bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open Magnetic Fields in the Martian Magnetosphere Revealing Dipole-like Intrinsic Magnetic Fields at Mars
Authors: Xu Shaosui , Luhmann Janet G. , Mitchell David L. , Weber Tristan , Brain David A. , Ma Yingjuan , Curry Shannon M. , DiBraccio Gina A. , Halekas Jasper , Ruhunusiri Suranga , Mazelle Christian , Lillis Robert J. , Langlais Benoit
Published: November 2023

Mars’s magnetosphere is hybrid, having contributions from both an induced magnetosphere like Venus and the localized crustal magnetic fields. However, the planetary fields also include large-scale, more global components. In this study, we investigate their role in Mars’s magnetospheric topological responses to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angle using observations from the Mars Atmospheric Volatile and EvolutioN mission. We show that the large-scale planetary field has a “dipole-like” influence on the Mars global magnetosphere by examining the open field topology. We find that the “dipole-like” planetary field, as at Earth, results in a more open magnetosphere during southward IMF. The clock angle effects on the twisted magnetotail current sheet are similarly consistent with this analogy. It reinforces the idea that Mars’s magnetosphere and solar wind interaction are more Earth-like than previously thought.
New Active Quasi-Hilda Asteroid 2004 CV50: A Citizen Science Discovery
Authors: Chandler Colin Orion , Oldroyd William J. , Trujillo Chadwick A. , Burris William A. , Hsieh Henry H. , Kueny Jay K. , Farrell Kennedy A. , DeSpain Jarod A. , Sedaghat Nima , Mendoza Magbanua Mark Jesus , Sheppard Scott S. , Mazzucato Michele T. , Bosch Milton K. D. , Shaw-Diaz Tiffany , Gonano Virgilio , Lamperti Al , Dukes Charles J. A. , Terentev Ivan A. , da Silva Campos José A. , Goodwin Brian L.
Published: November 2023

We report that minor planet 2004 CV50 displayed cometary activity in the form of a short, diffuse tail, first identified by volunteers of the Citizen Science program Active Asteroids, a NASA Partner program hosted on the Zooniverse online platform. The activity is present in three images, from UT 2020 February 15 and UT 2020 March 14, that were acquired with the Dark Energy Camera on the Blanco 4 m telescope at the Cerro-Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. We find that 2004 CV50 is most likely an active quasi-Hilda object rather than an active asteroid, despite 2004 CV50 having a Tisserand parameter with respect to Jupiter of 3.06.
D1.2 Data Management Plan
Authors: Ziv Guy , Gunning Jodi , Cord Anna , Beckmann Michael , Paulus Anne , Václavík Tomáš , Domingo-Marimon Cristina , Bullock James , Evans Paul , Trajković Milica
Published: November 2023

This document is the first version of the Data Management Plan of the H2020 BESMAP project. The Data Management Plan is intended as a living document and updated versions of this document will be produced in month 18 (D1.4) and month 36 (D1.6). The scope of the Data Management Plan is to describe the data management life cycle of all data sets that will be collected, processed or generated by the BESTMAP project. This document outlines how research data will be handled during the BESTMAP project, and after the project is completed. This Data Management Plan describes what data will be collected, processed or generated and what methodology and standards will be applied, whether and how this data will be shared and/or made open, and how it will be curated and preserved.
D2.3 Dashboard design prototype
Authors: Domingo-Marimon Cristina , Masó Pau Joan , Ziv Guy , Gunning Jodi
Published: November 2023

Dashboards for data visualisation and decision-making are information management tools that visually display, analyse and provide metrics of data, for better decisions and understanding improvement.Dashboards provide critical reporting of spatialised data and associated metrics information and are essential for displaying model results, guiding decisions and better navigating the landscape. The main aim of the dashboards is to quickly gain insights into the most relevant results of the data displayed. The main added value for users is that information is transformed into knowledge which is useful for decisions on policy making.
D2.4 Economic scenarios outputs based on policy workshops
Authors: Delzeit Ruth , Markoff Simone , Thube Sneha
Published: November 2023

