bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the molecular mechanism of pathogenic variants of BIR2 domain in XIAP-deficient inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Sim Kyoung Mi , Kang Mooseok , Oh Hyun Ju , Choi Ho Jung , Kim Yeong Eun , Pack Chan-Gi , Kim Kyunggon , Kim Kyung Mo , Oh Seak Hee , Kim Inki , Chang Iksoo
Published: October 2023

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency causes refractory inflammatory bowel disease. The XIAP protein plays a pivotal role in the pro-inflammatory response through the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing signaling pathway that is important in mucosal homeostasis. We analyzed the molecular mechanism of non-synonymous pathogenic variants (PVs) of XIAP BIR2 domain. We generated N-terminally green fluorescent protein-tagged XIAP constructs of representative non-synonymous PVs. Co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy showed that wild-type XIAP and RIP2 preferentially interacted in live cells, whereas all non-synonymous PV XIAPs failed to interact properly with RIP2. Structural analysis showed that various structural changes by mutations, such as hydrophobic core collapse, Zn-finger loss, and spatial rearrangement, destabilized the two loop structures (174–182 and 205–215) that critically interact with RIP2. Subsequently, it caused a failure of RIP2 ubiquitination and loss of protein deficiency by the auto-ubiquitination of all XIAP mutants. These findings could enhance our understanding of the role of XIAP mutations in XIAP-deficient inflammatory bowel disease and may benefit future therapeutic strategies
Probable Novel APP Met671Leu Mutation in a Chinese Han Family with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ma Limin , Wang Fengyu , Chen Shuai , Wang Shenghui , Wang Zhenzhen , Xia Mingrong , Li Yongli , Ma Huimin , Zhang Jiewen , Shang Junkui
Published: October 2023

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a rare disease caused by autosomal-dominant mutations. APP (encoding amyloid precursor protein), PSEN1 (encoding presenilin 1), and PSEN2 (encoding presenilin 2) are the most common genes cause dominant inherited AD. This study aimed to demonstrate a Chinese early-onset AD pedigree presenting as progressive memory impairment, apraxia, visual-spatial disorders, psychobehavioral disorders, and personality changes with a novel APP gene mutation. The family contains four patients, three carries and three normal family members. The proband underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET), cerebrospinal fluid amyloid detection, 18F-florbetapir (AV-45) Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) imaging, whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Brain MRI images showed brain atrophy, especially in the entorhinal cortex, temporal hippocampus, and lateral ventricle dilation. The FDG-PET showed hypometabolism in the frontotemporal, parietal, and hippocampal regions. 18F-florbetapir (AV-45) PET imaging showed cerebral cortex Aβ protein deposition. The cerebrospinal fluid amyloid protein test showed Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio decreases, pathological phosphor-tau level increases. Whole-exome sequencing detected a new missense mutation of codon 671 (M671L), which was a heterozygous A to T point mutation at position 2011 (c.2011A > T) in exon 16 of the amyloid precursor protein, resulting in the replacement of methionine to Leucine. The co-separation analysis was validated in this family. The mutation was found in 3 patients, 3 clinical normal members in the family, but not in the other 3 unaffected family members, 100 unrelated normal subjects, or 100 sporadic patients with AD. This mutation was probably pathogenic and novel in a Chinese Han family with early-onset AD.
Study on the salt weathering and mechanism of the Banyueshan Giant Buddha in Ziyang City
Authors: Fang Han , Zhu Shuyun , Ren Kefa
Published: October 2023

The sandstones of the Banyueshan Giant Buddha in Ziyang has been suffered different degrees of weathering damage under the influence of external geological environment factors. Through field investigation and laboratory test, the weathering damage types and weathering mechanism of sandstones were defined and analyzed. The research shows that the main weathering damage types of sandstones include exfoliation, soiling, chapping, hollowing and encrustation. The lithotype of the sandstones is confirmed to be yellowish-gray medium-fine grained lithic feldspar sandstone by microscopy. Through XRF chemical composition analysis and field investigation, it was found that SO3 and CaO contents in the surface weathered samples increased significantly. Conventional XRD results show that clay minerals and calcite increased in weathered sandstone samples compared with unweathered core samples. Due to the high detection limit of XRD, soluble salt could not be detected in the samples. The sedimentation-separation can achieve the enrichment of trace soluble salts in the samples. XRD results after sedimentation-separation show that the weathered samples contain soluble salts such as gypsum (80.3%), thenardite (1.6%), etc, but little soluble salts are detected in the unweathered core samples. In addition, the soluble salt ion test further proves that the surface weathered samples are rich in soluble salts, indicating that the existence of soluble salts has an important effect on the weathering damage of sandstones. Based on the theoretical analysis of the crystallization process and pressure of soluble salts, combined with the above experimental results, it is believed that the water absorption, dehydration and crystallization of soluble salts and the accompanying volume expansion and contraction are the internal reasons for the weathering damage of the Banyueshan Giant Buddha in Ziyang.
Polarization-Insensitive Ultra-wideband Metamaterial Absorber for C-, X- and Ku-bands
Authors: Majeed Khalid , Niazi Shahab Ahmad , Altintas Olcay , Baqir Muhammad Abuzar , Karaaslan Muharrem
Published: October 2023

