bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structured Channel Covariance Estimation from Limited Samples for Large Antenna Arrays
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Khalilsarai Mahdi Barzegar , Haghighatshoar Saeid , Caire Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

In massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, the knowledge of the users’ channel covariance matrix is crucial for minimum mean square error (MMSE) channel estimation in the uplink as well as it plays an important role in several multiuser beamforming schemes in the downlink. Due to the large number of base station antennas, accurate covariance estimation is challenging especially in the case where the number of samples is limited and thus comparable to the channel vector dimension. As a result, the standard sample covariance estimator may yield a too large estimation error which in turn may yield significant system performance degradation with respect to the ideal channel covariance knowledge case. To address such problem, we propose a method based on a parametric representation of the channel angular scattering function. The proposed parametric representation includes a discrete specular component which is addressed using the well-known MUltiple SIgnal Classification (MUSIC) method, and a diffuse scattering component, which is modeled as the superposition of suitable dictionary functions. To obtain the representation parameters we propose two methods, where the first solves a non-negative least-squares problem and the second maximizes the likelihood function using expectationmaximization. Our simulation results show that the proposed methods outperform the state-of-the-art with respect to various estimation quality metrics and different sample sizes.
Alterations of Lipid-Mediated Mitophagy Result in Aging-Dependent Sensorimotor Defects
Authors: Natalia Oleinik , Albayram Onder , Kassir Mohamed Faisal , Atilgan Firdevs , Walton Chase , Karakaya Eda , Kurtz John , Alekseyenko Alexander Vladimirovich , Alsudani Habeeb , Szulc Zdzislaw , Ogretmen Besim
Published: December 2022

The metabolic consequences of mitophagy alterations due to age-related stress in healthy aging brains vs. neurodegeneration remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that ceramide synthase 1 (CerS1) is transported to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) by the p17/PERMIT transporter that recognizes mislocalized mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) via 39-FLRN-42 residues, inducing ceramide-mediated mitophagy. P17/PERMIT-CerS1-mediated mitophagy attenuated the argininosuccinate/fumarate/malate axis and induced D-glucose and fructose accumulation in neurons in culture, and brain tissues (primarily in the cerebellum) of wild-type mice in vivo. These metabolic changes in response to sodium-selenite were nullified in the cerebellum of CerS1top/top, PARKIN-/- or p17/PERMIT-/- mice that have dysfunctional mitophagy. Whereas sodium selenite induced mitophagy in the cerebellum, and improved motor-neuron deficits in aged wild-type mice, exogenous fumarate or malate prevented mitophagy. Attenuation of ceramide-mediated mitophagy enhanced damaged mitochondria accumulation and age-dependent sensorimotor abnormalities in p17/PERMIT-/- mice. Reinstituting mitophagy using a ceramide analog drug with selenium conjugate, LCL768, restored mitophagy and reduced malate/fumarate metabolism, improving sensorimotor deficits in old p17/PERMIT-/- mice. Thus, these data describe metabolic consequences of alterations to P17/PERMIT/ceramide-mediated mitophagy associated with the loss of mitochondrial quality control in the brain and provide therapeutic options to overcome age-dependent sensorimotor deficits and related disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Investigation of the effect of manganese oxides on the reduction of Hexavalent chromium by sodium alginate dispersed nano zero-valent iron and the mechanism
Authors: Ling Caiyuan , Qin Xingzi , Jiang Linjiang , Lu Dingtian , Chai Xingle , Gu Xinyi , Zhou Zirui , Zhang Chaolan
Published: December 2022

One of the most typical pollutants in soil is chromium (Cr). The remediation of Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] contaminated soils by sodium alginate modified nano zero-valent iron (SA-NZVI) has been extensively studied, while naturally occurring oxidants (manganese oxides) have been found to affect its effectiveness. Therefore, in this paper, by exploring the effect of manganese minerals on chromium reduction, it was found that acid birnessite (A-Bir) has the greatest effect on the oxidation of Cr(III) and also finds that A-Bir affects the stability of SA-NZVI and Cr(VI) reduction products. In the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soils, A-Bir significantly promoted the removal of Cr(VI) by SA-NZVI in the first 7 d and inhibited the reduction of Cr(VI) or re-oxidizes the reduced Cr(VI) and releases it into the environment after 14 d. This process caused a rise in soil pH, which in turn led to a decreased in the effectiveness of Fe in the soil and a significant increased in the effective state of Mn. The investigation also revealed that the re-rise in Cr(VI) content could be due to a reaction between dissolved Cr(III) in the reduction products and the solid A-Bir surface, or it could be due to a reaction between the Mn dissolved out of the A-Bir in the soil and the reduction products. This study shows that A-Bir is a key factor influencing the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soils by SA-NZVI.
In(OTf)3-Catalyzed Reorganization/Cycloaddition of Two Imine Units and Subsequently Modular Assembly of Acridinium Photocatalysts
Authors: Nan Jiang , Huang Guanjie , Liu Shilei , Wang Jing , Ma Yangmin , Luan Xinjun
Published: December 2022

