bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research progress on the chemical components and biological activities of sea cucumber polypeptides
Authors: Shou Yiwen , Feng Chao , Lu Qinpei , Mao Xin , Huang Huisha , Su Zhiheng , Guo Hongwei , Huang Zhaoquan
Published: October 2023

Owing to their unique physical and chemical properties and remarkable biological activities, marine biological resources are emerging as important sources of raw materials for producing health products, food, and cosmetics. Collagen accounts for approximately 70% of the sea cucumber body wall, and its hydrolysis produces small-molecule collagen polypeptides with diverse biological functions, such as anticancer, antihypertensive, immune-enhancing, memory-enhancing, and cartilage tissue repairing effects. Notably, the potential of sea cucumber polypeptides in combination with anticancer therapy has garnered considerable attention. Determining the composition and structure of sea cucumber polypeptides and exploring their structure–activity relationships will aid in obtaining an in-depth understanding of their diverse biological activities and provide scientific insights for the development and utilization of these polypeptides. Therefore, this review focuses on the amino acid structures and activities of sea cucumber polypeptides of varying molecular weights. This study also provides an overview of the biological activities of various sea cucumber polypeptides and aims to establish a scientific basis for their development.
Ground-state cooling in cavity optomechanical systems
Authors: Wen Pengyu , Wang Min , Long Gui-Lu
Published: October 2023

The development of quantum optomechanics enables the manipulation of the quantum state of a macroscopic object and the conversion of frequency in different domains in quantum information processing, which prompts the process of quantum network and quantum computing. However, to enter the regime of quantum optomechanics, it’s necessary to prepare a mechanical object in its ground state. In this review, we briefly introduce the process of ground-state cooling in cavity optomechanical system. We first elucidate the theory of optomechanical cooling from both the classical and quantum perspective. Then we review experimental process about ground-state cooling in cavity optomechanical systems in these years, which includes the active feedback cooling and intrinsic optomechanical cooling. We selectively introduce the apparatus, samples and final cooling performance of some remarkable experiments. Finally, theoretical discussions on novel cooling approach will be reviewed, including cooling beyond resolved-sideband regime and multimode cooling, which may serve as a guidance for future experiment design.
Intrauterine growth restriction in piglets modulates postnatal immune function and hepatic transcriptional responses independently of energy intake
Authors: Amdi C. , Larsen C. , Jensen K. M. R. , Tange E. Ø. , Sato H. , Williams A. R.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Insufficient prenatal nutrition can affect fetal development and lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The aim of this study was to investigate hepatic transcriptional responses and innate immune function in piglets suffering from IUGR compared to normal-sized piglets at 3 days of age and explore whether the provision of an energy-rich supplement at birth could modulate these parameters.

Methods: A total of 68 piglets were included in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were harvested for LPS stimulation, and organs were harvested post-mortem to quantify relative weights. Liver tissue was utilized for RNA sequencing coupled with gene-set enrichment analysis.

Results: IUGR resulted in increased expression of genes such as PDK4 and substantial alterations in transcriptional pathways related to metabolic activity (e.g., citric acid and Krebs cycles), but these changes were equivalent in piglets given an energy-rich supplement or not. Transcriptomic analysis and serum biochemistry suggested altered glucose metabolism and a shift toward oxidation of fatty acids. IUGR piglets also exhibited suppression of genes related to innate immune function (e.g., CXCL12) and pathways related to cell proliferation (e.g., WNT and PDGF signaling). Moreover, they produced less IL-1β in response to LPS stimulation and had lower levels of blood eosinophils than normal-sized piglets.

Discussion: Taken together, our results indicate that IUGR results in early-life alterations in metabolism and immunity that may not be easily restored by the provision of exogenous energy supplementation.
A ResNet50-DPA model for tomato leaf disease identification
Authors: Liang Jin , Jiang Wenping
Published: October 2023

Tomato leaf disease identification is difficult owing to the variety of diseases and complex causes, for which the method based on the convolutional neural network is effective. While it is challenging to capture key features or tends to lose a large number of features when extracting image features by applying this method, resulting in low accuracy of disease identification. Therefore, the ResNet50-DPA model is proposed to identify tomato leaf diseases in the paper. Firstly, an improved ResNet50 is included in the model, which replaces the first layer of convolution in the basic ResNet50 model with the cascaded atrous convolution, facilitating to obtaining of leaf features with different scales. Secondly, in the model, a dual-path attention (DPA) mechanism is proposed to search for key features, where the stochastic pooling is employed to eliminate the influence of non-maximum values, and two convolutions with one dimension are introduced to replace the MLP layer for effectively reducing the damage to leaf information. In addition, to quickly and accurately identify the type of leaf disease, the DPA module is incorporated into the residual module of the improved ResNet50 to obtain an enhanced tomato leaf feature map, which helps to reduce economic losses. Finally, the visualization results of Grad-CAM are presented to show that the ResNet50-DPA model proposed can identify diseases more accurately and improve the interpretability of the model, meeting the need for precise identification of tomato leaf diseases.
Identification and characterization of the cupin_1 domain-containing proteins in ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus) and their potential role in rhizome sprouting
Authors: Zhu Peng-kai , Yang Jing , Yang De-ming , Xu Yan-ping , He Tian-you , Rong Jun-dong , Zheng Yu-shan , Chen Ling-yan
Published: October 2023

