bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static Baropodometry for Assessing Short-Term Functional Outcome after Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: Exploring Correlation between Static Plantar Pressure Measurements and Self-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Ntourantonis Dimitrios , Lianou Ioanna , Iliopoulos Ilias , Pantazis Konstantinos , Korovessis Panagiotis , Panagiotopoulos Elias
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the association between objective baropodometric and radiological measurements and patient self-reported functional outcomes, assessed through the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Additionally, it sought to evaluate the effectiveness of static baropodometry in predicting short-term KOOS results following unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We conducted a prospective single-center study involving 32 patients who underwent unilateral TKA for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Patients were evaluated both preoperatively and six months postoperatively, utilizing objective measurements derived from static baropodometric analysis in a normal, relaxed, bipedal standing position using a multi-platform Plantar Pressure Analysis System (PPAS) and radiographic measurements of the femorotibial angle (FTA) and subjective assessments through the national validated version of the KOOS. The study found an insignificant average correction of −0.69° ± 4.12° in the preoperative FTA at the sixth month after TKA. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the KOOS based on different types of knee alignment (KA) both pre- and postoperatively (p > 0.05). No significant correlations were observed between the KOOS, and total average affected and unaffected plantar pressures (TAAPP and TAUPP) pre- and postoperatively, as well as KA pre- and postoperatively. However, significant changes were observed in TAAPP and TAUPP measurements after unilateral TKA. TAAPP demonstrated a significant increase postoperatively (mean change (SD) = 18.60 (47.71); p = 0.035). In conclusion, this study found no significant correlation between KA, static baropodometric measurements, including pre- and postoperative differences, and KOOS outcomes. Therefore, static plantar pressure measurements alone might not serve as a reliable predictor of short-term clinical outcomes after unilateral TKA, as reported by patients.
Andy Golden: Mentorship through the Years
Authors: Allen Anna K. , Bai Xiaofei , Davis Edward S. , Fabritius Amy , Jaramillo-Lambert Aimee , Kropp Peter A. , Richie Christopher T. , Schumacher Jill M. , Shrestha Sanjay , Stein Kathryn , Corsi Ann K.
Published: November 2023

The C [...]
Solving the Inter-Terminal Truck Routing Problem for Delay Minimization Using Simulated Annealing with Normalized Exploration Rate
Authors: Ramadhan Muhammad Hanif , Kamal Imam Mustafa , Kim Dohee , Bae Hyerim
Published: November 2023

The growth in containerized shipping has led to the expansion of seaports, resulting in the emergence of multiple terminals. While multi-terminal systems increase port capacity, they also pose significant challenges to container transportation, particularly in inter-terminal movements. Consequently, the transportation delay of containers in inter-terminal operations demands crucial attention, as it can adversely affect the efficiency and service levels of seaports. To minimize the total transportation delays of the inter-terminal truck routing problem (ITTRP), we introduce simulated annealing with normalized acceptance rate (SANE). SANE improves the exploration capability of simulated annealing (SA) by dynamic rescaling of the transportation delay objective to modify the acceptance probability. To validate the quality of solutions provided by SANE, we have developed a mathematical model that provides a set of linear formulations for ITTRP constraints, avoiding the known set-partitioning alternative. Experimental results showed that for small-scale ITTRP instances, SANE achieved a solution close to the optimal. In larger instances with 100–120 orders, SANE found feasible suboptimal solutions within 15–21 seconds, which is unattainable using the exact solver. Further comparison with baselines indicates that SANE provides considerable improvements compared to both SA and Tabu search in terms of the objective value.
Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management in the Bering Sea
Authors: Short Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2023

The waters of the Bering Sea are among the most productive on earth, having supported major commercial fisheries for up to ~60 years and First Nations cultures for millennia [...]
Potential Applications of Whisker Sensors in Marine Science and Engineering: A Review
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Liu Jianhua , Liu Bo , Wang Hao , Si Jicang , Xu Peng , Xu Minyi
Published: November 2023

Perception plays a pivotal role in both biological and technological interactions with the environment. Recent advancements in whisker sensors, drawing inspiration from nature’s tactile systems, have ushered in a new era of versatile and highly sensitive sensing technology. Whisker sensors, which mimic the tactile hairs of mammals, offer both high sensitivity and multifunctionality. They excel in capturing fine-grained environmental data, detecting various stimuli with precision, and finding applications in diverse domains. This review explores the integration of whisker sensors in potential marine applications. Categorized into six types, these sensors are invaluable for tasks such as marine structure monitoring, measurement instruments, tactile perception in marine robots, and non-contact sensing in the marine environment. Challenges and potential solutions are examined, along with the prospects of whisker sensors in the field of marine science and engineering. In an era that demands adaptable sensing solutions, whisker sensors emerge as pivotal components, enabling machines and devices to perceive and respond to external stimuli with heightened sensitivity and versatility. Their application in the marine domain holds substantial promise, propelling advancements in the realms of marine science and engineering.
Survey of Sensitization to Common Fungi in an Allergic Dog Population: The Need for Further Focus on Sensitization and Allergy to Fungi in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Martins Luís Miguel Lourenço
Published: November 2023

