bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hedonic Consumption in Times of Stress: Reaping the Emotional Benefits Without the Self-Regulatory Cost
Authors: Balleyer Anna H. , Fennis Bob M.
Published: May 2022

Hedonic consumption is pleasant but can interfere with the capacity to self-regulate. In stressful moments, when self-regulation is arguably still important, individuals often indulge in hedonic consumption. In two experiments, we investigate whether hedonic consumption negatively affects self-regulation under moderately stressful conditions and whether selecting hedonic consumption under moderately stressful conditions is driven by high or low self-control. In both studies, participants were randomly exposed to a mental arithmetic task that was either completed under time pressure with performance feedback (moderate stress) or without time pressure and without feedback (no stress). Experiment 1 assigned participants to a hedonic (vs. neutral) consumption task and then measured impulse control via a color-word Stroop task. Experiment 2 measured self-control as a second independent variable and recorded hedonic (vs. neutral) consumption. The results show that moderate stress buffered the negative effect that hedonic consumption has on self-regulation under no stress conditions and that high rather than low self-control predicts hedonic over neutral consumption under stress. These findings indicate that hedonic consumption in response to moderate stress may be a strategic choice to reap the pleasure benefit of hedonic consumption while the costs to self-regulation are low.
Self-Concept With Cross-Cultural Perspective: 36–72-Month-Old Preschool Children in Turkey and Germany
Authors: Celikel Busra , Çoban Aysel E.
Published: May 2022

Children attending preschool education in Turkey and Germany have different cultural environments and education systems. This study aimed at investigating the self-concept of 36–72- month-old preschool children in Turkey, a country with a collectivist culture, and Germany, a country with an individualistic culture. Participants were 433 children (234 female, 199 male) from Turkey and 206 children (102 female, 109 male) from Germany. Three dimensions of self-concept were measured: ability-based, social, and physical. The Self-Concept Questionnaire for Children (Preschool Version) was used for data collection. This process lasted about 5 months. Country (Turkey vs. Germany) and sex (male vs. female) of the child were analyzed as independent variables, and the three dimensions of self-concept (i.e., ability-based, social, and physical) were analyzed as dependent variables. As normality assumption was not met for the subgroups, the Mann–Whitney U test was applied for statistical analysis. Results showed significant differences between children from Turkey and children from Germany in two self-concept dimensions (i.e., ability-based and physical). It was determined that there were no differences between the two countries in social self-concept. It was also determined that there were differences in the ability-based self-concept dimension in 36–72-month-old children depending on gender in Turkey, in favor of male children. On the other hand, it was determined that there were no differences depending on gender in any of the self-concept dimensions in Germany. It was concluded that culture was a factor leading to differentiation in some dimensions of preschool children’s self-concept.
Every Story Is Different: Experiences With Body Changes Related to Cancer
Authors: Cole Linda , Easley Julie , Grightmire Leslie , Lakshmanan Ellil Mathiyan , Matthias Sharon J. , McBoyle Karen , Piercell Emily , Purdy Amelia , Schneider Nancy , Wassersug Richard J. , Martino Rosemary , Fitch Margaret I.
Published: May 2022

One of the important aspects of stakeholder engagement in cancer care and system planning is hearing from individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer about the impact of the diagnosis and treatment on their lives. Hearing stories from the perspectives of cancer survivors offers opportunity to gain new insight and understanding about experiences of being diagnosed and treated for cancer. This article presents ten short narratives about survivors' perspectives on body image and cancer. Each story is unique but, taken together, the picture they create is one of facing challenges, discovering personal resilience, and moving forward to engage in living. The stories emphasize the importance of communication and support from healthcare providers and understanding needs for a person-centered cancer care system.
Chinese Students’ Perceptions of the Motivational Climate in College English Courses: Relationships Between Course Perceptions, Engagement, and Achievement
Authors: Li Ming , Jones Brett D. , Williams Thomas O. , Guo Yingjian
Published: May 2022

Effective teachers create a motivational climate that engages students in course activities in ways that lead to increased learning and achievement. Although researchers have identified motivational climate variables that are associated with students’ engagement and achievement, less is known about how these variables are related in different courses and cultures. The purpose of the two studies presented in this paper was to contribute to this research literature by examining these associations within the context of college English courses in two Chinese universities. Specifically, we investigated the relationships between students’ perceptions of the motivational climate (i.e., perceptions of empowerment/autonomy, usefulness, success, interest, and caring), cognitive and behavioral engagement, and achievement. This is the first study to examine the connections between all of these variables in one path model in college English courses in China. We administered surveys at two different Chinese universities (n = 332 and 259) and used regression and path analysis to examine the relationships among the variables. We demonstrated that (a) students’ perceptions of the motivational climate were related to their cognitive engagement, (b) cognitive engagement was related to their behavioral engagement, and (c) behavioral engagement predicted their achievement. These findings are consistent with and extend the growing body of literature on motivational climate and engagement, and they highlight the importance of some motivational climate perceptions over others as significant predictors of cognitive engagement. We conclude that effective English language teachers in China do the following: help students to believe that they can be successful, trigger and maintain students’ interest, and empower students by providing them with choices in activities and assignments.
The Mediating Role of Empathy in the Internal Mechanism of Film-Induced Tourism
Authors: Yi Kui , Li Fengcai , Zeng Yanqin , Xie Changqing , Xu Ziqi
Published: May 2022

