bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, NO and CO Air Pollutant Values with Linear Regression in R Language
Authors: Kazi Zoltan , Filip Snezana , Kazi Ljubica
Published: March 2023

Air pollution is one of the most challenging and complex problems of our time. This research presents the prediction of air pollutant values based on using an R program with linear regression. The research sample consists of obtained values of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrite oxides (NO, NO2, and NOX), atmospheric data pressure (p), temperature (T), and relative humidity (rh). The research data were collected from the city of Belgrade air quality monitoring reports, published by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Republic of Serbia. The report data were transformed into a form suitable for processing by the R program and used to derive prediction functions based on linear regression upon pairs of air pollutants. In this paper, we describe the R program that was created to enable the correlation of air pollutants with linear regression, which results in functions that are used for the prediction of pollutant values. The correlation of pollutants is presented graphically with diagrams created within the R GUI environment. The predicted data were categorized according to air pollution standard ranges. It has been shown that the derived functions from linear regression enable predictions that are well correlated with the data obtained by automatic acquisition from air quality monitoring stations. The R program was created by using R language statements without any additional packages, and, therefore, it is suitable for multiple uses in a diversity of application domains with minor adjustments to appropriate data sets.
A Deep Learning Approach for Kidney Disease Recognition and Prediction through Image Processing
Authors: Kumar Kailash , Pradeepa M. , Mahdal Miroslav , Verma Shikha , RajaRao M. V. L. N. , Ramesh Janjhyam Venkata Naga
Published: March 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual decline in renal function that can lead to kidney damage or failure. As the disease progresses, it becomes harder to diagnose. Using routine doctor consultation data to evaluate various stages of CKD could aid in early detection and prompt intervention. To this end, researchers propose a strategy for categorizing CKD using an optimization technique inspired by the learning process. Artificial intelligence has the potential to make many things in the world seem possible, even causing surprise with its capabilities. Some doctors are looking forward to advancements in technology that can scan a patient’s body and analyse their diseases. In this regard, advanced machine learning algorithms have been developed to detect the presence of kidney disease. This research presents a novel deep learning model, which combines a fuzzy deep neural network, for the recognition and prediction of kidney disease. The results show that the proposed model has an accuracy of 99.23%, which is better than existing methods. Furthermore, the accuracy of detecting chronic disease can be confirmed without doctor involvement as future work. Compared to existing information mining classifications, the proposed approach shows improved accuracy in classification, precision, F-measure, and sensitivity metrics.
Bioactive Vitamin C Content from Natural Selected Fruit Juices
Authors: Feszterová Melánia , Mišiaková Margaréta , Kowalska Małgorzata
Published: March 2023

The content of vitamin C in fruit juices can be lowered by alterations in storage and temperature. This study compared storage circumstances (temperature, duration, and packaging type) to determine which variable had the biggest influence on changes in the vitamin C content of juices (grapefruit, mandarin, peach, apple, pear, plum). Fruit juices held in glass (plastic) containers at 4 °C saw vitamin C losses in the range of 0.0–10.9% (2.4–17.4%) in 24 h, 1.4–22.6% (5.2–25.3%) in 48 h, and 2.8–37.0% (6.0–39.0%) in three days. By raising the storage temperature to 23 °C, vitamin C losses in glass (plastic) containers were found to be 1.4–19.1% (5.2–22.2%), 2.8–20.9% (5.9–25.9%), and 4.5–43.5% (6.0–38.7%) of the value after 24 h, 48 h, and three days, respectively. When decreasing the temperature to −18 °C in fruit juices stored in glass (plastic) containers, there were losses of vitamin C in 24 h in the range of 1.5–19.6% (3.0–20.0%), in 48 h, 4.5–26.1% (4.5–26.1%), and in three days, 6.0–43.1% (5.8–43.5%) of the value. The effect of temperature on vitamin C concentration has been proven. Fruit juice’s vitamin C is more stable when kept in glass containers as opposed to plastic ones, which have a limited shelf life.
Enhanced µCT Imaging Protocol to Enable High-Resolution 3D Visualization of Microdamage in Rat Vertebrae
Authors: Tolgyesi Allison , Robert Normand , Whyne Cari M. , Hardisty Michael
Published: March 2023

Contrast-enhanced μCT imaging has been used to provide non-destructive 3D images of microdamage, but at a lower quality than found in histology and 2D backscatter electron (BSE) imaging. This study aimed to quantify potential improvements in microdamage characterization by enhancing µCT scanning parameters. Eleven slides from 9 rat vertebrae (healthy = 3, osteolytic metastases = 3, mixed metastases = 3) previously stained for microdamage with BaSO4 and analyzed with BSE imaging (2μm voxel spacing) were used in this study. μCT imaging conducted under varying protocols (x-ray voltage, tube current, frame averaging) demonstrated enhanced scan parameters at 90 kVp, 44 µA, 0.5 mm aluminum filter, 8 times frame averaging, and 4.9 µm voxel spacing. Post-processing with Richardson-Lucy deconvolution further deblurred the μCT images. Labeled microdamage in the baseline, enhanced and deblurred μCT images were segmented and spatially quantified vs. BSE-labeled microdamage using a probability-based correlation metric at six inflation radii. Enhanced μCT scan parameters improved damage visualization and increased spatial correlation probability with BSE images. Deblurring improved the sharpness of stain boundaries but did not significantly improve spatial correlation probabilities in comparison to the enhanced scans. This enhanced μCT protocol facilitates 3D visualization of microdamage, an indicator of bone quality important to bone damage mechanics.
New Possibilities of Using DEMATEL and ERPN in the New PFMEA Hybrid Model
Authors: Bujna Marián , Lee Chia Kuang , Kadnár Milan , Korenko Maroš , Baláži Juraj
Published: March 2023

