bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Wide Range of Relative Humidity in Cirrus Clouds Using Large-Ensemble Parcel Model Simulations
Authors: Zhao Miao , Shi Xiangjun
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the possible mechanisms related to the wide range of relative humidity in cirrus clouds (RHi). Under the closed adiabatic assumption, the impacts of vertical motion and ice crystal deposition/sublimation on RHi are investigated through in situ observations and parcel model simulations. Vertical motion is an active external force that changes the RHi, and ice crystal deposition/sublimation plays a role in mitigating the change in RHi. They are the two most important mechanisms involved in controlling the RHi fluctuation during cirrus evolution and could well explain the wide range of RHi in wave-related cirrus clouds. Furthermore, a comparison of cloud statistical characteristics from both observations and simulations shows that a very low value (e.g., 0.001) for the water vapor ice deposition coefficient is highly unlikely.
On the Thermodynamics of Matter
Authors: Kumar Naman
Published: February 2023

The holographic principle states that the information about the volume of space is stored on its boundary. Assuming this holds, we can explain the aspects of gravity. It strongly seems that ”information” is a more fundamental entity than the structure of spacetime as used as basis in almost every gravity theory. In this paper, we present this connection between gravity and information. This naturally explains the four classical tests of gravity namely the gravitational redshift, the perihelion precession, the bending of light and the gravitational time delay. The spacetime need to be extended to 5D to explain gravity in this context.
Impact of Climate Change and Consumptive Demands on the Performance of São Francisco River Reservoirs, Brazil
Authors: Silva Marx Vinicius Maciel da , Lima Carlos Eduardo Sousa , Silveira Cleiton da Silva
Published: February 2023

Climate change in the coming decades could intensify extreme events such as severe droughts. Combined with the possible increase of water demands, these changes exert a large pressure on the water systems. In order to confirm this assumption, a set of scenarios was proposed in this study to consider the combined impact of climate changes and the increase in water demand on the main multiple-use reservoirs of São Francisco River, Brazil. For this purpose, five CMIP6 climate models were used considering two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios: the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. The naturalized and withdraw streamflows were estimated to the adopted reser-voirs considering all existing, new and projected demands. The conjunction of scenarios indicat-ed an increase in Potential Evapotranspiration, a possible significant reduction in water availa-bility, a growth in water demand mainly for irrigation and a substantial reduction in the perfor-mance of the evaluated reservoirs.
Novel Size-Variable Dedicated Rodent Oxygenator for ECLS Animal Models: Introduction of the “Ratox” Oxygenator and Preliminary In-Vitro Results
Authors: Strudthoff Lasse J , Focke Jannis , Hesselmann Felix , Kaesler Andreas , Martins Costa Ana , Schlanstein Peter Christian , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Steuer Niklas Balduin , Wiegmann Bettina , Arens Jutta , Jansen Sebastian V.
Published: February 2023

The survival rate of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) remains overall at 60 %. Research and development is slow, partly due to the lack of sophisticated experimental models. This publication introduces a dedicated rodent oxygenator (“RatOx”) and shows preliminary in vitro classification tests. The RatOx has an adaptable fiber module size for various rodent models. Gas transfer performance over the fiber module for different blood flows and fiber module sizes were tested according to DIN EN ISO 7199.At the maximum possible amount of effective fiber surface and a blood flow of 100 ml/min, the oxygenator performance has been tested to a maximum of 6.27 ml O2/min and 8.2 ml CO2/min, respectively. The priming volume for this the largest fiber module is 5.4 ml, while the smallest possible configuration with a single fiber mat layer has 1.1 ml of priming volume. The novel RatOx ECLS system has been evaluated in-vitro to comply to a high degree with all predefined functionality criteria for rodent sized animal models. We intend for the RatOx to become a standard testing platform for scientific studies on ECLS therapy and technology.
Methods of finding relationships in the processing of psychological tests
Authors: Aleksandrova Larisa Valerievna , Kislitsyna Maria Yurievna , Orlov Yurii Nikolaevich
Published: February 2023

The paper describes the approaches and metrics used to interpret the results of psychological testing. The methods of automatic clustering of respondents into groups corresponding to certain patterns of specific abilities are considered. The effect of Spearman's diminishing returns is discussed, which is well manifested in the median comparison, but is violated in other evaluation scales.
Impact of Using Hermetic Packaging and Preservative on Physical Properties of Rice Bran During Storage
Authors: Ridla Muhammad , Bengang Sabaleku Maria Rosalia , Nahwori Nahwori
Published: February 2023

