bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notch appearance as a novel radiological predictor of transient expansion and good outcome of expanding schwannoma after radiotherapy
Authors: Yamazaki Masahiro , Takamatsu Shigeyuki , Iwata Yuta , Sakurai Takayuki , Taka Masashi , Kobayashi Satoshi , Gabata Toshifumi , Mizuno Eiichi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Schwannoma expansion after radiotherapy has not been well-studied despite the clinical importance of distinguishing transient increase from permanent expansion. Thus, this study aimed to identify the underlying mechanism and novel radiological predictors of schwannoma expansion after radiotherapy.

Materials & methods
We retrospectively examined the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy on schwannomas and magnetic resonance images of 43 patients with vestibular schwannomas who underwent stereotactic radiotherapy or radiosurgery at our facility between June 1, 2012 and September 1, 2018. Based on the size change pattern, the treated tumors were classified into six groups, including transient-expansion and consistent-increase groups. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratio and appearance of any notch were included as evaluation items based on our hypothesis that transient expansion is due to edema with increased extracellular free water. A log-rank test was performed to evaluate the relationship between the local control rate and radiological signs.

Results
The mean overall 5-year local control rate was 90%, and the median follow-up period was 62 (24–87) months. Approximately 28% of the tumors showed transient expansion; all ADC ratios synchronized with size change, and 75% showed a new notch appearance. Approximately 9% of tumors showed consistent increase, with no notch on the outline. The log-rank test revealed a difference in the local control rate with or without notch appearance in expanding irradiated schwannomas. All tumors with notch appearance showed a significant regression 5 years after radiation.

Conclusions
New notch appearance on the outline could indicate favorable long-term outcomes of expanding schwannomas post-treatment.

Clinical relevance statement

Notch appearance can help differentiate a transient schwannoma from a real tumor expansion, and it is a novel predictor of better outcomes of expanding schwannomas after radiotherapy.

Graphical Abstract
Naturally occurring small molecules with dual effect upon inflammatory signaling pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress response
Authors: Correia da Silva Daniela , Valentão Patrícia , Pereira David M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is determinant to maintain cellular proteostasis. Upon unresolved ER stress, this organelle activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). Sustained UPR activates is known to occur in inflammatory processes, deeming the ER a potential molecular target for the treatment of inflammation. This work characterizes the inflammatory/UPR-related molecular machinery modulated by an in-house library of natural products, aiming to pave the way for the development of new selective drugs that act upon the ER to counter inflammation-related chronic diseases. Starting from a library of 134 compounds of natural occurrence, mostly occurring in medicinal plants, nontoxic molecules were screened for their inhibitory capacity against LPS-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in a luciferase-based reporter gene assay. Since several natural products inhibited NF-κB expression in THP-1 macrophages, their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammasome activation was assessed, as well as their transcriptional outcome regarding ER stress. The bioactivities of several natural products are described herein for the first time. We report the anti-inflammatory potential of guaiazulene and describe 5-deoxykaempferol as a novel inhibitor of inflammasome activation. Furthermore, we describe the dual potential of 5-deoxykaempferol, berberine, guaiazulene, luteolin-4’-O-glucoside, myricetin, quercetagetin and sennoside B to modulate inflammatory signaling ER stress. Our results show that natural products are promising molecules for the discovery and pharmaceutical development of chemical entities able to modulate the inflammatory response, as well as proteostasis and the UPR.
Machine learning classification approaches to optimize ROP and TOB using drilling and geomechanical parameters in a carbonate reservoir
Authors: Delavar Mohammad Reza , Ramezanzadeh Ahmad 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDrilling optimization has been broadly developed in terms of influential parameters. The assessment time and the effects of both geomechanical and drilling parameters were vital challenges of investigations. Drilling factors are applied force or rotation of drilling agents such as weight on bit (WOB), and geomechanical features represent mechanical indexes of rocks including unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Optimization efforts have been demonstrated on complex prediction methods whereas the simplicity of classification can offer some optimal ranges utilizing machine learning classifications in an accelerated process. In this study, a novel procedure using the supervised and semi-supervised learning approaches was conducted to classify and optimize the rate of penetration (ROP) and torque on bit (TOB). Firstly, in the case well, user-defined classes were assigned based on geomechanical units (GMU) and the ranges of high ROP and low TOB, thus classes divided drilling factors as GMUs of the case. Secondly, the feature selection was carried out by neural pattern recognition with three multi-objective optimization methods for classification. The inputs of classifications were WOB, hook load, pump pressure, flow rate, UCS, and internal friction angle. Classification approaches were decision trees, support vector machine (SVM), and ensemble learning. Finally, the bagged trees permutation and Laplacian SVM (LapSVM) algorithm separately revealed the significance of parameters and predicted the optimal ROP and TOB regions. Findings showed (1) in supervised classification of the case well, the cubic SVM and bagged trees had the highest area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy, on average 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. (2) The average accuracy of the supervised classifications in a test well was 91% except for the fine SVM, which makes them reliable for the fields with the least information. (3) The permutation outcomes for significant features, flow rate and UCS, exposed influential parameters for ROP and TOB optimization. (4) The semi-supervised method, LapSVM, not only acquired both ROP and TOB labels with an accuracy of 88% but also presented their optimal ranges in 95% of the assessed zones. (5) LapSVM deals with a limited training section perfectly opposed to the supervised version, which is vital for drilling investigation. (6) Implementing machine learning classification approaches with rock properties is a key factor in achieving effective drilling parameters in less time. More importantly, the recommended drilling factors concerning geomechanical properties can ameliorate both drilling performance and perception of upcoming collapse.
