bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractal Dimensions of Biomass Burning Aerosols from TEM Images Using the Box-Grid and Nested Squares Methods
Authors: Honablew Timothy , Fiddler Marc N. , Pokhrel Rudra P. , Bililign Solomon
Published: January 2023

The fractal dimension is a key parameter in quantifying the morphology of aerosol aggregates, which is necessary to understand their radiative impact. Here we used Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images to determine 2D fractal dimensions using the nested square and box-grid method and used two different empirical equations to obtain the 3D fractal dimensions. The values ranged from 1.70 ± 0.05 for pine to 1.82 ± 0.07 for Eucalyptus, with both methods giving nearly identical results using one of the empirical equations and the other overestimated the 3D values significantly when compared to other values in the literature. The values we obtained are comparable to the fractal dimensions of fresh aerosols in the literature and were dependent on fuel type and combustion condition. Although these methods accurately calculated the fractal dimension, they have shortcomings if the images are not of the highest quality. While there are many ways of determining the fractal dimension of linear features, we conclude that the application of every method requires careful consideration of a range of methodological concerns.
Retrieval of Volcanic Ash Cloud Base Height Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhao Fenghua , Xia Jiawei , Zhu Lin , Sun Hongfu , Zhao Dexin
Published: January 2023

There are distinct differences between radiation characteristics of volcanic ash and meteorological clouds, and conventional retrieval methods for cloud base height (CBH) of the latter are difficult to apply to volcanic ash without substantial parameterisation and model correction. Furthermore, existing CBH inversion methods have limitations, including the involvement of many empirical formulae and a dependence on the accuracy of upstream cloud products. A machine learning (ML) method was developed for the retrieval of volcanic ash cloud base height (VBH) to reduce uncertainties in physical CBH retrieval methods. This new methodology takes advantage of polar-orbit active remote-sensing data from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), from vertical profile information and from geostationary passive remote-sensing measurements from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) and the Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI) aboard the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) and FengYun-4B (FY-4B) satellites, respectively. The methodology involves a statistics-based algorithm with hybrid use of principal component analysis (PCA) and one of four ML algorithms including the k-nearest neighbour (KNN), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) methods. Eruptions of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano (Iceland) during April-May 2010, the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic complex (Chilean Andes) in June 2011, and the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano (Tonga) in January 2022 were selected as typical cases for the construction of the training and validation sample sets. We demonstrate that a combination of PCA and GBDT performs more accurately than other combinations, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.152 km, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.529 km, and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.724. Use of PCA as an additional process before training reduces feature relevance between input predictors and improves algorithm accuracy. Although the ML algorithm performs well under relatively simple single-layer volcanic ash cloud conditions, it tends to overestimate VBH in multi-layer conditions, which is an unresolved problem in meteorological CBH retrieval.
The Impacts of Digital Economy on Balanced and Sufficient Development in China: A Regression and Spatial Panel Data Approach
Authors: Ge Xiangyu , Zhou Zunrong , Zhu Xia , Wu Yonghong , Zhou Yanli
Published: January 2023

The digital economy can change the proportions and types of production factors, gradually replace traditional backward production factors, reconstruct the division of labor and cooperation system, and improve productivity, which is an important basis for balanced and sufficient development. This paper measures the comprehensive level of the digital economy and balanced and sufficient development, by using Chinese provincial panel data from 2013 to 2021, and uses the panel fixed effect model, mediation effect model, and spatial econometric model to examine the digital economy’s effect on balanced and sufficient development as well as the digital economy’s mechanism. The results show that the digital economy has significantly promoted balanced and sufficient development, though there are obvious regional heterogeneity and spatial spillover effects, and the relevant conclusions are still valid after an endogenous treatment and a robustness test. The total factor productivity is an important mechanism for the digital economy to affect balanced and sufficient development.
Selective Destabilization of Transcripts by mRNA Decapping Regulates Oocyte Maturation and Innate Immunity Gene Expression during Ageing in C. elegans
Authors: Borbolis Fivos , Ranti Dimitra , Papadopoulou Maria-Despina , Dimopoulou Sofia , Malatras Apostolos , Michalopoulos Ioannis , Syntichaki Popi
Published: January 2023

Removal of the 5′ cap structure of RNAs (termed decapping) is a pivotal event in the life of cytoplasmic mRNAs mainly catalyzed by a conserved holoenzyme, composed of the catalytic subunit DCP2 and its essential cofactor DCP1. While decapping was initially considered merely a step in the general 5′-3′ mRNA decay, recent data suggest a great degree of selectivity that plays an active role in the post-transcriptional control of gene expression, and regulates multiple biological functions. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans have shown that old age is accompanied by the accumulation of decapping factors in cytoplasmic RNA granules, and loss of decapping activity shortens the lifespan. However, the link between decapping and ageing remains elusive. Here, we present a comparative microarray study that was aimed to uncover the differences in the transcriptome of mid-aged dcap-1/DCP1 mutant and wild-type nematodes. Our data indicate that DCAP-1 mediates the silencing of spermatogenic genes during late oogenesis, and suppresses the aberrant uprise of immunity gene expression during ageing. The latter is achieved by destabilizing the mRNA that encodes the transcription factor PQM-1 and impairing its nuclear translocation. Failure to exert decapping-mediated control on PQM-1 has a negative impact on the lifespan, but mitigates the toxic effects of polyglutamine expression that are involved in human disease.
Viroids: Non-Coding Circular RNAs Able to Autonomously Replicate and Infect Higher Plants
Authors: Ortolá Beltrán , Daròs José-Antonio
Published: January 2023

