bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Neural timing deficits prevalent in developmental disorders, aging, and concussions remediated rapidly by movement discrimination exercises
Authors: Lawton Teri , Shelley-Tremblay John , Huang Ming-Xiong
Published: September 2023

Background

The substantial evidence that neural timing deficits are prevalent in developmental disorders, aging, and concussions resulting from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is presented.

Objective

When these timing deficits are remediated using low-level movement-discrimination training, then high-level cognitive skills, including reading, attention, processing speed, problem solving, and working memory improve rapidly and effectively.

Methods

In addition to the substantial evidence published previously, new evidence based on a neural correlate, MagnetoEncephalography physiological recordings, on an adult dyslexic, and neuropsychological tests on this dyslexic subject and an older adult were measured before and after 8-weeks of contrast sensitivity-based left–right movement-discrimination exercises were completed.

Results

The neuropsychological tests found large improvements in reading, selective and sustained attention, processing speed, working memory, and problem-solving skills, never before found after such a short period of training. Moreover, these improvements were found 4 years later for older adult. Substantial MEG signal increases in visual Motion, Attention, and Memory/Executive Control Networks were observed following training on contrast sensitivity-based left–right movement-discrimination. Improving the function of magnocells using figure/ground movement-discrimination at both low and high levels in dorsal stream: (1) improved both feedforward and feedback pathways to modulate attention by enhancing coupled theta/gamma and alpha/gamma oscillations, (2) is adaptive, and (3) incorporated cycles of feedback and reward at multiple levels.

Conclusion

What emerges from multiple studies is the essential role of timing deficits in the dorsal stream that are prevalent in developmental disorders like dyslexia, in aging, and following a TBI. Training visual dorsal stream function at low levels significantly improved high-level cognitive functions, including processing speed, selective and sustained attention, both auditory and visual working memory, problem solving, and reading fluency. A paradigm shift for treating cognitive impairments in developmental disorders, aging, and concussions is crucial. Remediating the neural timing deficits of low-level dorsal pathways, thereby improving both feedforward and feedback pathways, before cognitive exercises to improve specific cognitive skills provides the most rapid and effective methods to improve cognitive skills. Moreover, this adaptive training with substantial feedback shows cognitive transfer to tasks not trained on, significantly improving a person’s quality of life rapidly and effectively.
“We are in the forgotten corner!” a qualitative study of experiences and challenges among Chinese older women at the onset of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yu Huidan , Liu Huafen , An Zifen , Zhou Jiali , Meng Xianmei , Luo Xianwu , Zhou Xiaoyang
Published: September 2023

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common and serious cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is one of the leading causes of death among women globally and in China. However, there are sex-associated differences and inequalities in the detection and management of AMI, especially in older people. There is little research demonstrating how challenges and barriers affect older women’s help-seeking behavior and health-related procedures in China.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of older women with AMI, focusing on their perception, challenges, and coping strategies at the onset of AMI in Wuhan, China.

Methods

This study utilized a qualitative research design approach and conducted semi-structured, in-depth, and audio-recorded interviews with 18 women aged 65–84 years, purposively selected from two tertiary hospitals in Wuhan City from November 2021 to April 2022.

Results

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used in this study to analyze the data on 18 participants and three major themes were generated: disease perception disorder, negative coping strategies, and barriers due to social-environmental contexts.

Conclusion

To reduce older women’s delay in seeking help, healthcare professionals should provide public health education that emphasizes sex-related disparities, and age-specific knowledge-attitude aspects to high-risk groups. Policy-based and health administration recommendations, including e-health information support, access to care, and social-environmental factors, should be highlighted to promote women’s health behavior.
Partnering for Change: collaborating to transform occupational therapy services that support inclusive education
Authors: Campbell Wenonah , Missiuna Cheryl , Dix Leah , Whalen Sandra Sahagian
Published: September 2023

The United Nations champions inclusive education as a moral obligation, requiring equitable learning environments that meet all individuals’ diverse learning needs and abilities, including children and youth. Yet the practice of inclusive education is variable and implementation challenges persist. A participatory action research framework was used to develop a solution, Partnering for Change (P4C), which is a tiered service delivery model that bridges health and education by re-envisioning occupational therapy services and transforming the role of the occupational therapist from a service provider for individual children to a collaborative partner supporting the whole school community. This perspective article will describe the P4C model and its evolution, and will outline how it has been implemented in Canadian and international contexts to facilitate children’s inclusion and participation in educational settings.
Multilingual video dubbing—a technology review and current challenges
Authors: Bigioi Dan , Corcoran Peter
Published: September 2023

