bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect and comparison of training in ethical decision-making through lectures and group discussions on moral reasoning, moral distress and moral sensitivity in nurses: A clinical randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khaghanizadeh Morteza , Koohi Aliakbar , Ebadi Abbas , Vahedian-Azimi Amir
Published: June 2022

Background: Ethical decision‑making and behavior of nurses are major factors that can affect the quality of nursing care. Moral development of nurses to making better ethical decision-making is an essential element for managing the care process. The main aim of this study was to examine and comparison the effect of training in ethical decision-making through lectures and group discussions on nurses' moral reasoning, moral distress and moral sensitivity.Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study with a pre- and post-test design, 66 nurses with moral reasoning scores lower than the average of the community were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n=22) including two experimental groups and one control group. Ethical decision-making training to experimental groups was provided through the lectures and group discussions. While, the control group did not receive any training. Data were collected using sociodemographic questionnaire, the nursing dilemma test (NDT), the moral distress scale (MDS) and the moral sensitivity questionnaire (MSQ). Unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analysis was reported using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.Results: In adjusted regression analysis after intervention, the nursing principled thinking (NPT) score was significantly increased in group discussions vs. lectures group (OR: 13.078, 95%CI: 3.238-15.954, P=0.008), lectures group vs. control group (OR: 14.329, 95%CI: 2.005-16.171, P<0.001) and group discussions vs. control group (OR: 18.01, 95%CI: 5.834-22.15, P<0.001). The moral sensitivity score was significantly increased in group discussions vs. lectures group (OR: 10.874, 95%CI: 6.043-12.886, P=0.005) and group discussions vs. control group (OR: 13.077, 95%CI: 8.454-16.774, P=0.002). However, the moral distress score was significantly decreased in lectures group vs. control group (OR: 0.105, 95%CI: 0.015-0.717, P=0.021) and group discussions vs. control group (OR: 0.089, 95%CI: 0.015-0.547, P=0.009). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that ethical decision-making training is effective on empowerment of ethical reasoning. Whereas the group discussion was also effective on increasing the ethical sensitivity, it is recommended the training plan provided in this study to be held as workshop for all nurses in health and treatment centers and placed in curricular plan of nursing students.Registration: This randomized clinical trial was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials under code (IRCT2015122116163N5) in 02/07/2016.
Sleep apnea predicts cardiovascular death in patients with Marfan syndrome
A cohort study
Authors: Gessler Nele , Wohlmuth Peter , Anwar Omar , Debus Sebastian , Eickholt Christian , Gunawardene Melanie , Hakmi Samer , Heitmann Kathrin , Rybczynski Meike , Schueler Helke , Sheikhzadeh Sara , Tigges Eike , Wiest Gunther , Willems Stephan , Adam Ekaterina , Von Kodolitsch Yskert
Published: June 2022

Background
Identification of possible risk factors is crucial to optimize predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) in Marfan syndrome (MFS). Despite a well known relationship between sleep apnea and MFS, the impact of sleep apnea on cardiovascular death and on aortic events remains unclear.
Methods
This is an investigator-initiated study with long-term follow-up data of 105 MFS patients. All participants were screened for sleep apnea regardless of symptoms. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular death and the secondary outcome was the occurrence of aortic events.
Results
Sleep apnea with an apnea-hypopnea-index (AHI) > 5/h was observed in 21.0% (22/105) with mild sleep apnea in 13% (14/105) and moderate to severe sleep apnea in 7.6% (8/105). After a median follow-up of 7.76 years [interquartile range: 6.84, 8.41], 10% (10/105) had died, with cardiovascular cause of death in 80% (8/10). After adjusting for age and body-mass-index (BMI), the AHI-score emerged as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 1.712, 95%-confidence interval [1.061–2.761], p = 0.0276). The secondary outcome of aortic events occurred in 33% (35/105). There was no effect of the AHI-score on aortic events after adjusting for age and BMI (hazard ratio 0.965, 95%-confidence interval [0.617–1.509]), possibly due to a high number of patients with prior aortic surgery.
Interpretation:
Sleep apnea shows to be independently predictive of cardiovascular death in patients with Marfan syndrome. These findings highlight the necessity of early sleep apnea screening in MFS patients as an important adjunct to the PPPM management of the disease.
The Dressing Method and Dynamics of soliton solutions for the Kundu-Eckhaus equation
Authors: Chai Xuedong , Zhang Yufeng
Published: June 2022

