Browse Articles

Meta-frequency modulation in LQR vibration control with chirp excitation

Thalamic feedback shapes brain responses evoked by cortical stimulation in mice and humans

Efficacy of Quality and Quantity media-cultured mononuclear cells for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in mouse model

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Quality and Quantity media-cultured mononuclear cells (QQ-MNCs) for promoting nerve regeneration in a mouse sciatic nerve transection model. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MNCs) and QQ-MNCs derived from healthy volunteers were used/compared. The left sciatic nerve was surgically transected in 27 mice. After complete nerve transection was confirmed, end-to-end direct epineurial nerve repair was performed using 9–0 nylon. Fibrin glue was applied to the tissue around the injury site to limit diffusion of the study treatment followed by application of 0.5 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PB-MNCs (2x106 cells) or QQ-MNCs (2x106 cells) to the injury site. The skin was then closed using 6–0 nylon. Histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, electrophysiologic examination, and functional assessment were evaluated at 12-weeks followed by euthanasia and subsequent harvesting of the left sciatic nerves and the left and right gastrocnemius muscles for examination. QQ-MNCs mice exhibited significant improvement in all histomorphologic parameters (axon fiber diameter, myelin thickness, percentage of nerve density) and immunohistochemistry assays (S100, SOX10, GFAP, neurofilament, IL-1β, VEGF, anti-HNA, TNF-α, vWF) compared to PBS mice (all p < 0.05). QQ-MNCs mice also had a significantly higher Basso Mouse Scale score compared to PBS mice (p = 0.018). The percentage of nerve density adjacent to the injury site was significantly higher in QQ-MNCs mice than in PB-MNCs mice (p = 0.049). IL-1β expression was significantly lower in QQ-MNCs mice than in PB-MNCs mice (p = 0.01). QQ-MNCs mice demonstrated significantly better functional and histomorphologic outcomes of nerve regeneration compared to PB-MNCs mice and PBS mice.

Association of carotid atherosclerosis, perivascular adipose tissue, and stiffness by ultrasound assessment in young adults with ischemic stroke

Recent intensified riverine CO2 emission across the Northern Hemisphere permafrost region

Identifying putative substrates of Calpain-15 in neurodevelopment

Calpain 15 (CAPN15) is an intracellular cysteine protease belonging to the non-classical small optic lobe (SOL) family of calpains, which has an important role in developmental processes. Loss of Capn15 in mice leads to developmental eye anomalies and volumetric changes in the brain. Human individuals with biallelic variants in CAPN15 have developmental delay, neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as congenital malformations, including eye anomalies. However, the substrates of Capn15 are still unidentified. Here, using Capn15 KO P2 mice of both sexes, we have used RNA sequencing (RNA-SEQ), proteomics, and N-terminomics/terminal amino isotopic labelling of substrates (TAILS), to examine putative substrates of Capn15. There were few changes in the transcriptome profile, and we could not verify a protein change in one selected mRNA between Capn15-/- and WT mice, although a putative transcription factor linked to these changes, Pax2, did show a significant increase after the loss of Capn15. TAILS revealed a preference for cleavage at basic residues, and while no hits showed a significant change in cleavage, some were more abundant when Capn15 was removed. These included Doublecortin and Tubb3, and the Doublecortin predicted cleavage was at a lysine residue. Cleavages at lysine residues were enriched in peptides that were lost or reduced when Capn15 was removed, but not in cleavages that were unchanged when Capn15 was removed.

Numerical analysis and design methodology for steel frames with fuse system

Josephin Domain Containing 2 (JOSD2) inhibition as Pan-KRAS-mutation-targeting strategy for colorectal cancer

Explaining disparities in robot applications among nations and regions: A cross-level lens of cultural tightness-looseness

In this study, we aim to explain the large disparities among countries and regions on industrial robot application in terms of robot density and robot growth. Based on the premise that people in all cultures have the same potential for innovation, we propose a cross-level lens of cultural tightness-looseness to predict that, in the nascent robotics industry where rules and regulations are underdeveloped (i.e., a loose domain), people in tight cultures (e.g., Singapore, Japan, China) are more likely to innovate than those in loose cultures (e.g., the UK, U.S., the Netherlands) because their creativity is permitted in this or a few other loose domains only. We test this theoretical lens using multi-source longitudinal archival data on robot applications. Several significant findings emerge. First, there is a significant positive relationship between cultural tightness and robot application across 32 countries and territories from 1993 to 2022 (Study 1). Second, such a positive relationship also appears across 50 states in the United States from 1998 to 2022 (Study 2a), and across 31 provinces in China from 2008 to 2022 (Study 2b). Finally, the interaction effect between country- and region-level cultural tightness on robot application is significant (Study 3). These findings provide strong empirical support for our cross-level lens of cultural tightness and shed light on how cultural tightness at different levels interacts to affect incremental innovation (i.e., robot application) in a loose domain (i.e., the robotics industry). Moreover, these findings suggest that loosening tight control on certain domains of a tight culture would remarkably boost creativity and incremental innovation in these domains.