With the advent of the information age and advancement of digital technology, film and television tourism is developing rapidly under the joint action of the film industry and tourism industry, and has become a crucial form of cultural and entertainment consumption for individuals to pursue a better life in the new age. This study designs three experiments from the perspectives of identity conversion, motivation transfer, and demand change to conduct an empirical study on the mediating role of empathy for further exploring the internal mechanism of film-induced tourism in film and television tourism. The findings suggest that the three mediation hypotheses are all valid, indicating that film-induced tourism involves identity conversion from audiences to visitors, motivation transfer from watching to traveling, and demand change from interest to expectation through emotional media.
In-Session-Reflective-Functioning in Anorexia Nervosa: An Analysis of Psychotherapeutic Sessions of the ANTOP Study
Authors: Zeeck Almut , Taubner Svenja , Gablonski Thorsten C. , Lau Inga , Zipfel Stephan , Herzog Wolfgang , Wild Beate , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Resmark Gaby , Giel Katrin , Teufel Martin , Burgmer Markus , Dinkel Andreas , Herpertz Stephan , Löwe Bernd , Tagay Sefik , von Wietersheim Jörn , De Zwaan Martina , Zettl Max , Meier Alexander F. , Hartmann Armin
Published: May 2022

Objective

Previous research suggests that patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) show an impaired capacity to mentalize (reflective functioning, RF). RF is discussed as a possible predictor of outcome in psychotherapeutic processes. The study aimed to explore RF in sessions of patients with AN and its association with outcome and type of treatment.

Methods

A post-hoc data analysis of selected cases from a randomized trial on outpatient psychotherapy for AN was conducted. Transcripts from 84 sessions of 28 patients (early phase, middle phase, and end of treatment) were assessed using the In-Session-Reflective-Functioning-Scale [14 cognitive-behavior therapy, enhanced (CBT-E); 14 focal psychodynamic therapy (FPT); 16 with good, 12 with poor outcome after 1 year]. Relations between the level of RF, type of treatment, and outcome were investigated using mixed linear models. Additionally, associations with depressive symptoms, weight gain, and therapeutic alliance were explored.

Results

Mean in-session RF was low. It was higher in FPT when compared to CBT-E treatments. The findings point to an association between RF increase and a positive outcome. An increase in BMI in the first half of treatment was associated with higher subsequent in-session RF. There was no association between RF and depressive symptoms or the therapeutic alliance.

Discussion

Patients with AN show a low capacity to mentalize in sessions, which seems to be at least partly dependent on the degree of starvation. The results suggest a possible relationship between an increase in in-session RF and outcome, which has to be replicated by further studies.
Ketamine for Bipolar Depression: Biochemical, Psychotherapeutic, and Psychedelic Approaches
Authors: Bennett Raquel , Yavorsky Christian , Bravo Gary
Published: May 2022

Bipolar disorder (type 1) is a serious and chronic psychiatric illness that can be difficult to treat. Many bipolar patients have refractory depressive episodes. Racemic ketamine, a glutamate modulator with prominent dissociate and psychedelic properties, has been demonstrated to have rapid acting antidepressant and anti-obsessional effects which may be useful for treating the symptoms of bipolar depression. Most of the existing research literature on unipolar and bipolar depression has looked at racemic ketamine in the sub-psychedelic dose range given by infusion as a stand-alone treatment (without concurrent psychotherapy). This article expands on the existing research by articulating three different paradigms for ketamine treatment: biochemical, psychotherapeutic, and psychedelic. The authors use composite clinical vignettes to illustrate different ways of working with ketamine to treat bipolar depression, and discuss a variety of clinical considerations for using ketamine with this population, including route, dose, frequency, chemical mitigators, and adverse events. Note that the conceptual paradigms could be applied to any ketamine treatment, with broad applicability beyond bipolar treatment.
Catatonia Psychopathology and Phenomenology in a Large Dataset
Authors: Dawkins Eleanor , Cruden-Smith Leola , Carter Ben , Amad Ali , Zandi Michael S. , Lewis Glyn , David Anthony S. , Rogers Jonathan P.
Published: May 2022

Background

The external clinical manifestations (psychopathology) and internal subjective experience (phenomenology) of catatonia are of clinical importance but have received little attention. This study aimed to use a large dataset to describe the clinical signs of catatonia; to assess whether these signs are associated with underlying diagnosis and prognosis; and to describe the phenomenology of catatonia, particularly with reference to fear.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic healthcare records of a large secondary mental health trust in London, United Kingdom. Patients with catatonia were identified in a previous study by screening records using natural language processing followed by manual validation. The presence of items of the Bush-Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument was coded by the investigators. The presence of psychomotor alternation was assessed by examining the frequency of stupor and excitement in the same episode. A cluster analysis and principal component analysis were conducted on catatonic signs. Principal components were tested for their associations with demographic and clinical variables. Where text was available on the phenomenology of catatonia, this was coded by two authors in an iterative process to develop a classification of the subjective experience of catatonia.

