bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Analysis of Stochastic Nonlinear Dynamical Systems. Part 1: Adaptative Phase-Space Discretization Strategy
Authors: Benedetti Kaio C. B. , Gonçalves Paulo Batista , Lenci Stefano , Rega Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

An adaptative phase-space discretization strategy for the global analysis of stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems with competing attractors considering parameter uncertainty or noise is proposed. The strategy is based on the classical Ulam method. The appropriate transfer operators for a given dynamical system are derived and applied to obtain and refine the basins of attraction boundaries and attractors distributions and densities. A review of the main concepts of parameter uncertainty and stochasticity from a global dynamics perspective is given, and the necessary modifications to the Ulam method are addressed. The stochastic basin of attraction definition here used replaces the usual basin concept. It quantifies the probability of the response associated with a given set of initial conditions converging to a particular attractor. The phase-space dimension is augmented to include the extra dimensions associated with the parameter space for the case of parameter uncertainty, being a function of the number of uncertain parameters. The expanded space is discretized, resulting in a collection of transfer operators that enable obtaining the required statistics. Finally, a Monte Carlo procedure is conducted for the stochastic case to construct the proper transfer operator. The present formulation is employed in Part II to investigate the global dynamics of two archetypal nonlinear oscillators.
Two-Variable Boosting Bifurcation in a Hyperchaotic Map and Its Hardware Implementation
Authors: wang mengjiao , An Mingyu , Zhang Xinan , Iu Herbert Ho-Ching
Published: July 2022

There are few reports on the nondestructive adjustment of the oscillation amplitude of the chaotic sequence in the discrete map. To study the lossless regulation of the oscillation amplitude of chaotic sequences, this article proposes a new simple two-dimensional (2D) hyperchaotic map with trigonometric functions. It not only exhibits contains the offset boosting bifurcation and offset boosting coexistence attractors, but also
realizes the offset boosting of two state variables with respect to arbitrary parameters in the 2D map. The simulation results of bifurcation diagram, maximum Lyapunov exponent and attractor phase diagram show
that the map can produce complex dynamical behaviors. In addition, the introduction of new control parameters into the 2D hyperchaotic chaotic map can also make the hyperchaotic map exhibit rich multistable phenomena. At the same time, the common change of the initial state and the control parameters can realize the arbitrary switching and co-existence of the attractor in the phase plane. In the end, the 2D hyperchaotic map was tested and verified by hardware experiment platform.
Group Care in the first 1000 days: implementation and process evaluation of contextually adapted antenatal and postnatal group care targeting diverse vulnerable populations in high and low resource settings
Authors: Martens Nele , Crone Mathilde R , Hindori-Mohangoo Ashna , Hindori Manodj , Reis Ria , Hoxha Ilir , Abanga Jedidia , Matthews Shanaaz , Berry Lizette , Kleij Rianne MJJ van der , Marle M. Elske van den Akker-van , Damme Astrid van , Talrich Florence , Beeckman Katrien , Court Christine Mc , Rising Sharon Schindler , Rijnders Marlies
Published: July 2022

Background
Group Care (GC) improves the quality of maternity care, stimulates women’s participation and facilitates growth of women’s social support network. There is an urgent need to identify and disseminate the best mechanisms for implementing GC in ways that are feasible, context appropriate and sustainable. This protocol presents the aims and methods of an innovative implementation research project entitled Group Care in the first 1000 days (GC_1000), which addressed this need.
Aims
The aim of GC_1000 is to co-create and disseminate evidence-based implementation strategies and tools to support successful implementation and scale-up of GC in the first 1000 days in health systems throughout the world, with particular attention to the needs of ‘vulnerable’ populations.
Methods
In five inter-related work packages with specific tasks, objectives and deliverables we will systematically study the implementation and scale up of antenatal and postnatal GC in seven different countries. GC_1000 project will be based theoretically on the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR), while the process evaluation will be guided by ‘Realistic Evaluation’ principles. Data are gathered across all research phases and analysis at each stage is synthesized to develop Context-Intervention-Mechanism-Outcome configurations.
Discussion
While the GC_1000 study design comprises of several strengths, it also contains some limitations which we aim to counter in various ways. This four-year project will generate evidence-based knowledge about the integration of complex interventions in diverse health care systems and it will pave the way for sustained implementation of GC targeting vulnerable groups.
Drivers of child marriage in specific settings of Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia – findings from the Yes I Do! baseline study
Authors: Kok Maryse C. , Kakal Tasneem , Kassegne Abeje Berhanu , Hidayana Irwan , Munthali Alister , Menon J. Anitha , Pires Paulo , Gitau Tabither , Kwaak Anke van der
Published: July 2022

