bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercropping of orchardgrass and alfalfa improves soil fertility, forage yield, feeding values and land use efficiency while limiting ruminal greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Xue Zhulin , Wang Yunling , Palmer Elizabeth , Zhang Yingjun
Published: February 2023

Intercropping has been a globally accepted practice for forage production, however, consideration of multiple performance criteria for intercropping including forage production, feed use efficiency and ruminal greenhouse gas emissions needs to be further investigated. A two‐year field study was conducted to evaluate forage dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value, feeding values and land‐use efficiency as well as ruminal carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions of intercropped orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) sown in five intercropping ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, based on seed weight) and three nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels (0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1). Increasing alfalfa proportion and N fertilizer level increased soil nutrients and the two‐year total DM yield. Intercropping increased both land and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) compared with monocultures. Greater NUE was obtained when N fertilizer was applied at 50 kg ha−1, compared with 100 kg ha−1. Increasing the proportion of alfalfa in intercrops increased the crude protein yield and rumen undegraded protein yield. Harvested forage intercrops were incubated with ruminal fluid for 48 h. Degraded DM yield, CO2 and CH4 emissions increased with increasing alfalfa proportion in intercrops. Overall, the 75:25 of orchardgrass‐alfalfa intercrops was recommended as the best compromise between high forage productivity, superior feed use efficiency and low ruminal greenhouse gas emissions through complementary effects. The results indicate that the appropriate N fertilization level would be 50 kg ha−1 for acquiring higher nitrogen use efficiency and forage productivity.
Messing up research: A dialogical account of gender, reflexivity, and governance in auto‐ethnography
Authors: Hales Sophie , Galbally Paul
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to contribute to a growing critical and reflexive awareness of the implications of gendered assumptions about ontology, epistemology, and ethics in academic research governance and practice. It provides a retrospective account of the authors' shared experiences of an autoethnographic study of lap dancing clubs, focusing on critical or “sticky moments” encountered, and considering the implications of these for research more widely. It does so by highlighting the gendered power relations shaping academic research, showing how Judith Butler's critique of the heterosexual matrix can be applied to a critical, reflexive understanding of the impact of binary, hierarchical gender power relations. The analysis provides insight into some of the ways in which autoethnographic research on sexualized work may become messy, dirty, and sticky in ways that accentuate power inequalities but also open up moments of opportunity for gender binaries and hierarchies to be revealed, challenged, and resisted. Using a Butlerian lens to reflect on our experiences, we contribute to understanding how heteronormative assumptions shape perceptions of what makes “good,” “clean,” and ethically (formally) approved research that conforms to the governmental norms of the heterosexual matrix and, by implication, those contaminating forms of research that disrupt or resist its disciplinary effects. As ethnographic research is often messy by its very nature, and particularly so when situated within sex/sexualized work, we aim to show how gendered assumptions can inhibit reflexivity in academic knowledge production, resulting in research processes that are (paradoxically) unethical. In response, we suggest three ways in which gender reflexive research might be pursued, by: (i) identifying gendered assumptions reflexively and dialogically, (ii) adopting an anti‐essentialist approach that foregrounds experiential, embodied knowledge, and (iii) developing an anti‐hierarchical methodology. We do so in the hope of opening up ways that might enable others to avoid heteronormative assumptions having potentially detrimental consequences for their research and to offer a starting point for developing gender reflexive knowledge production in the future.
Use of glucono‐delta‐lactone in the accelerated processing of boneless dry‐cured lamb hams
Authors: Palhares Priscila Cotta , do Carmo Lorrany Ramos , Andrade Bruna Fernandes , Ramos Alcineia de Lemos Souza , Piccoli Roberta Hilsdorf , Ramos Eduardo Mendes
Published: February 2023

The production of high‐quality dry‐cured lamb meat products represents an important strategy to contribute to the development of the sheep sector. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the acidulant glucono‐δ‐lactone (GdL) and drying to 40% (ML40) and 50% (ML50) mass loss on the technological and microbiological characteristics of boneless dry‐cured lamb hams. The use of GdL reduced the drying time by 27% (ML40) and 23% (ML50), generating products with lower pH values and higher counts (approximately 1 log cycle) of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Water activity (aw), lipid oxidation and technological characteristics related to colour and texture were not affected by GdL, but ML50 showed greater hardness and chewiness and a lower aw and TBARS index than ML40. The use of GdL and drying to 40% mass loss produce safe high‐quality products in a shorter process time and with technological characteristics like those of traditional dry‐cured hams.
Phenolic compounds mediated biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles and evaluation of their bioactivities: A review
Authors: Huang Xin , Devi Sarita , Bordiga Matteo , Brennan Charles S. , Xu Baojun
Published: February 2023

