bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bearing fault feature extraction based on MOMEDA and CS-Wood-Saxon stochastic resonance
Authors: Quan Zhenya , Zhang Xueliang
Published: October 2023

Nonlinear system and noise intensity are the key factors for fault signal feature extraction by using stochastic resonance, which directly affects the output effect of stochastic resonance.1. Since the bistable stochastic resonance system is limited by frequency interval and system parameters when transmitting the original signal, the Wood-Saxon stochastic resonance nonlinear system is adopted in this paper.2. Since the collected bearing fault original signal contains a large amount of background noise, in order to make better use of noise intensity, the output of stochastic resonance model is more conducive to fault feature extraction. Before the signal is processed, the signal is pre-processed and filtered.To solve the above problems, a Cuckoo Search algorithm(CS) based on Multipoint Optimal Minimum Entroy Deconvolution Adjusted (MOMEDA) is proposed. CS) Fault feature extraction method of adaptive Wood-Saxon stochastic resonance bearing.By means of MOMEDA parameter selection calculation analysis, simulation and examples, it is proved that the proposed method can effectively reduce the noise in the signal and enhance the weak feature, so as to realize the accurate early bearing fault diagnosis.
Structural phylogenetics unravels the evolutionary diversification of communication systems in gram-positive bacteria and their viruses
Authors: Moi David , Bernard Charles , Nevver Yannis , Stenegger Martin , Langleib Mauricio , Dessimoz Christophe
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in AI-based protein structure modeling have yielded remarkable progress in predicting protein structures. Since structures are constrained by their biological function, their geometry tends to evolve more slowly than the underlying amino acids sequences. This feature of structures could in principle be used to reconstruct phylogenetic trees over longer evolutionary timescales than sequence-based approaches, but until now a reliable structure-based tree building method has been elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the use of structure-based phylogenies can outperform sequence-based ones not only for distantly related proteins but also, remarkably, for more closely related ones. This is achieved by inferring trees from protein structures using a local structural alphabet, an approach robust to conformational changes that confound traditional structural distance measures. As an illustration, we used structures to decipher the evolutionary diversification of a particularly challenging family: the fast-evolving RRNPPA quorum sensing receptors enabling gram-positive bacteria, plasmids and bacteriophages to communicate and coordinate key behaviors such as sporulation, virulence, antibiotic resistance, conjugation or phage lysis/lysogeny decision. The advent of high-accuracy structural phylogenetics enables myriad of applications across biology, such as uncovering deeper evolutionary relationships, elucidating unknown protein functions, or refining the design of bioengineered molecules.
Development and validation of Machine Learning Predictive Model for Contrast-associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrom
Authors: Ma Mengqing , Chen Yuyang , Guo Danning , Du Xia , Chen Dawei , Wan Xin , Kong Huiping , Xu Dongxu , Cao Changchun
Published: October 2023

Background Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often need coronary angiography (CAG). After CAG, patients with ACS may develop contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). However, effective preventive measures are lacking in treatment for CA-AKI. Therefore, an efficient interpretable predictive model of CA-AKI is crucial. Methods We enrolled 1013 ACS patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary angiography in Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, and Nanjing First Hospital from September 2020 to December 2021. To screen features, the sliding windows sequential forward feature selection technique (SWSFS) was used. The model was built using five machine learning (ML) algorithms: logical regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machines (SVM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBT), and ensemble model (ENS). We evaluated predictive performance by comparing the model with Mehran score. The model features were explained through shapley additive explanations (SHAP) and a web-based calculator was built. Results CA-AKI occurred in 215 patients (21.27%). In the training set, SWSFS identified 15 variables. The top 5 variables included diuretics, creatine phosphokinase MB isoenzyme, unstable angina, lactate dehydrogenase, and Triglycerides × Total Cholesterol × Body Weight Index (TCBI). Overall, ML models outperformed Mehran score. In the internal and external validation sets, the ENS model obtained the highest AUC of 0.828 (95%CI: 0.779 ~ 0.876) and 0.811 (95%CI: 0.750 ~ 0.867). SHAP explained the 15 selected features' importance and contribution. We also built a web-based calculator for clinical use. Conclusions Based on machine learning, 15 clinically accessible features were screened. The established model and the web-based calculator had the potential for real-time risk assessment of CA-AKI in clinical practice.
Modeling AL-QARAQOUL Canal Before and After Rehabilitation Using HEC-RAS
Authors: Zahran Sara , Gooda Essam A. , maged Nesma Abdel
Published: October 2023

The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation launched in 2020 the national project to rehabilitate the canals network to rationalize the use of water resources to face the scarcity problems. The aim of study is to evaluate the impact of canal rehabilitation on the performance of irrigation water delivered laterally to Mesqas and longitudinally to the end of canal. Qaraqoul Canal at Al-Mallah Area, Alexandria, Egypt, was modelled using HEC-RAS to simulate water levels in the canal before and after rehabilitation using four discharge scenarios: 1.82, 3.7, 2.2, 7.87 m3/sec. The calibration before rehabilitation shows that HEC-RAS simulated water levels corresponding to a discharge of 2.2 m3/sec, were in a good agreement with the actual field measured water levels. HECRAS results demonstrated that rehabilitation hydraulically improved the efficiency and performance of water conveyed by the canal. On the other hand, second scenario can be considered as suitable to keep water to reach the canal downstream with minimum suitable discharge, providing the need of two emergency pumps at last two Mesqas. An ideal cross-section is also simulated using HEC-RAS which produced an efficient alternative with 40% less cost than the constructed alternative.
Cobalt oxide spinel electrodes for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium
Authors: Uskaikar Harsha
Published: October 2023

The kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was studied on Co3O4/C electrodes in KOH electrolyte by using cyclic voltammetry and steady state polarization measurements using the Hg/HgO as the reference electrode. The morphological features of the materials were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) & BET surface area. The electrodes were prepared by dispersing Co3O4 on vulcan carbon in situ and manually grinding the same. Co3O4 showed nanocrystalline nature and surface area was found to increase on dispersing with vulcan carbon by manually grinding in pestle and mortar. The polarization results showed higher electrocatlytic activity for the ORR on Co3O4/C (G) materials in comparison to Co3O4/C (P) prepared by dispering Co3O4 on a vulcan carbon. Electrocatalytic activity of N(G) & N(P) were compared with Pt/C electrodes.
Causal relationship between Women's reproductive traits and postpartum depression: a multivariate Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Kang Zhen , Wu Qingming , Cao Jianan , Zhu Mohao , You Zhaoling , Li Dandan , Liu Weiai
Published: October 2023

Background: The relationship between women's reproductive traits and postpartum depression (PPD) has not been clarified. We reveal the association between genetically predicted modifiable women’s reproductive traits and PPD using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods: We used genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to obtain instrumental variables (IVs) of 10 women's reproductive traits. Univariate and multivariate MR analyses were used to examine the association between traits and the risk of PPD (13,657 cases and 236,178 controls). The primary causal effect assessment employed IVW method.
Results: In the UVMR result, genetic prediction showed that age at first sexual intercourse (AFS) (OR = 0.474, 95% CI 0.396-0.567; P = 4.6×10-16), age at first birth (AFB) (OR = 0.865, 95% CI 0.805-0.930; P = 8.02×10-5), and age at last live birth (ALLB) (OR = 0.296, 95% CI 0.138-0.636; P = 0.002) were significantly inversely associated with PPD, while a higher lifetime number of sexual partners (LNSP) (OR = 1.431, 95% CI 1.009-2.031; P = 0.045) and a greater number of spontaneous miscarriages (OR = 1.519, 95% CI 1.021-2.262; P = 0.039) are suggested associated with an increased risk of PPD. In the MVMR result, only AFB (OR = 0.804, 95% CI 0.661-0.978; P = 0.029) and spontaneous abortion (OR = 1.182; 1.036-1.348; P = 0.013) retained a direct causative relationship with PPD.
Conclusions: We confirmed that AFB and spontaneous abortion are high-risk factors for PPD. Our findings further support revising the diagnostic criteria (ICD-10) such that PPD is independent of major depressive disorder.
Enhancing Software Defined Network security through Blockchain and Performance Comparison in IOT Network
Authors: Zoraida B. S. E. , Indumathi G.
Published: October 2023

Internet of Things is a paradigm-shifting innovation with far-reaching implications for many industries and spheres of contemporary life, including but not limited to communications, finance, and even national defense (through initiatives like the Internet of Battlefield / Military Things). Security, equivalence, potential consumption, and device heterogeneity are just a few of the IoT’s long-standing issues. When transmitting data over IoT and edge networks, security and privacy must be prioritised due to the scarcity of available devices and computing resources (e.g., processing and storage). Whether deliberate or accidental , data manipulation in an IoT network may have tangible effects. This study examines how blockchain technology and SDN could collaborate to provide solutions. With a secure, novel, and potentially efficient routing protocol, our blockchain-enabled IoT networks’ cluster-based SDN controller architecture is a positive development. This architecture does away with wasteful Proof-of-Work (POW) authentication in favour of a more secure distributed-trust-based approach. Even low-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices may use blockchain technology. The experimental findings reveal EESCFD, AOMDV, SMSN, AODV, and DSDV regarding throughput, latency, and potential using that the cluster structure-based routing protocol outperforms. Our studies’ findings indicate that our proposed architecture achieves better than the conventional blockchain regarding transaction throughput and latency.
Comparative Analysis of Interatrial Septal Aneurysm Detection: ECG Image-Based CNN vs. ECG Data- Driven ANN Approach
Authors: Saim Mohammed Marouane , Ammor Hassan , Alami Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Interatrial septal aneurysms are complex cardiovascular conditions that demand accurate and reliable diagnostic tools. In this study, we present a comparative analysis of two distinct machine learning approaches for the detection of interatrial septal aneurysms using electrocardiogram (ECG) data and images. The first approach employs an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), while the second leverages Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). Our results reveal a significant disparity in performance between these two methods. The CNN-based model achieves an impressive accuracy of 98%, surpassing the ANN's accuracy of 70%. Similarly, the F1 score, a measure of model precision and recall, demonstrates superior performance for the CNN (93%) compared to the ANN (73%). Moreover, the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve highlights the CNN's robustness with an AUC of 0.9, while the ANN lags behind with an AUC of 0.789. This study underscores the effectiveness of CNNs in accurately identifying interatrial septal aneurysms from ECG images, providing valuable insights for the development of advanced diagnostic tools in cardiovascular medicine. These findings emphasize the potential of deep learning techniques to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of disease detection in clinical settings.
Neuroprotective effects of miRNA-326 knockout in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain damage mice via the δ–opioid receptor
Authors: Li Wenqi , Tao Lu , Zhao Qiao , Dai Yimin , Qiu Jie
Published: October 2023

Hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in the perinatal period is an important cause of cerebral damage and long-term neurological sequelae, and can place much pressure on families and society. Our previous study demonstrated that miRNA-326 reduces neuronal apoptosis by up-regulating the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) under oxygen–glucose deprivation in vitro. In the present study, we aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of the miRNA-326/DOR axis by inhibiting apoptosis in HIBD using neonatal miRNA-326 knockout mice. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice, neonatal miRNA-326 knockout mice, and neonatal miRNA-326 knockout mice intraperitoneally injected with the DOR inhibitor naltrindole were treated with hypoxic ischemia (HI). Neurological deficit scores, magnetic resonance imaging, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5′-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling, and caspase-3, Bax, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression were evaluated on day 2 after HI. Neurobehavioral analyses, including the righting reflex test, suspension experiment, and cliff escape test, were performed on days 2 and 28 after HI. Additionally, the Morris water maze test was conducted on day 28. Compared with HI-treated neonatal C57BL/6 mice, HI-treated neonatal miRNA-326 knockout mice had higher neurological deficit scores, smaller cerebral infarction areas, and improved motor function, reaction ability, and long-term spatial learning and memory. These effects were likely the result of inhibiting apoptosis; the DOR inhibitor reversed these neuroprotective effects. Our findings indicate that miRNA-326 knockout plays a neuroprotective effect in neonatal HIBD by inhibiting apoptosis via the target gene DOR.
Health-related quality of life among women diagnosed with in situ or invasive breast cancer and age-matched controls: a population-based study
Authors: Bøhn Synne S.K.H. , Svendsen Karianne , Balto Aina , Gjelsvik Ylva M. , Myklebust Tor Åge , Børøsund Elin , Eriksen Hege R. , Meland Anders , Østby Kjersti , Nes Lise Solberg , Kiserud Cecilie E. , Reinertsen Kristin V. , Ursin Giske
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is affected when you receive a cancer diagnosis. However, there are few comparisons of HRQoL from population-based samples of invasive breast cancer (BC)and ductal carcinoma in situ (in situ) and. We took advantage of such a data collection and investigated various aspects of HRQoL in women with invasive BC and in situ compared to age-matched BC free controls.
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilized data collected in 2020 from an ongoing digital survey. Cases were invited 3 weeks to 10 months after diagnosed with invasive BC (n = 1311) or in situ (n = 142) along with age-matched controls from the general population (n = 2827). HRQoL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and included scores assessing global quality of life (global HRQoL), functions and symptoms. Multivariable regression analyses were used to compare HRQoL between cases and controls and to identify factors associated with global QoL and fatigue.
Results
Invasive BC cases had clinically relevant (≥ 10 points) lower (worse) scores on global HRQoL, role- and social functioning in addition to more fatigue, insomnia, and appetite loss than controls. In situ cases had lower scores on role - and social functioning and more fatigue than controls. Invasive BC cases scored worse than in situ on all domains, but the differences were not considered clinically relevant. Exercise, age ≥ 50 years, drinking alcohol and not smoking were associated with better global HRQoL and less fatigue in cases and conotols.
Conclusion
Women with invasive BC and in situ reported lower role- and social functioning and more fatigue than controls, capturing that the diagnosis have large impact on the everyday life of these women. Exercising had a superior effect on better global HRQoL and less fatigue and should, whenever possible, play a key role in BC treatment.
A Hybrid U-Net Approach to Digital Image Forgery Detection
Authors: Ahirwar Shivnarayan , Pandey Alpana
Published: October 2023

To detect and localise picture modifications, image forgery detection is vital study. This work introduces a hybrid U-Net-based image forgery detection method that blends deep learning with semantic segmentation models. A hybrid U-Net architecture with feature extraction, semantic segmentation, and classification modules is used in our method. Feature extraction uses the VGG16 network, whereas semantic segmentation uses a modified U-Net design with residual connections. The classification module detects picture modifications using binary classification on a fully linked network. We tested our method on the CASIA2 dataset, which contains 10,000 photos with various image alterations. We tested our strategy using 5-fold cross-validation and compared it to several state-of-the-art methods. Our method outperformed others in accuracy, robustness, and efficiency, showing its promise for identifying image modifications in real-world circumstances. Our effective and efficient method for identifying diverse picture modifications with high accuracy and robustness makes a substantial addition to image forgery detection. Digital forensics, picture authentication, and related industries will benefit from the suggested technique, which will make image-based systems more trustworthy.
A Novel Fluorescent and Colorimetric Method for the Determination of Formaldehyde Based on Albumin Nanoparticles-Polyethyleneimine-Ag + Ion Nanohybrids
Authors: Pang Shu , Zhong Qinping , Zhao Yan , Xia Nengxing
Published: October 2023