Reorganization of unsaturated chemical bonds is one of the most promising strategies to generate architecturally diversified and innovative molecular library. Herein, we disclose a novel reorganization/cycloaddition between two imine units catalyzed by In(OTf)3 Lewis acid, which is sharply distinguished from the well-recognized [4+2] cycloaddition version with Povarov reaction. By means of this unprecedented imine chemistry, a collection of synthetically useful dihydroacridines have been synthesized with high functional group compatibility under concise reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies unravel that α，β-unsaturated imine likely serves as a pivotal intermediate. Notably, handing products give rise to a series of structurally novel and fine-tuneable acridinium photocatalysts, which offers a heuristic paradigm for synthesizing these ones and is also highlighted by facilitating several encouraging dihydrogen coupling reactions efficiently.
Landslide Susceptibility Zonation along NH 1D from Sonamarg to Kargil, North Western Himalaya
Authors: Nanda Aadil M. , Ul Zahoor , Ahmed Pervez , Kanth Tasawoor A.
Published: December 2022

The National Highway 1D from Sonamarg to Kargil is known as one of the most landslide susceptible areas in Kashmir and Ladakh divisions. The aim of the present study is to delineate landslide susceptibility zones along National Highway 1D from Sonamarg to Kargil, north western (NH) Himalaya. Based on landslide influencing geo-environmental factors such as slope angle, landuse/landcover, distance to faults, precipitation, soil, slope aspect, lithology, altitude, distance to streams, and distance to road a detailed landslide susceptible map is prepared. A weighted pair wise comparison matrix is generated using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The geo-environmental factors and their derived weights through AHP were then overlaid using the index overlay module in ArcGIS 10.2 supplemented by MS Excel and MATLAB. The relationships between the conditional and trigger factors was carried out by analyzing landslide events. The results show that the area of 913.55 Km2 is covered by very high and high landslide susceptibility zones constituting 55% of the study area. These are the most tortuous and rugged zones with high occurrence and impact of landslides. The study also identified and mapped a total of 317 landslides along National Highway 1D through rigorous multiple field surveys and secondary sources. There is a frequent incidence of traffic disruptions along the road. Thus there is an urgent need to mitigate the landslide hazard particularly to avert the disruption from Sonamarg to Leh road, which causes huge inconvenience in terms of human and economic losses.
Consistency of Serial Ultrasonographic Joint Tissue Measurements by the Joint tissueActivity and Damage Exam (JADE) protocol in Relation to Hemophilic Joint Health Parameters
Authors: Barnes Richard F.W. , Aguero Peter , Hanacek Cris , Flores Andres , Steiner Bruno , Bailey Cindy , Quon Doris V. , Kruse-Jarres Rebecca , von Drygalski Annette
Published: December 2022

Objectives
The Joint tissueActivity and Damage Exam (JADE) is a point-of-care (POC) musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) protocol for non-radiologists to evaluate hemophilic arthopathy. Our aim was to determine the consistency of cross-sectional analyses of direct tissue measurements (JADE protocol) and clinical and functional joint assessments at three clinic visits.
Methods
We prospectively studied adults (n = 44) with hemophilia (A or B) of any severity and arthropathy at 3 North American sites. We assessed Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), total arc, and JADE parameters (bilateral elbows, ankles, and knees) at study entry, at ~ 12–18 months, and at ~ 24–36 months. JADE measurements included osteochondral alterations, cartilage thickness, and soft tissue expansion at sentinel positions. Associations between joint HJHS and total arc with each JADE variable were examined with random intercept models.
Results
At each visit increasing HJHS and decreasing total arc were associated in the expected direction with increasing length of OAs and soft tissue expansion in all joints, and decreasing cartilage thickness in the knee. However, HJHS associations with cartilage thickness were U-shaped for elbow and ankle (i.e. cartilage thinning and thickening). Associations between total arc and cartilage thickness followed a similar curve. (Near)normal levels of both joint parameters (HJHS and total arc) were associated with normal ranges of cartilage thickness.
Conclusions
POC MSKUS applying direct tissue measurements using the JADE protocol provided reproducible cross-sectional associations with joint health outcomes on three visits. These findings advance protocol validation and enable iterative adaptations resulting in JADE protocol version 2.
Assessment of Aerosol Persistence in ICUs via Low-cost Sensor Network and Zonal Models
Authors: Glenn K , He J , Rochlin R , Teng S , Hecker JG , Novosselov I
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened public awareness about airborne particulate matter (PM) due to the spread of infectious diseases via aerosols. The persistence of potentially infectious aerosols in public spaces, particularly medical settings, deserves immediate investigation; however, a systematic approach to characterize the fate of aerosols in most clinical environments has not been reported. This paper presents a methodology for mapping aerosol propagation using a low-cost PM sensor network in ICU and adjacent environments and the subsequent development of the data-driven zonal model. Mimicking aerosol generation by a patient, we generated trace NaCl aerosols and monitored their propagation in the environment. In positive (closed door) and neutral-pressure (open door) ICUs, up to 6% or 19% respectively of all PM escaped through the door gaps, however, the outside sensors did not register an aerosol spike in negative-pressure ICUs. The K-means clustering analysis of temporospatial aerosol concentration data suggests that ICU can be represented by three distinct zones: (1) near the aerosol source, (2) room periphery, and (3) the outside region. These zones inform two-phase aerosol plume behavior: dispersion of the original aerosol spike throughout the room and an evacuation phase where "well-mixed" aerosol concentration in the ICU decayed uniformly. Decay rates were calculated in positive, neutral, and negative modes, with negative-pressure rooms clearing out nearly twice as fast. The aerosol concentration decay followed the trends in the air exchange rates. This research demonstrates the methodology for aerosol persistence monitoring in medical settings; however, it is limited by a relatively small data set and is specific to small-size ICU rooms. Future studies need to evaluate medical settings with high risks of infectious disease transmission and optimize hospital infrastructure.
A study on the relationship between perceived stress, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence of rehabilitation therapy students in China
Authors: Zheng Yan-xue , Tao Huan
Published: December 2022

