bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The oxygen reduction reaction on M-MO x (M=Fe/Co) carbon-based catalyst through DFT calculations
Authors: Tao Zeyu , Liu Hangcheng , Wang Jinhui , Liu Jianfeng , Shi Zhengrong
Published: October 2023

Designing rational, efficient, and durable electrocatalysts with high performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is critical for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this work, the ORR on M-MOx (M = Fe/Co) carbon-based catalysts was simulated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results suggested that it has the maximum adsorption energy (Co/Co3O4/GC(-1.543eV)) and the minimum desorption energy (Co/Co3O4/GC(-11.383eV)) for ORR when doping with the same element at the top of the target atom. Moreover, it was found that the impurity energy level appeared near the Fermi energy level, which indicated that doping with transition metal can improve the catalyst’s conductivity and enhance its electron transfer rate. The interaction between transition metals and these oxidized composite catalysts was also compared and analyzed by the density of states, and partial density of states, which provided a theoretical basis for the doping modifications of transition metal oxides as electrode materials.
Improved optical performance in circular-grating distributed feedback nanoplasmonic lasers
Authors: Yang Zhenyuan , Peng Wenxin , Li Songnong , Liu Ziang , Liu Zhuonan , Yu Peiquan , Wan Weihao , Huang Xiaoping
Published: October 2023

Optical modes control has been driven from vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) applications with multi-mode operation such as optical fiber communication or optical sensing. Optical gain materials coupling with optical resonators provides an effective way to tunning the optical mode of VCSELs. In this paper, a kind of nanoplasmonic laser was designed by using semiconductor nanorods array coupled optically with a distributed feedback circular grating. In this device, the mode field was cooperatively controlled by the confinement of surface plasmon around the nanorod cavity, and the spatially tune with the distributed feedback circular grating. Based on the physical model, the optimal device design with excellent lasering performance was achieved through a complete optimizing numerical simulation with multiple effects. The monochromatic circular grating distributed feedback nanoplasmonic laser functions the optimum lasing performance with a single-longitudinal mode peak at 511.2 nm, 3 dB line width of 1.98 pm, a side-mode rejection ratio of 45 dB, and a threshold current of 124 mA. A six-fold rotational symmetric far-field mode corresponding to the third-order Laguerre Gaussian azimuth mode was demonstrated by the distributed feedback circular grating. This work paves a fundamental way for the mode engineering design of novel nanolaser in the technical applications of optical communication, sensing and integrated photonics.
Exploring the causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and common andrological diseases based on Mendelian randomization
Authors: Liu Wenbang , Zhang Chenming , Ma Sicheng , Hu Jing , Ma Ruimin , Hao Xiaohui , Yu Wenlin , Zhang Lishuo , Cui Hehe
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study was designed to analyze the causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and common male diseases (male infertility, prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, orchitis and epididymitis, sexual dysfunction and sperm cyst) using Mendelian randomization and to provide suggestions for clinical prevention and treatment.
Methods and materials: A summary dataset of genome-wide association studies was used for the method study. Mendelian randomization was performed using inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and MR‒Egger regression analysis to assess the causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and common andrological diseases. Heterogeneity was tested using the Cochran Q method, pleiotropic properties were tested using the MR‒Egger and MR-PRESSO methods, and sensitivity was tested using the leave-one-out method.
Results: The results showed that the risk of male infertility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis was 2.389 times that in patients Non-ankylosing spondylitis (OR=2.389, 95% CL: 1.334–4.278, P=0.034), and the risk of prostatic hyperplasia was correspondingly increased (OR=1.260, 95% CL: 1.057–1.501, P=0.009), without a significant causal relationship with other common male diseases. The results of the MR‒Egger analysis and the weighted median method were not significant. The results from the Cochran Q method showed no heterogeneity of the included SNPs. The results from the MR‒Egger and MR-PRESSO methods indicated that there was no horizontal pleiotropic effect between exposure and outcome variables. The results of the sensitivity analysis with the one-stay method were stable, and no strong impact of SNP sites in instrumental variables on the results was detected.
Limitations: Additional research is imperative.
Conclusion: There is a positive causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and male infertility, and benign prostate hyperplasia. Suffering from ankylosing spondylitis will increase the risk of male infertility and BPH.
Human Parathyroid Hormone (1-34) accelerates skin wound healing through inducing cell migration via up-regulating the expression of Rac1
Authors: Sun Qingpeng , Zhou Liya , Yu Zhiyong , Zhang Jun , Zhang Chao , Pi Honglin
Published: October 2023

