bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of PID, PD, LQR, and LQR-PD Regulators for Quadrotor Stabilization and Trajectory Tracking
Authors: Djizi Hamza , Zahzouh Zoubir
Published: September 2023

Quadrotors, a type of unmanned aerial vehicle, utilize four rotors for precise lift and control, making them highly versatile for a variety of tasks, such as delivery, inspection, mapping, and monitoring. The growing importance of quadcopters is due to their ability to perform a variety of tasks, such as mapping, inspection, surveillance, and delivery. However, their design and four motors make them inherently unstable and difficult to control, which can limit their potential. To improve stability, four controllers (Proportional Derivative, Proportional Integral Derivative, Linear Quadratic Regulator, and Linear Quadratic Regulator-Proportional Derivative) were tested on a quadcopter Simulink model created with MATLAB/SIMULINK. Simulation results showed that the Linear Quadratic Regulator-Proportional Derivative controller was the most effective in terms of stabilization and speed, particularly for hovering along the x and y axes. This controller was found to be reliable and efficient, providing a smooth and fast response. Tuning these controllers can optimize the quadcopter's stability, accuracy, and speed, enabling them to perform a wider range of tasks.
Combination of Polygonatum and Scutellaria baicalensis triggers apoptosis through down-regulation of PON3-induced mitochondrial damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress in lung cancer cells
Authors: Liu Haitao , Yue Liduo , Li Yubin , Zheng Tiansheng , Zhang Wenjia , Li Chaoqun , Zhuang Wenbin , Fan Lihong
Published: September 2023

Objective: Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) and polygonatum, two traditional Chinese medinces, are both known to suppress cancer. However, the mechanism and effect of combined treatment of them for lung cancer are rarely known. Investigating the combined effect of SB and polygonatum (hereafter referred to as HH) in potential mechanism of lung cancer is required.
Methods: Based on the theory of Chinese medicine and network pharmacology, In the in vivo experiment, a mouse model of carcinoma in situ was constructed and lung carcinoma in situ tissues were collected for proteomics analysis, ematoxylin-eosin staining and CK19 immunohistochemistry. In the in vitro experiment，lung cancer A549 cells at logarithmic growth stage were taken and the inhibitory effect of HH on the proliferation of A549 cells was detected by CCK8 method. The expression of PON3 was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot. In addition, the effect of HH on the induction of apoptosis in A549 cells and the changes of membrane potential and ROS content were detected by flow cytometry. The changes of PON3 content in ER is observed by laser confocal microscopy, while the effects of HH on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and ER stress-related proteins in A549 cells were examined by Western blot.
Result: By searching the TCMSP database and symmap database, the respective target genes of the double yellow were mapped into protein network interactions (PPI), and using Venn diagrams to show 38 genes in common between the double yellow and lung cancer, thus HH was found to play a role in the treatment of lung cancer. In vivo experiments showed that in a lung carcinoma in situ model, lung tumor tissue was significantly lower in the HH group compared to the control group, and PON3 was shown to be downregulated by lung tissue proteomics analysis. The combination of HH was able to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.0001). The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and ER stress proteins were significantly increased and the expression levels of pon3 and anti-apoptosis-related proteins were decreased in A549 cells. At the same time, knockdown of PON3 could inhibit tumor cell proliferation (P < 0.0001). The combination of different concentrations of HH significantly induced apoptosis in A549 cells (P＜0.05; P＜0.0001), increased ROS content (P＜0.01), and damaged mitochondrial membrane potential of A549 cells (P＜0.05; P＜0.0001), and significantly increased the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and ER stress proteins in lung cancer A549 cells.
Conclusion：HH inhibits proliferation of lung cancer A549 cells by down-regulating PON3-induced apoptosis in the mitochondrial and ER pathways
Evaluating the effect of repair using direct laser metal deposition on the fracture resistance of the cracked 1.2714 tool steel component
Authors: Rezaeehajideh Mojtaba , Farahani Mohammadreza
Published: September 2023

Hot work steel DIN1.2714 (56NiCrMoV7) has become a widely used material in making all kinds of industrial molds such as forging, punching, and coining due to its excellent machinability, moderate corrosion resistance, and relatively low cost. The cyclic performance of these molds will lead to the formation of surface cracks on the surface of these molds over time. Repairing these cracked parts is one of the most widely used topics in the industry, and in this research, the laser cladding method was used to repair the surface of these molds. Tensile fracture testing was performed according to ASTM E1820 guidelines on single-edge cracked specimens that were repaired by the DLMD process. In this study, the effect of laser cladding process parameters (laser power and percentage of reinforcing nanoparticles) as well as the effect of crack length on the remaining strength were investigated. In the following, the experimental displacement field obtained from the analysis of digital image correlation was used to create boundary conditions for a finite element post-processing model. The finite element model was calculated using a developed code and the fields of stress and strain as well as the J- integral parameter for coated and uncoated samples. The results show that by increasing the laser power from 150 W to 450 W and by increasing the percentage of nanoparticles of Sic from 0–5%, the failure load of the samples increases by 171% and 139%, respectively, and the J-integral parameter is reduced by 32% and 41% respectively. On the other hand, it was observed that by reducing the crack length from 25 mm to 3 mm, the failure load of the samples increased by 158% and 240%, respectively, and the J-integral parameter also decreased by 55% and 40% respectively.
Stereotype Threat Effect on CPR Performance: A Randomized Controlled Mannequin Study
Authors: Tumer Murat , Korkmaz Leman , Üzümcügil Filiz , Yılbaş Aysun Ankay , Kılıçaslan Banu , Akıncı Seda Banu
Published: September 2023

