bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roles of informal digital learning of English in developing an EFL teacher’s English proficiency
Authors: Atmojo Arief Eko Priyo
Published: July 2022

This study sheds light on how IDLE activities play role in developing an Indonesian in-service EFL teacher’s English proficiency. This study employed qualitative approach. One female in-service EFL teacher was purposively selected to become the participant. Data were garnered by written reflections and semi-structured interviews. The credibility of the data was achieved by employing the principles of data saturation. Qualitative coding was then used to analyze the data. To ensure the trustworthiness of the results, the analysis was repeated thrice at different times. The results indicate that both the quality of IDLE activities and the quantity of IDLE activities were important to develop English proficiency although receptive activities were still the most dominant. It was good to undertake IDLE activities on a daily basis. Several tools and resources were also needed to carry out IDLE activities such as gadgets, internet connection, applications, e-books, e-newspapers, as well as online reading and listening materials. Multimodal input such as visualization, lyrics, subtitles, and audio in IDLE activities was really helpful. It was also revealed that the underlying advantages of IDLE activities included providing language exposure, creating English environment, increasing confidence to use English, entertaining, having lots of free resources, as well as being flexible to be undertaken anytime and anywhere. Moreover, IDLE activities could enhance many language aspects such as pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, conversational skill, writing skill, speaking skill, and listening skill. Future studies on IDLE are encouraged and directed
Research on Ventilation and Heat Dissipation Performance of Trailer Power Station
Authors: Fangzhou Liu
Published: July 2022

The results show that the use of CFD software to simulate the ventilation and heat dissipation of the trailer power station cabin, Get the flow field and temperature field in the cabin, The position of the highest temperature in the vehicle cabin can be determined quantitatively, which provides a useful reference for the design of the cabin structure of the trailer power station and the arrangement of the equipment in the vehicle. Moreover, the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. It shows that the selected Realizable k-ε Turbulence Model can more accurately simulate the air flow field in the cabin of the trailer power station. It also shows that the model simplification method used in the calculation and the setting of analytical conditions are reasonable.
Determining the Quantity of Raw Rice in the Dryer
Authors: Bekkulov B. , Atabaev K. , Rakhmonkulov T.
Published: July 2022

Information is given on the scheme for determining the amount of shala (raw rice) in the drum of a mobile dryer, which can be used to calculate the mass, taking into account the volume and density of the shala in the dryer drum, as well as to design a new design of the dryer drum in order to increase the efficiency of the proposed device.
Deleuze Among the Scotists: Difference-In-Itself andUltima Differentia
Authors: Buchanan Carroll Lucas
Published: July 2022

This article presents an interpretation of Deleuze’s concept of difference-in-itself. I argue that this is best understood as an ad(o/a)ption of Duns Scotus’s concept of ultimate difference. After suggesting that the influence of Scotus on Deleuze extends beyond their shared commitment to the univocity of being, I turn to briefly review Deleuze’s notion of absolute difference. I proceed from there to explain Scotus’s accounts of univocity and ultimate difference, throughout noting the many stark parallels with Deleuze. On the basis of this Scotistic reading of Deleuzian difference, I then show how Deleuze’s synthesis of univocal being and difference-in-itself can be uniquely situated within the fourteenth-century Scotistic disputations on the predicability of univocal being to ultimate difference. I conclude with some suggestions on possible further connections between Deleuze and medieval metaphysics which are opened up through this association of Deleuze with Scotus and the Scotistic tradition.
Laying Down Love Laws: Arundhati Roy’sThe God of Small Thingsand Micro-Fascisms
Authors: Potter Kevin
Published: July 2022

In Anti-Oedipus and A Thousand Plateaus, Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari emphasise the difficulty of confronting ‘micro-fascisms’. Such fascisms occur at the micropolitical level as they permeate and modulate across social collectivities and networks. Arundhati Roy’s novel, The God of Small Things, reflects upon overt and violent modes of social division and classifications that determine ‘who should be loved and how. And how much’. Such a system ‘restrains or limits the individual’s power’, diminishing the ‘capacity to be affected’, as Deleuze wrote in Spinoza, thereby nourishing and sustaining the fascists inside of them. This article will examine micro-fascisms within Roy’s novel, demonstrating how they function at the individual and interpersonal level.
Calculus and Computation for Geometric Series with Binomial Coefficients
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: July 2022

