bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple treatments with human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells preserved fertility and ovarian function of perimenopausal mice undergoing natural aging.
Authors: Shin Eun-Young , Jeong Suji , Lee Jeoung Eun , Jeong Dongseok , Han Dong Keun , Hong Seok-Ho , Lee Dong Ryul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives: There is no approved therapy to preserve ovarian health with aging. To solve this problem, we developed a long-term treatment of human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (hESC-MPCs) and investigated whether the cells retained the ability to resist ovarian aging, leading to delayed reproductive senescence.
Materials and Methods: In a middle-aged female model undergoing natural aging, we analyzed whether hESC-MPCs have a beneficial effect on the long-term maintenance of reproductive fecundity and the ovarian reservoir or how their transplantation regulates ovarian function.
Results: The number of primordial follicles and mice with regular estrous cycles were increased in perimenopausal mice underwent multiple introductions of hESC-MPCs compared to age-matched controls. The level of estradiol in the hESC-MPC group was similar to that of the young and adult groups. Embryonic development and live birth rate were increased in the hESC-MPC group compared with the control group, suggesting a delay in ovarian senescence by hESC-MPCs. In addition to the direct effects on the ovary, multiple-treatments with hESC-MPCs reduced ovarian fibrosis by downregulating inflammation and fibrosis-related genes via suppression of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) produced in bone marrow.
Conclusions: Multiple introduction of hESC-MPCs could be a useful approach to maintain ovarian function in female reproductive aging and that these cells are promising sources for cell therapy to postpone the ovarian aging and retain fecundity in perimenopausal women.
3D Printed Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium Alloy Produced at Various Laser Powers: Evaluation of Microstructures and Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Salim Ali Aqeel , Bakhtiar Hazri , Ghoshal Sib Krishna , Aziz Muhammad Safwan Abd 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Achieving 3D printed Ti6Al4V alloy with customized microstructures and mechanical characteristics remains challenging, wherein the processing efficiency mainly depends on the laser energy, mass deposition rate, and duration. Based on these factors, a simple and eco-friendly direct laser metal deposition approach was followed to get 3D printed Ti6Al4V alloys at various laser powers (300–500 W). Herein, a 1.5 kW continuous fiber laser of wavelength 1080 nm was used to create the stable and dense alloy. The obtained 3D printed specimens were characterized to assess the laser power-dependent microstructures, compositions, microhardness, grain sizes, color-filling and dimensional stability in terms of height/width. FESEM micrographs of the obtained alloys revealed the existence of porous spherical grains of mean size in the range of 50–81 𝜇𝑚. The alloy deposited at 300 W and 0.495 mm/s scan speed displayed the maximum hardness (excellent bong strength) value of 859.2 HV0.5 devoid of any crack and porosity. XRD patterns of the alloy revealed the existence of α + β martensitic phase transformation which as responsible for the marginal increase of hardness. It is asserted that the proposed 3D printed Ti6Al4V alloy can be beneficial for the development of efficient structural parts desired for diverse applications.
Digital music and movement resources to improve health and wellbeing in older adults in care homes: a pilot randomised trial.
Authors: De Nys Len , Oyebola Esther , Connelly Jenni , Ryde Gemma , Whittaker Anna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Low physical activity among older adults is related to adverse health outcomes such as depression and loneliness, poor physical function and increased risk of falls. This study was designed to increase physical activity through a digital, group-based, physical activity and music resource and to examine its effectiveness on social, mental and physical health outcomes.
Methods: Participants were 34 older adults (65 years+) recruited across four care homes in Scotland to a randomised controlled pilot study with waitlist controls. Surveys were administered at baseline and post-intervention, comprising measures of fear of falling, depression and anxiety, loneliness, sleep satisfaction and quality of life. A battery of physical function tests and saliva sampling for cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone hormone analysis were also conducted at each time point. Additionally, process evaluation measures (recruitment, intervention fidelity, attendance, retention rates and safety) were monitored. The intervention comprised 12 weeks of three prescribed digital sessions per week: movement to music (n=2) and music-only (n=1), delivered by an activity coordinator in the care home. Post-intervention interviews with staff and participants were conducted to gain qualitative data on the acceptability of the intervention.
