bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data and service management of the EPOS Volcano Observations Thematic Core Service by the European volcanological community
Authors: Spampinato Letizia , Indovina Enrico , Geyer Adelina , Júlíusdóttir Ríkey , Reitano Danilo , Puglisi Giuseppe , Nave Rosella , Santangelo Ileana , Vogfjörd Kristín , Labazuy Philippe , Cacciola Lucia , Domínguez-Cerdeña Itahiza , Guehenneux Yannick , Komorowski Jean-Christophe , Saurel Jean-Marie
Published: December 2024

The Volcano Observations Thematic Core Service (VOLC-TCS) is one of ten core services forming the European Research Infrastructure Consortium for the European Plate Observing System (EPOS ERIC). The main objective of the VOLC-TCS is the implementation of a technical, financial, and legal framework compliant with EPOS ERIC to (i) strengthen the European volcanology community represented by Volcano Observatories (VOs) and Volcanological Research Institutions (VRIs), and (ii) provide virtual access to the community’s data, data products software and services (DDSSs) from volcanoes in Europe and European overseas territories. The efforts of the VOLC-TCS community began prior to the appointment of EPOS as an ERIC and have followed a long-term work plan that started in 2002. One of the main challenges for the management of volcanological data has consisted in their great heterogeneity regarding technical characteristics and also legal aspects (e.g. different data policies among the data providers, different purposes for the use of data, ranging from science to monitoring, early-warning and crisis response, and communication and outreach). Another challenge has derived from the consistency of the VOLC-TCS’ products with the overall service provision of EPOS, which merges services from different Earth Science communities (seismology, GNSS, geomagnetic, geochemistry, geology, etc.). Some of the services used in volcanology are in common with the other communities, thus the implementation work was also devoted to harmonising the data and products with standards defined by other TCSs. Yet another important task has been the implementation of the community Gateway to expose and enable access to services not fully compliant with EPOS, or to services implemented by institutions outside the EPOS perimeter, as well as to create a platform that can act as an interface between the VOLC-TCS and data infrastructures operating at a global level (e.g. WOVOdat). Based on the experience gained and the results achieved, we report here on the state of the art of the VOLC-TCS implementation since 2018 and propose future actions to address some of the main technical challenges and measures to ensure mid-to-long term sustainability of the services.
Conditioned fully convolutional denoising autoencoder for multi-target NILM
Authors: García Diego , Pérez Daniel , Papapetrou Panagiotis , Díaz Ignacio , Cuadrado Abel A. , Enguita José M. , Domínguez Manuel
Published: December 2024

Energy management requires reliable tools to support decisions aimed at optimising consumption. Advances in data-driven models provide techniques like Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM), which estimates the energy demand of appliances from total consumption. Common single-target NILM approaches perform energy disaggregation by using separate learned models for each device. However, the use of single-target systems in real scenarios is computationally expensive and can obscure the interpretation of the resulting feedback. This study assesses a conditioned deep neural network built upon a Fully Convolutional Denoising AutoEncoder (FCNdAE) as multi-target NILM model. The network performs multiple disaggregations using a conditioning input that allows the specification of the target appliance. Experiments compare this approach with several single-target and multi-target models using public residential data from households and non-residential data from a hospital facility. Results show that the multi-target FCNdAE model enhances the disaggregation accuracy compared to previous models, particularly in non-residential data, and improves computational efficiency by reducing the number of trainable weights below 2 million and inference time below 0.25 s for several sequence lengths. Furthermore, the conditioning input helps the user to interpret the model and gain insight into its internal behaviour when predicting the energy demand of different appliances.
Surgical identification of brain tumour margins through impedance monitoring and electrocorticography and the potential for their combined use: A systematic review
Authors: Georgiannakis Ariadni , Chapman Christopher A. R. , Paraskevopoulos Dimitrios
Published: December 2024

Context

Primary central nervous system tumours have poor survival outcomes. Surgery, the first-line treatment, presents technical limitations, such as visualising the whole tumour border. Intracranial impedance monitoring and electrocorticography techniques provide insights into the local field potential characteristics, resistance and capacitance properties of brain tissue. We hypothesised that measurements obtained by either modality can distinguish between tumour and healthy brain tissue intraoperatively.

Methods

A “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA)-compliant systematic review was conducted, searching PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science. Studies on electrocorticography and impedance monitoring in patients with brain tumours were included. Data on patient demographics, technical details, obtained results and safety were extracted and analysed in Excel.

Results

Eighteen studies involving 286 patients in total were identified. Ten impedance studies showed that brain tumour tissue has significantly different values than healthy tissue, while its resistivity varies, being either higher or lower. Eight electrocorticography studies indicated increased high gamma power and altered connectivity in tumour tissue. No studies integrated impedance monitoring and electrocorticography in one device.