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been applied in a variety of fields based on their unique physical and chemical properties. Phenolic compounds (PCs) are the largest variety of phytochemicals in foods and have received substantial attention owing to their extraordinary health benefits. Recently, extensive studies have been conducted on the synthesis and conjugation of PCs onto AuNPs (AuNP/PC) characterisation, their bioactivities such as antimicrobial, anticancerous, anti‐inflammatory. PCs served the dual roles, i.e., as reductant and stabiliser during the synthesis of AuNPs/PC in a one‐pot process. The synthesis parameters for AuNP/PCs and the characteristic properties of as‐synthesised AuNP/PCs should be evaluated to achieve the highly efficient bioactivities. Therefore, the critical criteria for the synthesis of AuNP/PC such as the temperature, pH, and molar ratio of the precursors are reviewed. It is found that the PCs mediated reduction of gold salt can provide the well dispersed and stable AuNPs with a high negative surface charge (−15 to −54 mV) and an average SPR band ranging from 520 to 600 nm. The presence of surface hydroxyl groups in AuNP/PCs was the indication of successful conjugation of PCs with AuNPs. It can be concluded that the synergistic effect of the PCs‐conjugated AuNPs greatly enhanced their bioactivities.
The association between social isolation and oral health of community‐dwelling older adults—A systematic review
Authors: Yun Shan , Ogawa Natsuka , Izutsu Miku , Yuki Michiko
Published: February 2023

Aim

Social isolation and oral health problems commonly exist in older populations and can influence each other. However, evidence on this bidirectional correlation is scarce. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of literature in which social isolation and oral health were associated with each other separately.

Methods

Electronic searches were performed through six databases. Original cross‐sectional and longitudinal prospective studies that evaluated the associations between social isolation and oral health as either exposure or outcome were included.

Results

In total, 282 articles were retrieved. Of these, 10 cross‐sectional studies and one longitudinal study were included in the analysis. The level of evidence reported was generally moderate to strong. Most studies found that both stronger objective and perceived social isolation were associated with worse oral health in both directions. The frequency of meeting friends had an inconsistent association with oral health.

Conclusions

The results of our systematic review showed a bidirectional association between social isolation and oral health in independent community‐dwelling older adults. Both objective and perceived social isolation are associated with oral health. As objective social isolation indicators, quality of social connectedness appears to play a more important role in the association with oral health.
The process of becoming independent while balancing health management and social life in adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Miyagishima Kyoko , Ichie Kazuko , Sakaguchi Kimiyoshi , Kato Yuka
Published: February 2023

Aim

This study aimed to elucidate the process of how adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) become independent while balancing health management and social life with a view to providing long‐term support.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 Japanese CCSs aged 16–25 years. The data were then qualitatively analysed using the modified grounded theory approach.

Results

Seven “categories” and 35 “concepts” were generated. The connections among these categories and concepts revealed the process of becoming independent while balancing health management and social life. The first phase in the process is “coordination within constraints,” which includes “consciousness and worries about deteriorating health” and “adjustments to balance schoolwork and treatment.” This phase changes into “challenges to being free and normal” and “release from constraints.” Psychological development then occurs as “gratitude toward surrounding people” and “sustenance from experiencing a rare illness.” However, CCSs also “face worries about the persistent effects of cancer,” including “awareness of the necessity to continue hospital visits even into adulthood.” Through these experiences, CCSs reach the phase of “finding a way to live with oneself,” which integrates health management with social life.

Conclusions

These findings may help parents and health, education, and social‐care professionals anticipate and share changes in CCSs physical condition, daily life, and psychosocial development. CCSs need support in terms of coordinating cancer therapy and school life, trying what they want to do, self‐managing their own health condition, and forming their identity, including making sense of their illness experience.
Bacterial culture and susceptibility of samples taken from septic foot lesions of adult beef cattle
Authors: Walker Kelsey E. , Middleton John R. , Gull Tamara , Payne Craig A. , Adkins Pamela R. F.
Published: February 2023

Background

Lameness is an economically important and common disease of cattle, and foot disease is the most common cause of lameness in cattle. Limited data is available regarding lameness in cow‐calf operations.

Objectives

Describe the bacteria most commonly isolated from septic lesions of the feet of adult beef cattle and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolated bacteria.

Animals

Fifty‐four adult cattle from cow‐calf operations and diagnosed with a sole abscess or distal interphalangeal joint sepsis were enrolled.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Abscess fluid from a convenience sample of clinical cases was cultured. Isolated bacteria were identified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry or 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling was performed on isolates when a bacterial species was identified from ≥5 samples.