Most fungal species are commensals and non-pathogenic to plants, humans, or animals. However, several species of the Alternaria, Aspergillus, Trichophyton, and Microsporum genera are common causes of disease, even for immunocompetent individuals. Besides mucosal damage, fungi may contribute to a skin barrier impairment, favoring sensitization and allergy development. A total of 68 allergic dogs were selected from a veterinary dermatology and allergy outpatient consultation for conditions related to both Malassezia overgrowth and other fungal complications. The allergy diagnosis was made through anamnesis and current clinical criteria, with the involved allergenic species being identified by intradermal tests (IDTs) and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) determination in serum. Dermatophagoides farinae, Dactylis glomerata, and Malassezia pachydermatis showed as the higher sensitization species from house dust mites, grass pollen, and fungi, respectively. Significant correlations at p < 0.05 were found between sensitization to Dactylis glomerata and Phleum pratense grass pollens, Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, and Lepidoglyphus destructor dust/storage mites, and between fungi like Aspergillus mix and Penicillium or Alternaria alternata. A significant correlation was also found between sensitization to the Aspergillus mix and D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus, or A. siro. Rather severe dermatitis was observed when a positive IDT to Malassezia pachydermatis was found, regardless of the detection of circulating sIgE, allowing us to consider the usefulness of both the IDT and the sIgE for a systematic diagnosis of allergy to fungi.
The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Mortality Rates of Patients with Urological Cancers—An Analysis of a Uro-Oncology Database from Eastern Europe
Authors: Ciorcan Mircea , Negru Șerban , Bardan Răzvan , Cumpănaș Alin , Mattar Iasmina , Bitar Yahya , Chișavu Lazăr , Marc Luciana , Schiller Adalbert , Mihăescu Adelina
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: The relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and urological cancers is complex, as most of these cancers are diagnosed in patients with advanced ages, when the kidney function may be already impaired. On the other hand, urological cancers could represent a risk factor for CKD, significantly reducing the life expectancy of the patients. The main objective of our study was to analyze the impact of CKD on the overall mortality of patients diagnosed with the most frequent types of urological cancers. (2) Material and Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study on a group of 5831 consecutive newly diagnosed cancer patients, followed over a 2-year period (2019–2020), from a large Oncology Hospital in Romania. From this group, we selected only the patients diagnosed with urological malignancies, focusing on prostate cancer, bladder cancer and renal cancer; finally, 249 patients were included in our analysis. (3) Results: In the group of patients with prostate cancer (n = 146), the 2-year overall mortality was 62.5% for patients with CKD, compared with 39.3% for those with no initial CKD (p < 0.05). In the group of patients with bladder cancer (n = 62), the 2-year overall mortality was 80% for patients with initial CKD, compared with 45.2% for the patients with no initial CKD (p < 0.05). Finally, in the group of patients with renal cell carcinoma (n = 41), the 2-year overall mortality was 60% for patients with initial CKD, compared with 50% for the patient group with no initial CKD (p < 0.05). Various correlations between specific oncologic and nephrological parameters were also analyzed. (4) Conclusions: The presence of CKD at the moment of the urological cancer diagnosis is associated with significantly higher 2-year mortality rates.
A Systematic Review of Curtisia dentata Endemic to South Africa: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology
Authors: Raletsena Maropeng Vellry , Pooe Ofentse Jacob , Mongalo Nkoana Ishmael
Published: November 2023

The use of traditional medicine in treating a variety of both human and animal infections is ancient and still relevant. This is due to the resistance exhibited by most pathogenic microbial stains to currently-used antibiotics. The current work reports the phytochemistry, ethno-medicinal uses, toxicology, and most important pharmacological activities that validate the use of the plant species in African traditional medicine. Curtisia dendata is used in the treatment of many human and animal infections, including diarrhea, skin and related conditions, sexually transmitted infections, cancer, and a variety of ethno-veterinary infections. Pharmacologically, the plant species exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogens. Further, both extracts and compounds isolated from the plant species exhibited potent antioxidant, anticancer, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and other important biological activities. Phytochemically, the plant species possess a variety of compounds, particularly triterpenes, that may well explain the various pharmacological activities of the plant species. The toxicological parameters, antimicrobial activities against microorganisms related to sexually transmitted infections, anti-diabetic effects, and inflammatory properties of the plant species are not well studied and still need to be explored. The biological activities observed validate the use of the plant species in African traditional medicine, particularly in the treatment of pulmonary infections associated with Mycobacterium species, and may well be due to the presence of triterpenes prevalent in the leaves.
Solid Lubrication System and Its Plasma Surface Engineering: A Review
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Zelong , He Yongyong
Published: November 2023