Conclusion

Impedance and electrocorticography measurements have the potential of differentiating between tumour and unaffected issues intra-operatively. Larger studies with standardised protocols are needed to validate these findings. Additionally, the combination of these two modalities has the potential for improved specificity with a single device. Future research should explore the role of these modalities in enhancing tumour margin identification across different tumour subtypes and in improving survival outcomes.
Soil mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) in pure stands on post-agricultural lands: does season matter?
Authors: Malica Jacek , Urbanowski Cezary K. , Turczański Krzysztof , Rączka Grzegorz , Andrzejewska Agnieszka , Skorupski Maciej , Kamczyc Jacek
Published: December 2024

Post-agricultural land differs from typical forest land in physical, chemical and biological features. In addition, the environment of this land type is determined, among other things, by the introduced tree species. These differences may be revealed by the biodiversity and abundance of the soil fauna. We analysed the abundance, species richness and diversity of different instars of mesostigmatid mites inhabiting three different habitat types on post-agricultural land (shaped by pure Pinus sylvestris L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Betula pendula Roth stands). We collected 288 soil samples from eight plots in three stands. The collection was conducted in July and October in two consecutive vegetation seasons (2021 and 2022) for Mesostigmata mites community. Soil characteristics (determination of soil group and analysis of physical and chemical properties of soil and litter) were done in July 2021. In total, 399 individuals (266 females, 50 males and 83 juveniles) were classified into 38 taxa (33 species, five genera). Most individuals belonged to the Parasitidae, Laelapidae and Veigaiidae families. The most abundant species were Hypoaspis aculeifer (Canestini) (21.6% of all recorded mites), Veigaia nemorensis (C.L.Koch) (7.8%) and Trachytes aegrota (C.L.Koch) (7.0%). Abundance, species richness and diversity were shaped by collection month and Fe content in soil. The abundance was influenced by N litter content and was significantly lower in P. sylvestris stand in July (0.57 ± 0.23; mean ± SE) than in P. sylvestris (2.17 ± 0.54) and T. cordata (2.15 ± 0.48) stands in October. Moreover, abundance in P. sylvestris stand in October was higher than in B. pendula stand in July (0.78 ± 0.26). Similarly, species richness was significantly lower in P. sylvestris stand in July than in P. sylvestris and T. cordata stands in October (2.17 ± 0.54 and 2.15 ± 0.48, respectively). Higher Shannon’s diversity of mite communities was reported in P. sylvestris stand in October (0.40 ± 0.10) than in P. sylvestris and B. pendula stands in July (0.12 ± 0.06 and 0.14 ± 0.08, respectively). Large fluctuations of abundance, species richness and diversity of soil mite communities in P. sylvestris and B. pendula stands between collection months give the insights for creating mixed stands on post-agricultural land. It is worth noticing that the wet season creates the most favourable living environment for mesostigmatid mites in P. sylvestris litter.
Can a Hybrid Line Break a Selection Limit on Behavioral Evolution in Mice?
Authors: Hiramatsu Layla , Careau Vincent , Garland Theodore
Published: December 2024

Artificial selection yielded four replicate high runner (HR) lines of mice that reached apparent selection limits (~ threefold increase in wheel revolutions per day vs. four control lines), despite maintenance of additive genetic variance. After 68 generations, we used animal models to test for changes in additive-genetic variances and covariance of the two measured components (average speed and duration) of running distance. We also attempted to break the selection limit by crossing two HR lines, then continuing directional selection on this hybrid line and on the two parental lines for nine generations. The genetic correlation between speed and duration was positive in the base population, but evolved to be negative in the two parental HR lines. Although heritability for both speed and duration (but not distance) increased in the hybrid line, their genetic correlation remained negative. Hybrid F1 mice from generation 68 parents showed heterosis for running distance, which was lost in subsequent generations, and the hybrid line did not exceed the limit. Both male and female hybrids ran faster than parental lines for most generations, but running duration was intermediate or reduced, reflecting their negative genetic correlation. The evolved genetic trade-off between speed and duration may explain the inability for the hybrid line to break the selection limit for distance run, despite renewed additive genetic variance for at least one of its component traits.
A novel metaheuristic population algorithm for optimising the connection weights of neural networks
Authors: Mousavirad Seyed Jalaleddin , Schaefer Gerald , Rezaee Khosro , Oliva Diego , Zabihzadeh Davood , Chakrabortty Ripon K. , Mohammadigheymasi Hamzeh , Pedram Mehdi
Published: December 2024

The efficacy of feed-forward multi-layer neural networks relies heavily on their training procedure, where identifying appropriate weights and biases plays a pivotal role. Nonetheless, conventional training algorithms such as backpropagation encounter limitations, including getting trapped in sub-optimal solutions. To rectify these inadequacies, metaheuristic population algorithms are advocated as a dependable alternative. In this paper, we introduce a novel training methodology termed, DDE-OP, which leverages the principles of differential evolution enriched with a division-based scheme and an opposite-direction strategy. Our approach integrates two effective concepts with differential evolution. Initially, the proposed algorithm identifies partitions within the search space through a clustering algorithm and designates the obtained cluster centres to serve as representatives. Subsequently, an updating scheme incorporates these clusters into the current population. Lastly, a quasi-opposite-direction strategy is used to augment search space exploration. Extensive evaluation on diverse classification and approximation tasks demonstrate that DDE-OP surpasses conventional and population-based methodologies.
Social and knowledge diversity in forest education: Vital for the world’s forests
Authors: Rekola Mika , Taber Andrew B. , Sharik Terry L. , Parrotta John A. , Dockry Michael J. , Babalola Folaranmi D. , Bal Tara L. , Ganz David , Gruca Marta , Guariguata Manuel R. , Kungu James , Larasatie Pipiet , Nevgi Anne , Rodriguez-Piñeros Sandra , Saengcharnchai Sirichai , Sandström Niclas , Walji Khalil
Published: December 2024

