bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheology and Stability of Emulsion Liquid Membranes
Authors: Pal Rajinder
Published: December 2021

The rheological properties of a series of oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) and water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) types emulsion liquid membrane systems were measured using a controlled-stress rheometer. The effect of storage time (aging) on the rheological properties was also determined. The fresh O/W/O type emulsion liquid membranes exhibited a power-law non-Newtonian behaviour at high values of the primary emulsion concentration. Also, the viscosity increased with the increase in the total dispersed phase concentration. Upon aging, the viscosity of the O/W/O type emulsion liquid membrane decreased significantly. The photomicrographs indicated a decrease in the diameter of the multiple droplets due to expulsion of internal phase droplets to the external phase. The fresh W/O/W type emulsion liquid membrane (primary emulsion volume fraction of 0.692) exhibited a highly nonlinear behaviour. With the increase in the shear stress, the viscosity first decreased substantially. However, at some critical shear stress, a sharp increase in viscosity was observed indicating shear-thickening effect. The shear-thickening effect observed in W/O/W type systems was due to phase inversion; the W/O/W type emulsion liquid membrane system inverted to water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion at high shear stresses. Upon aging, the viscosity of the W/O/W type emulsion liquid membrane initially increased with an increase in storage time and then decreased with a further increase in storage time. The photomicrographs indicated swelling of dispersed droplets initially with the increase in storage time. The droplet size, however, decreased significantly with further increase in storage time. The changes in the rheological properties with aging are explained in terms of droplet size changes that occur during aging.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Stress Response Analysis of Laminated Cantilever Beams With Adhesive Layers Subjected to Impact Loadings
Authors: Shimura Jyo , Higuchi Izumi , Sawa Toshiyuki
Published: December 2021

The stress behavior in adhesive laminated cantilever beams subjected to impact loadings is analyzed using three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) in the elastic region. The stress wave propagation and the stress distribution at the interfaces are examined. The effects of Young’s modulus of adherends, adhesive, the adherend thickness and the number of layers on the stress wave propagation at the interfaces are clarified. The following results are obtained. The maximum principal stress (σ1) is maximal at the adhesive interfaces. It is found that the maximum principal stress (σ1) at the adhesive interface increases as the Young’s modulus of the upper adherends increases. The maximum principal stress (σ1) at the adhesive interface increases as Young’s modulus of the adhesive increases. The maximum principal stress (σ1) at the adhesive interface decreases as the thickness of the adherend to which an impact load is applied increases. It is seen that the maximum principal stress (σ1) increases as number of layers increases. Experiments were carried out to measure the strain response of adhesive laminated cantilever beam using strain gauges. A fairly good agreement is seen between the analytical and experimental results.
Fundamental Frequencies of Uniaxial Composite Barrel and Hyperboloidal Springs
Authors: Yildirim Vebil , Sancaktar Erol , Kiral Erhan
Published: December 2021

The fundamental natural frequencies of uniaxial composite non-cylindrical helical springs (barrel and hyperboloidal types) are determined theoretically based on the transfer matrix method. The rotary inertia, shear and axial deformation effects are considered with the first order shear deformation theory. The overall transfer matrix is obtained by integrating the twelve scalar ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients governing the free vibration behavior of non-cylindrical helical springs made of an anisotropic material. Numerical results are verified with the reported values for isotropic non-cylindrical helices. A parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of the number of active coils (n = 5–0), the helix pitch angle (α = 5° and 25°), the ratio of the minimum to maximum cylinder radii (Rmin/Rmax), and the ratio of the maximum cylinder diameter to the wire diameter (Dmax/d) on the fundamental free vibration frequencies of constant-pitch composite barrel and hyperboloidal helical springs with circular section and fixed-fixed ends.
Stress Analysis of Shrink Fitted Joints of Solid Shafts and Three-Dimensional Photoelastic Experiment
Authors: Nakagawa Fumito , Sawa Toshiyuki , Nakano Yuichi , Katsuo Masahide , Yoneno Masahiro
Published: December 2021

In this paper, shrink fitted joints of solid shaft and ring made of epoxide resin were assembled and photoelastic experiments were carried out. Isochromatic fringe patterns in the shrink fitted joint were measured using the three-dimensional stress freezing method. Then, the contact stress distributions in the shrink fitted joint of the ring and the solid shaft were analyzed using the finite element method. The three models, i.e., with slip, without slip and with partial slip at the interface were analyzed and the results were compared. The effects of chamfer at the edge of the interface and the material properties of the ring (hollow cylinder) on the contact stress distributions were examined.
Numerical Study of Unsteadiness in a Jet-in-Crossflow
Authors: He Guangbin
Published: December 2021

We have performed numerical studies on unsteady flow characteristics of a round turbulent jet discharging normally into a crossflow. Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations were solved with the standard k-ε turbulence model. A viscous flow past a circular cylinder and Taylor problem in which an analytical solution is available were used to validate the unsteady numerical scheme. The unsteady calculations of the jet-in-crossflow reproduced the flow structures including the periodically oscillating wake structures, the jet shear-layer vortices, and the counter-rotating vortex pairs. The time-averaged prediction of velocity fields derived from the unsteady solution was fairly improved. Characteristic oscillating frequencies, namely Strouhal numbers under various jet diameters and crossflow velocities, were accurately predicted.
On Suddenly Expanding Non-Isothermal Pipe Flows of a Bingham Fluid
Authors: Hammad Khaled J.
Published: December 2021

