bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel data-driven subtypes and stages of brain atrophy in the ALS-FTD spectrum
Authors: Shen Ting , Vogel Jacob W. , Duda Jeffrey , Phillips Jeffrey S. , Cook Philip A. , Gee James , Elman Lauren , Quinn Colin , Amado Defne A. , Baer Michael , Massimo Lauren , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J. , McMillan Corey T.
Published: August 2023

Background
TDP-43 proteinopathies represents a spectrum of neurological disorders, anchored clinically on either end by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). The ALS-FTD spectrum exhibits a diverse range of clinical presentations with overlapping phenotypes, highlighting its heterogeneity. This study aimed to use disease progression modeling to identify novel data-driven spatial and temporal subtypes of brain atrophy and its progression in the ALS-FTD spectrum.
Methods
We used a data-driven procedure to identify 13 anatomic clusters of brain volumes for 57 behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD; with either autopsy-confirmed TDP-43 or TDP-43 proteinopathy-associated genetic variants), 103 ALS, and 47 ALS-FTD patients with likely TDP-43. A Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn) model was trained to identify subtypes of individuals along the ALS-FTD spectrum with distinct brain atrophy patterns, and we related subtypes and stages to clinical, genetic, and neuropathological features of disease.
Results
SuStaIn identified three novel subtypes: two disease subtypes with predominant brain atrophy either in prefrontal/somatomotor regions or limbic-related regions, and a normal-appearing group without obvious brain atrophy. The Limbic-predominant subtype tended to present with more impaired cognition, higher frequencies of pathogenic variants in TBK1 and TARDBP genes, and a higher proportion of TDP-43 type B, E and C. In contrast, the Prefrontal/Somatomotor-predominant subtype had higher frequencies of pathogenic variants in C9orf72 and GRN genes and higher proportion of TDP-43 type A. The normal-appearing brain group showed higher frequency of ALS relative to ALS-FTD and bvFTD patients, higher cognitive capacity, higher proportion of lower motor neuron onset, milder motor symptoms, and lower frequencies of genetic pathogenic variants. Overall SuStaIn stages also correlated with evidence for clinical progression including longer disease duration, higher King’s stage, and cognitive decline. Additionally, SuStaIn stages differed across clinical phenotypes, genotypes and types of TDP-43 pathology.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest distinct neurodegenerative subtypes of disease along the ALS-FTD spectrum that can be identified in vivo, each with distinct brain atrophy, clinical, genetic and pathological patterns.
Real-Time Flood Forecasting using Satellite Precipitation Product and Machine Learning Approach in Bagmati River Basin, India
Authors: Kumar Ajit , Singh Vivekanand
Published: August 2023

Real-time flood forecasting (RTFF) is crucial for early flood warnings. It relies on real-time hydrological and meteorological data. Satellite Precipitation Products (SPPs) offer real-time global precipitation estimates and have emerged as a suitable option for rainfall input in RTFF models. This study first compared the daily SPP data of Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) with observed rainfall data of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) from the year 2001 to 2009 using contingency tests. Hourly rainfall from this SPP is used to build four RTFF models based on machine learning: feedforward neural network (FFNN), extreme learning machine (ELM), wavelet-based feedforward neural network (W-FFNN), and wavelet-based extreme learning machine (W-ELM). These models have been trained and tested with the observed data. The model’s performance was also evaluated using various statistical criteria. Results showed good correlation between IMERG and observed data, with a probability of detection (POD) of 85.42%. Overall, wavelet-based models outperformed their singular counterparts. Among the singular models, the FFNN model performed better than ELM, with satisfactory predictions till 5 days of lead time. Further, developed models have been used to forecast hourly water levels at Hayaghat gauging site of Bagmati River with different lead times from 1 hour to 10 days. For a 7-day lead time, only W-FFNN performs well, whereas none of the models performs satisfactory results for a 10-day lead time.
Design, validation and piloting of clinical vignettes to analyze critical care clinical decision processes during the COVID-19 pandemic in three different countries (Spain, Chile and United States)
Authors: Jaramillo-Castell Fabiola , Lorenzo Sergio Minué , Derqui Demetrio Carmona , Murphy Matthew , Aguilar Carmen Fernández , Nanwani Kapil , Quintana-Díaz Manuel , Martín-Martín José Jesús
Published: August 2023

Background
The use of heuristics in clinical decision-making processes increases in contexts of high uncertainty, such as those in Intensive Care Units (ICU. Given the impossibility of empirically studying their impact on real-world conditions, clinical vignettes were developed with the goal of identifying the use of heuristics in the care of critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in different clinical contexts.
Methodology:
Vignettes were designed by critical care physicians in Spain to assess the use of representativeness, availability, and status quo heuristics in the care of critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The construct, internal and external validity of the vignettes designed in Spain, the United States and Chile were evaluated. A questionnaire was piloted with the vignettes being validated in the three aforementioned countries through a computer application built for this purpose.
Results
16 study vignettes grouped into 5 models were created: each model included between 2 and 4 vignettes. The vignettes designed were closed-response vignettes with 2–3 possible alternatives. The vignettes, initially developed in Spain in Spanish, were translated to English and adapted to the Spanish used in Chile. The clinical content of the vignettes was not modified during the translation process.
Conclusions
The vignettes allow for the study of the use of heuristics in critical care clinical decision making in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The piloting and validation process used can serve as a model for similar multinational studies exploring clinical decision making.
A novel granulin mutation in logopenic variant primary progressive aphasias: Case report and literature review
Authors: Jia Sha-sha , Li Pu-lei , Gao Ping , Jiang Ye , Zhang Cheng-liang , Yun Wen-wei
Published: August 2023

