bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional survey in Central African Republic finds mortality 4-times higher than official UN statistics: Is the Central African Republic the World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis?
Authors: Gang Karume Baderha Augustin , O’Keeffe Jennifer , Anonymous  , Roberts Les
Published: January 2023

Background
CAR is one of the poorest countries in the world. While UN statistics suggest that there is no health emergency in the country, two recently published mortality surveys contradict this. Moreover, recent accusations of massive scale human rights abuses by mercenaries suggested the need for a nationwide mortality survey.
Methods
Two stage cluster surveys were conducted in two different strata: one in the roughly half of the country within the Government’s control, and one in the prefectures mostly outside of the Government’s control. We randomly selected 40 clusters of 10 households in each strata. The survey included questions on vital events with open-ended questions about health and household challenges at the beginning and end of each interview.
Results
70 of 80 selected clusters were successfully visited. We interviewed 699 households, containing 5070 people. 11 households (1.6%) refused to be interviewed and approximately 18.3% of households were absent at the time of visitation, mainly in the safer Government controlled areas. Interviewed households had a birth rate of 42.6 /1000 / year (95%CI 35.4–59.7) and a crude mortality rate (CMR) of 1.57 /10,000/day (95%CI: 1.36–1.78). The birth rate was lower and the death rate markedly higher in the strata outside of Government control. Families described malaria or fever, and diarrhea as the primary causes of death with violence only accounting for 6%.
Conclusions
CAR is experiencing a severe health emergency, with the highest measured nationwide mortality in the world to our knowledge. Official UN death rate estimates appear to be less than one fourth of reality. The population desperately needs access to food and basic health care and security restored. The UN should address the issue of mercenaries, operating outside the accountability of any Government, in contributing to humanitarian emergencies as is currently occurring in CAR.
Creation of Structured Abrasive Tools via Multiple-pass Rotary Wire EDM: A Geometrical Model
Authors: Wang Bixuan , Liu Gongyu , Zhao Yong Jie , Wang Bo , Bi Qingzhen , Pierce Robert S. , Qi huan , Fang Xuewei , LI Hao Nan
Published: January 2023

Structured Abrasive Tools (SATs) are considered as one of the next-generation abrasive tool solutions due to their superior ability to transport cutting fluids into grinding zones to lower grinding temperature and therefore enable high-quality machined surfaces. There are several SAT fabrication methods including mechanical, electroplating, brazing and laser-based methods. Mechanical methods can not produce SATs with small-sized structures due to significant contact forces, while electroplating has poor controllability of abrasive grain allocations. Brazing requires special machines with high-precision motion control while laser-based methods need significant efforts on laser parameter selection and optimisation. With this, here we present a Multiple-Pass Rotary Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (MPRWEDM) method to address the aforementioned limitations. We also develop a theorical model of the created kerf profile during the MPRWEDM so as to enable controllable fabrication of SATs. The model was experimentally validated, showing a decent relative error of 9.8%. The non-linear multiple-pass effect was studied both analytically and experimentally. Based on MPRWEDM, not only the SAT with designed grooves but also the structured surface (having an array of pyramid geometries) generated by the SAT were successfully created, proving the great potential of MPRWEDM in controllable production of even more advanced tools.
The DACH1 gene is frequently deleted in prostate cancer, restrains prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, decreases DNA damage repair, and predicts therapy responses.
Authors: Pestell Richard , Li Zhiping , Jiao Xuanmao , Robertson A. , Sante Gabriele Di , Ashton Anthony , DiRocco Agnese , Wang Min , Zhao Jun , Addya Sankar , Wang Chenguang , McCue Peter , South Andrew , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Liu Runzhi , Patel Kishan , Hamid Rasha , Parmar Jorim , DuHadaway James , Jones Steven , Casimiro Mathew , Schultz Nikolaus , Kossenkov Andrew , Phoon Lai Yee , Chen Hao , Lan Li , Sun Yunguang , Iczkowski Kenneth , Rui Hallgeir
Published: January 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa), the second leading cause of death in American men, includes distinct genetic subtypes with distinct therapeutic vulnerabilities. The DACH1 gene encodes a winged helix/Forkhead DNA-binding protein that competes for binding to FOXM1 sites. Herein, DACH1 gene deletion within the 13q21.31-q21.33 region occurs in up to 18% of human PCa and was associated with increased AR activity and poor prognosis. In prostate OncoMice, prostate-specific deletion of the Dach1 gene enhanced prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and was associated with increased TGFb activity and DNA damage. Reduced Dach1 increased DNA damage in response to genotoxic stresses. DACH1 was recruited to sites of DNA damage, augmenting recruitment of Ku70/Ku80. Reduced Dach1 expression was associated with increased homology directed repair and resistance to PARP inhibitors and TGFb kinase inhibitors. Reduced Dach1 expression may define a subclass of PCa that warrants specific therapies.
BiliBin: An Intelligent Mobile Phone-based Platform to Monitor Newborn Jaundice
Authors: Zarehpour Eisa , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Zakeri-Nasrabadi Morteza , Aein Sara , Sangsari Razieh , Taheri Lila , Zabihallahpour Ali , Rohi Iraj
Published: January 2023