The aim of the paper is to examine the requirements of producers in post-communist countries with lower economic level. The first requirement was how to overcome the limitations of conventional PFMEA to propose measures effectively. The second requirement solved the economic effect of failure modes. The aim of the paper was to create a new hybrid PFMEA–DEMATEL–ERPN model to manage failure modes to resolve the requirements. The DEMATEL model overcame the limitations of PFMEA. DEMATEL data were used to estimate the functionality of the proposed models. Criteria such as the occurrence of defective products and the probability of their occurrence (O and RPN) were monitored. ERPN also overcame the limitations of PFMEA. Internal and external costs arise as effects of failure modes. The costs were included in the economic evaluation of the models. We validated the models in a transfer pressing process. The estimation of models’ functionality proved to be correct. The economic evaluation refined the research results and resolved the second requirement of the manufacturers. The DEMATEL and ERPN models (compared to PFMEA) proved their validity when the use of PFMEA was limited. By using DEMATEL, we registered the lowest number of defective products and the lowest costs.
Comparative Study of Raw and Dehydrated Boletus edulis Mushrooms by Hot Air and Centrifugal Vacuum Processes: Functional Properties and Fatty Acid and Aroma Profiles
Authors: Oancea Simona , Popa Miruna , Socaci Sonia Ancuța , Dulf Francisc Vasile
Published: March 2023

A study on Boletus edulis mushrooms subjected to either hot air drying (HAD) or centrifugal vacuum drying (CVD) was performed to evaluate and compare their functional properties, fatty acids, and aroma compounds. Better flowability and a higher rehydration ratio were observed for HAD powders, while enhanced indices of water solubility, emulsifying activity, and stability were noticed for CVD ones. The composition of 21 identified fatty acids varied between raw and dried samples, the most relevant being the decrease of oleic acid and the increase of linoleic acid during drying. The PUFAs/SFAs ratio was >3.3 in all samples, thus meeting the requirements for healthy lipids. Of the 15 aroma compounds identified in raw mushrooms, only hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and (Z)-2-octen-1-ol were also found in dried samples, to different extents; 1-octen-3-ol was the major volatile constituent in all samples. Low amounts of new alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, D-limonene, and caryophyllene were detected in HAD powders, while dimethyl disulfide and 2-n-pentyl-furan were detected in CVD ones. The drying of mushrooms resulted in a total loss of 2-methyl-2-butenal, (E)-2-octenal, and 1-octen-3-one. These findings become important milestones for food manufacturers and researchers in selecting the desired drying technique of B. edulis based on the powder/emulsifying properties and preservation of fatty acids and aroma molecules.
Damage Mechanism of Prefabricated Fracture-Grouted Rock Specimens under the Action of Dry and Wet Cycles
Authors: Wu Benniu , Liu Qinjie , Fu Qiang , Yang Qinggan , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2023

In order to study the damage mechanism of fissure-grouted rocks in abandoned mine pumped storage, uniaxial compression tests were conducted using fissure-grouted rock specimens after dry and wet cycles. Additionally, acoustic emission sensors were used to track the damage of the rock specimens. The results demonstrate a negative correlation between peak strength and elastic modulus and a linear decrease in wave velocity and the mechanical characteristics of the fracture-grouted rock specimens with increasing dry and wet cycles. As the number of dry and wet cycles increased, the deterioration of the fracture-grouted specimens significantly decreased, and the internal microstructural adjustment of the specimens gradually leveled off. A rock constitutive model considering deterioration due to the dry–wet cycle is introduced, and the stress–strain curves under different dry and wet cycles are fitted. The model, which also accurately shows the mechanism of damage to prefabricated fissure-grouted rock specimens after dry and wet cycles, better characterizes the damage development law of prefabricated fissure-grouted rock specimens under the influence of dry and wet cycles.
An Improved Marker Code Scheme Based on Nucleotide Bases for DNA Data Storage
Authors: Tong Jian , Han Guojun , Sun Yi
Published: March 2023

