bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superamphiphobic and Flame-Resistant Cotton Fabrics for Protective Clothing
Authors: Liu Xiang , Shao Qingqing , Cao Jiqiang , Du Zhaoqun , Yu Weidong
Published: July 2021

Superamphiphobic and flame-retardant finishing of cotton fabric can significantly improve its protective properties to expand its applications, such as protective clothing. However, creating such materials is still a challenging issue. Herein, we present a facile strategy to fabricate superamphiphobic and flame-retardant cotton fabric (SFC) via step-by-step dip-coating and spraying technology. Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) endows cotton fabric excellent flame retardancy. The robust coating formed by the polymerization product of ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (ECA) and 1 H ,1 H ,2 H ,2 H - perfluorooctyl trichlorosilane (FOCS) can not only protect APP from being damaged, but also trap air to form "air plastron", which makes SFC have excellent antifouling, chemical repellence and self-cleaning. The resulting SFC exhibited superamphiphobicity and flame retardancy with water contact angle of 161°, oil contact angle of 158° and LOI of 30%. After UV irradiation, mechanical damage, 180° oven heating and ultrasonic washing, it still maintains excellent hydrophobicity without loss of flame retardancy. This study expands the potential applications of cotton and provides feasible technologies for improving the overall efficiency of cotton.
Drivers of Avian Diversity and Abundance Across Gradients of Human Influence.
Authors: Padilla Benjamin J. , Sutherland Chris
Published: July 2021

Context: Identifying factors driving patterns of species communities in heterogenous human-dominated landscapes remains elusive despite extensive research. Biodiversity is thought to decrease with habitat modification, as sensitive species are lost. Conversely, diversity has also been shown increase at moderate levels of landscape modification where greater habitat heterogeneity supports a diverse suite of species.Objectives: We explore patterns of avian and diversity and abundance in heterogenous landscapes using a novel integration of multiple dimensional gradients of human-mediated disturbance.Methods: We attempt to identify aspects of landscape heterogeneity driving patterns of avian diversity and abundance in agro-urban-rural systems. Specifically, we utilize an intuitive multi-dimensional gradient distinguishing between two axes of human-influence, variation in the built environment (hard - soft) and in agricultural development (green - brown). We use these as covariates in community N-mixture models to describe variation in species abundance and diversity.Results: Avian diversity was greatest in more heterogeneous regions of the landscape. Responses of individual species were variable, with sensitive species declining, while generalist species increased, leading to higher overall diversity in human-dominated regions. Conclusions: Species abundance and diversity is maximized in more heterogeneous parts of landscape mosaics. By characterizing distinct axes of human influence that capture spectrum of land use, we can identify differential effects confounded in traditional landscape metrics. Critically, we demonstrate that multi-dimensional landscape gradients provide a more nuanced understanding of how patterns of biodiversity emerge. Acknowledging that biodiversity is not always negatively impacted by habitat disturbance offers encouraging insight to guide conservation and management in human-dominated landscapes.
PET/CT Radiomics in Breast Cancer: Promising Tool for the Prediction of the Ki67 Expression
Authors: Shen Cong , Han Dong , Li Yunxuan , Zheng Anqi , Nie Qi , Ding Chengyu , Duan Xiaoyi
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to examine the values of radiomics parameters derived from 18-fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging in the prediction of ki-67 expression in breast cancer patients.Patients and methods: A total of 115 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and examined by 18F-FDG PET/CT were included in this study. The Ki-67 proliferation index was determined from the pathological specimen as positive or negative. Radiomics features were extracted by pyRadiomics and reduced by Independent t-test and least absolute shrinkage selection operator. The radiomics risk score (RRS) was calculated with all the selected features. RRS incorporated with clinical-pathological features were used to construct a binary logistic regression and nomogram classifier. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to predict the accuracy. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess clinical utility. Results: Totally 944 features were reduced to 14 predictors. RRS were significantly differed between the ki67+ and ki67- groups (0.440 ± 0.473 and 1.039 ± 0.430; t = -6.663, p < 0.001). In the binary logistic regression, N stage (OR [95%CI], 5.752 [2.032, 16.286], p<0.001) and RRS (OR [95%CI], 20.540 [5.521, 76.423], p<0.001) were independent factors in predicting Ki67 expression. In ROC analysis, AUC was 0.866 (0.790, 0.922), (p<0.001), with sensitivity, specificity, Youden index and cutoff value of 82.50%, 80.00%, 0.6250 and 0.6672, respectively. DCA indicated that use of the clinical-radiomic nomogram had more benefit than utilizing either clinical or radiomic features alone.Conclusion: The radiomics-derived evaluation score combined with N stage could effectively predict Ki67 expression in breast cancer, enabling proper patient selection for treatment.
Association Between Osteoarthritis and Water Fluoride Among Tongyu Residents, China 2019: A Case-control of Population-based Study
Authors: Sowanou Alphonse , Meng Xinyue , Zhong Nan , Ma Yongzheng , Li Ailin , Wang Jian , Li Hanying , Pei Junrui
Published: July 2021