In today’s world, the growing complexity of mathematical and computational modelling demands the simplicity of mathematical, combinatorial, and numerical equations for solving today’s scientific problems and challenges. Combinatorics involves integers, factorials, binomial expansions, geometric series with binomial coefficients, and computation for finding solutions to the problems in computing and engineering science. This paper presents computational techniques and differential and integral calculus for the summation of geometric series with binomial coefficients in an innovative way. Also, it presents theorems, binomial expansions, and relationship between the binomial expansions and geometric series. These computing techniques refer to the methodological advances which are useful for researchers who are working in computational science. Computational science is a rapidly growing multi-and inter-disciplinary area where science, engineering, computation, mathematics, and collaboration use advance computing capabilities to understand and solve the most complex real life problems.
THE INFLUENCE OF HRM PRACTICES ON MANUFACTURING PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors:   University Sultan Azlan Shah Faculty of Management and Information Technology., MD AMIN BOKHORI
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the relationship between compensation and performance, training and performance, and recruitment and performance on manufacturing' performance in manufacturing firms in Penang, Malaysia. A sample size of 222 respondents was taken from 28 electrical manufacturing firms with a 6322 population and 361 samples to examine the relationship. A questionnaire was designed for data collection to measure compensation and performance, training and performance, and recruitment and performance on employees' performance in manufacturing firms. A stratified sampling method was used, and the data was analyzed using SmartPls 3.7.8. The study showed that compensation and performance, training and performance, and recruitment and performance have a significant relationship with manufacturing' performance in manufacturing firms. However, the limitation of this study only covers electrical manufacturing firms. Suggested for future study focus on electronic, plastic, and fabricated manufacturing firms to be more effective in improving manufacturing firms' performance.
BOOK REVIEW: MARTYNOVA, M. (ED.). 2021. LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE SITUATION IN RUSSIA. MOSCOW: INSTITUTE OF ETHNOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY RAS, 620 P.
Authors:   Институт языка, литературы и истории ФИЦ Коми научный центр УрО РАН, Шабаев Юрий , Шилов Николай
Published: July 2022

The review of the collective monograph “Language and Identity: An Anthropological Study of the Situation in Russia” gives a very high assessment of this work. It is noted that the research is based on the results obtained in the course of a single project to study the current linguistic situation in the Russian regions. The general research methodology and tools allowed to carry out a qualitative comparative analysis of the language situation in many regions. The review agrees with the thesis of the authors of the theoretical part of the work that the absolutization of the role of language is most often connected with the entrenched ideas about the inseparable connection between language and ethnicity, or more precisely, with the character of ethnic iden‑tification, since language is seen as the main ethno‑ differential attribute, primarily by linguists themselves, but also by a wide range of ethnic activists and other persons involved in the practice of preserving cultural diversity in the country.It is noted that the monograph describes different situations and shows that in some cases the language of minority groups has a high degree of «vitality» (such as Abazinian) and functions successfully, while in others there is a real threat of displacement of languages from the sphere of public use. But for all the diversity of the linguistic situations analyzed by the authors of the collective monograph, there are many similarities in the trends of linguistic development in Russian regions. It is especially noted that the monograph draws attention to the quality of language lessons, their content, the qualifications and specifics of the training of teachers who teach language subjects, i. e. to those problems which occur everywhere, but which rarely come to the attention of researchers. Here attention is also drawn to one of the most important problems connected with measures to preserve and develop mi‑nority languages, namely the image of the language.
Changes in food-related costs during the COVID-19 pandemic among families managing food allergy
Authors: Golding Michael A. , Lemoine-Courcelles Cathérine , Abrams Elissa M. , Ben-Shoshan Moshe , Bégin Philippe , Chan Edmond S. , Chu Derek K. , Gerdts Jennifer D. , Povolo Beatrice , Kim Harold , Simons Elinor , Upton Julia , Protudjer Jennifer L. P.
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the supply, cost, and demand for certain foods, but it is not clear how these changes have affected food-allergic households.

Objective

To describe the changes in food-related costs that have followed COVID-19, as reported by higher- and lower-income households with a food-allergic member.

Methods

Between May 1-June 30, 2020, Canadian households, with at least one food-allergic member, completed an online survey on food shopping and preparation habits before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample was divided into binary groups, either higher or lower than the sample median income. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression.

Results

The sample was comprised of 102 participants (i.e., 51/ income group). The three most common food allergies amongst both groups were peanuts, tree nuts and milk. Since the start of the pandemic, both groups reported greater monthly direct grocery costs, although costs amongst the higher-income group were twice as high as the lower-income group ($212.86 vs. $98.89, respectively). Indirect food preparation costs were similarly elevated. Higher-income households with food procurement difficulties reported increased indirect shopping costs following the outbreak of COVID-19, whereas those without such difficulties reported decreased costs. Lower-income households with allergies to milk, wheat, or eggs (i.e., staple allergy) experienced a larger change in indirect food preparation costs following the outbreak of COVID-19 relative to those with other food allergies ($244.58 vs. –$20.28, respectively; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Both higher and lower income households with food allergy reported greater direct food costs and indirect food preparation costs following the COVID-19. Households with staple allergy and those with difficulties finding their typical food items were particularly affected.
A fresh look at spinal alignment and deformities: Automated analysis of a large database of 9832 biplanar radiographs
Authors: Galbusera Fabio , Bassani Tito , Panico Matteo , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Cina Andrea
Published: July 2022