This paper presents design and analysis of Metasurface-based wideband Microwave Absorber Comprised of Lumped Resistors having a thickness of the order of 0.05 λ mm operating in the C-, X- and Ku-bands. Structure has been micro machined on a FR-4 sheet in a periodically arranged array of 15x15 unit cells. These unit cells have a dimension of 12x12 mm each. The proposed absorber design presents excellent broadband absorption characteristics with relative bandwidth (RBW) of 93.3% covering a bandwidth of 8.02 GHz ranging from 5.42 GHz to 13.44 GHz. The absorption mechanism has been explained with the help of characteristic impedance and surface current densities in the operating region. The designed absorber shows polarization angle independency and wide incidence angle stability for the incident microwaves. Results of the prototype when compared with the simulated results illustrate a wider compatibility with the simulation results. Absorber structure may find its potential use in camouflage applications during war times.
Future changes in extremes across China based on NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 models
Authors: Yang Baogang , Wei Linxiao , Tang Hongyu , Li Yonghua , Wang Yong , Zhang Fen , Zhou Jie , Zhang Tianyu , Lv Tananbang
Published: October 2023

In this study, we assess the performance of the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections’ (NEX-GDDP) CMIP6 models in simulating extreme climate indices over China and its eight subregions. Future projections of these indices for the period 2081–2100 are investigated under three scenarios. The findings suggest that the models reasonably reproduce the spatial patterns of absolute indices related to extreme temperature, except for the percentile indices. There are larger model spreads for warm days, heat wave frequency, and heat wave days. The models effectively capture the climatological distributions of most extreme precipitation indices, although limitations are observed for consecutive wet days (CWDs) and extremely heavy precipitation days (R50). Among the subregions, the multimodel ensemble performs best in simulating the spatial patterns of extreme climate indices in Northeast China. Compared to CMIP6 models, NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 exhibits enhanced capability in simulating the spatial distributions of extreme climate events, displaying higher spatial correlation coefficients and improved model consensus. Consistency among different models is high for temperature extremes, with northwest, southwest and southern regions projected to experience the most significant increase during the 21st century. Precipitation extremes are also projected to increase, except for consecutive dry days (CDDs). Inconsistencies among models are observed, particularly for the CDD and CWD indices in the whole country and for the total precipitation in the southern region. However, with higher emission scenarios, consistency improves for other precipitation indices. The extreme precipitation indices in Southwest, East and South China exhibit the most substantial and noticeable increases.
Investigating the role of CHEK2 I157T variant in shaping cytokine profiles among healthy women
Authors: Wiśniewski Oskar , Kozak Wiesław
Published: October 2023

Background
Breast cancer is a prevalent and life-threatening disease among women worldwide, with significant risk factors categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable. Genetic susceptibility plays a crucial role, with genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and CHEK2 identified as contributors. CHEK2 encodes the Chk2 protein, which participates in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. Additionally, Chk2 is implicated in senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a phenomenon linked to tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. This study aims to investigate how the CHEK2 I157T variant, associated with increased breast cancer risk, impacts the plasma concentrations of specific cytokines in healthy women.
Materials and methods
In this study, 27 female carriers of the CHEK2 I157T variant and 32 age-matched female noncarriers from Poland were included. Participants has been retrospectively tested for mutations in the CHEK2, BRCA1, and PALB2 genes, and exclusion criteria were applied based on mutation status, infectious diseases, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and medication use affecting the immune system. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for the levels of 12 cytokines using a customized Human Q-Plex™ Array, and statistical comparisons between mutation carriers and noncarriers were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results
The study revealed no statistically significant correlation between the presence of the CHEK2 I157T variant and cytokine levels in ten analytes (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, TNF-α, TNF-β, IFN-γ); however, a significant association (P < 0.0001) was observed in two cases, with lower levels of IL-2 and higher levels of IL-6 among CHEK2 I157T variant carriers compared to the control group.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that carriers of the CHEK2 I157T variant exhibit altered levels of key cytokines, namely reduced IL-2 and elevated IL-6, which are known to play pivotal roles in immune response and cancer development. These findings shed light on potential immunological mechanisms underlying the increased cancer risk associated with this genetic variant and underscore the need for further investigations into the intricate genetic-immune interplay in cancer susceptibility.
Use of Modern Spacing Contraceptives among tribal non-tribal married women in Rajasthan: Evidence from NFHS-5
Authors: Kumari Nutan , Paul Samanwita , Kushwaha Divya
Published: October 2023

