bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser welding of tailored blanks made of Al-Si-coated 22MnB5 steel using a filler wire and a variable energy distribution laser optics
Authors: Coviello Donato , Heydt Jana von der , Rullo Lorenzo , Keßler Michael , De Vito Mariarosaria , D'Angola Antonio , Sorgente Donato
Published: August 2022

Laser welding of Al-Si coated steels for hot stamping in automotive applications is problematic due to the mixing of the coating layers inside the molten pool that weakens the resulting weld seam. The most common welding procedure used in this case consists in removing the Al-Si layer through laser ablation prior to the joining. Although in-situ ablation of the Al-Si coating can be costly and time consuming, this method continues to be the most widely used by major producers of tailor welded blanks (TWB). In this work, a novel approach consisting in joining as-received (i.e. not decoated) materials using a filler wire and an innovative variable energy distribution (VED) laser optics is introduced and tested on TWB made of 22MnB5. Specimens obtained from a 33 full factorial design of experiment have shown a mechanical resistance much higher than that observed in as-received welded then hot stamped cases. SEM and hardness analyses have been performed to better investigate the quality of the resulting weld seam. Variations of the main process parameters have been considered on an iso-thickness and iso-material configuration, empirically demonstrating the stability and reliability of the proposed methodology as well as its suitability for production purposes.
A study on factors influencing customer’s adoption of Over -The -Top (OTT) platform over other conventional platforms
Authors: K. Vidhya , Govind Arjun
Published: August 2022

OTT stands for over-the-top, at first named in reference to devices that go "over" a cable box to offer the user access to TV content. OTT platforms are booming so much that it has taken over the TV industry. Nowadays people prefer watching content on OTT platforms than on TV. The main objective is to study the impact of user experience on the adoption of OTT platforms over other traditional platforms. The respondents in this study are aware of OTT platforms and all of them are using OTT services as an alternative to cable broadcast and DTH. Covid-19 lockdown effected people badly and they were sitting in their homes, they cannot go outside, so people used OTT platforms to spend their leisure time. The future studies may concentrate on usage of smart phones and smart devices among the OTT users.
Fine mapping and characterisation of a PV-PUR mediating anthocyanin synthesis in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Liu Chang , Yang Xiaoxu , He Yongheng , Chen Qifu , Huang Yucheng , Yan Zhishan , Liu Dajun , Feng Guojun
Published: August 2022

Anthocyanin makes snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pods purple, which is visually attractive and protects against environmental stress. In this study, we characterised the snap bean purple mutant pv-pur, which has purple cotyledon, hypocotyl, stem, leaf vein, flower and pod tissues. Total anthocyanin, delphinidin and malvidin levels in mutant pods were significantly higher than in wild-type plants. We constructed two populations for fine mapping of the PV-PUR purple mutation gene, located in the 243.9-kb region of chromosome 06. We identified Phvul.006g018800.3, encoding F3'5'H, as a candidate gene for PV-PUR. Six single base mutations occurred in the coding region of this gene, altering protein structure. Phvul.006g018800.3 transcription was measured, and expression levels in the mutant were significantly higher than in wild-type plants in all tissues. The mutant Phvul.006g018800.3 gene was transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana, and the leaf base and internodes of transgenic Arabidopsis T3 plants were purple, verifying the function of the mutant gene. The results demonstrated that PV-PUR is a crucial gene for anthocyanin biosynthesis in snap bean, resulting in purple colouration. The findings lay a foundation for future breeding and improvement of snap bean.
Comparative efficacy of intravesical perfusion therapy in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer : A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yangdong , Fan Maochuan , Zhang Shaohua , Meng Xiangzhen , Zhou Hao , Dou Qifeng
Published: August 2022

Background: Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a high recurrence and progression rate, and its clinical treatment is diverse, but patient prognosis is not ideal. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the safety of different treatment regimens for NMIBC and provide a basis for clinical treatment. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different drug regimens for NMIBC were searched by computer system in PubMed, SpringerLink, The Cochrane Library, OVID, CNKI, Wangfang, VIP. A total of 6 drugs were included. The language of the articles was limited to Chinese and English only, and the search time frame was from 2000-01-01 to 2022-05-01. Network meta-analysis of tumor recurrence rate, bladder irritation symptoms, and hematuria after different interventions for NMIBC using Stata15.1 software. Results: A total of six interventions were involved in the study:Bacillus Calmette-Gue´rin(BCG),epirubicin(EPI), gemcitabine (GEM), piricitabine (THP), mitomycin C(MMC), and hydroxycamptothecin(HCPT).The results showed that treatment with BCG was lower than treatment with EPI and MMC in terms of 1-year relapse rate; the area under the cumulative ranked probability plot (SUCRA) was ranked from lowest to highest: BCG<THP<GEM<EPI<MMC< HCPT. In terms of 2-year relapse rate, treatment with BCG was lower than treatment with GEM, EPI, THP, HCPT and MMC. The incidence of bladder irritation was significantly lower with GEM than with EPI and MMC, and significantly higher with BCG than with GEM, EPI, THP, and HCPT. SUCRA was ranked from lowest to highest: GEM<HCPT< THP < EPI < MMC< BCG. in terms of the incidence of hematuria, there was no statistical significance for each treatment measure. Conclusion: BCG treatment significantly reduced the recurrence rate of postoperative NMIBC, but did not reduce the incidence of bladder irritation and hematuria; GEM treatment was second only to BCG in reducing the recurrence rate, but it was effective in preventing the incidence of bladder irritation and hematuria.
Growth of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon spheres on diatoms
Authors: Mina-Villarreal María Cristina , Briceño Sarah , Gonzalez Gema
Published: August 2022

