bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of familiarity on behavioral oscillations in face perception
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi , Melcher David
Published: June 2023

Studies on behavioral oscillations demonstrate that visual sensitivity fluctuates over time and visual processing varies periodically, mirroring neural oscillations at the same frequencies. Do these behavioral oscillations reflect fixed and relatively automatic sensory sampling, or top-down processes such as attention or predictive coding? To disentangle these theories, the current study used a dual-target rapid serial visual presentation paradigm, where participants indicated the gender of a face target embedded in streams of distractors presented at 30 Hz. On critical trials, two identical targets were presented with varied stimulus onset asynchrony from 200 to 833 ms. The target was either familiar or unfamiliar faces, divided into different blocks. We found a 4.6 Hz phase-coherent fluctuation in gender discrimination performance across both trial types, consistent with previous reports. In addition, however, we found an effect at the alpha frequency, with behavioral oscillations in the familiar blocks characterized by a faster high-alpha peak than for the unfamiliar face blocks. These results are consistent with the combination of both a relatively stable modulation in the theta band and faster modulation of the alpha oscillations. Therefore, the overall pattern of perceptual sampling in visual perception may depend, at least in part, on task demands.

Protocol registration

The stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 16/08/2022. The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/A98UF.
The interplay between cognition, functional and dual-task gait in persons with a vestibular disorder versus healthy controls
Authors: Pavlou Marousa , Costafreda Sergi G. , Galsworthy William , Korres George , Bamiou Doris-Eva
Published: June 2023

Close links exist between vestibular function and cognition. Dual-task (DT) tests may have ecological validity to assess the impact of daily life cognitive-motor demands in people with vestibular dysfunction (PwVD), functional gait and falls risk. The present paper aimed at building predictive models for functional gait under DT conditions, while clarifying the impact of vestibular dysfunction, individual characteristics, varying task types and motor-cognitive demands. Case-controlled observational study with 39 PwVD and 62 healthy participants. The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), with and without an additional motor, numeracy, or literacy task, was completed. Multiple linear regression was used to fit models to predict FGA under single and DT performance. Dual task cost (DTC, %) was calculated to assess DT interference on FGA performance using the equation: 100*(single task score–dual task score)/single-task score. Following Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons (corrected alpha level of 0.003), PwVD had poorer performance than controls for all FGA conditions (p < 0.001), motor (− 3.94%; p = 0.002) and numeracy (− 22.77%; p = 0.001) DTCs and spatial working memory (p = 0.002). The literacy DTC was marginally significant (− 19.39% p = 0.005). FGA single and DT motor, numeracy, and literacy models explained 76%, 76%, 66% and 67% of the variance respectively for PwVD. Sustained attention, visual memory and sex contributed to all models; short-term visual recognition memory, balance confidence, and migraine contributed to some models. Cognitive performance is impaired in PwVD. Motor, numeracy and literacy tasks impair functional gait performance. Cognitive assessment and FGA with a numeracy or literacy cognitive component should be included within assessment protocols and considered in the provision of targeted interventions for PwVD.
Characterization of a rhabdomyosarcoma reveals a critical role for SMG7 in cancer cell viability and tumor growth
Authors: Steiner Alexander J. , Zheng Yang , Tang Yi
Published: June 2023

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a rare and diverse group of mesenchymal cancers plagued with aggression, poor response to systemic therapy, and high rates of recurrence. Although STSs generally have low mutational burdens, the most commonly mutated genes are tumor suppressors, which frequently acquire mutations inducing nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). This suggests that STS cells may exploit NMD to suppress these anti-cancer genes. To examine the role that the NMD factor SMG7 plays in STS, we developed an inducible knockout mouse model in the Trp53−/− background. Here, we isolated a subcutaneous STS and identified it as a rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We report that knockout of SMG7 significantly inhibited NMD in our RMS cells, which led to the induction of NMD targets GADD45b and the tumor suppressor GAS5. The loss of NMD and upregulation of these anti-cancer genes were concomitant with the loss of RMS cell viability and inhibited tumor growth. Importantly, SMG7 was dispensable for homeostasis in our mouse embryonic fibroblasts and adult mice. Overall, our data show that the loss of SMG7 induces a strong anti-cancer effect both in vitro and in vivo. We present here the first evidence that disrupting SMG7 function may be tolerable and provide a therapeutic benefit for STS treatment.
Chicken skin based Milli Watt range biocompatible triboelectric nanogenerator for biomechanical energy harvesting
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umair , Mohammad Eman , Abbas Yawar , Rezeq Moh’d , Mohammad Baker
Published: June 2023