Due to the rapid growth in the global volume of data, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) data storage has emerged. Error correction in DNA data storage is a key part of this storage technology. In this paper, an improved marker code scheme is proposed to correct insertion, deletion, and substitution errors in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) data storage. To correct synchronization (i.e., insertion and deletion) errors, a novel base-symbol-based synchronization algorithm is proposed and used. In the improved scheme, the marker bits are encoded as the information part of the LDPC code, and then mapped into marker bases to correct the synchronization errors. Thus marker bits not only assist in regaining synchronization, but also play a role in LDPC decoding to improve decoding performance. An improved low-complexity normalized min-sum (INMS) algorithm is proposed to correct residual substitution errors after regaining synchronization. The simulation results demonstrate that the improved scheme provides a substantial performance improvement over the concatenated marker code scheme and concatenated watermark code scheme. At the same time, the complexity of the INMS algorithm was reduced, while its bit error rate (BER) performance was approximate to that of the belief propagation (BP) algorithm.
A Siphon Drainage Method for Consolidation of Soft Soil Foundation
Authors: Wang Jun , Shen Qingsong , Yuan Shuai , Wang Xiaohong , Shu Junwei , Zheng Jun , Sun Hongyue
Published: March 2023

The drainage consolidation method can reduce porosity to consolidate soft soils. In this study, a novel siphon drainage method is used as the drainage consolidation method to lower the groundwater level. Compared to other drainage methods, the siphon drainage method is power-free, environmental-friendly, and highly efficient. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the feasibility of the siphon drainage method on soft soil treatment. In addition, the effects of soil permeability and drainage hole spacing on its application efficiency have been studied. The results show that: (a) The siphon drainage method can accelerate the consolidation by lowering the groundwater level; (b) The larger the soil permeability is, the faster the pore water pressure decreases; (c) Adopting 1 m hole-spacing in the siphon drainage is much more efficient than methods which have a 2 m hole-spacing. In addition, the siphon drainage method is proven the effective in soft soil foundation treatment by a field test in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province.
Research on Instability and “Jack-Knifing” of Civil Aircraft Towing Taxi-Out System
Authors: Qin Jiahao , Liu Jinwang , Lin Qiwei , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2023

A new towing taxi-out departure mode has become the preferred choice to replace the traditional departure mode of civil aircraft due to its obvious advantages of low energy consumption, low emissions, and high efficiency. However, the inertia may lead to potential lateral instability and even “Jack-knifing”, as the mass of the system is concentrated in the rear. In this paper, the lateral instability mechanism and influencing factors of the civil aircraft towing taxi-out system were studied using computer virtual simulation technology and taking Boeing 737–400 and AM210 tractors as research objects. The results show that the “Jack-knifing” phenomenon was caused by the lateral instability of the system when the sliding speed of the system was more than 15 km/h, and the system was accompanied by the lateral slip condition. Furthermore, the safety zone, side-show zone and jack-knifing zone of the system were defined in terms of towing speed and steering angle. Additionally, a towing safety zone was created under different airport track conditions by analyzing the lateral stability of the system. The conclusion of this study may provide a theoretical basis and reference for the safe application of the new taxi-out departure mode.
Anchorage Loss Evaluation during Maxillary Molars Distalization Performed by Clear Aligners: A Retrospective Study on 3D Digital Casts
Authors: Loberto Saveria , Paoloni Valeria , Pavoni Chiara , Cozza Paola , Lione Roberta
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the research was to analyze the premolar and canine anchorage loss observed during maxillary molars distalization in subjects with Class II malocclusion treated with clear aligners. A total of 49 subjects (27 females, 22 males, mean age 14.9 ± 6 years) derived from the Department of Orthodontics of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” were selected according to the following inclusion criteria: Caucasian ancestry, Class I or minor Class II skeletal malocclusion, Class II occlusal relationship, permanent dentition with fully erupted second molars, and good compliance with aligners. Each patient underwent the same non-extractive molar distalization protocol with no auxiliaries other than attachments and Class II elastics. Prior to treatment (T1) and at the end of the first maxillary molars distalization movement (T2), digital dental casts were taken by using an iTero intraoral scanner. Linear measurements were performed in order to evaluate the anchorage loss at the level of the second and first premolars and the canines. The statistical comparison of T2 and T1 values was obtained using a paired t-test (p < 0.05). A statistically significant distalization of the maxillary first permanent molars (2.5 mm) was observed; a slight and not significant anchorage loss of the first and second premolars was assessed, while a statistically significant mesial movement of upper canines (1.33 mm) was highlighted. Clear aligner treatment was effective in obtaining a molar distalization movement. However, during molar distalization, an anchorage loss at the level of upper canines was observed.
The Impact of Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Rahi Mandeep Singh , Thilagar Bright , Balaji Swetha , Prabhakaran Sivaguha Yadunath , Mudgal Mayuri , Rajoo Suganiya , Yella Prashanth Reddy , Satija Palak , Zagorulko Alsu , Gunasekaran Kulothungan
Published: March 2023

Patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are at a higher risk of comorbid conditions such as anxiety and/or depression, which in turn increase their symptom burden and rehospitalizations compared to the general population. It is important to investigate the pathophysiology and clinical implications of mental health on patients with COPD. This review article finds that COPD patients with anxiety and/or depression have a higher rehospitalization incidence. It reviews the current screening and diagnosis methods available. There are pharmacological and non-pharmacologic interventions available for treatment of COPD patients with depression based on severity. COPD patients with mild depression benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation and cognitive behavioral therapy, whereas patients with severe or persistent depression can be treated with pharmacologic interventions.
Investigating the Incorporation of Idle, High Idle, and Driving Acceleration NOx Emissions Tests into the Periodic Technical Inspection Procedures
Authors: Thomas Daisy , Sandhu Gurdas S. , Nilsson Thomas , Bjurkvist Stefan
Published: March 2023

