bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training a Machine Learning Classifier to Identify ADHD Based on Real-World Clinical Data From Medical Records
Authors: Mikolas Pavol , Vahid Amirali , Bernardoni Fabio , Süß Mathilde , Martini Julia , Beste Christian , Bluschke Annet
Published: January 2022

The diagnostic process of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is complex and relies on criteria sensitive to subjective biases. This may cause significant delays in appropriate treatment initiation. An automated analysis relying on subjective and objective measures might not only simplify the diagnostic process and reduce the time to diagnosis, but also improve reproducibility. While recent machine learning studies have succeeded at distinguishing ADHD from healthy controls, the clinical process requires differentiating among other or multiple psychiatric conditions. We trained a linear support vector machine (SVM) classifier to detect participants with ADHD in a population showing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions using anonymized data from clinical records (N = 299 participants). We differentiated children and adolescents with ADHD from those not having the condition with an accuracy of 66.1 %. SVM using single features showed slight differences between single features and overlapping standard deviations of the achieved accuracies. An automated feature selection achieved the best performance using a combination 19 features. Real-life clinical data from medical records can be used to automatically identify individuals with ADHD among help-seeking individuals using machine learning. The relevant diagnostic information can be reduced using an automated feature selection without loss of performance. A broad combination of symptoms across different domains, rather than specific domains, seems to indicate an ADHD diagnosis.
Representation of Land-Atmosphere Coupling Processes Over Africa in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Mwanthi Anthony , Mutemi Joseph , Dyer Ellen , James Rachel , Opijah Franklin , Webb Thomas , Mutua Francis , Washington Richard , Senior Catherine , Zewdu Segele , Artan Guleid
Published: January 2022

Climate models are useful tools that aid in short to long term prediction of the evolution of climate. In this study we assess how CMIP6 models represent coupling between processes over the land and atmosphere, based on terrestrial and atmospheric indices, to show the nature and strength of the coupling relative to the ERA5 datasets over Africa, with a particular focus on the March-May season. Characterization of the annual cycle indicates that model biases are highest during the peak of the rainfall season, and least during the dry season, while soil moisture biases correspond with rainfall amounts. Models show appreciable sensitivity to regional characteristics; there was model consensus in representing East Africa as a limited soil moisture regime, while major differences were noted in the wet regime over Central Africa. Most CMIP6 models tend to over-estimate the strength of the terrestrial and atmospheric pathways over East and Southern Africa. Inter-model differences in coupling indices could be traced to their inter-annual variability rather than to the mean biases of the variables considered. These results are good indicators towards scientific advancement of land surface schemes in the next generation of climate models for better applications in Africa.
Assessment of The Incidence of Insomnia In The Group of Poles Aged 18-25 Years During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wolińska Weronika , Gebel Agata , Mroczek Bożena
Published: January 2022

Background: Insomnia is the most recognized sleep disorder. The time of the COVID-19 pandemic brings with it new challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining sleep hygiene is highly recommended as it helps to strengthen the immune system, and people infected with COVID-19 may be more prone to sleep problems.The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of insomnia among people aged 18-25 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study involved 302 individuals. It was conducted using Google Forms. The mean age of the respondents was 23 ± 1.84 years. The research instruments used in the study were the Athenian Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the author’s questionnaire concerning sociodemographic data. Results: Insomnia was found in 29.5% (n = 89) of the respondents. Higher mean values (8 ± 4.19) in the AIS were noted in the group of people with higher education and those currently studying. Moderate depression was demonstrated in 12.6% (n = 38) of the subjects. One third (30.1%; n = 91) of the respondents indicated greater sleep problems during the COVID-19 pandemic than before. Conclusions: Insomnia and depression are significant problems in the study group of 18-25 year olds. Therefore, psychological and psychiatric care should be extended to this group of young people.
Spatio-temporal Variability of Lightning Climatology and Its Association With Thunderstorm Indices Over India
Authors: Mondal Unashish , Panda Subrat Kumar , Das Someshwar , Sharma Devesh
Published: January 2022

Lightning is an electrical discharge - a'spark' or 'flash' as charged regions in the atmosphere instantly balance themselves through this discharge. It is a beautiful and deadly naturally occurring phenomenon. In June 2020, more than a hundred people died in the state Bihar of India only in three days’ span due to lightning events. In this work, Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) information from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite with a very high spatial resolution of 0.1 X 0.1 degree has been utilized to create the climatology of India for 16 years from 1998 to 2013. Diurnal, monthly, and seasonal variations in the occurrence of lightning flash rate density have also been analyzed. TRMM satellite low-resolution monthly time series (LRMTS) with 2.5-degree resolution datasets have been used for lightning trend analysis. The diurnal lightning event mainly occurs in the afternoon/evening (1400-1900 Hrs) time duration around 0.001 flashes/km2/hr. The highest lightning occurred in May (0.04 flashes/km2/day) and the least in December (0.005 flashes/km2/day). The distribution of lightning flash counts by season over India landmass is mainly in pre-monsoon (MAM) ranges from 0.248 – 0.491 flashes/km2/day, and monsoon (JJA) ranges from 0.284 – 0.451 flashes/km2/day and decreases afterward. Spatially, the distribution of lightning flashes mainly at North-Eastern region along with Bangladesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, and Jammu & Kashmir region. The CAPE and K Index have positively correlated with the flash rate density seasonally but CAPE is more significantly correlated. This study also focused on finding of lightning hotspots region of India district wise and Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir got the highest lightning with 121 flashes/km2/yr.
In-Silico Assisted Development of Supersaturable Preconcentrated Isotropic Mixture of Atazanavir for Augmenting Biopharmaceutical Performance in Presence of H2-Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Sethi Sheshank , Rana Vikas
Published: January 2022

