bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome identified or displaying anomalies during the first trimester of pregnancy: case reports
Authors: Lei Wenjia , Han Jijing , Wang Jingjing , Hou Chenxiao , Zhang Simin , Xiong Xiaowei , Wu Qingqing
Published: November 2023

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) represents the most prevalent form of functional single-ventricle heart disease developing in utero. Enhanced ultrasound technology, featuring a spectrum of high-frequency probes, coupled with the diagnostic “window” at the 11–14 weeks’ scan, facilitates the early detection of HLHS during the first trimester of pregnancy. This not only permits timely genetic testing and management planning but, crucially, might uncover early indicators of hemodynamic alterations in HLHS. It is in this context that we described two different evolution of HLHS in utero. We present three instances of fetal HLHS identified or displaying anomalies in the first trimester: two exhibited the typical clinical phenotype early on, while the other manifested an outflow tract obstruction that evolved into HLHS by the second trimester. Insights into the HLHS spectrum may bridge the knowledge gap regarding the etiology of HLHS, which is essential for providing antenatal counseling, and guiding intrauterine therapy for the affected fetus.
Blood pressure screening in Mata Sector, a rural area of Rwanda
Authors: Parati Gianfranco , Hunjan Isabella , Umulisa Alice , Parati Gianfranco , Bianchetti Mario , Milani Gregorio , Muvunyi Bienvenu , Ntaganda Evariste , Radovanovic Dragana , Stroppa Clara , Suter Paolo , Muggli Franco
Published: November 2023

In rural sub-Saharan Africa, knowledge of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure (BP) is rather limited. This report provides information about a BP screening in Mata Sector, a rural region in Southern Province of Rwanda. Community-based, house-to-house screening was performed between February and July 2020 on more than 7,000 inhabitants. The screening was conducted by a local team composed by 20 community health care workers, five community health care supervisors, and one nurse with hypertension surveillance training. BP and heart rate were recorded after 5 minutes of resting, using a validated automated oscillometric OMRON M6 IT-HEM-7322-E monitor with Intelli Wrap Cuff (HEM-FL31-E) technology. The mean of the second and third value was retained. BP was normal (< 140/90 mm Hg) in 6,340 (88%) and elevated in 863 (12%) participants with 95% of unawareness. Grade 1 (140–159/90–99 mm Hg) hypertensive BP readings were detected in 697 (81%), grade 2 (160–179/100–109 mm Hg) in 134 (16%), and grade 3 (≥ 180/≥110 mm Hg) in 32 (3.7%) individuals. The prevalence of hypertensive readings was significantly age-dependent. Additionally, a slightly greater proportion of participants with high BP (14% versus 11%) had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. Also resting heart rate was higher in individuals with high BP (82 versus 77 beats/min). Although individuals identified with occasionally elevated BP values need further confirmatory measurements to establish the diagnosis of hypertension, these data suggest that high BP represents an escalating concern within sub-Saharan Africa.
The Improvement of Central Apnea Index after Adenotonsillectomy in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wijitpan Suttida , Tanphaichitr Archwin , Kasemsuk Navarat , Banhiran Wish
Published: November 2023

Background
Central sleep apnea has been reported in pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the effect of adenotonsillectomy (TA) on the presentation of the central apnea index (CAI) remains unclear. We investigated the effect of TA on CAI in children with OSA through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic search was performed to identify original studies that compare the CAI obtained before and after TA from polysomnography in children under 18 years of age. Non-original studies and full papers that were not available were excluded. Only relevant data were pooled for meta-analysis.
Results
Eleven studies with 689 participants were included. The mean age was 5.6 ± 3.0 years and the mean BMI was 21.0 ± 10.6 kg/m2. Post-TA CAI decreased significantly from pre-TA CAI with a mean difference (MD) of 0.70 events/h (95%CI, 0.25–1.15), especially in the non-Down syndrome subgroup [MD of 0.75 events/h (95%CI, 0.24 to 1.26)]. Other parameters, including the apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen saturation, were also significantly improved after TA. However, there was no significant difference in CAI reduction between the subgroups of patients with and without TA, and those with and without obesity.
Conclusion
This meta-analysis revealed that pediatric patients with OSA who underwent TA had a significant reduction in CAI, particularly in patients without Down syndrome. The study suggests that CAI should be considered an important PSG parameter in post-TA patients. A further well-controlled and long-term study considering the impact of pediatric OSA surgery on CAI is needed.
Identification of Molecular Subtypes and a Prognostic Signature Based on m6A/m5C/m1A-Related Genes in Lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yu , Luo Xuan , Jia Qiuye , Wang Zhiyuan , Wang Xiaofang , Wang Yanghao , Zhang Yinlin , Li Muye , Li Fangfang , Bian Li
Published: November 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological type of lung cancer and has high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that RNA modifications involving m6A, m5C, and m1A play a vital part in tumorigenesis, drug resistance and immunotherapy. However, there is no reliable model according to m6A/m5C/m1A-related genes to predict the patients’ prognosis in LUAD. We obtained patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and captured m6A/m5C/m1A-related genes from the GeneCards database. The “ConsensusClusterPlus” R package was used to generate molecular subtypes based on m6A/m5C/m1A-related genes obtained by differential expression analysis and univariate Cox analysis. We constructed a prognostic signature consisting of six genes (SNHG12, PABPC1, IGF2BP1, FOXM1, CBFA2T3, and CASC8), which was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Higher risk scores were associated with poorer overall survival and increased expression of human leukocyte antigen and immune checkpoints. The relationships between m6A/m5C/m1A regulated gene subsets and risk model and immune cell infiltration were analyzed using estimate, CIBERSORT, TIMER, ssGSEA algorithms and exclusion (TIDE). The tumour stemness indices (TSIs) were also compared based on m6A/m5C/m1A -related molecular subtypes and the risk signature. Based on the risk signature, various analyses were conducted including stratification, somatic mutation, nomogram construction, chemotherapeutic response prediction, and small-molecule drug prediction. In conclusion, we constructed a six-gene prognostic signature that could be useful for prognostication in LUAD patients and designing personalized treatments, which could provide new versions of personalized management for these patients.
Obstructive sleep apnea and visceral adiposity index: A cross-sectional study of the NHANES 2015–2020
Authors: jiang chunqi , wang bo , wang Jun , qu Yinuo , zhang changyun , zhao Guang , chen Puyi , yan Chuanzhu , zhang xin
Published: November 2023

