bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-Based Antioxidants in Gluten-Free Bread Production: Sources, Technological and Sensory Aspects, Enhancing Strategies and Constraints
Authors: Djordjević Marijana , Djordjević Miljana , Starowicz Małgorzata , Krupa-Kozak Urszula
Published: January 2024

The recognized contribution of antioxidant compounds to overall health maintenance and spotted deficiencies in celiac patients’ diets has driven more intensive research regarding antioxidant compounds’ inclusion in gluten-free bread (GFB) production during the last decade. The presented review gathered information that provided insights into plant-based antioxidant sources which are applicable in GFB production through the resulting changes in the technological, sensory, and nutritional quality of the resulting antioxidant-enriched GFB. The influence of the bread-making process on the antioxidant compounds’ content alteration and applied methods for their quantification in GFB matrices were also discussed, together with strategies for enhancing the antioxidant compounds’ content, their bioaccessibility, and their bioavailability, highlighting the existing contradictions and constraints. The addition of plant-based antioxidant compounds generally improved the antioxidant content and activity of GFB, without a profound detrimental effect on its technological quality and sensory acceptability, and with the extent of the improvement being dependent on the source richness and the amount added. The determination of a pertinent amount and source of plant-based antioxidant material that will result in the production of GFB with desirable nutritional, sensory, and technological quality, as well as biological activity, remains a challenge to be combated by elucidation of the potential mechanism of action and by the standardization of quantification methods for antioxidant compounds.
Implementation of Tools for Lessening the Influence of Artifacts in EEG Signal Analysis
Authors: Molina-Molina Mario , Tardón Lorenzo J. , Barbancho Ana M. , Barbancho Isabel
Published: January 2024

This manuscript describes an implementation of scripts of code aimed at reducing the influence of artifacts, specifically focused on ocular artifacts, in the measurement and processing of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. This process is of importance because it benefits the analysis and study of long trial samples when the appearance of ocular artifacts cannot be avoided by simply discarding trials. The implementations provided to the reader illustrate, with slight modifications, previously proposed methods aimed at the partial or complete elimination of EEG channels or components obtained after independent component analysis (ICA) of EEG signals. These channels or components are those that resemble the electro-oculogram (EOG) signals in which artifacts are detected. In addition to the description of each of the provided functions, examples of utilization and illustrative figures will be included to show the expected results and processing pipeline.
Manufacturing Process of Helicopter Tail Rotor Blades from Composite Materials Using 3D-Printed Moulds
Authors: Torpan Radu , Zaharia Sebastian-Marian
Published: January 2024

Conventional processes require a mould for the manufacture of each test product, which often results in high costs but is ideal for large series of products. In contrast, for prototypes, additive manufacturing processes are a suitable low-cost time-saving alternative. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the capabilities of 3D-printed tooling in a real-life scenario for composite blades with low production numbers and prototypes in order to allow development and production costs to decrease and to also reduce lead times in the early phases of new projects. The 3D printing process is economically advantageous in terms of production costs for the composite blade mould, reducing the cost three times compared to the conventional manufacturing process. To obtain the composite helicopter blade, the following phases were carried out: the starting design of the mould, 3D printing and assembly of the mould sections, and blade manufacturing. The economic analysis of the two mould manufacturing methods shows an approximately equal ratio between the manufacturing costs of the 3D-printed mould and the manufacturing costs of the blade, whereas in the conventional processes, the costs for mould manufacturing represent 75% of the total cost and the rest (25%) of the cost is spent on blade manufacturing.
Impacts of Flight Operations on the Risk of Runway Excursions
Authors: Wang Feiyin , Yuan Jintong , Liu Xiaochen , Wang Pengtao , Xu Mao , Li Xiaoyu , Li Hang
Published: January 2024

The Quick Access Recorder (QAR), as an onboard device used for monitoring and recording flight parameters, has been extensively installed on various types of aircraft. Recently, there has been a significant focus on studying the typical flight safety event of runway excursions based on QAR data. However, there is limited research that combines the analysis of runway excursion risks with flight operations, and there is also a scarcity of studies that divide the investigation of the landing phase into multiple key stages. In this paper, we propose a comparative analysis of operational characteristics and risks associated with runway excursions from the perspective of operational styles. A total of 2087 flights were classified on the basis of touchdown distance, taxiing distance, and magnetic heading changes and were divided into three styles based on these indicators. Subsequently, we analyze flight operations and attitudes at five key stages: runway threshold, flare, speed brake deployment, touchdown, and reverse thrust activation. Furthermore, we employ the selection criteria of pilot proficiency levels to filter out standard operational curves. The curve similarity is used to compare the difference between the actual operating curves and the standard curves. Finally, we employ typical correlation analysis to explore the relationship between touchdown distance and operational variances. The findings indicate that Style 1 pilots exhibit the lowest probability of runway excursions, yet their maneuvers potentially elevate the risk of hard landing events.
Influence of Building Height Variation on Air Pollution Dispersion in Different Wind Directions: A Numerical Simulation Study
Authors: Pan Jiaye , Ji Jinnan
Published: January 2024

