bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental model of emulsion viscosity during water-based EOR: Effect of water content and pressure
Authors: Shafiei Masoud , Shirazi Ghazal Mohammadzadeh , Kazemzadeh Yousef , Riazi Masoud
Published: October 2022

Emulsion formation during production from oil reservoirs or even on the surface is one of the common phenomena in the oil industry. Viscosity and stability of emulsions are very important parameters that have a significant impact on the transfer, separation and sale of oil. The purposes of this work were to investigate the effect of water content and pressure on the viscosity of emulsions and also to present an experimental mathematical model for predicting viscosity at different pressures and water content. Viscosity was measured by a rolling ball viscometer that made and calibrated by this team. The results show that the viscosity of the emulsions is a strong function of water content and pressure and increases significantly with increasing these two parameters. In the next step, according to the viscosity behavior with pressure, three mathematical models were developed. Examination of errors related to each of the models illustrated that the lowest error between 2–7% was related to the exponential base model and the second-degree polynomial based model and the highest error was related to the linear base model. Among these three models, the polynomial base model showed the best and the linear base model showed the worst performance in prediction of viscosity. The most errors related to linear, exponential and polynomial models were, 11.96, 6.99 and 4.52%, respectively, which occurred at pressures of 12.53, 12.53 and 1000 psi respectively.
Comparing the accuracy of NEORUBIN NEO-2020 jaundice meter, Dräger JM103 jaundice meter and conventional blood testing for estimating total serum bilirubin in infants with jaundice in Malaysia
Authors: Hasim Ruziaton , Harrun Noor Harzana , Baharuddin Faridah Azna , Bahasa Abdul Rahman , Zainudin Muhammad Khairil
Published: October 2022

Objective: To assess the accuracy of NEORUBIN® NEO-2020, a transcutaneous bilirubinometer in the clinical evaluation of bilirubin levels, versus a competitor device (Dräger JM103) and conventional blood testing (gold standard comparator) in infants diagnosed with jaundice in Malaysia.
Study design: Infants who were brought to a public primary care clinic for follow-up due to suspected jaundice were screened using Dräger JM103 to assess the level of total serum bilirubin (TsB). Newborn infants who were at least 1 day old and born after 35–44 weeks of gestation/pregnancy with a TsB between 6–13.4 mg/dL/day (103–229 μmol/L/day) at screening were included in the study. Bilirubin levels of the infants were measured using NEO-2020, Dräger JM103, and conventional blood testing and the readings compared to validate NEO-2020’s accuracy, robustness, and reliability in clinical settings against the competitor device and conventional blood testing.
Results: Compared to Dräger JM103, NEO-2020 showed a sensitivity of 99.4% (95% CI 96.9, 100), specificity of 0% (as all subjects in the study had jaundice symptoms), positive predictive value of 96.7% (95% CI 96.9, 96.7), and negative predictive value of 0%. The NEO-2020 had a 96.2% (95% CI 92.3, 98.5) accuracy rate in clinically evaluating bilirubin levels.
Conclusion(s): Serum bilirubin levels recorded by the non-invasive NEO-2020 bilirubinometer were comparable to the readings from Dräger JM103 and conventional blood testing. Further tweaking and tests may improve the accuracy of NEO-2020.
PSMD8 can serve as potential biomarker and therapeutic target of the PSMD family based on bioinformatics analysis and in vitro validation
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Xinru , Hu Yuexin , Yang Qing , Lin Bei , Liu Ouxuan , Wang Yuxuan , Li Siting
Published: October 2022

Background The ubiquitin-proteasome system is an indispensable mechanism for regulating intracellular protein degradation, thereby affecting human antigen processing, signal transduction, and cell cycle regulation. We used bioinformatics database to predict the expression and related roles of all members of thePSMDfamily in ovarian cancer. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for early diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and targeted therapy of ovarian cancer. Methods GEPIA, cBioPortal, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter databases were used to analyze the mRNA expression levels, gene variation, and prognostic value ofPSMDfamily members in ovarian cancer.PSMD8was identified as the member with the best prognostic value. The TISIDB database was used to analyze the correlation betweenPSMD8and immunity, and the role of PSMD8 in ovarian cancer tissue was verified by immunohistochemical experiments. The relationship of PSMD8 expression with clinicopathological parameters and survival outcomes of ovarian cancer patients was analyzed. The effects of PSMD8 on malignant biological behaviors of invasion, migration, and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells were studied byin vitroexperiments. Results The expression levels ofPSMD8/14mRNA in ovarian cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in normal ovarian tissues, and the expression levels ofPSMD2/3/4/5/8/11/12/14mRNA were associated with prognosis. Up-regulation ofPSMD4/8/14mRNA expression was associated with poor OS, and the up-regulation ofPSMD2/3/5/8mRNA expression was associated with poor PFS in patients with ovarian serous tumors. Gene function and enrichment analysis showed thatPSMD8is mainly involved in biological processes such as energy metabolism, DNA replication, and protein synthesis. Immunohistochemical experiments showed that PSMD8 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and the expression level was correlated with FIGO stage. Patients with high PSMD8 expression had poor prognosis. Overexpression of PSMD8 significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities in ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion We observed different degrees of abnormal expression of members ofPSMDfamily in ovarian cancer. Among these, PSMD8 was significantly overexpressed in ovarian malignant tissue, and was associated with poor prognosis.PSMDs, especiallyPSMD8, can sereve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer.
Exogenous gibberellic acid shortening after-ripening process and promoting seed germination in a medicinal plant Panax notoginseng
Authors: Ge Na , Yang Ling , Huang Rong-Mei , Jia Jin-Shang , Wang Qing-Yan , Chen Cui , Meng Zhen-Gui , Li Long-Geng , Chen Jun-Wen
Published: October 2022

