bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation o'clock: interactions of circadian rhythms with inflammation‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Morena da Silva Francielly , Esser Karyn A. , Murach Kevin A. , Greene Nicholas P.
Published: August 2023

Circadian rhythms are ∼24 h cycles evident in behaviour, physiology and metabolism. The molecular mechanism directing circadian rhythms is the circadian clock, which is composed of an interactive network of transcription–translation feedback loops. The core clock genes include Bmal1, Clock, Rev‐erbα/β, Per and Cry. In addition to keeping time, the core clock regulates a daily programme of gene expression that is important for overall cell homeostasis. The circadian clock mechanism is present in all cells, including skeletal muscle fibres, and disruption of the muscle clock is associated with changes in muscle phenotype and function. Skeletal muscle atrophy is largely associated with a lower quality of life, frailty and reduced lifespan. Physiological and genetic modification of the core clock mechanism yields immune dysfunction, alters inflammatory factor expression and secretion and is associated with skeletal muscle atrophy in multiple conditions, such as ageing and cancer cachexia. Here, we summarize the possible interplay between the circadian clock modulation of immune cells, systemic inflammatory status and skeletal muscle atrophy in chronic inflammatory conditions. Although there is a clear disruption of circadian clocks in various models of atrophy, the mechanism behind such alterations remains unknown. Understanding the modulatory potential of muscle and immune circadian clocks in inflammation and skeletal muscle health is essential for the development of therapeutic strategies to protect skeletal muscle mass and function of patients with chronic inflammation.

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Trajectory Planning Software for Deep Brain Stimulation Driven by Patient-Specific Data
Authors: Marusich Kathryn R. , Harel Noam , Johnson Matthew D. , Rothweiler Paul , Erdman Arthur G.
Published: August 2023

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment for several neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and epilepsy. The neurosurgical procedure involves implanting a lead of electrodes to a deep brain target and thereafter electrically stimulating that target to suppress symptoms. To reduce the probability of intracranial bleeding during implantation, neurosurgeons carefully plan out a patient-specific lead trajectory that avoids passing the lead through regions with major blood vessels. This process can be tedious, and there is a need to provide neurosurgeons with a more efficient and quantitative means to identify major blood vessels on a patient-specific basis. Here, we developed a modular graphical user interface (GUI) containing anatomically segmented digital reconstructions of patient vasculature, cortex, and deep brain target anatomy from preoperative high-field (3T and 7T) MRI. The system prompts users to identify the deep brain target, and then algorithmically calculates a log-scale blood vessel density along the length of potential lead trajectories that pivot around the deep brain target. Heatmaps highlighting regions with low blood vessel density were calculated for cortical and subcortical vasculature models. The modeling framework enabled users to further interact with the models by panning, rotating, zooming, showing, or hiding the various anatomical reconstructions and heatmaps. Providing surgeons with quantitative, patient specific vasculature data has the potential to further reduce the likelihood of hemorrhage events during microelectrode mapping and DBS lead implantation.
Survey Analysis of Potential Nuclear Safety Research of Thailand for International Research Collaborative Reinforcement in the 2020s
Authors: Vechgama Wasin , Silva Kampanart
Published: August 2023

To achieve the long-term challenge of nuclear energy public acceptance in Thailand, nuclear safety research needed to be properly determined in both domestic and international directions, especially in the 2020s which was a period passing the Fukushima disaster over 10 years. Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (TINT) has studied nuclear safety research after the Fukushima accident to answer technical and social issues of nuclear power. An update of nuclear safety research from domestic experts and international surveys was needed in order to identify potential collaborative research to serve the goal of public acceptance reinforcement. The objective of this study was to survey, assess and rank the importance and knowledge level of nuclear safety research in Thailand among domestic experts in various fields. The survey was extended to collect the opinion of international participants of the ASEAN Network on Nuclear Power Safety Research (ASEAN NPSR) to analyze the similarity of the nuclear research interest for reinforcing the future collaborative project. As a result, the importance and knowledge level showed diverse important research topics with the priority of research scopes on human factor novel reactor technologies, and risk assessment. According to the ASEAN NPSR survey, the nuclear safety research of severe accidents, risk assessment, and novel reactor technologies were listed as potential collaborative projects. Also, the domestic and ASEAN NPSR survey results helped support the new collaborative research extension session in the annual ASEAN NPSR meeting to together discuss the potential nuclear safety research between members for the 2020s.
Evaluation of Flaw Detection Algorithm Using Simulated X-Ray Computed Tomography of Ground Truth Data
Authors: Kim Felix H. , Pintar Adam L. , Scott John Henry J. , Garboczi Edward J.
Published: August 2023

