bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent mechanisms of surface ecological changes driven by climate change and human activities in Lake Biwa, Japan
Authors: Gao Botong , Chen Meng , Hao Haichao , Yamashiki Yosuke Alexandre , Ishikawa Kanako , Jiao Chunmeng , Cai Ji , Ismail Sadaf
Published: December 2023

Lake Biwa, Japan represents a crucial example of the complex climatic and anthropogenic drivers influencing lake ecological transformations, vital to informing Sustainable Development Goals globally. This study utilizes 2002–2022 Landsat, MODIS and in situ Lake Biwa monitoring data to analyze surface layer spatiotemporal dynamics across interrelated vegetation, water quality and meteorological indicators—encompassing Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), chlorophyll-a (Chl) and water temperature (W-TEM). Upward NDVI raster trends were found over 20 years alongside prevalent N, P and Chl declines—although some increases did occur spatially in P and Chl—while W-TEM mostly rose lakewide. Southwest–northeast gradients typified distributions. Further attribution analyses revealed W-TEM as the primary N, P and Chl driver, while agricultural expansion and urbanization mediated crucial N and P changes. Moreover, wind speed (WS), Crop, W-TEM, minimum temperature (TMMN), Chl and N constituted top NDVI raster influence factors respectively. These novel integrated models quantifying Lake Biwa ecological responses to multifaceted environmental change provide new perspectives to inform sustainable management of Lake Biwa itself and critical freshwater resources worldwide.
The NFκB signaling system in the generation of B-cell subsets: from germinal center B cells to memory B cells and plasma cells
Authors: Roy Koushik , Chakraborty Mainak , Kumar Ashok , Manna Asit Kumar , Roy Neeladri Sekhar
Published: December 2023

Memory B cells and antibody-secreting cells are the two prime effector B cell populations that drive infection- and vaccine-induced long-term antibody-mediated immunity. The antibody-mediated immunity mostly relies on the formation of specialized structures within secondary lymphoid organs, called germinal centers (GCs), that facilitate the interactions between B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells. Antigen-activated B cells may proliferate and differentiate into GC-independent plasmablasts and memory B cells or differentiate into GC B cells. The GC B cells undergo proliferation coupled to somatic hypermutation of their immunoglobulin genes for antibody affinity maturation. Subsequently, affinity mature GC B cells differentiate into GC-dependent plasma cells and memory B cells. Here, we review how the NFκB signaling system controls B cell proliferation and the generation of GC B cells, plasmablasts/plasma cells, and memory B cells. We also identify and discuss some important unanswered questions in this connection.
Association between sleep duration and antibody acquisition after mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Izuhara Muneto , Matsui Kentaro , Yoshiike Takuya , Kawamura Aoi , Utsumi Tomohiro , Nagao Kentaro , Tsuru Ayumi , Otsuki Rei , Kitamura Shingo , Kuriyama Kenichi
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Sleep enhances the antibody response to vaccination, but the relationship between sleep and mRNA vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not fully understood.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we investigated the influence of sleep habits on immune acquisition induced by mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in 48 healthy adults (BNT-162b2, n=34; mRNA-1273, n=14; female, n=30, 62.5%; male, n=18, 37.5%; median age, 39.5 years; interquartile range, 33.0–44.0 years) from June 2021 to January 2022. The study measured sleep duration using actigraphy and sleep diaries, which covered the periods of the initial and booster vaccinations.

Results

Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that actigraphy-measured objective sleep duration 3 and 7 days after the booster vaccination was independently and significantly correlated with higher antibody titers (B=0.003; 95% confidence interval, 0.000–0.005; Beta=0.337; p=0.02), even after controlling for covariates, including age, sex, the type of vaccine, and reactogenicity to the vaccination. Associations between acquired antibody titer and average objective sleep duration before vaccination, and any period of subjective sleep duration measured by sleep diary were negligible.

Discussion

Longer objective, but not subjective, sleep duration after booster vaccination enhances antibody response. Hence, encouraging citizens to sleep longer after mRNA vaccination, especially after a booster dose, may increase protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Study registration

This study is registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Center (UMIN: https://www.umin.ac.jp) on July 30, 2021, #UMIN000045009.
Pathological granuloma fibrosis induced by agar-embedded Mycobacterium abscessus in C57BL/6JNarl mice
Authors: Yang Shiu-Ju , Hsu Chih-Hao , Lai Chi-Yun , Tsai Pei-Chu , Song Yung-Deng , Yeh Chang-Ching , Chen Yih-Yuan , Dou Horng-Yunn
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Pulmonary granuloma diseases caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) have increased in past decades, and drug-resistance in this pathogen is a growing public health concern. Therefore, an animal model of chronic granuloma disease is urgently needed.

Methods

In this study, M. abscessus embedded within agar beads (agar-AB) was used to develop such a model in C57BL/6JNarl mice.

