bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Modeling of a Solar PV Connected Power System of an Institutional Building to Analyse Load Distribution and Power Quality
Authors: Mukherjee Subhajit , Pal Satadru , Mandal Ratan , Ganguly Arijit , Sarkar Badal
Published: August 2022

To reduce the effects of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, it is needed to look towards other sources of energy that are virtually unlimited or regenerative such as renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, etc. Utilization of these renewable sources to our advantage and meeting our needs, people face some technical problems, especially when using those resources simultaneously with our existing system. In this paper, the authors are going to focus on one of the technical problems with the integration of renewable energy sources in an already existing conventional energy distribution system. For this project, the authors have surveyed a load of a building that has an on- grid solar power system also used the software ETAP (version 12.6.0) for simulating a single line diagram for the whole distributed system and performed load flow analysis. Another objective of this present work is the installation of a virtual solar array that can support a certain percentage of loads for the distributed system under consideration.
Two-model Active Learning Approach for Inappropriate Information Classification in Social Networks
Authors: Levshun Dmitry , Tushkanova Olga , Chechulin Andrey
Published: August 2022

The work process of specialists in protection from information consists of many time-consuming tasks, including data collection, datasets formation, and data manual labelling. In this paper, we attempted to help such specialists with a two-model approach based on the iterative online training of binary classifiers. This approach is used for inappropriate information detection and applied on text posts from the VKontakte social network. The first model is used to detect text posts that are corresponding to the selected topic and is trained on the data that is labelled positively and negatively by experts as well as random text data. The second model is used to improve the accuracy of the first model and is trained only on the data that is labelled by the experts. The novelty of the approach lies in the constantly growing dataset, while the classifiers training process takes place during the operator's work. The approach works with texts of any size and content and applicable for Russian social networks. The research contribution lies in the original approach for inappropriate information detection. The practical significance of the approach lies in the automation of routine tasks to reduce the burden on specialists in the area of protection from information. Experimental evaluation of the approach is focused on its iterative retraining part. For the experiment, text posts of different topics from the VKontakte social network were collected and labelled. Those topics include: Aggression, Dangerous conspiracy theories, Radicalism, Gambling, Prostitution, and Sects. After that, we have evaluated precision, recall, F-measure and ROC-AUC metrics for classifiers trained on random subsamples of different sizes and different topics. Those metrics were evaluated for both one-model and two-model implementations of the approach, while the following classifiers were used: linear support vector machine, passive-aggressive classifier, multilayer perceptron. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of the approach, as well as future work directions, were indicated.
Limited efficacy of temozolomide alone for astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, CNS WHO grades 2 or 3
Authors: Weller Jonathan , Katzendobler Sophie , Blobner Jens , Thiele Frederic , Becker Hannes , Quach Stefanie , Egensperger Rupert , Niyazi Maximilian , Suchorska Bogdana , Thon Niklas , Weller Michael , Tonn Joerg-Christian
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE
The role of temozolomide chemotherapy alone in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant astrocytomas has not been conclusively determined. Radiotherapy might be superior to temozolomide. Recent studies have linked temozolomide with induction of hypermutation and poor clinical course in some IDH-mutant gliomas.
METHODS
In this retrospective study, 183 patients with astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, CNS WHO grade 2 or 3 and diagnosed between 2001 and 2019 were included. Patients initially monitored by wait-and-scan strategies or treated with radiotherapy or temozolomide alone were studied. Patient data were correlated with outcome. Matched pair and subgroup analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
Radiotherapy was associated with longer progression-free survival than temozolomide (6.2 vs 3.4 years, p = 0.02) and wait-and-scan strategies (6.2 vs 4 years, p = 0.03). Patients treated with radiotherapy lived longer than patients treated with temozolomide (14.4 vs 10.7 years, p = 0.02). Survival was longer in the wait-and-scan cohort than in the temozolomide cohort (not reached vs 10.7 years, p < 0.01). Patients from the wait-and-scan cohort receiving temozolomide at first progression had significantly shorter survival times than patients treated with any other therapy at first progression (p < 0.01). Post-surgical T2 tumor volume, contrast enhancement on MRI and WHO grade were associated with overall survival in univariate analyses (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The results suggest superiority of radiotherapy over temozolomide and wait-and-scan strategies regarding progression-free survival and superiority of radiotherapy over temozolomide regarding overall survival. Our results are consistent with the notion that early temozolomide might compromise outcome in some patients.
Forecasting Extreme Precipitations by Using Polynomial Regression
Authors: Dikbas Fatih
Published: August 2022

