bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Water-Rock Interaction on the Compressive Mechanical Properties and Mesoscopic Structure of Granite
Authors: Huang Yaoying , Zhai Yue , Wang Ming , Li Yubai , Li Yan
Published: September 2023

Understanding the impact of water-rock interaction on the mechanical characteristics of rock is of great practical significance in rock engineering. To investigate water-rock interaction on the compressive mechanical properties and mesostructure of granite, specimens were immersed in pure water at 25℃ for 0, 2, 4, and 6 months, then subjected to impact compression tests at different strain rates to analyze the effect of water-rock interaction on mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, mesoscopic experiments such as optical microscope, atomic force microscope, nuclear magnetic resonance and water quality detection were used to explore the meso-structural changes caused by water-rock interaction and reveal the mechanism of water-rock interaction. Finally, a pore size-based and weighted damage evolution model and a water-induced strength softening factor were introduced to describe the damage evolution characteristics and mechanical property degradation mechanism of granite under water-rock interaction. The results show that the uniaxial compressive strength of granite is linearly negatively correlated with the duration of water immersion, and logarithmically positively correlated with the strain rate; the longer the immersion duration, the more sensitive the granite is to the strain rate. During the water-rock interaction, chemical and physical reactions occur between water and granite, which jointly promote pore development. However, the time scale of the two is not consistent. The chemical effect slows down with time, and the physical effect is the opposite.
Mechanism Underlying a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors with Body Image Distress
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Kistner-Griffin Emily , Hill Elizabeth G. , Maurer Stacey , Balliet Wendy , Williams Amy M. , Padgett Lynne , Yan Flora , Rush Angie , Johnson Brad , McLeod Taylor , Dahne Jennifer , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Sterba Katherine R.
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Body image distress (BID) among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors is a debilitating toxicity associated with depression, anxiety, stigma, and poor quality of life. BRIGHT (Building a Renewed ImaGe after Head & neck cancer Treatment) is a brief cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that reduces BID for these patients. This study examines the mechanism underlying BRIGHT.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, HNC survivors with clinically significant BID were randomized to receive 5 weekly psychologist-led video tele-CBT sessions (BRIGHT) or dose-and delivery matched survivorship education (attention control [AC]). Body image coping strategies, the hypothesized mediators, were assessed using the Body Image Coping Skills Inventory (BICSI). HNC-related BID was measured with the IMAGE-HN. Causal mediation analyses were used to estimate the mediated effects of changes in BICSI scores on changes in IMAGE-HN scores.
Results: Among 44 HNC survivors with BID, mediation analyses showed that BRIGHT decreased avoidant body image coping (mean change in BICSI-Avoidance scale score) from baseline to 1-month post-intervention relative to AC (p = 0.039). Decreases in BICSI-Avoidance scores from baseline to 1-month decreased IMAGE-HN scores from baseline to 3-months (p = 0.009). The effect of BRIGHT on IMAGE-HN scores at 3-months was partially mediated by a decrease in BICSI-Avoidance scores (p = 0.039).
Conclusions: This randomized trial provides preliminary evidence that BRIGHT reduces BID among HNC survivors by decreasing avoidant body image coping. Further research is necessary to confirm these results and enhance the development of interventions targeting relevant pathways to reduce BID among HNC survivors.
Trial Registration: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03831100 on February 5, 2019.
Chiral domain dynamics and transient interferences of mirrored superlattices in nonequilibrium electronic crystals
Authors: Mihailovic Dragan , Ravnik Jan , Vodeb Jaka , Vaskivskyi Yevhenii , Diego Michele , Venturini Rok , Gerasimenko Yaroslav , Kabanov Viktor , Kranjec Andrej
Published: September 2023

Mirror symmetry plays a major role in determining the properties of matter and is of particular interest in condensed many-body systems undergoing symmetry breaking transitions under non-equilibrium conditions. Typically, in the aftermath of such transitions, one of the two possible broken symmetry states is emergent. However, synthetic systems and those formed under non-equilibrium conditions may exhibit metastable states comprising of both left (L) and right (R) handed symmetry. Here we explore the formation of chiral charge-density wave (CDW) domains after a laser quench in 1T-TaS2 with scanning tunneling microscopy. Typically, we observed transient domains of both chiralities, separated spatially from each other by domain walls with different structure. In addition, we observe transient density of states modulations consistent with interference of L and R-handed charge density waves within the surface monolayer. Theoretical modeling of the intertwined domain structures using a classical charged lattice gas model reproduces the experimental domain wall structures. The superposition (S) state cannot be understood classically within the correlated electron model but is found to be consistent with interferences of L and R -handed charge-density waves within domains, confined by surrounding domain walls, vividly revealing for the first time an interference of Fermi electrons with opposite chirality in charge density wave systems.
Long-term humoral and cellular immunity after primary SARS-CoV-2 infection: A 20- month longitudinal study
Authors: Hvidt Astrid Korning , Guo Huaijian , Andersen Rebecca , Lende Stine Sofie Frank , Vibholm Line Khalidan , Søgaard Ole Schmeltz , Schleimann Marianne Hoegsbjerg , Russell Victoria , Cheung Angela Man-Wei , Paramithiotis Eustache , Olesen Rikke , Tolstrup Martin
Published: September 2023