The non-isothermal laminar flow of the Bingham non-Newtonian fluid through a sudden pipe expansion is investigated. The governing equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy are solved using the finite-difference numerical technique. The effects of non-dimensional yield stress, Reynolds number, Prandtl number and Brinkman number on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are studied. The obtained results indicate the complex nature of the present non-Newtonian fluid flow and heat transfer problem and reveal new features not encountered in the case of Newtonian fluids.
Computerized Model of Transition in Circular Pipe Flows: Part 1 — Experimental Definition of the Problem
Authors: Kanda Hidesada
Published: December 2021

A conceptual model was constructed for the problem of determining in circular pipes the conditions under which the transition from laminar to turbulent flow occurs, so that it becomes possible to calculate the minimum critical Reynolds number. Up until now this problem has been investigated by stability theory with disturbances at the pipe inlet. However, the minimum critical Reynolds number has not yet been obtained theoretically. Hence, the author took up the problem directly from many previous experimental investigations and found that (i) plots of the transition length versus the Reynolds number show that the transition occurs in the entrance region under the condition of a natural disturbance, and (ii) plots of the critical Reynolds number versus the ratio of bellmouth diameter to the pipe diamter show that with larger shapes of bellmouths, laminar flow will persist to higher Reynolds numbers. The problem is thus defined clearly as: Under the condition of an ordinary disturbance, the transition from laminar to turbulent flow occurs in the entrance region of a straight circular pipe, then the Reynolds number takes a minimum value of about 2000.
Effect of Crucible Conductivity on Large Diameter, Low Gravity, Bridgman Crystal Growth
Authors: Sahai Vivek , Williamson John W.
Published: December 2021

This study examines the effect of crucible conductivity in minimizing convection and solute segregation in a Bridgman crystal growth system. Crystal diameter to length ratios from 0.5 to 2.5 are considered. A quasi-steady state numerical method is used to model the directional solidification of gallium doped germanium. The coupled governing equations for the melt, solidified crystal, and the ampoule wall are solved subject to appropriate boundary and interface conditions to determine the velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions. Results are presented at reduced gravity and include the effects of reducing the dimensionless ampoule conductivity from 0.67 to 0.05.
Paternal Closeness in Adolescence: The Association of Sports and Gender
Authors: Leppard Tom R. , Dufur Mikaela J.
Published: December 2021

Recent research suggests positive associations between shared recreational activities and father–child relationships for young children. We extend these ideas to adolescents and to recreational activities in which the father’s participation might be limited to audience membership. We use the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to evaluate whether an association exists between adolescent sports participation and paternal relationships, focusing on the adolescent’s perspective, and whether these associations differ for boys and girls. Findings show positive associations between sports participation and closer relationships between fathers and adolescents. Sports participation was more important for boys’ relationships with fathers than girls’. We discuss our findings in terms of contemporary shifts in gendered norms and conclude that gender may remain salient in how sport participation can promote father–child relationships.
Scalable thermochromic smart windows with passive radiative cooling regulation
Authors: Wang Shancheng , Jiang Tengyao , Meng Yun , Yang Ronggui , Tan Gang , Long Yi
Published: December 2021

A passive turnoff

Passive radiative cooling technology uses the infrared atmospheric window to allow outer space to be a cold sink for heat. However, this effect is one that is only helpful for energy savings in the warmer months. Wang
et al
. and Tang
et al
. used the metal-insulator transition in tungsten-doped vanadium dioxide to create window glass and a rooftop coating that circumvents this problem by turning off the radiative cooling at lower temperatures. Because the transition is simply temperature dependent, this effect also happens passively. Model simulations suggest that these materials would lead to energy savings year-round across most of the climate zones in the United States. —BG
Climate change in the classroom
Miseducation: How Climate Change Is Taught in America
Katie Worth
Columbia Global Reports, 2021. 184 pp.
Authors: Huderson Ashley
Published: December 2021

Inconsistent and agenda-driven K–12 curricula leave US citizens ill-equipped to confront environmental problems
Blood condition may guard against Alzheimer’s
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: December 2021

Unexpected protection may result from wayward blood cells that enter brain
Complete Genome Sequence of Schaalia turicensis Strain CT001, Isolated from a Patient with Gonococcal Urethritis in Thailand
Authors: Nokchan Natakorn , Wongsurawat Thidathip , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Nitayanon Perapon , Tribuddharat Chanwit
Published: December 2021

Schaalia turicensis
, a Gram-positive bacillus, is a potential pathogen in genital infections. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
S. turicensis
strain CT001, which was coisolated with
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
. Comprehensive analysis revealed the presence of a composite transposon carrying an imperfect class 1 integron in
S. turicensis
.
Complete Genome Sequences of
Kinneretia
sp. Strain XES5,
Shinella
sp. Strain XGS7, and
Vogesella
sp. Strain XCS3, Isolated from Xenopus laevis Skin
Authors: Hudson D. T. , Chapman P. A. , Day R. C. , Morgan X. C. , Beck C. W.
Published: December 2021

