bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Bone Loss and Tunnel Widening in Revision ACL Reconstruction
Authors: McMellen Christopher J. , Sinkler Margaret A. , Calcei Jacob G. , Hobson Taylor E. , Karns Michael R. , Voos James E.
Published: August 2023

➤ Both mechanical and biological factors can contribute to bone loss and tunnel widening following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

➤ Revision ACL surgery success is dependent on graft position, fixation, and biological incorporation.

➤ Both 1-stage and 2-stage revision ACL reconstructions can be successful in correctly indicated patients.

➤ Potential future solutions may involve the incorporation of biological agents to enhance revision ACL surgery, including the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate, platelet-rich plasma, and bone morphogenetic protein-2.
Digital poetry for adult English learners with limited education: Possibilities in language learning, literacy development and interculturality
Authors: Rillera-Kempster Jemima
Published: August 2023

Studies on the role of digital technology in teaching and learning English tend to focus on secondary or higher education contexts and/or with literate or educated students. The recent global pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to advance digital equity and inclusion for adult learners with limited education and literacy. Despite their basic digital, language and literacy skills, classroom observations and studies have challenged stereotypes of this cohort of students’ limited capacity for online learning (Pobega, 2020; Tour et al, 2021). This paper will discuss a digital literacy project which involved poetry writing using an online book creator app with adult learners with limited English print literacy skills. Moving beyond merely mastering the mechanics of digital technologies (Kern, 2015), this project was an exploration of how language classrooms can be set up as supportive spaces where adult English learners perform “social acts of meaning mediated by the creation of texts” (Bhatt, 2012). Drawing on their personal histories, the learners made connections with the people, events, and spaces, from their past and present, emphasising the need to focus on human connections in language learning and the development of digital literacy skills (Guillén et al, 2020). Through poetry as a familiar literary form, the project serves to expand and strengthen the epistemic contribution capability (Fricker, 2015) of English learners with limited education and print literacy skills.
Teaching with Technology: Putting the 'enhanced' into Technology Enhanced Language Learning (and Teaching).
Authors: Shoecraft Kelly
Published: August 2023

The use of technology in language teaching and learning has been rising in popularity with rapid developments in technology as well as increased need due to the recent coronavirus pandemic.  Moreover, the sheer number of technologies available and the choices with how to implement them can be quite daunting for teachers, particularly those who are new to teaching, or have limited experience with technology.  Within the field of Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL), it is essential to establish the meaning of ‘enhanced’ and understand how digital practices can be effectively implemented to indeed ‘enhance’ pedagogical practices and contribute to student learning. 

In this article, specific technologies implemented in a Master of TESOL university course are presented and evaluated using the TPACK framework (Mishra & Koehler, 2006).  Padlet, Video recordings, chat forums and shared documents were effectively implemented to ‘enhance’ the learning through the potential increase in motivation, increased opportunities for participation and through applying language skills to higher order thinking tasks.  Additional activity ideas for TELL in TESOL contexts are presented along with considerations for classroom teachers.   The evaluation and discussion of these technologies highlight the benefits of TELL and the importance of purposefully choosing technologies based on pedagogical goals.
Front Matter
Authors: Journal Coordinator TESOL in Context
Published: August 2023

About TESOL in Context
Journal aims
Editorial teams
Editorial board
Evaluation of Effects of Waterflooding-Induced Bilayer Fractures on Tight Reservoir Using Pressure-Transient Analysis Method
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Ning Zhengfu , Zhan Jie , Guo Wenting
Published: August 2023

Waterflooding will open natural fractures to form induced fractures, which differ from hydraulic fractures because the hydraulic fracture is filled with proppant but the induced fracture is not. Natural fractures are connected by waterflooding. However, because the waterflooding pressure is limited, induced fractures cannot run through the entire reservoir but instead form multiple parallel induced-fracture bands in the vertical direction. Currently, using conventional finite-conductivity methods to match field data will obtain unreasonable results, especially the half-length, conductivity of fracture, and reservoir permeability, which lead to the water breakthrough, which cannot be found in time. This paper presents the waterflooding-induced bilayer fracture (WIBF) model, considering induced-fracture dynamic closure (IDC), dynamic induced-fracture storage (DIS), and induced-fracture radial flow (IRF) effects. Two innovative flow regimes are interpreted, which are dynamic induced-fracture flow and early radial flow regimes. Five innovation parameters are introduced into the WIBF model to describe the IDC, DIS, and IRF effects. The WIBF model is calculated and solved by the Green equation and Newman product methods. Induced-fracture storage coefficient and half-length closure equations are derived to characterize the unique induced-fracture properties. Analytical and numerical methods verify the model’s accuracy. The WIBF model matches a type field case to prove its practicability. Results show that compared with the conventional finite-conductivity model, the proposed model matches the field case well and the interpreted parameters are consistent with the water injection profile and actual field data. The pressure derivative curve shows an early horizontal line, identified as a pressure response of bilayer-induced fractures. If the flow regime is misidentified as pseudoradial flow, some obtained parameters will be absurd, and permeability will be amplified many times. In conclusion, physical and mathematical models are established to describe induced fracture. Induced-fracture storage coefficient and half-length equations are derived. Model matching and equation calculation methods are mutually validated to improve the accuracy of the obtained parameters. Dynamic induced-fracture half-length is interpreted quantitatively to make the engineer take action before the water breakthrough. The model in this paper also provides some parameters for infilling well patterns or determining well spacing economically.
RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 drives cognitive decline in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy
Authors: Necarsulmer Julie , Simon Jeremy , Evangelista Baggio , Chen Youjun , Tian Xu , Nafees Sara , Gonzalez Ariana Marquez , Jiang Huijin , Wang Ping , Ajit Deepa , Nikolova Viktoriya , Harper Kathryn , Ezzell Jennifer , Feng-Chang  , Beltran Adriana , Moy Sheryl , Cohen Todd
Published: August 2023

