bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOLVABILITY AND OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A SYSTEM OF SEMILINEAR NONLOCAL FRACTIONAL EVOLUTION INCLUSIONS WITH PARTIAL CLARKE SUBDIFFERENTIAL
Authors: CENG LU-CHUAN , CHEN BOLING , LIAO SHANLI , NGUYEN VAN THIEN , YAO JEN-CHIH
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to deal with a system governed by a system of semilinear nonlocal fractional evolution inclusions with partial Clarke subdifferential and its optimal control. First, we establish an existence theorem of the mild solution for the presented control system by applying the measure of noncompactness, a fixed point theorem of a condensing multivalued map and some properties of partial Clarke subdifferential. Moreover, under some mild conditions, we obtain a result on the existence of an optimal control to the presented control system. Finally, an example is provided to demonstrate the main results. The results presented in this paper improve, extend and develop the corresponding results in the earlier and recent literature.
QUALITATIVE AND STABILITY ANALYSIS WITH LYAPUNOV FUNCTION OF EMOTION PANIC SPREADING MODEL INSIGHT OF FRACTIONAL OPERATOR
Authors: LI PEILUAN , XU CHANGJIN , FARMAN MUHAMMAD , AKGUL ALI , PANG YICHENG
Published: September 2023

In an emergency, fear can spread among crowds through one-on-one encounters, with negative societal consequences. The purpose of this research is to create a novel theoretical model of fear (panic) spread in the context of epidemiology during an emergency using the fractal fractional operator. For quantitative analysis, the system’s boundedness and positivity are checked. According to the Arzela Ascoli theorem, the model is completely continuous. As a result of the discovery of Schauder’s fixed point, it has at least one solution. The existence and uniqueness of the concerned solution have been examined using the fixed point theory technique. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed techniques using a generalized form of Mittag-Leffler kernel with a fractal fractional operator. Finally, simulations are utilized to represent the spread of group emotional contagion (spontaneous spread of emotions and related behaviors) dynamically.
A NEW FRACTAL-FRACTIONAL HYBRID MODEL FOR STUDYING CLIMATE CHANGE ON COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS FROM THE MATHEMATICAL POINT OF VIEW
Authors: KHAN HASIB , ASLAM MUHAMMAD , RAJPAR ALTAF HUSSAIN , CHU YU-MING , ETEMAD SINA , REZAPOUR SHAHRAM , AHMAD HIJAZ
Published: September 2023

Rapid emissions of green-house gases (GHGs) are causing global warming, which is wreaking havoc on the earth’s climate system. As a result, the coastal ecosystems of the world are on the verge of becoming endangered. We develop a fractal-fractional hybrid model to estimate the influence of rapid emissions of GHGs on the coastal ecosystems and climate changes. The fractal-fractional climate change model is considered for the theoretical and numerical aspects. The theoretical aspect includes the existence and Hyers–Ulam (HU) stability of the solutions while the numerical aspect is based on Lagrange’s interpolation polynomial. Moreover, unique solutions are proved by the Banach contraction principle. Different fractal-fractional orders are considered for the numerical study of dynamics of solutions which prove the importance and accuracy of these hybrid operators.
New Threats to Society from Free-Speech Social Media Platforms
Authors: Bär Dominik , Pröllochs Nicolas , Feuerriegel Stefan
Published: September 2023

Understanding emerging threats from social media platforms.
Show It or Tell It? Text, Visualization, and Their Combination
Authors: Hearst Marti A.
Published: September 2023

When communicating information, language should be considered as co-equal with visualization.
Designing a Framework for Conversational Interfaces
Authors: Tellman Zachary
Published: September 2023

Combining the latest advances in machine learning with earlier approaches.
Biomedical Digital Twins
Authors: Mone Gregory
Published: September 2023

Considering the transformative possibilities of simulated models of biological phenomena and systems at multiple scales.
Generative AI as a New Innovation Platform
Authors: Cusumano Michael A.
Published: September 2023

Considering the stability and longevity of a potential new foundational technology.
Stone Knives and Bear Skins
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: September 2023

There is no money in tools.
Experience: Data Management for Delivering COVID-19 Relief in Panama
Authors: Del Vasto-Terrientes Luis
Published: September 2023

A data-driven public sector recognizes data as a key element for implementing policies based on evidence. The open data movement has been a major catalyst for elevating data to a privileged position in many governments around the globe. In Panama, open data has enabled the improvement of data management in each institution. However, it is required to go further to create an integrated data-driven government with a common objective. Public institutions collect a huge amount of data that may never be used, and some others do not contain enough quality to provide trustworthy results. The state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 showed the necessity of establishing a common digital government vision for planning, delivering, and monitoring public services, as well as strengthening the technical foundation in the public sector to improve the data value cycle: acquisition, storage, and exploitation. This paper reports from a data custodian perspective how the state of emergency worked as a catalyst to boost government data management, specifically for the Vale Digital program, a social relief program linked to the identity card implemented by the Panamanian government during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may possibly be the greatest government data integration to date in terms of impact, data volume, rapid implementation, and institutions involved.
The Hidden Secrets of Psylloidea: Biology, Behavior, Symbionts, and Ecology
Authors: Mauck Kerry E. , Gebiola Marco , Percy Diana M.
Published: September 2023