Background: Fluoride is an environmental chemical that has adverse effects on health, probably increasing osteoarthritis (OA) risk. However, whether fluoride is a serious risk factor for OA is still inconsistent among current evidence. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between chronic fluoride exposure and OA risk among the residents living in Tongyu County, China 2019.Method: 186 cases and 186 controls aged 26 to 86 years were recruited after x-ray examination with Kellgren and Lawrence criteria by two independent evaluators. Urinary fluoride (UF) in a spot sample was measured by fluoride ion-selective electrode, and water fluoride data were used as community level of exposure. Associations between fluoride exposure and OA risk were examined by the unconditional logistic regression. Covariates included age, gender, body mass index, duration of living, daily water drunk, income, sport and filter use with stratified analysis.Results: Mean UF concentration 2.54 ± 1.22 mg/L was higher than the mean of community water fluoride concentration 1.49 ± 0.32 mg/L. The mean UF concentration 2.73 ± 1.18 mg/L was significantly higher in cases compared to 2.35 ± 1.24 mg/L in controls group (p < 0.02). In full sample analysis, a 1mg/L increase in UF level was associated with a 27% higher risk of OA (95% CI: 1.06 - 1.52, p = 0.008), and 4th quartile participants were associated with higher risk when compared to 1st quartile (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.34 – 4.57, p = 0.003). In stratified analysis, compared to 1st quartile, 4th quartile participants were 4 times more likely to have OA (95% CI: 1.86 – 8.82, p = 0.000) in the non-obese group, 7.7 times more likely to have OA (95% CI: 2.58 – 25.05, p = 0.000) among adults ≤ 60-year and 12 times more likely to have OA (95% CI: 2.15 – 99.65, p = 0.008) in non-obese adult women ≤ 60-year group.Conclusion: Water fluoride exposure may increase OA risk and could have more impact on a specific group such as non-obese and adult ≤ 60-year population.
A case of COVID-19 with superficial thrombophlebitis caused by an indwelling peripheral venous catheter
Authors: Tachi Hiroaki , Hanazawa Midori , Matsuda Takashi , Shimizu Kei , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: July 2021

Background: COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and cytokine storm and microthrombus formation affect the severity of the disease, which is often complicated by venous thrombosis due to a systemic hypercoagulable state. On the other hand, indwelling peripheral venous catheters can cause catheter-related bloodstream infections and venous thrombus formation, albeit less frequently. Case presentation: A 53-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19. He had bilateral pneumonia and required ventilator management but recovered after steroid and anticoagulation. On the 26th day after onset, redness, swelling, and pain developed around the insertion site of the catheter placed in the cephalic vein of the left forearm. Vascular ultrasonography revealed a thrombus in this vein accompanied by inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Catheter-related bloodstream infection was suspected and vancomycin was administered; however, blood cultures were negative, leading to the diagnosis of non-infectious superficial thrombophlebitis. The skin findings improved after removal of the peripheral venous catheter. Conclusions: This case suggested that catheter placement in peripheral veins during COVID-19 treatment increases the risk of thrombus formation. Although anticoagulant therapy is able to control the systemic hypercoagulable state caused by COVID-19, indwelling catheters can induce a local hypercoagulable state, leading to superficial thrombophlebitis.
Trend and Change-Point Detection Analyses of Rainfall and Temperature Over the Awash River Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Yitea Seneshaw , Li Ming-Hsu , Pun Iam-Fei
Published: July 2021