This work reports a high-performance, low-cost, biocompatible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using chicken skin (CS). The device is suitable to power wearable devices, which is critical to adapt electronics in monitoring, predicting, and treating people. It also supports sustainability by providing a cost-effective way to reduce the poultry industry's waste. It has been shown here that CS-derived biowaste is an effective means of generating tribopositive material for TENGs. The CS contains amino acid functional groups based on (Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline), which are essential to demonstrate the electron-donating ability of collagen. The skin was cut into 3 × 3 cm2and used as the raw material for fabricating the TENG device with a stacking sequence of Al/Kapton/spacing/CS/Al. The chicken skin-based TENG (CS-TENG) is characterized at different frequencies (4–14 HZ) using a damping system. The CS-TENG produces an open-circuit voltage of 123 V, short-circuit current of 20 µA and 0.2 mW/cm2of a power density at 20 MΩ. The biocompatible CS-TENG presents ultra-robust and stable endurance performance with more than 52,000 cycles. The CS-TENG is impressively capable of scavenging energy to light up to 55 commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a calculator, and to measure the physiological motions of the human body. CS-TENG is a step toward sustainable, battery-less devices or augmented energy sources, especially when using traditional power sources, such as in wearable devices, remote locations, or mobile applications is not practical or cost-effective.
Development of a novel air–liquid interface airway tissue equivalent model for in vitro respiratory modeling studies
Authors: Leach Timothy , Gandhi Uma , Reeves Kimberly D. , Stumpf Kristina , Okuda Kenichi , Marini Frank C. , Walker Stephen J. , Boucher Richard , Chan Jeannie , Cox Laura A. , Atala Anthony , Murphy Sean V.
Published: June 2023

The human airways are complex structures with important interactions between cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and the biomechanical microenvironment. A robust, well-differentiated in vitro culture system that accurately models these interactions would provide a useful tool for studying normal and pathological airway biology. Here, we report the development and characterization of a physiologically relevant air–liquid interface (ALI) 3D airway ‘organ tissue equivalent’ (OTE) model with three novel features: native pulmonary fibroblasts, solubilized lung ECM, and hydrogel substrate with tunable stiffness and porosity. We demonstrate the versatility of the OTE model by evaluating the impact of these features on human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell phenotype. Variations of this model were analyzed during 28 days of ALI culture by evaluating epithelial confluence, trans-epithelial electrical resistance, and epithelial phenotype via multispectral immuno-histochemistry and next-generation sequencing. Cultures that included both solubilized lung ECM and native pulmonary fibroblasts within the hydrogel substrate formed well-differentiated ALI cultures that maintained a barrier function and expressed mature epithelial markers relating to goblet, club, and ciliated cells. Modulation of hydrogel stiffness did not negatively impact HBE differentiation and could be a valuable variable to alter epithelial phenotype. This study highlights the feasibility and versatility of a 3D airway OTE model to model the multiple components of the human airway 3D microenvironment.
Cuticular profiling of insecticide resistant Aedes aegypti
Authors: Jacobs Ella , Chrissian Christine , Rankin-Turner Stephanie , Wear Maggie , Camacho Emma , Broderick Nichole A. , McMeniman Conor J. , Stark Ruth E. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: June 2023

Insecticides have made great strides in reducing the global burden of vector-borne disease. Nonetheless, serious public health concerns remain because insecticide-resistant vector populations continue to spread globally. To circumvent insecticide resistance, it is essential to understand all contributing mechanisms. Contact-based insecticides are absorbed through the insect cuticle, which is comprised mainly of chitin polysaccharides, cuticular proteins, hydrocarbons, and phenolic biopolymers sclerotin and melanin. Cuticle interface alterations can slow or prevent insecticide penetration in a phenomenon referred to as cuticular resistance. Cuticular resistance characterization of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is lacking. In the current study, we utilized solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy to gain insights into the cuticle composition of congenic cytochrome P450 monooxygenase insecticide resistant and susceptible Ae. aegypti. No differences in cuticular hydrocarbon content or phenolic biopolymer deposition were found. In contrast, we observed cuticle thickness of insecticide resistant Ae. aegypti increased over time and exhibited higher polysaccharide abundance. Moreover, we found these local cuticular changes correlated with global metabolic differences in the whole mosquito, suggesting the existence of novel cuticular resistance mechanisms in this major disease vector.
Direct input of monitoring data into a mechanistic ecological model as a way to identify the phytoplankton growth-rate response to temperature variations
Authors: Medvinsky Alexander B. , Nurieva Nailya I. , Adamovich Boris V. , Radchikova Nataly P. , Rusakov Alexey V.
Published: June 2023

We present an approach (knowledge-and-data-driven, KDD, modeling) that allows us to get closer to understanding the processes that affect the dynamics of plankton communities. This approach, based on the use of time series obtained as a result of ecosystem monitoring, combines the key features of both the knowledge-driven modeling (mechanistic models) and data-driven (DD) modeling. Using a KDD model, we reveal the phytoplankton growth-rate fluctuations in the ecosystem of the Naroch Lakes and determine the degree of phase synchronization between fluctuations in the phytoplankton growth rate and temperature variations. More specifically, we estimate a numerical value of the phase locking index (PLI), which allows us to assess how temperature fluctuations affect the dynamics of phytoplankton growth rates. Since, within the framework of KDD modeling, we directly include the time series obtained as a result of field measurements in the model equations, the dynamics of the phytoplankton growth rate obtained from the KDD model reflect the behavior of the lake ecosystem as a whole, and PLI can be considered as a holistic parameter.
Paying attention to the outcome of others' actions has dissociated effects on observer's peripersonal space representation and exploitation
Authors: Gigliotti Maria Francesca , Bartolo Angela , Coello Yann
Published: June 2023