Due to the rapid advancement of urbanization, traffic–related pollutants in street canyons have emerged as the primary source of PM2.5, adversely impacting residents’ health. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce PM2.5 concentrations. In this study, a three–dimensional steady–state simulation was conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Three representative wind directions (θ = 0°, 45°, and 90°, corresponding to parallel, oblique, and perpendicular winds) and five different building height ratios (BHR = 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4) were used to explore the effect of building height variations on PM2.5 dispersion within street canyons. The results indicated that wind direction significantly influenced PM2.5 dispersion (p < 0.001). As θ increased (θ = 0°, 45°, and 90°), PM2.5 concentration in the canyon increased, reaching the most severe pollution under perpendicular wind. Building height variations had a minor impact compared to wind direction, but differences in PM2.5 concentration were still observed among various BHRs. Specifically, under parallel wind, the influence of BHR on PM2.5 dispersion was relatively small as compared to oblique and perpendicular winds. For oblique wind, PM2.5 concentrations varied based on BHR. Street canyons composed of low–rise or multi–story buildings (BHR = 0.25 or 4) slightly increased PM2.5 concentrations within the canyon, while the lowest PM2.5 concentration was observed at a BHR of 0.5. Under perpendicular wind, symmetrical (BHR = 1) and step–down canyons (BHR = 2 and 4) exhibited comparable peak concentrations of PM2.5, whereas step–up canyons (BHR = 0.25 and 0.5) showed relatively lower concentrations.
CTDR-Net: Channel-Time Dense Residual Network for Detecting Crew Overboard Behavior
Authors: Li Zhengbao , Gao Jie , Ma Kai , Wu Zewei , Du Libin
Published: January 2024

The efficient detection of crew overboard behavior has become an important element in enhancing the ability to respond to marine disasters. It remains challenging due to (1) the lack of effective features making feature extraction difficult and recognition accuracy low and (2) the insufficient computing power resulting in the poor real-time performance of existing algorithms. In this paper, we propose a Channel-Time Dense Residual Network (CTDR-Net) for detecting crew overboard behavior, including a Dense Residual Network (DR-Net) and a Channel-Time Attention Mechanism (CTAM). The DR-Net is proposed to extract features, which employs the convolutional splitting method to improve the extraction ability of sparse features and reduce the number of network parameters. The CTAM is used to enhance the expression ability of channel feature information, and can increase the accuracy of behavior detection more effectively. We use the LeakyReLU activation function to improve the nonlinear modeling ability of the network, which can further enhance the network’s generalization ability. The experiments show that our method has an accuracy of 96.9%, striking a good balance between accuracy and real-time performance.
Numerical Analysis of the Overtopping Failure of the Tailings Dam Model Based on Inception Similarity Optimization
Authors: Qiu Deli , Xu Jiangdong , Lin Hai
Published: January 2024

The analysis of overtopping dam break caused by extreme rainstorms and other special circumstances is very important in the feasibility analysis of new construction or expansion projects of tailings reservoirs. Reduced-scale physical model tests can directly reflect the topography and dam-break influence range, but the reasonable selection of model dam material is the key to ensure the model’s similarity. Based on the similarity optimization of the limit state of scour inception of sediment particles, a new method for the model material of tailings dams can be proposed, but it needs to be verified by a similar overtopping model test. In this paper, the modeling and numerical calculation analysis of a prototype tailings dam and a similar reduced-scale model are carried out by using FLOW-3D v11.2 numerical software. The calculation results show that the model test scheme optimized by inception similarity can well reproduce the overtopping failure process of the prototype dam.
An Experimental Study on the Fine Particle Emissions of Brake Pads According to Different Conditions Assuming Vehicle Deceleration with Pin-on-Disc Friction Test
Authors: Yoo Jaesang , Lee Youngze
Published: January 2024

Fine particles from vehicles occur in a range of particulate matter (PM) sizes and influence the roadside atmosphere. The contribution of fine dust from automobiles to road pollution has reportedly been extremely high. Researchers have estimated that non-exhaust fine dust originating from brakes, tires, clutches, and road surface wear rate is increasing. Several studies have shown that brake pads account for a significant proportion of non-exhaust emissions. In this study, a friction test using vehicle brake pads was carried out with a friction tester to reveal the harmfulness of brake pad particles by the driver’s driving habits. Conditions were made considering the pressure, vehicle speed, and temperature and assuming the amount of deceleration of the vehicle. Particle collection devices were used to analyze the concentration of number and the mass distribution of particles produced in the experiment, with a range from 6 nm to 7.3 μm to gauge the toxicity of particles. The results showed that the number concentration of fine particles tended to increase linearly with changes in vehicle deceleration (braking energy) in the particle diameter region around 0.75–7.3 μm. The number concentration of fine particles tended to increase exponentially in the particle diameter region around 71–120 nm. The rapid occurrence of ultrafine particles in nanometers varied depending on the test conditions.
Study on the Emission Characteristics of Typical City Buses under Actual Road Conditions
Authors: Wang Jiguang , Xu Feng , Chen Xudong , Li Jiaqiang , Wang Li , Jiang Bigang , Chen Yanlin
Published: January 2024