The therapeutic potential of atazanavir (BCS Class II drug), a highly selective inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) has been largely limited due to its low intrinsic solubility at elevated pH resulting in low oral bioavailability. Thus, the current work describes the systematic development, optimization and evaluation of HPMC-AS based supersaturable preconcentrate isotropic mixture (SP-IM) containing long chain triglyceride to improve intestinal lymphatic transport and augment oral bioavailability of atazanavir (ATZ). A D-optimal mixture design was employed for optimization of plain IM containing Corn Oil, Oleic acid, Tween 80 and Propylene Glycol, evaluating CQAs like particle size, PDI, self-emulsification time, % transmittance and drug content. In-silico analysis and in-vitro supersaturation test facilitated the selection of HPMC-AS as a best suited polymeric precipitation inhibitor (PPI) for formulating ATZ loaded SP-IM (ATZ-SP-IM). In-vitro dissolution data indicated that ATZ-SP-IM exhibits superior performance in 0.025N HCl and pH 6.8 over pure drug. Ex-vivo permeation and in-vivo pharmacokinetic study of ATZ-SP-IM corroborated enhanced permeation (2.03 fold) and improved drug absorption via lymphatic transport in wistar rats. Further, the pharmacokinetic performance of ATZ-SP-IM was not affected in presence of H2 receptor antagonist. Therefore, the results showed that ATZ-SP-IM can significantly improve the biopharmaceutical attributes of ATZ so as to lay a foundation of further research on the new dosage form of ATZ.
‘When Hunger Makes Everything Better Looking!’: The Effect of Hunger on the Aesthetic Appreciation of Human Bodies, Faces and Objects
Authors: Cazzato Valentina , Vicario Carmelo M. , Urgesi Cosimo
Published: January 2022

Background: Research evidence suggests that physiological state of hunger might affect preference for female body weight, such that hungrier, compared to satiate, men prefer heavier body weight and rate as more attractive heavier female ﬁgures. Here, we seek to extend these findings by comparing the effects of fasting and snack on aesthetics judgements of the bodies and faces of conspecifics and of objects in a sample of female and male participants. Methods: Forty-four participants (women: n = 21, mean age = 23.70yrs ± 0.62) provided aesthetic liking judgments of round and slim human bodies, faces and objects, under at least 12 h of overnight fasting and immediately after having eaten a snack (i.e., bananas). An anthropometric measure of adiposity (i.e., Body Mass Index, BMI) was also collected from each observer. Results: Overall, we found that participants’ aesthetic judgements were higher for slim stimuli compared to round ones. However, after fasting, participants rated round stimuli as more attractive compared to when they had a snack. This hunger-based shift in ratings not only was apparent when stimuli depicted a human body or face, but also when they depicted an object, thus suggesting a general modification of observers’ aesthetic preference related to hunger. Importantly, this effect was modulated by participants’ BMI so that only participants with a high BMI provided higher aesthetic judgements for round stimuli after fasting than after a snack. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that both the modification of the physiological state and the individual differences in adiposity level of the observers might affect the aesthetic appreciation of the external world.
Barriers to Prescribing Oral Anticoagulants To Inpatients Aged 80 Years and Older With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xia Xin , Wang Lishuang , Lin Taiping , Yue Jirong , Yang Zhonghua , Mi Chongqing , Liao Zaibo , Chen Yanyu , Ge Ning , Wu Chenkai
Published: January 2022

Background: To investigate the temporal trend of prevalence of anticoagulation treatment and explore the factors associated with under prescription of oral anti-coagulants (OACs) among inpatients aged ≥80 years with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of inpatients with a discharge diagnosis of NVAF from a medical database. We used the Pearson chi-square or Fisher’s exact test to compare categorical variables between patients with and without OACs prescription. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between risk factors and under prescription of OACs. Results: A total of 4375 patients aged ≥80 years with AF were assessed in the largest academic hospital in China from August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2020, 3165 NVAF patients were included. The prevalence of OACs use was 20.9% in 2017, 28.7% in 2018, 35.6% in 2019, and 43.9% in 2020. Of all participants with CHA2DS2-VASc≥2, 1,027 (32.4%) were prescribed OACs; 33.7% and 31.8% of patients with and without prior stroke received OACs, respectively. Age, clinical department where patients were discharged, use of antiplatelets, and history of stroke and dementia were significantly associated with not prescribing OACs. Conclusions: The prevalence of OACs use increased over the past several years. The rate of prescription of OACs was lower among NVAF patients who were older, prescribed antiplatelets, discharged from non-departmental cardiology, and suffered from comorbidities. This study found the iatrogenic factors affecting the use of OACs in the inpatients aged ≥80 years, providing clues and basis for the standardized use of OACs in the inpatients.
One in ten Women who visited Health Facilities for various Reason have Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Dawit , Kure Mohammed Abdurke , Demssie Enku Afework , Mesfin Sinetibeb , Demena Melake , Dheresa Merga
Published: January 2022