Delayed wound healing is a public issue that imposes a significant burden on both society and the patients themselves. To date, although numerous methods have been developed to accelerate the speed of wound closure, the therapeutic effects are partially limited due to the complex procedures, high costs, potential side effects, and ethical concerns. While some studies have reported that the in-vivo application of Human Parathyroid Hormone (1–34) (hPTH(1–34)) promotes the wound-healing process, the definitive role and underlying mechanisms through which it regulates the behavior of fibroblasts and keratinocytes remains unclear. Herein, hPTH(1–34)’s role in cell migration is evaluated with a series of in-vitro and in-vivo studies, whereby hPTH(1–34)’s underlying mechanism in activating the two types of cells was detected. The in-vitro study revealed that hPTH(1–34) enhanced the migration of both fibroblasts and HaCaT cells. Ras-associated C3 botulinum toxin subunit 1 (Rac1), a classical member of the Rho family, was upregulated in hPTH(1–34)-treated fibroblasts and HaCaT cells. Further study by silencing the expression of Rac1 with siRNA reversed the hPTH(1–34)-enhanced cell migration, thus confirming that Rac1 was involved in HPTH(1–34)-induced cell behavior. In-vivo study on rat wound models confirmed the effects of hPTH(1–34) on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, with increased collagen deposition, fibroblasts accumulation, and Rac1 expression in the hPTH(1–34)-treated wounds. In summary, the present study demonstrated that hPTH(1–34) accelerated wound healing through enhancing the migration of cells through the up-regulation of Rac1 expression.
Detailed Cloud Linear Regression Services in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Seno Mohammed E. , Mohammad Omer Jasim , Dhannoon Ban
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a novel cloud-based machine learning framework centered around a linear regression method known as Cloud Linear Regression (CLR). CLR combines elements of cloud technology and machine learning principles. Furthermore, it explores the connection between cloud task scheduling, distribution, and machine learning methodologies, showcasing how linear regression techniques play a pivotal role in enhancing the cloud environment. CLR demonstrated it is effectiveness in dealing with expansive environments that have big data by exhibiting high thorough mining for the best resource predictive accuracy and response times, it has been applied to three scenarios for the best CPU accuracy utilization of the prediction which was (45%), (53.44%), and (59.81%) respectively. Moreover, CLR offers an efficient remedy for managing resources, including task scheduling, provisioning, allocation, and ensuring availability. CLR obtained the highest performance of (40%) with multitasking resources, (72%) with Memory utilization, (90% with logical Disk utilization, and (30%) with Bandwidth utilization.
Improving the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of PVC membrane material by incorporating zinc borate-modified diantimony trioxide
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zeng Shaohua
Published: October 2023

Zinc borate (ZB) based diantimony trioxide(Sb2O3) are environment-friendly flame retardant for flexible PVC membrane material. Also, they usually exhibit high flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties. The maximum LOI value of PVC/20 wt% ZB-Sb2O3 membrane material reached 37.5% and passed the UL 94 V-0 rating. An obvious synergistic effect between ZB and Sb2O3 was observed by LOI, SDR and TG. Moreover, remarkable decreases in the smoke density were observed when ZB-Sb2O3 was incorporated into PVC. The addition of ZB and Sb2O3 greatly increased the amount of residual char and apparently improved the mechanical properties of PVC membrane material. Additionally, the structure and morphology of the residual chars have been studied by FTIR, EDX and SEM. The results illustrated that the flame retardancy of ZB-Sb2O3 was mainly exerted in the condensed phase.
Association of Childhood Adversities on the Persistence and Remission of Drug-Naïve Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a Longitudinal Community-Based Sample
Authors: Salo Mikko , Hurtig Tuula , Nordström Tanja , Veijola Juha , Halt Anu-Helmi
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate the influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on the natural course of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without the effect of ADHD medication.
Method: 457 Finnish children (261 cases, 196 controls) partook in a clinical study where their ADHD trajectory was defined from the age of 7 to the age of 16. Using binary logistic regression analysis with psychiatric comorbidities and sex as confounders we studied the association of ACEs to this trajectory.
Results: The analysis identified a statistically significant association between high ACE scores and a partially remitting ADHD trajectory (Odds Ratio=2.07, 95 % Confidence Intervals=1.26-3.38, p=.004).
Conclusions: A high ACE score showed an association with having some persistent ADHD symptoms in adolescence while not reaching the diagnostic threshold for ADHD in the partially remitting group. This is a novel finding, and further studies with larger samples would be needed to replicate and extend these preliminary findings.
The causal relationship between depression and low back pain: a two-sample Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Liu Min , Liu Meinian , Peng Guanrong , Yang Wenlong , Yang Fengyun , Yang Zhijun , Zeng Yirong
Published: October 2023