Background Evidence indicates that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to the Visceral adiposity index (VAI). Our study aimed to assess theassociation between VAI and OSA based on a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2015 and 2020.
MethodsWe used weighted multivariable logistic regression models with subgroup analysis to explore the
relationship between VAI and OSA. A nonlinear association was tested using generalized additive models. To calculate the inflection point, we constructed a two-part linear regression model and applied a recursive algorithm.
Results The study enrolled 4816 American participants. The regression model, after adjusting for all confounding variables, showed that the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the correlation between VAI and OSA was 1.01 (0.97, 1.05), indicating no statistically significant association. In spite of this, the linear trend test showed a non-linear relationship between VAI and OSA. Based on restricted cubic splines, the odds of OSA increased with increasing VAI before the inflection point (3.7), and there was no statistically significant relationship after the inflection point. VAI and OSA were found to be nonlinear in all population subgroups except for males and those aged 40- 60.
Conclusion The relationship between VAI and OSA was curvilinear. Age and gender have significant effects. The relationship was linear for men, but nonlinear for participants younger than 40 and for female.
Investigating the Relationship Between Climatic Factors and Malaria Cases in the Municipality of Beira Using Flexible Smoothing Regression
Authors: Muleia Rachid , Karim Md.Rezaul , Maúre Genito , José Américo , Adjei Isaac Akpor , Marrufo Tatiana
Published: November 2023

Background: Malaria, a prominent health concern globally, exhibits a strong correlation with climatic determinants. With the changing global climate, understanding this relationship becomes imperative in crafting preventive strategies against the disease.
Objectives: This research aimed to ascertain the relationships between climatic variables and malaria incidence in Beira City between 2012 and 2020, as well as project the potential implications of climate change on future malaria transmission.
Methods: The study deployed the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) with a flexible smoothing function to probe the associations between climate variables and weekly malaria incidence. It further evaluated the potential repercussions of climate change on malaria transmission under different emission trajectories.
Results: Significant associations were found between climatic factors and malaria incidence. The findings indicated that recent rainfall (within the last three weeks) and relative humidity (over the past four weeks) had a positive impact on malaria incidence. Conversely, the temperature from the previous week and other time-related variables had a negative effect. Future projections under different emission scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.6, and RCP8.5) anticipate a decline in malaria incidence by 2030.
Conclusion: Climatic variables play a pivotal role in influencing malaria incidence. As such, they should be at the forefront of considerations for effective malaria prevention and control strategies. Moreover, the study provides invaluable insights that can guide public health decisions, emphasizing the need to address the potential repercussions of climate change on malaria transmission.
Association between the Demographic Characteristics, Severity, Clinical Symptoms, Vital Signs, and Lab Findings and COVID-19 Outcomes in Older Adults
Authors: Ashjazadeh Hamidreza , Zandieh Zhale , Niksolat Maryam , Nabi Somaye , Zanjari Nasibeh , Yarandi Razieh Bidhendi , Azadbakht Mojtaba
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an evil infectious disease that seriously threatens people's lives and health due to its high infectivity and incidence. A practical solution to curb the pandemic is to facilitate the recognition of poor prognostic factors at earlier stages, especially in vulnerable groups such as elderly individuals, to help clinicians make timely decisions on treatment initiation.
Methods
This is a retrospective cross-sectional study on information extracted from the medical files of 534 COVID-19 patients aged 60 years and above. Then, the frequencies of these variables by outcome (recovery or death) were analyzed, and the association between the demographic characteristics, severity, clinical symptoms, vital signs, and underlying health and the mortality rate was reported.
Results
The average age of the population was 72.5 ± 8.77 years. The overall mortality rate was 23.2%. The in-ICU mortality rate was 87%. Mortality increased considerably with a rise in troponin level, 53% with troponin ≥ 100. RDW > 16 and MCV > 96.1 significantly increased mortality. Eighty-six percent of the cases suffered from chronic diseases. The mortality rate in patients with autoimmune diseases was 64%, and that in patients with CKD was 51%.
Conclusions
ICU admission was the strongest predictive indicator for poor outcomes. Mortality increased significantly in elderly COVID-19 patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, CKD, underlying pulmonary and heart diseases, diabetes, and diastolic and systolic hypotension.
MeSH terms:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Age, Mortality, Prognosis
A RBF Neural Network-Based Parameters Tuning for an ADRC Regulator of Electrode Wire Feed Mechanism: Arc Welding Applications
Authors: Babes Badreddine , Boutaghane Amar , Reddaf Abdelmalek , Boudjerda Mounir , Amar Hichem , Hamouda Noureddine , Ghoneim Sherif S. M.
Published: November 2023

The electrode wire feeding mechanism (EWFM) is a closed-loop system that is commonly utilized in power controlled arc welding machines to achieve better performance for different electrode wire diameters. This study presents parameters self-tuning method based on RBF neural network for active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) of a welding EWFM, and establishes a real-time testing system based on the dSPACE platform. First, an ADRC control strategy is developed to enhance the tracking performance and robustness of a welding EWFM in a multi-source disturbance environment. Second, an RBF-based parameters tuning method is provided to correctly determine and adjust the gains of the suggested ADRC regulator. Finally, to confirm the considered strategy, the real-time tests are conducted. The findings demonstrate that the suggested ADRC regulator with RBF-based gains tuning algorithm has a considerable disturbance rejection capability, small overshoot, fast response, and high precision which can improve the stability and quality of the arc welding process.
The utility of serum total bile acid levels as a prognostic biomarker for the survival of children with sepsis
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Deng Kelei , Lin Peiquan , Hu Lei , Ye Jing , Liang Jianfeng , Ni Yan , Tan Linhua
Published: November 2023

Background: Sepsis is common in pediatric intensive care units (ICU). It is crucial to explore the independent risk factors of sepsis, establish a septic prediction model, and evaluate the prognosis of hospitalized surviving patients with sepsis through clinical research.
Methods: From January 2016 to December 2021, we selected septic children admitted to the ICU of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Concurrently, as controls for the absence of sepsis, healthy children of the same age were chosen. Every child was categorized into one of three groups based on the prognosis of sepsis: sepsis survival, sepsis death, or a control group with no sepsis. As the subject of the study, comprehensive clinical data of all children who were admitted to the hospital were collected. In order to identify prognostic risk factors for sepsis patients in the intensive care unit, the disparities in laboratory examination outcomes and clinical indicators of sepsis among the three groups of children were compared.
Results:A total of 702 children were enrolled, including 538 cases in the sepsis survival group, 164 cases in the sepsis death group, and 269 cases in the no sepsis control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of in-hospital mortality showed that serum total bile acid (TBA) (OR=2.898, 95% CI 1.946~4.315, p<0.05) was a risk factor for sepsis. A
clinical prediction model for sepsis prognosis was constructed based on the risk factors obtained from regression analysis. We found that TBA (>17.95 µmol/L) is an independent risk factor for predicting sepsis mortality, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.842 (95% CI 0.800-0.883), sensitivity of 54.9%, specificity of 96.6%, and HR=7.658 (95% CI 5.575~10.520).
Conclusion: It is imperative to investigate the utilization of prognostic models for the purpose of forecasting mortality in children afflicted with sepsis. Based on the findings of this study, elevated serum TBA concentrations are associated with a heightened risk of mortality in pediatric sepsis. By constructing a survival prediction model from clinical data, the final analysis can assist clinicians caring for children with sepsis at the bedside.
Enhancing Neonatal Thoracoscopic Surgical Training with Rabbit Model
Authors: Fung Adrian Chi Heng , Chung Patrick Ho Yu , Chan Ivy Hau Yee , Lau Eugene Chin Tung , Wo Jana Yim Hung , Wong Kenneth Kak Yuen
Published: November 2023

Background
Thoracoscopy, which has an increasing role in the treatment of indexed neonatal surgical conditions, requires adequate training. To support this, the current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using live rabbit models in neonatal thoracoscopic skills training among paediatric surgeons.
Methods
Following didactic lectures and demonstrations, the participants were given hands-on opportunities to perform thoracoscopic procedures. The feasibility and effectiveness of using live rabbit models in neonatal thoracoscopic skills training among paediatric surgeons were evaluated with pre-/post-course procedural confidence scores and a questionnaire.
Results
This study included 13 paediatric surgeons—2 (15%) males and 11 (85%) females—who were evenly distributed. There were four basic surgical trainees, five higher surgical trainees and four fellows in paediatric surgery (mean surgical practice experience: 4.5 ± 3.7 years). Most had experience assisting paediatric (70%) and neonatal (62%) thoracoscopic surgery. Only 30% had experience as the chief surgeon of paediatric thoracoscopic surgery, with none on neonates. Significant improvement was seen in procedural confidence as the assistant and chief surgeon of all procedures post-workshop. The surgeons rated the model positively.
Conclusion
The procedural confidence level of paediatric surgeons improved significantly after workshop participation. This realistic and easily reproducible model can help perfect thoracoscopic skills. Therefore, its integration into paediatric surgical training would promote surgical skill proficiency and could improve surgeons’ confidence in neonate operations.
Novel mutations of the CYP17A1 gene cause disorders of sex development in two-chromosome karyotype 46,XY infants and a literature review: A case report
Authors: Dong Ying , Xi Li , Cheng Ruoqian , Zhang Miaoying , Zheng Zhangqian , Xie Chun , LI Qi , Luo Feihong
Published: November 2023

Background
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a group of rare autosomal recessive diseases due to seven different enzyme mutations, and 17ɑ-hydroxylase deficiency is rare in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The typical clinical manifestations of 17α-OHD are sexual naivety, with vague or feminine apparent definition of the external genitalia; pubescent and adult females present with no pubertal development and primary amenorrhea, and males show vulval dysplasia or femininity.
Case presentation:
The clinical features and laboratory and whole-exon sequencing test results were analysed in the 2 children with the chromosomal karyotype 46,XY 17ɑ-OHD at the ages of 2 months and 20 days (case 1) and 1 year and 2 months (case 2). Case 1 presented with cryptorchidism and a small penis with an external masculinization score of 7. Case 2 showed feminine external genitalia with a score of 4. Decreased morning cortisol levels, normal electrolytes and significantly increased luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were present in both cases. Both patients harboured compound heterozygous mutations in the CYP17A1 gene, and among them, had three novel mutations.
Conclusions
CYP17A1 gene defects in infants can manifest only as gonadal dysplasia and a lack of blood pressure and electrolyte abnormalities, which are easily misdiagnosed. Those with internal and/or external genitalia inconsistent with the chromosome karyotype should be alert to the possibility of 17ɑ-OHD. Adrenal steroid hormones and gene testing can be helpful for a definite diagnosis and early intervention.
Cobalt-molybdenum bimetallic phosphide grown in situ on nickel foam as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting
Authors: Wang Qiangqiang , Song Yameng , Liu Xiuzhen , Liang Haojun , Li Shiqi , Wang Shanshan , Sun Yanyan , Zhang Yingjiu
Published: November 2023

Designing low-cost, efficient and stable non-precious metal catalysts for overall water splitting is a necessary and urgent task. In this paper, Co-Mo-P nanopillar array catalysts were successfully prepared on three-dimensional nickel foam (Co-Mo-P/NF) by hydrothermal and phosphorylation methods for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The vertically aligned nanopillar structure provides a relatively high specific surface area, which can provide an abundance of active sites and facilitate the penetration of the electrolyte and increase the electron transfer rate. Electrochemical tests have shown that Co-Mo-P/NF exhibits excellent performance and stability in HER and OER reactions. For HER, the overpotential of the catalyst was 37 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm− 2 in 1M KOH and 258 mV for OER. In addition, the Co-Mo-P/NF exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance with a cell voltage as low as 1.58 V to obtain 10 mA cm− 2.
A Study on Evaluating synthetic time-series data of battery
Authors: Seol Sujin , Yoon Jaewoo , Lee Jungeun , Kim Byeongwoo
Published: November 2023

Advancements in artificial intelligence have encouraged the application of deep learning in various fields. A critical element of deep learning is the dataset, with the accuracy of deep learning algorithms depending on the quality of the data. Data augmentation algorithms can secure large, high-quality datasets, with qual- ity assessment of the generated datasets mostly performed through qualitative and quantitative evaluation. However, the conventional qualitative evaluation has no objective and quantitative evaluation suitable for battery synthetic datasets. Therefore, this study proposes applying the rate of change in linear regression correlation coefficients, the Dunn Index, and the silhouette coefficient as cluster- ing indices for quantitatively evaluating the quality of the synthetic time-series datasets of batteries. To verify the reliability of the proposed method, we applied the TimeGAN algorithm to an open-source battery dataset and then generated a synthetic battery dataset and compared its similarity to the original dataset using the proposed evaluation method. Consequently, we present a new synthetic time- series dataset evaluation method that has higher reliability than the conventional representative evaluation method (i.e., the training loss rate).
How do Agricultural Subsidies affect the Income of Food- producing Household: a Mediated Moderation Model
Authors: Yi Haoping , Guo Dengwang , Wang Haoming , Min Longzhen , Yi Guohui
Published: November 2023

Increasing farmers’ income is critical to achieving the goals of rural revitalization and common prosperity, and has been a priority in the “three rural” work in China. With growing financial support for agriculture and a widening urban-rural income gap, understanding the relationship between agricultural subsidies and rural household income is crucial. Using data from the 2018 China Labor-force Dynamic Survey, this paper employs basic estimation, mediating effect, and moderating effect models to analyze the heterogeneity of agricultural subsidies’ impact on rural household income, the mediating effect of agricultural mechanization, and the moderating effect of operation scale. Our findings show that agricultural subsidies significantly promote the income of food-producing household, with agricultural mechanization partially mediating this effect. Operation scale positively moderates the impact of agricultural subsidies on rural household income and agricultural mechanization. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that agricultural subsidies have a more significant impact on rural household income among elderly agricultural producers in the eastern region.
Rapid stress relaxation and degradable aromatic disulfide vitrimer for recyclable carbon fiber reinforced composite
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Li Mingzhuan , Feng Peifeng , Meng Luoli , Jian Xigao , Xu Jian
Published: November 2023

Carbon fiber thermoset composites pose significant challenges due to their inability to be reprocessed and the difficulties in recycling carbon fibers. Vitrimer materials with reversible dynamic covalent bonding offer a promising solution for the degradation of thermosetting resins and the recycling of carbon fibers. However, their practical application is limited by inability to quickly release stresses from deformation and long degradation times. To address these limitations, this study presents a novel vitrimer material based on free amine-catalyzed aromatic dynamic disulfide exchange. The dynamic disulfide exchange network, catalyzed by free amines, exhibits rapid stress relaxation, with a relaxation time of only 14 s at 180°C. This exceptional dynamic exchange capability grants the vitrimer material outstanding self-healing properties, shape memory functionality, and recycling performance. Moreover, the higher concentration of disulfide bonds and the generation of small molecules increase the susceptibility of the crosslinked network to thiol degradation, resulting in resin degradation within 5 h. Additionally, this research successfully applies the vitrimer material as a matrix to prepare carbon fiber composites with exceptional mechanical properties. Furthermore, by degrading the resin matrix, effective recycling of carbon fibers is achieved, contributing to sustainable practices in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Radio frequency modulates the multi-scale structure and physicochemical properties of corn starch
Authors: Ren Liuyang , Zheng Zhaohui , Fu Hanyu , Yang Pei , Xu Jingshen , Xie Weijun , Yang Deyong
Published: November 2023

Hot air (HA) assisted radio frequency (RF) technology is an effective method to improve the drying quality of grains. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of HA-RF heating on multi-scale structure and physicochemical properties of corn starch with different moisture content (MC) levels (30% and 35%) and temperatures (60, 70, and 80℃). The result showed that HA-RF treatment destroyed the crystal structure, increased the amylose content (AC), and promoted the pre-gelatinization of starch. At high MC, the short–range order structure and relative crystallinity decreased, the particle size, gelatinization temperature, and pasting viscosity increased with increasing temperature. Meanwhile, the morphology of starch granules was damaged due to high moisture–temperature conditions. Moreover, as the temperature continued to rise, the increase of starch–protein interaction inhibited the enhance of AC and particle size in treated samples at low MC. However, HA-RF treated starch at low MC was prone to retrograde, and formed the strong network structure in retrograded pastes. The above results indicated that temperature and MC together affected the structure and functionalities of corn starch. The study might help understand the mechanism of the effect of HA-RF treatment on the structural and physicochemical properties of starch.
Key techniques and efficiency analysis of amplification of flanking unknown sequences by inverse PCR
Authors: Xue Xiaodong , Li Wan , Li Qinxia , Chang Weidong , Shi Lujing , Wang Zhe , Zhao Yongping
Published: November 2023

Inverse PCR (IPCR) is an accurate, simple, feasible, and ideal technique for obtaining unknown sequences. In this study, we used the model monocot Brachypodium distachyon (ecotype Bd21) to standardize the conditions and materials required for successfully performing the IPCR. Analysis of the amplified sequences led us to the following conclusions. First, the distance between the restriction endonuclease cleavage site and the unknown–known sequence boundary should be at least 400 bp. Second, a 6 bp restriction endonuclease such as NdeI produces condensed bands in a size gradient with good specificity, and therefore is a better choice than a 4 bp cutter such as HhaI. Third, a distance of approximately 200 bp between the second primer and the boundary sequence leads to a better amplification effect and effectively ensures the integrity of the unknown flanking sequence. The experimental conditions established in this study serve as a theoretical basis for the amplification of unknown genome sequences of Gramineae crops and other species.
Preliminary study on the enhanced bioremediation of PAHs- contaminated soil in Beijing and assessment of remediation effect based on toxicity tests
Authors: Zhang Dan , Song Jinmei , Cai Minqi , Li Yandan , Wu Yang
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the soil contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in typical coking polluted sites in Beijing, conducts research on PAHs enhanced bioremediation and evaluation methods of remediation effect based on toxicity testing, and examines the changes of pollutant concentration components in the process of ozone preoxidation coupled biodegradation in the tested soil samples. The toxicity effect of mixed PAHs in soil was directly evaluated using the Ames test, and the correlation between mixed PAHs mutagenicity and BaP toxicity was investigated in an effort to establish a carcinogenic risk assessment model based on biological toxicity test to evaluate the remediation effect of PAHs-contaminated soil. It offers a theoretical and methodological foundation for the evaluation of the bioremediation effect of PAHs-contaminated soil in industrially contaminated sites. The results revealed that the removal rate of PAHs after 5 mins of O3 preoxidation and 4 weeks of soil reaction with saponin surfactants and medium was 83.22 %. After restoration, the soil PAHs extract at a dose of 2000 μg/dish exhibited a positive reaction to the TA98 strain and the carcinogenic risk assessed by the Ames toxicity test was 8.98 times that calculated by conventional carcinogenic PAHs toxicity parameters. The total carcinogenic risk of repaired soil samples was approximately one order of magnitude less than that of original soil samples.
Divergent selection for intramuscular fat shapes the gut enterotypes
Authors: Martínez-Álvaro Marina , Zubiri-Gaitán Agostina , Hernández Pilar , Casto-Rebollo Cristina , Ibáñez-Escriche Noelia , Santacreu Maria-Antonia , Artacho Alejandro , Pérez-Brocal Vicente , Blasco Agustín
Published: November 2023

Background
Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is an important trait for both meat production and human health, where the host genetics and its microbiome greatly contribute to its phenotypic variation. An appropriate experimental design allows to approach the linkage between both effects. The aim of this study is to describe the consequences of genetic modification of IMF by selection on the taxonomic composition of the microbiome, using rabbits from the 10th generation of a divergent selection experiment for IMF, in which lines with high (H) and low (L) IMF differ by 3.8 standard deviations.
Results
Microbiability estimate of IMF was 44.5%, with a probability of being greater than 25% of 0.86. Selection altered the composition of the gut microbiota and differentiated the microbiome of the lines into two gut enterotypes attributable to IMF genetic differences. The two enterotypes were better distinguished at the genus level than at the phylum level, with 51 microbial genera capable of classifying between the lines with 91% accuracy. The H-enterotype was mainly enriched in Hungateiclostridium, Limosilactobacillus, Legionella, Lysinibacillus, Phorphyromonas, Methanosphaera, and Desulfovibrio, while the L-enterotype was mainly enriched in Escherichia, Fonticella, Candidatus Amulumruptor, Methanobrevicater, Exiguobacterium, Flintibacter and Coprococcus, among other genera with smaller differences between enterotypes. A microbial biomarker generated from the abundance of 26 of these 51 genera classified the enterotypes with 93% accuracy in a logit regression and predicted IMF with a prediction accuracy of 0.69 in a linear regression.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate divergent gut enterotype composition in hosts with divergent genotypes for IMF content. Furthermore, we provide a microbial biomarker that can be used as an indicator of host predisposition to muscle lipid accumulation based on its genes, and open the way for research to develop probiotics targeting IMF modulation.
Detection of environmental DNA of finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) in Osaka Bay, Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Nagisa , Iwata Takashi , Kihara Natsumi , Nakamura Kiyomi , Sakata Masayuki , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: November 2023

Finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) currently face population decline caused by significant human activities and are categorized as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List; however, information on their habitats is currently insufficient. Although conducting visual surveys to determine the distribution of cetaceans is common, visual observation of finless porpoises is challenging owing to their specific morphological and ecological characteristics. In this study, we developed an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for species-specific detection of finless porpoises. To test the utility of the assay, we conducted a visual survey in parallel with an eDNA survey by collecting water samples from 50 sites throughout Osaka Bay. We visually found a finless porpoise at one location and detected eDNA at nine sites, including sites near the visual observation site and those with rare sightings of finless porpoises. Therefore, in this study, we suggest that the use of eDNA analysis for distribution surveys of finless porpoises will enable more efficient surveys. The proposed eDNA technique can not only be applied to the distribution surveys finless porpoises but also to those of other cetacean species.
A Comprehensive Review on Permissions-Based Android Malware Detection
Authors: Sharma Yash , Arora Anshul
Published: November 2023

The first Android-ready “G1” phone debuted in late October 2008. Since then, the growth of Android malware has been explosive analogous to the rise in the popularity of Android. The major positive aspect of Android has been its open-source nature, which empowers app developers to expand their work. But at the same time, authors with malicious intentions pose grave threats to users. In the presence of such threats, Android malware detection is the need of an hour. Consequently, researchers have proposed various techniques involving static, dynamic, and hybrid analysis to address such threats using numerous features in the last decade. But the feature that most researchers have extensively used to perform malware analysis and detection in Android security is Android permission. Hence, to provide a clarified overview of the latest and past work done in Android malware analysis and detection, we perform a comprehensive literature review using permissions as a central feature or in combination with other components by collecting and analyzing 200 studies from January 2009 to February 2023. We extracted information such as the choice opted by researchers between analysis or detection, techniques used to select or rank the permissions feature set, features used along with permissions, detection models employed, the malware datasets used by researchers, and lastly, the limitations and challenges in the field of Android malware detection to propose some future research directions. Additionally, based on the information extracted, we answer the six research questions designed considering the above factors.
Institutional environment threshold, logistics industry, and manufacturing production efficiency: An Empirical Study in China
Authors: Shen Liang , Li Xin
Published: November 2023

As a key industry for maintaining sustainable economic development, the development or return of manufacturing has become a common expectation of countries around the world. However, achieving this goal is almost a daunting challenge, especially in the context of increasingly frequent global military conflicts. China’s successful industrialization and manufacturing production efficiency provide valuable reference experience for the development of manufacturing in countries around the world. Given some shortcomings in explaining the improvement of China’s manufacturing production efficiency through the development of the logistics industry, this paper proposes a nonlinear relationship between the two based on a review of related research. Using a threshold regression model and measuring the institutional environment threshold variable with a marketization index, it is confirmed that there is a nonlinear regulatory effect in the mechanism of the logistics industry improving manufacturing production efficiency. The research results show that from 2004 to 2012, with the institutional environment as a threshold, the mechanism of the railway logistics industry’s effect on manufacturing production efficiency showed a ‘gradually strengthening’ positive correlation; the mechanism of the highway logistics industry’s effect on manufacturing production efficiency showed a significant ‘positive to negative’ correlation. Due to the existence of the institutional environment threshold effect, there are differences in the improvement of manufacturing production efficiency by the railway and highway logistics industries. Therefore, systematically and dynamically viewing the policies of various countries to establish a good institutional environment and promote the development of highway and railway logistics industries has become an important insight drawn from this paper.
High-Throughput Screening of Catalytically Active Inclusion Bodies Using Laboratory Automation and Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Helleckes Laura Marie , Küsters Kira , Wagner Christian , Hamel Rebecca , Saborowski Ronja , Marienhagen Jan , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco
Published: November 2023

Background. In recent years, the production of inclusion bodies that retain substantial catalytic activity was demonstrated. These catalytically active inclusion bodies (CatIBs) are formed by genetic fusion of an aggregation-inducing tag to a gene of interest via short linker polypeptides. The resulting CatIBs are known for their easy and cost-efficient production, recyclability as well as their improved stability. Recent studies have outlined the cooperative effects of linker and aggregation-inducing tag on CatIB activities. However, no a priori prediction is possible so far to indicate the best combination thereof. Consequently, extensive screening is required to find the best performing CatIB variant. Results. In this work, a semi-automated cloning workflow was implemented and used for fast generation of 63 CatIB variants with glucose dehydrogenase of Bacillus subtilis (BsGDH). Furthermore, the variant BsGDH-PT-CBDCell was used to develop, optimize and validate an automated CatIB screening workflow, enhancing the analysis of many CatIB candidates in parallel. Compared to previous studies with CatIBs, important optimization steps include the exclusion of plate position effects in the BioLector by changing the cultivation temperature. For the overall workflow including strain construction, the manual workload could be reduced from 59 h to 7 h for 48 variants (88%). After demonstration of high reproducibility with 1.9% relative standard deviation across 42 biological replicates, the workflow was performed in combination with a Bayesian process model and Thompson sampling. While the process model is crucial to derive key performance indicators of CatIBs, Thompson sampling serves as a strategy to balance exploitation and exploration in screening procedures. Our methodology allowed analysis of 63 BsGDH-CatIB variants within only three batch experiments. Because of the high likelihood of TDoT-PT-BsGDH being the best CatIB performer, it was selected in 50 biological replicates during the three screening rounds, much more than other, low-performing variants. Conclusions. At the current state of knowledge, every new enzyme requires screening for different linker/aggregation-inducing tag combinations. For this purpose, the presented CatIB toolbox facilitates fast and simplified construction and screening procedures. The methodology thus assists in finding the best CatIB producer from large libraries in short time, rendering possible automated Design-Build-Test-Learn cycles to generate structure/function learnings.
Development and validation of a generic method for determination of antimalarial drugs using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)
Authors: Mekah Grace Gisela Nkakapen , Kakumba Jocelyn Mankulu , Kitenge Dadit Ive , Bujo Gloria Dhimbe , Menanzambi Tresor Bayebila , Malongo Tresor Kimbeni , Kialengila Didi Mana , Kindenge Jeremie Mbinze
Published: November 2023

A HPLTC method as a generic, semi-quantitative for simultaneous analysis of six known antimalarial drugs was developed, validated and successfully applied to the marketed brands in the Democratic republic of Congo.
The method characterized by its simplicity, rapidity, use in all quality control laboratories with simple equipment consisting of a spotter and UV-254 nm silica gel plates, and proved to be less expensive than HPLC.
The method was validated over the entire assay range (500µg/ml to 1500 µg/ml) using the total error strategy. It showed a good specificity, resulting from the lack of interference with the matrices used at the fixed wavelength (254 nm). The method demonstrated to be faithful, fair and accurate. The method exhibited a good linearity in this assay range, with the determination coefficient close to the unity (R2= 0.9816). The limits of quantification (upper and lower) also were assessed and corresponded to the used assay range.
Modeling of a Nonlinear Coupled Compliant Mechanism via Developed Kinematics-integrated Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Cai Bingyu , Solihin Mahmud Iwan , Chen Chaoran , Lu Xujin , Xie Zhigang , Yang Defu
Published: November 2023

A precise motion control for compliant mechanisms hinges on an accurate kinematics model, particularly when dealing with intricate nonlinear coupled mechanisms. The motivation driving this research lies in leveraging existing knowledge to direct traditional neural networks (NN) in acquiring a nonlinear kinematics model (grey box), even with a limited dataset. Within this study, the 3-RRR (Revolute-Revolute-Revolute) flexure mechanism was selected due to its inherent nonlinear Multi-input Multi-output (MIMO) configuration. In relation to this type of flexure mechanism, the convolutional modeling approach based on compliance matrix theory aptly captures the relationship between inputs and outputs. Nonetheless, its linearity poses challenges in achieving utmost precision. In contrast, the NN modeling technique (black box) excels in accurately fitting kinematics models, yet its reliance on extensive data samples hinders practical engineering applications. To achieve a finely-tuned nonlinear kinematic model with a minimal dataset, theoretical prior knowledge serves as a guiding force for the NN to discern the intricate kinematic correlations within the 3-RRR nanopo-sitioner. In-depth, the grey-box network’s training process is steered by a refined learning rate, tailored through convolutional modeling theory (adaptive learning rate). Ultimately, the validation outcomes underscore a substantial enhancement in modeling accuracy.
Using average order spectra to determine point ordering
Authors: Felahi Saci
Published: November 2023

This application used order analysis to identify the main and tail rotors of a helicopter as potential sources of high-amplitude vibration in the cabin. First, rpmfreqmap and rpmordermap were used to visualize orders. The RPM-order map provided order separation throughout the RPM range without the smearing artifacts present in the RPM-frequency map. rpmordermap was the best choice to visualize vibration components at lower RPM during the engine run-up and coast-down.
Advances in Ecological Surveillance: Real-Time Wildlife Detection using MobileNet-SSD V2 CNN
Authors: P Geethanjali , . Metun , Rajeshwari M
Published: November 2023

Across different regions, the ongoing struggle between humans and animals takes various shapes, including the prevalent problems with tigers in urban spaces and crop destruction by wild elephants. Crafting successful approaches to mitigate these human-wildlife confrontations stands as a pressing issue worldwide. Manually analyzing a large volume of photos and collected footage is exceptionally time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Recent advancements in deep learning techniques have demonstrated promise in the identification of objects and species within images. In this paper, an automated wildlife detection system that leverages computer vision techniques and machine learning methods is introduced where the primary goal is to validate and train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), specifically MobileNet-SSD V2, to detect wildlife captured by camera traps. The approach includes building a versatile CNN framework with labeled images from benchmark datasets, annotated using LabelImg, and implementing it in TensorFlow Lite. Regular updates with fresh camera-trap images will enhance species recognition precision. This method could aid in conserving endangered species.
Ab-Initio Investigation of Electrical, Optical and Thermoelectric Properties of Sb2 S3 By Ag, Au and Cu Doping
Authors: Rafiq Qaiser , Hayat Sardar Sikandar , Azam Sikander
Published: November 2023

We have conducted a research study utilizing DFT simulations of band structures and Boltzmann transport kinetics equations that are semi-classical to investigate the optoelectronic and transport characteristics of both parental and metal-doped antimony trisulfide crystals. It is crucial to optimize the doping process and related technological parameters for effective performance. The band structure parameters are computed employing the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA). Our research determines that both the parental antimony trisulfide and Sb₂S₃ :( Ag/Au and Cu) exhibit direct band gaps with energy gap values of 1.65 and 1.5, 1.1 and 1.0 eV, respectively. The energy gap decreases notably with higher concentrations of Cu/Ag and Au dopants. Furthermore, we analyze the origins of these bands based on the electronic density of states. The optical dispersion spectra are calculated from the dielectric function spectra. Our theoretical simulations provide strong evidence that these materials have excellent potential for use in optoelectronic and thermoelectric implementations. Additionally, the simulations indicate that specific ion replacements can be employed to enhance their transport properties.