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse remains neglected a public health problem in developing countries. The burden of pelvic organ prolapse varies by region and ranges from 9% to 20%. It poses an impact on women’s quality of life, and affect their role at community and family level. Although it has negative consequences and extensive burden, the true feature of pelvic organ prolapse is not well known among ever-married women attending health facility for various reason in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of pelvic organ prolapse and associated factors among ever-married women attending healthcare services in public Hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 4th to April 5th, 2020 among 458 ever-married women attending public Hospitals in Ethiopia. The study participants were approached through face-to-face interview using standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM SPSS Statistics, 2013). The prevalence was reported by proportion and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.Result: Of 458 women enrolled in the study, 10.5% [95%CI (7.6, 13.5)] of them had pelvic organ prolapse based on women’s reporting of symptoms. History of lifting heavy objects [AOR=3.22, 95%CI (1.56, 6.67)], history of chronic cough [AOR=2.51, 95%CI (1.18, 5.31)], maternal age of greater than and equal to 55 years [AOR=3.51, 95% CI(1.04, 11.76)], history chronic constipation (AOR=3.77, 95%CI(1.54, 9.22) and no history of contraceptive utilization [AOR= 2.41, 95%CI (1.13, 5.05)] were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse.Conclusion: In this study, one in ten women suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factor were identified as a predictor. This result provides a cue to give due consideration on primary and secondary prevention through various techniques.
Spatial Distribution of Infant Mortality in Ethiopia: Using Demographic Health Survey, the Ethiopia
Authors: Kefale Berhanu Awoke , Woya Ashenafi Abate , Tekile Abay Kassa , Bantie Getasew Mulat
Published: January 2022

Background
Mortality is one of the demographic variables that affect population trends. Among mortality of children, Infant mortality contributed to more than 75% of all under-five deaths globally. It disproportionately affects those living in the different regions of countries and within the region. Exploring the spatial distribution and identifying associated factors is important to design effective intervention programs to reduce infant mortality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of infant mortality in Ethiopia using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS).
Method
The Data this study were used Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey in 2016. A total of 11,023 live births from the EDHS data were included in the analysis. Spatial analysis was done to explore spatial distribution of infant mortality using ArcGIS version 10.4.
Results
This study revealed that the spatial distribution of infant mortality was non-random in the country with Moran’s index 0.1546 (P-value=0.0185). The Afar and Somali regions of Ethiopia were identified in this study on the hot spot of infant mortality.
Conclusions
The spatial distribution of infant mortality varies across the country. ANC usage, sex of a child, birth interval, birth size, birth type, birth order, wealth index, residence, region, and the spatial variable (Si) were significant predictors of infant mortality. Therefore, it needs interventions in the hot spot areas. Focusing on maternal health care services, rural residences, multiple births, infants having a smaller birth size, and male infants deserves special attention.
Agriculturally Intensified Landscapes Are Associated With Reduced Body Condition of Lady Beetles
Authors: Tiede Julia , Iuliano Benjamin , Gratton Claudio
Published: January 2022

Context: Agricultural intensification is contributing to a global species decline. Underlying mechanisms include toxic effects of pesticides on non-target organisms and reductions in habitat and food availability. However, the effects of agricultural intensification on body condition, particularly of ecosystem service providing arthropods, are poorly understood.Objectives: Here, we investigated whether variations in the body condition of common lady beetle species (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) can be explained by the composition and configuration of the surrounding landscape. Assuming strong seasonal variation in food availability in intensively farmed regions, we included the entire period of lady beetle activity in our study.Methods: Lady beetles were collected from April to September 2011 in 30 landscapes in southern Wisconsin, USA. We examined how body size, body density, and lipid content of the beetles responded to the percentage of intensive cropland, habitat diversity, and edge density in the surrounding landscape.Results: The strongest predictor of body condition was the percentage of intensive cropland. For every 10% increase in cropland, body density decreased by about 3.9% and fat content by 6.4%. Landscape diversity and edge density correlated with body condition of individual species.Conclusions: In agriculturally intensified landscapes, lady beetles with reduced body condition may produce fewer offspring, have lower survival rates, and exert less effective pest control. Thus, our results suggest a mechanistic link between landscape patterns and observed declines in lady beetle populations. Our results also show that the expansion of monocultures affects even common cropland-associated species such as Harmonia axyridis, suggesting a long-term decline in biocontrol services in simplified agricultural landscapes.
Echocardiographic and Electrocardiographic Findings in COVID-19 Patients; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Keihanian Faeze , Poorzand Hoorak , Saeidinia Amin , Eshraghi Ali
Published: January 2022