A global assessment of the status of tertiary, vocational, and technical forest education and training found deficits in inclusion of knowledge and student diversity. Coverage of forest services and cultural and social issues was characterized as weak in the curricula of many programs. The inclusion of traditional and Indigenous knowledge was frequently poor or absent. Gaps were found in enrollment at tertiary education levels with respect to diversity by gender, race/ethnicity, and other societal groups. If unaddressed, forest researchers, professionals, and workers will continue to lack familiarity with different knowledge systems and the importance of inclusive representation. Improvements in forest education related curricula, research, monitoring, policy, recruitment, and promotion are recommended. Without remedial action to build a representative, skilled, and knowledgeable workforce, prospects for forests to meet local, national, and global goals are at risk. Improved social and knowledge diversity in forest education is paramount for the future of forests.
An Update on Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Authors: Acosta Oliver , Barcikowski Jaclyn
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

Our aim was to revisit important defining terms and concepts regarding post-traumatic epilepsy that reflect a modern view of the condition, as well as update the reader on the current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind post-traumatic epileptogenesis and how this frames future work on identifying reliable electroencephalographic, serum, and CSF biomarkers to better study and develop treatments for preventing and modifying post-traumatic epilepsy.

Recent Findings

The epileptogenic process involves a complex interplay of blood-brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, loss of inhibitory neural circuitry and unregulated neuronal plasticity. Potential biomarkers include epileptiform abnormalities and electrographic seizures on EEG, IL-1β, and downregulation of BDNF. Targets of interest for suppressing epileptogenesis include ceftriaxone, retigabine, and TrkB receptor agonists.

Meaningful research on post-traumatic seizures and PTE relies on an accurate understanding of the condition via updated terminology. As the complex interplay of multiple inflammatory cascades involved in secondary brain injury has become clearer, new options for monitoring the epileptogenic process have emerged, along with potential targets for intervention.
Colorado Immersion Training in Community Engagement: Ten years of learning and doing
Authors: Wright Leslie A. , Garcia Reginaldo , Fisher Mary E. , Gordon Kaylee , Nease Donald E. , Sweitzer Elizabeth , LoudHawk-Hedgepeth Crystal , Ortiz Charlene Barrientos , Taméz Montelle , Ramírez Lorenzo , Zittleman Linda , Sobral Bruno Walther Santos
Published: December 2024

The Colorado Immersion Training in Community Engagement (CIT) program supports a change in the research trajectory of junior faculty, early career researchers, and doctoral students toward Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). CIT is within the Community Engagement and Health Equity Core (CEHE) at the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI), an NIH-funded Clinical and Translational Science award. This Translational Science Case Study reports on CIT’s impacts from 2010 to 2019. A team from The Evaluation Center at the University of Colorado Denver utilized four primary data sources: administrative records, participant written reflections, participant and Community Research Liaison (CRL) interviews, and community partner surveys. Data were analyzed using the framework of CBPR principles and the conceptual logic model. CIT trained 122 researchers in CBPR through embedded education within various Colorado communities. CIT Alumni secured ∼$8,723,000 in funding between CCTSI Pilot Grants and external funding. Also, CIT alumni implemented CBPR into curricula and community programming and developed deep, lasting relationships. Further key learnings include the crucial role of CRLs in building relationships between university and community partners and how CIT may serve as a mechanism to improve historical mistrust between communities and universities.
The Anglo-Saxons: Myth and History
Authors: Naismith Rory
Published: December 2024

