bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endophytic microbiota and ectomycorrhizal structure of Alnus glutinosa Gaertn. at saline and nonsaline forest sites
Authors: Thiem Dominika , Goebel Marc , Gołębiewski Marcin , Baum Christel , Koczorski Piotr , Szymańska Sonia , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

The tolerance of European alder (Alnusglutinosa Gaertn.) to soil salinity can be attributed to symbiosis with microorganisms at the absorptive root level. However, it is uncertain how soil salinity impacts microbial recruitment in the following growing season. We describe the bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere and endosphere of A.glutinosa absorptive roots at three tested sites with different salinity level. We determined the morphological diversity of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, the endophytic microbiota in the rhizosphere, and the colonization of new absorptive roots in the following growing season. While bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere was higher than that in the absorptive root endosphere, the opposite was true for fungi. Actinomycetota, Frankiales, Acidothermus sp. and Streptomyces sp. were more abundant in the endosphere than in the rhizosphere, while Actinomycetota and Acidothermus sp. dominated at saline sites compared to nonsaline sites. Basidiomycota, Thelephorales, Russulales, Helotiales, Cortinarius spp. and Lactarius spp. dominated the endosphere, while Ascomycota, Hypocreales and Giberella spp. dominated the rhizosphere. The ECM symbioses formed by Thelephorales (Thelephora, Tomentella spp.) constituted the core community with absorptive roots in the spring and further colonized new root tips during the growing season. With an increase in soil salinity, the overall fungal abundance decreased, and Russula spp. and Cortinarius spp. were not present at all. Similarly, salinity also negatively affected the average length of the absorptive root. In conclusion, the endophytic microbiota in the rhizosphere of A.glutinosa was driven by salinity and season, while the ECM morphotype community was determined by the soil fungal community present during the growing season and renewed in the spring.
Blind people can actively manipulate virtual objects with a novel tactile device
Authors: Memeo Mariacarla , Sandini Giulio , Cocchi Elena , Brayda Luca
Published: December 2023

Frequently in rehabilitation, visually impaired persons are passive agents of exercises with fixed environmental constraints. In fact, a printed tactile map, i.e. a particular picture with a specific spatial arrangement, can usually not be edited. Interaction with map content, instead, facilitates the learning of spatial skills because it exploits mental imagery, manipulation and strategic planning simultaneously. However, it has rarely been applied to maps, mainly because of technological limitations. This study aims to understand if visually impaired people can autonomously build objects that are completely virtual. Specifically, we investigated if a group of twelve blind persons, with a wide age range, could exploit mental imagery to interact with virtual content and actively manipulate it by means of a haptic device. The device is mouse-shaped and designed to jointly perceive, with one finger only, local tactile height and inclination cues of arbitrary scalar fields. Spatial information can be mentally constructed by integrating local tactile cues, given by the device, with global proprioceptive cues, given by hand and arm motion. The experiment consisted of a bi-manual task, in which one hand explored some basic virtual objects and the other hand acted on a keyboard to change the position of one object in real-time. The goal was to merge basic objects into more complex objects, like a puzzle. The experiment spanned different resolutions of the tactile information. We measured task accuracy, efficiency, usability and execution time. The average accuracy in solving the puzzle was 90.5%. Importantly, accuracy was linearly predicted by efficiency, measured as the number of moves needed to solve the task. Subjective parameters linked to usability and spatial resolutions did not predict accuracy; gender modulated the execution time, with men being faster than women. Overall, we show that building purely virtual tactile objects is possible in absence of vision and that the process is measurable and achievable in partial autonomy. Introducing virtual tactile graphics in rehabilitation protocols could facilitate the stimulation of mental imagery, a basic element for the ability to orient in space. The behavioural variable introduced in the current study can be calculated after each trial and therefore could be used to automatically measure and tailor protocols to specific user needs. In perspective, our experimental setup can inspire remote rehabilitation scenarios for visually impaired people.
Untangling adaptive functioning of PMM2-CDG across age and its impact on parental stress: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Epifani Florencia , Pujol Serra Susana María , Llorens Marta , Balcells Sol , Nolasco Gregorio , Bolasell Mercè , Aguilera-Albesa Sergio , Cancho Candela Ramon , Cuevas Cervera José Luis , García Sánchez Verónica , Garcia Oscar , Miranda-Herrero María Concepción , Moreno-Lozano Pedro J. , Robles Bernabé , Roldán Aparicio Susana , Velázquez Fragua Ramón , Serrano Mercedes
Published: December 2023