TDP-43 proteinopathies including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aggregation and mislocalization of the nucleic-acid binding protein TDP-43 and subsequent neuronal dysfunction. Here, we developed endogenous models of sporadic TDP-43 proteinopathy based on the principle that disease-associated TDP-43 acetylation at lysine 145 (K145) alters TDP-43 conformation, impairs RNA-binding capacity, and induces downstream mis-regulation of target genes. Expression of acetylation-mimic TDP-43K145Q resulted in stress-induced nuclear TDP-43 foci and loss of TDP-43 function in primary mouse and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Mice harboring the TDP-43K145Q mutation recapitulated key hallmarks of FTLD, including progressive TDP-43 phosphorylation and insolubility, TDP-43 mis-localization, transcriptomic and splicing alterations, and cognitive dysfunction. Our study supports a model in which TDP-43 acetylation drives neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline through aberrant splicing and transcription of critical genes that regulate synaptic plasticity and stress response signaling. The neurodegenerative cascade initiated by TDP-43 acetylation recapitulates many aspects of human FTLD and provides a new paradigm to further interrogate TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Gravitational Effect on Fundamental Physical Observables
Authors: Kurihara Yoshimasa
Published: August 2023

This report studies possible gravitational effects on measurements of fundamental physical observables such as the fine structure constant and the lepton magnetic moment. Although a static gravitational potential does not contribute to physical observables owing to Einstein's equivalent principle, a dynamic degree with finite momentum transfer can contribute to them. In other words, a laboratory frame fixed on the Earth is not an inertial system; thus, Earth's gravity can contribute to local observables. We investigate experimental results measuring the fine structure constant and electron and muon magnetic moments using the quantum field theoretic method under the Schwarzschild background field.
We prepare classical vierbein and spin-connection fields owing to the Schwarzschild metric in the momentum space of the local Lorentz space and estimate possible gravitational effects at the surface of the Earth as O(10-9), which is consistent with the current discrepancy between measured and calculated values of the muon anomalous magnetic moment. On the other hand, the gravitational effect does not contribute to the fine structure constant measurements.
We propose a possible test of gravitational effects in particle physics using precise measurement of muon properties in the J-PARK.
PACS numbers: 04.62.+v,13.40.Em,13.40.Gp
Accelerating Discovery: A Novel Flow Cytometric Method for Detecting Fibrin(ogen) Amyloid Microclots Using Long COVID as a Model
Authors: Turner Simone , Laubscher Gert J , Khan M Asad , Kell Douglas B , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Long COVID has become a significant global health and economic burden, yet there are currently no established methods or diagnostic tools to identify which patients might benefit from specific treatments. One of the major pathophysiological factors contributing to Long COVID is the presence of hypercoagulability; this results in insoluble amyloid microclots that are resistant to fibrinolysis. Our previous research using fluorescence microscopy has demonstrated a significant amyloid microclot load in Long COVID patients. However, this approach lacked the elements of statistical robustness, objectivity, and rapid throughput. In the current study, we have used imaging flow cytometry for the first time to show a significantly increased concentration and size of these microclots. We identified notable variations in size and fluorescence between microclots in Long COVID and those of controls even using a 20x objective. By combining cell imaging and the high-event-rate and full-sample analysis nature of a conventional flow cytometer, imaging flow cytometry can eliminate erroneous results and increase accuracy in gating and analysis beyond what pure quantitative measurements from conventional flow cytometry can provide. Although imaging flow cytometry was used in our study, our results suggest that the signals indicating the presence of microclots should be easily detectable using a conventional flow cytometer. Flow cytometry is a more widely available technique than fluorescence microscopy and has been used in pathology laboratories for decades, rendering it a potentially more suitable and accessible method for detecting microclots in individuals suffering from Long COVID or conditions with similar pathology, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Phytoremediation of multi-metal contaminated copper tailings with herbaceous plant and composite amendments
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Xue Jinchun , You Jiajia , Zhang Zhengliao , Qi Hui , Zhang Xiao
Published: August 2023