Background: Awash River basin (ARB) as a system is in a state of continuous change that requires successive studies to discern the changes or trends of climatic elements through time due to climate change/variability, and other socio-economical developmental activities in the basin. The livelihood of communities in the ARB is primarily based on rainfall-dependent agriculture. Effects of rainfall anomalies such as reduction of agricultural productivity, water scarcity, and food insecurity are becoming more prevalent in this area. In recent years, ARB experienced more frequent and intense spatio-temporal rainfall anomalies, which make the shift and trend analyses of rainfall associated with sea surface temperature crucial in providing guidance to improve agricultural productivity.Method: Change-point detection tests (Pettit’s, the von Neumann ratio (VNR), Buishand’s range (BR) and standard normal homogeneity (SNH)) and Mann-Kendall (MK) trend analysis of rainfall and temperature data from 29 meteorological stations in the ARB were carried out from 1986 to 2016.Results: A significant increasing trend of annual and seasonal temperature was found. The temperature change-points for the annual and major rainy season (MRS) were detected in 2001, while for the minor rainy season (mRS) in 1997. A significant decreasing trend, shift, and high variability of rainfall were detected in the downstream part of the ARB. The BR and SNH results showed that the mRS rainfall change-point was in 1998, with a subsequent mean annual decrease of 52.5 mm. The increase (decrease) of rainfall in the annual and MRS was attributable to La Niña (El Niño) events.Conclusions: The significant decreasing trend and change-point of rainfall in the mRS was attributable to the steady warming of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, local warming, and La Niña events. With this knowledge of the current trends and change-point for rainfall and temperature in the ARB, it is therefore essential that appropriate integrated water management and water-harvesting technologies are established, especially in the downstream areas. Moreover, early detection of El Niño episodes would provide invaluable warning of impending rainfall anomalies in the ARB and would enable better preparations to mitigate its negative effects.
Occupational Stress, Psychological Distress, Physical Symptoms, and their Interrelationships among Frontline Nurses Treating Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Nishihara Tomoe , Yoshihara Kazufumi , Ohashi Ayako , Kuroiwa Mika , Sudo Nobuyuki
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented mental health challenges to healthcare workers. Because of the urgency of the situation, this study was done to determine the amount of COVID-19-related occupational stress, psychosomatic symptoms, psychological distress, and their correlations among frontline nurses during and after the peak of the outbreak in Japan. Methods: Sixteen frontline nurses, aged 25-52 years, working in a ward with COVID-19 patients participated. Two months after the peak of the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan, the COVID-19-related occupational stress scale (COS, questionnaire items: fear of infection, increased workload) and physical symptom scale (PS, questionnaire items: gastrointestinal symptoms, pain, appetite loss, insomnia) were assessed. The degree of general psychological distress was evaluated using the 6-item Kessler Scale (K6). At the same time, the participants were asked to recall their condition during the peak period of the first wave and to rate it using the same scale. Results: The COS, PS, and K6 scores during the peak period were all significantly higher than those two months after the peak. There were positive correlations between K6 and COS scores and between K6 and PS scores during the peak period (rs=.574, P=.020 and rs=.587, P=.017, respectively). However, these correlations were not significant two months after the peak. The correlation analysis including COS and K6 or PS showed that increased workload was positively correlated with K6 and PS scores during the peak period (rs=.869, P<.001; rs=.519, P=.040, respectively). In the post-peak period, a positive correlation was found only between increased workload and K6 score (rs=.686, P=.005). Insomnia was positively correlated with the K6 score both in the peak and post-peak periods (rs=.656, P=.006 and rs=.565, P=. 028). Conclusions: Among these Japanese nurses working in COVID-19 wards, COVID-19-related occupational stress, psychological distress, and physical symptoms were all decreased after the peak period compared with the peak period. During the peak period, associations were found between COVID-19-related occupational stress and psychological distress and between psychological distress and physical symptoms. Increased workload and insomnia were associated with psychological distress in both the peak and post-peak periods, and increased workload was associated with physical symptoms during the peak period.
Healthy Lifestyle Score and Incidence of Glaucoma: the Sun Project
Authors: Moreno-Montañés Javier , Fernández-Montero Alejandro , Gándara Elsa , Gutierrez-Ruiz Itziar , Moreno-Galarraga Laura , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Martínez-González Miguel
Published: July 2021

The relationship between healthy lifestyles, diet, and glaucoma remains controversial. In this study, we analyse the effect of Mediterranean Lifestyle (ML) on glaucoma incidence in the “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” (SUN) cohort. Participants (n=18 420) initially free of glaucoma were followed for a mean of 10.8 years. The SUN Healthy Lifestyle Score (SHLS) ranging from 0 to 10 points included 10 healthy habits: never having smoked, moderate to high physical activity (>20 MET-hour/week), Mediterranean diet (≥4/8 adherence points), moderate alcohol consumption (women, 0.1-5.0 g/d; men, 0.1-10.0 g/d), low television exposure (<2 h/day), no binge drinking (≤5 alcoholic drinks at any time), a short afternoon nap (<30 min/day), meeting up with friends (> 1 h/day), working at least 40 h/week and low body mass index (BMI≤22). Information is collected biennially through self-reported questionnaires. The relationship between new cases of glaucoma and the SHLS was assessed by logistic regression using a hazard ratio. Crude, multi-adjusted and sensitivity analysis were performed. During follow-up, we observed 261 (1.42%) new cases of glaucoma. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the healthiest category of SHLS (7-10 points) showed a significantly reduced risk of glaucoma compared to those in the lowest SHLS category (0-3 points) (adjusted HR=0.51, 95% CI=0.28-0.93). For each point added to the SHLS the risk of glaucoma relatively dropped by 5%. In conclusion, higher adherence to a ML, measured by the SHLS, was significantly associated with lower risk of developing glaucoma. The ML is a protective factor for glaucoma incidence.
Measuring COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage to Support Healthcare Equity Decision-Making in Urban Areas
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Mollalo Abolfazl , Bergquist Robert , Kiani Behzad
Published: July 2021

