bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy in the treatment of benign or low-grade malignant tumors of the pancreas
Authors: Liao Yan , Zhou Wei , Dai Manxiong , Zhou Jie , Wang Yi , He Xiangyu , Liu Yi , Cheng Wei
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy in the treatment of benign and junctional tumors of the pancreas.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of basic data, tumor diameter, statistical analysis, and evaluation of efficacy-related indicators such as operative time, intraoperative bleeding, pathological findings, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pancreatic fistula incidence, and pancreatic endocrine function was carried out on 17 patients diagnosed with benign or low-grade malignant tumors of the pancreas and laparoscopic middle pancreatic resection from January 2018 to January 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University.

Results

A total of 17 patients were screened. There were eight males and nine females; mean age was 42.8 ± 17.4 years (range: 15–69 years); BMI was 22.6 ± 2.5 kg/m2 (range: 18.4–27.5 kg/m2), and the tumor size was 3.4 ± 1.2 cm (range: 1.5–5.5 cm). Preoperative glycan antigen CA19-9 was negative and CA125 was negative. Surgical time was 393.2 ± 57.9 min; intraoperative bleeding was 211.7 ± 113.9 ml; tumor diameter size was 3.4 ± 1.2 cm; postoperative admission time was 19.4 ± 7.6 days; postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) grading was 17 cases, including nine cases of A-grade fistula, three cases of B-grade fistula, and none of C-grade fistula; postoperative pathology results were five cases of plasmacytoma, three cases of mucinous cystadenoma, four cases of SPN (solid pseudopapillary neoplasm), one case of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN), three cases of pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm (pNEN), one case of inflammatory myofibroblastic osteoblastoma. All cases did not develop pancreatic origin diabetes or exacerbation of previous diabetes, and no cases presented symptoms of exocrine insufficiency such as dyspepsia and diarrhea.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy is safe and feasible in the treatment of benign or low-grade malignant tumors in the body of the pancreatic neck and is not accompanied by increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications and endocrine dysfunction of the pancreas.
Development and validation of a predictive model for early diagnosis of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome based on the Montreux definition
Authors: Shen Leilei , Cai Na , Wan Shaoyou , Chen Sheng
Published: November 2023

Objective

Based on the Montreux definition, we aim to develop and validate a predictive model for the early diagnosis of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of clinical data on 198 neonates with respiratory distress from January 2018 to January 2022 was conducted. Neonates meeting Montreux definition were classified as ARDS group (n = 79), while the rest were non-ARDS group (n = 119). Univariate analysis identified indicators for neonatal ARDS, followed by logistic regression to construct a predictive model for early diagnosis. The ability of predictors and models to predict neonatal ARDS was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), and model performance was estimated through bootstrap resampling.

Results

Maternal prenatal fever, abnormal fetal heart beat, meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), white blood cell (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), neutrophil percentage (NE%), platelet count (PLT), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), creatine kinase (CK), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), serum calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na)exhibited significant differences between the ARDS group and the non-ARDS group (P < 0.05). MSAF (OR=5.037; 95% CI: 1.523–16.657; P < 0.05), ANC (OR = 1.324; 95% CI: 1.172–1.495; P < 0.05), PLT (OR = 0.979; 95% CI: 0.971–0.986; P < 0.05), Ca (OR = 0.020; 95% CI: 0.004–0.088; P < 0.05) emerged as independent risk factors for the development of ARDS. The respective AUC values for MSAF, ANC, PLT, Ca, and the combined prediction models were 0.606, 0.691, 0.808, 0.761 and 0.931. Internal validation showed that the C-index for the model was 0.931.

Conclusions

Early application of the model combining MSAF, ANC, PLT and Ca may have a good predictive effect on the early diagnosis of neonatal ARDS.
The anti-leukemia activity and mechanisms of shikonin: a mini review
Authors: Dong Han , Chang Chun-Di , Gao Fei , Zhang Na , Yan Xing-Jian , Wu Xue , Wang Yue-Hui
Published: November 2023

Leukemia encompasses a group of highly heterogeneous diseases that pose a serious threat to human health. The long-term outcome of patients with leukemia still needs to be improved and new effective therapeutic strategies continue to be an unmet clinical need. Shikonin (SHK) is a naphthoquinone derivative that shows multiple biological function includes anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. Numerous studies have reported the anti-leukemia activity of SHK during the last 3 decades and there are studies showing that SHK is particularly effective towards various leukemia cells compared to solid tumors. In this review, we will discuss the anti-leukemia effect of SHK and summarize the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, SHK may be a promising agent to be developed as an anti-leukemia drug.
Genotypes of Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa grown in contrasting field environments differ on transcriptomic and metabolomic levels, significantly impacting nutritional quality
Authors: Bell Luke , Chadwick Martin , Puranik Manik , Jasper Jake , Tudor Richard , Methven Lisa , Wagstaff Carol
Published: November 2023

Rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) is a source of sulfur-containing glucosinolates (GSLs). GSLs and their breakdown hydrolysis products (GHPs) are responsible for health-related benefits, such as anti-cancer and anti-neurodegenerative properties. Understanding how phytochemical composition changes between cultivation environments is key to developing cultivars with improved nutritional quality. Two consecutive harvests (first and second regrowth) of crops, grown in both Italy and the UK, were used to determine the phytochemical and transcriptomic differences between six lines of Eruca. Samples were taken upon delivery from field sites (D0) and after five days of cold storage (D5) for each location. Leaves were analysed for sulfur content, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), GSLs, GHPs, and sugars. Transcriptome data were associated with metabolite profiles to identify differentially expressed genes between plants grown in the two environments. VOC compounds (carbon disulfide, methyl thiocyanate) were associated with growth environment and with differences in sulfur metabolism gene expression (APR2, LSU2, LSU3, SDI1, SiR), GSL biosynthesis (MYB28, FMOGS-OX2) and GHP formation (ESM1, TGG1, TGG2). The concentrations of sugars were an order of magnitude greater in UK grown samples (up to 29.9 mg g-1 dry weight; dw). Sulfur content was significantly higher in the Italy plant samples (11.4 – 20.1 mg g-1 dw), which was in turn associated with higher concentrations of GSLs (pentyl GSL, up to 15.8 μmol g-1 dw; sinigrin, up to 0.005 μmol g-1 dw; glucoraphanin, up to 5.1 μmol g-1 dw; glucorucolamine, up to 23.6 μmol g-1 dw; neoglucobrassicin, up to 5.3 μmol g-1 dw) and hydrolysis products (sativin, up to 13.5 μmol g-1 dw; erucin, up to 1 μmol g-1 dw; sulforaphane, up to 34.7 μmol g-1 dw). VOC profiles of plants cultivated in the UK were distinct from Italy grown plants, with higher relative abundances of alkanes and esters in second cut and shelf-life (D5) samples. The data indicate a significant interaction of cultivar response with environment, highlighting the difficulty of producing Eruca crops with consistent phytochemical and postharvest traits. Genes with differential expression between plants grown in Italy and the UK could be used as markers of phytochemical quality and composition.
New trends in detection of harmful insects and pests in modern agriculture using artificial neural networks. a review
Authors: Popescu Dan , Dinca Alexandru , Ichim Loretta , Angelescu Nicoleta
Published: November 2023

Modern and precision agriculture is constantly evolving, and the use of technology has become a critical factor in improving crop yields and protecting plants from harmful insects and pests. The use of neural networks is emerging as a new trend in modern agriculture that enables machines to learn and recognize patterns in data. In recent years, researchers and industry experts have been exploring the use of neural networks for detecting harmful insects and pests in crops, allowing farmers to act and mitigate damage. This paper provides an overview of new trends in modern agriculture for harmful insect and pest detection using neural networks. Using a systematic review, the benefits and challenges of this technology are highlighted, as well as various techniques being taken by researchers to improve its effectiveness. Specifically, the review focuses on the use of an ensemble of neural networks, pest databases, modern software, and innovative modified architectures for pest detection. The review is based on the analysis of multiple research papers published between 2015 and 2022, with the analysis of the new trends conducted between 2020 and 2022. The study concludes by emphasizing the significance of ongoing research and development of neural network-based pest detection systems to maintain sustainable and efficient agricultural production.
Home-administered transcranial direct current stimulation with asynchronous remote supervision in the treatment of depression: feasibility, tolerability, and clinical effectiveness
Authors: Koutsomitros Theodoros , Schwarz Sandra A. , van der Zee Kenneth T. , Schuhmann Teresa , Sack Alexander T.
Published: November 2023

Introduction (Background)

Depression is an often chronic condition, characterized by wide-ranging physical, cognitive and psychosocial symptoms that can lead to disability, premature mortality or suicide. It affects 350 million people globally, yet up to 30% do not respond to traditional treatment, creating an urgent need for novel non-pharmacological treatments. This open-label naturalistic study assesses the practical feasibility, tolerability, and clinical effectiveness of home-administered transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with asynchronous remote supervision, in the treatment of depression.

Method

Over the course of 3 weeks, 40 patients with depression received psychotherapy and half of this group also received daily bi-frontal tDCS stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These patients received tDCS for 30 min per session with the anode placed over F3 and the cathode over F4, at an intensity of 2 mA for 21 consecutive days. We measured patients' level of depression symptoms at four time points using the Beck Depression Inventory, before treatment and at 1-week intervals throughout the treatment period. We monitored practical feasibility such as daily protocol compliance and tolerability including side effects, with the PlatoScience cloud-based remote supervision platform.

