bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-series Analysis of Slope Displacements using UAV Photogrammetry and its Relationship with Rainfall Intensity
Authors: Kim Namgyun , Macciotta Renato , jun byonghee
Published: May 2023

In this study, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) photogrammetry was used to monitor the ground displacement on the slope below a coal waste-rock stockyard, and to investigate the role of rainfall on its displacement. The study area is a mountainous region in Korea, where coal mining is active, and coal waste-rock is stored on the slopes of the mountain. In this area, material removal work was undertaken to reduce the steepness of the slope and driving forces in order to prevent disasters, but the strategy requires continuous monitoring to confirm the stabilization of the slope. For slope monitoring, a total of six UAV photogrammetry campaigns were conducted between April 2019 and August 2020. As a result of data processing, an orthoimage and DSM (Digital Surface Model) were generated. The ground displacement was estimated through four steps: slope extraction, displacement area evaluation, horizontal displacement, and vertical displacement analysis. During the study period, the maximum vertical displacement was 3.3 m and the maximum horizontal displacement was 3.5 m. The horizontal displacement was effectively evaluated through the measurement of the movement of the drainage system using orthoimages captured with a periodic survey. The effects of rainfall on ground displacement were also investigated. A very clear linear relationship between rainfall intensity higher than 20mm/d and ground displacement was identified. Accumulated amount of rainfall also showed good correlation with slope movement, but the frequency of rainfall intensity below 20 mm/d showed relatively low correlation with ground displacements.
The number of erupted teeth as a risk factor for dental caries in eighteen-month-old children: a cross‑sectional study
Authors: Otsugu Masatoshi , Mikasa Yusuke , Kadono Maika , Matsuoka Taro , Matsunami Katsura , Nakamura Motomi , Ohno Yuko , Kato Takafumi , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: May 2023

Background
Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, affecting lifelong as well as children. Therefore, it is important to clarify factors related to early childhood caries (ECC) in a younger population in terms of caries prevention. However, the prevalence of ECC is low in developed countries in the 21st century and a large-scale survey is needed to clarify the risk factors. Furthermore, earlier tooth eruption is not taken into consideration in most studies of ECC, even though it may be a factor of ECC. The present study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of dental caries in children aged 18 months in a core city of Japan.
Methods
Findings from a total of 7351 children aged 18 months were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight, as well as an oral examination and a microbiological caries-risk test, were performed. Additionally, a structured interview sheet was provided to the parents or guardians. Findings of dental caries at 18 months of age were evaluated using a logistic regression model.
Results
Of the enrolled children, 1.2% had experienced dental caries. Multivariable logistic regression analysis results indicated a significant association with dental caries at 18 months of age for the following factors: second child (OR = 1.78; 95% CI:1.08–2.93, P < 0.05), third and later child (OR = 2.08; 95% CI:1.12–3.89, P < 0.05), 12 or fewer erupted teeth (OR = 0.47; 95% CI:0.24–0.96, P < 0.05), 17 or more erupted teeth (OR = 4.37; 95% CI:1.63–11.7, P < 0.01), Cariostat score (+++) (OR = 3.99; 95% CI:1.29–12.31, P < 0.05), daily eating before bed (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.55–4.45, P < 0.001), three or more snacks per day (OR = 2.03; 95% CI:1.15–3.58, P < 0.05), and breastfeeding (OR = 3.30; 95% CI:2.00–5.44, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
These results suggest that the number of erupted teeth, as well as birth order, eating habits, and breastfeeding, is a significant factor for dental caries development at 18 months of age, while the microbiological caries-risk test is effective for detecting high-risk children.
WITHDRAWN: Construction of a high-density genetic map and QTL mapping of growth traits in kiwifruit
Authors: Li Sikai , Wang Ran , Lin Miaomiao , Gu Hong , Li Yukuo , Zhang Min , Feng Xin , Qi Xiujuan
Published: May 2023

Background Kiwifruit is a perennial vine with a long juvenile period. Trunk diameter (TD) and annual branch diameter (ABD) are closely related to the growth vigor, abiotic resistance and fruit yield of kiwifruit. They are quantitative traits that are controlled by more than one quantitative trait locus (QTL). QTLs for TD and ABD in kiwifruit remain unelucidated.
Results In the present study, a cross of the diploid species Actinidia chinensis‘Hongyang’×‘Biyu’♂ was generated to construct a high-density linkage map. We carried out restriction-site associated DNA sequencing of the parents and 173 F1 progeny to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the population. A high-density linkage map spanning 2548.97 cM was developed using 6506 bin markers. This bin map consisted of 29 linkage group (LG), with an average genetic distance of 0.39 cM. A total of 11 QTLs were identified: 5 for the TD and 6 for the ABD. QTL effect sizes were small to moderate, with 1.58 to 13.42% of the variance explained by a single QTL. A total of 358 TD candidate genes and 181 ABD candidate genes were extracted from among the QTLs. Enrichment analysis of candidate genes was carried out using the Gene Ontology (GO) classification system and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. In addition, we developed a TD marker in LG23 at position 1971916 bp and an ABD marker in LG10 at position 584605 bp. Genotyping assays revealed that two markers correlated significantly with growth vigor. A TD candidate gene (Actinidia22292) and an ABD candidate gene (Actinidia40478) were also identified near two markers.
Conclusions This linkage map and QTLs identified will be useful to dissect the genetics of growth vigor. Furthermore, the molecular markers found in this study can be used in marker-assisted selection to screen kiwifruit seedlings for high growth vigor. These genetic findings deepen our understanding of the genetic basis of growth traits in kiwifruit, and the information obtained is applicable to facilitate kiwifruit breeding.
Rapid identification and characterization of pineapple fruitlet core rot pathogens on the ‘TN20’ cultivar in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Yu-Ping , Lin Kuan-Yu , Lai Su-Yu , Ni Hui-Fang
Published: May 2023