Using mobile phones for medical applications are proliferating due to high-quality embedded sensors. Jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the skin caused by excess bilirubin, is a prevalent physiological problem in newborns. While moderate amounts of bilirubin are safe in healthy newborns, extreme levels are fatal and cause devastating and irreversible brain damage. Accurate tests to measure jaundice require a blood draw or dedicated clinical devices facing difficulty where clinical technology is unavailable. This paper presents a smartphone-based screening tool to detect neonatal hyperbilirubinemia caused by the high bilirubin production rate. A machine learning regression model is trained on a pretty large dataset of images, including 446 samples, taken from newborns' sternum skin in four medical centers in Iran. The learned model is then used to estimate the level of bilirubin. Experimental results show a mean absolute error of 1.807 and a correlation of 0.701 between predicted bilirubin by the proposed method and the TSB values as ground truth.
Ventral anchoring of the conus medullaris: a new surgical technique preventing the recurrence of retethering after surgery for tethered spinal cord
Authors: Morota Nobuhito , Ihara Satoshi , Inukai Madoka , Kuroha Masae
Published: January 2023

Objective: Retethering is not an unusual operation for a congenital lumbosacral dysraphic spinal lesion. The present study aimed to assess a new surgical technique for preventing retethering.
Surgical technique: After untethering the spinal cord, the pia mater or scar tissue at the caudal end of the conus medullaris is anchored to the ventral dura mater loosely using 8-0 thread, and the dura mater is closed directly. This technique is called ventral anchoring.
Results: Ventral anchoring was performed in 15 patients (aged 5 to 37 years old, average age: 12.1 years old) between 2014 and 2021. All but one patient showed improvement or stabilization of the preoperative symptoms. No complication directly related to the procedure was observed. Postoperative MRI demonstrated that the dorsal subarachnoid space was restored in 14 patients but was undetectable or absent in three patients on follow-up MRI. No patients have experienced a recurrence of the tethered cord syndrome during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: Ventral anchoring is effective for restoring the dorsal subarachnoid space after untethering the spinal cord. This preliminary study suggested that ventral anchoring has the potential to prevent the postoperative recurrence of tethered cord syndrome in patients with a congenital lumbosacral dysraphic spinal lesion.
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) and High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Buggies to Improve COVID-19 Safety for the Youngest Children: Evaluation of Prototypes
Authors: Hoerger Michael
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Young children are susceptible to COVID-19 infection in high-risk settings because they cannot begin vaccination until at least 6 months old and cannot mask safely until at least 2 years old. During essential activities, parents have attempted to protect children in strollers using rain covers, but these provide limited protection against airborne transmission. The investigator examined various models of rain-covered strollers that used either PAPR or HEPA air cleaning devices to provide safer air, so-called “PAPR buggies” and “HEPA buggies.” Materials and Method The investigation examined six models that varied based on the type of air filter, (PAPR, small/large HEPA), stroller, and rain cover, and the number of children (single or twin). Key outcomes were a qualitative assessment of strengths and limitations, air flow metrics, and sound intensity. Although all models used safe commercially-sold rain covers, the smallest model was also tested for air quality. Results The investigator evaluated each model as acceptable. The PAPR buggies are discrete, whereas the HEPA buggies offer greater flexibility in price and air flow rates. Models had a median of 185.26 air changes per hour, ACH (range of 57.22-951.33), equivalent to 12.35 times the standard for U.S. operating rooms (range of 3.81–63.42). Sound intensity was equivalent to a conversation or office setting (55.5–64.6 dB). Air quality testing revealed no safety concerns. Costs are reasonable for many families. Discussion PAPR and HEPA buggies are additional tools families can use as a part of a multifaceted strategy to improve safety in high-risk settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The models evaluated were reasonable, provided excellent air flow, and had tolerable sound levels. There were no safety concerns, though parents are cautioned to only use commercially-sold, safe rain covers. The investigator offers suggestions for disseminating the widespread use of PAPR and HEPA buggies.
On softmultiset filter of a residuated lattices and its application in decision making problem
Authors: VS Anusuya Ilamathi
Published: January 2023

In this work, the study on new theoretical developments and links between the residuation and the hyperstructure called softmultisets is focused. The relation between softset filter and softmultiset had been exposed. The concepts of softmultiset filter of a residuated lattice is introduced and many of its results are established. Following this an application of softmultiset filter in a decision making problem is presented.
MSC 2010: 06B10 ; 06D72; 08A72.
Sea-ice decline makes zooplankton stay deeper for longer
Authors: Flores Hauke , Veyssiere Gaelle , Castellani Giulia , Wilkinson Jeremy , Hoppmann Mario , Karcher Michael , Valcic Lovro , Cornils Astrid , Geoffroy Maxime , Nicolaus Marcel , Niehoff Barbara , Priou Pierre , Schmidt Katrin , Stroeve Julienne
Published: January 2023

