bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between immune cells and epilepsy：Evidence from Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiangyi , Chen Shenggen , Li Man , Wu Luyan , Zhang Yuying , Lin 婉挥 , Zhu Chaofeng , Huang Huapin
Published: August 2024

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious brain diseases, affecting more than 70 million people. Complex immune-brain interactions can affect the development and function of epilepsy.Two-sample Mendelian randomized (MR) analysis was used to determine the causal relationship between 731 immune cells as exposure data and epilepsy, focal epilepsy (FE), and generalized epilepsy(GE) as outcome data based on the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Finngen R10 dataset. The main methods to evaluate causality were inverse variance weighted (IVW) and P < 0.05 was included in the primary results. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were used to verify the robustness of results. Finngen R10 dataset and GWAS dataset was respectively used as discovery dataset and validation dataset to select common positive immune cell phenotypes. Finally, reverse MR analysis and meta-analysis were conducted to obtain more accurate results. The final results showed that CD19 on IgD + CD38- is the risk factor for epilepsy (P = 0.031 in the discovery dataset; P = 0.032 in the validation dataset) and CD38 on CD20- (P = 0.007 in the discovery dataset; P = 0.035 in the validation dataset) and CD64 on CD14 + CD16- monocyte (P = 0.019 in the discovery dataset; P = 0.020 in the validation dataset) respectively served as protective factor and risk element for GE based on two different datasets. The meta-analysis of the IVW results from both datasets further support the causal effects of CD19 on IgD + CD38- on epilepsy (odds ratio (OR) = 1.037,95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.012–1.063, P = 0.003), CD38 on CD20- on GE (OR = 0.877,95%CI = 0.777–0.989, P = 0.032) and CD64 on CD14 + CD16- monocyte on GE (OR = 1.044,95%CI = 1.017–1.071, P = 0.001).
Impact of High Pressure on the Volumetric Efficiency in Motor-Driven Two-Dimensional Piston Pumps
Authors: Chen Yong , Hua Congcong , Tong Chengwei , Zang Yiren , Ruan Jian
Published: August 2024

The two-dimensional (2D) piston pump utilizes a cam guide-roller two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) motion mechanism, making it adaptable to a wide range of variable operating conditions and frequent loaded startups in the context of motor-driven systems. Volumetric efficiency, which measures the ratio of actual to theoretical output flow, is vital for optimizing hydraulic pump performance and reducing energy loss. This study established a mathematical model for the 2D piston pump, considering factors like axial internal and external leakage, circumferential leakage, backflow, fluid compressibility, turbulence, and flow coefficients. The model was built using a co-simulation environment integrating AMESim and Simulink. Simulation results showed that volumetric efficiency increases with higher rotational speeds and decreases with higher pressures. High-pressure backflow is a key factor in adversely affecting volumetric efficiency and requires special attention. Experimental validation was conducted across a speed range of 500--3000 r/min and pressure range of 1--28 MPa. The lowest efficiency recorded was 64.81\% at 500 r/min and 28 MPa, with a maximum deviation of 3.28\% from the simulation. At 3000 r/min and 28 MPa, the efficiency was 89.53\%, deviating by 1.69\% from the simulation. The close correspondence between experimental and simulation results validates the model's reliability in predicting volumetric efficiency.
Effects of tyndallized lactic acid bacteria separated from Phellinus linteus on inflammation and skin barrier damage induced by DNCB
Authors: Bak Seon Gyeong , Chandimali Nisansala , Park Eun Hyun , Lim Hyung Jin , Won Yeong-Seon , Kwon Hyuck Se , Lee Nayong , Oh Hyunjeong , Yun Soon-Il , Park Sang-Ik , Lee Seung Jae
Published: August 2024

Background
The fruiting bodies of the Sanghwang mushroom (Phellinus linteus) have a long history of use in folk medicine throughout Asia, particularly in Korea, Japan, and China. However, research on the Sanghwang mushroom is still at an early stage. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of tyndallized lactic acid bacteria separated from Phellinus linteus (PL-tLB) in the context of atopic dermatitis.
Methods
Keratinocytes, represented by HaCaT cells, were subjected to TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulation followed by treatment with PL-tLB. The results confirmed PL-tLB's concentration-dependent suppression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Atopic dermatitis is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the dysregulation of skin barrier function. We further validated the efficacy of PL-tLB using an atopic-like mouse model induced by 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB).
Results
The experimental model mice exhibited revealed an increase in ear thickness and mast cell infiltration after DNCB stimulation, which were subsequently reduced following treatment with PL-tLB. Real-time PCR analysis of ear tissue demonstrated reduced downregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines after PL-tLB administration. Additionally, we assessed the expression of skin barrier and tight junction proteins, revealing improvements upon PL-tLB treatment.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that PL-tLB holds promise as a potential treatment and functional material for managing atopic dermatitis.
Carbonate system variation evidences the effect of seasonality in carbon uptake in a tropical seagrass meadow of South Caribbean
Authors: Bernal-Glen Daniel Felipe , Bernal César A. , Mancera-Pineda José Ernesto
Published: August 2024

