bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain modulation after exergaming training in advanced forms of Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Skrzatek Anna , Nuic Dijana , Cherif Saoussen , Beranger Benoit , Gallea Cecile , Bardinet Eric , Welter Marie-Laure 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background.
Physical activity combined with virtual reality and exergaming has emerged as a new technique to improve engagement and provide clinical benefit for gait and balance disorders in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Objective.
To investigate the effects of a training protocol using a home-based exergaming system on brain volume and resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) in persons with PD.
Methods.
A single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in people with PD with gait and/or balance disorders. The experimental (active) group performed 18 training sessions at home by playing a custom-designed exergame with full body movements, standing in front of a RGB-D Kinect® motion sensor, while the control group played using the computer keyboard. Both groups received the same training program. Clinical scales, gait recordings, and brain MRI were performed before and after training. We assessed the effects of both training on both the grey matter volumes (GVM) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), within and between groups.
Results.
Twenty-three patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the active (n = 11) or control (n = 12) training groups. Comparing pre- to post-training, the active group showed significant improvements in gait and balance disorders, with decreased rs-FC between the sensorimotor, attentional and basal ganglia networks, but with an increase between the cerebellar and basal ganglia networks. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes, and rs-FC significantly decreased in the mesolimbic and visuospatial cerebellar and basal ganglia networks. Post-training, the rsFC was greater in the active relative to the control group between the basal ganglia, motor cortical and cerebellar areas, and bilaterally between the insula and the inferior temporal lobe. Conversely, rs FC was lower in the active relative to the control group between the pedunculopontine nucleus and cerebellar areas, between the temporal inferior lobes and the right thalamus, between the left putamen and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and within the default mode network.
Conclusions.
Full-body movement training using a customized exergame induced brain rs-FC changes within the sensorimotor, attentional and cerebellar networks in people with PD. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the neurophysiological effects of such training approaches.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03560089
SAP30 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma proliferation and inhibits apoptosis through the MT1G/P53 axis
Authors: Xue Wei , Guo Wei , Wang Shuwen , Dong Yu , Yang Zitong , Xia Zhinan , Zhang Cheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Sin3-associated polypeptide p30(SAP30) is an important component of the SIN/HDAC histone deacetylase complex that act as a scaffolding and facilitates target gene binding. SAP30 is highly expressed in a variety of tumors, however; its role in renal cell carcinoma is still unclear. In our study, we found that SAP30 was upregulated in tissues of renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and high SAP30 expression was associated with a poor prognosis. According to relevant studies, SAP30 may be associated with the growth, proliferation and apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma cells, and GO analysis of SAP30 downstream regulatory target genome showed that SAP30 repressed the expression of MT1G, a P53-binding protein. Mechanistically, SAP30 inhibits MT1G expression at the transcriptional level, reducing the ability of MT1G to deliver to zinc ions to P53, thus reducing P53 activity, and the downregulation of MT1G also attenuates the inhibition of MDM2, thereby reducing the stability of P53, which ultimately promotes the development of renal cell carcinoma. In summary, our study shows that SAP30 inhibits the P53 pathway by inhibiting MT1G, suggesting that SAP30 and MT1G may become markers of renal cell carcinoma prognosis and therapeutic targets.
Traveling salesman games: semicore allocations for collaborative transportation in short food supply chains
Authors: Besson Nicolas , Bouveret Sylvain , Brauner Nadia , Brulard Nicolas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this paper we study semicore allocations for Traveling Salesman Games (TSG) in the context of a development of a Decision Support System (DSS) for collaborative transportation in Short Food Supply Chains. The aim of the DSS we propose is to help a group of agents (in our case, farmers) to pool collect and delivery facilities by proposing (i) an optimal solution for the transportation problem and (ii) a practical method to allocate induced costs among the agents in an explainable and fair way. We argue that the semicore is a seemingly reasonable solution concept for this particular context. Finding allocations in the semicore is less computationally demanding than in other solution concepts such as the core while conveying fairness concepts that can be arguably easily understood without a deep understanding of mathematical language, as opposed to other methods from cooperative game theory (such as the Shapley value or the nucleolus). Applying this concept to the context of a DSS naturally raises the question of whether there could be instances of the TSG that can have an empty semicore (like it can be the case for the core). In this paper we first provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the semicore of an instance of the TSG to be empty. Then, we prove that the set of cost functions that characterize Symmetric TSGs is a union of polyhedra. With this characterization in hand implemented in the form of an SMT program, we are able to exhibit instances of the symmetric TSG where the semicore is indeed empty, and to give some insights on other cases where the solver cannot find any. We advocate that precisely knowing when the semicore can be empty is crucial for the DSS we aim to develop, to warn the stakeholders in some situations that a fair allocation might not exist. Finally, we conclude by giving a short feedback on the proof of concept of a first version of our DSS, tested in practice by members of an association of farmers.