The proliferation of multi-lingual content on today’s streaming services has created a need for automated multi-lingual dubbing tools. In this article, current state-of-the-art approaches are discussed with reference to recent works in automatic dubbing and the closely related field of talking head generation. A taxonomy of papers within both fields is presented, and the main challenges of both speech-driven automatic dubbing, and talking head generation are discussed and outlined, together with proposals for future research to tackle these issues.
Transcriptome profiling in rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum tissues during the developmental transition of pre-ruminant to the ruminant in yaks
Authors: Liu Yili , Min Qi , Tang Jiao , Yang Lu , Meng Xinxin , Peng Tao , Jiang Mingfeng
Published: September 2023

The development of the four stomachs of yak is closely related to its health and performance, however the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we systematically analyzed mRNAs of four stomachs in five growth time points [0 day, 20 days, 60 days, 15 months and 3 years (adult)] of yaks. Overall, the expression patterns of DEmRNAs were unique at 0 d, similar at 20 d and 60 d, and similar at 15 m and adult in four stomachs. The expression pattern in abomasum was markedly different from that in rumen, reticulum and omasum. Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) analysis demonstrated that multi-model spectra are drastically enriched over time in four stomachs. All the identified mRNAs in rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum were classified into 6, 4, 7, and 5 cluster profiles, respectively. Modules 9, 38, and 41 were the most significant three colored modules. By weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a total of 5,486 genes were categorized into 10 modules. CCKBR, KCNQ1, FER1L6, and A4GNT were the hub genes of the turquoise module, and PAK6, TRIM29, ADGRF4, TGM1, and TMEM79 were the hub genes of the blue module. Furthermore, functional KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the turquoise module was involved in gastric acid secretion, sphingolipid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, etc., and the blue module was enriched in pancreatic secretion, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and starch and sucrose metabolism, etc. Our study aims to lay a molecular basis for the study of the physiological functions of rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum in yaks. It can further elucidate the important roles of these mRNAs in regulation of growth, development and metabolism in yaks, and to provide a theoretical basis for age-appropriate weaning and supplementary feeding in yaks.
Aerodynamic Robust Design Research Using Adjoint-Based Optimization under Operating Uncertainties
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Du Jiecheng , Yang Tihao , Shi Yayun , Wang Libo , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

Robust optimization design (ROD) is playing an increasingly significant role in aerodynamic shape optimization and aircraft design. However, an efficient ROD framework that couples uncertainty quantification (UQ) and a powerful optimization algorithm for three-dimensional configurations is lacking. In addition, it is very important to reveal the maintenance mechanism of aerodynamic robustness from the design viewpoint. This paper first combines gradient-based optimization using the discrete adjoint-based approach with the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) method to establish the ROD framework. A flying-wing configuration is optimized using deterministic optimization and ROD methods, respectively. The uncertainty parameters are Mach and the angle of attack. The ROD framework with the mean as an objective achieves better robustness with a lower mean (6.7% reduction) and standard derivation (Std, 18.92% reduction) compared to deterministic results. Moreover, we only sacrifice a minor amount of the aerodynamic performance (an increment of 0.64 counts in the drag coefficient). In comparison, the ROD with Std as an objective obtains a very different result, achieving the lowest Std and largest mean The far-field drag decomposition method is applied to compute the statistical moment variation of drag components and reveal how the ROD framework adjusts the drag component to realize better aerodynamic robustness. The ROD with the mean as the objective decreases the statistical moment of each drag component to improve aerodynamic robustness. In contrast, the ROD with Std as an objective reduces Std significantly by maintaining the inverse correlation relationship between the induced drag and viscous drag with an uncertainty parameter, respectively. The established ROD framework can be applied to future engineering applications that consider uncertainties. The unveiled mechanism for maintaining aerodynamic robustness will help designers understand ROD results more deeply, enabling them to reasonably construct ROD optimization problems.
Effect of Refrigerated Inlet Cooling on Greenhouse Gas Emissions for a 250 MW Class Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Dinc Ali , Mamedov Ali , Duran Ertugrul Tolga , Abbassi Fethi , Elbadawy Ibrahim , Nag Kaushik , Moayyedian Mehdi , Fayed Mohamed , Otkur Murat , Gharbia Yousef
Published: September 2023

In this study, the effect of inlet air cooling on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and engine performance for a land-based gas turbine engine was investigated under varying ambient temperatures (15–55 °C). The study aimed to reduce GHG emissions while improving output power and fuel efficiency during hot weather operating conditions. For illustrative purposes, a representative gas turbine engine model, approximating the 250 MW class General Electric (GE) engine, was analyzed in a simple cycle. A refrigeration process was integrated with a turboshaft gas turbine engine to chill the incoming air, and the power required for cooling was extracted from the gas turbine’s output power. This mechanical chiller was assumed to provide a 15 °C inlet air temperature. Without inlet air cooling, at 55 °C ambient temperature, the engine’s power output was calculated to decrease by 15.06%, while power-specific fuel consumption and GHG emissions increased by 6.09% and 5.84%, respectively. However, activating the refrigeration or cooling system in the inlet made it possible to mitigate most of the adverse effects of hot weather on the engine’s performance and GHG emissions. Therefore, with inlet air cooling, the power output loss reduces to 3.28%, indicating an 11.78% recovery compared to the 15.06% loss without cooling. Similarly, the rise in power-specific fuel consumption caused by high ambient temperature decreases from 6.09% to 3.43%, reflecting a 2.66% improvement. An important finding of the study is that with inlet air cooling, the increase in GHG emissions reduces from 5.84% to 3.41%, signifying a 2.43% improvement on a hot day with a temperature of 55 °C.
Does Outsourcing Service Reduce the Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilizers in Rural China? The Moderating Effects of Farm Size and Plot Size
Authors: Li Bowei , Qian Yanjun , Kong Fanbin
Published: September 2023