A framework to generate simulated X-ray computed tomography (XCT) data of ground truth (denoted here as “GT”) flaws was developed for the evaluation of flaw detection algorithms using image comparison metrics. The flaws mimic some of those found in additively manufactured parts. The simulated flaw structure gave a GT data set with which to quantitatively evaluate, by calculating exact errors, the results of flaw detection algorithms applied to simulated XCT images. The simulated data avoided time-consuming manual voxel labeling steps needed for many physical data sets to generate GT images. The voxelated pore meshes that exactly match GT images were used in this study as opposed to using continuum pore meshes. The voxelated pore mesh approach avoids approximation error that occurs when converting continuum pore meshes to voxelated GT images. Spherical pores of varying sizes were randomly distributed near the surface and interior of a cylindrical part. XCT simulation was carried out on the structure at three different signal-to-noise levels by changing the number of frames integrated for each projection. Two different local thresholding algorithms (a commercial code and the Bernsen method) and a global thresholding algorithm (Otsu) were used to segment images using varying sets of algorithm parameters. The segmentation results were evaluated with various image evaluation metrics, which showed different behaviors for the three algorithms regarding “closeness” to the GT data. An approach to optimize the thresholding parameters was demonstrated for the commercial flaw detection algorithm based on semantic evaluation metrics. A framework to evaluate pore sizing error and binary probability of detection was further demonstrated to compare the optimization results.
State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Based on IDRSN and BiGRU
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Chen Jiadui , He Ling , Liu Dan , Yang Kai , Liu Qinghua
Published: August 2023

The estimation of state of charge (SOC) is a critical issue in the energy management of electric vehicle (EV) power batteries. However, the current accuracy of SOC estimation methods does not meet the requirements of practical applications. Therefore, this study proposes an improved lithium-ion battery SOC estimation method that combines deep residual shrinkage network (DRSN) and bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) to enhance the SOC estimation accuracy. First, we insert the bidirectional gated recurrent unit neural network between the global average pooling layer and the output fully connected layer of the deep residual shrinkage network. This improvement enhances the model’s expressiveness, robustness, and data learning effect. Second, we develop a new activation function called “∂_swish” to replace the original ReLU activation function in the deep residual shrinkage network. The ∂_swish activation function improves the accuracy of the deep network model and reduces the risk of overfitting by utilizing its regularization effect. Finally, we conduct experimental tests at three different temperatures using the FUDS driving cycle dataset and the DST-US06-FUDS continuous driving cycle dataset. The algorithm model’s convergence speed is verified by comparing it with other models. The results show that compared to other models, the proposed method significantly improves SOC estimation accuracy at three different temperatures. In addition, the method demonstrates a high convergence speed.
Geochemical Analysis of Hardness on the Adsorption of Surfactants in Carbonates Under Severe Thermodynamic Conditions: Surface Complexation Modeling Approach
Authors: Khurshid Ilyas , Addad Yacine , Afgan Imran
Published: August 2023

Several core-flooding-based experimental studies demonstrated the effect of calcium and magnesium ions and it is found that these hard ions have detrimental effects on oil recovery during chemical-enhanced oil recovery operations. However, studies regarding the coupled effect of hard ions and surfactant adsorption are very limited. Thus, this study aims to present a novel approach that can capture mineral-brine, brine-oil, and brine-surfactant interactions in the presence of hard ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+). Also, we introduced four oil-surfactant-based surface complexation geochemical reactions (SCGR) in the presence of hard ions for the first time to analyze the oil-surfactant interactions. The developed thermodynamic-based geochemical model is compared and validated with recent core-flooding data. Our results illustrate that the use of oil-surfactant SCGR is important and should be captured for detailed surfactant adsorption. Thus, we observed that in the presence of hard ions, surfactant adsorption increases with the increase in temperature, which is due to the surge in kinetic energy. We also observed that a reduction in hardness reduces the adsorption of surfactants. Additionally, increasing surfactant concentration led to a minor increase in the adsorption of surfactant with a significant increase in its concentration in the discharge/effluent. Therefore, the hard ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+) concentration has a substantial negative effect, as they reduce the solubility of surfactant and increase its adsorption. Furthermore, the lowest level of surfactant adsorption was accomplished by injecting ten times diluted water (<0.070 mg/g).
The effect of tone language background on cue integration in pitch perception
Authors: Chan May Pik Yu , Kuang Jianjing
Published: August 2023

