bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensing the structural behavior: A perspective on the usefulness of monitoring information for bridge examination
Authors: Bertola Numa , Reuland Yves , Brühwiler Eugen
Published: January 2023

Managing existing civil infrastructure is challenging due to evolving functional requirements, material aging, and climate change. With increasingly limited economic, environmental, and material resources, more sustainable solutions for practical asset management are required. Significant efforts have been made to monitor civil infrastructure, such as bridges.In-situmeasurements are collected with the aim of improving the accuracy of structural capacity evaluations. Monitoring data collected through bridge load testing, continuous condition monitoring, and non-destructive tests provides structural-behavior information that could significantly influence structural-safety examinations. Nonetheless, monitoring techniques are often costly, and the monitoring costs may not always justify the benefits of the information gained. This paper proposes a short perspective of the potential impact of monitoring activities to assess the structural safety of existing bridges. A full-scale bridge in Switzerland is used as an example. Future research needs are also proposed.
The first embryo, the origin of cancer and animal phylogeny. I. A presentation of the neoplastic process and its connection with cell fusion and germline formation
Authors: Cofre Jaime , Saalfeld Kay
Published: January 2023

The decisive role of Embryology in understanding the evolution of animal forms is founded and deeply rooted in the history of science. It is recognized that the emergence of multicellularity would not have been possible without the formation of the first embryo. We speculate that biophysical phenomena and the surrounding environment of the Ediacaran ocean were instrumental in co-opting a neoplastic functional module (NFM) within the nucleus of the first zygote. Thus, the neoplastic process, understood here as a biological phenomenon with profound embryologic implications, served as the evolutionary engine that favored the formation of the first embryo and cancerous diseases and allowed to coherently create and recreate body shapes in different animal groups during evolution. In this article, we provide a deep reflection on the Physics of the first embryogenesis and its contribution to the exaptation of additional NFM components, such as the extracellular matrix. Knowledge of NFM components, structure, dynamics, and origin advances our understanding of the numerous possibilities and different innovations that embryos have undergone to create animal formsviaNeoplasia during evolutionary radiation. The developmental pathways of Neoplasia have their origins in ctenophores and were consolidated in mammals and other apical groups.
The cryoEM structure of cytochrome bd from C. glutamicum provides novel insights into structural properties of actinobacterial terminal oxidases
Authors: Grund Tamara N. , Kabashima Yoshiki , Kusumoto Tomoichirou , Wu Di , Welsch Sonja , Sakamoto Junshi , Michel Hartmut , Safarian Schara
Published: January 2023

Cytochromes bd are essential for microaerobic respiration of many prokaryotes including a number of human pathogens. These enzymes catalyze the reduction of molecular oxygen to water using quinols as electron donors. Their importance for prokaryotic survival and the absence of eukaryotic homologs make these enzyme ideal targets for antimicrobial drugs. Here, we determined the cryoEM structure of the menaquinol-oxidizing cytochrome bd-type oxygen reductase of the facultative anaerobic Actinobacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum at a resolution of 2.7 Å. The obtained structure adopts the signature pseudosymmetrical heterodimeric architecture of canonical cytochrome bd oxidases formed by the core subunits CydA and CydB. No accessory subunits were identified for this cytochrome bd homolog. The two b-type hemes and the oxygen binding heme d are organized in a triangular geometry with a protein environment around these redox cofactors similar to that of the closely related cytochrome bd from M. tuberculosis. We identified oxygen and a proton conducting channels emerging from the membrane space and the cytoplasm, respectively. Compared to the prototypical enzyme homolog from the E. coli, the most apparent difference is found in the location and size of the proton channel entry site. In canonical cytochrome bd oxidases quinol oxidation occurs at the highly flexible periplasmic Q-loop located in the loop region between TMHs six and seven. An alternative quinol-binding site near heme b595 was previously identified for cytochrome bd from M. tuberculosis. We discuss the relevance of the two quinol oxidation sites in actinobacterial bd-type oxidases and highlight important differences that may explain functional and electrochemical differences between C. glutamicum and M. tuberculosis. This study expands our current understanding of the structural diversity of actinobacterial and proteobacterial cytochrome bd oxygen reductases and provides deeper insights into the unique structural and functional properties of various cytochrome bd variants from different phylae.
In-situ reconstruction of CoBOx enables formation of Co for synthesis of benzylamine through reductive amination
Authors: Zhang Mingkai , Zhang Sai , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: January 2023