AimTo understand the overall levels of stress perception, self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence among Chinese rehabilitation therapy students and to explore the relationship between the three.
Methods From October to November 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 145 cases of rehabilitation therapy students at a medical school in Gansu, China, using the Stress Perception Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale.
Results The total score of perceived stress was (44.33±7.05), the total score of emotional intelligence was (48.06±6.40), and the total score of general self-efficacy was (25.8±6.04), and there was a significant positive correlation between all three (r>0.490,P<0.01). Emotional intelligence had a significant mediating effect phenomenon between stress perception and general self-efficacy.
Conclusion Students in rehabilitation therapy had moderate levels of stress perception, emotional intelligence, and general self-efficacy, and emotional intelligence partially mediated the effect between general self-efficacy and stress perception. It is suggested that educators should actively assess the level of stress in rehabilitation therapy majors, pay more attention to students' emotional intelligence, improve self-efficacy, and prepare for the development of targeted intervention programs later.
Influence of rootstock on endogenous hormones and color change in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
Authors: Liu Zhiyu , Zhu Chunmei , Sun Junli , Zhang Zhijun , Zhao Shucheng , Shi Wenchao , Wang Wei , Zhao Baolong
Published: December 2022

Different rootstocks for grapes can significantly affect fruit color and quality, possibly by affecting hormone contents, related genetic pathways, and fruit coloring mechanisms in peels. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ were grafted to ‘5BB’, ‘SO4’, ‘140R’, ‘CS’, ‘3309M’ and ‘Vitis riparia’ rootstocks, with self-rooting seedlings as the control (CS/CS), and sampled from the early stage of color transformation to the ripening stage. The effects of rootstock on the contents of gibberellin (GA3), auxin (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA) in grape peels were determined alongside the expression levels of eight anthocyanin synthesis related genes using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR methods. The rootstock cultivars exhibited accelerated fruit color change, and the CS/140R cultivar had much greater color change than the control group in the same period. With the development of fruit, the IAA and GA3 contents in the peels of different rootstock combinations showed trends of increasing initially, then decreasing, while the ABA content decreased initially and then increased. During the fruit color change period (28 July), the various ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ rootstock combinations exhibited varying degrees of increases in GA3, ABA, and IAA contents; correlation analysis showed that, at the start of veraison, the expression levels of the anthocyanin synthesis-related genes VvCHS, VvDFR, and VvUFGT had strong positive correlations with hormone contents, which indicated they are key genes involved in the endogenous hormone responsive anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. The results of this study showed that rootstock grafting regulates the fruit coloring process by influencing the metabolism level of peel hormones in the ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grape.
Institutions, Capital control Policy, and Liquidity Creation in Sub- Saharan Africa
Authors: Bawuah Isaac Bawuah
Published: December 2022

The paper examines the role of institutional quality in the relationship between capital control policy and bank liquidity creation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper uses international dataset of 63 banks in twenty (20) Sub-Saharan Africa countries from 2007–2019. The paper adopts panel fixed effect regression model for the estimation. The results indicate that institutional quality and capital control policy have direct positive impact on banks liquidity creation. The results further indicate that institutional quality plays positive and significant role in the relationship between capital control policy and bank liquidity creation. Regulatory capital, bank capital and bank size increase banks liquidity creation. However, floating exchange rate regime, bank risk and inflation do not increase bank liquidity creation.
Caspase-8 promotes scramblase-mediated phosphatidylserine exposure and fusion of osteoclast precursors
Authors: Kronke Gerhard , Krishnacoumar Brenda , Stenzel Martin , Garibagaoglu Hilal , Omata Yasunori , Sworn Rachel , Ipseiz Natacha , Czubala Magdalena , Stoll Cornelia , Böhm Christina , Herrmann Martin , Uderhardt Stefan , Steffen Ulrike , Jenkins Robert , Taylor Philip , Zaiss Mario , Grüneboom Anika , Schett Georg , Scholtysek Carina
Published: December 2022

