bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Nd:YAG Ceramics for Laser Applications
Authors: Echartea-Reyes Olga Alondra , Vázquez-García Gloria Verónica , Castillo-Robles José Adalberto , López-Hernández Juan , Calles-Arriaga Carlos Adrián , Pech-Rodríguez Wilian Jesús , Rocha-Rangel Enrique
Published: May 2023

Materials known as Nd:YAG are crystalline materials of the cubic system made from neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, which among others, have excellent optical properties. Nd:YAG four-level laser devices are highly used in both the health and industrial sectors. In this study, a simple and inexpensive alternative to manufacturing Nd:YAG materials through solid state reactions following powder processing routes was proposed. For this, an intense mixture of the precursor materials (Al2O3 and Y2O3) was carried out, followed by the addition of neodymium atoms to improve the optical properties of the resulting material. High energy mechanical mixing of the precursor powders resulted in submicron particles, with good size distributions of the powders. The advance of YAG formation was monitored by intermediate phase formation during heat treatment through interrupted tests at different temperatures and analysis by X-ray diffraction. From this analysis, it was found that reaction for the formation of the desired YAG is completed at 1500°C. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses determined the presence of functional groups corresponding to the YAG. Finally, the study by optical emission spectroscopy showed wavelengths in agreement with the electronic structure of the elements of the synthesized Nd:YAG.
Length of Stay in Emergency Department by ICD-10 Specific and Non-Specific Diagnoses: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study
Authors: Miazgowski Bartosz , Pakulski Cezary , Miazgowski Tomasz
Published: May 2023

The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital emergency department (ED) is a crucial key performance indicator that is used to track and manage the performance of the ED as a whole. Our study had two objectives. Firstly, we aimed to evaluate the association between LOS and the most common primary ICD-10 diagnoses. To achieve this, we examined LOS in groups with specific (internal, surgical, neurological, and traumatic diseases) and non-specific diagnoses in adult ED visits at a tertiary referral hospital between 2017 and 2019 (134,675 visits in total). Our secondary objective was to measure LOS by age, day of the week, time of day, and season. The mean LOS was 254 minutes and was the shortest in the traumatic group (160 minutes), while in other groups it was significantly longer: neurological by 185 minutes, internal medicine by 158 minutes, surgical by 36 minutes, and non-specific by 24 minutes. In conclusion, non-specific diagnoses accounted for 21% of all ICD-10 primary diagnoses. In this group of patients, the percentage of hospitalizations was the highest. Other significant determinants of LOS were the patients’ age, the day of the week, the time of arrival, and repeated visits.
Impact of the Overexpression of the Tyrosine Kinase Receptor RET in the Hematopoietic Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
Authors: Marcoux Paul , Imeri Jusuf , Desterke Christophe , Latsis Theodoros , Chaker Diana , Hugues Patricia , Bennaceur-Griscelli Annelise , Turhan Ali G
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that the tyrosine kinase receptor RET plays a sig-nificant role in the hematopoietic potential in mice and could also be used to expand cord-blood derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The role of RET in the human iPSC-derived hematopoi-esis has not been tested so far. Methods: To test the implication of RET on the hematopoietic potential of iPSCs, we activated its pathway with the lentiviral overexpression of RETWT or RETC634Y mutation in normal iPSCs. An iPSC derived from a patient harboring the RETC634Y mutation (iRETC634Y) and its CRISPR-corrected isogenic control iPSC (iRETCTRL) were also used. Hematopoietic potential was tested using 2D cul-tures and evaluated regarding the phenotype and the clonogenic potential of generated cells. Results: Hematopoietic differentiation from iPSCs with RET overexpression (WT or C634Y) led to a significant reduction in the number and in the clonogenic potential of HSCs (CD34+/CD38-/CD49f+) as compared to control iPSCs. Similarly, the hematopoietic potential of iRETC634Y was reduced as compared to iRETCTRL. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a specific ac-tivated expression profile for iRETC634Y compared to its control with evidence of overexpression of genes which are part of the MAPK network with negative hematopoietic regulator activities. Conclusion: RET activation in iPSCs is associated with an inhibitory activity in iPSC-derived hematopoiesis, potentially related with MAPK activation.
The Association of Oxidative Stress-Related Gene Polymorphisms with Pain-Related Temporomandibular Disorders and Oral Behavioural Habits
Authors: Vrbanović Ema , Zlendić Marko , Trošelj Koraljka Gall , Tomljanović Marko , Vuković Đerfi Kristina , Zilic-Alajbeg Iva
Published: May 2023

