bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent progress in carbon dioxide capture technologies: A review
Authors: Lu Guanchu , Wang Zhe , Bhatti Umair Hassan , Fan Xianfeng
Published: October 2023

The continuous increase in anthropogenic CO2 emissions is widely acknowledged as one of the main reasons for global climate change. To address this issue, significant advancements have been made in developing CO2 capture and utilization technologies that offer new solutions for mitigating carbon emissions and promoting a carbon economy. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress in CO2 capture and separation technologies, including pre-combustion, post-combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, chemical looping combustion and calcium looping combustion. Among these technologies, post-combustion is seen as one of the most promising options for reducing CO2 emissions from existing power plants, as it can be easily integrated into existing facilities without requiring major modifications. Therefore, the second section of this article focuses on the various post-combustion processes and technologies, such as physical absorption, amine scrubbing, dual-alkali absorption, chilled ammonia, membrane separation, and solid adsorption, with a particular emphasis on most recent research reports. As amine-based chemical absorption is the most leading post-combustion CO2 capture technique, the third section summarizes the recent development in amine-based absorption technology by covering conventional and emerging types of absorbents such as single amine, blended amine, biphasic amine, and non-aqueous amine processes. The different liquid absorption-based process is compared in terms of regeneration energy consumption, CO2 intake capacity, and optimal operating conditions, and the comparison data is summarized in tables. A critical literature review and comparison of various techniques show that non-aqueous amine absorbents can be promising alternatives to the conventional monoethanolamine (MEA) process. The goal of this review is to provide strategies and perspectives for accelerating the further study and development of CCS technologies.
Experiments on near-field radiative heat transfer: A review
Authors: Zhang Jihong , Shi Kezhang , Lu Lu , Feng Dudong , Liu Haotuo , Wu Xiaohu
Published: October 2023

Near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT) has been demonstrated to exceed the blackbody limit due to the coupling effect of evanescent waves in the near-field regime, opening the door to application in active thermal control, thermophotovoltaics, and nanoscale imaging. Although the theoretical studies on NFRHT have been investigated exhaustively, the experimental measurement of NFRHT has been stagnant due to the challenges in controlling gap distance at the nanoscale. Remarkable progress has been greatly boosted until the 21st century to overcome the nanoscale controlling and measurement of NFRHT, benefiting from the advances of micro-nanofabrication techniques and materials science. This review examines an in-depth discussion of the experimental development of NFRHT. According to the structure of the emitter and receiver, the experimental devices are divided into three different categories: plate-to-plate structure, tip-to-plate structure, and sphere-to-plate structure. Existing experimental setups and methodology of NFRHT between metals, semiconductors, two-dimensional materials, and hyperbolic metamaterials are thoroughly explored and analyzed in detail. Finally, the remarks on outstanding challenges at the nanoscale and promising advances in applications are briefly concluded in the measurements of NFRHT.
《清洁能源科学与技术》卷首语
Authors: 杨卫民
Published: October 2023

N/A
Above Ground Emergence and Floristic Composition of Weeds in Relation to Tillage and Weed Management Practices in Maize and Cowpea
Authors: Narmadha R. , Arthanari P. Murali , Sakthivel N. , Senthil A. , Shanmugasundaram R. , Jerlin R. , Selvakumar T.
Published: October 2023

Background: Weeds are one of the most important elements influencing crop productivity. Tillage practices have a significant effect on the weed seed bank and the appearance of weeds, both of which have a direct impact on farm productivity. Different tillage strategies based on ploughing depth, as well as weed control practices, change the dynamics of weed seeds in the soil. This research will aid in the development of integrated weed control methods by investigating the interaction between tillage and weed management practices. Methods: Field trials were carried out in two seasons, Summer and Kharif 2022, using a split-plot design with three tillage methods and four weed management practices. The treatments were replicated three times. Result: Among the different tillage treatments Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator recorded the lowest weed density. With respect to weed management methods, pre- and post-emergence herbicide application and hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded the lower weed density. Interaction effects of tillage and weed management practices resulted in lower weed density in Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with herbicide application and Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with hand weeding. Highest weed density was recorded under Cultivator fb Rotovator in unweeded control. With respect to relative density, among the broad-leaved weeds (BLW) Trianthema portulacastrum and Dactyloctenium aegyptium in grasses dominated among the weed species in 30 and 60 DAS respectively. From the present study it was concluded that the Mouldboard plough fb Cultivator fb Rotovator with hand weeding twice or herbicide application reduces the weed emergence from the soil weed seed bank.
Analysis of factors affecting fear and mental health awareness of coronavirus disease infection
Authors: Nursalam Nursalam , Elsi Dwi Hapsari  , Setiawan Setiawan  , Ni Luh Putu Inca Buntari Agustini  , Diah Priyantini  , Khatijah Lim Lim Abdullah
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health challenge that persists in causing both health emergencies and mental health crises around the world. This study aimed to analyze the factors contributing to COVID-19 infection and their impact on mental health crises on Java Island.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2020 on Java Island, Indonesia, involving 1,218 respondents selected through convenience sampling. The independent variables included demographic, individual internal, and psychological factors, while the dependent variable was mental health crisis occurrence. Data were collected through demographic information, knowledge and attitude questionnaires, depression anxiety stress scores, the brief-COPE inventory, as well as surveys addressing encountered problems and mental health emergencies. The collected data underwent analysis using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression.
Results: Significance was observed in the relationship between demographic, individual internal, and psychological factors, and their impact on mental health crises (p < 0.05). Following adjustment with logistic regression, psychological factors exhibited a more pronounced relationship, with the highest association observed in stress levels (p = 0.000, 95% CI: 1.064-2.131).
Conclusions: Individual stress levels emerged as the foremost contributing factor to mental health crises. Psychological elements, encompassing anxiety levels, stress, coping mechanisms, and encountered challenges, played substantial roles in disrupting psychological well-being and mental health.
Les fascines de ligneux
Authors: DIDIER Marie , EVETTE André , SCHMITT Emma , LEBLOIS Solange , JAYMOND Delphine , EVETTE Jean-Baptiste , MIRA Éléonore , RAYMOND Pierre , FROSSARD Pierre-André , VIVIER Anne
Published: October 2023