Efficient cellular fusion of mononuclear precursors is the prerequisite for the generation of fully functional multinucleated bone-resorbing osteoclasts. However, the exact molecular factors and mechanisms controlling osteoclast fusion remain incompletely understood. Here we identify RANKL-mediated activation of caspase-8 as early key event during osteoclast fusion. Single cell RNA sequencing-based analyses suggested that activation of parts of the apoptotic machinery accompanied the differentiation of osteoclast precursors into mature multinucleated osteoclasts. A subsequent characterization of osteoclast precursors confirmed that RANKL-mediated activation of caspase-8 promoted the non-apoptotic cleavage and activation of downstream effector caspases that translocated to the plasma membrane where they triggered activation of the phospholipid scramblase Xkr8. Xkr8-mediated exposure of phosphatidylserine, in turn, aided cellular fusion of osteoclast precursors and thereby allowed generation of functional multinucleated osteoclast syncytia and initiation of bone resorption. Pharmacological blockage or genetic deletion of caspase-8 accordingly interfered with fusion of osteoclasts and bone resorption resulting in increased bone mass in mice carrying a conditional deletion of caspase-8 in mononuclear osteoclast precursors. These data identify a novel pathway controlling osteoclast biology and bone turnover with the potential to serve as target for therapeutic intervention during diseases characterized by pathologic osteoclast-mediated bone loss.
Intrinsic Mechanical Effects on the Activation of Carbon Catalysts
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Bowen , Xu Shuaishuai , Luo Xinying , Xiong Junjie , Li Huihui , Yu Zhongliang , Gao Yang , Zhang Lipeng , Zhang Qinghua , Zhao Shenlong , Zhang Bin-Wei , Xia Zhenhai , Dai Liming
Published: December 2022

The mechanical effects on carbon-based metal-free catalysts (C-MFCs) have rarely been explored although the C-MFCs have attracted worldwide interest as alternatives to the noble metal catalysts. Stress is everywhere, but a specialized study is strongly limited because the stress usually intermingles with other structural variables, including the dopants, defects, and interfaces in catalysis. Herein, we report a proof-of-concept study by establishing a platform to apply strain to a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) lamina continuously and collecting the electrochemical signals simultaneously. For the first time, the correlation between the surface strain of a graphitic carbon and its oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activation effect is established. Results show that the in-plane and edge carbon sites in HOPG could not be further activated by applying tensile strain, but when the in-plane defects were involved in the structure, a strong and repeatable dependence of the catalytic activity on the tensile strain was observed, wherein ~ 35.0% improvement in ORR current density was realized by applying ~ 0.6% tensile strain. The density function theory (DFT) simulation shows that appropriate strain on the specific defect can optimize the adsorption of reaction intermediates, and the Stone-Wales defect on graphene correlates with the mechanical effect. Moreover, the effect was further authenticated by preparing a powdered graphene-based catalyst with varied strain-involved, which showed an apparent improvement of the ORR activity with ~ 0.4% surface strain. This work clarifies some basic principles of strain effects on graphitic carbon’s catalytic activities towards ORR, and may lay the foundation for developing carbon-based mechanoelectrocatalysis.
TRNSYS optimization of control strategy and equipment parameters of a geothermal solar heating system
Authors: Sun Chang , Zhang Guangyu , Ju Xiaolei , Lu Yongfei
Published: December 2022

In this research, a typical building and four heating strategies were simulated in the TRNSYS environment to choose the optimized control strategy and equipment parameters of the geothermal solar coupled system to recover soil temperature in one year. The final optimized strategy and the original strategy of the GSHP heating system were compared. Research results show that the optimized control strategy of coupled system is transforming solar hot water from the storage tank to heating terminals in heating seasons and transforming solar hot water to the ground heat exchanger in non-heating seasons. The optimized operation strategy of the solar heating soil cycle is that the cycle starts when tank temperature is higher than 40°C and stops when tank temperature is lower than 20°C. Furthermore, the best pump flow at the heat exchanger collector side of the tank is 6.6 m3/h. The optimum length of the water tank heat exchanger is 120 m. The optimum collector area, tank volume, and heat exchanger area are 86 m2, 3.9 m3 and 0.4 m2, respectively. This study provides a solution for solving soil temperature reduction in one year during GSHP applications.
Measurement of Static and Dynamic Pupillary Characteristics after Implantable Collamer Lens with a Central Hole (ICL V4c) by Sirius Anterior Segment Analysis System
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Xiaodi , Zhong Mei , Wang Weiqun
Published: December 2022

