bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Effect of Mercury Salt on the Presence of Annelida (Lumbricus terrestris) in Soil and the Histological Changes on the Skin Tissue
Authors: Fawzy Salman Hanan , Khudhair Nagam , Abdullah Ahmed Thefaf , Khalid AL-ANI Ahmed , Faisal Ibrahim Ibrahim
Published: July 2022

The earthworm is the most beneficial organism for assessing metallic contamination due to the fact that critical high-quality correlations have been determined between earthworm steel concentrations and soil cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, and mercury concentrations. The mercury compounds are very poisonous for most organisms. Here, we investigated the ability of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) to HgCl2 (below laboratory conditions). A study of the effect of five different salt concentrations of mercury chloride (HgCl2) 1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 50 ppm, and 100 ppm was studied on worm survival and calculation of the concentration required to destroy half the number of worms (LC50). The results showed that there is an inverse relationship between these salt concentrations and the time required to perish 100% of worms. It was found that the concentration of 100 ppm is the lethal concentration of half the number (LC50) of the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris). The effects of the salt concentrations used confirmed their effect on the experimental worm weights as well, so the concentration of 50 ppm was the most influential on earthworm weights of the type of Lumbricus terrestris, as it caused a reduction 12% of worm weights with a significant difference, while the concentrations 1 ppm and 100 ppm were the least effective, as they caused the worms to decrease by only (5%), while the remaining two concentrations 5 ppm and 10 ppm caused their effect to decrease by 7% only. Thus, it can be concluded that lower worm weights have nothing to do with the lethal concentrations of the heavy metal salt (HgCl2). The histological study also showed that low concentrations of mercury chloride salt have less effect on earthworms’ skin tissue compared to higher concentrations.
Numerical Modeling and Simulation of the Droplet Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Ambient Environment and Its Relevance to Social Distancing
Authors: Thanigaiarasu S. , Balamani G. , Bakiya A. , Immaculyne Flavia , Kamalanand K. , De Britto R. L. J.
Published: July 2022

In SARS and influenza-type infections, the transmission of the viral particles from the infected individual to the susceptible individual involves the respiratory route. The current novel CoV2 transmission also involves a similar mechanism. The virus particles are present as droplets ranging from 5 to 10 μm in diameter and are expelled into ambient air when the infected individual coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. These tiny droplets move over a distance through the atmosphere, and the initial velocity determines the maximum distance the droplets reach. In this work, a computational fluid dynamic model was developed using Ansys Fluent software, incorporating the physical characteristics of the viral droplets and the ambient atmosphere. The movement of these particles was analyzed for three different initial velocities of 1, 5, and 10 m/s. Furthermore, the maximum distance traveled by the simulated particles for higher velocities was analyzed using a linear regression model. Results demonstrate that the simulated viral particles embedded in the droplets can travel a maximum distance of 1.24 m for an initial velocity of 10 m/s. Furthermore, an increase in the initial velocity to a value of 30 m/s results in the particle’s movement to a maximum distance of 2.595 m. The study results indicate that at least 2.5 meters distance has to be maintained for effective social distancing to prevent the further spread of the novel CoV2 transmission. Even after the lifting of the lockdown, institutional social distancing needs to be practiced to abate the transmission to a near-zero level and to prevent a rebound. In public places such as public transport and shopping malls, strict adherence to wearing masks must be made mandatory by social regulation.
Analysis and Evaluation of Enterprise Performance Appraisal Index Based on Fuzzy AHP Model
Authors: Xia Yulin , Wei Xiaoyan , Tang Jian
Published: July 2022

The decisive and decision-making challenges of business investment are for the good development of enterprises. In order to have a better market advantage of chemical granules for enterprises, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is constructed to analyze the company's performance. Under the environment of state-owned enterprises and foreign enterprises competing for market resources together, building a performance evaluation system suitable for the development stage of the company can adjust the planning strategy and analyze its own disadvantages in time. When analyzing the effective combination of performance appraisal and enterprise development, as well as the effective communication between employees and enterprise managers, feedback information is obtained through the experimental results. Under this analysis condition, this paper describes the feasibility and soundness of the AHP model system for enterprises, and what favorable decision-making methods can be provided for later development. Based on the selection of performance evaluation indicators, AHP analysis can clearly get the weight of each indicator and the correlation between them, in order to improve and build a new system of evaluation indicators. This paper concludes the following: (1) based on the analysis of enterprise performance appraisal indicators, using the AHP model evaluation method to calculate the indicators, the optimized indicators for the performance appraisal of the comprehensive and efficient significantly improved. (2) Comparing the traditional AHP calculation with the optimized model calculation, the results show that under the optimized calculation, the index is more concise and the fluctuation is reduced, which reduces the burden on administrators. (3) In the membership degree of index evaluation grade, the membership degree with an excellent grade is 0.9, which shows that the index plays a very important role in evaluation. (4) According to the development indicators of enterprises in recent years, it is found that the growth rate of resources is growing slowly, the demand for the talent market is still in a stable state as always, and its financial resources have increased by 120% in 2016.
Pore Structure Characteristics, Genesis, and Its Controlling Effect on Gas Migration of Quaternary Mudstone Reservoir in Qaidam Basin
Authors: He Shijie , Tang Xianglu , Shao Zeyu , Jiang Zhenxue , Wang Bo , Liu Xiaoxue , Wang Yuchao , Xu Mingli
Published: July 2022

