bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage Detection in Structural Health Monitoring Using an Integrated ANNIRSA Approach
Authors: Bui Ngoc Dung , Dang Minh , Nguyen Tran Hieu
Published: March 2024

In the past decade, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been widely employed to address many problems. Despite their powerful problem-solving capabilities, ANNs are susceptible to a significant risk of stagnation in local minima due to using backpropagation algorithms based on gradient descent (GD) for optimal solution searching. In this paper, we introduce an enhanced version of the reptile search algorithm (IRSA), which operates in conjunction with an ANN to mitigate these limitations. By substituting GD with IRSA within an ANN, the network gains the ability to escape local minima, leading to improved prediction outcomes. To demonstrate the efficacy of IRSA in enhancing ANN’s performance, a numerical model of the Nam O Bridge is utilized. This model is updated to closely reflect actual structural conditions. Consequently, damage scenarios for single-element and multielement damage within the bridge structure are developed. The results confirm that ANNIRSA offers greater accuracy than traditional ANNs and ANNRSAs in predicting structural damage.
Research on the Preparation of Wood Adhesive Active Fillers from Tannin-/Bentonite-Modified Corn Cob
Authors: Yang Linfeng , Quan Haiyang , Ji Jiajun , Zhang Haizhe , Sun Fengwen
Published: March 2024

The artificial plywood industry in our country relies heavily on industrial flour as a filler for adhesives. Using abundant corn cob powder as the main raw material, corn cob powder was modified by impregnation with a sodium-based bentonite/bayberry tannin and used as filler for urea–formaldehyde resin (UF) adhesive, with NH4Cl as the curing agent and poplar veneer as the raw material to prepare plywood. The results showed that the modified corn cob powder with a particle size of 250 mesh was uniformly dispersed in the UF adhesive. When used as a filler, the modified corn cob powder effectively prevented the premature curing of the UF adhesive and significantly reduced its viscosity. Compared with flour filler, the bonding strength of the prepared plywood increased by 12.1%–19.6% while the formaldehyde emission decreased by 12.7%–27.8%. The cold pressing performance of the plywoods prepared with modified corn cob flour was comparable to the performance of plywood produced with industrial flour.
A Place to Meet: Community and Companionship in the Magazine of the London School of Medicine for Women, 1895–1905
Authors: Chapman Mary
Published: March 2024

At the turn of the twentieth century, British women were able to qualify as medical doctors and enter professional practice for the first time. However, they often remained excluded from the specialist journals which were crucial for knowledge exchange during this period. As a result, they formed several of their own periodicals, including the Magazine of the London School of Medicine for Women (1895–1947), which this paper discusses. Significantly, the Magazine not only provided female doctors with the opportunity for intellectual communication, but social interaction too. This paper will explore how the periodical regularly published community-building content, which emphasised friendship as a key component of female doctors’ relationships. The Magazine encouraged the sharing of humour, stories, and intimate news which both articulated and generated companionship amongst subscribers. Through this content, the Magazine wove professional connections into personal bonds, telling a story of medical sisterhood and offering a welcoming textual meeting place to a disparate network of female doctors.
Measuring the Spatial-Temporal Heterogeneity of Helplessness Sentiment and Its Built Environment Determinants during the COVID-19 Quarantines: A Case Study in Shanghai
Authors: He Yuhao , Zhao Qianlong , Sun Shanqi , Li Wenjing , Qiu Waishan
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 outbreak followed by the strict citywide lockdown in Shanghai has sparked negative emotion surges on social media platforms in 2022. This research aims to investigate the spatial–temporal heterogeneity of a unique emotion (helplessness) and its built environment determinants. First, we scraped about twenty thousand Weibo posts and utilized their sentiments with natural language processing (NLP) to extract helplessness emotion and investigated its spatial–temporal variations. Second, we tested whether “helplessness” was related with urban environment attributes when other real estate economic and demographic variables were controlled using the ordinary least squares (OLS) model. Our results confirmed that helplessness emotion peaked in early April when the lockdown started. Second, residents in neighborhoods characterized by higher rents and property management fees, higher population density, lower housing prices, lower plot ratios, or surrounded by less tree view and higher perceived visual complexity, are found to exhibit higher degree of “helplessness”. This study provides an effective data-driven framework to utilize social media data for public sentiments monitoring. The helplessness emotion identified is a unique mental distress under strict quarantine measures, which expands the growing literature of urban governance in the post-pandemic era. Decision makers should pay attention to public opinions and design tailored management measures with reference to civic emotion dynamics to facilitate social sustainability and resilience in face of future crises.
Connection of Conic and Cylindrical Map Projections
Authors: Lapaine Miljenko
Published: March 2024

