bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic AMP-induced reversible EPAC1 condensates regulate histone transcription
Authors: Iannucci Liliana , D'Erchia Anna Maria , Picardi Ernesto , Bettio Daniela , Grisan Francesca , Conca Filippo , Surdo Nicoletta , Salviati Leonardo , Milanesi Luciano , Pesole Graziano , Lefkimmiatis Konstantinos
Published: July 2022

The second messenger 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates many nuclear processes including transcription1,2, pre-mRNA splicing3 and mitosis4. While most functions are attributed to protein kinase A (PKA)5,6, accumulating evidence suggests that not all nuclear cAMP-dependent effects are mediated by this kinase7, implying that other effectors are involved. Here we explore the nuclear roles of Exchange Protein Activated by cAMP 1 (EPAC1). We find that EPAC1 enters the nucleus through the synergy of two aminoacidic domains and there, in response to cAMP, forms reversible biomolecular condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation. This phenomenon depends on intrinsically disordered regions present at its amino-terminus and is independent of PKA. Finally, we demonstrate that nuclear EPAC1 condensates assemble at genomic loci on chromosome 6 and promote the transcription of a histone gene cluster. Collectively, our data reveal an unexpected mechanism through which cAMP contributes to nuclear spatial compartmentalization and promotes the transcription of specific genes.
Circularly polarized Ultra-wideband MIMO/Diversity antenna with triple band-rejection characteristic
Authors: Thakur Ekta , Jaglan Naveen
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a Circularly polarized (CP) Ultra-Wideband (UWB) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with three rejected bands. To produce triple band-notched characteristics, two compact Electromagnetic bandgap cells are placed near the feedline of the planar antenna. A broad Axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) is obtained by adding a slot and a stub expanded from the ground plane. The ability to produce wide ARBW is an additional feature of the suggested structure. This MIMO antenna has a -10dB bandwidth of 3.1–10.6 GHz and axial ratio bandwidth of 3-10.4 GHz with three-rejected bands at 3.5, 5.5 and 8.2 GHz. Moreover, the suggested structure shows good diversity characteristics properties like an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) > 0.03, total active reflection coefficient (TARC) > 10 dB, and diversity gain (DG) of approximately 9.99. The considered configuration is fabricated using an FR4 dielectric substrate with a total size of 42.7×55×1.6 mm3.
Modulation Format Recognition using CNN-Based Transfer Learning Models
Authors: Mohamed Safie-eldin Nasr , Abuel-hassan bidaa Mortada , Ali Anas M. , Elshafie Walid , Khaalaf Ashraf A. M. , zahran osama , Dessouky Moawad I. , rabie el sayed M. el , EL-SAMIE fathi E. Abd ABD
Published: July 2022

Transfer learning appears to be a potential method for transferring information from general to specialized activities. Unfortunately, experimenting using various transfer learning models does not yield good results. In this paper, we propose the utilization of the Hough transform (HT) to improve modulation format recognition. HT is utilized to estimate points on constellation diagrams patterns with perspective projection. The HT algorithm extracts the raw image feature lines. The feature edges are then translated into Hough space, where line segments are found. The Hough transform is used to project a constellation diagram in another location and extract features from it. Constellation diagrams for eight different modulation formats (2/4/8/16 - PSK and 8/16/32/64 - QAM) are obtained at optical signal-to-noise ratios (OSNRs) ranging from 5 to 30 dB. This model is based on classification, and transfer learning. The obtained results indicate that, even at low OSNR values, the suggested system is capable of blindly recognizing the wireless optical modulation format with a classification accuracy of up to 99%.
Nonlinear increase of the real contact area of PMMA blocks and the related contact model
Authors: Luo Zhijun , Wu Kai , yan shaoze
Published: July 2022

Many experiments have proved the contact models, such as GW model, MB model, however, most of past validations are under light load. In this paper, based on total reflection method, we performed direct measurements of the real contact area between two polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) blocks under heavy load, and utilized the image processing method to analyze the contact area. The results shows that the real contact area increase with normal load linearly in light load, but non-linearly under heavy load; the number of contact spots increase with load linearly in light load, but also nonlinearly under heavy load, synchronous with the changing of real contact area. We used GW and MB model to predict the experiment result, and found that both models failed to predict the nonlinear stage. Finally, we proposed a revised GW model based on the hypothesis of bulk deformation to predict the non-linear stage.
Nonlinear multi-magnon scattering in artificial spin ice
Authors: Lendinez Sergi , Kaffash Mojtaba , Heinonen Olle , Gliga Sebastian , Iacocca Ezio , Jungfleisch M. Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Magnons, the quantum-mechanical fundamental excitations of magnetic solids, are bosons whose number does not need to be conserved in scattering processes. Microwave-induced parametric magnon processes, often called Suhl instabilities, have been believed to occur in magnetic thin films only, where quasi-continuous magnon bands exist. Here, we reveal the existence of such nonlinear magnon-magnon scattering processes and their coherence in ensembles of magnetic nanostructures known as artificial spin ice. We find that these systems exhibit effective scattering processes akin to those observed in continuous magnetic thin films. We utilize a combined microwave and microfocused Brillouin light scattering measurement approach to investigate the evolution of their modes. Scattering events occur between discrete bands whose resonant frequencies are determined by each nanomagnet's mode volume and profile. Comparison with numerical simulations reveals that parametric pumping leads to scattering from bulk modes into edge modes. Moreover, our results suggest that tunable directional scattering is possible in these structures.
Structural Design and Modal Analysis of Nickel Anode Plate Handling Robot Based on Workbench
Authors: Kombo Krich Richel Mpemissi , Li Guoping , Okeli Naomi Daïna , Nguimbi Germain , Mbango-Ngoma Prince Audron
Published: July 2022

