bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copy number variation heterogeneity reveals biological inconsistency in hierarchical cancer classifications
Authors: Yang Ziying , Baudis Michael , Carrio-Cordo Paula
Published: September 2024

Cancers are heterogeneous diseases with unifying features of abnormal and consuming cell growth, where the deregulation of normal cellular functions is initiated by the accumulation of genomic mutations in cells of - potentially - any organ. At diagnosis malignancies typically present with patterns of somatic genome variants on diverse levels of heterogeneity. Among the different types of genomic alterations, copy number variants (CNV) represent a distinct, near-ubiquitous class of structural variants.
Cancer classifications are foundational for patient care and oncology research. Terminologies such as the National Cancer Institute Thesaurus (NCIt) provide large sets of hierarchical cancer classification vocabularies and promote data interoperability and ontology-driven computational analysis. To find out how categorical classifications correspond to genomic observations, we conducted a meta-analysis of inter-sample genomic heterogeneity for classification hierarchies on CNV profiles from 97,142 individual samples across 512 cancer entities, and evaluated recurring CNV signatures across diagnostic subsets. Our results highlight specific biological mechanisms across cancer entities with the potential for improvement of patient stratification and future enhancement of cancer classification systems and provide some indications for cooperative genomic events across distinct clinical entities.
Numerical Approximation of the 3rd Order Pseudo-Parabolic Equation Using Collocation Technique
Authors: Dhiman Neeraj , Tamsir Mohammad , Aldwoah Khaled A. , Almalahi Mohammed A. , Adel Waleed
Published: September 2024

This study aims to numerically approximate the solution of third-order pseudo-parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs), which exhibit both parabolic and hyperbolic characteristics. To achieve this, the cubic trigonometric tension B-spline collocation technique is employed for spatial discretization, while the finite difference method (FDM) is used for time discretization. The precision and consistency of the proposed numerical method are analyzed through the approximation of two illustrative examples, demonstrating its accuracy and reliability. A stability analysis, conducted using the von Neumann method, confirms that the method is unconditionally stable. The results show that the method effectively manages large-scale problems, with the numerical solution remaining bounded over time for the considered equations.
Development of efficient compositions of hydrophobic materials resistant to chemical and biological environments
Authors: Bazhenova S. I. , Al-Dulaimi Salman , Stepina I. V. , Erofeeva I. V. , Afonin Victor
Published: September 2024

Implementing waterproofing measures is highly imperative in building structures that come into touch with the ground and are subject to severe or corrosive conditions. Applying surface waterproofing to the base material, predominantly composed of dense concrete, is a highly effective approach for protecting underground structures from moisture and damage resulting from groundwater containing contaminating contaminants. The integrity of each component of the insulation system and its interaction with the base material are essential factors in ensuring its long-lasting performance. This study aims to improve the compositions of concrete or brick structures that come into touch with the ground by employing a hydraulically modified binder and finely ground construction waste fillers. This optimization is intended to boost waterproofing and repair capabilities. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the characteristics and develop a systematic approach for determining the suitable composition for a waterproofing system of this nature. The study focuses on a methodology for evaluating the adhesive strength of a waterproofing coating by measuring the physical force necessary to remove the insulating layer. This paper elucidates the theoretical prerequisites that enhance the adhesive adhesion between the base and the waterproof sealing layer. A conceptual framework has been developed to explain the correlation between the adhesive strength of the waterproofing material, the modified binder's composition, and the base surface's moisture content. The efficacy of this model has been validated by empirical testing. A comprehensive assessment has been undertaken to examine the impact of base surface roughness and crack presence on the efficacy of the waterproofing coating. The values of the factors delineating the optimal strength characteristics have been definitively established. This study investigates the roles of the optimized parameters through the application of global optimization techniques. This study employed statistical and analytical approaches to analyze the experimental data. Based on the results obtained from both computational analysis and experimental validation, the composition of the waterproofing material has been determined to possess an adhesive strength of 3.8 MPa and a waterproofing layer strength ranging from 36 to 37 MPa. The primary constituents needed for this product consist of 3.9% acrylic resin, 80 kg/m3 of finely crushed concrete debris, and a plasticizer ranging from 0.38 to 0.39%. It is recommended that these components be put onto a base surface that possesses an ideal moisture content ranging from 9.7–9.8%.
Enhancing Temperature Control of Electric Furnaces Using a Modified Pid Controller Design Strategy
Authors: Idir A. , Zemmit A. , Akroum H. , Nesri M. , Guedida S. , Canale L.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the design and implementation of a modified Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control strategy, named the Fractionalized PID (FrOPID), to enhance the transient and frequency responses, as well as the robustness of temperature control in electric furnaces. The FrOPID controller introduced in this study is being used for the first time to control electric furnace temperature. The FrOPID controller is an extension of the traditional PID controller, requiring the adjustment of four parameters compared to the three parameters of the traditional PID controller. The effectiveness of the proposed FrOPID approach was validated through extensive analysis of transient and frequency responses, as well as robustness analysis. The performance of the proposed HHO/FrOPID controller was then benchmarked against several other controllers, including the PID controller optimized by the original Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm, and those tuned using advanced meta-heuristic algorithms such as the Harris Hawks Optimization-based PID (HHO/PID), Modified Electric Eel Foraging Optimization-based PID (MEEFO/PID), Electric Eel Foraging Optimization-based PID (EEFO/PID), and Whale Optimization Algorithm-based PID (WOA/PID). Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed HHO/FrOPID controller outperforms other existing controllers, offering superior and more robust performance in terms of percentage overshoot, settling time, rise time, and peak time.
AMP: Multi-task Transfer Learning via Leveraging Attention Mechanism on Task Embeddings
Authors: Yu Yangyang , Wang Keru
Published: September 2024