NOx pollution is one of the greatest air quality issues that urban areas face today, particularly within the European Union (EU), yet currently this pollutant is only controlled through the homologation process. There is currently no periodic technical inspection (PTI) process for NOx emissions within the EU, leaving a weakness in the legislation that is currently allowing high polluters to negatively impact air quality. Work needs to be performed to incorporate a simple, quick, inexpensive, and representative test to accurately identify these high emitters within the on-road vehicle fleet. This paper investigates options for the incorporation of a NOx test into the EU PTI test procedures. In a trial constituting over 600 vehicles, a 3DATX parSYNC was used to measure the NOx emissions over a series of short test types. These are an idle test, two types of high idle test (a constant high idle and a rapid high idle), and an on-road driving dynamic acceleration test. The repeatability of all three test types was good. The NOx concentrations have strong correlations to the mass emissions for each test type, with the use of mean concentrations being deemed more representative than the use of maximum concentrations. The mean results across the tested fleet are calculated and used to define pass/fail thresholds for different vehicle types. The findings of this work show that multiple test methods have the potential to characterize NOx emissions from a vehicle, but in order to catch high emitters on a PTI test, the unloaded idle and high idle test types are not suitable substitutes for a dynamic acceleration test, particularly for petrol vehicles.
A pptv Level Incoherent Broadband Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectrometer for the Measurement of Atmospheric NO3
Authors: Ling Liuyi , Li Weilong , Zhang Qi
Published: March 2023

NO3 radicals are one of the very important trace gases in the atmosphere. Accurate measurements of NO3 can provide data support for atmospheric chemistry research. Due to the extremely low content of NO3 radicals in the atmosphere, it is a challenge to accurately detect it. In this paper, an incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer (IBBCEAS) with high sensitivity is developed for measuring atmospheric NO3. The IBBCEAS absorption spectra of NO3 in the range of 648–674 nm are measured. The concentration of NO3 is retrieved by fitting the absorption cross-section of NO3 to the measured absorption coefficient using the least square method. The interference absorption of water vapor is effectively removed by an iterative calculation of its absorption cross-section. The detect limit of the spectrometer is analyzed using the Allan variance and the standard variance. The NO3 detection limit (1σ) of the spectrometer is 1.99 pptv for 1 s integration time, and improves to be 0.69 pptv and 0.21 pptv for 10 s and 162 s integration time, respectively. The developed spectrometer with pptv level sensitivity is applied to the measurements of the real atmospheric NO3 for verifying the effectiveness.
Searching for Systems with Planar Hexacoordinate Carbons
Authors: Inostroza Diego , Leyva-Parra Luis , Yañez Osvaldo , Solar-Encinas José , Vásquez-Espinal Alejandro , Valenzuela Maria Luisa , Tiznado William
Published: March 2023

Here, we present evidence that the D2h M2C50/2+ (M = Li-K, Be-Ca, Al-In, and Zn) species comprises planar hexacoordinate carbon (phC) structures that exhibit four covalent and two electrostatic interactions. These findings have been made possible using evolutionary methods for exploring the potential energy surface (AUTOMATON program) and the Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) methodology, which support the observed bonding interactions. It is worth noting, however, that these structures are not the global minimum. Nonetheless, incorporating two cyclopentadienyl anion ligands (Cp) into the CaC52+ system has enhanced the relative stability of the phC isomer. Moreover, cycloparaphenylene ([8]CPP) provides system protection and kinetic stability. These results indicate that using appropriate ligands presents a promising approach for expanding the chemistry of phC species.
Some New Sufficient Conditions on p-Valency for Certain Analytic Functions
Authors: Shi Lei , Arif Muhammad , Bukhari Syed Zakar Hussain , Raza Malik Ali
Published: March 2023

In the present paper, we develop some implications leading to Carathéodory functions in the open disk and provide some new conditions for functions to be p-valent functions. This work also extends the findings of Nunokawa and others.
Evaluating Task-Level CPU Efficiency for Distributed Stream Processing Systems
Authors: Rank Johannes , Herget Jonas , Hein Andreas , Krcmar Helmut
Published: March 2023

Big Data and primarily distributed stream processing systems (DSPSs) are growing in complexity and scale. As a result, effective performance management to ensure that these systems meet the required service level objectives (SLOs) is becoming increasingly difficult. A key factor to consider when evaluating the performance of a DSPS is CPU efficiency, which is the ratio of the workload processed by the system to the CPU resources invested. In this paper, we argue that developing new performance tools for creating DSPSs that can fulfill SLOs while using minimal resources is crucial. This is especially significant in edge computing situations where resources are limited and in large cloud deployments where conserving power and reducing computing expenses are essential. To address this challenge, we present a novel task-level approach for measuring CPU efficiency in DSPSs. Our approach supports various streaming frameworks, is adaptable, and comes with minimal overheads. This enables developers to understand the efficiency of different DSPSs at a granular level and provides insights that were not previously possible.
Bioengineering for the Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminants
Authors: Wang Minzhen , Ding Mingzhu , Yuan Yingjin
Published: March 2023