Results

Fifty of the 54 samples were polymicrobial. Trueperella pyogenes (22/54), Streptococcus uberis (16/54), and Bacteroides pyogenes (14/54) were the most commonly isolated bacteria. Eighty‐one of 96 tested isolates were resistant to at least 1 antimicrobial; multidrug resistance was identified in 37/96 isolates. Oxytetracycline (50/96), tylosin (40/96), and florfenicol (37/96) resistance was commonly identified. Resistance to ceftiofur (5/96) was rare.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Septic processes of the foot in these adult beef cattle frequently were polymicrobial. Most of the isolated bacteria were resistant to at least 1 antimicrobial with over one‐third being multidrug resistant. Although simple sole abscesses do not require antimicrobial treatment, deep septic processes of the foot often are treated with antimicrobials. Culture and susceptibility of deep septic lesions may guide judicious antimicrobial usage.
An EPFL peptide signaling pathway promotes stamen elongation via enhancing filament cell proliferation to ensure successful self‐pollination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: He Yunxia , He Xiaomeng , Wang Xiaoyang , Hao Mengyue , Gao Jiale , Wang Yangxiayu , Yang Zhong‐Nan , Meng Xiangzong
Published: February 2023

Proper stamen filament elongation is essential for plant self‐pollination and reproduction. Several phytohormones such as jasmonate and gibberellin play important roles in controlling filament elongation, but other endogenous signals involved in this developmental process remain unknown.

We report here that three EPIDERMAL PATTERNING FACTOR‐LIKE (EPFL) family peptides, EPFL4, EPFL5 and EPFL6, act redundantly to promote stamen filament elongation via enhancing filament cell proliferation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Knockout of EPFL4‐6 genes led to shortened filaments due to defective filament cell proliferation, resulting in pollination failure and male sterility.

Further genetic and biochemical analyses indicated that the ERECTA family and the SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR KINASE (SERK) family RLKs form receptor complexes to perceive EPFL4‐6 peptides and promote filament cell proliferation. Moreover, based on both loss‐ and gain‐of‐function genetic analyses, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade MKK4/MKK5‐MPK6 was shown to function downstream of EPFL4‐6 to positively regulate cell proliferation in stamen filaments.

Together, this study reveals that an EPFL peptide signaling pathway composed of the EPFL4‐6 peptide ligands, the ERECTA‐SERK receptor complexes and the downstream MKK4/MKK5‐MPK6 cascade promotes stamen filament elongation via enhancing filament cell proliferation to ensure successful self‐pollination and normal fertility in Arabidopsis.
Sectoral Shocks and Monetary Policy in the United Kingdom*
Authors: Dixon Huw , Franklin Jeremy , Millard Stephen
Published: February 2023

We examine the extent to which monetary policy should respond to movements in sectoral inflation rates using a Generalized Taylor model that takes specific account of the sectoral make‐up of the consumer price index. We calibrate the model for each sector using the UK consumer price microdata. We find that a policy rule allowing for different responses to inflation in different sectors outperforms a rule targeting only aggregate inflation, as does a rule responding only to core inflation. However, we find that the optimal sectoral rule only leads to a small absolute improvement in terms of extra consumption.
Person‐organization fit theory and research: Conundrums, conclusions, and calls to action
Authors: Kristof‐Brown Amy , Schneider Benjamin , Su Rong
Published: February 2023

The article presents a personal historical review of the person‐organization fit (PO) literature by Amy Kristof‐Brown, Benjamin Schneider and Rong Su. We present six conundrums and research evidence about each that we've encountered while studying fit during our careers: (1) What exactly is PO fit?—the term can be narrowly or broadly defined, but must be distinguished from other forms of Person‐Environment (PE) fit; (2) What is the best way to measure PO fit?—there are a variety of ways, each with strengths and liabilities and the measure of P and O can vary across a variety of attributes; (3) At what level of analysis is PO fit?—although conceptually cross‐level, it has been studied most frequently as an individual‐level variable; (4) To what extent does PO fit actually matter?—quite a bit, especially with regard to individual attitudes and turnover, but there are many caveats including measures and national culture; (5) Is PO fit always desirable?—for individuals generally yes, but there can be benefits of misfit; for organizations the answer is still unknown, particularly with regard to diversity; and (6) What are the implications of PO fit change over time?—it is clear that people engage in purposeful activity toward establishing fit in their lives, and purposeful organizational tactics toward accomplishing productive fit is recommended. Addressing these conundrums, we provide thoughts on future directions for research on PO fit and practical implications for managers who want to maximize the benefits of PO fit.
Elimination of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Pathological Microbiota with Photodynamic Therapy in Women from Mexico City with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia I
Authors: López‐Cárdenas María Teresa , Jiménez Adriana , Espinosa‐Montesinos Araceli , Maldonado‐Alvarado Elizabeth , Osorio‐Peralta Martha Olivia , Martinez‐Escobar Alejandro , Moreno‐Vázquez Alejandra , Aguilera‐Arreola Ma. Guadalupe , Ramón‐Gallegos Eva
Published: February 2023