Five typical in-use city buses in Tangshan with different emission standards, fuel power types, and emission control technology routes were selected as the research objects. PEMSs (Portable Emissions Measurement Systems) and OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) remote monitoring technologies were used to conduct research on actual road conditions and emission characteristics. The research aimed to analyze the driving characteristics of different power types of bus engines and after-treatment systems, as well as their impact on emissions. The results indicated that the actual road driving is mainly in the urban and suburban areas of the local region. Additionally, the VSP (Vehicle Specific Power) was found to be distributed in the low- and medium-speed range of mode Bin0~Bin24. The emission rates of each pollutant showed an increasing trend with the increase in VSP. THC and NOx emissions of CNG and LNG buses are significantly higher than those of gas–electric hybrid buses. However, the PM emissions are lower. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the NOx emission control of CNG and LNG buses. With the improvement in emission standards and the use of hybrid technology, CO2 and NOx emissions of China IV buses can be reduced by 13% and 53.5% compared with China III buses of the same tonnage. The CO2 and NOx emissions of China V buses using natural gas combustion and an electric mixture are 20% and 18.8% lower than those of China V buses of the same tonnage using only natural gas. In the actual operation of the diesel–electric hybrid bus equipped with the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, the working time of the engine is about 35.5 ± 5%, and the working time of the SCR system only accounts for 65.5 ± 12%. The low working conditions of the SCR system and the low temperature of SCR system are the reasons for the high NOx concentration at the rear end of the SCR system when the hybrid electric bus is running at low speeds.
Toward Smart, Automated Junctional Tourniquets—AI Models to Interpret Vessel Occlusion at Physiological Pressure Points
Authors: Avital Guy , Hernandez Torres Sofia I. , Knowlton Zechariah J. , Bedolla Carlos , Salinas Jose , Snider Eric J.
Published: January 2024

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in both civilian and military medicine. Junctional hemorrhages are especially difficult to manage since traditional tourniquet placement is often not possible. Ultrasound can be used to visualize and guide the caretaker to apply pressure at physiological pressure points to stop hemorrhage. However, this process is technically challenging, requiring the vessel to be properly positioned over rigid boney surfaces and applying sufficient pressure to maintain proper occlusion. As a first step toward automating this life-saving intervention, we demonstrate an artificial intelligence algorithm that classifies a vessel as patent or occluded, which can guide a user to apply the appropriate pressure required to stop flow. Neural network models were trained using images captured from a custom tissue-mimicking phantom and an ex vivo swine model of the inguinal region, as pressure was applied using an ultrasound probe with and without color Doppler overlays. Using these images, we developed an image classification algorithm suitable for the determination of patency or occlusion in an ultrasound image containing color Doppler overlay. Separate AI models for both test platforms were able to accurately detect occlusion status in test-image sets to more than 93% accuracy. In conclusion, this methodology can be utilized for guiding and monitoring proper vessel occlusion, which, when combined with automated actuation and other AI models, can allow for automated junctional tourniquet application.
Finding the Goldilocks Zone of Mechanical Loading: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanical Loading in the Prevention and Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jahn Jacob , Ehlen Quinn T. , Huang Chun-Yuh
Published: January 2024

In this review, we discuss the interaction of mechanical factors influencing knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) pathogenesis. Emphasizing the importance of mechanotransduction within inflammatory responses, we discuss its capacity for being utilized and harnessed within the context of prevention and rehabilitation of osteoarthritis (OA). Additionally, we introduce a discussion on the Goldilocks zone, which describes the necessity of maintaining a balance of adequate, but not excessive mechanical loading to maintain proper knee joint health. Expanding beyond these, we synthesize findings from current literature that explore the biomechanical loading of various rehabilitation exercises, in hopes of aiding future recommendations for physicians managing KOA and PTOA and athletic training staff strategically planning athlete loads to mitigate the risk of joint injury. The integration of these concepts provides a multifactorial analysis of the contributing factors of KOA and PTOA, in order to spur further research and illuminate the potential of utilizing the body’s own physiological responses to mechanical stimuli in the management of OA.
CL-SPO2Net: Contrastive Learning Spatiotemporal Attention Network for Non-Contact Video-Based SpO2 Estimation
Authors: Peng Jiahe , Su Weihua , Chen Haiyong , Sun Jingsheng , Tian Zandong
Published: January 2024