BackgroundPanax notoginseng(Burk) F.H. Chen is an important medicinal plant in the family of Araliaceae. Its seeds are classified as the type of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), and are characterized by recalcitrance during the after-ripening process. However, it is not clear about the molecular mechanism on the dormancy in harvested recalcitrant seeds. Results In this study, exogenous supply of gibberellic acid (GA3) with different concentrations shortened after-ripening process and promoted germination ofP. notoginsengseeds. Among the identified plant hormone metabolites, exogenous GA3results in an increased levels of endogenous hormone GA3through permeation. A total of 2971 and 9827 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in response to 50 mg L− 1GA3(LG) and 500 mg L− 1GA3(HG) treatment, respectively, and the plant hormone signal and related metabolic pathways regulated by GA3was significantly enriched. GA3treatment upregulated the expression ofent-copalyl diphosphate synthase(CPS),GA 20-oxidase(GA20ox) andGIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF1(GID1), whereas it downregulatedDELLA,Pyrabactin resistance 1-like(PYL) andABA-INSENSITIVE5(ABI5). This effect was associated with higher expression of crucial seed embryo development and cell wall loosening genes,Leafy Contyledon1(LEC1),Late Embryogenesis Abundant(LEA),expansins(EXP) andPectinesterase(PME). Conclusions Exogenous GA3application promotes the germination ofP. notoginsengseeds by increasing GA3contents through permeation. Furthermore, the altered ratio of GA and ABA contributes to the development of the embryo, breaks the mechanical constraints of the seed coat and promotes the protrusion of the radicle in recalcitrantP. notoginsengseeds. These findings improve our knowledge of the contribution of GA to regulating dormancy of MPD seeds during the after-ripening process, and provide a new theoretical guidance for the application of recalcitrant seeds in agricultural production and storage.
Association of bone mineral density and osteoporosis with trichlorophenol: A national-representative, population-based study
Authors: Yan Zijian , Xiong Xianmei , Tao Jiasheng , Wang Sheng
Published: October 2022

Background: Trichlorophenols (TCPs) are metabolites of several organochlorine chemicals, including chlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexane, and chlorophenoxy acid, present in air, surface water, soil, and sediment. However, the relationship between TCP and bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis has not been studied yet.
Methods: We used data from the 2005-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). TCP were obtained from urine specimens of 3385 participants and bone mineral density was obtained by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) whole-body scanning. Multiple regression analysis, stratified analysis, curve fitting analysis, and trend tests were used to assess the relationship between TCP and BMD and osteoporosis.
Result: After adjusting for confounding factors, the results of multiple regression analysis only showed that ln-2,4,5-TCP was negatively associated with BMD of lumbar spine. In stratified analyses, ln-2,4,5-TCP and ln-2,4,6-TCP was were not statistically associated with BMD in total femur, femoral neck, femoral tuberosity, intertrochanteric femur and lumbar spine, which was also confirmed by curve fitting analyses and trend tests. Multiple regression analysis and stratified analysis showed that ln-2,4,5-TCP and ln-2,4,6-TCP was were not statistically associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis.
Conclusion: 2,4,5-TCP and 2,4,6-TCP were not significantly associated with BMD and osteopenia/osteoporosis in the US population.
WITHDRAWN: Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Self-awareness in Nursing Scale
Authors: Chen Qing , Yan Xiangru , Wang Liying , Zhang Hui , Yu Haitao , Liang Chunguang , Lu Jing
Published: October 2022

