bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced External Beam Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Skull Base Reirradiation
Authors: Wang He , Alsanea Fahed M. , Rhee Dong Joo , Zhang Xiaodong , Liu Wei , Yang Jinzhong , Wen Zhifei , Zhao Yao , Williamson Tyler D. , Hunter Rachel A. , Balter Peter A. , Briere Tina M. , Zhu Ronald X. , Lee Anna , Moreno Amy C. , Reddy Jay P. , Garden Adam S. , Rosenthal David I. , Gunn Gary B. , Phan Jack
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for skull base reirradiation is particularly challenging, as patients have already received substantial radiation doses to the region, and nearby normal organs may have approached their tolerance limit from prior treatments. In this study, we reviewed the characteristics and capabilities of four advanced external beam radiation delivery systems and four modern treatment planning systems and evaluated the treatment plan quality of each technique using skull base reirradiation patient cases. Methods: SBRT plans were generated for sixteen skull base reirradiation patients using four modalities: the GK plan for the Elekta Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion/ICON, the CyberKnife (CK) plan for the Accuray CyberKnife, the intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plan for the Hitachi ProBeat-FR proton therapy machine, and the volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan for the Varian TrueBeam STx. These plans were evaluated and compared using two novel gradient indices in addition to traditional dosimetry metrics for targets and organs at risk (OARs). The steepest border gradient quantified the percent prescription dose fall-off per millimeter at the boundary between the target and adjacent critical structures. This gradient index highlighted the system’s ability to spare nearby critical OARs. The volume gradient assessed the extent of dose spread outside the target toward the patient’s body. Results: All plans achieved comparable target coverage and conformity, while IMPT and VMAT demonstrated significantly better uniformity. The GK plans exhibited the highest border gradient, up to 20.9%/mm, followed by small-spot-size IMPT plans and CK plans. Additionally, IMPT plans showed the benefit of reduced dose spread in low-dose regions and the lowest maximum and mean doses to the brainstem and carotid artery. Conclusions: The advanced external beam radiotherapy modalities evaluated in this study are well-suited for SBRT in skull base reirradiation, which demands precise targeting of tumors with highly conformal doses and steep dose gradients to protect nearby normal structures.
Ozone–Oxygen Therapy to Prevent HPV-Related Cancers of the Lower Gynecological Tract in Infected Patients: The Rationale for Further Developments
Authors: Roncati Luca
Published: February 2025

Background: O3-O2 therapy is an alternative medical treatment that introduces a mixture of O3-O2 into the body for therapeutic purposes. The objective of this study is to evaluate its margins of applicability in the eradication of HPV infection from the lower gynecological tract by means of vaginal insufflation. Methods: An in-depth review of the international literature on this topic is carried out; in addition, O3-O2 therapy is compared with other treatments currently available in terms of its advantages, disadvantages, and exploited technologies. Results: The possible benefits and limitations of O3-O2 vaginal insufflation are explained in detail; overall, it appears to be an interesting tool as part of complex management to prevent HPV-related cancers of the lower gynecological tract in infected patients. Conclusions: The rationale and guidelines of this innovative procedure have been successfully illustrated, providing the technical specifications for further developments.
Molecular Biomarkers in Borderline Ovarian Tumors: Towards Personalized Treatment and Prognostic Assessment
Authors: Drymiotou Stefania , Theodorou Efthymia , Rallis Kathrine Sofia , Nicolaides Marios , Sideris Michail
Published: February 2025

Borderline Ovarian Tumours (BOTs) are a heterogenous group of ovarian neoplasms which have increased mitotic activity but lack stromal invasion. We performed a narrative review of the literature, aiming to identify prognostic molecular biomarkers that can potentially be used for treatment personalisation. We identified and discussed BRAF/KRAS, Cancer Antigen 125 (Ca 125), Calprotectin, p16ink4a, and Microsatellite instability (MSI) as the most studied biomarkers related to BOTs. Overall, BRAF and KRAS mutations are associated with earlier-stage and favourable prognosis; KRASmt may indicate extraovarian disease in serous BOT (sBOT). Ca125, the only currently clinically used biomarker, can be assessed pre-operatively and has an established role in post-operative surveillance, especially when it is raised pre-operatively or a high potential for malignant transformation is suspected post-operatively. p16ink4a expression trends could also indicate the malignant transformation of the tumour. Calprotectin has an inferior specificity to Ca125 and is not yet established as a biomarker, whilst there is very limited evidence available for MSI. As new evidence is coming along with artificial intelligence platforms, these biomarkers can be integrated and used towards the development of a precision model for treatment stratification and counselling in women diagnosed with BOTs.
BTK Is the Target That Keeps on Giving: A Review of BTK-Degrader Drug Development, Clinical Data, and Future Directions in CLL
Authors: Salvaris Ross T. , Brennan Jamie , Lewis Katharine L.
Published: February 2025