The Sanhu Depression in Qaidam Basin is the largest Quaternary biogenic gas exploration area with the shallowest burial depth in the world. The shallow high abundance of gas reservoirs and high-quality pure methane have become the main production areas. The development characteristics of loose mudstone reservoirs are restricted by extreme heterogeneity. Therefore, the Quaternary Qigequan Formation mudstone in Qaidam Basin is selected as the research object. Based on the study of the sedimentary background, petrological characteristics, and pore structure characteristics, by comparing the characteristics of different mudstone reservoirs, the controlling factors of the development of different mudstone reservoirs and the control of gas migration are clarified. Research shows the following: (1) The mudstone reservoirs of the Qigequan Formation mainly develop intergranular pores, clay mineral pores, and intragranular pores. The pore size distribution varies from nanometers to micrometers, and mesopores mainly contribute to the specific surface area. (2) Rigid minerals and clay minerals are the main controlling factors for the pore structure of mudstone reservoirs. The increase in the content of rigid minerals is conducive to the development of macropores or larger micropores, while the increase in the content of clay minerals is conducive to the development of mesopores and provides an important specific surface area for gas adsorption. (3) The gas migration form of pure mudstone is mainly dominated by Fick diffusion and slippage flow, which has the characteristics of self-sealing accumulation. The gas migration form of silty mudstone is the coexistence of Fick diffusion, slippage flow, and Darcy flow, which has the features of self-sealing and Darcy flow accumulation. The gas migration form of sandy mudstone is mainly Darcy flow, only with Darcy flow accumulation characteristics. The flow form of gas creates different accumulation modes of mudstone biogas. The Quaternary mudstone reservoir shows different particularity under different material components, and the exploration targets should be treated differently according to specific mudstone types.
Service Delivery and Branding Management in Digital Platforms: Innovation through Brand Extension
Authors: Sedighi Mohammadbashir , Sheikh Alireza , Tourani Nazanin , Bagheri Raana
Published: July 2022

Purpose. Resources and experiences may give platform owners an advantage to expand their business to new areas of possible growth. However, can the winner take it all? Or is the spandex rule—“just because you can, does not mean you should”—valid for platforms, as well? The present study is aimed at narrowing this research gap by focusing on the innovation through brand extension impact on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in an ever-greater area of the service sector. Design/Methodology/Approach. The partial least-squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is applied to analyse the questionnaires and explore the relationships between the proposed research model’s constructs. Findings. The results reveal that service innovation through brand extension impacts customer satisfaction and loyalty favourably. Customer satisfaction mediates the relation between innovation through brand extension and brand loyalty. Parent brand reputation intensifies service innovation through the impact of brand extension on customer satisfaction and loyalty, while perceived risk deters its effects. Customer innovativeness enhances customer satisfaction. Finally, perceived category similarity (fit) augments customer satisfaction while impacting loyalty negatively. Practical Implications. The findings provide a deeper understanding of innovation and brand management in digital platforms and forge a promising path forward for marketing researchers investigating the platform economy. Originality/Value. Little remains acknowledged regarding the theoretical interface of innovation through brand extension in the digital platform sphere and its consequences on customer behaviour. Building on this lacuna, the authors adopt an underexplored object that focuses on digital platform innovation through brand extension, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty.
A Randomized Study on the Effect of Metformin Combined with Intensive-Exercise Diet Therapy on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Islet Function in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Diabetes
Authors: Liu Yang , Meng Ling-Ling , Li Jian-Wei , Jin Yin-Shan , An Rui-Hua
Published: July 2022

Objective. To evaluate the effect of metformin combined with intensive-exercise diet therapy on glucose and lipid metabolism and islet function in diabetes patients with localized renal cell carcinoma after laparoscopic resection. Methods. A total of 120 renal cancer patients with diabetes mellitus treated in the oncology department of our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were recruited and assigned via random number table method at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive either metformin (control group) or metformin plus intensive exercise diet therapy (study group) after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Outcome measures included glucose and lipid metabolism, pancreatic islet function, lifestyle, clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions. Results. After the intervention, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h postprandial blood glucose (PBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of the two groups of patients decreased significantly, and the study group had significantly lower results. After treatment, the two groups had elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting serum insulin (FINS), and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), and higher results were obtained in the study group (

