bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ecological study protocol for the multimodal investigation of the neurophysiological underpinnings of dyadic joint action
Authors: Tamburro Gabriella , Fiedler Patrique , De Fano Antonio , Raeisi Khadijeh , Khazaei Mohammad , Vaquero Lucia , Bruña Ricardo , Oppermann Hannes , Bertollo Maurizio , Filho Edson , Zappasodi Filippo , Comani Silvia
Published: December 2023

A novel multimodal experimental setup and dyadic study protocol were designed to investigate the neurophysiological underpinnings of joint action through the synchronous acquisition of EEG, ECG, EMG, respiration and kinematic data from two individuals engaged in ecologic and naturalistic cooperative and competitive joint actions involving face-to-face real-time and real-space coordinated full body movements. Such studies are still missing because of difficulties encountered in recording reliable neurophysiological signals during gross body movements, in synchronizing multiple devices, and in defining suitable study protocols. The multimodal experimental setup includes the synchronous recording of EEG, ECG, EMG, respiration and kinematic signals of both individuals via two EEG amplifiers and a motion capture system that are synchronized via a single-board microcomputer and custom Python scripts. EEG is recorded using new dry sports electrode caps. The novel study protocol is designed to best exploit the multimodal data acquisitions. Table tennis is the dyadic motor task: it allows naturalistic and face-to-face interpersonal interactions, free in-time and in-space full body movement coordination, cooperative and competitive joint actions, and two task difficulty levels to mimic changing external conditions. Recording conditions—including minimum table tennis rally duration, sampling rate of kinematic data, total duration of neurophysiological recordings—were defined according to the requirements of a multilevel analytical approach including a neural level (hyperbrain functional connectivity, Graph Theoretical measures and Microstate analysis), a cognitive-behavioral level (integrated analysis of neural and kinematic data), and a social level (extending Network Physiology to neurophysiological data recorded from two interacting individuals). Four practical tests for table tennis skills were defined to select the study population, permitting to skill-match the dyad members and to form two groups of higher and lower skilled dyads to explore the influence of skill level on joint action performance. Psychometric instruments are included to assess personality traits and support interpretation of results. Studying joint action with our proposed protocol can advance the understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms sustaining daily life joint actions and could help defining systems to predict cooperative or competitive behaviors before being overtly expressed, particularly useful in real-life contexts where social behavior is a main feature.
Development of an undergraduate certificate in clinical and translational science: improving competence of the clinical research workforce
Authors: Knapke Jacqueline , Marcum Michelle , Mendell Angela , Ryan Patrick
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Academic research centers often struggle to recruit and retain a well-trained and diverse clinical and translational science (CTS) workforce. In particular, the clinical research professional (CRP) career pathway is not well known to undergraduate students and other individuals outside of academic medicine despite being a potential career route. To address these workforce challenges, the CRP Task Force at the University of Cincinnati (UC) aims to train a competent and diverse CRP workforce through targeted educational programming in the UC undergraduate population.

Methods: Using a six-step curriculum development process that included: 1) performing a needs assessment, 2) determining content, 3) writing goals and objectives, 4) selecting the educational strategies, 5) implementing the curriculum, and 6) evaluating the curriculum, we designed an undergraduate certificate program in CTS.

Results: The needs assessment included both internal and external data gathering to inform curriculum development and program decisions. Content was determined using the Core Competency Framework for the Clinical Research Professional Version 3.1., and program learning outcomes were written with both the competency framework and local workforce needs in mind. Educational strategies were selected based on optimization of available resources and local expertise with an emphasis on interactive didactics complemented by experiential learning. Implementation is underway and evaluation will follow once students begin enrolling.

Discussion: By educating an undergraduate student population about CTS methods and career opportunities, we anticipate increased numbers of well-qualified, diverse applicants who pursue CRP careers locally and regionally.
Potential role of irisin in lung diseases and advances in research
Authors: Dong Hongna , Lv Xuejiao , Gao Peng , Hao Yuqiu
Published: December 2023

Irisin, a myokine, is secreted by the movement of skeletal muscles. It plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis, insulin resistance, anti-inflammation, oxidative stress, and bone metabolism. Several studies have reported that irisin-related signaling pathways play a critical role in the treatment of various diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, the potential role of irisin in lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, lung cancer, and their associated complications, has received increasing attention. This article aims to explore the role of irisin in lung diseases, primarily focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms, which may serve as a marker for the diagnosis as well as a potential target for the treatment of lung diseases, thus providing new strategies for their treatment.
Ex vivo mass spectrometry-based biodistribution analysis of an antibody-Resiquimod conjugate bearing a protease-cleavable and acid-labile linker
Authors: Bisbal Lopez Lydia , Ravazza Domenico , Bocci Matilde , Zana Aureliano , Principi Lucrezia , Dakhel Plaza Sheila , Galbiati Andrea , Gilardoni Ettore , Scheuermann Jörg , Neri Dario , Pignataro Luca , Gennari Cesare , Cazzamalli Samuele , Dal Corso Alberto
Published: December 2023

Immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISACs) equipped with imidazoquinoline (IMD) payloads can stimulate endogenous immune cells to kill cancer cells, ultimately inducing long-lasting anticancer effects. A novel ISAC was designed, featuring the IMD Resiquimod (R848), a tumor-targeting antibody specific for Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX) and the protease-cleavable Val-Cit-PABC linker. In vitro stability analysis showed not only R848 release in the presence of the protease Cathepsin B but also under acidic conditions. The ex vivo mass spectrometry-based biodistribution data confirmed the low stability of the linker-drug connection while highlighting the selective accumulation of the IgG in tumors and its long circulatory half-life.
Nondestructive detection of Pleurotus geesteranus strain degradation based on micro-hyperspectral imaging and machine learning
Authors: Wei Xuan , Liu Shiyang , Xie Chuangyuan , Fang Wei , Deng Chanjuan , Wen Zhiqiang , Ye Dapeng , Jie Dengfei
Published: December 2023

In the production of edible fungi, the use of degraded strains in cultivation incurs significant economic losses. Based on micro-hyperspectral imaging and machine learning, this study proposes an early, nondestructive method for detecting different degradation degrees of Pleurotus geesteranus strains. In this study, an undegraded strain and three different degradation-level strains were used. During the mycelium growth, 600 micro-hyperspectral images were obtained. Based on the average transmittance spectra of the region of interest (ROI) in the range of 400-1000 nm and images at feature bands, feature spectra and images were extracted using the successive projections algorithm (SPA) and the deep residual network (ResNet50), respectively. Different feature input combinations were utilized to establish support vector machine (SVM) classification models. Based on the results, the spectra-input-based model performed better than the image-input-based model, and feature extraction improved the classification results for both models. The feature-fusion-based SPA+ResNet50-SVM model was the best; the accuracy rate of the test set was up to 90.8%, which was better than the accuracy rates of SPA-SVM (83.3%) and ResNet50-SVM (80.8%). This study proposes a nondestructive method to detect the degradation of Pleurotus geesteranus strains, which could further inspire new methods for the phenotypic identification of edible fungi.
Biases in the spectral amplitude distribution of a natural scene modulate horizontal size perception
Authors: Sanz Diez Pablo , Gisbert Sandra , Bosco Annalisa , Fattori Patrizia , Wahl Siegfried
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Visual perception is a complex process that involves the analysis of different spatial and temporal features of the visual environment. One critical aspect of this process is adaptation, which allows the visual system to adjust its sensitivity to specific features based on the context of the environment. Numerous theories highlight the significance of the visual scene and its spectral properties in perceptual and adaptation mechanisms. For example, size perception is known to be influenced by the spatial frequency content of the visual scene. Nonetheless, several inquiries still exist, including how specific spectral properties of the scene play a role in size perception and adaptation mechanisms.

Methods

In this study, we explore aftereffects on size perception following adaptation to a natural scene with a biased spectral amplitude distribution. Twenty participants had to manually estimate the horizontal size of a projected rectangle after adaptation to three visually biased conditions: vertical-biased, non-biased, and horizontal-biased. Size adaptation aftereffects were quantified by comparing the perceptual responses from the non-biased condition with the vertical- and horizontal-biased conditions.

Results

We found size perception shifts which were contingent upon the specific orientation and spatial frequency distribution inherent in the amplitude spectra of the adaptation stimuli. Particularly, adaptation to vertical-biased produced a horizontal enlargement, while adaptation to horizontal-biased generated a decrease in the horizontal size perception of the rectangle. On average, size perception was modulated by 5–6%.

Discussion

These findings provide supporting evidence for the hypothesis that the neural mechanisms responsible for processing spatial frequency channels are involved in the encoding and perception of size information. The implications for neural mechanisms underlying spatial frequency and size information encoding are discussed.
The relationship between work–family conflict and job satisfaction for preschool teachers in rural China: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Xia Qianqian , Yue Huilan , Yu Ruiwei , Zhang Wengui , Li Jing , Chen Dan , Xu Pin
Published: December 2023

Background

Job satisfaction for preschool teachers in rural areas has an important impact on their professional development, physical and mental health, and the development of preschool education. However, few studies have explored the factors that influence rural preschool teachers’ job satisfaction.

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of rural preschool teachers’ work–family conflict on their job satisfaction, and the mediating effect of occupational identity, the moderating effect of social support.

Method

Participants included 3,065 rural preschool teachers from Zhejiang Province in mainland China. Teachers completed questionnaires on work–family conflict, occupational identity, job satisfaction, and social support. The correlation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS PROCESS.