Effective available treatment options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who relapse after becoming refractory to both a covalent Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (cBTKi) and a B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 inhibitor (BCL2i) remain limited, and prognosis is very poor. Emerging areas of drug development include cellular therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. However, cost, accessibility, toxicity, and the need for either prolonged or repeated hospitalization prevent universal application of these therapies. Given this area of unmet clinical need, we present this review article on Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) degraders in patients with CLL/SLL. We focus on their development as a drug class, the up-to-date clinical data available, as well as future directions. BTK protein degraders are a novel drug class with an alternate mechanism of action (MOA), compared to cBTKis and non-covalent BTKis (ncBTKis), causing ubiquitination of BTK, thereby leading to its degradation through the proteasome. Encouraging pre-clinical data show that this MOA allows BTK protein degraders to overcome common BTK mutations. We focus on four agents which are under investigation in B-cell malignancies in early clinical trials: BGB-16673, NX-2127, NX-5948, and AC676. Preliminary data suggest a comparable safety and toxicity profile between agents across this drug class with many patients on phase 1 trials deriving durable clinical benefit. Optimal sequencing of BTK degraders in the therapeutic landscape of CLL/SLL treatment is yet to be established. Further trials investigating these agents in combination with other targeted CLL agents may help to further understand their applicability. An effective, tolerable oral class of drugs would be invaluable in the treatment of patients with multiply relapsed CLL/SLL.
Adjustment of Magnetic Characteristics for [Co/Pt] Multilayer Thin Films
Authors: Dorokhin Mikhail V. , Zdoroveyshchev Anton V. , Demina Polina B. , Kuznetsov Yurii M. , Zdoroveyshchev Daniil A. , Kudrin Alexey V. , Temiryazeva Marina P. , Temiryazev Alexei G. , Kalentyeva Irina L. , Ved’ Mikhail V. , Kryukov Ruslan N. , Zubkov Sergey Yu. , Tatarskiy Dmitry A.
Published: February 2025

In the present paper, we discuss the results of the study of magnetic properties and micromagnetic structure of the multilayer [Co(4 × t) Å/Pt(5 × t) Å]10 thin films with varied bilayer thickness (t). The structures were fabricated by alternating electron beam evaporation of Co and Pt targets. The measurements of the element distribution profile, magnetic field dependence of magnetization, and magnetic force microscopy pictures have shown that varying the t coefficient allows for manipulating the degree Co and Pt layers intermixing, which, in turn, changes the magnetic properties of the films over a wide range. In particular, in structures representing a CoxPt1-x solid solution with a variable composition, magnetic skyrmions were revealed upon magnetization of the films. Varying the Co vs. Pt composition heterogeneity makes it possible to control the skyrmion density. The results are believed to be promising for the fabrication of skyrmion-based memory elements.
Research on the Corrosion Behavior of Mo/C276 Coating Deposited by HVOF Method in Deep-Sea Cold Seep Environments
Authors: Zhang Pu , Zhang Hao , Hu Wentao , Wang Yongjun , Wu Xiaofei , Zhang Zhengwei , Ren Zhihao , Zhai Xu , Zeng Xian , Tang Minggang
Published: February 2025

In this study, the Mo/C276 coating was deposited on Q690E steel by high velocity oxy-fuel spraying (HVOF), and the coating was treated with an organosilicon sealer. Further, the corrosion behaviors of the coating in the simulated deep-sea cold spring environment with hydrogen sulfide and high pressure were studied. The results show that when the oxygen flow rate is 220 NL/min, the coating has the lowest porosity of 1.71% and excellent mechanical properties. Combined with the micromorphology and elemental analysis of the coating, it was assumed that the Fe element generated by the corrosion of the Q690E substrate migrates to the surface of the coating. The corrosion tests in the simulated deep-sea cold showed that before the failure of the coating in the edge and corner areas, the corrosion rate of the coating was less than 0.002 mm/a, which could meet the long-term use requirements in the real cold spring environment.
Diversification and Efficiency Assessment of Japanese Major Private Railways Using Data Envelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Index
Authors: Tomikawa Tadaaki , Goto Mika
Published: February 2025

Passenger transportation in Japan’s main metropolitan areas is operated by the JR companies, which were privatized and divested from Japan National Railways (JNR) in 1987 and by 16 major private railway companies with large-scale operations. Although their core business is transportation, the major private railway companies have adopted a strategy of diversification, and they engage, e.g., in real estate and distribution businesses. This study examines the relationship between the degree of business diversification and the production efficiency of Japan’s major private railway companies from the perspective of a future business model. To this aim, this study applies data envelopment analysis combined with the Malmquist index to the data of the railway companies from 1987 to 2019. We focus on four phases of activities: cost, operational resource, operational output, and total revenue. This study is the first to analyze the diversified management of Japanese railroad companies by evaluating their production efficiency and its changes over time. The results of the analysis reveal that, while all companies’ earnings have generally increased, the less diversified they are, the more they struggle to optimize personnel and other overhead expenses and resources, lowering production efficiency.
The Role of AI in Historical Simulation Design: A TPACK Perspective on a French Revolution Simulation Design Experience
Authors: Kindenberg Björn
Published: February 2025

