bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Anaerobic Consumption of D-xylose by E. coli BL21(DE3) via xylR Adaptive Mutation
Authors: Heo Jung Min , Kim Hyun Ju , Lee Sang Jun
Published: October 2021

Background: Microorganisms can prioritize the uptake of different sugars depending on their metabolic needs and preferences. When both D-glucose and D-xylose are present in growth media, E. coli cells typically consume D-glucose first and then D-xylose. Similarly, when E. coli BL21(DE3) is provided with both glucose and xylose under anaerobic conditions, glucose is consumed first, whereas xylose is consumed very slowly.Results: When BL21(DE3) was adaptively evolved via subculture, the consumption rate of D-xylose increased gradually. Strains JH001 and JH019, whose D-xylose consumption rate was faster, were isolated after subculture. Genome analysis of the JH001 and JH019 strains revealed that C91A (Q31K) and C740T (A247V) missense mutations in the xylR gene (which encodes the XylR transcriptional activator), respectively, controlled the expression of the xyl operon. RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated that the XylR mutation caused a 10.9-fold and 3.5-fold increase in the expression of the xylA (xylose isomerase) and xylF (xylose transporter) genes, respectively, in the adaptively evolved JH001 and JH019 strains. A C91A adaptive mutation was introduced into a new BL21(DE3) background via single-base genome editing, resulting in immediate and efficient D-xylose consumption. Conclusions: We obtained anaerobically-adapted BL21(DE3) cells through short-term adaptive evolution and identified xylR mutations responsible for faster xylose consumption, which may facilitate the improvement of microbial fermentation technology.
First measurement of decimeter-sized rocky material in the Oort cloud
Authors: Vida Denis , Brown Peter , Devillepoix Hadrien , Wiegert Paul , Moser Danielle , Matlovič Pavol , Herd Christopher , Hill Patrick , Tóth Juraj , Cooke William , Hladiuk Donald
Published: October 2021

The Oort cloud is thought to be a reservoir of icy planetesimals and a source of long-period comets (LPCs) implanted from the outer Solar System during the time of giant planet formation. The presence of rocky ice-free bodies is much harder to explain. The rocky fraction in the Oort cloud is a key diagnostic of Solar System formation models as this ratio can distinguish between "massive" and "depleted" proto-asteroid belt scenarios and thus disentangle competing planet formation models. Objects of asteroidal appearance have been telescopically observed on LPC orbits, but from reflectance spectra alone it is uncertain whether they are asteroids or extinct comets. Here we report a first direct observation of a decimeter-sized rocky meteoroid on a retrograde LPC orbit (e ≈ 1.0, i = 121°). The ~2 kg object entered the atmosphere at 62 km/s. The associated fireball terminated at 46.5 km, 40 km deeper than cometary objects of similar mass and speed. During its flight, it experienced dynamic pressures of several MPa, comparable to meteorite-dropping fireballs. In contrast, cometary material measured by Rosetta have compressive strengths of ~1 kPa. The earliest fragmentation of this fireball occurred at >100 kPa, indicating it had a minimum global strength well in excess of cometary. A numerical ablation model produces bulk density and ablation properties consistent with asteroidal meteoroids. We estimate the flux of rocky objects impacting Earth from the Oort cloud to be ~0.7 × 106 km2 per year to a mass limit of 10 g. This is ~6% of the total flux of fireballs on LPC-orbits to these masses. Our results suggests there is a high fraction of asteroidal material in the Oort cloud at small sizes and gives support to migration-based dynamical models of the formation of the Solar System which predict that significant rocky material is implanted in the Oort cloud, a result not explained by traditional Solar System formation models.
Heat shock chaperone HSPB1 regulates cytoplasmic TDP-43 phase separation and liquid-to-gel transition
Authors: Lu Shan , Hu Jiaojiao , Aladesuyi Bankhole , Goginashvili Alexander , Vazquez-Sanchez Sonia , Diedrich Jolene , Gu Jinge , Blum Jacob , Oung Spencer , Yu Haiyang , Ravits John , Liu Cong , Yates John , Cleveland Don
Published: October 2021