Cervical carcinoma (CC) is the second cause of cancer death in Mexican women. It starts with premalignant lesions known as Intraepithelial Cervical Neoplasia (CIN) that can develop due to infection by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and other microorganisms. Current CIN therapy involves invasive methods that affect cervix integrity and fertility; we propose the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a strategy with few side effects. In this work, the effectiveness of PDT for CIN I, HPV and pathogenic vaginal microbiota elimination in 29 women of Mexico City with CIN I, CIN I + HPV and HPV diagnosis was determined. After 6 months of PDT application, HPV infection was eliminated in 100% of the patients (P < 0.01), CIN I + HPV in 64.3% (P < 0.01) and CIN I in 57.2% (P > 0.05). PDT also eliminated pathogenic microorganisms: Chlamydia trachomatis in 81% of the women (P < 0.001) and Candida albicans in 80% (P < 0.05), without affecting normal microbiota since Lactobacillus iners was eliminated only in 5.8% of patients and the opportunistic Gardnerella vaginalis in 20%. These results show that PDT was highly effective in eradicating HPV and pathogenic microorganisms, suggesting that PDT is a promising therapy for cervical infections.
Prejudice as Viciousness: Marie de Gournay and Anton Wilhelm Amo
Authors: Forbes Allauren Samantha
Published: February 2023

Marie de Gournay and Anton Wilhelm Amo, though thinking and writing in different social contexts, each offer an account of prejudice which bears a deep philosophical resonance to that of the other. This resonance is striking and mutually illuminating: Gournay and Amo develop a view of prejudice as a kind of epistemic and moral viciousness that damages both the prejudicial person and their socio‐epistemic neighbors. Their accounts highlight how agents are rightly held responsible for prejudice, as it is the agents' epistemic negligence and moral failure that allows prejudice to take hold. As such, their view offers a balance between a critical examination of individuals and an acknowledgement of the deep sociality that pervades the epistemic domain.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐DRB1*04:358 allele, a variant of HLA‐DRB1*04, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: February 2023

One nucleotide substitution in codon 140 of HLA‐DRB1*04:05:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*04:358.
Tundra Soil Viruses Mediate Responses of Microbial Communities to Climate Warming
Authors: Ji Mengzhi , Fan Xiangyu , Cornell Carolyn R. , Zhang Ya , Yuan Mengting Maggie , Tian Zhen , Sun Kaili , Gao Rongfeng , Liu Yang , Zhou Jizhong
Published: February 2023

Permafrost thawing causes microbial release of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate warming. Some previous studies examined the responses of the microbial communities and functions to warming in permafrost region, but the roles of viruses in mediating the responses of microbial communities to warming are poorly understood.
Decentralized Reinforcement Learning Approach for Microgrid Energy Management in Stochastic Environment
Authors: Darshi Razieh , Shamaghdari Saeed , Jalali Aliakbar , Arasteh Hamidreza
Published: February 2023

Microgrids are considered to be smart power grids that can integrate Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in the main grid cleanly and reliably. Due to the random and unpredictable nature of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and electricity demand, designing a control system for microgrid energy management is a complex task. In addition, the policies of microgrid agents are changing over time to improve their expected profits. Therefore, the problem is stochastic and the policies of the agents are not stationary and deterministic. This paper proposes a fully decentralized multiagent Energy Management System (EMS) for microgrids using the reinforcement learning and stochastic game. The microgrid agents, comprising customers, and DERs are considered as intelligent and autonomous decision makers. The proposed method solves a distributed optimization problem for each self-interested decision maker. Interactions between the decision makers and the environment during the learning phase lead the system to converge to the optimal equilibrium point in which the benefits of all the agents are maximized. Simulation studies using a real dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for the hourly energy management of microgrids.
Nanoclay-Incorporated Polycaprolactone Matrix via Electrospinning Techniques-Enriched Spectroscopic Responses
Authors: Devina Merin D. , Anith Jose R. , Arulananth T. S. , Allwyn Sundarraj Antony , Inbamalar T. M. , Getnet Meharie Meseret
Published: February 2023

Nanotechnology is one of the most common areas for current research and development in almost all technological fields. A significant factor is the synergistic benefit of nanoscale dimensions over larger scale alteration. Polymer nanoscience is the analysis and application of nanotechnology to polymer nanoparticle matrices, with nanoparticles described as those with at least one dimension of less than 100 nm. The use of polymer nanotechnology and nanocomposites in practical applications is a rapidly developing area. For making polymeric nanofibers from polymer melts and solutions, a spinning technique is used known as electrospinning. Electrospinning is an easy way to produce ultrafine fibers, which is nanosize. For its wide range of variety of spinning polymeric fibers, it is recommended, as well as producing fibers in nanosize accurately. The aim of this project is to use electrospinning to make nanoclay integrated polycaprolactone membranes. The effects of the nanoclay on morphology, thermal, and sorption behaviors of the electrospun membrane were further studied. The scope of this project work is that the electrospun nanocomposites are best studied for biomedical applications. Because of their influence over porosity, pore size, and fiber diameter, they make excellent scaffold materials.
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Fear of Hospitalization Scale in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery
Authors: Sharif Nia Hamid , Janković Slobodan , Hanifi Nasrin
Published: February 2023