The purpose is to directly transport the nickel anode plate to the destination, so as to truly realize the purpose of delivering goods to people thus this type of handling robot is designed.Using SolidWorks and Workbench software to establish 3D model and finite element model, carry out detailed design of nickel anode plate handling robot, and carry out modal analysis on the main structure of the robot, and analyze its external excitation source. Results the mounting plate of the lifting mechanism on both sides was the main factor affecting the dynamic characteristics, and the designed handling structure would not resonate due to external excitation. Conclusion the overall structure of the handling robot is novel and the design is reasonable, which can realize the handling of nickel anode plates, and has high application value.
An efficient design of triangular solar air heater having three-dimensional cavities as roughness elements for improving heat transfer augmentation: A CFD analysis
Authors: Re Palvai Srinivas , Kumar Rajneesh , Kharub Manjeet , Bharadwaj Gaurav
Published: July 2022

A solar air heater is a simple device designed to collect solar radiation for heating applications. Usually, the overall performance of a solar air heater is poor because of the low thermal conductivity of the air. An attempt has been made to improve the performance of the existing solar air heater by producing the local turbulence in the flowfield with the help of a circular cavity that is positioned on the absorber plate. The dimensions and placement of these circular cavities are defined using the three dimensionless parameters: relative cavity depth (Dd); relative crosswise distance (Dc); and relative flow-wise distance (Df) which varied from 0.016 to 0.038, 6–14, and 6 to 14, respectively. The effect of these circular cavities has been analyzed on the hydraulic and thermal performance using numerical simulations which were performed by developing a CFD code on Fluent software. The circular cavities promote the local turbulence in the flowfield which support the vortex generation and results in better heat transfer to the air from the absorber plate. The augmentation of heat increases substantially by 2.57 times at the expanse of 2.3 times increase in pressure at relative cavity depth (Dd); relative crosswise distance (Ds); and relative flow-wise distance (Dl) of 0.038, 10, and 10, respectively. Moreover, the overall performance of the proposed found to be 1.75 times the conventional solar air heater under similar conditions.
Are COVID-19 systematic reviews up to date and can we tell? A cross-sectional study
Authors: McDonald Steve , Turner Simon L , Nguyen Phi-Yen , Page Matthew J , Turner Tari
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCOVID-19 led to a rapid acceleration in the number of systematic reviews. Readers need to know how up to date evidence is when selecting reviews to inform decisions. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate how easily the currency of COVID-19 systematic reviews published early in the pandemic could be determined and how up to date these reviews were at the time of publication.MethodsWe searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses relevant to COVID-19 added to PubMed in July 2020 and January 2021, including any that were first published as preprints. We extracted data on the date of search, number of included studies, and date first published online. For the search date, we noted the format of the date and where in the review this was reported. A sample of non-COVID-19 systematic reviews from November 2020 served as a comparator.ResultsWe identified 246 systematic reviews on COVID-19. In the abstract of these reviews, around half (48%) reported the complete search date (day/month/year) and 43% failed to report any date. In the full text, the complete date and no date were reported in 82% and 6% of reviews, respectively. The median time from last search to publication online was 91 days (IQR 63–130). Time from search to publication was similar for the subset of 15 rapid or living reviews (92 days) but shorter for the 29 reviews published as preprints (37 days). The median number of studies or publications included per review was 23 (IQR 12–40). In the sample of 290 non-COVID SRs, around a quarter (27%) reported the complete search date and a third (34%) did not include any date in the abstract. The median time from search to publication online was 253 days (IQR 153–381) and each review included a median of 12 studies (IQR 8–21).ConclusionsDespite the context of the pandemic and the need to easily ascertain the currency of systematic reviews, reporting of the search date information for COVID-19 reviews was suboptimal. Reviews were conducted and published more quickly than non-COVID reviews but potentially at the expense of adequate reporting.
Association between Superoxide Dismutase, C-Reactive Protein, Fibrinogen and Heart Failure in Patients with Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Jiang Xiu-Yun , Chen Qing , Chen Xiao-Yu , Sun Qiu-Ying , Jing Fei , Zhang Hai-Qing , Xu Jin , Li Xiao-Hong , Guan Qing-Bo
Published: July 2022

