bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of conductive additives for enhancing the electrical properties of self-sensing asphalt
Authors: Yousafzai A K , Sutanto M H , Khan M I , Yaro N S A , Memon A M , Khan M T , Arshad M A
Published: June 2024

Asphalt is traditionally an insulator to the flow of electric current, but it can be transformed into a self-sensing conductive material by incorporating recyclable and environmentally friendly additives. These additives offer a range of smart and sustainable applications in the pavement industry. However, there is still much to be learned about the production and performance behavior of conductive asphalt. This study presents a comprehensive review of the literature on conductive additives used in asphalt to provide a holistic understanding of the current state of research in this field. The objective of the study is to critically review and characterize conductive additives used in asphalt to achieve electric conductivity in it and resultingly explore its self-sensing features. The development of conductive asphalt has significant research potential, and improving its piezoresistivity and conductive network is the focus of future smart asphalt technology research. The review provides an in-depth understanding of conductive asphalt concrete and identifies current research themes and corresponding challenges. This study serves as a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals working in the field of conductive asphalt.
The effectiveness of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in solving railway project management issues in Malaysia
Authors: Molarn M A , Ang P S E , Ali R B , Zaini M H B
Published: June 2024

Railway projects involve complex planning and management as compared to regular construction projects, but BIM can simplify and improve the management of these projects. MRT 2 faced problems like design discrepancies and coordination issues, while Gemas - JB ETS encountered issues with construction changes, cost overruns, and project delays. Hence, this research intends to investigate the project management issues and examine the effectiveness of BIM implementation in solving project management issues in railway construction projects in Malaysia. A qualitative study was executed by conducting semi-structured interview on BIM professionals from the MRT 2 and Gemas-JB ETS railway construction projects. Six purposively selected respondents from the railway construction industry were interviewed, achieving data saturation. The main issues discovered were lack of communication, lack of coordination, clashes in construction, redesign and unrealistic schedules. The said issues mainly occurred during pre – construction stage. The level of BIM effectiveness in MRT 2 is high when full BIM was implemented as compared to Gemas – JB ETS that have low effectiveness when partial BIM was implemented. The findings of this study is able to show that full BIM implementation in a project management can greatly enhance coordination and efficiency while reducing costs in the railway industry.
Redefining user experience: a study of free-fare buses and its service quality in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Zakaria H , Rohani M Md. , Nordin N , Ambak K , Mohd Pozi M F , Mohd Rashidi N F A
Published: June 2024

In Malaysia, public transport is well renowned for assisting its residents from place to place while also working to lower the travel cost. However, from the perspective of the bus supplier, free-fare bus service may have significant fuel, maintenance, personnel and infrastructure costs that might not be met by money from passenger fees. In the long run, this can have an impact on the service’s viability and financial sustainability. In order to assess the return on an investment that does not anticipate a monetary return, a study of passengers’ satisfaction of the performance of free-fare bus service operations was conducted in Johor, Malaysia among 375 passengers. The survey covered five aspects, including comfort, responsiveness, facility, safety and information availability. Through the usage of 5-point Likert-scale questions, frequency and descriptive analyses were included. According to a population sample taken at random, more than half of free-fare buses users are female, teenagers or students who does not own a driving licence and without a source of income, making it impossible for them to acquire a motorized vehicle. All factors had a mean score of greater than 3.50, indicating that users are satisfied. This is advantageous because it demonstrates how government funding can result in the best service possible for users. In other way, the good free-fare bus services can attract more passenger in embracing the sustainability strategy to improve the traffic flow.
Tsunami Risk Mapping in Tempurejo District, Jember Regency based on BNPB Criteria using TOPSIS Method
Authors: Wiyono Retno Utami Agung , Pujianto Andri , Hidayah Entin
Published: June 2024

