bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of the Implant–Alveolar Bone Complex According to the Peri-Implant Bone Loss and Bone Quality: A Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Yoon Youngjae , Kim Jae-Eun , Kim Eunji , Park Soyeon , Kang Inyeong , Kwon Yong-Dae
Published: December 2024

Peri-implant bone loss and bone quality significantly affect the biomechanical stability and long-term success of dental implants. This study used finite element analysis to evaluate the stress distribution and deformation behavior of implants and alveolar bone according to bone loss (0–5 mm) and bone quality (normal and low). A finite element model was implemented based on a three-dimensional mandibular model. The mechanical properties of each component were assigned, and finite element analysis was performed using a static occlusal load. The results showed that progressive bone loss increased von Mises stresses in the implant fixture and surrounding bone, and low-quality bone showed a significant vulnerability to stress concentration. The 2 mm bone loss model showed the maximum stress in cortical bone, and from 3 mm onwards, the stress decreased due to extensive loss of cortical bone. This may be because extensive bone loss causes the implant to lose interface with cortical bone and contact only with cancellous bone. This study confirmed that bone loss and the vulnerability of bone quality may potentially affect implant failure. Continued research is needed to suggest customized implants based on the structural vulnerability of alveolar bone.
A Robot Error Prediction and Compensation Method Using Joint Weights Optimization Within Configuration Space
Authors: Meng Fantong , Wei Jinhua , Feng Qianyi , Dong Zhigang , Kang Renke , Guo Dongming , Yang Jiankun
Published: December 2024

With the growing demand for industrial robots in the aerospace manufacturing process, the lack of positioning accuracy has become a critical factor limiting their broad application in precision manufacturing. To enhance robot positioning accuracy, one crucial approach is to analyze the distribution patterns of robot errors and leverage spatial similarity for error prediction and compensation. However, existing methods in Cartesian space struggle to achieve accurate error estimation when the robot is loaded or the end-effector orientations are varied. To address these challenges, a novel method for robot error prediction and accuracy compensation within configuration space is proposed. The analysis of robot error distribution reveals that the spatial similarity of robot errors is more pronounced and stable in configuration space compared to Cartesian space, and this property exhibits significant anisotropy across joint dimensions. A spatial-interpolation-based unbiased estimation method with joint weights optimization is proposed for robot errors prediction, and the particle filter method is utilized to search for the optimal joint weights, enhancing the anisotropic characteristics of the prediction model. Based on the robot error prediction model, a cyclic searching method is employed to directly compensate for the joint angles. An experimental system is established using an industrial robot equipped with a 120 kg end-effector and a laser tracker. Eighty sampling points with diverse poses are randomly selected within the task workspace to measure the robot errors before and after compensation. The proposed method achieves an error prediction accuracy of 0.172 mm, reducing the robot error from the original 4.96 mm to 0.28 mm, thus meeting the stringent accuracy requirements for hole machining in robotic aerospace assembly processes.
Digitalizing Material Knowledge: A Practical Framework for Ontology-Driven Knowledge Graphs in Process Chains
Authors: Garcia Trelles Elena , Schweizer Christoph , Thomas Akhil , von Hartrott Philipp , Janka-Ramm Marina
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a robust methodology for integrating process-specific data and domain expert knowledge into linked knowledge graphs. These graphs utilize an ontology that provides a standardized vocabulary for material science and facilitates the creation of semantic models for various processes along the digital process chain. A generic template for structuring processes is proposed, simplifying subsequent data retrieval. The templates of specific processes are designed collaboratively by domain and ontology experts, aided by a proposed interview template that bridges the knowledge gap. Following the digitalization of material data through semantic modeling, machine-readable data with contextual metadata is stored in a graph database, which can be efficiently queried using the SPARQL language, enabling seamless integration into data pipelines. To demonstrate this approach, a knowledge graph is developed to represent the process chain of AlSi10Mg objects manufactured via permanent mold casting, capturing their complete history from the initial manufacturing step to final non-destructive testing and mechanical characterization. This methodology enhances data interoperability and accessibility while providing context-rich data for training AI models, potentially accelerating new knowledge discovery in material science.
Spectral Data-Driven Prediction of Soil Properties Using LSTM-CNN-Attention Model
Authors: Liu Yiqiang , Shen Luming , Zhu Xinghui , Xie Yangfan , He Shaofang
Published: December 2024

Accurate prediction of soil properties is essential for sustainable land management and precision agriculture. This study presents an LSTM-CNN-Attention model that integrates temporal and spatial feature extraction with attention mechanisms to improve predictive accuracy. Utilizing the LUCAS soil dataset, the model analyzes spectral data to estimate key soil properties, including organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and pH (in H2O). The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) component captures temporal dependencies, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) extracts spatial features, and the attention mechanism highlights critical information within the data. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieves excellent prediction performance, with coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.949 (OC), 0.916 (N), 0.943 (CaCO3), and 0.926 (pH), along with corresponding ratio of percent deviation (RPD) values of 3.940, 3.737, 5.377, and 3.352. Both R2 and RPD values exceed those of traditional machine learning models, such as partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine regression (SVR), and random forest (RF), as well as deep learning models like CNN-LSTM and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU). Additionally, the proposed model outperforms S-AlexNet in effectively capturing temporal and spatial patterns. These findings emphasize the potential of the proposed model to significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of soil property predictions by capturing both temporal and spatial patterns effectively.
Structural Concrete from 100% Recycled Aggregates
Authors: Brencich Antonio , Dubesti Andrea , Ali Akbari Hamed Farhad
Published: December 2024