While the RNA binding protein TDP-43 reversibly phase separates within nuclei into complex droplets (anisosomes) with TDP-43-containing liquid outer shells and liquid centers of HSP70 family chaperones, cytoplasmic aggregates of TDP-43 are hallmarks of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Here we show that transient oxidative stress, proteasome inhibition, or inhibition of HSP70’s ATP-dependent chaperone activity provokes reversible cytoplasmic TDP-43 de-mixing and transition from liquid to gel/solid, independent of RNA binding or stress granules. Isotope labeling mass spectrometry is used to identify that phase separated cytoplasmic TDP-43 is primarily bound by the small heat shock protein HSPB1. Binding is direct, mediated through TDP-43’s RNA binding and low complexity domains. HSPB1 partitions into TDP-43 droplets, inhibits TDP-43 assembly into fibrils, and is essential for disassembly of stress-induced, TDP-43 droplets. Decrease of HSPB1 promotes cytoplasmic TDP-43 de-mixing and mislocalization. HSPB1 depletion is identified within ALS-patient spinal motor neurons containing aggregated TDP-43. These findings identify HSPB1 to be a regulator of cytoplasmic TDP-43 phase separation and aggregation.
Entrepreneurship and the Promises of Inclusive Urban Development in Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Getahun Fenta
Published: October 2021

Ethiopia is one of the rapidly urbanizing countries in Africa and rural-urban migration is the major factor in the urbanization process. Migration is selective and rural youth are more likely to migrate to cities than others. However, the capacity of cities to accommodate the massive influx of migrants by providing formal employment is limited. Consequently, migrants remain marginalized and without access to employment opportunities. The majority are pushed into self-employment in the informal sector with few entrepreneurial skills and no access to affordable finance. Besides, though Ethiopia has shown economic growth, the challenges posed by a fast-growing young population has increased urban inequality, making the youth vulnerable. Despite such challenges, harnessing the benefits of the youth bulge and promoting inclusive development through the promotion of entrepreneurship has become a priority area since 1990s. Although improvements have been made, entrepreneurship programs are unable to reach the unemployed youth and those engaged in informal sector. The objective of this paper is to explore barriers that hinder the youth to formalize informal businesses and to start new businesses. The study followed a qualitative approach. Data were collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions from four cities-Addis Ababa, Adama, Bahir Dar and Hawassa. The findings show that several bottlenecks including politicization of entrepreneurship, lack of understanding of the nature and demands of the youth; weak instructional systems; low levels of service capacity and inefficiency; lack of entrepreneurship education, youth negligence, and corruption hinder entrepreneurship programs and thereby attaining inclusive development in Ethiopia.
Sustainment of Diverse Evidence-Based Practices Disseminated in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Development and Administration of a Pragmatic Instrument
Authors: Reardon Caitlin , Nevedal Andrea , Widerquist Marilla A. Opra , Arasim Maria , Jackson George L. , White Brandolyn , Cutrona Sarah L. , Fix Gemmae M. , Gifford Allen L. , DeLaughter Kathryn , King Heather A. , Henderson Blake , Vega Ryan , Damschroder Laura
Published: October 2021

Background There are challenges associated with measuring sustainment of evidence-based practices (EBPs). First, the terms sustainability and sustainment are often falsely conflated: sustainability assesses the likelihood of an EBP being in use in the future while sustainment assesses the extent to which an EBP is (or is not) in use. Second, grant funding often ends before sustainment can be assessed. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Diffusion of Excellence (DoE) is one of few large-scale models of diffusion; it seeks to identify and disseminate practices across the VHA system. The DoE sponsors “Shark Tank” competitions, in which leaders bid on the opportunity to implement a practice with 6 months of implementation support. As part of an ongoing evaluation of the DoE, we sought to develop and administer a pragmatic instrument to assess sustainment of DoE practices.Methods In June 2020, surveys were sent to 64 facilities that were part of the DoE evaluation. We began analysis by comparing alignment of quantitative and qualitative responses; some facility representatives reported in the open text box of the survey that their practice was on a temporary hold due to COVID-19 but answered the primary outcome question differently. As a result, the team reclassified the primary outcome of these facilities to Sustained: Temporary COVID-Hold. Following this reclassification, the number and percent of facilities in each category was calculated. We used directed content analysis, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), to analyze open text box responses. Results A representative from forty-one facilities (64%) completed the survey. Among responding facilities, 29/41 sustained their practice, 1/41 partially sustained their practice, 8/41 had not sustained their practice, and 3/41 had never implemented their practice. Sustainment rates increased between Cohorts 1 – 4. Conclusions The development and administration of our pragmatic survey allowed us to assess sustainment of DoE practices. Planned updates to the survey will enable flexibility in assessing sustainment and its determinants at any phase after adoption. This assessment approach can flex with the longitudinal and dynamic nature of sustainment, including capturing nuances in outcomes when practices are on a temporary hold.
Loss of Aly/ALYREF Suppresses Toxicity in Both Tau and TDP-43 Models of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Kow Rebecca , Black Aristide , Saxton Aleen , Liachko Nicole , Kraemer Brian
Published: October 2021