It is well known that the recent global warming intensifies the magnitude of rainfalls due to the increase in water content in the atmosphere. Therefore, the probability of exceeding the previously observed extreme precipitation values also increases with the experienced climate change and forecasting extreme weather events is becoming more important. This paper presents a new polynomial regression approach and a software (PolReg) where future extreme precipitations exceeding all previous observations are estimated for each month of year by using prediction bounds with a level of certainty at 95%. The presented method determines the degrees and coefficients of best fitting polynomials for each precipitation station and forecasts the expected extreme value for each month of year by using the determined polynomials. The performance of the method is tested by removing and estimating a total of 792 highest observed monthly total precipitation values of 66 precipitation stations in Turkey (highest observation for each month of year for each station). The results show that the proposed method and the provided software has a high performance and accuracy in estimating future precipitation extremes and might be applied in many disciplines dealing with forecasting of probable extreme values.
The early postnatal activation of A2ARs protects BTBR mice against autism related behavior
Authors: He Xie , Zhou Mi , Yang Teng , Ren Jia-Kui , Sun Li , Liu Tian-Yao , Sun Jian-Bin , Ma Peng-Jiao , Liu He-Ting , Fang Jing-Qin , Dai Shuang-Shuang
Published: August 2022

Background: Studies mainly focused on the immediate effect of drugs on Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders, which been proved involved with the chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. Our studies have explored the positive role of activation of adenosine 2A receptors (A2ARs) in protect adult BTBR mice against autism related behavior from the early postnatal period. However, the exact mechanism underlying the protection of A2ARs has not been comprehensively investigated. Methods: The persistent protection of early postnatal activation of A2ARs in the adult BTBR mice were detected utilizing behavior tests. Pathological variation in the peripheral blood of autism patients were analyzed by transcriptomic analysis, including mroast and protein–protein interactions (PPIs). The clues were further explored and validated by real-time RT PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and transcriptomic analysis in the mouse cortex. The blood brain barrier of mouse were spotted by dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Results: Abnormal activation of myeloid cells, especially the neutrophil were detected in the peripheral blood of autism patients and BTBR mouse cortex. The BBB permeability of BTBR mouse were significantly increased, which might facilitated the abnormal infiltration of neutrophils spotted in the BTBR mouse cortex. Further, the early postnatal activation of A2ARs effectively revers the abnormal activation and invading of neutrophils in the mouse cortex, might result in the significantly moderation of the autism related behavior of adult BTBR mice, following decrease of the chronic inflammation in the mouse cortex during the early postnatal period. Conclusions: We found the abnormal condition of myeloid cells in the autism patients and BTBR mice, and the adding infiltration of neutrohpils in the mouse cortex. We concluded that the early activation of A2ARs could effectively decreased the autism related behavior of adult BTBR mice via reversing the abnormal activation of myeloid cells and the pathological invading of neutrophils in the mouse cortex.
High-performance photodetector of Au-MgO/PS nanostructure manufactured via Pulsed laser ablation Technique
Authors: Sulaiman Eman M. , Mutlak Falah , Nayef Uday
Published: August 2022

This work focuses on photodetector Au:MgO nano-particles (NPs) have been prepared by laser ablation at various laser energies then deposited on porous-Si (PS). PS are produced with the use of the photo-electrochemical etching (PECE) approach for n-type crystalline Si (c-Si) wafers of (100) orientation. XRD, scanning electron Microscope (SEM), UV-visible Spector-photometer and electrical characteristics that have been utilized for characterizations of products. The photo-detector measurements, the spectral responsivity curves inclusive three regions; the first peak was due to absorption of the ultraviolet light by Au:MgO NPs. The second peak corresponding to the absorption of the visible light with porous silicon layer and the third peak to absorption edge of the Si substrate. The higher responsivity of Au:MgO NPs/PS photo-detector were found to be 3.29 A/W for specimen prepared at laser energy 800 mJ/pulse.
A new platform for the post-functionalization of porous polymer based on calix[4]resorcinarene under thermal solvent-free conditions; as a highly efficient and recyclable PTC containing nanocavity
Authors: Elahi Somayeh , Khodadoost Mehrdad , Shahidizadeh Elham
Published: August 2022