This study explores the effect of native language and musicality on voice quality cue integration in pitch perception. Previous work by Cui and Kang [(2019). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 146(6), 4086–4096] found no differences in pitch perception strategies between English and Mandarin speakers. The present study asks whether Cantonese listeners may perform differently, as Cantonese consists of multiple level tones. Participants completed two experiments: (i) a forced choice pitch classification experiment involving four spectral slope permutations that vary in fo across an 11 step continuum, and (ii) the MBEMA test that quantifies listeners' musicality. Results show that Cantonese speakers do not differ from English and Mandarin speakers in terms of overall categoricity and perceptual shift, that Cantonese speakers do not have advantages in musicality, and that musicality is a significant predictor for participants' pitch perception strategies. Listeners with higher musicality scores tend to rely more on fo cues than voice quality cues compared to listeners with lower musicality. These findings support the notion that voice quality integration in pitch perception is not language specific, and may be a universal psychoacoustic phenomenon at a non-lexical level.
Does musicianship influence the perceptual integrality of tones and segmental information?
Authors: Choi William , Lai Veronica Ka Wai
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the effect of musicianship on the perceptual integrality of tones and segmental information in non-native speech perception. We tested 112 Cantonese musicians, Cantonese non-musicians, English musicians, and English non-musicians with a modified Thai tone AX discrimination task. In the tone discrimination task, the control block only contained tonal variations, whereas the orthogonal block contained both tonal and task-irrelevant segmental variations. Relative to their own performance in the control block, the Cantonese listeners showed decreased sensitivity index (d′) and increased response time in the orthogonal block, reflecting integral perception of tones and segmental information. By contrast, the English listeners performed similarly across the two blocks, indicating independent perception. Bayesian analysis revealed that the Cantonese musicians and the Cantonese non-musicians perceived Thai tones and segmental information equally integrally. Moreover, the English musicians and the English non-musicians showed similar degrees of independent perception. Based on the above results, musicianship does not seem to influence tone-segmental perceptual integrality. While musicianship apparently enhances tone sensitivity, not all musical advantages are transferrable to the language domain.
Sensitivity of the predicted acoustic pressure field to the wind and temperature profiles in a conventionally neutral boundary layer
Authors: Libianchi Pierangelo , Shabalina Elena , Kelly Mark , Brunskog Jonas , Agerkvist Finn
Published: August 2023

Simulations are widely used to predict noise emissions from traffic, railroad, aircraft, and wind farms and for sound field control. The latter employs multiple sources interacting and it requires accurate phase information. Acoustic models require precise characterization of the medium properties. The logarithmic profile is one of the most commonly used forms to model the wind speed. However, this profile is accurate only in neutral conditions, i.e., when there is not heat flux at the surface. The conventionally neutral boundary layer (CNBL) is the most frequently occurring neutral regime. In this case, the logarithmic profile underestimates the wind speed. This paper analyses the effect that this modelling error has on the sound field close to the ground, for near-ground sources. The first section introduces an approximation of the wind and temperature profiles in such a regime. Afterwards, the sound fields corresponding to the logarithmic profile, a representative CNBL profile, and three more test cases are simulated using the Crank–Nicholson parabolic equation; these are compared employing different metrics. The difference in wind speed introduces a phase error that increases with distance. Moreover, wind speed underestimations also lead to underpredictions of the energy refracted downward.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Physical Exercise Program Embedded Into the Daily Lives of Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Barrett Eva , Gillespie Paddy , Newell John , Casey Dympna
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a staff-delivered physical exercise program embedded into the daily lives of older adults living in nursing homes. A randomized controlled pilot feasibility study was carried out, which included quantitative, qualitative, and economic assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 months. Two nursing homes (one intervention and one control) took part. The exercise program was carried out on 3 days per week for 12 weeks and consisted of a program of Morning Movement (walking and sit-to-stand exercises) and Activity Bursts. The results confirm that the intervention and study processes are largely acceptable and feasible to implement in the nursing home setting. Potential short-term improvements in physical mobility and quality of life were noticed as positive mean changes and supported by qualitative assessment. Future randomized controlled trials should consider using the 6-meter walk test and refining nursing home and participant eligibility criteria.
“Fueling the Games”: Energy Drink Consumption, Marketing, and the Associated Perceptions and Behaviors in Video Gaming
Authors: Roscoe Dana , Pu Haozhou , Cuy Castellanos Diana , Dalton Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Energy drinks represent one of the fastest-growing beverage markets and have become an increasingly popular dietary supplement among teenagers and young adults. Energy drinks are a class of beverages that contain high levels of energy-enhancing ingredients (e.g., caffeine, sugar, carnitine, taurine, and vitamins) that are presumed to provide physical and mental stimulation to users. Despite the growing popularity, there has been increasing scientific evidence warning consumers of the health risks associated with energy drink consumption. Meanwhile, many energy drink brands have deliberately created a symbiotic relationship with video gaming through a variety of marketing strategies. This study attempts to investigate the interrelationships between video gaming and energy drink consumption, including assessing the common motives and perceptions for consuming energy drinks, as well as the impact of energy drink marketing on gaming participants.
Physical Activity and Chronic Stress in Early Life: Findings From the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort
Authors: Leão Otávio Amaral de Andrade , Flores Thaynã Ramos , Mielke Gregore Iven , Crochemore-Silva Inácio , Bertoldi Andréa Dâmaso , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Murray Joseph , Martins Rafaela Costa , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana , de Oliveira Isabel O. , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: August 2023