Psyllids constitute a diverse group of sap-feeding Sternorrhyncha that were relatively obscure until it was discovered that a handful of species transmit bacterial plant pathogens. Yet the superfamily Psylloidea is much richer than the sum of its crop-associated vectors, with over 4,000 described species exhibiting diverse life histories and host exploitation strategies. A growing body of research is uncovering fascinating insights into psyllid evolution, biology, behavior, and species interactions. This work has revealed commonalities and differences with better-studied Sternorrhyncha, as well as unique evolutionary patterns of lineage divergence and host use. We are also learning how psyllid evolution and foraging ecology underlie life history traits and the roles of psyllids in communities. At finer scales, we are untangling the web of symbionts across the psyllid family tree, linking symbiont and psyllid lineages, and revealing mechanisms underlying reciprocal exchange between symbiont and host. In this review, we synthesize and summarize key advances within these areas with a focus on free-living (nongalling) Psylloidea.
Calcium handling dysfunction and cardiac damage following acute ventricular preload challenge in the dystrophin-deficient mouse heart
Authors: Haffner Vivian , Nourian Zahra , Boerman Erika M. , Lambert Michelle D. , Hanft Laurin M. , Krenz Maike , Baines Christopher P. , Duan Dongsheng , McDonald Kerry S. , Domeier Timothy L.
Published: September 2023

The mechanisms of cardiac disease progression in muscular dystrophy are complex and poorly understood. Using a transgenic mouse model with cardiomyocyte-specific expression of the GCaMP6f Ca2+ indicator, the present study provides further support for the Ca2+-overload hypothesis of disease progression and ventricular arrhythmogenesis in muscular dystrophy.
Real-time in vivo thoracic spinal glutamate sensing during myocardial ischemia
Authors: Salavatian Siamak , Robbins Elaine Marie , Kuwabara Yuki , Castagnola Elisa , Cui Xinyan Tracy , Mahajan Aman
Published: September 2023

In this study, we have developed a new flexible sensing probe to perform an in vivo measurement of spinal glutamate signaling in a large animal model. Our initial investigations involved precise testing of this probe in both in vitro and ex vivo environments. We accurately assessed the sensitivity and specificity of our glutamate-sensing probe and demonstrated its performance. We also evaluated the performance of our developed flexible probe during the insertion and compared it with the stiff probe during animal movement. Subsequently, we used this innovative technique to monitor the spinal glutamate signaling during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion that can cause fatal ventricular arrhythmias. We showed that glutamate concentration increases during the myocardial ischemia, persists during the reperfusion, and is associated with sympathoexcitation and increases in myocardial substrate excitability.
β-Aminoisobutyric Acid Relates to Favorable Glucose Metabolism through Adiponectin in Adults with Obesity Independent of Prediabetes
Authors: Faiz Habiba , Heiston Emily M. , Malin Steven K.
Published: September 2023

β-Aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) is secreted by skeletal muscle and promotes insulin sensitivity, fat oxidation, and anti-inflammation. While BAIBA is purportedly lower in individuals with obesity, no work has examined if prediabetes (PD) differentially impacts BAIBA concentrations in people with obesity. Methods. Adults were classified as normal glucose tolerant (NGT;

n
=
22

(20F);

48.0
±
2.4

 yrs;

36.9
±
1.2

 kg/m2) or PD (

n
=
23

(18F);

54.2
±
1.6

 yrs;

38.4
±
1.2

 kg/m2) based on ADA criteria. A 180-minute 75 g OGTT was used to estimate fasting (HOMA-IR (liver)) and postprandial (Matsuda index (muscle)) insulin sensitivity as well as β-cell function (disposition index (DI), glucose-stimulated insulin secretion adjusted for insulin sensitivity). Body composition and fasting measures of BAIBA, fat oxidation (indirect calorimetry), and adipokines were determined. Results. NGT and PD had similar BAIBA concentrations (

1.4
±
0.1

vs.

1.2
±
0.1

 μM,

P
=
0.23

) and fat oxidation (

P
=
0.31

), despite NGT having lower fasting (

92.2
±
1.2

vs.

104.1
±
3.2

 mg/dL,

P
=
0.002

) and

tAU

C

180
min

glucose (

P
<
0.001

) compared to PD. Moreover, NGT had higher postprandial insulin sensitivity (

P
=
0.01

) and higher total phase

D

I

liver

(

P
=
0.003

) and

D

I

muscle

(

P
=
0.001

). Increased BAIBA was associated with adiponectin (

r
=
0.37

,

P
=
0.02

), adiponectin/leptin ratio (

r
=
0.39

,

P
=
0.01

), and lower glucose and insulin at 180 minutes (

r
=
−
0.31

,

P
=
0.03

and

r
=
−
0.39

,

P
=
0.03

, respectively). Adiponectin also correlated with lower glucose at 180 minutes (

r
=
−
0.45

,

P
=
0.005

), and mediation analysis showed that BAIBA was no longer a significant predictor of glucose at 180 minutes after controlling for adiponectin (

