bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Stress Does Not Affect Motor Imagery Ability in Young, Healthy Participants: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Trapero‐Asenjo Sara , Fernández‐Guinea Sara , Guillot Aymeric , García‐Domínguez Juan Jesús , Nunez‐Nagy Susana
Published: September 2024

Motor imagery (MI) is the mental representation of a movement without its execution. It activates internal representations of the movement without external stimulus through different memory‐related processes. Although acute stress is frequent in the population and affects supraspinal structures essential for memory functionality, it is still unknown how that stress affects MI capacity and temporal congruence (TC) between execution and movement imagination. This study aimed to discover how acute stress may influence MI capacity and TC in the subscales of internal and external visual imagery and kinesthetic imagery. A double‐blind, randomized trial was conducted. Sixty‐two young, healthy subjects (mean age = 20.65 [2.54]; 39 females and 23 males) unfamiliar with the assessment and uses of MI were recruited. Participants were assigned by stratified randomization to the stress group or the control group. Stress was induced by the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST), while the control group performed the MAST control protocol. MI capacity and TC were assessed before (t1) and after (t2) MAST stress or control using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire‐3 (MIQ‐3). Electrodermal activity and heart rate variability were further recorded as control variables to assess stress induction. Thirty subjects in the stress group and 26 subjects in the control group were analyzed. No significant group differences were observed when comparing MI capacity or TC in any subscales. These findings suggest that acute stress does not significantly affect MI capacity or TC in young, healthy, non‐experienced MI subjects. MI could thus be a relevant helpful technique in stressful situations.
Remediation of Pb, Cd, and Cu contaminated soil with Mg‐Fe‐Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) synthesized from waste red mud
Authors: Chai Ao , Ding Senxu , Yu Jiang , Deng Siwei , Yu Jie , Zhu Weiwei , Liu Longyu , Wu Donghai , Wu Yuerong
Published: September 2024

Soils contaminated with multiple heavy metals pose a significant threat to human health and ecosystem functionality. Following a “treat pollution with waste” strategy, we synthesized Mg‐Fe‐Al ternary layered double hydroxides (LDHs) from waste Bayer red mud for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. Characterization using XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS methods revealed a characteristic layered structure rich in functional groups, offering reaction sites for heavy metal passivation. Passivation experiments showed that the application of Mg‐Fe‐Al LDHs (2.5 wt.%) reduced the availability of Pb (29.7%), Cd (64.1%) and Cu (66.0%) in contaminated soil from a sulphide iron ore area in southern Sichuan Province. Simulated acid rain experiments showed leachate concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cu reduced by 43.3%, 72.7% and 42.4%, respectively. This work provides a reference for the development of high‐performance and environmentally friendly adsorption‐stabilizing materials for green remediation.
Aircraft Ducted Heat Exchanger Aerodynamic Shape and Thermal Optimization
Authors: Adler Eytan J. , Lamkin Andrew H. R. , Martins Joaquim R. R. A.
Published: September 2024

Interest in aircraft electrification and hydrogen fuel cells is driving demand for efficient waste heat management systems. Ultimately, most of the heat must be rejected to the freestream air. Ducted heat exchangers, also called ducted radiators, are the most common and effective way to do this. Engineers manually design ducted heat exchangers by adjusting the duct's shape and heat exchanger's configuration to reduce drag and transfer sufficient heat. This manual approach misses potential performance improvements because engineers cannot simultaneously consider all of the complex interactions between the detailed duct shape, heat exchanger design, and operating conditions. To find these potential gains, we apply gradient-based optimization to a three-dimensional ducted heat exchanger computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The optimizer determines the duct shape, heat exchanger size, heater exchanger channel geometry, and coolant flowrate that minimize the ducted heat exchanger's power requirements while rejecting enough heat. Gradient-based optimization enables the use of nearly 100 shape design variables, creating a large design space and allowing fine-tuning of the optimal design. When applied to an arbitrary, poorly performing baseline, our method produces a nuanced and sophisticated ducted heat exchanger design with five times less cruise drag. Employing this method in the design of electric and fuel cell aircraft thermal management could uncover performance not achievable with manual design practices.
3D hybrid simulation of postarc sheath expansion with nonuniform residual plasmas
Authors: Wang Zhenxing , Li Rui , Cao Bo , Liu Haopo , Liu Jing , Sun Liqiong , Geng Yingsan , Wang Jianhua
Published: September 2024

