 in GSE136247 and GSE132037 and then performed KEGG analysis. The PA pathway was found to be a downstream pathway regulated by LINC01370 in GSE136247 and GSE132037 via gene co-expression and KEGG analysis. Furthermore, PI3K and p-AKT protein levels decreased after LINC01370 overexpression. Importantly, rescue experiments showed that activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway disrupted the repressive effect of LINC01370 overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 of SMMC-7721 cells.

Conclusions

This study verified that LINC01370 suppresses HCC proliferation with metastasis by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
On the Revival of Neurocognitive Modeling: Testing Old Ideas with New Techniques
Authors: Roelofs Ardi
Published: August 2024

This article describes how synergy between cognitive psychology, computer science, and artificial intelligence led to a revival of 19th-century neurocognitive modeling in the form of 20th-century neurocognitive computational modeling. Scientific evidence about the mind and its relationship to the brain began to accumulate about two centuries ago. Neurocognitive modeling based on this evidence rose to prominence in the last quarter of the 19th century, with prominent examples being the models of Wernicke and Wundt, presented as diagrams. This work lost its influence after the First World War, but came back to life after the Second. In the 1950s, researchers began developing cognitive models, which became neurocognitive in the 1960s. Moreover, with the rise of computer science and artificial intelligence, modeling became computational. Today’s neurocognitive models, realized as diagrams or computer programs, revive the early modeling of Wernicke and Wundt in several respects. While predictions were derived and tested qualitatively from the early models, today they can be derived mathematically in computer simulations and statistically evaluated for quantitative agreement with data sets. I describe how recently 20th-century techniques have been used to test 19th-century ideas about attentional control (Wundt), choice in go/no-go tasks (Donders vs. Wundt), the role of the arcuate fasciculus in speech repetition (Wernicke), and focal behavioral symptoms in neurodegeneration (Wernicke vs. Pick).
SLAPE solar panels: a possible solution for the future energy problems of our society
Authors: Ganesh Ibram
Published: August 2024

Today, the silicon photovoltaic cell (SPVC) solar panels are being deployed across the globe by all most all the governments to generate renewable carbon neutral electricity to use in place of the one generated at thermal power plants by burning fossil fuels. These SPVC solar panels generate electricity with less than 20% efficiency, and heat energy with more than 30% efficiency. This 10% excess heat energy released into the atmosphere can cause a very severe damage to the environment and ecology as it is million times higher than the one caused by the equivalent CO2 gas in the atmosphere with a concentration of about 421 ppm. To avoid the harmful and danger effects of heat energy released by these SPVC solar panels into the atmosphere, either they have to be stopped using or the heat generated by them has to be trapped to use for the beneficial purposes of the society or any other alternate safe solar panels have to be developed. In this study, for the first time, the SLAPE (Semiconductor and Liquid Assisted Photothermal Effect) solar panels are introduced to generate electricity from sunlight. In these new solar panels, a semiconducting material along with a stable organic solvent is employed to capture the sunlight reaching the earth surface and to convert it into the heat energy. This in situ generated heat energy is then converted into a rotational mechanical energy with the help of an heat engine, and then into electricity with the help of suitable electric generator. To establish the Proof of Concept (poc), in this study, SPV cells as semiconducting material and γ-butyrolactone were employed to fabricate a one square meter area SLAPE solar panel and generated about 17 V AC electricity with the help of a custom manufactured reciprocally moved steam engine (RMSE) and an electric generator. Thus obtained results are presented and discussed along this article.
Assessment of natural resources for energy transition in Rivers state, Nigeria
Authors: Ideki Oye , Barikor Bernard , Ajoku Osinachi
Published: August 2024

The increasing problems associated with global climate change due to the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere call for serious concerns. This scenario has necessitated the need for a shift from the use of fossil fuels to renewable energy to curtail the impact of climate change on the environment. The study was conducted to assess the potential and variability of climatic and other natural resources for renewable energy and evaluation of public perception of the energy transition process in Rivers State Nigeria. The climate data was obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) from 2000 and 2023 and analyzed using the Linear Regression Model while data on public perception was generated from structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The outcome of the Regression and ANOVA analysis were generally significant for both the natural resources and residents of the study area. Also, 65.7% of the respondents affirmed that the available natural resources are viable and suitable for energy transition. The significant and positive relationship of the different climatic elements in the study signposts huge potential for the renewable energy transition in the study area. The perception of residents was positive and showed excellent knowledge of the abundance of natural resources for the energy transition. It is therefore recommended that the Rivers State government should partner with the private sector to increase investment in energy infrastructure for improved environmental sustainability.
Unlocking the potential of lupin as a sustainable aquafeed ingredient: a comprehensive review
Authors: Malarvizhi Kavitha , Kalaiselvan Pandi , Ranjan Amit
Published: August 2024

The aquaculture sector is facing the challenge of developing sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional fish feed components. Lupin, a versatile utilitarian legume, has garnered increasing interest due to its nutritional value, desirable effects on the environment, and economic feasibility. Lupin for its high protein content, balanced amino acid profile, ease of processing, its implications in livestock development and health, and potential means of reducing the industry ecological footprint has made it a potentially advantageous aquafeed ingredient. This review explores the promising nature of lupin in aquaculture, focusing on its nutritional value, digestibility, and impact on fish health and growth. The review also discusses at recent discoveries, challenges, and potential breakthroughs to provide insight into how lupin might advance the development of sustainable aquaculture techniques.