Background
SARS-CoV-2 remains a world-wide health issue. SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity is induced upon both infection and vaccination. However, defining the long-term immune trajectory, especially after infection, is limited. In this study, we aimed to further the understanding of long-term SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response after infection.
Results
We conducted a longitudinal cohort study among 93 SARS-CoV-2 recovered individuals. Immune responses were continuously monitored for up to 20 months after infection. The humoral responses were quantified by Spike- and Nucleocapsid-specific IgG levels. T cell responses to Spike- and non-Spike epitopes were examined using both intercellular cytokine staining (ICS) assay and Activation-Induced marker (AIM) assay with quantification of antigen-specific IFNγ production. During the 20 months follow-up period, Nucleocapsid-specific antibody levels and non-Spike-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cell frequencies decreased. However, a majority of participants maintained a durable immune responses 20 months after infection: 59% of the participants were seropositive for Nucleocapsid-specific IgG, and more than 70% had persisting non-Spike-specific T cells. The Spike-specific response initially decreased but as participants were vaccinated against COVID-19, Spike-specific IgG levels and T cell frequencies were boosted reaching similar or higher levels compared to 1 month post-infection. The trajectory of infection-induced SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity decreases, but for the majority of participants it persists beyond 20 months. The T cell response displays a greater durability. Vaccination boosts Spike-specific immune responses to similar or higher levels as seen after primary infection.
Conclusions
For most participants, the response persists 20 months after infection, and the cellular response appears to be more long-lived compared to the circulating antibody levels. Vaccination boosts the S-specific response but does not affect the non-S-specific response. Together, these findings support the understanding of immune contraction, and with studies showing the immune levels required for protection, adds to the knowledge of durability of protection against future SARS-CoV-2
Interpretation of Associative Cultural Landscape Based on Text Mining of Poetry –Taking Tianmu Mountain on the Road of Tang Poetry in Eastern Zhejiang as an Example
Authors: Qiao Jinghui , Xi Xuesong , Zhang Guangming , Liang Shifan
Published: September 2023

Revealing the correlation between natural elements and religion, art, or culture through text mining of poetry provides a new perspective for in-depth interpretation of Associative Cultural Landscape. Taking Tianmu Mountain, an important spot on the Road of Tang Poetry in Eastern Zhejiang, as an example, this study focuses on 444 poems written by 269 poets from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty in the Tianmu Mountain region. Text mining techniques such as text segmentation and social network analysis were employed to quantitatively analyze and explore the correlation of Landscape terms in the poetry. The findings are as follows: (1) The descriptions in the poems bear witness to the beautiful and diverse Natural Landscape, the abundant Humanistic Landscape, and the unique Folk Landscape of Tianmu Mountain. (2) The poems exhibit a layered structure in which the Natural Landscape serve as the core, and the Humanistic Landscape and the Folk Landscape are interconnected and interact with each other, reflecting the religious characteristic of dual cultivation of Buddhism and Taoism in the context of landscapes in the Tianmu Mountain, the cultural characteristics of rich and flowing traditions, and the artistic characteristics of blending scenes and emotions. This study confirms the close correlation between the natural elements of Tianmu Mountain and religion, art, and culture, providing methodological support for the interpretation of features and values of global Associative Cultural Landscape, as well as important scientific evidence for their overall protection and sustainable utilization.
MgO and ZnO Nanofluids Passive Cooling Effects on the Electricity Production of Photovoltaic Panels: A comparative Study
Authors: Abdulhamid Muhammad Ibrahim , Enein Saad Aboul , Ibrahim Ali
Published: September 2023

Solar panel overheating is a major contributor to conversion efficiency reduction. Hence, cooling down the solar panels is a key strategy for enhancing their electrical output of it as a matter of controlling their thermal properties. This study is set out to examine, experimentally, the back passive cooling effect of MgO and ZnO water-based nanofluids at volume concentrations of 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.05% on the thermal and electrical characteristics of polycrystalline silicon solar panels, compared with not cooled and with water-cooled panels. The system design is costly-effective and mainly facilitates the direct contact of the fluids to the back of the PV system. From the experimental results, the MgO nanofluid introduced better improvement contrasted to the ZnO nanofluid and the water cooling. The electrical efficiency enhancement reached its maximum at a volume concentration of 0.05% with 20.903% and 21.649% for MgO and ZnO nanofluids, respectively over the non-cooled panel. At this volume concentration, the temperature reduction of MgO nanofluid introduced 20.717%, while it is 15.804% for the ZnO nanofluid above the reference panel.
Factors associated with cam deformity in Japanese local residents
Authors: Tomomatsu Koichi , Taniguchi Takaya , Hashizume Hiroshi , Harada Teiji , Iidaka Toshiko , Asai Yoshiki , Oka Hiroyuki , Muraki Shigeyuki , Akune Toru , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Nakamura Kozo , Yoshida Munehito , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Femoroacetabular impingement has increasingly been recognized as a cause of primary hip osteoarthritis; however, its epidemiological indications remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the epidemiological indications and factors associated with cam deformity in a large-scale population-based cohort in Japan. Overall, 1,480 participants (491 men, 989 women; mean age, 65.3 years) analyzed in the third survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability study were included. The α angle and spinopelvic parameters (lumbar lordosis [LL], sacral slope [SS], pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence) were radiographically measured. Cam deformity was defined as an angle ≥ 60°. Overall, 7.3% of patients had cam deformity on at least one side. Cam deformity prevalence tended to increase with age; a higher percentage of men was observed in the group with cam deformity than in that without it in the univariate analysis. LL and SS were significantly lower in the group with cam deformities. No relationship was observed between cam deformity and hip pain. Factors associated with α angle were examined via multiple regression analysis; α angle was significantly associated with age and male sex. Thus, α angle and cam deformity prevalence increase with age in Japanese individuals. Accordingly, cam deformity can be a developmental disease.
Skin Mast Cells in Marfan Syndrome: Specific Emphasis on Connective Tissue Remodeling
Authors: Atiakshin Dmitri , Nikolaeva Ekaterina , Gritsevskaya Daria , Semyachkina Alla , Kostin Andrey , Volodkin Artem , Morozov Sergey , Dlin Vladimir , Ignatyuk Michael , Mikhaleva Liudmila , Elieh-Ali-Komi Daniel , Tiemann Markus , Buchwalow Igor
Published: September 2023