The diagnostic efficiency and safety of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy using 1.1-mm cryoprobe in diagnosing interstitial lung disease
Authors: Bian Yiding , Deng Mingming , Gao Qian , Zhou Guowu , Tong Run , Zhao Ling , Liu Min , Sun Jie , Dai Huaping , Herth Felix JF , Hou Gang , Wang Chen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is increasingly used to diagnose interstitial lung disease (ILD). The 1.1-mm cryoprobe has recently been available in clinical practice. The diagnostic yield and safety of TBLC using a 1.1-mm cryoprobe need to be confirmed.
Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients with suspected ILD and randomly assigned to 1.1-mm and 1.9-mm cryoprobe groups. The primary outcome was the diagnostic yield of multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). Secondary outcomes were sample quality and incidence of complications. The tension and stress effects during TBLC onto the target lobe caused by 1.1-mm, 1.9-mm, and 2.4 mm cryoprobes were also evaluated using finite element analysis.
Results:A total of 224 patients were enrolled. No significant differences were observed in the diagnostic yield (80.4% vs. 79.5%, p=0.845) and sample quality scores (5.73±0.64 vs. 5.66±0.77; p=0.324) between the 1.9-mm cryoprobe group and 1.1-mm cryoprobe group. The average surface areas of samples in 1.1-mm cryoprobe group were smaller, while no difference in sample weights was observed. A decreased incidence of moderate bleeding was found in the 1.1-mm cryoprobe group (17.0% vs. 6.2%, p=0.027), while the incidence of pneumothorax was higher in the 1.1-mm cryoprobe group but did not reach statistical significance (1.8% vs. 7.1%, p=0.070). In finite element analysis, the 1.1-mm cryoprobe required the largest tension and produced the largest stress.
Conclusion:Compared with a 1.9-mm cryoprobe, there was no difference in specimen quality or diagnostic rate but smaller sample size with a 1.1-mm cryoprobe.
Trail registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04047667; registered August 4, 2019
Exploring the Trends in Sediment and Phosphorus Concentrations and Loads in Part of the Canadian Great Lakes Basin
Authors: Paul Pranesh Kumar , Goswami Anant , Rudra Ramesh Pall , Goel Pradeep Kumar , Daggupati Prasad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The specific objective of this study is to explore the long-term trend of total phosphorus (TP) and total suspended sediment (TSS) concentrations and loads (C/L)s in various streams/rivers in the Great Lakes Basin. This includes related statistical analyses, such as confidence intervals, to assess variability and identify cases where measures should be taken to reduce TSS and TP. Trend analysis of TSS and TP (C/L)s are performed, combining bootstrapping with the Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season i.e., WRTDS_BT technique. The technique is used at ten selected monitoring stations of Northern Lake Erie, Eastern Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario & Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. Trend analysis over selected tributaries using flow-normalized (FN) TSS and TP (C/L)s reveals that trends in [FN-TSS] and [FN-TP] (C/L)s were highly variable, with significant decrease in a few stations. However, in most tributaries, TSS concentration levels are significantly higher than Canadian Water Quality Guidelines (CWQG) limit of 30 mg/L (following Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Ontario) and TP concentration levels are significantly higher than the Ontario’s provincial water quality objectives (PWQO) limit of 0.03 mg/L. Measures to reduce TSS and TP is effective at five tributaries (Humber River, Don River, Saugeen River, Big Creek, Nottawasaga River). Although the drivers are not explicitly identified, potential attributions are discussed for policymakers in the study area.
