bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery and engineering of hypercompact epigenetic modulators
for durable gene activation
Authors: Carosso Giovanni , Yeo Robin , Gainous T. Blair , Jawaid M. Zaki , Yang Xiao , Cutillas Vincent , Daley Timothy , Hart Daniel , Qi Lei
Published: June 2023

Transcriptional and epigenetic regulators shape the chromatin microenvironment and corresponding gene expression during cellular differentiation and homeostasis. Programmable modulators of transcription provide a powerful toolkit for controlling gene dosage in therapeutic applications, but a limited catalog of functional domains constrains their robustness and durability profiles, and large cargo sizes impede clinical delivery. To address these limitations, here we perform high-throughput screening to discover novel classes of transcriptional modulators among human, viral, and archaeal proteomes and characterize their functions in a multitude of endogenous human contexts. We identify compact, potent activators from viral proteomes with exceptional robustness across silent and expressed genes in varied cell types using distinct dCas systems. Insights from predicted 3-dimensional structures and machine learning models enabled us to rationally engineer improved activators, both in potency and persistence. Notably, engineered activators achieved mitotically durable gene activation following transient delivery. Our discovery pipeline provides a predictive rubric for the systematic development of hypercompact activators from unannotated proteomes, yielding superior efficiency and kinetics profiles that broadly expand the epigenetic editing toolkit for therapeutic applications.
RETRACTED: Upfront neck dissection versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in stage T1–3N3 hypopharyngeal carcinoma: A comparative study of clinical outcomes
Authors: Sakai Akihiro , Ebisumoto Koji , Iijima Hiroaki , Yamauchi Mayu , Teramura Takanobu , Yamazaki Aritomo , Watanabe Takane , Inagi Toshihide , Maki Daisuke , Fukuzawa Tsuyoshi , Okami Kenji
Published: June 2023

July 7, 2023. Research Square has removed this preprint due to lack of Institutional Review Board approval for this work at the time of preprint posting.
Surfactant-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment for co- production of reducing sugars and carbon quantum dots from lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Jiang Tianyu , Lu Xingyu , Bie Wenxuan , Wang Xiaojuan , Su Yuhang , Li Dongna , Wang Fei , Ma Xiaojun
Published: June 2023

A facile and environmentally friendly strategy was proposed for co-production of reducing sugars and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) by one-pot surfactant-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment. Compared with hydrothermal pretreatment, the addition of surfactants (Tween 40) significantly increased the sugars concentration and effective quantum yield (QY). The highest reducing sugars concentration and QY of CQDs was up to 22.47 g/L and 1.9% respectively. After surfactant-assisted pretreatment, the crystallinity index of LCB residue increased and then decreased with the addition amount of Tween 40. Moreover, the conversion rate of cellulose and hemicellulose reached 95.1% and 95.4% respectively, 122.2% and 41.1% higher than that without Tween 40. It was also found that surfactant-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment had the same improvement effect on increasing the sugar production of other LCB. The results showed that surfactant-assisted hydrothermal pretreatment was a promising and universal method for developing biomass-based products.
Performance Assessment of GEBCO_2023 Gridded Bathymetric Data in Shallow Waters Using the Seafloor from ICESat-2 Photons
Authors: Giribabu Dandabathula , Hari Rohit , Sharma Jayant , Ghosh Koushik , Padiyar Niyati , Sharma Aryan , Bera Apurba Kumar , Srivas Sushil Kumar
Published: June 2023

Bathymetric data represents the true seafloor topography and aids in understanding the intricacies of earth and ocean interaction processes. The General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) released the GEBCO_2023 gridded bathymetric data as an interim dataset in connection with the ambitious task of producing the definitive ocean floor map by 2023. Evaluating the data of scientific importance is essential to ensure its fitness for the applications; however, the procedure needs qualified reference data of higher accuracy. This article discusses the methods and results of performance validation on GEBCO_2023 using the reference seafloor obtained from the ICESat-2 geolocated photons. The validation was carried out at three test sites of shallow waters with different ecotones. In the two of the test sites, where the coastal waters have minimal perturbations from the continental sediment flux, the trend of the seafloor from both the data sources is similar, and the quantified accuracy of GEBCO_2023 in terms of RMSE is less than 3 m. In the extent of the third test site, where mostly perennial turbidity prevails, the accuracy in terms of RMSE and MAE ranged from 5–6 m and underestimated the seafloor. The reasons for the errors in the GEBCO_2023 grid were analyzed based on the associated Type-Identifier grid that informs the source of depth data for a given grid cell. In summary, the GEBCO_2023 grid is the best available and resourceful bathymetric data in the present scenario where, besides the technological advancements, there exist challenges and complications for mapping the ocean surface.
Social support during re-entry period and long-term quality of life in breast cancer survivors: A 10-year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Cho HyeonJin , Kang Danbee , Shin Dong Wook , Kim Nayeon , Lee Se Kyung , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin , Cho Juhee
Published: June 2023