Results

(1) work–family conflict is associated with poorer job satisfaction in preschool teachers; (2) occupational identity mediates the relationship between work–family conflict and job satisfaction; and (3) a high level of social support alleviates the negative influence of work–family conflict on job satisfaction and promotes the positive effect of occupational identity on job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The study revealed the negative impact of work–family conflict on preschool teachers’ job satisfaction, and the protecting effect of social support, which has important implications for improving teachers’ future job satisfaction.
Mapping the global, regional, and national burden of diarrheal diseases attributable to unsafe water
Authors: Chen Ling , Jiao Jinghua , Liu Shunming , Liu Lei , Liu Pengliang
Published: December 2023

Background

Diarrheal diseases are major contributors to deaths. Data on global and country-specific levels and trends of diarrheal diseases resulting from unsafe water are essential for policymakers to allocate resources.

Aims

This study aimed to describe the global, regional, and national spatiotemporal burden of diarrheal diseases resulting from unsafe water exposure.

Methods

According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 dataset, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of diarrheal diseases, and their age-standardized rates (ASRs) were analyzed by age and sex in 204 countries and territories. Moreover, the average annual percentage change (AAPC) was estimated by a log-linear regression model to reflect the time trend. The association between ASR of diarrheal diseases due to unsafe water and socio-demographic index (SDI) levels was also analyzed.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the number of deaths and DALYs of diarrheal diseases resulting from unsafe water decreased by 50 and 59%, respectively. Moreover, the ASR of deaths and DALYs also decreased during the study period, with AAPCs of −3.69 (95% CI [95% confidence interval]: −3.91 to −3.47) and − 3.66 (95% CI: −3.8 to −3.52), respectively. High diarrheal diseases resulting from unsafe water occurred mainly in low SDI regions and Africa. Males exhibited greater diarrheal deaths attributable to unsafe water than females, which was contrary to the condition in terms of DALYs. The age-specific burden of diarrheal deaths attributable to unsafe water is concentrated in children younger than 5 years. The AAPCs of the ASR of both deaths and DALYs showed a strong negative correlation with the SDI levels.

Conclusion

The current study indicated that the global burden of unsafe water exposure-related diarrheal diseases decreased from 1990 to 2019 and varied significantly according to age, sex, and geographical location. Effective health promotion and health communication strategies and policies should be adopted to prevent and control diarrheal diseases resulting from unsafe water exposure.
Impact of motion cues, color, and luminance on depth perception in optical see-through AR displays
Authors: Ashtiani Omeed , Guo Hung-Jui , Prabhakaran Balakrishnan
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Augmented Reality (AR) systems are systems in which users view and interact with virtual objects overlaying the real world. AR systems are used across a variety of disciplines, i.e., games, medicine, and education to name a few. Optical See-Through (OST) AR displays allow users to perceive the real world directly by combining computer-generated imagery overlaying the real world. While perception of depth and visibility of objects is a widely studied field, we wanted to observe how color, luminance, and movement of an object interacted with each other as well as external luminance in OST AR devices. Little research has been done regarding the issues around the effect of virtual objects’ parameters on depth perception, external lighting, and the effect of an object’s mobility on this depth perception.

Methods: We aim to perform an analysis of the effects of motion cues, color, and luminance on depth estimation of AR objects overlaying the real world with OST displays. We perform two experiments, differing in environmental lighting conditions (287 lux and 156 lux), and analyze the effects and differences on depth and speed perceptions.

Results: We have found that while stationary objects follow previous research with regards to depth perception, motion and both object and environmental luminance play a factor in this perception.

Discussion: These results will be significantly useful for developers to account for depth estimation issues that may arise in AR environments. Awareness of the different effects of speed and environmental illuminance on depth perception can be utilized when performing AR or MR applications where precision matters.
Influence of genomic variations on glanders serodiagnostic antigens using integrative genomic and transcriptomic approaches
Authors: Charron Philippe , Gao Ruimin , Chmara John , Hoover Emily , Nadin-Davis Susan , Chauvin Danielle , Hazelwood Jennifer , Makondo Kennedy , Duceppe Marc-Olivier , Kang Mingsong
Published: December 2023