Video-based peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) estimation, utilizing solely RGB cameras, offers a non-contact approach to measuring blood oxygen levels. Previous studies set a stable and unchanging environment as the premise for non-contact blood oxygen estimation. Additionally, they utilized a small amount of labeled data for system training and learning. However, it is challenging to train optimal model parameters with a small dataset. The accuracy of blood oxygen detection is easily affected by ambient light and subject movement. To address these issues, this paper proposes a contrastive learning spatiotemporal attention network (CL-SPO2Net), an innovative semi-supervised network for video-based SpO2 estimation. Spatiotemporal similarities in remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) signals were found in video segments containing facial or hand regions. Subsequently, integrating deep neural networks with machine learning expertise enabled the estimation of SpO2. The method had good feasibility in the case of small-scale labeled datasets, with the mean absolute error between the camera and the reference pulse oximeter of 0.85% in the stable environment, 1.13% with lighting fluctuations, and 1.20% in the facial rotation situation.
Experimental Lab Tests on Rabbits for the Optimization and Redesign of Low-Cost Equipment for Automated Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Méndez-García Sergio Rodrigo , Cano-Europa Edgar , Ocotitla-Hernández José , Franco-Colín Margarita , Florencio-Santiago Oscar Iván , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher René
Published: January 2024

This work shows the experiences acquired by the experimental test performed to validate an automated peritoneal dialysis machine using rabbits with kidney damage to find improvements that can be made for future advances. These are listed to understand the direction of the development of the machine. The article shows the device’s background and previous tests using a testbed. The rabbit anatomy was prepared for nephrectomy surgery. The tests were practiced by checking all of the APD machine’s subsystems. The data were analyzed to develop improvements in the process. The results indicate the importance of the DPA machine as an alternative by implementing peristaltic pumps to substitute disposable cassettes. The identified improvements are the main objectives for research to continue improving the technology.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Unraveling Insights from Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kulovic-Sissawo Azra , Tocantins Carolina , Diniz Mariana S. , Weiss Elisa , Steiner Andreas , Tokic Silvija , Madreiter-Sokolowski Corina T. , Pereira Susana P. , Hiden Ursula
Published: January 2024

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with several lifestyle-related diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and it contributes significantly to the global health burden. Recent research indicates a link between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial impairment, and endothelial dysfunction. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are recruited into the vessel wall to maintain appropriate endothelial function, repair, and angiogenesis. After attachment, EPCs differentiate into mature endothelial cells (ECs). Like ECs, EPCs are also susceptible to CVRFs, including metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction of EPCs may have long-term effects on the function of the mature ECs into which EPCs differentiate, particularly in the presence of endothelial damage. However, a link between CVRFs and impaired mitochondrial function in EPCs has hardly been investigated. In this review, we aim to consolidate existing knowledge on the development of mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction in the vascular endothelium, place it in the context of recent studies investigating the consequences of CVRFs on EPCs, and discuss the role of mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms involved in EPC deterioration in relation to CVRFs and address potential therapeutic interventions targeting mitochondrial health to promote endothelial function.
lncRNA Profiling of Exosomes and Its Communication Role in Regulating Silica-Stimulated Macrophage Apoptosis and Fibroblast Activation
Authors: Ban Jiaqi , Chang Shuai , Ma Pengwei , Wang Xin , Liu Fangwei
Published: January 2024

Long-term silica particle exposure leads to interstitial pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, called silicosis. Silica-activated macrophages secrete a wide range of cytokines resulting in persistent inflammation. In addition, silica-stimulated activation of fibroblast is another checkpoint in the progression of silicosis. The pathogenesis after silica exposure is complex, involving intercellular communication and intracellular signaling pathway transduction, which was ignored previously. Exosomes are noteworthy because of their crucial role in intercellular communication by delivering bioactive substances, such as lncRNA. However, the expression profile of exosomal lncRNA in silicosis has not been reported yet. In this study, exosomes were isolated from the peripheral serum of silicosis patients or healthy donors. The exosomal lncRNAs were profiled using high-throughput sequencing technology. Target genes were predicted, and functional annotation was performed using differentially expressed lncRNAs. Eight aberrant expressed exosomal lncRNAs were considered to play a key role in the process of silicosis according to the OPLS-DA. Furthermore, the increased expression of lncRNA MSTRG.43085.16 was testified in vitro. Its target gene PARP1 was critical in regulating apoptosis based on bioinformatics analysis. In addition, the effects of exosomes on macrophage apoptosis and fibroblast activation were checked based on a co-cultured system. Our findings suggested that upregulation of lncRNA MSTRG.43085.16 could regulate silica-induced macrophage apoptosis through elevating PARP1 expression, and promote fibroblast activation, implying that the exosomal lncRNA MSTRG.43085.16 might have potential as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of silicosis.
Growth, Enzymatic, and Transcriptomic Analysis of xyr1 Deletion Reveals a Major Regulator of Plant Biomass-Degrading Enzymes in Trichoderma harzianum
Authors: Wang Lunji , Zhao Yishen , Chen Siqiao , Wen Xian , Anjago Wilfred Mabeche , Tian Tianchi , Chen Yajuan , Zhang Jinfeng , Deng Sheng , Jiu Min , Fu Pengxiao , Zhou Dongmei , Druzhinina Irina S. , Wei Lihui , Daly Paul
Published: January 2024