Background: There are still many gaps in our knowledge regarding the direct cardiovascular injuries due to COVID-19 infection. In this study, we tried to find out the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiac function in patients without any history of structural heart disease by electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluations.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran between 14 April and 21 September 2020. COVID-19 infection was verified by a positive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for SARS-CoV-2 using nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples. We enrolled all patients over 18 years old with definite diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. All patients underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography at the first week of admission. Clinical and imaging data were collected prospectively. Results: In total, 142 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of participants was 60.69± 15.70 years (range: 30-90 years). Most patients were male (82, 57.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that O2 saturation at admission was independently a predictor of re-hospitalization (P<0.001). RV size (P<0.001), dyslipidemia (P<0.001), ejection fraction (EF) (P<0.001), age (P=0.020), systolic blood pressure (P=0.001), O2 saturation (P=0.018) and diabetes (P=0.025) independently predicted 30-days mortality. Conclusion: Echocardiography can be used for risk assessment in patients with COVID-19, especially in those with previous history of diabetes and dyslipidemia. The infection could result in Ventricular dysfunction, even in those without previous history of structural heart disease.
The Value of Corrective Effect of Human Serum Albumin For The Mortality of Septic Patients With Hypoproteinemia
Authors: Peng Fei , Jian Juan , Lei Si , Zhang Quan , He Zhibiao , Zhong Yanjun , Wu Shangjie
Published: January 2022

Timely and accurately evaluating the severity and prognosis of sepsis occupy an important position in septic management. The purpose of the article was to investigate the value of corrective effect of human serum albumin (HSA) in assessment on the mortality of septic patients with hypoproteinemia.A retrospective analysis was carried out. A logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the association between the mortality and related risk factors. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were utilized to analyze the abilities of potential risk factors in prediction of the mortality of septic patients with hypoproteinemia. The ratio of total dosage of HSA-to-the difference of serum albumin before and after albumin supplement (THSA/DALB) was significantly increased in non-survivors of septic patients with hypoproteinemia than that in survivors (P <0.001). THSA/DALB (P = 0.018) was an independent risk factor for the mortality of septic patients with hypoproteinemia. ROC analysis showed that area under curve (AUC) of THSA/DALB, SOFA score and APACHE II score were 0.800 , 0.802 and 0.766 , respectively. The data demonstrated that THSA/△ALB could be an independent risk factor in predicting the mortality of septic patients with hypoproteinemia.
Investigation of Oxygen Influence to the Optical Properties of Tirapazamine
Authors: Sarlauskas Jonas , Tulaite Kamile , Tamuliene Jelena
Published: January 2022

New data on 3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine 1,4-dioxide (tirapazamine) fluorescence has been obtained using the Perkin–Elmer UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer Lambda 950 experimental technique in combination with the extensive DFT-theory approach. Based on the results obtained, we revealed that theoptical properties of the molecule under study remain significantly unchanged when the number of oxygen substitutions decreases from 2 to 0. Here we also present the results of the study of the influence of acetonitrile and ethyl acetate on the fluorescence of tirapazamine with the different number of oxygen atoms. Results of our investigation indicate the formation of anion in the case of 3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine 1,4-dioxide with two oxygen atoms and their transformation to tirapazamine with one oxygen atom.
Green Self-Activating Synthesis System for Porous Carbons; Celery Biomass Wastes as a Typical Case for CO2 Uptake with Kinetic, Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Khowsroshahi Mobin Safarzadeh , Mashhadimoslem Hossein , Emrooz Hosein Banna Motejadded , Ghaemi Ahad , Naghavi Mahsa S Hosseini
Published: January 2022

A green self-activating synthesis system (SASS) has been introduced for porous carbons. In the presented system, there is no external support for the activation process, and the activating agents are the circulating gases released during the pyrolysis treatment. As a typical case, this system was used for the synthesis of hierarchical porous carbons from celery wastes in hydroponic greenhouses. Based on the adsorption-desorption results, the optimal porous carbons were synthesized at 700°C, providing a surface area as high as 1126 m2g−1 and micropore volume of approximately 0.7 cm3g−1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the presence of graphitic nitrogen in the synthesized porous carbon structure. The synthesized porous carbons were applied as an adsorbent for CO2 capture. CO2 adsorption was performed at low and high pressures at various temperatures. Under low pressures (0-1 bar), the synthesized carbons adsorbed 5 mmolg−1 at 0°C and 2.03 mmolg−1 at 25°C. The adsorption capacity of the synthesized carbon at 25°C and a relatively high pressure of 9.5 bar was 9.57 mmolg−1. Based on the thermodynamic and kinetic models, it was clarified that the adsorption process can be regarded as physisorption with an adsorption enthalpy of 23.2 kJ.mol−1. Additionally, the fractional-order kinetic model was found to be the best match in the kinetic curves. The synthesis system described herein represents a promising strategy for producing green porous carbon from various waste organic precursors.
FHL2 Regulates Proliferation Differentiation and Autophagy of Bovine Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells Through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Yun , Li Peng , Dan Xingang , Kang Xingang , Ma Yun , Shi Yuangang
Published: January 2022