Représentant près d'un quart des ouvrages de génie végétal pour le contrôle de l'érosion en rivière en France, les fascines de ligneux sont une méthode privilégiée pour la stabilisation. Ces techniques ont une origine ancestrale et sont mises en œuvre de manière variée de nos jours, en fonction des objectifs spécifiques et des contextes. Que ce soit pour la diversification des habitats, le drainage, ou encore la protection des talus et des berges, le fascinage offre une grande flexibilité d'application.
Prediksi Penawaran Mata Kuliah Studi Kasus Prodi Informatika Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana
Authors: Bastian Brian , Anggia Rini Maria Nila , Saputra Laurentius Kuncoro Probo
Published: October 2023

For taking a course, students are required to make a schedule so that the courses to be taken can be according to their choice. There are several obstacles when taking courses, for example when the number of students taking a course is more than the capacity estimated by the campus, so that the classes that are opened are not sufficient. Therefore, a prediction system is needed that can display how many classes are recommended to be opened and the number of students who are likely to take those classes.
In the process of making the prediction system, the first thing to do is to determine what features will be used. These features are then applied to all courses and see what combinations occur. Next is to create an algorithm based on these features in the PHP programming language. Prior to that, data from any table in the database was determined beforehand to be processed so that the system could run properly and accurately. The next step is to make input available to users who can determine the minimum number of repeat students, class capacity, lab capacity, and predicted semester.
The results of the research conducted and the system created allow it to predict courses based on the features that have been entered. The data used in the database is also the most recent, so the amount issued to the prediction system is an accurate amount. This system can be said to be successful because it can display recommended courses along with the number of students who are repeating and students who have not taken those courses.
Assessing the Quality of Teaching at Afghanistan Universities
Authors: Mirzad Mir Amin , Noori Mawluddin
Published: October 2023

The current paper is a quantitative study in which we used a survey instrument to gather data regarding teaching quality at Afghanistan universities. The purpose of this study is to identify the quality of teaching of university lecturers at Afghanistan universities. The data for this study was collected from university students through an online questionnaire containing the questions designed by the Ministry of Higher Education plus a questionnaire used by an internationally supported educational organization. The data was analyzed using the Excel program. The findings show that the quality of teaching at Afghanistan universities is satisfactory. As well as the participants have had a positive perspective regarding university teachers’ teaching.
A Novel EYA1 Mutation Causing Alternative RNA Splicing in a Chinese Family With Branchio-Oto Syndrome: Implications for Molecular Diagnosis and Clinical Application
Authors: Chen Anhai , Ling Jie , Peng Xin , Liu Xianlin , Mao Shuang , Chen Yongjia , Qin Mengyao , Zhang Shuai , Bai Yijiang , Song Jian , Feng Zhili , Ma Lu , He Dinghua , Mei Lingyun , He Chufeng , Feng Yong
Published: October 2023