The growth of carbon-based nanomaterials on diatoms allows the environmentally friendly production of new materials with potential applications for energy storage. Here, we report the growth control of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon spheres (CCs) on diatoms using cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and FeCo nanoparticles as catalysts. Carbon nanomaterials were obtained by the catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition method (CVD) at 750◦C with acetylene as a carbon source. The formation of MWCNTs and carbon spheres on the diatom was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our results reveal that the MWCNTs were formed using the FeCo nanoparticles and the carbon spheres with CoFe2O4 nanoparticles as catalysts. The effect of the catalyst and the formation mechanism was discussed. The advantage of these results relies on using diatoms as a substrate to control the growth of high-quality carbon nanomaterials by tailoring the surface with different catalytic sources.
UPLC-MS-based metabolomics profiling and chemometric analysis for Hypericum sinaicum Boiss and the endophytic Aspergillus foetidus in comparison to Hypericum perforatum L
Authors: Sheashea Mohamed , El-Hawary Seham , Ahmed Fatma A. , Salem Mohamed A. , Ezzat Marwa I.
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Successful identification of the species of the semipetrified amber medicinal resin benzoin using DNA barcoding technology
Authors: Feng Jian , He Qingqin , Xie Anzhen , Liu Yangyang
Published: August 2022

Benzoin, also known as semipetrified amber, is the resin secreted from the trunk of the benzoin plant. This medicinal material has blood circulation-promoting and pain-relieving properties. There are approximately 130 species of benzoin plants in the world, and the resin of many plants in the benzoin genus is used, so there is confounding of the species of origin. In this study, DNA was successfully extracted from the semipetrified amber medicinal material benzoin, and the species of benzoin in the medicinal herb market were evaluated by DNA barcoding. BLAST comparison of ITS2 primary sequences and homology prediction analysis of ITS2 secondary structures showed that the commercially available benzoin base originated from Styrax tonkinensis (Pierre) Craib ex Hart. and Styrax japonicus Sieb. et Zucc. of the genus Styrax Linn., and tissue from other genera was also detected to be mixed in with some samples, accounting for 29.6% of the samples. There is a risk that benzoin resin medical materials will be mixed with tissues from other plants. This is the first report on the subject, and the approach taken provides technical feasibility for the identification of the basis of the benzoin resin medical materials.
Isolation and characterization of cellulose from coconut shell powder and its application as reinforcement in casein composite films
Authors: Kalla Adarsh M. , Eljeeva Magdaline , Pushpadass Heartwin A. , Kumar Sathish , Battula Surendra Nath
Published: August 2022

Cellulose was extracted from coconut shell powder (CSP) as a source of natural fiber, and used as reinforcing material in casein composite films. Extraction was done by delignification and mercerization of CSP, with yield of 27.5% cellulose. The isolated cellulose was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The SEM micrographs revealed that the mean width of microfibrils was 5–20 µm, while AFM showed mean surface roughness of 1.37 nm. FTIR spectra revealed the absence of lignin and hemicellulose in the cellulose, indicating their successful removal from CSP during extraction of cellulose. XRD indicated crystallinity content of 65.4% in cellulose. The flow properties of extracted cellulose were compared with that of commercial grade cellulose. The bulk, tapped and true densities of extracted cellulose were 368.8, 493.8 and 1313 kg/m3, respectively, whereas Hausner ratio and Carr’s index were 1.34 and 25.3%, respectively. The reinforcing capacity of 3% cellulose was evaluated in casein films prepared by casting. Casein composite films with added cellulose increased their tensile strength and elastic modulus from 4.98 to 7.20 MPa and 9.91 to 83.42 MPa, respectively. However, the tensile strain decreased from 52.08 to 8.66% after incorporation of cellulose, indicating good toughness and resistance to deformation.
Effect of particle size and shielding gas flow rate on composition of functionally graded materials fabricated by pre-mixed powder in laser directed energy deposition process
Authors: Sobhanieh Niloufar , Akbari Javad
Published: August 2022

Functionally Gradient Material (FGM) is attaining more and more interests recently due to its outstanding feature of possessing benefits of physical and mechanical properties of two materials in one part. One of the common processes to fabricate FGM is laser directed energy deposition of pre-mixed powder of two materials. However, it is challenging to achieve accurate and consistent composition from blended powders having different characteristics. The focus of this study is experimentally investigating two parameters effecting FGM composition: powder size and axial shielding gas flow rate. The pre-mixed powders used was the combination of WC with SS316L and 309L. The deposited layers were cut in different locations along deposition direction. Composition in each section was surveyed by the aid of SEM photos and ImageJ software. The result of experiments showed that the desired and consistent composition of two materials, is reachable if the ratio of powder size of two materials is equal to reverse square root of their density ratio. Moreover, In LDED of FGM, increasing axial shielding gas flow rate causes the lighter particles fall out of meltpool and consequently the presence of lighter material in deposited layer would be less than expected.
Keep trying or give up? the future fertility of patients undertaking their first in vitro fertilization with no available embryos
Authors: Dong Xiaohui , Xue Xia
Published: August 2022