Background In India, Girls in Tribal communities get married traditionally immediately after attaining menarche. Deplorably most tribal women are not informed about modern spacing contraceptive use, as service providers frequently neglect to provide this information. As a result, tribal women often suffer in silence, which can lead to serious health problems. The present study aims to understand the use of modern spacing methods as well as the various socio-demographic factors affecting its usage among tribal and non-tribal women across the districts in Rajasthan.Methods We included 30,414 tribal and non-tribal married women participants aged 15 to 49 years from National Family Health Survey 5 conducted during the years 2019 to 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the prevalence of modern spacing contraceptive use along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) as a measure. The association between various socio-demographic predictors and modern spacing contraceptive usage was assessed by logistic regression.Results The overall prevalence of modern spacing contraceptive practices was found low among tribal compared to non-tribal women, which was below the national average. Use of the modern spacing method is higher in Nagaur, Kota (non-tribal and tribal), and low in Jaisalmer, Tonk (non-tribal), and Karauli and Jalor (tribal) districts of Rajasthan. Age, age at first sex, education, wealth index, and place of residence were significantly associated with the use of modern spacing methods among tribal and non-tribal women in Rajasthan.Conclusion There is an immediate need to improve access to modern spacing contraceptive methods and reduce unmet needs for contraceptives among tribal women. There is a requirement for sustained and targeted efforts from healthcare workers towards the tribal communities.
Helminthic parasites of invasive alien fish hosts in Marikina River system, Philippines: Revealing new parasite hosts and species records
Authors: To Dale Anthony Leones , Gomez Geoffrey Miguel L. , Pavia Richard Thomas B. , Choudhury Anindo , Briones Jonathan Carlo A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose.
The spread of invasive and endemic parasites in the Philippines, along with the co-introduction of invasive alien fish species (IAFS), could threaten the country’s local fauna, as well as pose socio-economic and public health concerns. However, due to the scarcity of knowledge about fish parasites in the country, this incidence remains poorly understood. Thus, this study aims to explore the parasitic diversity of the common IAFS within the Marikina River system.
Methods.
Isolated helminthic endo-parasites from IAFS samples were processed for morphological identification and were characterized using parasite and host fish population descriptors.
Results.
A total of 187 IAFS were collected from the Marikina River. From these, four parasite species and genera were identified, namely: Bovenia serialis (Cestoda: Lytocestidae), Contracaecum sp. larva (Nematoda: Anisakidae), Camallanus sonaiensis (Nematoda: Camallanidae), and Masenia cf. bangweulensis (Digenea: Cephalogonimidae). The former two represents a new host record in Clarias gariepinus. While the latter two represents its first account in the Philippines, adding to the list of the country’s current parasite species. Quantitative descriptors of parasite population showed that B. serialis infecting Clarias batrachus have the highest parasite burden in terms of their mean intensity and mean abundance. While, both B. serialis and M. cf. bangweulensis were the most prevalent parasites.
Conclusion.
This study revealed new parasite genera, species, and host records in the country, providing vital baseline information for future biological, ecological, conservation, and management studies on the Marikina River, with potential environmental, socio-economic, and public health implications.
Redefining “Connection” in par with Far-Fetched Scientific Inventions: What is linked and who remains attached?
Authors: P Kavimuhil , G Bhuvaneswari
Published: October 2023

The advancements in science and technology are aimed at making human lives better. The impact of these innovative ideas and inventions on human life is significant. It necessitates the study to find connections between natural science and its effect on social beings. Fictional works that incorporate future expectations and enable individuals to foresee the future provide valuable contributions to studying multiple arenas related to human existence in the changing world. Kim Fu’s “Twenty Hours”, a short story published in the collection, Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century (2022) is chosen to study the changes in personality that could occur while embracing science without questioning the after-effects. Literature and its novelty make the fictional works to be prophetic in several instances. One of the objectives is to comprehend the relevance of studying science via the lens of humanities. In addition, the paper discusses the familiar monsters of the 21st century like dating apps, porn sites and needless scientific inventions in mundane life. It also studies the representation of natural world by making constant comments on the landscape, weather and climatic changes and how human emotions are intertwined with these environmental factors. Thus, the paper proposes that every individual encounters a similar situation in a distinct manner thereby encountering problems or solving them is also distinctive. With a post-humanist approach, the meaning of value and human connections are analyzed in an environment that is dominated by commodity fetishism, scientific developments and constantly changing perspectives of life.
Efficacy of Tripterygium wilfordii granules in the treatment of plaque psoriasis: Protocol for a single-arm trial
Authors: Cheng Linyan , Guo Dongjie , Guo Wanjun , Wang Peiyao , Xi Ruo-fan , Duan Yanjun , Liu Xin , Wang Yi , Du Ting , Lu Hanzhi , Yan Ge , Zhu Jianyong , Li Fulun
Published: October 2023