Attention LinkNet-152: a novel encoder-decoder based deep learning network for automated spine segmentation

Abstract Segmenting the spine from CT images is crucial for diagnosing and treating spine-related conditions but remains challenging due to the spine’s complex anatomy and imaging artifacts. This study introduces a novel encoder-decoder-based deep learning approach, named LinkNet-152, tailored for automated spine segmentation. The model integrates a modified EfficientNetB7 encoder with attention modules to enhance feature extraction by focusing on regions of interest. The decoder leverages a modified LinkNet architecture, replacing ResNet34 with the deeper ResNet152 to improve feature extraction and segmentation accuracy. Additionally, gradient sensitivity-based pruning is applied to optimize the model’s complexity and computational efficiency. Evaluated on the VerSe 2019 and VerSe 2020 datasets, the proposed model achieves superior performance, with a Dice coefficient of 96.85% and a Jaccard index of 95.37%, outperforming state-of-the-art methods. These results highlight the model’s effectiveness in addressing the challenges of spine segmentation and its potential to advance clinical applications.

Neurofibromin Deficiency Alters the Patterning and Prioritization of Motor Behaviors in a State-Dependent Manner

Genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1) increase vulnerability to cognitive and behavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nf1 results from mutations in the neurofibromin gene that can reduce levels of the neurofibromin protein. While the mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated, loss of Nf1 may alter neuronal circuit activity leading to changes in behavior and susceptibility to cognitive and behavioral comorbidities. Here we show that mutations decreasing Nf1 expression alter motor behaviors, impacting the patterning, prioritization, and behavioral state dependence in a Drosophila model of Nf1. Loss of Nf1 increased spontaneous grooming in male and female flies. This followed a nonlinear spatial pattern, with Nf1 deficiency increasing grooming of certain body parts differentially, including the abdomen, head, and wings. The increase in grooming could be overridden by hunger in foraging animals, demonstrating that the Nf1 effect is plastic and internal state dependent. Stimulus-evoked grooming patterns were altered as well, suggesting that hierarchical recruitment of grooming command circuits was altered. Yet loss of Nf1 in sensory neurons and/or grooming command neurons did not alter grooming frequency, suggesting that Nf1 affects grooming via higher-order circuit alterations. Changes in grooming coincided with alterations in walking. Flies lacking Nf1 walked with increased forward velocity on a spherical treadmill, yet there was no detectable change in leg kinematics or gait. These results demonstrate that loss of Nf1 alters the patterning and prioritization of repetitive behaviors, in a state-dependent manner, without affecting low-level motor functions.

Integrative proteogenomic characterization reveals therapeutic targets in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers

How can the United States make a great stride toward multiracial well-being?

In America and around the world, one’s chances for well-being depend on systems that are not yet built for everyone to thrive together. Knowing that life expectancy and life evaluation are far below their full potential, with stark injustices by race/ethnicity, we ask: how can the United States make a great stride toward multiracial well-being?. This study explores potential impacts of a federal plan for thriving people and places. We estimate the likely effects of 68 recommendations using ReThink Health’s Thriving Together Model (TTM), revised with new data and new features including a multisolving ratio that accounts for greater cost-effectiveness when a proposed action advances multiple goals at once. The TTM is a previously published system dynamics model that simulates changes over time when community assets (both funding and in-kind resources) are invested in four drivers of population well-being (i.e., Vital Conditions, Belonging and Civic Muscle, Fairness in System Design, and Urgent Services Capacity). All drivers work together through a dynamic structure that influences individual states of thriving, suffering, and life expectancy (overall and by race/ethnicity). The model specifies three reinforcing dynamics, including an “expanding the pie” loop that can increase available assets and improve all four well-being drivers over time. Results reveal a plausible scenario over 25 years in which thriving could rise 20 percentage points, suffering could drop 2.5 percentage points, and average life expectancy could grow by 2.6 years – all from equitable progress across racial/ethnic groups. Every subgroup improves, but the greatest gains would likely be among Black and Hispanic Americans. Sensitivity tests confirm that the model’s conclusions are robust across identified uncertainty ranges. The federal plan points the way toward a just transition for multiracial well-being. It does not require new appropriations or authorities: only the will and wherewithal to bring these recommendations to life.

A multimodal MRI-based machine learning framework for classifying cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease

Probing nuclear quantum effects in electrocatalysis via a machine-learning enhanced grand canonical constant potential approach

Urban coyotes were observed rarely and retreated consistently from assertive approaches by volunteers in neighborhoods