Results

Searching healthcare records provided 1,456 validated diagnoses of catatonia across a wide range of demographic groups, diagnoses and treatment settings. The median number of catatonic signs was 3 (IQR 2–5) and the most commonly reported signs were mutism, immobility/stupor and withdrawal. Stupor was present in 925 patients, of whom 105 (11.4%) also exhibited excitement. Out of 196 patients with excitement, 105 (53.6%) also had immobility/stupor. Cluster analysis produced two clusters consisting of negative and positive clinical features. From principal component analysis, three components were derived, which may be termed parakinetic, hypokinetic and withdrawal. The parakinetic component was associated with women, neurodevelopmental disorders and longer admission duration; the hypokinetic component was associated with catatonia relapse; the withdrawal component was associated with men and mood disorders. 68 patients had phenomenological data, including 49 contemporaneous and 24 retrospective accounts. 35% of these expressed fear, but a majority (72%) gave a meaningful narrative explanation for the catatonia, which consisted of hallucinations, delusions of several different types and apparently non-psychotic rationales.

Conclusion

The clinical signs of catatonia can be considered as parakinetic, hypokinetic and withdrawal components. These components are associated with diagnostic and prognostic variables. Fear appears in a large minority of patients with catatonia, but narrative explanations are varied and possibly more common.
Deep Conviction Systems for Biomedical Applications Using Intuiting Procedures With Cross Point Approach
Authors: Manoharan Hariprasath , Selvarajan Shitharth , Yafoz Ayman , Alterazi Hassan A. , Uddin Mueen , Chen Chin-Ling , Wu Chih-Ming
Published: May 2022

The production, testing, and processing of signals without any interpretation is a crucial task with time scale periods in today's biological applications. As a result, the proposed work attempts to use a deep learning model to handle difficulties that arise during the processing stage of biomedical information. Deep Conviction Systems (DCS) are employed at the integration step for this procedure, which uses classification processes with a large number of characteristics. In addition, a novel system model for analyzing the behavior of biomedical signals has been developed, complete with an output tracking mechanism that delivers transceiver results in a low-power implementation approach. Because low-power transceivers are integrated, the cost of implementation for designated output units will be decreased. To prove the effectiveness of DCS feasibility, convergence and robustness characteristics are observed by incorporating an interface system that is processed with a deep learning toolbox. They compared test results using DCS to prove that all experimental scenarios prove to be much more effective for about 79 percent for variations with time periods.
Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging of Neonatal Spinal Cord in Clinical Routine
Authors: Trò Rosella , Roascio Monica , Tortora Domenico , Severino Mariasavina , Rossi Andrea , Cohen-Adad Julien , Fato Marco Massimo , Arnulfo Gabriele
Published: May 2022

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) has undisputed advantages over the more classical diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) as witnessed by the fast-increasing number of clinical applications and software packages widely adopted in brain imaging. However, in the neonatal setting, DKI is still largely underutilized, in particular in spinal cord (SC) imaging, because of its inherently demanding technological requirements. Due to its extreme sensitivity to non-Gaussian diffusion, DKI proves particularly suitable for detecting complex, subtle, fast microstructural changes occurring in this area at this early and critical stage of development, which are not identifiable with only DTI. Given the multiplicity of congenital anomalies of the spinal canal, their crucial effect on later developmental outcome, and the close interconnection between the SC region and the brain above, managing to apply such a method to the neonatal cohort becomes of utmost importance. This study will (i) mention current methodological challenges associated with the application of advanced dMRI methods, like DKI, in early infancy, (ii) illustrate the first semi-automated pipeline built on Spinal Cord Toolbox for handling the DKI data of neonatal SC, from acquisition setting to estimation of diffusion measures, through accurate adjustment of processing algorithms customized for adult SC, and (iii) present results of its application in a pilot clinical case study. With the proposed pipeline, we preliminarily show that DKI is more sensitive than DTI-related measures to alterations caused by brain white matter injuries in the underlying cervical SC.
Combination of Fusiform Capsulectomy of the Posterior Capsule and Percutaneous Flexion Tendon Release in the Treatment of Fused Knee with Severe Flexion Contracture During Total Knee Arthroplasty—A Report of Six Cases
Authors: Chen Qun-Qun , He Min-Cong , Cao Zheng , Kong Xiang-Peng , Wang Hai-Bin , Chai Wei
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This clinical research aims to assess the safety and efficacy of a combination of fusiform capsulectomy of the posterior capsule and percutaneous flexion tendon release in the treatment of a fused knee with severe flexion contracture during total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in three patients (six knees) who had preoperative severe bony fused flexion contracture (>80°) prior to TKA and received a combination of fusiform capsulectomy of posterior capsule and percutaneous flexion tendon release during TKA between January 2016 and December 2019. The range of motion (ROM), knee functional score, postoperative complications, and radiographic results were evaluated.