Background There are many studies about awareness, but few studies are specifically focused on the nurses’ self-awareness. Study shows nurse self-awareness helps nurses and patients. The Self-awareness in Nursing Scale is a brief measurement tool used to assess the self-awareness of clinical nurses. Methods This study investigated 549 clinical nurses in Liaoning Province, China. Our study used two methods of construct validity to analyze the factor structure of the Chinese version of this scale. Two weeks later, the 40 relevant hospital nurses previously labeled were measured for test-retest reliability. Results The Chinese version of the self-awareness in Nursing scale reserved 17 items, and the results differed from the original scale in that its Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) supported a three-factor structure, and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated a good model fit. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient for this scale was 0.869, and the reliability of the retest was 0.804. Conclusions The Chinese version of the self-awareness in Nursing scale exhibited suitable psychometric characteristic and it can be used to measure the Chinese nurses’ level of self-awareness.
Network Embedding Framework for Driver Gene Discovery by Combining Functional and Structural Information
Authors: Chu Xin , Li Feng , Shang Junliang , Guan Boxin , Dai Lingyun , Liu Jin-xing
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive analysis of multiple data sets can identify potential driver genes for various cancers. In recent years, driver gene discovery based on massive mutation data and gene interaction networks has attracted increasing attention, but there is still a need to explore combining functional and structural information of genes in protein interaction networks to identify driver genes. There, we propose a network embedding framework combining functional and structural information to identify driver genes. Firstly, we combine the mutation data and gene interaction networks to construct mutation integration network using network propagation algorithm. Secondly, the struc2vec model is used for extracting gene features from the mutation integration network, which contains both genes functional and structural information. Finally, machine learning algorithms are utilized to identify the driver genes. At the same time, we also conduct comparative analysis of three gene interaction networks, three gene standard sets, and five machine learning algorithms. Compared with the previous four excellent methods, our method can find gene pairs that are distant from each other through structural similarities and has better performance in identifying driver genes for 12 cancers in the cancer genome atlas. Our framework provides a new perspective for feature selection to identify novel driver genes.
Velocity and transverse mixing in open channel flow featuring interacting vegetated shear layers
Authors: Rojas-Arques Santiago , Nichols Andy , Shucksmith James D.
Published: October 2022

Pollutants originating sources such as combined sewer overflows and wastewater treatment works are known to have a significant detrimental impact on the quality of water resources. Turbulent shear layers have been previously shown to significantly affect mixing in free surface flows, and therefore may facilitate rapid decreases in peak pollution levels. To date, few studies have considered situations where multiple shear layers interact or the associated effects on flow structure and mixing processes. This paper presents an extensive new high resolution laboratory dataset utilising bank arrays of artificial vegetation within free surface flow to form both single and interacting shear layers systems. The data is used to form and test new analytical relationships between vegetation properties and resulting profiles of primary velocity and mixing characteristics. The results demonstrate that interacting shear layers can significantly enhance transverse mixing processes in open channel flow, and expressions based on vegetated characteristics can give a good approximation of experimentally observed velocities and depth averaged solute concentrations.
Pruning and green manure from Alnus acuminata improve soil health, and potato and wheat productivity in Rwanda
Authors: Cyamweshi Athanase R. , Muthuri Catherine W. , Kuyah Shem , Mukuralinda Athanase , Mbaraka Rumanzi S. , Sileshi Gudeta W.
Published: October 2022

Alnus acuminata Kunth. (alnus) has been widely promoted under climate change mitigation and adaptation programs in the East African highlands. However, information is lacking on the impact of its pruning management and green manure (GM) application on soil health and the productivity of associated crops. Using a large suit of soil quality indicators, crop growth and yield measurements, this study identified appropriate combinations of alnus pruning levels and GM application for sustainable intensification of potato (Solanum tuberosum) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) production. This study compared six treatments, namely, (1) sole crops of potato or wheat (control), (2) sole crop + GM, (3) 75% pruning, (4) 75% pruning + GM, (5) 90% pruning and (6) 90% pruning + GM. The best treatments were the 75% pruning + GM and 90% pruning + GM, which significantly differed from the control in soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (P), exchangeable calcium (Ca) contents, the N:P and C:P stoichiometric ratios and the soil structural stability index (SSI). These treatments increased soil pH by 5–6%, SOC by 74–82%, TN by 58–68%, exchangeable Ca by 76–81%, total P by 17–21%, the N:P ratio by 40%, C:P ratio by 43–51%, the SSI by 71–79%, potato tuber yields by 17–21% and wheat yields by 21–32% over the control. Therefore, it is concluded that pruning and application of alnus green manure have the potential to significantly improve soil health and crop productivity on degraded soils in the study area.
Terminal Nerve Entry Points Locations to Muscles of the Thigh for Selective Peripheral Neurectomy in the Adult Population: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Garcia-Rueda Maria Fernanda , Nossa-Almanza Sergio Alejandro , Jimenez-Ramirez Jose , Romero-Barreto Camilo , Mendoza-Pulido Camilo
Published: October 2022

Purpose
spasticity is the result of a variety of lesions to the central nervous system and one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. Selective peripheral neurectomy (SPN) is a surgical procedure that permanently decreases focal spasticity. Authors’ objective is to provide recommendations, in terms of probabilities, for locating terminal motor entry points to muscles of the thigh, as alternatives for proximal incision sites to SPN.
Methods
the femoral, obturator, and sciatic nerves, and its corresponding motor rami, were systematically dissected on cadaveric specimens, and terminal motor entry points to each muscle of the thigh were located and carefully measured, relative to the length of the thigh. Measurement distributions were obtained and normal transformations were used when necessary.
Results
in 23 adult cadaveric specimens, 779 motor rami were dissected. Entry points locations are presented as a percentage of the length of the thigh in means and standard deviations, which roughly corresponds to 64 and 95% probability of finding a motor entry point.
Conclusion
Alternative incisions directly over the motor entry points, for the muscles of the thigh, may be helpful when considering SPN as treatment for focal spasticity. A prior degree of certainty of the location of the nerve to be severed, may simplify surgical approach.
Bayesian spatial optimal network design for non-Gaussian environmental processes
Authors: Samadi Zahra , Talebi Hooshang , Rivaz Firoozeh
Published: October 2022

