bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Internal Exposure of Radioactive 56MnO2 Particles on the Lung in C57BL Mice
Authors: Abishev Zhaslan , Ruslanova Bakhyt , Apbassova Saulesh , Chaizhunussova Nailya , Shabdarbayeva Dariya , Azimkhanov Almas , Zhumadilov Kassym , Stepanenko Valeriy , Ivanov Sergey , Shegay Peter , Hoshi Masaharu , Fujimoto Nariaki
Published: April 2023

The investigation of the radiation effects of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki has revealed concerns about the impact of the residual radioactive dust produced in the soil. Manganese-56 is one of the major radioisotopes produced by neutrons from the bomb; hence, we previously examined the biological effects of manganese dioxide-56 (56MnO2) in Wistar rats, in which significant changes were found in the lung. In the present study, ten-week-old male C57BL mice were exposed to three doses of radioactive 56MnO2, stable MnO2 particles, or external γ-rays (2 Gy) to further examine the effects of 56MnO2 in a different species. The estimated absorbed radiation doses from 56MnO2 were 26, 96, and 250 mGy in the lung. The animals were examined at 3, 14, and 70 days post exposure. Histologically, no exposure-related changes were found in the lungs of any group. However, pulmonary mRNA expression of aquaporin 1, which is a useful marker for lung pathophysiology, was significantly elevated at 14 and 70 days, although no such changes were found in the mice exposed to external γ-rays (2 Gy). These data indicated that the inhalation exposure to 56MnO2 particles, with <250 mGy of organ doses, produced significant biological responses in the lung.
Efficient Adsorption and Catalytic Reduction of Phenol Red Dye by Glutaraldehyde Cross-Linked Chitosan and Its Ag-Loaded Catalysts: Materials Synthesis, Characterization and Application
Authors: Siciliano Chiara Concetta , Dinh Van Minh , Canu Paolo , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka , Khokarale Santosh Govind
Published: April 2023

In this study, glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan support, as well as the catalysts obtained after loading Ag metal (Ag/Chitosan), were synthesised and applied for adsorption and reduction of phenol red dye in an aqueous solution. The Ag/chitosan catalysts were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis techniques. The catalytic reduction and adsorption performance of phenol red dye with Ag/chitosan and cross-linked chitosan, respectively, was performed at ambient reaction conditions. The reduction of dye was carried out using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as the reducing agent, while the progress of adsorption and reduction study was monitored with ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry technique. The reduction of the phenol red dye varied with the amount of catalyst, the concentration of NaBH4, Ag metal loading, reaction temperature, phenol red dye concentration and initial pH of the dye solution. The dye solution with a nearly-neutral pH (6.4) allowed efficient adsorption of the dye, while acidic (pH = 4) and alkaline (pH = 8, 11, 13.8) solutions showed incomplete or no adsorption of dye. The reusability of the Ag/chitosan catalyst was applied for the complete reduction of the dye, where no significant loss of catalytic activity was observed. Hence, the applicability of cross-linked chitosan and Ag/catalyst was thus proven for both adsorption and reduction of phenol red dye in an aqueous solution and can be applied for industrial wastewater treatment.
Pea and Soy Protein Stabilized Emulsions: Formulation, Structure, and Stability Studies
Authors: Galani Eleni , Ly Isabelle , Laurichesse Eric , Schmitt Veronique , Xenakis Aristotelis , Chatzidaki Maria D.
Published: April 2023

During the last decades, there has been a huge consumer concern about animal proteins that has led to their replacement with plant proteins. Most of those proteins exhibit emulsifying properties; thus, the food industry begins their extensive use in various food matrices. In the present study, pea and soy protein isolates (PPI and SPI) were tested as potential candidates for stabilizing food emulsions to encapsulate α-tocopherol and squalene. More specifically, PPI and SPI particles were formulated using the pH modification method. Following, emulsions were prepared using high-shear homogenization and were observed at both a microscopic and macroscopic level. Furthermore, the adsorption of the proteins was measured using the bicinchoninic acid protein assay. The emulsions’ droplet size as well as their antioxidant capacity were also evaluated. It was found that the droplet diameter of the SPI-based emulsions was 60.0 μm, while the PPI ones had a relatively smaller diameter of approximately 57.9 μm. In the presence of the bioactives, both emulsions showed scavenging activity of the 2,20-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical cation (ABTS·+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, with the ones loaded with α-tocopherol having the greatest antioxidant capacity. Overall, the proposed systems are very good candidates in different food matrices, with applications ranging from vegan milks and soups to meat alternative products.
Hyaluronic Acid in Facial Rehabilitation—A Narrative Review
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Kocic Hristina , Goldman Alberto
Published: April 2023