Rice bran is one of the feed ingredients used in various types of animal rations in Indonesia. In addition to containing anti-nutrients, rice bran has also a low storability. This research was conducted to study the impact of using hermetic packaging and a preservative containing calcium propionate (ProsidTM MI 208) application on the physical properties of rice bran during storage. The factorial completely randomized design (CRD), 3 x 4 with 4 replications was applied. The first factor was storage time 0 (W0), 30 (W30), and 60 (W60) days; the second factor was burlap sack + 0 ppm calcium propionate (P1), burlap sack + 160 ppm calcium propionate (P2), hermetic sack + 0 ppm calcium propionate (P3), and hermetic sack + 160 ppm calcium propionate (P4). The variables measured were moisture content (MC), bulk density (BD), tapped density (TD) dan true density (TDS). The obtained data were analyzed using if there was a significant difference, followed by Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that storage time significantly (P<0.05) increased the MC and decreased the BD, TD, and TDS values. The increasing MC and the decreasing BD, TD, and TDS values of the rice bran during storage were higher (P<0.05) in the burlap sakcs than in the hermetic sacks packaging both with and without the addition of calcium propionate. The combination of using hermetic sacks with the application of calcium propionate could further increase to maintain of the physical properties of rice bran from the damage. The use of a hermetic sack and the application of calcium propionate could maintain the quality of rice bran and increase the resistance of rice bran to damage during 60 days of storage.
THE TRACE FOSSILTISOA SIPHONALISIN ITS TYPE AREA—CHARACTERISTICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: WETZEL ANDREAS , BLOUET JEAN-PHILIPPE
Published: February 2023

The type material of Tisoa siphonalisde Serres, 1840 is lost but nearly complete specimens occur at the herein designated type locality Hameau de Valz (Department of Gard, France), where Tisoa is present in dark Pliensbachian organic-rich mudrock. The upper part of the trace is encased in a concretion. The concretion's carbonate content implies 65% initial porosity, a value typical of soft mud. Such a consistency is also indicated by shallowly produced biodeformational structures that dominate the fabric; in association with small traces they are diagnostic of low-oxygenated bottom water and anoxic conditions just below the seafloor. At its type locality, Tisoa represents a nearly vertical protrusive spreite burrow, exceeding 2 m in length and having nearly parallel limbs 0.1–1.5 cm apart. The spreite is only weakly expressed; the inter-limb material was apparently not processed during deepening of the U-tube but placed directly in the spreite or pressed aside. Tisoa deviates slightly but consistently from a vertical orientation and commonly shows a low-amplitude helicoidal course. The U-tube exhibits a thick pyrite lining implying the former presence of mucus. The steep chemical gradient between oxygenated water in the U-tube and anoxic host sediment evidently fostered microbial activity. The extraordinary penetration depth of Tisoa suggests exploitation of extreme redox conditions such as could be found in the methanogenesis zone. The Tisoa producer probably deepened the U-tube incrementally, continuing when the chemical gradient between tube and host sediment declined due to circulation of the oxygenated water used for respiration. The Tisoa producers might have fed on suspended material, microbes flourishing along the tube wall, or acquired nutrition via chemosymbionts.
Development of an Educational Program in Rational Drug Use by Primary Care Pharmacists toward Village Health Volunteers’ Literacy: A Preliminary Study in Rural Northern Areas of Thailand
Authors: Lertphanithit Sunthiwat , Panya Rujira , Maneemai Ong-art
Published: February 2023

Adequate rational drug use (RDU) literacy of village health volunteers (VHVs) is essential for community health. This study aimed to develop and examine the effects of educational program by primary care pharmacist on RDU literacy among VHVs. This study was one-group pre-test-and-post-test study carried out at Sawang Arom Health Promotion Hospital, Dok Khamtai district, Phayao province, Thailand. The educational program was designed based on health literacy theory. The primary outcome was RDU literacy score. The Rational Drug Use Literacy Scale was used to assess the RDU literacy score. Sixty VHVs were recruited into the study via purposive sampling. The results demonstrated that most of participants were female (n=54, 90.0%). Approximately 70% (n=43) were over the age of 50, and 80% (n=48) were had educational level under grade 9. The mean RDU literacy scores in pre-test and post-test were 18.85 ± 5.25 and 23.93 ± 2.15, respectively (p<0.001). Considering by aspects, it was found that the mean scores in compliance to the instructions on a medicine label (p<0.001), health advertising assessment (p<0.001), proper drug selection and utilization (p<0.001), and medical term comprehension (p=0.006) were statistical significantly higher than pre-test. Health information accessibility score was not significantly different from the baseline (p=0.766). In conclusion, this pharmacist-developed educational program demonstrated effectively improved RDU literacy among VHVs. It may be advantageous to use this program in other areas.
Hydroxylamine facilitated catalytic degradation of methylene blue in a Fenton-like system for heat-treatment modified drinking water treatment residues
Authors: Zhong Yu , Wan Xiancheng , Lian Xiaoyan , Cheng Wenyu , Ma Xiaoying , Wang Dongtian
Published: February 2023

