bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic Analysis of Human Gait in Healthy Young Adults Using IMU Sensors: Exploring Relevant Machine Learning Features for Clinical Applications
Authors: Marimon Xavier , Mengual Itziar , López-de-Celis Carlos , Portela Alejandro , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Herráez Iria Andrea , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert
Published: January 2024

Background: Gait is the manner or style of walking, involving motor control and coordination to adapt to the surrounding environment. Knowing the kinesthetic markers of normal gait is essential for the diagnosis of certain pathologies or the generation of intelligent ortho-prostheses for the treatment or prevention of gait disorders. The aim of the present study was to identify the key features of normal human gait using inertial unit (IMU) recordings in a walking test. Methods: Gait analysis was conducted on 32 healthy participants (age range 19–29 years) at speeds of 2 km/h and 4 km/h using a treadmill. Dynamic data were obtained using a microcontroller (Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense Rev2) with IMU sensors (BMI270). The collected data were processed and analyzed using a custom script (MATLAB 2022b), including the labeling of the four relevant gait phases and events (Stance, Toe-Off, Swing, and Heel Strike), computation of statistical features (64 features), and application of machine learning techniques for classification (8 classifiers). Results: Spider plot analysis revealed significant differences in the four events created by the most relevant statistical features. Among the different classifiers tested, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model using a Cubic kernel achieved an accuracy rate of 92.4% when differentiating between gait events using the computed statistical features. Conclusions: This study identifies the optimal features of acceleration and gyroscope data during normal gait. The findings suggest potential applications for injury prevention and performance optimization in individuals engaged in activities involving normal gait. The creation of spider plots is proposed to obtain a personalised fingerprint of each patient’s gait fingerprint that could be used as a diagnostic tool. A deviation from a normal gait pattern can be used to identify human gait disorders. Moving forward, this information has potential for use in clinical applications in the diagnosis of gait-related disorders and developing novel orthoses and prosthetics to prevent falls and ankle sprains.
H3 Acetylation-Induced Basal Progenitor Generation and Neocortex Expansion Depends on the Transcription Factor Pax6
Authors: Sokpor Godwin , Kerimoglu Cemil , Ulmke Pauline Antonie , Pham Linh , Nguyen Hoang Duy , Brand-Saberi Beate , Staiger Jochen F. , Fischer Andre , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Tuoc Tran
Published: January 2024

Enrichment of basal progenitors (BPs) in the developing neocortex is a central driver of cortical enlargement. The transcription factor Pax6 is known as an essential regulator in generation of BPs. H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) has emerged as a crucial epigenetic mechanism that activates the gene expression program required for BP pool amplification. In this current work, we applied immunohistochemistry, RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing, and the yeast two-hybrid assay to reveal that the BP-genic effect of H3 acetylation is dependent on Pax6 functionality in the developing mouse cortex. In the presence of Pax6, increased H3 acetylation caused BP pool expansion, leading to enhanced neurogenesis, which evoked expansion and quasi-convolution of the mouse neocortex. Interestingly, H3 acetylation activation exacerbates the BP depletion and corticogenesis reduction effect of Pax6 ablation in cortex-specific Pax6 mutants. Furthermore, we found that H3K9 acetyltransferase KAT2A/GCN5 interacts with Pax6 and potentiates Pax6-dependent transcriptional activity. This explains a genome-wide lack of H3K9ac, especially in the promoter regions of BP-genic genes, in the Pax6 mutant cortex. Together, these findings reveal a mechanistic coupling of H3 acetylation and Pax6 in orchestrating BP production and cortical expansion through the promotion of a BP gene expression program during cortical development.
Adaptive Skid-Steering Control Approach for Robots on Uncertain Inclined Planes with Redundant Load-Bearing Mobility
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wang Baoyu , Guan Enguang , Liu Xun , Saqib Muhammad , Zhao Yanzheng
Published: January 2024

Climbing manufacturing robots can create a revolutionary manufacturing paradigm for large and complex components, while the motion control of climbing manipulation-oriented robots (CMo-Rs) is still challenging considering anti-slippage problems. In this study, a CMo-R with full-scenery climbing capability and redundant load-bearing mobility is designed based on magnetic adsorption. A four-wheel kinematic model considering the slipping phenomenon is established. An adaptive kinematic control algorithm based on slip estimation using Lyapunov theory is designed for uncertain inclined planes. For comparison, the traditional PID-based algorithm without slip consideration is implemented as well. Numeric simulations are conducted to tackle the trajectory tracking problems for both circular and linear trajectories on the horizontal plane (HP), 50° inclined plane (50° IP), 60° inclined plane (60° IP), and vertical plane (VP). The results prove that our approach achieves better tracking accuracy. It demonstrated applicability in various climbing scenarios with uncertain inclined planes. The results of experiments also validate the feasibility, applicability, and stability of the proposed approach.
Nestling Diet of Two Sympatric Insectivorous Passerines in Different Habitats—A Metabarcoding Study
Authors: Höhn Daniel , Masello Juan F. , Kümmel Marc N. , Griep Sven , Goesmann Alexander , Quillfeldt Petra
Published: January 2024