Results

Chronic infection was sustained for at least 3 months after agar-AB infection, visible granulomas spread in the lungs, and giant cells and foamy cells appeared in the granulomas. More importantly, pulmonary fibrosis progressed for 3 months, and collagen fibers were detected by Masson trichrome staining. Further, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was highly expressed within the alveolar space, and the fibrosis-mediator transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) began to be expressed at 1 month. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) expression also increased, which aided in normalizing oxygen partial pressure.

Discussion

Although the transient fibrosis persisted for only 3 months, and the pulmonary structure resolved when the pathogen was cleard, this pulmonary fibrosis model for M. abscessus infection will provide a novel test platform for development of new drugs, regimens, and therapies.
Novel antibody competition binding assay identifies distinct serological profiles associated with protection
Authors: Bolton Jessica S. , MacGill Randall S. , Locke Emily , Regules Jason A. , Bergmann-Leitner Elke S.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccines hold the promise of inducing sterile protection thereby preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with Plasmodium infection. The main surface antigen of P. falciparum sporozoites, i.e., the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), has been extensively explored as a target of such vaccines with significant success in recent years. Systematic adjuvant selection, refinements of the immunization regimen, and physical properties of the antigen may all contribute to the potential of increasing the efficacy of CSP-based vaccines. Protection appears to be dependent in large part on CSP antibodies. However due to a knowledge gap related to the exact correlates of immunity, there is a critical need to improve our ability to down select candidates preclinically before entering clinical trials including with controlled human malaria infections (CHMI).

Methods

We developed a novel multiplex competition assay based on well-characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target crucial epitopes across the CSP molecule. This new tool assesses both, quality and epitope-specific concentrations of vaccine-induced antibodies by measuring their equivalency with a panel of well-characterized, CSP-epitope-specific mAbs.

Results

Applying this method to RTS,S-immune sera from a CHMI trial demonstrated a quantitative epitope-specificity profile of antibody responses that can differentiate between protected vs. nonprotected individuals. Aligning vaccine efficacy with quantitation of the epitope fine specificity results of this equivalency assay reveals the importance of epitope specificity.

Discussion

The newly developed serological equivalence assay will inform future vaccine design and possibly even adjuvant selection. This methodology can be adapted to other antigens and disease models, when a panel of relevant mAbs exists, and could offer a unique tool for comparing and down-selecting vaccine formulations.
Case Report: CD19 CAR T-cell therapy following autologous stem cell transplantation: a successful treatment for R/R CD20-negative transformed follicular lymphoma with TP53 mutation
Authors: Zhang Jinjing , Cai Dali , Gao Ran , Miao Yuan , Cui Yan , Liu Zhenghua , Zhang Heyang , Yan Xiaojing , Su Nan
Published: December 2023

Background

Follicular lymphoma (FL), a common indolent B-cell lymphoma, has the potential to transform into an aggressive lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The outcome of patients with transformed follicular lymphoma (tFL) is poor, especially in patients with transformed lymphoma after chemotherapy and patients with progression within 24 months (POD24). Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy combined with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has promising antitumor efficacy.

Case presentation

Here, we described a 39-year-old male patient who was initially diagnosed with FL that transformed into DLBCL with POD24, CD20 negativity, TP53 mutation, and a bulky mass after 3 lines of therapy, all of which were adverse prognostic factors. We applied a combination approach: CD19 CAR T-cell infusion following ASCT. Ibrutinib was administered continuously to enhance efficacy, DHAP was administered as a salvage chemotherapy, and ICE was administered as a bridging regimen. The patient underwent BEAM conditioning on days -7~ -1, a total of 3.8 × 106/kg CD34+ stem cells were infused on days 01~02, and a total of 108 CAR T cells (relmacabtagene autoleucel, relma-cel, JWCAR029) were infused on day 03. The patient experienced grade 2 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), manifesting as fever and hypotension according to institutional standards. There was no immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) after CAR T-cell infusion. Finally, the patient achieved CMR at +1 month, which has been maintained without any other adverse effects.

Conclusion

This case highlights the amazing efficacy of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy following ASCT for R/R tFL, thus providing new insight on therapeutic strategies for the future.
Verification of solitary wave numerical simulation and case study on interaction between solitary wave and semi-submerged structures based on SPH model
Authors: Lin Jinbo , Hu Lili , He Yanli , Mao Hongfei , Wu Guanglin , Tian Zhenglin , Zhang Dandan
Published: December 2023

