bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Consumption, Environmental Quality and Health Nexus in West African Countries: Implications for Sustainable Development
Authors: Aderinto Esther
Published: July 2023

Energy remains indispensable in production and consumption activities and is therefore the driving force of economic growth and improved living standard. Despite the fact that Africa is rich in renewable energy, the continent’s energy mix is largely dominated by the fossil fuels. This could have deteriorating effects on the environment and subsequently on the health of people across the continent. The sustainable development goals are geared towards ensuring a sustainable future for all, with good health, well-being and sustainable environment as part of the principal targets. However, most developing countries including West African countries have been experiencing declining health patterns following the lack of attention on health-related factors like energy and environment. This study therefore intends to examine the nexus among energy consumption, environmental quality and health in West African countries while employing data from 2000 to 2019. The study disintegrates energy consumption into renewable and non-renewable energy. Pooled Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG/ARDL) model was employed for the study. Short run estimates reveal a negative influence of non-renewable energy on life expectancy in West African countries. Similarly, non-renewable energy exerts a significant and negative influence on child mortality. Non-renewable energy also reduces health expenditure. Renewable energy was observed to increase life expectancy and reduce child mortality. The study concludes that a substantial amount of renewable energy be incorporated into the energy basket of West African countries to improve health conditions.
The Efficacy and Mechanism of Kaempferol in Preventing perioperative neurocognitive disorders in t he Elderly: Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Authors: Huang Enhao , LI Huadao , Han Hanghang , Liang Yubing , Huang Zijin , Qin Ke , Du Xueke
Published: July 2023

Objective
This research, founded on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation, seeks to elucidate the probable therapeutic effects of Kaempferol (Kae) on perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND), along with its operational mechanism.
Methods
Key target points for the potential preventive effects of Kae on PND were discerned through the Geo database and network pharmacology techniques. An animal model was established for PND through laparotomy. The model and therapeutic outcomes were verified using the Morris water maze (MWM) and open field tests, subsequently, mechanisms of hub target regulation were confirmed through methods such as WB, q-PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, JC-1 staining for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) assessment, and Calcein-AM staining. In vivo and in vitro experimental models were utilized to study the impact of Kae on microglial cell activation and inflammation, as well as Kae’s rescuing effect on neuronal apoptosis, thereby exploring its neuroprotective action mechanism.
Results
Network pharmacology analysis revealed that Kae could potentially exert its therapeutic effect by regulating key targets such as p-AKT1, p-JUN, PPARG, and CASPASE − 3. These targets primarily function within inflammation and immune modulation related pathways such as the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, TNF-α signaling pathway, and apoptosis. In vivo and in vitro model experiments demonstrated that Kae significantly influenced the activation and inflammatory response of microglial cells, indicating possible neuroprotective effects. Additionally, Kae was able to mitigate the apoptosis of primary neurons induced by LPS, a phenomenon that Kae rescues in a concentration-dependent manner.
Conclusion
By regulating key targets such as p-AKT1, p-JUN, PPARG, and CASPASE-3, Kae might play a role in the prevention and treatment of PND, demonstrating neuroprotective and cognitive function improvement effects.
Allium covered metal stent for treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction
Authors: zhang jiamo , LI Dexia , ZHANG Xuan , LUO Huaming , CHEN Jiangchuan , LI Changlong , CHEN Xin
Published: July 2023

Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Allium covered metallic stent for the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction.
Patients and Methods. Clinical data of 29 patients who underwent endoscopic insertion of an Allium ureteral stent between October 2019 and August 2021 at Yongchuan Hospital, affiliated with Chongqing Medical University, were analyzed retrospectively. At 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after insertion, serum creatinine was measured, the width of the renal pelvis was rechecked under ultrasound guidance, and the position and shape of the stent were checked by abdominal X-ray. Data on long-term stent patency, incidence of complications, changes in renal function and hydronephrosis grade were collected and analyzed. Ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) was administered preoperatively and after 6 months in 22 patients with previous stent history.
Results. Allium covered metal stents (n=33) were implanted successfully in 29 patients who were followed for 3 to 22 months, with 32/33 stents remaining patent. Serum creatinine levels decreased in 17 patients and hydronephrosis in 24 patients. Clavien-Dindo grade I complications were observed in 6 patients, Clavien-Dindo II in 1 patient, whereas stent displacement and stent encrustation occurred in one patient each (Clavien-Dindo III-IV). USSQ scores had significantly improved 6 months after stent insertion (p<0.001).
Conclusion Allium ureteral stents are a safe and effective treatment option for malignant ureteral obstruction, with good long-term patency, helping to preserve renal function and improve quality of life.
Porous Nanocomposites with Enhanced Intrinsic Piezoresistive Sensitivity for a Highly Integrated Multimodal Tactile Sensor
Authors: Peng Zhengchun , Zhang Jianpeng , Wei Song , Liu CaiChao , Shang Chao , He Zhaoqiang , Duan Yu
Published: July 2023