In spite of the amount of construction debris produced every year, recycled aggregates are still not commonly used in the concrete industry. A 100% recycled aggregate concrete—RAC—is not yet allowed by technical codes even though it would greatly help reduce the disposal of debris. This paper considers a construction site that can only be reached by small trucks, where concrete production is performed using manual procedures and the transportation of building materials is difficult and expensive. The aim of this research is to establish a mix design for 100% RAC for structural applications. In this context, recycled aggregates are obtained from the debris crushed by a small portable crusher Crunchy©. Based on a series of tests on concrete cubes and cylinders of aggregates originating from different types of debris, it is shown that 100% RAC is also a promising material for structural applications. At the cost of more cement in comparison to standard concrete, RAC from high-strength aggregates (concrete and gres-porcelain tiles) may be used in r.c. structures. Some of its features, such as its low pH value and low compressive strength in the case of clay-originated aggregates, still need to be studied for an optimized mix design. In addition, it is shown that RACs have approximately the same carbon footprint as standard concrete.
Exploring Structural Changes in Ge-Te Amorphous Films Through Small-Angle Neutron Scattering
Authors: Piarristeguy Andrea A. , Escalier Raphaël , Pradel Annie , Cristiglio Viviana , Cuello Gabriel J.
Published: December 2024

The structure of the glassy GexTe1−x system, with x = 0.17, 0.21, 0.28, 0.30, and 0.45, is studied using the small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique. The very-low-momentum-transfer region of the diffractogram exhibits distinct behaviour depending on the germanium content. A similar conclusion is drawn from the analysis of the first diffraction peaks observed at higher angles. This system exhibits three composition regions with distinct behaviours: a first zone of low Ge content (up to about 20–25 at.%), a third zone richer in Ge (from about 30 at.% and above), and a second transitional zone between them. These changes are reflected in the parameters that govern Porod’s region, as well as in the region where the first diffraction peaks appear, corroborating previous observations made using other experimental and simulation techniques. Our study provides experimental evidence that could open up new possibilities for conducting simulations using neutron data. The results presented here show that increasing Ge content leads to a strengthening of the intermediate-range order at the expense of a weakening of the short-range order.
Three-Dimensional Shape Reconstruction from Digital Freehand Design Sketching Based on Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Zhou Ding , Wei Guohua , Yuan Xiaojun
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a method for 3D reconstruction from Freehand Design Sketching (FDS) in architecture and industrial design. The implementation begins by extracting features from the FDS using the self-supervised learning model DINO, followed by the continuous Signed Distance Function (SDF) regression as an implicit representation through a Multi-Layer Perceptron network. Taking eyeglass frames as an example, the 2D contour and freehand sketch optimize the alignment by their geometrical similarity while exploiting symmetry to improve reconstruction accuracy. Experiments demonstrate that this method can effectively reconstruct high-quality 3D models of eyeglass frames from 2D freehand sketches, outperforming existing deep learning-based 3D reconstruction methods. This research offers practical information for understanding 3D modeling methodology for FDS, triggering multiple modes of design creativity and efficient scheme adjustments in industrial or architectural conceptual design. In conclusion, this novel approach integrates self-supervised learning and geometric optimization to achieve unprecedented fidelity in 3D reconstruction from FDS, setting a new benchmark for AI-driven design processes in industrial and architectural applications.
The Impact of Seasonal Variations in Rainfall and Temperature on the Performance of Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Context of Environmental Protection of Lake Como, a Tourist Region in Italy
Authors: Lawrence Jassica , Giurea Ramona , Bettinetti Robertta
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of extreme weather conditions on the performance of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Como, Italy, in terms of influent (inf) and effluent (eff) quality parameters. During winter (October–December), the average temperature was 8.76 °C ± 11.43 °C, with 7.01 mm rainfall, while summer (May–September) averaged 23.24 °C ± 6.2 °C with 5.2 mm rainfall. Despite seasonal variations, the pH levels remained consistent. Phosphorus removal by the WWTP was efficient, with the winter influent averaging 4.16 ± 5.53 mg/L, the winter effluent averaging 0.33 ± 1.06 mg/L, the summer influent averaging 3.53 ± 2.9 mg/L, and the summer effluent averaging 0.31 ± 0.75 mg/L. The COD and BOD5 levels showed seasonal trends, with a higher winter-influent COD (450.43 ± 560.56 mg/L) than in summer (410.96 ± 302 mg/L). These higher winter values of effluent may be due to lower biological activity at cooler temperatures, affecting the efficiency of organic matter breakdown and treatment. The winter influent BOD averaged 249.57 ± 220.42 mg/L, with the winter effluent being 2.95 ± 2.04 mg/L, while the summer influent BOD was 214.44 ± 345.5 mg/L and the summer effluent was 3.01 ± 7.5 mg/L. The TSSs and Total-N showed similar seasonal patterns, with there being slight decreases in the TSSs removal efficiency during warmer months. Although microplastic pollution was not directly analyzed in this study, wastewater treatment plants play a crucial role in mitigating microplastic contamination. Despite rainfall influencing the phosphorus and organic load concentrations, the studied plant maintained over 90% pollutant removal efficiency, demonstrating resilience and compliance with regulatory standards. The WWTP’s consistent COD and BOD5 reductions highlight its robust performance amid climate variations
Immersive Two-Channel Recordings Based on Personalized BRIRs and Their Applications in Industry
Authors: Kosmenda Kaja , Mickiewicz Witold
Published: December 2024

