bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colon-targeted Engineered Postbiotics Nanoparticles Alleviating Osteoporosis through Gut-Bone Axis
Authors: Nie Guangjun , Yu Tingting , Bai Rushui , Wang Zeming , Qin Yuting , Wang Jingwei , Wei Yaohua , Zhao Ruifang , Han Bing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The potential for mitigating intestinal inflammation through the gut-bone axis in the treatment of osteoporosis is significant. While various gut-derived postbiotics or bacterial metabolites have been created as dietary supplements to prevent or reverse bone loss, their efficacy and safety still need improvement. Herein, a colon-targeted drug delivery system was developed using surface engineering of polyvinyl butyrate nanoparticles by shellac resin to achieve sustained release of postbiotics butyric acid at the colorectal site. These engineered postbiotics nanoparticles can effectively suppress macrophage inflammatory activation, modulate the redox balance, and regulate the composition of the gut microbiota, thereby restoring epithelial barriers, inhibiting bacterial invasion, and down-regulating pro-inflammatory responses. As a result, the remission of systemic inflammation is accompanied by a rebalancing of osteoblast and osteoclast activity, alleviating IBD-related and post-menopausal bone loss. This study provides valuable insights into the gut-bone axis and establishes a promising and safe therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.
Identification of novel therapeutic targets for jaranol alleviating cognitive impairment in db/db mice
Authors: Qian Ye , Xu Yue , Zhang Qiuyu , Huang Chengyu , Li Hui , Gao Lin , Wu Shidi , Qi Chengyu , Zhou Xiaoyan , Wen Xiangru , Ying Changjiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The widely used Radix Astragali (RA) has significant therapeutic effects on cognitive impairment (CI) caused by type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, the effective active ingredients and the precise mechanism underly RA alleviation of T2DM-induced CI still require further study. In this study, we aim to elucidate whether and how jaranol, a key effective active ingredient in RA, influences CI in db/db mice. We used various online databases and Cytoscape to screen jaranol as the most active ingredient of RA in the treatment of T2DM-induced CI. The fear conditioning experiment, new object recognition (NOR) test, and Morris water maze (MWM) test were conducted to assess the improvement effect of jaranol on CI in diabetic mice. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Cytoscape, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to identify key genes. The levels of AKT and caspase-3 were determined by Western blotting. The number of surviving hippocampal neurons was verified through Nissl staining. AutoDock was utilized for predicting potential binding sites between jaranol and key genes.As a result, jaranol attenuated CI in db/db mice probably through activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway by inhibiting cell apoptosis in hippocampus. Furthermore, A329 near the active site of AKT1 had hydrogen bond with jaranol. In conclusion, we suggest that jaranol may have therapeutic applications in T2DM-induced CI by targeting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway directly via key sites. Our study provides alternative drugs and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of T2DM-induced CI.
Revolutionizing Geriatric Care: Radar and Digital Twin Technology for Fall Severity Detection
Authors: Elbadrawy Abdelrahman , Abedi Hajar , Sligar Arien , Ramahi Omar M , Shaker George 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this study, we present a novel approach for fall detection, leveraging radar-based sensing systems and advanced digital twin simulations. The choice of radar technology is rooted in its capability for high-resolution detection of micro-movements and its inherent respect for individual privacy, as it does not require visual imaging. The integration of digital twins, replicating a diverse array of human physiology and fall dynamics, allows for extensive, varied, and ethical training of sophisticated machine learning algorithms without the constraints and ethical concerns of using human subjects. Our proposed methodology has led to significant advancements in the accuracy and sensitivity of detecting and assessing fall severity, especially in diverse populations and scenarios. We observed notable improvements in the system’s ability to discern subtle variations in falls, a critical factor in elderly care where such incidents can have serious health implications. Our approach not only sets a new benchmark in fall detection technology, but also demonstrates the vast potential of combining radar technology with digital simulations in medical research. This research paves the way for innovative patient monitoring solutions, offering a beacon of hope in improving seniors care and proactive health management. In this study, diverse fall scenarios were simulated under varied conditions. The correlation between the simulation and measurement results is presented. Employing convolution neural networks, we obtained an accuracy of 99.45% using simulated data and 81.25% using measured data, in detecting severity of falls. The analysis addressed various parameters distinguishing different scenarios, including fall speed and the participant’s body size.