In previous papers that have dealt with cylindrical map projections as limiting cases of conical projections, standard or equidistant parallels were used in the derivations. This paper shows that this is not necessary and that it is sufficient to use parallels that preserve length. In addition, unlike other approaches, in this article the limiting cases of conic projections are derived in the most natural way, by deriving the equations of cylindrical projections from the equations of conic projections in a rectangular system in the projection plane using a mathematical concept of limits. It is shown that such an approach is possible, but not always, so it should be used carefully, or even better, avoided in teaching and studying map projections.
Vitamin D Supplementation in Neonatal and Infant MIS-C Following COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Rizzi Manuela , Avellis Vincenzo , Messina Alessandro , Germano Chiara , Tavella Elena , Dodaro Valentina , Vitale Raffaele , Revelli Alberto , Zola Paolo , Picone Simonetta , Paolillo Pier Michele , Mondì Vito , Masturzo Bianca , Manzoni Paolo , Sainaghi Pier Paolo
Published: March 2024

To date, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a great clinical challenge worldwide, and effective anti-COVID-19 drugs are limited. For this reason, nutritional supplements have been investigated as adjuvant therapeutic approaches in disease management. Among such supplements, vitamin D has gained great interest, due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions both in adult and pediatric populations. Even if there is conflicting evidence about its prevention and/or mitigation effectiveness in SARS-CoV-2 infection, several studies demonstrated a strict correlation between hypovitaminosis D and disease severity in acute COVID-19 and MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children). This narrative review offers a resume of the state of the art about vitamin D’s role in immunity and its clinical use in the context of the current pandemic, specially focusing on pediatric manifestations and MIS-C. It seems biologically reasonable that interventions aimed at normalizing circulating vitamin D levels could be beneficial. To help clinicians in establishing the correct prophylaxis and/or supportive therapy with vitamin D, well-designed and adequately statistically powered clinical trials involving both adult and pediatric populations are needed. Moreover, this review will also discuss the few other nutraceuticals evaluated in this context.
An Assessment of the Mechanophysical and Hormonal Impact on Human Endometrial Epithelium Mechanics and Receptivity
Authors: Sternberg Anna K. , Izmaylova Liubov , Buck Volker U. , Classen-Linke Irmgard , Leube Rudolf E.
Published: March 2024

The endometrial epithelium and underlying stroma undergo profound changes to support and limit embryo adhesion and invasion, which occur in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle during the window of implantation. This coincides with a peak in progesterone and estradiol production. We hypothesized that the interplay between hormone-induced changes in the mechanical properties of the endometrial epithelium and stroma supports this process. To study it, we used hormone-responsive endometrial adenocarcinoma-derived Ishikawa cells growing on substrates of different stiffness. We showed that Ishikawa monolayers on soft substrates are more tightly clustered and uniform than on stiff substrates. Probing for mechanical alterations, we found accelerated stress–relaxation after apical nanoindentation in hormone-stimulated monolayers on stiff substrates. Traction force microscopy furthermore revealed an increased number of foci with high traction in the presence of estradiol and progesterone on soft substrates. The detection of single cells and small cell clusters positive for the intermediate filament protein vimentin and the progesterone receptor further underscored monolayer heterogeneity. Finally, adhesion assays with trophoblast-derived AC-1M-88 spheroids were used to examine the effects of substrate stiffness and steroid hormones on endometrial receptivity. We conclude that the extracellular matrix and hormones act together to determine mechanical properties and, ultimately, embryo implantation.
Design and Synthesis of New GS-6207 Subtypes for Targeting HIV-1 Capsid Protein
Authors: Akther Thamina , McFadden William M. , Zhang Huanchun , Kirby Karen A. , Sarafianos Stefan G. , Wang Zhengqiang
Published: March 2024

HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) is the molecular target of the recently FDA-approved long acting injectable (LAI) drug lenacapavir (GS-6207). The quick emergence of CA mutations resistant to GS-6207 necessitates the design and synthesis of novel sub-chemotypes. We have conducted the structure-based design of two new sub-chemotypes combining the scaffold of GS-6207 and the N-terminal cap of PF74 analogs, the other important CA-targeting chemotype. The design was validated via induced-fit molecular docking. More importantly, we have worked out a general synthetic route to allow the modular synthesis of novel GS-6207 subtypes. Significantly, the desired stereochemistry of the skeleton C2 was confirmed via an X-ray crystal structure of the key synthetic intermediate 22a. Although the newly synthesized analogs did not show significant potency, our efforts herein will facilitate the future design and synthesis of novel subtypes with improved potency.
Identification of Inhibitors of the Disease-Associated Protein Phosphatase Scp1 Using Antibody Mimetic Molecules
Authors: Kobayashi Tamaki , Yamazaki Kazuki , Shinada Junki , Mizunuma Masataka , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Chuman Yoshiro
Published: March 2024