Fruitlet core rot (FCR) is a worldwide fungal disease of pineapple, which occasionally occurs on susceptible cultivars in Taiwan. This study describes the fungal pathogens of FCR and their occurrence in Taiwan for the first time. A total of 51 fungal isolates were obtained from diseased fruitlets and blossom cups of ‘TN20’, a susceptible cultivar planted in Taiwan. These isolates were identified as the Talaromyces species T. amestolkiae, T. funiculosus, and T. stollii and Fusarium species F. ananatum, F. oxysporum, and F. annulatum based on phylogenetic analyses. All of them have been described as FCR pathogens in other countries, if considering that F. annulatum has often been misidentified as F. proliferatum. To facilitate identification, four pairs of species-specific primers were developed, which enabled rapid identification of T. amestolkiae, T. funiculosus, and T. stollii by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and F. ananatum by PCR. Two types of diseased fruitlets, “wet” and “dry”, were observed on ‘TN20’, and T. amestolkiae, T. funiculosus, T. stollii, and F. ananatum could be isolated from both types. In addition, Talaromyces and Fusarium species were isolated from blossom cups at high frequencies, but few fungi were isolated from healthy tissues. The specific primers designed in this study could provide a useful tool to study FCR in the future, and the findings could provide a better understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of FCR.
Topoisomerase II Inhibition Attenuates LPS-induced IL- 1β Secretion by Macrophages
Authors: Brindle Ashleigh , Bainbridge Callum , Kumar Muganti , Todryk Stephen , Padget Kay
Published: May 2023

Inhibiting pathological secretion of Interleukin-1β has shown beneficial effects in disease models and in the clinic and thus there is interest in finding inhibitors that can reduce its release from macrophages in response to their activation by foreign pathogens. We used an in vitro human macrophage model to investigate whether ICRF-193, a Topoisomerase II inhibitor could modulate IL1B mRNA expression and IL-1β secretion. These macrophage-like cells readily secrete IL-1β in response to Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Upon exposure to a non-toxic dose of ICRF-193, IL-1β secretion was diminished by ~ 40%; however, level of transcription of IL1B was unaffected. We show that there was no Topoisomerase 2B (TOP2B) binding to IL1B gene proximal sites, confirming that it is not involved directly in mediating the transcription of IL1B and hence why ICRF-193 does not alter IL1B mRNA levels. Quantification of Topoisomerase isoforms suggests that TOP2B plays a role in mediating the effects of ICRF-193 on IL-1β secretion. Hence, we show for the first time that ICRF-193 can reduce IL-1β secretion. Its low cost and the development of water-soluble prodrugs of ICRF-193 warrants its further investigation in the modulation of pathological secretion of this cytokine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. (196 words)
Morbidity and mortality are not improved by preemptive ICU transfer of acute myeloid leukemia patients presenting a high risk of early complications
Authors: Hervé Hyvernat , Lucas Morand , Mathieu Jozwiak , Matthieu Buscot , Clément Saccheri , Denis Doyen , jean Dellamonica
Published: May 2023

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with a high rate of life-threatening early complications. Patients presenting with hyperleukocytosis >50x10⁹/L and/or promyelocytic leukemia at the time of AML diagnosis can be considered at high risk of early complications (HReC) and thus at high risk of mortality. At our institution, we propose preemptive ICU admission to HReC patients. In so doing, our goal is to prevent complication occurrence, or, failing that, to provide rapid life-sustaining treatment (LST). In the present retrospective study, we sought to determine whether preemptive ICU admission improves survival for patients newly diagnosed with AML.
Results: We analyzed a total study population of 634 patients within a ten-year period. Of that population, 24.7% (n=157) was admitted to the ICU, 20.5% (n=130) due to complications and 4.2% (n=27) preemptively. Delays to ICU admission were 12.9 hours, 7 days and 181 days for respectively the preemptive, early complications and late complications groups, p<0.001. The preemptive group showed significantly better survival at one month post ICU admission (66.7%) compared to the early (37.7%) and late (46.4%) complications groups, p=0.039. Furthermore, LST recourse in the ICU was significantly lower in the preemptive group (41% (n=11)) compared to the early (73% (n=56)) and late (73% (n=41)) complications groups, p<0.001. However, when considering survival at one-month post AML diagnosis, no significant differences were observed between patients admitted preemptively and those admitted following complications. Additionally, Cox regression identified preemptive ICU admission as a predictive factor for mortality at one month post AML diagnosis (hazard ratio 2.72, p<0.013). These contradictory data may be explained by selection and chronological biases when the analysis is limited to only ICU patients.
Conclusion: Preemptive ICU admission does not improve survival for patients with AML. Suggested benefits for preemptive ICU admission may reflect analysis biases.
Healthcare workers’ knowledge on nosocomial infections preventive measures and its associated factors in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Salu Samuel , Okyere Joshua , Charles-Unadike Veronica Okwuchi , Ananga Mark Kwame
Published: May 2023