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a hereditary condition accompanied by disorders in the structural and regulatory properties of the connective tissue, including elastic fibers, due to a mutation in the FBN1 gene and the synthesis of abnormal fibrillin 1 glycoprotein. Despite the high potential of mast cells (MCs) to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), their pathogenetic significance in MFS has not been considered yet. An analysis of the skin MC population in children with Marfan syndrome revealed a considerably increased number of intraorganic populations with preservation of the specific protease Tryptase+Chymase+CPA3+ profile typical of the skin. The features of the MC histotopography phenotype in MFS consisted of closer colocalization with elastic fibers, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. MCs formed many intradermal clusters that synchronized the activity of cell functions in the stromal landscape of the tissue microenvironment with the help of spatial architectonics, including the formation of cell chains and the creation of fibrous niches. In MCs, the expression of specific proteases, TGF-β and heparin increased with targeted secretion of biologically active substances to the dermal elastic fibers, which, in MFS, had specific structural features, including abnormal variability in thickness along the entire length, alternation of thickened and thinned areas, and uneven surface topography. The paper discusses the potential role of MCs in strain analysis (tensometry) of the tissue microenvironment in MFS. Thus, quantitative and qualitative rearrangements of the skin MC population in MFS are aimed at altering the stromal landscape of the connective tissue. The results obtained should be taken into account when managing clinical signs of MFS manifested in other pathogenetically critical structures of internal organs, including the aorta, tendons, cartilage and parenchymal organs.
Prediction of Bleeding in Placenta Accrete Spectrum with Lacunar Surface; A Novel Aspect
Authors: Vahdani Fahimeh Gotbizadeh , Shabani Azadeh , Haddadi Mohammad , Ghalandarpoor-Attar Seyedeh Mojgam , Panahi Zahra , Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Borna Sedigheh , Deldar Maryam , Ghashghaee Sanaz , Shariat Mamak
Published: September 2023

Background:
Diagnosing the placenta accreta spectrum for suspicious pregnant women is crucial to prevent morbidities and mortalities among them. We aim to evaluate the novel ultrasonography markers for these patients in diagnosis and predicting prognosis.
Method and Materials:
This cross-sectional study was performed in a referral academic hospital. The population was 51 pregnant women suspicious of PAS. Their primary information and medical and surgical histories were documented. Then the ultrasonography markers, including the most bulging volume behind the bladder(area, perimeter, and volume), the Lacune(diameter, length, number, and surface of the largest lacuna obtained by multiplying the length by the width), the most considerable thickness of placenta on the cervix in patients with placenta previa, the most considerable thickness of the placenta behind the bladder, the Jellyfish sign, and sponge cervix were evaluated. Their comparison to the severity of the bleeding, the rate of the hysterectomy, and the following pathology of the PAS were analyzed.
Result:
17(33.3%) of patients had severe bleeding. The diameter, length, and surface of the largest lacunae limited to women with severe bleeding were 13.50(5.5-21), 20.50(11-56), 273.00(60-1176), and they were 11.00(5-24), 16.25(10-39), and 176.25 (50-744) for women without severe bleeding (P-value= 0.039, 0.027, 0.021). 13(76.5%) women with severe bleeding had Jellyfish signs,16(94.2%) had bulging on the cervix, and 10(58.8%) had sponge cervix (P-value=0.046, 0.036, 0.006). 34 (66.66%) patients needed hysterectomy. The diameter, length, and surface of the largest lacunae limited to women with hysterectomy were 11.00(5-24), 17.50(10-39), 181.50 (50-744), and they were 15.00(12-18), 20.50(14-27), and 327.00(168-1176) for women without hysterectomy (P-value= 0.012, 0.070, 0.021). 24(70.6%) women with hysterectomy had Jellyfish signs, 29(85.3%) of them had bulging on the cervix, and 15(44.1%) had sponge cervix (P-value=0.05, 0.036,0.028 ). the cut-off associated with the Lacunar surface was 163.5 Its sensitivity was 80%. Its specificity was 48% (p-value=0.021).
Conclusion:
The presence of single large lacunae could be a suitable predictive factor for bleeding in the placenta accreta spectrum; also, there are some other US criteria, including the presence of sponge cervix and Jellyfish sign as predictive factors for consequences in this spectrum, including hysterectomy.
Celastrol Ameliorates Lupus by Promoting Apoptosis of Autoimmune T Cells and Preventing Autoimmune Response in MRL/lpr Mice
Authors: Xie Tianhong , Liu Huiqiang , Liu Xin , Liu Xiang , Li Ping
Published: September 2023