The regulation of plant biomass degradation by fungi is critical to the carbon cycle, and applications in bioproducts and biocontrol. Trichoderma harzianum is an important plant biomass degrader, enzyme producer, and biocontrol agent, but few putative major transcriptional regulators have been deleted in this species. The T. harzianum ortholog of the transcriptional activator XYR1/XlnR/XLR-1 was deleted, and the mutant strains were analyzed through growth profiling, enzymatic activities, and transcriptomics on cellulose. From plate cultures, the Δxyr1 mutant had reduced growth on D-xylose, xylan, and cellulose, and from shake-flask cultures with cellulose, the Δxyr1 mutant had ~90% lower β-glucosidase activity, and no detectable β-xylosidase or cellulase activity. The comparison of the transcriptomes from 18 h shake-flask cultures on D-fructose, without a carbon source, and cellulose, showed major effects of XYR1 deletion whereby the Δxyr1 mutant on cellulose was transcriptionally most similar to the cultures without a carbon source. The cellulose induced 43 plant biomass-degrading CAZymes including xylanases as well as cellulases, and most of these had massively lower expression in the Δxyr1 mutant. The expression of a subset of carbon catabolic enzymes, other transcription factors, and sugar transporters was also lower in the Δxyr1 mutant on cellulose. In summary, T. harzianum XYR1 is the master regulator of cellulases and xylanases, as well as regulating carbon catabolic enzymes.
A Combined Computational and Experimental Analysis of PLA and PCL Hybrid Nanocomposites 3D Printed Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Kallivokas Spyros V. , Kontaxis Lykourgos C. , Psarras Spyridon , Roumpi Maria , Ntousi Ourania , Kakkos Iοannis , Deligianni Despina , Matsopoulos George K. , Fotiadis Dimitrios I. , Kostopoulos Vassilis
Published: January 2024

A combined computational and experimental study of 3D-printed scaffolds made from hybrid nanocomposite materials for potential applications in bone tissue engineering is presented. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA), enhanced with chitosan (CS) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), were investigated in respect of their mechanical characteristics and responses in fluidic environments. A novel scaffold geometry was designed, considering the requirements of cellular proliferation and mechanical properties. Specimens with the same dimensions and porosity of 45% were studied to fully describe and understand the yielding behavior. Mechanical testing indicated higher apparent moduli in the PLA-based scaffolds, while compressive strength decreased with CS/MWCNTs reinforcement due to nanoscale challenges in 3D printing. Mechanical modeling revealed lower stresses in the PLA scaffolds, attributed to the molecular mass of the filler. Despite modeling challenges, adjustments improved simulation accuracy, aligning well with experimental values. Material and reinforcement choices significantly influenced responses to mechanical loads, emphasizing optimal structural robustness. Computational fluid dynamics emphasized the significance of scaffold permeability and wall shear stress in influencing bone tissue growth. For an inlet velocity of 0.1 mm/s, the permeability value was estimated at 4.41 × 10−9 m2, which is in the acceptable range close to human natural bone permeability. The average wall shear stress (WSS) value that indicates the mechanical stimuli produced by cells was calculated to be 2.48 mPa, which is within the range of the reported literature values for promoting a higher proliferation rate and improving osteogenic differentiation. Overall, a holistic approach was utilized to achieve a delicate balance between structural robustness and optimal fluidic conditions, in order to enhance the overall performance of scaffolds in tissue engineering applications.
Different Effects of Phototherapy for Rat Glioma during Sleep and Wakefulness
Authors: Shirokov Alexander , Blokhina Inna , Fedosov Ivan , Ilyukov Egor , Terskov Andrey , Myagkov Dmitry , Tuktarov Dmitry , Tzoy Maria , Adushkina Viktoria , Zlatogosrkaya Daria , Evsyukova Arina , Telnova Valeria , Dubrovsky Alexander , Dmitrenko Alexander , Manzhaeva Maria , Krupnova Valeria , Tuzhilkin Matvey , Elezarova Inna , Navolokin Nikita , Saranceva Elena , Iskra Tatyana , Lykova Ekaterina , Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya Oxana
Published: January 2024

There is an association between sleep quality and glioma-specific outcomes, including survival. The critical role of sleep in survival among subjects with glioma may be due to sleep-induced activation of brain drainage (BD), that is dramatically suppressed in subjects with glioma. Emerging evidence demonstrates that photobiomodulation (PBM) is an effective technology for both the stimulation of BD and as an add-on therapy for glioma. Emerging evidence suggests that PBM during sleep stimulates BD more strongly than when awake. In this study on male Wistar rats, we clearly demonstrate that the PBM course during sleep vs. when awake more effectively suppresses glioma growth and increases survival compared with the control. The study of the mechanisms of this phenomenon revealed stronger effects of the PBM course in sleeping vs. awake rats on the stimulation of BD and an immune response against glioma, including an increase in the number of CD8+ in glioma cells, activation of apoptosis, and blockage of the proliferation of glioma cells. Our new technology for sleep-phototherapy opens a new strategy to improve the quality of medical care for patients with brain cancer, using promising smart-sleep and non-invasive approaches of glioma treatment.
Unraveling How Antimicrobial Lipid Mixtures Disrupt Virus-Mimicking Lipid Vesicles: A QCM-D Study
Authors: Moon Suji , Sut Tun Naw , Yoon Bo Kyeong , Jackman Joshua A.
Published: January 2024

