bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral abscesses with odontogenic origin: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Jespersen Frederik V. B. , Hansen Signe U.-B. , Jensen Simon S. , Omland Lars H. , Helweg-Larsen Jannik , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Nielsen Claus H. , Ziebell Morten , Bodilsen Jacob , Markvart Merete
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Recent studies have indicated that cerebral abscess (CA) patients with odontogenic origin are on the rise. However, CA patients are often poorly characterized and with an unknown etiologic background. The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize CA patients that may have an odontogenic origin based on microbiologic, radiographic, and/or clinical findings.

Materials and methods

This is a population-based cohort study analyzing retrospective and prospective data from CA patients. Radiographic examinations of panoramic radiographs (PRs) or computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted. CA patients characterized with odontogenic origin required the fulfilment of the following criteria on admission: (1) Oral pathologic conditions were the only bacterial infections present, (2) oral microorganisms were isolated in the purulent exudate from the brain, and (3) radiographically and/or clinical recordings of oral pathologic conditions.

Results

A total of 44 patients could be included in this study of which 25 (57%) were characterized as having CA with a likely odontogenic origin. Type two diabetes (T2D) (p = 0.014) and microorganisms of the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) (p < 0.01) were overrepresented in patients with CAs of odontogenic origin.

Conclusions

Odontogenic infections may cause CAs to a greater extent than previously assumed. T2D was overrepresented among patients with odontogenic CA. When microorganisms of the SAG were isolated from the brain pus, CA patients had a predisposing odontogenic or sinus infection.

Clinical relevance

The identification of patients with a likely odontogenic CA will contribute to understanding the etiology of the infectious disease and highlighting the importance of preserving oral health.
Phosphorylation of AKT by lysyl oxidase-like 2 activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote proliferation, invasion and metastasis in esophageal squamous carcinoma
Authors: Fan Zhiqin , Liu Yingmin , Liu Xinya , Nian Wei , Huang Xiaotong , Yang Qianqian , Hou Songyu , Chen Fei
Published: March 2023

Objective

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common and aggressive malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract for which therapeutic options are scarce. This study screens for LOXL2, a key gene in ESCC, and explains the molecular mechanism by which it promotes the progression of ESCC.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression level of LOXL2 in ESCC tissues and paraneoplastic tissues. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effects of LOXL2 knockdown and overexpression on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells. High-throughput sequencing analysis screens for molecular mechanisms of action by which LOXL2 promotes ESCC progression. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the expression levels of relevant markers.

Results

LOXL2 is positively expressed in ESCC and highly correlated with poor prognosis. Silencing LOXL2 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of ESCC cells, whereas overexpression showed the opposite phenotype. High-throughput sequencing suggested that LOXL2-associated differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro cellular assays confirmed that silencing LOXL2 significantly reduced PI3K, p-AKTThr308 and p-AKTSer473 gene and protein expression levels, while overexpression increased all three gene and protein levels, while AKT gene and protein expression levels were not significantly different.

Conclusion

This study found that LOXL2 may regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and exert protumor effects on ESCC cells through phosphorylation of AKT. LOXL2 may be a key clinical warning biomarker or therapeutic target for ESCC.
A Course in Cosmology
Authors: Huterer Dragan
Published: March 2023

This new graduate textbook adopts a pedagogical approach to contemporary cosmology that enables readers to build an intuitive understanding of theory and data, and of how they interact, which is where the greatest advances in the field are currently being made. Using analogies, intuitive explanations of complex topics, worked examples and computational problems, the book begins with the physics of the early universe, and goes on to cover key concepts such as inflation, dark matter and dark energy, large‑scale structure, and cosmic microwave background. Computational and data analysis techniques, and statistics, are integrated throughout the text, particularly in the chapters on late-universe cosmology, while another chapter is entirely devoted to the basics of statistical methods. A solutions manual for end-of-chapter problems is available to instructors, and suggested syllabi, based on different course lengths and emphasis, can be found in the Preface. Online computer code and datasets enhance the student learning experience.
Shocked confined-granular flow over obstacles
Authors: Jaiswal Yash , Khan Aqib , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Sanjay
Published: March 2023

Interaction of supercritical granular flow with obstacles in a confined channel generates shock waves characterised by a nearly parabolic front of agitated grains in the outer region and a heap of static grains in the inner region. The inner static heap results from granular collapse due to high volume fraction and enhanced collision rate near the obstacle. The present work reports interesting flow structures when granular shock waves are formed on an array of three identical triangular obstacles placed in a rectangular channel at different spacings. It is observed that spacing has a profound influence, resulting in three types of flow structures. Through dimensional analysis, it is found that the normalised shock stand-off distance primarily depends on the Froude number,

$Fr$

, and the normalised spacing between the wedges. The experimental data show a strong dependence on these parameters. The normalised shock stand-off distance decreases linearly for small