We developed and used a deep learning tool to process biplanar radiographs of 9,832 non-surgical patients suffering from spinal deformities, with the aim of reporting the statistical distribution of radiological parameters describing the spinal shape and the correlations and interdependencies between them. An existing tool able to automatically perform a three-dimensional reconstruction of the thoracolumbar spine has been improved and used to analyze a large set of biplanar radiographs of the trunk. For all patients, the following parameters were calculated: spinopelvic parameters; lumbar lordosis; mismatch between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis; thoracic kyphosis; maximal coronal Cobb angle; sagittal vertical axis; T1-pelvic angle; maximal vertebral rotation in the transverse plane. The radiological parameters describing the sagittal alignment were found to be highly interrelated with each other, as well as dependent on age, while sex had relatively minor but statistically significant importance. Lumbar lordosis was associated with thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence and sagittal vertical axis. The pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch was found to be dependent on the pelvic incidence and on age. Scoliosis had a distinct association with the sagittal alignment in adolescent and adult subjects. The deep learning-based tool allowed for the analysis of a large imaging database which would not be reasonably feasible if performed by human operators. The large set of results will be valuable to trigger new research questions in the field of spinal deformities, as well as to challenge the current knowledge.
The Roles and Comparison of Rigid and Soft Tails in Gecko-Inspired Climbing Robots: A Mini-Review
Authors: Zang Guangyuan , Dai Zhendong , Manoonpong Poramate
Published: July 2022

Geckos use millions of dry bristles on their toes to adhere to and rapidly run up walls and across ceilings. This has inspired the successful development of dry adhesive materials and their application to climbing robots. The tails of geckos also help realize adaptive and robust climbing behavior. Existing climbing robots with gecko-inspired tails have demonstrated improved locomotion performance. However, few studies have focused on the role of a robot’s gecko-inspired tail when climbing a sloped surface and its effects on the overall locomotion performance. Thus, this paper reviews and analyzes the roles of the tails of geckos and robots in terms of their climbing performances and compares the advantages and disadvantages of robots’ tails made of rigid and soft materials. This review could assist roboticists decide whether a tail is required for their robots and which materials and motion types to use for the tail in order to fulfill their desired functions and even allow the robots to adapt to different environments and tasks.
Kinematic and biomechanical responses of the spine to distraction surgery in children with early onset scoliosis: A 3-D finite element analysis
Authors: Pei Baoqing , Lu Da , Wu Xueqing , Xu Yangyang , Ma Chenghao , Wu Shuqin
Published: July 2022

Periodical and consecutive distraction is an effective treatment for severe early onset scoliosis (EOS), which enables the spinal coronal and sagittal plane deformity correction. However, the rate of rod fractures and postoperative complications was still high mainly related to the distraction process. Previous studies have primarily investigated the maximum safe distraction force without a rod broken, neglecting the spinal re-imbalance and distraction energy consumption, which is equally vital to evaluate the operative value. This study aimed to reveal the kinematic and biomechanical responses occurring after spinal distraction surgery, which were affected by traditional bilateral fixation. The spinal models (C6-S1) before four distractions were reconstructed based on CT images and the growing rods were applied with the upward displacement load of 0–25 mm at an interval of 5 mm. Relationships between the distraction distance, the distraction force and the thoracic and lumbar Cobb angle were revealed, and the spinal displacement and rotation in three-dimensional directions were measured. The spinal overall imbalance would also happen during the distraction process even under the safe force, which was characterized by unexpected cervical lordosis and lateral displacement. Additionally, the law of diminishing return has been confirmed by comparing the distraction energy consumption in different distraction distances, which suggests that more attention paid to the spinal kinematic and biomechanical changes is better than to the distraction force. Notably, the selection of fixed segments significantly impacts the distraction force at the same distraction distance. Accordingly, some results could provide a better understanding of spinal distraction surgery.
Recent Progresses in Electrochemical DNA Biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 Detection
Authors: Mei Yanqiu , Lin Xiaofeng , He Chen , Zeng Weijia , Luo Yan , Liu Chenghao , Liu Zhehao , Yang Min , Kuang Ying , Huang Qitong
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is still a major public health concern in many nations today. COVID-19 transmission is now controlled mostly through early discovery, isolation, and therapy. Because of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the contributing factor to COVID-19, establishing timely, sensitive, accurate, simple, and budget detection technologies for the SARS-CoV-2 is urgent for epidemic prevention. Recently, several electrochemical DNA biosensors have been developed for the rapid monitoring and detection of SARS-CoV-2. This mini-review examines the latest improvements in the detection of SARS-COV-2 utilizing electrochemical DNA biosensors. Meanwhile, this mini-review summarizes the problems faced by the existing assays and puts an outlook on future trends in the development of new assays for SARS-CoV-2, to provide researchers with a borrowing role in the generation of different assays.
The regulation of DNA end resection by chromatin response to DNA double strand breaks
Authors: Chen Bo-Ruei , Sleckman Barry P.
Published: July 2022

