bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Location-scale Family of Laplacian Distributions and Its Applications to VAE and Some Extended VAES
Authors: Zhu Ao , Cao Peng
Published: August 2023

Like Gaussian distribution, Laplacian distribution is also a location-scale family of distributions. So we can choose the standard Laplace distribution (with location = 0, scale = 1) for use of the "reparameterization trick" to estimate gradients of the lower bound with respect to the recognition model parameters $\phi$ in the variational autoencoder (VAE). Laplacian distribution is highly peaked at zero and asymptotically falls off more slowly than the Gaussian distribution as the distance from zero increases. In the meanwhile, it is also heavy-tailed distribution compared to Gaussian distribution. In this work, we give the solution of $D_{KL}(q_{\phi}(Z)\| p_{\theta}(Z))$ in the Evidence Lower Bound (ELBO) for VAE when the latent variable $Z$ is Laplacian variable. By replacing the KL term in VAE, $\beta$-VAE, CC$\beta$-VAE, and Factor-VAE with Laplacian KL divergence , we gives Laplacian VAE model, Laplacian $\beta$-VAE model, Laplacian CC$\beta$-VAE model, and Laplacian Factor-VAE model. In experiments, we demonstrate that these Laplacian VAE models have disentanglement learning performance. By augmenting the continuous latent Laplace distribution of variational autoencoders with a relaxed discrete distribution, we develop Laplace-Joint-VAE model. Experiments show that the Laplace-Joint-VAE can disentangle digit type fully on MINIST. We try to explore how Laplacian latent variables are applied to unsupervised slow representation learning.
Assessing the Napo Karst Formation vulnerability in the Western Amazon River Basin
Authors: Naranjo Elizabeth , Moulatlet Gabriel Massaine , Hirata Ricardo , Conicelli Bruno
Published: August 2023

Karst environments are susceptible to contamination and directly affected by anthropogenic pressures. Remediation efforts are expensive, time-consuming, and often impractical. Hence, vulnerability maps can be valuable tools for protecting and preventing the aquifer’s degradation. This study aims to evaluate the vulnerability of the Napo Karst Formation (NKF), in the western Amazon basin in Ecuador, using three vulnerability models: EPIK, DRASTIC, and DRASTIC-LUC. The difference between the three models lies in the parameters used and how each one of them address the vulnerability. Because assigning values to each parameter depends on the author's expertise and the available data, these models can produce varying outcomes, which we analyze using spatial and sensitivity analysis. Our results showed that DRASTIC and EPIK classified 45.76% and 35.38% of the NKF area as highly vulnerable, respectively, while DRASTIC-LUC classified most of the NKF areas under moderate vulnerability (57.47%). The sensitivity analysis determined that the depth to water table (D) and the infiltration conditions (I) were the most critical parameters for the vulnerability assessment. The moderate-to-high vulnerability of the NKF raises a warning, as the impacts on surface and groundwater may affect local populations that directly depend on its water. This is the first study that evaluates the vulnerability to the contamination of karst formation in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The results of this research can be used as a baseline for future research and as technical information for decision-makers to reduce the activities that could aggravate surface and groundwater quality in Western Amazonia.
The role of Leukocyte and Platelet-rich fibrin in the prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, in patients requiring dental extractions: An observational study
Authors: Besi Eleni , Pitros Panagiotis
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a significant complication which can present following a dental extraction in patients receiving anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effect of L-PRF in the prevention of MRONJ in patients receiving these medications and requiring dental extractions.
Methods
Thirty-nine patients were included and divided in two groups, depending on whether L-PRF was used after the required dental extraction or not. Subsequently, the patients were categorised into low and high-risk for developing MRONJ, as recommended by the SDCEP guidance.
Results
None of the patients in the L-PRF group returned with established MRONJ. Five high-risk patients in the control group presented with established MRONJ in the follow-up appointment. Significant statistical difference (p = 0.04) was observed following comparison of the high-risk patients of the two groups.
Conclusion
These encouraging results suggest that L-PRF may be useful in the prevention of MRONJ following a dental extraction especially in patients of the higher risk category. A protocol for the management of this type of patients is also introduced.
Exploring initiation process and cultural identity towards young adult vapers in China: a qualitative study
Authors: XIE JINGZHONG
Published: August 2023

Background
E-cigarette(EC) communication with conflicting views significantly shapes young people's knowledge and attitudes, which are precursor predictors of their usage behavior. This study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives on ECs from young adult vapers in China, especially in terms of culture.
Methods
Based on narrative analysis approach, this paper conducted one-on-one interview and focus group with 43 young adult vapers from China to understand their EC usage behavior and cultural understanding. Combined with the narrative analysis framework of the problem-solving approach, data were analyzed using thematic analysis, to develop themes related to EC usage.
Results
Three themes about e-cigarette usage behavior among the youth were presented: (i)e-cigarette initiation process and use patterns, (ii) temporal orientations to risks and benefits, and (iii) self-construction of individuals and relationships. The latter two are about the young adult vapers’ cultural understanding of EC.
Conclusion
Single and dual users have similar initiation processes in general, but have different behavioral structures in detail. Factors such as motivation and experience with traditional cigarettes should be considered for both when tailoring health messages. The cultural factors regarding time orientation and self-construation will provide support for message tailoring and behavioral intervention to young adult vapers.
High lithium oxide prevalence in the lithium solid electrolyte interphase drives high Coulombic efficiency
Authors: Gallant Betar M , Hobold Gustavo , Wang Chongzhen , Steinberg Katherine , Li Yuzhang
Published: August 2023