After the closure of the large tailing pond of copper sulfide mine, ecological restoration must be carried out. The ecological restoration method of directly using tailing as a vegetation matrix to replace guest soil is a new method. The key to this method lies in improving the substrate environment and carry out phytoremediation. A field test was performed to carry out an enhanced phytoremediation technique for multi-metal contaminated copper tailings by Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), using conditioner (TH-LZ01) and straw combination into composite amendments as soil amendments, aimed to obtain the maximum of phytoremediation effect. The 5% conditioner and 0.5% straw (C2S2) were recommended as the optimum chemical proportions for amendment materials. We could find that the chlorophyll, catalase activity, plant length and fresh weight in the 5% conditioner and 0.5% straw (C2S2) applied treatments were notably higher when compared with those of other treatments, indicating that composite amendments could alleviate the toxicity of metals to plants. In addition, adding composite amendments can obviously improve the restoration effect of Sudan grass, ryegrass and Bermuda grass on the pH, water content, electrical conductivity and organic matter of copper tailings. Compared with no treatment, the absorption of metal in leaves of plants treated with composite amendments is lower, but that in roots is enhanced, revealing that the stability of metal in roots is enhanced by composite amendments treatment to a great extent. By applying composite amendments, the metal removal effect of ryegrass appeared to be particularly effective, and by the following order: Cd (48.5%) > Zn (45.8%) > Pb (27.7%) > Cu (21.9%), followed by Sudan grass and Bermuda grass.
Classification and identification of emotion of non-foreign music based on TR-Bi-LSTM emotion analysis
Authors: Yu Ping , Fu XueBo
Published: August 2023

Intangible cultural heritage (IntCH) folk music has garnered considerable attention due to its immense potential cultural, artistic, and commercial value. With the advancement of the national economy, artistic forms have undergone unprecedented diversification, leading to a corresponding cultural impact on IntCH folk music. Unfortunately, this has also led to the loss of some of these invaluable musical traditions. In this study, we propose an improved bi-directional LSTM for accurately classifying and recognizing the sentiment of IntCH music. Our hybrid network model, TR-Bi-LSTM, incorporates an attention mechanism in the bidirectional LSTM, allowing us to enhance the sentiment analysis at crucial junctures in the music and further augment the accuracy of the model. Additionally, we employ a Dense-ResNet network to perform preliminary feature extraction of the emotion of non-foreign music, thereby strengthening the overall effectiveness of the model. Experimental results indicate that our proposed approach surpasses existing models in terms of accuracy, F1 score, and AUC evaluation index, thus making a significant contribution to the transmission and development of non-foreign music.
Factors of progression to severity and death in COVID-19 patients at two health care sites in Bamako, Mali
Authors: TRAORE Abdoulaye Mamadou , TOURE Mamadou Karim , DIARRA Bakary , KEITA Modibo , SANAFO Salif , KODIO Mamoudou , Dabo Garan , TRAORE Bourama , COULIBALY Yaya Ibrahim , DIARRA Aminata , DICKO Adama , TRAORE Hamar A. , FAYE Ousmane , MINTA Daouda K.
Published: August 2023

Objectives: To analyze the clinical and biological characteristics and to evaluate the risk factors associated to the mortality of patients with COVID-19 in Commune 4 of the District of Bamako.
Methods: The cohort consisted of COVID-19 patients treated from March 2020 to June 2022 at the Bamako Dermatology Hospital and the Pasteur private Polyclinic in Commune 4 in Bamako. The variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical and biological. For the analysis of deaths, explanatory variables were grouped into sociodemographic factors, comorbidities and symptoms. Binomial logistic regression models were used to test the risk factors for mortality.
Results: Among the 1319 patients included, 38.4% were asymptomatic, 46% and 15.5% developed moderate and severe forms respectively. The predominant signs were cough (48.5%), respiratory difficulty (24.6%) and headache (19.7%). There was a male predominance of 58.2%. High blood pressure (19.9%) and diabetes (10%) are the main comorbidities. Men were in the majority (58.2%). High blood pressure (19.9%) and diabetes (10%) are the main comorbidities. D-dimer<500µg/l was found in 53.3% of cases and the mean hemoglobin level was 12.9±1.7g/l. The case fatality rate was 3.71% in our series. In bivariate analysis, age>60 years, High blood pressure, diabetes, clinical severity, D-dimer <500 µg/l were associated with death. By the logistic regression method, age >60 years, increased heart rate, the severity of disease and mainly acute respiratory distress syndrome (polypnea, respiratory difficulty) were the factors associated with death.
Conclusion: These main findings elucidate the factors associated with severity and lethality outside of health care system constraints. Old age, heart rate and the development of respiratory distress were the factors associated with increased fatalities.
Suspension nonlinear analysis and VSS-LMS adaptive filtering control of satellite borne flexible structure
Authors: Ma Guoliang , Chen Liqun
Published: August 2023