In aerospace, aviation, nuclear power, and other high-tech fields, some essential moving parts must operate under high vacuum, high load, intense radiation, and other conditions. Under such extreme conditions, only solid lubricating materials can meet the lubrication requirements. Traditional material modification methods have problems such as high energy consumption, severe pollution, and narrow scope of application. Plasma modification technology can overcome these shortcomings. This paper focuses on several commonly used plasma preparation techniques for solid lubricating coatings, including plasma chemical heat treatment, physical vapor deposition, plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition, plasma spraying, and plasma electrolytic oxidation. Subsequently, the material systems of metal-based solid lubrication coatings are reviewed: soft metals, oxides, sulfides, nitrides, and carbon-based materials. Finally, found that the development of new solid lubricants, the improvement of existing preparation technology, and the development of new processes are the key development directions in the future.
Evaluation of Self-Healing Properties of OPC-Slag Cement Immersed in Seawater Using UPV Measurements
Authors: Kang Choonghyun , Park Yongmyung , Kim Taewan
Published: November 2023

In this study, OPC-slag cement, which partially replaced ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), was immersed in seawater at three temperatures and the self-healing effect was evaluated through ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurement. In addition, test specimens without cracks were immersed and cured in the same seawater environment to compare the characteristics of UPV and crack-healing effects. The results of the study showed that increasing the GGBFS content or immersion temperature improved the healing effect up to 30 days after immersion, but there was no significant effect after 30 days of immersion. In a saltwater environment, a thick layer of brucite was deposited near the crack, blocking the inflow of seawater and impeding the formation of additional healing material. According to visual observation, the crack entrance appears to have been covered and healed by the brucite layer. However, the brucite layer in the crack area increases the UPV in the early stages of immersion, which may lead to a misconception that it is self-healed, and there is a possibility of overestimating the self-healing effect.
The Role of Carbon in Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition-Grown MoS2 Films
Authors: Hou Tianyu , Li Di , Qu Yan , Hao Yufeng , Lai Yun
Published: November 2023

Acquiring homogeneous and reproducible wafer-scale transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) films is crucial for modern electronics. Metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) offers a promising approach for scalable production and large-area integration. However, during MOCVD synthesis, extraneous carbon incorporation due to organosulfur precursor pyrolysis is a persistent concern, and the role of unintentional carbon incorporation remains elusive. Here, we report the large-scale synthesis of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin films, accompanied by the formation of amorphous carbon layers. Using Raman, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we confirm how polycrystalline MoS2 combines with extraneous amorphous carbon layers. Furthermore, by fabricating field-effect transistors (FETs) using the carbon-incorporated MoS2 films, we find that traditional n-type MoS2 can transform into p-type semiconductors owing to the incorporation of carbon, a rare occurrence among TMDC materials. This unexpected behavior expands our understanding of TMDC properties and opens up new avenues for exploring novel device applications.
Enhanced Output Tracking Control for Direct Current Electric Motor Systems Using Bio-Inspired Optimization
Authors: Yañez-Badillo Hugo , Beltran-Carbajal Francisco , Rivas-Cambero Ivan , Favela-Contreras Antonio , Arroyo-Nuñez Jose Humberto , Balderas-Gutierrez Juan Nabor
Published: November 2023

In this paper, an efficient output reference trajectory tracking control scheme for direct current electric motor systems based on bio-inspired optimization is proposed. The differential flatness structural property of the electric motor along with dynamic tracking error compensation is suitably exploited for the backstepping control design. Off-line optimal selection of control parameters, implementing bio-inspired ant colony and particle swarm optimization algorithms, is addressed by minimizing an objective function where the decision variables are the tracking error and control input effort. A novel adaptive version of the control approach based on B-spline artificial neural networks is provided as well. The introduced flat output feedback tracking control design approach can be further extended for other differentially flat dynamic systems. Considerably perturbed, diverse velocity and position reference trajectory tracking scenarios are developed for demonstrating the acceptable closed-loop system performance. The results prove the efficient and robust tracking of the position and velocity reference profiles planned for the operation of the controlled electric motor system under variable torque disturbances using bio-inspired optimization.
Evaluation and Analysis of Heuristic Intelligent Optimization Algorithms for PSO, WDO, GWO and OOBO
Authors: Huang Xiufeng , Xu Rongwu , Yu Wenjing , Wu Shiji
Published: November 2023

In order to comprehensively evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of various heuristic intelligent optimization algorithms, this research employed particle swarm optimization, wind driven optimization, grey wolf optimization, and one-to-one-based optimizer as the basis. It applied 22 benchmark test functions to conduct a comparison and analysis of performance for these algorithms, considering descriptive statistics such as convergence speed, accuracy, and stability. Additionally, time and space complexity calculations were employed, alongside the nonparametric Friedman test, to further assess the algorithms. Furthermore, an investigation into the impact of control parameters on the algorithms’ output was conducted to compare and analyze the test results under different algorithms. The experimental findings demonstrate the efficacy of the aforementioned approaches in comprehensively analyzing and comparing the performance on different types of intelligent optimization algorithms. These results illustrate that algorithm performance can vary across different test functions. The one-to-one-based optimizer algorithm exhibited superior accuracy, stability, and relatively lower complexity.
Rolling Stiefel Manifolds Equipped with α-Metrics
Authors: Schlarb Markus , Hüper Knut , Markina Irina , Silva Leite Fátima
Published: November 2023