In in vitro fertilization (IVF), the patient's probability of subsequent pregnancy after a failed procedure with no transferable embryo is unknown. We conducted a cohort retrospective study evaluating the live birth rate in the subsequent cycles of the patients with no embryo transfer in their first IVF attempt between 2017and 2020. The variables in the first cycle were compared between the patients who conceived in subsequent cycles and who did not. Additionally, for patients who conceived at last, variables related to ovarian stimulation were compared between the first cycle and the pregnancy cycle. According to the inclusion criteria, 529 were enrolled during the study period, of which 230 had successful pregnancies and 192 gave birth to a live infant. Cumulative live birth rates (CPR) per cycle and per patient were 26%, 36% respectively. 99% of the live births were obtained within the first 3 attempts, no pregnancy was achieved beyond 6 cycles. Stimulating variables in the first cycle were not effective in predicting the likelihood of a patient's subsequent pregnancy. Overall, patients who did not have embryos available for transfer in the first cycle had a 36% chance of having a live birth in subsequent attempts, and more than three attempts were not recommended.
Design and analysis of polycentric prosthetic knee with enhanced kinematics and stability
Authors: Mohanty Rajesh Kumar , Mohanty Ramesh Chandra , Sabut Sukanta Kumar
Published: August 2022

This paper describes a continuation of earlier work using the finite element method to conduct an engineering failure analysis of existing polycentric prosthetic knee. The primary purpose of this work is to enhance the quality of the existing knee which has been reported with multiple cases of failure during its clinical practice in India. A modified design of the polycentric knee has been proposed based on the findings of failure analysis. Simulation-based comparative analysis of polycentric knees has been performed as per the ISO 10328:2016 standard in terms of stress distribution, total contour deformation, safety factor, and fatigue life. The upper extension lever is subjected to static and cyclic loads of 4130 and 1230 N, whereas lower plate has translational constraint. The modified polycentric knee prosthesis outperforms static and fatigue strength tests. The standard of the existing knee prosthesis has significantly improved as a result of design variations and integration of high-strength and lightweight aluminium 7075-T6 alloy. The modified polycentric knee prosthesis has a predicted maximum deformation of less than 0.7 mm and a minimum safety factor between 1.7 and 2 compared to 2.66 mm and 1.0 for the existing knee prosthesis. Based on the fatigue simulation results, it is predicted that the modified polycentric knee will have a lifespan of at least ten years indicating a safe design. It has improved alignment stability and kinematics, with a significant weight reduction of 33 g, and a high cost-benefit ratio to reach the maximum amputee population in low-income countries like India.
In-situ immobilization of ZIF-8 on sodium lignosulfonate/chitosan foams for efficiently removal of ciprofloxacin from water
Authors: Wang Peiwen , Chen Chongjin , Shen Hangyu , Wei Jinrou , Lan Yi , Liao Xiufen , Fan Hui , Hu Huayu , Zhang Yanjuan , Huang Zuqiang
Published: August 2022

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) contamination poses a great threat to the environment due to it can induce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Herein, a composite adsorbent material, sodium lignosulfonate/chitosan @ZIF-8 (SLS/CS@ZIF-8), was synthesized by introducing sodium lignosulfonate into chitosan foams (CS-FM) and then loading ZIF-8 onto the resulting foams (SLS/CS-FM) by in-situ immobilization to effectively remove CIP from water. The introduction of sodium lignosulfonate improved the mechanical strength of chitosan foams and provided more attachment sites for ZIF-8. The effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration and temperature for CIP adsorption were investigated. Overall, the adsorption capacity of SLS/CS@ZIF-8 for CIP was better than chitosan@ZIF-8 (CS@ZIF-8) in the pH range of 4 to 11, and SLS/CS@ZIF-8 kept high adsorption capacities at a wide pH range from 6 to 9. SLS/CS@ZIF-8 maximum adsorption capacity for CIP was 413 mg/g when the CIP concentration of 250 mg/L at 303K, which was better than most previously reported adsorbents. Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal model could better describe the adsorption process, indicating that the adsorption of CIP was mainly controlled by chemisorption mechanism and monolayer adsorption. Adsorption thermodynamic showed that the adsorption process of CIP on SLS/CS@ZIF-8 was spontaneous and endothermic. After 6 cycles, SLS/CS@ZIF-8 still had good adsorption capacity for CIP. According to FT-IR and XPS analysis, the adsorption mechanisms of CIP on SLS/CS@ZIF-8 was mainly electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond interaction and π-π interaction. This work synthesized a potential adsorbent to effectively remove CIP from wastewater, developed a new low-carbon green chemical technology for potential applications of sodium lignosulfonate and chitosan.
Trophic Level and Proteobacteria Abundance Drive Antibiotic Resistance Levels in Fish from Coastal New England
Authors: Korry Benjamin , Belenky Peter
Published: August 2022