Purpose This study evaluated the association between social support during the re-entry period and long-term HRQoL in breast cancer survivors using a longitudinal cohort study. Methods This is a prospective cohort study with 275 breast cancer survivors who reported HRQoL at 5 and 10 years after surgery. Social support for the re-entry period was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS). HRQoL was evaluated using EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR-23. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate HRQoL at 5 and 10 years after diagnosis by level of social support during the re-entry period. Results The mean (SD) of social support during re-entry period was 68.5. The low social support group (LSS, score < 55) during the re-entry period had a significantly lower HRQoL (mean difference = -12.93) compared to moderate or high social support group (MHSS, score ≥ 55). Five and ten years after diagnosis, the LSS group continued to demonstrate lower HRQoL (5 years: -7.17; 10 years: -7.85) compared to the MHSS group. LSS group were more likely to have lower role and social function scores, and higher fatigue, pain, and financial problems compared to the MHSS group at 10 years after diagnosis. Conclusions Breast cancer survivors who received lower social support during the re-entry period were more likely to experience poorer HRQoL in the long term than those who did not.
Dorsoulnar injury of the TFCC: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Wang Liang , Raza Mazhar Ali , Lin Yuhan , Xia Chuanpeng , Zhang Zhang , Yan Hede
Published: June 2023

Introduction
TFCC lesions are commonly categorized according to the classification system proposed by Andrew K. Palmer in 1989, which received a lot of attention in recent years due to the development of wrist arthroscopy. However, various investigations highlighted other types of lesions that are not listed in this system. This article aims to describe the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the dorsoulnar TFCC injury, a new type of TFCC lesion that is not included in the Palmer’s classification.
Patients And Methods
We investigated 68 patients with dorsoulnar TFCC injuries treated with wrist arthroscopy-assisted suture anchor repair. A retrospective review of all cases was performed to assess the clinical manifestations, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative findings. In addition, patients were evaluated at greater than 1 year with a range of motion, grip strength, standard outcome measures.Before and after surgery, we measured subjective results using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The functional outcome was calculated by the Mayo Wrist Score.And a survey assessing return to work and sports.
Results
All patients complained of dorsoulnar side wrist pain before surgery. Most of them got a history of trauma, which was not very drastic. The mean age of the patients (30 male and 38 female) at the time of surgery was 39.72 ± 12.6 years. No major complications occurred during surgery and follow-up. Pain perception (VAS: preoperatively 2.96 ± 1.01 vs. Postoperatively 0.09 ± 0.29, p < 0.05) improved significantly. The result of grip strength (preoperatively 25.92 ± 7.18 vs. postoperatively 34.25 ± 10.43, p < 0.05) was satisfactory after surgery. The percentage of grip strength on the affected side compared with that on the healthy side was 0.79 ± 0.10. The DASH score improved significantly (preoperatively 47.98 ± 10.31 vs. Postoperatively 6.35 ± 4.53, p < 0.05). The mean Mayo Wrist Score was 89.41 ± 8.26 at follow-up. Overall, the wrist functions of 59 (86.76%) (excellent: 31, Good: 28) of the patients were satisfactory according to their modified Mayo wrist scores. There was 1 Suture anchor loosening that required repeat surgery. There were no cases of distal radioulnar joint instability at the final follow-up.
Conclusions
Dorsoulnar damage of the TFCC is not so rare in clinical settings. The combination of clinical manifestations and preoperative physical examination maneuvers, preoperative MR images, and arthroscopic observation provide a definite diagnosis of this type of TFCC injury. We name this new pattern of injury as Palmer 1E lesion. Furthermore, the repair of this type of TFCC tears using suture anchors assisted by wrist arthroscopies is safe and simple with good results.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Approach: Quantum-Inspired Deep Learning Using Classical Simulation
Authors: Farshi Esmaeil
Published: June 2023

In this groundbreaking investigation, we delve into the fertile intersection of quantum mechanics and deep learning, introducing a unique hybrid quantum-classical approach that holds promising implications for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Expanding upon the Deep Learning algorithm, we put forth Quantum Deep Learning (QDL), an innovative methodology that synergistically intertwines quantum principles with deep learning algorithms, facilitated by simulation on classical computational platforms. Through this intricate blend, we aim to harness the colossal computational prowess of quantum mechanics, setting the stage for unprecedented improvements in AI model performance. This research paves the way for a transformative future in AI, where quantum-inspired deep learning techniques could redefine the landscape of AI applications.
DFT-Guided Design and Synthesis of Nitrogen and Boron Dual-Doped Porous Carbon Catalyst Derived from Saccharina japonica for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Peng Xing , Wei Wuguo , Qiu Chao , Sun Xiaolin
Published: June 2023

