bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment effects of Herbst appliance in skeletal Class II cases during pre-pubertal and post-pubertal periods: A cone-beam computed tomographic study
Authors: Farouk Khaled , Eissa Osama , Ghoneima Ahmed , El-Bedwehi Ashraf , Abdel-Fattah Ezzat , Hussein Farouk , El-Bialy Tarek
Published: May 2022

In the present study, Thirty-six Class patients II (A condition in which the upper jaw is larger than the lower jaw) were randomly selected and assigned to one of two groups based on their maturation stage: the pre-pubertal group (18 patients, mean age 9.15 ± 1.5 years) and post-pubertal group (18 patients, mean age 16.3 ± 1.0 years). All patients were treated with a metallic splint-supported Herbst IV appliance(An appliance that acts like artificial joint working between the upper and power jaws that keeps the lower jaw in a forward position, thus improving the Class II condition ). Pretreatment (T1) and post-Herbst IV treatment (T2) scans were obtained for both groups. Dental and skeletal measurements were made on the scans and statistically analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. The study hypothesis was that; the dentoskeletal changes in Class II malocclusion treatment using Herbst appliance in the Pre-pubertal is more than the Post-pubertal growth stage due to the remaining growth potential for the pre-pubertal patients. The comparison between the two groups revealed statistically significant differences in horizontal skeletal parameters in the lower jaw only, while other readings were similar
Combined Impact of Medicare’s Hospital Pay for Performance Programs on Quality and Safety Outcomes is Mixed
Authors: Waters Teresa M. , Kaplan Cameron M. , Graetz Ilana , Benitez Joseph , Cardarelli Roberto , Daniels Michael J. , Burns Natalie
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND Three major hospital pay for performance (P4P) programs were introduced by the Affordable Care Act and intended to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The financial risk to hospitals associated with Medicare’s P4P programs is substantial. Evidence on the positive impact of these programs, however, has been mixed, and no study has assessed their combined impact. In this study, we examined the combined impact of Medicare’s P4P programs on clinical areas and populations targeted by the programs, as well as those outside their focus.METHODS We used 2007 – 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases for 14 states to identify hospital-level inpatient quality indicators (IQIs) and patient safety indicators (PSIs), by quarter and payer (Medicare vs. non-Medicare). IQIs and PSIs are standardized, evidence-based measures that can be used to track hospital quality of care and patient safety over time using hospital administrative data. The study period of 2007 – 2016 was selected to capture multiple years before and after introduction of program metrics. Interrupted time series was used to analyze the impact of the P4P programs on study outcomes targeted and not targeted by the programs. In sensitivity analyses, we examined the impact of these programs on care for non-Medicare patients.RESULTS Medicare P4P programs were not associated with consistent improvements in targeted or non-targeted quality and safety measures. Moreover, mortality rates across targeted and untargeted conditions were generally getting worse after the introduction of Medicare’s P4P programs. Trends in PSIs were extremely mixed, with five outcomes trending in an expected (improving) direction, five trending in an unexpected (deteriorating) direction, and three with insignificant changes over time. Sensitivity analyses did not substantially alter these results.CONCLUSIONS Consistent with previous studies for individual programs, we detect minimal, if any, effect of Medicare’s hospital P4P programs on quality and safety. Given the growing evidence of limited impact, the administrative cost of monitoring and enforcing penalties, and potential increase in mortality, CMS should consider redesigning their P4P programs before continuing to expand them.
Design and optimization of tapered optical fiber probes for SERS utilizing FDTD method
Authors: Gu Ciyong , Meng Delong , Zhao Zhimin , Yu Xiaolei
Published: May 2022

In this work, we report a strategy of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) coated tapered optical fiber probes by finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. Investigation shows that the fiber tip decorated Ag NPs have excellent electric field enhancement and confinement of light capabilities compared with fiber tips. Moreover, we demonstrate the effect of key parameters such as tip radius, conical angle, Ag NPs size and gaps between them on the field enhanced utilizing typical excitation wavelength of 532, 633 and 785 nm. To further improve the electrical field effect, a noble metal substrate is introduced below the tip apex which exhibits a higher field enhancement generated by tip-substrate coupling. The presence of the Au substrate does not lead to a significant change in the plasma characteristic peak of the probes at 490 nm. This study provides a useful reference for the fabrication of tapered optical fiber with plasmonic nanostructures and the design of robust tapered fiber-optic Raman sensors.
Using carotenoid with ICT state to overcome the limit of photosynthetic light-harvesting
Authors: Yukihira Nao , Uragami Chiasa , Horiuchi Kota , Kosumi Daisuke , Gardiner Alastair , Cogdell Richard , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: May 2022

