bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of epithelial mesenchymal transition in mouse placenta and trophoblast stem cell
Authors: Jena Shipra Kanti , Das Shreya , Chakraborty Shreeta , Ain Rupasri
Published: July 2023

Trophectoderm cells of the blastocyst are the precursor of the placenta that is comprised of trophoblast, endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Since trophoectoderm cells are epithelial in nature, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of trophoblast stem (TS) cells might play pivotal role in placental morphogenesis. However, the molecular regulation of EMT during placental development and trophoblast differentiation still remained elusive. In this report, we sought to identify the molecular signature that regulates EMT during placental development and TS cell differentiation in mice. On E7.5 onwards the TS cells, located in the ectoplacental cone (EPC), rapidly divide and differentiate leading to formation of placenta proper. Using a real time PCR based array of functional EMT transcriptome with RNA from mouse implantation sites (IS) on E7.5 and E9.5, it was observed that there was an overall reduction of EMT gene expression in the IS as gestation progressed from E7.5 to E9.5 albeit the levels of EMT gene expression were substantial on both days. Further validation of array results using real time PCR and western blot analysis showed significant decrease in EMT-associated genes that included (a) transcription factors (Snai2, Zeb1, Stat3 and Foxc2), (b) extracellular matrix and cell adhesion related genes (Bmp1, Itga5, Vcan and Col3A1), (c) migration and motility- associated genes (Vim, Msn and FN1) and (d) differentiation and development related genes (Wnt5b, Jag1 and Cleaved Notch-1) on E9.5. To understand whether EMT is an ongoing process during placentation, the EMT-associated signatures genes, prevalent on E 7.5 and 9.5, were analysed on E12.5, E14.5 and E17.5 of mouse placenta. Interestingly, expression of these EMT-signature proteins were significantly higher at E12.5 though substantial expressions was observed in placenta with progression of gestation from mid- to late. To evaluate whether TS cells have the potential to undergo EMT ex vivo, TS cells were subjected to EMT induction, which was confirmed using morphological analysis and marker gene expression. Induction of EMT in TS cells showed similar gene expression profile of placental EMT. These results have broad biological implications, as inadequate mesenchymal transition leading to improper trophoblast-vasculogenic mimicry leads to placental pathophysiology and pregnancy failure.
Association of constipation with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular events in elderly Australian patients
Authors: Judkins Courtney P. , Wang Yutang , Jelinic Maria , Bobik Alex , Vinh Antony , Sobey Christopher G. , Drummond Grant R.
Published: July 2023

The association between constipation and cardiovascular risk is unclear. This population-level matched cohort study compared the association of constipation with hypertension and incident cardiovascular events in 541,172 hospitalized patients aged ≥ 60 years. For each constipation admission, one exact age-matched non-constipated admission was randomly selected from all hospitalizations within 2 weeks to form the comparison cohort. The association of constipation with hypertension and cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, angina, stroke and transient ischemic attack) were analysed using a series of binary logistic regressions adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, gastrointestinal disorders and sociological factors. Patients with constipation had a higher multivariate-adjusted risk for hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.94–1.99; P < 0.001). Compared to patients with neither constipation nor hypertension, there was a higher multivariate-adjusted risk for cardiovascular events in patients with constipation alone (OR, 1.58; 95% CI 1.55–1.61; P < 0.001) or hypertension alone (OR, 6.12; 95% CI 5.99–6.26; P < 0.001). In patients with both constipation and hypertension, the risk for all cardiovascular events appeared to be additive (OR, 6.53; 95% CI 6.40–6.66; P < 0.001). In conclusion, among hospital patients aged 60 years or older, constipation is linked to an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular events. These findings suggest that interventions to address constipation may reduce cardiovascular risk in elderly patients.
Flow cytometric detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in urine using fluorescently labelled enterocin K1
Authors: Oftedal Thomas F. , Diep Dzung B.
Published: July 2023

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the urinary system. The infection is most often caused by enteric bacteria that normally live in the gut, which include Enterococcus faecium. Without antibiotic treatment, UTIs can progress to life-threatening septic shock. Early diagnosis and identification of the pathogen will reduce antibiotic use and improve patient outcomes. In this work, we develop and optimize a cost-effective and rapid (< 40 min) method for detecting E. faecium in urine. The method uses a fluorescently labelled bacteriocin enterocin K1 (FITC-EntK1) that binds specifically to E. faecium and is then detected using a conventional flow cytometer. Using this detection assay, urine containing E. faecium was identified by an increase in the fluorescent signals by 25–73-fold (median fluorescence intensity) compared to control samples containing Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus. The method presented in this work is a proof of concept showing the potential of bacteriocins to act as specific probes for the detection of specific bacteria, such as pathogens, in biological samples.
SERPINA3-ANKRD11-HDAC3 pathway induced aromatase inhibitor resistance in breast cancer can be reversed by HDAC3 inhibition
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zhu Mengdi , Wang Qi , Deng Yiyuan , Liu Nianqiu , Liu Yujie , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2023