Background: Hyaluronic acid fillers (HAF) are a versatile tool in esthetic medicine. They also have a potential for medical indications including facial rehabilitation. Materials and methods: We performed a literature search on PUBMED and Google Scholar until December 2022. Clinical trials, clinical studies, review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case series, and case reports were considered for review. Keywords “facial rehabilitation”, “acne scars”, “traumatic scars”, “oral restoration”, “facial lipoatrophy”, “facial asymmetry”, “periocular correction”, “nasal obstruction”, “ear lobe restoration”, “morphea”, AND “hyaluronic acid filler” were used to select articles. Results: We prepared a narrative review on the use of HAF for correction of facial asymmetry and asymmetric lips, improvement of different types of scars, improvement of the jaw line, improvement of ear lobes, periocular and oral restoration, and the treatment of nasal obstruction and morphea en coub de sabre. The amount of HA used in these indications is often less than 1 mL. The bolus technique, fanning, and dual-plane injections can be utilized for treatment. Duration of clinical effects depends upon the anatomical region and is usually maintained between 2 months and 2 years. Adverse events are often mild and temporary. Vascular occlusion is a severe adverse event, but it has not been reported yet for these medical indications. Repeated injections are recommended to obtain a longer-lasting improvement. In cases of morphea, only stable and non-inflammatory plaques should be treated. The advantage of HAF compared to permanent and semipermanent fillers is the availability of hyaluronidase for rapid removal of filler material and to revise overcorrection. Conclusions: HAF play an auxiliary role in facial rehabilitation. Knowledge of filler qualities, anatomy, and underlying diagnoses is important for their safe application. More prospective controlled trials are necessary to improve evidence.
Genetic and Epigenetic Study of Monozygotic Twins Affected by Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sun Yi-Min , Yang Wan-Li , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Lang Anthony E. , Wang Jian , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2023

Background: Genetic and epigenetic modifiers of age at onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are largely unknown. It remains unclear whether DNA methylation (DNAm) age acceleration is linked to age at onset in PD patients of different ethnicities with a similar genetic background. We aim to characterize the clinical, genomic and epigenomic features of three pairs of Chinese monozygotic twins discordant for PD onset by up to 10 years. Methods: We conducted whole genome sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and genome-wide DNAm array to evaluate the three pairs of Chinese monozygotic twins discordant for age at onset of PD (families A–C). Results: We identified two heterozygous PRKN mutations (exon 2–4 deletion and p.Met1Thr) in PD affected members of one family. Somatic mutation analyses of investigated families did not reveal any variants that could explain the phenotypic discordance in the twin pairs. Of note, our epigenetic study revealed that the twins with earlier-onset had a trend of faster DNAm age acceleration than the later-onset/asymptomatic twins, but without statistical significance. Conclusion: The link between DNAm age acceleration and PD onset in Chinese patients should be interpreted with cautious, and need to be further verified in an extended PD cohort with similar genetic background.
Impact of the Extremities Positioning on the Set-Up Reproducibility for the Total Marrow Irradiation Treatment
Authors: Lambri Nicola , Antonetti Simone Leopoldo , Dei Damiano , Bellu Luisa , Bramanti Stefania , Brioso Ricardo Coimbra , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Castiglioni Isabella , Clerici Elena , Crespi Leonardo , De Philippis Chiara , Galdieri Carmela , Loiacono Daniele , Navarria Pierina , Reggiori Giacomo , Rusconi Roberto , Tomatis Stefano , Scorsetti Marta , Mancosu Pietro
Published: April 2023

Total marrow (lymph node) irradiation (TMI/TMLI) delivery requires more time than standard radiotherapy treatments. The patient’s extremities, through the joints, can experience large movements. The reproducibility of TMI/TMLI patients’ extremities was evaluated to find the best positioning and reduce unwanted movements. Eighty TMI/TMLI patients were selected (2013–2022). During treatment, a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed for each isocenter to reposition the patient. CBCT-CT pairs were evaluated considering: (i) online vector shift (OVS) that matched the two series; (ii) residual vector shift (RVS) to reposition the patient’s extremities; (iii) qualitative agreement (range 1–5). Patients were subdivided into (i) arms either leaning on the frame or above the body; (ii) with or without a personal cushion for foot positioning. The Mann-Whitney test was considered (p < 0.05 significant). Six-hundred-twenty-nine CBCTs were analyzed. The median OVS was 4.0 mm, with only 1.6% of cases ranked < 3, and 24% of RVS > 10 mm. Arms leaning on the frame had significantly smaller RVS than above the body (median: 8.0 mm/6.0 mm, p < 0.05). Using a personal cushion for the feet significantly improved the RVS than without cushions (median: 8.5 mm/1.8 mm, p < 0.01). The role and experience of the radiotherapy team are fundamental to optimizing the TMI/TMLI patient setup.
Proteomic Shotgun and Targeted Mass Spectrometric Datasets of Cerebrospinal Fluid (Liquor) Derived from Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Novikova Svetlana , Soloveva Natalia , Farafonova Tatiana , Tikhonova Olga , Shimansky Vadim , Kugushev Ivan , Zgoda Victor
Published: April 2023