Background: Limited studies have been conducted on access to COVID-19 vaccines and identifying the most appropriate health centres for performing vaccination in metropolitan areas. This study aimed to measure potential spatial access to COVID-19 vaccination centres in Mashhad, the second-most populous city in Iran.Methods: The age structure of the urban census tracts was integrated into the enhanced two-step floating catchment area model to improve accuracy. The model was developed based on three different scenarios: only public hospitals, only public healthcare centres, and the top 20% healthcare centres were employed as potential vaccination facilities. The weighted decision-matrix and analytic hierarchy process based on four criteria (i.e. service area, accessibility index, capacity of vaccination centres, and distance to main roads) were used to choose potential vaccination centres with the highest suitability for residents.Results: Our findings indicate that including the both public hospitals and public healthcare centres can provide high accessibility to vaccination in central parts of the urban areas. However, using only public healthcare centres for vaccination can provide higher accessibility to vaccination sites in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the study area. Therefore, a combination of public hospitals and public healthcare centres is recommended for efficient vaccination coverage.Conclusions: Measuring spatial access to COVID-19 vaccination centres can provide valuable insights for urban public health decision-makers. Our model, coupled with geographical information systems (GIS), provides more efficient vaccination coverage by identifying the most suitable healthcare centres, which is of special importance when only few centres are available.
Centromere Size Scales With Genome Size Across Eukaryotes
Authors: Plačková Klára , Bureš Petr , Zedek František
Published: July 2021

Previous studies on grass species suggested that the total centromere size (sum of all centromere sizes in a cell) may be determined by the genome size, possibly because stable scaling is important for proper cell division. Here we analyze the total centromere size using the CenH3-immunofluorescence area as a proxy in 130 taxa including plants, animals, fungi, and protists. We verified the reliability of our methodological approach by comparing our measurements with available ChIP-seq-based measurements of the size of CenH3-binding domains. Data based on these two independent methods showed the same positive relationship between the total centromere size and genome size. Our results demonstrate that the genome size is a strong predictor (R-squared = 0.964) of the total centromere size universally across Eukaryotes. We also show that this relationship is independent of phylogenetic relatedness and centromere type (monocentric, metapolycentric, and holocentric), implying a common mechanism maintaining stable total centromere size in Eukaryotes.
Boron Efficient Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris L.) Variety Relieve The Symptoms of Boron Deficiency By Enhancing The Antioxidation And Boron Utilization Capacity of The Root System
Authors: Wang Xiangling , Wu Zhenzhen , Song Baiquan , Zhao Xiaoyu , Song Xin
Published: July 2021

(Aims) Sugar beet is one of the most sensitive crops to boron and boron deficiency inhibits the root growth and causes hollow symptoms in beets. However, how the roots of boron efficient sugar beet variety adapt to the morphology, physiological, and transcriptome mechanisms of boron deficiency are rarely reported. (Method) Thus, the present study was carried out with B efficient sugar beet variety (H, KWS1197) and B inefficient variety (L, KWS0143), and two B levels i.e., B0.1 (0.1 μM H3BO3, deficiency) and B50 (50 μM H3BO3, control) were designed for hydroponic experiment. (Result) Boron deficiency reduced the total root length, root forks, and root biomass of sugar beet. Compared with L variety, H variety have higher boron transport coefficient, boron distribution ratio above ground, peroxidase and catalase activities, lower malondialdehyde content and reactive oxygen species accumulation. Transcriptome data showed that the two comparison groups, HB0.1 vs HB50 and LB0.1 vs LB50, were enriched for 537 and 257 differentially expressed genes, respectively. The H variety mainly induced and regulated the GO term enrichment associated with antioxidant and stress resistance. On the contrary, the L variety induced cell death and negative regulation of biological and metabolic processes. (Conclusion) B efficient variety specifically up-regulated boron deficiency response genes to activate the antioxidant enzyme system, promoted rational root configuration, and enhance plant growth anti-oxidation and resistance to boron deficiency. The results of this study serve as a theoretical basis of screening candidate genes that respond to boron deficiency and adaptation mechanism of boron deficiency.
The Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA) Tool: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Authors: Oyedeji Charity I. , Hall Katherine , Luciano Alison , Morey Miriam C. , Strouse John J.
Published: July 2021

Background: The life expectancy for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) has greatly increased over the last 50 years. Adults with SCD experience multiple complications such as cardiopulmonary disease, strokes, and avascular necrosis that lead to limitations that geriatric populations often experience. There are no dedicated instruments to measure functional decline and functional age to determine risk of future adverse outcomes in older adults with SCD. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of performing the Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA).Methods: We enrolled 40 adults with SCD (20 younger adults age 18-49 years as a comparison group and 20 older adults age 50 years and older) in a single-center prospective cohort study. Participants were recruited from a single comprehensive sickle cell clinic in an academic center in the southeastern United States. We included measures validated in an oncology geriatric assessment enriched with additional physical, cognitive, and patient-reported measures at the intersection of sickle cell disease and geriatrics. The primary outcome was the proportion completing the assessment. Secondary outcomes were the proportion consenting, duration of the assessment, acceptability, and adverse events.Results: Eighty percent (44/55) of individuals approached consented, 91% (40/44) completed the SCD-FA in its entirety, and the median duration was 89 minutes (IQR 80-98). There were no identified adverse events. On the acceptability survey, 95% (38/40) reported the length as appropriate, 2.5% (1/40) reported a question as upsetting, and 5% (2/40) reported portions as difficult. Exploratory analyses of physical function showed 63% (25/40) had a slow usual gait speed (< 1.2 meter/second).Conclusion: The SCD-FA is feasible, acceptable, and safe and physical performance tests were useful in identifying functional impairments in adults with SCD. These findings will inform the next phase of the study where we will assess the validity of the SCD-FA to predict patient-important outcomes in a larger sample of adults with SCD.
Sitafloxacin Inhibits TNFα Release from Monocytic THP-1 Cells Stimulated by LPS
Authors: Sakamaki Ippei , Fukushi Michika , Itoh Kazuhiro , Ohashi Wakana , Tomihara Kei , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Iwasaki Hiromichi
Published: July 2021