Increasing landscape transformations and urbanisation affect insectivorous bird populations in various ways such as food availability, breeding phenology, or reproductive success. Especially during the breeding season, many passerine birds rely on the availability of caterpillars as the main prey for their nestlings. Previous studies suggested that similar diet preferences of sympatric species may result in interspecific competition, as demonstrated for Blue and Great Tits in forest habitats. However, nestling diet and prey preferences in other habitats are not fully understood. Prey availability, especially caterpillars, is lower in cities than in forests, thus influencing prey choice and interspecific competition. Here we used faecal DNA metabarcoding to investigate if nestling diet composition of the two sympatric species Blue Cyanistes caeruleus and Great Tits Parus major varied among species and different habitats (forest, traditional orchards, and urban parks). Furthermore, we examined food availability by DNA barcoding of the arboreal arthropod communities among habitats and compared them to the nestling diet to infer parental prey selectivity. The study was carried out in central Germany from 2018 to 2019. Blue and Great Tits showed a diverse diet which was dominated by Lepidoptera in all habitats. Lepidopteran diet components were most similar between forest and orchard sites, as were the components with other arthropods between orchard and urban sites. Both tit species showed selectivity for the lepidopteran families Geometridae and Tortricidae in all habitats, and for Noctuidae (Lepidoptera), Tenthredinidae and Braconidae (Hymenoptera) in forest and orchard sites. As the tits showed preferences for mainly families of Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera, our approach provides a baseline to support monitoring of these groups.
Editorial for Brain Sciences Special Issue: “Neurogenetic Disorders across Human Life: From Infancy to Adulthood”
Authors: Nóbrega Paulo Ribeiro , Braga-Neto Pedro
Published: January 2024

This Special Issue assembles papers that highlight different types of neurogenetic disorders that occur throughout human life, from childhood to adulthood, focusing on their natural history, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment approaches [...]
Exploring the Untapped Potential of Neuromarketing in Online Learning: Implications and Challenges for the Higher Education Sector in Europe
Authors: Šola Hedda Martina , Qureshi Fayyaz Hussain , Khawaja Sarwar
Published: January 2024

This research investigates the impact of applying neuromarketing techniques to three practical examples of higher education (HE) branding: an official college website page, an official college Facebook page, and recorded online video lectures used for teaching at HE institutions. The study was conducted in three different HE institutions with a representative sample of 720 participants, with n = 529 used for testing the CARE college website, n = 59 for testing the HAZEF Facebook page, and n = 132 for testing the emotional response of students studying online. To assess the participants’ emotional responses, this study utilized automated facial coding through a webcam (15 Hz) and considered mood intensities. Additionally, a sentiment analysis was employed to verify the survey results and determine any discrepancies in the cognitive response. By analyzing gaze activity, movement patterns, and emotional responses, valuable insights were gained into students’ behaviors and preferences. This study recommends incorporating neuromarketing research into HE branding and online teaching to enhance students’ learning experiences. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of human expectations and behaviors in response to online teaching and provides valuable insights for HE institutions in Europe.
A Multiscale Method to Develop Three-Dimensional Anisotropic Constitutive Model for Soils
Authors: Tian Yu , Chen Hao , Yao Zijun , Fang Yufei
Published: January 2024

A multiscale method is presented to develop a constitutive model for anisotropic soils in a three-dimensional (3D) stress state. A fabric tensor and its evolution, which quantify the particle arrangement at the microscale, are adopted to describe the effects of the inherent and induced anisotropy on the mechanical behaviors at the macroscale. Using two steps of stress mapping, the deformation and failure of anisotropic soil under the 3D stress state are equivalent to those of isotropic soil under the triaxial compression stress state. A series of discrete element method (DEM) simulations are conducted to preliminarily verify this equivalence. Based on the above method, the obtained anisotropic yield surface is continuous and smooth. Then, a fabric evolution law is established according to the DEM simulation results. Compared with the rotational hardening law, the fabric evolution law can also make the yield surface rotate during the loading process, and it can grasp the microscopic mechanism of soil deformation. As an example, an anisotropic modified Cam-clay model is developed, and its performance validates the ability of the proposed method to account for the effect of soil anisotropy.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment at an Urban Scale by Means of Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Ferranti Guglielmo , Greco Annalisa , Pluchino Alessandro , Rapisarda Andrea , Scibilia Adriano
Published: January 2024

Seismic vulnerability assessment in urban areas would, in principle, require the detailed modeling of every single building and the implementation of complex numerical calculations. This procedure is clearly difficult to apply at an urban scale where many buildings must be considered; therefore, it is essential to have simplified, but at the same time reliable, approaches to vulnerability assessment. Among the proposed strategies, one of the most interesting concerns is the application of machine learning algorithms, which are able to classify buildings according to their vulnerability on the basis of training procedures applied to existing datasets. In this paper, machine learning algorithms were applied to a dataset which collects and catalogs the structural characteristics of a large number of buildings and reports the damage observed in L’Aquila territory during the intense seismic activity that occurred in 2009. A combination of a trained neural network and a random forest algorithm allows us to identify an opportune “a-posteriori” vulnerability score, deduced from the observed damage, which is compared to an “a-priori” vulnerability one, evaluated taking into account characteristic indexes for building’s typologies. By means of this comparison, an inverse approach to seismic vulnerability assessment, which can be extended to different urban centers, is proposed.
A Systematic Review on Clinical and Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes following Total Gastrectomy in Patients with Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lim Hui Jun , di Pietro Massimiliano , O’Neill J. Robert
Published: January 2024

