bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides in Snow in Eastern Siberia
Authors: Mamontova Elena A. , Mamontov Alexander A.
Published: December 2022

This study evaluated the spatial and long-term variations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the snow at 55 industrial, urban, rural, and remote stations in Eastern Siberia, Russia, in 2021 in comparison to data obtained from the 1990s to the 2010s. In 2021, the mean levels of the organochlorine compounds in snow amounted to 76 ng/L ∑PCB36, 5.8 ng/L hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 0.02 ng/L α-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and 1.01 ng/L dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites. The spatial distribution of organochlorines was shown to result from the presence of industrial and urban sources, as well as atmospheric transport. The PCB and HCB temporal distributions from the 1990s to the 2020s were represented as V-shaped curves. The PCB homological patterns show that, in some of the samples, the abundance of lower chlorinated homologues in 2021 is greater than in previous years. Over the last three decades, the HCH and DDT levels have significantly decreased. The relationship between PCBs and suspended particulate matter became stronger with the increase in PCB chlorination levels from lighter to heavier chlorinated congeners. Deposition with wet precipitation in the wintertime provided 3–8% of the annual deposition flux. Massive POP deposition with wet precipitation occurred in May (about 12–18%) and from July to September (60–65%).
Evaluating Agronomic Onset Definitions in Senegal through Crop Simulation Modeling
Authors: Han Eunjin , Faye Adama , Diop Mbaye , Singh Bohar , Ganyo Komla Kyky , Baethgen Walter
Published: December 2022

Rainfed agriculture in Senegal is heavily affected by weather-related risks, particularly timing of start/end of the rainy season. For climate services in agriculture, the National Meteorological Agency (ANACIM) of Senegal has defined an onset of rainy season based on the rainfall. In the field, however, farmers do not necessarily follow the ANACIM’s onset definition. To close the gap between the parallel efforts by a climate information producer (i.e., ANACIM) and its actual users in agriculture (e.g., farmers), it is desirable to understand how the currently available onset definitions are linked to the yield of specific crops. In this study, we evaluated multiple onset definitions, including rainfall-based and soil-moisture-based ones, in terms of their utility in sorghum production using the DSSAT–Sorghum model. The results show that rainfall-based definitions are highly variable year to year, and their delayed onset estimation could cause missed opportunities for higher yields with earlier planting. Overall, soil-moisture-based onset dates determined by a crop simulation model produced yield distributions closer to the ones by semi-optimal planting dates than the other definitions, except in a relatively wet southern location. The simulated yields, particularly based on the ANACIM’s onset definition, showed statistically significant differences from the semi-optimal yields for a range of percentiles (25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th) and the means of the yield distributions in three locations. The results emphasize that having a good definition and skillful forecasts of onset is critical to improving the management of risks of crop production in Senegal.
A Parallel Computing Algorithm for the Emergency-Oriented Atmospheric Dispersion Model CALPUFF
Authors: Yang Dongou , Li Mei , Liu Hui
Published: December 2022

The calculation of the three-dimensional atmospheric dispersion model is often time-consuming, which makes the model difficult to apply to the emergency field. With the aim of addressing this problem, we propose a parallel computing algorithm for the CALPUFF atmospheric dispersion model. Existing methods for parallelizing the atmospheric dispersion model can be divided into two categories, with one using the parallel computing interface to rewrite the source code and the other directly dividing the repetitive elements in the computation task. This paper proposes an improved method based on the latter approach. Specifically, the method of spatial division with buffers is adopted to parallelize the wind field module of the CALPUFF model system, and the method for receptor layering is adopted to parallelize the dispersion module. In addition, the message queue software RabbitMQ is used as the communication middleware. A performance test is conducted on nine computing nodes on the Alibaba Cloud Computing Platform for a single-source continuous emergency leak case. The results show that the division method with a buffer of ten cells is most suitable for the case above in order to maintain the balance between computation speed and accuracy. This reduces the computation time of the model to about one-sixth, which is of great significance for extending the atmospheric dispersion model to the emergency field.
Double K-Shell Ionization of Ar by 197-MeV/u Xe54+ Ion Impact
Authors: Shao Caojie , Yu Deyang , Kozhedub Yury S. , Ma Kun , Song Zhangyong , Wang Wei , Xue Yingli , Zhang Mingwu , Liu Junliang , Yang Bian , Dong Chenzhong , Zhang Hongqiang , Cai Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

We present an experimental study on the double K-shell ionization of argon in single collisions with the Xe54+ ion at 197 MeV/u. The X-ray spectra of multi-ionized argon are measured at the observation angles of 90° and 145° with respect to the projectile beam. The target K X-ray satellite and hypersatellite lines are analyzed with a fitting model and the cross-section ratio of double to single K-shell ionization is derived. The experimental results are compared to the relativistic time-dependent, two-center calculations, and a reasonable agreement is reached.
Ulam-Type Stability for a Boundary-Value Problem for Multi-Term Delay Fractional Differential Equations of Caputo Type
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Hristova Snezhana
Published: December 2022

