bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMU-based joint axis identification method for arbitrary joints in OpenSim - a simulation study
Authors: Wechsler Iris , Shanbhag Julian , Wartzack Sandro , Koelewijn Anne D. , Miehling Jörg 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In musculoskeletal simulation, individualized joint axes enhance the accuracy and reliability of kinematic and kinetic simulation results. We investigated the correctness and performance of an analytical method for identifying the instantaneous axis of rotation between two bodies based on motion data in OpenSim. The instantaneous center of rotation is the point at which two bodies have the same velocity. The relative linear and angular velocity between the two bodies, as well as their relative position to each another, are required as inputs to calculate it. Using the instantaneous center of rotation, fixed or moving joint centers of rotation can be identified. To prove the general applicability of the method, the instantaneous centers of rotation of a revolute joint of a simple double pendulum model and the hip and knee joint of a more complex musculoskeletal model were investigated. The hip joint is defined as a ball joint. The knee joint is defined as an OpenSim custom joint which describes the motion of the child segment in relation to the parent segment as a function of generalized coordinates. To verify the correctness of the approach in OpenSim, the moving centers of rotation were calculated using synthetic noisefree data. The results were compared to the implementation of the respective joints in the model which act as the ground truth. White Gaussian noise was added to the synthetic data to analyze its effect on the quality of the calculated centers of rotation. We were able to correctly identify the center of rotation of each joint using noisefree data. In the case of noisy data, joint centers of rotation can be determined by applying additional filtering or optimization methods to the calculated instantaneous centers of rotation. Consequently, we are able to determine the center of rotation for arbitrary joints based on noisy synthetic data. This approach is applicable for both fixed and moving centers of rotation which distinguishes it from commonly used methods in the field of biomechanical simulation.
A Novel Narrow Region Detector for Sampling-Based Planners' Efficiency: Match Based Passage Identifier
Authors: Şahiner Yafes Enes , Gündoğdu Esat Yusuf , Sezer Volkan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Autonomous technology, which has become widespread today, appears in many different configurations such as mobile robots, manipulators, and drones. One of the most important tasks of these vehicles during autonomous operations is path planning. In the literature, path planners are generally divided into two categories: probabilistic and deterministic methods. In the analysis of probabilistic methods, the common problem of almost all methods is observed in narrow passage environments. In this paper, a novel sampler is proposed that deterministically identifies narrow passage environments and accordingly increases the amount of sampling in these regions. The codes of the algorithm is provided as open source. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, benchmark studies are conducted in three distinct categories: specific and random simulation environments, and a real-world environment. As a result, it is observed that our algorithm provides higher performance in planning time and number of milestones compared to the baseline samplers.
Empowering Doctoral Academic Research: Artificial Intelligence-driven Insights from Large Language Models
Authors: Yuan Yihuan , Harun Jamalludin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The ever-expanding volume and complexity of academic research pose significant challenges for researchers, particularly doctoral students. In response to these challenges, utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) has emerged as a promising alternative solution. Such LLMs as ChatGPT, Bing Chat and Google Bard are applied in academic research. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 PhD students and used thematic analysis to explore the application of LLMs in academic research. The results indicate that LLMs assist literature reading by extracting main content, providing research topics, and making reading convenient; assist research design by generating research design ideas; assist academic writing by generating writing ideas, polishing writing, analyzing and visualizing data; assist knowledge construction by offering subject matter expertise and promoting science; assist admin works by writing admin emails. Based on these, a five-dimensional framework of AI-assisted academic research (AIAAR) has been established to explain the assistance of LLMs in academic research. This research not only sheds light on the practical benefits of integrating LLMs in academic research but also provides insights into optimizing their usage for enhanced scholarly productivity and knowledge advancement.
Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of key gene ShOMT3 of podophyllotoxin biosynthesis pathway in Sinopodophyllum hexandrum
Authors: Gao Haona , Zhao Dan , Li Lu , Zhao Xiufang , Zhang Zheng , Liu Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (S. hexandrum) is an endangered traditional Chinese medicine as abundant podophyllotoxin with powerful anticancer activity. In this study, the rootstalks of S. hexandrum from different geographical locations in China [S1 (Gansu) and S2 (Shaanxi)] were used as research materials to clone the key gene pluviatolide O-methyltransferase 3 (ShOMT3) in the podophyllotoxin biosynthetic pathway. Subsequently, bioinformatics analysis of the ShOMT3 gene and its encoded protein was subjected to bioinformatics analysis using various analysis software including ProtParam, Tmhmm Server 2.0, SubLoc, Signal-P 5.0, and Swiss-model. The results of the analysis revealed that the CDS region of the ShOMT3 gene is 1119 bp long, encoding 372 amino acids. The theoretical molecular weight of the ShOMT3 protein is 41.32784 kD, and the theoretical isoelectric point (pI) is 5.27. The instability coefficient of the protein is 46.05, the aliphatic index is 93.58, and the grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) is 0.037, indicating that it is an unstable hydrophobic protein. The protein does not contain transmembrane domains or signal peptides, indicating that it is a non-secreted protein. Secondary structure prediction results suggests that the protein consists of alpha helices, random coils, extended strands, and beta-turns. Tertiary structure prediction results suggests that the protein functions as a monomer. In the phylogenetic tree, the ShOMT3 protein has the highest homology with Podophyllum peltatum (P. peltatum). The successful cloning and bioinformatics analysis of the ShOMT3 gene provide theoretical basis and excellent genetic resources for the molecular regulatory mechanism analysis of the podophyllotoxin biosynthetic pathway and molecular breeding in S. hexandrum.
Replacement of acetic acid with ammonium acetate boosts triacylglycerol productivity without significant growth retardation in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Sittisaree Wattanapong , Berkban Tanayos , Yokthongwattana Chotika , Yokthongwattana Kittisak 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Microalgal cultivation is one of the main factors restricting biomass production as well as energy fuel production. It is widely known that nitrogen starvation condition triggers triacylglycerol accumulation in many green algae. Yet, such a condition suppresses growth of the algae. It is of our interest to develop culture conditions and cultivation systems for TAGs induction that does not hamper growth. We report in this study that the substitution of acetic acid with ammonium acetate in the modified TAP medium could trigger significant amount of TAG in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii while not drastically reducing growth. Application of ammonium acetate in semi-continuous cultivation showed that microalgal growth and TAG productivity could be maintained for up to 5 rounds. This finding could lead to further studies and optimizations to apply ammonium acetate for microalgal cultivation for TAG production.
When standards fall short: The use of discretion and just allocation of long-term care services
Authors: Tingvold Laila , Hellesø Ragnhild , Obstfelder Aud Uhlen , Stokke Randi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Care administrators in long-term care (LTC) are ‘gatekeepers’ to the services and handle applications, investigate care needs, and decide if, what and how much services applicants are entitled to receive. Various models of service allocation have been in operation in the Nordic counties since the inception of LTC services in the 1970s. The main drivers of the development of allocation models have been concerns about service inequality among users, quality of care, patient safety, and the overall efficiency within healthcare settings. While care administrators have several laws and guidelines to aid their decision making, the use of professional discretion is known to be widespread but less investigated. In the context of Norway, this article seeks to explore: What guides care administrators in reaching decisions? How and in which circumstances is the use of discretion needed in making decisions? Method Qualitative in-depth interviews with 5 managers in care administration and 13 care administrators in 5 municipalities. The material was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Solid professional competence, experience from the health and care sector and personal strength to handle complex situation were seen as prerequisites guiding care administration. Laws governing access to services are broad and general, and more specific service standards were developed in the municipalities to guide the work of the care administrators. Discretion was applied constantly and regarded as both a necessary and valuable tool. Cases typically negotiated by discretion involved cases where there were disagreements about the need for care, diffuse care needs, or difficulties in predicting which service would be the best or most effective for the service applicants. Conclusion We argue that the care administrators hold a substantial responsibility and are often challenged to allocate equal and just services. The use of discretion is a valuable and necessary part of handling care applications and contributes to the integrity and trustworthiness of the care administrators and the care services. However, reforms and standardisations put a heavy pressure on care administrators and may restrict the freedom entrusted to them since they must comply with more and stricter criteria in service allocation. This might hamper care administrators’ opportunity to apply discretion and act in the best interests of the service applicant (‘principle of fiduciary’).
Celiac in the 21st century – the change in BMI of children at diagnosis over the last two decades
Authors: Sliman Rim Kasem Ali , Stein Nili , Alter Yigal Elenberg 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the prevalence of different BMI categories among newly diagnosed pediatric Celiac Disease (CD) patients in Israel from 2002 to 2018.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study using the database of Clalit Health Services in Israel included 5,520 newly diagnosed CD children aged 2-18 between 2002-2018. Data on BMI, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) were collected and analyzed.
Results: Of the 5,520 CD patients, 57.5% were female, 39.7% had low SES, and 77.1% were Jewish. At diagnosis, 13.1% were underweight, 73% had normal BMI, 9.1% overweight, and 4.8% were obese. Underweight and obese patients tended to be older at diagnosis (9 years) compared to normal and overweight patients (8 years) (P<0.001). A higher proportion of Arab patients were underweight, while more Jewish patients were obese. Lower SES was significantly associated with increased underweight risk (P<0.001). Over time, diagnosed patients had improved SES and were less underweight (P<0.001). Male gender increased obesity risk (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.06-1.74], P=0.017), while Arab ethnicity was protective for obesity (OR 0.67 [95%CI, (0.45 -0.99)], P=0.047).