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) constantly arise upon exposure to genotoxic agents and during physiological processes. The timely repair of DSBs is important for not only the completion of the cellular functions involving DSBs as intermediates, but also the maintenance of genome stability. There are two major pathways dedicated to DSB repair: homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). The decision of deploying HR or NHEJ to repair DSBs largely depends on the structures of broken DNA ends. DNA ends resected to generate extensive single-strand DNA (ssDNA) overhangs are repaired by HR, while those remaining blunt or minimally processed can be repaired by NHEJ. As the generation and repair of DSB occurs within the context of chromatin, the resection of broken DNA ends is also profoundly affected by the state of chromatin flanking DSBs. Here we review how DNA end resection can be regulated by histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and the presence of ssDNA structure through altering the accessibility to chromatin and the activity of pro- and anti-resection proteins.
Rapid quantification of bioactive compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge derived decoction pieces, dripping pill, injection, and tablets by polarity-switching UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Shen Qing , Wang Haixing , Quan Bin , Sun Xiuhua , Wu Guohua , Huang Darong , Wang Qingcheng , Luo Pei
Published: July 2022

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) has unambiguous biological functions in cardiovascular diseases, thus has been processed into different medicine forms. However, universal analytical method for fast quantification of bioactive compounds in SMB and SMB derived products is still missing. In this study, a polarity switching strategy was developed and optimized, which enabled the detection of the target compound in both positive and negative ion modes in a single run. The MS2 features of each compound were characterized to select the most prominent transitions for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Afterwards, the performance of this method was validated in terms of linearity (≥0.9916), limit of detection (LOD, 0.003–0.135 ngml−1), limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.010–0.450 ngml−1), precision (48.23 ± 2.58 ngml−1 to 53.72 ± 3.11 ngml−1), recovery (RSD 2.04%–5.79%), and stability (RSD ≤7.52%). Finally, the bioactive compounds in SMB and SMB derived products were determined, among which salvianate A, salvianolic acid A, and rosmarinic acid were the main components in all samples. In conclusion, the polarity switching UPLC-MS/MS method is efficient in accurate determining the bioactive compounds, which greatly shorten the time for analysis when compared with conventional methods. It has great potential quality control of SMB and SMB derived products.
Rapid On-Site Detection Method for White Spot Syndrome Virus Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined With Lateral Flow Test Strip Technology
Authors: Zhang Tianmeng , Liu Xia , Yang Xiaohan , Liu Feixue , Yang Haitao , Li Xueqing , Feng Huimiao , Wu Xinyu , Jiang Ge , Shen Hui , Dong Jingquan
Published: July 2022

The white spot syndrome virus is the most destructive virus threatening the shrimp industry worldwide, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses each year. There is currently no specific medicine to treat it. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of WSSV is of great significance for controlling its spread and reducing economic losses. Traditional detection methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative fluorescent PCR, rely on laboratory equipment and are not suitable for field testing. In this study, recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with a lateral flow strip (LFS) was developed. This method targets the entire genome and designs primers and probes accordingly. The detection can be completed in 30 min at 37°C, and the detection limit of each reaction is 20 copies, which is much more sensitive than other detection methods. The RPA-LFS method is highly specific to the white spot syndrome virus and has no cross-reactivity with other common shrimp viruses or pathogens. In total, 100 field samples were tested and compared to the real-time PCR method. Both methods detected 8 positive results, and the positive detection rate was 100%. The method was fast, simple, specific, and sensitive. It does not rely on laboratory equipment and has broad application prospects for in-field detection, especially in remote areas with underdeveloped medical equipment.
Polymyxin Resistance in Clinical Isolates of K. pneumoniae in Brazil: Update on Molecular Mechanisms, Clonal Dissemination and Relationship With KPC-Producing Strains
Authors: Conceição-Neto Orlando C. , da Costa Bianca Santos , Pontes Leilane da Silva , Silveira Melise Chaves , Justo-da-Silva Lívia Helena , de Oliveira Santos Ivson Cassiano , Teixeira Camila Bastos Tavares , Tavares e Oliveira Thamirys Rachel , Hermes Fernanda Stephens , Galvão Teca Calcagno , Antunes L. Caetano M. , Rocha-de-Souza Cláudio Marcos , Carvalho-Assef Ana P. D.
Published: July 2022