The realm of immersive sound technologies in modern industries is evolving every day. Two-channel recordings using personalized HRIRs or BRIRs, which are tailored to the unique anatomical features of individual listeners, significantly enhance the spatial accuracy and naturalness of sound, providing a highly immersive auditory experience. This paper discusses the importance of immersive sound and the externalization effect in recreating the acoustic environment. The paper also presents techniques for obtaining two-channel immersive renderings in a few different ways. The main focus is the integration of immersive audio in new technologies in the wide-ranging audio industry, from telecommunication, through applications for musicians, virtual reality scenarios, and hearing devices. In summary, this paper highlights the huge potential of personalized BRIRs in creating immersive two-channel recordings, offering substantial benefits across various industries by improving the realism and effectiveness of each auditory experience on its own.
Experimental Study on the Changes to the Microstructures and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Layered Sandstone After High-Temperature Treatment
Authors: Gao Shang , Wu Yueyu , Yang Xuqing
Published: December 2024

In this study, changes in the basic physical properties, mineral composition, mass, and microstructure of layered sandstone were evaluated following heat treatment at 200–800 °C. Dynamic impact compression tests were performed using a split-Hopkinson pressure bar test system (SHPB), and digital image correlation (DIC) was used to monitor the dynamic failure processes of the involved specimens. Results indicate that high-temperature treatment reduces the mass, wave velocity and peak stress of layered sandstone; increases the porosity, pore length, and pore aperture. The rates of decrease in the wave velocity and peak stress considerably increase with increasing temperature above a threshold of 400 °C. This is because at temperatures above 400 °C, thermal cracks will form both between and within particles. As the number of cracks increases, they will propagate and connect with each other, forming a network of cracks. DIC results show that as the heat treatment temperature rises, the range of the strain-concentration areas, which are formed by sandstone failures, substantially expands. However, the increase in the heat treatment temperature only negligibly influences the propagation direction of primary sandstone cracks, which mainly propagate along the weak bedding planes.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Overpass Ramp Based on Grey System Theory Model
Authors: Ji Yongcheng , Liao Guangwen , Xu Wenyuan
Published: December 2024

An interchange is a pivotal traffic facility that connects highways and controls access. It is necessary to study their dynamic response characteristics to analyze the operational safety of ramp bridges on interchanges. Based on the numerical simulation results of the finite element model of the Fuxing Interchange Bridge, non-destructive measurement techniques were used to conduct field dynamic load tests on the bridge, including ramp strain testing and acceleration testing. These tests aimed to study the dynamic response characteristics of the ramp bridge under moving loads. Due to the design speed limitation of the ramp bridge, the grey prediction GM(1, 1) model was used to predict the maximum dynamic deflection, maximum dynamic strain, and vibration acceleration when the vehicle speed was 60 km/h. Subsequently, finite element software was used to simulate the dynamic deflection under vehicle speeds ranging from 30 to 60 km/h. The simulated value was compared with the predicted value, and the difference between the simulated value and the predicted value was slight. This model can evaluate the operational safety performance of off-ramps at different speeds.
Research on Lightweight Open-Pit Mine Driving Obstacle Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv8s
Authors: Xu Bo , Xu Wubin , Li Bing , Zhang Hanwen , Xiao Yuanbin , Zhou Weixin
Published: December 2024

