bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental downed woody debris-created microsites enhance tree survival and growth in extreme summer heat
Authors: Swanson Mark E. , Magee Margaret I. , Nelson Andrew S. , Engstrom Rudy , Adams Henry D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Increasing temperatures associated with climate change can lead to more challenging conditions for tree seedlings, including greater soil surface temperatures and reduced growing season soil moisture. Downed woody debris (DWD) may provide microsite effects, such as shade, that moderate these conditions for seedlings. However, few studies have conducted fine-scale assessments of the strength of the microsite as a function of distance from DWD or how the microsite effect differs between species or across topographic gradients.

Methods

In this study, conducted in the Palouse region of eastern Washington State, we placed three large pieces of DWD (5 m length × 40–50 cm small-end diameter, oriented east–west) on each of three topographic facets (north-facing, flat ridge-top, and south-facing), and planted transects of seedlings of a xerophytic conifer (ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa) and a mesophytic conifer (Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii) on both sides of the DWD at fixed distances (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.5 m). The 1.5 m distance was assumed to serve as a control, with no measurable influence from DWD. Seedling responses (stress rating, survival, basal diameter and height growth, and dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence) over two growing seasons were used to interpret the influence of DWD on seedling health and survival, especially during stressful episodes of extreme heat, such as occurred during July 2021, the first growing season of the experiment. Soil surface temperature and soil volumetric water content (10 cm depth) were measured at all seedling locations to understand biophysical contributors to seedling response.

Results

We found that seedlings of both conifers displayed lower stress ratings, higher survival, and greater height growth close to the north side of DWD, with this effect especially pronounced on the flat ridge-top and the south-facing slope. Soil surface temperature decreased greatly in the “shade zone” at 0.0 m and 0.25 m distances on the north side of DWD, and soil volumetric water content declined more quickly outside of the shaded microsite.

Discussion

These findings suggest that creating or retaining DWD on stressful sites may prove an important climate adaptive management strategy in ecosystem restoration or forest management, especially if extreme heat events continue to increase in frequency.
Fecal microbiota transplantation for treatment of refractory or recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in Taiwan: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Lan Kai-Yen , Le Puo-Hsien , Chiu Cheng-Tang , Chen Chien-Chang , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Cheng Hao-Tsai , Kuo Chia-Jung , Chen Chyi-Liang , Chen Yi-Ching , Yeh Pai-Jui , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Chang Chee-Jen
Published: October 2023

Background

Compared to antibiotic treatment, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a more effective treatment for refractory or recurrent CDI (rCDI). Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher incidence of CDI and worse outcomes. There has been no study from Asia to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of FMT for overall rCDI patients and rCDI patients with IBD.

Methods

We applied a Markov model with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of different treatments for rCDI patients with a time horizon of 1 year from the payer's perspective. We compared the cost and clinical outcomes of FMT through colonoscopy to two antibiotics (vancomycin and fidaxomicin) using data from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Results

Compared to vancomycin, FMT was cost-effective in overall rCDI patients as well as IBD patients with rCDI [USD 39356 (NT$1,101,971.98)/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in overall patients; USD65490 (NT$1,833,719.14)/QALY gained in IBD patients]. Compared to fidaxomicin, FMT was only cost-effective in overall rCDI patients [USD20255 (NT$567,133.45)/QALY gained] but slightly increased QALY (0.0018 QALY gained) in IBD patients with rCDI.

Conclusion

FMT is cost-effective, compared to vancomycin or fidaxomicin, for the treatment of rCDI in most scenarios from the payers' perspective in Taiwan.
Memory discrimination is promoted by the expression of the transcription repressor WT1 in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Munari Leonardo , Patel Vishwendra , Johnson Nicholas , Mariottini Chiara , Prabha Som , Blitzer Robert D. , Iyengar Ravi
Published: October 2023

The hippocampus is critical for the precise formation of contextual memories. Overlapping inputs coming from the entorhinal cortex are processed by the trisynaptic pathway to form distinct memories. Disruption in any step of the circuit flow can lead to a lack of memory precision, and to memory interference. We have identified the transcriptional repressor Wilm’s Tumor 1 (WT1) as an important regulator of synaptic plasticity involved in memory discrimination in the hippocampus. In male mice, using viral and transgenic approaches, we showed that WT1 deletion in granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG) disrupts memory discrimination. With electrophysiological methods, we then identified changes in granule cells’ excitability and DG synaptic transmission indicating that WT1 knockdown in DG granule cells disrupts the inhibitory feedforward input from mossy fibers to CA3 by decreasing mIPSCs and shifting the normal excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the DG → CA3 circuit in favor of excitation. Finally, using a chemogenetic approach, we established a causal link between granule cell hyperexcitability and memory discrimination impairments. Our results suggest that WT1 enables a circuit-level computation that drives pattern discrimination behavior.
Planet earth calling: unveiling the brain’s response to awe and driving eco-friendly consumption
Authors: Yin Meiling , Lee Eun-Ju
Published: October 2023

