bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study of Half Wavy and Half W-type Collecting Plates on the Characteristics of Electrostatic Precipitators
Authors: Asipuela Angel , Iváncsy Tamás
Published: May 2023

Many industries rely heavily on ESPs (electrostatic precipitators). They exist primarily as air filters to prevent hazardous particles from entering the environment. Duct-type ESPs are widely used, have a simple design, and rely on corona wires and collecting plates as their primary arrangement. Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate that changing the geometrical shape can aid in improving particle collection efficiency. Wavy plates, W-types, and other designs, for example, have shown to improve particle collection efficiency in a positive degree. The goal of this study is to see what happens when two different types of collecting plates are combined and used together. The proposal is to combine half wavy and half W-type collecting plates and examine them with corona wires with circular shapes. As a result, after completing the numerical study and comparing the results, it is clear that the levels of particle collection efficiency for the various particle sizes have increased with this proposed design. Furthermore, six cases are presented with this design, and the results describe the electrical properties and their magnitude distributions. In fact, in all of the cases presented, this type of combination increased particle collection efficiency.
Beneficio económico y ambiental del uso de la hoja de plátano en artesanía
Authors: Palacios Zambrano Katerin Dayana , Ortiz Bonilla Brayan Stiven , Lara Velandia Laura Natalia , Rojas Córdoba Jair Ernesto , Saavedra Martínez Geraldine
Published: May 2023

En este artículo trataremos un problema específico del cultivo de plátano. No se trata de un problema nuevo: los agricultores no tienen conocimiento sobre cómo manejar adecuadamente los residuos de este cultivo y, de esta forma, generan un trío de plagas. El objetivo del trabajo es generar innovación a partir del uso de los desechos naturales hojas de plátano. Las hojas de plátano son amigables con el medio ambiente, y además permiten el máximo aprovechamiento de los residuos agrícolas. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se realizó una recolecta de información en bases de datos académicas. La investigación tenía como eje las innovaciones con hoja de plátano, su utilidad en el mercado y su efectividad. También se consultaron talleres de tejido pues otro objetivo de este trabajo es encontrar usos artesanales para la hoja. Se hizo una encuesta para definir el nivel de aceptación del producto en cuanto a conocimiento y reutilización.
Classification of soybean cultivars by means of artificial neural networks
Authors: Paixão João Victor Costa Carneiro , Matsuo Éder , Sousa Ithalo Coelho de , Nascimento Moysés , Oliveira Igor Silva , Macedo Adalberto Filipe , Santana Gustavo Martins
Published: May 2023

The cultivation of soy has an economic importance for the Brazilian agricultural scenario. The aim of this study was to establish a network architecture for the classification of soybean genotypes, by means of morphological characters measured in the juvenile phase of the plant, and finally to compare the results obtained through Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Anderson Discriminant Analysis. The study analyzed plants of 10 conventional cultivars in the initial stages of development (V1, V2 and V3 stages). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with 5 replications, and the experimental unit was represented by 9 plants. The data were submitted to the Anderson Discriminant Analysis and multilayer Perceptron ANN, with 1 or 2 hidden layers. To analyze the homogeneity of the variance and covariance matrix, the Box’s M-Test was adopted in the Program R, at 5% significance level. An input layer, one or two hidden layers, and an output layer formed the ANN architecture. The 5-fold cross validation was used to verify the efficiency of the discriminant functions and also in the ANN analysis. Subsequently, the apparent error rate (AER) was obtained. Box’s M-Test indicated inhomogeneity in the variance and covariance matrices, which indicated the need to perform Anderson's Quadratic Discriminant Analysis. The ANNs presented lower apparent error rate when compared to the Anderson's Quadratic Discriminant Analysis and the artificial neural network with 1 hidden layer was sufficient to perform the classification of soybean cultivars.
Will to Power as Affect
Authors: Begun Michael
Published: May 2023

That Nietzsche identified affect/swith will to power seems clear especially from one much-discussed section of Beyond Good Evil. Here, Nietzsche proposes that we should attempt to understand the so-called mechanical or “material” world as a “more primal form of the world of affects, in which everything still lies concentrated in a powerful unity” (BGE §36).1 This “powerful unity”, moreover, is infamously revealed by the end of the section as none other than will to power, which Nietzsche defines in terms of this world of affects “seen from inside, the world determined and designated in terms of its intelligible character” (BGE §36).
Vital Strategy: Nietzschean Practices of Slowness and the Preservation of Fragile Life
Authors: Yang Dong
Published: May 2023

increscunt animi, virescit volnere virtus– Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the IdolsWhy has the pleasure of slowness disappeared?– Milan Kundera, Slowness
Thomas H. Brobjer, Nietzsche's Ecce Homo and the Revaluation of All Values: Dionysian Versus Christian Values
Authors: Steinbuch Thomas
Published: May 2023

Review of Thomas H. Brobjer, Nietzsche's Ecce Homo and the Revaluation of All Values: Dionysian Versus Christian Values
Ein mordwinisches Gebet aus dem XVIII
Authors: Erdödi József
Published: May 2023

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Volksheilkunde in einer jugoslawischen südbanater Ansiedlung
Authors: Penavin Olga
Published: May 2023

