bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compare the efficacy of antifungal agents as primary therapy for invasive aspergillosis: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Ao , Xiong Liubo , Wang Lian , Zhuang Han , Gan Xiao , Zou Mengying , Wang Xiaoming
Published: September 2023

Background: Several antifungal agents are available for primary therapy in patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA). Although a few studies have compared the effectiveness of different antifungal agents in treating IA, there has yet to be a definitive agreement on the best choice. Herein, we perform a network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of different antifungal agents in IA.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials databases to find studies (both randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and observational) that reported on treatment outcomes with antifungal agents for patients with IA. The study quality was assessed using the revised tool for risk of bias and the Newcastle Ottawa scale, respectively. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to summarize the evidence on antifungal agents' efficacy (favourable response and mortality).
Results: We found 12 studies (2428 patients) investigating 11 antifungal agents in the primary therapy of IA. There were 5 RCTs and 7 observational studies. When treated with monotherapy, isavuconazole was associated with the best probability of favourable response (SUCRA, 77.9%; mean rank, 3.2) and the best reduction mortality against IA (SUCRA, 69.1%; mean rank, 4.1), followed by voriconazole and posaconazole. When treated with combination therapy, Liposomal amphotericin B plus caspofungin was the therapy associated with the best probability of favourable response (SUCRA, 84.1%; mean rank, 2.6) and the best reduction mortality (SUCRA, 88.2%; mean rank, 2.2) against IA.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that isavuconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole may be the best antifungal agents as the primary therapy for IA. Liposomal amphotericin B plus caspofungin could be an alternative option.
From Variant of Uncertain Significance to Likely Pathogenic in Two Siblings with Atypical RAG2 Deficiency: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Taghizadeh Nima , Mohammadi Soha , Abolhassani Hassan , Shokri Sima , Nabavi Mohammad , Fallahpour Morteza , Bemanian Mohammad Hassan
Published: September 2023

Background
Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) are hereditary disorders characterized by impaired T and B cell function, resulting in significant immune system dysfunction. Recombination-activating gene (RAG) mutations account for a substantial proportion of SCID cases. Here, we present two sibling cases of SCID caused by a novel RAG2 gene mutation.
Case Presentation:
The first case engaged a 1-year-old boy who had a history of recurring infections. Initial diagnosis of Bruton's agammaglobulinemia was revised to combined immunodeficiency (CID) after a comprehensive immunological workup. The patient underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) but succumbed to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Case 2, a four-month-old boy, presented with CMV chorioretinitis and a family history of primary immunodeficiency. Leaky SCID was diagnosed based on genetic tests and immunological findings. The patient received appropriate treatment and was considered for HSCT. Both siblings had a homozygous RAG2 gene variant, with the first case classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). The presence of the same mutation in the second brother, along with the clinical phenotype, supports considering the mutation as likely pathogenic.
Conclusions
This case report highlights a novel RAG2 gene mutation associated with SCID in siblings. The classification of a VUS may evolve with accumulating evidence, and additional studies are warranted to establish its pathogenicity. Proper communication between genetic counselors and immunologists, accurate documentation of patient information, increased public awareness, and precise utilization of genetic techniques are essential for optimal patient management.
Reducing pesticides in agriculture: Unveiling the impact of landscape features on natural pest control and farm income.
Authors: KLINNERT ANA , Barbosa Ana Luisa , Catarino Rui , Fellmann Thomas , Baldoni Edoardo , Beber Caetano , Hristov Jordan , Paracchini Maria Luisa , Rega Carlo , Weiss Franz , Witzke Peter
Published: September 2023

Future trajectories of agricultural productivity need to incorporate environmental targets, including the reduction of pesticides use. Landscape features supporting natural pest control (LF-NPC) offer a nature-based solution that can serve as a partial substitute for synthetic pesticides, thereby supporting future productivity levels. Here, we introduce a novel approach to quantify the contribution of LF-NPC to agricultural yields and its associated economic value to crop production in a broad-scale context. Using the European Union as case study, we combine granular farm-level data, a spatially explicit map of LF-NPC potential across agricultural land, and a regional agro-economic supply and market model. The results reveal that farms located in areas characterized by higher LF-NPC potential experience lower productivity losses in a context of reduced synthetic pesticides use. Specifically, we estimate that a one-unit increase in LF-NPC potential, on average, leads to a 6.1% increase in agricultural income. These results highlight the significance of LF-NPC for agricultural production, and provide a valuable reference point for farmers and policymakers aiming to successfully invest in landscape features to achieve pesticides reduction targets.
The effect of living conditions on nature exposure and wellbeing in the Global South
Authors: Berdejo-Espinola Violeta , Zahnow Renee , Fuller Richard
Published: September 2023

