bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Instrumental and Manual Visibility Observations at Xiamen Airport and the Influence of Relative Humidity
Authors: Jiang Hangdong , Li Fei , Ren Xiaohui , Hu Kaiwen , Chen Zhen , Luo Zhonghong , Chan Pak Wai
Published: August 2023

Visibility is a major factor affecting the safety and efficiency of aviation operations. As instrumental visibility measurements are the basis for calculating runway visual range, measurement accuracy is crucial. In this study, we collected instrumental visibility data (VI) from two sets of Vaisala transmissometers (referred to as LT05 and LT23) and one set of forward-scatter meters (referred to as FD) installed at Xiamen Airport. We also considered manually observed visibility (VM) and relative humidity (RH) records of automatic weather stations for 2015 to 2020. Taking the VM data as the benchmark, we comprehensively evaluated the difference between the VI of each instrument and VM as well as the influence of RH on such deviations based on the deviation (ΔV), relative deviation (ΔVMdi), root mean square error (RMSE), relative-RMSE, mean value, and correlation analysis method. Our results showed that: (1) among the three sets of visibility meters, the VI values of LT05 were the closest to the VM values under different VM levels and at high RH. Deviations in the FD measurements were greater than those of the two LT sets under low-visibility conditions that significantly affect aviation operations (VM < 800 m). (2) In general, the VI values were lower than the VM values, and the larger the VM value, the greater the deviation. (3) Extremely large ΔV and ΔVMdi values appeared in spring when the visibility level was rapidly increasing or decreasing. (4) The FD results were greatly affected by RH, with higher proportions of large ΔV and large ΔVMdi data than the two LT sets under high-humidity conditions. Therefore, the Vaisala transmissometers outperformed the forward-scatter meter at the airports along the southeastern coast of China and those in high-humidity environments.
A Nested UNet Based on Multi-Scale Feature Extraction for Mixed Gaussian-Impulse Removal
Authors: Jiang Jielin , Liu Li , Cui Yan , Zhao Yingnan
Published: August 2023

Eliminating mixed noise from images is a challenging task because accurately describing the attenuation of noise distribution is difficult. However, most existing algorithms for mixed noise removal solely rely on the local information of the image and neglect the global information, resulting in suboptimal denoising performance when dealing with complex mixed noise. In this paper, we propose a nested UNet based on multi-scale feature extraction (MSNUNet) for mixed noise removal. In MSNUNet, we introduce a U-shaped subnetwork called MSU-Subnet for multi-scale feature extraction. These multi-scale features contain abundant local and global features, aiding the model in estimating noise more accurately and improving its robustness. Furthermore, we introduce a multi-scale feature fusion channel attention module (MSCAM) to effectively aggregate feature information from different scales while preserving intricate image texture details. Our experimental results demonstrate that MSNUNet achieves leading performance in terms of quality metrics and the visual appearance of images.
Optimal Fleet Transition Modeling for Sustainable Inland Waterways Transport
Authors: Prina Matteo Giacomo , Zubaryeva Alyona , Rotondo Giuseppe , Grotto Andrea , Sparber Wolfram
Published: August 2023

The transition to sustainable waterways transport is imperative in the face of environmental and climate challenges. Local lakes, often overlooked, play a significant role in regional transportation networks and ecosystems. This study focuses on Orta lake, Italy, and aims to facilitate its transition to sustainable inland waterways transport by substituting its diesel-based fleet with electric vessels. Firstly, a comprehensive market analysis was conducted to understand the available electric vessel models and their technical characteristics. This included parameters such as capacity, range, and charging time. Based on the market analysis, an optimization model was developed to determine the minimum number of electric vessels required to completely replace the existing diesel-based fleet. This model considers various constraints and objectives, such as meeting transport demand, minimizing the number of vessels, and reducing environmental impact. The developed model was then applied to the case study of Orta lake using the collected market data. The results indicate an optimal fleet configuration and provide insights into the feasibility and implications of the transition. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable inland waterways transport and offers a methodology that can be replicated and adapted for other local lakes or maritime settings.
Efficient Railway Turnout Design: Leveraging TRIZ-Based Approaches
Authors: Sala Antonio J. , Felez Jesus , Cano-Moreno Juan David
Published: August 2023

This study focuses on the design and improvement of railway turnouts, which are critical yet complex parts of the railway infrastructure. As they are responsible for track discontinuity and potential derailments, turnouts pose significant challenges in terms of slack, misalignment and rail breakage. A new concept related to the design of turnouts, including switches and crossings, is presented in this paper. The application of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) principles, specifically the use of the contradiction matrix, was instrumental to achieving these innovative designs for railway systems and represents the main contribution of the paper. Based on the systematic use of the TRIZ principles, the proposed design addresses the problems associated with switches and crossings by replacing the classic frog with a movable element that sits in the crossing gap and reduces the existing gap, thus minimising the length of the rail gap and, consequently, providing greater contact with the rail, minimising wheel impacts on the rail gap and, consequently, decreasing the risk of derailment. By reducing rail contact forces, which are a major contributor to derailments, the risk of derailment is reduced. This study also introduces a new design for the switch rail system using a piston mechanism with an up and down stroke, which is accompanied by a rotating motor at the top for controlled movement. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to validate the proposed designs.
Crossband Filtering for Weighted Prediction Error-Based Speech Dereverberation
Authors: Rosenbaum Tomer , Cohen Israel , Winebrand Emil
Published: August 2023