Background Primary progressive aphasias (PPA) can be divided into 3 main variants, nonfluent/agrammatic, semantic, and logopenic variant. Logopenic variant PPA(lvPPA) was the third to be described clinically. Majority of these PPA patients harbored mutations in the granulin (GRN) gene on chromosome 17q21.
Case presentation Based on the reported patient’s clinical and neuroimaging data, we considered a diagnosis of lvPPA, characterized by impaired single-word retrieval in spontaneous speech and naming, and impaired repetition of sentences and phrases, with relatively preserved single-word comprehension, object knowledge, motor speech, and no speech errors in spontaneous speech or naming. MRI of head revealed marked lateral atrophy in the left parietal cortex and a gradual change over a period of six years. A heterozygous 10-bp frameshift deletion (C.274_283del ATGCGGGGAT)was identified in exon 4 of the GRN gene (NM_002087.4), leading to alteration of cysteine to alanine at amino acid 92 and creation of a premature stop codon at position 161. This GRN associated lvPPA presentation is rarely previously reported.
Conclusions We summarized clinical, MRI and genetic features of an lvPPA individual carried a novel GRN mutation. We have provided a clue for exploring the pathogenicity significance of GRN mutation in frontotemporal lobar degeneration(FTLD), which broadens the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of FTLD.
Cooperative Transmission Design for Secure Network assisted by Active RIS
Authors: Liu Ying , Bian Jinhong , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates a cooperative beamforming (BF) and jamming schemes in active reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted secure communication network, where an active RIS perform reflecting BF and a friendly jammer transmits jamming signal to enhance the security. Specifically, we consider a secrecy rate maximization problem under specific power constraints by assuming that perfect channel state information (CSI) of the eavesdroppers (Eves) can be obtained by the transmitter (Alice). Using the semidefinite relaxation (SDR) and CharnesCooper transformation, we address this problem by performing a one-dimensional search which involves solving a sequence of semidefinite programs (SDPs). For more practical scenario that perfect CSI of the Eves can not be obtained by Alice, a robust joint design of BF and jamming is proposed and the worst-case secrecy rate optimization is solved by using the S-procedure and its extension. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the performance gains of the proposed designs.
Breeding and management of major resistance genes to stem canker/blackleg in Brassica crops
Authors: Vasquez-Teuber Paula , Rouxel Thierry , Mason Annaliese S. , Soyer Jessica L.
Published: August 2023

Blackleg (also known as Phoma or stem canker) is a major, worldwide disease of Brassica crop species (e.g. oilseed rape, rapeseed, canola) caused by the ascomycete fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. The outbreak and severity of this disease depend on environmental conditions and management practices such as the use of fungicides and crop rotations, tilling, as well as a complex interaction between the pathogen and its hosts. Genetic resistance is a major method to control the disease (and the only control method in some parts of the world, such as continental Europe), but efficient use of genetic resistance is faced with many difficulties: (i) the scarcity of germplasm/genetic resources available, (ii) the different history of use of resistance genes in different parts of the world and the different populations of the fungus the resistance genes are exposed to, (iii) the complexity of the interactions between the plant and the pathogen, that expand beyond typical gene-for-gene interactions, (iv) the incredible evolutionary potential of the pathogen and the importance of knowing the molecular processes set up by the fungus to “breakdown’ resistances, so that we may design high-throughput diagnostic tools for population surveys, and (v) the different strategies and options to build up the best resistances and to manage them so that they are durable. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of these different points, stressing the differences between the different continents and the current prospects to generate new and durable resistances to blackleg disease.
The value of dynamic magnetic resonance defecography in assessing the severity of defecation disorders
Authors: Sun Ge , Trzpis Monika , de Haas Robbert J. , Broens Paul M.A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
Dynamic magnetic resonance defecography is frequently used to assess defecation disorders. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of dynamic magnetic resonance defecography for assessing the severity of defecation disorder.
Methods:
We included patients retrospectively from our tertiary referral hospital who had undergone dynamic magnetic resonance defecography, anorectal manometry, and anal electrical sensitivity tests to assess defecation disorders between 2014 and 2020. The primary outcome was the association between the dynamic magnetic resonance defecography variables and the severity of defecation disorders. We assessed the severity of fecal incontinence and constipation with the Wexner incontinence and Agachan constipation scores.
Results:
Out of the 32 patients included, 24 completed the defecation questionnaire. During defecation the M line length at magnetic resonance correlated with the Agachan score (r = 0.45, p = 0.03) and was associated with anal sphincter pressure (r=0.39, p=0.03) just before defecation.
During rest and squeezing the H line length at imaging correlated with the Wexner incontinence score (r=0.49, p=0.01 and r=0.69, p< 0.001, respectively). H line length also correlated positively with the anal electrical sensation threshold during squeezing (r=0.50, p=0.004) and during rest (r= 0.42, p=0.02).
Conclusions:
The M and H line lengths at dynamic magnetic resonance defecography can be used to assess the severity of constipation and fecal incontinence respectively and reflect anatomic changes of the pelvic floor. However, as these anatomic changes are generally late-stage and irreversible, anal manometry seems a better diagnostic approach to assess early and potentially reversible changes in patients with defecation disorders.
Improvement of diabetes-induced spinal cord axon injury with taurine via nerve growth factor dependent Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Yachen , Gao Bihu , Chen Xiaochi , Shi Xiaoxia , Li Shuangyue , Zhang Qing , Zhang Cong , Piao Fengyuan
Published: August 2023

