bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slowing down alpha oscillations to enhance endogenous time perception with tACS
Authors: Qin Yun , Shi Xuqian , Liu Zemeng , Chi Zhaorui , Chen Fang , Xie Jiaxin , Wang Manqing , Yao Dezhong , Liu Tiejun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Time perception is one fundamental ability for human survival and everyday life, and it holds potential as a marker for psychopathology assessment and early intervention. Neural oscillations, particularly alpha oscillations, have been proposed as a key mechanism underlying the temporal organization of perception. However, there is limited causal evidence regarding how brain oscillations regulate timing processes and whether non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate the precision of timing by manipulating endogenous alpha rhythm. In this study, we investigated the causal relationship between alpha oscillations and time perception by employing tACS over occipital cortex, whereas participants performed a self-initiated sub-second timing task. tACS was delivered with different stimulation protocols at the individual alpha frequency (IAF), as well as the slightly slower and faster frequencies (IAF±2 Hz). Concurrently, EEG signals were recorded pre- and post-tACS during the tasks to provide direct electrophysiological evidence at various stages of the timing process and elucidate neural responses to tACS effects. The results demonstrated that IAF can predict individual timing precision. tACS with lower frequency (IAF-2Hz) significantly enhanced timing precision compared to tACS with IAF and IAF+2Hz which had no effect on timing behavior. Furthermore, slower tACS not only specifically modulated phase changes in alpha activity prior to timing initiation but also altered patterns of event-related desynchronization (ERD) in alpha activity during the timing process. These findings provide causal evidence for an association between alpha-dependent neural activity and internal time processing mechanisms, and suggested the potential applications aimed at enhancing the time perception in psychopathology clinics.
Sestrin2 Protein Modulates Pyroptosis of Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells by Binding to MiR-3160-5p
Authors: Ren Cencen , Yang Chi , Che Xu , Jiao Yungen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused by atherosclerosis (AS) are the leading cause of death and a major health concern globally. However, the mechanisms that lead to have not been fully elucidated. Sestrin2 protein plays an important protective role in myocardial I/R by inhibiting cell apoptosis and other pathways. The aim of this study was to explore the role of Sestrin2 protein in modulating pyroptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells and explore the specific mechanism of this function.
Experimental methods
H2O2 was used to establish a pyroptosis model. The expression levels of Sestrin2 protein and mir-3160-5p in the HCAECs pyroptosis model were determined. The impact on the apoptosis of HCAECs was clarified by regulating the expression level of mir-3160-5p. The regulatory relationship between Sestrin2 protein and mir-3160-5p was explored in the pyroptosis model.
Conclusion
The findings showed that Sestrin2 protein inhibited H2O2-induced pyroptosis of HCAECs and inhibited miR-3160-5p expression, indicating that Sestrin2 protein inhibited H2O2-induced pyroptosis of HCAECs by binding to miR-3160-5p.
Analyzing the influence of government policy on building carbon emission reduction based on differential game
Authors: zhang yunsong , cheng zeng , chi Nan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

With the growing low-carbon economy and people's preference for low-carbon products, building carbon emission reduction(CER) has also been highly concerned by the government. With the government as the main body, we use differential game to analyze the impact of carbon tax and cost subsidy policy on building's CER. We get: compared with carbon tax policy, carbon tax and cost subsidy policy are more conducive to reduce carbon emission; When the cost subsidy rate is less than a fixed value, the cost subsidy and carbon tax policy is the optimal strategy for building's CER. When the cost subsidy rate is greater than a fixed value, the cost subsidy policy is the optimal strategy for building's CER.
A predictive model for identifying patients with colorectal cancer from benign polyps based on the serum PLR and PLR-CEA-CA199 score
Authors: Cai Lulu , Chen Ni , Qiu Xinze , Zeng Xinya , Huang Jiean , Liu Shiquan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory responses play an important role in tumor initiation, invasion and metastasis. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can reflect systemic inflammation of colorectal cancer (CRC), CEA and CA199 have been known as the simple diagnostic tumor biomarkers for CRC. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic values of PLR, construct a novel PLR-CEA-CA199 (PCC) score, and develop a predictive model for identifying patients with CRC from benign polyps.
Methods
A total of 333 patients with CRC and 461 patients with benign polyps were selected as subjects retrospectively. The diagnostic performances of PLR and PCC score were estimated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk predictors for the identification of CRC. Finally, a predictive model was established, and whose predictive efficacy was evaluated.
Results
Results showed that PLR levels and PCC score were significantly different between CRC and benign polyps (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed the diagnostic predictive efficacy of PCC score (AUC = 0.735) was superior to PLR, CEA, CA199, CEA-CA199 (CCI) and PLR-CEA(PCI) score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that four valid parameters including age, maximum tumor size, white blood cell counts (WBC) and PCC score, were suitable to construct a diagnostic predictive model for the identification of CRC (AUC = 0.970, Sen = 90.0%, and Spe = 96.6%). Moreover, the predictive efficacy is also remarkable in distinguishing the advanced CRC from early-stage CRC (AUC = 0.892, Se = 91.0%, and Sp = 78.6%).