Results

Of the 20 patients in the tDCS group, 90% were able to comply with the protocol by not missing more than three of their assigned sessions, and none dropped out of the study. No serious adverse events were reported, with only 14 instances of mild to moderate side effects and two instances of scalp pain rated as severe, out of a total of 420 stimulation sessions. Patients in the tDCS group showed a significantly greater reduction in depression symptoms after 3 weeks of treatment, compared to the treatment as usual (TAU) group [t(57.2) = 2.268, p = 0.027]. The tDCS group also showed greater treatment response (50%) and depression remission rates (75%) compared to the TAU group (5 and 30%, respectively).

Discussion (Conclusion)

These findings provide a possible indication of the clinical effectiveness of home-administered tDCS for the treatment of depression, and its feasibility and tolerability in combination with asynchronous supervision.
An individual-supported program to enhance placement in a sheltered work environment of autistic individuals mostly with intellectual disability: a prospective observational case series in an Italian community service
Authors: Maggio Roberta , Turriziani Laura , Campestre Caterina , Di Cara Marcella , Tripodi Emanuela , Impallomeni Caterina , Quartarone Angelo , Passantino Claudio , Cucinotta Francesca
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. The profile of functioning in autistic people is very heterogeneous, and it is necessary to take into account individual characteristics to better support integration in the workplace. However, unemployment rates are higher for autistic people than for other types of disabilities. We present a prospective case series to explore the feasibility and efficacy of an individual-supported program to enhance placement in a sheltered work environment delivered by an Italian community day care center.

Methods

Autistic subjects, aged from 12 to 31 years, participated in an individual-supported program regarding employment in sheltered art workshops, integrated into the regular activity of a semi-residential center three times a week for 1 year. Their feasibility retention rate and time worked per session were registered; moreover, working methods efficacy and self-organization improvement were tracked by the Likert-based rating system. Secondary outcome measures span functional levels, challenge behaviors, and sensory problems.

Results

All the individuals presented a good adaptation to the environment, with a significant increase in time worked per session. After 1 year, the intervention allowed an increase in tasks completed in an assigned complex job and an improvement in self-organization within the work schedule in a group of subjects consisting mainly of severe-to-moderate levels of autism severity (86.6%). Finally, we observed a significant increase in independent functioning areas of the TEACCH transitional assessment profile. Challenge behaviors and sensory problems were also recorded.

Conclusion

This case series supports the idea that individual-supported programs for placement in sheltered job environments delivered by community day care centers could be feasible and effective for ASD with higher levels of severity and co-occurring intellectual disability. Further targeted studies based on community models and accessible methods need to be planned to define the effectiveness of the intervention and promote improved practice at the community level with a better social impact.
Engaging interested parties to optimize wildfire smoke communication in Canada: challenges with initiating change
Authors: Choy Amelia , Shellington Erin M. , Rideout Karen , Roushorne Meghan , Joshi Phalgun , Carlsten Christopher
Published: November 2023

Background

In February 2022, an online Wildfire Smoke Communication Workshop series identified priorities and strategies to improve wildfire smoke communication in Canada. We evaluated the engagement methods, the workshop series and workshop summary report, to determine if participants/organizations initiated changes identified in the workshop to optimize wildfire smoke communication plans.

Methods

Three evaluation surveys were developed using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework dimensions and PRISM (Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model) contextual domains to measure the engagement impact. Surveys 1, 2, and 3 were disseminated to workshop participants between February 2022 (post-workshop series), May 2022 (pre-wildfire season), and September 2022 (post-wildfire season). Likert survey responses were analyzed descriptively using means and standard deviations. Open-ended written responses were analyzed using deductive reasoning and response proportions.

Results

Of 69 workshop participants, 28, 19, and 13 responded to surveys 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Workshop participation helped survey 1 respondents consider optimizing wildfire smoke communication (M = 3.93, SD = 0.88). Workshop participation and the summary report helped survey 2 respondents consider new actions to optimize wildfire smoke communication (M = 3.84, SD = 0.74). The most intended action in survey 2 (68%, n = 13) and the most common action taken in survey 3 (62%, n = 8) was to simplify message content. The primary limitation to optimization was capacity.

Conclusion

The engagement methods, particularly the summary report, were beneficial for organizations to take action to optimize wildfire smoke communication in Canada. Future engagement methods should examine persisting system-level issues and capacity limitations as they undermine the ability to optimize wildfire smoke communication in Canada.
Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene-reduced graphene oxide composite scaling up to produce wear resistant plates
Authors: Amurin Leice Gonçalves , Oliveira Poliane Neves De , Pereira Ana Flávia Tavares S. , Ribeiro Nirvana Cecília , Rezende Daniel Bastos De , Silva Glaura Goulart
Published: November 2023