The road environment of open-pit mines is complex and unstructured. Unmanned construction machinery driving faces huge challenges. Improving the accuracy and speed of obstacle detection during driving is of great significance to ensuring the safety of mine automation construction and improving the efficiency of overall unmanned operations. In view of the fact that the current obstacle detection algorithm struggles to strike a balance between high precision and real-time performance, and there are problems such as difficulty in model deployment or unsuitability for practical applications, a lightweight open-pit mine driving obstacle detection algorithm based on improved YOLOv8s is proposed, which is committed to improving the driving safety of unmanned engineering machinery in open-pit mines. In order to enhance the ability of the backbone to capture features, the idea of the guidance module (CGBlock) of contextual information is introduced to construct a new CGC2f module; the efficient squeeze excitation (ESE) attention mechanism is embedded in the feature fusion layer to make the model pay more attention to the channels containing important feature information; in order to enhance the model’s learning ability for obstacles of different sizes in the open-pit mine, a more suitable dynamic head network (DyHead) is used at the output end; in order to further improve real-time performance, the layer-based adaptive amplitude pruning (LAMP) score algorithm is used to prune redundant weight parameters. To verify the effectiveness of the algorithm in this paper, an experimental verification is carried out on the constructed open-pit mine driving obstacle dataset. The results show that compared with YOLOv8s, the mAP50 of this algorithm reaches 95.3%, the detection speed is increased by 40.2%, the model parameters are reduced by 71.2%, and the calculation amount is reduced by 73.7%. It meets the requirements of real-time and high-precision obstacle detection in open-pit mine driving and provides technical support for smart mine driving.
Comparison of Modified Occlusal Splint, Standard Splint Protocol, and Conventional Physical Therapy in Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement with Reduction and Intermittent Locking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Prati Sandro , Goker Funda , Tumedei Margherita , Gianni Aldo Bruno , Del Fabbro Massimo , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino
Published: December 2024

Background: Temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction is one of the most common types of TMJ arthropathy. This single-blinded, randomized clinical study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different therapeutic methods. Methods: Standard splints (Group 1), modified occlusal splint (Group 2), and conventional physical therapy with exercises (Group 3). A total of 48 patients were randomly assigned by a computer-generated allocation sequence to receive rehabilitation. The outcome was defined as improvements in pain and intermittent locking episodes. The follow-up visits were scheduled as one month and a long-term evaluation at one (T1), two (T2), three (T3), and four years (T4). Magnetic resonance images were also taken to evaluate each patient before treatment and at one year. Image analysis involved the evaluation of morphology and the function of intra-articular structures. Variables such as age, gender, and pre- vs. post-treatment values of VAS and TMJ locks between the three intervention categories were compared for statistical evaluations. p values ≤ 0.05 were taken as being significant. Results: A total of 16 subjects were allocated to each group. At T1, a decrease in pain and TMJ locking episodes was observed, which was maintained throughout the course of the study for four years of follow-ups, with no statistically significant differences. However, there was a tendency for better outcomes in favor of Group 2, with less clicking of the TMJ at opening. Conclusions: The modified mandibular splint seems to be successful as an effective alternative for the management of temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reductions in intermittent locking.
Quality Assessment of Organic Kefirs Made with Kefir Grains and Freeze-Dried Starter Cultures
Authors: Szkolnicka Katarzyna , Dmytrów Izabela , Mituniewicz-Małek Anna , Bogusławska-Wąs Elżbieta
Published: December 2024

Organic dairy products, including fermented milk, are gaining popularity among consumers. Traditionally, for kefir production, kefir grains are used; however, in the modern industry, freeze-dried cultures are commonly employed. This study aimed to analyze the quality of kefirs produced from organic cow milk with two fermentation times (12 and 24 h) with the use of kefir grains or freeze-dried culture. During a 3-week storage period, physicochemical properties, color, syneresis index, texture, sensory, and microbiological quality were evaluated. The results proved that organic cow milk was suitable for kefir production both with the use of kefir grains and freeze-dried culture. Using freeze-dried culture and a 24 h fermentation period resulted in kefir with the lowest syneresis tendency (3.65–9.62%), along with the best textural properties (the highest cohesiveness and viscosity index), and desired sensory characteristics. Kefir grains had a better acidification ability, and the resulting products had a higher count of yeasts, lactobacilli, and lactococci compared with kefirs obtained with freeze-dried culture. However, both the type of starter culture and the fermentation time influenced the product’s quality. The longer fermentation time of 24 h was more appropriate for the kefir production. Kefir grains, as a traditional form of kefir culture, may be preferred in organic kefir production.
Mechanism Study on the Intrinsic Damage and Microchemical Interactions of Argillaceous Siltstone Under Different Water Temperatures
Authors: Liang Ning , Jin Tao , Zhang Jingjing , Lu Damin
Published: December 2024

Argillaceous siltstone is prone to deformation and softening when exposed to water, which poses a great threat to practical engineering. There are significant differences in the degrees of damage to this type of rock caused by solutions with different water temperatures. This study aimed to better understand the effect of temperature on argillaceous siltstone by designing immersion tests at water temperatures of 5, 15, 25, and 35 °C, analyzing the mechanical properties and cation concentration shifts under each condition. A water temperature–force coupled geometric damage model for argillaceous siltstone was developed, incorporating a Weibull distribution function and composite damage factors to derive a statistical damage constitutive model. The findings reveal that, with increasing water temperature, the peak strength and elastic modulus of argillaceous siltstone display a concave trend, initially decreasing and then increasing, while the cation concentration follows a convex trend, first increasing and then decreasing. Between 15 and 25 °C, the stress–strain behavior transitions from a four-phase to a five-phase pattern, with pronounced plasticity. The model’s theoretical curves align closely with experimental data, with the Weibull parameters m and λ effectively capturing the rock’s strength and plastic characteristics. Changes in water temperature notably influence the damage variable D12 in the context of water temperature–peak stress coupling, with D12 initially increasing and then decreasing with higher temperatures. These research results can provide new methods for exploring the paths of soft rock disasters and provide guidance for designing defenses in geotechnical engineering.
Flemish Art: Past and Present
Authors: Shelby Karen
Published: December 2024