Phosphomannomutase deficiency (PMM2-CDG) leads to cerebellar atrophy with ataxia, dysmetria, and intellectual deficits. Despite advances in therapy, the cognitive and adaptive profile remains unknown. Our study explores the adaptive profile of 37 PMM2-CDG patients, examining its association with parental stress and medical characteristics. Assessment tools included ICARS for the cerebellar syndrome and NPCRS for global disease severity. Behavioral and adaptive evaluation consisted of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales. Psychopathological screening involved the Child Behavior Checklist and the Symptom Check-List-90-R. Parental stress was evaluated using Parental Stress Index. Results were correlated with clinical features. No significant age or sex differences were found. ‘Daily living skills’ were notably affected. Patients severely affected exhibited lower adaptive skill values, as did those with lipodystrophy and inverted nipples. Greater severity in motor cerebellar syndrome, behavioral disturbances and the presence of comorbidities such as hyperactivity, autistic features and moderate-to-severe intellectual disability correlated with greater parental stress. Our study found no decline in adaptive abilities. We provide tools to assess adaptive deficits in PMM2-CDG patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication, daily living skills, and autonomy, and their impact on parental stress in clinical monitoring and future therapies.
A mirror therapy system using virtual reality and an actuated exoskeleton for the recovery of hand motor impairments: a study of acceptability, usability, and embodiment
Authors: Abbate Gabriele , Giusti Alessandro , Randazzo Luca , Paolillo Antonio
Published: December 2023

Hand motor impairments are one of the main causes of disabilities worldwide. Rehabilitation procedures like mirror therapy are given crucial importance. In the traditional setup, the patient moves the healthy hand in front of a mirror; the view of the mirrored motion tricks the brain into thinking that the impaired hand is moving as well, stimulating the recovery of the lost hand functionalities. We propose an innovative mirror therapy system that leverages and couples cutting-edge technologies. Virtual reality recreates an immersive and effective mirroring effect; a soft hand exoskeleton accompanies the virtual visual perception by physically inducing the mirrored motion to the real hand. Three working modes of our system have been tested with 21 healthy users. The system is ranked as acceptable by the system usability scale; it does not provoke adverse events or sickness in the users, according to the simulator sickness questionnaire; the three execution modes are also compared w.r.t. the sense of embodiment, evaluated through another customized questionnaire. The achieved results show the potential of our system as a clinical tool and reveal its social and economic impact.
The genus Rachicladosporium: introducing new species from sooty mould communities and excluding cold adapted species
Authors: Piątek Marcin , Stryjak-Bogacka Monika , Czachura Paweł , Owczarek-Kościelniak Magdalena
Published: December 2023

The fungal genus Rachicladosporium (Cladosporiales, Cladosporiaceae), typified by cladosporium-like Rachicladosporium luculiae, includes a morphologically diverse assemblage of species. The species of this genus were reported from different substrates, habitats and environments, including plant leaves and needles, twig, black mould on baobab trees, rocks and insects. In this study, four new Rachicladosporium species (R. europaeum, R. ignacyi, R. kajetanii, R. silesianum) isolated from sooty mould communities covering leaves and needles of trees and shrubs in Poland are described. The new species are delineated based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses using concatenated ITS, LSU, and rpb2 sequences. All newly described species are nested in the main Rachicladosporium lineage (centred around the type species), which contains species that are able to grow at 25 °C. By contrast, four cold adapted, endolithic species known from Antarctica (R. antarcticum, R. aridum, R. mcmurdoi) and Italian Alps (R. monterosanum) form distant phylogenetic lineage and do not grow at this temperature. Therefore, they are accommodated in the new genus Cryoendolithus, typified by Cryoendolithus mcmurdoi.
Effects of exogenous bile acids (BAs) on growth, lipid profile, digestive enzymes, and immune responses of thinlip mullet, Liza ramada
Authors: Abdel-Tawwab Mohsen , Abdel-Latif Hany M. R. , Basuini Mohammed F. El , El-Nokrashy Asmaa M. , Khaled Asmaa A. , Kord Mohamed , Soliman Ali A. , Zaki Mohamed , Nour Abd-Elaziz , Labib Eman M. H. , Khalil Hala Saber
Published: December 2023

An eight-week trial was designed to explore the dietary effects of commercially purchased exogenous bile acids (BAs) on growth, whole-body composition, lipid profile, intestinal digestive enzymes, liver function enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers, and serum immunity of thinlip mullet, Liza ramada. Four triplicate groups (10.50 ± 0.05 g) were fed four soybean meal (SBM)-based diets supplied with several BAs levels at 0 (control), 50, 130, or 350 mg/kg feed. Results indicated that the growth was significantly increased in groups fed BAs-based diets, especially at 130 mg/kg feed. The body composition analysis showed that feeding fish on diets supplied with BAs up to 130 mg/kg decreased moisture (%) alongside increased crude protein (%). However, the body composition of fish fed a diet with 350 mg BAs/kg had the lowest moisture (%) and the highest crude protein (%). Moreover, there were significant increases in the intestinal (protease, α-amylase, and lipase) enzyme activities in the groups supplied with BAs up to 130 mg BAs/kg. Liver function enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzyme activities) were significantly decreased in BAs-supplemented groups compared to those fed the BAs-free group. On the other hand, the control group had higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein alongside the lower high-density lipoprotein than BAs-supplemented groups, especially at 350 mg BAs/kg feed. BAs significantly decreased hepatic malondialdehyde concentrations and increased the activity of hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity compared with those reared on the control diet. Serum lysozyme, respiratory burst, and alternative complement activities were significantly increased in BAs-supplied groups, particularly in the group supplied with 130 mg BAs/kg compared to those fed on the control diet. Accordingly, our findings recommend that including 130 mg BAs/kg in an SBM-based diet enhanced the growth, digestive enzyme activities, and liver functions, alleviated oxidative stress, boosted serum immunity, and lowered lipid metabolites in thinlip mullet. These findings will be beneficial for improving the quality of feed prepared for feeding mullets and an effective alternative strategy to support mullet farming.
Biological dispersion in the time domain using finite element method software
Authors: Guedert Raul , Andrade Daniella L. L. S. , Pintarelli Guilherme B. , Suzuki Daniela O. H.
Published: December 2023