Background
To investigate the static and dynamic pupillometry characteristics before and after ICL V4c implantation under different light conditions.
Methods
This prospective study involved 210 consecutive high myopia patients undergoing implantation of a V4c ICL. Sirius anterior eye segment analysis system (CSO, Florence, Italy) was used for pupillometry preoperatively and 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Static pupillometry measurements (pupil diameter at 3 standardized illumination levels) and dynamic parameters (including initial pupil diameter, minimum pupil diameter after light stimulation, and velocity of dilation) were measured.
Results
Under the scotopic, mesopic and photopic conditions, PD decreased significantly after ICL implantation and restored to the preoperative level 1–3 months after surgery. Initial PD and minimum PD after light stimulation at all time points after surgery had no statistical differences, and the velocity of pupil dilation showed no significant changes at the observed time points. Under three light conditions, all pupil center coordinates shifted toward infra-temporal sites after surgery, and pupil center coordinates gradually approached cornea center after surgery. The scotopic and photopic vaults at the observed time points after ICL implantation were positively correlated with scotopic, mesopic, and photopic PD, while they were not correlated with initial pupil, minimum PD after light stimulation, the velocity of pupil dilation within 1 second, 2 seconds and 1–2 seconds after light stimulation.
Conclusions
ICL V4C implantation has an effect on pupil diameter in the early postoperative period, pupil diameter became smaller under the photopic, mesopic and scotopic conditions, but restored to the preoperative level about 1–3 months after surgery under the three conditions.
Trial registration:
The ethics committee of Zhengzhou University’s First Affiliated Hospital gave its approval to this study (2021-KY-0872-002).
Microstructural and functional plasticity following repeated brain stimulation during cognitive training in non-demented older adults
Authors: Antonenko Daria , Fromm Anna , Thams Friederike , Grittner Ulrike , Meinzer Marcus , Flöel Agnes
Published: December 2022

The combination of repeated behavioral training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) holds promise to exert benefial effects on brain function beyond the trained task. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This was adressed by multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after a three-week executive function training with prefrontal excitatory tDCS in 48 older adults. Results demonstrate that training combined with active tDCS enhanced prefrontal white matter microstructure which predicted individual performance gain. Training-plus-tDCS also resulted in microstructural grey matter reductions at the stimulation site, and increased prefrontal functional connectivity. We provide insight into the mechanisms underlying neuromodulatory interventions, suggesting tDCS-induced changes in fiber organization and myelin formation, glia-related and synaptic processes in the target region, and synchronization within targeted functional networks. These findings advance the mechanistic understanding of neural tDCS effects, thereby contributing to more targeted neural network modulation in future experimental and translation tDCS applications.
Genome-wide identification of the GST gene family and its expression pattern analysis under cold stress in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Zhou Guangyi , Li Kuiyin , Wang Rui , Liu Xiaojuan , Qin Xianjiao , Jian Zilin , Lu Bingyun , He Fang , Ren Mingjian
Published: December 2022

Background
Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is an antioxidant enzyme essential for cell protection because of its scavenging of reactive oxygen species accumulated under various stresses. Cold stress studies on the GST gene family have been conducted in several dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants, including Arabidopsis, rice, sweet potato, cantaloupe, and pumpkin. However, no relevant studies have been conducted on quinoa to date.
Results
In the present study, 59 GST (CqGST) genes were identified in the C. quinoa genome, among which 34 were located in the cytoplasm, 20 in the chloroplasts, and five in the ribosomes. Our phylogenetic analysis of CqGST and GST genes from Arabidopsis and rice showed that these genes were clustered into eight subfamilies, namely Tau, Phi, GHR, Zeta, Lambda, EF1B, DHER, and TCHQD. A total of 59 CqGSTs were located on 14 chromosomes, and none were located on chromosomes 00, 4, 9, 13, and 15. Eleven pairs of tandem-duplicated genes and 12 pairs of segmentally duplicated genes were identified in the CqGST gene family. The promoter region of each CqGST contained at least one cis-element associated with adversity. We selected 16 representative genes for fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR to verify gene expression and found that most of the CqGST genes were highly expressed in the roots and recovered for 3 h after different cold treatment times, indicating that the GST family plays an important role in quinoa cold stress.
Conclusions
In the present study, 59 GST genes were identified in quinoa, and gene duplication events were found to be the main drivers of GST gene family evolution in this species. Our results provide a basis for further studies on the function of GST genes in quinoa as well as a research basis for breeding quinoa in high-altitude cold regions, indicating the candidate genes for enhancing quinoa yield.
Characterization of Particulate Matter From the Chimney of a Former Primary Lead Smelter Using Chemical, Physical, and Mineralogical Methods
Authors: Lima Luiz Rogério Pinho de Andrade , Bernardez Letícia Alonso
Published: December 2022

There are recent allegations of kids residing close to a lead smelter, which shut down in 1993, who have high Cd levels in their blood. The study’s goal is to identify the source of Cd pollution and other potentially harmful elements, with a particular emphasis on the chimney dust, which were used for this characterization investigation. Chemical, physical and mineralogical methods were used in this investigation. The principal phases in the dust are: sulfur, anglesite and kaolin. After sulfur removal the chemical analysis revealed that the following elements constitute the majority of the dust (wt%): 10.4% of S, 44.37% of PbO, 17.34% of SiO2, 6.28% of Al2O3, 1.22% of ZnO, 0.93% of As2O3. The amount of Hg was 4670 mg/kg and the amount of Cd was higher than 5000 mg/kg. Anglesite was highly concentrated in the dust. According to the leaching investigation, the chimney dust was unstable in mildly acidic conditions for only brief contact durations, releasing significant amounts of Pb, Zn, and Sb as well as a significant quantity of Cd. Therefore, given the toxic elements, this dust should be considered a very hazardous material.
Hierarchically Multifunctional Thermally Conductive Boron Nitride/Polyurethane Fibrous Membranes via Constructing Alternating Multi-Layer Orientation Structure
Authors: Jiang Fang , Li Yutao , Ye Minghua , Chen Xiaolong , Shen Yifeng , Ding Peng , Yang Lei
Published: December 2022