Weighted prediction error (WPE) is a linear prediction-based method extensively used to predict and attenuate the late reverberation component of an observed speech signal. This paper introduces an extended version of the WPE method to enhance the modeling accuracy in the time–frequency domain by incorporating crossband filters. Two approaches to extending the WPE while considering crossband filters are proposed and investigated. The first approach improves the model’s accuracy. However, it increases the computational complexity, while the second approach maintains the same computational complexity as the conventional WPE while still achieving improved accuracy and comparable performance to the first approach. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, extensive simulations are conducted. The experimental results demonstrate that both methods outperform the conventional WPE regarding dereverberation performance. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating crossband filters in improving the accuracy and efficacy of the WPE method for dereverberation tasks.
Application of the Lock-In Technique in Magnetoelectric Coupling Measurements of the PZT/Terfenol-D Composite
Authors: Grotel Jakub , Pikula Tomasz , Mech Rafał
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a study of magnetoelectric (ME) properties of the PZT/Terfenol-D composite with a varying number of layers. The composite consists of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases that are mechanically coupled. The purpose of this setup is to gain control over the electric polarization of a material via an external magnetic field. Unlike most similar composites, our samples utilize a commercial piezoelectric patch instead of pure PZT. At present, researchers face two main problems regarding magnetoelectric materials: (i) the effect is observed far below room temperature for single-phase materials, and (ii) the ME coupling is too weak to be commercially viable. Our research was carried out via the lock-in technique on two PZT/Terfenol-D samples we synthesized. Relatively strong room-temperature magnetoelectric coupling between piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases was observed for both samples. Two types of characteristics were investigated: (i) ME voltage versus magnetic AC field frequency, and (ii) ME voltage versus magnetic DC field. We detected multiple, grouped signal peaks ascribed to different resonance modes. Uniquely, the peaks form band-like characteristics which might be an important step in bringing the materials closer to wider commercial use.
Optimizing Bioink Composition for Human Chondrocyte Expression of Lubricin
Authors: Martyniak Kari , Kennedy Sean , Karimzadeh Makan , Cruz Maria A. , Jeon Oju , Alsberg Eben , Kean Thomas J.
Published: August 2023

The surface zone of articular cartilage is the first area impacted by cartilage defects, commonly resulting in osteoarthritis. Chondrocytes in the surface zone of articular cartilage synthesize and secrete lubricin, a proteoglycan that functions as a lubricant protecting the deeper layers from shear stress. Notably, 3D bioprinting is a tissue engineering technique that uses cells encapsulated in biomaterials to fabricate 3D constructs. Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is a frequently used biomaterial for 3D bioprinting cartilage. Oxidized methacrylated alginate (OMA) is a chemically modified alginate designed for its tunable degradation rate and mechanical properties. To determine an optimal combination of GelMA and OMA for lubricin expression, we used our novel high-throughput human articular chondrocyte reporter system. Primary human chondrocytes were transduced with PRG4 (lubricin) promoter-driven Gaussia luciferase, allowing for temporal assessment of lubricin expression. A lubricin expression-driven Design of Experiment screen and subsequent validation identified 14% GelMA/2% OMA for further study. Therefore, DoE optimized 14% GelMA/2% OMA, 14% GelMA control, and 16% GelMA (total solid content control) were 3D bioprinted. The combination of lubricin protein expression and shape retention over the 22 days in culture, successfully determined the 14% GelMA/2%OMA to be the optimal formulation for lubricin secretion. This strategy allows for rapid analysis of the role(s) of biomaterial composition, stiffness or other cell manipulations on lubricin expression by chondrocytes, which may improve therapeutic strategies for cartilage regeneration.
Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Search for Non-Native Species in Natura 2000 Sites in the Central Mediterranean Sea: An Approach to Identify New Arrivals and Hotspot Areas
Authors: Perzia Patrizia , Cillari Tiziana , Crociata Giuseppe , Deidun Alan , Falautano Manuela , Franzitta Giulio , Galdies Johann , Maggio Teresa , Vivona Pietro , Castriota Luca
Published: August 2023