Tempurejo District is one of the areas directly adjacent to the Indian Ocean, where three active tectonic plates meet. This is evidenced by the 1994 tsunami in Banyuwangi, the impact of which was felt by the people of Tempurejo District, Jember Regency. In an effort to mitigate the risk of tsunami disaster that may occur in Tempurejo District, a tsunami risk map is needed in the area. There are very few studies on tsunami risk mapping in Tempurejo District. A previous study utilized only hazard and vulnerability parameter while capacity parameter is not taken into account while in this study, three parameters mentioned before are used to estimate the tsunami risk level. Furthermore, two methods are utilized to produce a tsunami risk map in Tempurejo District. The first method utilizes the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) method, while the second method employs TOPSIS as a modified weighting method for tsunami risk mapping. The results of this study provide a map of the levels of hazard, capacity, vulnerability, and risk at the research location.
Stabilization of soft soil with rice husk and coconut fibre
Authors: Zulkafli M H , Noorasyikin M N , Roslan L F
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on the stabilization of soft soil, which has a low bearing capacity and is prone to significant deformations and high moisture content. Soft soil is one type of soil with a poor bearing capacity, and when loaded, it significantly reduces the likelihood of a nonuniform decline. The aim of this study is to determine the physical properties of soft soil and to determine the mechanical properties of soft soil mixture with rice husk and coconut fibre with curing days of 14, and 21 days. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to establish a strong foundation and stabilizing soil, which plays a crucial role in constructing solid and durable structures, ensuring their stability and longevity. By utilizing rice husk and coconut fiber as soil stabilizers, the study also addresses environmental concerns by substituting natural resources with unwanted or discarded materials. Furthermore, this approach offers an economically viable solution for soft soil stabilization. The study involved two types of soil samples. The first type served as a control sample without any rice husk or coconut fiber, while the second type included rice husk and coconut fiber. The second type of sample was further divided into two ratios, with curing durations of 14 days and 21 days. A soil sample was collected from a paddy field in Sg Balang, Muar, Johor. The rice husk was burned at temperatures below 800 °C, resulting in silica-rich ash. The physical and mechanical properties of the soft soil mixture with rice husk and coconut fiber were determined through various tests. The preliminary tests were conducted to assess the physical qualities of the soil, including the Atterberg Limit Method, Compaction Test, and Direct Shear Test. The results showed that the Liquid Limit (LL) was 20.1%, with moisture content ranging from 15.56% to 27.38%. The compaction test indicated that a ratio of 2 with a 21-day curing duration achieved a maximum dry density of 0.56 and an optimum moisture content of 47.8%. The Direct Shear Test demonstrated that a ratio of 1 with a 21-day curing period exhibited the highest shear strength and shear stress at 3.25 kg and 10.45 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the cohesive and friction angle increased with longer curing days, with the mixture of ratio 1 and 21 days showing the highest values at 4.7 kPa and 35.03°, respectively. In summary, the presence of rice hush and coconut fibre significantly improve the soft soil stabilization. The study suggests that further research should explore longer curing periods of 30 days and 60 days to enhance shear strength.
The implementation of AutoCAD® Civil 3D for highway geometric redesign: a case of Indonesian toll road
Authors: Rifai A I , Purviyanto E J , Prasetijo J
Published: June 2024

Transportation infrastructure is one of the primary needs in increasing a country’s economic growth. In the last decade, Indonesia has continued to build toll roads to accelerate the provision of these needs. In some toll road development projects, a redesign is required as a form of field adaptation. The redesign process requires accuracy, speed, and convenience, so the development process goes according to plan. This paper discusses the implementation of using AutoCAD® Civil 3D for toll road redesign in Indonesia. The data is taken from the construction of toll roads in the Greater Jakarta-Indonesia area in 2023. The research method was carried out by comparing manual calculations and AutoCAD® Civil 3D. The study results show that some adjustments to the toll road design must be implemented faster and more precisely according to field needs. The selection of these applications makes it easier for designers to determine various options for planning the toll road. The conclusion of this paper shows that the use of AutoCAD® Civil 3D increases the efficiency and effectiveness of toll road redesign.
Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Sustainable Transportation Modes on University Campuses
Authors: Khalifa N A , Termida N A , Al Bargi W A , Chien G C , Ahmad N
Published: June 2024

The increased number of registered vehicles among students at the universities, such as cars and motorcycles, were causing some problems on the campus and around the hostels, such as traffic congestion, crowded parking, which also lead to disturbances in universities communities. The aims of this study were to identify the types of transportation preferred among Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) students, and to analyze the factors that influence mode choice among UTHM students. The study was carried out using a self-guided questionnaire with a determined sample of 120 respondents among undergraduate students that included those who lived on campus nor off-campus residences. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression, and the tools used were Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The Finding of this study showed that the preferred mode choice was bus. However, only a few independent variables were statistically significant for each transport mode, respectively, in multiple regression analyzes. Generally, the main factors that affected the mode choice among UTHM students were security and convenience. In utility functions, walking was predicted to have the highest preference among UTHM students.
Performance Analysis of Roundabouts using SIDRA: A Micro-Analytical Software
Authors: Khalifa N A , Ab Ghani A R , Vasudevan S N
Published: June 2024

Intersections affect the safety and capacity of urban traffic. Therefore, the design and selection of the type of intersection need to be made very carefully. According to the demand level, a different intersection can be designed. Modern roundabouts are one of the types of circular intersections that provide advantages over other types of intersection in terms of smooth operation and safety. Modern roundabouts exist in several types today worldwide. In practice, the distinction about the kinds of roundabouts would not be fully clarified; as a result, queuing and delay can be seen as negative effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the operational performance of the roundabout at Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, during peak hours. The traffic volume was also measured for a 1-hour peak-hour period in the morning and evening. The geometric data and performance of roundabouts in the year 2020 were taken from Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB). and analyzed using the SIDRA version 9 software. As result the performance analysis indicated that the demand flow of vehicles at the south lanes, Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama (R3), and west lanes, Jalan Mutiara Emas Puteh, (R10), exceeded the capacity and resulted in LOS F. The roundabout’s performance in 2020 was compared to the current year, 2022, with both left-turn lanes achieving a free-flow speed resulting in Level of Service (LOS) B in 2020 and LOS A in 2022. Specifically, the north lane (R2) and east lane (R1) transitioned from LOS B to LOS A in 2020 and 2022, respectively. However, the south lane (R3) and west lane (R1) require capacity and LOS improvements to alleviate traffic conditions. Overall, the project’s success is expected to benefit MBJB by enhancing traffic management in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru.
Deformation of peat soil reinforcement settlement using single-layer bamboo dendrocalamus asper
Authors: Md Yusof Z , Khairul Anuar N A , Abu Talib M K , FMd Dan M , Mohammad Noh N
Published: June 2024