In this work, we propose a new and low cost elastomeric nanocomposite, i.e., porous fluororubber-thermoplastic urethanes nanocomposites (PFTNs), and demonstrate the highest intrinsic piezoresistive sensitivity to pressure among the known porous nanocomposites. Our experiments indicate that the PFTN's intrinsic sensitivity to pressure (within 10kPa) increases up to 900% compared to the porous thermoplastic urethanes nanocomposite (PTN) and up to 275% compared to the porous fluororubber nanocomposite (PFN), respectively. For pressures exceeding 10 kPa, the pressure-resistance relationship follows a logarithmic function, and the sensitivity of PFTN to the logarithm of pressure is observed to be 221% and 125% higher than that of PTN and PFN, respectively. Along with the change of contact resistance at the micro-porous interface between PFTN and electrode, the excellent intrinsic sensitivity of thick PFTN films makes it ideal to imitate multiple skin functions, such as touch detection, pressure perception and traction sensation, in a single sensing unit. The sensitivity to touch of the e-skin reaches approximately 150 Pa, and it exhibits a linear fit degree of over 97% for monitoring the applied pressure and shear force. We also demonstrate an array-based e-skin capable of accurately recognizing pinch, spread, and tweak motions.
Finite Element Analysis and Structure Optimization of a Gantry-Type High-Precision Machine Tool
Authors: Chan Tzu-Chi , Ullah Aman , Roy Bedanta , Chang Shinn-Liang
Published: July 2023

The high-precision machine tool's dynamic, static, and rigid nature directly affects the machining efficiency and surface quality. Static and dynamic analyses are essential for the design and improvement of precision machine tools to ensure good tool performance under difficult and demanding machining conditions. In this study, the performance of a high-precision machine tool was analyzed using its virtual model created using SOLIDWORKS. Static and model analysis using ANSYS Workbench software was conducted to establish the tool's static deformation and static stiffness. Furthermore, the static and dynamic characteristics of the tool were explored using a ﬁnite element modeling approach to study their performance. In particular, the structure, static force, modal, frequency spectrum, and topology optimization of machine tools were primarily analyzed. Using model analysis, we found the first four different frequencies (22.5, 28.9, 40.6, and 47.4 Hz) and vibration type, which suggested of a weak link. Further static structural analysis revealed that the deformation of the spindle was 67.26 μm. An experimental static rigidity analysis was performed, and the experimental deformation values of the tool and spindle were obtained. The static and dynamic characteristics, as well as the accuracy and efficiency of the finite element model, were verified by comparing the data with the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results. Subsequently, we modified the settings and analysis model to ensure that the analysis results were consistent with the experimental findings. The error between the two results was within 1.56%. For an applied load of 5000 N on the spindle nose, the tool nose transient response was 0.5 s based on transient analysis. Under the condition that the structural deformation is as constant as possible, the lightweight structure may achieve the minimum weight and enhance the natural frequency; thus, the ideal structure will be obtained, and finite element analysis will then be performed. The optimal conditions for topology optimization include a lightweight structure, reduced structural deformation, and increased natural frequency of the structure. The developed method improves structural optimization, increases the ability of the product to be manufactured, and offers designers a variety of price-effective options.
Multidomain Interventions for Non-pharmacological Enhancement (MINE) Program in Chinese Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Wu xiaochu , Zhang Tianyao , Tu Yanhao , Deng Xueling , A Sigen , Li Yuxiao , Jing Xiaofan , Wei Lixuan , Huang Ning , Cheng Ying , Deng Linghui , Jia Shuli , li Jun , Jiang Ning , Dong Birong
Published: July 2023

Background: Dementia is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and therefore early intervention could have the best chance of preserving brain health. There are significant differences in health awareness, living customs, and daily behaviors among Chinese older adults compared to Europeans and Americans. Because the synergistic benefits of multidomain non-pharmacological interventions are consistent with the multifactorial pathogenicity of MCI, such interventions are more appealing, easier to adhere to, and more relevant to daily life than single-mode interventions. This study aims to validate multidomain intervention strategies for MCI patients based on Chinese population characteristics, establish a biological sample and image database to investigate the pathogenesis and pathways of cognitive impairment.
Methods: Our study was designed as a national multicenter, community-based randomized controlled trial (RCT). Twelve medical institutions in ten Chinese cities will participate in our study from 2020 to 2024, and 1080 community residents aged 50 and above will be enrolled as participants. Each sub-center will be responsible for 90 participants (30 people per community) across three communities (non-contact control group, health education group, and multidomain intervention group). The community will be the basic unit of the present study, and all participants in each community will receive the same intervention/control measure. Three working groups are set up in each sub-center to manage the three communities independently to minimize interference at the implementation level between the groups. This study will use exercise, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness meditation and other methods to conduct comprehensive multi-domain intervention in participants. All data generated by the research will be analyzed and processed by statistical software (such as SPSS, R, etc.), and part of the research data will be displayed in the form of graphs and tables.
Discussion: In order to achieve a high-quality community intervention study, it is crucial to have a well-designed experimental protocol that follows rigorous scientific methodology. In addition, effective management of quality control measures and monitoring compliance throughout the study process are essential components. This study provides a detailed discussion of stakeholder compliance, research quality control, potential harm and mitigation, auditing, and future plans in order to better address research issues.
Trial registration: ChiCTR2000035012
Immune thrombocytopenia secondary to primary cytomegalovirus infection after renal transplantation treated with a thrombopoietin receptor agonist: a case report
Authors: Takehara Tomohiro , Nishida Hayato , Ichikawa Kazunobu , Hosokawa Yuka , Nawano Takaaki , Takai Satoshi , Fukuhara Hiroki , Himuro Masahito , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Watanabe Masafumi
Published: July 2023