This deliverable report elaborates on the development and results of a set of policy scenarios that represent the outcomes of Task 2.4. After clarifying the objective of the deliverable, key features of the DART-BIO model are explained, followed by a definition of two biofuel scenarios in which the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and in addition global biofuel policies are implemented. Further, two specifications of international climate policies are defined and their implementation explained. In the result section, the impacts of these policies on the EU’s agricultural markets and land-use change are illustrated. The results show that with the RED including a ban on palm-oil based biodiesel in place, EU’s rapeseed production and therewith also land used to cultivate rapeseed rises, while also imports of other vegetable oils increase. Land-use change outside the EU is limited. Adding biofuel policies in non-EU regions causes global land use-change towards more cropland used for biofuel feedstock (e.g. soybeans, palm fruit) at the expense of pasture land and crops not used for biofuel production. When implementing climate policies, the conversion of pasture land on the global average is reduced. Depending on the specification of climate policies (having a CO2 or all GHG emission reduction target), land-use change is affected differently. When only considering CO2 emissions, more biofuels and feedstock are imported into the EU, resulting in less area (-3 percentage points) devoted to rapeseed production compared to a situation with biofuel policies but no climate policy. Adding all GHG emissions to the reduction targets leads to a reduction of 1 percentage point in rapeseed areas in the EU since emission pricing reduces demand for livestock production. The results can serve as input into Agent-Based Modelling in case studies across the EU, changing land-use patterns and opportunity costs of participation in agri-environmental schemes.
D5.4 Mapping of vegetation indices and metrics, and their utility in FSA mapping at CS scale
Authors: Riembauer Guido , Metz Markus , Ziv Guy , Gunning Jodi , Bullock James , Evans Paul , Václavík Tomáš , Langerwisch Fanny , Bednář Marek , Brdar Sanja , Lugonja Predrag
Published: November 2023

This deliverable provides an overview of all work conducted in the context of Activity 5.3.1 (Developing remote sensing indicators) with respect to Farming System Archetype (FSA) Mapping (Task 5.3). This work is based on the FSA definition and mapping in ‘D2.2 - Conceptual Framework’ and ‘D3.5 - Farming System Archetypes for each CS’ and investigates the potential of remote sensing methods to inform different dimensions of FSAs. Findings from this analysis will contribute to the BESTMAP roadmap (Task 5.4). Specifically, methodologies for crop type mapping, crop yield estimation, and field boundary mapping are investigated in different case study regions and their relevance for FSAs are shown.
D4.2 Trade-off/synthesis analyses including spatial co-occurrence of ESS / biodiversity socio-economic
Authors: Roilo Stephanie , Cord Anna , Beckmann Michael , Paulus Anne , Schneider Katharina , Lugonja Predrag , Gosal Arjan , Wool Rosemary , Breckenridge George , Gunning Jodi , Ziv Guy
Published: November 2023

This document describes the interrelationships between the ecosystem services, biodiversity and socio-economic outputs modelled in the Work Package 3 (WP3), to identify bundles of co-occurring services. Furthermore, this document presents an analysis of how different types of Agri-Environmental Measures (AEM) drive trade-offs and synergies among different services. The analysis spans two AEM adoption scenarios, one without AEM and one reflecting the current AEM adoption levels, for all five Case Studies (CS) of BESTMAP.
D6.3 Communication Plan and Dissemination Plan
Authors: Trajković Milica , Vujaklija Dajana , Stoev Pavel , Sapundzhieva Anna , Ziv Guy , Gunning Jodi
Published: November 2023

Deliverable 6.3 Communication and Dissemination plan comprises actions, tools and channels to be used throughout the BESTMAP project scope. The purpose of this document is to outline the strategy, to define means of communication, tools and actions that will be done within the BESTMAP project in order to reach a wide range of stakeholders. This plan is a living document and will be officially updated in month 24 (D6.8). The first chapter of the Communication and Dissemination Plan explains the wider context of the project and highlights how the project duration and geographical scope impact the communication and dissemination activities. The second chapter presents communication and dissemination strategy including definition of objectives and target audiences, communication tools and key messages. The third chapter presents AGRIMODELS cluster, while the fourth chapter explains Social Media Strategy. The aim of the fifth chapter is to emphasize the importance of project partners’ involvement in communication and dissemination activities, and the sixth chapter showcases the list of relevant conferences for presentation of the BESTMAP project. Seventh chapter presents an action plan for communication and dissemination activities while a list of references can be found in chapter eight.
D6.5 Integration guide for using common CGE/PE models with BESTMAP models
Authors: Delzeit Ruth , Markoff Simone , Schmidt Alena , Mueller Birgit , Will Meike , Li Chunhui , Gunning Jodi , Ziv Guy
Published: November 2023

This deliverable report provides an integration guide on how information gained in BESTMAP’s agent-based model can be used in the standard economic model to improve the assessment of agricultural policies in the European Union. First, the models used in the BESTMAP are explained. The integration guide discusses in detail the preconditions and challenges when linking agent-based models with standard economic models such as partial and general equilibrium models. As a result of an expert workshop, six challenges are identified. The report also presents suggestions on how to make use of the finding and presents a way forward to integrate the two types of models.
D3.1 Framework for developing funding and finance arrangements for coastal restoration
Authors: Favero Fausto , Hüsken Lieke , Hinkel Jochen , Vreugdenhi Heleen , Pernice Umberto , Sedlmeier Michael
Published: November 2023

This deliverable is the first contribution of Work Package 3 to the REST-COAST Project. The overarching purpose of REST-COAST is to provide the tools to address some of the key challenges faced by coastal ecosystems restoration. To achieve this objective, REST-COAST will improve coastal restoration practice and techniques through new hands-on restoration pilot projects, co-design effective governance arrangements and policies, and generate new tools and data for risk reduction assessment. In addition to these activities, Work Package 3 will design innovative financial arrangements and bankable business plans to support the implementation and thescaling up of coastal ecosystem restoration.
Life cycles and larval and pupal habitats of eleven Japanese Rhyacophila (Trichoptera) species at the mountain streams in central Honshu
Authors: Taira Akikazu
Published: November 2023

