bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Summer Course in Cancer for High School Students – An Update on Lessons Taught and Lessons Learned
Authors: Solone Xzaviar K. , Chitre Siddhi , Font Laura Falceto , Pereira Kimberly N. Espinoza , Stofer Kathryn , Siemann Dietmar W 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Previous graduate students and postdoctoral associates from the University of Florida Health Cancer Center, in partnership with the University of Florida Student Science Training Program, implemented a cooperative learning curriculum, providing high school students with a broad overview of cancer topics over six weeks over the summer. However, the ongoing shift in education and training delivery initially necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to many discussions surrounding student autonomy and satisfaction. Furthermore, adapting hybrid and distance learning styles has notably influenced student-led collaboration and critical thinking skills. Here, we report on an update of experiences gleaned from the modified curriculum of this course to accommodate hybrid and cooperative teaching.
Methods: This pre-post longitudinal observational study evaluated modifications to a cancer biology and therapeutics course. Student performance was assessed using surveys administered before and after the course to determine effectiveness.
Results: Student performance tracked over a 7-year period indicated improved cumulative grade averages after modifying the previous curriculum. Post-assessment analysis revealed significant improvements in student benchmark understanding, notably in their ability to define cancer in one sentence (p = 0.0407), identify cancer therapies (p = 0.0040), and recognize cancer hallmarks (p < 0.0001). An increased trend in median response to the likelihood of pursuing cancer research (p = 0.8793) and the possibility of pursuing cancer research (p = 0.4874) were also observed, although not statistically significant. Moreover, feedback from participating students indicated that “the educational activities at the end of class (e.g., escape room, case studies)” and “learning about cancer and getting to work in groups…” the curriculum fostered a positive educational learning environment.
Conclusion: Students generally held a positive perception of the course. Post-assessment analysis revealed decreasing trends in students' perception of course difficulty compared to their expectations in the pre-assessment. Constructive feedback centered around fostering collaborative environments, with an observed increase in learner autonomy towards the end of the course, as evidenced by students' growing comfort in leading group case studies and conducting research on topics. We hope that future course directors engage actively and incorporate practical clinical examples for students, especially when introducing or discussing complex issues like cancer.
Cooperative supporting effect of intermediate bridge and inner dump on slope in adjacent open-pit mining area
Authors: Wang Dong , Liang Zuchao , Li Guanghe , Xv Yongchao , Wang Jingwei , Zhao Lichun , Li Yunguang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To solve the problem of dynamic demolition of intermediate bridges, study on the calculation method of slope stability under the synergistic support effect of the intermediate bridge and the inner dump. On the basis of constructing the mechanical model of the intermediate bridge and the inner dump, using Mohr-Coulomb shear strength theory and soil pressure theory, the mathematical expressions of the variation of the supporting effect and the three-dimensional mechanical effect of the internal dump during the demolition of the intermediate bridge are derived, and the quantitative relationship between the dumping height and the demolition length of the intermediate bridge is obtained. Based on the idea of equivalence, a two-dimensional equivalent method for synergistic mechanical effect of inner dump is proposed, the influence of the height of the inner discharge pressure on the equivalent physical and mechanical parameters is revealed theoretically. The method is applied to Zahannaoer open-pit coal mine, the intermediate bridge demolition project was designed in stages and the slope stability of each stage was analyzed and verified. The results can lay a theoretical and application foundation for dynamic demolition design and engineering implementation of intermediate bridge in open-pit coal mine.