Background: The association of physical activity through early childhood on children’s chronic stress still is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to test the association of physical activity through early childhood (1–4 y) with chronic stress, measured by hair cortisol at age 4. Methods: Longitudinal study including children from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. Cortisol at age 4 was measured using a hair sample, which provided cortisol concentration from the past months. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers at 1, 2, and 4 years. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between physical activity and chronic stress. Trajectory models were also applied to examine chronic stress in relation to physical activity patterns throughout early childhood. Results: Children with valid physical activity and hair cortisol data were included in the analyses (N = 1475). Three groups of physical activity trajectories between 1 and 4 years were identified: low, medium, and high. No association between physical activity at 1, 2, and 4 years and chronic stress at age 4 was observed. However, children in the “high” physical activity trajectory presented low cortisol concentration; the magnitude of the regression coefficient was slightly larger in girls (β = −0.125; 95% confidence interval, −0.326 to 0.074) than boys (β = −0.051; 95% confidence interval, −0.196 to 0.09). Conclusion: There was no clear association between physical activity and chronic stress in early childhood. Trajectories models suggest that higher activity throughout early childhood may positively impact chronic stress; however, more studies are needed to confirm that hypothesis.
Long-lasting, deep effect of Saturn’s giant storms
Authors: Li Cheng , de Pater Imke , Moeckel Chris , Sault R. J. , Butler Bryan , deBoer David , Zhang Zhimeng
Published: August 2023

Planetary-scale giant storms erupt on Saturn quasiperiodically. There have been at least six recorded occurrences of past eruptions, and the most recent one was in 2010, with its whole life span captured by the Cassini mission. In 2015, we used the Very Large Array to probe the deep response of Saturn’s troposphere to the giant storms. In addition to the remnant effect of the storm in 2010, we have found long-lasting signatures of all mid-latitude giant storms, a mixture of equatorial storms up to hundreds of years old, and potentially an unreported older storm at 70°N. We derive an ammonia anomaly map that shows an extended meridional migration of the storm’s aftermath and vertical transport of ammonia vapor by storm dynamics. Intriguingly, the last storm in 2010 splits into two distinct components that propagate in opposite meridional directions, leaving a gap at 43°N planetographic latitude.
Metabolomics in archaeological science: A review of their advances and present requirements
Authors: Badillo-Sanchez Diego , Serrano Ruber Maria , Davies-Barrett Anna , Jones Donald J. L. , Hansen Martin , Inskip Sarah
Published: August 2023

Metabolomics, the study of metabolites (small molecules of <1500 daltons), has been posited as a potential tool to explore the past in a comparable manner to other omics, e.g., genomics or proteomics. Archaeologists have used metabolomic approaches for a decade or so, mainly applied to organic residues adhering to archaeological materials. Because of advances in sensitivity, resolution, and the increased availability of different analytical platforms, combined with the low mass/volume required for analysis, metabolomics is now becoming a more feasible choice in the archaeological sector. Additional approaches, as presented by our group, show the versatility of metabolomics as a source of knowledge about the human past when using human osteoarchaeological remains. There is tremendous potential for metabolomics within archaeology, but further efforts are required to position it as a routine technique.
Dynistor Switch of Powerful Nanosecond Pulses
Authors: Korotkov S. V. , Aristov Yu. V. , Kozlov K. A.
Published: August 2023

A powerful switch based on a block of shock-ionized dynistors is described, which has an operating voltage of 16 kV and is capable of switching nanosecond current pulses with an amplitude of ~3 kA at a frequency of 300 Hz. The results of computer simulation of the process of its switching are given, and the prospects for increasing the switched power are determined.
Comparative Study of Switches of Powerful Nanosecond Pulses Based on Blocks of Series-Connected Shock-Ionized Dynistors
Authors: Korotkov S. V. , Aristov Yu. V. , Zhmodikov A. L. , Korotkov D. A.
Published: August 2023

Two types of switches for high-power current pulses with an operating voltage of 24 kV based on blocks of series-connected shock-ionized dynistors are described. The switching processes of these switches are considered, and the results of their comparative study are presented. The possibility of efficient switching of nanosecond current pulses with an amplitude of 6 kA and a rise rate of 150 A/ns is shown. The prospects for increasing the switched power are determined.
The Formation and Stationary Maintenance of Peaked Pressure Profiles in Turbulent Tokamak Plasmas
Authors: Pastukhov V. P. , Smirnov D. V. , Chudin N. V.
Published: August 2023

