bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome and metabolome comprehensive analysis reveal the molecular basis of slow-action and non-repellency of cycloxaprid against an eusocial pest, Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Du Chengju , Jiang Kaibin , Xu Zhiping , Wang Lei , Chen Jie , Wang Cai
Published: November 2023

The eusocial pest, red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), is a highly invasive species that poses significant threats to public safety, agriculture, and the ecological environment. Cycloxaprid, a newly identified effective, slow-acting, and non-repellent insecticide against S. invicta, allows contaminated individuals to transfer the insecticide among nestmates through body contact. However, the molecular-level changes occurring in S. invicta post cycloxaprid exposure and any molecular alterations contributing to the slow demise or decreased sensitivity remain unclear. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of S. invicta exposed to cycloxaprid. Differential analysis results revealed 275, 323, and 536 differentially expressed genes at 12, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Genes involved in lipid and energy metabolism, DNA integration, and hormone synthesis were largely upregulated at 12 h, suggesting S. invicta might actively resist cycloxaprid impacts, and predominantly downregulated at 48 h, indicating further functional impairment and impending death. Also, we observed an imbalance in olfactory perception pathways at 12 h, which may indicate a disruption in the olfactory system of S. invicta. Metabolomic results showed that the regulation of most differential metabolites (DMs) was consistent with the expression changes of their related DEGs at different time points. Our study provides insights into the mechanism underlying slow-acting and non-repellent properties of cycloxaprid against S. invicta.
Detection of citrus diseases in complex backgrounds based on image–text multimodal fusion and knowledge assistance
Authors: Qiu Xia , Chen Hongwen , Huang Ping , Zhong Dan , Guo Tao , Pu Changbin , Li Zongnan , Liu Yongling , Chen Jin , Wang Si
Published: November 2023

Diseases pose a significant threat to the citrus industry, and the accurate detection of these diseases represent key factors for their early diagnosis and precise control. Existing diagnostic methods primarily rely on image models trained on vast datasets and limited their applicability due to singular backgrounds. To devise a more accurate, robust, and versatile model for citrus disease classification, this study focused on data diversity, knowledge assistance, and modal fusion. Leaves from healthy plants and plants infected with 10 prevalent diseases (citrus greening, citrus canker, anthracnose, scab, greasy spot, melanose, sooty mold, nitrogen deficiency, magnesium deficiency, and iron deficiency) were used as materials. Initially, three datasets with white, natural, and mixed backgrounds were constructed to analyze their effects on the training accuracy, test generalization ability, and classification balance. This diversification of data significantly improved the model’s adaptability to natural settings. Subsequently, by leveraging agricultural domain knowledge, a structured citrus disease features glossary was developed to enhance the efficiency of data preparation and the credibility of identification results. To address the underutilization of multimodal data in existing models, this study explored semantic embedding methods for disease images and structured descriptive texts. Convolutional networks with different depths (VGG16, ResNet50, MobileNetV2, and ShuffleNetV2) were used to extract the visual features of leaves. Concurrently, TextCNN and fastText were used to extract textual features and semantic relationships. By integrating the complementary nature of the image and text information, a joint learning model for citrus disease features was achieved. ShuffleNetV2 + TextCNN, the optimal multimodal model, achieved a classification accuracy of 98.33% on the mixed dataset, which represented improvements of 9.78% and 21.11% over the single-image and single-text models, respectively. This model also exhibited faster convergence, superior classification balance, and enhanced generalization capability, compared with the other methods. The image-text multimodal feature fusion network proposed in this study, which integrates text and image features with domain knowledge, can identify and classify citrus diseases in scenarios with limited samples and multiple background noise. The proposed model provides a more reliable decision-making basis for the precise application of biological and chemical control strategies for citrus production.
Investigating risk-taking and executive functioning as predictors of driving performances and habits: a large-scale population study with on-road evaluation
Authors: Le Denmat Pierre , Grisetto Fanny , Delevoye-Turrell Yvonne N. , Vantrepotte Quentin , Davin Tanguy , Dinca Andreea , Desenclos-El Ghoulti Isabell , Roger Clémence
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Maladaptive behavior often results from poor decision-making and by extension poor control over decisions. Since maladaptive behavior in driving, such as excessive speed, can lead to dramatic consequences, identifying its causes is of particular concern. The present study investigated how risk-taking and executive functioning are related to driving performance and habits among the general population.

Method

Five hundred and eighty-nine participants completed an on-road driving session with a professional driving instructor and a self-reported checklist of difficult driving situations typically avoided. Additionally, participants completed a set of experimental tasks assessing risk-taking tendencies, reactive adaptive mechanisms, and two distinct forms of inhibition: interference control and response inhibition.

Results

The results of the present study revealed several significant findings. Firstly, poor driving performance was associated with a high avoidance of challenging driving situations. Secondly, neither form of inhibition studied (interference control or response inhibition) predicted driving performance. Thirdly, while greater involvement in reactive adaptive mechanisms did not predict better on-road performance, it was associated with a reduced tendency to avoid difficult situations. Surprisingly, a higher propensity for risk-taking predicted better on-road performance.