Viroids are a unique type of infectious agent, exclusively composed of a relatively small (246–430 nt), highly base-paired, circular, non-coding RNA. Despite the small size and non-coding nature, the more-than-thirty currently known viroid species infectious of higher plants are able to autonomously replicate and move systemically through the host, thereby inducing disease in some plants. After recalling viroid discovery back in the late 60s and early 70s of last century and discussing current hypotheses about their evolutionary origin, this article reviews our current knowledge about these peculiar infectious agents. We describe the highly base-paired viroid molecules that fold in rod-like or branched structures and viroid taxonomic classification in two families, Pospiviroidae and Avsunviroidae, likely gathering nuclear and chloroplastic viroids, respectively. We review current knowledge about viroid replication through RNA-to-RNA rolling-circle mechanisms in which host factors, notably RNA transporters, RNA polymerases, RNases, and RNA ligases, are involved. Systemic movement through the infected plant, plant-to-plant transmission and host range are also discussed. Finally, we focus on the mechanisms of viroid pathogenesis, in which RNA silencing has acquired remarkable importance, and also for the initiation of potential biotechnological applications of viroid molecules.
Reliability of Stereotactic Radiofrequency Ablation (SRFA) for Malignant Liver Tumors: Novice versus Experienced Operators
Authors: Schullian Peter , Laimer Gregor , Johnston Edward , Putzer Daniel , Eberle Gernot , Widmann Gerlig , Scharll Yannick , Bale Reto
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To compare the results of a novice with those of experienced interventional radiologists (IRs) for stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) of malignant liver tumors in terms of safety, technical success, and local tumor control. Methods: A database, including all SRFA procedures performed in a single center between January 2011 and December 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. A total of 39 ablation sessions performed by a novice IR were compared to the results of three more experienced IRs. Comparative SRFA sessions were selected using propensity score matching considering tumor type, age, sex, tumor size, and tumor number as matching variables. Overall, 549 target tumors were treated in 273 sessions. Median tumor size was 2.2 cm (1.0–8.5 cm) for 178 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and 3.0 cm (0.5–13.0 cm) for 371 metastases. A median of 2 (1–11) tumors were treated per session. Results: No significant differences were observed when comparing the results of more experienced IRs with those of a novice IR regarding the rates of major complications (6.8% [16/234] vs. 5.1% [2/39]; p = 0.477), mortality (1.3% [2/234] vs. 0% [0/39]; p = 0.690), primary technical efficacy (98.5% [525/533] vs. 98.9% [94/95]; p = 0.735), and local recurrence (5.6% [30/533] vs. 5.3% [5/95]; p = 0.886). However, the median planning/placement time was significantly shorter for the experienced IRs (92 min vs. 119 min; p = 0.002). Conclusions: SRFA is a safe, effective, and reliable treatment option for malignant liver tumors and favorable outcomes can be achieved even by inexperienced operators with minimal supervision.
Dysregulation of Mycobacterium marinum ESX-5 Secretion by Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazoles
Authors: Ho Vien Q. T. , Rong Mark K. , Habjan Eva , Bommer Samantha D. , Pham Thang V. , Piersma Sander R. , Bitter Wilbert , Ruijter Eelco , Speer Alexander
Published: January 2023

The ESX-5 secretion system is essential for the viability and virulence of slow-growing pathogenic mycobacterial species. In this study, we identified a 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivative as a putative effector of the ESX-5 secretion system. We confirmed that this 1,2,4-oxadiazole and several newly synthesized derivatives inhibited the ESX-5-dependent secretion of active lipase LipY by Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum). Despite reduced lipase activity, we did not observe a defect in LipY secretion itself. Moreover, we found that several other ESX-5 substrates, especially the high molecular-weight PE_PGRS MMAR_5294, were even more abundantly secreted by M. marinum treated with several 1,2,4-oxadiazoles. Analysis of M. marinum grown in the presence of different oxadiazole derivatives revealed that the secretion of LipY and the induction of PE_PGRS secretion were, in fact, two independent phenotypes, as we were able to identify structural features in the compounds that specifically induced only one of these phenotypes. Whereas the three most potent 1,2,4-oxadiazoles displayed only a mild effect on the growth of M. marinum or M. tuberculosis in culture, these compounds significantly reduced bacterial burden in M. marinum-infected zebrafish models. In conclusion, we report a 1,2,4-oxadiazole scaffold that dysregulates ESX-5 protein secretion.
An Isobaric Labeling Approach to Enhance Detection and Quantification of Tissue-Derived Plasma Proteins as Potential Early Disease Biomarkers
Authors: Nazli Sumaiya , Zimmerman Kip D. , Riojas Angelica M. , Cox Laura A. , Olivier Michael
Published: January 2023