Protein phosphorylation is a prevalent translational modification, and its dysregulation has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. Despite its significance, there is a lack of specific inhibitors of the FCP/SCP-type Ser/Thr protein phosphatase Scp1, characterized by high specificity and affinity. In this study, we focused on adnectin, an antibody-mimetic protein, aiming to identify Scp1-specific binding molecules with a broad binding surface that target the substrate-recognition site of Scp1. Biopanning of Scp1 was performed using an adnectin-presenting phage library with a randomized FG loop. We succeeded in identifying FG-1Adn, which showed high affinity and specificity for Scp1. Ala scanning analysis of the Scp1-binding sequence in relation to the FG-1 peptide revealed that hydrophobic residues, including aromatic amino acids, play important roles in Scp1 recognition. Furthermore, FG-1Adn was found to co-localize with Scp1 in cells, especially on the plasma membrane. In addition, Western blotting analysis showed that FG-1Adn increased the phosphorylation level of the target protein of Scp1 in cells, indicating that FG-1Adn can inhibit the function of Scp1. These results suggest that FG-1Adn can be used as a specific inhibitor of Scp1.
Standard Radio-Iodine Labeling Protocols Impaired the Functional Integrity of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Exosomes
Authors: Yang Chang-Tong , Lai Ruenn Chai , Phua Vanessa Jing Xin , Aw Swee Eng , Zhang Bin , Sim Wei Kian , Lim Sai Kiang , Ng David Chee Eng
Published: March 2024

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are an extensively studied cell type in clinical trials due to their easy availability, substantial ex vivo proliferative capacity, and therapeutic efficacy in numerous pre-clinical animal models of disease. The prevailing understanding suggests that their therapeutic impact is mediated by the secretion of exosomes. Notably, MSC exosomes present several advantages over MSCs as therapeutic agents, due to their non-living nature and smaller size. However, despite their promising therapeutic potential, the clinical translation of MSC exosomes is hindered by an incomplete understanding of their biodistribution after administration. A primary obstacle to this lies in the lack of robust labels that are highly sensitive, capable of directly and easily tagging exosomes with minimal non-specific labeling artifacts, and sensitive traceability with minimal background noise. One potential candidate to address this issue is radioactive iodine. Protocols for iodinating exosomes and tracking radioactive iodine in live imaging are well-established, and their application in determining the biodistribution of exosomes has been reported. Nevertheless, the effects of iodination on the structural or functional activities of exosomes have never been thoroughly examined. In this study, we investigate these effects and report that these iodination methods abrogate CD73 enzymatic activity on MSC exosomes. Consequently, the biodistribution of iodinated exosomes may reflect the biodistribution of denatured exosomes rather than functionally intact ones.
Taking on Social Media as New Gatekeepers among Young People: A Call upon Digital Literacy
Authors: Pérez-Escoda Ana , Barrios-Rubio Andrés , Pedrero-Esteban Luis Miguel , Ávalos Carolina
Published: March 2024

Today’s public sphere is increasingly shaped by a dynamic, global, cross-cutting digital landscape, mostly ruled by social media and algorithms. Individuals are the raw material, the product, in this digital scenario, insofar as they generate and create information that coexists and is consumed alongside the information generated by the media outlets. In this context, this study focusses on an international sample from three countries (Spain, Colombia, and Costa Rica) to study the youngest information consumption, the trust they relay in media used to get informed, and their perceptions. The research was articulated from a quantitative methodological approach, focusing on a descriptive and correlational perspective. The results show interesting and innovative outcomes that point out that country origin does not constitute a significative factor when describing consumption patterns related to social media. It was confirmed in the study that these scenarios seem to become the new gatekeepers for young people, who barely consume traditional media such as press or radio broadcast. The lack of trust in the media that they consume to get informed is a matter of awareness, and digital literacy is described to be the most appropriated solution in a transformative normality in which young people do not consume information from traditional media.
Biological Control and Habitat Management for the Control of Onion Thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in Onion Production in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Gagnon Annie-Ève , Fortier Anne-Marie , Audette Carolane
Published: March 2024

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) can pose a significant threat to onion crops, causing leaf damage, reduced bulb size and quality, and yield loss during severe infestations. Conventional insecticide use has been the primary method for managing this pest species, but the efficacy of this approach is inconsistent. Furthermore, emerging pest resistance is a growing concern in some regions. This two-year field study aimed to assess the effectiveness of several pest management strategies in controlling onion thrips populations and limiting their impact on onion yields. The strategies tested consisted of habitat manipulations (including flower strips and straw mulch), biological control agents (Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii, and Beauveria bassiana), as well as physical barrier control methods (exclusion nets, kaolin, and mineral oil). Habitat manipulation techniques, particularly the use of flower strips, reduced thrips populations by up to 50% and increased onion yields by 25%. In contrast, exclusion nets had a detrimental effect on onion yields, and the other alternative control methods produced results comparable to those obtained for untreated controls. When used alone, biological control agents were not effective at maintaining thrips populations below economically damaging levels. This study offers valuable insights into effective and sustainable pest management practices for the onion industry.
New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Alajous Salah , Budhiraja Pooja
Published: March 2024