Eco-friendly consumption is important for solving climate crisis and moving humanity toward a better future. However, few consumers are willing to pay premiums for eco-friendly products. We investigated the psychological and neural factors that can increase eco-friendly consumption. We propose an experience of awe, in which the individual self is temporarily attenuated as the importance of beings other than oneself increases. Behavioral (Study 1) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI; Study 2) experiments were conducted to explore the awe mechanisms through which climate crisis messages lead to eco-friendly consumption. In Study 1, we found participants felt awe when exposed to climate crisis messages, and their choice of eco-friendly consumption increased. In Study 2, we found that when individuals were exposed to messages depicting the climate crisis (as opposed to a control stimulus), their brains exhibited a lower level of activation in the self-awareness processing and a higher level of activation in external attention processing areas. These results suggest that the awe experience plays an important role in promoting eco-friendly consumption. Marketing must evolve from satisfying basic individual needs to a high level for the well-being of humanity, the planet, and the biosphere. This study sheds light on our understanding of human perceptions of the climate crisis and suggests an effective communication strategy to increase individuals’ eco-friendly actions.
First-spike coding promotes accurate and efficient spiking neural networks for discrete events with rich temporal structures
Authors: Liu Siying , Leung Vincent C. H. , Dragotti Pier Luigi
Published: October 2023

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are well-suited to process asynchronous event-based data. Most of the existing SNNs use rate-coding schemes that focus on firing rate (FR), and so they generally ignore the spike timing in events. On the contrary, methods based on temporal coding, particularly time-to-first-spike (TTFS) coding, can be accurate and efficient but they are difficult to train. Currently, there is limited research on applying TTFS coding to real events, since traditional TTFS-based methods impose one-spike constraint, which is not realistic for event-based data. In this study, we present a novel decision-making strategy based on first-spike (FS) coding that encodes FS timings of the output neurons to investigate the role of the first-spike timing in classifying real-world event sequences with complex temporal structures. To achieve FS coding, we propose a novel surrogate gradient learning method for discrete spike trains. In the forward pass, output spikes are encoded into discrete times to generate FS times. In the backpropagation, we develop an error assignment method that propagates error from FS times to spikes through a Gaussian window, and then supervised learning for spikes is implemented through a surrogate gradient approach. Additional strategies are introduced to facilitate the training of FS timings, such as adding empty sequences and employing different parameters for different layers. We make a comprehensive comparison between FS and FR coding in the experiments. Our results show that FS coding achieves comparable accuracy to FR coding while leading to superior energy efficiency and distinct neuronal dynamics on data sequences with very rich temporal structures. Additionally, a longer time delay in the first spike leads to higher accuracy, indicating important information is encoded in the timing of the first spike.
Effects of potentilla discolor bunge extracts on oxidative stress and glycolipid metabolism in animal models of diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yunjiao , Deng Wen , Wu Yue , Zi Changyan , Chen Qiu
Published: October 2023

Background/aim: Potentilla discolor Bunge (PDB) is an ancient herb of traditional Chinese medicine. Studies have suggested that extracts of PDB may ameliorate diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to systematically assess the efficacy of PDB extracts on glycolipid metabolism and oxidative stress in animal models of diabetes and to provide evidence-based references for the use of PDB extracts.

Methods: This study followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were searched from eight databases until January 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using StataSE 15.0 and RevMan 5.3. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using the random-effects model. SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results: In total, 32 studies with 574 animals were included. The findings demonstrated that PDB extracts considerably lowered fasting blood glucose (SMD: −3.56, 95%CI: −4.40 to −2.72, p < 0.00001); insulin resistance (SMD: −3.19, 95% CI: −5.46 to −0.92, p = 0.006), total cholesterol (SMD: −2.18, 95%CI: −2.89 to −1.46, p < 0.00001), triglyceride (SMD: −1.48, 95% CI: −2.01 to −0.96, p < 0.00001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: −1.80, 95% CI: −2.58 to −1.02], p < 0.00001), malondialdehyde (SMD: −3.46, 95% CI: −4.64 to −2.29, p < 0.00001) and free fatty acid levels (SMD: −3.25, 95%CI: −5.33 to −1.16, p = 0.002), meanwhile, increased insulin sensitivity index (SMD: 2.51 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.92, p = 0.0005), body weight (SMD:1.20, 95% CI: 0.38 to 2.01, p = 0.004), and the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.69, p = 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SMD:2.63, 95% CI: 1.53 to 3.73, p < 0.00001), glutathione peroxidase (SMD:1.13, 95%CI: 0.42 to1.83, p = 0.002), and catalase (SMD:0.75, 95% CI: 0.11 to 1.40], p = 0.02).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that PDB extracts can ameliorate DM by improving glycolipid metabolism and oxidative stress. PDB may be a promising medication for DM; however, due to significant heterogeneity between studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. In addition, future well-designed trials should determine which components of the PDB play a major role in ameliorating DM and whether these benefits persist in humans.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, CRD42023379391
Fractional derivative of demand and supply functions in the cobweb economics model and Markov process
Authors: Qin Ximei , Rui Zhaobiao , Peng Weicai
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a more general cobweb model that incorporates the Hilfer fractional derivative in either the demand or supply function or Markov process. The main contributions of this study include deriving the analytical solution for the general model, analyzing the stability of the solution, introducing the equilibrium position using Mittag–Leffler functions, and providing detailed graphical illustrations to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model. The outcomes generalize some known results.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the current relationship interview
Authors: Velotti Patrizia , Rogier Guyonne , Castellano Rosetta , Glielmo Eleonora , Alajmo Valentina , Zavattini Giulio Cesare
Published: October 2023