A boundary-value problem for a couple of scalar nonlinear differential equations with a delay and several generalized proportional Caputo fractional derivatives is studied. Ulam-type stability of the given problem is investigated. Sufficient conditions for the existence of the boundary-value problem with an arbitrary parameter are obtained. In the study of Ulam-type stability, this parameter was chosen to depend on the solution of the corresponding fractional differential inequality. We provide sufficient conditions for Ulam–Hyers stability, Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability and generalized Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability for the given problem on a finite interval. As a partial case, sufficient conditions for Ulam-type stability for a couple of multi-term delay, Caputo fractional differential equations are obtained. An example is illustrating the results.
New Formulas and Connections Involving Euler Polynomials
Authors: Abd-Elhameed Waleed Mohamed , Amin Amr Kamel
Published: December 2022

The major goal of the current article is to create new formulas and connections between several well-known polynomials and the Euler polynomials. These formulas are developed using some of these polynomials’ well-known fundamental characteristics as well as those of the Euler polynomials. In terms of the Euler polynomials, new formulas for the derivatives of various symmetric and non-symmetric polynomials, including the well-known classical orthogonal polynomials, are given. This leads to the deduction of several new connection formulas between various polynomials and the Euler polynomials. As an important application, new closed forms for the definite integrals for the product of various symmetric and non-symmetric polynomials with the Euler polynomials are established based on the newly derived connection formulas.
A New Parameterless Filled Function Method for Global Optimization
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Xue Siyan , Cheng Yuan , Tuo Shouheng
Published: December 2022

The filled function method is an effective way to solve global optimization problems. However, its effectiveness is greatly affected by the selection of parameters, and the non-continuous or non-differentiable properties of the constructed filled function. To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, in this paper, a new parameterless filled function is proposed that is continuous and differentiable. Theoretical proofs have been made to show the properties of the proposed filled function. Based on the new filled function, a filled function algorithm is proposed to solve unconstrained global optimization problems. Experiments are carried out on widely used test problems and an application of supply chain problems with equality and inequality constraints. The numerical results show that the proposed filled function is effective.
A Fast Prediction of Open-Circuit Voltage and a Capacity Estimation Method of a Lithium-Ion Battery Based on a BP Neural Network
Authors: Bao Wenkang , Liu Haidong , Sun Yuedong , Zheng Yuejiu
Published: December 2022

The battery is an important part of pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, and its state and parameter estimation has always been a big problem. To determine the available energy stored in a battery, it is necessary to know the current state-of-charge (SOC) and the capacity of the battery. For the determination of the battery SOC and capacity, it is generally estimated according to the Electromotive Force (EMF) of the battery, which is the open-circuit-voltage (OCV) of the battery in a stable state. An off-line battery SOC and capacity estimation method for lithium-ion batteries is proposed in this paper. The BP neural network with a high accuracy is trained in the case of sufficient data with the new neural network intelligent algorithm, and the OCV can be accurately predicted in a short time. The model training requires a large amount of data, so different experiments were designed and carried out. Based on the experimental data, the feasibility of this method is verified. The results show that the neural network model can accurately predict the OCV, and the error of capacity estimation is controlled within 3%. The mentioned method was also carried out in a real vehicle by using its cloud data, and the capacity estimation can be easily realized while limiting inaccuracy to less than 5%.
Optimal Planning of Battery Energy Storage Systems by Considering Battery Degradation due to Ambient Temperature: A Review, Challenges, and New Perspective
Authors: Apribowo Chico Hermanu Brillianto , Sarjiya Sarjiya , Hadi Sasongko Pramono , Wijaya Fransisco Danang
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the goal of lowering emissions to minimize the harmful impacts of climate change has emerged as a consensus objective among members of the international community through the increase in renewable energy sources (RES), as a step toward net-zero emissions. The drawbacks of these energy sources are unpredictability and dependence on nature, leading to unstable load power supply risk. One way to overcome instability in the power supply is by using a battery energy storage system (BESS). Therefore, this study provides a detailed and critical review of sizing and siting optimization of BESS, their application challenges, and a new perspective on the consequence of degradation from the ambient temperature. It also reviews advanced battery optimization planning that considers battery degradation, technologies, degradation, objective function, and design constraints. Furthermore, it examines the challenges encountered in developing the BESS optimization model and evaluates the scope of the proposed future direction to improve the optimized BESS, especially its battery.
QC and MD Modelling for Predicting the Electrochemical Stability Window of Electrolytes: New Estimating Algorithm
Authors: Dobrovolsky Yuri A. , Ilyina Margarita G. , Evshchik Elizaveta Y. , Khamitov Edward M. , Chernyak Alexander V. , Shikhovtseva Anna V. , Melnikova Tatiana I. , Bushkova Olga V. , Borisevich Sophia S.
Published: December 2022