As a unique soil, peat soil has extreme characteristics such as very high compressibility when any load applies to it. It has the condition of partially decomposed plant and animal make it unsuitable used as a foundation for construction. Due to this, the reinforcement of peat must be improved or stable. The stability of peat was more stable when the reinforcement is held or tied with a strong material that can be used for the long term. Therefore, this study to identify the deformation settlement of single-layer bamboo Dendrocalamus asper that using as reinforcement for the peat. The testing at the laboratory and physical model were conducted to fulfill the objective of the study which is to identify the physical properties (water content, specific gravity, organic content, fiber content, degree of decomposition), mechanical properties (consolidation test), and displacement of settlement through physical modeling at the laboratory. The result shows that the soil collected at Kampung Parit Puteri Menangis, Benut, Johor has a moisture content of 672%, specific gravityof 1.23, organic content of 88.34 - 96.19%, fiber content of 38.1%, and categories H4 to H6 (Hemic). The compression index (Cc) was determined in the range of 0.13 to 1.54, the consolidation coefficient (Cv) was determined in the range of 0.62 to 4.925, while the coefficient of compression (Cα) was determined in the range of 0.02 to 0.048. For the displacement of the settlement of peat show the bamboo reinforcement reduce the settlement under different load. The settlement decreased by 59% of the final load 4 kg/m2 during 2 hours in the displacement 9.543 mm to 3.867 mm. It is shown that the properties of peat react with the soil and began to settle down slowly until the reading remained constant.
The effect of external load to slope stability using slope/w in ft 006, section 61.50, Pulau Pinang
Authors: Muhammad Akmal K A , Zaihasra AT
Published: June 2024

Sustainability in slope protection is very important to reduce environmental impact and loss of property and life. Landslides and slope failure frequently occur due to a variety of factors. The factors that contribute to the slope failure are the external load such as heavy machinery and also rainfall. The study area for this study is slope are at FT006, Section 61.50, Pulau Pinang. The objective of this study is to identify the factor of safety (FOS) of original slope and also factor of safety after slope protection applied. The soil nailing and also sheet pile are choosing as a slope protection. The 2D modelling using Slope/W software was created and analysed. This slope consists of multi-layers soil properties with the steepest angle of 52°. This model is applying with external load to stimulate the real situation of existing slope. The result shows that the minimum FOS for slope without any external load is 0.58 and the FOS decrease to 0.28 when the external load was applied. When the soil nailing was applied to the slope, it is increase to 3.74 without external loading and 1.247 with external load. Meanwhile, when sheet pile was applied the FOS increase to 3.88 without external load but with external load it is drop to 0.39. Therefore, the soil nailing was proposed to this slope as effective slope protection.
Compressibility behavior of marine clay treated by combination of coal ash and cement
Authors: Pakir F , Ismail N A , Yunos N Z M , Jamaludin N , Talib M K A , Dan M F M , Madun A
Published: June 2024

In the geotechnical field, any soft ground area that has construction on it will face a major challenge. A lot of engineering problems could arise either during or after the construction phase due to low shear strength and high compressibility of this soil in the form of excessive settlement, slope instability or bearing capacity failure. The real challenge with marine clay is stability and settlement when construction takes place. To solve this problem, study of compressibility of stabilized marine clay will be performed. The soil stabilization study aims at improving the compressibility of marine clay by adding of coal ash and cement as the stabilizer. The aim of this study is to verify the physical properties of soft marine clay soil. Then, to determine the effect of compressibility of untreated and treated soft marine clay soil with addition of coal ash and cement (OPC) at different curing periods. The samples are classified as clayey silt with slightly plasticity since the value of plastic index (PI) is less than 7. The result of the maximum dry density is 1580 kg/m3 while for the optimum moisture content (OMC) is 20%. The void ratio of the sample decreases as the curing periods increases and the optimum ratio of fly ash to bottom ash is 50:50. Compression index and swelling index value signifies the compressibility of a soil and the value of compression index and swelling index decreases as the curing period increases. Thus, through this research the compressibility of marine clay can be improved to support load and decrease the problem of settlement on construction of soft soil.
Load Test Performance of Bored Pile with Distributed Fibre Optic Strain Sensing
Authors: Tee B P , Mohamad H , Beddelee A A A M
Published: June 2024