Thermally conductive polymeric materials with versatility are in high demand in electronic devices. Whereas, the limited thermal conductivity and versatility restrict the development of such materials. In this work, the hierarchical design and assembly technology was applied to prepare hierarchically multifunctional functionalized boron nitride/polyurethane multi-layer (m-FBN/PU) fibrous membranes with higher quality and higher quantity of oriented thermally conductive network. FBN/PU filler layers act as thermally conductively pathways and PU substrate layers provide mechanical support and the obtained hydrophobic and flexible m-FBN/PU fibrous membranes with 10 wt% FBN filling display high in-plane thermal conductivity (5.78 W·m− 1·K− 1) and electrical insulation (1014 Ω·cm). Meanwhile, in comparison with the FBN/PU single-layer (s-FBN/PU) fibrous membranes with the same filler content, the thermal conductive enhancement reaches 61.5%, which could be ascribed to the increased phonon transfer network built by the alternated aligned hierarchical structure. Our fabrication provides a promising strategy for developing multifunctional polymeric materials and has the potential in advanced electronics and emerging fields like wearable electronics.
Application of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to Inform Understanding of Barriers & Facilitators to the Implementation of Opioid and Naloxone Training on College Campuses
Authors: Shelton Rachel C. , Goodwin Kathleen , McNeil Michael , Bernitz Melanie , Alexander Savannah P. , Parish Carrigan , Brotzman Laura , Lee Matthew , Li WaiKwan (Bonnie) , Makam Supriya , Ganek Nicholas , Foskett Dean , Warren Chloe , Metsch Lisa R.
Published: December 2022

Background: The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to worsen. Opioid-only and polysubstance-involved opioid overdose deaths are increasing among adolescents and young adults, who have limited knowledge of opioid overdose prevention, including recognition and response. College campuses have infrastructure to support national-level implementation of evidence-based public health strategies for providing opioid overdose prevention and naloxone training programs among this priority population. However, college campuses are an underutilized, understudied setting for this programming. To address this gap, we conducted research assessing barriers and facilitators to planning and implementing this programming on college campuses.
Methods: We held 9 focus groups among purposively selected campus stakeholders whose perceptions were important to understand in planning for the dissemination and implementation of opioid overdose prevention and naloxone training. Focus group scripts were informed by The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to query about perceptions of opioid and other substance use, opioid and other substance use-related resources, and naloxone administration training. We used a deductive-inductive, iterative approach to thematic analysis.
Results: Themes about implementation barriers included: 1) the perception that problematic use of other (non-opioid) substances was more prevalent than opioid use on campus and focus on those substances would be a greater priority on college campuses; 2) student schedules were overwhelmed with academic commitments and extracurricular activities, making delivery of additional training challenging; 3) barriers related to the perceived complexity and decentralization of communication on campus, preventing students from knowing how to access substance use-related resources. Themes about implementation facilitators included: 1) framing naloxone training as important in becoming a responsible leader on campus and in the broader community; 2) leveraging existing infrastructure, champions within existing campus groups, and tailored messaging to facilitate participation in naloxone training.
Conclusions: This is the first study to provide in-depth insights into potential barriers and facilitators to widespread, routine implementation of naloxone/opioid education on undergraduate college campuses. The study captured diverse stakeholder perspectives and was theoretically grounded in CFIR, contributing to the growing literature on the application and refinement of CFIR across diverse community and school contexts.
Study on Thermal Insulation Cement and Its Thermal Insulation Charateristics for Geothermal Wells
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Chengwen , Meng Renzhou , Chen Zehua , Lu Haoxin , Chi Jialun
Published: December 2022

Geothermal energy is a clean, efficient and plentiful unconventional energy, and reducing the heat loss in wellbore is the key for efficient development of geothermal resource. It is a reliable solution to establish a long-term stable wellbore with good thermal insulation effect through cementing, which requires hardened cement with good mechanical and thermal insulation properties. However, there is little research in this regard at present. In this paper, a multi-material and multi-structure hollow cement slurry is developed, and a thermal-conductivity prediction method is proposed correspondingly based on Maxwell model. Nitrogen-filled foam and hollow glass beads were employed to reduce the heat conduction path, and their effects on the thermal conductivity, mechanical properties of hardened cement are analyzed. Results shows that: the distribution of self-generating nitrogen foam in foamed cement is uniform and stable, which is benefit for the mechanical strength and thermal insulation effect of hardened cement; 10 ~ 13% hollow glass beads can significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of hardened cement, without significant adverse effects on the rheology and strength of foamed cement; The prediction error of the newly established model is within 2%, which can be used to guide the optimization of thermal insulation cement. This research can provide technical support for efficient development of geothermal resources.
Intelligent Eucommia ulmoides rubber/ionomer composites with thermally activated shape memory and self-healing behaviors
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Yutao , Xiao Jianbin , Xia Lin
Published: December 2022