Cobalt (Co) as a substitute of noble-metal catalysts shows high catalytic capability for production of the widely used primary amines through the reductive amination. However, the synthesis of Co catalysts usually involves the introduction of organic compounds and the high-temperature pyrolysis, which is complicated and difficult for large-scale applications. Herein, we demonstrated a facile and efficient strategy for the preparation of Co catalysts through the in situ reconstruction of cobalt borate (CoBOx) during the reductive amination, delivering a high catalytic activity for production of benzylamine from benzaldehyde and ammonia. Initially, CoBOx was transformed into Co(OH)2 through the interaction with ammonia and subsequently reduced to Co nanoparticles by H2 under the reaction environments. The in situ generated Co catalysts exhibited a satisfactory activity and selectivity to the target product, which overmatched the commonly used Co/C, Pt or Raney Ni catalysts. We anticipate that such an in situ reconstruction of CoBOx by reactants during the reaction could provide a new approach for the design and optimization of catalysts to produce primary amines.
Effects of Zhishi Daozhi Decoction on the intestinal flora of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mice induced by a high-fat diet
Authors: Bi Chao-Ran , Sun Jia-Tong , Du Jian , Chu Li-Yuan , Li Yi-Jing , Jia Xiao-Yu , Liu Yuan , Zhang Wen-Ping , Li Yu-Chun , Liu Yan-Jing
Published: January 2023

Background and aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of chronic liver disease with a high incidence, and the situation is not optimistic. Intestinal flora imbalance is strongly correlated with NAFLD pathogenesis. Zhishi Daozhi Decoction (ZDD) is a water decoction of the herbs used in the classical Chinese medicine prescription Zhishi Daozhi Pills. Zhishi Daozhi Pills has shown promising hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic properties, but its specific mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

Mice were fed on a high fat-rich diet (HFD) for ten weeks, and then the animals were administrated ZDD through oral gavage for four weeks. The serum liver function and blood lipid indexes of the mice were then tested using an automatic biochemical analyzer. H&E and Oil Red O staining were used to observe the pathological conditions of mice liver tissue, and 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the changes in intestinal flora of mice. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut of mice was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins between ileal mucosal epithelial cells was analyzed using the immunofluorescence technique.

Results

ZDD was found to reduce the bodyweight of NAFLD mice, reduce serum TG, CHO, ALT, and AST levels, reduce fat accumulation in liver tissue, make the structure of intestinal flora comparable to the control group, and increase the concentration of intestinal SCFAs. It was also found to increase the expression of TJ proteins such as occludin and ZO-1, making them comparable to the control group.

Conclusions

ZDD has a therapeutic effect on NAFLD mice induced by HFD, which may act by optimizing the intestinal flora structure.
Lessons learnt running distributed and remote mixed reality experiments
Authors: Steed Anthony , Archer Daniel , Brandstätter Klara , Congdon Ben J. , Friston Sebastian , Ganapathi Priya , Giunchi Daniele , Izzouzi Lisa , Park Gun Woo (Warren) , Swapp David , Thiel Felix J.
Published: January 2023

One traditional model of research on mixed-reality systems, is the laboratory-based experiment where a number of small variants of a user experience are presented to participants under the guidance of an experimenter. This type of experiment can give reliable and generalisable results, but there are arguments for running experiments that are distributed and remote from the laboratory. These include, expanding the participant pool, reaching specific classes of user, access to a variety of equipment, and simply because laboratories might be inaccessible. However, running experiments out of the laboratory brings a different set of issues into consideration. Here, we present some lessons learnt in running eleven distributed and remote mixed-reality experiments. We describe opportunities and challenges of this type of experiment as well as some technical lessons learnt.
A Novel Approach to Left Ventricular Filling Pressure Assessment: The Role of Hemodynamic Forces Analysis
Authors: Airale Lorenzo , Vallelonga Fabrizio , Forni Tommaso , Leone Dario , Magnino Corrado , Avenatti Eleonora , Iannaccone Andrea , Astarita Anna , Mingrone Giulia , Cesareo Marco , Giordana Carlo , Omedè Pierluigi , Moretti Claudio , Veglio Franco , Pedrizzetti Gianni , Milan Alberto
Published: January 2023

Graphical Abstract

Risk variation of presenting increased left ventricular filling pressure (upper graph) and PCWP variation (lower graph), according to the proposed scoring system. EF, ejection fraction; DLF, diastolic longitudinal force; LAe, left atrial enlargement; ILFP, increased left ventricular filling pressure; NLFP, normal left ventricular filling pressure; PCWP, postcapillary wedge pressure.
Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Yong-An decoction modulates intestinal flora and metabolites in acute coronary syndrome model
Authors: Zhao Ning , Wang Ying , Ma Yan , Liang Xiaoxue , Zhang Xi , Gao Yuan , Dong Yingying , Bai Dong , Hu Jingqing
Published: January 2023

Aims

We assessed the efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine formulation Jia-Wei-Si-Miao-Yong-An decoction (HJ11) in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome and evaluated its impact on the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites.