The life cycles and microhabitats involved in aquatic stages of eleven Rhyacophila Stephens, 1836 species living in two neighboring Japanese mountain streams in Nara Prefecture, central Honshu, were investigated. Eight species had univoltine life cycles; seven species had spring to early summer emergence seasons. One species had an autumnal emergence. Four univoltine species had periods where no larvae or pupae were collected in aquatic stages, possibly a period of egg diapause. Three species had bivoltine life cycles, with early summer and autumn emergence seasons. Rhyacophila nipponica Iwata, 1927, R. manuleata AV Martynov, 1934, and R. shikotsuensis Iwata, 1927, in the nigrocephala species group Ross, 1956, have larvae which spend most of their larval stage in the hyporheos. The larvae of R. transquilla Tsuda, 1940, also inhabit the hyporheic zone, although the vertical microhabitat used by this species differed from the former three species. All four of these species have hyporheic larval stages, but in these species the first and final instar larvae reside on the surfaces of cobbles. The first instar larvae seem to live on stone surfaces immediately after hatching, and subsequently move to the interstices of sand. Final instar larvae live in the interstices of sandy bottom, and move to stone surfaces for pupation. Eleven species of the genus Rhyacophila had diverse life histories, microhabitat preferences, and experienced differing water temperature regimes during larval stages at the sites. Life history and habitat preference variation enhances the species richness of the genus and coexistence of species in upper stream of the Kinokawa River.
Headwater refuges: Flow protects Austropotamobius crayfish from Faxonius limosus invasion
Authors: Satmari Alina , Miok Kristian , Ion Mihaela C. , Zaharia Claudia , Schrimpf Anne , Pârvulescu Lucian
Published: November 2023

This study explores the geospatial relationship between the invasive crayfish species Faxonius limosus and the native Austropotamobius bihariensis and A. torrentium crayfish populations in Eastern Europe, identifying the environmental factors which influence the invasion. We used species distribution modelling based on several climatic, geophysical and water quality variables and crayfish distributional data to predict sectors suitable for each species within the river network. Thus, we identified the sectors potentially connecting invasive and native population clusters and quantified the degree of proximity between competing species. These sectors were then extensively surveyed with trapping and hand searching, doubled by eDNA methods, in order to assess whether any crayfish or the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci are present. The predictive models exhibited excellent performance and successfully distinguished between the analysed crayfish species. The expansion of F. limosus in streams was found to be limited by flash-flood potential, resulting in a range that is constrained to lowland rivers. Field surveys found neither crayfish nor pathogen presence in the connective sectors. Another interesting finding derived from the screening efforts, which are among the most extensive carried out across native, apparently healthy crayfish populations, was the existence of a latent infection with an A. astaci strain identified as A-haplogroup. Our results provide realistic insights for the long-term conservation of native Austropotamobius species, which appear to be naturally protected from F. limosus expansion. Conservation efforts can thus focus on other relevant aspects, such as ark-sites establishment for preventing the spread of more dangerous invasive crayfish species and of virulent crayfish plague pathogen strains, even in locations without direct contact between crayfish hosts.
Nice, pépinière de revues
Authors: Arthaud Christian
Published: November 2023

Même si la notoriété de Nice ne peut être comparée à celle de Marseille avec ses Cahiers du Sud , elle a été néanmoins un foyer dynamique pour de nombreuses revues durant tout le xx e  siècle – citons Le Cahier des poètes (1912-1914), Mediterranea (1927-1939) ou Profils poétiques (1941-44 et 1951-59) –, avec un point culminant de créations entre 1970 et 1990 que nous décrivons ici. Pendant ces vingt frénétiques années des écrivains et des artistes (sans doute est-ce une particularité de Nice que de les confondre), seuls ou en groupe, vont tenter l’aventure de la revue, expérience formatrice qui perdure de nos jours dans une moindre mesure.
La violence verbale dans un forum de discussion pour les 18-25 ans
Authors: Gauducheau Nadia , Marcoccia Michel
Published: November 2023

Cet article étudie la violence verbale dans la communication numérique, de la simple impolitesse au discours de haine, en se concentrant sur les jugements des jeunes internautes. Deux approches différentes, discursive et psycho-sociale, ont été utilisées pour explorer la façon dont des jeunes perçoivent la violence verbale en ligne. Un corpus de messages d’un forum francophone, connu pour son agressivité, a été analysé. Ceci a permis d’identifier les types de messages suscitant des commentaires métapragmatiques, et les normes de communication pouvant être déduites de ces commentaires. De plus, un groupe d’étudiants a rempli un questionnaire pour évaluer un échantillon de messages du forum. Les résultats mettent en évidence l’importance des normes locales dans l’évaluation de la violence verbale, de l’impolitesse et des discours haineux contenus dans les messages. Les messages considérés comme violents d’un point de vue normatif ne sont pas forcément perçus comme tels par les jeunes. De plus, cette étude indique des différences dans la perception de la violence verbale en ligne selon le genre et la connaissance du forum.
Quantifier le corps menstrué
Authors: Thomé Cécile
Published: November 2023