Background: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inflammatory markers are reported to have association with cardiovascular disease. However, no previous study has assessed the value of SOD and inflammatory markers as predictive indicator of heart failure in patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the same study. Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the predictive implications of SOD activity, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen for reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with diabetes and ACS. Method: The study included 2377 inpatients with type 2 diabetes who had an ACS admitted to the Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2016 to January 2021. Result: Despite taking the lowest quartile as reference (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.493–0.825, P = 0.001) or examining 1 normalized unit increase (OR 0.651, 95% CI 0.482–0.880, P = 0.005), the SOD activity was exhibited to be the strongest predictive indicator of reduced LVEF, independent of confounding factors. The SOD activity showed the most powerful predictor value for reduced LVEF with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.658. Conclusions: SOD activity is a stronger predictor of reduced LVEF than CRP and fibrinogen in patients with diabetes and ACS.
Biomimetic combination of photoactivation and relay catalysis for an asymmetric cascade reaction
Authors: Xiao Wen-Jing , Liu Dan , Zhang Zhihan , Wang Ze-Tian , Wang Liang , Xie Ming-Sheng , Guo Hai-Ming , Lu Liang-Qiu
Published: July 2022

Asymmetric ketene cycloaddition is a powerful tool for chiral heterocycle synthesis, stimulating the development of innovative catalytic strategies to achieve a high level of efficiency and stereocontrol. Herein, we disclose an asymmetric cascade reaction between enynamides and α-diazoketones inspired by natural photosynthesis. The biomimic combination of visible-light photoactivation and relay gold and N-oxide catalysis allowed the facile generation and controlled assembly of two reactive intermediates, ketene and aza-o-quinone methide. This produced chiral bicyclic lactams bearing chiral all-carbon quaternary stereocenters with high efficiency and selectivity. Density functional theory calculations revealed a stepwise [4+2] cycloaddition mechanism, with the stereochemistry controlled by the amide group of the catalyst. Notably, this study presents the first example of chiral N-oxides as catalysts for asymmetric ketene cycloaddition, and demonstrates that a biomimetic cascade strategy is a promising approach to access important chiral heterocyclic scaffolds.
Study on landscape pattern of Hegang City based on ANN-CA-Markov model
Authors: Ding Yunhe , Mao Liang , Jia Jingmo , Gui Xinru
Published: July 2022

The research purpose of this paper is to grasp the changing characteristics of the landscape pattern in Hegang City, Heilongjiang Province, which can provide a scientific basis for formulating food security and ecological security policies. Hegang City was selected as the research area, based on its Landsat remote sensing images and DEM data in 2000, 2010 and 2020, Fragstats 4.0 software was used, and the Ann-CA-Markov coupling model was used to study the city's 2000–2020 period. Changes in the landscape pattern, and simulate and predict the landscape pattern in 2030. The results show that during the period from 2000 to 2020 in Hegang City, the area of cultivated land decreased by 197.9824 km2, the area of forest decreased by 52.7252 km2, the area of grassland decreased by 29.28 km2, the area of wetland increased by 217.27 km2, the area of water body increased by 33.99 km2, and the surface area of artificial land increased by 28.41 km2; simulation prediction The land use situation in 2030 is that the area of cultivated land is expected to increase by 1.0368 km2, the area of forest is expected to decrease by 0.0648 km2, the area of grassland is expected to decrease by 0.0972 km2, the area of wetlands will increase by 14.6448 km2, the area of water bodies will increase by 3.1317 km2, and the surface area of artificial land will decrease by 21.6513 km2; and the related landscapes are calculated. pattern index. The final conclusion is that the degree of fragmentation of agricultural and forestry land in Hegang City is relatively low, but it is subject to strong external interference. The landscape pattern should be further optimized and adjusted to continuously reduce the impact on the ecological environment and ensure food and ecological security.
Effect of the state of interlayer boundaries on the magnetoresistive properties of layered Co/Cu nanostructures
Authors: Chuprakov S. A. , Bannikova N. S. , Blinov I. V. , Milyaev M. A. , Ogloblichev V. V. , Popov V. V. , Ustinov V. V.
Published: July 2022

The influence of the state of interfaces on the magnetoresistive properties of Co/Cu superlattices has been studied by the methods of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray reflectometry. It has been found that the magnetron-sputtered superlattices with the highest value of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect have the largest fraction of highly perfect Co/Cu interlayer boundaries, as well as practically the smallest fraction of cobalt atoms localized in the interfaces.
Mitochondria-mediated Apoptosis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress are Involved in the Toxicity Induced by Copper in Porcine Spleen
Authors: Zhang Kai , Liao Jianzhao , Hu Zhuoying , Li Quanwei , Hu Lianmei , Guo Jianying , Li Ying , Zhang Hui , Pan Jiaqing , Tang Zhaoxin
Published: July 2022