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a critical process affecting the energy conversion efficiency of fuel cells. In this innovative study, six models were designed to showcase the superior ORR activity of nitrogen and boron dual-doped carbon (N, B dual-doped carbon) compared to N or B mono-doped carbon, as determined through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, a highly efficient N (4.63 at%), B (1.13 at%) dual-doped carbon ORR catalyst (S-850-1) was successfully synthesized from Saccharina japonica, which represents a rare achievement among biomass-derived carbon materials. Electrochemical analysis revealed a significant improvement in the half-wave potential (0.862 V) and limiting diffusion current density (-5.60 mA cm− 2) of S-850-1 compared to N mono-doped carbon (S-850: 0.839 V and − 5.24 mA cm− 2) in an alkaline solution. Additionally, S-850-1 exhibited enhanced durability and superior tolerance to methanol and CO, surpassing the performance of the commercial 20% Pt/C catalyst. Notably, S-850-1 was successfully incorporated into a Zn-air battery, generating an open circuit voltage of 1.40 V and effectively illuminating an LED light. The obtained electrochemical results were consistent with the DFT calculations, thereby confirming the high ORR activity of N, B dual-doped carbon in both theoretical and experimental domains. This groundbreaking research not only expands the range of biomass-derived ORR catalysts but also provides valuable insights into the design and synthesis of efficient and cost-effective catalysts derived from renewable sources.
TDF and TAF inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration, invasion via p7TP3
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhou Li , Zhang Yang , Cheng Jun , Zeng Yilan , Li Xiuling
Published: June 2023

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) seems to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, the mechanism is still little known. This study aimed to investigate the the roles and mechanisms of TDF, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), and entecavir (ETV) on the malignant characteristics of liver cancer cells. Using the wound-healing assays, transwell assays, matrigel transwell assays, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, it was possible to identify that TDF/TAF, inhibited migration, invasion, and proliferation of HepG2 cells and Huh7 cells. To investigate the mechanisms, we performed TOP/FOP-Flash system, Western blot, and RT-qPCR assays of liver cancer cells cultured with TDF/TAF and found a lower activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway compared with control cells. Finally, Hepatitis C virus p7 trans-regulated protein 3 (P7TP3), a tumor suppressor in HCC, was significantly increased in HepG2 cells and Huh7 cells that treated with TDF/TAF. However, entecavir (ETV)-treated liver cancer cells showed no significant difference in the malignant characteristics of HCC cells, activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and expression of p7TP3, compared with the control groups. To conclude, TDF/TAF maybe novel promising therapeutic strategy for HCC via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, by up-regulating expression of the tumor suppressor, P7TP3.
Metagenomic profile of the taxonomic classification and functional diversity of soil bacterial population in the Veerakkal forest area, Western Ghats, India
Authors: Ramya Eswaran Kasthuri , Sharmila Somasundaram , Sarathbabu Subbarayan , Kumar Nachimuthu Senthil , Sajitha Bhoopathy , Karthik Selvaraj , Mownika Sakthivel
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to assess the whole bacterial population and functions of two different soils (PP and TA) through the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method in the Veerakkal forest area, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. The forest soil is slightly acidic in nature and also rich in soil organic matter. The bacterial sequence reads under soil is classified taxonomically into 14 bacterial and 2 archaeal phyla, 45 classes, 88 orders, 119 families, and 146 genera. Acidobacteria is found to be the most populated phyla accounting for 25% population in PP soil, whereas 35% of Proteobacteria is the most abundant phyla in TA soil. The PP soil has more OTUs and a higher Shannon index than the TA soil which indicates a diversity gradient of soil bacteria restricted in the study site. Using PICRUSt functional analysis, the KEGG function of level I is discovered that Metabolism has the largest amount of genomic sequences involved (PP – 56%, TA – 54%), and KEGG level II identifies a greater proportion of the community involved in Amino acid metabolism (PP and TA – 14%) followed by Carbohydrate metabolism (PP and TA – 11%), Membrane transport (PP and TA – 10%) and Energy metabolism (PP and TA – 8%), all of these are most frequent categories in the study site. The presence of carbohydrate metabolism at above 11% has confirmed the study samples for bacterial potential towards cellulolytic activity in the soil environment. Further, this study suggests that the revealed bacterial isolates have the potential in recycling agro by-products and their utilization in industrial applications.
Mapping of Health Technology Assessment in China: A Comparative Study Between 2016 and 2021
Authors: Liu Shimeng , Xia Yu , Yang Yi , Ming Jian , Sun Hui , Wei Yan , Chen Yingyao
Published: June 2023