BackgroundChild marriage persists in many countries and has severe impacts on health, education, economic and social status of girls. Child marriage has many interlinked causes. This study aimed to explore the drivers of child marriage in specific contexts in Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.MethodsThe study combined a household survey among youth (15-24 years) with focus group discussions and interviews conducted with youth (15-24 years) and parents. A variety of community stakeholders were interviewed as well. Logistic regression was done to explore associations between individual and family-level characteristics of young women and the occurrence of child marriage. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive approach. Narratives on the main drivers of child marriage across study contexts were written and inspired by the theory of normative spectrum.ResultsA lack of education was associated with the occurrence of child marriage in Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia. In all countries, teenage pregnancy was associated with child marriage. In Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique, fathers’ education seemed a protective factor for child marriage. Narratives of study participants showed that in Ethiopia, Indonesia and (to a lesser extent) Kenya, child marriage was perceived as an ‘appropriate practice’ to avoid premarital sex or pregnancy, whether it involved sex with or without consent. In all countries, child marriage was driven by difficult economic circumstances, which were often intertwined with disapproved social circumstances, in particular teenage pregnancy, in case of Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. These circumstances made child marriage an ‘acceptable practice’. Some youth, particularly in Indonesia, made their own choices to marry early, making child marriage a ‘possible practice’.ConclusionsMultiple intersecting drivers, which were present in different degrees in each country setting, influenced the occurrence of child marriage. We found that child marriage is a manifestation of social norms, particularly related to girls’ sexuality, which are intersecting with other factors at individual, social, material, and institutional level – most prominently poverty or economic constraints. Child marriage was, in some cases, a result of girls’ agentic choices. Efforts to prevent child marriage need to take these realities of girls and their families into account.
Model Predictive Control for formation reconfiguration exploiting quasi-periodic tori in the cislunar environment
Authors: Capannolo Andrea , Zanotti Giovanni , Lavagna Michèle , Cataldo Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

Given the numerous possibilities that formation flying space missions can enable, being able to design and govern relative trajectories in this scenario is fundamental. Particularly interesting, due to the installation and operation of the Lunar Gateway, which will represent the next human outpost in the cislunar environment, will be the exploitation of formation flying missions in the vicinity of this lunar station. The nonlinear dynamics by which the Earth-Moon system is characterised offers the possibility to find bounded relative trajectories which can be used to design the formation. In order to best exploit the formation potential, some reconfiguration manoeuvres can be used, which by changing the relative geometry can increase the versatility and adaptation of the mission. In this paper, a Model Predictive Guidance and Control strategy is proposed and applied to perform rephasing manoeuvres in the harsh environment of the Near Rectilinear Halo Orbits. By including first a limited thrust constraint and then a collision avoidance, a more mission-oriented approach is provided to the system. To further increase the robustness of the on-board algorithms, an adaptive logic is provided to the different tuning weights involved in the Model Predictive Control scheme. In this way, a more flexible system is obtained, which is capable of optimally working also in the presence of a high-fidelity simulation scenario, including discrepancies with the simplified on-board dynamical model.
What are birds looking at? A large-scale motion-capture system reveals the visual attention of freely- behaving pigeons
Authors: Kano Fumihiro , Naik Hemal , Keskin Göksel , Couzin Iain , Nagy Mate
Published: July 2022

Using a large-scale motion-capture system and custom head-calibration methods, we reconstructed the head-centric view of freely behaving pigeons and examined how they orient their head when presented with various types of attention-getting objects at various relative locations. Pigeons predominantly employed their retinal specializations to view a visual target, namely their foveas projecting laterally (at an azimuth of ±75°) into the horizon, and their visually-sensitive “red areas” projecting broadly into the lower-frontal visual field. Pigeons used their foveas to view any distant object while they used their red areas to view a nearby food-related object on the ground (< 50 cm). Pigeons “fixated” a visual target with their foveas; the intervals between head saccades were longer when the visual target was viewed by birds’ foveas compared to when it was viewed by any other visual field region. Furthermore, pigeons used their right eye to observe food-related objects and their left eye to do so for threat-related or social stimuli. Despite the known difficulty in identifying where a bird is attending, we show that it is possible to estimate the visual attention of freely behaving individuals by tracking the projections of their retinal specializations in their visual field with cutting-edge methods.
Incidence and Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia among Stroke Patients in Western Amhara Region, North-West Ethiopia: A Retrospective Follow up Study
Authors: Bayeh Tadios Lidetu , Muluneh Essey Kebede , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse
Published: July 2022