Sepsis is a systemic reaction to infection and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. It sometimes results in septic shock. The present study was designated to find out which quinolone antibiotic reduces TNFα production the most and to elucidate its mechanisms. We examined which quinolone antibiotic reduced TNFα production from THP-1 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then, we examined the mechanism of inhibition of TNFα production by the antibiotic. STFX most effectively reduced TNFα concentrations within LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells supernatant. STFX suppressed TNFα production in a dose-dependent manner. We found that STFX did not inhibit the NF-kB, ERK, or p38 pathways, nor did it inhibit the production of TNFα mRNA. The percentage of intracellular TNFα was increased in cells stimulated by LPS and with STFX compared to that of cells stimulated by LPS alone. In conclusion, one of the mechanisms reducing TNFα production from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells treated with STFX involves inhibition of TNFα release from these cells. STFX has a broad antimicrobial spectrum for gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria, and may be effective for treating sepsis by both killing bacteria and suppressing inflammation.
Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Composites Modified by Microspheric Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Liu Zhen , Jia Yuan , Yang Juxiang , Shi Ruifeng
Published: July 2021

In order to improve the thermal conductivity of epoxy resins (EP) without reducing their dielectric properties, a kind of molybdenum disulfide with microspheres structure (S-MoS2) was prepared via surfactant promoting hydrothermal process based on the sodium molybdate, thiosemicarbazide, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The S-MoS2 was then used as modifiers to add into EP matrix to prepare a new kind of S-MoS2/EP composites. The morphology of the prepared S-MoS2 was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the influence of different S-MoS2 loading on the dielectric properties, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of S-MoS2/EP composites was also researched. The results suggested that the reasonable content of S-MoS2 can highly improve the thermal conductivity of S-MoS2/EP, which can be attributed to the excellent thermal resistant and uniform dispersion of S-MoS2 in EP matrix.
Prenatal exposure to metals and neurodevelopment in infants at six months: Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA Project).
Authors: Araujo Monica Seefelder de Assis , de figueiredo Nataly Damasceno , Flho Jorge Fonte de Rezende , Junior Joffre Amim , Martins Marlos Melo , Neto Santos Alves Vicentini , Santos Lisia Maria Gobbo dos , Jaco Silvana do Couto , Camara Volney Magalhães , Luiz Ronir Raggio , Barbosa Arnaldo Prata , Asmus Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Froes
Published: July 2021

The PIPA Project is a prospective birth cohort study based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, whose pilot study was carried out between October 2017 and August 2018. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in maternal (n = 49) and umbilical cord blood (n = 46). The Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) was applied in 50 six-month-old infants. Metals were detected in 100% of the mother and newborn samples above the limits of detection. Maternal blood lead concentrations were higher in premature newborns (GM: 5.72 µg/dL; p = 0.05). One-third of the infants (17–33%) exhibited at least one fail in the neurodevelopment evaluation (fail group). Maternal blood arsenic concentrations were significantly (p = 0.02) higher in the "fail group" (GM: 11.85 µg /L) compared to infants who did not fail (not fail group) (GM: 8.46 µg /L). Maternal and umbilical cord blood arsenic concentrations were higher in all Denver Test’s domains (except personal/social) in the “fail group”, albeit non-statistically significant. These findings indicate the need to further investigate the toxic effects of prenatal exposure to metals on infant neurodevelopment.
White Matter Integrity Changes and Neurocognitive Functioning in Adult-Late Onset DM1: A Follow-Up DTI Study
Authors: Labayru Garazi , Camino-Pontes Borja , Jimenez-Marin Antonio , Garmendia Joana , Villanua Jorge , Zulaica Miren , Cortes Jesus M , de Munain Adolfo López , Sistiaga Andone
Published: July 2021

