bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the vitality of Tianjin’s downtown based on the Light GBM-SHAP model
Authors: Li Na , Yao Li
Published: December 2024

In the age of stock planning, urban vitality is a key indication of a city’s health and vitality. Using the central city of Tianjin as an example, the study uses multi-source data, such as Weibo check-ins, points of interest, etc., to quantify urban vitality. The Light GBM-SHAP model is chosen to measure the non-linear effects of each indicator on urban vitality in four dimensions: crowd vitality, economic vitality, facility vitality, and environmental vitality. The study also applies spatial visualization and spatial statistical analysis to analyze the vitality of the central city of Tianjin in terms of time and space scales. The findings indicate that: (1) There is clear temporal and geographical variation in the vitality distribution in Tianjin’s core urban region. Over time, spring, particularly April, is marked by a surge of vitality brought on by the tourist season and holiday effects; there is a double-peak time in the morning and evening, and the nighttime vitality is particularly strong; and, in terms of space, urban vitality tends to decline from the Heping District outward. (2) Public facility density, living facility density, and building density are the three indicators that most strongly influence urban vitality; each indication has a negligible impact on the temporal dimension of urban vitality. (3) The indicators in Tianjin’s core urban region have a substantial impact on urban vitality. Their threshold effect and non-linear influence are evident, and managing the indicators within a suitable range may effectively promote urban vitality. The study’s findings might serve as a foundation for Tianjin’s core city’s urban planning and design.
Significance of demographic variables on perceived attention restoration using biophilic strategies in luxury hotels in Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Jamaldeen Abiola , Isah Abubakar Danladi , Salami Shakirat Folashade
Published: December 2024

Natural environments have been discovered to promote restoration from mental fatigue and improve cognitive performance. In hotels, patrons creating these restorative environments is of great importance to ensure a truly rejuvenating stay for patrons. However, luxury hotels in Nigeria often struggle to effectively incorporate restorative elements that cater to their diverse international clientele, which leads to suboptimal guest experiences. This study examines the impact of biophilic design strategies on creating restorative spaces in luxury hotels in Abuja, Nigeria, and how demographic variables moderate these effects. It adopts Attention Restoration Theory (ART) as a conceptual framework and employs a quantitative approach to evaluate the influence of biophilic elements on perceived restorativeness. Data was gathered from a survey of 415 hotel guests in Abuja. Major findings indicate that visual connections with nature, spacious environments, and a balance of complexity and order significantly contribute to attention restoration. Age and cultural background were identified as significant moderators, with older adults and non-Nigerian guests perceiving higher levels of restoration in certain aspects. In contrast, gender did not substantially affect the association between biophilic elements and perceived restorativeness. The study therefore highlights the importance of tailoring hotel environments to diverse demographic needs to enhance guest well-being. The findings provide a practical framework for hotel designers to integrate biophilic design principles efficiently and it emphasizes the design of environments that cater to the distinctive preferences of different age groups and cultural backgrounds. Recommendations include strategic placement of natural elements, advocating for sustainable design policies, and further research into optimizing biophilic interventions for various hotel types.
Overall Morphology of Prominent Zonal Differences in Low Latitude Ionosphere
Authors: Yang Yuyan , Liu Libo , Li Wenbo , Zhao Xiukuan , Chen Yiding , Le Huijun , Zhang Ruilong , Lu Jianyong
Published: December 2024

This paper reports the overall morphology of prominent zonal differences in total electron content (TEC) data from Beidou geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites in the low latitude ionosphere over the Asia sector. Using GEO TEC observations from the GXZY receiver (26.2°N, 110.6°E) from 1 November 2019 to 30 November 2022, 64 prominent zonal difference events under geomagnetic quiet conditions were selected. We clarify the global longitude structures corresponding to these prominent zonal difference events at low latitudes through the global TEC products from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The structures that can cause the prominent zonal difference features in GEO TEC data are mainly divided into large‐scale wave‐like structures and featured regional structures. Among them, 19 cases of prominent zonal difference features were caused by large‐scale wave‐like structures, and 45 cases were caused by regional longitude structures. Prominent zonal differences generated from Large‐scale wave‐like structures are explained by the day‐to‐day variation of wave components, which creates an amplitude superposition and amplifies the crest intensity in a region. The featured regional structures cover a longitudinal range of about 10°–30°. In addition, we discussed the possible reasons for this small longitudinal structure by utilizing plasma drift velocity data at the magnetic equator from the Ionospheric Connection Explorer mission. The delicate longitude structures of vertical and zonal plasma drift likely contribute to the prominent zonal difference features in certain events.
Daytime Production of Airborne Pollutants Including Brown Carbon by NO2 Interaction With Surface Microlayer of Lake Water in Southwestern China
Authors: Deng Qingxin , He Bowen , Wang Yiqun , Xu Jinli , Li Yuanzhe , Hu Yanan , Ran Zhu , Tang Mingjin , Wang Xinming , Li Xue , Liu Jiangping , Gligorovski Sasho
Published: December 2024