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is an autosomal-dominant syndrome associated with early onset diffuse gastric cancer. Definitive treatment is prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG) associated with significant morbidity. Studies published from January 2000 to December 2022 reporting clinical, histopathological or health-related quality of life outcomes in HDGC patients undergoing PTG were identified. The study quality was assessed by the “Newcastle–Ottawa scale”. Of the 257 articles screened, 21 were selected. A total of 353 patients were examined in 15 studies that reported surgical outcomes. The median age was 42 years old. The median major complication and mortality rates were 19.2% and 0.3%, respectively. The most common complications were wound infection at 4.8% followed by anastomotic leak and pulmonary complications at 4.5% each. Following PTG, 88.6% of patients had early lesions amongst 414 patients. The mean/median number of signet ring cell carcinoma foci in the gastrectomy specimens was from 2 to 78. All cases were stage 1 with no lymph node involvement. There was a wide range of psychosocial effects following PTG closely related to the physical symptoms. It is imperative for patients to receive comprehensive preoperative counselling to make an informed decision and be followed up under the care of a multidisciplinary team.
Selective Occupation by E2F and RB of Loci Expressed by RNA Polymerase III
Authors: Sizer Rebecca , Butterfield Sienna , Hancocks Lucy , Gato De Sousa Leonor , White Robert
Published: January 2024

In all cases tested, TFIIIB is responsible for recruiting pol III to its genetic templates. In mammalian cells, RB binds TFIIIB and prevents its interactions with both promoter DNA and pol III, thereby suppressing transcription. As TFIIIB is not recruited to its target genes when bound by RB, the mechanism predicts that pol III-dependent templates will not be occupied by RB; this contrasts with the situation at most genes controlled by RB, where it can be tethered by promoter-bound sequence-specific DNA-binding factors such as E2F. Contrary to this prediction, however, ChIP-seq data reveal the presence of RB in multiple cell types and the related protein p130 at many loci that rely on pol III for their expression, including RMRP, RN7SL, and a variety of tRNA genes. The sets of genes targeted varies according to cell type and growth state. In such cases, recruitment of RB and p130 can be explained by binding of E2F1, E2F4 and/or E2F5. Genes transcribed by pol III had not previously been identified as common targets of E2F family members. The data provide evidence that E2F may allow for the selective regulation of specific non-coding RNAs by RB, in addition to its influence on overall pol III output through its interaction with TFIIIB.
Synergistic Protection of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) by SARM1 Inactivation with CNTF in a Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Guo Yan , Mehrabian Zara , Milbrandt Jeffrey , DiAntonio Aaron , Bernstein Steven L.
Published: January 2024

We evaluated whether inhibiting sterile alpha and (Toll/interleukin receptor (TIR)) motif-containing 1 (SARM1) activity protects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following ischemic axonopathy (rodent nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: rNAION) by itself and combined with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Genetically modified SARM1(−) rats were rNAION-induced in one eye and compared against equivalently induced wild-type animals of the same background. Optic nerve (ON) diameters were quantified using optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). RGCs were quantified 30 d post-induction using retinal stereology for Brn3a(+) nuclei. ON sections were analyzed by TEM and immunohistochemistry. SARM1(−)(−) and WT animals were then bilaterally sequentially rNAION-induced. One eye received intravitreal vehicle injection following induction; the contralateral side received CNTF and was analyzed 30 d post-induction. Inhibiting SARM1 activity suppressed axonal collapse following ischemic axonopathy. SARM1(−) animals significantly reduced RGC loss, compared with WT animals (49.4 ± 6.8% RGC loss in SARM1(−) vs. 63.6 ± 3.2% sem RGC loss in WT; Mann–Whitney one-tailed U-test, (p = 0.049)). IVT-CNTF treatment vs. IVT-vehicle in SARM1(−) animals further reduced RGC loss by 24% at 30 d post-induction, but CNTF did not, by itself, improve long-term RGC survival in WT animals compared with vehicle (Mann–Whitney one-tailed t-test; p = 0.033). While inhibiting SARM1 activity is itself neuroprotective, combining SARM1 inhibition and CNTF treatment generated a long-term, synergistic neuroprotective effect in ischemic neuropathy. Combinatorial treatments for NAION utilizing independent neuroprotective mechanisms may thus provide a greater effect than individual treatment modalities.
The Development of Response and Interference Inhibition in Children: Evidence from Serious Game Training
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Li Jiajia , Jia Fanli , Lian Lin , Li Lihong
Published: January 2024