The boundary value problem for focusing Kundu-Eckhaus equation with non-zero boundary conditions is studied by the Dbar dressing method in this work. A Dbar problem with non-canonical normalization condition is introduced to investigate the soliton solution. The eigenfunction of Dbar problem is meromorphic outside annulus with center 0, which is used to construct the Lax pair of the Kundu-Eckhaus equation with non-zero boundary conditions, which is a crucial step to further search for the soliton solution. Furthermore, the original nonlinear evolution equation and conservation law are obtained by means of choosing a special distribution matrix. Moreover, the N -soliton solutions of focusing Kundu-Eckhaus equation with non-zero boundary conditions are discussed based on the symmetries and distribution. As concrete examples, the dynamic behaviors of the one-breather solution and the two-breather solution are analyzed graphically by considering different parameters.PACS 05.45.Yv, 03.75.Lm, 42.65.Tg
Assessing the implementation fidelity of HPV self-collection offered by Community Health Workers during home visits (the EMA strategy): a case study in a low-middle resource setting in Argentina
Authors: Paolino Melisa , Antelo Victoria Sanchez , Cuberli Milca , Curotto Mariana , Pera Anabella Le , Binder Fernando , Mazzadi Juan David , Firmenich Beatriz , Arrossi Silvina
Published: June 2022

BackgroundIn Argentina, HPV self-collection offered by Community Health Workers was demonstrated to be effective to improve cervical cancer screening uptake. Based on these findings, the EMA strategy was scaled-up in nine Argentinian provinces. However, there is no evidence about the degree of fidelity -in relation to the core components proposed by the National Program on Cervical Cancer Prevention- with which this strategy was implemented in the new jurisdictions. We carried out a fidelity evaluation of the EMA strategy scaling-up aimed at evaluating the level of adherence to the core components of the EMA strategy, and how different moderating factors affected the implementation fidelity. Methods This descriptive study used a multi-methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the implementation fidelity using the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity. Evaluation of the degree of adherence to the core components of the EMA strategy was carried out through the analysis of a self-administered survey of health promoters (HPs), observations, and secondary data from the national screening information system. The analysis of moderating factors was carried out through analysis of field notes, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. ResultsOur results showed that the core components with highest fidelity were “Training”, Sample Handling, and Transportation. Regarding the Offer of HPV self-collection, we found some adaptations such as locations in which HPs offered HPV self-collection, and fewer pieces of information provided to women during the offer. In the Follow-up and Treatment core component we found a reduced adherence to triage and colposcopy. Some contextual factors had a negative impact on implementation fidelity, such as urban insecurity and the reduction in the number of HPs that offered HPV self-collection. Moderating factors that contributed to achieve high level of fidelity included a well-defined strategy with clear steps to follow, permanent feedback and high level of engagement among implementers.ConclusionsOut study shows how the analysis of fidelity and adaptations of HPV self-collection in real-world contexts are key to measure and maximize its effectiveness in Low-middle income settings.
New family of CV states of definite parity and their metrological power
Authors: Podoshvedov Mikhail S. , Podoshvedov Sergey A.
Published: June 2022

We introduce a family of new continuous variable (CV) states of definite parity originating from even single-mode squeezed vacuum (SMSV) state by subtracting an arbitrary number of photons from it. A beam splitter (BS) with arbitrary transmittance and reflectance parameters serves as a hub for redirecting input photons in an indistinguishable manner to the output and measuring modes followed by probabilistic measurement, thereby converting the initial SMSV photon distribution into new one after we know the number of registered photons in auхilliary mode. Depending on the parity of the subtracted photons, the family of the generated states is divided into two subfamilies, that is, into even and odd according to the parity of the Fock state subtracted. The family of the CV states is determined solely by one SMSV parameter, which inevitably decreases during their implementation. The algorithm of the quantum engineering can generate macroscopic CV states with a larger average number of photons (say, 4000 and even more) and quantum Fisher information of observable measuring the number of photons many times more (say, from tens of times for small practical values of the squeezing ratio to ≈4 for extremely high squeezing amplitude) than one of the original SMSV. The potential of the new family of the CV states of a certain parity, to which original SMSV, no doubt, belongs, can become decisive for a new push to implementation of optical quantum metrology protocols.
External Ventricular Drain Placement Is Associated With Lower Mortality After Intracerebral Hemorrhage With Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Warren Andrew D. , Li Qi , Schwab Kristin , McKaig Brenna , Goldstein Alexa N. , Greenberg Steven M. , Viswanathan Anand , Anderson Christopher , Gurol M. Edip , Patel Aman , Goldstein Joshua N.
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims:
Many patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) develop intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which is associated with higher mortality and worse clinical outcome. External ventricular drains (EVDs) are often placed, but there is little data on how much patients benefit from this intervention. We explored the use, timing, and location of EVD in ICH patients and any association with clinical outcome.
Results
During the study period 2,870 patients presented with primary ICH and 2,486 were included in analyses. Overall, patients were 73 (± 13) years old; 54% were male, and 46% had associated IVH. An EVD was placed in 29% of patients with IVH and 4% of those without. IVH patients with EVD were younger (67 ± 13 vs 74 ± 13, p < 0.001), had larger IVH volumes (17 mL vs 8 mL, p < 0.001), and lower GCS scores (7 vs 10, p < 0.001), compared to those without EVD. 90-day mortality was available in 2,486 (100%) patients, while 90-day mRS was available in 1,673 (67.3%). In univariate analysis, EVD placement was associated with lower likelihood of 90-day mortality (53% vs 59%, p = 0.048), but higher likelihood of poor outcome (88% vs 85%, p < 0.001) in those for whom this was available. Those with poor outcomes underwent faster EVD placement (0.46 days vs. 0.96 days, p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, EVD placement was associated with lower 90-day mortality (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.053–0.657, p = 0.009), but not with lower odds of poor outcome (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.508–5.309, p = 0.4). In multivariate analysis, days to EVD placement was associated with lower 90-day mortality (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.96, p = 0.027).
Conclusion
IVH is relatively common after ICH. After controlling for potential confounds, EVD placement is associated with lower mortality, but not clearly with better neurologic outcome. In addition, more rapid EVD placement is associated with higher mortality, potentially reflecting early development of herniation or obstructive hydrocephalus.
Modulation of antichiral edge states in zigzag graphene nanoribbons by side potential
Authors: Yang Jia-En , Lü Xiao-Long , Xie Hang
Published: June 2022