The excitation energy transfer (EET) from carotenoid to bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a) has a significant impact in determining the overall efficiency of utilization of the incident solar spectrum of the primary process of bacterial photosynthesis. This can be enhanced when the carotenoid has intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) character, such as in the light-harvesting systems in marine alga and diatoms. This study provides new insights into the significance of the ICT excited states following incorporation of a higher plant carotenoid, β-apo-8'-carotenal, into the carotenoidless LH1 system from the purple photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodospirillum rubrum strain G9+. β-apo-8'-carotenal generates two types of the ICT excited state in the reconstituted LH1 complex there by achieving an efficiency of EET that exceeds that found in the wild-type LH1 complex. The present study demonstrates a strategy of how to go beyond the EET efficiency from carotenoid to Bchl a, which has evolved in the bacterial light-harvesting systems.
The Evolutionary History and Ancestral Biogeographic Range Estimation of Old-world Rhinolophidae and Hipposideridae (Chiroptera)
Authors: Chornelia Ada - , Hughes Alice Catherine
Published: May 2022

Background:
Family Rhinolophidae (horseshoe bats), Hipposideridae (leaf-nosed bats) and Rhinonycteridae (trident bats) are exclusively distributed in the Old-World, and their biogeography reflects the complex historic geological events throughout the Cenozoic. Here we investigated the origin of these families and unravel the conflicting family origin theories using a high resolution tree covering taxa from each zoogeographic realms from Africa to Australia. Ancestral range estimations were performed using a probabilistic approach implemented in BioGeoBEARS with subset analysis per biogeographic range (Old-World as whole, Oriental-Oceania-Australia(OOA) and Afrotropical-Madagascar-Palearctic(AMP)).
Result:
Our result supports an Oriental origin for Rhinolophidae, whereas Hipposideridae originated from the Oriental and African regions in concordance with fossil evidence of both families. The fossil evidence indicates that Hipposideridae has diversified across Eurasia and the Afro-Arabian region since the Middle Eocene. Meanwhile, Rhinonycteridae (the sister family of Hipposideridae) appears to have originated from the Sudanian-Somalia-Ethiopia region splitting from the common ancestor with Hipposideridae in Africa. Indomalaya is the center of origin of Rhinolophidae OOA lineages, and Indomalayan + Philippine appears to be center of origin of Hipposideridae OOA lineage indicating allopatric speciation and may have involved jump-dispersal (founder-event) speciation within OOA lineage. Wallacea and the the Philippines may have been used as stepping stones for dispersal towards Oceania and Australia from the Oriental region. Multiple colonization events via different routes may have occurred in the Philippines (i.e., Palawan and Wallacea) since the Late Miocene. The colonization of Rhinolophidae towards Africa from Asia coincided with the estimated time of Tethys ocean closure around the Oligoceneto Miocene (around 27 Ma), allowing species to disperse via the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, the number of potential cryptic species in Rhinolophidae in Southeast Asia may have increased since Plio-Pleistocene and late Miocene.
Conclusion:
Overall, we highlight that complex historical events, in addition to species specific ecomorphology and specialization of ecological niches may shape current distributions.
Plasma Interleukin 6 Levels Predict Long-term Mortality in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid
Authors: Zhang Renjie , Zhang Yu , Liu Zheran , Pei Yiyan , He Yan , Yu Jiayi , You Chao , Ma Lu , Fang Fang
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine released into the periphery after stroke, involved in the prognosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aimed to explore the relationship between serum IL-6 with long-term mortality after aSAH.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 18824 SAH patients for collection of serum IL-6 levels during hospitalization from a large, single-center aSAH database of Sichuan University West China Hospital. Patient deaths were determined through a national death record registration system. The primary outcome was long-term mortality. Cox regression models were used to investigate univariate and multivariate relationships between predictors and outcomes. A propensity score-matched analysis was conducted to minimize bias from confounding variables.RESULTS: In total, we included 1131 aSAH patients with 3288 records of IL-6 collections. Initial serum IL-6 values were elevated in all, ranging from 1.50 to 4522.00 pg/ml. After logarithmic transformation, the IL-6 was associated with long-term mortality (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.44). The results maintained significant in the multivariate cox regression and propensity score-matched analysis (adjusted HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.36, p<0.001; IL-6 >103.00 pg/ml vs IL-6≤103. 00 pg/ml, PSM HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.48-2.55, p<0.001). Similar results were observed in the long-term mortality of survivors at discharge and 1-year mortality.CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 is independently associated with long-term mortality of aSAH patients. Our study provided new evidence for the investigation of inflammation after aSAH and the association of inflammatory cytokines with the long-term prognosis of aSAH and might support future management decisions.
Transcriptome signatures preceding the induction of anti-stalk antibodies elicited by a chimeric hemagglutinin-based universal influenza virus vaccine
Authors: Aydillo Teresa , Gonzalez-reiche Ana , Stadlbauer Daniel , Amper Mary Anne , Nair Venugopalan , Mariottini Chiara , Sealfon Stuart , Bakel Harm van , Palese Peter , Krammer Florian , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo
Published: May 2022