Objectives. Branchio-oto syndrome (BOS) primarily manifests as hearing loss, preauricular pits, and branchial defects. EYA1 is the most common pathogenic gene, and splicing mutations account for a substantial proportion of cases. However, few studies have addressed the structural changes in the protein caused by splicing mutations and potential pathogenic factors, and several studies have shown that middle-ear surgery has limited effectiveness in improving hearing in these patients. BOS has also been relatively infrequently reported in the Chinese population. This study explored the genetic etiology in the family of a proband with BOS and provided clinical treatment to improve the patient’s hearing.Methods. We collected detailed clinical features and peripheral blood samples from the patients and unaffected individuals within the family. Pathogenic mutations were identified by whole-exome sequencing and cosegregation analysis and classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Alternative splicing was verified through a minigene assay. The predicted three-dimensional protein structure and biochemical experiments were used to investigate the pathogenicity of the mutation. The proband underwent middle-ear surgery and was followed up at 1 month and 6 months postoperatively to monitor auditory improvement.Results. A novel heterozygous EYA1 splicing variant (c.1050+4 A>C) was identified and classified as pathogenic (PVS1(RNA), PM2, PP1). Skipping of exon 11 of the EYA1 pre-mRNA was confirmed using a minigene assay. This mutation may impair EYA1-SIX1 interactions, as shown by an immunoprecipitation assay. The EYA1-Mut protein exhibited cellular mislocalization and decreased protein expression in cytological experiments. Middle-ear surgery significantly improved hearing loss caused by bone-conduction abnormalities in the proband.Conclusion. We reported a novel splicing variant of EYA1 in a Chinese family with BOS and revealed the potential molecular pathogenic mechanism. The significant hearing improvement observed in the proband after middle-ear surgery provides a reference for auditory rehabilitation in similar patients.
Governança Pública e Judicialização da Saúde: o caso do município de Uberaba
Authors: Araújo Filho Cecílio Souza , Pereira Gilberto De Araújo
Published: October 2023

Buscou-se correlacionar as estratégias de políticas públicas implementadas no município de Uberaba à sua repercussão na judicialização da saúde. Para atingir este desiderato foram listadas as ações judiciais impetradas em face do município de Uberaba-MG, entre 2016 e 2020, sendo identificados como os objetos mais demandados o fornecimento de medicamentos e as transferências hospitalares para realização de procedimentos cirúrgicos. Neste mesmo período foram implementados a Farmácia Solidária e o Complexo Regulador Municipal, como resposta à judicialização para cada um destes objetos demandados. Comparando os períodos anteriores e posteriores à implementação destas políticas públicas, com os cenários estadual e federal, pode-se concluir que houve uma melhoria na oferta e prestação dos serviços públicos e redução na judicialização das transferências hospitalares.
Entre o interesse público e o de mercado: a Petrobras como uma questão de soberania nacional
Authors: Gonçalves Larissa Lopes , Lelis Davi Augusto Santana de
Published: October 2023

A Constituição Federal de 1988 implementou um programa econômico dirigente harmonizando ideologias puras, por meio de um filtro hermenêutico, visando a materialização imediata dos direitos e das garantias constitucionais, independência tecnológica e soberania nacional. Nesse sentido, as empresas estatais, empresas públicas e sociedades de economia mista seriam instrumentos de realização dos dispositivos constitucionais. Com o arranjo neoliberal, a interpretação constitucional foi distorcida, privilegiando aspectos meramente financeiros em detrimento da política econômica social, evidenciando a tensão entre o interesse do mercado de obtenção de lucros e o interesse público de concretizar as garantias constitucionais. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o conflito de interesses público e privado dentro da Petrobras, considerando a importância da empresa para manutenção da soberania nacional, intencionando, ao final, a propositura de um novo modelo para a realização da Constituição. Conclui-se que a Petrobras atua, majoritariamente, em defesa dos interesses dos acionistas e da rentabilidade mercadológica, invertendo o dirigismo constitucional e adotando uma ideologia: o neoliberalismo. Constatada a viabilidade constitucional, propõe-se, duas vias: a estatização da composição acionária da Petrobras e desapropriação da infraestrutura privada mediante pagamento de indenização, de forma a torná-la uma empresa pública ou, alternativamente, a nacionalização de todo o setor petrolífero brasileiro.
PUENTES ROMANOS. LOS PUENTES ROMANOS DEL TÉRMINO MUNICIPAL DE CÓRDOBA. / ROMAN BRIDGES. ROMAN BRIDGES IN CORDOVA CITY COUNTY.
Authors: Ostos López Ildefonso
Published: October 2023

(ES)Resumen: El presente artículo pretende, partiendo de un estudio generalista de los puentes romanos, llegar a unas conclusiones tras el análisis de los datos obtenidos en la investigación de los puentes estudiados en el término municipal de Córdoba.Palabras Clave: Córdoba; puente romano; arquitectura civil; ingeniería romana; caminos. (EN)Abstract: This article aims, from a general study of Roman bridges, reach conclusions after analyzing investigation data from the bridges studied in the municipality of Cordova.Keywords: Cordova, roman bridge, civil architecture, roman engineering, paths.
Reservoir Production Management With Bayesian Optimization: Achieving Robust Results in a Fraction of the Time
Authors: Kor Peyman , Hong Aojie , Bratvold Reidar
Published: October 2023