The theoretical model for increasing peaking of radial distribution of plasma thermal energy and plasma energy confinement time improvement due to the formation of current profiles those provide the increased value of the safety factor $${{q}_{b}}$$ at the outer plasma boundary is considered. The model for the formation and stationary maintenance of the peaked current density profiles those ensure the maintenance of plasma column equilibrium state with increased $${{q}_{b}}$$ value and conservation of $${{q}_{0}} \approx 1$$ at the magnetic axis is developed. The model is based on the significant ramp down of the $${{I}_{{{\text{ind}}}}}$$ current maintained by the inductor with simultaneous central ECR heating and electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) switching on. It is shown by the computer simulations of the self-consistent time evolution of turbulent plasma for the conditions of T-10 and T-15MD tokamaks that in the shot scenarios with three- or four-fold decrease in the $${{I}_{{{\text{ind}}}}}$$ current at the ECRH stage of shots it was achieved an approximately two-fold enhancement of the electron and ion temperatures at the axis of the plasma column as compared to the standard shots with the same heating powers.
Vascular pathology in patients with alveolar echinococcosis: framework for assessment and clinical management – a retrospective case series
Authors: Gieser Paula , Merle Uta , Junghanss Thomas , Weber Tim F , Stojković Marija
Published: August 2023

Objective

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a parasitic liver disease with infiltrative growth similar to solid organ malignancies. Major vascular damage is frequent and often remains untreated until catastrophic events precipitate. Detailed clinical and radiological assessment is required to guide individualised treatment decisions. Standardised radiological reporting templates of malignancies with profiles resembling AE are candidates for adaptation. Our objectives are to describe vascular pathology in AE and establish a framework for structured evaluation as the basis for treatment decisions and monitoring.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Results

69 patients (37.1%) had vascular involvement: portal vein (PV) 24.7%, hepatic vein (HV) 22.6% inferior vena cava (IVC) 13.4%. Significant stenosis/occlusion of vessels was present in 15.1% of PV, in 13.4% of HV and in 7.5% of IVC involvement. Vascular pathology needing specific treatment or monitoring was present in 8.6% of patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was high grade IVC stenosis or occlusion which was seen in 11 patients of the cohort.

Conclusion

Advanced AE requires early multidisciplinary assessment to prevent progressive impairment of liver function due to vascular damage. The focus at first presentation is on complete evaluation of vascular (and biliary) involvement. The focus in non-resectable AE is on prevention of vascular (and biliary) complications while suppressing growth of AE lesions by benzimidazole treatment to improve the quality of life of patients. We developed a framework for standardised vascular assessment and follow-up of patients with AE to recognise and treat complications early.
Precarious employment in early adulthood and later mental health problems: a register-linked cohort study
Authors: Thern Emelie , Matilla-Santander Nuria , Hernando-Rodriguez Julio C , Almroth Melody , Bodin Theo
Published: August 2023

Background

Precarious employment is a determinant of self-reported mental health problems among young adults. Less is known about more severe and objectively measured health outcomes, such as mental health problems requiring inpatient care. The current study aims to investigate the effect of precarious employment in early adulthood on later mental health problems requiring inpatient care.

Method

A register-based cohort study, based on the Swedish Work, Illness and Labor-market Participation cohort, was conducted, following a cohort of young adults aged 27 years between 2000 and 2003 (born between 1973 and 1976) (n=339 403). Information on labour market position in early adulthood (precarious employment, substandard employment, unemployment and standard employment) was collected from registers 3 years after graduating from school. Information on the outcome of mental health problems (depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders) was collected from the National Patient Register. HRs with 95% CIs were obtained by Cox regression analyses.

Results

After adjusting for important covariates, such as prior mental health problems, compared with individuals in standard employment, individuals who were precariously employed in early adulthood had an increased risk of later mental health problems (HRadjusted: 1.51 95% CI 1.42 to 1.60). The association between precarious employment and mental health was slightly stronger for males.

Conclusions

In Sweden, entry into the labour market with precarious employment is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, which is important given that precarious employment is becoming more prevalent among young adults.
Leigh syndrome: an adult presentation of a paediatric disease
Authors: Watson-Fargie Taylor , Marshall Victoria , Fullerton Natasha E , Leach Veronica , Pilz Daniela , Hemingbrough Charlotte V Y , Hopton Sila , Taylor Robert W , Ng Yi S , Schaefer Andrew , Gorman Gráinne S , Farrugia Maria Elena
Published: August 2023

