bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of Structures and Ionic Conductivity of Na3Fe2(Po4)3 Polycrystals Obtained by Solid Phase and Melte Methods
Authors: Nogai Adolf Sergeevich , Nogai Artur Adolfovich , Uskenbaev Daniyar Esenkulovich , Utegulov Arman Bolatbekovich , Nogai Eleonora Adolfovna , Toleugulov Damir Darkhanovich
Published: October 2023

This article presents the results of studies of the structure and conductive properties of Na3Fe2(PO4)3 polycrystals synthesized by solid-phase and melt (using concentrated optical radiation) methods. It has been established that with the melt method, the synthesis of the material occurs under significantly nonequilibrium temperature-gradient conditions, which leads to the creation of deformations in the sample that contribute to an increase in ionic conductivity. The ability of the Na3Fe2(PO4)3 structure to adapt to anomalous deformations that occur under temperature-gradient conditions indicates the elasticity of the crystalline framework {[Fe2(PO4)]3-}3∞. Through a comparative assessment of the structural parameters and conductive properties of these materials, it is shown that polycrystals obtained by the melt method have a better texture and greater ionic conductivity. The advantage of this method is that the duration of the synthesis of α-Na3Fe2(PO4)3 is halved. It is concluded that this method is applicable to obtain effective polycrystals of other compositions.
Price oligopoly with differentiated product and dependence of total demand on the bottom price
Authors: Filatov Alexander
Published: October 2023

The paper proposes a game theory model of price oligopoly with a heterogeneous product, where total demand depends linearly on the minimum market price. This model develops the Bertrand oligopoly for the case of imperfect price elasticity of demand. The most interesting result is an asymmetric Nash equilibrium with different prices and sales in the situation of symmetric oligopolists. The asymmetry is explained by the fact that a decrease in the minimum market price leads not only to a reallocation of consumers among firms, but also to an increase in total demand. Modifications of a two-stage game with a leader and followers and the price discrimination model are also considered. Microeconomic substantiation of the model is given on the basis of the spatial differentiation approach.
Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profile of 7 Edible Insects: Focus on Lipid Class Composition and Protein Conversion Factors
Authors: Perez-Santaescolastica Cristina , De Pril Ilse , Van de Voorde Ilse , Fraeye Ilse
Published: October 2023

This study is based on the fatty acid and amino acid profile of 7 edible insect species: Acheta domesticus, Alphitobius diaperinus, Blaptica dubia, Galleria mellonella, Locusta migratoria, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio. The fatty acid distribution within lipid classes (neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids) was studied, while the amino acid profile was used to calculate the species-specific nitrogen-protein conversion factor (Kp). The profiles were used to evaluate the nutritional quality of the lipids and proteins. Oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all insects except for A. domesticus, in which a larger percentage of linoleic acid was found. The majority of the lipids were neutral lipids. L. migratoria showed a remarkably high content of α-linolenic acid in its phospholipid fraction, while T. molitor phospholipids were the only fraction in which a measurable amount of docosahexaenoic acid was found. Overall, in most insects, the phospholipid fraction had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared to the other classes, which may be protective in terms of autoxidative stability. Kp values in the range of 4.17 to 6.43 were obtained. Within the nutritional quality indices, all insects showed healthy fatty acid and high quality amino acid profiles.
Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones Improve the Quality of Ophthalmic Exam in Hearing-Loss Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Glanzer Benjamin M. , Ladki Malik S , Chea Metha , Hummel Lena , McKinnon Brian , Digbeu Biai Dominique Elmir , Merkley Kevin H. , Amin Atish S , Gupta Praveena K
Published: October 2023