To optimize the performance of vacuum circuit breakers, it is critical to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate physical processes that occur during vacuum interruptions. One of these processes, postarc sheath expansion is of particular importance for dielectric recovery. Previous simulation studies have examined sheath expansion by assuming uniform residual plasma at current zero. However, this approach deviates from physical realism because the discreteness in the cathode spot typically causes a nonuniform plasma distribution. This distribution cannot be analyzed by previous 1D or 2D models. To address this deficiency, this paper presents a 3D hybrid simulation model that comprehensively considers the simulation of postarc sheath expansion with nonuniform residual plasma at current zero. The model differentiates between the treatment of ions and electrons to achieve an optimal balance between computational accuracy and efficiency. The model captures the inherent nonuniformity of the plasma distribution through 3D modeling. A comparative analysis was conducted on several factors that influence the sheath expansion rate, including plasma density, transient recovery voltage rate, and ion drift velocity. The study focused on the impact of nonuniformity in the residual plasma distribution. It was demonstrated that this nonuniformity can impede the overall sheath expansion and result in the local enhancement of the electric field. The simulation aims to study the postarc sheath expansion and provide insight into the underlying physical mechanisms that govern this complex process.
Self-Paced Field Running Test in Monitoring Fatigue and Training Adaptations in Recreational Runners
Authors: Nuuttila Olli-Pekka , Uusitalo Arja , Kokkonen Veli-Pekka , Kyröläinen Heikki
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To examine the reproducibility and sensitivity of a self-paced field running test (SFT) in monitoring positive and negative changes in endurance performance. Methods: A total of 27 (11 women) recreational runners participated in a 6-week training intervention. The intervention was divided into a 3-week baseline period, a 2-week overload period, and a 1-week recovery period. An incremental treadmill test was performed before the baseline period and a 3000-m running test before and after all periods (T1–T4). In addition, the participants performed once a week an SFT (SFT1–6), which consisted of submaximal (6 + 6 + 3-min test at perceived exertion of 9/20, 13/20, and 17/20) and maximal sections (6 × 3-min intervals at maximum sustainable effort). The associations between the incremental treadmill test and the SFT1 performance were examined with the Pearson correlation, and the intraclass correlation was analyzed for the parameters of SFT1 to SFT3 sessions during the baseline period. The repeated-measures correlation was calculated for the 3000-m speed at T1 to T4 and the corresponding speeds at SFT. Results: Significant associations (r = .68–.93; P < .001) were found between the speeds of the SFT and the peak and lactate threshold speeds of the incremental treadmill test. Intraclass correlations varied between .77 and .96, being the highest for the average speed of 6 × 3-minute intervals. Repeated-measures correlation was significant (P < .05) for the 9/20 (r = .24), 13/20 (r = .24), and 6 × 3-minute intervals (r = .29). Conclusions: The SFT seemed a reproducible method to estimate endurance performance in recreational runners. The sensitivity to track short-term and small-magnitude changes in performance seems more limited and might require more standardized conditions.
Community-Based Physical Activity Programs for Blood Pressure Management in African Americans: A Scoping Review
Authors: Miezah Dennis , Wright Julie A. , Hayman Laura L.
Published: September 2024

Background: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with a higher prevalence among African Americans (AA) than other racial groups. The impact of community-based interventions on managing blood pressure (BP) in AA communities is not fully understood. The purpose of this review was to synthesize literature on community-based physical activity (PA) programs designed to manage BP in AA populations. Methods: We conducted a scoping review by searching 4 databases (PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo) and reference lists of studies. Search terms included community PA, community-based, hypertension, high BP, AA, Black Americans, PA, and exercise. Inclusion criteria were studies (1) conducted in the United States and (2) published in English language from January 2013 to September 2023, with community-based interventions that included PA for BP management among AA aged ≥18 years. Results: Search results yielded 260 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. BP decreased over time in studies that incorporated PA, faith-based therapeutic lifestyle changes with nutritional education. The duration of the PA interventions varied, with moderate to vigorous PAs implemented for 12 weeks or longer having a greater impact on BP management. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that community-based PA programs can potentially reduce BP among AA. PA programs incorporating faith-based therapeutic lifestyle change with nutritional education appear to reduce BP. Practitioners should consider multicomponent community-based PA initiatives to improve BP outcomes in AA communities.
The Retest Reliability of Common Tests to Assess Physical Qualities in Adolescent Rugby League Players
Authors: Carron Michael A. , Scanlan Aaron T. , Doering Thomas M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Rigorous evidence concerning the reliability of physical tests among young athletes is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively determine the retest reliability of the most commonly used tests to assess physical qualities in adolescent rugby league players, and to provide the standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for each test to support objective athlete monitoring. Method: A repeated-measures design was employed with 50 adolescent, schoolboy rugby league players (16.2 [1.3] y) completing the same testing battery across 2 consecutive weeks. Within each week, stature, body mass, and ∑4 skinfold thickness assessments, as well as countermovement jump, medicine ball throw, and 1-repetition maximum bench press, back squat, and prone row tests were conducted on the first testing day. Forty-eight hours later, a second testing day contained the 10- and 20-m linear sprints, 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, and Multistage Fitness Test. Results: Nonsignificant (P > .05), trivial differences (dav = 0.00–0.16) were evident between trials in all tests. The coefficient of variation ranged from 0.05% to 4.02% across tests. The intraclass correlation ranged from .704 to .999. All tests presented relatively low standard error of measurement, with accompanying minimal detectable change provided. Conclusion: These data can help inform decision making among end-users when implementing tests in a repeated manner and interpreting testing data.
Excitable Rho dynamics control cell shape and motility by sequentially activating ERM proteins and actomyosin contractility
Authors: Marshall-Burghardt Seph , Migueles-Ramírez Rodrigo A. , Lin Qiyao , El Baba Nada , Saada Rayan , Umar Mustakim , Mavalwala Kian , Hayer Arnold
Published: September 2024