Celastrol is a bioactive constituent extracted from tripterygium wilfordii (Thunder God Vine). In the present study, we investigated whether Celastrol could have a regulatory effect on the autoimmune response in MRL/lpr mice. Our results demonstrated that Celastrol had a therapeutic effect on MRL/lpr mice by preventing the enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes, alleviating renal injury, and reducing the levels of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies. Furthermore, Celastrol suppressed the in vivo inflammatory response in MRL/lpr mice by dramatically reducing the serum levels of multiple cytokines and production of antibody subsets. In addition, Celastrol treatment reduced in vitro anti-CD3 antibody stimulation-induced the number of Th1 and TNF-producing cells in CD4 + T cells of MRL/lpr mice. Celastrol treatment significantly affected B cell differentiation and prevented the generation of plasma cells from B cells in MRL/lpr mice by decreasing the number of activated and germinal center B cells. This contributed to the reduced secretion of autoantibodies in Celastrol-treated MRL/lpr mice. Celastrol treatment also affected T-cell differentiation and significantly reduced Tcm cell frequencies in MRL/lpr mice. Importantly, Celastrol treatment markedly and specifically promoted apoptosis of CD138 + T cells and suppressed autoimmune T-cell accumulation in MRL/lpr mice. The reduced number of CD138 + T cells further affected B-cell differentiation and subsequently resulted in the reduced number of autoreactive plasma cells which led to the reduced secretion of autoantibodies. Our results indicated that Celastrol had therapeutic effects on lupus by specifically promoting apoptosis of autoimmune T cells.
Application of machine learning methods to predict progression in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Zhu Bingyu , Jang Haiyang , Zhang Chongjian , Dai Longguo , Wang Huijian , Zhang Kun , Wang Yang , Yin Feiyu , Li Ji , Wang Qilin , Yang Hong , Li Ruiqian , Li Jun , Hu Chen , Bai Yu , Wu Hongyi , Ning Enfa
Published: September 2023

Objective
Precise and appropriate diagnosis for prostate cancer patients can improve their quality of life. We sought to develop an innovative machine learning prognostic model to forecast the progression of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Yunnan Cancer Hospital, including 533 patients diagnosed with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer between January 2017 and February 2023.In this machine learning model, K-proximity algorithm (KNN), naive Bayes, random forest algorithm, XGBoost and ADAboost were used to establish prediction models. The main evaluation indicators were the accuracy(ACC), precision༈PRE༉, specificity༈SPE༉, sensitivity༈SEN༉or regression rate ༈Recall༉and f1 score of the model.
Results
We established KNN, Naive Bayes, random forest algorithm, XGBoost and ADAboost models, and their accuracy rates were 75.4%, 71.1%, 88.02%, 86.6% and 85.2%, respectively.Among the generated models, XGboost has the highest accuracy of 88.02%.
Conclusion
Our model is more accurate and perfect than the predecessors, and can provide reference for clinical work.
On the Time-Frequency Dynamics of Growth Cycles in Brazil
Authors: Matos Paulo , Alves Douglas , Monteiro Valdeir
Published: September 2023

We add to the empirical literature on growth, by addressing instrumentalized co-movements between growth versus fiscal, monetary, and credit variables in Brazil. We use partial wavelet coherency, phase-difference diagram, and regression coefficient to model growth cycles’ reaction to isolated fluctuations in net debt to GDP, primary balance to GDP, inflation, SELIC, household, and enterprise credit to GDP over time and across frequencies. We provide a set of new stylized facts about the history of growth in Brazil over the period from 2004q1 and 2022q4, during which the country has gone through three different recessions. We find that in the periods of expansion, primary balance cycles lead in-phase growth cycles, while inflationary and household credit cycles use to lead out-of-phase growth cycles. During the recessions, we find a relevant positive role played by the enterprise credit, and a negative leadership of SELIC cycles on economic growth cycles.
JEL classification: C02, O42, H60
“I’m not going to lay back and watch somebody die”: A qualitative study of how people who use drugs’ naloxone experiences are shaped by rural risk environment and naloxone distribution/overdose education intervention
Authors: Kesich Zora , Ibragimov Umedjon , Komro Kelli , Lane Kenneth , Livingston Melvin , Young April , Cooper Hannah
Published: September 2023