The representation of peripersonal space (PPS representation) and the selection of motor actions within it (PPS exploitation) are influenced by action outcomes and reward prospects. The present study tested whether observing the outcome of others' actions altered the observer's PPS representation and exploitation. Participants (observers) performed a reachability-judgement task (assessing PPS representation) before and after having observed a confederate (actors) performing a stimuli-selection task on a touch-screen table. In the stimuli-selection task, the stimuli selected could either yield a reward or not, but the probability to select a reward-yielding stimulus was biased in space, being either 50%, 25% or 75% in the actor’s proximal or distal space. After the observation phase, participants performed the stimuli-selection task (assessing PPS exploitation), but with no spatial bias in the distribution of reward-yielding stimuli. Results revealed an effect of actors’ actions outcome on observers’ PPS representation, which changed according to the distribution of reward-yielding stimuli in the actors’ proximal and distal spaces. No significant effect of actors’ actions outcome was found on observers’ PPS exploitation. As a whole, the results suggest dissociated effects of observing the outcome of others’ actions on PPS representation and exploitation.
An exceptionally well-preserved monodominant fossil forest of Wataria from the lower Miocene of Japan
Authors: Nishino Megumi , Terada Kazuo , Uemura Kazuhiko , Ito Yuki , Yamada Toshihiro
Published: June 2023

Byttneriophyllum tiliifolium is a leaf fossil-species of the family Malvaceae that was distributed widely throughout Eurasia from the Miocene to the Pliocene. An affinity to some Malvadendrina subfamilies has been suggested for Byttneriophyllum-bearing plants, but remains to be clarified due to insufficient information on other organs. Here, we report an exceptional lower Miocene fossil locality in Japan where a monodominant forest of the wood fossil-species Wataria parvipora flourished. Notably, the forest floor was covered by a bed consisting almost exclusively of B. tiliifolium. We observed occurrence modes of B. tiliifolium in this bed that confirmed that these leaves were deposited parautochthonously. These observations imply a biological connection between B. tiliifolium and W. parvipora. The wood and leaf characters together might narrow the affinity of Byttneriophyllum-bearing plants down to Helicterioideae within the Malvadendrina, although it is also possible that Byttneriophyllum-bearing plants constitutes an extinct lineage which is characterized by a combination of morphological traits found in several extant lineages. Our results suggest that Byttneriophyllum-bearing plants started to inhabit swamps no later than the end of the early Miocene when the global temperature was getting warmer.
A randomized controlled trial for evaluating an occupational therapy self management intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Binesh Maryam , Shafaroodi Narges , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Aghili Rokhsareh , Motaharinezhad Fatemeh , Khanipour Mahnoosh , Mehraban Afsoon Hassani
Published: June 2023

This study evaluated the efficacy of the Occupational Therapy Diabetes Self-Management intervention (OTDSM) to enhance glycemic stability and self-management skills in people with diabetes type-2. Based on this single-blind randomized trial, 30 subjects with diabetes type-2 were assigned to two groups of intervention and control. The intervention group received a 10-week program, consisting of four group visits and six individualized sessions. The control group received an individual session and three weekly phone calls. The primary study outcome, blood hemoglobin A1C, was measured before and three months after the study. The secondary outcome was assessed in terms of the participants’ self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and performance and satisfaction with daily activities. These outcomes were evaluated three times: before, one month into, and three months after the study. The study findings demonstrated significant differences between the two groups in the hemoglobin A1C levels, self-management behaviors, self-efficacy, and performance and satisfaction with daily routines after the intervention (P < 0.05). No significant differences existed between the groups for the extent of diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. Inclusion of occupational therapy protocol into the plan of care for people with diabetes can improve health outcomes by promoting their routine participation in self-management activities.
Cyclophilin B serum levels present variations across the menstrual cycle
Authors: Alvariño Rebeca , Gil-Mouce Cristina , Botana Manuel A. , Gegunde Sandra , González-Jartín Jesús , Vieytes Mercedes R. , Alfonso Amparo , Botana Luis M.
Published: June 2023