The frequency of selected polymorphisms, one in each gene coding for proteins with antioxidative properties (CAT, SOD2, GPX1, NQO1) was compared between patients suffering from pain-related temporomandibular disorders (TMDp;n=85) and control subjects (CTR;n=85). According to the Oral Behaviours Checklist score participants were divided into high-frequency parafunction (HFP;n=98) and low-frequency parafunction (LFP;n=72) groups. In addition, we have investigated the association of selected polymorphisms with participants' psychological (anxiety, depression) and psychosomatic (hypervigilance, somatosensory amplification) characteristics. Polymorphisms rs1001179, rs4880, rs1050450, rs689452 were genotyped using the genomic DNA extracted from buccal mucosa swabs and real-time TaqMan genotyping assays. No differences in genotype distribution between TMDp patients and control subjects were found. Still, TMDp patients who were homozygous for minor allele A, related to the GPX1 polymorphism rs1050450 reported significantly more waking-state oral behaviours compared to GA+GG genotype carriers (score: 30 vs. 23, p=0.019). Frequency of genotype AA for rs1050450 polymorphism was higher in HFP compared to LFP participants (14.3% vs. 4.2%, p =0.030). Most important predictors of waking-state oral behaviours were depression, anxiety, AA genotype (rs1050450) and female sex. Explored genetic factors were not found to be significant risk factors for either TMDp or sleep-related oral behaviours. The association of waking-state oral behaviours with selected gene polymorphisms additionally supports previous assumptions that the daytime bruxism is more closely linked to various stress manifestations, which might also be reflected through the variability related to cellular antioxidative activity.
SN 2017fzw: A Fast-expanding Type Ia Supernova with Transitional Features
Authors: Huang Jia-Yu , Li Yang-Yang , Zeng Xiang-Yun , Zheng Sheng , A.Bird Sarah , Zhang Ju-Jia , Esamdin Ali , Iskandar Abdusamatjan , Bostroem K. Azaleee , Zeng Shuguang , Xiao Yan-shan , Huang Yao , Howell D. Andrew , McCully Curtis , Li Wen-Xiong , Zhang Tian-Meng , Wang Li-Fan , Hu Lei
Published: May 2023

In this study, we analyzed the optical observations of a subluminous Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2017fzw, which exhibited high photospheric velocity (HV) at B-band maximum light. The absolute B-band peak magnitude was determined to be MBmax = -17.77 0.10 mag, similar to 91bg-like SNe Ia. The decline rate of the B-band light curve was estimated to be Dm15(B) = 1.60 0.06 mag. The spectra of SN 2017fzw were similar to those of 91bg-like SNe Ia, with prominent Ti II and Si II l5972 features at early phases, gradually transitioning to spectra resembling normal (mainly HV subclass) SNe Ia at later phases, with a stronger Ca II NIR feature. Notably, SN 2017fzw exhibited spectral evolution features similar to those of HV SNe Ia at all phases, with a maximum-light Si II l6355 velocity of 13, 786 414 km s
Genetic. Phenotypic and Clinical Heterogeneity of NPM1-Mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemias
Authors: Testa Ugo , Pelosi Elvira , Castelli Germana
Published: May 2023

The current classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relies largely on genomic alterations. AML with mutated Nucleophosmin1 (NPM1-mut) is the largest of the genetically defined groups, involving about 30% of adult AMLs and is currently recognized as a distinct entity in the actual AML classifications. NPM1-mut AML usually occurs in de novo AML and is associated predominantly with a normal karyotype and relatively favorable prognosis. However, NPM1-mut AMLs are genetically, transcriptionally, and phenotypically heterogeneous. Furthermore, NPM1-mut is a clinically heterogenous group. Recent studies have in part clarified the consistent heterogeneities of these AMLs and have strongly supported the need for an additional stratification aiming to improve the therapeutic response of the different subgroups of NPM1-mut AML patients.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii a Reference Microorganism for Eukaryotic Molybdenum Homeostasis
Authors: Tejada-Jimenez Manuel , Leon-Miranda Esperanza , Llamas Angel
Published: May 2023

Molybdenum (Mo) is vital for the activity of a small but essential group of enzymes called mo-lybdoenzymes. So far, specifically five molybdoenzymes have been discovered in eukaryotes: nitrate reductase, sulfite oxidase, xanthine dehydrogenase, aldehyde oxidase, and mARC. In order to become biologically active, Mo must be chelated to a pterin, forming the so-called Mo cofactor (Moco). Deficiency or mutation in any of the genes involved in Moco biosynthesis results in the simultaneous loss of activity of all molybdoenzymes, fully or partially preventing the normal development of the affected organism. To prevent this, the different mechanisms in-volved in Mo homeostasis must be finely regulated. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular, photosynthetic, eukaryotic microalga that has produced fundamental advances in key steps of Mo homeostasis over the last 30 years, which have been extrapolated to higher organisms, both plants and animals. These advances include the identification of the first two molybdate transporters in eukaryotes (MOT1 and MOT2), the characterization of key genes in Moco biosynthesis, the identification of the first enzyme that protects and transfers Moco (MCP1), the first characteriza-tion of mARC in plants, and the discovery of the crucial role of the nitrate reductase-mARC complex in plant nitric oxide production. This review aims to summarize all these advances made using C. reinhardtii as a model organism in Mo homeostasis and suggest how this microalga can continue to contribute to progress in this field.
Antiangiogenic Effects of Natural Compounds in Hepatic Inflammation
Authors: Novi Sara , Vestuto Vincenzo , Campiglia Pietro , Tecce Nicola , Bertamino Alessia , Tecce Mario Felice
Published: May 2023

Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are the most common causes of chronic liver disease and are increasingly emerging as a global health problem. Such disorders can lead to liver damage, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of infiltrating immune cells. These are some of the common features of ALD progression in ASH (alcoholic steatohepatitis) and NAFLD to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepa-titis). Hepatic steatosis and subsequent fibrosis, whose continuous progression is accompanied by angiogenesis, lead to hypoxia, inducing the activation of vascular factors, which in turn triggers pathological angiogenesis and subsequent fibrosis, resulting in a vicious cycle. This condition further exacerbates liver injury and may contribute to the development of comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that antiangiogenic therapy may have beneficial effects on these hepatic disorders and their exacerbation. Therefore, there is a great interest to deepen the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of natural antiangiogenic products that could both prevent and control liver diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of major natural antian-giogenic compounds against steatohepatitis and determine their potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of liver inflammation.
The Motion Paradigm of Pre-dock Zearalenone Hydrolase Predicts with Molecular Dynamic and the Docking One with Umbrella Sampling
Authors: Hong Xi-Zhi , Han Zheng-Gang , Jiang Jiang-Ke , Liu Yi-Han
Published: May 2023

Zearalenone is one of the most prevalent estrogenic mycotoxins produced mainly by Fusarium family fungi, and harmed the heath of animals. Zearalenone hydrolase is an important enzyme capable of degrading zearalenone into a non-toxic compound. Although previous research has investigated the catalytic mechanism of zearalenone hydrolase, information on its dynamic interaction with zearalenone remains unknown. This study aimed to develop a pipeline for identifying the allosteric pathway of zearalenone hydrolase. Using an identity analysis, we identified hub genes whose sequences can generalize a set of sequences in a protein family. We then utilized a neural relational inference (NRI) model to identify the allosteric pathway of the protein throughout the entire molecular dynamics simulation. The production run lasted 1 microsecond, and we analyzed residues 139-222 for the allosteric pathway using the NRI model. We found that the cap domain of the protein opened up during catalysis, resembling a hemostatic tape. We used umbrella sampling to simulate the dynamic docking phase of the ligand-protein complex and found that the protein took on a square sandwich shape. Our energy analysis using both MMPBSA and PMF analysis showed discrepancies, with scores of -8.45 kcal/mol and -1.95 kcal/mol, respectively. MMPBSA, however, obtained a similar score to that of a previous report.
Effects of Particulate Matter Exposure on the Eustachian Tube and Middle Ear Mucosa of Rats
Authors: Lee Hyun Min , Son Youn-Suk , Kim Hyang-Sook , Kim Joo-Young , Kim Seok-Hyun , Lee Jung Hee , Choi Sung-Won , Oh Se-Joon , Kong Soo-Keun , Baek Moo Jin , Lee Il-Woo
Published: May 2023

Objectives. Particulate matter (PM) is a risk factor for various diseases. Recent studies have established an association between otitis media (OM) and PM exposure. To confirm this relationship, we developed a novel exposure model designed to control the concentration of PM, and we observed the effects of PM exposure on the Eustachian tube (ET) and middle ear mucosa of rats.Methods. Forty healthy, 10-week-old, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3-day, 7-day, 14-day exposure, and control groups (each, n=10). The rats were exposed to incense smoke as the PM source for 3 hours per day. After exposure, bilateral ETs and mastoid bullae were harvested, and histopathological findings were compared using microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the middle ear mucosa of each group were compared using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results. In the ET mucosa of the exposure group, the goblet cell count significantly increased after PM exposure (P=0.032). In the middle ear mucosa, subepithelial space thickening, increased angio-capillary tissue, and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Moreover, the thickness of the middle ear mucosa in the exposure groups increased compared to the control group (P<0.01). The TEM findings showed PM particles on the surface of the ET and middle ear mucosa, and RT-PCR revealed that messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of IL-1β significantly increased in the 3-day and 7-day exposure groups compared to the control group (P=0.035). VEGF expression significantly increased in the 7-day exposure group compared to the control and 3-day exposure groups (P<0.01).Conclusion. The ET and middle ear mucosa of rats showed histopathologic changes after acute exposure to PM that directly reached the ET and middle ear mucosa. Therefore, acute exposure to PM may play a role in the development of OM.
Evaluation of quality-of-life following treatment with Hymovis in patients with knee osteoarthritis and/or meniscal tear
Authors: Balius Ramon , Guillermo Álvarez Rey , Fernando Baró Pazos , Miguel Domínguez Melendez , Enrique Gastaldi Orquín , Alberto Gómez Martin , Luisa Ibáñez Martín , Francisco Lara Pulido , Antonio Leal Graciani , Antonio León Garrigosa , Luis Martín Leis José , Manuel Morales Santias , Luis Pérez Carro , Orlando Pompei Fernandez , Jordi Puigdellívol Grifell , César Quesada de la Gala , Antonio Rodas Pereira José , Andrés Valentí Azcarate
Published: May 2023

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and meniscal tears (MT) are the two most common types of knee injuries having an important impact on the quality of life of patients (QoL). The objective is to evaluate the impact on the QoL, physical activity and satisfaction degree of patients with KOA, MT or both conditions after intraarticular Hymovis infiltration.
Methods: Non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study of 165 patients with KOA and/or a MT treated with two injections of Hymovis.
Results: Patients in all three groups (KOA, MT and mixed) reported a high percentage of global QoL improvement (>80 %). KOOS and WOMAC change from baseline improved (p<0.001) for all patients. Physical, sports and recreational activities and Satisfaction with the treatment increased after treatment. (p<0.001). Pain also improved in the three groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Intra-articular injections of Hymovis improves QoL, physical function and clinical condition of patients suffering KOA, MT or both conditions.
Subjective wellbeing in developing countries: The case of rural Ethiopia Preprint
Authors: Tekleselassie Tsegay Gebrekidan
Published: May 2023

The study examines the factors that contribute to subjective wellbeing in rural Ethiopia, with a specific focus on the impact of religious, social, and political institutions. Estimations based on heteroscedastic ordered probit models demonstrate that general trust and trust in local political officials are crucial predictors of satisfaction and happiness. This highlights the significance of trust in areas where formal institutions are limited. Participation in both formal and informal institutions is also related to wellbeing, emphasizing the value of participatory democratic institutions in rural areas. In line with findings from other studies, income has a positive effect on both general life satisfaction and happiness, but its influence diminishes after a certain point. Additionally, the findings suggest that broader socio-economic factors, such as religiosity and political governance, strongly predict life satisfaction, while momentary happiness is primarily driven by welfare metrics. The study concludes that future research on subjective wellbeing should distinguish between general satisfaction and momentary happiness, as this could offer valuable insights into the underlying factors contributing to human wellbeing.
Morocco's Coal to Clean Journey: Optimised Pathways for Decarbonisation and Energy Security
Authors: Harland Natasha , Jansen Malte , Yeganyan Rudolf , Tan Naomi , Cannone Carla , Howells Mark
Published: May 2023

Morocco depends on imported fossil fuels for 90% of its primary energy supply. This makes the country vulnerable to unstable fuel prices and supply cut-offs, and the reliance on fossil fuels releases CO2 emissions which contribute to climate change. Renewable energy expansion, facilitated by Morocco’s high potential for solar and wind capacity, could allow the country to improve its energy security and decarbonise its energy system, in line with its response to the Paris Agreement.

This study uses OSeMOSYS (the Open Source Energy Modelling System) to produce six cost-minimised decarbonisation scenarios for Morocco that consider energy independence. The results show that Morocco can achieve most of its decarbonisation targets through bulk wind and solar energy, with a coal phase-out being possible by 2031 at the latest. Natural gas is replaced by biomass and nuclear energy, with some evidence that fuel imports may stay relevant for the foreseeable future.

We conclude with policy recommendations. The study can provide insights for policymakers and stakeholders in Morocco's energy sector to achieve optimal pathways for decarbonisation.
Regarding the Gap between Prime Numbers
Authors: Thompson Daniel
Published: May 2023

Until now there is no efficient formula for determining the prime numbers. I show an efficient formula that takes only prime number values or multiples of 5, 7 and 11, and results in the successive prime number or a multiple of 5, 7 and 11. It is shown that by performing the same operation on a number that is a multiple of a prime number when using the formula will result in the next successive prime number value. The formula also identifies a pattern allowing mathematicians to begin at any random prime number and find the next successive prime number without fail. MSC: 11-xx
Reading intervention for students with intellectual disabilities without functional speech who require augmentative and alternative communication: A Multiple single-case design with four randomized baselines.
Authors: Ulriksen Line Britt , Bilet-Mossige Marthe , Moreira Hugo Cogo , Larsen Kenneth , Nordahl-Hansen Anders
Published: May 2023

Background: Literacy is one of the most important skills students can achieve, as it provides access to information and communication. Unfortunately, literacy skills are not easily acquired, especially for students with intellectual disabilities who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). There are many barriers to literacy acquisition, some due to low expectations from parents and teachers, lack of evidence-based reading programs and reading materials adapted for AAC. Barriers as a result of extensive support needs is also a real factor. This trial aims to deliver reading instructions to 40 students with intellectual disabilities who require AAC, and contribute in the debate on how to best support this population through reading instructions to maximizes their reading skills.
Methodology: 40 non verbal or minimally verbal students (age 6-14) with intellectual disabilities who require AAC will be part of a reading intervention with a multiple single-case design with four randomized baselines. The intervention period will last for 18 months, and will commence in March 2023. The students will receive the intervention in a one-to-one format, working systematically with a reading material that contains phonological awareness and decoding tasks based on the Accessible Literacy Leaning (ALL) developed by Janice Light and David McNaughton. All the teachers will be trained to deliver the reading intervention.
Discussion: The reading material “Lesing for alle” (Reading for all) is based on and follow the strategies behind the research of ALL. The current trial will through a reading intervention contribute to move beyond only teaching sight words and combine several reading component such as sound blending, letter sound correspondence, phoneme segmentation, shared reading, recognition of sight words and decoding. The strategies and methods in use is build on the existing science of reading, especially what has been effective in teaching reading for students with intellectual disabilities who require AAC. There is limited generalizability of prior findings in reading-related phonological processing interventions to different populations of they who use AAC specially outside of USA. More research is needed to understand how programs designed to improve reading skills across other settings, understand the program's long-term effects and to study the effectiveness when delivered by educators who are not speech language therapists or researchers.
Trial registration NCT05709405. Registered 23 January 2023,
Multivariate joint probability distributions for seismic design parameters across multiple building codes
Authors: Fuentes Nicolás , Flores Jorge , Egger Jorge , Vicencio Felipe , Aguilar Víctor , Yáñez Sergio
Published: May 2023

In order to contribute to the lack of statistical anomaly detection and sensibility procedures of the response parameters from international seismic codes, this study presents a comparative analysis between multiple Chilean codes for the seismic design of reinforced concrete buildings. The seismic response and its similar implications to the US codes are studied from a model of a reinforced concrete building in the city of Viña del Mar, Chile. The first study case is the NCh433 Of.96 Mod.2009, the second case is the NCh433 Of.96 Mod.2009 + D.S. 117 and 118, and the third case is the NCh433 Of.96 Mod.2009 + D.S. 60 and 61. The results show that the seismic response does not present great differences, but they show noticeable dependencies between multiple parameters within the three study cases. The third case presents the most oversized values of the response parameters, which require a design against a higher base shear. An analysis of the bio-seismic profile is included, which is a procedure commonly used for buildings in Chile, and its indexes are analyzed with statistical models that provide an easy overview of the data structure. Additionally, a pier wall with an opening, and a pier with a T-shaped wall are selected, which present an increase in the amount of reinforcing steel from the first code case to the third, and then to the second code case.
Single-cell resolution transcriptome atlases of soybean root organs reveal new regulatory programs controlling the nodulation process
Authors: Cervantes-Pérez Sergio Alan , Zogli Prince , Thibivilliers Sandra , Tennant Sutton , Hossain Md Sabbir , Xu Hengping , Meyer Ian , Nooka Akash , Subramanyam Sai Subhash Mahamkali Venkata , Ma Pengchong , Yao Qiuming , Naldrett Michael , Smith Benjamin , Bhattacharya Samik , Kläver Jasper , Libault Marc
Published: May 2023

The soybean root system is complex. In addition to being composed of various cell types, the soybean root system is also composed of the nodule, an organ in which mutualistic symbiosis with the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens occurs. Notably, the soybean root nodule is characterized by a central infection zone where the atmospheric nitrogen is fixed and assimilated by the symbiont, resulting from the close cooperation between the plant cell and the bacteria. To date, the cellular complexity of the soybean root and nodule has not been characterized. Applying single nucleus RNA-seq technology, we characterized the transcriptomic signature of the soybean root and nodule cell types and revealed the existence of different sub-populations of B. diazoefficiens-infected cells in the soybean nodule including those actively involved or not in nitrogen fixation. The mining of the single cell-resolution atlas also helped reevaluate the role of known and identified new genes controlling the nodulation process. For instance, we functionally characterized the role of a new microdomain-associated GmFWL3 protein in the soybean nodule. Our study reveals the unique cellular complexity of the soybean nodule and helps redefine the concept of cell types when focusing on the infection zone of the nodule.
Filters of automobile air conditioning systems as in - car source of exposure to infections and toxic moulds
Authors: Gołofit-Szymczak Małgorzata , Wójcik-Fatla Angelina , Stobnicka-Kupiec Agata , Górny Rafał L.
Published: May 2023

The main part of the air condition system are air filters. The air conditioning system filters can turn overtime into the sources of in-car emission of microbiological hazards. The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the presence of infectious and toxic fungi in the AC filters in passenger cars. The studied nonwoven filters were removed from passenger cars during “winter”/“summer” season. The taxonomic identification of the fungi isolated from the filters was performed using both the culture-based and molecular methods. RT-PCR was applied to assess the presence of gene fragments regulating aflatoxin biosynthesis in the isolates obtained from fungal cultures. The average fungal concentrations in the filter samples collected during the “summer” /“winter” season were 5.4x104cfu/m2 and 2.4x104cfu/m2, respectively. Most of the filter samples, collected in both the studied seasons revealed the presence of Aspergillus species including A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus and/or A. flavus. The recorded levels of fungal contamination of AC filters in passenger cars indicate a necessity for a more frequent filter replacement in these type of vehicles. Occupational exposure to moulds and the resulting health problems that may be experienced by professional drivers should be properly recognized in order to undertake effective preventive measures.
Effects of seed traits on the cache size of a scatter-hoarding rodent, Leopoldamys edwardsi
Authors: Wang Minghui , Yang Xifu , Yi Xianfeng
Published: May 2023

Seed traits can influence post-dispersal seed fate and seedling establishment by manipulating the size of caches made by hoarding animals. However, few studies have explored how seed traits affect cache size and subsequent seed fate mediated by hoarding rodents. In this study, we investigated the effects of seed traits on hoarding behavior of Leopoldamys edwardsiusing seeds of Quercus variabilis, Castanea henryi, Camellia oleifera, Lithocarpus harlandii, and Choerospondias axillarisunder enclosures in Dujiangyan City, southwest China, in an attempt to elucidate the relationship between seed traits and cache size. Our results showed that there were significant differences in the scatter-hoarded preference among C. axillaris, C. henryi, C. oleifera, Q. variabilis and L. harlandii by L. edwardsi. There was a significant difference in the cache size between five seed species by L. edwardsi. More importantly, we found that there was a significant positive correlation between cache size and the proportion of intact after removal or crude fat, but a significant negativecorrelation between cache size and seed mass or crude starch. Our study has revealed that seed traits are a key factor in regulating the hoarding behavior of rodents, which includes the size of their caches. This behavior, in turn, has a significant impact on the fate of the seeds and the growth of seedlings that emerge from the caches.
Significance statement
At present, a large number of studies focus on a certain trait of a single seed or the effect of a certain seed trait of various seeds on the hoarding behavior of rodents, but how seed traits affect cache size and subsequent seed fate mediated by hoarding rodents remains unknown. This study systematically illustrates how rodents build storage sites and determine the seed fates according to seed traits. Establishing food storage sites based on different seed traits involves a trade-off between the recovery rate and the pilfering rate of food-hoarding sites, which may be an adaptive storage strategy formed in the long-term evolution process.
Modified approaches to solve matrix games with payoffs of single-valued trapezoidal neutrosophic numbers
Authors: Kirti Kirti , Verma Tina , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2023

Seikh and Dutta (Soft Computing (2022) 26:921–936) pointed out that there does not exist any approach to solve single-valued trapezoidal neutrosophic (SVTN) matrix games (matrix games in which each payoff is represented by a SVTN number). To fill this gap, Seikh and Dutta proposed two approaches to solve SVTN matrix games. Brikaa (Soft Computing (2022) 26:9137–9139) pointed out that it is inappropriate to use Seikh and Dutta’s first approach as a mathematically incorrect result is considered in it. Brikaa also modified Seikh and Dutta’s first approach to resolve its inappropriateness. In this paper, it is pointed out that it is also inappropriate to use Brikaa’s approach as some mathematically incorrect results are considered in it. Also, it is pointed out that it is inappropriate to use Seikh and Dutta’s second approach as a mathematically incorrect result is considered in it. Furthermore, Brikaa’s approach and Seikh and Dutta’s second approach are modified to resolve their inappropriateness. Finally, the correct results of a SVTN matrix game, considered by Seikh and Dutta to illustrate their proposed approaches, are obtained by the modified approaches.
Simulating the impacts of climate change on rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield using the DSSAT-CERES Rice Model in Fogera Plain, Ethiopia
Authors: Tefera Sisay , Tesfaye Kindie , Tadesse Tilahun , Alem Teferi , Ademe Dereje
Published: May 2023

Climate variability throughout the growing season is expected to have a significant impact on rice yield and crop model s are incredibly beneficial in a simulating crop and soil process in response to change in climate and crop management. So the objectives of the study were to consider calibrating and evaluating the effectiveness of the CERES-Rice model over the course of the growing seasons 2020 and 2021 in Fogera Plain. The varieties used were NERICA_4 and Foegera_1 as a high-yielding variety. The Meteorological Research Institute (MRI CGCM3) was chosen as an ensemble model to produce climate change scenarios for the 2021–2083 period, employing representative concentration pathways (RCP8.5 and 4.5). The model's results showed that the days to anthesis, maturity, and grain yield were all predicted correctly, with the normalized RMSEs for the cultivars NERICA_4 and Fogera_1 being 5.15 and 4.66, 2.98 and 3.19, and 3.55 and 7.14%, respectively. The predicted maximum and minimum temperatures under both RCP scenarios increased by 0.7 and 2.7 oC and 0.8 oC and 2.7 oC, respectively; however, rainfall decreased by 15% and increased by 11% in comparison to baseline. For the cultivars NERICA 4 and Fogera 1, the relative error in percentage between the baseline and the future climate scenario revealed a decrease in yield of 31.6% and 36.6%, respectively. Overall, the result showed the CERES-Rice model was capable of predicting how future climate change will impact rice productivity and assessing the requirement for long-term adaptation strategies for rain-fed rice production in the Fogera Plain.
On the Use of Solid 133Ba Sources as Surrogate for Liquid 131I in SPECT/CT Calibration – a European Multi-Centre Evaluation
Authors: Tran-Gia Johannes , Denis-Bacelar Ana M , Ferreira Kelley M , Robinson Andrew P , Bobin Christophe , Bonney Lara M , Calvert Nicholas , Collins Sean M , Fenwick Andrew J , Finocchiaro Domenico , Fioroni Federica , Giannopoulou Katerina , Grassi Elisa , Heetun Warda , Jewitt Stephanie J , Kotzasarlidou Maria , Ljungberg Michael , Lourenço Valérie , McGowan Daniel R , Mewburn-Crook Jamie , Sabot Benoit , Scuffham James , Gleisner Katarina Sjögreen , Solc Jaroslav , Thiam Cheick , Tipping Jill , Wevrett Jill , Lassmann Michael
Published: May 2023