Here, we report the genome sequences of three bacterial isolates,
Kinneretia
sp. strain XES5,
Shinella
sp. strain XGS7, and
Vogesella
sp. strain XCS3, which were cultured from skin of adult female laboratory-bred
Xenopus laevis
.
Methane seeps as refugia during ash falls in the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America
Authors: Brophy Shannon K. , Garb Matthew P. , Naujokaityte Jone , Witts James D. , Landman Neil H. , Cochran J. Kirk , Brezina Jamie
Published: December 2021

Methane seeps host rich biotic communities, forming patchy yet highly productive ecosystems across the global ocean. Persistent hydrocarbon emissions fuel chemosynthetic food webs at seeps. Methane seeps were abundant in the Western Interior Seaway of North America during the Late Cretaceous. This area also experienced intermittent ash falls, which negatively impacted the marine fauna. We propose that methane seeps acted as refugia during these environmental perturbations. We report a laterally continuous bentonite within the upper Campanian Baculites compressus Zone of the Pierre Shale in southwestern South Dakota (USA) that fortuitously cuts across a methane seep deposit. We compare the macroinvertebrate record below and above the bentonite at seep and non-seep sites. Our results reveal that the paleocommunity (measured by abundance and diversity) was largely unaffected by the ash fall at the seep site, whereas it was significantly altered at the non-seep site. Thus, methane seeps in the Western Interior Seaway may have provided refuges or served as oases in the aftermath of severe environmental perturbations.
Silver isotope and volatile trace element systematics in galena samples from the Iberian Peninsula and the quest for silver sources of Roman coinage
Authors: Milot Jean , Blichert-Toft Janne , Sanz Mariano Ayarzagüena , Malod-Dognin Chloé , Télouk Philippe , Albarède Francis
Published: December 2021

Silver played a key role in the progressive monetization of early Mediterranean civilizations. We combine Pb and Ag isotopes with volatile trace elements (Bi, Sb, and As) to assess whether, during the Roman occupation of Iberia, galena constituted a significant source of silver. We find that the Pb and Ag isotopic compositions of 47 samples of galena from eight different Iberian mining provinces, many of them exploited during Roman times, are uncorrelated. This indicates that their respective isotopic variabilities depend on different petrogenetic processes. Moreover, the range of Ag isotopic abundances is approximately six times wider than that displayed worldwide by silver coins in general and Roman silver coins in particular. Although galena from the Betics provides the best fit for Pb isotopes with Roman coins, their fit with Ag isotopic compositions is at best sporadic. We suggest that, together with Sb, Bi, and As, silver is primarily derived from fluids boiled off from differentiated mantle-derived magmas. These fluids, in turn, reacted with preexisting galena and functioned as a silver trap. Lead sulfides with ε109Ag of ~0 and unusually rich in Ag, Sb, Bi, and As were the most probable sources of ancient silver, whereas samples with ε109Ag departing significantly from ~0 reflect low-temperature isotopic fractionation processes in the upper crust.
Optimal Method for Disulfide Bond Closure in the Synthesis of Atosiban—Antagonist of Oxytocin Receptors
Authors: Avdeev D. V. , Ovchinnikov M. V. , Dudkina Y. S. , Molokoedov A. S. , Azmuko A. A. , Palkeeva M. E. , Sidorova M. V.
Published: December 2021

This work is devoted to the large-scale solid-phase synthesis (SPS) of Atosiban, Mpa1-D-Tyr(OEt)-Ile-Thr-Asn-Cys6-Pro-Orn-Gly-NH2 cyclic 1,6 disulfide, the only clinically used oxytocin receptor antagonist. The conditions have been selected for the closure of the disulfide bond (S–S) in the Atosiban molecule both in the solution and solid phase with the minimal formation of by-products. A comparative assessment of the formation of the S–S bond was carried out under various conditions. The formation of by-products during the closure of the disulfide bond has been studied both in solution and on the polymer support. The developed technique allows for the synthesis of Atosiban on an enlarged scale (10–20 mmol) involving the cyclization of a protected intermediate with the formation of the S–S bond during solid-phase synthesis with the minimal formation of by-products.
Knee extensor muscle weakness is a risk factor for the development of knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis including 46 819 men and women
Authors: Øiestad Britt Elin , Juhl Carsten B , Culvenor Adam G , Berg Bjørnar , Thorlund Jonas Bloch
Published: December 2021

Objective

To update a systematic review on the association between knee extensor muscle weakness and the risk of incident knee osteoarthritis in women and men.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Systematic searches in PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, AMED and CENTRAL in May 2021.

Eligible criteria for selecting studies

Longitudinal studies with at least 2 years follow-up including baseline measure of knee extensor muscle strength, and follow-up measure of symptomatic or radiographic knee osteoarthritis. Studies including participants with known knee osteoarthritis at baseline were excluded. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using six criteria for study validity and bias. Grading of Recommendations Assessments, Development and Evaluation assessed overall quality of evidence. Meta-analysis estimated the OR for the association between knee extensor muscle weakness and incident knee osteoarthritis.

