bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep-Learning Multiscale Digital Holographic Intensity and Phase Reconstruction
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Zhaoyi , Zhou Yilin , Zhang Yirui , Jia Jingjing , Wang Ying
Published: August 2023

Addressing the issue of the simultaneous reconstruction of intensity and phase information in multiscale digital holography, an improved deep-learning model, Mimo-Net, is proposed. For holograms with uneven distribution of useful information, local feature extraction is performed to generate holograms of different scales, branch input training is used to realize multiscale feature learning, and feature information of different receptive fields is obtained. The up-sampling path outputs multiscale intensity and phase information simultaneously through dual channels. The experimental results show that compared to Y-Net, which is a network capable of reconstructing intensity and phase information simultaneously, Mimo-Net can perform intensity and phase reconstruction simultaneously on three different scales of holograms with only one training, improving reconstruction efficiency. The peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity of the Mimo-Net reconstruction for three different scales of intensity and phase information are higher than those of the Y-Net reconstruction, improving the reconstruction performance.
Quantitative Assessment of Upper-Limb Volume: Implications for Lymphedema Rehabilitation?
Authors: Lippi Lorenzo , Turco Alessio , Moalli Stefano , Nascimben Mauro , Curci Claudio , de Sire Alessandro , Rimondini Lia , Invernizzi Marco
Published: August 2023

Upper-limb lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the arm or hand, resulting in swelling and functional impairment. The accurate and reliable volumetric assessment of limb volume is crucial for the correct management of lymphedema. This narrative review provides an overview of the different methods proposed in the literature for the volumetric assessment of upper-limb lymphedema. In more detail, several methods of volumetric assessment have been proposed in recent years, including water displacement, the centimetric method, perometry, bioimpedance spectroscopy, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and three-dimensional laser scanning techniques. On the other hand, each method is characterized by specific strengths and limitations in terms of accuracy, reliability, practicality, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, factors including operator experience, equipment availability, and patient population characteristics might have several implications in the optimal assessment of upper-limb volume. In this context, a precise volumetric assessment is crucial to improving the rehabilitation framework, patient education, and research outcomes. As a result, the integration of emerging technologies is needed to improve the tailored management of patients with upper-limb lymphedema. In conclusion, volumetric assessment methods provide valuable insights in the management of upper-limb lymphedema, improving patient care, treatment outcomes, and research advancements. Future research should focus on testing these innovative solutions on larger samples of patients to enhance the reproducibility, accuracy, accessibility, and clinical utility of volumetric assessment methods in the complex treatment framework of upper-limb lymphedema.
Examining the Influence of Ultrasounds and the Addition of Arrowroot on the Physicochemical Properties of Ice Cream
Authors: Kozłowicz Katarzyna , Krajewska Marta , Nazarewicz Sybilla , Gładyszewski Grzegorz , Chocyk Dariusz , Świeca Michał , Dziki Dariusz , Kobus Zbigniew , Parafiniuk Stanisław , Przywara Artur , Kachel Magdalena
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of utilizing ultrasonic pasteurization as an alternative method to the standard pasteurization technique used for ice cream mixes. In addition, the possibility of replacing commercial stabilizers (guar gum (GG) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)) with arrowroot was assessed. The evaluation of the ice cream involved an analysis of its chemical composition and physical properties, including X-ray diffraction and microstructure analysis. The ice cream containing arrowroot and undergoing ultrasonic pasteurization exhibited significantly higher content of total solids (47.17%), protein (16.26 [g·(100 g)−1]), and free reducing sugars while displaying a notably lower fat content (6.60 [g·(100·g)−1]). The combination of arrowroot and ultrasonic pasteurization exerted a positive effect on reducing the apparent viscosity of the ice cream mixture (166.10 mPa·s). Consequently, it led to decreased hardness (19.97 N), increased overrun (87.02%), and extended melting time (37.48 min) in comparison to ice creams incorporating GG and CMC with traditional pasteurization. The study showed that arrowroot is a promising alternative to standard commercial stabilizers (CMC and GG) in ice cream production, while ultrasound pasteurization has the potential to replace traditional pasteurization methods.
Noise-Assessment-Based Screening Method for Remote Photoplethysmography Estimation
Authors: Lee Kunyoung , Kim Seunghyun , An Byeongseon , Seo Hyunsoo , Park Shinwi , Lee Eui Chul
Published: August 2023

