bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metaphors of the digital age and the Black Box Problem
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Leshkevich Tatiana G.
Published: July 2022

The article discusses the effects of the digital era, the driver of which is AI. The main goal is to fo­cus on the Black Box Problem, “opacity of AI” and the possibility of Malicious Use of Artificial In­telligence. Three interconnected directions are interfaced. Firstly, in the context of the analysis of the digital age, the potential of metaphors is used, which makes it possible to describe digital trans­formations figuratively. Secondly, due to the growing demand for high technologies, the negative consequences of using AI are considered and a number of paradoxes of scientific and technological progress are formulated. Thirdly, the article examines the widespread practice of trust in intelligent systems, as well as the prospects for technological symbiosis. The analysis is based on the Russian and English-language literature. The author analyzes metaphors that indicate the type of modern existence – “face-to-screen” or “face-to-device” (1); features of the subject of the digital age – “content viewer” (2); the specifics of digital rationality – “knowledge rent”, digital multitasking (3). Attention is drawn to the process of “convergence of subjectivity”. The issue of malicious use of AI is discussed. The author draws conclusions about the need for “algorithmic responsibility” and expanding the field of reflective analysis aimed at studying the consequences of using AI.
Civil skepticism, trust and the rehabilitation of skepticism in social studies of science and technology
Authors:   National Research Tomsk State University, Nikolina Nadezhda V.
Published: July 2022

The article reveals the concept of “civilized skepticism” proposed by M. Ramirez-i-Olle as a solution to the problem of the relationship between skepticism and trust in the production of scientific knowledge. The basis of the work is the study of skepticism as a practice in the process of interaction between members of the scientific community, carried out by M. Ramirez-i-Olle from 2016 to 2019. Skepticism as a practice of interaction between scien­tists needed to be rehabilitated because it has been suggested that skepticism does not foster trusting relationships. “Civil skepticism” was proposed as a rehabilitation of skepticism in scientific practice, and primarily in the social study of technology. Using the example of three years of empirical work by dendroclimatologists, M. Ramirez-i-Olle demonstrates the stages in which skepticism was practiced: laboratory work, seminar, conference, and publication. The paper deduces characteristics corresponding to these stages, which are also characteristics of “civil skepticism”: temporality, materiality, discursiveness and performa­tivity. The practice of “civil skepticism” not only fosters trusting relationships between members of the scientific community in the process of knowledge production, but also ex­pands the so-called “core group” of scientists involved in the work. Despite the fact that we can make a number of comments related to the use of the term “skepticism” and the inter­pretation of some concepts, the study of M. Ramirez-i-Olle is relevant and important for the development of SSK and STS, as it puts a “point” in the issue of the opposition of skepti­cism and trust in the process of scientific knowledge production. In addition, M. Ramirez-i-Olle touches on problems of the sociology of scientific knowledge that need to be addressed, such as the concept of “sociological skepticism”, studies of agnotology and the sociology of ignorance in the STS, and their relevance in the era of “post-truth”.
Nikolay Rozhdestvensky’s Fundamental Theology and Rational Theology of the Russian Synodal Period
Authors:   St. Petersburg Theological Academy, Lushniko Priest Dimitri
Published: July 2022

The article attempts to critically review a lecture course by St. Petersburg Theological Academy professor, Nikolay Rozhdestvensky’s (1840–1882), a course that is seen as basic for Russian fundamental theology, in the context of his contemporaries’ achievements and modern philosophical theology. While speaking of the latter, the author compares two rational-theological disciplines to uncover both their close thematic connections and differences, mainly of a communicative nature. A structural analysis of the text of Rozhdestvensky’s lecture course is provided, revealing its methodological features. It is demonstrated that the fundamental theology developed by Rozhdestvensky, in its main idea, anticipates the integrative model of the discipline that was later established in modern Western fundamental theology. It is noted that in the second part of the course that corresponds to the traditional section of the fundamental theology demonstratio christiana, or Revelation, Rozhdestvensky follows the methodology developed by his teacher, Bishop Chrysanthus (Retivtsev; 1832–1883), that strengthens the justification of Christianity as a divinely revealed religion. The content of the course section devoted to the cosmological, teleological, ontological and ethical proofs for the existence of God is critically examined as akin to the subject matter of rational theology. The article attempts to reconstruct Rozhdestvensky’s thorough study of the issue of the scientific status of the proofs and their authentic “evidentiary force”, as well as the refutation of the main objections to them. Rozhdestvensky not only reveals the content of each proof meticulously, but also analyzes Kant's criticism of these in detail, offering his own counterarguments. He goes into detail about the four aforementioned proofs that should not be considered separately, as, taken together, they produce a cumulative effect. A special attention is paid to comparison of Rozhdestvensky’s presentation of the arguments for the existence of God with those of other Russian academic philosophers of the Synodal period, in the first place Theodor Golubinsky, Victor Nesmelov and Michail Gribanovsky.
What Philosophical Theology & Religion Can Do for One Another
Authors:   University of St. Thomas, Kemp Kenneth
Published: July 2022

