bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic Heliostat Learning for In-situ Concentrating Solar Power Plant Optimization with Differentiable Ray Tracing
Authors: Pargmann Max , Ebert Jan , Quinto Daniel Maldonado , Pitz-Paal Robert , Kesselheim Stefan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Concentrating solar power plants (CSPs) are a clean energy source capable of competitive electricity generation even during night time, as well as the production of carbon-neutral fuels, offering a complementary role alongside photovoltaic plants. In CSPs, thousands of mirrors (heliostats) redirect sunlight onto a receiver, potentially generating temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. Practically, such efficient temperatures are never attained. Several unknown, yet operationally crucial parameters, e.g., misalignment in sun-tracking and surface deformations can cause dangerous temperature spikes, necessitating high safety margins. For competitive levelized cost of energy and large scale deployment, in-situ error measurements are an essential, yet unattained factor. To tackle this, we introduce a differentiable ray tracing machine learning approach that can derive the irradiance distribution of heliostats in a data-driven manner from a small number of calibration images already collected in most solar thermal power plants. By applying gradient-based optimization and a learning NURBS heliostat model, our approach is able to determine sub-millimeter imperfections in a real-world setting and predict heliostat-specific irradiance profiles, exceeding the precision of the state-of-the-art and establishing full automatization. The new optimization pipeline enables concurrent training of physical and data-driven models, representing a pioneering effort in unifying both paradigms for CSPs and can be a blueprint for other domains.
Nonlinear transient dynamic responses of a rotating composite blade with graphene coating layers
Authors: Bai Bin , Li Han 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The higher demands on the performance and efficiency of rotating machinery have led to an urgent demand for advanced composite materials and new structures in recent years. In response to this requirement, a rotating sandwich plate model based on the first-order shear deformation theory is developed to investigate the nonlinear transient dynamic response of a rotating composite blade with graphene reinforced composite coating layers under the pulse load. In this work, three kinds of pulse loads, including the step load, sinusoidal load and air blast load, are considered. The material properties of graphene coating layers are estimated based on the modified Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model. Considering the geometric nonlinearity, the nonlinear partial differential governing equations of motion for the rotating composite blade are derived via the Hamilton principle. According to the Galerkin method, the nonlinear partial differential governing equations of motion are discretized into the nonlinear ordinary differential governing equations. A comprehensive parameter study is performed to explore the effects of the blade aspect ratio, graphene platelet (GPL) geometry, GPL weight fraction, rotating speed, damping, and excitation parameter on nonlinear transient dynamic responses of the rotating composite blade. In addition, the effect of the GPL weight fraction on nonlinear transient dynamic responses of the rotating composite blade at different rotational speeds is also discussed. The verification study demonstrates that the developed model can predict the nonlinear transient dynamic response of the rotating composite blade with graphene coating layers, which will be helpful for the design of the rotating blade with higher performance.
Agonist-selective activation of individual G-proteins by muscarinic receptors
Authors: Janouskova-Randakova Alena , Nelic Dominik , Chetverikov Nikolai , Hochmalova Martina , Diaz Christina , Doležal Vladimír , Boulos John , Jakubik Jan , Martemyanov Kirill 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Selective activation of individual subtypes of muscarinic receptors is a promising way to safely alleviate a wide range of pathological conditions in the central nervous system and the periphery as well. The flexible G-protein interface of muscarinic receptors allows them to interact with several G-proteins with various efficacy, potency, and kinetics. Agonists biased to the particular G-protein mediated pathway may result in selectivity among muscarinic subtypes and, due to the non-uniform expression of individual G-protein alpha subunits, possibly achieve tissue specificity. Here, we demonstrate that novel tetrahydropyridine-based agonists exert specific signalling profiles in coupling with individual G-protein α subunits. These signalling profiles profoundly differ from the reference agonist carbachol. Moreover, coupling with individual Gα induced by these novel agonists varies among subtypes of muscarinic receptors which may lead to subtype selectivity. Thus, the novel tetrahydropyridine-based agonist can contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of pathway-specific activation of muscarinic receptors and serve as a starting point for the development of desired selective muscarinic agonists.
Topical dorzolamide as adjunctive treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab in bilateral diabetic macular edema
Authors: Sadr Ata , Sargazi Meisam , Banaie Shahram , Asani Mahdi , Zamiri Seyedeh Sana , Mehrad-Majd Hassan , Mohammadi Seyed Omid , Maleki Ali-Reza 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background:
Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents is accepted as the gold standard treatment for center-involving diabetic macular edema (CI-DME). Adjunctive administration of topical dorzolamide may enhance the therapeutic effects of anti-VEGF agents. In this study, we compared the efficacy of topical dorzolamide plus intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) versus IVB alone in patients with bilateral DME.
Methods:
This randomized, double-blind, contralateral eye study included 50 eyes of 25 patients with bilateral DME. All eyes received three consecutive monthly injections of IVB. For each patient, one eye was randomized to instill dorzolamide eye drops three times a day as an intervention, and the other received artificial tear drops as a placebo. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated before starting treatment and then monthly for the first 3 months.