Conclusion:Underweight prevalence significantly decreased in the second decade, but no significant change in overweight and obesity was noted. Underweight was associated with older age at diagnosis, poverty, and Arab ethnicity. Obesity was associated with older age and was more frequent in Jewish and male patients. Physicians should have a low threshold for CD screening regardless of BMI status to enable timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term health consequences
Climate change impacts the dispersal of annual plants: a mechanistic approach
Authors: Manzaneda Antonio , Valenzuela-Polo Victor , Bolaños-Jiménez Rocío , Rey Pedro J. , Alcantara Julio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change (ACC) significantly impacts plant populations, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. The survival of plant species hinges on their ability to adapt or migrate in pace with shifting climate niches, which is key for maintaining gene flow and habitat colonization in changing environments. This study investigates the mechanistic basis of how ACC affects seed dispersal. Here, we specifically model how elevated atmospheric CO2 levels, temperature, and drought collectively influence dispersal trait plasticity and potential across multiple species. We identified essential diaspore dispersal predictors using climate chamber experiments, fluid dynamic modelling, and wind tunnel assays. Our findings indicate a predicted dispersal distance reduction of 40% for temperate annual plants in warmer, drier, and CO2-rich conditions. Our results highlight the importance of inherent limits of plasticity in multiple traits for facing environmental change and the need to consider multiple environmental factors to understand dispersal in future climates.
A 360-degree evaluation of the professionalism and communication skills of technologists working in the radiology department of a public sector tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Rafiq Nida , Naz Nasreen , Memon Rutaba , Shoukat Jaweria , Kumari Kalpana , Shaikh Huma 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Radiologic technologists (RTs) are at the forefront of radiology departments and require optimal skills to demonstrate professionalism and effective provider–patient communication. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the reliability of 360-degree evaluation as a feedback tool to improve competencies in this crucial workforce.
Methods: A planned 360-degree evaluation was conducted using a 10-item scale to evaluate communication skills and professionalism among radiological technologists working at Dow University Hospital, Karachi. In total, 311 evaluations of fifteen radiological technologists were conducted while performing various diagnostic radiology procedures at the radiology department of Dow University Hospital. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26 to compute the evaluation scores and the reliability of 360-degree evaluation.
Results: A total of 311 RT-patient interactions were recorded over 48 days, with scores from all three raters. The evaluation tool was found to have good internal consistency for patients, faculty, and RT, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.89, 087, and 0.74, respectively. The study found an intraclass correlation of 0.66 (95% CI; 0.58–0.72), showing moderate reliability of the 360-degree assessment across different evaluators.
Conclusion: We conclude that 360-degree evaluation is a valid and reliable tool for determining the professionalism and communication skills of radiologic technologists and should be incorporated into training programs for formative and summative assessments. However, large-scale multicenter studies are crucial for generalizing these findings and incorporating 360 evaluations in radiological technologist training programs for formative and summative assessments.
Acute sympathetic activation blunts the hyperemic and vasodilatory response to passive leg movement
Authors: Hanson Brady E , Lee Joshua F , Garten Ryan S , O'Keefe Zachary Barrett , Layec Gwenael , Ruple Bradley A , Wray D. Walter , Richardson Russell S , Trinity Joel D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Heightened muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) contributes to impaired vasodilatory capacity and vascular dysfunction associated with aging and cardiovascular disease. The contribution of elevated MSNA to the vasodilatory response during passive leg movement (PLM) has not been adequately addressed. This study sought to test the hypothesis that elevated MSNA diminishes the vasodilatory response to PLM in healthy young males (n = 11, 25 ± 2 year). Post exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) following 2 min of isometric handgrip (HG) exercise performed at 25% (ExPECO 25%) and 40% (ExPECO 40%) of maximum voluntary contraction was used to incrementally engage the metaboreceptors and augment MSNA. Control trials were performed without PECO (ExCON 25% and ExCON 40%) to account for changes due to HG exercise. PLM was performed 2 min after the cessation of exercise and central and peripheral hemodynamics were assessed. MSNA was directly recorded by microneurography in the peroneal nerve (n = 8). Measures of MSNA (i.e., burst incidences) increased during ExPECO 25% (+ 15 ± 5 burst/100 bpm) and ExPECO 40% (+ 22 ± 4 burst/100 bpm) and returned to pre-HG levels during ExCON trials. Vasodilation, assessed by the change in leg vascular conductance during PLM, was reduced by 16% and 44% during ExPECO 25% and ExPECO 40%, respectively. These findings indicate that elevated MSNA attenuates the vasodilatory response to PLM and that the magnitude of reduction in vasodilation during PLM is graded in relation to the degree of sympathoexcitation.