Rational treatment of drinking water treatment residues (WTR) has become an environmental and social issue due to the risk of secondary contamination. WTR was commonly used to prepare adsorbents due to its clay-like pore structure, but further treatment is subsequently required. In this study, a Fenton-like system of H-WTR/HA/H2O2 was constructed for degrading organic pollutants in water. Specifically, in this study, WTR was modified by heat treatment to increase its adsorption active site, and accelerated Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycling on the catalyst surface by the addition of hydroxylamine (HA). Moreover, the effects of pH, HA and H2O2 dosage on the degradation were discussed using methylene blue (MB) as the target pollutant. The mechanism of the action of HA was analyzed and the reactive oxygen species in the reaction system was determined. Combined with the reusability and stability experiments, the removal efficiency of MB remained 65.36% after 5 cycles, and this study may provide new insights into the resource utilization of WTR.
Exploring dominant processes for multi-month MJO prediction using deep learning
Authors: Yang Young-Min , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Park Jae-Heung , Ham Yoo-Geun , An Soon-Il , Li Tim , Wang Bin
Published: February 2023

Over a half-century, western Pacific (WP) warming trends are robust, increasing the magnitude and duration of Madden-Jullian Oscillation (MJO). The MJO affects global and regional climate through atmospheric teleconnection but the predictability of MJO in WP is limited up to 3-4weeks. Here, we utilized deep learning (DL) methods to investigate multi-month time scale (5–9 weeks) predictability. We tested many possible predictors over tropics based on major MJO theories or mechanisms to find a potential key factor for multi-month time scale MJO prediction. We showed that the potential predictability of MJO-related precipitation using DL extends to 6–7 weeks with a correlation of 0.60–0.65. The observational and heatmap analysis indicates that cooling anomalies in the central Pacific may contribute to increasing multi-month predictability by enhancing westerly anomalies over the Indian Ocean and warming in the WP with strong Walker circulation in the equatorial Pacific. Additional model experiments with observed sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the central Pacific (CP) confirm the contribution of CP SST to improved MJO-related convective anomalies over WP. These results show that DL is a useful tool for not only the improvement of MJO prediction but also for exploring possible mechanisms related to long-term predictability efficiently.
Clinical outcome and influencing factors for postoperative papillary thyroid cancer with unexplained elevated Tg prior 131I therapy
Authors: Lu Chenghui , Han Na , Li Jiao , Wang Congcong , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , Wang Xufu , Meng Zhaowei
Published: February 2023

Purpose This study aimed to assess the short-term therapeutic response after radioiodine (131I) adjuvant therapy (RAT) and long-term clinical outcome for postoperative papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) but no structural disease, and to investigate the related factors affecting the response.
Methods From April 2016 to June 2019, 165 postoperative PTC patients with preablative stimulated thyroglobulin (ps-Tg) > 10 ng/ml but no structurally evident disease who undertook RAT in our institutions were retrospectively enrolled. The responses were assessed 6 months post RAT and at the end of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the effects of 10 observed factors on the long-term therapeutic response. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off values of Tg to predict incomplete response (IR).
Results Six months after RAT, ER, IDR, BIR, SIR were achieved in 13.94%, 29.70%, 30.30%, 26.06% of 165 patients, respectively. With a median follow-up of 58 months, the responses were identified in 33.30%, 21.82%, 15.15%, 29.70%, respectively. The N stage (OR: 3.874, P=0.002) was independent factor associated with SIR and suppressed Tg (sup-Tg) 6 months post RAT (OR: 2.256, P<0.001) was independent factor associated with IR. ROC curve analysis showed that the cutoff value for sup-Tg 6 months post RAT to predict IR was 0.585ng/ml.
Conclusion The proportion of patients developing structural disease within 5 years was close to 30% in postoperative PTC patients with unexplained elevated Tg. The N stage and sup-Tg 6 months post RAT were conducive to predict the long-term treatment response of these patients.
Soil microbiomes in lawns reveal land-use legacy impacts on urban landscapes
Authors: Thompson Grant L. , Bray Natalie , Groffman Peter M. , Kao-Kniffin Jenny
Published: February 2023

Land-use change is highly dynamic globally and there is great uncertainty about the effects of land-use legacies on contemporary environmental performance. We used a chronosequence of urban grasslands (lawns) that were converted from agricultural and forested lands from 10 to over 130 years prior to determine if land-use legacy influences components of soil biodiversity and composition over time. We used historical aerial imagery to identify sites in Baltimore County, MD (USA) with agricultural versus forest land-use history. Soil samples were taken from these sites as well as from existing well-studied agricultural and forest sites used as historical references by the National Science Foundation Long-Term Ecological Research (NSF-LTER) Baltimore Ecosystem Study program. We found that the microbiomes in lawns of agricultural origin were similar to those in agricultural reference sites, which suggests that the ecological parameters on lawns and reference agricultural systems are similar in how they influence soil microbial community dynamics. In contrast, lawns that were previously forest showed distinct shifts in soil bacterial composition upon recent conversion but reverted back in composition similar to forest soils as the lawns aged over decades. Soil fungi did not follow similar trends as the bacteria in the previously forested lawns. Our results show that components of bacterial biodiversity and composition are resistant to change in previously forested lawns despite urbanization processes. Therefore land-use legacy, depending on the prior use, is an important factor to consider when examining urban ecological homogenization.
A Systematic Review of Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Artificial Intelligence approach
Authors: Radwan Neyara , Khan Nadeem A
Published: February 2023