Background
Tripterygium wilfordii is a traditional Chinese medicine renowned for its exceptional anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Triptolide, the predominant compound found in T. wilfordii, has been extensively studied for its remarkable therapeutic effects in psoriasis treatment. However, the usage of triptolide is often hindered by uncontrollable adverse reactions, posing a considerable challenge. Consequently, it becomes imperative to effectively harness the benefits of triptolide while minimizing its drawbacks. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the topical anti-inflammatory effects of triptolide, investigate the factors contributing to individual variations in response to triptolide, and identify potential markers for predicting the efficacy of triptolide in treating plaque psoriasis.
Methods
This was a single-arm study. All patients with plaque psoriasis who met the inclusion criteria were to be treated with Tripterygium granules for 4 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. The improvement rate of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was the main therapeutic index. The relationship between C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1) protein expression in skin lesions and the therapeutic effect was evaluated. We evaluated secondary indicators, including body surface area (BSA), Physician Global Assessment (PGA), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, relapse rate, and body surface area. Safety indicators included vital signs, routine blood tests, liver function, renal function, physical examination, adverse events and serious adverse events.
Discussion
T. wilfordii granules are a frequently prescribed Chinese medicine for psoriasis treatment. However, the effectiveness of this medicine varies among patients, with some experiencing poor results. The level of serum CtBP1 expression differs between patients who respond positively to T. wilfordii granules and those who do not. Therefore, CtBP1 has the potential to serve as a crucial indicator in predicting the efficacy of T. wilfordii granule treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Trial registration ChiCTR.govChiCTR2000036398. Registered on August 22, 2020.
FaIRClocks: Fair and Interpretable Representation of the Clock Drawing Test for mitigating classifier bias against lower educational groups
Authors: Zhang Jiaqing , Bandyopadhyay Sabyasachi , Kimmet Faith , Wittmayer Jack , Khezeli Kia , Libon David J. , Price Catherine C. , Rashidi Parisa
Published: October 2023

The clock drawing test (CDT) is a neuropsychological assessment tool to evaluate a patient’s cognitive ability. In this study, we developed a Fair and Interpretable Representation of Clock drawing tests (FaIRClocks) to evaluate and mitigate bias against people with lower education while predicting their cognitive status. We represented clock drawings with a 10-dimensional latent embedding using Relevance Factor Variational Autoencoder (RF-VAE) network pretrained on publicly available clock drawings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) dataset. These embeddings were later fine-tuned for predicting three cognitive scores: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) total score, attention composite z-score (ATT-C), and memory composite z-score (MEM-C). The classifiers were initially tested to see their relative performance in patients with low education ( < = 8 years) versus patients with higher education (> 8 years). Results indicated that the initial unweighted classifiers confounded lower education with cognitive impairment, resulting in a 100% type I error rate for this group. Thereby, the samples were re-weighted using multiple fairness metrics to achieve balanced performance. In summary, we report the FaIRClocks model, which a) can identify attention and memory deficits using clock drawings and b) exhibits identical performance between people with higher and lower education levels.
Jaynes Machine: The universal microstructure of deep neural networks
Authors: Venkatasubramanian Venkat , Sanjeevrajan N. , Khandekar Manasi
Published: October 2023

We present a novel theory of the microstructure of deep neural networks. Using a theoretical framework called statistical teleodynamics, which is a conceptual synthesis of statistical thermodynamics and potential game theory, we predict that all highly connected layers of deep neural networks have a universal microstructure of connection strengths that is distributed lognormally (LN (µ, σ). Furthermore, under ideal conditions, the theory predicts that µ and σ are the same for all layers in all networks. This is shown to be the result of an arbitrage equilibrium where all connections compete and contribute the same effective utility towards the minimization of the overall loss function. These surprising predictions are shown to be validated by empirical data from six real-life large-scale deep neural networks. We also discuss how these results can be exploited to reduce the amount of data, time, and computational resources needed to train large deep neural networks.
Overcoming tea-drinking limitation by Fortification of Iron Bio- absorption
Authors: El-Beshlawy Menna
Published: October 2023