Copper (Cu) is one of the common heavy metal pollutants in the environment, and its toxic mechanisms have been extensively studied. However, the immunotoxicity induced by Cu remains rarely reported, and the effects of Cu on endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis have been little studied in spleen. In this study, pigs were fed with different contents of Cu (10, 125 and 250 mg/kg Cu) for 80 d to establish a toxicity model. The results showed the Cu exposure triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress in the spleen, as evidenced by increased mRNA and protein levels of GRP94, GRP78, CHOP, XBP1, ATF6, and JNK, the positive rate of GRP78 increased by immunofluorescence analysis. Additionally, mitochondrial fission and fusion homeostasis were disrupted, the expression levels of mitochondrial dynamics related genes Mfn1, Mfn2, and OPA1 decreased, DRP1 increased, and the positive rate of Mfn1 decreased by immunofluorescence analysis. Furthermore, Cu exposure could induce apoptosis, as demonstrated by increased the expression level of related protein and gene Bak, Bax, Caspase-3, P53, and Cytc decreased. In conclusion, these results suggest chronic Cu exposure can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics, induced apoptosis of pig spleen, provided new insights into the underlying mechanism of Cu exposure caused splenic toxicity, which has public health implications where humans and animals are exposed to copper contamination.
Quantitative and qualitative study of fetal posterior fossa during the first trimester in a Chinese population
Authors: Feng Li , Sun Lijuan , Wang Jingjing , Sun Congxin , Lu Lijuan , Zhang Zhikun , Hu Yu , Wu Qingqing
Published: July 2022

Background
To establish the normal reference ranges for parameters related to the fetal posterior fossa in the first trimester (11 ~ 13+ 6 weeks of gestation) and to analyze the relationship between them and crown-rump length (CRL) among the Chinese population.
Methods
Singleton pregnancies of 11 ~ 13+ 6 weeks (CRL:45–84 mm) with both parents from China were randomly selected from January 2021 to November 2021. The related parameters of the posterior fossa including cisterna magna (CM), intracranial translucency (IT), brain stem (BS), brain stem to the occipital bone (BSOB), and brain stem/brain stem to occipital bone (BS/BSOB) were measured in nuchal translucency (NT) median sagittal section clearly showing the fetal posterior fossa structure. 50 pregnant women of them were randomly selected to have the relevant values measured once again while another measurement was taken by a senior physician.
Results
This study included 1663 fetuses. The ICC (95% CI) of intra-operator reproducibility of CM, IT, BS, BSOB, BS/BSOB were 0.981 (0.952 ~ 0.991, P < 0.001), 0.929 (0.866 ~ 0.961, P < 0.001), 0.970 (0.946 ~ 0.983, P < 0.001), 0.991 (0.974 ~ 0.996, P < 0.001), 0.939 (0.892 ~ 0.965, P < 0.001), respectively; The ICC (95% CI) of inter-operator reproducibility 0.926 (0.860 ~ 0.960, P < 0.001), 0.810 (-0.083 ~ 0.940, P < 0.001), 0.820 (0.645 ~ 0.904, P < 0.001), 0.804 (0.656 ~ 0.888, P < 0.001), 0.772 (0.599 ~ 0.871, P < 0.001), respectively. There was a linear correlation between CRL and the parameters related to the posterior fossa (CM, IT, BS, BSOB, BS/BSOB). CM (mm) =-1.698 + 0.532 × CRL (cm) (r = 0.829, P < 0.001); IT (mm) = 0.701 + 0.179 × CRL (cm) (r = 0.548, P < 0.001); BS (mm) = 0.403 + 0.349 × CRL (cm) (r = 0.716, P < 0.001); BSOB (mm) = -0.277 + 0.719 × CRL (cm) (r = 0.829, P < 0.001); BS/BSOB = 0.747 − 0.021 × CRL (cm) (r = 0.196, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
It was feasible to observe fetal posterior fossa structures in the first trimester. We constructed normal reference ranges of CM, IT, BS, BSOB, and BS/BSOB. Furthermore, CM, IT, BS, and BSOB were all positively correlated with CRL, but BS/BSOB was negatively correlated with CRL.
Meta-analysis of RNA-Seq datasets highlights novel genes/pathways involved in fat deposition in fat-tail of sheep
Authors: Hosseini Seyedeh Fatemeh , Bakhtiarizadeh Mohammad Reza , Salehi Abdolreza
Published: July 2022

Fat-tail in sheep is considered as an important energy reservoir to provide energy as a survival buffer during harsh challenges. However, fat-tail is losing its importance in modern sheep industry systems and thin-tailed breeds are more desirable. Using comparative transcriptome analysis to compare fat-tail tissue between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds provides a valuable approach to study the complex genetic factors associated with fat-tail development. However, Transcriptomic studies often suffer from issues with reproducibility, which can be improved by integrating multiple studies based on a meta-analysis. Hence, for the first time, an RNA-Seq meta-analysis on sheep fat-tail transcriptomes was performed using six publicly available datasets. A total of 500 genes (221 up-regulated, 279 down-regulated) were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A jackknife sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the DEGs. Moreover, QTL and functional enrichment analysis reinforced the importance of the DEGs in the underlying molecular mechanisms of fat deposition. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) network analysis revealed the functional interactions among the DEGs and the subsequent sub-network analysis led to identify six functional sub-networks. According to the results of the network analysis, down-regulated DEGs in green and pink sub-networks (like collagen subunits IV, V and VI, integrins 1 and 2, SCD, SCD5, ELOVL6, ACLY, SLC27A2 and LPIN1) may impair lipolysis or fatty acid oxidation and cause fat accumulation in tail. On the other hand, up-regulated DEGs, especially those are presented in green and pink sub-networks (like IL6, RBP4, LEPR, PAI-1, EPHX1, HSD11B1, and FMO2), might contribute to a network controlling fat accumulation in the tail of sheep breed through mediating adipogenesis and fatty acid biosynthesis. Our results highlighted a set of known and novel genes/pathways associated with fat-tail development, which could improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms behind fat deposition in sheep fat-tail.
HybridMSSN: A Deep Learning Hyperspectral Image Classification Model
Authors: LADI SANDEEP KUMAR , PANDA G K , DASH RATNAKAR , LADI PRADEEP KUMAR
Published: July 2022