Due to significant influence on the safety of marine structures, the interaction between extreme waves and structures is a crucial area of study in marine science. This paper focus on the verification of a solitary wave meshless SPH model and the application of the model on the interaction between solitary waves and semi-submersible structures. A solitary wave propagation model is established based on the SPH method combined with Rayleigh solitary wave theory, quintic kernel function, artificial viscosity, and Symplectic Method. The accuracy of the model is validated by comparing the calculated wave height with the theoretical value. The calculated results with relative particle spacing H0/d0 ≥ 20 are in good agreement with the analytical solution. The simulated solitary wave is also quite stable with a maximum L2 error 0.016. Therefore, the proposed SPH model can accurately simulate the propagation of the solitary waves. A case study on the interaction between solitary waves and semi-submersible platforms is conducted. The results show that the interaction between solitary waves and semi-submersible causes two double peaks with wave heights of 0.398 m and 0.410 m, respectively, induced by overtopping at the center of the platform. The wave transmission coefficient Kt is 0.880 due to that the solitary wave height reduces from 0.498 m to 0.438 m after the solitary wave propagates through the semi-submersible structure. In addition, the solitary wave induces significant vertical wave loads of the structure with a load amplitude of 0.688, while horizontal wave loads are relatively small with a load amplitude of 0.089. The solitary wave arrived the structure induces the upstream and downstream overtopping and forms a hydraulic jump leading to the complex flow field. The maximum velocity at the top and bottom of the structure is 2.2 m/s and 0.8 m/s respectively. Positive or negative vortex are formed at the bottom of the leading edge, top and downstream of the structure with the maximum intensity 28 s-1 and -40 s-1. In a word, the meshless SPH model can conveniently and accurately simulate the propagation of the solitary waves, and be applied to the investigation of the wave height, velocity, vorticity, wave load, and wave breaking of the interaction between solitary waves and structures in ocean engineering.
Druggable genomic landscapes of high-grade gliomas
Authors: Ghanem Paola , Fatteh Maria , Kamson David Olayinka , Balan Archana , Chang Michael , Tao Jessica , Blakeley Jaishri ,   The Johns Hopkins Molecular Tumor Board Investigators, Canzoniero Jenna , Grossman Stuart A. , Marrone Kristen , Schreck Karisa C. , Anagnostou Valsamo
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite the putatively targetable genomic landscape of high-grade gliomas, the long-term survival benefit of genomically-tailored targeted therapies remains discouraging.

Methods

Using glioblastoma (GBM) as a representative example of high-grade gliomas, we evaluated the clonal architecture and distribution of hotspot mutations in 388 GBMs from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Mutations were matched with 54 targeted therapies, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of drug biochemical properties in reference to the drug’s clinical efficacy in high-grade gliomas. We then assessed clinical outcomes of a cohort of patients with high-grade gliomas with targetable mutations reviewed at the Johns Hopkins Molecular Tumor Board (JH MTB; n = 50).

Results

Among 1,156 sequence alterations evaluated, 28.6% represented hotspots. While the frequency of hotspot mutations in GBM was comparable to cancer types with actionable hotspot alterations, GBMs harbored a higher fraction of subclonal mutations that affected hotspots (7.0%), compared to breast cancer (4.9%), lung cancer (4.4%), and melanoma (1.4%). In investigating the biochemical features of targeted therapies paired with recurring alterations, we identified a trend toward higher lipid solubility and lower IC50 in GBM cell lines among drugs with clinical efficacy. The drugs’ half-life, molecular weight, surface area and binding to efflux transporters were not associated with clinical efficacy. Among the JH MTB cohort of patients with IDH1 wild-type high-grade gliomas who received targeted therapies, trametinib monotherapy or in combination with dabrafenib conferred radiographic partial response in 75% of patients harboring BRAF or NF1 actionable mutations. Cabozantinib conferred radiographic partial response in two patients harboring a MET and a PDGFRA/KDR amplification. Patients with IDH1 wild-type gliomas that harbored actionable alterations who received genotype-matched targeted therapy had longer progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS; 7.37 and 14.72 respectively) than patients whose actionable alterations were not targeted (2.83 and 4.2 months respectively).

Conclusion

While multiple host, tumor and drug-related features may limit the delivery and efficacy of targeted therapies for patients with high-grade gliomas, genotype-matched targeted therapies confer favorable clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to generate more data on the impact of biochemical features of targeted therapies on their clinical efficacy for high-grade gliomas.
A critical systematic review of K-12 neurology/neuroscience pipeline programs
Authors: Minen Mia T. , Lebowitz Naomi , Ekhtman Jane , Oza Khushalee , Yusaf Ishah , Katara Aarti , Aymon Ramisha , Plovnick Caitlin
Published: December 2023

Background

Early exposure to neuroscience is imperative to strengthening the neuroscience and neurology pipeline and may present an avenue for increasing the number of practicing neurologists and diversifying the neuroscience workforce. Our objective was to systematically review existing K-12 neuroscience education and outreach programs to understand what educational programs have been developed and implemented.

Methods

We conducted an electronic database search of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Education Source, and ERIC. All eligible articles were systematically reviewed to examine the type of program developed, target age group, implementation, and efficacy.

Results

Our search produced 2,574 results, from which 23 articles were deemed eligible. The breakdown by age group was as follows: 5 elementary school, 8 middle school, 8 high school, and 2 general K-12 range of students. Six articles described programs intended for URM students. All programs were found to be successful in exposing students to neuroscience and inspiring interest in pursuing a career in the field of neurology.