Glanders is a highly contagious and life-threatening zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei (B. mallei). Without an effective vaccine or treatment, early diagnosis has been regarded as the most effective method to prevent glanders transmission. Currently, the diagnosis of glanders is heavily reliant on serological tests. However, given that markedly different host immune responses can be elicited by genetically different strains of the same bacterial species, infection by B. mallei, whose genome is unstable and plastic, may result in various immune responses. This variability can make the serodiagnosis of glanders challenging. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding and assessment of how B. mallei genomic variations impact the appropriateness of specific target antigens for glanders serodiagnosis. In this study, we investigated how genomic variations in the B. mallei genome affect gene content (gene presence/absence) and expression, with a special focus on antigens used or potentially used in serodiagnosis. In all the genome sequences of B. mallei isolates available in NCBI’s RefSeq database (accessed in July 2023) and in-house sequenced samples, extensive small and large variations were observed when compared to the type strain ATCC 23344. Further pan-genome analysis of those assemblies revealed variations of gene content among all available genomes of B. mallei. Specifically, differences in gene content ranging from 31 to 715 genes with an average of 334 gene presence-absence variations were found in strains with complete or chromosome-level genome assemblies, using the ATCC 23344 strain as a reference. The affected genes included some encoded proteins used as serodiagnostic antigens, which were lost due mainly to structural variations. Additionally, a transcriptomic analysis was performed using the type strain ATCC 23344 and strain Zagreb which has been widely utilized to produce glanders antigens. In total, 388 significant differentially expressed genes were identified between these two strains, including genes related to bacterial pathogenesis and virulence, some of which were associated with genomic variations, particularly structural variations. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study to uncover the impacts of genetic variations of B. mallei on its gene content and expression. These differences would have significant impacts on host innate and adaptive immunity, including antibody production, during infection. This study provides novel insights into B. mallei genetic variants, knowledge which will help to improve glanders serodiagnosis.
Working Conditions and Self-Reported Health Among Undocumented and Newly Regularized Migrants in Geneva: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hagose Munire , Burton-Jeangros Claudine , Fakhoury Julien , Consoli Liala , Refle Jan-Erik , Jackson Yves
Published: December 2023

Objectives: Most undocumented migrants are employed in so-called “dirty jobs” or “3D jobs” (dangerous, dirty and degrading) due to their lack of legal status. This study aimed to describe the self-reported health of undocumented and newly regularized migrants in relation to their working conditions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected during the first phase of the Parchemins study (2017–18), a survey that monitors the socioeconomic and health impact of a regularization scheme for undocumented workers in Geneva, Switzerland. The sample consists of 395 undocumented and newly regularized migrants.

Results: Overall, 147 (37.2%) rated their health as very good or excellent. Multivariable regression analysis indicated that work-related factors associated with better self-reported health included higher satisfaction with working conditions, while legal status regularization showed only a borderline association. By contrast, workers performing very demanding tasks and having more difficulties finding a new job were less likely to report very good or excellent health.

Conclusion: Findings show that work-related factors had a stronger influence on self-reported health compared to legal status change. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of regularization on working conditions and self-rated health.
Empirical Assessment of Non-Intrusive Polynomial Chaos Expansions for High-Dimensional Stochastic CFD Problems
Authors: Iyengar Nikhil , Rajaram Dushhyanth , Mavris Dimitri
Published: December 2023

Uncertainties in the atmosphere and flight conditions can drastically impact the performance of an aircraft and result in certification delays. However, uncertainty propagation in high-fidelity simulations, which have become integral to the design process, can pose intractably high computational costs. This study presents a non-intrusive, parametric reduced order modeling (ROM) method to enable the prediction of uncertain fields with thousands of random variables and nonlinear features under limited sampling budgets. The methodology combines linear dimensionality reduction with sparse polynomial chaos expansions and is assessed in a variety of CFD-based test cases, including 3D supersonic flow over a passenger aircraft with uncertain flight conditions. Each problem has strong nonlinearities, such as shocks, to investigate the effectiveness of models in real-world aerodynamic simulations that may arise during conceptual or preliminary design. The performance is assessed by comparing the uncertain mean, variance, point predictions, and integrated quantities of interest obtained using the ROMs to Monte Carlo simulations. It is observed that if the flow is entirely supersonic or subsonic, then the method can predict the pressure field accurately and rapidly. Moreover, it is also seen that statistical moments can be efficiently obtained using closed-form analytical expressions and closely match Monte Carlo results.
Assessing Space Tourism Propensity: A New Questionnaire for Future Space Tourists
Authors: Gatti Matteo , Ceccato Irene , Di Crosta Adolfo , La Malva Pasquale , Bartolini Emanuela , Palumbo Rocco , Di Domenico Alberto , Mammarella Nicola
Published: December 2023