A phase 1 clinical trial to test the immunogenicity of a chimeric group 1 HA (cHA) universal influenza virus vaccine targeting the conserved stalk domain of the hemagglutinin of influenza viruses was carried out. Vaccination with adjuvanted-inactivated vaccines induced high anti-stalk antibody titers. We sought to identify gene expression signatures that correlate with such induction. Messenger-RNA sequencing in whole blood was performed on peripheral blood of 53 vaccinees, at early and late time points after priming and boosting. We generated longitudinal data on peripheral blood of 53 volunteers, at early (days 3 and 7) and late (28 days) time points after priming and boosting with cHAs. Differentially expressed gene analysis showed no differences between placebo and live-attenuated vaccine groups. However, an upregulation of genes involved in innate immune responses and type I interferon signaling was found at day 3 after vaccination with inactivated adjuvanted formulations. Cell type deconvolution analysis revealed a significant enrichment for monocytes and different subsets of dendritic cells as mediators for optimal B cell responses and significant increase of anti-stalk antibodies in sera. A significant upregulation of immunoglobulin related genes was only observed after administration of adjuvanted vaccines (either as primer or booster) with specific induction of anti-stalk IGVH1-69. This approach informed of specific immune signatures that correlate with robust anti-stalk antibody responses, while also helping to understand regulation of gene expression induced by cHA proteins under different vaccine regimens. Significance: Antibodies targeting the conserved stalk domain of the hemagglutinin protein of influenza viruses can prevent and reduce the severity of influenza virus infection. We have developed a chimeric HA vaccination strategy targeting these conserved regions and showed that vaccination induced high anti-stalk antibody titers in humans. Here we showed that anti-stalk vaccines elicit robust gene expression signatures similar to those described for subtype-specific influenza vaccines with an early upregulation of genes involved in innate immune response and type I interferon (IFN) signaling needed for an optimal B cell activation and proliferation. The current study provides a better understanding of the mechanism of regulation of gene expression and the transcriptional pathways that must be activated to induce optimal vaccine responses in the context of different universal vaccine strategies.
Effect of an additional bonding resin on the five years performance of a universal adhesive: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fuentes Mª Victoria , Perdigão Jorge , Baracco Bruno , Giráldez Isabel , Ceballos Laura
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of the application of an additional hydrophobic bonding resin on the clinical performance of a universal adhesive applied in etch-and-rinse (ER) or self-etch adhesive (SE) strategy in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) after 5 years. Materials and MethodsScotchbond Universal Adhesive (3M Oral Care) was applied in 134 NCCLs of 39 subjects using different adhesive approaches: 3-step ER (3-ER), 2-step ER (2-ER), 2-step SE (2-SE), and 1-step SE (1-SE). An extra layer of a hydrophobic bonding resin was applied for groups 3-ER and 2-SE. All lesions were restored with Filtek Supreme XTE resin composite (3M Oral Care). Restorations were evaluated at baseline and at 5 years using the modified USPHS criteria. Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests were performed, and the survival rates (retention/fracture) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests (p < 0.05). ResultsThe recall rate was 66.7% at 5 years. The cumulative survival rate was 96.9% for 3-ER, 96.8% for 2-ER, 71.4% for 2-SE and 81.3% for 1-SE strategies. Log-rank-test was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Retention rates were 100% for both ER groups, 75% for 2-SE and 81.3% for 1-SE. At 5 years, 2- and 1-SE approaches showed similar retention rates, but lower than those for 3- and 2-ER. A significant decrease in retention rate was detected for 2-SE (p = 0.007) and 1-SE (p = 0.014) groups between baseline and 5 years. All groups, except 2-ER, showed an increase in marginal discoloration. This parameter was statistically significant difference between 2-ER and 1-SE (p = 0.004). ConclusionsThe addition of a hydrophobic bonding resin to the recommended application sequence of Scotchbond Universal Adhesive did not improve its clinical performance in NCCLs after 5 years. Higher retention rates were found when this adhesive was applied in ER mode.Trial registrationThis manuscript is a 5-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial that started in 2012 when there was no strong recommendation for registration in clinicaltrials.gov. The results after 36 months of clinical service were previously published in this journal.
Genomic surveillance reveals antibiotic resistance gene transmission via phage recombinases within sheep mastitis- associated Streptococcus uberis
Authors: Vezina Ben , Rosa Maria Nives , Canu Antonella , Tola Sebastiana
Published: May 2022