Results

We included 11 studies with 46 819 participants. Low quality evidence indicated that knee extensor muscle weakness increased the odds of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in women (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.64) and in adult men (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.78), and for radiographic knee osteoarthritis in women: OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.71) and in men: OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.82). No associations were identified for knee injured populations except for radiographic osteoarthritis in men.

Discussion

There is low quality evidence that knee extensor muscle weakness is associated with incident symptomatic and radiographic knee osteoarthritis in women and men. Optimising knee extensor muscle strength may help to prevent knee osteoarthritis.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020214976.
Single-centre study surveying neurology trainees’ and faculty’s perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents’ medical education
Authors: Alhajala Hisham , Ramadan Ahmad Riad , Suneja Aarushi , Schultz Lonni , Zaman Iram F
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess perceptions of our neurology residents and faculty regarding training experience and medical education during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We distributed two online, voluntary and anonymous surveys to trainees and teaching faculty of our Neurology Department at Henry Ford Hospital. Surveys inquired about trainees’ stress, well-being, clinical experience and satisfaction with medical education and available support resources during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan (mid-March to June 2020).

Results

A total of 17/31 trainees and 25/42 faculty responded to the surveys. Eight (47%) trainees reported high stress levels. Nine (57%) were redeployed to cover COVID-19 units. Compared with non-redeployed trainees, redeployed residents reported augmented medical knowledge (89% vs 38%, p=0.05). There was no difference in the two groups regarding overall satisfaction with residency experience, stress levels and didactics attendance. Twenty-one (84%) faculty felt that the redeployment interfered with trainees education but was appropriate, while 10 (59%) trainees described a positive experience overall. Both trainees and faculty believed the pandemic positively impacted trainees’ experience by increasing maturity level, teamwork, empathy, and medical knowledge, while both agreed that increased stress and anxiety levels were negative outcomes of the pandemic. Twelve (70%) trainees and 13 (52%) faculty were interested in pursuing more virtual didactics in the future.

Conclusion

Our findings provide an objective assessment of residents' experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and can guide teaching programmes in their medical education response in the face of future global crises.
Mediating effects of early health on the relationship between early poverty and long-term health outcomes of children: a birth cohort study
Authors: Chiang Wan-Lin , Chiang Tung-liang
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study analyses the mediating effects of early health prior to age 3 on the association between early poverty and the health outcomes of children at age 12.

Design

Population-based longitudinal birth cohort study.

Setting

Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), 2005–2017.

Participants

16 847 TBCS children born in 2005 and followed up at 18 months, 3, 5, 8 and 12 years with available data on poverty and health status.

Main outcome measures

Child’s general health, measured by the mothers’ ratings of their child’s health, and hospitalisation experience at 12 years of age.

Results

Among the TBCS children, the prevalence of fair/poor health and hospitalisation was 20.8% and 2.5% at age 12. The ORs of experiencing fair/poor health and hospitalisation at age 12 were 1.33 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.45) and 1.35 (1.07 to 1.69) for early poverty, respectively. When early poor health was added in the multiple logistic regression models, the effects of early poverty were attenuated on poor general health and no longer significant on hospitalisation for children aged 12 years. Mediation analysis showed that 50%–87% of the total effect of early poverty on health at age 12 was mediated by early health status before age 3.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that poor health in early life plays as a significant mediator in the relationship between early poverty and the long-term health outcomes of children. Universal health coverage thus should be achieved to prevent the adverse health effects of poverty throughout the life course, as one of the most important strategies for children growing up in poverty.
Off-the-shelf Vδ1 gamma delta T cells engineered with glypican-3 (GPC-3)-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and soluble IL-15 display robust antitumor efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Makkouk Amani , Yang Xue (Cher) , Barca Taylor , Lucas Anthony , Turkoz Mustafa , Wong Jonathan T S , Nishimoto Kevin P , Brodey Mary M , Tabrizizad Maryam , Gundurao Smitha R Y , Bai Lu , Bhat Arun , An Zili , Abbot Stewart , Satpayev Daulet , Aftab Blake T , Herrman Marissa
Published: December 2021

Background

Glypican-3 (GPC-3) is an oncofetal protein that is highly expressed in various solid tumors, but rarely expressed in healthy adult tissues and represents a rational target of particular relevance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) αβ T cell therapies have established significant clinical benefit in hematologic malignancies, although efficacy in solid tumors has been limited due to several challenges including T cell homing, target antigen heterogeneity, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are highly cytolytic effectors that can recognize and kill tumor cells through major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent antigens upregulated under stress. The Vδ1 subset is preferentially localized in peripheral tissue and engineering with CARs to further enhance intrinsic antitumor activity represents an attractive approach to overcome challenges for conventional T cell therapies in solid tumors. Allogeneic Vδ1 CAR T cell therapy may also overcome other hurdles faced by allogeneic αβ T cell therapy, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

Methods

We developed the first example of allogeneic CAR Vδ1 T cells that have been expanded from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and genetically modified to express a 4-1BB/CD3z CAR against GPC-3. The CAR construct (GPC-3.CAR/secreted interleukin-15 (sIL)-15) additionally encodes a constitutively-secreted form of IL-15, which we hypothesized could sustain proliferation and antitumor activity of intratumoral Vδ1 T cells expressing GPC-3.CAR.