P
<
0.05

). After the intervention, the study group showed higher results of health promoting lifestyle profile-II (HPLP-II) and a 12-month progression-free survival rate than the control group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusion. Metformin combined with intensive-exercise diet therapy significantly improves the glucose and lipid metabolism and islet function of renal cancer patients with diabetes and effectively enhances the 12-month progression-free survival. Further trials are, however, required prior to clinical application.
Simulation of Automatic Color Adjustment of Landscape Image Based on Color Mapping Algorithm
Authors: Wu Man
Published: July 2022

With the continuous development and progress of image sensing technology in recent years, the problem of image data acquisition, recovery, and recording has been solved, and people have gradually realized that image data can be better recovered, recorded, and exhibited by collecting image data. It is also used in target recognition, image display, landscape design, and other fields. And the application of color mapping algorithm can more intuitively affect the final quality of the display image. This is extremely important for landscape design. It can be said that the emergence and application of color mapping algorithm provide strong technical support for both dynamic and static image color automatic adjustment and simulation. On this basis, taking the color mapping algorithm as the breakthrough, through the in-depth introduction of the color mapping algorithm, starting from the direction of landscape image color automatic adjustment, a relatively simplified color mapping algorithm model inheriting the positive and negative two-way vision model is proposed. At the same time, a simulation algorithm based on landscape suitcase color automatic adjustment is proposed based on the color mapping algorithm model. Experiments show that automatic color adjustment of landscape images based on color mapping algorithm can achieve more realistic image reproduction, and the color mapping method based on color mapping algorithm has less illumination bias. When the number of experiments is 30, the difference in visibility of the plane is 0.25 cd/m2, the difference of visibility according to the color change segmented by the gradient area is 0.71 cd/m2, and the difference of the illuminance difference of the transition image is 0.71 cd/m2. Gaussian pyramid is 1.25 cd/m2. The proposed method improves color density by reducing image sharpness and compensating for color sharpness of landscape image, and high quality landscape images provide assistance for landscape design.
Combined Therapy of Yishen Zhuanggu Decoction and Caltrate D600 Alleviates Postmenopausal Osteoporosis by Targeting FoxO3a and Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Li Bole , Jiang Changqing , Zhan Xinyu
Published: July 2022

Background. Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease in women. Yishen Zhuanggu (YSZG) decoction and Caltrate D600 reportedly affects bone formation. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of YSZG decoction combined with Caltrate D600 in PMO treatment. Methods. Ovariectomy-induced PMO rat model was treated with YSZG or/and Caltrate D600 for 12 weeks. Femur bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis-related protein expression, and serum parameters were measured. Pathological features of femur bone tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of oxidative stress parameters were measured using corresponding commercial kits. The mRNA and protein expression of FoxO3a, Wnt, and β-catenin was detected using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Results. The BMD and ultimate load of PMO rats were increased after treatment with YSZG. YSZG treatment promoted the bone trabeculae formation of PMO rats. YSZG treatment also induced bone differentiation and suppress oxidative stress in PMO rats, evidenced by the increased BALP, Runx2, OPG, SOD, and CAT levels, as well as the decreased TRACP 5b, RANKL, ROS, and MDA levels. Additionally, YSZG treatment downregulated the FoxO3a expression and upregulated the levels of Wnt and β-catenin in PMO rats. Caltrate D600 addition showed an auxiliary effect for YSZG. Conclusion. YSZG decoction exerts the antiosteoporotic effect on PMO by restraining the FoxO3a expression and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which has an impressive synergistic effect with Caltrate D600.
Permeability Enhancement Technology for Soft and Low-Permeability Coal Seams Combined with Hydraulic Perforation and Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Shang Zhengjie , Wang Zhaofeng , Cheng Zhiheng , Wang Hongbing , Chen Liang , Li Lei , Fu Jianhua , Liu Hao
Published: July 2022

The No. 21 coal seam in the Zhengzhou mining area is a soft, three-layer, low-permeability coal seam prone to outbursts. The three-layer structure includes the coal seam and the roof and floor layers, which exhibit high gas contents and poor permeability. The dynamic hazards caused by coal and gas outbursts are very serious. A new permeability-increasing fracturing technique that combines hydraulic perforation and hydraulic fracturing was developed specifically for the geologic conditions of the gas-bearing No. 21 coal seam. Numerical simulations were developed to study the influence of the technique on the stress distribution and permeability of the coal around the borehole. In addition, the extracted borehole gas concentrations and extraction amounts at multiple sites were investigated before and after using the technique. The study shows that the permeability-increasing fracturing technique destroys the concentrated stress coal pillars via the development of fractures between boreholes in exposed hydraulically perforated coal. The coal stress within the zone with an effective increase in permeability decreased by 30%. Furthermore, the permeability in this zone increased by three times, and the average extracted gas concentration increased by over six times. The gas pressure in the No. 21 coal seam decreased from 1.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa, and the gas content decreased from 15.96 m3/t to 5.6 m3/t. All outburst prediction indexes measured on site did not exceed their respective limits. The technique not only effectively eliminated the dynamic hazards caused by coal and gas outbursts but also achieved efficient gas extraction in the Zhengzhou mining area.
Improving Random Forest Algorithm for University Academic Affairs Management System Platform Construction
Authors: Dai Jinyang
Published: July 2022