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers (OCF) is one of China’s main sources of agricultural nonpoint source pollution. It is debatable whether outsourcing service adoption (FOS) reduces OCF. This article argues that farm size and plot size can moderate the effectiveness of FOS in reducing OCF. Particularly, organizations earn more profits when they provide outsourcing services to large-sized farms and plots, thereby preventing their opportunistic behavior and reducing the OCF. Based on the survey data of wheat growers from six major grain-producing counties in Anhui Province, China, the Cobb–Douglas production function is used to measure the OCF, and ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation is used as a benchmark. In addition, propensity score matching (PSM) is used to eliminate the selection bias, and two-stage least squares estimation (IV-2sls) is used to eliminate endogeneity. The results indicate that approximately 90% of the sampled households used excessive fertilizers, signifying that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in China’s agricultural production remains a serious problem. FOS reduces the OCF on large farms and plots. However, the effectiveness of FOS in reducing OCF disappeared when it was provided to small farms and plots. Extending FOS and organizing efficient land transfers should receive equal consideration from policymakers.
Numerical Analysis of Cracked Double-Beam Systems
Authors: De Rosa Maria Anna , Lippiello Maria
Published: September 2023

Based on elasticity theory, this paper discusses the static analysis of a cracked double-beam system in the presence of a Winkler-type medium. It is further assumed that the double-beam system is constrained at both ends by elastically flexible springs with transverse and rotational stiffness. Using a variational formulation, the governing static equations are derived and solved using analytical and numerical approaches. In the first approach, closed-form solutions for the displacement functions are obtained based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. In the second approach, the Cell Discretisation Method (CDM) is performed, whereby the two beams are reduced to a set of rigid bars connected by elastic constraints, in which the flexural stiffness of the bars is concentrated. The resulting stiffness matrix is easily deduced, and the governing equations of the static problem can be immediately solved. A comparative analysis is performed to verify the accuracy and validity of the proposed method. The study focuses on the effect of various parameters, including crack depth and position, boundary conditions, elastic medium and slenderness. The validity of the proposed analysis is confirmed by comparing the current results with those obtained from other approaches. In particular, the results obtained by closed-form solution and CDM are compared with the Finite Element Method (FEM). The accuracy of the results was assessed by making comparisons with results found in the literature and reported in the bibliography. It was shown that the proposed algorithm provides a simple and powerful tool for dealing with the static analysis of a double-beam system. Finally, some concluding remarks are made.
Phenotypic and Draft Genome Sequence Analyses of a Paenibacillus sp. Isolated from the Gastrointestinal Tract of a North American Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Authors: McCabe Jennifer , Bryant Jessika L. , Klews C. Cristoph , Johnson MiCayla , Atchley Ariel N. , Cousins Thomas W. , Dominguez Analiska , Gabriel Marie , Middleton Katie , Bowles Natasha A. , Broughton Heather M. , Smith Kristina M. , Ackermann Mark R. , Bildfell Robert , Ball Patrick N. , Forsythe Evan S. , Seal Bruce S.
Published: September 2023

The discovery of novel probiotic bacteria from free-ranging animals for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in domestic pets is a unique approach. The chloroform extraction of gastrointestinal (GI) tract material was used to inactivate vegetative cells and select for spore-forming bacteria. A bacterium identified as a novel Paenibacillus sp. strain via small ribosomal RNA (16S) gene sequencing was isolated from the GI tract of a gray wolf (Canis lupus). The bacterium was typed as Gram-variable, both catalase/oxidase-positive and positive via starch hydrolysis and lipase assays. The bacterium inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus. The draft whole genome sequence (WGS) assembly was 7,034,206 bp in length, encoding 6543 genes, and is similar in size and coding capacity to other closely related Paenibacillus spp. The isolate’s genome encodes several germination and sporulation gene products along with antimicrobials such as a bacteriocin system and chitinase. Enzyme genes such as alpha amylase, cellulase, lipases and pectin lyase are also present in the genome. An incomplete lysogenic bacteriophage genome was also present in the isolate’s genome. Phenotypic characteristics combined with a WGS genotype analysis indicate that this bacterium, designated Paenibacillus sp. ClWae2A, could be a potential candidate probiotic for domestic dogs.
Autonomous Navigation and Crop Row Detection in Vineyards Using Machine Vision with 2D Camera
Authors: Mendez Enrico , Piña Camacho Javier , Escobedo Cabello Jesús Arturo , Gómez-Espinosa Alfonso
Published: September 2023