Vestibular schwannomas are relatively rare intracranial tumors compared to other brain tumors. Data on the molecular features, especially on schwannoma proteome, are scarce. The 41 cerebrospinal fluid (liquor) samples were obtained during the surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma. Obtained peptide samples were analyzed by shotgun LC-MS/MS high-resolution mass spectrometry. The same peptide samples were spiked with 148 stable isotopically labeled peptide standards (SIS) followed by alkaline fractionation and scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for quantitative analysis. The natural counterparts of SIS peptides were mapped onto 111 proteins that were Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for diagnostic use. As a result, 525 proteins were identified by shotgun LC-MS/MS with high confidence (at least two peptides per protein, FDR < 1%) in liquor samples. Absolute quantitative concentrations were obtained for 54 FDA-approved proteins detected in at least five experimental samples. Since there is lack of data on the molecular landscape of vestibular schwannoma, the obtained datasets are unique and one of the first in its field.
Dimensional Accuracy of Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion with Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Bol Eric , Ramulu Mamidala
Published: April 2023

While much of additive manufacturing (AM) research is focused on microstructure, material properties, and defects, there is much less research in regards to understanding how well the part coming out of the machine matches the 3D model it is based on, as well as what are the key process parameters an engineer needs to care about when they are optimizing for AM. The purpose of this study was to understand the dimensional accuracy of the electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) process using specimens of different length scales from Ti-6Al-4V. Metrology of the specimens produced was performed using fringe projection, or laser scanning, to characterize the as-built geometry. At the meso-scale, specimen geometry and hatching history play a critical role in dimensional deviation. The effect of hatching history was further witnessed at the macro-scale while also demonstrating the effects of thermal expansion in EB-PBF. These results make the case for further process optimization in terms of dimensional accuracy in order to reduce post-processing costs and flow time.
Association between Multiple Myeloma and Ulcerative Colitis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Bangolo Ayrton , Sagireddy Sowmya , Desrochers Paul , Laabidi Imane , Nagesh Vignesh K. , Jarri Amer , Sekhon Imranjot , Laabidi Youssef , Muralidhar Deeksha , Singh Adarshpreet , Sanjeeva Paranjyothy R. P. , Sandhu Damanpartap S. , Salma Saba , Khan Saad A. , Ali Mir I. , Kim Sung H. , Bajwa Wardah , Tai Angela C. , Itani Assma , Ahmed Kareem , Ozmen Mevlut , Hirpara Bhargav , Borse Shruti M. , Weissman Simcha
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell dyscrasia that is common among patients with autoimmune diseases. However, the association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and multiple myeloma (MM) is yet to be established. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MM among patients with UC in the United States. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort analysis used the National Inpatient Sample from 2015–2018 to assess the overall MM prevalence among patients with and without UC, and within specific demographic subgroups. Prevalences were compared using a logistic regression model controlling for sex and age. Results: The crude prevalence of MM among patients with UC (n = 1750) compared with patients without UC (n = 366,265) was 0.44% vs. 0.37%, respectively. Patients with UC had increased overall odds of having MM (odds ratio (OR), 1.26). Males with UC had higher prevalence of MM (53.7% vs. 46.3%, respectively) than females. Patients with UC and MM were more likely to be African American than White (15.6% vs. 9.2%, respectively). Patients with UC age >64 had a higher prevalence of MM than those aged below 65 (70.9% vs. 29.1%, respectively). Patients with UC who were obese (BMI > 30) had a higher prevalence of MM than those who were non-obese (12.6% vs. 8.3%). Conclusions: Overall, UC appears to be associated with MM. This association can be particularly observed in specific demographic groups, such as obese, African American males, or patients >64 years of age. Thus, a high degree of clinical suspicion for MM is warranted, even with minimal symptomatology, in patients with UC, in particular among elder, obese, and African American males.
Durable Response after Repeat Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in a Patient with Extensive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix
Authors: Kaakour Dalia , Ward Garrett , Senthil Maheswari , Dayyani Farshid
Published: April 2023

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare form of lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancer. These cancers have a high tendency to progress towards peritoneal metastasis and their response to systemic treatment is typically low. Together, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have become an established form of therapy used to prolong the survival of patients with this disease. Repeat CRS and HIPEC have been shown to be feasible in selected patients with GI peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), among which those with appendix cancer receive the greatest benefit. The peritoneal cancer index (PCI) and completeness of cytoreduction have been shown to be important predictors of outcomes. However, repeat cytoreduction in patients with a high-volume peritoneal tumor burden (peritoneal cancer index (PCI) > 30) is not typically performed due to concerns regarding morbidity and mortality. Herein, we describe a case of repeat CRS and HIPEC for extensive appendiceal mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis after initial incomplete cytoreduction and durable remission of 28 months without adjuvant chemotherapy. In appendiceal mucinous cancers, repeat CRS can achieve a durable response despite an initial failed CRS and high-volume disease.
Non-Linear Signal Processing Methods for UAV Detections from a Multi-Function X-Band Radar
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Kelly P. Keith
Published: April 2023