The proteomic analysis of plasma holds great promise to advance precision medicine and identify biomarkers of disease. However, it is likely that many potential biomarkers circulating in plasma originate from other tissues and are only present in low abundances in the plasma. Accurate detection and quantification of low abundance proteins by standard mass spectrometry approaches remain challenging. In addition, it is difficult to link low abundance plasma proteins back to their specific tissues or organs of origin with confidence. To address these challenges, we developed a mass spectrometry approach based on the use of tandem mass tags (TMT) and a tissue reference sample. By applying this approach to nonhuman primate plasma samples, we were able to identify and quantify 820 proteins by using a kidney tissue homogenate as reference. On average, 643 ± 16 proteins were identified per plasma sample. About 58% of proteins identified in replicate experiments were identified both times. A ratio of 50 μg kidney protein to 10 μg plasma protein, and the use of the TMT label with the highest molecular weight (131) for the kidney reference yielded the largest number of proteins in the analysis, and identified low abundance proteins in plasma that are prominently found in the kidney. Overall, this methodology promises efficient quantification of plasma proteins potentially released from specific tissues, thereby increasing the number of putative disease biomarkers for future study.
An Ultrasensitive miRNA-Based Genosensor for Detection of MicroRNA 21 in Gastric Cancer Cells Based on Functional Signal Amplifier and Synthesized Perovskite-Graphene Oxide and AuNPs
Authors: Shahbazi-Derakhshi Payam , Mahmoudi Elham , Majidi Mir Mostafa , Sohrabi Hessamaddin , Amini Mohammad , Majidi Mir Reza , Niaei Aligholi , Shaykh-Baygloo Nima , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad
Published: January 2023

In the present research work, the state-of-art label-free electrochemical genosensing platform was developed based on the hybridization process in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as an efficient redox probe for sensitive recognition of the miRNA-21 in human gastric cell lines samples. To attain this aim, perovskite nanosheets were initially synthesized. Afterward, the obtained compound was combined with the graphene oxide resulting in an effective electrochemical modifier, which was dropped on the surface of the Au electrode. Then, AuNPs (Gold Nano Particles) have been electrochemically-immobilized on perovskite-graphene oxide/Au-modified electrode surface through the chronoamperometry (CA) technique. Finally, a self-assembling monolayer reaction of ss-capture RNA ensued by the thiol group at the end of the probe with AuNPs on the modified electrode surface. miRNA-21 has been cast on the Au electrode surface to apply the hybridization process. To find out the effectiveness of the synthesized modifier agent, the electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode has been analyzed through DPV (differential pulse voltammetry) and CV (cyclic voltammetry) techniques. The prepared biomarker-detection bioassay offers high sensitivity and specificity, good performance, and appropriate precision and accuracy for the highly-sensitive determination of miRNA-21. Different characterization methods have been used, such as XRD, Raman, EDS, and FE-SEM, for morphological characterization and investigation of particle size. Based on optimal conditions, the limit of detection and quantification have been acquired at 2.94 fM and 8.75 fM, respectively. Furthermore, it was possible to achieve a wide linear range which is between 10−14 and 10−7 for miRNA-21. Moreover, the selectivity of the proposed biosensing assay was investigated through its potential in the detection of one, two, and three-base mismatched sequences. Moreover, it was possible to investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of the related bio-assay. To evaluate the hybridization process, it is important that the planned biomarker detection bio-assay could be directly re-used and re-generated.
Direct Identification of Label-Free Gram-Negative Bacteria with Bioreceptor-Free Concentric Interdigitated Electrodes
Authors: Zamzami Mazin , Alamoudi Samer , Ahmad Abrar , Choudhry Hani , Khan Mohammad Imran , Hosawi Salman , Rabbani Gulam , Shalaan El-Sayed , Arkook Bassim
Published: January 2023

This investigation demonstrates an electrochemical method for directly identifying unlabeled Gram-negative bacteria without other additives or labeling agents. After incubation, the bacterial cell surface is linked to the interdigitated electrode through electroadsorption. Next, these cells are exposed to a potential difference between the two electrodes. The design geometry of an electrode has a significant effect on the electrochemical detection of Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, electrode design geometry is a crucial factor that needs to be considered when designing electrodes for electrochemical sensing. They provide the area for the reaction and are responsible for transferring electrons from one electrode to another. This work aims to study the available design in the commercial market to determine the most suitable electrode geometry with a high detection sensitivity that can be used to identify and quantify bacterial cells in normal saline solutions. To work on detecting bacterial cells without the biorecognition element, we have to consider the microelectrode’s design, which makes it very susceptible to bacteria size. The concentration–dilution technique measures the effect of the concentration on label-free Gram-negative bacteria in a normal saline solution without needing bio-recognized elements for a fast screening evaluation. This method’s limit of detection (LOD) cannot measure concentrations less than 102 CFU/mL and cannot distinguish between live and dead cells. Nevertheless, this approach exhibited excellent detection performance under optimal experimental conditions and took only a few hours.
Cognitive Reserve in Isolated Rapid Eye-Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: D’Este Giada , Berra Francesca , Carli Giulia , Leitner Caterina , Marelli Sara , Zucconi Marco , Casoni Francesca , Ferini-Strambi Luigi , Galbiati Andrea
Published: January 2023