Background
Health technology assessment (HTA) in China has recently expanded from pure academic research to include policy or decision-oriented practice, especially after the use of HTA evidence to update the National Reimbursement Drug List for the first time in 2017. This study aimed to identify the progress and challenges of HTA development from 2016 to 2021 and to inform policies and decisions to promote further development of HTA in China.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey to policy maker, researcher and industry-provider in China in 2016 and 2021 respectively. The mapping of HTA instrument was used to reflect the HTA development from eight domains: institutionalization, identification, priority setting, assessment, appraisal, reporting, dissemination of findings and conclusions, implementation in policy and practice. To reduce the influence of confounders and to compare the mapping outcomes between 2016 and 2021 group, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching methodology in this study. Univariate analysis was performed to compare the differences in these two groups. We also compared the overall results with that of a mapping study that included ten countries.
Results
A total of 212 and 255 respondents completed the survey in 2016 and 2021 respectively. After propensity score matching methodology, 183 cases from the 2016 group and 2021 group were matched. Overall, the mean score of 2021 in most of the domains was higher than 2016 in China (P < 0.05), such as the level of HTA institutionalization, appraisal and dissemination strategy, except for assessment. Although China scored significantly lower among the three developed countries, the overall HTA development score was comparable among the ten countries.
Conclusions
Our study suggested the level of HTA development in China has achieved significant progress from 2016 to 2021. Prior to HTA activities, more efforts should be made to the assessment process, for example, describing a clearer goal and scope of HTA, adapting standard HTA methodologies for assessing the performance of systematic review or meta-analysis, providing a clear description of the safety and clinical effectiveness, cost and cost-effectiveness of the technology in their assessments, et al, thus improving the development of HTA in China.
Ultrasound-mediated multifunctional magnetic microbubbles for drug delivery of celastrol in VX2 liver transplant tumors
Authors: Huang Jian , Wang Zhengji , Chen Zihe , Huang Chunxin , Wang Ying , Li Xing , Lv Weiyang , Qi Guiqiang , Liu Huilin
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Nonequilibrium effects in ballistic point contacts Ta − Cu and 2H − NbSe2 − Cu. Two-gap superconductivity in 2H − NbSe2
Authors: Bobrov Nikolai L.
Published: June 2023

The Ta−Cu and NbSe2−Cu heterocontacts have been studied. For T a−Cu contacts the theoretical estimation of the value of δ-functional barrier at the boundary arising due to the mismatch of Fermi parameters of the contacting metals was carried out and a good agreement between the calculation and experiment was obtained. An expression for the estimation of the diameter of the heterocontact on either side of the boundary is obtained. The magnitude of the jump-like decrease in the excess current (and the superconducting gap) due to the phase transition of the superconductor region near the point contact into a spatially inhomogeneous state when the critical concentration of nonequilibrium quasiparticles is reached has been determined. Obtained dependence of the additive differential resistance on the offsets at the contact arising after the phase transition, due to the excess charge of quasiparticles and the associated reverse current (or additive voltage). In 2H − NbSe2 there is a two-zone superconductivity character with ∼8 times different energy gap values. Under the influence of current injection of nonequilibrium quasiparticles there is a sequential phase transition of the layers adjacent to the pint contact into a spatially inhomogeneous state with a suppressed gap, which is accompanied by a step change in the slope of the I −V curve with a discrete increase in the differential resistance.
Optimization of electrode preparation conditions by response surface methodology for improved formic acid electrooxidation on Pd/MWCNT/GCE
Authors: Ulas Berdan
Published: June 2023

This work examines the formic acid electrooxidation (FAEO) capabilities of Pd catalysts supported by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) that were synthesized at varying weight percentages. Advanced surface analysis techniques namely X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy with X-ray energy dispersive (SEM-EDX), and elemental mapping are used to evaluate the Pd/MWCNT. To achieve the highest specific activity for FAEO on Pd/MWCNT, electrode preparation parameters namely catalyst slurry amount (Vs), ultrasonication duration of catalyst slurry (tu), and electrode drying time (td) were optimized by response surface methodology central composite design (RSM-CCD). Measurements made using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA) are used to determine the specific activity and stability for FAEO. The optimum values for the Vs, td, and tu were determined as 1.84 µl, 45 min, and 37.05 min while under these optimum conditions, the specific activity for FAEO on Pd/MWCNT was 2.67 mA cm-2 with a deviation of 6.83%. By optimizing the electrode preparation conditions, a conventional Pd/MWCNT catalyst showed higher performance than many bimetallic catalysts. Optimization of electrode preparation parameters is as important as catalyst design and is an inexpensive and facile method to improve electrocatalytic performance.
Application of soft computing in predicting the compressive Strength of Self-Compacted Concrete Containing Recyclable Aggregate
Authors: Albostami Asad S. , Al-Hamd Rwayda Kh. S. , Alzabeebee Saif , Minto Andrew , Keawsawasvong Suraparb
Published: June 2023