Although philosophical theology is, in part, an academic discipline aimed at a theoretical understanding of such topics as faith, revelation, divine attributes, divine action, and various conceptually challenging doctrines, it can be more than merely a branch of scholarship. This paper argues that application of philosophical tools to “divine things” can both benefit from cooperation with religion and contribute to the attainment of the good of religion. The paper’s method is that of Anglo-American analytic philosophy. Its foundation lies in the ideas of St. Thomas Aquinas, for example, about the virtue of religion and about the relation of faith and reason, ideas the application of which to the needs of theology has an established place in Catholic theological thought, but which are equally relevant to Orthodox and Protestant concerns. The paper begins by distinguishing various senses of the terms “philosophical theology” and “religion” and then shows by argument and example what it is that the each one can do for the other. This will be of particular help (1) in justifying (e.g., to students) the inclusion of philosophical theology in seminary curricula, as well as more broadly both (2) in showing philosophy students how their chosen discipline can be connected to their religious commitments, and (3) in showing religious believers the value of giving attention and respect to philosophical theology.
Relevance of Vadim Tsymburskie’s geopolitical intuitions
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ilinskaya Svetlana G.
Published: July 2022

This article is the polemical response to the report of Yu.D. Granin “Island of Russia” by Vadim Tsymbursky and the geopolitical project of Greater Eurasia” within the frame­work of the round table “Problems of civilizations in the books of the Institute of Philo­sophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences”. The purpose of the work is to indicate the po­sitions of the author of the concept “Islands of Russia” in relation to a few modern geopol­itical problems. The tasks set in the text can be defined as 1) to understand what Tsym­bursky meant by “Russian civilization”; 2) to distinct between “Russia as Eurasia” and “Greater Eurasia” in his concept; 3) to reflect the methodological relationship between the historical and projective components of his concept; 4) to identify the prospects for the development of local Russian civilization, as Tsymbursky understood them. The ba­sis for hermeneutic analysis was the texts of Vadim Tsymbursky, devoted the concept of the “Island of Russia” and the problem of sovereignty. Conclusions: 1) the Russian ethno-cultural component is of decisive importance for Russian civilization; 2) the devel­opment of the “Island of Russia” is more significant than continental integration with other local civilizational centers; 3) the historical methodology and constructivism in local civi­lizational studies are complementarity; 4) the value consolidation of the Russian elite and ordinary citizens is a priority purpose for the existence of the Russian “island”.
On the Philosophical Significance of the Community with a Shared Future for Mankind
Authors:   Institute  of Marxism Chinese  Academy of Social  Sciences, Aizhu Chen
Published: July 2022

The paper reveals the historical and philosophical foundations of the concept of “commu­nity of the common destiny of mankind”, which was put forward by Chinese politicians and scientists as a response to the most acute and urgent threats of the modern era – to be or not to be humanity on the planet. The author of the paper emphasizes that the emer­gence of this concept was the result of more than 5000 years of development of Chinese philosophical thought and traditional culture. Its important aspects were outlined, in par­ticular, in the work of the great Chinese thinker Confucius “Lun Yu” – Conversations and Judgments. A presentation of the content of the idea of ​​“datong” or the society of Great Harmony is given. Further, the paper shows that the modern theoretical basis of the concept of “community of the common destiny of mankind” is Marxism. In the era of world history, the global nature of human communication has acquired a comprehen­sive character. And the formation of a “community of the common destiny of mankind” corresponds to the progressive direction of the development of human society. In conclu­sion, the article talks about the joint contribution that China and Russia should make in creating a better future for all countries of the world, for the coexistence of the entire diversity of civilizations present in the modern world.
Measures of civilisation
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Blyukher Fyodor N. , Gurko Sergey L. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2022

The article makes an attempt to consider the concept of “civilization” and its corollary concept of “barbarism” from different perspectives. It shows how the term “civilization” successively acquires ideological, scientific and philosophical dimensions. The emer­gence in the course of history of such social institutions as religion, trade, politics, law, and, finally, centralized military industry and a developed economy mark the stages of the gradual filling of the concept of civility with the content that we find in it today. Barbarism from an anthropological-geographical characteristic turns into a designation of functional features of social processes – a measure of their deviation from a “civilized” mode of action. The authors are inclined to believe that, despite the historical diversity of civilization strategies, the civilization movement is rather a universal means of search­ing for a balanced approach to the use of resources both by individual human communi­ties and humankind as a whole. A generalized idea of energy efficiency can serve as a rough measure of the success of civilizational processes.
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 escape from mRNA vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Gupta Ravindra , Collier Dami , De Marco Anna , Ferreira Isabella , Meng Bo , Datir Rawlings , Walls Alexandra , Kemp Steven , Bassi Jessica , Pinto Dora , Silacci-Fregni Chiara , Bianchi Siro , Tortorici M. Alejandra , Bowen John , Culap Katja , Jaconi Stefano , Cameroni Elisabetta , Snell Gyorgy , Pizzuto Matteo , Pallanda Allessandra , Gorzoni Christian , Riva Agostino , Elmer Anne ,   The CITIID-NIHR BioResource COVID-19 Collaboration, Graves Barbara , McCoy Laura , Smith Ken , Bradley John , Thaventhiran James ,   Lourdes Ceron-Gutierrez1, Barcenas-Morales Gabriela , Virgin Herbert , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Piccoli Luca , Doffinger Rainer , Wills Mark , Veesler David , Corti Davide
Published: July 2022