Background: Nosocomial infection is a worldwide health concern that affects around 1.4 million individuals and is like an endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite advances in medical technology and surgical management procedures in both developed and developing countries, these infections still continue to be prevalent. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge in preventive measures and the socio-demographic factors that influence knowledge in preventive measures of nosocomial infection, among healthcare workers in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2021. A sample of 237 healthcare workers in the Hohoe Municipality was selected to participate in the study. Data was collected with a questionnaire designed in Google Forms and analyzed using Stata version 16.0.
Results: The majority of the healthcare workers were females 124(52.3%) while males were 113(47.7%). More than two-thirds of them 195(82.7%) were within the age group of (20-40) years. Findings from this study showed that majority (69.2%) of the healthcare workers were not knowledgeable on the preventive measures of nosocomial infections. However, the study revealed that age [aOR=0.25; 95%CI=0.09-0.69), p=0.007] and in-service training or workshop [aOR=9.55; 95%CI=1.23-74.36), p=0.031] were statistically significant to healthcare workers’ knowledge in preventive measures of nosocomial infections.
Conclusion: The study concludes that age and participation in-service training or workshop are significant factors that influence the knowledge of healthcare workers in preventive measures for nosocomial infections. These results highlight the importance of providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities to healthcare workers to enhance their knowledge and improve their ability to prevent and control nosocomial infections. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for targeted training programs that take into account the age of healthcare workers, in order to ensure that training is tailored to their specific needs and learning styles.
Effect of Waste Materials on Thermo-Mechanical Properties to Produced of Eco-Friendly Construction Bricks
Authors: Koçyiğit Şermin
Published: May 2023

It has become inevitable for the countries to produce sustainable, green and environmentally friendly materials to provide thermal comfort in buildings, reduce energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming effects. In this study, cost-effective eco-friendly construction materials with better thermal conductivity were produced by using alkaline activators (AA) such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) in combination with waste materials from a regional volcanic natural rock Diyarbakır Karacadağ Red Scoria (KS) and Karacadağ rice husk ash (RHA). First of all, Particle Size, XRF, XRD, TGA/DTA, SEM, and EDS analyses were performed to determine the characteristics of the raw materials. These raw materials were mixed in different rates to form mixtures. These rates were 65%, 60%, 55%, 55%, and 50% for clay, 30% (fixed) for KS, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% for RHA and 5%, 10%, and 15% for AA. Rectangular samples for mechanical tests and cylindrical samples for thermal tests were prepared and they were fired at 9500C. SEM, EDS and XRD analyses were performed on the fractured bricks after the compressive strength test. Bulk density, apparent porosity, water absorption, compressive strength, loss on ignition, thermal conductivity, and microstructures of the fired bricks were analysed. Experimental results showed that porosity, water absorption, loss on ignition increased, density but density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity decreased as the rates of rice husk ash and NaOH+Na2SiO3 increased with Karacadağ scoria at a fixed rate. The addition of waste RHA, KS, and AA in the brick resulted in a significant increase in thermal performance by 0.263 W/mK compared to the control brick (1.043 W/mK), while the compressive strength decreased from 32.5 to 7.2 MPa. Even though the compressive strength decreased due to the micropores forming as a result of the addition of these materials in the brick, it was greater than 7MPa as stated in the literature. The findings of the present study indicated that the fired clay bricks produced are potential materials for building applications requiring an appropriate thermal insulation and mechanical strength as well as internal structural applications.
Exploring the Impact of Gamification on BCI Performance in Children: The Case for Personalization
Authors: Kelly Dion , Irvine Brian , Kinney-Lang Eli , Marquez Daniel Comaduran , Floreani Erica D. , Kirton Adam
Published: May 2023