P
=
0.08

). Conclusion. While BAIBA did not differ between NGT and PD, higher BAIBA is related to favorable glucose metabolism, possibly through an adiponectin-related mechanism. Additional work is required to understand how exercise and/or diet impact BAIBA in relation to type 2 diabetes risk.
Formulation and Optimization of Multigrain Fermented Noodles: A Healthy and Palatable Convenience Food Option
Authors: Ahmad Sameer , Nema Prabhat K. , Nasir Gazia , Asfaq  , Kheto Ankan , Vashishth Rahul , Kumar Yogesh
Published: September 2023

In the present study, multigrain fermented noodles were prepared using seera (fermented wheat starch), green gram, sorghum, and finger millet flours with different proportions. Then, the optimized formulation was developed, and cooking characteristics, sensory attributes, nutritional composition, and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) were evaluated. The prepared noodles showed better cooking characteristics, sensory attributes, and overall acceptability. Compared to commercial and control noodles, the optimized multigrain fermented noodles exhibited higher fiber, total phenol content, ash, iron, reducing sugar, and protein content. At the same time, the IVPD (

92.5
±
0.29
%

) of multigrain fermented noodles was comparable to control as well as commercial noodles. The XRD pattern showed a sharp peak at 15 and 20°, and the overall crystallinity was 34.12% observed. The ready-to-cook multigrain fermented noodles, prepared from the fermented wheat starch base, can be used as a healthy choice to refine wheat flour-based noodles, reducing chronic diseases.
Effect of Finishing Protocols on the Surface Roughness and Fatigue Strength of a High-Translucent Zirconia
Authors: Barreto Larissa Araújo Lopes , Grangeiro Manassés Tercio Vieira , Prado Pedro Henrique Condé Oliveira , Bottino Marco Antonio , Dal Piva Amanda Maria de Oliveira , Ramos Nathalia de Carvalho , Tribst João Paulo Mendes , Junior Lafayette Nogueira
Published: September 2023

Purpose. In case of need for esthetical improvement of zirconia restorations, an individualization using extrinsic staining can be applied. This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness and fatigue strength (survival) of high-translucency zirconia (3Y-TZP, YZ®HT, Vita Zanhfabrik) with extrinsic characterization and/or glaze. Methods. Sixty (60) zirconia discs (12 × 1.2 mm) were obtained, sintered, and randomly distributed among three groups (n = 20) according to the surface finishing protocol: C (control), C + G (extrinsic characterization followed by a glaze layer), and G (glaze layer). The surface roughness (Ra) was analyzed with a contact profilometer. Subsequently, the specimens were subjected to a fatigue load profile starting at 120 N during 20,000 cycles at 4 Hz frequency, with a 5% increase at each step until failure. The failed specimens were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Surface roughness analysis was evaluated by using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (95%); while fatigue survival probability was analyzed with Kaplan–Meier and Mantel–Cox (log- rank, 95%). Results. One-way ANOVA revealed that surface roughness was affected by the finishing protocol, where C + G showed the highest mean value (0.46 ± 0.18 µm)A followed by G (0.30 ± 0.10 µm)B, and C (0.19 ± 0.02 µm)C. While for fatigue strength, the G protocol presented a higher mean value (243.00, and 222.36–263.63)A, followed by C + G (192.75 and 186.61–198.88)B and C (172.50 and 159.43–185.56)C. Conclusion. Surface finishing protocols modify the surface roughness and fatigue strength of high-translucent zirconia. Regardless of the surface roughness, both glazing protocols improved the ceramic fatigue strength, favoring the restoration’s long-term survival.
Genetic Predictors of Ibrutinib-related Cardiovascular Side Effects in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Hamadeh Issam S. , Patel Jai N. , Jacobs Ryan , Zeng Hang , He Jiaxian , Hu Bei , Moyo Tamara Kay , Soni Amy , Park Steven , Copelan Ed , Avalos Belinda , Hamilton Alicia , Steuerwald Nury , Ghosh Nilanjan
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with ibrutinib are at risk of developing cardiovascular side effects (CVSE). The molecular determinants of CVSEs have not been fully elucidated. We interrogated genetic polymorphisms in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) signaling pathway for their association with ibrutinib-related CVSEs.

Experimental Design:

We conducted a retrospective/prospective observational pharmacogenetic study of 50 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed CLL who received ibrutinib at a starting daily dose of 420 mg for at least 6 months. CVSEs, primarily atrial fibrillation and hypertension, occurred in 10 patients (20%), of whom 4 discontinued therapy. DNA was isolated from buccal swabs of all 50 patients and genotyped for 40 SNPs in GATA4, SGK1, KCNQ1, KCNA4, NPPA, and SCN5A using a customized next-generation sequencing panel. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine genetic and clinical factors associated with the incidence of ibrutinib-related CVSEs.