A novel technique of instrumenting the performance of a bored pile during a maintained load test was performed using optical fibre sensing technology. The technology, namely Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA), allows strains to be measured continuously along the whole length of the pile, producing a complete load-transfer regime (t-z curve) and shaft friction profile along the pile. This paper describes a pile load test on a 1.2m diameter bored pile at Putrajaya founded on weathered granitic residual soils. Methods to convert the distributed strain measurements to the load transfer response, shaft resistances, and compression profile are described in the paper. Comparable results were obtained between the distributed fibre optic strain sensor and the conventional system (vibrating wire strain gauges) and theoretical calculation. However, the distributed fibre optic strain sensor has the added advantage of detecting localized defects such as pile necking, bending, and overall behaviour of bored piles effectively.
Strengthening RC beams with circular post-opening in shear zone by externally bonded CFRP
Authors: Hamid N A A , Salleh N , Ali N , Jamellodin Z , Adnan S H , Chai J Y , Ching V V S
Published: June 2024

An installation of post-drilled openings in existing reinforced concrete (RC) beams may result in an abrupt change in the beam’s cross-sectional dimensions, which could reduce the beam’s capacity and integrity of the beam. A variety of methods have been developed to adequately reinforce the area around the opening. This study investigates the efficacy of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets for strengthening RC beams with circular post-opening at shear zones. A total of five beams measuring 150 mm width, 300 mm depth and 1550 mm length were casted and tested under four-point load until failure. The beams were consisted of one solid beam used as a control beam, two beams having 100 mm diameter circular openings and another two beams were strengthened using externally bonded CFRP sheets around the openings. The ultimate load capacities, deflections, strain distributions, cracking propagation and failure modes of the tested beams were measured and compared. According to the test results, beams with openings had lower load capacity and less stiffness compared to solid beam. Increasing the number of openings significantly reduced the ultimate load of the beams up to 25%. There are also significant differences between beams without and with strengthening in terms of beam capacity, stiffness and strain distribution.
Instrumented Pile Load Test: Analysing Measurement Anomaly at the Pile Head
Authors: Beddelee A A A M , Mohamad H , Tee B P , Nasir M Y M
Published: June 2024

Loading activity during Distributed Optical Fibre Strain Sensor (DOFS) instrumented pile load test prevails the strain disparity within the pile’s initial depth and converges at a certain depth. This work aims to determine the strain convergence (SC) depth: investigate the influence factor of the SC and propose a standard empirical model for SC depth determination. The strain profile variation at any point within the pile diameter is examined using PLAXIS 2D. A set of test cases are simulated starting with defining influence factors of SC depth and further analysis of the cogent factor. The proposed model is validated to a few real field projects. This work is significant to determine the real start (RS) depth of the plotted strain profile and will improve data processing for the pile load transfer analysis of the DOFS instrumented pile load test. The cogent factor that influences the SC depth is the jack area coverage to pile area and an empirical model is proposed to determine the SC depth. The model is validated to a few real field projects with nominal differences of SC by the model to the field measured at ±0.05 sensitivity, comply the model goodness of fit at 0.9492 (R-square).
The observation range adjusted method: a novel approach to accounting for observation uncertainty in model evaluation
Authors: Evans J P , Imran H M
Published: June 2024

Model evaluations are performed by comparing a modelled quantity with an observation of that quantity and any deviation from this observed quantity is considered an error. We know that all observing systems have uncertainties, and multiple observational products for the same quantity can provide equally plausible ‘truths’. Thus, model errors depend on the choice of observation used in the evaluation exercise. We propose a method that considers models to be indistinguishable from observations when they lie within the range of observations, and hence are not assigned any error. Errors are assigned when models are outside the observational range. Errors calculated in this way can be used within traditional statistics to calculate the Observation Range Adjusted (ORA) version of that statistic. The ORA statistics highlight the measurable errors of models, provide more robust model performance rankings, and identify areas of the model where further model development is likely to lead to consistent model improvements.
Qualifying uncertainty of precipitation projections over China: mitigating uncertainty with emergent constraints
Authors: Zhang Jinge , Li Chunxiang , Zhao Tianbao
Published: June 2024

Predicting future mean precipitation poses significant challenges due to uncertainties among climate models, complicating water resource management. In this study, we introduce a novel methodology to mitigate uncertainty in future mean precipitation projections over China on a grid-by-grid basis. By constraining precipitation parameters of the Gamma distribution, we establish emergent constraints on parameters, revealing significant correlations between historical and future simulations. Our analysis spans the periods 2040–2069 and 2070–2099 under low-to-moderate and high emission scenarios. We observe reductions in uncertainty across most regions of China, with constrained mean precipitation indicating increases in monsoon regions and decreases in non-monsoon zones relative to raw projections. Notably, the observed 30%–40% increase in mean precipitation for the whole of China underscores the efficacy of our methodology. These observationally constrained results provide valuable insights into current precipitation projections, offering actionable information for water resource planning and climate adaptation strategies amidst future uncertainties.
Local lattice distortions and electronic phases in perovskite manganite Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3
Authors: Zafar A , Petkov V , Abeykoon A M Milinda
Published: June 2024