In Brazil, the production of KPC-type carbapenemases in Enterobacteriales is endemic, leading to widespread use of polymyxins. In the present study, 502 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were evaluated for resistance to polymyxins, their genetic determinants and clonality, in addition to the presence of carbapenem resistance genes and evaluation of antimicrobial resistance. Resistance to colistin (polymyxin E) was evaluated through initial selection on EMB agar containing 4% colistin sulfate, followed by Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination by broth microdilution. The susceptibility to 17 antimicrobials was assessed by disk diffusion. The presence of blaKPC, blaNDM and blaOXA-48-like carbapenemases was investigated by phenotypic methods and conventional PCR. Molecular typing was performed by PFGE and MLST. Allelic variants of the mcr gene were screened by PCR and chromosomal mutations in the pmrA, pmrB, phoP, phoQ and mgrB genes were investigated by sequencing. Our work showed a colistin resistance frequency of 29.5% (n = 148/502) in K. pneumoniae isolates. Colistin MICs from 4 to >128 µg/mL were identified (MIC50 = 64 µg/mL; MIC90 >128 µg/mL). All isolates were considered MDR, with the lowest resistance rates observed for amikacin (34.4%), and 19.6% of the isolates were resistant to all tested antimicrobials. The blaKPC gene was identified in 77% of the isolates, in consonance with the high rate of resistance to polymyxins related to its use as a therapeutic alternative. Through XbaI-PFGE, 51 pulsotypes were identified. MLST showed 21 STs, with ST437, ST258 and ST11 (CC11) being the most prevalent, and two new STs were determined: ST4868 and ST4869. The mcr-1 gene was identified in 3 K. pneumoniae isolates. Missense mutations in chromosomal genes were identified, as well as insertion sequences in mgrB. Furthermore, the identification of chromosomal mutations in K. pneumoniae isolates belonging from CC11 ensures its success as a high-risk epidemic clone in Brazil and worldwide.
Is Declaring a Climate Emergency Enough to Stop Global Warming? Learning From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mazon Jordi , Pino David , Vinyoles Mireia
Published: July 2022

One of the most important challenges our global civilization faces in the coming years is to achieve the Paris Agreement's goals of preventing the planet's temperature from exceeding the pre-industrial values of 2°C and limiting it, at most, to 1.5°C. Awareness of this problem has led to the creation of many national and international organizations in recent decades, with many thematic conferences being held and new policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—so far without attaining the necessary success. Among the political measures taken in recent years is the climate emergency declaration issued by many government institutions, highlighting the serious and urgent problem of climate change and the imperative need to find a solution. The COVID-19 pandemic, has led to reductions in CO2 emissions due to the substantial decreases in economic activity incurred by several countries imposing non-pharmaceutical interventions. Thus, the current practice of declaring a climate emergency must be fortified by making it a legal tool in order to reduce CO2 emissions and reach the objectives set by the Paris Agreement. Yet, what should this climate emergency declaration look like? In considering these current COVID-19-induced reductions in CO2 emissions, we hereby propose a political plan for stopping emissions to try to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement and at least some of the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The article also proposes how to define the global climate alarm declaration to serve as an international legal tool for reducing CO2 and transitioning to a world free of these massive emissions. By analyzing the reduction of the emissions in different scenarios based on the COVID-19 pandemic, the article shows that the needed reduction of emissions proposed by the EU in 2030 cannot be reached in any of the scenarios limiting the CO2 emissions.
Uric Acid Predicts Recovery of Left Ventricular Function and Adverse Events in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Potential Mechanistic Insight From Network Analyses
Authors: Wang Xiqiang , Fan Xiude , Wu Qihui , Liu Jing , Wei Linyan , Yang Dandan , Bu Xiang , Liu Xiaoxiang , Ma Aiqun , Hayashi Tomohiro , Guan Gongchang , Xiang Yu , Shi Shuang , Wang Junkui , Fang Jiansong
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) still carries a high risk for a sustained decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) even with the optimal medical therapy. Currently, there is no effective tool to stratify these patients according to their recovery potential. We tested the hypothesis that uric acid (UA) could predict recovery of LVEF and prognosis of HFrEF patients and attempted to explore mechanistic relationship between hyperuricemia and HFrEF.

Methods

HFrEF patients with hyperuricemia were selected from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016–2018 database and our Xianyang prospective cohort study. Demographics, cardiac risk factors, and cardiovascular events were identified. Network-based analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between recovery of LVEF and hyperuricemia, and we further elucidated the underlying mechanisms for the impact of hyperuricemia on HFrEF.

Results

After adjusting confounding factors by propensity score matching, hyperuricemia was a determinant of HFrEF [OR 1.247 (1.172–1.328); P < 0.001] of NIS dataset. In Xianyang prospective cohort study, hyperuricemia is a significant and independent risk factor for all-cause death (adjusted HR 2.387, 95% CI 1.141–4.993; P = 0.021), heart failure readmission (adjusted HR 1.848, 95% CI 1.048–3.259; P = 0.034), and composite events (adjusted HR 1.706, 95% CI 1.001–2.906; P = 0.049) in HFrEF patients. UA value at baseline was negatively correlated to LVEF of follow-ups (r = −0.19; P = 0.046). Cutoff UA value of 312.5 μmmol/L at baseline can work as a predictor of LVEF recovery during follow-up, with the sensitivity of 66.7%, the specificity of 35.1%, and the accuracy of 0.668 (95% CI, 0.561–0.775; P = 0.006). Moreover, gene overlap analysis and network proximity analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between HFrEF and Hyperuricemia.