This article develops the applicability of non-linear processing techniques such as Compressed Sensing (CS), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Iterative Adaptive Approach (IAA), and Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) for the purpose of enhanced UAV detections using portable radar systems. The combined scheme has many advantages and the potential for better detection and classification accuracy. Some of the benefits are discussed here with a phased array platform in mind, the novel portable phased array Radar (PWR) by Agile RF Systems (ARS), which offers quadrant outputs. CS and IAA both show promising results when applied to micro-Doppler processing of radar returns owing to the sparse nature of the target Doppler frequencies. This shows promise in reducing the dwell time and increases the rate at which a volume can be interrogated. Real-time processing of target information with iterative and non-linear solutions is possible now with the advent of GPU-based graphics processing hardware. Simulations show promising results.
On the Asymptotic Capacity of Information-Theoretic Privacy-Preserving Epidemiological Data Collection
Authors: Cheng Jiale , Liu Nan , Kang Wei
Published: April 2023

The paradigm-shifting developments of cryptography and information theory have focused on the privacy of data-sharing systems, such as epidemiological studies, where agencies are collecting far more personal data than they need, causing intrusions on patients’ privacy. To study the capability of the data collection while protecting privacy from an information theory perspective, we formulate a new distributed multiparty computation problem called privacy-preserving epidemiological data collection. In our setting, a data collector requires a linear combination of K users’ data through a storage system consisting of N servers. Privacy needs to be protected when the users, servers, and data collector do not trust each other. For the users, any data are required to be protected from up to E colluding servers; for the servers, any more information than the desired linear combination cannot be leaked to the data collector; and for the data collector, any single server can not know anything about the coefficients of the linear combination. Our goal is to find the optimal collection rate, which is defined as the ratio of the size of the user’s message to the total size of downloads from N servers to the data collector. For achievability, we propose an asymptotic capacity-achieving scheme when E<N−1, by applying the cross-subspace alignment method to our construction; for the converse, we proved an upper bound of the asymptotic rate for all achievable schemes when E<N−1. Additionally, we show that a positive asymptotic capacity is not possible when E≥N−1. The results of the achievability and converse meet when the number of users goes to infinity, yielding the asymptotic capacity. Our work broadens current researches on data privacy in information theory and gives the best achievable asymptotic performance that any epidemiological data collector can obtain.
Bacillus- and Lactobacillus-Based Dietary Synbiotics Are Associated with Shifts in the Oropharyngeal, Proximal Colonic, and Vaginal Microbiomes of Korean Native Black Pigs
Authors: Bugenyi Andrew Wange , Song Ki-Duk , Lee Hak-Kyo , Heo Jaeyoung
Published: April 2023

In this study, we evaluated the modulatory effect of synbiotics (probiotics + prebiotics) on the oropharyngeal, proximal colonic, and vaginal microbiomes of Korean native pigs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found increased abundances of an unclassified deltaproteobacterial genus in oropharyngeal communities of pigs supplemented with a Lactobacillus-based synbiotic. These pigs also had increased abundances of unclassified genera of Tremblayales and Lactobacillales in their proximal colons. In another group, pigs supplemented with a Bacillus-based synbiotic had increased Megasphaera and reduced Campylobacter within their oropharyngeal microbiota. In addition, their vaginal microbiota had increased Clostridium and Halalkalibacillus, as well as reduced Filifactor and Veillonella. We then explored changes in the predicted microbial functionality, associated with the synbiotics. Our analysis showed a reduction in the abundance of a fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis pathway among proximal colonic microbiomes of the Lactobacillus-fed pigs. In pigs supplemented with a Bacillus-based synbiotic, the analysis showed reduced pathway abundances for the biosynthesis of carbohydrates, as well as vitamins, cofactors, and carrier molecules within their oropharyngeal microbiomes. Meanwhile, their vaginal microbiomes had higher pathway abundances for aromatic compound degradation and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, but lower abundances for amino acid degradation. The results confirmed our hypothesis that dietary synbiotics modulate the microbiome, not only in the proximal colon, but also the oropharyngeal cavity and vaginal tract of these pigs.
Simulation of the Impact of Firebrands on the Process of the Wood Layer Ignition
Authors: Matvienko Oleg , Kasymov Denis , Loboda Egor , Lutsenko Anastasia , Daneyko Olga
Published: April 2023

In this study, a theoretical formulation of the ignition and combustion of the wood layer by burning and smoldering firebrands has been considered. The effect of the firebrands’ length, distances between firebrands and their geometrical parameters on the heat exchange with the wood layer and the ignition process were analyzed. With a decrease in firebrand size, ignition of wood is possible with a decrease in the distance between the firebrands. With an increase in firebrand size at the same distance between them, the ignition regime becomes possible albeit with a longer delay time Δt. With a decrease in the distance between the firebrands, the ignition of wood is possible with an increase in Δt. As a result of mathematical modeling of the process, the following processes are noted: the heat stored in firebrands of small sizes is insufficient to initiate the ignition process; the temperature in the wood layer, due to conductive heat exchange, slightly increases at first, before beginning to decrease as a result of heat exchange with the surrounding air and the wood layer; intensive heat exchange with the environment of small size firebrands leads to the end of firebrand smoldering and its cooling; and, if the firebrand size reaches a critical value, then the pyrolysis process begins in the area adjacent to it.
Tissue-Level Flammability Testing: A Review of Existing Methods and a Comparison of a Novel Hot Plate Design to an Epiradiator Design
Authors: Celebrezze Joe V. , Boving Indra , Moritz Max A.
Published: April 2023