Background: Aspiration pneumonia is one of the major complications among hospitalized stroke patients with global incidence ranging from five to 83 percent and hospital mortality rate of up to 70 percent. This study aimed to assess the incidence and identify predictors of aspiration pneumonia among stroke patients in Western Amhara region, North West Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on a simple random sample of 568 stroke patients in Western Amhara region admitted at Felege Hiwot referral hospital. Log binomial regression model, a generalized linear model with log link, was applied to identify significant predictors of aspiration pneumonia.Results: Cumulative incidence of aspiration pneumonia among the 568 sampled patients was 23.06%. Males were 1.71 times more at risk to acquire aspiration pneumonia than females (ARR=1.71, 95 percent CI 1.07-2.74). Patients with vomiting and dysphagia were more risky to acquire aspiration pneumonia as compared to patients without vomiting and dysphagia (ARR=1.81, 95 percent CI 1.04-3.14) and (ARR=1.95, 95 percent CI 1.10-3.48) respectively. Patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis and patients with Glasgow Comma Scale greater than twelve were less risky to acquire aspiration pneumonia as compared to who not received antibiotic prophylaxis and Glasgow Comma Scale less than eight (ARR=0.10, 95 percent CI 0.04-0.28), (ARR=0.45, 95 percent CI 0.22-0.94) respectively. Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of aspiration pneumonia among sampled patients was 23.06%. Vomiting, dysphagia, antibiotic treatment and Glasgow Comma Scale showed significant correlation with the acquiring of aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, we recommend health care providers to give special attention for patients with these risk factors to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Javanese Homo erectus on the move in SE Asia ca. 1.8 Ma
Authors: Husson Laurent , Salles Tristan , Lebatard Anne-Elisabeth , Zerathe Swann , Braucher Régis , Noerwidi Sofwan , Aribowo Sonny , Mallard Claire , Carcaillet Julien , Natawidjaja Danny H. , Bourlès Didier , team ASTER
Published: July 2022

The terminal migration of Homo erectus in Southeast Asia during Early Pleistocene is cardinal to our comprehension of the evolution of the genus Homo. However, the limited consideration of the rapidly changing physical environment, together with controversial datings of hominin bearing sites, make it challenging to secure the robust timeline needed to unveil the behavior of early humans. Here, we reappraise the first appearance datum of Javanese H. erectus by adding the most reliable age constraints based on cosmogenic nuclides 10Be and 26Al produced in situ to a compilation of earlier estimates. We find that H. erectus reached Java and dwelled at Sangiran, Java ca. 1.8 Ma. Using this age as a baseline, we develop a probabilistic approach to reconstruct their dispersal routes, coupling ecological movement simulations to landscape evolution models forced by reconstructed geodynamic and climatic histories. We demonstrate that the hospitable terra firma conditions of Sundaland facilitated the prior dispersal of hominins to the edge of Java, where they conversely could not settle until the Javanese archipelago emerged from the sea and connected to Sundaland. The dispersal of H. erectus across Sundaland occurred over at least tens to hundreds kyr, a time scale over which changes in their physical environment, whether climatic or physiographic, may have become primary forcings on their behavior. Our comprehensive reconstruction method to unravel the peopling timeline of SE Asia provides a novel framework to evaluate the evolution of early humans.
Effects of a shared decision making intervention for older adults with multiple chronic conditions; the DICO study
Authors: Pel-Littel Ruth E. , Buurman Bianca M. , de Pol Marjolein H. van , Twisk Jos W.R. , Tulner Linda R. , Minkman Mirella M. , Reimer Wilma J.M. Scholte op , Weert Julia C.M. van
Published: July 2022

Background: To evaluate the effects of a shared decision making (SDM) intervention for older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Methods: A pragmatic trial evaluated the effects of the SDM training for geriatricians and a preparatory tool for patients. From two outpatient geriatric clinics 216 patients with MCCs participated. Researchers observed SDM using the OPTIONMCC tool during video-recorded consultations, and patient- and caregivers reported outcomes regarding patient participation, perceived SDM and decisional conflict. A mixed model analysis was used to assess the level of observed SDM. Patient participation and decisional conflicts were analyzed with a logistic mixed model. Results: The mean age was 77.3 years, and 56.3% of patients were female. No significant difference was found in the overall level of SDM as measured with the OPTIONMCC or in the patient-reported outcomes. However, at item level the items discussing ‘goals’, ‘options’, and ‘decision making’ significantly improved after the intervention. The items discussing ‘partnership’ and ‘evaluating the decision-making process’ showed a significant decrease. 52% of the patients completed the preparatory tool, but the results were only discussed in 12% of the consultations. Conclusions: This study provides scope for improvement of SDM in geriatrics. Engaging older adults with MCCs and informal caregivers in the decision making process should be an essential part of SDM training for geriatricians, beyond the SDM steps of explaining options, benefits and harms. Furthermore, more attention should be paid to the integration of preparatory tools in the consultation.
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Improves the Prognostication of Patients with Disseminated Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Wald Abigail , Pingpank James , Ongchin Melanie , Hall Lauren , Jones Heather , Altpeter Shannon , Liebdzinski Michele , Hamed Ahmed , Derby Joshua , Nikiforova Marina , Bell Phoenix , Paniccia Alessandro , Zureikat Amer , Gorantla Vikram , Rhee John , Thomas Roby , Bartlett David , Smith Katelyn , Henn Patrick , Theisen Brian , Shyu Susan , Shalaby Akram , Choudry Haroon , Singhi Aatur
Published: July 2022