Background
A major challenge with BCI use is the requirement for subject-specific calibration, which is often tedious and unengaging, but necessary to improve performance. This is especially true for children, whose limited attention and motivation may restrict the duration of endurable calibration periods. Several studies have shown that the addition of scoring systems and rewards to tasks, a process known as “gamification”, can increase motivation, attention, and task performance in children. This randomized, prospective, cross-over study aimed to address this challenge by comparing the effects of gamified versus non-gamified calibration environments on classification accuracy and BCI performance on utility-driven tasks.
Methods
Thirty-two typically developing children (14 female, mean age 11.9 years, range 5.8–17.9) attended two sessions lasting between 1.5-2 hours, to perform two standard paradigms: spelling using visual P300 event-related potentials (P300) and cursor control using sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) modulation, following gamified and non-gamified calibration. Gamified paradigms incorporated elements of game design, such as meaningful stories, quests, points and sounds. The primary outcome was BCI performance, which included performance of the classification model and online accuracy. Motivation, tolerability, and mental workload (NASA-TLX) were evaluated following each paradigm.
Results
For the P300 paradigm, mean classification accuracy was similar after gamified (96.81 ± 3.46%) and non-gamified (96.52 ± 2.42%) calibration. Mean classification accuracy for the SMR paradigm was 61.81 ± 13.35% with gamification and 59.84 ± 11.36% without gamification (n.s.). Mean online accuracy for SMR cursor control was 63.23% for both conditions. For the P300 spelling task, online performance was significantly lower following gamified training (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences found between classification accuracy, online BCI performance, motivation, tolerability, or perceived mental workload.
Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of gamified calibration paradigms on classification accuracy and BCI performance in children. Our results reinforce the ability of typical children to control advanced BCI systems with performance comparable to adults. Gamified calibration environments may not enhance BCI classification and performance in children though the gamified environments utilized in this study may not have been engaging enough. This work underscores the need for further research to optimize BCI training paradigms for pediatric use.
A fast Chebyshev wavelet numerical method for the solution of the Advection partial differential equations
Authors: . Vivek , Kumar Manoj , Mishra Suyash Narayan
Published: May 2023

In this article, we present a computationally efficient technique based on the method of Chebyshev wavelets and collocation technique for the solution of linear and nonlinear the Advection partial differential equations. We transform these problems into a system of algebraic equations using truncated Chebyshev wavelet expansions and then simplified using a suitable method. The suggested Chebyshev wavelet approach is worked out for the convergence analysis it is demonstrated that the estimation of a function using Chebyshev wavelets converges uniformly to itself. It is also anticipated that the proposed approach would be more efficient and suitable for solving a variety of nonlinear partial differential equations that occur in science and engineering. Examples are given to show how the suggested wavelet method provides enhanced accuracy for a wide range of problems.
A Two-Pass Deep Learning System for Monitoring Visual Attributes of Food in Real-time during Fluidized Bed Drying
Authors: Iheonye Anthony C. , Ferrie Frank , Raghavan Vijaya , Orsat Valérie
Published: May 2023

Consumers rely on visual attributes when purchasing dried foods. If the product is unattractive, they walk away, leading to increase in global food waste. Attempts have been made to develop computer vision (CV) systems to monitor visual attributes of foods during the drying process. Unfortunately, figure-ground separation challenges such as overlapping, clustering, and variation in color and texture prevented the development of effective solutions for monitoring visual attributes of food during fluidized bed drying. To resolve this problem, we investigated the use of “Unet-Xception”, a novel real-time deep learning solution for monitoring the color, texture, and size of green peas, during fluidized bed drying. “Unet-Xception” combined modified U-Net and Xception architectures. U-Net segmented images of the peas, while Xception predicted visual attributes using the segmented output. Unet-Xception achieved a Mean Intersection-Over-Union of 0.9464 for segmentation quality, surpassing a classical CV solution. The AI-solution also detected additional objects of interest and outperformed the classical CV model in predicting visual attributes. It was found that a* and b* indices were the best predictors of color during drying. Homogeneity was the best parameter for monitoring texture. As expected, with improved segmentation and the detection of additional objects of interest, Unet-Xception produced far smoother trends than the classical model during deployment. This adaptable and novel solution is therefore able to monitor real-time changes in visual attributes of food, during fluidized bed drying. Incorporating this solution into current food dryers could lead to consistent product quality and significant reduction in global food waste.
Highly infectious, less pathogenic and antibody resistant Omicron XBB.1, XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.5.1-XBB.1.5.39 subvariant Coronaviruses do not produce ORF8 protein due to 8th codon GGA=TGA Termination Codon Mutation
Authors: CHAKRABORTY ASIT KUMAR
Published: May 2023

RNA viruses are very mutation prone. We recently reported SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 gene CAA = TAA and AAA = TAA Termination Codon Mutations in B.1.1.7 variants with no production of viable ORF8 protein. We described here another GGA = TGA termination codon in the 8th codon of ORF8 gene located exclusively in XBB.1 (XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.22) and XBB.1.5 subvariants (XBB.1.5.1 to XBB.1.5.39) but not in XBB.2 variant or Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BF.7 and BQ.1 subvariants. However, G > T mutation at 27915 also created an alternate ATG codon but the protein product was short due to preceding TAG and TGA termination codons. The originally located following ATG codons were there but in alternate reading frames and ultimately no ORF8 protein was formed in XBB.1.5 subvariants which were spreading highly now over BA.2.75, BA.4.6, BA.5.2.1, BF.7 and BQ.1.1 subvariants. This is a vivid example of three termination codon mutations in the coronavirus ORF8 protein which was implicated as target for many human proteins regulating interferon production, chromosome instability, antibody production, pathogenicity and virus clearance. The 30nt deletion in the 3’-UTR, including 24LPP, and 145Y deletions in Spike protein as well as N-protein 31ERS and ORF1ab polyprotein 3675SGF deletions made XBB.1.5 Omicron coronavirus weak and less pathogenic so that WHO declared coronaviruses as non-emergency pathogen.
TRP Gene Family as a Prognostic Marker for Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma: Analysis of TCGA Data
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Zhang Xin , Xiong Renhui , Zhang Qian , Luo Zhong , Fan Ruirui , Hu Guyue , Niu Lei
Published: May 2023

