bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography and ecological niche modelling implicate multiple micro-refugia of Swertia tetraptera during Quaternary glaciations
Authors: Yang Lucun , Zhou Guoying
Published: September 2022

Background Climate fluctuations during the Pleistocene and mountain uplift are vital driving powers affecting the geographic distribution and population dynamics history of organisms. However, how did an annual plant react to Pleistocene glaciations was little to know. Methods In this study, we analyzed the population demographic history of the endemic QTP annual herb plantSwertia tetrapteraMaxim (Gentianaceae). Phylogeographic analysis with species distribution modeling were combined to detect the genetic variations inS.tetraptera. In total, 301 individuals from 35 populations ofS.tetrapterawere analyzed based on two maternally inherited chloroplast fragments (trnL-trnF andtrnS-trnG). Results The genetic diversity ofS.tetrapterawas high, which was caused by wide natural range, high proportion of endemic haplotypes and evolutionary history. Fifty-four haplotypes were identified inS.tetraptera. Only a few haplotypes were widespread (H4, H1, H3) which were dispersed throughout the present geographical range ofS.tetraptera, while a lot of haplotypes were confined to single populations. The cpDNA dataset showed that the phylogeographic structure was lack across the distribution range ofS.tetraptera. Meanwhile, analyses of molecular variance showed that most of genetic variation was found within populations (70.51%). In addition, the relationships of the haplotypes were almost completely not resolved by phylogenetic reconstruction. Both mismatch distribution analysis and neutrality tests showed a recent expansion across the distribution range ofS. tetraptera. The MAXENT analysis showedS.tetrapterahad a wider distribution range during the last glacial maximum and a narrower distribution range during the current, with predictions into the future showing the distribution range ofS.tetrapterashrinking. Conclusion Our study implies current geographic and genetic distribution ofS.tetrapterais likely to have been shaped by both QTP uplift and Quaternary periods. Multiple micro-refugia ofS.tetrapterawere existed during Quaternary glaciations. Rapid intraspecific diversification and hybridization and/or introgression may have played a vital role in shaping current distribution patterns ofS.tetraptera.The distribution range ofS.tetrapteraappeared to have experienced expansion during the LGM; in the future, when the global climate becomes warmer with rising carbon dioxide, the distribution ofS.tetrapterawill expansion and migration to higher altitude.
In silico identification of potential inhibitors of vital monkeypox virus proteins from FDA approved drugs
Authors: Sahoo Ajaya Kumar , Augusthian Priya Dharshini , Muralitharan Ishwarya , Vivek-Ananth R.P. , Kumar Kishan , Kumar Gaurav , Ranganathan Geetha , Samal Areejit
Published: September 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the monkeypox outbreak ‘A public health emergency of international concern’. The monkeypox virus belongs to the same Orthopoxvirus genus as smallpox. Although smallpox drugs are recommended for use against monkeypox, monkeypox-specific drugs are not yet available. Drug repurposing is a viable and efficient approach in the face of such an outbreak. Therefore, we present a computational drug repurposing study to identify the existing approved drugs which can be potential inhibitors of vital monkeypox virus proteins, thymidylate kinase and D9 decapping enzyme. The target protein structures of the monkeypox virus were modelled using the corresponding protein structures in the vaccinia virus. We identified four potential inhibitors namely, Tipranavir, Cefiderocol, Doxorubicin, and Dolutegravir as candidates for repurposing against monkeypox virus from a library of US FDA approved antiviral and antibiotic drugs using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The main goal of this in silico study is to identify potential inhibitors against monkeypox virus proteins that can be further experimentally validated for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents against monkeypox disease.
Hierarchical traffic light-aware routing via fuzzy reinforcement learning in software-defined vehicular networks
Authors: Naderi Mohammad , Mahdaee Khorshid , Rahmani Parisa
Published: September 2022

Lack of a fully vehicular topology view and restricted vehicles' movement to streets with the time-varying traffic light conditions have caused drastic gaps in the traditional vehicular routing protocols. A hierarchical traffic light-aware routing scheme called HIFS is proposed in this paper using fuzzy reinforcement learning and software-defined network (SDN) to fill these gaps. At the first level of our HIFS scheme, a utility-based intersections selection policy is presented using fuzzy logic that jointly considers delay estimation, curve distance, and predicted of moving vehicles towards intersections. Then, a fuzzy logic-based path selection policy is proposed to choose the paths with highest flexibility against the intermittent connectivity and increased traffic loads. Residual bandwidth, Euclidean distance, angular orientation, and congestion are considered inputs of the fuzzy logic system. Meanwhile, traffic light states and nodes' information are used to tune the output fuzzy membership functions via reinforcement learning algorithm. The efficiency of our scheme in controlling ambiguity and uncertainty of the vehicular environment is confirmed through simulations in various vehicle densities and different traffic lights duration. Simulation results show our HIFS scheme's superiority over the state-of-the-art methods in terms of delivery ratio, average delay, path length, and routing overhead.
Canal transportation and centering ratio after preparation of curved canals: A comparative evaluation of cone-beam computed tomography and micro-computed tomography
Authors: Soltaninejad Fatemeh , Shantiaee Yazdan , Mortezapour Niloofar , Zargar Nazanin , Zandi Babak , Shojaeian Shiva , Taramsari Ali Rahbar
Published: September 2022