We explore the variation of the carbonate system in the water column over a seagrass meadow under ecological restoration and its correlation with Net Primary Production (NPP), Net Calcification (NC) and Eutrophication, in a small coralline island within the Seaflower International Biosphere Reserve, Colombian Caribbean. We assessed one point within seagrass and another devoid of seagrass, during dry and rainy seasons. Dry season was characterized by higher levels of pHT (total scale), descending levels of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (CT) along the day, and net fluxes of carbon towards the ocean. Rainy season presented lower pHT values and carbonate variables not correlated with hour in the meadow, while the area presented fluxes of CO2 towards the atmosphere. NPP in the rainy season decreased by 39% in the point without seagrass and by 95% in the seagrass respect to dry season. NC in the meadow registered values 3.2x higher in dry season than in rainy season. These phenomena evidenced a shift in NPP from seagrass to water column, a strong remineralization process, and loss of sheltering function for calcifying organisms localized in the meadow during rainy season. These findings coincide with previous evaluations in the island, which have shown lower rates of seagrass growth and organic carbon accumulation in sediment during rainy season. Possible explanations include carbon import from adjacent ecosystems and influence of cultural eutrophication. Our results suggest the importance of runoff and eutrophication control to protect carbon sequestration ability and improve the outcome of ecological restoration processes in tropical seagrasses.
Optimization of the Quantum Backpropagation Algorithm for Improving the Quantum Support Vector Machine
Authors: Ye Yiwen , Cai Shuiying , Lin Yunguo
Published: August 2024

The high-dimensional linear separability of the classic support vector machine is achieved through the kernel method, which maps data to a high-dimensional space. However, the kernel method involves estimating multiple parameters, which reduces the model's computational efficiency. To address this, some related works use quantum kernel estimation to replace the classic kernel method, thus reducing the computational load associated with parameter estimation in quantum support vector machines. Despite these improvements, quantum support vector machines face the challenge of establishing correlations between different data points through quantum entanglement to effectively capture the distribution characteristics of the data. Consequently, the model's accuracy is low when performing regression analysis on large datasets with complex distributions. To address this issue, an improved quantum backpropagation algorithm is introduced, utilizing controlled-Z gates to entangle qubits representing different data points. Additionally, to enhance the entanglement between qubits, the absolutely maximally entangled state is employed to further optimize the quantum backpropagation algorithm. This enhancement enables the algorithm to better capture the distribution characteristics of the data. Building on this, the quantum support vector machine model is improved to overcome the shortcomings of the existing model. A new algorithm is proposed, and the parameter count of the new algorithm's circuit is analyzed. Experimental results demonstrate that optimizing the quantum backpropagation algorithm to improve the quantum support vector machine leads to higher accuracy in regression analysis on real-world problems. Specifically, strengthening the degree of quantum entanglement makes the model more capable of capturing the distribution characteristics of complex datasets, resulting in more accurate fitting outcomes.
Numerical study and theoretical interpretation of the role of rafts in piled foundations on cohesive soils
Authors: Corigliano Matteo , Flessati Luca , Marveggio Pietro , Prisco Claudio Giulio di
Published: August 2024

Numerous European infrastructures have reached their intended lifespan and require reassessment according to the recent design standards, nowadays accounting seismic actions for. The current standard verification approach for piled bridge foundations still relies on oversimplifying assumptions, potentially leading to excessive over safety and to unsustainable design solutions. With the aim of improving the design process, without introducing any additional modelling complexity, in this paper the mechanical behaviour of a real piled foundation located on homogeneous clay layer have been numerically studied. Non-linear finite elements numerical analyses have been performed by assuming the soil to behave under undrained conditions. The role of pile-raft-soil coupling, typically neglected in the common design practice, is discussed and numerical results are employed to derive the interaction domain of the piled raft system. By interpreting the failure mechanisms and by using the limit equilibrium method, a simple analytical procedure is proposed to predict the interaction domain under general loading conditions, without performing any numerical analyses. The method is demonstrated to be suitable for pile lengths comparable with the raft major dimension. The procedure has been validated over different load combinations and design geometries.
Analysis of the characteristics of wind power and topography influence on it, with an approach to renewable energy generation
Authors: Derafshi Khabat , Motevalli Sadroddin , Bairamvand Reyhaneh , Ghobadi GholamReza Janbaz
Published: August 2024