Isolated rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is considered the prodromal stage of α-synucleinopathies (e.g., Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies); however, iRBD patients show a wide variety in the progression timing (5–15 years). The model of cognitive reserve (CR) might contribute to explaining this phenomenon. Our exploratory study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the impact of CR level on cognitive performance in polysomnography-confirmed iRBD patients. Fifty-five iRBD patients (mean age ± SD: 66.38 ± 7.51; M/F 44/11) underwent clinical and neuropsychological evaluations at the time of diagnosis. The CR Index questionnaire was part of the clinical assessment. We found that iRBD patients with high levels of CR showed: (i) the lowest percentage of mild cognitive impairment (10%), and (ii) the best performance in visuo-constructive and verbal memory functions (i.e., the recall of the Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test). Our results suggest that CR might help iRBD patients better cope with the cognitive decline related to the neurodegenerative process, providing the first preliminary findings supporting CR as a possible protective factor in this condition. This might pave the way for future longitudinal studies to evaluate the role of CR as a modulating factor in the timing of iRBD conversion and cognitive deterioration development.
Relationship between Overweight/Obesity and Social Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder Children: Mediating Effect of Gray Matter Volume
Authors: Cheng Wei , Sun Zhiyuan , Cai Kelong , Wu Jingjing , Dong Xiaoxiao , Liu Zhimei , Shi Yifan , Yang Sixin , Zhang Weike , Chen Aiguo
Published: January 2023

With advances in medical diagnostic technology, the healthy development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is receiving more and more attention. In this article, the mediating effect of brain gray matter volume (GMV) between overweight/obesity and social communication (SC) was investigated through the analysis of the relationship between overweight/obesity and SC in autism spectrum disorder children. In total, 101 children with ASD aged 3–12 years were recruited from three special educational centers (Yangzhou, China). Overweight/obesity in children with ASD was indicated by their body mass index (BMI); the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2) was used to assess their social interaction ability, and structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) was used to measure GMV. A mediation model was constructed using the Process plug-in to analyze the mediating effect of GMV between overweight/obesity and SC in children with ASD. The results revealed that: overweight/obesity positively correlated with SRS-2 total points (p = 0.01); gray matter volume in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (Frontal_Sup_L GMV) negatively correlated with SRS-2 total points (p = 0.001); and overweight/obesity negatively correlated with Frontal_Sup_L GMV (p = 0.001). The Frontal_Sup_L GMV played a partial mediating role in the relationship between overweight/obesity and SC, accounting for 36.6% of total effect values. These findings indicate the significant positive correlation between overweight/obesity and SC; GMV in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus plays a mediating role in the relationship between overweight/obesity and SC. The study may provide new evidence toward comprehensively revealing the overweight/obesity and SC relationship.
Are Human Learners Capable of Learning Arbitrary Language Structures
Authors: Lin Yu-Leng
Published: January 2023

The artificial grammar learning paradigm is a classic method of investigating the influence of universal constraints on shaping learning biases on language acquisition. While this method has been used extensively by linguists to test theoretical claims in generative grammar, one of the most prevalent frameworks in language acquisition, several studies have questioned whether artificial grammar learning reflects language acquisition enough to allow us to use it to draw inferences about the validity of universal constraints, particularly those arising from phonetic naturalness. The current study tests whether artificial grammar learning shows the effect of one robust phonetic naturalness constraint: the restriction on nasal harmony patterns arising from the sonority hierarchy. Nasal harmony is of particular interest because it is one of the few types of harmony that occurs between consonants and vowels, which is an under-researched topic. The results, contrary to the skeptical concerns, showed that participants (n = 120) could learn an artificial grammar involving a natural pattern, but could not learn one corresponding to an arbitrary/phonetically unmotivated pattern in the same way or to the same degree. This study contributes epistemic support to the large body of work using artificial grammar experiments to test phonological operations.
Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prognostic Parameter
Authors: Vychopen Martin , Lampmann Tim , Asoglu Harun , Güresir Agi , Vatter Hartmut , Wach Johannes , Güresir Erdem
Published: January 2023