Migration of endothelial and many other cells requires spatiotemporal regulation of protrusive and contractile cytoskeletal rearrangements that drive local cell shape changes. Unexpectedly, the small GTPase Rho, a crucial regulator of cell movement, has been reported to be active in both local cell protrusions and retractions, raising the question of how Rho activity can coordinate cell migration. Here, we show that Rho activity is absent in local protrusions and active during retractions. During retractions, Rho rapidly activated ezrin-radixin-moesin proteins (ERMs) to increase actin-membrane attachment, and, with a delay, nonmuscle myosin 2 (NM2). Rho activity was excitable, with NM2 acting as a slow negative feedback regulator. Strikingly, inhibition of SLK/LOK kinases, through which Rho activates ERMs, caused elongated cell morphologies, impaired Rho-induced cell contractions, and reverted Rho-induced blebbing. Together, our study demonstrates that Rho activity drives retractions by sequentially enhancing ERM-mediated actin-membrane attachment for force transmission and NM2-dependent contractility.
Ion transport and ultra-efficient osmotic power generation in boron nitride nanotube porins
Authors: Li Zhongwu , Hall Alex T. , Wang Yaqing , Li Yuhao , Byrne Dana O. , Scammell Lyndsey R. , Whitney R. Roy , Allen Frances I. , Cumings John , Noy Aleksandr
Published: September 2024

Nanotube porins form transmembrane nanomaterial-derived scaffolds that mimic the geometry and functionality of biological membrane channels. We report synthesis, transport properties, and osmotic energy harvesting performance of another member of the nanotube porin family: boron nitride nanotube porins (BNNTPs). Cryo–transmission electron microscopy imaging, liposome transport assays, and DNA translocation experiments show that BNNTPs reconstitute into lipid membranes to form functional channels of ~2-nm diameter. Ion transport studies reveal ion conductance characteristics of individual BNNTPs, which show an unusual
C
1/4
scaling with ion concentration and pronounced pH sensitivity. Reversal potential measurements indicate that BNNTPs have strong cation selectivity at neutral pH, attributable to the high negative charge on the channel. BNNTPs also deliver very large power density up to 12 kW/m
2
in the osmotic gradient transport experiments at neutral pH, surpassing that of other BNNT-based devices by two orders of magnitude under similar conditions. Our results suggest that BNNTPs are a promising platform for mass transport and osmotic power generation.
Excitation and detection of coherent nanoscale spin waves via extreme ultraviolet transient gratings
Authors: Miedaner Peter R. , Berndt Nadia , Deschamps Jude , Urazhdin Sergei , Khatu Nupur , Fainozzi Danny , Brioschi Marta , Carrara Pietro , Cucini Riccardo , Rossi Giorgio , Wittrock Steffen , Ksenzov Dmitriy , Mincigrucci Riccardo , Bencivenga Filippo , Foglia Laura , Paltanin Ettore , Bonetti Stefano , Engel Dieter , Schick Daniel , Gutt Christian , Comin Riccardo , Nelson Keith A. , Maznev Alexei A.
Published: September 2024

The advent of free electron lasers has opened the opportunity to explore interactions between extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photons and collective excitations in solids. While EUV transient grating spectroscopy, a noncollinear four-wave mixing technique, has already been applied to probe coherent phonons, the potential of EUV radiation for studying nanoscale spin waves has not been harnessed. Here we report EUV transient grating experiments with coherent magnons in Fe/Gd ferrimagnetic multilayers. Magnons with tens of nanometers wavelengths are excited by a pair of femtosecond EUV pulses and detected via diffraction of a probe pulse tuned to an absorption edge of Gd. The results unlock the potential of nonlinear EUV spectroscopy for studying magnons and provide a tool for exploring spin waves in a wave vector range not accessible by established inelastic scattering techniques.
Sub–180-nanometer-thick ultraconformable high-performance carbon nanotube–based dual-gate transistors and differential amplifiers
Authors: Wang Yuru , Wang Tingzhi , Xiang Li , Huang Ruyi , Long Guanhua , Wang Wanyi , Xi Meiqi , Tian Jiamin , Li Wangchang , Deng Xiaosong , Gong Qibei , Bai Tianshun , Chen Yufan , Liu Hong , Xia Yu , Liang Xuelei , Chen Qing , Peng Lian-Mao , Hu Youfan
Published: September 2024