Increased wildfire frequency and size has led to a surge in flammability research, most of which investigates landscape-level patterns and wildfire dynamics. There has been a recent shift towards organism-scale mechanisms that may drive these patterns, as more studies focus on flammability of plants themselves. Here, we examine methods developed to study tissue-level flammability, comparing a novel hot-plate-based method to existing methods identified in a literature review. Based on a survey of the literature, we find that the hot plate method has advantages over alternatives when looking at the specific niche of small-to-intermediate live fuel samples—a size range not addressed in most studies. In addition, we directly compare the hot plate method to the commonly used epiradiator design by simultaneously conducting flammability tests along a moisture gradient, established with a laboratory benchtop drydown. Our design comparison addresses two basic issues: (1) the relationship between hydration and flammability and (2) relationships between flammability metrics. We conclude that the hot plate method compares well to the epiradiator method, while allowing for testing of bigger samples.
Driver Training Based Optimized Fractional Order PI-PDF Controller for Frequency Stabilization of Diverse Hybrid Power System
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Daraz Amil , Khan Irfan Ahmed , Basit Abdul , Khan Muhammad Irshad , Ullah Mirzat
Published: April 2023

This work provides an enhanced novel cascaded controller-based frequency stabilization of a two-region interconnected power system incorporating electric vehicles. The proposed controller combines a cascade structure comprising a fractional-order proportional integrator and a proportional derivative with a filter term to handle the frequency regulation challenges of a hybrid power system integrated with renewable energy sources. Driver training-based optimization, an advanced stochastic meta-heuristic method based on human learning, is employed to optimize the gains of the proposed cascaded controller. The performance of the proposed novel controller was compared to that of other control methods. In addition, the results of driver training-based optimization are compared to those of other recent meta-heuristic algorithms, such as the imperialist competitive algorithm and jellyfish swarm optimization. The suggested controller and design technique have been evaluated and validated under a variety of loading circumstances and scenarios, as well as their resistance to power system parameter uncertainties. The results indicate the new controller’s steady operation and frequency regulation capability with an optimal controller coefficient and without the prerequisite for a complex layout procedure.
Numerical Investigation of the Three-Dimensional HCIR Partial Differential Equation Utilizing a New Localized RBF-FD Method
Authors: Ma Xiaoxia , Ullah Malik Zaka , Shateyi Stanford
Published: April 2023

This work is concerned with the computational solution of the time-dependent 3D parabolic Heston–Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (HCIR) PDE, which is of practical importance in mathematical finance. The HCIR dynamic states that the model follows randomness for the underlying asset, the volatility and the rate of interest. Since the PDE formulation has degeneracy and non-smoothness at some area of its domain, we design a new numerical solver via semi-discretization and the radial basis function–finite difference (RBF-FD) scheme. Our scheme is built on graded meshes so as to employ the lowest possible number of discretized nodes. The stability of our solver is proven analytically. Computational testing is conducted to uphold the analytical findings in practice.
Estimating the Impacts of AV and CAV and Technologies Transportation Systems for Medium, Long, and Buildout Transportation Planning Horizons
Authors: Saha Niloy , Motuba Diomo
Published: April 2023

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) and connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are expected to have a significant impact on highways, but their planning horizon impacts have not been fully studied in the literature. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating the impact of AVs/CAVs at different stages of adoption on long-range transportation planning horizons in the United States. Planners use travel demand forecasts to make important and expensive transportation supply investment decisions, and this study uses oversaturated traffic data from the NGSIM database to estimate the parameters of the Wiedemann car-following model for a basic freeway. Using data from the European-funded Coexist Project, we construct AV/CAV scenarios that incorporate various mixes of AV/CAV technologies, including cautious driving behavior (AV-Cautious) and more aggressive driving behavior (AV All-Knowing), and span multiple planning horizon planning years. Our findings suggest that the capacity impact of AVs will change based on their penetration in the vehicle fleet. For medium-term planning horizons, AVs will reduce capacities, whereas for long-term planning horizons and the buildout, capacities will be positively impacted. However, the impact of AVs/CAVs on highway capacity is subject to two main limitations, including the assumptions made in this study about the behavior of AVs/CAVs and the lack of consideration for AVs/CAVs in oversaturated traffic in previous literature. Future studies could explore these limitations in more detail and consider other factors, such as the impact of AVs/CAVs on travel demand and the potential for AVs/CAVs to affect mode share. Overall, this research provides valuable information for transportation planners and decision-makers to consider as they develop medium and long-term transportation plans and make informed decisions about the impact of AVs/CAVs.
Assessment of the Reverberations Caused by Predominant Air Pollutants on Urban Vegetation: A Multi-Site Study in Varanasi Located in Indo-Gangetic Plains
Authors: Singh Harshita , Singh Pallavi , Agrawal Shashi Bhushan , Agrawal Madhoolika
Published: April 2023