Using the data of students’ learning process recorded in the network teaching platform to predict students’ learning performance, assist teachers to analyze learning situation, formulate teaching strategies, and warn about students’ learning state is a hot spot in the field of mixed curriculum research in recent years. In view of the complexity, heterogeneity, and security of college educational administration data and the difficulty of predicting and analyzing college students’ achievements, this paper designs a college educational administration management system platform based on improved random forest algorithm. Combining the advantages of three data-driven prediction algorithms, namely, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), a model based on improved random forest algorithm is proposed. It is proved that this method is a noninferior prediction method. Secondly, the model is applied to practical problems to solve the problem of predicting college students’ grades. An experiment is carried out on the real data set provided by a municipal education bureau. The results show that the proposed model not only achieves good prediction accuracy, but also solves the stability problem of the model after adding new data, which will contribute to the iterative optimization of the model, improve the universality of the model, and help continuously track the learning behavior characteristics of college students in different semesters.
LncRNA OIP5-AS1 Knockdown Facilitated the Ferroptosis and Immune Evasion by Modulating the GPX4 in Oesophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Hou Junyi , Huang Qin , Fan Zhengyang , Sang Hongyang , Wu Song , Cheng Shaofeng , Li Qianping
Published: July 2022

Objective. Oesophageal cancer (EC) is an extremely invasive malignancy, which has bad prognosis that requires safe and effective treatment modalities. Immunotherapy has provided new ideas for the treatment of EC in recent years. This project was conducted to probe into the role and mechanism of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in ferroptosis and immunotherapy of EC. Methods. Cell viability and multiplication were assessed through CCK-8, colony formation assays. Levels of Fe2+, MDA, and lipid ROS were applied to determine ferroptosis. GPX4 and OIP5-AS1 levels were examined through real-time PCR assay. The relationship between OIP5-AS1 and GPX4 was estimated through RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Flow cytometry was applied to examine the effect of OIP5-AS1 on CD8+ T cells. Results. OIP5-AS1 inhibition significantly inhibited EC cell viability and proliferation, induced ferroptosis, and downregulated GPX4 levels, while GPX4 reversed these effects. OIP5-AS1/GPX4 induced CD8+ T cell interaction and induced apoptosis through PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints of CD8+ T cells. Conclusion. OIP5-AS1/GPX4 promotes EC development and relieved ferroptosis; furthermore, OIP5-AS1/GPX4 facilitated immune evasion via modulation of PD-1/PD-L1, suggesting aiming at OIP5-AS1 is a possible route which might enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Comprehensive Characterization of Ferrochrome Slag and Ferrochrome Ash as Sustainable Materials in Construction
Authors: Kumar Batna Anantha Venkata Ram , Keshav Lakshmi , Sivanantham Panneerselvam Arul , Arokiaraj George Gabriel Vimal , Rahman Dhaleelur Rahman Zunaithur , Kumar Puchhakatla Madan , Somashekar Dasappa
Published: July 2022

Ferrochrome slag (FCS) and ferrochrome ash (FCA) are by‐products generated during the production of ferrochrome alloy in the ferrochrome industry. The use of these by‐products as construction materials appears to be an innovative strategy that could provide numerous environmental and socio‐economic benefits. However, the residual chromium present in ferrochrome by‐products may have some negative effects on the surrounding environment also. In a nutshell, this study provides a thorough and critical examination of ferrochrome slag and ferrochrome ash’s suitability for construction, as well as a list of the major shortcomings that must be addressed to accomplish construction sustainability. A detailed summary of the physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of ferrochrome slag and ferrochrome ash was presented in the study. Ferrochrome slag from previous studies is said to exhibit better mechanical properties compared to conventional coarse aggregates which contributed to better mechanical properties of concrete. The application of ferrochrome slag as a substitute for natural sand, on the other hand, is considered to have a detrimental impact. As a reason, further research is necessary to determine the impact of replacing conventional fine aggregate with ferrochrome slag on the various mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Ferrochrome ash from previous studies can be used as a partial replacement for cement and unlike FCS, FCA is nonhazardous since no residual chromium traces were present in FCA. Furthermore, the protracted safety and effect on the surrounding environment of ferrochrome slag containing concrete in a variety of exposure conditions have to be fully examined in the near future.
Importance of Hardening Effect and Its Analysis on Diametrical Fractured Ends of Tensile Testing of Al and Steel
Authors: Ponnusamy Muruganantham , Pungaiah S. Suresh , Prabhu M. Senthil , Ramji B. R. , Srinivas Y. , Periyasamy Selvakumar
Published: July 2022