New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus after Transplantation (NODAT) emerges as a prevalent complication post-kidney transplantation, with its incidence influenced by variations in NODAT definitions and follow-up periods. The condition’s pathophysiology is marked by impaired insulin sensitivity and β-cell dysfunction. Significant risk factors encompass age, gender, obesity, and genetics, among others, with the use of post-transplant immunosuppressants intensifying the condition. NODAT’s significant impact on patient survival and graft durability underscores the need for its prevention, early detection, and treatment. This review addresses the complexities of managing NODAT, including the challenges posed by various immunosuppressive regimens crucial for transplant success yet harmful to glucose metabolism. It discusses management strategies involving adjustments in immunosuppressive protocols, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological interventions to minimize diabetes risk while maintaining transplant longevity. The importance of early detection and proactive, personalized intervention strategies to modify NODAT’s trajectory is also emphasized, advocating for a shift towards more anticipatory post-transplant care.
The Prognostic Value of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure—A Prospective Study
Authors: Schwegel Nora , Zach David , Peikert Alexander , Santner Viktoria , Höller Viktoria , Gollmer Johannes , Späth Johannes , Riepl Hermann , Rainer Peter P. , Wallner Markus , Pilz Stefan , Zirlik Andreas , von Lewinski Dirk , Ablasser Klemens , Verheyen Nicolas , Kolesnik Ewald
Published: March 2024

Background: In patients with stable chronic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) provides limited prognostic value, especially in patients with moderately to severely reduced LVEF. Echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular function may be associated with adverse clinical events in these patients. Therefore, we analyzed 164 patients with HFrEF in a prospective single-center cohort study to evaluate whether the parameters of right ventricular function are associated with worsening heart failure (WHF) hospitalizations, cardiovascular and all-cause deaths and combined endpoints. Methods: Echocardiographic cine loops were analyzed using vendor-independent post-processing software. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed, which were then adjusted for clinical characteristics and left ventricular functional parameters. Results: In these models, higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was significantly associated with lower rates of WHF hospitalizations (HR 0.880, 95%CI 0.800–0.968, p = 0.008), a composite endpoint of WHF hospitalizations and cardiovascular death (HR 0.878, 95%CI 0.800–0.964, p = 0.006), and a composite endpoint of WHF hospitalization and all-cause death (HR 0.918, 95%CI 0.853–0.988, p = 0.023). These associations were more pronounced in patients with LVEF ≤ 35%. Conclusions: In conclusion, in patients with HFrEF, TAPSE is an independent prognosticator for adverse clinical outcomes, warranting further studies to elucidate whether incorporating TAPSE into established risk scores improves their diagnostic accuracy.
Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference as Predictors of Above-Average Increased Cardiovascular Risk Assessed by the SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP Calculators and the Proposition of New Optimal Cut-Off Values: Cross-Sectional Single-Center Study
Authors: Suwała Szymon , Junik Roman
Published: March 2024