One of the pressing issues any country faces is managing solid wastes. Traditionally, several methods have been used in the past to manage the increasing quantity of solid waste. However, due to the increase in population, urbanization, and various other reasons, there has been steady growth in solid waste. The general public's cooperation is vital in understanding the extent of solid wastes, their generation, collection, transportation, and disposal of wastes safely. Urban local bodies also play a significant role in managing waste as they are the ones who can formulate a plan as per the data available to them. Infrastructure for managing solid wastes is another prime factor in easy transportation and disposal. There are different conventional methods starting from landfills, incineration, etc., to advanced methodologies. The use of incineration as the primary method of waste disposal is now a major source of health hazards. The present study reviews the important practical methods for solid waste management. The review is categorized into two sections: Conventional methodologies include incineration, thermal to waste energy techniques, bioeconomy, anaerobic digestion and waste valorization and the second section includes advanced methods such as green architecture, web-based geographic interface system, Internet of Things (IoT), optimization techniques, artificial intelligence and blockchain based solid waste management system. The present study also provides an overview of the advanced technologies as a support system for the sustainable management in solid waste. It also discusses the knowledge and awareness to be catered to all sections of people about sustainable solid waste management.
Application Feasibility of Virtual Models and Computational Fluid Dynamics for the Planning and Evaluation of Aortic Repair Surgery for Williams Syndrome
Authors: Liang Jixiang , Fang Xuewei , Li Dianyuan , Pan Guangyu , Zhang Gen , Lu Bingheng
Published: February 2023

Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of Williams Syndrome (WS) is crucial but difficult for the surgical management and long-term prognosis of patients. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on virtual surgery can visualize surgical planning and predict postoperative haemodynamics, which helps researchers and surgeons better assess the impact of vascular structure on blood flow patterns. In this study, we conducted a haemodynamic evaluation of cardiovascular disease in WS and used virtual surgery and CFD for surgical guidance and postoperative evaluation. A patient diagnosed with WS was included in the study, and a 3D model and haemodynamic analysis were used to guide and evaluate the operation. Compared with traditional methods, virtual models and CFD make diagnoses from invisible to visible, from nonintuitive to intuitive, and from qualitative to quantitative. In the analysis of haemodynamics, CFD results of predictive surgical models and that of the postoperative surgical models reflect a high degree of consistency. There was a small difference in the circumference between the prediction model and the postoperative model (mean ± SD: 1.17 ± 0.23 mm). The haemodynamics of the aorta significantly improved after the operation. The velocity at the sinotubular junction decreased from 3 m/s before the operation to 1 m/s in the virtual model and 1.1 m/s in the postoperative model, while the maximum time average wall shear stress decreased from 158 Pa before the operation to 25 Pa in the postoperative model. Surgical repair increased the proportion of outlet flow of dAo from 28.7–35.5%. The method of predicting aortic repair surgery for WS through virtual surgery and CFD has been suggested to be accurate and feasible.
Cancer Risk Prediction Regulation Models: Canada Contrasted with the U.S. and the E.U.
Authors: Moreno Palmira Granados , Knoppers Terese , Zawati Ma'n H. , Lang Michael , Knoppers Bartha Maria , Wolfson Michael , Nabi Hermann , Dorval Michel , Simard Jacques , Joly Yann
Published: February 2023

Risk prediction models hold great promise to reduce the impact of cancer in society through advanced warning of risk and improved preventative modalities. These models are evolving and becoming more complex, increasingly integrating genetic screening data and polygenic risk scores as well as calculating risk for multiple types of a disease. However, unclear regulatory compliance requirements applicable to these models raise significant legal uncertainty and new questions about the regulation of medical devices. This paper aims to address these novel regulatory questions by presenting an initial assessment of the legal status likely applicable to risk prediction models in Canada, using the CanRisk tool for breast and ovarian cancer as an exemplar. Legal analysis is supplemented with qualitative perspectives from expert stakeholders regarding the accessibility and compliance challenges of the Canadian regulatory framework. While the paper focuses on the Canadian context, it also identifies key aspects of European and U.S. regulations in this domain. Legal analysis and stakeholder perspectives highlight the need to clarify and update the Canadian regulatory framework for Software as a Medical Device as it applies to risk prediction models. Findings demonstrate how normative guidance perceived as convoluted, contradictory or overly burdensome can discourage innovation, compliance, and ultimately, implementation. This contribution aims to initiate discussion about a more optimal legal framework for risk prediction models as they continue to evolve and are increasingly integrated into landscape for public health.
Volatility and heterogeneity of vaccine sentiments means continuous monitoring is needed when measuring message effectiveness
Authors: Leung Kathy , Lin Leesa K , Yom-Tov Elad , Poels Karolien , Lee Kristi , Larson Heidi J , Leung Gabriel M , Wu Joseph T
Published: February 2023