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KKN Tematik Penerapan Teknologi Dalam Rangka Mendukung Percepatan Pemulihan Ekonomi Pedesaan
Authors: Mulyani Asri , Faisal Ridwan Nur , Sopian Alpi , Nuraisah Tintin , Prayoga Hardi , Alamsyah Fathi Ridwan , Firdaus Raden Syaban , Aulia Wafa Gaida , Ramdhani Nabila Aprilia , Suwandy Mochamad Riefky Rafliana , Ardimansyah Dendi , Gumelar Agung , Ruspa Rena , Mustaatinah Tutin , Aldiansah Aldiansah , Oktavian Gilang Anhari , Arifin Pipin Zaenal , Banowati Rika
Published: May 2023

Kuliah Kerja Nyata merupakan suatu kegiatan wajib yang memadukan pelaksanaan Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi dengan metode pemberian pengalaman belajar dan bekerja kepada Mahasiswa. KKN juga merupakan wahana penerapan serta pengembangan ilmu dan teknologi yang dilaksanakan di luar kampus dalam waktu, mekanisme kerja, dan persyaratan tertentu. Kuliah kerja nyata yang telah dilaksanakan di Desa Sindangprabu, Kecamatan Wanaraja, Kabupaten Garut, Jawa Barat selama bulan agustus 2022, dengan adanya Kuliah Kerja Nyata Tematik ini diharapkan bisa membantu dalam kesulitan yang dihadapi pemerintah, diantaranyaa dalam menangani pembangunaan desa-desa di kecamatan wanaraja kabupaten Garut dalam upaya meningkatkan Indek Pembangunan Manusia (IPM) Garut dan Jawa Barat. Secara umum pergeseran struktur ekonomi yang terjadi Di Kabupaten Garut dan Jawa Barat terlihat sama, yakni pergeseran dari sektor primer ke sekunder dan tersier, Kondisi Garut hanya mengandalkan sektor pertanian tentu saja perekonomian sehingga, dalam perjalananya menuju wilayah transisi industrialisasi, kabupaten garut sangat perlu membangun pondasi ekonomi yang tangguh, diantaranya menciptakan SDM guna meningkatkan potensi desa dan komoditi-komoditi industri yang mandiri atau industri yang lebih memamfaatkan sumberdaya domestik dibanding impor.
Analisis Kebutuhan Bahan Ajar Untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis
Authors: Husnita Lidya , Saputri Wulandari
Published: May 2023

Analisis kebutuhan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui mengenai bahan ajar apa yang dibutuhkan oleh guru pada materi mutasi untuk meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik di SMA Negeri Palembang. Sampel penelitian ini berasal dari masing-masing 2 kelas dari SMA Negeri 4 Palembang, SMA Negeri 9 Palembang dan SMA Negeri 19 Palembang. Instrument yang digunakan berupa lembar angket guru berjumlah 23 pertanyaan dan lembar angket peserta didik berjumlah 12 pertanyaan dilengkapi kisi-kisi setiap lembar angket pada materi mutasi serta dokumentasi. Dari hasil analisis kebutuhan dari ketiga SMA Negeri Palembang disimpulkan bahwa guru membutuhkan bahan ajar berupa LKPD. Hal ini karena guru masih ada yang belum mendesain sendiri, tetapi ada yang sudah mendesain namun belum berbasiskan model pembelajaran. Guru pada proses pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran, yaitu Problem Based Learning dan Discovery Learning. Pembelajaran daring tersebut membuat guru sulit untuk mengukur keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik pada materi mutasi.
Utilização de fungos filamentosos no biotratamento da água de igarapés na cidade de Manaus (Amazonas-Brasil)
Authors: Silva Ingrid Reis da , Silva Isaque Ferreira da , Campos Maria Eduarda dos Santos , Matos Rosangela Santana Martins , Souza Ivanete Ferreira de
Published: May 2023

O Igarapé do Mindu vive uma constante ameaça de degradação. Uma alternativa que busca minimizar esses danos é a biorremediação, uma tecnologia que proporciona uma qualidade significativa da água, além de possuir baixo custo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar os parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos de um curso do Igarapé do Mindú e avaliar a utilização de fungos filamentosos para biorremediação deste ambiente. Amostras foram coletadas em 3 pontos e as análises realizadas no Laboratório de Microbiologia do Centro de Biotecnologia da Amazônia (CBA). Os parâmetros físico-químicos foram: pH, temperatura, condutividade elétrica, turbidez, Oxigênio Dissolvido (OD), Demanda Química de Oxigênio (DQO), Demanda Bioquímica de Oxigênio (DBO) e Compostos Nitrogenados (NH4+). Os parâmetros microbiológicos foram coliformes totais e Escherichia coli. Para o biotratamento, foram avaliados 5 fungos. O efluente doméstico apresentou pH na faixa de 7, turbidez entre 14,05 a 21,45 NTU. A condutividade variou entre 429 e 666 µS/cm. OD ficou entre 0,64 - 1,08 mg/L. O (NH4+) variou entre 7,92 e 10,22 mg/L. Os valores para DBO ficou entre 18,99 e 31,48 e 44,16 e 73,11 para DQO. A análise dos parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos mostrou um significativo grau de degradação ambiental, indicando forte presença de matéria orgânica proveniente de resíduos lançados no igarapé. Após os 10 dias de tratamento os 5 fungos filamentosos, foram capazes de melhorar os parâmetros microbiológicos da água de acordo com a resolução do CONAMA 357/2005.
Effects of histamine and antihistamine on the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis during blood sucking
Authors: Islam Mohammad Saiful , Talha Abul Fatah Shah Muhammad , You Myung-Jo
Published: May 2023