Results:

GATA4 rs804280 AA (P = 0.043), KCNQ1 rs163182 GG (P = 0.036), and KCNQ1 rs2237895 AA (P = 0.023) genotypes were univariately associated with ibrutinib-related CVSEs. On the basis of multivariate analysis, a high genetic risk score, defined as the presence of at least two of these genotypes, was associated with 11.5-fold increased odds of CVSEs (P = 0.019; 95% confidence interval, 1.79–119.73).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest possible genetic determinants of ibrutinib-related CVSEs in CLL. If replicated in a larger study, pretreatment pharmacogenetic testing for GATA4 and KCNQ1 polymorphisms may be a useful clinical tool for personalizing treatment selection for CLL and/or instituting early risk mitigation strategies.
Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors with Distinct Binding Modes Reveal Differential Functional Impact on B-Cell Receptor Signaling
Authors: Li Wei , Sano Renata , Apatira Mutiah , DeAnda Felix , Gururaja Tarikere , Yang Muhua , Lundgaard Greta , Pan Chin , Liu Jing , Zhai Yongjiao , Yoon Woo Hyun , Wang Longcheng , Tse Chris , Souers Andrew J. , Lee Chih-Hung
Published: September 2023

Small molecule inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) have been approved for the treatment of multiple B-cell malignancies and are being evaluated for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Various BTK inhibitors (BTKi) have distinct potencies, selectivity profiles, and binding modes within the ATP-binding site. On the basis of the latter feature, BTKis can be classified into those that occupy the back-pocket, H3 pocket, and the hinge region only. Hypothesizing that differing binding modes may have differential impact on the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway, we evaluated the activities of multiple BTKis in B-cell lymphoma models in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that, although all three types of BTKis potently inhibited BTK-Y223 autophosphorylation and phospholipase C gamma 2 (PLCγ2)-Y1217 transphosphorylation, hinge-only binders were defective in inhibiting BTK-mediated calcium mobilization upon BCR activation. In addition, PLCγ2 activation was effectively blocked by back-pocket and H3 pocket binders but not by hinge-only binders. Further investigation using TMD8 cells deficient in Rac family small GTPase 2 (RAC2) revealed that RAC2 functioned as a bypass mechanism, allowing for residual BCR signaling and PLCγ2 activation when BTK kinase activity was fully inhibited by the hinge-only binders. These data reveal a kinase activity–independent function of BTK, involving RAC2 in transducing BCR signaling events, and provide mechanistic rationale for the selection of clinical candidates for B-cell lymphoma indications.
Gifted & Talented Programs and Racial Segregation
Authors: Thompson Owen
Published: September 2023

Racial segregation can occur not only between schools but also within schools, and there has been particular concern that gifted & talented (G&T) programs may increase within-school segregation at the primary school level. This paper evaluates the contribution of G&T education to racial segregation using data on the presence and racial composition of G&T programs at virtually all U.S. elementary schools over a span of nine school years. I first show that, consistent with widespread perceptions, G&T programs do disproportionately enroll White and Asian students while Black, Hispanic, and Native American students are underrepresented. Next, I calculate the changes in the Dissimilarity and Exposure Indices that occur when G&T programs are treated as fully separate schools, which provides a transparent measure of their contribution to overall racial segregation. These calculations indicate that accounting for the within-school racial sorting caused by G&T education increases the Dissimilarity Index by 10 to 20 percent, and has little to no impact on the Exposure Index. Finally, to study the potential effects of G&T programs on enrollments over time, I estimate event-study models for schools initiating or discontinuing G&T programs, and find no large changes in White or Asian enrollment after programs are eliminated or initiated. I conclude that G&T education's impact on racial segregation in U.S. elementary schools is modest, although changes in G&T programming could still be one meaningful tool to increase integration.
The Effects of School Accountability on Teachers in Public and Private Schools: Evidence from Chile
Authors: Elacqua Gregory , Hincapié Diana , Martínez Matías
Published: September 2023

This paper estimates the effects of a school accountability policy on year-to-year teacher mobility in publicly and privately managed low-performing schools in Chile. As school ranking depends on the institution's relative position according to a set of variables and their corresponding thresholds, we use a multivariate regression discontinuity design to evaluate the impact of the policy on teacher mobility. Our findings reveal that teachers are generally more likely to leave low-performing schools, although this result varies by type of management. Teachers in public schools tend to transfer to other schools within the system, and those who do so are more likely to be working in two or more schools. Meanwhile, teachers in private schools are comparatively more likely to exit the system altogether, with mobility concentrated among low-productivity teachers. Despite these differences, the introduction of accountability did not induce new hires at either type of school.
‘It is Not Good for the Human to be Alone…’ (Gen. 2:18): yhwh Elohim Among the Weeping Gods of the Ancient Near East
Authors: Kozlova Ekaterina E.
Published: September 2023