A non-convulsive status epilepticus (ncSE) is a potentially fatal complication for patients in neurointensive care. In patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), ncSE remains scarcely investigated. In this study, we aim to investigate the frequency and influence of non-convulsive status epilepticus on outcome in patients with SAH. We retrospectively analyzed data of consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and evaluated clinical, radiological, demographical and electroencephalogram (EEG) data. Outcome was assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months and stratified into favorable (mRS 0-2) vs. unfavorable (mRS 3-6). We identified 171 patients with SAH, who received EEG between 01/2012 and 12/2020. ncSE was diagnosed in 19 patients (3.7%), only one of whom achieved favorable outcome. The multivariate regression analysis revealed four independent predictors of unfavorable outcome: presence of ncSE (p = 0.003; OR 24.1; 95 CI% 2.9–195.3), poor-grade SAH (p < 0.001; OR 14.0; 95 CI% 8.5–23.1), age (p < 0.001; OR 2.8; 95 CI% 1.6–4.6) and the presence of DIND (p < 0.003; OR 1.9; 95 CI% 1.2–3.1) as independent predictors for unfavorable outcome. According to our study, development of ncSE in patients suffering SAH might correlate with poor prognosis. Even when medical treatment is successful and no EEG abnormalities are detected, the long-term outcome remains poor.
The Role of Two Factors of Negative Symptoms and Cognition on Social Functioning in Male Patients with Schizophrenia: A Mediator Model
Authors: Wang Zixu , Ling Yuru , Wang Yu , Zhu Tingting , Gao Ju , Tang Xiaowei , Yu Miao , Zhou Chao , Xu Yanmin , Zhang Xiaobin , Zhang Xiangrong , Fang Xinyu
Published: January 2023

Objective: This study aims to compare the cognitive function and social functioning in male patients with deficit syndrome (DS) and non-DS, and to explore whether cognitive function serves as a mediator in the relationship between the two factors of negative symptoms (motivation and pleasure (MAP) and expressivity (EXP) deficits, and social functioning in schizophrenia patients. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six male patients with schizophrenia and 109 age- and education-matched normal controls were enrolled in the current study. The Chinese version of a Schedule for Deficit Syndrome (SDS) was used for DS and non-DS categorization. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Brief Negative Symptoms Scale (BNSS) were used to assess psychotic and negative symptoms in patients. The Social-Adaptive Functioning Evaluation (SAFE) was adopted to evaluate patients’ social functioning, and a battery of classical neurocognitive tests was used to assess cognition, including sustained vigilance/attention, cognitive flexibility, ideation fluency, and visuospatial memory. Results: We found that male patients with DS performed worse in all four cognitive domains and social functioning compared to non-DS patients. Both total negative symptoms and its two factors were significantly associated with all four domains of cognition and social functioning in male patients. Interestingly, our results indicate that only cognitive flexibility mediates the relationship between negative symptoms and social functioning in schizophrenia patients, but there were no differences between EXP and MAP negative factors in this model. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that DS patients may represent a unique clinical subgroup of schizophrenia, and the integrated interventions targeting both negative symptoms and cognition, especially cognitive flexibility, may optimally improve functional outcomes in schizophrenia patients.
Comparison of Asymmetry between Perceptual, Ocular, and Postural Vestibular Screening Tests
Authors: Macaulay Timothy R. , Wood Scott J. , Bollinger Austin , Schubert Michael C. , Shelhamer Mark , Bishop Michael O. , Reschke Millard F. , Clément Gilles
Published: January 2023

Background: A better understanding of how vestibular asymmetry manifests across tests is important due to its potential implications for balance dysfunction, motion sickness susceptibility, and adaptation to new environments. Objective: We report the results of multiple tests for vestibular asymmetry in 32 healthy participants. Methods: Asymmetry was measured using perceptual reports during unilateral centrifugation, oculomotor responses during visual alignment tasks, vestibulo-ocular reflex gain during head impulse tests, and body rotation during stepping tests. Results: A significant correlation was observed between asymmetries of subjective visual vertical and verbal report during unilateral centrifugation. Another significant correlation was observed between the asymmetries of ocular alignment, vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, and body rotation. Conclusions: These data suggest that there are underlying vestibular asymmetries in healthy individuals that are consistent across various vestibular challenges. In addition, these findings have value in guiding test selection during experimental design for assessing vestibular asymmetry in healthy adults.
Relationships among Depressive Symptoms, Body Weight, and Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Shika Study
Authors: Fukushima Shinobu , Suzuki Fumihiko , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Hara Akinori , Miyagi Sakae , Kannon Takayuki , Suzuki Keita , Shimizu Yukari , Nguyen Thao Thi Thu , Yanagisawa Toru , Oku Fumika , Sato Kuniko , Nakamura Masaharu , Hayashi Koichiro , Shibata Aki , Konoshita Tadashi , Kambayashi Yasuhiro , Tsuboi Hirohito , Tajima Atsushi , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: January 2023