Background Neurodegenerative diseases with tau pathology, or tauopathies, include Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia disorders. Previous work has shown that loss of the poly(A) RNA-binding protein gene sut2/MSUT2 strongly suppressed tauopathy in C. elegans, human cell culture, and mouse models of tauopathy. However, the mechanism of suppression is still unclear. Recent work has shown that MSUT2 protein interacts with the THO complex and ALYREF, which are components of the mRNA nuclear export complex. Additionally, previous work showed ALYREF homolog Ref1 modulates TDP-43 and G 4 C 2 toxicity in D. melanogaster models. Methods We used transgenic C. elegans models of tau or TDP-43 toxicity to investigate the effects of loss of ALYREF function on tau and TDP-43 toxicity. In C. elegans, there are three genes that are homologous to human ALYREF: aly-1, aly-2, and aly-3. Results We found that loss of C. elegans aly gene function, especially loss of both aly-2 and aly-3, suppressed tau-induced toxic phenotypes. Loss of aly-2 and aly-3 was also able to suppress TDP-43-induced behavioral deficits. However, loss of aly-2 and aly-3 had divergent effects on mRNA and protein levels as total tau protein levels were reduced while mRNA levels were increased, but no significant effects were seen on total TDP-43 protein or mRNA levels. Conclusions Our results suggest that although aly genes modulate both tau and TDP-43-induced toxicity phenotypes, the molecular mechanisms of suppression are different and separated from impacts on mRNA and protein levels. Altogether this study highlights the importance of elucidating RNA-related mechanisms in both tau and TDP-43-induced toxicity.
Downregulation of NEDD4L by EGFR Signaling Promotes the Development of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Guoyin , Song Zewen , Wu Changjing , Li XiaoYan , Zhao Liping , Tong Binghua , Guo Zhenni , Sun Meiqing , Zhao Jin , Zhang Huina , Jia Lintao , Li Shengqing , Wang Lei
Published: October 2021

Cumulative evidence indicates that the abnormal regulation of the NEDD4 family of E3-ubiquitin ligases participates in the tumorigenesis and development of cancer. However, their role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. This study comprehensively analyzed the NEDD4 family in LUAD data sets from public databases and found only NEDD4L was associated with the overall survival of LUAD patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that NEDD4L might be involved in the regulation of mTORC1 pathway. Both cytological and clinical assays showed that NEDD4L inhibited the activity of the mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that NEDD4L could significantly inhibit the proliferation of LUAD cells. In addition, this study also found that the expression of NEDD4L was regulated by EGFR signaling. These findings firstly revealed that NEDD4L mediates an interplay between EGFR and mTOR pathways in LUAD, and suggest that NEDD4L held great potential as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (November 2019 - June 2021)
Authors: Kariyawasam Ruwandi M. , Julien Danielle A. , Jelinski Dana C. , Larose Samantha L. , Rennert-May Elissa , Conly John M. , Dingle Tanis C. , Chen Justin Z. , Tyrrell Gregory J. , Ronksley Paul E. , Barkema Herman W.
Published: October 2021

BackgroundPneumonia from SARS-CoV-2 is difficult to distinguish from other viral and bacterial etiologies. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are frequently prescribed to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 which potentially acts as a catalyst for the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). ObjectivesWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis during the first 18 months of the pandemic to quantify the prevalence and types of resistant co-infecting organisms in patients with COVID-19 and explore differences across hospital and geographic settings.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (BioSIS), and Scopus from November 1, 2019 to May 28, 2021 to identify relevant articles pertaining to resistant co-infections in patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2. Patient- and study-level analyses were conducted. We calculated pooled prevalence estimates of co-infection with resistant bacterial or fungal organisms using random effects models. Stratified meta-analysis by hospital and geographic setting was also performed to elucidate any differences. ResultsOf 1331 articles identified, 38 met inclusion criteria. A total of 1959 unique isolates were identified with 29% (569) resistant organisms identified. Co-infection with resistant bacterial or fungal organisms ranged from 0.2 to 100% among included studies. Pooled prevalence of co-infection with resistant bacterial and fungal organisms was 24% (95% CI: 8-40%; n=25 studies: I2=99%) and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1-0.6%; n=8 studies: I2=78%), respectively. Among multi-drug resistant organisms, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida auris were most commonly reported. Stratified analyses found higher proportions of AMR outside of Europe and in ICU settings, though these results were not statistically significant. Patient-level analysis demonstrated >50% (n=58) mortality, whereby all but 6 patients were infected with a resistant organism. ConclusionsDuring the first 18 months of the pandemic, AMR was moderately prevalent in COVID-19 patients and varied by hospital and geography although there was substantial heterogeneity. Given the variation in patient populations within these studies, clinical settings, practice patterns, and definitions of AMR, further research is warranted to quantify AMR in COVID-19 patients to improve surveillance programs, infection prevention and control practices and antimicrobial stewardship programs globally.
Increase in Tibial Internal Rotation Due to Weight-bearing is a Key Feature to Diagnose Early-stage Knee Osteoarthritis: A Study with Upright Computed Tomography
Authors: Kaneda Kazuya , Harato Kengo , Oki Satoshi , Yamada Yoshitake , Nakamura Masaya , Nagura Takeo , Jinzaki Masahiro
Published: October 2021