Surface microlayer at freshwater (rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and groundwater) and seawater is abundant with organic compounds compared to subsurface water. These organics adsorbed at the air‐water interface can interact with the atmospheric oxidants and influence the exchange of organic materials between the water and the atmosphere. Here, we assess the chemical interaction between gaseous NO2 and authentic surface microlayers collected at the lake water (Dianchi Lake) situated in China. The formation of the gas‐phase product compounds was evaluated in real time using a novel secondary electrospray ionization ultrahigh‐resolution quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometer (SESI‐UHR‐MS) upon exposure of surface microlayer to gaseous NO2 (20 or 50 ppb) in dark and under simulated sunlight irradiation at two different temperatures: 5°C and 25°C. The obtained results revealed that the sampling sites of the lake impacted by human activities (municipal sewage and agricultural activities) significantly impact the number and the composition of the formed gas‐phase product compounds. The formation of nitrogen (N)‐containing compounds was observed as well, which contain most likely nitro or amino functional groups, or alternatively, they could be aromatic compounds. The observed N‐containing compounds may contribute to the “brown carbon” which act as light‐absorbing compounds, thus influencing the radiative forcing of aerosols in the atmosphere.
Comparison of Global Aboveground Biomass Estimates From Satellite Observations and Dynamic Global Vegetation Models
Authors: El Masri Bassil , Xiao Jingfeng
Published: December 2024

The global forest carbon stocks represent the amount of carbon stored in woody vegetation and are important for quantifying the ability of the global forests to sequester atmospheric CO2 and to provide ecosystem services (e.g., timber) under climate change. The forest ecosystem carbon pool estimates are highly variable and poorly quantified in areas lacking forest inventory estimates. Here, we compare and analyze aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates from five satellite‐based global data sets and nine dynamic global vegetation models (DVGMs). We find that across the data sets, mean AGB exhibits the largest variability around the tropical area. In addition, AGB shows a similar latitudinal trend but large variability among the data sets. Satellite‐based AGB estimates are lower than those simulated by DVGMs. The divergence among the satellite‐based AGB estimates can be driven by the methodology, input satellite products, and the forested areas used to estimate AGB. The modeled NPP, autotrophic respiration, and carbon allocation mostly drive the variability of AGB simulated by DGVMs. The future availability of a high‐quality global forest area map is anticipated to improve AGB estimate accuracy and to reduce the discrepancies among different satellite‐ and model‐based AGB estimates. We suggest the carbon‐modeling community reexamine the methodology used to estimate AGB and forested areas for a more robust global forest carbon stock estimation.
The Noise Temperature Analysis on a Space‐Grade Cryogenic Low Noise Amplifier Using Two Measurement Methods
Authors: Jin Junda , Liu Jie , Liu Dong , Ding Jiang‐Qiao , Zhang Xuan , Li Jing , Shi Sheng‐cai
Published: December 2024

The noise of a cryogenic low‐noise amplifier (cryo‐LNA) directly impacts the sensitivity of a terahertz superconducting heterodyne receiver. This paper aims to evaluate the noise temperature of a cryo‐LNA and its suitability as the first stage IF amplifier for the heterodyne receiver, specifically the high‐sensitivity terahertz detection module for the China Space Station Survey Telescope. Both the Cold Attenuator (CA) Method and the Variable Temperature Load (VTL) Method are employed to ensure confidence in the measured values. The maximum difference in results is 1K within the frequency range of 0.1–2 GHz, contributing to an uncertainty of 4K in the receiver's noise temperature. The measurement accuracy of the noise temperature is analyzed in detail, with particular emphasis on the influence of the cryogenic attenuator and the noise contribution from the connecting cable with a temperature gradient. Additionally, the dependence of the cryo‐LNA's noise temperature on physical temperature and radiation hardness are verified to assess suitability for space applications.
Comparative study of the oral hygiene status of users of mefakia (traditional tooth cleaning method) and modern toothbrushes among patients at the Holy Bethel Dental Clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Check , Abaynew Yeshewas
Published: December 2024

Background

Mefakia is a well-known traditional chewing wood used in Ethiopia to cleanse the mouth. Although mefakia is used in parallel with modern toothbrushes to improve oral hygiene, there is a gap in the literature regarding its comparative performance in removing plaque and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the oral hygiene status of patients using mefakia and modern toothbrushes at the Holy Bethel Dental Clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Holy Bethel Dental Clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 246 patients (123 mefakia and 123 modern toothbrush users) were included in this study. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data on demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, and clinical oral health parameters, such as the calculus index, were collected through interviews and clinical examinations. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 to compare the oral hygiene status between the two groups. The results are presented in tables, diagrams, and text.

Results

Most respondents were aged 20–39; 66.7% and 73.2% used mefakia and toothbrushes, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of the toothbrush users had good oral hygiene, whereas 65% of the mefakia users had good oral hygiene.