Methods

An acute coronary syndrome model was established in rats, which were randomly assigned to the model, HJ11 treatment, and atorvastatin treatment groups. Rats were then administered saline solution (model and sham operation control groups) or drugs by oral gavage for 28 d. Echocardiography was performed and serum creatine kinase-MB and cardiac troponin I levels were monitored to examine the cardiac function. Inflammation was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining of heart tissue, and serum interleukin-2, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein measurements. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Metabolomics was used to determine fecal metabolites and elucidate the modes of action of HJ11 in acute coronary syndrome treatment.

Results

HJ11 improved cardiac function and attenuated inflammation in rats with acute coronary syndrome. Relative to the untreated model group, the HJ11-treated group presented normalized Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and reduced abundances of the bacterial genera norank_f__Ruminococcaceae, Desulfovibrio, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Adlercreutzia, Staphylococcus, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, unclassified_o__Bacteroidales, and Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group. We found 23 differentially expressed intestinal metabolites, and the enriched metabolic pathways were mainly related to amino acid metabolism. We also discovered that asymmetric dimethylarginine levels were strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. Correlation analyses revealed strong associations among intestinal microflora, their metabolites, proinflammatory factors, and cardiac function. Hence, the therapeutic effects of HJ11 on acute coronary syndrome are related to specific alterations in gut microbiota and their metabolites.

Conclusion

This work demonstrated that HJ11 effectively treats acute coronary syndrome. HJ11 seems to increase the abundance of beneficial bacterial taxa (Bacteroides and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group), mitigate the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, alter bacterial metabolites, lower asymmetric dimethylarginine levels, and effectively treat acute coronary syndrome.
Traditional Baduanjin exercise through the eyes of patients with chronic heart failure: A qualitative content analysis study
Authors: Chen Xiankun , Jiang Wei , Salazar Mariano , Zhu Huiying , Wen Zehuai , Chen Xixi , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby
Published: January 2023

Objective

Baduanjin (eight silken movements) is a traditional Chinese exercise that can be used as cardiac rehabilitation therapy for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) especially when other forms of rehabilitation are scarce or unaffordable. This study explores the experiences of Chinese patients with CHF who undertook Baduanjin exercise at home as part of a pilot trial in Guangzhou, China.

Methods

We conducted seven qualitative interviews with participants who had participated in the intervention arm of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 8). For data collection, we used a semi-structured interview guide with both open-ended, and follow-up questions. We audio recorded the interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and then analyzed them with content analysis.

Results

Participants’ experiences of doing Baduanjin were classified into three categories: (1) improving practice (2) factors facilitating good exercise adherence, and (3) feeling good. Participants reported that the exercises were easy but that the correct Baduanjin execution and coordination between the mind, movements, and breathing were only achievable through practice. In addition, the training benefits which they perceived were the predominant motivation for patients to keep practicing. Finally, trust in Baduanjin, personal attitudes toward health, flexibility in practice times, as well as social support helped the participants to achieve good adherence to home-based training.

Conclusion

This study’s findings indicate that Baduanjin could be a cardiac rehabilitation exercise modality for patients with CHF in China, especially in a home-based setting.
Charcoal in Kunlun Mountains loess: Implications for environment change and human activity during the middle Holocene
Authors: Pan Yanfang , Mu Guijin , Gao Cunhai , Behling Herman , Liu Dexin , Wu Guangyang
Published: January 2023

Loess sediment charcoal records are used in paleoecological analyses to reconstruct fire history and human activities. The Tarim Basin is bordered to the south by the Kunlun Mountains, where eolian silt or loess is extensive and has continued to be deposited in modern times. In this study, we conducted multiple analyses of a 720 cm–thick loess section (KLA) at 3,516 m elevation in the Kunlun Mountains to reconstruct the middle Holocene vegetation history in northern China. Our palynological, charcoal, and grain-size data reveal a slightly drying trend with notable moisture fluctuations in the Kunlun highland since ∼4.9 kyr (1 kyr = 1,000 cal yr BP). At approximately 4.1, 2.0, and 1.0 kyr, the climate became more arid; the intervals of 4.0–3.2, 2.4–1.9 and 0.7–0.5 kyr were relatively wet periods. Some sand activity phases in the southern margin of the Taklimakan Desert are recorded around 4.0–3.5, 2.5–2.3, and 1.2–0.7 kyr. Stronger human activities commenced at approximately 2.0 kyr. On the basis of sedimentary charcoal concentrations and regional paleoclimatic and archaeological records, we propose that micro charcoal (<50 μm) originated from the Tarim Basin, reflecting human activity in the basin. Macro charcoal (>50 μm) is suitable for reconstructing Kunlun highland fire events. We suggest that increased anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, construction, and wars played an important role in land degradation and abandonment of ancient cities in the southern Tarim Basin. Our results provide new insights into the role of humans in the ecological evolution of inland arid areas in China during the middle Holocene.
Do pupils at research-informed schools actually perform better? Findings from a study at English schools
Authors: Groß Ophoff Jana , Brown Chris , Helm Christoph
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Across the globe, many national, state, and district level governments are increasingly seeking to bring about school “self improvement” via the fostering of change, which, at best, is based on or informed by research, evidence, and data. According to the conceptualization of research-informed education as inquiry cycle, it is reasoned that there is value in combining the approaches of data-based decision-making and evidence-informed education. The originality of this paper lies in challenging common claims that teachers’ engagement with research supports development processes at schools and pupil performance.