Remote vital signal estimation has been researched for several years. There are numerous studies on rPPG, which utilizes cameras to detect cardiovascular activity. Most of the research has concentrated on obtaining rPPG from a complete video. However, excessive movement or changes in lighting can cause noise, and it will inevitably lead to a reduction in the quality of the obtained signal. Moreover, since rPPG measures minor changes that occur in the blood flow of an image due to variations in heart rate, it becomes challenging to capture in a noisy image, as the impact of noise is larger than the change caused by the heart rate. Using such segments in a video can cause a decrease in overall performance, but it can only be remedied through data pre-processing. In this study, we propose a screening technique that removes excessively noisy video segments as input and only uses signals obtained from reliable segments. Using this method, we were able to boost the performance of the current rPPG algorithm from 50.43% to 62.27% based on PTE6. Our screening technique can be easily applied to any existing rPPG prediction model and it can improve the reliability of the output in all cases.
Study on Disintegration and Infiltration Characteristics of Nanjing Jiangxinzhou Embankment Soil
Authors: Zhang Kun , Feng Di
Published: August 2023

Flood season embankment due to long-term high water immersion environment creates situations where its soil properties will deteriorate, quickly triggering bank slope instability and other dangerous situations. In order to study embankment slope soil in the disintegration and permeability characteristics under the long-term water immersion process, disintegration tests and variable head infiltration tests were carried out on embankment-disturbed clays in Jiangxinzhou, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. The results showed that the disintegration rate decreased with increasing dry density. Moreover, the samples gained weight quickly when the water content was low. Moreover, there is a threshold water content of around 20%, and it is assumed that the disintegration pattern of the soil may be significantly different depending on the optimum moisture content. The effect of moisture content on the disintegration of the samples was more significant. There were three main typical disintegration modes of the samples. The primary influencing factors resulting in the various disintegration patterns are the soil matrix suction, the change in consistency following water immersion, and the water membrane on the surface of the clay particles. The coefficient of permeability decreases with increasing dry density, and the variation of the coefficient of permeability with dry density coincides with the exponential function relationship. Long-term immersion conditions will change the permeability of the soil. An electron microscope test of immersed and unimmersed samples shows that the internal structure change is an essential factor affecting the permeability. After water immersion, with the dissolution of cementing material between soil particles, the particles move to fill the intergranular pore space so that the permeability coefficient decreases.
A Review of Milk Frauds and Adulterations from a Technological Perspective
Authors: Ionescu Alina-Daiana , Cîrîc Alexandru Ionuț , Begea Mihaela
Published: August 2023

Milk consumption has increased constantly, with milk being part of the diet of a large proportion of the global population. As a result of this growing demand, the increased competition in the dairy market, and the increasing complexity of the supply chain, the producers in the sector of milk and dairy products resort to technological fraud, which is considered to be a predominant problem in countries without specific legislation. Therefore, further research is required to educate the public about fraud or carelessness in milk production. Over time, as counterfeiting methods have become more complex, detection techniques have had to be developed in the same sequence. This paper aims to review the main adulterants, the counterfeiting techniques, and various methods of detecting counterfeiting.
Transient Response of Dynamic Stress Concentration around a Circular Opening: Incident SH Wave
Authors: Weng Jiayou , Wang Zhiwen , Zhou Chuanping , Pei Wanrong , Zhou Rougang , Liu Rong , Gong Yongping
Published: August 2023

The present study aims to investigate the transient response of stress concentration around a circular opening. The study focuses on the composition of the shockwave, which consists of SH waves of multiple frequencies. The wave equation, expressed by the displacement function, is transformed into the Helmholtz equation through the Fourier transform method. The spectral function can be obtained by employing analytic continuation and Fourier transform of the incident wave field. An analytical expression for the dynamic stress around the aperture can be derived using the wave function expansion method and by considering the boundary conditions. The influence of the aperture on the transient response is discussed based on the distribution of the dynamic stress concentration coefficient and stress peak coefficient under different aperture sizes. The results show that the peak of the dynamic stress concentration coefficient changes with the aperture. In contrast, the stress peak coefficient is primarily concentrated in the early stages of the transient response. Furthermore, it is observed that larger radii can induce alternating stress in the material, which may lead to fatigue failure. This strategy provides a solution for addressing similar challenges.
Deep Representation of EEG Signals Using Spatio-Spectral Feature Images
Authors: Bajaj Nikesh , Requena Carrión Jesús
Published: August 2023

Modern deep neural networks (DNNs) have shown promising results in brain studies involving multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The representations produced by the layers of a DNN trained on EEG signals remain, however, poorly understood. In this paper, we propose an approach to interpret deep representations of EEG signals. Our approach produces spatio-spectral feature images (SSFIs) that encode the EEG input patterns that activate the neurons in each layer of a DNN. We evaluate our approach using the PhyAAt dataset of multi-channel EEG signals for auditory attention. First, we train the same convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture on 25 separate sets of EEG signals from 25 subjects and conduct individual model analysis and inter-subject dependency analysis. Then we generate the SSFI input patterns that activate the layers of each trained CNN. The generated SSFI patterns can identify the main brain regions involved in a given auditory task. Our results show that low-level CNN features focus on larger regions and high-level features focus on smaller regions. In addition, our approach allows us to discern patterns in different frequency bands. Further SSFI saliency analysis reveals common brain regions associated with a specific activity for each subject. Our approach to investigate deep representations using SSFI can be used to enhance our understanding of the brain activity and effectively realize transfer learning.
Sea Surface Wind and Rainfall Responses to Marine Heatwaves in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Yinxia , Tian Song , Xie Sumei , Tang Ling , Li Shan , Wei Zheng , Zhong Wenxiu
Published: August 2023