Discussion

Overall, these results underline limited links between executive functioning and driving performance while highlighting a potentially more complex relationship between risk-taking tendencies and driving. Executive functioning, however, appears to be linked to driving habits.
Differential roles of prostaglandin E2 EP4 receptor on stromal cell populations for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function
Authors: Liu Liqiong , Li Hongge , Singh Pratibha , Hoggatt Jonathan , Pelus Louis M.
Published: November 2023

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling through its EP4 receptor regulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) functions. Here we generated mouse strains with conditional and inducible deletion of EP4 in stromal cell populations, including osteolineage cells, mesenchymal progenitor cells, perivascular stromal cells, and endothelial cells, to evaluate the role of EP4 in HSPC regulation through signaling in each of these niche cell populations. We found that EP4 deletion in different stromal cells had distinct effects on HSPC proliferation, long-term repopulating capacity, and the peripheral blood stem cell mobilization response. Lack of EP4 signaling in osteolineage cells increased HSPC number but impaired their long-term engraftment and mobilization. EP4 deletion in mesenchymal progenitor cells and endothelial cells reduced HSPC number and function, while EP4 deletion in perivascular stromal cells had sex-specific effects on HSPC engraftment. Our results demonstrate that PGE2/EP4 signaling in bone marrow stromal cells plays a significant and complex role in HSPC regulation, with both positive and negative effects depending on the stromal cell type.
Estimating the Frequencies of Maximal Theta-Gamma Coupling in EEG during the N-Back Task: Sensitivity to Methodology and Temporal Instability
Authors: Sinitsyn Dmitry O. , Poydasheva Alexandra G. , Bakulin Ilya S. , Zabirova Alfiia H. , Lagoda Dmitry Yu. , Suponeva Natalia A. , Piradov Michael A.
Published: November 2023

Phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) of theta and gamma rhythms of the brain has been observed in animals and humans, with evidence of its involvement in cognitive functions and brain disorders. This motivates finding individual frequencies of maximal theta-gamma coupling (TGC) and using them to adjust brain stimulation. This use implies the stability of the frequencies at least during the investigation, which has not been sufficiently studied. Meanwhile, there is a range of available algorithms for PAC estimation in the literature. We explored several options at different steps of the calculation, applying the resulting algorithms to the EEG data of 16 healthy subjects performing the n-back working memory task, as well as a benchmark recording with previously reported strong PAC. By comparing the results for the two halves of each session, we estimated reproducibility at a time scale of a few minutes. For the benchmark data, the results were largely similar between the algorithms and stable over time. However, for the EEG, the results depended substantially on the algorithm, while also showing poor reproducibility, challenging the validity of using them for personalizing brain stimulation. Further research is needed on the PAC estimation algorithms, cognitive tasks, and other aspects to reliably determine and effectively use TGC parameters in neuromodulation.
Underwater Radiated Noise Prediction Method of Cabin Structures under Hybrid Excitation
Authors: Guo Qiang , Zhang Haoyang , Yang Boquan , Shi Shengguo
Published: November 2023

Aiming at the engineering limitations of traditional ship vibration online monitoring and noise prediction methods, this paper proposes a method for online monitoring and underwater radiation noise prediction of cabin structures’ vibration and noise under hybrid excitation of sound and force. The method first constructs the condition test model; based on OTPA technology, the “acoustic-vibration” transfer function between sound and vibration monitoring points in the cabin and the “acoustic/vibration-acoustic” transmission network inside and outside the cabin structure are obtained. Secondly, based on the “acoustic-vibration” transfer function, the online vibration and sound monitoring data are decoupled and processed to obtain the modified vibration and sound monitoring data. Finally, the near-field radiation noise on the conformal hologram surface outside the cabin is predicted based on the “acoustic/vibration-acoustic” transmission network, and the far-field radiation noise of the cabin structure is predicted by the wave superposition method. In this paper, the contribution law of external radiation noise and the coupling characteristics of the monitoring information under the hybrid excitation of sound and force are analyzed theoretically, and the decoupling method of coupling information is also studied. This method makes up for the problem of missing underwater radiation noise caused by sound excitation in traditional vibration monitoring, and it can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of underwater radiation noise. The effectiveness of the method is further verified by the tank model experiments.
The Effects of Varying Altitudes on the Rates of Emissions from Diesel and Gasoline Vehicles Using a Portable Emission Measurement System
Authors: Qi Zhaoyu , Gu Ming , Cao Jianguo , Zhang Zhiwei , You Chuanzhou , Zhan Yue , Ma Zhongwu , Huang Wei
Published: November 2023