Cupin_1 domain-containing protein (CDP) family, which is a member of the cupin superfamily with the most diverse functions in plants, has been found to be involved in hormone pathways that are closely related to rhizome sprouting (RS), a vital form of asexual reproduction in plants. Ma bamboo is a typical clumping bamboo, which mainly reproduces by RS. In this study, we identified and characterized 53 Dendrocalamus latiflorus CDP genes and divided them into seven subfamilies. Comparing the genetic structures among subfamilies showed a relatively conserved gene structure within each subfamily, and the number of cupin_1 domains affected the conservation among D. latiflorus CDP genes. Gene collinearity results showed that segmental duplication and tandem duplication both contributed to the expansion of D. latiflorus CDP genes, and lineage-specific gene duplication was an important factor influencing the evolution of CDP genes. Expression patterns showed that CDP genes generally had higher expression levels in germinating underground buds, indicating that they might play important roles in promoting shoot sprouting. Transcription factor binding site prediction and co-expression network analysis indicated that D. latiflorus CDPs were regulated by a large number of transcription factors, and collectively participated in rhizome buds and shoot development. This study significantly provided new insights into the evolutionary patterns and molecular functions of CDP genes, and laid a foundation for further studying the regulatory mechanisms of plant rhizome sprouting.
Measuring people’s covariational reasoning in Bayesian situations
Authors: Steib Nicole , Krauss Stefan , Binder Karin , Büchter Theresa , Böcherer-Linder Katharina , Eichler Andreas , Vogel Markus
Published: October 2023

Previous research on Bayesian reasoning has typically investigated people’s ability to assess a posterior probability (i.e., a positive predictive value) based on prior knowledge (i.e., base rate, true-positive rate, and false-positive rate). In this article, we systematically examine the extent to which people understand the effects of changes in the three input probabilities on the positive predictive value, that is, covariational reasoning. In this regard, two different operationalizations for measuring covariational reasoning (i.e., by single-choice vs. slider format) are investigated in an empirical study with N = 229 university students. In addition, we aim to answer the question wheter a skill in “conventional” Bayesian reasoning is a prerequisite for covariational reasoning.
A pilot exploration of the relationships between optimism, affect, and cardiovascular reactivity
Authors: Parra-Gaete Cesar , Hermosa-Bosano Carlos
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Cardiovascular reactivity refers to changes in blood pressure and heart rate in response to internal or external stimuli. Previous research has shown that excessively high and low cardiovascular reactivity are associated with an increased risk of cardiac problems. Dispositional optimism has been associated with numerous health benefits, including better cardiovascular responses to stressors, and reduced mortality risk. Conversely, pessimism has been associated with negative health outcomes and worse cardiovascular reactivity to stress. Mood, comprising positive and negative affect, can significantly impact psychological adjustment and physical health. Therefore, it is important to consider mood as a potential confounding variable in the link between optimism and cardiovascular reactivity. The study hypothesized that optimism and pessimism would still influence cardiovascular reactivity even when mood variables were controlled for.

Methods

A within-subjects correlational design with 107 young adult participants was used. Sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires were administered to collect information on participants’ characteristics. The Dispositional Optimism Scale (LOT-R) and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) were used to assess participants’ levels of optimism, pessimism, and mood. Measures of cardiovascular reactivity, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR), were taken during a stressor task (PASAT).

Results

There is a moderate positive correlation between dispositional optimism and positive affect, while pessimism demonstrated a moderate positive association with negative affect. Linear regression analyses were conducted, controlling baseline reactivity variables, gender, and body mass index. The results showed that pessimism had a significant negative effect on SBP reactivity, suggesting that higher levels of pessimism decreased SBP response. Optimism had a significant positive effect on DBP reactivity, while pessimism had a significant negative effect.