Maintaining the properties of nanocomposites obtained at the laboratory scale when evolving to pilot and industrial scales is a great challenge. In this work, the route for a 3000-fold increase in scale between the laboratory and production in an industrial environment was conducted in two stages–Pilot 1 and Pilot 2–to obtain polymeric nanocomposite plates for pilot testing. The nanocomposite was based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and several different operations were optimized for complete scale-up, i.e., 1) production of reduced graphite oxide (rGrO); 2) exfoliation of rGrO; 3) milling of rGO with UHMWPE in a ball mill to produce masterbatch; and 4) RAM extrusion to produce the plates. All these steps were accompanied by characterizations that show the quality of the nanomaterial, masterbatch and nanocomposite plates. The gains in nanocomposite properties with 0.25 wt% rGO with respect to UHMWPE were ∼45% in elastic modulus, ∼50% in hardness, ∼25% in impact strength and 15% in abrasion wear (two-body test). The nanocomposite surfaces after wear tests are more hydrophobic than UHWWPE. The Pilot 1 results were generally superior to the Pilot 2 results, probably due to the very different thicknesses of the plates, i.e., 10 mm in Pilot 1 and 40 mm in Pilot 2. The improvement in different properties confirms the multifunctionality of the nanocomposite UHMWPE/rGO now produced on a pilot scale.
Critical zone science in the Western US—Too much information?
Authors: Tague Christina , Brandt W. Tyler
Published: November 2023

Exponentially growing publication rates are increasingly problematic for interdisciplinary fields like Critical Zone (CZ) science. How does one “keep up” across different, but related fields with unique hypotheses, field techniques, and models? By surveying CZ academics in the Western US, a region with substantial CZ research, we document the challenge. While conventional knowledge synthesis products-particularly review papers clearly support knowledge transfer, they are static and limited in scope. More informal paths for knowledge transfer, including social networking at conferences and academic mentorship, are useful but are unstructured and problematic for young scientists or others who may not have access to these resources. While new machine-learning tools, including ChatGPT, offer new ways forward for knowledge synthesis, we argue that they do not necessarily solve the problem of information overload in CZ Science. Instead, we argue that what we need is a community driven, machine aided knowledge tool that evolves and connects, but preserves the richness of detail found in peer-reviewed papers. The platform would be designed by CZ scientists, machine-aided and built on the strengths of people-driven synthesis. By involving the scientist in the design of this tool, it will better reflect the practice of CZ science-including hypothesis generation, testing across different time and space scales and in different time periods and locations, and, importantly, the use and evaluation of multiple, often sophisticated methods including fieldwork, remote sensing, and modeling. We seek a platform design that increases the findability and accessibility of current working knowledge while communicating the CZ science practice.
Moving beyond moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: the role of light physical activity during adolescence
Authors: Telford Deborah M. , Meiring Rebecca M. , Gusso Silmara
Published: November 2023

Regular physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle for young people. However, an estimated 80% of adolescents globally are insufficiently active. Traditionally, health benefits were attributed only to physical activity of at least moderate intensity, and recommendations focused on achieving a threshold of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, without consideration of other aspects of movement within the 24 h cycle. Recently, the overall daily balance of active and sedentary behaviours has gained recognition as an important determinant of health. However, the relationship between light intensity physical activity and health has not been fully explored. In this perspective paper, we discuss key challenges in defining, measuring and analysing light physical activity which have hindered the advancement of knowledge in this area. Next, we suggest three ways in which light physical activity may enhance adolescent wellbeing: firstly, by replacing sedentary behaviours to increase daily movement; secondly, by supporting the accumulation of higher intensities of physical activity; and thirdly, by providing positive experiences to facilitate lifelong engagement with physical activity. In highlighting the importance of light physical activity during adolescence, we aim to encourage critical reflection and the exploration of new approaches towards physical activity within public health and beyond.
Effects of fermented feed on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of lion-head goslings
Authors: Fu Zhiqi , Ao Na , Liang Xiaoen , Chen Jinhuang , Wang Yuchuan , Wang Qing , Fu Jing , Liu Chunpeng , Lu Lizhi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented feed on growth performance, antioxidant indexes and intestinal health in lion-head goslings.

Methods

288 male lion-head goslings (one-day-old) were randomly divided into four groups (6 replicates per group, 12 samples per replicate): control group (basal diet) and fermented feed (FF) groups (basal diet supplemented with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% FF, respectively). The experimental period lasted 28 days.

Results

The results showed that 5.0 and 7.5% FF groups decreased feed conversion rate (FCR) when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The 5.0% FF group reduced the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum; while the 7.5% FF group decreased the concentration of total cholesterol (TC), ALP and LDH activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the 7.5% FF group significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum (p < 0.05); 2.5% and 5.0% FF groups significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum (p < 0.05); all FF groups increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in serum (p < 0.05). For intestinal health, the villous height and villi/crypt ratio in jejunum were increased in all FF groups, but crypt depth was decreased (p < 0.05); The 5.0% FF groups enhanced T-AOC activity in jejunum (p < 0.05); The 2.5% and 5.0% FF groups enhanced GSH-Px activity (p < 0.05) in jejunum; All FF groups reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level in jejunum (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis showed that the cecum microbiota was significantly dominant in the 2.5% FF group compared to the control group including Firmicutes, Lactobacillales, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella; the flora that were significantly dominant in the 5.0% FF group compared to the control group included Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, Megamonas, and Prevotella; and the groups that were significantly dominant in the 7.5% FF group compared to the control group included Bacteroidota, Bacteroides, Bacteroidaceae, and Ruminococcaceae.