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a type of concrete that is known for its environmental benefits and improved workability. In this study, data-driven approaches were used to anticipate the compressive strength (CS) of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing recycled plastic aggregates (RPA). A database of 400 experimental data sets was used to assess the capabilities of Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (MOGA-EPR) and Gene Expression Programming (GEP). The results of the analysis indicated that the proposed equations provided more accurate CS predictions than traditional approaches such as the Linear Regression model (LRM). The proposed equations achieved lower mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values, a mean close to the optimum value (1.0), and a higher coefficient of determination (R2) than the LRM. As such, the proposed approaches can be utilized to obtain more reliable design calculations and better predictions of CS in SCC incorporating RPA.
Local ecological learning: creating place-based knowledge through collaborative wildlife research on private lands
Authors: Taylor Matthew , Davison Aidan , Harwood Andrew
Published: June 2023

Wildlife on private land is under threat from anthropogenic drivers including climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss. Effective management of private lands for wildlife conservation requires locally relevant knowledge about wildlife populations, habitat condition, threatening ecological processes, and social drivers of and barriers to conservation. Collaborative socio-ecological research can inform wildlife management by integrating the local ecological and social knowledge of private landholders with the scientific and applied knowledge of researchers and practitioners. In privately owned landscapes, landholders are an often-overlooked source of local ecological knowledge, which develops and changes through continuous interaction and engagement with their environment and community. Here we report on a transdisciplinary socio-ecological research collaboration called WildTracker involving 160 landholders in Tasmania, Australia. This wildlife-focused citizen science project generated and integrated local ecological and social knowledge in the research process. The project gathered quantitative and qualitative data on wildlife ecology, land management practices, and landholder learning via wildlife cameras, sound recorders, workshops, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. Through this on-going collaboration, landholders, researchers, and conservation practitioners established relationships based on mutual learning, gathering, and sharing knowledge and insights about wildlife conservation. Our project highlights how local ecological knowledge develops and changes continuously through processes of enquiry and interaction with other knowledge holders including researchers and conservation practitioners. Collaborative enquiry involving landholders and researchers can produce rich cultural and ecological insights derived from the direct experience and observation of landholders, complementing quantitative assessments of wildlife populations and habitat condition.
Assessing conservation status of calcareous grassland in two French military training areas in Natura 2000 context
Authors: Pascaline Caudal , Sébastien Gallet
Published: June 2023

Calcareous grasslands are habitats of high conservation value. These rich habitats are declining notably due to agriculture and habitat fragmentation. In France, calcareous grasslands may be found on Military Training Areas (MTA), which protect them from intensive agriculture and urban development. By analysing their floristic structure and composition, the aim of this publication is to determine the conservation status of grassland on two French MTA, following a militarisation gradient. Vegetation characteristics appeared different according to the level of military activities. Military activities and their related management, favour rich and diversified grasslands in the good conservation state. They also allow the creation of a mosaic of habitats within the grasslands with the presence of overgrown areas. Thus, MTAs appeared to present good potential for preserving the remaining calcareous grassland in France.
High-Dimensional Sparse Single-Index Regression via Hilbert-Schmidt Independence Criterion
Authors: Chen Xin , Deng Chang , He Shuaida , Wu Runxiong , Zhang Jia
Published: June 2023

Hilbert-Schmidt Independence Criterion (HSIC) has recently been introduced to the field of single-index models to estimate the directions. Compared with other well-established methods, the HSIC based method requires relatively weak conditions. However, its performance has not yet been studied in the prevalent high-dimensional scenarios, where the number of covariates can be much larger than the sample size. In this article, based on HSIC, we propose to estimate the possibly sparse directions in the high-dimensional single-index models through a parameter reformulation. Our approach estimates the subspace of the direction directly and performs variable selection simultaneously. Due to the non-convexity of the objective function and the complexity of the constraints, a majorize-minimize algorithm together with the linearized alternating direction method of multipliers is developed to solve the optimization problem. Since it does not involve the inverse of the covariance matrix, the algorithm can naturally handle large $p$ small $n$ scenarios. Through extensive simulation studies and a real data analysis, we show that our proposal is efficient and effective in the high-dimensional settings. The $\verb|Matlab|$ codes for this method are available online.
Dependence of eigenvalues for higher odd-order differential operator with transmission conditions
Authors: Ji Antong , Xu Meizhen
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider the dependence of eigenvalues on the parameter for higher odd-order differential operator with three types of boundary conditions and corresponding transmission conditions. By defining an appropriate Hilbert space and its inner product, we prove that the eigenvalues of the operators associated with the problem are real and discrete, and give the resolvent operators related to the differential operators. In addition, we show that the eigenvalues are not only continuously but also smoothly dependent on the parameters of the problem, and give the corresponding differential expressions. In particular, giving the Frechet derivatives of the eigenvalues concerning the coefficient functions q0, q1, · · · , qn and the derivatives of the eigenvalues with respect to the left and right sides of the inner discontinuity point c.
Microvascular dynamics regulate post-ischemic muscle damage and regeneration in experimental hindlimb ischemia
Authors: Wirth Galina , Juusola Greta , Tarvainen Santeri , Laakkonen Johanna P. , Korpisalo Petra , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: June 2023