Formaldehyde is a common aldehydes in the environment. As a carcinogenic substances, high dose exposure may lead to poisoning and death. Long-term exposure to low doses of formaldehyde can also do great harm to human skin, respiratory organs and human immune system. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to detect formaldehyde content in real time. In this paper, bovine serum protein was used as the main raw material to prepare fluorescence protein nanoparticles (BSA NPs). The prepared BSA NPs were combined with polyethylenimide (PEI) and silver ion (Ag+) for further determination of formaldehyde content at room temperature. The particle size, potential, fluorescence and absorbance properties of BSA NPs, BSA NPs combined with Ag+ ions (BSA NPs-Ag), and BSA NPs combined with PEI and Ag+ ions complex (BSA NPs-PEI-Ag) were studied and characterized. In this paper, based on the BSA NPs-PEI-Ag system, a new fluorescent and colorimetric method for the determination of formaldehyde was established in the range of 0-1.92 mg·mL− 1. Moreover, it was found that semi-quantitative visual detection of formaldehyde content could also be realized based on the color change of the solution.
Pediatric Cancer Patients Vaccinated Against SARS-CoV-2 – A Clinical and Laboratory Follow-Up
Authors: Siebald Benjamin , Groll Andreas H. , Salou Sarah , Boldt Andreas , Seiffert Sabine , Sack Ulrich , Reemtsma Judith , Jassoy Christian , Klusmann Jan-Henning , Ciesek Sandra , Hoehl Sebastian , Lehrnbecher Thomas
Published: October 2023

Background
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is recommended for cancer patients. However, long-term data on the effectiveness in the pediatric setting are lacking.
Methods
Pediatric patients < 18 years on active treatment for cancer and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection received three doses of an mRNA vaccine. The clinical course, and the humoral and cellular immunity were evaluated at the end of the follow-up period of ≥ 1 year after the third dose of vaccine.
Results
SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 17 of 19 analyzed patients (median age 16.5 years) during the follow-up period (median 17 months), but no severe symptoms were seen. ≥1 year after the last SARS-CoV-2 antigen exposure, 4 of 17 patients had received the recommended booster vaccine. At the end of the follow-up period, all evaluable 15 patients had anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain IgG antibodies. Twelve of the 15 patients had neutralizing antibody titers ≥ 1:10 against the Delta variant, 12/15 and 13/15 against the BA.1 and BA.5 variant, respectively. Specific T cells against SARS-CoV-2 antigens were seen in 9/13 patients.
Conclusions
Most SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated pediatric cancer patients had mild infections and limited interest in booster vaccination. One year after the last antigen exposure, which was mostly an infection, humoral immune responses remained strong.
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025254, May 26, 2021
Epigenetic aging in older people living with HIV in Eswatini: a pilot study of HIV and lifestyle factors and epigenetic aging
Authors: Dye Christian K. , Wu Haotian , Jackson Gabriella L. , Kidane Altaye , Nkambule Rejoice , Lukhele Nomthandazo G , Malinga Bongiwe Prudence , Chekenyere Rhinos , El-Sadr Wafaa M. , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Harris Tiffany G.
Published: October 2023

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) are living near-normal lives. Although they are less susceptible to AIDS-related complications, they remain highly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases (NCD). In this exploratory study of older PLHIV (OPLHIV) in Eswatini, we investigated whether biological aging (i.e., the difference between epigenetic age and chronological age, termed ‘epigenetic age acceleration [EAA]’) was associated with HIV-related parameters, and whether lifestyle factors modified these relationships. We calculated EAA focusing on the second-generation epigenetic clocks, PhenoAge and GrimAge, and a pace of aging biomarker (DunedinPACE) among 44 OPLHIV in Eswatini.
Results: Among participants, the PhenoAge clock showed older epigenetic age (68 years old [63, 77]) but a younger GrimAge epigenetic age (median=56 years old [interquartile range=50, 61]) compared to the chronological age (59 years old [54, 66]). Participants diagnosed with HIV at an older age showed slower DunedinPACE (β-coefficient [95% Confidence Interval]; -0.02 [-0.04, -0.01], p=0.002) and longer duration since HIV diagnosis was associated with faster DunedinPACE (0.02 [0.01, 0.04], p=0.002). The average daily dietary intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with faster DunedinPACE (0.12 [0.03, 0.22], p=0.01) and modified the relationship between HIV status variables (number of years living with HIV since diagnosis, age at HIV diagnosis, CD4+ T cell counts) and PhenoAge EAA, and DunedinPACE.
Conclusions: Biological age is accelerated in OPLHIV in Eswatini, with those living with HIV for a longer duration at risk for faster biological aging. Lifestyle factors, especially healthier diets, may attenuate biological aging in OPLHIV. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess biological aging in Eswatini and one of the few in sub-Saharan Africa.
Towards Sustainable Battery Recycling: Selective Separation of Nickel(II) and Cobalt(II) in an Adsorbent Fixed-Bed Reactor
Authors: Robeck Björn , Horn Helena
Published: October 2023