Objectives:This study aimed to compare cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for evaluation of canal transportation and centering ratio after instrumentation of curved canals.Materials and Methods:A total of 20 mesiobuccal canals of mandibular molars were prepared by sequential rotary system. All specimens underwent CBCT and micro-CT before and after instrumentation and the magnitude of transportation and centering ratio were measured. The accuracy and the agreement between the two modalities were calculated considering the acceptable transportation of ≤ 0.15 mm. The agreement between the modalities was also assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).Results:Transportation was detected by both modalities at all distances from the apex after instrumentation. Agreement between the two modalities in assessment of canal transportation was observed in 16 specimens at 1 mm, 17 specimens at 3 mm, and 15 specimens at 5 and 7 mm from the apex, out of 20 specimens, yielding 80%, 85%, 75% and 75% accuracy, respectively. ICC for transportation and centering ratio was much lower than 0.75 indicating poor agreement between the modalities.Conclusions:CBCT and micro-CT do not have a good agreement in assessing transportation and centering ratio. Micro-CT is still recommended for evaluating transportation in vitro, due to higher resolution and better visualization of details.Clinical relevance:CBCT is recommended for assessment of canal transportation in the clinical setting; however, it cannot replace micro-CT for in vitro studies, and micro-CT remains the modality of choice for in vitro assessments.
Geometrical and microstructural size effects in meso-/micro-scaled progressive forming by directly using metal wires
Authors: Wang YUBAO , Zheng Zebang , Zeng Feng , Fu M. W.
Published: September 2022

A progressive meso-/micro-forming process directly using continuous wire metals is firstly developed in this work and applied for efficiently making fork-shaped parts with irregular features, e.g., flat tines and cylindrical head. Meanwhile, both geometrical and microstructural size effects on the forming quality of fabricated parts are investigated. Therein, the brass CuZn35 wires with three diameters (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mm) and various grain sizes (30.9-159.2 µm) are prepared and employed as the experimental materials. The material flow behavior in this progressive meso-/micro-forming process is investigated by finite element simulations and the micro-scaled specimens are found to exhibit more uniform strain distributions. As for the dimensional accuracy, the absolute errors of the thickness and width of the final parts increase with grain size, while the errors of height and inner width are only related to the precision of the punch. The increasing surface roughness after the progressive meso-/micro-forming process decreases with enlarging specimens and refining grains. Cracks easier appear on the side surface of micro-scaled specimens and specimens with the larger grain size.
Hetero-polar Sextuple Bond: A Relativistic Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Kalita Amlan , Bania Kusum , Guha Ankur
Published: September 2022

Studies revealed that number of bonds between two atoms is not restricted to sharing of one electron pair, it can go beyond four and six is the maximum. While sextuple bond is found in homonuclear diatomic molecule such as Mo and W, but the report on six-fold bonding interaction in heteronuclear diatomic system is unknown in the literature. In the search of the sextuple bond in polar system, the present study depicts the existence of such multiple bonds in Rhodium-Scandium hetero-diatoms based on relativistic quantum chemical calculations. The bonding comprises of three normal electron sharing covalent bonds and three dative covalent bonds.
Bioinformatics analysis of key biomarkers for cryptorchidism and potential risk of carcinogenesis
Authors: Xie Xiaodu , Liang Peihe , Liu Lumiao , Zheng Xiuhui
Published: September 2022

Background
Cryptorchidism is characterized by undescended or incomplete descent of the testes. The pathogenesis of cryptorchidism has not been fully elucidated. In addition, patients with cryptorchidism are at a higher risk of malignancy than normal individuals, and its etiology and underlying molecular mechanisms need to be further investigated.
Methods
Datasets GSE16191 and GSE25518 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene enrichment analyses were performed using the WebGestalt database. A protein-protein interaction network of DEGs was constructed using the STRING database, of which hub genes were identified by Cytoscape software. The GEPIA database was used to validate the expression of the hub genes of cryptorchidism in testicular cancer, and then the protein level of genes was detected in the HPA database. The analysis of immune cell infiltration was conducted in the R package. The clinical significance of the selected genes was analyzed from four aspects: clinical correlation, overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
Of the 438 common DEGs identified, 134 were up-regulated and 304 were down-regulated. Biological functions analysis identified important signaling pathways, key functional modules, and co-expression networks in cryptorchidism. Nine hub genes (HNRNPM, SF1, U2SURP, SNRPA1, AQR, RBM39, PCBP2, RBM5, and HNRNPU) were identified in cryptorchidism, four (SF1, HNRNPM, RBM5, and AQR) of which were significantly expressed in testicular cancer. The high expression of the genes SF1 and HNRNPM predicted poor RFS in cancer patients. Moreover, genes AQR and HNRNPM may contribute to malignant transformation from cryptorchidism to cancer via the spliceosome pathway.
Conclusion
Our study revealed the potential molecular mechanisms under the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism and its carcinogenesis. The biomarkers identified in this study may provide a theoretical basis and new ideas for further mechanism research of cryptorchidism.
Action research as a tool for collecting private information from Spanish wineries for further architectural bioclimatic analysis: lessons from behind the scenes
Authors: Arredondo-Ruiz Fernando , Guerrero Ignacio Cañas , Gómez-Villarino Maria Teresa
Published: September 2022