Results

GPC-3.CAR/sIL-15 Vδ1 T cells expanded from PBMCs on average 20,000-fold and routinely reached >80% purity. Expanded Vδ1 T cells showed a primarily naïve-like memory phenotype with limited exhaustion marker expression and displayed robust in vitro proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxic activity against HCC cell lines expressing low (PLC/PRF/5) and high (HepG2) GPC-3 levels. In a subcutaneous HepG2 mouse model in immunodeficient NSG mice, GPC-3.CAR/sIL-15 Vδ1 T cells primarily accumulated and proliferated in the tumor, and a single dose efficiently controlled tumor growth without evidence of xenogeneic GvHD. Importantly, compared with GPC-3.CAR Vδ1 T cells lacking sIL-15, GPC-3.CAR/sIL-15 Vδ1 T cells displayed greater proliferation and resulted in enhanced therapeutic activity.

Conclusions

Expanded Vδ1 T cells engineered with a GPC-3 CAR and sIL-15 represent a promising platform warranting further clinical evaluation as an off-the-shelf treatment of HCC and potentially other GPC-3-expressing solid tumors.
Novel subtype of mucopolysaccharidosis caused by arylsulfatase K (ARSK) deficiency
Authors: Verheyen Sarah , Blatterer Jasmin , Speicher Michael R , Bhavani Gandham SriLakshmi , Boons Geert-Jan , Ilse Mai-Britt , Andrae Dominik , Sproß Jens , Vaz Frédéric Maxime , Kircher Susanne G , Posch-Pertl Laura , Baumgartner Daniela , Lübke Torben , Shah Hitesh , Al Kaissi Ali , Girisha Katta M , Plecko Barbara
Published: December 2021

Background

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are monogenic metabolic disorders that significantly affect the skeleton. Eleven enzyme defects in the lysosomal degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have been assigned to the known MPS subtypes (I–IX). Arylsulfatase K (ARSK) is a recently characterised lysosomal hydrolase involved in GAG degradation that removes the 2-O-sulfate group from 2-sulfoglucuronate. Knockout of Arsk in mice was consistent with mild storage pathology, but no human phenotype has yet been described.

Methods

In this study, we report four affected individuals of two unrelated consanguineous families with homozygous variants c.250C>T, p.(Arg84Cys) and c.560T>A, p.(Leu187Ter) in ARSK, respectively. Functional consequences of the two ARSK variants were assessed by mutation-specific ARSK constructs derived by site-directed mutagenesis, which were ectopically expressed in HT1080 cells. Urinary GAG excretion was analysed by dimethylene blue and electrophoresis, as well as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS analysis.

Results

The phenotypes of the affected individuals include MPS features, such as short stature, coarse facial features and dysostosis multiplex. Reverse phenotyping in two of the four individuals revealed additional cardiac and ophthalmological abnormalities. Mild elevation of dermatan sulfate was detected in the two subjects investigated by LC-MS/MS. Human HT1080 cells expressing the ARSK-Leu187Ter construct exhibited absent protein levels by western blot, and cells with the ARSK-Arg84Cys construct showed markedly reduced enzyme activity in an ARSK-specific enzymatic assay against 2-O-sulfoglucuronate-containing disaccharides as analysed by C18-reversed-phase chromatography followed by MS.

Conclusion

Our work provides a detailed clinical and molecular characterisation of a novel subtype of mucopolysaccharidosis, which we suggest to designate subtype X.
New tobacco and nicotine products in Latin America and the Caribbean: assessing the market and regulatory environment
Authors: Crosbie Eric , Severini Gianella , Beem Alexandra , Tran Brian , Sebrie Ernesto Marcelo
Published: December 2021

Objective

To document the regulatory environment of new tobacco and nicotine products (NTNPs), including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs), in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Methods

Review of market research reports and databases, regulatory websites, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, relevant published literature and the 2021 WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic.

Results

ENDS entered the LAC market in the 2010s and are now available in most LAC countries. A majority of LAC countries (n=18) have either banned the commercialisation of ENDS (n=7) or regulated ENDS as tobacco products (n=7), medicinal products (n=1) or consumer products (n=3). The remaining LAC countries (n=15) do not regulate ENDS. HTPs were first introduced in 2017 and have been officially launched in five countries (Colombia, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Costa Rica). Few countries have banned HTP commercialisation (n=3) or regulated commercialisation and use (n=7), while the majority of countries have existing legislation that applies to HTPs (n=19). A few countries (n=4) have no tobacco control legislation and therefore do not regulate HTPs.