At the time of host attachment, ticks are very sensitive to histamine, but during rapid blood sucking they paradoxically require histamine. Using a rabbit model, we studied the effects of histamine and antihistamine during attachment and fast-feeding in different life stages of Haemaphysalis longicorns. We examined how they responded to histamine and antihistamine by analyzing the detachment rate, histology of feeding lesions, and post-feeding behavior. A significant difference (P<0.01) was found in the detachment rate between experimental and control treatments throughout the observation period. Ticks exhibited a higher detachment rate (30.1%) at 12 h after histamine application during attachment time and on antihistamine-treated skin (25.4%) at 96 h during fast-feeding. After feeding on histamine-treated rabbits, the fully engorged body weights of larvae and nymphs were 0.7±0.36 mg and 3.5±0.65 mg, respectively. An average increase in body weight of 0.6±0.05 mg and 3.2±0.30 mg was observed for larvae and nymphs compared to the respective control weights. Nymphs and adults engorged after antihistamine treatment had an average body weight of 1.3±0.54 mg and 54±0.81 mg, respectively. An average decrease in body weight was observed in antihistamine-treated H. longicornis compared with control nymphs (3.3±0.42 mg) and adults (174±1.78 mg). Skin biopsies were collected after treatment, and differential histopathological characteristics were found between the treatment and control groups. Tick-infested skin collected from rabbits in the antihistamine-treated group lacked erythrocytes in the feeding pool, indicating that antihistamine impaired tick fast-feeding stage.
Neurodevelopmental consequences of preterm birth: Dysfunction or adaptation?
Authors:   , Lammertink Femke
Published: May 2023

There are few experiences as trying as preterm birth. For both the parent and the child, the first few weeks of life are mired by uncertainty, adversity, and (subjective) stress. The complex and diverse effects of postnatal stress affect many highly correlated (immature) biological systems following preterm birth. Many of the stressful interventions are clinically necessary and are usually unavoidable. Hence, one of the critical aspects is to investigate (i) how postnatal stress affects the emerging, still developing brain and (ii) motivated by the significant inter-individual differences in outcome, which infants might be at risk, or resilient, for later mental health issues.

Previous studies have suggested that stress may lead to delayed brain development and deficits in preterm-born infants. However, recent research proposes a more nuanced theory, suggesting that adaptation to adversity might involve accelerated maturation of specific brain networks related to fear learning and responses to stressful environments, with potential costs in cognitive control.

An essential part of this thesis was founded on the evolutionary-developmental perspective of stress acceleration, in which we argue that postnatal stress might invoke context-dependent adaptability. The research in this thesis illustrates that prematurity is characterized by the accelerated development of large-scale brain networks and informs us of the clinical value of neonatal brain alterations. Resilient infants are less affected by the degree of postnatal stress, as indicated by the preservation or adaptation of specific connections, which might be due to potential compensatory mechanisms or an innate ability to cope well with early life stress. Our findings provide evidence for the hypothesis that preterm birth is not merely characterized by deficits but also a context-dependent adaptation or even "hidden talents" (i.e., adaptive developmental processes, such as social and cognitive skills, that develop in response to a harsh and unpredictable environment). These findings may give rise to a shift in the conceptual framework, potentially moving from a disease perspective toward a stress-adaptation perspective. In this Chapter, I reflect on our methodological choices, the translation to intervention and prevention, and possibilities for future research.
Engineering Extracellular Vesicles for Protein-based Drug Delivery
Authors:   , Ilahibaks Nazma Fhernaaz
Published: May 2023

This Ph.D. thesis delved into the intricate engineering of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for optimized protein-based drug delivery. The clinical utilization of EVs for drug delivery was contingent upon efficient drug loading methods, scalable EV production techniques, and improved methods to achieve targeted delivery for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Thus, the research aimed to expedite the clinical translation of EVs for protein delivery by: (i) developing efficient loading approaches, (ii) upscaling EV production, and (iii) exploring the preclinical and therapeutic applications of EVs.

In the first section, novel strategies for enhancing EV-mediated protein delivery were developed. A versatile platform, TOP-EVs, was introduced, which leveraged the rapamycin-interacting FKBP/FRB complex and the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein, thereby enhancing protein delivery both in vitro and in vivo. Further, a strategy using the FKBP12/FRB complex and the PTGFRN transmembrane protein was explored for efficient protein loading/unloading in target cells and concurrent EV-mediated targeted delivery of bioactive content. Furthermore, a new endogenous loading method, VINCI, was devised to improve protein delivery using engineered EVs.

The second section tackled the low yield issue prevalent in the current EV production process. Biofabrication of artificial cell-derived nanovesicles was shown to be a scalable and efficient solution, capable of producing EV mimics with functionality akin to natural EVs. However, more research was needed to enable effective protein loading inside these artificial nanovesicles.

The third section examined the preclinical and therapeutic applications of EVs. EVs' in vivo behavior and capacity for effective intracellular delivery of protein-based payloads were investigated using varied administration strategies. A thorough examination of the biodistribution of EVs and their ability to mediate intracellular protein delivery in the liver was performed. Moreover, evidence was provided that EVs could effectively deliver CRISPR/Cas9 to inactivate the Pcsk9 gene, a therapeutic target for cholesterol reduction, hence increasing LDL receptor expression.