We use variable temperature and magnetic field total x-ray scattering to study the crystal structure of the strongly correlated Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3 perovskite, which is a paramagnetic insulator at room temperature, becomes a ferromagnetic metal at 272 K and, upon further decreasing the temperature, turns into an antiferromagnetic insulator at 105 K. We find that a model featuring a monoclinic symmetry captures the structure and its temperature and field evolution well, eliminating the need to evoke a phase segregation scenario as done in prior studies. It appears that coupled variations in Mn–oxygen bonding distances and angles from their values in an undistorted perovskite lattice, i.e., coupled local lattice distortions, assist the phase transitions in Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3, contributing to its unique physical properties. Local structural distortions thus emerge as an important degree of freedom in strongly correlated systems, in particular perovskite manganates, and, therefore, they should be fully accounted for when their fascinating physics is considered.
Effect of preparation routes on the performance of a multi-component AB2-type hydrogen storage alloy
Authors: Davids Moegamat Wafeeq , Martin Tayla Chirie , Fursikov Pavel V , Zhidkov Mikhail V , Khodos Igor I , Fashu Simbarashe , Lototskyy Mykhaylo V
Published: June 2024

This article presents experimental results on the preparation and characterisation of a multi-component AB2–type intermetallic hydrogen storage alloy (A = Ti0.85Zr0.15, B = Mn1.22Ni0.22Cr0.2V0.3Fe0.06). The alloy samples were prepared by induction melting using Y2O3-lined alumo-silica and graphite crucibles. The characterisation results were compared with the ones for the reference sample of the same composition prepared by arc melting. It has been shown that the induction-melted samples exhibit reduced hydrogen sorption capacities and sloping plateaux on the pressure composition isotherms (PCI’s). The origin of the observed effects has been shown to be in the inhomogeneity of the induction-melted alloys and their contamination due to crucible—melt interaction, particularly pronounced for the alloy melted in the alumo-silica crucible; this alloy was additionally characterised by the decrease of Zr/Ti ratio and, in turn, higher plateau pressures of the PCI’s.
Isospectral graphs via inner symmetries
Authors: Kurasov P. , Muller J.
Published: June 2024

In this paper a new class of isospectral graphs is presented. These graphs are isospectral with respect to both the normalized Laplacian on the discrete graph and the standard differential Laplacian on the corresponding metric graph. The new class of graphs is obtained by gluing together subgraphs with the Steklov maps possessing special properties. It turns out that isospectrality is related to the degeneracy of the Steklov eigenvalues.
Around the Gauss theorem on the values of Euler’s digamma function at rational points
Authors: Mirzoev K. , Safonova T.
Published: June 2024

The paper is devoted to new representations of generating functions for the values of the Riemann zeta function at odd points and for certain related numbers in terms of integrals of trigonometric functions depending on a parameter

a
a

. In particular, new integral representations for the Euler digamma function

ψ
(
a
)

\psi (a)

are obtained. The resulting integrals can be calculated in terms of the hypergeometric series

3

F

2

{}_3F_{2}

and

4

F

3

{}_4F_{3}

for some values of the parameters and

z
=
1

z=1

. Moreover, if

a
a

is a proper rational fraction, then the integrals in question can be reduced to integrals of

R
(
sin
⁡
x
,
cos
⁡
x
)

R(\sin x, \cos x)

, where

R
R

is a rational function of two variables, and are calculated explicitly. In this case, various analogs of the Gauss theorem on the values of the function

ψ
(
a
)

\psi (a)

at rational points (and also yet another proof of that theorem) are obtained.
Local invariants of noncommutative tori
Authors: Sukochev F. , Zanin D.
Published: June 2024

The notion of a generic curved noncommutative torus is considered, which extends the notion of a conformally deformed noncommutative torus introduced by Connes and Tretkoff. For this manifold, an asymptotic expansion is established for the heat semigroup generated by the Laplace–Beltrami operator (in fact, for an arbitrary selfadjoint positive elliptic differential operator of order

2
2

) and an algorithm is provided to compute the local invariants that arize as the coefficients in the expansion. This allows one to extend a series of previous results by several authors beyond the conformal case and/or for multidimensional tori.
Fc engineering by monoclonal mammalian cell display for improved affinity and selectivity towards FcγRs
Authors: Wang Zening , Kang Minhyo , Ebrahimpour Afshin , Chen Chuan , Ge Xin
Published: June 2024