Single-chain lipid amphiphiles such as fatty acids and monoglycerides are promising antimicrobial alternatives to replace industrial surfactants for membrane-enveloped pathogen inhibition. Biomimetic lipid membrane platforms in combination with label-free biosensing techniques offer a promising route to compare the membrane-disruptive properties of different fatty acids and monoglycerides individually and within mixtures. Until recently, most related studies have utilized planar model membrane platforms, and there is an outstanding need to investigate how antimicrobial lipid mixtures disrupt curved model membrane platforms such as intact vesicle adlayers that are within the size range of membrane-enveloped virus particles. This need is especially evident because certain surfactants that completely disrupt planar/low-curvature membranes are appreciably less active against high-curvature membranes. Herein, we conducted quartz crystal microbalance–dissipation (QCM-D) measurements to investigate the membrane-disruptive properties of glycerol monolaurate (GML) monoglyceride and lauric acid (LA) fatty acid mixtures to rupture high-curvature, ~75 nm diameter lipid vesicle adlayers. We identified that the vesicle rupture activity of GML/LA mixtures mainly occurred above the respective critical micelle concentration (CMC) of each mixture, and that 25/75 mol% GML/LA micelles exhibited the greatest degree of vesicle rupture activity with ~100% efficiency that exceeded the rupture activity of other tested mixtures, individual compounds, and past reported values with industrial surfactants. Importantly, 25/75 GML/LA micelles outperformed 50/50 GML/LA micelles, which were previously reported to have the greatest membrane-disruptive activity towards planar model membranes. We discuss the mechanistic principles behind how antimicrobial lipid engineering can influence membrane-disruptive activity in terms of optimizing the balance between competitive membrane remodeling processes and inducing anisotropic vs. isotropic spontaneous curvature in lipid membrane systems.
A Bionic Walking Wheel for Enhanced Trafficability in Paddy Fields with Muddy Soil
Authors: Chen Duo , Xu Yan , Song Yuqiu , Xin Mingjin , Wu Liyan , Kong Aiju , Wang Huan , Dai Pengchao , Yu Hongpeng
Published: January 2024

To improve wheel trafficability in soft and muddy soils such as paddy fields, a bionic walking wheel is designed based on the structural morphology and movement mode of the feet of waders living in marshes and mudflats, similar to the muddy soil of paddy fields. The bionic walking wheel adopts the arrangement of double-row wheel legs and staggered arrays to imitate the walking posture of waders. The two legs move alternately, cooperate with each other, and improve the smoothness of movement. The cam inside the bionic walking wheel is used to control the movement mode of the feet. The flippers open before touching the ground to increase the contact area and reduce sinking, and the toes bend and grip the ground while touching the ground to increase traction. Multi-rigid-body dynamics software (Adams View 2020) is used to simulate the movement of the wheel during the wading process, and the movement coordination and interference between the wheel legs are analyzed. The simulation results show that there is no interference between the parts and that the movement smoothness is good. The interaction between the bionic walking wheel and muddy soil was analyzed via coupled EDEM–ADAMS simulation, and the simulation analysis and experiments were conducted and compared with those for a common paddy wheel. The results showed that the bionic walking wheel designed in this paper improved the drawbar pull by 113.56% compared with that of a common paddy wheel and had better anti-sinking performance. By analyzing the effect of toe grip on traction, it was found that the soil under the feet can be disturbed to provide greater traction when the toe is bent downward. This study provides a reference for improving the trafficability of walking mechanisms in soft and muddy soils, such as paddy fields.
Brain Functional Correlates of Resting Hypnosis and Hypnotizability: A Review
Authors: De Pascalis Vilfredo
Published: January 2024

This comprehensive review delves into the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis and variations in hypnotizability by examining research employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) methods. Key focus areas include functional brain imaging correlations in hypnosis, EEG band oscillations as indicators of hypnotic states, alterations in EEG functional connectivity during hypnosis and wakefulness, drawing critical conclusions, and suggesting future research directions. The reviewed functional connectivity findings support the notion that disruptions in the available integration between different components of the executive control network during hypnosis may correspond to altered subjective appraisals of the agency during the hypnotic response, as per dissociated and cold control theories of hypnosis. A promising exploration avenue involves investigating how frontal lobes’ neurochemical and aperiodic components of the EEG activity at waking-rest are linked to individual differences in hypnotizability. Future studies investigating the effects of hypnosis on brain function should prioritize examining distinctive activation patterns across various neural networks.
The Relationship between Childhood Trauma Experiences and Psychotic Vulnerability in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An Italian Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Borrelli Davide Fausto , Dell’Uva Laura , Provettini Andrea , Gambolò Luca , Di Donna Anna , Ottoni Rebecca , Marchesi Carlo , Tonna Matteo
Published: January 2024