A serious game titled “Crossing the Jungle” was developed in this study to train children’s inhibition skills using the Stroop task. The effects of inhibitory control on children were tested by a pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up test. In the control groups, children were asked to play a commercial game instead. In experiment 1, 48 participants chose either the training or control game voluntarily, whereas, in experiment 2, 44 participants were randomly assigned to either group. In both experiments, children exposed to the serious game demonstrated training effects from the Stroop spatial task and near-transfer effects from the Flanker task. However, transferring effects were not produced by the Go/No-go task. As a result, although the serious game “Crossing the Jungle” does not improve response inhibition, children aged 9 to 12 who play it may benefit from improved interference inhibition abilities. This provides evidence for the mutual independence of interference inhibition and response inhibition in children at this stage.
Lifestyle Factors in Myopic Spanish Children
Authors: Güemes-Villahoz Noemí , Gómez de Liano Rosario , Porras Ángel Paloma , Talavero González Paula , Bella Gala Rafael , Martín García Beatriz , Burgos Blasco Bárbara , Hernández García Elena , Chamorro Herrera Marta , Hernández-Verdejo José Luis , Ruiz-Pomeda Alicia
Published: January 2024

Background: Childhood myopia represents a global concern with increasing prevalence in recent decades. Lifestyle factors significantly impact myopia. Aim: To evaluate lifestyle factors in myopic children from a metropolitan area in Europe. Methods: This was a descriptive study including myopic subjects aged 4–18 years. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, including cycloplegic refraction in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL). In addition, a questionnaire on lifestyle factors was conducted between September 2022 and April 2023. Results: A total of 321 myopic children were included, aged 10.72 ± 3.05 years, of whom 51.4% were boys, with SER −2.25 ± 1.9 D and AL 24.54 ± 0.98 mm. The mean age of myopia onset was 7.69 ± 3.05 years. A total of 59.8% had family history of myopia. Those children who had <2 h/day of screen time (on weekdays) presented SER −2 ± 1.91 D, compared to those who had >2 h/day, SER: −2.50 ±1.88 D (p = 0.009). Children who spent <2 h/day doing near work after school were less myopic compared to those who spent >2 h/day (SER: −1.75 ± 1.83 vs. SER: −2.75 ± 1.82, respectively, p = 0.03). However, no significant association was observed between SER and AL and time spent outdoors nor between SER and AL and academic performance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Screen time and near-work time appear to be lifestyle factors related to myopia.
The Natural Centella asiatica Extract Acts as a Stretch Mark Eraser: A Biological Evaluation
Authors: Boira Cloé , Meunier Marie , Bracq Marine , Scandolera Amandine , Reynaud Romain
Published: January 2024

Stretch marks are far from exclusively appearing on pregnant women and appear whenever the body experiences rapid growth. Collagen fibres are altered in the dermis, which is associated with a loss of orientation, and the elastic network is disrupted, leading to a fibrotic organisation. This results in epidermal tearing that produces skin lesions. Centella asiatica (CAST) is a well-known medicinal plant rich in active triterpenic molecules and traditionally used to treat wounds and help skin repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate CAST extract as a natural way to solve stretch mark concerns and understand its mechanism of action. Fibroblast proliferation based on scratch assay model and their gene expression by RT-qPCR was first evaluated. At the ex vivo level, elastin fibres were quantified by immunofluorescence. The orientation of the collagen fibres and their occupation of the dermis were analysed after Sirius red staining and specific software analysis. We showed that CAST stimulated fibroblast proliferation and reduced extracellular matrix degradation and fibrosis. On a stretch-marked skin explant, CAST increased the occupation of collagen fibres and elastin production. Based on the mechanisms behind the formation of stretch marks, CAST restored the dermis network by optimising fibre organisation for a visible skin remodelling effect.
Toledoite, TiFeSi, a New Mineral from Inclusions in Corundum Xenocrysts from Mount Carmel, Israel
Authors: Ma Chi , Cámara Fernando , Bindi Luca , Griffin William L.
Published: January 2024

During our nanomineralogical investigation of melt inclusions in corundum xenocrysts from the Mount Carmel area, Israel, seven new oxide and alloy minerals have been discovered since 2021. Herein, we report toledoite (TiFeSi; IMA 2022-036), a new alloy mineral. Toledoite occurs as irregular crystals 2–16 μm in size, with gupeiite (Fe3Si), jingsuiite (TiB2), ziroite (ZrO2), osbornite (TiN), xifengite (Fe5Si3), and naquite (FeSi) in corundum Grain WG1124E-1. Toledoite has an empirical formula (Ti0.83Cr0.07Mn0.06V0.02)(Fe0.96Mn0.04)(Si0.99P0.04) and an orthorhombic Ima2 TiFeSi-type structure with the following cell parameters: a = 7.00(1) Å, b = 10.83(1) Å, c = 6.29(1) Å, V = 477(1) Å3, Z = 12. Toledoite is a high-temperature alloy phase, formed under extremely reduced conditions in melt pockets in corundum xenocrysts derived from the upper mantle beneath Mount Carmel in Israel. The name was given in honor of Vered Toledo, of Shefa Gems Ltd. for her support and for providing corundum xenocrysts from the Mount Carmel region for this investigation of new minerals.
Combustion Synthesis of Zirconium-Doped Ceria Nanocatalyst
Authors: Mužina Katarina , Kurajica Stanislav , Bach-Rojecky Helena , Brleković Filip , Duplančić Marina
Published: January 2024