We discuss the rolling, without slipping and without twisting, of Stiefel manifolds equipped with α-metrics, from an intrinsic and an extrinsic point of view. We, however, start with a more general perspective, namely, by investigating the intrinsic rolling of normal naturally reductive homogeneous spaces. This gives evidence as to why a seemingly straightforward generalization of the intrinsic rolling of symmetric spaces to normal naturally reductive homogeneous spaces is not possible, in general. For a given control curve, we derive a system of explicit time-variant ODEs whose solutions describe the desired rolling. These findings are applied to obtain the intrinsic rolling of Stiefel manifolds, which is then extended to an extrinsic one. Moreover, explicit solutions of the kinematic equations are obtained, provided that the development curve is the projection of a not necessarily horizontal one-parameter subgroup. In addition, our results are put into perspective with examples of the rolling Stiefel manifolds known from the literature.
Anti-Obesity Effects of Marine Macroalgae Extract Caulerpa lentillifera in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model
Authors: Chumphoochai Kawita , Manohong Preeyanuch , Niamnont Nakorn , Tamtin Montakan , Sobhon Prasert , Meemon Krai
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat, which in turn poses a significant risk to health. Bioactive compounds obtained from macroalgae have demonstrated their efficacy in combating obesity in various animal models. The green macroalgae Caulerpa lentillifera (CL) contains numerous active constituents. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to elucidate the beneficial anti-obesity effects of extracts derived from C. lentillifera using a Caenorhabditis elegans obesity model. The ethanol (CLET) and ethyl acetate (CLEA) extracts caused a significant decrease in fat consumption, reaching up to approximately 50–60%. Triglyceride levels in 50 mM glucose-fed worms were significantly reduced by approximately 200%. The GFP-labeled dhs-3, a marker for lipid droplets, exhibited a significant reduction in its level to approximately 30%. Furthermore, the level of intracellular ROS displayed a significant decrease of 18.26 to 23.91% in high-glucose-fed worms treated with CL extracts, while their lifespan remained unchanged. Additionally, the mRNA expression of genes associated with lipogenesis, such as sbp-1, showed a significant down-regulation following treatment with CL extracts. This finding was supported by a significant decrease (at 16.22–18.29%) in GFP-labeled sbp-1 gene expression. These results suggest that C. lentillifera extracts may facilitate a reduction in total fat accumulation induced by glucose through sbp-1 pathways. In summary, this study highlights the anti-obesity potential of compounds derived from C. lentillifera extracts in a C. elegans model of obesity, mediated by the suppression of lipogenesis pathways.
Design and Characterization of Innovative Gas-Atomized Al-Si-Cu-Mg Alloys for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Vanzetti Matteo , Pavel Michael J. , Williamson C. Jacob , Padovano Elisa , Pérez-Andrade Lorena I. , Weaver Mark , Brewer Luke N. , Bondioli Federica , Fino Paolo
Published: November 2023

Metallic powders are widely utilized as feedstock materials in metal additive manufacturing (MAM). However, only a limited number of alloys can currently be processed using these technologies, with most of them being casting alloys. The objective of this study is to investigate novel aluminum alloys produced via a close-coupled gas atomizer (CCGA) by adding an increasing amount of copper (4, 8, and 20 wt%) to an AlSi10Mg alloy. The obtained powders were fully characterized to evaluate the effect of copper, a well-established strengthener for aluminum alloys, in order to correlate the obtained hardness to the powder phase composition and microstructure. In particular, a dendritic microstructure was observed in all alloys, and, as the copper content was increased, the size of the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) decreased progressively. Consequently, the hardness measured on the powder cross-section linearly increased with the copper content, and the hardness value of 185 ± 13 HV of the AlCu20Si10Mg composition was found to be twice that of the AlSi10Mg alloy (88 ± 5 HV).
Mpox: Clinical Outcomes and Impact of Vaccination in People with and without HIV: A Population-Wide Study
Authors: Martín-Iguacel Raquel , Pericas Carles , Bruguera Andreu , Rosell Gemma , Martínez Erica , Díaz Yesika , Alonso Lucia , Nomah Daniel Kwakye , Blanco Jose Luis , Domingo Pere , Álvarez-López Patricia , Linares Maria Saumoy , Vilades Laborda Consuelo , Mera Arantxa , Calzado Isbert Sonia , Johansen Isik Somuncu , Miró José M. , Casabona Jordi , Llibre Josep M.
Published: November 2023

