bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When to p and when not to p
Authors: Bangdiwala Shrikant I.
Published: September 2023

The p‐value was proposed in the early 20th century as a potentially useful metric for statistical inference and was defined as “the probability of the observed result, plus more extreme results, if the null hypothesis were true,” in the context of a formal statistical testing process. A century later, the scientific community uses it extensively, mostly inappropriately, and often interprets it incorrectly. This editorial briefly reviews the history of the p‐value, provides how to properly interpret it, and recommends when to use it and when not to use it.
The role of conflict in shaping plant biodiversity
Authors: Coughlan Jenn M.
Published: September 2023

Although intrinsic postzygotic reproductive barriers can play a fundamental role in speciation, their underlying evolutionary causes are widely debated. One hypothesis is that incompatibilities result from genomic conflicts. Here, I synthesize the evidence that conflict generates incompatibilities in plants, thus playing a creative role in plant biodiversity. While much evidence supports a role for conflict in several classes of incompatibility, integrating knowledge of incompatibility alleles with natural history can provide further essential tests. Moreover, comparative work can shed light on the relative importance of conflict in causing incompatibilities, including the extent to which their evolution is repeatable. Together, these approaches can provide independent lines of evidence that conflict causes incompatibilities, cementing its role in plant speciation.
The risk of suicidal intention in severe mental illness: An ecological perspective
Authors: Lin Yawen , Wei Qinfei , Luo Suping , Ye Xiaoying , Zheng Fuhao , Zheng Liuyan , Lu Xinyue , Li Huangyuan , Wu Siying
Published: September 2023

Objective

Guided by the ecosystem theory model framework, we aimed to explore the influence of three ecological dimensions (social, family and psychological factors) on suicidal intention in people with severe mental illness (SMI). We hypothesized that three factors influence suicidal intention, and that psychological factors may play a mediating role in the influence of social and family factors on suicidal intention.

Methods

We collected 994 patients with SMI aged 18 and above from May 2021 to March 2022 in the Fourth Hospital of Fuzhou City. We used logistic regression to analyse the association between social, family, psychological factors and suicidal intention. Furthermore, we explored the mediating effects among the influencing factors.

Results

Younger male patients with schizophrenia were more likely to have suicidal intention due to psychosocial family factors (p < .05). Social factors (poor interpersonal relations, social retreat, social activities outside the home), family factors (parental functions, activities within the family, family functions), psychological factors (anxiety, depression, interest in the outside world, overt aggression, lack of accountability and planning) were all independent risk factors for suicidal intention in patients. Mediation analysis showed anxiety and depression mediated the role of social and family factors on suicidal intention (p < .05).

Conclusion

Social, family and psychological factors were important risk factors for suicidal intention, with anxiety and depression being partial mediators for suicidal intention. Therefore, interventions that enhance family and social functioning and reduce anxiety and depression may be effective in reducing suicidal intention in SMI.
Decoding agency attribution using single trial error‐related brain potentials
Authors: Gomez‐Andres Alba , Cerda‐Company Xim , Cucurell David , Cunillera Toni , Rodríguez‐Fornells Antoni
Published: September 2023

Being able to distinguish between self and externally generated actions is a key factor influencing learning and adaptive behavior. Previous literature has highlighted that whenever a person makes or perceives an error, a series of error‐related potentials (ErrPs) can be detected in the electroencephalographic (EEG) signal, such as the error‐related negativity (ERN) component. Recently, ErrPs have gained a lot of interest for the use in brain–computer interface (BCI) applications, which give the user the ability to communicate by means of decoding his/her brain activity. Here, we explored the feasibility of employing a support vector machine classifier to accurately disentangle self‐agency errors from other‐agency errors from the EEG signal at a single‐trial level in a sample of 23 participants. Our results confirmed the viability of correctly disentangling self/internal versus other/external agency‐error attributions at different stages of brain processing based on the latency and the spatial topographical distribution of key ErrP features, namely, the ERN and P600 components, respectively. These results offer a new perspective on how to distinguish self versus externally generated errors providing new potential implementations on BCI systems.
Heterogeneity in entrepreneurship in developing countries: Risk, credit, and migration and the entrepreneurial propensity of youth and women
Authors: Gunewardena Dileni , Seck Abdoulaye
Published: September 2023

Promoting youth and female entrepreneurship is crucial to inclusive growth and the future economic and social prospects of developing countries. Evidence tends to suggest that young and female entrepreneurs are in a minority, and the extent and generating mechanisms of this outcome tend to be country‐specific. This collection of papers brings together recent empirical contributions exploring key drivers of this heterogeneity entrepreneurial propensity of youth and female in the context of a group of countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, paying special attention to the role of and issues relating to access to credit, attitudes to risk, and migratory status. A common thread in all the papers is the effective role of risk, uncertainty, and asymmetric information in the determination of entrepreneurship and in the demand for and allocation of credit when potential entrepreneurs are from specific groups, that is, women, indigenous women, women and youth in conflict and post‐conflict situations, and migrant youth. Based on these results, the papers explore various challenges in the implementation of public policies designed to promote entrepreneurship within these specific segments of the population.
Effects of adding high‐intensity training during an 8‐week period on maximal oxygen uptake in 12‐year‐old youth athletes
Authors: Grendstad Halvard , Hallén Jostein
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) increases during adolescence parallel to the increase in fat‐free mass (FFM). How much endurance training adds to this effect is still controversial. Our aim was to investigate if inclusion of high‐intensity training (HIT) during an 8‐week training period was superior to low‐intensity strength and coordination training in 12‐year‐old youth athletes concerning the effect on V̇O2max.