Zirconium-doped ceria is a promising and extensively researched catalytic material with notable use in three-way catalytic converters, the oxidation of volatile organic compounds and solid oxide fuel cells. In this work, pure and zirconium-doped ceria nanoparticles (Ce1−xZrxO2, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) were prepared by combustion synthesis using glycine as the fuel and cerium and zirconium nitrate as oxidants. The obtained powders were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The combustion temperature increases with the increase in zirconium content in the samples, but the XRD patterns exclusively show ceria diffraction peaks. The crystallite sizes are in the range from 25.2 to 11.7 nm, and do not vary substantially after thermal treatment, indicating the good thermal stability of the prepared nanocatalysts. XPS analysis showed that the surface amount of zirconium is lower than the nominal and that the ceria sample with 10 mol. % of zirconium has a higher amount of oxygen vacancies than the 30 mol. % Zr-doped sample. The 10 mol. % Zr-doped sample displays the best catalytic activity in the BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene) oxidation process.
Anion Doping of Tungsten Oxide with Nitrogen: Reactive Magnetron Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Valence Composition, and Optical Properties
Authors: Malikov Insaf F. , Lyadov Nikolay M. , Salakhov Myakzyum K. , Tagirov Lenar R.
Published: January 2024

Anion doping of tungsten trioxide by nitrogen is used to obtain electrochrome cathode materials, the spectral transmittance of which can be controlled by the doping level. A series of samples was synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering of a metal tungsten target in a mixture of argon, nitrogen, and oxygen gases, the flow rate of the latter was varied at a constant pressure of the gas mixture. Warm-colored tungsten oxynitride films were prepared at higher doping levels with their morphology and elemental composition characterized using scanning electron microscopy, crystal structure described using X-ray diffraction and the valence state of constituents revealed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Optical properties were measured by making use of transmission spectrophotometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry. These extensive experimental studies revealed an increase in absorption towards shorter wavelengths below the wavelength of 0.5 µm with an increase in the doping level. At the same time, it was found that with an increase in the doping level, partial reduction of the tungsten occurs, and the fraction of non-stoichiometric oxygen steadily increases to half of the total oxygen content. It is a common belief that the imperfection of the doped material facilitates the intercalation of the material by electrolyte ions.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Commercial Strain Rhizobium ruizarguesonis bv. viciae RCAM1022
Authors: Kulaeva Olga A. , Zorin Evgeny A. , Sulima Anton S. , Akhtemova Gulnar A. , Zhukov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2024

Legume plants enter a symbiosis with soil nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia), thereby gaining access to assimilable atmospheric nitrogen. Since this symbiosis is important for agriculture, biofertilizers with effective strains of rhizobia are created for crop legumes to increase their yield and minimize the amounts of mineral fertilizers required. In this work, we sequenced and characterized the genome of Rhizobium ruizarguesonis bv. viciae strain RCAM1022, a component of the ‘Rhizotorfin’ biofertilizer produced in Russia and used for pea (Pisum sativum L.).
17β-Estradiol Effects in Skeletal Muscle: A 31P MR Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) Study of Young Females during Early Follicular (EF) and Peri-Ovulation (PO) Phases
Authors: Ren Jimin , Rodriguez Luis , Johnson Talon , Henning Anke , Dhaher Yasin Y.
Published: January 2024

The natural variation in estrogen secretion throughout the female menstrual cycle impacts various organs, including estrogen receptor (ER)-expressed skeletal muscle. Many women commonly experience increased fatigue or reduced energy levels in the days leading up to and during menstruation, when blood estrogen levels decline. Yet, it remains unclear whether endogenous 17β-estradiol, a major estrogen component, directly affects the energy metabolism in skeletal muscle due to the intricate and fluctuating nature of female hormones. In this study, we employed 2D 31P FID-MRSI at 7T to investigate phosphoryl metabolites in the soleus muscle of a cohort of young females (average age: 28 ± 6 years, n = 7) during the early follicular (EF) and peri-ovulation (PO) phases, when their blood 17β-estradiol levels differ significantly (EF: 28 ± 18 pg/mL vs. PO: 71 ± 30 pg/mL, p < 0.05), while the levels of other potentially interfering hormones remain relatively invariant. Our findings reveal a reduction in ATP-referenced phosphocreatine (PCr) levels in the EF phase compared to the PO phase for all participants (5.4 ± 4.3%). Furthermore, we observe a linear correlation between muscle PCr levels and blood 17β-estradiol concentrations (r = 0.64, p = 0.014). Conversely, inorganic phosphate Pi and phospholipid metabolite GPC levels remain independent of 17β-estradiol but display a high correlation between the EF and PO phases (p = 0.015 for Pi and p = 0.0008 for GPC). The robust association we have identified between ATP-referenced PCr and 17β-estradiol suggests that 17β-estradiol plays a modulatory role in the energy metabolism of skeletal muscle.
Is Frequency of Practice of Different Types of Physical Activity Associated with Health and a Healthy Lifestyle at Different Ages?
Authors: Liutsko Liudmila , Leonov Sergey , Pashenko Alexander , Polikanova Irina
Published: January 2024