Cyclophilins are a family of chaperones involved in inflammation and cell death. Cyclophilin B is released by inflammatory cells and acts through the receptor CD147, affecting matrix metalloproteases release, whilst cyclophilin D participates in hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Previous studies related hormones like estradiol or prolactin to these proteins, however, their blood concentrations across the menstrual cycle have not been determined. In this work, eleven healthy women (BMI: 21.8 kg/m2) were monitored during a single menstrual cycle, making blood extractions at follicular, periovulatory and mid-luteal phases. Hormone and cyclophilin levels were determined in each phase. Statistical differences were determined by repeated measures ANOVA and estimated marginal means tests, or by Friedman and Dunn-Bonferroni tests for parametric and non-parametric variables, respectively. Bivariate correlations were evaluated with the Spearman coefficient. Cyclophilin B concentrations presented significant differences during the menstrual cycle (p = 0.012). The highest levels of this protein were found at follicular extraction, followed by a decrease at periovulatory phase and a slight increase at mid-luteal phase. Cyclophilin D showed the same profile, although statistical significance was not reached. This immunophilin exhibited a positive correlation with luteinizing hormone at periovulatory phase (r = 0.743, p = 0.009) and with follicle stimulating hormone at mid-luteal phase (r = 0.633, p = 0.036). This is the first study describing the changes in cyclophilin B concentrations across the menstrual cycle, as well as the association of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones with cyclophilin D. These results suggest a role of these proteins in the cyclic inflammatory events that affect female reproductive system that should be explored.
Multi-orbit lunar GNSS constellation design with distant retrograde orbit and Halo orbit combination
Authors: Wang K , Li Kezhao , Lv Shuaikang , Jiao YingXiang , Shen Yunyan , Yue Zhe , Xu Keke
Published: June 2023

The Moon is the closest natural satellite to mankind, with valuable resources on it, and is an important base station for mankind to enter deep space. How to establish a reasonable lunar Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to provide real-time positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services for Moon exploration and development has become a hot topic for many international scholars. Based on the special spatial configuration characteristics of Libration point orbits (LPOs), the coverage capability of Halo orbits and Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) in LPOs is discussed and analyzed in detail. It is concluded that the Halo orbit with a period of 8 days has a better coverage effect on the lunar polar regions and the DRO has a more stable coverage effect on the lunar equatorial regions, and the multi-orbital lunar GNSS constellation with the optimized combination of DRO and Halo orbits is proposed by combining the advantages of both. This multi-orbital constellation can make up for the fact that a single type of orbit requires a larger number of satellites to fully cover the Moon, using a smaller number of satellites for the purpose of providing PNT services to the entire lunar surface. We designed simulation experiments to test whether the multi-orbital constellations meet the full lunar surface positioning requirements, and compare the coverage, positioning, and occultation effects of the four constellation designs that pass the test, and finally obtain a set of well-performing lunar GNSS constellations. The results indicate that the multi-orbital lunar GNSS constellation combining DRO and Halo orbits can cover 100% of the Moon surface, provides there are more than 4 visible satellites at any time on the Moon surface, which meets the navigation and positioning requirements, and the Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) value is stable within 2.0, which can meet the demand for higher precision Moon surface navigation and positioning.
Effects of corn grain processing and protein source on calf performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites
Authors: Jafarpour M. , Alikhani M. , Riasi A. , Omidi-Mirzaei H. , Khorvash M. , Ghaffari M. H.
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the interaction between corn grain processing and protein source on feed intake, growth performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Seventy-two 3-day-old Holstein calves with an initial weight of 39.1 ± 3.24 kg were randomly assigned (n = 12 calves (6 male and 6 female) per treatment) to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with the factors of physical form of the corn grain [coarsely ground (CG) and steam-flaked (SF)] and protein type [canola meal (CAN), canola meal + soybean meal (CASY), and soybean meal (SOY)] were assigned. The study showed a significant correlation between corn grain processing method and protein source on calf performance, including starter feed intake, total dry matter intake (DMI), body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency (FE). The CG-CAN and SF-SOY treatments resulted in the highest feed intake and DMI in the post-weaning and total period, respectively. Interestingly, corn processing did not affect feed intake, ADG, and FE, but the highest ADG was observed at SF-SOY and CG-CAN. In addition, the interaction between corn processing method and protein source improved FE in calves fed CG-CAN and SF-SOY during the preweaning period and throughout the period. Although skeletal growth parameters were unchanged, calves fed SOY and CASY had greater body length and withers height than calves fed CAN during the preweaning period. Rumen fermentation parameters were also not affected by the treatments, except that calves fed CAN had a higher molar proportion of acetate than calves fed SOY and CASY. Corn grain processing and protein source did not affect glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), or β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, except for the highest blood glucose level observed in the CAN treatment and the highest BUN level observed in the preweaned calves fed SOY. However, a two-way interaction was observed for BHB concentration, suggesting that ground corn grain resulted in higher BHB concentration during the preweaning and postweaning periods than steam-flaked corn. In summary, it is recommended to incorporate canola meal with ground corn or soybean meal with steam-flaked corn in calf starters to enhance calf growth.
Deep-learning approach to detect childhood glaucoma based on periocular photograph
Authors: Kitaguchi Yoshiyuki , Hayakawa Rina , Kawashima Rumi , Matsushita Kenji , Tanaka Hisashi , Kawasaki Ryo , Fujino Takahiro , Usui Shinichi , Shimojyo Hiroshi , Okazaki Tomoyuki , Nishida Kohji
Published: June 2023