Conclusion

NTNPs are emerging products in the LAC region. Governments should follow WHO guidance and the decisions of the Conference of Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and ban or regulate NTNPs as tobacco products; otherwise NTNPs could create a new generation of tobacco and nicotine users.
Post-transcriptional regulation of frog innate immunity: discovery of frog microRNAs associated with antiviral responses and ranavirus infection using a Xenopus laevis skin epithelial-like cell line
Authors: Todd Lauren A. , Bui-Marinos Maxwell P. , Katzenback Barbara A.
Published: December 2021

Post-transcriptional regulators such as microRNAs are emerging as conserved regulators of innate antiviral immunity in vertebrates, yet their roles in amphibian antiviral responses remain uncharacterized. We profiled changes in microRNA expressions in the Xenopus laevis skin epithelial-like cell line Xela DS2 in response to poly(I:C)—an analogue of viral double-stranded RNA and inducer of type I interferons—or frog virus 3 (FV3), an immunoevasive virus associated with amphibian mortality events. Small RNA libraries generated from untreated, poly(I:C)-treated, and FV3-infected cells were sequenced. We detected 136 known X. laevis microRNAs and discovered 133 novel X. laevis microRNAs. Sixty-five microRNAs were differentially expressed in response to poly(I:C), many of which were predicted to target regulators of antiviral pathways such as cGAS-STING, RIG-I/MDA-5, TLR signaling, and type I interferon signaling, as well as products of these pathways (NF-ĸB-induced and interferon-stimulated genes). In contrast, only 49 microRNAs were altered by FV3 infection, fewer of which were predicted to interact with antiviral pathways. Interestingly, poly(I:C) treatment or FV3 infection downregulated transcripts encoding factors of the host microRNA biogenesis pathway. Our study is the first to suggest that host microRNAs regulate innate antiviral immunity in frogs and sheds light on microRNA-mediated mechanisms of immunoevasion by FV3.
QCD sum rules analysis of weak decays of doubly heavy baryons: the $$b\rightarrow c$$ processes
Authors: Xing Zhi-Peng , Zhao Zhen-Xing
Published: December 2021

A comprehensive study of $$b\rightarrow c$$

b
→
c

weak decays of doubly heavy baryons is presented in this paper. The transition form factors as well as the pole residues of the initial and final states are respectively obtained by investigating the three-point and two-point correlation functions in QCD sum rules. Contributions from up to dimension-6 operators are respectively considered for the two-point and three-point correlation functions. The obtained form factors are then applied to a phenomenological analysis of semi-leptonic decays.
Exploration on performance of two-dimensional GaN photocathodes with uniform-doping and variable-doping structure
Authors: Huang Liangbo , Tian Jian , Liu Lei , Di Ruxiao , Zhu Zihao
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the properties of two-dimensional (2D) gallium nitride (GaN) photocathodes with a uniform doping and variable doping structure are studied by using Mg as a doping element based on first principles. The stability, bandstructure, work function, density of state and optical properties of the GaN bilayer and GaN trilayer in two-doped ways are investigated. The results show that formation energy of variable doping structure is less than that of the uniform doping structure, which means that the variable doping structure is more stable. At the same time, the formation energy increases with increase of layers. The pristine GaN bilayer has an indirect bandgap, while the doped GaN bilayer transforms into a direct bandgap. The impurity levels appear in a forbidden band of doped GaN trilayers, which is favorable for electron transition. The results of work function reveal that variable doping structure has lower vacuum barriers and more electron escape numbers, which proves that it can improve the quantum efficiency of photocathodes. Finally, the analysis of optical properties shows that the uniform doping structure has better optical properties than that of the variable doping structure.
A Spatial–Temporal Similar Graph Attention Network for Cyber Physical System Perception via Traffic Forecasting
Authors: Zhao Kaidi , Xu Mingyue , Yang Zhengzhuang , Han Dingding
Published: December 2021

Traffic flow forecasting is the basic challenge in intelligent transportation system (ITS). The key problem is to improve the accuracy of model and capture the dynamic temporal and nonlinear spatial dependence. Using real data is one of the ways to improve the spatial–temporal correlation modeling accuracy. However, real traffic flow data are not strictly periodic because of some random factors, which may lead to some deviations. This study focuses on capturing and modeling the temporal perturbation in real periodic data and we propose a spatial–temporal similar graph attention network (STSGAN) to address this problem. In STSGAN, the spatial–temporal graph convolution module is to capture local spatial–temporal relationship in traffic data, and the periodic similar attention module is to treat the nonlinear traffic flow information. Experiments on three datasets demonstrate that our model is best among all methods.
Analysis of highly efficient DFG in an electro-optic material exhibiting polarization rotation using TIR-based ORQPM technique
Authors: Saha Moumita , Deb Sumita
Published: December 2021

This paper is a numeric-analytical work for highly efficient difference-frequency generation (DFG) by the integrated effect of total-internal-reflection-based optical rotation quasi-phase-matching (ORQPM) and nonresonant quasi-phase-matching techniques in a thin yttrium oxide-coated rectangular slab of magnesium oxide-doped lithium niobate crystal. The conversion efficiency of 37.2% has been obtained by ray-optics analysis, corresponding to an idler wavelength of 1570[Formula: see text]nm. Moreover, the guided-wave approach has also been analyzed for more accurate and realistic outcomes, yielding a peak conversion efficiency of 1.64%. The impact of the influencing factors like surface roughness, absorption, and nonlinear law of reflection has also been incorporated in the computer-aided simulation for providing a pragmatic understanding of the whole study.
Stochastic Substructural Response Reconstruction and Reliability Analysis of High-Dimensional Systems
Authors: Jia Y. T. , Law S. S. , Yang N.
Published: December 2021