Most spatial optimal network designs have been developed for Gaussian processes. However, environmental data rarely conform to this assumption and usually reveal non-Gaussian features suchas asymmetry, so there is a need for novel methods that can account for skewness. To overcome this limitation, this article develops an optimal network design based on the closed skew Gaussian process and introduces new optimality criteria for different aims using information measures. In the Bayesian framework, the design that maximizes the average overall observationalinformation is optimal. The effect of skewness on the configuration of points in the optimaldesign is demonstrated through simulation examples. Besides, the proposed approach is implemented to expand the precipitation monitoring network in Khuzestan province, south of Iran.
Does Food Insecurity Exist in Rural Households of Wolayta? Evidence in Wolayta Zones, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Meja Merihun , Mathewos Ashenafi , Kebede Alemtsehay Kassa , Goa Woldemedhin
Published: October 2022

Food self-sufficiency has received attention from many nations with various economic orientations since it has been essential to achieving food security. Others countered that maintaining food self-sufficiency might be expensive relative to the advantages, even if it should be necessary for food security. Moreover, due to extraordinary climate instability and pervasive rural poverty, food insecurity is a bigger challenge now than it has ever been. Therefore, using cross-sectional data gathered from 120 sample families, this study assesses the level of food security among households and its determinants in the Wolayta Zone in Southern Ethiopia. By comparing the total amount of calories available for consumption per adult equivalent to the 2200 kcal minimal level of subsistence required per adult equivalent, the food security status of households was ascertained. To assess the state of food security at the home level, a probit model was used. According to the study's findings, 59.65% of the sample homes in the study area experienced food insecurity. Additionally, the findings showed that the most important variables positively connected with food security were literacy, land area, irrigation water utilization, and a few others. Age, female-headed households, family size, and the dependence ratio, on the other hand, have had a negative impact on food security. The results ultimately suggest that the majority of households experience food insecurity, which can be improved with the help of institutional investors, other government and non-government stockholders, and suitable policy and strategy.
Investment in Tax Haven Jurisdiction by Indian MNCs: A Conceptual Study
Authors: Shanmugam Velmurugan Palaniappan , Arunima P
Published: October 2022

Tax havens are jurisdictions that help to save money logically and legally through loopholes and other tax considerations that are lawful compared to other jurisdictions. So, the foreign residents, companies, or entities having a higher rate of tax find a suitable place to invest their money by taking the advantage of tax regime of such territory, state or country to evade home country taxes. This study measures the investment made by listed Indian multinational companies in these jurisdictions and further assess the countries and sectors contributing to the highest investment and the companies that take maximum advantage of investing in a tax haven. Cross-sectional data of 50 listed Indian multinational companies having tax haven investment during 2020- 21 are considered for the study. The result confirms that “Singapore” which is classified as Tax Haven by FSF-IMF 2000 and TJN 2005 and the sector “metal and mining” has the highest tax haven investment. The sectors that take the maximum advantage of investing in a tax haven are Healthcare and Materials.
JEL Classification: F21, F23, F63, H26
Utilizing retinal arteriole/venule ratio to estimate intracranial pressure in unconscious neurosurgical patients
Authors: Nortvig Mathias Just , Andersen Mikkel Schou , Nielsen Asger Bjørnkaer , Pedersen Christian Bonde , Poulsen Frantz Rom
Published: October 2022

Introduction
Intracranial pressure (ICP) can currently only be assessed via invasive methods. A reliable, non-invasive ICP measurement approach would greatly improve accessibility of screening for patients with suspected pathological ICP. The relationship between intraocular hemodynamics, intraocular pressure (IOP), and ICP is well established and could form the basis for a non-invasive approach. This study will investigate the correlation of the above-mentioned variables.
Methods
Fundoscopy videos were acquired on adult patients admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit. The arteriole (A) and venule (V) diameters were measured, and the A/V ratio was calculated. The A/V ratios were correlated to data from the patient’s invasive ICP monitoring device and IOP. A mixed-model linear regression was used to assess the correlation between IOP and A/V ratio, ICP, and optic nerve sheath diameter.
Results
Intraparenchymal ICP correlated with the A/V ratio. When differences in IOP were accounted for, the A/V ratio could be used to distinguish between measured mean ICP >15 and ≤15 mmHg (p<0.05). Absolute ICP values could not be estimated.
Conclusion
ICP can be correlated with A/V ratio, especially if IOP is considered. Although still experimental, this method might allow assessment of intracranial pressure without the need for invasive procedures.
Investigation of film-substrate interfacial characteristics of polymer parts fabricated via in-mold decoration and microcellular injection molding process
Authors: Guo Wei , Shen Wenbin , Zeng Fankun , Yu Zhihui , Meng Zhenghua , Hua Lin
Published: October 2022