The management of biological invasions is among the most urgent of global challenges and requires a significant monitoring effort to obtain the information needed to take the appropriate decisions. To complement standard monitoring, citizen science is increasingly being used. Within citizen science, the approach of collecting and investigating Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) proved to be useful in the monitoring of non-native species. A LEK survey was carried out in 10 Sicilian and Maltese Natura 2000 sites in order to help in the early detection of non-native species. The survey was addressed to local fishers and SCUBA divers in order to investigate the occurrence of 24 selected marine non-native species and to identify potential hotspot areas of invasion through the use of six indicators: the occurrence of newly introduced nonindigenous species, the cumulative impacts of invasive alien species (CIMPAL) and the relative importance of species on the cumulative impacts (D1, D2, D3, and D4). The respondents confirmed the presence of 22 species since the year 2000 and reported 10 new ones registered in the investigated areas. The highest CIMPAL value was observed in two Sicilian Natura 2000 sites (ITA090028 and ITA040014) and the lowest on the western coast of Malta (MT0000101, MT0000102, MT0000103, and MT0000104) The four top-priority species according to indicators D1–D4 were Caulerpa cylindracea, C. taxifolia, Siganus luridus and S. rivulatus. The study produced a valid and useful scientific output to suggest and address management strategies to monitor the establishment of the non-native species.
Omics-Based Approaches for the Characterization of Pompe Disease Metabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Gómez-Cebrián Nuria , Gras-Colomer Elena , Poveda Andrés José Luis , Pineda-Lucena Antonio , Puchades-Carrasco Leonor
Published: August 2023

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) constitute a large group of rare, multisystemic, inherited disorders of metabolism, characterized by defects in lysosomal enzymes, accessory proteins, membrane transporters or trafficking proteins. Pompe disease (PD) is produced by mutations in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) lysosomal enzyme. This enzymatic deficiency leads to the aberrant accumulation of glycogen in the lysosome. The onset of symptoms, including a variety of neurological and multiple-organ pathologies, can range from birth to adulthood, and disease severity can vary between individuals. Although very significant advances related to the development of new treatments, and also to the improvement of newborn screening programs and tools for a more accurate diagnosis and follow-up of patients, have occurred over recent years, there exists an unmet need for further understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of the disease. Also, the reason why currently available treatments lose effectiveness over time in some patients is not completely understood. In this scenario, characterization of the metabolic phenotype is a valuable approach to gain insights into the global impact of lysosomal dysfunction, and its potential correlation with clinical progression and response to therapies. These approaches represent a discovery tool for investigating disease-induced modifications in the complete metabolic profile, including large numbers of metabolites that are simultaneously analyzed, enabling the identification of novel potential biomarkers associated with these conditions. This review aims to highlight the most relevant findings of recently published omics-based studies with a particular focus on describing the clinical potential of the specific metabolic phenotypes associated to different subgroups of PD patients.
The Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Facial Movements Reveals the Left Side of a Posed Smile
Authors: Straulino Elisa , Scarpazza Cristina , Spoto Andrea , Betti Sonia , Chozas Barrientos Beatriz , Sartori Luisa
Published: August 2023

Humans can recombine thousands of different facial expressions. This variability is due to the ability to voluntarily or involuntarily modulate emotional expressions, which, in turn, depends on the existence of two anatomically separate pathways. The Voluntary (VP) and Involuntary (IP) pathways mediate the production of posed and spontaneous facial expressions, respectively, and might also affect the left and right sides of the face differently. This is a neglected aspect in the literature on emotion, where posed expressions instead of genuine expressions are often used as stimuli. Two experiments with different induction methods were specifically designed to investigate the unfolding of spontaneous and posed facial expressions of happiness along the facial vertical axis (left, right) with a high-definition 3-D optoelectronic system. The results showed that spontaneous expressions were distinguished from posed facial movements as revealed by reliable spatial and speed key kinematic patterns in both experiments. Moreover, VP activation produced a lateralization effect: compared with the felt smile, the posed smile involved an initial acceleration of the left corner of the mouth, while an early deceleration of the right corner occurred in the second phase of the movement, after the velocity peak.
High Hepcidin Levels Promote Abnormal Iron Metabolism and Ferroptosis in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Authors: Zhao Yashuo , Zhao Jianing , Ma Hongyu , Han Yan , Xu Weichao , Wang Jie , Cai Yanru , Jia Xuemei , Jia Qingzhong , Yang Qian
Published: August 2023

Background: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a chronic inflammatory disease and premalignant lesion of gastric cancer. As an antimicrobial peptide, hepcidin can maintain iron metabolic balance and is susceptible to inflammation. Objectives: The objective of this study was to clarify whether hepcidin is involved in abnormal iron metabolism and ferroptosis during CAG pathogenesis. Methods: Non-atrophic gastritis (NAG) and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) patient pathology slides were collected, and related protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The CAG rat model was established using MNNG combined with an irregular diet. Results: CAG patients and rats exhibited iron deposition in gastric tissue. CAG-induced ferroptosis in the stomach was characterized by decreased GPX4 and FTH levels and increased 4-HNE levels. Hepcidin, which is mainly located in parietal cells, was elevated in CAG gastric tissue. The high gastric level of hepcidin inhibited iron absorption in the duodenum by decreasing the protein expression of DMT1 and FPN1. In addition, the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway induced hepcidin production in gastric tissue. Conclusion: Our results showed that the high level of gastric hepcidin induced ferroptosis in the stomach but also inhibited iron absorption in the intestines. Inhibiting hepcidin might be a new strategy for the prevention of CAG in the future.
Spot Urinary Creatinine Concentration in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Identifies a Distinct Muscle-Wasting Phenotype with a Strikingly Different Risk of Mortality
Authors: Malinowska-Borowska Jolanta , Buczkowska Marta , Duda Sylwia , Stefaniak Apolonia , Niedziela Jacek , Nowak Jolanta Urszula , Nessler Jadwiga , Kamiński Karol Adam , Gąsior Mariusz , Rozentryt Piotr
Published: August 2023