Satellite borne flexible structure is a multi-degree-of-freedom system, which contains complex dynamic characteristics such as time-varying parameters, geometric nonlinearity, gap nonlinearity, and so on. Flexible structure suspension typically results in geometric nonlinearity. The oscillation equation with nonlinear term is established according to the law of motion of a nonlinear pendulum and considering the influence of medium swing angle and lateral force. The perturbation approach is used to get the relationship between vibration frequency and the nonlinear term, and the impact of factors on vibration characteristics is investigated. The satellite borne flexible structure's active vibration control(AVC) system is then established. Considering proportional differential(PD) or fuzzy control adjustment, variable step size least mean square(VSS-LMS) adaptive filtering algorithm is used to calculate the control signal, and considering the influence of geometric nonlinearity, the actuator is used to suppress the vibration of the satellite borne flexible structure. Finally, the vibration response's amplitude under steady-state excitation significantly decreases as an outcome of the vibration control simulation.
Construction of a multi-dimensional health evaluation index system for occupational population from the perspective of health ecology: A Delphi study
Authors: Zhou Xiaoling , Wu Jing , Liu Ying , Zhou Geyao , Yan Yuzhong , Li Ming
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe health status of occupational population is very critical to the development of countries and regions as the main force of social and economic development. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive and systematic indicators to evaluate for the health of occupational groups at present. This paper aims to construct a multi-dimensional evaluation index system for occupational population.methodsThis study combined literature review and initially established a multidimensional health system framework for occupational population based on health ecology theory, and then used two rounds of Delphi expert consultation to construct the final multidimensional health index system for occupational population. The study selected 15 experts in related fields for two rounds of Delphi expert consultation. The index selection criteria were the average importance score >4 and the coefficient of variation <0.25.ResultsThe recovery rates of the two rounds of expert questionnaires were 100.00% and 93.33% respectively, the expert authority coefficient were 0.90, and the Kendall’s coordination coefficients of the first and second level indexes were 0.32 and 0.42 (P≥ 0. 001). The final index system includes 4 primary indicators (individual characteristics, health knowledge, health behavior and health skills), 13 second-level indicators and 41 third-level indicators.The weight coefficients of the four primary health dimensions are relatively close, and the "health knowledge" is slightly higher.ConclusionsThe multi-dimensional health index system of occupational population established in this study is comprehensive, reliable and reasonable, and can be used as a reference tool for comprehensive evaluation of health status of general occupational population.
Mitoguardin-2 promotes cell proliferation by activating AKT and regulating Hippo/YAP1 signaling pathway in ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Liu Xiao-Man , Yan Ming-Qi , Zhu Bing-Hong , Liu Xiao-Hong , Yang Yu-Meng , Duan Xiu-Yun , wang Yong , Sun Hui , Feng Mei
Published: August 2023

Mitochondria have been identified to be involved in oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, cell death, and cell proliferation. Previous studies have demonstrated that Mitoguardin (Miga), a mitochondrial protein that governs mitochondrial fusion, mitochondria-ER contacts, lipid formation and autophagy, is crucial for ovarian endocrine and follicular development. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether Miga is implicated in the regulation of ovarian granulosa cell proliferation, which cellular signals are involved, and how they are regulated. This study revealed that mammalian MIGA1,-2 promotes cell proliferation and regulates the phosphorylation and localization of YAP1 in ovarian granulosa cells. The upregulation of MIGA2 resulted in a reduction of YAP1 activity, while the removal of MIGA2 led to an increase in YAP1 activity. Further analyses have indicated that MIGA1,-2 regulated YAP1 via the Hippo signaling pathway and regulate AKT activity in collaboration with YAP1. In addition, LPA was able to regulate MIGA2 expression and AKT activity by activating YAP1. In brief, our findings demonstrate that the mitochondrial protein MIGA2 regulates the Hippo/YAP1 signaling pathway and promotes AKT activity and cellular proliferation in ovarian granulosa cells, which may contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of reproductive endocrine disease such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
Decomposition analysis of Antenatal care utilization inequities among underprivileged communities in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekango Dejene Ermias , Moges Sisay , Lajore Bereket Abrham , Buda Alula Seyum , Ejajo Tekle , Erkalo Desta
Published: August 2023

Background
Health equity has emerged as a global issue in the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, and Ethiopia is no exception. Despite positive improvements, inequities in maternal health service utilization among demographic groups continue to be one of Ethiopia's significant challenges. This study focuses on antenatal care service discrimination among a local underprivileged group of women known as the "Golden Hands" community in Ethiopia's Kembata Tembaro Zone. The subgroup community consists of underprivileged women “Golden-hands," formerly known as "Fuga," who face discrimination in all aspects of life owing to their living conditions and ethnic background.
Methods
A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kembata-Tembaro zone of Southern Ethiopia. Double population proportion sample size estimation method was used and a total of 1,210 eligible participants were included in the study, out of which 440 of were Golden-Hands community members. Stratified random sampling was used to choose the samples. The concentration curve and index, as well as multivariable decomposition analysis, were used to examine inequality.
Result
Discrimination accounted for 60.23 percent of the decreased ANC service use by the Golden Hand community and Endowment accounts for just 39.47 percent of the reduced ANC service. The rate of ANC service is 3.64 times greater in women in the top quintile than in those in the lowest. increasing in age, urban residence, and wealth index were the most important independent factors with statistically significant contributions to discriminated difference.
Conclusion
High disparity in ANC service was observed in the study and, residency and wealth index contribute the highest proportion to the inequity. Therefore, marginalized groups in society people should get higher attention by policymakers and other organization.
The anti-proliferative potential of Albizia lebbeck ethanolic extract on human breast cancer cells and performance of extreme machine models in modelling of cell migration
Authors: Umar Huzaifa , Usman Abdullahi Garba , Rabiu Maryam , Ghali Umar Muhammad , Abba Sani Isah , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun
Published: August 2023