The appearance quality of foamed polymer parts can be improved by introducing high appearance quality decorative films. However, the interfacial bonding characteristics of film penetrated on the surface of substrate are few studied. In this paper, the foamed polypropylene (PP) parts with decoration films penetrated on the surface were prepared by the in-mold decoration and microcellular injection molding (IMD/MIM) process. The interfacial characteristics of the IMD/MIM parts were investigated experimentally through peeling tests and interfacial morphology. Based on the finite volume method, the coupled heat transfer model was established to calculate the temperature field in IMD/MIM process by taking into account the coupled heat transfer between polymer melt, film, and mold. The thermal response in the IMD/MIM process was numerically analyzed. The results show that the higher temperature on the polymer melt-film interface corresponds to relatively higher crystallinity and larger crystallite size and also favors the forming of the β-form crystal, which are benefitcial to higher adhesion strength. The IMD/MIM parts can obtain a firm film-substrate adhesion, and a uniformly strong bond between the film and the substrate.
Autism in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome: A re-evaluation of 31 Tunisian patients’ phenotype
Authors: Mougou-Zerelli Soumaya , Khelifi Rim , Jelloul Afef , Ajmi Houda , Dimassi Sarra , Slimani Wafa , Soyeh Najla , Rjiba Khouloud , Dardour Manel , Abdallah Hamza Hadj , Dridi Hend , Guedria Asma , Kammoun Molka , Khelifa Hela Ben , Mkadem Hayet , Guidara Ines Hssairi , Hamida Hayet Ben , Helel Khaled Ben , Kharrat Habib , Sboui Essia , Naffeti Elies , Gaddour Naoufel , Maatouk Faouzi , Ghezal Hatem El , Saad Ali , Nouira Ons , Zouari Afif
Published: October 2022

Background
Williams Beuren Syndrome is a multisystemic disorder manifested by congenital heart defects associated with dysmorphic features, intellectual delay, and a particular behavioural profile due to a microdeletion in 7q11.2.
Methods
To establish a genotype-phenotype correlation; we carried out a molecular cytogenetic analysis on 31 Tunisian WBS patients using the CGH-array and FISH techniques.
Results
6 patients were investigated by CGH-array. All of them had a typical WBS deletion ranging from 1.4Mb to 1.7Mb. Curiously in 2 patients autistic spectrum disorders were noted in contrast to the behavioural profile generally observed in the other patients which are characterized by good contact. If we analyse the distal region of the generally deleted region, we found that the HIP1 gene is included. HIP1 encodes a central nervous system expressed protein and is considered the candidate gene for autism in this region.
Conclusion
Considering the presence of autism, a CGH analysis is essential to determine the exact etiology of this disorder, which seems strange for this syndrome, but is becoming progressively frequent. We suggest that alteration of the HIP1 gene could be indirectly responsible for autism, but specific environmental factors might act as risk factors triggering the development of this trait...
Modelling International Trade, Foreign Direct Investment, and Carbon Emission Nexus in Nigeria: A Reconsideration of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis
Authors: EKESIOBI Chukwunonso , EMMANUEL Precious Muhammed , MGBEMENA Emilia , IBEKILO Bruno , CHUKWUEMEKA David , Madueme Ifeoma
Published: October 2022

We model the impact of international trade and FDI on carbon emission in Nigeria to test the pollution haven hypothesis between 1981 and 2020 using the ARDL approach. The study utilises the Lee-Strazicich (L-S) unit root test to check for possible breaks since the traditional unit root test treats breaks as unit roots. The L-S result indicates the presence of structural breaks between 2006 and 2017. Additionally, we check for cointegration using the ARDL-bounds test and causal nexus using the Toda-Yamamoto granger causality test. The cointegration result suggests the existence of a long-run relationship among the variables, while the causality test indicates that FDI causes carbon emission, whereas international trade and carbon emission influence each other. The ARDL estimates show that international trade and FDI reduce carbon emissions in the short run. However, international trade and FDI positively affect Nigeria's carbon footprint in the long run, supporting the long-run polluter haven. Including an institutional variable, government regulation positively impacts short-run CO2 emissions while slowing CO2 discharge in the long run. The moderation effect shows that FDI and regulatory quality interaction increases Co2 emissions in the short run, but over the long run, pollution declines. International trade and regulatory interaction reduce carbon emissions in the short and long run. The study advises that Nigeria should attract green supporting FDI, encourage trade in green technology and strengthen regulatory quality to checkmate pollution activities of industries.
JEL Codes: F18, F21, K20, F24, Q53
Prolonged oxygen depletion effects due to climate change on endangered benthic species in a deep lake
Authors: Ishikawa Kanako , Inoue Eiso , Jiao Chunmeng
Published: October 2022