This study tests the utilization of Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones in improving the quality of eye exams in patients with hearing loss. University of Texas Medical Branch patients above 55 years of age were screened for hearing loss using SoundCheck audiometry. All 29 subjects (18 red-zone and 11 yellow-zone) answered pre-recorded Amsler grid and patient education questions that solicited precise responses. As controls, subjects were randomly administered half of the questions via headphones and half via a smartphone at normal speech volume (60 decibels). Points were awarded for responses demonstrating comprehension, and a post-exam survey was collected. Collectively, the mean score was 1.79 with headphones versus 0.96 with control on the Amsler grid segment and 1.90 with headphones versus 0.97 with control on education questions (p=0.001). Between the red and yellow zone hearing loss patients, the red-zone group answered significantly better in both Amsler (1.78 versus 0.50; p=0.0003) and education questions (1.88 versus 0.44; p<0.0001) with headphones. The yellow zone group answered better with headphones overall but failed to reach significance. Post-exam survey indicated that 28 of 29 patients (97%) preferred the headphones during ophthalmic exams. Patients with severe hearing loss demonstrated better comprehension with the noise-canceling headphones; thus these devices show great promise in improving effective, compassionate communication between providers and hearing-loss patients.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Expressing Enterococcus for Oral Vaccination: Immunogenicity and Protection
Authors: Suvorov Alexander , Loginova Svetlana , Leontieva Galina , Gupalova Tatiana , Desheva Yulia , Korzhevskii Dmitry , Kramkaya Tatiana , Bormotova Elena , Koroleva Irina , Kopteva Olga , Kirik Olga , Shchukina Veronika , Savenko Sergey , Kutaev Dmitry , Borisevitch Sergey
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020 and is still ongoing. The course of the epidemic remains uncertain, and mutations in the coronavirus, as well as the emergence of new variants of concern, make it possible that there will be periodic surges in the number of cases. Moreover, it is not clear how quickly and to what extent the effectiveness of vaccination will decline as the virus continues to mutate.
One possible solution to combat the rapidly mutating coronavirus is the development of pan-coronavirus vaccines that stimulate the production of antibodies against conserved elements of the virus. Another approach could be the creation of safe vaccine platforms that can be rapidly adapted to deliver new, specific antigens in response to viral mutations.
Recombinant probiotic microorganisms that can produce viral antigens by inserting specific viral DNA fragments into their genome show promise as a platform and vector for mucosal vaccine antigen delivery. With a well-established safety profile and the ability to transform into vaccine candidates, probiotic bacteria have significant research potential.
The authors of this study have developed a convenient and universal technique for inserting the DNA sequences of pathogenic bacteria and viruses into the gene that encodes the pili protein of the probiotic strain E. faecium L3. The paper presents data on the immunogenic properties of two E. faecium L3 vaccine strains, which produce two different fragments of the coronavirus S1 protein, and provides an assessment of the protective efficacy of these oral vaccines against coronavirus infection in Syrian hamsters.
Foundry-processed Compact and Broadband Adiabatic Optical Power Splitters with Strong Fabrication Tolerance
Authors: Ozcan Can , Aitchison J. Stewart , Mojahedi Mo
Published: October 2023

Optical power splitters play a crucial role as the fundamental building blocks for many integrated optical devices. They should have low losses, broad bandwidth, and a high tolerance to fabrication errors. Adiabatic optical power splitters inherently possess these qualities while being compatible with foundry processes well-suited for mass-production. The long device lengths of adiabatic power splitters, however, are a limiting factor to achieve compact device sizes, which must be reduced. Here, we use a polynomial taper profile optimization algorithm to design 1×2 and 2×2 adiabatic power splitters with significantly shorter lengths than their adiabatic counterparts. The best performing 1×2 and 2×2 power splitters have 20 μm and 16 μm coupling lengths, respectively. Our designs have minimum feature sizes ranging from 140 nm to 200 nm, and our measurements averaged across 9 different chips show excellent consistency in performance for devices with 180 nm and 200 nm minimum features. Both the 1×2 and 2×2 adiabatic optical power splitters have excess losses less than 0.7 dB over a 100 nm bandwidth, with a standard deviation lower than 0.3 dB. Furthermore, our measurements show greater than 20 dB extinction ratios over 130 nm bandwidth. We also demonstrate the design of 1×2 power splitters with arbitrary splitting ratios, where splitting ratios ranging from 50:50 to 94:6 were achieved with standard deviations between 2% and 6%.
Household Disaster Map Generation and Changing-Layout Design Simulation Using the Environmental Recognition Map of Cleaning Robots
Authors: Takata Soichiro , Kimura Akari , Tanahashi Riki
Published: October 2023

A household disaster map is required as a countermeasure against earthquakes, particularly in crowded, cluttered indoor spaces where evacuation is difficult. Therefore, the visualization of areas that are likely to hamper evacuation is important. This study focused on cleaning robots, which generate environmental recognition maps to control their movement. We proposed a system that detects obstacles impeding evacuation for households using an environmental recognition map generated by a cleaning robot. The map generation algorithm was based on image processing and stochastic virtual pass analysis based on a pseudo cleaning-robot model. Image processing involving the binarization process was conducted to identify the interior and exterior areas of a room. Stochastic virtual pass analysis was performed to track the coordinates (i.e., virtual pass of the robot model) inside the room. Furthermore, the proposed system was tested in a laboratory, and the application of the changing-layout design simulation was considered.
Association studies between polymorphic variants of TLR-encoding genes and mastitis in dairy cattle. An overview of the current state of knowledge
Authors:   Department of Genetics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Al. Piastów 49, 71-889 Szczecin, Poland, Stanisławczyk Anna , Rączka Aleksandra ,   Department of Genetics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Al. Piastów 49, 71-889 Szczecin, Poland, Wojdak-Maksymiec Katarzyna ,   Department of Genetics, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Al. Piastów 49, 71-889 Szczecin, Poland
Published: October 2023