This study explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), specifically ChatGPT, in designing a historical simulation of the French Revolution for eighth-grade students. Using the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework, the research examines how GenAI facilitated and obstructed the creation of an immersive educational experience, addressing the challenges and opportunities it presents. The study employs an explanatory case study methodology combined with autoethnographic elements, capturing the dynamic interplay between AI tools and educators in the design process. The simulation incorporated faction-based role-playing to engage students in historical decision-making, influenced by both pre-revolutionary and revolutionary events. GenAI played multiple collegial roles in the design process, including as a subject matter expert, game mechanics designer, and content communicator, enhancing efficiency and creativity. However, its limitations—such as unverified information, anachronisms, and biases—necessitated careful consideration, drawing on content matter expertise and knowledge of curriculum and class context. Findings indicate that the effective use of GenAI to assist simulation design requires a robust integration of content knowledge, technological proficiency, and pedagogical strategies within the TPACK framework. The study contributes to emerging research on AI’s role in pedagogical design process, with implications for history education and beyond.
Power Shift: Decarbonization and the New Dynamics of Energy Markets
Authors: Raineri Ricardo
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the transformative effects of decarbonization on electricity market design, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities posed by the rapid integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. It analyzes the evolution of key wholesale market segments—including day-ahead, real-time, capacity, long-term purchase agreements, ancillary services, and transmission markets—highlighting their critical roles in managing the variability of renewable energy generation through efficient price signals and resource coordination. Variable renewable energy integration introduces significant operational challenges, including overgeneration risks, ramping capacity demands, forecast inaccuracies, and transmission constraints. Addressing these issues requires enhanced market flexibility, dynamic pricing mechanisms, and advanced real-time balancing strategies. This paper assesses these challenges, offering strategies to align generation with demand and optimize market outcomes. As electricity systems evolve, legacy market structures must adapt to incorporate carbon-free resources while maintaining grid reliability and economic sustainability. By exploring case studies such as Chile and California, this paper demonstrates the importance of targeted innovations in market design, regulatory frameworks, and operational technologies. It advocates for a holistic approach to ensure a reliable, affordable, and equitable transition to a decarbonized energy future.
Tree Species Classification Based on Point Cloud Completion
Authors: Liu Haoran , Zhong Hao , Xie Guangqiang , Zhang Ping
Published: February 2025

LiDAR is an active remote sensing technology widely used in forestry applications, such as forest resource surveys, tree information collection, and ecosystem monitoring. However, due to the resolution limitations of 3D-laser scanners and the canopy occlusion in forest environments, the tree point clouds obtained often have missing data. This can reduce the accuracy of individual tree segmentation, which subsequently affects the tree species classification. To address the issue, this study used point cloud data with RGB information collected by the UAV platform to improve tree species classification by completing the missing point clouds. Furthermore, the study also explored the effects of point cloud completion, feature selection, and classification methods on the results. Specifically, both a traditional geometric method and a deep learning-based method were used for point cloud completion, and their performance was compared. For the classification of tree species, five machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)—were utilized. This study also ranked the importance of features to assess the impact of different algorithms and features on classification accuracy. The results showed that the deep learning-based completion method provided the best performance (avgCD = 6.14; avgF1 = 0.85), generating more complete point clouds than the traditional method. On the other hand, compared with SVM and BPNN, RF showed better performance in dealing with multi-classification tasks with limited training samples (OA-87.41%, Kappa-0.85). Among the six dominant tree species, Pinus koraiensis had the highest classification accuracy (93.75%), while that of Juglans mandshurica was the lowest (82.05%). In addition, the vegetation index and the tree structure parameter accounted for 50% and 30%, respectively, in the top 10 features in terms of feature importance. The point cloud intensity also had a high contribution to the classification results, indicating that the lidar point cloud data can also be used as an important basis for tree species classification.
Real-Time Farm Surveillance Using IoT and YOLOv8 for Animal Intrusion Detection
Authors: Delwar Tahesin Samira , Mukhopadhyay Sayak , Kumar Akshay , Singh Mangal , Lee Yang-won , Ryu Jee-Youl , Hosen A. S. M. Sanwar
Published: February 2025

This research proposes a ground-breaking technique for protecting agricultural fields against animal invasion, addressing a key challenge in the agriculture industry. The suggested system guarantees real-time intrusion detection and quick reactions by combining cutting-edge sensor technologies, image processing capabilities, and the Internet of Things (IoT), successfully safeguarding crops and reducing agricultural losses. This study involves a thorough examination of five models—Inception, Xception, VGG16, AlexNet, and YoloV8—against three different datasets. The YoloV8 model emerged as the most promising, with exceptional accuracy and precision, exceeding 99% in both categories. Following that, the YoloV8 model’s performance was compared to previous study findings, confirming its excellent capabilities in terms of intrusion detection in agricultural settings. Using the capabilities of the YoloV8 model, an IoT device was designed to provide real-time intrusion alarms on farms. The ESP32cam module was used to build this gadget, which smoothly integrated this cutting-edge model to enable efficient farm security measures. The incorporation of this technology has the potential to transform farm monitoring by providing farmers with timely, actionable knowledge to prevent possible threats and protect agricultural production.
Wild Myrtus communis L. Fruit By-Product as a Promising Source of a New Natural Food Colourant: Optimization of the Extraction Process and Chemical Characterization
Authors: Vega Erika N. , González-Zamorano Lorena , Cebadera Elena , Barros Lillian , da Silveira Tayse F. F. , Vidal-Diez de Ulzurrun Guillermo , Tardío Javier , Lázaro Almudena , Cámara Montaña , Fernández-Ruíz Virginia , Morales Patricia
Published: February 2025