People with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are at increased risk of developing psychotic disorders; yet little is known about specific clinical features which might hint at this vulnerability. The present study was aimed at elucidating the pathophysiological mechanism linking OCD to psychosis through the investigation of childhood trauma experiences in adolescents and adults with OCD. One hundred outpatients, aged between 12 and 65 years old, were administered the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and its Child version (CY-BOCS), as well as the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ); Cognitive–Perceptual basic symptoms (COPER) and high-risk criterion Cognitive Disturbances (COGDIS) were assessed in the study sample. Greater childhood trauma experiences were found to predict psychotic vulnerability (p = 0.018), as well as more severe OCD symptoms (p = 0.010) and an earlier age of OCD onset (p = 0.050). Participants with psychotic vulnerability reported higher scores on childhood trauma experiences (p = 0.02), specifically in the emotional neglect domain (p = 0.01). In turn, emotional neglect and psychotic vulnerability were found higher in the pediatric group than in the adult group (p = 0.01). Our findings suggest that childhood trauma in people with OCD may represent an indicator of psychotic vulnerability, especially in those with an earlier OCD onset. Research on the pathogenic pathways linking trauma, OCD, and psychosis is needed.
Rett Syndrome and the Role of MECP2: Signaling to Clinical Trials
Authors: Lopes Adele Gaspar , Loganathan Sampath Kumar , Caliaperumal Jayalakshmi
Published: January 2024

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder that mostly affects females, with a frequency of 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 live birth cases. Symptoms include stereotyped hand movements; impaired learning, language, and communication skills; sudden loss of speech; reduced lifespan; retarded growth; disturbance of sleep and breathing; seizures; autism; and gait apraxia. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for patients with Rett syndrome, with a survival rate of 77.8% at 25 years of age. Survival into the fifth decade is typical in Rett syndrome, and the leading cause of death is cardiorespiratory compromise. Rett syndrome progression has multiple stages; however, most phenotypes are associated with the nervous system and brain. In total, 95% of Rett syndrome cases are due to mutations in the MECP2 gene, an X-linked gene that encodes for the methyl CpG binding protein, a regulator of gene expression. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in the field of Rett syndrome and therapeutics targeting MECP2.
Hysteretic Behavior of Full-Scale Precast U-Shaped Composite Beam–Column Connections with Large-Diameter Reinforcements under High Axial Compression
Authors: Xue Weichen , Lei Jie , Zhang Bin , Huang Qian
Published: January 2024

This study introduces precast concrete beam–column connections comprised of composite beams, precast columns, and a monolithic joint core. The composite beams consist of U-shaped beams and floor slabs, leveraging the U-shaped beams for their lightweight nature, acceptable stiffness, and reduced demand for on-site support systems. To mitigate reinforcement congestion in the joint core, the precast connections incorporate large-diameter rebars (greater than 25 mm). This study conducted cyclic loading tests on four full-scale beam–column connections under 0.3 normalized compression, encompassing precast interior and exterior connections, along with two monolithic reference specimens, to investigate their behavior under seismic actions. The results revealed that all specimens exhibited bending failure at the beam ends, with minimal concrete deterioration observed in the joint core areas and columns. The hysteresis curves of the precast specimens and the monolithic connections exhibited a slight pinching effect. The strengths of the interior and exterior precast specimens were 13.3% and 7.8% lower than those of the reference monolithic connections, respectively. The ductility of interior precast connections and monolithic specimens stood at 2.36 and 2.23, respectively, indicating a negligible difference of less than 5%. Meanwhile, the positive and negative ductility of exterior precast connections were 3.06 and 2.34, which was approximately 8% lower than that of the reference connections. Furthermore, the stiffness degradation and energy dissipation capacity of the precast specimens aligned closely with the performance of the reference monolithic ones.
Experimental Investigation to Evaluate the Dynamic Properties of a Scaled Rectangular Tuned Liquid Damper Using High-Speed Videos
Authors: Nava-González Rigoberto , Pozos-Estrada Adrián , Gómez-Martínez Roberto , Pozos-Estrada Oscar
Published: January 2024