Antichiral edge states induced by the modified Haldane model have been predicted by Colomés and Franz (Physical Review Letters, 2018, 120(8): 086603). By applying the side potential composed of a potential field, staggered electric field, and exchange field along the boundaries of zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs), we further propose other types of antichiral edge states and investigate their corresponding transport properties. It is found that the side potential could destroy one or two (spin) edge modes, eventually inducing five novel antichiral edge states. By calculating the effect of these external fields separately on the energy band of the zGNRs, the regulatory mechanism has been explained. In addition, based on these induced edge states, we also proposed the spin/charge switcher in the three-terminal device consisting of zGNRs. We believe that these results could be used for the future designs of spintronic devices.
Feature selection method using multi-agent reinforcement learning based on guide agents
Authors: Kim Minwoo , Bae Jinhee , Wang Bohyun , Lim Joon S.
Published: June 2022

In this study, we propose a method to automatically find features from a dataset that are effective for classification or prediction, using a new method called multi-agent reinforcement learning and a guide agent. Each feature of the dataset has one each of main and guide agents, and these agents decide whether to select a feature. Main agents select the optimal features, and guide agents present the criteria for judging the main agents’ actions. After obtaining the main and guide rewards for the features selected by the agents, the main agent that behaves differently from the guide agent, by calculating the learning reward delivered to the main agents, updates their Q-values. The behavior comparison between them helps the main agent decide whether its own behavior is correct, without using other algorithms. After performing this process for each episode, the features are finally selected. The feature selection method proposed in this study uses multiple agents, which reduces the number of actions that each agent can perform and finds optimal features effectively and quickly. Finally, comparative experimental results on multiple datasets show that the proposed method can select effective features for classification and increase the classification accuracy.
Hsa_circ_0053943 drives uveal melanoma progression via regulating N6-methyladenosine modification of EGFR with IGF2BP3
Authors: Zhao Andi , Wang Yue , Wang Zijin , Shao Qing , Gong Qi , Zhu Hui , Liu Lei , Zhang Xiaohan , Shen Shiya , Liu Hu , Chen Xuejuan
Published: June 2022

Background
Increasing studies characterized the critical role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as regulatory factors in the progression of multiple cancers. Nevertheless, the biological functions of circRNAs and their underlying molecular mechanisms in uveal melanoma (UM) progression remain enigmatic.
Methods
A novel circRNA, circ_0053943, was selected from re-mining UM microarray and quantitative RT-PCR. Functional assays were performed to investigate the roles of circ_0053943 in UM progression both in vitro and in vivo. To further explore the molecular mechanisms of circ_0053943 in UM, we implemented the fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA pulldown assay, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay, RNA sequencing, co-immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays.
Results
Circ_0053943 was upregulated in UM and prompted the proliferation and metastatic ability of UM cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0053943 could bind to the KH1 and KH2 domains of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), enhancing the function of IGF2BP3 by facilitating the stabilization of target mRNA. RNA sequencing assay identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a target gene of circ_0053943 and IGF2BP3 at the transcriptional level. Rescue assays revealed that circ_0053943 exerts its biologic function by stabilizing EGFR mRNA and regulating downstream the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
Conclusions
Circ_0053943 may promote UM progression by stabilizing EGFR mRNA and activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway through forming a circ_0053943/IGF2BP3/EGFR RNA-protein ternary complex, which in turn provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for UM.
Improving Sustainable Tourism in Thanjavur – A Feasibility Study
Authors: M Sona
Published: June 2022