Cancer is one of the major causes of death in the modern world, and the incidence varies considerably based on race, ethnicity, and region. Novel cancer treatments, such as surgery and immunotherapy, are ineffective and expensive. In this situation, ion channels responsible for cell migration have appeared to be the most promising targets for cancer treatment. This research presents findings on the organic compounds present in Albizia lebbeck ethanolic extracts (ALEE), as well as their impact on the anti-migratory, anti-proliferative and cytotoxic potentials on MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) based models, multilayer perceptron (MLP), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and extreme learning machine (ELM) were performed to predict in vitro cancer cell migration on both cell lines, based on our experimental data. The organic compounds composition of the ALEE was studied using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Cytotoxicity, anti-proliferations, and anti-migratory activity of the extract using Tryphan Blue, MTT, and Wound Heal assay, respectively. Among the various concentrations (2.5 ~ 200 µg/mL) of the ALLE that were used in our study, 2.5 ~ 10 µg/mL revealed anti-migratory potential with increased concentrations, and they did not show any effect on the proliferation of the cells (P < 0.05; n ≥ 3). Furthermore, the three data-driven models, Multi-layer perceptron (MLP), Extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and Extreme learning machine (ELM), predict the potential migration ability of the extract on the treated cells based on our experimental data. Overall, the concentrations of the plant extract that does not affect the proliferation of the type cells used demonstrated promising effects in reducing cell migration. XGB outperformed the MLP and ELM models and increased their performance efficiency by up to 3% and 1% for MCF and 1% and 2% for MDA-MB231, respectively, in the testing phase.
Sago Sep: A Traditional Food Source for the Marind Anim Tribe in Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Kadir Akhmad , Suharno Suharno , Reawaruw Yohana N.I. , Ali Aisyah
Published: August 2023

Food sources around the world depend on the local availability in nature. In Indonesia, one of the naturally and locally available food sources is sago, which is processed into various traditional foods to meet the community’s daily needs. Aside from fulfilling the demand for food, sago is also culturally valuable. This study examines sago processing into traditional cuisines in the southern part of Papua, Indonesia, with data collected through a survey. The results show that the indigenous Marind Anim people process sago into different traditional foods: papeda, roasted sago or sago plates, and sago sep. Sago sep is a traditional food of the Marind Anim tribe commonly found in the lowland areas of Merauke. Meanwhile, Papeda and sago plates are influenced by the migrant community consisting of the northern Papuan and Maollucan indigenous peoples. Sago Sep’s types are sago sep Teta, Komabo, Nggalamo, Ebayak, Kwetahuk, and Sinoli, distinguished based on the additional constituent ingredients.
Enhancing Deblocking Efficiency and Curing Reaction of Phenol-Blocked Polymeric Methylenediphenyldiisocyanate for Advanced Epoxy-Polyurethane Film Formulation
Authors: R Karthi , Govindarajan Sankar
Published: August 2023

Novel phenol blocked polymeric methylene diphenyldiisocyanate (pMDI) derivatives were synthesized and characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The deblocking temperatures of the blocked isocyanates were determined using CO2 evolution method, DSC, and TGA spectroscopy. A cure reaction was performed between the blocked isocyanates and poly(Terathane-2000) to establish the structure-property relationship. Unsubstituted phenol-based blocked isocyanates exhibited superior deblocking temperatures and gel times compared to those with electron-donating substituted phenols. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding in blocking agents such as 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy acetophenone, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, and methyl 4-hydroxy benzoate resulted in unexpectedly high deblocking temperatures. Conversely, electron-withdrawing and steric effects led to low deblocking temperatures and gel times for blocked isocyanates BI-13 and BI-15. The solubility behavior of the blocked isocyanates was studied using various polyols (PEG-400, PEG-4000, and PEG-6000). Epoxy-polyurethane films were prepared using the blocked isocyanates, and their structures were confirmed using ATR spectroscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties of these films were investigated, including shoreA hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength.
Trends in deaths and disability-adjusted life-years of stroke attributable to low physical activity worldwide, 1990-2019
Authors: Li Jun-xiao , Zhong Qiong-qiong , Yuan Shi-xiang , Zhu Feng
Published: August 2023