In well control (production) optimization, the computational cost of conducting a full-physics flow simulation on a 3D, rich grid-based model poses a significant challenge. This challenge is exacerbated in a robust optimization (RO) setting, where flow simulation must be repeated for numerous geological realizations, rendering RO impractical for many field-scale cases. In this paper, we introduce and discuss a new optimization workflow that addresses this issue by providing computational efficiency, i.e., achieving a near-global optimum of the predefined objective function with minimal forward model (flow-simulation) evaluations. In this workflow, referred to as “Bayesian optimization (BO),” the objective function for samples of decision (control) variables is first computed using a proper design experiment. Then, given the samples, a Gaussian process regression (GPR) is trained to mimic the surface of the objective function as a surrogate model. While balancing the dilemma to select the next control variable between high mean, low uncertainty (exploitation) and low mean, high uncertainty (exploration), a new control variable is selected, and flow simulation is run for this new point. Later, the GPR is updated, given the output of the flow simulation. This process continues sequentially until the termination criteria are satisfied. To validate the workflow and obtain a better insight into the detailed steps, we first optimized a 1D problem. The workflow is then implemented for a 3D synthetic reservoir model to perform RO in a realistic field scenario (8-dimensional and 45-dimensional optimization problems). The workflow is compared with two other commonly used gradient-free algorithms in the literature: particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA). The main contributions are (1) developing a new optimization workflow to address the computational cost of flow simulation in RO, (2) demonstrating the effectiveness of the workflow on a 3D grid-based model, (3) investigating the robustness of the workflow against randomness in initiation samples and discussing the results, and (4) comparing the workflow with other optimization algorithms, showing that it achieves same near-optimal results while requiring only a fraction of the computational time.
Reducing knowledge synthesis workload time using a text-mining algorithm for research location and subtopic extraction from geographically dependent research publications
Authors: Grokhowsky Nicholas
Published: October 2023

The use of text-mining for knowledge synthesis, including literature reviews, has been gaining traction as modern Natural Language Processing tools have progressed. However, there is a trade off between accuracy and precision with workload times. The largest workload times for data extraction typically have better validation metrics. Manual data extraction is an example of this. Currently, there are a limited number of text-mining tools that have shown data extraction from research texts within minutes while maintaining acceptable validation metrics. By using a previously demonstrated generalized approach to determine research production with modern text-mining tools for extracting research locations and subtopics, a methodology with higher than average validation metrics and significantly improved workload times is shown.
It was shown that coupling two reliable Named Entity Recognition tool kits for research location extraction, a Latent Dirichlet Allocation model for unsupervised subtopic detection, and a Large Language Model for subtopic clustering can extract research locations, from more than 1,000 public health research articles, and cluster their subtopics, in less than 5 minutes. Validation metrics return F1 Measures of 92% for research location extraction and 71% for subtopic clustering. Additionally, applying these results to a previously constructed spatiotemporal generalization process reproduces the generalized results with a correlation coefficient of 97%, which significantly varies from random chance (p < 0.001). The mapped fitted values are reliably close with the validation model’s fitted values.
Genotype-based “virtual” metabolomics in a clinical biobank identifies novel metabolite-disease associations
Authors: Bagheri Minoo , Bombin Andrei , Shi Mingjian , Murthy Venkatesh L. , Shah Ravi , Mosley Jonathan D. , Ferguson Jane F.
Published: October 2023

Circulating metabolites act as biomarkers of dysregulated metabolism, and may inform disease pathophysiology. A portion of the inter-individual variability in circulating metabolites is influenced by common genetic variation. We evaluated whether a genetics-based “virtual” metabolomics approach can identify novel metabolite-disease associations. We examined the association between polygenic scores for 726 metabolites (derived from OMICSPRED) with 1,247 clinical phenotypes in 57,735 European ancestry and 15,754 African ancestry participants from the BioVU DNA Biobank. We probed significant relationships through Mendelian randomization (MR) using genetic instruments constructed from the METSIM Study, and validated significant MR associations using independent GWAS of candidate phenotypes. We found significant associations between 336 metabolites and 168 phenotypes in European ancestry and 107 metabolites and 56 phenotypes among African ancestry. Of these metabolite-disease pairs, MR analyses confirmed associations between 73 metabolites and 53 phenotypes in European ancestry. Of 22 metabolite-phenotype pairs evaluated for replication in independent GWAS, 16 were significant (false discovery rate p<0.05). Validated findings included the metabolites bilirubin and X–21796 with cholelithiasis, phosphatidylcholine(16:0/22:5n3,18:1/20:4) and arachidonate(20:4n6) with inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease, and campesterol with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. These associations may represent biomarkers or potentially targetable mediators of disease risk.
Research on the durability of FRP-bonded concrete beams subjected to a performance probabilistic design method
Authors: Zou Yunfei , ji yongcheng , Li Wei
Published: October 2023