The high altitude in mountainous regions results in lower atmospheric pressure, oxygen concentration and temperature, leading to lower combustion efficiency in motor vehicles. Therefore, there may be differences in carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions characteristics at different altitudes. In this study, a portable emission measurement system was used to investigate the effects of varying elevations on the emission factors of CO2, CO, and NOx on diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles at altitudes ranging from 2270 to 4540 m in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau of China. Additionally, the influencing factors of CO2, CO, and NOx emissions were studied. Results showed that the CO2, CO, and NOx emission factors for diesel vehicles varied in the range of 161.83–195.54, 0.59–0.77, and 4.61–6.58 g/km; the population means with 90% confidence intervals were 178.54, 0.68, and 5.60 g/km, respectively. For gasoline vehicles, the CO2, CO, and NOx emission factors varied in the range of 161.66–181.98, 0.95–1.06, and 0.12–0.25 g/km; the population means with 90% confidence intervals were 171.82, 1.01, and 0.19 g/km, respectively. Overall, the emission factors of diesel vehicles were higher than those of gasoline vehicles, and the emissions increased with increasing altitude. Atmospheric pressure was identified as the primary environmental factor affecting CO2, CO, and NOx emissions. As the speed of motor vehicles increased, the emission of CO2 also increased, while there was a quadratic relationship with acceleration. This study provides a reference and guidance for vehicle pollution control in high-altitude regions.
Variability in Global Climatic Circulation Indices and Its Relationship
Authors: Hasanean Hosny M. , Almaashi Abdullkarim K. , Abdulhaleem H. Labban
Published: November 2023

Global climatic circulation indices play a major role in determining regional and global climate conditions. These atmospheric circulation patterns exhibit substantial variability, covering a wide geographical area and affecting weather-related events. The primary goal of this study was to examine and characterize various global climatic variability indices during the 1950 to 2020 period (El Niño Southern Oscillation, ENSO; Southern Oscillation Index, SOI; North Atlantic Oscillation, NAO; Atlantic Meridional Mode, AMM; and Indian Ocean Dipole, IOD). Also, this article try to investigating the link between these global climatic indices. Trend analysis showed that the ENSO index exhibits the highest recurrence frequency of correlation relationships with the other yearly global indices with significance at the 95% and 99% levels, while the NAO index exhibits the lowest recurrence frequency. On a seasonal basis, most indices demonstrate more abrupt changes during the winter season than during the summer. An increase occurred in events of abrupt changes in these indices over the last two decades (2000 to 2020), especially annually and in summer. The SOI exhibits the largest number of abrupt changes throughout the entire study period, spanning from positive to negative significant trends, whereas the IOD did not exhibit abrupt changes annually. Increasing and decreasing trends in the global climatic circulation indices may be related to natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change. Regarding both the correlation coefficient (CC) and partial correlation results, there existed a highly negative association between the ENSO and SOI in the annual, winter and summer time series. On the other hand, there is no relationship between ENSO and NAO. Furthermore, on an annual basis, there existed a highly negative association between the NAO and AMM and a less negative but still statistically significant association between these indices during the winter and summer seasons, respectively. Therefore, through the Azore high, the NAO could promote AMM. Moreover, when the NAO, AMM, and SOI are held constant, a positive and robust correlation is reached between the ENSO and IOD in winter season. Therefore, a developing IOD is intensified and sustained during the onset of an El Niño event in winter season.
Ecological and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in a Diverse Industrial Area of Al-Akrasha, Egypt
Authors: Mohammed Atef M. F. , Saleh Inas A. , Zahran Hend R. , Abdel-Latif Nasser M.
Published: November 2023

This study was conducted in one of a diverse industrial area in Al-Akrasha, Egypt. Concentrations of select metals (Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cd, Al, Ag, As, B, and Fe) were evaluated in ambient PM10 and surface soils at nine sites. Random samples of fresh edible tilapia fish were collected from Ismailia Canal at two sites near the Al-Akrasha region. In addition, blood and hair samples were collected from workers and residents living in Al-Akrasha as biomarkers of contamination with these metals. The ecological and health risks of these metals to the workers and residents living in the Al-Akrasha region were assessed. The results showed that heavy metal levels in the ambient air (PM10) of the Al-Akrasha region were higher than the national and international guidelines. There was a very high degree of contamination (CD > 32) of the surface soil in the Al-Akrasha area, which can be attributed to industrial activities emissions, mostly from smelters and the subsequent deposition on the surface soil. Ingestion was the dominant pathway for metals to enter the human body in the Al-Akrasha region. Adults have a higher daily intake and exposure risk than infants and children.
Disparate Redox Potentials in Mixed Isomer Electrolytes Reduce Voltage Efficiency of Energy Dense Flow Batteries
Authors: Davis Casey M. , Waters Scott E. , Robb Brian H. , Thurston Jonathan R. , Reber David , Marshak Michael P.
Published: November 2023