Methods

To put this assumption to test, a data-set based on 1,457 staff members from 73 English primary schools (school year 2014/2015) was (re-)analyzed in this paper. Not only survey information about trust among colleagues, organizational learning and the research use climate was used (cf. Brown et al., 2016), but also the results from the most recent school inspections and the results from standardized assessment at the end of primary school. Of particular interest was, as to whether the perceived research use climate mediates the association between organizational learning and trust at school on the one hand and the average pupil performance on the other, and whether schools that were rated as “outstanding,” “good,” or “requires improvement” in their most recent school inspection differ in that regard. Data was analyzed based on multi-level structural equation modelling.

Results

Our findings indicate that schools with a higher average value of trust among colleagues report more organizational and research informed activities, but also demonstrate better results in the average pupil performance assessment at the end of the school year. This was particularly true for schools rated as “good” in previous school inspections. In contrast, both “outstanding” schools and schools that “require improvement” appeared to engage more with research evidence, even though the former seemed not to profit from it.

Discussion

The conclusion is drawn that a comprehensive model of research-informed education can contribute to more conceptual clarity in future research, and based on that, to theoretical development.
The importance of copyright and shared norms for credit in Open Educational Resources
Authors: Norris Meghan E. , Swartz Mark , Kuhlmeier Valerie A.
Published: January 2023

Open Educational Resources (OER) are reducing barriers to education while allowing creators the opportunity to share their work with the world and continue owning copyright of their work. To support new authors and adaptors in the OER space, we provide an overview of common considerations that creators and adaptors of OER should make with respect to issues related to copyright in the context of OER. Further, and importantly, a challenge in the OER space is ensuring that original creators receive appropriate credit for their work, while also respecting the credit of those who have adapted work. Thus, in addition to providing important considerations when it comes to the creation of open access works, we propose shared norms for ensuring appropriate attribution and credit for creators and adaptors of OER.
A network pharmacology study on mechanism of resveratrol in treating preeclampsia via regulation of AGE-RAGE and HIF-1 signalling pathways
Authors: Shi Jiamiao , Wang Jiahao , Jia Ning , Sun Qinru
Published: January 2023

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that threatens the lives of millions of pregnant women and their babies worldwide. Without effective medications, there are thousands of maternal and child mortalities every year. Resveratrol (RSV), a non-flavonoid polyphenol extracted from multiple plants, has shown positive effects in treating hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and even PE. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological mechanism of RSV in treating PE by using network pharmacology and bioinformatics.

Methods

With the use of multiple databases, 66 intersecting targets were obtained from the 347 putative targets of RSV and 526 PE-related genes. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted to investigate the functions of the intersecting targets. The protein–protein interaction network and target–pathway network were drawn and analyzed to illustrate the correlation between targets and pathways. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to calculate the binding energy between RSV and core targets.

Results

The results showed that the core targets of RSV were IL6, TNF, IL1B, VEGFA, STAT3, and EGFR. There existed good binding between RSV and IL6, TNF, IL1B, VEGFA, and EGFR. In addition, we found that RSV mainly functioned in the AGE-RAGE and HIF-1 signaling pathways, which are associated with the occurrence and development of PE.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our findings indicated that RSV has the effects of regulating angiogenesis and anti-inflammation and can be a candidate medicine for treating PE.
Bilateral multifocality is an independent predictor of patients’ outcome in Middle Eastern papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Siraj Abdul K. , Annaiyappanaidu Padmanaban , Siraj Nabil , Al-Sobhi Saif S. , Al-Dayel Fouad , Al-Kuraya Khawla S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Tumor multifocality is frequently seen in Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, few studies have analysed the impact of bilateral multifocality in PTC. The incidence of bilateral multifocality, its clinico-pathological associations and prognostic impact in PTC from Middle Eastern ethnicity remains unestablished.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 1283 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC. Bilateral and unilateral multifocality were decided based on the final pathology result. Primary outcome was recurrence free survival (RFS). Risk factors for bilateral multifocality were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Multifocal PTC was found in 54.3% (697/1283) of patients. Among the 697 multifocal PTCs, 210 patients (30.1%) had unilateral multifocal PTC and 487 patients (69.9%) had bilateral multifocality. Bilateral multifocality was significantly associated with older age at diagnosis (p = 0.0263), male gender (p = 0.0201), gross extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.0332), larger primary tumor size (>4cm; p = 0.0002), lateral lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0008), distant metastasis at diagnosis (p = 0.0195) and recurrence (p = 0.0001). Bilateral multifocality was also found to be an independent predictor of RFS (Hazard ratio = 1.60; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.05 – 2.55; p = 0.0300). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated tumor diameter >4cm to be the only independent risk factors for bilaterality in multifocal PTC (Odds ratio = 1.86; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.13 – 3.07; p = 0.0155).