Background

The study of romantic relationships is based on attachment theory and the Current Relationship Interview (CRI) is a powerful tool that allows the optimal investigation of attachment representations toward romantic partners. However, evidence in this field is still unsatisfactory and further research is needed. This study aims to examine the associations between the adult attachment to partner, the style of conflict resolution, and dyadic adjustment.

Methods

We administrated the Italian version of the CRI, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory questionnaire - Section II (ROCI II) – to a sample of 100 heterosexual couples.

Results

Individuals with preoccupied attachment reported lower levels of dyadic adjustment and men, but not women, with preoccupied attachment reported lower levels of dyadic cohesion. Levels of dyadic adjustment reported by women/men did not vary according to their attachment types. Levels of dyadic adjustment reported by couples and by women did not vary according to the matching status of attachment types between partners. However, men in romantic relationship characterized by a mismatch between attachment types reported higher levels of consensus compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

The Italian version of the CRI proves an useful tool to investigate processes underlying romantic relationships. The role of current attachment in these processes appears to be highly complex and its investigation might be impacted by methodological issues, calling for additional studies.
Association between use of different long-term care services and risks of mental disorder and mortality as well as medical utilization
Authors: Tseng Pei-Ying , Wu Chia-Ling , Chen Jen-De , Ma Kai-Jie , Yao Chi-Yu , Wang Jong-Yi
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study sought to investigate mental disorder and mortality risks and medical utilization among various long-term care (LTC) services and examine the associated factors.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of the entire population of Taiwan recorded between 2006 and 2017. A total of 41,407 patients using LTC (study group) were identified and propensity score–matched with 41,407 LTC nonusers (control group) at a ratio of 1:1 according to sex, age, salary-based premium, comorbidity index score, and urbanization level. Patients were divided into four groups according to LTC service type. The age distribution was as follows: 50–60 years (10.47%), 61–70 years (14.48%), 71–80 years (35.59%), and 81 years and older (39.45%). The mean age was 70.18 years and 53.57% of female participants were included. The major statistical methods were the Cox proportional hazards model and the general linear model (GLM).

Results

Users of both institutional and inhome LTC services had the highest risk of mental disorder [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3.2]. The mean mortality rate in LTC nonusers was 46.2%, whereas that in LTC users was 90.4%, with the highest found among the users of both institutional and inhome LTC (90.6%). The institutional LTC users had the shortest survival time (4.1 years). According to the adjusted Cox model analysis, the odds of mortality was significantly higher among institutional LTC users than among inhome LTC users (aHR = 1.02). After the adjustment of covariates, adjusted GLM model results revealed that the annual medical expenditure per capita of LTC nonusers was NT$46,551, which was 1.6 times higher that of LTC users.

Conclusion

Users of both institutional and inhome LTC services have higher risk of mental disorder, shorter survival time, and lower medical utilization.
Are men dominant? Evidence of differences between physical activity and quality of life among older adults in China
Authors: Chen Mo , Chen Shanping , Wu Yuyan , Song Di , Xie Lijun , Shang Yao , Chen Zhiyi
Published: October 2023