Access to urban nature is an important contributor to global health. Yet, evidence on nature’s benefits comes overwhelmingly from the global north and such evidence might not directly translate to the global south. Using survey data from 1119 residents of Asuncion, Paraguay, we found that context and intentionality of nature exposure, and function of nature in the individual's daily life collectively shape nature’s effect on mental health and wellbeing. While stronger nature connection was positively associated with life satisfaction, for individuals living in informal settlements higher levels of greenness nearby their home was associated with lower life satisfaction. For residents of the formal parts of the city, the associations between nature experiences and wellbeing were positive, similar to those found in the global north. Our findings suggest that the nature wellbeing benefits depend on the socio-environmental context, and that connection to nature can be beneficial for wellbeing among the urban poor.
Systematic investigation of chemo-immunotherapy synergism to shift anti-PD-1 resistance in cancer
Authors: Yang Da , Wang Yue , Pattarayan Dhamotharan , Huang Haozhe , Zhao Yueshan , li sihan , Wang Yifei , Zhang Min , Li Song
Published: September 2023

Chemo-immunotherapy combinations have been regarded as one of the most practical ways to improve immunotherapy response in cancer patients. In this study, we integrated the transcriptomics data from immunotherapy-treated tumors and compound-treated cell lines to systematically identify chemo-immunotherapy synergisms and their underlying mechanisms. Through analyzing anti-PD-1 treatment induced expression changes in patient tumors, we developed a shift ability score that can measure whether a chemotherapy treatment shifts anti-PD-1 response. By applying the shift ability analysis on 41,321 compounds and 16,853 shRNA treated cancer cell line expression profiles, we characterized a systematic landscape of chemo-immunotherapy synergism and prioritized 17 potential synergy targets. Further investigation of the treatment induced transcriptomic data revealed that a mitophagy-dsRNA-MAVS-dependent activation of type I IFN signaling may be a novel mechanism for chemo-immunotherapy synergism. Our study represents the first comprehensive effort to mechanistically characterize chemo-immunotherapy synergism and will facilitate future pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Osimertinib tolerance in a patient with Stevens Johnson Syndrome during Osimertinib treatment followed by Pembrolizumab
Authors: Lopez Michael A , Hagopian Garo , Doan Linda , Lee Benjamin , Rojek Nathan W , Smith Janellen , Ou Sai-Hong I , Nagasaka Misako , Demirdag Yesim Yilmaz
Published: September 2023

Background: Osimertinib has emerged as an important tool in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) with certain activating mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, Osimertinib may cause adverse effects, including severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The risk of certain adverse effects may be increased in the setting of recent use of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, although it is unclear whether recent use of ICI therapy is a risk factor for Osimertinib-induced SJS specifically.Case presentation: We present a patient with EGFR L858R mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC who developed Osimertinib-induced SJS after recent administration of eight cycles of a pembrolizumab-containing chemotherapy regimen. Osimertinib, which was the best treatment targeting his lung cancer, was avoided due to history of SJS. Four years later, because of unresponsiveness or side effects of alternative treatments, he underwent Osimertinib challenge and tolerated it.Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary care and supports the hypothesis that the risk of SJS to Osimertinib is significantly higher in the context of recent administration of ICI therapy and, patients may tolerate Osimertinib after certain time has elapsed after the last dose of ICI.
Prescribed finite-time adaptive tracking control for a class of full state constrained non-strict feedback nonlinear multi-agent systems
Authors: Shang Yun , Cheng Zunshui , Xin Youming , Lin Xue
Published: September 2023

The target of this paper is to discuss the prescribed finite-time tracking control issue for uncertain full state constrained non-strict feedback nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs). An improved distributed adaptive control protocol is devised builded on a developed universal Lyapunov barrier function (BLF) approach and radial basis function (RBF) neural networks (NNs) technique. Compared with previous results, the proposed control strategy has the following characteristics. Firstly, under the backstepping design framework, the designed practice virtual control signals can satisfy the same limitation as the corresponding state variables so that the MAS is able to complete the tracking task smoothly. Furthermore, the proposed virtual and real control signals do not contain error terms whose fractional power is less than 1, then the singularity problem is avoided successfully. Secondly, with pre-specified settling time and accuracy level, the tracking error can converge to a small enough neighbourhood of origin without violating the constraints on state variables during the operation. It is shown that the proposed protocol enables the MAS achieve synchronous tracking within a pre-given finite time, meanwhile, signals in the MAS are always bounded. At last, the availability of the proposed control protocol is verified by a numerical simulation example.
A Novel Interpretable Fusion Analytic Framework for Investigating Functional Brain Connectivity Differences in Cognitive Impairments
Authors: Jeon Yeseul , Kim Jeong-Jae , Yu SuMin , Choi Junggu , Han Sanghoon
Published: September 2023