Results:
Among 25 included patients, the average age was 56.64 ± 7.97 years, and 48% were female. BCVA did not improve significantly in any groups (P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in terms of BCVA between the intervention and control groups (P>0.05). The present study showed a decrease in CMT in both study groups (P<0.05). At month 3, the decrease in mean CMT from baseline was significantly higher in eyes receiving topical dorzolamide compared to the control group (-88.92 ± 82.90 vs -37.64 ± 86.16 µM, respectively; P = 0.037). IOP decreased significantly only in eyes receiving dorzolamide (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
The results of the present study indicate that adjunctive administration of topical dorzolamide has a beneficial effect on CMT reduction from baseline but it did not have an additive effect on BCVA improvement Compared to IVB monotherapy.
Gender differences in the development of children’s conduct problems: A four-year longitudinal study
Authors: Álvarez-Voces María , Romero Estrella 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Gender differences in the trajectories of conduct problems (CP) have received very little attention in the literature. The present four-year longitudinal study explores gender differences in CP trajectories through early childhood, assessing gender-specific predictors and outcomes. Gender-separated CP trajectories were identified in a sample of 2,246 young children (Mage=4.25; 48.53% girls) using latent class growth analyses (LCGA). Five trajectories were found in girls (i.e., low, average, downward, upward, and stable high) and four in boys (i.e., low, average, stable high, and upward). Low socioeconomic status was related to the most problematic trajectories only in boys, whereas the interpersonal psychopathic trait (grandiose-deceitful) was more pronounced in girls with higher CP scores relative to other psychopathic traits. Meanwhile, boys’ trajectories were more diverse in terms of negative outcomes (e.g., bullying, victimization) than those of girls. This study contributes to the body of work on heterogeneity in CP by identifying different trajectories according to gender, and shows the relevance of gender in understanding the predictors, development, and outcomes of CP.
Unlocking sustainable livestock production potential through paddock division and gender inclusivity
Authors: Castro Augusto , Buritica Alexander , Holmann Federico , Ngaiwi Mary , Quintero Marcela , Solarte Antonio , Gonzalez Carolina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Low-emissions livestock production can be achieved through scaling production systems integrating trees, forages, and livestock within the same area. Such systems are known as silvopastoral production systems (SPS). However, despite SPS reported benefits, adoption rates globally remain low. This paper, therefore, aims to inform land use policy oriented towards increasing SPS adoption. This study intends to capture this by assessing SPS adoption benefits, identifying determinants of SPS adoption, and thus to contribute to policy for scaling low-emissions livestock production. Data was collected on socioeconomic status, livestock farming technical and economic indicators, and farm and paddock practices through farm-level surveys in four municipalities in the Amazon Piedmont of Colombia. Unlike previous studies that assume homogeneous farm management, when in fact, it is heterogeneous, this study assessed SPS adoption determinants using the paddock (n = 2,819) as the unit of analysis. This methodological approach is consistent with paddock-level land use decisions taken by farmers based on socioeconomic and biophysical factors such as soil financial resources, type, and topography. The methodological approach allows us to provide new insights into the determinant of adopting SPS and an understanding of intra-farm level land use decisions. The results show that the adoption of SPS at both paddocks and farm levels in Caquetá is low. The main factors associated with higher SPS adoption levels at the paddock level are framed in gender, resources, and knowledge. We observe that women are more motivated to conserve the environment. Cattle paddocks managed by women, smaller in size, and those with more SPS-related projects show a tendency for medium or high SPS adoption. Furthermore, the positive relationship between access to credit and SPS adoption emphasizes the importance of financial resources tailored to SPS projects. Enhancing gender roles, improving access to finance in land use, and providing training programs on SPS systems can contribute to low-emission livestock production in Colombia. This research paper highlights the significance of implementing diverse management strategies and reaching out to farmers not involved in SPS projects. It emphasizes investments in low-emission livestock production, especially for female heads of households. This approach recognizes the broader benefits of SPS, beyond production and financial gains, promoting the division of paddocks and the adoption of SPS.
Development of Low Smoke Environmental friendly Fire Retardant Intumescent Coatings for GI and Steel Structures
Authors: Mehta Charu , Kumar Aravind , Tiwari Mahesh Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Shoeb Mohammad Ahmad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Steel begins to lose its mechanical strength above 500 ºC and tends to distort, leading to the collapse of building structures during fire accidents. Fire retardant intumescent coating can protect the steel structure as it swells upon exposure to fire several times its original thickness producing a carbonaceous protective char. The carbonaceous char acts as a heat transfer barrier and protects the structure of steel physically and thermally The objective of the experimental work is to develop the composition of fire retardant intumescent coating with low smoke emission on reaction to fire. Specific fire retardant intumescent coatings were formulated with various compositions using additives (acid source, carbon source, and blowing agent), binder (water-based), and fillers. All the formulations were examined with the non-luminous premixed flame gas torch preliminary test, and the thickness of the char