In conclusion, this research underscored significant advancements in EV engineering for protein-based drug delivery. The strategies presented in this work could catalyze the clinical translation of EV-based nanomedicine, expanding the horizons of precision gene therapy and protein-based therapeutics. However, standardizing EV-isolation, -characterization, -purification, and -storage methods to decrease heterogeneity and ensure reproducibility remained fundamental challenges within the field. Future studies are warranted on identifying the most optimal loading and delivery strategies, scalable EV production platforms, and improved delivery to target organs. Advancements in these areas could propel the utilization of EVs as nanomedicine.
CATEGORIES OF «SUFFICIENCY» AND «MERIT» WHEN DECIDING ON THE RELEASE OF A PERSON FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY ON EVALUATIVE GROUNDS
Authors:   South Ural State University (National Research University), Chelyabinsk, Russia, RUSMAN GALINA
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the study. The article examines the content and meaning of the categories «sufficiency» and «merit» in resolving the issue and terminating a criminal case or criminal prosecution on non-rehabilitating grounds. The implementation of the considered incentive form of criminal proceedings in the form of exemption from criminal liability is associated with the evaluation activity of the court or official. The purpose of the study is to identify problems of a law enforcement nature in determining the «sufficiency» of positive post-criminal actions of the accused (suspect) and the «deservedness» of his release from criminal liability on non-rehabilitating grounds. Conclusions. The author comes to the conclusion that when a person is released from criminal liability, it is not possible to establish the true attitude of a person to the procedural legal relations taking place with his participation. The «sufficiency» of post-criminal actions and actions of the accused (suspect) and the «deservedness» of encouragement by him cannot be assessed by the court in isolation from the opinion of the victim. In order to eliminate defective practices, it is necessary to clearly define the conditions, requirements and standards for the use of incentives in criminal proceedings, as well as criteria for evaluating the behavior of a person applying for an incentive.
SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE CREATION OF A DATA MATRIX AS A PRIORITY INSTRUMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE «SINGLE WINDOW» MECHANISM IN THE MEMBER STATES OF THE EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION
Authors:   Research Institute of the Russian Customs Academy, Lyubertsy, Moscow region, Russia, MOZER SERGEI
Published: May 2023

The research article was prepared as part of a scientific study conducted by the author on improving the theoretical and legal foundations of customs regulation in the Eurasian Economic Union (Union, EAEU) in the framework of interaction with the World Customs Organization. A task. To form scientific and methodological approaches to the creation of a Data Matrix as a priority tool for the development of «the single window» mechanism in the Member States of the Eurasian Economic Union (data matrix). Conclusions. The research article is devoted to the issue of creating a Data Matrix as part of the implementation of clause 9.4. of the Strategic Directions for the Development of Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025 (Strategic Directions). The methodological approaches formed in the article, as well as proposals, can be used in the course of expert work on improving customs regulation and trade facilitation in the EAEU. Social Consequences. The study is associated with the implementation of the Strategic Directions in direction 9 in terms of the Commission, together with the Member States, working to develop priority instruments for implementing the «single window» mechanism in the foreign trade regulation system. Practical value. The results of the study are of interest to the customs cooperation bloc of the Commission and can be used by its experts as part of the work of the Commission's Working group to develop priority instruments for implementing the «single window» mechanism in the foreign trade regulation system. The article is recommended to researchers, teachers, students, graduate students and other categories of students in the Russian Customs Academy, in other universities and the WCO regional training centers in the specialties «Customs» and «Jurisprudence». Originality/value. The research material is based on an analysis of the practical aspects of the Commission's activities and is the result of a comprehensive study of the issue of improving Union law and trade facilitation procedures based on the best practices of customs regulation.
DOUBLE CHARGE ON THE SURFACE OF THE SUN AND STARS
Authors: Svanbayev Yeldos
Published: May 2023

A. S. Eddington pointed out back in 1926 that stars must have a small positive charge to hold electrons. We propose a model of formation of a double charged layer on the surface of the star. Thermal energy of the star leads to emission of electrons, and strong gravity holds ions and forms a positive charge on the surface of the chromosphere. Increasing the positive charge to a certain value compensates for gravity. This positive charge is shielded by electrons from the coronal plasma, and a double charged layer is formed. The ions are accelerated by the Coulomb field and form a high-temperature corona and a fast solar wind. The star's high coronal temperature, highly charged ions, EUF, X-ray radiation, and solar wind are all caused by the double charged layer on the star's surface. The star's surface charge depends on its mass, spin, temperature, and composition.
Photovoltaic Maksimum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Berbasis Fuzzy logic Kontroler Pada Konverter Sepic
Authors: Rahmawati Putri Ina , Radianto Donny , Herwandi Herwandi
Published: May 2023