Numerical investigation of the thermal response and Mechanical Behavior of Water Distribution Pipelines subjected to extreme Cold Wave
Authors: Qunfang Hu , Ayinde Olawale , Fei Wang , Delu Che , Zhan Su 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Water distribution pipelines play a critical role in delivering safe drinking water to communities, yet their susceptibility to extreme climate events presents significant safety and structural challenges. Recent observations have noted an increase in pipe failures during cold waves, underscoring the need to address these risks. While much research has focused on statistical analysis of pipe failures due to low temperatures, limited attention has been given to the mechanical behavior of pipelines under thermal-induced stress during cold waves. This study addresses this gap by developing a 3D finite element model to investigate the thermal responses and mechanical behavior of buried water distribution pipelines under cold wave conditions. Key parameters including temperature differences, soil temperature reduction rates, pipe wall thickness, and internal water pressure are examined to understand their effects on pipeline stress, strain, and displacement. Results show that as pipe temperature decreases, the pipe contracts, particularly impacting the springline. Over time, pipeline stress transitions from tension to compression. A temperature difference of approximately 18℃ leads to an 85% increase in axial strain and a 6.5% increase in Mises stress. Increasing the rate of temperature reduction minimally affects pipeline stress but significantly impacts displacements. Moreover, increasing pipe wall thickness effectively reduces pipeline stress by 102.8% and axial strain by 17.4%. Higher internal water pressure results in elevated pipeline stress but reduced displacement. These findings underscore the importance of considering thermal-mechanical interactions during cold waves to prevent failures and ensure operational integrity in water distribution pipelines.
Curcumin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis by suppressing glycolysis in ERG- overexpressing prostate cancer cells
Authors: wang Yunye , Zhao Xingyu , zhao Jierui , Wang Xin , Guo Yumiao , chen Shutong , Jin Ying , peng Peng , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Curcumin, the main yellow pigment in turmeric, is a potent anticancer agent. However, its effect on the viability of human prostate cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of curcumin on the proliferation and glucose metabolism of prostate cancer cells. Cell viability was measured by MTS, and apoptosis was measured by Flow cytometry. Glucose metabolism was assessed by measuring glucose intake, lactate production and Adenosine triphosphate content. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Curcumin treatment significantly reduced the viability of two types of prostate cancer cells. We also found that curcumin induced apoptosis and glycolysis by inhibiting the activities of PI3K/Akt and HIF-1 α. Further study found that curcumin can reduce the expression of ERG in prostate cancer. This study investigated the effects of curcumin on the proliferation and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells, which may be related to the inhibition of glycolysis, and further explore its pathway. The subsequent effect of oncogene ERG expression suggests that these effects may be related to ERG.
Effects of a pyraclostrobin-based fungicide in plant and green microalgae models
Authors: Oliveira Tamires de Freitas , Costa Maria Vaz da , Santos Tamara , Wisniewiski Maria dos Santos , Andrade-Vieira Larissa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Pyraclostrobin-based fungicides play an effective role in the control of fungal diseases and are extensively used in the agricultural sector. However, there is growing concern regarding the potential effects of these fungicides on nontarget organisms and the influence they exert on ecosystem functioning. Given this concern, it is essential to conduct comprehensive studies with model organisms to understand the impacts of these fungicides on different groups of living organisms. In this study, the ecotoxicity of a commercial fungicide containing pyraclostrobin was evaluated. The focus of the analysis was on the germination and initial development of seedlings of four plant models (Lactuca sativa, Raphanus sativus, Pennisetum glaucum and Triticum aestivum), in addition to evaluating the population growth rate and total carbohydrate content in the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The fungicide negatively influenced the growth and development of the tested plants, indicating its toxic effect. The fungicide had a significant impact on the initial development of seedlings of all the model species evaluated, and T. aestivum plants exhibited the greatest susceptibility to pyraclostrobin. Plants of this species exhibited inhibitory effects on both the aerial parts and roots when treated with at a concentration of 4.75 mg/L. In addition, the green microalga R. subcapitata was also significantly affected by the fungicide, especially at relatively high concentrations, which resulted in a reduction in the total carbohydrate content. The pyraclostrobin-based fungicide showed phytotoxic potential for the model plant species tested in this study and was shown to be a highly toxic contaminant for the aquatic environment.