There has been a growing demand for energy in the province of Mazandaran in recent years. Considering the capabilities of the province to generate new energy, recognizing and consuming wind energy as a source of renewable energy should be a planning priority. In this study, a statistical analysis of daily wind speed and direction at a height of 10 m in 15 synoptic meteorological stations of Mazandaran Province over a 12-year period (2006 to 2017) was conducted to provide a preliminary estimate of the extractable energy and spatial capacity of wind flow. In addition, the characteristics of wind speed and direction, Weibull probability distribution parameters and wind power potential and density of the stations were also determined. ArcGIS interpolation method (IDW) was used to prepare the calculated layers of the average speed, speed continuity, and power density of the wind at 10, 30, and 50 m heights. Furthermore, to examine the influence of topography on the wind variables, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between altitude, hillslope aspect, and slope indicators with each of the wind variables. A map of wind speed zones at 50 m height reveals that Baladeh station has a maximum wind speed in July. The correlation coefficient between wind speed and altitude above sea level was 0.677, indicating a 95 percent positive correlation (P-value 0.05). Accordingly, as the altitude of the meteorological stations in the province above sea level increases, the wind speed increases at a height of 10 meters above the ground.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Formation of Bladder Neck Contracture After Holmium Enucleation of Prostate
Authors: Talamini Susan , Keller Rebekah , Kaplunov Briana , Ostergar Adam , Wong Daniel , Hill Hayden , Paradis Alethea , Vetter Joel , Nottingham Charles
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE: Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) offers a size independent approach to the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Bladder neck contracture (BNC) is a known complication after HoLEP. This study evaluates the incidence and risk factors associated with the formation of BNC after HoLEP.
METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted from 2020 to 2022 of men undergoing HoLEP by a single surgeon. Pre- and perioperative factors were compared including catheter dependence, previous and concurrent procedures, laser type, enucleated gland weight, and energy usage.
RESULTS: A total of 185 men were identified for the study. An incidence of BNC occurred in 9.2% of patients (n = 17). On univariate analysis, enucleated gland weight was significantly associated with BNC (72.2 vs 34.5, p = 0.007).  Of men with enucleated weight less than 18gm, 8 (23.7%) had BNCs vs 8 men (5.7%) with enucleated weight > 18 gm (p = <0.001). The presence of bladder stones at time of HoLEP was significantly associated with formation of BNC, as 17.6% of men with BNCs had bladder stones (p = 0.039). Prior urethral dilation was significantly associated with BNC (11.8%, p = 0.023). Mean time to diagnosis of BNC was 6.5 months. Mean follow up was 17.9 months.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified smaller glands, as well as concurrent bladder stones and previous stricture disease, as significant risk factors for the development of BNC after HoLEP.  This study underscores the importance of preoperative anatomical evaluation in patient counseling and discussion of individual risk factors.
Research on Predicting Super-Relational Data Links for Mine Hoists within Hyper-Relational Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Dang Xiaochao , Shu Xiaoling , Dong Xiaohui , Li Fenfang
Published: August 2024

Hyper-relational knowledge graphs significantly enhance industrial production's intelligence, efficiency, and reliability by enabling equipment collaboration and optimizing supply chains. However, due to current limitations in data and technology, the construction of knowledge graphs in the industrial domain remains incomplete. Link prediction can effectively address this issue. This paper proposes a novel hyper-relational link prediction method called HyperFormer-LSTM, which integrates LSTM into the HyperFormer model and combines it with a MOE expert network to better capture information between entities. Experimental results show that this method performs excellently on both public datasets and self-constructed hoist datasets. In the MHSD (100) dataset, the MRR and H@1 increased by by 0.055 and 0.063, respectively, compared to HyperFormer. This method not only effectively solves the knowledge graph completion problem for mine hoists but also provides more accurate information for equipment maintenance and fault prediction. Key variables involved in this study include model structure, dataset type, dataset scale, evaluation metrics, and experimental settings. Future research will focus on further improving link prediction models and deeply studying the domain characteristics of mine hoist data to further advance research in the field of hyper-relational knowledge graph link prediction for mine hoist data.
Unsupervised Wood Species Identification Based on Multiobjective Optimal Clustering and Feature Fusion
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ma Wen-Jin , Qu Ren-He , Avramidis Stavros
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes an unsupervised wood species identification approach utilizing multiobjective optimization clustering and feature fusion. To address the limitations of single-band spectra in comprehensively capturing wood characteristics, we integrated preprocessed low-dimensional terahertz (THz) and hyperspectral data. Additionally, to tackle the issue of determining the optimal k-value in clustering, we developed an unsupervised wood clustering algorithm that employs multiobjective optimization and evolutionary algorithms. This algorithm utilized a prototype coding method for initialization, density peak clustering, and an improved firefly optimization algorithm for cross-variation to ensure population diversity. Furthermore, a selection operator was designed based on grid division and fast, non-dominated sorting. We evaluated the model's performance using a dataset consisting of hyperspectral and THz spectra from 400 samples representing ten wood species, comprising five coniferous and five broadleaf species. Experimental results demonstrated a 3.5% enhancement in clustering purity with fused data compared to individual datasets. Our proposed algorithm outperformed comparative methods such as DBSCAN, OPTICS, and peak density clustering, achieving a maximum clustering purity of 91.25% in both the internal and external clustering metrics.
The Impact of Floating Populations' Healthy Capital on Employment Quality
Authors: Han Huilian
Published: August 2024