‘Tangible Cultural Heritage’ refers to physical artefacts produced, maintained and transmitted inter-generationally in a society. ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ indicates the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their Cultural Heritage. Being the cradle to many of the arts and crafts in South India, Thanjavur is known for its arts like painting, bronze sculptures, and musical instruments. Manufacture of musical instruments like veena, tampura, violin, mrithangam, thavil and kanjira is another economic activity in the city. There are traces of the Marathi music form, Abhang, owing to the Maratha rule in the area. The study aims at preserving the culture of Thanjavur, by envisioning it as a living entity that interacts with its tourists for a wholesome experience. It focusses on design of a cultural experience centre that integrates the tangible and intangible elements of the cultural heritage of Thanjavur. It attempts to thrust on a sustainable tourism development, and improve the living standards of artisans, integrated with providing a multi-sensory experience of the Thanjavur culture to its tourists. The study includes both the tangible and intangible elements of the cultural heritage of Thanjavur. The most common fine arts and crafts in the context of Thanjavur have been chosen to set the cultural backdrop for the project. Contribution of performing arts is limited to the extent of provision for performance areas only, owing to the floating population of the respective artists. The study is limited to the district of Thanjavur.
Lifesaving Skills Training in Schools – A Qualitative study to explore students, teachers, and parent's perceived opportunities and challenges
Authors: Shaukat Natasha , Ali Daniyal Mansoor , Jaffer Mehtab , Jarrar Zeerak , Ashraf Naela , Hassan Sheza , Daudpota Ali Azim , Qadir Muskaan Abdul , Khowaja Aly Hamza , Razzak Junaid
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to explore the perception of teachers, parents and students’ regarding implementation of a school-based lifesaving skills program and help predict potential barriers and solutions. MethodsThis qualitative exploratory study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from December 2020- to October 2021. We included students, teachers, and parents of secondary (grades VIII, IX, and X) and higher secondary level students (grades XI and XII) in Karachi, Pakistan's public and private schools and colleges. We selected one public, two semi-private, and two private schools. We recruited students, teachers, and parents through convenience sampling. We conducted fifteen focus group discussions (FGDs) with the students, six FGDs with the teachers, and eighteen in-depth interviews (IDIs) with parents. We transcribed the data from audio recordings and translated it into the English language. Finally, we manually analyzed the data using thematic analyses.ResultsThis study found that bystanders' main barriers to performing lifesaving skills are lack of knowledge, fear of legal involvement, fear of hurting the patient by incorrect technique, lack of empathy among community stakeholders, and gender bias. The participants had a positive and supportive attitude toward implementing lifesaving skills training in schools. They suggested starting student training in the early teenage years, preferred medical staff as trainers, and suggested frequent small sessions in English/Urdu both or Urdu language and training via theory and practical hands-on drills. Furthermore, it was proposed that the training be integrated into the school curriculum to make it sustainable. Finally, the government needs to support the program and make the legal environment more conducive for the bystanders.ConclusionThis study identified the significant barriers to performing lifesaving skills in an emergency in a low- and middle-income country (lmic). The participants showed support for implementing a national lifesaving skills program in schools and colleges. However, the participants expressed that support is needed by the government for sustainability, integrating the lifesaving skills into the school curriculum, providing legal support to the bystanders, and creating awareness among the general public.
Embedding perception: how changes in manufacturing can influence visual and tactile preferences
Authors: Urquhart Lewis , Wodehouse Andrew
Published: June 2022

This paper explores how small-but–detectable changes in manufacturing protocol can alter interactive preferences for users. Building on a number of previous studies by the authors, this paper focuses on the manufacture of a set of emotionally attuned pattern-based surface texture designs utilising computer-numerically controlled (CNC) machining. An experiment is subsequently reported that explores how the variations in rastering approach can affect the visual and tactile qualities of the textures in relation to psychological preferences. The implications with respect to human-centred design (HCD) and manufacturing protocol more broadly are subsequently discussed with recommendations for a reconfiguration of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) approaches.
Development and validation of inferiority-compensation scale among high school students
Authors: Yang Di , Qiu Baiyang , Jiang Jin , Xia Youkui , Li Lingxiao , Li Yanting , Luo Longli , Liu Xiaocui , Meng Jing
Published: June 2022

An increasing numbers of high school students are inflicted by different degrees of mental disorders in learning, such as moodiness, learning difficulties, test anxiety, difficult to cope with frustration, etc., which are one of the factors leading to inferiority of students. In this study, the initial questionnaire of inferiority compensation for high school students was formed through literature searching, expert evaluation, interviews and open questionnaires. 1187 high school students were tested in different periods, including 461 copies of valid questionnaires of exploratory factor analysis in the first stage and 643 copies of valid questionnaires of confirmatory factor analysis in the second stage. The results showed that the inferiority compensation questionnaire for high school students consisted of two sub-questionnaires: self-compensation and others-compensation, and which two were both composed of five dimensions including academic performance, physical fitness, social communication, appearance and self-esteem. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the total questionnaire and the two sub-questionnaires all had good structural validity, and the combined reliability and values (such as the correlation coefficient of each dimension) of the two sub-questionnaires were within the ideal range. With good reliability and validity, and meeting the requirements of psychometrics, the questionnaire can be used in the relevant research and practice of inferiority compensation for high school students.
Optimizing Fault Detection for Big Data Analytics Through Evolutionary Computation
Authors: P Jothi , Dwivedi Mona
Published: June 2022