Results: An average of 88% of prescribed sessions were delivered. The waitlist control group design was not adhered to. Intention-to-treat analysis across all participants revealed significant improvements in anxiety, salivary DHEA, fear of falling and loneliness. There were no significant improvements in health-related quality of life, perceived stress, sleep satisfaction or physical function tests, including handgrip strength. Qualitative analysis highlighted benefits of and barriers to the programme.
Conclusions: The digital movement and music intervention was deemed acceptable and delivered with moderate fidelity, justifying progression to a full-scale trial. Although a proper control group would have yielded more confident causal relationships, preliminary psychosocial and biological effects were evident from this trial. To show significant improvements in physical function, it is likely that greater adherence, longer intervention and/or higher exercise volume may be necessary.
Trial registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05601102 on 01/11/2022
Numerical simulations on compression behaviors of the laminated shale based on the digital image technology and the discrete element method
Authors: Wang Zidong , Ding Xiaoxuan , Liu Jianlin , Fu Li-Yun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

As an unconventional reservoir sedimentary rock, the shale contains a series of layers and various microstructures that may lead to complex mechanical properties, such as the anisotropy of stiffness and strength. The present study is directed towards the anisotropy caused by the microstructures of the shale, where the 2D particle flow code (PFC2D) is adopted to explore the stiffness, strength, failure mode, and micro-crack evolution. More realistic microstructures and the calibration of microscopic parameters of the shale are reasonably considered through the computed tomography (CT) images and mineral analysis. The corresponding numerical simulation results are fully compared with the experimental results. In what follows, the sensitivity analysis is conducted on the key microscopic parameters and microstructure characteristics in numerical samples with laminated characteristics. The results show that the influence of microscopic parameters of the parallel bonding model on macroscopic parameters is related to the layering angle and the face type, and the microstructures and initial cracks of numerical samples can considerably affect the macroscopic mechanical behaviors of the laminated samples. Next, the effect of confining pressure on the mechanical properties of layered shale is discussed based on the numerical results. These findings highlight the potential of this approach for applications in micro-scaled models and calibration of microscopic parameters to probe mechanical behaviors of the laminated rock.
Secure Emergency Data Sharing in Healthcare - A Data Warehouse View
Authors: Thantilage Ranul D. , Yasarathna Tharindu Lakshan , Le-Khac Nhien-An , Kechadi Tahar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Clinical data's vast volume and diverse formats, compounded by the intricacies of healthcare and
the heightened importance of security and privacy, necessitate sophisticated data management and
governance systems. Existing studies often examine components like data distribution, privacy, and
security in isolation. This research bridges the gaps by developing an efficient, integrated
clinical data warehousing solution emphasizing both privacy and security at all stages. The study
presents a distributed data warehouse architecture designed after meticulous research and
analysis. Testing was conducted using clinical datasets, leading to the creation of privacy and
security components such as the Digital Emergency Medical Card and Emergency Authenticator. The
prototype's evaluations highlight a viable balance between system performance and stringent
security standards, showcasing the efficiency of encryption and other security
measures. Ultimately, this study offers a holistic solution, combining theory and practice, for
secure clinical data management in healthcare.
The localization, origin, and impact of platelets in the tumor microenvironment are tumor type-dependent
Authors: CHAPELAIN Ophélie LE , Jadoui Soumaya , Gros Angèle , Barbaria Samir , Benmeziane Keltouma , Ollivier Véronique , Dupont Sébastien , Nomenjanahary Mialitiana Solo , Mavouna Sabrina , Mawhin Marie-Anne , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Delbosc Sandrine , Porteu Françoise , Nieswandt Bernhard , Mangin Pierre H , Boulaftali Yacine , Ho-Tin-Noé Benoît 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
How platelets interact with and influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains poorly characterized.