$Fr$

and asymptotically approaches a small value at high

$Fr$

. The presence of a new stagnant dome-like structure results in a non-intuitive behaviour of shock stand-off with the wedge spacing. These features are discussed in detail using high-resolution shadowgraphy and the velocity field from particle image velocimetry.
Minimum acceptable diet and its associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Lalibela, northeast Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Dejene Yaregal , Mezgebu Getachew Sale , Tadesse Sisay Eshete
Published: March 2023

The first 2 years of life are a critical window of opportunity for ensuring optimal child growth and development. In Ethiopia, the magnitude of the minimum acceptable diet ranges from 7 to 74⋅6 %. The evidence revealed the variation and unrelated data on the prevalence of minimum acceptable diet. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the minimum acceptable diet and its associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Lalibela town administration, northeast Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Lalibela town administration, northeast Ethiopia among 387 mothers/caregivers with children aged 6–23 months from May 1 to 30, 2022. The data were entered by Epidata version 3.1 and analysed by SPSS version 25.0. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with minimum acceptable diet. The degrees of association were assessed using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval and P-value of 0⋅05. The magnitude of minimum acceptable diet in the study area was 16⋅7 % (95 % confidence interval: 12⋅8–20⋅6 %). Sex of child, getting infant and young child feeding counselling at antenatal care, infant feeding practice-related knowledge and childhood illness are the variables that were found to be an independent predictor of minimum acceptable diet. Health facilities should strengthen infant feeding counselling starting from antenatal care visits during pregnancy for the recommended minimum acceptable diet is crucial.
An online exploratory survey of Australian athletes’ and exercisers’ use of and attitudes towards ultra-processed sports foods
Authors: Forsyth Adrienne , Mantzioris Evangeline
Published: March 2023

Sports foods are convenient alternatives to everyday foods to fuel performance. Strong scientific evidence supports their use; however, commercial sports foods are classified by the NOVA system as ultra-processed foods (UPF). Consumption of UPF has been associated with poor mental and physical health, but little is known about athletes’ consumption of and attitudes towards sports foods as a source of UPF. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess Australian athletes’ intake of and attitudes towards sports foods and UPF. Adult athletes were recruited to complete an anonymous online survey via social media between October 2021 and February 2022. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson’s χ2 test was used to assess potential relationships between categorical demographic variables and consumption of sports foods. One hundred forty Australian adults participating in recreational (n 55), local/regional (n 52), state (n 11), national (n 14) or international (n 9) sports completed the survey. Ninety-five percent reported consuming sports foods within the past 12 months. Participants consumed sports drinks most commonly (73 %) and isolated protein supplements most frequently (40 % at least once per week). Participants reported everyday foods to be more affordable, taste better, present less risk of banned substances, but less convenient and greater risk of spoilage. Half (51 %) of participants reported concern about health effects of UPF. Participants reported regular UPF consumption despite taste and cost-related preferences for everyday foods and health concerns regarding UPF intake. Athletes may need support to identify and access safe, affordable, convenient, minimally processed alternatives to sports foods.
The curious case of the marginalized mystics
Authors: Williams Thomas
Published: March 2023

Given that the more apophatic strand of mysticism resonates more with the way contemporary philosophers are apt to think about mystical experience, the fact that apophatic mysticism was a bit of a fringe enterprise in the Middle Ages calls for explanation. The explanations that are suggested within the pages of Christina Van Dyke's A Hidden Wisdom are not typically historical-contextual explanations, but theological ones. This article examines apophatic mysticism in terms of three of the standard theological loci: creation, Incarnation, and Trinity. In each case we will find that some of the characteristic claims of the apophatic mystics are so much at odds with the mainstream of Christian theology that the mystery is not so much their being marginalized but rather their being largely tolerated.
On generalization of the sense retrofitting model
Authors: Lee Yang-Yin , Yen Ting-Yu , Huang Hen-Hsen , Shiue Yow-Ting , Chen Hsin-Hsi
Published: March 2023

With the aid of recently proposed word embedding algorithms, the study of semantic relatedness has progressed rapidly. However, word-level representations are still lacking for many natural language processing tasks. Various sense-level embedding learning algorithms have been proposed to address this issue. In this paper, we present a generalized model derived from existing sense retrofitting models. In this generalization, we take into account semantic relations between the senses, relation strength, and semantic strength. Experimental results show that the generalized model outperforms previous approaches on four tasks: semantic relatedness, contextual word similarity, semantic difference, and synonym selection. Based on the generalized sense retrofitting model, we also propose a standardization process on the dimensions with four settings, a neighbor expansion process from the nearest neighbors, and combinations of these two approaches. Finally, we propose a Procrustes analysis approach that inspired from bilingual mapping models for learning representations that outside of the ontology. The experimental results show the advantages of these approaches on semantic relatedness tasks.
Population heterogeneity in developmental trajectories of internalising and externalising mental health symptoms in childhood: differential effects of parenting styles
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis , Symonds Jennifer E.
Published: March 2023

Aims

Multiple studies have connected parenting styles to children's internalising and externalising mental health symptoms (MHS). However, it is not clear how different parenting styles are jointly influencing the development of children's MHS over the course of childhood. Hence, the differential effects of parenting style on population heterogeneity in the joint developmental trajectories of children's internalising and externalising MHS were examined.