Biological tissue exhibits a strong dielectric dispersion from DC to GHz. Implementing biological dispersion in the time domain with commercial finite element method software could help improve engineering analysis of electrical transient phenomena. This article describes the steps required to implement time-domain biological dispersion with commercial finite element method software. The study begins with the presentation of a genetic algorithm to fit the experimental dispersion curve of Solanum tuberosum (potato tuber) to multipoles of first-order Debye dispersion. The results show that it is possible to represent the biological dispersion of S. tuberosum from 40 Hz to 10 MHz in a 4-pole Debye dispersion. Then, a set of auxiliary differential equations is used to transform the multipole Debye dispersion from the frequency domain to the time domain. The equations are implemented in the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics. A comparison between the frequency and time domain simulations was used to validate the method. An analysis of the electric current with square-wave pulsed voltage was performed. We found that the computer implementation proposed in this work can describe the biological dispersion and predict the electric current.
Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p/Homeobox A13 axis modulates the expression of β-catenin gene in human epithelial cells
Authors: Mazziotta Chiara , Iaquinta Maria Rosa , Tramarin Maria Letizia , Badiale Giada , Cervellera Christian Felice , Tonnini Giulia , Patergnani Simone , Pinton Paolo , Lanza Giovanni , Gafà Roberta , Tognon Mauro , Martini Fernanda , De Mattei Monica , Rotondo John Charles
Published: December 2023

Intercellular adhesion is a key function for epithelial cells. The fundamental mechanisms relying on epithelial cell adhesion have been partially uncovered. Hsa-microRNA-1249-3p (hsa-miR-1249-3p) plays a role in the epithelial mesenchymal transition in carcinoma cells, but its physiological function in epithelial cells is unknown. We aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of hsa-miR-1249-3p on epithelial cell functions. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was overexpressed in human epithelial cells and uterine cervical tissues, compared to cervical carcinoma cells and precancerous tissues, respectively. Hsa-miR-1249-3p was analyzed to verify its regulatory function on Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) target gene and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin. Functional experiments indicated that hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition prompted the mRNA and protein overexpression of HOXA13 which, in turn, led to the β-catenin protein expression. Moreover, hsa-miR-1249-3p inhibition induced a strong colony forming ability in epithelial cells, suggesting the miR involvement in cell adhesion machinery. These data indicate that hsa-miR-1249-3p regulates the expression of HOXA13 and its downstream cell adhesion gene β-catenin, possible resulting in cell adhesion modification in epithelial cells. This study will allow the set-up of further investigations aimed at exploring the relationship between the hsa-miR-1249-3p/HOXA13 axis and downstream cell adhesion genes.
Higher coactivations of lower limb muscles increase stability during walking on slippery ground in forward dynamics musculoskeletal simulation
Authors: Koo Young-Jun , Hwangbo Jemin , Koo Seungbum
Published: December 2023

The energy efficiency theory of human bipedal locomotion has been widely accepted as a neuro-musculoskeletal control method. However, coactivation of agonist and antagonist muscles in the lower limb has been observed during various limb movements, including walking. The emergence of this coactivation cannot be explained solely by the energy efficiency theory and remains a subject of debate. To shed light on this, we investigated the role of muscle coactivations in walking stability using a forward dynamics musculoskeletal simulation combined with neural-network-based gait controllers. Our study revealed that a gait controller with minimal muscle activations had a high probability of falls under challenging gait conditions such as slippery ground and uneven terrain. Lower limb muscle coactivations emerged in the process of gait controller training on slippery ground. Controllers with physiological coactivation levels demonstrated a significantly reduced probability of falls. Our results suggest that achieving stable walking requires muscle coactivations beyond the minimal level of muscle energy. This study implies that coactivations likely emerge to maintain gait stability under challenging conditions, and both coactivation and energy optimization of lower limb muscles should be considered when exploring the foundational control mechanisms of human walking.
Experimental study on Compton camera for boron neutron capture therapy applications
Authors: Sakai M. , Tamaki S. , Murata I. , Parajuli R. K. , Matsumura A. , Kubo N. , Tashiro M.
Published: December 2023

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a high-dose-intensive radiation therapy that has gained popularity due to advancements in accelerator neutron sources. To determine the dose for BNCT, it is necessary to know the difficult-to-determine boron concentration and neutron fluence. To estimate this dose, we propose a method of measuring the prompt γ-rays (PGs) from the boron neutron capture reaction (BNCR) using a Compton camera. We performed a fundamental experiment to verify basic imaging performance and the ability to discern the PGs from 511 keV annihilation γ-rays. A Si/CdTe Compton camera was used to image the BNCR and showed an energy peak of 478 keV PGs, separate from the annihilation γ-ray peak. The Compton camera could visualize the boron target with low neutron intensity and high boron concentration. This study experimentally confirms the ability of Si/CdTe Compton cameras to image BNCRs.
SET8 is a novel negative regulator of TGF-β signaling in a methylation-independent manner
Authors: Nagasaka Mai , Inoue Yasumichi , Nagao Yuji , Miyajima Chiharu , Morishita Daisuke , Aoki Hiromasa , Aoyama Mineyoshi , Imamura Takeshi , Hayashi Hidetoshi
Published: December 2023