Background
Mendelian randomization analysis was employed to examine the potential causal link between depression and low back pain. This analysis utilizes genetic variants as instrumental variables to help establish a causal relationship. By leveraging the genetic variants associated with depression as the exposure factor, the study aimed to investigate whether there is a causal effect on the development or severity of low back pain. This approach provides valuable insights into the potential causal association between these two conditions.
Methods
The entire Gene Association Study database (GWAS) was utilized for data mining in a study aiming to investigate the relationship between depression as the exposure factor and low back pain as the outcome factor. Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using regression models such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), the MR‒Egger method, the simple mode method, the weighted median method, and the weighted mode method. The objective was to uncover any potential causal relationship between the exposure factors and the outcome.
Results
In this study, a total of 25 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were utilized as instrumental variables to assess the causal association between depression and low back pain. The inverse variance weighting method estimated that individuals with depression had a 1.71 times higher risk (OR) of experiencing low back pain than the healthy population (95% CI: 1.258 to 2.332, p=0.0006). Similarly, the weighted median method also supported a causal effect between depression and low back pain (95% CI: 1.180 to 2.789, p = 0.0007). Tests for heterogeneity using the inverse variance weighting and MR‒Egger regression methods indicated no significant heterogeneity. Furthermore, the MR‒Egger regression intercept terms and MRPRESSO method tests suggested that the results were less likely to be influenced by genetic pleiotropy. Leave-one-out analyses did not identify any nonspecific SNPs that unduly influenced the results. Overall, these findings provide stronger evidence for a causal relationship between depression and low back pain.
Conclusions
There may be a positive causal association between depression and low back pain.
Enhancement of the electrochemical performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode materials for Li-ion battery by Mo-Fco-doping
Authors: Weng Yuling , Zhang Hailang L.
Published: October 2023

The pristine LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) and Mo-F co-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel materials were prepared via a rheological phase method. The four samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Compared with the pristine LNMO sample, Mo-F co-doped LNMO materials could increase the lattice parameters, reduce particle sizes, increase Mn3+ contents, and significantly improve the electrochemical performances of LNMO. The doped material exhibited optimum electrochemical properties when the Mo and F doping amounts are 1% and 3% ,respectively, denoted as Mo/F-2. The discharge capacity retention of Mo/F-2 is 95.6%, which is higher than the pristine sample (87.7%) after 100 cycles at 1C and room temperature. Furthermore, the discharge-specific capacity of the Mo/F-2 sample reaches 113.4 mAh g− 1 at 5C, while the pristine sample reaches only 61.9 mAh g− 1. After CV and EIS analysis, it was found that the Mo-F co-doped LNMO materials had better Li+ diffusion kinetics than the pristine LNMO sample. Thus, Mo-F co-doping is considered an effective modification method for LNMO cathode material.
8000-6000 year-old anthropically broken stalagmite structures up to 2km deep in the cave of Saint-Marcel, France: Traversing and using underground caves during the Early Holocene.
Authors: Delannoy Jean-Jacques , Kemper Jules , Jaillet Stephane , Pons-Branchu Edwige , Vandevelde Ségolène , Dupuy Delphine , Dapoigny Arnaud
Published: October 2023

The cave of Saint-Marcel is known for its extensive network (64 km of galleries) and its history of human occupation (Middle Paleolithic and Neolithic) in the entrance area. Close observation of the main network reveals areas with high concentrations of broken speleothems, which are usually attributed to the first tourist visits of the 19th century. However, archaeo-geomorphological mapping of the broken speleothems, many of which are lying on the floor and sealed by stalagmite regrowth or crust, indicates intentional organisation of the underground space into speleothem supply zones and zones in which the speleothems were used to build structures. Age estimates of the stalagmite seals on these human-made structures suggest that the structures were a result of human activity that occurred between the end of the Upper Palaeolithic and the European Mesolithic. These age estimates radically change the way we look at the broken speleothems in the cave of Saint-Marcel and the structures associated with them. They bring to light the engagement of past human communities with the deep underground environment, at more than 1.5 km from the cave entrance, which can only be accessed by crossing obstacles (pits) that are considered to be difficult to cross today. Our findings as well as ongoing research highlight the unequivocal archaeological significance of the cave.
The effect of noisy environment on secure quantum teleportation of uni-modal Gaussian states
Authors: Isar Aurelian , Mehrabankar Somayeh , Abbasnezhad Farkhondeh , Afshar Davood , Mahmoudi Payman
Published: October 2023

Quantum communication networks rely on quantum teleportation, a process where an unknown quantum state is transmitted between sender and receiver via entangled states and classical communication. In our study, we utilize a continuous variable two-mode squeezed vacuum state as the primary resource for quantum teleportation, shared by Alice and Bob, while exposed to a squeezed thermal environment. Secure quantum teleportation necessitates a teleportation fidelity exceeding 2/3 and the establishment of two-way steering of the resource state. We investigate the temporal evolution of steering and teleportation fidelity to determine critical parameter values for secure quantum teleportation of a coherent Gaussian state. Our findings reveal constraints imposed by temperature, dissipation rate, and squeezing parameters of the squeezed thermal reservoir on the duration of secure quantum teleportation. Intriguingly, we demonstrate that increasing the initial state’s squeezing parameter effectively extends the temporal window for successful secure quantum teleportation.
Identification of Immune-Related Genes and Construction of Metastasis Prediction Model for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: LIAO Zhixiao , Zhou Jingxu , Xia Rui , Zhu Jinli , Jia Yingjie , Deng Yueyang
Published: October 2023