The mechanism of physiological regulation of bovine skeletal muscle development is a complex process, and FHL2 has been studied in association with β-catenin activity and has previously been reported to play a role in skeletal muscle.However the mechanism of FHL2 action in regulating skeletal muscle development in bovine skeletal myosatellite is unclear. Here, we report that FHL2 can both promote the proliferation and differentiation of bovine myosatellite cells through the wnt signaling pathway and bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells through cellular autophagy. The results of western blotting, rt-qPCT, cell transfection assay showed that FHL2 gene expression was enhanced during the proliferation of skeletal muscle satellite cells, and FHL2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and differentiation of bovine satellite cells and promoted the atrophy of myotubes. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation assays yielded that FHL2 knockdown decreased β-catenin activity in BMSCs and activated β-catenin-mediated wnt signaling pathway in combination with DVL-2, and that FHL2 knockdown induced autophagy in bovine satellite cells. Therefore, the FHL2 gene is a key gene in the regulation of bovine satellite cells.
Stress-Induced Despair Behavior Develops Independently of the AHR-RORgt Axis in CD4+ cells
Authors: Rivet-Noor Courtney R. , Merchak Andrea R. , Li Sihan , Beiter Rebecca M. , Lee Sangwoo , Thomas Jalon Aaron , Fernández-Castañeda Anthony , Shin Jung-Bum , Gaultier Alban
Published: January 2022

Current treatments for major depressive disorder are limited to neuropharmacological approaches and are ineffective for large numbers of patients. Recently, alternative means have been explored to understand the etiology of depression. Specifically, changes in the microbiome and immune system have been observed in both clinical settings and in mouse models. As such, microbial supplements and probiotics have become a target for potential therapeutics. A current hypothesis for the mechanism of action of these supplements is via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor’s (AHR) modulation of the T helper 17 cell (Th17) and T regulatory cell axis. As inflammatory RORgt+ CD4+ Th17 T cells and their primary cytokine IL-17 have been implicated in the development of stress-induced depression, the connection between stress, the AHR, Th17s and depression remains critical to disease understanding. Here, we utilize genetic knockouts to examine the role of the microbial sensor AHR in the development of stress induced despair behavior. We observe an AHR-independent increase in gut-associated Th17s in stressed mice, indicating that AHR is not responsible for this communication. Further, we utilized a CD4-specific Rorc knockout line to disrupt the production of Th17s. Mice lacking Rorc induced IL-17 did not show any differences in behavior from controls before or after stress. Finally, we utilize an unsupervised machine learning system to examine minute differences in behavior that could not be observed in traditional behavioral assays. Our data demonstrate that neither CD4 specific Ahr nor Rorc are necessary for the development of stress-induced anxiety-or depressive-like behaviors. These data suggest that research approaches should focus on other sources or sites of IL-17 production in stress-induced depression.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study On Non-Axisymmetric Spinning With a Groove At The Middle of The Tube
Authors: Jia Zhen , Wang Xuan , Shen Yongping , Xie Yilian , Gong Xue , Liu Baoming
Published: January 2022

Spinning is widely used in aerospace and automobile industries, and non-axisymmetric spinning is developing with the increasing demand of irregular shape forming. Based on this, an avoidance groove at the middle of the tube (AGMT) which has potential application value in aircraft structure weight reduction is proposed and formed by using non-axisymmetric die-less spinning. The roller path is analyzed. The relationship between radial displacement of roller and the rotation angle of the tube is deduced. Based on the roller path, 3D finite element model is established. Then, the AGMT spinning experiment is carried out to verify the simulation results. The maximum deviation between the simulation and experimental results is less than 15%. It is indicated that the 3D finite element model established in this study is reliable and the method for the AGMT forming is feasible. The wall thickness and strain-stress distributions are analyzed. The severe wall thicken and thinning occur in the transition zones, so more attention should be paid to these positions. The depth of the groove has great impact on the forming quality. Deeper groove results in distortion and larger wall thickness difference. The research laid a foundation for the further development and optimization of the AGMT spinning.
Higher Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio is Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Japanese General Male Population
Authors: Kinoshita Hirotaka , Takekawa Daiki , Kudo Takashi , Sawada Kaori , Mikami Tatsuya , Hirota Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2022

Relationships between the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and/or the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neuroinflammatory diseases have been reported. Depression is also associated with neuroinflammation. Here, we determined the association between the NLR, PLR, and depression. This cross-sectional study is a secondary analysis of the data of the Iwaki Health Promotion Project 2017. We analyzed the characteristics and laboratory data of 1,015 Japanese subjects (597 females, 408 males) including their NLR and PLR values. We assigned the subjects with a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) score ≥16 to the depression group. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine whether the NLR and/or PLR were associated with depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥16). Two hundred subjects (19.7%; 122 [20.4%] females, 78 [19.1%] males) were assigned to the depression group. There were significant differences between the depression and non-depression groups in the NLR [median (25th to 75th percentile): 1.54 (1.24, 1.97) vs. 1.76 (1.32, 2.37), p=0.005] and the PLR [median (25th to 75th percentile): 123.7 (102.0, 153.9) vs. 136.8 (107.0, 166.5), p=0.047] in males, but not in females. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the NLR was significantly associated with depression in the males (adjusted odds ratio: per 1 increase, 1.570; 95% confidence interval: 1.120–2.220; p=0.009). In conclusion, our findings indicate that higher NLR may be associated with depressive symptoms in males.
Mapping Earthquake Risk Sensitivity of Land Use Plan at Local Level for Sustainable Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP)
Authors: Barua Uttama , Ansary Mehedi Ahmed , Islam Ishrat
Published: January 2022