Knockdown of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase suppresses proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance of Merkel cell carcinoma cells in vitro
Authors: Pozzi Valentina , Molinelli Elisa , Campagna Roberto , Serritelli Emma N. , Cecati Monia , De Simoni Edoardo , Sartini Davide , Goteri Gaia , Martin Nathaniel I. , van Haren Matthijs J. , Salvolini Eleonora , Simonetti Oriana , Offidani Annamaria , Emanuelli Monica 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer, with a propensity for early metastasis. Therefore, early diagnosis and the identification of novel targets become fundamental. The enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the reaction of N-methylation of nicotinamide and other analogous compounds. Although NNMT overexpression was reported in many malignancies, the significance of its dysregulation in cancer cell phenotype was partly clarified. Several works demonstrated that NNMT promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of this enzyme in MCC. Preliminary immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate NNMT expression in MCC tissue specimens. To explore the enzyme function in tumor cell metabolism, MCC cell lines have been transfected with plasmids encoding for short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting NNMT mRNA. Preliminary immunohistochemical analyses showed elevated NNMT expression in MCC tissue specimens. The effect of enzyme downregulation on cell proliferation, migration, and chemosensitivity was then evaluated through MTT, trypan blue, and wound healing assays. Data obtained clearly demonstrated that NNMT knockdown is associated with a decrease of cell proliferation, viability, and migration, as well as with enhanced sensitivity to treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. Taken together, these results suggest that NNMT could represent an interesting MCC biomarker and a promising target for targeted anti-cancer therapy.
Role of fermented dairy products in the health benefits of a mediterranean diet
Authors: Rizzoli René , Biver Emmanuel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMediterranean diet includes fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese. These foods provide calcium, phosphorus, fat, carbohydrates and protein, all nutrients influencing various systems including bone, cardiovascular system, intermediary metabolism, cancer, central nervous system, and inflammation. In addition, they contain prebiotics and provide probiotics which are capable of modifiying microbiota composition and metabolism, potentially acting also indirectly on the various systems. A large body of evidence indicates that fermented dairy products consumption significantly contributes to the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet on various systems’ health.
Failure mechanism and treatment of mine landslide with gently-inclined weak interlayer: a case study of Laoyingzui landslide in Emei, Sichuan, China
Authors: Li Jing , Hu Bin , Sheng Jianlong , Zhang Zhen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe landslide of mine is of great harm and wide influence, which can easily cause huge economic losses and endanger the life safety of workers. Therefore, landslide failure mechanism and more efficient landslide treatment methods have been the focus of landslide research. Laoyinzui landslide with a volume of 250,000 m3 occurred along the gently inclined weak interlayer at 6:00 (UTC + 8) on 5 January 2019 in Huangshan Limestone Mine, Emei City, Sichuan Province, China. The deformation history and failure mechanism of the landslide were analyzed based on the field investigation and geological conditions of landslide area. The treatment method of using excavators to remove all sliding body within the arm length by excavating the small-bench in the bedrock was proposed. The slope stability after treatment was analyzed based on the monitoring data. The results showed that the landslide was triggered by rainfall and earthquake after long-term creep deformation under the action of various factors. Weak interlayer was the potential sliding surface of landslide. The tensile cracks at the back edge of the landslide and the joint fissures and karst caves of the upper limestone provided convenient conditions for rainwater infiltration. Mining activities, including excavation and blasting, resulted in deterioration of mechanical properties of rock mass. Rainfall was the main trigger for the landslide. Water accumulated in weak interlayer, leading to increase of pore water pressure and decrease of anti-sliding force. Earthquake was the trigger for the landslide, which resulted in the reduction of rock mass structural strength. The Laoyingzui landslide consisted of two stages. First, a traction landslide of + 825 m–915 m occurred, and then a push landslide of + 725 m–+ 825 m occurred under the compression of the upper rock mass. The slope displacement was small and the deformation tended to be stable. The treatment method was safe and efficient. This paper can provide reference for the failure mechanism research and treatment of similar landslides.