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the immune-related genes (IRGs) associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis, and establish a risk score prediction model.
Methods: Gene expression information and clinical data of NSCLC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened based on tumor group and normal group. DEGs were intersected with IRGs from the ImmPort database to obtain differentially expressed IRGs (DEIRGs). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to determine the hub DEIRGs (HubDEIRGs) related to immune scores. Risk score was calculated based on the significant HubDEIRGs through logistic regression analyses. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the influencing factors for metastasis with age, gender, T stage and risk score as covariates. A metastasis risk nomogram was constructed. The correlation between risk score and immune cells infiltration was examined.
Results: A total of 477 HubDEIRGs were identified. PDK1, PROC, IL11, SH2D1B, S100A5, AGT, WFDC2, CRHR2 and EREG were metastasis-associated immune genes. Age, T stage and risk score served as independent risk factors for metastasis. The areas under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram were 0.714 and 0.643 in the training and validation sets. The calibration curve was close to the ideal diagonal line. The high-risk group had a greater degree of immune infiltration than the low-risk group.
Conclusion: The risk scoring model for predicting the risk of metastasis in NSCLC patients based on 9 immune genes in this study had importantly potential clinical application value.
Preventing abuse and enhancing mental health among infertile couples: results of a pre/post pilot test of the use of cognitive behavior therapy among fertility service seekers in Jordan
Authors: Clark Cari Jo , Al-Hamdan Zaid , Bawadi Hala , Alsalem Hussein , Hamadneh Jehan , Al-Haija Adnan Abu , Hadd Alexandria Ree , Spencer Rachael A. , Bergenfeld Irina , Hall-Clifford Rachel
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Infertility increases women’s risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to treat mental health problems among fertility treatment seeking patients. CBT has not been tested for its potential to reduce IPV in this population. We pilot test the use of CBT to prevent IPV and improve patients' mental health in a fertility clinic in Jordan.
Methods
Of 38 eligible fertility-treatment seeking couples, 16 consented and underwent up to 11 CBT sessions (average = 9) over 3 months. Interviews at baseline and 16 weeks post intervention (endline) assessed IPV, quality of life, social support, coping, and fear of spouse. Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar’s tests were used to assess change in outcomes.
Results
At baseline, women's rates of IPV, depression, and anxiety were 75%, 87.5%, and 75% respectively, whereas men's rates of depression and anxiety were each 80%. Average baseline post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms for men and women were 3.3 and 2.7 respectively out of 5. IPV decreased 25% after treatment, and women reported less spousal fear. For both men and women, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms decreased and social support and fertility quality of life improved.
Conclusion
Psychosocial support should be standard of care for the treatment of infertility given the burden of mental health problems and IPV and the utility of CBT in this patient population. Co-design with couples is needed to identify strategies to bolster participation along with population-based interventions to combat the stigma of infertility and mental health service use and enhance women's status.
A Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Multi-Resource Pricing Game in Computing Power Network
Authors: Huang Xiaojie , Xu Fangmin , Zhao cheng , Wang Zhuwei , Chen Xiaomin
Published: October 2023

Computing Power Network (CPN) integrates network, computing and storage resources to achieve efficient collaboration of cloud, edge and end, and meet the industry's demand for highly differentiated computing services. In contrast to fixed pricing, dynamic pricing allows mobile users (MUs) to request and pay for resources based on their demands. Resource providers (RPs) meet the needs of MUs through personalized network services and benefit from differentiated pricing. Traditional edge computing is limited to study the pricing of single resource, but the integration of multiple resources in CPN makes the scene more complex. To address this problem, we propose a multi-leader multi-follower Stackelberg game model for the dynamic pricing of multiple resources problem between RPs acting as leaders and MUs acting as followers. Specifically, we first give the initial unit price announced by RPs, MUs use the trust region method to solve the optimal purchase amount of computing resources and communication resources. After that, each leader observes the request and iteratively adjusted the pricing strategy based on the Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG). Simulation results show that stakeholders' benefits in multi-resource pricing are better than that in single-resource pricing.
The effect of topological design on the degradation behavior of additively manufactured porous zinc alloy
Authors: Li Yageng , Shi Yixuan , Xu Wei , Che Haodong , Zhao Shangyan , Chang Weiwei , Li Xuan , Lu Yuchen , Xue Chenran , Zhang Dawei , Wang Luning
Published: October 2023

The advent of additively manufactured biodegradable porous metals presents a transformative opportunity to meet the criteria of ideal bone substitutes. Precisely tailoring their degradation behavior constitutes a pivotal aspect of this endeavor. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the effects of topological designs on the degradation profile of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) Zn scaffolds under dynamic in vitro immersion tests. Specifically, four types of Zn-0.4Mn-0.2Mg scaffolds (beam-based: diamond, face center cubic; surface-based: gyroid, schwarz-P) were designed and fabricated. The degradation mechanism of the scaffolds was comprehensively evaluated using both experimental and simulation methods. The results illuminate the profound impact of structural design on the degradation properties of the Zn alloy scaffolds. The beam-based diamond and face center cubic scaffolds exhibited a degradation rate of 0.5–0.8 mm/year with a relatively uniform degradation mode under dynamic immersion. On the contrary, the surface-based gyroid and Schwarz-P scaffolds demonstrated a notably reduced degradation rate due to lower permeability. This restricted the diffusion of medium ions within the pores, culminating in the accumulation of degradation products and more severe localized degradation. This study underscores the potential of topological design as a compelling strategy for tailoring the degradation profile of additively manufactured biodegradable scaffolds, thereby advancing their suitability as bone substitutes.
The Potential Efficacy of Artemisia Anuua L. Extract Nanoparticles in Mitigating Obesity-Related-Metabolic Complications in Hypercaloric Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Mohameda Maha M. , Mohamed Enas Ali Kamel
Published: October 2023