Les applications de suivi du cycle menstruel font partie des dispositifs de quantification de soi les plus utilisés aujourd’hui en France. En s’appuyant sur une revue de la littérature internationale et sur 21 entretiens avec des jeunes femmes, cet article vise à renseigner leur genèse ainsi que leurs usages contemporains. Après un retour socio­historique permettant de situer ces applications à la fois dans la filiation des « méthodes naturelles » de contraception et de l’émergence de la « FemTech », il interroge le choix d’une application, les degrés d’intensité de son utilisation et les effets qu’elle peut avoir pour l’utilisatrice. L’article met en évidence l’importance paradoxalement secondaire de la fiabilité de l’application ainsi que de la sécurité des données. Il distingue deux types d’utilisation, restreinte et élargie, que l’âge et la position sociale contribuent à expliquer. Il renseigne l’émergence d’une « conscience menstruelle » à trois niveaux (description, interprétation, légitimation) chez les utilisatrices les plus assidues. À partir d’un objet relevant de la santé sexuelle et reproductive, il propose ainsi une contribution à la sociologie de la quantification et à celle des techniques.
Les représentations linguistiques comme outils du professeur et du didacticien : le cas des étudiants de langues de l’Université Libre de Bruxelles
Authors: Tielemans Leyla
Published: November 2023

Cette contribution illustre, à l’aide d’un cas concret, les intérêts que peuvent présenter l’identification et l’analyse des représentations linguistiques des apprenants de langue pour les processus d’enseignement-apprentissage et d’acquisition linguistique. Il s’agit d’une étude multilingue réalisée auprès d’étudiants de langues en contexte universitaire à Bruxelles. L’étude en question, qui combine les approches quantitative et qualitative, a permis de mettre en lumière les représentations linguistiques des participants concernant dix-neuf langues, autant dans leurs tendances générales que dans leurs formes marquées par l’expérience individuelle. Cet article propose une méthodologie d’identification et de traitement des représentations linguistiques d’une part, et diverses utilisations des informations récoltées d’autre part, et ce du point de vue du professeur de langue et du didacticien.
Concurrence morphologique et préfixation de haut degré : le cas de méga -, giga - et hypra -
Authors: Kamber Julie , Huyghe Richard
Published: November 2023

Cet article porte sur la concurrence morphologique entre trois préfixes de haut degré ( méga -, giga - et hypra -), dont l’emploi s’est développé au cours des trois dernières décennies. Cette concurrence est étudiée à partir de l’analyse d’un échantillon aléatoire de 300 occurrences dans un corpus du français contemporain. Il apparaît que les trois préfixes se distinguent par la catégorie grammaticale de leurs bases de prédilection (adjectifs pour hypra- , noms pour méga- et giga- ). Par ailleurs, la frontière entre emploi proprement affixal et emploi lexical est ténue, en particulier pour hypra -, qui manifeste une autonomie plus grande que méga- et giga- et peut souvent s’apparenter à un adverbe. L’examen des dérivés construits atteste de l’existence fréquente de doublons, à la fois entre les trois préfixes étudiés et avec les autres préfixes de haut degré. Si ce doublonnage peut en partie s’expliquer par des spécificités d’ordre sémantique, stylistique ou sociolinguistique, il semble néanmoins exister des cas d’indistinction entre formes rivales. L’apparition de préfixes de haut degré néologiques actualise ainsi une propriété caractéristique de la morphologie évaluative, qui est de pouvoir disposer en abondance de procédés de construction dont la distinctivité est parfois faible.
Predictability of the Achieved Lenticule Thickness in Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction for Myopia Correction
Authors: Bohač Maja , Gabrić Ivan , Gabrić Krešimir , Jagić Mateja , Arba Mosquera Samuel
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

To assess the predictability between the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions) read-out and achieved lenticule thickness measured using MS-39 anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT; CSO) at the corneal vertex at postoperative 1 day and 1 and 3 months of follow-up.

Methods:

This retrospective case series included 130 eyes of 65 consecutive patients who were treated with SmartSight (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions) lenticule extraction. Sixty-four percent of patients were women with a mean spherical refraction of −4.98 ± 1.19 diopters (D) and mean astigmatism of 0.53 ± 0.64 D. The measurements were performed using AS-OCT with the Phoenix Software v 4.1.1.5. Lenticule thickness was obtained by the subtraction method between preoperative and postoperative total corneal thickness.