Methods

Thirty‐five cross‐country skiers were randomized into a HIT group (ET) and a strength and coordination group (SC), while 29 less active peers served as controls for growth and maturation (C). Anthropometrics and V̇O2max were assessed before and after the training period, and level of physical activity and training were monitored with accelerometers, training logs and a questionnaire.

Results

The number of weekly training sessions were higher for ET (4.6 ± 1.2) and SC (4.1 ± 1.0) compared with C (1.8 ± 2.0) (p < 0.01), with only ET conducting HIT sessions (1.9 ± 0.2 per week). C spent more time sedentary and less time in moderate and vigorous activity compared with ET (p < 0.05). All groups had a similar %‐change pre‐post in absolute V̇O2max (mL min−1) of 6% ± 6% for ET (p < 0.01), 5% ± 7 for SC (p = 0.14), and 5% ± 13% for C (p = 0.03), with no significant differences between groups. V̇O2max relative to FFM did not change significantly for any groups.

Conclusion

The change in V̇O2max paralleled the change in FFM for all groups, questioning the effect of HIT on V̇O2max over an 8‐week period in youth athletes.
Virological safety of the UK blood supply in the era of individual risk assessments and HIV PrEP
Authors: Maddox Victoria , Vallely Pamela , Brailsford Susan R. , Harvala Heli
Published: September 2023

A more individualised donor selection policy was implemented in the UK in 2021, which replaced the previous 3‐month deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM). Other blood services have a variety of policies in place to ensure the virological safety of blood components, ranging from an indefinite ban on MSM, to a defined period of exclusion, or to an individualised risk assessment that is not based on gender or sexual orientation. Justification of these policies should be based on scientific evidence including assessment of lengths of virological window periods, infectious disease epidemiology within donor populations and donation screening assay sensitivities. Developments in molecular technology and assays which can detect both antibodies and antigens in the very early stages of infection have significantly reduced the risk in most developed countries. However, the increasing usage of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent acquisition of HIV infection after possible high‐risk sexual contact within the UK blood donor population has been recently noted. It has brought with it new diagnostic challenges within blood screening, notably possible non‐detection of HIV RNA and serological markers following PrEP use despite potential infectivity. The use of other testing strategies such as detection of HIV DNA and screening for non‐declared PrEP usage should be investigated further.
Low‐titer group O whole blood in military ground ambulances: Lessons from the Israel Defense Forces initial experience
Authors: Talmy Tomer , Malkin Michael , Esterson Akiva , Yazer Mark H. , Sebbag Anat , Shina Avi , Shinar Eilat , Glassberg Elon , Gendler Sami , Almog Ofer
Published: September 2023

Background

Cold‐stored low‐titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) has become increasingly utilised in both prehospital and in‐hospital settings for resuscitation of traumatic haemorrhage. However, implementing the use of LTOWB to ground medical teams has been limited due to logistic challenges.

Methods

In 2022, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) started using LTOWB in ambulances for the first time in Israel. This report details the initial experience of this rollout and presents a case‐series of the first patients treated with LTOWB.

Results

Between January–December 2022, seven trauma patients received LTOWB administered by ground IDF intensive care ambulances after presenting with profound shock. Median time from injury to administration of LTOWB was 35 min. All patients had evidence of severe bleeding upon hospital arrival with six undergoing damage control laparotomy and all but one surviving to discharge.

Conclusions

The implementation of LTOWB in ground medical units is in its early stages, but continued experience may demonstrate its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness in the prehospital setting. Further research is necessary to fully understand the indications, methodology, and benefits of LTOWB in resuscitating severely injured trauma patients in this setting.
Ultrasonographic appearance and histopathological findings of the genital tract in healthy nulliparous female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Lazard Maureen , Muller Valentine , Manon Steve , Jeandel Aurélien , Bemelmans Ingrid , Bedu Anne‐Sophie
Published: September 2023