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that induces a diverse set of cellular processes principally through Smad-dependent transcription. Transcriptional responses induced by Smads are tightly regulated by Smad cofactors and histone modifications; however, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated in detail. We herein report lysine methyltransferase SET8 as a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling. SET8 physically associates with Smad2/3 and negatively affects transcriptional activation by TGF-β in a catalytic activity-independent manner. The depletion of SET8 results in an increase in TGF-β-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and p21 expression and enhances the antiproliferative effects of TGF-β. Mechanistically, SET8 occupies the PAI-1 and p21 promoters, and a treatment with TGF-β triggers the replacement of the suppressive binding of SET8 with p300 on these promoters, possibly to promote gene transcription. Collectively, the present results reveal a novel role for SET8 in the negative regulation of TGF-β signaling.
Muscle diffusion MRI reveals autophagic buildup in a mouse model for Pompe disease
Authors: Rohm Marlena , Russo Gabriele , Helluy Xavier , Froeling Martijn , Umathum Vincent , Südkamp Nicolina , Manahan-Vaughan Denise , Rehmann Robert , Forsting Johannes , Jacobsen Frank , Roos Andreas , Shin Yoon , Schänzer Anne , Vorgerd Matthias , Schlaffke Lara
Published: December 2023

Quantitative muscle MRI is increasingly important in the non-invasive evaluation of neuromuscular disorders and their progression. Underlying histopathotological alterations, leading to changes in qMRI parameters are incompletely unraveled. Early microstructural differences of unknown origin reflected by Diffusion MRI in non-fat infiltrated muscles were detected in Pompe patients. This study employed a longitudinal approach with a Pompe disease mouse model to investigate the histopathological basis of these changes. Monthly scans of Pompe (Gaa6neo/6neo) and wildtype mice (age 1–8 months) were conducted using diffusion MRI, T2-mapping, and Dixon-based water-fat imaging on a 7 T scanner. Immunofluorescence studies on quadriceps muscles were analyzed for lysosomal accumulations and autophagic buildup and correlated with MRI outcome measures. Fat fraction and water-T2 did not differ between groups and remained stable over time. In Pompe mice, fractional anisotropy increased, while mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) decreased in all observed muscles. Autophagic marker and muscle fibre diameter revealed significant negative correlations with reduced RD and MD, while lysosomal marker did not show any change or correlation. Using qMRI, we showed diffusion changes in muscles of presymptomatic Pompe mice without fat-infiltrated muscles and correlated them to autophagic markers and fibre diameter, indicating diffusion MRI reveals autophagic buildup.
Tg1.4HBV-s-rec mice, a crossbred hepatitis B virus-transgenic model, develop mild hepatitis
Authors: Schefczyk Stefan , Luo Xufeng , Liang Yaojie , Hasenberg Mike , Walkenfort Bernd , Trippler Martin , Schuhenn Jonas , Sutter Kathrin , Lu Mengji , Wedemeyer Heiner , Schmidt Hartmut H. , Broering Ruth
Published: December 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-transgenic mice exhibit competent innate immunity and are therefore an ideal model for considering intrinsic or cell-based mechanisms in HBV pathophysiology. A highly replicative model that has been little used, let alone characterized, is the Tg1.4HBV-s-rec strain derived from cross breeding of HBV-transgenic mouse models that either accumulate (Alb/HBs, Tg[Alb1-HBV]Bri44) or lack (Tg1.4HBV-s-mut) the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Tg1.4HBV-s-rec hepatocytes secreted HBsAg, Hepatitis B extracellular antigen (HBeAg) and produced HBV virions. Transmission electron microscopy visualised viral particles (Tg1.4HBV-s-rec), nuclear capsid formations (Tg1.4HBV-s-mut and Tg1.4HBV-s-rec) and endoplasmic reticulum malformations (Alb/HBs). Viral replication in Tg1.4HBV-s-rec and Tg1.4HBV-s-mut differed in HBsAg expression and interestingly in the distribution of HBV core antigen (HBcAg) and HBV × protein. While in Tg1.4HBV-s-mut hepatocytes, the HBcAg was located in the cytoplasm, in Tg1.4HBV-s-rec hepatocytes, the HBcAg appeared in the nuclei, suggesting a more productive replication. Finally, Tg1.4HBV-s-rec mice showed symptoms of mild hepatitis, with reduced liver function and elevated serum transaminases, which appeared to be related to natural killer T cell activation. In conclusion, the study of Alb/HBs, Tg1.4HBV-s-mut and their F1 progeny provides a powerful tool to elucidate HBV pathophysiology, especially in the early HBeAg-positive phases of chronic infection and chronic hepatitis.
Multifunctional coil technique for alignment-agnostic and Rx coil size-insensitive efficiency enhancement for wireless power transfer applications
Authors: Yoon Seoyeon , Lim Taejun , Lee Yongshik
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a multifunctional coil technique to enhance the transfer efficiency of an inductively-coupled wireless power transfer (WPT) system, regardless of the alignment condition and size ratio between the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) coils. The technique incorporates an auxiliary coil on the Tx side, where current is induced through coupling from the primary coil. Since the Tx coil consists of two coils, transmission to the Rx occurs through the coil with the higher coupling coefficient, determined by the misalignment state. Additionally, by controlling this current using a varactor placed on the auxiliary coil, an optimal magnetic flux is generated based on the alignment condition and/or the size of the Rx coil. In perfect alignment, the auxiliary coil focuses the flux from the Tx to the Rx coil, maximizing transfer efficiency. In misalignment scenarios, the current on the auxiliary coil is adjusted to shift the effective center of the Tx coil, achieving the strongest alignment of the magnetic flux traversing the Rx coil. This adjustment, which can be controlled adaptively based not only on the degree of misalignment but also on the size of the Rx coil, enables virtually null-free operation across varying misalignment conditions and for different Rx sizes. Furthermore, as this multifunctionality of the proposed system is achieved with a minimal number of additional components-just a single auxiliary coil and a single varactor-the impact on the overall quality factor (Q) of the system is minimized, contributing to the higher efficiency. In a size-symmetric system, where the Tx and Rx coils have the same size, the efficiency reaches 98.1% in perfect alignment and remains above 60% with up to 135% misalignment relative to the largest coil dimension. In a size-asymmetric system, with the Rx coil reduced to a quarter of the Tx coil, the efficiency is 96.1% in perfect alignment and remains above 60% up to 95% misalignment. Despite its enhanced practicality through a simple structure featuring only one auxiliary coil and an asymmetric configuration integrated solely on the Tx side, the proposed technique surpasses previous methods by delivering significantly superior performance. Moreover, it demonstrates unprecedented tolerance to both misalignment and smaller Rx coil sizes, which is frequently encountered in practical applications.
Manually compressed soil blocks stabilised by fly ash based geopolymer: a promising approach for sustainable buildings
Authors: Bui Quoc-Bao , Nguyen Tan-Phat , Schwede Dirk
Published: December 2023