A previously healthy 27-year-old man was admitted to the acute neurology ward with events involving his face, throat and upper limb, which video telemetry later confirmed were refractory focal seizures. He also had progressive pyramidal features, dysarthria and ataxia. MR scans of the brain identified progressive bilateral basal ganglia abnormalities, consistent with Leigh syndrome. However, extensive laboratory and genetic panels did not give a unifying diagnosis. A skeletal muscle biopsy showed no histopathological abnormalities on routine stains. Sequencing of the entire mitochondrial genome in skeletal muscle identified a well-characterised pathogenic variant (m.10191T>C inMT-ND3; NC_012920.1) at 85% heteroplasmy in skeletal muscle. We discuss the clinical and molecular diagnosis of an adult presenting with Leigh syndrome, which is more commonly a paediatric presentation of mitochondrial disease, and how early recognition of a mitochondrial cause is important to support patient care.
Soil–water retention behavior of a loess–paleosol sequence and its significance for hydrology and paleoclimate: a case study from the Luochuan profile of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Haiman , Ni Wankui
Published: August 2023

The soil water retention behavior of the loess–paleosol sequence has important significance for hydrology and paleoclimate. This report examines the soil–water retention curves and microstructures of the Luochuan loess–paleosol sequence, which has a thickness of around 43.7 m and includes the S0–L6 layers. The experimental results demonstrated that as burial depth increases, there is a significant change in the soil–water retention curve of loess–paleosol sequence. Simultaneously, the saturated volumetric water content and water loss rate gradually decrease, while the air entry value and residual water content increase. As a whole, the loess layer has a lower water-holding capacity than the adjacent paleosol layer. Accordingly, the microstructure of the loess–paleosol sequence changes considerably with the burial depth. The microstructure changes from overhead structure to matrix structure, the particle contact relationship changes from direct point contact to indirect surface contact, the degree of cementation changes from slight cementation to complete cementation, and the volumes of all pore types decrease. The results suggest that the loess layer deposited in cold and dry climate conditions can act as an aquifer, which is related to weak pedogenic weathering. In contrast, paleosol layers that were formed in warm, humid climates underwent significant pedogenic weathering and can behave as an aquiclude. Based on the previously mentioned results, the link between paleoclimate changes and the current hydrological system has been explored. This offers a theoretical foundation and guidance for future engineering and ecological construction operations, as well as water resources management in loess areas.
Enhancement of the three-dimensional interfacial layer of a rocky desertification soil using a red mud-based fertilizer
Authors: Cheng Junwei , Huang Mingqin , Yan Xiong
Published: August 2023

Red mud, a solid waste of alumina extraction from bauxite, was used as a compost carrier to prepare a geological fertilizer. It was amended at proportions of 0, 5%, 10%, 15% and 50% by weight (g/kg) to improve a rocky desertification soil (classified as lime soil) productivity. Through the simulation of different rain intensity (15, 50, and 90 mm/h) with three precipitation rates (1000, 2000, 3000 mm), soil chemical and physical properties, such as soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia nitrogen (AN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), total potassium (TK), available potassium (AK), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), bulk density and aggregates were tested and analyzed. In addition, a three-dimensional evaluation and analysis of the improvement attributed to the geological fertilizer was conducted. The results showed that the soil loss could be maintained in the range of 19%–72% under rainfall intensities. In addition, the reduction rate of soil clay content was less than 20%, and the lowest reduction rate of SOM, TN, TP and other nutrient was only 4% at the application rate of 5%–50%. The BD of the 0–20 cm top soil decreased progressively from 1.2 to 0.9 g/cm3, while the water-stable aggregate volume increased by 45%–76%. The red mud-based fertilizer enhanced the ability of the rocky desertification soil to resist rainfall erosion and infiltration in amended soil profiles. Considering the trends of nutrient losses and effects on the soil structure, the application rate of 15% by weight (g/kg) was best for improving the rocky desertification soil productivity.
Periodic patterns for resolution limit characterization of correlation plenoptic imaging
Authors: Scattarella Francesco , Massaro Gianlorenzo , Stoklasa Bohumil , D’Angelo Milena , Pepe Francesco V.
Published: August 2023

The measurement of the spatio-temporal correlations of light provides an interesting tool to overcome the traditional limitations of standard imaging, such as the strong trade-off between spatial resolution and depth of field. In particular, using correlation plenoptic imaging, one can detect both the spatial distribution and the direction of light in a scene, pushing both resolution and depth of field to the fundamental limit imposed by wave optics. This allows one to perform refocusing of different axial planes and three-dimensional reconstruction without any spatial scanning. In the present work, we investigate the resolution limit in a particular correlation plenoptic imaging scheme, by considering periodic test patterns, which provide, through analytical results, a deeper insight in the resolution properties of this second-order imaging technique, also in comparison with standard imaging.
Portable Nanoparticle-Enhanced Sensor for Tigecycline Determination in Biological Fluids and in the Presence of Its Degradation Products
Authors: Abd El-Fatah Nourhan A. , El-Sayed Ghada M. , Hegazy Maha A. , Fouad Manal Mohammed , Elbalkiny Heba T.
Published: August 2023