Background
The natural marine environment represents a vast reservoir of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The wildlife that inhabits this environment plays an important role as the host to these bacteria and in the dissemination of resistance. The relationship between host diet, phylogeny, and trophic level and the microbiome/resistome in marine fish is not fully understood. To further explore this relationship, we utilize shotgun metagenomic sequencing to define the gastrointestinal tract microbiomes of seven different marine vertebrates collected in coastal New England waters.
Results
We identify inter and intraspecies differences in the gut microbiota of these wild marine fish populations. Furthermore, we find an association between antibiotic resistance genes and host dietary guild, which suggests that higher trophic level organisms have a greater abundance of resistance genes. Additionally, we demonstrate that antibiotic resistance gene burden is positively correlated with Proteobacteria abundance in the microbiome. Lastly, we identify dietary signatures within the gut of these fish and find evidence of possible dietary selection for bacteria with specific carbohydrate utilization potential.
Conclusions
This work establishes a link between host lifestyle/dietary guild, and microbiome composition and the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes within the gastrointestinal tract of marine organisms.
Evaluation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with treatment failure for intrinsic and efflux pump mediated resistance: a comparative retro perspective cohort study
Authors: Mushtaq Fizza , Raza Syed Mohsin , Ahmad Adeel , Aslam Hina , Din Sunia Karam , Rakha Allah , Saleem Sidrah , Ahmad Irfan
Published: August 2022

Background: To treat tuberculosis is very complicated and difficult procedure that involves the administration of a panel of five antimicrobial drugs for the period of 6 months. The purpose of this study was to determine antimicrobial drug resistant features of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with treatment failure and to determine efficacy of the second line drugs and the efflux pump inhibitor verapamil against M. tuberculosis associated with treatment failure.Methods: The identity of isolates was confirmed by ZN staining and multiplex PCR through detection of Mycobacterium species specific loci rv0577, mtbk_20680, 16S rRNA, RD9, IS 1311, mass_3210 and mkan_rs12360. Drug susceptibly testing (DST) and efficacy of the efflux pump inhibitor verapamil were performed through MGIT 960. Mutations associated with drug resistance were determined through DNA sequencing of ropB, katG, pncA, rrs and eis loci. The transcription of efflux pump gene rv1258 was assessed by real time quantitative PCR. Results: Upon monitoring 1200 tuberculosis patients, 64 were found not-cured after six months of treatment course. From M. tuberculosis isolates recovered from sputum of these 64 patients, 3.1% isolates were detected resistant to four anti M. tuberculosis drugs (extreme drug resistant) 48.4% were resistant to three anti M. tuberculosis drugs (extensive drug resistant), 26.5% were resistant to two anti M. tuberculosis drugs (multi drug resistant). High frequency of resistance to the second line drug amikacin was detected in 26,5% isolates whereas moxifloxacin and linezolid resistance was detected in only 3.1% isolates. The Serine 315 in katG was the most frequent amino acid mutated in treatment failure group. Three novel mutations were detected at codons 99, 149 and 154 in pncA associated with pyrazinamide resistance. Rifampicin and isoniazid enhanced the transcription of the efflux pump gene rv1258 in drug susceptible isolates collected from the treatment failure patients whereas verapamil reduced minimum inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial drugs in these isolates.Conclusion: The use of Amikacin as a second line drug is not appropriate as compare to moxifloxacin and linezolid. Verapamil enhanced anti-bacterial activity of rifampicin and isoniazid in drug susceptible M. tuberculosis isolates cured from treatment failure patients but not in drug resistant isolates.
Attitudes and influencing factors of nursing assistants towards hospice and palliative care in Chinese nursing homes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ye Zhuojun , Jing Limei , Zhang Haoyu , Qin Yongfa , Chen Hangqi , Yang Jiying , Zhu Ruize , Wang Jingrong , Zhang Huiwen , Xu Yifan , Chu Tianshu
Published: August 2022

Background: Hospice and palliative care (HPC) in China are mainly available at public primary care institutions, where nursing homes (NHs) are rarely involved. Nursing assistants (NAs) play an essential role in the HPC multidisciplinary team, but little is known about their attitudes towards HPC. This study aimed to identify the attitudes and factors influencing HPC among NAs.Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate NAs’ attitudes towards HPC with an indigenized scale in Shanghai. A total of 165 formal NAs were recruited from 3 urban and 2 suburban NHs between October 2021 and January 2022. The questionnaire was composed of 4 parts, demographic characteristics, attitudes (20 items with 4 sub-concepts), knowledge (9 items), and training needs (9 items) for HPC. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression were performed to analyse NAs’ attitudes, influencing factors, and their correlations.Results: In total, 156 questionnaires were valid. The mean score of attitudes was 72.44±9.56 (range: 55~99), with a mean item score of 3.6±0.5 (range: 1~5). The highest score rate was “perception of the benefits for the life quality promotion” (81.23%), and the lowest score rate was “perception of the threats from the worsening conditions of advanced patients” (59.92%). NAs’ attitudes towards HPC were positively correlated with knowledge score (r=0.46, p<0.01) and training needs (r=0.33, p<0.01). Marital status (β=0.185), previous training experience (β=0.201), area of NHs (β=0.193), knowledge of HPC (β=0.294), and training needs (β=0.157) for HPC constituted the significant predictors of attitudes (p<0.05), which explained 30.8% of the overall variance.Conclusion: NAs’ attitudes towards HPC were moderate, but the knowledge level still needs improvement. As integrated HPC in NHs can be achieved only with the participation of positive and enabled NAs, thus targeted training is highly recommended based on the significant factors identified in this study.
Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidative Functionalization (PAOF) Reaction of Benzyl Alcohols by GO-MIL-100(Fe) Composite in Glycerol/K2CO3 Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Abbasi Sepideh , Naimi-Jamal Mohammad Reza , Javanshir Shahrzad , Heydari Akbar
Published: August 2022