Regarding the creation account in Genesis 2–3, D.M. Carr observes that this text freely repurposes prior cosmological traditions, and so it is a case of a ‘fluid adaptation of its Near Eastern precursors…’ (Carr, [2020], 52–53). Building on his discussion, this article analyzes an ane motif that has not been linked to Genesis 2–3 yet, i.e., the formation of humanity from divine tears or in the wake of divine laments. Known in various configurations from Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Greek sources, this motif includes tears of a god or gods either as a generative substance in the making of humans or as a driving force for their origins. In light of these traditions, this article considers the pronouncement ‘It is not good for the human to be alone’ (Gen. 2:18), arguing that it is a variation on the ‘divine tears’ myth. As such, this pronouncement addresses a multi-faceted form of ‘aloneness’ in the emerging cosmos.
Thirteen Ways of Looking at Elijah’s Blackbirds
Authors: Elser Ashleigh D
Published: September 2023

Commentators have long struggled to make sense of the role that ravens play in the story of Elijah, questioning why these predatory birds with a reputation for cruelty would be recruited to share their food during a time of scarcity. This essay takes up the reception history of biblical ravens, considering how various interpreters have drawn upon observational knowledge of ravens to explain the mysterious role ravens play in the feeding of Elijah in 1 Kings 17 and Noah’s commission of the raven in the wake of the flood in Genesis 8. The essay both recalls and reenacts this interpretive tradition by assembling together pieces of this reception history together with the work of modern ornithologists on the corvus corax to provide some insights for how we might understand the particular significance of ravens in the care and feeding of Elijah.
The Politicization and Militarization of Migration: The Eco-Socio-Historical Origins of Capitalist Terminal Crisis
Authors: Molk Florence
Published: September 2023

The politicization and militarization of migration, currently instituted to prevent the growing movement of people from the periphery, are symptomatic of the unprecedented terminal crisis of historical capitalism. Oblivious to the fact of entering the realm of its dissolution for some time, the capitalist system follows a familiar playbook and calls for, among other things, increased control and militarization of migration. This time however, the reliable and time-tested cyclical reconstitution of the system is inoperable. The crisis is terminal because it finds itself in a deadly predicament of increased economic and environmental costs of appropriation that have chocked capitalization, which in turn exacerbates polarization, corruption, environmental degradation, uneven North/South power relations, and increased displacement of people.
The Evolutionary Emergence of Quintuple Helix Coalitions: A Case Study of Place-Based Sustainability Transition
Authors: Donati Letizia , Stefani Gianluca , Bellandi Marco
Published: September 2023

Complex societal, environmental, and economic challenges are affecting the post-covid-19 societies. They must increasingly rely on multi-stakeholders’ and multi-domain coalitions to find innovative solutions and achieve sustainability transitions in the near future. Triple helix model featuring interactions among academia, industry, and government successfully explained collaboration in technological innovation dynamics. The models integrating a fourth helix., i.e., bringing knowledge from the civil society and a fifth helix i.e., bringing knowledge from the natural environment, emerged to understand innovations addressing complex societal and environmental problems. By adopting an evolutionary perspective and incorporating agency in the quintuple helix, we propose a conceptual framework to shed light on how multi-domain coalitions might emerge in local productive systems engaging in sustainability transitions. Drawing on this framework, we analyze the case of a rural local system where a quintuple helix coalition emerges together with the development and adoption of sustainable agronomic practices triggering a sustainability transition process.
Taxonomic study of the Eucarpiini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from China
Authors: CHEN XIANG-SHENG , ZHI YAN
Published: September 2023

The Chinese cixiid planthopper tribe Eucarpiini is studied taxonomically. Four genera and 29 species belonging to Eucarpiini are reported from China, including 15 new species of three genera: Dilacreon (Dilacreon) deltodontus sp. nov., Dilacreon (Eluzalmon) apiculatus sp. nov., D. (E.) arcuatus sp. nov., D. (E.) biprocessus sp. nov., D. (E.) congjiangensis sp. nov., D. (E.) distentus sp. nov., D. (E.) erectus sp. nov., D. (E.) falcatus sp. nov., D. (E.) parapentagonus sp. nov., D. (E.) transversus sp. nov., Kirbyana projecta sp. nov., K. spinata sp. nov., Neocarpia brevispina sp. nov., N. longispina sp. nov. and N. trispina sp. nov.. All species dealt with are described and illustrated and keys for genera and their species are also given.
Optimization of Polysaccharides and Essential Oils Extraction from Artemisia argyi Leaves and the Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides
Authors: Chen Liang , Xin Xiu-Lan , Li Shu-Guang , Wang Hong , Tian Gang
Published: September 2023