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland which occurs as a defensive reaction to microorganisms that have penetrated the body. The disease generates huge financial and economic losses as treatment of affected cows is expensive but not always effective, which translates into a decrease in the amount of milk that they produce. Due to the huge number of pathogens and their molecular diversity, the immune system has developed various mechanisms to combat them. What raises hopes for improved udder health is marker assisted selection (MAS) or genomic selection. The molecular diversity of microbes allows them to be considered genetic markers, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are suitable candidates. TLRs recognize infectious agents and trigger mechanisms to combat them, including by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and interferons. Due to the role these receptors play in the body, TLR-encoding genes may be associated with bovine mastitis resistance.
SOX2 and OCT4 cancer stem cell transcriptional factors mediate radiation and drug resistance in pancreatic tumor organoids.
Authors: Shukla Hem , Roy Sanjit , Dukic Tijana , Keepers Zachery , Bhandary Binny , Lamichhane Narottam , Molitoris Jason , Ko Young , BANERJEE ADITI
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of only 10%, mostly due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. One of the standard treatments is chemo-radiation therapy that involves gemcitabine or FOLFIRINOX, a combination of leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, irinotecan hydrochloride, and oxaliplatin, combined fractionated radiation therapy (RT). However, chemo-radiation therapy has shown limited success because patients develop resistance to chemotherapy and/or radiation. In this study, we evaluated the role of pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSC) markers OCT-4 and SOX2 in mouse pancreatic tumor organoids. We treated pancreatic tumor organoids with 4 or 8 Gy of radiation, 10 μM of 5-FU (5-Fluotrouracil), and 100 μM 3-Bromopyruvate (3BP), a promising anti-cancer drug, as single treatment modalities, and in combination with RT. Our results showed significant upregulation of, OCT-4, and SOX2 expression in pancreatic tumor organoids treated with 4 and 8 Gy of radiation, and 5-FU. The expression of these CSC markers with increasing treatment dose exhibited elevated upregulation levels to radiation and 5-FU chemotherapy drugs. Conversely, when tumor organoids were treated with a combination of 5-FU and radiation, there was a significant inhibition in SOX2 and OCT-4 expression, indicating inhibition in CSC self-renewal. Noticeably, we also observed that human pancreatic tumor tissues exhibited heterogeneous and aberrant expression of OCT-4 and SOX2 CSCs markers as compared to normal pancreas, indicating their aberrant regulation in PC and their role in pancreatic cancer. In addition, the combination of 5-FU and radiation treatment exhibited significant inhibition of the β-catenin pathway in pancreatic tumor organoids, resulting in sensitization to treatment and organoid death. In conclusion, our study highlights the essential role of CSCs in therapeutic resistance in PC treatment. We recommend using tumor organoids as a model system to further explore the impact of CSCs in PC and identify new therapeutic targets.
Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Galvez-Olortegui Jose , Jarroudi Rachid Bouchikh-El , Silva-Ocas Isabel , Palacios-Herrera Hector , Cubillas-Martin Marta , Zavaleta-Mercado Miguel , Burgueño-Montañes Carmen , Galvez-Olortegui Tomas
Published: October 2023

Background/Objectives:To assess the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the diagnosis and management of Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO).Methods:A systematic review of CPGs for the diagnosis and management of RVO, published between January-2010 and April-2022, was carried out with a search in databases, metasearch engines, CPG development institutions, ophthalmology associations and CPG repositories.CPGs in English/Spanish were selected, and 5 authors evaluated them independently, using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation(AGREE-II) instrument. An individual assessment of each CPG by domain(AGREE-II), an overall assessment of the guide, and its use with or without modifications was performed. Additionally, a meta-synthesis of the recommendations for the most relevant outcomes was carried out.Results:5/6 CPGs scored low in domain 3(rigour of development), and the highest score(mean 62%) was for domain 4(clarity of presentation). 2019 American guideline (PPP) presented the best score(40.4%) in domain 3. When evaluating the overall quality of the CPGs analyzed, all CPGs could be recommended with modifications. In the meta-synthesis, anti-VEGF therapy is the first-choice therapy for macular edema associated with RVO, but there is no clear recommendation about the type of anti-VEGF therapy to choose. Recommendations for diagnosis and follow-up are similar among CPGs evaluated.Conclusion:Most CPGs for the diagnosis and management of retinal vein occlusion have a low methodological quality evaluated according to the AGREE-II. PPP has the higher score in the domain “Rigour of Development”. Among the CPGs evaluated, there is no clear recommendation on the type of anti-VEGF therapy to choose.
The application of machine learning is based on the application of blood routine in clinical diagnosis of stroke
Authors: Chen Hong , Hu Riletemuer , Zhang Chunyu , Da Lin , Song Xiaoming , Xiao Zhengliang , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Wang Xv , Liu Qi , Gao Caixia , Xin Rui , Yin Xueyi
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study aims to develop a clinical diagnostic prediction framework for ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke and two stroke classifications using machine learning methods based on multiple blood indicators.
Methods: From the electronic medical records of the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, 519 haemorrhagic stroke patients, 506 ischaemic stroke patients and 115 non-stroke population were selected as survey subjects, and were randomly assigned to the "training" group and "test" group. Use 7 supervised machine learning classifiers, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), gradient lifting tree (GBDT), extreme gradient lifting tree (XGB), enhanced learning (ADA), naive Bayes (M_NB) and linear discrimination (LDA), for the collected blood After the liquid characteristics are pretreated, diagnostic information can be obtained from the remaining 24 variables.
Results: Machine learning is better than traditional regression-based analysis in predicting multiple clinical blood indicators related to stroke. Among the above methods, M_NB, SVM and XGB perform best in the prediction of haemorrhagic stroke, and the highest accuracy of separating haemorrhagic stroke patients from the population and AUC are 91.34% and 0.940 respectively; while XGB and GBDT perform best in the prediction of ischaemic stroke, from The highest accuracy and AUC of ischaemic patients in the population are 80% and 0.789 respectively. In clinical diagnosis, the probability of stroke can be judged based on their blood routine data to provide reasonable advice.
Conclusion: Machine learning can facilitate doctors' clinical diagnosis of stroke patients and put forward reasonable preventive measures. The use of prediction algorithms can serve clinical diagnosis by using simple blood routine data.
Improving Data on Homelessness and Health: Partnering with Community-based Organizations
Authors: Schoonveld Megan , Hammond Adam , Li Vanessa , Mosites Emily , Clarke Kristie E.N.
Published: October 2023

