bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccine Protection among Children and Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years against COVID-19 Infection in Qatar
Authors: Elhag Khadieja Osman Hassan , Mundodan Jesha Mohammedali , Chowdhry Juel Bikhash , Ravi Rejoice Puthuchira , Baaboura Rekaya houda , Albuquerque Jeevan , Riaz Bilal , Emran Reem Yusuf , Batoul Khatija , Esameldin Abdul Mahmood , Al Tabatabaee Zinah , Khogali Hayat Salaheldin , Albayat Soha Shawqi
Published: August 2023

Qatar experienced five SARS-CoV-2 waves dominated sequentially by the original virus, Alpha, Beta, Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, and Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, in addition to a prolonged low-incidence phase dominated by the Delta variant. The two-dose primary series of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection has been approved for use in 10µg formulations among children and adolescents aged 12-17 years as of May 16, 2021. This study aimed at estimating the effectiveness of the 30µg BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine against the pre-Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents aged 12-17 years residing in Qatar. A test-negative matched case-control study was conducted where any child or adolescent aged 12-17 years who had been tested for SARS-CoV-2, RT-PCR tests performed on nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, as part of contact tracing, between June and November 2021 and eligible to receive the BNT162b2 vaccine as per the national guidelines. Data regarding 14,161 children/adolescents meeting inclusion-exclusion criteria were retrieved from the national Surveillance and Vaccine Electronic System (SAVES). Of the total, 3.1% (444) were positive for SARSCoV-2. More than half (55.96%) were vaccinated with two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Amongst those immunized with two doses, 1.2% tested positive for SARS CoV2, while 5.6% amongst the unvaccinated tested positive. The vaccine effectiveness was calculated to be 79%. Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine provides protection from COVID-19 infection for children/adolescents, hence it is crucial to ensure they receive the recommended vaccines.
Molecular and Pharmacokinetic Aspects of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Potential of the Oleanane-type Triterpenes and Their Glycosides
Authors: Stępnik Katarzyna , Kukula-Koch Wirginia , Płaziński Wojciech
Published: August 2023

The acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory potential of the oleanane-type triterpenes and their glycosides from the Terminalia arjuna (Combreatceae) bark, i.e. arjunic acid, arjunolic acid, arjungenin, arjunglucoside I, sericic acid, and arjunetin, is presented. The studies are based on the in silico pharmacokinetic and biomimetic studies, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity tests, and the molecular docking research.
Based on the calculated pharmacokinetic parameters, arjunetin and arjunglucoside I are indicated as able to cross the blood-brain barrier. The compounds of interest exhibit marked acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential, which was tested in the TLC bioautography test. The longest time to reach brain equilibrium is observed for both the arjunic and arjunolic acids and the shortest one for arjunetin. All compounds exhibit high and relatively similar magnitude of binding energies, varying from ca. -15 to -13 kcal/mol. The superposition of the most favorable positions of all ligands interacting with AChE is analyzed. The correlation between the experimentally determined IC50 values and the steric parameters of the molecules is investigated. The inhibition of the enzyme by the analyzed compounds shows their potential to be used as cognition enhancing agents. For the most potent compound (arjunglucoside I; ARG), the kinetics of AChE inhibition is tested. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) for the hydrolysis of the acetylthiocholine iodide substrate was calculated to be 0.011 mM.
Methodological Principles of Nasal Food Challenge
Authors: Krzych-Fałta Edyta , Wojas Oksana , Czerwińska Monika E. , Furmańczyk Konrad , Samoliński Bolesław , Grodner Błażej , Sybilski Adam , Nowicka Grażyna , Białek Sławomir
Published: August 2023

Thanks to its valuable assessment possibilities (subjective complaints and changes in nasal patency in the course of the examination), nasal provocation test may serve as an alternative tool for oral food challenges in the future. However, this test requires successive attempts to regulate its methodology in order to develop a standardized lyophilisate form and determine the threshold dose for a positive result. The study objective was to present the methodological foundation for nasal food allergen provocation tests induced by freeze-dried powdered chicken egg white. A control group of 25 individuals with no history of allergy to chicken eggs or any other allergy was included in the study. Optical rhinometry and visual analog scale were used to assess the response of nasal mucosa to local allergen challenge. Minor variations in nasal flows as measured by optical rhinometry were observed in the provocation tests. The mean optical density measurements (as measured regardless of the allergen dose used) varied from positive to negative values and vice versa; e.g., amounting to 0.018 OD (standard deviation 0,095) at 15 minutes and −0.011 OD (standard deviation 0,090) at 30 minutes. No significant differences were observed with regard to the perceived nasal discomfort using the visual analog scale. Due to the absence of nasal mucosal reactivity, nasal challenge is an excellent methodological tool for implementing food allergen tests.
Droplets-Based Microfluidics as a Platform to Design Food-Grade Delivery Systems Based on the Entrapped Compound Type
Authors: Bianchi Jhonatan Rafael de Oliveira , De la Torre Lucimara Gaziola , Costa Ana Leticia Rodrigues
Published: August 2023

Microfluidic technology has become a powerful tool for several applications in chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. Benefiting from the advantages of flowing fluids in the laminar regime, droplet-based microfluidics enable the development of various delivery systems based on food-grade emulsions, such as multiple emulsions, microgels, microcapsules, solid lipid micro-particles, and giant liposomes. Besides, by manipulating fluids on a micrometer scale with low-energy demand, it is possible to control the size, shape, and dispersity of droplets generated, which makes microfluidic emulsification an excellent strategy to modulate delivery system properties depending on the entrapped compound type. Thus, this review points out the most current advances in droplet-based microfluidic processes, in which food-grade materials were successfully utilized to develop simple and complex delivery systems. In that context, we sum-marized the principles of droplet-based microfluidics, introducing the most common microde-vices geometries, manufacturing materials, and forces involved in the different droplet generation processes within the microchannels. Subsequently, the encapsulated compound type, classified as lipophilic or hydrophilic functional compounds, was used as a starting point to present current advances in delivery systems based on food-grade emulsions and assembly using microfluidic technologies. Finally, we discuss the limitations and perspectives of scale-up in droplet-based microfluidic approaches, including the challenges that have limited the transition of microfluidic processes from lab-scale to industrial-scale.
Neuromarketing Study: The Effect of Jingle on Consumer Behavior
Authors: Fauzi Hilman , Rizqullah Rafif , Ariyanti Maya , Hadyningtyas Ivy Anindhita
Published: August 2023

Manuscript type: Research Article Research Aims: This research investigates the impact of a jingle associated with a top-brand product on consumer behavior, as assessed through short-term memory activity in the brain. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from six participants, three men and three women aged 19-24. The Contec KT88-1016 Digital 16-Channel EEG machine and the Mapping System device were used to retrieve the data. The channel selection was employed to identify the optimal channel based on L2-norm energy calculations performed on the EEG channels within the short-term memory area. Research Findings: The frontal area exhibited higher energy levels than other areas, with the highest point observed in channel F4. A jingle in a product was found to stimulate short-term memory, influencing consumer behaviour. This influence was evidenced by the representation of channel energy in the EEG, showing a higher value compared to the average energy value in general. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study successfully demonstrated that EEG signals stimulated by jingles could assess consumer behaviour responses when provided with auditory incentives. The findings are explicitly linked to activating the brain's short-term memory area. Practitioner/Policy Implication: Brands with top brand categories have higher signal energy than non-top brands. Research limitation/Implications: Only limited to the data collection process carried out by environmental engineering, which is made closer to the actual situation.
 Pandemic-Induced Impacts: Experiences in an Introductory Engineering Graphics Course 
Authors: Schettig Erik , Kelly Daniel , Ernst Jeremy , Clark Aaron , Sutton Kevin
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted technology, engineering, and design education as well as workforce development programs worldwide. The emergency transition to fully online course delivery ushered experiences from which course restructuring could utilize. Through an illustrated case study approach using student course evaluations coupled with instructor interviews, this article reports on the experiences resulting from the abrupt interruption of the Spring 2020 semester and how the restructure of an introductory engineering graphics course accommodated changing expectations. The restructured course was built upon a hybrid flipped model utilizing an online learning management system including active learning modules which provided a foundation of preparedness for transitioning to fully online course delivery. As positive as the preparedness was, there were still changes that had to occur to not only meet the needs of the emergency situation but to also establish multiple models of the course for future situations. These changes included incorporating web conferencing software to meet online when a face-to-face meeting was not possible, developing video lectures for students to watch when most accommodating for their schedule, as well as the increased use of the online learning management system. Another change from the restructuring process was the new technology expectations of students and instructors. Feedback from both students and instructors reported how flexibility, empathy, and effective communication were driving traits of positive experiences in such an unprecedented situation. Reported experiences along with elements of the course restructuring can serve as an example of how future courses are delivered for a variety of situations.
The role of local government in tackling a global pandemic: A lesson from Nepal
Authors: Sigdel Anil , Kharel Ustav , Ng’ong’a Thatcher
Published: August 2023

This paper critically analyses the scope of leadership in Nepal at the local government level when tackling the wider impacts of COVID-19, with a particular focus on health service delivery in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) frameworks. In-depth interviews with 66 representatives from local governments (LG) in the Madhesh and Sudurpaschim provinces were conducted, along with analysis of routine data from health management information systems. We found that Maternal Child Health (MCH) services at local health institutions were largely unimpacted, stocks of essential medicine were available, and the LGs exhibited determination and capability in getting to grips with the crisis, despite inadequate knowledge and resources. Nevertheless, there was sizeable shrinkage in the utilisation of services, which triggered public health concerns of a different nature, the LGs were inadequately prepared in regards to the capacity and availability of human resources, and there were explicit gaps in terms of coordination among all three tiers of government and a lack of role clarity that delayed the response to the pandemic at the local level.  Our recommendations include continued investment in local MCH services, capacity building for local leaders with a focus on human resource management in emergency contexts, and the simplification of public procurement processes, particularly during crises, enabling LGs and other local actors to expediate procurement and improve response times.
Climate Change Beliefs and their Correlates in Latin America
Authors: Spektor Matias , Fasolin Guilherme , Camargo Juliana
Published: August 2023

The ability of climate skeptics to block climate action depends on the set of beliefs about climate
change prevailing among the general public. In the Global North, research has shown that
people’s beliefs about the existence, the causes, and the consequences of climate change are
primarily associated with political orientation and ideology. However, little is known about
climate change beliefs in the wider world and its associated factors. To address this gap, we
provide a large-scale, systematic overview of climate change beliefs in Latin America and its
correlates. This study finds limited room for skepticism over the existence of climate change and
its anthropogenic origins, but identifies a high minority of skeptics around the severity of its
consequences. Furthermore, the study also finds that skepticism in this region is correlated with
psychological rather than political factors. Specifically, the study reveals that individualistic
worldviews are powerfully associated with disbelief in the severe consequences of climate
change, a worrying finding in a region featuring relatively low levels of social trust. By mapping
climate change beliefs and their correlates in Latin America, the study offers a starting point for
a more sophisticated debate on how to tackle the constraining effects of climate skepticism in the
Global South.
Friendly Jammer Selection Improves Physical Layer Security in Energy Harvesting Communications over Nakagami-m Channels
Authors: Geng Hui , Jiang Xiao , yan peishun
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the physical layer security in an energy harvesting (EH) wireless network composed of a user (U) and a base station (BS) in the face of an eavesdropper. The total communication progress is divided into two phases. In the first phase, friendly jammers (Js) powered by a power beacon (PB). And in the remaining phase, the U sends messages to BS with the help of the Js. To improve the physical layer security, we propose an optimal friendly jammer selection (OFJS) scheme and a suboptimal friendly jammer selection (SFJS) scheme depending on the availability and unavailability of channel state information (CSI) for wiretap link. For the purpose of comparison, we present the random friendly jammer selection (RFJS) scheme. We derive the closedform expressions of connection outage probability (COP), secrecy outage probability (SOP) and effective secrecy throughput (EST) for OFJS, SFJS and RFJS schemes over Nakagami-m fading channels to evaluate the system secrecy performance. Numerical results show that the secrecy performance of proposed OFJS and SFJS schemes is better than that of RFJS scheme, demonstrating the advantage of proposed OFJS and SFJS schemes in improving the physical layer security, and moreover, the performance advantage becomes more significant with the increase of the number of Js. Additionally, due to the influence of COP, three schemes reach the same EST upper bound in the high signal-tonoise ratio (SNR) region.
Assessment of geotechnical parameters of fine-grained and coarse-grained soil using actual EPB-TBM operating data
Authors: Samadi Hanan , Hassanpour Jafar
Published: August 2023

The need to predict geotechnical parameters in soft ground is highly essential in evaluating the performance parameters of earth pressure balance machine (EPB-TBM) and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the tunnel boring machine during tunnel construction. In this study, several EPB operating parameters, including cutterhead torque (CT), thrust force (TF), chamber pressure (S), and the cutterhead speed revolution (RPM) were taken into account to estimate the geotechnical parameters such as friction angle (φ) and shear strength (τ) for ET1 to ET5 engineering geology units (fine-grained and coarse-grained soil) in the tunnels route which are indicator units for the whole path. Statistical methods and computing machinery techniques called support vector regression (SVR) and feed-forward neural network (FFNN), were trained with EPB operating parameters and geotechnical specification obtained from Tehran metro line 6-southern extension sector (TML-SE6) and the East-west lot of line 7, Tehran metro project (TML-EW7). A comprehensive dataset consists of borehole logging results along the tunnel path was collected and 85% of the data for training were randomly selected, while the remaining were considered for model testing. For the purpose of assessing the performance of the applied method and for evaluating the accuracy and precision, several loss functions were brought on stream. The results of the proposed models indicate an acceptable and reliable accuracy of the approaches. In fact, the results show that the estimated values are in good agreement with the measured data.
Intestinal microbiota composition of children with glycogen storage type I patients
Authors: Gokalp Sabire , Dinleyici Ener , Muluk Cansu , inci asli , Aktas Emine , Okur Ilyas , Ezgu Fatih , Tumer Leyla
Published: August 2023

AimDietary therapy of glycogen storage disease I (GSD I) is based on frequent feeding, with a high intake of complex carbohydrates (supplied by uncooked cornstarch), restriction of sugars, and a lower amount of lipids. There is limited information about the dietary regimen in patients with GSD, which might affect the intestinal luminal pH and microbiota composition. The aim of this study to investigate the intestinal microbiota composition in patients with GSD receiving diet treatment.MethodTwelve patients who were followed up with GSD I after the diagnosis receiving diet therapy and 11 healthy children have been enrolled. Intestinal microbiota composition was evaluated by 16s rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsA significant difference was found for beta-diversity between the GSD group and controls. A significantly lower abundance of Firmicutes and higher abundance of Actinobacteria was found in GSD group compared to the controls.Akkermansia, Pseudoalteromonas, Uruburella, and Castellaniellawere dominant in the GSD patients at the genus level, whileFaecalibacterium, Bacterioides, Gemmiger, Parabacteroidesin the control group. At species level,Faecalibacterium prausnitziidecreased, andAkkermansia muciniphiliawere dominant in children with GSD.DiscussionThere is a substantial change in the composition of the gut microbiota, reduction ofF.prausnitziiand an increase ofA.muciniphiliain children with GSD receiving consumption of uncooked cornstarch. Alterations of the intestinal microbiota might be related with the disease itself or dietary restrictions in patients with GSD, however, in certain condition, dysbiosis can negatively affect the course and make it difficult to control the disease.
Single cell analysis of hub gene characteristics of atherosclerosis based on machine learning and analysis of immune correlation of aging subtypes
Authors: Fan Qiyu , Chen Kang , Zhao Wenjing , Diao Xun , Xia Zhuopeng , Wu Chen , Du Yue , Zhao Hui , Liu Jibin
Published: August 2023

Aging is a key risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS). However, its complex etiology and pathological mechanism are still unclear. At present, the study of cell senescence in AS has attracted wide attention, and the characteristics of immunity have also attracted more and more attention of scholars. Therefore, based on the strategy of combining bioinformatics, machine learning and single cell data analysis, this study screened out hub genes, and explored the correlation between aging and immune characteristics in atherosclerosis disease, to clarify the potential pathological mechanism of AS and explore new treatment strategies for AS. This study aims to identify and verify hub genes related to atherosclerosis by using bioinformatics analysis methods. First of all, through the intersection of the most relevant modules of Limma test and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), the differentially expressed genes associated with atherosclerosis (ASDEGs) were identified. Secondly, the differential genes were extracted from 125 aging genes to classify the atherosclerotic samples, and the immune-related information was analyzed. Then, five characteristic genes, including HSPB7, MYEF2, DUSP26, TC2N and PLN, are identified by machine learning methods of support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGB) and generalized linear model (GLM). Finally, the expression of five hub genes was verified by single cell data analysis. To sum up, this study suggests that HSPB7, MYEF2, DUSP26, TC2N and PLN may play an important role in the pathological mechanism of AS, and aging may also be closely related to the influence of atherosclerotic immune microenvironment. Exploring the molecular mechanism of these hub genes and the differences of aging and different subtypes of immune cells are expected to bring new breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Second-scale rotational coherence and dipolar interactions in a gas of ultracold polar molecules
Authors: Gregory Philip , Fernley Luke , Tao Albert , Bromley Sarah , Stepp Jonathan , Zhang Zewen , Kotochigova Svetlana , Hazzard Kaden , Cornish Simon
Published: August 2023

Ultracold polar molecules uniquely combine a rich structure of long-lived internal states with access to controllable long-range, anisotropic dipole-dipole interactions. In particular, the rotational states of polar molecules confined in optical tweezers or optical lattices may be used to encode interacting qubits for quantum computation or pseudo-spins for simulating quantum magnetism. As with all quantum platforms, the engineering of robust coherent superpositions of states is vital. However, for optically trapped molecules, the coherence time between rotational states is typically limited by inhomogeneous differential light shifts. Here we demonstrate a rotationally-magic optical trap for RbCs molecules that supports a Ramsey coherence time of 0.78(4) seconds in the absence of dipole-dipole interactions. This extends to > 1.4 seconds at the 95% confidence level using a single spin-echo pulse. In our magic trap, dipolar interactions become the dominant mechanism by which Ramsey contrast is lost for superpositions that generate oscillating dipoles. By changing the states forming the superposition, we tune the effective dipole moment and show that the coherence time is inversely proportional to the strength of the dipolar interaction. Our work unlocks the full potential of the rotational degree of freedom in molecules for quantum computation and quantum simulation.
Hypofractionated preoperative radiotherapy in patients with primary or recurrent osteosarcoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yücel Serap , Güral Zeynep , Sungur Mustafa , Özer Leyla , Özger Harzem , Ağaoğlu Fulya
Published: August 2023

Objective
Preoperative radiotherapy has been used with high-grade bulky tumors or tumors close to neurovascular structures in patients with osteosarcoma. Hypofractionated radiotherapy protocols have been recently preferred upon understanding its similar efficacy and non-increased adverse effects. We aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with primary or recurrent osteogenic osteosarcoma.
Methods
A single-center, retrospective study was performed on patients with primary or recurrent osteogenic osteosarcoma who underwent preoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy between 2014 and 2020. The patients preoperatively received a total dose of 30 to 35 Gy with ten fractions. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. The patients were grouped as good (necrosis rate of ≥ 90%) and poor responders (necrosis rate of < 90%). Survival rates, including recurrence-free, metastasis-free, and overall, were calculated.
Results
There were 20 patients with a median age of 17 years. Negative surgical borders were obtained in 88.9% of 18 patients amenable to limb-sparing surgery after preoperative radiotherapy. The median percentage of necrosis was 88.5%, ranging from 30–100%. Half of the patients (50.0%) were good responders. There were two local recurrences (10.0%) and nine metastasis (45.0%). The lungs were the most common for metastasis (40%). The overall mortality and five-year survival rates were 40.0% and 45.0%. The median recurrence-free, metastasis-free, and overall survival were 49.4, 34.4, and 56.1, respectively.
Conclusion
Preoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy might be a treatment modality in osteosarcoma patients for limb-conserving or that are resectable but hard to achieve clean margins due to local involvement.
Effect of individualized PEEP on lung ultrasound score and optic nerve sheath diameter in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer A Randomized,Single blind, Prospective Study
Authors: Bai Furong , Yin Hong , Wang Jiansheng , Zhang Shuang , Yi Mingliang
Published: August 2023

Background:
Intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) has been promoted for many surgical procedures. However, whether PEEP has a dual protective effect on lung and brain is controversial,and the optimal PEEP associated with dual protection is unclear. The objective was to investigate the effects of individualized PEEP on lung ultrasound score (LUS) and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
Methods:
In total, 46 patients, aged 60～79 years, who underwent laparoscopic resection of rectal tumors from June 2022 to December 2022 were randomly divided into two groups:Groups E ( experimental group ,individualized PEEP guided by driving pressure) and Group C (control group ,PEEP = 5 cm H2O) . LUS was performed 30 min after operation. ONSD was measured at 5 min before anesthesia induction and various times post-surgery. The arterial oxygen index (OI) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were recorded after tracheal tube insertion and before extubation at the end of the operation. Peak airway pressure (Ppeak), PETCO2, heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also recorded. Postoperative pulmonary and neurological complications were followed up.
Results:
LUS in group E was significantly lower than that in group C at 30 min after surgery. The OI in group E was significantly higher than group C before extubation. There were no significant differences in the ONSD values between the two groups. ONSD of both groups increased significantly at 5 and 60 min after Trendelenburg positioning compared to before anesthesia induction. There were no significant differences between the two groups in Ppeak, PETCO2, HR, MAP at 5 min after tracheal tube insertion , no significant differences in the incidence of neurological and pulmonary complications .
Conclusions:
During laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer, application of individualized PEEP can reduce the LUS, improve patient oxygenation ,without causing an increase in neurological complications.
Trial registration: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, document number: AF/54/2020-02.3, approval number: 2022-026 (Study) -01. It has been registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200060434,1/6/2022).
Study on the adhesive mechanism of erosion reducing additive on the bore surface of gun barrel
Authors: FAN Wei , GUO Yiyan , ZHANG Ming , YAN Zhifei , CUI Yanfang , YIN Fei , BAI Bin
Published: August 2023

In view of the erosion and wear of gun barrel, adhesive mechanism of erosion reducing additive (ERA) is studied based on the formation of adhesive layer (AL) on the bore surface for heat insulation. Firstly, we use polysiloxane/boride ERAs and semi-closed bomb device to carry out simulated shooting experiments. After that, micro morphology of AL is analyzed by SEM-EDS. Then the effect of polysiloxane viscosity, boride mesh, boride content and shooting number on ALs is investigated by analyzing the differences in micro morphology. Results show that viscosity and fluidity of ERA effectively affect the adhesive process. As polysiloxane viscosity increases, the viscosity of ERA increases and the fluidity of ERA decreases. As boride mesh increases, the viscosity of ERA decreases, and the fluidity of ERA increases. As boride content increases, the fluidity of ERA decreases. Under high temperature and high speed airflow, AL is peeled off from substrate, while ERA particles in the gunpowder gas adhere to the substrate or the previous AL and form a new AL. As the shooting proceeds, ERA continuously performs the cycle process of adhesion-shedding-re-adhesion-re-shedding, and there is always a protective layer to prevent high-temperature heat flow from eroding the bore surface.
Global surface area receiving daily precipitation, wet-day frequency and probability of extreme rainfall: Water Security and Climate Change
Authors: Benestad Rasmus E. , Lussana Cristian , Dobler Andreas
Published: August 2023

Both the total amount of precipitation falling on Earth's surface and the fraction of the surface area on which it falls represent two key global climate indicators for Earth's global hydrological cycle. We show that the fraction of Earth's surface area receiving daily precipitation is closely connected to the global statistics of local wet-day frequency as well as mean precipitation intensity. Our analysis was based on the ERA5 reanalysis which also revealed a close link between the global mean of the mean precipitation intensity for each grid box and the total daily precipitation falling on Earth's surface divided by the global surface area fraction on which it falls. The wet-day frequency and the mean precipitation intensity are two important statistical indicators for inferring effects of climate change on society and nature as they represent key parameters that can be used to approximately infer the probability of heavy rainfall on local scales. We also found a close match between the global mean temperature and both the total planetary amount of precipitation and surface area in the ERA5 data, hinting at a dependency between the greenhouse effect and the global hydrological cycle. Hence, the total planetary precipitation and the daily precipitation area represent links between the global warming and extreme precipitation amounts that traditionally have not been included in sets of essential climate indicators.
SPHK1 potentiates colorectal cancer progression and metastasis via regulating autophagy mediated by TRAF6-induced ULK1 ubiquitination
Authors: Liu Shi Quan , Chen Da , Wu Jiang Ni , Qiu Xin Ze , Luo Shi Bo , Huang Shan Pei , Wei Er Dan , Qin Meng Bin , Huang Jie An
Published: August 2023

A sphingolipid metabolite regulator, sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), plays a critical role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies had demonstrated that invasion and metastasis of CRC are promoted by SPHK1-driven autophagy. However, the exact mechanism of SPHK1 drives autophagy to promote tumor progression remains unclear. Here, immunohistochemical detection showed the expression of SPHK1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6) in human CRC tissues was stronger than in adjacent normal tissues, they were both associated with distance metastasis. It was discovered that knockdown of SPHK1 reduced the expression of TRAF6, inhibited autophagy, and inhibited the growth and metastasis of CRC cells in vitro. Moreover, effects of SPHK1-downregulating were reversed by overexpression of TRAF6 in CRC cells transfected by double-gene.
Overexpression of SPHK1 and TRAF6 promoted the expression of autophagy protein LC3 and Vimentin, while down-regulated the expression of autophagy protein P62 and E-cadherin. The expression of autophagy-related ubiquitination protein ULK1 and Ubiquitin protein were significantly up-regulated in TRAF6-overexpressed CRC cells. In addition, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) significantly inhibited the metastasis promoting effect of SPHK1 and TRAF6, suppressed the expression of LC3 and Vimentin, and promoted the expression of P62 and E-cadherin, in CRC cells.
Immunofluorescence staining showed SPHK1 and TRAF6 were co-localized in HT29 CRC cell membrane and cytoplasm. Immunoprecipitation detection showed SPHK1 was efficiently combined with the endogenous TRAF6 and the interaction was also detected reciprocally. Additionally, proteasome inhibitor MG132 treatment upregulated the expression of TRAF6 and the level of Ubiquitin protein, in SPHK1-downregulating CRC cells.
These results reveal that SPHK1 potentiates CRC progression and metastasis via regulating autophagy mediated by TRAF6-induced ULK1 ubiquitination. SPHK1-TRAF6-ULK1 signaling axis is critical to the progression of CRC and provides a new strategy for the therapeutic control of CRC.
Experiences of abortion care in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic: examining multiple dimensions of access
Authors: Wickramasinghe Sethini , Fisher Jane , Taft Angela , Makleff Shelly
Published: August 2023

Background Universal access to sexual and reproductive health services is a global priority. Yet barriers to abortion access remain, including legal restrictions, cost, stigma, and limited availability of services and information. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated barriers to abortion care. The aim was to identify barriers to and facilitators of abortion by examining experiences of access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This qualitative phenomenological study examined abortion access during the pandemic in Australia, where abortion is decriminalised. We used social media and flyers in clinics to recruit adults who sought abortion care since March 2020, then conducted in-depth interviews. We mapped participant experiences to five dimensions of access identified by Levesque et al.’s patient-centred access to healthcare framework: approachability, acceptability, availability and accommodation, affordability, and appropriateness. Results The 24 participants lived across Australia and sought abortion in a range of pandemic-related restrictions.Approachability: Most lacked information about abortion and where to seek it.Acceptability: Many were uncomfortable disclosing their abortion to family, friends, and healthcare providers, and providers demonstrated varying levels of support.Availability and accommodation: Regional participants travelled far and faced long wait-times, exacerbated by pandemic restrictions.Affordability: Participants described financial stress paying for the service, travel, and related expenses.Appropriateness: Most participants expected judgement in care. Providers commonly assumed they wanted to remain pregnant, and some provided unempathetic and rushed care. Some participants reported non-judgmental and supportive services with appropriate emotional support and time spent with providers. Discussion Abortion seekers experienced varying obstacles when seeking care, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges during the pandemic illustrated the importance of ensuring social support during care and choice between abortion modalities and service types. The findings illustrate the need for population- and system-level initiatives such as: providing accurate information about and normalising abortion; implementing system-level efforts to reduce wait times, travel, and costs, especially for rural populations; and developing regulatory and quality improvement initiatives to increase the workforce and its readiness to provide high-quality, non-judgemental abortion care. Consumer voices can help understand the diverse pathways to abortion care and inform solutions to overcome the multidimensional barriers to access.
Quantum optical tomography based on time-resolved and mode-selective single-photon detection by femtosecond up-conversion
Authors: Namekata Naoto , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Nomura Kenya , Sako Tokuei , Takata Norio , Inoue Shuichiro
Published: August 2023

We developed an optical time-of-flight measurement system using a time-resolved and mode-selective up-conversion single-photon detector for acquiring tomographic images of a mouse brain. The probe and pump pulses were spectrally carved from a 100 femtoseconds mode-locked fiber laser at 1556 nm using 4f systems, so that their center wavelengths were situated at either side of the phase matching band separated by 30 nm. We demonstrated a sensitivity of 111 dB which exceeds that of optical coherence tomography and an axial resolution of 57 µm (a refractive index of 1.37) with 380 femtosecond probe and pump pulses whose average powers were 1.5 mW and 30 µW, respectively. The proposed technique will open a new way of non-contact and non-invasive three-dimensional structural imaging of biological specimens with ultraweak optical irradiation.
Increasing the thermal stability of α-diimine nickel (II) catalyst by camphorquinone as a great backbone and investigating the steric effects of this backbone in ethylene polymerization
Authors: Issaabadi Zahra , Arabi Hassan , Karimi Majid
Published: August 2023

In the α-diimine catalyst system, catalyst design with high thermal stability through ligand modiﬁcations is very challenging. This paper reports the preparation of three camphyl-based ligands with diverse steric effect and their Ni (II) complexes. To evaluate the backbone and ligand steric effects these nickel complexes were used as catalysts in the polymerization of ethylene. The camphyl-based catalysts show high thermal stability with good catalyst activity up to 75 °C. In ethylene polymerization using bulky isopropyl substitution in the ortho position of the aniline moieties, it is achievable to tune the catalytic activities (6 × 105 g/mol Ni.h), polymer molecular weights (16 × 104 g/mol), and polymer melting temperatures (to 117.5 °C) over an extensive range.
Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation Versus Microdrilling combined with High Tibial Osteotomy for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Jung Se-Han , Nam Bum-Joon , Choi Chong-Hyuk , Kim Sungjun , Jung Min , Chung Kwangho , Park Jisoo , Jung Youngsu , Kim Sung-Hwan
Published: August 2023

This study compared cartilage regeneration outcomes in knee osteoarthritis (OA) using allogeneic human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) implantation and microdrilling with high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Fifty-four patients (60 knees) were included: 24 in the hUCB-MSC group and 30 in the microdrilling group. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain and functional scores at 6, 12, and 24 months compared to baseline. At 24 months, hUCB-MSC group had significantly improved scores. Arthroscopic assessment at 12 months revealed better cartilage healing in the hUCB-MSC group. In subgroup analysis, hUCB-MSC showed superior results for anterior lesions. Both treatments demonstrated effectiveness for medial OA. However, hUCB-MSC implantation had better patient-reported outcomes and cartilage regeneration than microdrilling. The study suggests promising approaches for cartilage restoration in large knee defects due to OA.
RETRACTED: Comparison Of Two Treatment Modalities In The Management Of Gingival Enlargement During Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rihawi Hummam , Habashneh Rola Al , Abdel-Hafez Reem , Alzoubi Majdi
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Feasibility and safety of modified en bloc resection in endoscopic thyroid surgery via bilateral areolar approach – Long-term institutional analysis 10 years after surgery
Authors: Xie Qiuping , Ma Junjie , Du Yu , Shi Mengjia , Wang Ping , Yu Xing
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to introduce a new method of modified en bloc resection, evaluate its feasibility and safety in endoscopic thyroid surgery via bilateral areolar approach (BAA).
Methods
108 and 213 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients underwent lobectomy + ipsilateral central node dissection (CND) with modified en bloc method and conventional method via BAA were included in this study, and the patients were follow-up for an average of 10 years. The main outcomes including operative duration, lymph nodes yield (LNY), surgical complications, and the rate of recurrence and metastasis.
Results
There was no significant difference in terms of gender, age, tumor locations, tumor dominant nodule size, and the incidence concomitant Hashimoto thyroiditis in the clinicopathologic characteristics comparison. It was similar in the comparison of operative duration (P = 0.14), blood loss (P = 0.13), postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.58), incidence of transient vocal cord paralysis (P = 0.90) and hypocalcemia (P = 0.60). While the mean LNY achieved in the central compartment of Modified en bloc Group (7.5 ± 4.5) was significant more than it in Conventional Group (5.6 ± 3.6). Two patients in the Modified en bloc group and two patients in the Conventional group were found metastasis after surgery in the average 10 years follow up (1.8% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.60). In the analysis of learning curve, the operative duration of modified en bloc resection was significantly decreased from the 25-35th cases.
Conclusions
The method of modified en bloc resection in endoscopic thyroid surgery via BAA seems to be a technically feasible and safe procedure with excellent cosmetic results for selective PTC patients.
A Novel Method for Classification and Modelling of Underwater Acoustic Communication through Machine Learning and Image Processing Technique
Authors: Shaik Azeez , Das Bikramaditya
Published: August 2023

The increasing prevalence of underwater activities has highlighted the urgent need for reliable underwater acoustic communication systems. However, the challenging nature of the underwater environment poses significant obstacles to the implementation of conventional voice communication methods. To better understand and improve upon these systems, simulations of the underwater audio channel have been developed using mathematical models and assumptions. In this study, we utilize real-world informationgathered from both a measured water reservoir and Lake to evaluate the ability of machine learning and machine learning methods, specifically Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Deep Neural Network (DNN), to accurately reconstruct the underwater audio channel. The outcomesvalidate the efficiency of machine learning methods, particularly LSTM, in accurately simulating the underwater acoustic communication channel with low mean absolute percentage error. Additionally, this research also includes an image processing to identify the objects present thein theacoustic environment.
Subclinical structural atypicality of the retinal thickness and association with gray matter volume of the visual cortex in maltreated children
Authors: Yao Akiko , Nishitani Shota , Yamada Yutaka , Oshima Hideyuki , Sugihara Yuka , Makita Kai , Takiguchi Shinichiro , Kawata Natasha Y.S. , Fujisawa Takashi X. , Okazawa Hidehiko , Inatani Masaru , Tomoda Akemi
Published: August 2023

Individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment reportedly have atypical gray matter structures in their primary visual cortex (V1). Thus, we hypothesized that the sensory structures of vision may also be affected by these influences and are related to each other. General ophthalmologic examinations, visual cognitive tasks, retinal imaging, and brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to compare the differences between children and adolescents aged 9–18 years with maltreatment experiences (CM) and typically developing (TD) children. The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the segment (GCL++) summed with the RNFL and ganglion cell layer with the inner plexiform layer of the macular were significantly thinner in both eyes in CM. Although whole-brain analysis of Voxel-Based Morphometry revealed a significantly larger gray matter volume (GMV) in the thalamus compared to TD, there was no significant correlation with RNFL and GCL + + thickness. Based on the region-of-interest analysis, the thinner RNFL and GCL + + were associated with a larger GMV in the right V1. Owing to abusive experiences, CM showed subclinical structural atypicality in the retina, which may account for the immature V1 development since brain regions remain larger. Examination of retinal thickness could be a new clinical approach to capture CM characteristics.
Quality Management of Head and Neck patient treatment using Statistical Process Control techniques
Authors: Sandford Michael , Steel Jared G , Goodworth Josie , Lodge Patrick
Published: August 2023

The treatment, planning, simulation, and setup of radiotherapy patients contain many processes subject to errors involving both staff and equipment. Cone-beam-CT (CBCT) provides a final check of patient positioning and corrections based on this can be made prior to treatment delivery. Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques are used in various industries for quality management and error mitigation. The utility of SPC techniques to monitor process and equipment changes in our Head and Neck patient treatments was assessed by application to CBCT results from a quality-focused longitudinal study. Both individuals and moving range (XmR) as well as exponentially-weighted moving average (EWMA) techniques were explored. The SPC techniques were sensitive to process changes and trends over the 10 years of data collected. A reduction in the random component of patient setup errors needing correction was observed. Systematic components of error remained stable, with a small uptick correlating with COVID measures observed. Process control limits for use in prospective process monitoring were established. Challenges that arose from using SPC techniques in a retrospective study are outlined.