In order to improve agriculture productivity, autonomous navigation algorithms are being developed so that robots can navigate along agricultural environments to automatize tasks that are currently performed by hand. This work uses machine vision techniques such as the Otsu’s method, blob detection, and pixel counting to detect the center of the row. Additionally, a commutable control is implemented to autonomously navigate a vineyard. Experimental trials were conducted in an actual vineyard to validate the algorithm. In these trials show that the algorithm can successfully guide the robot through the row without any collisions. This algorithm offers a computationally efficient solution for vineyard row navigation, employing a 2D camera and the Otsu’s thresholding technique to ensure collision-free operation.
Some Variants of Integer Multiplication
Authors: de Vega Francisco Javier
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we will explore alternative varieties of integer multiplication by modifying the product axiom of Dedekind–Peano arithmetic (PA). In addition to studying the elementary properties of the new models of arithmetic that arise, we will see that the truth or falseness of some classical conjectures will be equivalently in the new ones, even though these models have non-commutative and non-associative product operations. To pursue this goal, we will generalize the divisor and prime number concepts in the new models. Additionally, we will explore various general number properties and project them onto each of these new structures. This fact will enable us to demonstrate that indistinguishable properties on PA project different properties within a particular model. Finally, we will generalize the main idea and explain how each integer sequence gives rise to a unique arithmetic structure within the integers.
An Enhanced Slime Mould Algorithm Combines Multiple Strategies
Authors: Xiong Wenqing , Li Dahai , Zhu Donglin , Li Rui , Lin Zhang
Published: September 2023

In recent years, due to the growing complexity of real-world problems, researchers have been favoring stochastic search algorithms as their preferred method for problem solving. The slime mould algorithm is a high-performance, stochastic search algorithm inspired by the foraging behavior of slime moulds. However, it faces challenges such as low population diversity, high randomness, and susceptibility to falling into local optima. Therefore, this paper presents an enhanced slime mould algorithm that combines multiple strategies, called the ESMA. The incorporation of selective average position and Lévy flights with jumps in the global exploration phase improves the flexibility of the search approach. A dynamic lens learning approach is employed to adjust the position of the optimal slime mould individual, guiding the entire population to move towards the correct position within the given search space. In the updating method, an improved crisscross strategy is adopted to reorganize the slime mould individuals, which makes the search method of the slime mould population more refined. Finally, the performance of the ESMA is evaluated using 40 well-known benchmark functions, including those from CEC2017 and CEC2013 test suites. It is also recognized by Friedman’s test as statistically significant. The analysis of the results on two real-world engineering problems demonstrates that the ESMA presents a substantial advantage in terms of search capability.
Elevating Decision Management in Sustainable Energy Planning through Spherical Fuzzy Aggregation Operators
Authors: Shahab Sana , Anjum Mohd , Kausar Rukhsana , Yu Yang
Published: September 2023

This article introduces a novel paradigm for enhancing the administration of decisions regarding sustainable energy planning. This is achieved by deploying novel spherical fuzzy aggregation operators that have been meticulously tailored to address the inherent complexities of uncertainty and imprecision prevalent in energy planning datasets. These operators vastly increase the precision and efficacy of decision-making processes, thereby transforming the entire sustainable energy landscape. This study focuses predominantly on the complex domain of multi-attribute decision-making (MADM), in which the interplay of parameters is characterized by a discernible hierarchy of importance. This method generates aggregation operators based on the assignment of non-negative real values to clearly defined priority echelons, a framework known as priority degrees. This effort results in the development of two notable prioritized operators: the “spherical fuzzy prioritized averaging operator with priority degrees” and the “spherical fuzzy prioritized geometric operator with priority degrees”. The efficacy of these conceptual frameworks is vividly demonstrated through the application of extensive case studies, in which observable results clearly demonstrate their superiority over conventional methodologies. The empirical findings unequivocally demonstrate the superiority of the proposed operators, resonating with substantial performance and efficiency improvements. This study not only adds a seminal dimension to the field of sustainable energy management but also reveals a revolutionary application of spherical fuzzy aggregation operators at the forefront of effective decision-making paradigms. The seamless fusion of theoretical innovation and practical utility outlines a path forward, with transformative prospects and far-reaching implications for the sustainable energy landscape.
A Disulfidptosis-Related Gene Signature Associated with Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Shen Jingnan
Published: September 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) stands as a leading aggressive bone malignancy that primarily affects children and adolescents worldwide. A recently identified form of programmed cell death, termed Disulfidptosis, may have implications for cancer progression. Yet, its role in OS remains elusive. To elucidate this, we undertook a thorough examination of Disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) within OS. This involved parsing expression data, clinical attributes, and survival metrics from the TARGET and GEO databases. Our analysis unveiled a pronounced association between the expression of specific DRGs, particularly MYH9 and LRPPRC, and OS outcome. Subsequent to this, we crafted a risk model and a nomogram, both honed for precise prognostication of OS prognosis. Intriguingly, risks associated with DRGs strongly resonated with immune cell infiltration levels, myriad immune checkpoints, genes tethered to immunotherapy, and sensitivities to systematic treatments. To conclude, our study posits that DRGs, especially MYH9 and LRPPRC, hold potential as pivotal architects of the tumor immune milieu in OS. Moreover, they may offer predictive insights into treatment responses and serve as reliable prognostic markers for those diagnosed with OS.
Advance in Genomics of Rare Genetic Diseases
Authors: Sommariva Elena , Bellin Milena , Di Resta Chiara
Published: September 2023