Photovoltaic memiliki tegangan yang tidak stabil dikarenakan intensitas cahaya matahari yang selalu berubah setiap waktu dan dipengaruhi oleh cuaca yang selalu berubah. Sebuah konverter mampu mengkonversi input tegangan DC dinaikan atau diturunkan nilai tegangan keluarannya. Ada beberapa jenis rangkaian konverter salah satunya adalah rangkaian dengan konfigurasi penaik sekaligus penurun tegangan yaitu konverter SEPIC. Oleh karena itu penulis membuat konverter sepic dengan metode fuzzy logic kontrol. Konverter ini menggunakan mikrokontroler arduino uno R3 yang akan memproses tegangan dan arus keluaran photovoltaic sebagai input yang nantinya akan diproses menjadi sinyal PWM. Metode fuzzy logic kontrol pada konverter SEPIC ini digunakan untuk mendapatkan kestabilan tegangan keluaran untuk pengisian aki. Pada pengujian ini konverter sepic menunjukkan kinerja yang baik, yaitu dengan menghasilkan tegangan output stabil pada kisaran setpoint 14V. Sedangkan durasi pengisian aki yaitu 1 jam 40 menit dengan tenganan sebelum pengisian sebesar 11,4 V dan tegangan ketika aki penuh sebesar 13,8 V. Pada saat proses pengisian aki, tegangan akan bertambah dan arus akan semakin kecil ketika aki penuh.
The Assessment of the Association Between Systemic Diseases and Dental Findings
Authors: MUTLU Lale Begüm , NAMDAR PEKİNER Filiz Mediha , KESER Gaye
Published: May 2023

Objective: In dentistry, systemic diseases are extremely important in terms of taking the required precautions for overall health and preventing complications before they emerge. Many clinicians are aware of the oral symptoms of systemic diseases; nevertheless, the major source of the problem must be addressed in order to limit the rate of misdiagnosis due to systemic origins and establish an appropriate treatment strategy. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is a relationship between systemic diseases and dental health.

Methods: The study included 200 individuals, 100 women and 100 men, all between the ages of 25 and 75, who had at least one systemic disease. The patients’ medical records and panoramic radiography were examined. In the panoramic radiographs of the patients, the existence of existing teeth, caries, restorations, prostheses, and endodontic conditions were documented, taking into consideration the presence of systemic disorders, gender, and age of the patients.

Results: Caries rates were significantly higher in the 25-40 age group (43.3%) than in the 41-60 age group (20.7%) (p0.05). The prevalence of prosthesis was statistically significantly greater in patients with cardiovascular disease (64.3%) than in patients without cardiovascular disease (47.7%) (p
Depression Anxiety Stress Levels of Dentists Redeployed to Filiation due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: BAĞCI Nuray , PAMUKÇU Umut , PEKER İlkay
Published: May 2023

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of depression, stress, and anxiety of dentists redeployed to filiation during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the factors that caused any changes observed. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to dentists redeployed to filiation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: I) demographic characteristics, II) working conditions in filiation, and III) the DASS-21 scale, which evaluates the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress states of participants. Results: 206 (164 female, 42 male) voluntary dentists participated in the study. Off all participants, 77.2% had symptoms of depression, 73.8% had symptoms of anxiety, and 59.7% had symptoms of stress. All subscales of the DASS-21 were statistically significantly higher in females than in males, in single dentists than in married dentists, and in those living alone than in those living with family or friends. Among the dentists redeployed to filiation during the COVID-19 pandemic, female gender, living alone, and working at a university were found to be effective factors that constituted the high scores of any of the DASS-21 subscales. Conclusion: Dentists who were redeployed to filiation during the COVID-19 pandemic stated that they were negatively emotionally affected. Dentists can always be redeployed to the public health method in case of social emergencies. Therefore, dentists need to be trained and motivated for redeployment.
Mobility of the human foot’s medial arch helps enable upright bipedal locomotion
Authors: Welte Lauren , Holowka Nicholas B. , Kelly Luke A. , Arndt Anton , Rainbow Michael J.
Published: May 2023

Developing the ability to habitually walk and run upright on two feet is one of the most significant transformations to have occurred in human evolution. Many musculoskeletal adaptations enabled bipedal locomotion, including dramatic structural changes to the foot and, in particular, the evolution of an elevated medial arch. The foot’s arched structure has previously been assumed to play a central role in directly propelling the center of mass forward and upward through leverage about the toes and a spring-like energy recoil. However, it is unclear whether or how the plantarflexion mobility and height of the medial arch support its propulsive lever function. We use high-speed biplanar x-ray measurements of foot bone motion on seven participants while walking and running and compare their motion to a subject-specific model without arch recoil. We show that regardless of intraspecific differences in medial arch height, arch recoil enables a longer contact time and favorable propulsive conditions at the ankle for walking upright on an extended leg. The generally overlooked navicular-medial cuneiform joint is primarily responsible for arch recoil in human arches. The mechanism through which arch recoil enables an upright ankle posture may have helped drive the evolution of the longitudinal arch after our last common ancestor with chimpanzees, who lack arch plantarflexion mobility during push-off. Future morphological investigations of the navicular-medial cuneiform joint will likely provide new interpretations of the fossil record. Our work further suggests that enabling medial arch recoil in footwear and surgical interventions may be critical for maintaining the ankle’s natural propulsive ability.
Metabolic regulation by biomaterials in osteoblast
Authors: Kang Zhengyang , Wu Bin , Zhang Luhui , Liang Xinzhi , Guo Dong , Yuan Shuai , Xie Denghui
Published: May 2023