Unconditionally positivity-preserving approximations of the Ait-Sahalia type model: Explicit Milstein-type schemes
Authors: Jiang Yingsong , Liu Ruishu , Wang Xiaojie , Zhuo Jinghua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The present article aims to design and analyze efficient first-order strong schemes for a generalized A ̈ıt-Sahalia type model arising in mathematical finance and evolving in a positive domain (0, ∞), which possesses a diffusion term with superlinear growth and a highly nonlinear drift that blows up at the origin. Such a complicated structure of the model unavoidably causes essential difficulties in the construction and convergence analysis of time discretizations. By incorporating implicitness in the term α-1x−1 and a corrective mapping Φh in the recursion, we develop a novel class of explicit and unconditionally positivity-preserving (i.e., for any step-size h > 0) Milstein-type schemes for the underlying model. In both non-critical and general critical cases, we introduce a novel approach to analyze mean-square error bounds of the novel schemes, without relying on a priori high-order moment bounds of the numerical approximations. The expected order-one mean-square convergence is attained for the proposed scheme. The above theoretical guarantee can be used to justify the optimal complexity of the Multilevel Monte Carlo method. Numerical experiments are finally provided to verify the theoretical findings.
AMS subject classification: 60H35, 60H15, 65C30.
High Performance Lithium Ion-conducting Plasticized Biopolymer Electrolyte for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: M Nandhinilakshmi , D Vanitha , N Nallamuthu , K Sundaramahalingam , P Saranya , A Shameem 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Lithium-ion based Solid Polymer Electrolytes are synthesized by incorporating lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) salt with Iota-Carrageenan (IC) / Acacia Gum (AG) plasticized with ethylene glycol (EG) by solution casting method. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analysis are used to analyze the structural and molecular complexation. AC impedance analysis spectra show that the incorporation of 15 wt. % of LiClO4 salt into a blend polymer electrolyte (IAO15) shows the ionic conductivity of 2.02 ×10− 2 S/cm and minimum activation energy (0.022 eV). The conduction mechanism for IAO15 sample follows two models (CBH and QMT). The dielectric and modulus spectra confirm the non-Debye nature of the sample. From the Transference Number Measurement, it is observed that the conductivity is due to Li ions and IAO15 sample is chosen for the fabrication of a Symmetrical supercapacitor. At 3.6 Ag− 1 current density, the power and energy densities are noted as 7452 Wkg− 1 and 165.6 Whkg− 1 respectively.
Thickener behaviour in rolling elastohydrodynamic lubrication contacts
Authors: Okál Michal , Kostal David , Sakai Kazumi , Krupka Ivan , Hartl Martin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper focuses on the study of thickener behaviour in elastohydrodynamic contacts using fluorescence microscopy and optical interferometry. A standard Ball-on-disc configuration tribometer was used as well as a newly developed Ball-on-ring configuration tribometer mimicking the conditions in a 6314 deep groove ball bearing. Three types of custom-made greases were used with the same base oil and Coumarin 6 fluorescent dye on the thickener. These greases contained no additives and were of the lithium complex and alicyclic di-urea type. It was confirmed that the behaviour of the grease was directly influenced by both the structure and type of thickener, and the differences were successfully observed by fluorescence microscopy. The concentration of thickener was found to change due to the formation or breakdown of the deposited thickener layer on the track. At low speeds, the alicyclic di-urea forms a thickener layer on the track that is more pronounced than the lubricating film formed by the base oil alone. The thickener layer formation also occurs at higher speeds when fully flooded conditions are beneficial in building the layer. Experiments with a Ball-on-ring tribometer show that the natural replenishment of the real contact geometry is more effective than on a Ball-on-disc tribometer, but the formation of the thickener layer on the track is more limited than in a Ball-on-disc tribometer with artificial replenishment. At higher velocities, a smaller but stable layer is formed where the layer does not change much from a certain velocity.