Childhood glaucoma is one of the major causes of blindness in children, however, its diagnosis is of great challenge. The study aimed to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of a deep-learning (DL) model for detecting childhood glaucoma based on periocular photographs. Primary gaze photographs of children diagnosed with glaucoma with appearance features (corneal opacity, corneal enlargement, and/or globe enlargement) were retrospectively collected from the database of a single referral center. DL framework with the RepVGG architecture was used to automatically recognize childhood glaucoma from photographs. The average receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of fivefold cross-validation was 0.91. When the fivefold result was assembled, the DL model achieved an AUC of 0.95 with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.94. The DL model showed comparable accuracy to the pediatric ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists in diagnosing childhood glaucoma (0.90 vs 0.81, p = 0.22, chi-square test), outperforming the average of human examiners in the detection rate of childhood glaucoma in cases without corneal opacity (72% vs. 34%, p = 0.038, chi-square test), with a bilateral corneal enlargement (100% vs. 67%, p = 0.03), and without skin lesions (87% vs. 64%, p = 0.02). Hence, this DL model is a promising tool for diagnosing missed childhood glaucoma cases.
The effect of inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinase AXL on DNA damage response in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yeo Xun Hui , Sundararajan Vignesh , Wu Zhengwei , Phua Zi Jin Cheryl , Ho Yin Ying , Peh Kai Lay Esther , Chiu Yi-Chia , Tan Tuan Zea , Kappei Dennis , Ho Ying Swan , Tan David Shao Peng , Tam Wai Leong , Huang Ruby Yun-Ju
Published: June 2023

AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is often overexpressed in cancers. It contributes to pathophysiology in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, making it an emerging therapeutic target. The first-in-class AXL inhibitor bemcentinib (R428/BGB324) has been granted fast track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in STK11-mutated advanced metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and was also reported to show selective sensitivity towards ovarian cancers (OC) with a Mesenchymal molecular subtype. In this study, we further explored AXL’s role in mediating DNA damage responses by using OC as a disease model. AXL inhibition using R428 resulted in the increase of DNA damage with the concurrent upregulation of DNA damage response signalling molecules. Furthermore, AXL inhibition rendered cells more sensitive to the inhibition of ATR, a crucial mediator for replication stress. Combinatory use of AXL and ATR inhibitors showed additive effects in OC. Through SILAC co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry, we identified a novel binding partner of AXL, SAM68, whose loss in OC cells harboured phenotypes in DNA damage responses similar to AXL inhibition. In addition, AXL- and SAM68-deficiency or R428 treatment induced elevated levels of cholesterol and upregulated genes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. There might be a protective role of cholesterol in shielding cancer cells against DNA damage induced by AXL inhibition or SMA68 deficiency.
Endothelin-1 is associated with mortality that can be attenuated with high intensity statin therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Lin Ruizhu , Junttila Juhani , Piuhola Jarkko , Lepojärvi E. Samuli , Magga Johanna , Kiviniemi Antti M. , Perkiömäki Juha , Huikuri Heikki , Ukkola Olavi , Tulppo Mikko , Kerkelä Risto
Published: June 2023

Background

All coronary artery disease (CAD) patients do not benefit equally of secondary prevention. Individualized intensity of drug therapy is currently implemented in guidelines for CAD and diabetes. Novel biomarkers are needed to identify patient subgroups potentially benefitting from individual therapy. This study aimed to investigate endothelin-1 (ET-1) as a biomarker for increased risk of adverse events and to evaluate if medication could alleviate the risks in patients with high ET-1.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study ARTEMIS included 1946 patients with angiographically documented CAD. Blood samples and baseline data were collected at enrollment and the patients were followed for 11 years. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the association between circulating ET-1 level and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) death, non-CV death and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Results

Here we show an association of circulating ET-1 level with higher risk for all-cause mortality (HR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.5–2.83), CV death, non-CV death and SCD in patients with CAD. Importantly, high intensity statin therapy reduces the risk for all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.05; 95% CI 0.01–0.38) and CV death (adjusted HR: 0.06; 95% CI 0.01–0.44) in patients with high ET-1, but not in patients with low ET-1. High intensity statin therapy does not associate with reduction of risk for non-CV death or SCD.

Conclusions

Our data suggests a prognostic value for high circulating ET-1 in patients with stable CAD. High intensity statin therapy associates with reduction of risk for all-cause mortality and CV death in CAD patients with high ET-1.
Deciphering the role of water and a zinc-doping process in a polyol-based approach for obtaining Zn/Co/Al-based spinels: toward “green” mesoporous inorganic pigments
Authors: Alexandru Maria-Gabriela , Ianculescu Adelina-Carmen , Carp Oana , Culita Daniela C. , Preda Silviu , Ene Cristian D. , Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Surdu Vasile-Adrian , Nicoara Adrian-Ionut , Neatu Florentina , Pintilie Ioana , Visinescu Diana
Published: June 2023