Discussion

Further efforts are necessary to analyze the long-term effectiveness of K-12 neuroscience education and outreach programs in overcoming the shortage of neurologists and explore the impact of mentorship for various age groups among K-12.

Systematic review registrationhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2G8CN.
The Weissella and Periweissella genera: up-to-date taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential
Authors: Fusco Vincenzina , Chieffi Daniele , Fanelli Francesca , Montemurro Marco , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Franz Charles M. A. P.
Published: December 2023

Bacteria belonging to the genera Weissella and Periweissella are lactic acid bacteria, which emerged in the last decades for their probiotic and biotechnological potential. In 2015, an article reviewing the scientific literature till that date on the taxonomy, ecology, and biotechnological potential of the Weissella genus was published. Since then, the number of studies on this genus has increased enormously, several novel species have been discovered, the taxonomy of the genus underwent changes and new insights into the safety, and biotechnological and probiotic potential of weissellas and periweissellas could be gained. Here, we provide an updated overview (from 2015 until today) of the taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential of these lactic acid bacteria.
Preventative and therapeutic potential of tocotrienols on musculoskeletal diseases in ageing
Authors: Saud Gany Siti Liyana , Chin Kok-Yong , Tan Jen Kit , Aminuddin Amilia , Makpol Suzana
Published: December 2023

Musculoskeletal health is paramount in an ageing population susceptible to conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and fractures. Age-related changes in bone, muscle, and joint function result in declining musculoskeletal health, reduced mobility, increased risk of falls, and persistent discomfort. Preserving musculoskeletal wellbeing is essential for maintaining independence and enhancing the overall quality of life for the elderly. The global burden of musculoskeletal disorders is significant, impacting 1.71 billion individuals worldwide, with age-related muscle atrophy being a well-established phenomenon. Tocotrienols, a unique type of vitamin E found in various sources, demonstrate exceptional antioxidant capabilities compared to tocopherols. This characteristic positions them as promising candidates for addressing musculoskeletal challenges, particularly in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress underlying musculoskeletal disorders. This review paper comprehensively examines existing research into the preventive and therapeutic potential of tocotrienols in addressing age-related musculoskeletal issues. It sheds light on the promising role of tocotrienols in enhancing musculoskeletal health and overall wellbeing, emphasizing their significance within the broader context of age-related health concerns.
Drug repositioning in thyroid cancer treatment: the intriguing case of anti-diabetic drugs
Authors: Greco Alessia , Coperchini Francesca , Croce Laura , Magri Flavia , Teliti Marsida , Rotondi Mario
Published: December 2023

Cancer represents the main cause of death worldwide. Thyroid cancer (TC) shows an overall good rate of survival, however there is a percentage of patients that do not respond or are refractory to common therapies. Thus new therapeutics strategies are required. In the past decade, drug repositioning become very important in the field of cancer therapy. This approach shows several advantages including the saving of: i) time, ii) costs, iii) de novo studies regarding the safety (just characterized) of a drug. Regarding TC, few studies considered the potential repositioning of drugs. On the other hand, certain anti-diabetic drugs, were the focus of interesting studies on TC therapy, in view of the fact that they exhibited potential anti-tumor effects. Among these anti-diabetic compounds, not all were judjed as appropriate for repositioning, in view of well documented side effects. However, just to give few examples biguanides, DPP-4-inhibitors and Thiazolidinediones were found to exert strong anti-cancer effects in TC. Indeed, their effects spaced from induction of citotoxicity and inhibition of metastatic spread, to induction of de-differentiation of TC cells and modulation of TC microenvironment. Thus, the multifacial anti-cancer effect of these compounds would make the basis also for combinatory strategies. The present review is aimed at discuss data from studies regarding the anti-cancer effects of several anti-diabetic drugs recently showed in TC in view of their potential repositioning. Specific examples of anti-diabetic repositionable drugs for TC treatment will also be provided.
Shaping elastic wavefront through zigzag-folded metasurfaces
Authors: Lin Zhenkun , Tol Serife
Published: December 2023

We present a reconfigurable elastic metasurface design composed of an array of zigzag-folded sheets with parallel corrugations to control the wavefront of the refracted A0 Lamb mode wave. The performance of this origami-inspired metasurface can be tuned by tailoring the thickness and folding angles of the sheets. Zigzag-folded sheets exhibit dynamic properties depending on their thicknesses and folding angles, yielding different phase profiles required for wavefront control via the metasurface. The transmission characteristics and phase modulation capability of the metasurface units are studied through numerical models and utilized to inform the metasurface design reconfiguring for different wave functions, such as wave focusing and deflecting at different frequencies. The design frameworks and the applicability of the reconfigurable metasurface are validated using a full-scale experimental setup. Overall, the proposed metasurface can accomplish distinct wavefront controls at adjustable geometrical parameters, developing new potentials for designing intelligent systems adaptable to different environments.
Ceramides and metabolic profiles of patients with acute coronary disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Liang , Tan Dawei , Zhang Yang , Ding Yaodong , Liang Huiqing , Zhang Gong , Xie Zhijiang , Sun Nian , Wang Chunjing , Xiao Bingxin , Zhang Hanzhong , Li Lin , Zhao Xiufeng , Zeng Yong
Published: December 2023