As Arctic sea ice deteriorates, more light enters the Arctic Ocean, causing largely unknown effects on the ecosystem. A novel autonomous bio-physical observatory provided the first record of zooplankton vertical distribution under sea ice drifting across the Arctic Ocean from dusk to dawn of the polar night. Its measurements revealed that zooplankton ascend into the under-ice layer during autumn twilight, following an isolume of 5.5 10-4 W m-2. We applied this trigger isolume to IPCC models enabled to incorporate incoming radiation after sunset and before sunrise of the polar night. The models project that, in about three decades, the total time spent by zooplankton in the under-ice layer will be reduced by up to one month, depending on geographic region. This will impact zooplankton winter survival, the Arctic foodweb, carbon- and nutrient fluxes. These findings highlight the importance of processes in the twilight periods for predicting change in high-latitude ecosystems.
Edible exosome-like nanoparticles from Portulaca oleracea L prevent DSS-induced colitis via the promotion of double-positive CD4 + CD8 + T cells
Authors: Zhu Min-zheng , Xu Hao-ming , Liang Yu-jie , Xu Jing , Yue Ning-ning , Zhang Yuan , Tian Cheng-mei , Yao Jun , Wang Li-sheng , Nie Yu-qiang , Li De-feng
Published: January 2023

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) have been paid great attention in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). As a proof of concept, we show that Portulaca oleracea L-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PELNs) are isolated and identified from edible Portulaca oleracea L with desirable nano-size (~ 160 nm) and a negative zeta potential value (-31.4mV). Moreover, we find that oral administration of PELNs can suppress the expressions of pro-inflammation cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β), and increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced mice and PHLPP2−/−mice spontaneous colitis contributing to alleviate colitis. Furthermore, orally administered PELNs can display great stability in gastrointestinal tract environment, and specifically targeted to desired inflammatory site in mice colitis. In addition, oral administration of PELNs can effectively maintain the diversity and balance of gut microbiota, and specifically induce the differentiation of double-positive CD4+CD8+T cells (DP CD4+CD8+T cells). In summary, our findings suggest that orally administered PELNs brings a novel and natural colon-targeted agent, and open a new therapeutic avenue in the management of UC.
Facile Green Synthesis of Carbon Dots and Their Utility for Electrochemical Sensing and Binding of a Flavanone, Hesperetin
Authors: Tandel Ranjita D. , Seetharamappa J.
Published: January 2023

In the present work, we have developed environmental friendly and sensitive electrode material, carbon dots modified glassy carbon electrode (C-dots/GCE) for analytical and binding applications of a flavanone, hesperetin (HES). C-dots were prepared and characterized by different techniques. Factors affecting the activity of sensing interface were examined and optimized for sensitive performance. The fabricated C-dots/GCE displayed high effective surface area, more reactive sites and excellent conductivity towards the oxidation/reduction of HES. HES exhibited about 20-fold enhancement in the oxidation peak current at C-dots/GCE compared to that at bare GCE. Under the optimized conditions, a linear relationship between the oxidation peak current and concentration of HES was observed in the range of 0.05–62.5 µM for differential pulse voltammetric, 0.01–125 µM for square wave voltammetric and 10–62 µM for adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltammetric methods, respectively. Further, the proposed sensor was applied successfully for the determination of HES in biological samples.
Beamforming antenna array with circular polarization for an RF energy recovery system on a UAV
Authors: Ihlou Salah , Tizyi Hafid , Bakkali Abdelmajid El , Abbassi Ahmed El , Dahbi Aziz
Published: January 2023

In this research, we suggested a novel beamforming antenna array for RF energy recovery applications that incorporates pattern and polarization diversity. Experiments are used to validate the proposed structure’s performance once it has been modelled and optimized. This suggested structure provides an impedance bandwidth of 5.5 to 6 GHz, according to calculated measurements. The antenna system can create four circular polarization diversity beams at ± 15 and ± 45 by switching the input port; two of them have left-hand circular polarization and the other two have right-hand circular polarization. Furthermore, radiation patterns with low cross-polarization, excellent axial ratio around the center frequency, and low envelope correlation coefficient are achieved across the working spec-trum. Energy recovery applications have recorded gains of 5.3 and 6.6 dBi. The design and all circuits ‘simulation as well as the 5.8 GHz antenna array are carried out using ADS and CST software. All transmission line; widths and lengths; (50Ω characteristic impedance) are calculat-ed and optimized respectively using the LineCalc tool and the Tuning function.
3-dimensional analysis of hard- and soft-tissue symmetry in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhao Jiamin , Xu Yifei , Wang Jinxiu , Lu Zhen , Qi Kun
Published: January 2023