Obesity-related health problems are getting worse in various societies worldwide. Artemisia anuua L. (AA) has distinctive health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing properties; however, its major constituents' limitedsolubility and bioavailability constrain its absorption. This study aimed to use a sonochemical technique to nano-formulate the AA ethanolic extract (AAE) to produce AAE nanoparticles (AAEN) and to compare their efficacy in modulating obesity-related complications in hypercaloric (high-fat /high-sucrose, HF/HS) diet-induced obese rats. Forty-eight Sprague Dawley adult rats were divided into two main groups and fed a basal or hypercaloric diet for twelve weeks. Starting from the eighth week, each main group was subdivided into three subgroups and treated orally with either saline, AAE, or AAEN till the end of the experiment (12 weeks). AAE and AAEN exerted antiadipogenic effects. They reduced body weight and epididymal fat, mitigated dyslipidemia, improved glucose utilization, reduced insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia, increased serum adiponectin, and decreased oxidative stress andinflammatory markers. These results were mediated by controlling the expression of critical genes contributing to lipids and carbohydrate metabolism.AAEN produced more expressive ameliorating effects than the conventional extract. In conclusion, nanoformulation of Artemisia annua L. extract boosted its antiadipogenic efficacy.
NDC80 kinetochore complex serve as a potential prognostic predictor and correlate with immune infiltrates in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer patients
Authors: Yu Xiaodan , Shi Chen , Pan Meizhu , Jiang Lili , Liu Kuiran
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study focus on evaluating the prognostic value of NDC80 Kinetochore Complex (NDC80 complex) in OC underlying the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the Cancer Genome Atlas database and reveal the relationship between NDC80 complex and immune infiltrates in OC.
Methods: We collected data on NDC80 complex expression levels in both OC tissues and normal ovarian tissues from University Of Cingifornia Sisha Cruz Xena and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. The clinicopathological characteristics correlated with overall survival were analysed using Cox regression and the Kaplan–Meier method. Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis, Gene set enrichment analysis and cibersort were performed using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Immumohistochemical staining was used to verify higher expression level of NUF2 protein in OC in vitro. Meanwhile, we utilized the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource to analyze the correlation between NDC80 complex and immunocyte infiltration. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
Results: The NDC80 complex expression level was prominently higher in OC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues and correlated with advanced histologic grade characteristics. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and the Kaplan–Meier survival curve and uncovered a close relationship between high expression of NDC80 complex with poor overall survival in OC patients. The unitivariate Cox regression hazard model proved that age, pathologic stage, tumor status, primary therapy outcome, SPC24 expression level and Karnofsky performance score as prognostic factors for OC patients. NDC80 complex expression levels were highly associated with immune cell infiltration, showing NK CD56bright cells and NK cells with negative correlation and Th2 cells with positive correlation( p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings gave the evidence that increased expression level of NDC80 complex was closely associated with the progression of OC and could also serve as a novel target of immunotherapy in OC.
Exploring Effective Strategies: Guided Discovery in Teaching Surface Area of a Cylinder
Authors: Kpotosu Christian Kwame , Cudjoe Nicholas Kofi , Armah Henry Lovejoy Nii
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of implementing the Guided Discovery approach on students’ ability to determine the Surface Area of a Cylinder. The research study employed an explanatory-sequential mixed-methods design to instruct a sample of 80 students from a school situated in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The participants were put into an experimental group with no control group. Data was collected using MAT and interviews through focus group discussions. The quantitative data was subjected to analysis using two software programs: the Statistical Package for Service Solutions (SPSS version 26.0) and Microsoft Excel 2019 and the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The data was subjected to analysis using descriptive statistics, specifically frequency counts and percentages, as well as inferential statistics, specifically t-tests. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference in the academic achievement of students who were instructed in the concept of the Surface Area of a Cylinder using the Guided Discovery approach. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference observed in the post-test scores between male and female students after their exposure to the Guided Discovery method for teaching the Surface Area of a Cylinder. It was also found that students demonstrated positive experiences (clarity, interest, and lesson presentation) when learning with the Guided Discovery. Hence, it is suggested that mathematics educators should utilise the Guided Discovery approach in order to instruct students on mathematical concepts, to stimulate students' engagement and enthusiasm towards the subject matter.
Whole Mitogenome Sequencing Uncovers a Relation Between Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy and Leprosy Severity
Authors: de Souza Felipe Gouvea , Silva Moisés Batista da , de Araújo Gilderlanio S. , Silva Caio S. , Pinheiro Andrey Henrique Gama , Cáceres-Durán Miguel Ángel , Santana-da-Silva Mayara Natália , Pinto Pablo , Gobbo Angélica Rita , Costa Patrícia Fagundes da , Salgado Claudio Guedes , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea , Cavalcante Giovanna C.
Published: October 2023