Current electrolyte design for Li metal anodes emphasizes fluorination as the guiding principle for high Coulombic efficiency (CE) based largely on perceived benefits of LiF in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, the lack of experimental techniques that can accurately quantify SEI compositional breakdown impedes rigorous scrutiny of other potentially key phases. Here we demonstrate a new quantitative titration approach to reveal Li2O content in cycled Li anodes, enabling this previously titration-silent phase to be compared statistically with a wide range of other leading SEI constituents including LiF. Across diverse electrolytes, Li2O correlates most strongly with CE above other phases, reaching highest values when Li2O particles order along the SEI-electrolyte interface as revealed by cryo-TEM, demonstrating integrated chemical–structural function. The beneficial role of Li2O was exploited to create a first set of entirely fluorine-free electrolytes to breach > 99% CE, highlighting electrolyte/SEI oxygenation as an underexplored and powerful design strategy.
Global Dimensions of Economic Uncertainty: Evidence via Global VECM
Authors: Ginn William
Published: August 2023

We develop and estimate a global augmented vector error correction model (GVECM) to examine the interconnected relationships between various economic factors, including global output, consumer price index (CPI), interest rates, oil price, equity price, and global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU). Unlike previous research, which predominantly focuses on the impact of domestic EPU on domestic conditions, our approach is cast in a global setting to understand the transmission of global shocks. The analysis reveals that both oil and equity prices play significant roles as channels for GEPU, jointly contributing to approximately 42\% of the overall variance. Our findings shed light on the complex interplay between these key economic variables and their impact on global economic conditions, providing valuable insights for policymakers and investors.
JEL Classification: C32, F44, E44.
The methylene blue and phenol red photocatalytic degradation study by cyclodextrin-ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Gharebaghi Azar , Magham Abbas Heshmati Jannat , Hokmabadi Leila
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic processes are able to decompose dyes and toxic substances in the water environment. This fascinating topic can address many environmental concerns about polluted water. Zinc oxide is widely used as a photocatalyst in various nanocomposites.In this study, the formation of a nanostructure including cyclodextrin and ZnO has been investigated by density functional theory (DFT) in gas and aqueous phases at B3LYP and M06-2X functional levels. The calculated binding energies and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis indicate the existence of strong chemical interactions of ZnO with inside of the cyclodextrin (CD) cavity during CD-ZnO formation. In addition, the interaction of methylene blue (MB) and phenol red (PhR) dyes with CD-ZnO nanostructure has been investigated. The dyes’ adsorption energies on the CD-ZnO and the density of states diagrams in their complexes, confirm the strong interaction of MB and PhR with CD-ZnO. This strong interaction of dyes with nanostructure can support the mechanisms that lead to the photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules.
Relationship between Abnormal Spontaneous Brain Activity and Altered Neuromuscular Activation of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles in Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Wang Yanjun , Li Tingting , Ma Junqin , He Rongxing , Han Xiulan , Wu Wen , Wang Chuhuai
Published: August 2023

Background
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) affects brain functional activity of the descending pain modulatory network and altered synergistic activation of lumbar paraspinal muscles. However, the neural mechanism underlying functional reorganization and effectiveness of cooperative motion remains unexplored.
Methods
Fifteen cLBP patients and fifteen healthy controls underwent whole brain blood oxygen level-dependent signals measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging technique and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis method to identify pain-induced changes in regional spontaneous brain activity. A novel approach based on the surface electromyography system and fine-wire electrodes was used to record the EMG signals in the deep multifidus, superficial multifidus and erector spinae.
Results
ALFF was higher in the medial prefrontal cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, motor cortex and inferior temporal cortex in cLBP than at the baseline, whereas lower in the cerebellum, anterior cingulate cortex and posterior cingulate cortex. Further, the decrease in the average electromyography of three lumbar muscles in the cLBP group was positively correlated with the ALFF values of the primary somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, precuneus and middle temporal cortex, but significantly negatively correlated with the medial prefrontal cortex and inferior temporal cortex. Interestingly, the correlation between the functional activity in the cerebellum and the electromyography activity varied in lumbar muscles.
Conclusion
These findings suggest a functional association between abnormal spontaneous brain activity and altered voluntary neuromuscular activation patterns of the lumbar paraspinal muscles, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of pain chronicity and important implications for developing novel therapeutic targets of cLBP patients.
Spatiotemporal patterns and influencing factors of intangible cultural heritage of music in the "Yellow River—Yangtze River Civilization Corridor", China
Authors: Tian Yonggang , Chen Mo , Liu Yuan
Published: August 2023