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs) with disseminated disease are a heterogeneous group of tumors with variable clinicopathologic behavior. Despite the development of prognostic systems, objective biomarkers are needed to accurately stratify patients. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), it remains unclear if molecular testing can improve the evaluation of disseminated AMN patients with respect to currently used prognostic systems. Therefore, targeted NGS was performed for 183 patients and correlated with patient demographics, AJCC/WHO histologic grade, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, regional lymph node metastasis, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score, and overall survival (OS). Genomic alterations were identified for 179 (98%) disseminated AMNs and consisted of KRAS (84%), GNAS (59%), TP53 (24%), SMAD4 (19%), PIK3CA (4%), ATM (4%), PTEN (2%), NRAS (2%), BRAF (2%), and CDKN2A (1%). Excluding mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes and GNAS due to their ubiquitous nature among AMNs, collective genomic alterations in TP53, SMAD4, CDKN2A, and the mTOR genes were associated with older mean age (p = 0.019), higher AJCC/WHO histologic grade (p < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p = 0.003), regional lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), and lower mean PCI (p = 0.038). Patients harboring TP53, SMAD4, ATM, CDKN2A, and/or mTOR gene alterations were found to have lower OS rates of 55% at 5 years and 14% at 10 years, as compared to 88% at 5 years and 88% at 10 years for patients without the aforementioned genomic alterations (p < 0.001). Based on univariate and multivariate analyses, genomic alterations in TP53, SMAD4, ATM, CDKN2A, and/or the mTOR genes in disseminated AMNs were a negative prognostic factor for OS and independent of AJCC/WHO histologic grade, PCI, CC score, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy treatment (p = 0.006). In summary, targeted NGS improves the prognostic assessment of patients with disseminated AMNs and identifies patients that may require increased surveillance and/or more aggressive management.
Dispelling myths concerning the wave power-marsh retreat relationship
Authors: Bloemendaal Lucila Houttuijn , FitzGerald Duncan , Hughes Zoe , Novak Alyssa , Georgiou Ioannis
Published: July 2022

Salt marshes are threatened by rising sea levels and human activities, and a major mechanism of marsh loss is edge retreat or erosion. To understand and predict loss in these valuable ecosystems, studies have related erosion to marsh hydrodynamics and wave characteristics such as wave power. Across global studies, erosion was found to be largely linearly related to wave power, with this relationship having implications on the resilience of marshes to extreme events such as storms. However, there is significant variability in this relationship across marshes because of marsh heterogeneity and the uniqueness of each physical setting. Here, we further investigate whether this linear relationship applies globally, and add a new dataset from the Great Marsh in Massachusetts (USA). We find that most marsh wave power and erosion data are not normally-distributed, and when statistically treating the data appropriately, the resulting relationships vary from previously published curves. We show the importance of maintaining statistical assumptions when performing regressions, as well as emphasize the site-specificity of these relationships. Without calibration using robust regressions at each marsh, erosion related to wave attack is not fully constrained, resulting in unreliable predictions of future marsh resilience and response to climate change.
Coptisine inhibits the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting ubiquitination of IGF2BP1
Authors: Fan Jinhua , Zhou Liming , Xu Minmin , Wang Hongmei , Chen Xiantao , Huang Lu , Ma Zhengcai , Li Xiaoduo , Liu Kewei , Li Juan , Gui Zhenwei , Xiong Mengyuan , Wang Qiaojiao , Li Jingwei , Ye Xiaoli , Li Xuegang
Published: July 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of death in humans. Clinical investigations have reported that insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is overexpressed in HCC, promoting oncogene activation, and is associated with cancer progression and poor prognosis. Previous research from our laboratory found that coptisine (COP) could inhibit the proliferation of HCC cells, but the exact mechanism was unknown.
Methods
The activity of COP against HCC was evaluated by the experiments with HCC cells and HuH7 xenografted mice. Based on transcriptome analysis, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and mass spectrometry analysis, the key direct target of COP in inhibiting the proliferation of HCC were discovered. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to study the biological function of IGF2BP1 in HCC. Screening of E3 ligases and deubiquitin enzyme interacting with IGF2BP1 by IP-mass spectrometry and website prediction. The molecular mechanism of COP causes protein ubiquitination and degradation of IGF2BP1 was demonstrated by CO-IP, immunofluorescence and protein stability assays.
Result
The results disclosed that COP could inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells and tumors and IGF2BP1 was identified as the direct target of COP. IGF2BP1 overexpression and silencing in vivo and in vitro confirmed that IGF2BP1 could significantly influence the growth of liver cancer cells and tumors. Mechanistic studies revealed that COP could either increase the interaction between E3 ligase Pre-mRNA Processing Factor 19 (PRPF19) and IGF2BP1 or decrease the deubiquitin function of the deubiquitin enzyme Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 10 (USP10), resulting in increased ubiquitin degradation of IGF2BP1.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that COP has an anti-HCC activity by reducing IGF2BP1 expression. It opens up new avenues for research into modern pharmacology and the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine against tumors.
An evidence-based somatic acupressure intervention for managing the breast cancer fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression symptom cluster: Development and validation following the Medical Research Council framework
Authors: Tan Jing-Yu (Benjamin) , Wang Tao , Zhao Isabella , Polotan Mary Janice , Eliseeva Sabina
Published: July 2022