The electrolyte is an important component of lithium-ion batteries, especially when it comes to cycling high-voltage cathode materials. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for estimating both the oxidising and reducing potential of electrolytes using molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry techniques. This algorithm can help to determine the composition and structure of the solvate complexes formed when a salt is dissolved in a mixture of solvents. To develop and confirm the efficiency of the algorithm, LiBF4 solutions in binary mixtures of ethylene carbonate (EC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and sulfolane (SL)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) were studied. The structure and composition of the complexes formed in these systems were determined according to molecular dynamics. Quantum chemical estimation of the thermodynamic and oxidative stability of solvate complexes made it possible to establish which complexes make the most significant contribution to the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte system. This method can also be used to determine the additive value of the oxidation and reduction potentials of the electrolyte, along with the contribution of each complex to the overall stability of the electrolyte. Theoretical calculations were confirmed experimentally in the course of studying electrolytes by step-by-step polarisation using inert electrodes. Thus, the main aim of the study is to demonstrate the possibility of using the developed algorithm to select the optimal composition and solvent ratio to achieve predicted redox stability.
Two-Dimensional Materials for Dendrite-Free Zinc Metal Anodes in Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhang Minghui , Dong Yanfeng , Zhao Jingwen
Published: December 2022

Aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) show promising applications in large-scale energy storage and wearable devices mainly because of their low cost and intrinsic safety. However, zinc metal anodes suffer from dendrite issues and side reactions, seriously hindering their practical applications. Two-dimensional (2D) materials with atomic thickness and large aspect ratio possess excellent physicochemical properties, providing opportunities to rationally design and construct practically reversible zinc metal anodes. Here, we systematically summarize the recent progress of 2D materials (e.g., graphene and MXene) that can be used to enable dendrite-free zinc metal anodes for AZBs. Firstly, the construction methods and strategies of 2D materials/Zn hybrid anodes are briefly reviewed, and are classified into protecting layers on Zn foils and host materials for Zn. Secondly, various 2D material/Zn hybrid anodes are elaborately introduced, and the key roles played by 2D materials in stabilizing the Zn/Zn2+ redox process are specially emphasized. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of advanced 2D materials for advanced Zn anodes in next-generation AZBs are briefly discussed.
Using an Evidence-Based Approach for Policy-Making Based on Big Data Analysis and Applying Detection Techniques on Twitter
Authors: Labafi Somayeh , Ebrahimzadeh Sanee , Kavousi Mohamad Mahdi , Abdolhossein Maregani Habib , Sepasgozar Samad
Published: December 2022

Evidence-based policy seeks to use evidence in public policy in a systematic way in a bid to improve decision-making quality. Evidence-based policy cannot work properly and achieve the expected results without accurate, appropriate, and sufficient evidence. Given the prevalence of social media and intense user engagement, the question to ask is whether the data on social media can be used as evidence in the policy-making process. The question gives rise to the debate on what characteristics of data should be considered as evidence. Despite the numerous research studies carried out on social media analysis or policy-making, this domain has not been dealt with through an “evidence detection” lens. Thus, this study addresses the gap in the literature on how to analyze the big text data produced by social media and how to use it for policy-making based on evidence detection. The present paper seeks to fill the gap by developing and offering a model that can help policy-makers to distinguish “evidence” from “non-evidence”. To do so, in the first phase of the study, the researchers elicited the characteristics of the “evidence” by conducting a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with experts and policy-makers. In the second phase, the developed model was tested against 6-month data elicited from Twitter accounts. The experimental results show that the evidence detection model performed better with decision tree (DT) than the other algorithms. Decision tree (DT) outperformed the other algorithms by an 85.9% accuracy score. This study shows how the model managed to fulfill the aim of the present study, which was detecting Twitter posts that can be used as evidence. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring novel models of text processing and offering an efficient method for analyzing big text data. The practical implication of the study also lies in its efficiency and ease of use, which offers the required evidence for policy-makers.
Polymeric Materials as Indispensable Tools to Fight RNA Viruses: SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A
Authors: Santos Ariana C. F. , Martel Fátima , Freire Carmen S. R. , Ferreira Bárbara J. M. L.
Published: December 2022

Towards the end of 2019 in Wuhan, suspicions of a new dangerous virus circulating in the air began to arise. It was the start of the world pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since then, considerable research data and review papers about this virus have been published. Hundreds of researchers have shared their work in order to achieve a better comprehension of this disease, all with the common goal of overcoming this pandemic. The coronavirus is structurally similar to influenza A. Both are RNA viruses and normally associated with comparable infection symptoms. In this review, different case studies targeting polymeric materials were appraised to highlight them as an indispensable tool to fight these RNA viruses. In particular, the main focus was how polymeric materials, and their versatile features could be applied in different stages of viral disease, i.e., in protection, detection and treatment.
RETRACTED: Identify Biomarkers and Design Effective Multi-Target Drugs in Ovarian Cancer: Hit Network-Target Sets Model Optimizing
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Amir , Kashian Mahdis , Salman Hayder , Alsaffar Marwa , Jaber Mustafa , Soltani Siamak , Ilhan Ahmet , Bahrami Abolfazl
Published: December 2022