Purpose. This study was designed to characterize the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Fear of Hospitalization Scale (P‐FHS). Design and Methods. In order to evaluate the validity and reliability of the translated scale, a cross‐sectional design was employed. Ten experts evaluated the content validity of Fear of Hospitalization Scale (FHS) after it had been back‐translated into Persian. With 612 patients having emergency surgery, construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was followed. Findings. The results of EFA (n = 306) showed that fear of hospitalization had three factors. These three factors accounted for 45.28% of the total variance. Also, these factors were confirmed by CFA (n = 306) (root‐mean‐square error of approximation = (90% confidence interval) = 0.050 (0.041, 0.058), goodness‐of‐fit index = 0.945, comparative fit index = 0.968, non‐normal fit index = 0.948, incremental fit index = 0.968, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.959). The coefficients of Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, composite reliability, and maximum reliability for all three factors were greater than 0.7, demonstrating satisfied internal consistency. Practice Implication. According to the published results, the P‐FHS is effective at measuring hospitalization anxiety in patients undergoing emergency surgery. It is advised that nurses in Iranian culture use a legitimate and trustworthy technique to pinpoint the causes of hospitalization anxiety in patients undergoing emergency surgery to give optimal care.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Milling Tool Based on Pyramid CNN
Authors: Hu Ning , Liu Zhenguo , Jiang Shixin , Li Quanzhou , Zhong Shuqi , Chen Bingquan
Published: February 2023

Remaining useful life prediction of a milling tool is one of the determinants in making scientific maintenance decision for the CNC machine tool. Predicting the RUL accurately can improve machining efficiency and the quality of product. Deep learning methods have strong learning capability in RUL prediction and are extensively used. Multiscale CNN, a typical deep learning model in RUL prediction, has a large number of parameters because of its parallel convolutional pathways, resulting in high computing cost. Besides, the MSCNN ignores various influences of different scales of degradation features on RUL prediction accuracy. To address the issue, a pyramid CNN (PCNN) is proposed for RUL prediction of the milling tool in this paper. Group convolution is used to replace parallel convolutional pathways to extract multiscale features without additional large number of parameters. And the channel attention with soft assignment is used to select the key degradation features, considering different sensors and scales. The milling tool wear experiments show that the score value of the proposed method achieved 51.248 ± 1.712 and the RMSE achieved 19.051 ± 0.804, confirming better performance of the proposed method compared with the traditional MSCNN and other deep learning methods. Besides, the number of parameters of the proposed method is reduced by 62.6% and 54.8% compared with the MSCNN with self-attention and the MSCNN methods, confirming its lower computing cost.
Application of NAD+-Dependent Electrochemical Dehydrogenase Biosensors in Human Physiological Fluids: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Jin Xinrui , Zhong Min , Zhu Zixin , Xie Jingling , Feng Jinkang , Liu Yusen , Guo Jinglan , Li Baolin , Liu Jinbo
Published: February 2023

Electrochemical enzymatic biosensors represent a promising, low-cost technology for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics that allows fast response and simple sample processing procedures. In this review, we summarize up-to-date literature on NAD+/NADH (β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)-dependent electrochemical dehydrogenase biosensors and highlight their applications in human physiological fluids. A brief comparison of various enzyme immobilization procedures is first presented, discussing preparation processes and principal analytical performance characteristics. In the following section, we briefly discuss classes of biosensors based on redox mediators-mediated electron transfer systems (METs). Finally, the conclusion section summarizes the ongoing challenges in the fabrication of NAD+-dependent electrochemical dehydrogenase biosensors and gives an outlook on future research studies.
Design Method for Concrete Mix Proportion Based on Indices of Strength and Durability of Concrete Exposed to Chloride Attack
Authors: Zhao Jiaqi , Sun Wanting , Shi Tuo , Qin Chenghui
Published: February 2023

In the current design code, concrete mix proportions are not based on durability parameters that can quantitatively design the requirement of service life for chloride-exposed structures. Multifactor calculation models of durability index are developed, and the replacement of mineral admixtures in concrete is determined according to predetermined concrete strength and durability requirements. The chloride diffusion coefficient and aging factor of concrete are chosen as index parameters for the resistance of concrete to chloride salts. A multifactor model of the chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete is then established by regression analysis based on the experimental data, and explicit expressions for the water-to-binder ratio and replacement of admixture were determined by solving the multivariate nonlinear equation system. By calculating the average compressive strength and chloride diffusion coefficient from their specified values, the mix proportion of concrete is determined. The superiority of the proposed method is demonstrated by the comparison with the current code. Lastly, an orthogonal experiment was conducted to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method for designing concrete mix proportions by referencing engineering practices. The results show that major parameters of concrete mix proportion can be determined quantitatively from structural design parameters such as compressive strength, chloride diffusion coefficient, and aging factor, satisfying the requirements of ultimate bearing capacity and service life for concrete structures in chloride environments, as demonstrated in this paper.
A New Modified Levenberg–Marquardt Method for Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Chen Liang , Ma Yanfang
Published: February 2023