Background
Facial symmetry severely affects appearance and function. Large numbers of patients seek orthodontic treatment to improve facial symmetry. However, the correlation between hard- and soft-tissue symmetry is still unclear. Our aim was to investigate the hard- and soft-tissue symmetry in subjects with different levels of menton deviation and sagittal skeletal classes with 3D digital analysis and to investigate the relationship between the entire and individual hard- and soft-tissues.
Methods
A total of 270 adults (135 males and 135 females) consisting of 45 subjects of each sex in each sagittal skeletal classification group. All subjects were further classified into relative symmetry (RS), moderate asymmetry (MA) and severe asymmetry (SA) groups based on the degree of menton deviation from the mid-sagittal plane (MSP). The 3D images were segmented into anatomical structures and mirrored across the MSP. Original and mirrored images were registered by a best-fit algorithm, and the corresponding root mean square (RMS) values and colormap were obtained. The Mann‒Whitney U test and Spearman correlation were conducted for statistical analysis.
Results
The RMS increased with greater deviations with regard to the deviation of the menton in most of anatomical structures. Asymmetry was represented in the same way regardless of sagittal skeletal pattern. The soft-tissue asymmetry had a significant correlation with dentition in the RS group (0.409), while in the SA group, it was related to the ramus (0.526) and corpus (0.417) in males and was related to the ramus in the MA (0.332) and SA (0.359) groups in females.
Conclusions
The mirroring method combining CBCT and 3dMD provides a new approach for symmetry analysis. Asymmetry might not be influenced by sagittal skeletal patterns. Soft-tissue asymmetry might be reduced by improving the dentition in individuals with RS group, while among those with MA or SA, whose menton deviation was larger than 2 mm, orthognathic treatment should be considered.
Liver-derived extracellular vesicles from patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure impair hepatic regeneration by inhibiting on FGFR2 signaling via miR-218-5p
Authors: Zhang Senquan , Yu Jie , Rao Keqiang , Cao Jie , Ma Lijie , Yu Yeping , Li Zhe , Zeng Zhaokai , Qian Yongbing , Chen Mo , Hang Hualian
Published: January 2023

Background: Impaired liver regeneration in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) patients is closely related to prognosis, whereas the mechanisms are not yet defined. Liver-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be involved in dysregulation of liver regeneration. Clarifying the underlying mechanisms will contribute to the development of improved treatments for HBV-ACLF.
Methods: EVs were isolated by ultracentrifuge from liver tissues of HBV-ACLF patients (ACLF_EVs) after liver transplantation and their Function was investigated utilizing acute liver injury (ALI) mice and AML12 cells. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were screened by deep miRNA sequencing. LNP system was applied as a carrier for targeted delivery of miRNA inhibitors to improve their effect on liver regeneration.
Results: ACLF_EVs had the capacity to inhibit hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration, in which miRNA, especially miR-218-5p, played an important role. Mechanistically, ACLF_EVs fused directly with target hepatocytes and transferred miR-218-5p into hepatocytes, acting by suppressing FGFR2 mRNA and inhibiting the activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Reducing the level of miR-218-5p expression in the liver of ACLF mice could partially restored liver regeneration ability.
Conclusion: Our data reveals the mechanism underlying impaired liver regeneration in HBV-ACLF and has significance for the discovery of new therapeutic approaches.
WITHDRAWN: Structural, spectroscopic, cell viability, Anti-bacterial studies on PVC/PVDF doped by AgNPs via laser ablation for wound healing application
Authors: Menazea A. A. , El-Bahnasy S. S. , Ayad D. M.
Published: January 2023

Altering films structures to be utilized in wound healing applications is crucially needed to enhance quality of life. Different contributions of silver nanoparticles fabricated via laser ablation have been incorporated in (30% PVC/70% PVDF) blend. Changes in the structural, optical, and antibacterial property of the PVC/PVDF mixture prior to and after the incorporation of Ag were investigated using various techniques. FTIR shows vibrational spectral bands established a link between polymers and nanoparticles. XRD results approved the clear observation of the high concentration of silver nanoparticles in the last sample according to the peak at 38.42̊. UV-Visible analysis confirms the construction of AgNPs at 234 nm and the optical absorption edges were noticed for all of the obtained samples. SEM is employed to prove the generation of silver nanoparticles inside the solution utilizing laser ablation besides its dispersion in PVC/PVDF blend. The bacterial activity of AgNPs shows high activity index values at higher concentration of AgNPs. Blended PVC/PVDF/AgNPs could be suggested for wound healing applications. The values of the cell viability and antibacterial activity of the fabricated PVC/PVDF/AgNPs NPs films suggest these samples for utilization for biomedical applications as wound healing application.
Childhood trauma, peer victimization, and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese adolescents: A latent variable mediation analysis
Authors: Zhao Ke , Tong Siyu , Yang Shuang , Yang Wenyun , Xu Yao , Fan Zilin , Hong Lan , Zheng Jiaqi , Yao Keqing , Zheng Tiansheng
Published: January 2023