Background:
Stereotype threat (ST) can lead to decreased performance when individuals face the possibility of confirming negative stereotypes associated with their group. During the Covid-19 pandemic, non-Intensive Care Unit physicians (non-ICUp) were assigned to work in ICUs. However, social media emphasized the inadequacy of knowledge and skills among these physicians. Given the negative judgments, the study aimed to evaluate the CPR performances of these physicians and investigate the effect of ST.
Method:
A total of 63 non-ICUp and 53 ICUp physicians working in Covid-19 ICUs were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. In the experimental group, ST was manipulated by presenting the study's aim as measuring the difference in CPR performances between ICUp and non-ICUp physicians. The control group received no information. Participants were videotaped while performing a standard CPR scenario and evaluated by independent instructors and mannequin scores.
Results:
Overall CPR scores were higher among ICUp. Non-ICUp physicians performed better in the ST condition regarding effective chest compression (p = .02) and correct compression rates per minute (p = .02) compared to the control condition. However, ICUp had lower scores for correctly placing chest compressions in the ST condition (p = .03).
Conclusion:
The higher CPR performance among ICUp was expected. However, the hypothesis suggesting lower performance for non-ICUp under ST conditions was not supported. Inconsistent results regarding the ST effect could be influenced by moderating factors such as task difficulty, knowledge about the existing stereotype, and motivation to perform well. The interaction between the physicians' specialty and situational factors highlights the importance of creating realistic training environments that simulate high-pressure situations, ultimately contributing to the development of competent and confident healthcare professionals. Future research should further explore the impact of ST-based training on interactions and performance among different healthcare professionals.
Cr and CeO2 Promoted Ni/SBA-15 Framework for Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Glycerol
Authors: Abrokwah Richard Y , Ntow Eric B , Jennings Terrence , Stevens-Boyd Robert , Hossain Tashfin , Swain John , Bepari Sujoy , Hassan Saif , Mohammad Nafeezuddin , Kuila Debasish
Published: September 2023

Ni/SBA-15 meso-structured catalysts modified with Chromium and CeO2 (Ni-Cr-CeO2/SBA-15) were utilized to produce hydrogen from glycerol steam reforming (GSR). The catalysts were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal process and extensively characterized by analytical techniques such as N2 adsorption-desorption (BET), H2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Overall, the Ni-based catalysts exhibited higher glycerol conversion − 12Ni-SBA-15-99.9%, 12Ni3CeO2-SBA-15-89.4% and 8Ni4Cr3CeO2-SBA-15-99.7%. Monometallic 12Ni/SBA-15 performed exceptionally well, while 12Cr/SBA-15 performed poorly with the highest 71.48% CO selectivity. For short-term GSR reactions, CeO2 addition to 12Ni/SBA-15 did not have any effect, whereas Cr addition resulted in 32% decrease in H2 selectivity. The long-term stability studies of 12Ni-SBA-15 showed H2 selectivity of ~ 64% and ~ 98% glycerol conversion. However, its activity was short-lived. After 20-30hrs, the H2 selectivity and conversion dropped precipitously to 40%. The doping of mesoporous Ni/SBA-15 with Cr and CeO2 remarkably enhanced the long-term stability of the catalyst for 12Ni3CeO2-SBA-15, and 8Ni4Cr3CeO2-SBA-15 catalyst with ~ 58% H2 selectivity and ~ 100% conversion for the entire 60hrs. Nonetheless, Cr and CeO2 seem to improve the shelf-life of Ni-SBA-15 via different mechanistic pathways. CeO2 mitigated Ni poisoning through coke oxidation whereas Cr bolstered the catalyst stability via maintaining a well-defined pore size and structural integrity of the heterogeneous framework, thereby restricting structural collapse, and hence reducing sintering of the Ni active sites during the long-term 60hrs continuous reaction.
Amplification of poly(I:C)-induced interleukin-6 production in human bronchial epithelial cells by priming with interferon-γ
Authors: Okuma Norikazu , Ito Masa-aki , Shimizu Tomoyoshi , Hasegawa Atsuya , Omori Shinya , Yoshida Kazuki , Matsuoka Isao
Published: September 2023

Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 was associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19. The mechanism underlying the excessive production of IL-6 by SARS-Cov-2 infection remains unclear. Respiratory viruses initially infect alveolar epithelial cells that produce various immunomodulatory inflammatory mediators. Here, we show that pretreatment of human bronchial epithelial cells (NCl-H292) with interferon (IFN)-γ markedly increased IL-6 production induced by the toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 agonist poly(I:C). A similar priming effect of IFN-γ on poly(I:C)-induced IL-6 production was observed in human primary bronchial and A549 epithelial cells. TLR3 knockdown using siRNA in NCl-H292 cells diminished the priming effects of IFN-γ on poly(I:C)-induced IL-6 production. Furthermore, the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib inhibited IFN-γ priming-induced upregulation of TLR3 and suppressed poly(I:C)-induced IL-6 production. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that IFN-γ stimulated histone modifications associated with the IL-6 gene locus. Finally, IFN-γ priming significantly increased lung IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in the alveolar lavage fluid of mice with poly(I:C)-induced bronchial inflammation. Thus, priming bronchial epithelial cells with IFN-γ markedly increases poly(I:C)-induced IL-6 production via JAK-dependent upregulation of TLR3 and IL-6 gene locus chromatin remodeling. These mechanisms may be involved in severe respiratory inflammation with excess production of IL-6 following infection with RNA viruses.
Impact of oral health related quality of life of children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mattos Graça Maria Lopes , Costa Cayara Mattos , Malheiros Adriana Santos , Maciel Miriam Batalha , Bassi-Dibai Daniela , Ferreira Meire Coelho , Tavarez Rudys Rodolfo De Jesus
Published: September 2023

Backgroud The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of oral health conditions on the quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Methods: The sample consisted of 76 children and adolescents aged 8–14 years. For inclussion in the study they were required to have a diagnosis of HbSS SCA in their medical records, without a pain crisis or any dental emergency in the last three months. The children and adolescents with SCA were from the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Maranhão (HEMOMAR), a state health institution responsible for governmental policies related to hematology and transfusion medicine in the State of Maranhão, Brazil. Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene, caries, malocclusion, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed. OHRQoL was assessed using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10 and CPQ11-14). Descriptive statistics, Student's t and Mann−Whitney tests were performed (α = 5%). Results: The brown race was the most prevalent for both age groups (8–10 years − 63.2% and 11–14 years – 57.9%). The predominant monthly family income for both age groups was below $106. Visible plaque and gingival bleeding were higher in children with aged 8–10 years. Dental caries significantly impacted the quality of life of adolescents through the domain “oral symptom” (p = 0.031). The malocclusion significantly impacted the quality of life of adolescents (“total score”, p = 0.026; “social well-being”, p = 0.045). Conclusion: Oral health impairment negatively affected the QoL of adolescents with SCA.
Risk factors for persistent fatal opioid-involved overdose hotspots in Massachusetts 2011- 2021: A spatial statistical analysis with socio-economic, access and prescription factors
Authors: Sriniva Sumeeta , Pustz Jennifer , Marsh Elizabeth , Young Leonard D. , Stopka Thomas J.
Published: September 2023

Background: Fatal opioid-involved overdose rates increased precipitously from 5.0 per 100,000 population to 33.5 in Massachusetts between 1999 and 2022.
Methods: We use spatial rate smoothing techniques to identify persistent opioid overdose fatality clusters at the ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) level. Rate smoothing techniques were effective in reducing variance common with zero-inflated rates locations where population counts are low such as rural and suburban areas which were affected by the epidemic in Massachusetts such as Worcester, Fall River, New Bedford, and Wareham. We use Getis-Ord hotspot analyses with the smoothed incidence rates to identify locations of persistent risk from 2011-2021. We constructed measures of the socio-built environment and potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) using principal components analysis (PCA). The resulting measures were used as covariates in autologistic, zero-inflated Poisson, negative binomial and Conditional Autoregression (CAR) Bayesian regression models to predict if a ZCTA was part of an opioid-involved smoothed hotspot cluster for fatal overdose rates as well as the number of times that it was part of a hotspot.
Results: Persistent hotspot clusters in Massachusetts had higher mean percentages of Black and Hispanic residents, and residents experiencing poverty. PCA helped in identifying unique socio-environmental factors, such as poverty and minority presence by combining socioeconomic, built environment and prescription variables that were highly correlated with each other. Fatal opioid-involved overdose hotspots were found to be significantly more likely to be ZCTA with high poverty levels and high percentages of people from minoritized populations. Regressions models that corrected for spatial autocorrelation were necessary to avoid model misspecification.
Conclusion: Conducting spatially robust analyses may help inform policies to identify community-level risks for opioid-involved overdose deaths. The results can help inform policy makers and planners about locations of persistent risk.
Genetics of biochemical attributes regulating morpho-physiology of upland cotton under high temperature conditions
Authors: Majeed Sajid , Chaudhary Muhammad Tanees , Mubarik Muhammad Salman , Rana Iqrar Ahmad , SHABAN Muhammad , Tan Daniel KY , Yinhua Jia , Xiongming Du , Hinze Lori , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen
Published: September 2023