Conclusions

Incidence of bilateral multifocality is high in Middle Eastern PTC. Tumor diameter >4cm can be considered as a predictive factor for bilateral multifocal PTC. Bilateral multifocality appears to be an important prognostic factor for PTC and an independent predictor of RFS. Therefore, patients with bilateral multifocal PTC may benefit from more frequent follow-up to identify recurrences earlier.
Ontogeny of ependymoglial cells lining the third ventricle in mice
Authors: Lopez-Rodriguez David , Rohrbach Antoine , Lanzillo Marc , Gervais Manon , Croizier Sophie , Langlet Fanny
Published: January 2023

Introduction

During hypothalamic development, the germinative neuroepithelium gives birth to diverse neural cells that regulate numerous physiological functions in adulthood.

Methods

Here, we studied the ontogeny of ependymal cells in the mouse mediobasal hypothalamus using the BrdU approach and publicly available single-cell RNAseq datasets.

Results

We observed that while typical ependymal cells are mainly produced at E13, tanycyte birth depends on time and subtypes and lasts up to P8. Typical ependymocytes and β tanycytes are the first to arise at the top and bottom of the dorsoventral axis around E13, whereas α tanycytes emerge later in development, generating an outside-in dorsoventral gradient along the third ventricle. Additionally, α tanycyte generation displayed a rostral-to-caudal pattern. Finally, tanycytes mature progressively until they reach transcriptional maturity between P4 and P14.

Discussion

Altogether, this data shows that ependyma generation differs in time and distribution, highlighting the heterogeneity of the third ventricle.
Analysis of the epidemiological status, microbiology, treatment methods and financial burden of hematogenous osteomyelitis based on 259 patients in Northwest China
Authors: Lu Shuaikun , Wang Linhu , Luo Wen , Wang Guoliang , Zhu Zhenfeng , Liu Yunyan , Gao Hao , Fu Congxiao , Ren Jun , Zhang Yunfei , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2023

Background

The incidence of hematogenous osteomyelitis is on the rise, and the prognosis is poor. There has been no large-scale epidemiological analysis of hematogenous osteomyelitis in the world, and the treatment method is still controversial.

Methods

A retrospective case study method was used to collect and analyze clinical data obtained from patients with hematogenous osteomyelitis in a tertiary hospital in Northwest China from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological status, microbiological characteristics, treatment and financial burden of hematogenous osteomyelitis in Northwest China to explore the therapeutic effects of different treatment methods, elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of hematogenous osteomyelitis and to provide a basis for the choice of treatment.

Results

We included 259 patients with hematogenous osteomyelitis, including 96 patients with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis and 163 patients with chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis. The cause of the disease was not obvious in most patients, the sex ratio of males to females was 1.98, and the three most common infected sites were the tibia, femur and phalanx. Regarding preoperative serum inflammatory markers, the rate of positivity for ESR was the highest at 67.58%. Among pathogenic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common. Regarding the financial burden, the median total cost per patient was 25,754 RMB, and medications accounted for the largest proportion of the main costs.

Conclusions

The most common pathogen associated with HO infection was MSSA. Oxacillin has good PK and PD and is recommended as the first-line drug. Some blood-borne bone infections may lead to complications, such as pulmonary infection through bacteremia, which requires early detection to avoid a missed diagnosis. Regarding surgical intervention, debridement plus absorbable calcium sulfate bone cement and calcium sulfate calcium phosphate bone cement exclusion have achieved good therapeutic effects, but they are worthy of further in-depth research. Regarding the financial burden, the median total cost per patient was 25,754 RMB. The financial burden of blood-borne osteomyelitis was lower than that of traumatic osteomyelitis. Among the main costs, drugs accounted for the largest proportion.
Effect of calcium ionophore (A23187) on embryo development and its safety in PGT cycles
Authors: Zhang Junya , Yao Guidong , Zhang Tongwei , Hu Jingyi , Yang Guang , He Jiahuan , He Qina , Fan Huiying , Bai Yucheng , Sun Yingpu
Published: January 2023

Background

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has tremendous advantages for resolving the problem of male infertility. However, ICSI fertilization can fail in some patients because of various reasons, primarily because of the failure of oocyte activation. Oocytes have been activated using calcium ionophore (A23187) in previous clinical cases of ICSI fertilization failure. However, studies on the efficiency of calcium ionophore (A23187) activation, its effects on the developmental potential of embryos, and its effects on pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer are relatively limited.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the safety and long-term efficacy of calcium ionophore (A23187) by analyzing its effects on fertilization, embryonic development, aneuploidy, and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles.