SARS-CoV-2 transmission is uncontrolled in many parts of the world, compounded in some areas by higher transmission potential of the B1.1.7 variant now seen in 50 countries. It is unclear whether responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on the prototypic strain will be impacted by mutations found in B.1.1.7. Here we assessed immune responses following vaccination with mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2. We measured neutralising antibody responses following a single immunization using pseudoviruses expressing the wild-type Spike protein or the 8 mutations found in the B.1.1.7 Spike protein. The vaccine sera exhibited a broad range of neutralizing titres against the wild-type pseudoviruses (<1:4 to 3449) that were reduced against B.1.1.7 variant by 3.85 fold (IQR 2.68-5.28). This reduction was also evident in sera from some convalescent patients. Decreased B.1.1.7 neutralization was also observed with monoclonal antibodies targeting the N-terminal domain (9 out of 10), the Receptor Binding Motif (RBM) (5 outof 29), but not in neutralizing mAbs binding outside the RBM. Introduction of the E484K mutation in a B.1.1.7 background led to a further loss of neutralizing activity by vaccine-elicited antibodies over that conferred by the B.1.1.7 mutations alone. Further work is needed to establish the impact of these observations on protective vaccine efficacy in the context of the evolving B.1.1.7 lineage that will likely acquire E484K.
Revealing Anticonvulsant Potential of Grewia tiliaefolia in Pentylenetetrazole induced Epilepsy in mice: In vitro, in vivo and, in silico analysis
Authors: Rajput Ankita , Sharma Palvi , Kumar Nitish , Singh Hasandeep , Singh Tanveer , Singh Sharabjit , Bedi Preet Mohinder Singh , Singh Balbir , Kaur Sarabjit , Arora Saroj
Published: July 2022

Epilepsy is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide and also a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Available antiepileptic drugs have series of side effects which encouraged us to explore different medicinal plants used against neurological disorders in traditional Indian medicinal system (TIMS). Therefore, we explored the antiepileptic potential of the Grewia tiliaefolia (Tiliaeceae) known for its neuroprotective properties in TIMS. Initially, aerial parts of G. tiliaefolia were subjected to extraction with increasing order of polarity viz. hexane, chloroform and methanol. Antioxidant potential of hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of G. tiliaefolia was evaluated by DPPH, total antioxidant assay, reducing power assay and DNA nicking assay. Additionally, quantitative antioxidant assays were also conducted to quantify total phenolic and total flavonoid content. The methanol extract was found to possess very high antioxidant activity; therefore, its anticonvulsant potential was explored in PTZ induced epilepsy in mice. The methanol extract had shown significant anticonvulsant activity at 400 mg/kg. It had significantly increased the latency to occurrence of myoclonic jerks, generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS) and significantly decreased the duration of the GTCS and seizure severity score. The Grewia tiliaefolia methanol extract was further screened by HPLC for detection of polyphenolic compounds, among which gallic acid and kaempferol were present in higher amount and were further analyzed by in silico study to predict their possible binding sites and type of interactions these compounds show with gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor and glutamate α amino-3- hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor. It was revealed that gallic acid and kaempferol had shown agonistic interaction with GABA receptor and antagonistic interaction with Glutamate AMPA receptor. We concluded that G. tiliaefolia showed potent anticonvulsant potential due to the significant antioxidant activity possibly because of gallic acid and kaempferol.
Percutaneously inserted ventriculoureteral shunt as a salvage treatment in pediatric hydrocephalus: a technical note
Authors: Sandvik Ulrika , Bartek Jiri , Edström Erik , Jönsson Mattias , Stenman Jakob
Published: July 2022