Electrolytes containing multiple redox couples are promising for improving the energy density of flow batteries. Here, two chelated chromium complexes that are structural isomers are characterized and combined to generate electrolytes containing up to 2 M of active species, corresponding to 53.6 Ah L−1. The mixed isomer approach enables a significantly higher active material content than the individual materials would allow, affording energy dense cells with Coulombic efficiencies of ≥99.6% at 100 mA cm−2 and an open circuit voltage of 1.65 V at 50% state-of-charge. This high concentration, however, comes with a caveat; at a given concentration, an equimolar mixed electrolyte leads to lower voltage efficiency compared to using the individual isomers, while Coulombic efficiency remains constant. Our work demonstrates that exploiting structural isomerism is an efficient approach to improve capacity, but active materials must be selected carefully in mixed systems as differences in operating potentials negatively affect energy efficiency.
Investigation of Forces and Moments during Orthodontic Tooth Intrusion Using Robot Orthodontic Measurement and Simulation System (ROSS)
Authors: Seidel Corinna L. , Lipp Julian , Dotzer Benedikt , Janjic Rankovic Mila , Mertmann Matthias , Wichelhaus Andrea , Sabbagh Hisham
Published: November 2023

The Robot Orthodontic Measurement and Simulation System (ROSS) is a novel biomechanical, dynamic, self-regulating setup for the simulation of tooth movement. The intrusion of the front teeth with forces greater than 0.5 N poses a risk for orthodontic-induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). The aim was to investigate forces and moments during simulated tooth intrusion using ROSS. Five specimens of sixteen unmodified NiTi archwires and seven NiTi archwires with intrusion steps from different manufacturers (Forestadent, Ormco, Dentsply Sirona) with a 0.012″/0.014″/0.016″ wire dimension were tested. Overall, a higher wire dimension correlated with greater intrusive forces Fz (0.012″: 0.561–0.690 N; 0.014″: 0.996–1.321 N; 0.016″: 1.44–2.254 N) and protruding moments Mx (0.012″: −2.65 to −3.922 Nmm; 0.014″: −4.753 to −7.384 Nmm; 0.016″: −5.556 to −11.466 Nmm) during the simulated intrusion of a 1.6 mm-extruded upper incisor. However, the ‘intrusion efficiency’ parameter was greater for smaller wire dimensions. Modification with intrusion steps led to an overcompensation of the intrusion distance; however, it led to a severe increase in Fz and Mx, e.g., the Sentalloy 0.016″ medium (Dentsply Sirona) exerted 2.891 N and −19.437 Nmm. To reduce the risk for OIIRR, 0.014″ NiTi archwires can be applied for initial aligning (without vertical challenges), and intrusion steps for the vertical levelling of extruded teeth should be bent in the initial archwire, i.e., 0.012″ NiTi.
Perspectives for Using CO2 as a Feedstock for Biomanufacturing of Fuels and Chemicals
Authors: Kurt Elif , Qin Jiansong , Williams Alexandria , Zhao Youbo , Xie Dongming
Published: November 2023

Microbial cell factories offer an eco-friendly alternative for transforming raw materials into commercially valuable products because of their reduced carbon impact compared to conventional industrial procedures. These systems often depend on lignocellulosic feedstocks, mainly pentose and hexose sugars. One major hurdle when utilizing these sugars, especially glucose, is balancing carbon allocation to satisfy energy, cofactor, and other essential component needs for cellular proliferation while maintaining a robust yield. Nearly half or more of this carbon is inevitably lost as CO2 during the biosynthesis of regular metabolic necessities. This loss lowers the production yield and compromises the benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions—a fundamental advantage of biomanufacturing. This review paper posits the perspectives of using CO2 from the atmosphere, industrial wastes, or the exhausted gases generated in microbial fermentation as a feedstock for biomanufacturing. Achieving the carbon-neutral or -negative goals is addressed under two main strategies. The one-step strategy uses novel metabolic pathway design and engineering approaches to directly fix the CO2 toward the synthesis of the desired products. Due to the limitation of the yield and efficiency in one-step fixation, the two-step strategy aims to integrate firstly the electrochemical conversion of the exhausted CO2 into C1/C2 products such as formate, methanol, acetate, and ethanol, and a second fermentation process to utilize the CO2-derived C1/C2 chemicals or co-utilize C5/C6 sugars and C1/C2 chemicals for product formation. The potential and challenges of using CO2 as a feedstock for future biomanufacturing of fuels and chemicals are also discussed.
Investigation of Biomaterial Ink Viscosity Properties and Optimization of the Printing Process Based on Pattern Path Planning
Authors: Wu Jiahao , Wu Chunya , Zou Siyang , Li Xiguang , Ho Bo , Sun Ruijiang , Liu Chang , Chen Mingjun
Published: November 2023