Background The classification of knee osteoarthritis is an essential clinical issue, particularly in terms of diagnosing early knee osteoarthritis. However, the evaluation of three-dimensional limb alignment on two-dimensional radiographs is limited. This study evaluated the three-dimensional changes induced by weight-bearing in the alignments of lower limbs at various stages of knee osteoarthritis.Methods 45 knees of 25 patients (69.9 ± 8.9 years) with knee OA were examined in the study. CT images of the entire leg were obtained in the supine and standing positions using conventional CT and 320 low-detector upright CT, respectively. Next, the differences in the three-dimensional alignment of the entire leg in the supine and standing positions were obtained using 3D-3D surface registration technique, and those were compared for each Kellgren–Lawrence grade. Results Increased flexion, adduction, and tibial internal rotation were observed in the standing position, as opposed to the supine position. Kellgren–Lawrence grades 1 and 4 showed significant differences in flexion, adduction, and tibial internal rotation between two postures. Grades 2 and 4 showed significant differences in adduction, while grades 1 and 2, and 1 and 3 showed significant differences in tibial internal rotation between standing and supine positions.Conclusions Weight-bearing increased the three-dimensional deformities in knees with osteoarthritis. Particularly, increased tibial internal rotation was observed in patients with grades 2 and 3 compared to those with grade 1. The increase in tibial internal rotation due to weight-bearing is a key pathologic feature to detect early osteoarthritic change in knees undergoing osteoarthritis.
Symptoms are the Most Effective Child SCAT5 Component for Recognizing Concussion on the Day of Injury
Authors: Erdman Nicholas Kevin , Kelshaw Patricia M. , Hacherl Samantha L. , Caswell Shane V.
Published: October 2021

Background: The Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (Child SCAT5) was developed to evaluate children between 5-12 years of age for a suspected concussion. However, limited empirical evidence exists demonstrating the value of the Child SCAT5 for acute concussion assessment. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine differences and assess the diagnostic properties of Child SCAT5 scores among concussed and non-concussed middle school children on the same day as a suspected concussion.Methods: Our participants included 34 concussed (21 boys, 13 girls; age=12.8±0.86 years) and 44 non-concussed (31 boys, 13 girls; age=12.4±0.76 years) middle school children who were administered the Child SCAT5 upon suspicion of a concussion. Child SCAT5 scores were calculated from the symptom evaluation (total symptoms, total severity), child version of the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC-C), and modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). The Child SCAT5 scores were compared between the concussed and non-concussed groups. Non-parametric effect sizes (r=z/√n) were calculated to assess the magnitude of difference for each comparison. The diagnostic properties (sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio) of each Child SCAT5 score were also calculated.Results: Concussed children endorsed more symptoms (p<0.001, r=0.45), higher symptom severity (p<0.001, r=0.44), and had higher double leg (p=0.046, r=0.23), single leg (p=0.035, r=0.24), and total scores (p=0.022, r=0.26) for the mBESS than non-concussed children. No significant differences were observed for the SAC-C scores (p’s≥0.542). The quantity and severity of endorsed symptoms had the best diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.76–0.77), negative predictive values (NPV=0.84–0.88), and negative likelihood ratios (-LR=0.22–0.31) of the Child SCAT5 scores.Conclusions: The symptom evaluation was the most effective component of the Child SCAT5 for differentiating between concussed and non-concussed middle school children on the same day as a suspected concussion.
RETRACTED: Reliability Analysis of Intelligent Manufacturing Systems Based on Improved FMEA Combined With Machine Learning
Authors: Duan Chunyan , Zhu Mengshan , Wang Kangfan , Zhou Wenyong
Published: October 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Quality of Life and Its Relationship With Systemic Family Dynamics and Mental Health in Senior High School Students from Shaanxi, China
Authors: Yang Zhe , Shang YiJiang , Liang Ying , Zhang Haiyue , Yang Yifan , Wang Yue , Shang Lei , Zhang Yuhai
Published: October 2021