Conclusions

This finding suggests that mefakia and modern toothbrushes are comparable in their effectiveness in maintaining oral hygiene. Dental education should emphasize using available and affordable oral hygiene tools such as mechanical toothbrushes and fluoridated toothpaste to improve overall oral hygiene.
Influence of supporting teeth quantity of surgical guide on the accuracy of the immediate implant in the maxillary central incisor: an in vitro study
Authors: Nguyen Meo , Nguyen Huynh Kim Khanh , Nguyen Thien Nga , Huynh Nam Cong-Nhat
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Guided surgery for immediate anterior implants aims to reduce the time required for aesthetic and functional immediate loading. However, the limited surface area of anterior teeth for guide stabilization may affect the accuracy of implant positioning. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of the number of supporting teeth on the accuracy of immediate implants in the maxillary central incisor region.

Methods

28 replica implants were inserted into 28 upper jaw models, simulating immediate post-extraction sockets of tooth 11. Based on the number of supporting teeth, the implants were categorized into G1 (four adjacent teeth) and G2 (six adjacent teeth). The planned and actual implant positions were compared using the evaluation module of the implant planning software. Angular and 3D deviations were measured as the primary outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-sample t-test, with p-values less than 0.05 defined as statistically significant.

Results

Between group G1 and G2, angular deviation was measured at 4.63 ± 0.71° and 3.59 ± 0.97°, respectively, while the implant apex 3D deviation was 2.08 ± 0.21 mm for G1 and 1.40 ± 0.27 mm for G2. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Other discrepancy variables in G2 demonstrated lower values but were not statistically significant compared to G1.

Conclusion

The number of supporting teeth for the surgical guide can influence the accuracy of immediate implant surgery. While both four-teeth and six-teeth supports demonstrated acceptable clinical implant accuracy, a surgical guide supported by six teeth can enhance implant precision.
Unveiling insights from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) portal
Authors: Ocagli Honoria , Lanera Corrado , Franzoi Marco , Monachesi Chiara , Zgheib Rebecca , Belluco Simone , Dacasto Mauro , Gregori Dario , Baldi Ileana
Published: December 2024

This study presents a method for automating the retrieval of key identifies and links to toxicological data from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) database using web scraping techniques. Although the method primarily serves as an automated indexing tool, facilitating organization and access to relevant reports, monographs, and specifications, it significantly enhances the efficiency of navigating the extensive JECFA database. Researchers can then perform more targeted and efficient searches, although additional manual steps are required to extract and structure the detailed toxicological data. We developed R programming scripts to extract key information, such as chemical names, identifiers, and evaluation reports, from JECFA web pages. The resulting data set comprises 6552 records as of May 2024. We validated the dataset through a systematic comparison with manually collected data, ensuring its reliability. Instructions and code for accessing and processing the dataset, facilitating its reuse in research are provided. The code and dataset are openly available, enabling researchers to efficiently access and analyze toxicological data from the JECFA database.
Dual-biased metal oxide electrolyte-gated thin-film transistors for enhanced protonation in complex biofluids
Authors: Hwang Chuljin , Song Yoonseok , Baek Seokhyeon , Choi Jun-Gyu , Park Sungjun
Published: December 2024

pH sensing technology is pivotal for monitoring aquatic ecosystems and diagnosing human health conditions. Indium–gallium–zinc oxide electrolyte-gated thin-film transistors (IGZO EGTFTs) are highly regarded as ion-sensing devices due to the pH-dependent surface chemistry of their sensing membranes. However, applying EGTFT-based pH sensors in complex biofluids containing diverse charged species poses challenges due to ion interference and inherently low sensitivity constrained by the Nernst limit. Here, we propose a dual-biased (DB) EGTFT pH sensing platform, acquiring back-gate-assisted sensitivity enhancement and recyclable redox-coupled protonation at the semiconductor-biofluid interface. A solution-processed amorphous IGZO film, used as the proton-sensitive membrane, ensures scalable uniformity across a 6-inch wafer. These devices demonstrate exceptional pH resistivity over several hours when submerged in solutions with pH levels of 4 and 8. In-depth electrochemical investigations reveal that back-gate bias significantly enhances sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit, reaching 85 mV/pH. This improvement is due to additional charge accumulation in the channel, which expands the sensing window. As a proof of concept, we observe consistent variations in threshold voltage during repeated pH cycles, not only in standard solutions but also in physiological electrolytes such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and artificial urine, confirming the potential for reliable operation in complex biological environments.
Longitudinal analysis of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody durability in Puerto Rico
Authors: Madewell Zachary J. , Graff Nathan E. , Lopez Velma K. , Rodriguez Dania M. , Wong Joshua M. , Maniatis Panagiotis , Medina Freddy A. , Muñoz Jorge L. , Briggs-Hagen Melissa , Adams Laura E. , Rivera-Amill Vanessa , Paz-Bailey Gabriela , Major Chelsea G.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the dynamics of antibody responses following vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection is important for informing effective vaccination strategies and other public health interventions. This study investigates SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics in a Puerto Rican cohort, analyzing how IgG levels vary by vaccination status and previous infection. We assess waning immunity and the distribution of hybrid immunity with the aim to inform public health strategies and vaccination programs in Puerto Rico and similar settings. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal cohort study to identify SARS-CoV-2 infections and related outcomes in Ponce, Puerto Rico, from June 2020–August 2022. Participants provided self-collected nasal swabs every week and serum every six months for RT-PCR and IgG testing, respectively. IgG reactivity against nucleocapsid (N) antigens, which generally indicate previous infection, and spike (S1) and receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigens, which indicate history of either infection or vaccination, was assessed using the Luminex Corporation xMAP® SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG Assay. Prior infection was defined by positive RT-PCRs, categorized by the predominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant at the event time. Demographic information, medical history, and COVID-19 vaccination history were collected through standardized questionnaires. Of 882 participants included in our analysis, 34.0% experienced at least one SARS-CoV-2 infection, with most (78.7%) occurring during the Omicron wave (December 2021 onwards). SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence increased over time, reaching 98.4% by the final serum collection, 67.0% attributable to vaccination alone, 1.6% from infection alone, and 31.4% from both. Regardless of prior infection status, RBD and S1 IgG levels gradually declined following two vaccine doses. A third dose boosted these antibody levels and showed a slower decline over time. N-antibody levels peaked during the Omicron surge and waned over time. Vaccination in individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited the highest and most durable antibody responses. N or S1 seropositivity was associated with lower odds of a subsequent positive PCR test during the Omicron period, with N antibodies showing a stronger association. By elucidating the differential decay of RBD and S1 antibodies following vaccination and the complexities of N-antibody response following infection, this study in a Puerto Rican cohort strengthens the foundation for developing targeted interventions and public health strategies.
LieRHRV system for remote lie detection using heart rate variability parameters
Authors: Davoodi Moran , Aspis Nitay , Drori Yael , Weiser-Bitoun Ido , Yaniv Yael
Published: December 2024