Discussion

Overall, these results suggest that dispositional optimism and pessimism are related to cardiovascular reactivity, even after controlling for positive and negative affect. Pessimism was associated with lower SBP reactivity, while both optimism and pessimism influenced DBP reactivity. These findings are consistent with previous research indicating that optimism enables more effective stress management during challenging events, whereas pessimism can serve as a risk factor, heightening the likelihood of experiencing future cardiac issued caused by blunted cardiovascular reactivity.
The relationship between cumulative family risk and athlete burnout among Chinese college athletes: the mediating role of negative affect
Authors: Li Rui , Guo Xujuan , Liang Yuqian , An Yalun , Xu Maoyao , Zhang Biao
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Burnout of college athletes affects the sports performance of college athletes, etc., and plays an important role in the career development of college athletes. China attaches great importance to the mental health development of college athletes, but the influence mechanism of college athlete burnout has not received attention. This study explored the relationship between cumulative family risk, negative affect, and athlete burnout in college athletes.

Methods

Data on 824 college athletes from more than 40 universities in China were collected through convenient sampling, using questionnaires including Cumulative Family Risk Scale, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Negative Affect Scale.

Results

The results of the structural equation model show that cumulative family risk has a significant positive effect on college athlete burnout. Cumulative family risk has a significant positive effect on the negative affect of college athletes. Negative affect also plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between cumulative family risk and college athlete burnout.

Discussion

These results suggest that cumulative family risk directly or indirectly affects collegiate athlete burnout.
Human emotion processing accuracy, negative biases, and fMRI activation are associated with childhood trauma
Authors: Reisch Alexis A. , Bessette Katie L. , Jenkins Lisanne M. , Skerrett Kristy A. , Gabriel Laura B. , Kling Leah R. , Stange Jonathan P. , Ryan Kelly A. , Schreiner Mindy Westlund , Crowell Sheila E. , Kaufman Erin A. , Langenecker Scott A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Emerging literature suggests that childhood trauma may influence facial emotion perception (FEP), with the potential to negatively bias both emotion perception and reactions to emotion-related inputs. Negative emotion perception biases are associated with a range of psychiatric and behavioral problems, potentially due or as a result of difficult social interactions. Unfortunately, there is a poor understanding of whether observed negative biases are related to childhood trauma history, depression history, or processes common to (and potentially causative of) both experiences.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study examines the relation between FEP and neural activation during FEP with retrospectively reported childhood trauma in young adult participants with remitted major depressive disorder (rMDD, n = 41) and without psychiatric histories (healthy controls [HC], n = 34). Accuracy of emotion categorization and negative bias errors during FEP and brain activation were each measured during exposure to fearful, angry, happy, sad, and neutral faces. We examined participant behavioral and neural responses in relation to total reported severity of childhood abuse and neglect (assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ).

Results

Results corrected for multiple comparisons indicate that higher trauma scores were associated with greater likelihood of miscategorizing happy faces as angry. Activation in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) positively correlated with trauma scores when participants viewed faces that they correctly categorized as angry, fearful, sad, and happy.

Discussion

Identifying the neural mechanisms by which childhood trauma and MDD may change facial emotion perception could inform targeted prevention efforts for MDD or related interpersonal difficulties.
Salt reduction behavior of adults in Anhui province in 2019: a cross-sectional survey of 3,378 participants
Authors: Xing Xiu-Ya , Zhao Yan , Sam Napoleon Bellua , Xu Jing-Qiao , Chen Ye-Ji , Xu Wei , Wang Hua-Dong , Liu Zhi-Rong , Pan Hai-Feng
Published: October 2023

Objective

A high-sodium diet is an important risk factor for hypertension in the Chinese population, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Although a large number of related studies have been carried out in Anhui province, clear, effective salt reduction interventions and policies that can be widely promoted have not yet been formed. This study sought to understand the prevalence and precise measures of salt reduction behavior, the variables affecting salt reduction behavior, and the reasons why salt reduction behavior was not practiced in Anhui Province, China.

Methods

The total number of participants in the study was 3,378. Using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, residents between the ages of 18 and 69 years in 10 counties and districts were selected from March to October 2019. A survey questionnaire and physical measurements were given to each participant. The influencing factors of residents' salt reduction behavior were examined using a multi-factor unconditional logistic regression analysis. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to analyze the implementation of salt reduction behaviors among different age groups and gender, the factors influencing the implementation of salt reduction measures, and the reasons for not implementing salt reduction measures.

Results

A history of hypertension was associated with salt reduction strategies (P = 0.014). Patients with hypertension were more likely to adopt salt reduction behaviors than those without hypertension (OR = 1.218, P = 0.040). The influence of eating out on the adoption of salt-reduction measures varied by age group (χ2 = 50.463, P < 0.001) and gender (χ2 = 81.348, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In summary, residents of the Anhui Province are not very knowledgeable about salt reduction. Age, gender, education level, hypertension, and marital status are the main determinants. Our findings have significant implications for policymakers who want to devise salt reduction strategies.
Perspectives on brain health and dementia prevention in Latin America: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Fox Sarah , León Tomás , Mariano Luciano , Arshad Faheem , Magrath Guimet Nahuel , Hope Grainne , Tituaña Kuripacha , Zapata-Restrepo Lina María
Published: October 2023