The attention mechanism has been successfully used in a sequence consisted of a series of word embeddings to improve the representation of the sequence. Inspired by this, we leverage the attention mechanism on a set of tasks to implement a multi-task transfer learning method called AMP. First, we encode a task into a prompt as task representation called task embedding. Second, we learn an attention component on all task embeddings to generate a combined prompt for each taskwhich is an attention-weighted sum of task embeddings. Each combined prompt incorporates the knowledge of all other tasks. The word embedding is a vector, but the task embedding is a 2D matrix. The attention mechanism can be exploited on a set of vectors rather than on a set of matrices. The prior methods employ pooling or flattened method to transform the matrix to the vector for computing the attentions between matrices. We propose a method called DAM which can compute attentions between matrices directly without transforming. DAM method can more exactly compute the attentions between matrices. Wide experiments demonstrate that AMP outperforms prompt-tuning method and prior prompt transfer methods.
Hadoop-Oriented SVM-LRU (H-SVM-LRU): An Intelligent Cache Replacement Algorithm to Improve MapReduce Performance
Authors: Ghazali Rana , Adabi Sahar , Rezaee Ali , Down Douglas G. , Movaghar Ali
Published: September 2024

Modern applications can generate a large amount of data from different sources with high velocity, a combination that is difficult to store and process via traditional tools. Hadoop is one framework that is used for the parallel processing of a large amount of data in a distributed environment, however, various challenges can lead to poor performance. Two particular issues that can limit performance are the high access time for I/O operations and the recomputation of intermediate data. The combination of these two issues can result in resource wastage. In recent years, there have been attempts to overcome these problems by using caching mechanisms. Due to cache space limitations, it is crucial to use this space efficiently and avoid cache pollution (the cache contains data that is not used in the future). We propose Hadoop-oriented SVM-LRU (H-SVM-LRU) to improve Hadoop performance. For this purpose, we use an intelligent cache replacement algorithm, SVM-LRU, that combines the well-known LRU mechanism with a machine learning algorithm, SVM, to classify cached data into two groups based on their future usage. Experimental results show a significant decrease in execution time as a result of an increased cache hit ratio, leading to a positive impact on Hadoop performance.
Monitoring and Simulation of Bridge Pier Scour and Deposition Processes in Flood Events
Authors: Lee Fong-Zuo , Lai Jihn-Sung , Lin Yung-Bin , Chang Kuo-Chun
Published: September 2024

Bridge failure caused by flood-induced scour around piers remains the primary threat to traffic disruption and life losses. Real-time monitoring of scour variations is crucial to avoid bridge failure. The scour monitoring system is developed and implemented in the field, consisting of vibration-based micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) arrayed sensors with the water level and flow velocity measuring instruments. The scour monitoring system records scour and deposition depth varying with time at the bridge piers during flood events. A numerical simulation module combining one-dimensional and two-dimensional mobile-bed hydrodynamic models is established to calculate scour and deposition depths based on field hydrological conditions. The field-measured data obtained from the real-time scour monitoring system are employed for model validation. According to the complexity of hydraulic sediment transport mechanisms around the pier, several local scour formulas are evaluated to verify their applicability. Using field-measured scour data, a suitable local scour formula for the Mingchu Bridge in the Cho-Shui River is developed. The real-time scour monitoring system coping with the numerical simulation module developed in this study can provide accurate information on scour and deposition processes at the bridge pier, which is helpful for decision-makers to assess the risk of bridge damage and the timing of bridge closure. Finally, the proposed bridge safety curve, as a determinate relationship between scoured bed level and discharge, has been established to assist bridge managers in making rational decisions on bridge closures during typhoon seasons.
Fungus Fighters: Wood Ants (Formica polyctena) and Their Associated Microbes Inhibit Plant-Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Jensen Ida Cecilie , Schramm Andreas , Offenberg Joachim
Published: September 2024