Background: Obesity has been perceived as one of the important cardiovascular risk factors, but SCORE2 calculators used in clinical practice do not include the most popular parameters assessed for body composition: body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). The objective of this research was to determine which of the aforementioned variables is a more reliable predictor of an above-average increased cardiovascular risk for gender and age (ICVR). Methods: Data from 2061 patients were analyzed; the 10-year risk of cardiovascular events was assessed by SCORE2 tables, and the correlations with BMI and WC were analyzed. Results: BMI and WC independently predicted ICVR (OR 1.10–1.27). In males, BMI was a more accurate predictor (AUC = 0.816); however, in females, it was WC (AUC = 0.739). A novel threshold for BMI (27.6 kg/m2) was suggested, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 3.3–5.3 times depending on gender; the same holds true for WC (93 cm in women and 99 cm in men; 3.8–4.8-fold higher risk). Conclusions: Despite their heterogeneity, BMI and WC are effective cardiovascular risk predictors, especially BMI for males and WC for females; therefore, more research is needed to include them in future models for predicting unfavorable cardiometabolic events.
Impact of Frailty and Sarcopenia on Thirty-Day and Long-Term Mortality in Patients Undergoing Elective Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Saucy François , Probst Hervé , Hungerbühler Johan , Maufroy Coralie , Ricco Jean-Baptiste
Published: March 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic role of frailty and sarcopenia on the survival of patients with AAA undergoing elective endovascular repair (EVAR). Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE). The association of frailty or sarcopenia with 30-day mortality and late survival was expressed as odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Meta-analysis random effects models were applied. The five-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) was used as a frailty metric and sarcopenia was determined using computed tomography angiography (CTA) with measurements of the total psoas muscle area. Frailty was defined as patients with mFI-5 ≥ 0.6 and sarcopenia was defined as the total psoas muscle area (TPA) within the lowest tertile. Results: Thirteen observational cohorts reporting a total of 56,756 patient records were eligible for analysis. Patients with frailty (mFI-5 ≥ 0.6) had significantly increased 30-day mortality than those without frailty (random effects method: OR, 4.84, 95% CI 3.34–7.00, p < 0.001). Patients with sarcopenia (lowest TPA tertile) had significantly increased 30-day mortality according to the fixed effects method (OR, 3.30, 95% CI 2.17–5.02, p < 0.001), but not the random effects method (OR, 2.64, 95% CI 0.83–8.39, p = 0.098). Patients with sarcopenia or frailty had a significantly increased hazard ratio (HR) for late mortality than those without frailty or sarcopenia according to the random effects method (HR, 2.39, 95% CI 1.66–3.43, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity of the studies was low (I2: 0.00%, p = 0.86). The relation of frailty to age extracted from four studies demonstrates that the risk of frailty increases with age according to the random effects method (standard mean differences, SMD, 0.52, 95% CI 0.44–0.61, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity of the studies was low (I2: 0.00%, p = 0.64). Conclusions: Patients with sarcopenia or frailty have a significantly increased risk of mortality following elective EVAR. Prospective studies validating the use of frailty and sarcopenia for risk prediction after EVAR are needed before these tools can be used to support decision making.
Digital Health Platforms for Breast Cancer Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kirsch Elayna P. , Kunte Sameer A. , Wu Kevin A. , Kaplan Samantha , Hwang E. Shelley , Plichta Jennifer K. , Lad Shivanand P.
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is a significant global health concern affecting millions of women each year. Digital health platforms are an easily accessible intervention that can improve patient care, though their efficacy in breast cancer care is unknown. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of existing research on the utilization of digital health platforms for breast cancer care and identify key trends and gaps in the literature. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, Elsevier EMBASE, and Elsevier Scopus databases. The search strategy incorporated keywords related to “digital health platforms”, “breast cancer care”, and associated terminologies. After screening for eligibility, a total of 25 articles were included in this scoping review. The identified studies comprised mobile applications and web-based interventions. These platforms demonstrated various functionalities, including patient education, symptom monitoring, treatment adherence, and psychosocial support. The findings indicate the potential of digital health platforms in improving breast cancer care and patients’ overall experiences. The positive impact on patient outcomes, including improved quality of life and reduced psychological distress, underscores the importance of incorporating digital health solutions into breast cancer management. Additional research is necessary to validate the effectiveness of these platforms in diverse patient populations and assess their impact on healthcare-resource utilization.
Alterations in Gut Microbiota and Their Correlation with Brain Beta-Amyloid Burden Measured by 18F-Florbetaben PET in Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kim Geon Ha , Kim Bori R. , Yoon Hai-Jeon , Jeong Jee Hyang
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: This study investigated changes in the gut microbial composition of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their relationship with positron emission tomography (PET) amyloid accumulation. (2) Methods: In total, 17 cognitively normal individuals without amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation (Aβ−NC) and 24 with Aβ-positive mild cognitive impairment (Aβ+MCI) who underwent 18F-florbetaben PET and fecal bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing were enrolled. The taxonomic compositions of the Aβ−NC and Aβ+MCI groups were compared. The abundance of taxa was correlated with the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), using generalized linear models. (3) Results: There were significant differences in microbiome richness (ACE, p = 0.034 and Chao1, p = 0.024), alpha diversity (Shannon, p = 0.039), and beta diversity (Bray–Curtis, p = 0.018 and Generalized UniFrac, p = 0.034) between the Aβ−NC and Aβ+MCI groups. The global SUVR was positively correlated with the genus Intestinibacter (q = 0.006) and negatively correlated with the genera Roseburia (q = 0.008) and Agathobaculum (q = 0.029). (4) Conclusions: In this study, we identified significant changes in the gut microbiota composition that occur in individuals with MCI due to AD. In particular, the correlation analysis results between PET amyloid burden and gut microbial abundance showed that amyloid deposition is associated with a reduction in specific taxa involved in butyrate production.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Potential Clinical Links to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ho Kathleen , Bodi Nicole E. , Sharma Tasneem P.
Published: March 2024

Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies and the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness. Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) is a subtype of glaucoma that is characterized by a typical pattern of peripheral retinal loss, in which the patient’s intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered within the normal range (<21 mmHg). Currently, the only targetable risk factor for glaucoma is lowering IOP, and patients with NTG continue to experience visual field loss after IOP-lowering treatments. This demonstrates the need for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of NTG and underlying mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration. Recent studies have found significant connections between NTG and cerebral manifestations, suggesting NTG as a neurodegenerative disease beyond the eye. Gaining a better understanding of NTG can potentially provide new Alzheimer’s Disease diagnostics capabilities. This review identifies the epidemiology, current biomarkers, altered fluid dynamics, and cerebral and ocular manifestations to examine connections and discrepancies between the mechanisms of NTG and Alzheimer’s Disease.
The Impact of the SARS-COVID-19 Lockdowns on the Subjectively Perceived Performance Level of Amateur Athletes after Returning to the Gyms
Authors: Bernstorff Maria A. , Schumann Norman , Cibura Charlotte , Gerstmeyer Julius , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Königshausen Matthias
Published: March 2024