BackgroundSomatic acupoint stimulation (SAS) has been frequently utilised as a promising intervention for individual cancer-related symptom management such as fatigue, sleep disturbance and depression. However, research evidence regarding the role of SAS in mitigating the fatigue-sleep disturbance-depression symptom cluster (FSDSC) has been scant. This study was conducted to develop an evidence-based SAS intervention protocol that can be further implemented in a Phase II randomized control trial (RCT) to manage the FSDSC in breast cancer survivors. MethodsThe Medical Research Council Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Intervention (MRC framework) was employed to guide the development procedures of the SAS intervention protocol, including identification of existing evidence base; identification of theories and practice standards; and validation of the SAS intervention protocol. A content validity study was performed through an expert panel to assess the scientific and practical appropriateness of the SAS intervention protocol. The content validity index (CVI), including item level-CVI and protocol-level CVI, were calculated to evaluate the consensus level of the expert panel.ResultsKey components of SAS protocol, including acupoint formula, SAS modality, technique, intensity and frequency, were identified for both a true and a placebo SAS intervention based on the best available research evidence retrieved from systematic reviews and clinical trials, relevant theories particularly the inflammatory process, yin-yang theory, and zang-fu organs and meridians theory, and acupressure practical standards. The true SAS intervention was determined as a daily self-administered acupressure on specific acupoints for seven weeks. The placebo SAS was designed as light acupressure on non-acupoints with the same frequency and duration as the true SAS. Excellent content validity was achieved after one round of expert panel assessment, as all the key components of the true and placebo SAS protocols were rated as content valid (CVI ranged from 0.86 to 1.00).ConclusionA research-informed, theory-driven and practically feasible SAS intervention protocol for the FSDSC management in breast cancer survivors was developed following the MRC framework. The feasibility and acceptability of the SAS intervention will be further tested in breast cancer survivors through a Phase II RCT.
Downregulation of miR-211 expression in blood plasma of infertile men compared to the fertile controls
Authors: Naeimi Nasim , kouchesfehani homa Mohseni , Mahmoudzadeh-Sagheb Hamidreza , Movahed Saeed , Moudi Bita , Asemirad Azam , Sheibak Nadia , heidari zahra
Published: July 2022

Background: Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of having regular unprotected sex. Changes in the expressions of miRNAs are associated with impaired spermatogenesis and can be used as potential biomarkers of infertility in males. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-211 as a predictive factor in plasma samples of intertile men compared to the controls Methods: In this case-control study, blood plasma samples were taken from the infertile men (n=103) non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) or severe oligozoospermia (SO) and the control group (n=121). The expression of circulating miR-211 in plasma samples were assessed by qRT-PCR. A relative quantification strategy was adopted using the2–ΔΔCT method to calculate the target miR-211 expression level in both study groups.Results: Plasma miR-211 levels were significantly lower in infertile men compared to the control (0.544±0.028 and 1.203±0.035, respectively, p<0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that miR-211 expression level correlated with sperm parameters, including sperm concentration, sperm total motility, progressive motility, and normal morphology (P<0.001).Conclusions: It seems that decreased expression level of miR-211 in blood plasma can be used as a novel male infertility biomarker for evaluation, diagnosis, and confirmation of semen analysis results.
Genome-wide identification of auxin-responsive microRNAs in the poplar stem
Authors: Yang Lihua , Ping Tao , Lu Wenjin , Song Sangfa , Wang Jianli , Wang Qiao , Chai Guohua , Bai Yuer , Chen Yan
Published: July 2022

Background Wood (secondary xylem) of forests is widely used used in construction, paper making, furniture, and as a feedstock for biofuels. Wood development is strictly regulated by the phytohormone auxin and MicroRNAs (miRNAs). Currently, the regulatory mechanisms of auxin-induced miRNAs during wood formation in tree species remain unclear.Methods and results Here, we investigated the effect of auxin application on wood development in poplar and identified miRNAs in the stems treated with different concentrations (0 mg/L, CK; 5 mg/L, Low; 10 mg/L, High) of indol-3-butyric acid (IBA). High-throughput sequencing showed that the 24-nt sRNAs were the most abundant classes in three types of small RNA libraries. A total of 118 known miRNAs and 134 novel miRNAs were obtained. Sixty-nine unique developmental-related miRNAs exhibited specific expression patterns in response to auxin, which was consistent with the influence of auxin on wood development. 269 target genes of 69 auxin-responsive miRNAs were predicted. Of them, three novel miRNAs had the most number (≥9) of target genes, which correspondingly belong to SPL, GRF and ARF families. The evolutionary relationships and tissue expression patterns of these target genes were further analyzed. The relative expression levels of four representative miRNAs and their partial target genes were confirmed by using RT-qPCR.Conclusions The present study provides new insights into auxin-responsive miRNAs during wood development in trees.
Urban-rural differences in the pregnancy-related adverse outcome
Authors: Mehrnoush Vahid , Ranjbar Amene , Darsareh Fatemeh , Shekari Mitra , Jahromi Malihe Shirzadfard
Published: July 2022