Background
The success of vaccination programs often depends on the effectiveness of the vaccine messages, particularly during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The current suboptimal uptake of COVID-19 vaccines across many parts of the world highlights the tremendous challenges in overcoming vaccine hesitancy and refusal even in the context of a world-devastating pandemic.
Methods
We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Hong Kong to evaluate the impact of seven vaccine messages on COVID-19 vaccine uptake (with the government slogan as the control). The participants included 127,000 individuals who googled COVID-19-related information during July-October 2021.
Results
The impact of vaccine messages on uptake varied substantially over time and among different groups of users. For example, the message that emphasized the indirect protection of vaccination on family members (i) increased overall uptake by 30% (6-59%) in July but had no effect afterwards for English language users; and (ii) had no effect on overall uptake for Chinese language users throughout the study. Such volatility and heterogeneity in message effectiveness highlight the limitations of one-size-fits-all and static vaccine communication.
Conclusions
Epidemic nowcasting should include real-time monitoring of vaccine hesitancy and message effectiveness, in order to adapt messaging appropriately. This dynamic dimension of surveillance has so far been underinvested.
Trial registration
The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05499299).
β-aminoisobutyric Acid, a Metabolite of BCAA, Activates the AMPK/Nrf-2 Pathway to Prevent Ferroptosis and Ameliorates Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Ziyue , Li Xingbing , Guo Jingwen , He Bo , Wu Lianpan , Yang Rongpei , Fang Dandong , Yang XiaoLi , Li Xingyue , Yang Donghai , Tang Ming , Han Yu , Wang Hongyong , Zeng Chunyu
Published: February 2023

Background: Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury is a serious clinical problem and there is no effective treatment. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is always accompanied with changed branched chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism. Enhancing BCAA metabolism can protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We believe that this phenomenon is related to bioactive molecules produced by BCAA metabolism. And, L-β-aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA) is a metabolite of valine, a member of BCAA.
Methods: Adult C57BL/6 mouse were treated with L-BAIBA (150mg/kg/day) in the drinking water for 10 consecutive days before lung L/R injury. Then, lung function indexes including pathology and respiratory function were detected. Potential mechanisms were delineated by molecular biology experiment analysis in A549 cells, including western blot or immunofluorescence staining or biochemical detection and so on.
Results:We find that L-BAIBA can protects lung during I/R injury. Further studies show that L-BAIBA can up-regulate the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11, thereby inhibit ferroptosis. The regulation of L-BAIBA on the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 depends on the Nrf-2 signaling pathway. Interfering Nrf-2 eliminates the protective effect of L-BAIBA. We further find that L-BAIBA regulates Nrf-2 by activating AMPK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, in the presence of compound c, the protective effects of L-BAIBA on lung I/R injury are blocked.
Conclusion:Our study reveals that L-BAIBA can alleviate lung I/R injury by inhibiting ferroptosis, which is an promising therapeutic target candidate.
Reduced bronchoalveolar macrophage phagocytosis and cytotoxic effects after controlled short-term exposure to wood smoke in healthy humans.
Authors: Hansson Alva , Rankin Gregory , Uski Oskari , Friberg Maria , Pourazar Jamshid , Lindgren Robert , García-López Natxo , Boman Christoffer , Sandström Thomas , Behndig Annelie , Muala Ala
Published: February 2023

Background: Exposure to wood smoke has been shown to contribute to adverse respiratory health effects including airway infections, but the underlying mechanisms are yet unclear. A preceding study failed to confirm any acute inflammation or cell influx in bronchial wash (BW) or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) 24 h after wood smoke exposure but showed unexpected reductions in leukocyte numbers. The present study was performed to investigate responses at an earlier phase, regarding potential development of acute inflammation, as well as indications of cytotoxicity.
Methods: In a double-blind, randomised crossover study, 14 healthy participants were exposed for 2h to filtered air and diluted wood smoke from incomplete wood log combustion in a common wood stove with a mean particulate matter concentration of 409 µg/m3. Bronchoscopy with BW and BAL was performed 6 hours after exposure. Differential cell counts, assessment of DNA-damage and ex vivo analysis of phagocytic function of phagocytosing BAL cells were performed. Wood smoke particles were also collected for in vitro toxicological analyses using bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and alveolar type II cells (A549).
Results: Exposure to wood smoke increased BAL lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p=0.04) and reduced the ex vivo alveolar macrophage phagocytic capacity (p=0.03) and viability (p=0.02) vs. filtered air. BAL eosinophil numbers were increased after woodsmoke (p=0.02), while other cell types were unaffected in BW and BAL. In vitro exposure to wood smoke particles confirmed increased DNA-damage, decreased metabolic activity and cell cycle disturbances.
Conclusions: Exposure to wood smoke from incomplete combustion did not induce any acute airway inflammatory cell influx at 6 hours, apart from eosinophils. However, there were indications of a cytotoxic reaction with increased LDH, reduced cell viability and impaired alveolar macrophage phagocytic capacity. These findings are in accordance with earlier bronchoscopy findings at 24 h and may provide evidence for the increased susceptibility to infections by biomass smoke exposure, reported in population-based studies.
Decline in Iran’s Groundwater Recharge
Authors: Noori Roohollah , Maghrebi Mohsen , Jessen Søren , Bateni Sayed M. , Heggy Essam , Javadi Saman , Nouri Mojtaba , Pistre Severin , Abolfathi Soroush , AghaKouchak Amir
Published: February 2023