Fc optimization can significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy of monoclonal antibodies. However, existing Fc engineering approaches are sub-optimal with noted limitations, such as inappropriate glycosylation, polyclonal libraries, and utilizing fragment but not full-length IgG display. Applying cell cycle arrested recombinase-mediated cassette exchange, this study constructed high-quality monoclonal Fc libraries in CHO cells, displayed full-length IgG on cell surface, and preformed ratiometric fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) with the antigen and individual FcγRs. Identified Fc variants were quantitatively evaluated by flow cytometry, ELISA, kinetic and steady-state binding affinity measurements, and cytotoxicity assays. An error-prone Fc library focusing on the hinge-CH2 region was constructed in CHO cells with a functional diversity of 7.5 × 106. Panels of novel Fc variants with enhanced affinity and selectivity for FcγRs were isolated. Particularly, clone 2a-10 (G236E/K288R/K290W/K320M) showed increased binding strength towards FcγRIIa-131R and 131H allotypes with kinetic dissociation constants (KD-K) of 140 nM and 220 nM, respectively, while reduced binding strength towards FcγRIIb compared to WT Fc; clone 2b-1 (K222I/V302E/L328F/K334E) had KD-K of 180 nM towards FcγRIIb; clone 3a-2 (P247L/K248E/K334I) exhibited KD-K of 190 nM and 100 nM towards FcγRIIIa-176F and 176 V allotypes, respectively, and improved potency of 2.0 ng/ml in ADCC assays. Key mutation hotspots were identified, including P247 for FcγRIIIa, K290 for FcγRIIa, and K334 for FcγRIIb bindings. Discovery of Fc variants with enhanced affinity and selectivity towards individual FcγR and the identification of novel mutation hotspots provide valuable insights for further Fc optimization and serve as a foundation for advancing antibody therapeutics development.
SEraster: a rasterization preprocessing framework for scalable spatial omics data analysis
Authors: Aihara Gohta , Clifton Kalen , Chen Mayling , Li Zhuoyan , Atta Lyla , Miller Brendan F , Satija Rahul , Hickey John W , Fan Jean
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Spatial omics data demand computational analysis but many analysis tools have computational resource requirements that increase with the number of cells analyzed. This presents scalability challenges as researchers use spatial omics technologies to profile millions of cells.

Results

To enhance the scalability of spatial omics data analysis, we developed a rasterization preprocessing framework called SEraster that aggregates cellular information into spatial pixels. We apply SEraster to both real and simulated spatial omics data prior to spatial variable gene expression analysis to demonstrate that such preprocessing can reduce computational resource requirements while maintaining high performance, including as compared to other down-sampling approaches. We further integrate SEraster with existing analysis tools to characterize cell-type spatial co-enrichment across length scales. Finally, we apply SEraster to enable analysis of a mouse pup spatial omics dataset with over a million cells to identify tissue-level and cell-type-specific spatially variable genes as well as spatially co-enriched cell types that recapitulate expected organ structures.

Availability and implementation

SEraster is implemented as an R package on GitHub (https://github.com/JEFworks-Lab/SEraster) with additional tutorials at https://JEF.works/SEraster.
Buen Vivir and Community Water Organisations in Colombia: Lessons for Social Work
Authors: Ramírez Ana Patricia Quintana
Published: June 2024

Buen Vivir is a path that Latin American peoples are following in the hope of decolonising the exclusionary economic and political relations imposed by external development. This paradigm, inherited from our ancestors, is claimed today in the search for a harmonious life with nature and in conditions of equality and solidarity among human beings. This Indigenous thinking coincides with the intention to articulate the theory and practice of community social work from an environmental perspective. As demonstrated by associations formed by rural and peri-urban inhabitants to manage water supply for human consumption in Colombia. From these groups, the discipline learns the importance of promoting unity among people, values of reciprocity in the distribution of water and, the conservation of nature through cultural practices inherited intergenerationally from indigenous, Afro and mestizo ancestors.
Unveiling serotonergic dysfunction of obsessive-compulsive disorder on prefrontal network dynamics: a computational perspective
Authors: Yin Lining , Yu Ying , Han Fang , Wang Qingyun
Published: June 2024

Serotonin (5-HT) regulates working memory within the prefrontal cortex network, which is crucial for understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, the mechanisms how network dynamics and serotonin interact in obsessive-compulsive disorder remain elusive. Here, we incorporate 5-HT receptors (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A) and dopamine receptors into a multistable prefrontal cortex network model, replicating the experimentally observed inverted U-curve phenomenon. We show how the two 5-HT receptors antagonize neuronal activity and modulate network multistability. Reduced binding of 5-HT1A receptors increases global firing, while reduced binding of 5-HT2A receptors deepens attractors. The obtained results suggest reward-dependent synaptic plasticity mechanisms may attenuate 5-HT related network impairments. Integrating serotonin-mediated dopamine release into circuit, we observe that decreased serotonin concentration triggers the network into a deep attractor state, expanding the domain of attraction of stable nodes with high firing rate, potentially causing aberrant reverse learning. This suggests a hypothesis wherein elevated dopamine concentrations in obsessive-compulsive disorder might result from primary deficits in serotonin levels. Findings of this work underscore the pivotal role of serotonergic dysregulation in modulating synaptic plasticity through dopamine pathways, potentially contributing to learned obsessions. Interestingly, serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidopaminergic potentiators can counteract the over-stable state of high-firing stable points, providing new insights into obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment.
Similar Efficacy of Mesalazine in Adult and Older Adult Ulcerative Colitis Patients: Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Noninferiority Trial of 1600 mg vs 400 mg Tablets
Authors: Safroneeva Ekaterina , Thorne Helen , Gerstner Ortrud , Laoun Raphaël
Published: June 2024

Background

The efficacy data on treatment in older adults are scarce, while the greatest increase in ulcerative colitis (UC) prevalence is observed in age groups of individuals 40 to 65 years of age and ≥65 years of age.