‘Anglo-Saxon’ is a term with a long and nuanced history. This study assesses where the word itself comes from, why it has been felt appropriate to separate the pre-Conquest epoch from later English history and why the Anglo-Saxons have taken on so many different meanings in subsequent times. Beginning with the deployment of ‘Anglo-Saxon’ in the eighth to tenth centuries, the focus then turns to how the period before 1066 was constructed as a formative time for English national and institutional identity. This process began in the later Middle Ages, but the term ‘Anglo-Saxon’ itself only began to be used again in the sixteenth century. It later took on powerful political and cultural resonance, which eventually gave rise to a racial understanding of ‘Anglo-Saxon’. The difficult legacy of these many layers of later usage, including developments since the Victorian peak of Anglo-Saxonism, is also assessed.
Dietary factors and rheumatoid arthritis: new perspectives from a Mendelian randomisation analysis
Authors: Wang Yidian , Hu Shouye , Zhang Weisong , Zhang Binfei , Yang Zhi
Published: December 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease, and there is growing evidence suggesting a potential correlation between dietary factors and the pathogenesis of this condition. In order to investigate the causal relationship between diet and RA, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis to examine the causal associations between twenty-two dietary factors and RA. Summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of RA were obtained from large GWAS meta-analyses. GWAS summary data for twenty-two dietary factors were obtained from UK Biobank. Random-effects inverse variance weighted was used as the primary method for assessing causality, and analyses of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were performed to ensure the accuracy of the results. Research indicates a negative genetic causal relationship between cereal intake (OR = 0·64, 95 % CI: 0·41, 0·99, P = 0·048) and oily fish intake (OR = 0·70, 95 % CI: 0·52, 0·95, P = 0·020) with the risk of RA. Other dietary factors were not causally related to RA. Sensitivity analysis shows that our results are reliable. This study provides genetic evidence suggesting that cereal intake and oily fish intake are protective factors for RA, indicating that RA patients and individuals at high risk should make appropriate dietary adjustments.
HISTORY FROM THE MARGINS: GEORGE FINLAY, GEORGE BANCROFT AND THE GENESIS OF NATIONAL HISTORY IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
Authors: Bull Thomas R.
Published: December 2024

The writings of George Finlay are usually viewed through the lenses of philhellenism and the Greek Revolution. This work seeks instead to locate them in the transnational intellectual canvas of the nineteenth century, principally in relation to the writings of George Bancroft, in whose History of the United States Finlay left extensive marginalia. Finlay's comments on Bancroft's work exemplify two disparate styles of historiography in the period. This study attributes such a divide to Finlay's and Bancroft's divergent worldviews, conflicting methodologies and contrasting motivations as historians working on either side of the Atlantic in the Age of Revolutions. The analysis of the dialogical exchange between the two scholars has much to contribute towards a global history of historical thought during a liminal period for history as a discipline. Finlay's annotations offer much for our understanding of Bancroft's reception outside of the United States, especially in ‘peripheral’ regions like the Eastern Mediterranean that are often overlooked when studying intellectual exchanges between Europe and America. Further, owing to the connection that he draws between national institutions and the writing of history, Finlay's marginalia give a clear indication of his vision for the optimal socio-political organisation of post-revolutionary states like the United States and the Kingdom of Greece. In this article, I suggest that Finlay's work was thus essentially didactic in contrast to Bancroft's teleological method of historical enquiry, giving greater insight into the different methods and purposes of historical writing in the nineteenth century.
Genetically identified Salmonella typhimurium outbreak linked to a rural Butcher’s Shop, February–March 2018, North East England
Authors: Love Nicola , Painset Anaïs , Aird Heather , Coleman Hayley , Sorrell Shirley , Stoker Claire , Manley Petra , Wilson Deborah
Published: December 2024

Between February and April 2018, Salmonella typhimurium within a unique 5-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) address was isolated from 28 cases with links to a small rural area of Northeast England, with five cases prospectively identified by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Infections had a severe clinical picture with ten cases hospitalized (36%), two cases with invasive disease, and two deaths reported. Interviews determined that 24 cases (86%) had been exposed to a local independent butcher’s shop (Butcher A).

A case-control study using controls recruited by systematic digit dialling established that cases were 68 times more likely to have consumed cooked meat from Butcher A (Adjusted OR 68.1; 95% CI: 1.9–2387.6; P = 0.02). Salmonella typhimurium genetically highly related to 28 of the outbreak cases was also isolated from a sample of cooked meat on sale in the premises.

Epidemiological and microbiological investigations suggest this outbreak was likely associated with the consumption of ready-to-eat foods supplied by the implicated butcher. A relatively large number of cases were involved despite the rurality of the food business, with cases resident across the Northeast and Yorkshire identified using WGS, demonstrating the benefit of timely sequencing information to community outbreak investigations.
An acoustic study of ATR in Tima vowels: vowel quality, voice quality and duration
Authors: Tabain Marija , Padgett Jaye , Schneider-Blum Gertrud , Gregory Adele , Beare Richard
Published: December 2024

Tima has a typologically unusual 12-vowel advanced tongue root (ATR) harmony system, contrasting six [+ATR] vowels /i e ɨ ʌ o u/ with six [−ATR] vowels /ɪ ɛ ɘ a ɔ ʊ/. This harmony system provides a test case for generalisations about ATR systems: for example, that [−ATR] is less compatible with higher vowels; that [+ATR] is less compatible with lower vowels and that central vowels are incompatible with [ATR] systems. After showing that all vowels participate fully in ATR harmony, this article presents an acoustic study of the Tima ATR contrast. We show that /ʌ/, the [+ATR] counterpart of /a/, patterns as a mid vowel, and that duration and voice quality differences characterise Tima’s crowded vowel inventory. Though F1 is the primary individual correlate of the ATR contrast, as is true cross-linguistically, a number of measures support voice quality differences as well, as predicted by the Laryngeal Articulator Model account of ATR systems.
Using the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework to identify factors related to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children to guide future intervention development
Authors: George Louise , Davison Jenny
Published: December 2024

Objective:

This study used the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify parental factors that are associated with increasing their child’s fruit and vegetable consumption. The information gathered enabled a behavioural diagnosis and the identification of intervention functions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in children.