Discussion

In summary, dietary FF supplementation improved growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant capacity of lion-head goslings, as well as improved jejunal tissue morphology and optimized intestinal flora structure. In particular, the FF addition at a dose of 7.5% was relatively more effective for lion- head goslings.
Development of a shared item repository for progress testing in veterinary education
Authors: Schaper Elisabeth , van Haeften Theo , Wandall Jakob , Iivanainen Antti , Penell Johanna , Press Charles McLean , Lekeux Pierre , Holm Peter
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Progress testing in education is an assessment principle for the measurement of students’ progress over time, e.g., from start to graduation. Progress testing offers valid longitudinal formative measurement of the growth in the cognitive skills of the individual students within the subjects of the test as well as a tool for educators to monitor potential educational gaps and mismatches within the curriculum in relation to the basic veterinary learning outcomes.

Methods

Six veterinary educational establishments in Denmark, Finland, Germany (Hannover), the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden established in cooperation with the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) a common veterinary item repository that can be used for progress testing in European Veterinary Education Establishments (VEEs), linear as well as computer adaptive, covering the EAEVE veterinary subjects and theoretical “Day One Competencies.” First, a blueprint was created, suitable item formats were identified, and a quality assurance process for reviewing and approving items was established. The items were trialed to create a database of validated and calibrated items, and the responses were subsequently psychometrically analyzed according to Modern Test Theory.

Results

In total, 1,836 items were submitted of which 1,342 were approved by the reviewers for trial testing. 1,119 students from all study years and all partners VEEs participated in one or more of six item trials, and 1,948 responses were collected. Responses were analyzed using Rasch Modeling (analysis of item-fit, differential item function, item-response characteristics). A total of 821 calibrated items of various difficulty levels matching the veterinary students’ abilities and covering the veterinary knowledge domains have been banked.

Discussion

The item bank is now ready to be used for formative progress testing in European veterinary education. This paper presents and discusses possible pitfalls, problems, and solutions when establishing an international veterinary progress test.
Data-Driven Discovery of Anomaly-Sensitive Parameters from Uvula Wake Flows Using Wavelet Analyses and Poincaré Maps
Authors: Si Xiuhua , Wang Junshi , Dong Haibo , Xi Jinxiang
Published: November 2023

This study presents a data-driven approach to identifying anomaly-sensitive parameters through a multiscale, multifaceted analysis of simulated respiratory flows. The anomalies under consideration include a pharyngeal model with three levels of constriction (M1, M2, M3) and a flapping uvula with two types of kinematics (K1, K2). Direct numerical simulations (DNS) were implemented to solve the wake flows induced by a flapping uvula; instantaneous vortex images, as well as pressures and velocities at seven probes, were recorded for twelve cycles. Principal component analysis (PCA), wavelet-based multifractal spectrum and scalogram, and Poincaré mapping were implemented to identify anomaly-sensitive parameters. The PCA results demonstrated a reasonable periodicity of instantaneous vortex images in the leading vector space and revealed distinct patterns between models with varying uvula kinematics (K1, K2). At higher PCA ranks, the periodicity gradually decays, eventually transitioning to a random pattern. The multifractal spectra and scalograms of pressures in the pharynx (P6, P7) show high sensitivity to uvula kinematics, with the pitching mode (K2) having a wider spectrum and a left-skewed peak than the heaving mode (K1). Conversely, the Poincaré maps of velocities and pressures in the pharynx (Vel6, Vel7, P6, P7) exhibit high sensitivity to pharyngeal constriction levels (M1–M3), but not to uvula kinematics. The parameter sensitivity to anomaly also differs with the probe site; thus, synergizing measurements from multiple probes with properly extracted anomaly-sensitive parameters holds the potential to localize the source of snoring and estimate the collapsibility of the pharynx.
Path Planning with Multiple UAVs Considering the Sensing Range and Improved K-Means Clustering in WSNs
Authors: Kim Sejeong , Park Jongho
Published: November 2023

Recently, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for data collection was proposed. Multiple UAVs are more effective than a single UAV in wide WSNs. However, in this scenario, many factors must be considered, such as collision avoidance, the appropriate flight path, and the task time. Therefore, it is important to effectively divide the mission areas of the UAVs. In this paper, we propose an improved k-means clustering algorithm that effectively distributes sensors with various densities and fairly assigns mission areas to UAVs with comparable performance. The proposed algorithm distributes mission areas more effectively than conventional methods using cluster head selection and improved k-means clustering. In addition, a postprocessing procedure for reducing the path length during UAV path planning for each mission area is important. Thus, a waypoint refinement algorithm that considers the sensing ranges of the sensor node and the UAV is proposed to effectively improve the flight path of the UAV. The task completion time is determined by evaluating how the UAV collects data through communication with the cluster head node. The simulation results show that the mission area distribution by the improved k-means clustering algorithm and postprocessing by the waypoint refinement algorithm improve the performance and the UAV flight path during data collection.
Predicting the Base Neutralization Capacity of Soils Based on Texture, Organic Carbon and Initial pH: An Opportunity to Adjust Common Liming Recommendation Approaches to Specific Management and Climate Conditions
Authors: Ruehlmann Joerg , Bönecke Eric , Gebbers Robin , Gerlach Felix , Kling Charlotte , Lück Katrin , Meyer Swen , Nagel Anne , Palme Stefan , Philipp Golo , Scheibe Dirk , Schröter Ingmar , Vogel Sebastian , Kramer Eckart
Published: November 2023