Result

Three patients (six knees) were enrolled in this study. The mean duration of follow-up was 42.83 ± 15.77 months. The postoperative knee ROM was 100.0 (76.0, 102.75) (p < 0.01). The knee society score (KSS) clinical score increased from a preoperative 30.0 (25.0, 36.0) to a postoperative 64.0 (65.0, 78.0) (p < 0.01), and the KSS function score increased from a preoperative 0.0 (0.0, 30.0) to a postoperative 55.0 (40.0, 55.0) (p < 0.01). No implant loosening, infection, neurovascular complications, or revision were recorded in the cohort until the last follow-up.

Conclusion

The technique of a combination of fusiform capsulectomy of the posterior capsule and percutaneous flexion tendon release is an effective and safe method during primary TKA for a fused knee with severe flexion contracture.
Exploration of the Tumor Immune Landscape and Identification of Two Novel Immunotherapy-Related Genes for Epstein-Barr virus-associated Gastric Carcinoma via Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Deng Shi-Zhou , Wang Xiang-Xu , Zhao Xing-Yu , Bai Yin-Miao , Zhang Hong-Mei
Published: May 2022

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is a specific molecular subtype of gastric carcinoma with a high proportion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. It is a highly immunogenic tumor that may benefit from immunotherapy. Hence, it is imperative to analyze the immune landscape and identify immunotherapy biomarkers for EBVaGC. In our study, we investigated the immune landscape and identified 10 hub genes for EBVaGC via integrated bioinformatics analysis. We found that EBVaGC expressed more immune-related genes, including common immune checkpoints and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes than EBV-negative gastric carcinoma (EBVnGC). The immune score in EBVaGC was higher, which means EBVaGC has greater immune cell infiltration. Ten hub genes (CD4, STAT1, FCGR3A, IL10, C1QA, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCR6, PD-L1, and CCL18) were detected as candidate biomarkers for EBVaGC. Two hub genes, CXCL9 and CXCR6, were identified as novel immunotherapy-related genes. Taken together, the results of our comprehensive analysis of the immune microenvironment of EBVaGC revealed its unique immune landscape, demonstrating that it is a highly immunogenic tumor. Moreover, we identified hub genes that may serve as potential immunotherapy biomarkers for EBVaGC.
Employing a Long-Short-Term Memory Neural Network to Improve Automatic Sleep Stage Classification of Pharmaco-EEG Profiles
Authors: Alsolai Hadeel , Qureshi Shahnawaz , Zeeshan Iqbal Syed Muhammad , Ameer Asif , Cheaha Dania , Henesey Lawrence Edward , Karrila Seppo
Published: May 2022

An increasing problem in today’s society is the spiraling number of people suffering from various sleep disorders. The research results presented in this paper support the use of a novel method that employs techniques from the classification of sleep disorders for more accurate scoring. Applying this novel method will assist researchers with better analyzing subject profiles for recommending prescriptions or to alleviate sleep disorders. In biomedical research, the use of animal models is required to experimentally test the safety and efficacy of a drug in the pre-clinical stage. We have developed a novel LSTM Recurrent Neural Network to process Pharmaco-EEG Profiles of rats to automatically score their sleep–wake stages. The results indicate improvements over the current methods; for the case of combined channels, the model accuracy improved by 1% and 3% in binary or multiclass classifications, respectively, to accuracies of 93% and 82%. In the case of using a single channel, binary and multiclass LSTM models for identifying rodent sleep stages using single or multiple electrode positions for binary or multiclass problems have not been evaluated in prior literature. The results reveal that single or combined channels, and binary or multiclass classification tasks, can be applied in the automatic sleep scoring of rodents.
Analysis of Mn2+ and Zn2+ Ions in Macroalgae with Heteroelement-Doped Carbon-Based Fluorescent Probe
Authors: Xu Hui , You Xin , Lu Yue , Liang Peng , Luo Zhihui , Wang Yiwei , Zeng Shaoxiao , Zeng Hongliang
Published: May 2022