Tea is a popular drink with beneficial health properties, and a rich source of specific flavanols. The tea extract has high antioxidant activities, evidenced by its ability to chelate ferrous ions. There is a clear indication that tea drinking limits the absorption of iron through complex formation with the phenolic compounds in the gastro-intestinal lumen. There are some iron absorption enhancing factors such as pH, ascorbic acid, albumin egg and sucrose. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of adding these different beneficial compounds to tea components that inhibits the formation of iron complex with the phenolic compounds to enhance iron bio-absorption and prevent iron deficiency anemia. This study recommends that, acidity is favored at pH less than 4.5 and sucrose increases the bio-absorption of iron and fortifies green tea than black tea. Also, addition of ascorbic acid before drinking fortifies the iron bio-absorption with green and black teas.
Association of disability and cognitive performance in U.S. older adults: the NHANES 2013-2014
Authors: Chen Run-xiang , Chen Chun-miao , Zhang Da-ya , Zhang Xiao-dong , Chen Shi-ju , Huang Shi-mei , Chen Chen , Zeng Fan , Li Da , Lyu Yan-ting , Huang Xian-feng , Mao Feng-jiao , Bai Fei-hu
Published: October 2023

Background
Identifying the link between disability and cognitive function is critical to ensuring the health of older adults. The aim of this study was to identify associations between disability and cognitive performance, and to explore the role that comorbidities play in these associations.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,516 adults aged 60 years and older who had participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 in the United States. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between disability and low cognitive performance. Sample weights were used to ensure the generalizability of the results.
Results
Among all the participants, 26.1% reported low cognitive performance. Among participants with low cognitive performance, the weighted prevalence of difficulty hearing, difficulty seeing, difficulty walking, difficulty, and difficulty dressing or bathing were 17.7%, 12.2%, 35.9%, and 13.7% respectively. Difficulty hearing, walking, dressing, or bathing were significantly associated with low cognitive performance and varied by the number of comorbidities. There is a positive correlation between the number of disabilities and low cognitive performance.
Conclusion
In older adults, we observed significant associations between difficulty hearing, difficulty walking, difficulty dressing or bathing and low cognitive performance, and found strong associations in those with high numbers of comorbidities. There is a positive correlation between low cognitive performance and the number of disabilities. This study suggests that attenuating cognitive decline through early intervention for disability and treatment of comorbidities is worth trying.
Potato farmers' typology in Menoua Department, West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Haaland NGOUO NGUIMO , Honoré BEYEGUE DJONKO , Carlos TEMFACK DELOKO Dely , Honorine NTANGMO TSAFACK , Théodore MAYAKA BILING
Published: October 2023

As elsewhere, the Menoua agricultural basin is characterised by a diversity of agricultural practices and the use of a variety of inputs (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilisers). In order to assess the impact of agricultural practices and inputs on the biological and chemical quality of the soil, preliminary work has been carried out, the results of which have been used in the writing of this article. The objective was to create a catalogue of the different categories of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farmers in the Department of Menoua, West Cameroon. A semi-structured survey was conducted on a random sample of 220 farmers in three localities of the Department of Menoua (Bafou, Baleveng and Fokoué). 55.91% of the farmers interviewed were women and 75% had never received any training in potato cultivation techniques. Mixed Data Factorial Analysis followed by hierarchical ascending classification revealed three groups of farmers. Group 1 consists of small potato farmers. They alternate potatoes with other food crops such as maize (Zea mays L.) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). They use very low doses of organic fertilizer (0.14 kg/m2, less than the recommended 2 kg/m2). The dose of mineral fertilizer applied (0.068 kg/m2) corresponds to the recommended value (0.06 kg/m2). Group 2 consists mainly of farmers in flood plains (61% of farmers). These are small farmers with an average area of 3,017 m2. In this group, the organic input is 0.13 kg/m2 and the mineral input is 0.063 kg/m2. Group 3 farmers cultivate an average area of 15,912 m2. As in the first two groups, the organic matter input is very low (0.17 kg/m2). However, this group is characterised by higher mineral fertilizer inputs (0.47 kg/m2higher than 0.06 kg/m2). As regards fungicides, Mancozeb is the most widely used (72.27%), followed by chlorothalonil (39.03%). Cypermethrin is the most used insecticide (41.81%). Organic fertilisation consisted exclusively of chicken manure, while N-P-K fertilisers (20-10-10) dominated chemical fertilisation. In conclusion, variations in cropping techniques, the type of crop grown and the amount of inputs used by the farmer and the location would have an impact on the soil fauna.A potato rhizosphere’ fauna characterization study will allow us to assess the impact of agricultural practices on soil biodiversity and their effect on crop yield.
Experimental study on the monitoring of concrete shrinkage based on intelligent string strain sensors
Authors: Chen Jie , Chen Shunchao , Xiong Hongrui , Ning Yufeng , Li Zhengyuan , Nie Liangpeng
Published: October 2023