At present, the aging population is one of China's basic national concerns, and physical exercise offers endless potential to cope with it. However, the life expectancy of men in China is generally lower than that of women, and the health status of older men is more worrying. Could it be that differences in physical exercise cause the difference in life expectancy between older men and women? This study analyzes the exercise regimen of older men and women and its influence on their quality of life. Approximately 200 respondents aged over 60 were investigated using the SF-36 and exercise questionnaires. Our findings revealed the following: (1) The scores of seven dimensions of life quality of older men were significantly lower than those of older women (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference only in physiological function (p > 0.05); (2) The exercise frequency and persistence of older men were significantly lower than those of older women (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in exercise time (p > 0.05); and (3) All eight indices of quality of life of older men were positively correlated with the four indices of exercise (0.250 < R < 0.597). Our study offered the following conclusions: (1) The health of older men who lack physical exercise is poor. From the perspective of healthy aging, older men are a vulnerable group that deserves more attention. (2) Within an appropriate range, the more older men participate in physical activity programs, the more conducive they are to improved health. (3) This study focuses on promoting physical exercise for older adults and suggests organizing them to participate in sports activities as an important measure to promote healthy aging in China.
The multi-point assessment of the kinematics of shocks (MAKOS)
Authors: Goodrich Katherine , Cohen Ian J. , Schwartz Steven , Wilson Lynn B. , Turner Drew , Caspi Amir , Smith Keith , Rose Randall , Whittlesey Phyllis , Plaschke Ferdinand
Published: October 2023

Collisionless shock waves are one of the main mechanisms of energy conversion in space plasmas. They can directly or indirectly drive other universal plasma processes such as magnetic reconnection, turbulence, particle acceleration and wave phenomena. Collisionless shocks employ a myriad of kinetic plasma mechanisms to convert the kinetic energy of supersonic flows in space to other forms of energy (e.g., thermal plasma, energetic particles, or electromagnetic energy) in order for the flow to pass an immovable obstacle. The partitioning of energy downstream of collisionless shocks is not well understood, nor are the processes which perform energy conversion. While we, as the heliophysics community, have collected an abundance of observations of the terrestrial bow shock, instrument and mission-level limitations have made it impossible to quantify this partition, to establish the physics within the shock layer responsible for it, and to understand its dependence on upstream conditions. This paper stresses the need for the first ever spacecraft mission specifically designed and dedicated to the observation of both the terrestrial bow shock as well as Interplanetary shocks in the solar wind. Our mission concept, the Multi-point Assessment of the Kinematics of Shocks (MAKOS), will greatly improve on previous observations of the terrestrial bow shock with instrumentation specifically tailored to observe the evolution of the solar wind through the shock.
Cerebral edema in intracerebral hemorrhage: pathogenesis, natural history, and potential treatments from translation to clinical trials
Authors: Krishnan Kailash , Campos Paula Bermell , Nguyen Thanh N. , Tan Chia Wei , Chan Siang Liang , Appleton Jason P. , Law ZheKang , Hollingworth Milo , Kirkman Matthew A. , England Timothy J. , Roffe Christine , Macleod Mary Joan , Dawson Jesse , Bayraktutan Ulvi , Werring David J. , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M.
Published: October 2023

Acute intracerebral hemorrhage is the most devastating stroke subtype and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Poor prognosis is associated with primary brain injury from the presenting hematoma, and despite advances in clinical trials of evacuation or reducing expansion, management is largely limited to supportive care and secondary prevention. Recent research has led to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the cerebral edema surrounding the hematoma (perihematomal edema) and the identification of treatment targets and potential interventions. Some therapies have progressed to testing in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, while novel agents are in development. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of perihematomal edema and its natural history and summarizes the results of potential interventions including preclinical and clinical studies. This review also lists the gaps in the current knowledge and suggests directions for future trials of perihematomal edema that could potentially change clinical practice.
Characterization of Human Herpesvirus 8 genomic integration and amplification events in a primary effusion lymphoma cell line
Authors: Álvarez Eva G. , Otero Paula , Rodríguez-Martín Bernardo , Pequeño-Valtierra Ana , Otero Iago , Vidal-Capón André , Rodríguez-Castro Jorge , Pasantes Juan J. , Rivas Carmen , Tubío Jose M.C. , García-Souto Daniel
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the integration of Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) into the human genome using the primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cell line BC-3. Through next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from multiple independent sequencing runs, we identified two highly supported HHV-8 integrants. These integrants encompassed a region of human chromosome 12 that was amplified approximately 16-fold between the junctions. Significantly, these events could represent the first known instance of HHV-8 integration into a hybrid human-viral extrachromosomal chimeric circular DNA (eccDNA). The amplified fragment contained partial or complete copies of various human genes, including SELPLG and CORO1C. Analysis of long-read Nanopore data indicated that the CpGs at the SELPLG promoter were mostly unmethylated, suggesting that the additional copies of SELPLG within this eccDNA are likely transcriptionally active. Our findings suggest that viral insertion and eccDNA amplification could be crucial mechanisms in the development of HHV-8-related cancers. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in HHV-8-induced oncogenesis and emphasizes the importance of investigating viral integration and eccDNAs in cancer development. Furthermore, we highlight the necessity of employing multiple independent sequencing approaches to validate integration events and avoid false positives derived from library construction artifacts.
A Modeling and Control Algorithm for a Commercial Vehicle Electronic Brake System Based on Vertical Load Estimation
Authors: Zheng Hongyu , Xin Yafei , He Yutai , Jiang Tong , Liu Xiangzheng , Jin Liqiang
Published: October 2023