Background: Community-based organizations (CBOs) provide critical services to people experiencing homelessness and played a unique role in data collection throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Although data from CBOs filled a critical need, many jurisdictions faced challenges with timely and integrated data collection. We gathered expert opinions from CBO leaders on homelessness and health to identify how to support CBO data collection to best inform public health practices.
Methods: We conducted purposively sampled semi-structured key informant interviews (KII) with CBO leaders. Questions included populations served, methods for collecting and sharing data, challenges during data collection and sharing, and possible solutions. KII transcripts were examined using thematic analysis. After the KIIs, we convened a technical expert panel (TEP) to review findings and suggest potential opportunities for improving data collection and sharing among CBOs.
Results: We conducted 20 key informant interviews representing 16 CBOs. Three thematic areas emerged from the transcripts: challenges in data entry and collection, infrastructure limitations, and challenges to data sharing and partnerships. The 20 TEP members suggested that creating an interagency health and housing a data modernization support center could increase federal coordination, that system interoperability could be improved by creating standards for defining data elements and that more tools are needed to support CBOs to implement best practices.
Discussion:TEP subject matter experts provided field-endorsed perspectives to support CBOs who work closely with people experiencing homelessness.
Conclusion: Through increased collaboration at all levels and coordinated action, improved data to better support the health of people experiencing homelessness is an achievable goal.
Trimethylamine N-oxide / SREBP2 pathway is involved in sleep deprivation-induced cognitive dysfunction through regulating astrocytic cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Zhu Shan , Wang Yue , Li Yansong , Li Na , Zheng Yige , Li Qiao , Guo Hongyan , Sun Jianyv , Zhai Qian , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2023

Sleep deprivation (SD) contributes to cognitive impairment. Astrocytic cholesterol biosynthesis is crucial for brain cholesterol homeostasis and cognitive function. However, the underlying mechanism of astrocytic cholesterol metabolism in SD-induced cognitive impairment has not been fully explored. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a product of liver flavin-containing monooxygenase-3 (FMO3), has been shown to be increased in the urine of sleep-deprived humans and implicated with peripheral cholesterol metabolism. Nevertheless, how TMAO affects brain cholesterol metabolism remains unclear. In our study, increased FMO3 and brain TMAO levels were observed in the SD mice and elevated levels of TMAO were confirmed to lead to SD-induced cognitive dysfunction. In addition, we found that the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) is decreased in the brain of SD mice, resulting in the reduction in brain cholesterol synthesis, which in turn causes synaptic damage. Moreover, we demonstrated that TMAO inhibits the expression of SREBP2 by direct action. In contrast, FMO3 inhibitor 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) alleviates SD-induced cognitive impairment by targeting the liver-brain axis. In conclusion, our study revealed that TMAO / SREBP2 pathway is involved in memory impairment in SD mice through deregulating astrocytic cholesterol metabolism.
Multi-Sensor Satellite Analysis of Drought Impact on Vegetation in Central Germany: Insights from MODIS and Sentinel-2 Time Series Analysis
Authors: Dubovyk Olena , Muro Javier , Tschorn Kenneth Marvin , Magdon Paul , Wöllauer Stephan , Hofmann Jannik , Linstädter Anja
Published: October 2023