Objective: To explore the quality of life (QoL) status of senior high school students in the Shaanxi Province and the relationship of the QoL with systemic family dynamics and mental health. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study in a sample of 1402 senior high school students; students were asked to complete a questionnaire which comprised the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess the QoL, the Self-rating Scale of Systemic Family Dynamics (SSFD) for assessing family functioning, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) for assessing mental health and general demographic variables. Results: Grades of senior high school students were defined as Grade 1 (first year), Grade 2 (second year), and Grade 3 (third year). Compared to Grade 3 students, Grade 1 students had higher scores in physical functioning, role-emotional, bodily pain, and reported health transition of the QoL over the last one year (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that the place of residence, subscales of systemic family dynamics, somatization, and depression significantly affected the total QoL score. The results of SEM show that the SCL-90-R score fully mediated the association between the SSFD score and SF-36 score (indirect effect coefficient 0.055; 95% CI, 0.012–0.106; P = 0.042). Conclusion: The QoL score of senior high school students was low, particularly that of Grade 3 students, who consequently need more emotional support. By improving and enhancing systemic family dynamics, the QOL of high school students will improve and discovering and addressing their mental health problems will be easier.
Risk of vestibulocochlear disorders in patients with migraine or non-migraine headache
Authors: Lee Sang-Hwa , Kim Jong-Ho , Kwon Young-Suk , Lee Jae-June , Sohn Jong-Hee
Published: October 2021

Background

Headache, especially migraine, has been associated with various vestibular symptoms and several vestibular syndromes. In addition, cochlear disorders, such as tinnitus and hearing loss, have recently been reported to be more prevalent among migraine patients. However, whether headaches, including migraine or non-migraine headaches, are associated with vestibular and cochlear disorders remains unclear. Thus, the possible associations between headaches, including migraine and non-migraine headaches, and vestibulocochlear disorders were investigated in the present study.

Methods

Clinical data were analyzed from the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse of Hallym University Medical Center from 2011–2021. In patients with migraine and non-migraine headaches, data on Meniere`s disease (MD), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuronitis (VN), and cochlear disorders such as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus, were collected and compared with clinical data from controls without headache who had health check-ups. In addition, the presence of comorbidities were defined according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision codes in the database and analyzed.

Results

The study included 15,128 participants with migraines and 76,773 with non-migraine headaches. Controls were identified based on propensity score matching (PSM). After PSM, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) in subjects with migraine versus controls were 2.597 for MD (95% CI, 2.047–3.295; p < 0.001), 2.045 for BPPV (95% CI, 1.816–2.302; p < 0.001), 2.976 for VN (95% CI, 2.636–3.360; p < 0.001), 1.739 for SNHL (95% CI, 1.404–2.156; p < 0.001), and 1.970 for tinnitus (95% CI, 1.658–2.341; p < 0.001). The adjusted ORs for MD (1.771; 95% CI, 1.560–2.011; p < 0.001)), BPPV (1.731; 95% CI, 1.637–1.831; p < 0.001), VN (2.048; 95% CI, 1.935–2.168; p < 0.001), SNHL (1.396; 95% CI, 1.273–1.531; p < 0.001), and tinnitus (1.693; 95% CI, 1.569–1.826; p < 0.001) in patients with non-migraine headache versus controls were also high after PSM.

Conclusion

The present study findings indicated that migraine and non-migraine headaches are associated with an increased risk of cochlear disorders, such as SNHL and tinnitus, in addition to vestibular disorders.
The Role Of Sentinel Node Tumor Burden In Modeling The Prognosis Of Melanoma Patients With Positive Sentinel Node Biopsy: An Italian Melanoma Intergroup Study (N=2,086)
Authors: Tropea Saveria , Fiore Paolo Del , Maurichi Andrea , Patuzzo Roberto , Santinami Mario , Ribero Simone , Quaglino Pietro , Caliendo Virginia , Borgognoni Lorenzo , Sestini Serena , Giudice Giuseppe , Nacchiero Eleonora , Caracò Corrado , Cordova Adriana , Solari Nicola , Piazzalunga Dario , Tauceri Francesca , Carcoforo Paolo , Lombardo Maurizio , Cavallari Sara , Mocellin Simone
Published: October 2021

Background: The management of melanoma patients with metastatic sentinel nodes (SN) is evolving based on the results of trials questioning the impact of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) and demonstrating the efficacy of new adjuvant treatments. In this landscape, new prognostic tools for fine risk stratification are eagerly sought to optimize the therapeutic path of these patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 2,086 patients treated with CLND after a positive SN biopsy in thirteen Italian Melanoma Centers was reviewed. Overall survival (OS) was the outcome of interest; included independent variables were the following: age, gender, primary melanoma site, Breslow thickness, ulceration, sentinel node tumor burden (SNTB), number of positive SN, non-sentinel lymph nodes (NSN) status. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results: The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 79 %, 70% and 54%, respectively. At univariate analysis, all variables, except for primary melanoma body site, were found to be statistically significant prognostic factors. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that older age (P< 0.0001), male gender (P= 0.04), increasing Breslow thickness (P <0.0001), presence of ulceration (P =0.004), SNTB size (P <0.0001) and metastatic NSN (P <0.0001) were independent negative predictors of OS. Conclusion: The above results were utilized to build a nomogram in order to ease the practical implementation of our prognostic model, which might improve treatment personalization.
Predicting machine’s performance data using the stacked long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks
Authors: Dai Jianrong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Machine Performance Check (MPC) is a daily quality assurance (QA) tool for Varian machines. The daily QA data based on MPC tests show machine performance patterns and potentially provide warning messages for preventive actions. This study developed a neural network model that could predict the trend of data variations quantitively.
Methods and materials:

MPC data used were collected daily for 3 years. The stacked long short-term memory (LSTM)model was used to develop the neural work model. To compare the stacked LSTM, the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) was developed on the same data set. Cubic interpolation was used to double the amount of data to enhance prediction accuracy. After then, the data were divided into 3 groups: 70% for training, 15% for validation, and 15% for testing. The training set and the validation set were used to train the stacked LSTM with different hyperparameters to find the optimal hyperparameter. Furthermore, a greedy coordinate descent method was employed to combinate different hyperparameter sets. The testing set was used to assess the performance of the model with the optimal hyperparameter combination. The accuracy of the model was quantified by the mean absolute error (MAE), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2).
Results

A total of 867 data were collected to predict the data for the next 5 days. The mean MAE, RMSE, and \({\text{R}}^{2}\) with all MPC tests was 0.013, 0.020, and 0.853 in LSTM, while 0.021, 0.030, and 0.618 in ARIMA, respectively. The results show that the LSTM outperforms the ARIMA.
Conclusions

In this study, the stacked LSTM model can accurately predict the daily QA data based on MPC tests. Predicting future performance data based on MPC tests will foresee possible machine failure, allowing early machine maintenance and reducing unscheduled machine downtime.
IMAGES OF SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS SECURITY OF THE RUSSIAN-CHINESE BORDER REGION IN CHINESE RESEARCH
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Romanova N. , Zhukov А. ,   Transbaikal State University, Kononov S. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to identifying the specifics of ideas about the social security of the territories of the Russian-Chinese border area in Chinese studies of Russian-Chinese interaction. The analysis of Chinese research of Russian-Chinese interaction for the identification of ideas about social security is carried out by the method of historical introspection and conceptualization of ideas about social security and the factors of its formation. The result of the study is the conceptualization of social security aspects in Chinese descriptions of Russian-Chinese interaction in the period up to 70ties of the XX century within the framework of the Imperial Concept, where the key importance had a relationship between China and Russia, as a threat to security. The second result is to identify aspects of the Imperial Concept transformation in the period of 80-90ties of the XX century as a part of ideas proving the existence of a “Russian threat” and ideas, according to which Russia can have both negative and positive impact on the formation of the social security of the Russian-Chinese border. The third result is to determine the understanding specifics of social security in Chinese studies of Russian-Chinese interaction in the XXI century, where, along with the “Imperial Concept,” under the influence of the Western methodology, the concept of “social regionalism” was formed, which as the factors of the social security of the border region consider a wide circle of social processes, such as economic development, integration of the region, a policy aimed at resolving social problems and contradictions, strategies for the formation of regional consciousness and identity
Assessment of the state region food supply system in the context of digital transformation
Authors:   East Siberian State University of Technology and Management, Dugina Е. , Dorzhieva Е. ,   East Siberian State University of Technology and Management, Garmaeva L. ,   Buryat State Academy of Agriculture
Published: October 2021

The article examines the relevance of the research topic, due to the fact that the development of digital transformation processes covers almost all types and areas of activity of a modern person. The digital transformation process has received a certain impetus for development in conditions of self-isolation. The active use of modern digital technologies made it possible to solve a number of important problems. In conditions of self-isolation, due to the fall in real incomes of the population, the structure of consumption has changed, the population is reorienting to the consumption of food products that are more affordable. The article shows that digitalization is being actively implemented in the life of every person who is directly related to the food supply system. The effective functioning of the food supply system for the population of the region presupposes an increase in the level of self-sufficiency in food products, as one of the important indicators of food independence of the regions of Russia. In the course of the study, the prerequisites, restrictions on the development of the food supply system for the population of the region in the context of digitalization were identified. An assessment of the state and use of agro-resource potential, the level of self-sufficiency of the population with basic food products of the subjects of the Baikal region is given. It was revealed that the agro-resource potential of the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal Territory is not used effectively. The Irkutsk Region has a higher innovative potential, has certain competitive advantages, in particular, low electricity tariffs, etc., this creates favorable conditions for the development of the food supply system of the region. The barriers hindering the development of the digital transformation process in the food supply system have been identified: a low level of agribusiness margins, a lack of financial resources, an underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of highly qualified personnel. Strategic directions for the development of the food supply system for the population in the context of digital transformation are proposed
REGIONALISM APPROACH UNDER THE COVID-19 CIRCUMSTANCES
Authors:   University of Tehran, Rasoulinezhad E.
Published: October 2021