For animals living at the bottom of a deep lake, lack of oxygen supply is fatal. Lake Biwa, an ancient monomictic deep lake, has irreplaceable habitat for endemic species. It has recently experienced incomplete vertical circulation due to the effects of climate change. An anoxic zone (DO=0 mg L-1）appeared in FY2019 and FY2020 and the main deep basin experienced hypoxia (DO<2 mg L-1）for about five months of FY2019 for the first time. There is the possibility that benthic animals living in the profundal zone may become extinct. In this study, quantitative monitoring of four endangered benthic animals using a ROV (remotely operated vehicle) for 10 years was undertaken. The amphipod population (J. annandalei) decreased in FY2019 and FY2020 to its lowest recorded levels as did the Turbellarian (B. annandalei) in FY2020. Whereas, the population the goby fish, (G. isaza) and that of a freshwater shrimp (P. paucidens) did not decrease significantly although many dead animals were found. The reason for the different effects was that the organisms distributed at deeper depths were subjected only to hypoxia. However, short-term oxygen depletion for about a month in FY2012 decreased P. paucidens and G. isaza. Further, the four all our monitoring species increased in FY 2013. Although it was not easy to assess the effects of climate change on heterogeneously distributed wild organisms, the need for quantitative evaluations has become urgent because hypolimnetic oxygen decreases could happen more frequently or continuously in the near future in Lake Biwa.
Effects of ginsenoside compound K on alleviating colitis via modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Li , Shao Li , Chen Man-Yun , Wang Lin , Zhang Wei , Tan Feng-Bo , Huang Wei-Hua
Published: October 2022

Background: Ginsenoside compound K (GC-K) potentially alleviates ulcerative colitis involved in gut microbiota, which is significantly correlated with the occurrence and development of colitis. However, the effect and mechanism of GC-K on anti-colitis in relation with gut microbiota are not unambiguous. This study focused on the preventive effect and mechanism of GC-K on Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice involved in gut microbiota.
Methods:DSS was used to establish a chronic colitis mouse model. Body weight analysis, colon length measurement, HE staining and inflammatory factors levels were carried out in animal experiments. Flow cytometry was used to analyze Th17/Treg cells in the mouse spleen and blood. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze gut microbiota. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment was employed to verify the anti-colitis efficacy of GC-K by reshaping gut microbiota.
Results: GC-K significantly relieved colitis-related symptoms by decreased disease activity index (DAI) scores, spleen weight, and increased colon length. Additionally, tight junction proteins were enhanced and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17 were decreased after GC-K treatment. Furthermore, Bacteroides spp. were significantly increased after modeling. Moreover, FMT experiments confirmed that GC-K-driven gut microbiota significantly relieved DSS-induced colitis.
Conclusion:GC-K alleviated colitis via the modulation of gut microbiota.
A rapid modelling method for machine tool power consumption using transfer learning
Authors: Wang Qi , Chen Xi , Chen Ming , He Yafeng , Guo Hun
Published: October 2022

Accurate power consumption models are the basis for improving energy efficiency of machine tools. The acquisition of energy consumption characteristics of different machine tools requires a large number of calibration experiments, which leads to low modelling efficiency. This paper proposes a rapid modelling method using transfer-learning to obtain the power consumption model of the target machine tool. After obtaining the power consumption model of the source machine tool through detailed experiments, this method only needs a few experiments to obtain the power consumption model of the target machine tool, which greatly improves the modelling efficiency, and the method is experimentally verified on different machine tools.
Effect of Vitamin C on adrenal suppression following etomidate for rapid sequence induction in trauma patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Panahi Jafar Rahimi , Paknezhad Seyed Pouya , vahedi Amir , Shasavainia Kavous , Laleh Manuchehr Ruhi , Soleimanpour Hassan
Published: October 2022

Background: Etomidate is an imidazol derivative which widely used in emergency department for Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI). Although it has a safe hemodynamic profile but there are some concerns about its suppressant effects on adreno-cortical axis. Vitamin C as an antioxidant can play a protective role in this issue.
Method: In a controlled clinical trial, we studied adult traumatic patients who need RSI with etomidate. In one group underwent RSI with etomidate and cortisol level measured three hours later. In the other group we administrated one gram of vitamin C before etomidate administration and cortisol level measured three hours later.
Results: fifty-one patients has been studied. Serum cortisol level was significantly lower after RSI with etomidate in both groups. In Vitamin C group there was a significant higher cortisol level after RSI in comparison to control group.
Conclusion: Etomidate can suppress the cortisol level in traumatic patients underwent RSI. Vitamin C can reduce this suppressant effect of etomidate.
IRCT registration number: IRCT20090923002496N11
URL of trial registry record: https://en.irct.ir/trial/34586
Date of trial registration: 2019-04-19
Modification of nickel micropatterns for sensor-active applications from deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Levshakova Aleksandra S. , Khairullina Evgeniia M. , Panov Maxim S. , Ninayan Ruzanna , Mereshchenko Andrey S. , Shishov Andrey , Tumkin Ilya I
Published: October 2022

In this work, we proposed a rapid single-stage laser-induced fabrication of bimetallic micro-patterns on an oxide glass surface using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) consisting of choline chloride, citric acid along with nickel, copper and cobalt acetates as metallization solutions. The resulting bimetallic micropatterns were tested as working electrodes for non-enzymatic determination of dopamine. The linear range for dopamine detection was found to be 1–500 µM, with a sensitivity of 340.4 µA mM−1 and 615.2 µA mM−1 and a detection limit of 0.36 µM and 0.51 µM for Ni-Cu and Ni-Co sensor, respectively. For the first time, bimetallic Ni-Cu and Ni-Co structures have been obtained from DESs for high-performance dopamine detection with great potential for further application in non-enzymatic sensing and biosensing.
A new smoothing spline that acts like a low-pass filter
Authors: Vollebregt Edwin A.H.
Published: October 2022