Effect of surfactant compounding on emulsion stability and acid-base resistance using optical tweezers
Authors: Shang Xiaoxiao , Jin Huaizhou , Tian Zhen , Ma Qifei , Wang Weihonng , Jin Shangzhong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In industries, emulsions must adapt to various acid-base environments, making it crucial to study their properties and acid-base resistance. We prepared an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion by adding oleic acid and polyether amine D-230 to water, with tetradecane as the oil phase. The stability of the emulsion was assessed by measuring the interaction forces between droplets using optical tweezers. Our results demonstrated that the amphoteric surfactant could significantly improve the stability of the emulsion. The results show that in the presence of amphoteric surfactant, the maximum repulsion force between droplets can reach 18.9 pN and ζ- potential is -65.16 mV, while in the absence of surfactant, the maximum repulsion is only 1.2 pN and ζ- potential is -25.54 mV. Further stabilization was achieved with the addition of 10 mmol/L anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or 1 mmol/L cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). With SDS, the maximum repulsive force was 40.8 pN and ζ- potential was 132.44 mV at the drop distance of 1.93 µm. With CTAB, the maximum repulsive force of 48.2 pN and ζ- potential of + 42.28 mV were measured at the drop distance of 3.12 µm, indicating that adding surfactants can effectively improve the stability of the emulsion. At the same pH value, the combined emulsion can measure the interaction force at a longer drop distance than the emulsion containing only amphoteric surfactants. When pH = 8, the interaction force of 1 mmol/L CTAB and 10 mmol/L SDS can be measured at the drop distance of 2.51 µm and 2.78 µm, respectively. Only the emulsion containing amphoteric surfactant can be measured at the drop distance of 2.26 µm, and the results show that it can enhance the acid-base resistance of the emulsion. These emulsions can be used to make good anticorrosive coatings and improve various properties of the original coatings.
Development and Validation of Deep Learning Model for Intravascular Ultrasound Image Segmentation
Authors: Kim Hyeonmin , Lee June-Goo , Jeong Gyu-Jun , Lee Geunyoung , Min Hyunseok , Cho Hyungjoo , Min Daegyu , Lee Seung-Whan , Cho Jun Hwan , Cho Sungsoo , Kang Soo-Jin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims. This study was conducted to develop and validate a deep learning model for delineating intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of coronary arteries.
Materials and Methods. Using atotal of 1240 40-MHz IVUS pullbacks with 191,407 frames, the model for lumen and external elastic membrane (EEM) segmentation was developed. Both frame- and vessel-level performances and clinical impact of the model on 3-year cardiovascular events were evaluated in the independent data sets.
Results. In the test set, the Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) were 0.966 ± 0.025 and 0.982 ± 0.017 for the lumen and EEM, respectively. Even at sites of extensive attenuation, the frame-level performance was excellent (DSCs > 0.96 for the lumen and EEM). The model (vs. the expert) showed a better temporal consistency for contouring the EEM. The agreement between the model- vs. the expert-derived cross-sectional and volumetric measurements was good in the independent retrospective cohort (all, intra-class coefficients > 0.94). The model-derived PAV>52.5% (area under curve 0.70, sensitivity 71% and specificity 67%) and plaque burden at the MLA site (area under curve 0.72, sensitivity 72% and specificity 66%) best predicted 3-year cardiac death and nonculprit-related target vessel revascularization, respectively. In the stented segment, the DSCs > 0.96 for contouring lumen and EEM were achieved by fine-tuning. Applied to the 60-MHz IVUS images, the DSCs were > 0.97. In the external cohort with 45-MHz IVUS, the DSCs were > 0.96.
Conclusion. The deep learning model accurately delineated vascular geometry, which may be cost-saving and support clinical decision-making.
Empagliflozin enhances cisplatin activity in chemo-resistant EJ138 bladder cancer cells: The importance of anti-diabetic medications in cancer treatment
Authors: Shariati Saeedeh , Mohtadi Shokooh , Molavinia Shahrzad , Salehcheh Maryam , Dayer Dian , Farzaneh Maryam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Anti-diabetic medications has been found to reduce chemotherapy resistance. This study sought to investigate the role of Empagliflozin (Empa) as an anti-diabetic medication in reversing Cisplatin (Cis) resistance in EJ138 bladder cancer (BC) cells.