“Nowhere in the world are there cities of art in such close proximity to each other as in Flanders” [...]
The Radon Exhalation Rate and Dose Assessment of Granite Used as a Building Material in Serbia
Authors: Shabek Fathya , Obradović Božidar , Čeliković Igor , Đurašević Mirjana , Samolov Aleksandra , Kolarž Predrag , Janićijević Aco
Published: December 2024

The application of energy-saving policies in buildings could lead to a decrease in the air exchange rate in dwellings, which could consequently lead to an increase in indoor radon concentration and, therefore, to an increase in resident exposure to ionizing radiation. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to investigate radiological exposure to residents due to the usage of different granites commonly used in Serbia as a building material. From the total of 10 analysed granite samples, a wide range of radon and thoron exhalation rates were found: from <161 μBq m−2 s−1 to 5220 ± 200 μBq m−2 s−1 and from <7 mBq m−2 s−1 to 5140 ± 320 mBq m−2 s−1, respectively. Assuming a low air exchange rate of 0.2 h−1, the contribution of the measured granite material to the indoor radon concentration could go up to 150 Bq m−3. The estimated annual effective doses due to exposure to radon and thoron exhalation from the granite samples were (0.05–3.79) mSv and (<0.01–1.74) mSv, respectively. The specific activity of radionuclides ranged from 6.6 ± 0.5 Bq kg−1 to 131.8 ± 9.4 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, from 0.5 ± 0.1 Bq kg−1 to 120.8 ± 6.5 Bq kg−1 for 232Th, and from 0.22 ± 0.01 Bq kg−1 to 1321 ± 86 Bq kg−1 for 40K. The obtained external hazard index ranged from 0.03 to 1.48, with three samples above or very close to the accepted safety limit of 1. In particular, dwellings with a low air exchange rate (causing elevated radon) could lead to an elevated risk of radiation exposure.
Driving Force of Meteorology and Emissions on PM2.5 Concentration in Major Urban Agglomerations in China
Authors: Niu Jiqiang , Li Hongrui , Liu Xiaoyong , Lin Hao , Zhou Peng , Zhu Xuan
Published: December 2024

Air pollution is influenced by a combination of pollutant emissions and meteorological conditions. Anthropogenic emissions and meteorological conditions are the two main causes of atmospheric pollution, and the contribution of meteorology and emissions to the reduction of PM2.5 concentrations across the country has not yet been comprehensively examined. This study used the Kolmogorov–Zurbenko (KZ) filter and random forest (RF) model to decompose and reconstruct PM2.5 time series in five major urban agglomerations in China, analyzing the impact of meteorological factors on PM2.5 concentrations. From 2015 to 2021, PM2.5 concentrations significantly decreased in all urban agglomerations, with annual averages dropping by approximately 50% in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD), Central Plain (CP), and Chengdu–Chongqing (CC). This reduction was due to both favorable meteorological conditions and emission reductions. The KZ filter effectively separated the PM2.5 time series, and the RF model achieved high squared correlation coefficient (R2) values between predicted and observed values, ranging from 0.94 to 0.98. Initially, meteorological factors had a positive contribution to PM2.5 reduction, indicating unfavorable conditions, but this gradually turned negative, indicating favorable conditions. By 2021, the rates of meteorological contribution to PM2.5 reduction in BTH, YRD, PRD, CP, and CC changed from 14.3%, 16.9%, 7.2%, 12.2%, and 11.5% to −36.5%, −31.5%, −26.9%, −30.3%, and −23.5%, respectively. Temperature and atmospheric pressure had the most significant effects on PM2.5 concentrations. The significant decline in PM2.5 concentrations in BTH and CP after 2017 indicated that emission control measures were gradually taking effect. This study confirms that effective pollution control measures combined with favorable meteorological conditions jointly contributed to the improvement in air quality.
Comparative Study of Filtering Methods for Scientific Research Article Recommendations
Authors: El Alaoui Driss , Riffi Jamal , Sabri Abdelouahed , Aghoutane Badraddine , Yahyaouy Ali , Tairi Hamid
Published: December 2024

Given the daily influx of scientific publications, researchers often face challenges in identifying relevant content amid the vast volume of available information, typically resorting to conventional methods like keyword searches or manual browsing. Utilizing a dataset comprising 1895 users and 3122 articles from the CI&T Deskdrop collection, as well as 7947 users and 25,975 articles from CiteULike-t, we examine the effectiveness of collaborative filtering and content-based and hybrid recommendation approaches in scientific literature recommendations. These methods automatically generate article suggestions by analyzing user preferences and historical behavior. Our findings, evaluated based on accuracy (Precision@K), ranking quality (NDCG@K), and novelty, reveal that the hybrid approach significantly outperforms other methods, tackling some challenges such as cold starts and sparsity problems. This research offers theoretical insights into recommendation model effectiveness and practical implications for developing tools that enhance content discovery and researcher productivity.
Long-Term Histological Evaluation of a Novel Dermal Template in the Treatment of Pediatric Burns
Authors: Gerster-Barzanji Zeena , Woodtli Vivienne , Klix Mira , Biedermann Thomas , Schiestl Clemens , Neuhaus Kathrin , Farkas Melinda , Kamarachev Jivko , Rittirsch Daniel , Böttcher-Haberzeth Sophie
Published: December 2024