We investigated differences in mpox clinical outcomes in people with HIV (PWH) and without HIV (PWoH) and the impact of vaccination in Catalonia, Spain. We used surveillance data and the PISCIS HIV cohort. We included all confirmed mpox cases (May–December 2022). Of 2122 mpox cases, the majority had mild disease, 56% were Spanish, and 24% were from Latin America. A total of 40% were PWH, with a median CD4+T-cell of 715 cells/μL; 83% had HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL; and 1.8% CD4+T-cell < 200 cells/μL. PWH had no increased risk for complications, except those with CD4+T-cell < 200 cells/μL. PWH with CD4+T-cell < 200 cells/μL were more likely to be from Latin America, had more generalized exanthema, and required hospitalization more frequently (p = 0.001). Diagnosis of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was common, both at mpox diagnosis (17%) and two years before (43%). Dose-sparing smallpox intradermal vaccination was accompanied by a sharp decrease in mpox incidence in both populations (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, unless immunosuppressed, PWH were not at increased risk of severe disease or hospitalization. Mpox is a marker of high-risk sexual behavior and was associated with high HIV and STI rates, supporting the need for screening in all mpox cases. Ethnicity disparities demonstrate the need for interventions to ensure equitable healthcare access. Dose-sparing smallpox vaccination retained effectiveness.
An Underground Mine Safety-Oriented Optimization Model for Mine Tailings Backfill Scheduling Considering Multi-Process and Multi-Cycle Issues
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Li Guoqing , Hou Jie , Guo Guangjun , Pan Dong , Yu Qianqian
Published: November 2023

The backfill mining method is adopted in many mines around the world because it can reliably handle underground mine tailings and eliminate dangers in goafs. It is necessary to improve backfilling resource allocation and efficiency, thereby eliminating safety hazards and providing reliable support for the next stage of mining as quickly as possible. In this paper, we propose a backfill-scheduling optimization model that considers multiple processes, resource constraints, and operating capabilities. The purpose of this model is to minimize the exposure time of goafs. This NP-hard (Nondeterministic Polynomial-time hard) problem has a non-inferior implemented solution through multiple iterations of genetic, crossover, and mutation operations of the genetic algorithm. The results show that the model significantly reduces the backfilling-delay time and backfilling-operation time.
A Comparative Study of Gallium-, Xenon-, and Helium-Focused Ion Beams for the Milling of GaN
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Ortalan Volkan
Published: November 2023

The milling profiles of single-crystal gallium nitride (GaN) when subjected to focused ion beams (FIBs) using gallium (Ga), xenon (Xe), and helium (He) ion sources were investigated. An experimental analysis via annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that Ga-FIB milling yields trenches with higher aspect ratios compared to Xe-FIB milling for the selected ion beam parameters (30 kV, 42 pA), while He-FIB induces local lattice disorder. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the milling process, confirming that probe size critically influences trench aspect ratios. Interestingly, the MD simulations also showed that Xe-FIB generates higher aspect ratios than Ga-FIB with the same probe size, indicating that Xe-FIB could also be an effective option for nanoscale patterning. Atomic defects such as vacancies and interstitials in GaN from He-FIB milling were suggested by the MD simulations, supporting the lattice disorder observed via HRTEM. This combined experimental and simulation approach has enhanced our understanding of FIB milling dynamics and will benefit the fabrication of nanostructures via the FIB technique.
Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Lipid Composition in the Colaus-PsyColaus Study
Authors: Flatscher Mélisande , Garnier Antoine , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Kraege Vanessa
Published: November 2023

High adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, increased HDL-cholesterol levels, and decreased triglycerides (TG), and total and LDL cholesterol levels. We aimed to assess the association of MD adherence at baseline with the lipid profile both cross-sectionally and prospectively in a sample of apparently healthy community-dwelling subjects. We conducted three cross-sectional studies using data from follow-ups 1 (FU1, 2009–2012), 2 (FU2, 2014–2017), and 3 (FU3, 2018–2021) of CoLaus|PsyCoLaus, a population-based sample from Lausanne, Switzerland. Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Two MD scores (Trichopoulou and Vormund) were computed, ranging from 0 (low) to 9 (high). In total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and TG were assessed. Incident dyslipidemia was defined as hypolipidemic treatment at FU2 or FU3. Overall, 4249 participants from FU1 (53.7% women, 57.6 ± 10.5 years, Trichopoulou 4.0 ± 1.5, Vormund 4.7 ± 1.9) were included. Neither MD score correlated significantly with the lipid markers and similar results were obtained according to the hypolipidemic status. Among the 3092 untreated FU1 participants with FU2 and FU3 data, 349 (11.3%) developed dyslipidemia by FU2 or FU3. No difference in MD scores was found between participants who developed dyslipidemia and those who did not (4.1 ± 1.5 vs. 4.0 ± 1.5 and 4.8 ± 1.8 vs. 4.8 ± 1.9 for Trichopoulou and Vormund, respectively, p > 0.05). Finally, no associations were found between MD score and lipid changes at 5 or 10 years. Contrary to other studies, adherence to MD at baseline did not show any significant effects on lipid composition/incident dyslipidemia in Colaus|PsyCoLaus participants.
Clinical Characteristics of Neurocysticercosis in a Peruvian Population-Based Epilepsy Cohort: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Baseline Clinical Intake
Authors: Allen Samantha E. , Moyano Luz M. , Wardle Melissa T. , Guzman Carolina , Sanchez-Boluarte Sofia S. , Bonnet Gabrielle , Bustos Javier A. , O’Neal Seth , Garcia Hector H.
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: This study presents the baseline characteristics of a community-level population of people with epilepsy (n = 1975) living in an area endemic for Taenia solium, the pathogen responsible for neurocysticercosis (NCC). (2) Methods: Participants were sequentially enrolled in a clinical cohort from 2007 to 2020 in Tumbes, Peru. All participants provided demographic and clinical history and received clinical evaluations. Diagnostics, including neuroimaging, cysticercosis serologies, and EEG, were obtained where possible. The data presented are from the cross-sectional baseline assessment of cohort participants. (3) Results: Approximately 38% of participants met the criteria for NCC. Those with NCC were more likely to have adult-onset epilepsy, as well as a longer duration of epilepsy, as compared to their counterparts without NCC. Overall, the data indicate a large treatment gap, with only approximately a quarter of the baseline population with prescriptions for anti-seizure medications. (4) Conclusions: These data reveal a high proportion of NCC among people living with epilepsy in these communities, with limited health care resources. At baseline, 74% of the population were not receiving anti-seizure treatments. Further analyses of these data will clarify the natural history of the disease for this population.
Optimization of a Protocol for Launching Grapevine Infection with the Biologically Active cDNA Clones of a Virus
Authors: Shabanian Mehdi , Li Caihong , Ebadi Ali , Dolja Valerian , Meng Baozhong
Published: November 2023

Grapevine leafroll disease (GLRD) is the most globally prevalent and destructive disease complex responsible for significant reductions in grape yield and quality as well as wine production. GLRD is associated with several positive-strand RNA viruses of the family Closteroviridae, designated as grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs). However, the specific etiological role of any of these GLRaVs in GLRD has not been demonstrated. Even though GLRaV-3 is considered the chief GLRD agent, little is known about the molecular, cellular, and pathological properties of this virus. Such a knowledge gap is due to multiple factors, including the unavailability of biologically active virus cDNA clones and the lack of reliable experimental systems for launching grapevine infection using such clones. In this work, we tested four methods for inoculating tissue-cultured grapevine plantlets with cDNA clones of GLRaV-3: (i) vacuum agro-infiltration; (ii) agro-pricking; (iii) agro-drenching; and (iv) agro-injection. We showed that vacuum agro-infiltration was the most effective of these methods. Furthermore, we examined the impacts of different experimental conditions on the survival and infectivity rate of grapevines after infiltration. To verify the infectivity rate for different treatments, we used RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. We found that humidity plays a critical role in the survival of plantlets after agro-infiltration and that the use of RNA silencing suppressor and dormancy treatment both had strong effects on the infection rates. To our knowledge, the experimental protocol reported herein is the most effective system for launching the infection of grapevine using cDNA clones of grapevine viruses featuring up to a 70% infection rate. This system has strong potential to facilitate grapevine virology research including the fulfillment of Koch’s postulates for GLRD and other major virus diseases as well as identifying the molecular, cellular, and pathological properties of GLRaVs and, potentially, other important grapevine viruses.
Sarcosine May Induce EGF Production or Inhibit the Decline in EGF Concentrations in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia (Results of the PULSAR Study)
Authors: Pawlak Agnieszka , Kaczmarek Bartosz , Wysokiński Adam , Strzelecki Dominik
Published: November 2023

Sarcosine (N-methylglycine), a glutamatergic modulator, reduces the primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These beneficial changes might be mediated by trophic factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF). We assessed associations between initial serum EGF levels or changes in serum EGF levels and symptom severity during the addition of sarcosine to stable antipsychotic treatment and thereby evaluated the associations between glutamatergic modulation, clinical changes and peripheral EGF concentrations. Fifty-eight subjects with a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia with dominant negative symptoms, stably treated with antipsychotics, completed a prospective 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects received orally 2 g of sarcosine (n = 28) or placebo (n = 30) daily. Serum EGF levels and symptom severity (using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS)) were assessed at baseline, 6-week and 6-month follow-up. Augmentation antipsychotic treatment with sarcosine had no effect on EGF serum levels at any time points. Only the sarcosine group showed a significant improvement in negative symptoms, general psychopathology subscales and the overall PANSS score. We found a reduction in serum EGF levels in the placebo group, but levels in the sarcosine remained stable during the study. Our data indicate that improvement in negative symptoms due to sarcosine augmentation is not directly mediated by EGF, but effective treatment may induce the production or block the decrease in EGF concentrations, which indicates the neuroprotective effect of treatment and confirms the relationship between neuroprotection and EGF levels.
An Unmanned Vehicle-Based Remote Raman System for Real-Time Trace Detection and Identification
Authors: Ren Wenzhen , Wang Bo , Xie Zhengmao , Wang Hui , Zhu Xiangping , Zhao Wei
Published: November 2023