A landscape analysis of Digital Health Technology in medical schools: preparing students for the future of health care
Authors: Boillat Thomas , Otaki Farah , Baghestani Ameneh , Zarnegar Laila , Kellett Catherine 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Although Digital Health Technology is increasingly implemented in hospitals and clinics, physicians are not sufficiently equipped with the competencies needed to optimize technology utilization. Medical schools seem to be the most appropriate channel to better prepare future physicians for this development. The purpose of this research study is to investigate the extent to which top-ranked medical schools equip future physicians with the competencies necessary for them to leverage Digital Health Technology in the provision of care. This research work relied on a descriptive landscape analysis, and was composed of two phases: Phase I aimed at investigating the articulation of the direction of the selected universities and medical schools to identify any expressed inclination towards teaching innovation or Digital Health Technology. In phase II, medical schools’ websites were thoroughly analyzed to discover how innovation and Digital Health Technology are integrated in their curricula. Among the 60 medical schools that were analyzed, none mentioned any type of Digital Health Technology in their mission statements (that of the universities, in general, and medical schools, specifically). When investigating the medical schools’ curricula to figure-out how universities nurture their learners in relation to Digital Health Technology, four universities covering different Digital Health Technology areas were identified. The results of the current study shed light on the untapped potential of working towards better equipping medical students with competencies that will enable them to leverage Digital Health Technology in their future practice and in turn enhance the quality of care.
Intraligamentary anaesthesia: a possible alternative for perineural blocks in equine dentistry
Authors: Teysen Stijn 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background The injection of a local anaesthetic into the periodontal ligament (PDL) to achieve desensitisation of the pulp, periodontium and adjacent tissues, is a well-established technique in humans, especially in paediatric dentistry. The technique is commonly referred to as intraligamental or intraligamentary anaesthesia (ILA). The aims of the present publication were: (1) to provide a review of the literature, (2) to describe an ILA technique used by the authors in the field of equine dentistry, and (3) to evaluate ILA in a cadaver study in horses. Results In the clinic, we used a 27G x 35mm disposable dental needle in combination with a long-handled syringe. According to authors’ experience, high pressure is not necessary. 1.8 ml of anaesthetic solution was used. With the help of a crocodile forceps or a needle holder, the needle is directed into the PDL. The needle is inserted into the periodontal ligament until resistance is met (in general after 25–35 mm). The procedure was repeated on the mesiobuccal, mesiolingual (or -palatal), distobuccal and distolingual (or -palatal) side of the teeth. Four frozen equine cadaver heads and two fresh horse heads were used to evaluate the distribution of a local anaesthetic after an intraligamentary injection. Four cheek teeth were chosen at random on each skull. At each site of the tooth, one cartridge (1.8 ml) of black ink was manually injected. Conclusion The ILA technique is simple to use in equine dentistry to achieve desensitisation of the pulp, periodontium and adjacent tissues. The supplementary cadaver study showed spreading of the solution around apex of the root. We conclude that ILA may be an interesting alternative for perineural blocks in equine dentistry.
Physiological changes in stomata and regulation of genes involved in CAM metabolism in polyploid Agave L.
Authors: Gutierrez Benjamín Abraham Ayil , Teyer Felipe Lorenzo Sanchez , Zapata Luis Carlos Rodriguez , Pool Felipe Barredo , Garcia Victor Hugo Ramos , Ordoñez Francisco Alberto Tamayo , Ordoñez Yahaira de Jesus Tamayo , Ordoñez Maria Concepcion Tamayo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In recent years there has been growing interest in increasing plant water use efficiency (WUE) through the introduction of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) into C3 crops. However, this task has been hampered because the scaling of CAM to other C3 plants requires knowledge of the enzymatic and regulatory pathways underpinning this temporal CO2 pump.