Recent technical breakthroughs in genotyping and bioinformatics techniques have greatly facilitated the translation of genomics into clinical care [...]
The Origin of Discrepancies between Predictions and Annotations in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Pajkos Mátyás , Erdős Gábor , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna
Published: September 2023

Disorder prediction methods that can discriminate between ordered and disordered regions have contributed fundamentally to our understanding of the properties and prevalence of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) in proteomes as well as their functional roles. However, a recent large-scale assessment of the performance of these methods indicated that there is still room for further improvements, necessitating novel approaches to understand the strengths and weaknesses of individual methods. In this study, we compared two methods, IUPred and disorder prediction, based on the pLDDT scores derived from AlphaFold2 (AF2) models. We evaluated these methods using a dataset from the DisProt database, consisting of experimentally characterized disordered regions and subsets associated with diverse experimental methods and functions. IUPred and AF2 provided consistent predictions in 79% of cases for long disordered regions; however, for 15% of these cases, they both suggested order in disagreement with annotations. These discrepancies arose primarily due to weak experimental support, the presence of intermediate states, or context-dependent behavior, such as binding-induced transitions. Furthermore, AF2 tended to predict helical regions with high pLDDT scores within disordered segments, while IUPred had limitations in identifying linker regions. These results provide valuable insights into the inherent limitations and potential biases of disorder prediction methods.
The Relationship between Nanostructured Bio-Inspired Material Surfaces and the Free Energy Barrier Using Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Meng Fan , Arai Noriyoshi
Published: September 2023

Bio-inspired (biomimetic) materials, which are inspired by living organisms, offer exciting opportunities for the development of advanced functionalities. Among them, bio-inspired superhydrophobic surfaces have attracted considerable interest due to their potential applications in self-cleaning surfaces and reducing fluid resistance. Although the mechanism of superhydrophobicity is understood to be the free energy barrier between the Cassie and Wenzel states, the solid-surface technology to control the free energy barrier is still unclear. Therefore, previous studies have fabricated solid surfaces with desired properties through trial and error by measuring contact angles. In contrast, our study directly evaluates the free energy barrier using molecular simulations and attempts to relate it to solid-surface parameters. Through a series of simulations, we explore the behavior of water droplets on surfaces with varying values of surface pillar spacing and surface pillar height. The results show that the free energy barrier increases significantly as the pillar spacing decreases and/or as the pillar height increases. Our study goes beyond traditional approaches by exploring the relationship between free energy barriers, surface parameters, and hydrophobicity, providing a more direct and quantified method to evaluate surface hydrophobicity. This knowledge contributes significantly to material design by providing valuable insights into the relationship between surface parameters, free energy barriers, and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity.
The Interplay between Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Ferroptosis during Ischemia-Associated Central Nervous System Diseases
Authors: Tian He-Yan , Huang Bo-Yang , Nie Hui-Fang , Chen Xiang-Yu , Zhou Yue , Yang Tong , Cheng Shao-Wu , Mei Zhi-Gang , Ge Jin-Wen
Published: September 2023