In this work, for the first time, functionalized 3D-network polymer was synthesized through thermal solvent-free method. The synthetic steps include (1) the preparation of ionic liquid (1-methyl-3-(trimethoxysilylpropyl) imidazolium choloride) [pmim]Cl, (2) synthesis of the 3D-network polymer based on calix[4]resorcinarene, and finally (3) immobilization of ionic liquid on the synthesize polymer through one-pot solvent-free conditions. The formation of this cationic porous polymer was confirmed by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG). Taken together, the results reveal the successful preparation of the efficient and wondrous mesoporous cationic polymer with the simultaneously merged properties of ionic liquid and polymeric matrix on the basis of calix[4]resorcinarene. Therefore, it provides an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for being applied in the catalytic reaction for achieving synthetic goals. One-pot conditions, thermal solvent-free pathway, easy reaction handling and work up, green and affordable methodology, gaining high yields of product are the most important advantages of the present method for the synthesis of this polymeric heterogeneous catalyst. The hydrophobic central cavity and hydrophilic cationic arms render it a suitable heterogeneous phase transfer catalyst for the preparation of valuable azidohydrins in water. The recovered catalyst could be used for several times without any significant loss of activity. The unique features of this catalyst such as superior thermal stability, excellent catalytic activity in terms of yield and reaction time, will be potentially important for its applications in industry.
Elucidation of adipogenic differentiation regulatory mechanism in human maxillary/mandibular bone marrow-derived stem cells
Authors: Miyata Haruka , Ishii Masakazu , Suehiro Fumio , Komabashiri Naohiro , Ikeda Nao , Sakurai Tomoaki , Nishimura Masahiro
Published: August 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells present in various tissues. Previous studies have shown that maxillary/mandibular bone marrow-derived MSCs (MBMSCs) scarcely differentiate into adipocytes. However, the regulatory molecular mechanisms underlying adipogenic differentiation of MBMSCs remain unknown. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate adipogenic differentiation of MBMSCs. We observed no significant differences in cell surface antigen profiles and stem cell marker gene expression in MBMSCs and iliac bone marrow-derived MSCs (IBMSCs). MBMSCs and IBMSCs displayed similar osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials, whereas MBMSCs showed significantly lower lipid accumulation, adipocyte marker gene expression, and intracellular glucose uptake than that showed by IBMSCs. Expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), C/EBPδ, early B-cell factor 1 (Ebf-1), and Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), which are transcription factors expressed early in adipogenic differentiation, was suppressed in MBMSCs compared to that in IBMSCs. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and C/EBPα, which play important roles in the terminal differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes, were increased during adipogenic differentiation in MBMSCs and IBMSCs; however, the expression level of these genes in MBMSCs was lower than that in IBMSCs. Furthermore, the level of zinc finger protein 423 (Zfp423), which is involved in the commitment of undifferentiated MSCs to the adipocyte lineage, was significantly lower in undifferentiated MBMSCs than that in IBMSCs. These data indicate that MBMSCs are negatively regulated in the commitment of undifferentiated MSCs to the adipocyte lineage (preadipocytes) and in terminal differentiation into mature adipocytes. These results may elucidate the site-specific characteristics of MBMSCs.
Validation of an analytical model of groundwater velocity based on laboratory test and numerical simulation
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhang Jinjin , Wang Dabo
Published: August 2022

Surface water-groundwater exchange affects the material and energy transfer of rivers and adjacent riparian zones. As an intuitive carrier of energy, temperature can effectively reflect the Spatio-temporal changes the surface water-groundwater exchange process. In this paper, the influence of water head variation and sand sample uniformity on its temperature field and seepage field is studied through a one-dimensional sand column laboratory test. Compare the vertical seepage velocities measured in laboratory tests with the vertical underflow exchange rate calculated by the four analytical models to verify the accuracy of the one-dimensional vertical heat analytical model. The results show that the Hatch analytical solution, Keery analytical solution, McCallum analytical solution and Luce analytical solution calculated by VFLUX2 through MATLAB are reliable for calculating the vertical undercurrent exchange rate of the heterogeneous sand column.
CircFAM188A regulates autophagy via miR-670-3p and ULK2 of epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Yong Min , Zeng Yuhua , Yao Yuqin , Yang Miyuan , Tang Furong , Zhu Hongtao , Zhou Heng , Hu Jianguo
Published: August 2022

Background: To detect the effect and mechanism of circFAM188A in autophagy, proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer. Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of circFAM188A in epithelial ovarian cancer tissue. mRFP-GFP-LC3 reporter, EDU and transwell assay were used to analyze autophagy, proliferation and invasion. The binding site of circ-FAM188A and miR-670-3p was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. RNA-pulldown was used to find the protein directly combined with circ-FAM188A. Subcutaneous tumorigenesis model was conducted by subcutaneous injection in nude mice. Results: Circ-FAM188A expressed higher in EOC than in para-carcinoma tissue. Overexpression of circ-FAM188A promoted autophagy, proliferation and invasion, which were inhibited by silencing of circ-FAM188A. The colocalization of Circ-FAM188A and miR-670-3p was mainly in cytoplasm. circ-FAM188A upregulated the expression of YY1 via sponging miR-670-3p. Circ-FAM188A could directly combine with ULK2. Conclusions: Circ-FAM188A expressed highly in EOC tissue. Circ-FAM188A regulated autophagy via sponging miR-670-3p and directly combining with ULK2.
Fucosyltransferases Regulated by Fusobacterium Nucleatum Promote the Progression of Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Liu Xuxu , Yu Jingjing , Meng Ziang , Lv Zhenyi , Shang Ce , Geng Qi , Wang Dawei , Xue Dongbo , Li Long
Published: August 2022