Existing stochastic dynamic response analysis requires the probability distributions of all variables in the system. Some of them are difficult or even impossible to obtain, and assumed probability density functions are often adopted which may lead to potential unrealistic estimation. This error may accumulate with the dimension of the structural system. This paper proposed a strategy to address this problem in the response analysis of a high-dimensional stochastic system. Partial measurement and finite element model of the target substructure of the system are required. The stochastic responses at several unmeasured locations are reconstructed from the measured responses. Only the variability of the substructure is considered. Other parameters outside the substructure are represented by their mean values contributing to the measured responses. The proposed strategy is illustrated with the analysis of a seven-storey plane frame structure using the probability density evolution method integrated with the response reconstruction technique. Measurement noise is noted to have a large influence on stochastic dynamic responses as different from that in a deterministic analysis. The proposed stochastic substructural response analysis strategy is found more computational efficient than traditional approach and with more realistic information of the structure from the measured responses.
Raiders of the Lost Ark — A Review About the Roots and Application of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Buck Christoph , Ifland Sebastian , Stähle Philipp , Thorwarth Harald
Published: December 2021

Artificial Intelligence (AI) receives prominent attention within the innovation context. It is the most promising technological invention in information technology. Nevertheless, Innovation and Technology Management (ITM) so far could not structure the AI field, which offers a disruptive innovative potential. Thus, this paper reviews and analyzes the ITM literature and explains the underlying structure of AI. The findings present two main streams of AI literature and, furthermore, explain how to categorize AI use cases. With our results, we assist ITM in explaining and adopting AI to business, which is a huge challenge for companies.
Crystalline-Induced Luminescence of Carbon Dots for the WLED and Fingerprint Recognition
Authors: Cui Junchao , Qin Zhenxing , Bai Jingjing , Zhang Yufei , Zhang Xuewen , Miao Runze
Published: December 2021

It is profound to obtain simply carbon nanodots (CDots)-based solid-state fluorescent in photoelectric field. However, synthesizing such material is still faced with a challenge due to the serious quenching effect. Here, a microwave pyrolytic route is reported to rapidly synthesize sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) co-doping CDots wrapped by the crystalline phthalate (CDots/PA). The results show that CDots/PA presents needle-like crystal to coat abundant cluster of CDots inside, after fully optimizing the preparation conditions. The solid state CDots/PA emits a dazzling fluorescence with the fluorescence quantum yield (FLQY) [Formula: see text]%, which is attributed to the formation of barrier from the crystal to avoid the aggregation of CDots. In addition, due to the co-doping of S and N elements, it also presents an orange–red light with a multipeak feature. The excellent photoluminescence (PL) property of CDots/PA gives it an advantage to fabricate light emitting diode (LED)/white light emitting diode (WLED) devices, which achieves an orange light with the correlated color temperature [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K, color rendering index [Formula: see text] and a warm-white light with the CCT [Formula: see text] 3700[Formula: see text]K, CRI [Formula: see text] 82 at the Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage [Formula: see text], 0.40) combined with the commercial phosphors. Moreover, CDots/PA also shows an excellent recognition capacity in the application of detecting latent fingerprints, endowing such fluorescent nanomaterials broad prospect in the photoelectric industry.
Investigation of Ion and Electron Conduction in the Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conductor- La-Sr-Co-Fe-Oxide (LSCF) Using Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) Techniques
Authors: Lei Chong , Simpson Michael F. , Virkar Anil V.
Published: December 2021

Among many mixed ionic electronic conductors (MIECs), lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (LSCF) has been proven as a promising material for use as cathode in SOFCs. The ion and electron conduction in LSCF need to be studied separately. To measure the ionic conductivity of LSCF, YSZ disks were applied to block the electronic current, and multilayered samples were made with YSZ disks in series with an LSCF disk. Both AC and DC techniques were used for the measurements. An LSCF(porous)/LSCF(dense)/LSCF(porous) bar-shaped sample was made to measure the electronic conductivity of LSCF. DC technique was utilized for the measurement. Results show that the ionic conductivity of LSCF is much lower than its electronic conductivity. The ionic conductivity of LSCF increases with increasing temperature (600 °C–900 °C), and the electronic conductivity decreases with increasing temperature (600 °C–900 °C). Measurements were also made on a foil of silver to investigate oxygen transport through it. From this, oxygen ion conductivity through silver was estimated.
Broadcast Proxy Reencryption Based on Certificateless Public Key Cryptography for Secure Data Sharing
Authors: Kim Won-Bin , Kim Su-Hyun , Seo Daehee , Lee Im-Yeong
Published: December 2021