Conclusions
PCC score is an effective indicator to distinguish CRC from benign polyps. Additionally, the predictive model based on four parameters (Age, Maximum tumor size, WBC and PPC score) shows excellent accuracy in identifying patients with CRC from benign polyps, and patients with the advanced CRC from early-stage CRC.
Smiling reduces frowning muscle activity and wrinkles between eyebrows
Authors: Okazaki Shuntaro , Suzuki Makito , Duncan Keith Kawabata 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Like the lines themselves, concerns about facial wrinkles, particularly glabellar lines - the prominent furrows between the eyebrows - intensify with age. These lines can inadvertently convey negative emotions due to their association with negative facial expressions. We investigated the effects of repeated frowning on the development of temporary glabellar lines through the activation of the corrugator muscle. In addition, as communication via facial expressions requires precise control over the muscles of the face in such a way as to avoid contradictory signals, we hypothesized that smiling and activation of the zygomatic major may inhibit the corrugator. Our findings reveal that repeated frowning creates temporary wrinkles between the eyebrows, caused by the slight but cumulative activation of the corrugator muscle. Further we found that the act of smiling activates zygomatic major and suppresses the corrugator reducing the appearance of glabellar lines. The results offer a novel perspective on smiling and suggests that smiling not only facilitates positive emotional exchanges but may also help maintain a youthful facial appearance.
Inter- and intra-specific metal tolerance variation in ectomycorrhizal fungal Suillus species
Authors: Fletcher Jessica , Smith Alexander , Honan Amy , Leary William , Dabney Treya , Branco Sara 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Soil metal contamination negatively affects fungal growth, metabolism, and reproduction, and can lead to death. However, some fungi have evolved metal tolerance and are able to live in contaminated soils. Species in the ectomycorrhizal genus Suillus from Europe and Asia display variation in metal tolerance, yet it is unknown whether this is a widespread trait in the genus and whether it occurs in North America. Here we investigate cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) tolerance in S. brevipes and S. tomentosus isolates collected from metal contaminated and non-contaminated sites in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In line with previous findings for other Suillus species, we hypothesized 1) S. brevipes and S. tomentosus to display intra-specific metal tolerance variation, 2) Zn and Cd tolerance to be correlated to soil contamination, and 3) tolerant isolates to show lower metal tissue accumulation compared to sensitive isolates (due to increased metal exclusion). We found ample intra- and inter-specific Zn and Cd tolerance variation in both S. brevipes and S. tomentosus, but no correlation between soil metal content and tolerance. There was a negative correlation between tolerance level and Zn uptake, indicating an exclusion-based Zn tolerance strategy. Sensitive and tolerant isolates showed no difference in Cd accumulation, indicating that Cd tolerance in these species is likely not dependent on exclusion. Our study sets the groundwork for further investigation into the genetic basis of Suillus metal tolerance and whether and how it impacts pine mycorrhizal partners.
Long-term Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Weight Status, Eating Habits, and Lifestyle Changes Related to School-aged Children in Bandar Abbas, Iran
Authors: Khamesan Behnaz , Khatibzade-Nasari Niloufar , Zare Shahram , Rostami-Gooran Narges , Baghestani Roya 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures caused destructive changes in student weight status, eating habits, screen exposure, sleep patterns, psychological responses, and activity behaviors. Despite the end of the lockdown and reopening of schools, the long-term effects of quarantine on the lifestyle and weight status of children and adolescents remain unknown. On the other hand, there is a chance that these negative changes become more prominent during extended school holidays such as summer breaks. This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of the lockdown on the weight status and lifestyle of children and adolescents after the eighth wave of the disease in Iran.
Method
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022. The target population comprises one hundred students aged between 10 and 16 years. Our study obtained students' weight and height data from records maintained by school principals or sports teachers before and after the quarantine period. The BMI z score (zBMI) was calculated for each time point. The researchers also provided a questionnaire to collect the students’ demographic and lifestyle status changes during school closures.
Results
We found that the zBMI increased significantly from − 0.02 ± 1.64 to 0.36 ± 1.12, and the statistics of the overweight and obese population increased by 3% during quarantine (P ≤ 0.05). These changes were more pronounced in males and students aged 14–16 years. We also found that eating habits, sleep time, sleep patterns, screen time, and physical activity had significant negative changes during quarantine, and a significant increase in zBMI was observed among students who experienced negative eating behaviors, altered sleep patterns, and decreased physical activity during school closures. Conclusion: As prolonged school closures due to the COVID-19 lockdown aggravated students’ health and lifestyle status, our findings can aid in proper planning to establish an appropriate framework for the diet, physical activity, and sleep quality of students during extended school closures.