Background. In the global textile industry, cotton is a strategic fibre crop. It has a large impact on the industrial and agricultural economies of many countries. Sustainable cotton production is continuously threatened by the unpredictable changes in climate, specifically high temperatures. One of the main goals of contemporary cotton breeding programs is the production of high-yielding, heat-tolerant cotton cultivars with wide adaptation that can be grown throughout warming climate regions.
Methods. The current study was designed to explore how heat stress impacts biochemical parameters that control the morpho-physiology of upland cotton. Two heat susceptible (FH-115 and NIAB-Kiran) and two heat tolerant (IUB-13 and GH-Mubarak) accessions were selected to develop filial and backcross generations. Heat tolerant ability of these generations and parental lines was assessed by determining viability of pollen grains, thermostability of cell membrane, levels of antioxidants and reactive oxygen species and yield related traits under both normal and high temperature environments in the field. Genetic control of these traits was assessed through generation mean analysis. Correlation and heterotic studies helped find the relationship among traits and best cross combination, respectively.
Results. The data indicated that heat stress negatively impacted every plant attribute analysed. The IUB-13 × FH-115 cross performed best under both normal and high temperatures for yield, biochemical, and physiological attributes. Yield of seed cotton exhibited positive associations with antioxidant levels and pollen viability.
Conclusions. The insights derived from this study will aid breeders in identifying traits for selection to develop cotton cultivars that can tolerate the existing challenging environmental conditions.
Inhibition potentials of Solanum macrocarpon leave extract as a green corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in an acidic solution
Authors: Ezugha Stephen Ifeanyi , Aralu Chiedozie Chukwuemeka
Published: September 2023

The adsorption and inhibitive properties of methanol extract of leaves of Solanum macrocarpon as green inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in 2M H2SO4 acid solutions were studied using gasometric techniques at 303K, 313K, and 323K, respectively. The inhibition efficiency increased with concentration and declined when the temperature rose. The results indicated that the methanol extract of leaves of Solanum macrocarpon is a suitable corrosion inhibitor for the inhibition process as 91% maximum inhibition efficiency was obtained at 0.5%w/v extract concentration at 303K. The plant extract's inhibition potential was ascertained due to the presence of organic compounds which contain heteroatoms in their functional groups. Thermodynamics parameters ( 𝐸𝑎, 𝑄𝑎𝑑𝑠, and Δ𝐺𝑎𝑑𝑠) demonstrated that the corrosion mechanism was by physical adsorption. The adsorption process was found to obey Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, and El-Awardy (R2 >0.9). The results showed that Solanum macrocarpon methanol extract could be a cost-friendly corrosion inhibitor in industries.
Crystal structure of tetrachloride ferrate (III) complex with methylene blue
Authors: Sabirov Vahobjon
Published: September 2023

The crystal structure of tetrachloride ferrate (III) complex with methylene blue, [MB]+[FeCl4]– (where [MB]+
methylthioninium or 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)-phenothiazine-5-ium cation), has been prepared by mechanochemical way
and studied by the single crystal X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of title compound is built from by [FeCl4]2- tetrahedral ion and planar [MB]+ counter ions. The [MB]+ cations are linked in the 3D network by the C–H···Cl
hydrogen bonds. The [MB]+ cations are stacked in an antiparallel fashion with the sulfur atom disposed alternatively on
an opposite sides of the stacking. The centroids-centroids distance between the thiazine rings is 3.975 Å and the planar-
planar angle is 1.6°. Intermolecular short contacts were analyzed by 3D Hirshfeld surfaces method and 2D fingerprint
plots. Intermolecular interaction energy between two neighboring MB+ cation pair was calculated by using of CE-
B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) theoretical level.
Iron-lanthanum supported on graphite sheets for As(III) removal from aqueous solution: Kinetics, thermodynamic and ecotoxicity assessment
Authors: Sun Hongyu , BAO Qiongli , Chu Yutan , Li Yan , Shi Jiahao , HUANG Yizong
Published: September 2023

The removal of arsenic from water remains a major challenge. Graphene-based material is widely used to remove arsenic from water due to their layered structure with high surface area. However, the removal of arsenic from water by iron- lanthanum (Fe-La) functionalized graphite sheets is rarely reported. Here, we have successfully fabricated nanoscale graphite sheets and synthesized Fe-La modified nanocrystalline hybrid material to efficiently removal As(III) from aqueous solution. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and zeta potential were used to characterized the morphology, functional groups, crystalline structure and valance state of materials to explore the effect and mechanism of Fe-La-graphite sheets (FL-graphite sheets) on As(III) removal from water. The material had the rough surface and Fe/La were evenly distributed on its surface. The results of As(III) adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption density of FL-graphite sheets for As(III) was 51.69 mg·g− 1, which was higher than that of graphite sheet (21.91 mg·g− 1), La-graphite sheet (26.06 mg·g− 1) and Fe-graphite sheet (40.26 mg·g− 1). The FL-graphite sheets conformed to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, and the maximum adsorption density was 53.62 mg·g− 1. The pseudo second-order provided the best simulation for data of As(III) adsorption experiments, indicating that chemical reactions are the main rate-control step. XRD, XPS, and FTIR analysis revealed that the oxidation and complexation reaction on the surface of FL-graphite sheet was the main mechanism of As(III) removal. Ecotoxicity assessment revealed that FL-graphite sheets has little influence on rice germination and growth, but reduced the toxicity of As(III) to rice by forming protective film in rice rhizosphere. Therefore, the FL-graphite sheets has good practical application value in purifying As(III) polluted water with litter ecotoxicity.
Chrononutrition and Lifestyle factors in constipated teaching faculty residing in Urban Baroda
Authors: Sheth Mini , Dey Kankona
Published: September 2023