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired disorder characterised by low platelet counts due to immune-mediated destruction and impaired platelet production. We report a rare case of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection followed by thrombocytopenia after renal transplantation (RT).
Case presentation: A 24-year-old male patient with end-stage kidney disease secondary to hereditary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was treated with peritoneal dialysis and received ABO-compatible living-related RT from his aunt. Nine months after RT, the patient was diagnosed with primary CMV infection. After treatment initiation for primary CMV infection, the patient developed isolated thrombocytopenia. Excluding other diseases or drugs that might cause thrombocytopenia, the patient was finally diagnosed with ITP, administered prednisolone (PSL),and started on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy. Tapering the PSL dose was difficult. However, thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) were effective.
Conclusions: In this case, the patient was diagnosed with ITP, and other causes of thrombocytopenia were successfully ruled out, despite the many causes of thrombocytopenia after RT. We showed that RT recipients can develop ITP after CMV infection and, in such cases, TPO-RAs may be an attractive option as a second-line therapy.
Differential diagnosis of breast mucinous carcinoma with oval shape from fibroadenoma based on ultrasonographic features
Authors: Wang Hongli , Hu Yue , Tan Cui , Gu Ran , Li Yudong , Jin Liang , Jiang Xiaofang , Mei Jingsi , Liu Qiang , Gong Chang
Published: July 2023

Background Approximately 50% of breast mucinous carcinomas (MCs) are oval and have the possibility of being misdiagnosed as fibroadenoma (FA). We aimed to identify the key features that can help differentiate breast MC with oval shape from fibroadenoma (FA) on ultrasonography (US).
Methods Seventy-six MCs in 71 consecutive patients and 50 FAs with oval shape in 50 consecutive patients were included in our study. All lesions had pathological diagnoses. According to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), first, the ultrasonographic features of the MCs and FAs were recorded and a final category was assessed. Then, the differences of ultrasonographic characteristics between category 4A (low-risk group) and category 4B-5 (medium-high risk group) of MCs were identified. Finally, other ultrasonographic features of MC and FA both with oval shape were compared to determine the key factors for differential diagnosis. The Mann-Whitney test, the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test was used in our study.
Results MCs with oval shape (81.2%) and circumscribed margin (25%) on US were more common assessed in the low-risk group (BI-RADS 4A) than in the medium-high risk group (BI-RADS 4B-5) (20%，p<0.001 and 0% p=0.001, respectively). Compared with FA, patients with MC were older, and with masses being more likely to appear non-hypoechoic, not circumscribed margin, and posterior echo enhancement on US (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.003, respectively).
Conclusion: The oval shape was the main reason for the underestimation of MCs. On US, an oval mass found in the breast of an old woman with non-hypoechoic echo, not circumscribed margin, and posterior echo enhancement was associated with an increased risk of MC, and active biopsy should be recommended.
Additive effect of metabolic syndrome on brain atrophy in people living with HIV – magnetic resonance volumetry study
Authors: Andric Vanja , Maric Daniela , Bulovic Aleksandra , Kozic Dusko , Brkic Snezana , Boban Jasmina
Published: July 2023

With people living with HIV (PLWH) reaching senium, the importance of aging-related comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome (MS) becomes increasingly important. The aim of this study was to determine the additive effect of MS on brain atrophy in PLWH. This prospective study included 43 PLWH, average age 43.02 ± 10.93 years and 24 healthy controls, average age 36.87 ± 8.89 years. PLWH were divided into two subgroups: without MS and with MS, according to NCEP-ATP-III criteria. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance (MR)imaging on 3T clinical scanner with MR volumetry, used for defining volumes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces and white and grey matter structures, including basal ganglia. ANOVA was used to determine differences in brain volumes between subject subgroups. Binary classification was performed to determine sensitivity and specificity of volumetry findings and cut-off values. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. PLWH presented with significantly lower volumes of gray matter, putamen, thalamus, globus pallidus and nc. accumbens compared to healthy controls; cut-off values were: for gray matter 738.130 cm3, putamen 8.535cm3, thalamus 11.895 cm3, globus pallidus 2.252 cm3 nc. accumbens 0.715 cm3. Volumes of CSF and lateral ventricles were higher in PLWH with MS compared to those without MS- with specificity of 0.310 and sensitivity of 0.714 it can be assumed that PLWH with CSF volume above 212.83cm3 will also have MS. There seems to be an important connection between MS and brain volume reduction in PLWH with MS, which may add to accurate identification of persons at risk of developing HIV-associated cognitive impairment.
STAVER: A Standardized Benchmark Dataset-Based Algorithm for Effective Variation Reduction in Large-Scale DIA MS Data
Authors: Ding Chen , Ran Peng , Wang Yunzhi , Li Kai , He Shiman , Lv Jiacheng , Zhu Jiajun , Tang Shaoshuai , Feng Jinwen , Qin Zhaoyu , Yin Yanan , Tan Subei , Zhu Lingli
Published: July 2023