Background Under the background of current urbanization and demographic changes, studying the practical significance of the relationship between healthy capital and employment quality of floating populations is conducive to promoting the high-quality development of the population and achieving harmonious stability and sustainable development of society.
Methods We use the National Dynamic Data of Migrant Population (CDMS) in 2017 to calculate the healthy capital of the floating population, and systematically analyze the employment effect of healthy capital on the floating population. Self-assessment of health and physical health is set as the health capital of the floating population. The quality of employment is measured by job incom，job intensity，job stability，job security, and the impact of the health capital of the floating population on the quality of employment is tested through the ols model.
Results It is found that the improvement of the employment quality of the floating population is closely related to the improvement of the health capital; the health capital of the floating population plays a significant role in promoting the quality of their employment. Specifically, self-rated health capital has a significant positive impact on the job income and job stability of the floating population, but has a negative impact on job intensity. However, the relationship between health capital and employment security is not significant. This result is consistent with the robustness test results.
Conclusions The results show that health capital can have a positive impact on the employment quality of the floating population, but there are certain differences in the impact on different dimensions of employment quality. Based on this, in the future urbanization development, we should pay attention to the health level of the floating population, promote population health capital, further improve the employment structure of the labor market, improve the efficiency of labor resource allocation, and then promote social and economic vitality and promote the healthy and stable development of the economy and society in the context of the gradual reduction of the Demographic dividend.
Evaluation of the effect of an online patient decision aid for female stress urinary incontinence: protocol for a stepped wedge study (the Decision study)
Authors: Gerritse Maria B.E. , de Vries Marieke , Heesakkers John P.F.A. , Hout Joanna In 't , Lagro-Janssen Antoine L.M. , Vaart C. Huub van der , Oom Daniella M.J. , Schellart René P. , Speksnijder Leonie , Stegeman Marjan , Verkleij Anneke C. , Kluivers Kirsten B.
Published: August 2024

Background
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects almost half of adult women and has a negative impact on quality of life. In the Netherlands, primary treatment options are pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT) and midurethral sling (MUS) surgery. This is a preference-based decision, in which the decision-making process may benefit from support from a patient decision aid (PDA). Use of a PDA overall reduces decisional conflict, the level of difficulty patients can experience when making a decision for a treatment or test. An online PDA for SUI treatment was developed to support the female SUI decision-making process. We hypothesize that use of the PDA will reduce decisional conflict.
Methods
The Decision study is a multicenter, prospective, stepped wedge study in which a group of patients who use the PDA is compared with controls. Eligible are women who have moderate to severe predominant SUI, did not give birth within the previous 6 months, do not wish to become pregnant anymore, do not have symptomatic vaginal prolapse, did not complete a course of PFMT within the last 6 months, have not undergone previous surgical SUI treatment and are able to use the internet in the Dutch language. Primary outcome is level of decisional conflict. Secondary outcomes are decisional regret, quality of life, urinary incontinence after treatment and the level of knowledge of the condition and treatment options. Questionnaires are filled in by patients after making the treatment decision and 6 months later. The study is powered for decisional conflict, with a 1:2 ratio of control-intervention group. A total of 366 patients is required, 122 in the control group and 244 in the intervention group.
Discussion
This study will evaluate the effect of the use of a PDA on the level of decisional conflict when making a decision for treatment in women with moderate to severe SUI. The outcomes will indicate whether implementation of the PDA in Dutch clinical practice will decrease decisional conflict.
Trial registration number 2017-3540
Fungal Extracellular Vesicles Associated with the Structuring and Remodelling of the Trichoderma harzianum Cell Wall
Authors: Gomes Eriston V. , Ulhoa Cirano J. , Cardoza Rosa E. , Gutiérrez Santiago , Silva Roberto N.
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The main structure of the fungal cell wall (CW) consists of crosslinked glucans, chitin, and glycoproteins. This structure is responsible for the cell shape. It also provides osmotic and physical protection to cells. However, sophisticated CW remodeling is required for fungal morphogenesis and reproduction. This requires remarkable dynamism of the fungal CW, which must combine contrasting properties, such as elasticity and stiffness. Different fungal species assemble their CWs in different ways. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a general term for cell-derived bilayered phospholipid membrane particles that enter the extracellular environment. EVs have a wide variety of origins, sizes, cargos, membrane compositions, and biological functions. Recent advances in this emerging field have contributed to the construction of a solid knowledge base that is rapidly evolving into the formulation of applied tools, including drug delivery systems and vaccine prototypes.
Sickle Cell Disease Awareness and Perception Among Christian Religious Leaders in Accra Metropolis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Okyere Rebecca , Ampomah Menford Owusu , Achempim-Ansong Gloria , Laari Luke , Ohene Lillian Akorfa , Atkins Karl
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a severe hemoglobin gene mutation disorder inherited from both parents. Two percent of Ghanaian newborns are affected by SCD; one in three Ghanaians has the hemoglobin S gene. Christian religious leaders may play a role in the prevention of SCD through the promotion of genetic counseling, genotype screening for premarital couples, and offering counseling to couples on prenatal screening and diagnosis for SCD. However, little is known about the awareness and perception of SCD among Christian religious leaders in Ghana, and this study aims to explore these.
Methods
This study adopted a qualitative descriptive design to explore the awareness and perception of SCD among Christian religious leaders in the capital city of Ghana. A purposive sampling technique selected 16 participants from churches under the main Christian groups. The participants were chosen based on their roles and responsibilities within their respective churches. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide, which included open-ended questions to encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences. The interviews were conducted in a private setting to ensure confidentiality. The data was then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, which involved identifying recurring themes and patterns in the participants' responses.
Results
The study's findings are crucial. They reveal a high awareness of SCD among Christian religious leaders, but also some misconceptions. Most of the religious leaders knew SCD was a genetic disease, although a few associated SCD with superstitious beliefs, poor dietary intake, and lifestyle. Some also stated that SCD was a disease of the blood group instead of the defective haemoglobin gene. They perceived SCD to be burdensome, disruptive, and draining, and they associated the disease with burnout in Persons Living with SCD (PLWSCD) and their families. The religious leaders had a good social network with PLWSCD, including family, friends, colleagues, and congregants.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the need for intense education about SCD, especially among Christian religious leaders. It is crucial to engage all stakeholders to intensify public awareness and education about SCD while improving the management and social support systems available to PLWSCD and families. This includes the religious institution's leadership, PLWSCD and families, the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Ghana Education Service. As active stakeholders, religious leaders can play a vital role in supporting PLWSCD if they are equipped with the necessary knowledge about the condition.
Predictive factors for birth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms using a birth-specific measurement: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Stén Greta , Malmquist Anna , Nieminen Katri , Grundström Hanna
Published: August 2024