Myrtus communis L., as a wild underutilized fruit, was analyzed for its physicochemical properties and bioactive composition, revealing a high anthocyanin content principally concentrated in the peel. Therefore, the anthocyanin extraction conditions through ultrasound-assisted extraction from Myrtus communis L. fruit peels (MCP), considered a by-product, were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), evaluating four independent extraction variables with total anthocyanin content as the response criterion. As a result, optimal extraction conditions were determined to be 20 min, pH 6, 500 W, and 19.68 g/L, yielding a total anthocyanin content of 47.51 mg cya-3-glu/g. In addition, the optimized colourant extract presented a higher content of bioactive compounds compared to the fruit itself, with 1.4 times higher polyphenols and 1.8 times higher total anthocyanin content, with malvidin-3-O-glucoside as the predominant anthocyanin, evidencing the effectiveness of the proposed extraction process. In conclusion, applying the optimal extraction conditions for MPC enables the production of an extract with remarkable anthocyanin content and other phenolic compounds, making it an excellent candidate as a natural food colourant.
Salty Biscuits Enriched with Fresh and Dried Bee Pollen: Chemical, Technological, and Sensory Characterization
Authors: Bianchi Alessandro , Capparelli Sonia , Taglieri Isabella , Sanmartin Chiara , Pistelli Laura , Venturi Francesca
Published: February 2025

Bee pollen is a potential functional food ingredient as it contains essential nutrients and a wide range of bioactive compounds. Among bakery products, sweet or salty biscuits are very popular, because they can be consumed quickly, have a long shelf life, and have a favorable taste and texture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the enrichment of salty biscuits with bee pollen (fresh and dried) through their chemical-technological and sensory characteristics. The biscuit formulations were created by replacing the flour with an increasing amount (5% and 10%) of fresh (FP) and dried (DP) pollen. A formulation without pollen was used as the control (CB). To evaluate its potential as a fortification ingredient, pollen as well as salty biscuits were analyzed in terms of their chemical composition and sensory characteristics. In particular, biscuits with 5% fresh pollen (FPB5%) proved to be the formulation with the optimal combination of chemical-compositional and sensory characteristics. Given the increase in their antioxidant component, fortified biscuits can represent an interesting vehicle for phenolic compounds and carotenoids, with a characteristic sensory profile.
Metabolic and Transcriptomic-Based Characterization of Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus Snew Fermentation in Milk
Authors: Wang Ye , Zhao Haijie , Zhang Huilin , Hou Baochao , Hung Weilian , He Jian , Liang Chao , Li Baolei , Man Chaoxin , Jiang Yujun , Zhang Yu , Guo Ling
Published: February 2025

Fermented milk has a long history. It is fermented by lactic acid bacteria and is rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. As people’s pursuit of quality of life improves, consumers are paying increasing attention to fermented milk. Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus is commonly used to make fermented milk. This study investigated the fermentation characteristics and physicochemical properties of Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus Snew-fermented milk, as well as transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of different fermentation stages. Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus Snew can be used as a fermenter strain, as evaluated from the point of view of fermentation time, titratable acidity, post-acidification, viable bacteria count, water holding capacity, and viscosity. The flavor and odor of Snew-fermented milk varied across fermentation stages. The analysis of the detected volatiles revealed that ketones and esters were the main substances responsible for the flavor of Snew-fermented milk. The differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites screened from several categories, such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fats, and fatty acids, varied at different fermentation stages, while differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites were also threaded together for joint analysis in this study. This study provides theoretical guidance for the practical production application of Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus in cow’s milk fermentation.
Effect of Nisin and Storage Temperature on Outgrowth of Bacillus cereus Spores in Pasteurized Liquid Whole Eggs
Authors: Goshali Binita Kumari , Kapoor Harsimran Kaur , Dev Kumar Govindaraj , Shrestha Subash , Juneja Vijay K. , Mishra Abhinav
Published: February 2025