Endocrine resistance is a major challenge for breast cancer therapy. To identify the genes pivotal for endocrine-resistance progression, we screened five datasets and found 7 commonly dysregulated genes in endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells. Here we show that downregulation of serine protease inhibitor clade A member 3 (SERPINA3) which is a direct target gene of estrogen receptor α contributes to aromatase inhibitor resistance. Ankyrin repeat domain containing 11 (ANKRD11) works as a downstream effector of SERPINA3 in mediating endocrine-resistance. It induces aromatase inhibitor insensitivity by interacting with histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) and upregulating its activity. Our study suggests that aromatase inhibitor therapy downregulates SERPINA3 and leads to the ensuing upregulation of ANKRD11, which in turn promotes aromatase inhibitor resistance via binding to and activating HDAC3. HDAC3 inhibition may reverse the aromatase inhibitor resistance in ER-positive breast cancer with decreased SERPINA3 and increased ANKRD11 expression.
A robust ultra-microporous cationic aluminum-based metal-organic framework with a flexible tetra-carboxylate linker
Authors: Nandi Shyamapada , Mansouri Asma , Dovgaliuk Iurii , Boullay Philippe , Patriarche Gilles , Cornu Ieuan , Florian Pierre , Mouchaham Georges , Serre Christian
Published: July 2023

Al-based cationic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are uncommon. Here, we report a cationic Al-MOF, MIP-213(Al) ([Al18(μ2-OH)24(OH2)12(mdip)6]6Cl·6H2O) constructed from flexible tetra-carboxylate ligand (5,5'-Methylenediisophthalic acid; H4mdip). Its crystal structure was determined by the combination of three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) and high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction. The structure is built from infinite corner-sharing chains of AlO4(OH)2 and AlO2(OH)3(H2O) octahedra forming an 18-membered rings honeycomb lattice, similar to that of MIL-96(Al), a scarce Al-polycarboxylate defective MOF. Despite sharing these structural similarities, MIP-213(Al), unlike MIL-96(Al), lacks the isolated μ3-oxo-bridged Al-clusters. This leads to an ordered defective cationic framework whose charge is balanced by Cl- sandwiched between two Al-trimers at the corner of the honeycomb, showing strong interaction with terminal H2O coordinated to the Al-trimers. The overall structure is endowed by a narrow quasi-1D channel of dimension ~4.7 Å. The Cl- in the framework restrains the accessibility of the channels, while the MOF selectively adsorbs CO2 over N2 and possesses high hydrolytic stability.
Human resident liver myeloid cells protect against metabolic stress in obesity
Authors: Barreby Emelie , Strunz Benedikt , Nock Sebastian , Naudet Léa , Shen Joanne X. , Johansson Helene , Sönnerborg Isabella , Ma Junjie , Urgard Egon , Pallett Laura J. , Hu Yizhou , Fardellas Achilleas , Azzimato Valerio , Vankova Ana , Levi Laura , Morgantini Cecilia , Maini Mala K. , Stål Per , Rosshart Stephan P. , Coquet Jonathan M. , Nowak Greg , Näslund Erik , Lauschke Volker M. , Ellis Ewa , Björkström Niklas K. , Chen Ping , Aouadi Myriam
Published: July 2023

Although multiple populations of macrophages have been described in the human liver, their function and turnover in patients with obesity at high risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis are currently unknown. Herein, we identify a specific human population of resident liver myeloid cells that protects against the metabolic impairment associated with obesity. By studying the turnover of liver myeloid cells in individuals undergoing liver transplantation, we find that liver myeloid cell turnover differs between humans and mice. Using single-cell techniques and flow cytometry, we determine that the proportion of the protective resident liver myeloid cells, denoted liver myeloid cells 2 (LM2), decreases during obesity. Functional validation approaches using human 2D and 3D cultures reveal that the presence of LM2 ameliorates the oxidative stress associated with obese conditions. Our study indicates that resident myeloid cells could be a therapeutic target to decrease the oxidative stress associated with NAFLD.
The colorimetry and smartphone determination of perfluorooctane sulfonate based on cytidine 5′-monophosphate-capped gold nanoclusters with peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Guo Tian-Yuan , Li Hong-Wei , Zhang Chun-Xia , Wu Yuqing
Published: July 2023

The colorimetry and smartphone determination of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) based on cytidine 5′-monophosphate-capped gold nanoclusters with peroxidase-like activity.
Ru(ii)-catalyzed synthesis of poly-substituted furans via intermolecular oxidative annulation reaction of ethyl 3-oxo-3-phenylpropanoates with aryl alkynes/heteroaryl alkynes
Authors: Chourasiya Mohit , Kumar Amrendra , Vikram Vikrant Nawal , Tadigoppula Narender
Published: July 2023

A Ru(ii)-catalyzed novel method developed for the synthesis of poly-substituted furans.
Incorporating ion-specific van der Waals and soft repulsive interactions in the Poisson–Boltzmann theory of electrical double layers
Authors: Seal Aniruddha , Tiwari Utkarsh , Gupta Ankur , Govind Rajan Ananth
Published: July 2023

Inclusion of ion-specific Lennard–Jones interactions into the Poisson–Boltzmann theory of electric double layers captures the formation of a Stern layer and leads to qualitatively correct predictions of the double layer capacitance.
The impact of intramolecular polydispersity on the self-assembly of ABn miktoarm star copolymers
Authors: Shi Jiahao , Huang Xianbo , Li Weihua
Published: July 2023

The self-assembly behaviors of ABn miktoarm star copolymers as one typical type of asymmetric architecture have been studied well in the past few decades due to their deflected phase boundaries.
Green nanoparticle synthesis at scale: a perspective on overcoming the limits of pulsed laser ablation in liquids for high-throughput production
Authors: Khairani Inna Y. , Mínguez-Vega Gladys , Doñate-Buendía Carlos , Gökce Bilal
Published: July 2023