An MIL-100 (Fe)/graphene oxide (GO) hybrid, a fairly-known composite, was made through a simple one-step procedure and played a highlighted role in the photo-induced oxidative functionalization of the benzylic C-H bond. To identify the given binary composite, various techniques were applied: FT-IR, P-XRD, SEM, Nitrogen absorption-desorption analysis, TGA, TEM, and UV-Visible DRS spectra. Proportions of GO used within the structure of the prepared composite differently ranged from low to high amount, and the most optimized ratio met at 38.5% of GO as the most efficient catalyst. Additionally, the reaction ran in Glycerol/K2CO3 (2:1) as the optimal solvent. The elemental roles of O2•− and H+ were supposed to be the major ones for running a tandem oxidation-Knoevenagel reaction. The heterogeneity and reusability of the catalyst were also examined, and confirmed after five successive runs.
A novel flexible model to calibrate single-layer height for ionospheric modelling using neural network model
Authors: Xu Lei , Gao Jingxiang , Li Zengke , Shu Mingcong , Yang Xu
Published: August 2022

In the study of 2-D ionospheric modelling, the single-layer hypothesis is one of the most widely used definitions for construction and usage of ionospheric models, on which most ionospheric model and products exploited are based. Ionospheric effective height (IEH), as a key factor to affect ionospheric modelling accuracies by dominating the mapping errors, is defined as the single-layer height. Of previous studies, the fixed IEH model for a global or local area is unreasonable with respect of the dynamic ionosphere obviously. Bearing this problem in mind, we try to find a flexible-IEH solution based on neural network models, namely backpropagation neural network optimized by genetic algorithm (BP-NN-GA) and radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN). In this method, variables calibrating a given ray path and reflecting geomagnetic and solar activities are taken as inputs, and the outputs of IEHs are derived from mapping function converting slant total electron content (STEC) to vertical total electron content (VTEC) obtained from International GNSS Service (IGS) final global ionospheric map (GIM). Data of Hongkong Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) on DOY 102, 2021 are chosen to construct and validate the flexible IEH model. First, some efforts are conducted to confirm variability of IEH and give some support to our contributions. Subsequently, minimum root mean square (RMS) values of VTECs from final GIMs and raw ionospheric measurements are calculated to determine IEH and RMS value varies from 1.73 to 5.81 TECU. Likewise, the RMS values are calculated based on the flexible IEH model in different periods and the results show the two kinds of trained NN models have slightly different performances, but most of RMS values are below 2 TECU a lot smaller than previous results. Finally, to validate the reliability of the flexible model, taking VTEC calculated by IGS final GIM as reference, we calculate the RMS values of VTECs estimated by GIM and spherical harmonics functions (SHFs) based on the fixed and flexible IEH model. Compare with values of around 2.2 TECU obtained by SHF based the fixed IEH model, the RMS values of SHFs based on the flexible IEH models of RBF-NN and BP-NN-GA are around 1.8 and 1.9 TECU with improving accuracies of approximately 18% and 13%, respectively. Gathering all findings above together verifies the reliability and feasibility of the flexible IEH model constructed by NN model.
Characterization of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in secondary organic aerosol derived from photooxidation of naphthalene in the presence of NO2
Authors: Zhu Mincong , Huang Mingqiang , Wang Weichao , Shan Xiaobin , Sheng Liusi , Zhao Weixiong , Gu Xuejun , Zhang Weijun
Published: August 2022

Nitrated Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) widely exist in atmospheric aerosol particles are important constituents of brown carbon. Naphthalene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are vital precursors of NPAHs. The NPAHs components of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) generated by the photooxidation of naphthalene under different concentrations of NO2 in chamber are on-line measured using synchrotron radiation vacuum ultraviolet photoionization aerosol mass spectrometer (VUV-PIMS) and verified off-line with optical spectrometry in this study. The results demonstrate that NO2 can promote the generation of NPAHs and formation of SOA. Using VUV-PIMS on-line detection, and combined with off-line UV-Vis and infrared spectroscopy verification, it is determined that carboxyls and naphthols are main components of naphthalene SOA particles without NO2, and nitro-naphthalene, dinitro-naphthalene, nitro-naphthol and dinitro-naphthol via the nitration of OH-naphthalene adduct and naphthol products of naphthalene are identified as principal constituents of SOA with NO2. The increase of strong chromophore of N = O of nitro group in NPAHs strengthens the absorbing ability of naphthalene SOA particles. The averaged mass absorption coefficient (< MAC>) over 200–600 nm of naphthalene SOA particles is increases gradually with the increasing concentration of NO2. The < MAC > of naphthalene SOA particles with 1000 ppb NO2 is 688 cm2/g, which is close to to that of biomass burning organic aerosol particles. These results offer the reference for exploring the formation mechanism and optical properties of NPAHs under the background of high concentration of NOx in urban atmosphere.
A deep learning model based on concatenation approach to predict difficulty of extracting a mandibular third molar tooth
Authors: Kwon Dohyun , Ahn Jaemyung , Kim Chang-Soo , Kang Dong-ock , Paeng Jun-Young
Published: August 2022