Since December 2019, few issues have garnered as much global attention as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-19). The imposed lockdowns in 2020/21, which led to the closure of all gyms, barred people from participating in their favourite sports activities. This study explores athletes’ self-evaluations of their performance levels upon return to training facilities post-reopening. Data were collected in May 2021, after the end of the second lockdown, using a national online questionnaire. The study recorded 20 demographic and training-specific parameters to discern the factors influencing self-perceived performance upon resuming gym activities after the 2020/2021 lockdown. A total of 1378 respondents participated in the study. Of the total number of participants, 27.5% (365) reported regaining 100% of their original performance level after reopening their studios, a proportion that comprised 212 males, 150 females, and 3 individuals of unspecified gender. Additionally, 35.7% (474) estimated their performance level to be up to 75%, followed by 30% (398) recording their performance level at 50%, and a minority of 6.8% (90) determining their performance level to be up to 25%. Exercise intensity prior to lockdown, training experience, sex, and concurrent practice of another sport significantly influenced the athletes’ self-assessment of their current fitness levels (p > 0.001, p > 0.001, p > 0.001, and 0.006, respectively). We need to understand the factors that shape self-perception, especially in case of another lockdown, in order to provide preventive assistance concerning mental and physical well-being. Positive influences on self-perception include prior athletic experience, intensive training before the lockdown, and continued participation in sports throughout the lockdown. Younger age is also favourable, but this may not necessarily reflect the benefits of youth; rather, it could indicate the current lack of accessible online sports activities for older individuals. Women, however, might have a less favourable perception of their own athletic performance.
Critical Steps and Common Mistakes during Temporal Bone Dissection: A Survey among Residents and a Step-by-Step Guide Analysis
Authors: Motta Giovanni , Massimilla Eva Aurora , Allosso Salvatore , Mesolella Massimo , De Luca Pietro , Testa Domenico , Motta Gaetano
Published: March 2024

Background: Given that the temporal bone is one of the most complex regions of the human body, cadaveric dissection of this anatomical area represents the first necessary step for the learning and training of the young oto-surgeon in order to perform middle ear surgery, which includes the management of inflammatory pathology, hearing rehabilitation, and also cognitive decline prevention surgery. The primary objective of this study was to identify common mistakes and critical passages during the initial steps of temporal bone dissection, specifically cortical mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy. Methods: A survey among 100 ENT residents was conducted, gathering insights into the most prevalent errors encountered during their training to uncover the most challenging aspects faced by novice surgeons during these procedures. Results: The most common mistakes included opening the dura of the middle cranial fossa (MCF), injury of the sigmoid sinus (SS), chorda tympani (CT), and facial nerve (FN) injury while performing the posterior tympanotomy. The most important critical steps to prevent mistakes are related to the absence of wide exposure during cortical mastoidectomy and the consequent impossibility of identifying the landmarks of the facial recess before performing posterior tympanotomy. Injury of these structures was more common in younger surgeons and in the ones who performed less than five temporal bone dissection courses. Conclusions: Numerous temporal bone dissections on cadavers are mandatory for ENT residents looking forward to performing middle ear surgery.
Developing a Wilderness Quality Index for Continental Europe
Authors: Strus Iurii , Carver Stephen
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an updated wilderness quality map, WQI 2.0, for Europe, which extends the existing map (WQI 1.0) to include non-EU states in Eastern Europe. The analysis utilizes the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and incorporates contemporary datasets to assess wilderness quality across the continent. WQI 2.0 is compared to the previous version from the EU Wilderness register and global data from the WCS Human Influence Index (HII). Results indicate a high level of consistency between the versions, validating the robustness of the approach and the value of up-to-date datasets. WQI 2.0 serves as a valuable tool for developing a coordinated European policy on wilderness protection, encompassing both EU and non-EU states. By identifying areas outside current protected boundaries, the map helps to identify regions at risk of degradation and loss, due to resource exploitation. While small changes are seen between WQI 1.0 and WQI 2.0, expanding the coverage over the whole of continental Europe provides a foundation for the longer-term monitoring and evaluation of conservation targets. The findings contribute to meeting international commitments, such as the COP15 Kunming–Montreal Agreement and CBD targets, by highlighting the importance of preserving intact wilderness areas and increasing protected areas through restoration and rewilding efforts. Future iterations, such as WQI 3.0+, can track trends and potential threats to wilderness areas, while also identifying opportunities for ecosystem recovery through restoration and rewilding. To ensure comprehensive coverage, there is a need to update the existing Wilderness Register 1.0 and expand its scope to include non-EU states. This can be facilitated through collaboration with national WQI mapping programs, building on the experiences of countries such as Scotland, France, Iceland, and Germany, which have well-established national mapping initiatives. Overall, WQI 2.0 and the proposed updates provide valuable tools for informed decision-making in wilderness conservation and restoration efforts across Europe.
Roles of Al and Mg on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Zn-Al-Mg Hot-Dipped Coated Steel
Authors: Guo Taixiong , Wang Yuhao , Yu Liusi , Jin Yongqing , Zeng Bitao , Dou Baojie , Liu Xiaoling , Lin Xiuzhou
Published: March 2024