Method

A community sample of 7507 young children (ages 3, 5 and 9) from the Growing Up in Ireland cohort study was derived for further analyses. Parallel-process linear growth curve and latent growth mixture modelling were deployed.

Results

The results indicated that the linear growth model was a good approximation of children's MHS development (CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.03). The growth mixture modelling revealed three classes of joint internalising and externalising MHS trajectories (VLMR = 92.51, p < 0.01; LMR = 682.19, p < 0.01; E = 0.86). The majority of the children (83.49%) belonged to a low-risk class best described by a decreasing trajectory of externalising symptoms and a flat low trajectory of internalising MHS. In total, 10.07% of the children belonged to a high-risk class described by high internalising and externalising MHS trajectories, whereas 6.43% of the children were probable members of a mild-risk class with slightly improving yet still elevated trajectories of MHS. Adjusting for socio-demographics, child and parental health, multinomial logistic regressions indicated that hostile parenting was a risk factor for membership in the high-risk (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.18–1.85) and mild-risk (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.21–2.04) classes. Consistent (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.62–0.90) parenting style was a protective factor only against membership in the mild-risk class.

Conclusions

In short, the findings suggest that a non-negligible proportion of the child population is susceptible to being at high risk for developing MHS. Moreover, a smaller proportion of children was improving but still displayed high symptoms of MHS (mild-risk). Furthermore, hostile parenting style is a substantial risk factor for increments in child MHS, whereas consistent parenting can serve as a protective factor in cases of mild-risk. Evidence-based parent training/management programmes may be needed to reduce the risk of developing MHS.
Kynurenine aminotransferase II inhibition promotes sleep and rescues impairments induced by neurodevelopmental insult
Authors: Milosavljevic Snezana , Smith Andrew K. , Wright Courtney J. , Valafar Homayoun , Pocivavsek Ana
Published: March 2023

Dysregulated sleep is commonly reported in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD). Physiology and pathogenesis of these disorders points to aberrant metabolism, during neurodevelopment and adulthood, of tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway (KP). Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a neuroactive KP metabolite derived from its precursor kynurenine by kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II), is increased in the brains of individuals with SCZ and BPD. We hypothesize that elevated KYNA, an inhibitor of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, contributes to sleep dysfunction. Employing the embryonic kynurenine (EKyn) paradigm to elevate fetal brain KYNA, we presently examined pharmacological inhibition of KAT II to reduce KYNA in adulthood to improve sleep quality. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed either kynurenine (100 mg/day)(EKyn) or control (ECon) diet from embryonic day (ED) 15 to ED 22. Adult male (N = 24) and female (N = 23) offspring were implanted with devices to record electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) telemetrically for sleep-wake data acquisition. Each subject was treated with either vehicle or PF-04859989 (30 mg/kg, s.c.), an irreversible KAT II inhibitor, at zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 or ZT 12. KAT II inhibitor improved sleep architecture maintaining entrainment of the light-dark cycle; ZT 0 treatment with PF-04859989 induced transient improvements in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep during the immediate light phase, while the impact of ZT 12 treatment was delayed until the subsequent light phase. PF-04859989 administration at ZT 0 enhanced NREM delta spectral power and reduced activity and body temperature. In conclusion, reducing de novo KYNA production alleviated sleep disturbances and increased sleep quality in EKyn, while also improving sleep outcomes in ECon offspring. Our findings place attention on KAT II inhibition as a novel mechanistic approach to treating disrupted sleep behavior with potential translational implications for patients with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Accessibility and quality of medical care for patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reshetnikov Andrey , Frolova Irina , Abaeva Olga , Prisyazhnaya Nadezhda , Romanova Tatyana , Romanov Sergey , Sobolev Konstantin
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of the accessibility and quality of medical care provided to patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs) during COVID-19 pandemic on the course and outcome of COVID-19 infection. The study included 132 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and having one or more concomitant CNCDs. The patients were divided into two groups based on the quality of the initial CNCD therapy they received. Group 1 involved 58 patients (42%) who received treatment according to clinical guidelines and had a compensated CNCD. Group 2 consisted of 76 patients (58%) who received treatment that was not in line with modern clinical guidelines and/or had a decompensated CNCD. All ‘red zone’ hospitalized patients were surveyed. In particular, they were asked questions related to the quality and accessibility of medical care during COVID-19 pandemic and their satisfaction with the medical care received during the pandemic. Reduced access to medical care (the failure to have the therapy received timely evaluated and adjusted) during COVID-19 pandemic affects the quality of the therapy received by patients with CNCDs. Generally, an unfavorable course and outcome of COVID-19 infection are typical for patients receiving a non-optimal CNCD therapy as compared to patients receiving a therapy that meets current clinical guidelines.
Development of neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy exponential aggregation operators with application in environmental protection problems
Authors: Rehman Ateeq Ur , Gulistan Muhammad , Ali Mumtaz , Al-Shamiri Mohammed M. , Abdulla Shahab
Published: March 2023