Background: Assessing the difficulty of tooth extraction is the most important factor to consider before surgeries. The purpose of this study was to create a practical predictive model for assessing the difficulty of extracting the mandibular third molar tooth using deep learning. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by comparing the extraction time predicted by deep learning with the actual time required for extraction.Methods: A total of 724 panoramic X-ray images and clinical data were used for artificial intelligence (AI) prediction of extraction difficulties. Clinical data such as age, sex, maximum mouth opening, body weight, height, the time from the start of incision to the start of suture, and surgeon’s experience were recorded. Data augmentation and weight balancing were used to improve learning abilities of AI models. Extraction time predicted by the concatenated AI model was compared with the actual extraction time.Results: The final combined model (CNN + MLP) model achieved an R value of 0.8315, an R-squared value of 0.6839, a p-value of less than 0.0001, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.95 min with the test dataset.Conclusions: Our proposed model for predicting difficulty of extracting mandibular third molar tooth performs well with a high accuracy in clinical practice.
Two-dimensional Identification of Microplastics: Comparison of Optical Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy with Fourier-Transform Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Böke Julia Sophie , Popp Jürgen , Krafft Christoph
Published: August 2022

In recent years, vibrational spectroscopic techniques based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) or Raman microspectroscopy have been suggested to fulfill the unmet need for microplastic particle detection and identification. Inter-system comparison of data from reference polymers enables assessing the reproducibility between instruments and advantages of emerging quantum cascade laser infrared (IR) techniques such as optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy. In our work, IR and Raman spectra of nine plastics, namely polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), silicone, polylactide acid (PLA) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were simultaneously acquired using an O-PTIR based IR and Raman instrument in non-contact, reflection mode. Comprehensive band assignments were presented. We determined the agreement of O-PTIR with standalone attenuated total reflection FTIR and Raman spectrometers based on the hit quality index (HQI) and introduced the two-dimensional identification (2D-HQI) approach using both Raman- and IR-HQIs. Finally, microplastic particles were prepared as test samples from known material by wet grinding and subjected to the 2D-HQI identification approach. We concluded that this framework offers improved identification of microplastic particles in environmental, nutritious and biological materials.
Pharmacogenetics in critical care: the expression of rs776746 polymorphism and acetaminophen response in sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Scorcella C , Domizi R , Amoroso S , Carsetti A , Casarotta E , Castaldo P , D’angelo C , Damiani E , Gasparri F , Donati Abele , Adrario E
Published: August 2022

BackgroundPharmacogenetics could represent a further resource to understand the interindividual heterogeneity of response of the host to the insult and to medications and to provide a personalized approach to the critical care patient. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from the prospective observational study NCT02750163. The expression of two polymorphisms of hepatic metabolism of acetaminophen (ACT) was investigated in 50 adult septic and septic shock patients treated with ACT for pyrexia. Results: 8% of the patients expressed rs776746 polymorphism and showed significantly higher plasma levels of ACT and a more evident (but not statistically significant) defervescence than wild type patients, and patients with rs8330p. Discussion: Identifying specific genotypes of response to ACT may be helpful to guide a more personalized titration of therapy in sepsis and septic shock. Further studies are needed to understand the role of pharmacogenetics in sepsis.
Perovskite quantum dots modulating upconversion nanomaterials For Cancer Early Detections
Authors: He Yue , Rao Hongtao , Wang JingJing , Wu Ying , Han Caiqin , Yan Changchun , Temple Hunter , Zhang Le , Chen Wei , Liu Ying
Published: August 2022