Geographically diagnosing the usage of sustainable bioclimatic architectural practices in wineries is most of the time complicated. This difficulty stems from the unavailability in the scientific literature of private documents, such as the actual architectural plans of constructed wineries. This article reflects on the action research process that supported and explored the learning process during a large scale data gathering effort involving, a research team, and a universe of more than 4800 wineries in the Spanish Geography. The whole process was part of a larger project whose acronym is Cowinergy, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity. Results highlight the importance of process facilitation in a value chain of learning (within a social system), in order to create an environment in which the people in charge of the wineries felt at ease when collaborating with the research team. The facilitators designed the process to be iterative so the learning activities where consistently aligned with the needs of the overall project, thus ensuring practical relevance.
Green Synthesis of SiO 2 NPs Promote Vigna radiata L Germination, Membrane Damage, Antioxidant enzymes and Physiological activities
Authors: Zaheer Saira , Mustafa Ghazala , Shehzad Junaid , Tariq Tuba , Chaudhari Sunbal Khalil , Hasan Murtaza
Published: September 2022

In agriculture sector demand for nanotechnology-based products in current years, have led to the increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs). Biologically prepared NPs have gained a lot of attraction due to ecofriendly, less expensive and biocompatible process, therefore, Current work was design to investigate the green synthesized SiO2 NPs on Vigna radiata L. physiological and biochemical analysis. Six days old plants (two leaf stage) exposed to SiO2 NPs at 2, 20, 200 and 2000 ppm. Significantly increased in plant length and weight at on all concentrations at different intervals except 20 ppm of SiO2 NPs reduced plant length and weight. However, the antioxidant enzymes at 20 ppm treated plant showed several effects. The production of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase increased as compared to control. Peroxidase level was initially increased but then reduced later, superoxide dismutase also reduced as compared to control. FT-IR at 20 ppm treated plant exhibited the increase in protein, decrease in phenolics and Bromo also increase which means alkaloid will produce to overcome the stress. Evans blue staining and membrane damage quantification also indicated the cell death at 20 ppm as compared to control at all time intervals. These results suggest that SiO2 NPs exhibit positive effects at higher concentrations and slightly reduce the growth at (20 ppm) mild concentrations. Si uptake and antioxidant enzymes also decrease at 20 ppm, Evans blue staining and quantification indicated about the slight damage.
3D printed Fabry-Pérot filters for terahertz spectral range
Authors: Revuri Praveen Kumar , Walus Konrad , Wallace Vincent P. , Silva K. K. M. B. Dilusha , Keating Adrian , Faraone Lorenzo , Martyniuk Mariusz
Published: September 2022

3D printing is evolving into a standard tool for prototyping various optical components suitable for application in the terahertz range of the electromagnetic spectrum. This work takes the next step in this evolution by demonstrating the fabrication and subsequent evaluation of Fabry-Pérot Interferometers (FPIs). Large optical area (centimetre-scale) Fabry-Pérot transmission filters have been 3D printed with polylactic acid (PLA) using a commonly-used low-cost 3D printer. The advantages of the proposed approach include low cost, rapid prototyping, and repeatability. Terahertz transmission measurements for two demonstrated filter designs realised to target optimisation of either signal transmission or spectral filter performance have been performed using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and demonstrate good agreement with the simulated response in the operating spectral band of 0.30 THz – 0.75 THz (wavelengths from 1,000 µm down to 400 µm). The critical spectral characteristics assessed were the filter peak transmission magnitude, central wavelength and full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the transmission peak, as well as the free spectral range (FSR). The signal transmission levels were observed to reach beyond 90% for the first series of filters that targeted optimisation of this aspect; however, this was accompanied by diminished out-of-band rejection and broader transmission peaks in comparison to the second series of filters which targeted the overall performance. For the latter filter series, the resolution in terms of FWHM values of the transmission peaks was reduced to 40-50 GHz, with the out-of-band rejection approaching a ratio of 10:1. This level of spectral performance, along with the achieved signal peak transmission characteristics of 65-75%, provides adequate performance for many applications harnessing the terahertz spectral range.
Scalp Blocks Do Not Affect the Accuracy of Neuronavigation Facial Recognition Registration
Authors: Burbridge Mark A , Shields Glenn , Dacanay Ezikiel , Jaffe Richard A
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Scalp block is a regional anesthesia technique to reduce the sympathetic response to skull pin application and postoperative pain in patients undergoing craniotomy. These blocks are often performed prior to surgical incision, however, the effect that these blocks have on neuronavigation facial tracing recognition accuracy is unclear because they may distort facial anatomy. Methods: A series of 25 patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy were administered scalp blocks prior to surgical incision, and their effect on neuronavigation accuracy was assessed. Statistical analysis utilized a two-tailed matched t-test. Results: Bilateral supraorbital and auriculotemporal scalp blocks did not significantly affect the accuracy of facial recognition registration. Conclusion: Scalp block does not interfere with neuronavigation facial recognition accuracy during neurosurgical procedures.
Finite-Time Adaptive Fuzzy Control of Fractional-Order Nonlinear Systems With Multiple Objective Constraints
Authors: Ding Lusong , Sun Weiwei
Published: September 2022

