Search Results (1,248)

Background and Objectives: The lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) is typically described as a two-headed muscle within the infratemporal fossa. However, cadaveric and imaging studies have revealed substantial variability in the number of heads, insertion patterns, and relations to neurovascular structures. Materials and Methods: An observational study of 250 brain computed tomography angiographies (CTAs) was performed to assess LPM morphology. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and Evidence-based Anatomy guidelines. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated with random-effects models. Results: The current study included 250 CTAs for the original study and 1702 muscles for the meta-analytic evidence. During the original study, the two-headed configuration was most common (74.4%), followed by three-headed (14%), one-headed (10.8%), and four-headed (0.8%) morphologies. Symmetry was observed in 75.2% of patients. Meta-analysis confirmed the predominance of the two-headed type (73.98%, 95% CI: 68.22–79.38), with three-headed (16.82%), one-headed (4.37%), and four-headed (<0.01%) variants occurring less frequently. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences by study type or sample size, though European populations exhibited a higher prevalence of one-headed forms. Conclusions: The LPM demonstrates considerable morphological variability, extending beyond the traditional two-headed model. Recognition of these variants is essential for understanding temporomandibular joint function, interpreting imaging, and planning surgical or interventional procedures within the infratemporal fossa. Advanced imaging provides a reliable tool for individualized anatomical assessment, supporting safer clinical practice. Full article

Red-crowned (Grus japonensis, RCC), White-naped (G. vipio, WNC), and Hooded Cranes (G. monacha, HC) are threatened endemic species in Northeast Asia. Their continental populations comprise two subpopulations: an eastern subpopulation that winters in Korea and Japan and a western subpopulation wintering in China. Population figures cited from the IUCN Red List are outdated (assessed: RCC 2021; WNC 2018; HC 2016). Accordingly, this review synthesized official winter censuses from Korea and Japan (1998–2023), harmonized across countries, to assess wintering trends and site status of the eastern subpopulation. Recent Chinese literature was reviewed to update global crane population estimates. The updated global population sizes of RCC, WNC, and HC were estimated at approximately 4600, 13,100, and 19,300 individuals, respectively. The eastern subpopulations are increasing in proportion and comprise approximately 44.5%, 97.1%, and 96.2%, respectively, of the totals. However, accuracy of global population estimates was limited by heterogeneity in census protocols between Korea and Japan and by temporal lags between Chinese literature-based and Korea–Japan census data. Standardized survey protocols and transboundary data sharing are needed to obtain more accurate estimates of these populations. The standardized datasets provide baseline data for establishing wintering-site management strategies to ensure sustainable conservation of these species. Full article

Urban expansion intensifies population exposures to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). Trees mitigate pollution by dry deposition, in which particles settle on plants. However, city-scale models frequently overlook differences in tree species and structure. This study assesses PM_2.5 removal by individual city-owned street trees in Mississauga, Canada, throughout the 2019 leaf-growing season (May to September). Using a modified i-Tree Eco framework, we evaluated the removal of PM_2.5 by 200,560 city-owned street trees (245 species) in Mississauga from May to September 2019. The model used species-specific deposition velocities (V_d) from the literature or leaf morphology estimates, adjusted for local winds, a 3 m-resolution satellite-derived Leaf Area Index (LAI), field-validated, crown area modelled from diameter at breast height, and 1 km² resolution PM_2.5 data geolocated to individual trees. About twenty-eight tons of PM_2.5 were removed from 200,560 city-owned trees (245 species). Coniferous species (14.37% of trees) removed 25.62 tons (92% of total), much higher than deciduous species (85.63%, 2.18 tons). Picea pungens (18.33 tons, 66%), Pinus nigra (3.29 tons, 12%), and Picea abies (1.50 tons, 5%) are three key species. Conifers’ removal efficiency originates from the faster deposition velocities, larger tree size, and dense foliage, all of which enhance particle deposition. This study emphasizes species-specific approaches for improving urban air quality through targeted tree planting. Prioritizing coniferous species such as spruce and pine can improve pollution mitigation, providing actionable strategies for Mississauga and other cities worldwide to develop green infrastructure planning for air pollution. Full article