Plant diseases cost the global economy billions of US dollars every year. The problem has mainly been addressed by using chemical pesticides, but recently, the use of ants has shown promising effects against plant pathogens. However, the mechanisms accounting for these effects have not yet been determined. One possible explanation is antimicrobial microorganisms associated with ants. Through controlled laboratory experiments, we investigated the inhibitory effects of wood ants (Formica polyctena) and their associated microorganisms against economically important plant pathogenic fungi. Both live ants, extracts from crushed ants, and extracts from washed ants significantly inhibited apple brown rot (Monilinia fructigena) while yielding growth of other microbes. Furthermore, all investigated wood ants transferred microorganisms to their surroundings within 10 seconds when walking across a surface. We isolated the most dominant microorganisms deposited by walking ants and from washed ant extracts (i.e., strains likely found on the surface of ants), resulting in four bacterial cultures and one yeast. Two of these isolates, strain I3 (most closely related to Pseudomonas sichuanensis and P. entomophila) and strain I1b (most closely related to Bacillus mycoides), showed inhibitory effects against apple brown rot and apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), while strain I3 also inhibited grey mold (Botrytis cinerea) and Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum). These results suggest that wood ants have potential as biological control agents against commercially relevant plant pathogens, and that their inhibitory effect might be at least partially caused by antibiotic compounds produced by their associated microorganisms.
Oxidation-Dependent Effects of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin on Wound Healing and Inflammation: Implications for Tissue Repair
Authors: Farber Idan , Sheffer Lihie , Anav Yuval , Halpern Dor , Pinto Noam , Cohen Samuel , Darawsha Aya , Ogen-Shtern Navit , El-Saied Sabri , Lewis Eli C , Silberstein Eldad
Published: September 2024

Background. Wound healing requires a delicate balance between cellular and molecular factors, all affected by reactive oxygen species (ROS). While ROS decontaminate, they also might lead to impaired wound healing, as evident in radiation-exposed skin and in venous insufficiency. Human alpha-1 antitrypsin (hAAT) is a circulating antiprotease that is anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective. Accordingly, tissue repair is enhanced in hAAT-rich conditions. hAAT is oxidized in oxidative conditions, and its antiprotease function is lost; whether its anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective properties remain unknown.
Methods. Excisional skin wound closure rates were first examined on irradiated skin and then tested using an iron-loading venous insufficiency model. The former was tested on hAAT transgenic mice, the latter on wild-type mice using topical clinical-grade hAAT. In-vitro, hAAT was oxidized using H2O2 (0.5, 5 and 25 mM), then tested for elastase inhibition and added to an in-vitro A549 epithelial cell gap closure assay and a RAW 264.7 macrophage response assay. ROS levels, inflammatory responses and NRF2/ARE activation were determined.
Results. Wound closure was impaired in wild-type mice by both radiation and iron. In contrast, hAAT-transgenic mice exhibited accelerated wound closure in both normal and irradiated skin, and topical hAAT improved wound healing in the venous insufficiency model. hAATOX lacked elastase inhibition across the three oxidation levels, yet highly oxidized hAAT (hAATOX 25mM) impaired epithelial gap closure and weakly oxidized hAAT (hAATOX 0.5mM) enhanced gap closure. All forms of hAATOX elevated ROS in macrophages, as well as the expression of iNOS and catalase, IL-1β, TNFα and CXCL-1. Unexpectedly, the NRF2/ARE pathway was activated by hAATOX 25mM and suppressed by hAATOX 0.5mM, and hAATOX 0.5 mM induced IL-1 receptor antagonist expression.
Conclusions. Oxidation levels of hAAT modify its effects on inflammation and tissue repair. While protease inhibition is lost, anti-inflammatory and repair attributes are maintained under low oxidative conditions, suggesting a molecular profile that is physiologically attuned to local signals. Considering its safety record, the study proposes that hAAT therapy is poised for trials in the context of defective tissue repair under oxidative conditions.
Effects of selenium application on reducing cadmium uptake and ameliorates cadmium stress on oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in cadmium-contaminated soil
Authors: He Cixing , Zhao Yuanyuan , Li Tingqiang , Hu Chengxiao , Wang Zhen , Lü Jiliang , Ge Liqiang , Xu Chao , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: September 2024

Cadmium is considered a highly toxic metallic element that does not have any beneficial biological functions for humans or plants. It has been reported that the antagonism of selenium to heavy metal stress has been observed in a variety of plants, and appropriate selenium could alleviate heavy metal-induced oxidative damage and reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in plants. The changes of physiological characteristics, root tip cells, cadmium concentration and accumulation of rape under cadmium stress were investigated in this study through pot experiment. Results showed that selenium could alleviate the inhibitory effect of cadmium on the growth of rape seedlings. The concentration and accumulation of cadmium were decreased after the selenium application in rape seeds, ranging from 19.93 to 22.97% and 27.96 to 43.88% respectively. And the decrease of photosynthetic pigment content induced by cadmium was significantly improved. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that exogenous selenium and cadmium had metal complexation reaction and formed black precipitation, which may be related to the detoxification effect of selenium on cadmium. More critically, with the addition of selenium, the plasma membrane damage and free radical accumulation in root tips induced by cadmium stress were gradually alleviated in the histochemical staining experiment of rape root tips. These results may provide evidence for exploring effective measures to reduce cadmium accumulation in rape under cadmium-contaminated areas.
Active Biomonitoring of Stream Ecosystems: Untargeted Metabolomic and Proteomic Responses and Free Radical Scavenging Activities in Mussels
Authors: Rivaldi Muhammad , Frediansyah Andri , Aziz Solihatun Amidan Amatul , Nugroho Andhika Puspito
Published: September 2024