The construction industry is one of the sectors which have significant impacts on the environment. The research on sustainable materials is a demand of society. This paper presents an investigation on the use of fly ash (FA) geopolymer binder for the production of unburnt bricks. First, an optimisation process for the ratio of alkaline activator solution (AAS) and FA was performed. The blocks were obtained by compressing the materials in a mould by hand, similar to the traditional technique of the adobes. Different ratios of AAS in the blocks were investigated: 6%, 8%, 12% and 20% by mass, respectively. Two curing temperatures were tested: ambient temperature and at 60 °C. Then, different properties of the blocks were determined: flexural tensile strength, compressive strengths (in the quasi-dry state and in the saturated state), water absorption. The techniques of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were also used for the analyses of the results obtained. The results showed that the blocks with 20% AAS had highest compressive strengths with an average of 24 MPa at 28 days, while the recommended AAS amount for both technical and economical points of view was 8%, with a mean compressive strength of 13 MPa at 28 days. The ratio between the saturated compressive strength on the quasi-dry compressive strength was higher than 0.5, which satisfied the current exigencies from the standards. These exploratory results are important for practice applications of this type of blocks.
Factors related to the performance of laypersons diagnosing pigmented skin cancer: an explorative study
Authors: Beeler Nadja , Ziegler Esther , Navarini Alexander A. , Kapur Manu
Published: December 2023

It is important but challenging for prospective health professionals to learn the visual distinction between potentially harmful and harmless skin lesions, such as malignant melanomas and benign nevi. Knowledge about factors related to diagnostic performance is sparse but a prerequisite for designing and evaluating evidence-based educational interventions. Hence, this study explored how the characteristics of 240 skin lesions, the number of classified lesions and the response times of 137 laypeople were related to performance in diagnosing pigmented skin cancer. Our results showed large differences between the lesions, as some were classified correctly by more than 90% and others by less than 10% of the participants. A t-test showed that for melanomas, the correct diagnosis was provided significantly more often than for nevi. Furthermore, we found a significant Pearson correlation between the number of solved tasks and performance in the first 50 diagnostic tasks. Finally, t-tests for investigating the response times revealed that compared to true decisions, participants spent longer on false-negative but not on false-positive decisions. These results provide novel knowledge about performance-related factors that can be useful when designing diagnostic tests and learning interventions for melanoma detection.
Techno-economic analysis of natural gas distribution using a small-scale liquefied natural gas carrier
Authors: Budiyanto Muhammad Arif , Putra Gerry Liston , Riadi Achmad , Gunawan  , Febri Apri Melianes , Theotokatos Gerasimos
Published: December 2023