Groundwater recharge feeds aquifers supplying fresh water to a population over 80 million in Iran – a global hotspot for groundwater depletion. Using a rich database comprising abstractions from about one million groundwater wells, springs and qanats, from 2002 to 2017, here we show a significant decline of around -3.8 mm/yr in the nationwide groundwater recharge primarily caused by unsustainable development. Our results show the annual average amount of nationwide groundwater recharge (i.e., ~40 mm/yr) is more than the reported average annual runoff in Iran (i.e., ~32 mm/yr), suggesting the national surface water resources are seeping into the groundwater basins. Such decline in groundwater recharge could further exacerbate the already dire groundwater depletion situation in Iran with devastating consequences for the country’s natural environment and socio-economic development, locally increasing food prices, and limit exports of agricultural products to neighboring countries that are major oil and gas producers in the world.
Understanding camouflaging, stigma, and mental health for autistic people in Japan
Authors: Oshima Fumiyo , Tamura Masaki , Cage Eilidh , Perry Ella , Hongo Minako , Seto Mikuko , Takahashi Toru , Shimizu Eiji
Published: February 2023

Background: Camouflaging refers to behaviors in which autistic individuals hide their autistic characteristics and “pass” as non-autistic people. It is postulated that camouflaging is a response to stigma, and preliminary evidence supports this hypothesis. However, there has been limited research on this topic outside of Western countries. This study sought to replicate and extend previous work examining the relationships between camouflaging, stigma, and mental health in Japanese autistic people.
Methods: Two hundred eighty seven autistic people living in Japan completed an online survey on camouflaging, perceived stigma, individualistic and collective strategies, mental wellbeing, anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. We used multiple regression analysis, mediation analyses, and two-sample t-tests to analyze the collected data.
Results: We found that higher camouflaging was predicted by higher perceived stigma and more individualistic and collective strategy use. Camouflaging mediates the association of stigma with depression, anxiety, and social anxiety (but not wellbeing). Furthermore, autistic people in Japan reported lower perceived stigma, camouflaging, wellbeing, and collective strategy use but more individualistic strategies than those in a Western sample.
Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis that camouflaging is a response to stigma and can influence the impact of stigma on mental health. There are also cross-cultural differences worth attending to, and more work around supporting positive autistic identity in Japan would be beneficial.
Simplified formulation to evaluate forces due to shrinkage in composite steel- concrete beams with perfect connection
Authors: RAHAL Nacer , Beghdad Houda , Souici Abdelaziz , Zatir Sara , Aouad Halima , Benmahdi Khaled
Published: February 2023

It has been known for a very long time that time-dependent effects such as creep and shrinkage of concrete greatly influence the behavior of composite steel-concrete beams. It is therefore very important to take these effects into account when calculating the strength and safety of composite steel-concrete beams. To this end, many theoretical and numerical researches have been established to control this phenomenon. Most of this research presents laborious processes and calculations requiring complex techniques. To overcome the excessive amount of calculations and the various difficulties associated with analytical or numerical methods to estimate the additional stresses brought by the shrinkage of concrete in composite steel-concrete beams, we thought of proposing a simplified analytical methodology while ensuring safety desired. In this article, we have tried to simplify an existing analytical model based on the theory of linear viscoelasticity established in 2012. This model consists of combining the static equilibrium equations and the two compatibility relations, in curvature and in deformation, of the composite steel-concrete cross-section with the differential equation resulting from creep rate theory (RCM). Our idea then aims to take this model and simplify it to avoid difficult mathematical transformations. The results from this simplified approach are very satisfactory when compared to those given by the analytical model.
Hashimoto thyroiditis interfered with BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Lu Yilun , Ren Yuezhong
Published: February 2023

PurposeTo investigate the possibly predictive role of BRAF V600E mutation and thyroid-relevant indexes on papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).Methods1139 patients of PTC were included in this retrospective study. The pathological results, demographic characteristics data, BRAF V600E mutation, and serum examination of thyroid were analyzed by Chi‐square tests and logistic regressions.ResultsThe patients at a high level of thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) had lower rates of BRAF V600E mutation. Elevated thyroglobulin was associated with a higher rate of macro-carcinoma regardless of the mutation statuses (P<0.001), extrathyroidal invasion (P = 0.026), and lymph node metastases (P = 0.020) in a non-mutation group. The rates of macro-carcinoma and extrathyroidal invasion increased with body mass index (P<0.05). Abnormally high TgAb decreased the occurrence of multiple lesions (P = 0.014). Obesity, smoking, and high thyroglobulin increased the rate of macro-carcinoma (P<0.05), and obesity slightly fostered extrathyroidal invasion (P=0.005). The young and male patients were at elevated risk of lymph node metastases (P<0.001). There was no statistical significance in major features of PTC between the different statuseses of BRAF V600E mutation (P>0.05).ConclusionBRAF V600E mutation and HT interfered with each other in PTC. HT manifested a protective role against the progression of this cancer in the early period, but the mutation didn't impact the features. The tumor load was reflected by thyroglobulin and body mass index.
The regularity properties and blow-up of the solutions for nonlocal Schrodinger equations
Authors: Shakhmurov Veli B. , Shahmurov Rishad
Published: February 2023