Background
The accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer cell lesions need a high standard of detection technology. Fluorescent probes to perform cancer biomarker detection have become a popular research issue. However, fluorescent probes still face enormous challenges of complex design and difficult detection.
Results
In this work, we propose a novel composite material UCNPs@SiO2 + QDs based on the combination of rare earth upconversions (UCNPs) and perovskite quantum dots (QDs) and design a new fluorescent probe MB-UCNPs@SiO2 + QDs with molecular beacon (MB) as the carrier, that can be excited by near-infrared light, emitted in the visible wavelength, specifically identified and highly sensitive. Under the excitation of 980 nm near-infrared light, the UCNPs and QDs in the composite produced the maximum efficiency of energy transfer through fluorescence resonance, and the multi-emission light of UCNPs synergistically excited the re-emission of QDs, and the energy transfer efficiency is 70.6%. By changing the doping ratio of QDs halogen elements in UCNPs@SiO2 + QDs, it is possible to modulate the precise luminescence of UCNPs@SiO2 + QDs in the entire wavelength range of visible light at different positions. The novel fluorescent probe is obtained using UCNPs@SiO2 + QDs and Black Hole Quencher-1 (BHQ1) quenching groups linked to the two respective sides of MB, selecting as the target of detection the myeloma cancer biomarker miRNA-155, a difficult diagnostic and complex developmental type, and have achieved specific recognition and low concentration of miRNA-155 and a detection limit of 73.5 pM.
Conclusions
This fluorescent probe design can provide new ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, tumors, and cardiovascular diseases.
Enhancement of Screening Mammograms for Better Mass Inspection using Dual-Tree Complex Wavelet Transform
Authors: CHITTATTU ANNIE JULIE JOSEPH , Naz Farah , Narayanan Pournami Pulinthanathu
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer has become one of the most common cancers worldwide. It is also one of the leading causes of death in women. Early detection of breast cancer is the need of the hour as it offers increased treatment options, better survival chances and improved quality of life. The most economic technique is screening mammograms, to promote breast cancer identification at an early stage. However, image quality of screening mammograms is poor because they use low dose X-rays for image acquisition. Hence special attention is to be paid for enhancing the quality of screening mammograms.This paper proposes an enhancement strategy for screening mammograms based on Dual-Tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DTCWT).The DTCWT yields six directionally selective high pass sub-bands at +150,-150,+450,-450,+750,-750 on multiple scales.The reconstruction from the decomposed bands produce resultant image with enhancement in directional edges. Thus edge details are enhanced, which provides improved visualization of mass boundaries present inside the breast tissues.The experimental study on three publicly available mammogram datasets using the proposed DTCWT has the lowest Absolute Mean Brightness Error (AMBE) and Root Mean square Error (RMSE). Also, this method has higher values for Structural Similarity Index Metric (SSIM) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), which are indicators of overall image quality improvement and preservation of structural similarity. The proposed method offers PSNR values of 54.3612, 46.043, 48.8719 and SSIM is 0.9977, 0.9869, 0.9916 for the MIAS, DDSM and Inbreast datasets respectively.The proposed DTCWT based mammogram enhancement can be used as an efficient preprocessing technique in a computer-aided diagnosis system to detect breast cancer in its early stage. The comparison of the proposed method with many of the recent algorithms depicts the overall dominance of its performance, with the minimum error and good signal enhancement.
High Multiplicity Strip Packing with Three Rectangle Types
Authors: Bloch-Hansen Andrew , Solis-Oba Roberto , Yu Andy
Published: August 2022

The two-dimensional strip packing problem consists of packing in a rectangular strip of width \(1\) and minimum height a set of \(n\) rectangles, where each rectangle has width \(0 < w \leq 1\) and height \(0 < h \leq h_{max}\). We consider the high-multiplicity version of the problem in which there are only \(K\) different types of rectangles. For the case when \(K = 3\), we give an algorithm providing a solution requiring at most height \(\frac{3}{2}h_{max} + \epsilon\) plus the height of an optimal solution, where \(\epsilon\) is any positive constant. For the case when \(K = 4\), we give an algorithm providing a solution requiring at most \(\frac{7}{3}h_{max} + \epsilon\) plus the height of an optimal solution. For the case when \(K > 3\), we give an algorithm providing a solution requiring at most \(\lfloor\frac{3}{4}K\rfloor + 1 + \epsilon\) plus the height of an optimal solution.
Sodium chloride against Dawestrema cycloancistrium in juvenile Arapaima gigas
Authors: AFFONSO Elizabeth Gusmão , QUEIROZ Marieta Nascimento , ONO Eduardo Akifumi , Porto Sanny Maria Andrade , Claudiano Gustavo da Silva
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present study was to assess the use of sodium chloride (NaCl) against monogenoid infestations in pirarucu (Arapaima gigas). Two assays were conducted with pirarucu juveniles, the first comprising an in vitro exposure to 8; 9; 10 and 11 g.L− 1 NaCl and comparison to controls not exposed to NaCl, and the second, an in vivo exposure to NaCl at the same concentrations applied in the in vitro exposure. The best in vitro results were observed for one hour exposures at 9, 10 and 11 g.L− 1 NaCl, resulting in 60% and 100% parasite mortality, respectively. In vivo exposures to 8 and 10 g.L− 1 NaCl were 36 and 22% efficient, respectively, following two hours of exposure, with no mortality. Some dose-dependent changes were observed in exposed fish, such as decreased hemoglobin and HCM values at the highest NaCl concentration compared to the other NaCl concentrations and the control group. More frequent gill tissue alterations were observed compared to the control group at the highest NaCl concentrations (10 and 11 g.L− 1). Decreased mean (p < 0.05) water pH values and increased mean electrical conductivity were noted compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that NaCl exhibits low toxicity towards pirarucu and anthelmintic activity to the monogenoid Dawestrema cycloancistrium, directly influenced by exposure time and concentration.
Partial staple line reinforcement with synthetic buttressing material in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Eckharter Christoph , Heeren Nickolaus , Mongelli Francesco , Sykora Martin , Mühlhäusser Julia , Lottenbach Nathalie , Scheiwiller Andreas , Metzger Jürg , Gass Jörn-Markus
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Staple line leakage (SLL) and staple line bleeding (SLB) are the most relevant postoperative complications of sleeve gastrectomy (SG). It is controversial whether and which method of staple line reinforcement (SLR) can best reduce these complications. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether reinforcement of the most proximal part of the staple line with synthetic buttressing material (GORE® SEAMGUARD®), a strategy we termed partial SLR (p-SLR), reduces the 30-day incidence of SLL.
Methods
A retrospective search of medical records of all bariatric patients from 2010 to 2019 was performed. Patients who underwent SG with either p-SLR or no SLR (non-SLR) were included. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were analyzed before and after propensity score matching (PSM).
Results
Data from 431 patients were analyzed (364 in the p-SLR group and 67 in the non-SLR group). No difference in the 30-day incidence of SLL was observed between the two groups. The 30-day incidence of SLB (1.1% vs. 6.0% in the p-SLR and non-SLR groups, respectively), operative time (72 vs. 95 minutes), and length of hospital stay (4 (3–4) vs. 4 (4–5) days (IQR)) were significantly lower in the p-SLR group. These results were confirmed by PSM analysis.
Conclusion
P-SLR with GORE® SEAMGUARD® does not reduce the 30-day incidence of SLL. Although our analysis showed a significant reduction in the 30-day incidence of SLB in the p-SLR group, this result should be interpreted with caution.
Contralateral lymph node metastasis in recurrent ipsilateral breast cancer with Lynch syndrome: a locoregional event
Authors: Zwimpfer Tibor Andrea , Schwab Fabienne Dominique , Steffens Daniel , Kaul Felix , Schmidt Noemi , Geiger James , Geissler Franziska , Heinzelmann-Schwarz Viola , Weber Walter Paul , Kurzeder Christian
Published: August 2022