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool for the comprehensive investigation of complex biological systems. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry enables the simultaneous quantification of thousands of proteins, with multi- spectral library search strategies showing great promise for enhancing protein identification and quantification. However, the presence of poor-quality profiles can considerably impact the accuracy of quantitative results, leading to erroneous protein quantification. To address this challenge, we developed STAVER, a standardized benchmark dataset-based algorithm efficiently reduces variation in large-scale DIA MS data. By using the benchmark dataset to standardize mass spectrometry signals, STAVER effectively removes unwanted noise and enhances protein quantification accuracy, especially in the context of multi-spectral library searching. We validated the effectiveness of STAVER in several large-scale DIA datasets, demonstrating improved identification and quantification of thousands of proteins. STAVER represents an innovative and efficacious approach for removing unwanted noise information in large-scale DIA proteome data. It enables cross-study comparison and integration of DIA datasets across different platforms and laboratories, enhancing the consistency and reproducibility of clinical research findings. The complete package is accessible online at https://github.com/Ran485/STAVER.
Resolution Enhancement for Compressed Sensing at 1.5T MRI through Deep Learning: Application to Quantitative Volume Measurement of Human Brain Structures
Authors: Suwannasak Atita , Angkurawaranon Salita , Sangpin Prapatsorn , Chatnuntawech Itthi , Wantanajittikul Kittichai , Yarach Uten
Published: July 2023

Background
Compressed sensing (CS) is available for clinical 1.5T scanners with limited reduction factor due to a small channel of receiver coil. Typically, low-resolution (LR) with CS is able to further reduce scan time. However, LR images may be insufficient for clinical diagnosis. Recently, Deep Learning (DL) approaches have demonstrated the ability to generate high-resolution (HR) MR images from LR images. Thus, this study investigated the possibility of using LR-CS and DL-based super-resolution technique for brain volume measurement (BVM) application at 1.5T MRI.
Materials and Methods
For model training, human brain volumes acquired with 3D-TFE-T1W were incorporated, in which LR images were generated from the original HR images with 2x sub-sampled strategy. After data augmentation, pairs of LR and HR images were used for training 3D Residual Dense Net (RDN). For model testing, LR CS-3D-TFE-T1W images were acquired using 1.5T MRI with one minute scan time. Normalized Root-Mean-Square Error (NRMSE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Similarity (SSIM) were used for model evaluation. BVMs were performed using Freesurfer’s software. Wilcoxon signed rank test, Pearson’s correlation, and effect size were used for statistical analysis.
Results
The results showed that DL-SR model is able to synthesize HR images from LR images, in which no significant differences between DL-SR and actual HR (p < 0.01) reported by NRMSE (0.051 vs 0.059), PSNR (25.885 vs 24.679), SSIM (0.961 vs 0.951). For volumetric assessments, there were no significant differences between DL-SR and actual HR images (p > 0.01, Pearson’s correlation > 0.90) at seven subcortical regions.
Conclusions
The combination of LR CS-MRI and DL-SR can effectively address the issue of prolonged scan time in 3D MRI scans while preserving the image quality and the accuracy of brain volume measurements.
Monitoring Mercury in Times of Changing Sources and Climate: A Case Study of Acadia National Park
Authors: Burton Mark E.H. , Chen Celia , Buck David , DeSorbo Chris , Eagles-Smith Collin , Evers David C. , Pritz Colleen Flanagan , Gawley William , Jackson Allyson , Miller-Rushing Abe , Morris Kristi , Nelson Sarah J. , Tear Timothy H. , Wheeler Bik , Willacker James , Yates Dave
Published: July 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
How illegitimate tasks links to creative behavior of knowledge workers: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Song Haojie , Duan Leilei , Li Yueyang , Zhang Qiang
Published: July 2023