This article explores upscaling productivity of laser-generated nanoparticles in liquid and its automatization for industrial applications, considering laser and chamber design, scanner technology, liquid and target properties.
Non-thermal plasma assisted non-oxidative methane liquefaction for fuel production at near ambient conditions
Authors: Meng Shijun , Li Wenping , Li Zhaofei , Song Hua
Published: July 2023

The non-thermal plasma could effectively convert pure methane into gasoline-range hydrocarbons with limited coke formation over the SBA-15 catalyst.
A highly stable chain-based EuIII metal–organic framework as a turn-on and blue-shift luminescent sensor for dipicolinic acid
Authors: Wang Li , Zhu Yu-Lian , Zheng Teng-Fei , Zhu Zi-Hao , Peng Yan , Wu Yong-Quan , Chen Jing-Lin , Liu Sui-Jun , Wen He-Rui
Published: July 2023

JXUST-38 can sensitively identify 2,6-dipicolinic acid in DMF solution by fluorescence enhancement and blue shift, which has great potential in biosensing applications.
A NiS2/C composite as an innovative anode material for sodium-ion batteries: ex situ XANES and EXAFS studies to investigate the sodium storage mechanism
Authors: Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F. , Aftab Sikandar , Pandit Bidhan , Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Ubaidullah Mohd , Ekar Satish , Hussain Sajjad , Khollam Yogesh B. , More Pravin S. , Mane Rajaram S.
Published: July 2023

Ex situ XANES and EXAFS studies of NiS2/C electrode to investigate sodium storage mechanism.
Regulating the electronic structure of manganese-based materials to optimize the performance of zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Anqi , Zhao Ran , Wang Yahui , Yang JingJing , Wu Chuan , Bai Ying
Published: July 2023

The optimization of electronic structure is a common internal mechanism of all modification methods and acts as a general modification strategy for the intrinsic properties of manganese-based materials in zinc-ion batteries.
A micelle-mediated approach enables facile access to bridged oxabicyclo[n.3.1]alkene scaffolds
Authors: Wani Mohmad Muzafar , Rashid Auqib , Bhat Bilal A.
Published: July 2023

The formation of Rauhut–Currier products from 2-cycloalkenones and their deviation to bridged oxabicyclo[n.3.1]alkene constructs by reacting 2-cycloalkenones with 1,3-cycloalkadiones in a micellar medium.
Computational formulation study of insulin on biodegradable polymers
Authors: Devaraji Vinod , Jayanthi Sivaraman
Published: July 2023

A computational formulation approach is used in this study to evaluate the stability of insulin–polymer mixtures at different pH levels and temperatures. Among the investigated polymers, cyclodextrin and chitosan were found to be effective in maintaining insulin stability.
Molybdenum sulfide-2D nanosheets offering multiple metallic sites enable different sugar epimerization reactions to rare sugars in water
Authors: Arumugam Senthil Murugan , Mahala Sangeeta , Devi Bhawana , Kumar Sandeep , Kunchala Ravi Kumar , Elumalai Sasikumar
Published: July 2023

Molybdenum sulfide as 2D-nanosheets exhibits versatility in transforming high-calorie sugars into low-calorie sugars in water. The flexible active sites, such as Mo and S, swap their role depending on the sugar's structural configuration.
Linear instability analysis of a shear thinning gelled jet with yield stress in coaxial atomization
Authors: Wang Yufan , Chai Pingping , Yao Feng , Chen Hongyu , Shi Zhehang , Zhao Hui , Li Weifeng , Liu Haifeng
Published: July 2023

Coaxial atomization of a gelled jet is affected by yield stress and gas swirl. Linear instability analysis is used to explore the impact of these two factors.
Photo-assisted asymmetric supercapacitors based on dual photoelectrodes for enhanced photoelectric energy storage
Authors: Zhao Yunbo , Li Hui , Tang Ruiyang , Wang Xueyan , Wu Yang , Yan Shi , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2023

A novel photo-assisted asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with dual photoelectrodes is specifically assembled, which possesses enhanced energy storage performance under light.
Transparent and colorless DSSCs featuring thienyl-pyrrolopyrrole cyanine sensitizers
Authors: Baron Thibaut , Naim Waad , Kurucz Mate , Nikolinakos Ilias , Andrin Baptiste , Pellegrin Yann , Jacquemin Denis , Haacke Stefan , Sauvage Frédéric , Odobel Fabrice
Published: July 2023

Thanks to their red-shifted absorption spectra, thienyl-pyrrolopyrrole cyanine sensitizers are an appealing class of dyes for transparent dye sensitized solar cell technology.
Heteroatom sulfur-doping in single-atom Fe-NC catalysts for durable oxygen reduction reaction in both alkaline and acidic media
Authors: Yan Jin , Gu Tianyi , Shi Ruhua , Chen Xin , Rümmeli Mark H. , Yang Ruizhi
Published: July 2023

The highly active S-modified single-atom Fe-NC catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity and stability in both alkaline and acidic solutions.
Fabrication of three-lobed magnetic microrobots for cell transportation
Authors: Shah Zameer Hussain , Sokolich Max , Mallick Sudipta , Rivas David , Das Sambeeta
Published: July 2023