Two series of Zn/Co/Al spinel type pigments were obtained through polyol-assisted synthesis, the influence of the water amount and Zn-doping process on their composition, morphology, and chromatic performances being investigated here.
Synthesis of a Golgi-targeting fluorescent probe for the selective detection of chloride anions
Authors: Yuan Min , Hu Jinhui , Chen Wen-Hua
Published: June 2023

This paper describes the synthesis of a Golgi-targeting fluorescent probe for the selective detection of chloride anions in solution and at cellular levels.
Dual functional WO3/BiVO4 heterostructures for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting and glycerol degradation
Authors: Peerakiatkhajohn Piangjai , Yun Jung-Ho , Butburee Teera , Lyu Miaoqiang , Takoon Chawalit , Thaweesak Supphasin
Published: June 2023

A dual-functional WO3/BiVO4 photoanode achieved remarkable photocurrent density, 6.85 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE and high efficiency for glycerol degradation.
From microemulsion phase diagrams to hydrophilicity and hydration controlled adsorption: a dissipative particle dynamics modelling study of phospholipid assembly in bio oils
Authors: Vuorte Maisa , Sammalkorpi Maria
Published: June 2023

We explore here the assembly and adsorption response of a ternary bio oil–phospholipid–water system via dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations.
Microscopic temperature-dependent structural dynamics in polymer nanocomposites: role of the graft–matrix chain interfacial entropic effect
Authors: Swain Aparna , A. Nimmi Das , Sakai Victoria García , Basu J. K.
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate that, in entropic PNCs, deuterated-polymer grafted nanoparticles can alter the dynamics of the host polymer owing to the subtle balance of interactions occurring at different length scales in the matrix.
Similar levels of deuteration in the pre-stellar core L1544 and the protostellar core HH211
Authors: Giers K. , Spezzano S. , Caselli P. , Wirström E. , Sipilä O. , Pineda J. E. , Redaelli E. , Bop C. T. , Lique F.
Published: June 2023

Context. In the centre of pre-stellar cores, deuterium fractionation is enhanced due to low temperatures and high densities. Therefore, the chemistry of deuterated molecules can be used to probe the evolution and the kinematics in the earliest stages of star formation.

Aims. We analyse the deuterium fractionation of simple molecules, comparing the level of deuteration in the envelopes of the prototypical pre-stellar core L1544 in Taurus and the young protostellar core HH211 in Perseus.

Methods. We used single-dish observations of CCH, HCN, HNC, and HCO+ and their 13C-, 18O-, and D-bearing isotopologues, detected with the 20 m telescope at the Onsala Space Observatory. We derived the column densities, and subsequently the carbon isotopic ratios and deuterium fractions of the molecules. Additionally, we used radiative transfer simulations and results from chemical modelling to reproduce the observed molecular lines. We used new collisional rate coefficients for HNC, HN13C DNC, and DCN that consider the hyperfine structure of these molecules.

Results. For CCH, we find high levels of deuteration (10%) in both sources, consistent with other carbon chains. We find moderate deuteration of HCN (5–7%), with a slight enhancement towards the protostellar core. Equal levels of deuteration for HNC towards both cores (~8%) indicate that HNC is tracing slightly different layers compared to HCN. We find that the deuterium fraction of HCO+ is enhanced towards HH211, most likely caused by isotope-selective photodissociation of C18O. With radiative transfer, we were able to reproduce the observed lines of CCH, HCN, H13CN HNC, HN13C and DNC towards L1544 as well as CCH, H13CN HN13C DNC, H13CO+ HC18O+ and DCO+ towards HH211.

Conclusions. Similar levels of deuteration show that the deuterium fractionation is most probably equally efficient towards both cores, suggesting that the protostellar envelope still retains the chemical composition of the original pre-stellar core. The fact that the two cores are embedded in different molecular clouds also suggests that environmental conditions do not have a significant effect on the deuterium fractionation within dense cores. Our results highlight the uncertainties when dealing with 13C isotopologues and the influence of the applied carbon isotopic ratio. Radiative transfer modelling shows that it is crucial to include the effects of the hyperfine structure to reproduce the observed line shapes. In addition, to correctly model emission lines from pre-stellar cores, it is necessary to include the outer layers of the core to consider the effects of extended structures. In addition to HCO+ observations, HCN observations towards L1544 also require the presence of an outer diffuse layer where the molecules are relatively abundant.
The Effectiveness of the Fungal Autolysate Use in the Quails Breeding
Authors: Koshchaev Andrey , Lysenko Yury , Lyneva Albina , Belyak Vladimir , Kovtun Anastasia
Published: June 2023