This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy finite-time control strategy for uncertain nonstrict-feedback fractional-order nonlinear systems with multiple-objective constraints. To stabilize the uncertain nonlinear fractional-order systems, the fuzzy logic systems are employed to identify the unknown nonlinear functions, the dynamic surface control is used to avoid the computational complexity of the backstepping design procedure, and the effect caused by the algebraic loop problem can be solved via establishing fractional-order adaptive laws. By introducing a new barrier function, the system output is always limited to the predefined time-varying acceptable range while effectively solving the multi-objective constraint problem. By utilizing fractional-order finite-time stability theory, a finite-time control scheme is constructed to drive the system output to the reference signal in finite time, which ensures better tracking performance. Two examples are given to illustrate the availability and superiority of the presented control scheme.
Influence factors of bamboo intake in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Wei Ming , Zhu Yan , Liu Weiping , Li Desheng , Wei Rongping , Deng Linhua , Wu Kai , Song Shixian , Li Ti , Zeng Wen , He Yongguo , Huang Shan , Wang Chengdong
Published: September 2022

Bamboo is the main food source of the giant panda. To increase bamboo intake in captive giant pandas, we studied factors affecting the bamboo intake. Fourteen healthy captive giant pandas in Dujiangyan Base of China Conservation and Research Center for The Giant Panda (" Dujiangyan Base "for short) were selected as research objects. Bamboo feeding experiment was conducted to study the effects of seasons, bamboo age, slope orientation and felling-feeding time on bamboo intake of the giant panda. We found that the type of bamboo that captive giant pandas feed on was rich in spring and summer, but relatively simple in winter. With the increase of bamboo age, the intake of bamboo leaves decreased, while bamboo culms increased. The feed intake of 1-year-old bamboo leaves and 5-year bamboo culms reached the highest respectively. The slope orientation of bamboo growth also affected the panda's bamboo intake. Moreover, the bamboo intake reached the highest when the felling-feeding time was less than 24h. In short, we confirmed that seasons, bamboo age, slope orientations and felling-feeding time were factors affecting bamboo intake for captive giant pandas. This study was expected to provide scientific guidance improving the feeding behavior management of captive giant pandas.
High Plasma EBV-DNA Load and Positive EBER Status Associated with Viral Recurrence and Persistent Infection in Early Treatment of Lymphoma
Authors: Zeng Meichun , Jia Qingjun , Chen Jingjing , Xu Liming , Xie Li , Cheng Qinglin , Li Qingchun , Xiao Ming , Fang Zijian
Published: September 2022

The relationship between plasma EBV-DNA load (PEDL) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNA (EBER) during early treatment of lymphoma remains unclear. We explored discrepancies in PEDL and variables associated with EBER, and evaluated the consistency between EBER and qualitative analysis of PEDL (qPEDL). Serial measurements of PEDL were performed to determine the dynamic changes of PEDL in early treatment of lymphoma. As a result, the median PEDL of NHL-NKT was higher than that of NHL-B, the median PEDL of ENKTCL was higher than that of DLBCL, and the median PEDL of EBER positive was higher than that of EBER negative. Age, Ki-67 ≧ 80%, Bcl-2 ≧ 80%, p53 and qPEDL were related to EBER. The PEDL could distinguish NHL-B, DLBCL, NHL-NKT and ENKTCL from other lymphoma subtypes. EBER-positive patients spent more time with viral “turn negative (TN)” and “continuous positive (CP)”, and less time with viral “continuous negative (CN)”. The median PEDL of CP was higher than that of TN. In conclusion, although EBER affects the levels of PEDL in general, it has poor concordance with qPEDL. Our results show, for the first time, that high PEDL and positive EBER present a strong association with viral recurrence and persistent infection in the early treatment of lymphoma.
Differential dysregulation of CREB and synaptic genes in transgenic Drosophila melanogaster expressing shaggy (GSK3), TauWT, or Amyloid-beta
Authors: Ataellahi Fatemeh , Masoudi Raheleh , Haddadi Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background: Tau, Amyloid-beta (Aβ42), and Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) contribute to synaptic dysfunction observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. In the current study, the effect of pan-neuronal expression of TauWT, Aβ42, or shaggy (orthologue of GSK3) in Drosophila melanogaster was assessed on the locomotor function, ethanol sensitivity, synaptic genes and CREB expression. The effect of TauWT and Aβ42 on the expression of shaggy was also determined.Methods and results: Gene expression analysis performed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR method. While syt1, SNAP25 and CREB (upstream transcription factor of syt1 and SNAP25) were upregulated in flies expressing TauWT or Aβ42, a prominent decline was observed in those genes in shaggy expressing flies. While all transgenic flies showed climbing disability and higher sensitivity to ethanol, abnormality in these features was significantly more prominent in transgenic flies expressing shaggy compared to TauWT or Aβ42. Despite a significant upregulation of shaggy transcription in TauWT expressing flies, Aβ42 transgenic flies witnessed no significant changes.Conclusions: TauWT, Aβ42, and shaggy may affect synaptic plasticity through dysregulation of synaptic genes and CREB, independently. However shaggy has more detrimental effect on synaptic genes expression, locomotor ability and sensitivity to ethanol. It is important when it comes to drug discovery. It appears that CREB is a direct effector of changes in synaptic genes expression due to the same pattern of their alteration and it is likely to be a part of compensatory mechanisms independent of the GSK3/CREB pathway in TauWT or Aβ42 expressing flies.
Influence of Class A40 Type Autonomous Truck on Rutting and Fatigue Cracking
Authors: Fahad Mohammad , Nagy Richard
Published: September 2022