The population growth and urbanization has caused an exponential increase in waste material. The proper disposal of waste is a challenging problem nowadays. The proper disposal site selection with typical sets and operators may not yield fruitful results. To handle such problems, the exponential aggregation operators based on neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy sets are proposed. For appropriate decisions in a decision-making problem, it is important to have a handy environment and aggregation operators. Many multi attribute decision making methods often ignore the uncertainty and hence yields the results which are not reliable. The neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy set can efficiently handle the complex information in a decision-making problem, as it combines the advantages of neutrosophic cubic set and hesitant fuzzy set. In this paper first we establish exponential operational laws in neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy sets, in which the exponents are neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy numbers and bases are positive real numbers. In order to use neutrosophic cubic hesitant fuzzy sets in decision making, we are developing exponential aggregation operators and investigate their properties in the current study. In many multi expert decision-making methods there are different decision matrices but same weighting vector for attributes. The results of a multi expert decision-making problem becomes more reliable if every decision expert has its own decision matrix along with his own weighting vector for attributes. In this study, we are developing multi expert decision-making method that uses different weights for an attribute corresponding to different experts. At the end we present two applications of exponential aggregation operators in environmental protection multi attribute decision making problems.
Gene loss during a transition to multicellularity
Authors: Jiménez-Marín Berenice , Rakijas Jessica B. , Tyagi Antariksh , Pandey Aakash , Hanschen Erik R. , Anderson Jaden , Heffel Matthew G. , Platt Thomas G. , Olson Bradley J. S. C.
Published: March 2023

Multicellular evolution is a major transition associated with momentous diversification of multiple lineages and increased developmental complexity. The volvocine algae comprise a valuable system for the study of this transition, as they span from unicellular to undifferentiated and differentiated multicellular morphologies despite their genomes being similar, suggesting multicellular evolution requires few genetic changes to undergo dramatic shifts in developmental complexity. Here, the evolutionary dynamics of six volvocine genomes were examined, where a gradual loss of genes was observed in parallel to the co-option of a few key genes. Protein complexes in the six species exhibited novel interactions, suggesting that gene loss could play a role in evolutionary novelty. This finding was supported by gene network modeling, where gene loss outpaces gene gain in generating novel stable network states. These results suggest gene loss, in addition to gene gain and co-option, may be important for the evolution developmental complexity.
Dual plasmonic modes in the visible light region in rectangular wave-shaped surface relief plasmonic gratings
Authors: Hidayat Rahmat , Pradana Jalu Setiya , Fariz Alvin , Komalasari Susi , Chalimah Siti , Bahar Herman
Published: March 2023

Rectangular wave-shaped surface-relief plasmonic gratings (RSR-PGs) have been fabricated from a hybrid polymer by employing a simple nanoimprint photocuring lithography technique using a silicon template, followed by gold nanolayer metallization on top of the formed replica structure. By forming a one-dimensional (1D) plasmonic grating with a periodicity of approximately 700 nm, a reflectance spectral dip was experimentally observed in the visible light region, from 600 to 700 nm, with increasing incident angle from 45° to 60°. This dip can be associated with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) wave excitation, which is coupled with the diffraction order m =  − 2. The calculations of reflectance spectra simulation using the rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) method have also been carried out, resulting in the appearance of an SPR dip in the range of 600–700 nm, for incident angles in the range of 45°–65°, which agrees with the experimental results. Interestingly, these RSR-PGs show richer plasmon characteristics than the sine-wave-shaped plasmonic gratings. The experimental and spectral simulation results revealed two different plasmonic excitation modes: long-range SPR and quasi-localized SPR (LSPR). While the long-range SPR was formed above the ridge sections along the grating structure surface, the quasi-localized SPR was locally formed inside the groove. In addition, for RSR-PGs with a narrow groove section, the long-range SPR seems to be coupled with the periodic structure of the grating, resulting in the appearance of plasmonic lattice surface resonance (LSR) that is indicated by a narrower plasmon resonance dip. These characteristics are quite different from those found in the sine wave-shaped plasmonic gratings. The present results may thus provide better insights for understanding the plasmon excitations in this type of rectangular plasmonic grating and might be useful for designing their structure for certain practical applications.
Using deep learning to predict ideology from facial photographs: expressions, beauty, and extra-facial information
Authors: Rasmussen Stig Hebbelstrup Rye , Ludeke Steven G. , Klemmensen Robert
Published: March 2023