The outbreak of Covid-19 disease since late 2019 has led to fundamental changes in the process of globalization and liberalization of the world economy. In order to prevent the spread of this disease and control its negative consequences, many countries have implemented policies such as urban quarantine, cutting off passenger communication with neighboring countries and the world, closing tourist and tourist places, and implementing policies to protect domestic industries. In general, it led to the phenomenon of reverse globalization. According to the development of new economic convergence, which is based on the role of the market in economic relations between countries can play an important role in improving the productive capacity of countries in a region and create economic integration in different parts of the world. Such a state of integration in different parts of the world could be the solution to the process of globalization and in the post-Corona era, the concept of “one for all, all for one” was created at the regional and global level. As policy implications, the paper recommended some points to make a greater integration between Iran and Russia in the region
The position of Western and Eastern political scientists on the Mongolian Political Reality
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Beydina T. , Litovchenko A. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the approaches of Western and Eastern political scientists in the study of political reality in Mongolia. The relevance of the work lies in the fact that the concept of “political reality” in general and in relation to Mongolia in particular was not previously considered in Russian scientific thought. The works of foreign and domestic political scientists-Mongol scholars mainly concerned the study of political processes in this country. A comparative analysis of the information base accumulated by representatives of Western and Eastern scientific thought makes it possible to identify problematic points when Russian scientists refer to it. Considering the question of the position of Western political scientists to the study of Mongolian political reality, it is necessary, first of all, to compare the development of scientific thought on political issues in the countries of the West and the East. Taking into account the main warring parties in the Mongolian political arena, without belittling the role of the Russian Federation in the region, it is advisable to focus on the comparison of the development of political thought in the United States and China, which is what the article is devoted to. Western researchers are now studying Mongolia no longer as an object of political interests, but as a subject of revolutionary actions. When developing the question of political reality in Mongolia, Western Mongol scholars adhere to the egocentric concept of democracy in relation to Mongolia. Chinese political scientists mainly consider the Mongolian issue from the point of view of potential threats to the sovereignty of their country, including taking into account the active actions of the United States to restrain China’s foreign policy in the region. In general, in the analysis of Western and Eastern researchers of the late XIX – early XX centuries, the political role of Mongolia was underestimated. However, a source base of empirical research was prepared, which formed the conditions for further study of this country as an object of political processes. At the same time, Mongolia is often considered as an integral part of Inner Asia, which includes both Mongolia itself and the Russian Altai, the Republics of Buryatia and Tyva, as well as the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China. All this actualizes the need to develop the problem of the Mongolian political reality
THE TRANSPORT POLICy MAKING IN MONGOLIA AND POSSIBLE BENEFITS FOR RUSSIA IN THE FRAMEWORK OF FOREIGN POLICY INPLEMENTATION IN THE NORTHEAST ASIA
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Beydina T. , Kaplina S. ,   Transbaikal State University, Litovchenko A. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: October 2021

The paper deals with geopolitical processes in Northeast Asia (NEA), which includes among others the Russian Federation (RF, Russia), Mongolia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC, China). There is some interesting information in the paper about geopolitical interests which the United States of America (U.S.) utilizing in this region through Mongolia – RF’s closest neighbour, and how it can be used in Russian interests. The center of global political and economic activity is shifting in this region. The research has shown that in the first quarter of the twenty-first century, trade between the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and Europe will become the most dynamic global market. Significant benefits will be received by those countries which will be able to attract transit Euro-Asian cargo and passenger traffic to their transport communications. In this regard, the scientists examine Mongolia’s political initiatives in the field of transport communications management, its impact on the internal environment of Russia, and also consider the political and economic benefits for Russia in implementing joint transport projects with the Mongolian side. Russia’s policy in the NEA is aimed at protecting the national interests and ensuring the country’s security, using the economic and political potential of the NEA states. Russia’s geographical position allows it to be a link for the countries of Europe and Asia, acting as a transit territory, including Mongolia, which is looking for opportunities to increase exports through Russian transport corridors. In this regard, the Russian government provides for the modernization of the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Baikal-Amur Railway and the Pacific ports. At the same time, there is a struggle for geopolitical influence between the United States and China in the region. To contain China’s economic expansion, the United States seeks not only to attract its long-time allies, Japan and South Korea, but also to use other countries, in particular Mongolia, which in turn can be used to promote Russian interests in the region
EDUCATION 4.0: NEW COMPETENCES FOR THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors:   Branch of Stavropol State Pedagogical Institute, Ivanchenko I. , Romanov V. ,   North Caucasus Institute – branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, Romanova M. ,   Branch of Stavropol State Pedagogical Institute, Khubulova V. ,   Branch of Stavropol State Pedagogical Institute
Published: October 2021