Based on ego depletion theory and interaction ritual theory, we tested the effect of illegitimate tasks on creative behavior of knowledge workers using two studies. Study 1 aimed to test the effect of illegitimate tasks on creative behavior using a 10-day daily dairy study with a sample of 104 knowledge workers. Study 2 aimed to test the effect of illegitimate tasks on creative behavior using a questionnaire survey conducted at two points in time with a sample of 567 knowledge workers. The results of both studies were highly convergent. The relational energy knowledge employees experience during interactions with their family members moderated the indirect negative effect of illegitimate tasks on creative behavior through ego depletion, such that this indirect negative effect was stronger when the relational energy level was low and weaker when the relational energy level was high. The results deepen the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effect of illegitimate tasks on creative behavior from the perspective of psychological energy, and offer practical insights into managing knowledge workers’ creative behavior.
Treadmill running regulates adult neurogenesis, spatial and non-spatial learning, parvalbumin neuron activity by ErbB4 signaling
Authors: Yi Yandong , Zhang Yuejin , Song yuanlong , Lu Yisheng
Published: July 2023

In our previous study, we found parvalbumin (PV) positive GABAergic interneurons in DG were critical for exercise to increase adult neurogenesis and to improve schizophrenia related phenotypes in mouse model. How exercise affects PV interneuron function needs to be further investigated. In this study, AG1478, an ErbB4 inhibitor, was used to explore its molecular mechanisms as a pharmacological means. Four weeks post-running with AG1478, we found: (1). AG1478 significantly impaired the performances in T-maze, Morris water maze (MWM, spatial learning and memory), contextual fear conditioning and discrimination learning paradigm (non-spatial working and reference memory). (2).AG1478 enhanced neurogenesis loss, downregulated the expression of p-ErbB4 and total ErbB4 protein, (3) AG1478 decreased the intracellular Ca2+ levels in PV neurons which could be reversed by running. Taken together, our study suggested that Treadmill running regulates adult neurogenesis, spatial and non-spatial learning, PV neuron activity by ErbB4 signaling.
Seedback-rl- Scalable and Efficient Deep-rl Equipped With Backup Queue for Task Assignment in Fault Tolerant Fog Computing
Authors: R Archana , Kumar K. Pradeep
Published: July 2023

Due to the present requirements of real-time applications, cloud computing has been superseded with fog computing, which, although addressing the issues of latency and energy consumption, cannot be totally characterised as fault-tolerant. The scalability of the nodes and tasks is one of the main causes of this problem, while there are other factors at play as well. So, it is difficult to execute big tasks in real time in fog computing. Executing all the tasks—regardless of how they scale up—and completing them all within the allotted time frame are crucial for achieving a higher throughput and a lower drop rate. SEEDBACK-RL, a unique distributed reinforcement learning technique, is suggested as a solution to the issue of obtaining reliability, scalability, and timely execution. No tasks are lost with the help of the backup plan that was discussed, regardless of how large the jobs are scaled up to be. The algorithm's capacity to identify the best nodes for task execution ensures that tasks are always carried out. The simulative evaluation demonstrates a significant improvement in reliability, drop rate, load balancing, and decreased delay computed as reliability = 9 with learning parameters compared to the state of the art, load balancing = 6.2, delay a = 5.3, and reliability = 9.
Silicon and Carbon nanocages as catalysts of CO 2 reduction reaction
Authors: Li XiLan , Wang Jing , Wei XiaoLi
Published: July 2023

In this study, the catalytic abilities of on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages for CO2 reduction reaction to CO, CH4, HCOOH, HCHO and CH3OH creation are examined by theoretical methods. The possible mechanisms for CO2 reduction reaction are examined and ΔGreaction of reaction steps to produce the CO, CH4, HCOOH, HCHO and CH3OH on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages are calculated. Results indicated that, the rate limiting step for CH4 and CH3OH production is the nanocage-*CO → nanocage-*CHO on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages. Results shown that the overpotential of CO2 reduction reaction on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages are lower than various metal catalysts. It can be concluded that the Ni-Si50 nanocage has more negative ΔGreaction values and lower free barrier energy than Ni-C50 nanocage to process the reaction steps of CO2 reduction. Results demonstrated that the overpotential for CH4 and CH3OH production are lower than HCOOH and HCHO creation on Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages. Finally, the Ni-C50 and Ni-Si50 nanocages are proposed as novel catalysts for CO2 reduction reaction to produce the CO, CH4, HCOOH, HCHO and CH3OH species.
Affiliations based bibliometric analysis of publications on Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Aleskerov Fuad , Khutorskaya Olga , Yakuba Vuacheslav , Stepochkina Anna , Zinovyeva Ksenia
Published: July 2023

Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world. Thousands of scientific works are published every year. We have analyzed more than 3 thousand organizations, who have published works on various aspects of Parkinson’s Disease in the period from 2015 to 2021. We have evaluated 4 classical centrality indices (In-degree, Eigenvector, Pagerank and Betweenness) and 2 new centrality indices. The new indices allow to take into account group influence and to identify pivotal nodes. Using the method, we have extracted the most influential organizations in the scientific area of Parkinson’s Disease. Stability analysis allows us to measure the value of dynamic changes in the network during the period under consideration.
Pathogenetic detection and retrospective analysis of a fatal case of Vibrio vulnificus in Shenzhen, China.
Authors: Xu Shiqin , Wu Jinsong , Jin Ying , Ji Liyin , Zou Xuan , Hu Qinghua , Feng Tiejian , Wu Shuang , Jiang Yixiang , Chen Qiongcheng , Lu Huiqun , Qiu Shuxiang , Jiang Min , Cai Rui , Qiu Yaqun , Shi Xiaolu
Published: July 2023