Pasteurization is used to ensure the safety of liquid whole eggs (LWEs) before commercial distribution; however, it is insufficient to inactivate the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus cereus. This study investigated the effect of nisin on the growth kinetics of B. cereus in LWE. Samples supplemented with 0–6.25 ppm of nisin were inoculated with a four-strain cocktail of heat-shocked B. cereus spores and incubated at isothermal temperatures of 15–45 °C. The Baranyi model was fitted to all B. cereus isothermal growth profiles, generating maximum growth rate (µmax) and lag phase duration (LPD). The extended Ratkowsky square root model described the temperature dependency of µmax. A second-order polynomial model assessed the combined effects of temperature and nisin on the LPD of B. cereus in LWE. A tertiary model was developed and validated using three dynamic temperature profiles. Nisin significantly extended LPD at lower temperatures, while µmax remained unaffected. Samples with 6.25 ppm of nisin inhibited growth for 29 days (average) at 15 °C. Although the tertiary model accurately predicted growth rates, it underpredicted LPD. Adjusting h0 values for each experimental condition improved LPD prediction accuracy. The study’s findings indicate that nisin is effective in inhibiting the growth of B. cereus spores in LWE, lowering the risk of illness.
Fractional Calculus for Type 2 Interval-Valued Functions
Authors: Rahaman Mostafijur , Chalishajar Dimplekumar , Gazi Kamal Hossain , Alam Shariful , Salahshour Soheil , Mondal Sankar Prasad
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a contemporary introduction of fractional calculus for Type 2 interval-valued functions. Type 2 interval uncertainty involves interval uncertainty with the goal of more assembled perception with reference to impreciseness. In this paper, a Riemann–Liouville fractional-order integral is constructed in Type 2 interval delineated vague encompassment. The exploration of fractional calculus is continued with the manifestation of Riemann–Liouville and Caputo fractional derivatives in the cited phenomenon. In addition, Type 2 interval Laplace transformation is proposed in this text. Conclusively, a mathematical model regarding economic lot maintenance is analyzed as a conceivable implementation of this theoretical advancement.
The Current State of Breast Cancer Genetics in Populations of African Ancestry
Authors: Cupertino Sarah Elisabeth Santos , Gonçalves Ana Carolina Aparecida , Gusmão Lopes Claudemira Vieira , Gradia Daniela Fiori , Beltrame Marcia Holsbach
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer (BC) constitutes a significant global health burden, particularly among women, with disparities observed across populations. Notably, women of African ancestry often experience BC at earlier ages and in more aggressive forms, with a higher prevalence of metastasis. Genetic studies, including those focused on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, have revealed population-specific variations in BC susceptibility. Despite efforts to investigate BC genetics in African and African-descendant populations, research remains limited compared to studies conducted in populations of European descent. Socioeconomic factors further compound the challenges faced by marginalized populations, influencing disease outcomes and treatment efficacy. This review explores the BC literature in African and African-descendant populations, highlighting population-specific genetic variants associated with the disease’s subtypes, treatment response, and disease evolution. Limited sample sizes and lack of data on genetic ancestry hinder the development of precise risk stratification and treatment strategies. Efforts to expand research, improve data collection, and enhance genetic analyses in diverse populations are crucial steps toward addressing racial disparities and advancing BC care on a global scale.
Evaluation of Pedestrian-Perceived Comfort on Urban Streets Using Multi-Source Data: A Case Study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Qin Jiarui , Feng Yizhe , Sheng Yehua , Huang Yi , Zhang Fengyuan , Zhang Kaixuan
Published: February 2025

Urban street comfort is a crucial measure of street environmental quality. However, traditional evaluations primarily focus on physical elements, often neglecting pedestrian perceptions. In this study, considering five core evaluation dimensions—safety, mobility, aesthetics, perceptibility, and convenience—an innovative quantitative evaluation model is proposed to assess pedestrian-perceived comfort on urban streets by integrating physical environmental factors and subjective experiences. This analysis comprises two steps: evaluation indicator extraction and weight application. Indicators are extracted from multi-source data (street-view images, real-time traffic data, points of interest, and pedestrian surveys) using a deep learning method. A comprehensive weighting method combining entropy weight and the analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the relative importance of each factor. This study focuses on Nanjing as a case study, and the results reveal significant variations across the five dimensions and their 11 secondary indicators. Street environment safety (0.143) is critical for street safety, while the degree of street traffic congestion (0.121) dominates street mobility. Street aesthetics is primarily influenced by building enclosure (0.105), and street convenience is strongly affected by the number of surrounding bus stops (0.260). Spatial analysis indicates higher comfort levels in urban centers due to well-developed infrastructure, whereas peripheral areas face challenges from inadequate facilities. Notably, areas around parks demonstrate elevated pedestrian-perceived comfort levels, highlighting the importance of green spaces. Overall, the proposed evaluation system provides new insights from the perspective of pedestrian experience and offers valuable guidance for urban planning and policy.
AgNP-Containing Niosomes Functionalized with Fucoidan Potentiated the Intracellular Killing of Mycobacterium abscessus in Macrophages
Authors: Niño-Martínez Nereyda , Audreyartha Kayla , Cheung Kaitlyn , Parra Sol Melchor , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel , Bach Horacio
Published: February 2025