Extruded bioprinting is widely used for the biomanufacturing of personalized, complex tissue structures, which requires biomaterial inks with a certain viscosity to enable printing. However, there is still a lack of discussion on the controllable preparation and printability of biomaterial inks with different viscosities. In this paper, biomaterial inks composed of gelatin, sodium alginate, and methylcellulose were utablesed to investigate the feasibility of adjustment of rheological properties, thereby analyzing the effects of different rheological properties on the printing process. Based on the response surface methodology, the relationship between the material components and the rheological properties of biomaterial inks was discussed, followed by the prediction of the rheological properties of biomaterial inks. The prediction accuracies of the power-law index and consistency coefficient could reach 96% and 79%, respectively. The material group can be used to prepare biomaterial inks with different viscosity properties in a wide range. Latin hypercube sampling and computational fluid dynamics were used to analyze the effects of different rheological properties and extrusion pressure on the flow rate at the nozzle. The relationship between the rheological properties of the biomaterial ink and the flow rate was established, and the simulation results showed that the changes in the rheological properties of the biomaterial ink in the high-viscosity region resulted in slight fluctuations in the flow rate, implying that the printing process for high-viscosity biomaterial inks may have better versatility. In addition, based on the characteristics of biomaterial inks, the printing process was optimized from the planning of the print pattern to improve the location accuracy of the starting point, and the length accuracy of filaments can reach 99%. The effect of the overlap between the fill pattern and outer frame on the print quality was investigated to improve the surface quality of complex structures. Furthermore, low- and high-viscosity biomaterial inks were tested, and various printing protocols were discussed for improving printing efficiency or maintaining cell activity. This study provides feasible printing concepts for a wider range of biomaterials to meet the biological requirements of cell culture and tissue engineering.
Validation of the Finite Element Model versus Biomechanical Assessments of Dental Implants and Total Knee Replacements
Authors: Kang Kwan-Su , Park Kwang-Min , Ahn Jin-Woo , Jo Min-Young , Oh Yu-Rim , Youn Jin-Ho , Lee Jeong-Woo , Je Dong-Young , Jung Tae-Gon
Published: November 2023

Computer modeling and simulation (CM&S) technology is widely used in the medical device industry due to its advantages such as reducing testing time and costs. However, the developer’s parameter settings during the modeling and simulation process can have a significant impact on the results. This study developed a test model for the rotational shear strength of dental implants and the constraint force of total knee replacements based on CM&S technology and proposes ideal parameters to ensure reliability. For dental implants, the load area and sliding contact conditions were considered, and for total knee replacements, the friction coefficient, medial–lateral displacement, valgus–varus rotation, and elastic modulus were considered. By comparing the simulation results and mechanical tests, boundary conditions with an error rate of less than 1.5% were selected. When a jig (gripper and collector) was applied with the same boundary conditions, an error rate of 48~22% occurred; otherwise, it was confirmed that the error rate was within 10~0.2%. The FE model was verified with an error of 2.49 to 3% compared to the mechanical test. The friction coefficient variable had the greatest influence on the results, accounting for 10 to 13%, and it was confirmed that valgus–varus rotation had a greater influence on the results than medial–lateral displacement. Relatively, the elastic modulus of the insert had the least effect on the results. These research results are expected to make CM&S techniques useful as a medical device digital development tool (M3DT) in the development of total knee replacements and dental implants.
A Kinetic Transition Network Model Reveals the Diversity of Protein Dimer Formation Mechanisms
Authors: Györffy Dániel , Závodszky Péter , Szilágyi András
Published: November 2023

Protein homodimers have been classified as three-state or two-state dimers depending on whether a folded monomer forms before association, but the details of the folding–binding mechanisms are poorly understood. Kinetic transition networks of conformational states have provided insight into the folding mechanisms of monomeric proteins, but extending such a network to two protein chains is challenging as all the relative positions and orientations of the chains need to be included, greatly increasing the number of degrees of freedom. Here, we present a simplification of the problem by grouping all states of the two chains into two layers: a dissociated and an associated layer. We combined our two-layer approach with the Wako–Saito–Muñoz–Eaton method and used Transition Path Theory to investigate the dimer formation kinetics of eight homodimers. The analysis reveals a remarkable diversity of dimer formation mechanisms. Induced folding, conformational selection, and rigid docking are often simultaneously at work, and their contribution depends on the protein concentration. Pre-folded structural elements are always present at the moment of association, and asymmetric binding mechanisms are common. Our two-layer network approach can be combined with various methods that generate discrete states, yielding new insights into the kinetics and pathways of flexible binding processes.
Study on High-Velocity Impact Perforation Performance of CFRP Laminates for Rail Vehicles: Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Chen Xuanzhen , Peng Yong , Wang Kui , Wang Xin , Liu Zhixiang , Huang Zhiqiang , Zhang Honghao
Published: November 2023