The "Yellow River—Yangtze River Civilization Corridor" is an important cultural corridor in China that gathers the main cultural heritage resources along China's two river basins. The space-time distribution of intangible cultural heritage in the "Yellow River–Yangtze River Civilization Corridor" significantly helps understand the development and evolution of China's two river civilizations. This study examines 3,277 national and provincial intangible cultural heritage sites related to music in the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins of China. The spatial and temporal distributions of intangible cultural heritage of music (ICHM) were visualized by means of the nearest neighbour index, kernel density analysis, standard deviation ellipse and geographical detector, and the influencing factors were discussed. The results show the following: (1) The spatial distributions of ICHMs in the "Yellow River—Yangtze River Civilization Corridor" are significantly different, with a high concentration in the central region, where the largest number of traditional dance and the smallest number of quyi arts are located. (2) The "Yellow River–Yangtze River Civilization Corridor" ICHMs are agglomerated, forming a pattern of "one area and four points" in the combined area of western Shandong—southern Henan—southern Shanxi—central Shaanxi, along with Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Hubei and Chongqing. The distributions of various ICHMs are different. (3) The historical development of ICHMs of the "Yellow River—Yangtze River Civilization Corridor" generally presents the changing characteristics of "two peaks and three valleys", which articulate a peak in artistic production in the pre-Qin to Qin and Han dynasties, and another in the Song and Yuan to Ming and Qing dynasties. Comparatively, production lies in a trough in prehistoric times, the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties and in modern times. The overall trajectory of the centre of gravity of ICHMs shifts from northwest to southeast. (4) Population, an average temperature ≥ 10℃, GDP, elevation and annual rainfall play a leading role in the spatial distribution of ICHMs along the "Yellow River—Yangtze River Civilization Corridor". The synergistic effect of the social economy and natural environment is greater than the effect of single dimension factors on the spatial distribution of ICHMs in the "Yellow River-Yangtze River Civilization Corridor". The results provide a reference for policy-makers designing the protection, inheritance and sustainable development of ICHMs in the "Yellow River—Yangtze River Civilization corridor" and enrich the theoretical research and practical management of the world's river civilization ICHMs.
Association of exercise with better olfactory performance and higher functional connectivity between the olfactory cortex and the prefrontal cortex: a resting-state fNIRS study
Authors: Zhang Chenping , Wang Xiaochun
Published: August 2023

Background
Olfactory deterioration is suggested to be a predictor of some neurodegenerative diseases.
Methodology
: Our study compared the functional connectivity between the olfactory cortex and the prefrontal cortex in healthy individuals who exercised regularly and healthy persons who did not. We also assessed their odor threshold. Participants were aged 55 years or older, and the two groups were balanced for age, sex, body mass index, and educational level.
Results
We found that compared with individuals who did not exercise, exercisers had a significantly lower threshold for detecting odors. In addition, the olfactory cortex had stronger connectivity with the PFC in exercisers than in non-exercisers. More specifically, when the PFC was grouped into three subregions, namely, the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and frontopolar cortex (FPA), Pearson correlation analysis revealed stronger connectivity between the VLPFC and the OFC, between the OFC and the FPA, and between the left and right OFC hemispheres in the exercisers. In addition, Granger causality indicated higher directional connectivity from the DLPFC to the OFC in exercisers than in non-exercisers.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the exercise group not only had better olfactory performance but also had stronger functional connectivity between the olfactory cortex and the PFC than non-exercise group.
Increased odds ratio for Bell’s palsy following COVID -19 infection or vaccination in a large Health Center
Authors: Katz Joseph , Sayman Eva
Published: August 2023

Objective: Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face caused by a viral infection. Studies have indicated an increase of Bell’s palsy following infection or vaccination for COVID-19. The study examined the association of these variables with Bell’s palsy in a large hospital cohort.
Materials and Methods: Using the deidentified data i2b2 of subjects visiting the University of Florida during October 2015- October 2022 we have identified subjects with an ICD-10 diagnoses of COVID -19, Bell’s palsy and vaccination for COVID-19.
Results: From a total population of 1314924, 38005 had a history of COVID-19, 2072 had a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, 112 both Bell’s Palsy and COVID-19
and 196279 were vaccinated. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was associated with increased risk for Bell’s palsy (odds ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.54 -2.26 p<0.0001). COVID -19 vaccination was associated with increased risk for Bell’s palsy at odds ratio1.98 (95%CI 1.79-2.18, p<0.0001).
COVID -19 infection or vaccination were associated with an increased risk for Bell’s palsy.
Conclusions:Although causality cannot be attributed to cross sectional studies, these findings may indicate that exposure to the viral antigen may be related to the neurological sequalae of COVID- 19.
Clinical Relevance: The Dental professionals should be aware of Bell’s palsy and the potential link of the appearance of Bell’s palsy post COVID-19 infection or vaccination
Identification and Characterization of Extrachromosomal Circular DNA in Age-Related Osteoporosis
Authors: Zhu Qingrun , Chen Rudong , Kuang Mingjie , Zhang Wen , Wang Dachuan , Han Shijie
Published: August 2023