Background
Overdoses have surged in rural areas in the U.S. and globally for years, but harm reduction interventions have lagged. Overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs are highly effective to prevent overdose mortality, but little is known about people who use drugs’ (PWUD) experience with these interventions in rural areas. Here, we analyze qualitative data with rural PWUD to learn about their experiences with an OEND intervention, and about how their perceptions of their rural risk environments influenced the interventions’ effects.
Methods
Twenty-nine one-on-one, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with rural PWUD engaged in the CARE2HOPE OEND intervention in Appalachian Kentucky. Interviews were conducted via Zoom, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by the Rural Risk Environment Framework.
Results
The OEND intervention transformed participants’ roles locally, so they became an essential component of the local rural healthcare environment. The intervention provided access to naloxone and information, thereby increasing PWUD’s confidence in naloxone administration. Through the intervention, over half of participants gained knowledge on naloxone (access points, administration technique) and on the criminal-legal environment as it pertained to naloxone. Most participants opted to accept and carry naloxone, citing factors related to the social environment (sense of responsibility to their community) and physical/healthcare environments (high overdose prevalence, suboptimal emergency response systems). Over half of participants described recent experiences administering intervention-provided naloxone. These experiences were shaped by features of the local rural social environment (anticipated negative reaction from recipients, prior naloxone conversations).
Conclusions
By providing naloxone paired with non-stigmatizing health and policy information, the OEND intervention offered the material and informational support that allowed participants to become a part of the healthcare environment. Findings highlight need for more outreach to rural PWUD on local policy that impacts them; tailored strategies to help rural PWUD engage in productive dialogue with peers about naloxone and navigate interpersonal conflict associated with overdose reversal; and opportunities for rural PWUD to formally participate in emergency response systems as peer overdose responders.
Trial Registration
The ClinicalTrials.gov ID for the CARE2HOPE intervention is NCT04134767. The registration date was October 19th, 2019.
Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Children: A United Network for Organ Sharing Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Hosam F. , Guzman-Gomez Amalia , Desai Malika , Dani Alia , Morales David , Critser Paul J. , Zafar Farhan , Hayes Don
Published: September 2023

Background:Pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) represents an important clinical indication for lung transplant (LTx) in infants, children, and adolescents. There is limited information on LTx outcomes in these patients. We explored LTx volumes and post-LTx survival in children with PVD compared to other diagnoses.
Methods:The UNOS Registry was queried from 1989-2020 to identify first-time pediatric LTx recipients (<18 yo). PVD was categorized as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and non-idiopathic arterial hypertension (non-IPAH) and compared to all other patients as other diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed.
Results: 984 pediatric LTx patients (593 before 2010 and 391 during/after 2010) were identified, of which 145 (14.7%) had PVD. There has been no significant change in annual rate of all LTxs over comparative eras. However, there has been a decrease in rate of LTxs for PVD patients. Children with PVD had similar survival to other LTx groups in the early era (p=0.2) and the latter era (p=0.9). Univariate Cox models, showed that LTx in patients with PVD was associated with a significantly less risk of mortality for children aged 6-11 years compared to younger and older cohorts (HR=0.4 [0.17-0.98];p=0.045), whereas multivariate analysis showed a trend towards higher mortality in 11-17-year-olds (HR=1.54 [0.97-2.45];p=0.06). For PVD patients, oxygen supplementation and ventilator support at LTx were associated with worse post-transplant survival (p=0.029 and p=0.01).
Conclusions: There has been a decrease in LTx volume for pediatric patients with PVD in the modern era. Post-LTx outcomes for children with PVD are similar to those of other diagnoses in both eras, with children aged 6-11 years having the best survival. Given these findings, LTx should be considered for this patient population.
Comprehensive Simulation Study of Electromagnetic Characteristics of Power Transformers in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Yang Zhongqing , Huang Lijun , Gao Chao , Gao Erya , Feng Yuhui , Wang Kai
Published: September 2023

With the continuous development of society, there is an increasing demand for higher transmission voltage levels. Simultaneously, there is a pressing need for electric energy that offers enhanced reliability and power quality. To efficiently utilize high-voltage power, a series of transformers are employed to accurately regulate voltage. Hence, it becomes crucial to design transformers in a rational manner. In the modern era, transformer simulations can be conducted using powerful software, with the finite element method (FEM) being a popular choice due to its flexibility, versatility, and efficient problem-solving capabilities. The data obtained through this method holds significant practical significance for assessing and designing transformer performance. This study aims to address the limitations encountered in practical engineering applications by analyzing 3D magnetic field simulation results of power transformers operating at 5% and 85% capacity. Additionally, a detailed analysis of electric field conditions in the main insulation of high and low voltage coils is performed under four different operating conditions − 100% rated voltage, 95% rated voltage, 105% rated voltage, and high voltage short-time induction. The insights gained from these simulation results provide a crucial theoretical foundation and design concepts for power transformers operating in nuclear power plants. Furthermore, these findings hold significant reference value for enhancing the reliability and performance of power transformers in practical applications.
Clinical Prognosis of Vocal Cord Paralysis after Cardiothoracic Surgery in Infants
Authors: Masaki Naoki , Tatewaki Hideki , Kumae Masaru , Ochiai Tomonori , Koizumi Taku , Ono Tanomo , Sonota Kenji , Kimura Masato , Ozawa Akira , Sai Sadahiro
Published: September 2023