Design:

A qualitative design using open-ended online survey methodology was utilised.

Setting:

United Kingdom.

Participants:

Twenty-eight parents of primary school-aged children (4–11 years) aged 29–51 years participated.

Results:

Thematic and summative analysis identified skills in preparation and cooking, awareness of and desire to increase fruit and vegetable intake, knowledge of the recommendations and better health for their child as the main facilitators. The main barriers were time and financial constraints, their child’s food preferences and refusal to eat fruit and vegetables, negative role modelling from parents and grandparents and beliefs that fruit and vegetable intake will increase with age. For behaviour change to occur, ‘knowledge’, ‘social influences’, ‘environmental context and resources’, ‘beliefs about consequences’ and ‘beliefs about capabilities’ need to be altered.

Conclusions:

Novel findings suggest that future intervention development should focus on parental beliefs and skills around how to increase fruit and vegetable consumption as their child ages and expanding parental knowledge on the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption such as mental and future health. The use of the TDF and BCW identified appropriate intervention functions that will guide future behaviour change techniques, modes of delivery and policy categories that best target increasing children’s fruit and vegetable consumption.
Autoimmune Psychosis as a Differential Diagnosis of Primary Schizophreniform Psychosis in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Briegel Wolfgang , Wößner Rupert , Trollmann Regina
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Objective: Autoimmune psychosis (AP), defined as an isolated schizophreniform psychosis with no or only minimal neurological abnormalities stemming from autoantibody-associated cerebral processes, is a very rare and potentially underdiagnosed disorder in children and adolescents. Methods: This article reports the case of a 13-year-old boy who became acutely ill with a psychotic disorder following a respiratory infection. We describe the diagnosis and course of treatment in detail. Results: Following an extensive interdisciplinary workup, a probable glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-associated AP was diagnosed that ultimately remitted completely with treatment. Conclusions: Autoimmune psychoses remain a relatively uncharted territory for the specialty of child and adolescent psychiatry. Good interdisciplinary cooperation is essential for patients with somewhat atypical psychotic symptoms, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
On the Extrapolation of Generative Adversarial Networks for Downscaling Precipitation Extremes in Warmer Climates
Authors: Rampal Neelesh , Gibson Peter B. , Sherwood Steven , Abramowitz Gab
Published: December 2024

While deep‐learning downscaling algorithms can generate fine‐scale climate projections cost‐effectively, it is unclear how effectively they extrapolate to unobserved climates. We assess the extrapolation capabilities of a deterministic Convolutional Neural Network baseline and a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) built with this baseline, trained to predict daily precipitation simulated by a Regional Climate Model (RCM) over New Zealand. Both approaches emulate future changes in annual mean precipitation well, when trained on historical data, though training on a future climate improves performance. For extreme precipitation (99.5th percentile), RCM simulations predict a robust end‐of‐century increase with future warming (∼5.8%/C on average from five simulations). When trained on a future climate, GANs capture 97% of the warming‐driven increase in extreme precipitation compared to 65% in a deterministic baseline. Even GANs trained historically capture 77% of this increase. Overall, GANs offer better generalization for downscaling extremes, which is important in applications relying on historical data.
New insights into protein–protein interaction modulators in drug discovery and therapeutic advance
Authors: Nada Hossam , Choi Yongseok , Kim Sungdo , Jeong Kwon Su , Meanwell Nicholas A. , Lee Kyeong
Published: December 2024

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to cellular signaling and transduction which marks them as attractive therapeutic drug development targets. What were once considered to be undruggable targets have become increasingly feasible due to the progress that has been made over the last two decades and the rapid technological advances. This work explores the influence of technological innovations on PPI research and development. Additionally, the diverse strategies for discovering, modulating, and characterizing PPIs and their corresponding modulators are examined with the aim of presenting a streamlined pipeline for advancing PPI-targeted therapeutics. By showcasing carefully selected case studies in PPI modulator discovery and development, we aim to illustrate the efficacy of various strategies for identifying, optimizing, and overcoming challenges associated with PPI modulator design. The valuable lessons and insights gained from the identification, optimization, and approval of PPI modulators are discussed with the aim of demonstrating that PPI modulators have transitioned beyond early-stage drug discovery and now represent a prime opportunity with significant potential. The selected examples of PPI modulators encompass those developed for cancer, inflammation and immunomodulation, as well as antiviral applications. This perspective aims to establish a foundation for the effective targeting and modulation of PPIs using PPI modulators and pave the way for future drug development.
Sleep-related breathing disorder in a Japanese occupational population and its association with exercise-induced blood pressure elevation
Authors: Inoue Minako , Sakata Satoko , Arima Hisatomi , Yamato Ikumi , Oishi Emi , Ibaraki Ai , Kitazono Takanari , Goto Kenichi
Published: December 2024

Sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) and exercise-induced blood pressure (BP) elevation are known risk factors for hypertension. However, the relation between them remains unknown. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between SRBD and exercise-induced BP elevation in a Japanese occupational population. Using the 3% oxygen desaturation index (3%ODI) obtained by a portable monitor for overnight saturation of percutaneous oxygen (SpO2), participants were classified into low (0 ≤ 3%ODI < 5), medium (5 ≤ 3%ODI < 15), and high (15 ≤ 3%ODI) 3%ODI groups. We included employees who had undergone an exercise electrocardiogram test after monitoring for overnight SpO2. In total, 928 employees were included. The median age of the participants was 50 years, 96% were male, the mean body mass index was 23.9 ± 3.1 kg/m2, and the median 3%ODI was 4.9 (interquartile range: 1.6–6.5). Among them, 30% and 5% were categorized into the medium and high 3%ODI groups, respectively. At a median exercise intensity of 10.1 METs, BP changed from 124 ± 16/76 ± 12 mmHg before to 183 ± 26/85 ± 14 mmHg after exercise, with a mean systolic BP change of +59 ± 23 mmHg (−20 to +128 mmHg). When we defined systolic BP change of +60 mmHg or more as exercise-induced BP elevation, the odds ratio for exercise-induced BP elevation increased significantly with higher 3%ODI levels after multivariate adjustment for parameters including current use of antihypertensive medication and maximal exercise intensity (p for trend = 0.01). Higher 3%ODI was significantly associated with higher prevalence of exercise-induced BP elevation, suggesting sympathetic hyperactivity occurs in SRBD patients. Our results suggest the potential presence of SRBD should be considered in individuals with exercise-induced BP elevation.
Assessment of Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk indices of heavy metal exposure in different age groups using Monte Carlo Simulation Approach
Authors: Shetty B Raksha , Pai B Jagadeesha , Salmataj S A , Naik Nithesh
Published: December 2024

Dermal contact, ingestion and inhalation of heavy metal poses significant health risk in human subjects. The exposure could be via potable water, soil or air. The current experiment design focuses on soil media and exposure. Advanced probabilistic and geospatial methods are used in this study which evaluates contamination levels and health risks associated with iron (Fe), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in soil samples. The samples were collected and analysed using ICP-OES after tri-acid digestion, and indices such as Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) were used to assess environmental impacts and health risks across the age groups via oral ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. The current study indicates heavy metal concentrations follow the order Ni > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > As > Cd, with more than 60% of samples demonstrating significant pollution levels. The computational method used in the study revealed substantial non carcinogenic risk (HQ > 1) and carcinogenic risk (33%) in the population related to As exposure. Geospatial analysis and Monte Carlo simulations helped in identifying the hotspots in the tropical coastal area emphasizing need for targeted remediation focusing on As and Pb.
Using deep learning to classify developmental differences in reaching and placing movements in children with and without autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Su Wan-Chun , Mutersbaugh John , Huang Wei-Lun , Bhat Anjana , Gandjbakhche Amir
Published: December 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, yet the current diagnostic procedures rely on behavioral analyses and interviews, without objective screening methods to support the diagnostic process. This study seeks to address this gap by integrating upper limb kinematics and deep learning methods to identify potential biomarkers that could be validated in younger age groups in the future to enhance the identification of ASD. Forty-one school-age children, with and without an ASD diagnosis (mean age ± SE: TD group: 10.3 ± 0.8, 8 males and 7 females; ASD group: 10.3 ± 0.5, 21 males and 5 females), participated in the study. A single Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) was affixed to the child’s wrist as they engaged in a continuous reaching and placing task. Deep learning techniques were employed to classify children with and without ASD. Our findings suggest differential movement kinematics in school-age children compared to healthy adults. Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited poor feedforward/feedback control of arm movements as seen by greater number of movement units, more movement overshooting, and prolonged time to peak velocity/acceleration. Unique movement strategies such as greater velocity and acceleration were also seen in the ASD group. More importantly, using Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model, we demonstrated an accuracy of ~ 78.1% in classifying children with and without ASD. These findings underscore the potential use of studying upper limb movement kinematics during goal-directed arm movements and deep learning methods as valuable tools for classifying and, consequently, aiding in the diagnosis and early identification of ASD upon further validation of their specificity among younger children.
Mechanistic insights into allosteric regulation of the reductase component of p-hydroxyphenylacetate 3-hydroxylase by p-hydroxyphenylacetate: a model for effector-controlled activity of redox enzymes
Authors: Visitsatthawong Surawit , Anuwan Piyanuch , Lawan Narin , Chaiyen Pimchai , Wongnate Thanyaporn
Published: December 2024

This study uncovers allosteric regulation in the reductase component (C1) of HPA 3-hydroxylase from Acinetobacter baumannii, where HPA binding enhances flavin production while reducing NADH consumption and H₂O₂ formation.
Continuous-flow synthesis of carboxylic acids from alcohols via platinum and silicon dioxide-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide oxidation
Authors: Kon Yoshihiro , Nakashima Takuya , Makino Yoshiki , Onozawa Shun-ya , Miyamura Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Shū , Sato Kazuhiko
Published: December 2024