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is a rapidly growing medical problem worldwide and is characterized by a cluster of age-related metabolic risk factors. The presence of MS increases the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and significantly raises the morbidity/mortality rate of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Early detection of MS is crucial, and biomarkers, particularly blood-based, play a vital role in this process. This cross-sectional study focused on the investigation of certain plasma ceramides (Cer14:0, Cer16:0, Cer18:0, Cer20:0, Cer22:0, and Cer24:1) as potential blood biomarkers for MS due to their previously documented dysregulated function in MS patients. A total of 695 ACS patients were enrolled, with 286 diagnosed with MS (ACS-MS) and 409 without MS (ACS-nonMS) serving as the control group. Plasma ceramide concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS assay and analyzed through various statistical methods. The results revealed that Cer18:0, Cer20:0, Cer22:0, and Cer24:1 were significantly correlated with the presence of MS risk factors. Upon further examination, Cer18:0 emerged as a promising biomarker for early MS detection and risk stratification, as its plasma concentration showed a significant sensitivity to minor changes in MS risk status in participants. This cross-sectional observational study was a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational cohort study (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, https://www.who.int/clinical-trials-registry-platform/network/primary-registries/chinese-clinical-trial-registry-(chictr), ChiCTR-2200056697), conducted from April 2021 to August 2022.
Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models and Transfer Learning for citrus disease diagnosis
Authors: Li Yuchen , Guo Jianwen , Qiu Honghua , Chen Fengyi , Zhang Junqi
Published: December 2023

Problems

Plant Disease diagnosis based on deep learning mechanisms has been extensively studied and applied. However, the complex and dynamic agricultural growth environment results in significant variations in the distribution of state samples, and the lack of sufficient real disease databases weakens the information carried by the samples, posing challenges for accurately training models.

Aim

This paper aims to test the feasibility and effectiveness of Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DDPM), Swin Transformer model, and Transfer Learning in diagnosing citrus diseases with a small sample.

Methods

Two training methods are proposed: The Method 1 employs the DDPM to generate synthetic images for data augmentation. The Swin Transformer model is then used for pre-training on the synthetic dataset produced by DDPM, followed by fine-tuning on the original citrus leaf images for disease classification through transfer learning. The Method 2 utilizes the pre-trained Swin Transformer model on the ImageNet dataset and fine-tunes it on the augmented dataset composed of the original and DDPM synthetic images.

Results and conclusion

The test results indicate that Method 1 achieved a validation accuracy of 96.3%, while Method 2 achieved a validation accuracy of 99.8%. Both methods effectively addressed the issue of model overfitting when dealing with a small dataset. Additionally, when compared with VGG16, EfficientNet, ShuffleNet, MobileNetV2, and DenseNet121 in citrus disease classification, the experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed methods over existing approaches to a certain extent.
The prolonged effect of film mulch and P application on lucerne forage yield in a semiarid environment
Authors: Kong Meng , Gu Yan-Jie , Han Cheng-Long , Shi Xiao-Peng , Kang Jing , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Li Feng-Min , Yuan Zi-Qiang
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Limited water and soil phosphorus (P) availability often hampers lucerne productivity in semiarid regions. Plastic film mulch and P application typically enhance young lucerne (2–3 years) productivity by increasing soil water use and P availability. However, the prolonged impact of film mulch and P application on lucerne productivity as the stand ages remains unclear.

Methods

This study conducted a 9-year field experiment on the semiarid Loess Plateau to investigate how film mulch and P application affect lucerne forage yield, soil water content, and soil fertility. The field experiment used a split-plot design with randomized blocks, in which the whole plots were with (M1) and without plastic film mulch (M0), and the split plots were four P rates (0 (P0), 9.7 (P1), 19.2 (P2), and 28.8 (P3) kg P ha−1).