Effect of autonomous trucks’ different lateral wander modes have been analysed in this research using a dload subroutine. Two lateral wander modes, a zero-wander mode in which a truck is programmed to follow a predetermined wheel path without any lateral movement and a uniform wander mode, where the truck uniformly distributes itself along the lateral width of the lane, are used. European class A40 truck has been modelled in ABAQUS. The effect of all the axles with varying loading and tire pressures has been studied while observing the microstrains under the asphalt layer and on the top of subgrade layer at speeds of 90 Km/h. Results show that fatigue life of pavement increases by 1.45 times if a uniform wander mode is used, which corresponds to a decrease in fatigue life of 14 months if a zero-wander mode is used. In case of rutting progression, 40% acceleration of rutting happens under a zero-wander mode. In case of uniform wander mode, rut depth decreases by 1.25 times against the zero wander mode.
Neuroimaging and Cognitive Testing in Healthy Aging Adults using a Portable Low-Field MRI Scanner and Web-Based Assessment
Authors: Deoni Sean CL , Burton Phoebe , Beauchemin Jennifer , Cano-Lorente Rosa , Both Matthew D. , Johnson Megan , Ryan Lee , Huentelman Matthew J.
Published: September 2022

Consumer wearables and health monitors, internet-based health and cognitive assessments, and at-home biosample (e.g., saliva and capillary blood) collection kits are increasingly used by public health researchers to recruit and follow large study populations without requiring intensive in-person study visits. In addition to reducing participant time and travel burden, remote and virtual data collection allows individuals who live long distances from a hospital or university research center, have limited time or mobility, or who lack access to transportation to participate. Unfortunately, studies that include magnetic resonance neuroimaging can be particularly burdensome given the infrastructure requirements of 1.5, 3, and 7 Tesla scanners. As a result, they often omit socially, economically, and educationally disadvantaged individuals. Portable lower magnetic field strength systems offer the potential to perform neuroimaging at a participant’s home and convenience. In this work, we present the first report of associations between brain morphometry and cognitive performance assessed using a portable low-field MRI “scan van” and an established online assessment (MindCrowd) of paired-associate learning (PAL). In a sample of 67 individuals between 18–93 years of age who were imaged at their home or convenient nearby location, we show expected trends in brain volumes with age and detail associations between learning and memory-related brain region volumes and PAL performance. Results demonstrate the ability to collect neuroimaging and cognitive data outside of traditional imaging research settings with important implications for engaging traditionally underrepresented communities in neuroimaging research.
The Timing of Intravenous Antibiotic Regimens and Clinical Outcomes of Mycobacterium abscessus complex Lung Diseases: a retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Pang Ai-Hsin , Lin Shu-Wen , Yang Jeng-How , Wang Ping-Huai , Pan Sheng-Wei , Wei Yu-Feng , Chen Chung-Yu , Lee Ho-Shen , Wu Ting-Shu , Chang Chin-Hao , Shu Chin-Chung
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe treatment of Mycobacterium abscessus complex lung diseases (MABC-LD) requires a combination of multiple antibiotics, including at least 1 initial intravenous (IV) agent. However, the importance of early IV antibiotics use, as recommended in the guidelines for MABC-LD treatment, remains unknown. MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted in 6 hospitals in Taiwan. Patients who were diagnosed with and received treatments for MABC-LD from January 2007 to April 2021 were included, but patients with treatment durations of shorter than 14 days were excluded. Treatment outcome was defined as modified microbiological cure of MABC-LD. ResultsThirty-four of the 89 enrolled patients (38.2%) received IV antibiotics in the treatment course. The median time to IV initiation was 1 day (IQR: 1–49), and 24 (70.6%) of them received IV agents within 4 weeks, defined as early use. Forty-two (47.2%) patients achieved modified microbiological cure. In the multivariable logistic analysis, early IV antibiotics use was an independent factor associated with modified microbiological cure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.58, 95% CI: 2.31–31.86), whereas high radiological score (aOR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.98) and long treatment duration (aOR 0.998, 95% CI: 0.996–0.999) demonstrated negative association. ConclusionsIn the present study, early use of IV effective antibiotic was prescribed in a low percentage (27%) for MABC-LD. By contrast, early IV antibiotics use was correlated with higher microbiological cure than were late or non-use. Greater adherence to the guideline may improve the clinical outcome in treating MABC-LD. Future larger and prospective studies are needed to validate the association.
Multidisciplinary approach to severe mitral valve regurgitation in a patient refusing blood transfusion – perks of minimal invasive mitral valve surgery
Authors: Miazza Jules , Koechlin Luca , Heppel David , Doebele Thomas , Eckstein Friedrich S.
Published: September 2022