Selective oxidation of alcohols was achieved by analyzing the yields of carboxylic acids as a function of weight hourly space velocity.
“Hydrogen bond locks” promoted exciton dissociation and carrier separation in copolymers for enhancing uranyl photoreduction
Authors: Liu Yiping , Xu Mei , Lin Mengxiong , Zhao Maomao , Wu Guihong , Song Fangru , Liu Yan , Zhang Chengrong , Yu Fengtao , Qiu Jianding
Published: December 2024

We introduced methoxy into benzene monomer to synthesize CP-OMe. It benefits from structural balance brought by “hydrogen bond locks”, showing the smallest Eb. As a result, the uranium extraction capacity of CP-OMe was as high as 946.5 mg g−1.
Continuous oxidation of toluene derivatives to aromatic aldehydes in an umbrella-shaped microchannel reactor
Authors: Shi Shujin , Fan Yu , Zhao Chunsheng , Shan Yihan , Yan Jiaqi , Wang Anwei , Qian Junfeng , He Mingyang , Zhou Weiyou
Published: December 2024

In an umbrella-shaped microchannel reactor, the continuous selective aerobic oxidation of toluene derivatives to aromatic aldehydes over a Co/Mn/Br catalytic system using acetic acid/water as the solvent was studied.
Sustainable carbon for energy storage applications: investigation on chemical refinements of sorghum biomass for tuneability of carbon structures and supercapacitor performance
Authors: Afzal Rana Arslan , Annamalai Pratheep K. , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Burey Paulomi (Polly) , Bell John , Nanjundan Ashok Kumar , Martin Darren J.
Published: December 2024

This study links sorghum biomass characteristics, such as lignocellulosic composition and morphology, to carbon properties like surface area, porosity, and electrochemical performance. Cellulose enrichment resulted in porous graphitic carbons with enhanced capacitance.
Technological and policy options for the defossilisation of chemical manufacturing
Authors: Pan Qiuchi , Held Martin , Backmann Jan
Published: December 2024

The chemical industry plays a pivotal role in modern society, providing essential products like plastics, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, speciality and agricultural chemicals.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework improved vanadium ferrite: toxicological profile and its utility in the photodegradation of some selected antibiotics in aqueous solution
Authors: Adewuyi Adewale , Akinbola Wuraola B. , Otuechere Chiagoziem A. , Adesina Adedotun , Ogunkunle Olaoluwa A. , Olalekan Olamide A. , Ajibade Sunday O. , Adeyemi Olalere G.
Published: December 2024

Zeolitic imidazolate framework improved vanadium ferrite (VFe2O4@monoZIF-8) was prepared to purify a ciprofloxacin (CP), ampicillin (AP), and erythromycin (EY) contaminated water system via a visible light driven photocatalytic process.
LiF-doped sulfide solid electrolytes with a stabilized α-Li3PS4 analog phase for all-solid-state Li metal batteries
Authors: Asakura Taichi , Izawa Ryo , Kimura Takuya , Hotehama Chie , Kowada Hiroe , Deguchi Minako , Motohashi Kota , Sakuda Atsushi , Tatsumisago Masahiro , Hayashi Akitoshi
Published: December 2024

All-solid-state Li metal batteries require solid electrolytes with both high reduction tolerance and high Li-ion conductivity.
Gradient migration hydrogenation of adsorbed hydrogen modulated by anasymmetric configuration of S vacancies with atomic Zn dopant for photocatalytic CO2 methanation
Authors: Shen Hao , Gao Hang , Zhang Shuqu , Liu Xia , Yang Lixia , Song Ren-Jie , Zou Jian-Ping , Luo Shenglian
Published: December 2024

The migration hydrogenation of surface adsorbed hydrogen mechanism is proposed on asymmetric configuration of S vacancy induced by atomic Zn substitution confined into In2S3 nanosheet for photocatalytic CO2 methanation.
Neuroinflammation-targeted magnetic resonance imaging nanoprobes for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jiang Yanjiao , Li Wenyue , Ma Yuqiang , Hou Yi
Published: December 2024

In this work, we developed NP@angiopep-2/CD137 nanoprobes using the activation-dependent expression of CD137, which were applied to the pathological analysis of AD based on the hypothesis of AD vascular inflammation and neuroinflammation.
Introduction to targeted biomedical applications of nanomaterials
Authors: Bhatia Dhiraj , Dhanka Mukesh , Awasthi Anjali , Awasthi Kamlendra , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: December 2024

Dhiraj Bhatia, Mukesh Dhanka, Anjali Awasthi, Kamlendra Awasthi and Kaushik Chatterjee introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Nanoscale, Materials Advances and Nanoscale Advances themed collection on targeted biomedical applications of nanomaterials.
A highly sensitive MOF fluorescence probe for discriminative detection of aliphatic and aromatic amines
Authors: Zhou Changjiang , Liu Yafei , Liu Zimeng , Qiu Zhichao , Sun Zhuangzhuang , Chen Minrui , Xie Bo , Wen Hui-min , Hu Jun
Published: December 2024