Although depression and body weight have individually been associated with chronic pain (CP), it currently remains unclear whether the combination of depressive symptoms (DS) and being underweight/overweight is related to CP. Therefore, we herein investigated the relationships among depression, body mass index (BMI), and CP in community-dwelling middle-aged and elderly individuals. Participants comprised 2216 inhabitants of Shika town in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, including 1003 males (mean age of 68.72 years, standard deviation (SD) of 8.36) and 1213 females (mean age of 69.65 years, SD of 9.36). CP and DS were assessed using a CP questionnaire and Geriatric Depression Scale-15, respectively. The Breslow–Day test indicated that DS positively correlated with lumbar/knee pain in the BMI < 25 group, but not in the BMI ≥ 25 group. Furthermore, lumber/knee pain was related to a higher BMI. These results were confirmed by a logistic analysis with age, sex, BMI, solitary living, the duration of education, no exercise/hobbies, smoking history, alcohol intake, and medical treatment for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension as confounding factors. The present study indicates the importance of considering DS and BMI in the prevention of CP. Further studies are needed to clarify the causal relationships among depression, BMI, and CP.
AI Experience Predicts Identification with Humankind
Authors: Wang Congyu , Peng Kaiping
Published: January 2023

Artificial intelligence is becoming a potential outgroup of humans, which, according to social identity theory, may make humanity more salient. To explore how identification with humankind correlates to being exposed to artificial intelligence, we developed an AI Experience Questionnaire to measure this relationship and demonstrated that AI experience positively predicted human identity (Study 1a, N = 806). This correlation held when controlling for AI threats, educational level, international mobility experience, gender, and age (Study 2, N = 981, Mage = 27.55 ± 6.74; 448 males, 533 females). Study 1a also demonstrated that AI awareness—consisting of perceived anthropomorphism and perceived proximity—mediated the relationship between AI experience and human identity. This mediation model was replicated half a year later (Study 1b, N = 886). Moreover, a moderation analysis demonstrated that for both Easterners and Westerners, the correlation between AI experience and human identity was significantly positive; however, Western culture amplified the correlation (Study 3; N = 177, Mage = 32.35 ± 10.99; 90 Easterners, 87 Westerners). To conclude, persons with more AI experience may be more inclined to perceive AI as an outgroup of humans, and therefore AI experience positively predicts identification with humankind.
Factors Influencing Sexual Violence Situation Witnessing Experience: For Korean Occupational Soldiers
Authors: Kang Hyekyung
Published: January 2023

This study explored the influencing factors related to the possibility of a military colleague’s intervention by comparing the awareness of sexual violence, gender consciousness, social self-efficacy, and self-esteem of Korean occupational soldiers related to the experience of witnessing sexual violence. From 4 September to 3 November 2022, an online survey was conducted targeting occupational soldiers working in all regions of South Korea by collecting snowball samples with gender allocation applied. Subjects responded to questions about sexual violence awareness, gender consciousness, witnessing sexual violence, social self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Data were collected until the number of professional soldiers with witnessing experience met the minimum target number by checking whether they had witnessed sexual violence among the response results. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and logistic regression. There were 102 subjects (40.9%) who had witnessed sexual violence by their military colleagues, and there were significant differences in sexual violence awareness, gender awareness, and social self-efficacy according to whether they had witnessed sexual violence. Compared to the unexperienced group, the group who witnessed sexual violence by their military colleagues showed significantly higher sexual violence awareness by 2.01 times and social self-efficacy by 2.27 times. In order to prevent sexual violence among occupational soldiers, it is necessary for military colleagues to play the role of active bystanders and witnesses. To this end, it is necessary to develop an educational direction and bystander’s witnessing program related to the improvement of the unit’s sexual violence awareness, gender awareness, and social role as a soldier.
Bayesian Optimization Framework for HVAC System Control
Authors: Lin Xingbin , Guo Qi , Yuan Deyu , Gao Min
Published: January 2023

The use of machine-learning algorithms in optimizing the energy efficiency of HVAC systems has been widely studied in recent years. Previous research has focused mainly on data-driven model predictive controls and reinforcement learning. Both approaches require a large amount of online interactive data; therefore, they are not efficient and stable enough for large-scale practical applications. In this paper, a Bayesian optimization framework for HVAC control has been proposed to achieve near-optimal control performance while also maintaining high efficiency and stability, which would allow it to be implemented in a large number of projects to obtain large-scale benefits. The proposed framework includes the following: (1) a method for modeling HVAC control problems as contexture Bayesian optimization problems and a technology for automatically constructing Bayesian optimization samples, which are based on time series raw trending data; (2) a Gaussian process regression surrogate model for the objective function of optimization; (3) a Bayesian optimization control loop, optimized for the characteristics of HVAC system controls, including an additional exploration trick based on noise estimation and a mechanism to ensure constraint satisfaction. The performance of the proposed framework was evaluated by using a simulation system, which was calibrated by using trending data from a real data center. The results of our study showed that the proposed approach achieved more than a 10% increase in energy-efficiency savings within a few weeks of optimization time compared with the original building automation control.
A Reference Framework for Zero Energy Districts in Panama Based on Energy Performance Simulations and Bioclimatic Design Methodology
Authors: De León Lissette , Mora Dafni , Carpino Cristina , Arcuri Natale , Chen Austin Miguel
Published: January 2023