Intelligent fault detection is promising to deal with big data due to its ability in rapidly and efficiently processing collected signals and providing accurate detection results. In traditional fault detection methods, however, the features are manually extracted depending on prior knowledge and diagnostic expertise, such processes take advantage of human ingenuity but are time-consuming. Inspired by the idea of unsupervised feature learning artificial intelligence techniques are used to learn features from the raw data. As the dimensionality increases, the accuracy of fault identification methods implemented on big data decreases significantly. For supervised learning, large volume of data is needed which leads to high cost and time consuming. In this paper, an unsupervised learning approach is proposed based on weighted softmax regression for fault detection using the power signals. Fault prediction has become an important subject in recent years, as it helps businesses to make significant savings in time and expense by offering successful methods for predictive maintenance. Pre-processing of data was a complicated job to overcome many problems with the dataset, including scale, sparsity, distortion, burst effects and confidence. As pre-monitor signals for failure did not share standard patterns, but were characterized only as non-normal system signals, a predictive error was made using outlier detection. Faults were explained by displaying system characteristics with abnormal values. An experimental assessment was conducted to determine the quality of the solution proposed. Results indicate that high-grade outliers provide successful markers of initial failures. In addition, explanations about irregular characteristic values (responsible for oversight) seem rather expressive. Based on the sliding window technique, the method to detect errors in high dimensional data streams is applied to an on-line mode. The online extension can be adapted to the time changing behaviour of the controlled system by experiments on synthetic datasets and is therefore applicable to the dynamic error detection. To assess the suggested strategy, we contrasted it with engineered data sets created utilizing the LOF (online expansion), SVDD, and KPCA approaches getting more than 90% result. The data exhibit our methodology's accomplishment as far as perfection, productivity, and strength.
Forest Fire Susceptibility Mapping of West Sikkim District, India using MCDA techniques of AHP & TOPSIS model
Authors: Naskar Suvankar , Rahaman Aneesah , Biswas Brototi
Published: June 2022

Forest fire poses major environmental hazard, to the extent of sometimes permanently damaging the forest ecology. The potential of human to repair nature is hampered by the extension of human domination into forests, which results in the loss of forest land. While human expansion cannot be stopped, we must accept responsibility for the consequences and thus work to minimize such environmental hazards emanating from such calamities. RS and GIS have proved to be useful techniques for such studies. The goal of the current study is to identify the most vulnerable forest fire zones in the West Sikkim district falling within the state of Sikkim (India) during 2004–2021. Various thematic layers (LULC and topographical factors) were created using Landsat 8 OLI and ASTER DEM. For the final forest fire susceptibility zone (FFSZ) map, climate variables such as precipitation, temperature, humidity, and wind speed were also used. The authors employed the MCDM techniques of AHP and TOPSIS to determine the areas which are most vulnerable to wildfires in the research area. 194 wildfire locations, as obtained from Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) were used for the classification. The FFSZ were classified as “very high, high, medium, low, and very low vulnerability zones” based on their fire vulnerability. The areas under “Very high Susceptibility Zone” of AHP and TOPSIS were 152.331 km2 and 348.499 km2 respectively whereas the areas under “Very Low Susceptibility Zone” were 115.351 km2 and 139.436 km2 in the results of AHP and TOPSIS respectively. To check the accuracy of the FFSZ susceptibility maps obtained from the two modeling techniques, the same were confirmed by using (Receiver Operating Characteristics) ROC curves. Result indicates that the TOPSIS model (AUC = 82.28%) is slightly better at determining the vulnerable zones than the AHP method (AUC = 72.25%). Use of Geo-spatial technology can be an effective tool for delineating forest fire-prone areas of West Sikkim district. A fire risk map is useful for preventing possible tragedies by allowing and planning of enough fire-fighting infrastructures in areas vulnerable to fire damage.
Comparison of wrist actimetry variables of paretic upper limb use in post stroke patients for ecological monitoring
Authors: Dusfour Gilles , Mottet Denis , Muthalib Makii , Laffont Isabelle , Bakhti Karima K.A.
Published: June 2022

BackgroundTo date, many wrist actimetric variables dedicated to measuring the upper limbs (UL) in post-stroke patients have been developed but very few comparisons have been made between them. The objective of this study was to compare different actimetric variables of the ULs between a stroke and healthy population. MethodsAccelerometers were worn continuously for a period of 7 days on both wrists of 19 post-stroke hemiparetic patients as well as 11 healthy subjects. Various wrist actimetry variables were calculated, including the Jerk ratio 50 (JR50, cumulative probability that the Jerk Ratio is between 1 and 2), absolute (FU30) and relative (FUR30) amounts of functional use of movements of the ULs with angular amplitude greater than 30°, and absolute (UH) and relative (UHR) use hours. ResultsFU30, FUR30, UH, UHR and JR50 of the paretic UL of stroke patients were significantly lower than in the non-dominant UL of healthy subjects. For stroke patients, FUR30 was significantly lower than UHR and JR50, suggesting a more clinically sensitive variable to monitor. In an exploratory analysis, FUR tends to decrease with angular range of motion for stroke patients while it remains stable and close to 1 for healthy subjects. UHR, FUR30 and JR50 show linear correlation with Fugl-Meyer score (FM), with r² equal to 0.53, 0.35 and 0.21 respectively.ConclusionThis study determined that the FUR30 variable provides the most sensitive clinical biomarker of paretic UL use, and that FUR - angular range of motion relationship allows the identification of the UL behaviour of each patient. This ecological information on the level of functional use of the paretic UL can be used to improve follow-up and develop patient-specific therapy.
Water-insoluble and soluble glucuronoxylans from Eucalyptus pulp and their behaviors in alkaline pulping
Authors: Luo Min , Tian Shenlong , Lan Xingyu , Fu Shiyu
Published: June 2022