Many contaminants from scattered sources constantly endanger streams that flow through heavily inhabited areas, commercial districts, and industrial hubs. The responses of transplanted mussels in streams in active biomonitoring programs will represent the dynamic of environmental stream conditions. This study evaluated the untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses and free radical scavenging activities of transplanted mussels Sinanodonta woodiana in the Winongo Stream at three stations (S1, S2, S3) representing different pollution levels: low (S1), moderate (S3), and high (S2). The investigation examined untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses in the gills and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) activities in the gills, mantle, and digestive glands. Metabolomic analysis revealed a clear separation between mussel responses from the three stations after 28 days of exposure, with specific metabolites responding to different pollution levels. Proteomic analysis identified β-Actin protein in all stations. β-Actin protein sequence on unexposed mussels has coverage of 17%, increased to 23% at S1 Day 28 and 34% at S2 and S3 Day 28. All tissues showed increased DPPH and ABTS activities from day 3 to day 28, mainly in stations S2 and S3. These findings underscore the impact of pollution levels on the metabolomic and proteomic responses of S. woodiana and the importance of these discoveries as early indicators of long-term aquatic environmental problems. In the face of current environmental challenges, this research raises concerns about the health of water bodies. It underscores the importance of developing robust, standardized, and dependable analytical techniques for monitoring the health of aquatic environments.
Anaplerotic processes are key contributors to dark carbon fixation in the ocean
Authors: Amano Chie , Willhelm Ulrike , Koch Theres , Reinthaler Thomas , Hansman Roberta , Sintes Eva , Herndl Gerhard , González José , Baltar Federico
Published: September 2024

Anaplerotic carbon fixation is ubiquitous in heterotrophic organisms including those inhabiting the ocean1. Despite its prevalence, the drivers of this process and its significance in ocean carbon cycling remain poorly understood2,3. Here we combined global ocean metatranscriptomic analysis, laboratory experiments on a bacterial model strain, and microautoradiography combined with catalyzed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (MICRO-CARD-FISH) on marine microbial communities, to uncover the global prevalence of anaplerotic processes in oceanic dark dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) fixation. Metatranscriptomic analysis revealed high expression levels of key anaplerotic genes, especially in mesopelagic waters, comparable to those of photo- and chemolithoautotrophic DIC fixation genes. Alteromonas emerged as the main contributor to anaplerotic DIC fixation gene expression, highlighting its role in DIC assimilation in the global ocean. Laboratory incubations with a marine Alteromonas representative confirmed their capability to fix DIC, which varied with organic matter availability and temperature. MICRO-CARD-FISH on oceanic samples revealed that Alteromonas contributed 0–40% (14 ± 16%, mean ± s.d.) to the dark DIC fixation in the pelagic ocean. Considering that Alteromonas is an obligate heterotroph lacking chemoautotrophic DIC fixation genes, its contribution to DIC fixation should be attributed to anaplerotic processes. Based on these results, we estimated a contribution of anaplerotic processes to dark DIC fixation of 0–0.5 C Pg y-1 in the global dark ocean. Yet, since Alteromonas is not the only taxon performing anaplerotic DIC fixation, our results represent a baseline conservative estimate. Collectively, our findings place anaplerotic DIC fixation as a relevant processes in the oceanic carbon cycling.
Widespread and rapid dynamics of subglacial water in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Zheng Whyjay , Wychen Wesley Van , Li Tian
Published: September 2024

Active subglacial water influences ice flow dynamics and glacier mass balance, but direct observations are scarce due to the inaccessibility of fieldwork. Here, we stack the ArcticDEM strip elevations and produce the first-ever subglacial water inventory that covers almost the entire Canadian Arctic, a vast region without many existing records of these events. This new inventory identifies 37 active water bodies beneath glacier ice, which consist of three types: classic subglacial lakes, terminus subglacial lakes at the glacier convergence zone, and ice-marginal lakes extending beneath the ice. Over 80% of the lakes had at least one rapid hydrological event between 2011 and 2021, with the most significant one draining over 4 Gt in 2020 and decreasing the ice surface elevation by 148 meters. Our findings suggest subglacial draining needs to be considered while assessing past and future glacier mass balance, and the new inventory will help improve our understanding of subglacial hydrology mechanisms across the Arctic under global warming.
Melt electrowritten Medium Chain Length Polyhydroxyalkanoate Cardiac Patches for Post-MI Cardiac Regeneration
Authors: Majid Qasim A. , Pandey Pragati , Bellahcene Mohamed , Grigsby Christopher L. , Stevens Molly M. , Talman Virpi , Stuckey Daniel J. , Harding Sian E. , Roy Ipsita , Földes Gábor
Published: September 2024

Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) hold promise in averting functional decline towards heart failure following myocardial infarction (MI). However, challenges persist in retaining these cells within the myocardium. We developed a novel three-dimensional cardiac patch and evaluated its potential to prevent post-MI functional decline. For the first time, melt electrowritten (MEW), structurally anisotropic scaffolds were derived from high molecular weight, medium chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (MCL-PHAs). These scaffolds supported hPSC-CMs, facilitating their rapid structural and functional maturation in vitro. Different cellular combinations were seeded on the scaffolds and layered to create cardiac patches. These were well-accepted in a murine MI model, without capsule formation. Patches containing hPSC-derived cardiac microvascular-like endothelial cells initiated vascular regeneration; although, this did not prevent post-MI functional decline. This novel advancement enabled the production of MCL-PHA-based MEW-cardiac patches that matured hPSC-CMs and promoted vascular regeneration, offering potential for future improvement in cardiac function through enhanced hPSC-CM retention.
Automated analysis of ultrastructure through large-scale hyperspectral electron microscopy
Authors: Duinkerken B.H. Peter , Alsahaf Ahmad M.J. , Hoogenboom Jacob P. , Giepmans Ben N. G.
Published: September 2024

Microscopy is a key technique to visualize and understand biology. Electron microscopy (EM) facilitates the investigation of cellular ultrastructure at biomolecular resolution. Cellular EM was recently revolutionized by automation and digitalisation allowing routine capture of large areas and volumes at nanoscale resolution. Analysis, however, is hampered by the greyscale nature of electron images and their large data volume, often requiring laborious manual annotation. Here we demonstrate unsupervised and automated extraction of structures and biomolecules in conventionally processed tissues using large-scale hyperspectral energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) imaging. First, we discriminated biological features in the context of tissue based on selected elemental maps. Next, we designed a data-driven workflow based on dimensionality reduction and spectral mixture analysis, allowing the visualization and isolation of subcellular features with minimal manual intervention. Broad implementations of the presented methodology will accelerate the understanding of biological ultrastructure.
Uso de indicadores para a avaliação da gestão de resíduos sólidos na Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto - MG
Authors: Silva Matheus Miranda da , Machado Marina de Medeiros , Silva Fernanda Rafaela Canuto
Published: September 2024

A gestão de resíduos sólidos é um processo fundamental para a sustentabilidade de ambientes universitários, pelo fluxo elevado de pessoas e características variadas na composição dos resíduos gerados nestes espaços. Com isso, a atuação administrativa deve promover práticas adequadas, para garantia da eficiência do gerenciamento, reduzindo impactos ambientais, sociais e econômicos. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a gestão de resíduos sólidos na Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, com levantamento de lacunas e potencialidades para a adequação da gestão na instituição. Para tal, foi adaptada uma matriz de indicadores apresentados na literatura e um índice de favorabilidade para a gestão de resíduos foi proposto. A partir do levantamento de potencialidades, foi estabelecida um plano de ações para a universidade, com aplicação da ferramenta 5W1H. Os resultados demonstraram um contexto desfavorável para a gestão da universidade, com desempenho médio dos indicadores de 45,6%. Dentre as unidades avaliadas, apenas uma enquadrou-se com desempenho favorável, enquanto as demais obtiveram performance desfavorável, com desempenho médio de 41,9%. Os resultados demonstraram um contexto de pouco investimento da instituição na gestão de resíduos, sendo necessária a adoção de medidas corretivas. O plano de ações proposto englobou modificações na estrutura da gestão, adequação de procedimentos e medidas educacionais.
Background independent tensor networks
Authors: Akers Chris , Wei Annie Y.
Published: September 2024

Conventional holographic tensor networks can be described as toy holographic maps constructed from many small linear maps acting in a spatially local way, all connected together with “background entanglement”, i.e. links of a fixed state, often the maximally entangled state. However, these constructions fall short of modeling real holographic maps. One reason is that their “areas” are trivial, taking the same value for all states, unlike in gravity where the geometry is dynamical. Recently, new constructions have ameliorated this issue by adding degrees of freedom that “live on the links”. This makes areas non-trivial, equal to the background entanglement piece plus a new positive piece that depends on the state of the link degrees of freedom. Nevertheless, this still has the downside that there is background entanglement, and hence it only models relatively limited code subspaces in which every area has a definite minimum value. In this note, we simply point out that a version of these constructions goes one step further: they can be background independent, with no background entanglement in the holographic map. This is advantageous because it allows tensor networks to model holographic maps for larger code subspaces. In addition to pointing this out, we address some subtleties involved in making it work.
Open-source hand prosthesis: evaluation of mechanical feasibility and additive manufacturing potential
Authors: Romero Rodrigo Cézar Da Silveira , Costa Kliftom Amorim , Vimieiro Claysson Bruno Santos
Published: September 2024