The standard polygraph, or lie detector, is limited by its reliance on average heart rate, subjective examiner interpretation, and the need for direct subject contact. Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) offers a promising contactless alternative, by using facial videos to extract heart rate variability (HRV). We introduce "LieRHRV," a remote lie detection algorithm based solely on extracted HRV parameters. To test the HRV parameter quality, we compared these parameters to HRV parameters extracted from ECG and photoplethysmography (PPG) records archived in five gold-standard ECG/PPG datasets. A prospective study of 39 healthy volunteers was also performed to evaluate the accuracy of lie detection based on PPG- or rPPG-derived HRV parameters. Effective HRV parameter extraction from both PPG and ECG sources was demonstrated, with comparable outcomes among 60% of the parameters on average with the publicly available datasets, and prospective study with 80% of the parameters. LieRHRV performance on ECG, PPG or rPPG (with parameters selected for PPG) exhibited an accuracy of 83.3 ± 3%, 87.3 ± 4% or 91.7 ± 3.5%, respectively. In comparison, the naïve model for ECG, PPG or rPPG data achieved an accuracy of 58.3 ± 3%, 61.0 ± 3% or 67.0 ± 5%, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of LieRHRV, and offers a promising avenue for advancing lie detection technologies beyond polygraph limitations.
N7-methyladenosine-induced SLC7A7 serves as a prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer and promotes CRC progression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Fuqi , Zhang Shiqian , Chen Zhuang , Gu Xiaoming , Zhang Ge , Zhang Hairong , Yuan Weitang
Published: December 2024

Solute transport family 7A member 7 (SLC7A7) mutations contribute to lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI), which is the mechanism of action that has been extensively studied. In colorectal cancer (CRC), SLC7A7 appears to play a role, but the features and mechanisms are not yet well understood. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Enrichment analysis was performed to characterize, immune infiltration, methylation, genetic instability, and crucial pathways of SLC7A7. Afterward, functional experiments were conducted in vitro to investigate how SLC7A7 affects tumor metastasis. Mechanistically, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot (WB), and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (me-RIP) were carried out to confirm the methylation modification of SLC7A7 and related functions. High levels of expression of SLC7A7 are predictive of a worse prognosis for CRC patients. Enrichment analysis showed that SLC7A7 was significantly enriched during EMT and could be enriched in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, immune infiltration analysis of pan-cancer showed that SLC7A7 was significantly enriched in macrophages, and methylation analysis showed that SLC7A7 methylation modification affected the prognosis of specific cancers. SLC7A7 was indicated to promote the migration and invasion of CRC cells in in vitro functional experiments. Mechanistically, SLC7A7 was observed to potentially interact with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, possibly by influencing adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) expression. Furthermore, we identified that SLC7A7 undergoes N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification, which may regulate SLC7A7 mRNA stability, with Quaking (QKI) potentially playing a role in this process by recognizing the m7G modification. Our results indicate that SLC7A7 may promote CRC metastasis through the SLC7A7/APC/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, m7G modification might be involved in regulating SLC7A7 mRNA stability, highlighting a novel layer of regulation.
Development and characterization of fluorescent cholesteryl probes with enhanced solvatochromic and pH-sensitive properties for live-cell imaging
Authors: Rubio Vicente , McInchak Nicholas , Fernandez Genesis , Benavides Dana , Herrera Diana , Jimenez Catherine , Mesa Haylee , Meade Jonathan , Zhang Qi , Stawikowski Maciej J.
Published: December 2024