Optimization of the Air Cleaning Properties of Fog
Authors: Todorov Petar , Ivanov Ognyan , Gultepe Ismail , Agelin-Chaab Martin , Pérez-Díaz José Luis , Dreischuh Tanja , Kostadinov Kostadin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFog droplets are very often used as a cleaning agent when air pollution can be dangerous for health conditions and ecosystem. This work presents a new system to optimize the cleaning properties of fog by tuning its microphysical parameters. For this purpose, a newly developed system, which is based on the electromagnetic echo effect (EMEE) sensor, is used to detect the most efficient interaction between fog and impurities, i.e., which fog droplets can be used to most effectively clean a certain type of pollutant from the air. Fog droplet spectra controlled by the nozzle pressure system can be used to effectively remove pollutants from the air. For this purpose, an automated system for aerosol generation can allow an accurate control over the fog microphysical parameters and the use of fluids with specific concentrations of pulverized chemical compounds. Fog droplet size distribution is controlled by the feeding gas pressure at the nozzle and chemical simulants. The experimental results showed that the microphysical parameters (MP) are directly related to the impurity of species used in the cleanup simulation process. The MP parameters of fog are liquid water content (LWC), droplet mean radius (Rm), droplet number concentration (Nd), and both aerosol type and mass concentration. In the lab testing, harmless simulants of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) species were used. During the tests, fog droplet size distribution is controlled by the air pressure at the nozzle and simulants. It is concluded that an integrated fog generator system (IFGS) with EMEE sensor developed in the current work can be utilized broadly to control fog microphysical parameters, leading to an optimum aerosol/chemical species’ cleaning process.
The Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature of calotropis procera Biochar on Dynamics of Petroleum Hydrocarbons Degradation, Carbon Emission, and Ammonia Volatilization in Artificial Petroleum-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Amin Abu El-Eyuoon Abu Zied 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPollution by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) is a current environmental challenge all over the world. Therefore, this study was established to evaluate the impact of calotropis procera biochar (CPB) produced at various pyrolysis temperatures on carbon emission, ammonia volatilization, degradation of PHCs, and properties of artificial petroleum-contaminated soil. An incubation experiment was performed with CPB produced at 400 °C (CPB400) and 650 °C (CPB650). The artificial petroleum-contaminated soil was amended with biochar at doses of 1, 2.5, and 5% along with the unamended soil (control) and incubated for 78 days. The results demonstrate that the CO2-C emission rate in petroleum-contaminated soil increases significantly with all biochar applications compared to the control treatment. Adding CPB400 into the soil, at all doses, decreased cumulative NH3 emission significantly, in comparison with control and CPB650 treatments during all incubation periods. Total PHCs concentration in the soil reduced significantly with CPB400 application at 2.5% compared to the control treatment. CPB400 was more effective in declining total PHCs content in the soil than biochar produced at 650 °C. Available phosphorus and potassium in petroleum-contaminated soil increased significantly under biochar applications compared with the control treatment. Using Calotropis procera biochar produced by low-temperature pyrolysis as an amendment can play a vital role in the remediation of PHCs in polluted soils, it is also a promising way to improve the quality indicators of petroleum-contaminated soil.
AI assessment tools for decision-making on telemedicine: liability in case of mistakes
Authors: Camacho Clavijo Sandra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe implementation of artificial intelligence as a medical decision support tool for triage, such as the SmED system in Germany, raises its potential application as a medical decision support for the use of telemedicine. The use of this self-learning artificial intelligence system (machine learning) raises the question of who is liable for damages in the event of an erroneous prediction by the system. This paper explores the answer to this question in line with the proposed new regulatory framework for AI in the European Union: the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on adapting non-contractual civil liability rules to artificial intelligence [AI Liability Directive-COM (2022) 496 final] and the Proposal for a Directive on liability for defective products [COM (2022) 493 final].