Agave presents CAM metabolism, to date research aimed at knowing the physiological and morphological adaptations related to CAM metabolism, only includes a small group of species analyzed. With the aim of knowing basic aspects related to the physiological response of polyploid (2n=2x=60 to 2n=6x=180) Agave accessions, we carried out genetic and physiological studies in A. tequilana Weber, A. fourcroydes Lem., and A. angustifolia Haw. Using AFLP markers, differences in genetic variability between the polyploid accessions and their diploid counterparts were found. Analysis of expression by real-time PCR showed that the regulation of CAM in Agave is accompanied by the transcription of RbcL, PEPC and PEPCK. Monitoring of the stomatal opening during the night showed differences according to the level of ploidy of the accessions.
The genetic and physiological data obtained suggest that agave species present adaptations and flexibility in the transcriptional regulation of genes related to CAM metabolism, suggesting that some polyploid accessions of Agave L. could be more tolerant to drought and heat, adapting their CO2 exchange mechanisms according to the metabolic needs of each species of agave.
Convective turbulent mixing drives rapid upwelling along the ocean’s bottom boundary
Authors: Garabato Alberto Naveira , Spingys Carl , Castro Bieito Fernández , Couto Nicole , Drake Henri , Forryan Alexander , Ma Yuchen , Mercier Herle , Messias Marie-Jose , Ruan Xiaozhou , van Haren Hans , Voet Gunnar , Wynne-Cattanach Bethan , Ferrari Raffaele , Alford Matthew , Polzin Kurt 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Deep-ocean upwelling, driven by small-scale turbulent mixing1,2, plays a central role in Earth’s climate by regulating the ocean’s capacity to sequester heat and carbon for decades to millennia3,4. Recent theoretical studies5-8 have hypothesized that this upwelling may primarily occur within a thin bottom boundary layer (BBL) adjacent to the sloping seafloor. However, little is known about the mixing processes that might drive such along-bottom upwelling, and the problem remains the subject of an enduring and vigorous debate8-11. Here, we elucidate the processes governing BBL-focussed upwelling in a typical continental-slope canyon, in which very rapid upwelling is observed12. We show that upwelling along the canyon stems from episodic cells of convective turbulent mixing up to 250 m in height, generated by tidal currents sweeping up- and down-canyon. Once per tidal cycle, these currents develop a vertical shear that conveys dense waters over slower-flowing lighter waters below, causing the dense waters to convectively mix, lighten and upwell. We argue that this upwelling mechanism is likely to be of wider representativeness, substantiating the view that deep-ocean upwelling can predominantly occur along the ocean’s sloping boundaries.
Environment-friendly Hanji cellulose paper-based humidity sensor for multifunctional applications
Authors: Amjad Mufarah , Kim Junyoung , Shin Subin , Joo Yongho , Son Jangyup 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recent advancements in sensor technology have led to the development of humidity sensors with applications in multiple fields such as agriculture, medical, food storage, and processing industries. Recently, the focus in humidity sensor research has moved towards creating sensors that are not only flexible and low-cost but also harmless to humans and eco-friendly. However, it requires clean rooms, nonbiodegradable substrates like silicon elastomers, and intricately synthetic highly toxic metallic sensing materials (based on Ti, Ru, Ni, etc.). These factors result in high costs, negative skin and environmental effects, and a substantial increase in the need for landfill space. Here, we propose Hanji cellulose paper-based humidity sensor with having rich hydrophilic and porous surface. Our Hanji humidity sensor has stable humidity sensing response close to 106 and demonstrates a linearity of R2 = 0.9912 across a relative humidity range from 7.6 to 91.8% by using just 0.3 V. In addition to its performance, Hanji humidity sensor is environment-friendly, cost-effective, naturally decomposable, and flexible, requiring only two simple fabrication steps. It shows potential applications like fingertip moisture detection and breath intensity monitoring. Further engineering and surface modifications will not only enhance its performance but also expand its potential for additional applications in the field of humidity sensing.