Results and discussion

The M1 treatment produced significantly higher lucerne forage yields than the M0 treatment during the first five years, but the yield-increasing effect of film mulch gradually diminished over time, with no effect in Years 6–8, and lower yields than the M0 treatment in Year 9. Phosphorus fertilization significantly increased forage yield after Year 3 in the M0 treatment, but only in Years 3–5 in the M1 treatment. In Years 2–5, film mulch significantly increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (N), inorganic N, and microbial biomass carbon in P0, P1, and P2 but not in P3. However, in Years 7–9, film mulch significantly decreased soil available potassium (K), organic carbon mineralization, lucerne density, and shoot K concentration, but did not reduce soil N and P availability at any level P of application. Moreover, plastic film mulch significantly increased the soil water content at 0–300 cm deep from Year 7 onwards. In conclusion, film mulch ceased to enhance lucerne production beyond year 6, which could not be attributed to soil water content, N or P availability but was partially associated with reduced soil K availability. Consequently, future research should focus on soil K availability, and K addition should be considered after five years in lucerne pastures mulched with plastic film in semiarid areas.
Exploring the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine exercise in alleviating anxiety and depression in older adults: a comprehensive study with randomized controlled trial and network meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Yangjian , Kuang Xiaoqin , Dong Lili , Chao Guodong , Qi Juancai , Zhang Xinxin , Yao Jiwei
Published: December 2023

Background

Anxiety and depression pose a significant global health challenge for elderly individuals. Research has demonstrated the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exercise therapies in alleviating these conditions. However, ongoing debate and uncertainty persist regarding the optimal therapy and its impact on anxiety and depression. This study aims to evaluate and prioritize TCM exercise therapies for anxiety and depression in older adults, to identify the most effective intervention, and to provide a basis for informed decision-making in clinical practice.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases including The Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wang Fang, and Wei Pu database up to July 2022. Two researchers independently reviewed all included studies and extracted relevant data. Traditional meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4, while network meta-analysis was conducted using STATA software version 15.1 to generate network evidence plots and funnel plots.

Result

A total of 30 trials, involving 2,806 participants, met the eligibility criteria. The traditional meta-analysis revealed that TCM exercise significantly improved anxiety (SMD = −0.82, 95% CI = −1.39, −0.26, p = 0.004) and depression (SMD = −0.63, 95% CI = −0.85, −0.41, p < 0.01) compared to the control group. In the network meta-analysis, Tai Chi exercise was ranked as the most effective intervention for anxiety (68.3%), followed by Yi Jin Jing (63.6%). For depression, the Tai Chi exercise was ranked as the most effective (87.8%), followed by the Ba Duan Jin exercise (74.1%).

Conclusion

TCE exercise can improve anxiety and depression in older adults, Among the four TCE exercise therapies included, Tai Chi exercise showed better efficacy than other types of treatment. Nevertheless, further research is required to validate the effectiveness of this exercise therapy through larger and more rigorous clinical trials.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023438697.
Servant versus directive leadership and promotability: does leader gender matter?
Authors: Barthel Anna D. T. , Buengeler Claudia
Published: December 2023

Are leaders more promotable when they show servant or directive leadership – and does this hold for women and men alike? Servant leaders are likely seen as more effective, likable, and thus promotable but less prototypical than directive leaders. We argue that differing degrees of communion (i.e., warmth, morality) and agency (i.e., competence, dominance) underlie the relationship of servant and directive leadership with leaders’ promotability. Based on expectancy-violation theory, we assume that men benefit more from servant leadership and women benefit more from directive leadership. Servant leadership aligns more with communion and stereotypes about women. In contrast, directive leadership aligns more with agency and stereotypes about men. These differences may result in gender-biased evaluations threatening fairness in leadership promotions. In a pre-study, servant leadership was more expected of women leaders than of men leaders. However, directive leadership was equally expected of women leaders and men leaders. An experimental vignette study (N = 454) revealed that servant leaders were seen as more effective, likable, and promotable than directive leaders, regardless of gender. Perceived leader warmth, morality, and competence were positively, and dominance was negatively, related to leader effectiveness and leader liking, which were positively related to leader promotability. We also investigated whether raters’ gender role beliefs influenced the evaluations, which they did not (as reported in the Supplementary material). Concluding, women and men profit equally from exhibiting servant compared to directive leadership.
Temperature fluctuation and acute myocardial infarction in Beijing: an extended analysis of temperature ranges and differences
Authors: Tang Siqi , Fu Jia , Liu Yanbo , Zhao Yakun , Chen Yuxiong , Han Yitao , Zhao Xinlong , Liu Yijie , Jin Xiaofeng , Fan Zhongjie
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Few studies examined the relationship between temperature fluctuation metrics and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalizations within a single cohort. We aimed to expand knowledge on two basic measures: temperature range and difference.

Methods

We conducted a time-series analysis on the correlations between temperature range (TR), daily mean temperature differences (DTDmean), and daily mean-maximum/minimum temperature differences (TDmax/min) and AMI hospitalizations, using data between 2013 and 2016 in Beijing, China. The effects of TRn and DTDmeann over n-day intervals were compared, respectively. Subgroup analysis by age and sex was performed.