Intelligent Eucommia ulmoides rubber (EUR) and ionomer Surlyn resin (SR) composites were prepared and studied in this manuscript. This is the first paper to combine EUR with SR to prepare composites with both the shape memory effect and self-healing capability. The mechanical, curing, thermal, shape memory and self-healing properties were studied by a universal testing machine, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), respectively. Experimental results showed that the increase in ionomer content not only improved mechanical and shape memory properties but also endowed the compounds with excellent self-healing ability under appropriate environmental conditions. In particular, the self-healing efficiency of the composites reached 87.41%, which was significantly higher than that of the other composites. Therefore, these novel shape memory and self-healing composites can expand the use of natural Eucommia ulmoidesrubber, such as in special medical devices, sensors and actuators.
Is panoramic radiography adequate for diagnosing coronoid process hyperplasia? A case series
Authors: Mattei Léa , Raoul Gwénaël , Barry Florent , Ferri Joël , Nicot Romain
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare the length ratios obtained on panoramic radiography and computed tomography (CT) to verify whether the former is adequate for diagnosing coronoid process hyperplasia. Methods: A case series of patients with coronoid process hyperplasia was investigated. Length ratios between the coronoid process and condyle were measured on panoramic radiographs by using the Levandoski method and on CT scans by using the methods described by Tavassol et al. and Stopa et al. The mean length ratios obtained using the three measurement methods were compared. Results: The mean length ratio measured with the Levandoski method was significantly lower than that measured with the method described by Stopa et al. (1.09 [0.09] vs. 1.21 [0.09]; P = 0.0001) and lower than that measured with the method described by Tavassol et al. (1.09 [0.09] vs. 1.34 [0.44]; P = 0.013). Conclusion: Panoramic measurement of the coronoid process by using the Levandoski method tended to underestimate the length ratio, emphasizing the importance of using a scanographic measurement method at the slightest doubt to confirm the diagnosis of coronoid process hyperplasia.
Persistent symptoms after COVID-19 during the first wave are not associated with differential immunity to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Altmann Daniel , Reynolds Catherine , Joy George , Otter Ashley , Gibbons Joseph , Pade Corinna , Swadling Leo , Maini Mala , Brooks Tim , Semper Amanda , McKnight Aine , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Manisty Charlotte , Treibel Thomas , Moon James , Boyton Rosemary
Published: December 2022

Among the unknowns in decoding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 persistent symptoms in Long Covid is whether there is a contributory role of abnormal immunity during acute infection - some have proposed that Long Covid may be a consequence of either an excessive or inadequate initial response. We analysed SARS-CoV-2 humoral and cellular immunity in healthcare workers infected during the first wave. Symptom questionnaires allowed stratification into those with persistent symptoms and those without for comparison. During the period up to 18-weeks post-infection, we observed no difference in antibody responses to spike, RBD or nucleoprotein, virus neutralisation, or T cell responses. Also, there was no difference in the profile of antibody waning. Analysis at 1-year, after two vaccine doses, comparing those with persistent symptoms to those without, again showed similar SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Thus, quantitative differences in SARS-CoV-2 adaptive immunity during acute infection are unlikely to contribute to Long Covid causality.
Efficacy of Ceftazidime in a Murine Model Following a Lethal Aerosol Exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Pfefferle Denise A. , Hackett Michael , Anderson Michael S. , Gibbs Seth , Henning Lisa N. , Joice April C. , Meister Gabriel T.
Published: December 2022

Melioidosis is an endemic disease in numerous tropical regions. Additionally, the bacterium that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, has potential to be used as a biological weapon. Therefore, development of effective and affordable medical countermeasures to serve regions affected by the disease and to have medical countermeasures available in the event of a bioterrorism attack remains critical. The current study evaluated the efficacy of eight distinct acute phase ceftazidime treatment regimens administered therapeutically in the murine model. At the conclusion of the treatment period, survival rates were significantly greater in several of the treated groups when compared to the control group. Pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ceftazidime were examined at 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg and were compared to an intravenous clinical dose administered at 2,000 mg every eight hours. The clinical dose has an estimated 100% fT > 4*MIC which exceeded the highest murine dose of 300 mg/kg every six hours at 87.2% fT > 4*MIC. Based upon survival at the end of the treatment regimen and supplemented by pharmacokinetic modeling, a daily dose of 1200 mg/kg of ceftazidime, administered every 6 hours at 300 mg/kg, provides protection in the acute phase of inhalation melioidosis in the murine model.
Absorption Kinetics of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides and its combination with its impact on glucose availability.
Authors: Prajapati Ramesh , Mohapatra Jogeswar , Sharma Manoranjan , Jha Abhishek , Patro Randeep , Dhar Shilpa , Chondhekar Pravin , Purohit Pratibha , Chatterjee Abhijit , Raghavan Govindarajan
Published: December 2022