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) was once thought to mainly exist in tumour cells, although it was later shown to be ubiquitous in healthy tissues as well. However, the characteristics and properties of eccDNA in healthy tissue or non-cancer tissue are not well understood. This study first analyses the properties, possible formation mechanisms and potential functions of eccDNA in osteoporotic or normal bone tissue. We used circle-seq to demonstrate the expression spectrum of the eccDNA in the bone tissue. A bioinformatics analysis was performed for the differentially expressed eccDNA, and it enriched the Hippo signalling pathway, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, Ras signal-ling pathway and other signalling pathways that are closely related to osteoporosis (OP). Then, we used real-time polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing to assess human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and obtained the base sequence of the eccDNA cyclization site. Overall, eccDNAs in bone tissue are common and may play a significant role in pathways connected to age-related osteoporosis progression.
Ictal Interictal Continuum in the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Sansevere Arnold , Keenan Julia , Pickup Elizabeth , Conley Caroline , Staso Katelyn , Harrar Dana
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
The ictal interictal continuum (IIC) is a common EEG pattern identified in critically ill adults. The IIC has not been systematically studied in critically ill children. We report the incidence of the IIC in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We then compare IIC patterns to periodic and rhythmic patterns (PRP) not meeting IIC criteria looking for associations with cerebral injury, electrographic seizures (ES), and in-hospital mortality.
Methods
Prospective study of patients admitted to the PICU at Children’s National Hospital from July 2021 to January 2023. All patients with continuous EEG were screened for PRP. American Clinical Neurophysiology Society standardized critical care EEG terminology for the IIC were applied to each PRP. We excluded patients with epilepsy and/or remote cerebral injury. Associations between IIC and PRP not meeting IIC criteria, with clinical and EEG variables were calculated using odds ratios.
Results
Of 201 patients, 21% (42/201) had a PRP, and 12% (24/201) met IIC criteria. Among patients with an IIC pattern, the median age was 3.4 years (IQR 0.6–12). Sixty-seven percent (16/24) met a single IIC criterion, while the remainder met two criteria. ES were identified in 83% (20/24) and cerebral injury in 96% (23/24) of patients with IIC patterns. When comparing patients with IIC patterns to those with PRP not qualifying as an IIC pattern, both patterns were associated with cerebral injury (IIC OR 26(95% CI 3.4–197) p = 0.0016 vs. PRP OR 3.5(95% CI 1.1–11), p = 0.03), however only the IIC was associated with ES (OR 121(95% CI 33–451), p < 0.0001); vs PRP (OR 1.3(0.4-5), p = 0.7).
Conclusions
The IIC is seen in over 10% of critically ill children and suggests cerebral injury. The independent impact of the IIC on secondary brain injury requires further study.
Zinc supplementation trial in pediatric chronic kidney disease: effects on circulating FGF23 and Klotho.
Authors: Belostotsky Vladimir , Filler Guido , Atkinson Stephanie
Published: August 2023

Background Zinc status and its role in bone metabolism has not been studied in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods Forty-one children (25 male and 16 female, age 12.94±4.13 years) with CKD in native or transplanted kidneys were recruited through two pediatric nephrology divisions in Ontario, Canada and their zinc status was assessed. 14 patients (64% enrolment rate) with identified zinc deficiency received zinc citrate supplement for 3 months in the dose of 10 mg orally once a day for age 4-8 years, and 10 mg twice a day for age 9-18 years.
Results Zinc deficiency (plasma concentration < 11.5 µmol/L) was found in 22 patients (53.7%). A linear regression model suggested that for every 1 unit drop of eGFR zinc concentration dropped by 0.026 µmol/L (p=0.04). Zinc deficiency was associated with higher serum intact FGF-23; however, this was predominantly determined by the falling GFR. Zinc deficient and sufficient children had similar circulating cFGF-23 and alpha-Klotho. Normalization of plasma zinc concentration was achieved in 8 patients rising from 9.96±1.48 to 12.39±3.89 μmol/L (p=0.0073). In children treated with zinc but not receiving calcitriol a statistically significant (p=0.0078) rise in c-terminal FGF-23 was observed. However, no other meaningful changes to biochemical measures or an increase in phosphaturia were observed.
Conclusion Zinc status is related to kidney function and connected to bone metabolism in patients with CKD. However, it plays a minor role in fine-tuning various metabolic processes and therapeutic supplementation seems to only modestly improve bone metabolism in asymptomatic CKD patients.
Analyses of POL30 (PCNA) reveal positional effects in transient repression or bi-fold active/silent state at the sub-telomeres of S. cerevisiae
Authors: Sauty Safia Mahabub , Yankulov Krassimir
Published: August 2023