For pediatric patients with full-thickness burns, achieving adequate dermal regeneration is essential to prevent inelastic scars that may hinder growth. Traditional autologous split-thickness skin grafts alone often fail to restore the dermal layer adequately. This study evaluates the long-term effect of using a NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) as a dermal scaffold in four pediatric patients, promoting dermal formation before autografting. Pediatric burn patients treated at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich between 2020 and 2022 underwent a two-step treatment involving NovoSorb® BTM application, followed by autografting. Histological analysis, conducted through 22 punch biopsies taken up to 2.6 years post-application, demonstrated robust dermal reorganization, with mature epidermal regeneration and stable dermo-epidermal connections. Immunofluorescence staining showed rapid capillary ingrowth, while extracellular matrix components, including collagen and elastic fibers, gradually aligned over time, mimicking normal skin structure. By 2.6 years, the dermal layer displayed characteristics close to uninjured skin, with remnants of NovoSorb® BTM degrading within five months post-application. This study suggests that NovoSorb® BTM facilitates elastic scar formation, offering significant benefits for pediatric patients by reducing functional limitations associated with inelastic scarring.
Mechanical Stretch Control of Adipocyte AKT Signaling and the Role of FAK and ROCK Mechanosensors
Authors: Bouzid Tasneem , Kim Eunju , Riehl Brandon D. , Yang Ruiguo , Saraswathi Viswanathan , Kim Jason K. , Lim Jung Yul
Published: December 2024

Adipose tissue in vivo is physiologically exposed to compound mechanical loading due to bodyweight bearing, posture, and motion. The capability of adipocytes to sense and respond to mechanical loading milieus to influence metabolic functions may provide a new insight into obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we evidenced physiological mechanical loading control of adipocyte insulin signaling cascades. We exposed differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes to mechanical stretching and assessed key markers of insulin signaling, AKT activation, and GLUT4 translocation, required for glucose uptake. We showed that cyclic stretch loading at 5% strain and 1 Hz frequency increases AKT phosphorylation and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane by approximately two-fold increases compared to unstretched controls for both markers as assessed by immunoblotting (p < 0.05). These results indicate that cyclic stretching activates insulin signaling and GLUT4 trafficking in adipocytes. In the mechanosensing mechanism study, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor (FAK14) and RhoA kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Y-27632) impaired actin cytoskeleton structural formation and significantly suppressed the stretch induction of AKT phosphorylation in adipocytes (p < 0.001). This suggests the regulatory role of focal adhesion and cytoskeletal mechanosensing in adipocyte insulin signaling under stretch loading. Our finding on the impact of mechanical stretch loading on key insulin signaling effectors in differentiated adipocytes and the mediatory role of focal adhesion and cytoskeleton mechanosensors is the first of its kind to our knowledge. This may suggest a therapeutic potential of mechanical loading cue in improving conditions of obesity and T2D. For instance, cyclic mechanical stretch loading of adipose tissue could be explored as a tool to improve insulin sensitivity in patients with obesity and T2D, and the mediatory mechanosensors such as FAK and ROCK may be targeted to further invigorate stretch-induced insulin signaling activation.
Abundance, Size Structure, and Growth of the Invasive Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus in the Lesina Lagoon, Southern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Mancinelli Giorgio , Lago Nicola , Scirocco Tommaso , Lillo Oscar Antonio , De Giorgi Raffaele , Doria Lorenzo , Mancini Emanuele , Mancini Francesco , Potenza Luigi , Cilenti Lucrezia
Published: December 2024

The fishery biology of the invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the Mediterranean Sea outside the eastern sectors of the basin has been only recently investigated. Here we studied the population of C. sapidus in the Lesina Lagoon (Adriatic Sea, SE Italy). In total, 838 crabs were captured monthly between February 2021 and January 2022 using fyke nets. Abundances varied seasonally with catches per unit effort ranging between 0 and 1.76 crabs fyke nets−1 d−1 in winter and summer. Spatial abundances estimated in summer by a Carle–Strub procedure ranged between 0.06 and 0.64 crabs m−2. The sex ratio (♂/♀) was close to 1:1; males prevailed only in August and September; ovigerous females occurred from April to August. The males’ size at morphological maturity was smaller than females (110.6–112.3 mm vs. 122.1–123.1 mm). Seasonal von Bertalanffy growth parameters indicated that, compared with males, females showed a shorter maximum lifespan (5 vs. 8 years), a higher growth coefficient K (0.6 vs. 0.4 y−1) and growth performance index Ф’ (4.6 vs. 4.3), while maximum sizes CW∞ (237.8 vs. 232.6 mm) and seasonality indices C (0.62 vs. 0.57) were similar. Furthermore, females showed higher natural and fishing mortalities and exploitation rate. We discussed the results of the present study in the context of the available literature to provide a valuable basis for the implementation of standardized Mediterranean-scale management plans, matching exploitation of C. sapidus with sustainable conservation of coastal ecosystems.
Integrated Single-Cell Analysis Revealed Novel Subpopulations of Foamy Macrophages in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Lu Yunrui , Wu Shuang , Zhu Shiyu , Shen Jian , Liu Chang , Zhao Chaoyue , Su Sheng’an , Ma Hong , Xiang Meixiang , Xie Yao
Published: December 2024