Plant responses to air pollution have been extensively studied in urban environments. Nevertheless, detailed and holistic studies assessing their retaliation to air contaminants are still limited. The present study evaluates the effect of criteria pollutants (SO2, NO2, PM10 and O3) on the overall biochemistry and resource allocation strategy of plants in order to categorize the dominant roadside species (Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Ficus religiosa, Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Cascabela thevetia and Bougainvillea spectabilis) of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), with different morphologies and habits, into species that are tolerant and sensitive to the prevailing air pollutants. This study was performed at three different land-use sites (industrial, commercial and reference) in Varanasi for two seasons (summer and winter). It was inferred that NO2 and PM10 consistently violated the air quality standards at all the sites. The fifteen assessed parameters reflected significant variations depending upon the site, season and plant species whereupon the enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and resource utilization parameters (leaf area and leaf dry matter content) were remarkably affected. Based on the studied parameters, it was entrenched that deciduous tree species with compound leaves (D. sissoo > A. indica) were identified as the less sensitive, followed by a shrub (C. thevetia > B. spectabilis), while evergreen species with simple leaves were the most sensitive. It was also substantiated that the morphology of the foliage contributed more toward the differential response of the plants to air pollutants than its habit.
High-Resolution Mapping of Seasonal Crop Pattern Using Sentinel Imagery in Mountainous Region of Nepal: A Semi-Automatic Approach
Authors: Mishra Bhogendra , Bhandari Rupesh , Bhandari Krishna Prasad , Bhandari Dinesh Mani , Luintel Nirajan , Dahal Ashok , Poudel Shobha
Published: April 2023

Sustainable agricultural management requires knowledge of where and when crops are grown, what they are, and for how long. However, such information is not yet available in Nepal. Remote sensing coupled with farmers’ knowledge offers a solution to fill this gap. In this study, we created a high-resolution (10 m) seasonal crop map and cropping pattern in a mountainous area of Nepal through a semi-automatic workflow using Sentinel-2 A/B time-series images coupled with farmer knowledge. We identified agricultural areas through iterative self-organizing data clustering of Sentinel imagery and topographic information using a digital elevation model automatically. This agricultural area was analyzed to develop crop calendars and to track seasonal crop dynamics using rule-based methods. Finally, we computed a pixel-level crop-intensity map. In the end our results were compared to ground-truth data collected in the field and published crop calendars, with an overall accuracy of 88% and kappa coefficient of 0.83. We found variations in crop intensity and seasonal crop extension across the study area, with higher intensity in plain areas with irrigation facilities and longer fallow cycles in dry and hilly regions. The semi-automatic workflow was successfully implemented in the heterogeneous topography and is applicable to the diverse topography of the entire country, providing crucial information for mapping and monitoring crops that is very useful for the formulation of strategic agricultural plans and food security in Nepal.
Microstructure and Strength Parameters of Cement-Stabilized Loess
Authors: Axel Mani , Li Xi’an , Wen Feng , An Ming-Xiao
Published: April 2023

In this study, cement was used as a component to provide a stabilizing effect in order to evaluate the hardness and stability of loess soil. To evaluate the strength properties of loess soil reinforced with cement, samples with four distinct cement concentrations (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) and three distinct curing durations (7, 14, and 28 days) were generated. During a series of tests, the flexural strength, direct shear strength, indirect tensile strength, and unconfined compressive strength were determined. An appropriate cement dosage was found, in addition to a durability index that could be used to quantify the effect of water absorption investigations on cement-stabilized loess. Both of these discoveries were made simultaneously. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) examinations were carried out so that the fundamental mechanics of the materials could be comprehended. The results show that the cohesion of cement-stabilized loess is much more sensitive to structure than the friction angle of the material. The increase in shear strength after remoulding is due to cohesion. The SEM study showed that the cement interacted with the loess particles to produce a thick cement network that successfully covered the voids and boosted the mixture’s strength parameters. The 28-days UCS for the samples containing 7% cement was the greatest, at 3.5 MPa, while the UCS for those containing 9% cement was 4.78 MPa. The highest flexural tensile strength of 1.98 N/mm2 was determined after 28 days. The tensile strength after 7 days in samples containing 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% cement reached a maximum force of 0.15 MPa, 0.23 MPa, 0.27 MPa, and 0.37 MPa, respectively, and increased with each passing day. To achieve the desired level of strength, it is necessary to adjust the proportion of cement. In addition, as the curing period progressed, we observed an increase in the resistance and stiffness of the cement-stabilized loess due to the interactions that take place between the structure and the mineral composition. It is believed that this event was caused by naturally occurring cementation. As a consequence of this reaction, the production of new cementitious materials takes place. The cation exchange that causes the hydration and pozzolanic reaction that leads to the creation of aggregates and interparticle flocculation is responsible for their production. These findings suggest that cement may be utilised as a simple and effective method of loess stabilization, ultimately resulting in improved performance of the loess. Therefore, this study revealed that cement may considerably enhance the microstructure and strength parameters of loess. This research provides important information on cement-stabilized loess that has ramifications for geotechnical investigation, construction, research, and testing to achieve a successful project.
Pharmacological Modulation of Temporal Discounting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sarmiento Luis Felipe , Ríos-Flórez Jorge Alexander , Paez-Ardila Hector Andres , Lima de Sousa Pêssi Socorro , Olivera-La Rosa Antonio , Oliveira da Silva Anderson Manoel Herculano , Gouveia Amauri
Published: April 2023