The repair of bone defects resulting from high-energy trauma, infection, or pathological fracture remains a challenge in the field of medicine. The development of biomaterials involved in the metabolic regulation provides a promising solution to this problem and has emerged as a prominent research area in regenerative engineering. While recent research on cell metabolism has advanced our knowledge of metabolic regulation in bone regeneration, the extent to which materials affect intracellular metabolic remains unclear. This review provides a detailed discussion of the mechanisms of bone regeneration, an overview of metabolic regulation in bone regeneration in osteoblasts and biomaterials involved in the metabolic regulation for bone regeneration. Furthermore, it introduces how materials, such as promoting favorable physicochemical characteristics (e.g., bioactivity, appropriate porosity, and superior mechanical properties), incorporating external stimuli (e.g., photothermal, electrical, and magnetic stimulation), and delivering metabolic regulators (e.g., metal ions, bioactive molecules like drugs and peptides, and regulatory metabolites such as alpha ketoglutarate), can affect cell metabolism and lead to changes of cell state. Considering the growing interests in cell metabolic regulation, advanced materials have the potential to help a larger population in overcoming bone defects.
Conditional protein degradation in Yarrowia lipolytica using the auxin-inducible degron
Authors: Han Zhenlin , Maruwan Jessica , Tang Yinjie , Su Wei Wen
Published: May 2023

Conditional protein degradation is a powerful tool for controlled protein knockdown. The auxin-inducible degron (AID) technology uses a plant auxin to induce depletion of degron-tagged proteins, and it has been shown to be functional in several non-plant eukaryotes. In this study, we demonstrated AID-based protein knockdown in an industrially important oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. Using the mini-IAA7 (mIAA7) degron derived from Arabidopsis IAA7, coupled with an Oryza sativa TIR1 (OsTIR1) plant auxin receptor F-box protein (expressed from the copper-inducible MT2 promoter), C-terminal degron-tagged superfolder GFP could be degraded in Yarrowia lipolytica upon addition of copper and the synthetic auxin 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). However, leaky degradation of the degron-tagged GFP in the absence of NAA was also noted. This NAA-independent degradation was largely eliminated by replacing the wild-type OsTIR1 and NAA with the OsTIR1F74A variant and the auxin derivative 5-Ad-IAA, respectively. Degradation of the degron-tagged GFP was rapid and efficient. However, Western blot analysis revealed cellular proteolytic cleavage within the mIAA7 degron sequence, leading to the production of a GFP sub-population lacking an intact degron. The utility of the mIAA7/OsTIR1F74A system was further explored in controlled degradation of a metabolic enzyme, β-carotene ketolase, which converts β-carotene to canthaxanthin via echinenone. This enzyme was tagged with the mIAA7 degron and expressed in a β-carotene producing Y. lipolytica strain that also expressed OsTIR1F74A controlled by the MT2 promoter. By adding copper and 5-Ad-IAA at the time of culture inoculation, canthaxanthin production was found to be reduced by about 50% on day five compared to the control culture without adding 5-Ad-IAA. This is the first report that demonstrates the efficacy of the AID system in Y. lipolytica. Further improvement of AID-based protein knockdown in Y. lipolytica may be achieved by preventing proteolytic removal of the mIAA7 degron tag.
In situ gelling hydrogel loaded with berberine liposome for the treatment of biofilm-infected wounds
Authors: Li Sipan , Wang Yongan , Wang Siting , Xie Jianjun , Fu Tingming , Li Shaoguang
Published: May 2023

Background: In recent years, the impact of bacterial biofilms on traumatic wounds and the means to combat them have become a major research topic in the field of medicine. The eradication of biofilms formed by bacterial infections in wounds has always been a huge challenge. Herein, we developed a hydrogel with the active ingredient berberine hydrochloride liposomes to disrupt the biofilm and thereby accelerate the healing of infected wounds in mice.

Methods: We determined the ability of berberine hydrochloride liposomes to eradicate the biofilm by means of studies such as crystalline violet staining, measuring the inhibition circle, and dilution coating plate method. Encouraged by the in vitro efficacy, we chose to coat the berberine hydrochloride liposomes on the Poloxamer range of in-situ thermosensitive hydrogels to allow fuller contact with the wound surface and sustained efficacy. Eventually, relevant pathological and immunological analyses were carried out on wound tissue from mice treated for 14 days.

Results: The final results show that the number of wound tissue biofilms decreases abruptly after treatment and that the various inflammatory factors in them are significantly reduced within a short period. In the meantime, the number of collagen fibers in the treated wound tissue, as well as the proteins involved in healing in the wound tissue, showed significant differences compared to the model group.

Conclusion: From the results, we found that berberine liposome gel can accelerate wound healing in Staphylococcus aureus infections by inhibiting the inflammatory response and promoting re-epithelialization as well as vascular regeneration. Our work exemplifies the efficacy of liposomal isolation of toxins. This innovative antimicrobial strategy opens up new perspectives for tackling drug resistance and fighting wound infections.
A rapidly evolving single copy histone H1 variant is associated with male fertility in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Yuan Bo , Yang Yi , Yan Zhichao , He Chun , Sun Yu H. , Wang Fei , Wang Beibei , Shi Jiamin , Xiao Shan , Wang Fang , Fang Qi , Li Fei , Ye Xinhai , Ye Gongyin
Published: May 2023