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is characterized by its complexity and high–dimensionality, encompassing signals from various regions of interests (ROIs) that exhibit intricate correlations. Analyzing fMRI data directly proves challenging due to its intricate structure. Nevertheless, ROIs convey crucial information about brain activities through their connections, offering insights into distinctive brain activity characteristics between different groups. To address this, we propose a cutting- edge interpretable fusion analytic framework that facilitates the identification and understanding of ROI connectivity disparities between two groups, thereby revealing their unique features. Our novel approach encompasses three key steps. Firstly, we construct ROI functional connectivity networks (FCNs) to effectively manage fMRI data. Secondly, employing the FCNs, we utilize a self–attention deep learning model for binary classification, generating an attention distribution that encodes group differences. Lastly, we employ a latent space item-response model to extract group representative ROI features, visualizing these features on the group summary FCNs. We validate the effectiveness of our framework by analyzing four types of cognitive impairments, showcasing its capability to identify significant ROIs contributing to the differences between the two disease groups. This novel interpretable fusion analytic framework holds immense potential for advancing our understanding of cognitive impairments and could pave the way for more targeted therapeutic interventions.
Immune Endotyping and Gene Expression Profile of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) and non-AERD Subgroups
Authors: Khoshmirsafa Majid , Nazari Javad , Shahba Faezeh , Aghdam Negin Jafari , Mohebbi Saleh , Arshi Saba , Bemanian Mohammad hassan , Fallahpour Morteza , Shokri Sima , Atashrazm Fatemeh , Amini Saeed , Roomiani Maryam , Jamee Mahnaz , Nabavi Mohammad
Published: September 2023

‌Background:
Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a paranasal sinus inflammatory disease and is divided into two subgroups defined as CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). CRSwNP displays a T helper (Th)2 biased phenotype, and based on sensitivity or tolerance to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), are further subdivided into Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and non-AERD groups. Considering the challenge of diagnosis and treatment in patients with CRSwNP, particularly the AERD subtype, and the significance of endotyping in these patients, we examined the immune profile and endotyping based on gene expression analysis in AERD and non-AERD groups of patients with CRSwNP.
Material and Method:
In this study, 21 patients were enrolled and were categorized into AERD (N=10) and non-AERD (N=11) groups based on their sensitivity to aspirin. After the special washing period, nasal polyps were biopsied in both groups, and the infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes was compared between the AERD and non-AERD groups. Also, gene expression levels of transcription factors including Tbet, GATA3, RoRγt, and FoxP3 and inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)1β, IL1RAP (IL1 receptor accessory protein), IL2, IL4, IL5, IL10, IL13, IL17, TNFα, and IFNγ were investigated by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analyses were performed using analytical tests including Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, and T-test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The mean±SD age of the studied groups was 37±8.7 years old (21-50) for AERD, and 40.4±7.7 years old (31-52) for non-AERD. LMS/EPOS/SNOT scores and pulmonary function tests showed no difference between the two groups. Serum IgE level was found to be higher in patients with AERD (p<0.05), however, the peripheral blood counts of eosinophils were comparable in the two groups. In the histopathologic analysis, the AERD group showed higher percentages of eosinophils (p=0.04), neutrophils (p=0.04), and plasma cells (p=0.04) than the non-AERD group. Additionally, the gene expression levels of GATA3 (p<0.01), IL4 (p<0.05), IL5 (p<0.05), and IL17 (p<0.05) were significantly higher in AERD than non-AERD groups.
Conclusion:
Higher levels of GATA3, IL4, IL5, and IL17 were observed in the AERD group compared with the non-AERD group. These findings point to distinct patterns of inflammation in patients with AERD, with a predominance of Th2 inflammation.
Immigrant and ethnic minority patients` experiences in psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment – a scoping review
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte Karoline , Iversen Hilde Hestad , Skudal Kjersti Eeg , Ellingsen-Dalskau Lina Harvold
Published: September 2023

Background
There is little evidence on experiences in psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment among patients with immigrant or ethnic minority background. Knowledge about their experiences is crucial in the development of equal and high-quality services and is needed to validate instruments applied in national patient experience surveys in Norway. The aim of this scoping review is to assess and summarize current evidence on immigrant and ethnic minorities` experiences in psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment in Europe.
Methods
We followed guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Search was carried out in Medline, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Embase, and APA PsychInfo, up to Dec 2022. All articles were screened and extracted by two researchers and evidence summarized in tables and text.
Results
We included eight studies in the scoping review, all focusing on mental health care and one in addition on substance abuse treatment. Immigrant and ethnic minority background patients did differ from the general population in quantitative satisfaction questionnaires. However, qualitative studies showed that they experience a lack of understanding and respect of own culture and related needs, and difficulties in communication, which do not seem to be captured in questionnaire-based studies.
Conclusion
Raising awareness about the importance of respect and understanding for patients` cultural background and communication needs for treatment satisfaction should be addressed in future quality improvement work.
Experiment to detect the electric charge of quantum vacuum fermions
Authors: Guglinski Wladimir
Published: September 2023