As a common nervous system disorder, Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is caused by diabetes mellitus (DM). According to evidences, axonal degeneration is a main pathological feature of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and taurine may be a protective candidate. But, the beneficial effect of taurine on spinal cord axon injury (SCAI) in DN and its regulatory mechanism is rarely exhibited in reports. In this study, as demonstrated by our results, taurine greatly improved abnormal axonal morphology of spinal cord (SC) and nerve function in diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ), and induced neurite outgrowth of cerebral cortex neurons with high glucose exposure. Moreover, taurine up-regulated expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurite outgrowth relative protein GAP-43 in the SC of diabetic rats, as well as the cerebral cortex neurons or the VSC4.1 cells with high glucose exposure. Besides, taurine increased the phosphorylation levels of TrkA, Akt, and mTOR. Also, in the presences of NGF-neutralizing antibody and Akt or mTOR inhibitors, beneficial effects of taurine could be blocked. As suggested by these results, taurine can promote SC axon repair in diabetic rats, with the mechanism partly associated with NGF-dependent activation of Akt/mTOR pathway. According to our findings, the role of taurine in improving SCAI of DN and its mechanism is clarified.
A Novel Model for Predicting the Probability of Anemia of Chronic Disease in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Jinshan Zhan , Fangqi Chen , Yifan Jin , Yuqing Wang , Ting Wu , Juanmei Cao , Jing Zhang , Changzheng Huang
Published: August 2023

Background: ACD is the most common hematological manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As well as causing damage to vital organs, ACD suppresses the immune system and causes infections, which ultimately affects the prognosis of SLE. Additionally, anemia may worsen if the recommended treatments for SLE are overused, including hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants. We constructed a model based on commonly measured laboratory parameters in order to predict the likelihood of ACD in SLE patients.
Methods: Patients with a confirmed SLE diagnosis and a disease duration of at least one year were eligible for inclusion. Randomly dividing patients into a training set and a test set with an 8:2 ratio. Predictive models were created in the training set using logistic regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-selected predictors. A nomogram was also constructed based on the prediction model. In addition, the efficacy of the model was evaluated using receiver operating curves (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results: The study included 216 patients, of whom 172 were randomly assigned to the training set and 44 to the test set. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the prediction model was 0.833 (95% CI, 0.773-0.892) in the training set and 0.861 (95% CI, 0.750-0.972) in the test set. Consistency between expected probability and observed probability was shown by the calibration curves. On the DCA curve, the model generated a net profit when the threshold likelihood in the training set is between 20% and 90% and the threshold likelihood in the test set is between 10% and 80%.
Conclusion: We developed a predictive model capable of predicting the risk of ACD in SLE patients. With the aid of this model, clinicians can estimate the likelihood of ACD in SLE patients and make the necessary adjustments to therapy to prevent additional harm.
Novel Thiazolidinedione Derivatives as effective agonists of Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor-γ: A Comprehensive Study on Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, MD Simulations, and Antidiabetic Efficacy
Authors: Sriniv Mahendra Gowdru , Prabhu Ashwini , Rani Vinitha , Ghate Sudeep D , R Prashantha Kumar B , Raju Ruby mariam , C Revanasiddappa B
Published: August 2023

In the quest for potential anti-diabetic agents, a novel series of thiazolidinedione derivatives (2a-j)were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic data. These newly developed derivatives were subjected to molecular docking studies, utilizing the binding pocket of the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, to understand their binding interactions. To assess the stability of the ligand-PPAR-γ complex, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted for synthesized compounds. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was evaluated in C2C12 myoblasts using the MTT assay. Additionally, the compounds were tested on C2C12 cell lines to confirm their PPAR-γ transcription activity. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds underwent evaluation for their in vivo blood glucose-lowering activity using a dexamethasone-induced diabetic rat model. Significantly, compounds 2b, 2g, and 2h demonstrated potential as PPAR-γ agonists compared to the reference drug Pioglitazone. Data analysis revealed noteworthy blood glucose-lowering effects (hypoglycaemia) for compounds 2b, 2g, and 2h (110.04±5.42, 114.52±6.32, and 118.48±5.93, respectively), as well as for the reference drug Pioglitazone (153.93±4.61), when compared to the diabetic control. Moreover, compounds 2b, 2g, and 2h exhibited significant reductions in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), indicating the absence of liver damage.
The revised CDC Chronic pain guidelines and payer opioid analgesic policies in Michigan
Authors: Lehr Victoria Tutag , Arfken Cynthia L.
Published: August 2023