Background: Streptococcus uberis is one of the main causative agents of ovine mastitis, however little is known about this global, environmental pathogen and its genomic mechanisms of disease. In this study, we performed genomic analysis on 46 S. uberis isolates collected from mastitis-infected sheep in Sardinia (Italy). Results: Genomes were assigned into lineage clusters using PopPUNK, which found 27 distinct isolate clusters, indicating considerable genetic variability consistent with environmental isolates. Geographic trends were identified including regional linkage of several isolate clusters. Multi-locus Sequence Typing (MLST) performed poorly and provided no new insights.Genomes were then screened for antimicrobial resistance genes, which were compared to phenotypic resistance profiles. Isolates showed consistent phenotypic resistance to aminoglycosides with variable resistance to novobiocin and tetracycline. In general, identification of antimicrobial resistance genes did not correlate with phenotypic resistance profiles, indicating unknown genetic determinants. A multi-antimicrobial resistance cassette (aminoglycoside, lincosamide and streptogramin) was identified in the chromosome of three genomes, flanked by vestigial phage recombinases. This locus appears to have spread horizontally within discrete S. uberis populations within a 40 km radius (Sassari region).Genomes were screened for putative virulence factors, which identified 16 genes conserved between sheep and cow isolates, with no host-specific genes shared uniformly across all host-specific isolates.Pangenomic analysis was then performed to identify core genes which were putatively surface-exposed, for identification of potential vaccine targets. As all genomes encoded sortase, core genes were screened for the sortase cleavage motif. Of the 1445 core S. uberis genes, 64 were putative sortase substrates and were predominantly adhesins, permeases and peptidases, consistent with compounds found within ruminant milk such as xanthine, fibronectin and lactoferrin. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the importance of whole genome sequencing for surveillance of S. uberis and tracking horizontal acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes, as well as providing insight into genetic determinants of disease, which cannot be inferred from the MLST schemes. Future mastitis surveillance should be informed by genomic analysis.
LncRNA SNHG1 facilitates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasiveness in glioblastoma multiforme via regulation of the miR-128-3p/RRAS2 axis
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Yang Xiaochen , Zhang Weidong , Zhou Runpeng , Su Zhenjin , Wan Hengtong , Hong Xinyu
Published: May 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an essential role in the processes of tumorigenesis and tumor development. However, the role and underlying mechanism of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) in the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that SNHG1 was overexpressed in GBM tissue and cells. Scratch wound-healing and Transwell assays indicated that SNHG1 promoted GBM cell migration and invasion. Using bioinformatics analysis, miR-128-3p was identified as a candidate miRNA targeted by SNHG1. Dual luciferase reporter analysis indicated that miR-128-3p significantly repressed the signal from luciferase using the 3ʹ-UTR of SNHG1. Our results indicated that SNHG1 functioned as a sponge of miR-128-3p, and miR-128-3p expression was down-regulated in GBM. We also confirmed that recombinant human related RAS virus (R-Ras) oncogene homolog 2 (RRAS2) was a direct and functional target of miR-128-3p. In addition, we found that both SNHG1 and RRAS2 regulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of GBM cells. Taken together, our study showed that SNHG1 promoted the malignant progression of GBM by the SNHG1/miR-128-3p/RRAS2 axis, which activated the EMT, and which may provide a novel therapeutic treatment of GBM.
Cardiovascular harmful effects of recommended daily doses (13 µg/kg/day), tolerable upper intake doses (0.14 mg/kg/day) and twice the tolerable doses (0.28 mg/kg/day) of copper
Authors: Filetti Filipe Martinuzo , Schereider Ingridy Reinholz Grafites , Wiggers Giulia Alessandra , Miguel Marta , Vassallo Dalton Valentim , Simões Maylla Ronacher
Published: May 2022

Copper is essential for homeostasis and regulation of body functions, but in excess, it is a cardiovascular risk factor since it increases oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to the recommended daily dose (13 µg/kg/day), upper tolerable dose (0.14 mg/kg/day) and twice the upper tolerable dose (0.28 mg/kg/day) via i.p. over 4 weeks on the vascular reactivity of aortic rings and the contraction of LV papillary muscles. It was also determined whether the antioxidant peptide from egg white hydrolysate (EWH) prevents these effects. Copper exposure at the doses evaluated did not change weight gain, the reactivity of the aortic rings or the cardiac mass. The dose of 0.13 µg/kg/day did not reduce the force of contraction, but it impaired the time derivatives of force. Doses of 0.14 and 0.28 mg/kg/day reduced the force of contraction, the inotropic response to calcium and isoproterenol, the postrest contraction and the peak and plateau of tetanized contractions. EWH treatment antagonized these effects. These results suggest that copper, even at the dose described as upper tolerable, can impair cardiac contraction without altering vascular reactivity. Antioxidative stress therapy with EWH reversed these harmful effects, suggesting a possible strategy for the amelioration of these effects.
Prediction of Customer’s Perception in Social Networks by Integrating Sentiment Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Ahmed Cherry , ElKorny Abeer , Sayed Eman El
Published: May 2022

Understanding the customer behavior and perception are important issues for motivating customer satisfaction in marketing analysis. Customer conversation with customer support services through social networks channel provides a wealth of information for understanding customer perception. Therefore, in this paper, a hybrid framework that integrated sentiment analysis and machine learning techniques is developed to analyze interactive conversations among customers and service providers in order to identify the change of polarity of such conversation. This framework aims to detect the conversation polarity switch as well as predict the sentiment of the end of the customer conversation with the service provider. This would help companies to improve customer satisfaction and enhance the customer engagement. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is measured by extracting a real dataset that expresses more than 5000 conversational threads between a customer service agent of an online retail service provider (AmazonHelp) and different customers using the retailer’s twitter public account for the duration of one month. Different classical and ensemble machine learning classifiers were applied, and the results showed that the decision trees outperformed all other techniques.
Design and Fabrication of Sierpinski Square Fractal Microstrip Patch Antenna with Parasitic Elements for Wideband Applications
Authors: Kattimani Bharamappa , Patil Rajendra R
Published: May 2022