Background
Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Fucosyltransferases (FUTs) are associated with numerous cancers. We aimed to investigate the functions of FUTs in COAD.
Methods
Transcriptomic and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to analyze the expression and clinical relevance of FUTs in COAD. Real Time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to detect the relative RNA and protein expression levels. Colitis-associated cance mice treated with Fusobacterium nucleatum were used to illustrate the effects of Fusobacterium nucleatum on FUTs and COAD. Luciferase reporting assay was used to investigate the binding of miRNA to mRNA.
Results
TCGA and GEO datasets showed abnormal expression of FUTs in COAD at transcript level. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of FUT1, POFUT1 and POFUT2 in COAD. COAD patients with a high expression of FUT1, FUT11, FUT13 (POFUT2) had a worse prognosis, while patients with a high expression of FUT2, FUT3, FUT6 had a better prognosis. FUT1 and POFUT2 could independently predict the prognosis of COAD patients. Functional analysis by CancerSEA database showed that FUT3, FUT6, FUT8, FUT12 (POFUT1) and FUT13 are associated with differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, quiescence, and hypoxia. FUTs are associated with the tumor microenvironment of COAD. FUT1 regulated by miR-939-3p inhibit the expression of MUC2. Fusobacterium nucleatum may affect the expression of FUTs by affecting their transcription factors and miRNA levels. Moreover, Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes COAD progression through the miR-939-3p/FUT1/MUC2 axis.
Conclusions
Fucosyltransferases play an important role and may be the mediator of Fusobacterium nucleatum promoting COAD progression.
Endosialin positive tumor derived pericytes promote tumor progression through impeding the infiltration of CD8 + T cells in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Tong , Zhang Jiayu , Lu Shiqi , Yang Fa , Gan Lunbiao , Wu Xinjie , Liu Shaojie , Xu Chao , Han Donghui , Yang Bo , Wen Weihong , Qin Weijun , Yang Lijun
Published: August 2022

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is considered to be an immunogenic tumor, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy provides effective option for RCC treatment. However, a large proportion of patients do not benefit from ICB therapy. Tumor derived pericytes (TDPs) are an important component in tumor microenvironment (TME), and may promote tumor progression through the regulation on T cells. TDPs has been considered as ideal target for tumor treatment. However, like CAFs, TDPs are also heterogeneous, different subclusters may have distinct function. Here, we aimed to identify new specific marker for tumor promoting TDPs and to develop novel TDPs targeting therapeutic strategies to enhance the efficacy of ICB therapy in ccRCC.Methods: To analyze the relationship between endosialin (EN) expression and the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in ccRCC, we performed flow cytometry using freshly isolated tumor specimens from ccRCC patients. Then, their correlation was verified in ccRCC-bearing wildtype and endosialin knockout mice, and also by antibody mediated blockade of endosialin. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) using EN-high and EN-low TDPs from ccRCC tissues and published single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of ccRCC were analyzed to figure out the potential functions of EN-high TDPs in CD8+ T cell infiltration and tumor progression. Function of endosialin in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration of TDPs, and CD8+ T cells infiltration was examined in vitro. Combined treatment with endosialin antibody and PD-1 blockade was applied to treat ccRCC-bearing mice and the anti-tumor effect was examined.Results: We found that high endosialin expression was associated with low infiltration of CD8+ T cells in clinical ccRCC tissues. Endosialin knockout or antibody blockade could significantly increase the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in ccRCC-bearing model. RNA-seq and scRNA-seq analysis indicated that high EN-high TDPs represent an activated state of TDPs. We also demonstrated that endosialin could promote the proliferation and migration of TDPs and impede the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in vitro. At last, we showed that combined treatment with anti-endosialin antibody could enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of PD-1 blockade.Conclusion: We reported EN-high TDPs represent an activated state of TDPs and inhibit the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into ccRCC tissues. Combined treatment with anti-endosialin antibody and PD-1 antibody provided a rational strategy to improve effect of ICB therapy in ccRCC.
Arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and cilioretinal artery occlusion induced by giant cell arteritis in Chinese: two cases report
Authors: Jiang Zhijian , Ji Huiying , Zhu Maoli , Zhang Nan , Chang Qing , Dong Jianhong
Published: August 2022

Background: Vision loss in patients with arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (A-AION) caused by giant cell arteritis (GCA) is disastrous and GCA is very rare in Asian individuals. We report two Chinese patients presenting with A-AION complicated with cilioretinal artery occlusion (CLAO), and the temporal artery biopsy (TAB) proved the diagnose of GCA.Case presentation: Two elderly male patients presented with sudden vision loss in the right eyes. Fundus examination of the right eyes revealed chalky, white, swollen optic papilla and swollen region of the retina between the macular and the optic disc. OCT showed a thickened nerve fiber layer of the optic disc and an enhanced signal intensity of the nuclear layer between the macular and the optic disc in OCT. OCTA revealed a decreased density of capillaries around the optic disc and non-perfusion of the deep retina between the macula and the optic disc. The laboratory tests included elevated CRP and ESR. Histopathology of the right temporal artery revealed the infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. TAB confirmed the diagnosis of GCA-induced A-AION combined with CLAO. They were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone for 6 days and oral prednisone 1 mg/kg/d, which was gradually tapered. The visual acuities of right eyes were improved in both patients at 6 months follow-up.Conclusions: GCA can lead to A-AION combined with CLAO in Chinese patients. OCTA is a noninvasive and convenient procedure that can reveal decreased density of capillaries around the optic disc and non-perfusion of the deep retina between the macula and the optic disc through the detected of retinal microcirculation in patient with GCA-induced A-AION combined with CLAO.
Persistence of P. falciparum HRP-2 antigenaemia post treatment is not associated with gametocytes
Authors: Oulton Tate , Mahamar Almahamoudou , Sanogo Koualy , Diallo Makonon , Youssouf Ahamadou , Niambele Sidi M , Samaké Siaka , Keita Sekouba , Sinaba Youssouf , Sacko Adama , Traore Sekou F , Lanke Kjerstin , Collins Katharine , Bradley John , Drakeley Chris , Stone William , Dicko Alassane
Published: August 2022