Results

A total of 81,029 AMI hospitalizations were included. TR1, TDmax, and TDmin were associated with AMI in J-shaped patterns. DTDmean1 was related to AMI in a U-shaped pattern. These correlations weakened for TR and DTDmean with longer exposure intervals. Extremely low (1st percentile) and high (5°C) DTDmean1 generated cumulative relative risk (CRR) of 2.73 (95% CI: 1.56–4.79) and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.54–3.01). Extremely high TR1, TDmax, and TDmin (99th percentile) correlated with CRR of 2.00 (95% CI: 1.73–2.85), 1.71 (95% CI: 1.40–2.09), and 2.73 (95% CI: 2.04–3.66), respectively. Those aged 20–64 had higher risks with large TR1, TDmax, and TDmin, while older individuals were more affected by negative DTDmean1. DTDmean1 was associated with a higher AMI risk in females.

Conclusion

Temperature fluctuations were linked to increased AMI hospitalizations, with low-temperature extremes having a more pronounced effect. Females and the older adult were more susceptible to daily mean temperature variations, while younger individuals were more affected by larger temperature ranges.
Fasciolosis: pathogenesis, host-parasite interactions, and implication in vaccine development
Authors: Flores-Velázquez Luis Miguel , Ruiz-Campillo María Teresa , Herrera-Torres Guillem , Martínez-Moreno Álvaro , Martínez-Moreno Francisco Javier , Zafra Rafael , Buffoni Leandro , Rufino-Moya Pablo José , Molina-Hernández Verónica , Pérez José
Published: December 2023

Fasciola hepatica is distributed worldwide, causing substantial economic losses in the animal husbandry industry. Human fasciolosis is an emerging zoonosis in Andean America, Asia, and Africa. The control of the disease, both in humans and animals, is based on using anthelmintic drugs, which has resulted in increased resistance to the most effective anthelmintics, such as triclabendazole, in many countries. This, together with the concerns about drug residues in food and the environment, has increased the interest in preventive measures such as a vaccine to help control the disease in endemic areas. Despite important efforts over the past two decades and the work carried out with numerous vaccine candidates, none of them has demonstrated consistent and reproducible protection in target species. This is at least in part due to the high immunomodulation capacity of the parasite, making ineffective the host response in susceptible species such as ruminants. It is widely accepted that a deeper knowledge of the host-parasite interactions is needed for a more rational design of vaccine candidates. In recent years, the use of emerging technologies has notably increased the amount of data about these interactions. In the present study, current knowledge of host-parasite interactions and their implication in Fasciola hepatica vaccine development is reviewed.
Factors Contributing to Resilience Among First Generation Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lindert Jutta , Samkange-Zeeb Florence , Jakubauskiene Marija , Bain Paul A. , Mollica Richard
Published: December 2023

Objectives: We aimed at 1) collating and evaluating the current evidence on factors contributing to resilience of adult transnational migrants, 2) identifying methodological factors which contribute to the findings, 3) identifying and analyzing promotive and preventive factors contributing to the findings.

Methods: A systematic search for relevant studies published until 2021 was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, PTSDPubs, and Web of Science. Both, quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed observational studies reporting on resilience and wellbeing, sense of coherence, or post-traumatic growth outcomes among transnational migrants (aged 18+). Risk of Bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program for qualitative studies and the Appraisal Tool for cross-sectional studies. Due to the heterogeneity of studies we did a narrative review.

Results: Database search yielded 3,756 unique records, of those n = 80 records, representing n = 76 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies provided knowledge on resilience for n = 9,845 transnational migrants across 23 countries. All studies except two were cross sectional. N = 45 reported on resilience, n = 4 on Sense of Coherence and n = 15 on Post-Traumatic Growth. The study methods were not related to the findings. Future orientation, hope and religion/spirituality, caring for others and having opportunities were shown to be more pertinent to resilience outcomes than institutional care structures.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight that mental health professionals and policymakers should try to support positive perspectives for the future and encourage policies tailored towards giving refugees opportunities to work, learn and care and to help others.
On the Influence of Data Imbalance on Supervised Gaussian Mixture Models
Authors: Scrucca Luca
Published: December 2023

Imbalanced data present a pervasive challenge in many real-world applications of statistical and machine learning, where the instances of one class significantly outnumber those of the other. This paper examines the impact of class imbalance on the performance of Gaussian mixture models in classification tasks and establishes the need for a strategy to reduce the adverse effects of imbalanced data on the accuracy and reliability of classification outcomes. We explore various strategies to address this problem, including cost-sensitive learning, threshold adjustments, and sampling-based techniques. Through extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets, we evaluate the effectiveness of these methods. Our findings emphasize the need for effective mitigation strategies for class imbalance in supervised Gaussian mixtures, offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers in improving classification outcomes.
Multi-Objective Point Motion Planning for Assembly Robotic Arm Based on IPQ-RRT* Connect Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Qinglei , Li Haodong , Duan Jianguo , Qin Jiyun , Zhou Ying
Published: December 2023