Background. There is a raising awareness that heart failure (HF) is a highly heterogeneous, multiorgan syndrome with an increasing global prevalence and still poor prognosis. The comorbidities of HF are one of the key reasons for presence of various phenotypes with different clinical profile and outcome. Heterogeneity of skeletal muscles (SMs) quantity and function may have an impact on patient’s phenotype. Aim. We intended to compare clinical characteristics of phenotypes defined by a combination of various SM mass taken as a fat-free compartment from DEXA scans and different levels of SUCR (Spot Urinary Creatinine). All-cause mortality with mortality predicted by MAGGIC in such phenotypes were compared. Methods. In 720 HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (age: 52.3 ± 10 years, female: 14%, NYHA: 2.7 ± 0.7, LVEF: 24.3 ± 7.3%), admitted to the hospital for heart transplantation candidacy assessment, morning SUCR along with body composition scanning (DEXA) was performed. All study participants were dichotomized twice, first by low or normal appendicular muscle mass index (ASMI) and second by SUCR (Spot Urinary Creatinine) < and ≥of 1.34 g/L. Four study groups (phenotypes) were created as combinations of lower or higher SUCR and low or normal ASMI. Results. Low ASMI was found in 242 (33.6%) patients, while the remaining 478 had normal muscle mass. In 446 patients (61.9%), SUCR was <1.34 g/L. During 3 years of follow-up, 223 (31.0%) patients died (all-cause). The phenotype of lower both ASMI and SUCR was associated with the highest mortality. The death rate in phenotype with both low ASMI and SUCR exceeded by 70% the risk estimated by MAGGIC. This difference was significant as judged by the 95% confidence interval for MAGGIC estimation. In Cox regression analysis adjusted for MAGGIC and parameters known to increase risk, the relative risk of patients with phenotype of low both ASMI and SUCR was elevated by 45–55% as compared to patients with all other phenotypes. The protective role of higher SUCR in patients with muscle wasting was, therefore, confirmed in Cox analysis. Conclusions. Measurement of SUCR in HF patients can identify clinical phenotypes with skeletal muscle wasting but strikingly different risk of death that is actually not captured by MAGGIC score. The higher level of SUCR was associated with similar risk independently of presence of muscle wasting. As the analysis of SUCR is cheap and easy to perform, it should be further tested as a potentially useful biomarker, which may precisely phenotype HF patients independently of their skeletal muscle status.
Post-Surgical Depositions of Blood Products Are No Major Confounder for the Diagnostic and Prognostic Performance of CEST MRI in Patients with Glioma
Authors: von Knebel Doeberitz Nikolaus , Kroh Florian , König Laila , Boyd Philip S. , Graß Svenja , Bauspieß Cora , Scherer Moritz , Unterberg Andreas , Bendszus Martin , Wick Wolfgang , Bachert Peter , Debus Jürgen , Ladd Mark E. , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Goerke Steffen , Korzowski Andreas , Paech Daniel
Published: August 2023

Amide proton transfer (APT) and semi-solid magnetization transfer (ssMT) imaging can predict clinical outcomes in patients with glioma. However, the treatment of brain tumors is accompanied by the deposition of blood products within the tumor area in most cases. For this reason, the objective was to assess whether the diagnostic interpretation of the APT and ssMT is affected by methemoglobin (mHb) and hemosiderin (Hs) depositions at the first follow-up MRI 4 to 6 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. A total of 34 participants underwent APT and ssMT imaging by applying reconstruction methods described by Zhou et al. (APTwasym), Goerke et al. (MTRRexAPT and MTRRexMT) and Mehrabian et al. (MTconst). Contrast-enhancing tumor (CE), whole tumor (WT), mHb and Hs were segmented on contrast-enhanced T1wCE, T2w-FLAIR, T1w and T2*w images. ROC-analysis, Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log rank test were used to test for the association of mean contrast values with therapy response and overall survival (OS) before (WT and CE) and after correcting tumor volumes for mHb and Hs (CEC and WTC). CEC showed higher associations of the MTRRexMT with therapy response (CE: AUC = 0.677, p = 0.081; CEC: AUC = 0.705, p = 0.044) and of the APTwasym with OS (CE: HR = 2.634, p = 0.040; CEC: HR = 2.240, p = 0.095). In contrast, WTC showed a lower association of the APTwasym with survival (WT: HR = 2.304, p = 0.0849; WTC: HR = 2.990, p = 0.020). Overall, a sophisticated correction for blood products did not substantially influence the clinical performance of APT and ssMT imaging in patients with glioma early after radiotherapy.
Gut Dysbiosis: A New Avenue for Stroke Prevention and Therapeutics
Authors: Park Shin Young , Lee Sang Pyung , Kim Dongin , Kim Woo Jin
Published: August 2023