The design of the gas distribution for small-demand power plants located on remote islands is logistically challenging. The use of small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels can be an option for these logistic problems. This paper aims to conduct a techno-economic analysis of using small-scale LNG vessels for gas distribution to the power plants that are spread across different islands. Route optimisation has been conducted using the capacitated vehicle routing problem method. The ship’s principal dimensions were determined using the aspect ratio from a linear regression of existing small-scale LNG vessels. As a case study, the gas demands for a gas power plant in eastern Indonesia were analysed into four distribution clusters. The results of the techno-economic analysis showed that the four distribution clusters have different characteristics regarding the LNG requirements, location characteristics and ship specifications. The capacity of small-scale LNG vessels feasible in terms of technical aspects varies from 2500, 5000, to > 10,000 m3 with variations in the ship speed depending on the location of the power plants. The amount of cargo requested and the shipping distance was affected to the cost of LNG transportation. The economic assessment proposes that the feasible investment by considering small-scale LNG cargo distribution, from the case study shows that with a ship capacity of 5000 m3 feasible margin rate is ≥ 3 USD/metric million British thermal units with an internal rate of return of 10% and estimated payback period is less than 15 years.
For plantar taping, direction of elasticity matters
Authors: Bruening Dustin A. , Messick Cody L. , Waid Davis C. , Krupp Tanner D. , Stringer Jessica R. , Parry Dylan J. , Berry Levi J.
Published: December 2023

Plantar taping has been used in clinical settings as a short-term conservative treatment for plantar heel pain and related pathologies. The rise of at-home taping methods may offer patients more independence, but effectiveness has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of plantar taping on foot mechanics during gait. We hypothesized that material compliance would drive mechanical effectiveness, with longitudinally inelastic tape reducing medial longitudinal arch (MLA) motion and anterior/posterior (A/P) plantar tissue spreading forces, and laterally inelastic tape reducing medial/lateral (M/L) tissue spreading. We also hypothesized that these effects would be influenced by foot structure. Fifteen healthy participants were tested in a randomized cross-over study design. Barefoot (BF) plus four taping methods were evaluated, including two inelastic tapes (Low-Dye, LD, and FasciaDerm, FD) along with longitudinally elastic kinesiology tape (KT) and a novel laterally elastic kinesiology tape (FAST, FS). Participants’ arch height and flexibility were measured followed by instrumented gait analysis with a multi-segment foot model. Ankle eversion and MLA drop/rise were calculated from rearfoot and forefoot reference frames, while plantar tissue spreading was calculated from shear stresses. ANOVAs with Holm pairwise tests evaluated tape effects while correlations connected arch structure and taping effectiveness (α = 0.05). The three longitudinally inelastic tapes (LD, FD, FS) reduced MLA drop by 11–15% compared with KT and BF. In late stance, these tapes also inhibited MLA rise (LD by 29%, FD and FS by 10–15%). FS and FD reduced A/P spreading forces, while FD reduced M/L spreading forces compared with all other conditions. Arch height had a moderately strong correlation (r = -0.67) with the difference in MLA drop between BF and FS. At-home plantar taping can affect the mechanical function of the foot, but tape elasticity direction matters. Longitudinally elastic kinesiology tape has little effect on mechanics, while inelastic tapes control MLA drop but also restrict MLA rise in late stance. Lateral elasticity does not limit tissue spreading and may increase comfort without sacrificing MLA control. At-home taping has the potential to broaden conservative treatment of plantar heel pain, flat foot deformity, and related pathologies, but additional studies are needed to connect mechanics with symptom relief.
Reconstitution of C9orf72 GGGGCC repeat-associated non-AUG translation with purified human translation factors
Authors: Ito Hayato , Machida Kodai , Hasumi Mayuka , Ueyama Morio , Nagai Yoshitaka , Imataka Hiroaki , Taguchi Hideki
Published: December 2023

Nucleotide repeat expansion of GGGGCC (G4C2) in the non-coding region of C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Transcripts harboring this repeat expansion undergo the translation of dipeptide repeats via a non-canonical process known as repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. In order to ascertain the essential components required for RAN translation, we successfully recapitulated G4C2-RAN translation using an in vitro reconstituted translation system comprising human factors, namely the human PURE system. Our findings conclusively demonstrate that the presence of fundamental translation factors is sufficient to mediate the elongation from the G4C2 repeat. Furthermore, the initiation mechanism proceeded in a 5′ cap-dependent manner, independent of eIF2A or eIF2D. In contrast to cell lysate-mediated RAN translation, where longer G4C2 repeats enhanced translation, we discovered that the expansion of the G4C2 repeats inhibited translation elongation using the human PURE system. These results suggest that the repeat RNA itself functions as a repressor of RAN translation. Taken together, our utilization of a reconstituted RAN translation system employing minimal factors represents a distinctive and potent approach for elucidating the intricacies underlying RAN translation mechanism.
Sparse-firing regularization methods for spiking neural networks with time-to-first-spike coding
Authors: Sakemi Yusuke , Yamamoto Kakei , Hosomi Takeo , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: December 2023