Results

Comparative analyses of the activation followed by PGT (A-PGT) and PGT groups revealed no significant differences between the oocyte cleavage rate and high-quality embryo rate (98.19% vs. 98.63% and 63.13% vs. 68.39%, respectively, p > 0.05). Although the blastocyst formation rate was significantly lower in the A-PGT group than that in the PGT group (52.22% vs. 59.90%, p < 0.05), no significant difference was observed in the blastocyst aneuploidy rates of the two groups (24.49% vs. 24.55%, p > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the live birth rate (43.75% vs. 52.99%), week of delivery, and birth weight of the infants after transfer of euploid blastocysts (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the 2PN rate, oocyte cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and live birth rate were found to be significantly lower in the A-ICSI group than those in the ICSI group (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in the week of delivery and birth weight of live births (p > 0.05).

Discussion

These results suggest that the use of calcium ionophore (A23187) activation as an option in cases of ICSI fertilization failure does not affect the ploidy of developing blastocysts and has no significant effects on the week of delivery or birth weight after transfer. Thus, we provide a scientific basis for the clinical safety of oocyte activation using calcium ionophore (A23187).
Electric power cyber-physical systems vulnerability assessment under cyber attack
Authors: Qu Zhengwei , Sun Wenting , Dong Jie , Zhao Jianjun , Li Yang
Published: January 2023

Improving the accuracy of the vulnerability assessment of the power cyber-physical system has important practical value for protecting the vulnerable links of the system and preventing large power outages. This article studies the vulnerability assessment of power cyber-physical systems under cyber-attacks. First, from the perspective of topology, the electrical betweenness is used as the structural vulnerability index of the power system. Based on the power flow characteristics of the power network, the voltage is used as the state vulnerability index. Then, starting from the structure, the node degree and clustering coefficient are selected to analyze the structural vulnerability. Considering the service transmission characteristics of the information system, the power service importance is selected as the vulnerability assessment index of the information system. The two selected indexes are used to construct a quantitative formula, and a comprehensive index is obtained to complete the node vulnerability assessment of the power information system. Then, on the basis of the system vulnerability assessment, we screen to determine the entry and target nodes of network attacks and predict the network attack path. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method for vulnerability assessment and feasibility is verified by MATLAB programming simulation.
Peer-to-peer energy trading and smart contracting platform of community-based virtual power plant
Authors: Guo Mingxing , Zhang Ke , Wang Su , Xia Jinlei , Wang Xiaohui , Lan Li , Wang Lingling
Published: January 2023

Traditional centralized transactions require a control center for user demand matching, settlement and other processes. However, with the increase in the penetration rate of distributed energy in the community, the explosive increase in the number of transactions leads to a decrease in efficiency and it is difficult to guarantee user privacy and information security. The smart contract technology based on blockchain technology has the characteristics of decentralization, traceability and tamper resistance, and these key factors show unique advantages in distributed energy transactions. This paper explores Ethereum and smart contract technology, designs a peer-to-peer energy sharing mechanism with reward and punishment incentives and establishes a smart contract trading platform for smart community-based virtual power plant (CVPP). This paper verifies the functionality and effectiveness of smart contract. The results show that when the supply and demand ratio changes, the user can conduct energy transactions according to the contract without a third-party organization, which solves the problem of trust between the two parties and achieves the expected effect and runs successfully. In addition, the simulation results show that the peer-to-peer transaction based on smart contracts reduces the energy cost per household and increases the total benefit of CVPP.
Remaining useful life prediction of Lithium-ion batteries based on PSO-RF algorithm
Authors: Wu Jingjin , Cheng Xukun , Huang Heng , Fang Chao , Zhang Ling , Zhao Xiaokang , Zhang Lina , Xing Jiejie
Published: January 2023