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to be related to physical and mental health. Yet there are few studies on how the frequency of PA relates to health and a healthy lifestyle. We aimed to investigate how the frequency of different PAs is associated with the following health indicators: body mass index (BMI), substance consumption, physical health, and mental health. We focused on three types of PA: (1) medium- to high-intensity aerobic exercise; (2) low- to medium-intensity relaxing exercise; and (3) outdoor leisure PA. A total of 9617 volunteers, aged 19 to 81, participated in the study. The relationships between the frequencies of the three types of PA and health-related and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. We found that women more frequently engaged in PA type 2, and men in types 1 and 3. A higher frequency of PA was associated with lower BMI and less or no smoking behavior; higher education (PAs 1 and 3); higher age (PAs 2 and 3); better physical health (PAs 1 and 3); and better mental health (PA 3). In conclusion, higher frequency of different PAs was significantly associated with better physical and mental health, less smoking, higher age, and a higher level of education.
Micromolar Levofloxacin Sensor by Incorporating Highly Crystalline Co3O4 into a Carbon Paste Electrode Structure
Authors: Mutić Tijana , Stanković Dalibor , Manojlović Dragan , Petrić Djordje , Pastor Ferenc , Avdin Vyacheslav V. , Ognjanović Miloš , Stanković Vesna
Published: January 2024

In this work, we successfully prepared a modified cobalt oxide (Co3O4) carbon paste electrode to detect Levofloxacin (LEV). By synthesizing Co3O4 nanoparticles through the chemical coprecipitation method, the electrochemical properties of the electrode and LEV were thoroughly investigated using CV, SWV, and EIS, while material properties were scrutinized using ICP-OES, TEM, SEM, and XRD. The results showed that the prepared electrode displayed a better electrocatalytic response than the bare carbon paste electrode. After optimizing SWV, the electrode exhibited a wide linear working range from 1 to 85 μM at pH 5 of BRBS as the supporting electrolyte. The selectivity of the proposed method was satisfactory, with good repeatability and reproducibility, strongly suggesting a potential application for determining LEV in real samples, particularly in pharmaceutical formulations. The practicality of the approach was demonstrated through good recoveries, and the morphology of the materials was found to be closely related to other parameters, indicating that the developed method can provide a cost-effective, rapid, selective, and sensitive means for LEV monitoring. Overall, this project has made significant progress towards developing a reliable method for detecting LEV and has opened up new opportunities for future research in this field.
Correction: Yang et al. Robust Visual Recognition in Poor Visibility Conditions: A Prior Knowledge-Guided Adversarial Learning Approach. Electronics 2023, 12, 3711
Authors: Yang Jiangang , Yang Jianfei , Luo Luqing , Wang Yun , Wang Shizheng , Liu Jian
Published: January 2024

In the published publication [...]
Pressurized Chemical Looping for Direct Reduced Iron Production: Economics of Carbon Neutral Process Configurations
Authors: Bond Nicole K. , Symonds Robert T. , Hughes Robin W.
Published: January 2024

The replacement of the blast furnace—basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) steelmaking route with the direct reduced iron—electric arc furnace (DRI-EAF) route reduces the direct CO2 emissions from steelmaking by up to 68%; however, the DRI shaft furnace is one of the largest remaining point source emitters in steelmaking. The capital and operating expenses of two potential nearly carbon-neutral DRI process configurations were investigated as a modification to a standard Midrex DRI facility. First, amine-based post-combustion capture with a 95% capture rate was considered as the benchmark, as it is currently commercially available. A second, novel configuration integrated the Midrex process with pressurized chemical looping—direct reduced iron (PCL-DRI) production. The capital expenditures were 71% and 28% higher than the standard Midrex process for a Midrex + amine capture plant, and a PCL-DRI plant, respectively. There was an incremental variable operating cost of USD 103 and USD 44 per tonne of CO2 for DRI production using amine capture and PCL-DRI, respectively. The amine capture configuration is most sensitive to the cost of steam generation, while PCL-DRI is more sensitive to the cost of electricity and the makeup oxygen carrier. An iron-based natural ore is recommended for PCL-DRI due to the low cost and availability. Based on the lower costs compared to amine-based post-combustion capture, PCL-DRI is an attractive means of eliminating CO2 emissions from DRI production.
Wing Sails: Numerical Analysis of High-Performance Propulsion Systems for a Racing Yacht
Authors: Kawecki Bartosz , Kulak Michal , Lipian Michal
Published: January 2024

With the increasing popularity of yachting sports and races comes the need to develop a more advanced and efficient propulsion device. Significant improvement can be made when using a mainly lift-driven propulsion source, known as a wing sail. This idea, dating back as far as the mid-70s, is nowadays regaining interest as a propulsion system in multihull, high-performance racing vessels (for instance, the AC50 and AC72 America’s Cup yacht classes). This article documents 2D and 3D numerical analyses of wing sail systems imitating those of an AC72 racing yacht class. It depicts methods employed in two- and three-dimensional steady-state flow simulations, compares systems equipped with various geometries of mainsails, and details a comprehensive examination of the airflow around the vessel using spatial analyses. Numerical calculations were carried out using ANSYS CFX and ANSYS Fluent (with overset feature) for 2D and 3D models, respectively. All simulations were conducted under conditions similar to those acting on the real system, i.e., high Reynolds number (order of magnitude 106 to 107) and atmospheric boundary layer (in the 3D model).
Energy Management in Modern Buildings Based on Demand Prediction and Machine Learning—A Review
Authors: Moghimi Seyed Morteza , Gulliver Thomas Aaron , Thirumai Chelvan Ilamparithi
Published: January 2024