Artemisia argyi leaves (AL) are a common traditional Chinese herbal medicine that possess significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation. AL contains many natural bioactive substances.
In this study, Soxhlet extraction method was implemented to extract polysaccharides and essential oils (EOs) from AL, and the process was optimized by multi-response optimization. To explorer the best extraction conditions, three experimental parameters, soaking time (2–10 h), extraction
time (1–3 h), and material liquid ratio (1:12–1:24 g/mL), were investigated in single-factor experiments. The Box-Behnken design of response surface analysis was used to optimize the extraction conditions. Further, the antioxidant ability of polysaccharides was evaluated using
DPPH clearance rate. The results showed that the optimum extraction parameters of soaking time, extraction time and ratio of material to liquid were: 10 h, 2.5 h, and 1:27, respectively. The extraction rate of crude polysaccharides from AL reached 11.21% under the optimized conditions. The
polysaccharide content in crude polysaccharides was about 50% according to anthrone-sulfuric acid method. Moreover, the crude polysaccharides from AL exhibited good antioxidant activity, with the ability of scavenging DPPH free radical being about 60% of that of L-ascorbic acid (Vc). These
findings indicated that crude polysaccharides extracted from AL showed good free radical scavenging ability and possess potential for developed as natural antioxidanst. This study aims to provide a basic reference for the optimization of extracting process of polysaccharides from AL and further
development and utilization.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Produced Sustainably Utilizing Solanum xanthocarpum Leaf Extracts and Their Anti-Neoplastic Effects on Colon Cancer Cells (HT-29)
Authors: Yang Jie , Yao Lu , He Sai , Velu Periyannan , Vijayalakshmi Annamalai , Yang Run-Xu , Ren Hong-xuan
Published: September 2023

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized in this study using Solanum xanthocarpum (Sx) leaf extracts via a green method. The nanomaterial, ZnO-NPs-Sx, was prepared using zinc acetate dehydrate solution followed by purification. The nanofabricate size
and structural properties were investigated using UV-V Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The anti-neoplastic properties of nanomaterial against the colon cancer cells
(HT-29) were measured using MTT assay and the apoptotic biomarkers via staining techniques (i.e., acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB), 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and Propidium iodide (PI staining). The nanomaterial induced reactive oxygen species ROS and apoptosis by stimulating
cell signaling biomarkers: caspase-3, -8 and -9. Staining showed proportionately higher number of dead cells with nuclear damage and chromatin condensation to confirm the nanomaterial induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells. At low concentrations, the nanomaterial did not elicit adverse cellular
changes, and was less toxic towards HT-29 cells. Thus, the bio-synthesized nanofabricate, can be used ZnO-NPs-Sx in nanomedicine to improve current treatments towards cancer cells.
Analysis of the Pathogenesis of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis in Rats Under Nano-Body
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Wang Xiaogang , Liu Weiye , Li Wenqiang , Li Meifeng
Published: September 2023

This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of several anti-TLR4 nanobody administration techniques in a gram-negative bacterial sepsis (GNBS) rat model. The targeting proteins for TI-Nb2 and TC-Nb6 anti-TLR4 nanobodies were TLR4203-348 and TLR4349-582, respectively. The survival
times (STs) of 44 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were tracked in the TI-Nb2, TC-Nb6, TI-Nb2+TC-Nb6, and D0 groups (saline control). Besides, the ELISA was utilized to measure the levels of TNF-, IL-1, IL-8, and IL-10 in different groups. An automatic biochemical analyzer was employed to determine
the levels of AST, ALT, AMS, CRE, and Urea. Furthermore, the rat liver and kidney tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Cleaved-caspase-3 (CC3) protein expression (PE) in rat tissues was discovered using immunohistochemistry, and the positive unit (PU) value was computed.
The TI-Nb2+TC-Nb6 group exhibited a longder ST, lower TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, ALT, AST, AMS, CRE, and Urea levels, and a smaller CC3 protein PU value in nucleus and cytoplasm than the TI-Nb2, TC-Nb6, and D0 groups (all P <0.05). The above findings indicated that
the combined usage of TI-Nb2 and TC-Nb6 can successfully reduce the expression levels of CC3 protein, biochemical markers, and inflammatory factors. This could protect the liver, kidneys, and other organs and prolong the ST of sepsis rats.
CircRNA Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 66 Up-Regulates LIM-Homeodomain Gene 2 to Promote Gastric Cancer Progression via Sponing miR-129-5p
Authors: Cai Mingzhi , Chen Qiuxian , Cai Lisheng , Sun Yuqin , Zhang Wenshan
Published: September 2023

The death rate from gastric cancer (GC) is increasing while the methods of early diagnosis and treatment of GC are still limited. CircRNAs have ability to bind with miRNA to exert therapeutic action on kinds of cancers. The purpose of this study was to explore the action mechanism of
circ-CCDC66 in GC. CCDC66, miR-129-5p and LHX2 mRNA and protein expression were examine by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to identify cells apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verified the binding site that miR-129-5p and CCDC66 or
LHX2. Transwell assay and cell account kit 8 (CCK-8) were used to examined cells proliferation ability, migration or invasion ability. Compared with normal tissues, CCDC66 expression was obviously higher and miR-129-5p expression was significantly lower in GC tissues. Knockdown circ-CCDC66
changed malignant behavior of GC cells. MiR-129-5p inhibitor changed the effect of down-regulated circ-CCDC66 on malignant behavior of gastric cancer cells. LHX2 was bond with miR-129-5p, and circ-CCDC66 regulated LHX2 expression to participated in GC progression via miR-129-5p. All the findings
suggested that CCDC66 could adjust LHX2 expression to promote GC progression through restraining miR-129-5p, which may provide a key strategy for GC therapy.
Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 9 Promotes the Development of Breast Cancer by Regulating the miR-326/Wnt5a/β-Catenin Axis
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Hekai , Jia Zhihua
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly prevalent aggressive malignancy in women worldwide, and the search for key targets in its pathogenesis is a focus of research. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in many cancers, including breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate
the role of lncRNA SNHG9 in BC. The expression of SNHG9 in BC cells was found to be higher than that of human mammary epithelium. SNHG9 was found to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells and promote apoptosis. It was also found that SNHG9 regulates the miR-326/Wnt5a/β-catenin
axis to promote the development of BC. Dual luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays confirmed the interaction between SNHG9, Wnt5a, and miR-326. Western blot analysis indicated that the expression of Wnt5a, β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 decreased significantly after the
silencing of SNHG9 and the overexpression of miR-326. On the contrary, Wnt5a, β-catenin, c-myc, and cyclin D1 proteins were significantly up-regulated after inhibiting miR-326 expression. These findings suggest that SNHG9 is a promising target for BC therapy.
Development of an improved ELISA method based on gold nanoparticles to evaluate the correlation of serum occludin and zonula occludin-1 (ZO-1) levels with cognitive impairment in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Gao Li , Zhang Jianjun , Wei Jianhui , Li Jiangang
Published: September 2023