Background
In recent years, a mitochondria/immune system interaction has been proposed, so that variants of mitochondrial genome and levels of heteroplasmy might deregulate important metabolic processes in fighting infections, such as leprosy. We sequenced the whole mitochondrial genome to investigate variants and heteroplasmy levels, considering patients with different clinical forms of leprosy and household contacts.
Results
We found 116 variants in at least two of the subtypes of the case group (Borderline Tuberculoid, Borderline Lepromatous, Lepromatous), suggesting a possible clinical significance to these variants. Notably, 15 variants were exclusively found in these three clinical forms, of which five variants stands out for being missense (m.3791T > C in MT-ND1, m.5317C > A in MT-ND2, m.8545G > A in MT-ATP8, m.9044T > C in MT-ATP6 and m.15837T > C in MT-CYB). In addition, we found 26 variants shared only by leprosy poles, of which two are characterized as missense (m.4248T > C in MT-ND1 and m.8027G > A in MT-CO2).
Conclusion
We found a significant number of variants and heteroplasmy levels in the leprosy patients from our cohort, suggesting for the first time that the mitogenome might be involved with the leprosy process, distinction of clinical forms and severity. Thus, future studies are needed to help understand the genetic consequences of this variants.
Watermelon Production under Protected Culture in Missouri, USA, to Reach the Local Fourth of July Market
Authors: Arancibia Ramón A. , Mecham Kathi , Harper Joni , Recker Cheryl
Published: October 2023

Eating watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a traditional part of the Fourth of July holidays in the United States; however, growing watermelon in Missouri, USA for the local Fourth of July market requires an early growing season start (beginning of April) under protected culture because of low temperatures and the risk of freezing. Therefore, ‘Yellow Doll’ watermelon production was investigated under low tunnel (LT) and caterpillar high tunnel [HT (walk-in movable two-row tunnel)], and the economic feasibility was assessed by marginal analysis for both protected cultures. Planting in early April allowed harvest to start 1 to 2 weeks before the target market date. In addition, yield increased under HT in comparison with LT and open field (Op). Marginal analysis under the conditions of this study and prices obtained from local farmers’ markets showed a positive marginal rate of return for HT in comparison with the control Op. The marginal rate of return sensitivity study suggests that differences in marketable yield of 300–400 and 200–250 lb/1200 ft2 are necessary under HT and LT, respectively, for the protected culture to be economically feasible with watermelon prices above $0.75/lb and/or $1.00/lb as obtained in local farmers’ markets. Therefore, it is possible and there is potential to produce watermelon under protected culture for the local Fourth of July market. A gain in market share with potential premium prices for watermelon may increase the sustainability of small and medium-size specialty crop farmers in Missouri. To accomplish this, it is necessary to use early cultivars (70 to 80 days to maturity), plant in early April with transplants grown in greenhouses, and make sure to manage tunnels properly to maintain favorable growing conditions, protect against freezing temperatures and ensuring good pollination.
Paclobutrazol Substrate Drenches Control Growth of Nine Black-eyed Susan Cultivars
Authors: Rich W. Tyler , Owen W. Garrett
Published: October 2023

Our objective was to quantify the efficacy of paclobutrazol substrate drenches on growth of nine black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) cultivars. Liners of ‘Autumn Colors’, ‘Cherokee Sunset’, ‘Cherry Brandy’, ‘Denver Daisy’, ‘Glowing’, ‘Happy’, ‘Indian Summer’, ‘Prairie Sun’, and ‘Sunny’ black-eyed Susan were transplanted into 6.5-inch-diameter plastic containers (2 qt) filled with a commercial soilless peat-based substrate. After 16 days, six single-plant replicates received a substrate drench of 5-fl-oz aliquots of solutions containing deionized water [0 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol (control)] or 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol (0, 0.375, 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 mg/pot). Paclobutrazol drenches of 2.5 to 20 mg·L−1 significantly influenced plant height, plant diameter, growth index (GI), and shoot dry weight (SDW) of all black-eyed Susan cultivars, although the magnitude of response to paclobutrazol substrate drench concentration varied with cultivar. For most cultivars, GI, an integrated measurement of height and diameter, was suppressed as paclobutrazol substrate drench concentrations increased from 2.5 to 20 mg·L−1, resulting in plants that were 30% to 43% smaller than untreated plants. Increasing paclobutrazol substrate drench concentrations from 2.5 to 20 mg·L−1 limited SDW of each cultivar differently, although plants were 5% to 59% smaller at 20 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol than untreated plants. Time to flower for ‘Autumn Colors’, ‘Cherry Brandy’, ‘Happy’, ‘Indian Summer’, and ‘Prairie Sunset’ was unaffected by any paclobutrazol substrate drench concentration; however, concentrations of ≤10 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol are suggested for ‘Cherokee Sunset’, ‘Denver Daisy’, ‘Glowing’, and ‘Sunny’, as higher concentrations delay flowering. Our results indicate that growers can attain growth control with substrate drenches containing 5 to 10 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol during greenhouse black-eyed Susan production without delaying flowering.
The Self-incompatibility Locus and Chloroplast DNA Regions of Prunus domestica Reflect the Origin and Genetic Diversity of Traditional Cultivars
Authors: Halász Júlia , Szendy Gergő , Ivanovska Beti , Tóth Endre György , Hegedűs Attila
Published: October 2023