FRP-bonded concrete enhances the structural strength and extends the service life, yet durability challenges remain pronounced. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) are employed to bond precast cracked concrete beams. Three adverse environments are established: freeze-thaw cycle, sulfate erosion, and salt-freeze coupling erosion conditions. The degradation patterns of specimens under single erosion and coupled erosion environments are compared using electron microscopy, mass loss analysis, load-displacement curves, and bottom strain measurements. The disparities in degradation mechanisms between coupled and single erosions are also examined. The outcomes demonstrate that the degradation from salt-freeze coupling erosion surpasses the cumulative effect of individual erosion. The mechanism behind salt-freeze coupling erosion involves sulfate exacerbating the irregular deterioration of FRP-bonded concrete beams induced by freeze-thaw cycles. The calculated error rates for load strength in adverse environments using the probabilistic design methods are 1.22%, 2.86%, and 2.13%, respectively, all within the 3% threshold, indicating a high level of predictive accuracy. Ultimately, predictive models for the strength of FRP-bonded concrete beams are developed under the three adverse environmental conditions.
Functional Production, Extracellular Expression, and Antitumor Activity of Mouse Alpha-Klotho in Model Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: ÇAKMAK Ramazan , Uzuner Ugur
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Klotho is a human protein with versatile functions associated with longevity and well-being. Deficiency of α-Klotho (α-KL) in the circulatory system is associated with decreased life expectancy along with numerous disorders such as chronic kidney disease, atherosclerosis, infertility, skin atrophy, emphysema, defective cognitive development, various incurable cancers, osteoporosis, and so on. Here we aimed the recombinant, low-cost, photosynthetic production of α-KL in eukaryotic microalgal systems.
Methods
The gene corresponding to the mouse α-KL(mα-KL) protein was codon optimized and synthetically produced for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CCALA 928) hosts. Following Agrobacterium-based transformation, the recombinant protein was expressed under the Hsp70A/RbcS2 dual promoter system and produced extracellularly. The anticarcinogenic activity of recombinant mα-KL was examined on Rattus norvegicus AR42J pancreatic tumor cell lines.
Results
Heterologous, functional and extracellular production of mα-KL protein was achieved for the first time in the model microalga C. reinhardtii. Secretion of mα-KL into the extracellular environment facilitated downstream processes and enabled low-cost purification at high titers. Up to 4.37 µg/mL mα-KL protein was recovered from cell-free culture supernatants of transgenic strains. Furthermore, the anticarcinogenic activity of recombinant mα-KL was confirmed in AR42J pancreatic tumors.
Conclusion
With the establishment of cheap, sustainable and functional production of α-KL, an important obstacle to its widespread use in the treatment of various diseases has been overcome. This can also serve as an important cornerstone in the development of various cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and quality products containing α-KL.
Efficacy of real versus sham DLPFC-NAc rTMS for depressed adolescents with anhedonia using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): a study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lv Runxin , Cai Min , Tang Nailong , Zhang Yuyu , Liu Nian , Han Tianle , Zhang Yaochi , Wang Huaning
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Anhedonia is considered one of the core symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), which predicts adverse outcomes among adolescents, including illness severity, antidepressant refractoriness, recurrence of MDD and suicide. Patients who suffer from anhedonia have a faint response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Previous research has indicated associations between anhedonia and abnormalities within the reward circuitry, highlighting the potential of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) as a viable target. Considering deep location of the NAc, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has potential to modulate this specific region. Recent methodological advances suggest that treatment technology has significant potential in precisely targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and modulating the functional connectivity (FC) between DLPFC and NAc for adolescent patients with anhedonia. We will conduct a study to explore the safety and effectiveness of using resting-state fcMRI-guided rTMS for treating anhedonia in adolescents diagnosed with MDD.
Methods and analysis
This article presents a study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group experiment. A quantity of 88 patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or sham rTMS. The primary outcome is to determine the percentage change in the severity of anhedonia, as assessed through the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), from the beginning to the end of the follow-up period (from baseline to 8 weeks after treatment). Secondary outcome measures will include fMRI measurements, Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD-17), Montgomery Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS), Chinese version of temporal experience of pleasure scale (CV-TEPS), Chinese version of Beck scale for suicide ideation (BSI-CV), clinical global impression (CGI) and monitoring adverse events. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, as well as at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks.
Ethics and dissemination
The study protocol received approval from the ethics committee of Xijing Hospital in September 2022 (Protocol ID: KY20222165-F-1). The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Trial registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05544071
Maternal Decentering and Child Maladjustment: A Mediated Maternal Psychological Distress and Parenting Model
Authors: Murayama Yasuo , Ohya Aiko
Published: October 2023