Risk-Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP) is the process of mainstreaming disaster risk management parameters in land use planning. To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of RSLUP, it is necessary to identify and understand the existing risk sensitivity of the land use plan. This research aims to develop a GIS-based multi-criteria zoning approach for mapping earthquake risk sensitivity of the land use plan of a local level area. For this purpose, Uttara Residential Model Town (URMT) (third phase), Dhaka, Bangladesh has been selected as the study area considering its earthquake risk for exposure to a potential earthquake. The methodology applied in this research is comprised of two steps. Firstly, assessment of the spatial earthquake risk sensitivity of the proposed land use plan of the study area based on the risk themes and corresponding risk attributes including both natural characteristics as well as built environment factors. They are macro-form risks (seismic hazard assessment), risks in urban texture (proximity from primary roads), special risk areas (geomorphic suitability and proximity from waterbody), open space scarcity risk, and risks in critical facilities (potential temporary disaster shelter and health facilities). Secondly, preparation of earthquake risk sensitivity zoning map by overlaying the spatial risk attribute maps based on weights determined through Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). This research brings out the importance and a methodology to assess risk sensitivity of the land use of an area at the local level, which can further foster sustainable RSLUP reflecting the risk sensitivity accordingly and effectively.
Prenatal and Early-Life Environmental Factors, Family Demographics and Cortical Brain Anatomy in 5-Year-Olds: An MRI Study From FinnBrain Birth Cohort
Authors: Silver Eero , Pulli Elmo P. , Kataja Eeva-Leena , Kumpulainen Venla , Copeland Anni , Saukko Ekaterina , Saunavaara Jani , Merisaari Harri , Lähdesmäki Tuire , Parkkola Riitta , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Tuulari Jetro
Published: January 2022

The human brain develops dynamically during early childhood, when the child is sensitive to both genetic programming and extrinsic exposures. Recent studies have found links between prenatal and early life environmental factors, family demographics and the cortical brain morphology in newborns measured by surface area, volume and thickness. Here in this magnetic resonance imaging study, we evaluated whether a similar set of variables associates with cortical surface area and volumes measured in a sample of 170 healthy 5-year-olds from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. We found that child sex, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, 5min APGAR score, neonatal intensive care admission and maternal smoking during pregnancy associated with surface areas. Furthermore, child sex, maternal age and maternal level of education associated with brain volumes. Expectedly, many variables deemed important for neonatal brain anatomy (such as birth weight and gestational age at birth) in earlier studies did not associate with brain metrics in our study group of 5-year-olds, which implies that their effects on brain anatomy are age-specific. Future research may benefit from including pre- and perinatal covariates in the analyses when such data are available. Finally, we provide evidence for right lateralization for surface area and volumes except for the temporal lobes. These subtle differences between hemispheres are variable across individuals and may be interesting brain metrics in future studies.
Carrier-Free Multifunctional Nanomedicine For Intraperitoneal Disseminated Ovarian Cancer Therapy
Authors: Huang Xiuyu , Qiu Miaojuan , Wang Tianqi , Li Binbin , Zhang Shiqiang , Zhang Tianzhi , Liu Peng , Wang Qiang , Qian Zhi Rong , Zhu Chengming , Wu Meiying , Zhao Jing
Published: January 2022

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer which is characterized by extensive peritoneal implantation metastasis and malignant ascites. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment in recent years, the five-year survival rate is only 25 - 30%. Therefore, developing multifunctional nanomedicine with abilities of promoting apoptosis and inhibiting migration on tumor cells would be a promising strategy to improve the antitumor effect.Methods and results: In this study, we developed a novel ACaT nanomedicine composed of alendronate, calcium ions and cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitor THZ1. With the average size of 164 nm and zeta potential of 12.4 mV, the spherical ACaT nanoparticles were selectively internalized by tumor cells and effectively accumulated in the tumor site. Results of RNA-sequencing and in vitro experiments showed that ACaT promoted tumor cell apoptosis and inhibited tumor cell migration by arresting the cell cycle, increasing ROS and affecting calcium homeostasis. Weekly intraperitoneally administered of ACaT for 8 cycles significantly inhibited the growth of tumor and prolonged the survival of intraperitoneal xenograft mice.Conclusion: In summary, this study presents a new self-assembly nanomedicine with favorable tumor targeting, antitumor activity and good biocompatibility, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced ovarian cancer.
Effects of a Verbal Intervention for Head and Neck Posture on Lumbar Lordosis Angles in Healthy Young and Older Adults: a Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhai Meiling , Huang Yongchao , Zhou Shi , Feng Jiayun , Pei Chaolei , Wen Li
Published: January 2022