Foam cell formation is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, yet the cellular complexity within foam cells in human plaques remains unexplored. Here, we integrate published single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomic, and chromatin accessibility sequencing datasets of human atherosclerotic lesions across eight distinct studies. Through this large-scale integration of patient-derived information, we identified foamy macrophages enriched for genes characteristic of the foamy signature. We further re-clustered the foamy macrophages into five unique subsets with distinct potential functions: (i) pro-foamy macrophages, exhibiting relatively high inflammatory and adhesive properties; (ii) phagocytic foamy macrophages, specialized in efferocytosis; (iii) high-efflux foamy macrophages marked by high NR1H3 expression; (iv) mature foamy macrophages prone to programmed cell death; and (v) synthetic subset. Trajectory analysis elucidated a bifurcated differentiation cell fate from pro-foam macrophages toward either the programmed death (iv) or synthetic (v) phenotype. The existence of these foamy macrophage subsets was validated by immunostaining. Moreover, these foamy macrophage subsets exhibited strong potential ligand–receptor interactions. Finally, we conducted Mendelian randomization analyses to identify a possible causal relationship between key regulatory genes along the programmed death pathway in foamy macrophages and atherosclerotic diseases. This study provides a high-resolution map of foam cell diversity and a set of potential key regulatory genes in atherosclerotic plaques, offering novel insights into the multifaceted pathophysiology underlying human atherosclerosis.
Molecular Pathways Linking High-Fat Diet and PM2.5 Exposure to Metabolically Abnormal Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lobato Sagrario , Salomón-Soto Víctor Manuel , Espinosa-Méndez Claudia Magaly , Herrera-Moreno María Nancy , García-Solano Beatriz , Pérez-González Ernestina , Comba-Marcó-del-Pont Facundo , Montesano-Villamil Mireya , Mora-Ramírez Marco Antonio , Mancilla-Simbro Claudia , Álvarez-Valenzuela Ramiro
Published: December 2024

Obesity, influenced by environmental pollutants, can lead to complex metabolic disruptions. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolically abnormal obesity caused by exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Following the PRISMA guidelines, articles from 2019 to 2024 were gathered from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed, along with subgroup analyses and pathway enrichment analyses. This study was registered in the Open Science Framework. Thirty-three articles, mainly case–control studies and murine models, were reviewed, and they revealed that combined exposure to HFD and PM2.5 resulted in the greatest weight gain (82.835 g, p = 0.048), alongside increases in high-density lipoproteins, insulin, and the superoxide dismutase. HFD enriched pathways linked to adipocytokine signaling in brown adipose tissue, while PM2.5 impacted genes associated with fat formation. Both exposures downregulated protein metabolism pathways in white adipose tissue and activated stress-response pathways in cardiac tissue. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the liver were enriched, influencing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These findings highlight that combined exposure to HFD and PM2.5 amplifies body weight gain, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction, suggesting a synergistic interaction with significant implications for metabolic health.
Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells and HLA Expression as Potential Biomarkers Predicting Response to PD-1 Inhibitor Therapy in Stage IV Melanoma Patients
Authors: Hegyi Barbara , Csikó Kristóf György , Balatoni Tímea , Fröhlich Georgina , Bőcs Katalin , Tóth Erika , Mohos Anita , Neumark Anna Rebeka , Menyhárt Csenge Dorottya , Ferrone Soldano , Ladányi Andrea
Published: December 2024

PD-1 inhibitors are known to be effective in melanoma; however, a considerable proportion of patients fail to respond to therapy, necessitating the identification of predictive markers. We examined the predictive value of tumor cell HLA class I and II expression and immune cell infiltration in melanoma patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors. Pretreatment surgical samples from 40 stage IV melanoma patients were studied immunohistochemically for melanoma cell expression of HLA class I molecules (using four antibody clones with different specificities), HLA-II, and immune cell infiltration (using a panel of 10 markers). Among the responders, the ratio of patients showing melanoma cell HLA-II expression was higher compared to non-responders (p = 0.0158), and similar results were obtained in the case of two anti-HLA-I antibodies. A combined score of HLA-I/II expression also predicted treatment response (p = 0.0019). Intratumoral infiltration was stronger in the responders for most immune cell types. Progression-free survival showed an association with HLA-II expression, the combined HLA score, and the density of immune cells expressing CD134 and PD-1, while overall survival was significantly associated only with HLA class II expression. Our findings corroborate previous results indicating the importance of immune cell infiltration and tumor cell HLA-II expression in the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor treatment in a “real world” patient cohort and suggest the potential predictive role of HLA class I expression.
Recycling of Uridylated mRNAs in Starfish Embryos
Authors: Yamazaki Haruka , Furuichi Megumi , Katagiri Mikoto , Kajitani Rei , Itoh Takehiko , Chiba Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2024