Background: Hydrocephalus is a challenge for pediatric neurosurgeons. When the abdominal cavity and heart fail as diversion sites for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), many of the otherwise used alternative diversion sites are not feasible due to the smaller physical body size of children and infants. Using the urinary system as a site of diversion has been described in adults primarily.Objective: To describe a minimally invasive procedure to percutaneously access the ureter for placement of a distal catheter in the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalusMethods: A percutaneous ultrasound-assisted technique, was used to access the renal pelvis for catheter placement into the distal ureter.Results: Fifteen months after the surgery the child has a stable neurological condition and adequately managed hydrocephalus.Conclusion: The urinary tract should be considered a viable option for CSF diversion in complex pediatric hydrocephalus. A multidisciplinary approach consisting of interventional radiologists, urologists and neurosurgeons should be involved in the evaluation of potential candidates.
Study on three-dimensional slope stability analysis method based on perturbation isosurface
Authors: Shi Chong , Ma Jincheng , Zhou Yuxian , Zhang Yiping , Pian Junbao
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional slope stability analysis is a difficult point in the field of slope stability analysis in geotechnical engineering, and it is of theoretical and practical significance to use three-dimensional methods for slope stability analysis. Firstly, use the existing continuous numerical simulation platform to establish a numerical model of the slope, and then a tiny disturbance is applied to the balanced slope. The displacement isosurface generated after the disturbance is regarded as the potential sliding surface. Finally, calculate the stability safety factor of multiple potential sliding surfaces, the minimum value is the slope safety factor, and the corresponding sliding surface is the critical sliding surface. The results show that the three-dimensional slope stability analysis method based on the perturbation equivalence surface can accurately and efficiently obtain the most dangerous sliding surface and safety factor, which is reasonable and straightforward, has strong logic, clear physical meaning, and the critical sliding surface obtained is consistent with the actual project. The research results can provide new ideas for calculating three-dimensional slope stability in geotechnical engineering.
Alterations in gut microbiota associated with lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Song Zi-yi , Zhang Sheng-Xiao , Qiao Jun , Zhao Rong , Wang Yi-Fei , Song Shan , Wang Cai-Hong , Gao Chong , Li Xiao-Feng
Published: July 2022

Background: This study investigated gut microbiota characteristics and their associations with lymphocyte subsets, cytokines, and disease activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Fecal DNA from 62 AS patients and 62 healthy controls (HCs) was subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The absolute numbers of peripheral lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry, while the serum levels of cytokines were tested by cytokine bead arrays. Results: The gut microbiota diversity was significantly decreased in AS patients, compared to HCs. Proteobacteria and Patescibacteria were more abundant in AS patients than in HCs; Firmicutes, Fusobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota, Synergistota, and Campilobacterota were less abundant in AS patients than in HCs. At the genus level, the abundances of Escherichia–Shigella were increased in AS patients compared to HCs; in contrast, the abundances of Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, Agathobacter, Roseburia, and Dialister were decreased in AS patients. The linear discriminant analysis effect size indicated that Enterobacterales was the most significant order in AS patients. The relative abundances of Agathobacter, Ruminococcus, Prevotella, and CAG–352 were correlated with lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels; the relative abundances of Faecalibacterium, Klebsiella, and Roseburia were correlated with disease activity. In addition, specific gut microbiota were significantly correlated with peripheral blood cell count, age, and body mass index. Conclusions: The gut microbiota in AS patients differed from the gut microbiota in HCs; changes in bacterial communities were associated with the immune profile that contributes to AS pathogenesis.
Polygenic risk scores associated with tumor immune infiltration in common cancers
Authors: Choi Jungyoon , Kim Jung Sun , Sung Hwa Jung , Chen Yu-Wei , Chen Zhishan , Wen Wanqing , Shu Xiao-ou , Guo Xingyi
Published: July 2022

Purpose
It is largely unknown whether genetic susceptibility contributes to tumor immune infiltration in common cancers. We systematically investigated the association between polygenic risk scores (PRS) and tumor immune infiltration in common cancers.
Methods
We constructed PRS for common cancers using the risk variants identified in previous genome-wide association studies. We analyzed 139 immune traits predicted by previous studies by examining gene expression data in tumor tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We applied multivariable regression analyses to evaluate the associations between PRS and immune traits for each cancer overall and stratified by intrinsic molecular subtypes for breast cancer and stage.
Results
We included 2,160 pathologically confirmed cases of breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers in the White population. At a nominal (P < 0.05) significance level, we identified 31 significant associations between PRS and immune traits in prostate cancer (14), colorectal cancer (5), breast cancer (4), lung squamous cell carcinoma (4), lung adenocarcinoma (2), ovarian cancer (1), and pancreatic cancer (1). In the analyses stratified by intrinsic molecular subtypes for breast cancer, we identified 35 significant associations, including 31 associations that were undetected by the overall analysis. In the analyses stratified by stage for breast, colorectal, lung adenocarcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma, we identified 65 significant associations, including 56 associations that were undetected by the overall analysis.
Conclusions
This study shows the evidence of PRS affecting immune infiltration and provides novel insights into the role of genetic susceptibility in the immune responses underlying cancer development and prognosis.
Effect of High and Low Doses of Vitamin D on Insulin Resistance in Healthy Women
Authors: AlGhamdi Shareefa , AlHarthi Hanan , Khoja Sawsan , AlJefri Amin , AlShaibi Huda F.
Published: July 2022