Background
In some settings, sensitive field diagnostic tools may be needed to achieve elimination of falciparum malaria. To this end, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on the detection of the Plasmodium falciparum protein HRP-2 are being developed with increasingly lower limits of detection. However, it is currently unclear how parasite stages that are unaffected by standard drug treatments may contribute to HRP-2 detectability and potentially confound RDT results even after clearance of blood stage infection. In this study, we assessed the detectability of HRP-2 in periods of post-treatment residual gametocytaemia.
Methods
A cohort of 100 Plasmodium falciparum infected, gametocyte positive individuals were treated with or without the gametocytocidal drug primaquine (PQ), alongside standard artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), in the context of a randomised clinical trial in Ouelessebougou, Mali. We used a quantitative ELISA to measure levels of HRP-2, and compared time to test negativity using a standard and ultra-sensitive RDT (uRDT) between residual gametocyte positive and negative groups.
Findings
Time to test negativity was longest by uRDT, followed by ELISA and then standard RDT. No significant difference in time to negativity was found between the treatment groups with and without residual gametocytes: uRDT (HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.52–1.21], p = 0.28), RDT (HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.51–1.15], p = 0.20) or ELISA (HR 0.88 [95% CI 0.59–1.32], p = 0.53). Similarly, no difference was observed when adjusting for baseline asexual parasite density. Quantified levels of HRP-2 over time were similar between groups, with differences attributable to asexual parasite densities. Furthermore, no difference in levels of HRP-2 was found between individuals who were or were not infectious to mosquitoes (OR 1.19 [95% CI 0.98–1.46], p = 0.077).
Interpretation
Surviving sexual stage parasites after standard ACT treatment do not contribute to the persistence of HRP-2 antigenaemia, and appear to have little impact on RDT results.
Determination of multi-pesticides residues in jasmine flower and its scented tea
Authors: Zhou Yilu , Wu Yangliu , Zeng Wenbo , An Quanshun , Chen Guanyu , Pan Canping
Published: August 2022

For minor crops such as jasmine, the lack of pesticide registration and maximum residue limits are important issues that need to be solved in order to facilitate trading and ensure food safety. Meanwhile, reliable and quick analytical methods for multi-pesticide residues in these commodities are few, but required by various stakeholders. In this study, a method for detecting 25 of the most frequently used pesticides in jasmine flower and its scented tea by multi-plug filtration cleanup and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. The cleanup process was optimized and compared with the dispersive solid phase extraction procedure. Results showed that the relative standard deviations of multi-plug filtration cleanup method in precision tests were smaller. The absence of any solvent evaporation, vortices and additional centrifugation processes made this approach more rapid. The method was validated, showing that except for methomyl, recoveries of 25 pesticides were 64–108%, with relative standard deviations (n = 5) of 0.33-10%. The method was successfully applied to detect pesticide residues in marketed jasmine flower and scented tea samples. The results showed that some samples contained a combination of different residues, with neonicotinoids, organophosphates and pyrethroids being the three main types detected in both flower and tea samples.
Cellular automata imbedded memristor-based recirculated logic in-memory computing
Authors: Liu Yanming , Tian He , Wu Fan , Liu Anhan , Li Yihao , Sun Hao , Lanza Mario , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: August 2022

Cellular automata is an important tool to study the emergent properties of complex systems based on its well-known parallel, bio-inspired, computational characteristics. However, running cellular automata on conventional chips suffer from low parallelism, and high hardware cost. Establish dedicated hardware for cellular automata remains elusive. Here, we propose a recirculate logic operations scheme (RLOS) based on memristive hardware combined with 2D transistors to realize cellular automata evolution. The scheme utilizes the storage and calculation characteristics of memristive devices, which greatly reduces hardware complexity. The versatility of the RLOS scheme allows implementing multiple different cellular automata algorithms on the same circuitry. The entire rule (rule 1-254) of elementary cellular automata and more complicated 1D CA model majority classification algorithm have been verified to be applicable to this circuitry. Further, the edge detection algorithm based on 2D cellular automata has been authenticated through RLOS. The experimental and evaluation results reveal that the scheme reduces the hardware cost up to 79 times comparing to the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) approach. To our best knowledge, RLOS has the lowest hardware cost (6 components/per cell) among state-of-art hardware implementations. This work can pave the road towards high-efficiency and low-cost cellular automata hardware realization, and also facilitates the exploration of memristive applications.
Identification of the driving mechanisms associated with aggressive transformation and prognosis in follicular lymphomas
Authors: Li Xinglong , Wang Run , Chen Xianjin , Yu Yang , He Changchun , Zhang Qinghua
Published: August 2022