The narrow bandwidth of a microstrip antenna is one of its key drawbacks. This work shows how a dual-layer stacked and parasitic arrangement, together with the effect of fractal designs, can provide wide bandwidth and high gain qualities in a microstrip patch antenna. For wideband applications, the proposed antenna design in stacked construction has a total bandwidth of 750MHz for S11 -10dB. In order to reduce the antenna size, the Sierpinski square carpet fractal is used. This antenna exhibits a lower resonance frequency due to the space-filling property of fractal geometry. The resonance frequency of this patch antenna drops as iteration and iteration factors rise, according to experimental results. Wideband functioning is achieved with a size decrease of 70.1%. The proposed antenna design exhibits a 6.98dB gain. These qualities of wideband and higher gain make the proposed antenna an excellent one for wideband applications.
Large-scale assembly of highly stretchable and conductive polydopamine-generated poly (ethylene terephthalate)/ polyurethane fabric through the self-assembly intercalation strategy for superior sensing
Authors: Zhao Shuqiang , Zheng Peixiao , Cong Honglian , Wan Ailan
Published: May 2022

Smart wearable electronic devices with superb sensing performance have aroused superb attention in recent years. However, designing an admirable strain sensor with the excellent balance between superior sensitivity and excellent stretchability remains a major challenge. Herein, we developed a conductive polydopamine (PDA)-coated poly (ethylene terephthalate)/ polyurethane (PET/PU) fabric as the wearable strain sensor with the layered generating structure and the cooperative effect of carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs-COOH) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via self-assembly intercalation process. Obviously, the cooperative conductive effect of conductive fillers endowed the fabric with a superb integration of tunable strain sensitivity (0-265.48), outstanding electromechanical performance, great stretchability (0-220 %), excellent heating performance, and long-term stability and repeatability under different strains over 2500 cycles. Especially, the as-prepared sensor was used for the detection of tiny body movements and vigorous human motions, indicating its further impressive prospect in wearable smart electronics. Therefore, such the proposed sensor with the layered generating structure exhibited remarkable potential for developing the flexible wearable electronic device of integrated sensing property and excellent electromechanical performance.
Lithium deportment by size of a calcined spodumene ore
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Kashif , Dyer Laurence , Tadesse Bogale , Albijanic Boris , Kashif Nadia
Published: May 2022

Calcination, utilised to convert hard rock lithium minerals from α-spodumene to more reactive β-spodumene, has been shown to greatly impact the physical characteristics of some of the components in the ore. This work investigates the energy efficiency used for upgrading the lithium content in the finer fraction of the calcined spodumene ore. The results showed that while closed-circuit grinding resulted in 89% lithium recovery of the finest size fractions (-0.6 mm) relative to 65 % over the same milling time for the open-circuit grinding, this was associated with far lower energy consumption and higher mass retention. The grade of the finest size fraction in the case of the open-circuit grinding was 1.7 times more than that in the case of the closed-circuit grinding. This work shows the potential of using different grinding modes to maximize energy efficiency and lithium deportment by size.
Robust the corrosion-blocking behavior, mechanical and UV aging resistance properties of epoxy composite coating encapsulated with mixed metal complexes for steel surface applications
Authors: Fadl A. M. , Sadeek S. A. , Magdy Laila , Abdou M. I.
Published: May 2022

Enhancing the protective demeanor, mechanical toughness and UV immovability of epoxy coating using metal-organic complexes as network crosslinking accelerators is on top of interest by coating formulators. The present work investigates the incorporation of mixed ligand Zr(IV) and Cu(II) complexes of metformin (MF) and 2.2′bipyridine (Bipy) against the free ligands as cross-linking modifiers via epoxy coating surface to construct high build cured epoxy adduct. Based on the calculated energy values, Zr(IV) and Cu(II) demonstrated the least energy gap (∆E) values at 0.190 au compared to free MF and Bipy lignads. Furthermore, measured electronic transition configurations illustrated that Cu(II) had four electronic transitions (n-π*, π-π*, d-d and LMCT). Some modified epoxy coating formulations with the same loading level (%) of MF, Bipy, Zr(IV) and Cu(II) compounds were prepared and assessed. EIS measurements using high saline formation water as corrosive medium were performed and offered that PA-DGEBA/MC-Cu coated film showed the superior resistance values (Rct= 940 and Rp= 930 kΩ cm2) and attained the best protection efficiency (PE) at 97.07%. Salt spray corrosion experiment clarified that PA-DGEBA/MC-Cu coating fulfilled the least corrosion rate (CR) at 0.00049 mm/y and exhibited the highest PE of 99.84%. SEM/EDX combination survey affirmed the protective performance of the checked coatings. AFM microanalysis affirmed that surface treated Cu(II) coating displayed the smoothest coating surface with robust layer curing. Mechanical durability properties were evaluated and illustrated that pull-off adhesion for PA-DGEBA/MC-Cu coated film fulfilled the best adherent layer at 6.3 MPa. Furthermore, bend character was estimated to achieve the best elongation for modified Cu(II) coating at 77, and presented the highest resistance to rapid deformation (impact) at 59.7 J. UV immovability trial affirmed that PA-DGEBA/MC-Cu coated film presented the highest resistance to UV irradiance with blistering (#8 size and few frequency) with offering the least gloss variation and matt properties. The elevated resistance properties illustrated by surface modified Cu(II) complex coating could be attributed to Cu(II) magnetic property, enhanced electronegativity, lower energy gap and offering four electronic transitions in which boosted the interface interactions and cross-linking intensity, thereby consolidating the epoxy/steel interfacial adhesion and boosting film stiffness.
VEGF, EGFR and PSMA as possible imaging targets of lymph node metastases of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
Authors: Fels Christa Anne Maria van der , Leliveld Annemarie , Buikema Henk , Heuvel Marius Christianus van den , de Jong Igle Jan
Published: May 2022