In the electronic brake system (EBS) of commercial vehicles, due to the compressibility of gas, it is difficult to achieve accurate control in the pneumatic pipeline. To address this issue, a vertical load estimator based on unscented particle filtering (UPF) was designed, which can estimate vertical load during the running of the vehicle. Then, the EBS dynamics model was established based on software, including a brake signal sensor, single-channel bridge control module, ABS solenoid valve, and dual-channel bridge control module. Finally, based on the characteristics of the EBS valve, the control algorithm of the valve was studied, and the algorithm was tested using a hardware-in-the-loop experiment. The experiment results showed that the designed algorithm could improve braking performance.
A Study on Ultra-Low-Pressure Ratio Technology on the Basis of 3D-Printed Propellant for a Solid Rocket Motor
Authors: Song Shixiong , Ren Quanbin , Tang Min , Shi Jiawei , Wang Jiawei
Published: October 2023

Fused deposition technology (FDM), as an additive manufacturing (AM) technology, holds immense potential in the field of solid grain manufacturing. It can accomplish complex grain shaping with ultra-low-pressure ratios, which are challenging to achieve using conventional grain manufacturing processes. In this work, solid propellants with complex structures were made by using 3D printing. The obtained sample grains of the solid propellants had a complete structure, which conformed to the design model and had no obvious defects. Then, the combustion and mechanical properties of the printed solid propellant were obtained and analyzed. The results show that the composition of the printed solid propellant is more uniform and the performance is better than that of the conventional solid propellant. In addition, by conducting a motor experiment, it was verified that the 3D-printed grains with complex structures have the characteristic of an “ultra-low pressure ratio”. The comparative analysis revealed that the maximum working pressure was reduced by about 19.5%, the bearing load of the shell was reduced, and the mass of the shell and other bearing parts was reduced by 11.5%. The research in this paper shows that 3D-printed solid propellant technology can realize the formation of grains with complex structure, which can directly promote the solid rocket motor to obtain the “ultra-low pressure ratio” characteristic, and greatly improve the performance of solid rocket motors.
An Overview of the Global Market, Fleet, and Components in the Field of Aviation Gasoline
Authors: Ershov Mikhail A. , Klimov Nikita A. , Savelenko Vsevolod D. , Makhova Ulyana A. , Burov Nikita O. , Karpunin-Ozherovskiy Egor V. , Aleksanyan David R. , Donskaya Elena S. , Mukhina Daria Y. , Kapustin Vladimir M. , Ovchinnikov Kirill A. , Podlesnova Ekaterina V. , Kleymenov Andrey V.
Published: October 2023

Aviation gasoline is a fuel for spark-ignition piston internal combustion engines, which are usually used in light aircraft (small aviation and general aviation). This technique is widely used for regional and interregional transportation, for the initial training and retraining of aviation staff, for private use, for agricultural purposes, for the development of aviation sports and tourism, and for combat and rescue operations. This article gives some estimates of the production and consumption of aviation gasoline in the EU, North and South America, Asia–Pacific, Africa, and CIS countries. Export possibilities and the reliance on import within different regions are analyzed. Economic indicators for aviation gasoline are calculated by assessing the share of its production in the GDP and per capita consumption. In the context of the transition to unleaded aviation gasoline, the structure of the piston aviation fleet and its readiness for the transition are considered. The paper also analyzes the following existing components of unleaded aviation gasoline: technical capabilities and promising components.
An In Vitro Study to Assess the Best Strategy for the Chemical Debridement of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Márquez-Gómez Miguel , Díaz-Navarro Marta , Visedo Andrés , Hafian Rama , Matas José , Muñoz Patricia , Vaquero Javier , Guembe María , Sanz-Ruíz Pablo
Published: October 2023

Irrigation and debridement using an irrigation solution is a fundamental step during the surgical treatment of both acute and chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is no consensus on the optimal solution, nor is there sufficient evidence on the optimal irrigation time and combination of solutions. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which solution or combination of solutions is most efficacious against biofilm, as well as the optimal irrigation time. We conducted an experimental in vitro model by inoculating stainless steel discs with ATCC strains of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a clinical strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis. The discs were all irrigated with commonly used antiseptic solutions (10% and 3% povidone iodine, hydrogen peroxide, 3% acetic acid, and Bactisure™) for 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min and their combinations for 9 min (3 min each) vs. sterile saline as a positive control. We evaluated the reduction in biofilm based on colony-forming unit (cfu) counts and in combination assays, also based on cell viability and scanning electron microscopy. All antiseptics alone reduced more than 90% of cfu counts after 1 min of irrigation; the worst results were for hydrogen peroxide and 3% acetic acid. When solutions were sequentially combined, the best results were observed for all those starting with acetic acid, in terms of both reduction of log cfu/mL counts and viable cells. We consider that a combination of antiseptic solutions, particularly that comprising the sequence acetic acid + povidone iodine + hydrogen peroxide, would be the best option for chemical debridement during PJI surgery.
Stress Distribution Inside a Lithium-Ion Battery Cell during Fast Charging and Its Effect on Degradation of Separator
Authors: Makki Mustapha , Lee Cheol W. , Ayoub Georges
Published: October 2023