In this work, a novel zinc–aluminum–magnesium (Zn-Al-Mg, ZM) coated steel was prepared using the hot-dip method. The microstructure and corrosion resistance of the ZM-coated steel were investigated. Compared to the conventional galvanized steel (GI), the ZM coating demonstrated a distinctive phase structure, consisting of Zn phase, binary eutectic (Zn/MgZn2), and ternary eutectic (Zn/Al/MgZn2). The corrosion resistance of the ZM-coated and GI-coated steels was evaluated by neutral salt spray test (NSST), polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that ZM-coated steel provided superior long-term corrosion protection in a NaCl environment compared to GI-coated steel. The scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) proved to be an effective method for investigating the evolution of the anodic and cathodic on the local coating surface. GI-coated steel exhibited a potential and current density distribution between the cathodic and anodic sites nearly three orders of magnitude higher than that of ZM-coated steel, suggesting a higher corrosion rate for GI-coated steel.
Electroformation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles from Damp Lipid Films with a Focus on Vesicles with High Cholesterol Content
Authors: Mardešić Ivan , Boban Zvonimir , Raguz Marija
Published: March 2024

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are membrane models used to study membrane properties. Electroformation is one of the methods used to produce GUVs. During electroformation protocol, dry lipid film is formed. The drying of the lipid film induces the cholesterol (Chol) demixing artifact, in which Chol forms anhydrous crystals which do not participate in the formation of vesicles. This leads to a lower Chol concentration in the vesicle bilayers compared to the Chol concentration in the initial lipid solution. To address this problem, we propose a novel electroformation protocol that includes rapid solvent exchange (RSE), plasma cleaning, and spin-coating methods to produce GUVs. We tested the protocol, focusing on vesicles with a high Chol content using different spin-coating durations and vesicle type deposition. Additionally, we compared the novel protocol using completely dry lipid film. The optimal spin-coating duration for vesicles created from the phosphatidylcholine/Chol mixture was 30 s. Multilamellar vesicles (MLVs), large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) obtained by the extrusion of MLVs through 100 nm membrane pores and LUVs obtained by extrusion of previously obtained LUVs through 50 nm membrane pores, were deposited on an electrode for 1.5/1 Chol/phosphatidylcholine (POPC) lipid mixture, and the results were compared. Electroformation using all three deposited vesicle types resulted in a high GUV yield, but the deposition of LUVs obtained by the extrusion of MLVs through 100 nm membrane pores provided the most reproducible results. Using the deposition of these LUVs, we produced high yield GUVs for six different Chol concentrations (from 0% to 71.4%). Using a protocol that included dry lipid film GUVs resulted in lower yields and induced the Chol demixing artifact, proving that the lipid film should never be subjected to drying when the Chol content is high.
Analysis of a Flexible Photoconductor, Manufactured with Organic Semiconductor Films
Authors: Cantera Cantera Luis Alberto , Sánchez Vergara María Elena , Hamui Leon , Mejía Prado Isidro , Flores Huerta Alejandro , Martínez Plata Teresa Lizet
Published: March 2024

This work presents the evaluation of the electrical behavior of a flexible photoconductor with a planar heterojunction architecture made up of organic semiconductor films deposited by high vacuum evaporation. The heterojunction was characterized in its morphology and mechanical properties by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The electrical characterization was carried out through the approximations of ohmic and SCLC (Space-Charge Limited Current) behaviors using experimental J–V (current density–voltage) curves at different voltages and under different light conditions. The optimization of the photoconductor was carried out through annealing and accelerated lighting processes. With these treatments, the Knoop Hardness of the flexible photoconductor has reached a value of 8 with a tensile strength of 5.7 MPa. The ohmic and SCLC approximations demonstrate that the unannealed device has an ohmic behavior, whereas the annealed device has an SCLC behavior, and after the optimization process, an ohmic behavior and a maximum current density of 0.34 mA/mm2 were obtained under blue light. The approximations of the device’s electron mobility (μn) and free carrier density (n0) were performed under different light conditions, and the electrical activation energy and electrical gap were obtained for the flexible organic device, resulting in appropriate properties for these applications.
Analyzing Various Structural and Temperature Characteristics of Floating Gate Field Effect Transistors Applicable to Fine-Grain Logic-in-Memory Devices
Authors: Cho Sangki , Kim Sueyeon , Kang Myounggon , Baik Seungjae , Jeon Jongwook
Published: March 2024