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is highly aggressive with poor patient outcomes, and a deeper understanding of ovarian cancer tumorigenesis could help guide future treatment development. We proposed an optimized hit network-target sets model to systematically characterize the underlying pathological mechanisms and intra-tumoral heterogeneity in human ovarian cancer. Using TCGA data, we constructed an epithelial ovarian cancer regulatory network in this study. We use three distinct methods to produce different HNSs for identification of the driver genes/nodes, core modules, and core genes/nodes. Following the creation of the optimized HNS (OHNS) by the integration of DN (driver nodes), CM (core module), and CN (core nodes), the effectiveness of various HNSs was assessed based on the significance of the network topology, control potential, and clinical value. Immunohistochemical (IHC), qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were adopted to measure the expression of hub genes and proteins involved in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We discovered that the OHNS has two key advantages: the network’s central location and controllability. It also plays a significant role in the illness network due to its wide range of capabilities. The OHNS and clinical samples revealed the endometrial cancer signaling, and the PI3K/AKT, NER, and BMP pathways. MUC16, FOXA1, FBXL2, ARID1A, COX15, COX17, SCO1, SCO2, NDUFA4L2, NDUFA, and PTEN hub genes were predicted and may serve as potential candidates for new treatments and biomarkers for EOC. This research can aid in better capturing the disease progression, the creation of potent multi-target medications, and the direction of the therapeutic community in the optimization of effective treatment regimens by various research objectives in cancer treatment.
A Comparative Study of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles’ Local and Systemic Dose-Dependent Administration in Rat Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kostennikov Alexander , Kabdesh Ilyas , Sabirov Davran , Timofeeva Anna , Rogozhin Alexander , Shulman Ilya , Rizvanov Albert , Mukhamedshina Yana
Published: December 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological condition that causes severe disability. One of the approaches to overcoming the complications of SCI is stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) therapy. In this research, we performed a comparative evaluation of rat spinal cord post-traumatic regeneration efficacy using different methods of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EV transplantation (local vs. systemic) followed by evaluation of their minimal therapeutic dose. The results suggested that MSC-EV therapy could improve locomotor activity over 60 days after the SCI, showing a dose-dependent effect on the recovery of spinal cord motor pathways. We also established the possibility of maintaining a population of mature oligodendrocytes by MSC-EVs. It was observed that in the spinal cord injury area, intravenous transplantation of MSC-EVs showed more pronounced therapeutic effects compared to the treatment of fibrin matrix-encapsulated MSC-EVs.
Clinical Significance of Serum Elafin in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Krawiec Paulina , Pac-Kożuchowska Elżbieta
Published: December 2022

Background: The role of elafin in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been not elucidated. We aimed to evaluate serum elafin in children with IBD and assess its relationship with disease activity. Methods: We enrolled children with IBD in the study group and children with functional abdominal pain in the control group. We evaluated serum elafin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: In children with IBD, serum elafin (mean ± SD: 4.192 ± 1.424 ng/mL) was significantly elevated compared with controls (mean ± SD: 3.029 ± 1.366 ng/mL) (p = 0.0005). Elafin was significantly increased in children in the active phase of IBD (mean ± SD: 4.424 ± 1.449 ng/mL) compared with the control group (p = 0.0003). In IBD remission, only children with ulcerative colitis (mean ± SD: 4.054 ± 1.536 ng/mL) had elevated elafin compared with controls (p = 0.004). ROC analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) of serum elafin was 0.809 while discriminating patients with ulcerative colitis from the control group, and the AUC was 0.664 while differentiating patients with Crohn’s disease from the control group. Conclusions: Serum elafin was found to be elevated in our cohort of children with IBD, depending on disease activity. Serum elafin was increased in the active phases of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, but only in the remission of ulcerative colitis. Elafin appears to be a potential candidate for a biomarker of ulcerative colitis.
Epidemiological, Clinical, and Genomic Profile in Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Their Families
Authors: Chulam Thiago Celestino , Bertonha Fernanda Bernardi , Villacis Rolando André Rios , Filho João Gonçalves , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Rogatto Silvia Regina
Published: December 2022