Accurately predicting the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries is the key to the battery health management system. However, problems of unstable model output and extensive calculation limit the prediction accuracy. This article proposes a Particle Swarm Optimization Random Forest (PSO-RF) prediction method to improve the RUL prediction accuracy. First, the battery capacity extracted from the lithium-ion battery data set of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the University of Maryland Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE) is set as the battery life health factor. Then, a PSO-RF prediction model is established based on the optimal parameters for the number of trees and the number of random features to split by the PSO algorithm. Finally, the experiment is verified on the NASA and CALCE data sets. The experiment results indicate that the method predicts RUL with Mean Absolute Error (MAE) less than 2%, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) less than 3%, and goodness of fit greater than 94%. This method solves the problem of parameter selection in the RF algorithm.
Can the National Specially Monitored Firms program improve corporate environmental performance?—Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Zhong Tingyong , Xu Chaoya , Liu Hui , Li Jiangna
Published: January 2023

As an important measure of reform of the central environmental supervision, the National Specially Monitored Firms program has a significant impact on enterprise pollution control. However, there are few studies that have systematically studied the mechanism of this system on enterprise environmental performance. Based on the quasi natural experiment of the National Specially Monitored Firms program, this article uses the emission data of industrial enterprises from 2001 to 2009 to investigate the impact of the central environmental supervision on on corporate environmental performance by using the DID method. It is found that the National Specially Monitored Firms program has significantly improved the corporate environmental performance of the monitored enterprises. Heterogeneity analysis finds that when compared with enterprises with a higher degree of financing constraints, export enterprises, and enterprises with a lower level of economic development in the region, the implementation of the National Specially Monitored Firms program has a more significant effect on improving the environmental performance of enterprises with a lower degree of financing constraints, domestic enterprises, and enterprises with a higher level of economic development in the region. The mechanism test shows that improving the enterprise environmental protection equipment investment is not the only intermediary mechanism for the National Specially Monitored Firms program to improve corporate environmental performance. The conclusions of this article are not only conducive in optimizing the environmental governance methods but also inspirational for monitoring practices in other fields.
Spatiotemporal analysis of global atmospheric XCO2 concentrations before and after COVID-19 using HASM data fusion method
Authors: Liu Yu , Wu Binwei , Yue Tianxiang
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak that began in 2020 has changed human activities and thus reduced anthropogenic carbon emissions in most parts of the world. To accurately study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in atmospheric XCO2 concentrations, a data fusion method called High Accuracy Surface Modeling (HASM) is applied using the CO2 simulation from GEOS-Chem as the driving field and GOSAT XCO2 observations as the accuracy control conditions to obtain continuous spatiotemporal global XCO2 concentrations. Cross-validation shows that using High Accuracy Surface Modeling greatly improves the mean absolute error and root mean square error of the XCO2 data compared with those for GEOS-Chem simulation data before fusion, and the R2 is also increased from 0.54 to 0.79 after fusion. Moreover, OCO-2/OCO-3 XCO2 observational data verify that the fused XCO2 data achieve a lower MAE and RMSE. Spatiotemporal analysis shows that the global XCO2 concentration exhibited no obvious trend before or after the COVID-19 outbreak, but the growth of global and terrestrial atmospheric XCO2 in 2020 can reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; that is, the rapid growth in terrestrial atmospheric XCO2 observed before 2019 slowed, and high-speed growth resumed in 2021. Finally, obvious differences in the pattern of XCO2 growth are found on different continents.
A new approach to determine the reverse logistics-related issues of smart buildings focusing on sustainable architecture
Authors: Kadaei Samireh , Nezam Zohreh , González-Lezcano Roberto Alonso , Shokrpour Saman , Mohammadtaheri Amin , Doraj Parisa , Akar Umit
Published: January 2023

Introduction: As the disposal of materials and commodities in the management of construction projects has evolved into a critical issue, certain building materials are likely to be thrown away as rubbish at the end of a structure’s useful life. However, tearing down houses and dumping huge amounts of garbage in landfills are not the best feasible solutions to the problem. The depletion and loss of building materials on the project site are exacerbated by the significant amount of waste generated during construction. The tearing down and rebuilding of previously existing buildings are two other methods contributing to rubbish production. Trash management that is as effective as possible has become a need in light of the depletion of natural resources and raw materials, as well as the rise in the pollution brought on by waste from construction projects. One technique that might be taken to address these challenges is the implementation of concepts related to reverse logistics (RL). By considering energy management in construction utilizing sustainability and environmental criteria, this study aims to identify the inverse logistics issues of construction management and smart building. Methods: An integrated method of multi-criteria decision-making called MARCOS and ordinal priority approach (OPA) for ranking solutions and weighing criteria is presented in this study. Results: The findings indicate that out of the 23 challenges that must be overcome to implement reverse logistics effectively and achieve sustainability in the construction industry, the one with the most weight and impact on sustainability is “Workforce errors and mistakes during execution.” Discussion: out of the ten potential solutions, “determining reverse logistics as a part of a sustainability program” and “strategic collaboration with reverse logistics partners” offer the most viable options for resolving the issue and overcoming the obstacles.
Implications of corporate innovation investment on environment sustainability with moderating role of managerial stock incentives: A case of the oil and gas sector of the United States of America
Authors: Tang Honglei , Rasool Zeeshan , Sindhu Muzammal Ilyas , Naveed Muhammad , Babar Samreen Fahim
Published: January 2023