Background The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a group of gated cation channels with multiple activation properties. The connection between the TRP gene family and tumor progression has been identified. It is still unclear, nevertheless, how they influence the progression and prognosis of Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Methods Single- and multi-factor analyses of KIRC patients’ data from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were performed, and the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was established and tested. The changes in TRP family expression have been investigated through tumor stages to determine whether they associate with poor outcomes. Analyze functional enrichment of essential TRP members. Results Our results revealed TRP gene family could be used as an essential prognostic marker in KIRC. Additionally, an abnormally high expression of TRPV3 has a strong connection with a poor prognosis and could shorten the survival time of patients and lead to the cancer progression. Conclusions Our results manifested that the TRP gene family is crucial to the prognosis and treatment of KIRC. Hence, we suggested that TRP gene family could serve as a new biomarker for possible therapeutic targets and prognostic values of KIRC.
Mine Induced Airblast prediction: An Application of Chaos Game Optimization based soft computing approaches
Authors: Hosseini Shahab , Taiwo Blessing Olamide , Fissha Yewuhalashet , Sakinala Vikram , Chandra N Sri , Famobuwa Oluwaseun Victor , Akinlabi Adams Abiodun
Published: May 2023

Air overpressure, often known as AOp, is one of the unfavourable effects of galena blasting. It has high damage potential to structural buildings, ecosystem, and occasionally endanger mine workers due to the ore characteristics. The efficiency of most available techniques to manage this mine challenge is site specific and sometimes limited by poor prediction accuracy. In the current study, several deep and machine learning approaches have used to develop blast-induced AOP prediction models as a way forward to the recent gap. These techniques include, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS). To achieve the research aim, 90 measured field data sets were monitored and collected from the Anguran open-pit lead-and-zinc mine (Iran). To improve the proposed model performance, chaos game optimisation (CGO) as a nature-inspired algorithm was adopted. The optimized models were compared with each other and as well with the ordinary models to determine the model with the best prediction accuracy. The results show that, in terms of accuracy levels, the performance of hybrid algorithm approach is superior to that of single based models. The LSTM-CGO model, out of the 10 proposed models, has the highest prediction accuracy statistically. This study demonstrated how well deep learning techniques provide solution to safe and environmental friendly mining operation. The proposed soft computing models are applicable as a tool to forecast AOP in surface mine blasting operation as a pre-blast design decision making reference.
Thermal Expansion of Silicon Between 293k and 873k Using a Capacitor Dilatometer
Authors: Altshuler Thomas L.
Published: May 2023

A fused silica dilatometer consisted of a rod and tube that had capacitance discs attached at one end. The cylindrical specimen of polycrystalline pure silicon 2.54 centimeters long and 0.635 centimeters in diameter was clamped between the other end of the rod and tube. These were enclosed in a fused silica furnace tube within the furnace. The furnace tube was sealed with helium that did not flow. The capacitance discs were sealed in a container outside of the furnace. Helium flowed within that container. These disks were used to measure the thermal expansion of pure silicon between 200 and 600 Celsius. The capacitance measurements were made by an Andean Hager ling capacitance bridge with a readout of ten digits and a sensitivity of 0.5 attofarads. The rate of heating and cooling was 10C per minute. The specimen temperature was measured using a calibrated platinum thermometer 3 millimeters away from the specimen. To correct for changes in disc expansion during a test, a silicon diode measured the temperature. Calibration of the capacitor extensometer was made using NIST fused silica and NIST stainless steel. The total thermal expansion of three silicon specimens measured between 200 and 600 Celsius was 2074.83 strain with a standard deviation of 17.43 strain. The hysteresis difference between the warming and cooling curves for the silicon was less than 7 strain.
In vivo hyperphosphorylation of tau is associated with synaptic loss and behavioral abnormalities in the absence of tau seeds
Authors: Watamura Naoto , Foiani Martha , Bez Sumi , Frodsham Claire , Kamano Naoko , Takahashi Mika , Bourdenx Mathieu , Camporesi Elena , Brinkmalm Gunnar , Turkes Emir , Patel Saisha , Hashimoto Shoko , Sasaguri Hiiroki , Saito Takashi , Seico BENNER , Endo Toshihiro , Kobayashi Katsuji , Ishida Chiho , Zetterberg Henrik , Yamada Masahito , Duff Karen , Saido Takaomi
Published: May 2023