Increasing building energy consumption has led to environmental and economic issues. Energy demand prediction (DP) aims to reduce energy use. Machine learning (ML) methods have been used to improve building energy consumption, but not all have performed well in terms of accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, these methods are examined and evaluated for modern building (MB) DP.
A Multi-Parameter Flexible Smart Water Gauge for the Accurate Monitoring of Urban Water Levels and Flow Rates
Authors: Sebicho Selamu Wolde , Lou Baodong , Anito Bethel Selamu
Published: January 2024

Urban drainage and waterlogging prevention are critical components of urban water management systems, as they help to mitigate the risks of flooding and water damage in cities. The accurate collection of liquid level and flow rate data at the end of these systems is crucial for their effective monitoring and management. However, existing water equipment for this purpose has several shortcomings, including limited accuracy, inflexibility, and difficulty in operation under specific working conditions. A new type of multi-parameter flexible smart water gauge was developed to address these issues. This technology uses underwater simulation robot technology and is designed to overcome the deficiencies of existing water equipment. The flexibility of the gauge allows it to be adapted to different working conditions, ensuring accurate data collection even in challenging environments. The accuracy of the new water gauge was tested through a series of experiments, and the results showed that it was highly accurate in measuring both liquid level and flow rate. This new technology has the potential to be a key tool in smart water conservancy, enabling the more efficient and accurate monitoring of water levels and flow rates. By providing a new solution to the problem of collecting terminal equipment for urban drainage and waterlogging prevention, this technology can help to improve the resilience and sustainability of urban water management systems.
Patterns of Diversity and Community Assembly and Their Environmental Explanation across Different Types of Shrublands in the Western Loess Plateau
Authors: Xu Jinshi , Dang Han , Hu Dechang , Zhang Ping , Liu Xiao
Published: January 2024

Shrubland is an important type of vegetation in the semi-arid region of the western Loess Plateau, and it is of great value to the maintenance of biodiversity and soil and water conservation. Equally, there may be significant differences in the level of diversity and the community assembly patterns across different types of shrublands (desert, alpine, and secondary shrublands). This study aimed to reveal the diversity and the community assembly patterns of different types of shrublands and the environmental explanations for these by using a taxonomic and phylogenetic analysis approach, as well as by considering soil and climate factors. The diversity level of the desert shrublands was low, and the habitats of the three types of shrubland were significantly different. Precipitation may be the main environmental factor driving the variation in and diversity of these types of shrubland. All three types of shrubland were strongly affected by environmental filtering and competitive exclusion, and their community assembly patterns were similar.
Development and Validation of Flaxseed Lignan-Enriched Set-Type Fermented Milk to Manage Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth , Panjagari Narender Raju , Ganguly Sangita , Deepika Sameni , Kapila Suman , Singh Ashish Kumar
Published: January 2024

A functional set dahi (fermented milk analogous to yoghurt) with a desirable probiotic (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A5) count of 9.36 log CFU/mL and excellent techno-functional attributes (DPPH: 41.95% RSA, firmness: 485.49 g, sensory overall acceptability: 8.51) was developed to contain 260 mg of SDG in 20 g of dahi. Twenty-four female Albino Wistar rats (3 months old, >180 g) were ovariectomized (OVX) and divided into three groups: OVX control, OVX and control dahi, and OVX and SDG-enriched dahi. The animal study found that ovariectomy decreased serum calcium, oestrogen, and bone ash calcium levels by 32.27, 30.95, and 48.46 percent, respectively, compared to the sham group (n = 8), while daily administration of SDG-enriched dahi (20 g) for eight weeks restored them. The proximal tibial metaphysis and distal femoral epiphysis micro-CT study showed that the ovariectomy lowered bone mineral density (BMD) by 11.06% and 9.18%, respectively, and lowered Trabecular thickness (Tb. Th) by 12.66% and 11.86%, respectively, while increasing Trabecular separation (Tb. Sp.) by 90.69% and 87.70%, respectively, compared to the sham control-group rats. SDG-enriched dahi improved BMD by 16.06 and 12.24% and Tb. Th by 35.32 and 19.62%, respectively, and decreased Tb. Sp by 47.04 and 47.22%, respectively, in OVX rats. The results suggest that the developed set dahi may help treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Mechanisms of Health Improvement by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Based on Animal and Human Trials: A Review
Authors: Hao Yu , Li Jianli , Wang Jicheng , Chen Yongfu
Published: January 2024