This study delves into the risks associated with 3D-printed hand prostheses lacking mechanical feasibility studies. Such unvalidated prostheses may exhibit various issues like durability shortcomings, anatomical incompatibility, functional safety concerns, manufacturing quality deficiencies, and health risks due to inappropriate materials. These issues can lead to damage or premature failure during use, discomfort, skin irritation, injuries, inability to withstand functional loads, and health hazards from toxic or allergenic substances. Therefore, ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of these prostheses is crucial. The study focuses on a mechanical feasibility study conducted through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations on an open-source hand prosthesis model. It evaluates mechanical properties, stress concentration areas, and displacement on the prosthesis surface. The methodology comprises three key steps: acquiring the virtual model, conducting computational simulations, and selecting the 3D printing material. The simulations assess the prosthesis’s ability to withstand compressive forces and identify stress concentration areas. Results from the study indicate that using PETG as the constituent material demonstrates mechanical viability and satisfactory performance under static force conditions. This finding underscores the importance of rigorous testing and adherence to standards in developing 3D-printed hand prostheses. Such studies contribute significantly to enhancing these devices’ safety and effectiveness, facilitating their broader adoption in healthcare settings. In summary, this study highlights the critical need for mechanical feasibility studies in the development of 3D-printed hand prostheses. It emphasizes the significance of following strict standards and regulations to ensure these devices’ safety, quality, and functionality. By doing so, it paves the way for the widespread use of these prostheses in healthcare, benefiting users and advancing the field of prosthetic technology.
Optimization analysis of vibration reduction for aeroengine multistage blade-disk system
Authors: You Xiaomei , Feng Haiyu , Zhang Hongyuan , Liu Pengbo
Published: September 2024

In order to reduce the vibration localization of multistage blade-disk system of aeroengine compressor, the integral model and substructure model of multistage blade-disk system are established by using substructure modal synthesis method, and the dynamic characteristics of two models are analyzed and the accuracy of the substructure model is verified by comparison. Based on the substructure model, two optimization algorithms of the random wear mass and the snake optimization are proposed. The results show that the vibration amplitudes of the two models are in good agreement in the first 200 modes, and the substructure model meets the requirement of analysis accuracy. Both optimization algorithms can effectively reduce the degree of the vibration localization of the mistuned blade-disk system. The random wear mass algorithm can quickly reduce the amplitude of the blade. The snake optimization algorithm can find the global optimal solution with enough iterations. The results show that the maximum vibration amplitude and the vibration localization factor after optimization are reduced by 5.72 % and 12.0 % respectively by using the random wear mass algorithm, and that of 9.13 % and 16.7 % respectively by using the snake optimization algorithm. The analysis method presented in this paper takes into account the analysis efficiency and analysis precision, it can be used for dynamic analysis and vibration reduction optimization of large power machinery such as aeroengine and gas turbine, and provides a basis for further improving the reliability and service life of aircraft.
Analysis of nonlinear vibration of lateral-torsional coupling for drill string in deviated well
Authors: Tao Zuwen , Meng Yingfeng , Feng Qunfang , Yang Kang , Kang Weitang , Huang Xiao , Fang Pan
Published: September 2024

To clarify the motion characteristic of the drill string in deviated well, the nonlinear dynamic model of lateral-torsional coupling for drill string system is established by the Lagrange equation. This model incorporates the contact between the drill string and borehole wall, torque dissipation, and borehole trajectory effects. Additionally, the contact behavior using linear elastic contact model is simulated. Meanwhile, the torque transfer law in the drill string system is described by a discrete torque-drag model. Finally, numerical simulations are employed to determine the dynamic properties of the drill string system. The results reveal that friction losses in drill string systems are increased with higher well inclination angles. The motion of BHA along the x direction is predominantly concentrated near the wellhole center at inclination angle of 65°, while in the y direction it primarily focuses on the low side of the wellhole. An increase in inclination angle leads to a more prominent occurrence of stick-slip motion in the drill string. When inclination angle more than 25°, there is a slightly higher collision frequency observed between the BHA and the low side of the borehole wall compared to that with the upper side. When increasing the WOB (weight on bit) to 160 kN, stick-slip motion becomes more pronounced within the drill string. Through parametric dynamics analysis of the drill string system, the rotary speed can be controlled in range from 40 to 70 r/min, and the WOB should be restricted in range from 20 to 40 kN in well depth 5000 m.
Enhancing textile wastewater treatment for subsequent biological processes by integrating electrooxidation and electrocoagulation
Authors: Agarwal Palak , Gaur Bhumika , Mathur Sanjay
Published: September 2024

