bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach for Predicting the Mid–Long-Term Radiation Dose in the Case of a Hypothetical STSBO Nuclear Accident for an Operating Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Ding Rui , Liu Zehua
Published: October 2024

Four severe nuclear accident scenarios have been identified for operating nuclear power plants (ONPPs). However, there is a research gap in predicting the mid–long-term radiation doses for these scenarios. This study aims to address this gap by proposing a novel approach for predicting the mid–long-term radiation dose in the case of a hypothetical short-term station blackout (STSBO) scenario, one of the aforementioned scenarios. Firstly, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was coupled with the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) (WRF-HYSPLIT) model to establish an atmospheric transport and diffusion model for airborne radionuclides, and the regularity of the atmospheric transport and diffusion for the airborne radionuclides was determined. Subsequently, the Residual Radioactive Material Guidelines (RESRAD) OFFSITE (RESRAD-OFFSITE) code was utilized to establish a radiation dose model for predicting the mid–long-term radiation dose resulting from the airborne radionuclides, and the evolution of the mid–long-term radiation dose was analyzed. Finally, the proposed approach was applied to an ONPP, and the results were used to predict the mid–long-term public radiation dose. The results indicated that the total radiation dose would be lower than the dose limit recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (1 mSv/yr) from the second month to the 100th year after the hypothetical STSBO nuclear accident, and the total radiation dose would decrease slowly over time. Recommendations are made for offsite emergency response measures. These research findings can assist ONPPs in analyzing their environmental impacts in the event of an STSBO scenario.
Light Absorption Properties of Brown Carbon Aerosol During Winter at a Polluted Rural Site in the North China Plain
Authors: Tao Yanan , Yang Zheng , Tan Xinyu , Cheng Peng , Wu Cheng , Li Mei , Sun Yele , Ma Nan , Dong Yawei , Zhang Jiayin , Du Tao
Published: October 2024

Brown carbon aerosols (BrC), a subfraction of organic aerosols, significantly influence the atmospheric environment, climate and human health. The North China Plain (NCP) is a hotspot for BrC research in China, yet our understanding of the optical properties of BrC in rural regions is still very limited. In this study, we characterize the chemical components and light absorption of BrC at a rural site during winter in the NCP. The average mass concentration of PM1 is 135.1 ± 82.3 μg/m3; organics and nitrate are the main components of PM1. The absorption coefficient of BrC (babs,BrC) is 53.6 ± 45.7 Mm−1, accounting for 39.5 ± 10.2% of the total light absorption at 370 nm. Diurnal variations reveal that the babs,BrC and organics are lower in the afternoon, attributed to the evolution of planetary boundary layers. BrC is mainly emitted locally, and both the aqueous phase and the photooxidation reactions can increase babs,BrC. Notably, the babs,BrC is reduced when RH > 65%. During foggy conditions, reactions in the aqueous phase facilitate the formation of secondary components and contribute to the bleaching of BrC. This process ultimately causes a decrease in both the absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) and the mass absorption efficiency (MAE). In contrast, the babs,BrC, along with AAE and MAE, rise significantly due to substantial primary emissions. This study enhances our understanding of the light absorption of BrC in rural polluted regions of the NCP.
Mitigating Effect of the Sea on Temperatures Along Mediterranean Coastal Areas: The Case of the Vine Territory of the Matera DOP in Basilicata (Italy)
Authors: Cirigliano Pasquale , Esposito Stanislao , Di Giuseppe Edmondo , Cresti Andrea
Published: October 2024

This study aims to assess temperature variations caused by ongoing climate change in the Basilicata region, southern Italy—Ionian side of the Gulf of Taranto—on the territory of the Matera DOP vineyard. In particular, it aims to assess the influence of the sea on temperature trends, and particularly to its “mitigating effect” in the context of ongoing climate change. Temperature trends were analyzed using ERA5-Land data from 1981 to 2022 and data from weather stations of the Lucanian Agency for Development and Innovation in Agriculture from 2000 to 2023. Temperature trends were studied considering both the period of the vegetative-productive season of the vineyards and the whole year. The results of this study show that, for the historical period analyzed, the Matera DOP area showed a significant upward trend in temperatures, particularly in the inland areas. This increase, especially for minimum temperatures, is more evident at higher elevations than at lower elevations near the sea. Indeed, coastal areas benefit from the thermoregulatory effect of the Ionian Sea, which moderates temperature increases at lower elevations. It follows that the Matera DOP wine-growing areas, and particularly those furthest from the coastal strip, will have to adapt to harsh climatic conditions that will certainly affect the quality and typicality of the wines.
Calibration Estimators with Different Types of Distance Measures Under Stratified Sampling in the Presence of Measurement Error
Authors: Gupta Sat , Trisandhya Pidugu
Published: October 2024