In this study, the properties and related anomalies in sea surface wind and rainfall associated with marine heatwaves (MHWs) in the northern South China Sea (SCS) were investigated. The intensity and frequency (duration) of MHWs are high (short) along the coast and decrease (increase) when moving toward the open sea. On the continental shelf of the northern SCS, the wind anomalies associated with MHWs move in a northeastward direction in seasons other than summer. In the summer, MHW-induced wind anomalies were found to be statistically insignificant. In response to MHWs, there is a notable negative rainfall anomaly observed during the spring and summer, whereas a positive anomaly is observed in the fall. In the winter, the MHW-induced rainfall anomalies were deemed insignificant. The presence of an El Niño event can delay the influence of MHWs on rainfall anomalies and attenuate the amplitude of MHW-induced sea surface wind anomalies.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques to Improve Multi-Radar Mosaic Precipitation Estimates in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Rui , Chu Hai , Liu Qiyang , Chen Bo , Zhang Xin , Fan Xuliang , Wu Junjing , Xu Kang , Jiang Fulin , Chen Lei
Published: August 2023

In this study, we applied an explainable machine learning technique based on the LightGBM method, a category of gradient boosting decision tree algorithm, to conduct a quantitative radar precipitation estimation and move to understand the underlying reasons for excellent estimations. By introducing 3D grid radar reflectivity data into the LightGBM algorithm, we constructed three LightGBM models, including 2D and 3D LightGBM models. Ten groups of experiments were carried out to compare the performances of the LightGBM models with traditional Z–R relationship methods. To further assess the performances of the LightGBM models, rainfall events with 11,483 total samples during August-September of 2022 were used for statistical analysis, and two heavy rainfall events were specifically chosen for the spatial distribution evaluation. The results from both the statistical analysis and spatial distribution demonstrate that the performance of the LightGBM 3D model with nine points is the best method for quantitative precipitation estimation in this study. Through analyzing the explainability of the LightGBM models from Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) regression values, it can be inferred that the superior performance of the LightGBM 3D model is mainly attributed to its consideration of the rain gauge station attributes, diurnal variation characteristics, and the influence of spatial offset.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Tropical Cyclone Precipitation in Guangdong Province, China, from 1961 to 2020
Authors: Zheng Jing , Guo Siying , Zhuo Li , Wu Hongyu
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are often accompanied by heavy precipitation, which may lead to natural disasters and a serious threat to life and property. However, they also provide indispensable water resources. Studying the temporal and spatial characteristics of TC precipitation is of great importance for TC precipitation forecasting, TC disaster mitigation, and water resource utilization. Guangdong is one of the most frequently and severely TC-affected provinces in China. Due to the different methods used to identify TC precipitation, the conclusions offered by the existing studies are often inconsistent. Moreover, their analyses of the spatiotemporal characteristics of TC precipitation in Guangdong are not sufficiently thorough. In this study, we first selected the historical TCs that affected Guangdong from 1961 to 2020, using an objective separation method for TC wind and rain, based on the observation data from 86 national meteorological stations in Guangdong Province. From these observations covering the past 60 years, the temporal and spatial variations in TC precipitation in Guangdong for four different periods, namely the first rainy season (FRS), the second rainy season (SRS), the non-rainy season (NRS), and over the whole year (WY), were then explored using statistical analysis and multiple cluster methods. The results show that TC frequencies in the four periods all showed a decreasing trend. TC precipitation also showed a decreasing trend in the SRS and NRS, as well as for the WY, but showed a slightly increasing trend in the FRS. Both TC frequency and TC precipitation showed an apparent inter-annual fluctuation and a quasi-periodic pattern. The spatial distribution of TC precipitation in the four periods all showed a decreasing trend from the coastal to the inland stations, but the western coastal areas had higher TC precipitation values than the eastern coastal areas for the SRS, NRS, and WY periods. The spatial variations of TC precipitation in Guangdong in the four periods of the last six decades were quite similar, exhibiting three primary spatial modes and six patterns. Among them, the spatial distribution of TC precipitation being less than normal across the whole province is the most common pattern. The 86 stations can be classified into six groups when using the spatial clustering method and into four groups when using the time-series clustering method. Stations with higher TC precipitation and large inter-annual fluctuations are often distributed in the coastal areas, while stations with less precipitation and small inter-annual fluctuations are distributed in inland areas. However, the primary areas that are affected by TCs may vary in the different periods.
Spatiotemporal Variation and Driving Factors for NO2 in Mid-Eastern China
Authors: Yi Mingjian , Jiang Yongqing , Zhao Qiang , Qiu Junxia , Li Yi
Published: August 2023