BackgroundOne third of all childbirths are experienced as traumatic, which is a risk for developing birth-related PTSD (BR-PTSD). Understanding factors that increase the level of BR-PTSD symptoms (BR-PTSS) is crucial for the development of adequate preventive strategies. Most previous research has utilised general PTSD measurements, which negatively impacts its validity. This study therefore aimed to assess predictive factors for BR-PTSS using a birth-specific instrument.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, BR-PTSS was measured using City Birth Trauma Scale. Information on prenatal and birth-related predictive factors and comorbid symptoms of postpartum depression was collected via a self-report questionnaire including Childbirth Experience Questionnaire 2. Independent significant predictors were analysed using single and multiple linear regression. The results were controlled for comorbidity with postpartum depression.ResultsIndependent significant predictors were previous traumatic experience, primiparity, complications in pregnancy or childbirth, and a negative subjective experience of childbirth. When controlling for comorbidity with postpartum depression, significant predictors were primiparity, complications in pregnancy or childbirth and a negative subjective experience of childbirth.ConclusionsThis study identifies a negative subjective experience of birth as the most important predictor for BR-PTSS and highlights the importance of modifiable factors. Our findings indicate that implementation of care acknowledging past trauma and primiparity, and evaluating the birth experience can help identify individuals with higher BR-PTSS. Future research should explore the effect on BR-PTSS when evaluating strategies focused on preventing and mitigating the experience of complications in pregnancy and birth, providing safe and supportive care, and promoting agency and self-efficacy during labour.
NAFLD’s Predisposion: insight from phenome-wide association and Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Jiang Huanyu , Dai Qian , Yan Haiying , Du Quanyu , Shen Tao
Published: August 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analysis have unveiled common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the increased risk of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We conducted a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) using data from the UK Biobank to further elucidate NAFLD-associated phenotypes and investigate the disease's underlying biology. A significant enrichment was found in 31 of 778 traits examined using 17 known NAFLD-risk SNPs along with 4:1 matched control SNPs. We explored genetic correlations and causal relationships by employing bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) and linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC). Notably, strong positive genetic correlations with NAFLD were observed for BMI (rg= 0.73), Trunk fat mass (rg= 0.67), Type 2 diabetes (rg= 0.86), and weight (rg= 0.57), while whole-body impedance (rg= -0.31) and neutrophil count (rg= -0.28) exhibited negative correlations. Our MR analysis demonstrated unidirectional effects of BMI (OR = 1.57), Trunk fat mass (OR = 1.40), Weight (OR = 1.22), whole-body Impedance (OR = 0.83), and Type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.42) on NAFLD risk. Intriguingly, bidirectional causal effects were identified between Alcohol intake frequency and NAFLD (ORAlcohol intake frequency → NAFLD= 1.42; ORNAFLD → Alcohol intake frequency= 1.02), suggesting a complex interplay. Furthermore, through intermediary MR analyses, we uncovered pathways mediated by FGF21 and IL-10RB, linking BMI and Trunk fat mass, respectively, to NAFLD development. These findings provide novel insights into the multifaceted genetic landscape of NAFLD, highlighting the importance of body composition, metabolic health, and lifestyle factors in its pathogenesis.
Research on the influence of government subsidies on agricultural enterprises' R&D input: Threshold effect based on financing constraints
Authors: Cui Yujie
Published: August 2024