Female rabbits often exhibit reproductive tract disorders and accurate sonographic descriptions of the normal genital tract are lacking. The aims of our prospective, analytical, and reference interval study were to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the genital tract of healthy female rabbits, provide reference values, and compare ultrasonographic findings with histopathological samples. Twenty‐eight intact female rabbits presented for elective ovariohysterectomy were included. Ovaries, oviducts, uterine horns, cervixes, and vagina were imaged by ultrasound to assess their size, shape, location, margination, echogenicity, and echotexture. The genital tract of 12 rabbits was sent for histopathology. Genitals were visible in all rabbits using the linear probe. The ovaries were oval‐shaped and hypoechoic with a variable pattern. The oviducts, uterine horns, and vagina appeared as tubular structures with a consistent distinct layering, and the cervix as two contiguous hypoechoic tubular structures with a variable layering. Incidental findings, including paraovarian cysts, mineralization foci, and luminal fluid were observed. The median values of the height of the left and right ovaries, oviducts, uterine horns, cervixes, and vagina were, respectively, equal to 3.52 3.37, 1.39, 1.39, 4.34, 4.36, 5.57, 5.15, and 2.40 mm. Significant correlations were observed among age, body condition score, and some of the measurements. Abnormalities of the reproductive tract were reported in 4 of 28 rabbits. This study supports the use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of the reproductive tract of healthy female rabbits and provides reference values for use in rabbits with genital disorders.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Social Science Studies, Vol. 11, No. 3
Authors: Young James
Published: September 2023

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 3Aurora Pestaño, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), PhilippinesEncarnación ABAD ARENAS, National University of Distance Education (UNED), SpainJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanRonaldo R. Larioque, NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PhilippinesSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, PakistanYusramizza Md Isa, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia  James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Duals of Tirilman spaces have unique subsymmetric basic sequences
Authors: Dilworth Steven J. , Kutzarova Denka , Sarı Bünyamin , Stankov Svetozar
Published: September 2023

The Tirilman spaces , , were introduced by Casazza and Shura as variations of the spaces constructed by Tzafriri. We prove that all subsymmetric basic sequences in the dual space are equivalent to its canonical subsymmetic but not symmetric basis.
Development of heat-shock resistance in
Legionella pneumophila
modeled by experimental evolution
Authors: Liang Jeffrey , Cameron Gillian , Faucher Sébastien P.
Published: September 2023

Because it can grow in buildings with complex hot water distribution systems (HWDS), healthcare facilities recognize the waterborne bacterium
Legionella pneumophila
as a major nosocomial infection threat and often try to clear the systems with a pasteurization process known as superheat-and-flush. After this treatment, many facilities find that the contaminating populations slowly recover, suggesting the possibility of
in situ
evolution favoring increased survival in high-temperature conditions. To mimic this process in a controlled environment, an adaptive laboratory evolution model was used to select a wild-type strain of
L. pneumophila
for survival to transient exposures to temperatures characteristic of routine hot water use or failed pasteurization processes in HWDS. Over their evolution, these populations became insensitive to exposure to 55°C and developed the ability to survive short exposures to 59°C heat shock. Heat-adapted lineages maintained a higher expression of heat-shock genes during low-temperature incubation in freshwater, suggesting a pre-adaptation to heat stress. Although there were distinct mutation profiles in each of the heat-adapted lineages, each acquired multiple mutations in the DnaJ/DnaK/ClpB disaggregase complex, as well as mutations in chaperone
htpG
and protease
clpX
. These mutations were specific to heat-shock survival and were not seen in control lineages included in the experimental model without exposure to heat shock. This study supports
in situ
observations of adaptation to heat stress and demonstrates the potential of
L. pneumophila
to develop resistance to control measures.

IMPORTANCE

As a bacterium that thrives in warm water ecosystems,
Legionella pneumophila
is a key factor motivating regulations on hot water systems. Two major measures to control
Legionella
are high circulating temperatures intended to curtail growth and the use of superheat-and-flush pasteurization processes to eliminate established populations. Facilities often suffer recolonization of their hot water systems; hospitals are particularly at risk due to the severe nosocomial pneumoniae caused by
Legionella
. To understand these long-term survivors, we have used an adaptive laboratory evolution model to replicate this process. We find major differences between the mutational profiles of heat-adapted and heat-naïve
L. pneumophila
populations including mutations in major heat-shock genes like chaperones and proteases. This model demonstrates that well-validated treatment protocols are needed to clear contaminated systems and—in an analog to antibiotic resistance—the importance of complete eradication of the resident population to prevent selection for more persistent bacteria.
Metabolic network construction reveals probiotic-specific alterations in the metabolic activity of a synthetic small intestinal community
Authors: Jansma Jack , Chatziioannou Anastasia Chrysovalantou , Castricum Kitty , van Hemert Saskia , El Aidy Sahar
Published: September 2023

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and probiotics have emerged as a promising microbiota-targeted therapy for improving human health. However, the molecular mechanisms of probiotics action in general and the targeting of small intestinal microbiota by probiotics are not well understood. To address this, we constructed a synthetic community of three species, which resembles the upper small intestinal microbiota. Our results indicate that probiotic supplementation can directly affect the metabolism of the community, resulting in colonization resistance in a probiotic-specific manner. Supplementation with
Streptococcus thermophilus
led to increased lactate production and a decrease in pH, while
Lactobacillus casei
supplementation increased the resistance to perturbations and nutrient utilization without affecting lactate production or pH. Additionally, when combined with kynurenine,
Lactobacillus casei
enhanced the kynurenine pathway metabolism resulting in elevated kynurenic acid levels and possibly indirect colonization resistance. Overall, our study reveals how selecting probiotics with distinct functional capacities can unlock the full potential of microbiota-targeted therapies.