The linker histone H1 binds to the nucleosome core particle at the site where DNA enters and exits, and facilitates folding of the nucleosomes into a higher-order chromatin structure in eukaryotes. Additionally, some variant H1s promote specialized chromatin functions in cellular processes. Germline-specific H1 variants have been reported in some model species with diverse roles in chromatin structure changes during gametogenesis. In insects, the current understanding of germline-specific H1 variants comes mainly from the studies in Drosophila melanogaster, and the information on this set of genes in other non-model insects remains largely unknown. Here, we identify two H1 variants (PpH1V1 and PpH1V2) that are specifically predominantly expressed in the testis of the parasitoid wasp Pteromalus puparum. Evolutionary analyses suggest that these H1 variant genes evolve rapidly, and are generally maintained as a single copy in Hymenoptera. Disruption of PpH1V1 function in the late larval stage male by RNA interference experiments has no phenotype on spermatogenesis in the pupal testis, but results in abnormal chromatin structure and low sperm fertility in the adult seminal vesicle. In addition, PpH1V2 knockdown has no detectable effect on spermatogenesis or male fertility. Collectively, our discovery indicates distinct functions of male germline-enriched H1 variants between parasitoid wasp Pteromalus and Drosophila, providing new insights into the role of insect H1 variants in gametogenesis. This study also highlights the functional complexity of germline-specific H1s in animals.
Disability does not negatively impact linguistic visual-spatial processing for hearing adult learners of a signed language
Authors: Joyce Taylor Renee , Quinto-Pozos David , Singleton Jenny L. , DiLeo Michael
Published: May 2023

The majority of adult learners of a signed language are hearing and have little to no experience with a signed language. Thus, they must simultaneously learn a specific language and how to communicate within the visual-gestural modality. Past studies have examined modality-unique drivers of acquisition within first and second signed language learners. In the former group, atypically developing signers have provided a unique axis—namely, disability—for analyzing the intersection of language, modality, and cognition. Here, we extend the question of how cognitive disabilities affect signed language acquisition to a novel audience: hearing, second language (L2) learners of a signed language. We ask whether disability status influences the processing of spatial scenes (perspective taking) and short sentences (phonological contrasts), two aspects of the learning of a signed language. For the methodology, we conducted a secondary, exploratory analysis of a data set including college-level American Sign Language (ASL) students. Participants completed an ASL phonological- discrimination task as well as non-linguistic and linguistic (ASL) versions of a perspective-taking task. Accuracy and response time measures for the tests were compared between a disability group with self-reported diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, learning disability) and a neurotypical group with no self-reported diagnoses. The results revealed that the disability group collectively had lower accuracy compared to the neurotypical group only on the non-linguistic perspective-taking task. Moreover, the group of students who specifically identified as having a learning disability performed worse than students who self-reported using other categories of disabilities affecting cognition. We interpret these findings as demonstrating, crucially, that the signed modality itself does not generally disadvantage disabled and/or neurodiverse learners, even those who may exhibit challenges in visuospatial processing. We recommend that signed language instructors specifically support and monitor students labeled with learning disabilities to ensure development of visual-spatial skills and processing in signed language.
Reinforcement learning for communication load balancing: approaches and challenges
Authors: Wu Di , Li Jimmy , Ferini Amal , Xu Yi Tian , Jenkin Michael , Jang Seowoo , Liu Xue , Dudek Gregory
Published: May 2023

The amount of cellular communication network traffic has increased dramatically in recent years, and this increase has led to a demand for enhanced network performance. Communication load balancing aims to balance the load across available network resources and thus improve the quality of service for network users. Most existing load balancing algorithms are manually designed and tuned rule-based methods where near-optimality is almost impossible to achieve. Furthermore, rule-based methods are difficult to adapt to quickly changing traffic patterns in real-world environments. Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms, especially deep reinforcement learning algorithms, have achieved impressive successes in many application domains and offer the potential of good adaptabiity to dynamic changes in network load patterns. This survey presents a systematic overview of RL-based communication load-balancing methods and discusses related challenges and opportunities. We first provide an introduction to the load balancing problem and to RL from fundamental concepts to advanced models. Then, we review RL approaches that address emerging communication load balancing issues important to next generation networks, including 5G and beyond. Finally, we highlight important challenges, open issues, and future research directions for applying RL for communication load balancing.
Prevalence and trend of atrial fibrillation and its associated risk factors among the population from nationwide health check-up centers in China, 2012–2017
Authors: Sun Tao , Ye Mao , Lei Fang , Qin Juan-Juan , Liu Ye-Mao , Chen Ze , Chen Ming-Ming , Yang Chengzhang , Zhang Peng , Ji Yan-Xiao , Zhang Xiao-Jing , She Zhi-Gang , Cai Jingjing , Jin Zhao-Xia , Li Hongliang
Published: May 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, which poses huge disease burdens in China. A study was conducted to systematically analyze the recent prevalence trend of AF and age-related disparities in AF risk among the nationwide healthy check-up population.

Method

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study involving 3,049,178 individuals ≥35 years from health check-up centers to explore the prevalence and trend of AF by age, sex, and region from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, we analyzed risk factors associated with AF among the overall population and different age groups via the Boruta algorithm, the LASSO regression, and the Logistic regression.