Negative parenting, which exacerbates children’s maladjustment, could result from poor mental health in parents. Therefore, factors that improve parental mental health may also facilitate positive parenting. One such factor is decentering (i.e., the capacity to observe internal experiences as passing mental phenomena that do not reflect self or reality). However, little research has examined the indirect association between parental decentering and children’s maladjustment. This cross-sectional study investigated whether parental decentering was associated with child maladjustment through the mediation of parental psychological distress and parenting quality. Japanese mothers (N = 2,522) participated in an online survey assessing parenting quality, maternal decentering levels, maternal psychological distress, and the oldest child’s maladjustment level as reported by the mothers. A parallel mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect. Mothers with greater decentering demonstrated lower psychological distress and more positive and less negative parenting. These characteristics were related to lower maladjustment in their children as reported by the mothers. This is the first study to demonstrate the link between decentering and positive maternal parenting. Therefore, decentering may be a possible factor to promote better parenting.
The lower extremity extension swaddling position is a risk factor for femoral trochlear dysplasia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuan Long , Kong Qian , Tian Ke , Bian Jichao , Zheng Zhongren , Wang Guodong , Zhang Yuanmin , Ma Longfei
Published: October 2023

Background
This study aims to investigate the effect of the infants' lower limb extension swaddling position on the development of femoral trochlear in newborn Wistar rats.
Methods
40 newborn Wistar rat pups (6–8 hours after birth) were selected and fixed by wrapping both lower limbs with 0.5 cm wide medical tape for 10 days as the experimental group. 40 newborn Wistar rat pups were randomly selected without administration as the control group. On the 10th day, 10 pups of the experimental group and 10 pups of the control group were randomly selected. The pups were executed by over anesthesia, and femoral trochlear specimens were taken, which were was conducted with HE staining, saffron O-solid green staining and immunohistochemistry. The remaining pups of the experimental group were released from swaddling and were placed in the clean cabinet of the sterile laminar-flow room. At the end of the 8th week, the animals were executed by over anesthesia. The patellofemoral joint was examined by micro-CT (30° knee flexion ) and the angle, width, and depth of the trochlear groove were measured to determine the development of femoral trochlear.
Results
Histological staining showed that the cartilage tissue of the femoral trochlear in the experimental group decreased, while the collagen fiber and bone tissue increased. The immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of collagen X and VEGF in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Micro-CT showed that the trochlear groove of the experimental group tended to increase in terms of the width and angle of the trochlear groove, while the depth of the groove decreased, and the arrangement of the trochlear cartilage was disorganized.
Conclusion
The lower limb swaddling position may adversely affect the development of the femoral trochlear and cause damage.
Cigarette tobacco reduces the survival of an invasive parasite that affects Darwin's finches
Authors: Pérez-Beauchamp Lorraine , Contreras Jailene , Goldberg Katia , Mena Gabriela , Soldo Alexandria , Chaves Jaime , Knutie Sarah
Published: October 2023

Invasive parasites are a major threat to biodiversity worldwide, so understanding the factors that control them is necessary to improve the health of affected host species. In the Galápagos Islands, the invasive nest ectoparasite, the avian vampire fly (Philornis downsi), is causing up to 100% mortality in nestling Darwin’s finches. However, urban finch nests have fewer flies than non-urban finch nests. One explanation is that finches incorporate cigarette butts into their nests, which has been found to decrease nest parasite abundance for other bird species. For our study, we exposed larval flies to cigarette tobacco-treated (concentrated or diluted) or untreated cotton, then characterized pupation success, pupal deformities and success, and adult fly eclosure success and size. The influence of moisture on the effect of tobacco treatment on fly health was also determined. Flies reared in tobacco as larvae had lower pupation success, larger pupal volume, and a higher prevalence of pupal deformities compared to control flies, regardless of moisture treatment. Furthermore, we found that tobacco-treated flies had lower eclosure success. In fact, very few tobacco-treated flies survived to adulthood. We also collected finch nests and quantified the prevalence and abundance of cigarette butts and abundance of flies in the nests. Although most urban finch nests contain cigarette butts (73%), the mass of cigarette butts was very low and did not correlate with fly abundance. Compared to past studies, finch nests require ten times as many cigarette butts to affect fly survival. Although tobacco can negatively affect vampire flies, finches likely do not incorporate enough cigarette butts to affect fly fitness.
A matter of genetic divergence: sizing up the sample for soybean canonical variables
Authors: de Souza Rafael Rodrigues , Filho Alberto Cargnelutti , Toebe Marcos , Bittencourt Karina Chertok
Published: October 2023

Empirical sampling can result in inaccurate estimates of the variance captured in canonical variables, therefore affecting their scores and the identification of genetic divergence. This study aimed to analyze the response of canonical variables as a function of the number of plants sampled per experimental unit, and to define a representative multivariate sample size based on the percentage variance absorbed by the canonical variables. Six soybean experiments were performed in two locations in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using a complete randomized block experimental design with three repetitions and 20 genotypes (360 plots), and ten traits were assessed in 20 plants per plot. Bootstrap resampling was applied for the canonical variable analysis. Posteriorly, sample size per experimental unit was dimensioned using nonlinear models and defining the maximum curvature point via perpendicular distances. The estimate of the percentage variance retained in the canonical variables was sensitive to the sample size per experimental unit. The 95% confidence interval width of the absorbed variance decreased as sample size increased, and the precision for estimating the variance was improved, stabilizing once 36 plants per experimental unit were sampled. Insufficient sampling harms the identification of divergent genotypes, thus increasing sample size gradually improves the quality of the canonical variables’ variance estimates. Thirty-six plants per experimental unit are enough to estimate the variance explained in the first four canonical variables for soybean reliably. The sample size recommendations presented may be useful for researchers in the genetic divergence field, increasing the efficiency of soybean breeding programs.
Oxidized albumin is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Beibei , Chen Suzhi , Li Bing-Feng
Published: October 2023