Deep learning techniques can use public data such as facial photographs to predict sensitive personal information, but little is known about what information contributes to the predictive success of these techniques. This lack of knowledge limits both the public’s ability to protect against revealing unintended information as well as the scientific utility of deep learning results. We combine convolutional neural networks, heat maps, facial expression coding, and classification of identifiable features such as masculinity and attractiveness in our study of political ideology in 3323 Danes. Predictive accuracy from the neural network was 61% in each gender. Model-predicted ideology correlated with aspects of both facial expressions (happiness vs neutrality) and morphology (specifically, attractiveness in females). Heat maps highlighted the informativeness of areas both on and off the face, pointing to methodological refinements and the need for future research to better understand the significance of certain facial areas.
Impact of dry-off and lyophilized Aloe arborescens supplementation on plasma metabolome of dairy cows
Authors: Cattaneo L. , Rocchetti G. , Piccioli-Cappelli F. , Zini S. , Trevisi E. , Minuti A.
Published: March 2023

Positive effects have been observed as a result of Aloe arborescens supplementation in the dry-off phase in dairy cows. Metabolomic approaches can provide additional information about animal physiology. Thus, we characterized plasma metabolome around dry-off in 12 cows supplemented (AL) or not (CTR) with 10 g/d of lyophilized A. arborescens with an untargeted metabolomic approach. Overall, 1658 mass features were annotated. Regardless of treatment, multivariate statistics discriminated samples taken before and after dry-off. Overall, 490 metabolites were different between late lactation and early dry period, of which 237 were shared between AL and CTR. The most discriminant compounds (pentosidine and luteolin 7-O-glucoside) were related to the more fibrous diet. Pathway analysis indicated that pyrimidine and glycerophospholipid metabolisms were down-accumulated, suggesting reduced rumen microbial activity and liver load. Samples from AL were discriminated from CTR either the day of dry-off or 7 days after. At dry-off, aloin and emodin were the most discriminant metabolites, indicating that Aloe's bioactive compounds were absorbed. Seven days later, 534 compounds were different between groups, and emodin was among the most impacted. Pathway analysis highlighted that glycerophospholipid, pyrimidine, and folate metabolisms were affected. These results might indicate that Aloe has positive effects on liver function and a modulatory effect on rumen fermentation.
Identification of PARN nuclease activity inhibitors by computational-based docking and high-throughput screening
Authors: Huynh Thao Ngoc , Shukla Siddharth , Reigan Philip , Parker Roy
Published: March 2023

Poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN) is a 3′-exoribonuclease that removes poly(A) tails from the 3′ end of RNAs. PARN is known to deadenylate some ncRNAs, including hTR, Y RNAs, and some miRNAs and thereby enhance their stability by limiting the access of 3′ to 5′ exonucleases recruited by oligo(A) tails. Several PARN-regulated miRNAs target p53 mRNA, and PARN knockdown leads to an increase of p53 protein levels in human cells. Thus, PARN inhibitors might be used to induce p53 levels in some human tumors and act as a therapeutic strategy to treat cancers caused by repressed p53 protein. Herein, we used computational-based molecular docking and high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify small molecule inhibitors of PARN. Validation with in vitro and cell-based assays, identified 4 compounds, including 3 novel compounds and pyrimidopyrimidin-2-one GNF-7, previously shown to be a Bcr-Abl inhibitor, as PARN inhibitors. These inhibitors can be used as tool compounds and as lead compounds for the development of improved PARN inhibitors.
Insights from BRICS-T economies on the impact of human capital and renewable electricity consumption on environmental quality
Authors: Samour Ahmed , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Khan Baseem , Kamel Salah
Published: March 2023

This paper evaluates the impact of electricity consumption from renewable and nonrenewable sources on the load capacity factor for BRICS-T nations using data from 1990 to 2018. The paper used linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approaches to explore these associations. The results of the Westerlund co-integration show long-run co-integration between load capacity factor and the independent variables. The results show that renewable electricity energy and human capital contribute to the sustainability of the environment, while electricity consumption, economic growth, and industrialization impede environmental sustainability. Similarly, the nonlinear effect of renewable electricity energy on LCF shows interesting findings. The positive (negative) shift in renewable electricity energy increases ecological sustainability in the BRICS-T nations. Furthermore, the Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality gives credence to both linear and nonlinear ARDL results. The study suggests policy recommendations based on these results.
Genetic insights into the causal relationship between physical activity and cognitive functioning
Authors: Cheval Boris , Darrous Liza , Choi Karmel W. , Klimentidis Yann C. , Raichlen David A. , Alexander Gene E. , Cullati Stéphane , Kutalik Zoltán , Boisgontier Matthieu P.
Published: March 2023