Tau pathology is a hallmark feature of several neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum and Alzheimer’s disease. The accumulation of pathological tau is linked to cognitive impairment. However, the sequence of events and the form of tau that confers toxicity are still unclear, due to the lack of physiological models of tauopathy initiation and progression in which to test hypotheses. We have developed a series of novel, targeted mice expressing FTD-causing mutations in the humanized MAPT gene to investigate the earliest stages of tauopathy. MAPTInt10+3G>A and MAPTS305N;Int10+3G>A lines show abundant hyperphosphorylated tau in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex but no seed-competent fibrillar structures. Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau was accompanied by neurite degeneration, loss of viable synapses and indicators of behavioral abnormalities. Our results demonstrate that neuronal toxicity can occur in the absence of fibrillar, higher-order structures and confirm that tau hyperphosphorylation plays a role in the earliest etiological events in tauopathy.
Study of peculiar behaviour of gas flow in microchannel with 90° bends
Authors: Singh H. S. , Subbarao P. M.V
Published: May 2023

The most often found element of complex microchannel in microdevices is microchannel having 90° bend/bends. Study of the flow through these channels is needed to know the flow physics through it. In this article, the peculiar behaviour of gas flow through microchannel with 90° bends was investigated using experimental and numerical analysis within slip regime. Microchannel system of twenty channels having dimensions 1.03 × 393.96 × 25200 µm3 with 90°bend at two places was fabricated on a silicon wafer. This channel system has a common inlet and outlet passage. Nitrogen gas was used as the working fluid. Experimental data through microchannel system was obtained in slip regime with pressure ratio ranging 1.30-1.55 covering range of Knudsen number from 0.0662 to 0.0805. Study of mass flow rate ratio variation in slip regime was performed. Further, flow separation near bend corners was studied using Ansys fluent 18.1 for three dimensional numerical simulations of isothermal gas flow in slip regime.
CD147 promotes breast cancer invasion and metastasis by inducing EMT and upregulating MMPs via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Li Fang , Yan Yuqiong , Guo Jiqiang , Bai Chongzhi
Published: May 2023

Metastatic breast cancer is the main cause of death among women worldwide. It is crucial to identify new markers associated with breast cancer metastasis in order to predict tumor progression and develop therapeutic molecular targets. In our previous study, we found that CD147 was up-regulated in breast cancer cells and promoted their invasion and metastasis. Although most epithelial tumor cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to invade nearby tissues and metastasize, it is not clear whether EMT also participates in the invasion and metastasis of CD147-induced breast cancer. Furthermore, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is frequently dysregulated during malignant transformation. It remains to be elucidated whether this pathway is involved in metastatic breast cancer as well. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying CD147-driven metastasis and invasion of breast cancer cells. We analyzed the expression of CD147 in four breast cancer cell lines, and found that MCF-7 cells expressed the highest levels of CD147 mRNA and protein, whereas the BT549 cells had the lowest expression levels. Knocking down and overexpressing CD147 in the MCF-7 and BT549 cells respectively altered the expression levels of E-cadherin, vimentin and MMP-9, indicating that CD147 regulates EMT of breast tumor cells. Furthermore, the CD147 expression level was positively correlated with ERK phosphorylation, which suggested that the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is involved in CD147-induced metastasis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that CD147 promotes breast cancer invasion and metastasis by inducing EMT and upregulating MMPs via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
Comprehensive analysis of clinical significance and potential molecular mechanism of PAX gene family in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Weiming , Chen Hui , Cai Junlan , Zhang Xiaowen , Tang Yating , Cai Xiaolian , Wei Lijuan , Zeng Yong
Published: May 2023

Purpose The paired box(PAX) gene family encodes a group of putative transcription factors and associates with pathogenesis and development of various cancers. However, the role of PAX gene family in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore its clinical significance and potential molecular mechanism in LUSC.
Methods LUSC data was downloaded from TCGA and GEO database to analyze the correlation between PAX gene family and LUSC prognostic. The possible mechanism of PAX gene family acting on LUSC was explored via biological information annotation. The co-expression and interaction network analysis method were performed among PAX gene family and relative genes.
Results Significant differential expression of PAX gene family was found between LUSC and normal tissues. Prominently, PAX9 showed the strongest diagnostic ability for LUSC. According to Cox model, PAX9 might be an independent prognostic factor of LUSC. GO and KEGG analysis suggested PAX gene family was related to transcription, DNA binding, etc. PAX9 co-expressed with the genes included KRT13, TMPRSS4, etc. and might act on LUSC through pathways such as MYC pathway, EIF pathway, etc.
Conclusion PAX9 is expected as a potential target for the diagnosis and prognostic of LUSC.
ANALISIS RASIO KEUANGAN DAERAH UNTUK MENILAI KINERJA KEUANGAN DAERAH DI WILAYAH MATARAMAN TAHUN 2019-2020
Authors: Atmaja Deby Kusuma , Himmati Risdiana
Published: May 2023

Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah guna mengetahui kinerja keuangan daerah di wilayah Mataraman di masa pandemic Covid-19 dilihat dari Rasio Kemandirian Keuangan Daerah, Rasio Efektivitas PAD, Rasio Efisiensi Keuangan Daerah, dan Rasio Pertumbuhan. Data yang yang digunakan pada penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini menggunakan purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan Rasio Kemandirian Keuangan Daerah sudah optimal karena peran pemerintah daerah tidak terlalu dominan dalam pelaksanaan program dan kegiatan yang dilaksanakan oleh daerah, Rasio Efektivitas menunjukan ketidakefektivitas dalam sektor keuangan dikarenakan tidak sesuainya realisasi PAD dengan target penerima sehingga menyebabkan dana yang akan direalisasikan pada pemerintah daerah tidak mencukupi, Rasio Efisiensi sendiri menunjukan anggaran PAD stabil dengan rata-rata 0,809% di tahun 2019 dan 0,709% tahun 2020 Pada Rasio Pertumbuhan sendiri menggambarkan bahwa pertumbuhannya negatif dikarenakan tingginya PAD dan belanja operasi dengan diikutinya belanja modal yang rendah.

Kata Kunci: Rasio Kemandirian; Rasio efektivitas; Rasio Efisiensi; Kinerja Keuangan

 

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the regional financial performance in the Mataraman area during the Covid-19 pandemic seen from the Regional Financial Independence Ratio, PAD Effectiveness Ratio, Reginoal Financial Efficiency Ratio, and Growth Ratio. The data used in this study uses secondary data using quantitative descriptive methods. The methode used in this study using purposive sampling. The results of this study indicate that the Regional Financial Independence Ratio is optimal because the role of local goverments is not too dominant in the implementation of programs and activities carried out by regions. The Effectiveness Ratio shows ineffectiveness in the financial sector due to the incompatibility of PAD realization with target recipients, causing funds to be realized in the government inadeguate regions, the Efficiency Ratio itself shows a stable PAD budget with an average of 0,809%  in 2019 and 0,709% in 2020. The Growth ratio itself illustrates that the growth is negative due to high PAD and operating expenditures foolowed by low capital expenditures.

Keywords: Independence Ratio; Effectiveness Ratio; Efficiency Ratio; Financial Performance.
RP-HPLC Method Development for Simultaneous Determination of Phenolic Compounds in Fruit Extracts of Momordica charantia from Different Locations in Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Zainol Syafinaz , Dewa Aidiahmad ,   Department of Physiology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Ismail Zhari ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Mohamed Nornisah ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: May 2023

A sensitive, reproducible, and reliable reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with diode array detection (DAD) was developed and validated. Simultaneous determinations of five compounds; gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin gallate and caffeic acid in four types of Momordica charantia extracts; water, ethanol, water:ethanol (1:1) and acetone were conducted. The compounds were successfully separated by C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a gradient solvent system of 3% acetic acid in water:methanol:acetonitrile at flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. UV detection was carried out at 280 nm. The standard curves of the five compounds were linear in the range of 0.0396 µg/mL–100 µg/mL. The intra-assay relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 4.97%, while the inter-assay RSD was less than 4.92%, whereas the accuracy was between 90.96% and 108.92%, respectively. Our optimised RP-HPLC-DAD method was capable to detect flavonoids and phenolic acid contents in four types of M. charantia fruits extracts simultaneously from five locations in Malaysia. The present method is recommended to be used for chemical analyses of phenolic compounds in other Momordica species.
Benchmarking the Ising universality class in $3 \le d < 4$ dimensions
Authors: Bonanno Claudio , Cappelli Andrea , Kompaniets Mikhail , Okuda Satoshi , Wiese Kay Joerg
Published: May 2023

The Ising critical exponents \etaη, \nuν and \omegaω are determined up to one-per-thousand relative error in the whole range of dimensions 3 \le d < 43≤d<4, using numerical conformal-bootstrap techniques. A detailed comparison is made with results by the resummed epsilon expansion in varying dimension, the analytic bootstrap, Monte Carlo and non-perturbative renormalization-group methods, finding very good overall agreement. Precise conformal field theory data of scaling dimensions and structure constants are obtained as functions of dimension, improving on earlier findings, and providing benchmarks in 3 \le d < 43≤d<4.
Anaerobically Treated Leachate from a Composting Plant: Characterization and Evaluation as a Biofertilizer
Authors: Freire Rita de Cássia , de Aguiar Adalin Cezar , Nascimento Mayra Aparecida , Cruz Felipe , Mounteer Ann , Silva Antônio Alberto , Lopes Renata
Published: May 2023