Background: Patients refusing blood product transfusion represent a particular cardiac surgery population in which bleedings and hemodilution should be maximally reduced. Case presentation: We present the case of a 60 years old, Jehovah witness patient refusing whole blood transfusion and primary blood components, who required surgery for severe and symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation. To avoid critical bleeding, we performed careful preoperative assessment, documenting coagulation anamnesis and accepted drugs using a standardized form. In case of a bleeding, the anesthesia team was prepared for a proactive and goal-oriented correction of the coagulation using artificial products. Should it be needed, measures to increase anemia tolerance would also have taken place, for example narcosis deepening. The operation was performed in a minimally invasive fashion using a right anterior thoracotomy and video-assistance. The cardiopulmonary bypass was conducted using 3/8 inches venous lines and small-sized oxygenator in order to reduce priming volume. Using a ring anuloplasty and plication of the anterior mitral valve leaflet, mitral valve repair was achieved with no sign of regurgitation or stenosis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 8 with a hemoglobin level of 109g/l. Conclusion: Patient refusing blood transfusion represent a particular subset of the cardiac surgery population. In order to offer standard of care in such situations, a multidisciplinary, patient-centered concept based on close collaboration between cardiac surgeons, anesthetists and perfusionist is of utmost importance. In this case we, once again, demonstrated the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive mitral valve repair and its usefulness in patients where reduced hemodilution and fast recovery are needed.
L2 norm-constrained adaptive edge preservation filter inversion of exact Zoeppritz equation
Authors: Xu Zihe , Lu Yongxu , Peng Suping , Cui Xiaoqin , Liao Jin , Shi Haolei
Published: September 2022

Since traditional pre-stack inversion via amplitude variation with offset (AVO) uses an approximate formula, it is insufficiently accurate at large angles. To overcome this shortcoming, we used the exact Zoeppritz equation for nonlinear AVO inversion. A second-order difference matrix is ​​added to suppress the disturbance of the inversion in the case of noise.We used an adaptive edge preservation (Ad-EPS) filter to process the iterative model. An Ad-EPS filter can find the optimal window size for each filtered sample so that the formation boundary is sharper and more accurate in the inversion. For nonlinear optimization problems, we used the Levenberg–Marquardt method. The LM method adds a damping factor to the iterative equation to reduce the ill-posedness of the inversion and can add a second-order-difference L2-norm-regularization term directly to the algorithm to make the inversion data closer to the model data. The LM method combines the exact Zoeppritz equation, L2 regularization constraints, and Ad-EPS filter into a nonlinear AVO inversion method called EZL2AEPS. The EZL2AEPS method is more accurate than the generally accurate Zoeppritz pre-stack inversion (EZPI) with respect to details such as formation boundaries and overall disturbances. The EZL2AEPS method can also suppress noise to a certain extent, reduce the effect of noise disturbance on the inversion, and produce blocky inversion results. Actual data show that the EZL2AEPS method achieves better inversion results and is a very advantageous AVO inversion method.
The environmental footprint of in silico-designed vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and omnivorous diets complying with Mediterranean diet standards and essential amino-acid requirements
Authors: Tessari Paolo , Mosca Giuliano , Bittante Giovanni , Lante Anna
Published: September 2022

Background: The relationships between environmental variables, diet-type, and nutritional parameters are incompletely known.Objective: To estimate the environmental footprint and selected nutritional parameters of in silico-designed vegan (VEG), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV) and omnivorous (OMN) weekly menus (n=7 for each type) complying with Mediterranean-Diet (MD) standards and satisfying Essential-Amino- Acids (EAA) requirements.Methods: Land-Use (LU), Water-Footprint (WF), Green-House-Gas-Emission (GHGE), sodium, saturated-fat, calorie, protein contents, and food weight, were calculated. A global EAA-based Nutritional and Environmental Score (EAA-NES) was developed.Key findings: Average LU, WF, GHGE, calories, protein and food weight, and EAA-NES scores, were similar among menu-types. In LOV menus, sodium and saturated fat were greater (by ≈140%, p<0.006, and by ≈60%, p<0.006), than in VEG or in VEG and OMN menus, respectively. However, the LU, GHGE and WF allocation of VEG menus fell predominantly into the first two quartiles (with lower environmental impact), whereas that of LOV and OMN menus was more scattered. No difference was found in the EAA-NES distribution among menu-types, by combining the two lower or the two higher quartiles.Conclusions: In silico-designed VEG diets might not exhibit a lower environmental impact, nor a better EAA-NES score, than LOV or OMN diets at safe EAAs requirements.
Occupational Happiness of Civilian Nurses in China: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Meng Ying , Luo Xue , Sun Peng , Luo Yu , Wang Zonghua , Wang Lihua , Ge Yuhong , Lin Li
Published: September 2022