Physical activity and cognitive functioning are strongly intertwined. However, the causal relationships underlying this association are still unclear. Physical activity can enhance brain functions, but healthy cognition may also promote engagement in physical activity. Here, we assessed the bidirectional relationships between physical activity and general cognitive functioning using Latent Heritable Confounder Mendelian Randomization (LHC-MR). Association data were drawn from two large-scale genome-wide association studies (UK Biobank and COGENT) on accelerometer-measured moderate, vigorous, and average physical activity (N = 91,084) and cognitive functioning (N = 257,841). After Bonferroni correction, we observed significant LHC-MR associations suggesting that increased fraction of both moderate (b = 0.32, CI95% = [0.17,0.47], P = 2.89e − 05) and vigorous physical activity (b = 0.22, CI95% = [0.06,0.37], P = 0.007) lead to increased cognitive functioning. In contrast, we found no evidence of a causal effect of average physical activity on cognitive functioning, and no evidence of a reverse causal effect (cognitive functioning on any physical activity measures). These findings provide new evidence supporting a beneficial role of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on cognitive functioning.
Mathematical analysis and molecular descriptors of two novel metal–organic models with chemical applications
Authors: Zaman Shahid , Jalani Mehwish , Ullah Asad , Ahmad Wakeel , Saeedi Ghulamullah
Published: March 2023

Metal–Organic Networks (MONs) are made by chemical molecules that contain metal ions and organic ligands. A crystalline porous solid called Metal–Organic Networks (MONs) is made up of a $$3D$$

3
D

metal network of ions held in place by a multidentate ligand. (MONs) can be used for gas storage, purification drug delivery, gas separation, catalysis, and sensing applications. There is enormous potential for effective integration and research of MONs in diverse applications. Molecular descriptors are arithmetic measures that reveal a chemical substance's physical and chemical characteristics in its foundational network in a natural relationship. They demonstrate an important role in theoretical and ecological chemistry, and in the field of medicine. In this research, we calculated various recently discovered molecular descriptors viz. the modified version of second zagreb index, harmonic index, reciprocal randic index, modified version of forgotten topological index, redefined first zagreb topological index, redefined second zagreb topological index and redefined third zagreb topological index for two separate metal–organic networks. The numerical and graphical comparative analysis of these considered molecular descriptors are also performed.
Contrasting environmental conditions precluded lower availability of Antarctic krill affecting breeding chinstrap penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Salmerón Nuria , Belle Solenne , Cruz Francisco Santa , Alegria Nicolás , Finger Júlia Victória Grohmann , Corá Denyelle Hennayra , Petry Maria Virginia , Hernández Cristina , Cárdenas César A. , Krüger Lucas
Published: March 2023

Dramatic decreases of chinstrap penguin populations across the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) are thought to be influenced by climate-driven changes affecting its main prey, the Antarctic krill, however, empirical evidence supporting such hypotheses are scarce. By coupling data on breeding chinstrap penguins, environmental remote sensing and estimates of krill acoustic density, we were able to demonstrate that penguins substantially increased their foraging effort in a year of low krill availability, with consequent reduction in breeding success. A winter of low sea ice cover followed by a summer/spring with stronger wind and lower marine productivity explained the lower and deeper krill availability. Our results highlight the importance of environmental variability on penguin populations, as variability is expected to increase under climate change, affecting foraging behaviour responses.
Evaluation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis enrichment in metagenomic samples using ONT adaptive sequencing and amplicon sequencing for identification and variant calling
Authors: Su Junhao , Lui Wui Wang , Lee YanLam , Zheng Zhenxian , Siu Gilman Kit-Hang , Ng Timothy Ting-Leung , Zhang Tong , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Lao Hiu-Yin , Yam Wing-Cheong , Tam Kingsley King-Gee , Leung Kenneth Siu-Sing , Lam Tak-Wah , Leung Amy Wing-Sze , Luo Ruibang
Published: March 2023

Sensitive detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) in small percentages in metagenomic samples is essential for microbial classification and drug resistance prediction. However, traditional methods, such as bacterial culture and microscopy, are time-consuming and sometimes have limited TB detection sensitivity. Oxford nanopore technologies (ONT) MinION sequencing allows rapid and simple sample preparation for sequencing. Its recently developed adaptive sequencing selects reads from targets while allowing real-time base-calling to achieve sequence enrichment or depletion during sequencing. Another common enrichment method is PCR amplification of the target TB genes. In this study, we compared both methods using ONT MinION sequencing for TB detection and variant calling in metagenomic samples using both simulation runs and those with synthetic and patient samples. We found that both methods effectively enrich TB reads from a high percentage of human (95%) and other microbial DNA. Adaptive sequencing with readfish and UNCALLDE achieved a 3.9-fold and 2.2-fold enrichment compared to the control run. We provide a simple automatic analysis framework to support the detection of TB for clinical use, openly available at https://github.com/HKU-BAL/ONT-TB-NF. Depending on the patient's medical condition and sample type, we recommend users evaluate and optimize their workflow for different clinical specimens to improve the detection limit.
Hierarchical cloud architecture for identifying the bite of “Egyptian cobra” based on deep learning and quantum particle swarm optimization
Authors: Hassan Ahmed , Elhoseny Mohamed , Kayed Mohammed
Published: March 2023