Six-axis industrial assembly robotic arms are pivotal in the manufacturing sector, playing a crucial role in the production line. The IPQ-RRT* connect motion planning algorithm for the robotic arm is proposed to improve the assembly process by reducing the time of motion planning and improving the assembly efficiency. The new IPQ-RRT* connect algorithm improves the original PQ-RRT* algorithm applied to UAVs in two dimensions by adding a node-greedy bidirectional scaling strategy. An obstacle detection range is set on the node-greedy bidirectional scaling strategy, in which the existence of obstacles is judged, and different sampling strategies are used according to the judgment results to get rid of obstacles faster, while bidirectional sampling can further improve the operation efficiency of the algorithm. In addition, effective collision detection is realized by combining the hierarchical wraparound box method. Finally, the Bezier curve is utilized to smooth the trajectory of the assembly robotic arm, which improves the trajectory quality while ensuring that the assembly robotic arm does not collide with obstacles. This paper takes the actual assembly process of an intelligent assembly platform as an example and proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm through simulation experiments and real I5 assembly robotic arm experiments.
Bayesian Optimization for Fine-Tuning EKF Parameters in UAV Attitude and Heading Reference System Estimation
Authors: Wondosen Assefinew , Debele Yisak , Kim Seung-Ki , Shi Ha-Young , Endale Bedada , Kang Beom-Soo
Published: December 2023

In various applications, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) has been vital in estimating a vehicle’s translational and angular motion in 3-dimensional (3D) space. It is also essential for the fusion of data from multiple sensors. However, for the EKF to perform effectively, the optimal process noise covariance matrix (Q) and measurement noise covariance matrix (R) must be chosen correctly. The use of EKF has been challenging due to the need for an easy mechanism to select Q and R values. As a result, this research focused on developing an algorithm that can be easily applied to determine Q and R, allowing us to harness the full potential of EKF. Accordingly, an EKF innovation consistency statistics-driven Bayesian optimization algorithm was employed to achieve this goal. Q and R values were tuned until the expected result met the performance requirement for minimum error through improved measurement innovation consistency. The comprehensive results demonstrate that when the optimum Q and R, as tuned by the suggested technique, were used, the performance of the EKF significantly improved.
An Improved Fault Detection and Isolation Method for Airborne Inertial Navigation System/Attitude and Heading Reference System Redundant System
Authors: Dai Yuting , Lai Jizhou , Zhang Qieqie , Li Zhimin , Shen Yugui
Published: December 2023

The integrity of airborne inertial navigation systems (INSs) is the key to ensuring the safe flight of civil aircraft. The airborne attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) is introduced into the construction of a redundant inertial navigation system. As a backup system for an airborne INS, the AHRS exhibits a different device performance. A sequential weighted generalized likelihood ratio test (SWGLT) method, based on a principal component parity vector (PPV), is proposed. The PPV method improves the adaptability of the detection threshold to the inertial sensors’ noise and improves the probability of correct detection. At the same time, the multiscale problem of a heterogeneous redundant system error is solved by sequential weighting, and the false alarm rate is reduced. Simulation experiments show that the proposed method can improve fault detection sensitivity, reduce false alarm rates, and ensure the integrity of civil aircraft navigation systems.
On Topology Optimisation Methods and Additive Manufacture for Satellite Structures: A Review
Authors: Hurtado-Pérez Arturo Benjamín , Pablo-Sotelo Abraham de Jesús , Ramírez-López Fabián , Hernández-Gómez Jorge Javier , Mata-Rivera Miguel Felix
Published: December 2023

Launching satellites into the Earth’s orbit is a critical area of research, and very demanding satellite services increase exponentially as modern society takes shape. At the same time, the costs of developing and launching satellite missions with shorter development times increase the requirements of novel approaches in the several engineering areas required to build, test, launch, and operate satellites in the Earth’s orbit, as well as in orbits around other celestial bodies. One area with the potential to save launching costs is that of the structural integrity of satellites, particularly in the launching phase where the largest vibrations due to the rocket motion and subsequent stresses could impact the survival ability of the satellite. To address this problem, two important areas of engineering join together to provide novel, complete, and competitive solutions: topology optimisation methods and additive manufacturing. On one side, topology optimisation methods are mathematical methods that allow iteratively optimising structures (usually by decreasing mass) while improving some structural properties depending on the application (load capacity, for instance), through the maximisation or minimisation of a uni- or multi-objective function and multiple types of algorithms. This area has been widely active in general for the last 30 years and has two main core types of algorithms: continuum methods that modify continuous parameters such as density, and discrete methods that work by adding and deleting material elements in a meshing context. On the other side, additive manufacturing techniques are more recent manufacturing processes aimed at revolutionising manufacturing and supply chains. The main exponents of additive manufacturing are Selective Laser Melting (SLM) (3D printing) as well as Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Recent trends show that topology-optimised structures built with novel materials through additive manufacturing processes may provide cheaper state-of-the-art structures that are fully optimised to better perform in the outer-space environment, particularly as part of the structure subsystem of novel satellite systems. This work aims to present an extended review of the main methods of structural topology optimisation as well as additive manufacture in the aerospace field, with a particular focus on satellite structures, which may set the arena for the development of future satellite structures in the next five to ten years.