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a candidate probiotic that has been included in the list of recommended biological agents for certification by the European Food Safety Authority. It has been found to be widely present in acidic-gruel, yogurt, cheese, kefir, kimchi, and so on. In this article, we have reviewed both preclinical and human studies related to the health promoting effects of L. plantarum that have been published for the past decade. We found that L. plantarum could significantly improve intestinal function, oral as well as skin health, promote neuro as well as immune regulation, and be effective against metabolic diseases, etc. L. plantarum primarily enters the body through the oral cavity and acts on the gastrointestinal tract to effectively improve the intestinal flora. It can affect the female reproductive endocrine system through interaction with estrogen, androgen, insulin, and other hormones, as well as improve the body’s allergic reaction and immunity by regulating Th1/Th2 response. Several prior reports also suggest that this Gram-positive bacterium can promote production and secretion of key neurotransmitters and neural activators in the intestinal tract by regulating the intestinal flora by directly or indirectly affecting the gut–brain axis through modulation of vagus nerve, cytokines, and microbial metabolites, thus relieving stress and anxiety symptoms in adults. This review is the first report describing the health promoting effects of L. plantarum, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the development of various beneficial applications of L. plantarum.
Cement-Based Mortars with Waste Paper Sludge-Derived Cellulose Fibers for Building Applications
Authors: Bencardino Francesco , Mazzuca Pietro , do Carmo Ricardo , Costa Hugo , Curto Roberta
Published: January 2024

This study assesses the mechanical properties of mortars incorporating waste paper sludge-derived cellulose fibers. Compression and flexural tests were carried out on specimens prepared with cellulose fibers at different proportions, ranging from 0% to 2% of the total weight of the solid mortar constituents (cement, sand, and lime). In addition, a comparative analysis was carried out to evaluate the influence of the preparation method on the mechanical properties of the mortars. To this end, two series of mortars were studied: one prepared following a rigorous control of the preparation parameters and the other made without systematic parameter control to simulate typical on-site conditions. Finally, the applicability of both traditional and eco-friendly mortars in the construction of small-scale masonry walls was assessed through compression tests. Overall, the mechanical properties of mortars with cellulose fibers were comparable to those with 0% waste material, regardless of the production process. Regarding the compressive behavior of masonry walls, experimental tests showed significant similarities between specimens made with traditional and eco-friendly mortar. In conclusion, incorporating cellulose fibers into cement-based mortar shows considerable potential for building applications, enhancing the environmental benefits without compromising the mechanical behavior.
Inhibition of Food-Borne Pathogen Growth and Biogenic Amine Synthesis by Spice Extracts
Authors: Kuley Ferhat , Rathod Nikheel Bhojraj , Kuley Esmeray , Yilmaz Mustafa Tahsin , Ozogul Fatih
Published: January 2024

Food-borne pathogens and their toxins cause significant health problems in humans. Formation of biogenic amines (BAs) produced by microbial decarboxylation of amino acids in food is undesirable because it can induce toxic effects in consumers. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the effects of natural additives with high bioactivity like spice extracts to inhibit the growth of these bacteria and the formation of BAs in food. In the present study, the antibacterial effects of diethyl ether spice (sumac, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper) extracts at doses of 1% (w/v) on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Campylobacter jejuni, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella Paratyphi A, and Yersinia enterocolitica) food-borne pathogen bacterial strains (FBP) were established. In addition, the accumulation of ammonia (AMN), trimethylamine (TMA), and biogenic amines (BAs) in tyrosine decarboxylase broth (TDB) was investigated by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sumac extract exhibited the highest antibacterial potential against all FBPs, followed by cumin and peppers. AMN (570.71 mg/L) and TMA (53.66 mg/L) production were strongly inhibited by sumac extract in the levels of 55.10 mg/L for Y. enterocolitica and 2.76 mg/L for A. hydrophila, respectively. With the exception of S. aureus, black pepper dramatically reduced the synthesis of putrescine, serotonin, dopamine, and agmatine by FBP especially for Gram-negative ones. Furthermore, sumac extracts inhibited histamine and tyramine production by the majority of FBP. This research suggests the application of sumac extracts as natural preservatives for inhibiting the growth of FBPs and limiting the production of AMN, TMA, and BAs.
An Efficient Numerical Method Based on Bell Wavelets for Solving the Fractional Integro-Differential Equations with Weakly Singular Kernels
Authors: Wang Yanxin , Zhou Xiaofang
Published: January 2024

A novel numerical scheme based on the Bell wavelets is proposed to obtain numerical solutions of the fractional integro-differential equations with weakly singular kernels. Bell wavelets are first proposed and their properties are studied, and the fractional integration operational matrix is constructed. The convergence analysis of Bell wavelets approximation is discussed. The fractional integro-differential equations can be simplified to a system of algebraic equations by using a truncated Bell wavelets series and the fractional operational matrix. The proposed method’s efficacy is supported via various examples.
The Scavenger Hunt for Quasar Samples to Be Used as Cosmological Tools
Authors: Dainotti Maria Giovanna , Bargiacchi Giada , Lenart Aleksander Łukasz , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: January 2024

Although the Λ Cold Dark Matter model is the most accredited cosmological model, information at high redshifts (z) between type Ia supernovae (z=2.26) and the Cosmic Microwave Background (z=1100) is crucial to validate this model further. To this end, we have discovered a sample of 1132 quasars up to z=7.54 exhibiting a reduced intrinsic dispersion of the relation between ultraviolet and X-ray fluxes, δF=0.22 vs. δF=0.29 (24% less), than the original sample. This gold sample, once we correct the luminosities for selection biases and redshift evolution, enables us to determine the matter density parameter ΩM with a precision of 0.09. Unprecedentedly, this quasar sample is the only one that, as a standalone cosmological probe, yields such tight constraints on ΩM while being drawn from the same parent population of the initial sample.