One of the most dangerous snake species is the “Egyptian cobra” which can kill a man in only 15 min. This paper uses deep learning techniques to identify the Egyptian cobra bite in an accurate manner based on an image of the marks of the bites. We build a dataset consisting of 500 images of cobra bites marks and 600 images of marks of other species of snakes that exist in Egypt. We utilize techniques such as multi-task learning, transfer learning and data augmentation to boost the generalization and accuracy of our model. We have achieved 90.9% of accuracy. We must keep the availability and accuracy of our model as much as possible. So, we utilize cloud and edge computing techniques to enhance the availability of our model. We have achieved 90.9% of accuracy, which is considered as an efficient result, not 100%, so it is normal for the system to perform sometimes wrong classifications. So, we suggest to re-train our model with the wrong predictions, whereas the edge computing units, where the classifier task is positioned, resend the wrong predictions to the cloud model, where the training process occurs, to retrain the model. This enhances the accuracy to the best level after a small period and increases the dataset size. We use the quantum particle swarm optimization technique to determine the optimal required number of edge nodes.
Alpha-linolenic acid modulates systemic and adipose tissue-specific insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and the endocannabinoid system in dairy cows
Authors: Kra Gitit , Daddam Jayasimha Rayalu , Moallem Uzi , Kamer Hadar , Mualem Batel , Levin Yishai , Kočvarová Radka , Nemirovski Alina , Contreras Andres G. , Tam Joseph , Zachut Maya
Published: March 2023

Metabolic disorders are often linked to alterations in insulin signaling. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids modulate immunometabolic responses; thus, we examined the effects of peripartum n-3 on systemic and adipose tissue (AT)-specific insulin sensitivity, immune function, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in dairy cows. Cows were supplemented peripartum with saturated fat (CTL) or flaxseed supplement rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Blood immunometabolic biomarkers were examined, and at 5–8 d postpartum (PP), an intravenous glucose-tolerance-test (GTT) and AT biopsies were performed. Insulin sensitivity in AT was assessed by phosphoproteomics and proteomics. Peripartum n-3 reduced the plasma concentrations of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17α, lowered the percentage of white blood cells PP, and reduced inflammatory proteins in AT. Systemic insulin sensitivity was higher in ALA than in CTL. In AT, the top canonical pathways, according to the differential phosphoproteome in ALA, were protein-kinase-A signaling and insulin-receptor signaling; network analysis and immunoblots validated the lower phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), and lower abundance of insulin receptor, together suggesting reduced insulin sensitivity in ALA AT. The n-3 reduced the plasma concentrations of ECS-associated ligands, and lowered the abundances of cannabinoid-1-receptor and monoglycerol-lipase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells PP. Peripartum ALA supplementation in dairy cows improved systemic insulin sensitivity and immune function, reduced ECS components, and had tissue-specific effects on insulin-sensitivity in AT, possibly counter-balancing the systemic responses.
Towards urban drainage sediment accumulation monitoring using temperature sensors
Authors: Regueiro-Picallo Manuel , Anta Jose , Naves Acacia , Figueroa Alejandro , Rieckermann Jörg
Published: March 2023

An innovative technique based on temperature measurements promises to better understand and manage sediments in urban drainage systems.
Second-harmonic-generation of [(Se,Te)Cl3]+[GaCl4]− with aligned ionic tetrahedra
Authors: Bonnin Maxime A. , Bayarjargal Lkhamsuren , Milman Victor , Winkler Björn , Feldmann Claus
Published: March 2023

[SeCl3][GaCl4] and [TeCl3][GaCl4] show SHG intensities 3-times stronger than KDP in the visible. They are prepared at 50 °C/140 °C with quantitative yield and potentially examples of a large group of compounds with aligned tetrahedral building units.
Catalytic activity and mechanism of selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia by Ag–CeO2 under different preparation conditions
Authors: Zhou Lidai , Zhang Min , Liu Caixia , Zhang Yan , Wang Huijun , Zhang Ziyin
Published: March 2023

(1) Ag/CeO2-IM catalyst synthesized by impregnation method achieves 90% conversion of NH3 at 200 °C. (2) The better low-temperature activity of Ag/CeO2-IM catalysts stems from the high Ag0 content, which has stronger redox properties.
Perovskite solar cells approaching 25% PCE using side chain terminated hole transport materials with low concentration in a non-halogenated solvent process
Authors: Xie Zhiqing , Do Yeongju , Choi Seung Ju , Park Ho-Yeol , Kim Hyerin , Kim Jeonghyeon , Song Donghyun , Gokulnath Thavamani , Kim Hak-Beom , Choi In Woo , Jo Yimhyun , Kim Dong Suk , Yoon Seog-Young , Cho Young-Rae , Jin Sung-Ho
Published: March 2023

Three new hole transport materials were designed using an end-group strategy for perovskite solar cells to achieve remarkable efficiency approaching 25% at a low concentration in an environmentally friendly solvent.
Phenylboronic acid-modified nanoscale multi-arm polymers for tumor-targeted therapy
Authors: Wang Chongzhi , Tang YiKai , Yuan Yang , Li Cheng , Wu Wei , Jiang Xiqun
Published: March 2023