IMPORTANCE

The development of probiotic therapies targeted at the small intestinal microbiota represents a significant advancement in the field of probiotic interventions. This region poses unique opportunities due to its low number of gut microbiota, along with the presence of heightened immune and metabolic host responses. However, progress in this area has been hindered by a lack of detailed understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms through which probiotics exert their effects in the small intestine. Our study, utilizing a synthetic community of three small intestinal bacterial strains and the addition of two different probiotic species, and kynurenine as a representative dietary or endogenously produced compound, highlights the importance of selecting probiotic species with diverse genetic capabilities that complement the functional capacity of the resident microbiota, or alternatively, constructing a multispecies formula. This approach holds great promise for the development of effective probiotic therapies and underscores the need to consider the functional capacity of probiotic species when designing interventions.
Murepavadin induces envelope stress response and enhances the killing efficacies of β-lactam antibiotics by impairing the outer membrane integrity of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wei Xiaoya , Gao Jiacong , Xu Congjuan , Pan Xiaolei , Jin Yongxin , Bai Fang , Cheng Zhihui , Lamont Iain L. , Pletzer Daniel , Wu Weihui
Published: September 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that can cause a variety of acute and chronic infections. The bacterium is highly resistant to numerous antibiotics. Murepavadin is a peptidomimetic antibiotic that blocks the function of
P. aeruginosa
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transport protein D (LptD), thus inhibiting the insertion of LPS into the outer membrane. In this study, we demonstrated that sublethal concentrations of murepavadin enhance the bacterial outer membrane permeability. Proteomic analyses revealed the alteration of protein composition in bacterial inner and outer membranes following murepavadin treatment. The antisigma factor MucA was upregulated by murepavadin. In addition, the expression of the sigma E factor gene
algU
and the alginate synthesis gene
algD
was induced by murepavadin. Deletion of the
algU
gene reduces bacterial survival following murepavadin treatment, indicating a role of the envelope stress response in bacterial tolerance. We further demonstrated that murepavadin enhances the bactericidal activities of β-lactam antibiotics by promoting drug influx across the outer membrane. In a mouse model of acute pneumonia, the murepavadin–ceftazidime/avibactam combination showed synergistic therapeutic effect against
P. aeruginosa
infection. In addition, the combination of murepavadin with ceftazidime/avibactam slowed down the resistance development. In conclusion, our results reveal the response mechanism of
P. aeruginosa
to murepavadin and provide a promising antibiotic combination for the treatment of
P. aeruginosa
infections.

Importance

The ever increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics poses a serious threat to global public health. Novel antibiotics and treatment strategies are urgently needed. Murepavadin is a novel antibiotic that blocks the assembly of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
outer membrane by inhibiting LPS transport protein D (LptD). Here, we demonstrated that murepavadin impairs bacterial outer membrane integrity, which induces the envelope stress response. We further found that the impaired outer membrane integrity increases the influx of β-lactam antibiotics, resulting in enhanced bactericidal effects. In addition, the combination of murepavadin and a β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor mixture (ceftazidime/avibactam) slowed down the resistance development of
P. aeruginosa
. Overall, this study demonstrates the bacterial response to murepavadin and provides a new combination strategy for effective treatment.
Intra-host
Trypanosoma cruzi
strain dynamics shape disease progression: the missing link in Chagas disease pathogenesis
Authors: Dumonteil Eric , Desale Hans , Tu Weihong , Hernandez-Cuevas Nora , Shroyer Monica , Goff Kelly , Marx Preston A. , Herrera Claudia
Published: September 2023

Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy develops years after infection in 20–40% of patients, but disease progression is poorly understood. Here, we assessed
Trypanosoma cruzi
parasite dynamics and pathogenesis over a 2.5-year period in naturally infected rhesus macaques. Individuals with better control of parasitemia were infected with a greater diversity of parasite strains compared to those with increasing parasitemia over time. Also, the
in vivo
parasite multiplication rate decreased with increasing parasite diversity, suggesting competition among strains or a stronger immune response in multiple infections. Significant differences in electrocardiographic (ECG) profiles were observed in Chagasic macaques compared to uninfected controls, suggesting early conduction defects, and changes in ECG patterns over time were observed only in macaques with increasing parasitemia and lower parasite diversity. Disease progression was also associated with plasma fibronectin degradation, which may serve as a biomarker. These data provide a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis, with parasite diversity shaping disease progression.