Kelp and laver are large economic macroalgae in China, which are rich in nutrients, especially Mn and Zn. Excessive intake of Mn and Zn can be harmful to the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a convenient and efficient method to detect the contents of Mn and Zn in macroalgae. In this experiment, red carbon dots (R-CDs) doped with N and S elements were prepared by the thermal solvent method. The obtained R-CDs displayed excitation wavelength-independent fluorescent emission in the red spectral region. The R-CDs were used to construct a fluorescent probe for specific recognition of Mn2+ and Zn2+, achieving high-sensitivity detection of Mn2+ and Zn2+. The detection results showed a good linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and Mn2+ concentration, and the calculated detection limit was 0.23 nmol/L. For the detection of Zn2+, the detection limit was estimated as 19.1 nmol/L. At the same time, the content distribution of Mn and Zn elements in macroalgae produced in Fujian was investigated by the constructed fluorescence probe. It was found that kelp, laver, and their products are rich in Mn and Zn elements, and the content of Mn and Zn elements in laver is higher than that in kelp, which can be used as the optimal food supplement for Mn and Zn elements.
Understanding Motivation towards Teaching in SerProfe UDP: A First Step to Foster Equity in Teacher Education Admission in Chile
Authors: Correia Rut , Louzano Paula , Rivero Rosario , Sánchez Macarena , Cona Germán
Published: May 2022

Enrollment in pre-service teacher education in Chile has dropped by 19% in the last year. To better understand the motivations and perceptions towards teaching among those students who could potentially become teacher candidates, we explored teaching vocation on 11th- and 12th-grade students in Santiago. From a total of 1112 students who voluntarily participated in an online survey including the FIT-Choice scale, 381 expressed their interest in teacher education. Afterward, 83 students confirmed their participation in our mentoring program regarding teacher education and the teaching profession. The results show that the students who chose to be mentored have greater intrinsic motivation towards teaching and a greater self-perceived ability to teach. Additionally, they have a more positive perception of the teaching profession, including work–family conciliation, and project greater satisfaction with their professional choice. However, they also belong to one of the most vulnerable population groups in Chile, those who have more difficulties accessing university education through traditional admission processes conditioned on academic performance. Thus, to foster equity in teacher education and attract students with the vocational potential for becoming excellent teachers, we need to consolidate admission alternatives and provide greater opportunities to students that—due to the inequities of the educational system—fail to complete a successful application or do not make the cut to enroll.
Combined Prediction of Photovoltaic Power Based on Sparrow Search Algorithm Optimized Convolution Long and Short-Term Memory Hybrid Neural Network
Authors: Li Shun , Yang Jun , Wu Fuzhang , Li Rui , Rashed Ghamgeen Izat
Published: May 2022

To address the problem of strong uncertainty in the high proportion of new energy output, an improved convolutional long- and short-term memory (CLSTM) hybrid neural network is proposed for PV power combination prediction. Firstly, considering the large impact of weather changes on PV power output, a fluctuation feature identification model is used to classify historical PV power series samples into slow weather change type and severe weather change type. Secondly, taking into account the multimodal characteristics of PV power output, an improved variational modal decomposition technique is used to adaptively determine the number of modal components, K, and decompose the two types of samples. Regarding the existence of the low-frequency steady state component and the high-frequency fluctuation component of PV power output, the high-frequency component is used to train the long- and short-term memory (LSTM) model and the low-frequency component is used to train the convolutional neural network (CNN) model. The improved sparrow search algorithm (SSA) is used to optimize the parameters of the LSTM and CNN models during the training process. Finally, the predicted component values of each model are superimposed and reconstructed to obtain PV power prediction values. The actual operation data of a PV plant in northern China were used for comparison and validation, and the experiments showed that the accuracy of the prediction results, based on the improved SSA to optimize the parameters of the CLSTM hybrid neural network for predicting PV output, was significantly better than that of the BP, CNN, LSTM single neural network prediction results, and of the prediction accuracy of the unoptimized CLSTM hybrid neural network. At the same time, compared with the above single neural network and unoptimized hybrid prediction model, the proposed method converged faster and was more adaptable to weather changes.
Low-Cost HEM with Arduino and Zigbee Technologies in the Energy Sector in Colombia
Authors: de la Cruz Severiche Maury Zurisaddai , Fernández Vilas Ana , Díaz Redondo Rebeca P.
Published: May 2022

Since no solutions have been proposed in Colombia that seek to reduce the consumption of electricity at the residential level, this paper describes the design and implementation of a simple prototype of a low-cost home energy management system (HEMS). The objective of this platform is to monitor the energy consumption of typical household devices so that users can access the consumption of each device separately and then establish the strategy that allows them to reduce energy consumption at home. In order to demonstrate that our system is viable, the system has been evaluated by measuring weekly energy consumption with the on-line and off-line HEMS using a test bench with typical household devices in a Sincelejo typical household. The evaluation has shown that with the installation of this HEMS, consumption is reduced by 27%. This shows that it is possible to achieve a good reduction percentage with a low-cost system.
Nanosheets Based Approach to Elevate the Proliferative and Differentiation Efficacy of Human Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Singh Suraj Kumar , Singh Anshuman , Kumar Vinod , Gupta Jalaj , Umrao Sima , Kumar Manoj , Sarma Devojit Kumar , Leja Marcis , Bhandari Manohar Prasad , Verma Vinod
Published: May 2022