(1) Background: Space tourism (ST) is an emerging frontier in tourism, attracting considerable stakeholders in the era of the New Space Economy. Thus, understanding the intentions and the characteristics of future space travelers is crucial. (2) Methods: Here, we validated the brief 11-item Space Tourism Propensity Questionnaire (STP-Q) and administered it, along with sociodemographic and psychological questionnaires, to 333 undergraduates in order to explore ST propensity and predictive factors. (3) Results: Linear regression analysis revealed that STP-Q scores are influenced by personality traits, particularly sensation seeking, social distance, and conscientiousness. Sensation seeking predicts the intention to engage in future space travel, while trait anxiety negatively impacts it. Surprisingly, neither sociodemographic features nor pro-environmental behaviors predict ST propensity, as expected. (4) Conclusions: The STP-Q is a cost-effective self-report for assessing ST propensity and can contribute to the evolving field of space tourism when used in combination with other questionnaires.
Thermal Conditions of Laying Quail Sheds in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Evandro Menezes , Nascimento Sheila Tavares , Mós João Victor do Nascimento , Roza Lenilson da Fonseca , Toledo Juliana Beatriz , dos Santos Tatiana Carlesso
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted to survey the level of technification of quail sheds in Brazil. Data from 25 quail farms (5 in each Brazilian region) were collected by image analysis of videos available on the Internet. The analyzed variables were farm location, degree of technological adoption in quail sheds, housing conditions, structural conditions, wall conditions, and thermal comfort equipment. The data were subjected to descriptive analysis, and differences were assessed using the chi-squared test (p < 0.10). It was found that curtain walls were the most used system for air entry and renewal in quail sheds. Fan systems were present in only 12% of sheds, and evaporative cooling systems (or air conditioning) were observed in 4% of sheds, exclusively on large farms. Internal insulation was used in 20.83% of farms. In conclusion, Brazilian quail sheds have a low degree of technification; about 90% do not use implements such as ceiling, ventilation, and cooling systems. These conditions make it difficult to control environmental variables within quail sheds, impairing thermal comfort and, consequently, animal welfare and quail productivity.
Effects of Oregano Essential Oil on IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ Cells in the Jejunum of Castrated Holstein Bulls
Authors: Liu Qiyan , Zhang Wangdong , Wang Baoshan , Shi Jinping , He Pengjia , Jia Li , Huang Yongliang , Xu Meiling , Ma Yue , Cheng Qiang , Lei Zhaomin
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oregano essential oil on IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells in the jejunum of castrated Holstein bulls. Twelve castrated Holstein bulls were randomly divided into control (YCK) and oregano essential oil (YEO) groups. Pathological changes in the jejunum were observed by HE staining, and the expression levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the jejunum were detected by ELISA. The distributions of IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells in the jejunum were analysed by multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the jejunal villi were detached in the YCK group, which may have been related to inflammation, while the intestinal epithelium was clear and intact in the YEO group. The expressions of IgA, IgG, and IgM were significantly reduced by 40.75%, 30.76%, and 50.87%. The IgA+, IgG+, and IgM+ cells were diffusely distributed in the lamina propria of the jejunum, and were reduced by 17.07%, 6.44%, and 6.15%, respectively. Oregano essential oil did not alter the distribution characteristics of IgA+, IgG+, or IgM+ cells in the jejunum, but it suppressed inflammatory response, decreased immunoglobulin content, and significantly enhanced the formation of an immune barrier in the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Ulva prolifera Stress in the Yellow Sea of China: Suppressed Antioxidant Capacity and Induced Inflammatory Response of the Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Xu Dan , Tang Yongzheng , Li Wenlong , Yang Yingming
Published: December 2023

As the largest green macroalgal bloom in the Yellow Sea of China, the overgrowth and degradation of Ulva prolifera (U. prolifera) have a harmful effect on marine organisms and the aquaculture industry. However, the regulation mechanism of U. prolifera stress on the antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of marine fish is still not completely understood. A 15-day exposure experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of U. prolifera stress on the antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) (283.11 ± 6.45 g). The results showed that U. prolifera stress significantly decreased their survival rate. Serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and non-specific immune-related enzyme activities were significantly impacted under U. prolifera conditions. Moreover, U. prolifera stress significantly decreased T-AOC, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver, while malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly increased. Similarly, antioxidant-related gene (cat, nrf2, and keap1) expressions were synchronously downregulated in the liver under U. prolifera stress. Furthermore, U. prolifera stress significantly upregulated pro-inflammatory gene (tnf-α, il-1β, ifn-γ, and p65) expressions and the phosphorylation levels of the p38 and JNK MAPK pathways in the head kidney. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related gene and protein expressions were also upregulated in the head kidney. Overall, these results revealed that U. prolifera stress suppressed the antioxidant capacity and induced an inflammatory response in the Japanese flounder. This study could advance the understanding of the adverse effects of U. prolifera stress on marine benthic fish and promote the sustainable development of aquaculture.
Climate Change Habitat Model Forecasts for Eight Owl Species in the Southwestern US
Authors: Cartron Jean-Luc E. , Triepke F. Jack , Stahlecker Dale W. , Arsenault David P. , Ganey Joseph L. , Hathcock Charles D. , Thompson Hunter K. , Cartron Matthieu C. , Calhoun Kenneth C.
Published: December 2023