Aim

We assessed the difference in rates of clinical and endoscopic response and remission in UC adults (≤60 years) and older adults (>60 years) treated with mesalazine.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis of data from a phase 3 noninferiority trial of 817 UC patients treated with mesalazine for 8 and additional 26 weeks in a double-blind and open-label study, respectively. We used Wilcoxon rank sum or chi-square test to analyze differences between groups and multivariable logistic regression to determine the associations between endoscopic remission as outcome (Mayo endoscopic subscore [MES] = 0 or ≤1) and independent variables including disease duration, baseline MES, age, sex, comedications, and comorbidities.

Results

Older adults had a longer disease duration, a higher number of comorbidities, concomitant medications, and higher baseline MES (2.38 ± 0.486 in older adults vs 2.26 ± 0.439 in adults; P = .008) compared with adults. We observed no difference in rates of combined clinical and endoscopic remission, clinical remission and response, and endoscopic remission and response at week 8 and 38 post-treatment. In addition to other well-known predictors of worse outcome, patients with ≥3 comedications were less likely to achieve an MES = 0 at week 8 and 38 and an MES ≤1 at week 38.

Conclusions

We observed similar efficacy of mesalazine in adult and older adult UC patients. The increased comedication number rather than age may decrease effectiveness of UC medications, highlighting the importance of healthy aging.
Cucktales: Race, Sex, and Enjoyment in the Reactionary Memescape
Authors: Baspehlivan Uygar
Published: June 2024

This article makes a critical contribution to the study of digital reactionary movements by tracing the resonant circulation of “the cuck” memes across various levels of racialized and gendered subjectivity. It argues that the cuck meme resonates through composing an affective narrative of deferred and stolen enjoyment at the intersection of personal, social, and international politics. It follows the meme’s digital movements across pornographic anxieties around the sexual prowess of the Black other (the personal), the Gamergate events of 2014 and its politics of geek masculine injury (the social), and the perceived threat of immigration to the enjoyment-space designated as the nation (the international). Throughout, the paper makes three contributions. First, it theorizes the structuring role played by enjoyment as a political factor in historically shaping political subjectivity. Second, it shows how this political factor animates the transnational politics of contemporary reactionary movements and how they affectively and discursively perceive their various political resentments through narratives of enjoyment. Third, it demonstrates how memes as specific technical-aesthetic products allow the common resonance and articulation of these various resentments to shape a site of rectification for an enjoyment that is felt to be lost.
Pediatric hypophosphatasia: avoid diagnosis missteps!
Authors: Whyte Michael P , McAlister William H , Mack Karen E , Mumm Steven , Madson Katherine L
Published: June 2024

Vignette

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is the dento-osseous disorder caused by deactivating mutation(s) of ALPL, the gene that encodes the “tissue-nonspecific” isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). In HPP, 3 natural substrates of cell-surface TNSALP accumulate extracellularly; phosphoethanolamine (PEA), inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP). Hypophosphatasemia together with elevated plasma levels of PEA, PPi, and PLP comprise its biochemical signature. PPi can inhibit mineralization and in extracellular excess can impair bone and tooth hardening and perhaps explain weak muscle. Autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance from among more than 400 mutations of ALPL largely accounts for HPP’s broad-ranging severity, greatest among all skeletal diseases. Pediatric HPP spans life-threatening perinatal and infantile forms, childhood forms, and odonto-HPP selectively featuring premature loss of deciduous teeth. ALPL gene testing and TNSALP supplementation therapy have bolstered familiarity with HPP, but there are new considerations for diagnosis. Herein, diagnosis of a boy’s mild childhood HPP was delayed by missteps involving his medical and dental history, physical examination, radiographic findings, and clinical laboratory studies. We review how pediatric HPP is now identified. Prompt diagnosis while appreciating the broad-ranging severity of HPP underlies the safe and effective management of this inborn-error-of-metabolism.
Subtle momentary effects of social media experiences: an experience sampling study of posting and social comparisons on connectedness and self-esteem
Authors: Desjarlais Malinda
Published: June 2024