Backgrounds: Childhood and peer experiences can influence adolescents' perceptions of interpersonal relationships, which can, in turn, influence their emotional states and behavior patterns. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is now a common problem behavior among adolescents. The present study examined the role of childhood trauma and peer victimization in adolescents’ NSSI.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1783 adolescents (1464 girls and 318 boys) in the psychiatric outpatient clinics or wards of 14 psychiatric hospitals or general hospitals in nine provinces in China. Data were collected using the Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS), Short-form Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(CTQ-SF), and Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM). Structural equation modeling (SEM) with latent variables was used to demonstrate the mediating role of peer victimization in the association between childhoodtrauma and NSSI.
Results: The SEM analysis demonstrated that peer victimization plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and NSSI. . In addition, several covariates (such as age, gender, education level, and place of residence) effectively regulated the relationship between peer victimization and NSSI.
Conclusions: In future studies of NSSI among Chinese adolescents, attention should be paid to the roles of childhood trauma and peer bullying; there is a temporal sequence between these two variables and, to some extent, childhood trauma can have an impact on bullying during adolescence which, in turn, influences NSSI behavior.
Identification and characterization of peptides from marine crustacean crabs and their bioactive properties; An approach to develop novel drugs for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bakthavachalam Dhivya , Arumugam Sivakumar
Published: January 2023

Peptide-based drugs have become the most promising drug therapy in the pharmaceutical industry. It accommodates a major part in treating diseases like neurodegenerative disorders, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, etc. This study aims to isolate and characterize the marine peptides from the crustacean crab species named Scylla Serrata. The hemolymph was collected and subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy for identifying amine groups. Further the peptide groups in the sample was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) for the crude was performed to identify the intensity of the peaks. The sample was further purified with Sephadex G-25 to elute the small molecular peptides. Antioxidant activity (DPPH) for the crude sample showed 55% of activity at 100µg/ml concentration and the fractions showed significant activity. The eluted fractions from the column chromatography were then subjected to SDS PAGE to identify the molecular weight of the peptides in which the peptide bands ranged between 75–100 kDa. Further, the best compounds must be developed as potential drugs for Alzheimer’s disease with an In-silico approach.
Documentation research and digital semantic reproduction of archaeological achievements-A Study of Six Steeds in the Zhaoling of the Tang Dynasty
Authors: Cang Minnan , ZHOU WEI , ZHANG HUI
Published: January 2023

There are many cultural relics in China, but many immovable cultural relics have been damaged due to social changes, time erosion, rogue destruction and archaeological development. Although the cultural relics can be repaired, the cultural, social, political and other semantic factors left behind the cultural relics cannot be deeply interpreted. Therefore, this study aims to take the stone carvings of Zhaoling in the tenth year of Tang Zhenguan as an example, carry out digital scanning measurement and digital reproduction based on semantics, and integrate cultural factors such as literature into digital means, so that users can deeply interpret the context behind cultural relics. Digital measurement applies the combination of technology of laser scanning and digital photogrammetry. After obtaining the 3D data, by searching the literature and extracting the contextual elements related to matching, their structures were systematically analyzed. Through splitting and extraction, many elements are analyzed and digitally reproduced, and finally integrated through digital modelling. Through these methods, all the data and information are recorded, stored, and managed. Research shows that damaged immovable cultural relics can be reconstructed through digital technological means and cultural context, and then recorded, preserved and studied through digital, information and systematic ways.
Study on the characteristics of damaged sandstone in the Longshan Grottoes using water chemistry and freeze-thaw cycling
Authors: Sun Bo , LI Xingyue , CUI Kai , PENG Ningbo , HONG Jie , CHEN Rui
Published: January 2023

Sandstone in the Longshan Grottoes was the research object of this paper. The sandstone samples were soaked in distilled water, Na2SO4 solution and NaCl solution and subjected to 30 cycles of freeze-thaw testing. The quality, wave velocity, surface hardness, uniaxial compressive strength and other physical indices of rock samples were measured after different numbers of cycles. Combined with the results of mercury injection, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, the damage characteristics and damage mechanism of rock samples under the combined action of chemical solution and freeze-thaw cycle were explored and studied. The results showed that the degree of damage of the sandstone samples increased logarithmically with an increase in the number of cycles. The damage degree of the sandstone samples soaked in the Na2SO4 solution was the highest, while the damage degree of the samples soaked in the NaCl solution and distilled water was similar. The difference in damage between the solutions is caused by the combination of frost heave, dissolution and salt crystallization, and the damage process generally occurs from the inside and the outside and is manifested as an increase in the number of macropores and the appearance of new pores. Freezing-thawing and salt erosion are the main reasons for the siltation of sandstone in the Longshan Grottoes.
Environmental Implications of Charcoal Production and Supply to Bonga Town: The Case of Kefa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremeskel Temesgen , Kassà Henok , Mutatu Kassahun , Chekole Ephrem
Published: January 2023