Temporal discounting is a phenomenon where a reward loses its value as a function of time (e.g., a reward is more valuable immediately than when it delays in time). This is a type of intertemporal decision-making that has an association with impulsivity and self-control. Many pathologies exhibit higher discounting rates, meaning they discount more the values of rewards, such as addictive behaviors, bipolar disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, social anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorder, among others; thus, many studies look for the mechanism and neuromodulators of these decisions. This systematic review aims to investigate the association between pharmacological administration and changes in temporal discounting. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and Cochrane. We used the PICO strategy: healthy humans (P-Participants) that received a pharmacological administration (I-Intervention) and the absence of a pharmacological administration or placebo (C-Comparison) to analyze the relationship between the pharmacological administration and the temporal discounting (O-outcome). Nineteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most important findings were the involvement of dopamine modulation in a U-shape for choosing the delayed outcome (metoclopradime, haloperidol, and amisulpride). Furthermore, administration of tolcapone and high doses of d-amphetamine produced a preference for the delayed option. There was a time-dependent hydrocortisone effect in the preference for the immediate reward. Thus, it can be concluded that dopamine is a crucial modulator for temporal discounting, especially the D2 receptor, and cortisol also has an important time-dependent role in this type of decision. One of the limitations of this systematic review is the heterogeneity of the drugs used to assess the effect of temporal discounting.
Validation of the Opening Minds Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC): Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Version
Authors: Carrara Bruna Sordi , Sanches Marcos , Bobbili Sireesha Jennifer , de Godoy Costa Simone , de Sousa Álvaro Francisco Lopes , de Souza Jacqueline , Ventura Carla Aparecida Arena
Published: April 2023

Stigma towards people with mental illness is also present among health professionals. The study validated and estimated the reliability, dimensionality and structure of the Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC) scale in Brazil. In this methodological study, health professionals (n = 199) from Family Health Units in Brazil were recruited by convenience sampling. The EFA conducted with 16 items resulted in four factors. The Cronbach’s Alpha for the OMS scale was 0.74, which is considered to reflect reasonable reliability. The data presented contribute to the use of the scale in studies that investigate the level of stigma among health professionals towards people with mental illness, as well as in the development of anti-stigma interventions in this context.
The Effect of Ramadan Fasting on the Coping Strategies Used by Male Footballers Affiliated with the Tunisian First Professional League
Authors: Hajji Jamel , Sabah Aiche , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Lin Chung-Ying , Huang Lin-Yi
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to discover coping strategies among professional male Tunisian footballers during the Ramadan 2021 fast. One hundred and eighty footballers who belong to twelve Tunisian professional clubs (age: 25.54 ± 4.41 years, weight: 77.19 ± 5.99 kg; height: 180.54 ± 7.28 cm; BMI: 23.67 ± 0.58) were tested during three sessions: one week before Ramadan, during the last week of Ramadan, and one week after Ramadan 2021. The footballers completed the Arabic version of the Inventory of Coping Strategies for Competitive Sport (ICSCS) scale in each session. Responses were recorded retrospectively one hour after a competition. The analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of Ramadan fasting on the adaptation profile of footballers (F = 3.51; p-value = 0.0001). Before and after Ramadan fasting, active coping dominates the adaptation profile of Tunisian professional footballers. During Ramadan, footballers use an irregular and unbalanced coping profile. The lifestyle change induced by the Ramadan fast significantly and negatively affected the adaptation profile of Tunisian professional footballers. Under the effect of the month of Ramadan, footballers developed a different coping profile from that of normal months.
MC-PRPA-HLFIA Cascade Detection System for Point-of-Care Testing Pan-Drug-Resistant Genes in Urinary Tract Infection Samples
Authors: Tao Jin , Liu Dejun , Xiong Jincheng , Shan Wenchong , Dou Leina , Zhai Weishuai , Wang Yang , Shen Jianzhong , Wen Kai
Published: April 2023