Background
Adverse pregnancy outcomes are influenced by a myriad of biological, social, and environmental factors. Little is known about potential urban-rural differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study is to look into the urban-rural differences in the trend of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods
We retrospectively assessed the pregnancy outcome of singleton pregnant mothers who gave birth at Khaleej-e-Fars Hospital (a tertiary hospital) in Bandar Abbas, Iran, between January 1st, 2020, and January 1st, 2022. Mothers were divided into two groups based on living residency: 1) urban group and 2) rural group. Demographic factors, obstetrical factors, maternal comorbidities, and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were extracted from the electronic data of each mother. The Chi-square test was used to compare differences between the groups for categorical variables. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of adverse pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal outcome with living residency.
Results
Of 8888 mothers that gave birth during the study period, 2989 (33.6%) lived in rural areas. Adolescent pregnancy was more common in the rural area. Urban mothers had a higher education than rural mothers. Rural mothers were more likely to have a preterm birth, post-term pregnancy, and vaginal birth. Mild to moderate anemia was more common in rural mothers. Multivariate logistic regression showed that rural mothers were at higher risk for preterm birth aOR 1.81 (CI:1.24–2.99), post-term pregnancy aOR 1.5 (CI: 1.07–2.78), anemia aOR 2.02 (CI:1.07–2.34), LBW aOR 1.89 (CI: 1.56–2.11), need for neonatal resuscitation aOR 2.66 (CI: 1.78–3.14), and NICU admission aOR 1.98 (CI:1.34–2.79). On the other hand, the risk of cesarean section was significantly lower compared to urban mothers aOR 0.58 (CI: 0.34–0.99).
Conclusions
Our study discovered that mothers living in rural areas had a higher risk of developing anemia, preterm birth, post-term pregnancies, LBW, need for neonatal resuscitation, and NICU admission, but a lower risk of cesarean section. More research is required to better understand the reasons for the observed urban-rural differences and to guide a multifaceted response to reduce adverse neonatal outcomes.
On Solutions of Differential Equations by Laplace Reproducing Kernel Method
Authors: Attia Nourhane , Akgül Ali
Published: July 2022

The ordinary differential equations describe several phenomena in different fields of engineering and physics. The aim that we want to achieve here is to combine the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method (RKHSM) with the Laplace transform operator to give birth to a new method that is highly effective compared with the classical RKHSM. In this paper, we used the Laplace-RKHSM to construct new numerical solutions for non-linear ordinary differential equations. The Laplace-RKHSM systematically produces analytic and approximate solutions in the series's form. We tested three applications for showing the performance and efficiency of the new Laplace-RKHSM.AMS (2010) Subject Classifications: 46E22, 34A08.
On Function of Evolution of Distribution for Time Homogeneous Markov Processes
Authors: Bielecki Tomasz R. , Jakubowski Jacek , Wi±niewolski Maciej
Published: July 2022

A study of time homogeneous, real valued Markov processes with a special property and a non-atomic initial distribution is provided. The new notion of a function of evolution of distribution which determines the dependency between one dimensional distributions of a process is introduced. This, along with the notion of bridge operators which determine the backward structure, as opposed to the forward structure determined by the usual semi-group operators, paves a way to the new approach for dealing with nite-dimensional distributions of Markov processes. This, in particular, produces explicit formulas which eec-tively simplify the computations of nite-dimensional distributions, giving an alternative to the standard approach based on computations using the chain rule of transition densities. Various examples illustrating the new approach are presented.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia presence impairs antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses through epigenetic reprogramming towards short-lived effectors
Authors: Martens Anne , Kavazovic Inga , Pack Su Min , Arens Ramon , Jongejan Aldo , Moerland Perry , Eldering Eric , der gerritje windt van , wensveen felix , Peters Fleur , Kater Arnon
Published: July 2022

T-cell dysregulation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) associates with low response rates to autologous T cell-based therapies. How CLL affects antigen-specific T-cell responses remains largely unknown. We investigated (epi)genetic and functional consequences of antigen-specific T-cell responses in presence of CLL in vitro and in an adoptive-transfer murine model. Already at steady-state, antigen-experienced patient-derived T cells were skewed towards short-lived effector cells (SLEC) at the expense of memory-precursor effector cells (MPEC). Stimulation of these T cells in vitro showed rapid induction of effector genes and suppression of key memory transcription factors only in presence of CLL cells, indicating epigenetic regulation. This was investigated in vivo by following antigen-specific responses of naïve OT-I CD8+ cells to mCMV-OVA in presence/absence of TCL1 B-cell leukemia. Presence of leukemia resulted in increased SLEC formation, with disturbed inflammatory cytokine production. Chromatin and transcriptome profiling revealed strong epigenetic modifications, leading to activation of an effector and silencing of a memory profile through presence of CLL cells. Secondary challenge in vivo confirmed dysfunctional memory responses by antigen-experienced OT-I cells generated in presence of CLL. Altogether, we show that presence of CLL induces a short-lived effector phenotype and impaired memory responses by epigenetic reprogramming during primary responses.
Differential partitioning of key carbon substrates at the rumen wall by recently diverged Campylobacteraceae populations
Authors: Strachan Cameron , Yu Xiaoqian , Neubauer Viktoria , Mueller Anna , Wagner Martin , Zebeli Qendrim , Selberherr Evelyne , Polz Martin
Published: July 2022