The present study evaluated an improved Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method based on gold nanoparticles by investigating the correlations of measured serum occludin and zonula occludin-1 (ZO-1) levels with cognitive impairment in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction
(ACI). The present study comprised a total of 98 patients with ACI that were divided into patients with normal cognitive function (normal group) and patients with cognitive impairment (PSCI group) according to mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores. Serum levels of triglycerides, total
cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Serum occludin and ZO-1 levels in both groups were measured using a modified ELISA assay with nanogold particles. Neurological function in elderly patients with ACI was assessed using the National
Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated for the correlations between serum occludin levels, serum ZO-1 levels, and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with ACI. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to
analyze the diagnostic value of serum occludin and ZO-1 levels in detecting cognitive impairment in elderly patients with ACI. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with cognitive impairment in elderly patients with ACI. In the PSCI group, a significantly higher
proportion of patients had hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes compared to the normal group. Serum occludin and ZO-1 levels were significantly lower in the PSCI group compared to the normal group (P <0.05). Serum occludin and ZO-1 levels in elderly patients with ACI
were negatively associated with NIHSS score (P <0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve (AUC) of serum occludin and ZO-1 in detecting cognitive impairment in elderly patients with ACI was 0.926 and 0.824 respectively, with a combined
AUC of 0.945 indicating a synergistic effect in detecting cognitive impairment. Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and lower serum occludin, and ZO-1 levels were all independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in elderly patients
with ACI. Lower serum levels of occludin and ZO-1 level had diagnostic value in detecting cognitive impairment in elderly patients with ACI and may have utility as an auxiliary diagnostic index for cognitive dysfunction in patients with ACI.
Efficacy of laparoscopic pectopexy versus laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and antibacterial performance of nanosilver-coated urethral catheter for postoperative catheterization in patients with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Hu Chunyan , Wang Weiqiang , Yuan Haoxi , Li Juan , Liu Zuliang , Cao Ying
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) and laparoscopic pectopexy (LP) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to evaluate the antibacterial effect of nanosilver-coated urethral catheters. The clinical data of 112 patients
with POP, including 56 patients who underwent LP and 56 patients who underwent LSC, from March 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent routine catheterization with nanosilver-coated urethral catheters after surgery. The baseline data, intraoperative
and postoperative efficacy, serum inflammatory indexes and postoperative complications were compared. The surgery was successfully completed in both groups, and a total of 10 patients in both group underwent intraoperative repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. The surgical duration
was significantly shorter and the intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the LP group than in the LSC group (P <0.05 for both). In both groups, the POP quantification stage, which was ≥I prior to surgery, was ≤I at six months after surgery. The PFIQ-7, PFDI-20
and PISQ-12 scores were significantly improved in both groups (P <0.05 for all), and the improvements were significantly better in the LP group than in the LSC group (P <0.01). During the 6-month follow-up period, no patient developed urinary tract infection. The levels
of postoperative serum inflammatory factors WBC, ESR and CRP were increased in the LSC group and higher than those in the LP group, highlighting the significant anti-infection effect of the nanosilver-coated catheter. Mesh exposure occurred in one patient in the LSC group. In the LSC group,
postoperative symptoms including abnormal defecation, lower abdominal pain/soreness, new stress urinary incontinence, and dyspareunia. In the LP group, abnormal defecation and lower abdominal pain were present in one patient each. The rate of postoperative complications was higher in the LSC
group than in the LP group. While both LSC and LP could restore pelvic floor anatomic structure and organ function in patients with POP, shorter surgical duration, less blood loss, and better therapeutic effect were observed in patients undergoing LP. Nanosilver-coated antibacterial catheters
exhibited good antibacterial effect in patients with routine catheterization after surgery. This study provides a new treatment plan for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, and also provides a new nursing method for postoperative urinary tract infection.
Application of graphene gas sensor technological convergence PSO-SVM in distribution transformer insulation condition monitoring and fault diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Min , Fang Jian , Wang Hongbin , Hao Fangzhou , Lin Xiang , Wang Yong
Published: September 2023