Conclusion

Lower baseline UA value predicted the LVEF recovery and less long-term adverse events in HFrEF patients. Our results provide new insights into underlying mechanistic relationship between hyperuricemia and HFrEF.
Meta-Analysis of Oral Anticoagulants and Adverse Outcomes in Atrial Fibrillation Patients After Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Xin , Guo Siyu , Xu Zhicheng
Published: July 2022

Background

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is excluded in most anticoagulation randomized clinical trials (RCTs), so oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy is still the conventional treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after ICH. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness and safety outcomes of OAC for these patients.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed and Embase databases up to March 2022 for RCTs and observational studies exploring the effect of OAC in patients with AF after ICH. The effectiveness outcomes included stroke or systemic embolism, ischemic stroke, and all-cause death, whereas the safety outcomes were major bleeding and recurrent ICH. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from each study were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included. The OAC therapy that was performed reduced the risks of stroke or systemic embolism (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.53–0.81), ischemic stroke (HR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.60–0.82), and all-cause death (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.27–0.70) but had a higher risk of major bleeding (HR = 1.50, 95% CI 0.94–2.40) and showed no difference in recurrent ICH (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.53–1.55) compared to the no OAC therapy. With the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) therapy, a lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.98), all-cause death (HR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.53–0.84), and recurrent ICH (HR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.86) was observed against the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) therapy.

Conclusion

The OAC therapy (especially VKA) revealed superior effectiveness in patients with AF after ICH, and the superiority of NOAC was also found, but some related evidence was limited.
Improved Volume-Of-Solid Formulations for Micro-Continuum Simulation of Mineral Dissolution at the Pore-Scale
Authors: Maes Julien , Soulaine Cyprien , Menke Hannah P.
Published: July 2022

We present two novel Volume-of-Solid (VoS) formulations for micro-continuum simulation of mineral dissolution at the pore-scale. The traditional VoS formulation (VoS-ψ) uses a diffuse interface localization function ψ to ensure stability and limit diffusion of the reactive surface. The main limitation of this formulation is that accuracy is strongly dependent on the choice of the localization function. Our first novel improved formulation (iVoS) uses the divergence of a reactive flux to localize the reaction at the fluid-solid interface, so no localization function is required. Our second novel formulation (VoS-ψ′) uses a localization function with a parameter that is fitted to ensure that the reactive surface area is conserved globally. Both novel methods are validated by comparison with experiments, numerical simulations using an interface tracking method based on the Arbitrary Eulerian Lagrangian (ALE) framework, and numerical simulations using the VoS-ψ. All numerical methods are implemented in GeoChemFoam, our reactive transport toolbox and three benchmark test cases in both synthetic and real pore geometries are considered: 1) dissolution of a calcite post by acid injection in a microchannel and experimental comparison, 2) dissolution in a 2D polydisperse disc micromodel at different dissolution regimes and 3) dissolution in a Ketton carbonate rock sample and comparison to in-situ micro-CT experiments. We find that the iVoS results match accurately experimental results and simulation results obtained with the ALE method, while the VoS-ψ method leads to inaccuracies that are mostly corrected by the VoS-ψ’ formulation. In addition, the VoS methods are significantly faster than the ALE method, with a speed-up factor of between 2 and 12.
Research about inclusive education: Are the scope, reach and limits empirical and methodological and/or conceptual and evaluative?
Authors: Norwich Brahm
Published: July 2022

This paper argues for a broader conception about research into inclusive education, one that extends beyond a focus on empirical factors associated with inclusive education and the effects of inclusive education. It starts with a recent summary of international research into the effects of inclusive education on students with SEN/disabilities and those without. On the basis of this review, it examines a model showing the complexity of factors involved in asking questions about the effects of inclusive education. This complexity reflects the ambiguity and complexity of inclusive education, which is discussed in terms of varied contemporary positions about inclusive education. The analysis illustrates how there has been more focus on thin concepts of inclusion (as setting placement or in general terms) rather than its normative and value basis, which reflects a thick concept of inclusion. The paper concludes by illustrating with the use of a version of the capability approach how there are value tensions implicit in inclusion about difference and about personal vs. public choice. This requires value clarification and some settlement about the balance of values, which is where deliberative democratic principles and processes have a crucial role. The proposed answer to the paper’s question about the scope, reach and limits of research in inclusive education is that such research involves both empirical, methodological, and evaluative matters. Educational research about inclusive education is not just empirical, it also involves value and norm clarification, a process which has been too often ignored.
Distal-less homeobox genes Dlx5/6 regulate Müllerian duct regression
Authors: Mullen Rachel D. , Bellessort Brice , Levi Giovanni , Behringer Richard R.
Published: July 2022