Inherited cancer predisposition genes are described as risk factors in head and neck cancer (HNC) families. To explore the clinical and epidemiological data and their association with a family history of cancer, we recruited 74 patients and 164 relatives affected by cancer. The germline copy number alterations were evaluated in 18 patients using array comparative genomic hybridization. Two or more first-degree relatives with HNC, tobacco-associated tumor sites (lung, esophagus, and pancreas), or other related tumors (breast, colon, kidney, bladder, cervix, stomach carcinomas, and melanoma) were reported in 74 families. Ten index patients had no exposure to any known risk factors. Family members presented tumors of 19 topographies (30 head and neck, 26 breast, 21 colon). In first-degree relatives, siblings were frequently affected by cancer (n = 58, 13 had HNC). Breast cancer (n = 21), HNC (n = 19), and uterine carcinoma (n = 15) were commonly found in first-degree relatives and HNC in second-degree relatives (n = 11). Nineteen germline genomic imbalances were detected in 13 patients; three presented gains of WRD genes. The number of HNC patients, the degree of kinship, and the tumor types detected in each relative support the role of heredity in these families. Germline alterations may potentially contribute to cancer development.
Bioengineered Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Yadav Preeti , Yadav Awadh Bihari , Gaur Preksha , Mishra Vartika , Huma Zul-I , Sharma Neelesh , Son Young-Ok
Published: December 2022

Mastitis is the most devastating economic disease in dairy cattle. Mastitis in dairy cattle frequently occurs during the dry period or during early lactation. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)are the main causative agents of mastitis in India. S. aureus can form microabscesses in the udder and develop a subclinical form of mastitis. This bacterial property hinders an effective cure during the lactation period. Antimicrobials used for treatments have a short half-life at the site of action because of frequent milking; thereforethey are unable to maintain the desired drug concentration for effective clearance of bacteria. We demonstrated the potential of ciprofloxacin-encapsulated nanocarriersthat can improve the availability of drugs and provide an effective means for mastitis treatment. These drug-loaded nanoparticles show low toxicity and slow clearance from the site of action. Antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of E. coli and S. aureus showed that the zone of inhibition depended on the dose (0.5 mg to 2 mg/mL nanoparticle solution from 11.6 to 14.5 mm and 15 to 18 mm). These nanoparticles showed good antimicrobial activity in broth culture and agar diffusion assay against bacteria.
EMT and Tumor Turning Point Analysis in 3D Spheroid Culture of HNSCC and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Brylka Sabine , Böhrnsen Florian
Published: December 2022

The prognosis, metastasis, and behavior of head and neck squamous cancer cells are influenced by numerous factors concerning the tumor microenvironment, intercellular communication, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of this study was to examine the codependent interaction of the mesenchymal stroma with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in a 3D spheroid structure. To simulate stroma-rich and -poor 3D tumor microenvironments, cells of the established cell SCC-040 were cultured with human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), forming 3D stroma-tumor spheroids (STSs). STSs were compared to uniform spheroids of SCC-040 and MSC, respectively. The expressions of CD24, β-catenin, SNAI2, and ZEB2 were analyzed via RT-qPCR. The immunohistochemical expressions of E-cadherin, connexin 43, vimentin, and emmprin were analyzed, and protein expression pathways as well as Akt signaling were assessed via protein analysis. A promotive effect on the expressions of EMT markers ZEB2 (p = 0.0099), SNAI2 (p = 0.0352), and β-catenin (p = 0.0031) was demonstrated in STSs, as was the expression of Akt pathway proteins mTOR (p = 0.007), Erk1/2 (p = 0.0045), and p70 S6 Kinase (p = 0.0016). Our study demonstrated a change in genetic expression patterns early on in tumor development, indicating a tumor turning point.
Ivermectin Affects Neutrophil-Induced Inflammation through Inhibition of Hydroxylysine but Stimulation of Cathepsin G and Phenylalanine Secretion
Authors: Galkina Svetlana I. , Golenkina Ekaterina A. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Fedorova Natalia V. , Ksenofontov Alexander L. , Stadnichuk Vladimir I. , Sud’ina Galina F.
Published: December 2022

The invasion and integrin-dependent adhesion of neutrophils to lung tissues and their secretion lead to the development of pneumonia in various pulmonary pathologies, including acute respiratory distress syndrome in coronavirus disease. We studied the effect of ivermectin, a possible therapeutic agent for inflammation and cancer, on integrin-dependent neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin and the concomitant secretion. Ivermectin did not affect the attachment of neutrophils to the substrate and the reactive oxygen species production but sharply inhibited the adhesion-induced release of hydroxylysine and stimulated the release of phenylalanine and cathepsin G. Hydroxylysine is a product of lysyl hydroxylase, which is overexpressed in tumor cells with an increased ability to invade and metastasize. The inhibition of hydroxylysine release by ivermectin, by analogy, may indicate the suppression of neutrophil invasion into tissue. The increase in the release of phenylalanine in our experiments coincided with the secretion of cathepsin G, which indicates the possible role of this enzyme in the cleavage of phenylalanine. What is the substrate in such a reaction is unknown. We demonstrated that exogenously added angiotensin II (1–8) can serve as a substrate for phenylalanine cleavage. Mass spectrometry revealed the formation of angiotensin II (1–7) in the secretion of neutrophils, which attached to fibronectin in the presence of ivermectin and exogenous angiotensin II (1–8), indicating a possible involvement of ivermectin in the inactivation of angiotensin II.
A Bio-Social Model during the First 1000 Days Optimizes Healthcare for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Scher Mark S.
Published: December 2022