Liming is an effective measure to increase the soil pH and to counterbalance soil acidification. Therefore, the liming recommendations (LRs) for agricultural practice consider two aspects: changing the initial pH to the desired pH and compensating for all pH decreases taking place within the liming interval. The separation of these aspects is essential to optimize LRs and to minimize lime losses to the environment. Therefore, we developed a pedotransfer function (PTF) to calculate the lime demand to change the initial pH to the desired pH and compared the results with the LRs for agricultural practice. Applying this PTF to a set of 126 soil samples that were analyzed for base neutralization capacity could explain approximately 78% of the variability in the pH changes after the addition of different amounts of Ca(OH)2. Consequently, the lime demand to change the initial pH to the desired pH increased by approximately one-sixth compared to the lime demand proposed by the liming recommendation scheme, which is commonly used in Germany. From the numerical difference between the lime demand according to the LRs and the PTF, we calculated the annual acidification rates based on the soil texture, organic matter content and initial pH. Decoupling the abovementioned two aspects of LRs might be helpful to optimize the LRs by adapting to different regions, diverse management strategies and a changing climate.
PacBio Full-Length Transcriptome of a Tetraploid Sinocyclocheilus multipunctatus Provides Insights into the Evolution of Cavefish
Authors: Zhang Renyi , Duan Qian , Luo Qi , Deng Lei
Published: November 2023

Sinocyclocheilus multipunctatus is a second-class nationally protected wild animal in China. As one of the cavefish, S. multipunctatus has strong adaptability to harsh subterranean environments. In this study, we used PacBio SMRT sequencing technology to generate a first representative full-length transcriptome for S. multipunctatus. Sequence clustering analysis obtained 232,126 full-length transcripts. Among all transcripts, 40,487 were annotated in public databases, while 70,300 microsatellites, 2384 transcription factors, and 16,321 long non-coding RNAs were identified. The phylogenetic tree showed that S. multipunctatus shows a closer relationship to Carassius auratus and Cyprinus carpio, phylogenetically diverging from the common ancestor ~14.74 million years ago (Mya). We also found that between 15.6 and 17.5 Mya, S. multipunctatus also experienced an additional whole-genome duplication (WGD) event, which may have promoted the species evolution of S. multipunctatus. Meanwhile, the overall rates of evolutionary of polyploid S. multipunctatus were significantly higher than those of the other cyprinids, and 220 positively selected genes (PSGs) were identified in two sub-genomes of S. multipunctatus. These PSGs are likely to fulfill critical roles in the process of adapting to diverse cave environments. This study has the potential to facilitate future investigations into the genomic characteristics of S. multipunctatus and provide valuable insights into revealing the evolutionary history of polyploid S. multipunctatus.
A Functional Variant Alters the Binding of Bone morphogenetic protein 2 to the Transcription Factor NF-κB to Regulate Bone morphogenetic protein 2 Gene Expression and Chicken Abdominal Fat Deposition
Authors: Yuan Meng , Liu Xin , Wang Mengdie , Li Ziwei , Li Hui , Leng Li , Wang Shouzhi
Published: November 2023

In this study, we employed a dual-luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift analysis (EMSA) in vitro to explore whether a 12-base pair (bp) insertion/deletion (InDel) variant (namely g.14798187_14798188insTCCCTGCCCCCT) within intron 2 of the chicken BMP2 gene, which was significantly associated with chicken abdominal fat weight and abdominal fat percentage, is a functional marker and its potential regulatory mechanism. The reporter analysis demonstrated that the luciferase activity of the deletion allele was extremely significantly higher than that of the insertion allele (p < 0.01). A bioinformatics analysis revealed that compared to the deletion allele, the insertion allele created a transcription factor binding site of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), which exhibited an inhibitory effect on fat deposition. A dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of NF-κB on the deletion allele was stronger than that on the insertion allele. EMSA indicated that the binding affinity of NF-κB for the insertion allele was stronger than that for the deletion allele. In conclusion, the 12-bp InDel chicken BMP2 gene variant is a functional variant affecting fat deposition in chickens, which may partially regulate BMP2 gene expression by affecting the binding of transcription factor NF-κB to the BMP2 gene.
Ramon Flour (Brosimum alicastrum Swartz) Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation, Induction of AMPK Phosphorylation, and Expression of the Hepatic Antioxidant System in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model
Authors: Cu-Cañetas Trinidad Eugenia , Velázquez-Villegas Laura A. , Manzanilla-Franco Mariana , Ayora-Talavera Teresa del Rosario , Acevedo-Fernández Juan José , Barbosa-Martín Enrique , Márquez-Mota Claudia C. , López-Barradas Adriana M. , Noriega Lilia G. , Guevara-Cruz Martha , Gutiérrez-Solís Ana Ligia , Avila-Nava Azalia
Published: November 2023