The need for efficient buildings to contribute to sustainable development has led to the proposal of goals and regulations in different countries linked to net zero energy objectives, following approaches specific to their regions. Such regulations are not yet developed in a developing country such as Panama. Thus, this study develops the first framework for Zero Energy Districts (ZED) in Panama based on passive and active solutions through dynamic simulation. For this, an existing urbanization area consisting of 34 residential buildings, called the existing case (EC), was studied. After undergoing a design based on the bioclimatic methodology, a redesigned case (RC) is proposed to maintain thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. Key redesign factors are the buildings’ shape, orientation, glazing, the use of shadows, material of the walls, and the air conditioning configuration. Results showed energy consumption decreases by 37.5% when considering all buildings with natural ventilation, reaching ranges of positive net energy (+356.50 kWh/m2y). In the case of nearly ZED in Panama, the ranges could be considered between 14 and 180 kWh/m2y. This balance indicates that there is potential on site to develop zero energy districts.
Influence of Complex Service Factors on Ravelling Resistance Performance for Porous Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Cheng Zhihao , Zheng Shaopeng , Liang Naixing , Li Xiao , Li Libin
Published: January 2023

The study aims to analyze the influence of complex service factors on ravelling resistance performance for large-void asphalt pavements by carrying out tests on environmental and vehicle factors, conducting ultraviolet aging, freeze–thaw cycles, as well as vehicle speed simulated tests with the Rotating Surface Abrasion Test, vehicle tests, and traffic volume tests, and by making a correlation analysis between the Cantabro Abrasion test and Rotating Surface Abrasion Test. The result shows that environmental factors significantly affect the ravelling resistance performance of drainage asphalt pavements. With the increase in the times of UV aging and freeze–thaw cycles, the ravelling loss rate of asphalt specimens shows a tendency to increase, and the combined test of UV aging and freeze–thaw cycles aggravated the ravelling damage of asphalt specimens. Meanwhile, vehicle factors have a significant attenuation effect on the ravelling resistance performance of drainage asphalt pavements. With the increase in the speed, pressure, and times of the Rotating Surface Abrasion, the ravelling loss rate of asphalt specimens shows a steady tendency to increase. Furthermore, there exists a good correlation between the Rotating Surface Abrasion speed, pressure, times, and the ravelling loss rate. Finally, the two test results of the Cantabro Abrasion test and Rotating Surface Abrasion test are consistent in their changes during single/composite factor analysis, confirming the feasibility of using the Rotating Surface Abrasion test index to characterize the change in the ravelling resistance performance of drainage asphalt pavements.
Assessment of Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Materials—Part 1: Crumb Rubber Concrete
Authors: Cojocaru Alexandra , Isopescu Dorina Nicolina , Maxineasa Sebastian George , Petre Sergiu George
Published: January 2023

The energy performance of buildings and the high consumption of traditional building materials are considered to be the most important aspects that are related to the implementation of the sustainability concept in the construction industry with respect to the natural environment. At the same time, another important global ecological problem is represented by different types of waste resulting from existing industries. Therefore, it is necessary that civil engineering specialists find new solutions and materials that can improve the thermal and environmental performances of buildings by taking into consideration the large amounts of existing waste. Taking into account the fact that concrete is the most used material in the construction sector and that concrete elements have a significant influence over the overall energy performance of a building, the present paper takes under observation the use of tire rubber waste as a replacement for concrete aggregates. This study considers a replacement of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the 4–8 mm aggregates with crumb rubber cylindrical granules. The resulting values show an improvement in the thermal performance, but at the same time, the mechanical properties are reduced.
An BESO Approach for Optimal Retrofit Design of Steel Rectangular-Hollow-Section Columns Supporting Crane Loads
Authors: Su Rut , Tangaramvong Sawekchai , Van Thu Huynh
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a cost-effective optimal-topology retrofitting technique for hollow-steel-section columns to sufficiently support industrial running cranes. A so-called bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method was encoded within the MATLAB modeling framework, with a direct interface with an ANSYS commercial finite-element analysis program, to determine the optimal topology of double external steel plates connected to columns in a 3D space. For the initial ground structure, we have adopted standard uniform double U-shaped external stiffener plates located at the top and bottom flange layers of an I-beam to box-column connection (IBBC) area. The influences of inelastic materials and the incorporated nonlinear geometry can effectively describe the premature (local buckling) failures of the columns in an IBBC area. The applications of the proposed optimal-topology BESO-based stiffening method are illustrated through the retrofitting of three hollow-steel-section columns, characterized by non-slender and slender compression sections. Some concluding remarks are provided on the pre- and post-retrofitted responses of the columns, with the results showing both the accuracy and robustness of the proposed external stiffening schemes.
Pre-Clinical Evaluation of the Hypomethylating Agent Decitabine for the Treatment of T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Provez Lien , Putteman Tom , Landfors Mattias , Roels Juliette , Reunes Lindy , T’Sas Sara , Van Loocke Wouter , Lintermans Béatrice , De Coninck Stien , Thenoz Morgan , Sleeckx Wouter , Maćkowska-Maślak Natalia , Taghon Tom , Mansour Marc R. , Farah Nadine , Norga Koen , Vandenberghe Peter , Kotecha Rishi S. , Goossens Steven , Degerman Sofie , De Smedt Renate , Van Vlierberghe Pieter
Published: January 2023