The hardening effect varies deliberately to elevate the properties of alloy specimens either in ferrous or nonferrous materials. The cup and cone fracture theory explains the effect of hardening through heat treatment of the specimen. The hardening effects are imposed on the specimen by the furnace heating and hot pressing method. The neck formation and the elongation levels are evaluated and compared for both heat-treated and non-heat-treated specimens of steel and aluminum alloys. The simulation tools are used to predict the compressive and elongation levels by obtaining the stresses and deflections at various nodal points. The suitable heat treatment was indicated by the single or twice method of heat adoption over the steel and aluminum specimens. The fracture analysis and experimental results are compared among the hardened or non-heat-treated specimens.
Berberine Chloride Supplementation Ameliorates Excessive Hepatic Lipid Deposition and Proinflammatory Gene Upregulation in the Soybean-Oil-Based Diet of Juvenile Yellow Drum (Nibea albiflora)
Authors: Tan Peng , Wang Ligai , Chen Ruiyi , Xu Dongdong
Published: July 2022

In this study, we fed yellow drum juveniles (initial body weigh 5.57 ± 0.03 g) a fish-oil-based, soybean-oil-based (SO), or berberine chloride (BBR 50 mg kg-1 in a SO-based diet) diet with three replicates of each treatment for 56 days. Dietary BBR supplementation significantly increased growth performance but decreased SO-induced viscerosomatic index and condition factor increases. Hepatic tissue Oil Red O staining indicated that BBR supplementation completely compensated for the SO-induced excessive lipid deposition. BBR supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in saturated fatty acids but a significant increase in the proportion of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in hepatic tissue. RNA sequencing revealed that amelioration of hepatic lipid deposition by BBR supplementation could be attributed to an increase in fatty acid β-oxidation. Dietary BBR also decreased the SO-induced proinflammatory gene expression, characterized by the suppression of cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrated the beneficial effects of dietary BBR on growth performance, hepatic lipid deposition, and proinflammatory gene expression. The amelioration of hepatic lipid deposition by BBR is likely caused by an increase in fatty acid β-oxidation, which promotes energy production for body growth.
[Retracted] An Investigation on the Effectiveness of Creating a Music Classroom Teaching Environment Based on Psychological Expectations
Authors: Cao Xia
Published: July 2022

With the revision and improvement of the new curriculum standards, quality education puts forward new requirements for the music classroom in the school education stage. In classroom teaching, it is necessary to confirm the dominant position of students, create an experiential classroom environment, and cultivate students’ innovative spirit and practical ability. In the practice of music teaching in the information environment, how to build an effective classroom teaching model has become the focus and core direction of teaching reform. Creating a harmonious music classroom is the call of the times and the requirement of the new curriculum reform. This paper mainly discusses from several aspects, such as creating a good learning environment, establishing a relaxed and harmonious relationship between teachers and students, and innovating teaching methods and novel teaching links. In the research and practice, it mainly explores music classroom teaching and puts forward suggestions for music classroom teaching reform from the perspective of creating teaching situations, integrating resources, and developing flipped classrooms, aiming to improve the effect of music classroom teaching and provide students with active and effective music teaching guidance.
Comprehensive Analysis of Immune Cell Infiltration of m6a‐Related lncRNA in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Construction of Relevant Prognostic Models
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Huawei , Cheng Xiaoguang , Wang Wei
Published: July 2022

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is the main cause of cancer‐related mortality. Some studies demonstrate that m6a and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are vital in the pathogenesis of LUSC. In this study, we aimed to further understand the prognostic value of m6a‐related lncRNAs in LUSC and their role in the immune microenvironment. For this, we obtained LUSC transcriptome and clinical data from the TCGA database. Further, the identified m6a‐related and prognostically relevant lncRNAs were clustered into groups based on prognostic lncRNA expression. Further analysis of the differences between clusters was performed. Five m6A‐related lncRNAs were used for model construction using the LASSO regression. The receiver‐operating characteristic curve (ROC curves) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the model accuracy. Finally, the model was validated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We identified 12 m6a‐related lncRNAs that were associated with prognosis and were lowly expressed in tumors. Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA4) highly correlated with prognostic genes, and differential analysis indicated that it was highly expressed in the tumor group and cluster 1. In cluster 2 TIME, tumor cells were less pure and more immune, and stromal‐associated cells were present. A prognostic model was constructed based on five m6a‐lncRNAs. The area under the curve (AUC) was >0.5 in test group and train group. The PCR results showed that the genes in the prognostic model were lowly expressed in the tumor and were statistically significant (p < 0.05). We noted that m6a‐lncRNAs were strongly associated with LUSC prognosis and the immune microenvironment. Thus, PRC1‐AS1, AL132780.2, AC013731.1, SNHG30, and AL358472.2 can be considered as new targets for the treatment of patients with LUSC.
Experimental Study on Compaction Characteristics and Mechanical Behavior of Crushed Rock Masses
Authors: Chi Xiaolou , Fu Qiang , Yang Ke
Published: July 2022