Materials and Methods
The EJ138 cell line was cultured and divided into four groups: control, Cis-treated, Empa-treated, and Cis + Empa-treated groups. The effects of Cis and/or Empa on cell viability were determined using the MTT technique. The level of ROS produced by cells was evaluated using the green fluorescent dye dichloro-dihydro fluorescein (DCF). The expression of proteins involved in glucose transport, proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle control, and invasion was evaluated by Western blotting. The Data were analyzed using GraphPad prism software and a One-way ANOVA test. All experiments were repeated three times. Data were presented as Mean ± SEM. The significant difference between groups was calculated based on P < 0.05.
Results
IC50 was calculated equal to 16 mM for Cis and 72 µg/ml for Empa. Treatment with Cis caused a significant increase in SGLT2 expression (p < 0.001). Conversely, the group treated with 72 µg/ml Empa showed a significant decrease in SGLT2 compared with the control group (P < 0.001). ROS generation was significantly elevated after treatment with Cis, Empa, and their combination (P < 0.001). Treatment with Cis and/or Empa downregulated AKT, PI3K, mTOR, Bax, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression (P < 0.001). However, Bcl2, P21, and P53 expression showed a significant increase following Cis and/or Empa treatment (P < 0.001). Protein expression differed significantly across the Cis-treated group and all other groups.
Conclusion
Empa exhibits beneficial anti-cancer activity against EJ138 cells. Empa boosts the anti-cancer activity of Cis in EJ138 BC cancer cells through SGLT2 inhibition.
Evaluation of polyclonal antibodies raised in rabbit against Dengue NS1 antigen
Authors: Abraham Philip Raj , Devaraju Panneer , Bharath L. , Prasad Eiriene , Dhotre Akash , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The vector-borne disease, dengue is caused by the dengue virus (DENV) and the illness spread by Aedes mosquitoes like AedesaegyptiandAedesalbopictus.In the absence of antiviral drugs and vaccines, dengue prevention is centred on mosquito vector control. Current methods of dengue detection suffer from limitations. The non-structural protein-1 (NS1) antigen in secretory form is being employed as a diagnostic marker to identify dengue infection andAedes vector infections. This method involves the use of commercial dengue NS1 ELISA kits. In the present study, we have evaluated Rabbit Polyclonal Antibodies raised against the Dengue NS1 antigen (RPAD). The RPAD were tested against commercial recombinant dengue virus-2 NS1 antigen (rDNS1Ag) by standardized ELISA and Western Blotting. Further, the sensitivity of RPAD was checked against the NS1 antigens of different serotypes of DENV. The specificity of RPAD towards the NS1 antigens of other flavivirus was also tested.We found that the RPAD is specific and sensitive for detecting rDNS1Ag of all serotypes and it can be explored to detect DENV infection in the mosquito vectors collected from the field during the dengue outbreaks.
Root windows – a tool to study relationships between rhizosphere processes, soil-microbial communities, and plant performance under field conditions?
Authors: Neumann Günter , Sommermann Loreen , Behr Jan Helge , Moradtalab Narges , Windisch Saskia , Chowdhury Soumitra Paul , Rothballer Michael , Babin Doreen , Smalla Kornelia , Maccario Lorrie , Ludewig Uwe , Geistlinger Jörg , Grosch Rita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Root observation windows (RW) installed in the field provide a tool for non-destructive monitoring of root development and rhizosphere processes. However, the highly invasive installation process, requiring cutting of soil profiles, may affect plant development and finally the outcome of the experiments. This study systematically compares plant development with and without RW installation.
Methods
Using the location of a long-term field experiment, the responses of winter wheat to different intensities of tillage, N-fertilization, and use of fungicides were compared for plants grown along root windows and in undisturbed control plots. The sampling was performed during vegetative growth, six weeks after RW-installation with comparisons of shoot and root biomass, root length, mineral nutritional status, expression of stress-related genes, and the composition of microbial communities reflecting the conditions in the rhizosphere (RH).
Results
The presence of RW did not affect most of the parameters analyzed. As an exception, a range of mineral nutrients (K, Mg, Ca, Cu, Mn) was increased in RW plants most probably due to RW location in the border rows of the experimental plots with reduced inter-plant competition for nutrient uptake. By contrast, N-fertilization intensity and fungicide use affected plant biomass, root growth, and fungal communities. Tillage intensity mainly affected the composition of RH-microbial communities and the expression of stress-related genes in the leaf tissue.