We present a bench-top colloidal approach for fabricating three-lobed magnetic microrobots. These microrobots showed promising results for single-cell transportation in a fluid.
A low dielectric constant material synergized by calix[4]arene and benzocyclobutene units
Authors: Zhou Chengcheng , Shen Ding , Chai Xingpeng , Shi Boyang , Zhu Wenya , Wang Guowei
Published: July 2023

A novel low-kmaterial (Dkis as low as 2.23) was prepared from functionalized 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with different numbers of benzocyclobutene (BCB) units (2 or 4) and spacers (–(CH2)3– or –(CH2)6–).
NaCl-treated multiple carbon coating BaTiO3 nanoparticles towards enhancing dielectric properties
Authors: Wang Peng , Guo Zihao , Sun Zhihao , Du Benli , Tian Shaoyao , Qiu Yu , Ding Han , Qian Lei
Published: July 2023

NaCl-treated multiple carbon coating BaTiO3 nanoparticles were produced and improved dielectric properties with low loss were obtained by the regulation of carbon shell thickness and the optimization of its electrical properties.
Beyond energy density: flow battery design driven by safety and location
Authors: Reber David , Jarvis Sam R. , Marshak Michael P.
Published: July 2023

Using satellite imagery we show that the installation footprint of grid-scale lithium-ion batteries is often comparable to much less energy-dense technologies such as aqueous battery systems.
Distributed parameter identification algorithm for large‐scale interconnected systems
Authors: Hamdi Mounira , Idomhgar Lhassane , Kamoun Samira , Chaoui Mondher , Kachouri Abdenaceur
Published: July 2023

This paper deals with parameter estimation problem of large‐scale systems. A recursive distributed parameter estimation algorithm, based on the minimization of the prediction estimation error method, is developed. Specifically, the class of large‐scale systems that are composed of several interconnected sub‐systems is considered. Each interconnected sub‐system is modelled by a linear discrete‐time state space mathematical model with unknown parameters. The convergence analysis is then achieved using the Lyapunov approach. The theoretical analysis and simulation results prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Particle motion in ultra-strong electromagnetic fields of neutron stars: The influence of radiation reaction
Authors: Tomczak Ivan , Pétri Jérôme
Published: July 2023

Context. Neutron stars are known to be efficient accelerators that produce particles with ultra-relativistic energies. As a by-product, they also emit copious amounts of photons from radio wavelengths up to gamma rays.

Aims. As a follow-up to our previous work on particle acceleration simulation near neutron stars, in this paper, we discuss the impact of radiation reaction on test particles injected into their magnetosphere. We therefore neglect the interaction between particles through the electromagnetic field as well as gravitation.

Methods. We integrate numerically the reduced Landau-Lifshitz equation for electrons and protons in the vacuum field of a rotating magnetic dipole based on analytical solutions in a constant electromagnetic field. These expressions are simple in a frame where the electric and magnetic field are parallel. Lorentz transforms are used to switch back and forth between this frame and the observer frame.

Results. We found that, though due solely to the Lorentz force, electrons reach Lorentz factors up to γ = 1014 and protons reach them up to γ = 1010.7. When radiation reaction is enabled, electrons reach energies up to γ = 1010.5 and protons reach energies up to γ = 108.3. The second set of values are more realistic since the radiation reaction feedback is predominant within the magnetosphere. Moreover, as expected, symmetrical behaviours between the north and south hemispheres are highlighted, either with respect to the location around the neutron star or with respect to particles of opposite charge to mass ratio (q/m). Consequently, it is useless to simulate the full set of geometrical parameters in an effort to obtain an overview of all possibilities.

Conclusions. The study of the influence of the magnetic dipolar moment inclination shows similar behaviours regardless of whether radiation reaction is enabled. Protons (respectively electrons) impact the surface of the neutron star less as the inclination angle increases (decreases for electrons), while if the rotation and magnetic axes are aligned, all the protons impact the neutron star, and all the electrons impact the surface if the rotation and magnetic axes are anti-aligned. Similarly, we still find that particles are ejected away from the neutron star, in some preferred directions and Lorentz factors.
Observations of neutral carbon in 29 high-z lensed dusty star-forming galaxies and the comparison of gas mass tracers
Authors: Gururajan G. , B’ethermin M. , Sulzenauer N. , Theulé P. , Spilker J. S. , Aravena M. , Chapman S. C. , Gonzalez A. , Greve T. R. , Narayanan D. , Reuter C. , Vieira J. D. , Weiss A.
Published: July 2023

Context. The nature and evolution of high-redshift dusty star-forming galaxies (high-z DSFGs) remain open questions. Their massive gas reservoirs play an important role in driving the intense star formation rates hosted in these galaxies.

Aims. Our aim is to estimate the molecular gas content of high-z DSFGs by using various gas mass tracers, such as the [CI], CO, [CII] emission lines and the dust content. These tracers need to be well calibrated as they are all limited by uncertainties on factors such as αCO, XCI, α[CII], and δGDR, thereby affecting the accurate determination of the gas mass. The main goal of our work is to check the consistency between the gas mass tracers and to cross-calibrate the uncertain factors.

Methods. We observed the two [CI] line transitions for 29 South Pole telescope Submillimeter Galaxies (SPT-SMGs) with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array–Atacama Compact Array (ALMA-ACA). Additionally, we also present new Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) observations of [CII] line for nine of these galaxies. We combined our observations with the rich ancillary data of low- and mid-J CO lines, ancillary [CII] line, and dust mass estimations for these galaxies.