Broadcast proxy reencryption (BPRE), which combines broadcast encryption (BE) and proxy reencryption (PRE), is a technology used for the redistribution of data uploaded on the cloud to multiple users. BPRE reencrypts data encrypted by the distributor and then uploads it to the cloud into a ciphertext that at a later stage targets multiple recipients. As a result of this, flexible data sharing is possible for multiple recipients. However, various inefficiencies and vulnerabilities of the BE, such as the recipient anonymity problem and the key escrow problem, also creep into BPRE. Our aim in this study was to address this problem of the existing BPRE technology. The partial key verification problem that appeared in the process of solving the key escrow problem was solved, and the computational efficiency was improved by not using bilinear pairing, which requires a lot of computation time.
A Novel Mathematical Model for Fracturing Effect Evaluation Based on Early Flowback Data in Shale Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Lei Zhengdong , Xu Zhenhua , Liu Jie , Zhang Xiaokun , Luo Erhui , Liu Yuqi , Liu Pengcheng
Published: December 2021

For shale oil reservoirs, the horizontal well multistage fracturing technique is mostly used to reform the reservoir in order to achieve economic and effective development. The size of the reservoir reconstruction volume and the quantitative characterization of the fracture system are of great significance to accurately predict the productivity of shale oil wells. There are few flowback models for shale oil reservoirs. To solve this problem, first, a physical model of the simultaneous production of oil, gas, and water in the early flowback stage of shale oil development is established using the material balance equation for a fracture system. Second, the physical model of the underground fracture system is simplified, which is approximately regarded as a thin cylindrical body with a circular section. The flow of the fluid in the fracture system is approximately regarded as radial flow. In this model, the expansion of the fluid and the closure of the fracture are defined as integrated storage coefficients to characterize the storage capacity of the fracture system. Then, the curves illustrating the relationships between the oil-water ratio and the cumulative oil production and between the gas-water ratio and the cumulative gas production are drawn, and the curves are used to divide the flowback stage into an early stage and a late stage because the flowback process of shale oil wells exhibits obvious stage characteristics. Finally, the reservoir reconstruction volume and the related hydraulic fracture parameters are estimated based on the material balance method, and the rationality of the model is verified via numerical simulation. The interpretation results of this novel model are more accurate, making it an effective way to evaluate the hydraulic fracture parameters and transformation effect, and it has guiding significance for the evaluation of the hydraulic fracturing effect in the field.
Mobile Industrial Robots Localization Algorithm Based on Improved Multidimensional Scale and Received Signal Strength Indication
Authors: Jiao Jian
Published: December 2021

Aiming at the problem of large error in the location algorithm based on MDS-MAP when the distance between mobile industrial robots is not measurable, a mobile industrial robot location algorithm based on improved MDS-MAP is proposed. Experimental simulation shows that the algorithm can achieve good positioning effect. When the distance between mobile industrial robots is measurable, the positioning algorithm based on RSSI achieves good positioning effect. Therefore, this paper discusses the influence of different anchor robot selection methods on the positioning accuracy of RSSI positioning algorithm. The experimental simulation shows that when the selection method of anchoring robot is that the unknown robot with adjacent anchoring robot uses the original anchoring robot for positioning and the unknown robot without anchoring robot uses the adjacent positioning robot as the anchoring robot for positioning, its positioning effect is the best, and it can still achieve good positioning effect when there are few anchoring robots.
Proteogenomic Analysis Reveals Proteins Involved in the First Step of Adipogenesis in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Bonilauri Bernardo , Camillo-Andrade Amanda C. , Santos Marlon D. M. , Fischer Juliana de S. da G. , Carvalho Paulo C. , Dallagiovanna Bruno
Published: December 2021

Background. Obesity is characterized as a disease that directly affects the whole-body metabolism and is associated with excess fat mass and several related comorbidities. Dynamics of adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia play an important role in health and disease, especially in obesity. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) represent an important source for understanding the entire adipogenic differentiation process. However, little is known about the triggering step of adipogenesis in hASC. Here, we performed a proteogenomic approach for understanding the protein abundance alterations during the initiation of the adipogenic differentiation process. Methods. hASC were isolated from adipose tissue of three donors and were then characterized and expanded. Cells were cultured for 24 hours in adipogenic differentiation medium followed by protein extraction. We used shotgun proteomics to compare the proteomic profile of 24 h-adipogenic, differentiated, and undifferentiated hASC. We also used our previous next-generation sequencing data (RNA-seq) of the total and polysomal mRNA fractions of hASC to study posttranscriptional regulation during the initial steps of adipogenesis. Results. We identified 3420 proteins out of 48,336 peptides, of which 92 proteins were exclusively identified in undifferentiated hASC and 53 proteins were exclusively found in 24 h-differentiated cells. Using a stringent criterion, we identified 33 differentially abundant proteins when comparing 24 h-differentiated and undifferentiated hASC (14 upregulated and 19 downregulated, respectively). Among the upregulated proteins, we shortlisted several adipogenesis-related proteins. A combined analysis of the proteome and the transcriptome allowed the identification of positive correlation coefficients between proteins and mRNAs. Conclusions. These results demonstrate a specific proteome profile related to adipogenesis at the beginning (24 hours) of the differentiation process in hASC, which advances the understanding of human adipogenesis and obesity. Adipogenic differentiation is finely regulated at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels.