bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical robust biaxial MEMS mirror achieving &gt; 100° optical scanning angle for LiDAR application
Authors: Zhang Yonggui , Huang Hao , Wang Lihao , Su Yongquan , Wang Yang , Liu Yichen , Wu Zhenyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

MEMS micromirrors typically require the use of elongated torsion beams to achieve optical scanning angles in excess of 90°, but elongated torsion beam structures usually lead to problems such as larger chip areas and lower reliability. This paper designs a biaxial Lissajous scanning piezoelectric AlScN-driven MEMS micromirror driven by circular arc actuators, featuring large mirror with a diameter of 5 mm. To achieve large-angle scanning, optimizations are made in the following four aspects: 1) stress dispersion structures are adopted in the structural design; 2) an improved non-Bosch process is utilized in the manufacturing process to achieve smooth sidewall morphology; 3) vacuum packaging is employed in the packaging aspect to reduce the impact of air damping; 4) a driving method of gradually reaching the resonance peak through upward frequency sweeping is used in the control aspect, fully exploit the spring hardening effect to achieve large-angle scanning. After optimization, the mirror achieves optical scanning angles of 102.8° and 104.8° on its two axes. Furthermore, the micromirror has passed 900g shock tests and 20g vibration tests, demonstrating its good shock and vibration resistance while achieving large scanning angles.
Financial Toxicity-Related Factors in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Luo Qin , Chen Xiuwen , Liu li , peng Jing , Tang Fan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the incidence and related factors of financial toxicity among nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) patients, and propose strategies for improvement.
Methods
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were recruited from December 2022 to June 2023 in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, using convenience sampling. A questionnaire survey focusing on financial toxicity among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients was conducted. The assessment tools used in this study include Comprehensive Scores for Financial Toxicity Based on the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (COST-PROM), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS).
Results
A total of 155 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were included in the study. The incidence of financial toxicity among participants was found to be 65.8%, with an average COST scores of 22.45 ± 7.91. A significant negative correlation was showed between MCMQ scores and financial toxicity in patients (r= -0.235, p = 0.003), while a significant positive correlation was showed between the PSSS scores and financial toxicity (r = 0274, p = 0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that personal monthly income, MCMQ scores and PSSS scores were related to the financial toxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.
Conclusion
This study revealed a high prevalence of financial toxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Medical staffs need to identify the financial toxicity early and adopt appropriate strategies to help nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients return to work and guide them to choose positive medical coping modes and access greater social support.
Suitability of soybean, cowpea and quinoa for conditions of climate change in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta dry season
Authors: Kaveney Brooke , Khoi Chau Minh , Minh Dang Duy , Phuong Nguyen Thi Kim , Giang Cao Dinh An , Barrett-Lennard Edward , Tran Khanh Duy , Condon Jason 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Saline intrusion and freshwater scarcity is occurring across regions of the Mekong River Delta Vietnam which is driving the need to identify suitable alternative crops that are fast maturing, water efficient and/or saline tolerant.Methods A glasshouse trial examined the suitability of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Kruso white), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Red Caloona) or soybean (Glycine max Richmond) for growth in regions affected by salinity and drought. Plants were irrigated with either fresh or saline (up to 4 g L− 1) water. Chameleon soil moisture sensors were used to trigger irrigation events, either constantly (water potential 0 to -22 kPa) or intermittently (irrigating when the water potential was <‒50 kPa).Results Saline treatments significantly affected the yield of all three species; however, quinoa grew in saline conditions for the longest duration. Cowpea was negatively affected by intermittent irrigation causing decreased yield higher proline concentrations in younger leaves. Quinoa had the lowest daily water use whilst soybean had the highest daily water consumption. Cowpea and quinoa tolerated irrigation with 4 g L− 1 during reproductive phases, whilst soybean experienced leaf chlorosis and premature senescence with saline irrigation.Conclusion Quinoa may be suitable for growth in saline and water limited affected areas of the MRD, soybean suitable for areas where saline intrusion or freshwater scarcity is not a problem, and cowpea suitable for saline affected areas provided irrigation supply is available to match plant demand. Chameleon sensors can improve water use and be used to aid farmers in developing irrigation schedules.
Assessing the Impact of Agriculture Value Chains on Food and Water Environments in Meerut District, India
Authors: Shahnum Sajida , Shah Mohd Sajid , Altuwaijri Hamad Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Water and food are interconnected elements crucial for agricultural production and food security. While sufficient water resources have facilitated significant food production, intensive agricultural practices have contributed to the degradation of water resources. Agriculture value chains play a pivotal role in shaping food systems and can lead to virtual water movement through the production and trade of water-intensive crops. These chains affect both water and food environments, with water being a driver and food determining factors like availability and accessibility. Despite the economic benefits, agriculture value chains pose non-economic challenges, including environmental and social impacts. The focus on profitability often overlooks sustainability and equity concerns, leading to mono cropping and exclusion of small farmers from markets. This trend is evident in Meerut district, situated in the fertile Indo Gangetic plain and a top farming state in India. Despite its agricultural potential, the district has shifted towards sugarcane monoculture, impacting water and food environments. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between agriculture value chains, water sustainability, food availability and accessibility. The objectives include understanding these interlinkages, analyzing baseline scenarios, and assessing the implications of value chains on food and water environments. The analysis reveals the adverse effects of sugarcane monoculture on water environment, food environment and agricultural sustainability. To address these challenges, the study puts a way forward to adopt value chains approach for the strategical promotion of crop diversification, emphasizing resilience and sustainability.
Microsatellite Markers based Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Accessions
Authors: Shekhawat Pooja , Jakhar M L , Punia SS , Singh Jogendra , Kiran Ravi , Singh Vijayata 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Lentil is the highly nutritious cool season pulse crop that is the boom for mitigation of malnutrition and maintenance of global food security. Genetic variation and selection is the basis for any crop improvement programme. To explore the pattern of genetic diversity among lentil accessions for salt stress, microsatellite markers (SSR) were used. Development of long lasting stable cultivar require the utilization of diverse germplasm. This study was conducted at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal by utilizing 100 lentil accessions. In this study 12 SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers were used. Minor allele frequency (MAF) ranged from 0.07 to 0.49 with mean value of 0.27. Genetic diversity (GD) for SSRs ranged from 0.11 to 0.50. The polymorphic information content (PIC) which ranged from 0 to 1 is the measure of the degree of polymorphism that ranged from 0.12 to 0.38 in present study. Three sub-groups based on population structure analysis, denoted as the red, green and blue clusters, encompassed of 35, 48 and 17 lentil accessions, respectively. UPGMA-based phylogenetic tree was constructed also congregated all genotypes into three main clusters. The information generated in our study may have great implications in molecular characterization, fingerprinting and documentation of accessions in the lentil improvement programme.
Unveiling Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Functions Contributed to Polyvinyl Chloride Degradation in Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae
Authors: Peng Haoran , Zhang Zhe , Kang Xiaoxi , Zhang Yunhua , Zhang Huilin , Wang Yuxuan , Yang Dongchen , Zhang Jinlin , Wang Yajie , Zhu Yong-Guan , Ju Feng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
The surge in synthetic plastic waste, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poses severe environmental challenges. Recent discoveries in microbial biodegradation offer a hopeful approach to managing such pollutants. Notably, the gut microbiota of certain insect larvae have demonstrated potential for degrading PVC. However, due to challenges such as the significant variations in the microbial composition and low microbial biomass in the guts of insect larvae, there are currently no viable PVC-degrading biological resources derived from insect gut microbiota.
Results:
This research entailed sampling Spodoptera frugiperda larvae at various places and obtaining samples from multiple microbial habitats, employing 16S amplicon analysis to disclose the environmental influence on the larvae’s microbiota. Subsequently, we compared the changes in gut microbiota of S. frugiperda larvae and T. molitor larvae after consuming PVC, discovering that despite completely different microbial communities, they enriched similar functions. We then isolated Enterococcus casseliflavus EMBL-3, which was enriched in the gut of S. frugiperda larvae and verified that the NAD-dependent oxidoreductase it encodes can dechlorinate and degrade PVC.
Conclusions:
Besides emphasizing the stability of the microbiota in the midgut contents of S. frugiperda larvae in natural environments, this study leverages the gut microbiota resources of S. frugiperda larvae to discover an enzyme capable of degrading PVC, paving new paths for understanding the mechanisms of plastic biodegradation and advancing biotechnology to reduce global plastic pollution.
Adaptive wireless-powered network based on CNN near-field positioning by a full-duplex metasurface
Authors: Cui Tie Jun , Xia De Xiao , Han Jia Qi , Mu Ya Jie , Guan Lei , Wang Xin , Ma Xiang Jin , Zhu Li Hao , Lv Tian Guang , Liu Hai Xia , Shi Yan , Li Long 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With the revolution in technology and industry, the connectivity of electronic devices has gradually shifted from wired to wireless after long-time exploration. As a solution for power delivery, the non-contact power transfer holds promise charging for moving devices such as sensors, microcomputers, and robots, enabling battery-free sensing, processing, and communication. To reach the goal, we propose the adaptive wireless-powered network (AWPN) based on a full-duplex metasurface to realize a non-contact power supply for target tracking and wireless communications. The fabricated battery-free AWPN can obtain stable powers to perceive and compute the environmental data, which are then informed to the users by wireless communications. In particular, the proposed AWPN is good for moving devices, in which near-field positioning is achieved by the programmable metasurface combined with a convolutional neural network. AWPN can get more than 92% classification accuracy to provide precise positions of the moving targets for beam tracking. Thus, being adaptive and contactless, this AWPN will further propel the advancement of fields such as the Internet of Things (IoT), intelligent metasurface, and the robot industry.
Factors influencing cancer-related fatigue in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy:pathway analysis
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Sun Xuhan , Zhang Shuyu , Lu Xinyu , Xia Jianchun , Zhang Yuxi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer-related fatigue in patients with esophageal cancer significantly impacts their five-year survival rate and causes serious distress to their physical and mental condition.Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the current status of fatigue in esophageal cancer patients in order to reduce their physiological and psychological distress.As a positive psychological trait, self-efficacy can influence the level of fatigue in patients undergoing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. However, the pathways by which self-efficacy affects cancer-related fatigue remain unclear.
Objective
To investigate the factors influencing cancer-related fatigue in patients undergoing radiation therapy for esophageal cancer, and to investigate the role of social support as a mediator between self-efficacy and cancer-related fatigue using the theory of unpleasant symptoms.
Methods
The study used a descriptive survey approach, and data were collected at a tertiary hospital in Nanjing between October 2022 and May 2023. 225 patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy completed the Cancer-Related Fatigue Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Social Support Rating Scale.Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data;the pathways through which self-efficacy influences cancer-induced fatigue were analyzed using the SPSS PROCESS program.
Results
There was a strong negative correlation between cancer-related fatigue and self-efficacy (r = -0.948; P < 0.05). The results of the mediation effect test indicated that social support partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and cancer-related fatigue (β = -0.342, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the mediating effect (− 0.342) accounted for 36.08% of the total effect (− 0.948).
Conclusion
Our findings confirm a negative correlation between cancer-related fatigue and self-efficacy in patients undergoing radiation therapy for esophageal cancer. Social support serves as a mediating factor in reducing fatigue by enhancing patients' self-efficacy.
CRG-MGAN: A Speech Enhancement Algorithm Based on GAN
Authors: Zhang Wenzhuo , Yu Ling , Niu Fanglin , Li Xiaozhen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Transformer can be effectively applied to speech enhancement tasks based on Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). However, it still remains challenging to extract temporal dependencies within the signal sequence features as well as to improve training stability. To address these issues, a new light-weight network is proposed for speech enhancement in the time-frequency domain named CRG-MGAN. It is a type of MetricGAN based on convolution and recurrent-augmented spatially gated attention. In the generator of the CRG-MGAN, Convolutional Recurrently Enhanced Gated Attention Unit (CRGU) is used for feature extraction, which is an improved Transformer structure. The CRGU can effectively extract more complete feature information of speech, focus on the temporal dependencies within the signal sequence, reduce the loss of feature information, and reduce the computational complexity of the Transformer. In the decoding stage, the mask decoder structure is improved by using a two-branch activation function structure instead of a single activation function, which prevents gradient explosion and effectively outputs the magnitude information, thus improving the stability of the training process. We conduct extensive experiments with the Voice Bank + Demand datasets. Objective test results show that the performance of the proposed system is highly competitive with existing systems. Specifically, the CRG-MGAN model achieves a PESQ score of 3.48, STOI of 0.96, and SSNR of 11.14dB, with a relatively small model size of 1.67M.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate miR-202-3p to Suppress Neuronal Apoptosis Following Spinal Cord Injury Through Autophagy Activation via the AMPK, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Ke , Fang Jing , Sun Weiming , Zeng Yujia , Shi Bowen , Ren Bingkai , Bi Haidi , Shuai Lang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have garnered attention as promising therapeutic modalities for spinal cord injury (SCI) due to their neuroregenerative, anti-apoptotic, and functional recovery-enhancing properties. The central role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating the beneficial outcomes resulting from BMMSCs in SCI has been highlighted in recent studies, suggesting that targeted modulation of specific miRNAs holds potential for augmenting SCI recovery. Our previous investigation implicated miR-202-3p in the reparative processes of injured spinal cords, although the precise mechanistic underpinnings remain elusive.