We present novel fluorescent cholesteryl probes (CNDs) with a modular design based on the solvatochromic 1,8-phthalimide scaffold. We have explored how different modules—linkers and head groups—affect the ability of these probes to integrate into lipid membranes and how they distribute intracellularly in mouse astrocytes and fibroblasts targeting lysosomes and lipid droplets. Each compound was assessed for its solvatochromic behavior in organic solvents and model membranes. Molecular dynamics simulations and lipid partitioning using giant unilamellar vesicles showed how these analogs behave in model membranes compared to cholesterol. Live-cell imaging demonstrated distinct staining patterns and cellular uptake behaviors, further validating the utility of these probes in biological systems. We compared the empirical results with those of BODIPY-cholesterol, a well-regarded fluorescent cholesterol analog. The internalization efficiency of fluorescent CND probes varies in different cell types and is affected mainly by the head groups. Our results demonstrate that the modular design significantly simplifies the creation of fluorescent cholesteryl probes bearing distinct spectral, biophysical, and cellular targeting features. It is a valuable toolkit for imaging in live cells, measuring cellular membrane dynamics, and studying cholesterol-related processes.
The moderating role of mindfulness in the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms
Authors: Liao Mei Chih , Choi Ming Sing Jessica , Huang Chak Hei Ocean , Lam Stanley Kam Ki , Wong Ming Yu Claudia , Wong Janet Yuen-Ha , Fung Hong Wang
Published: December 2024

Loneliness has been recognized as a pressing global health threat. Research shows that loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms, but less is known about what factors might influence this relationship. This study tested the hypothesis that mindfulness would buffer the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. A total of 220 Chinese adults completed validated measures of loneliness, mindfulness, and depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression and moderator analyses were conducted. Mindfulness was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (β = -.485, p  < .001) after controlling for demographic variables and loneliness. Furthermore, mindfulness was a statistically significant moderator. Loneliness was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms when the levels of mindfulness were low. Mindfulness buffered the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Encouraging mindfulness practices might offer community-wide benefits from a public health perspective. While some studies showed that mindfulness could reduce loneliness, future studies should further evaluate whether mindfulness-based programs could also prevent the mental health consequences of loneliness.
Priority areas and implementation of ecological corridor through forest restoration to safeguard biodiversity
Authors: Beltrão Mayara Guimarães , Gonçalves Camila Francisco , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Carmignotto Ana Paula , Silveira Luis Fábio , Galetti Pedro Manoel , Galetti Mauro
Published: December 2024

Ecological Corridors (ECs) are proposed as cost-effective solutions to improve ecological connectivity in fragmented landscapes. Planning the implementation of ECs must take into account landscape features as they affect the viability of the endeavor and the ECs associated costs. A novel set of geoprocessing tools were used to assess (i) economic viability; (ii) socioeconomic cost-effectiveness; and (iii) to determine priority targets for ECs establishment in a highly fragmented region of Atlantic Forest. Landscape features (e.g. size, edge density, number of patches), land use and cover, and Enhanced Vegetation Index data were obtained from remote sensing. Composition and configuration landscape metrics were estimated by geostatistical methods. Study area was represented by 35,344 forest fragments, of which 94% were composed of fragments smaller than 10 hectares in size, leading to a landscape characterized by low connectivity. We identified 13 priority fragments for protection and propose five ecological corridors. These five ECs connect six priority fragments, with a total of 283.93 ha of area to restore, on an estimated cost of nearly US$550.000,00. Conserving the biodiversity of one of the most threatened and fragmented tropical rainforest regions could be promoted at modest costs, through the protection of key fragments and their reconnection in the landscape.
EPLIN, a prospective oncogenic molecule with contribution to growth, migration and drug resistance in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zeng Jianyuan , Wang Cai , Ruge Fiona , Ji Edison Ke , Martin Tracey A. , Sanders Andrew J. , Jia Shuqin , Hao Chunyi , Jiang Wen G.
Published: December 2024

Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, with poor survival rates and drug resistance making pancreatic cancer one of the highest causes of cancer death in the UK. Understanding the underlying mechanism behind its carcinogenesis, metastasis and drug resistance has become an essential task for researchers. We have discovered that a well-established tumour suppressor, EPLIN, has an oncogenic rather than suppressive role in pancreatic cancer. Notably, upregulation of EPLIN was observed in pancreatic cancer samples compared to normal samples at RNA and protein levels. Moreover, the presence of EPLIN resulted in poor clinical outcomes in patients. We also report that inhibition of EPLIN led to reduced cellular growth and migration in pancreatic cancer cells. EPLIN regulates expression and phosphorylation levels of several key players in MAPK and PIK3CA-AKT signalling pathways, as well as key contributors of EMT. Furthermore, EPLIN mediates the inhibitory ability PIK3 kinases, MEK and ERK inhibitors have on cell migration. EPLIN was also found to have an impact on pancreatic cancer cells response to chemotherapeutic and EGFR/HER2 targeted therapeutic agents, namely gemcitabine, fluorouracil (5FU) and neratinib (Nerlynx).
Bee pollen peptides as potent tyrosinase inhibitors with anti-melanogenesis effects in murine b16f10 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos
Authors: Sangtanoo Papassara , Srimongkol Piroonporn , Saisavoey Tanatorn , Puthong Songchan , Buakeaw Anumart , Suttisuwan Rutairat , Jatupornpipat Marisa , Pimtong Wittaya , Reamtong Onrapak , Karnchanatat Aphichart
Published: December 2024