Part of the current mental health crisis is attributed to the increasing reliance on social media for daily tasks. By understanding behavioral or cognitive patterns that influence facets of well-being in real-time within individuals, we can empower individuals to intentionally adjust their behavior, thereby enhancing these aspects. This study utilized an experience sampling method to investigate the real-time effects of social media-induced social comparisons and posting on self-esteem and connectedness. Six times per day for 5 days, 74 adults reported on their social media use in the previous hour and their experiences of connectedness and self-esteem. Multilevel modeling demonstrated statistically significant within-person associations. Social media-induced upward comparison was related to momentary decreases in self-esteem, and moments when individuals posted on social media were related to higher levels of connectedness. The findings emphasize that specific experiences on social media may produce immediate effects for connectedness and self-esteem.
Differential gene expression underlying epileptogenicity in patients with gliomas
Authors: Mortazavi Armin , Khan Anas U , Nieblas-Bedolla Edwin , Boddeti Ujwal , Bachani Muzna , Ksendzovsky Alexander , Johnson Kory , Zaghloul Kareem A
Published: June 2024

Background

Seizures are a common sequela for patients suffering from gliomas. Molecular properties are known to influence the initiation of seizures that may influence tumor growth. Different levels of gene expression with seizures related to gliomas remain unclear. We analyzed RNA sequencing of gliomas to further probe these differences.

Methods

Total RNA sequencing was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas—Lower-Grade Glioma project, comprised of 2021 World Health Organization classification low-grade gliomas, including IDH-mutant and IDH-wild type, to distinguish differential expression in patients who did and did not experience seizures. Utilizing QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathways Analysis, we identified canonical and functional pathways to characterize differential expression.

Results

Of 289 patients with gliomas, 83 (28.7%) had available information regarding seizure occurrence prior to intervention and other pertinent variables of interest. Of these, 50 (60.2%) were allocated to the seizure group. When comparing the level of RNA expression from these tumors between the seizure and non-seizure groups, 52 genes that were significantly differentially regulated were identified. We found canonical pathways that were altered, most significantly RhoGDI and semaphorin neuronal repulsive signaling. Functional gene analysis revealed tumors that promoted seizures had significantly increased functional gene sets involving neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis.

Conclusions

In the setting of gliomas, differences in tumor gene expression exist between individuals with and without seizures, despite similarities in patient demographics and other tumor characteristics. There are significant differences in gene expression associated with neuron development and synaptogenesis, ultimately suggesting a mechanistic role of a tumor-neuron synapse in seizure initiation.
A phase 1 study of biweekly nab-paclitaxel/oxaliplatin/S-1/LV for advanced upper gastrointestinal cancers: TCOG T1216 study
Authors: Tsai Hui-Jen , Yang Shih-Hung , Hsiao Chin-Fu , Kao Hsiang-Fong , Su Yung-Yeh , Shan Yan-Shen , Yen Chia-Jui , Du Jeng-Shiun , Hsu Chiun , Wu I-Chen , Chen Li-Tzong
Published: June 2024

Background

Oxaliplatin- and fluoropyrimidine-based triplet regimens have demonstrated feasibility and efficacy in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers. Herein, we evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of biweekly nab-paclitaxel plus oxaliplatin and S-1/leucovorin (SOLAR) in chemonaïve UGI cancers.

Methods

A 3 + 3 phase 1 study was conducted to determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of oxaliplatin in SOLAR (nab-paclitaxel [150 mg/m2 in D1], oxaliplatin [60, 75, or 85 mg/m2 in D1], and oral S-1/leucovorin [35 mg/m2 and 30 mg bid from D1 to D7]). The secondary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

Thirteen and 6 accruals were in the dose-escalation and MTD expansion cohorts, respectively. One of 6 patients at level III experienced dose-limiting toxicity (grade 3 diarrhea), which revealed that the MTD of oxaliplatin was 85 mg/m2. After a mean of 15.9 cycles of treatment, the most common treatment-related grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (57.9%) and diarrhea (21.1%). The ORR was 63.2%. The median PFS and OS were 12.5 and 24.7 months, respectively.

Conclusion

The current study revealed the MTD of oxaliplatin and demonstrated the preliminary efficacy of SOLAR in UGI cancers, which deserves further investigation.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT03162510
Culture and Authoritarianism
Authors: Pearlman Wendy
Published: June 2024

Research on authoritarianism and culture highlights shared values, beliefs, behaviors, symbols, meanings, and affective orientations and considers how they shape and are shaped by the inception, resilience, functioning, and decline of autocratic rule. Reviewing scholarship on cases from around the world, the chapter traces how scholars increasingly shift away from older understandings of culture as a reified set of influences determining regime type and instead emphasize culture’s dynamic, intersubjective, and relational character. Some scholars treat culture as a contingent structure within which individual agency affects the likelihood of nondemocratic politics. Others track the cultural mechanisms through which autocrats establish rule and oppositionists challenge it. Still others consider how authoritarian power produces particular cultures which in turn reproduce authoritarian power, with legacies that sometimes outlast regimes themselves. This chapter considers what these wide-ranging works teach us about the complex linkages between authoritarianism and culture and suggests directions for new research.