Tissue microvasculature is known to remodel in response to ischemia. Yet, how this remodeling contributes to the process of post-ischemic recovery is still not completely understood. We studied how microvascular changes relate to post-ischemic muscle repair. Muscle-level microvascular alterations of blood flow and hemoglobin oxygenation, and post-ischemic myofiber and capillary responses were analyzed in aged, healthy C57Bl/6J mice (n = 48) and aged, hyperlipidemic LDLR−/−ApoB100/100 mice (n = 69) after induction of acute hindlimb ischemia using contrast ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging, and histological analyses, respectively. Microvascular responses leading to successful post-ischemic muscle repair in C57Bl/6J mice included an early capillary dilation phase preceding the return of arterial driving pressure followed by an increase in capillary density that further supported satellite cell-induced muscle regeneration. Failure of initial capillary enlargement due to a life-long moderate hypercholesterolemia in LDLR−/−ApoB100/100 mice led to inability to recover arterial driving pressure and resulted in an increase in distal necrosis, chronic tissue damage and a delay in overall recovery after ischemia. To conclude, these data reveal the important role of transient capillary enlargement in initiating a cascade of capillary events that are crucial for a successful post-ischemic muscle recovery. Essentially, the observed dynamic nature of the post-ischemic capillaries should be considered when designing novel treatments targeting the microvasculature in ischemic diseases.
Stock Closing Price Prediction of Indian Tech Companies using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Divyansh Divyansh , Moonis Abdullah , Raghav Animesh , Walture Aditya , Chouhan Siddharth Singh , Singh Uday Pratap , Saxena Akash
Published: June 2023

In today’s economic world forecast and study of stock market data have got a vital role but, stock price forecasting has been hampered by its nonlinearity and high volatility of financial time series, to maximize the profits and reduce the risk involved the investors are eager to find different ways to forecast upcoming trends. It’s a challenging task to crack stock portfolio allocation in such a suitable way to invest in selected stocks that efficiently minimize the risk involved while capitalizing on profit. The effects of rival stocks in the stock market and the impact of mutation points on the precision of target stock predictions are rarely considered as market sentiment by the current prediction models. To validate which deep learning algorithm is best suited for stock market prediction analysis, we have espoused four deep learning algorithms namely Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Autoregressive Integrated Memory (ARIMA), Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM), and Gate Recurrent Units (GRU). On the basis of these mentioned evaluation parameters i.e., Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) we have done the accuracy tests of the listed deep learning algorithms with evaluative stock prediction graph. Results have shown Bi-LSTM to perform exceptionally well for time series analysis. Regarding LSTM and GRU, the results have more or less stayed the same. While ARIMA gave an un-stable performance thus rendering its usefulness for our analysis.
An A3C-based dynamic task scheduling algorithm for satellite edge computing
Authors: Hu Yifei , Li Guang , Gong Wenbin
Published: June 2023

Satellite edge computing has garnered significant attention as an essential component of 6G. Among various research areas, satellite dynamic task scheduling holds a prominent position. This paper addresses the scenario of satellite dynamic receiving task on-orbit computing and proposes a collaborative approach by offloading the tasks to multiple satellites. To tackle the scheduling problem, a Markov decision process framework is adopted, and a dynamic scheduling algorithm based on the A3C algorithm is proposed. Comparative analysis with three benchmark algorithms reveals that the proposed algorithm excels in reducing both average task delay and satellite load.
3D tracking reveals energy-distance trade-offs in two dominant grazers on a degraded coral reef
Authors: Lilkendey Julian , Zhang Jingjing , Barrelet Cyril , Meares Michael , Larbi Houssam , Subsol Gérard , Chaumont Marc , Sabetian Armagan
Published: June 2023