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the major air pollutants in cities across mid-eastern China. Comprehending the spatial and temporal dynamics of NO2 drivers in various urban areas is imperative for tailoring effective air control strategies. Using data from ground-based monitoring stations, we investigated the impact of socioeconomic and meteorological factors on NO2 concentrations in cities in mid-eastern China from 2015 to 2021 using the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model. The findings reveal a notable reduction of over 10% in NO2 concentrations since 2015 in most cities, notably a 50.5% decrease in Bozhou. However, certain areas within Anhui and Jiangsu have experienced an increase in NO2 concentrations. Significant spatial heterogeneity is observed in the relationship between NO2 concentrations and influencing factors. The permanent population density (POP) and the electricity consumption (EC) of the entire society exhibited the strongest correlations with NO2 concentrations, with average coefficients of 0.431 and 0.520, respectively. Furthermore, other economic factors such as urbanization rate (UR), the share of secondary sector output in total GDP (IS), and the coverage rate of urban green areas (CG) were predominantly positively correlated, while GDP per capita (PGDP) and civil car vehicles (CV) demonstrated primarily negative correlations. Furthermore, we examined the correlations between four meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation) and NO2 concentrations. All these factors exhibited negative correlations with NO2 concentrations. Among them, temperature exhibited the strongest negative correlation, with a coefficient of −0.411. This research may contribute valuable insights and guidance for developing air emission reduction policies in various cities in mid-eastern China.
Shape Coexistence in Even–Even Nuclei: A Theoretical Overview
Authors: Bonatsos Dennis , Martinou Andriana , Peroulis Spyridon K. , Mertzimekis Theodoros J. , Minkov Nikolay
Published: August 2023

The last decade has seen a rapid growth in our understanding of the microscopic origins of shape coexistence, assisted by the new data provided by the modern radioactive ion beam facilities built worldwide. Islands of the nuclear chart in which shape coexistence can occur have been identified, and the different microscopic particle–hole excitation mechanisms leading to neutron-induced or proton-induced shape coexistence have been clarified. The relation of shape coexistence to the islands of inversion, appearing in light nuclei, to the new spin-aligned phase appearing in N=Z nuclei, as well as to shape/phase transitions occurring in medium mass and heavy nuclei, has been understood. In the present review, these developments are considered within the shell-model and mean-field approaches, as well as by symmetry methods. In addition, based on systematics of data, as well as on symmetry considerations, quantitative rules are developed, predicting regions in which shape coexistence can appear, as a possible guide for further experimental efforts that can help in improving our understanding of the details of the nucleon–nucleon interaction, as well as of its modifications occurring far from stability.
Causality in Scalar-Einstein Waves
Authors: Roberts Mark D.
Published: August 2023

A wavelike scalar-Einstein solution is found and indicating vectors constructed from the Bel-Robinson tensor are used to study which objects co-move with the wave and whether gravitational energy transfer is null. It is found that this Bel-Robinson energy criteria gives null energy transfer for both the vacuum plane wave and the scalar plane wave.
Preface to the Special Issue “A Themed Issue on Mathematical Inequalities, Analytic Combinatorics and Related Topics in Honor of Professor Feng Qi”
Authors: Du Wei-Shih , Agarwal Ravi Prakash , Karapinar Erdal , Kostić Marko , Cao Jian
Published: August 2023

This Special Issue of the journal Axioms pays tribute to Professor Feng Qi’s significant contributions and provides some important recent advances in mathematics [...]
Dual-Functional Electrolyte Additive for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Limits Lithium Dendrite Formation and Increases Sulfur Utilization Rate
Authors: Liu Chang , Wu Huiyuan , Wu Jiachun , Xiao Yinglin , Deng Yonghong
Published: August 2023

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have received great attention as promising candidates for next-generation energy-storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, their practical energy density is limited by a large electrolyte-to-sulfur (E/S) ratio (>10 µL electrolyte/mg s), and their cycle performance encounters challenges from electrode passivation and Li dendrite formation. In this work, a dual-functional electrolyte additive of tetraethylammonium nitrate (TEAN) is presented to address these issues. NO3− as a high-donor-number (DN) salt anion can promote polysulfide dissolution, increase sulfur utilization, and alleviate electrode passivation. The tetraethylammonium cation can adsorb around Li protrusions to form a lithiophobic protective layer to inhibit the formation of Li dendrites. TEAN LSBs show improving capacity, cycling stability, and higher coulombic efficiency under lean electrolyte (5 μL electrolyte/mg s) conditions.
Multidimensional Landscape of SA-AKI Revealed by Integrated Proteomics and Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Xu Jiatong , Li Jiaying , Li Yan , Shi Xiaoxiao , Zhu Huadong , Chen Limeng
Published: August 2023