Caused by scarce resources of critical heavy metals and the increasing resource requirements e.g. for lithium-ion batteries, effective selective separation processes for the reuse of such materials are of high interest. In this study, the competitive dynamic adsorption of nickel (Ni(II)) and cobalt (Co(II)) by a silica adsorbent functionalized with amino-polycarboxylate derivative ligands (HSU331) under recycling process conditions, but adsorption adverse prerequisites, like acidic pH-value, and high temperatures, respectively (pH = 3.5, T = 20°C, and T = 50°C, respectively) and varying concentrations (Ni(II):Co(II) 1:1 (5.0, and 10 mmol∙L− 1, respectively), Ni(II):Co(II) 3:1 and 1:3 (3.0 mmol∙L− 1 and 1.0 mmol∙L− 1 vice versa) were investigated. A displacement desorption of Co(II) in favour of the binding of more Ni(II) was observed. Maximum loadings of 0.95 µmolNi(II)∙µmolLigand−1 (28,3 mgNi(II)∙gAdsorbent−1), and 0.48 µmolCo(II)∙µmolLigand−1 (14,3 mgCo(II)∙gAdsorbent−1) at T = 20°C and 1.0 µmolNi(II)∙µmolLigand−1 (29,9 mgNi(II)∙gAdsorbent−1) and 0.18 µmolCo(II)∙µmolLigand−1 (5,38 mgCo(II)∙gAdsorbent−1) at T = 50°C, were achieved, respectively. These results demonstrate a distinctly selective separation of Ni(II) in the presence of Co(II) by HSU331.
Music and Pedagogy: The Role of Cultural and Demographic Variables
Authors: Trivedi Tara Naomi
Published: October 2023

Research has shown that music activates neural pathways of the brain involved in memory and cognition, and can effectively promote learning. This study brought in the voices of underrepresented groups by exploring the role of socio-cultural variables in understanding how music is perceived and related to memory among individuals from different backgrounds. A multi-methodological study was conducted drawing on both quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 91 participants listened to a version of the Preamble of the US Constitution under one of 3 randomly assigned conditions (i.e., reading, rap, or country version) and then completed a memory-based assessment. Bivariate comparisons using t-tests and multivariate linear regression were used to measure relationships between socio-demographic variables and performance. A content analysis was used to explore respondents' feelings about the experiment using open-ended questions. Results revealed that peoples’ perceptions of the mode of delivery of the Preamble and their subsequent performance on the assessment were influenced by a variety of socio-demographic variables, including nativity and race/ethnicity, as well as the audio mode of delivery and their feelings about it. The findings point to the need for sensitivity to the diversity in individuals’ backgrounds when using music to promote learning.
Deliberate self-harm among pediatric psychiatric inpatients in China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jiang Xingzhi , Wang Chen , Yu Zhenzhen Z
Published: October 2023

Background: For children and adolescents, deliberate self-harm (DSH) is becoming a mental health problem of concern. Despite several studies on the prevalence and factor of DSH in world, there is little information of DSH about children and adolescents in China. This study explores the prevalence, types, associated risk factors and tendency of DSH in pediatric psychiatric inpatients in China.
Method: In this study, we retrospectively studied 1414 hospitalized children and adolescents with mental illness at Xiamen Mental Health Center from 2014 to 2019, extracted the demographic and clinical data of all patients, and analyzed clinical risk factors of DSH.
Results: A total of 239 (16.90%) patients engaged in at least one type of DSH in our study. Cutting (n=115, 48.12%) was the most common type of DSH. Females (n=171, 71.55%) were more likely to engage in DSH than males (n=68, 28.45%). DSH was positively associated with depressive disorders (OR=3.845 (2.196~6.732); p<0.01), female (OR=2.536 (1.815~3.542); p<0.01), parental marital status (OR=5.387 (2.254~12.875); p<0.01) and negative family history of psychiatric illness(OR=7.767 (2.952~20.433); p<0.01), but not with occupation, bad behaviorand history of physical abuse.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that for patients with depression, female, abnormal marriage of parents, and no history of mental illness, attention should be paid to the occurrence of DSH.
MRI-based radiomics models predict cystic brain radionecrosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after intensity modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Hou Jing , He Yun , li handong , lu qiang , lin huashan , zeng biao , xie chuanmiao , yu xiaoping
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To construct radiomics models based on MRI at different time points for the early prediction of cystic brain radionecrosis (CBRN) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Methods
A total of 202 injured temporal lobes from 155 NPC patients with radiotherapy-induced temporal lobe injury (RTLI) after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were included in the study. All the injured lobes were randomly divided into the training (n = 143) and validation (n = 59) sets. Radiomics models were constructed by using features extracted from T2WI at two different time points: at the end of IMRT (post-IMRT) and the first-detected RTLI (first-RTLI). A delta-radiomics feature was defined as the percentage change in a radiomics feature from post-IMRT to first-RTLI. The radiomics nomogram was constructed by combining clinical risk factors and radiomics signatures using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Predictive performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the area under the curve (AUC) values of the different models were compared by DeLong test.
Results
The post-IMRT, first-RTLI, and delta-radiomics models yielded AUC values of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.76–0.92), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78–0.94), and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67–0.87), respectively. The nomogram, which combined the history of drinking, post-IMRT, first-RTLI, and delta-radscores, exhibited the highest AUC of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85–0.97) compared to any single radiomics model. However, there were no statistically significant differences observed between the nomogram and post-IMRT radiomics model, as well as between the nomogram and first-RTLI radiomics model.
Conclusion
MRI-based radiomics model may be helpful to predict CBRN in advance as early as at the end of IMRT for NPC patients.
Effect of thermal maturity on carbazole distributions: insights from compaction pyrolysis experiment of coal
Authors: Bao Jian , Liu Yan , Fan Yunpeng , Xu Yaohui , Ding Kangle , Wen Zhigang , Li Yang , Gao Ye , Zhang Cunyang , Li Lu
Published: October 2023