Sleep posture has received limited attention in studies of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity during sleep, particularly in clinical populations. We analyzed data from 130,885 individuals (56.1% female) in the Allostatic State Mapping by Ambulatory ECG Repository (ALLSTAR), a nationwide Japanese database of 24 h Holter ECG recordings obtained for clinical purposes. Sleep posture was classified as supine, right lateral, left lateral, or prone using triaxial accelerometer data. Heart rate variability (HRV) indices—including heart rate (HR), standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR), high-frequency (HF), low-frequency (LF), very low-frequency (VLF) components, cyclic variation in heart rate (CVHR), and HF spectral power concentration index (Hsi)—were calculated for each posture and stratified by age and sex. HR was consistently lowest in the left lateral posture and highest in the right lateral posture across most age groups. Other HRV indices also showed consistent laterality, although the effect sizes were generally small. Posture distribution differed slightly by estimated sleep apnea severity, but the effect size was negligible (η² = 0.0013). These findings highlight sleep posture as a statistically significant and independent factor influencing ANS activity during sleep, though the magnitude of differences should be interpreted in the context of their clinical relevance. Full article

We propose a life-expectancy pay-off function (LEP) for determining optimal cancer treatment within a control theory framework. The LEP averages life expectancy over all future outcomes, outcomes that are determined by key events during therapy such as tumour elimination (cure) and patient death (including treatment related mortality). We analyse this optimisation problem for tumours treated with chemotherapy using tumour growth models based on ordinary differential equations. To incorporate tumour elimination we draw on branching processes to compute the probability distribution of tumour population extinction. To demonstrate the approach, we apply the LEP framework to simplified one-compartment models of tumour growth that include three possible outcomes: cure, relapse, or death during treatment. Using Pontryagin’s maximum principle (PMP) we show that the best treatment strategies fall into three categories: (i) continuous treatment at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), (ii) no treatment, or (iii) treat-and-stop therapy, where the drug is given at the MTD and then halted before the treatment (time) horizon. Optimal treatment strategies are independent of the time horizon unless the time horizon is too short to accommodate the most effective (treat-and-stop) therapy. For sufficiently long horizons, the optimal solution is either no treatment (when treatment yields no benefit) or treat-and-stop. Patients, thus, split into an untreatable class and a treatable class, with patient demographics, tumour size, tumour response, and drug toxicity determining whether a patient benefits from treatment. The LEP is in principle parametrisable from data, requiring estimation of the rates of each event and the associated life expectancy under that event. This makes the approach suitable for personalising cancer therapy based on tumour characteristics and patient-specific risk profiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often experience deficits in executive functioning and emotional regulation, which impact their academic, social, and behavioral development. While physical activity is increasingly recognized as a promising non-pharmacological intervention, the specific effects on cognitive and emotional domains remain heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of physical–motor interventions in improving executive functions and emotional regulation in youths with NDDs. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of five databases was conducted (2010–2024) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of structured physical activity programs on executive and emotional outcomes in children and adolescents diagnosed with NDDs. A total of 22 RCTs were included in the qualitative synthesis, while 16 were included in the quantitative analysis. Effect sizes were calculated using a random effects model, while heterogeneity was assessed with the Q, I², Tau², and Egger’s tests. Results: Physical activity interventions demonstrated a non-significant effect on executive functioning (g = 0.492; p = 0.215; 95% CI: −0.286 to 1.269). Although the point estimate suggested a small-to-moderate effect, the wide confidence interval and lack of statistical significance prevent firm conclusions. In contrast, a large and significant effect was observed on emotional regulation outcomes (g = −1.204; p < 0.001; 95% CI: −1.688 to −0.655), despite moderate heterogeneity (I² = 72.3%). Several studies also reported specific improvements in working memory, cognitive flexibility, and emotional control. Conclusions: Structured physical activity may be an effective complementary intervention for improving emotional regulation in youth with NDDs, with less consistent evidence for executive functioning. Future research should clarify optimal protocols and target populations to enhance intervention effectiveness. Full article

For various reasons, individuals sometimes cannot go on trips. These are known as unrealized trips. In this study, we focus on discretionary trips, such as those for shopping and leisure, and analyze the factors that lead to their lack of realization due to insufficient mobility and transportation services. Based on survey data collected in Japan from populations of various sizes, K-prototypes clustering was conducted, and respondents were classified into three groups: those who only travel by private car, those with multiple transportation options, and transportation-disadvantaged individuals. Notably, the transportation-disadvantaged group exhibited a higher frequency of unrealized trips and was present in both urban and rural areas. Estimation results of the zero-inflated bivariate ordered probit (ZIBOP) model revealed that younger and lower-income individuals were more likely to experience unrealized trips. Moreover, railway frequency and last service time of bus were significant factors in urban areas, while bus service levels played a key role in rural areas. These findings suggest that “transportation-disadvantaged” individuals should be defined not only as those without a car or driver’s license but also as those who lack alternative mobility options. Full article