Background: Publication of the 2016 United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain informed restrictive opioid prescribing policies by state specific commercial and public payers. These policies restricted access to opioid analgesics for patients with intractable pain conditions (e.g. sickle cell disease) who had been receiving long-term opioids at dosages exceeding 90 MME/day. The revised 2022 guidelines no longer recommends specific opioid dose limits or duration of therapy for chronic pain, emphasizing individualized therapy. The impact of the revision on payer opioid prescribing policies is unknown. We examined number and type of policies allowing flexibility in opioid daily dosage (morphine milligram equivalent, MME) and duration of therapy following the 2022 CDC revision.
Methods: Policies for seven large commercial payers in Michigan and for Medicaid fee-for-service from 2019–2022 were reviewed and categorized. Policies for prior authorization, quantity limits, duration, and opioids > 90 MME/day for chronic pain were documented by year for each individual payer.
Results: The eight payers implemented 207 new actions (mean = 10.3 per year) with the least number during 2020 (n = 25) and the most in 2021 (n = 51). The most common action was limitations on number of days for initial prescriptions (n = 40). All payers had opioid limits 50–120 MME/day. For 6/8 payers, the limit was 90 MME/day unchanged from 2016 CDC guidelines. Prior authorization and/or pharmacist-edit policies were required to exceed opioid limits. In 2022, 7/8 payers exempted sickle cell pain from limits versus 5/8 in 2019. Number of days supply for initial prescription depended on formulation, for long-acting opioids 4/8 payers allowed 30-days and 2/8 allowed 90 days.
Discussion: The eight commercial and public payers continued to implement complex opioid prescribing policies. Increased flexibility in daily opioid limits and duration of therapy was available only through prior authorization, pharmacist edits or exemption for the diagnosis of sickle cell pain.
Conclusion: Payer policy implementation in one state did not reflect the 2022 CDC revised guidelines for individualized opioid prescribing for chronic pain. The impact of slow payer uptake of the 2022 guidelines on patient care is unknown, requiring continuous monitoring.
MicroRNA 421 induces the formation of high-invasive cell subsets of ovarian cancer from low-invasive cell subsets mediated by exosomes by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Meng Qianlong , Zheng Wei , Jiao Ruili , Cui Ran , Deng Yunhan , Liu Ruizhen , Wang Jing , Bai Huimin
Published: August 2023

Background
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) has resulted in treatment failure of ovarian cancer(OC). Exosomes and microRNA plays a crucial role in the progression of OC. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of exosomes and microRNA421 (miR-421), mediated by exosomes, on the ITH by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and the diagnosis of OC.
Method
Exosomes derived from AHC/ALC cells (AHE/ALE) were extracted by differential centrifugation. CCK8, 5-ethyl-2'-deoxyridine(EdU), Transwell, Colony formation and Wound healing assays were performed to explore the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities. Western blot (WB) assay was used to detect the changes in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and PI3K/AKT pathway. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect changes in EMT. qRT-PCR was used to detect microRNA levels in serum exosomes from high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and benign patients. We also measured the levels of CA125 in serum exosomes.
Result
AHE and miR-421, mediated by exosomes, significantly increased the malignancy of ALC cells by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. the expression of miR-421 was significantly increased in the serum exosomes derived from HGSOC patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the combination of miR-421, and serum CA125 can significantly improve the specificity of serum CA125 in the diagnosis of HGSOC.
Conclusion
MiR-421, mediated by exosomes, could induce the transformation of high-invasive cell subpopulations from low-invasive cell subpopulations of OC cells by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. MiR-421 could serve as a potentially effective therapeutic target and a novel tumor marker for early diagnosis of OC.
Differences in invasiveness and recurrence rate among nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors depending on tumor subtype
Authors: Taguchi Akira , Kinoshita Yasuyuki , Amatya Vishwa Jeet , Onishi Shumpei , Go Yukari , Tominaga Atsushi , Takeshima Yukio , Yamasaki Fumiyuki , Horie Nobutaka
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To clarify the invasiveness to surrounding structures and recurrence rate of each subtype of nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (Pit-NETs) according to the WHO 2022 classification.
Methods
This retrospective study utilized data from 292 patients with nonfunctioning Pit-NETs treated with initial transsphenoidal surgery. Recurrence was evaluated on 163 patients who were available for a magnetic resonance imaging follow-up ≥36 months. All tumors were assessed by immunohistochemical staining for Pit-1, T-PIT, and GATA3. Invasiveness to surrounding structures was evaluated based on intraoperative findings.
Results
Cavernous sinus invasion was found in 47.5% of null cell tumors, 50.0% of Pit-1 lineage tumors, 31.8% of corticotroph tumors, and 18.3% of gonadotroph tumors. Dura mater defects in the floor of sellar turcica, indicating dural invasion, were found in 44.3% of null cell tumors, 36.4% of corticotroph tumors, 16.7% of Pit-1 lineage tumors, and 17.3% of gonadotroph tumors. In logistic regression analysis, Pit-1 (OR 5.90, 95%CI 1.71–20.4, P = 0.0050) and null tumors (OR 4.14, 95%CI 1.86–9.23, P = 0.0005) were associated with cavernous sinus invasion. Recurrence was found in 8 (4.9%) patients, but without significant differences between tumor subtypes. No tumor showed immunoreactivity for hormone antibodies (8/101 vs. 0/62, P = 0.0246).
Conclusion
Among nonfunctioning Pit-NETs, Pit-1 lineage tumors tend to invade the cavernous sinus, corticotroph tumors may produce dura mater defects in the sellar turcica, and null cell tumors tend to cause both. Pit-NETs without pituitary hormone may have a higher recurrence rate.
Exploring the diversified roles of Anoctamin Family in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Liu Yifan , Lu Bingnan , Jia Xuyang , Yao Yuntao , Qu Mingyu , Yang Tianyue , Song Xu , Pan Xiuwu , Zhou Wang , Cui Xingang
Published: August 2023