To study the perforation performance of CFRP laminates for rail vehicles under high-velocity impact from foreign objects, impact tests on CFRP laminates at a velocity of 163 m/s were carried out, and a corresponding finite element model was established using ABAQUS and verified. The user-defined material subroutine combined the material strain rate hardening effect and the 3D-Hashin damage criterion. The effects of impact velocity, impact object shape, and oblique angle on the perforation performance of CFRP laminates are discussed. Results show that impact velocity positively correlates with impact peak force and residual velocity. Laminates can be perforated by projectiles with a velocity above 120 m/s, and impact velocity greatly influences delamination below 140 m/s. Three shapes of projectile impacting laminates are considered: spherical, cylindrical, and conical. The conical projectile penetrates the laminate most easily, with the largest delamination area. The cylindrical projectile with a flat end suffers the most resistance, and the delaminated area is between the impact conditions of the conical and spherical projectiles. Increasing the angle of inclination increases the impacted area of the laminate and the extent of damage, thus dissipating more energy. The projectile fails to penetrate the laminate when the oblique angle reaches 60°. CFRP composite structures penetrated by high-speed impacts pose a significant threat to the safety of train operations, providing an opportunity for the application of bio-inspired composite structures.
Unraveling the Mechanism of Platelet Aggregation Suppression by Thioterpenoids: Molecular Docking and In Vivo Antiaggregant Activity
Authors: Nikitina Liliya E. , Bocharov Pavel S. , Ksenofontov Alexander A. , Antina Elena V. , Gilfanov Ilmir R. , Pavelyev Roman S. , Ostolopovskaya Olga V. , Fedyunina Inna V. , Azizova Zulfiya R. , Pestova Svetlana V. , Izmest’ev Evgeniy S. , Rubtsova Svetlana A. , Boichuk Sergei V. , Galembikova Aigul R. , Smolyarchuk Elena A. , Mustafin Ilshat G. , Kayumov Airat R. , Samorodov Aleksandr V.
Published: November 2023

Natural monoterpenes and their derivatives are widely considered the effective ingredients for the design and production of novel biologically active compounds. In this study, by using the molecular docking technique, we examined the effects of two series of “sulfide-sulfoxide-sulfone” thioterpenoids containing different (e.g., bornane and pinane) monoterpene skeletons on the platelet’s aggregation. Our data revealed that all the synthesized compounds exhibit inhibitory activities on platelet aggregation. For example, compound 1 effectively inhibited platelet activation and demonstrated direct binding with CD61 integrin, a well-known platelet GPIIb-IIIa receptor on platelets. We further examined the antiaggregant activity of the most active compound, 1, in vivo and compared its activity with that of acetylsalicylic acid and an oral GPIIb-IIIa blocker, orbofiban. We found that compound 1 demonstrates antiaggregant activity in rats when administered per os and its activity was comparable with that of acetylsalicylic acid and orbofiban. Moreover, similarly, tirofiban, a well-known GPIIb-IIIa blocker, compound 1, effectively decreased the expression of P-selectin to the values similar to those of the intact platelets. Collectively, here, we show, for the first time, the potent antiaggregant activity of compound 1 both in vitro and in vivo due to its ability to bind with the GPIIb-IIIa receptor on platelets.
Enhancing the Quality of Life of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Promising Results on the Role of Cognitive Tele-Rehabilitation Plus Virtual Reality
Authors: Maggio Maria Grazia , Cannavò Antonino , Quartarone Angelo , Manuli Alfredo , Tonin Paolo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis often face obstacles accessing traditional rehabilitation programs, primarily due to mobility limitations. Tele-rehabilitation (TR) is seen as a promising solution to overcome these barriers, though its precise influence on patients’ quality of life (QoL) has not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a cognitive TR in a sample of Italian patients with MS. (2) Methods: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with MS, attending the Robotic and Behavioral Neurorehabilitation Unit of the IRCCS “Bonino-Pulejo” Neurolesi Center in Messina, Italy, between October 2019 and March 2020 were enrolled in the study. All patients were randomly assigned, using block randomization with a block size of 2 × 2, to two groups: the control group (CG), composed of 16 patients who received traditional cognitive training, and the experimental group (EG), composed of 20 patients who underwent TR training with a VRRS (virtual reality rehabilitation system). Each patient underwent an assessment before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the rehabilitation treatment, using the Quality of Life-54 Multiple Sclerosis (MSQoL-54). (3) Results: Only in the EG, we observed a statistically significant improvement in the QoL related to mental well-being following the paired T-test (MSQoL p-value < 0.001). Notably, no significant differences were found in the CG (MSQoL p-value of 0.67). (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that TR training combined with VR has the potential to improve the well-being of individuals with MS.
Advances in Intraoperative Glioma Tissue Sampling and Infiltration Assessment
Authors: Al-Adli Nadeem N. , Young Jacob S. , Scotford Katie , Sibih Youssef E. , Payne Jessica , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: November 2023

Gliomas are infiltrative brain tumors that often involve functional tissue. While maximal safe resection is critical for maximizing survival, this is challenged by the difficult intraoperative discrimination between tumor-infiltrated and normal structures. Surgical expertise is essential for identifying safe margins, and while the intraoperative pathological review of frozen tissue is possible, this is a time-consuming task. Advances in intraoperative stimulation mapping have aided surgeons in identifying functional structures and, as such, has become the gold standard for this purpose. However, intraoperative margin assessment lacks a similar consensus. Nonetheless, recent advances in intraoperative imaging techniques and tissue examination methods have demonstrated promise for the accurate and efficient assessment of tumor infiltration and margin delineation within the operating room, respectively. In this review, we describe these innovative technologies that neurosurgeons should be aware of.
Exosomal miRNAs as Biomarkers of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ciaccio Anna Maria , Tuttolomondo Antonino
Published: November 2023