Results:

A lower reduction in central corneal thickness (CCT) compared to the laser read-out for all three follow-up visits can be observed. Essentially, the reduction in CCT was identical at 3 months versus 1 month. The reduction in CCT was lowest at postoperative 1 day. Examining the 1- and 3-month data (essentially equivalent), one can see a best fit of y = 0.94 x −7 µm.

Conclusions:

The reduction in CCT was stable from 1 month of follow-up. The stable reduction in CCT was −6% (−1.5% after accounting for design decisions) and −7 µm lower than the respective laser read-out. The findings are predictable, showing a certain level of the lenticules becoming slightly thinner than their respective laser read-outs.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2023;39(11):728–735.]
Health Literacy and Health Care Utilization in Austria
Authors: Kvas Andreas , Kvas Gregor
Published: November 2023

Background:

Efficient use of health care is crucial for health care systems; the literature reveals that health literacy (HL) plays an important role in health services utilization.

Objective:

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between HL and health care utilization in Austria.

Methods:

Registered data of 1,010 persons in the general population concerning costs of doctor visits, medication costs, and number, days, and costs of hospitalization were analyzed using a cross-sectional design for the observation period 2017 to 2019. HL was measured as general, digital, and navigational HL using the Austrian part of the European Health Literacy Survey between March 2020 and May 2020. Multivariable two-part hurdle regressions with generalized linear models, considering sociodemographic variables and chronic illnesses, were conducted to investigate the relationship between HL and health care utilization.

Key Results:

Navigational HL had a significant negative effect on the odds of causing costs at general practitioners, not adjusting (b = −0.02) and adjusting (b = −0.01) for sociodemographic variables and chronic illnesses. The effect was small, and no significant effect on any other type of analyzed health care was found.

Conclusions:

Further research on specific populations (e.g., persons with chronic diseases such as diabetes), rather than the general population, may reveal relevant effects of HL on health care utilization measured by registered data in Austria. [

HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2023;7(4):e197–e206.

]
Mathematical modeling for anaerobic digestion under the influence of leachate recirculation
Authors: El Hajji Miled
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we proposed and studied a simple five-dimensional mathematical model that describes the second and third stages of the anaerobic degradation process under the influence of leachate recirculation. The state variables are the concentration of insoluble substrate, soluble substrate, produced hydrogen, acetogenic bacteria and hydrogenotrophic-methanogenic bacteria. The growth rates of used bacteria will be of general nonlinear form. The stability of the steady states will be studied by reducing the model to a 3D system. According to the operating parameters of the bioreactor described by the added insoluble substrate, soluble substrate and hydrogen input concentrations and the dilution rate, we proved that the model can admit multiple equilibrium points and we gave the necessary and sufficient assumptions for their existence, their uniqueness and their stability. In particular, the uniform persistence of the system was satisfied under some natural assumptions on the growth rates. Then, a question was answered related to the management of renewable resources where the goal of was to propose an optimal strategy of leachate recirculation to reduce the organic matter (either soluble or insoluble) and keep a limitation of the costs of the recirculation operation during the process. The findings of this work were validated by an intensive numerical investigation.
Design of robust fuzzy iterative learning control for nonlinear batch processes
Authors: Zou Wei , Shen Yanxia , Wang Lei
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) composite fuzzy iterative learning control (ILC) scheme for nonlinear batch processes is proposed. By employing the local-sector nonlinearity method, the nonlinear batch process is represented by a 2D uncertain T-S fuzzy model with non-repetitive disturbances. Then, the feedback control is integrated with the ILC scheme to be investigated under the constructed model. Sufficient conditions for robust asymptotic stability and 2D $ H_\infty $ performance requirements of the resulting closed-loop fuzzy system are established based on Lyapunov functions and some matrix transformation techniques. Furthermore, the corresponding controller gains can be derived from a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, simulations on the three-tank system and the highly nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) are carried out to prove the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Exploring the impact of graphene oxide on mechanical and durability properties of mortars incorporating demolition waste: micro and nano-pore structure effects
Authors: Chacón Bonet Cristina , Cifuentes Bulte Hector , Luna-Galiano Yolanda , Rios Jose David , Ariza Pilar , Carlos Carlos Leiva
Published: November 2023