While age-specific dementia prevalence is falling in many countries, several recent reviews estimate prevalence in Latin America to be higher than anywhere else in the world. This may be, in part, due to the high incidence of socioeconomic and health-related risk factors present in the region. However, growing evidence suggests that primary and secondary prevention via modifiable risk factors is possible, and that 40% of cases may be mitigated through interventions which target modifiable risk. This suggests that there may be significant scope for dementia risk reduction in this region. In June 2021, eight fellows from the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) hosted an expert consensus workshop on challenges and opportunities for brain health and dementia prevention in Latin America. The workshop brought together 16 experts in dementia, aging, and brain health from a range of professional backgrounds and geographical regions. From this workshop we collated an expert-led consensus regarding the practical challenges and opportunities implicit in embedding brain health and dementia prevention initiatives in the Latin American context. Here we discuss the outcomes of this workshop, highlighting several challenges and opportunities and discussing how these may be addressed.
Hidden Markov models for presence detection based on CO2 fluctuations
Authors: Karasoulas Christos , Keroglou Christoforos , Katsiri Eleftheria , Sirakoulis Georgios Ch.
Published: October 2023

Presence sensing systems are gaining importance and are utilized in various contexts such as smart homes, Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and surveillance technology. Typically, these systems utilize motion sensors or cameras that have a limited field of view, leading to potential monitoring gaps within a room. However, humans release carbon dioxide (CO2) through respiration which spreads within an enclosed space. Consequently, an observable rise in CO2 concentration is noted when one or more individuals are present in a room. This study examines an approach to detect the presence or absence of individuals indoors by analyzing the ambient air’s CO2 concentration using simple Markov Chain Models. The proposed scheme achieved an accuracy of up to 97% in both experimental and real data demonstrating its efficacy in practical scenarios.
How Do We Swallow and What Can Go Wrong?
Authors: Kim Minseo , Bera Shreya , Shune Samantha E. , Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini
Published: October 2023

For many people, swallowing is an automatic and frequent daily activity. However, some people experience difficulties with swallowing, also called dysphagia, which can include trouble swallowing specific kinds of foods or drinks, or even not being able to swallow at all. It can be common for dysphagic people to cough up anything they eat or drink, to choke, or to feel as if food is stuck in the throat or chest. The inability to eat or drink properly can take away from fun social events like parties and outings. Since dysphagia can cause many problems both physically and emotionally, it is important to identify warning signs and seek treatment. Dysphagia can be managed and treated by speech-language pathologists, who make recommendations for types of foods to eat, assign exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles, and offer other ways to make living with dysphagia a lot easier.
Are Vertical Farms Sustainable?
Authors: Zauli Ilaria , Pennisi Giuseppina
Published: October 2023

Today, cities are growing—taking up more space and filling up with more people. The growth of cities reduces the Earth’s natural resources and the amount of land available for farming. As Earth’s population grows, food production must increase so that everyone will have enough to eat. Vertical farming is a type of farming that can be done within cities, in spaces like empty buildings. In these indoor spaces, conditions (temperature, water, etc.) can be controlled so that food can be produced all year round. In vertical farms, the drained water can be recovered and reused. Lots of plants can be grown in small spaces. Despite these positive qualities, artificial lights must be used because there is no sunlight, so unfortunately a large amount of energy is needed to run vertical farms. As lights become more efficient, vertical farms can be a sustainable, environmentally friendly way to produce food.
Heatwave Definition and Impact on Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nawaro Julia , Gianquintieri Lorenzo , Pagliosa Andrea , Sechi Giuseppe M. , Caiani Enrico Gianluca
Published: October 2023

Objectives: We aimed to analyze recent literature on heat effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, focusing on the adopted heat definitions and their eventual impact on the results of the analysis.

Methods: The search was performed on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases: 54 articles, published between January 2018 and September 2022, were selected as relevant.

Results: In total, 21 different combinations of criteria were found for defining heat, 12 of which were based on air temperature, while the others combined it with other meteorological factors. By a simulation study, we showed how such complex indices could result in different values at reference conditions depending on temperature. Heat thresholds, mostly set using percentile or absolute values of the index, were applied to compare the risk of a cardiovascular health event in heat days with the respective risk in non-heat days. The larger threshold’s deviation from the mean annual temperature, as well as higher temperature thresholds within the same study location, led to stronger negative effects.