Commissioning, calibration, and quality control procedures for nuclear medicine imaging systems are typically performed using hollow containers filled with radionuclide solutions. This leads to multiple sources of uncertainty, many of which can be overcome by using traceable, sealed, long-lived surrogate sources containing a radionuclide of comparable energies and emission probabilities. This study presents the results of a quantitative SPECT/CT imaging comparison exercise performed within the MRTDosimetry consortium to assess the feasibility of using 133Ba as a surrogate for 131I imaging. Materials and Methods Two sets of four traceable 133Ba sources were produced at two National Metrology Institutes and encapsulated in 3D-printed cylinders (volume range: 1.68–107.4 mL). Corresponding hollow cylinders to be filled with liquid 131I and a mounting baseplate for repeatable positioning within a Jaszczak phantom were also produced. A quantitative SPECT/CT imaging comparison exercise was conducted between seven members of the consortium (eight SPECT/CT systems from two major vendors) based on a standardised protocol. Each site had to perform three measurements with the two sets of 133Ba sources and liquid 131I. Results As anticipated, the 131I pseudo-image calibration factors (cps/MBq) were higher than those for 133Ba for all reconstructions and systems. A site-specific cross-calibration reduced the differences in performance between both radionuclides from a median of 1.5–12% when applying a cross-calibration based on the ratio of emission probabilities. The site-specific cross-calibration method also showed agreement between 133Ba and 131I for all cylinder volumes, which highlights the potential use of 133Ba sources to calculate recovery coefficients for partial volume correction. Conclusion This comparison exercise demonstrated that traceable solid 133Ba sources can be used as surrogate for liquid 131I imaging, thus potentially reducing inherent problems with routine on-site activity measurements and phantom preparation.
Cover crop application on dredged sediments increases corn yield through microorganism-associated enzyme-driven nutrient mineralization.
Authors: Julian Ashley N. , Stevenson Louise , Rúa Megan A.
Published: May 2023

Background & Aims Common strategies to mitigate soil degradation of agricultural soils include cover crop application and soil amendment addition. Applying dredged sediments as a soil amendment is gaining popularity since they often provide benefits other amendments lack; however, their use with cover crops is largely unexplored. To understand how cover crop use changes the restorative properties of dredged sediments, we assessed soil physical and chemical properties, enzymatic activities, and corn yield for plots of dredged sediments with and without a cover crop.Methods We assessed soil texture, bulk density, water content, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, calcium, magnesium, potassium and organic matter content, as well as alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, leucine aminopeptidase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and urease enzyme activities and crop responses and yields in manipulated dredged sediments with and without a cover crop over three collection periods: pre-cover crop, post-cover crop, and post-harvest.Results Cover crop application on dredged sediments increased corn yields by ~ 24% when compared to dredged sediments alone. Increases in corn yield were driven by changes in nutrient mineralization, specifically within the nitrogen cycle. The physical and chemical properties of dredged sediments remained unchanged regardless of cover crop application.Conclusion Our results suggest that when cover crops are applied to dredged sediments, crop yield increased through microorganism-driven nutrient mineralization. However, the physical and chemical environment remained optimal for corn growth within dredged sediments, regardless of cover crop application. This research is a vital step into understanding the use of dredged sediments in agricultural soil systems.
Automatic Surface Polishing Based on Probe Measurement and Force-Position Decoupling Control
Authors: Zheng Hao , Liang Chenbo , Gao Feng , Qi Chenkun
Published: May 2023

Automatic polishing is a great application of industrial intelligent manufacturing, which needs not only accurate measurement tools and methods to get the information of polishing surface, but also effective control strategies to ensure better polishing effects. To obtain both the information of the polishing surface and the positional relationship between the object and manipulator, a measuring device composed of a two-degree-of-freedom (DOF) parallel platform equipped with a ruby probe is introduced. Based on the characteristics of the measuring device, an adaptive trajectory generation algorithm for measuring is introduced, and the methods of parameter calibration and accuracy measurement are given. The 3D surface of the polished object is reconstructed by a surface fitting method. The control of position and force directly determines the polishing effect. A force-position decoupling control strategy is developed, that helps keep the normal contact force constant and maintain a tangential feed movement simultaneously. In this paper, the non-standard column in the experiment is polished by a 2DOF parallel measuring device combined with the force-position decoupling control strategy, and the experimental effects of polishing using only the data of the measuring device, polishing using only the force decoupling control strategy and combining the two are compared, and the surface roughness of the workpiece under the comprehensive polishing strategy is given. The result shows that the combination of the measurement and control strategies proposed in this paper can play a great role in automatic polishing.
Sheet lamination additive manufacturing of 316L/AISI 4140 parts using friction stir method
Authors: Ghajari Arman , Beidokhti Behrooz
Published: May 2023