This paper takes listed agricultural companies from 2013 to 2022 as the research object, and uses fixed effect model and threshold model to test the impact of government subsidies on agricultural enterprises' R&D input. The results show that: Government subsidies can significantly increase the R&D input of agricultural enterprises, and financing constraints have a single threshold effect in the process of the impact of government subsidies on agricultural enterprises. Government subsidies for sample agricultural enterprises on both sides of the threshold have a positive promoting effect on R&D input, and when the financing constraints are higher than the threshold threshold (FC > 0.1812), Government subsidies play a more positive role in promoting agricultural enterprises' R&D investment. The research results confirm that the relationship between government subsidies and agricultural enterprises R&D investment is not linear, and the corresponding policy recommendations are put forward according to the empirical research results.
Multi-Patch De-raindrop Transformer for UAV images
Authors: Li Yufeng , Zhou Qianhui , Xie Chuanlong , Wu Shuang
Published: August 2024

Due to the complexity of aerial photography environments during rainy conditions, rain droplets randomly adhere to the lens, significantly degrading image quality. Therefore, this paper proposes a de-raindrop method for UAV aerial images based on a fusion network of multi-patch and frequency Transformer. The network architecture consists of a three-stage image restoration network that applies a multi-patch segmentation strategy to optimize image patches of different sizes and positions. The proposed method leverages the strengths of Transformer algorithms by introducing a Frequency Attention Transformer Block (FATB). This block incorporates a frequency attention mechanism that decouples high and low-frequency components within the self-attention layers. By simultaneously focusing on both local and global information in the image, FATB achieves high-quality image reconstruction. Furthermore, to enhance feature fusion during image restoration, we introduce an Adaptive Feature Enhancement Module (AFEM). This module improves the representation capability of features across different stages, thereby further boosting the quality of image restoration. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method surpasses the state-of-the-art algorithms in raindrop removal, achieving an improvement of 0.41dB over the best existing algorithm while maintaining higher efficiency. Additionally, the method exhibits strong performance across other public benchmark raindrop removal datasets, indicating its broad applicability. In summary, this research not only advances the field of UAV image de-raindrop but also provides clearer and more reliable images for subsequent visual tasks.
Finite element analysis of bending behaviour of glulam beams reinforced with CFRP plates
Authors: Glišović Ivan , Todorović Marija , Simović Nađa , Pavlović Marko
Published: August 2024

Timber structures can effectively be reinforced using externally or internally bonded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. This paper presents numerical analysis of bending behaviour of glulam beams reinforced with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates. Nonlinear 3-dimensional finite element model was developed and validated by experimental tests carried out on beams with CFRP plates strategically located in the tension zone between the bottom two laminations. The numerical analysis was performed using the software package ABAQUS. Glulam beams were modelled using solid elements, while membrane elements were used for CFRP plates. Suitable constitutive relations for each material were utilised in the model. The theory of anisotropic plasticity was applied to include plastic behaviour of timber laminations in the compression zone. The Hill’s criterion for orthotropic materials was used as a condition for transition to the plastic state. The progressive damage model was introduced to effectively tackle the softening behaviour of wood. The numerical results have shown good agreement with the experimental results in relation to load-deflection relationship, ultimate load and elastic stiffness. Nonlinear behaviour of reinforced beams was achieved in the numerical analysis, confirming the finite element model to be accurate past the linear-elastic range.
An Alternative Recommendation for Design Eccentricity by Consideration of Uncoupled Frequency Ratio
Authors: Akyürek Osman , Ulutaş Hakan
Published: August 2024

Civil structures are prone to dynamic loadings such as strong winds or ground excitations where torsion becomes an ongoing issue. This arises from a lack of coincidence of the center of mass (CM) and rigidity (CR), known as eccentricity. Seismic design codes often introduce two types of eccentricity: inherent (geometric) and accidental. To account for structural or ground motion uncertainties, an assumption-based solution is provided by many code provisions, which considers the accidental eccentricity as a percentage (5% or 10%) of the building length perpendicular to the direction of exposed ground motion. In this study, as an alternative way to the code design parameters, a new design eccentricity formula that considers the frequency ratio (torsional frequency/translation frequency) and an effective radius of gyration to account for torsional irregularity is considered. For the extended validation of the proposed method, eighteen model buildings with six different floor plans were chosen, representing low, medium-height, and high-rise buildings. Each floor plan had model buildings with three, seven, and twelve stories. The buildings were subjected to selected bidirectional earthquake ground motions and had time history analyses performed. The results of the proposed method were compared to code provision methods, obtained using equivalent lateral force procedures, and also to those obtained utilizing the time history analysis results. It was shown that the proposed method was more effective in estimating the impact of torsional eccentricity and provided a better understanding of its impact on structural dynamic characteristics.
Characterization of droplet bag-stamen breakup under shear effect
Authors: Gao Jian , Ji Tianxiang , Zhou Xiangjun , Xu Nian , Liu Zilong , Chu Huaqiang
Published: August 2024