Objectives
We aimed to clarify the long-term outcomes and prognosis of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) after cardiothoracic surgery in infants as well as the usefulness of laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) as screening for VCP.
Methods
Overall, 967 infants aged 1-year-old or younger who underwent cardiothoracic surgery between 2008 and 2022 were included in this study. We divided the patients into two groups based on the period on whether they underwent screening without or with LUS and compared the incidence of VCP between the groups.
Results
There were no differences in the patients’ preoperative characteristics between the two periods, whereas the incidence of VCP was significantly higher in period 2 than in period 1 (11.0% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.0001). The incidence of VCP among the procedures, including aortic arch repair, was > 50% and significantly increased from period 1 to period 2. The sensitivity and specificity of LUS was 87% and 90%, respectively. Symptoms of VCP improved in 92% of patients. Repeated flexible laryngoscopy revealed that the residual rate of VCP was 68%, 52%, and 48% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively.
Conclusions
Symptoms of postoperative VCP improved in most cases; however, paralysis persisted in half of the patients. As a screening method, LUS is useful for evaluating postoperative VCP. A more accurate understanding of VCP is needed to improve postoperative outcomes.
PTIP epigenetically regulates DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest by upregulating PRDM1
Authors: Nakata Yuichiro , Yamasaki Norimasa , Kanai Akinori , Sera Yasuyuki , Kobatake Kohei , Ueda Takeshi , Manabe Ichiro , Kaminuma Osamu , Honda Hiroaki
Published: September 2023

The genome is constantly exposed to DNA damage from endogenous and exogenous sources. Fine modulation of DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and transcription factors is necessary for protecting genome integrity, but the precise mechanisms are still largely unclear. We found that after ionizing radiation (IR), global trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) was decreased at an early (5min) post-IR phase but increased at an intermediate (180min) post-IR phase in both human and mouse hematopoietic cells. We demonstrated that PTIP, a component of the MLL histone methyltransferase complex, is required for H3K4me3 upregulation in the intermediate post-IR phase and promotes cell cycle arrest by epigenetically inducing a cell cycle inhibitor, PRDM1. In addition, we found that PTIP expression is specifically downregulated in acute myeloid leukemia patients. These findings collectively suggest that the PTIP-PRDM1 axis plays an essential role in proper DNA damage response and its deregulation contributes to leukemogenesis.
Malakoplakia and Rosi Dorfman’s Disease co-existing in the same uterus , a very rare histopathological ldiagnoses mimicking malignancy
Authors: Shraim Suha , Al-Ettewi Wejdan , Mahfouz Ismaiel Abu , Samara Batool , Alattar Mais , Al-Masri Anwar
Published: September 2023

Background
Malakoplakia (MP) and Rosi Dorfman’s Disease (RDD) of the uterus are both parts of Xanthoganulomatouse disease spectrum ; a very rare inflammatory disease process characterized by histiocytic infiltration of the endometrium, and occasionally may be misdiagnosed as cancer. We believe that our case is the first reported case of the coexistence of both RDD and MP.
Case presentation
A 66-year-old woman presented with recurrent post-menopausal bleeding. .A pelvic ultrasound scan showed endometrial thickness of eight mm and no adnexal masses. An endometrial biopsy was suggestive of Xanthogranuloma endometritis (XE). Thereafter, total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomywere performed,and the histopathology confirmed the co-existenceof both uterine malakoplakia (MP) and Rosi Dorfman’s disease (RDD).
Conclusion
MP and RDD are both rare inflammatory diseases may be misdiagnosed as malignancy. If treated inappropriately it may lead to systemic infection and recurrent infections . Histopathological diagnostic approach will definitely add to the clinical management of such cases .
Anterolateral Surgical Triangle of the Cavernous Sinus: A Cadaveric Study of Neurosurgical Importance
Authors: Kaliappan Ariyanachi , Motwani Rohini , Chandrupatla Mrudula
Published: September 2023

Background
The anterolateral triangle around the cavernous sinus is a surgical skull base triangle used as a neurosurgical landmark essential to skull-based surgeries. There are few reports of its measurements with little attention paid to anatomic variations.
Methodology: A total of 15 adult human cadaveric skulls were dissected to expose the anterolateral triangle on both sides. The triangle was defined and measurements of the three borders were taken precisely and the area of each triangle was calculated using Heron’s formula.
Results
On an average, the length of the anteromedial border is 11.4 (+ 2.2 mm); the length of the posteromedial border is 8.7 (+ 2.6 mm); the length of the lateral border is 13.06 (+ 2.6 mm) and the area of the anterolateral triangle is 48.05 (+ 17.5 mm2).
Conclusion
Advanced brain surgery is moving toward the endovascular and radiosurgery approach, due to the high level of safety and quick recovery times. We anticipate that our findings will extend the understanding of these cavernous triangles and associated structures in radiology, anatomy education, and surgical training.
Towards understanding the crystallization of photosystem II: Influence of poly(ethylene glycol) of various molecular sizes on the micelle formation of alkyl maltosides
Authors: Müh Frank , Bothe Adrian , Zouni Athina
Published: September 2023