layer formed at the end of the experiment was observed and measured. It was observed that the composition formulated with a water-based binder can form a char layer of a maximum of 70 times the coating thickness. Various standard tests were performed to examine the water-based coating formulations. The results showed that coating composed of a water-based binder with a 50% addition of epoxy and hardener achieved the criteria of ignitability evaluation as per BS 476 Part 5 as it was not easily ignitible. Fire propagation index BS 476 Part 6 showed a Fire propagation index value of less than 12 which signifies that the heat generation rate was low. According to the surface spread of flame of products as per BS 476-Part 7, the coating was classified as class 1 as no flame spread was observed on the surface. Specific optical density value at 1.5 min was found to be less than 100 and less than 200 at 4 min as per ASTM E 662 which was meeting the criteria as per NFPA 230. Sample IC3 was found to nearly meet Non-combustibility criteria. It can be concluded that an environmental friendly fire retardant intumescent coating can be achieved with a water-based binder, additives, and fillers.
Damage resistance of calcium sulfoaluminate cement-based engineered cementitious composites (CSA-ECC) under vehicle-bridge coupling vibration
Authors: Liu Sijia , Yu Long , Xu Biwan , Yang Ken , Wang Shunfeng , Xu Linglin , Yang Zhenghong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study aims to develop the calcium sulfoaluminate cement-based engineered cementitious composites (CSA-ECC) to enhance the resistance of newly placed concrete against vibration-induced damage during highway bridge widening. The effects of vehicle-bridge coupled vibration on the mechanical properties of CSA-ECC including compressive strength, flexural strength and flexural toughness were investigated. The results indicate that the volume percentage of coarse air bubbles (> 1.0 mm3) decreases from 54.70–25.94%, and the volume percentage of micro air bubbles (0-0.2 mm3) increases from 30.89–54.19%. As a result, the microstructure of matrix and fiber/matrix interface are densified due to the redistribution of air bubbles caused by the coupling vibration. Therefore, the application of vibration significantly enhances the flexural strength and flexural toughness of CSA-ECC, ascribing to stronger matrix fracture toughness and fiber/matrix interfacial frictional bond. The digital image correlation (DIC) analysis also indicates that vibration delays the occurrence of main cracking and leads to more obvious multi-cracking characteristics. These indicate that the CSA-ECC has a promising application scenario in highway bridge widening projects with exceptional vibration-induced damage resistance ability.
Super-Enhancers Orchestrate Transcriptional Dysregulation and Metabolic Reprogramming in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Zhuang Ai , Pan Hui , Shao Weihuan , Wang Huixue , Ge Shengfang , Zhang Lingyu , Xu Xiaofang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignancy which frequently metastasizes. Somatic mutations and chromatin aberrations have been identified in the pathogenesis of this deadly disease. Despite rapid progress in uveal melanoma genetic landscape, the epigenetic architecture in UM pathogenesis has not been fully clarified. Here, we describe a super enhancer-medicated epigenetic pipeline via genome-scale histone acetylation modification as well as transcriptional profiling. We first characterize an active landscape of super enhancer profiles in UM with ChIP-seq. We identify master transcription factors specifically driven by UM-specific super enhancers, and our pipeline unveils the transcription factor TFAP2A as the top essential regulator in UM, which is highly associated with metabolism and oncogenesis. TFAP2A occupies predicted super enhancers associated with the oncogene SLC7A8 in UM, thereby illuminating a mechanism for regulating oncogene expression. Collectively, our data illustrates epigenetic targeting of super enhancer-mediated oncogene addictions in UM, shedding light on an epigenetic vulnerability that can be targeted for precision therapy.
Athyrium yokoscense, a cadmium-hypertolerant fern, exhibits two cadmium stress mitigation strategies in its roots and aerial parts
Authors: Ukai Yuko , Taoka Hiroki , Kamada Manaka , Wakui Yuko , Goto Fumiyuki , Kitazaki Kazuyoshi , Abe Tomoko , Hokura Akiko , Yoshihara Toshihiro , Shimada Hiroaki 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Athyrium yokoscense is hypertolerant to cadmium (Cd) and can grow normally under a high Cd concentration despite Cd being a highly toxic heavy metal. To mitigate Cd stress in general plant species, Cd is promptly chelated with a thiol compound and is isolated into vacuoles. Generated active oxygen species (ROS) in the cytoplasm are removed by reduced glutathione. However, we found many differences in the countermeasures in A. yokoscense. Thiol compounds accumulated in the stele of the roots, although a long-term Cd exposure induced Cd accumulation in the aerial parts. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) analysis indicated that a large amount of Cd was localized in the cell walls of the roots. Overexpression of AyNramp5a, encoding a representative Fe and Mn transporter of A. yokoscense, increased both Cd uptake and iron and manganese uptake in rice calli under the Cd exposure conditions. Organic acids were abundantly detected in A. yokoscense roots. Investigating the chemical forms of the Cd molecules by X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis detected many compounds with Cd-oxygen (Cd-O) binding in A. yokoscense roots, whereas in the aerial parts, the ratio of the compounds with Cd-sulfur (Cd-S) binding was increased. Together, our results imply that the strong Cd tolerance of A. yokoscense is an attribute of the following two mechanisms: Cd-O compound formation in the cell wall is a barrier to reduce Cd uptake into aerial parts. Thiol compounds in the region of root stele are involved in detoxication of Cd by formation of Cd-S compounds.
Trends in the Geographic Inequality of Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce in Cancer Care in Japan from 1996 to 2022: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Tamaki Tomoko , Morioka Noriko , Machida Ako , Kashiwagi Masayo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background