Vitamin D has been traditionally involved in regulation of bone homeostasis. However, vitamin D has also been linked clinically to various diseases including metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of low and high doses of vitamin D supplement on serum level of vitamin D and insulin resistance. A total of 120 females were recruited in this study and supplemented weekly with 25,000 IU vitamin D or 50.000 IU vitamin D for three months. Anthropometric measurements were measured at the beginning of the study. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study to determine the baseline of the clinical variables and collecting again after three months. Insulin resistance was measured using HOMA-IR. After vitamin D supplement, a significant increase observed in serum levels of vitamin D in group treated with low dose of vitamin D (LDVD) and highly significant increase in group treated with high dose of vitamin D (HDVD). In a group treated with higher dose (HDVD), a significant improve in insulin sensitives was observed. High dose of vitamin D (50,000 IU) is more effective in both correcting blood level of vitamin D and improving the sensitivity of insulin.
Safety and efficacy of Tezepelumab vs placebo in adult patients with severe uncontrolled asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdelgalil Mahmoud Shaban , Awad Ahmed K. , Gad Eman Reda , Elrashedy Asmaa Ahmed , Ali Mahmoud M. , Farahat Ramadan Abdelmoez , Shawki Bassant Hassan , Abd-ElGawad Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Background: Patients with severe uncontrolled asthma still experience acute asthma symptoms and exacerbations, particularly those with non-eosinophilic inflammation who take the maximum amount of standard drug therapy. Tezepelumab, a human monoclonal antibody, can improve lung function and enhance control of asthma symptoms in those patients, regardless of the disease's baseline characteristics. This study explores the safety and efficacy of using tezepelumab in controlling severe symptoms of uncontrolled asthma.Methods and procedures: We performed a comprehensive literature search in several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrial.gov, using a well-established search strategy to include all relevant publications. As our inclusion criteria, we looked for randomized controlled trials comparing tezepelumab versus placebo in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma. We analysed the data using The Revman 5.4 programme software.Outcome and Results: The search identified 589 potential articles. After excluding studies inconsistent with selection criteria, four studies were included and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The pooled effect demonstrated the better performance of tezepelumab over the placebo regarding the decrease in Annualized asthma exacerbation rate (MD =-0.74, p<0.00001)), Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6) Score MD = -0.32, p<0.00001), Blood eosinophil count (MD = -139.38, p<0.00001), feNO (MD = -10, p=0.0008) and Serum IgE (MD = -123.51, p=0.004). All tezepelumab groups had higher pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second than the placebo group (MD=0.16, p0.00001).Conclusion: tezepelumab is effective and safe in lowering asthma exacerbations in individuals with severe uncontrolled asthma.
Difference of Perfluorooctanoate between polycystic ovary syndrome and diminished ovarian reserve in infertile individuals
Authors: Shen Haofei , Gao Min , Li Qiuyuan , Sun Huipeng , Jiang Yingdi , Liu Lihong , Wu Jingyuan , Wang Liyan , Yu Xiao , Zhang Xuehong , Jia Tianyu , Wang Yiqing
Published: July 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of PFOA concentration in follicular fluid during IVF.Design: ProspectiveSetting: University hospitalPatients: The study enrolled 25 patients with DOR, 25 patients with NOR and 25 patients with PCOS from a single center.Interventions: None.Main Outcome: The results of in vitro fertilization, embryo quality and PFOA concentration in follicular fluid. Measures: Follicular fluid samples were analyzed by the UPLC-MS/MS.Results: The PFOA level of follicular fluid in DOR group were higher than that in NOR group and PCOS group(P<0.05). PFOA concentration in PCOS group was negatively correlated with good-quality embryo (P<0.05).Conclusions: PFOA affects ovarian reserve and has a negative impact on embryo development during IVF.
Topical Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor for Management of Refractory Epithelial Keratopathy
Authors: Dai Xi , Zhu Xi , Karakus Sezen
Published: July 2022

Severe epithelial keratopathy refractory to conventional dry eye treatment in the absence of discomfort symptoms should raise suspicion for neurotrophic corneal changes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) eye drops in managing refractory epithelial keratopathy with neurotrophic features. This was a retrospective case series study on patients treated with topical rhNGF for refractory epithelial keratopathy due to stage I neurotrophic keratitis (NK) at a single institution. Data regarding demographics and ocular/systemic medical history was extracted from patient charts. Visual acuity and corneal staining scores were recorded at baseline and follow-up visits, along with treatment side effects. We included 26 eyes of 14 patients with refractory epithelial keratopathy. After an 8-week treatment course, the median corneal staining score in the worse eye decreased from 4 to 1 (p=0.001). All patients showed at least one-grade improvement in corneal staining with complete or near-complete resolution in at least one eye at 8 weeks, sustained in 7 patients at three months. A better response was observed in eyes with post-radiation epithelial keratopathy, LASIK, and Sjogren's syndrome. Those with chronic use of other topical treatments and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus demonstrated incomplete responses. Eight patients reported mild to moderate ocular discomfort from drop application that fully resolved after completion of treatment. Topical rhNGF application was effective and safe in treating refractory epithelial keratopathy due to stage I NK in our cohort, although the effect was sustained only in some patients at three months. Further studies are needed to determine the optimum treatment regimen based on underlying etiology.
Numerical simulation of coal samples creep properties under graded loading conditions
Authors: Li Xiangchun , Zhuo Xuefei , Zhang Liang , Zhang Kai , Bai Shipeng , Zong Chenghao , Wang Yinqing , Xing Mingxiu , Yang Tao
Published: July 2022