Background Postural rehabilitation plays an important role in the treatment of non-specific low back pain. Although pelvic inclination has been widely used to improve lumbar lordosis, the effect of cervical anterior inclination on lumbar lordosis in young and older adults, in sitting and standing posture is still unclear. This preliminary study was designed to examine the influence of changing the cervical anterior angle on the lumbar lordosis angle, through alterations of the head position under the natural sitting and standing conditions, aiming to provide a basis for establishing a new postural rehabilitation strategy.Methods Thirty-eight older (68.4 ± 5.9 years old) and 36 young (24.0 ± 2.2 years old) healthy adults participated in this study. The four spinal regional angles - cervical anterior angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, and pelvic foreword inclination angle were measured in standing and relaxed sitting postures to determine the effects of a postural cueing, “inclining head backward and performing chin tuck”, for the head and neck posture on lumbar lordosis angle.Results In the standing posture, the pelvic foreword inclination angle in the older group was significantly smaller (P <0.001) than that in the young group, and increased significantly (P <0.001) post the postural cueing. In addition, the thoracic kyphosis angle in the standing (P = 0.001) and sitting (P = 0.003) positions was significantly reduced post the postural cueing. However, the lumbar lordosis angle post postural cueing increased significantly in both the standing position (P <0.001) and sitting position (P <0.001).Conclusion The results suggest that increasing the cervical anterior angle can indeed increase the lumbar lordosis angle, and the cervical anterior inclination can be used as an alternative to pelvic foreward inclination to improve the lumbar lordosis angle. Furthermore, the change of head and neck posture can reduce the thoracic kyphosis angle, making it possible to establish a new non-invasive body posture rehabilitation strategy.(approval number TJUS2019032)
The Role of the Double Layer for the Pseudocapacitance of the Hydrogen Adsorption on Platinum
Authors: Schalenbach Maximilian , Durmus Y. Emre , Tempel Hermann , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger-A.
Published: January 2022

Pseudocapacitances such as the hydrogen adsorption on platinum (HAoPt) are associated with faradaic chemical processes that appear as capacitive in their potentiodynamic response, which was reported to result from the kinetics of adsorption processes. This study discusses an alternative interpretation of the partly capacitive response of the HAoPt that is based on the proton transport of ad- or desorbed hydrogen in the double layer. Potentiodynamic perturbations of equilibrated surface states of the HAoPt lead to typical double layer responses with the characteristic resistive-capacitive relaxations that overshadow the fast adsorption kinetics. A potential-dependent double layer representation by a dynamic transmission line model incorporates the HAoPt in terms of capacitive contributions and can computationally reconstruct the charge exchanged in full range cyclic voltammetry data. The coupling of charge transfer with double layer dynamics displays a novel physicochemical theory to explain the phenomenon of pseudocapacitance and the mechanisms in thereon based supercapacitors.
Resting Behavior of Malaria Vectors in Ghana and Its Implication on Vector Control.
Authors: Forson Akua Obeng , Hinne Isaac A. , Dhikrullahi Shittu B. , Sr Isaac Kwame , Mohammed Abdul Rahim , Attah Simon K. , Afrane Yaw A
Published: January 2022

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is widespread use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and Indoor residual spraying (IRS) to help control the density of malaria vectors and decrease the incidence of malaria in communities. An understanding of the interactions between increased insecticide use and resting behaviour patterns of malaria mosquitoes is important for an effective vector control programme. This study was carried out to investigate the resting behavior, host preference and infection with Plasmodium falciparum of malaria vectors in Ghana in the context of increasing insecticide resistance in malaria vectors in sub-saharan Africa.Methods: Indoor and outdoor resting Anopheline mosquitoes were sampled during the dry and rainy seasons in five sites that were in 3 ecological landscapes [Sahel savannah (Kpalsogou, Pagaza, Libga), Coastal savannah (Anyakpor) and Forest (Konongo) zones] using pyrethrum spray catches (PSC), mechanical aspiration (Prokopack) for indoor collections, pit shelter and Prokopack for outdoor collections. PCR based molecular diagnostics were used to determine mosquito speciation, genotype for knockdown resistance mutations (L1014S and L1014F), G119S Ace-1 mutation, specific host blood meal origins and sporozoite infection in field collected mosquitoes.Results: Anopheles gambiae s. l. was the predominant species (89.95%, n = 1,718), followed by An. rufipes (8.48%, n=162), and An. funestus s. l. (1.57%, n = 30). Sibling species of the Anopheles gambiae revealed An. coluzzii accounted for 63% (95% CI: 57.10 – 68.91), followed by An. gambiae s. s [27% (95% CI: 21.66 – 32.55)], and An. arabiensis [9% (95% CI: 6.22 – 13.57)]. The mean resting density of An. gambiae s. l. was higher outdoors (79.63%; 1,368/1,718) than indoors (20.37%; 350/1,718) (z = -4.815, p< 0.0001). The kdr west L1014F and the Ace-1 mutations were highest in indoor resting An. coluzzii and An. gambiae in the sahel-savannah sites compared to the forest and coastal savannah sites. Overall, the blood meal analyses revealed a large proportion of the malaria vectors preferred feeding on humans (70.2 %) than animals (29.8%) in all sites. The sporozoite rates was only detected in indoor resting An. coluzzii from the sahel savannah (5.0%) and forest (2.5%) zones.Conclusion: The study reports high outdoor resting densities of An. gambiae and An. coluzzii with high kdr west mutation frequencies, and persistence of malaria transmission indoors despite the use of LLINs and IRS. Continuous monitoring of changes in resting behavior of mosquitoes and implementation of complementary malaria control interventions are needed to target outdoor resting Anopheles mosquitoes in Ghana.
Ultrahigh ON/Off Current Ratio γ-Graphyne-1 Nanotube Based Sub 10 nm TFET Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Rouzkhash Behrouz , Salehi Alireza , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi
Published: January 2022