Charcoal production is one of the major challenges for sustainability management of natural forest in Ethiopia. The study aimed to quantify the amount of charcoal produced and supplied from Bonga town surrounding districts and estimate its implications on the environment. Field surveys, household surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were done to collect charcoal production and supply data in the study area. The result revealed that on average a total of about 499 and 60728 bags of charcoal supplied to Bonga town every day and annually from the five major inlet sites, respectively. On average, 15 tons/day and 5448.8 tons/year of charcoals supplied to Bonga from five inlet sites of Gimbo and Decha districts. The tops three preferred wood tree species for charcoal production are Millettia ferruginea (Hochst.) Baker, Ehretum cymosa Thonn and Vepris daniellii (pichi-SerrnolIi) Kokwaro, of which two are endemic to Ethiopia. About 1,716,372 m3 of green wood, 1,492,497.4 m3 of dry wood and 71,071 trees were required on yearly basis from forest to produce and supply to Bonga town. Furthermore, 14,166.9 tons of CO2 equivalents emitted to the atmosphere per year due to charcoal production and supply in the study area. Thus, the high dependencies of the local community on the charcoal production and supply in the study area have negative effects on Kefa Biosphere reserve forest of Ethiopia and emit huge amount of greenhouse gas (CO2) into atmosphere. Hence, it is important to develop and implement an eco-friendly strategy that can simultaneously sustain the livelihoods of rural community, energy needs of urban dwellers and forest ecosystem of the region.
Mendelian randomization study on the causal effects of glioma on Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Min , Zeng Qi , Zhu Gaizhi , Zhou Shan , Xu Yaqi , Gao Ran , Su Wenting , Wang Renxi
Published: January 2023

Background
Previous observational studies have revealed an inverse relationship where cancer patients have a reduced risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vice versa. The present two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to identify the causal link between gliomas and AD.
Methods
The largest gliomas genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used. A previously reported AD GWAS (24,087 cases and 55,058 controls from European ancestry) was used to assess the effect of gliomas on AD. MR-egger_intercept and MR_egger and inverse variance weighted (IVW) in Cochran’s Q-test were used to determine the pleiotropy and heterogeneity, respectively. IVW and weighted median were used to perform MR analysis. Finally, the effect of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was used to test the SNP bias.
Results
We did not find a significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity of all three gliomas genetic instrumental variants (IVs) in AD GWAS. Interestingly, we found that as gliomas genetically increased, the risk of AD increased using IVW (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0167, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0079–1.0257, p = 0.0002). This was further proven by weighted median (OR = 1.0161, 95% CI = 1.0058–1.0267, p = 0.0023). Reverse MR analysis shows no causal effect of AD on gliomas.
Conclusions
Our analysis suggested a causal link between genetically increased gliomas and the increased risk of AD in European ancestries. Thus, gliomas may be a risk factor for AD.
High-throughput assay for assessing bacterial effects on Arabidopsis thermotolerance
Authors: Lee Jun Hyung , Burdick Leah H. , Piatkowski Bryan , Carrell Alyssa A. , Doktycz Mitchel J. , Pelletier Dale A. , Weston David J.
Published: January 2023

Background
The role of beneficial microbes in mitigating plant abiotic stress has received considerable attention. However, the lack of a reproducible and relatively high-throughput screen for microbial contributions to plant thermotolerance has greatly limited progress in this area, this slows the discovery of novel beneficial isolates and the processes by which they operate.
Results
We designed a high-throughput phenotyping method to assess the effects of bacteria on plant host thermotolerance. After testing multiple growth conditions, a hydroponic system was selected and used to optimize an Arabidopsis heat shock regime and phenotypic evaluation. Arabidopsis seedlings germinated on a PTFE mesh disc were floated onto a 6-well plate containing liquid MS media, then subjected to heat shock at 45°C for various duration. To characterize phenotype, plants were harvested after four days of recovery to measure chlorophyll content. The method was extended to include bacterial isolates and to quantify bacterial contributions to host plant thermotolerance. As an exemplar, the method was used to screen 25 strains of the plant growth promoting Variovorax spp. for enhanced plant thermotolerance. A follow-up study demonstrated the reproducibility of this assay and led to the discovery of a novel beneficial interaction.
Conclusions
This method enables high-throughput screening of individual bacterial strains for beneficial effects on host plant thermotolerance. The throughput and reproducibility of the system is ideal for testing many genetic variants of Arabidopsis and bacterial strains.
Genetic architecture of brain age and its casual relations with brain and mental disorders
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Leonardsen Esten , Vidal-Pineiro Didac , Roe James , Frei Oleksandr , Shadrin Alexey , Iakunchykova Olena , De Lange Ann-Marie , Kaufmann Tobias , Taschler Bernd , Smith Stephen , Wolfers Thomas , Andreassen Ole , Westlye Lars T.
Published: January 2023

The difference between chronological age and the apparent age of the brain estimated from brain imaging data — the brain age gap (BAG) — is widely considered a general indicator of brain health. Converging evidence supports that BAG is sensitive to an array of genetic and non-genetic traits and diseases, yet few studies have examined the genetic architecture and its corresponding causal relationships with common brain disorders. Here, we estimate BAG using state-of-the-art neural networks trained on brain scans from 53,542 individuals (age range 3-95 years). A genome-wide association analysis across 28,104 individuals (40-84 years) from the UK Biobank revealed eight independent genomic regions significantly associated with BAG (p<5x10-8) implicating neurological, metabolic, and immunological pathways – among which seven are novel. No significant genetic correlations or causal relationships with BAG were found for Parkinson’s disease, major depressive disorder, or schizophrenia, but two-sample Mendelian randomization indicated a causal influence of AD (p=7.9x10-4) and bipolar disorder (p=1.35x10-2) on BAG. These results emphasize the polygenic architecture of brain age and provide insights into the causal relationship between selected neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders and BAG.
High Isolation Circularly Polarized In-band Full-duplex Anisotropic Dielectric Resonator Antenna
Authors: Abedian Mohammad , Khalily Mohsen , Wang Fan , Xiao Pei , Tafazolli Rahim , Kishk Ahmed A.
Published: January 2023