Hemicellulose plays a versatile role in plant cell wall by linking cellulose and lignin or impeding lignin removal from sustainable cellulosic fibers. Herein, hemicellulose fractions (glucuronoxylans) from Eucalyptus pulps under various cooking degree were extracted by potassium hydroxide solution and purified with ethanol. The glucuronoxylans are divided into water-insoluble (GXI) and -soluble (GXS) fractions. The release or degradation behavior of glycosylated side-chain of hemicellulose in alkaline pulping was explored according to the separate discussion of GXI and GXS, and take consideration of the effect of extraction temperature on polysaccharide degradation. The major difference is that GXI is constructed of basically straight xylan chain with high linearity, and GXS contains multi-branches xylan chain. The harsher cooking conditions with higher H factor and alkaline-extraction with higher temperature significantly influenced the composition and structure, leading more glycosyl side chains removal. Higher content glucuronic acid (6.04–11.26%) in GXS, which may relate to high branch on xylans and great solubility, while less of glucuronic acid (MeGlcA, 2.28–5.48%) in GXI was accounting for the poor solubility. The conversion of MeGlcA to hexenuronic acid (HexA) is significant during pulping, which may affect the subsequently bleaching. The glycosyl contents and structure of the two fractions extracted from pulps with different cooking degrees (corresponding to H factors 317, 586 and 904) showed that the HexA converted by MeGlcA in GXI was retained during cooking, while that in GXS was easier to be degraded in pulping process.
Analysis and Design of Sub-6 Beam Steerable Antenna Array Using Meta-material Loaded Vivaldi Elements.
Authors: khairy A. , Elboushi A. , Shaalan A. A. , Ahmed M. F.
Published: June 2022

in this paper, a sub-6 beam-steerable antenna array system is introduced. The main radiating element in the proposed array is a gain-enhanced Vivaldi antenna, whose overall realized gain is improved by introducing near-zero-index metamaterial [NZIM] with broadband characteristics at 3.6 GHz. The proposed system is intended to be integrated with fifth-generation (5G) automotive applications. The 4x4 butler matrix is resonating at 3.6 GHz to feed the designed antenna array elements and steer the radiating beam, which is suitable for automotive applications. All the system components, including antenna elements and the [4x4] butler matrix, are designed, simulated, and optimized by using CSTMWS 2020 and HFSS. In order to verify the proposed design, the system is fabricated using the photolithographic technique. The experimental results show very good agreement with the simulated ones. The NZIM-loaded antenna element achieves a -10 dB bandwidth of 2.9 GHz, while the overall array system achieves a 600 MHz bandwidth. The steered beam of the proposed system has an overall realized gain of 11.2 dB and covers an angle from 45o to 135o.
The chlorophyll content and structure can be regulated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase, BnLACS9, by stimulating triacylglycerol metabolism in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhu Keming , Li Nannan , Zhen Xiangfeng , Gao Yue , Ding Peng , Sarwar Rehman , Li Yulong , Tan Xiaoli L
Published: June 2022

Background Chlorophyll is a very important pigment involved in photosynthesis, while plant Acyl-CoA biosynthesis is derived from plastid-localized fatty acids (FAs). Until now, the regulation of Acyl-CoA pathway for chlorophyll biosynthesis is still unknown. ResultsHere, we identified a Long-chain Acyl-CoA Synthetase (LACS) gene BnLACS9 from Brassica napus. BnLACS9 complemented a LACS-deficient yeast strain YB525, which indicated BnLACS9 have the LACS function. BnLACS9 was localized in chloroplast outer envelope (OE), while mainly expressed in young leaves and flowers. Overexpression of BnLACS9 in Nicotiana benthamiana lead to the contents of total CoA and MGDG increased significantly. In B. napus with overexpression of BnLACS9, the number of the chloroplast grana lamellae and the content of chlorophyll, as well as the MGDG and DGDG contents, were all increased compared to wide-type. The net photosynthetic rate, dry weight of the whole plant and oil content of seeds were significantly increased accompanied by the increased of chlorophyll content. Transcriptome analysis revealed that overexpression of BnLACS9 upgraded the pathway of acyl-CoA biosynthesis and further upgraded the enzymes in glycolipids synthesis pathway, while acyl-CoA was the substrate for glycolipids synthesis. The increased glycolipids, especially MGDG and DGDG, accelerated the formation of the chloroplast grana lamellae, which increased the number of chloroplast thylakoid grana lamella and further leading to increased chlorophyll content. ConclusionIn the present study, we demonstrated that BnLACS9 played a crutial role in glycolipids and chlorophyll biosynthesis in B. napus. The result also provides a new direction and basis theoretical for the improvement of agronomic traits of plants.
Optimum CORS Network Design for Geodetic Applications in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Natnael Agegnehu , Gedamu Andenet Ashagrie
Published: June 2022