Metagenomic analysis reveals gut phage diversity across three mammalian models
Authors: Ma Yingfei , Yu Menghao , Chu Yunmeng , Wang Yongming , Mo Luofei , TAN Xin , Guo Shun , Yuan Shengjian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The gut virome plays a pivotal role in shaping the host’s microbiota. However, gut viruses across different mammalian models, and their connections with the human gut microbiota remain largely unknown. Here, we identified 977 high-confidence species-level viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) in mice (hcMGV), 12896 in pigs (hcPGV), and 1480 in cynomolgus macaques (hcCMGV) from metagenomes, respectively. Clustering these vOTUs at approximately genus level uncovered novel clades with high prevalence across animal guts (>=30%). In particular, crAss-like phages and cas-harboring jumbo phages were characterized. Comparative analysis revealed that hcCMGV had a closer relationship with hcPGV than hcMGV, despite the animal-specific characteristics, and that 55.88% hcCMGV had connections with the human microbiota. Viral functional analysis indicated a low risk in disseminating antibiotic and virulent genes. In summary, our findings shed light on the diversity of gut viruses across these three animals, contributing to future gut microbial studies using model animals.
DEM-based study on mechanical behavior and strength criterion in layered slate under triaxial compression
Authors: Yang Xiuzhu , Li Xilai , Zhang Yongguan , Lei Jinshan , Huang Xinyue , Li Jiahua , Hong Jiamin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study utilizes discrete element method simulations of triaxial compression to explore the effects of bedding plane inclination and confining pressure on layered slate's mechanical properties, crack evolution, and anisotropy. Additionally, the results were analyzed using the Hoek-Brown, Ramamurthy, and Saeidi strength criteria. The findings indicate that higher confining pressures enhance the slate's compressive strength and elastic modulus, displaying a distinct ‘U’-shape because of the joint inclination angle. Furthermore, as the bedding plane inclination angle increases, the damage mode has a progressive transition from shear damage to a combination of tensile-shear damage. At lower confining pressures, the crack count in the Parallel Bond Model exhibits ‘U’-shaped behavior, while the Smooth-Joint Contact Model follows an inverted ‘U’-shaped trajectory. With increasing confining pressure, the crack distribution stabilizes, suggesting that elevated confining pressures mitigate the influence of bedding plane inclination on compressive strength. Moreover, the compressive strength anisotropy ratios decrease with higher confining pressure, whereas the elastic modulus anisotropy ratios become more prominent. The Hoek-Brown criterion was superior upon comprehensively evaluating both model fitting accuracy and generalization capabilities. The modified Hoek-Brown criterion can accurately predict the failure strength of the slate at all inclination angles with a few experimental data.
Observer Design for Networked Control Systems with Game Theory Achitecture Under Cyber Attacks
Authors: Fattahi Maryam 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The object of this article is to propose observer-based controller design for Networked Control Systems (NCS) with resilient architecture under cyber-attacks. In first step, by game theory approach, an attack tolerant NCS using deceptive sensor and actuator in both cyber and physical space is designed. Then, assuming attacker injects unknown false data to simultaneously sensor and actuator, a novel resilient observer-based controller is proposed. Applying Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method, delay dependent resilient criterion is established to show the exponential behavior of NCS. Finally, for evaluating results, practical example will be discussed.