Taking a new choice of the LM parameter

λ

k

=

μ

k

J
k
T

F

k

δ

with

δ
∈

0,2

, we give a new modified Levenberg–Marquardt method. Under the error bound condition

c
 
dist

w
,
S

≤
J

w

T

F

w

which is weaker than the nonsingular of Jacobian

J

w

, we present that the new Levenberg–Marquardt method has at least superlinear convergence when

δ
∈

0,1

and quadratic convergence when

δ
∈

1,2

, respectively, which indicates that our new Levenberg–Marquardt method is performed for the systems of nonlinear equations. Also, numerical experiments indicate its efficiency on a set of systems of nonlinear equations.
Genome‐Wide Analysis of the Molecular Functions of B3 Superfamily in Oil Biosynthesis in Olive (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Qu Jipeng , Wang Bixia , Xu Zhou , Feng Shiling , Tong Zhaoguo , Chen Tao , Zhou Lijun , Peng Zhengsong , Ding Chunbang
Published: February 2023

The plant B3 gene superfamily contains a large number of transcription factors playing a vital role in both vegetative growth and reproductive development in plants. Although several B3 genes have been well studied, molecular functions of the B3 genes in olive are largely unknown. In our study, a total of 200 B3 genes were identified in olive genome based on RNA‐seq and comparative genomic analyses and further classified into five groups (i.e., REM, RAV, LAV, HSI, and ARF) based on phylogenetic analysis. Results of gene structure and motif composition analyses revealed diversified functions among these five groups of B3 genes. Results of genomic duplication and syntenic analyses indicated the gene expansion in the B3 genes. Results of gene expression based on both transcriptomics and relative expression revealed the tissue‐biased expression patterns in B3 genes. The results of the comparative expression analysis of B3 genes between two olive cultivars with high and low oil contents identified several potential REM genes which may be involved in oil biosynthesis in olive. Based on the comprehensive characterization of the molecular structures and functions of B3 genes in olive genome, our study provided novel insights into the potential roles of B3 transcription factors in oil biosynthesis in olive and lays the groundwork for the functional explorations into this research field.
Research on the Coordination of Fresh Food Supply Chain Based on the Perspective of Blockchain and Low Carbon
Authors: Chen Huafei , Yin Lu
Published: February 2023

We consider a three-stage fresh agricultural product supply chain consisting of a supplier, a third-party logistics service provider (TPLSP), and a retailer and discuss the coordination mechanism of “revenue sharing + double cost sharing” contracts and “two-part tariff + revenue sharing + double cost sharing” contracts between the supplier, TPLSP, and the retailer. Based on this, we not only explore the conditions for supply chain full coordination and Pareto improvement but also analyze the effect of blockchain technology application cost, consumer environmental protection awareness, freshness preference, green trust level on carbon emission reduction level, fresh-keeping effort level, price decisions, and profits by comparing three different decision-making models. Results show that the improvement of the green trust level can help to improve the carbon emission reduction level, fresh-keeping effort level, price decisions, and profits. The application of blockchain technology can reduce transaction costs and improve consumer green trust levels, thereby increasing market demand and profits. When environmental protection awareness and freshness preference are higher than a certain value, the unit retail price of fresh products under decentralized decision-making is the highest with the blockchain technology applied. TPLSP can increase the wholesale, service, and retail prices of fresh products by appropriately increasing the blockchain technology application cost-sharing ratio. When

15
<

T

1

<
29.2416

and

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T

2

<
66.0408

, “two-part tariff + revenue sharing + double cost sharing” contracts can achieve the Pareto improvement.
What Are the Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics and Needs of Mothers Who Access Acute Postpartum Psychiatric Care and Have Children’s Social Care Involvement?
Authors: Lever Taylor Billie , Brobbey Latoya , Howard Louise M. , Masters Brooklynn , Molloy Zara , Potts Laura C. , Powell Claire , Stanley Nicky , Trevillion Kylee , Sweeney Angela
Published: February 2023

Mothers with severe postpartum psychiatric diagnoses are more likely to have children’s social care involvement with their infants, but little is known about the needs or experiences of this group of women. With input from a lived experience advisory group, we carried out secondary analysis of data collected from 278 mother-infant dyads where the mother accessed acute psychiatric care in England or Wales postnatally. We explored the characteristics, needs, and service use experiences of mother-infant dyads with (n = 99) and without (n = 179) children’s social care involvement. We found that mothers with social care involvement were often experiencing wider adversity and inequity across multiple areas of their lives. These mothers were also less satisfied with their mental health care and had more unmet needs after discharge from acute services. We built multivariable logistic regression models to examine factors associated with children’s social care involvement during the acute admission and one year later. We found that having social care involvement during an acute postpartum admission was associated with being deprived, reporting a maternal history of childhood trauma, experiencing domestic abuse, having a diagnosis of personality disorder or schizophrenia, and having a history of previous psychiatric admissions. At one-year follow-up, factors associated with children’s social care involvement included deprivation, experiencing childhood trauma, having been single at the time of the postpartum admission, and having been readmitted to acute psychiatric services following the postpartum admission. Our findings suggest that mothers with children’s social services involvement in the context of an acute postpartum psychiatric diagnosis may have high levels of support needs, but services may struggle to meet their needs fully. We argue that an increased focus on supporting mothers with histories of trauma, adversity, and deprivation, along with greater collaboration between mental health, children’s social care, and third sector services may help improve experiences and outcomes.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Cuproptosis‐Related lncRNA Signature for Gastric Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Yin Chunlin , Gao Ming , Wang Qi , Li He
Published: February 2023