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most frequently common indolent subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), with a generally favorable prognosis. Recent studies have elucidated a subset of patients undergoing histological transformations (HTs) into transformed follicular lymphoma (tFL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) aggressive morphology, leading to a poorer prognosis. Investigating the mechanisms of oncogenic transformation further could be helpful to find potential prognostic biomolecular markers that could be used to develop new treatment strategies or combination strategies. In this study, we conducted integrative bioinformatics analyses of the GEO, DAVID, STRING, GeneMANIA, TRRUST, and DGIdb database to determine which hub genes contributed to aggressive HTs of FL. The results show that HTs-related 462 and 503 differential genes contained between tFL and FL as well as between DLBCL and FL, respectively. Further functional enrichment analysis of these differential genes showed that the common significant enrichment in cell division, immune response, mitotic spindle organization, chromosome segregation of biological processes (BPs), extracellular space, extracellular region, and external side of the plasma membrane of cellular components (CCs), protein binding, microtubule-binding, heparin-binding, extracellular matrix structural constituent, and integrin binding of molecular functions (MFs), and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, and viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor signaling pathway of KEGG pathways. Subsequently, construct an overlapping PPI network to screen 10 hub genes (CCNB1, AURKA, RRM2, CDK1, BUB1B, CDC6, ASPM, TTK, TPX2, and NCAPG). We then analyzed the transcription factor regulation and drug regulatory networks. In summary, our study identified 3 oncogenic transformation molecules (CDK1, RRM2, and AURKA) as important biomarkers in the progression of FL. Their abnormal expression is closely associated with prognosis and sensitivity to standard therapy and can help us better understand the aggressive HTs of FL.
Identification of climatic and management factors influencing wheat’s yield variability using AgMERRA dataset and DSSAT model across a temperate region
Authors: Farhadi Masume , Bannayan Muhammad , Fallah Muhammad Hassan , Jahan Mohsen
Published: August 2022

One of the main challenges of current agriculture to ensure food security is the development of strategies to deal with potential negative impacts and adaptation to climate variability. This study has conducted to determine climatic and management factors influencing wheat yield variability throughout a temperate region in Northeastern Iran in the period of 1980–2010. The growth stages and yield of wheat crop were simulated with DSAAT model, using AgMERRA gridded dataset and the effect of climatic variables on yield was identified using Panel Data Regression (PDA). According to the results, 63% of the changes in irrigated wheat yield are explained by environmental factors (temperature and precipitation) and 37% by management factors. PDA revealed that among the climatic variables, the number of temperatures above 30 oC during the growing season, mean temperature, amount and frequency of precipitation have a significant effect on irrigated wheat yield (p ≤ 0.05). The length of wheat growing season throughout the study region were decreased by 26 days during the study period. The management practices, including the provision of inputs such as chemical fertilizers, modified seeds, tillage machinery and equipment, information transfer and the penetration of knowledge in the field, increase yields by averaged if 5 kg per year in study region. In general, employing the effective management methods, in particular selecting the appropriate planting date that could be resulted in better adaptation of the phenological stages of wheat to environmental conditions, can improve wheat yield. The results of this research indicate that using valid AgMERRA meteorological dataset as input for DSSAT crop model could produce reliable simulations which in turn could be employed by food policy and decision makers, farmers and managers in a temperate region.
Surprising effects of cascading higher order interactions
Authors: Hsieh Hsun-Yi , Vandermeer John , Perfecto Ivette
Published: August 2022

Most species are embedded in multi-interaction networks. Consequently, theories focusing on simple pair-wise interactions cannot predict ecological and/or evolutionary outcomes. This study explores how cascading higher-order interactions (HOIs) would affect the population dynamics of a focal species. Employing a system that involves a myrmecophylic beetle, a parasitic wasp that attacks the beetle, an ant, and a parasitic fly that attacks the ant, the study explores how none, one, and two HOIs affect the parasitism and the sex ratio of the beetle. We conducted mesocosm experiments to examine these HOIs on beetle survival and sex ratio and found that the 1st degree HOI does not change the beetle’s survival rate or sex ratio. However, the 2nd degree HOI significantly reduces the beetle’s survival rate and changes its sex ratio from even to strongly female-biased. We applied Bayes’ theorem to analyze the per capita survival probability of female vs. male beetles and suggested that the unexpected results might arise from complex eco-evolutionary dynamics involved with the 1st and 2nd degree HOIs. Field data suggested the HOIs significantly regulate the sex ratio of the beetle. As the same structure of HOIs appears in other systems, we believe the complexity associated with the 2nd degree HOI would be more common than known and deserve more scientific attention.
Tracking evolutionary pressure on the SARS-CoV-2 polybasic furin cleavage site arginine dimer: 25-31 July, 2022, sample
Authors: Romeu Antonio R.
Published: August 2022