Methods: In vivo, BMMSCs were administered to SCI rats, while in vitro, miR-202-3p was transfected into PC-12 cells. Motor capabilities recovery was assessed via Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores and footprinting tests; the evaluation of neuronal and spinal cord tissue repair was conducted using Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and immunofluorescence; and the impacts of miR-202-3p on cellular autophagy, neuronal apoptosis, and relevant pathways were evaluated using Western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Results: Functionally, BMMSCs utilized miR-202-3p to improve motor recovery in SCI rats. Histopathologically, they contributed to the repair of damaged spinal cords and the regeneration of nerve axons. At the molecular level, BMMSCs stimulated autophagy and suppressed neuronal apoptosis by regulating the AMPK, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Conclusions: Collectively, our findings demonstrate that BMMSCs coordinate miR-202-3p to inhibit mTOR activation via the AMPK, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways, thereby promoting TFEB dephosphorylation, modulating autophagy and neuronal apoptosis, and ultimately fostering functional recovery post-SCI.
A marker-free genetic manipulation method for G. parasuis strains developed by alternately culturing transformants at 37°C and 30°C
Authors: Xiao Jing , Wang Yuxin , Wu Dongfang , Song Yuping , Cai Xuwang , Chen Huanchun , Zhou Hongbo , Xu Xiaojuan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) is a significant pathogen causing Glässer’s disease and substantial financial losses in swine production systems. However, studies on its gene function and pathogenesis are limited due to the lack of a broad marker-free knockout system. Currently, researchers mainly use antibiotic-resistant marked knockout mutants. The expression of antibiotic-resistance genes in bacterial cells can cause polar termination and unpredictable effects. Although there have been precedents in G. parasuis using gene targeting to construct marker-free mutant strains, this method is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and has an extremely low success rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an efficient and feasible marker-free genetic manipulation method for G. parasuis strains.
Results
In this study, we developed an optimized marker-free knockout system for G. parasuis based on a temperature-sensitive vector. By culturing the transformants at alternating temperatures of 37°C and 30°C, we used this system to knock out the KanR cassette from the marked mutant JS0135ΔnanH::KanR. To verify that temperature changes were key to this method, we successfully knocked out the nanH and apd genes in the CF7066 strain using this system. Subsequently, we found that knocking out the nanH gene severely reduces the growth vitality of the strains, while knocking out the apd gene can improve the adhesion rate of the strains. Finally, we observed that the expression of recombinant genes in the transformants was higher at 30℃ than at 37℃, but there was almost no difference in the expression of recombinant genes between 30℃ and 37℃ in wild strains. This difference may be due to a higher copy number of target plasmids at 30℃, leading to the upregulation of the expression of recombinant genes.
Conclusions
Overall, this newly developed gene knockout system for G. parasuis could be a valuable tool for the study of this organism.
High TG/HDL-C ratio suggests a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in the first trimester
Authors: Jia Hao-Yi , Chen Li , He Peng-Yuan , Zhou Meng-Jie , Zhan Shi-Tong , Xu Xian-Ming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the first trimester.
Method(s): We followed 2,356 pregnant women who visited the obstetric outpatient clinic of Shanghai General Hospital and underwent regular obstetric examinations from October 1st, 2019 to June 1st, 2021. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed, and lipid levels were measured in the first trimester. Logistic regressionand restricted cubic spline (RCS) were applied to evaluate the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and GDM.
Result(s): Among 2,356 pregnant women, 425 women(18.04 %) were diagnosed with GDM. Logistic regression analysis showed that the TG/HDL-C ratio was an independent risk factor for GDM (OR=1.37 (95% CI: 1.16-1.62), p<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we observed that a high TG/HDL-C ratio promoted GDM (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.27–2.13, p<0.001). The RCS analysis revealed a signifcant nonlinear association. (P-interaction < 0.05).
Conclusion(s): In this study, we found a significant correlation between TG/HDL-C ratio and GDM, and high TG/HDL-C ratio can be regarded as a significant risk factor for the development of gestational diabetes. Early detection of elevated TG/HDL-C may serve in early detection of GDM and help physicians in framing primary preventive strategies.