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a severe and life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality among emergency patients, and it poses a significant risk of chronic renal failure. Clinical treatments for SA-AKI remain reactive and non-specific, lacking effective diagnostic biomarkers or treatment targets. In this study, we established an SA-AKI mouse model using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and performed proteomics and metabolomics analyses. A variety of bioinformatic analyses, including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), protein and protein interactions (PPI), and MetaboAnalyst analysis, were conducted to investigate the key molecules of SA-AKI. Integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis revealed that sepsis led to impaired renal mitochondrial function and metabolic disorders. Immune-related pathways were found to be activated in kidneys upon septic infection. The catabolic products of polyamines accumulated in septic kidneys. Overall, our integrated analysis provides a multidimensional understanding of SA-AKI and identifies potential pathways for this condition.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ethyl 3-Hydroxybutyrate in Alleviating Skeletal Muscle Wasting in Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Zhou Yu , Lu Ruohan , Lin Fusheng , Chen Shu , He Qi-Qing , Wu Guoyang , Huang Caihua , Lin Donghai
Published: August 2023

Cachexia (CAC) is a debilitating metabolic syndrome. Although dietary interventions are attractive, long-term adherence to specific diets is difficult to maintain and can lead to systemic side effects. Ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (EHB) is a commonly used food additive found in wine and Tribolium castaneum. In this study, we investigated the effects of EHB administration in cachectic mice. After a single intraperitoneal injection of EHB into mice, 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) levels were significantly increased in the serum and gastrocnemius of mice. The administration of EHB alleviated cachexia-related symptoms, ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy, and improved survival in cachectic mice. In addition, the supplementation of cachectic mice with 3-HB by EHB administration significantly reduced tumor weights, indicating the anti-tumor effects of 3-HB. Remarkably, the addition of 3-HB to the culture medium significantly attenuated the C2C12 myotube atrophy induced by the culture supernatant of CT26 cell lines, highlighting its potential to counteract the destructive effects of tumor-derived elements on muscle tissue. NMR-based metabolomics analysis provided insights into the underlying mechanisms and revealed that the anti-cachexia effects of 3-HB treatment can be attributed to three key mechanisms: the promotion of the TCA cycle and the attenuation of proteolysis, the promotion of protein synthesis and the improvement of metabolic homeostasis, and a reduction in inflammation and an enhancement of the antioxidant capacity. This study provided compelling evidence for the protective effects of 3-HB treatment on the cachectic gastrocnemius and highlighted the efficacy of EHB administration as a ketone supplementation approach to achieve nutritional ketosis without the need for dietary restriction.
Breaking the Fear Barrier: Aberrant Activity of Fear Networks as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Panic Disorder Normalized by Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Yan Haohao , Han Yiding , Shan Xiaoxiao , Li Huabing , Liu Feng , Li Ping , Zhao Jingping , Guo Wenbin
Published: August 2023

Panic disorder (PD) is a prevalent type of anxiety disorder. Previous studies have reported abnormal brain activity in the fear network of patients with PD. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether pharmacotherapy can effectively normalize these abnormalities. This longitudinal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study aimed to investigate the spontaneous neural activity in patients with PD and its changes after pharmacotherapy, with a focus on determining whether it could predict treatment response. The study included 54 drug-naive patients with PD and 54 healthy controls (HCs). Spontaneous neural activity was measured using regional homogeneity (ReHo). Additionally, support vector regression (SVR) was employed to predict treatment response from ReHo. At baseline, PD patients had aberrant ReHo in the fear network compared to HCs. After 4 weeks of paroxetine treatment (20 mg/day), a significant increase in ReHo was observed in the left fusiform gyrus, which had shown reduced ReHo before treatment. The SVR analysis showed significantly positive correlations (p < 0.0001) between the predicted and actual reduction rates of the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Here, we show patients with PD had abnormal spontaneous neural activities in the fear networks. Furthermore, these abnormal spontaneous neural activities can be partially normalized by pharmacotherapy and serve as candidate predictors of treatment response. Gaining insight into the trajectories of brain activity normalization following treatment holds the potential to provide vital insights for managing PD.
Why Is Iron Deficiency/Anemia Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Comorbidities, and How Is It Prevented?
Authors: Fehsel Karin
Published: August 2023