A stroke is a serious life-threatening condition and a leading cause of death and disability that happens when the blood vessels to part of the brain are blocked or burst. While major advances in the understanding of the ischemic cascade in stroke was made over several decades, limited therapeutic options and high mortality and disability have caused researchers to extend the focus toward peripheral changes beyond brain. The largest proportion of microbes in human body reside in the gut and the interaction between host and microbiota in health and disease is well known. Our study aimed to explore the gut microbiota in patients with stroke with comparison to control group. Fecal samples were obtained from 51 subjects: 25 stroke patients (18 hemorrhagic, 7 ischemic) and 26 healthy control subjects. The variable region V3–V4 of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. PICRUSt2 was used for prediction of metagenomics functions. Our results show taxonomic dysbiosis in stroke patients in parallel with functional dysbiosis. Here, we show that stroke patients have (1) increased Parabacteroides and Escherichia_Shigella, but decreased Prevotella and Fecalibacterium; (2) higher transposase and peptide/nickel transport system substrate-binding protein, but lower RNA polymerase sigma-70 factor and methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, which are suggestive of malnutrition. Nutrients are essential regulators of both host and microbial physiology and function as key coordinators of host–microbe interactions. Manipulation of nutrition is expected to alleviate gut dysbiosis and prognosis and improve disability and mortality in the management of stroke.
Non-Conventional Risk Factors: “Fact” or “Fake” in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention?
Authors: Cimmino Giovanni , Natale Francesco , Alfieri Roberta , Cante Luigi , Covino Simona , Franzese Rosa , Limatola Mirella , Marotta Luigi , Molinari Riccardo , Mollo Noemi , Loffredo Francesco S , Golino Paolo
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, etc., still represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They significantly modify the patients’ quality of life with a tremendous economic impact. It is well established that cardiovascular risk factors increase the probability of fatal and non-fatal cardiac events. These risk factors are classified into modifiable (smoking, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterol, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, high-fat and high-calorie diet, reduced physical activity) and non-modifiable (sex, age, family history, of previous cardiovascular disease). Hence, CVD prevention is based on early identification and management of modifiable risk factors whose impact on the CV outcome is now performed by the use of CV risk assessment models, such as the Framingham Risk Score, Pooled Cohort Equations, or the SCORE2. However, in recent years, emerging, non-traditional factors (metabolic and non-metabolic) seem to significantly affect this assessment. In this article, we aim at defining these emerging factors and describe the potential mechanisms by which they might contribute to the development of CVD.
Promoting Complex Problem Solving by Introducing Schema-Governed Categories of Key Causal Models
Authors: Kessler Franziska , Proske Antje , Urbas Leon , Goldwater Micah , Krieger Florian , Greiff Samuel , Narciss Susanne
Published: August 2023

The ability to recognize key causal models across situations is associated with expertise. The acquisition of schema-governed category knowledge of key causal models may underlie this ability. In an experimental study (n = 183), we investigated the effects of promoting the construction of schema-governed categories and how an enhanced ability to recognize the key causal models relates to performance in complex problem-solving tasks that are based on the key causal models. In a 2 × 2 design, we tested the effects of an adapted version of an intervention designed to build abstract mental representations of the key causal models and a tutorial designed to convey conceptual understanding of the key causal models and procedural knowledge. Participants who were enabled to recognize the underlying key causal models across situations as a result of the intervention and the tutorial (i.e., causal sorters) outperformed non-causal sorters in the subsequent complex problem-solving task. Causal sorters outperformed the control group, except for the subtask knowledge application in the experimental group that did not receive the tutorial and, hence, did not have the opportunity to elaborate their conceptual understanding of the key causal models. The findings highlight that being able to categorize novel situations according to their underlying key causal model alone is insufficient for enhancing the transfer of the according concept. Instead, for successful application, conceptual and procedural knowledge also seem to be necessary. By using a complex problem-solving task as the dependent variable for transfer, we extended the scope of the results to dynamic tasks that reflect some of the typical challenges of the 21st century.
The Bearing Capacity of Compressed Corrosion-Damaged Reinforced Concrete Elements under Lateral Pulse Loading
Authors: Tamrazyan Ashot
Published: August 2023