Evolutionary algorithms are extensively used to solve optimisation problems. However, it is important to consider and reduce their energy consumption, bearing in mind that programming languages also significantly affect energy efficiency. This research work compares the execution of four frameworks—ParadisEO (C++), ECJ (Java), DEAPand Inspyred (Python)—running on two different architectures: a laptop and a server. The study follows a design that combines three population sizes ($2^6$, $2^{10}$, $2^{14}$ individuals) and three crossover probabilities ($0.01$; $0.2$; $0.8$) applied to four benchmarks (OneMax, Sphere, Rosenbrock and Schwefel). This work makes a relevant methodological contribution by providing a consistent implementation of the metric $\eta =fitness/kWh$. This metric has been systematically applied in four different frameworks, thereby setting up a standardized and replicable protocol for the evaluation of the energy efficiency of evolutionary algorithms. The CodeCarbon software was used to estimate energy consumption, which was measured using RAPL counters. This unified metric also indicates the algorithmic productivity. The experimental results show that the server speeds up the number of generations by a factor of approximately $2.5$, but the energy consumption increases four- to sevenfold. Therefore, on average, the energy efficiency of the laptop is five times higher. The results confirm the following conclusions: the computer power does not guarantee sustainability, and population size is a key factor in balancing quality and energy. Full article

Background: Smoking in patients with hepatitis C (HCV) amplifies the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of active smoking over the last decade at the population level among adults living with HCV in the U.S., estimate temporal trends in active smoking, and identify factors associated with active smoking. Methods: We analyzed repeated cross-sectional NHANES data (2007–2018) of adults ≥20 years old with serologic evidence of HCV and complete smoking data (unweighted [n = 621] and weighted [n = 3,620,603] sample size). Temporal trends were evaluated using linear regression and joinpoint regression. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with active smoking. Results: The cumulative prevalence of active smoking was 56.4% (95% CI, 49.2–63.4). Linear trend testing was not significant (p = 0.93). Joinpoint regression suggested a slope change near 2013–2014, but neither segment-specific annual percent changes nor the slope change reached significance. Factors associated with higher odds of active smoking included female sex (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.17–4.24), low poverty income ratio (aOR = 3.33; 1.41–7.84), lifetime substance use (aOR = 10.63; 3.08–36.70), and depression (aOR = 2.65; 1.29–5.45). Lower odds were observed with >high-school education (aOR = 0.50; 0.26–0.94), obesity (aOR = 0.32; 0.18–0.58), and ≥2 yearly healthcare visits (aOR = 0.27; 0.10–0.68). Conclusions: Smoking appears to be endemic within the HCV population, and rates have remained alarmingly high and stagnant (i.e., unchanged or have not decreased) over the last decade, which consequently can lead to heightened incident cases of HCV-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the near future. Full article

Cocultivation of microalgae and aerobic methanotrophs represents an emerging biotechnology platform to produce high-protein biomass, yet quantifying individual species in mixed cultures remains challenging. Here, we present a rapid, low-cost method—differential sedimentation, optical density, and fluorescence (DSOF)—to determine the abundance of coculture members. DSOF exploits differences in cell size and pigment autofluorescence between the thermoacidophilic microalga and methanotrophic species Galdieria sp. RTK37.1 and Methylacidiphilum sp. RTK17.1, respectively, to selectively sediment algal cells and estimate population contributions via OD₆₀₀ and phycocyanin fluorescence. Evaluation with model suspensions across a wide cell density range (0 ≤ [Galdieria]: ≤ 3.23 A.U., and 0 ≤ [Methylacidiphilum] ≤ 1.54 A.U.) showed strong agreement with known values, with most absolute errors < 0.1 A.U. and relative errors < 10% at moderate biomass levels. Application to live batch cocultures under microalga or methanotroph growth-suppressed conditions, and during simultaneous growth, demonstrated accurate tracking of population dynamics and revealed enhanced methanotroph growth in the presence of oxygenic microalgae. While DSOF accuracy decreases at very concentrated biomass (>2.0 A.U. for Galdieria) or under nitrogen-limiting conditions, the model provides a practical, scalable alternative to more complex, invasive or expensive techniques, enabling near real-time monitoring of microalgae–methanotroph cocultures. Full article