A traditional cultivar, Besztercei Bt.2, and a clone of an autochthonous landrace (Nemtudom P3) of the hexaploid European plum (Prunus domestica) were studied to highlight their breeding perspectives. Five self-incompatibility ribonuclease (S-RNase) alleles were detected in both cultivars, with one allele shared. DNA sequence analysis confirmed it as a new, previously unidentified allele in P. domestica, which we labeled as S18. This allele was found to share ∼99% identity with the Prunus spinosa SB-RNase allele. Because Prunus species are readily hybridizing, sequence variations in 10 chloroplast DNA regions and nuclear internal transcribed spacers were studied to check if ‘Nemtudom P3’ and ‘Besztercei Bt.2’ are indeed P. domestica. The majority-rule consensus tree of maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences confirmed it, and also indicated genetic differentiation with ‘Nemtudom P3’ and ‘Besztercei Bt.2’ forming a statistically supported subclade within the P. domestica germplasm. Our results pointed to some regions of the P. domestica chloroplast genome (trnS-trnG-trnG, trnC-ycf6, and trnD-trnT) that can be used to detect intraspecific variations. The proportion of parsimony informative characters compared with the total length of amplified regions was the highest in the case of nrITS with 12.1%. The S-genotyping of 68 wild-growing Nemtudom trees showed the genetic consequences of long-term vegetative propagation and occasional crossing between Besztercei and Nemtudom accessions. Controlled pollinations confirmed the self-compatibility of ‘Nemtudom P3’. By clarifying their phylogenetic position, and characterizing the S-locus, our results will help breeding P. domestica cultivars and pave the way to understanding how the S-locus works in a hexaploid Prunus species.
Modelos de acesso aberto e políticas de fomento
Authors: Machado Fiuza Fialho Lia , Lavinas Sayed Picciani Bruna
Published: October 2023

Modelos de acesso aberto e políticas de fomento
A decoherence explanation of the gallium neutrino anomaly
Authors: Farzan Yasaman , Schwetz Thomas
Published: October 2023

Gallium radioactive source experiments have reported a neutrino-induced event rate about 20% lower than expected with a high statistical significance. We present an explanation of this observation assuming quantum decoherence of the neutrinos in the gallium detectors at a scale of 2 m. This explanation is consistent with global data on neutrino oscillations, including solar neutrinos, if decoherence effects decrease quickly with energy, for instance with a power law E_\nu^{-r}Eν−r with r\simeq≃ 12. Our proposal does not require the presence of sterile neutrinos but implies a modification of the standard quantum mechanical evolution equations for active neutrinos.
Restoration of the non-Hermitian bulk-boundary correspondence via topological amplification
Authors: Brunelli Matteo , Wanjura Clara C. , Nunnenkamp Andreas
Published: October 2023

Non-Hermitian (NH) lattice Hamiltonians display a unique kind of energy gap and extreme sensitivity to boundary conditions. Due to the NH skin effect, the separation between edge and bulk states is blurred and the (conventional) bulk-boundary correspondence is lost. Here, we restore the bulk-boundary correspondence for the most paradigmatic class of NH Hamiltonians, namely those with one complex band and without symmetries. We obtain the desired NH Hamiltonian from the mean-field evolution of driven-dissipative cavity arrays, in which NH terms-in the form of non-reciprocal hopping amplitudes, gain and loss-are explicitly modeled via coupling to (engineered and non-engineered) reservoirs. This approach removes the arbitrariness in the definition of the topological invariant, as point-gapped spectra differing by a complex-energy shift are not treated as equivalent; the origin of the complex plane provides a common reference (base point) for the evaluation of the topological invariant. This implies that topologically non-trivial Hamiltonians are only a strict subset of those with a point gap and that the NH skin effect does not have a topological origin. We analyze the NH Hamiltonians so obtained via the singular value decomposition, which allows to express the NH bulk-boundary correspondence in the following simple form: an integer value \nuν of the topological invariant defined in the bulk corresponds to \vert \nu\vert|ν| singular vectors exponentially localized at the system edge under open boundary conditions, in which the sign of \nuν determines which edge. Non-trivial topology manifests as directional amplification of a coherent input with gain exponential in system size. Our work solves an outstanding problem in the theory of NH topological phases and opens up new avenues in topological photonics.
Probabilistic deconstruction of a theory of gravity, part I: Flat space
Authors: Suh Sunok Josephine
Published: October 2023