Aiming at the phenomenon that shrinkage will generate tensile stresses inside the concrete structure and cause damage, thus forming a potential hazard to the engineering structure, as well as current incomplete research on the influence of reinforcement on the shrinkage of concrete, the study was carried out using intelligent string strain sensors to monitor the shrinkage of three specimens with different reinforcement ratios in a natural environment for nine months. The results show that: the intelligent string strain sensor can automatically record the strain and temperature, as well as the temperature correction in the shrinkage monitoring; in the natural environment, the effect of humidity on the concrete shrinkage is more obvious than the temperature, and when the coefficient of thermal expansion of the concrete and the sensor is closer to each other, it can offset the effect of the temperature on the shrinkage of the concrete; the shrinkage of reinforced concrete is not linearly decreasing with the increase in reinforcement rate at all ages. The shrinkage inhibition effect of steel reinforcement on concrete is obvious only when the reinforcement ratio reaches a certain amount.
Characterizing abnormalities in resting-state EEG microstates in patients with chronic subjective dizziness
Authors: Tang Pan , Shao Pei-Ning , Qin Rong-Rong , Yin Cai-Xia , Qu Qi-Fei , Ying Zi-Xuan , Yuan Ti-Fei , Song Rong-Rong
Published: October 2023

Background Dizziness is one of the most prevalent clinical symptoms in neurology clinics. Nevertheless, the neural mechanisms of dizziness, especially the characterization of EEG microstates, remain incompletely elucidated.Objectives This study aimed to explore the potential characteristics of EEG microstate in patients with Chronic Subjective Dizziness (CSD) and the relationship between dizziness handicaps and EEG microstate parameters.Methods We recruited 29 patients with CSD and 31 age-matched healthy adults. The 128-channel EEG recording of all participants at resting state with eyes closed was performed. Dizziness handicap Inventory (DHI) was used to evaluate patients’ dizziness related handicaps. The EEG microstates was clustered into four classes (A, B, C, and D) and we identified their parameters for logistic analysis.Results The CSD group scored higher on BAI, BDI-13, and the time coverage and occurrence of Microstate B compared to the HC group. And the time coverage and occurrence of Microstate B were also significantly associated with dizziness handicaps in CSD patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of class B microstates (OR = 0.058, 95%CI: 0.005 ~ 0.744) was a significant indicator for distinguishing the CSD group from the HC group.Conclusion The temporal dynamic alternations of EEG microstates and the relationship between dizziness handicaps and Microstate B in patients with CSD may reflect anomalies in their visual network. These neurophysiological characteristics of EEG microstates could be significant for auxiliary diagnosis of dizziness.
Free-heme induces neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment by microglial activation via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Xin , Zhang Fan , Cheng Dan , Wang Zhongyu , Xing Na , Yuan Jingjing , Zhang Wei , Xing Fei
Published: October 2023

Background: Red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion is related to perioperative neurocognitive disorders. The toxic effect of free-heme has been identified in many pathologies. However, the underlying mechanisms of RBCs transfusion or free-heme in cognitive impairment have not been clearly explored. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the mechanism of heme-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.
Methods: Rats were received intraperitoneal injection of hemin alone or combined with intracerebroventricular injection of Hemopexin (HPX), and MWM test was conducted to measure cognitive function. The elimination condition of heme-HPX complexes was evaluated by flow cytometry for CD91+ cells. The microglial inflammatory response in rat brain and BV2 cells was observed by immunofluorescence staining of Iba-1 and ELISA analysis of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, neuronal apoptosis in HT22 cells alone and in HT22 + BV2 coculture system was detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. Finally, western blot was conducted to detect TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB proteins in rat brain and BV2 cells treated with hemin or combined with pathway inhibitors. Additionally, the M1 surface marker CD86 was observed in BV2 cells to further confirm neuroinflammation.
Results: Intraperitoneal injection of hemin induced cognitive impairment, increase of CD91+ cells, up-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1β, down-regulation of IL-6, activation of microglia, and activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway in rat brain. Significantly, intracerebroventricular injection of HPX reduced the above effects. Hemin induced boost of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in BV2 cells, as well as apoptosis in HT22 cells. Notably, when HT22 cells were cocultured with BV2 cells, apoptosis was significantly increased. Hemin also induced activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway and increased the M1 surface marker CD86 in BV2 cells, and inhibiting this pathway reduced the inflammatory responses.
Conclusions: Free-heme induces cognitive impairment, and the underlying mechanism may involve neuronal apoptosis and microglial inflammation via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway. HPX may have potential therapeutic effects.
Analysis of effective elastic parameters of natural bamboo honeycomb cells(BHC) structure
Authors: Yu Minggong , Wang Zhangheng , Jiang Xiawang , Gong Le , Song Ling , Sun Deilin
Published: October 2023