Severe droughts have had unprecedented impacts on vegetation in German ecosystems in recent years. Accurate assessment of the temporal and spatial dynamics of vegetation affected by drought stress requires high to medium spatial resolution images (10-m) and frequent in-situ observations. However, the lack of dense long-term 10-m image time series hinders remote sensing-based high spatial resolution drought assessments. The objective of this study was to evaluate drought conditions in Central Germany using a multi-sensor satellite time series with varying spatial and temporal resolutions. We calculated several drought indices, including the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), anomalies of the Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Water Index (NDWI), and anomalies of land surface temperature (LST), from pre-processed 250m-1km MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)-time series and a regular synthetic Sentinel-2 time series. Overall, the spatial patterns of drought were similar between the same drought index time series from both sensors, while variations were observed in the identified severity levels of drought and the level of spatial detail in the mapped drought patterns. Our findings indicated that the study area was predominantly affected by drought during the 2018 growing season, with less extensive drought-affected areas also observed in 2017 and 2020. In-situ drought index time series consistently recorded the presence of drought conditions throughout the summer seasons of 2018–2020, confirming the results of our satellite-based analysis. Future research should explore the feasibility of employing fusion techniques to downscale moderate-resolution drought analysis to a spatial resolution of 10m while maintaining a long-term image time series. The integration of such datasets holds significant implications for environmental monitoring and assessment, enabling more accurate and timely interventions in the face of severe climatic events.
Novel insights into the lipid network of plasma extracellular vesicles reveal sex-based differences in the lipidomic profile of alcohol use disorder patients
Authors: Perpiñá-Clérigues Carla , Mellado Susana , Galiana-Roselló Cristina , Fernández-Regueras María , Marcos Miguel , García-García Francisco , Pascual Maria
Published: October 2023

Background
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with the consumption of alcohol considered a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Lipids play a crucial functional role in cell membranes; however, we know little about the role of lipids in extracellular vesicles (EVs) as regulatory molecules and disease biomarkers.
Methods
We employed a sensitive lipidomic strategy to characterize lipid species from the plasma EVs of AUD patients to evaluate functional roles and enzymatic activity networks to improve the knowledge of lipid metabolism after alcohol consumption. We analyzed plasma EV lipids from AUD females and males and healthy individuals to highlight lipids with differential abundance and biologically interpreted lipidomics data using LINEX2, which evaluates enzymatic dysregulation using an enrichment algorithm.
Results
Our results show, for the first time, that AUD females exhibited more significant substrate-product changes in lysophosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylcholine lipids and phospholipase/acyltransferase activity, which are potentially linked to cancer progression and neuroinflammation. Conversely, AUD males suffer from dysregulated ceramide and sphingomyelin lipids involving sphingomyelinase, sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase, and sphingomyelin synthase activity, which relates to hepatotoxicity. Notably, the analysis of plasma EVs from AUD females and males demonstrates enrichment of lipid ontology terms associated with "negative intrinsic curvature" and "positive intrinsic curvature", respectively.
Conclusions
Our methodological developments support an improved understanding of lipid metabolism and regulatory mechanisms, which contribute to the identification of novel lipid targets and the discovery of sex-specific clinical biomarkers in AUD.
Identification and candidate gene screening of qHC1.2 , a Major QTL associated with hull color in foxtail millet ( Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Chai Shaohua , Yang Pu , Shi Xing , Guo Yan , Guo Shuqing , Wang Chuanxing , Song Hui , Zhang Liyuan , Feng Baili
Published: October 2023

Hull color is a crucial characteristic that helps assess the nutritional value and economic potential of foxtail millet. However, the reports on quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and map-based cloning for hull color are limited. Here, we mapped QTLs responsible for hull color by using 215 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from Yugu 18 (Light yellow hull) × Hongjiugu (Red hull) and a high-density bin map. A total of 36 QTLs for hull color were detected in all four environments by four phenotypic evaluation methods. Among these QTLs, a major QTL for hull color (HC) named qHC1.2 was repeatedly mapped on chromosome 1 and explained 8.89 – 69.63% of the phenotypic variation. In addition, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed 7, 14, and 21 days after flowering for the YRRIL-145 and YRRIL-229, and three differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the candidate region. The qRT-PCR results showed the same expression patterns as the RNA-seq data. Among them, DEGs, only one gene, Seita.1G057300, encoding a cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), was located in the candidate region of qHC1.2. Furthermore, sequence analysis revealed One SNP (A to G), located at the third exon, resulted in an amino acid change from isoleucine to valine in YRRIL-145 compared with YRRIL-229. Our results provide a foundation for further cloning of qHC1.2 and will be very useful in clarifying the regulatory mechanism for hull color synthesis in foxtail millet.
Metrological analysis of changes in the surface morphology of planer knives after working surface modification
Authors: SUTOWSKA Marzena , ŁUKIANOWICZ Czesław , WARCHOLIŃSKI Bogdan , Nadolny Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