Impaired iron metabolism has been increasingly observed in many diseases, but a deeper, mechanistic understanding of the cellular impact of altered iron metabolism is still lacking. In addition, deficits in neuronal energy metabolism due to reduced glucose import were described for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its comorbidities like obesity, depression, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this review is to present the molecular link between both observations. Insufficient cellular glucose uptake triggers increased ferritin expression, leading to depletion of the cellular free iron pool and stabilization of the hypoxia-induced factor (HIF) 1α. This transcription factor induces the expression of the glucose transporters (Glut) 1 and 3 and shifts the cellular metabolism towards glycolysis. If this first line of defense is not adequate for sufficient glucose supply, further reduction of the intracellular iron pool affects the enzymes of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and activates the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK). This enzyme triggers the translocation of Glut4 to the plasma membrane as well as the autophagic recycling of cell components in order to mobilize energy resources. Moreover, AMPK activates the autophagic process of ferritinophagy, which provides free iron urgently needed as a cofactor for the synthesis of heme- and iron–sulfur proteins. Excessive activation of this pathway ends in ferroptosis, a special iron-dependent form of cell death, while hampered AMPK activation steadily reduces the iron pools, leading to hypoferremia with iron sequestration in the spleen and liver. Long-lasting iron depletion affects erythropoiesis and results in anemia of chronic disease, a common condition in patients with AD and its comorbidities. Instead of iron supplementation, drugs, diet, or phytochemicals that improve energy supply and cellular glucose uptake should be administered to counteract hypoferremia and anemia of chronic disease.
Low CRB-65 Scores Effectively Rule out Adverse Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Irrespective of Chest Radiographic Abnormalities
Authors: Liu Alexander , Hammond Robert , Chan Kenneth , Chukwuenweniwe Chukwugozie , Johnson Rebecca , Khair Duaa , Duck Eleanor , Olubodun Oluwaseun , Barwick Kristian , Banya Winston , Stirrup James , Donnelly Peter D. , Kaski Juan Carlos , Coates Anthony R. M.
Published: August 2023

Background: CRB-65 (Confusion; Respiratory rate ≥ 30/min; Blood pressure ≤ 90/60 mmHg; age ≥ 65 years) is a risk score for prognosticating patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. However, a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients have normal chest X-rays (CXRs). The influence of CXR abnormalities on the prognostic value of CRB-65 is unknown, limiting its wider applicability. Methods: We assessed the influence of CXR abnormalities on the prognostic value of CRB-65 in COVID-19. Results: In 589 study patients (71 years (IQR: 57–83); 57% males), 186 (32%) had normal CXRs. On ROC analysis, CRB-65 performed similarly in patients with normal vs. abnormal CXRs for predicting inpatient mortality (AUC 0.67 ± 0.05 vs. 0.69 ± 0.03). In patients with normal CXRs, a CRB-65 of 0 ruled out mortality, NIV requirement and critical illness (intubation and/or ICU admission) with negative predictive values (NPVs) of 94%, 98% and 99%, respectively. In patients with abnormal CXRs, a CRB-65 of 0 ruled out the same endpoints with NPVs of 91%, 83% and 86%, respectively. Patients with low CRB-65 scores had better inpatient survival than patients with high CRB-65 scores, irrespective of CXR abnormalities (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: CRB-65, CXR and CRP are independent predictors of mortality in COVID-19. Adding CXR findings (dichotomised to either normal or abnormal) to CRB-65 does not improve its prognostic accuracy. A low CRB-65 score of 0 may be a good rule-out test for adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients with normal or abnormal CXRs, which deserves prospective validation.
Pollutants, including Organophosphorus and Organochloride Pesticides, May Increase the Risk of Cardiac Remodeling and Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Le Quilliec Ewen , Fundere Alexia , Al-U’datt Doa’a G. F. , Hiram Roddy
Published: August 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac rhythm disorder. Recent clinical and experimental studies reveal that environmental pollutants, including organophosphorus–organochloride pesticides and air pollution, may contribute to the development of cardiac arrhythmias including AF. Here, we discussed the unifying cascade of events that may explain the role of pollutant exposure in the development of AF. Following ingestion and inhalation of pollution-promoting toxic compounds, damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) stimuli activate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress that may negatively affect the respiratory, cognitive, digestive, and cardiac systems. Although the detailed mechanisms underlying the association between pollutant exposure and the incidence of AF are not completely elucidated, some clinical reports and fundamental research data support the idea that pollutant poisoning can provoke perturbed ion channel function, myocardial electrical abnormalities, decreased action potential duration, slowed conduction, contractile dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, and arrhythmias including AF.
Current Approaches in the Multimodal Management of Asthma in Adolescents—From Pharmacology to Personalized Therapy
Authors: Lupu Vasile Valeriu , Jechel Elena , Fotea Silvia , Morariu Ionela Daniela , Starcea Iuliana Magdalena , Azoicai Alice , Mocanu Adriana , Mitrofan Elena Cristina , Lupu Ancuta , Munteanu Dragos , Badescu Minerva Codruta , Cuciureanu Magdalena , Ioniuc Ileana
Published: August 2023