Tigecycline (TGC) is a novel potent antibiotic with recently proven anticancer activity against leukemia, glioma, and lung cancer. In-line TGC potentiometric sensors are fabricated for monitoring TGC in its pure form, pharmaceutical formulation, presence of its degradation products, and spiked human plasma. In-line sensors act as greener, portable, and economical alternatives to the classical off-line separation-based techniques. Classical and advanced liquid-contact (LC) and solid-contact (SC) sensors were fabricated, where the best performance was observed with the modified SC sensor (sensor VI) with potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl) borate as ionic exchanger, β-cyclodextrin ionophore and cobalt oxide nanoparticles, showing a Nernstian response of 30 mV decade−1 in the linear range of 10−2–10−6 M. Statistical comparison was carried out for the results obtained from proposed SC sensors and the official method on TGC pure form. Additionally, method greenness was evaluated using a semi-quantitative analytical eco-scale, scoring approximately 95 points, which was the highest greenness achievement score when compared to the proposed LC sensors or British Pharmacopeial chromatographic method.
Direct Recycling of Lithium-Ion Cathode: A Green Solution (Applied To Laptop Batteries)
Authors: Gazulla María F. , Rodrigo Marta , Ventura María J. , Mallol Gustavo , Gómez María P. , Gilabert Jessica
Published: August 2023

A green and automatic recycling separation process to recycle LiCoO2 cathodes from laptop batteries was designed. Prior to that, an exhaustive study of the main chemistry used for laptop batteries was undertaken, analyzing the chemical composition of the cathodes of 160 spent batteries from laptops. After concluding that around 70% of the spent batteries analyzed presented LiCoO2 as the cathode active material, regeneration experiments were undertaken to recover the LiCoO2 to be able to be used in the manufacture of new laptop batteries. The influence of the cathode separation process was addressed, studying the difference between using a separation method that involves the use of thermal processes and using a separation method that implies the use of an organic solvent. After that, different regeneration methods were compared in order to reach the optimum process to obtain recovered cathodes which chemical, and microscopic structures that lead to the best electrochemical performance.
Corrosion Potential Oscillation of Iron Electrodes in Nitric Acid
Authors: Sato Ryo , Kuge Terumasa , Nakanishi Shuji , Mukouyama Yoshiharu
Published: August 2023

Although iron dissolves in diluted nitric acid solutions, it does not dissolve in concentrated solutions because of surface passivation. When a small amount of water is added to a concentrated solution, the dissolution and passivation of iron occur alternately, and the amount of gaseous products generated by nitric acid reduction varies in an oscillatory manner. During the corrosion process, the corrosion potential of iron oscillates spontaneously. In this study, we investigated the factors that cause oscillations in corrosion potential through electrochemical measurements using a three-electrode system and numerical simulations. The study revealed that an N-shaped negative differential resistance characteristic of iron oxidation plays a vital role in the oscillation of the corrosion potential and, simultaneously, the reduction of nitric acid results in oscillation. We considered metal corrosion has essential factors resulting in oscillatory instability. Thus, the corrosion potentials of various metals are expected to oscillate spontaneously under the appropriate conditions.
Estimation of the Angles of a Robotic Arm with 7-Free Degrees Using an Improved Hybrid ESSA Algorithm
Authors: Cizmeci Inayet Hakki , Altun Adem Alpaslan
Published: August 2023

