bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Brief Cognitive Instruments to Evaluate Suspected Dementia in Chinese-Speaking Populations
Authors: Yu Ruan-Ching , Lai Jen-Chieh , Hui Esther K. , Mukadam Naaheed , Kapur Narinder , Stott Joshua , Livingston Gill 
Published: August 2023

Background: Chinese is the most commonly spoken world language; however, most cognitive tests were developed and validated in the West. It is essential to find out which tests are valid and practical in Chinese speaking people with suspected dementia. Objective: We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of brief cognitive tests adapted for Chinese-speaking populations in people presenting for assessment of suspected dementia. Methods: We searched electronic databases for studies reporting brief (≤20 minutes) cognitive test’s sensitivity and specificity as part of dementia diagnosis for Chinese-speaking populations in clinical settings. We assessed quality using Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM) criteria and translation and cultural adaptation using the Manchester Translation Reporting Questionnaire (MTRQ), and Manchester Cultural Adaptation Reporting Questionnaire (MCAR). We assessed heterogeneity and combined sensitivity in meta-analyses. Results: 38 studies met inclusion criteria and 22 were included in meta-analyses. None met the highest CEBM criteria. Five studies met the highest criteria of MTRQ and MCAR. In meta-analyses of studies with acceptable heterogeneity (I2 <  75%), Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised &III (ACE-R & ACE-III) had the best sensitivity and specificity; specifically, for dementia (93.5% & 85.6%) and mild cognitive impairment (81.4% & 76.7%). Conclusions: Current evidence is that the ACE-R and ACE-III are the best brief cognitive assessments for dementia and mild cognitive impairment in Chinese-speaking populations. They may improve time taken to diagnosis, allowing people to access interventions and future planning.
THE PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF TEMPORARY SETTLEMENTS FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN UKRAINE
Authors: Amosov Iurii , Zinovieva Olena 
Published: August 2023

The article deals with the theoretical aspects of the architectural and planning organization of temporary settlements. The materials are devoted to analysis of international theoretical and practical experience in the planning organization of temporary housing for displaced persons in post-conflict and post-catastrophe affected environments. The relevance of the study derives from the actual situation in Ukraine, under armed aggression of the Russian Federation.
The work considers a trend in the architectural and planning organization of temporary housing for displaced persons in the context of strategy of sustainable development as well as a world’s practical experience of planning mobile temporary housing. The objective of the research is to identify the architectural and planning principles of building temporary housing for internally displaced persons in Ukraine and methods of their organization in the post-conflict environment of Ukraine.
Papers analyze a key issues and factors affecting the formation of architectural and planning organization of temporary settlements; main principles of organizing and optimizing the established parameters for the development of temporary housing. The principles of the planning organization of temporary settlements for overcoming the crisis of sustainable development and solving the sustainability problems in the process of rebuilding the post-conflict environment are derived and indicated here.
TO THE CALCULATION OF RING PLATES ON A VARIABLE ELASTIC BASE
Authors: Surianinov Mykola , Krutii Yurii , Kirichenko Dariya , Klimenko Oleksii 
Published: August 2023

The article examines the bending of ring plates on a variable elastic base. There are different models of elastic base. The simplest is the Winkler model, or the spring model. For beams on a constant elastic base, this model allows obtaining an exact solution, but not for slabs. The case is even more complicated when the elastic basis is variable. There is no single approach to building a universal analytical solution. Therefore, numerical calculation methods are used in engineering practice. The analytical method of direct integration and computer modeling in PC LIRA-CAD with subsequent calculations by the method of finite elements are used. Two examples are considered: a steel plate, which is rigidly clamped along the inner contour, and its outer contour is hinged, and a concrete slab, which is rigidly clamped along the outer contour, and its inner contour is hinged. The results of the numerical implementation show that the values of deflections when calculated by the author's method and the method of finite elements in PC LIRA-CAD practically coincide, and the difference in the values of bending moments reaches 10%. Moreover, the difference in deflections is manifested only in the fourth (and sometimes in the fifth) sign after the comma. It is noted that the method of direct integration demonstrated very high accuracy when solving numerous test problems that have an exact solution. The authors explain the discrepancy in the values of the bending moments obtained here by the semi-automatic breakdown of the finite-element mesh in PC LIRA-CAD. This statement is based on the fact that when the mesh is thickened in the circumferential direction, the results obtained by the two methods for determining the radial and circumferential bending moments are substantially converged.
ANALYSIS OF OSCILLATIONS OCCURING IN BRIDGE-TYPE CRANE WHEN IT HITS THE END STOPS
Authors: Chovnyuk Yurii , Cherednichenko Petro , Kravchyuk Volodymyr , Ostapushchenko Olga , Kravchenko Igor 
Published: August 2023

The “cargo cart – rope – load” system considered, which simulates a bridge-type crane system movement when it hits the end stops. In fact, the load attached to the rope acts as a pendulum dampener of the crane system’s oscillations. Possible normal forms of oscillations in such a system studied. In the system, it is possible to distinguish re-lated (non-local) and localized oscillations forms. In the second case, most of the vi-bration energy is concentrated precisely in the “pendulum dampener” – in the load on the rope (it is considered, that bridge-type crane is functioning in the working mode and there is no unloading). In fact, the localized oscillations form can be favorable for the elastic subsystem’s oscillations damping. Construction of oscillations’ normal forms carried out and their stability investigated.
Spatial Analysis of Tourism Objects and Facilities in Simarjarunjung Natural Tourism Area, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia
Authors: Ambarita Rolasdo , Agus Purwoko  , Thoha Achmad Siddik 
Published: August 2023

North Sumatra is one of the provinces in Indonesia that has a wealth of natural resources in the form of natural beauty. One place whose potential natural beauty stands out is the Simarjarunjung area, which is on the north side of Lake Toba. The purpose of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of tourist objects, natural tourism amenities, and infrastructure in the Simarjarunjung nature tourism area. This research method uses spatial analysis. There are 11 tourist attractions located in the Simarjarunjung natural tourism area that have the potential to be utilized by the manager for natural tourism activities. My Maps technology from Google is used to facilitate access to information so that it is expected to have a positive impact. One of them is the promotion of tourist attractions so that they can be easily accessed by anyone through online networks. The availability of data on the distribution of tourist attractions, attractions and facilities / infrastructure resulting from this research is expected to be a means to be able to increase visitor access to find out information about tourism contained in Simarjarunjung tourist attractions. Each tourist attraction in the Simarjarunjung area has various attractions and tourist facilities, each of which is the attraction and uniqueness of each tourist attraction
Amidation of glutamate residues in mycobacterial peptidoglycan is essential for cell wall cross-linking
Authors: Shaku Moagi T. , Ocius Karl L. , Apostolos Alexis J. , Pires Marcos M. , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Dhar Neeraj , Kana Bavesh D. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMycobacteria assemble a complex cell wall with cross-linked peptidoglycan (PG) which plays an essential role in maintenance of cell wall integrity and tolerance to osmotic pressure. We previously demonstrated that various hydrolytic enzymes are required to remodel PG during essential processes such as cell elongation and septal hydrolysis. Here, we explore the chemistry associated with PG cross-linking, specifically the requirement for amidation of the D-glutamate residue found in PG precursors.MethodsSynthetic fluorescent probes were used to assess PG remodelling dynamics in live bacteria. Fluorescence microscopy was used to assess protein localization in live bacteria and CRISPR-interference was used to construct targeted gene knockdown strains. Time-lapse microscopy was used to assess bacterial growth. Western blotting was used to assess protein phosphorylation.Results and discussionIn Mycobacterium smegmatis, we confirmed the essentiality for D-glutamate amidation in PG biosynthesis by labelling cells with synthetic fluorescent PG probes carrying amidation modifications. We also used CRISPRi targeted knockdown of genes encoding the MurT-GatD complex, previously implicated in D-glutamate amidation, and demonstrated that these genes are essential for mycobacterial growth. We show that MurT-rseGFP co-localizes with mRFP-GatD at the cell poles and septum, which are the sites of cell wall synthesis in mycobacteria. Furthermore, time-lapse microscopic analysis of MurT-rseGFP localization, in fluorescent D-amino acid (FDAA)-labelled mycobacterial cells during growth, demonstrated co-localization with maturing PG, suggestive of a role for PG amidation during PG remodelling and repair. Depletion of MurT and GatD caused reduced PG cross-linking and increased sensitivity to lysozyme and β-lactam antibiotics. Cell growth inhibition was found to be the result of a shutdown of PG biosynthesis mediated by the serine/threonine protein kinase B (PknB) which senses uncross-linked PG. Collectively, these data demonstrate the essentiality of D-glutamate amidation in mycobacterial PG precursors and highlight the MurT-GatD complex as a novel drug target.
Hydrogel-based 3D human iPSC-derived neuronal culture for the study of rabies virus infection
Authors: Muangsanit Papon , Chailangkarn Thanathom , Tanwattana Nathiphat , Wongwanakul Ratjika , Lekcharoensuk Porntippa , Kaewborisuth Challika 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundRabies is a highly fatal infectious disease that poses a significant threat to human health in developing countries. In vitro study-based understanding of pathogenesis and tropism of different strains of rabies virus (RABV) in the central nervous system (CNS) is limited due to the lack of suitable culture models that recapitulate the complex communication pathways among host cells, extracellular matrices, and viruses. Therefore, a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture that mimics cell-matrix interactions, resembling in vivo microenvironment, is necessary to discover relevant underlying mechanisms of RABV infection and host responses.MethodsThe 3D collagen-Matrigel hydrogel encapsulating hiPSC-derived neurons for RABV infection was developed and characterized based on cell viability, morphology, and gene expression analysis of neuronal markers. The replication kinetics of two different strains of RABV [wild-type Thai (TH) and Challenge Virus Standard (CVS)-11 strains] in both 2D and 3D neuronal cultures were examined. Differential gene expression analysis (DEG) of the neuropathological pathway of RABV-infected 2D and 3D models was also investigated via NanoString analysis.ResultsThe 3D hiPSC-derived neurons revealed a more physiologically interconnected neuronal network as well as more robust and prolonged maturation and differentiation than the conventional 2D monolayer model. TH and CVS-11 exhibited distinct growth kinetics in 3D neuronal model. Additionally, gene expression analysis of the neuropathological pathway observed during RABV infection demonstrated a vast number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 3D model. Unlike 2D neuronal model, 3D model displayed more pronounced cellular responses upon infection with CVS-11 when compared to the TH-infected group, highlighting the influence of the cell environment on RABV-host interactions. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment of DEGs in the infected 3D neuronal culture showed alterations of genes associated with the inflammatory response, apoptotic signaling pathway, glutamatergic synapse, and trans-synaptic signaling which did not significantly change in 2D culture.ConclusionWe demonstrated the use of a hydrogel-based 3D hiPSC-derived neuronal model, a highly promising technology, to study RABV infection in a more physiological environment, which will broaden our understanding of RABV-host interactions in the CNS.
Propagation characteristics and control technology of blasting vibration in neighborhood tunnel
Authors: Qin Zixiu , Zhao Yihan , Chen Lu , Cao Hongtao , Zeng Ling , Jiao Wencan , Xu Hong 
Published: August 2023

During the tunnel construction process using the drilling and blasting method, the induced blasting vibration always poses a great threat to the stability and safety of the adjacent tunnel supporting structure. To improve the efficiency and safety of tunnel blasting construction, the vibration propagation and peak particle velocity (PPV) distribution of the lining of an excavated tunnel were investigated during the blasting of an adjacent tunnel located in Guangxi province. The evolution process and distribution characteristics of the PPV of the lining of adjacent tunnels were monitored and analyzed. The results show that the maximum blasting vibration velocity of the lining of the adjacent tunnel can be shown as: PPVx &gt; PPVz &gt; PPVy; hence, the PPVx plays a significant role in the vibration of the adjacent tunnel. According to the tensile stress failure criterion, the PPV threshold was determined to be 12.7 cm/s in this study. To control the damage of surrounding rock induced by the blasting vibration, compound wedge-shaped cutting technology, stress wave dislocation superposition technology, and pre-splitting blasting technology were employed to reduce the impact of blasting vibration on the excavated tunnel.
Relationship between sustainable development and financial development from the perspective of the European green economy. Fuzzy approach
Authors: Zioło Magdalena , Bąk Iwona , Spoz Anna , Oesterreich Maciej , Niedzielski Piotr , Raczkowski Konrad 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Although a large number of publications are devoted to analyzing the relationship between financial development and economic growth, we focused on the answer to the question that sustainable development is accompanied by financial development in particular European Union countries. To our best knowledge, it is a new and original research approach that addresses important research gaps.Methodology: A synthetic indicator based on 13 variables was built to assess the level of sustainable development, taking into account the financial aspect. Fuzzy logic was used to assess the relationship between the level of sustainable development and financial development. It is an original and novel approach.Results: The research results showed significant differences between the north and south and Europe’s east and west. The highest levels of the synthetic measure for all analyzed periods were recorded for Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, and the lowest for Lithuania (2013), Cyprus (2014–2015), and Bulgaria (2016–2021). Over the nine years covered by the analysis, the level of sustainable development, considering the financial aspect, improved in two countries: Germany and Portugal, but deteriorated in six: Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Latvia, Romania, and Slovenia. In all analyzed years, the higher the level of the synthetic measure (sustainable development), the higher the value of the financial development index (FDI index).Discussion: When developing sustainable development policies, policymakers should consider their links with financial development and the policy of developing and regulating financial markets. Financial markets are essential for sustainability, and finance is a crucial driver of sustainable development.
A new approach for modeling stand height development of German forests under climate change
Authors: Schick Jan , Albert Matthias , Schmidt Matthias 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionWe developed a new approach for site index curve models that combines longitudinal height development patterns derived from state-space data with the broad environmental conditions covered by space-for-time data.MethodsFor this, we gathered dendrometry from both inventories and research plots. Concerning environmental variables, we included soil mapping data as well as atmospheric data, i.e., precipitation, temperature, and nitrogen deposition. The atmospheric data was included as a weighted mean over the stand life of the sums for the dynamically determined vegetation period or as yearly sums in the case of nitrogen deposition, respectively. As a weight, the values of a height increment function were used. Then, we derived the basic shape of a height development curve from research plot data and transferred said shape to a site index curve model.ResultsThe model represents a substantial advancement of a previous version and was fitted as a generalized additive model (GAM). All effects were of relevant size and showed biologically feasible patterns.DiscussionThough the model is biased for young ages, we could predict site index curves that, under constant environmental conditions, closely follow yield table curves and thus accurately depict stand height development. Moreover, the model does not require initial dendrometry, which broadens its applicability. Thus, the model represents a useful tool for forest management and planning under climate change.