Cerebral ischemia, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, triggers a cascade of molecular and cellular pathologies linked to several central nervous system (CNS) disorders. These disorders primarily encompass ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), epilepsy, and other CNS conditions. Despite substantial progress in understanding and treating the underlying pathological processes in various neurological diseases, there is still a notable absence of effective therapeutic approaches aimed specifically at mitigating the damage caused by these illnesses. Remarkably, ischemia causes severe damage to cells in ischemia-associated CNS diseases. Cerebral ischemia initiates oxygen and glucose deprivation, which subsequently promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, mitophagy dysfunction, and excessive mitochondrial fission, triggering various forms of cell death such as autophagy, apoptosis, as well as ferroptosis. Ferroptosis, a novel type of regulated cell death (RCD), is characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lethal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis both play critical roles in the pathogenic progression of ischemia-associated CNS diseases. In recent years, growing evidence has indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction interplays with ferroptosis to aggravate cerebral ischemia injury. However, the potential connections between mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia have not yet been clarified. Thus, we analyzed the underlying mechanism between mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis in ischemia-associated CNS diseases. We also discovered that GSH depletion and GPX4 inactivation cause lipoxygenase activation and calcium influx following cerebral ischemia injury, resulting in MPTP opening and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, dysfunction in mitochondrial electron transport and an imbalanced fusion-to-fission ratio can lead to the accumulation of ROS and iron overload, which further contribute to the occurrence of ferroptosis. This creates a vicious cycle that continuously worsens cerebral ischemia injury. In this study, our focus is on exploring the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis, which may offer new insights into potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of ischemia-associated CNS diseases.
Savolitinib: A Promising Targeting Agent for Cancer
Authors: Lee Tae Seung , Kim Jun Yeol , Lee Myeong Hwan , Cho In Rae , Paik Woo Hyun , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae , Lee Sang Hyub
Published: September 2023

Savolitinib is a highly selective small molecule inhibitor of the mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) tyrosine kinase, primarily developed for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET mutations. It is also being investigated as a treatment for breast, head and neck, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and other gastrointestinal cancers. In both preclinical and clinical studies, it has demonstrated efficacy in lung, kidney, and stomach cancers. Savolitinib is an oral anti-cancer medication taken as a 600 mg dose once daily. It can be used as a monotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with MET mutations and in combination with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for patients who have developed resistance to them. Furthermore, savolitinib has shown positive results in gastric cancer treatment, particularly in combination with docetaxel. As a result, this review aims to validate its efficacy in NSCLC and suggests its potential application in other gastrointestinal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, based on related research in gastric and renal cancer.
Perception of Illness and Fear of Inhaled Corticosteroid Use among Parents of Children with Asthma
Authors: Petric Duvnjak Jasna , Lozo Vukovac Emilija , Ursic Anita , Matana Antonela , Medvedec Mikic Ivana
Published: September 2023

The most prevalent children’s chronic disease worldwide is asthma which has notable negative impacts on patients’ and parent’s quality of life. Daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) therapy is a preferred controller choice. This study was conducted on 148 parents of asthmatic children to establish parents’ perception of illness and fear of inhaled corticosteroids using B-IPQ and TOPICOP questionnaires. Children were in the majority male (66.9%), older than five years (58.8%), with comorbidities, and family history of atopy. Parents were female, with a mean age of 38, employed, and with a history of some form of corticosteroid use. Most parents were not afraid of ICS usage (71.6%). Unemployed parents and parents who had no medical education had a statistically significantly higher fear of using ICS (p = 0.002, p = 0.03). A child’s illness affects the parents’ lives and parents who are afraid of using ICS react more emotionally to the child’s illness. Better understanding and less concerned about child’s disease are parents of children with controlled asthma. The parents’ perspective of children’s asthma will affect the duration and dose of ICS treatment they will give to their children and directly influence the level of asthma control.
Atopy and Elevation of IgE, IgG3, and IgG4 May Be Risk Factors for Post COVID-19 Condition in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Körner Robert Walter , Bansemir Ole Yannick , Franke Rosa , Sturm Julius , Dafsari Hormos Salimi
Published: September 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes transient cardiorespiratory and neurological disorders, and severe acute illness is rare among children. Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) may cause profound, persistent phenotypes with increasing prevalence. Its manifestation and risk factors remain elusive. In this monocentric study, we hypothesized that atopy, the tendency to produce an exaggerated immunoglobulin E (IgE) immune response, is a risk factor for the manifestation of pediatric PCC. We present a patient cohort (n = 28) from an early pandemic period (2021–2022) with comprehensive evaluations of phenotypes, pulmonary function, and molecular investigations. PCC predominantly affected adolescents and presented with fatigue, dyspnea, and post-exertional malaise. Sensitizations to aeroallergens were found in 93% of cases. We observed elevated IgE levels (mean 174.2 kU/L, reference < 100 kU/L) regardless of disease severity. Concurrent Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) was found in 29% of patients that also faced challenges in school attendance. ME/CFS manifestation was significantly associated with elevated immunoglobulin G subclasses IgG3 (p < 0.05) and IgG4 (p < 0.05). A total of 57% of patients showed self-limiting disease courses with mean recovery at 12.7 months (range 5–25 months), 29% at 19.2 months (range 12–30 months), and the rest demonstrated overall improvement. These findings offer additional insights into immune dysregulation as a risk factor for pediatric PCC.
Predicting Suitable Habitats for China’s Endangered Plant Handeliodendron bodinieri (H. Lév.) Rehder
Authors: Wang Guohai , Xie Chunping , Wei Lijuan , Gao Zequn , Yang Honglan , Jim Chiyung
Published: September 2023