Result

The age-, sex-. and regional-standardized prevalence of AF kept stable between 0.4%–0.45% among national physical examination individuals from 2012 to 2017. However, the prevalence of AF showed an undesirable upward trend in the 35–44-year age group (annual percentage changes (APC): 15.16 [95%CI: 6.42,24.62]). With increasing age, the risk of AF associated with the overweight or obesity gradually exceeds that associated with diabetes and hypertension. In addition to traditional leading risk factors such as age≥65 and coronary heart disease, elevated uric acid and impaired renal function were tightly correlated with AF in the population.

Conclusion

The significant rise in the prevalence of AF in the 35–44 age group reminds us that in addition to the elderly (the high-risk group), younger people seem to be in more urgent need of attention. Age-related disparities in AF risk also exist. This updated information may provide references for the national prevention and control of AF.
Effects of PCSK9 inhibition on glucose metabolism and β-cell function in humans: a pilot study
Authors: Moffa Simona , Mezza Teresa , Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Di Giuseppe Gianfranco , Cefalo Chiara M. A. , Cinti Francesca , Impronta Flavia , Capece Umberto , Ciccarelli Gea , Mari Andrea , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Giaccari Andrea
Published: May 2023

Background

Anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies are effective in reducing LDL-C and cardiovascular events by neutralizing circulating PCSK9. PCSK9, however, is also expressed in tissues, including the pancreas, and studies on PCSK9 KO mice have shown impaired insulin secretion. Statin treatment is already known to affect insulin secretion. Our aim was to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the effect of anti-PCSK9 mAb on glucose metabolism and β-cell function in humans.

Methods

Fifteen non-diabetic subjects, candidates for anti-PCSK9 mAb therapy, were enrolled. All underwent OGTT at baseline and after 6 months of therapy. During OGTT, insulin secretion parameters were derived from C-peptide by deconvolution (β cell glucose sensitivity). Surrogate insulin sensitivity indices were also obtained from OGTT (Matsuda).

Results

Glucose levels during OGTT were unchanged after 6 months of anti-PCSK9 mAb treatment, as well as insulin and C-peptide levels. The Matsuda index remained unchanged, while β-cell glucose sensitivity improved post-therapy (before: 85.3 ± 65.4; after: 118.6 ± 70.9 pmol min-1m-2mM-1; p<0.05). Using linear regression, we found a significant correlation between βCGS changes and BMI (p=0.004). Thus, we compared subjects with values above and below the median (27.6 kg/m2) and found that those with higher BMI had a greater increase in βCGS after therapy (before: 85.37 ± 24.73; after: 118.62 ± 26.83 pmol min-1m-2mM-1; p=0.007). There was also a significant correlation between βCGS change and Matsuda index through linear regression (p=0.04), so we analyzed subjects who had values above and below the median (3.8). This subgroup analysis showed a slight though not significant improvement in βCGS in more insulin resistant patients, (before: 131.4 ± 69.8; after: 170.8 ± 92.7 pmol min-1m-2mM-1; p=0.066).

Conclusions

Our pilot study demonstrates that six-month treatment with anti-PCSK9 mAb improves β-cell function, and does not alter glucose tolerance. This improvement is more evident in patients with greater insulin-resistance (low Matsuda) and higher BMI.
Case Report: A novel mutation in TNFAIP3 in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus and haploinsufficiency of A20
Authors: Cao Conghui , Fu Xue , Wang Xiaoli
Published: May 2023

Background

Haploinsufficiency of A20 (HA20) is a monogenic autosomal-dominant genetic autoinflammatory disease caused by loss of function mutations in the TNFAIP3 gene. The predominant autoimmune phenotype associated with HA20 varies significantly, presenting with fever, recurrent oral and genital ulcers, skin rash, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms, and other clinical manifestations, all of which indicate an early-onset of autoinflammatory disorder. Genetic linkage between TNFAIP3 and T1DM was reported in GWAS studies. However, only a few cases of HA20 combined with T1DM have been reported.

Case description

A 39-year-old man with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus since 19 years was admitted to the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. He also suffered from recurring and minor mouth ulcers since early childhood. His laboratory evaluation results revealed reduced islet function, normal lipid profile, HbA1c of 7%, elevated glutamate decarboxylase antibodies, elevated hepatic transaminases, and elevated thyroid-related antibodies with normal thyroid function. Notably, the patient was diagnosed in adolescence and never had ketoacidosis, the islets were functioning despite the long disease duration, his abnormal liver function could not be reasonably explained, and he had early onset Behcet’s-like disease symptom. Hence, although he was on routine follow-up for diabetes, we communicated with him and obtained consent for genetic testing. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel c.1467_1468delinsAT heterozygous mutation in the gene TNFAIP3, which is located in exon 7, resulting in a stop-gained type mutation p.Q490*. With good but mild fluctuating glycemic control, the patient received intensive insulin therapy with long-acting and short-acting insulin. The liver function was improved by using ursodeoxycholic acid 0.75 mg/d during the follow-up.

Conclusion

We report a novel pathogenic mutation in TNFAIP3 that results in HA20 in a patient with T1DM. In addition, we analyzed the clinical feathers of such patients and summarized the cases of five patients with HA20 co-presented with T1DM. When T1DM co-occurs with autoimmune diseases or other clinical manifestations, such as oral and/or genital ulcers and chronic liver damage, the possibility of an HA20 must be considered. Early and definitive diagnosis of HA20 in such patients may inhibit the progression of late-onset autoimmune diseases, including T1DM.