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy and tissue repair necessitate the use of an ideal clinical biomaterial capable of increasing cell proliferation and differentiation. Recently, MXenes 2D nanomaterials have shown remarkable potential for improving the functional properties of MSCs. In the present study, we elucidated the potential of Ti2CTx MXene as a biomaterial through its primary biological response to human Wharton’s Jelly MSCs (hWJ-MSCs). A Ti2CTx nanosheet was synthesized and thoroughly characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic tools. Our findings suggest that Ti2CTx MXene nanosheet exposure does not alter the morphology of the hWJ-MSCs; however, it causes a dose-dependent (10–200 µg/mL) increase in cell proliferation, and upon using it with conditional media, it also enhanced its tri-lineage differentiation potential, which is a novel finding of our study. A two-fold increase in cell viability was also noticed at the highest tested dose of the nanosheet. The treated hWJ-MSCs showed no sign of cellular stress or toxicity. Taken together, these findings suggest that the Ti2CTx MXene nanosheet is capable of augmenting the proliferation and differentiation potential of the cells.
Lifestyles Shape the Cytochrome P450 Repertoire of the Bacterial Phylum Proteobacteria
Authors: Msweli Siphesihle , Chonco Andiswa , Msweli Lihle , Syed Puleng Rosinah , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Chen Wanping , Gront Dominik , Nkosi Bridget Valeria Zinhle , Nelson David R. , Syed Khajamohiddin
Published: May 2022

For the last six decades, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs/P450s), heme thiolate proteins, have been under the spotlight due to their regio- and stereo-selective oxidation activities, which has led to the exploration of their applications in almost all known areas of biology. The availability of many genome sequences allows us to understand the evolution of P450s in different organisms, especially in the Bacteria domain. The phenomenon that “P450s play a key role in organisms’ adaptation vis a vis lifestyle of organisms impacts P450 content in their genome” was proposed based on studies on a handful of individual bacterial groups. To have conclusive evidence, one must analyze P450s and their role in secondary metabolism in species with diverse lifestyles but that belong to the same category. We selected species of the phylum Proteobacteria classes, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon, to address this research gap due to their diverse lifestyle and ancient nature. The study identified that the lifestyle of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-, and epsilon-proteobacterial species profoundly affected P450 profiles in their genomes. The study determined that irrespective of the species associated with different proteobacterial classes, pathogenic species or species adapted to a simple lifestyle lost or had few P450s in their genomes. On the contrary, species with saprophytic or complex lifestyles had many P450s and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. The study findings prove that the phenomenon mentioned above is factual, and there is no link between the number and diversity of P450s and the age of the bacteria.
The Impact of Hypoglycemic Therapy on the Prognosis for Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nikolaev K. Yu. , Shevela A. I. , Mustafina S. V. , Rymar O. D. , Ovsyannikova A. K. , Zelenskaya E. M. , Kovaleva A. Y. , Lifshits G. I.
Published: May 2022

The article discusses particular circumstances of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition, the available literature data and clinical guidelines reflecting the role of hypoglycemic therapy as a cardioprotection factor in ACS are analyzed. The article considers possible protective molecular mechanisms of various groups of drugs in ischemic cardiomyocytes.
NOMA Clustering for Improved Multicast IoT Schemes
Authors: Elouafadi Rajaa , Raiss El Fenni Mohammed , Benjillali Mustapha
Published: May 2022

In the context of future ultra-dense mobile networks, spectrum and energy efficiencies (SE and EE) are critical measures in designing efficient systems for the sixth-generation (6G) of wireless networks. Recognized for their benefits in increasing SE and EE, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and device-to-device (D2D) communications are combined in this work to present a new NOMA-based D2D scheme increasing the performance in terms of SE and EE. The users in the proposed scheme are split into coalitions. Coalition heads are served in NOMA directly from the base stations, while the other users within the coalitions get the service through D2D links. We investigate the system’s SE and EE for different mobility patterns, and we discuss optimal system configurations with the help of Monte Carlo simulations. The obtained results show that the proposed system exhibits a better performance compared to conventional OMA and NOMA models, especially in low mobility contexts.
Study on Stability of Mechanical Properties for Porous Fe-Cr-Al Alloys after Long-Term Aging
Authors: Zhang Huibin , Ma Junliang , Gao Zhencheng , Guo Fei , Xu Shenghang , Hou Guangya , Zheng Guoqu
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, both the ferrite phase and B2-structured intermetallic in the Fe-Cr-Al alloy system are developed as porous materials, which have been further applied as high-temperature filter materials in industry. This work presents a comparative study of the mechanical properties of porous Fe20Cr5Al, Fe10Cr10Al and Fe10Cr20Al aged at 480 °C for 500 h. The changes in tensile strength, elongation and hardness were determined, and the microstructure changes as well as slight oxidation states of the aged samples were investigated. The results show that the precipitated Cr-rich phase in porous Fe20Cr5Al can increase the hardness and decrease the ductility, while intergranular oxidation can degrade the mechanical performance of the three porous Fe-Cr-Al materials. It is noted that porous Fe10Cr20Al exhibits relatively superior mechanical stability during long-term aging. Meanwhile, by introducing boron, the mechanical performance of the aged porous Fe-Cr-Al alloys can be stabilized since the possible internal oxidation of the exposed grain boundaries is inhibited.
The Role of Magnetic Dipole—Dipole Coupling in Quantum Single-Molecule Toroics
Authors: Hymas Kieran , Soncini Alessandro
Published: May 2022