Background: Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease that affects gray and white matter (WM) tissues. WM changes in DM1 include increased hyperintensities and altered tract integrity distributed in a widespread manner. However, the precise spatiotemporal changes are yet undetermined. Methods: MRI data were acquired from 8 adult- and late-onset DM1 patients and 10 healthy controls (HC) at two different timepoints over 9.06 years. Fractional anisotropy (FA) variations were assessed with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Transversal and longitudinal intra- and intergroup analyses were conducted, along with correlation analyses with clinical and neuropsychological data.Results: At baseline, reduced FA values were found in patients in the uncinate, anterior-thalamic, fronto-occipital, and longitudinal tracts. At follow-up, the WM disconnection was shown to have spread from the frontal part to the rest of the tracts in the brain. Furthermore, WM lesion burden was negatively correlated with FA values, while visuo-construction and intellectual functioning were positively correlated with global and regional FA values at follow-up.Conclusion: DM1 patients showed a pronounced WM integrity loss over time compared to HC, with a neurodegeneration pattern that suggests a progressive anterior-posterior disconnection. The visuo-construction domain stands out as the most sensitive neuropsychological measure for WM microstructural impairment.
A novel approach for evaluating antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using menstrual blood collected from sanitary napkins before and after vaccination and evaluation of the visual napkin score
Authors: Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Kushima Shiori , Fujishima Ayaka , Sato Wataru , Togashi Kazue , Goto Mayumi , Takahashi Kazumasa , Sato Emiko , Terada Yukihiro
Published: July 2021

Peripheral blood is mainly used for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. We evaluated menstrual blood, which can be collected noninvasively from sanitary napkins, as a specimen type for antibody testing. We also evaluated the visual napkin score and examined the relationship between the amount of menstrual blood collected. We tested napkins from 40 participants; 77.5% of samples could be tested with the antibody testing kits. In 35 unvaccinated participants, there were no IgG or IgM positive results. In five vaccinated participants, IgG was positive in 100% of samples and IgM was positive in 60%. Four antibody test kits were used in this study. The results also differed depending on the antigen targeted by each antibody. The evaluation of antibodies using menstrual blood from napkins might have public health applications in the future as napkins could be developed into wearable monitoring sensors.
Joining YSZ electrolyte to AISI 441 interconnect for solid oxide cells using the Ag interlayer: Enhanced mechanical and aging properties
Authors: Si Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaoyang , Li Chun , Lin Tong , Qi Junlei , Cao Jian
Published: July 2021

Conventional Ag-CuO braze can lead to two electrolyte/interconnect joining issues: over-oxidation at the steel interconnect and hydrogen-induced decomposition of CuO. This work demonstrates that a pure Ag interlayer, instead of Ag-CuO braze, can join YSZ electrolyte to AISI 441 interconnect in air. Reliable joining between YSZ and AISI 441 can be realized at 920 °C. A dense and thin oxide layer (~2 μm) is formed at the AISI 441 interface. Also, an interatomic joining at the YSZ/Ag interface is detected by TEM observation. Obtained joints display high shear strengths (~86.1 MPa), 161% higher than that of joints brazed by Ag-CuO braze (~33 MPa). After aging in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres (800 °C/300 h), joints remain tight and dense, indicating a better aging performance. This technique eliminates the CuO-induced issues, which will extend lifetimes for SOFC/SOEC stacks and other ceramic/metal joining applications.
Manipulation of Majorana bound states in proximity to a quantum ring with Rashba coupling
Authors: Medina Fabían Gonzalo , Martínez Dunkan , Díaz-Fernández Alvaro , Domínguez-Adame Francisco , Rosales Luis , Orellana Pedro A.
Published: July 2021

The quest for Majorana zero modes in the laboratory is an active field of research in condensed matter physics. In this regard, there have been many theoretical proposals; however, their experimental detection remains elusive. In this article, we present a realistic setting by considering a quantum ring with Rashba spin-orbit coupling and threaded by a magnetic flux, in contact with a topological superconducting nanowire. We focus on spin-polarized persistent currents to assess the existence of Majorana zero modes. We find that the Rashba spin-orbit coupling allows for tuning the position of the zero modes and has sizable effects on spin-polarized persistent currents. Our results pave the way towards probing the existence of Majorana zero modes.
Association Analysis of KIR/HLA Genotype with Liver Cirrhosis, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and NUC Freedom in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Joshita Satoru , Ota Masao , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Shun-ichi , Yamashita Yuki , Sugiura Ayumi , Yamazaki Tomoo , Tanaka Eiji , Umemura Takeji
Published: July 2021

Natural killer cells are modulated through the binding of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. This study investigated the association of KIR/HLA pairs with progression to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, and nucleot(s)ide (NUC) treatment freedom in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. KIR, HLA-Bw, and HLA-C were genotyped in 280 Japanese HBV patients for clinical comparisons. The proportion of the KIR2DS4/HLA-C2 pair was significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 40) than in those without (n = 240) (12.5% vs. 4.2%, odds ratio [OR] 3.29, P = 0.029). The KIR2DS3 positive rate was significantly higher in patients with HCC (n = 39) than in those without (n = 241) (30.8% vs. 14.9%, OR 2.53, P = 0.015). The KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4 pair rate was significantly lower in the NUC freedom group (n = 20) than in the NUC continue group (n = 114) (25.0% vs. 52.6%, OR 0.30, P = 0.042). In conclusions, this study revealed significant KIR/HLA associations with progression to liver cirrhosis (KIR2DS4/HLA-C2), HCC development (KIR2DS3), and freedom from NUC therapy (KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4) in HBV patients. KIR/HLA pairs may therefore play a role in HBV patient status.
Towards sustainable landscape irrigation using novel design of water collecting systems from atmospheric humidity condensation
Authors: Aldeek Zaid
Published: July 2021