Carbazole compounds are widely used in determining the direction of hydrocarbon migration, but the effect of thermal maturity on carbazoles remains unclear. In this paper, using compaction pyrolysis simulation experiments, artificial mature samples with vitrinite reflectance (Ro) range from 0.38–3.0% were acquired. And the content and composition change characteristics of carbazole compounds were analyzed. The results showed that thermal maturity had a significant influence on the content of carbazole compounds. Compared with the low mature stage, the content of carbazole compounds was about 10 to 100 times higher in the mature stage. With the increasing maturity, in the coal sample, the content of carbazole compounds showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The formation of carbazole compounds was later than generation of hydrocarbon, suggesting carbazoles mainly produced by the thermal degradation of kerogen. In derivatives of carbazole, the corresponding maturity for the maximum generation of ethylcarbazole (EC), dimethylcarbazole (DMCA), methylcarbazole (MCA), carbazole (CA) and benzocarbazole (BCA) performed the increasing sequence. The timing of reaching the maximum content of carbazole compounds is related to the number and type of substituents. The more substituents and longer branches result earlier formation peak. With the increasing maturity, the relative abundance of 2-MCA, 1,7-DMCA and benzo[a]carbazole increased with the increasing maturity, the relative abundance of 1,5-DMCA remained almost unchanged, while 4-MCA, 1,4-DMCA and benzo[c]carbazole gradually decreased. The commonly used parameters as indicators of hydrocarbon migration were greatly affected by maturity. Therefore, when using carbazole compounds as geochemical parameters, it is necessary to fully consider the impact of thermal maturity on them, and avoid transport fractionation or other factors masking the true maturity effect.
Chondroprotective effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell- derived exosomes in osteoarthritis
Authors: Cheng Shi , Xu Xiangning , Wang Ren , Chen Weijie , Qin Kunhan , Yan Jinglong
Published: October 2023

Objective
Chondrocyte ferroptosis constitutes a major cause of the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSC-Exos) have a protective role against ferroptosis in various diseases. Hence, we aimed to determine whether BMSC-Exos alleviated chondrocyte ferroptosis and its effect on OA, and to dissect out the possible mechanisms.
Methods
An OA rat chondrocyte model was established by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) exposure, and treated with BMSC-Exos/ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1. Cell viability/ferroptosis-related index levels [reactive oxygen species (ROS)/malondialdehyde (MDA)/glutathione (GSH)]/cell death/ACSL4 mRNA and protein levels and METTL3 levels were assessed by MTT/kits/immunohistochemical method and TUNEL staining/RT-qPCR and Western blot. METTL3/ACSL4 were overexpressed in chondrocytes to evaluate their role in BMSC-Exo-produced repression on chondrocyte ferroptosis. Bioinformatics website predicted the presence of m6A modification sites on ACSL4 mRNA, with the m6A level enriched on it assessed by MeRIP/RT-qPCR. ACSL4 mRNA stability was detected by actinomycin D assay. A surgical destabilized medial meniscus rat OA model was also established, followed by injection with BMSC-Exos to verify their function.
Results
IL-1β stimulation in chondrocytes inhibited cell viability, elevated Fe2+/ROS/MDA levels, declined GSH levels and increased TUNEL positive cell number and ACSL4 level, which were neutralized by BMSC-Exos. BMSC-Exos limited chondrocyte ferroptosis by down-regulating METTL3, with the effect abrogated by METTL3 overexpression. METTL3 regulated the m6A modification of ACSL4 mRNA, increasing ACSL4 mRNA stability and ACSL4 expression. BMSC-Exos reduced chondrocyte ferroptosis and prevented OA progression via disruption of the METTL3-m6A-ACSL4 axis.
Conclusion
BMSC-Exos might exert a chondroprotective effect by attenuating chondrocyte ferroptosis and alleviate OA progression.
Relationship between examined lymph nodecounts and postoperative complications ofesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and Riskprediction of postoperative pulmonarycomplications
Authors: Tang Yuntao , Li Jialu , Song Qifeng , Yuan Bo , Shi Qingtong
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
Previous studies have confirmed the significant impact of examinedlymph node counts (ELNs), positive lymph node counts (PLNs), and postoperative complications on the overall survival rate of patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma (ECSS). However, the relationship between the ELNs, PLNs,and postoperative complications remains to be determined.The present studyexplores the relationship between ELNs, PLNs and postoperative complications.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 166 patients undergoing radical surgery forESCC. Perform univariate and multivariate analyses to explain the correlationamong ELNs, PLNs, and postoperative complications. Furthermore, the factorsthat may impact ELNs were determined. Logistic regression analysis was utilizedin this study to pinpoint the significant factors that influence postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs).And developed predictive models to create receiveroperating characteristics (ROC) and compute the area under the curve (AUC).A nomogram was developed, and calibration curves and decision curves wereplotted.
Results:
Among all patients, 24 anastomotic leak and 82 PPCs developed postoperatively. The mean lymph node count was 19.24, with 88 (53.0%) patientshaving a lymph node count greater than 19, of whom 58 (34.9%) had lymphnode metastases. Univariate analysis showed no correlation between ELNs, PLNs,and postoperative anastomotic Leak, and multifactorial analysis revealed independent risk factors for PPCs, including BMI:<18.5 kg/m2, Operation method,ELNs, and PLNs. Combining these four factors creates a prediction model forPPCs AUC=0.772 (95% CI: 0.701-0.844, P<0.001).
Conclusion:
BMI:<18.5 kg/m2, Operation method, ELNs, and PLNs were independent risk factors for PPCs and were strongly associated with the occurrenceof PPCs (P<0.05). Four factors were statistically significant as predictive modelsfor the event of ESCC PPCs. Our predictive model demonstrates high specificityin predicting outcomes and is easily accessible in clinical settings.
Size effect of holes in rock-like materials containing flaws on failure behaviors and fracture characteristics
Authors: Yu Jun , Yao Yilin , Wang Kezhong , Xu Pengfei
Published: October 2023