There is increased interest in ultrathin flexible devices with thicknesses of <1 micrometers due to excellent conformability toward advanced laminated bioelectronics. However, because of limitations in materials, device structure, and fabrication methodology, the performance of these ultrathin devices and circuits is insufficient to support higher-level applications. Here, we report high-performance carbon nanotube–based thin-film transistors (TFTs) and differential amplifiers on ultrathin polyimide films with a total thickness of <180 nanometers. A dual-gate structure is introduced to guarantee excellent gate control efficiency and mechanical stability of the ultrathin TFTs, which exhibit high transconductance (8.96 microsiemens per micrometer), high mobility (127 square centimeters per volt per second), and steep subthreshold swing (84 millivolts per decade), and can sustain a bending radius of curvature of <10 micrometers. The differential amplifier achieves the highest gain-bandwidth product (1.83 megahertz) among flexible differential amplifiers, enabling higher-gain amplification of weak signals over an extended frequency spectrum that is demonstrated by amplification of electromyography signals in situ.
Prophylactic phage biocontrol prevents
Burkholderia gladioli
infection in a quantitative
ex planta
model of bacterial virulence
Authors: Lauman Philip , Dennis Jonathan J.
Published: September 2024

Agricultural crop yield losses and food destruction due to infections by phytopathogenic bacteria such as
Burkholderia gladioli
, which causes devastating diseases in onion, mushroom, corn, and rice crops, pose major threats to worldwide food security and cause enormous damage to the global economy. Biocontrol using bacteriophages has emerged as a promising strategy against a number of phytopathogenic species but has never been attempted against
B. gladioli
due to a lack of quantitative infection models and a scarcity of phages targeting this specific pathogen. In this study, we present a novel, procedurally straightforward, and highly generalizable fully quantitative
ex planta
maceration model and an accompanying quantitative metric, the
ex planta
maceration index (
x
PMI). In utilizing this model to test the
ex planta
virulence of a panel of 12 strains of
B. gladioli
in
Allium cepa
and
Agaricus bisporus
, we uncover substantial temperature-, host-, and strain-dependent diversity in the virulence of this fascinating pathogenic species. Crucially, we demonstrate that
Burkholderia
phages KS12 and AH2, respectively, prevent and reduce infection-associated onion tissue destruction, measured through significant (
P
< 0.0001) reductions in
x
PMI, by phytopathogenic strains of
B. gladioli
, thereby demonstrating the potential of agricultural phage biocontrol targeting this problematic microorganism.

IMPORTANCE

Agricultural crop destruction is increasing due to infections caused by bacteria such as
Burkholderia
gladioli, which causes plant tissue diseases in onion, mushroom, corn, and rice crops. These bacteria pose a major threat to worldwide food production, which, in turn, damages the global economy. One potential solution being investigated to prevent bacterial infections of plants is “biocontrol” using bacteriophages (or phages), which are bacterial viruses that readily infect and destroy bacterial cells. In this article, we demonstrate that
Burkholderia
phages KS12 and AH2 prevent or reduce infection-associated plant tissue destruction caused by strains of
B. gladioli
, thereby demonstrating the inherent potential of agricultural phage biocontrol.
The avengers: SAMHD1 cooperates with MX2/MxB to defend against HIV-1
Authors: Wan Zhi , Zhong Gang , Wang Huiqing
Published: September 2024

SAMHD1 is an intrinsic limiting factor that effectively prevents HIV-1 infection in macrophages, dendritic cells, and resting CD4+ T cells. Extensive studies have underscored the indispensable role of the dNTPase activity of SAMHD1 in its antiviral function by primarily depleting dNTPs in quiescent cells, thereby impeding HIV-1 cDNA synthesis. However, recent advancements in understanding posttranslational modifications of SAMHD1 have revealed specific modification site mutants that maintain their ability to reduce dNTP levels while impairing the inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Thus, the precise anti-HIV-1 mechanism of SAMHD1 remains enigmatic, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting its antiviral activity. Recent findings by Guo et al. shed light on the role of SAMHD1 as an HIV-1 core sensor in suppressing HIV-1 infection after viral cDNA synthesis through its interaction with MX2 (H. Guo, W. Yang, H. Li, J. Yang, et al., mBio 15:e01363-24, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01363-24
).
Effect of interface dead space on the time taken to achieve changes in set FiO
2
during T-piece ventilation: is face mask the optimal interface for neonatal stabilisation?
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Kolbrun , Stenson Ben J , Foglia Elizabeth E , Kapadia Vishal , Drevhammar Thomas , Donaldsson Snorri
Published: September 2024

Background

T-piece is recommended for respiratory support during neonatal stabilisation. Bench studies have shown a delay >30 s in achieving changes in fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO
2
) at the airway when using the T-piece. Using a face mask adds dead space (DS) to the patient airway. We hypothesised that adding face mask to T-piece systems adversely affects the time required for a change in FiO
2
to reach the patient.

Methods

Neopuff (Fisher and Paykel, Auckland, New Zealand) and rPAP (Inspiration Healthcare, Croydon, UK) were used to ventilate a test lung. DS equivalent to neonatal face masks was added between the T-piece and test lung. Additionally, rPAP was tested with nasal prongs. Time course for change in FiO
2
to be achieved at the airway was measured for increase (0.3–0.6) and decrease (1.0–0.5) in FiO
2
. Primary outcome was time to reach FiO
2
+/−0.05 of the set target. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare mean time to reach the primary outcome between different DS volumes.