The article focuses on the analysis of changes in the surface morphology of planer knives modified with four different anti-wear coatings: multilayer, monolithic, monolithic-gradient and gradient. The application of the coatings described in the article on the working surface of planer tools affects the extension of their service life in the range from 153–269%. The main objective of the paper was to determine the effect of vacuum-plasma modification of working surfaces of tools intended for machine processing of wooden parts on their geometric structure. The research was carried out on planer knives made of HS6-5-2 high-speed steel and used in industrial conditions in the Wood Industry Plants of KPPD Szczecinek company. The present work sums up the knowledge resulting from the exploitation tests of modified knives with the features defining the morphology of their working surfaces. The paper comprehensively characterizes and compares the working surfaces of planer knives modified with four different antiwear coatings with the unmodified working surface. 3D surface roughness parameters were used, as well as other characteristics such as isotropy and depths histogram. The knife surface modified with a gradient coating (longest life 269%) has a high level of anisotropy. Rose directions with texture directions presents that this kind of coating generated structure with 4.23% value of isotropy. The distribution of ordinates is characterized by high clustering and an apparent negative skewness (Ssk = -0.74). The results of the morphological analyses can be used in the design and quality assessment of thin anti-wear coatings, as well as in development work on how to prepare substrates for their application in the case of technical blades.
Nonlinear Dynamics Analysis of Active Control System for Parametric Vibration of Super-Long Stay Cable Coupled with Bridge Vibration
Authors: Du Junping , Liu Min , Wang Yuye , Zhou Peng , Xiao Huigang
Published: October 2023

The large amplitude parametric resonance of stay cables coupled with bridges is a prominent hazard for super-long-stay cables in cable-stayed bridges. To provide insight into the nonlinear behavior of the parametric vibration of stay cables and the influence of the active control system on the nonlinear behavior, the nonlinear dynamic characteristics, bifurcations, and chaotic motions were investigated in the case of 1:2:1 internal resonance, 1:1:1 primary resonance, and 2:1:2 main parametric resonance. The stay cable’s gravity sag curve equation, including the chordwise force of gravity, is used to establish the equation governing the combined stay cable-bridge deck active control system to consider the effect of the chordwise force of cable gravity. Multiple scales were used to obtain averaged equations. Based on the average equations and taking the longest cable S36 in the prototype super-long-span cable-stayed bridge as the study object, the frequency-response and frequency-phase characteristics were analyzed, and the influence of the stay cable parametric vibration adopting an active control system was studied. The classical fourth-order Runge-Kutta method analyzes nonlinear dynamic behaviors, such as bifurcations and chaotic motions. The numerical results obtained here indicate that, in the case of a 1:2:1 internal vibration, increasing the excitation amplitude may result in chaos in the system, and the active control system can effectively avoid the existence of chaos. The analytical results also demonstrate that the active control system effectively mitigates the nonlinear parametric vibration of a super-long-stay cable coupled with vibration in cable-stayed bridges.
Analyzing Global and Regional Cervical Cancer Burden from Unsafe Sex: 1990-2019 Trend Study
Authors: Song Yadong , Cui Fangfang , Wang Zhenbo , He Xianying , Chu Yuntian
Published: October 2023

BackgroundCervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, primarily attributed to unsafe sexual behavior. Yet, the disease burden stemming from this cause remains unreported.AimsThis study aimed to quantitatively assess cervical cancer's burden and evolving patterns attributable to unsafe sexual practices across diverse global regions from 1990 to 2019. Our goal was to provide insights for effective strategies in primary cervical cancer prevention.MethodsLeveraging data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease database, we employed key metrics including deaths, Disability-Adjusted Life Years, and age-standardized rates to quantitatively evaluate the global impact of cervical cancer associated with unsafe sex. We utilized the Estimated Annual Percentage Change method with R3.4.3 software to comprehend cervical cancer's burden and its distribution across regions and age groups due to unsafe sexual practices. We generated comprehensive geographical and hotspot maps for analysis. Further, we applied the General Additive Model and Spearman's correlation method to explore relationships between Age-Standardized Mortality Rates, Age-Standardized Death Rates, and Socio-Demographic Index.ResultsBetween 1990 and 2019, deaths attributed to cervical cancer related to unsafe sexual practices surged by 52.00%. However, the Age-Standardized Mortality Rate decreased by 14.45%, averaging an annual decline of 0.93%. The High Socio-Demographic Index regions showed the most substantial decrease at 36.45%, with an annual decline of 1.57%. In contrast, the Low SDI regions exhibited the highest ASMR at 15.05/100,000 but experienced the slowest decline at 21.51%. Disability-Adjusted Life Years and Age-Standardized Death Rates associated with unsafe sex displayed declining trends, reducing by 0.13% and 23.42%, respectively. Central Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest ASMR and ASDR at 21.67/100,000 and 678.72/100,000, respectively. Among age groups, individuals aged over 70 years had the highest ASMR, while those aged 55-59 years had the highest ASDR.ConclusionsCervical cancer's disease burden due to unsafe sexual behavior has generally decreased. However, it remains significantly severe in regions with low Human Development Index (SDI) scores, with a relatively slow rate of decline. Promoting early cervical cancer screening and implementing additional medical strategies are imperative to mitigate this burden, particularly in low SDI score countries.
Molecular characterization of a new begomovirus infecting Croton bonplandianum in India
Authors: Geetanjali Swapna , G Sravya , Prabudhas Sudheesh K , Sharma Susheel Kumar , Roy Anirban , Mandal Bikash
Published: October 2023