Utilizing γ-graphyne-1 nanotubes (GyNTs) in the Tunneling Field Effect Transistors (TFETs) suppresses ambipolarity and enhances subthreshold swing (SS) of TFETs which is because of large energy band gap and high electron effective mass of GyNTs. In this research analysis of structural, electronic and thermoelectric properties of γ-graphyne-1 family under the deformation potential (DP) approach reveals that electron-phonon mean free path (MFP) of an Armchair GyNT (3AGyNT) and Zigzag GyNT (2ZGyNT) are 45 and 290 nm, respectively. Therefore, ballistic transport of sub 10 nm 3AGyNT-TFETs and 2ZGyNT-TFETs in different channel lengths are investigated utilizing Non-Equilibrium Green’s Function (NEGF) formalism in the DFTB platform. Ultrahigh Current Ratio (OOCR) value of 1.6 x 1010 at VDD = 0.2 V and very low point SS of 5 mV/dec are belonged to the 3AGyNT-TFET with channel length of 9.6 nm. 2ZGyNT-TFETs shows higher on-state current and SS as well as lower OOCR than those of 3AGyNT-TFETs. A linear relationship between channel length and logarithmic off-state current is reported that is consistent with WKB approximation. The obtained results along with the ultralow power consumption of the suggested GyNT-TFETs, make them as replacement of digital silicon MOSFETs in the next generation nanoelectronic devices.
Development of SSR Markers and Genetic Diversity Evaluation of Mycocentrospora Acerina Causing Round Spot of Panax Notoginseng in Yunan Province, China
Authors: Wang Huiling , Yang Kuan , Guo Liwei , Luo Lifen , He Chi , Li Xiang , Liu Yixiang , Huang Huichuan , Yang Min , Zhu Shusheng , Zhu Youyong , He Xiahong
Published: January 2022

Sanqi round spot, which is caused by Mycocentrospora acerina, is a destructive disease limits the production of Panax notoginseng in Yunnan province of China. However, the disease has not been studied comprehensively. In the current study, we identify M. acerina polymorphic microsatellite markers using CERVUS 3.0 and compare the genetic diversity of its isolates from P. notoginseng round spot using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Thirty-two SSR markers with good polymorphism were developed using MISA and CERVUS 3.0. The genetic diversity of 187 M. acerina isolates were evaluated using 14 representative SSR primers, and the polymorphic information content values of 14 sites ranged from 0.813 to 0.946, with a total of 264 alleles detected at 14 microsatellite loci. The average expected heterozygosity was 0.8967. The genetic diversity of M. acerina in Yunnan province does not reflect geographic specificity.
Color Image Encryption Scheme Based On Alternate Quantum Walk and Controlled Rubik’s Cube
Authors: Zhao Jingbo , Zhang Tian , Jiang Jianwei , Fang Tong , Ma Hongyang
Published: January 2022

Aiming at solving the trouble that digital image information is easily intercepted and tampered during transmission, we proposed a color image encryption scheme based on alternate quantum random walk and controlled Rubik’s Cube transformation. At the first, the color image is separated into three channels: channel R, channel G and channel B. Besides, a random sequence is generated by alternate quantum walk. Then the six faces of the Rubik’s Cube are decomposed and arranged in a specific order on a two-dimensional plane, and each pixel of the image is randomly mapped to the Rubik’s Cube. The whirling of the Rubik’s Cube is controlled by a random sequence to realize image scrambling and encryption. The scrambled image acquired by Rubik’s Cube whirling and the random sequence received by alternate quantum walk are bitwise-XORed to obtain a single-channel encrypted image. Finally the three-channel image is merged to acquire the final encrypted image. The decryption procedure is the reverse procedure of the encryption procedure. The key space of this scheme is theoretically infinite. After simulation experiments, the information entropy after encryption reaches 7.999, the NPCR is 99.5978%, and the UACI is 33.4317%. The encryption scheme with high robustness and security has a excellent encryption effect which is effective to resist statistical attacks, force attacks, and other differential attacks.