Results

In all experiments, the mean time to reach the primary outcome was significantly shorter for rPAP with prongs compared with Neopuff and rPAP with face mask DS (p<0.001). The largest observed difference occurred when testing a decrease in FiO
2
with 10 mL tidal volume (TV) without leakage (18.3 s for rPAP with prongs vs 153.4 s for Neopuff with face mask DS). The shortest observed time was 13.3 s when increasing FiO
2
with 10 mL TV with prongs with leakage and the longest time was 172.7 s when decreasing FiO
2
with 4 mL TV and added face mask DS without leak.

Conclusion

There was a delay in achieving changes in oxygen delivery at the airway during simulated ventilation attributable to the mask volume. This delay was greatly reduced when using nasal prongs as an interface. This should be examined in clinical trials.
Spontaneous haemoperitoneum caused by a bleeding gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumour
Authors: Nandakumar B M , Agarwal Nikita , Vaidhyanathan Varsha , Hiremath Srikantaiah
Published: September 2024

Spontaneous haemoperitoneum is described as a collection of blood in the peritoneal cavity due to non-traumatic aetiology. Common causes in the literature include splenic, hepatic and gynaecological pathology. Patients with spontaneous haemoperitoneum usually present with non-specific dull aching abdominal pain. Spontaneous haemoperitoneum can only be radiologically diagnosed and, if not treated in time, is life threatening. Rupture of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) presenting as a spontaneous haemoperitoneum is a rare event. Gastric GIST presents as ambiguous abdominal pain, complications of which include melena, obstruction and rupture. This is a report of a male patient in his early 60s who presented with acute abdominal pain. A contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen showed haemoperitoneum with an unknown source of origin. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed a bleeding exophytic mass arising from the stomach, which was resected. Thus, early diagnosis with proper imaging and prompt treatment has a favourable outcome.
Unusual cause for seizure after surgical closure of CSF rhinorrhoea
Authors: Perumbally Hafees Abdullah , Varghese Lalee , Vijayakrishnan Aditya
Published: September 2024

Seizure following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea surgery or surgery of the skull base almost always implies postoperative meningoencephalitis, unless proven otherwise. Here, we present the case of a middle-aged female in her 40’s who underwent surgical CSF fistula closure and developed seizure on the eighth postoperative day. She was diagnosed to have posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment ensured that she had a complete recovery. Although not reported in the literature, PRES should always be a differential diagnosis in such situations, as delay in diagnosis may result in significant morbidity and rarely mortality.
Efficacy of exercise interventions on prevention of sport-related concussion and related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ivanic Branimir , Cronström Anna , Johansson Kajsa , Ageberg Eva
Published: September 2024

Objective

To review the efficacy of exercise interventions on sport-related concussion (SRC) incidence, as well as on linear and rotational head accelerations, and isometric neck strength and to assess reporting completeness of exercise interventions using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis, according to the Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport medicine and SporTs science guidelines.

Data sources

Six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science CC and SPORTDiscus) were searched up to 26 June 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs or quasi-experimental studies, evaluating exercise interventions on SRC incidence, linear and rotational head accelerations, and/or isometric neck strength in male and/or female athletes of any age, and/or in a healthy general population.

Results

A total of 26 articles were included. A large effect size was observed for resistance training (RT) on isometric neck strength (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.85; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.13; high-quality evidence). Non-significant effect sizes were observed for neuromuscular warm-up programmes on SRC incidence (risk ratio 0.69; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.23; low-quality evidence), or for RT on linear head acceleration (SMD −0.43; 95% CI −1.26 to 0.40; very low-quality evidence) or rotational head acceleration (SMD 0.08; 95% CI −0.61 to 0.77; low-quality evidence). No studies assessed the impact of RT on SRC incidence. CERT scores ranged from 4 to 16 (out of 19) with median score of 11.5 (IQR 9–13).

Conclusion

RT increases isometric neck strength, but the effect on SRC incidence is unknown. More adequately powered and rigorous trials are needed to evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on SRC incidence, and on linear and rotational head accelerations. Future studies should follow CERT guidelines, as the included interventions were generally not reported in sufficient detail for accurate replication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023435033.
The relationship between corticospinal excitability and structural integrity in stroke patients
Authors: Daghsen Lina , Checkouri Thomas , Wittwer Aymric , Valabregue Romain , Galanaud Damien , Lejeune François-Xavier , Doulazmi Mohammed , Lamy Jean-Charles , Pouget Pierre , Roze Emmanuel , Rosso Charlotte
Published: September 2024

Background

Evaluation of the structural integrity and functional excitability of the corticospinal tract (CST) is likely to be important in predicting motor recovery after stroke. Previous reports are inconsistent regarding a possible link between CST structure and CST function in this setting. This study aims to investigate the structure‒function relationship of the CST at the acute phase of stroke (<7 days).