Deep Migration Learning-based Recognition of Diseases and Insect Pests in Yunnan Tea under Complex Environments
Authors: Li Zhaowen , Sun Jihong , Shen Yingming , Yang Ying , Wang Xijin , Wang Xinrui , Tian Peng , Qian Ye 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The occurrence, development, and outbreak of tea diseases and pests pose a significant challenge to the quality and yield of tea, necessitating prompt identification and control measures. Given the vast array of tea diseases and pests, coupled with the intricacies of the tea planting environment, accurate and rapid diagnosis remains elusive. In addressing this issue, the present study investigates the utilization of transfer learning convolution neural networks for the identification of tea diseases and pests. Our objective is to facilitate the accurate and expeditious detection of diseases and pests affecting the Yunnan big-leaf sun-dried green tea within its complex ecological niche.
Results
Initially, we gathered 1878 image data encompassing 10 prevalent types of tea diseases and pests from complex environments within tea plantations, compiling a comprehensive dataset. Additionally, we employed data augmentation techniques to enrich the sample diversity. Leveraging the ImageNet pre-trained model, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation and identified the Xception architecture as the most effective model. Notably, the integration of an attention mechanism within the Xeption model did not yield improvements in recognition performance. Subsequently, through transfer learning and the freezing core strategy, we achieved a test accuracy rate of 99.17% and a verification accuracy rate of 96.3889%.
Conclusions
These outcomes signify a significant stride towards accurate and timely detection, holding promise for enhancing the sustainability and productivity of Yunnan tea. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for the development of online detection technologies for tea diseases and pests in Yunnan.
Development and Optimization of a NovelPassive Shim System for Human OrbitofrontalCortex Imaging at 4T MRI
Authors: Jayatilake Mohan Lal , Vijithananda Sahan , Lee ing-Huei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) area plays a critical role in humanbrain functions. However, susceptibility differences between paranasal sinuses andnasal cavity tissues often cause local field variations in the OFC region duringMRI, resulting in image distortions and signal loss. This paper introduces asubject-friendly neck passive shim solution aimed at enhancing field homogeneityin the brain, specifically in the OFC region.
Methods: Utilizing 3D gradient-echo pulse sequences, main magnetic field (B0)maps of four subjects’ brains were acquired at 4T MRI. Subsequently, these mapswere decomposed into spherical harmonic coefficients which were then averaged.Optimal positions for placing shim elements on a semi-cylindrical surface, whichwas positioned slightly above the neck and below the chin, were computed.
Results: The findings indicate a substantial enhancement in B0 homogeneity, particularly within the OFC region, through the integration of thissemi-cylindrical passive shim system in conjunction with the first andsecond-order active shimming.
Conclusion: Utilizing a local dipole passive shim field shows potential forimproving field homogeneity in the orbitofrontal region of human brain.
Flow Tweezing of Anisotropic Magnetic Particles in a Dynamic Magnetic Trap
Authors: Liu Yuan , Cao Quanliang , Xu Haifeng , Lin Gungun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Unravelling the dynamics of anisotropic particles in fluids is critical for a range of applications in micro-robotics, lab-on-chip biochemical assays, environmental remediation, and purification. However, controlled transport of an anisotropic particle in a fluidic flow has proven nontrivial owing to the coupling of the particle’s rotation movement with the hydrodynamic flow, leading to complex flow trajectories and motion dynamics. Here, we report the dynamic tweezing of an anisotropic magnetic particle structure in a rotating magnetic trap. We reveal a series of unconventional motion modes and dynamics of the particle transporting in a confined fluidic flow, which manifest themselves as transitions from on-trap centre rolling to large-area revolution and off-trap centre rolling with varying rotating frequencies. The revolution of a particle is observed to shift to off-centre rolling at varied flow velocities, which is absent for the common scenario when the particle is purely trapped in a medium flow. Our findings unlock a new strategy to determine local magnetic tweezing force profile and flow conditions in arbitrary flow channels, revealing strong potential for microfluidics, chemical reactors and in-vivo endovascular flow measurement.
Effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) binding CTRP9 mediated PUM1-TLR4 on chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Baosheng , Dong Jigang , Wang Hongrui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is now widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-9 (CTRP9) is a newly discovered protein with remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. We investigated whether PRP and CTRP9 could act synergistically to regulate the proliferation and apoptotic process of chondrocytes from osteoarthritis patients, as well as the response to oxidative stress by interfering with the PUM1-TLR4 signaling pathway.
Methods: CTRP9 was transfected into HC-OA cells using lentiviral vectors and grouped by adding PRP; cell viability and proliferation were detected by CCK-8 and plate cloning assay; chondrocyte apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry; an OA mouse model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT); bone damage was visualized by toluidine blue staining; the expression of CTRP9, PUM1 and TLR4 in cells and tissues were detected by WB and qRT-PCR; WB detected the expression of apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3) in arthritic cells and tissues; ELISA detected the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 as well as GSH, MDA and SOD in cells and tissues.
Results: In cellular experiments, HC-OA group exhibited a reduction in cell viability, an increase in apoptosis rate, and elevated levels of inflammatory response and oxidative stress, while overexpression of CTRP9 and addition of PRP enhanced cell viability and diminished apoptosis rate., and alleviated inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and both of them acted simultaneously with better effect. In animal experiments, in comparison to the model group, overexpression of CTRP9 and addition of PRP resulted in increased expression of CTRP9 and PUM1, decreased TLR4, decreased Bax and Caspase-3, increased Bcl-2, and reduced inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and the effect of both simultaneous actions was more obvious. These results suggest that PRP synergized with CTRP9 can reduce the pathological response of osteoarthritis and is expected to be used as a therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis. Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with CTRP9 stimulates the proliferation of arthritic chondrocytes and reduces apoptosis by up-regulating PUM1 and decreasing TLR4, thereby reducing the body's oxidative stress and inflammatory response.
Angelica sinensis polysaccharides promote extramedullary stress erythropoiesis via ameliorating splenic glycolysis and EPO/STAT5 signaling-regulated macrophages
Authors: Sun Nianci , Wang Ziling , Jiang Honghui , Wang Biyao , Du Kunhang , Huang Caihong , Wang Cheng , Yang Ting , Wang Yaping , Liu Yafei , Wang Lu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Extrinsic molecular mechanisms that regulate extramedullary stress erythropoiesis are still poorly understood, and the exploration of potential protective medication is needed.
Materials and methods
Peripheral blood parameters and BFU-E colony enumeration were measured. IHC staining was conducted to detect the proliferation of splenocytes and splenic F4/80 macrophages. The expression of β-catenin protein in RAW264.7 macrophages was assessed using immunofluorescence. The cell cycle of mouse spleen c-kit+ cells was analyzed by flow cytometry assay. Detection of Ccl2, Hk2, and Pgk1 mRNA expression by RT-qPCR. Cyclin D1 protein expression was assessed using Western blotting. IL-1 and EPO levels were determined by ELISA assay.
Results
In the 5-FU pre-administrated mouse, ASP rescued peripheral blood parameters such as RBC counts, HGB, HCT and MCH, and the BFU-E colony enumeration in the bone marrow. Meanwhile, ASP increased cellular proliferation in the splenic red pulp and cyclin D1 expression, ASP increased macrophage chemokine Ccl2 genetic expression and the number of F4/80 macrophages in the spleen and splenic BFU-E enumeration. Furthermore, ASP facilitated glycolytic genes including Hk2, Pgk1, Pkm, Pdk1 and Ldha via PI3K/Akt/HIF2α signaling in the spleen. Subsequently, ASP declined pro-proinflammatory factor IL-1β, whereas upregulating erythroid proliferation-associated genes Gdf15, Bmp4, Wnt2b, and Wnt8a. Moreover, ASP facilitated EPO/STAT5 signaling in splenic macrophages to enhance erythroid lineage Gata2, Gata1 genetic expression. Also, ASP facilitated erythroid differentiation via macrophage-mediated EpoR/STAT5 signaling.
Conclusions
ASP facilitate extramedullary stress erythropoiesis that suggest it might be a promising strategy for stress anemia treatment.