With the goal of obtaining accuracy and optimum computation, Hyperspectral image (HI) classification models have been developed for best use in a variety of applications. Because HI contains a lot of spatial and spectral information, classification using merely a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) isn't always enough. This paper solves these concerns by proposing a new Hybrid Multi-Scale Spinal Net (HybridMSSN). The HI is subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to isolate the most useful spectral bands and eliminate the superfluous ones. For feature learning and classification, the model uses multiscale CNNs and a Spinal Fully Connected Network (SFCN). Three 3D-CNNs are used to extract spectral and spatial features from the 3-dimensional HI, followed by a 2D-CNN for spatial feature learning. The model uses SFCNs to optimize computation, reducing the number of multiplications in the activation function of neural networks and resulting in a faster response. The multi-scale features acquired from the different 3D Convolution layers are flattened and transferred to independent SFCNs after Max Pooling, Dropout, and Batch Normalization. Similarly, features collected from the 2D convolution layer and Dropout are flattened and supplied to the SFCN. For categorization, the SFCNs' outputs are combined. Despite limited training samples, the existence of noise, and an imbalance of class concerns, investigations conducted on three standard datasets revealed significant accuracy gains when compared to four state-of-the-art models.
Assessing Tropospheric Correction Models for InSAR Used to Monitor Ground Deformation: A Case Study in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: yu yang , Li Qingfang , Sun Hongyue , Zhan Wei , Lü Qing , Xue Boyang
Published: July 2022

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a powerful and cost-effective technology to monitor ground deformation. Its accuracy is highly influenced by the atmospheric characteristic of the monitoring area. Separating the true ground deformation from atmospheric signals remains one of the major challenges in the application of InSAR. In this paper, the phase-based linear model, high spatial-resolution weather model (MERRA-2 and GACOS) and combination of MERRA-2 and phase-based linear model selected, and their performances in reducing the Tropospheric delay are assessed based on detrending standard deviation (DStd) of all Persistent Scattered (PS) points. A framework for the assessment is proposed and applied to a selected region of Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China. 26 Sentinel-1A images are used and processed by the method of PS-InSAR. It is found that the phase-based linear model outperforms the other models by at least 6.6% if the whole monitoring time span of the SAR images in the study area are considered. The proper tropospheric correction model in different seasons is not the same. The phase-based linear model is robust against the variations of atmospheric characteristics of the four seasons.
Lugol’s solution reduces positive resection margins and residual disease after the loop electrosurgical excision procedure
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Lee Eun Ji , Lee Seungmee , Chay Doo Byung , Lee Chae Hyeong , Roh Ju-Won , Kim Jae-Hoon
Published: July 2022

Background: The gold standard of treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is cervical conization. There remains a concern regarding the residual disease if resection is incomplete. However, few studies have so far examined the methods to improve the complete resection of the entire lesion with LEEP, eg, applying Lugol’s solution during LEEP. We examined whether the use of Lugol’s solution reduces the proportion of positive resection margins after the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Methods: A total of 1,751 consecutive women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) who underwent LEEP at three university hospitals were retrospectively retrieved from the database. Outcomes included positive resection margins and residual disease pathologically confirmed within 6 months after LEEP. Results: Positive resection margins were noted in 345 (19.7%) cases. Among 1,507 women followed up, residual disease was diagnosed in 100 (6.6%) cases (69/308 cases with positive margins; 31/1,199 cases with negative margins). The Lugol’s solution group was less likely to have positive resection margins (11.8% vs. 25.5%; P < 0.01), to require additional surgical intervention (5.4% vs. 10.2%; P < 0.01), and to have residual disease (4.9% vs. 8.0%; P = 0.02). A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Lugol’s solution reduced the proportion of positive resection margins (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.31), and that age 50 years or older (aOR, 1.64), pre-conization cervical cytology (aOR, 1.53), high-risk HPV (aOR 1.75), and CIN 2–3 (aOR, 2.65) were independent risk factors for margin positivity (P < 0.01 for all except high-risk HPV). Conclusions: Lugol’s solution optimizes CIN treatment by reducing the proportion of positive resection margins and residual disease after LEEP.
Antioxidation activity of molecular hydrogen via protoheme catalysis in vivo; an insight from ab initio calculations
Authors: Kim Song-Ae , Jong Yu-Chol , Kang Myong-Su , Yu Chol-Jun
Published: July 2022