Methods

We enrolled 70 patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke with unilateral upper extremity (UE) weakness. They underwent a multimodal assessment including clinical severity (UE Fugl Meyer at day 7 and 3 months), MRI to evaluate the CST lesion load and transcranial magnetic stimulation to measure the maximum amplitude of motor evoked potential (MEP).

Results

A cross-sectional lesion load above 87% predicted the absence of MEPs with an accuracy of 80.4%. In MEP-positive patients, the CST structure/function relationship was bimodal with a switch from a linear relationship (rho=−0.600, 95% CI −0.873; −0.039, p<0.03) for small MEP amplitudes (<0.703 mV) to a non-linear relationship for higher MEP amplitudes (p=0.72). In MEP-positive patients, recovery correlated with initial severity. In patients with a positive MEP <0.703 mV but not in patients with an MEP ≥0.703 mV, MEP amplitude was an additional independent predictor of recovery. In MEP-negative patients, we failed to identify any factor predicting recovery.

Conclusion

This large multimodal study on the structure/function of the CST and stroke recovery proposes a paradigm change for the MEP-positive patients phenotypes and refines the nature of the link between structural integrity and neurophysiological function, with implications for study design and prognostic information.
Tissue-specific expression of HCN and its metabolic precursors in Trifolium repens
Authors: Bhachu Keerath , Santangelo James S. , Johnson Marc T.J. , Fadul Hind Emad
Published: September 2024

Cyanogenesis, the release of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), is governed by two loci, Ac and Li, in white clover ( Trifolium repens L.). Ac encodes a three gene region that regulates cyanogenic glucoside production, while Li encodes linamarase that hydrolyzes cyanogenic glucosides to produce HCN. We examined Ac and Li expression in leaf, floral, and root tissues of cyanogenic and acyanogenic plants, complemented by gene expression analysis, to understand tissue-specific expression of HCN metabolism. Ac metabolic expression was present in leaves, absent in roots, and rare in flowers. Li metabolic expression in leaves perfectly correlated with that in flowers but was present in roots regardless of linamarase presence in leaves, suggesting spatial enzyme expression variation due to a homologous gene copy. HCN expression in flowers was infrequently expressed at low concentrations in plants with functional Ac and Li. Gene expression analysis confirmed some tissue-specific expression patterns and also suggested more complex molecular regulation than previously described. This study provides the first detailed examination of cyanogenesis tissue specificity in white clover, a plant of agriculture significance. The varied expression of cyanogenic secondary metabolites across tissues indicates the need for research into how white clover regulates its defenses to conserve resources.
Rayleigh wave propagation in a modified couple stress visco-thermoelastic diffusion medium
Authors: Abo-Dahab S.M. , Althobaiti Saad , Aljohani A.F. , Kumar Rajneesh , Almalki Awadh Saleh , Alharbi Ibrahim Saleem
Published: September 2024

The present investigation is devoted to Rayleigh wave propagation in modified couple stress visco-thermoelastic medium with mass diffusion under Lord–Shulman and Green–Lindsay theories of thermoelasticity. After formulating the problem mathematically, the secular equation is derived for stress free, insulated, and impermeable boundary. The wave characteristics like phase velocity and attenuation coefficient have been obtained numerically by developing numerical algorithm. For a particular material, the numerically simulated results are shown graphically to display the physical meaning of the phenomenon. The current inquiry also leads to several specific cases of interest. A comparison has been conducted with the earlier findings that suggested how the additional parameters might affect the phenomena of Rayleigh waves propagating. The results obtained indicate to the strong impact for the diffusivity and viscosity of Rayleigh thermoelastic waves propagation and applicable on the related phenomenon in geology, geophysics, acoustics, astronomy, and geophysics and agreement with the physical meaning of the phenomenon.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on organic carbon allocation, sequestration, and decomposition in black soils
Authors: Li Siyao , Yang Wenying , Hu Jindian , Guo Mengya , Li Yuxin , Wang Yuhe , Hu Minghui , Zhang Ya , Du Dongsheng , Zhu Xiancan
Published: September 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play important roles in the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC), as they can promote its accumulation and the formation of soil aggregates, thereby increasing soil carbon storage. However, the impact of carbon input through AMF inoculation on SOC sequestration is still unclear. In this study, the effects of AMF on photosynthetic carbon transport and SOC accumulation in two types of black soils with either high or low SOC soils were analyzed by an outdoor pot experiment using isotope 13C labeling, thus, revealing the mechanism of action of AMF in stabilizing SOC fixation. The results showed that AMF symbiosis increased the allocation of photosynthetic carbon to the roots of the maize plant and soils. Inoculation with AMF also increased the proportions of soil macro-aggregates and the soil microbial biomass carbon content in low SOC soil, promoted the accumulation of soil aggregates, and enhanced the chemical composition of SOC. After returning the harvested labeled straw to the original pots the following year after planting, inoculation with AMF was found to increase the contents of hemicellulose and lignin at the time when maize kernels attained a plump appearance. AMF significantly increased glomalin-related soil protein in high SOC soil. In addition, AMF had a promoting effect on the decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the straw, which could subsequently increase the accumulation of carbon. We provide evidence for the promotion of soil aggregates, soil C accumulation, and SOC sequestration with AMF inoculation.
Assessment of impurity production upon 14 MeV fusion neutron irradiation of both natural and isotopically enriched $$^{100}$$Mo samples
Authors: Palomba S. , Dellepiane G. , Falconi R. , Faccini R. , Fazio A. , Capogni M. , Capone M. , Colangeli A. , Felice P. De , Vannozzi A. , Pietropaolo A.
Published: September 2024

$$^{99m}$$

99
m

Tc, a decay product of $$^{99}$$

99

Mo, is the most widely used radionuclide in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Currently, $$^{99}$$