Conclusion: To better analyze trends in the characteristics of heatwaves, and their impact on cardiovascular health, an international harmonization effort to define a common standard is recommendable.
Parameter Optimization of Vibration Reduction Structure for Low-Speed, Multi-Acting Cam Ring Motor
Authors: An Gaocheng , Wang Wenkang , Dong Hongquan , Liu Baoyu , Song Wei , Hu Zhenhua
Published: October 2023

To address the issue of serious torque pulsation and optimize the output characteristics of multi-acting cam ring motors at low speed, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on the parameters of the triangular groove at the valve plate. Firstly, a mathematical model of the flow area between the rotor hole and the valve plate hole was established. Then, a numerical simulation model was built to study the motor output characteristics. Finally, the coupling effect of the triangular groove parameters on the motor torque pulsation rate was analyzed based on the response surface methodology. The results show that the motor torque pulsation rate can be reduced by 55% when adjusting depth angle θ1, width angle θ2, and length l. The influence order of design parameters on the pulsation rate is θ1>l>θ2; among all parameter combinations, the coupling of the triangular groove between the depth angle and the length has the most significant effect on the pulsation rate.
Impact of Environmental Values and Information Awareness on the Adoption of Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology by Farmers—A Case Study Considering Social Networks
Authors: Tian Mengling , Liu Ruifeng , Wang Jian , Liang Jiahao , Nian Yefan , Ma Hengyun
Published: October 2023

The irrational application of chemical fertilizer affects agricultural land’s supply capacity and yield quality and may lead to serious agricultural non-point source pollution. Through scientific and accurate fertilization, soil testing and formula fertilization technology (STFFT) can effectively prevent excessive fertilizer use, improve its utilization efficiency, and have significant environmental and economic benefits. Based on evolutionary game theory, this paper constructed an evolutionary game model of farmers’ adoption of STFFT. We used a case study to reveal and verify the influence of farmers’ environmental values, information awareness, and social network on their adoption of STFFT and its mechanism. The findings were as follows: First, there are two optimal stable states in the evolutionary system; namely, all farmers adopt or do not adopt STFFT. Second, environmental values and information awareness positively correlate with farmers’ adoption of STFFT. Third, the strength of social networks can enhance the effectiveness of information awareness and environmental values, encouraging farmers to adopt STFFT. In addition, the social network plays a mediating role and moderating role in the influence of information awareness and environmental values on the farmers’ adoption of STFFT.
Consumer Preferences and Attitudes towards Antibiotic Use in Food Animals
Authors: Adam Katherine E. , Bruce Ann
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major challenges faced by society, with the real threat of the failure of many medical procedures. Antibiotics are also used in livestock production and provide a potential pathway to increasing AMR. The central challenge involves ensuring animal health and welfare while securing the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics. This paper reports the results of a survey of 5693 respondents from the customer panels of four major UK supermarkets regarding preferences and attitudes towards antibiotic use in food animals, and their perspectives on how the balance between animal welfare and human benefit can be achieved. The results of these surveys are consistent with those from other countries that found that consumers generally have limited knowledge about antibiotic use in agriculture and AMR, with around 50% responding “don’t know” to many questions. There was agreement about the benefits of antibiotics outweighing harm, with 40% agreeing that, overall, the use of antibiotics to treat disease in farm animals delivers more benefit than harm. However, 44% neither agreed nor disagreed, indicating a high level of uncertainty and a situation that is potentially unstable. The seriousness of the AMR challenge is such that continued action for the more discriminating use of antibiotics must continue.
N-Acetylcysteine and Its Immunomodulatory Properties in Humans and Domesticated Animals
Authors: Tieu Sophie , Charchoglyan Armen , Paulsen Lauryn , Wagter-Lesperance Lauri C. , Shandilya Umesh K. , Bridle Byram W. , Mallard Bonnie A. , Karrow Niel A.
Published: October 2023

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an acetylated derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, has been widely used as a mucolytic agent and antidote for acetaminophen overdose since the 1960s and the 1980s, respectively. NAC possesses antioxidant, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucolytic properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for a wide range of diseases in both humans and domesticated animals. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a major role in the onset and progression of all these diseases. NAC’s primary role is to replenish glutathione (GSH) stores, the master antioxidant in all tissues; however, it can also reduce levels of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-∝) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms and destroy biofilms, and break down disulfide bonds between mucin molecules. Many experimental studies have been conducted on the use of NAC to address a wide range of pathological conditions; however, its effectiveness in clinical trials remains limited and studies often have conflicting results. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise overview of promising NAC usages for the treatment of different human and domestic animal disorders.
Special Issue on the Application of Municipal/Industrial Solid and Liquid Waste in Energy Area
Authors: Lasek Janusz Andrzej
Published: October 2023

Municipal [...]
Optimization of Excavator Bucket Structure by a Coupled Simulation Method
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Linlin , Li Chenchen , Xue Ziao , Sun Yuan , Ma Ruiyong , Wang Dagang , Cui Muchun , Wei Xuefeng , Tang Liang , Sun Yuewei , Xu Wei
Published: October 2023