Weeds, those often-overlooked inhabitants of our ecosystems, play a remarkable role as hidden reservoirs and unconventional breeding grounds for novel viruses. Their significance, however, tends to be underestimated in the realm of biodiversity studies. Here we report the complete nucleotide sequence, phylogenetic analysis and recombination pattern of the begomovirus disease complex associated with new yellow vein diseases of Croton bonplandianum. During, survey conducted in August-2016, we have detected severe leaf curl and yellow vein symptoms on C. bonpandiaum at Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. Total genomic DNA of infected leaf samples was isolated by using CTAB method and were subjected to PCR using begomovirus universal primers to confirm the presence of begomovirus. The samples were then used for Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA) followed by restriction digestion to yield ~ 2.7 Kb fragment unit length of begomoviruses. Full length fragments ligated with pUC19 vector was transformed to E. coli and the recombinant clones were confirmed by colony PCR and restriction digestion. The complete genome sequence obtained for the clone WK3 contained 2773bp and showed a highest nucleotide sequence identity of 89.62% and 89.26% with papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCuV) (MK087120) and bhendi yellow vein Bhubaneshwar virus (BYVBhV) (FJ589571) respectively. In phylogenetic analysis, WK3 sequence formed a separate clade with BYVBV. Recombination analysis indicated the putative evolution of newly characterized the begomovirus isolate WK3 through frequent recombination of parental sequences tomato leaf curl Iran virus (ToLCIRV) and BYVBhV in the background of CroYVMV. Based on the current ICTV criteria for the demarcation of begomoviruses species threshold (< 91%), this is identified as a member of new virus species for which the name “Croton yellow vein leaf curl virus” is proposed based on its symptom morphology.
Adaptive Electronic Relay for Smart Grid Based on Self-healing Protection
Authors: Nasrallah M. , Hussein Hany S. , Ismeil Mohamed A.
Published: October 2023

The protection system plays a key role in maintaining the stability of the network, as well as preserving the basic components of the electrical network, such as generators, transformers, transmission systems, and electrical power connections. The smart grid system makes the power system more flexible and complex. So the detection of the fault and isolation it fastly is the main issue of the protection system. In this paper, an optimum solution for the protection has been presented. where an adaptive electronic relay for more reliability and self-healing has been presented. The algorithm of the relay operation has been validated based on the MATLAB software SIMULINK. Results validate the effectiveness of the proposed smart electronic relay at various sections of the smart grid system such as generator, transformer, transmission and distribution line, and load.
Identification of Molecular Subtypes and Key Gene of Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Yao Li , Liu Jiying , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) secondary to Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is characterized by high morality and mortality worldwide. Moreover, the lack of approved drugs for PH in PF patients highlights the imperative need for a better understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms underlying PH in PF. However, little is known about its etiology. To gain a molecular insight into its development, we performed molecular characterization based on the dataset composed of PF samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm classified all samples into two subgroups, followed by key module identification by weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA). The protein–protein network was further constructed and hub gene was distinguished via the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. Immune cell infiltration analysis displayed a significant difference in the level of immune cell infiltration of several immune cells between the two subgroups. Taken together, these results might expand our knowledge of the molecular and immune characteristics of PF and provide potential target for PF treatment.
Bone Metabolic Biochemical Markers, Bone Mineral Density, and the Risk of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Jia Haifeng , Tian Ze-ming , Liang Xue-zhen , Li Han-zheng , Lu Bo-wen , Zhang Jian , Li Gang
Published: October 2023

Background
Alterations in bone metabolism may potentially exert a significant influence in the early stages of femoral head necrosis; however, the causal relationship has hitherto remained unelucidated. This study employs a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal associations between biochemical indicators of bone metabolism, bone mineral density, and the occurrence of femoral head necrosis.
Methods
This study utilizes publicly accessible genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets and validated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to exposure variables (25OHD, serum Ca, and ALP) as well as indicators of bone mineral density (lumbar spine, heel, femoral neck, and total body). The two-sample Mendelian randomization method is employed, including techniques such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimation (WM), with the odds ratio (OR) as the evaluation criterion. Additionally, the effectiveness of the results is assessed through sensitivity testing.
Results
A total of 934 SNPs were included in this study. The MR analysis results indicate that the IVW analysis of 25OHD, serum Ca, and ALP did not reach statistical significance (25OHD OR = 1.006, 95%CI: 0.69–1.47, P = 0.975; serum Ca OR = 0.856, 95%CI: 0.43–1.70, P = 0.657; ALP OR = 1.022, 95%CI: 0.86–1.21, P = 0.801). However, bone density, including heel, lumbar spine, and total body bone density, showed a protective causal relationship with the onset of ONFH, while the results for femoral neck bone density did not reach statistical significance (lumbar spine BMD OR = 0.662, 95%CI: 0.48–0.91, P = 0.010; heel BMD OR = 0.726, 95%CI: 0.62–0.85, P < 0.001; total body BMD OR = 0.726, 95%CI: 0.62–0.85, P < 0.001; femoral neck BMD OR = 0.748, 95%CI: 0.53–1.05, P = 0.096). Cochran’s Q statistic for IVW and MR-Egger methods indicated no intergenic heterogeneity for all exposure outcomes' SNPs, and the tests for pleiotropy suggested a low likelihood of pleiotropy in all causal analyses.
Conclusions
This study does not support the hypothesis that 25OHD, serum Ca, and ALP reduce the risk of ONFH. However, heel, lumbar spine, and total body bone mineral density can be considered protective factors for the occurrence of ONFH. There is no genetic causality between femoral neck bone mineral density and ONFH development.
Effectiveness of Health Management Team Program to enhance prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in Ningxia,China
Authors: Zhang Chenglei , Huang Yongxiang , Ji Liying , Zhu Qian , Wang Lixin , Wang Jingjiao
Published: October 2023