Background
Classical studies on position effect variegation in Drosophila have demonstrated the existence of bi-modal Active/Silent state of the genes juxtaposed to heterochromatin. Later studies with irreversible methods for the detection of gene repression have revealed a similar phenomenon at the telomeres of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other species. In this study, we used dual reporter constructs and a combination of reversible and non-reversible methods to present evidence for the existence of different states of gene repression at the sub-telomeres of S. cerevisiae.
Results
We show position dependent transient repression or bimodal expression of reporter genes at the VIIL sub-telomere. We also show that mutations in the replicative clamp POL30 (PCNA) or the destruction of the histone chaperone CAF1 or the RRM3 helicase lead to transient de-repression, while the destruction of the histone chaperone ASF1 causes a shift from transient de-repression to a bi-modal state of repression. We analyze the physical interaction of CAF1 and RRM3 with PCNA and discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of the stability and transmission of the epigenetic state of the genes.
Conclusions
There are distinct modes of gene silencing, bi-modal and transient, at the sub-telomeres of S. cerevisiae. We characterise the roles of CAF1, RRM3 and ASF1 in these modes of gene repression. We suggest that the interpretations of past and future studies should consider the existence of the dissimilar states of gene silencing.
Evaluation of Conservation Tillage Methods on Soil and Water Conservation, and Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.) in South Ari District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Handiso Mitiku Ayele , Hemacho Abebe Hegano , Bongido Belayneh Lemage , Anjulo Merdikios Malla
Published: August 2023

Reduced tillage is one of the options to combat land degradation problems. The study aims to evaluate the impacts of tillage practice on selected soil physicochemical properties and soil loss, and maize yield and yield components. Four tillage treatments were evaluated, including zero tillage, two-times tillage, strip tillage, and farmers' practice were laid out in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Then, soil moisture, soil loss, and yield and yield components of maize data were collected. The results on soil moisture and soil loss revealed that conservation tillage methods were conducive to having better soil moisture contents during active crop development and after harvest compared to the conventional methods. The current findings also showed that adopting reduced tillage and zero tillage boosted maize yield and yield components with higher economic benefits to farmers in the long run as compared to strip tillage and conventional tillage. Although zero tillage attributed to less grain yield, it resulted in higher economic benefits to farmers and saved 44.84% soil loss reduction relative to conventional tillage. The economic evaluation result clearly showed that zero tillage, strip tillage and reduced tillage methods are better and recommendable for farmers, but reduced tillage is the best. Hence, farmers can use either zero tillage or reduced tillage, depending on their investment capital. But, to get considerable changes in soil and water balances, other soil physicochemical properties, and crop yields, conducting similar studies for more than two years period at permanent field plots is paramount in the future.
Improved intelligent methods for power transformer fault diagnosis based on tree ensemble learning and multiple feature vector analysis
Authors: Hechifa Abdelmoumene , Lakehal Abdelaziz , Nanfak Arnaud , saidi Lotfi , Labiod Chouaib , Kelaiaia Ridha , Ghoneim Sherif S. M.
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses the impact of the feature input vector on the performance of DGA-based intelligent power transformer fault diagnosis methods. For this purpose, 22 feature vectors from traditional diagnostic methods were used as feature input vectors for four tree-based ensemble algorithms, namely random forest (RF), tree ensemble (TE), gradient boosted tree (GBT), and extreme gradient tree (XGB). To build the proposed diagnostics models, 407 samples were used for training and testing. For validation and comparison with the existing methods of literature 89 samples were used. Based on the results obtained on the training and testing datasets, the best performance was achieved with feature vector 16, which consists of the gas ratios of Rogers’ four ratios method and the three ratios technique. The test accuracies based on these vectors are 98.37, 96.75, 95.93, and 97.56% for the RF, TE, GBT, and XGB algorithms, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of the methods based on best input feature were evaluated and compared with other methods of literature such as Duval Triangle, modified Rogers’ four ratios method, combined technique, three ratios technique, Gouda triangle, IEC 60599, NBR 7274, clustering, and key gases with gas ratio methods. On validating dataset, diagnostic accuracies of 92.13, 91.01, 89.89, and 91.01% were achieved by the RF, TE, GBT, and XGBoost models, respectively. These diagnostic accuracies are higher than 83.15 % of the clustering method and 82.02 % of combined technique which are the best existing methods. Even if the performance of DGA-based intelligent methods depends strongly on the shape of the feature vector used, this study provides scholars with a tool for choosing the feature vector to use when implementing these methods.
CiteSpace bibliometric-based analysis of fluorescent probes in brain diseases
Authors: Ren Yan , Chen Weikang , Wu Shasha , Zhang Ruiping
Published: August 2023