IMPORTANCE

Chagas disease progression remains poorly understood, and patients at increased risk of developing severe cardiac disease cannot be distinguished from those who may remain asymptomatic. Monitoring of
Trypanosoma cruzi
strain dynamics and pathogenesis over 2–3 years in naturally infected macaques shows that increasing parasite diversity in hosts is detrimental to parasite multiplication and Chagasic cardiomyopathy disease progression. This provides a novel framework for the understanding of Chagas disease pathogenesis.
Temperature Sensitivity of Soil Respiration in Grasslands in Temperate Continental Climate Zone: Analysis of 25-Year-Long Monitoring Data
Authors: Kurganova I. N. , Lopes de Gerenyu V. O. , Myakshina T. N. , Sapronov D. V. , Khoroshaev D. A. , Ableeva V. A.
Published: September 2023

Field observations of soil respiration (SR) in different types of terrestrial ecosystems are very relevant because of high temporal and spatial variations of SR rate. The intra-annual dynamics of SR is mainly determined by the changes in hydrothermal conditions during the year and is often described with temperature sensitivity coefficient (Q10), which usually has a fixed value in many of the used models. This study is focused on the assessment of seasonal and interannual dynamics of SR temperature sensitivity in two grasslands in the southern Moscow oblast (temperate continental climate) based on continuous 25-year-long all-year-round measurements of CO2 emission from soils. The grasslands have been formed on two different soil types: sandy soddy-podbur (Entic Podzol (Arenic)) and gray loamy soil (Haplic Luvisol (Loamic)). The SR rate has been continuously measured from December 1997 to November 2022 with an interval of 7–10 days using the technique of closed static chambers. The temperature sensitivity of SR, estimated from the entire set of data, is higher in Haplic Luvisol as compared with Entic Podzol (3.47 vs. 2.59). The Q10 values for SR in both soils are 1.2–1.4-fold lower in dry years as compared with wet years. The interannual variation of Q10 values in grassland ecosystems amounts to 21–36% depending on the considered temperature range. A statistically significant positive correlation between the Q10 values in the temperature range ≥1°С and wetness indices is observable in both grasslands. A differentiated approach integrating different values of temperature coefficients for SR into the used models is necessary to improve the predictions of C budget in ecosystems.
Reduced Kiselev black hole
Authors: Qu Zhi-Shuo , Wang Towe , Feng Chao-Jun
Published: September 2023

The Kiselev model describes a black hole surrounded by a fluid with equations of state $$p_r/\rho =-1$$

p
r

/
ρ
=
-
1

and $$p_t/\rho =(3w+1)/2$$

p
t

/
ρ
=

(
3
w
+
1
)

/
2

respectively in radial and tangential directions. It has been extensively studied in the parameter region $$-1<w<-1/3$$

-
1
<
w
<
-
1
/
3

. If one rids off the black hole and turns to the region $$-1/3<w<0$$

-
1
/
3
<
w
<
0

, i.e. $$p_t>0$$

p
t

>
0

, then a new horizon of black hole type will emerge. This case has been mentioned in Kiselev’s pioneer work but seldom investigated in the literature. Referring to it as reduced Kiselev black hole, we revisit this case with attention to its causal structure, thermodynamics, shadow cast and weak-field limit. An alternative interpretation and extensions of the black hole are also discussed.
Ginsenoside Rg5 Improves Sleep by Regulating Energy Metabolism in Sleep-Deprived Rats
Authors: Chen Jian-Bo , Li Mei-Jia , Huo Xiao-Hui , Gong Tie-Jun , Han Xiao , Liu Jin-Hui , Liu Shuang , Sun Yin-Shi
Published: September 2023

Sleep deprivation (SD) has become a universal social problem. There is a causal relationship between SD and energy metabolism disorder. Phytochemicals have been demonstrated to have excellent sleep-promoting effects, and studies have shown that ginsenoside Rg5 (Rg5) exerts sedative and hypnotic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Rg5 in regulating energy metabolism and explore the potential mechanism of improving sleep. Sleep-deprived rats were randomly divided into a control group (Ctrl), SD model group (SD), Rg5 group (GRg5), and melatonin group (MT). Sleep-deprived model rats were generated by housing rats in an SD box for 4 weeks. The Ctrl and SD groups were given equal volumes of saline. The Rg5 groups were given 25[Formula: see text]mg/kg Rg5 or 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg Rg5, and the MT group was given 0.27[Formula: see text]g/kg MT. A Western blot analysis and ELISA were used to detect the metabolic levels, mitochondrial functional proteins, AMPK pathway proteins, clock-related proteins, adenosine receptors, and neurotransmitter receptors. The results showed that Rg5 corrected abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism as well as improved ATP levels. In addition, Rg5 alleviated mitochondrial structural damage and improved the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial biosynthesis, fission, and fusion. Moreover, Rg5 improved the expression of AMPK/PGC-1/Nrf-1 pathway proteins, regulated mitochondrial biological functions, and affected the rhythm characteristics of circadian clock-related proteins. Further, Rg5 improved the expression of A1R and A[Formula: see text]R as well as regulated the expression levels of GABAA1[Formula: see text] and mGluR5 to improve sleep in SD rats.
Semi-analytical solution of nanofluid flow with convective and radiative heat transfer
Authors: Razavi Seyed Esmail , Adibi Tohid , Ahmed Shams Forruque , Saha Suvash C.
Published: September 2023

The application of nanofluids has exploded in recent decades to improve the local number, mean Nusselt number, and rate of heat transfer. However, boundary layer equations of nanofluid across a flat plate with radiation have not been studied, and therefore this paper studies them mathematically for the first time. For water-based copper and aluminum oxide nanofluids, a similarity solution is presented in this study, and the subsequent system of the ordinary differential equation (ODE) is numerically solved by the Runge–Kutta method in MATLAB. Two different hydraulic boundary conditions are used in the simulations. In the first, the flow across a moving plate and the direction of the flow are analyzed, while in the second, the flow over a nonlinearly moving plate in a still fluid is investigated. The nanoparticle’s boundary layer thickness is found less than the thermal and hydraulics boundary layers. The local Nusselt number and friction factor of both the nanofluids are calculated and compared with the base fluid. The results demonstrate that the friction coefficient is high and the Nusselt number is low for nanoparticles with a high volume fraction. It also revealed that the friction factor for water–aluminum oxide is 16% greater than that for the water–CuO whereas the local Nusselt number for water–aluminum oxide is only 5% more than that for the water–CuO.
Blood donation in China from 2017 to 2021: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Jing , Pan Xinyao , Zhou Jing , Wang Ling
Published: September 2023

Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the essential demographic characteristics of blood donors in China from 2017 to 2021 and to analyze the impact of various factors on blood donation in China, including the blood donor’s attitudes towards family replacement/mutual blood donation (FRMBD) and the effects of policy changes on blood donation.

Design: This study is a cross-sectional review comparing the demographic characteristics of blood donors from 2017 to 2021.

Setting and participants: The study included 1164 participants who were randomly sampled across China. The data were collected by trained staff and entered into a standard electronic data framework.

Results: The number of blood donations observed in China generally increased from 2017 to 2021. Among the 1164 respondents, 785 were non-blood donors and 379 were blood donors. Most people’s awareness of blood donation comes from organizations. Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between being a blood donor and being aged 30 or above ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), being a doctor ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), having Ph.D. degrees ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]), or being familiar with blood donation policy ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). There was no significant difference in recognition between family FRMBD and voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD). The study also investigated the impact of canceling FRMBD blood donation policies on the selection of blood donation methods. The results showed that the percentage of VNRBD was 57% and 41% in 2017 and 2021, respectively. This indicates that canceling FRMBD policies will not affect people’s choice for blood donation methods.

Conclusions: The results of the univariate analysis showed that people over 30 years of age, those with a Ph.D. or postgraduate degree, and those with knowledge of blood donation policies were more likely to be blood donors. People’s reasons for banning the abolition of FRMBD may be due to the fact that it may not be possible to achieve an adequate supply of blood only through VNRBD. Through comparing the data of 2017 and 2021, it is found that the cancellation of the FRMBD blood donation policy will not have an impact on people’s blood donation ways, and most people agree to cancel the FRMBD.

Strengths and limitations of this study

Strengths: This study analyzed factors related to decisions about blood donation in various regions of China. For the first time, we analyzed changes in perceptions of blood donation and donation rates before and after the abolition of FRMBD.

• This survey did not record changes in the dynamics of the number of blood donations counted over consecutive years.

• The individual donor factors such as gender and regional differences in blood donation awareness and facilities, which contribute to regional differences in people’s blood donation behavior, were not investigated.
Multi-Objective Hyperparameter Optimization in Machine Learning—An Overview
Authors: Karl Florian , Pielok Tobias , Moosbauer Julia , Pfisterer Florian , Coors Stefan , Binder Martin , Schneider Lennart , Thomas Janek , Richter Jakob , Lang Michel , Garrido-Merchán Eduardo C. , Branke Juergen , Bischl Bernd
Published: September 2023

Hyperparameter optimization constitutes a large part of typical modern machine learning (ML) workflows. This arises from the fact that ML methods and corresponding preprocessing steps often only yield optimal performance when hyperparameters are properly tuned. But in many applications, we are not only interested in optimizing ML pipelines solely for predictive accuracy; additional metrics or constraints must be considered when determining an optimal configuration, resulting in a multi-objective optimization problem. This is often neglected in practice, due to a lack of knowledge and readily available software implementations for multi-objective hyperparameter optimization. In this work, we introduce the reader to the basics of multi-objective hyperparameter optimization and motivate its usefulness in applied ML. Furthermore, we provide an extensive survey of existing optimization strategies from the domains of evolutionary algorithms and Bayesian optimization. We illustrate the utility of multi-objective optimization in several specific ML applications, considering objectives such as operating conditions, prediction time, sparseness, fairness, interpretability, and robustness.
A Compilation Tool for Computation Offloading in ReRAM-based CIM Architectures
Authors: Jin Hai , Lei Bo , Liu Haikun , Liao Xiaofei , Duan Zhuohui , Ye Chencheng , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2023

Computing-in-Memory
(CIM) architectures using
Non-volatile Memories
(NVMs) have emerged as a promising way to address the “memory wall” problem in traditional Von Neumann architectures. CIM accelerators can perform arithmetic or Boolean logic operations in NVMs by fully exploiting their high parallelism for bit-wise operations. These accelerators are often used in cooperation with general-purpose processors to speed up a wide variety of artificial neural network applications. In such a heterogeneous computing architecture, the legacy software should be redesigned and re-engineered to utilize new CIM accelerators. In this article, we propose a compilation tool to automatically migrate legacy programs to such heterogeneous architectures based on the
low-level virtual machine
(LLVM) compiler infrastructure. To accelerate some computations such as vector-matrix multiplication in CIM accelerators, we identify several typical computing patterns from LLVM
intermediate representations
, which are oblivious to high-level programming paradigms. Our compilation tool can modify accelerable LLVM IRs to offload them to CIM accelerators automatically, without re-engineering legacy software. Experimental results show that our compilation tool can translate many legacy programs to CIM-supported binary executables effectively, and improve application performance and energy efficiency by up to 51× and 309×, respectively, compared with general-purpose x86 processors.
Enhancing Adhesion of Electroless Copper Film on Smooth Polyimide Surfaces by Photocatalytic Oxidation
Authors: Li Bingbing , Dastafkan Kamran , Shen Yu , Wang Lu , Ma Yi , Wang Zenglin , Zhao Chuan
Published: September 2023

The application of advanced high-frequency (5 G) requires a low-profile Cu foil to reduce the high-speed signal loss due to skin effect. However, the adhesion of electroless copper film on the smooth surface of polyimides (PI) remains a challenge. Here, a two-step composite modification method, consisting of TiO2 photocatalysis and Na2S2O8 photooxidation treatment, is successfully applied to induce a high adhesion strength of electroless copper film on the smooth PI surface. To meet the requirements of the flexible electronics, the average surface roughness of the PI film is increased from 4.2 to 11.5 nm through optimizing the modification. Whereas the surface contact angle decreases from the original 76.9° to 18.7° and the adhesion strength between the electroless copper film and PI film is increased from 0 to 0.90 KN m−1. Spectroscopic investigations reveal that the amide bonds on the surface PI get oxidized by radicals, while an abundant –COOH and –NH2 groups form. The high oxidation potential, strong stability of the sulfate anion radicals, as along with their increased concentration in the treatment solution are contributed to the extraordinary modification performance. Therefore, the TiO2 photocatalysis and Na2S2O8 photooxidation composite treatment is an effective and environmentally friendly method for surface modification of PI films.
The Effect of Titania Additives on the Performance of PEO-Based Solid Sodium Batteries: Bulk and Interfacial Aspects
Authors: Peta Gayathri , Alon-Yehezkel Hadas , Samala Nagaprasad Reddy , Bublil Shaul , Elias Yuval , Grinberg Ilya , Fayena-Greenstein Miryam , Aurbach Doron
Published: September 2023

Nanometric fillers are known to affect the electrochemical performance of polymer electrolytes. Here, nanowires and nanotubes of TiO2 with the same crystal structure are compared as additives to poly(ethylene oxide) based electrolytes for solid state sodium batteries. Electrochemical studies of symmetric cells with blocking and non-blocking electrodes examined the effects of the additive shapes on the bulk electrolyte and Na-electrolyte interface. Impedance spectroscopy was used as a major electroanalytical tool. To obtain a full perspective, all-solid-state batteries were evaluated. In galvanostatic measurements the filler shape effect is most noticeable at a high current density. TiO2 nanotubes improve the solid electrolyte behavior considerably more than titania nanowires. This effect is related mainly to the interface of the polymeric matrix with the electrodes.
Effect of pH of In-Office Bleaching Gels and Timing of Fluoride Gel Application on Microhardness and Surface Morphology of Enamel
Authors: Motevasselian Fariba , Kermanshah Hamid , Dortaj Dorara , Lippert Frank
Published: September 2023