Asthma and adolescence are two sensitive points and are difficult to manage when they coexist. The first is a chronic respiratory condition, with frequent onset in early childhood (between 3 and 5 years), which can improve or worsen with age. Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood (12–19 years), marked by various internal and external conflicts and a limited capacity to understand and accept any aspect that is delimited by the pattern of the social circle (of the entourage) frequented by the individual. Therefore, the clinician is faced with multiple attempts regarding the management of asthma encountered during the adolescent period, starting from the individualization of the therapy to the control of compliance (which depends equally on the adverse reactions, quality of life offered and support of the close circle) and the social integration of the subject, communication probably having a more important role in the monitoring and evolution of the condition than the preference for a certain therapeutic scheme. Current statistics draw attention to the increase in morbidity and mortality among children with bronchial asthma, an aspect demonstrated by the numerous hospitalizations recorded, due either to an escalation in the severity of this pathology or to faulty management. The purpose of this article is to review the delicate aspects in terms of controlling symptoms and maintaining a high quality of life among teenagers.
The Benefit of Bimodal Training in Voice Learning
Authors: Zadoorian Serena , Rosenblum Lawrence D.
Published: August 2023

It is known that talkers can be recognized by listening to their specific vocal qualities—breathiness and fundamental frequencies. However, talker identification can also occur by focusing on the talkers’ unique articulatory style, which is known to be available auditorily and visually and can be shared across modalities. Evidence shows that voices heard while seeing talkers’ faces are later recognized better on their own compared to the voices heard alone. The present study investigated whether the facilitation of voice learning through facial cues relies on talker-specific articulatory or nonarticulatory facial information. Participants were initially trained to learn the voices of ten talkers presented either on their own or together with (a) an articulating face, (b) a static face, or (c) an isolated articulating mouth. Participants were then tested on recognizing the voices on their own regardless of their training modality. Consistent with previous research, voices learned with articulating faces were recognized better on their own compared to voices learned alone. However, isolated articulating mouths did not provide an advantage in learning the voices. The results demonstrated that learning voices while seeing faces resulted in better voice learning compared to the voices learned alone.
Exploring the Relationship between Mood Disorders and Coexisting Health Conditions: The Focus on Nutraceuticals
Authors: Mechlińska Agnieszka , Wiglusz Mariusz S. , Słupski Jakub , Włodarczyk Adam , Cubała Wiesław J.
Published: August 2023

Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are the leading causes of global disability. Approximately 50% of patients fail to attain remission, prompting a pronounced focus on the significance of dietary patterns and specific nutrients within the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The connection between chronic diseases and mood disorders follows a bidirectional pattern: physical ailments are interrelated with affective disorders, and, concurrently, mood symptoms often precede chronic diseases and have the potential to worsen their prognosis. Nutraceuticals affect factors that could potentially impact the onset of mood disorders: monoamines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and sleep quality. Furthermore, mood disorders rarely manifest in isolation. Typically, such patients concurrently experience other mental disorders or somatic comorbidities: obesity, hypertension, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), etc., where providing nutritional support is also pertinent. To optimize the therapeutic approach for individuals with mood disorders, incorporating nutritional support may not solely ameliorate symptoms stemming directly from the mental condition, but also indirectly through interventions targeting comorbidities.
The Use of Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG) to Assess Post-COVID-19 Concentration Disorders in Professional Pilots: An Initial Concept
Authors: Kopańska Marta , Rydzik Łukasz , Błajda Joanna , Sarzyńska Izabela , Jachymek Katarzyna , Pałka Tomasz , Ambroży Tadeusz , Szczygielski Jacek
Published: August 2023

Announced by WHO in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has affected many people, leading to serious health consequences. These consequences are observed in the daily lives of infected patients as various dysfunctions and limitations. More and more people are suffering post-COVID-19 complications that interfere with or completely prevent them from working or even functioning independently on a daily basis. The aim of our study was to demonstrate that innovative quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) can be used to assess cognitive function disorders reported after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worth noting that no similar study has been conducted to date in a group of pilots. The QEEG method we used is currently one of the basic neurological examinations, enabling easy observation of post-COVID-19 changes in the nervous system. With the innovativeness of this technique, our study shows that the use of quantitative electroencephalography can be a precursor in identifying complications associated with cognitive function disorders after COVID-19. Our study was conducted on twelve 26-year-old pilots. All participants had attended the same flight academy and had contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pilots began to suspect COVID-19 infection when they developed typical symptoms such as loss of smell and taste, respiratory problems, and rapid fatigue. Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), which is one of the most innovative forms of diagnostics, was used to diagnose the patients. Comparison of the results between the study and control groups showed significantly higher values of all measurements of alpha, theta, and beta2 waves in the study group. In the case of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), the measurement results were significantly higher in the control group compared to the study group. Our study, conducted on pilots who had recovered from COVID-19, showed changes in the amplitudes of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration. The results confirmed the issues reported by pilots as evidenced by the increased amplitudes of alfa, theta, and beta2 waves. It should be emphasized that the modern diagnostic method (QEEG) presented here has significant importance in the medical diagnosis of various symptoms and observation of treatment effects in individuals who have contracted the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The present study demonstrated an innovative approach to the diagnosis of neurological complications after COVID-19.
Gender Differences in Mental Rotational Training Based on Computer Adaptive Tests
Authors: Wang Hanlin , Li Linghe , Zhang Pan
Published: August 2023