Conclusion
The results suggest only a limited influence on plant performance six weeks after RW installation with plant responses and experimental results comparable to undisturbed controls.
Study of a novol cyclic loading-unloading constitutive model of rock based on a developed discrete element program
Authors: Chen Yu , Deng Zinuo , Huang Linchong , Wang Yixian , Lin Hang , Sun Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study has developed a novel discrete element computation program that enhances the efficiency of model generation by improving internal algorithms and offers high editability. Although existing constitutive models in commercial software are able to simulate rock material, they exhibit noticeable limitations in capturing the cyclic loading-unloading mechanical characteristics of materials. In this research, a cyclic loading-unloading constitutive model that considers damage was developed for rock materials. The numerical outcomes were compared and analyzed with experimental data. Research on three different types of rock demonstrates a high degree of concordance between numerical simulation results and laboratory experiments. The developed constitutive models effectively capture the plastic failure process of rock material under cyclic loading, with stress-strain curves exhibiting hysteresis loops. Compared to traditional discrete element software employing parallel bonding models, this program provides more accurate results, making it more suitable for simulating cyclic loading-unloading performance.
Chlamydia psittaci inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species in human neutrophils by inhibiting NADPH oxidase through the p38/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Yu maoying , Tang Yuanyuan , Li Weiwei , He zhangping , Liu Jie , Yang Hongyu , Guo Ningyuan , Wang Chuan , Wu Yimou 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) is an obligate intracellular bacterium that replicates in neutrophils, a significant producer of reactive oxygen species(ROS). However, the effect of ROS on C. psittaci infection and whether C. psittaci regulates ROS production in neutrophils is unclear. When C. psittaci infects neutrophils, it can induce the production of a small amount of ROS, affect the assembly of NADPH oxidase through p38/ERK signaling pathways, and actively block the ROS produced by PMA-stimulated neutrophils. Importantly, this study may provide new insights into the molecular pathogenesis and immune escape of C. psittaci.
Lutein protection against doxorubicin-induced liver damage in male Wistar rat is associated with inhibition of oxido-inflammatory stress and modulation of Beclin-1/mTOR activities
Authors: Asiwe Jerome Ndudi , Yovwi Godwin D. , Alawode Mercy Oluwalani , Isola Theodora , Umukoro Emuesiri Kohworho , Igbokwe Vincent Ugochukwu , Asiwe Nicholas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A wide range of clinical applications are reported for doxorubicin (DOX), yet both people and research animals experience substantial tissue damage. However, the protective mechanism of lutein, a natural carotenoid against doxorubicin associated liver toxicity has not been fully studied. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the protective mechanism of lutein in doxorubicin-induced liver damage. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups and treated as follows: Group 1 was administered 10 ml/kg body weight of distilled water intraperitoneally for a duration of 28 days. Group 2 was administered Doxorubicin (15 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally for three days in a row. Group 3 was administered intraperitoneal injections of Lutein (40 mg/kg body weight) daily for 28 days, and Group 4 was administered intraperitoneal injections of Lutein (40 mg/kg body weight) daily for 25 days and three days in a row of injections of Doxorubicin (15 mg/kg body weight). Our results showed that lutein reduced levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, MDA, nitrite, beclin-1, caspase-3, IL-6 as well as TNF-α against the increase caused by doxorubicin. GSH, SOD, GST, catalase, mTOR as well as Bcl-2 were markedly increased by lutein against the harmful effect of doxorubicin. Moreso, lutein restored normal histoarchitecture as well as reduced fibrosis. In conclusion, Lutein protection against doxorubicin-induced liver damage in male Wistar rat is associated with inhibition of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory reactions and modulation of Beclin-1/mTOR activities
Application of modified acetylene carbon black with different particle sizes in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Weiyue , Tang Yi , Yang Kejia , Li Jiali , Qi Linhao , Yue Chenxi , Chen HuaYu , Chen Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Currently, the anode of sodium-ion battery is mainly made of carbon material, and the carbon black made of acetylene has the advantages of low cost, high purity and simple process, etc. The particle size of carbon black has a great influence on the storage capacity of sodium ions, in this study, carbon black particles with different particle sizes were prepared by chemical vapour deposition method by changing the temperature and gas flow rate, and the effects of the temperature and the gas flow rate on the size of the carbon black were investigated, and the effect of the particle size of carbon black on the performance of the battery was studied. The effect of temperature and gas flow rate on the particle size of carbon black was investigated, and then the effect of the particle size of carbon black on the battery performance was studied. The larger the gas flow rate of acetylene, the smaller the particle size of carbon black generated. The carbon black CB-3 generated by holding at 900 ℃ and an acetylene flow rate of 300 mL/min for 30 min kept the capacity of 112.36 mAh/g after 180 cycles, and the specific capacity of the first discharge was 414.66 mAh/g, and the reversible specific capacity at 2 A/g still had 92.12 mA/g. This work helps to provide new ideas for research in enhancing the electrochemical performance of sodium-ion battery materials.