Recently molecular hydrogen has been found to exhibit antioxidation activity through many clinical experiments, but the mechanism has not been fully understandable at atomic level. In this work, we perform systematic ab initio calculations of protoheme-hydrogen complexes to clarify the antioxidation mechanism of molecular hydrogen. We make molecular modeling of iron--protoporphyrin coordinated by imidazole, FeP(Im), and its hydrogen as well as dihydrogen complexes, together with reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS). We carry out structural optimization and Mulliken charge analysis, revealing the two kinds of bonding characteristics between FeP(Im) and H 2 ; dihydrogen bonding in the end-on asymmetric configuration and Kubas bonding in the side-on symmetric configuration of H 2 molecule. The activation barriers for adsorption and dissociation of H 2 on and further desorption of H atom from FeP(Im) are found to be below 64 kcal/mol at most, which is remarkably lower than the H-H bond breaking energy of 107 kcal/mol in free H 2 molecule. We find that the hydrogen bond dissociation energies of FeP(Im)-H 2 and -H complexes are lower than those of RONS-H complexes, indicating the decisive role of protoheme as an effective catalyst in RONS antioxidation by molecular hydrogen in vivo.
Education level as a predictor of the onset of health problems among China’s middle-aged population: a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis
Authors: Ping Ruru , Oshio Takashi
Published: July 2022

Background: Despite the importance of midlife with reference to one’s health, educational inequalities in midlife health have attracted little attention in China. Using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, this study examined this issue and investigated the potential mediating effects of socioeconomic position (SEP) other than educational attainment, stress level, and health behavior. Methods: Data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHALRS) from 2011 (baseline) to 2018 (latest data). Participants aged 45-59 years at baseline were studied (N = 8050). Health outcomes included the onset of poor self-rated health (SRH), limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL), multimorbidity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart diseases, and stroke over the 7-year follow-up period. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the associations of the outcomes with educational attainment, while controlling for potential mediators (other SEP, stress level, and health behaviors). The relative index of inequality (RII) was used to measure educational inequality.Results: Lower educational level was associated with increased incidences of poor SRH and ADL/IADL limitations, but with decreased incidences of dyslipidemia and heart disease. After adjusting for baseline covariates, the RII was 2.02 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61, 2.53) for poor SRH, 2.16 (95% CI: 1.41, 3.29) for ADL limitation, 3.55 (95% CI: 2.73, 4.51) for IADL limitation, 0.54 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.71) for dyslipidemia, and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.72) for heart disease. Minimal to moderate proportions (0.0 to 31.0%) of the RII were explained by the mediators. No sex or urban-rural differences were found in this study.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that educational attainment is an important predictor of the incidences of key midlife health problems, with limited mediating effects exerted by other indicators of SEP, stress, and health behavior.
Synergistic activity of pomegranate rind extract and Zn (II) against Candida albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions, and a mechanistic insight based upon intracellular ROS induction
Authors: Celiksoy Vildan , Moses Rachael L. , Sloan Alastair J. , Moseley Ryan , Heard Charles M.
Published: July 2022

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen, which causes superficial infection and can lead to mortal systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. The incidence of C. albicans infections is increasing and there are a limited number of antifungal drugs used in treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new and alternative antifungal drugs. Pomegranate rind extract (PRE) is known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, including against C. albicans and recently, PRE and Zn (II) have been shown to induce synergistic antimicrobial activity against various microbes. In this study, the inhibitory activities of PRE, Zn (II) and PRE in combination with Zn (II) were evaluated against C. albicans. Antifungal activities of PRE and Zn (II) were evaluated using conventional microdilution methods and the interaction between these compounds was assessed by in vitro checkerboard and time kill assays in planktonic cultures. The anti-biofilm activities of PRE, Zn (II) and PRE in combination with Zn (II) were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, with quantitative analysis of biofilm biomass and mean thickness analysed using COMSTAT2 analysis. In addition, antimicrobial interactions between PRE and Zn (II) were assayed in terms reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by C. albicans. PRE and Zn (II) showed a potent antifungal activity against C. albicans, with MIC values of 4 mg/mL and 1.8 mg/mL, respectively. PRE and Zn (II) in combination exerted a synergistic antifungal effect, as confirmed by in vitro checkerboard and time kill assays. PRE, Zn (II) and PRE and Zn (II) in combination induced significant reductions in biofilm biomass, but only PRE caused a substantial reduction in biofilm mean thickness. PRE and Zn (II) in combination caused the highest levels of ROS production by C. albicans, in both planktonic and biofilm forms. PRE, Zn (II) and PRE and Zn (II) in combination possess potent antifungal activity against C. albicans in both planktonic and biofilm forms. PRE and Zn (II) further exhibited a synergistic antifungal activity via the induction of excessive ROS accumulation in C. albicans under both planktonic and biofilm forms, which may contribute to their antifungal effects.
Impact of health education on controlling and preventing the transmission of cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Cui Qianqian , He Yiwei , Wen Buyu , Hu Zengyun , Li Shizhu
Published: July 2022