Bamboo is a kind of green and environmentally friendly building structure material. This work was based on the cavity structural characteristics and excellent physical and mechanical properties of honeycomb sandwich and natural bamboo in the longitudinal direction, the effective elastic parameters of periodically arranged hexagonal bamboo honeycomb cells (BHC) under in-plane and out-of-plane loading were modeled using analytical and numerical approaches. The equivalent density analysis of the BHC was based on the condition of double cell wall thickness. In addition, the effective elastic parameters were analyzed considering the effective bending length, axial compression, shear deformation, and bending deformation of the inclined and vertical members of BHC. Then, different sizes of hexagonal BHC were used for experiments, and the finite element method(FEM) was combined with the computational homogenization technique to validate the effective elastic parameter model of bamboo cells. The results showed that the maximum relative errors between the values of the modeled and simulated elastic parameters of the BHC and the experimental results were 8.6 and 8.7%, respectively, indicating that the constructed effective elastic parameter model better reflected the state of the stressed BHC. This study provides new insights for further research on the mechanical properties of bamboo materials and their application in bamboo-based lightweight and high-strength sandwich structures.
Do evidence-based fact boxes improve informed decision-making about COVID-19 and influenza vaccination in more and less disadvantaged groups equally? - Study protocol for a multi-centre cluster randomised controlled trial in health and social care in Germany
Authors: Ellermann Christin , Rebitschek Felix G.
Published: October 2023

Background
Evidence-based fact boxes have been shown to support informed decision-making. However, few studies have analysed how the boxes support decision-making in different social groups. Further, it is unclear whether fact boxes promote informed and shared decision making equally when implemented by health educators (HE) in different settings. Hence, there is a risk that fact boxes will only help less disadvantaged people to make informed health decisions. The aim of our study is to assess whether fact boxes can help people from different social groups make informed decisions about COVID-19 and influenza vaccination, and whether they contribute to reducing inequities in health care.
Methods
In a multi-centre cluster randomised controlled trial, HE from usual care (e.g. doctors) and outreach work (e.g. from social services) in Germany will be recruited. HE who are randomized to receive the intervention will receive a flyer with a QR code and a link to an online survey to pass on to those who are about to make a vaccination decision. The back of the flyer contains an evidence-based fact box about COVID-19 or the influenza vaccine, which can be used to inform. HE who are randomized to control will receive the flyer without the fact box. The flyer and online study will be available in Arabic, German, Turkish and Russian language.
The primary outcome is informed vaccination intention, based on vaccination knowledge, attitudes, vaccination intentions and behaviour. Secondary outcomes include risk perception, decisional conflict and shared decision making. The statistical analysis plan includes the selection of appropriate measures of effect size, sample size calculation, and significance testing.
Discussion
Failing to consider inequalities when developing and evaluating interventions that influence health decisions - such as evidence-based health information - exacerbates health inequities. The aim of our study is to find out whether evidence-based fact boxes developed with an equity lens work well in different settings where health communication takes place. The results will help determine if and how fact boxes can be used to improve health care in and outside of traditional primary care structures, especially for disadvantaged groups, and will thus provide valuable insights into advancing health care equity.
Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (registered on 29 September 2023, not yet published)
A first species-wide phylogenetic analysis of small mammals from Costa Rica using mitochondrial cytochrome b
Authors: Gómez-Lépiz Alexander , Sampaio Sara , Hughes Jonathan J. , Valdés Sara María Cáceres , Alves Paulo Célio , Paupério Joana , Searle Jeremy
Published: October 2023

Within the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, Costa Rica shows high species richness, due to its biogeographical, tectonic and climatic history. Small mammals (i.e. species of less than 500 grams) are a very diverse group in Costa Rica with about 52 native species. This high diversity, recent records of new species and molecular studies detecting cryptic genetic diversity highlight this group and this region as an important target for the DNA barcoding approach. Here we used 131 tissue samples across multiple localities in Costa Rica and sequenced the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b (1140 bp). These samples represented 17 recognized species (including Didelphis marsupialis, which is technically not a small mammal) and two taxa of uncertain status. The new sequence data were supplemented with previously published data from INSDC. Our phylogenetic analyses are consistent with and extend upon recent revisions in Heteromys, Peromyscus and Reithrodontomys and suggest possible new cryptic forms within what are currently named Melanomys chrysomelas, Nyctomys sumichrasti and Proechimys semispinosus. The previously named “Heteromys sp” is indeed likely a new species requiring a full taxonomic description. Our results suggest the continuity of previously described species at our newly described localities in Costa Rica reinforcing recent taxonomic surveys and field guides for the small mammals of Costa Rica. To confirm the presence of cryptic species and major genetic forms in Heteromys, Peromyscus, Reithrodontomys, Melanomys, Nyctomys and Proechimys there needs to be greater sampling, additional genetic markers, morphometrics and other studies. Scotinomys also shows interesting phylogenetic subdivision, requiring further investigation.
Data-Driven Approach to Predict the Fundamental Period of Steel-Braced RC Frames Using Stacked Generalization Machine Learning Models
Authors: Rahman Taimur , Hasan Md Hasibul , Momin Md. Farhad , Zheng Pengfei
Published: October 2023