To study the creep characteristics of coal samples under graded loading conditions, on the basis of the physical experiments, using FLAC3D software to numerical simulated the coal samples from different angles. The numerical simulation results show that the simulation results match with the physical experimental results in both strain magnitude or the general tendency of creep, which verifies the correctness and applicability of the customized numerical simulation model. Based on the above results, further research can be conducted that the coal creep characteristics under different conditions. It is found that the transverse strain magnitude at the top of the specimen is more obvious than bottom, which shows the process of stress transfer from top to bottom; the bulk modulus has less influence on the creep of specimen, and the creep of specimen decreases with the increase of bulk modulus under the same conditions; the shape has a great influence on the creep of specimen, the cylindrical specimen creep is much larger than the rectangular specimen creep under the same conditions; when the height of specimen increases, not only the creep magnitude increase of specimen, but also the creep degree of gradually increase. Hence, the conclusions attained can provide a good guidance to the analyse the creep of coal.
A novel autonomous weedicide spraying machine for row based crops for agricultural applications using embedded linux
Authors: Shanmugam Maheswaran , Shanmugam Sathesh , R.Duraisamy Gomathi , Samiappan Dhanalakshmi , Loganathan Ashok Kumar , Muthusamy Suresh , Panchal Hitesh , Lamba Ravita
Published: July 2022

An innovative approach to control the weeds by spraying the weedicide using ARM processor based single board credit card sized computer called Raspberry Pi with a selective spraying to reduce the wastage of chemicals was developed. The system was developed for precision spraying of weedicide using quantified information of the weeds from the image processing in Octave. This unit consists of a camera to capture the input image, Octave installed in a Raspberry Pi board and an autonomous robotic sprayer. The captured image was converted into gray scale then area thresholding was done to separate the crops and the weeds. The position of weed obtained from Octave was transferred to the microcontroller to control the sprayer movement by serial communication. Thus, the developed autonomous weeding system saves an amount of 48% of weedicide and provides an efficiency of 89%.
Biaxial tensile test and meso damage numerical simulation of HTPB propellant
Authors: Wang Qizhou , Wang Guang , Wang Zhejun , Qiang Hongfu , Wang Xueren , Li Shiqi , Zhu Zhaojun
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the shortcomings of the current research on the mechanical properties of solid propellants under complex stress conditions, an effective cross-shaped test piece configuration and variable-scale biaxial tensile test method are designed in this paper, and the meso-simulation model of propellant is constructed by Micro-CT test and random filling algorithm. Then, based on the Hook-Jeeves method and the cohesive force model, the mechanical performance parameters of each mesoscopic component were obtained, and finally the damage evolution process of the propellant was numerically simulated. The results show that the stress-strain curve of the propellant under biaxial loading is similar to that of uniaxial stretching, and has obvious rate dependence and stress state dependence. The mechanical properties of the propellant under biaxial tensile loading are significantly lower than those in uniaxial stretching, and the maximum elongation is only 45%-85% of that in uniaxial stretching. The fracture process of propellant can be divided into initial linear stage, damage evolution stage and fracture stage. The dewetting phenomenon generally occurs at the interface between the large-sized AP particles and the matrix. With the loading of the load, the pores formed by the dewetting and matrix tearing continue to converge into cracks and expand in the direction perpendicular to the resultant force, and finally fracture. The propellant dehumidifies more easily under high strain rate loading, but the degree of dewetting is lower when the same strain is reached.
Tunable Brownian magneto heat pump
Authors: Abdoli Iman , Wittmann René , Brader Joseph , Sommer Jens-Uwe , Löwen Hartmut , Sharma Abhinav
Published: July 2022