Background: Civilian nurses have gradually become the main body of military nurses. Their professional well-being is of great significance to the quality of clinical nursing work and the improvement of medical service quality in military hospitals.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 319 civilian nurses working in 15 military hospitals in China. Based on the demographic questionnaire and the occupational happiness questionnaire of civilian nurses in military hospitals, the data were analysed by t test, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation analysis.Results: The occupational happiness score (3.83 ± 0.56, upper limit score: 5) was at the upper middle level. There were 233 nurses aged 31-40 (73%) and 258 married nurses (80.9%). A total of 285 nurses had bachelor's degrees (89.3%),166 nurses had the title of chief nurse (52.0%), the working years of 246 nurses were more than 10 years (77.1%), and 207 nurses (64.9%) had a monthly salary of more than 10000 yuan (RMB). There were significant differences in occupational well-being by gender (t = -2.668, p = 0.008), age (F = 5.085, p = 0.007) and the type of city where the hospital was located (F = 15.959, p < 0.0001). The happiness score of females (3.94 ± 0.60) was higher than that of males (3.47 ± 0.54). Nurses who were over 41 years old had the highest occupational happiness. Compared with nurses younger than 30 years old, the p value was 0.004. The occupational happiness of nurses in hospitals in a "prefecture-level city" (p < 0.0001) and a "sub-provincial city" (p < 0.0001) was significantly higher than that of nurses in hospitals in a "municipality directly under the central government". Correlation analysis showed that the higher the nurses’ satisfaction with professional identity, work output, work environment, salary, and interpersonal relationships, the higher their occupational happiness.Conclusion: Nurses who are female and older than 41 years old and whose hospitals are in "prefecture-level city" and "sub-provincial city" have higher occupational happiness. Professional identity, work output, work environment, salary, and interpersonal relationships also affect occupational happiness. The occupational happiness of civilian nurses in Chinese military hospitals is above the medium level, which is an important guarantee of the quality of clinical nursing work and the improvement of medical service quality.
Role of triglyceride as a predictor in autoimmune hepatitis with cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Yuqi , Liu Hui , Han Xiaoxu , Yi Yunyun , Wang Xin , Li Xin
Published: September 2022

BackgroundMetabolism-related indicators have been suggested as possible prognostic indicators of liver disease in recent relevant studies, but their value in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) cirrhosis is unclear. This study evaluated the role of lipid levels on the prognosis of AIH-related cirrhosis.MethodsWe retrospectively included 345 patients with AIH initially diagnosed in Beijing Ditan Hospital from 2010-2019, and finally screened 196 patients who met the criteria. We used logistic regression to screen factors associated with cirrhosis. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves were used to analyze the effect of different triglycerides (TG) levels on survival in cirrhosis patients. Restricted cubic spline fitted Cox regression model was used to analyze the non-linear relationship between serum TG and patients' prognosis.ResultsPatients with AIH cirrhosis have lower TG levels compared to those without cirrhosis. And lower serum TG levels correlated with the severity of cirrhosis. Survival analysis showed that TG affected overall survival in AIH patients, with lower 5-year survival (Log-rank P < 0.05) in patients in TG ≤ 0.95 group (HR=3.79, 95% CI: 1.528-9.423). In addition, lower TG levels had a higher risk of death in patients with cirrhosis in AIH. In the interval of 0.5-0.8 mmol/L, the effect of TG on patient mortality showed a positive correlation. However, the risk of death was minimized when TG=0.8 mmol/L, and the effect of TG on patients plateaued when TG>0.8 mmol/L.ConclusionSerum TG levels can influence the onset and progression of AIH cirrhosis and may be used as a new indicator of prognosis in patients with AIH-related cirrhosis.
Therapeutic effect of intraosseous norepinephrine infusion in a minipig model of septic shock
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Li Xiaodan , Wang Yupeng , Wang Peng , Ma Qingbian , Zu Lingyun
Published: September 2022

Background
Studies have indicated that not every drug can achieve the same therapeutic effect or prognosis as intravenous injection when administered via intraosseous (IO) access. The purpose of this study was to establish an experimental minipig model of septic shock to compare the differences in the efficacy for the treatment of hypotension and survival time of IO and central venous catheter (CVC) infusions of norepinephrine.
Methods
Experimental minipigs were chosen for this study and were randomly divided into IO and CVC groups (n = 4 for each group). Cecal ligation and puncture was performed to establish the septic shock model. Immediately after the septic shock model was established, the IO group received norepinephrine via tibial IO infusion, whereas the CVC group received norepinephrine via internal jugular vein. The vital signs, blood pressure recovery time, post-septic shock survival time and total survival time were recorded.
Results
There was no significant difference in blood pressure recovery time between IO and CVC groups [40 (20–60) vs 30 (20–60) minutes, P = 0.686]. The cumulative norepinephrine dose during the period of blood pressure recovery time did not differ significantly between IO and CVC groups [10.0 (3.0–21.0) vs 6.5 (3.0–21.0) µg/Kg, P = 0.686]. There were no significant differences in the post-septic shock survival time [7.75 (6.50–10.00) vs 8.75 (6.50–14.00) hours, P = 0.686] and total survival time [21.25 (16.50–35.50) vs 25.75 (19.50–26.50) hours, P = 0.686] between IO and CVC groups.
Conclusion
These results suggest that tibial IO and CVC infusion of norepinephrine achieved same therapeutic effect on hypotension and survival time.
A Novel SRR inspired CPW-Fed Dual Band MIMO Antenna for Sub-6 GHz 5G Application
Authors: Mood Yugender , R Pandeeswari
Published: September 2022