Intracellular pathogens represent a challenge for therapy because the antibiotics used need to diffuse into the cytoplasm to target the pathogens. The situation is more complicated in the mycobacteria family because members of this family infect and multiply within macrophages, the cells responsible for clearing microorganisms in the body. In addition, mycobacteria members are enclosed inside pathogen-containing vesicles or phagosomes. The treatments of these pathogens are aggravated when these pathogens acquire resistance to antibiotic molecules. As a result, new antimicrobial alternatives are needed. Niosomes are vesicles composed of cholesterol and nonionic surfactants that can be used for antibiotic encapsulation and delivery. The current study developed a systematic formulation of niosomes to determine the best option for niosome functionalizing for precise delivery to the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using gallic acid as an antibacterial agent. Then, niosomes were prepared and characterized, following the encapsulation of AgNPs functionalized with a single-chain antibody screened against the cell wall glycopeptidolipid of Mycobacterium abscessus. For a precise delivery of the cargo into macrophages, the niosomes were also functionalized with the polysaccharide fucoidan, taken specifically by the scavenger receptor class A expressed on the surface of macrophages. Results of the study showed a steady decrease in the intracellular pathogen load after 48 h post-infection. In conclusion, this system could be developed into a platform to target other types of intracellular pathogens and as an option for antimicrobial therapy.
Functionalized MXenes for Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalysis: A Focus on Surface Termination Engineering and Composite Design
Authors: Qamar Muhammad Azam , Ali Syed Kashif
Published: February 2025

MXenes, a groundbreaking class of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have emerged as highly promising materials for photocatalytic applications due to their unique structural, electrical, and surface properties. These materials are synthesized by selectively etching the A layer from MAX phases, yielding compositions with the general formula Mn+1XnTx, where M is a transition metal, X represents carbon or nitrogen, and Tx refers to surface terminations such as –OH, –O, or –F. This review delves into the advanced synthesis techniques of MXenes, including fluoride-free etching and molten salt methods, and explores their potential in photocatalysis for environmental remediation. MXenes exhibit remarkable light absorption capabilities and efficient charge carrier separation, making them highly effective for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. Modulating their surface chemistry and bandgap via functional group modifications further enhances their photocatalytic performance. These attributes position MXenes as next-generation materials for sustainable photocatalytic applications, offering significant potential in addressing global environmental challenges.
Ti Coating-Enhanced Tribocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes by CdS Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Mingzhang , Song Jiannan , Ke Senhua , Gu Yanhong , Bing Lina , Shen Zhenjiang , Chen Wanping
Published: February 2025

Coating disk-shaped materials on the bottoms of containers has become a highly effective method for tribocatalysis enhancement. Here, the effects of Ti coatings on the tribocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by CdS nanoparticles were systematically studied. For both 50 mg/L rhodamine B (RhB) and 20 mg/L methyl orange (MO) solutions, the tribocatalytic degradation by CdS nanoparticles was dramatically enhanced in Ti-coated beakers compared to as-received glass-bottomed beakers, with the degradation rate constant increased by 4.77 and 5.21 times, respectively. Moreover, for tribocatalytic degradation of MO using CdS, two quite different MO degradation modes were identified between Ti and Al2O3 coatings. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analyses showed that more radicals were generated when CdS nanoparticles rubbed against the Ti coating than against the glass bottom, and boron nitride nanoparticles were employed to verify that the enhancement associated with the Ti coating resulted from the interactions between Ti and CdS. These findings underscore the importance of catalyst and coating material selection in tribocatalytic systems, offering valuable insights for the development of efficient environmental purification technologies.
Sex Differences in Intelligence on the WISC: A Meta-Analysis on Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
Authors: Esposito Lorenzo , Giofrè David
Published: February 2025

Several studies have examined performance on the Wechsler batteries in typically developing children and adolescents. In particular, some studies suggest that cognitive functioning may differ between males and females. In this framework, the present study aims to investigate, through a meta-analytical approach, whether there are sex differences in the profiles emerging from the WISC battery in children with a Specific Learning Disability. For this purpose, a systematic search was conducted, resulting in a final selection of 12 published studies which utilized the WISC and included at least one group of SLD children of similar ages. Scores obtained in each scale and subtest of the battery were then examined according to the CHC/WISC-V classification. A series of mixed-effects models were fitted to meta-analyze the data. The results highlight some differences favoring males, and others advantaging females. On the one hand, males exhibited higher performances in crystallized intelligence, visual processing, and quantitative knowledge. On the other hand, females showed better performance in short-term memory and processing speed. Nevertheless, no differences in fluid reasoning emerged, which probably did not prompt differences in overall intellectual functioning. From a practical and implications point of view, understanding sex-specific differences seems to be of pivotal importance, since it might trigger the development of ad hoc intervention programs in the clinical and educational context.
Mapping Coverage and Typology Based on Function and Spatial Configuration of Forests in Latium Region, Central Italy
Authors: di Cristofaro Marco , Moresi Federico Valerio , Maesano Mauro , Portoghesi Luigi , Munafò Michele , De Fioravante Paolo , Tonti Daniela , Ottaviano Marco , Marchetti Marco , Scarascia-Mugnozza Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Among the land use–land cover products, tree cover maps are essential tools for assessing forest functionality and ecosystem services, and implementing sustainable forest management. By combining open-source and ancillary high-resolution cartographic datasets, this study aims to map trees and forests in the Latium region in central Italy, highlighting their spatial configuration, function, and forest typology. The main findings show that trees cover 44.2% of the regional land area. Forests cover 508,056 ha, forming the core matrix of the Latium mountain landscape, providing significant ecological and socio-economic value for forest management and the regional wood supply chain. Although trees outside the forest represent only 3.1% of regional tree cover, they play a crucial role in enhancing ecological connectivity and landscape resilience. Approximately 2% of the tree and forest cover occurs in urban areas, contributing significantly to climate regulation and air quality in densely populated environments. The dominant forest types in Lazio include Turkey oak, temperate broadleaf, beech, downy oak, and Holm oak, which together account for 58.6% of the total tree cover. The accuracy tests confirm the feasibility of using open-source data for reliable, cost-effective forest mapping. Regular updates of these maps can support continuous monitoring and promote sustainable forest management practices.
Virology Applications to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kostaki Evangelia Georgia
Published: February 2025