The article presents the results of the application of a feed additive in the diet of Texas quails based on autolysate of biomass of the non-pathogenic soil fungus Cephaliophora tropica D3, grown in the environment enriched with macro- and microelements (“Albit-BIO”). It has been established that the use of fungal autolysate in the diet of quails contributes to the improvement of the economic indicators of poultry, increases preservation, live weight, increases and reduces the cost of feed for weight gain. The use of a feed additive in the diet of Texas breed quails kept by the outdoor method is more promising, since a positive trend was observed in the dynamics of the studied economic indicators than at cage keeping. The use of “Albit-BIO” contributes to an increase in the slaughter yield, as well as the mass of the muscle part, which is especially pronounced in poultry of the second experimental group, where the additive was used for outdoor keeping of quails. It was revealed that the feed additive, regardless of the conditions of poultry keeping, has a positive effect on the formation of beneficial intestinal microflora while simultaneously suppressing representatives of opportunistic microorganisms. As a result, the process of digestibility and application of feed nutrients improves, which is especially pronounced in poultry in experimental groups that received a feed additive and were kept in the outdoor way. It is recommended to increase the economic indicators and efficiency of the quail industry to grow poultry in the outdoor way and additionally introduce Albit-BIO fungal autolysate into the diet at a dose of 0.13 ml per 1 liter of drinking water throughout the growing period.
Efficiency of complex feed hydrolysate on piglets of the rearing group
Authors: Shantyz Azamat , Ekaterina Egayan , Shantyz Aliy , Marchenko Eugeny , Baldgi Yury
Published: June 2023

The authors carried out researches to study the effect of complex feed hydrolysate on the zootechnical parameters of piglets of the rearing group. As a result of the experiment, it was found that the productivity of piglets in the experimental group was higher than in the control group by 1.07 kg (3.61%), 1.45 kg (4.90%) and 2.10 kg (7.09%). When analyzing the weight gain of piglets, an increase in this parameter was also found in the experimental groups. Thus, in the 1st experimental group, the weight gain of piglets during the study period was 4.42% higher than in the control group, 6.72% higher in the 2nd experimental group and 7.87% higher in the 3rd group. The results of calculating feed costs per 1 kg of animal weight gain showed that in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, the conversion of compound feed was 1.88 kg, 1.82 kg and 1.81 kg, which is respectively lower than in the control group by 4.09%, 6.65% and 7.16%. The results of the general and biochemical analysis of piglets’ blood, reflecting metabolic processes and the state of internal organs, showed the absence of a negative effect of the feed additive on the animals’ body, the studied parameters were within the limits of intraspecific norms. The results of physiological experiments showed that the use of feed additives in the diet of pigs contributed to a positive effect on the level of digestibility of individual nutrients in the diet.
On the issue of substantiation of the mathematical model of the process of preparation of mixtures of protein-vitamin-mineral feed additives
Authors: Sokolenko Oksana , Pogosyan Vladimir
Published: June 2023

The process of preparing feed mixtures using additives is a biotechnical system with deterministic relationships with technological and technical and economic characteristics, and a group of input, disturbing, control and output factors, taking into account which it is necessary to determine the rational machine technology, the structure of operations and the corresponding technical solutions that are embedded in the design of the unit. To describe the processes of mixing compound feeds, the main attention is paid to the analysis of energy parameters, the establishment by experimental means of rational parameters and modes of operation of mixers of different types, the determination of the speed of the product movement in the mixer, its performance and evaluation of the quality of mixing. The development of a general theory of the choice of rational modes and design features of mixers is carried out by compiling a system of equations that describes the functional behavior of individual elements, as well as the influence of connections with external factors imposed on their functioning.
Application of mathematical statistics to evaluate the efficiency of using modern machines
Authors: Shapiro Evgeny
Published: June 2023

This article describes the engineering task of wear research, when a part is turned off after a known overhaul service life and its wear is determined. It is examined how the asymmetry coefficient is determined, the modal wear value corresponding to the largest ordinate of the normal wear distribution, etc. The figures presented in the paper illustrate the right-hand and left-hand asymmetry observed during accelerated wear, as well as the typical curve of the wear distribution of machine parts. Scientific-based judgments are presented on whether machine parts have been subjected to accelerated wear. This scientific article is prepared for agricultural specialists, researchers, teachers, postgraduates, undergraduates and students of agricultural universities in the field of training “Agroengineering”.
The results of the study of the qualitative parameters of the multifunctional seeding machine
Authors: Bogus Azamat E. , Konovalov Vladimir I. , Stanin Vladislav D. , Rusnak Vladimir A.
Published: June 2023

The article presents a constructive scheme of a multifunctional seeding apparatus and substantiates the relevance of its use for agricultural producers of the Southern Federal district with a total area of arable land up to 50-70 hectares. This multifunctional seeding machine allows sowing in various ways for each crop. To assess the qualitative performance of the multifunctional seeding machine in Kuban State University named after I. T. Trubilin, a private methodology and experimental setup were developed at the PriMa department. A mathematical model of the frequency of a single seed supply by a multifunctional seeding machine for sowing corn and wheat has been developed. The parameters for the rational mode of operation of the multifunctional sowing machine for sowing wheat and corn have been determined: the rotation frequency of the disk n, the pressure in the seed chamber P and the frequency of a single seed supply is M for sowing wheat and corn. It was found that the frequency of a single seed supply during wheat sowing is more influenced by the value of excess pressure in the seed chamber. The frequency of a single seed supply during corn sowing is greatly influenced by the value of excess pressure in the seed chamber.
Strip tillage as an implementation of resource-saving approaches in areas of risky agriculture
Authors: Borisenko Ivan , Meznikova Marina
Published: June 2023