In this study is explored the use of construction and demolition waste as fine aggregate in mortars. The addition of nano-graphene oxide (0.1%wt) has also been evaluated. Tests were conducted to determine their density, humidity content, water absorption capacity and open void porosity (using water absorption) and the micro and nano-porosity using Hg intrusion and N2 absorption techniques, as well as their flexural and compressive strength and resistance to acid attacks. The mechanical properties of mortars manufactured with standard sand were better (30%) than made with waste aggregate. Mortars with both aggregates can be classified as M20. Nano-Graphene oxide acts as a filler, reducing the volume of macro and micro pores, thereby increasing the mechanical performance, especially when recycled aggregates are used (30% the flexural strength for recycled aggregates and 4% for standard sand). The addition of nano-graphene oxide reduces the transmission channels of acid within mortar.
ULTRASOUND-BASED MACHINE LEARNING-AIDED DETECTION OF UTERINE FIBROIDS: INTEGRATING VISION TRANSFORMER FOR IMPROVED ANALYSIS
Authors: Kaveramma U. P. Prinith , Snekhalatha U. , Karthik Varshini , Anuradha M.
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of this study is to segment the uterine fibroids (leiomyoma) from the ultrasound images of the uterus through semantic segmentation, followed by second-order statistical feature extraction using the Gray-level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). The next objective of the study is to compare the performance of the state-of-the-art method namely Vision Transformer (ViT) with three different machine learning (ML) classifiers such as the Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR) and [Formula: see text]-Nearest Neighbor ([Formula: see text]-NN) to classify the images into uterine fibroid and normal. The dataset consists of 50 ultrasound images of uterine fibroids and 50 normal images. Then the images are segmented using region-growing-based semantic segmentation followed by feature extraction and classification using the ML and deep learning (DL) classifiers. Among the ML classifiers, SVM produced a good accuracy of 93.1% compared to the other classifiers. ViT produced an excellent classification accuracy of 97.5%. Hence, ViT outperformed compared to the ML classifiers in uterine fibroid detection. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, as they could help physicians to diagnose and treat uterine fibroids more effectively.
Infusing Culturally Relevant Teaching in Teacher Education Curriculum at an Urban HBCU
Authors: Gamble-Lomax Wyletta S.
Published: November 2023

As the prominent producers of Black teachers in the nation, HBCUs play a critical role in ensuring that educators entering the teaching profession are equipped with the knowledge of what it means to be culturally competent. In this chapter, the infusion of culturally relevant teaching (CRT) in a teacher preparation program at an urban HBCU is explored. Preservice teachers engaged in this work expressed various perspectives and the following themes were revealed based on both written reflections and one-on-one interviews: resisting negativity, prioritizing K12 learners, culture and academic success, and the power of reflection and introspection. Also, an overview of new courses infusing CRT into the current curriculum and an in-depth review of a course solely focused on culturally relevant instruction are included for insights into the process for CRT infusion.
Forodesine Enhances Immune Responses through Guanosine-Mediated TLR7 Activation while Preventing Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Sato Kazuya , Kawaguchi Shin-ichiro , Izawa Junko , Takayama Norihito , Hayakawa Hiroko , Umino Kento , Morita Kaoru , Matsumoto Kana , Ushijima Kentaro , Kanda Yoshinobu
Published: November 2023

Recent evidence indicates that specific types of nuclear acids, including guanosine and its derivatives, act as natural ligands for TLR7. This led us to hypothesize that purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitors not only can induce apoptosis of T cells but also can lead to TLR7 activation by accumulation of guanine nucleosides, in particular under systemic inflammation, where damaged tissues release a large amount of nucleotides. We demonstrate in the present study that a purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitor, forodesine, can reduce the disease severity and prolong the survival in a xenogeneic mouse model of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Guanine nucleosides were undetectable in mice during GVHD but increased significantly following forodesine treatment. Our in vitro experiments showed that forodesine enhanced guanosine-mediated cytokine production from APCs, including alveolar macrophages and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, through TLR7 signaling. Forodesine also enhanced Ag-presenting capacity, as demonstrated by increased CD8+ T cell proliferation and higher secretion of IFN-γ and IL-12p40 in an MLR with plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Furthermore, forodesine stimulated IFN-γ production from activated T cells in the presence of a low concentration of guanosine while inhibiting their proliferation and inducing apoptotic cell death. Although forodesine ameliorated GVHD severity, mice treated with forodesine showed significantly higher levels of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in plasma, suggesting in vivo upregulation of TLR7 signaling. Our study suggests that forodesine may activate a wide range of immune cells, including T cells, through TLR7 stimulation while inhibiting GVHD by inducing apoptosis of T cells, after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Rethinking neurodegenerative diseases: neurometabolic concept linking lipid oxidation to diseases in the central nervous system
Authors: Helgudóttir Steinunn Sara , Mørkholt Anne Skøttrup , Lichota Jacek , Bruun-Nyzell Preben , Andersen Mads Christian , Kristensen Nanna Marie Juhl , Johansen Amanda Krøger , Zinn Mikela Reinholdt , Jensdóttir Hulda Maria , Nieland John Dirk Vestergaard
Published: November 2023

Currently, there is a lack of effective medicines capable of halting or reversing the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or Alzheimer's disease. Given the unmet medical need, it is necessary to reevaluate the existing paradigms of how to target these diseases. When considering neurodegenerative diseases from a systemic neurometabolic perspective, it becomes possible to explain the shared pathological features. This innovative approach presented in this paper draws upon extensive research conducted by the authors and researchers worldwide. In this review, we highlight the importance of metabolic mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. We provide an overview of the risk factors associated with developing neurodegenerative disorders, including genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Additionally, we examine pathological mechanisms implicated in these diseases such as oxidative stress, accumulation of misfolded proteins, inflammation, demyelination, death of neurons, insulin resistance, dysbiosis, and neurotransmitter disturbances. Finally, we outline a proposal for the restoration of mitochondrial metabolism, a crucial aspect that may hold the key to facilitating curative therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative disorders in forthcoming advancements.
Gabapentinoids for the treatment of stroke
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Chenyu , Yi Xiaoli , Wang Qi , Zhang Tiejun , Li Yuwen
Published: November 2023