A highly sensitive MOF fluorescence probe for discriminative detection of aliphatic and aromatic amines.
A machine learning approach for estimating supercapacitor performance of graphene oxide nano-ring based electrode materials
Authors: Yogesh Gaurav Kumar , Nandi Debabrata , Yeetsorn Rungsima , Wanchan Waritnan , Devi Chandni , Singh Ravi Pratap , Vasistha Aditya , Kumar Mukesh , Koinkar Pankaj , Yadav Kamlesh
Published: December 2024

A novel machine learning approach for supercapacitor performance prediction of graphene oxide nano-ring-based electrode materials.
Molecular tags for electron cryo-tomography
Authors: Silvester Emma , Baker Lindsay A.
Published: December 2024

Electron cryotomography enables the direct visualisation of biological specimens without stains or fixation, revealing complex molecular landscapes at high resolution. However, identifying specific proteins within these crowded environments is challenging. Molecular tagging offers a promising solution by attaching visually distinctive markers to proteins of interest, differentiating them from the background. This review explores available tagging strategies, including gold nanoparticles, metal-binding proteins, nucleic acid nanostructures and protein-based tags. The identification and targeting strategies for each approach are discussed, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Future directions for advancing these tagging techniques to expand their applicability to broader research questions are also considered.
Differential Diagnosis of a Pharyngeal Fricative and Therapeutic Monitoring of Velopharyngeal Function Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Mason Kazlin N. , Botz Ellie , Gampper Thomas
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Speech disorders associated with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) are common. Some require surgical management, while others are responsive to speech therapy. This is related to whether the speech error is obligatory (passive) or compensatory (active). Accurate identification of speech errors is necessary to facilitate timely and appropriate intervention. Recent studies have supported the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment process for VPD. The purpose of this study was to utilize MRI to support differential diagnosis and treatment planning in a child presenting with inconsistent nasal air escape, mild hypernasality, and compensatory speech errors.

Method:

A nonsedated, fully awake, velopharyngeal (VP) MRI protocol was implemented to acquire anatomic data at rest and during phonation. Segmentations and visualization of the tongue, palate, adenoids, and nasopharyngeal airway were completed. Anatomic linear measurements were obtained for VP variables to assess VP function, establish a baseline, and monitor change over time.

Results:

VP anatomy was successfully visualized on MRI in multiple imaging planes. All anatomic measurements fell within normative expectations. Elevation and retraction of the soft palate occurred against the adenoid pad. A pharyngeal fricative was documented, resulting a small VP gap during speech. In contrast, adequate VP closure was obtained for vowels and other oral consonant sounds.

Conclusions:

Quantitative assessment and visualization of the anatomy demonstrated adequate VP closure capabilities and a pharyngeal fricative substitution that had not been adequately perceived during routine clinical assessments. This study suggests a promising additive role for VP MRI for enhanced differential diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in children with VPD and concomitant speech disorders.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27905451
Health-Related Quality of Life and the Role of the Big Five Personality Traits in Postlingually Deaf Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Kobosko Joanna , Śliwa Lech , Ganc Małgorzata , Jedrzejczak W. Wiktor , Porembska D. Beata , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL), the Big Five personality traits, speech understanding, and sociodemographic factors in a group of postlingually deaf cochlear implant (CI) users.

Method:

The study group included 81 participants who met the inclusion criteria: profound sensorineural hearing loss, 18 years of age or more, and using at least one CI implanted after 18 years of age. Some 18% were bilateral CI users. The mean age of the participants was 60 ± 11 years. They completed the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL-8D) and the Short Form IPIP-BFM-20 (shortened version of the 50-item Big Five Markers Questionnaire from the International Personality Item Pool). The response rate was 57%.

Results:

The HRQoL was lower in the study group than in the general population. Moreover, all Big Five personality characteristics were significantly lower than the Polish norm. The personality traits of intellect/imagination, emotional stability, and extraversion contributed to higher overall HRQoL scores, particularly for most psychosocial AQoL-8D dimensions. Higher agreeableness predicted higher HRQoL in the Independent Living, Pain, Coping, and Relations dimensions, whereas higher extraversion predicted higher physical HRQoL in the Senses dimension. Better speech understanding in quiet and noisy environments correlated with better physical HRQoL. Additionally, male gender and higher education were linked to higher global HRQoL. Conversely, being female was associated with lower global psychosocial and physical HRQoL, particularly in Pain. Higher education also contributed to improved physical HRQoL.

Conclusions:

In general, CI users have lower physical and psychosocial HRQoL as well as in measures that depend on personality traits. In terms of physical HRQoL, speech understanding plays an important role. It might prove useful if CI candidates and users were given a Big Five personality evaluation and an HRQoL assessment based on which they might be offered counseling or psychological intervention.