Background
Fluorescent probes are used to detect and label the corresponding substances and play an important role in the detection of brain diseases. However, the general research trends in this field are poorly understood. This article explores trends in the application of fluorescent probes in brain diseases from a bibliometric perspective.
Aim
This holistic bibliometric analysis aim to provide a general overview of the recent advancement and the hotspots in the field of fluorescent probe from 2002 to 2022.
Materials and Methods
Publication between January 1 2002 and December 31 2022, relate to fluorescent probes and brain diseases research are acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. Analysis of the volume of keyword occurrences use VOSviewer software, Scimago Graphica software is applied to country analysis, and keyword clustering, author collaboration, and institutional collaboration use CiteSpace software.
Results
A total of 1927 publications are extracted from the WOSCC databases. Publications are mainly from China. The keywords are divided into seven clusters, including multiple sclerosis, tumor, oxidative stress, alzheimers disease, reactive oxygen species, plasma, infection; of which, gene, single nucleotide polymorphism, schizophrenia, haplotype, apolipoprotein e, bipolar disorder are the original research hotspot in the field. Peptide, biosensor, aggregation induced emission are the main areas researched in recent years.
Conclusion
Current research on fluorescent probes and brain disorders have attracted increasing attention in the past two decades. This study provides a comprehensive view to understand the research trends, hot topics of research and research progress in this field.
The novel HS-mimetic, Tet-29, regulates immune cell trafficking across barriers of the CNS during inflammation
Authors: Peck Tessa , Davis Connor , Lenihan-Geels Georgia , Griffiths Maddie , Spijkers-Shaw Sam , Zubkova Olga V , Flamme Anne Camille La
Published: August 2023

Background
Disruption of the extracellular matrix at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) underpins neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). The degradation of extracellular matrix components, such as heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans, can be prevented by treatment with HS-mimetics through their ability to inhibit the enzyme heparanase. The heparanase-inhibiting ability of HS-mimetics has been investigated in various cancers but their efficacy in neuroinflammatory models like MS has not been realised. This study investigates the use of a novel HS-mimetic, Tet-29, in an animal model of MS.
Methods
Neuroinflammation was induced in mice by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a murine model of multiple sclerosis. In addition, the BBB and choroid plexus were modelled in vitro using transmigration assays, and migration of immune cells in vivo and in vitro was quantified by flow cytometry.
Results
We found that Tet-29 significantly reduced lymphocyte accumulation in the central nervous system which, in turn, decreased disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The disease-modifying effect of Tet-29 was associated with a rescue of BBB integrity, as well as inhibition of activated lymphocyte migration across the BBB and choroid plexus in transwell models. In contrast, Tet-29 did not significantly impair in vivo or in vitro steady state-trafficking under homeostatic conditions.
Conclusions
Together these results suggest that Tet-29 modulates, rather than abolishes, trafficking across central nervous system barriers.
Depletion of chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in glioma cells restraints tumor growth and affects neovasculature in intracranial murine gliomas
Authors: Kaminska Bozena , Cyranowski Salwador , Ghosh Mitrajit , Wojtas Bartosz , Zawadzka Malgorzata , Baluszek Szymon , Swatler Julian , Wojnicki Kamil , Gielniewski Bartlomiej
Published: August 2023

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a secreted, non-enzymatic glycoprotein that binds proteins and carbohydrates and interacts with cell-surface and extracellular-matrix proteins, proteoglycans, and polysaccharides. Multiple interacting partners of CHI3L1 make dissection of its functions challenging. While many studies reported an upregulation of CHI3L1 mRNA/protein in various tumors, its exact roles in tumorigenesis remain elusive. We performed a comprehensive analysis of CHI3L1 expression in multiple public datasets including TCGA and single-cell RNAseq datasets to determine the cellular source of CHI3L1 expression in gliomas. The highest CHI3L1 mRNA/protein levels were detected in glioblastoma (GBM), a high-grade diffusive brain tumor. CHI3L1 knockout in human U87-MG glioma cells grossly affected transcriptional profile and in vitro invasiveness of these cells and strongly reduced the growth of intracranial U87-MG tumors in athymic mice. Remarkably, CHI3L1 knockout in glioma cells resulted in normalization of tumor vasculature and diminished infiltration of glioma-associated myeloid cells. Mechanistically, CHI3L1 depleted cells had reduced MMP2 expression/activity, which was associated with reduced invasion; and downregulated SPP1 (osteopontin), a crucial factor driving myeloid cell accumulation in GBM. Altogether, we demonstrate that CHI3L1 is a key player in GBM progression, and its targeting represents a novel strategy to treat GBM patients.
Monitoring of sewer systems: optimization model based on search space reduction through a topological metric
Authors: Simone Antonietta , Cristo Cristiana Di , Fecarotta Oreste , Morani Maria Cristina
Published: August 2023