For single-molecule toroics (SMTs) based on noncollinear Ising spins, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole coupling favours a head-to-tail vortex arrangement of the semi-classical magnetic moments associated with a toroidal ground state. However, to what extent does this effect survive beyond the semi-classical Ising limit? Here, we theoretically investigate the role of dipolar interactions in stabilising ground-state toroidal moments in quantum Heisenberg rings with and without on-site magnetic anisotropy. For the prototypical triangular SMT with strong on-site magnetic anisotropy, we illustrate that, together with noncollinear exchange, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole coupling serves to preserve ground-state toroidicity. In addition, we investigate the effect on quantum tunnelling of the toroidal moment in Kramers and non-Kramers systems. In the weak anisotropy limit, we find that, within some critical ion–ion distances, intramolecular magnetic dipole–dipole interactions, diagonalised over the entire Hilbert space of the quantum system, recover ground-state toroidicity in ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic odd-membered rings with up to seven sites, and are further stabilised by Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya coupling.
Obesity and Voiding Parameters in a Community-Based Population of Okinawa, Japan: Kumejima Digital Health Project (KDHP)
Authors: Ashikari Asuka , Miyazato Minoru , Nakamura Koshi , Yamashiro Kiyoto , Nakamura Takehiro , Uema Tsugumi , Uehara Moriyuki , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Saito Seiichi , Maeda Shiro , Ishida Hajime , Matsushita Masayuki
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Evidence has accumulated regarding the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify which subjectively and objectively measured voiding parameters were associated with obesity in a community-based population. (2) Methods: Voiding parameters on a self-administered questionnaire and a digital self-health monitoring system for urine excretion (s-HMSU) were compared between participants with and without obesity, defined as a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (n = 30 and 29, respectively), from a community in Okinawa, Japan. Logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate the odds ratios of abnormalities in voiding parameters for the obese group, with the non-obese group serving as a reference. (3) Results: The obese group had odds ratios of 5.17 (95% confidence interval: 1.33–20.0) for shortened hours of undisturbed sleep (<302 min) by s-HMSU and 7.65 (1.88–31.1) for nighttime urinary frequency by a questionnaire after adjusting for age and sex. In addition, the obese group had an adjusted odds ratio of 2.27 (0.76–6.78) for decreased maximum bladder capacity (<212 mL) by s-HMSU. (4) Conclusion: the results of the present study suggest that nocturia and shortened hours of undisturbed sleep are signs of obesity.
Simultaneous Improvement of Dissolution Behavior and Oral Bioavailability of Antifungal Miconazole via Cocrystal and Salt Formation
Authors: Drozd Ksenia V. , Manin Alex N. , Boycov Denis E. , Perlovich German L.
Published: May 2022

Miconazole shows low oral bioavailability in humans due to poor aqueous solubility, although it has demonstrated various pharmacological activities such as antifungal, anti-tubercular and anti-tumor effects. Cocrystal/salt formation is one of the effective methods for solving this problem. In this study, different methods (liquid-assisted grinding, slurrying and lyophilization) were used to investigate their impact on the formation of the miconazole multicomponent crystals with succinic, maleic and dl-tartaric acids. The solid state of the prepared powder was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that lyophilization not only promotes partial amorphization of both salts but also allows obtaining a new polymorph of the miconazole salt with dl-tartaric acid. The lyophilized salts compared with the same samples prepared by two other methods showed better dissolution rates but low stability during the studies due to rapid recrystallization. Overall, it was determined that the preparation method of multicomponent crystals affects the solid-state characteristics and miconazole physicochemical properties significantly. The in vivo studies revealed that the miconazole multicomponent crystals indicated the higher peak blood concentration and area under the curve from 0 to 32 h values 2.4-, 2.9- and 4.6-fold higher than the pure drug. Therefore, this study demonstrated that multicomponent crystals are promising formulations for enhancing the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds.
Immediate Release Formulation of Inhaled Beclomethasone Dipropionate-Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Composite Particles Produced Using Supercritical Assisted Atomization
Authors: Wu Hsien-Tsung , Chuang Yao-Hsiang , Lin Han-Cyuan , Hu Tzu-Chieh , Tu Yi-Jia , Chien Liang-Jung
Published: May 2022