Background
Low physical activity (LPA) has been linked to the risk of stroke. Previous studies on the disease burden of stroke attributable to LPA are incomplete and lagged. We aim to assess spatiotemporal trends in the global burden of stroke attributable to LPA from 1990 to 2019.
Methods
Based on the global burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, our research examined deaths, the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), the Age-Standardized Mortality Rate (ASMR), the Age-Standardized DALY Rate (ASDR), and the Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) for stroke attributable to LPA.
Results
Deaths and DALYs were on the rise worldwide from 1990 to 2019, with increases of 72.72% for the former and 67.41% for the latter; ASMR and ASDR decreased, with the ASMR-related EAPC of -1.61 (95% CI:-1.71–-1.5) and ASDR-related EAPC of -1.35 (95% CI:-1.43–-1.27); the females had more numbers of deaths and DALYs, and the majorities of deaths and DALYs were shared by those aged ≥70. The highest-burden rates were shared by North Africa, Middle East, and Tropical Latin America; the ASMR-related EAPC was associated with the ASMR in 1990 (R=-0.26, P<0.001) and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) across different countries in 2019 (R=-0.61, P<0.001), respectively, and such patterns were similar to what ASDR and the ASDR-related EAPC had; the Human Development Index (HDI) in 2019 was associated with the ASMR-related EAPC (R=0.63, P<0.001) and the ASDR-related EAPC across different countries (R=-0.62, P< 0.001), respectively.
Conclusions
Globally, deaths and DALYs of stroke attributable to LPA have deteriorated over the recent three decades. Special attention should be given to the effects of physical activity on health, and patients with stroke attributable to LPA worldwide should energetically be cared about, especially among those aged ≥ 70 and females in the regions of East Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Walk or be walked by the dog? The attachment role
Authors: Martins Catarina Freitas , Silva Luís , Soares Jorge P. , Pinto Graça S. , Abrantes Catarina , Cardoso Luís , Pires Maria A. , Mota Maria P.
Published: August 2023

Background The human-animal bond has been recognized as having positive effects on the health and well-being of both humans and pets. The present study aims to explore the influence of attachment on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes of dog owners (DO), highlighting the mutual benefits resulting from the relationship between DO and dogs.Methods Thirty-eight DO and their dogs participated in this study. Socio-demographic data, the Subjective Perceptive Health Scale (SPHS), FANTASTIC lifestyle, and the Lexington Attachment Pet Scale (LAPS) were assessed. PA was measured in both the DO and the dogs, using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in the context of daily routine. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between LAPS, PA levels, variables socio-demographic, lifestyle behaviors, and SPHS.Results Significant correlations were found between the DO’s light-level PA and the pets' vigorous level of PA (rho = 0.45). Furthermore, the importance of the pets' health and the LAPS subscales, namely proximity and attachment, were related to taking the pet for a walk. Concerning lifestyle, DO with a healthier lifestyle have a better self-assessment of their health using the SHPS (rho = 0.39, p = 0.02). Moreover, DO with better lifestyles have also exhibited greater concern for their pet's health and had higher levels of PA.Conclusions This study underlines that individuals adopting healthier habits tend to perceive themselves as healthier and exhibit greater concern for their pets' health. The attachment between DO and dogs is important to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and PA engagement. Our results highlight that the presence of a dog is associated with a higher level of DO’s PA, depending on the strength of the human-animal bond.
Illustration of association between change in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values and time to tumor status after treatment for prostate cancer patients: A joint modelling approach
Authors: Liaqat Madiha , Kamal Shahid , Fischer Florian
Published: August 2023

Background
Biomarkers’ information utilize for prediction of new patient’s suffering using statistical approaches to model outcomes. Simultaneous analysis of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and time to tumor shrinkage after treatment allows it to make dynamic prediction adjustable over time. The motivation of this work is to elaborate the dynamic prediction about individual-specific trajectories of prostate cancer progression and tumor shrinkage, using baseline patients’ characteristics and longitudinal PSA data.
Methods
We developed joint models to predict low tumor status after treatment considering repeated PSA measurements, adjusted for baseline body-mass-index. We modeled 1,504 prostate cancer patients’ data jointly using mixed-effect sub-model for longitudinal PSA and an event time sub-model for tumor shrinkage.
Results
Baseline prognostic factors affected PSA level over time; also, an association of PSA on time with tumor status is evaluated. Patients who observed low tumor status had low PSA values during follow-up and also had exponentially decreasing PSA within one month after treatment. Factors included in this analysis were significant in mixed-effects and event time sub-models.
Conclusions
Medical science has evolved from subjective prediction to dynamic prediction, based on statistical knowledge with use of joint modelling of longitudinal data and event time outcomes. It provides individual event prediction with dynamic nature of time-accumulated evidence-based tools. We developed a joint model to predict prostate cancer patients’ tumor status after treatment with observing longitudinal PSA. It is evaluated that dynamically updated PSA information can improve prognosis, which is used to make follow-up and treatment decision-making easy and fruitful.
Multi-omics Analysis of Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily 4 Reveals Its Prognostic Value and T Cell Exhaustion Feature in Cancer
Authors: Luo Tianqi , Wu Yue , Chen Zewei , Tai Yi , Zhang Feiyang , Chen Weiqing , Lei Kai , Zhou Qi
Published: August 2023