Functional constipation is a common public health problem which may reduce one’s level of productivity and quality of life. Chrono nutrition profile involves the relationship between one’s circadian rhythm and the dietary pattern. The objective of this study is to explore the association between chrono nutrition profile and lifestyle pattern of constipated subjects. University teaching faculty (n = 364) were screened using a cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling technique. A pre-tested and validated structured questionnaire was administered to them bearing questions related to their constipation status, chrono nutrition profile and lifestyle pattern including diet and physical activity. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using JASP software 2022. The background information of the study participants revealed that most of the respondents were females (59.1%), married (73.1%) and stayed in nuclear families (62.1%) with a family income of > INR 123,322.00 (42.3%) and their age ranged between 35–64 years. Functional constipation was observed in 25% subjects (n = 90). Physical activity of the study subjects indicated 83% and 17% were in the sedentary and mildly active categories respectively and it was significantly negatively correlated with presence of FC among the subjects (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed with constipation in terms of the working day profile, whereas in terms of a free day profile, chrono nutrition profile showed a significant association (p < 0.05). However, the type of diet consumed by the subjects did not show any significant association with the constipation profile. Functional constipation was observed in 1/4th of the study sample. The findings suggest an association with a poor chrono nutrition profile with the constipation status of the study population on a free day. Further advice can be given to subjects suffering from constipation to improve their lifestyle pattern consistently on both working and free days.
Green chemistry routed sugar press mud for zinc oxide 2D nano-sheet fabrication and climate-resilient wheat crop productivity
Authors: Verma LAHUR , Chaudhary Shivani , Kumar Sachin , Sanwaria Anita Raj , Ingole Pravin P. , Sharma Satyawati , Singh Garima , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Ashwani , Singh Umesh
Published: September 2023

Nanotechnology appears as a promising approach to revolutionize the fertilization industry in the coming decades. However, the crucial interactions of these nanomaterials with abiotic components of the environment like soil organic matter (SOM) and carbon- sequestration may hold the key to sustainable crop nutrition, fortification, and climate change. Here, we investigated the use of sugar press mud (PM) mediated ZnO nanosynthesis for soil amendment and nutrient mobilisation under moderately alkaline conditions. The positively charged (+ 7.61 mv) ZnO sheet-like nanoparticles (~ 17 nm) from zinc sulphate at the optimum dose of (75 mg/kg) blended with PM (1.4% w/w) were used in reinforcing the soil matrix for wheat growth. The results demonstrated improved agronomic parameters with (~ 47%) and (~ 30%) relative increase in yield and plant Zn content. Also, the soil solution phase interactions of the ZnO nanoparticles with the PM-induced soil colloidal carbon (-27.9 mv and diameter 0.4864 µm) along with its other components have influenced the soil nutrient dynamics and mineral ecology at large. Interestingly, one such interaction has reversed the known Zn-P interaction from negative to positive. Thus, the study offers a fresh insight into the possible correlations between nutrient interactions and soil carbon sequestration for climate-resilient crop productivity.
Higher HDL Cholesterol Levels Are Associated with Increased Markers of Interstitial Myocardial Fibrosis: Insights from The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chehab Omar , Akl Elie , Abdollahi Ashkan , Zeitoun Ralph , Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath , Wu Colin , Tracy Russell , Blumenthal Roger , Post Wendy , Lima Joao , Rodriguez Annabelle
Published: September 2023

Background: Emerging research indicates that high HDL-C levels might not be cardioprotective, potentially worsening cardiovascular disease(CVD)outcomes. Yet, there's no data on HDL-C's association with other CVD risk factors like myocardial fibrosis, a key aspect of cardiac remodeling predicting negative outcomes. We therefore aimed to study the association between HDL-C levels with interstitial myocardial fibrosis (IMF) and myocardial scar measured by CMR T1-mapping and late-gadolinium enhancement(LGE), respectively.
Methods: There were 1,863 participants (mean age of 69-years) who had both serum HDL-C measurements and underwent CMR. Analysis was done among those with available indices of interstitial fibrosis (extracellular volume fraction[ECV];N=1,172 and native-T1;N=1,863) and replacement fibrosis by LGE(N=1,172). HDL-C was analyzed as both logarithmically-transformed and categorized into<40(low),40-59(normal),and≥60mg/dL(high). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were constructed to assess the associations of HDL-C with CMR-obtained measures of IMF, ECV% and native-T1 time, and myocardial scar, respectively.
Results: In the fully adjusted model, each 1-SD increment of log HDL-C was associated with a 1% increment in ECV%(p=0.01) and an 18-ms increment in native-T1(p<0.001). When stratified by HDL-C categories, those with high HDL-C(≥60mg/dL) had significantly higher ECV(β=0.5%,p=0.01) and native-T1(β=7ms,p=0.01) compared with those with normal HDL-C levels. Those with low HDL-C were not associated with IMF. Results remained unchanged after excluding individuals with a history of myocardial infarction. Neither increasing levels of HDL-C nor any HDL-C category was associated with the prevalence of myocardial scar.
Conclusions: Increasing levels of HDL-C were associated with increased markers of IMF, with those with high levels of HDL-C being linked to subclinical fibrosis in a community-based setting.
Differential Swell of Unsaturated Clay caused byDifferent Wetting Conditions
Authors: Nachum shay
Published: September 2023