Background. According to a growing body of research, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the progress of gastric cancer (GC). Cuproptosis is a distinct kind of programmed cell death, separating it from several other forms of programmed cell death that may be caused by genetic programming. Consequently, it is crucial to examine cuproptosis‐related lncRNAs (CRLs) prognostic importance for the prognosis and treatment response in GC. Method. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to retrieve RNA‐seq data, pertinent clinical information, and somatic mutation data. A list of cuproptosis‐related genes (CRGs) was obtained from prior work. We can distinguish prognostic CRLs using coexpression and univariate Cox analysis. Then, using CRLs, we developed a risk prediction model using multivariate Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) technique. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of this model, a Kaplan‐Meier (K‐M) survival analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used. Moreover, the relationships between the risk model and immunological function, somatic mutation, and drug sensitivity were also investigated. Results. Using the multivariate Cox analysis technique, we developed a signature based on cuproptosis‐related four lncRNAs. We then classified patients into high‐risk and low‐risk groups based on the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes. The model was subjected to further testing, including K‐M survival analysis, ROC analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis, all of which proved the model’s exceptional robustness and predictive capacity. In addition, a nomogram that has a strong capacity for prediction ability was built. This nomogram included age, gender, clinical grade, pathologic stage, T stage, and risk score. Furthermore, we discovered substantial disparities in immune function and the number of mutations carried by tumors between the high‐risk and low‐risk groups. Moreover, this research also found that the IC50 values for 27 chemotherapeutic drugs varied widely across patients within high‐ and low‐risk groups. Conclusion. The proposed 4‐CRLs signature is a promising biomarker to predict clinical outcomes in GC.
Pyroptosis‐Related Genes as Markers for Identifying Prognosis and Microenvironment in Low‐Grade Glioma
Authors: Han Jinkun , Jing Yajun , Sun Peng
Published: February 2023

Low‐grade glioma (LGG) is one of the most common brain tumors and often develops into the worst glioblastoma (GBM). Pyroptosis is related to inflammation and immunization. It has been demonstrated to influence the progression of a variety of cancers. However, the value of pyrosis‐related genes (PRGs) in LGG remains unclear. Public TCGA‐LGG data are used to analyze the differential expression and genetic variation of PRGs in LGG. Subsequently, this paper identifies pyroptosis‐related subtypes and constructs prognostic models. This paper analyzes the expression and function of selected CASP5 in LGG and constructs a ceRNA regulatory network. Final CASP5‐related immune infiltration analysis and methylation analysis are performed. Most PRGs are differentially expressed and altered in LGG. Subtypes and prognostic models based on PRGs not only have good functions but also have a great connection with immune infiltration. Enrichment analysis of PRGs with prognostic value of LGG also shows functions correlated mainly with immunity and inflammation. CASP5 is significantly differentially expressed in different grades of gliomas and different prognoses. Despite fewer mutations, CASP5 has a clear correlation for both immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules in the LGG microenvironment. Its methylation may also have a role in the prognosis of LGG. This paper shows the association of pyrosis‐related subtypes, prognostic models, and genes, with immune infiltration.
JFD, a Novel Natural Inhibitor of Keap1 Alkylation, Suppresses Intracellular Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Growth through Keap1/Nrf2/SOD2-Mediated ROS Accumulation
Authors: Wan Haoqiang , Cai Yi , Xiao Lingyun , Ling Yunzhi , Ge Lanlan , Mo Siwei , Xie Qiujie , Peng Shusong , Zhou Boping , Zeng Xiaobin , Chen Xinchun
Published: February 2023