We report a 36-year-old male patient died of V. vulnificus-induced septicaemia and multiple organ failure syndrome after oyster consumption at a restaurant. We isolated and identified V. vulnificus vv16015 from the patient's blood sample and antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated sensitivity to all 21 antibiotics. Oyster samples were subsequently collected from the restaurant's supplier and three strains of V. vulnificus were isolated. Whole genome sequencing and analysis revealed vv16015 to be distantly related to these strains and confirmed that V. vulnificus contamination was present in the seafood of the restaurant and supplier. Using a Galleria mellonella larvae infection model, the virulence of vv16015 was determined to be higher than that of comparison strains isolated from a surviving patient (vv15018) and an oyster (vv220015).The human and environment distribution of V. vulnificus in Shenzhen is sporadic and heterogeneous, and vv16015 is highly virulent compared to other strains.
The Familiarity With the Virtual World: Research on Continued Intention to Play HMD-based VR Game
Authors: Xiao Daibo , YANG LING
Published: July 2023

Compared with traditional games, virtual reality (VR) games can provide the realistic scene and interactivity thanks to the developing technology of VR and artificial intelligence. However, VR game cannot achieve the same popularity as the traditional game until nowadays. Although it can create the illusion that users live in the virtual world, users can still identify the difference between the real world and virtual world. As few studies discussed the factors affecting continued intention to play VR game, this paper intended to present quantitative study investigating the effects of familiarity with virtual scene and interactivity on sense of embodiment(SOE), flow experience, and continued intention to play VR game. Meanwhile, this study also showed the moderating role of perceived cost in this model. The results reflected that familiarity with interactivity positively related to SOE and flow experience while familiarity with scene only positively affect SOE. Perceived cost was found to positively moderate the influence of flow experience and negatively moderating the influence of SOE on continued intention to play. This study draws theoretical implications for future VR game research as well as practical implications for VR game industry.
Long noncoding RNA THOR, a novel target biomolecule, is involved in the progression of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Lin , Li Jianing , Ouyang Hongsheng , Liu Shen , Pang Daxin
Published: July 2023

THOR is a long noncoding RNA that is highly conserved and highly expressed in a variety of human tumor cells. A large number of studies show that THOR is deeply involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of cancers. However, the role and potential molecular mechanisms of THOR in the initiation and progression of CRC have not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that THOR is crucial for the occurrence of CRC; it interacts with IGF2BP1 to regulate the downstream Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. To clarify the contribution of THOR in the occurrence and development of CRC, we established THOR-deficient APCMin/+ mice and human colorectal cancer cells (SW480) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The results showed that the body weight and survival rate of THOR-deficient APCMin/+ mice increased; hyperlipidemia in elderly mice was alleviated, and changes in intestinal structure were attenuated. THOR knockout inhibited the growth, proliferation, and migration of SW480 cells. Downstream regulator genes, including c-MYC, APC, SOX9, Wnt1, CDH1, Axin1, Axin2, LEF 1, were knocked down with THOR knockout. In summary, our results indicate that THOR knockout inhibits the growth and migration of CRC cells and that THOR is a promising prognostic indicator for CRC patients. Moreover, the THOR-IGF2BP1-Wnt/β-catenin axis may be a potential therapeutic target for CRC, providing new insights into the important role of lncRNAs in cancer.
Associations Between Changes in Psychological Resilience and Resting-State Functional Connectivity Throughout Pediatric Concussion Recovery
Authors: Brown Olivier , Fang Zhuo , Smith Andra , Healey Katherine , Zemek Roger , Ledoux Andrée-Anne
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study investigated the association between psychological resilience and resting-state network functional connectivity in pediatric concussion.
Methods
This was a substudy of a randomized controlled trial, recruiting children with concussion and orthopedic injury. Participants completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience 10 Scale and underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 72 hours and 4-weeks post-injury. Seed-to-voxel analyses were used to explore associations between resilience and connectivity with the default-mode, central executive, and salience networks longitudinally and at both timepoints separately. Regions-of-interest analyses were used to explore associations between resilience and within-network connectivity.
Results
A total of 69 children with a concussion (median age = 12.81 [IQR: 11.79–14.36]; 46% female) and 30 with orthopedic injury (median age = 12.27 [IQR: 11.19–13.94]; 40% female) were included. Seed-to-voxel analyses detected a positive correlation between 72-hour resilience and central executive network connectivity in the concussion group, and a positive correlation between 72-hour resilience and salience network connectivity in the orthopedic injury group. Group was a moderator of 72-hour resilience and salience network connectivity, and a moderator of longitudinal resilience and default-mode network connectivity. Regions-of-interest analyses identified group as a moderator of longitudinal resilience and within-default-mode network connectivity. In the orthopedic injury group, longitudinal resilience was associated with within-default-mode network connectivity, while 72-hour resilience was associated with within-salience network connectivity.
Conclusions
These results suggest that resilience may be implicated in functional neuroimaging outcomes in pediatric concussion and should further be investigated for its clinical utility as a protective or restorative factor following injury.
Effects of Innovation Capabilities on Organisational Sustainability: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Esen Sinan , Saygili Metin , Ates Cagdas
Published: July 2023