In 2013 EPJ D published a paper [1] in which is proposed an experiment that, if it confirms the prediction exposed in the paper, ultimately means a confirmation of the existence of fermions that make up the quantum vacuum. Here is shown a calculation of the value of the electric charge of these fermions. The value achieved for the charge e0 is 5.06532×10− 45 C. From this value of e0, together with the fundamental constants KO, c, ħ, α = 1/137, and the Bohr’s radius, the electric charge of the proton is calculated, achieving the value e = 1.6026×10− 19 C, which is very close to the experimental e = 1.60218×10− 19 C. The calculations from which those results were obtained are exposed here, and in the Conclusion at the end of the paper is shown that the result of such calculations cannot be mere coincidence. From different possibilities to modify the vacuum, if from an experiment be obtained a value close to 5×10− 45 C, the existence of such fermions will be definitively confirmed.
Tabanidae (Diptera) captured on horses in the Cerrado biome of Tocantins, Brazil.
Authors: Costa Mariana Vaz da , Rodrigues Gratchela Dutra , de Lima Helena Iris Leite , Krolow Tiago Kütter , Krüger Rodrigo Ferreira
Published: September 2023

Tabanidae is a family of Diptera. These flies, popularly known as horseflies, have global geographic distribution, except in Antarctica. This is the first study to ascertain the abundance and diversity of horseflies in horses at the Cerrado of Tocantins, Brazil. Collecting took place in the phytophysiognomy classified as typical cerrado and sampling was divided into four campaigns, two in the dry season and two in the rainy season, totalling a sampling effort of 13 hours per day. Tabanids were collected using horses (Equus caballusLinnaeus (Perissodactyla: Equidae)) as an attractant. The attracted horseflies were caught with an entomological net. A total of 25 species were collected. The most prevalent species wereStypommisa aripuana(25.8%) andCatachlorops rufescens(6.4%), more numerous in the dry season, andFidena lissorhina(22.5%),Tabanus occidentalisvar.dorsovittatus(10%) andPoeciloderas quadripunctatus(6.4%), more numerous in the rainy season. The results suggest that tabanids do not give horses a seasonal break, and are a constant threat to their health in the cerrado of Tocantins.
Diverse roles of water vapor trigger unusual stratosphere after 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption
Authors: Chen Xi , wang Jun , Zhou Meng , Lu Zhendong , Jaegle Lyatt , Oman Luke , Taha Ghassan
Published: September 2023

The unprecedented amount (150–160 Tg) of water vapor (WV) from 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai (HT) eruption could cool the stratosphere and influence stratospheric sulfate particles formation and growth. However, it is still unclear that how much contribution from each of these diverse roles of WV to the stratospheric evolution and which role is dominant. Here, constrained by satellite observations, we develop analytical models to quantify the direct contribution of WV cooling and indirect contribution of WV affecting sulfate particles properties to stratospheric temperature modulation. For the first time, we reveal that the condensation and nucleation processes, promoted by abundant WV, contribute ~ 90% to the particle radius growth from ~ 0.2 µm to 0.35–0.45 µm after HT, accounting for observed strong aerosol extinction. This rapid growth rate is comparable to that in the first two months after the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, which emitted similar WV but ~ 80 times more sulfur dioxide. This disparity leads to stronger WV cooling than aerosols warming in the lower and middle stratosphere after HT, resulting in the strongest mid-latitude cooling since Pinatubo eruption of -8~-4 K for 4–7 months, opposite to the stratospheric warming dominated by volcanic aerosols often expected after volcanic eruptions.
Asprosin aggravates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via inflammation and lipid metabolic disturbance mediated by ROS
Authors: Wang Chaowen , Zeng Wenjing , Wang Li , Xiong Xiaowei , Chen Shen , Huang Qianqian , Zeng Guohua , Huang Qiren
Published: September 2023

Asprosin (ASP) is a newly-identified adipokine and plays important roles in energy metabolism homeostasis. However, there is no report on whether and how ASP is involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role and the underlying mechanisms of ASP in the cell and mouse models of NAFLD. Our data showed that ASP-deficiency significantly alleviated HFD-induced inflammation and NAFLD, inhibited the hepatic fat deposition and down-regulated the expressions of fat acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) in the ASP-deficiency mouse model, suggesting that ASP is involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Moreover, we found that the mechanism of ASP responsible for NAFLD was through disturbing the lipid metabolism homeostasis of hepatocytes and promoting the inflammation mediated by ROS. The findings suggest that ASP would become a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for NAFLD.
Identifying Epstein-Barr Virus Immunoevasins and their Protein-Protein Interactions through Database Mining
Authors: Aziz Norazlin Abdul , Tan Lu Ping , Murray Paul G. , Kornain Noor Kaslina Mohd , Ismail Aletza Mohd
Published: September 2023