Background
Oxidized albumin plays a role in various animal disease models, including diabetes and aging. Oxidized albumin has been identified as a novel biomarker of oxidative stress. In this study, rat chronic kidney disease model with proteinuria and hypertension caused by high levels of oxidative stress was utilized.
Methods
A Total of 24-Male-Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned for 4 weeks to one of four groups: normal control group (Con, n = 6), normal salt-treated 5/6 nephrectomy (ND, n = 6), high salt-loading 5/6 nephrectomy (HSD, n = 6), and Tempol-loading 5/6 nephrectomy (HSD + Tempol, n = 6). All animals were sacrificed at the conclusion of the research process. Urine samples, blood samples, and kidney tissues were collected for checking proteinuria, serum creatinine, urea, α-SMA, malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathology study.
Results
Blood pressure, urinary protein, plasma creatinine, BUN, α-SMA, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher the high salt diet group than in the normal salt loading diet group, and the effects of the aforesaid parameters were reversed following treatment with Tempol.
Conclusions
In 5/6 nephrectomized CKD rat model, high salt diet tended to increase the levels of blood pressure, urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and expression of α-SMA. Additionally, Tempol tends to ameliorate the severity of fibrosis and oxidative stress in the remaining kidney.
High-precision Reconstruction Method Based on MTS-GAN for Electromagnetic Environment Data in SAGIoT
Authors: Guo Lantu , Liu Yuchao , Li Yuqian , Yang Kai
Published: October 2023

Equipment failures and communication interruptions of satellites, aircraft and ground devices lead to data loss in the Sky-Ground Integrated Internet of Things (SAGIoT). The incomplete data affects the accuracy of data modeling, decision-making and spectrum prediction. Reconstructing the incomplete data of electromagnetic environment is a significant task in the SAGIoT. Most spectrum data completion algorithms, such as interpolation completion and tensor-based completion, are burdened by limited accuracy and sluggish iterative optimization processes. In light of these challenges, a novel high-precision reconstruction method for electromagnetic environment data based on multi-component time series generation adversarial network (MTS-GAN) is proposed in this paper. MTS-GAN transforms the reconstruction method of electromagnetic environment data into the data generation problem of multiple time series. It extracts the time-frequency joint features and the overall distribution of electromagnetic environment data. To improve the reconstruction precision, MTS-GAN simulates the time irregularity of incomplete time series by applying a gate recursive element to adapt to the attenuation effect of discontinuous time series observations. Experimental results show that the proposed MTS-GAN provides high completion accuracy and achieves better results than competitive data completion algorithms.
Conceptualization and Development of a Customizable Neuroradiology Fellowship Curriculum with Emphasis on Academic Career Development
Authors: Buch Karen , Applewhite Brooks
Published: October 2023

Objective
To address unmet needs for a super-specialty concentration during the second year of a two-year neuroradiology fellowship by designing and implementing a longitudinal focused elective course with capstone project for 5 super-specialty tracks within the neuroradiology subspecialty. The objective of this study was to gauge the level of fellowship satisfaction and departmental engagement for this curriculum redesign.
Methods
The new curriculum design was implemented at a single institution with a two-year neuroradiology fellowship. During the second year of the fellowship, 5 focused elective tracks were created and offered to the neuroradiology fellows, including: 1) head and neck imaging, 2) pediatric neuroradiology and fetal imaging, 3) advanced spine procedures, 4) advanced imaging techniques, and 5) medical education. Each track is 11-weeks in duration and includes appointment of a faculty mentor/sponsor, dedicated conference assignments, detailed expectations, and a capstone project. For those electives focused on diagnostic imaging and procedures, a tailored case list, examinations, and/or procedures prioritizing daily exposure to the respective super-specialty is provided. The curriculum was created with the goal of providing targeted educational training, mentorship, and research support to second-year neuroradiology fellows. It was developed with guidance from neuroradiology leadership in conjunction with feedback from current neuroradiology fellows and is supported by radiology department leadership. A survey was administered to our neuroradiology fellows regarding the prospective curriculum redesign to gauge their level of interest and potential engagement.
Results
The majority of neuroradiology fellows (95%) agreed or strongly agreed that a focused super-specialty training program during their second year of fellowship would be beneficial. Specific perceived benefits included: an advantage over other similar training programs (85%), aid in recognition as an early leader in the field (70%), improved fellow marketability (90%), and assistance in launching a career in research (80%).
Conclusion
The implementation of a targeted super-specialty curriculum in the second year of neuroradiology fellowship was found to be highly desirable to current neuroradiology fellows. Follow-up data is necessary to evaluate long-term effects and academic achievement in practice.
Relationship between exposure to parabens and benzophenones and prostate cancer risk in the EPIC-Spain cohort
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Nicolás Francisco , Rodríguez-Barranco Miguel , Zamora-Ros Raúl , Guevara Marcela , Colorado-Yohar Sandra Milena , Jiménez-Zabala Ana , Arrebola Juan Pedro , Iribarne-Durán Luz María , Molina Germán , Agudo Antonio , Trobajo-Sanmartín Camino , Chirlaque María Dolores , Amiano Pilar , Sánchez María-José
Published: October 2023