Background
In this study we investigated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) to analyze their potency as targets for the detection of lymph node (LN) metastases of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
Methods
Antigen expression was determined in 40 samples with urothelial carcinoma and compared to 17 matched samples without metastases by immunohistochemistry. The total immunostaining score (TIS, 0–12) was determined as the product of a proportion score (PS, 0–4) and intensity score (IS, 0–3).
Results
VEGF expression was high in primary tumor and LN metastases (median TIS 8 in both) and VEGF expression was also seen in LNs without metastases (median TIS 6). EGFR expression was low in primary tumor and LN metastases (median TIS 3 and 2 respectively) and absent in LNs without metastases. PSMA expression was low in samples with urothelial carcinoma (median TIS 2).
Conclusion
VEGF shows moderate to high expression levels in both primary tumors en LN metastases and could be a candidate as a target agent for imaging modalities of urothelial carcinoma. EGFR and PSMA do show low staining levels in tumor tissue with urothelial carcinoma and do not seem suitable as target agents.
Trial registration:
The Medical Ethics Review Board of the University Medical Center Groningen approved this study on 14 December 2017 (METc UMCG 2017/639). Trial registration number (UMCG Research Register): 201700868.
Research on Instability Mechanism and Supporting Countermeasures of Weakly Cemented Roadway in Adjacent Chamber Group Engineering
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhao Tongbin , Xing Minglu
Published: May 2022

Taking the roadway of a mine in West Mengxi area as the research object, the correlation law between the stress increment of the chamber group and the surrounding rock deformation of the roadway is obtained, and reveals the influence mechanism of adjacent chamber group engineering stress transfer on the deformation of weak cement roadway surrounding rock. The results show that the deformation of the weakly cemented roadway in the adjacent chamber group engineering presents asymmetric and differential characteristics. The properties of surrounding rock, the original rock stress and the chamber group engineering are the main factors of roadway failure; the influence distance of the vertical stress of the surrounding rock in the chamber group engineering area is 7 ~ 12 times the height of the roadway, the stress concentration of the weakly cemented surrounding rock is mainly affected by the vertical stress transmitted from the chamber group engineering area. The vertical stress increment range of the surrounding rock of the adjacent chamber group engineering roadway ranges from 3.2 to 4.8 MPa, compared with the initial in-situ stress which increased by 32–48%, exceeding the critical value of surrounding rock fracture which leading to instability of weak cemented roadways.
Prediction of Electromagnetic Loads for HL-2M Plasma Facing Components in Vertical Displacement Event
Authors: Wu Jing , Chen Yajing , Liu Jian , Guo Pengcheng , Xue Lei , Yao Lieming
Published: May 2022

Three-dimension (3-D) geometry models are established for HL-2M tokamak Plasma-Facing Components (PFCs), including Vacuum Vessel (VV) and divertor by ANSYS in this study. We predict Electromagnetic (EM) loads during an upwards Vertical Displacement Event (VDE) disruption by introducing plasma & magnetic field coils currents models. Eddy currents are induced due to the decay of plasma current and then flow into the PFCs components. The interaction between eddy currents and magnetic fields generates enormous EM forces and torques. During the VDE disruption, the halo currents are also born due to plasma currents moving to VV and divertor accompanied with dynamic evolution. Halo currents flow into VV and divertor inside components from the inner &outer target plate, the demo plate, and the cassette box. We found that the EM loads are most substantial on the radial& poloidal EM forces by introducing discretized spatiotemporal current profiles calculated from the DINA code. Inward & upward forces are the dominant factor in the VV and divertor. It may provide helpful experiences in designing China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR).
Effect of Tocilizumab in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-induced Cerebral Vasospasm of Experimental Rats
Authors: İzci Emir Kaan , Keskin Fatih , Kaya Bülent , Yerlikaya Fatma Hümeyra , Cuce Gokhan
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Tocilizumab (TCZ), a recombinant humanized, anti-human monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G1k subclass, on vascular morphological changes, endothelial apoptosis, and the levels of pro-inflammatory and apoptotic cytokines, such as IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), caspase-3, Bcl-2 associated X-protein (BAX), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a rat SAH model.Methods: The rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: (1) normal control (without SAH); (2) SAH (without treatment); (3) SAH treated with saline (SAH + Sal.); and (4) SAH treated with TCZ (SAH + Toc.). The tissues were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A series of brain and basilar artery sections were categorized into several subgroups for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining.Results: The levels of caspase, BAX, and IL-6 in the SAH + TOC group were significantly lower than in the control, SAH, and SAH + SAL groups (p=0.029, p=0.016, and p=0.002 respectively). TCZ treatment significantly increased the lumen of the basilar artery compared with that in the SAH and SAH + SAL groups without treatment (p=0.002 and p=0.004 respectively). SAH increased the apoptotic index in the endothelium compared with TCZ treatment (p=0.027) groups.Conclusion: It can be concluded that TCZ is safe and effective for treating experimental SAH. The results reveal clearly experimental evidence for the potential clinical application of TCZ in SAH patients.
Class-E Power Amplifier for RF Ion Thrusters
Authors: Beller Edwin , Roessler Christian , Probst Uwe , Thueringer Rainer , Volkmar Chris
Published: May 2022