Leachate from a composting plant was characterized and applied as a biofertilizer in lettuce crops. Characteristics of untreated (UE) and anaerobically treated (TE) leachate samples were compared. The pH of TE (8.2) increased in relation to the UE (5.2) due to an increase in ammonia nitrogen in TE (1197 mg L-1) compared to UE (859 mg L-1). Anaerobic treatment was efficient in the removal of organic matter from the leachate, evaluated by the decrease of dissolved organic carbon, biochemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon and total solids. K presented the highest concentration (1743 mg L-1) in TE, followed by Mg (135 mg L-1). Cd, Pb and Cr were present at low concentrations in the samples, 0.047, 0.206 and 0.081 mg L-1, respectively. Salmonella, thermotolerant coliforms and viable helminth eggs were not present in TE, which was applied as a biofertilizer in a lettuce crop and compared to mineral fertilization based on fresh matter and dry matter production. Lettuce production using TE was statistically equivalent to mineral fertilization. Toxic metals were not detected in the lettuce shoots. It was concluded that the anaerobically treated leachate from the composting company has the potential to be used as a biofertilizer.
SPECIFICITY OF MODUS MEANINGS AS SEEN ON THE EXAMPLE OF INTERACTION BETWEEN THE CATEGORIES OF PERSUASIVENESS AND PARTITIVITY
Authors: Dediukhina Anna S. ,   Ural Federal University, Lanskikh Danil Yu. ,   Ural Federal University
Published: May 2023

The paper examines modus meanings reflecting interaction between the persuasiveness and partitivity categories. The aim of this work is to identify and substantiate the types of interaction between the two categories under study. Modus meanings are studied using the following research methods: comparative analysis, pragmatic method, distributive analysis, component analysis, content analysis, definitional analysis, discourse analysis. Indicators of the studied persuasiveness and partitivity modus categories perform different functions in the text: a) the pragmatic function (foregrounding the persuasion semantics, “calling for unification”); b) the function of text formation (explication of formal and semantic coherence and integrity of the text/text fragment; the modus key function); c) the compositional function (influencing the compositional pattern of the text/text fragment, providing different types of composition). Despite both studied modus categories possessing a wide array of means of expression at the lexical, grammatical, and syntactic levels, partitivity, being a separate category, is one of the ways for manifesting the category of persuasiveness in political discourse.
CATEGORIZATION OF THE REALITY FRAGMENT “ORNAMENTS” IN EAST SLAVIC AND ANGLOSAXON WORLD PICTURES
Authors: Denisenko Elena N. ,   Military University of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
Published: May 2023

The article is devoted to the review of comparative characteristics of the categorization of one of the fragments of reality in the Old Russian and Old Slavonic languages, based on a cognitive approach, which allowed us to identify the unique and universal in the perception of the element of material culture. Ornament, its linguistic representation, functions, role in the process of historical and cultural evolution has undergone certain changes. Therefore, the study of categorization of jewelry in the world pictures of the two peoples provides an opportunity to expand and deepen the knowledge of human cognitive activity. The analysis of the material proves the close approaches of the ancient Eastern Slavs and Anglo-Saxons to jewelry, based on the syncretism of pagan and Christian values. On the basis of the definitional analysis, the main features of the meanings of the words nominating jewelry have been identified, which allows us to identify isomorphic and allomorphic characteristics of the names in the two languages and to state as universal their economic, social and cultural significance in the world pictures of the East Slavic and Anglo-Saxon peoples. The unique features of the perception of ornaments in the meanings of the names of ornaments by the ancient Russians and Anglo- Saxons have been revealed.
RETHINKING THE CONCEPT OF A NATIVE SPEAKER
Authors: Gich Olga N. ,   Far Eastern Federal University
Published: May 2023

For language teaching, the exchange of experience both at the regional and international levels is a prerequisite for the development of this professional and academic field. The concept of a native speaker is one of the key concepts of linguodidactic discourse. The preferred foreign language teaching strategy by the professional community depends on what meanings and values are contained in this concept. The term ‘native speaker’ is considered formed, established and unproblematic for intercultural communication, although the definitional analysis of Russian and English dictionary entries has revealed that there is a difference in the understanding of these terms. The article discusses the English and Russian concepts behind the term and describes the modern structure, content and features of the functioning of these concepts in discourse in a comparative aspect. The analysis shows that the English-language and Russian-language concepts have more differences than similarities, which is reflected in the role of a native speaker in teaching foreign languages.
THE CONTRASTIVE RHETORIC OF METADISCOURSE MARKERS IN L1 AND L2 RESEARCH PAPERS: A CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON OF ABSTRACTS AND DISCUSSION SECTIONS OF MEDICAL RESEARCH PAPERS
Authors: Grigoriev Ivan V. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Rubtsova Svetlana Yu. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: May 2023

Most researchers find themselves in a very competitive surrounding and are supposed to be published continuously in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. However, the norms adopted by the local academic communities may differ from the norms adopted by the international academic communities. Differences have various causes and often include metadiscoursal textual features. The vast majority of the research in metadiscourse basically follow the model proposed by K. Hyland in 2005. To analyze the distribution of metadiscourse markers, four corpora were created: two corpora representing medical cardiology texts written in English by L2 Russian researchers (abstract and discussion section corpora) and two corpora representing English medical texts written by L1 English researchers. The results suggest that interactive metadiscourse markers for sequencing, announcing goals and indicating the nature of a given statement (evidentials) are more frequent in both L1 English abstracts and discussion sections than in their L2 English counterparts. The findings of this study have important pedagogical implications, especially for classes in English for Specific Purposes, English for Academic Purposes, and English for Research Publication Purposes.