The etiology of prostate cancer is not fully elucidated. Among environmental risk factors, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) deserve special mention, as they alter metabolic pathways involved in hormone-dependent cancers. Epidemiological evidence assessing the carcinogenicity of EDCs is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between exposure to parabens and benzophenones and prostate cancer risk. We conducted a case-cohort study nested within the EPIC-Spain prospective multi-center cohort. Study population comprised 1,838 sub-cohort participants and 467 non-sub-cohort prostate cancer cases. Serum concentrations of four parabens and two benzophenones were assessed at recruitment. Covariates included age, physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, educational level and diabetes. Borgan II weighted Cox proportional hazard models stratified by study center were applied. Median follow-up time was 18.6 years (range = 1.0-21.7 years). Most sub-cohort participants reached primary education at most (65.5%), were overweight (57.7%) and had a low level of physical activity (51.3%). Detection percentages varied widely, being lowest for butyl-paraben (11.3%) and highest for methyl-paraben (80.7%), which also showed the highest geometric mean (0.95 ng/ml). Cases showed significantly higher concentrations of methyl-paraben (p = 0.041) and propyl-paraben (p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, methyl-paraben – log-transformed (HR = 1.07; 95%CI = 1.01–1.12) and categorized into tertiles (HR = 1.60 for T3; 95%CI = 1.16–2.20) –, butyl-paraben – linear (HR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.14–1.23) and log-transformed (HR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.01–1.35) – and total parabens – log-transformed (HR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.02–1.17) and categorized into tertiles (HR = 1.62 for T3; 95%CI = 1.10–2.40) – were associated with an increased prostate cancer risk. In this study, higher concentrations of methyl-, butyl-, and total parabens were positively associated with prostate cancer risk. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
The Laffer Failure: Lower Tax Less Representation
Authors: Wang Zhan
Published: October 2023

The Laffer Failure is research argued to figure out past forty years an academic novel understanding of tax reform impacts on representation consequences. Given a novel literature review from data inquire to analyze an old insight into tax efficacy on an aiming equifinality growth for a nation prosperity. I discuss a metaphysic mechanism of rent-seeking tax rate changes in panel characteristics in order to clarify the efficacy of Laffer coefficient on different groups of income per capita growth. Results conclude the tax paradox per se cripples the efficacy in that rent-seeking loss fails to be compensated by Laffer reforms even if redefined by green paradox, so as to corrode all groups’ welfare to make more complex representation for non-target groups.
JEL: E0; H0; P0.
Functionally-graded Lattice Topology Optimization of Conformal Fluid Channels
Authors: Deng Hao , Fu Heting , Saitou Kazuhiro
Published: October 2023

The recent advent of meal additive manufacturing made it possible to manufacture a solid structure with internal fluid channels with complex topology and geometry that closely conform the target surfaces for thermal management (eg., mold surface). This work presents a topology optimization (TO) of conformal fluid channels for thermal management of structures subject to the requirements for structural displacement and maximum stress. Examples of such structures are mold for injection molding, dies for diecasting, cooling jacket for batteries, and aerodynamic parts for jet and rocket engines. TO of lattice structures, known for superior stiffness-to-weight ratio and energy absorption capacity, have a potential for superior heat exchange between thermal fluid and structural solid owing to the increased surface area. The lattice structures are also beneficial for the printability of channels by significantly reducing the needs for support structures that are open difficult to remove after printing due to the narrow, internal channel geometry. Existing functionally-graded lattice TO methods based on bi-scale finite elements analysis, however, have a limited applicability since they often suffer from poor connectivity between neighboring lattice cells, which can be critical for fluid flow. To fill the gap, we present a lattice TO formulation for conformal fluid channels based on Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) and Darcy’s law for fully-coupled thermal-fluidic-structural analysis and a single-scale, neighborhood mask approach for functionally-graded lattice generation that ensures smooth meso-scale connections of lattices. Numerical examples demonstrate the formulation can successfully generate the functionally-graded conformal lattice channels that meet the requirements on temperature distribution as well as structural displacement and stress.