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), which is one of the most severe helminth zoonosis, can seriously threaten human health and hinder the development of livestock industry. Health education has widely disseminated and does play an important role in controlling and eliminating the spread of CE. Assessing the crucial factors of health education are essential for optimizing health education strategies to mitigate this disease.Methods: A compartment model involving health education was formulated. The next generation matrix approach was adopted to calculate the basic reproduction number R0, and the Lyapunov Direct method was used to investigate the global asymptotically stability of equilibria. Partial rank correlation coefficient (PRCC), a global sensitively analysis method, was employed to determine the key factors of R0. Numerical simulations were further given to evaluate the effects of health education on the transmission of CE.Results: The dynamics of the model is completely determined by the basic reproduction number R0. If R0<1, the disease goes extinct and if R0>1 the disease persists. The positive effect of health education was theoretically verified. And the disposal of infected sheep entrails (deeply burial and no feeding dogs) are the most important factors that affect the value of R0 and the spread of CE.Conclusions: Health education is an effective strategy to prevent and control the spread of CE. The disposal of infected sheep entrails (especially, deeply burial and no feeding dogs) should be emphasized in health education products. This can strengthen herdsmen's awareness of disposal infected sheep entrails and then mitigate the spread of CE.
Oxidation driven reversal of PIP2-dependent gating in GIRK2 channels
Authors: Lee Sun-Joo , Nichols Colin
Published: July 2022

Physiological activity of G protein gated inward rectifier K+ (GIRK, Kir3) channel activity is dynamically regulated by three key ligands, phosphoinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), Gβγ, and Na+, which underlies cellular electrical response to multiple hormones and neurotransmitters in myocytes and neurons. In a reducing environment, matching that inside cells, purified GIRK2 (Kir3.2) channels demonstrated low basal activity, and appropriate sensitivity to the above ligands. However, under oxidizing conditions, anomalous behavior emerged, including rapid loss of agonist dependent activation, and high basal activity in the absence of any agonists that was paradoxically inhibited by PIP2. Mutagenesis identified two cysteine residues (C65 and C190) as being responsible for the loss of agonist dependent activation and the elevated basal activity, respectively. The results explain anomalous findings from earlier studies and illustrate the potential pathophysiologic consequences of oxidation on GIRK channel function, as well as providing insight to reversed ligand-dependence of gating in related Kir and KirBac channels.
Effects of Fatigue, Rumination Thinking and Sleep Quality on the Hopelessness of Malignant Tumor Patients‘ Family Caregiver
Authors: Cao Zhaoming , Wang Yingchun , ZHANG Huijun
Published: July 2022

Introduction:The heavy care burden, the long-term dependence of the malignant tumor patients, and the changing social roles may put family caregivers at high risk for mental disorders even hopelessness. This study aimed to explore the relationship between fatigue, sleep quality, rumination thinking and hopelessness, and to provide suggestions for maintaining the physical and mental health of caregivers. Results:The family caregivers of patients with malignant tumor had a higher degree of hopelessness, and fatigue, sleep quality and rumination were positively correlated with the sense of hopelessness (r = 0.483–0.906; r = 0; P < 0.05); Fatigue and sleep quality can indirectly affect hopelessness through rumination thinking, and hopelessness has a direct effect on sleep. Discussion:There are multiple action paths between fatigue and sleep quality, rumination thinking and hopelessness, we can maintain family caregivers‘ physical and mental health and avoid hopelessness by improving their sleep quality, alleviating their fatigue and psychological counselling. Methods:A total of 536 families‘ caregivers were investigated,Family caregivers of malignant tumor patients who met the inclusion criteria in three Grade-A hospitals in Liaoning Province were investigated with Beck hopelessness scale (BHS), fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14), Nolen-Hoeksema ruminative responses scale (RRS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), SPSS 26.0 was used to analyze the data, and Amos 22.0 was used to fit the structural equation model.
Therapeutic effects of Eucommia water extract on periodontitis in experimental rats
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Fan Qin , Xu Yanglong , Zeng Fengjiao , Liu Xia , Zhao Dan , Zhang Lei , Bai Guohui
Published: July 2022

Herein, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of water extracts from Eucommia on periodontitis in experimental rats. We ligated the maxillary second molars of SD rats with 4.0 silk threads and locally smeared Porphyromonas gingivalis to induce gingivitis and periodontitis. After successfully establishing the model, we exposed the rats to Eucommia water extracts through topical smearing and intragastric administration and evaluated the therapeutic effect of the extracts on gingivitis (for a 2 week treatment period) and periodontitis (over 4 weeks). We recorded the alveolar bone resorption levels and analyzed histopathological sections of the periodontal tissue, molecules related to periodontal oxidative stress, and periodontal inflammatory factors to understand the feasibility of Eucommia in treating gingivitis and periodontitis. Results showed reduced damage to the periodontal tissue after treatment with extracts, indicating that Eucommia has a positive effect in treating gingivitis and periodontitis in experimental rats. These findings are expected to provide the foothold for future research on secondary metabolites derived from Eucommia and guide the development of novel approaches for preventing and treating periodontal disease.
Research on milling chatter identification of thin-walled parts based on incremental learning and multi-signal fusion
Authors: Zhao Mingwei , Yue Caixu , Liu Xianli
Published: July 2022