Background/Objectives: As global aging accelerates, prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) continues to rise, challenging healthcare systems and diminishing older adults’ quality of life. There is great interest in better understanding the neuroprotective/anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids but the results from many published studies in humans come to different conclusions. This review aims to clarify the efficacy of n-3 fatty acids as a preventive or therapeutic strategy for cognitive health and to inform future clinical recommendations within aging populations. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and a registered PROSPERO protocol, we reviewed systematic reviews (SRs) from 2014 to 2024 assessing exclusive n-3 fatty acid supplementation and cognitive outcomes via MMSE. Data were extracted on intervention details and cognitive scores. Meta-analyses used fixed and random-effects models, with Hedges’ estimating overall impact. Quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2, and statistical analyses were performed (SPSS 28). Results: A total of nine SRs incorporating 14 RCTs were included, representing 26,881 participants aged 40 years or older. The pooled random-effects meta-analysis showed a statistically significant but modest improvement in MMSE scores (effect size: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.01–0.32). Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 42.8%), and no publication bias was detected. Further analyses revealed no significant associations between treatment duration or dosage and cognitive outcomes, suggesting a threshold effect rather than a dose–response relationship. Conclusions: These findings support n3-PUFA supplementation as a complementary approach to lifestyle-based strategies for cognitive health, including diet, physical activity, sleep optimization, and cognitive training. While benefits appear modest, consistent effects across studies warrant further high-quality research and well-designed studies to strengthen clinical recommendations. Full article

In recent years, the rapid expansion of urban rail transit has significantly improved travel efficiency, yet it has also exacerbated spatial inequality in service coverage. Accessibility, as a fundamental metric for evaluating the equity of service distribution, remains limited by three major shortcomings in current assessment methods: the neglect of actual road network characteristics, reliance on a single static scale, and the absence of quantitative mechanisms to assess accessibility equity. These deficiencies hinder a comprehensive understanding of how equity evolves with the spatiotemporal dynamics of rail systems. To address the aforementioned issues, this study proposes an innovative spatiotemporally dynamic and multi-scale analytical framework for evaluating urban rail accessibility and its equity implications. Specifically, we develop a network-based buffer decay model to refine service population estimation by incorporating realistic walking paths, capturing both distance decay and road network constraints. The framework integrates multiple spatial analytical techniques, including the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, global and local spatial autocorrelation, center-of-gravity shift, and standard deviation ellipse, to quantitatively assess the equity and evolutionary patterns of accessibility across multiple spatial scales. Taking the central urban area of Hangzhou as a case study, this research investigates the spatiotemporal patterns and equity changes in metro station accessibility in 2019 and 2023. The results indicate that the expansion of the metro network has partially improved overall accessibility equity: the Gini coefficient at the TAZ (Traffic Analysis Zone) scale decreased from 0.56 to 0.425. Nevertheless, significant inequality remains at finer spatial resolutions (grid-level Gini coefficient = 0.404). In terms of spatial pattern, the core area (e.g., Wulin Square) forms a ‘high-high’ accessibility agglomeration area, while the urban fringe area (e.g., northern Yuhang) presents a ‘low-low’ agglomeration, and the problem of local ‘accessibility depression’ still exists. Additionally, the accessibility centroid has consistently shifted northwestward, and the long axis of the standard deviation ellipse has rotated from an east–west to a northwest-southeast orientation, indicating a growing spatial polarization between core and peripheral zones. The findings suggest that improving equity in urban rail accessibility cannot rely solely on expanding network size; rather, it requires coordinated strategies involving network structure optimization, branch line development, multimodal integration, and the construction of efficient transfer systems to promote more balanced and equitable spatial distribution of rail transit resources citywide. Full article