Petroleum hydrocarbons are relatively recalcitrant compounds, and as contaminants, they are one of the most serious environmental problems. n-Alkanes are important constituents of petroleum hydrocarbons. Advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies have made n-alkane biodegradation more designable and maneuverable for solving environmental pollution problems. In the microbial degradation of n-alkanes, more and more degradation pathways, related genes, microbes, and alkane hydroxylases have been discovered, which provide a theoretical basis for the further construction of degrading strains and microbial communities. In this review, the current advances in the microbial degradation of n-alkanes under aerobic condition are summarized in four aspects, including the biodegradation pathways and related genes, alkane hydroxylases, engineered microbial chassis, and microbial community. Especially, the microbial communities of “Alkane-degrader and Alkane-degrader” and “Alkane-degrader and Helper” provide new ideas for the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. Surfactant producers and nitrogen providers as a “Helper” are discussed in depth. This review will be helpful to further achieve bioremediation of oil-polluted environments rapidly.
Reduced Fibroblast Activation on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds
Authors: Woodley Joe P. , Lambert Daniel W. , Asencio Ilida Ortega
Published: March 2023

In vivo, quiescent fibroblasts reside in three-dimensional connective tissues and are activated in response to tissue injury before proliferating rapidly and becoming migratory and contractile myofibroblasts. When deregulated, chronic activation drives fibrotic disease. Fibroblasts cultured on stiff 2D surfaces display a partially activated phenotype, whilst many 3D environments limit fibroblast activation. Cell mechanotransduction, spreading, polarity, and integrin expression are controlled by material mechanical properties and micro-architecture. Between 3D culture systems, these features are highly variable, and the challenge of controlling individual properties without altering others has led to an inconsistent picture of fibroblast behaviour. Electrospinning offers greater control of mechanical properties and microarchitecture making it a valuable model to study fibroblast activation behaviour in vitro. Here, we present a comprehensive characterisation of the activation traits of human oral fibroblasts grown on a microfibrous scaffold composed of electrospun polycaprolactone. After over 7 days in the culture, we observed a reduction in proliferation rates compared to cells cultured in 2D, with low KI67 expression and no evidence of cellular senescence. A-SMA mRNA levels fell, and the expression of ECM protein-coding genes also decreased. Electrospun fibrous scaffolds, therefore, represent a tuneable platform to investigate the mechanisms of fibroblast activation and their roles in fibrotic disease.
Rapid and Stable Formation Method of Human Astrocyte Spheroid in a High Viscous Methylcellulose Medium and Its Functional Advantages
Authors: Tao Fumiya , Kitamura Keita , Hanada Sanshiro , Sugimoto Kazuyuki , Furihata Tomomi , Kojima Nobuhiko
Published: March 2023

Astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, are thought to be functionally and morphologically diverse cells that regulate brain homeostasis. Cell immortalization is a promising technique for the propagation of primary human astrocytes. The immortalized cells retain their astrocytic marker mRNA expression at lower levels than the primary cells. Therefore, improvement of the differentiation status is required. The use of a 3D formation technique to mimic structural tissue is a good strategy for reflecting physiological cell–cell interactions. Previously, we developed a spheroid formation method using highly viscous methyl cellulose (MC) medium. In this study, we applied this formation method to the well-established immortalized human astrocyte cell line HASTR/ci35. Stable HASTR/ci35 spheroids were successfully formed in MC medium, and laminin deposition was detected inside of the spheroids. Their functional markers were enhanced compared to conventional spheroids formed in U-bottom plates. The inflammatory response was moderately sensitive, and the ability to support neurite growth was confirmed. The HASTR/ci35 spheroid in the MC medium demonstrated the differentiation phenotype and could serve as a potent in vitro model for matured astrocytes.
Long-Term Efficacy of Inferior Oblique Myectomy Accompanied with Tenon’s Capsule Closure: Objective Analysis Using Nine-Gaze Photographs
Authors: Yoon Chang Ki , Yang Hee Kyung , Han Sang Beom , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: March 2023