As a component directly in contact with materials in the excavation process of the excavator, the structure and performance of the bucket directly affect the efficiency of the excavator. With the increasingly prominent environmental and energy problems, it has become a research difficulty to optimize the bucket structure of excavators so as to reduce the digging resistance and energy consumption of excavators. Therefore, an orthogonal optimization method of bucket structure that couples Adams with EDEM was proposed to explore the excavation performance of buckets with different structures under different geological conditions. The particle size distribution and mass proportion of various ores under different geological conditions were obtained through geological investigation, and particle models with different shapes and sizes were constructed. The friction coefficient and collision recovery coefficient between bucket and ore and between ore and ore were measured using a self-made testing device. The results show that the excavation resistance of the bucket teeth during the excavation process is much greater than that of other components, and optimizing the bucket structure can effectively reduce the excavation resistance of the bucket teeth. Under different geological conditions, the optimization parameter combinations of bucket structure obtained through orthogonal experiments are different. In addition, after structural optimization, the excavation resistance and energy consumption of the bucket were reduced, and the filling rate was also improved.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Fat-Poor Renal Tumors Using CT Radiomics
Authors: Bang Seokhwan , Wang Hee-Hwan , Kim Hokun , Choi Moon Hyung , Cha Jiook , Choi Yeongjin , Hong Sung-Hoo
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To develop and validate a machine learning-based CT radiomics classification model for distinguishing benign renal tumors from malignant renal tumors. Methods: We reviewed 499 patients who underwent nephrectomy for solid renal tumors at our institution between 2003 and 2021. In this retrospective study, patients who had undergone a computed tomography (CT) scan within 3 months before surgery were included. We randomly divided the dataset in a stratified manner as follows: 75% as the training set and 25% as the test set. By using various feature selection methods and a dimensionality reduction method exclusively for the training set, we selected 160 radiomic features out of 1,288 radiomic features to classify malignant renal tumors. Results: The training set included 396 patients, and the test set included 103 patients. The percentage of extracted radiomic features from patients was 32% (385/1218) after the reproducibility test. In terms of the average Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AU-ROC) and the average Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AU-PRC), the Random Forest model achieved better performance (AU-ROC = 0.725; AU-PRC = 0.899). An average accuracy of 0.778 was obtained on evaluation with the hold-out test set. At the optimal threshold, the Random Forest model showed an F1 score of 0.746, precision of 0.862, sensitivity of 0.657, specificity of 0.651, and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 0.364. Conclusions: Our machine learning-based CT radiomics classification model performed well for the independent test set, indicating that it could be a useful tool for discriminating between malignant and benign solid renal tumors.
Performance, Emotion, Presence: Investigation of an Augmented Reality-Supported Concept for Flight Training
Authors: Moesl Birgit , Schaffernak Harald , Vorraber Wolfgang , Braunstingl Reinhard , Koglbauer Ioana Victoria
Published: October 2023

Augmented reality (AR) could be a means for a more sustainable education of the next generation of pilots. This study aims to assess an AR-supported training concept for approach to landing, which is the riskiest phase of flying an aircraft and the most difficult to learn. The evaluation was conducted with 59 participants (28 women and 31 men) in a pretest–post-test control group design. No significant effect of the AR-supported training was observed when comparing the experimental and the control groups. However, the results show that for the experimental group that trained with AR, higher performance in post-test was associated with higher AR presence and comfort with AR during training. Although both gender groups improved their approach quality after training, the improvement was larger in women as compared to men. Trainees’ workload, fear of failure, and negative emotions decreased in post-test as compared to pre-test, but the decrease was significantly larger in women than in men. The experimental group who used AR support during training showed improved performance despite the absence of AR support in post-test. However, the AR-based training concept had a similar effect to conventional simulator training. Although more research is necessary to explore the training opportunities in AR and mixed reality, the results of this study indicate that such an application would be beneficial to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical instruction.
Tire Defect Detection via 3D Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Zheng Li , Lou Hong , Xu Xiaomin , Lu Jiangang
Published: October 2023