The paper proposes an innovative improvement to the water collectors from atmospheric humidity condensation by introducing non-hydrophobic substances to speed up the water condensation and the dropping off process using simple technology, inexpensive and with high quality materials with the finality to favor sustainable irrigation in regions characterized by water resources scarcity favoring greening generally. The innovative collector’ design and experimentation conduced confirm the possibility to collect water from air humidity in different regions with reduced rain days as semi desertic zones enhancing the gain of desertification process, harvesting water in urban landscape, in vertical greening and roof gardens. The first principal innovative aspect of the novel design collector is the fast capacity of condensation caused from the method of design of the used materials and fast capacity of releasing water collected to contrast the undesired evaporations. The second innovative aspect is the reduced volume to permit a diffused and unexpensive implants which can be distribute suitably on the targeted landscape. Reduced costs and simplicity of fabrication announce real possibility of use in underdeveloped and poor countries to increase vegetation diffusion firstly and contributing on sustainable agriculture and architecture.
Use of nanofiltration concentrates of buttermilk and whey for fermented dairy products with increased mass content of protein
Authors: Ostreczova N. G. , Bobrova A. V.
Published: July 2021

Baromembrane methods, in particular, nanofiltration, open up broad opportunities in the field of obtaining dairy products with a high protein content in terms of quality and energy saving. This paper describes the feasibility of using buttermilk and cheese whey concentrates obtained by nanofiltration in the production of fermented milk products. The physicochemical, rheological and organoleptic studies of nanofiltration concentrates of buttermilk and cheese whey made it possible to select concentrates with a mass fraction of dry substances of 20% for further research. Electron microscopic studies of the microstructure of buttermilk, whey and their concentrates with a mass fraction of dry substances of 20% showed that when buttermilk was concentrated by nanofiltration, the average diameter of dispersed particles did not increase and amounted to (130 ± 30) nm. The grid cells size decreased by 3.2 times; in serum concentration, the particle size increased by 1.7 times with a decrease in the grid cells size by 1.3 times. The obtained data make it possible to predict the positive effect of this concentration method on the consistency of fermented milk products. The use of the combined milk base with a ratio of buttermilk concentrate (20% dry matter) to whey concentrate (20% dry matter) of 50:50 and 75:25 is substantiated, providing a complete protein content of 4.4–5.6% in fermented milk products. A high rate of acid formation and a good water-holding capacity of acid clots were established when fermenting with a starter culture containing thermophilic streptococcus and acidophilic bacillus in a ratio of 4:1. The obtained results make it possible to expand the range of fermented milk products with an increased mass fraction of protein for good nutrition of the population.
Potential of harvesting water from fog and dew water over semi-arid and arid regions in Syria
Authors: Khalil Majd M. , Kara-Ali Ahmad , Assad Mohamad
Published: July 2021

Water is a significant primary resource on the Earth's surface. Fresh water is essential for human beings and for the stability and sustainable development of any nation. Many regions in the interior of Syria have an insufficient water balance. This has caused severe shortages of freshwater as a result of climate change. Syria's main source of fresh water, rivers and groundwater, suffers from low levels due to the lack of rainfall amounts. The war in Syria exacerbated water stress, in particular the effects of the war on water sources such as the Euphrates River and the ‘Feijah’ source that feeds the capital Damascus. All of this has prompted us to seek other non-traditional sources such as atmospheric water, which is a renewable and relatively clean source. This paper is considered to be the first of its kind in Syria. Experimental results from semi-arid and arid regions have shown good potential for harvesting dew and fog water as a supplementary and complementary source to the existing freshwater supply.
Multi-objective optimization of stepped spillway and stilling basin dimensions
Authors: Lebdiri Fatiha , Seghir Abdelghani , Berreksi Ali
Published: July 2021

In the present paper, an optimization procedure is proposed for stepped spillway design dimensions, which leads to maximum energy dissipation rate and minimum construction cost, considering independently the chute cost and stilling basin cost. Three independent objective functions are thus simultaneously satisfied. The procedure involves four main tools: the multi-objective particle swarm optimization method (MOPSO) to find Pareto solutions in one run, the K-means clustering algorithm to reduce the size of the obtained non-dominated solutions, the pseudo-weight vector approach (PWV) to facilitate the decision making and to select some adequate solutions, and finally, CFD simulations to analyze the retained optimal solutions. The suitability of the proposed procedure is tested through an example of application. As results, a set of 20 solutions with different satisfaction levels is found and compared to existing solutions. A multi-objective optimization problem may have many different solutions; the originality of the present work lies in the proposed procedure, which explores several possible solutions and reduces their number to give help to the decision making. Furthermore, an approximate expression of spillway total cost is also derived as a function of flow energy dissipation rate.
Enhanced fluoride removal from drinking water in wide pH range using La/Fe/Al oxides loaded rice straw biochar
Authors: Zhou Nan , Guo Xiangxin , Ye Changqing , Yan Ling , Gu Weishi , Wu Xiangrong , Zhou Qingwen , Yang Yuhuan , Wang Xiaoping , Cheng Qiwei
Published: July 2021