Exosomes are small lipid bilayer membrane particles released from all living cells into the extracellular environment. They carry several molecules and have a critical role in cell–cell communication under physiological and pathological conditions. In recent decades, exosomes, and especially their cargo, have emerged as a promising tool for several clinical conditions. However, the literature has become increasingly unambiguous in defining the role of exosomes in chronic cerebrovascular diseases. Because they can pass through the blood–brain barrier, they have great potential to reflect intracerebral changes. They can, thus, provide valuable insight into the mechanisms of central nervous system diseases. The purpose of this review is to describe the literature on the role of exosomal miRNA, which represents the most widely investigated exosomal biomarker, in strokes. First, we provide an overview of exosomes, from biology to isolation and characterization. Then, we describe the relationship between exosomes and stroke pathogenesis. Finally, we summarize the human studies evaluating exosomal miRNA biomarkers of stroke. Although the collective literature supports the potential use of exosomal miRNA as biomarkers of ischemic stroke, there are still several limitations hampering their introduction into clinical practice.
Natural Semantic Networks of the Neurorehabilitation Concept by Spanish Physiotherapists—A Qualitative Phenomenological Representational Study
Authors: Ortega-Bastidas Javiera Andrea , Martín-Casas Patricia , Collado-Vázquez Susana , Estrada-Barranco Cecilia , Sanz-Esteban Ismael , Pinzón-Bernal Mónica Yamile , Ortega-Bastidas Paulina , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto
Published: November 2023

The Natural Semantic Networks (NSN) model is highly useful in analyzing the words that define a concept in terms of the value, strength, weight, or density that a specific population assigns to the construction of a learned concept. The main objective of this study was to describe the conceptualization of the concept of neurorehabilitation by Spanish physiotherapists specializing in this field using NSN. A phenomenological study is presented. The participants were physiotherapy professionals who graduated from three Spanish universities and were working in the field of neurorehabilitation. A questionnaire was administered via Google Forms, which was constructed using the NSN technique. A total of 191 physiotherapists participated in this study. The Spanish physiotherapists interviewed used a total of 1247 defining words for the concept of neurorehabilitation. The semantic core of the concept was mainly formed by the words ‘treatment’, ‘recovery’, ‘functionality’, ‘neuroplasticity’, and ‘learning’, which carried significant weight. Results were also presented taking into account the academic level and years of professional experience of the sample. The semantic network observed in this study allows us to elucidate the polysemy of the concept of neurorehabilitation, which is composed not only of certain associated words but also the meanings they imply.
Familiarity at Work: Awesome or Contempt? Assessing the Interplay among Familiarity, Leadership and Team Identification
Authors: Petitta Laura , Lo Castro Isabella , Guerriero Anna
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine competing hypotheses (positive vs. negative) on how organizational members’ familiarity with multiple stakeholders differentially relates to members’ social identity and perception of leadership styles grounded in relational and emotional factors. Specifically, we developed and tested a conceptual model wherein employees’ familiarity with leaders, colleagues, and externals plays a differential role in predicting the extent to which they identify with their workgroup (i.e., group member prototypicality—GMP) and perceive transformational, authentic, leader–member exchange and servant leadership styles. Moreover, we examined the moderating effect of combat experience. We tested this nomological network using structural equation modeling and invariance analyses on a sample of 435 military personnel from the Italian Army (228 combat, 207 non-combat). Results indicated an invariant pattern of relationships among variables for combat and non-combat sub-samples. Specifically, familiarity with leaders positively predicted all leadership styles and GMP. Familiarity with colleagues positively predicted only GMP, whereas familiarity with externals did not predict GMP or leadership factors. Moreover, post hoc quadratic regressions showed a curvilinear inverted-U-shaped relationship between familiarity with colleagues and GMP. Militaries with low or high levels of familiarity with colleagues reported lower levels of GMP compared to militaries with moderate levels of familiarity with colleagues. Hence, at very high levels of familiarity with colleagues, GMP begins to decrease. Theoretical and practical implications of results are discussed in light of the increasing relevance of relational and emotional factors for military leadership, and the current pandemic and geopolitical turmoil.
Assessment of the Change in Design Strategy of Apartment Buildings in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Lu Shideng , Lau Raymond , Leung Ho Hon , Yan Gaoliang
Published: November 2023