Excessive consumption of fat and carbohydrates, together with a decrease in traditional food intake, has been related to obesity and the development of metabolic alterations. Ramon seed is a traditional Mayan food used to obtain Ramon flour (RF) with high biological value in terms of protein, fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. However, few studies have evaluated the beneficial effects of RF. Thus, we aimed to determine the metabolic effects of RF consumption on a high-fat-diet-induced obesity mouse model. We divided male BALB/c mice into four groups (n = 5 each group) and fed them for 90 days with the following diets: Control (C): control diet (AIN-93), C + RF: control diet adjusted with 25% RF, HFD: high-fat diet + 5% sugar in water, and HFD + RF: high-fat diet adjusted with 25% RF + 5% sugar in water. The RF prevented the increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) and alanine transaminase (ALT) that occurred in the C and HFD groups. Notably, RF together with HFD increased serum polyphenols and antioxidant activity, and it promoted a decrease in the adipocyte size in white adipose tissue, along with lower hepatic lipid accumulation than in the HFD group. In the liver, the HFD + RF group showed an increase in the expression of β-oxidation-related genes, and downregulation of the fatty acid synthase (Fas) gene compared with the HFD group. Moreover, the HFD + RF group had increased hepatic phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), along with increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) protein expression compared with the HFD group. Thus, RF may be used as a nutritional strategy to decrease metabolic alterations during obesity.
Study of Surface Defect Detection Techniques in Grinding of SiCp/Al Composites
Authors: Wang Haotao , Zhang Haijun , Zhou Ming , Gu Chengbo , Bai Sutong , Lin Hao
Published: November 2023

SiCp/Al composites are used in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics fields, among others, due to their excellent physical and mechanical properties. However, as they are hard-to-machine materials, poor surface quality has become a major limitation to their wider applications. To effectively control the quality of machined surfaces, it is necessary to accurately detect and characterize defects. Based on the YOLOv4 object detection algorithm, a SiCp/Al composite machined surface defect detection model has been developed for the accurate and fast detection of machined surface defects. OpenCV is used to process images of detected defects and extract defect feature parameters. The number of defects and the total defect area in the same machining area are used as evaluation criteria to assess the quality of the machined surface, and the effect of the machining parameters on the quality of the machined surface is analyzed. The results show that the number and total area of surface defects that occur when grinding SiCp/Al composites are positively correlated with the feed rate, tool diameter, and size of the abrasive, while they are negatively correlated with the spindle speed and ultrasonic vibration amplitude. When the grinding depth is greater than 20 microns, the quality of the machined surface is greatly affected.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Static Stretching on Neuromuscular Properties: A Meta-Analytical Review
Authors: Shah Ruchi , Samuel Marina W. , Son Jongsang
Published: November 2023

The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the recent findings on the acute and chronic effects of static stretching on joint behaviors and neuromuscular responses and to discuss the overall effects of acute and chronic static stretching on selected outcomes via meta-analyses, using a total of 50 recent studies. The results of our meta-analyses demonstrated that acute static stretching results in increased range of motion (ROM), decreased passive resistive torque (PRT), increased maximum tolerable PRT (PRTmax), decreased maximum voluntary isometric torque, decreased muscle–tendon unit stiffness, decreased muscle stiffness, decreased tendon stiffness, and decreased shear elastic modulus. Moreover, the chronic effects of static stretching included increased ROM, increased PRTmax, decreased muscle stiffness, and decreased shear elastic modulus (or shear wave speed). These results suggest that static stretching interventions have the potential to increase ROM and reduce the mechanical properties of muscle–tendon tissue, but they may not change corticospinal excitability and spinal reflex excitability or muscle architecture parameters.
Class-Wise Classifier Design Capable of Continual Learning Using Adaptive Resonance Theory-Based Topological Clustering
Authors: Masuyama Naoki , Nojima Yusuke , Dawood Farhan , Liu Zongying
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a supervised classification algorithm capable of continual learning by utilizing an Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART)-based growing self-organizing clustering algorithm. The ART-based clustering algorithm is theoretically capable of continual learning, and the proposed algorithm independently applies it to each class of training data for generating classifiers. Whenever an additional training data set from a new class is given, a new ART-based clustering will be defined in a different learning space. Thanks to the above-mentioned features, the proposed algorithm realizes continual learning capability. Simulation experiments showed that the proposed algorithm has superior classification performance compared with state-of-the-art clustering-based classification algorithms capable of continual learning.
Word, Image, and (Re)Production in Francis Picabia’s Mechanically Inspired Abstractions
Authors: Chadwick Stephanie
Published: November 2023