Background
Anoctamin family (Transmembrane Protein 16), has gained growing attention for generating exosome and ectosome to mediate cancer cell communication in the process of phospholipid scrambling. However, former studies only focused on one narrow process in a single cancer. Instead, we designed a multidimensional study to comprehensively investigate the impact of ANO family on eight critical multi-omics cancer features in TCGA pan-cancer cohort.
Methods
TCGA pan-cancer cohorts were downloaded from UCSC xena. Differential analysis, survival analysis, and correlation analysis with tumor mutation burden, immune-phenotyping, stemness, cell proportion of tumor microenvironment, and drug sensitivity were conducted by R software. Alteration landscape was obtained from cBioportal with STRING database showing the protein-protein interaction network. Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis and Western Blot were employed to identify the ANO5 exosome.
Results
Extensive and profound associations were found between ANO family and eight crucial cancer features, including clinical prognosis, metastasis, drug resistance, tumor mutation burden, stemness, and tumor microenvironment. ANO1 possessed a high mutation frequency and is a driver gene in multiple cancers. ANO5 can exist in exosome to mediate cell-cell communication.
Conclusions
ANO family broadly participates in the proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance in a barrage of cancers by generating extracellular vesicles to mediate cell-cell communication and interacting with TMB, stemness, stromal and immune cell proportions in tumor microenvironment. ANO members can serve as reliable biomarkers for prognosis of cancer, as well as promising targets for trans-cancer treatment.
Effects of the time of administration and the concentration of exogenous prostaglandin F on ovulation in pacu
Authors: Sato Rafael Tomoda , Abreu Mariana Roza , Kuradomi Rafael Yutaka , Silva Laíza Maria Jesus , Batlouni Sergio Ricardo
Published: August 2023

In this study, we evaluated the effects of applying Ciosin® (containing 0.25 mg/ml cloprostenol, an analogue of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)) at the time, five or seven hours after hypophysation resolving dose (experiment 1). In the experiment 2, at the time of hypophysation resolving dose, females were induced with 1.0 to 7.0 mL Ciosin /kg. Reproductive parameters and plasma levels of 17α-20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and PGF2α were evaluated at the time of spawning for both experiments. Neither the timing of Ciosin application closer to the spawning nor its higher concentrations resulted in increased reproductive parameters or elevated PGF2α and DHP plasma levels. The absence of PGF2α peak at the time of ovulation in both experiments can be attributed to the rapid increase and subsequent decrease in exogenous PGF2α levels shortly after application. Interestingly, multivariate analysis in experiment 2 revealed two main clusters: one characterized by spawning failure, poor-quality spawns and low DHP levels; and the other by showing successful spawning, high fecundity and elevated DHP levels. Since it is known that the DHP binding to the nuclear progestin receptor induces prostaglandin receptor expression, these facts may explain why better reproductive performances were associated with higher endogenous DHP levels, but not with changes in exogenous PGF2α application. Although positive correlations were observed between DHP levels and good reproductive performance, the reasons behind the substantial variation in DHP levels among females subjected to the same treatments remain unknow. An emerging focus is to elucidate the pattern of expression of PGF2α receptors and its relationship with DHP in Piaractus mesopoatamicus.
Taxi1500: A Multilingual Dataset for Text Classification in 1500 Languages
Authors: Ma Chunlan , Imani Ayyoob , Ye Haotian , Pei Renhao , Asgari Ehsaneddin , Schütze Hinrich
Published: August 2023