Wetting of compacted clays and their subsequent swelling, often results in damage to structures and infrastructures. Estimations of the swell expected to develop during wetting are usually based on standard laboratory tests. The standard procedure requires inundating the test specimens; this procedure represents an extreme wetting condition and provides an upper limit to the swell. However may result from less extreme conditions, for example by absorption of water due to suction forces, which may result in a smaller swell. This paper describes a laboratory investigation of the differential swell that may result from different wetting conditions. Swell tests have been carried out on specimens prepared at different initial conditions and wetted under different wetting conditions of inundation or absorption. The results indicate that as the initial void ratio decreases and degree of saturation increases, it is more likely that different wetting conditions will cause different swell magnitude. The soil at low initial void ratio and high degree of saturation seems to be characterized by mono-modal pore size distributions in the micropores range. This unique pore size distributions may be the explanation for the differential swell.
Unified multi-cavity hyperchaotic map based on open-loop coupling
Authors: Li Haodong , Li Chunlai , Min Fuhong , He Shaobo , Peng Yuexi
Published: September 2023

Multi-cavity chaotic map is an important candidate for designing encryption communication system due to its fast iteration speed and complex dynamical behavior. Therefore, it is of great significance to design a simple and unified scheme to implement multicavity attractor. In this paper, a unified multi-cavity hyperchaotic map (UMCHM) is constructed based on open-loop coupling, which features distinct advantages over closed-loop multi-cavity map for its simpler structure and higher sensitivity to initial value. It is found that different shapes of the cavity can be obtained in the UMCHM by altering the type of boundary function, and that the geometric features of the cavity, such as its size, number and location, can be regularly affected by the system parameters. In addition, two controllers are respectively employed to trigger the geometry modulation of cavity on the horizontal axis and extend the cavity space in the vertical direction to form grid multicavity. Next, the influence of cavity geometry and cavity modulation on the spectral entropy is investigated, which provides an important basis for the complexity optimization of UMCHM. Finally, UMCHM is implemented by employing DSP-based hardware platform.
Consequences of drought regimes on the water footprint of agricultural production. Temporal analysis of the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico.
Authors: Novoa Vanessa , Rojas Carolina , Rojas Octavio , Ahumada-Rudolph Ramón , Moreno-Santoyo Rebeca
Published: September 2023

Changes in water availability have a strong impact on the sustainability and maintenance of agriculture, with water footprint (WF) being a robust methodology to assess these transformations. The Guadalupe Valley is one of the places with the highest agricultural production in Mexico. Despite its semi-arid climatic conditions, it provides high-quality crops that are well-positioned in the world. The historical trend of rainfall and temperatures between 1987-2017 was analyzed with the purpose of identifying climatic patterns in the territory. Through the calculations of the water footprint of Grapevine and Olive crops, the sensitivity of the crops to recurrent water deficit and their adaptation in their yields to drought episodes was identified. The decrease in rainfall and extreme temperatures led to an increase in crop evapotranspiration and crop irrigation requirements. As a result, there has been a clear increase in the consumption of WFagricultural since 2007. Thus, the period of highest WFagricultural consumption was 2014 (Extremely dry), as opposed to 2011 (Very wet). In particular, the lowest WFgreen consumptions were observed in extremely dry years, that is, >20% of the WFagricultural intensifying drought events. Therefore, these periods were compensated with higher uses of WFblue and WFgray, which are inversely correlated with precipitation, where vine crops consume 73% more WFagricultural compared to olive plantations, showing greater interannual variability. These results contribute to crop diversification, land use planning, water consumption efficiency, and drought risk reduction.
Influencing factors and long-term mechanical property test of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) with microvoids optimization
Authors: Yin Wei , Zhang Kun , Huang Peng , Chen Xi , Zhou Lei
Published: September 2023

UHPC is the most potential matirals in deep underground constructions due to its remarkable strength and durability. This paper investigated the effects of different water-cement ratios, active material dosages, polymer admixtures, curing conditions and polymer fiber materials on the physical and mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). It was found that the optimal binder-aggregate ratio of UHPC was 45:55. UHPC mixed with silica fume exhibited higher strength and volume shrinkage rate than that mixed with blast furnace slag and fly ash with polycarboxylate superplasticizer adding. The addition of superabsorbent polymers shrinkage reducing agent(CS) could improve UHPC fluidity to a certain extent, but when the dosage exceeded 3\%, the surface displayed certain spalling, with strength reduced from 170.1 to 134.1MPa. Hence, CS dosage is recommended to be controlled within 3\%. Curing at 90$^\circ$C can not only shorten the curing time, but also improve the strength. Two types of fibers was investigated in this paper. The result showed that addition of polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) was optimal for the performance optimization of UHPC than alkali resistant glass fibre(AR-GF). Additionally, the creep performance test showed that the long-term creep strength under multistage loading was about 212MPa, and the long-term creep deformation greatly affected the stability of UHPC structure.
The effect of restrictive vs liberal selection criteria on survival in ECPR: A retrospective analysis of a multi-regional dataset.
Authors: Diehl Arne , Dennis Mark , Read Andrew C. , Southwood Timothy , Bucher Hergen , Nanjayya Vinodh Bhagyalakshmi , Burrell Aidan JC
Published: September 2023