Proteinase K-pretreated ConA-based ELISA assay: a novel urine LAM detection strategy for TB diagnosis
Authors: Huang Huan , Qu Rong , Wu Kang , Xu Jinchuan , Li Jianhui , Lu Shuihua , Sui Guodong , Fan Xiao-Yong 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesLipoarabinomannan (LAM), an abundant cell wall glycolipid of mycobacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a promising TB diagnostic marker. The current commercially available urine LAM assays are not sufficiently sensitive, and more novel detection strategies are urgently needed to fill the current diagnostic gap.MethodsA proteinase K-pretreated Concanavalin A (ConA)-based ELISA assay was developed. Diagnostic performance was assessed by several bacterial strains and clinical urine samples.ResultsThe limit of detection (LoD) of the assay against ManLAM was 6 ng/ml. The assay reacted strongly to Mtb H37Rv and M. bovis BCG, intermediately to M. smegmatis mc2155, and weakly to four non-mycobacteria pathogens. This method could distinguish TB patients from healthy controls (HCs) and close contacts (CCs) in 71 urine samples treated with proteinase K, which increases urine LAM antibody reactiveness. In TB+HIV+ and TB+HIV− patients, the sensitivity was 43.8 and 37.5%, respectively, while the specificity was 100.0%. The areas under ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.74 and 0.82, respectively.ConclusionThis study implies that ConA can be paired with antibodies to detect LAM. Proteinase K treatment could effectively enhance the sensitivity by restoring the reactiveness of antibodies to LAM.
Effects of simultaneous transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on disorders of consciousness: a study protocol
Authors: Zhuang Yutong , Zhai Weihang , Li Qinghua , Jiao Haoyang , Ge Qianqian , Rong Peijing , He Jianghong 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundNon-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques are now widely used in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) for accelerating their recovery of consciousness, especially minimally conscious state (MCS). However, the effectiveness of single NIBS techniques for consciousness rehabilitation needs further improvement. In this regard, we propose to enhance from bottom to top the thalamic–cortical connection by using transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and increase from top to bottom cortical-cortical connections using simultaneous high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to reproduce the network of consciousness.Methods/designThe study will investigate the effect and safety of simultaneous joint stimulation (SJS) of taVNS and HD-tDCS for the recovery of consciousness. We will enroll 84 MCS patients and randomize them into two groups: a single stimulation group (taVNS and HD-tDCS) and a combined stimulation group (SJS and sham stimulation). All patients will undergo a 4-week treatment. The primary outcome will be assessed using the coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) at four time points to quantify the effect of treatment: before treatment (T0), after 1 week of treatment (T1), after 2 weeks of treatment (T2), and after 4 weeks of treatment (T3). At the same time, nociception coma scale-revised (NCS-R) and adverse effects (AEs) will be collected to verify the safety of the treatment. The secondary outcome will involve an analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates to assess the response mechanisms of dynamic brain networks to SJS. Additionally, CRS-R and AEs will continue to be obtained for a 3-month follow-up (T4) after the end of the treatment.DiscussionThis study protocol aims to innovatively develop a full-time and multi-brain region combined neuromodulation paradigm based on the mesocircuit model to steadily promote consciousness recovery by restoring thalamocortical and cortical-cortical interconnections.
Case report: Can cochlear implant stimulation lead to improved balance even after vestibular neurectomy?
Authors: Sluydts Morgana , De Laet Chloë , De Coninck Liesbeth , Blaivie Catherine , van Dinther Joost J. S. , Offeciers Erwin , Wuyts Floris L. , Zarowski Andrzej 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn a previous manuscript from our research group, the concept of vestibular co-stimulation was investigated in adult subjects who received a cochlear implant (CI). Despite what literature reports state, no signs of vestibular co-stimulation could be observed.ResultsIn this case report, it was described how a woman, who previously underwent a neurectomy of the left vestibular nerve and suffers from bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP), reported improved balance whenever her CI on the left was stimulating. Unexpectedly, the sway analyses during posturography indeed showed a clinically relevant improvement when the CI was activated.DiscussionVestibular co-stimulation as a side effect of CI stimulation could not be the explanation in this case due to the ipsilateral vestibular neurectomy. It is more likely that the results can be attributed to the electrically restored auditory input, which serves as an external reference for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. In addition, this patient experienced disturbing tinnitus whenever her CI was deactivated. It is thus plausible that the tinnitus increased her cognitive load, which was already increased because of the BVP, leading to an increased imbalance in the absence of CI stimulation.