While natural language processing tools have been developed extensively for some of the world's languages, a significant portion of the world's over 7000 languages are still neglected. One reason for this is that evaluation datasets do not yet cover a wide range of languages, including low-resource and endangered ones. We aim to address this issue by creating a text classification dataset encompassing a large number of languages, many of which currently have little to no annotated data available.We leverage parallel translations of the Bible to construct such a dataset by first developing applicable topics and employing a crowdsourcing tool to collect annotated data. By annotating the English side of the data and projecting the labels onto other languages through aligned verses, we generate text classification datasets for more than 1500 languages. We extensively benchmark several existing multilingual language models using our dataset. To facilitate the advancement of research in this area, we release 670 language in 1430 editions at the time of publishing. Our dataset and code are available at: https://github.com/cisnlp/Taxi1500.
The Impact of the Minimum Wage on Intra-Household Decision-Making: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Pan Qilu
Published: August 2023

In this study, I examine the impact of increasing the minimum wage on gender inequality within Japanese households. Employing a Difference-in-difference approach, I assess the effects on employment rates, hourly wages, and time allocation for both husbands and wives in Japan. Additionally, I estimate the disparity in hourly income between husbands and wives. The study analyzes the variation in time allocation as well. By utilizing data from the Japanese Household Panel Survey, the findings indicate that women, both with and without young children, respond positively to the increases in the minimum wage by increasing their employment rate, while husbands, in general, do not show significant responsiveness. However, both wives and husbands with young children exhibit a higher level of responsiveness to the minimum wage increase. Furthermore, raising the minimum wage helps reduce the gender wage gap within the household by encouraging wives to enter the labor force and work longer hours. Regarding time allocation, both wives with and without young children respond to the wage incentives, with those without young children reducing their investment in home production, and those with young children sacrificing leisure time. It is essential to note that the minimum wage hike primarily proves effective in reducing the gender wage gap within the labor market, rather than within the realm of home production.
JEL Classification: J12 , J16 , J22. J31
Event-triggered Synchronization of Discrete-time CVNNs with Mixed Delays: A Switching Approach
Authors: Duan Tengfei , Gong Weiqiang , Li Qiang
Published: August 2023

The event-triggered synchronization problem of discrete-time CVNNs characterized by mixed delays is investigated in this paper. Firstly, to enhance communication efficiency, we propose a switched event triggered mechanism (ETM) as an improvement over the conventional continuous-time ETM. In addition, our designed saturation controller exhibits switching property owing to the model’s switching feature. Subsequently, we develop a Lyapunov function suitable for analyzing the synchronization of the discrete neural network, and obtain sufficient conditions for model synchronization. Finally, the effectiveness of our proposed method is demonstrated through a numerical example.
Revealing the coupling relationship between the ecosystem service value and urbanization
Authors: Fan Yu , Ji Jiayang , Jia Changgeng , Luo Kunyu , Wei Chaoxiang
Published: August 2023

The rapid expansion of urban areas and intense human activities have exerted serious impacts on the structure and service functions of ecosystems. A clear understanding of the interaction between urbanization (UI) and ecosystem service (ES) is of great significance for formulating regulations of future urban development and environment protection. In this study, we analyzed the impacts of urbanization on ecosystem services from 2000 to 2020 in the Henan-Hubei-Hunan (HBN) urban in China. The results show that the urbanization process in the HNB evolves from a rapidly growing state to a steady state with a slower rise. The ESV in HBN increased from 2.75 trillion yuan in 2000 to 5.07 trillion yuan in 2020. There is an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between UI and ESV, the ESV sharply decrease when the urbanization index exceeded 0.5. Land urbanization and social urbanization has the greatest impact on ESV. There was an spatial heterogeneity in the hotspots of ecosystem services. The hot spots of ecosystem products services are distributed in the northeast of the study area, while regulation services and cultural services are distributed in the southwest of HBN. The results can provide insights for enhancing urban sustainability in the HBN region, as well other urban megaregion with similar characteristics throughout the world.
Comparative effect of environment on morphological, biochemical and phytochemical analysis of onion cultivated at high and low altitudes
Authors: Shukla Shardulya , Rawat Monisha , Kumar Nitish , Patel Manoj K. , Behera Rakesh K. , Thakur Mohan S. , Kumar Raj , Chaurasia Om P. , Saxena Shweta
Published: August 2023

Long harsh winter at the high-altitude reduces the cropping season to few months. So availability of fresh food is a major challenge at the high-altitude. Moreover vegetables imported from other regions (i.e., low-altitudes) may degrade in the nutritional quality, due to the long-transportation and logistic constrains. Keeping a view on the health-promoting qualities of onion (Allium cepa L.); the morphological, biochemical, and phytochemical profiling was studied in onion grown at high-altitude (3340 metres above mean sea level, Leh-Ladakh, India) with the lower-altitude (321 metres above mean sea level, Chandigarh, India). Higher-altitude cultivation resulted in better yield (32.55 ± 1.33 t/ha). Total soluble solid (10.62 ± 0.08 0B), crude protein (6.86 ± 0.10 g/100g), crude fat (0.17 ± 0.01 g/100g), total carbohydrate (93.78 ± 0.67 µg/g), nitrate (180.54 ± 7.77 mg/kg), sulphate (202.77 ± 2.95 mg/kg), nitrogen (1098.03 ± 15.26 mg/100g), sodium (97.05 ± 2.63 mg/100) and manganese (3.91 ± 0.05 mg/100g) contents were found higher at high-altitude whereas, phosphate (1058.27 ± 17.6 mg/kg), magnesium (150.68 ± 0.84 mg/100g), zinc (2.63 ± 0.04 mg/100g)), copper (2.32 ± 0.13 mg/100g)) and iron (16.56 ± 0.24 mg/100g) contents were found higher at low-altitude. Total phenolic (TPC) (5.93 ± 0.06 µg/mg), total flavonoid (TFC) (10.52 ± 0.13 µg/mg), quercetin (0.43 ± 0.01 µg/mg), anti-oxidant potential as indicated by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (42.27 ± 0.10 µg/mg) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (43.22 ± 0.14%) content were higher in high-altitude grown onion bulbs. The high-altitude grown bulbs were found more effective in vegetative growth, yield and health promoting biochemical and phytochemical compound in comparison with low-altitude grown bulbs.
Optimisation of the Cutting Process on Machining Time of Ankle Foot as Transtibial Prosthesis Components Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Lestari Wahyu Dwi , Adyono Ndaru , Faizin Ahmad Khairul , Haqiyah Aridhotul , Sanjaya Kadek Heri , Nugroho Asep , Kusmasari Wyke
Published: August 2023