Background
Hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission interruption (PMTCT) poses a formidable challenge in underdeveloped regions of China. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PMTCT and the health management team (HMT) model in Ningxia, China, as well as the risk factors for adverse outcomes.
Methods
The PMTCT + HMT model was established, and 360 pregnant women diagnosed with HBV infection in 2020–2022 were selected and divided into the control and the study groups based on different intervention modes. HBV serum markers and HBV DNA levels were assessed, the indicators of compliance behaviors and adverse outcomes were compared, and the factors influencing adverse outcomes were analyzed.
Results
The majority of subjects were residents of the local city, married, with secondary school or higher education, and employees of public sectors. The proportion of ethnic minorities was 40.8% and 34.2% in the control group and study group. HBeAg positivity was 23.3% and 26.3%, and the proportion with HBV DNA levels ≥ 2×105 IU/mL was 9.2% and 7.1%. Compared with the control group (PMTCT alone), the PMTCT + HMT model led to improved maternal knowledge (17.5% vs. 57.1%), voluntary counseling (34.2% vs. 63.3%), and testing (37.5% vs. 70.4%). The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes ((including miscarriage, preterm birth) decreased significantly (17.5% vs. 6.2%), as did adverse neonatal outcomes (low birth weight and congenital HBV) (26.9% vs. 10.5%). Adverse outcomes were associated with low educational attainment, non-locals, unmarried status, and ethnic minority identity. Additionally, HBeAg positivity and HBV DNA levels ≥ 2×105 IU/mL were risk factors for adverse outcomes.
Conclusions
The PMTCT + HMT model demonstrates significant effectiveness in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in Ningxia. The unique demographic structure of Ningxia region is closely linked to poor outcomes, emphasizing the importance of monitoring HBeAg status and HBV DNA viral load level.
Can you help? Social Skills and Reciprocal Behavior among Children with and without SLD/ADHD
Authors: Eden Sigal , Ezra Michal , Rozenshtein Chen , Alkalay Sarit , Sarne David
Published: October 2023

The study aims to compare the reciprocal behavior, while interacting with a virtual-player in a computer game, between children with typical-development (TD) and children with specific-learning-disabilities (SLD) and/or with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and examine the correlation to social skills. The study included 120 children (43 SLD/ADHD, 77 TD) ages 9-11 years. Subjects filled out self-reported questionnaires focusing on social skills and reciprocity and played a computer game in which such social situations arise. Results showed no difference between the groups in self-reportedsocial skills or reciprocity. However, the children’ actual reciprocal behavior while playing the game revealed different results: the SLD/ADHD group exhibited higher selfish (help others out of concern for self) and lower altruistic (help others out of concern for others) reciprocity compared to the TD group. A correlation was found between the self-reported social skills and reciprocity, as well as to actual reciprocal-patterns reflected in the games played.
"A Multi-Dimensional Strategy for Spam Email Classification: Leveraging Origin, Text, and Image Features in a Hybrid Model"
Authors: Ghogare Pramod Prakash , Patil Manoj P.
Published: October 2023

Spam emails represent a formidable cybersecurity threat, necessitating precise classification methods to mitigate associated risks and reduce the influx of unwanted messages. This research delves into the quest for improved spam email classification accuracy by leveraging ensemble machine learning techniques, specifically focusing on the utilization of origin, content, and image features within emails. Our study involved the training and testing of a random forest classifier, assessing individual features and integrated features using metrics such as accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score. The results revealed that the hybrid framework, which combines these features, outperforms individual feature-based approaches. In the context of the ever-evolving landscape of spam technology and the emergence of novel message types challenging traditional methods, we introduce an integrated approach. This approach integrates feature results from various sub models to achieve superior classification accuracy. Our findings demonstrate the outstanding performance of the hybrid approach, achieving the highest accuracy rate (97.6%), recall rate (95.9%), precision rate (98.9%), and F1 score (97.4%) among the tested techniques. The research presents an innovative amalgamation of features that significantly enhances classification accuracy, making a notable contribution to the existing body of knowledge. It underscores the importance of feature integration technique in the field of spam email classification.