Methods
We compared the presence and participation of platelets in the TME of two tumors characterized by highly different TME, PyMT AT-3 mammary tumors and B16F1 melanoma.
Results
We show that whereas firmly adherent platelets continuously line tumor vessels of both AT-3 and B16F1 tumors, abundant extravascular stromal clusters of platelets from thrombopoietin-independent origin were present only in AT-3 mammary tumors. We further show that platelets influence the angiogenic and inflammatory profiles of AT-3 and B16F1 tumors, though with very different outcomes according to tumor type. Whereas thrombocytopenia increased bleeding in both tumor types, it further caused severe endothelial degeneration associated with massive vascular leakage, tumor swelling, and increased infiltration of cytotoxic cells, only in AT-3 tumors.
Conclusions
These results indicate that while platelets are integral components of solid tumors, their localization and origin in the TME, as well as their impact on its shaping, are tumor type-dependent.
Partially non-ergodic ground motion model for the Bucaramanga seismic nest in Northern South America (NoSAm Nest GMM)
Authors: Pájaro César A. , Carlos Arteta A. , Vicente Mercado , Julián Montejo , Arcila Mónica , Abrahamson Norman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The Bucaramanga seismic nest has the highest concentration of seismic events with magnitudes over 4.8 worldwide. Despite the nest depth, these events play a crucial role in the seismic hazard assessment for several cities in northern South America (NoSAm), particularly those situated close to their epicenters. Moreover, these earthquakes are widely felt across the country, even hundreds of kilometers away from the nest. This paper assesses the performance of commonly used subduction intra-slab Ground Motion Models (GMMs) in predicting the updated nest database gathered and processed by the Colombian Geological Survey. This analysis confirms the necessity of a partially non-ergodic ground motion model for estimating the spectral acceleration produced by Bucaramanga nest earthquakes in northern South America. The GMM presented herein is the first model developed specifically for seismic nests in the region and is conceived as a regionalization of the recent NGA-Sub Abrahamson and Gülerce (2022) GMM. Additionally, we provide estimates of the variance components at both the earthquake and station levels and compare the developed GMM with the spectral accelerations recorded for typical earthquakes, for the highest magnitude earthquake in the database, and for the most recent Bucaramanga nest earthquake having a moment magnitude over 5.
Industrially relevant Injection Moulding Apparatus for In-Situ Time- Resolving Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Measurements
Authors: Costa Andre , Gameriro Fábio , Massano Anabela Paiva , Arioli Matteo , Silva Daniel Pedrosa da , Carreira Pedro , Martinez Juan Carlos , Matias Joao , Martinho Pedro G , Mateus Artur , Mitchell Geoffrey Robert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This work is the first step in the development of a multi-scale digital twin of an injection moulding system. It presents the design and construction of an automated industrial injection moulding apparatus that can be used with a typical multi-user beamline such as the NCD-SWEET small-angle X-ray scattering at the ALBA Synchrotron Light Source. This apparatus is focused on developing an understanding of how the mould temperature and the injection temperature affect both the orientation and morphology of the semi-crystalline polymer used to fabricate the injected parts. The system design follows current industrial practice and enables the collection of time-resolved X-ray scattering data at several points within the mould cavity so we can understand the 4D morphology. In this work we show the effectiveness of the equipment using some results from the injection moulding of isotactic polypropylene and polyhydroxybutyrate.