Operating a radio-frequency ion thruster (RIT) requires a high frequency current flowing through an induction coil in order to ignite and maintain an inductively coupled plasma discharge (ICP). Several methods to create that current have been demonstrated and evaluated regarding complexity, flexibility and efficiency. Especially in space applications reliability and minimal power loss is crucial to comply to strict mission requirements. As one of the leanest concepts in terms of required components and nevertheless highest possible efficiency, the Class-E power amplifier (PA) has proven itself as a well suited radio-frequency generator of a RIT system. However, electrical performance and especially electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) during operation have not been evaluated, but are essential if the system is intended for use in space. In order to fill this gap and bring the Class-E PA into the fold of established RFG concepts, a prototype was designed, built, and used to operate a RIT-10. For reference, a conventional Half-Bridge RFG was tested under the same operating conditions. Further investigations are concerned with EMC behaviour of both devices and show that Class-E PA exhibits significantly lower electromagnetic emission during operation compared to the Half-Bridge reference.
Average treatment effect of pancreatico-duodenectomy versus total pancreatectomy
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Ricci Claudio , Nicolini Daniele , Langella Serena , Pacilio Carlo Alberto , Ingaldi Carlo , Bocchino Antonio , Rossi Roberta , Russolillo Nadia , Ferrero Alessandro , Vivarelli Marco , Casadei Riccardo , Ercolani Giorgio
Published: May 2022

Purpose
The effect size between total pancreatectomy (TP) over pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD) remains not well established due to the lack of high-level evidences. Aim of the study was to evaluate the average treatment effect on the patients treated (ATT) with PD in the case they received TP.
Methods
A reweighting scheme was applied to 202 TPs patients to equal 415 PDs (2016–2020), providing what would have happened to PD patients if they received TP. Superiority, non-inferiority and equivalence of PD and TP were assessed for outcomes’ risk ratios (RR).
Results
Balancing was perfect providing a robust estimation of ATT. If PDs were treated with TP they would more frequently experienced difficult glycemic control (RR: 1.44; 95%C.I.:1.21–1.73; p = 0.001) and received red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (RR: 1.23; 95%C.I.:1.04–1.46; p = 0.017). Conversely, TP would have reduced delayed gastric emptying (DGE; RR: 0.68; 95%C.I.:0.42–0.88; p = 0.008) as the likely avoidance of post-operative pancreatic fistula. Major morbidity and failure-to-rescue were within equivalence margins. In subgroups, TP would have not worsened glycemic control in patients already diabetics, transfusions would have not increased in patients with worse general conditions, and TP would have not reduced DGE in older, diabetics and female patients, more susceptible to gastric motility disorders. Post-operative stay and 30-day readmission were within equivalence margins.
Conclusion
If PD is feasible, the adoption of TP would be potentially more harmful than beneficial except in some clinical circumstances, supporting this choice in these cases. Both procedures finally provided similar major morbidity, failure-to-rescue, mortality, in-hospital stay and readmission rate.
Integrated transcriptomic and transgenic analyses reveal potential mechanisms of poplar resistance to Alternaria alternata infection
Authors: Huang Ying , Ma Huijun , Yue Yuanzhi , Zhou Tianchang , Zhu Zhenyu , Wang Chao
Published: May 2022