The sheet lamination additive manufacturing was applied to fabricate 316L stainless steel/AISI 4140 alloy steel composite parts. The friction stir welding was used instead of ultrasonic to heat sheets. Different specimens with 2, 3 and 4 layers were fabricated. The insufficient heat input and the abnormal stirring induced two kinds of defects in specimens. The severe stirring and mixing of the low alloy steel and the stainless steel produced high hardness regions in the first layer of specimens as well as in the last one. The surficial hardness of about 600 HV was obtained for a 4th -layered specimen. The results showed that the conventional laminate composite formulas could not accurately predict the strength of fabricated parts due to the phase transformation and microstructural changes. The specimens showed superior ultimate strength values compared to the ultimate strength of both base metals and the maximum strength was about 1331 MPa. The fracture mode was a combination of ductile and quasi-cleavage fracture.
EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations: CT Characteristics and Clinicopathologic Features in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pang Li , Huang Aiben , Xie Mei , Ma Xidong , Deng Hui , Gao Jie , Wu Chongchong , Song Jialin , Zhang Xin , Wang Shanshan , Ren Fangping , Yao Jie , Bao Xinyu , Pan Lei , Xue Xinying
Published: May 2023

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) exon 20 insertion (ex20-ins) mutations are a rare and heterogeneous type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a prevalence of approximately 1.5-2.5%. The differences between computed tomography (CT) characteristics and clinical pathology of EGFR ex20-ins mutant NSCLC patients and classical EGFR mutant ones remain to be evaluated.
Method: A retrospective study of 1432 EGFR-positive patients in three medical centers was conducted to analyze the frequency and genetic features, CT characteristics, and clinical pathology data of EGFR ex20-ins mutations.
Result: Among the EGFR-positive NSCLC patients, 1.75% (25/1432) had EGFR ex20-ins mutations. Compared with classical mutations, ex20-ins patients had more solid components (50%) and a lower proportion of the lepidic subtype (35.7%) in pathological subtypes, and the most common mutation type is p.V769_D770insASV (4/25).
Conclusion: Although EGFR ex20-ins mutations have similarities with classical EGFR mutations, our study still finds differences between them in clinical pathology, CT characteristics, and other aspects.
Association between sun-protective behaviors and hypertension: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2014
Authors: Yang Shuping , Dai Feng , Wang Zhaokai , Li Ruoshui , Xu Xianzhi , Li Cheng , Hou Xiancun , Liu Yang , Wang Chaofan , Li Dongye , Li Lei , Xu Tongda
Published: May 2023

Background
In previous studies, sun-protective behaviors increased cardiovascular incidence. Our present article is to further analyze the potential relationship between sun-protective behaviors (staying in the shade, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and applying sunscreen) and hypertension.
Method
The present cross-sectional study evaluated 8,613 participants (aged 20–60 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) obtained between 2009 and 2014. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between sun-protective behaviors and hypertension. Subgroup analysis was then performed. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to examine the relationship of sun-protective behaviors and each sun-protective behavior with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, stratified by sex and race.
Results
A total of 8,613 participants (weighted n = 127,909,475) were applied in our study, including 1,694 hypertensive subjects. Our study demonstrated that sun-protective behaviors of the 2–3 category were associated with increased risk of hypertension, but not with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In subgroup analysis, men, Mexican American, and 25 < BMI ≤ 30 who reported sun-protective behaviors (2–3) were prone to hypertension. Multiple linear regression models showed that non-Hispanic white men with sun-protective behaviors (2–3) were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The association between other-Hispanic men with frequent wearing long-sleeved clothing and diastolic blood pressure was positively correlated.
Conclusion
Sun-protective behaviors of the 2–3 category could increase the incidence of hypertension, but not increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure. We only found that non-Hispanic white men who reported sun-protective behaviors (2–3) were positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These findings suggested that excessive sun-protective behaviors should be avoided.
The dynamic changes of macrophage morphology in progression of choroidal neovascularization in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization mice model
Authors: Xu Nana , Sun Tao , Wang Yulan , Tong Xiaowei , Lu Shiheng , Yang Fan , Wang Jing , Bo Qiyu , Sun Junran , Sun Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

Background: Neovascular AMD is responsible for the majority of severe vision loss which is mainly caused by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) . It persists or recurs in a subset of patients and regression at 5 years of anti-VEGF treatment or later. The precise mechanisms contribute to CNV continue to be elucidated. According to our previous studies, macrophage play a critical role in CNV, herein, we aim to unveil the conceret morphological changes of macrophage in CNV process to help us understand the dynamic changes intuitively.
Methods: Mice were subjected to laser injury to induce CNV, and lesion expansion and macrophages, transformation were tracked using immunofluorescence and confocal analysis. Several strategies were taken to verify the dynamic changes of macrophage: Immunofluorescence and confocal assays were performed on choroidal flat-mount to evaluate the morphologe and phenotype of macrophage in different CNV phase and further certified with western-blot and RT-PCR.
Results: Location of infiltrated macrophages was dynamic after laser injury in CNV mice model and morphology of macrophages was also in dynamic changing. Branching macrophage were gradually shift to be round with the progression of CNV which were certificated to be M2 phenotype shift.
Conclusions: The dynamic changes of macrophage morphology were obviously in CNV formation and round-shaped M2 phenotype was proved to promote neovascularization. In general, the changes of morphology we found in this study can further help us to know the critical role macrophages play in CNV progression and to exploite the potential treatment option for CNV implied by macrophage polarity shift.