This article addresses the relevant problem of the stress–strain behavior of compressed reinforced concrete columns under lateral pulse loading. A simplified engineering method of analyzing the limit value of lateral pulse loading P, depending on longitudinal force N acting on the column, is developed. The proposed method involves the construction of the P-N curve that has three portions. Portion 1 describes the plastic deformation of concrete and rebars of that part of the structure that is mostly in bending. Portion 2 describes the state of the column that can trigger the brittle failure of the concrete along the normal section, and Portion 3 describes the high compression of the column that predominantly triggers its shear failure. For Portions 1 and 2, analytical relationships are obtained using equilibrium equations. Corrosive damage is taken into account in the analytical model as a reduction in the strength and deformability characteristics of the material. A conventional local corrosion spot can be considered; it can be located both in and outside of the area of action of lateral pulse loading. The results obtained using the proposed model were compared with the results of numerical studies and a full-scale experiment. As a result of testing the developed engineering technique, it was found that it provides a safety margin for corrosion-damaged elements of 0.20–0.8 of the ultimate value of horizontal impulse at operational values of compressive force. The spot corrosion damage considered in the paper leads to a 10–60% strength reduction in compressed columns, depending on their location.
Astrocytes in the Optic Nerve Are Heterogeneous in Their Reactivity to Glaucomatous Injury
Authors: Zhu Ying , Wang Rui , Pappas Anthony C. , Seifert Philip , Savol Andrej , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Sun Daniel , Jakobs Tatjana C.
Published: August 2023

The optic nerve head is thought to be the site of initial injury to retinal ganglion cell injury in glaucoma. In the initial segment of the optic nerve directly behind the globe, the ganglion cell axons are unmyelinated and come into direct contact to astrocytes, suggesting that astrocytes may play a role in the pathology of glaucoma. As in other parts of the CNS, optic nerve head astrocytes respond to injury by characteristic changes in cell morphology and gene expression profile. Using RNA-sequencing of glaucomatous optic nerve heads, single-cell PCR, and an in-vivo assay, we demonstrate that an up-regulation of astrocytic phagocytosis is an early event after the onset of increased intraocular pressure. We also show that astrocytes in the glial lamina of the optic nerve are apparently functionally heterogeneous. At any time, even in naïve nerves, some of the cells show signs of reactivity—process hypertrophy, high phagocytic activity, and expression of genetic markers of reactivity whereas neighboring cells apparently are inactive. A period of increased intraocular pressure moves more astrocytes towards the reactive phenotype; however, some cells remain unreactive even in glaucomatous nerves.
A Green Voltammetric Determination of Molnupiravir Using a Disposable Screen-Printed Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrode: Application for Pharmaceutical Dosage and Biological Fluid Forms
Authors: Nabil Abdelrahman , Hendawy Hassan A. M. , Abdel-Salam Randa , Ahmed Rasha M. , Shawky Ahmed , Emara Samy , Ibrahim Noha
Published: August 2023

A new green-validated and highly sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of molnupiravir (MOV) has been developed using cyclic voltammetry. The proposed analytical platform involves the use of a disposable laboratory-made screen-printed reduced graphene oxide 2.5% modified electrode (rGO-SPCE 2.5%) for the first time to measure MOV with high specificity. The surface morphology of the sensor was investigated by using a scanning electron microscope armed with an energy-dispersive X-ray probe. The fabricated sensor attained improved sensitivity when sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant (3 µM) was added to the supporting electrolyte solution of 0.04 M Britton–Robinson buffer at pH 2. The electrochemical activity of rGO-SPCE was examined in comparison with two different working electrodes in order to demonstrate that it was the most competitive sensor for MOV monitoring. The method was validated using differential pulse voltammetry according to ICH guidelines, resulting in good precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness over a concentration range of 0.152–18.272 µM, with a detection limit of 0.048 µM. The stability investigation demonstrated that rGO-SPCE 2.5% can provide high-stability behavior towards the analyte throughout a six-week period under refrigeration. The fabricated rGO-SPCE 2.5% was successfully employed for the measurement of MOV in pharmaceutical capsules and human biofluids without the interference of endogenous matrix components as well as the commonly used excipient.
Loneliness, Social Support, Social Trust, and Subjective Wellness in Low-Income Children: A Longitudinal Approach
Authors: Akgül Hanife , Güven Ahmet Zeki , Güven Sibel , Ceylan Müyesser
Published: August 2023