This work is part of a longitudinal study on the evolutionary pressure at the arginine dimer of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein polybasic furin cleavage site. When a virus precursor acquired that furin site, it was not only a huge gain-of-function, but it was also the origin of a species (SARS-CoV-2). At molecular level, the furin site opened up two conceptually highly opposed landscapes. First (favourable for the virus), at protein level, the arginine dimer within the furin site provides an additional positive charge to the S protein that is crucial for the human furin activity. Second (no favourable for the virus), at gene level, this arginine dimer is CGG-CGG encoded. The CGG arginine codon is the arginine codon less favourable in the virus genome (arginine has six codons). The arginine codon usage bias could be a viral strategy to optimize that arginine dimer code. Results shown here thus suggest. They refer to a set of SARS-CoV-2 genomes (0.18 %), from a sample the last days of July, 2022, with a genetically optimized furin site.
3-D Pore Network and Contact Analysis of Cemented Materials: Case Study on Microbial-Induced-Calcite-Precipitated Sands
Authors: Roy Nimisha , Frost David , Terzis Dimitrios
Published: August 2022

MICP has emerged as a technology that alters the structure of geomaterials through calcite precipitation and improves its overall mechanical behavior. An essential component of analyzing the improvement due to MICP is understanding and engineering the spatial distribution of the precipitation matrix in the material microstructure that governs the evolution of force chains. This study analyzes a dataset of medium and fine-grained sand samples subjected to MICP treatment that exhibit similar peak and residual strengths in the untreated state but yield varying strengths after cementation with similar bond contents. A systematic study is undertaken to inspect the observed discrepancy, based on an improved quantitative description of the material's inter-particle contacts, pore space, and bond properties. Analysis shows that bonds exhibit distinct geometries and spatial distribution patterns when MICP is applied to the different materials. The spatial distribution of active bonds and its contribution in increasing the overall contact area of the precipitated microstructure is found to be the key factor translating to the macroscopically determined strength parameters, also affecting the efficiency and uniformity of treatment within the same sample. The improved tools and understanding form a new basis for formulating simulation models incorporating pore and contact mechanics to interpret macroscale phenomena.
Covid-19 Vaccination Efficacy, Reported Side Effects, and Hesitancy Among the Syrian Population
Authors: Najjar Michel , Albuaini Sara , Fadel Mohammad , Group Data Collection , Mohsen Fatema
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Our study aims to describe post-vaccination side effects, evaluate the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines and determine the reasons for vaccine hesitancy among Syrians.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 13 and May 28, 2022. The survey was distributed through social media platforms and face-to-face interviews. Data from vaccinated and unvaccinated participants were collected and analyzed using the chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression to detect factors associated with side effects and severe side effects, and Kaplan-Meier plot to evaluate vaccine efficacy.
Results
Of the 3509 participants included, 1672 (47.6%) were vaccinated. The most common reasons for not taking the vaccine were concerns about the vaccine’s side effects 815 (44.4%) and not being convinced with the vaccine benefits 762 (41.5%). The majority of symptoms were mild 788 (47.1%), followed by moderate 374 (22.3%), and severe 144 (8.6%). The most common symptoms were tiredness 1028 (61.5%), pain at the injection site 933 (55.8%), and low-grade fever 684 (40.9%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that < 40 years (vs. ≥40; OR: 2.113, p-value = 0.008), females (vs. males; OR: 2.245, p-value < .001), did not receive influenza shot last year (vs. did receive Influenza shot last year OR: 1.697, p-value = 0.041), AstraZeneca (vs. other vaccine brands; OR: 2.799, p-value < .001), co-morbidities (vs. no co-morbidities; OR: 1.993, p-value = 0.008), and diabetes mellitus (vs. no diabetes mellitus; OR: 2.788, p-value = 0.007) were associated with severe post-vaccine side effects. Serious side effects reported were blood clots 5 (0.3%), thrombocytopenia 2 (0.1%), anaphylaxis 1 (0.1%), seizures 1 (0.1%), and cardiac infarction 1 (0.1%). Fully vaccinated participants had higher free of infection time compared with partially vaccinated and previously infected unvaccinated participants (p-value < .001).
Conclusion
Our study revealed that most side effects reported were mild in severity and self-limiting. Increasing the public’s awareness of the nature of the vaccine’s side effects would reduce the misinformation and improve the public’s trust in vaccines. Larger studies to evaluate rare and serious adverse events and long-term side effects are needed to overcome vaccine hesitancy among people.
Metabolomic and microbial changes reveal the biotransformation of Calotropis gigantea into silage
Authors: Ayemele Aurele Gnetegha , Wang Yuehu , Zhao Gaojuan , Li Xiang , Davies David , Ma Lu , Bu Dengpan , Xu Jianchu
Published: August 2022