Background
Populus davidiana × P. bollena is a species of poplar from northeastern China that is characterized by cold resistance and fast growth but now suffers from pathogen infections. Leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata has become a common poplar disease that causes serious economic impacts, but the molecular mechanisms of resistance to A. alternata in P. davidiana × P. bollena are still unclear.
Results
In this study, the transcriptomic response of P. davidiana × P. bollena to A. alternata infection was determined via RNA-Seq. Twelve cDNA libraries were generated from RNA isolated from three biological replicates at four time points (0, 2, 3, and 4 d post inoculation), and a total of 5,930 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected (| log2 fold change | ≥ 1 and FDR values < 0.05). Functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched for the “plant hormone signal transduction” pathway, followed by the “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” pathway. In addition, DEGs that encode defense-related proteins and are related to ROS metabolism were also identified. Numerous transcription factors, such as the bHLH, WRKY and MYB families, were also induced by A. alternata infection. Among these DEGs, those related to JA biosynthesis and JA signal transduction were consistently activated. Therefore, the lipoxygenase gene PdbLOX, which is involved in JA biosynthesis, was selected for functional characterization. Overexpression of PdbLOX enhanced the resistance of P. davidiana × P. bollena to A. alternata, whereas silencing this gene enhanced susceptibility to A. alternata infection.
Conclusions
These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of poplar resistance to A. alternata infection and provide candidate genes for breeding resistant cultivars using genetic engineering.
A Low-Power Sigma-Delta Modulator for AI Voice Applications
Authors: Song Shuxiang , Liu Zhenyu , Cen Mingcan , Zhao Yuan , Jiang Pinqun , Cai Chaobo
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an 18-bits discrete Sigma-Delta modulator with a bandwidth of 4 kHz. The proposed modulator targets artificial intelligence voice applications where the readout of small-bandwidth signals is required. Sigma-Delta modulator includes an noise shaping filter, one-bit quantizer, and digital-to-analog conversion (DAC). The op-amp noise shaping filter is controlled by a high-frequency clock that alternates between sampling and integration stages. An op-amp noise shaping filter sharing technique is presented to reduce the power consumption caused by several noise shaping filters. Furthermore, by multiplexing the DAC of the power supply voltage and the ground voltage, the power consumption is further lowered. The modulator is implementd in UMC 0.11μm CMOS process. Post-layout simulation results show that the signal-to-noise ratio is 104.6dB, and the power consumption is 104 μW when the power supply voltage is 1.2V and the reference voltage is 0.6V.
The effects of visitors and social isolation from peer on the behavior of a mixed-species pair of captive gibbons
Authors: Lee Saein , Ryu Heungjin , Yi Yoonjung , Jang Seon-a , Gye Haeun , Choi Ahyun , Cho Haeun , Lee Bae-keun , Choe Jae C.
Published: May 2022

Human visitors affect the behavior of captive animals, which is the so-called visitor effect. The number and behavior of visitors may influence stress-related behaviors in captive animals, such as self-scratching, yawning, and visitor-directed vigilance. A captive social group setting that resembles the setting in the wild can be applied to alleviate such negative visitor effects and facilitate social behavior and interactions between individuals. In this study, we examined how the number and behavior of visitors are related to stress-related behaviors of a captive mixed-species gibbon pair comprising a yellow-cheek gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae) and a white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar). The two gibbons were put through a process of separation during the study period, and we examined whether the social isolation stimulated the visitor effect. The frequencies of stress-related behaviors of the gibbons increased and social playing between them decreased with increasing visitors, particularly after social isolation. In the indoor enclosure, the gibbons increased their visitor-directed vigilance when visitors shouted or struck the glass partition. Our findings indicate that the number and behavior of visitors negatively affect captive gibbons and that a mixed-species social setting can help gibbons reduce visitor-induced stress.
Air Purification Process from CO 2 Pollution by Considering Porous Iron Membrane Performance: The Molecular Dynamics Approach
Authors: Jafari Mostafa , Sabetvand Roozbeh
Published: May 2022

In current computational research, we report the porous iron matrix as a metallic membrane for air purification from Carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approach. In our calculations, the porous iron membrane was simulated in MD simulation box with the Embedded Atom Model (EAM). The membrane purification behavior is reported with temperature, potential energy, filtration value, Young’s module, and ultimate strength. Temperature and potential energy convergence indicated the atomic stability in our MD simulations. Furthermore, the atomic purification process was detected after t = 2 ns for the defined metallic membrane. This process is affected by temperature/pressure increasing from 300 K/1 bar to 350 K/5 bar, and number of absorbed CO2 molecules in MD simulations varies from 121 to 93/145 molecules. Also, mechanical calculations show that the metallic membrane was weakened mechanically after the purification process. Numerically, Young’s module of the porous iron membrane decreases from 5.83 GPa to 5.30 GPa after CO2 molecules separation from O2 molecules with porous iron matrix.
Lymph node ratio is a prospective prognostic indicator for locally advanced gastric cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Jiang Qi , Zeng Xiangyu , Zhang Chenggang , Yang Ming , Fan Jun , Mao Gan , Shen Qian , Yin Yuping , Liu Weizhen , Tao Kaixiong , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2022

Background: The accuracy of lymph node ratio (LNR) as a prognostic index remains to be proven for gastric cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). This study sought to investigate the prognostic value of LNR in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) patients after NACT.Methods: Patients with LAGC after NACT and gastrectomy between January 2012 and October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The relationships between LNR and survival were investigated.Results: Overall, 148 patients were selected; 103 with low-LNR (LNR≤30%) and 45 with high-LNR (LNR>30%). Approximately 50.5% and 24.4% patients responded to NACT at the primary site in the low-LNR and high-LNR groups, respectively. The OS and PFS of Low-LNR group was considerably better than those of high-LNR group (3-year OS: 81.9% vs 18.5%, P<0.001; 3-year PFS: 72.6% vs 13.5%, P<0.001). In the low-LNR group, OS and PFS were higher in patients with TRG 0-2 than in those with TRG 3(3-year OS: 89.2% vs 73.2%, P =0.086; 3-year PFS: 80.3% vs 66.5%, P =0.036). In association with OS and PFS, the degree of tumor differentiation, TRG, and LNR were identified as predictive factors and LNR was identified as the independent prognostic factor in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.Conclusions: LNR is a promising index of prognosis in patients with LAGC after NACT.