The role of businesses in sustainable development gained increasingly more importance, together with the increasing speed of technological advancements, in addition to the economic effects of climate change, pandemics, disasters, and wars. The capabilities of businesses allowing them to adapt to environmental conditions to use their resources and turn them into productive outputs efficiently are considered critical factors in achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of businesses’ marketing, process, organisational, and product innovation capabilities on corporate sustainability. The data used in the present study, which has an explanatory research design, were collected from managers of 452 SMEs in an emerging economy (Turkey) using the non-random quota sampling method. During the data collection, a survey was carried out on the manufacturing firms operating in Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Yalova, and Bolu provinces in a region called TR42 in the Eastern Marmara region, which is an important industrial region in Turkey. During the data analysis, SPSS was used to obtain the descriptive statistics, and AMOS to obtain the inferential statistics. Within this context, covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was utilised to test organisational sustainability’s causal relationships with variables constituting the innovation capabilities. The results achieved here suggest that marketing, process, corporate, and product innovation capabilities have an effect that increases organisational sustainability. Furthermore, the results indicate that marketing innovation capability had a higher impact on organisational sustainability than other capacities constituting the innovation capability. The present study offers important interpretations and conclusions for businesses which operate in an emerging economy at the level of SME to improve their sustainability objectives in terms of resource, capability, and environmental adaptation.
Dynamometric cutting tool
Authors: Svinin V. M. , Ushakov V. A. , Tikhonov A. G. , Pyatykh A. S. , Kononenko R. V. , Rodygina А. E.
Published: July 2023

The aim was to develop, manufacture and test a technically simple dynamometer for monitoring the cutting process during boring and turning. An S20R-SSSCR09 right-hand cutter was selected as a research object. To register the cutting force and vibration movements of the cutter tip in tangential and radial directions, the cutter was equipped with four KF5P1-10-400-A-12 strain gauges mounted according to a half-bridge scheme. The bending stiffness of the cutter in two directions was measured by a DOU-3-01 compression dynamometer and a DDP-10A dial indicator. The cutter natural frequency was determined by a vibrogram of damped bending vibrations. The dynamometric boring tool was tested on a DMG NEF 400 turning machine by turning a workpiece made of 20X steel, 79 mm in diameter with a 200 mm extension, at a spindle rotational frequency of 600 r/min, a cutting depth of 0.8 mm and a longitudinal feed of 0.103 mm/turn. According to the conducted review of modern turning dynamometers and their designs, strain gauging of cutting tools is the simplest technical solution when carrying out boring procedures. The bending stiffness of the cutter in tangential and radial directions comprised 0.6 and 1.058 N/μm, respectively. The conversion coefficients for displacements in these directions were 3.5 and 4.2 μm/V, respectively. The mutual influence of registration of radial on tangential and tangential on radial displacements was 7.7% and 2.8%, respectively. The obtained vibrograms showed that the turning process under the given machining conditions is accompanied by distinct auto-oscillations of the cutter with a frequency of 561 Hz. Therefore, strain gauging of cutting tools provides information in the form of vibrograms about the two most important parameters of the cutting process dynamics – force and vibration displacements. The main advantages of the presented dynamometric cutting tool include its design simplicity, possibility of manufacturing in laboratory conditions, low cost and insensitivity to temperature and axial feed force variations.
Influence of cavitation treatment on the properties of coal-water slurries with pyrogenetic liquid and characteristics of their atomization by a pneumatic nozzle
Authors: Gvozdyakov D. V. , Zenkov A. V. , Maltsev L. I. , Podzharov Yu. S.
Published: July 2023

Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the rheological properties and atomization characteristics of coal-water slurries sprayed by a pneumatic nozzle with addition of pyrogenetic liquid. The research object was coal-water slurries prepared on the basis of long-flame coal using a rotary hydrodynamic cavitation generator. The dynamic viscosity of samples was investigated using a Reotest-2 rotary viscometer. The droplet size of atomized slurries was determined by the interferometric particle imaging method. A pneumatic nozzle designed for spraying of coal-water slurry fuels was used. The calorific value of coal-water slurry compositions was estimated by a theoretical method using Mendeleev's equation for calculating the lower heating value of combustion of organic substances with a certain elemental composition. It was found that cavitation treatment of a two-component coal-water fuel for 90 s leads to a 48% decrease in its viscosity. It was shown that substitution of water with a similar amount of pyrogenic liquid (5 to 20%) leads to an increase in the viscosity of coal-water fuels. The cavitation treatment of such slurries reduces the viscosity of the respective three-component coal-water fuels by 27–45%. According to the results of static sedimentation studies, coal particles start to precipitate 24 h after the onset of cavitation treatment. The treatment of the slurries under consideration for 27 and 90 s in a rotary hydrodynamic cavitation generator was established to reduce the average droplet size in the jet after spraying with a pneumatic nozzle by 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively. The introduction of pyrogenetic liquid into the composition of coal-water fuels increases their calorific value by 6.9%. It can be concluded that the use of pyrogenetic liquid in the composition of coal-water slurry fuels followed by their treatment in a rotary hydrodynamic cavitation generator can solve the problem of low reactivity of coal-water slurries.
Selection of an optimal cable brand for high-voltage overhead power lines based on criterion analysis
Authors: Savina N. V. , Varygina A. О.
Published: July 2023

This paper is aimed at developing a versatile approach to selecting an optimal cable brand for overhead transmission lines for use in design practice, adapted to conventional and new-generation cable types. To implement multi-criterion evaluation of external factors and limitations when selecting a cable type, the methods of systems, hierarchy and comparative analysis were used. A method for selecting an optimal cable brand based on hierarchy analysis was developed along with an algorithm for its implementation when designing new or modernizing existing overheadlines. The developed approach is demonstrated on the example of construction and modernization of 220 kV overhead lines with the conventional AC cable and such new-generation domestic brands, as АСВТ, АСВП, АСк2у and АСТ. In the considered examples, the technical feasibility of the construction of a new overhead line was limited by the value of the sag. For the modernization project, the specific weight of the cable was of greater importance. The selection criteria included the span length, cable cost and admissible continuous current. The АСВП and АСТ cable brands showed the greatest compliance with the selection criteria (27.5% and 55.9%, respectively). Therefore, at minimum capital investments, the АСВП brand ensures the optimum span length in the construction of a new overhead line, whereas the ACT brand ensures the maximum capacity in the modernization of an existing line. The conducted verification calculations confirmed the feasibility and versatility of the proposed method for selecting a cable brand.
Analysis of agriculture sustainable development in Russia
Authors: Kuzlyakina Yu. A. , Zamula V. S. , Kuznetsova O. A.
Published: July 2023

The article is focused on determining the current situation in Russia on the way to achieving the goals of sustainable development in agriculture. When analyzing the literature, it was revealed that most of the goals and objectives of sustainable development are already, to a greater or lesser degree, incorporated into the main strategic and program documents in Russia. Achievements in the implementation of SDG 2 “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture” were considered. Statistical indicators of agriculture sustainable development in Russia are analyzed. The principles for development of the agrifood systems sustainability concept are formulated and presented. In the last century and a half, the main task of Russia in country’s food security has been to feed its population. At the present day, it can be stated that this problem has been mainly solved.
Anomaly of $(2+1)$-dimensional symmetry-enriched topological order from $(3+1)$-dimensional topological quantum field theory
Authors: Ye Weicheng , Zou Liujun
Published: July 2023

Symmetry acting on a (2+1)DD topological order can be anomalous in the sense that they possess an obstruction to being realized as a purely (2+1)DD on-site symmetry. In this paper, we develop a (3+1)DD topological quantum field theory to calculate the anomaly indicators of a (2+1)DD topological order with a general symmetry group GG, which may be discrete or continuous, Abelian or non-Abelian, contain anti-unitary elements or not, and permute anyons or not. These anomaly indicators are partition functions of the (3+1)DD topological quantum field theory on a specific manifold equipped with some GG-bundle, and they are expressed using the data characterizing the topological order and the symmetry actions. Our framework is applied to derive the anomaly indicators for various symmetry groups, including \mathbb{Z}_2\times\mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2×ℤ2, \mathbb{Z}_2^T\times\mathbb{Z}_2^Tℤ2T×ℤ2T, SO(N)SO(N), O(N)^TO(N)T, SO(N)\times \mathbb{Z}_2^TSO(N)×ℤ2T, etc, where \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 and \mathbb{Z}_2^Tℤ2T denote a unitary and anti-unitary order-2 group, respectively, and O(N)^TO(N)T denotes a symmetry group O(N)O(N) such that elements in O(N)O(N) with determinant -1−1 are anti-unitary. In particular, we demonstrate that some anomaly of O(N)^TO(N)T and SO(N)\times \mathbb{Z}_2^TSO(N)×ℤ2T exhibit symmetry-enforced gaplessness, i.e., they cannot be realized by any symmetry-enriched topological order. As a byproduct, for SO(N)SO(N) symmetric topological orders, we derive their SO(N)SO(N) Hall conductance.