Demarcating a plant species’ actual and potential biogeographical distribution is crucial for understanding the key environmental variables shaping its habitat conditions. We used MaxEnt and species distribution modeling to predict the likely range of China’s endangered species, Handeliodendron bodinieri (H. Lév.) Rehder, based on forty-four validated distribution records and eight selected environmental variables. Combined with percentage contribution and permutation importance, the jackknife statistical method was applied to test and evaluate pertinent factors restricting the potential distribution of H. bodinieri. The response curves of critical bioclimatic factors were employed to determine the potential species range. The generated MaxEnt model was confirmed to have excellent simulation accuracy. The current core potential distribution areas are concentrated in the Guangxi and Guizhou provinces of Southwest China, with a significant inter-regional difference. The precipitation of the warmest quarter (Bio18) and minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) had the greatest impact on the distribution area of H. bodinieri. The findings could provide useful information and a reasonable reference for managers to enhance the protection of this declining species.
Augmented Reality-Guided Apicoectomy Based on Maxillofacial CBCT Scans
Authors: Remschmidt Bernhard , Rieder Marcus , Gsaxner Christina , Gaessler Jan , Payer Michael , Wallner Juergen
Published: September 2023

Implementation of augmented reality (AR) image guidance systems using preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in apicoectomies promises to help surgeons overcome iatrogenic complications associated with this procedure. This study aims to evaluate the intraoperative feasibility and usability of HoloLens 2, an established AR image guidance device, in the context of apicoectomies. Three experienced surgeons carried out four AR-guided apicoectomies each on human cadaver head specimens. Preparation and operating times of each procedure, as well as the subjective usability of HoloLens for AR image guidance in apicoectomies using the System Usability Scale (SUS), were measured. In total, twelve AR-guided apicoectomies on six human cadaver head specimens were performed (n = 12). The average preparation time amounted to 162 (±34) s. The surgical procedure itself took on average 9 (±2) min. There was no statistically significant difference between the three surgeons. Quantification of the usability of HoloLens revealed a mean SUS score of 80.4 (±6.8), indicating an “excellent” usability level. In conclusion, this study implies the suitability, practicality, and simplicity of AR image guidance systems such as the HoloLens in apicoectomies and advocates their routine implementation.
A Single-Tube Colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA
Authors: Hongjaisee Sayamon , Kham-Kjing Nang , Musikul Piyagorn , Daengkaokhew Wannaporn , Kongson Nuntita , Guntala Ratchadakorn , Jaiyapan Nitipoom , Kline Enos , Panpradist Nuttada , Ngo-Giang-Huong Nicole , Khamduang Woottichai
Published: September 2023

Since SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible virus, a rapid and accurate diagnostic method is necessary to prevent virus spread. We aimed to develop and evaluate a new rapid colorimetric reverse transcription loop--mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection in a single closed tube. Nasopharyngeal and throat swabs collected from at-risk individuals testing for SARS-CoV-2 were used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a new RT-LAMP assay against a commercial qRT-PCR assay. Total RNA extracts were submitted to the RT-LAMP reaction under optimal conditions and amplified at 65 °C for 30 min using three sets of specific primers targeting the nucleocapsid gene. The reaction was detected using two different indicator dyes, hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) and cresol red. A total of 82 samples were used for detection with HNB and 94 samples with cresol red, and results were compared with the qRT-PCR assay. The sensitivity of the RT-LAMP-based HNB assay was 92.1% and the specificity was 93.2%. The sensitivity of the RT-LAMP-based cresol red assay was 80.3%, and the specificity was 97%. This colorimetric feature makes this assay highly accessible, low-cost, and user-friendly, which can be deployed for massive scale-up and rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in low-resource settings.
Low-Power Single Bitline Load Sense Amplifier for DRAM
Authors: Dai Chenghu , Lu Yixiao , Lu Wenjuan , Lin Zhiting , Wu Xiulong , Peng Chunyu
Published: September 2023

With the significant growth in modern computing systems, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) has become a power/performance/energy bottleneck in data-intensive applications. Both the power management mechanism and downscaling method face decreasing performance or difficulties in the smaller footprint of the DRAM capacitor. Since optimizing the circuit of sense amplifier (SA) is an efficient method to reduce energy consumption, we propose two single bitline load sense amplifier (SBLSA) circuits, i.e., a redundant voltage discharged SBLSA (RVD-SBLSA) circuit and a bit aware SBLSA (BA-SBLSA) circuit, to improve conventional and single bitline write (SBW) circuits. The RVD-SBLSA circuit utilizes a clamp diode to discharge redundant voltage over VDD/2 with an additional working stage. The BA-SBLSA circuit abandons the single bitline load (SBL) circuit during read and write ‘1’ operations. The RVD-SBLSA circuit can offer the lowest total energy consumption, and the BA-SBLSA circuit can make a better balance between energy consumption and latency. Through the simulation results, the proposed circuits can efficiently reduce energy consumption or balance energy consumption and latency and show huge potentials in very large-scale integrated circuits.
Biological Rotation Age of Community Teak (Tectona grandis) Plantation Based on the Volume, Biomass, and Price Growth Curve Determined through the Analysis of Its Tree Ring Digitization
Authors: Bahtiar Effendi Tri , Kim Nam-Hun , Iswanto Apri Heri
Published: September 2023