Soft rock widely exists in nature with multi-crack low strength due to large pores, poor cementation, like mudstone, shale. At the same time, the influence of geological structure movement, the formations of various defects were formed in soft rock, such as cracks, cavities and so on. Due to the difficulty of sampling, rubber mortar is used to simulate the failure mechanism and fracture evolution of soft rock containing holes. Rubber mortar is a material similar to soft rock with low strength formed by partially replacing sand with rubber particles. In order to evaluate the failure behavior of soft rock with multiple cracks, rubber mortar with different diameters holes and cracks was prefabricated. Uniaxial compression test and DIC (digital image correlation) technique were used to reveal the failure mechanism and process. The results show that diameters of holes is small, wing cracks initiated the tip of cracks and with diameters increasing, initiation cracks developed to holes until only to start holes. Next, failure modes have one type: direct coalescence. Finally, Superposition principle and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics are used to analyze this failure mechanism for local stress to cause the damage. In sum, the experiment has uncovered successfully mesoscopic failure laws and macroscopic fracture mechanism of soft rock containing holes and fissures. The conclusions can be provided the references to design, construction and maintenance of deep tunnel engineering.
Zika virus prevention behaviors and knowledge among male partners of pregnant people, a cross-sectional analysis from the Zika en Embarazadas y Niños (ZEN) prospective cohort study, Colombia
Authors: Sancken Christina L , Tannis Ayzsa , Amouzou Sandra A , Burkel Veronica , Carlson Jeffrey M , Newton Suzanne , Gilboa Suzanne M , Gonzalez Maritza , Valencia Diana , Tong Van T , Ospina Martha
Published: October 2023

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy can cause brain and eye abnormalities and neurodevelopmental sequelae. In the absence of medical countermeasures, behavioral interventions were recommended to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission of ZIKV.
Methods: We used self-reported data from the Zika en Embarazadas y Niños (ZEN) prospective cohort study in Colombia to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to ZIKV prevention in male partners compared to those of their pregnant partners at study enrollment during February 2017 – February 2018.
Results: Most male partners reported wearing protective clothing such as long pants (97.6%) and long sleeves (72.8%), as well as covering ankles and feet (89.1%) to prevent ZIKV infection. When comparing the preventive behavior of condom use between male and pregnant partners, 26 pairs (10.0%) both responded that they performed the behavior. Overall, 25.1% of male partners and 18.9% of pregnant people reported any condom use during the three months before enrolling in ZEN. When comparing other preventive behaviors between male and pregnant partners, the behavior which was most frequently reported by both partners was wearing long pants (85.4%), and the least frequently reported by both partners was using condoms after finding out about a partner’s pregnancy (3.4%).
Conclusions: These findings provide new information on the behaviors used by male partners to prevent ZIKV infection during the outbreak in Colombia and can be used to inform future ZIKV and other arbovirus prevention strategies that include both pregnant people and their partners.
Political yardstick competition and equalization grants in the laboratory
Authors: Liddo Giuseppe Di , Morone Andrea , Porcelli Francesco
Published: October 2023

Recent empirical research has explored the hypothesis that fiscal disparities may lead to
bias in yardstick competition between rent-seeking local administrators when voters are affected
by information asymmetry. Allers (2012) argues that equalizing grants may correct this bias; Di
Liddo and Morone (2017, 2022) conducted laboratory experiments to study the correlation
between fiscal disparities, grants, and yardstick competition, considering only discretionary grants,
revenue-based grants, and grants computed on the difference between fiscal capacity and
expenditure needs.
In this paper, we extend the analysis in two ways. First, we provide theoretical insights on the
effect of equalization grants on yardstick competition. Second, we conduct a laboratory
experiment that extends the previous analyses by comparing the four most common equalization
formulas. Our findings indicate a clear inverse correlation between fiscal disparity and voters' rent
detection ability, as well as a positive effect of fiscal equalization on citizens' ability to detect
corruption, depending on the equalization formula adopted.
Involvement of sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling in insulin-like growth factor-II/ mannose 6-phosphate receptor trafficking from endosome to the trans-Golgi network
Authors: Okada Taro , Nishida Susumu , Kajimoto Taketoshi , Nakamura Shun-ichi , Matovelo Shubi
Published: October 2023

