Browse Articles

B-FADE: Bayesian-fatigue model estimator in Python and its application to the probabilistic estimation of El Haddad curves

Automated video-tracking analysis of Agriotes obscurus wireworm behaviour before, during and after contact with thiamethoxam- and imidacloprid-treated wheat seeds

Beneficial effects of pleuran on asthma control and respiratory tract-infection frequency in children with perennial asthma

Simulation based scheduling of crew routing with learning and forgetting effects in repetitive projects

Abstract The Line of Balance (LOB) technique is essential for scheduling repetitive projects, offering benefits over the Critical Path Method (CPM) by ensuring consistent workflow and reducing project duration through the learning rate effect. This effect shortens activity durations when the same crew repeats tasks. Consistent crew assignments for each activity are key to maximizing this benefit, as routing crews between activities can disrupt the learning rate momentum. However, crew routing can be cost-effective by lowering indirect costs. This study explores the balance between maintaining distinct crews for each activity and allowing crew routing. Results indicate that while specific crew assignments optimize duration, they require more crews. In contrast, routing reduces the number of crews but extends project duration. The study proposes a simulation approach to optimize crew numbers and movements. However, the study has limitations, as the simulation model must be customized for each specific project, and crew assignments must comply with the model’s requirements.

AgRP neurons shape the sperm small RNA payload

Abstract Paternal dietary patterns and obesity can affect offspring through epigenetic signals in sperm RNA. By activating hypothalamic Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons in mice to simulate obesity’s effects, we observed changes in the small noncoding RNA payload of sperm. These alterations, particularly in transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), are similar to those induced by short-term high-fat diets, suggesting a common upstream regulatory mechanism involving AgRP neurons that affects metabolic epigenetic inheritance.

SFRP2 mediates Epstein-Barr virus and bladder cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization study and colocalization analysis

Abstract Studies suggest a possible association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and bladder cancer (BCa) risk, though this remains unclear. Secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP) is also linked to BCa, with some DNA viruses potentially regulating its expression. This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis to explore the causal relationship between EBV infection, BCa risk, and the mediating role of sFRP. We first performed a two-sample MR study to assess the causal relationship between 5 EBV-related antibodies (AEB-IgG, EA-D, EBNA-1, VCA-p18, ZEBRA) and BCa using the Finnish Consortium’s R11 dataset, validated with R10. Reverse MR analysis followed. For significant results, multivariable MR (MVMR) was applied to adjust for confounding risk factors. A two-step MR explored the potential mediating role of 3 sFRPs (sFRP1, sFRP2, sFRP3) between positive exposures and BCa. Colocalization analysis were conducted for positive exposures, mediators, and BCa, with multiple sensitivity analyses confirming the robustness of the results. The two-sample Mendelian randomization study found that EBNA-1 (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.30; p = 0.039) and VCA-p18 (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.13–1.64; p = 0.001) may increase BCa risk, with only VCA-p18 (P_fdr = 0.006) showing a significant effect after False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. The Finnish Consortium R10 replication study yielded similar results, and reverse MR analysis did not suggest reverse causality. After MVMR adjusted for relevant confounders, VCA-p18 (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13–1.74; p = 0.002) still significantly increased BCa risk. Two-step MR identified sFRP2 as a mediator, with VCA-p18 down-regulating sFRP2 expression to elevate BCa risk. Colocalization analysis suggested a shared causal variant (nearby gene HLA-DQA1) between VCA-p18 and BCa (PPH4 = 65.44%). Multiple sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. Our study suggests that EBV infection (VCA-p18 antibody) may increase the risk of BCa by lowering sFRP2 levels. Additionally, EBNA-1 antibodies may also contribute to an elevated risk of BCa. We hope these findings will provide new insights for future research on the association between EBV and BCa.

Feasibility and efficacy of the forced oscillation technique in patients with lysosomal storage diseases

Abstract Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a diverse group of inborn errors of metabolism, which involves the storage of macromolecules within the lysosome due to the absence of or deficiency in lysosomal enzymes. In this condition, respiratory dysfunction is the common cause of morbidity and mortality. Thus, an objective measurement examination of pulmonary function, such as spirometry, is essential for the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions. However, spirometry requires active patient involvement. Meanwhile, the forced oscillation technique (FOT) is performed during tidal breathing and is feasible in patients who cannot perform spirometry. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of FOT in assessing respiratory function among patients with LSD. This study was conducted at the outpatient department of Tawam Hospital, Al-Ain, the United Arab Emirates. Patients with confirmed LSD were included in the analysis. Information on respiratory history was obtained using a standardized respiratory questionnaire, and lung function was assessed using FOT. The main outcomes were respiratory resistance (Rrs5), reactance at 5 Hz (Xrs5), and area under the reactance curve (AX). In total, 35 patients with LSD were assessed. FOT was used to evaluate 16 (47%) patients. Of the patients who were successfully assessed using FOT, 10 presented with abnormal outcomes. Hence, there was an association between lung function assessed using FOT and spirometry results in these patients. FOT can help obtain lung function measurements in patients with LSD. In this study, the patients commonly presented with abnormal FOT outcomes.