The progress and development of society in every sense is possible by raising healthy individuals. To do so, it is necessary to ensure the physical and mental development of children in a healthy way. There are many variables that affect the physical and mental development of children. These variables are affected by individual factors, social structure, social interactions and cultural values. In addition, when these factors interact with each other, their effect on behavior and well-being may increase. Undoubtedly, one of the primary factors negatively affecting a child’s physical and psychological development is the adverse economic conditions and hardships experienced by his/her family and consequently, by the child. Increasing poverty hinders children’s access to resources, and thus negatively affects their mental health as well as their physical development. Furthermore, positive economic conditions pave the way for an improved environment, better nutrition, higher-quality education, elevated social status, more friends, reduced feelings of loneliness, and increased social support and trust and all of these positively contribute to psychological well-being. Therefore, based on the conviction that early interventions can be protective and screening is needed to determine the proper intervention, this study aims to investigate the relationship between psychological well-being, loneliness, social support and social trust, all of which affect the psychological health of children living in economically disadvantaged families. To this end, answers to the following questions were sought. Is there a significant relationship between the loneliness, social support, social trust and psychological well-being of the children from low-income families? Do the feelings of loneliness, social support and social trust of the children from low-income families significantly predict their psychological well-being?
Associating Parental Efficacy with the Utility of Smart Devices: A Cross-Sectional Study of Their Role in Alleviating Maternal Parenting Concerns among Infants Aged 6–11 Months
Authors: Onishi Ryuta , Tone Hanami , Kubota Minori , Chino Nana , Maruyama Funa
Published: August 2023

In digital societies, the use of smart devices to solve childcare problems has become commonplace. Mothers are influenced both positively and negatively by smart devices used to resolve childcare concerns. Focusing on parental self-efficacy, this study identified the factors associated with relief and anxiety caused by the use of smart devices to eliminate parenting concerns among mothers with infants. A random sampling cross-sectional survey was administered to 257 Japanese mothers with infants aged 6–11 months. Structural equation modeling was used to explain the relief and anxiety caused by their use of smart devices in terms of maternal demographics, parental self-efficacy, smart-device dependence, and confidence in their ability to discriminate information. Mothers with high parental self-efficacy experienced increased relief and reduced anxiety by using smart devices to address concerns about child-rearing practices. Mothers who were highly dependent on smart devices felt more secure with their use of smart devices. Homemakers and highly educated mothers who used smart devices because of concerns regarding child health and development experienced more anxiety. Parenting professionals need to recognize the effectiveness of smart devices as a tool to relieve anxiety in parenting and provide additional support for parents to improve their parenting self-efficacy.
The Method of Studying Cosmetic Creams Based on the Principles of Systems Theory and Mathematical Modeling Techniques
Authors: Manea Adela , Perju Delia , Tămaș Andra
Published: August 2023

This paper reviews research on some cosmetic creams considered “distributed parameters systems” and on the experimental-computational mathematical models that have been determined for them. The determined models characterize the cosmetic creams in all stages of the manufacturing process, starting with the development of recipes, the description of raw materials, manufacturing technologies, and the determination of the physico-chemical and microbiological indicators that most strongly influence their quality. This approach suggests the possibility of performing optimization operations, specifically sensitivity analyses, which may lead to the identification of best quality indicators and to the amelioration of negative effects related to disturbance sizes (temperature, pressure, humidity etc.). Five emulsions with different compositions, prepared in vitro according to our own recipes, using raw materials and preparation methods approved for cosmetic products, were studied. Through specific physico-chemical and microbiological analyses, we obtained databases that were processed computationally. The resulting mathematical models, in the form of both graphs and equations, led to important conclusions regarding obtaining high quality in the studied creams and to the confirmation of the usefulness of applying the principles of Systems Theory to the study of cosmetic products.
Headache Attributed to Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS)
Authors: Tentolouris-Piperas Vasileios , Lymperopoulos Loukas , Tountopoulou Argyro , Vassilopoulou Sophia , Mitsikostas Dimos D.
Published: August 2023

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a condition with variable outcomes presenting a new onset thunderclap headache accompanied by focal neurological symptoms or seizures. It can be idiopathic or arise secondarily to a variety of trigger factors. The condition is increasingly recognized in clinical practice, but many facets remain poorly understood. This article aims to clarify the headache characteristics in RCVS, the temporal association of angiographic findings, the potential association of the condition with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the clinical presentation of RCVS in children and is based on a systematic PRISMA search for published analytical or large descriptive observational studies. Data from 60 studies that fulfilled specific criteria were reviewed. Most people with RCVS exhibit a typical thunderclap, explosive, or pulsatile/throbbing headache, or a similar acute and severe headache that takes longer than 1 min to peak. Atypical presentations or absence of headaches are also reported and may be an underrecognized phenotype. In many cases, headaches may persist after resolution of RCVS. Focal deficits or seizures are attributed to associated complications including transient ischemic attacks, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, ischemic stroke, cerebral edema, and intracranial hemorrhage. The peak of vasoconstriction occurs usually within two weeks after clinical onset, possibly following a pattern of centripetal propagation, and tends to resolve completely within 3 months, well after symptoms have subsided. There are a few reports of RCVS occurring in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but potential underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and etiological associations have not been confirmed. RCVS occurs in children most often in the context of an underlying disease. Overall, the available data in the literature are scattered, and large-scale prospective studies and international collaborations are needed to further characterize the clinical presentation of RCVS.
HIV Viral Load Testing in the South African Public Health Setting in the Context of Evolving ART Guidelines and Advances in Technology, 2013–2022
Authors: Hans Lucia , Cassim Naseem , Sarang Somayya , Hardie Diana , Ndlovu Silence , Venter W.D. Francois , Da Silva Pedro , Stevens Wendy
Published: August 2023