The influence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers H-(O-CH2-CH2)p-OH with different average molecular sizes p on the micelle formation of n-alkyl-β-D-maltoside detergents with the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain ranging from 10 to 12 is investigated with the aim to learn more about the detergent behavior under conditions suitable for the crystallization of the photosynthetic pigment-protein complex photosystem II. PEG is shown to increase the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of all three detergents in the crystallization buffer in a way that the free energy of micelle formation increases linearly with the concentration of oxyethylene units (O-CH2-CH2) irrespective of the actual molecular weight of the polymer. The CMC shift is modeled by assuming for simplicity that it is dominated by the interaction between PEG and detergent monomers and is interpreted in terms of an increase of the transfer free energy of a methylene group of the alkyl chain by 0.2 kJ mol–1 per 1 mol L–1 increase of the concentration of oxyethylene units at 298 K. Implications of this effect for the solubilization and crystallization of protein-detergent complexes as well as detergent extraction from crystals are discussed.
WITHDRAWN: Helicobacter Pylori-Vacuolating Cytotoxin A Inducing Neurotoxic Neuroinflammation in Human Stomach-Brain Axis
Authors: Tran Van Thi Ai , Etemadi Niloofar , Tran Minh , Lee Jungmi , Ko Han Seok , Jo Donggyu , Lee Luke P. , Cho Hansang
Published: September 2023

Background
Several epidemiological research have recommended a potential link between Helicobacter pylori infection and neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. However, the current research could not fully provide a comprehensive understanding of this association due to the absence of suitable model systems for studying multi-organ interactions and multiplex effects upon Helicobacter pylori infection.
Results
Here, we recapitulated a human stomach-brain axis by treating human in vitro cellular models with Helicobacter pylori’s cell-free supernatant (HPCFS). We first confirmed that HPCFS disrupted the tightness of gut and brain barriers via Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) binding to Low-density Lipoprotein receptor 1 (LRP1) receptor, leading to reduced tight junction proteins and transmembrane electrical resistance. Blood-brain barrier-penetrating VacA toxin in HPCFS activated central innate immune cells, evidenced by the increased expression of inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, the release of neurotoxic factors, and inflammatory soluble markers, such as NO, IL-8, IL-18 from microglia as well as H2O2, IL-6, and IL-16 from astrocytes. VacA toxin hindered microglial amyloid-beta phagocytosis of amyloid-beta by microglia through by blocking LRP1, a receptor for amyloid-beta. We found that VacA in HPCFS led to neurodegeneration, evidenced by the presence of phosphorylated tau, phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, synaptic impairment, and neuronal loss. Notably, microglia stimulated with VacA exacerbated neurodegeneration compared to direct HPCFS stimulation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that VacA-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration were mitigated by LRP1 antagonist or VacA immunodepletion.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the efficacy of our human stomach-brain axis model that allows us to untangle the complex association between Helicobacter pylori infection and neurological diseases and discover the mechanism of neurotoxic neuroinflammation systematically and this paves the way for future research and therapeutic interventions.
Graphical Abstract
A new innovative method to measure the cost of war: Future with fewer conflicts via harm reduction approaches
Authors: Jozaghi Ehsan
Published: September 2023

Background
The destruction of World War I (WWI) and World War II (WWII) changed the world forever. In this analysis, the economic costs of WWI and WWII are considered via a harm reduction approach to highlight the cost of war via the mortality of military personnel. The harm reduction philosophy and homeostasis of a biological cell are utilized as a pragmatic approach and analogy to give a greater context to the findings.
Methods
Tangible (e.g., loss of wages, productivity, and contributions) and intangible (e.g., quality of life) costs are estimated based on the value of each military personnel derived from secondary data and a mathematical model. This is the first study to estimate the cost of war based on soldier’s mortality during the first and second World War.
Results
Based on the tangible value, the WWI and WWII cost for the military personnel was US$43.204 billion ($13 billion ≤ α ≤ $97 billion) and US$540.112 billion ($44 billion ≤ α ≤ $1 trillion). When the intangible cost is considered, it is estimated that the WWI cost was beyond US$124 trillion ($43 trillion ≤ β ≤ $160 trillion), and the WWII cost was above US$328 trillion ($115 trillion ≤ β ≤ $424 trillion). The sensitivity analyses conducted for WWI and WWII demonstrate different ranges based on tangible and intangible values.
Conclusions
In the current climate of increasing hostilities, inequalities, global warming, and an ever-changing world, economic prosperities and most importantly democracies are directly linked to peace, stability, and security. Therefore, any future decisions for military conflicts need to increasingly consider harm reduction approaches by considering the cost of life and potential disabilities for each nations’ soldiers, sailors, and pilots.
Robust-Optimal Control of Electromagnetic Levitation System with Matched and Unmatched Uncertainties: Experimental Validation
Authors: Pandey Amit , Adhyaru Dipak M.
Published: September 2023

A robust-optimal control approach for an electromagnetic levitation system with matched and unmatched uncertainties is proposed in this article. Because of the uncertainties in the dynamics of an electromagnetic levitation system, it is necessary to design a robust control law that will ensure the stability of the system in the presence of these uncertainties. In this framework, the dynamics of an electromagnetic levitation system are addressed in terms of matched and unmatched uncertainties. The robust control problem is translated into the optimal control problem, where the uncertainties of the electromagnetic levitation system are reflected in the cost function. The optimal control method is used to solve the robust control problem. The solution to the optimal control problem for the electromagnetic levitation system is indeed a solution to the robust control problem of the electromagnetic levitation system under matched and unmatched uncertainties. The simulation and experimental results 1 demonstrate the performance of the designed control scheme. The performance indices such as IAE, ISE, ITAE, and ITSE are compared for both uncertainties to showcase the robustness of the designed control scheme.
Lasso Monte Carlo, a Variation on Multi Fidelity Methods for High Dimensional Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Albà Arnau , Boiger Romana , Rochman Dimitri Alexander , Adelmann Andreas
Published: September 2023