The use of tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) as an alternative to reduce the response of flexible structures with a low amount of structural damping is a viable option. The correct characterization of the dynamic properties of the TLD plays an important role in the performance of the TLD-main structure system. This work presents the results of an experimental study to evaluate the dynamic properties of a scaled rectangular TLD using high-speed videos. For the experimental investigation, a scaled rectangular TLD is subjected to lateral displacement of the sinusoidal type with amplitudes that range from 5 to 40 mm and frequency equal to 0.625 Hz. The dynamic properties of the TLD system are identified with the use of high-speed videos with a duration of 28.96 s and recorded at 500 frames per second (fps). The recorded videos are analyzed with the software Tracker to extract time histories of wave elevation at predefined locations. The frequency and damping of the TLD system are identified from the time histories of wave elevation through Fourier analysis and free-vibration decay. The findings of this study revealed that the identified dynamic properties of the TLD by using high-speed videos presented small differences with respect to the target values, with errors that range from 0.93 to 2.9% for frequency and from 1.6 to 8.8% for damping, indicating that the use of high-speed videos can be an alternative to evaluate the dynamic properties of TLD systems.
The Role of the Complement in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma (ccRCC)—What Future Prospects Are There for Its Use in Clinical Practice?
Authors: Panebianco Martina , Ciccarese Chiara , Strusi Alessandro , Beccia Viria , Carbone Carmine , Agostini Antonio , Piro Geny , Tortora Giampaolo , Iacovelli Roberto
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the first-line available therapeutic options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have radically changed with the introduction into clinical practice of new immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combinations. Many efforts are focusing on identifying novel prognostic and predictive markers in this setting. The complement system (CS) plays a central role in promoting the growth and progression of mRCC. In particular, mRCC has been defined as an “aggressive complement tumor”, which encompasses a group of malignancies with poor prognosie and highly expressed complement components. Several preclinical and retrospective studies have demonstrated the negative prognostic role of the complement in mRCC; however, there is little evidence on its possible role as a predictor of the response to ICIs. The purpose of this review is to explore more deeply the physio-pathological role of the complement in the development of RCC and its possible future use in clinical practice as a prognostic and predictive factor.
Enzalutamide versus Abiraterone Plus Prednisolone for Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Sub-Analysis from the ENABLE Study for PCa
Authors: Mita Koji , Izumi Kouji , Goriki Akihiro , Tasaka Ryo , Hatayama Tomoya , Shima Takashi , Kato Yuki , Kamiyama Manabu , Inoue Shogo , Tanaka Nobumichi , Hoshi Seiji , Okamura Takehiko , Yoshio Yuko , Enokida Hideki , Chikazawa Ippei , Kawai Noriyasu , Hashimoto Kohei , Fukagai Takashi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Takahara Shizuko , Kadono Yoshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Enzalutamide (ENZ) and abiraterone plus prednisolone (ABI) can improve the survival of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the agent that is more effective against nonmetastatic CRPC remains unclear. To evaluate the agent that can be used as the first-line treatment for CRPC, an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (ENABLE Study for PCa) including both metastatic and nonmetastatic CRPC was conducted in Japan. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate, overall survival, some essential survival endpoints, and safety of patients with nonmetastatic CRPC were also analyzed. In this subanalysis, 15 and 26 patients in the ENZ and ABI arms, respectively, presented with nonmetastatic CRPC. There was no significant difference in terms of the PSA response rate between the ENZ and ABI arms (80% and 64%, respectively; p = 0.3048). The overall survival did not significantly differ between the two arms (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.22–2.14, p = 0.5260). No significant differences were observed in terms of radiographic progression-free survival and cancer-specific survival between the ENZ and ABI arms (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.35–1.84; p = 0.6056 and HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.19–2.73; p = 0.6443, respectively). Only four and six patients in the ENZ and ABI arms, respectively, had ≥grade 3 adverse events. ABI and ENZ had similar efficacy and safety profiles in patients with nonmetastatic CRPC.
Integrins in Health and Disease—Suitable Targets for Treatment?
Authors: Klaus Tanja , Hieber Christoph , Bros Matthias , Grabbe Stephan
Published: January 2024

Integrin receptors are heterodimeric surface receptors that play multiple roles regarding cell–cell communication, signaling, and migration. The four members of the β2 integrin subfamily are composed of an alternative α (CD11a–d) subunit, which determines the specific receptor properties, and a constant β (CD18) subunit. This review aims to present insight into the multiple immunological roles of integrin receptors, with a focus on β2 integrins that are specifically expressed by leukocytes. The pathophysiological role of β2 integrins is confirmed by the drastic phenotype of patients suffering from leukocyte adhesion deficiencies, most often resulting in severe recurrent infections and, at the same time, a predisposition for autoimmune diseases. So far, studies on the role of β2 integrins in vivo employed mice with a constitutive knockout of all β2 integrins or either family member, respectively, which complicated the differentiation between the direct and indirect effects of β2 integrin deficiency for distinct cell types. The recent generation and characterization of transgenic mice with a cell-type-specific knockdown of β2 integrins by our group has enabled the dissection of cell-specific roles of β2 integrins. Further, integrin receptors have been recognized as target receptors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases as well as tumor therapy. However, whereas both agonistic and antagonistic agents yielded beneficial effects in animal models, the success of clinical trials was limited in most cases and was associated with unwanted side effects. This unfavorable outcome is most probably related to the systemic effects of the used compounds on all leukocytes, thereby emphasizing the need to develop formulations that target distinct types of leukocytes to modulate β2 integrin activity for therapeutic applications.