We conducted an experimental study of droplet breakup under shear effect at different Weg and Wed conditions, and observed and measured the morphology of droplet bag-stamen breakup which represents a case where bag and stamen structures occur simultaneously during droplet fragmentation under shear effect, the deformation pattern, and the size distribution of its sub-droplets by the continuous jet method. Through the observation of the morphology, two bag-stamen breakup variants with different manifestations under shear effect were named; the empirical formulas for predicting the deformation of droplets affected by Weg in shear flow were summarized; the sub-droplet size distributions of droplets after breakup in shear flow were statistically analyzed, and the size distributions of the fragment at Wed = 20 basically conformed to the log-normal unimodal fit, and with the increase of Weg, the single peak size distribution of the fragment was found to be very similar to the single peak fit of Weg. With the increase of Weg, the single-peak structure showed a tendency of weakening and then strengthening, and at the same time, the single-peak position moved to the direction of increasing sub-droplet size.
DLKN:Enhanced Lightweight Image Super-Resolution with Dynamic Large Kernel Network
Authors: Liu YaTing , Lan ChengDong , Feng Wanjian
Published: August 2024

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are constrained in adaptively capturing information due to the use of fixed-size kernels. Although they provide a wide receptive field and achieve competitive performance with fewer parameters by using decomposed large kernels, they lack adaptability. Therefore, we propose the Dynamic Large Kernel Network (DLKN) for lightweight image super-resolution. Specifically, we design a basic convolutional block of feature aggregation groups, akin to the transformer architecture. It comprises a dynamic large kernel attention block and a local feature enhancement block that can adaptively utilize information. In our dynamic large kernel attention block, we decompose the large kernel convolution into kernels with different sizes and expansion rates. We then fuse their information for weight selection, dynamically adjusting the proportion of information from different receptive fields. The local feature enhancement block significantly improves local feature extraction with low parameter counts. It encourages interactions between local spatial features by decomposing the convolution into horizontally and vertically cascading kernels. Experimental results on benchmark datasets demonstrate that our proposed model achieves excellent performance in lightweight and performance-oriented super-resolution tasks. It successfully balances the relationship between performance and model complexity. The code is available at https://github.com/LyTinGiu/DLKN_SR.
JAK/STAT as therapeutic signaling pathway in leukemia: a systematic review on in vitro inhibitors
Authors: Karimi Zahed , Shahvari Samira Zakeri , Ghasemi Katayoon , Faridpour Amir Abbas , Baradaran Mohammad Amin , Satarzadeh Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Object Janus kinases (JAKs), signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STATs) is a main signaling pathway in the immune system, autoimmune disease and in many malignancies such as leukemia. Limiting this signaling pathway has so far been investigated in the treatment of some diseases such as lymphoma, and in this systematic review, we will investigate the role of this type in leukemia. Method This systematic review was written based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria and the principle of non-bias was respected. All the articles from 2014–2024 were extracted from Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases. We extracted the extracting inhibitors, related immunity elements, JAK/STAT kind, side signaling pathway. Results Three authors searched the database, after screening full texts, 17 articles were included. 15 inhibitory drugs for the JAK/STAT pathway were extracted in studies, which inhibit this signaling pathway in vitro and in cultured human leukemic cells. The most signaling pathways in leukemia were limited to STAT 5 and STAT 3, which were inhibited by Thymoquinone, Ritanserin, Dactocilib and Ruxolitinib. On the other hand, leukemic cells act exclusively through the JAK 2 pathway, which was specifically inhibited by Ruxolitinib and AG490. Increased apoptosis of leukemic cells and decreased cell survival was the result of monotherapy and multitherapy of these inhibitors in the studies available to us. Conclusion Inhibition of JAK/STAT pathway is associated with the reduction of leukemic cell growth and apoptosis of these types of cells, which seems to be a great therapeutic potential for clinical studies in all types of leukemia. We suggest that future studies investigate this type of treatment especially in children and evaluate our results.
The unfolded protein sensor IRE1a is essential for homeostatic dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Janssens Sophie , Bosteels Victor , Marechal Sandra , Cloots Eva , Heddegem Laurien Van , Tavernier Simon , Rennen Sofie , De Nolf Clint , Amstelveen Seraja , Maelfait Jonathan , Martens Liesbet , De Velde Evelien Van , Fayazpour Farzaneh , Deswarte Kim , Saelens Wouter , Boon Louis , Duyse Julie Van , Isterdael Gert Van , Guillas Isabelle , Saeys Yvan , Lambrecht Bart , Mestdagh Pieter , Goff Wilfried Le
Published: August 2024