The compaction and consolidation process of a regenerated roof can be divided into two stages, namely, secondary fragmentation of crushed rock masses and pore structure adjustment. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the regenerated roof differs significantly from those of the primary roof. We performed confined compression tests of crushed mudstones and sandy mudstones using a self-developed compression testing apparatus. We studied the influence of the moisture content, compression ratio, particle size, and volume-based degradation on the compression and consolidation characteristics based on the microscopic morphology of the crushed rock masses. Further, the degrees of influence of these factors on the stability of the consolidated bodies were determined. Therefore, the influence mechanism of each factor on the compressive and shear strengths of the consolidated bodies was revealed. The results indicated that the compaction and consolidation of the crushed rock masses involved a constant adjustment of the contact and stress states of the rock masses. Under uniaxial compression and shearing, the consolidated bodies presented the features of ductile failure. The compression ratio and particle size were the most important influencing factors in the compressive and shear strengths of the consolidated bodies. Further, we carried out an orthogonal experiment and built a multivariate nonlinear regression model to quantitatively characterize the combined influence of these factors on the compaction characteristics of the crushed rock masses and the mechanical behavior of the consolidated bodies.
Ease Extraction Resistance of Spudcan by Adding an Extra Layer of Sand above Clay
Authors: Xu Keqin , Zhang Peng , Yang Shengfa , Deng Qing
Published: July 2022

Jack-up rig, supported by a number of movable and independent legs with a footing at the bottom called spudcan, is a type of oil rig platform which is used in self-elevating system to support offshore platforms in shallow to moderate waters. Being different from the normal gravity structures, jack-up rigs can be mobilized to other sites after the exploration of oil and gas reserve is completed by extracting the legs with spudcans. However, extraction of the spudcan can be difficult and time consuming. In this paper, the spudcan penetration and extraction process is simulated using the finite element method. The research concentrates on the nonuniform clay that the shear strength profiles increase with the depth of clay, and ignores the shaft friction. In order to ensure that the effects of sand property on the bearing capacity and extraction resistance, three models for different dilation angles of sand were built. Furthermore, considering the influence of sand thickness, five models with different sand thicknesses were generated, in which the penetration depth is one time the diameter of the spudcan. In addition, the spudcan penetration depths are extended to twice and half of the spudcan diameter to verify the effect of penetration depth. Results obtained from these model analyses reveal that the required extraction force of the spudcan with a thin sand layer above clay is lower than that without the sand layer. Moreover, the results also show that thick sand layers can produce better effect of reducing extraction resistance of spudcan.
Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria and Mitigation Strategies in Nonendemic Regions
Authors: Niederhauser Christoph , Galel Susan A.
Published: July 2022