Sewer monitoring is a very relevant and current topic, also supporting management and maintenance activities, with interventions aimed at reducing the impacts on receiving water bodies as much as possible. Moreover, wastewater monitoring is crucial also for epidemiological purpose with the diffusion of the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), as emerged during the Covid pandemic for individuating the virus presence on a community-level. The planning of monitoring systems, allowing for the identification of the number of sensors and their positioning in the network, have been delegated for a long time to the judgment of expert technicians, sometimes resorting to trial-and-error strategies. Only recently, the impellent need for controlling such systems, mainly with respect to the presence of illicit spills and the spread of epidemics, have fostered the proposal of further increasingly efficient monitoring strategies with contained computational effort. In this perspective, the present paper proposes a novel two-step strategy for the optimal design of monitoring system in sewer systems. The first step aims at reducing the system's search space using a relevance-based topological metric, which provides a ranking of the most suitable nodes to host sensors. The second step acts on the reduced search space through an optimization procedure aiming at searching for the best location of a fixed number of sensors, with specific threshold value, in order to maximize the reliability of the monitoring system in detecting target substances or contaminant. The results demonstrate that shrinking the search space considerably reduces the computational times providing very reliable solutions.
Tribological properties investigations of short glass fiber, graphite, PTFE and B 4 C reinforced epoxy composites under oil lubrication conditions
Authors: Xiong Sang , Wu Chao
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the tribological performance of epoxy (EP) composites reinforced with short glass fibers (SGF), graphite, PTFE, and B4C nanoparticles, using oil lubrication. The results demonstrate that the addition of SGF significantly reduces wear and friction in the EP matrix. In contrast, the incorporation of B4C nanoparticles and other solid lubricants does not have a significant effect on friction and wear. The remarkable tribological properties observed in the SGF-reinforced EP composites can be attributed to the superior bearing capabilities and wear durability of SGF. These fibers effectively withstand the load and exhibit excellent durability during sliding, resulting in reduced wear and friction. To further understand the underlying mechanism, a comprehensive evaluation of the nanostructure of the tribofilm was conducted. The formed tribofilm acts as a protective layer during sliding, preventing direct contact between the sliding pairs and reducing the occurrence of boundary and mixed lubrication conditions. This protective film significantly impacts the performance of the tribological system. By preventing direct rubbing, the tribofilm minimizes wear and friction, thereby enhancing the tribological properties of the SGF-reinforced EP composites.
High vegetable consumption and regular exercise are associated with better quality of life in patients with gout
Authors: Do Hyunsue , Choi Hyo Jin , Choi Byoongyong , Son Chang-Nam , Kim Sang-Hyon , Ha You-Jung , Kim Ji Hyoun , Kim Min Jung , Shin Kichul , Kim Hyun-Ok , Song Ran , Lee Sung Won , Ahn Joong Kyong , Lee Seung-Geun , Lee Chang Hoon , Son Kyeong Min , Moon Ki Won
Published: August 2023

Background: The Gout Impact Scale (GIS), a part of the Gout Assessment Questionnaire 2.0, is used to measure gout-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Recently, GIS was translated into Korean and validated for Korean patients. Several studies on factors affecting HRQOL of patients with gout have been conducted, but few have focused on lifestyle factors. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between lifestyle habits and HRQOL in Korean patients with gout.
Methods: For this study, we used data from the aftermath of Urate Lowering TheRApy in gout (ULTRA) registry, a prospective cohort of Korean patients with gout treated in multiple centers nationwide since September 2021. Participants had to be 18 years or older and meet the 2015 gout classification criteria. They were asked to fill out the GIS questionnaire in terms of their lifestyle from November 2021 to March 2023.
Results: This study included 232 patients. The mean (± standard deviation) age was 55.1 ± 17.7 years, and 90.5% of patients were men. The ‘gout concern overall’ score in the GIS was significantly lower in patients who exercised less frequently and consumed soft drinks and meat, and the ‘well-being during attack’ score was significantly lower in patients who more frequently consumed vegetables and exercised. The frequency of vegetable consumption had a negative linear relationship with the ‘well-being during attack’ and ‘gout concern during attack’ scores. The frequency of exercise had a negative linear relationship with the ‘gout concern overall’ and ‘gout concern during attack’ scores.
Conclusion: Certain GIS subscale scores were related to specific lifestyle habits in Korean patients with gout. Patients are encouraged to more frequently consume vegetables and exercise to improve HRQOL.
Efficient Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO via Mechanochemical Synthesized Copper-based Composite Metallic Oxide Catalyst
Authors: Liu Hai , Song Tao , Wang Yimin , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Cui , Liu Tianxia , Yuan Zhen
Published: August 2023

Electrocatalysis serves as a highly effective approach to both mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and produce high-value chemicals. Copper-based catalysts have garnered considerable attention due to their immense potential in this domain, improving the selectivity and activity through optimizing preparation strategies is of paramount importance. In this study, mechanochemical method was first used for preparing copper-based composite metallic oxide electrocatalysts. Spherical CuO, Sn-CuO, and Sn-In-CuO catalysts were prepared and their electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction performance was evaluated. Among them, the Sn-In-CuO catalyst demonstrated the best performance in reducing carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide products. Within the potential range of -0.6 V to -1.1 V vs. RHE, the Faradaic efficiency of carbon monoxide product was consistently above 93.56%, with a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 96.11% achieved at -0.9 V vs. RHE. Sn-In-CuO also exbibts good stability with high Faradaic efficiency of carbon monoxide above 87.97% for a duration of 6 hours under the potential of -0.6 V vs. RHE in a 0.1 M KHCO3 electrolyte. The excellent performance is speculated to be attributed to the generation of a large number of defects and the introduction of metal doping, which increases the number of active sites through the mechanochemical method.
High carriage of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes by ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from animal waste dumps
Authors: Joel Elizabeth O. , Akinlabi Olabisi C. , Olaposi Adedolapo V. , Olowomofe Temitayo O. , Adekanmbi Abimbola O.
Published: August 2023