In this study, the enhanced solubilization performance of a poorly soluble drug, beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), was investigated using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and ethanol. The enhanced solubility of the drug was determined using the phase solubility method and correlated as a function of both HP-β-CD and ethanol concentrations. The effective progress of drug solubility originated from the formation of cyclodextrin and BDP inclusion complexes and increase in the lipophilicity of the medium, by aqueous ethanol, for hydrophobic BDP. BDP and HP-β-CD composite particles were produced using supercritical assisted atomization (SAA) with carbon dioxide as the spraying medium, 54.2% (w/w) aqueous ethanol as the solvent, and an optimal amount of the dispersion enhancer leucine. The effect of the mass ratio of HP-β-CD to BDP (Z) on the in vitro aerosolization and in vitro dissolution performance of BDP–HP-β-CD composite particles was evaluated. The aerosolization performance showed that the fine particles fraction (FPF) of the composite particles increased with increasing mass ratio. The water-soluble excipient (HP-β-CD) effectively enhance the dissolution rate of BDP from composite particles. This study suggests that BDP–HP-β-CD composite particles produced using SAA can be employed in immediate-release drug formulations for pulmonary delivery.
The Development of Frequency Multipliers for Terahertz Remote Sensing System
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wu Chengkai , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Li , Dai Chunyue , Cui Jianhang , Li Yukun , Kinar Nicholas
Published: May 2022

This paper summarizes the development of novel Schottky-diode-based terahertz frequency multipliers. The basic structure and manufacturing process of planar Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) are reviewed, along with other diode structures that have been proposed in the literature. A numerical modeling method for the novel diodes in the context of terahertz frequency multipliers is presented, which includes 3D electromagnetic (EM) modeling, electro-thermal modeling and modeling of physical non-ideal effects. Furthermore, a general design methodology for developing terahertz frequency multipliers is introduced, involving a sub-division design method (SDM), a global design method (GDM) and a half-sub-division and half-global design method (HS-HGDM). These methods are summarized and compared for 110 GHz and 220 GHz frequency multipliers in the context of communication and imaging applications. Laboratory measurements of these multipliers show good agreement with numerical simulations. Finally, several classic terahertz remote sensing systems are reviewed, and a 220 GHz remote sensing system established using novel frequency multipliers for security inspection purposes is presented along with associated imaging results.
Prediction of Spread Trend of Epidemic Based on Spatial-Temporal Sequence
Authors: Li Qian , Pan Qiao , Xie Liying
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the world, and it is necessary for us to implement effective methods to prevent and control the spread of the epidemic. In this paper, we propose a new model called Spatial–Temporal Attention Graph Convolutional Networks (STAGCN) that can analyze the long-term trend of the COVID-19 epidemic with high accuracy. The STAGCN employs a spatial graph attention network layer and a temporal gated attention convolutional network layer to capture the spatial and temporal features of infectious disease data, respectively. While the new model inherits the symmetric “space-time space” structure of Spatial–Temporal Graph Convolutional Networks (STGCN), it enhances its ability to identify infectious diseases using spatial–temporal correlation features by replacing the graph convolutional network layer with a graph attention network layer that can pay more attention to important features based on adaptively adjusted feature weights at different time points. The experimental results show that our model has the lowest error rate compared to other models. The paper also analyzes the prediction results of the model using interpretable analysis methods to provide a more reliable guide for the decision-making process during epidemic prevention and control.
Study on the Relationship between Water Resources Utilization and Economic Growth in Tarim River basin from the Perspective of Water Footprint
Authors: Lu Quan , Liu Fengjiao , Li Yanjun , Wang Dezhen
Published: May 2022

Taking the Tarim River basin as the research object, the water footprint was calculated based on the water footprint theory based on the relevant data from 2008 to 2019, and the water resource evaluation system was constructed to analyze the water footprint and water resource utilization of the Tarim River basin from three levels of structure, benefit, and ecology. Based on the water footprint theory, the annual water footprint and GDP of Tarim River basin were used to construct the Tapio decoupling model, and the decoupling type between water resources utilization and economic growth was obtained. The relationship between water resource utilization and economic growth in Tarim River was analyzed by combining the decoupling type evaluation and water footprint evaluation. The internal benefit is poor, and the external benefit is good; The degree of water resource shortage is on the rise, and the self-sufficiency rate of water resources is large. On the whole, the decoupling strength increases gradually. Decoupling strength has obvious industrial influence characteristics. Based on the above research conclusions, the sustainable economic and ecological development of the Tarim River basin can be realized from two aspects: reducing water footprint and strengthening decoupling intensity.