Results. We find a nearly linear relation between the infrared luminosity and [CI] luminosity if we fit the starbursts and main-sequence galaxies separately. We measure a median [CI]-derived excitation temperature of 34.5 ± 2.1 K. We probed the properties of the interstellar medium (ISM), such as density and radiation field intensity, using [CI] to mid- or high-J CO lines and the [CI]-to-infrared luminosity ratio, and find similar values to the SMG populations in the literature. Finally, the gas masses estimated from [CI], CO, dust, and [CII] do not exhibit any significant trend with the infrared luminosity or the dust temperature. We provide the various cross-calibrations between these tracers.

Conclusions. Our study confirms that [CI] is a suitable tracer of the molecular gas content, and shows an overall agreement between all the classical gas tracers used at high redshift. However, their absolute calibration, and thus the gas depletion timescale measurements, remain uncertain.
Dynamical system of optical soliton parameters by variational principle (super-Gaussian and super-sech pulses)
Authors: Zayed Elsayed M.E. , El-Horbaty Mahmoud , Alngar Mohamed E.M. , Shohib Reham M.A. , Biswas Anjan , Yıldırım Yakup , Moraru Luminita , Iticescu Catalina , Bibicu Dorin , Lucian Georgescu Puiu , Asiri Asim
Published: July 2023

The parameter dynamics of super-sech and super-Gaussian pulses for the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation with power-law nonlinearity is obtained in this article. The variational principle successfully recovers this dynamical system. The details of the variational principle with the implementation of the Euler–Lagrange’s equation to the nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation with power-law of nonlinearity described in this paper have not been previously reported.
Amended diagnosis, mitochondrial genome, and phylogenetic position of Sphyranura euryceae (Neodermata, Monogenea, Polystomatidae), a parasite of the Oklahoma salamander
Authors: Leeming Samuel J. , Hahn Christoph , Koblmüller Stephan , McAllister Chris T. , Vanhove Maarten P. M. , Kmentová Nikol
Published: July 2023

Polystomatidae is a monogenean family whose representatives infect mainly (semi)-aquatic tetrapods. Species of Sphyranura Wright, 1879 exhibit ectoparasitism on salamander hosts, with molecular work supporting their inclusion within Polystomatidae, at an early diverging, yet unresolved, position in the clade of otherwise endoparasitic polystomatid parasites of batrachian hosts. Records of representatives of Sphyranura are scarce with genetic data only available for S. oligorchis Alvey, 1933. Based on detailed morphological examination and comparison with type material, we identified worms belonging to Sphyranura infecting Oklahoma salamander (Eurycea tynerensis) as S. euryceae Hughes & Moore, 1943. Along with an amended diagnosis of Sphyranura, we provide the first molecular data for S. euryceae in the form of a mitochondrial genome and nuclear (18S, 28S rRNA) markers. Close morphological similarity between the two species of Sphyranura is reflected in low genetic divergence. Mitochondrial level comparison reveals instances of tRNA gene rearrangements in polystomatids. Although the phylogenetic reconstruction supports Sphyranura as early branching in the lineage of polystomatid monogeneans infecting batrachians, certain nodes remain unresolved.
Global convergence via modified self-adaptive approach for solving constrained monotone nonlinear equations with application to signal recovery problems
Authors: Abdullahi Muhammad , Bala Abubakar Auwal , Salihu Sadiq Bashir
Published: July 2023

The conjugate gradient method (CG) is one of the most rapidly expanding and efficient ways of solving unconstrained minimization problems. Recently, there has been a lot of effort put into extending the CG approach to solve monotone nonlinear equations. In this paper, we describe a variation of the CG method for solving constrained monotone nonlinear equations. The approach has a sufficient descent property, and its global convergence has been demonstrated with the help of some reasonable assumptions. Two sets of numerical tests were run to demonstrate the proposed method’s superior performance when compared to other methods. The initial experiment aimed to solve nonlinear equations with constraints, while in the second experiment, the method was applied to sparse signal reconstruction.
The Need for Green and Responsible Medical Informatics and Digital Health: Looking Forward with One Digital Health
Authors: Benis Arriel , Tamburis Oscar
Published: July 2023

One Health is an important initiative to view the world in a more integrative sense of our health and environment. Digital Health provides essential support to all of us as healthcare professionals and customers. One Digital Health (ODH) combines both One Health and Digital Health to provide a technologically integrative view. ODH gives an essential place to the environment and ecosystems. Thus, health technologies and digital health must be “green” and eco-friendly as much as possible. We suggest in this position paper examples of developing and implementing ODH-related concepts, systems, and products with a respectful consideration of the environment. For humans and animals, developing cutting-edge technologies to improve wellness and healthcare is critical. Nevertheless, we can learn from One Health that digitalization and so One Digital Health must be built to implement green, eco-friendly, and responsible thinking.
Adherence to Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in a Cohort of Colombian Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Ortiz Judith L. , Rosselli Diego
Published: July 2023

Objective To describe the adherence to the use of positive air pressure (PAP) devices in a cohort of patients with sleep apnea syndrome in Colombia.

Material and Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study of adult patients treated between January 2018 and December 2019 in the sleep clinic of a private insurer in Colombia.