Education 4.0 is a conceptually new approach to learning that meets the challenges of the digital revolution, aimed at transforming the future of education with the help of advanced technologies and automation. To integrate into the new digital space, it is necessary to revise the traditional educational paradigms with a futuristic approach. Students should acquire the skills necessary in the era of a dynamically changing technological environment. In this context, the article considers the main directions of digital transformation of education, namely, the modification and integration of traditional models of education. Also, within the framework of the study, the mechanisms of introducing digital technologies into the educational process were isolated, using the example of the Branch of the State budgetary educational institution of Higher Education «Stavropol State Pedagogical Institute»
Study on the Spatial Policy of Coordinated Development in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
Authors:   , Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Jingjuan Liu
Published: October 2021

The article focuses on the spatial policy of the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region under the new situation in China. Through a systematic analysis of the political integration process of the given region, the validity of the integration implementation and its pathways for improving are investigated. Based on the real situation of regional development, it is necessary to adopt a regional spatial policy to further advance the integration process, including integrated planning for the development of the region, promoting the integration of infrastructure construction, strengthening the integration of the industrial structure and resource allocation, etc. It was revealed that the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region gradually moved to the period of full implementation of the strategy after a period of preliminary preparation and a period of reaching consensus. The coordinated development of the region is, in fact, a spatial strategy with the aim of achieving a spatial balance of regional economic development by the optimal distribution of production elements. So, in accordance with the current requirements for the formation of additional benefits and the qualitative development of the regional economy, the spatial policy should be based on the close relationship of “prosperity of humanity” and “prosperity of the region”
China’s poverty alleviation strategy and its global significance
Authors:   Shanghai University of Politics and Law, Shengnan Sun
Published: October 2021

At the historic moment of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, China’s domestic poverty alleviation strategy has achieved a comprehensive victory, China’s overall regional poverty has been fundamentally resolved, and the arduous task of eradicating absolute poverty has been completed. China’s poverty alleviation strategy highlights China’s will and determination to build a harmonious and balanced social development model, and provides practical experience for China to further implement the “Belt and Road” initiative on the international stage and strengthen economic cooperation with developing countries within the framework of the United Nations. The success of China’s poverty alleviation strategy has provided Southeast Asian countries with international experience that can be used for reference in further poverty eradication, and has far-reaching world significance
IL-1β and IL-10: diagnostic and prognostic potential of cytokines in the assessment of progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with hypertension
Authors: Zhelezniakova Natalia , Rozhdestvenska Anastasiia
Published: October 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about a quarter of the world's population and it is closely linked to hypertension (HT). Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the pathology progression, and the search for non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of NAFLD remains an important issue.

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of IL-1β and IL-10 in assessing the progression of liver parenchyma changes in patients with NAFLD and HT comorbidity.

Materials and methods. A study of 115 patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was performed. The main group consisted of 63 patients with NASH and HT, 52 patients with isolated NAFLD represented the comparison group. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated, IL-10 and IL-1β levels were measured by ELISA method, ultrasound steatometry and elastography were performed in all patients.

Results. The attenuation coefficient and median liver stiffness in NAFLD and HT group significantly exceeded the results in the isolated NAFLD group and in the control group. The IL-1β level in NAFLD and HT group was 17.55 pg/ml, and in isolated NAFLD group the indicator averaged 15.72 pg/ml, which exceeded the control values (8.26 pg/ml). IL-10 level was 12.69 pg/ml and 14.34 pg/ml in patients with comorbid and isolated NAFLD, respectively, while control results averaged 16.19 pg/ml. It were found strong relationship between IL-1β, IL-10 and CRP levels in patients with NAFLD and HT (r=0.61, p=0.024, and r=-0.69, p=0.036, respectively). Inverse correlations were also found between the cytokines IL-1β and IL-10 in NAFLD patients with and without HT (r=-0.61, p<0.001, and r=-0.57, p<0.001, respectively). Changes in the cytokine status of patients with NAFLD at different stages of steatosis and liver fibrosis had been identified.

Conclusions. The presence of concomitant HT in patients with NAFLD is associated with greater severity of liver parenchyma changes. NAFLD manifestation is accompanied by increase of IL-1β and decrease of IL-10 levels, and deepening of these deviations were found in patients with comorbidity of NAFLD and HT.

Interleukins IL-1β and IL-10 can be defined as biomarkers of NAFLD progression both in its isolated course and in its comorbidity with HT. The possibility of using biomarkers as an independent non-invasive test of diagnosing NAFLD requires further study.