Background: Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. These parasites can be transmitted by blood transfusion especially through Red Cell Blood Concentrates collected from asymptomatic and parasitemic donors. As migration of populations from endemic areas to Europe and overseas recreational travel to endemic regions increase, there is growing risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) in nonendemic regions of the world. The present work provides an overview of the mitigation strategies in nonendemic countries and their effectiveness and discusses possible approaches to evolve the strategies in order to maintain both a safe and adequate blood supply. Summary: The historical and current situation of malaria and TTM in Europe and on the North American continent are described. The infectivity of Plasmodium in blood components and the consequences of TTM are presented, along with the regulations and guidelines for TTM mitigation in Europe, USA, and Canada. The regulations/guidelines currently in place in Europe allow a certain amount of leeway for local policies. A questionnaire was used to survey European countries regarding their current strategies and recent TTM cases. From the questionnaire and published cases, approximately 20 cases of TTM were identified in the past 20 years in the USA and Europe. The vast majority of implicated donors have been former residents of malaria-endemic areas, particularly former residents of hyperendemic areas in Africa. The most recent TTM cases are discussed in detail to provide insight into the gaps in current strategies. The utility and uncertainties of pathogen reduction and serological and molecular testing methods are discussed. Key Messages: Overall, the risk of transfusion-associated malaria in nonendemic countries is considered to be low and very few TTM cases occurred in these regions in the last 20 years. The questionnaire-based strategy with questions about risk in relation to malaria exposure with or without selective testing based on questioning seems to be relatively effective, although rare and sometimes fatal transmissions still occur. An outstanding question is whether in the future molecular methods may further improve the safety of blood products and help constrain the loss of donors.
Gabapentinoids Suppress Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Interleukin-6 Production in Primary Cell Cultures of the Rat Spinal Dorsal Horn
Authors: Nürnberger Franz , Rummel Christoph , Ott Daniela , Gerstberger Rüdiger , Schmidt Martin J. , Roth Joachim , Leisengang Stephan
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Gabapentin and pregabalin are drugs to treat neuropathic pain. Several studies highlighted effects on presynaptic terminals of nociceptors. Via binding to α2δ subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels, gabapentinoids modulate the synaptic transmission of nociceptive information. However, recent studies revealed further properties of these substances. Treatment with gabapentin or pregabalin in animal models of neuropathic pain resulted not only in reduced symptoms of hyperalgesia but also in an attenuated activation of glial cells and decreased production of pro-inflammatory mediators in the spinal dorsal horn. Methods: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of gabapentinoids on the inflammatory response of spinal dorsal horn cells, applying the established model of neuro-glial primary cell cultures of the superficial dorsal horn (SDH). We studied effects of gabapentin and pregabalin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine release (bioassays), expression of inflammatory marker genes (RT-qPCR), activation of transcription factors (immunocytochemistry), and Ca2+ responses of SDH neurons to stimulation with substance P and glutamate (Ca2+-imaging). Results: We detected an attenuated LPS-induced expression and release of interleukin-6 by SDH cultures in the presence of gabapentinoids. In addition, a significant main effect of drug treatment was observed for mRNA expression of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 and the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B. Nuclear translocation of inflammatory transcription factors in glial cells was not significantly affected by gabapentinoid treatment. Moreover, both substances did not modulate neuronal responses upon stimulation with substance P or glutamate. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence for anti-inflammatory capacities of gabapentinoids on the acute inflammatory response of SDH primary cultures upon LPS stimulation. Such effects may contribute to the pain-relieving effects of gabapentinoids.
Novel Advances in the Study of IgG4-Related Disease in the Eye and Ocular Adnexa
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Wu Guojiu , Wang Mengfei , Tian Yanming , Chen Fan , Chen Bei , Wu Huarong
Published: July 2022

Immunoglobin G4 (IgG4)-related disease in the eye and ocular adnexa (IgG4-ROD) is a newly discovered autoimmune disease that histologically exhibits extensive lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, occlusive phlebitis, and mat or whorled fibrosis. The disease can affect multiple ocular tissues and organs, such as the lacrimal gland, extraocular muscles, orbital fat, and trigeminal nerve. The main clinical manifestations are chronic, painless swelling of the orbit or unilateral orbit and proptosis, which may be accompanied by peripheral lymphadenopathy. Usually, visual impairment is not apparent, but in severe cases, it can cause a loss of function of the tissues and organs involved and affect the daily lives of patients. The pathogenesis of IgG4-ROD is not clear. Based on existing literature, it is speculated that it may be related to factors such as autoantibody production, microbial infection, and genetic inheritance. For the treatment of IgG4-ROD, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive agents, biological agents, and surgery are mainly used in clinical practice. Although these treatment methods can achieve a particular effect, they have limitations, such as high recurrence rates, serious side effects, and postoperative complications. With the increase in IgG4-ROD-related reports, some progress has been made in the current understanding and research of the disease.
Postoperative Severity Assessment in Sheep
Authors: Zentrich Eva , Wassermann Laura , Struve Birgitta , Selke Kristin , Buettner Manuela , Keubler Lydia Maria , Reifenrath Janin , Angrisani Nina , Kempfert Merle , Krause Annika , Bellmann Olaf , Kopaczka Marcin , Merhof Dorit , Bankstahl Marion , Bleich André , Häger Christine
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Sheep are frequently used in translational surgical orthopedic studies. Naturally, a good pain management is mandatory for animal welfare, although it is also important with regard to data quality. However, methods for adequate severity assessment, especially considering pain, are rather rare regarding large animal models. Therefore, in the present study, accompanying a surgical pilot study, telemetry and the Sheep Grimace Scale (SGS) were used in addition to clinical scoring for severity assessment after surgical interventions in sheep. Methods: Telemetric devices were implanted in a first surgery subcutaneously into four German black-headed mutton ewes (4–5 years, 77–115 kg). After 3–4 weeks of recovery, sheep underwent tendon ablation of the left M. infraspinatus. Clinical scoring and video recordings for SGS analysis were performed after both surgeries, and the heart rate (HR) and general activity were monitored by telemetry. Results: Immediately after surgery, clinical score and HR were slightly increased, and activity was decreased in individual sheep after both surgeries. The SGS mildly elevated directly after transmitter implantation but increased to higher levels after tendon ablation immediately after surgery and on the following day. Conclusion: In summary, SGS- and telemetry-derived data were suitable to detect postoperative pain in sheep with the potential to improve individual pain recognition and postoperative management, which consequently contributes to refinement.
Quando o Atlântico encontra o Mediterrâneo: o fantástico em O céu não sabe dançar sozinho, de Ondjaki
Authors: Fraccari Sabrina Ferraz , Paz Demétrio Alves
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é reconhecer, nos contos “Budapeste”, “Madrid” e “Giurgiu”, de O céu não sabe dançar sozinho (2014), de Ondjaki, a presença de elementos característicos do fantástico que nos ajudem a perceber outras nuances da obra do autor. Utilizamos as contribuições teóricas de Mata (2000), Cardoso (2008), Todorov (1999), Furtado (1980) e Ceserani (2006). A ambiguidade e a figura do narrador-personagem são centrais nas narrativas fantásticas porque elas conduzem o leitor, demonstrando os caminhos que este deve seguir.  O narrador-personagem encontra-se muitas vezes ameaçado e presencia fatos insólitos, os quais não busca explicar, mantendo sempre a dúvida acerca daquilo que narra.
Interatrial Block Predicts Life‐Threatening Arrhythmias in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Henkens Michiel T. H. M. , López Martínez Helena , Weerts Jerremy , Sammani Arjan , Raafs Anne G. , Verdonschot Job A. J. , van de Leur Rutger R. , Sikking Maurits A. , Stroeks Sophia , van Empel Vanessa P. M. , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , van Stipdonk Antonius M. W. , Farmakis Dimitrios , Hazebroek Mark R. , Vernooy Kevin , Bayés‐de‐Luna Antoni , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Heymans Stephane R. B.
Published: July 2022

Background

Interatrial block (IAB) has been associated with supraventricular arrhythmias and stroke, and even with sudden cardiac death in the general population. Whether IAB is associated with life‐threatening arrhythmias (LTA) and sudden cardiac death in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the association between IAB and LTA in ambulant patients with DCM.

Methods and Results

A derivation cohort (Maastricht Dilated Cardiomyopathy Registry; N=469) and an external validation cohort (Utrecht Cardiomyopathy Cohort; N=321) were used for this study. The presence of IAB (P‐wave duration>120 milliseconds) or atrial fibrillation (AF) was determined using digital calipers by physicians blinded to the study data. In the derivation cohort, IAB and AF were present in 291 (62%) and 70 (15%) patients with DCM, respectively. LTA (defined as sudden cardiac death, justified shock from implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator or anti‐tachypacing, or hemodynamic unstable ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia) occurred in 49 patients (3 with no IAB, 35 with IAB, and 11 patients with AF, respectively; median follow‐up, 4.4 years [2.1; 7.4]). The LTA‐free survival distribution significantly differed between IAB or AF versus no IAB (both
P
<0.01), but not between IAB versus AF (
P
=0.999). This association remained statistically significant in the multivariable model (IAB: HR, 4.8 (1.4–16.1),
P
=0.013; AF: HR, 6.4 (1.7–24.0),
P
=0.007). In the external validation cohort, the survival distribution was also significantly worse for IAB or AF versus no IAB (
P
=0.037;
P
=0.005), but not for IAB versus AF (
P
=0.836).

Conclusions

IAB is an easy to assess, widely applicable marker associated with LTA in DCM. IAB and AF seem to confer similar risk of LTA. Further research on IAB in DCM, and on the management of IAB in DCM is warranted.
RNA Sequencing Reveals Beneficial Effects of Atorvastatin on Endothelial Cells in Acute Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Shimizu Chisato , Kim Jihoon , He Ming , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Hoffman Hal M. , Shyy John Y‐J. , Burns Jane C.
Published: July 2022

Background

Damage to the coronary arteries during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD) is linked to inflammatory cell infiltration, myointimal proliferation, and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. To understand the response of ECs to KD treatment, we studied the genome‐wide transcriptional changes in cultured ECs incubated with KD sera before and after treatment with or without atorvastatin.

Methods and Results

RNA sequencing of human umbilical vein ECs incubated with pooled sera from patients with acute KD before or after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and infliximab revealed differentially expressed genes in interleukin‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and inflammatory cell recruitment pathways. Subacute sera pooled from patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, infliximab, and atorvastatin uniquely induced expression of
NOS3
, Kruppel like factor (
KLF2
, and
KLF4
(promotes EC homeostasis and angiogenesis) and ZFP36 ring finger protein (ZFP36) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) (suppresses inflammation), and suppressed expression of
TGFB2
and
DKK1
(induces endothelial‐mesenchymal transition) and sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) (induces inflammation).

Conclusions

These results suggest that atorvastatin treatment of patients with acute KD may improve EC health, reduce mediators of inflammation produced by ECs, and block KD‐induced myofibroblast proliferation.