99

Mo is mainly produced by nuclear reactors as isotope separation from fission products by $$^{235}$$

235

U-enriched (HEU or LEU) uranium targets. Due to problems related to the ageing of nuclear fission reactors, new techniques are presently taken into consideration. In this paper, the $$^{99}$$

99

Mo production based on the $$^{100}$$

100

Mo(n,2n)$$^{99}$$

99

Mo reaction route, using 14 MeV fusion neutrons, is investigated. To this end, two samples were tested, manufactured as natural molybdenum metallic powder encapsulated in a container and $$^{100}$$

100

Mo-enriched molybdenum metallic pellet, respectively. The main goal of the experimental investigation was to determine the isotope inventory, as well as the amount of impurities generated in the neutron-irradiated samples. The experimental results were compared to numerical calculations obtained by means of MCNP and FISPACT-II codes. A prediction of the expected activity of $$^{99}$$

99

Mo under the aforementioned irradiation conditions is also provided for the future high-brilliance 14 MeV neutron source named SORGENTINA-RF.
On curvature-adapted hypersurfaces of 𝕊2 × 𝕊2 and ℍ2 × ℍ2
Authors: Hu Zejun , Lu Xiaoge , Yao Zeke , Zhang Xi
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we first give the characterizations of curvature-adapted hypersurfaces in both of the two Kähler surfaces [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Then, focusing on two subclasses of the curvature-adapted hypersurfaces in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we classify the Hopf hypersurfaces with two distinct principal curvatures as well as the Hopf hypersurfaces whose Reeb vector field [Formula: see text] and Reeb function [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text].
Phase transition in heterogeneous macro continuum model integrating the jerk effect with the mixed traffic flow involving human driving and ADAS vehicles
Authors: Tan Huili , Sun Yuanlong , Peng Guanghan
Published: September 2024

Vehicles equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) can acquire information about preceding and following vehicles, which will have an undeniable impact on the phase transition of traffic flow. Therefore, we establish a new heterogeneous continuum model of traffic flow considering the jerk effect mixed with human driving (HD) and ADAS vehicles. The neutral stability condition associated with the permeability of ADAS vehicle is inferred via stability analysis. According to simulation, shock wave occurs, implying that our model can emerge correct wave propagation trend. Moreover, the simulation of density evolution and flow changes also suggests that an increase in ADAS vehicle penetration and jerk effect can enhance traffic system stability and reduce energy consumption.
Key technologies and applications of intelligent design for complex traffic node driven by mathematics-modeling
Authors: Yang Yukui , Zhang Jiyong , Chen Weili , Zhai Cong
Published: September 2024

The intelligent design of complex transportation nodes is an important way to improve urban transportation efficiency and safety. However, currently, there are still problems with low data acquisition and processing accuracy and high-technology application costs in complex transportation nodes. Therefore, the research attempts to achieve the intelligent design of complex traffic node organizations based on digital analogue-driven and integrated building information models and optimization graph convolution algorithms. It aims to achieve real-time monitoring and analysis of traffic information to improve the overall performance of the transportation system. These experiments confirmed that the studied BIM could achieve full lifecycle management of urban interchanges, and could achieve strain analysis and trend prediction based on time series. When the organizational members were 122, the information channels for smart stations based on research technology were 241, which improved information efficiency by more than 90%. When the sensor node was 48, the predicted values of the research model based on the optimization graph convolution algorithm were consistent with the actual values, with a prediction accuracy of 95%. Therefore, the technology studied in this study can provide reliable solutions for the design of complex traffic nodes and support traffic management decisions.
Hyperon–nucleus/nucleon scattering at BESIII
Authors: Miao Han , Zhang Jianyu
Published: September 2024