From the early identification of severe respiratory cases of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, virology research has played an important role in understanding, management, and prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic [...]
Effect of Split Doublet Mode Pair on Brake Squeal of the Slightly Asymmetric Disc
Authors: Seo Dongwoo , Kang Jaeyoung
Published: February 2025

In this paper, the stability of the split doublet mode pair in a disc brake squeal is analytically investigated. A reduced-order doublet mode model is derived based on the formulation of annular plate vibration, sliding contact kinematics, and the assumed mode method. The solution is approximated using a two-mode expansion for the doublet mode pair. The time-varying motion of the slightly asymmetric rotating disc is described through the moving mode shape function method. A stability analysis of the frequency split between the doublet mode pair is performed by calculating the characteristic multipliers using the Floquet theory. The stability boundary is determined within the domain of frequency split variations and other parameters. Finally, the influence of mode splitting on the squeal behaviour of the asymmetric disc is analysed and discussed.
Curbing Petrochemical Lubricants by Plant-Based Chemicals: A Reliable Opportunity to Align with Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Nácher-Mestre Jaime , Cano David , Habib Kudama , Branchadell Clemente , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: February 2025

The use of plant-based lubricants is a sustainable alternative to petrochemical lubricants. Their main advantages include proven tribological performance, higher biodegradability in the environment, and the absence of health hazards when inhaled, ingested, or in contact with the skin. In this study, nine best-selling commercial lubricants were purchased and compared with two proposed sustainable alternatives derived from plant-based resources. The alternative wet lubricant that was developed demonstrated superior tribological performance compared to the selected commercial lubricants. Meanwhile, the alternative dry lubricant exhibited a greater load capacity and high wear resistance in the presence of micrometric Al2O3 particles at 20 N. The results indicated that a proper formulation of plant-based resources in lubricants can achieve the same or even better functional performance than conventional lubricants, which are currently classified as hazardous under European regulations.
Dental Implant with Porous Structure and Anchorage: Design and Bench Testing in a Calf Rib Model Study
Authors: Lovera Keila , Vanaclocha Vicente , Atienza Carlos M. , Vanaclocha Amparo , Jordá-Gómez Pablo , Saiz-Sapena Nieves , Vanaclocha Leyre
Published: February 2025

Primary dental implant stability is critical to enable osseointegration. We assessed the primary stability of our newly designed dental implant. We used the calf rib bone animal model. Our implant has an outside tapered screw with two inside barrettes that deploy with a second screw situated at the implant’s crown. We used ten calf ribs with III/IV bone density and inserted ten implants per rib. We deployed the barrettes in the calf rib’s transversal direction to support against the nearby cortical bone. We measured the primary implant’s stability with resonance frequency analysis and collected the Implant Stability Quota (ISQ) in the transverse and longitudinal calf rib planes before (PRE) and after (POS) deploying the barrette. The mean ISQ was PRE 84.00 ± 3.56 and POS 84.73 ± 4.53 (p = 0.84) in the longitudinal plane and PRE 81.80 ± 2.74 and POS 83.53 ± 4.53 (0.27) in the transverse plane. The barrettes’ insertion increases our dental implant primary stability by 11% in the transverse plane and 2% in the longitudinal plane. Our dental implant ISQ values are in the higher range than those reported in the literature and reflect high primary stability after insertion. The barrette deployment improves the dental implant’s primary stability, particularly in the direction in which it deploys (transverse plane).
Comparative Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antitumor Activities of Marine Alkaloid 3,10-Dibromofascaplysin
Authors: Zhidkov Maxim E. , Smirnova Polina A. , Grammatikova Natalia E. , Isakova Elena B. , Shchekotikhin Andrey E. , Styshova Olga N. , Klimovich Anna A. , Popov Aleksandr M.
Published: February 2025