Introduction Contralateral axillary lymph node metastasis (CALNM) in breast cancer (BC) is considered a distant metastasis, marking stage IV cancer. Therefore, it is generally treated as an incurable disease. However, in clinical practice, staging and treatment remain controversial due to a paucity of data, and the St. Gallen 2021 consensus panel recommended a curative approach in patients with oligometastatic disease. Aberrant lymph node (LN) drainage following previous surgery or radiotherapy is common. Therefore, CALNM may be considered a regional event rather than systemic disease, and a re-sentinel procedure aided by lymphoscintigraphy permits adequate regional staging.Case report: Here, we report a 37-year-old patient with Lynch syndrome who presented with CALNM in an ipsilateral relapse of a moderately-differentiated invasive ductal BC (ER 90%, PR 30%, HER2 negative, Ki-67 25 %, microsatellite stable), three years after the initial diagnosis. Lymphoscintigraphy detected a positive sentinel LN in the contralateral axilla despite no sign of LN involvement or distant metastases on FDG PET/CT or MRI. The patient underwent bilateral mastectomy with sentinel node dissection, surgical reconstruction with histological confirmation of the CALNM, left axillary dissection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and anti-hormone therapy. In addition to her regular BC follow-up visits, the patient will undergo annual colonoscopy, gastroscopy, abdominal, and vaginal ultrasound screening. In February 2022 the patient was free of progression for 8 months after last chemotherapy.Conclusion This case highlights the value of delayed lymphoscintigraphy and the contribution of sentinel procedure for local control in the setting of recurrent BC. Aberrant lymph node drainage following previous surgery may be the underlying cause of CALNM. We propose that CALNM without evidence of systemic metastasis should be considered a regional event in recurrent BC, and thus a curative approach can be pursued. The next AJCC BC staging should clarify the role of CALNM in recurrent BC to allow for the development of specific treatment guidelines.
Detrital zircon grains analyzed for U-Pb ages for sedimentary provenance studies: Tectonic- driven deposition of the Resende Basin (Eocene-Oligocene) in SE Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Sales , Santos Werlem Holanda , Tavares Armando Dias , Chaves Hernani , Appi Ciro , Martins Maria Virginia Alves , Geraldes Mauro Cesar
Published: August 2022

The Resende Basin (Eocene-Oligocene) is a continental taphrogenic structure associated with the Continental Rift of Southeast Brazil and includes the Itatiaia and Acácias members. While the sediment provenance of the Itatiaia member is known, such knowledge regarding the Acácias Member is lacking. This work studies U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf data analyzed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in detrital zircons to investigate the sandstone provenance of the Acácias Member. The results suggest that Acácias Member rocks are composed predominantly of Neoproterozoic sources (60%), significant Paleoproterozoic sources (34%) and smaller contributions from Mesoproterozoic (4%) and Archean (2%) sources. The orthogneisses of the Juiz de Fora and Quirino complexes and the metasedimentary rocks of the Andrelandia Complex and Paraíba do Sul were probably the source rocks of Archean and Paleoproterozoic materials. The metasedimentary Embú Complex may be the source of Mesoproterozoic sediments, and the granitoid bodies located south of the Resende Basin (namely,the Rio Turvo granitoid) were important Neoproterozoic sources. No Late Cretaceous ages were found in the 301 analyzed zircons, suggesting that the extensional process that originated in the basin occurred before the Itatiaia alkaline intrusions. In addition, other causes for the lack of zircon grains with the age of alkaline intrusive rocks (Morro Redondo ≈72-70 Ma; Itatiaia ≈70 Ma) may have been related to the basin location with a structural high that could have prevented the alkaline detritus from the Itatiaia and Morro Redondo intrusive bodies from reaching the study area and restricted the supply of sediments from a fluvial system with tributaries on the northern edge. In conclusion, the results of this work reveal that U-Pb ages in detrital zircons reveal a tectonic-driven of the Resende basin sediments. In this way, interpretations of tectonic environments that affected sedimentation require a thorough understanding of the lithological units that compose the basin stratigraphy and factors such as the directions of currents and the presence of structures that compartmentalized sedimentary processes.