Vessel Trajectory Prediction at Inner Harbor based on Deep Learning using AIS Data
Authors: Shin Gilho , Yang Hyun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study proposes a novel approach for predicting vessel trajectories in the inner harbor of Busan Port using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and deep learning techniques. Linear interpolation was applied to address unequal time intervals and limited data. Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (Bi-GRU) models were trained and evaluated, with LSTM achieving the best performance. The study also identified the critical prediction area for Vessel Traffic Service Operator (VTSO). The proposed method can contribute to enhancing safety and efficiency of vessel traffic management in complex port environments.
Efficient Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning HVAC Power Consumption Optimization
Authors: Miao Chenyang , Cui Yunduan , Li Huiyun , Wu Xinyu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Intelligent and energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays an important role in reducing energy consumption and protecting our environment. In this work, we focus on exploring suitable power optimization strategies using reinforcement learning (RL) without relying on human prior knowledge. A novel RL approach, multi-stabilization network(MADDPG-MSN) is proposed to tackle the sample-efficiency issue of current RL-based approaches for HVAC systems. Employing the multi-stabilization network trick, MADDPG-MSN efficiently learns to balance temperature control and power consumption with a limited number of interactions. Evaluated by the simulated data center scenario, it reduced 28% powerusage without compromising temperature control capability compared with the traditional model-predictive controller. In the real-world air conditioner testing, it demonstrated superior control performances than the built-in controller with 35% less power consumption and 21% smaller standard deviation of the indoor temperature after 72 hours’ learning. These results demonstrate the superior effectiveness and practicality of MADDPG-MSN in HVAC power consumption optimization, expanding the potential of RL as an emerging direction to more energy-saving systems.
Prediction ability in bilingual individuals: An eye tracking study with younger and older adults
Authors: Ribu Ingeborg Sophie , Simonsen Hanne Gram , Norvik Monica , Lehtonen Minna , Murstad Jeanett , Theimann Ane , Nygreen Thomas , Goral Mira 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Studies with monolingual speakers show that people predict upcoming linguistic elements during sentence processing. Linguistic prediction behavior has been found to be less consistent in studies with bilingual individuals performing in their non-native language and in neurotypical older monolingual adults. The present study utilized an eye-tracking paradigm to investigate whether bilingual younger and older neurotypical individuals predict upcoming nouns in sentences that include constraining verbs, and if they do so both in their first language (L1) and in their second language (L2). Data was analyzed from 44 Norwegian-English proficient bilingual adults (27 younger and 17 older adults) who completed the eye-tracking experiment in each of the two languages, as well as cognitive and linguistic tests. The results demonstrated similar prediction abilities in L1 and L2 for both the younger and older participants. Older adults were slower than younger adults, although they did look to the target images only at the end of the predictive window. Participants' working memory span, language proficiency, and the cognate status of the stimuli did not explain prediction performance. The study adds to the relatively sparse existing data on prediction abilities in bilingual people and in older individuals.