We propose a mesoscopic Brownian magneto heat pump made of a single charged Brownian particle that is steered by an external magnetic field. The particle is subjected to two thermal noises from two different heat sources. When confined, the particle performs gyrating motion around a potential energy minimum. We show that such a magneto-gyrator can be operated as both a heat engine and a refrigerator. The maximum power delivered by the engine and the performance of the refrigerator, namely the rate of heat transferred per unit external work, can be tuned and optimised by the applied magnetic field. Further tunability of the key properties of the engine, such as the direction of gyration and the torque exerted by the engine on the confining potential, is obtained by varying the strength and direction of the applied magnetic field. In principle, our predictions can be tested by experiments with colloidal particles and complex plasmas.
Theoretical and numerical investigation of micro-textures fabrication by ultrasonic surface rolling process
Authors: Meng Ying , Deng Jianxin , Wang Ran , Sun Qinghao , Zhang Zhihui
Published: July 2022

Surface texturing is a potential approach to achieving excellent surface performance. To realize high precision and efficiency in micro-texturing fabrication, a surface texturing method utilizing an ultrasonic surface rolling process is proposed. Firstly, the feasibility and geometric controllability of micro-texture preparation using ultrasonic surface rolling process are analyzed. Then a contact theory model of ultrasonic rolling texturing process is established, which can describe the geometric relationship of the micro-texturing generation region. Based on the elastic-plastic theory, simulations of single-pass and multi-pass ultrasonic rolling texturing processes are developed to elucidate the formation and strengthening mechanism of micro-textures, and further characterize the effects of ultrasonic rolling machining parameters on micro-textures. A series of validation tests of ultrasonic rolling texturing are implemented on AISI 5140 steel. Simulation and experimental results show that the ultrasonic surface rolling process can fabricate micro-groove arrays with the periodic distribution. The validity of the theoretical and finite element models is confirmed by the comparison results. It is demonstrated that the ultrasonic rolling texturing process is a feasible and efficient way to fabricate controllable micro-textures.
Validation of ALOS/PALSAR subsurface penetration depth in arid regions based on field ground-penetrating radar measurements
Authors: Mansour Khamis , Zaher Mohamed Abdel , deep Mohamed Al , Medhat Noha , Ebrahim Shereen , Mohamed Abbas
Published: July 2022

In the last few years, ALOS/PALSAR (L-band) (HH, HV, VH, and VV) images have been widely used due to their ability to penetrate the surface in certain conditions, such as low moisture or dry friable sandy soil. Images from the ALOS-1 sensor were used to delineate subsurface structures, and optical images such as Landsat-7 ETM + data were used to discriminate between scatterings from the Earth’s surface and subsurface materials. Thus, the Farafra Desert is an optimal geological environment for L-band microwave penetration, as its geology is characterized by friable sand sheets covering limestone (Tarawan Formation). Speckle noise is found in radar images for many reasons, such as when an object strongly reflected between itself and the spacecraft causes noise. Refined LEE filter (RLF) is applied for speckle noise reduction; moreover, full polarimetric ALOS/PALSAR images (PLR) are transformed into circular polarization by changing both angles into orientation angle ψ = 0° and elliptical angle χ = 45°. The validation of ALOS/PALSAR outputs was carried out using ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements. Three GPR long profiles using a 200 MHz antenna were scanned along with areas that were annotated according to ALOS/PALSAR results (high backscattering coefficient). The GPR system operated by a low-frequency antenna with a frequency of 200 MHz was capable of detecting the annotated geological structures beneath the sand sheets. Furthermore, statistical comparison of L-band SAR and GPR data illustrated a correlation that can reveal identical regions to delineate subsurface structures. These results prove that the integration of synthetic aperture radar SAR (L-band) and on-site low-frequency radar systems can be vital to detect soil structures down to several meters, ultimately innovating Earth observation systems for geological and hydrogeological mapping in arid regions.
Identification of immune checkpoints in COVID-19
Authors: Carvelli Julien , Demaria Olivier , Vély Frédéric , Batista Luciana , Benmansour Nassima Chouaki , Fares Joanna , Carpentier Sabrina , Thibult Marie-Laure , Morel Ariane , André Pascale , Represa Agnès , Piperoglou Christelle ,   the Explore COVID-19 IPH group,   the Explore COVID-19 Medical group, Cordier Pierre Yves , Dault Erwan Le , Guervilly Christophe , Simeone Pierre , Gainnier Marc , Morel Yannis , Ebbo Mikael , Schleinitz Nicolas , Vivier Eric
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new pandemic acute respiratory disease caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)11-3. We provide here a longitudinal analysis of immune responses, including immune cell phenotyping and assessments of the soluble factors present in the blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients at various stages of COVID-19 severity: paucisymptomatic, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). While we confirm a lymphopenia associated with COVID-19 severity4-7, we report an increase in expression of the NKG2A and PD-1 inhibitory receptors on T and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as an increase in CD39 expression on NK cells, suggesting that therapeutic blocking antibodies targeting these molecules already used for cancer immunotherapy8 could be repurposed as first line of defense to promote SARS-CoV-2 clearance. In addition, the C5a anaphylatoxin and its receptor C5aR1 (CD88) play a key role in the initiation and maintenance of inflammatory responses, by recruiting neutrophils and monocytes to the lungs9,10. We report an increase in soluble C5a levels proportional to COVID-19 severity and high levels of C5aR1 expression in blood and BALF myeloid cells, indicating a potential role of the C5a-C5aR1 axis in the pathophysiology of ARDS. Avdoralimab is a clinical-stage anti-C5aR1 therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) that prevents C5a-mediated myeloid cell recruitment and activation. We propose the use of this antibody to limit myeloid cell infiltration in the lung and to prevent the excessive lung inflammation associated with ARDS in COVID-19 patients.
Can they stomach it? Parent and practitioner acceptability of a trial comparing Gastric Residual Volume measurement versus no Gastric Residual Volume in UK NNU and PICU’s: a feasibility study
Authors: Deja Elizabeth , Roper Louise , Tume Lyvonne , Dorling Jon , Gale Chris Gale , Arch Barbara , Latten Lynne ,   Nazima Pathan7 Pathan, Eccleson Helen Eccleson , Hickey Helen , Preston Jenny , Beissel Anne , Andrzejewska Izabela , Valla Frédéric Valla V , Woolfall Kerry
Published: July 2022