Background
Viruses can utilise a variety of mechanisms to escape recognition and elimination by the host immune system. Here, we aim to exploit the UniProt database to identify Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proteins with a function in immune system evasion (so-called ‘immunoevasins’) and to explore their associated biological processes and protein-protein interactions.
Methods
The UniProt database was used as the primary source for data mining. Keywords related to biological processes, including ‘immune system inhibition’ and ‘evasion’, were used. Only Swiss-Prot-reviewed proteins were included, and the retrieved data were further analysed by extracting information on annotation scores, gene ontologies and interactors. Further protein-protein interactions analysis was performed using the IntAct database.
Results
Our search in the UniProt database yielded 11 EBV proteins from 5 known EBV strains associated with host-immune evasion. The majority of the EBV proteins identified were involved in the inhibition of the host innate immune response. Others were related to the inhibition of adaptive host immune responses and the interferon signalling pathway. Protein-protein interactions analysis revealed four host proteins that have direct interaction with the EBV proteins.
Conclusion
Database mining has contributed to the rapid identification of curated EBV immunoevasins and identified the involved biological processes and relevant protein interactions.
Falling Head Permeameter Test and Darcy's Equation
Authors: Lee Bong-Joo
Published: September 2023

A new permeameter was proposed for field falling head test, and evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. The device, an open-ended standpipe permeameter connected to two manometers by flexible tubes, was designed to measure heads at double ends of the sediment column inside the permeameter during the falling head tests. The heads were used to estimate water flux (q) and vertical hydraulic gradient (i) for determination of vertical hydraulic conductivity (K) using Darcy equation. Water flux was calculated by taking the first derivative of the best fit equation for the water level change above the sediment column. Differences in heads measured simultaneously at the two points were used to calculate hydraulic gradients. Tests under both laboratory and field conditions showed strong linear relationships between q and i (R2 > 0.999), indicating that Darcy’s equation could be directly applied for determination of K from the falling head tests. The laboratory test data was also analyzed using the Hvorslev falling head permeameter test for comparison, and the results showed a good agreement with those of the proposed method. The mean with 95% confidence interval for K values by the proposed (0.0478\(\pm\)4.1E-4 cm/s) is similar to that by the Hvorslev falling head permeameter test (0.048\(\pm\)8.5E-4 cm/s). Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA showed that the two groups are not significantly different at the 0.05 level. Field tests in a streambed also showed the relationships between water flux and hydraulic gradient by the proposed method were highly linear (R2 > 0.999). The ratios of mean K values by the two methods at each point, Kproposed / KHvorslev, were closer to 1 (0.91 at point A, 1.06 at point B, 1.07 at point C, and 1.03 at point D), indicating the agreement between the two methods was good.
Preparation and Performance Characterization of Copper and Diamond Filled Composite Thermal Conductivity Materials
Authors: Wang Shuai , Ma Xiang , Gao Quan , Wang Jinyu , Xu Na , Zhang Yonghai , Wei Jinjia , Zhao Jianfu , Li Bin
Published: September 2023

An experiment investigation was conducted to prepare and study the thermal conductivity performance of copper and diamond composite materials. Copper powder and diamond particles were used as fillers, epoxy resin was used as matrix, and composite materials were prepared by vacuum-assisted mechanical stirring. The thermal expansion coefficient of different composite materials was measured by a laser flash method, which can be used to calculate the thermal conductivity. The effect of the filling rate of copper powder, the morphology of copper powder, the filling rate of diamond, and the thermal conductivity of the particles on the thermal conductivity of composite materials was studied. The results showed that thermal conductivity of copper powder and diamond particles composite materials are 874% and 535% higher than that of the epoxy resin when their filling rates were 50.3 vol.% and 40.0 vol.%, respectively. For two-dimensional flake copper powder materials, the thermal conductivity could be effectively improved at a lower filling rate. However, the flake particles were easy to aggregate at a high filling rate, which is not conducive to the thermal conductivity of the composite materials.
Early estimation of faba bean yield based on unmanned aerial systems hyperspectral images and stacking ensemble
Authors: Cui Yuxing , Ji Yishan , Fei Shuaipeng , Liu Zehao , Liu Rong , Zong Xuxiao , Yang Tao
Published: September 2023