Validity and reliability of the Hungarian version of the Pain Self-efficacy Questionnaire among women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Kovács-Szabó Zsófia , Makai Alexandra , Ács Pongrác , Hock Márta 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Our study aimed to perform Hungarian cross-cultural adaptation and assess the reliability and validity of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) among women with chronic pelvic pain. The current study was conducted in Hungary among women aged 18–50 (34,39 ± 6,68 years). Besides PSEQ, the 36 Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used. We examined the reliability of the PSEQ-HU by applying internal consistency and test-retest evaluations. For construct validity of the PSEQ-HU we used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and for convergent validity Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlations between PSEQ-HU and SF-36, PCS, PSS and NRS. For discriminant validity two groups were created based on the NRS (0–4, 5–10). The results were analyzed via IBM SPSS version 28.0 software with a significance level of p < 0.05. 262 women took part in the study. Cronbach’s α was 0.966, the intraclass correlation coefficient values showed adequate reliability (ICC = 0.939. 95% CI 0.884–0.968) for the PSEQ-HU. Spearman correlation analysis showed significant correlations between pain-related self-efficacy and health-related quality of life, perceived stress levels and pain catastrophizing. We concluded that PSEQ is a reliable and valid measurement among Hungarian women endometriosis-related pelvic pain.
ClinicalTrials.gov registration: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4
Unique protocol ID: 9534-PTE2023 NCT05863663
Can deep learning predict human intelligence from structural brain MRI?
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Arafat , LaMay Danielle , Grant Ellen , Ou Yangming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Can brain structure predict human intelligence? T1-weighted structural brain magnetic resonance images (sMRI) have been correlated with intelligence. However, the population-level association does not fully account for individual variability in intelligence. To address this, studies have emerged recently to predict individual subject’s intelligence or neurocognitive scores. However, they are mostly on predicting fluid intelligence (the ability to solve new problems). Studies are lacking to predict crystallized intelligence (the ability to accumulate knowledge) or general intelligence (fluid and crystallized intelligence combined). This study tests whether deep learning of sMRI can predict an individual subject’s verbal, comprehensive, and full-scale intelligence quotients (VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ), which reflect fluid and crystallized intelligence. We performed a comprehensive set of 432 experiments, using different input image channels, six deep learning models, and two outcome settings, in 850 healthy and autistic subjects 6-64 years of age. Our findings indicate a statistically significant potential of T1-weighted sMRI in predicting intelligence, with a Pearson correlation exceeding 0.21 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, we observed that an increase in the complexity of deep learning models does not necessarily translate to higher accuracy in intelligence prediction. The interpretations of our 2D and 3D CNNs, based on GradCAM, align well with the Parieto-Frontal Integration Theory (P-FIT), reinforcing the theory’s suggestion that human intelligence is a result of interactions among various brain regions, including the occipital, temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes. These promising results invite further studies and open new questions in the field.
Early warning model of heavy metal accumulation and AN in the continuous cropping soils of cauliflower heart planting area in Ningxia - the changes in biomass of cauliflower heart
Authors: XU Lei , Li Haijun , Bi Xueting , Xu Jiaxin , Hou Xuanhui , Chen Qiwei , Gao Fucheng , Ye Lin , Mu Xiaoguo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In order to better evaluate the environmental safety of continuous cropping soil for Chinese lettuce heart in Ningxia. Five central lettuce heart planting areas in Ningxia were chosen to explore the relationship between soil heavy metals and alkali dissolved nitrogen (AN) and their effects on the growth of Chinese lettuce heart, with the accumulation of soil heavy metals as the research object. The results showed that no soil pollution was caused by the heavy metal accumulation in soil during a five-year continuous cultivation of vegetable hearts. Since the 6th year, the soil suffered mild heavy metal contamination, showing a decline in the biomass and quality of vegetable hearts. AN was significantly correlated with heavy metals and vegetable hearts (p ≤ 0.05). A model was established for AN and heavy metals to estimate that the maximum permissible cropping period is less than 6 years in Helan, Wuzhong and Guyuan as the vegetable heart planting areas, and is 9 years in Pingluo and Yongning, with the maximum threshold of 30 mg kg-1 at the time of severe AN deficiency as the criterion. In planting areas across Ningxia, the AN, TN, TC and TOC contents in soil showed a decreasing trend. Besides, when the content of heavy metals Mn and Zn reaches the alarming level, it signifies an extremely low level of soil fertility. In this circumstance, it is necessary to stop continuous cropping and apply C and N-containing fertilizers to maintain the AN above the minimum production capacity.