In-depth understanding of animal movement ecology, including energy expenditure and internal energy budgeting, is crucial for deciphering the intricate dynamics of ecosystem functioning. It essentially reveals resource partitioning and energy flows among foraging organisms within their habitats. Ecosystems under severe anthropogenic stress, such as degraded coral reefs, serve as valuable model habitats for examining how patchy resource availability impacts the foraging behavior and internal energy budgets of herbivores. In this study, we employed stereo-video measurements, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven object recognition, and 3D tracking techniques to explore resource partitioning and energy budgets of two dominant grazers, Brown surgeonfish Acanthurus nigrofuscus and Yellowtail tang Zebrasoma xanthurum, on a degraded coral reef in Eilat, Israel. We compared feeding preferences, bite rates, and inter bite distances to comprehend the mechanisms underlying functional trait expression and resource partitioning in these key grazers. A. nigrofuscus demonstrated a strategy that allowed a higher rate of food intake within given time frames, while Z. xanthurum exhibited a more generalist approach, traversing larger distances between food patches. However, our measurements of energy expenditure did not reveal significant differences between the two species. We found that the unique foraging strategies and feeding preferences of A. nigrofuscus and Z. xanthurum may underlie the observed energy-distance trade-offs, which were determined by factors such as resource availability and feeding niches. By applying AI-generated 3D trajectories, we achieved a granular analysis of fish movement and foraging behavior. This approach demonstrates the innovative potential of blending AI-generated 3D data with traditional stereo-video measurements, thus advancing our understanding of animal movement ecology. A detailed understanding can inform and enhance management and conservation strategies, providing insights into the adaptation of grazers to resource availability within degraded ecosystems. The approach of deriving energy expenditure from automatically generated 3D trajectories of animal movements could prove to be a novel and valuable indicator of ecosystem health.
Cardiac metabolism assessed by MR spectroscopy in the heart of patients with obesity and diabetes: knowledge discovery via Bayesian networks and random forest classification
Authors: Hanninger Ina , Levelt Eylem , Rayner Jennifer J , Rodgers Chistopher T , Neubauer Stefan , Grau Vicente , Rider Oliver J , Valkovič Ladislav
Published: June 2023

Recent developments in Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques have demonstrated great potential for the quantification of myocardial energy metabolites, enabling an in-depth glimpse into the energetic state of the heart to better explain the onset and severity of disease states. However, more evidence is required to establish its clinical impact and explanatory power compared to other diagnostic variables.
In this study, Random Forest classification was used on data from 197 subjects to discriminate between patients with and without diabetes and obesity using 31P-MRS and 1H-MRS measurements of cardiac energetics, along with MRI measures of cardiac function. Achieving 91.67%, 73.08% and 88.89% test accuracies, SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) feature importances indicate a higher predictive impact of metabolic metrics for classifying the diabetic heart compared to global function metrics, gained through most common imaging techniques. Bayesian networks generated through structure learning of the data further suggests a potential causal association of increased visceral fat, increased LVMass resulting in decreased PCr/ATP, and increased cardiac lipid levels attributed to these disease states. Through the results, we have been able to showcase the importance of MRS measurements, both in distinguishing between diseases with clinically-relevant accuracy and furthermore its causal connection to other cardiac parameters.
Organic Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Is an Effective Alternative for Reducing Apple Preharvest Drop
Authors: Kon Thomas M. , Clavet Christopher D. , Clarke Gregory G.
Published: June 2023

Organic apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) growers lack effective strategies to manage preharvest drop. For susceptible cultivars, yield losses caused by preharvest drop can exceed 30% at the beginning of harvest. To address this issue, a formulation of aminoethoxyvinylglyine (AVG) designed for organic use was developed and compared with a commercially available AVG formulation. We evaluated the effects and interactions of the AVG formulation and application number on preharvest drop and fruit maturity in 2017 and 2018. We selected 30 pairs of mature ‘Oregon Spur II Red Delicious’/‘M. 111’ trees planted at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC, USA. Trees were planted with spacing of 2.7 × 6.1 m, trained to a central leader, and received plant protectant sprays that adhered to local recommendations throughout the growing season. Both AVG formulations were applied at 132 mg⋅L−1 at 3 or 3 + 1 weeks before the anticipated harvest. An untreated control was also included for comparison. The experiment had six replicates and a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 augmented factorial treatment structure. A one-way analysis of variance was performed and single degree of freedom contrasts were used to compare treatment groups of interest. During both years, organic and conventional AVG were equally effective for reducing preharvest drop and delaying fruit softening and starch hydrolysis at harvest. During one year, increasing the number of applications of AVG reduced cumulative fruit drop, delayed fruit softening at harvest, and reduced internal ethylene concentrations. Inconsistencies in responses across years may be explained, in part, by abnormally warm temperatures observed in 2018. AVG approved for organic use appears to be a promising preharvest drop management technology with efficacy similar to that of conventional AVG.
Comparative Evaluation and Effectiveness of Audiovisual and Audio Distraction Aid in Managing Pediatric Dental Patients
Authors: Sharma Dr. Pallavi
Published: June 2023

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of audiovisual and audio distraction aid in reducing anxiety of pediatric patients aged 4-8 years old while undergoing various stressful and invasive dental procedures.Material and Method: 75 patients aged between 4-8 years were selected, out of which 73 were fulfilling the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Therefore, 73 children were randomly assigned into three group including control and experimental, the Audio Group, Audiovisual Group and Control Group. Each child underwent four dental visits. In each visit, after the procedures were completed, the anxiety levels of the children were measured by the following means- Venham’s picture test, Venham’s clinical anxiety rating scale, Measurement of Pulse rate.Result: Both the audio and audiovisual distraction provided significant result by lesser anxiety in the children as compared to those without any distraction when measured physiologically (pulse oximeter). However audiovisual distraction was even better in reducing anxiety when measured psychologically (Venham Clinical Anxiety Rating Scale).Conclusion: Audiovisual and audio distraction techniques provided effective distraction in children of age group 4-8 years, during complex dental procedures, in alleviating anxiety when compared to the children treated in normal dental setup.
Cross-country convergence of broadband Internet access
Authors:   Kazan Federal University, Varlamova Julia , Podkorytova Olga ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: June 2023