One important functional food ingredient today, valued for its health properties and ability to prevent disease, is bee pollen, which comprises a combination of nectar, pollen from plants, and the secretions of bees. In this research, the tyrosinase (TYR) inhibiting abilities of the peptides derived from bee pollen protein hydrolysates are investigated. Various proteases were utilized to generate these peptides, followed by testing at different concentrations. Tyrosinase inhibition activity was detected in all cases, while the hydrolysate drawn from 5.0% w/v neutrase exhibited the best IC50 value and was thus investigated further via ultrafiltration to separate the active fractions. The highest potential for tyrosinase inhibition was recorded for the fractions below 0.65 kDa. Subsequent purification steps via SEC and RP-HPLC led to the identification of the VDGYPAAGY (named VY-9) peptide via LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS in fraction F1–2, known for its non-toxic and hydrophobic characteristics albeit poor water solubility. The synthesized VY-9 peptide demonstrated competitive inhibition, with IC50 values of 0.55 ± 0.03 µM for mono-phenolase and 2.54 ± 0.06 µM for di-phenolase activities, as confirmed by molecular docking analysis revealing dominant hydrogen bond interactions with TYR. Effective concentrations of 0.2–1.6 µM of VY-9 showed negligible cytotoxicity in B16F10 cells. Melanin synthesis suppression was examined via qRT-PCR, and western blot in MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2. Cell death in zebrafish embryos was evaluated in vivo using a toxicity assay which revealed no significant influence from VY-9, while anti-melanogenic effects were observed when the concentration was 4 µM, suggesting bee pollen-derived peptides’ potential in cosmetic and pharmaceutical depigmentation applications.
Association of relative fat mass (RFM) index with diabetes-related mortality and heart disease mortality
Authors: Woolcott Orison O. , Samarasundera Edgar , Heath Alicia K.
Published: December 2024

Although studies have examined the association of the Relative Fat Mass (RFM, a novel anthropometric index used as a surrogate for whole-body fat percentage) with all-cause mortality, the association of RFM with diabetes-related mortality and heart disease mortality has not been thoroughly investigated. In addition, no study has compared the associations of RFM and waist circumference (a surrogate for intra-abdominal fat) with cause-specific mortality and all-cause mortality. In the present study, we addressed these knowledge gaps. We used data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018. NHANES III was used for validation. Analyses included 46,535 adults (mean age 46.5 years). During a median follow-up time of 9.7 years, 6,101 participants died (743 from diabetes; 1,514 from heart disease). Compared with BMI and WC, RFM was more strongly associated with diabetes-related mortality in both women and men, adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, and smoking status. All anthropometric measures were similarly strongly associated with heart disease mortality and all-cause mortality. RFM showed greater predictive discrimination of mortality. Similar results were found in NHANES III (n = 14,448). In conclusion, RFM is strongly associated with diabetes-related mortality, heart disease mortality, and all-cause mortality, and outperforms conventional adiposity measures for prediction of mortality.
Experimental and formula deduction on the mechanical performance of Fang in Dou-Gong of Song dynasty
Authors: Zhang Long , Liu Chuang , Zhou Ting , Qin Yuqing , Gao Song
Published: December 2024

In Song dynasty, Dou-Gong construction techniques, Tou-Xin-Zao and Ji-Xin-Zao, varied by the number of Fang connecting to the exterior. This study examines the impact of Fang connections on the mechanical characteristics of Dou-Gong. Six full-scale models were constructed and subjected to quasi-static loading tests in the horizontal Beam and Fang directions under vertical load. The hysteresis behavior, deformation, and stiffness variations were obtained and analyzed. The test results revealed the hysteresis curve of Dou-Gong developed into a flat shape, with good deformation recovery ability and seismic performance. Beam-direction loading led to brittle failure, with Dou-Gong having fewer Fang experiencing bearing capacity loss and those with more Fang succumbing to overturning. Beam-direction stiffness rose by approximately 29% as the number of connecting Fang increased. Fang-direction loading induced ductile failure, predominantly characterized by overturning. Notably, Fang-direction stiffness remained largely unchanged by the varying number of connecting Fang. Dou-Gong slip deformation ratio decreased by 5 -10% as the number of Fang increased. Furthermore, Fang-direction exhibited about 10% greater slip deformation capacity than the Beam-direction. Based on the force transfer mechanism of Dou-Gong components, a stiffness formula for the elastic stage of Dou-Gong in the Beam-direction and Fang-direction was established and validated against experimental data.
Preventive maintenance in urban public transport: the role of engine oil analysis
Authors: Gołębiowski Wojciech , Wolak Artur , Zając Grzegorz
Published: December 2024

Engine oil is a valuable source of information on the technical condition of the drive unit. Under the influence of many factors, including operating conditions, time, high temperature, and various types of contamination, the oil gradually degrades, which can result in serious engine damage. The subject of the article focuses on an attempt to answer the questions of how engine failure affects the degradation of engine oil and whether we can use this knowledge to detect potential problems in public transport vehicles at an early stage. The research material consisted of samples of engine oil in the SAE 10 W-40 viscosity class and data on vehicle faults obtained from the service of a public transport company. The oils come from two city buses belonging to the fleet of diesel-powered vehicles, in which critical cooling system failures were diagnosed during engine tests, excluding the vehicle from further use. The conducted studies analyzed the degree of oil degradation, which included determining the changes in kinematic viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C via a Stabinger SVM 3001 viscometer. The physicochemical parameters of the oil, such as the degree of oxidation, nitration, total acid number (TAN), total base number (TBN), and content of impurities in the form of soot and glycol, were examined via FTIR spectroscopy. The degree of impurities and the general quality of the oil were also determined via a blotter spot test. Additionally, to determine the degree of metal abrasion and changes in the depletion of additives, elemental analysis via the HDXRF method was used. As a result of the tests carried out, potential correlations between the oil condition and the technical condition of the vehicle in real operating conditions were confirmed.
Assessment of surface treatment methods for strengthening the interfacial adhesion in CARALL fiber metal laminates
Authors: Balkundhi Madhusudhan , Baloor Satish Shenoy , Bolar Gururaj
Published: December 2024

Metal and polymer interface bonding significantly influences the mechanical performance of fiber metal laminates (FMLs). Therefore, the effect of surface treatments (mechanical abrasion, nitric acid etching, P2 etching, sulfuric acid anodizing (SAA), and electric discharge machine (EDM) texturing) carried on aluminum 2024-T3 alloy sheets was evaluated considering surface morphology, surface topography, and surface roughness. Further, the influence of surface treatments on interfacial adhesion strength and failure mode between the aluminum alloy and carbon fiber prepreg was investigated. The surface treatments increased the surface roughness of the aluminum substrates. Surfaces treated using SAA, nitric acid, and P2 etchant showed improved wettability, while mechanically abraded and EDM textured substrates showcased hydrophobic behavior. The selected surface treatments significantly affected interfacial adhesion between the epoxy polymer and aluminum alloy. SAA and EDM texturing greatly enhanced the interfacial peel strength of FMLs. In the case of interfacial shear strength, EDM textured substrate showed superior performance, followed by SAA. Moreover, untreated and mechanically abraded specimens exhibited weaker bonding and adhesive failure at the aluminum-epoxy interface, whilst chemical treatments resulted in mixed model failure. EDM textured surface underwent cohesive failure, while a dominant mixed mode failure and fiber adhesion were observed in the SAA-treated specimen.
Neural processing of sad and happy autobiographical memories in women with depression and borderline personality disorder
Authors: Kulesza Maria , Rękawek Katarzyna , Holas Paweł , Żołnierczyk-Zreda Dorota , Sokół-Szawłowska Marlena , Poleszczyk Anna , Marchewka Artur , Wypych Marek
Published: December 2024

Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are reported to have disrupted autobiographical memory (AM). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging we investigated behavioral and neural processing of the recall of emotional (sad and happy) memories in 30 MDD, 18 BPD, and 34 healthy control (HC) unmedicated women. The behavioral results showed that the MDD group experienced more sadness than the HC after the sad recall, while BPD participants experienced less happiness than HC after the happy recall. The fMRI results for sad AMs, compared to happy AMs, elicited greater activation in multiple brain regions (i.e., medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, insula) linked to self-related information, emotional processing, and semantic recollection across all groups. Functional connectivity analysis revealed a significant main effect of group between the occipital cortex and precuneus and between occipital cortex and posterior cingulate cortex. The effect was driven by stronger connectivity between the occipital cortex and precuneus in the clinical groups taken together than in the HC. Our results suggest a need for stronger coordination between visual imagery and contextual recall for vivid memory retrieval in these clinical groups.
Comparative evaluation of feature reduction methods for drug response prediction
Authors: Firoozbakht Farzaneh , Yousefi Behnam , Tsoy Olga , Baumbach Jan , Schwikowski Benno
Published: December 2024

Personalized medicine aims to tailor medical treatments to individual patients, and predicting drug responses from molecular profiles using machine learning is crucial for this goal. However, the high dimensionality of the molecular profiles compared to the limited number of samples presents significant challenges. Knowledge-based feature selection methods are particularly suitable for drug response prediction, as they leverage biological insights to reduce dimensionality and improve model interpretability. This study presents the first comparative evaluation of nine different knowledge-based and data-driven feature reduction methods on cell line and tumor data. Our analysis employs six distinct machine learning models, with a total of more than 6,000 runs to ensure a robust evaluation. Our findings indicate that transcription factor activities outperform other methods in predicting drug responses, effectively distinguishing between sensitive and resistant tumors for seven of the 20 drugs evaluated.
The complex anatomy of the bronchial arteries: a meta-analysis with potential implications for thoracic surgery and hemoptysis treatment
Authors: Ostrowski Patryk , Bonczar Michał , Glądys Kinga , Klimeczek-Chrapusta Maria , Musiał Agata , Matuszyk Aleksandra , Balawender Krzysztof , Walocha Jerzy , Koziej Mateusz , Clarke Eduard , Polguj Michał , Smędra Anna , Żytkowski Andrzej , Wysiadecki Grzegorz
Published: December 2024

The present meta-analysis aimed to provide the most detailed and comprehensive anatomical description of bronchial arteries (BAs) using data available in the literature. Adequate knowledge of the normal anatomy and morphological variations of BAs can be clinically significant; for example, this approach can prevent potential risks while undertaking bronchial artery embolization (BAE) procedures and, ultimately, lead to better patient outcomes. Major medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were searched. The overall search process was conducted in three main stages. The number of BAs varied from one to six, and 16 arterial patterns were observed. The most common variation was in one right BA and one left BA, with a pooled prevalence of 19.54% (95% CI 6.69–36.44%). The pooled prevalence of BAs originating separately from the aorta was 41.42% (95% CI 37.42–45.48%). The number and location of BAs are highly inconsistent. However, the most prevalent pattern involved two BAs: one in the right BA and one in the left BA. Although BAs most frequently originate from the descending aorta, the cooccurrence of at least one ectopic BA is relatively high. The results of our meta-analysis can serve as a source of comprehensive information for thoracic surgeons and physicians performing endovascular procedures, especially BAE, a treatment for life-threatening hemoptysis.
A robust MPPT framework based on GWO-ANFIS controller for grid-tied EV charging stations
Authors: Mazumdar Debabrata , Biswas Pabitra Kumar , Sain Chiranjit , Ahmad Furkan , Al-Fagih Luluwah
Published: December 2024

As electric vehicles gain popularity, there has been a lot of interest in supporting their continued development with the aim of enhancing their dependability, environmental advantages, and charging efficiency. The scheduling of navigation and charging for electric vehicles is among the most well-known research topics. For optimal navigation and charging scheduling, the coupled network state between the transportation and power networks must be met; moreover, the scheduling outcomes might significantly impact these networks. To address climate challenges, relying only on fossil fuel-based infrastructure for electric car charging is insufficient. Consequently, Multi-Energy Integrated EV charging stations have emerged as a workable solution that seamlessly integrates grid power, renewable energy sources—particularly solar energy—and EV charging needs. The enhanced grey wolf optimised (GWO) ANFIS controller for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), standby battery systems, solar power, neural network-integrated grids, and sophisticated control algorithms like PID controller are all proposed in this article as energy-efficient charging terminals for electric vehicles. Moreover, authors had considered four conditional case study and with the help of MATLAB/Simulink 2018a software, the design is thoroughly examined and assessed, providing a viable route for an efficient and sustainable EV charging infrastructure.
The short term impact of radiofrequency ablative techniques and peripheral nerve block on thermoregulation in mouse models
Authors: Yuba Tomoo , Koyama Yoshihisa , Kinishi Yuki , Fujino Yuji , Shimada Shoichi
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the impact of multiple nerve block methods (local anesthesia, conventional radiofrequency thermocoagulation [CRF], and pulsed radiofrequency [PRF]) on thermoregulation. Focusing on hypothalamic function, the effects of local anesthesia, CRF, and PRF on central and peripheral temperatures were analyzed and compared. Our findings revealed that all three nerve block groups cause a decrease in central temperature, with the CRF group exhibiting the most pronounced effect. Furthermore, immunostaining analysis showed decreased neural activity in the preoptic area, suggesting that nerve blocks may influence central thermoregulatory mechanisms. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of peripheral nerve blocks on thermoregulation and may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies to managing perioperative hypothermia and enhancing pain management, especially in patients undergoing surgeries with high risks of thermoregulatory complications, such as on-pump surgery and laparoscopic surgery.
Proposal for a quantum mechanical test of gravity at millimeter scale
Authors: Cheng Yu , Lin Jiadu , Sheng Jie , Yanagida Tsutomu T.
Published: December 2024

The experimental verification of the Newton law of gravity at small scales has been a longstanding challenge. Recently, torsion balance experiments have successfully measured gravitational force at the millimeter scale. However, testing gravity force on quantum mechanical wave function at small scales remains difficult. In this paper, we propose a novel experiment that utilizes the Josephson effect to detect the different evolution of quantum phase induced from the potential difference caused by gravity. We demonstrate that this experiment can test gravity quantum mechanically at the millimeter scale, and also has a potential to investigate the parity invariance of gravity at small scales.