Phenylboronic acid-modified β-cyclodextrin-cored multi-arm polymers were synthesized and showed good tumor-targeting ability and therapeutic efficacy.
H2-rich syngas production from gasification involving kinetic modeling: RSM-utility optimization and techno-economic analysis
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Nath Ratnadeep
Published: March 2023

In this research article, H2 rich syngas production is optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and a utility concept involving chemical kinetic modeling considering eucalyptus wood sawdust (CH1.63O1.02) as gasification feedstock.
Exfoliated graphite with spinel oxide as an effective hybrid electrocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Skorupska Malgorzata , Kowalska Kinga , Tyc Magdalena , Ilnicka Anna , Szkoda Mariusz , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P.
Published: March 2023

The new bifunctional catalysts for water splitting with excellent electrochemical performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction.
Fullerene-polysaccharide supramolecular hydrogel displaying antioxidation/antiglycation behavior
Authors: Yu Hong-Mei , Yu Xiao-Yong , Chen Yong , Liu Yu
Published: March 2023

A stoichiometric 2 : 1 complex of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin with fullerene was formed, and then a supramolecular hydrogel was constructed by carrying out a co-assembly of fullerene@hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, chitosan and bentonite.
Universal nanosonosensitizer for ROS-mediated reduction of various cancer cells
Authors: Jiao Junna , Shao Kun , Wang Kaixin , Liu Jiaxuan , Weng Zhijie , Jiao Junrong , Lv Zhuangwei
Published: March 2023

The PEGylated MWO4 (M = Fe, Co, Mn, and Ni) nanoparticles are constructed as universal sonosensitizers under room temperature for augmented sonodynamic therapy with elicitation of their robust anti-tumor effect.
A heavily doped D–D′-type polymer with metal-like carrier transport via hybrid doping
Authors: Tripathi Ayushi , Lee Yoonjoo , Jung Changhwa , Kim Soohyun , Lee Soonyong , Choi Woojin , Park Chaeyeon , Kwon Young Wan , Lee Hyunjung , Woo Han Young
Published: March 2023

Combining a planar electron-rich D–D′-type molecular design and optimal hybrid doping successfully demonstrates metal-like carrier transport whilst reducing the Seebeck coefficient–conductivity trade-off relation under degenerately doped conditions.
Heterojunction oxide thin film transistors: a review of recent advances
Authors: Lee Juhyeok , Chung Dae Sung
Published: March 2023

This review reports an overview of the fundamental understanding of oxide TFTs and recent research advances in heterojunction oxide TFTs.
Irradiation-responsive polysulfone film as a colorimetric UVA/UVB differentiator
Authors: Monteiro Bernardo , Leal João Paulo , Outis Mani , Casimiro Maria Helena , Pereira Cláudia C. L.
Published: March 2023

This research work presents a photochromic flexible film, for fast and real-time detection and differentiation of UVA and/or UVB radiation. The host–guest system was produced by confining 7% (w/w) of a highly fluorinated ionic liquid in polysulfone.
Characterizing Swallowing Impairment in a Post–Lung Transplant Population
Authors: Reedy Erin L. , Simpson Annie N. , O'Rourke Ashli K. , Bonilha Heather Shaw
Published: March 2023

Background:

Lung transplant recipients carry significant pre– and post–lung transplant dysphagia risk factors related to altered respiratory–swallow coordination as well as acute injury and decompensation resulting in the acute post–lung transplant recovery period. However, we are only beginning to understand the potential physiological contributors to altered swallowing in this population.

Method:

A retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study of post–lung transplant patients was performed. All participants received a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) as part of standard care during their acute hospitalization using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) protocol and scoring metric. A combination of MBSImP scores, Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores, International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) scale levels, and the time from lung transplant to MBSS was collected, as well as measures of swallowing impairment and swallowing-related outcomes. Differences in swallowing physiology and swallowing-related outcomes between participants with typical versus atypical PAS were explored.

Results:

Forty-two participants met our prespecified inclusion criteria. We identified atypical laryngeal penetration and/or aspiration in 52.4% of our post–lung transplant cohort. Silent aspiration occurred in 75% of those patients who aspirated. Comparing typical versus atypical PAS scores, we found statistically significant associations with laryngeal elevation (Component 8),
p
< .0001; anterior hyoid excursion (Component 9),
p
= .0046; epiglottic movement (Component 10),
p
= .0031; laryngeal vestibule closure (Component 11),
p
< .0001; pharyngeal stripping (Component 12),
p
= .0058; pharyngeal total scores,
p
= .0001; FOIS scores,
p
= .00264; and IDDSI liquid levels,
p
= .0009.

Conclusions:

Swallowing impairment resulting in abnormal bolus invasion is prevalent in post–lung transplant patients. Airway invasion in this cohort was related to pharyngeal swallow impairment and resulted in modified oral intake. Our findings help expand upon prior literature, which only reported the incidence of aspiration and pathological laryngeal penetration. Our results suggest that the potential for aerodigestive system impairment and negative sequela should not be underestimated in the post–lung transplant population.