The Cauchy problem for convolition type nonlocal linear and nonlinear Schrodinger equations are studied. The equations include the general di¤erential operators. The existence, uniqueness, L p-regularity properties of linear problem and the existence, uniqueness, and blow-up at finite time of the nonlinear problem are obtained. By choosing di¤erential operators including in equations, the regularity properties of a di¤erent type nonlocal Schrodinger equations are studied.
AMS: 35Q55, 35Axx, 35Bxx, 35A05, 35B30
High order explicit energy preserving Lie group method for some Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Sun Jianqiang
Published: February 2023

By the nonlinear transformation, some classical Hamiltonian systems can be written as the reformulation systems, which have the quadratic positive definite energy conserving function. These new reformulated systems are transformed into the ordinary differential equations on manifolds by the linear transformation. The explicit Runge-Kutta Munthe-Kaas (RKMK) method, which is a kind of Lie group method, is applied to solve the differential equations on manifolds. Therefore, a explicit energy preserving(EEP) RKMK method is proposed. The EEP-RKMK method is applied to solve the two classical dynamical systems: the pendulum problem and the Hénon-Heiles system. Thus, the explicit energy conserving schemes of the two classical dynamical systems are obtained. Numerical simulations investigate the effective of these new schemes in preserving energy conserving property of these equations and well simulating the dynamical behaviors.
AMS subject classification: 37K05 65M20 65M70
Improving Profitability in East Texas Beef Herds
Authors: Posey Dan
Published: February 2023

Texas Beef Partnership in Extension Program utilized a team approach to recommend sound production and financial practices to improve the profitability of an East Texas beef ranch. The team gathered production and financial information annually, evaluated this data in a standardized information system, set production and financial goals, and developed plans to attain these goals. This systematic process identified management practices that lead to improving profitability in beef herds.
Variability of Water Composition and Potential Impact on Animal Performance
Authors: Tomlinson D. J. , Socha M. T. , Swenson C. K. , Schugel L. M.
Published: February 2023

Water is often overlooked as an important nutrient in livestock diets. Animals need a plentiful supply of good, clean water for normal rumen fermentation and metabolism, proper flow of feed through the digestive tract, nutrient absorption, maintaining normal blood volume and tissue requirements. In addition to assessing adequacy and cleanliness of waterers, as well as water supply, nutrition advisors and clinicians need to assess chemical composition of water. Despite the importance of water to livestock, limited research has examined the water composition variability and the impact on animal performance. This paper summarizes survey results of 3651 water samples collected throughout the United States of America.
Plant Poisoning of Small Ruminants
Authors: Knight Anthony P.
Published: February 2023

Sheep goats, llamas and alpacas are in general, capable of grazing or browsing a wide variety of toxic plants without any problem. So long as there are a variety of plants on which the animals can feed, they appear capable of varying the quantity of plants consumed, thereby avoiding a toxic dose of any one particular plant. However, small ruminants are susceptible to plant poisoning under conditions where there is overgrazing, drought, or access to areas where toxic weeds predominate. Historically, and even today, significant mortality in unadapted sheep can be associated with areas where plants such as Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) comprise the majority of the available forage. The Halogeton is palatable, and if it becomes the predominant forage, high sheep mortality results from the high level of oxalates in the plant. Small ruminants are susceptible to poisoning from plants that contain nitrates, cyanogenic glycosides, cardiac glycosides, photosensitizing agents and a variety of other plants toxins affecting the reproductive, urinary, hemic and nervous systems.
Proper Vaccine Handling
Authors: Cortese Victor S.
Published: February 2023

There are many factors involved in a proper immune response, both from the disease and from the vaccine. The proper handling of vaccines, before they are used as well as when they are administered, is necessary if the vaccine is to provide expected immune responses and corresponding efficacy. Vaccines must be protected from extreme temperatures and sunlight. Before using a vaccine, the label should be read to see specific administration directions and warnings.
Retrospective Study Comparing Three Surgical Techniques for Correction of Left Abomasal Displacements in Lactating Dairy Cattle (1999-2003)
Authors: Anderson D. E. , Niehaus A. J.
Published: February 2023

Several surgical techniques have been advocated for correction of left displaced abomasum in cattle. A retrospective study was performed to compare three surgical techniques for fixation of left abomasal displacements in lactating dairy cattle. The right flank omentopexy, omento-abomasopexy (omento-pyloropexy) and the left flank abomasopexy were compared. We hypothesized that there was a significant difference between the success rates of these three techniques. Differences in success were measured by comparing the milk production of the cattle before and after surgery. The objective of the study was to assess ifthere is a significant advantage of one surgical technique over another.
Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Clark Ted
Published: February 2023