The automotive industry is rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) in response to the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Lithium-ion battery (LIB) has emerged as the main tool for energy storage in electric vehicles. A widespread adoption of EVs, however, requires a fast-charging technology that can significantly reduce charging time while avoiding any unsafe conditions including short circuits due to failure of the separator in an LIB cell. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanical stresses during fast charging and their long-term effect on the integrity of the separator. This paper presents a novel hybrid model for the prediction of the stress distribution in the separator of a pouch cell under various charging speeds, ambient temperatures, and pack assembly conditions, such as compressive pressures. The proposed hybrid model consists of three sub-models, namely, an electrochemical cell model, a lumped-parameter model, and a solid mechanics model. A robust parameter identification scheme is implemented to determine the model parameters using the experimental data. The separator within the test setup will experience maximum von Mises stress of 74 MPa during 4C charging, i.e., when the charge current in A is four times as high as the capacity of the battery cell in Ah. To assess the evolution of the damage in the separator under the estimated stress during fast charging, creep and fatigue tests are conducted on the separator. Their results indicate a progressive accumulation of damage in the separator, further emphasizing the importance of understanding and mitigating mechanical degradation in separator materials.
Microwave Breast Sensing via Deep Learning for Tumor Spatial Localization by Probability Maps
Authors: Borghouts Marijn , Ambrosanio Michele , Franceschini Stefano , Autorino Maria Maddalena , Pascazio Vito , Baselice Fabio
Published: October 2023

Background: microwave imaging (MWI) has emerged as a promising modality for breast cancer screening, offering cost-effective, rapid, safe and comfortable exams. However, the practical application of MWI for tumor detection and localization is hampered by its inherent low resolution and low detection capability. Methods: this study aims to generate an accurate tumor probability map directly from the scattering matrix. This direct conversion makes the probability map independent of specific image formation techniques and thus potentially complementary to any image formation technique. An approach based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to convert the scattering matrix into a tumor probability map. The proposed deep learning model is trained using a large realistic numerical dataset of two-dimensional (2D) breast slices. The performance of the model is assessed through visual inspection and quantitative measures to assess the predictive quality at various levels of detail. Results: the results demonstrate a remarkably high accuracy (0.9995) in classifying profiles as healthy or diseased, and exhibit the model’s ability to accurately locate the core of a single tumor (within 0.9 cm for most cases). Conclusion: overall, this research demonstrates that an approach based on neural networks (NN) for direct conversion from scattering matrices to tumor probability maps holds promise in advancing state-of-the-art tumor detection algorithms in the MWI domain.
Ion Channel Genes in Painful Neuropathies
Authors: Ślęczkowska Milena , Misra Kaalindi , Santoro Silvia , Gerrits Monique M. , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J.
Published: October 2023

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a typical symptom of peripheral nerve disorders, including painful neuropathy. The biological mechanisms that control ion channels are important for many cell activities and are also therapeutic targets. Disruption of the cellular mechanisms that govern ion channel activity can contribute to pain pathophysiology. The voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) is the most researched ion channel in terms of NP; however, VGSC impairment is detected in only <20% of painful neuropathy patients. Here, we discuss the potential role of the other peripheral ion channels involved in sensory signaling (transient receptor potential cation channels), neuronal excitation regulation (potassium channels), involuntary action potential generation (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels), thermal pain (anoctamins), pH modulation (acid sensing ion channels), and neurotransmitter release (calcium channels) related to pain and their prospective role as therapeutic targets for painful neuropathy.
YAP/ACSL4 Pathway-Mediated Ferroptosis Promotes Renal Fibrosis in the Presence of Kidney Stones
Authors: Li Lei , Ye Zehua , Xia Yuqi , Li Bojun , Chen Lijia , Yan Xinzhou , Yuan Tianhui , Song Baofeng , Yu Weimin , Rao Ting , Lin Fangyou , Zhou Xiangjun , Cheng Fan
Published: October 2023