Chatter is a kind of self-excited vibration that often occurs in the milling process of thin-walled parts. It has become the main factor restricting production efficiency and quality. Due to the occurrence of chatter, the signal becomes more complex and unstable. To realize milling chatter detection of thin-walled parts, a method based on variational modal decomposition (VMD) and nonlinear dimensionless index is proposed by using the multi-sensor signal fusion and complementarity method to analyze the characteristics of signals from the time-frequency domain. Firstly, VMD decomposes the force signal and acceleration signal to obtain a series of intrinsic mode function (IMF) components. When chatter occurs, the energy is transferred to the chatter frequency band. Each IMF signal's nonlinear energy entropy (EE) is extracted to construct the feature vector. A chatter identification model is established based on multi-sensor signal fusion and support vector machine. To solve the problem of model updating, supervised learning and unsupervised learning are combined to provide a method for chatter detection.
Photoluminescence and Optical Properties of CuO Thin Films Deposited via Spray Pyrolysis: Influence of Substrate Temperature
Authors: Asl Hassan Zare , Rozati Seyed Mohammad
Published: July 2022

CuO thin films were spray-deposited onto a glass substrate and the deposition temperature was varied from 450 to 550 ℃ with 25 ℃ steps. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques were employed to respectively record and study the structural and morphological characteristics of the resulting CuO thin films. The 450 ℃ deposition temperature was found to be the optimum condition for crystal growth. However, the FESEM images revealed that the grain size increases with raising the deposition temperature. To investigate the optical properties, the transmittance and reflectance data of the resulting films were recorded, and their optical constants, including absorption coefficient, band gap, Urbach energy, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant were calculated. All the prepared CuO thin films exhibited band gap values around 2.00 eV, which slightly declined with increasing the substrate temperature. The general trend of real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant was increment and decrement, respectively, with increasing the substrate temperature. The spray-deposited CuO thin films were also excited at 486 nm, and the resulting photoluminescence (PL) spectra were recorded at room temperature. Three main and three shoulder peak emissions were detected in the recorded PL of all CuO thin films. The lowest peak intensity was related to the CuO thin film deposited at 500 ℃.
A simple Schiff base as fluorescent probe for detection of Al 3+ in aqueous media and its application in cells imaging
Authors: Sang Fuming , Wang Weijie , Pan Jianxin , Shi Huahua , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2022

A novel fluorescence probe for the detection of Al3+ was developed based on methionine protected gold nanoclusters (Met-AuNCs). A fluorescent Schiff base (an aldimine) is formed between the aldehyde group of salicylaldehyde (SA) and the amino groups of Met on the AuNCs, and developed for selective detection of Al3+ in aqueous solution. Al3+ can strongly bind with the Schiff base ligands, accompanied by the blue-shift and an obvious fluorescence emission enhancement at 455 nm. The limits of detection (LODs) of the probe are 2 pmol L− 1 for Al3+. Moreover, the probe can successfully be used in fluorescence imaging of Al3+ in living cells (SHSY5Y cells), suggesting that the simple fluorescent probe has great potential use in biological imaging.
Co-culture of the Potential First Reported Streptomyces flavalbus of Sonneratia alba from Ujung Piring, Jepara, Indonesia
Authors: Azhar Nuril , Yudiati Ervia
Published: July 2022

Background: Marine Actinobacteria from mangrove are rich in novel secondary metabolites resource as a promising antibacterial agent. The silent gene assessment by gen co-cuture fermentation of Actino-Actino, Actino-other bacteria and Actino-fungi is an alternative approach to create the novel product. This research aims to discover and identify the potential Actinobacteria from the mangrove sediment and root with co-culture as an antibacterial agent.Results: 28 strains of Actinobacteria were found, composed of 17 strains from the sediment and 11 strains from the endophyte root of Sonneratia alba. Out of 580 fermentation, 540 fermenter co-cultures and 34 single fermenter cultures were assessed. Twenty-one pairs of co-culture were resulted positively against Staphylococcus aureus, and 16 pairs were positive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest clearance zone against S. aureus was obtained from 10 (Actino)-Aspergillus fumigatus (dead body) extract (21.57±0.90 mm) while against P. aeruginosa was resulted from co-culture strains 3/37 extract (19.18±0.80 mm). Strains 41 was identified as Streptomyces flavalbus (98.07%) with accession number MZ540332. This is the first report of Streptomyces flavalbus, a novel species from mangrove sediments, and the second one from natural habitat. Other Actinobacterias (6, 10, and 37) strains were identified as Streptomyces albogriseolus (99.79%), Streptomyces labedae (99%), and Streptomyces rochei (93.52%).Conclusion: It is concluded that co-culture is a valuable strategy to develop the new Actinobacteria product as a powerful antibacterial agent.