Most children with developmental disabilities (DD) live in resource-limited countries (LMIC) or high-income country medical deserts (HICMD). A social contract between healthcare providers and families advocates for accurate diagnoses and effective interventions to treat diseases and toxic stressors. This bio-social model emphasizes reproductive health of women with trimester-specific maternal and pediatric healthcare interactions. Lifelong neuronal connectivity is more likely established across 80% of brain circuitries during the first 1000 days. Maladaptive gene-environment (G x E) interactions begin before conception later presenting as maternal-placental-fetal (MPF) triad, neonatal, or childhood neurologic disorders. Synergy between obstetrical and pediatric healthcare providers can reduce neurologic morbidities. Partnerships between healthcare providers and families should begin during the first 1000 days to address diseases more effectively to moderate maternal and childhood adverse effects. This bio-social model lowers the incidence and lessens the severity of sequalae such as DD. Access to genetic-metabolomic, neurophysiologic and neuroimaging evaluations enhances clinical decision-making for more effective interventions before full expression of neurologic dysfunction. Diagnostic accuracy facilitates developmental interventions for effective preschool planning. A description of a mother-child pair in a HIC emphasizes the time-sensitive importance for early interventions that influenced brain health throughout childhood. Partnership by her parents with healthcare providers and educators provided effective healthcare and lessened adverse effects. Effective educational interventions were later offered through her high school graduation. Healthcare disparities in LMIC and HICMD require that this bio-social model of care begin before the first 1000 days to effectively treat the most vulnerable women and children. Prioritizing family planning followed by prenatal, neonatal and child healthcare improves wellness and brain health. Familiarity with educational neuroscience for teachers applies neurologic diagnoses for effective individual educational plans. Integrating diversity and inclusion into medical and educational services cross socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and cultural barriers with life-course benefits. Families require knowledge to recognize risks for their children and motivation to sustain relationships with providers and educators for optimal outcomes. The WHO sustainable development goals promote brain health before conception through the first 1000 days. Improved education, employment, and social engagement for all persons will have intergenerational and transgenerational benefits for communities and nations.
Balanced Standing on One Foot of Biped Robot Based on Three-Particle Model Predictive Control
Authors: Yang Yong , Shi Jiyuan , Huang Songrui , Ge Yuhong , Cai Wenhan , Li Qingkai , Chen Xueying , Li Xiu , Zhao Mingguo
Published: December 2022

Balancing is a fundamental task in the motion control of bipedal robots. Compared to two-foot balancing, one-foot balancing introduces new challenges, such as a smaller supporting polygon and control difficulty coming from the kinematic coupling between the center of mass (CoM) and the swinging leg. Although nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) may solve this problem, it is not feasible to implement it on the actual robot because of its large amount of calculation. This paper proposes the three-particle model predictive control (TP-MPC) approach. It combines with the hierarchical whole-body control (WBC) to solve the one-leg balancing problem in real time. The bipedal robot’s torso and two legs are modeled as three separate particles without inertia. The TP-MPC generates feasible swing leg trajectories, followed by the WBC to adjust the robot’s center of mass. Since the three-particle model is linear, the TP-MPC requires less computational cost, which implies real-time execution on an actual robot. The proposed method is verified in simulation. Simulation results show that our method can resist much larger external disturbance than the WBC-only control scheme.
Magnetically Tunable Adhesion of Magnetoactive Elastomers’ Surface Covered with Two-Level Newt-Inspired Microstructures
Authors: Chen Shiwei , Qian Ziyuan , Fu Xiaojiao , Wu Xuan
Published: December 2022

As one of the new intelligent materials, controllable bionic adhesive materials have great application prospects in many fields, such as wearable electronic devices, wall climbing robot systems, and biomedical engineering. Inspired by the microstructure of the newt pad’s surface, this paper reports a bionic adhesive surface material with controllable adhesion on dry, wet acrylic, and iron sheet surfaces. The material is prepared by mixing the PDMS matrix with micron carbonyl iron powders (CIPs) and then pouring the mixture into a female mold prepared by Photo-curing 3D Printing for curing. As the mold interior is designed with a two-level microstructure array, the material’s surface not only coated a regular hexagonal column array with a side length of 250 μm and a height of 100 μm but also covered seven dome structures with a diameter of 70 μm on each column. In what follows, the adhesion force of the proposed materials contacted three different surfaces are tested with/without magnetic fields. The experimental results show that the MAEs covered with two-level bionic structures(2L-MAE) reported in this paper exhibit a stronger initial adhesion in the three types of surfaces compared to the normal one. Besides, we also found that the magnetic field will noticeably affect their adhesion performance. Generally, the 2L-MAE’s adhesion will increase with the external magnetic field. When the contact surface is an iron sheet, the material adhesion will be reduced by the magnetic field.
Brain Correlates of Chinese Handwriting and Their Relation to Reading Development in Children: An fMRI Study
Authors: Zhang Jun , Kang Liying , Li Junjun , Li Yizhen , Bi Hongyan , Yang Yang
Published: December 2022