While the activities of different microbes in the rumen have been shown to modulate the host’s ability to utilize plant biomass, microbes colonizing the host-rumen interface have received little attention. Here, we show that highly abundant Campylobacteraceae on the rumen epithelia have recently diverged into two populations, one of which has become a sink for acetate, the main carbon source for the host. Genomic comparisons suggest that the populations were structured by genome-wide selective sweeps after which they acquired several specific adaptations. These include differential expression and domain duplication in acetate utilization genes, which led to the ability to grow on acetate but also to inhibition by propionate in one population. This metabolic trade-off also manifests itself in differential dynamics of the two populations in vivo. By exploring population-level adaptations that otherwise remain cryptic in culture independent analyses, our results highlight recent evolutionary dynamics with unexpected consequences for ruminant nutrition.
Growth plasticity of Gymnosperm trees did not avoid declining resilience to soil and atmospheric droughts during the 20th century
Authors: Zheng Tong , Martínez-Vilalta Jordi , García-Valdés Raúl , Gazol Antonio , Camarero J. Julio , Mencuccini Maurizio
Published: July 2022

Plasticity in response to environmental drivers can help trees cope with droughts. However, our understanding of the importance of plasticity and physiological adjustments in trees under global change is limited. We examine 20th century growth responses in Gymnosperm trees during (resistance) and following (resilience) years of severe soil and atmospheric droughts occurring in isolation or as compound events. We use high atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) to select years of atmospheric drought and negative annual values of the Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) to select years with a large negative balance between precipitation and evaporation. Sensitivities (i.e., the slopes of the relationships) of resilience to VPD and SPEI changed throughout the 20th century, with the directions of these changes often reversing in the second half of the century. For the 1951-2001 period, variable sensitivities had positive effects on resilience, especially following years of high VPD and compound VPD/SPEI events, avoiding growth losses that would have occurred if sensitivities had remained constant. Despite sensitivity changes, resilience recovered less at the end of the 20th century compared to the beginning of the century. Future adjustments to low SPEI and high VPD are likely to continue to compensate for the trends in climate only partially, leading to further generalised reductions in tree growth of Gymnosperm trees.
Transcriptomically unique endolysosomal and homeostatic microglia populations in Alzheimer’s Disease and aged human brain
Authors: Prater Katherine , Green Kevin , Mamde Sainath , Sun Wei , Sotelo Alexandra , Smith Carole , Chiou Kenneth , Heath Laura , Rose Shannon , Keene C. , Kwon Ronald , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Blue Elizabeth , Logsdon Benjamin , Young Jessica , Shojaie Ali , Garden Gwenn , Jayadev Suman
Published: July 2022

Microglia contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) progression and are candidate therapeutic targets for disease modulation. Single cell transcriptomics demonstrate microglia adopt multiple phenotypes. However, identifying the human AD microglia profile was limited by small numbers. We employed fluorescence activated nuclei sorting prior to single-nucleus RNA-seq on human prefrontal cortices boosting the number of microglia analyzed per subject. We observed microglia subpopulations previously unrecognized in human brain and mapped their transcriptomic relationships by trajectory inference. We identified three clusters enriched for endolysosomal pathways, one of which showed differential expression of AD GWAS genes, in addition to genes implicated in nucleic acid detection and interferon signaling. We histologically demonstrated a microglia subpopulation with cytosolic nucleic acid and altered endolysosome morphology in AD tissue. Analysis of the “homeostatic” microglia cluster revealed a uniquely AD subpopulation. Our study demonstrates the value of deeply profiling microglia to explore the biological implications of microglia transcriptomic diversity.
Magnitude of Medicine Wastage and Perceived Contributing Factors Among Public Health Facilities in Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia in COVID-19 Pandemic in Ethiopia
Authors: Bedasa Abera , Abdurashid Neil , Argaw Kiber
Published: July 2022