IM3HRL: Model-assisted Intrinsically Motivated Modular Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Jiaxiang , Liu Guangwei , Wang Haonan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Goal-conditioned reinforceµent learning (GCRL) excels in tackling intricate decision-µaking tasks by µanaging µultiple goals siµultaneously. To enhance the agent’s exploration and learning capabilities within coµplex tasks, µodular goal representation is first coµbined with a hierarchical structure. Additionally, we introduce the CLP task priority µetric and intrinsic µotivation reward function to guide the agent, facilitating cross-µodule and cross-goal learning for efficient exploration. Furtherµore, we iµpleµent a Future Goal Relabeling Strategy (FGRS) to diversify goals. Leveraging a learned dynaµics µodel, the short-rollout is perforµed froµ the current policy to generate predictive goals, thus iµproving the efficiency of the policy optiµization process. Finally, by integrating the above iµproveµents, µodel-assisted intrinsically µotivated µodular hierarchical reinforceµent learning (IM3HRL) is proposed. Experiµental results in the Modular Goal Fetch Arµ test environµent deµonstrate that IM3HRL outperforµs other baseline µethods, achieving a µiniµuµ 15% iµproveµent in learning speed and exhibiting robustness against forgetting and sensor perturbations. Our research results prove the excellent µodel perforµance of IM3HRL and hold significant practical value for GCRL to solve the probleµ of exploratory learning in coµplex tasks.
Effects of FMS Functional Movement Training on Body Posture Control in College Female Aerobics Athletes
Authors: Li Lan , Chen Yanke , Wang Qinghe , PAN Deng , Jiang Chuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the effects of FMS functional movement training on aerobics gymnasts' body posture control ability, and to explore the application of FMS functional movement training on aerobics gymnasts' physical ability promotion.
Method
Forty female collegiate aerobic athletes aged 18 to 23 were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Control, Traditional Physical Training Group (T, N = 20), FMS Functional Movement Training Group (Intervention, Functional Training Group, F, N = 20). The control group used traditional physical training methods and the experimental group used FMS-based functional movement training methods. A 12-week functional movement training program was developed, and the experimental group received the intervention training 4 times a week for 40 minutes each time, and FMS scores, body autonomic control and sports performance were tested before and after the intervention.
Results
Compared with the pre-training, the five locomotor movements of deep squat, hurdle step, shoulder flexibility, trunk stability push-up and rotational stability in the FMS test of the subjects were significantly improved after the intervention of the traditional physical training group and the FMS functional movement training group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the Inline lunge test and the Active straight leg raise test (P>0.05); aerobic dynamic movement and static lower body postural control were significantly improved in the FMS functional movement training group (P<0.05); the FMS functional movement training group showed significant differences before and after the experiment in the competitive performance test.
Conclusion
FMS functional training can better promote aerobic athletes' body posture control and competitive performance during exercise, which is suitable for further application and promotion in the physical training of female aerobic collegiate athletes.
Novel rapid control prototyping for permanent-magnet synchronous motor via model-based design and STM32 chip
Authors: Hu Mingyuan , Ahn Hyeongki , Kang Hyein , You Kwanho 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As control algorithms become increasingly sophisticated, delivering improved performance at the expense of greater complexity, practical experiments are often unfeasible. To address this issue, this study devised a novel rapid control prototyping (NRCP) based on model-based design (MBD) by MAT LAB/Simulink, STM32CubeMX software, and field-oriented control (FOC) strategies for permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). The NRCP avoids complex toolboxes and utilizes only MATLAB/Simulink’s model-to-C language tool, facilitating code portability and development. By using the NRCP, users can quickly experiment with FOC strategies, reducing their reliance on complex automatic code generation tools typically associated with toolboxes. This study focused on the PMSM model, employing only the basic modules of MATLAB/Simulink to generate the application-layer code and the STM32CubeMX software to do low-level code generations, significantly simplifying user experience. To demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the protocol, sensor-based and sensorless control models were developed using the MBD method. Finally, the practicality of the NRCP was successfully validated via sensor-based and sensorless experiments using an ARM Cortex-M4-based STM32 microcontroller.