Raman spectroscopy is a type of inelastic scattering that provides rich information about a substance based on the coupling of the energy levels of their vibrational and rotational modes with an incident light. It has been applied extensively in many fields. As there is an increasing need for the remote detection of chemicals in planetary exploration and anti-terrorism, it is urgent to develop a compact, easily transportable, and fully automated remote Raman detection system for trace detection and identification of information, with high-level confidence about the target’s composition and conformation in real-time and for real field scenarios. Here, we present an unmanned vehicle-based remote Raman system, which includes a 266 nm air-cooling passive Q-switched nanosecond pulsed laser of high-repetition frequency, a gated ICMOS, and an unmanned vehicle. This system provides good spectral signals from remote distances ranging from 3 m to 10 m for simulating realistic scenarios, such as aluminum plate, woodblock, paperboard, black cloth, and leaves, and even for detected amounts as low as 0.1 mg. Furthermore, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based algorithm is implemented and packaged into the recognition software to achieve faster and more accurate detection and identification. This prototype offers a proof-of-concept for an unmanned vehicle with accurate remote substance detection in real-time, which can be helpful for remote detection and identification of hazardous gas, explosives, their precursors, and so forth.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the bHLH Gene Family and Its Response to Abiotic Stresses in Carthamus tinctorius
Authors: Tan Zhengwei , Lu Dandan , Yu Yongliang , Li Lei , Dong Wei , Xu Lanjie , Yang Qing , Wan Xiufu , Liang Huizhen
Published: November 2023

The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors possess DNA-binding and dimerization domains and are involved in various biological and physiological processes, such as growth and development, the regulation of secondary metabolites, and stress response. However, the bHLH gene family in C. tinctorius has not been investigated. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and analysis of bHLH transcription factors in C. tinctorius. A total of 120 CtbHLH genes were identified, distributed across all 12 chromosomes, and classified into 24 subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, the 120 CtbHLH genes were subjected to comprehensive analyses, including protein sequence alignment, evolutionary assessment, motif prediction, and the analysis of promoter cis-acting elements. The promoter region analysis revealed that CtbHLH genes encompass cis-acting elements and were associated with various aspects of plant growth and development, responses to phytohormones, as well as responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Expression profiles, sourced from transcriptome databases, indicated distinct expression patterns among these CtbHLH genes, which appeared to be either tissue-specific or specific to certain cultivars. To further explore their functionality, we determined the expression levels of fifteen CtbHLH genes known to harbor motifs related to abiotic and hormone responses. This investigation encompassed treatments with ABA, salt, drought, and MeJA. The results demonstrated substantial variations in the expression patterns of CtbHLH genes in response to these abiotic and hormonal treatments. In summary, our study establishes a solid foundation for future inquiries into the roles and regulatory mechanisms of the CtbHLH gene family.
Improvement of the YOLOv5 Model in the Optimization of the Brown Spot Disease Recognition Algorithm of Kidney Bean
Authors: Su Pengyan , Li Hao , Wang Xiaoyun , Wang Qianyu , Hao Bokun , Feng Meichen , Sun Xinkai , Yang Zhongyu , Jing Binghan , Wang Chao , Qin Mingxing , Song Xiaoyan , Xiao Lujie , Sun Jingjing , Zhang Meijun , Yang Wude
Published: November 2023

The kidney bean is an important cash crop whose growth and yield are severely affected by brown spot disease. Traditional target detection models cannot effectively screen out key features, resulting in model overfitting and weak generalization ability. In this study, a Bi-Directional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) and Squeeze and Excitation (SE) module were added to a YOLOv5 model to improve the multi-scale feature fusion and key feature extraction abilities of the improved model. The results show that the BiFPN and SE modules show higher heat in the target location region and pay less attention to irrelevant environmental information in the non-target region. The detection Precision, Recall, and mean average Precision (mAP@0.5) of the improved YOLOv5 model are 94.7%, 88.2%, and 92.5%, respectively, which are 4.9% higher in Precision, 0.5% higher in Recall, and 25.6% higher in the mean average Precision compared to the original YOLOv5 model. Compared with the YOLOv5-SE, YOLOv5-BiFPN, FasterR-CNN, and EfficientDet models, detection Precision improved by 1.8%, 3.0%, 9.4%, and 9.5%, respectively. Moreover, the rate of missed and wrong detection in the improved YOLOv5 model is only 8.16%. Therefore, the YOLOv5-SE-BiFPN model can more effectively detect the brown spot area of kidney beans.
Analyzing Morphology, Metabolomics, and Transcriptomics Offers Invaluable Insights into the Mechanisms of Pigment Accumulation in the Diverse-Colored Labellum Tissues of Alpinia
Authors: Zhao Tong , Yu Qianxia , Lin Canjia , Liu Huanfang , Dong Limei , Feng Xinxin , Liao Jingping
Published: November 2023