Francis Picabia’s Bobinage (Bobbin, Winding or Coil) is a pencil and ink work produced on gouache-painted paper between 1921–1922. The free-floating forms in this piece appear, at first glance, to be studies in geometric abstraction. Yet, they, and the work’s title, make both semiotic and real-world references. The admixture of perspectives is notable, for it retains traces of the Cubist visual language that motivated Picabia and his peers as well as the imagery of the early twentieth-century technical diagrams that, as has been demonstrated by scholars, inspired his work. Examining Coil and other of Picabia’s artworks in tandem with the scholarship that has investigated these influences, this article explores the artist’s engagement with the very issue of representation. Through this investigation, this paper considers the ways in which Picabia’s work alludes to gender in a manner that privileges masculinity yet calls attention to the destabilizing effects of modernity—and modern representations—on notions about gender and, even, what it means to be human. Contextualized thusly, Coil represents not an abstract divergence but rather a continuation of the artist’s technical, gender, and, one could say, even cyborg investigations, revealing his engagement with new and innovative ways of perceiving, conceiving, and depicting modern experience.
Co-Sintering of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 and LiFePO4 in Tape-Casted Composite Cathodes for Oxide Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Beaupain Jean Philippe , Waetzig Katja , Auer Henry , Zapp Nicolas , Nikolowski Kristian , Partsch Mareike , Kusnezoff Mihails , Michaelis Alexander
Published: November 2023

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) with Li-ion conductive electrolytes made from polymers, thiophosphates (sulfides) or oxides instead of liquid electrolytes have different challenges in material development and manufacturing. For oxide-based SSBs, the co-sintering of a composite cathode is one of the main challenges. High process temperatures cause undesired decomposition reactions of the active material and the solid electrolyte. The formed phases inhibit the high energy and power density of ceramic SSBs. Therefore, the selection of suitable material combinations as well as the reduction of the sintering temperatures are crucial milestones in the development of ceramic SSBs. In this work, the co-sintering behavior of Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) as a solid electrolyte with Li-ion conductivity of ≥0.38 mS/cm and LiFePO4 with a C-coating (LFP) as a Li-ion storage material (active material) is investigated. The shrinkage behavior, crystallographic analysis and microstructural changes during co-sintering at temperatures between 650 and 850 °C are characterized in a simplified model system by mixing, pressing and sintering the LATP and LFP and compared with tape-casted composite cathodes (d = 55 µm). The tape-casted and sintered composite cathodes were infiltrated by liquid electrolyte as well as polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolyte and electrochemically characterized as half cells against a Li metal anode. The results indicate the formation of reaction layers between LATP and LFP during co-sintering. At Ts > 750 °C, the rhombohedral LATP phase is transformed into an orthorhombic Li1.3+xAl0.3−yFex+yTi1.7−x(PO4)3 (LAFTP) phase. During co-sintering, Fe3+ diffuses into the LATP phase and partially occupies the Al3+ and Ti4+ sites of the NASICON structure. The formation of this LAFTP leads to significant changes in the electrochemical properties of the infiltrated composite tapes. Nevertheless, a high specific capacity of 134 mAh g−1 is measured by infiltrating the sintered composite tapes with liquid electrolytes. Additionally, infiltration with a PEO electrolyte leads to a capacity of 125 mAh g−1. Therefore, the material combination of LATP and LFP is a promising approach to realize sintered ceramic SSBs.
Molecular and Biological Aspects of Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Possibilities for Bioengineering Intervention: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tsolakis Ioannis A. , Christopoulou Isidora , Sitaras Symeon , Lyros Ioannis , Rontogianni Aliki , Dalampira Maria , Tsolakis Apostolos I.
Published: November 2023

Background: The current review’s goal is to examine, with a critical eye, the effect of various biomedical parameters on orthodontic tooth movement in an attempt to provide the reader with related mechanisms of this issue focusing on certain key points. Methods: This critical review was conducted using the following keywords in the search strategy: “biomedical molecules”, “biomarkers”, “orthodontics”, “orthodontic tooth movement”, “acceleration”, “gene therapy”, and “stem cells”. Cochrane Library, Medline (PubMed), and Scopus were the databases that were used for the electronic search. Studies published until June 2023 were considered. Results: The use of biomedical approaches in orthodontic tooth movement has been investigated via different procedures and applications. Surgical approaches, biomarkers affecting orthodontic tooth movement, different biological events and mechanisms, RANK, RANK-L, OPG molecular triad, and vibration methods are the basic parameters of biomedical interventions that are examined in the present review. Conclusions: The biomedical approach seems to offer a variety of applications to control orthodontic tooth movement. The scarcity of human studies, as well as the high cost and complexity of these methods, currently limit the available accurate data concerning this issue.