Gabapentinoid drugs (pregabalin and gabapentin) have been successfully used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and in focal seizure prevention. Recent research has demonstrated their potent activities in modulating neurotransmitter release in neuronal tissue, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which matches the mechanism of action via voltage-gated calcium channels. In this review, we briefly elaborate on the medicinal history and ligand-binding sites of gabapentinoids. We systematically summarize the preclinical and clinical research on gabapentinoids in stroke, including ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, seizures after stroke, cortical spreading depolarization after stroke, pain after stroke, and nerve regeneration after stroke. This review also discusses the potential targets of gabapentinoids in stroke; however, the existing results are still uncertain regarding the effect of gabapentinoids on stroke and related diseases. Further preclinical and clinical trials are needed to test the therapeutic potential of gabapentinoids in stroke. Therefore, gabapentinoids have both opportunities and challenges in the treatment of stroke.
Effects of mesenchymal stem cell on dopaminergic neurons, motor and memory functions in animal models of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Park Jong Mi , Rahmati Masoud , Lee Sang Chul , Shin Jae Il , Kim Yong Wook
Published: November 2023

Parkinson's disease is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, and although restoring striatal dopamine levels may improve symptoms, no treatment can cure or reverse the disease itself. Stem cell therapy has a regenerative effect and is being actively studied as a candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mesenchymal stem cells are considered a promising option due to fewer ethical concerns, a lower risk of immune rejection, and a lower risk of teratogenicity. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives on motor function, memory, and preservation of dopaminergic neurons in a Parkinson's disease animal model. We searched bibliographic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify articles and included only peer-reviewedin vivointerventional animal studies published in any language through June 28, 2023. The study utilized the random-effect model to estimate the 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the standard mean differences (SMD) between the treatment and control groups. We use the systematic review center for laboratory animal experimentation's risk of bias tool and the collaborative approach to meta-analysis and review of animal studies checklist for study quality assessment. A total of 33 studies with data from 840 Parkinson's disease model animals were included in the meta-analysis. Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells significantly improved motor function as assessed by the amphetamine-induced rotational test. Among the stem cell types, the bone marrow MSCs with neurotrophic factor group showed largest effect size (SMD [95% CI] = –6.21 [–9.50 to –2.93],P= 0.0001,I2= 0.0 %). The stem cell treatment group had significantly more tyrosine hydroxylase positive dopaminergic neurons in the striatum ([95% CI] = 1.04 [0.59 to 1.49],P= 0.0001,I2= 65.1 %) and substantia nigra (SMD [95% CI] = 1.38 [0.89 to 1.87],P= 0.0001,I2= 75.3 %), indicating a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons. Subgroup analysis of the amphetamine-induced rotation test showed a significant reduction only in the intracranial-striatum route (SMD [95% CI] = –2.59 [–3.25 to –1.94],P= 0.0001,I2= 74.4 %). The memory test showed significant improvement only in the intravenous route (SMD [95% CI] = 4.80 [1.84 to 7.76],P= 0.027,I2= 79.6 %). Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to positively impact motor function and memory function and protect dopaminergic neurons in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease. Further research is required to determine the optimal stem cell types, modifications, transplanted cell numbers, and delivery methods for these protocols.
Neutrophil peptide 1 accelerates the clearance of degenerative axons during Wallerian degeneration by activating macrophages after peripheral nerve crush injury
Authors: Kou Yuhui , Yuan Yusong , Li Qicheng , Xie Wenyong , Xu Hailin , Han Na
Published: November 2023

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Macrophages play an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration, but the specific mechanism of regeneration is still unclear. Our preliminary findings indicated that neutrophil peptide 1 is an innate immune peptide closely involved in peripheral nerve regeneration. However, the mechanism by which neutrophil peptide 1 enhances nerve regeneration remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil peptide 1 and macrophages in vivo and in vitro in peripheral nerve crush injury. The functions of RAW 264.7 cells were elucidated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, migration assays, phagocytosis assays, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Axonal debris phagocytosis was observed using the CUBIC (Clear, Unobstructed Brain/Body Imaging Cocktails and Computational analysis) optical clearing technique during Wallerian degeneration. Macrophage inflammatory factor expression in different polarization states was detected using a protein chip. The results showed that neutrophil peptide 1 promoted the proliferation, migration and phagocytosis of macrophages, and CD206 expression on the surface of macrophages, indicating M2 polarization. The axonal debris clearance rate during Wallerian degeneration was enhanced after neutrophil peptide 1 intervention. Neutrophil peptide 1 also downregulated inflammatory factors interleukin-1α, -6, -12, and tumor necrosis factor-α in vivo and in vitro. Thus, the results suggest that neutrophil peptide 1 activates macrophages and accelerates Wallerian degeneration, which may be one mechanism by which neutrophil peptide 1 enhances peripheral nerve regeneration.
RNA sequencing of exosomes secreted by fibroblast and Schwann cells elucidates mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Zhou Xinyang , Lv Yehua , Xie Huimin , Li Yan , Liu Chang , Zheng Mengru , Wu Ronghua , Zhou Songlin , Gu Xiaosong , Li Jingjing , Mi Daguo
Published: November 2023