Faba bean is a vital legume crop, and its early yield estimation can improve field management practices. In this study, unmanned aerial system (UAS) hyperspectral imagery was used for the first time to estimate faba bean yield early. Different basic algorithms, including random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), partial least squares regression (PLS), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), were employed along with stacking ensemble learning to construct the faba bean yield model and investigate factors influencing model accuracy. The results are as follows: when using the same algorithm and growth period, integrating texture information into the model improved the estimation accuracy compared to using spectral information alone. Among the base models, the XGB model performed the best in the context of growth period consistency. Moreover, the stacking ensemble significantly improved model accuracy, yielding satisfactory results, with the highest model accuracy (R2) reaching 0.76. Model accuracy varied significantly for models based on different growth periods using the same algorithm. The accuracy of the model gradually improved during a single growth period, but the rate of improvement decreased over time. Data fusion of growth period data helped enhance model accuracy in most cases. In conclusion, combining UAS-based hyperspectral data with ensemble learning for early yield estimation of faba beans is feasible, therefore, this study would offer a novel approach to predict faba bean yield.
Simoniteuthis, a new vampyromorph coleoid with prey in its arms from the Early Jurassic of Luxembourg
Authors: Fuchs Dirk , Weis Roby , Thuy Ben
Published: September 2023

The evolutionary history of the cephalopod order Vampyromorpha with its only recent representative, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, the deep sea vampire squid, is still obscure and a new specimen from the Early Jurassic of Luxembourg, provides new information on the vampyromorph morphology at this period. The new taxon Simoniteuthis michaelyi n. sp., which is based on a nearly complete gladius with associated head-arm complex, is morphologically intermediate between the families Loligosepiidae and Geopeltidae. Interestingly, the arm crown displays only four arm pairs, although an arm configuration consisting of five arm pairs should be expected in vampyromorph stem lineage representatives. This observation encouraged us to critically review the presumed homology of the filaments of Vampyroteuthis and the lost arm pair in cirrate and incirrate octopods. Moreover, two bony fishes in the mouth region implicated that Simoniteuthis michaelyi n. sp. preyed upon them in hostile water depths, a taphonomic phenomenon called distraction sinking. By contrast to modern Vampyroteuthis infernalis, Simoniteuthis michaelyi n. sp. roamed and hunted in shallower waters as typical for Mesozoic stem lineage vampyromorphs. According to the current fossil record, a vertical migration into deeper waters (probably associated with a shift in feeding behaviour) occurred at least since the Oligocene.
Studying the human factor impact on the success of Just-In-Time implementation: a case study conducted on Moroccan industrial companies.
Authors: Sebtaoui Fatima Ezzahra , Meddaoui Anwar , En-nhaili Ahmed
Published: September 2023

The main objective of this study is to show the impact of human factor on JIT implementation by highlighting the best practices deployed JIT organizations and benefits obtained. The critical success factors (CSFs) or activities executed by manufacturing organizations during the process of JIT implementation are studied and grouped as three latent variables that are: human resources, management commitment, and relations with suppliers. The benefits obtained are also studied and grouped as three latent variables: benefits in production process, benefits in inventory management and economic benefits. A case study is conducted in the Moroccan automotive and aerospace industries. Furthermore, the study proposes a structural equations model that presents the human factor as the most important factor in JIT implementation and is proposed as the initial independent latent variable, being in interaction with other CSFs and benefits.
Association of Lung Function With Benzene, Toluene and Xylene (Btx) in End-exhaled Air in Gas Station Attendants
Authors: Warnakulasuriya Tania , Medagoda Kushan , Amarasiri Lakmali , Wadasinghe Dilesha , Kottahachchi Dulani , Luke Dunya , Ariyawansa Janaki , Rathnayake Prasanna , Dissanayake Tharuka , Fernando Sudeera , de Werdt Laurie , Ediriweera Dileepa , Wickramasinghe Rajitha , De Silva Deepthi C , Devanarayana Niranga Manjuri , Scheepers Paul T.J.
Published: September 2023

Background - Gas station attendants are exposed to benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) from fuels. The aim was to study the association between this exposure and spirometry parameters in gas station attendants and office workers as controls.
Method – In 44 male gas station attendants and 38 office workers in the Gampaha district of Sri Lanka, spirometry was performed according to the guidelines of the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Pre- and postshift end-exhaled air samples were collected from a subgroup of 20 gas station attendants and 11 office workers and analysed for BTX by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry.
Results –The peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and %-predicted PEF were significantly lower among gas station attendants compared to controls (p = 0.012). Among gas station attendants, the postshift sample benzene level showed a significant negative correlation with %-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) (Spearman’s correlation coefficient of -0.683, p = 0.014). The %-predicted FVC was lower in gas station attendants working ≥ 5 years compared to those who worked < 5 years (82.71% ±12.53 vs 91.25%±7.50; p = 0.026). In controls, a distinct pattern was observed, indicating a moderate to strong association of postshift toluene and xylenes with all lung function parameters but not benzene. These results were adjusted for smoking.
Conclusion –In gas station attendants, we observed restrictive responses in spirometry that were most pronounced for the level of work-related benzene exposure and associated with duration of employment. Air pollutants other than BTX may have contributed to explaining our findings.
Effect of HNTs and modified HNTs nanotubes on the mechanical properties and swelling resistance of EPDM/SBR rubber blend nanocomposites
Authors: A Arunkumar , D Srinivasan , S Vishvanathperumal , V Navaneethakrishnan
Published: September 2023