As apex predators, wolves (Canis lupus) play a vital role in balancing and stabilizing ecosystems. However, the scarcity of empirical data on the population size and spatial ecology of wolves in Qinghai Province, China, poses significant challenges to the design of targeted conservation measures, with cascading effects on both regional ecosystem integrity and the long-term viability of this ecologically critical species. To address this knowledge gap, we deployed a systematic grid of 150 camera traps across Dulan County, Qinghai Province, from July 2021 to July 2022. The survey effort totaled 41,610 camera-days, yielding 392 independent wolf detections, defined as events separated by ≥24 h at the same location. The random encounter model estimated wolf density across three habitat types in Dulan County as follows: alpine meadows (4.87 ± 0.87 individuals/100 km²), bare rock areas (21.39 ± 3.79 individuals/100 km²), and alpine shrub (7.81 ± 1.31 individuals/100 km²). Wolves exhibited significant habitat selection (χ² = 23.6, p < 0.001), with 78% of detections occurring in alpine meadows and bare rocks at elevations of 4200–4300 m. The total wolf population was estimated to range from 2137 to 9169 individuals. Kernel density estimation (KDE) revealed a diurnal activity rhythm in wolves with minimal seasonal variation (Δ₄ = 0.88). Peak activity intensity occurred between 8:00 and 15:00, and 17:00 and 21:00, during the cold season, and between 10:00 and 15:00, and 18:00–22:00, in the warm season. The study provides a scientific basis for more effective management and conservation, enhancing understanding of wolf populations in Qinghai and peripheral regions. Full article

This study investigates the structural and cyclical determinants of tropical hardwood exports among member countries of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) over the period 1995–2022—a sector historically characterized by persistent value imbalances. The central research issue addresses the enduring asymmetries in the global value chain, shaped by unequal industrial capacities, limited access to environmental certifications, and entrenched North–South trade relations. The study pursues three main objectives: (1) to develop a typology of exporting countries; (2) to estimate heterogeneous trade elasticities; (3) to propose a policy framework that reconciles equity with sustainability. The empirical findings identify four export profiles: (i) raw producers with minimal local processing; (ii) marginal players with weak trade integration; (iii) high-value-added re-export platforms (notably in Asia); (iv) major consumer markets. Trade effects vary across regions. In the short term, imports boost exports (+0.33%), particularly in re-export models seen in Asia, the USA, and the EU, while local production remains limited in Africa due to weak industrial capacity. In the long term, both domestic production and imports have a positive impact (+0.38% and +0.37%), but only countries with strong industrial bases fully benefit. Population size (+1.29%) also reinforces the advantage of large markets like China and India, supported by short-term economic growth elasticity (+1.1%), likely driven by improved logistics or rising demand from importing countries. In response, the policy implications converge around the proposal of a “Fair and Digital Timber Trade Model” (F&DTTT), structured around three pillars: (a) specialized economic zones aligned with SDGs 8, 12, and 15; (b) blockchain-based traceability systems to enhance supply chain transparency; (c) South–South cooperation strategies aimed at commercial, regulatory, and institutional rebalancing, including potential cartelization initiatives among Southern countries. Supported by a robust methodological framework, this study provides a forward-looking pathway for transforming the tropical timber trade into a vector of equity and sustainability. Full article

Assessing the externalities of nature conservation policies, conceived as unintended socio-economic and ecological effects, is essential for evaluating societal costs and improving conservation strategies. This is particularly relevant in the case of wolf conservation and its interaction with traditional pastoralism, an animal farming system that provides valuable ecosystem services but is rapidly declining across Europe. We used structured questionnaires with Spanish herders to evaluate the environmental and societal impacts of livestock-guarding dogs (LGDs) as a measure to prevent wolf attacks. On average, farms with 750 sheep employed five mastiffs and three sheepdogs, with LGD numbers increasing in wolf-abundant areas. The number of mastiffs rose proportionally with herd size (0.6 mastiffs per 100 sheep), whereas sheepdog numbers plateaued. The estimated annual cost per LGD was €364, with LGDs contributing approximately 7% of a farm’s carbon emissions. Sixty-one percent of herders reported minor societal conflicts involving LGDs, primarily dogs chasing pedestrians or cyclists, while 1% involved minor bites. The likelihood of societal conflict increased with the number of LGDs on a farm. Additionally, each LGD caused an estimated 0.71 wildlife fatalities per year, mostly involving small mammals such as rabbits, hares, and young ungulates. These findings highlight the need for urgent coexistence strategies to balance effective wolf conservation with the sustainability of traditional pastoralism. Without targeted intervention, the continued expansion of Spain’s wolf population may increase costs to herders and foster growing public opposition to wolf conservation efforts. Full article