The electro-search algorithm (ESO) encounters challenges arising from its slow convergence rate and propensity to descend into local optima. In this study, a hybrid variant based on simulated annealing (SA), termed electro search simulated annealing (ESSA), is proposed to tackle these issues and surmount the obstacles. SA assists the proposed ESSA in escaping local optima through the cooling process while propelling individuals within the population. As these propelled individuals search for new positions, they engage in exploration and consequently approach the global optimum. This establishes a balance between exploitation and exploration for ESSA. ESSA has been compared with 10 metaheuristic algorithms on 15 benchmark functions with dimensions of 100, 500, and 1,000. The experimental results demonstrate its high-solution accuracy. Moreover, ESSA has been tested in the optimization of a robotic arm, a technology that requires low-error rates in the medical field. The analysis reveals the competitiveness and advantages of the proposed ESSA algorithm.
Supplementary Figure 2 from FOXN Transcription Factors: Regulation and Significant Role in Cancer
Authors: Song Jiali , Li Longshan , Fang Yang , Lin Yue , Wu Luojia , Wan Wei , Wei Gen , Hua Fuzhou , Ying Jun
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 2
Data from FOXN Transcription Factors: Regulation and Significant Role in Cancer
Authors: Song Jiali , Li Longshan , Fang Yang , Lin Yue , Wu Luojia , Wan Wei , Wei Gen , Hua Fuzhou , Ying Jun
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A growing number of studies have demonstrated that cancer development is closely linked to abnormal gene expression, including alterations in the transcriptional activity of transcription factors. The Forkhead box class N (FOXN) proteins FOXN1–6 form a highly conserved class of transcription factors, which have been shown in recent years to be involved in the regulation of malignant progression in a variety of cancers. FOXNs mediate cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression, cell differentiation, metabolic homeostasis, embryonic development, DNA damage repair, tumor angiogenesis, and other critical biological processes. Therefore, transcriptional dysregulation of FOXNs can directly affect cellular physiology and promote cancer development. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the transcriptional activity of FOXNs is regulated by protein–protein interactions, microRNAs (miRNA), and posttranslational modifications (PTM). However, the mechanisms underlying the molecular regulation of FOXNs in cancer development are unclear. Here, we reviewed the molecular regulatory mechanisms of FOXNs expression and activity, their role in the malignant progression of tumors, and their value for clinical applications in cancer therapy. This review may help design experimental studies involving FOXN transcription factors, and enhance their therapeutic potential as antitumor targets.
Supplementary Video 1A from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Video 1A shows representative daily images of a vehicle-treated spheroid. Scale bar: 200 µm, number at top left: days post-implantation.
Supplementary Table 4 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 4 shows Differentially expressed genes for amoeboid vs. escaping analysis
Supplementary Table 1 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table 1 shows Cell type isolated, age (days) and number of cells sorted for each spheroid included in the study
Supplementary Figure 9 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 9 shows Escaped cell analyses for naltrindole and sulfasalazine spheroid assays
Supplementary Figure 8 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 8 shows a summary of GSEA pathway analyses using Hallmarks gene set showing top 25 enriched pathways for each comparison
Supplementary Figure 7 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 7 shows metadata for isolated cells
Supplementary Figure 5 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 5 shows an Escaping cell cohort gallery
Supplementary Figure 3 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 3 shows validation of OPRD1 and SLC19A1 protein expression
Supplementary Figure 1 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Figure 1 shows data generation for the photoconvertible spheroid assay
FIGURE 6 from Targeted Single-cell Isolation of Spontaneously Escaping Live Melanoma Cells for Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Tearle Jacqueline L.E. , Arjunan Satya N.V. , Tay Szun S. , Colakoglu Feyza , Cremasco James , Golo Matteo , Biro Maté
Published: August 2023

SSZ treatment slows spheroid growth but induces tumor escape by elongated cells. A, Representative maximum intensity projections of imaged hemispheroids for vehicle- and SSZ-treated spheroids. Scale bar, 200 μm. B, Relative spheroid volume for vehicle- and SSZ-treated spheroids. C, Cumulative escaped cells per surface area of imaged hemispheroid. D, Mean escaped cell sphericity per day. B–D, Shaded areas represent SEM.
Efficacy of Intragastric Balloon versus Liraglutide as Bridge to Surgery in Super-Obese Patients
Authors: Martines Gennaro , Dezi Agnese , Giove Carlo , Lantone Valerio , Rotelli Maria Tersa , Picciariello Arcangelo , Tomasicchio Giovanni
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for obesity, although in super-obese patients (BMI ≥50 kg/m2) it can become challenging for anatomical and anesthesiologic issues. Several bridging therapies have been proposed to increase preoperative weight loss and decrease perioperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of different two-stage approaches in super-obese patients: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) following preoperative liraglutide therapy versus LSG with preoperative intragastric balloon (IGB) during a 1-year follow-up. Methods: Clinical records of 86 patients affected by super-obesity who underwent two-stage approach between January 2019 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed using a prospectively maintained database. Patients were separated into two groups: those managed with preoperative IGB and those with liraglutide 3.0 mg prior to LSG. Weight (kg), BMI (kg/m2), %EWL, and %EBWL were reported and compared between the two groups at the end of bridging therapy, at 6th month and 12th month postoperatively. Postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Forty-four patients underwent IGB insertion prior to LSG, while 42 were treated with liraglutide. There were no statistical differences in baseline weight and BMI. At the end of preoperative treatment, the group treated with IGB reported a significant reduction in BMI (47.24 kg/m2 vs. 53.6 kg/m2; p < 0.391) compared to liraglutide group. There were no differences recorded between the two groups concerning postoperative complications. At 6 months, the liraglutide group had lower %EWL (15.8 vs. 29.84; p < 0.05) and %EBWL (27.8 vs. 55.6; p < 0.05) when compared to IGB group. At 12 months, the IGB preserved with higher %EWL (39.9 vs. 25; p < 0.05) and %EBWL (71.2 vs. 42; p < 0.05). Conclusion: A two-stage therapeutic approach with IGB prior to LSG in super-obese patients could be considered an attractive alternative to liraglutide as bridging therapy before bariatric surgery.