Tire defect detection, as an important application of automatic inspection techniques in the industrial field, remains a challenging task because of the diversity and complexity of defect types. Existing research mainly relies on X-ray images for the inspection of defects with clear characteristics. However, in actual production lines, the major threat to tire products comes from defects of low visual quality and ambiguous shape structures. Among them, bubbles, composing a major type of bulge-like defects, commonly exist yet are intrinsically difficult to detect in the manufacturing process. In this paper, we focused on the detection of more challenging defect types with low visibility on tire products. Unlike existing approaches, our method used laser scanning technology to establish a new three-dimensional (3D) dataset containing tire surface scans, which leads to a new detection framework for tire defects based on 3D point cloud analysis. Our method combined a novel 3D rendering strategy with the learning capacity of two-dimensional (2D) detection models. First, we extracted accurate depth distribution from raw point cloud data and converted it into a rendered 2D feature map to capture pixel-wise information about local surface orientation. Then, we applied a transformer-based detection pipeline to the rendered 2D images. Our method marks the first work on tire defect detection using 3D data and can effectively detect challenging defect types in X-ray-based methods. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms state-of-the-art approaches on 3D datasets in terms of detecting tire bubble defects according to six evaluation metrics. Specifically, our method achieved 35.6, 40.9, and 69.1 mAP on three proposed datasets, outperforming others based on bounding boxes or query vectors.
Manufacturing and Functional Characterization of Bioengineered Liver Grafts for Extracorporeal Liver Assistance in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Nelson Victoria L. , Stumbras Aron R. , Palumbo R. Noelle , Riesgraf Shawn A. , Balboa Marie S. , Hannah Zachary A. , Bergstrom Isaac J. , Fecteau Christopher J. , Lake John R. , Barry John J. , Ross Jeff J.
Published: October 2023

Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is a life-threatening illness characterized by the rapid onset of abnormal liver biochemistries, coagulopathy, and the development of hepatic encephalopathy. Extracorporeal bioengineered liver (BEL) grafts could offer a bridge therapy to transplant or recovery. The present study describes the manufacture of clinical scale BELs created from decellularized porcine-derived liver extracellular matrix seeded entirely with human cells: human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and primary human liver cells (PHLCs). Decellularized scaffolds seeded entirely with human cells were shown to adhere to stringent sterility and safety guidelines and demonstrated increased functionality when compared to grafts seeded with primary porcine liver cells (PPLCs). BELs with PHLCs were able to clear more ammonia than PPLCs and demonstrated lower perfusion pressures during patency testing. Additionally, to determine the full therapeutic potential of BELs seeded with PHLCs, longer culture periods were assessed to address the logistical constraints associated with manufacturing and transporting a product to a patient. The fully humanized BELs were able to retain their function after cold storage simulating a product transport period. Therefore, this study demonstrates the manufacture of bioengineered liver grafts and their potential in the clinical setting as a treatment for ALF.
Mesoporous Bioactive Glass-Incorporated Injectable Strontium-Containing Calcium Phosphate Cement Enhanced Osteoconductivity in a Critical-Sized Metaphyseal Defect in Osteoporotic Rats
Authors: Ray Seemun , Thormann Ulrich , Kramer Inga , Sommer Ursula , Budak Matthäus , Schumacher Matthias , Bernhardt Anne , Lode Anja , Kern Christine , Rohnke Marcus , Heiss Christian , Lips Katrin S. , Gelinsky Michael , Alt Volker
Published: October 2023

In this study, the in vitro and in vivo bone formation behavior of mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) particles incorporated in a pasty strontium-containing calcium phosphate bone cement (pS100G10) was studied in a metaphyseal fracture-defect model in ovariectomized rats and compared to a plain pasty strontium-containing calcium phosphate bone cement (pS100) and control (empty defect) group, respectively. In vitro testing showed good cytocompatibility on human preosteoblasts and ongoing dissolution of the MBG component. Neither the released strontium nor the BMG particles from the pS100G10 had a negative influence on cell viability. Forty-five female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three different treatment groups: (1) pS100 (n = 15), (2) pS100G10 (n = 15), and (3) empty defect (n = 15). Twelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy and multi-deficient diet, a 4 mm wedge-shaped fracture-defect was created at the metaphyseal area of the left femur in all animals. The originated fracture-defect was substituted with pS100 or pS100G10 or left empty. After six weeks, histomorphometrical analysis revealed a statistically significant higher bone volume/tissue volume ratio in the pS100G10 group compared to the pS100 (p = 0.03) and empty defect groups (p = 0.0001), indicating enhanced osteoconductivity with the incorporation of MBG. Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio for pS100 (p = 0.004) and pS100G10 (p = 0.003) compared to the empty defect group. pS100G10 showed a statistically higher expression of BMP-2. In addition, a statistically significant higher gene expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin, collagen1a1, collagen10a1 with a simultaneous decrease in RANKL, and carbonic anhydrase was seen in the pS100 and pS100G10 groups compared to the empty defect group. Mass spectrometric imaging by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) showed the release of Sr2+ ions from both pS100 and pS100G10, with a gradient into the interface region. ToF-SIMS imaging also revealed that resorption of the MBG particles allowed for new bone formation in cement pores. In summary, the current work shows better bone formation of the injectable pasty strontium-containing calcium phosphate bone cement with incorporated mesoporous bioactive glass compared to the bioactive-free bone cement and empty defects and can be considered for clinical application for osteopenic fracture defects in the future.
Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Disease with a Novel Interlaminar Screw Elastic Spacer Technique: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Huang Zebin , Liu Shu , Nie Maodan , Yuan Jiabin , Lin Xumiao , Chu Xuerong , Shi Zhicai
Published: October 2023