Fascaplysins form a group of marine natural products with unique cationic five-ring coplanar backbone. Native fascaplysin exhibits a broad spectrum of bioactivities, among which the cytotoxic activity has been the most investigated. Several fascaplysin derivatives have more selective biological effects and are promising as lead compounds. Thus, the introduction of a substituent at C-9 of fascaplysin leads to a strong increase in its antimicrobial properties. Here, a comparative assessment of the antimicrobial activity of synthetic analogs of the marine alkaloids 3-bromofascaplysin, 10-bromofascaplysin, and 3,10-dibromofascaplysin, along with some of their isomers and analogs, was carried out against a panel of Gram-positive bacteria in vitro. For the first time, a significant increase in the antimicrobial activity of fascaplysin was observed when a substituent was introduced at C-3. The introduction of two bromine atoms at C-2 and C-9 enhances the antimicrobial properties by 4 to 16 times, depending on the tested strain. Evaluation of the antimicrobial potential in vivo showed that fascaplysin and 3,10-dibromofascaplysin had comparable efficacy in the mouse staphylococcal sepsis model. Additionally, 3,10-dibromofascaplysin demonstrated a strong and reliable antitumor effect in vivo on the Ehrlich carcinoma inoculated subcutaneously, with a value of tumor growth inhibition by 49.2% 20 days after treatment. However, further studies on alternative chemical modifications of fascaplysin are needed to improve its chemotherapeutic properties.
3D-Printed Customized Arch-Support Insoles Improve Gait Mechanics and Ankle Alignment in Young Adults with Functional Flat Foot During Uphill Walking
Authors: Park Sanghee , Jung Jin-Hwa , Lei Shi , Jung Eui-Young , Cho Hwi-Young
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives: Weight-bearing activities exacerbate pain and fatigue in functional flat foot, with uphill walking presenting additional challenges due to increased external loads. The current study investigates whether 3D-printed customized arch-support insoles can enhance gait variables and ankle alignment during uphill walking. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy young adults, divided into two groups (normal foot condition (control, n = 10), functional flat foot (FF, n = 10)), walked on a treadmill at a 10% incline under two conditions: wearing shoes alone (shoe) or wearing shoes with 3D-printed customized arch-support insoles (SI). Gait pattern, center of force (COF), and ankle joint angles were analyzed by OptoGait, Tekscan, and Kinovea, respectively. Results: The foot flat phase of the gait pattern was prolonged in individuals with FF compared to the control under both shoe and SI conditions, whereas the propulsive phase was shortened with the SI. Medial deviation of the COF during the propulsive phase, observed in individuals with FF under the shoe condition, was corrected to a more lateral alignment with the SI, resembling the COF alignment of the control. Additionally, individuals with FF under the shoe condition exhibited increased ankle pronation compared to the control, whereas the SI moderated pronation, achieving alignment closer to that of the control. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the 3D-printed customized arch-support insoles can improve gait mechanics and ankle alignment in individuals with FF, particularly under challenging conditions such as uphill walking.
Genetic Code Expansion for Controlled Surfactin Production in a High Cell-Density Bacillus subtilis Strain
Authors: Hermann Alexander , Hiller Eric , Hubel Philipp , Biermann Lennart , Benatto Perino Elvio Henrique , Kuipers Oscar Paul , Hausmann Rudolf , Lilge Lars
Published: February 2025

Background: In biotechnology, B. subtilis is established for heterologous protein production. In addition, the species provides a variety of bioactive metabolites, including the non-ribosomally produced surfactin lipopeptide. However, to control the formation of the target product-forming enzyme, different expression systems could be introduced, including the principle of genetic code expansion by the incorporation of externally supplied non-canonical amino acids. Methods: Integration of an amber stop codon into the srfA operon and additional chromosomal integration of an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA mutant pair from Methanococcus jannaschii enabled site-directed incorporation of the non-canonical amino acid O-methyl-L-tyrosine (OMeY). In different fed-batch bioreactor approaches, OMeY-associated surfactin production was quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Physiological adaptations of the B. subtilis production strain were analyzed by mass spectrometric proteomics. Results: Using a surfactin-forming B. subtilis production strain, which enables high cell density fermentation processes, the principle of genetic code expansion was introduced. Accordingly, the biosynthesis of the surfactin-forming non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) was linked to the addition of the non-canonical amino acid OMeY. In OMeY-associated fed-batch bioreactor fermentation processes, a maximum surfactin titre of 10.8 g/L was achieved. In addition, the effect of surfactin induction was investigated by mass spectrometric proteome analyses. Among other things, adaptations in the B. subtilis motility towards a more sessile state and increased abundances of surfactin precursor-producing enzymes were detected. Conclusions: The principle of genetic code expansion enabled a precise control of the surfactin bioproduction as a representative of bioactive secondary metabolites in B. subtilis. This allowed the establishment of inducer-associated regulation at the post-transcriptional level with simultaneous use of the native promoter system. In this way, inductor-dependent control of the production of the target metabolite-forming enzyme could be achieved.