The metamaterial inspired novel CPW fed MIMO antenna design works based on the principle of Non Bianisotropic- Split-Ring Resonator and amalgamation of Hexagonal Open Ring Resonator(HexORR) thereby resulting in a miniaturized antenna with dimensions of 47.4 × 31.7 × 1.6 mm3 .This antenna holds decent for the Sub6 GHz 5G application covering bandwidth of 983.5 MHz (3.7887 - 2.8052 GHz) and 551.6 MHz (6.3834 - 5.3818 GHz) with center frequency of 3 GHz and 6 GHz, respectively. The lower frequency band is produced using hex-ORR, and a higher frequency band is provided using NB-SRR. The size of the antenna is optimized by considering the Non Bianisotropic-SRR size minor than the resonant wavelength. The proposed MIMO antenna parameters such as ECC, CCL, and TARC are also examined, and the results indicate that the proposed antenna design is a good candidate for sub-6GHz 5G applications.
Catchment Morphometric Characterization of the Akaki River in the Upper Awash Sub-Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Sisay Mamo Kassegn
Published: September 2022

Morphometry is the measurement and analysis of a catchment in the form of fingerprint characteristics. Morphometric studies play an important role in the areas of soil and water conservation, flood control, pollutant and waste management and socio – environmental protection. In this study, morphometrical data analysis indices are gained from high-resolution (12.5 m X 12.5 m) digital elevation model dataset for the of the Akaki watershed. The techniques performed using spreadsheet, R-programming, and ArcGIS tools. Results designate the Akaki watershed as dendritic drainage with elongated channels and irregular spreading streams ramifications. The big Akaki is the longest distance routing river among tributaries in the watershed. The Akaki watershed is expressed by 25% of steep sloppy coverages of Entoto, Yeka, and Sebeta mountainous areas. The implication on the morphometry of the catchment is to higher lag time of flow to reach its outlet. But the flood risk in the downstream areas can be due to the urban and peri – urban land uses with high pavement structures. In terms of the topographic wetness index (TWI), the higher elevation and river abatements areas have low moisture-holding capacities due to the hypsometrical characteristics of the landforms. High rainfall with lower evaporation rate recordings implies that the watershed has good groundwater recharge with good aquifer characteristics. This study could be a primary source of information for future development projects of watershed management, urban planning, riverside rehabilitation, flood controls and stormwater management practices in the Akaki watershed.
IL-33 induces histidine decarboxylase in mouse tissues, especially in c-kit+ cells and mast cells, and negatively regulates eosinophilia
Authors: Bando Kanan , Tanaka Yukinori , Winias Saka , Sugawara Shunji , Mizoguchi Itaru , Endo Yasuo
Published: September 2022

Objective and Methods
IL-33 is present in endothelial, epithelial, and fibroblast-like cells and released upon cell injury. IL-33 reportedly induces mast-cell degranulation and is involved in various diseases, including allergic diseases. So, IL-33-related diseases seem to overlap with histamine-related diseases. In addition to the release from mast cells, histamine is newly formed by the induction of histidine decarboxylase (HDC). Some inflammatory and/or hematopoietic cytokines (IL-1, IL-3, etc.) are known to induce HDC, and the histamine produced by HDC induction is released without storage. We examined the involvement of HDC and histamine in the effects of IL-33.
Results
A single intraperitoneal injection of IL-33 into mice induced HDC directly and/or via other cytokines (including IL-5) within a few hours in various tissues, particularly strongly in hematopoietic organs. The major cells exhibiting HDC-induction were mast cells and c-kit+ cells in bone marrow. HDC was also induced in non-mast cells in non-hematopoietic organs. HDC, histamine, and histamine H4 receptors (H4Rs) contributed to suppression of IL-33-induced eosinophilia.
Conclusion
IL-33 directly and indirectly (via IL-5) induces HDC in various cells, particularly potently in c-kit+ cells and mature mast cells, and the newly formed histamine contributes to negative regulation of IL-33-induced eosinophilia via H4Rs.
Relativistic Hydrodynamic Interpretation of de Broglie Matter Waves
Authors: Dagan Yuval
Published: September 2022

We present a classical hydrodynamic analog of free relativistic quantum particles inspired by de Broglie's pilot wave theory and recent developments in hydrodynamic quantum analogs. The proposed model couples a periodically forced Klein-Gordon equation with a nonrelativistic particle dynamic equation. The coupled equations may represent both quantum particles and classical particles driven by the gradients of locally excited Faraday waves. Exact stationary solutions of the coupled system reveal a highly nonlinear mechanism responsible for the self-propulsion of free particles, leading to the onset of unsteady motion. Although the model is essentially nonrelativistic, a stabilizing mechanism for any particle traveling close to the wave signaling speed emerges through the coupling with the wavefield. Consequently, inline particle oscillations comparable to de Broglie's wavelength formula are realized through this fully-classical model, suggesting a new classical interpretation for the motion of relativistic quantum particles.