The establishment of the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network as a national positioning service enables high precision in surveying, mapping, and navigation applications, thanks to developments in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology. In this study, we determined the best CORS network site in Ethiopia by taking into account aspects such as accessibility, internet coverage, and network geometry. We chose an excellent location for Ethiopia out of 228 options based on these parameters. The CORS network's performance was validated by using a network of triangles as a reference station and a virtual reference station (VRS) within the triangles. To validate the performance of the selected networks, simultaneous GNSS observations are conducted on the reference and VRS stations. The idea of VRS generated GNSS observation data utilizing reference station observation data and the location of VRS station using Wav2 Software. For observations based on genuine and created data, we compared the precise coordinates of the VRS station.The comparison showed a standard deviation of 0.65 cm and 2.7 cm in the horizontal and up directions. Therefore, this CORS network design can be used for different applications with 3D accuracy less than 3 cm.
Sequentially fermentation of traditional Chinese medicine by Pichia kudriavzevii and bifidobacteria for Skin Care Function
Authors: Wanshu Pan , Yinglong Dai , Wei Zhang , Fangqi Yuan , Xiaoping Jian , Fangyong Fan , Ling You
Published: June 2022

In order to explore the feasibility on Skin Care Function of fermentative traditional Chinese medicine, Pichia kudriavzevii strains isolated from Strong-flavor baijiu grains were used to ferment food homologous traditional Chinese medicine with the assistance of bifidobacterial. In the present study, we analyzed 16 Pichia kudriavzevii strains and 13 kinds of Chinese herbal medicines. Firstly, 9 Chinese herbal medicines were selected according the growth of bifidobacteria in the broth of 13 Chinese herbal medicines; then 9 Pichia kudriavzevii strains that could promote the growth of bifidobacteria were screened by the method of sequential fermentation in the 9 Chinese herbal medicines; after that, 9 Pichia kudriavzevii strains and bifidobacteria sequentially fermented the broth composed of the above 9 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine according to different formulas, and the moisture residual rate, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and tyrosinase inhibition rate of the broth were detected to evaluate its skin care function. Better skin care function was found in the sequentially fermented broth of No.3 composed of Rhodiola, Raspberry, Bletilla striata, Atractylodes by YB07 and bifidobacterial, which displayed the moisture residual rate of 6.36%, the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of 83.95% and the tyrosinase inhibition rate of 60.3%. Proteomic analysis by LC-MS showed this broth contained 99 active peptides (＜1000 Da) in skin lotion. 24h skin patch and 30-day skin safety test preliminarily revealed the safety of the fermentation broth as skin care products. This study provides a new perspective of food homologous traditional Chinese medicine for skin care products.
Role of Nanocellulose in Tailoring Electroanalytical Performance of Hybrid Nanocellulose / Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Electrodes
Authors: Durairaj Vasuki , Liljeström Touko , Wester Niklas , Engelhardt Peter , Sainio Sami , Wilson Benjamin P. , Li Panpan , Kontturi Katri S. , Tammelin Tekla , Laurila Tomi , Koskinen Jari
Published: June 2022

Nanocellulose has emerged as a promising green dispersant for carbon nanotubes (CNT), and there is an increasing trend in developing nanocellulose / CNT hybrid materials for electrochemical detection of various small molecules. However, there have been very few comprehensive studies investigating the role of nanocellulosic material properties upon the electroanalytical performance of the resultant hybrid electrodes. In this work, we demonstrate the influence of both nanocellulose functionalization and geometry, utilizing sulfated cellulose nanocrystals (SCNC), sulfated cellulose nanofibers (SCNF), and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) tomography enables direct visualization of the effect of nanocellulosic materials on the hybrid architectures. High resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) verifies that the chemical nature of CNT in the different hybrids is unmodified. Electroanalytical performances of the different nanocellulose / CNT hybrid electrodes are critically evaluated using physiologically relevant biomolecules with different charge such as, dopamine (cationic), paracetamol (neutral), and uric acid (anionic). The hybrid electrode containing fibrillar nanocellulose geometry with a high degree of sulfate group functionalization provides the highest electroanalytical sensitivity and strongest enrichment towards all studied analytes. These results clearly demonstrate for the first time, the extent of tailorability upon the electroanalytical response of nanocellulose / CNT hybrid electrodes towards different biomolecules, offered simply by the choice of nanocellulosic materials.
Astragaloside IV protest against podocyte injury through upregulating mitophagy via Mfn2/ Pink 1/Parkin axis
Authors: Li Yayu , Song Litao , Du Yuanyuan , Jiang Xue
Published: June 2022

Background
Podocyte injury is the most important pathological hallmark of kidney diseases, Autophagy is the critical factors that involve podocyte injury. here we sought to determine whether astragaloside IV (AS-IV) was able to improve renal function and reverse podocyte injury through regulation of autophagy.
Methods
Using Adriamycin (ADR) mice model and cultured immortalized mouse podocytes, were exposed to AS-IV. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and histochemistry were used to analyze markers of autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, podocyte apoptosis and glomerulopathy in the progression of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis.
Results
We observed that AS-IV can inhibit podocyte apoptosis, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction through inducing Mitofusin 2(Mfn2)/ PTEN induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin mitophagy pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Over-expression of Mfn2 reduced puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced podocyte injury, while down regulation of Mfn2 expression limited the renal protective effect of AS-IV through regulating mitophagy.
Conclusion
AS-IV ameliorates renal function and renal pathological changes in ADR mice and inhibits PAN-induced podocyte injury by directly enhancing PINK1/Parkin/Mfn2 associated autophagy.
Determinants of Adoption of a Pediatric Weight Management Intervention (PWMI): a Qualitative Study
Authors: Sierra-Velez Desiree , Gundewar Anisha , Persaud Alicia , Simione Meg , Castro Ines , Perkins Meghan , Lindros Jeanne , Salmon Jeremiah , Smith Justin D. , Taveras Elsie M. , Fiechtner Lauren
Published: June 2022

BackgroundChildhood obesity is highly prevalent in the US and disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income populations; these disparities have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adoption of effective pediatric weight management interventions (PWMIs) that have been evaluated among low-income diverse populations is needed. The Healthy Weight Clinic PWMI, a package co-developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Massachusetts General Hospital, helps health centers establish multidisciplinary Healthy Weight Clinics based on previous randomized controlled trials which demonstrated effectiveness. We sought to identify the determinants to successful adoption of this PWMI and understand adaptations needed prior to implementation in new sites. MethodsWe interviewed 20 stakeholders, 10 from two health centers in Mississippi where the Healthy Weight Clinic PWMI will be piloted (pre-implementation sites) and 10 from health centers that have previously implemented it (sites in maintenance stages). Separate interview guides informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were developed for the pre-implementation sites and those in maintenance stages, including questions related to adaptations of the PWMI in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using directed content analysis based on CFIR constructs. Adaptations in response to the pandemic were categorized using Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME).ResultsIn pre-implementation sites, an inner setting facilitator mentioned was a positive learning climate. Characteristics of individuals that can facilitate adoption include staff willingness to learn, valuing evidence-based care for childhood obesity, and culturally and weight-sensitive staff. In terms of patient needs and resources (outer setting), social drivers of health are barriers to adoption, but creative solutions were suggested to mitigate these. Other facilitators related to the intervention included its multidisciplinary model and adaptability. Similar themes were elicited from sites in maintenance stages; adaptations brought on by the pandemic, such as telehealth visits and content modification to align with distancing guidelines and the effects of social isolation were also described.ConclusionUnderstanding the determinants to adoption of an evidence-based PWMI informs necessary adaptations and implementation strategies required to facilitate nationwide dissemination of PWMIs, with the goal of reaching the populations most at-risk.
C/D box small nucleolar RNA SNORD104 promotes endometrial cancer by regulating the 2'-O-methylation of PARP1
Authors: lu bingfeng , Chen Xi , Liu Xin , Chen Jingwen , Qin Honglei , Chen Shuo , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2022

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), previously thought to function only as housekeeping genes, are dysregulated in many cancers. However, the snoRNAs’ mechanism in tumors remains unclear. We analyzed the expression profiles of snoRNAs in endometrial cancer tissues in data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and selected SNORD104 as an upregulated snoRNA in endometrial carcinoma. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)‑mediated knockdown of SNORD104 in ISHIKAWA cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, clone formation, and increased apoptosis, while overexpressed SNORD104 from a plasmid promoted endometrial cancer growth in vivo and in vitro. RIP assays showed that SNORD104 binds the 2'-O-methyltransferase, fibrillarin (FBL). Nm-seq showed that SNORD104 upregulated PARP1 (encoding poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1) 2'-O-methylation and protein levels. The RIP assay verified that FBL binds to PARP1 mRNA. Correlation analysis showed that SNORD104 expression is positively correlated with PARP1 expression in endometrial cancer tissues. Actinomycin D and cytoplasmic separation assays showed that SNORD104 increased the stability of PARP1 mRNA and promoted its protein nuclear distribution. Silencing FBL or PARP1 in HEC1B cells overexpressing SNORD104 inhibited cell proliferation and clone formation, and promoted cell apoptosis. Thus, SNORD104 enhances PARP1 mRNA stability and protein level by regulating its 2'‑O‑methylation and promotes the growth of endometrial carcinoma.