Results The analysis included 12,538 patients (51.3% women) with a mean age of 61.3 years; 10,220 patients (81.5%) use CPAP and 1,550 (12.4%) BIPAP. Only 37% are adherent (> 70% of use for 4 hours or more), adherence rates were highest in the >65 years age groups. 2,305 patients (18.5%) were hospitalized, on average 3.2 times; 515 of these (21.3%) had one or more cardiovascular comorbidities.

Conclusion Adherence rates in this sample are lower than those reported elsewhere. They are similar in males and females and tend to improve with age.
Association between Objective and Subjective Sleep Parameters with Postural Control Responses among Brazilian Schoolteachers
Authors: Soares de Almeida Ciquinato Daiane , Lozza de Moraes Marchiori Luciana , Aparecida Bazoni Jessica , Eumann Mesas Arthur , Alexandre da Silva Rubens
Published: July 2023

Objective To investigate the impact of sleep quality on postural control in teachers.

Methods Cross-sectional study with 41 schoolteachers (mean age 45.7 ± 10.4 years). Sleep quality was assessed in two ways: objectively (through actigraphy), and subjectively (through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Postural control was assessed in an upright posture during 3 trials of 30s (bipedal and semitandem stances in rigid and foam surfaces with eyes open) with a period of rest across trials, on a force platform, based in the center of pressure measurements in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions.

Results The prevalence of poor sleep quality in this study sample was 53.7% (n = 22). No differences were found between Poor and Good sleep in the posturographic parameters (p > 0.05). Although, there was moderate correlation between postural control in the semitandem stance and subjective sleep efficiency for center of pressure area (rs = -0.424; p = 0.006) and amplitude in anteroposterior direction (rs = -0.386; p = 0.013).

Discussion There is correlation between poor sleep quality and postural control in schoolteachers, as sleep efficiency decreases, postural sway increases. Poor sleep quality and postural control were investigated in other populations, but not in teachers. Several factors such as work overload, insufficient time for physical activities, among others, can contribute to a worse perception of sleep quality, as well as deterioration in postural control. Further studies with larger populations are needed to confirm these findings.
Sleep Quality and Social Jetlag in Young Adults During the Social Distancing Caused by COVID-19
Authors: Salles Cristina , Moraes Almondes Katie , Araújo Matheus , Marques Iohana , Haine Gonzaga Lucas , Meira-e-Cruz Miguel , Aguiar Carolina , Costa Dias Cristiane
Published: July 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the sleep quality and the Social Jetlag frequency in young adults during social distancing because of COVID-19.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 308 students aged ≥18 years and with Internet access. Questionnaires used: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index – Brazil (PSQI-BR), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire.

Results: The mean age of the students was 21 ± 3 years (17 - 42y), with no statistically significant difference between genders. The PSQI-BR indicated that 257 (83.4%) had poor sleep quality. The mean of Social Jetlag for young adults was 02:00 ± 01:49h, and we observed that 16.6% (n = 51) had Social Jetlag. Compared to men in the good sleep quality group, women had higher means for sleep duration on study days and free days, mid-point of sleep on study days and free days and corrected mid-point of sleep on free days. However, when compared to men in the group of poor sleep quality, we observed higher means for women regarding sleep duration on study days, the mid-point of sleep on study days, and the corrected mid-point of sleep on free days.

Conclusions: Thus, the high frequency of young adult students who had poor sleep quality associated with Social Jetlag (2 hours) in the present study may reflect a pattern of sleep irregularity, which may be associated with impairment of environmental synchronizers and stimulation of social synchronizers during the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sleep Duration in Adolescence and Its Prenatal, Perinatal, and Health Determinants in a Large Population-based Cohort Followed from Birth
Authors: Berrutti Barbara , Otero Xavier Mariana , S. Santos Iná , Matijasevich Alicia , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana
Published: July 2023

Objective To investigate sleep duration and its associated factors in adolescents aged 11 years from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study.

Methods Sleep duration was assessed using a self-report sleep habits. Independent variables included perinatal, sociodemographic, behavioral, and health characteristics. The associations were estimated using multiple linear regression.

Results The mean sleep duration of 3,179 adolescents was 9.3 hour (SD =1.7 hour). Longer sleep duration was associated with lower socioeconomic status at birth (β: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.12; 0.61), lower mother's education level (p < 0.001), and being female (β: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06; 0.33). Shorter sleep duration was associated with cesarean section delivery (β: −0.16, 95% CI: −0.31; -0.02); having classes in the morning shift (β: −1.38, 95% CI: −1.51; -1.26), and lower terciles of physical activity (p = 0.04).

Conclusions The mean sleep duration observed in this study was consistent with the international recommendations for this age range. Adolescents from lower income families, who are more active, study in shifts other than morning, girls, and those born through vaginal delivery presented higher sleep duration than their counterparts.
A Randomized, Open Label, Exploratory Trial Comparing Efficacy of Amantadine and Ropinirole in Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Madhaw Govind , Gupta Ravi , Dhamija Puneet , Kumar Niraj
Published: July 2023

Objective Amantadine has both anti-glutamatergic and dopaminergic action and may improve restless legs syndrome (RLS). We compared the efficacy and adverse-effect profile of amantadine and ropinirole in RLS.