Zones of farming with arid climate require scientific justification and competent approach in the field of tillage. The main objectives in developing approaches to mechanical tillage in the field of soil-protective technologies are to reduce erosion processes, accumulate and retain moisture, create favorable conditions for the growth of cultivated plants in the root zone. Reducing the number of soil treatments during the growing season of plants contributes to the ecologization of the soil treatment process and the solution of economic problems. Soil-protective measures also include methods of wind speed reduction in the surface layer. In the article various approaches to the methods of mechanical soil tillage, recommended for use in the zones of risky agriculture on the example of the Volgograd region, are considered. Technical solutions, which allow solving the problems of a modern crop producer by improving the environmental friendliness of agriculture, increasing the crop yield, and increasing the profitability of production, are proposed.
Study of Cane Dimensional Characteristics to Justify Sprayer Parameters
Authors: Truflyak E. V. , Khusnetdinov V. E.
Published: June 2023

Based on the study of dimensional characteristics of reeds, a sprayer is proposed for the treatment of panicles of reeds growing in the elements of the irrigation system of rice checks. The boom of the offered sprayer has an original shape, sprayers of which are located along the trajectory of a parabola, taking into account the placement of the upper points of the panicles across the width of the channel and equipped with a protective chamber device, made in the form of an Archimedes spiral with a spiral pitch equal to at least 20 cm, the offset of the spiral center from the axis of the spraying nozzle vertically is equal to the spiral pitch 20 cm, and from the location of the spraying nozzle to the bottom treatment zone of panicles 40 cm.
New seeding units for sowing winter wheat
Authors: Kolinkо Aleksey , Kambulov Sergey , Chervyakov Ivan , Belousov Sergey
Published: June 2023

One of the main parameters of high-quality sowing of agricultural seeds is their uniform distribution along the length, which is mainly influenced by the sowing unit. In the present work, the sowing of seeds of grain crops using a coil seeding unit is considered as an object of research. As a subject of research, the dependences of the uniformity of seed distribution along the length of the furrow on the non-uniformity of the specific working volume of the coil, the rotation frequency of the blower of the pneumatic seeder and the seeding rate are considered. The aim of the work is to improve the uniformity of the distribution of the area of nutrition that falls on each plant with an ordinary method of sowing winter wheat. The paper presents the results of theoretical prerequisites for determining the working volume of the seeding coil, the results of field experiments of the seeding unit using coils with different geometric characteristics. The analysis of the uniformity of seed distribution using regression analysis and Bayesian networks is carried out. The resulting determination coefficient of 0.82 allows concluding that the resulting mathematical model can be used for practical purposes. It is noted that the proposed cellular seeding coil stands out qualitatively among the grooved and grooved-screw coils. Its use with a probability of 80%, according to the constructed Bayesian network, at low seeding rates of 75-150 kg / ha contributes to ensuring the best indexes for the uniformity of sowing of winter wheat.
Application of Methods for Solving Multi-Criteria Problems when Choosing Precision Seeders
Authors: Zubrilina E. M. , Babenko O. S.
Published: June 2023

This article presents the process of choosing a precise seeding drill model using the methods of hierarchy analysis and generalized estimation. The results of the analysis represent preferred alternatives and recommendations for decision-making. The importance of the role of experts and their subjective opinions when using these methods is also emphasized.
The effect of the drug Zircon on the decorative qualities of large-flowered eustoma plants in pot
Authors: Varfolomeyeva Natal’ya , Blagorodova Elena , Nepshekueva Tamara , Zvyagina Anastasiya , Andreychuk Dmitriy
Published: June 2023

The article presents the results of the study of the growth stimulator Zircon concentreation influence on the decorative qualities of large-flowered eustoma of White Kyoto F1 and Flamenco pink F1 hybrids. In the experiment, the drug concentration was studied from 0.25 to 5.0%. The drug foliar application affected the height of the plant, the number of leaves and their size, the passage of phenological phases by plants and the duration of flowering. The most effective was the use of Zircon with a solution concentration of 2.5%.
Investigation of the Efficiency of Manufacturing Polymer Molds by FDM-Printing
Authors: Krupennikov Oleg , Kiselev Evgeniy
Published: June 2023

The results of experimental studies of the efficiency of manufacturing polymer foundry models by the FDM method are presented. Rational consumables for 3D-printing are revealed. The optimal values of the shrinkage value of the 3D-model during printing and the parameters of the 3D-printer operation mode are revealed. It has been established that polymer casting molds are rationally manufactured by FDM printing, using ABS-plastic as a consumable, while making a correction to linear dimensions at the stage of creating a 3D-model to eliminate plastic shrinkage.