Dlx5 and Dlx6 encode distal-less homeodomain transcription factors that are present in the genome as a linked pair at a single locus. Dlx5 and Dlx6 have redundant roles in craniofacial, skeletal, and uterine development. Previously, we performed a transcriptome comparison for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-induced genes expressed in the Müllerian duct mesenchyme of male and female mouse embryos. In that study, we found that Dlx5 transcripts were nearly seven-fold higher in males compared to females and Dlx6 transcripts were found only in males, suggesting they may be AMH-induced genes. Therefore, we investigated the role of Dlx5 and Dlx6 during AMH-induced Müllerian duct regression. We found that Dlx5 was detected in the male Müllerian duct mesenchyme from E14.5 to E16.5. In contrast, in female embryos Dlx5 was detected in the Müllerian duct epithelium. Dlx6 expression in Müllerian duct mesenchyme was restricted to males. Dlx6 expression was not detected in female Müllerian duct mesenchyme or epithelium. Genetic experiments showed that AMH signaling is necessary for Dlx5 and Dlx6 expression. Müllerian duct regression was variable in Dlx5 homozygous mutant males at E16.5, ranging from regression like controls to a block in Müllerian duct regression. In E16.5 Dlx6 homozygous mutants, Müllerian duct tissue persisted primarily in the region adjacent to the testes. In Dlx5-6 double homozygous mutant males Müllerian duct regression was also found to be incomplete but more severe than either single mutant. These studies suggest that Dlx5 and Dlx6 act redundantly to mediate AMH-induced Müllerian duct regression during male differentiation.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients With Related Organic Damage Are at High Risk of Hypothyroidism
Authors: Ni Jiajia , Li Jingyi , Wang Yuyao , Guan Liying , Lin Haiyan , Zhang Li , Zhang Haiqing
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study included determining the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), clarifying the clinical characteristics of SLE patients with hypothyroidism, and identifying the relationship between hypothyroidism and SLE-related organic damage. Another purpose was to analyze the relationship between SLE and thyroid autoantibody. We also intended to discuss the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism in SLE patients, which would provide clues for further investigation.

Methods

This study recruited 856 SLE patients and 856 age- and sex-matched healthy population and compared the prevalence of hypothyroidism between the cases and controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were applied to identify risk factors for hypothyroidism in SLE patients.

Results

SLE patients had higher prevalence of clinical hypothyroidism (9.10%) and TgAb+TPOAb- (10.40%) than controls. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was the highest in SLE patients aged 16-26 years (18.9%) and decreased with age. The prevalence of autoimmune hypothyroidism in SLE group was higher than that in the control group (64.4% vs. 51.5%, P=0.042), which was mainly due to TgAb; the prevalence of non-autoimmune hypothyroidism in SLE group was also significantly higher than that in the control group (67.3% vs. 47.8%, P<0.001). Based on multivariate analysis, the use of glucocorticoids/immunosuppressants, liver abnormality, lupus nephritis (LN), and cardiac insufficiency were independently associated with hypothyroidism in SLE patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hypothyroidism in SLE patients was higher than that in controls and decreased with age. The results suggested that young SLE patients combined with LN, liver abnormality and cardiac insufficiency were at higher risk of hypothyroidism. According to the results of this study, we speculated that SLE might have impact on thyroid, and SLE might be one of the causes of hypothyroidism.
Roles of osteocytes in phosphate metabolism
Authors: Michigami Toshimi
Published: July 2022

Osteocytes are dendritic cells in the mineralized bone matrix that descend from osteoblasts. They play critical roles in controlling bone mass through the production of sclerostin, an inhibitor of bone formation, and receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand, an inducer of osteoblastic bone resorption. Osteocytes also govern phosphate homeostasis through the production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which lowers serum phosphate levels by increasing renal phosphate excretion and reducing the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), an active metabolite of vitamin D. The production of FGF23 in osteocytes is regulated by various local and systemic factors. Phosphate-regulating gene homologous to endopeptidase on X chromosome (PHEX), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), and family with sequence similarity 20, member C function as local negative regulators of FGF23 production in osteocytes, and their inactivation causes the overproduction of FGF23 and hypophosphatemia. Sclerostin has been suggested to regulate the production of FGF23, which may link the two functions of osteocytes, namely, the control of bone mass and regulation of phosphate homeostasis. Systemic regulators of FGF23 production include 1,25(OH)2D, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, insulin, iron, and inflammation. Therefore, the regulation of FGF23 in osteocytes is complex and multifactorial. Recent mouse studies have suggested that decreases in serum phosphate levels from youth to adulthood are caused by growth-related increases in FGF23 production by osteocytes, which are associated with the down-regulation of Phex and Dmp1.
Optimal Allocation of BESS in Distribution Network Based on Improved Equilibrium Optimizer
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Wang Shuliang
Published: July 2022