Background: Routine measurement of gastric residual volume (GRV) to guide feeding in neonatal and paediatric intensive care is widespread. However, this practice is not evidence based and may cause harm. As part of a feasibility study we explored parent and practitioner views on the acceptability of a trial comparing GRV measurement or no GRV measurement. Methods: A mixed- methods study involving interviews and focus groups with practitioners and interviews with parents with experience of tube feeding in neonatal and/or paediatric intensive care. A voting system recorded closed question responses during practitioner data collection, enabling the collection of quantitative and qualitative data. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Results: We interviewed 31 parents and nine practitioners and ran five practitioner focus groups (n=42). Participants described how the research question was logical, the intervention would not be invasive and potential benefits of not withholding the child’s feeds. However, both groups held concerns about the potential risk of not measuring GRV, including delayed diagnosis of infection and gut problems, increased risk of vomiting into lungs and causing discomfort or pain. Parent’s views on GRV measurement and consent decision making were influenced by their views on the importance of feeding in the ICU, their child’s prognosis and associated comorbidities or complications.Conclusions: The majority of parents and practitioners viewed the proposed trial as acceptable. Potential concerns and preferences were identified that will need careful consideration to inform the development of the proposed trial protocol and staff training.
Everything Counts -- A Method To Determine Viral Suppression Among People Living With HIV Using Longitudinal Data For The HIV Care Continuum. - Results Of Two Large, German, Multi-Center Real-Life Cohort Studies Over 20 Years (1999-2018)
Authors: Schmidt Daniel , Kollan Christian , Stoll Matthias , Hamouda Osamah , Bremer Viviane , Kurth Tobias , Bartmeyer Barbara , group ClinSurv HIV ClinSurv HIV study ,   HIV-1 Seroconverter HIV-1 Seroconverter study group
Published: July 2022

Background The aim of this study was to develop a standardized method to reconstruct persons' individual VL courses to determine viral suppression and duration of viremia for the HIV care continuum in Germany using longitudinal cohort data.Methods We analyzed data from two large, multi-center German cohort studies under the direction of the Robert Koch Institute. We included data from 1999-2018 of all diagnosed people and of people who initiated antiretroviral treatment (ART). We developed a model generating virtual VL values and an individual VL course corresponding to real VL measurements with a maximum distance of 180 days, considering ART status and VL dynamics. If the distance between VL measurements was >180 days, the time between was defined as gap time. Additionally, we considered blips, which we defined as a single detectable VL <1,000 copies/ml within 180 days.Results A total of 22,120 people (164,691 person-years, PY) after ART initiation were included in the analyses. The proportion of people with viral suppression (VL <50 copies/ml) increased from 34% in 1999 to 93% in 2018. The proportion of people with VL <200 copies/ml increased from 47% in 1999 to 96% in 2018. The proportion of people with viremia >1,000 copies/ml decreased from 37% in 1999 to 3% in 2018. The proportion of people with gap time fluctuated and ranged between 18% and 28%. An analysis of the first VL after gap time showed that 90% showed viral suppression, 5% VL between 50-<1,000 copies/ml and 5% VL >1,000 copies/ml.Conclusion We provide a method for estimating viral suppression and duration of viremia using longitudinal VL data. We observed a continuous and remarkable increase of viral suppression. Furthermore, a notable proportion of those with viremia showed low-level viremia and were therefore unlikely to transmit HIV. Individual health risks and HIV drug resistance among those with low-level viremia are problematic, and viral suppression remains the goal. In 2018, 93% and 96% of people after ART initiation showed VL <50 copies/ml and VL <200 copies/ml, respectively. Therefore, using the threshold of VL <200 copies/ml, Germany reached the UNAIDS 95 target of viral suppression since 2017.