Objective. To assess microhardness (VH) of enamel treated with two in-office bleaching agents with different pH and to study the effect of post- and prebleaching fluoride therapy. Materials and Methods. Eighty bovine incisors were divided into eight groups: G1-Unbleached group; G2-2% NaF; G3-Pola Office (pH = 3.8); G4-Pola Office+ (pH = 7); G5-Pola Office followed by 2% NaF; G6-2% NaF followed by Pola Office; G7-Pola Office+ followed by 2% NaF; G8-2% NaF followed by Pola Office+. Bleaching was conducted 3x with 1-week intervals (T1/T7/T14). Specimens were kept in artificial saliva. VH was measured at T1, T7, and T14. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Result. There was no significant difference among the groups at T1. No significant difference was found between G3 and G4 at all intervals. 2% NaF (G5/G6 vs. G3) significantly prevented softening at T7 and T14. Some nonsignificant hardening was observed for 2% NaF for G7/G8 vs. G4. At T14, G3 showed the lowest VH values. G5 showed higher VH values compared to other groups apart from G6–G7. No relationship between bleaching protocols and surface morphology was observed. Conclusion. Pola Office caused the most softening. 2% NaF gel application after Pola Office bleaching was effective in recovering enamel hardness. Fluoride application after Pola Office+ bleaching provided little benefit.
Elevated Serum Total Bilirubin Might Indicate Poor Coronary Conditions for Unstable Angina Pectoris Patients beyond as a Cardiovascular Protector
Authors: Liang Qi , Zhang Yongjian , Liang Jin
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds. Serum total bilirubin (STB) is recently more regarded as an antioxidant with vascular protective effects. However, we noticed that elevated STB appeared in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) patients with diffused coronary lesions. We aimed to explore STB’s roles in UAP patients, which have not been reported by articles. Methods and Results. 1120 UAP patients were retrospectively screened, and 296 patients were finally enrolled. They were grouped by Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina grades. The synergy between PCI with TAXUS stent and cardiac surgery score (SYNTAX score) and corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow count (CTFC) were adopted to profile coronary features. The results showed that STB, mean platelet volume (MPV), hs-CRP, fasting blood glucose (FBG), red blood cell width (RDW), and CTFC elevated significantly in the CCS high-risk group. STB (

B
=
0.59

, 95% CI: 0.39-0.74,

P
<
0.01

) and MPV (

B
=
0.86

, 95% CI: 0.42-1.31,

P
<
0.01

) could indicate SYNTAX score changes for these patients. STB (≥21.7 μmol/L) could even indicate a coronary slow flow condition (AUC: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.84-0.93,

P
<
0.01

). Moreover, UAP patients with elevated STB had a lower event-free survival rate by the Kaplan-Meier curve. STB ≥21.7 μmol/L could reflect a poor coronary flow status and indicate 1-year poor outcomes for these patients (HR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.06-3.84,

P
<
0.01

). Conclusion. Elevated STB in UAP patients has a close relationship with changes in SYNTAX score. STB (over 21.7 μmol/L) could even indicate a coronary slow flow condition and poor outcomes for the UAP patients.
Positive-Sum Game-Based Capacity Configuration Planning Method of Solar-Wind-Battery System Designed for Black-Start
Authors: Yang Hejun , Liu Zhibo , Ma Yinghao
Published: September 2023

For achieving the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the renewable energy and the battery energy storage will be developed more rapidly. The participation of the solar-wind-battery renewable energy system (SWBS) in black-start can improve the resilience of the power grid. Aiming at the balance between the capacity demand of SWBS participating in black-start and the benefit of SWBS, this paper proposes a positive-sum game-based SWBS capacity configuration planning method. First, a levelized cost of energy- (LCOE-) based full life cycle index is presented and constructs an economic benefit model of SWBS considering the participation of wind and solar power plants in carbon trading. Second, a black-start capacity demand model is constructed considering the continuous power demand on the auxiliary devices of the operated thermal power generator. Taking the economic benefit of SWBS and the black-start capacity requirement into account, this paper establishes a positive-sum game-based SWBS capacity optimal configuration model, in which maximizing the economic benefits of SWBS as an objective. Third, the simulation analysis is carried out by using a real power system, and results verify that the proposed method can achieve the optimal balance between the feasibility of black-start and the economic benefit of the SWBS.
Influence of the Friction Stir Process on the Corrosion Resistance, Machining, and Mechanical Properties of Al6101-SiC Composite
Authors: Kshatri Harisingh , Rajasekhar M. , Mallela Komaleswara Rao , Gandhi Pullagura , Barik D. , Majumder Himadri
Published: September 2023

In this study, friction stir processing (FSP) was used to create new surface properties of the Al 6101-SiC composite, and different types of friction stir process tools are used like cylindrical with thread and conical with thread. The SEM and EDAX analyses made it evident that texture appeared in FSPed Al6101 both with and without SiC. Due to the refined grain structure and the inclusion of SiC in the composite, both FSPed samples’ hardness and tensile strength were found to be higher than those of the base alloy. In contrast to FSPed and base material, the composite had a lower percentage of elongation. Drilling experiments led to machining research that showed FSPed Al6101 to have larger cutting forces than the base and composite materials. These findings revealed that SiC served as reinforcement in the material, increasing hardness and cutting forces during drilling. Electrochemical tests on the corrosion behavior showed that the composite had less corrosion resistance than the FSPed alloy but had slightly better corrosion resistance than the base material. Al6101-SiC composites were found to have superior mechanical characteristics and greater machinability. However, when creating an Al6101-SiC composite via FSP, it is crucial to consider corrosion resistance degradation.