Although the von Neumann architecture-based computing system has been used for a long time, its limitations in data processing, energy consumption, etc. have led to research on various devices and circuit systems suitable for logic-in-memory (LiM) computing applications. In this paper, we analyze the temperature-dependent device and circuit characteristics of the floating gate field effect transistor (FGFET) source drain barrier (SDB) and FGFET central shallow barrier (CSB) identified in previous papers, and their applicability to LiM applications is specifically confirmed. These FGFETs have the advantage of being much more compatible with existing silicon-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes compared to devices using new materials such as ferroelectrics for LiM computing. Utilizing the 32 nm technology node, the leading-edge node where the planar metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor structure is applied, FGFET devices were analyzed in TCAD, and an environment for analyzing circuits in HSPICE was established. To seamlessly connect FGFET-based devices and circuit analyses, compact models of FGFET-SDB and -CSBs were developed and applied to the design of ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) and full adder (FA) circuits for LiM. In addition, depression and potential for application of FGFET devices to neural networks were analyzed. The temperature-dependent characteristics of the TCAM and FA circuits with FGFETs were analyzed as an indicator of energy and delay time, and the appropriate number of CSBs should be applied.
Opposite Hydrological Conditions between the Younger Dryas and the 8.2 ka Event Revealed by Stalagmite from Northwest Madagascar in East Africa
Authors: Duan Pengzhen , Li Hanying , Kathayat Gayatri , Zhang Haiwei , Ning Youfeng , Zhu Guangyou , Cheng Hai
Published: March 2024

As prominent abrupt climatic events during the last deglaciation and the early Holocene, the Younger Dryas (YD) and the 8.2 ka events have been intensely discussed to reveal the relationship between their phases and intensities, and their underlying mechanisms based on massive marine and terrestrial archives. However, the related paleoclimate records with sufficient resolution and/or precise age constraints from the Southern Hemisphere, especially East Africa, are relatively sparse, hindering our comprehensive understanding about the phases of these two events. Here, we provide a precisely dated record of an aragonite-calcite stalagmite covering 11.3–13.5 ka BP from northwest Madagascar to unravel the arid conditions during the YD, in contrast to the pluvial conditions in the 8.2 ka event that has been evidenced before. Changes in austral summer precipitation related to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) have always been interpreted to be the primary means of controlling regional rainfall amounts and thus the δ18O variations in stalagmite. However, ITCZ’s meridional migration alone is not enough to interpret the opposite hydroclimatic conditions during the YD and the 8.2 ka events in northwest Madagascar. The variation in convection intensity within the ITCZ combined with the rainfall dipole mode in East Africa, and the redistribution of the duration of the ITCZ’s presence at different latitudes might be responsible for this phenomenon. In addition, sea surface temperature could play a nonnegligible role.
Ionic Route to Atmospheric Relevant HO2 and Protonated Formaldehyde from Methanol Cation and O2
Authors: Satta Mauro , Catone Daniele , Castrovilli Mattea Carmen , Nicolanti Francesca , Cartoni Antonella
Published: March 2024

Gas-phase ion chemistry influences atmospheric processes, particularly in the formation of cloud condensation nuclei by producing ionic and neutral species in the upper troposphere–stratosphere region impacted by cosmic rays. This work investigates an exothermic ionic route to the formation of hydroperoxyl radical (HO2) and protonated formaldehyde from methanol radical cation and molecular oxygen. Methanol, a key atmospheric component, contributes to global emissions and participates in various chemical reactions affecting atmospheric composition. The two reactant species are of fundamental interest due to their role in atmospheric photochemical reactions, and HO2 is also notable for its production during lightning events. Our experimental investigations using synchrotron radiation reveal a fast hydrogen transfer from the methyl group of methanol to oxygen, leading to the formation of CH2OH+ and HO2. Computational analysis corroborates the experimental findings, elucidating the reaction dynamics and hydrogen transfer pathway. The rate coefficients are obtained from experimental data and shows that this reaction is fast and governed by capture theory. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of atmospheric processes and highlights the role of ion-driven reactions in atmospheric chemistry.
Transcriptome, Plant Hormone, and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Purple Pericarp Formation in ‘Zihui’ Papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: Wu Xiaming , Yang Min , Liu Chuanhe , Kuang Ruibing , He Han , Zhou Chenping , Wei Yuerong
Published: March 2024

The color of the pericarp is a crucial characteristic that influences the marketability of papaya fruit. Prior to ripening, normal papaya exhibits a green pericarp, whereas the cultivar ‘Zihui’ displays purple ring spots on the fruit tip, which significantly affects the fruit’s visual appeal. To understand the mechanism behind the formation of purple pericarp, this study performed a thorough examination of the transcriptome, plant hormone, and metabolome. Based on the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS system, a total of 35 anthocyanins and 11 plant hormones were identified, with 27 anthocyanins and two plant hormones exhibiting higher levels of abundance in the purple pericarp. In the purple pericarp, 14 anthocyanin synthesis genes were up-regulated, including CHS, CHI, F3H, F3′5′H, F3′H, ANS, OMT, and CYP73A. Additionally, through co-expression network analysis, three MYBs were identified as potential key regulators of anthocyanin synthesis by controlling genes encoding anthocyanin biosynthesis. As a result, we have identified numerous key genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis and developed new insights into how the purple pericarp of papaya is formed.