The presence of refractory contaminants in textile wastewater is one of the major concerns while handling them with the biological processes at common effluent treatment. Electro-oxidation (EO) as a standalone process is an insufficient treatment method for the abolition of inorganic contaminants (carbon and non-carbon). By incorporating electrocoagulation (EC) as an associated treatment method after EO, removal of such contaminants becomes easy, which not only makes the treated wastewater fit for biological remediation but also reduces load on biological units. The removal of non-carbonic impurities was assessed in terms of improvement in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) post EC. L25 orthogonal array of experiments was obtained using the Taguchi method. From the S/N ratio plot, the optimal process combination was obtained as, EO with current density = 25 mA/cm2, electrolysis time = 50 min followed by EC with current density = 18 mA/cm2, speed of rotation = 50 rpm and electrolysis time = 40 min. The enhancement in COD and total organic carbon removal efficiencies after EC were 65.11 and 63.57%, respectively, over EO. The biodegradability index also improved from an initial value of 0.098–0.737 post-hybrid treatment. Inorganic carbon reduced from a value of 36.37 mg/L after EO to 0.1 mg/L post EC.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Coumarin-thiazolotriazole Pharmacophores for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein through In-vitro and In-silico Evaluation
Authors: Ullah Saeed , Ullah Atta , Waqas Muhammad , Halim Sobia Ahsan , Khan Imtiaz , ur Rehman Sadeeq , Abdellattif Magda H. , Soomro Samreen , Ibrar Aliya , Kashtoh Hamdy , Khan Ajmal , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 significantly impacted human
life around the globe. Numerous unexpected modifications of the SARS-CoV-2 genome
have resulted in the emergence of new types and have caused great concern globally.

Method:

Inhibitory effects of bioactive phytochemicals derived from natural and synthetic
sources are promising for pathogenic viruses. in vitro and in silico techniques were used in
the current study to identify novel inhibitors of coumarin clubbed thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazoles
against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Result:

Interestingly, all the tested molecules demonstrated substantial inhibition of spike
protein with 91.81-57.90% inhibition. The spike protein was remarkably inhibited by compounds
6k (91.83%), 6j (89.75%), 6m (87.69%),6i (86.60%), 6l (85.40%), 6h (84.70%), 6l
(84.70%), 6g (83.40%), 6b (82.60%), 6f (81.90%), while compounds 6d 6a, 6c, and 6e exhibited
significant activity against spike protein with 79.60%, 77.10%, 75.30%, and 57.90%
inhibition, respectively. The binding mechanism of these novel inhibitors with spike protein
was deduced in silico, which reflects that the active molecules firmly bind with the receptor
binding domain (RBD) of spike protein, thereby inhibiting its function.

Conclusion:

The combined in vitro and in silico investigations unfold the therapeutic potential
of coumarin-thiazolotriazole scaffolds in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Optimization of Glyburide-loaded Nanosuspensions via Ball Milling and Homogenization Techniques: A Central Composite Design Approach for Enhanced Solubility
Authors: Gungor Damla , Aytekin Eren , Akdag Yagmur , Sahin Selma , Gulsun Tugba
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Glyburide is a drug for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and has a potential effect
on Alzheimer's disease. It is also a BCS Class II drug with low solubility and low permeability. Developing a
nanosuspension formulation and increasing the solubility and dissolution rate of glyburide is required to overcome
this challenge.

Methods:

Thus, the goal of this work was to create glyburide nanosuspensions by ball milling and homogenizing
glyburide to increase its solubility and rate of dissolution. To achieve this, the nanosuspension formulation
was optimized using a central composite design. Zeta potential, particle size distribution and solubility
were selected by way of dependent variables, and ball milling time, homogenization cycles, and Pluronic
F-127/glyburide ratio were chosen as independent variables. Glyburide nanosuspensions were obtained with a
particle size of 244.6 ± 2.685 nm. In vitro release and solubility studies were conducted following optimization.

Results:

The saturation solubility of glyburide was nearly doubled as a result of the nanocrystal formation.
X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and
fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to assess the nanosuspension. SEM images confirmed
that the nanocrystal formation process was successful. Glyburide and the excipients have no incompatibilities,
their physical states have not changed, and the preparation method has not affected the stability of
glyburide, according to DCS, XRD, and FT-IR analyses.

Conclusion:

These studies indicated that a combination of ball milling and homogenization techniques significantly
enhanced the solubility of glyburide and its release from the formulation. Consequently, this approach
can be applied to formulations characterized by low absorption and limited bioavailability.
Nanoparticles in CNS Therapeutics: Pioneering Drug Delivery Advancements
Authors: Nayak Usha , Halagali Praveen , Panchal Khushi N. , Tippavajhala Vamshi Krishna , Mudgal Jayesh , Radhakrishnan Raghu , Manikkath Jyothsna
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The incidence of Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, including Parkinson's disease,
Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and malignancies, has risen significantly in recent decades, contributing to
millions of deaths annually. Efficacious treatment of these disorders requires medicines targeting the brain.
The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) poses a formidable challenge to effective drug delivery to the brain, hindering
progress in CNS therapeutics. This review explores the latest developments in nanoparticulate carriers, highlighting
their potential to overcome BBB limitations.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate and summarise the critical factors and pathways in the nanoparticle-
based CNS targeted drug delivery.

Methods:

An extensive literature search was conducted, comprising the initial development of nanoparticle-
based CNS-targeted drug delivery approaches to the latest advancements using various online search tools.

Results:

The properties of nanoparticles, such as type of nanoparticles, size, shape, surface charge, hydrophobicity,
and surface functionalisation, along with properties of the BBB during normal and pathological conditions
and their impact on the delivery of nanoparticles across the BBB, are identified and discussed here.