Background: The aim is to evaluate the long-term efficacy of inferior oblique (IO) myectomy combined with Tenon’s capsule closure to prevent muscle reattachment to the sclera. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 18 patients with primary and secondary IO overaction who underwent IO myectomy accompanied by Tenon’s capsule closure. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year after the surgery. The main outcome measures included oblique muscle dysfunction, which was objectively graded through computerized analysis of nine-gaze photographs, and the amount of vertical deviation in the primary position using alternate prism cover testing. Results: After a mean follow up of 2.5 years, the grade of IO overaction decreased from +2.2 ± 1.0 to −0.8 ± 1.0 (p < 0.001). In patients with secondary IO overaction with superior oblique (SO) palsy, SO underaction improved from −2.2 ± 1.5 to −0.2 ± 1.8 (p = 0.006). Successful vertical deviation in the primary position of seven prism diopters or less was achieved in 83.3% of the patients. Underaction of the IO was observed in 11.1% of patients, whereas none of the patients showed antielevation syndrome. Conclusion: IO myectomy combined with Tenon’s capsule closure might be safe and effective for the treatment of primary and secondary IO overaction in the long term.
The Soft Prefabricated Orthopedic Insole Decreases Plantar Pressure during Uphill Walking with Heavy Load Carriage
Authors: Peng Hsien-Te , Liu Li-Wen , Chen Chiou-Jong , Chen Zong-Rong
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying the hardness of prefabricated orthopedic insoles on plantar pressure and muscle fatigue during uphill walking with a heavy backpack. Fifteen healthy male recreational athletes (age: 20.4 ± 1.0 years, height: 176.9 ± 5.7 cm, weight: 76.5 ± 9.0 kg) wore prefabricated orthopedic insoles with foot arch support; a heel cup with medium (MI), hard (HI), and soft (SI) relative hardnesses; and flat insoles (FI). They performed treadmill walking on uphill gradients with 25 kg backpacks. The plantar pressure and surface electromyographic activity were recorded separately, in 30 s and 6 min uphill treadmill walking trials, respectively. The HI, MI, and SI significantly decreased peak plantar pressure in the lateral heel compared to FI. The MI and SI significantly decreased the peak plantar pressure in the fifth metatarsal compared to FI. The MI significantly reduced the pressure–time integral in the lateral heel compared to FI. The HI significantly increased the peak plantar pressure and pressure–time integral in the toes compared to other insoles, and decreased the contact area in the metatarsal compared to SI. In conclusion, a prefabricated orthopedic insole made of soft material at the fore- and rearfoot, with midfoot arch support and a heel cup, may augment the advantages of plantar pressure distribution during uphill weighted walking.
Managing the Heterogeneity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cartilage Regenerative Therapy: A Review
Authors: Goh Doreen , Yang Yanmeng , Lee Eng Hin , Hui James Hoi Po , Yang Zheng
Published: March 2023

Articular cartilage defects commonly result from trauma and are associated with significant morbidity. Since cartilage is an avascular, aneural, and alymphatic tissue with a poor intrinsic healing ability, the regeneration of functional hyaline cartilage remains a difficult clinical problem. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with multilineage differentiation potential, including the ability to differentiate into chondrocytes. Due to their availability and ease of ex vivo expansion, clinicians are increasingly applying MSCs in the treatment of cartilage lesions. However, despite encouraging pre-clinical and clinical data, inconsistencies in MSC proliferative and chondrogenic potential depending on donor, tissue source, cell subset, culture conditions, and handling techniques remain a key barrier to widespread clinical application of MSC therapy in cartilage regeneration. In this review, we highlight the strategies to manage the heterogeneity of MSCs ex vivo for more effective cartilage repair, including reducing the MSC culture expansion period, and selecting MSCs with higher chondrogenic potential through specific genetic markers, surface markers, and biophysical attributes. The accomplishment of a less heterogeneous population of culture-expanded MSCs may improve the scalability, reproducibility, and standardisation of MSC therapy for clinical application in cartilage regeneration.
Soil Moisture and Available Phosphorus as the Factors Driving Variation in Functional Characteristics across Different Restoration Communities in a Subtropical Mountain Ecosystem
Authors: Wu Xiaoni , Shen Chunjie , Ma Xudong , Hu Lianyu , He Yongjian , Shang Huaye , Fu Denggao
Published: March 2023

Functional characteristics are increasingly used to evaluate the success of different vegetation restoration. Community functional diversity (FD) and the community-weighted mean (CWM), as two main complementary components, are closely linked to site environment and ecosystem functions. However, the patterns and driving factors of functional characteristics are still not clear in different vegetation restoration types. Here, four community restoration types (secondary shrubland, SL; Pinus yunnanensis forest, PF; mixed needle–broad-leaved forest, MF; natural secondary forest, NSF) were selected to investigate species diversity, FD, CWM, and soil physicochemical properties. The relative effects of species diversity and soil abiotic features on variation in functional characteristics were then evaluated. We found that different restoration communities altered most community structures and functional properties in terms of species diversity, FD, and CWM. CWM values and FD in different communities presented different distribution patterns depending on certain traits and parameters. Significant correlations between functional traits were found at the species and community scales, suggesting a potential covariation between these selected traits in communities. The results of redundancy analysis and variation partitioning showed that most of the variation in functional characteristics, especially CWM, was explained by soil moisture and available phosphorus, indicating that habitat filters regulate the functional characteristics of plant communities mainly by changing the dominant species composition and functional traits of species. Therefore, the selection of restoration species adapted to low soil moisture and available phosphorus and the construction of communities based on selected species as the dominant species can effectively drive community assembly and ecosystem functions in the vegetation restoration process.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Growth and Sex Traits Provides Insight into Heritable Mechanisms Underlying Growth Development of Macrobrachium nipponense (Oriental River Prawn)
Authors: Wang Mengchao , Jin Shubo , Liu Shuai , Fu Hongtuo , Zhao Yunfeng , Jiang Li
Published: March 2023