Additional weighting factors are introduced into the smoothing spline, proportional to the sampling spacing, in agreement with a mathematicalphysical model for a thin elastic beam at small deflection. This improves the robustness of the spline with respect to variations in spacing of the data. The spline is then shown to correspond to a low pass (long pass) filter. This allows to set the level of smoothing in a more intuitive way, on the basis of the cut-off wavelength.
Development of a highly sensitive immunoassay to measure ataxin2 as a target engagement marker in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2
Authors: Bux Jessica , Sen Nesli Ece , Klink Isa-Maria , Hauser Stefan , Schöls Ludger , Auburger Georg , Riess Olaf Horst , Hübener-Schmid Jeannette
Published: October 2022

Background Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SCA2) belongs to a group of neurodegenerative diseases, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. SCA2 is a trinucleotide repeat disease with a CAG repeat expansion in exon 1 of the ATXN2gene resulting in an ataxin-2 protein with an expanded polyglutamine (polyQ)-stretch. The disease is late manifesting leading to premature death. Today, therapeutic interventions to cure the disease or even to decelerate disease progression are not available yet. Furthermore, primary readout parameter for disease progression and therapeutic intervention studies are limited. Thus, there is an urgent need for quantifiable molecular biomarkers such as ataxin-2 becoming even more important due to numerous potential protein reducing therapeutic intervention strategies.
Objective Aim of this study was to establish a sensitive technique to measure the amount of polyQ-expanded ataxin-2 in human biofluids to evaluate ataxin-2 protein levels as prognostic and/ -or therapeutic biomarker in SCA2.
Methods Time-Resolved Fluorescence Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) was used to establish a polyQ-expanded ataxin-2-specific immunoassay. Two different ataxin-2 antibodies and two different polyQ-binding antibodies were validated in three different concentrations and tested in cellular and animal tissue as well as in human cell lines, comparing different buffer conditions as well as total protein concentrations to evaluate the best assay conditions.
Results We established a TR-FRET-based immunoassay for polyQ-expanded ataxin-2 and validated measurements in human cell lines including primary skin fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived cortical neurons. Additionally, our immunoassay was sensitive enough to monitor small ataxin-2 expression changes by siRNA or starvation treatment.
Conclusion We successfully established the first sensitive ataxin-2 immunoassay to measure specifically polyQ-expanded ataxin-2 in human biomaterials.
Association of depression with long-term mortality in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Lee Juncheol , Cho Yongil , Oh Jaehoon , Kang Hyunggoo , Lim Tae Ho , Ko Byuk Sung , Yoo Kyung Hun , Lee Sang Whan
Published: October 2022

Background: We aimed to identify the associations between depression or anxiety and long-term mortality in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal cohort study using claims data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. We included OHCA patients (aged ≥18 years) who werehospitalized between January 2005 and December 2015 and had survived for 1 year or longer. We extracted the data of patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety within l year. The endpoint waslong-term cumulative mortality. We evaluated long-term mortality in patients with and withouta diagnosis of depression or anxiety.
Results: We followed 2,373 OHCA patients for up to 14 years. A total of 397 (16.7%) patients were diagnosed with depression or anxiety, of whom251 (10.6%) and 227 (9.6%) were diagnosed with depression and anxiety, respectively. The incidence of long-term mortality was significantly higher in the group diagnosed with depression or anxiety than in the group without depression or anxiety [141 (35.5%) vs. 534 (27.0%), p=0.001]. We performed multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression,and the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of long-term mortality in total patients with depression or anxiety, patients with depression, and patients with anxiety were 1.41 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-1.70), 1.44 (95% CI, 1.16-1.79), and 1.20 (95% CI, 0.94-1.53), respectively.
Conclusions: Among the patients who survived OHCA, those diagnosed with depression or anxiety had higher long-term mortality rates than those without depression or anxiety.
Spatial Distribution and Tourism Competition of Intangible Cultural Heritage：Take Guizhou as an example
Authors: dong baoling , Bai Kai , Sun Xiaolong , Liu Yang
Published: October 2022