A novel interlaminar elastic screw spacer technique was designed to maintain lumbar mobility in treating lumbar degenerative diseases. A validated finite element model of L4/5 was used to establish an ISES-1/2 model and an ISES-1/3 model based on different insertion points, a unilateral fixation model and a bilateral fixed model based on different fixation methods, and a Coflex-F model based on different implants. The elastic rods were used to fix screws. Under the same mechanical conditions, we compared the biomechanical characteristics to investigate the optimal entry point for ISES technology, demonstrate the effectiveness of unilateral fixation, and validate the feasibility of the ISES technique. Compared to ISES-1/3, the ISES-1/2 model had lower intradiscal pressure, facet cartilage stress, and posterior structural stress. Compared to the ISES-BF model, the ISES-UF model had lower intervertebral pressure, larger mobility, and smaller stress on the posterior structures. The ISES model had a similar intervertebral pressure and limitation of extension as the Coflex-F model. The ISES model retained greater mobility and reduced the stress on the facet cartilage and posterior structure compared with the Coflex-F model. Our study suggests that the ISES technique is a promising treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, especially those with osteoporosis.
Venetoclax Overcomes Sorafenib Resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Targeting BCL2
Authors: Xu Xi , Ma Weiwei , Qiu Guo , Xuan Li , He Chong , Zhang Tian , Wang Jian , Liu Qifa
Published: October 2023

Sorafenib, a kinase inhibitor, has shown promising therapeutic efficacy in a subset of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, despite its clinical effectiveness, sorafenib resistance is frequently observed in clinical settings, and the mechanisms underlying this resistance as well as effective strategies to overcome it remain unclear. We examined both single-cell and bulk transcription data in sorafenib-resistant and control AML patients and integrated a sorafenib resistance gene signature to predict the sensitivity of AML cells and the clinical outcomes of AML patients undergoing sorafenib therapy. In addition, our drug sensitivity analysis of scRNA-seq data using deconvolution methods showed that venetoclax was effective in targeting sorafenib-resistant AML cells. Mechanistically, sorafenib was found to activate the JAK-STAT3 pathway and upregulate BCL2 expression in sorafenib-resistant AML cells. This upregulation of BCL2 expression rendered the cells vulnerable to the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax. In conclusion, we developed a platform to predict sorafenib resistance and clinical outcomes in AML patients after therapy. Our findings suggest that the combination of sorafenib and venetoclax could be an effective therapeutic strategy for AML treatment.
Effect of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) on Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Narrative Review
Authors: Alzahrani Meshari A. , Ofisan Salman Bin , Alshumaymiri Nasser I. , Alghuwainem Muath , Altamimi Muath , Alali Ali Y. , Rabie Muhammad , AboSkena Ahmed K. , Almaymuni Khalid , Almannie Raed , Binsaleh Saleh
Published: October 2023

Background: Hypericum species are widely acknowledged for their biological attributes, with notable attention being paid to Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John’s wort (SJW) within the Hypericum section of the Hypericaceae family. This species is among the most thoroughly investigated herbal medicines, particularly in terms of its application in the management of mild to moderate depression. SJW is used to treat depression, menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), somatic symptom disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and skin conditions, such as wounds and muscle pain. However, the usefulness and effectiveness of SJW for male sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are not well known. Objective: To assess the current evidence in the literature on the effect of SJW on male SRH. Methods: This narrative review followed a predetermined protocol and used MEDLINE and PubMed to identify articles published in English on the effects of SJW on male SRH. The search used various keywords, such as “Hypericum Perforatum”, “St. John’s Wort”, and terms related to sexual and reproductive health issues. Articles published between the inception of the database and August 2023 were included. Results: We identified 12 articles published from 1999 to 2019, the majority of which were experimental and conducted on animals. These studies demonstrate variability in terms of design, sample size, type of SJW extract used, the dosage administered, and duration of treatment. Studies have indicated potential sexual dysfunction (SD) due to SJW, which includes reduced libido, delayed ejaculation, delayed orgasm, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, reproductive toxicity has been suggested, as evidenced by spermicidal effects through the inhibition of sperm motility, abnormal spermatozoa, chromosomal aberrations, and DNA denaturation. Furthermore, some studies have reported potential adverse events during maternal exposure, inhibition of fertilization, and disruption of reproductive parameters. Conclusions: Our review suggests that the safety and efficacy of SJW in the treatment of human SRH remain unclear. Further comprehensive, well-designed studies with larger samples, longer exposure periods, and specific dosages are needed to clarify SJW's effects of SJW. Therefore, consultation with healthcare professionals before using herbal remedies or supplements is crucial.