In Canadian and probably most US feedlots, Mycoplasma bovis pneumonia with or without concurrent arthritis is found in a high percentage of antibiotic nonresponsive, chronically sick cattle. Extensive multifocal yellow areas of caseation-like necrosis with sequestra formation are characteristic lesions. Subacute to chronic fibrinous or fibrosing pleuritis may accompany the lung lesions. Arthritis with similar necrotizing lesions of adjacent soft tissues, including tendon sheaths, are present in some cases. Characteristic gross lesions, unique histologic lesions and confirmation by IHC demonstration of M. bovis in these lesions are the best diagnostic tools in our experience. This chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome (CPPS) is a very costly syndrome in the feedlot industry, and management changes will probably be needed to control the problem. Vaccines are unlikely to be the solution to this problem. Prevention of transient BVDV infections is a scheme that may be beneficial, but more experimental work is required to confirm this.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Common Small Ruminant Parasites
Authors: Smith Mary C.
Published: February 2023

External parasites of small ruminants include lice, keds and mange mites. They cause pruritus, fleece damage, and in some instances blood loss anemia. The most important internal parasite of sheep and goats is Haemonchus, a blood sucking strongyle that can kill animals on contaminated pasture in a matter of weeks. Overuse of dewormers has caused the development of parasite resistance, and currently recommended programs emphasize selective treatment and eventual culling of animals that show severe clinical signs. Untreated animals are left in the herd to provide unselected parasites in refugia. Other strongyle species contribute to production loss by causing weight loss and diarrhea. Tapeworms are of minimal clinical importance but, regionally, liver flukes cause ill thrift or death. Fencing off ponds and stream is often more effective than deworming for fluke control. In regions where whitetail deer abound on pastures, the meningeal worm Parelaphostrongylus tenuis causes neurologic disease and sporadic losses of small ruminants and guard llamas.
MAP Super-shedders
Authors: Whitlock R. H. , Sweeney R. W. , Fyock T.
Published: February 2023

Traditionally, fecal cultures were either positive or negative for growth of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (MAP). Nearly all culture-positive cattle were judged to be infected, shedding MAP, thus a threat to spread the disease to susceptible cattle and were culled from the herd as quickly as possible. Over time it was recognized that differences in MAP shedding existed among culture-positive cattle. Cattle were classified as low, moderate or high shedders based on the visible colonies of MAP on the surface of solid media, typically Herrold's egg yolk media (HEYM). Rarely did authors provide the estimated MAP colony forming units (cfu) per gram of manure. Additionally, culture methods were not standardized among diagnostic laboratories in the US, which made it difficult to compare results from one laboratory to another. Laboratories rarely used internal quality control fecal samples. As the infection and disease progressed, the intensity of fecal shedding of MAP increased, culminating in clinical disease which was associated with the greatest numbers of MAP present in manure. Since cattle with clinical signs lose weight and have decreased milk production causing them to be unprofitable, they are soon culled from the herd. If not culled from the herd, they would continue to lose weight and become emaciated with muscle weakness, leading to recumbency requiring euthanasia. The fewest colonies reported is one colony on one of four tubes ofHEYM, which translates into approximately six cfu/gram of feces, assuming the original sample was two grams; 5 ml was transferred from the fecal water tube to the second decontamination tube with HPC. That centrifugation technique was used and the pellet was re-suspended in 1 ml of antibiotic brew, with 200 ul of the re-suspended pellet inoculated onto each of four tubes of HEYM, all with mycobactin J. Low shedders typically had less than 10 colonies on the four tubes ofHEYM. Moderate shedders ranged from 11 to approximately 70 colonies of MAP, while high shedders had more than 70 colonies on any of the four tubes. Calculated on MAP cfu per gram of feces this would be up to 60 cfu for low shedders, 61 to 300 cfu per gram for moderate shedders and more than 300 cfu per gram for heavy shedders.

Over the past five years most laboratories in the US report the number of visible MAP colonies on each tube of HEYM, but rarely enumerate above 50 to 70 colonies per tube. Accounting for sample preparation, 50 colonies on each of four tubes represents an estimated 1,050 colony forming units of MAP per gram of manure. The objective of this study was to determine the range of MAP cfu/gram of manure in cattle classified as heavy shedders.
Transition Cow Index™
Authors: Nordlund Ken
Published: February 2023

A tool called the Transition Cow Index (TCI) has been developed to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of transition cow management at the herd level. Fourteen factors from the historical Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) record of each individual cow are used to predict her milk yield and projection at her first test date, a date that frequently overlaps with fresh cow disease periods. Deviations from her expected milk yield are calculated and used at the herd level to evaluate the overall effectiveness of transition cow management programs. TCI offers dairy managers and consultants an objective tool to benchmark current programs and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.