Male hybrid oriental river prawns grow significantly faster than hybrid females. In this study, the growth and sex traits of 181 individuals of Macrobrachium nipponense were recorded, and each individual genotype was evaluated using the 2b-RAD sequencing method. The genetic parameters for growth and sex traits were estimated. A genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of these traits was performed. In total, 18 growth-related SNPs were detected from 12 chromosomes using a mixed linear model. The most significant loci of weight are located on the position of the SNP (102638935, chromosome 13), which can explain 11.87% of the phenotypic variation. A total of 11 significant SNPs were detected on four chromosomes associated with sex trait (three on chromosome 4, one on chromosome 7 and seven on chromosome 17). The heritability of this trait is 0.8998 and belongs to the range of ultra-high heritability. Genetic correlations were prevalent among the 11 traits examined, the genetic coefficient between sex and body weight reached a significant level of −0.23. This study is the first GWAS for sex of binary and growth traits in oriental river prawn. Our results provide a set of markers for the genetic selection of growth traits and help us to further understand the genetic mechanisms of growth in Macrobrachium nipponense.
Promoter Cis-Element Analyses Reveal the Function of αVPE in Drought Stress Response of Arabidopsis
Authors: Tang Chu-Nie , Wan Abdullah Wan Muhamad Asrul Nizam , Wee Chien-Yeong , Balia Yusof Zetty Norhana , Yap Wai-Sum , Cheng Wan-Hee , Baharum Nadiya Akmal , Ong-Abdullah Janna , Loh Jiun-Yan , Lai Kok-Song
Published: March 2023

Vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE) is a cysteine protease responsible for vacuolar proteins’ maturation and regulation of programmed cell death (PCD). Four isoforms of Arabidopsis thaliana VPEs were identified previously, but only the functions of βVPE, γVPE, and δVPE were determined. The specific function of a gene is linked to the cis-acting elements in the promoter region. A promoter analysis found repetitive drought-related cis-elements in αVPE, which highlight its potential involvement in drought regulation in A. thaliana. The further co-expression network portraying genes interacting with αVPE substantiated its drought-regulation-related function. Expression of αVPE was upregulated after drought treatment in A. thaliana. To confirm the role of αVPE, a loss of function study revealed that αVPE knockout mutants remained green compared with WT after drought treatment. The mutants had reduced proline activity, decreased sucrose content, and lower MDA content, but increased photosynthetic pigments, indicating that αVPE negatively regulates drought tolerance in A. thaliana. Taken together, our findings serve as important evidence of the involvement of αVPE in modulating drought tolerance in A. thaliana.
Identification of CNGCs in Glycine max and Screening of Related Resistance Genes after Fusarium solani Infection
Authors: Cui Yuxing , Wang Jingxuan , Bai Yingxue , Ban Liping , Ren Junda , Shang Qiaoxia , Li Weiyu
Published: March 2023

Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs), non-selective cation channels localised on the plasmalemma, are involved in growth, development, and regulatory mechanisms in plants during adverse stress. To date, CNGC gene families in multiple crops have been identified and analysed. However, there have been no systematic studies on the evolution and development of CNGC gene families in legumes. Therefore, in the present study, via transcriptome analysis, we identified 143 CNGC genes in legumes, and thereafter, classified and named them according to the grouping method used for Arabidopsis thaliana. Functional verification for disease stress showed that four GmCNGCs were specifically expressed in the plasmalemma during the stress process. Further, functional enrichment analysis showed that their mode of participation and coordination included inorganic ion concentration regulation inside and outside the membrane via the transmembrane ion channel and participation in stress regulation via signal transduction. The CNGC family genes in G. max involved in disease stress were also identified and physiological stress response and omics analyses were also performed. Our preliminary results revealed the basic laws governing the involvement of CNGCs in disease resistance in G. max, providing important gene resources and a theoretical reference for the breeding of resistant soybean.
Behavioral and Transcriptomic Changes Following Brain-Specific Loss of Noradrenergic Transmission
Authors: Isingrini Elsa , Guinaudie Chloé , Perret Léa , Guma Elisa , Gorgievski Victor , Blum Ian D. , Colby-Milley Jessica , Bairachnaya Maryia , Mella Sébastien , Adamantidis Antoine , Storch Kai-Florian , Giros Bruno
Published: March 2023