It is an effective strategy to treat tuberculosis by enhancing reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) mediated killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages, but there are no current therapeutic agents targeting this pathway. Honeysuckle has been used as the traditional medicine for tuberculosis treatment for 1500 years. Japoflavone D (JFD) is a novel biflavonoid isolated from Honeysuckle promoting ROS accumulation by Nrf2 pathway in hepatocarcinoma cells. However, its activity to kill M. tuberculosis in macrophages and molecular mechanism has not been reported. Our results showed that JFD enhances the M. tuberculosis elimination by boosting ROS levels in THP-1 cells. Moreover, the massive ROS accumulation activates p38 to induce apoptosis. Notably, the mechanism revealed that JFD suppresses the nuclear transport of Nrf2, thereby inhibiting SOD2 transcription, leading to a large ROS accumulation. Further studies showed that JFD disrupts the Keap1 alkylation at specific residues Cys14, Cys257, and Cys319, which is crucial for Nrf2 activation, thereby interrupts the nuclear transport of Nrf2. In pharmacokinetic study, JFD can stay as the prototype for 24 h in mice and can be excreted in feces without any toxicity. Our data reveal for the first time that a novel biflavonoid JFD as a potent inhibitor of Keap1 alkylation can suppress the nuclear transport of Nrf2. And it is the first research of the inhibitor of Keap1 alkylation. Furthermore, JFD robustly promotes M. tuberculosis elimination from macrophages by inhibiting Keap1/Nrf2/SOD2 pathway, resulting in the ROS accumulation. This work identified Keap1 alkylation as a new drug target for tuberculosis and provides a preliminary basis for the development of antituberculosis lead compounds based on JFD.
Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network with LSTM for ECG Denoising
Authors: Wang Huidong , Ma Yurun , Zhang Aihua , Lin Dongmei , Qi Yusheng , Li Jiaqi
Published: February 2023

The electrocardiogram (ECG), as an essential basis for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, is usually disturbed by various noise. To obtain accurate human physiological information from ECG, the denoising and reconstruction of ECG are critical. In this paper, we proposed an ECG denoising method referred to as LSTM‐DCGAN which is based on an improved generative adversarial network (GAN). The overall network structure is composed of multiple layers of convolutional networks. Furthermore, the convolutional features can be connected to their time series order dependence by adding LSTM layers after each convolutional layer. To verify the effectiveness and the denoising performance of the improved network structure, we test the proposed algorithm on the famous MIT‐BIH Arrhythmia Database with different levels of noise from the MIT‐BIH Noise Stress Test Database. Experimental results show that our method can remove the single noise and the mixed noise while retaining the complete ECG information. For the mixed noise removal, the average SNRimp, RMSE, and PRD are 19.254 dB, 0.028, and 10.350, respectively. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods, DCGAN, and the LSTM‐GAN methods, our method obtains the higher SNRimp and the lower RMSE and PRD scores. These results suggest that the proposed LSTM‐DCGAN approach has a significant advantage for ECG processing and application in complex scenes.
Accurate Base Station Placement in 4G LTE Networks Using Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Isabona Joseph , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Ojo Stephen , Venkatareddy Prashanth , Hinga Simon Karanja , Sánchez-Chero Manuel , Ancca Sheda Méndez
Published: February 2023

Cellular mobile communication network planning and optimization involve a complex engineering process that deals with network fundamentals, radio resource elements, and critical decision variables. The continuous evolution of radio access technologies provides new challenges that necessitate efficient radio planning and optimization. Therefore, the planning and optimization algorithms should be highly efficient, advanced, and robust. An important component of 4G LTE network planning is the proper placement of evolved node base stations (eNodeBs) and the configuration of their antenna elements. This contribution proposes a multiobjective genetic algorithm that integrates network coverage, capacity, and power consumption for optimal eNodeB placement in an operational 4G LTE network. The multi-objective-based genetic algorithm optimization has been achieved using the optimization toolbox in MATLAB. By leveraging the proposed method, the effect of different population sizes on the cost of placing the eNodeBs and the percentage coverage of the eNodeBs in a given cell is determined. As a result, the optimal selection technique that minimizes the total network cost without compromising the desired coverage and capacity benchmarks is achieved. The proposed automatic eNodeB antenna placement method can be explored to optimize 4G LTE cellular network planning in related wireless propagation environments.
DT-010 Exerts Cardioprotective Effects by Regulating the Crosstalk between the AMPK/PGC-1α Pathway and ERp57
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Wu Ximin , Hu Huihui , Liu Xiaoping , Kang Zhanfang , Deng Xin
Published: February 2023

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) pathway performs a crucial role in energy metabolism and mitochondrial network. Our previous study found that DT-010, a novel danshensu (DSS) and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) conjugate, had significant cardioprotective properties in vitro and in vivo. We also reported that ERp57 served as a major target of DSS using the chemical proteomics approach. In this article, we focus on exploring the interrelationship between the regulation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway and promoting ERp57 expression induced by DT-010 in tert-butylhydroperoxide- (t-BHP-) induced H9c2 cell injury. The results showed that DT-010 activated the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway and increased ERp57 protein expression. Importantly, the above phenomenon as well as the mitochondrial function can be partially reversed by siRNA-mediated ERp57 suppression. Meanwhile, silencing AMPK significantly inhibited the ERp57 expression induced by DT-010. In addition, molecular docking and kinase assay in vitro revealed that DT-010 had no direct regulation effects on AMPK activity. Taken together, DT-010 exerted cardioprotective effects by regulating the crosstalk of AMPK/PGC-1α pathway and ERp57, representing a potential therapeutic agent for ischemic heart disease.