The training of multilayer spiking neural networks (SNNs) using the error backpropagation algorithm has made significant progress in recent years. Among the various training schemes, the error backpropagation method that directly uses the firing time of neurons has attracted considerable attention because it can realize ideal temporal coding. This method uses time-to-first-spike (TTFS) coding, in which each neuron fires at most once, and this restriction on the number of firings enables information to be processed at a very low firing frequency. This low firing frequency increases the energy efficiency of information processing in SNNs. However, only an upper limit has been provided for TTFS-coded SNNs, and the information-processing capability of SNNs at lower firing frequencies has not been fully investigated. In this paper, we propose two spike-timing-based sparse-firing (SSR) regularization methods to further reduce the firing frequency of TTFS-coded SNNs. Both methods are characterized by the fact that they only require information about the firing timing and associated weights. The effects of these regularization methods were investigated on the MNIST, Fashion-MNIST, and CIFAR-10 datasets using multilayer perceptron networks and convolutional neural network structures.
Development of a ferroptosis-based molecular markers for predicting RFS in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Chen Jinquan , Zhang Longbin , Luo Yiling , Tan Chao , Hu Huang , Jiang Yuling , Xi Na , Zeng Qinghai , Peng H.
Published: December 2023

The goal of this study was to develop a ferroptosis-based molecular signature that can predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). In this study, we obtained ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in FerrDb database and clinical transcriptome data in TCGA database and GEO database. Consensus cluster analysis was used to identify three molecular markers of ferroptosis in PCa with differential expression of 40 FRGs, including PD-L1 expression levels. We conducted a new ferroptosis-related signature for PCa RFS using four FRGs identified through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The signature was validated in the training, testing, and validation cohorts, and it demonstrated remarkable results in the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.757, 0.715, and 0.732, respectively. Additionally, we observed that younger patients, those with stage T III and stage T IV, stage N0, cluster 1, and cluster 2 PCa were more accurately predicted by the signature as independent predictors of RFS. DU-145 and RWPE-1 cells were successfully analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot for ASNS, GPT2, RRM2, and NFE2L2. In summary, we developed a novel ferroptosis-based signature for RFS in PC, utilizing four FRGs identified through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. This signature was rigorously validated across training, testing, and validation cohorts, demonstrating exceptional performance as evidenced by its ROC curves. Notably, our findings indicate that this signature is particularly effective as an independent predictor of RFS in younger patients or those with stage T III and T IV, stage N0, and in clusters 1 and 2. Finally, we confirmed the expression of these four FRGs in DU-145 and RWPE-1 cell lines.
Super-resolution imaging for the detection of low-energy ion tracks in fine-grained nuclear emulsions
Authors: Alexandrov Andrey , Asada Takashi , Borbone Fabio , Tioukov Valeri , De Lellis Giovanni
Published: December 2023

We propose a new wide-field imaging method that exploits the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance phenomenon to produce super-resolution images with an optical microscope equipped with a custom design polarization analyzer module. In this paper we describe the method and apply it to the analysis of low-energy carbon ion tracks implanted in a nuclear emulsion film. The result is then compared with the measurements of the same tracks carried out at an electronic microscope. The images set side by side show their close similarity. The resolution achieved with the current microscope setup is estimated to be about 50 nm.
Ensemble deep-learning networks for automated osteoarthritis grading in knee X-ray images
Authors: Pi Sun-Woo , Lee Byoung-Dai , Lee Mu Sook , Lee Hae Jeong
Published: December 2023

The Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system is a scoring system for classifying the severity of knee osteoarthritis using X-ray images, and it is the standard X-ray-based grading system for diagnosing knee osteoarthritis. However, KL grading depends on the clinician’s subjective assessment. Moreover, the accuracy varies significantly depending on the clinician’s experience and can be particularly low. Therefore, in this study, we developed an ensemble network that can predict a consistent and accurate KL grade for knee osteoarthritis severity using a deep learning approach. We trained individual models on knee X-ray datasets using the most suitable image size for each model in an ensemble network rather than using datasets with a single image size. We then built the ensemble network using these models to overcome the instability of single models and further improve accuracy. We conducted various experiments using a dataset of 8260 images from the Osteoarthritis Initiative open dataset. The proposed ensemble network exhibited the best performance, achieving an accuracy of 76.93% and an F1-score of 0.7665. The Grad-CAM visualization technique was used to further evaluate the focus of the model. The results demonstrated that the proposed ensemble network outperforms existing techniques that have performed well in KL grade classification. Moreover, the proposed model focuses on the joint space around the knee to extract the imaging features required for KL grade classification, revealing its high potential for diagnosing knee osteoarthritis.
Investigating the bearing performance of the foundation under the combined effects of flood scouring and soaking
Authors: Han Zheng , Ding Haohui , Yan Hongdi , Zeng Chuicheng , Li Changli , Xie Wendu , Fu Bangjie , Li Yange
Published: December 2023