Maternal cardiovascular and haematological diseases alter the risk associations between environmental exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Sun Haitong , Guo Yuming , Tang Haiyang , Zhao Huan , Xiang Qingyi , Tian Yijia , Bai Xiaoxia , Daalen Kim , Archibald Alexander , Tang Kun , Loo Evelyn Xiu Ling , Shek Lynette , Xu Wei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
China’s “three-child policy” in response to population ageing has cast safeguarding perinatal health an urgent priority, whereas previous research seldom explored the pregnancy-related cardiovascular and haematological diseases. Here we conducted comprehensive epidemiological analyses on 121,090 pregnant women and their 124,025 neonates from the ZEBRA Chinese prospective maternity cohort. We find that unit incremental exposure in PM2.5, O3, and green space can change the risks of maternal pregnancy-induced cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by 7.3% (95% confidence interval 6.4–8.2%), 2.7% (2.2–3.3%), and –3.6% (1.8–5.2%), respectively. Maternal cardiovascular and haematological diseases significantly aggravate the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs, including congenital heart disease) by 69.3% (61.5–77.5%), and also modify the environment-APO risk associations by amplifying the hazards of air pollution and weakening the protective effect of greenness accessibility. Our research supports several Sustainable Development Goals by providing first-hand epidemiological evidence and clinical guidance for maternal and neonatal health protection.
Impact of Senior Management’s Financial Intelligence on the Financial Performance of Banks and Insurance Companies in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Safi Samir K. , Dorgham Maher M. , Allaloul Sana A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of senior management’s financial intelligence on the financial performance of banks and insurance companies operating in the Gaza Strip. The study followed the descriptive analytical approach to measure financial performance by relying on the financial reports of the sample companies for 2022. The results indicated that the dimensions of financial intelligence were available. Banks and insurance companies have good financial performance. Furthermore, financial intelligence significantly affected the performance of banks and insurance companies, as measured by return on investment (ROI) and return on assets (ROA). The dimensions of financial intelligence also significantly impacted the performance of banks and insurance companies as measured by return on equity (ROE). Simultaneously, there was no significant effect of financial intelligence on the performance of banks and insurance companies as measured by ROE. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the current study is among the first research efforts in Palestine. The findings indicate that senior management should pay greater attention to developing financial intelligence skills among employees in supervisory positions, especially those in the administrative, financial, and planning fields, due to their impact on improving companies’ performance.
Driving mechanism and prediction of electricity carbon emissions in developing countries - a case of Gansu Province, China
Authors: Yang Qinzhe , Qiao Fuwei , Shi Wei , Yang Xuedi , Ouyang Guanwen , Zhao Lulu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The electric power industry is a key industry for the country to achieve the double carbon target. Its low carbon development has a double effect on this industry and helps other industries to achieve the carbon peak target. This paper firstly uses the IPCC inventory method to calculate carbon emissions in the production phase of the power industry in Gansu Province from 2000–2019, followed by the ridge regression method and the STIRPAT model to analyse the quantitative impact of six major drivers on carbon emissions, and finally, the scenario analysis method is used to forecast carbon emissions in this phase. The results show that the carbon emissions of Gansu Province show a trend of rising and then falling, and reached a peak of 65.66 million tons in 2013. For every 1% increase in population effect, urbanisation level, affluence, clean energy generation share, technology level and industrial structure, carbon emissions will grow by 4.939%, 0.625%, 0.224%, -0.259%, 0.063% and 0.022% respectively. Because of the clean energy advantage in Gansu Province, the low-carbon development scenario will continue to have low carbon emissions during the scenario cycle, which can be reduced to 53.454 million tons in 2030; the baseline scenario will achieve a carbon peak in 2025, with a peak of 62.627 million tons; the economic development scenario has not achieved carbon peak during the scenario cycle, and carbon emissions will increase to 73.223 million tons in 2030.