Background
As a member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) family, Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily 4 (TNFSF4) participated in various immune-related processes. Nevertheless, much is yet to be elucidated regarding the biological function of TNFSF4 in pan-cancer.
Methods
RNA-seq and corresponding clinical variables were gained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Immunotherapy cohorts were retrieved and downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) was used to evaluate tumor-infiltrating immune cell level in tumors. The Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub 2 (TISCH2) database was utilized to examine the expression of TNFSF4 across various tumor cell subsets. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was utilized to explore related signaling pathways of TNFSF4.
Results
We utilized bioinformatic methods to analyze the TNFSF4 across TCGA cancers and found that TNFSF4 expression was highly increased in cancers compared to normal tissues. Further immunohistochemistry staining of multiple tumors validated this finding. Univariate Cox regression and survival analyses revealed that TNFSF4 served as a risk factor for a majority of cancer. Furthermore, TNFSF4 expression increased with the progression of tumor stage in multiple cancers. In the two immunotherapy cohorts from the GEO database, the proportion of PR/CR patients was higher in the TNFSF4 low-expression group. Through integrating single-cell data from the TISCH database, we found that TNFSF4 expression was predominantly observed in proliferative T cells and exhausted T cells. Correlation analysis demonstrated that TNFSF4 was positively associated with a range of immunomodulatory genes. Ultimately, analysis of GSEA revealed that TNFSF4 was related to immune response and EMT pathways.
Conclusions
We identified the function of TNFSF4 as a valuable molecule for cancer, and its capacity to predict response of immunotherapy. Importantly, our work revealed a robust association between TNFSF4 and exhausted T cells within the tumor microenvironment, which indicated TNFSF4 may be a promising biomarker for cancer treatment.
A Prospective Comparative Study on Bladder Volume Measurement in Patients with Pelvic Tumor Undergoing Radiotherapy: Portable Bladder Scanner from China versus CT Analog Positioning Machine
Authors: Bai fei , Hu Qiu Xia , Yao xiao wei , CHENG ming , Zhao lina , lin 许林林 Xu lin
Published: August 2023

Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the bladder volume of patients with pelvic tumor treated with radiotherapycan be accurately measured using the Meike Palm Bladder Scanner PBSV3.2 manufactured in China and the accuracy of its measurement under different influencing factors.
Methods
To compare the consistency of treatment planned CT bladder volume and bladder volume measured by PBSV3.2 in 165 patients with pelvic radiotherapy tumors. To investigate the accuracy of PBSV3.2 in different sex, age, treatment purpose, and bladder volume.
Results
There was a significant positive correlation with bladder volume on CT and PBSV3.2 (r=0.874; p<0.001). The mean difference between CT measured values and PBSV3.2 was (-0.14±50.17) ml. The results of the different variables showed that the overall mean of PBSV3.2 and CT measurements were statistically different in the age ≥65 years, bladder volumes >400ml and ≤400ml groups (p = 0.028, 0.002, 0.001). There was no statistical significance between the remaining variables. The volume difference between PBSV3.2 measurement and CT was 12.87ml in male patients, which was larger than that in female patients 3.27ml. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficient was 0.473 for bladder volume greater than 400ml and 0.868 for bladder volume less than 400ml; the correlation coefficient of the other variables ranged from 0.802 to 0.893.
Conclusion
This is the first large-sample study to evaluate the accuracy of PBSV3.2 in a pelvic tumor radiotherapy population using the convenient bladder scanner PBSV3.2 made in China. PBSV3.2 provides an acceptable indicator for monitoring bladder volume in patients with pelvic radiotherapy. It is recommended to monitor bladder volume with PBSV3.2 when the planned bladder volume is 200-400ml. For male and patients ≥65 years old, at least two repeat measurements are required when using a bladder scanner and the volume should be corrected by using a modified feature to improve bladder volume consistency.
Andes virus mRNA vaccines: comparison of unmodified and modified mRNA platforms
Authors: Bukreyev Alexander , Kuzmin Ivan , Acosta Ruben Soto , Wasdin Perry , Mire Chad , Engdahl Taylor , Moon Woohyun , Popov Vsevolod , Crowe James , Georgiev Ivelin , Garcia-Blanco Mariano , Abbott Robert
Published: August 2023