A novel high-isolation, monostatic, circularly polarized (CP) simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) anisotropic dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented. The proposed in-band full-duplex (IBFD) CP-DRA system consists of two identical but orthogonally positioned anisotropic annular sector dielectric resonators composed of an alternating stack of different dielectric with relative permittivity of 2 and 15 and excited by coaxial probes. The element spacing is selected to maximize the IBFD DRA radiation performance. In addition, a simple square absorber is carefully placed between the resonators to realize high Tx/Rx isolation. Measurement results exhibit high Tx/Rx isolation better than 50 dB over the desired operating bandwidth (5.87 to 5.97 GHz) with 98% total efficiency and a peak gain of 5.49 and 5.08 dBic for Ports 1 and 2, respectively.
Enhancing the thermal gradient of thermometer calibration systems with an assembly of water heat pipes
Authors: Kim Yong-Gyoo , Kwon Suyong , Lee Sungjun , Kim Sunghun
Published: January 2023

To improve the temperature gradient of an electric furnace for the calibration of thermometers, a heat pipe assembly that uses a number of commercial water heat pipes, sealed in a cylindrical copper tube, was designed and tested. 20 heat pipe tubes were arranged around the circumference of a cylindrical Cu or Al pillar well and attached to the pillar surface using a high-thermal-conductivity epoxy. This heat pipe assembly was installed in an electric furnace with a single heater, and its thermal characteristics were examined by measuring the temperature gradient using a PT100 resistance thermometer. Without any inserts in the single-zone electric furnace, the temperature gradient was disappointing at 0.6 oC/cm at 225 oC, and cannot be used for any purposes. However, the heat pipe assembly could enable a very uniform temperature gradient of 0.02 cm/°C or better inside the Sn fixed-point cell, leading to a realization of the Sn fixed point with a flat melting and freezing plateau. From the experimental results, it was verified that this inexpensive heat pipe assembly gives improved thermal uniformity and thus is adequate for the calibration of thermometers, even for the realization of Sn and possibly In fixed points, without using an expensive multi-zone furnace or liquid bath.
Recombinant Production and Biochemical Characterization of Thermostable N-arabinofuranosidase from Acidothermophilic Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius
Authors: Akkaya Alper , Ensari Yunus , Ozseker Emine Erdoğan , Batur Ozge Ozsen , Buyuran Gozde , Evran Serap
Published: January 2023

Enzymes are successfully used in many industrial process, such as food and paper industries. Enzymes, which are derived from microorganisms living under mild conditions, are not suitable for industrial processes performed at high temperature, acidic or basic reaction conditions. Thus, enzymes derived from extremophilic microorganisms are needed for these hard industrial conditions. Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius DSM 446 with an optimum growth temperature of 60–65°C, is an acidothermophilic bacterium that grows in acidic hot springs. In addition to growth in both acidic and hot springs, having a complete genome project makes the organism an important source for enzymes that are used in harsh industrial conditions. Arabinofuranosidases (E.C 3.2.1.55; AFases) belong to glycoside hydrolase family enzymes. AFases hydrolyzes 1,3- and 1,5-α-arabinosyl bounds of L-arabinose containing molecules. L-arabinoses are present in hemicellulosic part of lignocellulosic biomass. AFases also play an important role in the complete hydrolysis of arabinoxylans. Analysis of the genome project and CAZY database revealed two putative arabinofuranosidase genes in the A. acidocaldarius genome. In this study, we aimed cloning, heterologous expression, purification and biochemical characterization of the α-N-Arabinofuranosidase enzyme encoded in A. acidocaldarius genome. For this purpose, the gene of α-N-Arabinofuranosidase protein was cloned into pQE-40 vector and expressed heterologously in E. coli BL21 GOLD (DE3). Biochemical characterization of the purified enzyme revealed that A. acidocaldarius α-N-Arabinofuranosidase enzyme showed optimum activity at 45 ºC and pH 6.5 in phosphate buffer. Furthermore, enzyme has 60% activity after 90 min. incubation at 80 ºC. A. acidocaldarius α-N-Arabinofuranosidase enzyme has high potential to be used as accessory enzyme for the complete degradation of arabinoxylans.
Yield, quality, and water and fertilizer partial productivity of cucumber were promoted by the interaction of water, nitrogen, and magnesium
Authors: Li Jinglai , Yang Xiaoqing , Zhang Mengchi , Li Dayong , Jiang Yu , Yao Wenhui , Zhang Zhi
Published: January 2023