Recently, urinary tract infection (UTI) triggered by bacteria carrying pan-drug-resistant genes, including carbapenem resistance gene blaNDM and blaKPC, colistin resistance gene mcr-1, and tet(X) for tigecycline resistance, have been reported, posing a serious challenge to the treatment of clinical UTI. Therefore, point-of-care (POC) detection of these genes in UTI samples without the need for pre-culturing is urgently needed. Based on PEG 200-enhanced recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a refined Chelex-100 lysis method with HRP-catalyzed lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), we developed an MCL-PRPA-HLFIA cascade assay system for detecting these genes in UTI samples. The refined Chelex-100 lysis method extracts target DNA from UTI samples in 20 min without high-speed centrifugation or pre-incubation of urine samples. Following optimization, the cascade detection system achieved an LOD of 102 CFU/mL with satisfactory specificity and could detect these genes in both simulated and actual UTI samples. It takes less than an hour to complete the process without the use of high-speed centrifuges or other specialized equipment, such as PCR amplifiers. The MCL-PRPA-HLFIA cascade assay system provides new ideas for the construction of rapid detection methods for pan-drug-resistant genes in clinical UTI samples and provides the necessary medication guidance for UTI treatment.
MiR-202-5p Regulates Geese Follicular Selection by Targeting BTBD10 to Regulate Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Ran Mingxia , Hu Shenqiang , Xie Hengli , Ouyang Qingyuan , Zhang Xi , Lin Yueyue , Yuan Xin , Hu Jiwei , He Hua , Liu Hehe , Li Liang , Wang Jiwen
Published: April 2023

The regulation of granulosa cells (GCs) proliferation and apoptosis is the key step in follicular selection which determines the egg production performance of poultry. miR-202-5p has been reported to be involved in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of mammalian ovarian GCs. However, its role in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of goose GCs is still unknown. In the present study, the GCs of pre-hierarchical follicles (phGCs, 8–10 mm) and those of hierarchical follicles (hGCs, F2–F4) were used to investigate the role of miR-202-5p in cell proliferation and apoptosis during follicle selection. In phGCs and hGCs cultured in vitro, miR-202-5p was found to negatively regulate cell proliferation and positively regulate cell apoptosis. The results of RNA-seq showed that BTB Domain Containing 10 (BTBD10) is predicted to be a key target gene for miR-202-5p to regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of GCs. Furthermore, it is confirmed that miR-202-5p can inhibit BTBD10 expression by targeting its 3′UTR region, and BTBD10 was revealed to promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of phGCs and hGCs. Additionally, co-transfection with BTBD10 effectively prevented miR-202-5p mimic-induced cell apoptosis and the inhibition of cell proliferation. Meanwhile, miR-202-5p also remarkably inhibited the expression of Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Beta (PIK3CB) and AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT1), while it was significantly restored by BTBD10. Overall, miR-202-5p suppresses the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of GCs through the downregulation of PIK3CB/AKT1 signaling by targeting BTBD10 during follicular selection. Our study provides a theoretical reference for understanding the molecular mechanism of goose follicular selection, as well as a candidate gene for molecular marker-assisted breeding to improve the geese’ egg production performance.
Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Results in Spatially Distinct Gray Matter Alteration Alongside Hormonal Alteration: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Hellewell Sarah C. , Granger Douglas A. , Cernak Ibolja
Published: April 2023

Blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT) frequently occurs during military training and deployment and has been linked to long-term neuropsychological and neurocognitive changes, and changes in brain structure. As military personnel experience frequent exposures to stress, BINT may negatively influence stress coping abilities. This study aimed to determine the effects of BINT on gray matter volume and hormonal alteration. Participants were Canadian Armed Forces personnel and veterans with a history of BINT (n = 12), and first responder controls (n = 8), recruited due to their characteristic occupational stress professions. Whole saliva was collected via passive drool on the morning of testing and analyzed for testosterone (pg/mL), cortisol (μg/dL), and testosterone/cortisol (T/C) ratio. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to compare gray matter (GM) volume, alongside measurement of cortical thickness and subcortical volumes. Saliva analyses revealed distinct alterations following BINT, with significantly elevated testosterone and T/C ratio. Widespread and largely symmetric loci of reduced GM were found specific to BINT, particularly in the temporal gyrus, precuneus, and thalamus. These findings suggest that BINT affects hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and –gonadal axis function, and causes anatomically-specific GM loss, which were not observed in a comparator group with similar occupational stressors. These findings support BINT as a unique injury with distinct structural and endocrine consequences.
Monitoring Nrf2/ARE Pathway Activity with a New Zebrafish Reporter System
Authors: Badenetti Lorenzo , Manzoli Rosa , Rubin Michela , Cozza Giorgio , Moro Enrico
Published: April 2023

Among multiple cytoprotective mechanisms, eukaryotic cells exhibit a complex transcriptional program relying on the Nrf2 transcription factor, which is generally recruited upon biological stressors including oxidative-stress-based cellular insults. The relevance of this master regulator has remarkably emerged in recent years in several research fields such as cancer, inflammatory disorders and age-related neurological diseases. Here, we document the generation and characterization of a novel Nrf2/ARE pathway biosensor fish which exhibits a dynamic spatiotemporal expression profile during the early developmental stages. The transgenic line is responsive to known Nrf2 pathway modulators but also to Edaravone, which direct activity on the Nrf2 pathway has never been documented in a live transgenic fish model. We also show that the reporter is faithfully activated during fin regeneration, and its degree of expression is slightly affected in a glucocerebrosidase (Gba1) morphant zebrafish model. Therefore, this novel transgenic fish may represent a valuable tool to be exploited for the characterization of zebrafish models of human diseases, as well as for primary high-throughput drug screening.