The world entered the post-COVID-19 era of coexistence with viruses, but people are still concerned as to whether there will be another virus outbreak in the future. Research on virus defense in the construction field is still underway, and considerable suggestions were proposed. If it seems these suggestions were adopted in many buildings, why is the pandemic still out of control? The main focus of this study is to explore a sustainable design strategy that should be adopted by apartment-style buildings in the post-pandemic era in terms of media, sensory, and action elements, and to analyze the applicability of these measures in specific buildings. The study analyzes cases of high-rise apartment-style buildings and used methods such as simulation analysis, direct observation, and comparative analysis to compare the design measures before and after the pandemic. The study shows that, while these measures mainly affect the environmental and social aspects of sustainability, some aspects of old buildings remain difficult to address. The existing standards of new building design need to be adjusted to make the necessary changes. Through our analysis, we concluded that, although the original green building system provides a good foundation for the adjustment of housing in the post-pandemic era, residential design should provide a more reliable framework for possible future pandemic defense. The study is based on the collation of research conducted by architects and experts, and presented in the relevant literature, and the specific analysis of completed apartment buildings within the context of the pandemic situation. This study provides a direction for apartment buildings to meet the challenges of sustainable development and paves the way for a clearer future in the field of construction building.
Study on the Synergistic Effect of Superabsorbent Polymer and Crystalline Admixture on Self-Healing Performance of Mortar Based on Image Binarization Method
Authors: Zhang Guang-Zhu , Ma Xiang , Liu Yao
Published: November 2023

Concrete self-healing technology is an effective method for autonomously repairing cracks, which can reduce the maintenance costs of concrete components and prolong their service life. This study investigates the mechanical properties and self-healing abilities of mortar with internally mixed superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and crystalline admixtures (CAs). The compressive strength and recovery rate of the specimens were evaluated, and the self-healing performance of concrete specimens was assessed through water absorption tests and optical microscopy observation of healed cracks. Microscopic analysis of the crack fillings was conducted using SEM-EDS and XRD tests, revealing the mechanism of the synergistic effect of SAPs and CAs on self-healing. The results indicate that the physical filling effect of SAPs’ water absorption and expansion almost completes the healing action before the 7-day healing age, with a weakened healing ability after this age. The chemical action of CA activation continues to heal cracks up to the 90-day healing age. When SAPs and CAs are incorporated together into the concrete matrix, the mortar specimens exhibit the best healing ability before the 7-day healing age. As water is released from the SAPs, the ongoing activation reaction of CAs shows the most effective healing result at the 90-day age. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed that the addition of CAs increases the Ca/Si ratio of calcium silicate hydrated, transforming it from an amorphous cluster structure to a needle-like structure. Furthermore, the internal curing effect of SAPs promotes the activation reaction of CAs, resulting in a greater quantity of more densely structured calcium silicate hydrated.
The Role of Gene Fusions in Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Roden Anja C.
Published: November 2023

Thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are rare and large molecular studies are therefore difficult to perform. However, institutional case series and rare multi-institutional studies have identified a number of interesting molecular aberrations in TET, including gene fusions in a subset of these tumors. These gene fusions can aid in the diagnosis, shed light on the pathogenesis of a subset of tumors, and potentially may provide patients with the opportunity to undergo targeted therapy or participation in clinical trials. Gene fusions that have been identified in TET include MAML2 rearrangements in 50% to 56% of mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MAML2::CRTC1), 77% to 100% of metaplastic thymomas (YAP1::MAML2), and 6% of B2 and B3 thymomas (MAML2::KMT2A); NUTM1 rearrangements in NUT carcinomas (most commonly BRD4::NUTM1); EWSR1 rearrangement in hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (EWSR1::ATF1); and NTRK rearrangement in a thymoma (EIF4B::NTRK3). This review focuses on TET in which these fusion genes have been identified, their morphologic, immunophenotypic, and clinical characteristics and potential clinical implications of the fusion genes. Larger, multi-institutional, global studies are needed to further elucidate the molecular characteristics of these rare but sometimes very aggressive tumors in order to optimize patient management, provide patients with the opportunity to undergo targeted therapy and participate in clinical trials, and to elucidate the pathogenesis of these tumors.
The Effects of an Order-Assist Mobile Application on Pediatric Anesthesia Safety: An Observational Study
Authors: Shim Jung-Woo , Kim Chang-Jae , Kim Ji-Yeon , Choi Ji-Yeon , Lee Hyungmook
Published: November 2023

Pediatric anesthesia requires the rapid creation, communication, and execution of anesthesia orders, and there is a risk of human error. The authors developed an order-assisted mobile application (app) to reduce human error during pediatric anesthesia preparation. The authors conducted an observational study that compared the effects of the application by comparing anesthesiologists’ errors, nurses’ errors, nurses leaving the operating room, and delays in surgery, between the Conventional group (n = 101) and the App group (n = 101). The app was associated with reduced human error by anesthesiologists and nurses, and it lowered the frequency and duration of nurses leaving the operating room during anesthesia. In addition, the authors surveyed anesthesia nurses regarding the effectiveness of the app. The nurses confirmed that the app was convenient and reduced human error. This study revealed that the order-assisted mobile app developed by a pediatric anesthesiologist could reduce human errors by anesthesiologists and nurses during pediatric anesthesia preparation.