Noradrenaline (NE) plays an integral role in shaping behavioral outcomes including anxiety/depression, fear, learning and memory, attention and shifting behavior, sleep-wake state, pain, and addiction. However, it is unclear whether dysregulation of NE release is a cause or a consequence of maladaptive orientations of these behaviors, many of which associated with psychiatric disorders. To address this question, we used a unique genetic model in which the brain-specific vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) gene expression was removed in NE-positive neurons disabling NE release in the entire brain. We engineered VMAT2 gene splicing and NE depletion by crossing floxed VMAT2 mice with mice expressing the Cre-recombinase under the dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) gene promotor. In this study, we performed a comprehensive behavioral and transcriptomic characterization of the VMAT2DBHcre KO mice to evaluate the role of central NE in behavioral modulations. We demonstrated that NE depletion induces anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, improves contextual fear memory, alters shifting behavior, decreases the locomotor response to amphetamine, and induces deeper sleep during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase. In contrast, NE depletion did not affect spatial learning and memory, working memory, response to cocaine, and the architecture of the sleep-wake cycle. Finally, we used this model to identify genes that could be up- or down-regulated in the absence of NE release. We found an up-regulation of the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2c (SV2c) gene expression in several brain regions, including the locus coeruleus (LC), and were able to validate this up-regulation as a marker of vulnerability to chronic social defeat. The NE system is a complex and challenging system involved in many behavioral orientations given it brain wide distribution. In our study, we unraveled specific role of NE neurotransmission in multiple behavior and link it to molecular underpinning, opening future direction to understand NE role in health and disease.
Stability Determination of Intact Humanin-G with Characterizations of Oxidation and Dimerization Patterns
Authors: Ozgul Mustafa , Nesburn Anthony B. , Nasralla Nader , Katz Benjamin , Taylan Enes , Kuppermann Baruch D. , Kenney Maria Cristina
Published: March 2023

Humanin is the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptide. Humanin-G (HNG) is a variant of Humanin that has significantly higher cytoprotective properties. Here, we describe the stability features of HNG in different conditions and characterize HNG degradation, oxidation, and dimerization patterns over short-term and long-term periods. HNG solutions were prepared in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) water or MO formulation and stored at either 4 °C or 37 °C. Stored HNG samples were analyzed using HPLC and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Using HPLC, full-length HNG peptides in HPLC water decreased significantly with time and higher temperature, while HNG in MO formulation remained stable up to 95% at 4 °C on day 28. HNG peptides in HPLC water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and MO formulation were incubated at 37 °C and analyzed at day 1, day 7 and day 14 using HRMS. Concentrations of full-length HNG peptide in HPLC water and PBS declined over time with a corresponding appearance of new peaks that increased over time. These new peaks were identified to be singly oxidized HNG, doubly oxidized HNG, homodimerized HNG, singly oxidized homodimerized HNG, and doubly oxidized homodimerized HNG. Our results may help researchers improve the experimental design to further understand the critical role of HNG in human diseases.
Dysregulation of AMPA Receptor Trafficking and Intracellular Vesicular Sorting in the Prefrontal Cortex of Dopamine Transporter Knock-Out Rats
Authors: Targa Giorgia , Mottarlini Francesca , Rizzi Beatrice , Leo Damiana , Caffino Lucia , Fumagalli Fabio
Published: March 2023

Dopamine (DA) and glutamate interact, influencing neural excitability and promoting synaptic plasticity. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying this crosstalk. Since perturbation of DA-AMPA receptor interaction might sustain pathological conditions, the major aim of our work was to evaluate the effect of the hyperactive DA system on the AMPA subunit composition, trafficking, and membrane localization in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Taking advantage of dopamine transporter knock-out (DAT−/−) rats, we found that DA overactivity reduced the translation of cortical AMPA receptors and their localization at both synaptic and extra-synaptic sites through, at least in part, altered intracellular vesicular sorting. Moreover, the reduced expression of AMPA receptor-specific anchoring proteins and structural markers, such as Neuroligin-1 and nCadherin, likely indicate a pattern of synaptic instability. Overall, these data reveal that a condition of hyperdopaminergia markedly alters the homeostatic plasticity of AMPA receptors, suggesting a general destabilization and depotentiation of the AMPA-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission in the PFC. This effect might be functionally relevant for disorders characterized by elevated dopaminergic activity.
How Clustered DNA Damage Can Change the Electronic Properties of ds-DNA—Differences between GAG, GAOXOG, and OXOGAOXOG
Authors: Karwowski Boleslaw
Published: March 2023

Every 24 h, roughly 3 × 1017 incidences of DNA damage are generated in the human body as a result of intra- or extra-cellular factors. The structure of the formed lesions is identical to that formed during radio- or chemotherapy. Increases in the clustered DNA damage (CDL) level during anticancer treatment have been observed compared to those found in untreated normal tissues. 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (OXOG) has been recognized as the most common lesion. In these studies, the influence of OXOG, as an isolated (oligo-OG) or clustered DNA lesion (oligo-OGOG), on charge transfer has been analyzed in comparison to native oligo-G. DNA lesion repair depends on the damage recognition step, probably via charge transfer. Here the electronic properties of short ds-oligonucleotides were calculated and analyzed at the M062x/6-31++G** level of theory in a non-equilibrated and equilibrated solvent state. The rate constant of hole and electron transfer according to Marcus’ theory was also discussed. These studies elucidated that OXOG constitutes the sink for migrated radical cations. However, in the case of oligo-OGOG containing a 5′-OXOGAXOXG-3′ sequence, the 3′-End OXOG becomes predisposed to electron-hole accumulation contrary to the undamaged GAG fragment. Moreover, it was found that the 5′-End OXOG present in an OXOGAOXOG fragment adopts a higher adiabatic ionization potential than the 2′-deoxyguanosine of an undamaged analog if both ds-oligos are present in a cationic form. Because increases in CDL formation have been observed during radio- or chemotherapy, understanding their role in the above processes can be crucial for the efficiency and safety of medical cancer treatment.