Background
World Health Organization refers medication waste as expired, unused, spilled, and contaminated pharmaceutical items, medications, vaccines, and sera. Budget constraints in financing the health care system together with huge amount of wastage and disposal costs of unused medications at LMIC create a serious risk to the economy, health care system and environment. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the rate of medication waste and to identify contributing factors in public health facilities in Dire-Dawa city.
Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was used with a qualitative study design from May 10 to June 10, 2021 at 2 public hospitals and 14 health centers. Self-administered questionnaires and data abstraction formats were used to obtain the quantitative data. In-depth interviews were used to obtain qualitative data. Excel sheets and SPSS version 20 were used to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.
Results
3.07% of medicines were wasted between 2010 and 2012 EFY, in Dire-Dawa public health facilities that worth 4,048,594.0 ETB. The most wasted class of medication was anti-infectives, accounting for 2,360,330 ETB (58.3%), while tablets 2,615,391. ETB (64.6%). Medical waste has been linked to several issues, including pushing nearly expired medications to healthcare institutions, lack of clinician involvement in medication selection and quantification, rapid changes in treatment regimens, and the existence of overstocked medication shelves.
Conclusion
The average rate of medication waste was higher than the allowed level of 2%. The only medications that should be accepted by medical facilities are those that can be used before they expire. All prescribers should receive lists of the drugs that are readily available from the pharmacy department, and clinicians should be involved in the quantification and drug selection processes to increase the effectiveness of the use of medications.
The association of social inequality with the onset and persistence of psychotic experiences and progression along the extended psychosis phenotype: A six-year follow-up study in a community-based sample
Authors: Binbay Tolga , Erel Batuhan , Set Rana Tibet , Kırlı Umut , Ergül Ceylan , Elbi Hayriye , Alptekin Köksal
Published: July 2022

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate associations between early and recent indicators of socioeconomic inequality and the emergence, persistence and progression of psychotic experiences (PEs) in a longitudinal follow-up of a community-based population.Methods: Households in the metropolitan area of Izmir, Turkey, were contacted in a multistage clustered probability sampling frame, at baseline (T1, n = 4,011) and at 6-year follow-up (T2, n = 2,185). Both at baseline and follow-up, PEs were assessed using Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The associations between baseline socioeconomic features and follow-up PEs were analysed using logistic regression models. Indicators of social inequality included income, educational level, current socioeconomic status (SES), social insurance, the area resided, ethnicity, parental educational level, and SES at birth.Results: The risk of follow-up incident PEs was significantly higher in lower education, lower SES, and slum-semi urban areas. The persistence of PEs was significantly associated with the lowest levels of education and current SES, and rural residency. Persistent PEs were significantly associated with paternal SES at birth. Progression of PEs was significantly higher among respondents with educational achievements lower than university level and lower levels of SES, who have no social insurance and who reside in slum-semi urban areas. Parental education and paternal SES at birth were not associated with the persistence of PEs. Conclusion: Indicators of social inequality (low education, low SES, low income, poverty in the neighbourhood) were associated with the emergence and persistence of PEs and progression along the extended psychosis phenotype. The early indicators seem to have a modest life-long impact on the psychosis phenotype.
Non-linear correction method for Si photodiode detectors and its application to the electro-optical measurement for the PDLC film
Authors: Meng Xiangshen , Li Jian , Lin Yueqiang , Liu Xiaodong , Li Decai , He Zhenghong
Published: July 2022

A corrected measurement method based on the silicon photodiode detector was investigated. The silicon photodiode detector is a fast response, but the measured transmittance error between the light power meter occurs and depends on the incident light power. In our work, the non-linear empirical formula was derived from the measured results of the silicon photodiode detector and light power meter. In addition, the formula was used to correct the measuring results of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal, and the corrected results are identical to those of the light power meter. The experimental results further show that the silicon photodiode detector is faster than the light power meter when measuring electro-optical response. As a result, the corrected method is reliable.
A method to improve the street-crossing risk perception of hearing-impaired teenagers based on constructivist teaching theory
Authors: Gao Ya , Feng Zhongxiang , Du Ran , Huang Zhipeng , Jiang Kang
Published: July 2022

Hearing-impaired people are a vulnerable group in the transportation system. Due to the particularity of their hearing impairments, they face a more complex environment than non-hearing-impaired people when participating in road traffic, which threatens their safety. The safety of hearing-impaired teenagers crossing the street is an important and serious issue. However, there is no research on how to improve the risk perception of hearing-impaired teenagers when crossing the street. An intervention method based on constructivist teaching theory may become an important means to improve road traffic safety for hearing-impaired teenagers. By understanding the eye movement indicators and behavioural indicators of hearing-impaired teenagers when crossing the street, this paper proposes targeted street-crossing intervention methods to improve their risk perception of street crossing to ensure the safety of hearing-impaired teenagers. In this paper, two kinds of street-crossing scenes and 20 hearing-impaired teenagers are included in a randomized controlled experiment, and an approach based on the intervention method of constructivist teaching theory is proposed. The purpose is to conduct research on the safety of hearing-impaired teenagers when crossing the street. Based on an analysis of visual characteristics in different areas of interest (AOIs) and behavioural characteristics, the conclusions are as follows: (1) when hearing-impaired teenagers participate in street crossing, part of their attention is wasted in areas with fewer risk factors, and (2) the teaching method based on constructivist intervention measures can improve the risk perception ability of hearing-impaired teenagers when crossing the street.