The insulin-like growth factor II/mannose 6-phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptor is a multifunctional glycoprotein not only play roles in IGFII degradation and pro-TGFβ activation but binding to and transport M6P-bearing lysosomal enzymes from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) or the cell surface to lysosomes. At present, information regarding a retrograde transport of IGF-II/M6P receptor from endosomes to the TGN is still limited. We show here that a continuous ligand-dependent activation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor type 3 (S1P3R) on the endosomal membranes is required for subsequent recycling back of cargo-unloaded IGF-II/M6P receptors to the TGN. We have further clarified that Gq coupled with S1P3R plays a critical role in the activation of casein kinase 2, which phosphorylates and keeps PACS1 connector protein active for the association with IGF-II/M6P receptors, which enables transport carrier formation with the aid of other adaptor proteins toward the TGN. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying how continuous activation of the S1P receptor and subsequent downstream Gq signaling regulates the retrograde transport of the empty IGF-II/M6P receptors back to the TGN.
An in silico model of the capturing of magnetic nanoparticles in tumour spheroids in the presence of flow
Authors: Wirthl Barbara , Janko Christina , Lyer Stefan , Schrefler Bernhard A. , Alexiou Christoph , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: October 2023

One of the main challenges in improving the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs is that they do not reach the cancer cells at sufficiently high doses while at the same time affecting healthy tissue and causing significant side effects and suffering in cancer patients. To overcome this deficiency, magnetic nanoparticles as transporter systems have emerged as a promising approach to achieve more specific tumour targeting. Drug-loaded magnetic nanoparticles can be directed to the target tissue by applying an external magnetic field. However, the magnetic forces exerted on the nanoparticles fall off rapidly with distance, making the tumour targeting challenging, even more so in the presence of flowing blood or interstitial fluid. We therefore present a computational model of the capturing of magnetic nanoparticles in a test setup: our model includes the flow around the tumour, the magnetic forces that guide the nanoparticles, and the transport within the tumour. We show how a model for the transport of magnetic nanoparticles in an external magnetic field can be integrated with a multiphase tumour model based on the theory of porous media. Our approach based on the underlying physical mechanisms can provide crucial insights into mechanisms that cannot be studied conclusively in experimental research alone. Such a computational model enables an efficient and systematic exploration of the nanoparticle design space, first in a controlled test setup and then in more complexin vivoscenarios. As an effective tool for minimising costly trial-and-error design methods, it expedites translation into clinical practice to improve therapeutic outcomes and limit adverse effects for cancer patients.
Effekte der Teilnahme am Wahlpflichtfach Coding und Robotik auf die Entwicklung des Fähigkeitsselbstkonzepts bei Schüler:innen der Sekundarstufe I im österreichischen Burgenland
Authors: Leitgeb Thomas , Rollett Wolfram , Zimmermann Alexander
Published: October 2023

Aufgrund der zunehmend alle Lebensbereiche durchdringenden Digitalisierung reichen Kompetenzen, wie sie im traditionellen schulischen Curriculum der Sekundarstufe vermittelt werden, für eine erfolgreiche gesellschaftliche Teilhabe nicht mehr aus. International wird diesem Umstand durch die Entwicklung und Implementierung schulischer Curricula, die sich am Konzept des Computational Thinkings (CT) in Verbindung mit Educational Robotics (ER) orientieren, Rechnung getragen. Wenn dabei lebensweltliche Problemstellungen anschaulich anhand von digitalen Technologien bearbeitet werden, können auf diese Weise eine Reihe digitaler Kompetenzen aber auch verschiedene kognitive, soziale und motivationale Kompetenzen gefördert werden. Diesem Ansatz folgt das im österreichischen Burgenland in der Sekundarstufe I eingeführte Wahlpflichtfach (Wpf.) Coding und Robotik (C & R). In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird untersucht, ob sich für die an dem Wpf. teilnehmenden Schüler:innen Effekte auf das Fähigkeitsselbstkonzept (FSK) im Umgang mit digitalen Medien bzw. digitalen Technologien und in Bezug auf das schulbezogene akademische Selbstkonzept zeigen. In einer längsschnittlichen Vollerhebung wurden dazu 1.383 Schüler:innen der siebenten Schulstufe an burgenländischen Mittelschulen zu drei Zeitpunkten (Beginn, Mitte und Ende des Schuljahres 2018/19) untersucht. 404 der Schüler:innen besuchten das Wpf. C & R, 979 andere Wahlpflichtfächer. Die Ergebnisse stützen die Annahme, dass sich schulische Lernarrangements, die CT in Verbindung mit ER aufgreifen, günstig auf die Entwicklung eines positiven FSK der Schüler:innen auswirken.