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Exosomes exhibit complex biological functions and mediate a variety of biological processes, such as promoting axonal regeneration and functional recovery after injury. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play a crucial role in axonal regeneration. However, the role of the lncRNA-microRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA)-competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in exosome-mediated axonal regeneration remains unclear. In this study, we performed RNA transcriptome sequencing analysis to assess mRNA expression patterns in exosomes produced by cultured fibroblasts (FC-EXOs) and Schwann cells (SC-EXOs). Differential gene expression analysis, Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, and protein-protein interaction network analysis were used to explore the functions and related pathways of RNAs isolated from FC-EXOs and SC-EXOs. We found that the ribosome-related central gene Rps5 was enriched in FC-EXOs and SC-EXOs, which suggests that it may promote axonal regeneration. In addition, using the miRWalk and Starbase prediction databases, we constructed a regulatory network of ceRNAs targeting Rps5, including 27 microRNAs and five lncRNAs. The ceRNA regulatory network, which included Ftx and Miat, revealed that exsosome-derived Rps5 inhibits scar formation and promotes axonal regeneration and functional recovery after nerve injury. Our findings suggest that exosomes derived from fibroblast and Schwann cells could be used to treat injuries of peripheral nervous system.
Promotion of structural plasticity in area V2 of visual cortex prevents against object recognition memory deficits in aging and Alzheimer's disease rodents
Authors: Navarro-Lobato Irene , Masmudi-Martín Mariam , López-Aranda Manuel F. , López-Téllez Juan F. , Delgado Gloria , Granados-Durán Pablo , Gaona-Romero Celia , Carretero-Rey Marta , Posadas Sinforiano , Quiros-Ortega María E. , Khan Zafar U.
Published: November 2023

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Memory deficit, which is often associated with aging and many psychiatric, neurological, and neurodegenerative diseases, has been a challenging issue for treatment. Up till now, all potential drug candidates have failed to produce satisfactory effects. Therefore, in the search for a solution, we found that a treatment with the gene corresponding to the RGS14414 protein in visual area V2, a brain area connected with brain circuits of the ventral stream and the medial temporal lobe, which is crucial for object recognition memory (ORM), can induce enhancement of ORM. In this study, we demonstrated that the same treatment with RGS14414 in visual area V2, which is relatively unaffected in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, produced long-lasting enhancement of ORM in young animals and prevent ORM deficits in rodent models of aging and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, we found that the prevention of memory deficits was mediated through the upregulation of neuronal arborization and spine density, as well as an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A knockdown of BDNF gene in RGS14414-treated aging rats and Alzheimer's disease model mice caused complete loss in the upregulation of neuronal structural plasticity and in the prevention of ORM deficits. These findings suggest that BDNF-mediated neuronal structural plasticity in area V2 is crucial in the prevention of memory deficits in RGS14414-treated rodent models of aging and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, our findings of RGS14

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gene-mediated activation of neuronal circuits in visual area V2 have therapeutic relevance in the treatment of memory deficits.
Lupenone improves motor dysfunction in spinal cord injury mice through inhibiting the inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in microglia via the nuclear factor kappa B pathway
Authors: Li Fudong , Sun Xiaofei , Sun Kaiqiang , Kong Fanqi , Jiang Xin , Kong Qingjie
Published: November 2023

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Spinal cord injury-induced motor dysfunction is associated with neuroinflammation. Studies have shown that the triterpenoid lupenone, a natural product found in various plants, has a remarkable anti-inflammatory effect in the context of chronic inflammation. However, the effects of lupenone on acute inflammation induced by spinal cord injury remain unknown. In this study, we established an impact-induced mouse model of spinal cord injury, and then treated the injured mice with lupenone (8 mg/kg, twice a day) by intraperitoneal injection. We also treated BV2 cells with lipopolysaccharide and adenosine 5′-triphosphate to simulate the inflammatory response after spinal cord injury. Our results showed that lupenone reduced IκBα activation and p65 nuclear translocation, inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome function by modulating nuclear factor kappa B, and enhanced the conversion of proinflammatory M1 microglial cells into anti-inflammatory M2 microglial cells. Furthermore, lupenone decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation, NLRP3-induced microglial cell polarization, and microglia pyroptosis by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B pathway. These findings suggest that lupenone protects against spinal cord injury by inhibiting inflammasomes.