Handwriting plays an important role in written communication, reading, and academic success. However, little is known about the neural correlates of handwriting in children. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a copying task, we investigated regional brain activation and functional lateralization associated with Chinese handwriting in children (N = 36, 9–11 years old), as well as their relations to reading skills. We found significant activation of the bilateral frontal motor cortices, somatosensory cortex, intraparietal sulcus (IPS), fusiform gyrus (FuG), and cerebellum during handwriting, suggesting that an adult-like brain activation pattern emerges by middle childhood. Moreover, children showed left-lateralized and bilateral activation of motor regions and right-lateralized activation of the FuG and cerebellum during handwriting, suggesting that functional lateralization of handwriting is not fully established by this age. Finally, the activation of Exner’s area and the lateralization of the IPS and cerebellum during handwriting were correlated with reading skills, possibly representing a neural link between handwriting and reading in children. Collectively, this study reveals the brain correlates of handwriting and their relation to reading development in Chinese children, offering new insight into the development of handwriting and reading skills.
Sleep and Neuroimmunomodulation for Maintenance of Optimum Brain Function: Role of Noradrenaline
Authors: Mehta Rachna , Bhattacharya Rohosen , Mallick Birendra Nath
Published: December 2022

Immune function and sleep are two normal physiological processes to protect the living organism from falling sick. There is hardly any disease in which they remain unaffected, though the quantum of effect may differ. Therefore, we propose the existence of a strong correlation between sleep (quality or quantity) and immune response. This may be supported by the fact that sleep loss modulates many of the immunological molecules, which includes interferons; however, not much is known about their mechanism of action. Sleep is divided into rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) and non-REMS. For practical reasons, experimental studies have been conducted mostly by inducing loss of REMS. It has been shown that withdrawal of noradrenaline (NA) is a necessity for generation of REMS. Moreover, NA level increases in the brain upon REMS loss and the elevated NA is responsible for many of the sleep loss-associated symptoms. In this review, we describe how sleep (and its disturbance/loss) modulates the immune system by modulating the NA level in the brain or vice versa to maintain immune functions, physiological homeostasis, and normal healthy living. The increased levels of NA during REMS loss may cause neuroinflammation possibly by glial activation (as NA is a key modulator of microglia). Therefore, maintaining sleep hygiene plays a crucial role for a normal healthy living.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Neuroinflammation by Inhibiting the HMGB1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy
Authors: Xin Yueyang , Wang Jinxu , Chu Tiantian , Zhou Yaqun , Liu Cheng , Xu Aijun
Published: December 2022

Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy (SAE) is common in sepsis patients, with high mortality rates. It is believed that neuroinflammation is an important mechanism involved in SAE. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), as a late pro-inflammatory factor, is significantly increased during sepsis in different brain regions, including the hippocampus. HMGB1 causes neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment through direct binding to advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Electroacupuncture (EA) at Baihui (GV20) and Zusanli (ST36) is beneficial for neurological diseases and experimental sepsis. Our study used EA to treat SAE induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in male Sprague–Dawley rats. The Y maze test was performed to assess working memory. Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blotting (WB) were used to determine neuroinflammation and the HMGB1 signaling pathway. Results showed that EA could improve working memory impairment in rats with SAE. EA alleviated neuroinflammation by downregulating the hippocampus’s HMGB1/TLR4 and HMGB1/RAGE signaling, reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, and relieving microglial and astrocyte activation. However, EA did not affect the tight junctions’ expression of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in the hippocampus.
Effect of Physical Exercise in Real-World Settings on Executive Function of Typical Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shi Peng , Tang Yan , Zhang Ziyun , Feng Xiaosu , Li Chenyang
Published: December 2022

Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of research on physical exercise in real-world settings on executive function of typical children and adolescents. Methods: The CNKI, WOS, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched by computer. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included literature. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency and percentage and the χ2 test. Results: A total of 49 articles was included. Acute (moderate intensity lasting 30–50 min) and long-term (interventions of moderate intensity of 30–50 min at least 3 times a week for 17 weeks or more) physical exercises in real-world settings have positive intervention effects on executive function. Furthermore, for acute interventions, closed skills are more efficient for inhibitory control, open skills are more efficient for working memory and cognitive flexibility, and open-continuous and closed-sequential skills are the most efficient; long-term interventions with open skills, sequential skills, and open-sequential skills are more effective. Conclusion: Physical exercise in real-world settings has a good promotion effect on typical children and adolescents, and motor skills with open and/or sequential attributes are more helpful in improving executive function.
Implementation of Non-Invasive Quantitative Ultrasound in Clinical Cancer Imaging
Authors: Sharma Deepa , Osapoetra Laurentius Oscar , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: December 2022