The potential association between calcium oxalate stones and renal fibrosis has been extensively investigated; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Ferroptosis is a novel form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and regulated by acyl coenzyme A synthase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional co-activator in the Hippo pathway, promotes ferroptosis by modulating ACSL4 expression. Nevertheless, the involvement of YAP–ACSL4 axis-mediated ferroptosis in calcium oxalate crystal deposition-induced renal fibrosis and its molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated ACSL4 expression and ferroptosis activation in the kidney tissues of patients with calcium oxalate stones and in mice using single-cell sequencing, transcriptome RNA sequencing, immunohistochemical analysis, and Western blot analysis. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that inhibiting ferroptosis or ACSL4 mitigated calcium oxalate crystal-induced renal fibrosis. Furthermore, YAP expression was elevated in the kidney tissues of patients with calcium oxalate stones and in calcium oxalate crystal-stimulated human renal tubular epithelial cell lines. Mechanistically, in calcium oxalate crystal-stimulated human renal tubular epithelial cell lines, activated YAP translocated to the nucleus and enhanced ACSL4 expression, consequently inducing cellular ferroptosis. Moreover, YAP silencing suppressed ferroptosis by downregulating ACSL4 expression, thereby attenuating calcium oxalate crystal-induced renal fibrosis. Conclusively, our findings suggest that YAP–ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis represents an important mechanism underlying the induction of renal fibrosis by calcium oxalate crystal deposition. Targeting the YAP–ACSL4 axis and ferroptosis may therefore hold promise as a potential therapeutic approach for preventing renal fibrosis in patients with kidney stones.
Modeling and Analysis of Human Comfort in Human–Robot Collaboration
Authors: Yan Yuchen , Su Haotian , Jia Yunyi
Published: October 2023

The emergence and recent development of collaborative robots have introduced a safer and more efficient human–robot collaboration (HRC) manufacturing environment. Since the release of COBOTs, a great amount of research efforts have been focused on improving robot working efficiency, user safety, human intention detection, etc., while one significant factor—human comfort—has been frequently ignored. The comfort factor is critical to COBOT users due to its great impact on user acceptance. In previous studies, there is a lack of a mathematical-model-based approach to quantitatively describe and predict human comfort in HRC scenarios. Also, few studies have discussed the cases when multiple comfort factors take effect simultaneously. In this study, a multi-linear-regression-based general human comfort prediction model is proposed under human–robot collaboration scenarios, which is able to accurately predict the comfort levels of humans in multi-factor situations. The proposed method in this paper tackled these two gaps at the same time and also demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach with its high prediction accuracy. The overall average accuracy among all participants is 81.33%, while the overall maximum value is 88.94%, and the overall minimum value is 72.53%. The model uses subjective comfort rating feedback from human subjects as training and testing data. Experiments have been implemented, and the final results proved the effectiveness of the proposed approach in identifying human comfort levels in HRC.
Kookaburra Optimization Algorithm: A New Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad , Montazeri Zeinab , Bektemyssova Gulnara , Malik Om Parkash , Dhiman Gaurav , Ahmed Ayman E. M.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a new bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm named the Kookaburra Optimization Algorithm (KOA) is introduced, which imitates the natural behavior of kookaburras in nature. The fundamental inspiration of KOA is the strategy of kookaburras when hunting and killing prey. The KOA theory is stated, and its mathematical modeling is presented in the following two phases: (i) exploration based on the simulation of prey hunting and (ii) exploitation based on the simulation of kookaburras’ behavior in ensuring that their prey is killed. The performance of KOA has been evaluated on 29 standard benchmark functions from the CEC 2017 test suite for the different problem dimensions of 10, 30, 50, and 100. The optimization results show that the proposed KOA approach, by establishing a balance between exploration and exploitation, has good efficiency in managing the effective search process and providing suitable solutions for optimization problems. The results obtained using KOA have been compared with the performance of 12 well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The analysis of the simulation results shows that KOA, by providing better results in most of the benchmark functions, has provided superior performance in competition with the compared algorithms. In addition, the implementation of KOA on 22 constrained optimization problems from the CEC 2011 test suite, as well as 4 engineering design problems, shows that the proposed approach has acceptable and superior performance compared to competitor algorithms in handling real-world applications.
Electrochemical Sensors for Liquid Biopsy and Their Integration into Lab-on-Chip Platforms: Revolutionizing the Approach to Diseases
Authors: Umme Salma , Siciliano Giulia , Primiceri Elisabetta , Turco Antonio , Tarantini Iolena , Ferrara Francesco , Chiriacò Maria Serena
Published: October 2023