Background
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an established rescue therapy for both out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). However, there remains significant heterogeneity in populations and outcomes across different studies. The primary aim of this study was to assess the effect of applying different selection criteria on survival and utilisation in an Australian ECPR cohort.
Methods
We performed a retrospective, observational study of three established ECPR centres in Australia, including cases from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2020 to establish the baseline cohort. We applied five commonly used ECPR selection criteria, ranging from restrictive to liberal.
Results
The baseline cohort included 199 ECPR cases: 95 OHCA and 104 IHCA patients. Survival to hospital discharge was 20% for OHCA and 41.4% for IHCA. For OHCA patients, strictly applying the most restrictive criteria would have resulted in the highest survival rate 7/16 (43.8%) compared to the most liberal criteria 16/73 (21.9%). However, only 16/95 (16.8%) in our cohort strictly meeting criteria with restrictive criteria versus 73/95 (76.8%) with liberal. Similarly, in IHCA, more restrictive criteria would have resulted in a higher survival rate in eligible patients 10/15 (66.7%) vs 27/59 (45.8%) compared to more liberal criteria; 33/43 (77%) and 16/43 (37%) of survivors, respectively, would not have been eligible for ECMO if strictly applying these selection criteria.
Conclusions
Adherence to different selection criteria impacts both the ECPR survival rate and the total number of survivors. Commonly used selection criteria may be unsuitable to select ICHA ECPR patients.
Characteristics and mechanisms of X chromosome translocation
Authors: Huang Ning , Zhou Jihui , Lu Wan , Luo Laipeng , Yuan Huizhen , Pan Lu , Ding Shujun , Yang Bicheng , Liu Yanqiu
Published: September 2023