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a non-invasive novel technique that allows treatment response monitoring. Studies have shown that QUS backscatter variables strongly correlate with changes observed microscopically. Increases in cell death result in significant alterations in ultrasound backscatter parameters. In particular, the parameters related to scatterer size and scatterer concentration tend to increase in relation to cell death. The use of QUS in monitoring tumor response has been discussed in several preclinical and clinical studies. Most of the preclinical studies have utilized QUS for evaluating cell death response by differentiating between viable cells and dead cells. In addition, clinical studies have incorporated QUS mostly for tissue characterization, including classifying benign versus malignant breast lesions, as well as responder versus non-responder patients. In this review, we highlight some of the important findings of previous preclinical and clinical studies and expand the applicability and therapeutic benefits of QUS in clinical settings. We summarized some recent clinical research advances in ultrasound-based radiomics analysis for monitoring and predicting treatment response and characterizing benign and malignant breast lesions. We also discuss current challenges, limitations, and future prospects of QUS-radiomics.
Circ_RNF13 Regulates the Stemness and Chemosensitivity of Colorectal Cancer by Transcriptional Regulation of DDX27 Mediated by TRIM24 Stabilization
Authors: Guo Yihang , Hu Gui , Tian Buning , Ma Min , Long Fei , Chen Miao
Published: December 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers with high incidence and poor prognosis worldwide. Circ_RNF13 is upregulated in CRC; however, the biological roles and downstream signaling of circ_RNF13 remain undefined. Methods: The characterization of circ_RNF13 was determined by Sanger sequencing, qRT-PCR, subcellular fractionation assay, and RNA FISH. Western blot analysis and qRT-PCR were employed to detect the expression of the key molecules and stemness markers in CRC tumor samples and cells. The stem-like activities of CRC cells were assessed by sphere formation assay, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence (IF). Cell viability was monitored by CCK-8 assay. The chemosensitivity of CRC cells was assessed by colony formation and cell apoptosis assays. Bioinformatics analysis, RIP assay, RNA pull-down assay, and FISH/IF staining were used to detect the association between circ_RNF13 and TRIM24. The transcriptional regulation of DDX27 was investigated by ChIP assay, and the post-translational regulation of TRIM24 was detected by Co-IP. The in vitro findings were verified in a xenograft model. Results: circ_RNF13 and DDX27 were elevated in CRC tumor samples and cells. Knockdown of circ_RNF13 or DDX27 inhibited stemness and increased chemosensitivity in CRC cells. Mechanistically, circ_RNF13 regulated DDX27 expression via TRIM24-mediated transcriptional regulation, and circ_RNF13 stabilized TRIM24 via suppressing FBXW7-mediated TRIM24 degradation. In vivo studies revealed that the knockdown of circ_RNF13 impaired stemness and enhanced the chemosensitivity of CRC in the xenograft model. Conclusion: circ_RNF13 regulated the stemness and chemosensitivity of CRC by transcriptional regulation of DDX27 mediated by TRIM24 stabilization.
Current Knowledge on Spinal Meningiomas—Surgical Treatment, Complications, and Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Part 2)
Authors: El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Pettersson-Segerlind Jenny , Fletcher-Sandersjöö Alexander , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: December 2022

Background: Most of the knowledge on spinal meningiomas is extrapolated from their intracranial counterparts, even though they are considered separate entities. This review aimed to systematically summarize studies covering different aspects of spinal meningiomas and their management. Methods: Databases were searched for all studies concerning spinal meningiomas dating from 2000 and onwards. When possible, a meta-analysis was performed. Results: Neurological outcomes of surgery were consistently favorable across studies, with a complication rate of 7.9% and 78.9% of the patients demonstrating good postoperative neurological function (McCormick score 1–2). The most relevant predictors of unfavorable outcomes were poor preoperative status, longer time from diagnosis to surgery, and surgery of recurrent tumors. The recurrence rate after surgery was estimated at 6%. Meta-analysis and/or survival analysis revealed that higher WHO grade (p < 0.001), higher Simpson grade (p < 0.001), ventral tumor location (p = 0.02), and male sex (p = 0.014) were all associated with higher odds of recurrence. However, the meta-analysis did not show any difference between Simpson grade 1 and grade 2 with respect to the odds of recurrence (p = 0.94). Surgery provided immediate and durable health-related quality-of-life improvement, as well as a high frequency of return to work. Conclusion: Spinal meningioma surgery is a relatively safe procedure with a low risk of tumor recurrence and high likelihood of favorable postoperative outcomes.