Diagnostic accuracy of low-dose double-input perfusion computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary benign and malignant ground-glass nodules
Authors: Hu Xiaoyan , Gou Jie , Wang Lishan , Lin Wei , Li Wenbo , Yang Fan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the value of low-dose dual-input targeted perfusion computed tomography (CT) imaging in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pulmonary ground-glass opacity nodules (GGOs).A prospective study was conducted of patients with GGOs who underwent CT perfusion imaging from January 2022 to October 2023. All nodules were confirmed by pathological analysis or disappeared during follow-up. The dual-input perfusion mode (pulmonary artery and bronchial artery) of the body perfusion software was used for postprocessing analysis to measure the perfusion parameters of the pulmonary GGOs. A total of 101 patients with pulmonary GGOs were enrolled in this study, including 43 benign and 58 malignant nodules. The dose length product of the CT perfusion scan was 348 mGy∙cm, which was < 75% of the diagnostic reference level of the chest CT plain scan (470 mGy∙cm). The effective radiation dose was 4.872 mSV. Blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and flow extraction product (FEP) were higher in the malignant nodules than in the benign nodules, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The FEP had the highest accuracy for diagnosis of malignant nodules [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.821, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.735–0.908], followed by BV (AUV 0.713, 95% CI: 0.608–0.819), BF (AUC 0.688, 95% CI: 0.587–0.797), and MTT (AUC 0.616, 95% CI: 0.506–0.726). When the FEP was ≥ 19.12 mL/100 mL/min, the sensitivity was 91.5% and the specificity was 62.8%. For distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules, the AUC of the combination of BV and FEP was 0.816 (95% CI: 0.728–0.903), and the AUC of the combination of BF, BV, MTT, and FEP was 0.814 (95% CI: 0.729–0.900).Low-dose dual-input perfusion CT was very good at distinguishing between benign and malignant pulmonary GGOs, with FEP exhibiting the highest diagnostic capability.
Indole-3-Carbinol Alleviates Allergic Skin inflammation via Periostin/Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Suppression in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kang Yun-Mi , Kim Hye-Min , Lee Minho , An Hyo-Jin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder with a complex etiology. Despite its increasing prevalence, treatment of AD is still limited. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is found in cruciferous vegetables and is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed, or cooked; it exerts diverse pharmacological activities.
Methods
HaCaT keratinocytes stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ mixture and NC/Nga mice stimulated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzen (DNCB) were used for AD models, in vitro and in vivo, respectively.
Results
The results showed that I3C reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and periostin in in vitro model. Oral administration of I3C alleviated AD-like skin inflammatory symptoms, including serum IgE levels, epidermal thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, transepidermal water loss, and scratching behavior. Moreover, I3C decreased the expression of TSLP and periostin and recovered the expression of skin barrier proteins by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathways in the skin of DNCB-induced AD mice.
Conclusions
I3C is suggested as a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of AD by repressing allergic inflammatory pathways.
A Hybrid Approach to Investigating Major Management Factors for Effective Highway Preventive Maintenance
Authors: Zhao Na , Liu Yijuan , Li Jianchang , Chen Huihua , Cheng Baoquan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Highway preventive maintenance (HPM) can help reduce the negative environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure by prolonging the life of existing infrastructure, reducing the need for costly and resource-intensive repairs and reconstruction, and improving the energy efficiency of pavement infrastructure. However, many transportation agencies struggle with low HPM management capacity. This paper aims to enhance HPM management effectiveness by identifying and evaluating the major management factors that impact HPM. The study conducted a literature review and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the key HPM management factors. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to assess the importance of these factors, and a system dynamics (SD) model was developed to explore their influence laws. The research identified six dimensions of HPM management, including management system, management resource, management cognition, management decision, management technology, and external condition, along with 26 major management factors. The study found that key factors had a positive impact on HPM management, while hub factors were also critical. The study provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and evaluating the management factors that impact HPM, which can guide managers to develop effective HPM plans, improve the overall quality of highway maintenance, and form a sustainable transportation system.
Optimal Key Forwarding Strategy in QKD Behaviours
Authors: Popa Alin-Bogdan , Popescu Pantelimon George 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Nowadays QKD plays a critical role in unconditionally-secure and quantum-safe key distribution. Commercially available QKDdevices are getting more popular for institutional and governmental national and international networks, but are expensive andoffer limited key rates. We provide a formalization of QKD-generated key forwarding and redistribution at the KMS level byextending the network graph of physical QKD links to the complete graph with logical links, and we investigate its application onthree practical scalable scenarios (all-to-all, one-to-all, one-to-one). We define a maximization goal for each scenario, andprovide a linear programming problem statement to compute the optimal redistribution. We perform an extensive analysis ofthe algorithm in terms of forwarding results and key consumption on simulated QKD networks and discuss the implications ofnetwork size and graph topology on the algorithm’s performance and complexity.