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a deciduous tree producing a popular, expensive, fancy timber with versatile utilization. The teak population and its habitats in the natural forest have been decreasing consistently; thus, the IUCN Red List classifies it as an endangered species. Teak tree logging from its native natural forest is banned, and commercial teak timber can only be harvested from the plantation. People plant teak on their private lands or in the community forest to meet the increasing demand. This study analyzed the annual tree rings of a teak disk taken from the community plantation and aimed to determine its biological rotation age. Tree ring interpretation provides the increment and growth that are mandatory fundamental components of knowledge in sustainable forest management. It may also decipher the tree’s biography, which contains information about past climate and future predictions responding to climate change. All of the disk’s annual tree rings were digitized, transformed, and then curve-fitted using an elliptical polar form of non-linear regression. The best-fitted curve estimation of every annual tree ring was employed to determine their age-related diameter and basal area, and then allometric equations estimated the above-ground biomass and clear-bole volume. The continuous and discrete formula fit the growth curve well, and this study determined that Chapman-Richards is the best fit among others. The growth curve, current annual increment (CAI), and mean annual increment (MAI) were graphed based on the clear-bole volume, above-ground biomass, and log timber price. The CAI and MAI intersections result in 28, 30, and 86 years of optimum harvesting periods when the growth calculation is based on volume, above-ground biomass, and log timber price, respectively. These results identified that the teak plantation is a sustainable and highly valuable asset to inherit with long-term positive benefits. The sociocultural provision of teak plants as an inheritance gift for the next generation has proven to be economically and ecologically beneficial.
A Game-Theoretic Analysis of Baccara Chemin de Fer, II
Authors: Ethier Stewart , Lee Jiyeon
Published: September 2023

In a previous paper, we considered several models of the parlor game baccara chemin de fer, including Model B2 (a 2×2484 matrix game) and Model B3 (a 25×2484 matrix game), both of which depend on a positive-integer parameter d, the number of decks. The key to solving the game under Model B2 was what we called Foster’s algorithm, which applies to additive 2×2n matrix games. Here “additive” means that the payoffs are additive in the n binary choices that comprise a player II pure strategy. In the present paper, we consider analogous models of the casino game baccara chemin de fer that take into account the 100α percent commission on Banker (player II) wins, where 0≤α≤1/10. Thus, the game now depends not just on the discrete parameter d but also on a continuous parameter α. Moreover, the game is no longer zero sum. To find all Nash equilibria under Model B2, we generalize Foster’s algorithm to additive 2×2n bimatrix games. We find that, with rare exceptions, the Nash equilibrium is unique. We also obtain a Nash equilibrium under Model B3, based on Model B2 results, but here we are unable to prove uniqueness.
The Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity of PTPN22 Is Involved in T Cell Development via the Regulation of TCR Expression
Authors: Bai Bin , Li Tong , Zhao Jiahui , Zhao Yanjiao , Zhang Xiaonan , Wang Tao , Zhang Na , Wang Xipeng , Ba Xinlei , Xu Jialin , Yu Yang , Wang Bing
Published: September 2023

The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 inhibits T cell activation by dephosphorylating some essential proteins in the T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling pathway, such as the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck), Src family tyrosine kinases Fyn, and the phosphorylation levels of Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase-70 (ZAP70). For the first time, we have successfully produced PTPN22 CS transgenic mice in which the tyrosine phosphatase activity of PTPN22 is suppressed. Notably, the number of thymocytes in the PTPN22 CS mice was significantly reduced, and the expression of cytokines in the spleen and lymph nodes was changed significantly. Furthermore, PTPN22 CS facilitated the positive and negative selection of developing thymocytes, increased the expression of the TCRαβ-CD3 complex on the thymus cell surface, and regulated their internalization and recycling. ZAP70, Lck, Phospholipase C gamma1(PLCγ1), and other proteins were observed to be reduced in PTPN22 CS mouse thymocytes. In summary, PTPN22 regulates TCR internalization and recycling via the modulation of the TCR signaling pathway and affects TCR expression on the T cell surface to regulate negative and positive selection. PTPN22 affected the development of the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and other peripheral immune organs in mice. Our study demonstrated that PTPN22 plays a crucial role in T cell development and provides a theoretical basis for immune system construction.