Methods In this randomized, open-label, 12-week flexible-dose exploratory study, RLS patients with international RLS study group severity scale score (IRLSS) > 10 were randomized to receive either amantadine(100-300mg/day) or ropinirole (0.5-2mg/day). Drug dose was increased until week-6 if IRLSS failed to improve by ≥10% of previous visit score. IRLSS change from baseline at week-12 was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included change in RLS-related quality of life (RLS-QOL) and insomnia severity index (ISI), along with clinical-global-impression of change/improvement (CGI-I), and proportion of patients with adverse-effects and resulting discontinuation.

Results Twenty-four patients received amantadine and 22 received ropinirole. Both groups had a significant effect for visit*treatment arm (F (2.19,68.15) =4.35;P = 0.01). With a similar baseline IRLSS, both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses revealed comparable IRLSS until week-8, with ropinirole appearing superior from week-10 to week-12 (week-12 IRLSS, amantadine vs ropinirole:17.0 ±  5.7 vs 9.0 ±  4.4;P < 0.001). ITT analysis at week-12 showed comparable proportion of responders (≥10% IRLSS reduction) in both groups (P = 0.10). Both drugs improved sleep and QOL, but week-12 scores favoured ropinirole [(ISI:14.4 ±  5.7 vs 9.4 ±  4.5; P = 0.001) ;(RLS-QOL:70.4 ±  17.9 vs 86.5 ±  9.8; P = 0.005)]. CGI-I at week-12 favoured ropinirole (Mann-Whitney U = 35.50, S. E = 23.05;P = 0.01). Four patients in amantadine and two in ropinirole group developed adverse effects, with resulting discontinuation in two patients on amantadine.

Conclusions The present study reports equivalent reduction in RLS symptoms with both amantadine and ropinirole until week-8, with the latter being superior from week-10 onwards. Ropinirole was better tolerated.
Association between 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 2A Gene (rs6313 and rs4941573) Polymorphism and Sleep Bruxism: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Motahari Paria , Katebi Katayoun , Pournaghi-Azar Fatemeh , Jabbarzadeh Masoumeh
Published: July 2023

Genetic factors may influence sleep bruxism's pathogenesis. Even though the association between the, 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HTR2A) serotonin receptor gene polymorphism and sleep bruxism has been investigated, inconsistent findings have been discovered. As a result, meta-analysis was performed to gather complete results on this topic. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched for all papers containing English abstracts until April 2022. Medical Subject Heading (MESH) terms plus unrestricted keywords were used in the searches. The Cochrane test and the I2 statistic were used to determine the heterogeneity percentage in numerous researches. Comprehensive Meta-analysis v.2.0 software was used to conduct the analyses. Five properly fitting papers were chosen for meta-analysis from the 39 articles acquired during the initial search. The meta-analysis revealed that the 5-HTR2A polymorphism has no link with sleep bruxism susceptibility across the models studied (P-Value > 0.05). The combined odds ratio analysis revealed no statistically significant association between the 5-HTR2A gene polymorphism with sleep bruxism. Nonetheless, these findings require confirmation through researches with large sample sizes. Identifying genetic markers for sleep bruxism may help clarify and expand our current knowledge of bruxism physiopathology.
How can algorithms help in segmenting users and customers? A systematic review and research agenda for algorithmic customer segmentation
Authors: Salminen Joni , Mustak Mekhail , Sufyan Muhammad , Jansen Bernard J.
Published: July 2023

What algorithm to choose for customer segmentation? Should you use one algorithm or many? How many customer segments should you create? How to evaluate the results? In this research, we carry out a systematic literature review to address such central questions in customer segmentation research and practice. The results from extracting information from 172 relevant articles show that algorithmic customer segmentation is the predominant approach for customer segmentation. We found researchers employing 46 different algorithms and 14 different evaluation metrics. For the algorithms, K-means clustering is the most employed. For the metrics, separation-focused metrics are slightly more prevalent than statistics-focused metrics. However, extant studies rarely use domain experts in evaluating the outcomes. Out of the 169 studies that provided details about hyperparameters, more than four out of five used segment size as their only hyperparameter. Typically, studies generate four segments, although the maximum number rarely exceeds twenty, and in most cases, is less than ten. Based on these findings, we propose seven key goals and three practical implications to enhance customer segmentation research and application.
The impact of venture capital on Chinese SMEs’ sustainable development: a focus on early-stage and professional characteristics
Authors: Liu Lili , Jiang Heng , Zhang Yonglin
Published: July 2023

Venture capital is an essential financing option for small and medium-sized enterprises, especially high-tech enterprises. The sustainable development of enterprises is of great significance for promoting the high-quality growth of the economy. In this paper, Chinese-listed companies supported by venture capital from 2002 to 2022 are taken as the research sample. Semiparametric and nonparametric methods are adopted to explore the long-term impact of venture capital on the sustainable development of Chinese enterprises. It is found that the early stage of venture capital companies has a significant promoting effect on the sustainable development of the enterprises. In contrast, professionalism has no significant impact on the sustainable development of enterprises in the short term but has an inhibitory effect in the long term. The results show that venture capital is conducive to enterprises’ standardization and long-term development because it provides funds, supervision, and other noncapital value-added services, such as networking resources, management experience, and market information. Venture capital should refrain from interfering excessively in decision-making in professional and technical fields. This paper addresses the need to research venture capital’s impact on enterprises’ sustainable development. It provides a specific reference for formulating venture capital contracts and related policy recommendations.
An efficient and flexible approach for computing rovibrational polaritons from first principles
Authors: Szidarovszky Tamás
Published: July 2023