Carbohydrates are the primary macronutrients that humans consume to support the body’s need for a source of energy. Monosaccharides like glucose are the simplest form of carbohydrate that is readily absorbed in the bloodstream, followed by disaccharides like sucrose, which are converted into glucose prior to absorption and energy release. To evaluate the absorption, distribution, and absorption kinetics of glucose, sucrose, and a combination of the two in the bloodstream, a preclinical study was conducted in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats showing instant and sustained energy release through the change in blood glucose level after intake of the test product. The data of blood glucose tested using a glucometer were analyzed and evaluated using a regression method. The comparison study determines whether monosaccharides, disaccharides, or a blend of both have an impact on absorption kinetics and sustenance of blood glucose levels. The result showed glucose was absorbed in the bloodstream at a faster rate as early as 60 seconds (onset time) than sucrose and peaked within 30 minutes thus providing instant energy. Additionally, sucrose and its combination with glucose maintained blood glucose levels for a longer duration compared to glucose alone with a lower regression slope of 0.744 (sucrose) vs. 1.247 (glucose). Sucrose and its combination with glucose providing slow and steady energy release upto 4 hours. In conclusion, glucose provided instant energy, while sucrose and its combination with glucose provided sustained energy release after intake.
Optimization of Mucilage Extrusion of Plantago, Asylum, and Basil Seeds by Response Surface Method
Authors: Tafaghodinia Bahram
Published: December 2022

The set of seed coats and other organs that play a role in protecting the embryo and helping to disperse is called the diaspore. The pericarp secretes a gelatinous mixture of cell wall polysaccharides called mucilage in many species. The synthesis, secretion, and modification of the mucilage strain have extensively studied the structure and function of the plant cell wall. However, efforts to understand the best condition for mucilage extrusion have received less attention. In general, mucilage appears to supply the water needed for seed growth, protect the seeds in the intestines of animals when eaten, or affect the ability of the seeds to sink or float in the water and disperse the seeds. However, the main role of this study was to investigate the best condition of holding capacity of mucilage seeds of Plantago, Basil, and Asylum. The effect of polarity, grain number, species, and pH on mucilage extrusion was investigated. Data analysis showed that the number of grains had the least and the type of species had the most impact on the amount of mucilage produced. Overall, the results of the response surface design experiments confirmed the significant effect of pH, polarity, and grain species on the mucilage secretion process. The optimal conditions for the secretion of 10.3 mm of Plantago mucilage, 9.4 mm of Basil mucilage, and 2.9 mm of Asylum mucilage were pH=4 and polarity=15, pH=10 and polarity=15, pH=10 and polarity=15, respectively. Also, the water retention capacity of the mucilage of these seeds was investigated. The results showed that the outer shell of Plantago, Asylum, and Basil seeds have a water retention capacity of 56, 78, and 121 times their weight, respectively.
Circ_0001451 inhibits gastric cancer metastasis via miR-197-3p /MT3 axis
Authors: Liao Jinrong , Chen Zeng , Lin Xinyi , Lu Liancheng , Huang Zhiyi , Su Ying , Zou Changyan , Zheng Qianlan , Zhang Lurong , Huang Tao , Lin Xiandong
Published: December 2022

Background
CircRNAs, new non-coding RNA as miRNA sponge, play crucial roles in tumor initiation and development. The present study aimed to identify hsa_circ_0001451 and its related molecules for the progression of gastric cancer.
Methods
The expression of hsa_circ_0001451 was determined in 66 cases of paired gastric cancer and their adjacent normal gastric tissues by qRT-PCR. The cellular localization of hsa_circ_0001451 was detected with FISH analysis. The biofunction alterations of hsa_circ_0001451 were assessed by its overexpression or knockdown in gastric cancer cell lines. MTS and cloning assay were used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle. The wound healing and transwell assays were used for cell migration and invasion. Western Blotting was used to detect the expression of a set of genes related proliferation and migration. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), biotinylated RNA pull-down and dual luciferase reporter tests were used to detect the interactions of hsa_circ_0001451with mir-197-3p / MT3. The in vivo proliferation and migration ability of hsa_circ_0001451infected cells were determined in zebrafish system.
Results
Hsa_circ_0001451 was decreased in 66 cases of gastric cancer tissues and cell lines, and significantly related to tumor invasion. The in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that over-expression of hsa_circ_0001451 inhibited the gastric cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration via suppression of PCNA, CCND1 and BCL-2, and decreased in the S-phase. The results of pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter tests revealed that hsa_circ_0001451 could sponge miR-197-3p, targeting MT3 and affecting the malignancy of gastric cancer cells via regulating EMT related E-cadherin, N-cadherin, MMP7 and VIMENTIN.
Conclusion
This study revealed that hsa-circ-0001451 inhibited proliferation, invasion and metastasis and modulated EMT of gastric cancer cells via sponging of miR-197-3p and regulatng the downstream MT3. The circ_0001451 / miR-197-3p / MT3 axis are likely to be the biomarkers for prognosis and targets for drug of gastric cancer.