Conclusion:

Important properties and pathways that determine the penetration of nanoparticles across the
CNS are reviewed in this article, along with recent advances in the field.
Synthesis and InhA Inhibition of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Derivatives as Anti-tuberculosis Agents
Authors: Patel Tushar , Chauhan Navneet F. , Bhatt Vaibhav D. , Bhatt Bhupesh S. , Senta Ramesh , Chokshi Avani , Shah Drashti , Patel Ashish , Shah Umang , Patel Mehul
Published: September 2024

Imidazopyridine holds significance as a crucial fused bicyclic heterocycle within the realm of medicinal
chemistry, being acknowledged as a "privileged scaffold" owing to its extensive utility. Numerous methodologies
for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines have been documented, with a considerable focus on strategies
aimed at functionalizing these compounds. This study aimed to explore the potential of novel imidazo[1,2-
a] pyridine derivatives as agents against drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which poses significant
challenges in tuberculosis (TB) treatment. The research involved the synthesis of substituted imidazo[1,2-
a]pyridine derivatives using site identification and molecular docking techniques. Characterization of the synthesized
compounds was carried out using FT-IR, LC-MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analysis. Compounds 6a
and 6k showed good anti-TB activity against the H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with MIC values
of 0.6 μM and 0.9 μM, respectively, which were comparable with the standard drug isoniazid. These findings
suggest that imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives, especially compounds 6a and 6k, have potential as agents
against drug-resistant TB, providing valuable insights for ongoing efforts in developing effective TB treatments.
Organocatalytic Stereoselective Synthesis of Dihydrocoumarins
Authors: Muhammad Faisal Yasin , Woldegiorgis Alemayehu Gashaw , Aimun Khadija , Muhammad Suleman , Khan Zulfiqar Ali
Published: September 2024

Dihydrocoumarins play pivotal roles as essential components in biologically
active molecules, drugs, and flavor and fragrance compounds. In particular, chiral 3,4-
dihydrocoumarins exist in natural products, exhibit less toxicity, and possess structural diversity
and stability. Consequently, the asymmetric synthesis of these scaffolds has garnered
considerable attention within the chemistry community. Recent advancements have
witnessed their synthesis achieved through both metal and organocatalyzed approaches. In
this review, we analyze and discuss the advancements made in chiral-organocatalyzed
asymmetric synthesis of dihydrocoumarins since 2015. This review is structured according
to the type of catalyst employed in the transformation, providing a comprehensive examination
of the recent developments in this field.
The Chemistry and Biological Effects of Fused 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-c]pyrimidines and their Isomeric 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines
Authors: Shamroukh Ahmed H. , Malah Tamer El , Rashad Aymn E.
Published: September 2024

Concerning polycyclic heterocyclic compounds, fused triazolopyrimidines and
their substituted analogs have been studied recently from a chemical and biological point of
view. Triazolopyrimidines have eight different positional isomers based on their structural
arrangement and nitrogen atom positions. The present review concerns synthesizing 1,2,4-
triazolo[4,3-c]pyrimidines and 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines fused with a fivemembered
ring containing one heteroatom. The 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-c]pyrimidines can be
prepared by closing the triazole ring on the 4-hydrazinopyrimidine ring, and the 1,2,4-
triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines can be prepared by closing the triazole ring on the 4-
iminopyrimidine-3-amine ring. The transformation of 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-c]pyrimidine to the
more thermodynamically stable isomer triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivatives via Dimroth
rearrangement under different reaction conditions is also discussed. Moreover, the biological activity of both
series is presented.
Statin Therapy and C-reactive Protein in Patients with Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Razi Bahman , Imani Danyal , Aslani Saeed , Reiner Zeljko , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2024

Background:

Increased levels of inflammation markers in patients with kidney disease,
particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important risk factor. This study explored
whether the effect of more potent statins on inflammation in CKD patients is dose-dependent,
whether there is any difference between the hydrophilic and lipophilic statins concerning their effects
on inflammation markers in patients with CKD, and whether the duration of treatment with
statins has any effect on markers of inflammation in these patients.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of Scopus, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science databases
from inception to August 2022 was performed. Eligible studies were stratified based on a target
population, intervention duration, dosage and type of statins (high intensity statin and moderate/
low intensity), and solubility of statins. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s regression
asymmetry test for visual inspection of funnel plots. Non-linear effects of dosage of statins
and treatment duration were also examined by fractional polynomial modeling.

Results:

Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (12 studies) on 264 patients with kidney disease and 254 controls
showed a significant hs-CRP lowering effect of the dose of statin. Both hydrophilic and
lipophilic statins had significant hs-CRP lowering effects. Meta-analysis of 6 publications (7
studies) evaluating the impact of statins on CRP in 235 patients and 197 control subjects showed a
significant negative association between treatment with statins group and CRP levels.

Conclusion:

Statin treatment decreases significantly the levels of CRP and hs-CRP in patients
with kidney disease.