We define and analyze a stochastic process in anti-de Sitter Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity, induced by the quantum dynamics of the boundary and whose random variable takes values in AdS_2AdS2. With the boundary in a thermal state and for appropriate parameters, we take the asymptotic limit of the quantum process at short time scales and flat space, and show associated classical joint distributions have the Markov property. We find that Einstein’s equations of the theory, sans the cosmological constant term, arise in the semi-classical limit of the quantum evolution of probability under the asymptotic process. In particular, in flat Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity, the area of compactified space solved for by Einstein’s equations can be identified as a probability density evolving under the Markovian process.
Matrix product operator representations for the local conserved quantities of the Heisenberg chain
Authors: Yamada Kyoichi , Fukai Kouhei
Published: October 2023

We present the explicit expressions for the matrix product operator (MPO) representation for the local conserved quantities of the Heisenberg chain. The bond dimension of the MPO grows linearly with the locality of the charges. The MPO has more simple form than the local charges themselves, and their Catalan tree patterns naturally emerge from the matrix products. The MPO representation of local conserved quantities is generalized to the integrable SU(N) invariant spin chain.
Looking forward to forward physics at the CERN's LHC
Authors: Anchordoqui Luis A.
Published: October 2023

For decades, new physics searches in collider experiments have focused on the high-p_TpT region. However, it has recently become evident that the LHC physics potential has not been fully exploited. To be specific, forward collisions, which produce particles along the beamline with enormous rates, have been almost completely ignored. For all practical purposes, these collisions are a treasure trove of physics, containing the highest-energy neutrinos ever produced by humans, as well as possible evidence for dark matter, light and weakly-coupled particles, and new forces. In the upcoming LHC Run 3 the ForwArd Search ExpeRiment (FASER) and its cousin FASER\nuν will extend the LHC’s physics potential. A continuation of this forward physics program for the HL-LHC aims at the Forward Physics Facility (FPF), with larger scale experiments. In this report, I give an overview of the physics motivations for FASER, FASER\nuν, and the FPF experiments, including both Standard Model and beyond Standard Model physics.
Determinants of Indonesian stock market development: Implementation of an ARDL bound testing approach
Authors: Siska Elmira , Duraipandi Oyyappan , Widodo Purwanto
Published: October 2023

The Indonesian stock market is a growing financial industry that plays a strategic role in the growth of the country’s economy. Its development is affected by various factors. This study examined the impact of the exchange rate, gross domestic product (GDP), interest rates, inflation, foreign portfolio investment (FPI), and domestic political stability on stock market capitalization. Quarterly data between 2000:Q1 and 2020:Q4 are used. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method is applied to identify long-run relationships between variables. To understand how fast the system reaches equilibrium after a shock, the model also examines short-run relationships using an error correction model (ECM). The findings show that the impact of exchange rate, interest rate, and inflation on stock market capitalization is negative in the long run. While the GDP, FPI, and political stability are positive. Increment in the US Dollar against the Indonesian Rupiah, interest rate, and inflation by 1% respectively, caused stock market capitalization to fall by 1.31%, 0.06%, and 0.04%. A rise in GDP, FPI, and political stability by 1% respectively, increases the stock market’s value by 1.17%, 1.08%, and 1.28%. In the short run, the coefficient of ECM indicates the speed of adjustment of the system: the occurrence of the shock to reach long-run equilibrium is quick enough, at 63.8% each quarter. The study recommends governments evaluate the impact of these factors when formulating monetary policies, promote economic growth, and continuously implement good governance, thus supporting stock market development.
Work-family conflict and turnover intention: Mediation model for millennial government employees
Authors: Masdupi Erni , Kurniawan Prasojo Risang , Oktia Darni Mely
Published: October 2023

Every organization is not only faced with the challenge of recruiting employees but also of retaining talent within the organization. This study analyzes the influence of work-family conflict on millennial government employees’ turnover intention and determines how job embeddedness and job stress can be a mediator in this case. This paper used a questionnaire to accumulate data from 419 millennial employees in the government sector in Indonesia. SEM-PLS was used to test the influence of inter-variable relations. The results of SEM tests via Smart-PLS 3 software reveal that work-family conflict has a positive and significant influence on turnover intention. Job embeddedness and stress can mediate work-family conflict on turnover intentions of millennial employees in the government sector. Furthermore, work-family conflict has a negative and significant influence on job embeddedness and a positive and significant influence on job stress. Next, job embeddedness has a negative and significant influence on turnover intentions, and job stress has a positive and significant influence on such intentions. Therefore, the Indonesian government must reduce time stress and increase the job embeddedness employees, reducing turnover intentions. In addition, the Indonesian government needs to develop a policy supporting employee work-life balance.
AcknowledgmentThis study is funded by Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Negeri Padang. The Human Resources Management and Behavioural Research Group Faculty of Economy and Bussiness, Universitas Negeri Padang also supported this paper.