Background Individuals with X chromosomal translocation and variable phenotype, high risk of living birth defect constitute an interesting project to study. Those are related to differential breakpoints and types of chromosomal abnormality. To investigate the effect of X translocation and clinical phenotype, a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients with X translocation who verified by chromosome karyotype was conducted. The efects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, estradiol (E2), progesterone (PROG), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T) levels, Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and an additional semen analysis for male were assessed in this group of patients. Results A total of 10 individuals underwent detail clinical data. Infantile uterus and both small ovaries were visible with abdominal ultrasound in two cases (FSH:34.80IU/L, LH:17.06mIU/mL, E2:15.37pg/ml; FISH:6.60IU/L, LH:1.69mIU/mL, E2:23.70pg/ml). No ovaries were visible in one case (FSH:114IU/L, LH:30.90mIU/mL, E2:<5.00pg/ml). Corresponding to the chromosome karyotype results, the breakpoints were located on the long arm of X chromosome(Xq13, 21, 25). Normal endocrine hormonal levels and abilities of fertility were observed in other three cases with breakpoints located on short arm of X chromosome, which appeared unremarkable clinical manifestations, but had a history of abnormal pregnancy results of partial monosomies and trisomies. In addtion, normal phenotype and complex reciprocal translocation were observed in one case with early spontaneous abortion twice. In three cases of male, multiple semen analysis confirmed no sperm. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis and hormonal analysis were performed to be normal. The balanced reciprocal translocation were found between X chromosome and autosome (1, 3 and 8), and breakpoints mainly located on Xq26. Conclusions Our study provides insights into which individuals with X translocation most likely to have ovary insufficiency, infertility and high risk to birth defects. Rely on a full history and physical exam with laboratory evaluation that helps to understand the clinical heterogeneity involved and provide accurate, efficient and personalized genetic counseling.
Noninvasive low-level tragus stimulation attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in acute heart failure
Authors: Dasari Tarun , Chakraborty Praloy , Mukli Peter , Akhtar Khawaja , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Cunningham Madeleine W. , Csiszar Anna , Po Sunny S.
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Acute decompensated heart failure is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and excess sympathetic drive. It is unknown if neuromodulation would improve inflammation and oxidative stress in acute heart failure. We, therefore, performed this proof-of-concept study to evaluate the effects of neuromodulation using noninvasive low-level Tragus stimulation on inflammation and oxidative stress in ADHF.
Methods
19 patients with ejection fraction < 40% were randomized to neuromodulation- 4 hours twice daily (6 AM-10 AM and 6 PM-10 PM) (n = 8) or sham stimulation (n = 11) during hospital admission. All patients received standard-of-care treatment. Blood samples were collected at admission and discharge. Serum cytokines were assayed using standard immunosorbent techniques. Reactive oxygen species inducibility from cultured coronary endothelial cells exposed to patient sera was determined using dihydrodichlorofluorescein probe test (expressed as fluorescein units).
Results
Compared to sham stimulation, neuromodulation was associated with a significant reduction of circulating serum Interleukin-6 levels (-78% vs -9%; p = 0.012). Similarly, neuromodulation led to reduction of endothelial cell oxidative stress, in the neuromodulation group (1363 units to 978 units, p = 0.003) compared to sham stimulation (1146 units to 1083 units, p = 0.094). No significant difference in heart rate, blood pressure or renal function were noted between the two groups.
Conclusion
In this proof-of-concept pilot study, in acute systolic heart failure, neuromodulation was feasible and safe and was associated with a reduction in systemic inflammation and attenuation of cellular oxidative stress.
Clinical trial: NCT02898181
Effects of Yu-Ping-Feng polysaccharides (YPP) on the growth performance, intestinal health and lipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Ou ZhuoZhi , Yue Yuhua , Zhang Kaipeng , Chen Jing , Wang Yamin , Yu Hui , Yu Yingying , Feng Xianjun , Qiu Yanming
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Yupingfeng polysaccharides (YPP), polysaccharides compound, on the growth performance, intestinal health, and lipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The attractive effects of YPP on largemouth bass through ball biting test, and further determine the concentration gradient of YPP. Four iso-nitrogenous diets were prepared by mixing and stirring 0%, 2%, 4%, and 8% YPP to commercial feed. A total of 360 fish with an initial weight of 20 ± 0.5 g were randomly assigned to 12 tanks (4 dietary groups × 3 replicates) in a recirculation system and fed twice daily for 4 weeks. The orthogonal polynomial contrasts showed that dietary YPP levels had significant interactions with growth performance, intestinal health and lipid metabolism. Pearson correlation analysis showed that fish growth was closely correlated with intestinal health, liver health, lipid metabolism and brain feeding related gene expression (P < 0.05). Overall, the results indicated that adding moderate dose of YPP to the diet could promote the growth performance, feeding ability, lipid metabolism ability, and protect intestinal and liver health of largemouth bass.
Causal Relationships between Obesity and Thyroid Function and Thyroid Disease: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Sun Yuqing , Niu Jieyu , Zhou Peipei , Zhou Xiqiao , Yu Jiangyi
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a Mendelian Randomization(MR) study to investigate the causal association between obesity and thyroid function and thyroid disease.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Uncorrelated genetic variants associated with Body Mass Index(BMI) (n = 543), Waist-hip Ratio(WHR)(n = 357), WHR adjusted for BMI (WHRadjBMI) (n = 330) at the genome-wide significance were selected as exposure instrument variables(IV). Genetic associations for 13 serum markers of thyroid function and 21 thyroid diseases were obtained from THE THYROIDOMICS CONSORTIUM, IEU, and FinnGen as outcome IVs. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy of the identified IVs were confirmed using the Q-test, the leave-one-out sensitivity test, the MR-Egger intercept test, and the MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and outliers test (MR-PRESSO). Then, MR analysis was performed using five different models.
RESULTS: The results of the MR analysis showed causal relationships between obesity and two serum markers of thyroid function and three thyroid diseases. Genetic prediction of higher BMI reduced serum FT4 level (OR = 0.934, 95%CI 0.902, 0.996; P = 0.0001) while increasing the risk of Autoimmune hypothyroidism (OR = 1.248, 95%CI 1.170, 1.331; P = 0. 00000000002) and Nontoxic multinodular goiter (OR = 1.236, 95%CI 1.090, 1.402; P < 0.001). Genetic prediction of elevated WHRadjBMI increased serum FT3 levels (OR = 1.093, 95%CI 1.049, 1.139; P = 0.00002) and the risk of Malignant tumors of the thyroid gland (OR = 1.490, 95%CI 1.170, 1.897; P = 0.0012). The sensitivity analyses demonstrated the robustness of these findings. No significant causal relationship was found between obesity and other serum markers of thyroid function or thyroid disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Causal relationships between obesity and serum FT3 levels, serum FT4 levels, Autoimmune hypothyroidism, Nontoxic multinodular goiter, and Thyroid malignancies. This result explains the chicken-and-egg problem between obesity and the thyroid gland and emphasizes the role of obesity on the thyroid gland.
Associations between motor competence and executive function in preschool children
Authors: Chichinina Elena , Gavrilova Margarita
Published: September 2023

Background: Motor competence and executive function develop actively at preschool age. Both motor competence and executive function are important for socialization, school achievements, and well-being. But the association between motor competence and executive function has not yet been fully investigated inpreschool children. This study was aimed at exploring which EF components may be predictors of MC and its components.
Methods: In the study, 313 typically developing 5- to 6-year-old children participated. The NEPSY-II subtests ('Sentences Repetition', 'Memory for Designs', 'Inhibition', 'Statue') and 'Dimensional Change Card Sort' were used to assess executive function. The 'Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2' was used to assess motor competence.
Results: The study revealed that physical inhibition, working memory, age, and sex are significant predictors of motor competence. Manual dexterity was predicted by the same predictors but also by sex. Aiming and catching were predicted by physical inhibition, sex, and age. Balance was predicted by visual working memory, physical inhibition, age, and sex. The predictors of motor competence and manual dexterity had a larger effect than those of aiming and catching and balance.
Conclusions: Based on these results, it can be concluded that in future research on this topic, not only the total MC score, but also all components of MC should be taken into account. The data obtained also play an important role in the design of interventions to improve motor development in children. Therefore, working memory and physical inhibition training may help to improve deficits in motor competence.