Enzymatic, cellular breakdown and lysis in treatment of Beauveria Brongniartii on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775)

Investigation of physical, structural, optical, and luminescence properties of nickel oxide doped alkali zinco-borate glasses

Abstract Glasses having the stoichiometry ratio [(70-x) B2O3–10Na2O–20ZnO–xNiO] where 0.0 ≤ x < 0.3 mol% were synthesized using a melt quenching technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique confirmed the non-crystalline properties of the glasses. Surface morphology and elemental analysis were done by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectra. The glass density ranged from 2.539 to 2.597 gcm−3 and the physical characteristics such as ion concentration, inter-ionic distance, average boron-boron distance, oxygen packing density, polaron radius, and field strength were calculated and interpreted. The deconvolution spectra of Fourier Transfer Infra-Red (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy resulted in BO3 unit to BO4 unit conversion as the NiO concentration increased. The UV–Visible spectroscopy showed absorption peaks near 425 nm and 800 nm corresponding to 3A2g (F) → 3T1g (P)) and (3A2g (F) → 1Eg(3F)) transitions respectively. The direct bandgap decreased from 4.00 to 3.76 eV, but the indirect bandgap increased from 3.00 to 3.12 eV. The Urbach energy of glasses decreased from 0.56 to 0.35 with an increase in NiO concentration showing the compactness of the glass network. Furthermore, optical characteristics were determined, including the refractive index, dielectric constant, metallization criterion, electronic oxide ion polarizability, optical basicity, and numerical aperture. Photoluminescence spectra exhibit strong green and cyan emission due to d-d transitions of Ni2+. The CIE Chromaticity coordinates confirm that the observed green light emission from BZNNi glasses are suitable candidates for optoelectronic applications.

Assessing trends and density of bird species in bottomland hardwood forests and riparian forests using simulation and sample size optimization for surveys

Abstract The decline of neotropical migratory birds in North America is closely tied to habitat loss, including the degradation of bottomland hardwood and riparian forests, which provide essential habitats for numerous species. To address this, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts bird surveys to monitor restoration efforts and evaluate conservation outcomes. This study assessed avian surveys from three National Wildlife Refuges in Texas and Oklahoma, using simulations, field data, and literature to evaluate current sampling protocols. Our findings revealed that achieving acceptable precision in bird density estimates (coefficient of variation: 0.15, 0.25) often requires more than 200 bird point counts, depending on the species and study area. While data aggregation across sites and years improved precision, it masked local trends critical for refuge-specific management. Imprecise results, particularly for rare species, underscored the need for improved protocols, such as repeat visits within a year, targeted sampling for priority species, and adaptive designs incorporating forest composition and structure data. These adjustments would enhance the precision of multispecies surveys, making them more effective for detecting changes in habitat quality. This study provides actionable recommendations to support service-wide efforts in strategic, data-driven monitoring and long-term conservation planning for neotropical migratory birds.

Exosomes carrying adipose mesenchymal stem cells function alleviate scleroderma skin fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 axis

In vivo transplantation of mammalian vascular organoids onto the chick chorioallantoic membrane reveals the formation of a hierarchical vascular network

Abstract The dynamic remodeling of the nascent vascular network into a mature hierarchy is essential for embryo survival. Cell behaviors and signaling mechanisms are often investigated with animal models and perfused microchannels, giving insights into this process. To support these studies and enrich our understanding, we demonstrate a complementary approach using vascular organoids. Organoids initially form a primitive endothelial plexus lined with NG2+/PDGFRβ+ mural cell progenitors containing immature pericytes, but there is no formation of large-diameter vessels covered with αSMA+ cells containing immature vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs). After transplantation to the chick chorioallantoic membrane, the network reorganizes into a branched architecture with large-diameter vessels covered by αSMA+ cells. We additionally show that blood flow from the host circulation perfuses the organoid. Compared with the developing skin vasculature in mouse embryos, organoids successfully recapitulate vascular morphogenesis, both in vitro and after transplantation. The model described here presents a further approach to enhance the study of vascular remodeling.

Computational intelligence investigations on evaluation of salicylic acid solubility in various solvents at different temperatures

Author Correction: A technical survey on practical applications and guidelines for IoT sensors in precision agriculture and viticulture

Inflammatory and angiogenic serum profile of refractory rheumatoid arthritis

Energy efficient hierarchical clustering based dynamic data fusion algorithm for wireless sensor networks in smart agriculture

Author Correction: Spatial chemistry of citrus reveals molecules bactericidal to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus

Liver fatty acid-binding protein point-of-care testing detects heat-induced organ damage: a pilot study in Japanese male self-defense force personnel

Using deep convolutional networks combined with signal processing techniques for accurate prediction of surface quality

3D quantification of metal-induced geometric distortions in MRI

Abstract The increasing number of patients with metal implants raises concerns about metal-induced geometric distortions (MD) in MR-guided treatments. This study proposes a method for three-dimensional quantification of MD and evaluates its accuracy and reliability. A 3D lattice phantom was designed and measured with two sequences (VIBE and SPACE) and two implants (crown-supported-dental-implant and stainless-steel-bracket). Automated detection of displacement of 9360 crossing points caused by MD was performed. Distortion-quantification accuracy was improved by correcting for noise-induced error (NE), related to different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and implant-related signal loss and pile-up artifact volumes (SLPUA). The method’s accuracy was validated against computed tomography. Results showed high reliability, with an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (≥ 0.99) and low mean residual errors in all directions (2.6%/1.6%/1.8% of voxel size in X/Y/Z direction). SNR/SLPUA volumes were significant confounders (p-value ≤ 0.001) when comparing different sequences/implants, but corrections significantly reduced their impacts (p-value ≤ 0.001). This method enables accurate 3D MD quantification and fair comparison across different sequences/implants. By optimizing MRI protocols for MD minimization and defining implant-specific MD profiles for patient data correction, it may help improve spatial accuracy in MRI-guided treatments in the future.