There have been a rapid rise in the consumption of quinolones in human and veterinary medicine recently. This has contributed in no small measure to the rising incidence of quinolone resistance in bacteria. This study investigated the antibiotic resistance and carriage of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants by ESBL-producing E. coli obtained from the animal waste dumps of an agricultural farm. Isolation of ESBL-producing E. coli from the animal waste samples was done on CHROMagar ESBL, while presumptive isolates were picked and identified using molecular method (detection of uidA gene). Susceptibility to a panel of ten antibiotics was done using disc diffusion method, and detection of PMQR genes (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, aac(6')-lb-cr, qepA and oqxAB) was done using primer-specific PCR. A total of twenty-five ESBL-producing E. coli was obtained from the cattle (6), piggery (7) and poultry (12) waste dumps of the farm. There was 100% resistance by the isolates to cefpodoxime, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and penicillin, while no resistance was observed to amoxicillin-clavulanate and imipenem. The resistance by the isolates to ceftazidime and streptomycin was 24% and 48% respectively. The frequency of detection of PMQR genes in the isolates was: qnrA (96%), qnrB (88%), qnrS (88%), aac(6')-lb-cr (80%), qepA (80%) and oqxAB (96%). This findings showed a high level of antibiotic resistance and PMQR genes in the ESBL-producing E. coli in this study; suggesting that animal waste dumps in agricultural farms could be a budding ‘hotspot’ for antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes.
Correlation between LAMA3 and liver metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xing Yueyi , Jing Xue , Qing Gong , Jiang Yueping
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The grave mortality rate of Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is primarily due to metastasis. The objective of this investigation was to elucidate the role of LAMA3 in liver metastasis of PDAC, gauge its prognostic implications, and offer insights for therapeutic intervention in PDAC management.
Methods
We extracted information related to LAMA3 expression levels and associated clinicopathological parameters from TCGA and four GEO datasets. Clinicopathological analysis was conducted using UALCAN, while the Kaplan-Meier plotter was enlisted for evaluating LAMA3's prognostic impact in PDAC. Furthermore, we retrospectively harvested clinicopathological data and tissue specimens from 117 surgically treated PDAC patients at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. Employing tissue immunohistochemistry, we assessed LAMA3 expression, investigating its correlation with clinicopathological traits, clinical outcomes, and hepatic metastasis.
Results
(1) An amplified expression of LAMA3 was discerned in PDAC tissue compared to normal tissue in TCGA and GEO databases (all P < 0.001). High expression of LAMA3 is associated with poor OS and RFS of patients with PDAC (all P < 0.05). (2) Clinically, LAMA3 expression was significant enhanced in PDAC tissues compared to adjacent tissues (P < 0.001). (3) Tumor tissues from PDAC patients exhibiting liver metastasis had higher LAMA3 expression than those devoid of liver metastasis (P = 0.005). High LAMA3 expression was correlated with large tumor size (P = 0.007), and TNM stage (P = 0.002). (4) LAMA3 expression were independently associated with liver metastasis. (5) Both LAMA3 expression (P = 0.004) and liver metastasis (P = 0.001) were independent predictive factors for OS.
Conclusion
The expression of LAMA3 was elevated in the PDAC and it was a predictor for prognosis in PDAC patients. LAMA3 is an independent risk factor for liver metastasis in PDAC as well.
Metabolic secondary systemic insults among newborns with encephalopathy and their outcome: a descriptive single-center cohort study
Authors: Garnaud Hélèna , Soreze Yohan , Blondiaux Eléonore , Kayem Gilles , Chollat Clément , Leger Pierre-Louis , Rambaud Jerome , Guilbert Julia , Guellec Isabelle
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency of metabolic secondary systemic insults (mSSI) and its association with mortality in newborns with encephalopathy.
Methods
This single-center observational study of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) in patients in 2018–2020 defined mSSI as at least one abnormal finding for any of glucose, sodium, and/or carbon dioxide from routine blood samples during the first 3 days of life. Thresholds were hypoglycemia, <2 mmol/L; hyperglycemia, >10 mmol/L; hyponatremia, <130 mmol/L; hypernatremia, >150 mmol/L; hypocapnia, <30 mmHg; and hypercapnia, >70 mmHg. The cumulative number of mSSIs was the sum of these six types. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.
Results
Among the 109 newborns included, 22% presented no mSSI, 35% one type, 28% two, 11% three, and 4% four. The cumulative number of mSSIs was significantly (p<0.01) associated with the 5-minute Apgar score and the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy; 8.3% of infants with no mSSI, 24.3% with one, 42.3% with two, and 53.8% with three or more mSSIs were graded Sarnat III (p<0.01). Mortality was significantly (p = 0.009) associated with the cumulative number of mSSI types: 0/24 patients with no mSSI, 2/38 (5.3%) patients with one type, 3/31 (9.7%) with two types, and 5/16 (31.3%) with three or more types.
Conclusion: Among the neonates hospitalized for NE, mSSI concerned 80%. The cumulative number of mSSI types was significantly associated with mortality. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic impact of controlling these mSSIs.