Andes virus (ANDV) is a rodent-borne zoonotic orthohantavirus endemic in South America that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in humans, with up to a 40% case fatality rate. We developed ANDV mRNA vaccines based on the M segment of the viral genome that codes for glycoproteins Gn and Gc in a single open reading frame of glycoprotein precursor (GPC). We generated RNAs either with regular uridine (U-mRNA) or N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ-mRNA). Mice immunized by either ANDV U-mRNA or m1Ψ-mRNA developed similar germinal center responses in lymph nodes. Single cell RNA and BCR sequencing of germinal center B cells from vaccinated mice demonstrated similar levels of activation, except an additional cluster of cells exhibiting strong interferon response that was present in animals vaccinated with U-mRNA but not m1Ψ-mRNA. Furthermore, similar immunoglobulin class-switching and somatic hypermutations were observed for the two vaccines. Golden Syrian hamsters were immunized intramuscularly with 2 doses of the vaccines on days 0 and 21. The titers of Gn/Gc-binding antibodies were moderately greater for U-mRNA construct than for m1Ψ-mRNA construct, however, the titers of ANDV-neutralizing antibodies were equivalent. Vaccinated animals were challenged with a lethal dose of ANDV at 21 days after the boost, along with the naïve control group. All control animals succumbed to infection whereas all vaccinated animals survived without any detectable disease or viral load. The data demonstrate the development of effective vaccines against ANDV and the lack of a significant effect of m1Ψ mRNA modification on immunogenicity and protection in the hamster model.
Electrical activity and synchronization of HR-tabu neuron network coupled by Chua corsage memristor
Authors: Li Chunlai , Wang Xuan , Du Jianrong , Li Zhijun
Published: August 2023

The processing and transmission of biological neural information are jointly completed by the electromagnetic activities of neurons in different brain regions. Therefore, it’s of great significance to explore the electrical behavior of heterogeneous neuron network. This paper focuses on the electrical activity and synchronization of a bi-neuron network (HR-tabu neuron network) built by coupling Hindmarsh-Rose and tabu learning models with Chua corsage memristor (CCM). The electrical activities of HR-tabu network, such as spiking discharge and bursting discharge, are revealed under appropriate external stimuli and coupling strength. Interestingly, we find that the initial value-related state switching of HR-tabu network is associated with the equilibrium states of CCM. In addition, the synchronization behavior of HR-tabu network depending on the coupling strength, external stimuli and system parameters is investigated in detail by analyzing the phase difference and synchronization factor. It’s shown that phase synchronization of HR-tabu neuron network can be achieved under small coupling strength, and that complete synchronization can be achieved when the coupling strength is large enough.
Change in Dominant Plant Functional Types: Transitions from Forests to Shrublands or Grasslands in the Western U.S due to Warming, Droughts, and Fire
Authors: Kodero Jared , Felzer Benjamin
Published: August 2023

This study utilizes a biogeographic model integrated within a biogeochemical model to predict change in plant functional type (PFT) dominance that will occur in response to increasing temperatures, droughts, and fire intensity in the Western U.S, based on the RCP8.5 scenario. The dominant PFT determination employs the BIOME4-based biogeography module within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM), using bioclimatic thresholds and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) optimization. Results indicate that 54% of the originally forested grids will convert to either shrubland (29%) or grassland (25%) by the end of the century. Despite the change in PFT dominance, remaining forests show increased productivity due to warming, CO2 fertilization, and favorable climate. Yet, the overall change in carbon storage is a net loss of carbon equal to 9.6 PgC. These results highlight the critical need for effective forest management and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climatic changes on Western U.S. forests.
Experimental study on dynamic response of rock tunnel subjected to train moving load
Authors: Zhang Kai , Xie Heping , Guo Wei , Zhou Changtai , Hu Guibo , Luo Junhan , Qiu Jiadong , Zhu Jianbo
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of transportation engineering, it is increasingly common for railways to closely pass over tunnels. The tunnels might be suffered from damage and destruction under the dynamic loads generated by trains moving on railways, which can in turn threaten the safety of the upper railways. Therefore, it is essential to well understand the dynamic response of tunnels subjected to the upper train moving load. However, there is currently a lack of relevant research on this topic, especially regarding model experiments. To investigate the dynamic response of tunnels subjected to train moving load, physical model experiments were carried out on the train-rail-bridge-shaking table test system, where train moving load was applied through moving of a model train along model tracks. The testing results showed that the train moving speed (vtr) significantly impacts the dynamic response of the tunnel and the surrounding rock mass. Except for the peak particle velocity (PPA) at tunnel vault, the PPAs at other locations and the vibration dominant frequency (f0) at all locations increase as the train moving speed increase. The average PPAs at tunnel spandrels undergo more significant changes compared to the PPAs at tunnel vault, tunnel invert, and inside the surrounding rock mass when the vtr increases. With the exception of some special cases, the average PPAs on tunnel spandrels are generally less than that on the tunnel vault and greater than that on the tunnel invert. As vtr increases, the average f0 on tunnel wall changes more obviously compared to average f0 inside the surrounding rock mass. When the vtr exceeds 10.54 m/s, corresponding to the prototype train moving speed of 120 km/h, the average f0 on tunnel wall are noticeably larger than those inside the surrounding rock. The high coefficients of determination obtained from the nonlinear regression analysis indicates a power relationship between the PPA and vtr, while the f0 shows an exponential association with vtr. The findings of this study hold great importance in ensuring the safe operation of tunnels and railways.