Reinforcement learning-based adaptive spiral-diving Manoeuver guidance method for reentry vehicles subject to unknown disturbances
Authors: Wu T. , Wang Z. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper proposed a reinforcement learning-based adaptive guidance method for a class of spiral-diving manoeuver guidance problems of reentry vehicles subject to unknown disturbances. First, the desired proportional navigation guidance law is designed for the vehicle based on the initial conditions, terminal constraints and the curve involute principle. Then, the first-order multivariable nonlinear guidance command tracking model considering unknown disturbances is established. And the controller design problem caused by the coupling of control variables is overcome by introducing the coordinate transformation technique. Moreover, the actor-critic networks and corresponding adaptive weight update laws are designed to cope with unknown disturbances. With the help of Lyapunov direct method, the stability of the system is proved. Subsequently, the range values of the guidance parameters are analysed. Finally, the validity as well as superiority of the proposed method are verified by numerical simulations.
What Shaming Reveals: Examining Qatar’s Response to Being Shamed as the Host of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup
Authors: Lewis Carl Emilio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis Article considers how the ranking of states, as perpetuated by the international legal order, may play a role in the considerations of those targeted by global naming and shaming campaigns. To do so, it examines Qatar’s response to being shamed in the lead up to and during the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Drawing from international relations literature on status and adopting a critical approach to unpack the prevalence of the hierarchal structuring of states in the contemporary international legal order, the Article claims that the practice of shaming, as a human rights enforcement strategy, inevitably pushes target states to question their status within the international legal community. This could, counterproductively, lead to negative outcomes for the rights of the very individuals these campaigns seek to protect. Furthermore, the Article sketches out a theoretical argument for why certain states may consider the enactment of cosmetic legal reforms to be an attractive strategy for countering a global shaming campaign.
Spectacular International Labor Law: Ambush Counter-Marketing In the Spotlight of Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Duval Antoine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOne year ago, the Qatar World Cup was in full swing, and Qatar was omnipresent in our public and private spheres. For many, the Qatar 2022 World Cup will forever be intimately connected with the plight of migrant workers. This Article dives into the confluence of spectacle, counter-marketing, international—labor and human rights—law, and local reforms, which came together in the long decade which followed FIFA’s fateful decision in December 2010 to give the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. It starts by situating the FIFA World Cup 2022 within Qatar’s drive for soft power and nation branding, before turning to re-counting how the 2022 World Cup was “ambushed” in the name of Qatar’s migrant workers and their rights, putting the issue on the global agenda and triggering the involvement of the ILO. Thereafter, the Article discusses the effects of this ambush counter-marketing by engaging with the labor reforms introduced by the Qatari government, while highlighting their limits in terms of scope and implementation. The Article concludes with a general discussion on the blind spots and shortcomings of the turn to counter-marketing as a strategy to vindicate international human rights or labor rights.
Shut Up! Governments’ Popular Support and Journalist Harassment: Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Balderacchi Claudio , Cassani Andrea , Tomini Luca 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTDuring the past few decades, Latin American governments’ recurrent attacks against journalists have contributed to the erosion of press freedom in the region and, relatedly, of the quality of democracy. Yet what pushes governments to harass journalists? We argue that governments are more likely to harass journalists when popular support for them drops. Due to the ability of journalists to influence public opinion, governments could perceive the harassment of journalists as a means to punish and silence those individuals who are seen as contributing to their decline in public support or as obstacles to regaining popularity. We test our argument on a sample of Latin American countries observed from 1990 to 2019. We find that declines in governments’ popular support lead to more harassment of journalists. Our research contributes to the debate on the determinants of press freedom and sheds further light on the current decline of democratic quality in Latin America.
RADIOCARBON DATING OF ST. GEORGE’S ROTUNDA IN NITRIANSKA BLATNICA (SLOVAKIA): AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMMENT
Authors: Robak Zbigniew 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTIn 2021, a series of radiocarbon dates for St. George’s Rotunda in Nitrianska Blatnica (Slovakia) was published. The samples were acquired during restoration work. Based on the analysis, the authors dated the rotunda to the period of around AD 820–887, with 86% of the probability distribution lying in the period before AD 863. The chronology is based on the combined radiocarbon date 1191 ± 10 BP, which was obtained from four samples of wood fragments found in the oldest mortar layer. However, the date proposed by the authors raises concerns. The conclusions were based on a selection of samples and modeling of radiocarbon dates but put less emphasis on the results of many years of broad archaeological research on the local settlement agglomeration as well as extant historical and archaeological knowledge. The present re-analysis of the early medieval mortar and plaster samples and simple modeling corroborates the alternative hypothesis, providing us with the date 1115 ± 13 BP (cal AD 892–988 2σ). The resulting probability range is consistent with current archaeological and historical knowledge. Consequently, contrary to former conclusions, the construction of the rotunda should be dated to the period between the end of the 9th century and the end of the 10th century.