Background: We recently reported that Calotropis gigantea could be used as a potential functional feed additive to specifically inhibit the detrimental rumen protozoa without impairing the fermentation traits. Meanwhile, to ensure the applicability at the farm level, bio-transforming Calotropis gigantea (giant milkweed, GM) into silage is of an utmost requisite which constitutes a long-term biological preservation. This study aimed at investigating the metabolite and microbiota profiles that can lead to the bio-transformation of Calotropis gigantea into silage, after supplementing fermentative bacteria and sucrose.Results: After ensiling, several metabolites like 3,4'-dihydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester, 2-hydroxyethylphosphonic acid, 3,4'-dihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxypropiophenone, vnilloylmalic acid, sedoheptulose, 2-hydroxy-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, L-arginine, putrescine, methyl linolenate and calactin were up-regulated while other like 2’-o-methyladenosine, xanthosine, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl propyl glucosinolate and isopentenyl adenine-7-N-glucoside were down-regulated making GM ensiling a biological process to manipulate the metabolite composition and structure for therapeutic needs. This was possible after the colonization by bacteria species like Bacteriodes salanitronis, B. plebeius, B. barnesiae, B. vulgatus, B. caecicola, Prevotella copri, Megamonas hypermegale, Olsenella sp. which increased in ensiling samples with Lactobacillus buchneri specifically found only in ensiled and inoculated samples. The "biosynthesis of secondary metabolites" was the KEGG pathway induced by the highest number of studied GM metabolites. PICRUSt2 identified the "brite hierarchies" as the more expressed microbial functional group and "human diseases and organismal systems" the least expressed one. Conclusion: These findings provide a fundamental description of the microbiota colonizing the plant GM for a successful ensiling process that induced a remarkable metabolomic changes. The cause and effect relationship predicted several metabolic pathways and the contribution of the microbiota profile to the biosynthesis of functional metabolites. Understanding the specific mechanisms modulated by the colonizing bacteria and fungi underpinning the bio-transformation into silage deserves further studies.
Prevalence, trends, and factors associated with teen motherhood in Nigeria: An analysis of the 2008-2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys.
Authors: Kareem Yusuf Olushola , Abubakar Zubaida , Adelekan Babatunde , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Gbagbo Fred Yao , Goldson Erika , Mueller Ulla , Yaya Sanni
Published: August 2022

Backgrounds: Teen pregnancy and childbearing are common in Nigeria, and understanding the complexities such as sociodemographic and economic factors including sexual and reproductive health knowledge and awareness among adolescents over time can trigger innovative approaches and interventions. This study intends to capture the patterns and associated factors of teen motherhood among sexually active adolescents (15-19 years) between 2008-2018.Methods: The study data was extracted from 2008, 2013, and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys. Descriptive analysis was presented using frequencies and percentages; multivariable analysis was conducted using log-binomial logistic regression at a p-value <0.05. All analyses were performed using Stata 15.0, weighted and adjusted for the complex survey design and the population size.Results: The prevalence of teen motherhood increased between the three successive survey waves, (50.9% vs 52.4% vs 55.2%) from 2008, 2013, and 2018. Although, the pooled adjusted analysis revealed no significant change over the 10-year period. Knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, primary education, non-Catholic Christians, residing in the South-South region, and those currently or formerly married were associated with increased risk of teen motherhood.Conclusion: This study revealed an increase in the proportion of teen pregnancy and childbearing in Nigeria. Notably, there exist variations across age groups, geographic location, educational level, religious belief, marital and economic status. Interventions that ensure comprehensive sexuality education, girl child education and economic empowerment especially for school dropouts are advocated to reduce this menace.
Effects of indirect foraminal decompression during anterior cervical disc fusion procedure: a prospective study with clinical and radiological outcomes
Authors: LAINÉ Gaetan , COUDERT Pierre , DAMADE Camille , BOISSIERE Louis , POINTILLART Vincent , VITAL Jean Marc , BOUYER Benjamin , GILLE Olivier
Published: August 2022

Purpose
The respective effects of direct and indirect decompression in the clinical outcome after anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) is still debated. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the height of the implants was associated with postoperative foraminal height and volume, and with clinical improvement in patients suffering from cervico-brachial neuralgias due to degenerative foraminal stenosis.
Methods
We conducted a prospective follow-up of patients who underwent ACDF for cervicobrachial neuralgias due to degenerative foraminal stenosis. Patient had filled auto questionnaires (Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scales (VAS) for cervical and radicular pain) and performed a CT-scan pre and post-operatively. Disc height, foraminal height and foraminal volumes were measured pre and post operatively.
Results
37 cervical disc fusions were successfully performed in 20 patients, with a total of 148 foramina studied. A significant improvement in the 3 scores was observed at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). We found a significant improvement in every radiological parameter, with a significant increase in disc height, foraminal height and foraminal volume being respectively + 3,22mm (p < 0,001), + 2,12mm (p < 0,001) and + 54mm3 (p < 0,001). Increase in disc height was significantly associated with increase in foraminal height (p < 0,001) and foraminal volume (p < 0,001). Increase in foraminal height was significantly correlated with foraminal volume (p < 0,001) and with improvement in NDI score (p:0,037). Considering all those findings, our study suggests that indirect decompression helps in clinical improvement after ACDF.
Conclusion
This study provides interesting data regarding the clinical benefit of indirect decompression in ACDF performed for cervicobrachial neuralgias.