Mental rotation tasks have been widely used to assess individuals’ spatial cognition and the ability to mentally manipulate objects. This study employed a computerized adaptive training method to investigate the behavioral performance of participants of different genders in mental rotation tasks with different rotation angles before and after training. A total of 44 Chinese university students participated in the experiment, with the experimental group undergoing a five-day mental rotation training program. During the training phase, a three-down/one-up staircase procedure was used to adjust the stimulus levels (response time) based on participants’ responses. The results showed that the training had a facilitative effect on the mental rotation ability of both male and female participants, and it was able to eliminate the gender differences in mental rotation performance. Regarding the angles, we observed that the improvement in the angles involved in the training was significantly higher compared to untrained angles. However, no significant differences in improvement were found among the three trained angles. In summary, these findings demonstrate the effectiveness of computerized adaptive training methods in improving mental rotation ability and highlight the influence of gender and angles on learning outcomes.
Resilient Behaviors in Music Students: Relationship with Perfectionism and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Arbinaga Félix
Published: August 2023

Self-efficacy and perfectionism play an important role in high-performance activities. This cross-sectional study analyzes the relationship between these constructs and resilience in a sample of 145 music students (57.9% female) with a mean age of 27.77 years. Perfectionism was assessed using the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport; resilience, using the Resilience Scale; and self-efficacy, using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Females, compared to males, are more perfectionist, both on the adaptive (Cohen’s d = 0.41) and maladaptive scales (Cohen’s d = 0.70). However, no gender differences were found in self-efficacy or resilience scores. Music students categorized as highly resilient obtained significantly higher self-efficacy scores (Cohen’s d = 1.30). However, no differences were found between high- and low-resilience students in perfectionism scores, the total scale scores, or its adaptive or functional factor (striving for perfection). Differences were found for the maladaptive factor, negative reactions to imperfection, where low-resilience students scored higher on negative reactions to imperfection (Cohen’s d = 0.49). Self-efficacy shows significant predictive power for resilience (β = 0.525, p < 0.001). Although functional perfectionism did not significantly predict resilience, a marginal negative relationship was found between dysfunctional perfectionism and resilience (β = −0.156, p = 0.063). The results are discussed concerning their implications for music pedagogy and teacher intervention.
Harsh Childhood Discipline and Developmental Changes in Adolescent Aggressive Behavior: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion
Authors: Yang Qing-Feng , Xie Rui-Bo , Zhang Rui , Ding Wan
Published: August 2023

Harsh discipline during childhood (psychological aggression and corporal punishment) has been found to be an early risk factor for adolescent aggressive behavior. However, previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between harsh discipline as a whole and the level of adolescent aggressive behavior. This study investigates the effects of childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment on the initial levels and rate of change in adolescent aggressive behavior, as well as the mediating role of self-compassion in this relationship. Using cluster sampling, a three-wave follow-up assessment was conducted on 1214 high-school students (60.7% boys; mean age at Wave 1 = 15.46 ± 0.71). The results showed that childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment had a positive predictive effect on the development level of adolescent aggressive behavior. However, only childhood psychological aggression significantly directly attenuated the decline rate of adolescent aggressive behavior. In addition, both childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment indirectly affected the initial levels and growth rate of adolescent aggressive behavior through self-compassion. These findings could provide potential targets for prevention and intervention programs aimed at improving aggressive behavior in Chinese adolescents.
Early Shrinkage Modeling of Complex Internally Confined Concrete Based on Capillary Tension Theory
Authors: Zhou Fengbin , Jiang Hao , Huang Lepeng , Hu Ying , Xie Zhuolin , Zeng Zhikai , Liu Maoyi , Wang Bo , Zhou Xingyang
Published: August 2023

This paper evaluates the shrinkage performance of concrete under complex internal constraint environments comprising steel plates, studs, and reinforcement to investigate their respective influence laws on the shrinkage performance of concrete. An early shrinkage model of concrete under complex internal constraints was established based on the theory of capillary tension, and the effects of steel plate, nails, and steel reinforcement on the shrinkage performance of concrete were theoretically analyzed. Six sets of concrete-constrained shrinkage tests and pore structure tests were then performed under different internal constraint conditions with the steel plate thickness, reinforcement diameter, and stud-related parameters (stud diameter, height, and spacing) as research variables. The test results demonstrate that the pore structure of concrete increases with the increase in the constraint coefficient, and that the increase in the pore structure will cause a decrease in the capillary pore stress, which is the driving force of concrete shrinkage. Its decrease will inevitably lead to a decrease in concrete shrinkage. By comparing the calculated values of the shrinkage model with the measured values, it is found that the average value of the prediction error is less than 15%, which reveals that the predicted values of shrinkage are in good agreement with the measured values and proves that the model can effectively predict the shrinkage of concrete that is restrained by steel plates, pins, and reinforcing bars.