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is an active area of research, and an essential technique used in all fields of science
and engineering. The most common methods for UQ are Monte Carlo and surrogate-modelling. The former method is
dimensionality independent but has slowconvergence, while the latter method has been shown to yield large computational
speedups with respect to Monte Carlo. However, surrogate models suffer from the so-called curse of dimensionality, and
become costly to train for high-dimensional problems, where UQ might become computationally prohibitive. In this paper
we present a new technique, Lasso Monte Carlo (LMC), which combines a Lasso surrogate model with the multifidelity
Monte Carlo technique, in order to perform UQ in high-dimensional settings, at a reduced computational cost. We provide
mathematical guarantees for the unbiasedness of the method, and show that LMC can be more accurate than simple Monte
Carlo. The theory is numerically tested with benchmarks on toy problems, aswell as on a real example ofUQfrom the field
of nuclear engineering. In all presented examples LMC is more accurate than simple Monte Carlo and other multifidelity
methods. Thanks to LMC, computational costs are reduced by more than a factor of 5 with respect to simple MC, in
relevant cases.
A hypothesis on the initial film formation by deposition from the indoor air on clean filter samples and its relevance for unvarnished oil paintings on canvas
Authors: Grøntoft Terje , Cutajar Jan Dariusz
Published: September 2023

In recent years, increased research efforts and environmental improvements have been directed towards the preventive conservation of the monumental, unvarnished oil paintings on canvas (1909–1916) by Edvard Munch (1863–1944) housed in the University of Oslo Aula. Surface soiling of the paintings has been a documented issue since their display, and the modern-day effect of air-borne particulates and gases on the painting surfaces remains hitherto undocumented. For the first time in the Aula, this study has measured the in situ accumulating mass deposition of air pollution onto vertical surfaces over the period of one year (2021–2022). Concomitant measurements of the concentrations of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were also taken, to complement periodic data from 2020. The mass deposition was measured through incremental weight changes of Teflon membrane filters and quartz filters (for elemental/organic carbon, EC/OC), whilst the gaseous pollutants were measured using passive gas samplers. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios (I/O) for O3 were noted to be higher than those suggested by earlier data (whereas NO2 I/O ratios were found to be lower), indicating a stronger oxidising atmosphere in the Aula. Just over half of the deposited mass on the quartz filters was found to be OC, with no EC detected. Surprisingly, an overall decrease in mass deposition from three to twelve months was measured on the Teflon membrane filters. It was hypothesised, based on models reported in the literature, that the source of the OC on the filters was mainly gaseous, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), which were present in an adsorption/desorption equilibrium that was dependent on possible SVOC emission episodes, relative humidity levels, gaseous oxidative reactions and particulate matter deposition. A simple mathematical model is proposed to rationalise the observed mass depositions on the filters, together with a discussion of uncertainties affecting the measurements. The hypothesis preliminarily indicates the possible and previously unconsidered role of SVOCs on the initial film formation of soiling layers on the Aula paintings, and could bear implications for their monitoring in the preventive care of unvarnished oil paintings on canvas.
A single amino acid at position 31 in the N terminus of the coat protein of cucumber mosaic virus determines its avirulence function for RCY1-conferred virus resistance
Authors: Takahashi Hideki , Ando Yuki , Kanayama Yoshinori , Miyashita Shuhei
Published: September 2023

The coat protein (CP) of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) yellow strain [CMV(Y)] but not CMV B2 strain [CMV(B2)], is an avirulence determinant against NB-LRR class RCY1 of Arabidopsis thaliana. To dissect the avirulent function, a series of binary vectors, which were constructed by partially exchanging CP-coding sequence between CMV(Y) and CMV(B2) or nucleotide substitutions, were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves transformed with modified RCY1 cDNA. Analysis of hypersensitive resistance-cell death, CP accumulation, and defense gene expression at leaf sites infiltrated with Agrobacterium, indicates that single amino acid at 31 position of the CP seems to determine the avirulence function.
Brain-inspired Relational Semantic Reasoning for Video Captioning
Authors: Yao Xiao , Yuan Zhaohui , Gu Min
Published: September 2023

Traditional video captioning methods mainly rely on the detection of objects in the video, ignoring the discussion of the mutual semantic relations between objects, resulting in a decrease in description accuracy under the influence of occlusion and tiny-size objects. In this paper, we discuss the hippocampal circuit and memory mechanism of the human brain, and a brain-inspired model based on the long-term short-term memory branch of the hippocampus is proposed. The explicit and implicit semantics in video are explored by simulating the interaction mechanism between short-term memory in the hippocampus and long-term memory in the cerebral cortex. We evaluate the effectiveness of our method on public benchmarks (Microsoft Research Video Description Corpus(MSVD) and Microsoft Research Video to Text(MSRVTT)). Extensive experiments demonstrate that our model outperforms general state-of-the-art methods and effectively improves the effect of content understanding in videos.