Alpinia plants are widely cherished for their vibrant and captivating flowers. The unique feature of this genus lies in their labellum, a specialized floral structure resulting from the fusion of two non-fertile staminodes. However, the intricate process of pigment formation, leading to distinct color patterns in the various labellum segments of Alpinia, remains a subject of limited understanding. In this study, labellum tissues of two Alpinia species, A. zerumbet (yellow–orange flowers) and A. oxyphylla (white–purple flowers), were sampled and analyzed through morphological structure observation, metabolite analysis, and transcriptome analyses. We found that hemispherical/spherical epidermal cells and undulate cell population morphology usually display darker flower colors, while flat epidermal cells and cell populations usually exhibit lighter flower colors. Metabolomic analysis identified a high concentration of anthocyanins, particularly peonidin derivatives, in segments with orange and purple pigments. Additionally, segments with yellow pigments showed significant accumulations of flavones, flavanols, flavanones, and xanthophylls. Furthermore, our investigation into gene expression levels through qRT-PCR revealed notable differences in several genes that participated in anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis among the four pigmented segments. Collectively, these findings offer a comprehensive understanding of pigmentation in Alpinia flowers and serve as a valuable resource for guiding future breeding efforts aimed at developing Alpinia varieties with novel flower colors.
Up-the-Pipe Solutions: A Best Practice Framework to Engage Communities in Reducing Chemical Contamination in Waste
Authors: Tremblay Louis A. , Ataria James M. , Challenger Ian , Horswell Jacqui , Baker Virginia , Langer E. R. Lisa , Leckie Alan , Champeau Olivier , Siggins Alma , Northcott Grant L.
Published: November 2023

Anthropogenic chemicals are fundamental for maintaining our standard of living in modern society. Unfortunately, some chemicals are persistent and can enter waste streams and, ultimately, the environment. Commonly used household products, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are notable sources of contaminants. The aim of this study was to develop an ‘Up-the-Pipe Solutions’ framework to raise awareness within the wider community about the presence and potential risks of the chemicals found in household products. There is potential to reduce the levels of contaminants in waste streams or substitute them with less harmful alternatives by raising awareness. This framework is based on ‘The Natural Step’ and the concept of essentiality; it recognises the importance of engaging with communities to raise awareness of each individual’s contribution to the problem. Our daily activities and behavioural patterns can have adverse consequences, including the release of persistent contaminants in main waste streams from our kitchens, bathrooms, and green wastes. The ‘Up-the-Pipe Solutions’ framework was successfully used in a small community to engage with school children, local authorities, and Māori leaders to raise awareness of chemical pollution.
The Reservoir Sensitivity of Triassic Baikouquan Formation in Mahu Depression
Authors: Hu Zhangming , Hu Mingyi
Published: November 2023

The Triassic Baikouquan Formation in the slope area of the Mahu Depression is the largest glutenite reservoir in the Junggar Basin, with low porosity and permeability; however, its physical properties are poor, the distribution of oil and gas is quite different, and the output fluctuates greatly. It is of great guiding significance to study the sensitivity characteristics of the reservoir for oil and gas development and productivity design. In this paper, the reservoir of the Triassic Baikouquan Formation in the Mahu Depression of Junggar Basin is taken as the research object, and the geological characteristics, pore structure characteristics and clay mineral characteristics of the reservoir are investigated through the use of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope; moreover, the sensitivity of velocity, water, salt and stress of the reservoir are studied through the use of a sensitive flow test. The research results show that the lithology of the reservoir is mainly glutenite, composed of tuff and metamorphic mudstone, and the minerals are mainly Yimeng mixed-layer clay minerals, with fine particle size, average porosity of 10.5% and an average permeability of 9 × 10−4 μ m2, forming pore structures such as dissolved pores, cemented pores and intergranular gaps, which belong to the poor pore structure reservoir with low porosity and low permeability. The velocity-sensitive damage rate of reservoirs in the study area is between 4 and 46, and the reservoirs are moderately weak and poor in velocity sensitivity. The damage rate of the reservoirs’ water sensitivity in the study area is between 36 and 58, which can be defined as medium–weak and medium–strong water sensitivity. The reservoir in the study area contains clay minerals in a Yimeng mixed layer, which easily hydrate and swell, and the clay minerals in different parts of the Yimeng mixed layer are different, resulting in great differences in salt sensitivity at different depths. The maximum permeability damage rate of the reservoir is 80%, the irreversible permeability damage rate is 20%, and the stress sensitivity is weak. The research results provide theoretical data support for adopting targeted reservoir protection measures in the process of oil and gas exploration, development and construction.