As an important tourism resource, intangible cultural heritage has strong industrial driving benefits and social development value. Its spatial distribution imbalance and utilization status have theoretical and practical significance for the analysis of tourism development trend and tourism competition in related regions. In view of this, this paper uses GIS and tourism competition matrix method to analyze the case of Guizhou Province which is rich in intangible cultural heritage resources in 2019. The results show that: (1) the national and provincial intangible cultural heritage in Guizhou presents consistency and regularity in type structure, in which the number of folk intangible cultural heritage is the largest, while the number of folk art intangible cultural heritage is the least. (2) There are one high-density core areas and multiple secondary core areas in the space of national ICH in Guizhou Province. (3) Guizhou Province’s provincial intangible cultural heritage forms a belt density belt extending from southwest to southeast and three high-density core areas.(4) Through the analysis of tourism competition matrix, it is found that there are four development types in nine cities and states of Guizhou Province, namely “tourism prosperity-intangible cultural heritage tourism prosperity”, “tourism prosperity-intangible cultural heritage tourism weakness”, “tourism weakness- intangible cultural heritage tourism weakness” and “tourism weakness-intangible cultural heritage tourism prosperity”.
Dendritic cell differentiation and IL-12 production in peripheral blood of pediatric solid tumor patients
Authors: Yoshizawa Hiroko , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Harada Kazuaki , Takami Mariko , Terui Keita , Takenouchi Ayako , Komatsu Shugo , Oita Satoru , Motohashi Shinichiro , Hishiki Tomoro
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) show limited or inhibited maturation in the tumor microenvironment. We previously reported that soluble factors released from neuroblastoma (NB) cells inhibit the differentiation of monocytes obtained from healthy adults into mature DCs. We herein investigated the inhibitory effect of NB-derived soluble factors on the maturation of monocytes obtained from children with malignant tumors towards DCs.
METHODS Blood samples were collected from 25 children with untreated malignant solid tumors and 30 children with non-neoplastic diseases (control group). Purified monocytes were cultured with GM-CSF/IL-4 and matured into DCs. DCs were cultured with supernatants of NB cell lines and evaluated for maturation by FACS and IL-12 production.
RESULTS Maturation toward DCs and IL-12 production were similarly observed in the malignant tumor group and the control group. DC maturation and IL-12 production were significantly suppressed in both groups when cultured with NB culture supernatant.
CONCLUSION Monocytes obtained from children with malignant tumors were capable of maturing into DCs, which functioned similarly to those from control cases. NB-derived soluble factors inhibited the DC maturation and the function of DCs equally, regardless of the patient's tumor burden. Our results suggest the non-specific and universal immunoinhibitory effect of NB-derived soluble factors.
Establishment of a risk stratification model based on the combination of post-treatment serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels and FIGO stage of cervical cancer for treatment and surveillance decision-making
Authors: Shi Liu , Liu Yuxin , Li Junyun , Kou Jia , Ouyang Yi , Chen Foping , Huang Xiaodan , Huo Lanqing , Huang Lin , Cao Xinping
Published: October 2022

Objective
To develop a risk stratification model based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging combined with squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) for the classification of patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) into different risk groups.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the data of 664 women with stage IIA–IVB CSCC according to the 2018 FIGO staging system who received definitive radiotherapy from March 2013 to December 2017 at the department of radiation oncology of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Cutoff values for continuous variables were estimated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) modeling, overall survival was predicted based on the prognostic factors determined via Cox regression analysis. The predictive performance of the RPA model was assessed using the consistency index (C-index). Intergroup survival differences were determined and compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log-rank test.
Results
Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified post-treatment SCC-Ag (< 1.35 ng/mL and > 1.35 ng/mL; hazard ratio (HR), 4.000; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.911–5.496; P < 0.0001) and FIGO stage (II, III, and IV; HR, 2.582, 95% CI, 1.947–3.426; P < 0.0001) as the independent outcome predictors for overall survival. The RPA model based on the above prognostic factors divided the patients into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups. Significant differences in overall survival were observed among the three groups (5-year overall survival: low vs. intermediate vs. high, 91.3% vs. 76.7% vs. 29.5%, P < 0.0001). The predictive performance of the RPA model (C-index, 0.732; 95% CI, 0.701–0.763) was prominently superior to that of post-treatment SCC-Ag (C-index, 0.668; 95% CI, 0.635–0.702; P < 0.0001) and FIGO stage (C-index, 0.663; 95% CI, 0.631–0.695; P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
The RPA model based on FIGO staging and post-treatment SCC-Ag can predict the overall survival of patients with CSCC, thereby providing a guide for the formulation of risk-adaptive treatment and individualized follow-up strategies.
Current and Future Characteristics of Land Use Based on FLUS Model - A Case Study of Foshan City, China
Authors: lihua chen , Ma Yuan
Published: October 2022

Land use change drives the process of urban pattern change. The development of urbanization will lead to the reduction of ecological land and the disappearance of ecological defense. Foshan is such a typical city. It is important to reveal the characteristics of dynamic land use changes and predict the future land use pattern. In this study, land use transfer matrix, standard deviation ellipse model, and center of gravity model were applied. Three representative years, 2010, 2015 and 2020, are used to analyze the characteristics of land use type, quantity change, and center of gravity structure change in Foshan City. Then, based on the FLUS model and Markov model, the land use data for 2015 and 2020 and a series of driving factors were used to simulate the land use of Foshan City in 2025 in multiple scenarios. The results show that: (i) from the time scale, the study area from 2010 to 2020 shows a trend of continuous increase of construction land and continuous decrease of ecological land; the fragmentation of ecological lands such as cultivated land, forest land, and grassland in Foshan with the time change is serious, and urban land patches are obviously increased. (ii) From the spatial scale analysis, it is found that the center of gravity of construction land shifts to the east, the center of gravity of forest land shifts to the northwest, and the center of gravity of cultivated land shifts to the southeast, and the center of gravity of water shifts to the east. (iii) According to the results of the Foshan City 2025 land use simulation, the overall urban land use pattern shows an eastward "core-edge" growth pattern. This study provides a reference for the sustainable development and scientific and rational planning of land use in Foshan City.