The battery energy storage system (BESS) can accommodate the uncertainties of renewable energy sources (RESs) and load demand. Proper allocation of the BESS in the distribution network (DN) can bring cost-effectiveness and enhance system stability. To realize the reliable and economic operation of BESS in the DN, a multi-objective optimization model for optimal BESS allocation is established, which aims at minimizing the annual overall cost of the whole system, including life cycle cost (LCC), power loss cost, peak-shaving cost, tie-line fluctuation penalty, and voltage deviation penalty. Then, a novel implementation of the improved equilibrium optimizer (IEO) algorithm is proposed to solve the optimal BESS allocation scheme. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, the simulation experiment based on the IEEE 33-bus test system is performed. Simulation results prove that the IEO algorithm is capable of rapid stable convergence and efficient searching for optimum in the multidimensional space. By the end of the iteration, the annual overall cost of the whole system records a minimum value of $1.8692e+06 every year. A meticulous techno-economic analysis demonstrates that the obtained BESS allocation scheme not only effectively ensures cost-effectiveness of BESS but also significantly reduces power loss, load peak-valley difference, tie-line power fluctuation, and voltage deviation.
Effects of a Hydropower-Related Temporary Stream Dewatering on Fish Community Composition and Development: From Ecology to Policy
Authors: Pander Joachim , Nagel Christoffer , Geist Juergen
Published: July 2022

Hydropower use of rivers can exert multiple effects on aquatic species and habitats. Due to limitations of conservation projects in the main channels of hydropower-affected rivers, there has been an increasing focus on tributaries, side channels, and fish passes as target areas for conservation and restoration. However, some of these side channels require frequent dewatering for their maintenance, and the ecological effects of such measures remain largely unknown. In this study, we used two dewatering events in a side channel of the River Inn as an opportunity to assess the effects of these common measures on fish. All stranded fish were collected after the two dewatering events in remaining puddles of formerly restored bank habitats, determined to species level, and measured. The fish community was compared by electrofishing before and seven weeks after the dewatering in a subset of the same habitats. The dewatering created one to three remaining puddles in the bank habitats, covering 3% of the assessed bank habitat area. In these remaining puddles, 184 stranded fish from 12 species were found, including species strictly protected under national and international law. In relation to their relative abundance, smaller and less mobile species such asCottus gobiowere mostly affected by stranding in contrast to larger and open-water-oriented species such asChondrostoma nasus. The dewatering also caused drying out of important nursery zones, resulting in a distinctly lower recruitment success of endangered riverine fish species in the summer following the dewatering. The evidence about the negative ecological effects documented herein should be transferred into policy measures to reduce the impairment of dewatering to a minimum and to contribute to the fulfilment to national and international legal requirements. This can be achieved by reducing the extent and frequency of periodical dewatering to a minimum, by slowing down the dewatering speed, by selecting the least critical time of the year, as well as by compensation measures.
Genetic diversity and population structure of fine aroma cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) from north Peru revealed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers
Authors: Bustamante Danilo E. , Motilal Lambert A. , Calderon Martha S. , Mahabir Amrita , Oliva Manuel
Published: July 2022

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is the basis of the lucrative confectionery industry with “fine or flavour” cocoa attracting higher prices due to desired sensory and quality profiles. The Amazonas Region (north Peru) has a designation of origin, Fine Aroma Cacao, based on sensory quality, productivity and morphological descriptors but its genetic structure and ancestry is underexplored. We genotyped 143 Fine Aroma Cacao trees from northern Peru (Bagua, Condorcanqui, Jaén, Mariscal Cáceres, and Utcubamba; mainly Amazonas Region), using 192 single nucleotide polymorphic markers. Identity, group, principal coordinate, phylogenetic and ancestry analyses were conducted. There were nine pairs of matched trees giving 134 unique samples. The only match within 1,838 reference cacao profiles was to a putative CCN 51 by a Condorcanqui sample. The “Peru Uniques” group was closest to Nacional and Amelonado-Nacional genetic clusters based on FST analysis. The provinces of Bagua and Utcubamba were genetically identical (Dest = 0.001; P = 0.285) but differed from Condorcanqui (Dest = 0.016–0.026; P = 0.001–0.006). Sixty-five (49%) and 39 (29%) of the Peru Uniques were mixed from three and four genetic clusters, respectively. There was a common and strong Nacional background with 104 individuals having at least 30% Nacional ancestry. The fine aroma of cacao from Northern Peru is likely due to the prevalent Nacional background with some contribution from Criollo. A core set of 53 trees was identified. These findings are used to support the continuance of the fine or flavour industry in Peru.