HIV viral load (VL) testing plays a key role in the clinical management of HIV as a marker of adherence and antiretroviral efficacy. To date, national and international antiretroviral treatment recommendations have evolved to endorse routine VL testing. South Africa (SA) has recommended routine VL testing since 2004. Progressively, the centralised HIV VL program managed by its National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has undergone expansive growth. Retrospective de-identified VL data from 2013 to 2022 were evaluated to review program performance. Test volumes increased from 1,961,720 performed in 2013 to 45,334,864 in 2022. The median total in-laboratory turnaround time (TAT) ranged from 94 h (2015) to 51 h (2022). Implementation of two new assays improved median TATs in all laboratories. Samples of VL greater than 1000 copies/mL declined steadily. Despite initial increases, samples of fewer than 50 copies/mL stagnated at about 70% from 2019 and declined to 68% in 2022. Some variations between assays were observed. Overall, the SA VL program is successful. The scale of the VL program, the largest of its kind in the world by some margin, provides lessons for future public health programs dependent on laboratories for patient outcome and program performance monitoring.
Identification of the Immune Landscapes and Follicular Helper T Cell-Related Genes for the Diagnosis of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Yang Yao , Sun Zhiqiang , Li Zhenping , Wang Que , Yan Mingjing , Li Wenlin , Xu Kun , Shen Tao
Published: August 2023

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive ocular ailment causing age-associated vision deterioration, characterized by dysregulated immune cell activity. Notably, follicular helper T (Tfh) cells have emerged as pivotal contributors to AMD pathogenesis. Nonetheless, investigations into Tfh-associated gene biomarkers for this disorder remain limited. Methods: Utilizing gene expression data pertinent to AMD procured from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository, we employed the “DESeq2” R software package to standardize and preprocess expression levels. Concurrently, CIBERSORT analysis was utilized to compute the infiltration proportions of 22 distinct immune cell types. Subsequent to weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), coupled with differential expression scrutiny, we pinpointed genes intricately linked with Tfh cells. These potential genes underwent further screening using the MCODE function within Cytoscape software. Ultimately, a judicious selection of pivotal genes from these identified clusters was executed through the LASSO algorithm. Subsequently, a diagnostic nomogram was devised based on these selected genes. Results: Evident Tfh cell disparities between AMD and control cohorts were observed. Our amalgamated analysis, amalgamating differential expression data with co-expression patterns, unveiled six genes closely associated with Tfh cells in AMD. Subsequent employment of the LASSO algo-rithm facilitated identification of the most pertinent genes conducive to predictive modeling. From these, GABRB3, MFF, and PROX1 were elected as prospective diagnostic biomarkers for AMD. Conclusions: This investigation discerned three novel biomarker genes, linked to inflammatory mechanisms and pivotal in diagnosing AMD. Further exploration of these genes holds potential to foster novel therapeutic modalities and augment comprehension of AMD’s disease trajectory.
Pulmonary Metastasising Aneurysmal Fibrous Histiocytoma: A Case Report, Literature Review and Proposal of Standardised Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Mankertz Fiona , Keßler Rebecca , Rau Andrea , Seebauer Christian , Ribback Silvia , Busemann Alexandra
Published: August 2023

An aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma is a rare cutaneous soft-tissue tumour which accounts for approximately 0.06% of all dermatopathologies. Metastasis is exceedingly uncommon, to the point that there have only been eight reported cases in the scientific literature. We present the case of a 25-year-old male with a primary aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma located in the nuchal region which exhibited rapid growth and abrupt ulceration over a short time span and showed signs of locoregional aggressive infiltration. A subsequent histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of diffuse solid and cystic pulmonary metastases. Further genetic sequencing verified LAMTOR1-PRKCD fusion. This case report seeks to review the existing literature on aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma, discuss the challenges of differential diagnosis and propose standardised diagnostic criteria.
A Novel Complex-Valued Gaussian Measurement Matrix for Image Compressed Sensing
Authors: Wang Yue , Xue Linlin , Yan Yuqian , Wang Zhongpeng
Published: August 2023

The measurement matrix used influences the performance of image reconstruction in compressed sensing. To enhance the performance of image reconstruction in compressed sensing, two different Gaussian random matrices were orthogonalized via Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization, respectively. Then, one was used as the real part and the other as the imaginary part to construct a complex-valued Gaussian matrix. Furthermore, we sparsified the proposed measurement matrix to reduce the storage space and computation. The experimental results show that the complex-valued Gaussian matrix after orthogonalization has better image reconstruction performance, and the peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity under different compression ratios are better than the real-valued measurement matrix. Moreover, the sparse measurement matrix can effectively reduce the amount of calculation.