Technology diffusion contributes to the technological and economic convergence of countries. The rapid spread of Internet technologies creates bases to put forward a hypothesis about the convergence of countries in terms of their level of penetration. The purpose of the study is to identify a trend towards convergence or divergence in both fixed and mobile broadband for the countries of the world as a whole and for groups of countries identified on the basis of the following criteria: geographical (by geographic macro-regions), economic (by national income per capita), and institutional (according to membership in an international organization). The data sources were the open data of the International Telecommunication Union. The research methodology includes the construction of dynamic models on panel data to test the hypothesis of the presence of unconditional beta convergence. In addition, the absolute scale of the digital divide between groups of countries in terms of broadband Internet access was estimated using a sigma convergence model. The results of the study indicate the presence of beta convergence for both fixed and mobile broadband. This pattern is observed both for the full sample of countries and for geographic regions, with the exception of Oceania. Also, beta convergence is typical for groups of countries identified by the level of income per capita and participation in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. At the same time, the results of the study indicate a persistent digital divide between countries in terms of Internet broadband penetration. The practical significance includes recommendations developed on the basis of the research findings, aimed at implementing a strategy for accelerated technological development in order to stimulate the spread of mobile broadband access and expand the telecommunications infrastructure.
Advective Components Determination of Mass, Heat and Substances Exchange According to Natural Data at the Mouth of the Black River (Sevastopol Region)
Authors:   Marine Hydrophysical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Minkovskaya Roza Ya. , Slepchuk Kira A. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Antonenkov Dmitry A. ,   Marine Hydrophysical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: June 2023

Physical and mathematical modeling of nonstationary exchange processes in the zone of interaction of heterogeneous waters at the mouths of rivers remains problematic. Therefore, the paper proposes and tests a method for estimating multidirectional water, heat and salts consumption in this zone based on field data. For this purpose, a program of long-term expeditionary research was developed, full-scale measurements were carried out in 2017–2021, an algorithm and a calculation program were developed and methods for quantifying the components of metabolic processes were tested according to full-scale studies in 2019 at the mouth of the Black river, in the zone of interaction of river water and desalinated water of the Sevastopol Bay. The article provides a methodology and an example of the assessment of water, salt and heat exchange for a representative expedition carried out under average hydrometeorological conditions during the low-water periods. Calculations are made by the analytical method, using standard programs, and by the graphical method, by graphical interpolation and planimetry of areas. The discrepancies between the results obtained by different methods were 2–7 %, which indicates the possibility of using this technique to process long-term data with sufficient accuracy. The proposed method for quantifying the components of exchange processes based on natural data can be used in any formation of different types of river mouths for balance calculations, forecasting possible changes in their state and adjacent parts of the sea under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, as well as for calibration and verification of models.
Accrual-based and real earnings management: The relationship with future profitability of Russian companies
Authors:   Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University, Nikulin Egor D. , Berezhnoi Aleksandr V. ,   Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University
Published: June 2023

Goal: the goal of the paper is to investigate the relationship between accrual-based and real earnings management and subsequent profitability of Russian companies. Methodology: the object of research are Russian public non-financial companies that prepare financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards. The period of observation is from 2011 to 2020. The main method of research is panel-data regression analysis. Corporate profitability was assessed via return on assets adjusted for the industry median. Earnings management was measured with the binary variables that were assigned a value of “1” if the level of real or accrualbased earnings management for any firm-year was higher than the selected threshold. The effect on profitability was tested not only for the year next to the one when earnings manipulation occurred, but also for two and three years thereafter. Findings: results showed that real earnings management negatively influences next year profitability. However, no conclusion was made regarding accrual-based earnings management, since the results obtained were not robust to the selection of different thresholds. Companies that displayed higher levels of both accrual-based and real earnings management showed no significant difference in subsequent profitability compared with companies that display lower levels of both accrual-based and real earnings management. Originality and contribution of the authors: this research is the first study to investigate the association between earnings management and corporate profitability of Russian companies. Moreover, the paper provided additional evidence to the opportunistic view on earnings management, at least in regards to real earnings management. From the practical standpoint, the results obtained might be helpful for internal stakeholders of a company such as management and board members as well its external stakeholders. Managers are advised to consider that utilizing real earnings management might have deferred implications and negatively impact the next year company’s profitability. Board members can be given a recommendation to tighten oversight in relation to real earnings management practices. External stakeholders, e.g., current and potential investors, might also take into account potential effects of earnings management on profitability in course of their investment decisions.