The continuous engulfment of apoptotic cells initiates a homeostatic maturation program in conventional type I dendritic cells (cDC1s), hallmarked by the activation of the transcription factor LXRb, which mediates cholesterol efflux and dampens interferon stimulated gene expression. cDC1s are characterized by a high basal activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) sensor IRE1, without concomitant induction of a proper UPR gene signature, a finding that has puzzled the field. Here we show that in absence of IRE1, the homeostatic maturation of cDC1s is blocked, while homeostatic maturation of cDC2s remains unaffected. IRE1 activation is strictly dependent on apoptotic cell engulfment and cholesterol influx, explaining its cDC1 subset specific activity. Stimulation of IRE1 endonuclease activity in cDC1s leads to a Regulated IRE1 Dependent Decay (RIDD) response, targeting miRNAs rather than mRNAs. This causes the degradation of miRNA-92a, which targets the cholesterol efflux transporter Abcg1. Loss of IRE1 leads to defects in cholesterol efflux in mature cDC1s and concomitant cell death, while cDC2s do not show any defects. Blocking miRNA synthesis or enforcing cholesterol efflux by treatment with reconstituted high-density lipoproteins rescues cDC1s from cell death. These data highlight the central role of IRE1 as a sensor of cholesterol influx in the ER, extending IRE1’s function beyond its canonical role in protein folding. Furthermore, they underscore the tight control of cholesterol metabolism during cDC1 maturation, uncovering a second pathway to coordinate cholesterol efflux that acts in parallel to LXRb.
Failure probability Forecasting for the warning and evacuation management system in case of fire
Authors:   Chuvash state university named after I. N. Ulyanov, Guschin I.A. , Nikitin K.I. ,   Chuvash state university named after I. N. Ulyanov, Illarionov D.V. ,   Chuvash state university named after I. N. Ulyanov
Published: August 2024

This article discusses the issue of fire safety insurance in educational institutions based on warning and fire evacuation control systems reliability modeling and forecasting. It was shown that these institutions are need of warning and evacuation management systems. To identify failures of individual elements of a complex technical system, failures were monitored during a selected period. When using the calculation method, the probability of trouble-free operation of the elements of the equipment system was identified. Based on the statistical data, schemes of the probability of failure-free operation of the warning and evacuation management systems were constructed and failure probabilities were determined. Ways to increase the level of trouble-free operation were identified. The requirements for security systems to maintain the required level were considered. They include compliance with the international fire safety standards, regular checks of systems operability, employees training to react to signals triggered by a fire alarm, and evacuation. The high efficiency of the methodology for determining the probabilities of trouble-free operation of the system at various stages of facility design and commissioning was emphasized. The contribution of the methodology to the general calculation of fire risks was shown.
Thermal pretreatment of swine waste to improve biodegradability in the anaerobic digestion process. Effect on the physicochemical characteristics of the substrate
Authors: Chamorro Marley Vanegas , Echeverría Arwill Alberto Hernández , Rodado Karol Julieth Valdivieso , Morris Felipe Romani , Bautista María Mercedes Cely , Gutiérrez Ricardo Stand , Quintero Miguel Celis
Published: August 2024

In anaerobic digestion (AD) processes, hydrolysis is considered the limiting stage in the degradation of solid wastes. Such is the case of swine manure digestion, which due to the complex physical and chemical structure of the lignocellulosic material that composes it, an energy wastage has been observed in terms of methane production. Among the strategies used to improve the hydrolysis stage, it is possible to mention the thermal pretreatment of the substrate, which can significantly improve the biodegradability of the material used as raw material in AD. In this study, the effect of temperature (60–177 °C) and exposure time (30–60 min) on the physicochemical properties of the substrate such as pH, volatile organic acids (VOAs), total inorganic carbonates (TIC), volatile solids (SV), total solids (ST), soluble chemical oxygen demand (CODs) and biochemical methane potential (BMP) were determined. The temperature factor had a higher level of significance compared to the exposure time on the parameters of pH, VOAs, and TIC before and after the biogas generation process. However, the effect was different for CODs, where time was more significant than treatment temperature. As for the parameters of total and volatile solids content (ST and SV), the factors evaluated (temperature and exposure time) did not show significant effect. Also, the pretreatments showed an increase in biochemical methane potential, outperforming the untreated substrate by up to 70.4 % (121.74vs.71.44 mLCH4 gVS-1). The best combination of heating temperature and operating time was 120 °C and 45 min, which promoted the hydrolysis step that was reflected in an increase in CODs and improvement in methane production by 42 % over the untreated substrate