A novel and highly efficient adsorbent was prepared by loading La/Fe/Al oxides onto rice straw biochar (RSBC), which was tested for the ability to remove fluoride from drinking water. Characterized by SEM, XRD, Zeta potential and FTIR, it was found that the ternary metal oxides were successfully loaded on the surface of biochar in amorphous form, resulting in the formation of hydroxyl active adsorption sites and positive charges, which played a synergistic role in fluoride removal. Through batch adsorption tests, key factors including contact time, initial fluoride concentration, initial pH and co-existing anions effects were investigated. Results showed that the tri-metallic modified biochar (La/Fe/Al-RSBC) had excellent fluoride removal performance with an adsorption capacity of 111.11 mg/g. Solution pH had little impact on the removal of fluoride, the adsorbent retained excellent fluoride removal capacity in a wide pH range of 3.0–11.0. The co-existing anions had almost no effect on the fluoride removal by La/Fe/Al-RSBC. In addition, La/Fe/Al-RSBC could be regenerated and reused. Electrostatic adsorption and ion exchange were responsible for this adsorption behavior. These findings suggested the broad application prospect of a prepared biochar adsorbent based on rare earth and aluminum impregnation for the fluoride removal from drinking water.
Assessment of the impact of short-term land use/land cover changes on water resources in the Yanghe reservoir basin, China
Authors: Li Daming , Bu Shilong , Chen Shuo , Li Qicheng , Li Yanqing
Published: July 2021

Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) is a main factor that affects the hydrological process of catchments. A better understanding of its influence is of great significance to future land use planning and water resources management. Since 2011, the local government has implemented a land remediation plan, and the LULC in the Yanghe Reservoir Basin has undergone major changes. This paper uses The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to study blue water (BW) and green water (GW) resources in three typical years (a wet year, dry year, and normal year) under two LULC scenarios in the basin in 2010 and 2017. The results show that from 2010 to 2017, the area of cultivated land and residential construction land increased by 227.28% and 269.23%, respectively; the area of unused land, woodland, and grassland decreased by 98.84%, 35.90% and 39.52%, respectively. Compared with the results of the 2010 LULC scenario, the average BW of the three typical years under the 2017 LULC scenario decreased by 11.66%, 52.32%, and 21.95%, respectively, and the average GW flow increased by 6.72%, 2.90%, and 6.83%, respectively, and the average GW reserves decreased by 14.80%, 11.39%, and 7.67%, respectively. Therefore, this study believes that changes of LULC have led to a significant decrease in runoff and an increase in evapotranspiration in the basin.
Optimal water allocation method based on the genetic algorithm for a system of a reservoir and two pumping stations
Authors: Zhuo Ling , Cheng Jilin , Gong Zhihao
Published: July 2021

The subtropical monsoon climate zone features abundant water resources but with uneven temporal and spatial distribution, so seasonal water shortages are frequent. In order to reduce the water shortage and water spill in this region, a nonlinear optimization model for the joint operation of a system of a reservoir and two pumping stations is developed in this paper. In this model, the water supply of the reservoir and pumping volume of the pumping stations in each period are two types of decision variables, which are subjected to the annual available water in the reservoir, water rights of the two pumping stations and the operation rule of the reservoir. However, modern intelligent algorithms may fail in dealing with constraints of if-statements like the operation rule of the reservoir in this model. In light of the shortcoming of the classical genetic algorithm, a modified genetic algorithm is proposed by comparing the different methods for dealing with constraints. The modified algorithm shows a better adaptability to the operation rule. The modified genetic algorithm may provide a reference for similar modern intelligent algorithms to solve optimal water resources allocation for systems of multiple reservoirs and multiple pumping stations.
Precipitation forecast based on CEEMD–LSTM coupled model
Authors: Zhang Xianqi , Wu Xilong , He Shaoyu , Zhao Dong
Published: July 2021

Precipitation forecasting is an important guide to the prevention and control of regional droughts and floods, the rational use of water resources and the ecological protection. The precipitation process is extremely complex and is influenced by the intersection of many variables, with significant randomness, uncertainty and non-linearity. Based on the advantages that complementary ensemble empirical modal decomposition (CEEMD) can effectively overcome modal aliasing, white noise interference, and the ability of long short-term memory (LSTM) networks to handle problems such as gradient disappearance. A CEEMD–LSTM coupled long-term and short-term memory network model was developed and adopted for monthly precipitation prediction of Zhengzhou City. The performance shows that the CEEMD–LSTM model has a mean absolute error of 0.056, a root mean square error of 0.153, a mean relative error of 2.73% and a Nash efficiency coefficient of 0.95, which is better than the CEEMD–Back Propagation (BP) neural network model, the LSTM model and the BP model in terms of prediction accuracies. This demonstrates its powerful nonlinear and complex process learning capability in hydrological factor simulation for regional precipitation prediction.