The high-resolution forecasting of vegetation type shifts may prove essential in anticipating and mitigating the impacts of future climate change on bird populations. Here, we used the US Forest Service Ecological Response Unit (ERU) classification to develop and assess vegetation-based breeding habitat profiles for eight owl species occurring in the foothills and mountains of the Southwestern US. Shifts in mapped habitat were forecast using an ecosystem vulnerability model based on the pre-1990 climate envelopes of ERUs and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) A1B moderate-emission scenario for the future climate. For five of the eight owl species, the regional breeding habitat extent was projected to decline by at least 60% by 2090. Three species, the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus; at the trailing edge of its distribution), flammulated owl (Psiloscops flammeolus), and northern pygmy-owl (Glaucidium gnoma), were projected to experience the steepest habitat loss rates of 85%, 85%, and 76%, respectively. Projected vegetation shifts overlaid with well-documented flammulated owl breeding populations showed the complete or near complete loss of habitat by 2090 in areas of montane forest currently supporting dense aggregations of owl territories. Generalist or lower-elevation owl species were predicted to be less impacted, while, for the whiskered screech-owl (Megascops trichopsis), the contraction of the current habitat was nearly offset by a projected northward expansion. In general, the results of this study suggest high exposure to climate change impacts for the upper-elevation forest owls of semi-arid Southwestern North America. Long-distance migration and low natal philopatry may prove important to some montane owl populations in adapting to the regional loss of habitat.
Navigating the Challenges of Gluten Enteropathy and Infertility: The Role of Celiac-Related Antibodies and Dietary Changes
Authors: Peshevska-Sekulovska Monika , Gulinac Milena , Rangelov Radoslav , Docheva Desislava , Velikova Tsvetelina , Sekulovski Metodija
Published: December 2023

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition that is initiated in genetically susceptible individuals by the exposure of the intestines to gluten, and the early start of symptoms is related to malabsorption. Atypical variants of the illness are often identified in adulthood and are frequently associated with manifestations outside of the intestines, including metabolic osteopathy, anemia, and dermatitis herpetiformis. But also, empirical data suggest a correlation between CD and reproductive abnormalities, including repeated abortions. Infertility and repeated miscarriages frequently manifest in women diagnosed with CD and may serve as the initial clinical indication of a subclinical form. Furthermore, the condition may manifest as amenorrhea, infertility, and the delivery of infants with a low birth weight. Regarding the mechanisms of CD in infertility, along with the anti-tTG action to hinder the invasiveness of trophoblast, these antibodies could damage endometrial angiogenesis, which has been shown in in vitro models with human endometrial cells and in vivo in murine models. Another important aspect is the role of nutrient deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency (connected to impaired hormone production, secondary amenorrhea, and pre-eclampsia) and folic acid, etc. Therefore, our objective was to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature pertaining to this specific topic and to elucidate the role of the autoantibodies in its pathogenesis.
Oxymatrine Improves Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence in HT22 Cells and Mice via the Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Maharajan Nagarajan , Lee Chang-Min , Vijayakumar Karthikeyan A. , Cho Gwang-Won
Published: December 2023

The accumulation of oxidative stress is one of the important factors causing cellular senescence. Oxymatrine (OM) is a natural quinolizidine alkaloid compound known for its antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the anti-senescence potential of OM through oxidative stress-induced in vitro and in vivo models. By treating 600 μM of H2O2 to the HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line and by administering 150 mg/kg D-galactose to mice, we generated oxidative stress-induced senescence models. After providing 1, 2, and 4 μg/mL of OM to the HT22 mouse cell line and by administering 50 mg/kg OM to mice, we evaluated the enhancing effects. We evaluated different senescence markers, AMPK activity, and autophagy, along with DCFH-DA detection reaction and behavioral tests. In HT22 cells, OM showed a protective effect. OM, by reducing ROS and increasing p-AMPK expression, could potentially reduce oxidative stress-induced senescence. In the D-Gal-induced senescence mouse model, both the brain and heart tissues recovered AMPK activity, resulting in reduced levels of senescence. In neural tissue, to assess neurological recovery, including anxiety symptoms and exploration, we used a behavioral test. We also found that OM decreased the expression level of receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). In heart tissue, we could observe the restoration of AMPK activity, which also increased the activity of autophagy. The results of our study suggest that OM ameliorates oxidative stress-induced senescence through its antioxidant action by restoring AMPK activity.
Induction of Programmed Cell Death in Acanthamoeba culbertsoni by the Repurposed Compound Nitroxoline
Authors: Rodríguez-Expósito Rubén L. , Sifaoui Ines , Reyes-Batlle María , Fuchs Frieder , Scheid Patrick L. , Piñero José E. , Sutak Robert , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: December 2023

Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous genus of amoebae that can act as opportunistic parasites in both humans and animals, causing a variety of ocular, nervous and dermal pathologies. Despite advances in Acanthamoeba therapy, the management of patients with Acanthamoeba infections remains a challenge for health services. Therefore, there is a need to search for new active substances against Acanthamoebae. In the present study, we evaluated the amoebicidal activity of nitroxoline against the trophozoite and cyst stages of six different strains of Acanthamoeba. The strain A. griffini showed the lowest IC50 value in the trophozoite stage (0.69 ± 0.01 µM), while the strain A. castellanii L-10 showed the lowest IC50 value in the cyst stage (0.11 ± 0.03 µM). In addition, nitroxoline induced in treated trophozoites of A. culbertsoni features compatibles with apoptosis and autophagy pathways, including chromatin condensation, mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, changes in cell permeability and the formation of autophagic vacuoles. Furthermore, proteomic analysis of the effect of nitroxoline on trophozoites revealed that this antibiotic induced the overexpression and the downregulation of proteins involved in the apoptotic process and in metabolic and biosynthesis pathways.
The Design and Testing of an Additive Manufacturing-Obtained Compliant Mechanism for the Complex Personalisation of Lenses in Clinical Optometry
Authors: Constantin Victor , Comeagă Daniel , Grămescu Bogdan , Besnea Daniel , Moraru Edgar
Published: December 2023

The precision needed in optometric measurements for the correct customization of progressive lenses usually falls short of what is required for accurate prescriptions. This usually stems from the fact that most measurements are obtained using outdated methods, employing either rulers or protractors. While there is equipment available for precise measurements, the cost of purchase and ownership is usually prohibitive. In this context, due to constant progress in high-resolution cameras along with the processing power of handheld devices, another solution has presented itself in different iterations in the past decade, as put forward by different manufacturers of optical lenses. Such a system comprises a mobile computing device with image capture and processing capabilities (tablet or smartphone), along with a marker support system to be mounted on the user’s glasses frames. Aside from cost, the ease of implementation and usage, the advantage of such a system is that the parameters, as measured, allow for better customization, since the eyewear is already in the position in which it will be used. It allows the optometrist to measure parameters such as interpupillary distance, pantoscopic angle and the curvature of the eyewear in relation to the user’s own specific shape and size. This paper proposes a model of a marker support system that is easy to use, precise, low in cost and has minimal impact on the measurements obtained by the optometrist. As such, this paper examines the steps for determining the shape needed for supports in relation to the measurements that need to be taken; a finite element analysis of the support was proposed, along with various tests and modifications that were made to the device until a specific shape and material combination was found that satisfied all of the parameters required. An experimental model of the system was produced and tested on a wide variety of glasses frames with good results, as presented in the following work.
Robust Elastic Full-Waveform Inversion Based on Normalized Cross-Correlation Source Wavelet Inversion
Authors: Qi Qiyuan , Huang Wensha , Zhang Donghao , Han Liguo
Published: December 2023

The elastic full-waveform inversion (EFWI) method efficiently utilizes the amplitude, phase, and travel time information present in multi-component seismic recordings to create detailed parameter models of subsurface structures. Within full-waveform inversion (FWI), accurate source wavelet estimation significantly impacts both the convergence and final result quality. The source wavelet, serving as the initial condition for the wave equation’s forward modeling algorithm, directly influences the matching degree between observed and synthetic data. This study introduces a novel method for estimating the source wavelet utilizing cross-correlation norm elastic waveform inversion (CNEWI) and outlines the EFWI algorithm flow based on this CNEWI source wavelet inversion. The CNEWI method estimates the source wavelet by employing normalized cross-correlation processing on near-offset direct waves, thereby reducing the susceptibility to strong amplitude interference such as bad traces and surface wave residuals. The proposed CNEWI method exhibits a superior computational efficiency compared to conventional L2-norm waveform inversion for source wavelet estimation. Numerical experiments, including in ideal scenarios, with seismic data with bad traces, and with multi-component data, validate the advantages of the proposed method in both source wavelet estimation and EFWI compared to the traditional inversion method.
A Review of Literature on Vehicle Routing Problems of Last-Mile Delivery in Urban Areas
Authors: Jazemi Reza , Alidadiani Ensieh , Ahn Kwangseog , Jang Jaejin
Published: December 2023

Logistics has long been important in an industrial society. Compared with the traditional structure of distribution, which requires freight to be delivered mostly to warehouses or retail stores, customers now often prefer packages to be delivered to their residences, especially after the delivery challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The delivery of parcels to urban residential areas increases the challenge due to the amount of delivery volume, tight delivery schedules, and continuously changing delivery conditions. Last-mile delivery tries to address the challenges, taking advantage of the available automation, sensor and communication technologies, and people’s attitudes toward parcel delivery for the benefit of all stakeholders. Various approaches to last-mile delivery have been proposed and analyzed in the literature. This paper reviews the recent literature on vehicle routing for last-mile delivery. The review identified four major categories: crowdshipping, parcel lockers, delivery by sidekicks, and delivery to optional points. The nature of the problems is discussed in five aspects: fleet capacity, time window, fleet option, dynamism of input, and stochastic parameters. The review identifies the achievements and limitations of the research in the areas and proposes a future research agenda.
Molecular Screening of the Thrombophilic Variants Performed at G-141 Laboratory among Saudi Infertile Women
Authors: Alageel Arwa A. , Alhaizan Maysoon Abdulhadi , Neyazi Salwa Mohamed , Al-Hakeem Malak Mohammed , Ali Khan Imran
Published: December 2023

Infertility is a major issue at present and is a common disease that exists in both male and female reproductive systems, described as failure to attain pregnancy. The most important physiological phenomenon for establishing clinical pharmacy is defined as female infertility (FI). Obesity enhances the risks for many chronic disorders, especially causing a high risk for women’s reproductive health. The relationship between infertile women and thrombophilia is characterized by abnormal blood coagulation. Among the thrombophilic variants, Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin (PT) and methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) in genes such as G1691A (rs6020), G20210A (rs1799963) and C677T (rs1801133) are commonly studied in the majority of human diseases. In this case–control study, we investigated the role of thrombophilic variants such as G1691A, G20210A and C677T in the FVL, PII and MTHFR genes in Saudi infertile women. Based on sample size calculation, 100 female infertile and 100 control (fertile) women were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Genotyping was performed with polymerase chain reaction and followed with precise restriction enzymes, which can accurately detect the nucleotide amendment variants in G1691A, G20210A and C677T. The required statistics were applied between the case (infertile) and control (fertile) women to document the role of the G1691A, G20210A and C677T variants in Saudi infertile women. In this study, age, weight and BMI were found to be high in the control women in comparison to the infertile women. None of the genotypes, genetic models or allele frequencies were associated with G1691A, G20210A or C677T SNPs (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the regression model and ANOVA analysis also showed negative statistical associations. The combination of genotypes and allele frequencies among G1691A, G20210A and C677T SNPs showed positive associations in the recessive model (p = 0.0006). Finally, the GMDR model showed moderate associations with the gene–gene interaction, dendrogram and depletion models. Finally, this study confirmed that thrombophilic SNPs have no role and may not be involved in Saudi infertile women.
A Session-Based Recommendation Model That Integrates the Temporal Sequence of Session Interactions and the Global Distance-Awareness of Items with Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Li Jianfei , Wang Yongbin , Song Guohui , Zhang Nenghuan
Published: December 2023

In the session-based recommendation algorithm, a better class of methods is to model the complex interaction relationship within the session as a graph structure, and then use the graph neural network to capture the deep features of the item from it. However, most models do not deeply mine the effective information contained in the sequence temporal relationship, nor do they pay attention to the auxiliary contribution of the global distance in different sessions to the item representation. This paper proposes a session-based recommendation model that integrates the temporal sequence of session interactions and the global distance-awareness of items with graph neural networks (TSDA-GNN). First, according to all session sequences, a global graph, a session graph, and a feature graph are constructed. In the global graph, the average “spacing” between items is introduced to represent the association between two items in the global graph. In the session graph, the interaction timing of the item is combined as the weight information in the relationship matrix, and the connection matrix of the session graph is constructed, which can more accurately capture the association relationship between items. Finally, by fusing the feature information of the item, using a graph neural network can deeply mine user preferences hidden in the feature information of the item. The model can not only model the information transmission relationship between items in different sessions, but also further deeply mine the hidden information of global domain and item features. Multiple experiments on two benchmark datasets show that the model proposed in this paper achieves the best results in various indicators.
Smart Public Transport: A Bi-Objective Model for Maximizing Synchronizations and Minimizing Costs in Bus Timetables
Authors: Risso Claudio , Nesmachnow Sergio , Rossit Diego
Published: December 2023

Modern cities heavily rely on public transport systems to enhance citizen access to urban services and promote sustainability. To optimize public transport, intelligent computer-aided tools play a pivotal role in decision making. This article tackles the complex challenge of bus timetabling, specifically focusing on improving multi-leg trips or transfers. It introduces a novel multi-objective Mixed-Integer Programming Linear (MILP) model that concurrently maximizes passenger transfers and minimizes budgetary costs, while also adhering to the minimum required quality-of-service constraints for regular (non-multi-leg) trips, and an exact resolution approach based on the ε-constraint method to obtain a set of efficient solutions is used. The competitiveness of the model is validated via a computational experimentation performed over real-world scenarios from the public transportation system of Montevideo, Uruguay. The findings evinced that the MILP model was able to compute a set of Pareto efficient solutions that explore the tradeoff between the number of successful transfers and the cost of the system. Moreover, the best tradeoff solutions surpass the current city timetable, excelling in both the number of transfers and cost efficiency.