The relationship between the structure and mechanical properties of intricate rubber nanocomposites holds the key to enhancing the performance of roofing membranes. This study involves the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) that have been modified with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) into blends of ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). These blends maintain consistent concentrations, with a composition of 80% EPDM and 20% SBR. This addition aims to assess changes in curing behavior, mechanical characteristics, microstructure, and swelling tendencies. The incorporation of APTES-modified HNTs leads to an increase in minimum torque, maximum torque, and delta torque during the curing process. However, both scorch time and optimal cure time decrease as HNTs content rises. Notably, systems containing 6 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of APTES-modified HNTs exhibit a remarkable 121% enhancement in tensile strength and a 59% increase in stress at 100% elongation. With the escalating concentration of HNTs within the EPDM/SBR nanocomposites, a multitude of alterations come into play. Tear strength, hardness, and resistance to abrasion experience improvements, while elongation at break, rebound resilience, and mole percent uptake undergo reduction. APTES-modified HNTs filler-filled EPDM/SBR nanocomposites exhibited superior performance compared to those filled with unmodified HNTs. The augmented hydrophobic nature of APTES-modified HNTs fosters enhanced particle dispersion, thereby fostering improved mechanical properties, as evidenced in FESEM.
Rapid analysis of insecticidal metabolites from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana 331R using UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS
Authors: Kim Jong-Cheol , Hwang In Min , Kim Ho Myeong , Kim S , Shin Teak Su , Woo Soo-Dong , Park Hae Woong
Published: September 2023

Beauveria bassiana, a representative entomopathogenic fungus, is increasingly being utilized as an eco-friendly pest management alternative to chemical insecticides. This fungus produces a range of insecticidal secondary metabolites that act as antimicrobial and immunosuppressive agents. This study aimed to develop a method for the rapid analysis of these metabolites. Eight secondary metabolites (bassianin, bassianolide, beauvericin, beauveriolide Ⅰ, enniatin A, A1, and B, and tenellin) were efficiently extracted when B.bassiana-infected Tenebrio molitor larvae were ground in 70% EtOH extraction solvent and subsequently subjected to ultrasonic treatment for 30 minutes. The eight metabolites were rapidly and simultaneously analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS). Bassianolide (20.6–51.1 µg/g) and beauvericin (63.6–109.8 µg/g) were identified as the main metabolites in B. basssiana-infected larvae, indicating that they are likely major toxins of B. bassiana. Validation of the method exhibited recovery rates in the range of 80–115% and precision in the range of 0.1–8.0%, indicating no significant interference from compounds in the matrix. The validation results satisfied the guidelines of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. This study also suggests that B. bassiana may employ different metabolite production strategies depending on the target insect. The findings of this study reveal an efficient and time-effective method for analyzing B. bassiana metabolites. This method not only enhances our understanding of the insecticidal mechanisms of B. bassiana but also aids in the development of biopesticide products using these fungal-derived metabolites, thereby promoting eco-friendly pest management strategies.
WITHDRAWN: Improving Energy Efficiency of Massive MIMO Network Using Advanced Sleep Mode Technique
Authors: Ahmed Israa Hilme , Abdulkafi Ayad Atiyah
Published: September 2023

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (Massive MIMO) is regarded as a potential technique to increase spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE) For the next generation of wireless networks. Meanwhile, EE is becoming an increasingly important concern for communications operators in order to not only maintain profitability but also reduce the overall negative impact on the environment. In this paper, a new advanced sleep mode (ASM) technique dedicated to massive MIMO network is proposed. In proposed ASM based massive MIMO, a certain number of antennas are switched ON/OFF according to the traffic loads aiming to improve the EE performance. Simulation results show that significant energy efficiency gains can be achieved by the proposed ASM based massive MIMO, especially in low load conditions. At optimal SE, the proposed approach improves the network EE by up to 3%, 24% and 54.6% for high, medium, and low traffic load factors, respectively, when compared to traditional MIMO operation without sleep mode.
Architecture of a dual biocompatible platform to immobilize genistin: Fabrication with physio-chemical and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Esmaeilneia Sakineh , Dehkharghani Rahebeh Amiri , Benisi S. Zamanlui
Published: September 2023