This study aims to investigate the optimal milling process parameters in minimizing the machining time of ankle foot as a component of the transtibial prostheses. The experimental design was carried out using the Boc Behnken technique with four factors and three levels for each factor and machining time as a response. The machining parameters evaluated in this study are spindle speed, feed rate, step over, and toolpath strategy. The physical experiments were conducted on three axes CNC milling machine using a flat endmill cutting tool. The experiment results were evaluated by variance analysis, graphical and numerical methods. Mathematical model of the optimal cutting combination parameters on machining time is determined by response surface method. Based on the results, it was found that the optimal cutting parameters in the ankle foot prosthesis manufacturing process on a CNC milling machine were spindle speed of 6500 rpm, feed rate of 800 m/min, step over of 0.2 mm, and toolpath strategy of the flowline. The optimal conditions were determined to obtain the machining time value of the ankle-foot prosthesis. The results of this study demonstrated that CNC milling provided the shortest time for machining of transtibial prosthesis components, which can guide the development of machining strategies for ankle-foot prostheses made from Al 6061 material.
Genetic polymorphism of Interlukine-6 in asymptomatic and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients
Authors: Rashid Peshnyar M.A. , Salih Gaza F.
Published: August 2023

Background The global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in significant fatality rates. Clinical outcomes for affected individuals range from being asymptomatic to severe illness requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Among the various factors contributing to the variation in clinical outcomes, host genetics play a prominent role. Interleukin-6 (IL6), a key player in immune responses, has been identified as having a crucial impact on viral infections, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Specifically, certain variations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL6 promoter region have been found to significantly influence IL6 expression and the severity of viral infections. Materials and Methods To explore the relationship between these genetic variations and COVID-19 in asymptomatic and ICU-admitted Kurdish patients, genetic sequencing was performed to determine the genotypes of nine IL6 SNPs. Results The study findings revealed that although the proportion of the GG genotype of rs1800795 was slightly higher in asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, the difference was not statistically significant (chi2 = 2.666, P = 0.236). Notably, Kurdish patients displayed a uniform genetic makeup (monomorphic) for the dominant alleles of rs2069830 (C), rs142759801 (C), rs2069857 (C), rs2069829 (G), rs2234683 (G), rs13447446 (T), rs527770772 (C), and rs13447445 (C). Furthermore, patients carrying the haplotype GCGGCTCCC were found to have a 0.481-fold higher likelihood of being asymptomatic with COVID-19 (P = 0.016, OR = 0.481). Conclusions this study demonstrates that the rs1800795 SNP is not statistically associated with COVID-19 at the genotype level. However, the presence of the dominant G allele of rs1800795 in the haplotype was found to be statistically associated with asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
Regulatory mechanisms of runoff separation and sediment transport rates on sloping agricultural land via a combined planting method of Prunella vulgaris with earthworms in the soil
Authors: Wang Dongdong
Published: August 2023

The combination of prunella vulgaris and earthworm cultivation can effectively improve the economic benefits and utilization rate of small-scale sloping farmland, while also improving soil organically and preventing agricultural pollution and soil erosion. In this study, field-simulated rainfall experiments were conducted to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of runoff separation and sediment transport rates by planting Prunella vulgaris with earthworms. The runoff separation and sediment transport rates and bare slope significantly increased with a higher rainfall intensity or slope angle except for at a rainfall intensity of 1.2–1.6 mm/min and slope angle of 5°–10°. This relationship can be described using a binary linear or exponential equation with correlation coefficients > 0.6 or 0.9. Additionally, the regulatory effect of this study’s combined planting method on the runoff separation rate was positively correlated with rainfall intensity and negatively correlated with slope angle. A binary logarithmic function can describe this correlation, with rainfall intensity having a greater influence than the slope angle. Furthermore, the regulatory effect on the runoff separation rate was mainly due to the sediment transport rate, contributing 94.73% of the effect. The runoff separation rate primarily influenced the regulatory effect on the sediment transport rate, contributing to 70.81% of the effect.
Estimation of the Generalized Weibull distribution Parameters Based on Picard’s Method
Authors: Maswadah M.
Published: August 2023