The study is directed toward the precise prediction of the fundamental period of steel-braced Reinforced Concrete (RC) Moment-Resisting Frames (MRFs) through the utilization of stacked generalization, an advanced algorithmic ensemble machine learning technique. To facilitate this, a meticulously curated database comprising 17,280 building models has been automated using the ETABS Application Programming Interface (API). The database encompasses both Concentrically Braced Frames (CBFs) and Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs) and employs eigenvalue modal analysis to capture the fundamental periods, incorporating diverse bracing configurations and pivotal building parameters. Utilizing SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), the study rigorously scrutinizes influential parameters that affect the fundamental period. The research introduces three stacking ensemble models, with the most effective model employing Random Forest as the meta-model and an ensemble of Extra Trees, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, and kNN as base models. Hyperparameter tuning was accomplished through Bayesian Optimization, and a thorough sensitivity analysis was conducted. In rigorous evaluations conducted on the test dataset, the proposed model achieved an exceptionally high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9889, coupled with an impressively low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.056. Further validation through multi-dimensional metrics confirmed the model's robust generalization capabilities. Comparative validation against a few popular building code provisions and research models revealed that the proposed model markedly surpasses these benchmarks in predictive accuracy.
Stigma, risks, and benefits of medicinal cannabis use among Australians with cancer
Authors: Morris Julia N , Loyer Jessica , Blunt Jason
Published: October 2023

Purpose
People with cancer who use medicinal cannabis do so despite risks associated with limited clinical evidence, legalities, and stigma. This study investigated how Australians with cancer rationalise their medicinal cannabis use despite its risks.
Methods
Ten adults who used cannabis medicinally for their cancer were interviewed about how they used and accessed the substance, attitudes and beliefs underpinning their use, and conversations with others about medicinal cannabis.
Results
Participants used cannabis to treat a variety of cancer-related symptoms such as pain, poor sleep, and low mood. Cannabis was perceived as natural and thus less risky than pharmaceuticals. Participants legitimised their medicinal cannabis use by emphasising its natural qualities and distancing themselves from problematic users or riskier substances. Cost barriers and a lack of healthcare professional communication impeded prescription access. Similarly, participants navigated medicinal cannabis use independently due to a lack of guidance from healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Findings highlight the need for robust data regarding the harms and efficacy of medicinal cannabis that healthcare professionals can disseminate to patients who choose to use the substance. Ensuring healthcare professionals are equipped to provide non-judgmental and evidence-based guidance may mitigate potential safety and legal risks.
Analysis of influence factors of target polarization characteristics
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Yang Zhiyong , Li Gengpeng , Chen Dong , Wang Xiaowei
Published: October 2023

The target polarization characteristics reflect the important information about the medium material, surface texture, and structural characteristics of the target itself. In this paper, 9 kinds of samples with different materials, roughness, and surface texture direction are selected to measure the polarization characteristics in an outdoor environment, and the influencing factors of the target polarization characteristics are analyzed, where the influence of the surface texture direction on the spatial distribution of the target polarization characteristics is emphatically analyzed. The results show that the target polarization characteristics are affected by many factors such as material, roughness, surface texture direction, and detection position, and the greater the angle between the surface texture direction and the principal plane, the more concentrated the target polarization characteristics are in and around the principal plane, which could provide a theoretical basis for comprehensively mastering the target polarization characteristics, improving the ability of target polarization detection and recognition, and enhancing the confidence of the target polarization modeling and simulation.
Young older adults at risk of not having a good later life and the implications for mental health and wellbeing: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Zaninotto Paola , Steptoe Andrew
Published: October 2023

We identified risk categories of not having a good later life among young older people and reported the consequences that being in these groups have on mental health and wellbeing.
3,511 participants aged 50 to 69 from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) provided data on 10 domains of a good later life. The domains were then entered into a model to identify risk groups using Latent Class Analysis. Regression models were used to assess the association between identified risk groups and depression, life satisfaction, loneliness and wellbeing. We found that 20% of individuals were in the “high” risk group for not having a good later life. These people were more likely to report depression, loneliness, lower life satisfaction and lower wellbeing than those in the low risk group. Being at risk of not having a good later life has important consequences for mental health and wellbeing. Appropriate support and services should be in place to ensure that everyone is able to live longer in good mental health.