The balanced management of water and nutrient factors is essential for the high efficient production of cucumber. The effect of magnesium coupling with water and nitrogen on cucumber was determined using a three-factor and three-level orthogonal rotation combination design experiment, and the yield, quality, and water and fertilizer efficiency of cucumber were studied. Yield was significantly influenced by the single factor of irrigation or nitrogen, with the largest value of 88,412.6 kg/ha under high levels of irrigation and nitrogen input. The increase in magnesium fertilizer has a significant promoting effect on reducing sugar and free amino acids, with 19.0% and 9.8% higher than that of low magnesium application, respectively. The interaction of irrigation and magnesium alleviated the inhibition of nitrogen deficiency, thereby reducing the risk of nitrate accumulation and improving the partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer. The interaction of nitrogen and magnesium significantly affected the yield of cucumber, and all the quality indicators except VC, as well as the partial productivity of water and fertilizer. Six indicators from three categories of yield, quality, and efficiency were used to establish the comprehensive evaluation system based on correlation analysis, and yield was assigned the highest combined weight of 0.4023 using game theory. Gray Relational Analysis model was adopted to evaluate the water and fertilizer treatments, and the optimal applied combination was irrigation of 653.7 m3/hm2, nitrogen fertilizer of 1,141.9 kg/ha, and magnesium fertilizer of 422.1 kg/ha. This condition comprehensively promoted yield, quality, and efficiency, providing a scientific water and fertilizer management strategy for cucumber production in Northwest China.
Prognosis of chinese children with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis after long-term maintenance glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: Zhao Zhipeng , Dai Yunfan , Yang Hong , Guo Siyuan , Yao Yao , Liu Xiuyun
Published: January 2023

Objective
To explore the prognosis of children with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) after long-term maintenance of glucocorticoid therapy.
Methods
This ambidirectional observational study included children with IPH admitted to the Department of Respiratory, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2010 and July 2021. Their clinical characteristics were collected from medical records and during follow-up.
Results
A total of 211 children (88 males,123 females, age of onset: 3.42 [0.33–12.75] years, the median time from onset to diagnosis: 2.8 months [4 days-8 years]) with IPH were included. All children received glucocorticoid therapy in the acute alveolar hemorrhage phase. After discharge, 5 (2.4%) children lost to follow-up, 11 (5.2%) died during follow-up, and a total of 195 patients survived, with a median follow-up time of 5.52 (1.43, 12.58) years, the 5-year and 10-year survival rate were 95.9% and 86.2%, respectively. Of the 195 patients, Clinical remission was achieved in 65 patients (33.3%), including 61 patients treated with glucocorticoid alone and 4 patients treated with immunosuppressive agents. 109 (55.9%) were in a stable phase with medications, and 21 (10.8%) had no clinical remission. Of the 195 patients who survived, 141(72.3%) were treated with glucocorticoid alone and 54(26.7%) with immunosuppressive agents. Four (2.05%) patients developed secondary cataracts, and 33 (16.92%) patients were short in stature.
Conclusion
Long-term low-dose glucocorticoid maintenance therapy might improve the prognosis of IPH children, but the side effects should be monitored.
Initial insights into the impact and implementation of Creative Active Schools in Bradford, UK
Authors: Morris Jade Lynne , Chalkley Anna E , Helme Zoe E , Timms Oliver , Young Emma , McLoughlin Gabriella M , Bartholomew John , Daly-Smith Andy
Published: January 2023

Background
Few whole-school physical activity programmes integrate implementation science frameworks within the design, delivery, and evaluation. As a result, knowledge of the key factors that support implementation at scale is lacking. The Creating Active School programme was co-designed and is underpinned by the COM-B model and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The study aims to understand the initial impact and implementation of CAS in Bradford over 9 months using McKay’s implementation evaluation roadmap.
Methods
Focus groups and interviews were conducted with school staff (n = 30, schools = 25) CAS Champions (n = 9) and the CAS strategic lead (n = 1). Qualitative data were analysed both inductively and deductively. The deductive analysis involved coding data into a priori themes based on McKay et al’s implementation evaluation roadmap, using a codebook approach to thematic analysis. The inductive analysis included producing initial codes and reviewing themes before finalising.
Results
Identified themes aligned into three categories: (i) key ingredients for successful adoption and implementation of CAS, (ii) CAS implementation: challenges and solutions, and (iv) the perceived effectiveness of CAS at the school level. This included the willingness of schools to adopt and implement whole-school approaches when they are perceived as high quality and aligned with current school values. The programme implementation processes were seen as supportive; schools identified and valued the step-change approach to implementing CAS long-term. Formal and informal communities of practice provided “safe spaces” for cross-school support. Conversely, challenges persisted with gaining broader reach within schools, school staff's self-competence and shifting school culture around physical activity. This resulted in varied uptake between and within schools.
Conclusions
This study provides novel insights into the implementation of CAS, with outcomes aligning to the adoption, reach, and sustainability. Successful implementation of CAS was underpinned by determinants including acceptability, intervention complexity, school culture and school stakeholders’ perceived self-efficacy. The combination of McKay’s evaluation roadmap and CFIR establishes a rigorous approach for evaluating activity promotion programmes underpinned by behavioural and implementation science. Resultantly this study offers originality and progression in understanding the implementation and effectiveness of whole-school approaches to physical activity.