In this research, genistin was obtained by extracting from soybean meal powder, and then by adding polycaprolactone (PCL), genistin nanocapsules were prepared. For the first time, we used a lipophilic nanophase (encapsulated genistin) coated in hydrophilic nanofibers (gelatin /polyvinyl alcohol) as a dual nanosystem by the electrospinning method. In the approach, the nanofibers mimic the natural extracellular matrix, interact favorably with cells being cultured from one side, and raise the local concentration of a bioactive compound at the cell surface. The encapsulated drug was loaded in fibers with various percentages, which showed appropriate and significant controlled release using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To prove the experiments, analysis using an ultraviolet-visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), 1 H NMR spectrometer, Fourier transforms infrared spectrometer (FTIR), mechanical test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microscope transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed. Finally, excellent biological effects, viability, and non-toxicity of the sample synthesized by the MTT method and significant proliferation and adhesion on mouse fibroblast cell line L929 were obtained.
Intra-Tier Interference Management using Massive MIMO for Spatial Channel Correlation with Pilot Contamination in HetNet
Authors: S Subaselvi , P Jeyakumar , J Anandpushparaj , M Dhamodaran
Published: September 2023

Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) is a cochannel deployment of macro base stations (mBSs) with very large antenna arrays as massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and a secondary tier of small cells (SCs) with a few antennas utilizing a synchronized time division duplexing (TDD) protocol in the network. The TDD protocol is a key enabler for a HetNet to provide ubiquitous coverage and unprecedented spectral area efficiencies in the network. The channel reciprocity in the proposed system enables not only the estimation of large-dimensional channels at the BSs, but also an implicit coordination between both tiers without the need to exchange user data or channel state information (CSI) over the backhaul. In the spatial channel correlation with pilot contamination for massive MIMO data transmission, the BSs and SCs suffer from dominant interference sub-space in the network. In order to overcome the problem in the HetNet, transmit precoding and different receive combining schemes are proposed to reduce the inta-tier interference in the network. The Least Square(LS) channel estimator for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) increases an estimation quality, and UL and DL Spectral Efficiency (SE) based on channel estimation is implemented in the proposed system for improving Quality of Service (QoS) in the HetNet. The simulation results for SE in various receive combining schemes with trasmit precoding are implemented to increase the SE and reduce the intra-tier interference in the HetNet.
Combined alkali impregnation and poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride-assisted cellulase absorption for high-efficiency pretreatment of wheat straw
Authors: Huang Fuchun , Tian Zhongjian , Ma Hao , Ding Zhaodong , Ji Xingxiang , Si Chuanling , Wang Dongxing
Published: September 2023

Bio-enzyme pretreatment can effectively reduce the chemical resistance of wood fibers, thereby resulting in a reduction in energy consumption during the pulping process. However, both cellulase and cellulose fibers commonly exhibit negative charge used in water, leading to inherent electrostatic repulsion. The present study developed a novel combined pretreatment approach involving alkali impregnation and poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDADMAC)-assisted treatment to enhance the efficiency of cellulase treatment and obtain pulp with superior properties. The results showed that the alkali impregnation effectively destroyed the waxy layer on the surface of wheat straw, enhancing the interaction between subsequent cellulase and wheat straw fibers. The presence of PDADMAC further facilitated cellulase adsorption onto the wheat straw surface. When the PDADMAC dosage was increased to 1.0×10− 3 g/g wheat straw, the cellulase adsorption rate exhibited a significant increase of 42.28%. Additionally, at cellulase dosages of 10 U/g and 15 U/g, the pulp filtration capacity demonstrated improvements of 35.41% and 16.30%, respectively.
Implications of serum liver enzymes for brain amyloidopathy and cognition
Authors: Han Sang-Won , Lee Sang-Hwa , Kim Jong Ho , Lee Jae-Jun , Park Young Ho , Kim SangYun , Nho Kwangsik , Sohn Jong-Hee
Published: September 2023

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Emerging evidence has suggested potential interactions between the brain and peripheral organs, particularly the liver, in regulating Aβ homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum liver enzymes with brain amyloidopathy and cognitive performance as the precise relationship remains unclear.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data collected between November 2015 and June 2023 using a clinical big data analytic solution called the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW). A total of 1,036 patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases were included in the study. Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, and measurements of liver enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and albumin, were assessed. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between liver enzymes, amyloid status, and cognitive performance. Additionally, a machine learning approach was used to assess the classification performance of liver enzymes in predicting amyloid status.ResultsLower ALT levels (OR, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.957–0.994;P= 0.031) and higher AST-to-ALT ratios (OR, 1.862; 95% CI, 1.397–2.521;P< 0.001) were significantly associated with amyloid PET positivity. The AST-to-ALT ratio wasalsosignificantly associated with poor memory function. Machine learning analysis revealed that the classification performance of amyloid status (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.642) for age, sex, and apolipoprotein E ε4 carrier status significantly improved by 6.2% by integrating the AST-to-ALT ratio.ConclusionsThe association of lower ALT levels and a higher AST-to-ALT ratio with amyloid status in the brain suggests potential implications of liver function in the Aβ pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, the AST-to-ALT ratio showed promising associations with memory function, and its integration with clinical information improved the classification performance of amyloid status in the brain.