The calibration method is used in stratified random sampling in the presence of measurement error to achieve optimum strata weights for better precision. In this study we attempt to analyze the behaviour of calibration estimators with different types of distance measures in the presence of measurement error for the estimation of population mean under stratified random sampling. The proposed estimators are compared with the estimators in the absence of measurement error. A simulation study has been carried out to evaluate the proposed estimators.
Algorithm Improvement for Mobile Event Detection with Intelligent Tunnel Robots
Authors: Wan Li , Li Zhenjiang , Zhang Changan , Chen Guangyong , Zhao Panming , Wu Kewei
Published: October 2024

Mobile inspections conducted by intelligent tunnel robots are instrumental in broadening the inspection reach, economizing on inspection expenditures, and augmenting the operational efficiency of inspections. Despite differences from fixed surveillance, mobile-captured traffic videos have complex backgrounds and device conditions that interfere with accurate traffic event identification, warranting more research. This paper proposes an improved algorithm based on YOLOv9 and DeepSORT for intelligent event detection in an edge computing mobile device using an intelligent tunnel robot. The enhancements comprise the integration of the Temporal Shift Module to boost temporal feature recognition and the establishment of logical rules for identifying diverse traffic incidents in mobile video imagery. Experimental results show that our fused algorithm achieves a 93.25% accuracy rate, an improvement of 1.75% over the baseline. The algorithm is also applicable to inspection vehicles, drones, and autonomous vehicles, effectively enhancing the detection of traffic events and improving traffic safety.
Personalized Stem Length Optimization in Hip Replacement: A Microscopic Perspective on Bone—Implant Interaction
Authors: Kim Su Min , Choi Jun Won , Kim Jung Jin
Published: October 2024

Total hip replacement (THR) surgery involves the removal of necrotic tissue and the replacement of the natural joint with an artificial hip joint. The demand for THR is increasing due to population aging and prolonged life expectancies. However, the uniform length and shape of artificial hip joints can cause stress shielding, leading to implant loosening and femoral fractures. These issues arise because these designs fail to account for the unique anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of individual patients. Therefore, this study proposes and validates a method to optimize stem length by considering bone microstructure and daily load. The results demonstrated that the optimal stem length varies with loading conditions and significantly reduces stress in the cortical bone while maintaining an appropriate strain energy in the cancellous bone, thereby preventing bone loss. These findings underscore the importance of patient-specific stem design for improving implant stability and clinical outcomes.
Cross-Tissue Regulatory Network Analyses Reveal Novel Susceptibility Genes and Potential Mechanisms for Endometriosis
Authors: Zou Mingrui , Lin Mingmei , Hu Kai-Lun , Li Rong
Published: October 2024

Endometriosis (EMT) is a common gynecological disease with a strong genetic component, while its precise etiology remains elusive. This study aims to integrate transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS), Mendelian randomization (MR), and bioinformatics analyses to reveal novel putatively causal genes and potential mechanisms. We obtained summary-level data of the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx), v8 expression quantitative loci (eQTL) data, and the genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of EMT and its subtypes from the R11 release results of the FinnGen consortium for analysis. GWAS data of modifiable risk factors were collected from IEU Open GWAS. Cross-tissue TWAS analyses were performed using the unified test for molecular signature (UTMOST), while functional summary-based imputation (FUSION) was employed for single-tissue TWAS analyses. Furthermore, we also conducted multi-marker analysis of genomic annotation (MAGMA) analyses to validate the significant associations. Subsequent Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis elucidated the causal associations between the identified genes across various tissues and EMT. To further delve into mechanisms, two-sample network MR analyses were conducted. At last, bioinformatics analyses were employed to enhance our understanding of the functional implications and expression patterns of these identified genes. For EMT, 22 significant gene signals were identified by UTMOST, 615 by FUSION, and 354 by MAGMA. Ultimately, six genes, including CISD2, EFRB, GREB1, IMMT, SULT1E1, and UBE2D3, were identified as candidate susceptibility genes for EMT. Through similar procedures, we identified GREB1, IL1A, and SULT1E1 for EMT of the ovary, and we identified GREB1 for EMT of the pelvic peritoneum, EMT of rectovaginal septum and vagina, and deep EMT. In MR analyses, the expression of IMMT in 21 tissues, EFR3B in the adrenal gland, CISD2 in 17 tissues, and UBE2D3 in 7 tissues demonstrated causal relationships with EMT risk. In addition, CISD2, IMMT, and UBE2D3, across different tissues, exhibited strong colocalization with EMT (PPH4 > 0.7). Two-sample network MR analyses revealed that CISD2, EFR3B, and UBE2D3 could potentially regulate the levels of blood lipids and hip circumference so as to influence the risk of EMT. Furthermore, bioinformatics analyses confirmed our findings and delved into the biological functions of the identified genes. Our study unveiled seven novel candidate genes whose predicted expression was associated with the risk of EMT, providing new insights into the underlying genetic framework of EMT. These findings will facilitate a deeper comprehension of the tissue-specific transcriptional regulatory mechanisms associated with EMT, paving the way for optimizing the management and treatment of EMT.
Biological Invasion Data Gaps in China: Examples of Distribution, Inventories, and Impact
Authors: He Jiayao , Chen Ke , Sun Peishan , Xu Han , Pan Xubin
Published: October 2024

The impact of invasive alien species (IAS) on nature and society is increasing globally. It is crucial to utilize information systems for evidence-based management, enabling the assessment and supporting survey and control actions. However, the lack of accessible and comprehensive baseline IAS data often impedes the ability to prioritize and allocate resources efficiently. Despite the increased public awareness of biological invasions in China over the past decades, the critical importance of data requirements has not been fully recognized, leading to gaps in available data. Here, we outline the key data demands for the management of biological invasions and highlight the current lack of high-quality data for invasion management in China, and critically assess data gaps in IAS distribution, inventory, and impact. Additionally, we propose a conceptual framework to illustrate the data requirements throughout the invasion management process, along with indicators to assess data quality within three dimensions: relevance, resolution, and reliability.
Emerging Roles of ncRNAs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: From Mechanisms to Drug Discovery
Authors: Yang Yue , Cheng Hao
Published: October 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a high-incidence chronic metabolic disorder, has emerged as a global health issue, where most patients need lifelong medication. Gaining insights into molecular mechanisms involved in T2DM development is expected to provide novel strategies for clinical prevention and treatment. Growing evidence validates that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) function as crucial regulators in multiple biological processes of T2DM, inspiring various potential targets and drug candidates. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of ncRNA roles in T2DM and discuss the potential use of ncRNAs as targets and active molecules for drug discovery.
Biochemical Characterization of an Arabinoside Monophosphate Specific 5′-Nucleotidase-like Enzyme from Streptomyces antibioticus
Authors: Liu Yuxue , Liu Xiaobei , Zhang Xiaojing , Tang Xiaoting , Su Weiwei , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Hailei
Published: October 2024

To investigate the function of the gene penF in the pentostatin and vidarabine (Ara-A) biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces antibioticus NRRL 3238, PenF was recombinantly expressed and characterized. Enzymatic characterization of the enzyme demonstrated that PenF exhibited metal-dependent nucleoside 5ʹ-monophosphatase activity, showing a substrate preference for arabinose nucleoside 5ʹ-monophosphate over 2ʹ-deoxyribonucleoside 5ʹ-monophosphate and ribonucleoside 5ʹ-monophosphate. Metal ions such as Mg2+ and Mn2+ significantly enhanced enzyme activity, whereas Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ca2+ inhibited it. For vidarabine 5′-monophosphate, the Km and kcat values were determined to be 71.5 μM and 33.9 min−1, respectively. The kcat/Km value was 474.1 mM−1·min−1 for vidarabine 5-monophosphate and was 68-fold higher than that for 2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-monophosphate. Comparative sequence alignment and structural studies suggested that residues outside the primary substrate-binding site are responsible for this substrate specificity. In conclusion, PenF’s activity toward vidarabine 5ʹ-monophosphate likely plays a role in the dephosphorylation of precursors during Ara-A biosynthesis.
Use of Caenorhabditis elegans to Unravel the Tripartite Interaction of Kynurenine Pathway, UPRmt and Microbiome in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Viau Charles , Nouar Alyssa , Xia Jianguo
Published: October 2024

The model organism Caenorhabditis elegans and its relationship with the gut microbiome are gaining traction, especially for the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Gut microbes are known to be able to alter kynurenine metabolites in the host, directly influencing innate immunity in C. elegans. While the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) was first characterized in C. elegans in 2007, its relevance in host–microbiome interactions has only become apparent in recent years. In this review, we provide novel insights into the current understanding of the microbiome–gut–brain axis with a focus on tripartite interactions between the UPRmt, kynurenine pathway, and microbiome in C. elegans, and explore their relationships for PD remediations.
Efficacy of Praziquantel in Treating Schistosoma haematobium Infection Among Ethiopian Children
Authors: Fok Louis , Brett-Major David M. , Erko Berhanu , Linville John , Dai Hongying Daisy , Negash Yohannes , Animut Abebe , Degarege Abraham
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Praziquantel is a cornerstone of schistosomiasis control and elimination efforts. Continued surveillance of praziquantel efficacy is needed to monitor for the development of resistance, as well as to help public health officials gauge the effect of mass praziquantel administration on schistosomiasis control in communities, since it is the only drug used in schistosomiasis control programs. The objective of this study was to assess the praziquantel cure rate and egg reduction rate against urogenital schistosomiasis. Methods: This study enrolled 977 children from 12 villages in Afar and Gambella, Ethiopia, who provided urine samples that were checked for Schistosoma haematobium infection at baseline using urine filtration microscopy. Infected individuals were provided a single dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg body weight) and retested six weeks post-treatment. Results:S. haematobium was recovered from baseline urine specimens in 177 of 977 (18%) participating children. One hundred six of these children completed therapy and presented for subsequent evaluation at six weeks; 91 children were egg-free. The egg reduction rate was 97%; changes in egg burden among the 15 children who did not achieve cure varied widely. Cure rates were better among children with light-intensity infections. No significant differences in egg reduction rates were found based on the demographic variables examined. Conclusions: Standard praziquantel monotherapy remains an effective treatment against urogenital schistosomiasis in Ethiopia.
Arterio-Venous Fistula Calcifications—Risk Factors and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Grosu Iulia Dana , Stirbu Oana , Schiller Adalbert , Bob Flaviu
Published: October 2024

(1) Background: Arterio-venous fistulas (AVFs) are considered the gold-standard vascular access (VA) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) therapy. AVF calcifications represent a less studied VA related complication, even though HD patients are at a higher risk for extraosseous calcifications. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of AVF calcifications, as well as the 5-year impact on AVF functionality and on overall mortality. (2) Methods: We conducted a 5-year prospective study including 161 patients on maintenance HD therapy. At baseline, we collected data related to VA history, comorbidities, demographics, subjective global assessment scale (SGA), and biochemical parameters. All patients underwent a complete AVF ultrasound and we recorded AVF blood flow and the presence of AVF calcifications, stenoses, and aneurysms. (3) Results: In our study, we found an AVF calcification prevalence of 39%. In a univariate analysis, we found that patients with AVF calcifications were associated with other AVF complications as well (stenoses, aneurysms), had longer AVF and HD vintage, as well as higher serum calcium and PTH values. In a multivariate analysis, we found that patients with a longer HD vintage and higher calcium values were independently associated with AVF calcifications. AVF calcifications did not affect 5-year fistula patency, nor were they associated with a higher mortality risk in our group of patients. (4) Conclusions: AVF calcifications were a frequent finding in our analysis, but their presence does not seem to affect the 5-year AVF patency.
Reproducibility of Thermography for Measuring Skin Temperature of Upper Limbs in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Gomes Vanessa Maria da Silva Alves , Tenório Naiany , Silva Ana Rafaela Cardozo da , Oliveira Laura Raynelle Patriota , Silva Ana Claúdia Souza da , Maia Juliana Netto , Brioschi Marcos Leal , Dantas Diego
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition that has early diagnosis as a critical component for proper treatment. Thermography, a non-invasive imaging method, is considered a promising complementary tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of BCRL, especially in subclinical stages. The present study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of thermography for measuring the skin temperature of the upper limbs (UL) of women with and without BCRL. Methods: This study, conducted with women who underwent a unilateral mastectomy, assessed BCRL using indirect volumetry. Maximum, minimum, and mean skin temperatures were measured in five regions of interest (ROI) of each UL (C1, C2, C3, C4, and Cup) in four different postures. Reproducibility measures were assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval, and coefficient of variation. Results: The sample comprised 30 women; 14 were diagnosed with BCRL. A total of 120 thermograms were recorded in different postures, and 3600 ROI were analyzed in the UL with and without BRCL. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the analyses indicated intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility from good to excellent (0.82 to 1.00) for all skin temperatures evaluated (maximum, minimum, and mean). The coefficient of variation for all measures was below 10%, indicating low variability. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that thermography shows good-to-excellent reproducibility across multiple postures and regions of interest, reinforcing its potential as a non-invasive and reliable method for assessing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. This study establishes a foundation for incorporating thermography into clinical practice for early BCRL detection, particularly in subclinical stages, thus improving patient management and outcomes.
Comparison of Malondialdehyde, Acetylcholinesterase, and Apoptosis-Related Markers in the Cortex and Hippocampus of Cognitively Dysfunctional Mice Induced by Scopolamine
Authors: Park Hee-Jung , Nam Myeong-Hyun , Park Ji-Hoon , Lee Ji-Min , Hong Hye-Sun , Kim Tae-Woo , Lee In-Ho , Shin Chang-Ho , Lee Soo-Hong , Seo Young-Kwon
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Until now, many researchers have conducted evaluations on hippocampi for analyses of cognitive dysfunction models using scopolamine. However, depending on the purposes of these analyses, there are differences in the experimental results for the hippocampi and cortexes. Therefore, this study intends to compare various analyses of cognitive dysfunction after scopolamine administration with each other in hippocampi and cortexes. Methods: Scopolamine was administered at three dosages in mice: 0.5, 1, and 3 mg/kg. And this study evaluates the differences in cognitive function and the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mice’s hippocampi and cortexes based on scopolamine dosages. Results: The Morris water maze test was conducted between 1 and 3 h after scopolamine injection to assess its duration. A significant decrease in behavioral ability was evaluated at 1 h, and we observed a similar recovery to the normal group at 3 h. And the Morris water maze escape latency showed differences depending on scopolamine concentration. While the escape waiting time in the control group and scop 0.5 administration group remained similar to that seen before administration, the administration of scop 1 and 3 increased it. In the experimental group administered scop 1 and 3, cerebral MDA levels in the cerebral cortex significantly increased. In the hippocampus, the MDA level in the scopolamine-administered groups slightly increased compared to the cortex. A Western blotting assay shows that Bax and Bcl-xl showed a tendency to increase or decrease depending on the concentration, but BDNF increased in scop 0.5, and scop 1 and 3 did not show a significant decrease compared to the control at the cerebral cortex. In the hippocampus, BDNF showed a concentration-dependent decrease in expression. Conclusions: This study’s findings indicate that chemical analyses for MDA and AChE can be performed in the cerebral cortex, while the hippocampus is better suited for protein analysis of apoptosis and BDNF.
SAR1A Induces Cell Growth and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Fang Shizhen , Wang Jie , Liu Tianyi , Jiang Yang , Hua Qingquan
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks sixth globally, with a 50% five-year survival rate. SAR1A exhibits high expression levels in various tumor types, yet its specific role in HNSCC remains to be clarified. Methods: In vitro assays, such as CCK8, EdU, colony formation, wound-healing, transwell, and Western blotting analyses, as well as in vivo assays, such as tumor xenografts and lung metastasis models, were conducted to evaluate the impacts of SAR1A on HNSCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment pathway analysis revealed evident alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR(PAM) pathways. LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT inhibitor) was used to investigate the role of the PAM pathway in proliferation, migration, and invasion in HNSCC. Results: Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were conducted to screen SAR1A as a gene prognostic biomarker in HNSCC, and it was validated in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Functional assays demonstrated that the depletion of SAR1A leads to suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSCC cells. This is accompanied by a decrease in the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers in HNSCC cell lines. In addition, the diminished capacities of proliferation, migration, and invasion observed in SAR1A knockdown cells were reversed upon the overexpression of SAR1A. Furthermore, RNA-seq and KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated a significant alteration in the PAM pathway following SAR1A knockdown. LY294002 effectively mitigated the increased proliferation, migration, and invasion induced by SAR1A overexpression. Conclusions: SAR1A facilitates HNSCC proliferation and EMT via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Addressing Semantic Variability in Clinical Outcome Reporting Using Large Language Models
Authors: Shah-Mohammadi Fatemeh , Finkelstein Joseph
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Clinical trials frequently employ diverse terminologies and definitions to describe similar outcomes, leading to ambiguity and inconsistency in data interpretation. Addressing the variability in clinical outcome reports and integrating semantically similar outcomes is important in healthcare and clinical research. Variability in outcome reporting not only hinders the comparability of clinical trial results but also poses significant challenges in evidence synthesis, meta-analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. Methods: This study investigates variability reduction in outcome measures reporting using rule-based and large language-based models. It aims to mitigate the challenges associated with variability in outcome reporting by comparing these two models. The first approach, which is rule-based, will leverage well-known ontologies, and the second approach exploits sentence-bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (SBERT) to identify semantically similar outcomes along with Generative Pre-training Transformer (GPT) to refine the results. Results: The results show that the relatively low percentages of outcomes are linked to established rule-based ontologies. Analysis of outcomes by word count highlighted the absence of ontological linkage for three-word outcomes, which indicates potential gaps in semantic representation. Conclusions: Employing large language models (LLMs), this study demonstrates its ability to identify similar outcomes, even with more than three words, suggesting a crucial role in outcome harmonization efforts, potentially reducing redundancy and enhancing data interoperability.
A Microfluidic Design for Quantitative Measurements of Shear Stress-Dependent Adhesion and Motion of Dictyostelium discoideum Cells
Authors: Fakhari Sepideh , Belleannée Clémence , Charrette Steve J. , Greener Jesse
Published: October 2024

Shear stress plays a crucial role in modulating cell adhesion and signaling. We present a microfluidic shear stress generator used to investigate the adhesion dynamics of Dictyostelium discoideum, an amoeba cell model organism with well-characterized adhesion properties. We applied shear stress and tracked cell adhesion, motility, and detachment using time-lapse videomicroscopy. In the precise shear conditions generated on-chip, our results show cell migration patterns are influenced by shear stress, with cells displaying an adaptive response to shear forces as they alter their adhesion and motility behavior. Additionally, we observed that DH1-10 wild-type D. discoideum cells exhibit stronger adhesion and resistance to shear-induced detachment compared to phg2 adhesion-defective mutant cells. We also highlight the influence of cell density on detachment kinetics.
From Sound to Movement: Mapping the Neural Mechanisms of Auditory–Motor Entrainment and Synchronization
Authors: Pranjić Marija , Braun Janzen Thenille , Vukšić Nikolina , Thaut Michael
Published: October 2024

Background: Humans exhibit a remarkable ability to synchronize their actions with external auditory stimuli through a process called auditory–motor or rhythmic entrainment. Positive effects of rhythmic entrainment have been demonstrated in adults with neurological movement disorders, yet the neural substrates supporting the transformation of auditory input into timed rhythmic motor outputs are not fully understood. We aimed to systematically map and synthesize the research on the neural correlates of auditory–motor entrainment and synchronization. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews, a systematic search was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus) for articles published between 2013 and 2023. Results: From an initial return of 1430 records, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized based on the neuroimaging modality. There is converging evidence that auditory–motor synchronization engages bilateral cortical and subcortical networks, including the supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Specifically, the supplementary motor area and the basal ganglia are essential for beat-based timing and internally guided rhythmic movements, while the cerebellum plays an important role in tracking and processing complex rhythmic patterns and synchronizing to the external beat. Self-paced tapping is associated with additional activations in the prefrontal cortex and the basal ganglia, suggesting that tapping in the absence of auditory cues requires more neural resources. Lastly, existing studies indicate that movement rate and the type of music further modulate the EEG power in the alpha and beta frequency bands. Conclusions: These findings are discussed in the context of clinical implications and rhythm-based therapies.
Photobiomodulation as a Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review Paper
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Dinarvand Deeba , Chan Clement T. Y. , Bragin Anatol , Li Lin
Published: October 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, is a leading neurodegenerative disorder currently affecting approximately 55 million individuals globally, a number projected to escalate to 139 million by 2050. Despite extensive research spanning several decades, the cure for AD remains at a developing stage. The only existing therapeutic options are limited to symptom management, and are often accompanied by adverse side effects. The pathological features of AD, including the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, result in progressive neuronal death, synaptic loss, and brain atrophy, leading to significant cognitive decline and a marked reduction in quality of life. Objective: In light of the shortcomings of existing pharmacological interventions, this review explores the potential of photobiomodulation (PBM) as a non-invasive therapeutic option for AD. PBM employs infrared light to facilitate cellular repair and regeneration, focusing on addressing the disease’s underlying biomechanical mechanisms. Method: This paper presents a comprehensive introduction to the mechanisms of PBM and an analysis of preclinical studies evaluating its impact on cellular health, cognitive function, and disease progression in AD.The review provides a comprehensive overview of the various wavelengths and application methods, evaluating their efficacy in mitigating AD-related symptoms. Conclusions: The findings underscore the significant potential of PBM as a safe and effective alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing the necessity for further research and clinical trials to establish its therapeutic efficacy conclusively.
Biomarkers: The Key to Enhancing Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment for Psychiatric Conditions
Authors: Bazarra Castro Guillermo J. , Casitas Vicente , Martínez Macho Carlos , Madero Pohlen Alejandra , Álvarez-Salas Amelia , Barbero Pablos Enrique , Fernández-Alén Jose A. , Torres Díaz Cristina V.
Published: October 2024

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently a promising technique for psychiatric patients with severe and treatment-resistant symptoms. However, the results to date have been quite heterogeneous, and the indications for psychosurgery with DBS remain in an experimental phase. One of the major challenges limiting the advancement of DBS in psychiatric disorders is the lack of objective criteria for diagnosing certain conditions, which are often based more on clinical scales rather than measurable biological markers. Additionally, there is a limited capacity to objectively assess treatment outcomes. Methods: This overview examines the literature on the available biomarkers in psychosurgery in relation to DBS, as well as other relevant biomarkers in psychiatry with potential applicability for this treatment modality. Results: There are five types of biomarkers: clinical/behavioral, omic, neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and neurobiochemical. The information provided by each biomarker within these categories is highly variable and may be relevant for diagnosis, response prediction, target selection, program adjustment, etc. Conclusions: A better understanding of biomarkers and their applications would allow DBS in psychosurgery to advance on a more objective basis, guided by the information provided by them and within the context of precision psychiatry.
Driving Abilities and Wearing-Off in Parkinson’s Disease: A Driving Simulation Study
Authors: Marano Massimo , Esposito Matteo , Sergi Gabriele , Proietti Francesca , Bonura Adriano , Toro Stefano , Magliozzi Alessandro , Anzini Gaia , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Driving abilities require the synchronized activity of cerebral networks associated with sensorimotor integration, motricity, and executive functions. Drivers with Parkinson’s disease (DwP) have impaired driving ability, but little is known about the impact of “wearing-off” and therapies in addition to L-DOPA on driving capacities. This study aimed to (i) compare driving performance between DwP during different motor states and healthy controls and (ii) assess the impact of add-on therapies on driving abilities. Methods: DwP (n = 26) were enrolled as individuals experiencing wearing-off symptoms and treated (within 6 months before the enrollment) with add-on therapies to L-DOPA, including MAO inhibitors for DwP-A (n = 12) or opicapone for DwP-B (n = 14). Age- and sex-matched controls (CON, n = 12) were also enrolled. DwP received two driving assessments in a driving simulator during their “best-on” time and during their wearing-off time on different days. An anamnestic driving questionnaire was collected with the assistance of partners. A Virtual Driving Rating Scale (VDRS) was calculated, as well as learning curves (LCs) for driving items calculated in minutes. Results: DwP reported worse driving performance than CON at the driving questionnaire. In line with this, DwP showed worse VDRS (p < 0.01) and LC (p = 0.021) than CON. Lower VDRS was associated with wearing-off (p < 0.01), but DwP-B had better driving performance while in their “best-on” time (p = 0.037) and more items improving with LCs (7 vs. 3) than DwP-A. Conclusions: DwP demonstrated impaired driving compared to controls. Wearing-off symptoms can also affect driving ability, but therapies (opicapone more so than MAO inhibitors) may play a role in preserving specific driving skills, possibly through maintaining learning abilities.
The Role of Ibuprofen and Midazolam in Pediatric Dentistry: A Retrospective Study and Neurophysiological Considerations
Authors: Rienhoff Jan , Splieth Christian H. , Veerkamp Jacobus S. J. , Krikken Janneke B. , Rienhoff Sabine , Halsband Ulrike , Wolf Thomas Gerhard
Published: October 2024

Background: Managing anxiety and behavior during pediatric dental procedures is challenging. This study examines the effects of combining ibuprofen with midazolam sedation using both behavioral management and clinical hypnosis to improve patient cooperation and reduce post-treatment pain. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 311 children (mean age 74.2 months, standard deviation (SD) = 24.7) was conducted. Patients received either midazolam with ibuprofen (n = 156) or midazolam only (n = 155). Behavior was assessed using the Venham Behavior Rating Scale and anxiety with the Dental Subscale of Children’s Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS) and the Inventory of Stressful Situations (ISS) questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests and correlation analyses. Results: Ibuprofen did not significantly improve behavior during procedures (drinking phase 0.61, SD 1.31, p = 0.13; before treatment 0.25, SD 0.93, p = 0.53, anesthesia 1.21, SD 1.55, p = 0.29; after treatment 0.51, SD 1.22, p = 0.68), indicating that pharmacological pain management alone is insufficient to address behavioral challenges. Ibuprofen significantly reduced post-treatment pain, with 7.2% of cases reporting pain in the non-ibuprofen group compared to none in the ibuprofen group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ibuprofen had no effect on intraoperative behavior and only a limited effect on post-procedural pain, mainly for more invasive procedures. This study highlights the integration of sedation with behavioral strategies, such as clinical hypnosis, to manage anxiety and improve patient cooperation, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes using this integrative approach to pediatric dentistry. Further research is needed to optimize these strategies and verify them in a prospective setting.
Grammatical Representations of the Verb Phrase in Mandarin Chinese: Evidence from Syntactic Priming in Five-Year-Olds
Authors: Hsu Dong-Bo
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Debates regarding how to represent verb phrases (VPs) consisting of the verb plus the complement and the aspectual marker -le in Mandarin Chinese remain an issue. Methods: Syntactic priming under a memory disguise paradigm was employed to investigate the issue using the SVO-ba alternation, where the SVO structure consists of a subject verb object, and the ba structure of a subject ba object verb, in five-year-olds (n = 216), an age with fully fledged grammatical knowledge but little interference from literacy. Results: The results indicate that both the complement and the marker -le should be represented in terms of phrasal rather than morphological structures. When -le is inflected to the verb alone, realization, which makes an event a fact, rather than completion, which makes an event finished, is accomplished. The event must be telicized to a state through a resultative complement to induce reliable production of the ba construction. The postverbal elements represent their own phrasal structure and challenge the verb-centered lexico-syntactic account because there are no additional representations left within a verb. Conclusions: More elicitations of the SVO than the ba invite future neurolinguistic explorations to disentangle the impacts of the frequency and thematic arrangement of agent and patient on grammatical representations cross-linguistically.
Involvement of Executive Functions in Idiom Comprehension: A Life-Span Perspective
Authors: Lacroix Agnès , Troles Nolwenn , Burgevin Mélissa , Le Bescond Camille , Laval Virginie , Noël Audrey
Published: October 2024

Objectives—Our aim is to investigate the executive functions involved in idiom comprehension. The understanding of idioms has largely been explored from a developmental perspective. However, little is known about the cognitive processes involved. Recent studies highlight the contributions of working memory and inhibitory control in idiom processing. We investigated executive functions’ implication in idiom comprehension from a life-span perspective. Methods—The participants of this study were aged from 6 years to adulthood (n = 109 participants). An idiom comprehension task and executive tests were administered. Results and Conclusions—The results indicated that idiom comprehension improved across all the age groups tested. Moreover, the involvement of inhibition and cognitive flexibility processes was specific at different ages and particularly involved during adolescence.
A Unified Virtual Model for Real-Time Visualization and Diagnosis in Architectural Heritage Conservation
Authors: del Blanco García Federico Luis , González Cruz Alejandro Jesús , Amengual Menéndez Cristina , Sanz Arauz David , Aira Zunzunegui Jose Ramón , Palma Crespo Milagros , García Morales Soledad , Sánchez-Aparicio Luis Javier
Published: October 2024

The aim of this paper is to propose a workflow for the real-time visualization of virtual environments that supports diagnostic tasks in heritage buildings. The approach integrates data from terrestrial laser scanning (3D point clouds and meshes), along with panoramic and thermal images, into a unified virtual model. Additionally, the methodology incorporates several post-processing stages designed to enhance the user experience in visualizing both the building and its associated damage. The methodology was tested on the Medieval Templar Church of Vera Cruz in Segovia, utilizing a combination of visible and infrared data, along with manually prepared damage maps. The project results demonstrate that the use of a hybrid digital model—combining 3D point clouds, polygonal meshes, and panoramic images—is highly effective for real-time rendering, providing detailed visualization while maintaining adaptability for mobile devices with limited computational power.
Individual Inhalation Exposure to Phthalates and Their Associations with Anthropometric and Physiological Indices in Primary School Children in Jinan, China
Authors: Yang Haoming , Wang Lixin , Wang Yuchen , Meng Ziyan , Sun Qinghua , Fang Jianlong , Zhong Yu , Huang Zihao
Published: October 2024

Phthalates are commonly found in indoor environments. Consequently, children may be exposed to phthalates through the air, potentially causing health issues. We collected 72 air samples from 60 households and 12 classrooms in Jinan, surveyed and health-examined children, assessed their phthalate inhalation exposure, and analyzed the associations between inhalation exposure levels and children’s anthropometric and physiological indicators. Eight phthalates were detected in children’s households and classrooms, with detection frequencies ranging from 91.6% to 100%. Di-iso-butyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the predominant phthalates. Children’s indoor inhalation exposure to phthalates ranged from 8.90 to 147 ng/(kg·day), with DEHP being the main inhaled phthalate. The non-carcinogenic risks of indoor environments where children live are within acceptable limits. DEHP has a low carcinogenic risk. Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) exposure was associated with a decrease in body mass index z-score, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Additionally, DEHP exposure was negatively associated with the waist-to-hip ratio. DiBP exposure was negatively associated with the systolic blood pressure z-score, while DnOP exposure was negatively associated with the diastolic blood pressure z-score. Furthermore, DEHP exposure was positively associated with fractional exhaled nitric oxide z-score. The findings of this study suggest that phthalate inhalation exposure may substantially affect various health metrics in children, including body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure, and increase the risk of respiratory tract inflammation.
An Integrated Urban Building Energy Benchmarking Workflow to Support Urban Energy Evaluation: A Case Study of Sheffield UK
Authors: Park Jihyun , Wang Tsung-Hsien
Published: October 2024

Understanding energy demand and supply flow at a large urban scale is an essential step for urban designers, planners and policymakers in investigating how buildings within an existing urban context could be designed as a whole to support the future sustainable built environment. The contemporary approach is to model energy use activities at various building and urban scales. This, albeit a practical approach, poses significant challenges in acquiring good quality data concerning buildings and their interactions at an urban scale at an affordable price. This paper presents a streamlined benchmarking methodology with a parametric modelling workflow to complement the mainstream urban building energy modelling (UBEM) approach. The proposed building energy benchmarking workflow integrates multiple databases concerning building energy consumption, energy generation and underlying grid infrastructure. Parametric modelling serves as a tool for integrating databases through the underlying sortable geometric characteristics. This is envisaged to afford stockholders, such as policymakers or urban planners, greater flexibility to investigate energy demand and supply scenarios at an urban neighbourhood scale and further explore potential applications. Using the proposed workflow, we look at renewable solar energy to experiment with offsetting urban building energy consumption through reconfiguring existing electricity microgrids in the Sheffield city centre. The result of this study demonstrates how the presented urban building energy benchmarking (UBEB) workflow would afford capabilities and flexibility to support stakeholders, e.g., urban planners, policymakers, and end-users, to better understand existing barriers and explore actionable opportunities via re-configurable electricity microgrids.
Study on Engineering Properties and Mechanism of Loess Muck Grouting Materials
Authors: Wu Zhenxu , Ye Chaoliang , He Benguo , Cao Fengxu , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2024

Shield tunneling generates a massive amount of muck, and achieving the on-site reuse of muck is an urgent need in the field of shield tunneling. This study, based on a section of the Xianyang diversion tunnel in a loess stratum, aims to optimize the mix ratios of loess muck grouting materials to meet specific performance requirements. Laboratory tests were conducted to analyze the effects of the bentonite content and water–solid ratio on the properties of grout. The engineering properties, cost, and environmental impact of the optimized loess muck grouting materials were compared with those of traditional grouting materials. Additionally, XRD, SEM, and CT were employed to investigate the solidification mechanism of loess muck grouting materials. The results show that the bleeding rate, setting time, fluidity, and consistency of loess muck grouting materials decreased with increasing bentonite content, while these properties increased as the water–solid ratio rose. The compressive strength reached 0.26 MPa and 1.05 MPa at 3 d and 28 d, respectively. Compared to traditional grouting materials, the economic cost and carbon emissions of loess muck grouting materials were reduced by 49.46% and 37.17%, respectively. As the curing time increased, gel filling and particle agglomeration reduced the number of pores. The dense microstructure is the primary factor for the improvement of strength.