Utilizing the large quantity of hyperons and antihyperons produced by the decay of 10 billion [Formula: see text] and 2.7 billion [Formula: see text] collected at BESIII, the cross-sections of several specific elastic or inelastic (anti-)hyperon–nucleus/nucleon reactions have been measured via the scattering between the (anti-)hyperons and the nucleus in the dense objects of BESIII detector. The novel method developed in these works extends the research field and opens a new era for the experiments at [Formula: see text] colliders. The results of such measurements will definitely benefit a lot the precise probe of the (anti-)hyperon–nucleus/nucleon interactions and provide constraints for the studies of the potential of strong interaction, the origin of color confinement, the unified model for baryon–baryon interactions, and the internal structure of neutron stars. The desirable prospects of corresponding studies in the future Super Tau-Charm Factory (STCF) are also discussed in this report.
Top quark production through flavor violating neutral currents within the 2HDM type-III
Authors: Gómez-Bock M. , Gonzalez-Olivares W. , Hentschinski M. , Rosado A. , Rosado-Navarro S.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we explore the parameter space for processes with fermionic flavor violation within the Two Higgs Doublets Model (2HDM) type III, processes of Flavor Changing Neutral Currents (FCNCs) are present at Leading Order (LO) as dynamics beyond the Standard Model (SM) are included. We analyze the possible Yukawa couplings beyond the SM involving the quark top, as the experimental signatures would be a clear signal to conclude about the model. The processes we analyzed are same sign top pair production at the [Formula: see text] collisions, and single top quark production in [Formula: see text] collisions, through Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS). To examine the scenarios that could exhibit such exotic events, we perform a scan in the parameter space to determine the observation possibilities for FCNC. We show the results considering the model parameters, coming from modified Yukawa interactions, [Formula: see text] of the order one. In addition, we explore the order of magnitude of possible single top production via [Formula: see text], at the proposed muon–proton collider. We found scattering values for these exotic processes of up to [Formula: see text].
CB-YOLO: Dense Object Detection of YOLO for Crowded Wheat Head Identification and Localization
Authors: Chen Wenzhuo , Lusi A , Gao Qinxiu , Bian Shaohuang , Li Baoxia , Guo Junwei , Zhang Dan , Yang Cheng , Hu Wenzhuo , Huang Feng
Published: September 2024

Wheat head identification and localization are crucial for field management and yield estimation. Traditional wheat head detection relies on labor-intensive manual counting. To address this issue, this study establishes a densely populated wheat head dataset and correspondingly proposes an efficient, rapid real-time model of CB-YOLO, which incorporates a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) mechanism (a sophisticated fusion of spatial attention mechanism and channel attention mechanism) so as to integrate channel and spatial features. Also, with an incorporated Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) to the neck, crowded wheat head detection was enhanced by establishing connections from the backbone to the bottom-up path. This enhancement surpasses the performance of the basic YOLOv5L model, achieving [Formula: see text] of 94.3% and [Formula: see text] of 53.9%. Among 10 classical detection models, CB-YOLO has a relatively small parameter size of 44[Formula: see text]Mb and high computing speed of 108[Formula: see text]G FLOPs. Additionally, ablation experiments demonstrate that compared to YOLOv5L without CBAM and BiFPN, the feature fusion module improves [Formula: see text] from 93.2% to 94.3%, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing detection performance. In conclusion, CB-YOLO exhibits outstanding identification performance, showing its feasibility in practical agricultural applications, and future work will focus on improving its localization ability.
A Switching Chaotic Coupled Map Lattices System Based on Elementary Cellular Automata and Its Applications
Authors: Ma Yingjie , Huang Sijie , Zhao Geng , Yang Yatao , Dong Youheng
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes a novel Switching Chaotic Coupled Map Lattices (SCCML) system based on Elementary Cellular Automata (ECA) to address issues found in Coupled Map Lattices (CML) systems such as period windows, poor lattice correlation, and limited chaotic behavior parameters. The system uses a bidirectional coupling method and introduces two ECA with different rules to continuously alter the indexes of the coupled lattices and the underlying chaotic mapping. This approach effectively mitigates correlation issues in CML systems. At the same time, the iterative results of ECA are cascaded with the chaotic mapping as a perturbation of the SCCML system to extend the parameter range of chaotic behavior. The Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy density and universality, bifurcation diagrams, uniformity and correlation are analyzed to investigate the dynamical properties of the proposed system. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations demonstrate that, compared with other novel spatiotemporal chaotic systems, the proposed system eliminates periodic windows, expands the chaotic behavior parameter range, and decreases the correlation between different lattices. The above experimental results demonstrate the proposed system’s excellent potential for cryptosystems and secure communication. Furthermore, an Encrypted Code Index Modulation (E-CIM) scheme based on reversible ECA encryption is proposed to address the problems of limited pseudo-random sequence resources and low spectrum utilization in direct sequence spread spectrum systems. The proposed scheme uses a chaotic sequence with good correlation and randomness generated by the SCCML spatiotemporal chaos system as the spreading code sequence. In the scheme, the information bits are divided into two parts, namely modulation bits and mapping bits. The modulation bits are mapped to points on the modulation constellation diagram. The mapping bits are encrypted using reversible ECA, and the mapped bits before and after encryption are mapped as spreading sequences with different indexes. Simulation and analysis show that under the same spectrum efficiency conditions, the BER performance of E-CIM is superior to that of the Code Index Modulation (CIM) and Generalized Code Index Modulation (GCIM) schemes by about 2–4[Formula: see text]dB and superior to that of the Nonorthogonal Code Shift Keying and Code Index Modulation (N-CSK-CIM) scheme by about 0.5[Formula: see text]dB in an additive Gaussian white noise channel when the BER is 10[Formula: see text].