Human-coyote conflict can arise when coyotes follow, pursue or attack pets or people. Although such attacks are rare, they are typically highly publicized, and leave residents concerned about the presence of coyotes in their neighborhoods. Wildlife managers often promote hazing to mitigate human-coyote conflicts, but this technique for intimidating animals has been studied in coyotes only recently and there are few guidelines for its implementation. We developed a community-based hazing program in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada) implemented by volunteers who patrolled their neighborhoods while recording coyotes and coyote attractants. When coyotes were observed, volunteers walked towards the coyotes and recorded their overt reaction and flight initiation distances. If coyotes did not retreat when volunteers were within 40 m of the animal, volunteers ran towards the coyote while shouting and throwing weighted tennis balls towards the animals. Over two field seasons, we recruited, trained, and engaged 120 volunteers from 71 neighborhoods, who conducted 1598 patrols, observed coyotes in 175 instances, and conducted hazing 23 times. Coyotes retreated before volunteers were within 40 m during 124 (71%) of the observations and retreated immediately from 22 (96%) of the hazing events. We found no evidence that hazing changed subsequent measures of overt reaction or flight initiation distances by coyotes, perhaps because it was implemented too rarely, and its effects on the number or timing of subsequent coyote reports by members of the public were inconsistent. Our study emphasizes the rarity of close encounters with coyotes and the high frequency with which they retreat from human approaches and even directed attention by people. Our study supports the use of community-based hazing to reassure members of the public while potentially promoting wariness in coyotes.

Efficiency optimization of lead-free CH3NH3SnI3-based perovskite solar cells through material and structural modifications

Pre-movement sensorimotor oscillations shape the sense of agency by gating cortical connectivity

Abstract Our sense of agency, the subjective experience of controlling our actions, is a crucial component of self-awareness and motor control. It is thought to originate from the comparison between intentions and actions across broad cortical networks. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are still not fully understood. We hypothesized that oscillations in the theta-alpha range, thought to orchestrate long-range neural connectivity, may mediate sensorimotor comparisons. To test this, we manipulated the relation between intentions and actions in a tetraplegic user of a brain machine interface (BMI), decoding primary motor cortex (M1) activity to restore hand functionality. We found that the pre-movement phase of low-alpha oscillations in M1 predicted the participant’s agency judgements. Further, using EEG-BMI in healthy participants, we found that pre-movement alpha oscillations in M1 and supplementary motor area (SMA) correlated with agency ratings, and with changes in their functional connectivity with parietal, temporal and prefrontal areas. These findings argue for phase-driven gating as a key mechanism for sensorimotor integration and sense of agency.

Empowering Obese Children in Physical Education: Exploring the Influence of Verbal Encouragement on Games Intensity, Mood States, and Physical Enjoyment during Passing Games

This study aimed to assess the impact of physical education teachers’ verbal encouragements on the psychophysiological aspects, physical enjoyment, and mood states of obese children (OC) in a physical education context. Sixteen OC students (mean age = 13.81 ± 0.73 years) from a preparatory school participated in two test sessions, conducted in a randomized order. Each session involved a series of passing games (games of 10 successive passes) with and without verbal encouragement, with a one-week interval between sessions. The games, formatted as 3 vs. 3 with two additional obese joker’ players, lasted 18 minutes. Each game comprised four 3-minute active periods interspersed with 2-minute passive recovery bouts, played on a 10 × 20-m pitch. Heart rate was continuously measured throughout each session. Additionally, the Brunel Mood Scale (BMS) was assessed before and after the PG. Furthermore, rating of perceived exertion (OMNI-RPE) and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) were assessed after the testing sessions. Video analysis was used to quantify technical actions during PG. PGs with VE induced higher HR (% maximum HR and mean HR), OMNI-RPE, and PACES scores than PGs without VE (ES=−1.51, ES=−0.78, ES=−0.73, ES=2.07, respectively). Compared with PGs without VE, SSGs with VE resulted in an increased percentage of successful passes, number of Goal (10 passes) and fewer lost balls (ES=O.70, ES=−0.54, ES=−0.86, respectively). The PGVE trial also showed higher vigor and lower total mood disturbance (TMD) compared to the PGNVE trial (ES = −1.11, d = 0.78, respectively). Physical education teachers are encouraged to incorporate joker exercises with verbal encouragement to enhance game intensity, mood state, physical enjoyment and technical performance during games among OCs.

Climate trauma from wildfire exposure impacts cognitive decision-making

Abstract Climate trauma refers to the chronic mental health sequalae of climate disaster events. We have previously shown evidence for such trauma with accompanying anxiety and depression symptoms after California’s 2018 Camp Fire wildfire. Here, we investigate whether this climate trauma also impacts cognitive decision-making and its neural correlates. One year after the wildfire, we recruited three groups - those directly exposed (n = 27), indirectly exposed (community members who witnessed the wildfire but not directly exposed, n = 21), versus non-exposed controls (n = 27). Participants performed a decision-making task that led to immediate and cumulative point rewards on each trial with simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. We evaluated Win-Stay behavior in choosing to stay with the greater expected value (cumulative reward) option. Directly-exposed individuals showed significantly reduced Win-Stay behavior relative to the other groups. EEG analyses showed significantly greater parietal alpha activity for the selected choice and ensuing rewards in directly fire-exposed individuals, with an underlying cortical source of this activity in posterior cingulate cortex. Overall, these findings suggest that climate trauma may significantly impact neuro-cognitive processing in the context of value-based decision-making, which may serve as a useful biomarker target for future mental health interventions in climate change impacted communities.