In this study, numerical analysis has been used to estimate the lifetime distribution parameters based on the Picard iteration technique. The point estimates of the generalized Weibull model parameters were derived using Picard and Bayes methods based on the generalized progressive hybrid censoring scheme, via a Monte Carlo simulation. The Simulation results indicated that Picard’s method is highly efficient and outperforms Bayes’ method based on the informative and kernel priors using different loss functions. Finally, two real datasets, including COVID-19 data, were studied to ensure Picard’s method can be used more effectively than the most popular estimation methods in fitting and analyzing real-life data.
Women and Multi-tasking: Strategy or pitfall for Career Advancement?
Authors: Guramatunhu-Mudiwa Precious , Cherry Jewel B
Published: August 2023

Despite the ubiquitous approach of multi-tasking in the workplace and home, research suggests that multi-tasking is not an effective strategy for productivity. Women multitask more than men do and are also perceived to be better multitaskers than men. The purpose of this paper is to share research on multi-tasking and its effects on productivity and to assist women in making informed decisions about whether multi-tasking is a strategy or a pitfall for career advancement. We discuss the perspectives on why women multi-task, the challenges associated with multi-tasking, and propose solutions. We conclude this paper by outlining successful strategies for career advancement in professional and personal spaces in a modern era where multi-tasking is the defacto coping strategy.  Successful strategies include mindfulness, domestic sourcing, and the effective use of executive control functions such as goal switching and rule activation. We also discuss the importance of revisiting one's ethos, pathos, and logos
Akciókutatás a rendészeti felsőoktatásban: egy tantárgyfejlesztés reflexiója
Authors: Fekete Márta , Bajnok Andrea , Hegedűs Judit
Published: August 2023

A rendészeti képzés tárgyainak tartalma és módszertana ugyanúgy folyamatos revízióra szorul, mint minden más felsőoktatási tárgyé. Kiindulópontunk szerint a kortárs rendfenntartás korszerű képzést igényel. Az emberközpontú szemléletmód erősítésével a tekintélyelvű, félkatonai stílus helyett a felnőttek tanulásának modelljeinek és módszereinek alkalmazásával lesznek csak képesek az újoncok a társadalmat szolgálni (Blumberg, 2019). A tanulmány megírását a Társadalmi és kommunikációs ismeretek című, a nappali tagozaton 60 órás rendészeti tárgy tanítása és a szerzők tanítás közben végzett folyamatos reflektív munkája inspirálta. Tanulmányunkban az óravázlatok közös tervezéséből és megvalósításából származó tapasztalatokat összegezzük és értékeljük további célok kijelölésével.
Adaptation of the Listening Comprehension Test to Turkish Culture
Authors: ÇELİKTEN DEMİREL Serpil , SÜMER DODUR Halime Miray , ALTINDAĞ KUMAŞ Özlem , YÜZBAŞIOĞLU Yasemin
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Listening, the first language skill developed by many children, serves as the basis of subsequent language skills. In addition, listening comprehension skills affect reading success in many different groups such as typically developing readers, children with learning disabilities and children with specific language disorders. The purpose of this research is to adapt the listening comprehension measurement tool to Turkish culture.
Method: The purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the measurement tool within the framework of item response theory (IRT) through two-parameter logistic model (2PLM). Among model assumptions, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for unidimensionality Q3 statistics and item characteristic curve for the monotonic increase assumption showing the response probabilities conditional to the ability continuum were examined, respectively. The results for the assumptions were satisfactory. Then, general model-data fit, item-based model-data fit, discrimination parameters, difficulty parameters and information functions were examined with factor loadings.
Findings: The results showed that item parameters were in the expected ranges in practical applications, and test information function peaked at lower ability level similar to the original measurement tool. Examining factor loadings, except the 23rd item, the remaining satisfied the generally acceptable cut-off point. Findings based on the model tests to find out the contribution of this item showed that it would be appropriate to include it in the measurement tool so as to keep the other items of associated with story block. Moreover, marginal reliability coefficient shows that the measurement results were highly reliable.
Discussion: It was concluded that sufficient evidence of validity and reliability was obtained for one-dimensional structure of 36-item form of the measurement tool.
Recent Review on 1,3-Thiazole Derivatives as Therapeutic Targeted for Anticancer Activity
Authors: Mishra Shweta , Sahu Adarsh
Published: August 2023

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In the past two decades, targeted cancer therapy has emerged as a novel class of anticancer therapeutics besides traditional chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. There is an extensive variety of anticancer drugs in the market, and several compounds are in various stages of clinical trials. Many studies indicate that these cytotoxic molecules are also associated with various types of toxicity and contrary side effects; thus, researchers all over the world are working to develop more effective and safer anticancer drugs. 1,3-thiazole derivatives have recently been identified as a novel class of cancer chemotherapeutic agents with promising activity against various tumors. In this review, we have systematically summarized and highlighted the latest developments in 1,3-thiazole derivative for anticancer activity.