This study aims to improve the real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis of distribution transformers by utilizing a combination of five thin film gas detectors, these detectors include metal-modified graphene composite films and SnO2/RGO humidity sensors, which were prepared
using the hydrothermal method. The experiment focused on investigating humidity and main fault characteristic gases that can reflect the insulation status of transformers. Additionally, a gas sensor array was constructed using a deep confidence neural network model. Based on the analysis of
dissolved gas in transformer oil, the study extensively discusses the insulation fault diagnosis model and constructs the transformer fault diagnosis model using various methods including TRM, Particle swarm optimization support vector machine. The results demonstrated that the SnO2/RGO
thin film humidity sensor exhibited high humidity sensitivity, and the other thin film gas sensors also exhibited good sensitivity. The average accuracy of the three classification methods mentioned is 80%, 92%, and 96%, respectively. These findings highlighted that the vector machine model
not only improved the fault diagnosis accuracy but also possessed the characteristics of fewer parameters and a fast rate of convergence. Consequently, it effectively addressed the issue of early diagnosis of potential transformer faults. This study was of significant practical importance
for ensuring the secure operation of the power grid.
Synthesis and gelation character of photothermal responsive methylcoumarinotripeptidospiropyran
Authors: Tian Guang , Qin Chuanguang
Published: September 2023

Hydrogel of methylcoumarino-tripeptidospiropyran (MC-TPSP) with a conformational transition at the C-terminus of the peptide was synthesised in this study. This LMWG can be shifted between gel and solution due to the isomerization of spiropyran- and merocyanine-typed MC-TPSP and MC-TPMC,
respectively. UV was used to investigate the isomerisation process, and SEM was used to characterise the morphology of the MC-TPMC. The transition temperature was determined to be 75 °C, and the minimum gel concentration was 14.5 mM. On account of its structural biocompatibility and responsive
regulatory mechanism, it is anticipated that it will develop into an outstanding bio-functional material.
Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate for Acute Bronchiolitis: Evaluation of the Effect on Clinical Course and Outcomes
Authors: Şık Nihan , Çitlenbik Hale , Öztürk Ali , Yılmaz Durgül , Duman Murat
Published: September 2023

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) for children with bronchiolitis. A retrospective cohort study was performed at a pediatric emergency department. Aged between 1 and 24 months, children with moderate/severe bronchiolitis according to the Modified Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (mRDAI) score were included. Patients who received 40 mg/kg/dose of IV MgSO4 (group 1, n: 74) or not (group 2, n: 33) were compared. Respiratory rate and mRDAI score significantly decreased at the second hour of MgSO4 treatment and the decrease was observed for 4th, 8th, and 12th hours, compared with group 2. Patients in group 2 had a higher rate of requirement and an earlier start high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy and a longer hospital stay than group 1. Intravenous MgSO4 provided significant improvement on clinical severity, need for respiratory support, length of hospital stay, and outcomes.
Fixed-time stability super-twisting sliding mode control with mismatched disturbances
Authors: Liang Juan , Xu Qian , Wang Na
Published: September 2023

In practice, many systems are affected by mismatched disturbances, which do not satisfy the match condition. This study focuses on a variable gain super-twisting sliding mode controller that achieves global robust fixed-time stabilization of second-order systems with matched and mismatched disturbances without disturbances observers. The proposed controller and the sliding variables adopt a state-dependent variable exponent coefficient, which improves the robustness properties of a sliding surface and switching control law. At the same time, the control strategy alleviates the chattering phenomenon by using the variable-gain super-twisting algorithm. The settling time is calculated a priori by the Lyapunov method. Simulation results show that, compared with recently published controllers, our proposed control strategy can suppress the mismatched disturbance more rapidly, simply, and effectively.
Is Coming Out in the Community College Classroom an “Occupational Hazard?”
Authors: Sundblad Michael B. , Dansereau Diana R.
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study is a replication of Russ et al.’s (2002) work, which showed that students’ credibility beliefs about and perceived learning from a male university instructor were negatively affected when he identified as gay. Because the primary professional responsibility of community college faculty is teaching, and student evaluations may influence decisions about teacher effectiveness, perceived teacher credibility may be of particular importance within community colleges. Given the number of years that have elapsed since the 2002 study, determining whether the documented bias still exists is necessary. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how community college students’ perceptions of a male teacher’s credibility and perceptions of their own learning were influenced by the instructor being open about his sexual orientation. Methods: This study used mixed methods, was undergirded by Critical Realism, and employed a sequential design with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Results: Participants as a collective did not provide significantly different ratings for any dimension of credibility nor for perceptions of learning in either condition. Interview data largely supported the statistical findings; however, they also revealed discomfort with gay instructors and an eagerness to support marginalized instructors; participant reactions aligned with three broad categories of indifference, discomfort, or allyship. Open-ended responses suggested that participants attended more to competence for the straight lecturer and more to character traits for the gay lecturer. Contributions: The findings, especially with regard to participants’ reduced focus of attention on competence for marginalized instructors, have practical implications for equity and faculty evaluation.