Cancer was ranked as the second leading cause of global mortality in 2019, with an increasing incidence. An adequate workforce of healthcare professionals with special skills and knowledge in cancer care is vital for addressing the disparities in cancer prognosis. This study aimed to elucidate the trends in the advanced practice nursing workforce (APNW) in cancer care, which included certified nurse specialists (CNSs) and certified nurses (CNs) in each prefecture of Japan from the system's inception to the present. Further, it sought to analyse the regional disparities and compare these trends with other healthcare resources to identifycontributing factors associated with the APNW in cancer care in each prefecture.

Methods

We performed a panel data analysis using publicly available data on the APNW in cancer care in each prefecture of Japan from 1996 to 2022. Gini coefficients were calculated to examine the trends in geographic equality. Univariate and multivariable fixed effect panel data regression models were used to examine regional factors associated with an APNW in cancer care.

Results

From 1996 to 2012, the APNW in cancer care increased from four to 6,982 staff, while their Gini coefficients decreased from 0.79 to 0.43. However, from 2012 to 2022, the Gini coefficientsdecreased slightly from 0.43 to 0.41. The coefficient value was comparable to that for the disparity between hospital doctors (0.43) but more pronounced compared to those for other medical resources, such as hospitals (0.34), hospital nurses (0.37), and designated cancer care hospitals (0.29). The APNW in cancer care in each prefecture was significantly associated with a higher number of hospital nurses (coefficient: 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23-1.03), a higher number of designed cancer care hospitals in the previous year (see first quartile, the coefficient for second quartile:0.31, 95% CI: 0.21–0.40), and a fewer number of hospital doctors (-1.89, 95%CI: -2.70 to -1.09).

Conclusions

The size of the APNW in cancer care has increased since the system was established in 1996 up till 2022. With the increase in numbers, geographic inequality narrowed until 2012 and has since then remained stagnant.
Mechanistic patterns and clinical implications of oncogenic tyrosine kinase fusions in human cancers
Authors: Chiarle Roberto , Cheong Taek-Chin , Jang Ahram , Wang Qi , Leonardi Giulia , Ricciuti Biagio , Alessi Joao , Federico Alessandro Di , Awad Mark , Lehtinen Maria , Harris Marian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tyrosine kinase (TK) fusions are frequently found in cancers, either as initiating events or as a mechanism of resistance to targeted therapy. Partner genes and exons in most TK fusions are typical and recurrent, but the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these patterns are poorly understood. Here, we investigated structures of > 8,000 kinase fusions and explore their generative mechanisms by applying newly developed experimental framework integrating high-throughput genome-wide gene fusion sequencing and clonal selection called Functionally Active Chromosomal Translocation Sequencing (FACTS). We discovered that typical oncogenic TK fusions recurrently seen in patients are selected from large pools of chromosomal rearrangements spontaneously occurring in cells based on two major determinants: active transcription of the fusion partner genes and protein stability. In contrast, atypical TK fusions that are rarely seen in patients showed reduced protein stability, decreased downstream oncogenic signaling, and were less responsive to inhibition. Consistently, patients with atypical TK fusions were associated with a reduced response to TKI therapies, as well as a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients with typical TK fusions. These findings highlight the principles of oncogenic TK fusion formation and their selection in cancers, with clinical implications for guiding targeted therapy.