This study examines the impact of corporate innovation investment on environmental sustainability in oil and gas companies in the United States of America. We have compiled the empirical data set of 90 major and renowned companies from 2009 to 2019. To examine the cause-and-effect relationship between the specific factors, we applied the generalized method of movement, and the statistical result reflected a significant and positive relationship between corporate innovation investment and environmental sustainability. This indicates that the positive inclusion of intangible assets leads to motivation in innovation that enhances the context of environmental sustainability. Managerial stock incentives significantly and positively moderate the relationship between corporate innovation investment and environmental sustainability. Enterprises should not only consider their management stock mechanism during the formulation of an innovation strategy but also design the contract according to the innovation level of the enterprise to determine the level of managerial incentives. This study provides insight regarding the significant role of corporate innovation, which establishes a way forward to environmental sustainability.
Consistency of six in situ, in vitro and satellite-based methods to derive chlorophyll a in two optically different lakes
Authors: Alikas Krista , Kangro Kersti , Kõks Kerttu-Liis , Tamm Marju , Freiberg Rene , Laas Alo
Published: January 2023

Phytoplankton and its most common pigment chlorophyll a (Chl-a) are important parameters in characterizing lake ecosystems. We compared six methods to measure the concentration of Chl a (CChl-a) in two optically different lakes: stratified clear-water Lake Saadjärv and non-stratified turbid Lake Võrtsjärv. CChl-a was estimated from: in vitro (spectrophotometric, high-performance liquid chromatography); fluorescence (in situ automated high-frequency measurement (AHFM) buoys) and spectral (in situ high-frequency hyperspectral above-water radiometer (WISPStation), satellites Sentinel-3 OLCI and Sentinel-2 MSI) measurements. The agreement between methods ranged from weak (R2 = 0.26) to strong (R2 = 0.93). The consistency was better in turbid lake compared to the clear-water lake where the vertical and short-term temporal variability of the CChl-a was larger. The agreement between the methods depends on multiple factors, e.g., the environmental and in-water conditions, placement of sensors, sensitivity of algorithms. Also in case of some methods, seasonal bias can be detected in both lakes due to signal strength and background turbidity. The inherent differences of the methods should be studied before the synergistic use of data which will clearly increase the spatial (via satellites), temporal (AHFM buoy, WISPStation and satellites) and vertical (profiling AHFM buoy) coverage of data necessary to advance the research on phytoplankton dynamics in lakes.
Using publicly available datasets to identify population-based transcriptomic landscape contributing to the aggressiveness of breast cancer in young women
Authors: Tabbal Marah , Hachim Mahmood Y. , Jan Reem Kais , Adrian Thomas E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Although the risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age, some regions have larger number of young breast cancer patients (≤45 years-old), such as the Middle East, Eastern Asia, and North Africa, with more aggressive and poorly differentiated tumors. We aimed to conduct an in-silico analysis in an attempt to understand the aggressive nature of early-onset breast cancer, and to identify potential drivers of early-onset breast cancer using gene expression profiling datasets in a population-dependent manner.

Methods: Functional genomics experiments data were acquired from cBioPortal database for cancer genomics, followed by the stratification of patients based on the age at representation of breast cancer and race. Differential gene expression analysis and gene amplification status analysis were carried out, followed by hub gene, transcription factor, and signalling pathway identification.

Results: PAM50 subtype analysis revealed that young patients (≤45 years-old) had four-fold more basal tumors and worst progression-free survival (median of 101 months), compared with the 45–65 years group (median of 168 months). Fourteen genes were amplified in more than 14% of patients with an early-onset breast cancer. Interestingly, FREM2, LINC00332, and LINC00366 were exclusively amplified in younger patients. Gene expression data from three different populations (Asian, White, and African) revealed a unique transcriptomic profile of young patients, which was also reflected on the PAM50 subtype analysis. Our data indicates a higher tendency of young African patients to develop basal tumors, while young Asian patients are more prone to developing Luminal A tumors. Most genes that were found to be upregulated in younger patients are involved in important signaling pathways that promote cancer progression and metastasis, such as MAPK pathway, Reelin pathway and the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Conclusion: This study provides strong evidence that the molecular profile of tumors derived from young breast cancer patients of different populations is unique and may explain the aggressiveness of these tumors, stressing the need to conduct population- based multi-omic analyses to identify the potential drivers for tumorigenesis and molecular profiles of young breast cancer patients.