Bearing capacity degradation of foundations under the impact of the flood is one of the major reasons responsible for the collapse and damage to the rural buildings, posing a serious threat to the local village societies. Based on a case study of a rural building foundation had been destroyed by flooding. This paper investigated the deterioration process of rural building foundations under the combined effect of dynamic scouring and static soaking caused by flooding. Using the two-dimensional shallow water equation, erosion depth was calculated for different flood velocities. Then, the bearing capacity degradation under the combined scouring-soaking effect was analyzed using the finite element method. Finally, investigating the influence of inflow direction and building group masking on the foundation's bearing capacity. The results indicate that under the combined effect, the bearing capacity of village building foundations decreases by 47.88%, with scouring slightly more impactful than soaking. Inflow angle has minimal effect on bearing performance, while the masking effect of the building group provides better protection for the foundation of rear buildings.
Robotic exoskeleton embodiment in post-stroke hemiparetic patients: an experimental study about the integration of the assistance provided by the REFLEX knee exoskeleton
Authors: Lora-Millan Julio Salvador , Sanchez-Cuesta Francisco José , Romero Juan Pablo , Moreno Juan C. , Rocon Eduardo
Published: December 2023

Hemiparetic gait is the most common motor-disorder after stroke and, in spite of rehabilitation efforts, it is persistent in 50% of community dwelling stroke-survivors. Robotic exoskeletons have been proposed as assistive devices to support impaired joints. An example of these devices is the REFLEX knee exoskeleton, which assists the gait of hemiparetic subjects and whose action seems to be properly embodied by stroke survivors, who were able to adapt the motion of their non-assisted limbs and, therefore, reduce their compensation mechanisms. This paper presents an experimental validation carried out to deepen into the effects of REFLEX’s assistance in hemiparetic subjects. Special attention was paid to the effect produced in the muscular activity as a metric to evaluate the embodiment of this technology. Significant differences were obtained at the subject level due to the assistance; however, the high dispersion of the measured outcomes avoided extracting global effects at the group level. These results highlight the need of individually tailoring the action of the robot to the individual needs of each patient to maximize the beneficial outcomes. Extra research effort should be done to elucidate the neural mechanisms involved in the embodiment of external devices by stroke survivors.
Transcriptional state dynamics lead to heterogeneity and adaptive tumor evolution in urothelial bladder carcinoma
Authors: Biswas Antara , Sahoo Sarthak , Riedlinger Gregory M. , Ghodoussipour Saum , Jolly Mohit K. , De Subhajyoti
Published: December 2023

Intra-tumor heterogeneity contributes to treatment failure and poor survival in urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC). Analyzing transcriptome from a UBC cohort, we report that intra-tumor transcriptomic heterogeneity indicates co-existence of tumor cells in epithelial and mesenchymal-like transcriptional states and bi-directional transition between them occurs within and between tumor subclones. We model spontaneous and reversible transition between these partially heritable states in cell lines and characterize their population dynamics. SMAD3, KLF4 and PPARG emerge as key regulatory markers of the transcriptional dynamics. Nutrient limitation, as in the core of large tumors, and radiation treatment perturb the dynamics, initially selecting for a transiently resistant phenotype and then reconstituting heterogeneity and growth potential, driving adaptive evolution. Dominance of transcriptional states with low PPARG expression indicates an aggressive phenotype in UBC patients. We propose that phenotypic plasticity and dynamic, non-genetic intra-tumor heterogeneity modulate both the trajectory of disease progression and adaptive treatment response in UBC.
Noninvasive measurement of 13Carbon turnover for evaluation of porcine renal grafts during ex vivo machine perfusion
Authors: Minor Thomas , Malkus Laura , Zlatev Hristo , Lüer Bastian , von Horn Charlotte
Published: December 2023

Background

Kidney transplantation suffers from a shortage of donor organs. Despite this, a lot of grafts are discarded due to inadequate quality. As many kidneys are afflicted by transient filtration failure early after preservation, classical renal function tests are not applicable to differentiate between prospective recovery or continuing deficit of renal function.

Methods

Using normothermic machine perfusion as a platform for pre-implantation evaluation of the graft, we present a novel evaluative approach based on the metabolic turnover of 13C-acetate during isolated perfusion. After injection of the tracer, 13CO2 as a metabolic end-product can be quantified by high-precision laser-based spectroscopy in the gas outflow of the oxygenator. Three groups of porcine kidneys with graduated ischemic injury were investigated.

Results

This quantitative approach is able to discriminate acceptable quality kidneys, most likely to recover within days from poor kidney grafts that are unlikely to regain notable glomerular function with high discriminatory power (area under the ROC curve 0.91; P < 0.001 By contrast, conventional renal function tests are rather ineffective under these circumstances.

Conclusions

This assessment method offers the potential to quantitatively assess donor kidney quality using a measurable output, salvaging donors that would otherwise have been discarded.
A rhodamine coumarin-derived fluorescence probe that selectively detects Fe3+ and measures radiation doses
Authors: Qin Danni , Han Yaqi , Jiang Hao , Hu Liang
Published: December 2023

The probe REC that was created using coumarin and rhodamine B underwent fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in the presence of Fe3+. This work provided precise measurements of Fe3+ concentrations and radiation doses.
A stable ratiometric fluorescent probe for hypochlorous acid detection and rheumatoid arthritis evaluation
Authors: Gu Liuwei , Li Yinghao , Kong Xiaojie , Zhang Ke , Qin Yuling , Zhou Xiaobo , Ji Haiwei , Li Guo , Wu Li
Published: December 2023

A stable ratiometric fluorescent probe (MeO-CNPPV Pdots) based on the principle of FRET has been developed for HOCl and RA detection, providing a valuable paradigm in early RA evaluation.