Response of coral reef sand foundation densified through dynamic compaction method
Authors: Wang Zhen , GU Linlin , WANG Xiao , YANG Weihao , QIU Yanyu , WANG Jianping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As an effective ground reinforcement method, the dynamic compaction (DC) technique is widely applied for various soils and geotechnical conditions; however, its application in the regions with thick coral reef sand (CRS) is limited. This study presents a DC method for strengthening coral reef foundations in the reclamation area of the South China Sea. Pilot tests were performed to obtain the crucial design parameters before official DC operation. The field tests included a deformation test, standard penetration test (SPT), and shallow plate load test in two different improvement zones (A1 and A2) with different tamping energies. During the deformation test, the crater depth in three diverse passes (two-pass point tamping and one-pass full tamping) was observed in these two specific areas. The SPT and shallow plate load tests were carried out to estimate the final effect of DC. The allowable ground bearing capacity at the two disparate field sites was at least 360 kPa. The reinforcement depths were 3.5 and 3.2 m in the A1 and A2 zones, respectively. The DC process was numerically analyzed by the particle flow discrete element code, PFC2D. The computational results indicated that the reinforcement effect and effective reinforcement depth were consistent with the field data. During the DC process, the coral sand particles at the bottom of the crater were primarily broken down in the initial stage, and the particle-crushing zone gradually developed toward both sides of the tamping crater. The force chain developed similarly at the three different tamping energies (800, 1500, and 2000 KJ), and the impact stress wave propagated along the sand particles primarily in the vertical direction. This study provides relevant insights into the DC mechanism involving CRS as foundation for structures.
Video mirror feedback induces more extensive brain activation compared to the mirror box: an fNIRS study in healthy adults
Authors: Bonnal Julien , Ozsancak Canan , Prieur Fabrice , Auzou Pascal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

BackgroundMirror therapy (MT) has been shown to be effective for motor recovery of the upper limb after a stroke. The cerebral mechanisms of mirror therapy involve the precuneus, premotor cortex and primary motor cortex. Activation of the precuneus could be a marker of this effectiveness. MT has some limitations and video therapy (VT) tools are being developed to optimise MT. While the clinical superiority of these new tools remains to be demonstrated, comparing the cerebral mechanisms of these different modalities will provide a better understanding of the related neuroplasticity mechanisms.MethodsThirty-three right-handed healthy individuals were included in this study. Participants were equipped with a near-infrared spectroscopy headset covering the precuneus, the premotor cortex and the primary motor cortex of each hemisphere. Each participant performed 3 tasks: a MT task (right hand movement and left visual feedback), a VT task (left visual feedback only) and a control task (right hand movement only). Perception of illusion was rated for MT and VT by asking participants to rate the intensity using a visual analogue scale. The aim of this study was to compare brain activation during MT and VT. We also evaluated the correlation between the precuneus activation and the illusion quality of the visual mirrored feedback.ResultsWe found a greater activation of both precunei during VT than during MT. We also showed that activation of primary motor cortex and premotor cortex contralateral to visual feedback was more extensive in VT than in MT. Illusion perception was not correlated with precuneus activation.ConclusionVT led to greater activation of a parieto-frontal network than MT. This could result from a greater focus on visual feedback and a reduction in interhemispheric inhibition in VT because of the absence of an associated motor task. These results suggest that VT could promote neuroplasticity mechanisms in people with brain lesions more efficiently than MT.Clinical trial registration:NCT04738851
On the Origins of Mass
Authors: Szweizer Moshe , Schlagbaum Rivka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Probability, as manifested through entropy, is presented in this study as one of the most fundamental components of physical reality. It is demonstrated that the quantization of probability allows for the introduction of the mass phenomenon. In simple terms, gaps in probability impose resistance to change in movement, which observers experience as inertial mass. The model presented in the paper builds on two probability fields that are allowed to interact. The resultant probability distribution is quantized, producing discrete probability levels. Finally, a formula is developed that correlates the gaps in probability levels with physical mass. The model allows for the estimation of quark masses. The masses of the proton and neutron are arrived at with an error of under 0.04%. The masses of sigma baryons are calculated with an error between 0.4% and 0.005%. The W boson mass is calculated with an error of under 0.5\%. The model explains why proton is stable while other baryons are not, and it gives an explanation of the origins and nature of dark matter. Throughout the text, the article illustrates that the approach required to describe the nature of mass is incompatible with the mathematical framework needed to explain other physical phenomena.
MSC Classification: 65C20 , 81P05 , 81P16 , 81Q50 , 37D45