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a rare and aggressive lymphatic cancer, often diagnosed at a young age. Patients are treated with intensive chemotherapy, potentially followed by a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although prognosis of T-LBL has improved with intensified treatment protocols, they are associated with side effects and 10–20% of patients still die from relapsed or refractory disease. Given this, the search toward less toxic anti-lymphoma therapies is ongoing. Here, we targeted the recently described DNA hypermethylated profile in T-LBL with the DNA hypomethylating agent decitabine. We evaluated the anti-lymphoma properties and downstream effects of decitabine, using patient derived xenograft (PDX) models. Decitabine treatment resulted in prolonged lymphoma-free survival in all T-LBL PDX models, which was associated with downregulation of the oncogenic MYC pathway. However, some PDX models showed more benefit of decitabine treatment compared to others. In more sensitive models, differentially methylated CpG regions resulted in more differentially expressed genes in open chromatin regions. This resulted in stronger downregulation of cell cycle genes and upregulation of immune response activating transcripts. Finally, we suggest a gene signature for high decitabine sensitivity in T-LBL. Altogether, we here delivered pre-clinical proof of the potential use of decitabine as a new therapeutic agent in T-LBL.
Outcomes of Surgical Treatment for Extradural Benign Primary Spinal Tumors in Patients Younger than 25 Years: An Ambispective International Multicenter Study
Authors: Disch Alexander C. , Boriani Stefano , Lazary Aron , Rhines Laurence D. , Luzzati Alessandro , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Fisher Charles G. , Fehlings Michael G. , Clarke Michelle J. , Chou Dean , Germscheid Nicole M. , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Reynolds Jeremy J. ,   The AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor
Published: January 2023

Extradural primary spinal tumors were retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database of 1495 cases. All subjects with benign primary tumors under the age of 25 years, who were enrolled between 1990 and 2012 (Median FU was 2.4 years), were identified. Patient- and case-related characteristics were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: 161 patients (66f;95m; age 17.0 ± 4.7 years at time of diagnosis) were identified. The most common tumors were osteoblastomas n = 53 (32.9%), osteoid osteomas n = 45 (28.0%), and aneurysmal bone cysts n = 32 (19.9%). The tumor grade, according to the Enneking Classification S1/S2/S3, was 14/73/74 (8.7/45.3/46.0%), respectively. Tumor-related pain was present in 156 (96.9%) patients. Diagnosis was achieved by biopsies in 2/3 of the cases. Spinal fixation was used in >50% of the cases. Resection was Enneking appropriate in n = 100 (62.1%) of cases. Local recurrence occurred in 21 (13.1%) patients. Two patients died within a 10-year follow-up period. Conclusion: This is one of the largest international multicenter cohorts of young patients surgically treated for benign spinal tumors. The heterogenic young patient cohort presented at a mid-term follow-up without a correlation between the grade of aggressiveness in resection and local recurrence rates. Further prospective data are required to identify prognostic factors that determine oncological and functional outcomes for young patients suffering from these rare tumors.
Consensus Statement on the Use of Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging during Pancreatic Cancer Surgery Based on a Delphi Study: Surgeons’ Perspectives on Current Use and Future Recommendations
Authors: de Muynck Lysanne D. A. N. , White Kevin P. , Alseidi Adnan , Bannone Elisa , Boni Luigi , Bouvet Michael , Falconi Massimo , Fuchs Hans F. , Ghadimi Michael , Gockel Ines , Hackert Thilo , Ishizawa Takeaki , Kang Chang Moo , Kokudo Norihiro , Nickel Felix , Partelli Stefano , Rangelova Elena , Swijnenburg Rutger Jan , Dip Fernando , Rosenthal Raul J. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , Mieog J. Sven D.
Published: January 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG) is one of the only clinically approved near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores used during fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), but it lacks tumor specificity for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Several tumor-targeted fluorescent probes have been evaluated in PDAC patients, yet no uniformity or consensus exists among the surgical community on the current and future needs of FGS during PDAC surgery. In this first-published consensus report on FGS for PDAC, expert opinions were gathered on current use and future recommendations from surgeons’ perspectives. A Delphi survey was conducted among international FGS experts via Google Forms. Experts were asked to anonymously vote on 76 statements, with ≥70% agreement considered consensus and ≥80% participation/statement considered vote robustness. Consensus was reached for 61/76 statements. All statements were considered robust. All experts agreed that FGS is safe with few drawbacks during PDAC surgery, but that it should not yet be implemented routinely for tumor identification due to a lack of PDAC-specific NIR tracers and insufficient evidence proving FGS’s benefit over standard methods. However, aside from tumor imaging, surgeons suggest they would benefit from visualizing vasculature and surrounding anatomy with ICG during PDAC surgery. Future research could also benefit from identifying neuroendocrine tumors. More research focusing on standardization and combining tumor identification and vital-structure imaging would greatly improve FGS’s use during PDAC surgery.