In eukaryotes, mRNAs with long poly(A) tails are translationally active, but deadenylation and uridylation of these tails generally cause mRNA degradation. However, the fate of uridylated mRNAs that are not degraded quickly remains obscure. Here, using tail-seq and microinjection of the 3′ region of mRNA, we report that some mRNAs in starfish are re-polyadenylated to be translationally active after deadenylation and uridylation. In oocytes, uridylated maternal cyclin B mRNAs are stable without decay, and they are polyadenylated to be translated after hormonal stimulation to resume meiosis, whereas they are deadenylated and re-uridylated at the blastula stage, followed by decay. Similarly, deadenylated and uridylated maternal ribosomal protein mRNAs, Rps29 and Rpl27a, were stable and inactive after hormonal stimulation, but they had been polyadenylated and active before hormonal stimulation. At the morula stage, uridylated maternal ribosomal protein mRNAs were re-polyadenylated, rendering them translationally active. These results indicate that uridylated mRNAs in starfish exist in a poised state, allowing them to be recycled or decayed.
A Novel Ginsenoside-Transforming α-L-Rhamnosidase from Bifidobacterium: Screening, Characterization and Application
Authors: Cui Chang-Hao , Shin Doohang , Hurh Byung-Serk , Im Wan-Taek
Published: December 2024

Despite the rapid advancement of glycosidase biotechnology, ginsenoside-transforming rhamnosidases remain underexplored due to a lack of research. In this study, we aimed to bridge this gap by evaluating eight putative rhamnosidases for their ability to transform ginsenosides. Among them, a novel rhamnosidase (C118) from Bifidobacterium was identified as being efficient at hydrolyzing ginsenoside Re. This enzyme was expressed well in Escherichia coli and exhibited optimal activity at pH of 6.0 and 45 °C. Protein structural predictions revealed that the potential active hydrophobic area near an active pocket may influence the ginsenoside-transforming activities compared to non-active screened rhamnosidases. This enzyme’s thermal stability exceeded that of the only previously known ginsenoside-transforming rhamnosidase, BD890. Additionally, the kcat/Km value of C118 was 1.45 times higher than that of BD890. Using recombinant C118 from E. coli, all ginsenoside Re in a PPT-type ginsenoside mixture (2.25 mg/mL) was converted after 12 h of reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most efficient ginsenoside Re-transforming α-L-rhamnosidase reported to date, enhancing our understanding of rhamnosidase–substrate interactions and potentially improving the efficiency and specificity of the conversion process. These findings offer promising implications for the production of pharmacologically active ginsenosides in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and functional food industries.
Urinary GADD45G Protein Excretion Is Associated with IgA Nephropathy Progression
Authors: Lee Min-Jeong , Yim Hyunee , Park Ji Eun , Park Inwhee , Kim Heungsoo , Shin Gyu-Tae
Published: December 2024

Background: Growth arrest and DNA damage 45G (GADD45G) is a family of proteins involved in DNA damage response and cell growth arrest. In this study, we show evidence that urinary GADD45G protein is associated with the progression of IgA nephropathy. Methods: Patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy without reversible acute kidney injury at study initiation and with at least one subsequent serum creatinine (SCr) measurement were included. A 50% or greater increase in SCr level was used as an endpoint for the deterioration of renal function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed using a Human GADD45G ELISA kit. Renal biopsy tissues were stained with a monoclonal mouse anti-GADD45G antibody. Results: Forty-five patients whose renal biopsy revealed IgA nephropathy were enrolled. Urinary GADD45G and urinary protein concentrations were 1.26 [0.69–2.20] μg/g creatinine and 0.65 [0.24–1.60] g/g creatinine, respectively. Urinary GADD45G showed significant positive correlations with SCr-slopes and urinary protein. The SCr-slope of the highest tertile group of urinary GADD45G (above 1.95 μg/g creatinine) was significantly higher than that of the lowest tertile group (below 0.90 μg/g). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that urinary GADD45G was significantly associated with deterioration of renal function. A Kaplan–Meier test showed a significant difference in event-free survival for deterioration of renal function between the highest urinary GADD45G tertile group and other tertile groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve indicated urinary GADD45G had a good performance in predicting renal outcome (cut-off point 1.67 μg/g, positive predictive value 36.8%, negative predictive value 100%). Immunohistochemistry showed that GADD45G was expressed across all pathologic grades of IgA nephropathy and mainly detected in the cytoplasm of renal tubules, whereas no staining was noted in normal tissues. Conclusions: Urinary GADD45G excretion was significantly associated with kidney disease progression in patients with IgA nephropathy.