The screening and early diagnosis of diseases are crucial for a patient’s treatment to be successful and to improve their survival rate, especially for cancer. The development of non-invasive analytical methods able to detect the biomarkers of pathologies is a critical point to define a successful treatment and a good outcome. This study extensively reviews the electrochemical methods used for the development of biosensors in a liquid biopsy, owing to their ability to provide a rapid response, precise detection, and low detection limits. We also discuss new developments in electrochemical biosensors, which can improve the specificity and sensitivity of standard analytical procedures. Electrochemical biosensors demonstrate remarkable sensitivity in detecting minute quantities of analytes, encompassing proteins, nucleic acids, and circulating tumor cells, even within challenging matrices such as urine, serum, blood, and various other body fluids. Among the various detection techniques used for the detection of cancer biomarkers, even in the picogram range, voltammetric sensors are deeply discussed in this review because of their advantages and technical characteristics. This widespread utilization stems from their ability to facilitate the quantitative detection of ions and molecules with exceptional precision. A comparison of each electrochemical technique is discussed to assist with the selection of appropriate analytical methods.
Overview of Gas Sensors Focusing on Chemoresistive Ones for Cancer Detection
Authors: Zonta Giulia , Rispoli Giorgio , Malagù Cesare , Astolfi Michele
Published: October 2023

The necessity of detecting and recognizing gases is crucial in many research and application fields, boosting, in the last years, their continuously evolving technology. The basic detection principle of gas sensors relies on the conversion of gas concentration changes into a readable signal that can be analyzed to calibrate sensors to detect specific gases or mixtures. The large variety of gas sensor types is here examined in detail, along with an accurate description of their fundamental characteristics and functioning principles, classified based on their working mechanisms (electrochemical, resonant, optical, chemoresistive, capacitive, and catalytic). This review is particularly focused on chemoresistive sensors, whose electrical resistance changes because of chemical reactions between the gas and the sensor surface, and, in particular, we focus on the ones developed by us and their applications in the medical field as an example of the technological transfer of this technology to medicine. Nowadays, chemoresistive sensors are, in fact, strong candidates for the implementation of devices for the screening and monitoring of tumors (the second worldwide cause of death, with ~9 million deaths) and other pathologies, with promising future perspectives that are briefly discussed as well.
Dynamic and Non-Linear Analysis of the Impact of Diurnal Temperature Range on Road Traffic Accidents
Authors: Shiau Yuo-Hsien , Yang Su-Fen , Adha Rishan , Peng Giia-Sheun , Muzayyanah Syamsiyatul
Published: October 2023

The diurnal temperature range (DTR) is a significant indicator of climate change, and a previous study has shown its impact on human health. However, research investigating the influence of DTR on road traffic accidents is scarce. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the impact of changes in DTR on road traffic accidents. The present study employs two methods to address the complexities of road accidents. Firstly, panel data from 20 cities and counties in Taiwan are utilized, and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is employed for estimation. Secondly, distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs) are used with quasi-Poisson regression analysis to assess the DTR’s lagged and non-linear relationships with road accidents using time series data from six Taiwanese metropolitan cities. The study results indicate that a decrease of 1 °C in DTR raises long-term road traffic accidents by 17.1%. In the short term, the impact of declining DTR on road accidents is around 4%. Moreover, the effect of low DTR values differs in each city in Taiwan. Three cities had high levels of road accidents, as evidenced by an increase in the relative risk value; two cities had moderate responses; and one city had a relatively lower response compared to high DTR values. Finally, based on the cumulative relative risk estimations, the study found that a low diurnal temperature range is linked to a high road traffic accident rate, especially during the lag-specific 0–5 months. The findings of this study offer fresh evidence of the negative impact of climate factor on road traffic accidents.
What’s the Madder? Characterization of Old Fashioned Alizarin/Aluminum Red Pigments Using Liquid and Solid-State NMR
Authors: Silva Leonel C. , Otero Vanessa , Melo Maria J. , Cabrita Eurico J. , Mafra Luís
Published: October 2023

This work provides significant insight into the molecular structure of alizarin lake pigments used by artists in the past. To characterize two red powders, lakes 1 and 2, obtained by complexation of 1,2-dihydroxy anthraquinone (alizarin) with Al3+, a multi-analytical approach was designed based on solid and liquid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Lake 1 was synthesized according to literature and compared with lake 2, a reproduction of an artist’s pigment. FTIR showed Al3+ coordinated to oxygens in C1 and C9, and that in lake 2 the -OH groups in C2 are protonated, being responsible for its low solubility. 1H-NMR proved that lake 2 is formed by two tautomers [Al(Aliz-2-H-)2(OH)(H2O)] and [Al(Aliz-10-H-)2(OH)(H2O)], the latter being the major species. SS-NMR was the only technique that got insight into the Al3+ coordination, octahedral for both lakes. It confirmed the existence of two species in lake 2, in a 5:1 ratio. Both are amorphous “open structures”, resulting in fewer constraints for the ligands and in a large variety of geometries. SS-NMR allowed the analysis of the red pigments without preparation, which is a unique advantage for their study in artworks.