A theoretical framework is presented for the computation of the rovibrational polaritonic states of a molecule in a lossless infrared (IR) microcavity. In the proposed approach, the quantum treatment of the rotational and vibrational motions of the molecule can be formulated using arbitrary approximations. The cavity-induced changes in electronic structure are treated perturbatively, which allows using the existing polished tools of standard quantum chemistry for determining electronic molecular properties. As a case study, the rovibrational polaritons and related thermodynamic properties of H2O in an IR microcavity are computed for varying cavity parameters, applying various approximations to describe the molecular degrees of freedom. The self-dipole interaction is significant for nearly all light–matter coupling strengths investigated, and the molecular polarizability proved important for the correct qualitative behavior of the energy level shifts induced by the cavity. On the other hand, the magnitude of polarization remains small, justifying the perturbative approach for the cavity-induced changes in electronic structure. Comparing results obtained using a high-accuracy variational molecular model with those obtained utilizing the rigid rotor and harmonic oscillator approximations revealed that as long as the rovibrational model is appropriate for describing the field-free molecule, the computed rovibropolaritonic properties can be expected to be accurate as well. Strong light–matter coupling between the radiation mode of an IR cavity and the rovibrational states of H2O leads to minor changes in the thermodynamic properties of the system, and these changes seem to be dominated by non-resonant interactions between the quantum light and matter.
Pulsed laser ablation and plasma chemistry of a carbon–carbon composite in vacuum, air, and oxygen
Authors: Radhakrishnan G. , Adams P. M. , Bernstein L. S.
Published: July 2023

This work describes the plume chemistry of laser-ablated carbon–carbon (C–C) composite samples in vacuum, a range of air pressures, and in pure oxygen. Time-resolved spectra were measured from a plasma plume generated by laser-ablation at 248 nm. The focus of this work was on the detection of three chemical species, C2, CN, and CO in pressures from near vacuum (10−7 Torr) to air at atmospheric pressure (760 Torr). Emission from atomic carbon C I was predominant at 10−7 Torr, while molecular C2 Swan Band emission was observed at 10−7 Torr, at all air pressures, as well as in pure oxygen. Emission from the CN violet bands was observed only when ablating in air, but not in vacuum or pure O2, indicating that CN was the product of a chemical reaction between an ablated carbon species and N2 present in air, and not intrinsically present in the C–C composite targets. High-resolution emission spectra from C2 and CN were measured and fitted to vibrational and rotational temperatures. Time-resolved emission measurements of both these molecules were used to estimate their respective velocities as a function of pressure. No emission from excited state CO could be detected from 180–900 nm, even in pure O2. However, neutral and ground state CO and CO2 were both detected by measuring FTIR absorption spectra following the ablation of a composite target at 248 nm, in dry air at atmospheric pressure. The HITRAN database was used to calculate the concentrations of CO and CO2 produced per laser pulse.
Le lexique du wen (culture) dans le discours
politique chinois et dans sa traduction française au prisme de la
textométrie
Authors: Elbaz Pascale , Miao Jun
Published: July 2023

La langue du politique est constituée de cristallisations
linguistiques et sociologiques spécifiques. Elle devient problématique une fois
traduite, car les termes et les syntagmes changent de contexte
géo-socio-culturel. Notre recherche s’oriente sur l’environnement contextuel des
termes concernant la culture et leur articulation dans le
rapport présenté lors de l’ouverture du 19e congrès du Parti
communiste chinois en 2017. En plus d’une attention particulière portée à la
stabilisation des formes langagières, depuis certains stéréotypes lexicaux
jusqu’à des habitus discursifs et notamment la présence de parallélismes, nous
étudions de près la créativité langagière, les difficultés de traduction et
leurs solutions dans un corpus parallèle français-chinois, assistées par des outils
textométriques. Une comparaison contrastive des spécificités de co-occurrences
thématiques autour de la culture entre le français et le chinois permet
d’éclairer les mécanismes d’émergence du langage politique chinois et fournit
également un accès privilégié aux contenus sociaux. En outre, les fonctions
textométriques de groupes de termes, de segments répétés et d’affichage
contextuel donnent un éclairage utile sur le discours programmatif autour de la
culture : culture socialiste avancée, culture socialiste à la chinoise,
confiance culturelle, softpower culturel, etc. Les résultats
obtenus et les méthodes textométriques appliquées peuvent être utiles à toute
analyse de terminologie ou à tout apprentissage de la traduction en langue de
spécialité.
Foreignness as a border-crossing challenge
Authors: Chen Yi-Chiao
Published: July 2023

Based on the concepts of foreignness delineated by theorists in border studies and cultural translation, this
paper analyzes Xi Ni Er’s short stories and identifies two types of translation challenges: the untranslatability of words and the
untransferability of feelings. The Singapore-specific linguistic landscape features heteroglossia and homophonic implications, and
these characteristics constitute untranslatable linguistic foreignness. In addition, this paper notes social and cultural
foreignness that serve the function of making readers feel what the writer feels (e.g., sorrow, nostalgia, and indignation), and
it is difficult to find an effective and suitable translation strategy to trigger empathy among target readers who do not share
social or cultural experiences. This paper, thus, emphasizes the importance of investigating the transference of feelings, and a
survey is conducted to gain reader-based insight into the suitability of offering supplementary materials in translation. Finally,
the results reveal that readers find these materials helpful and not intrusive.