bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inorganic sorbents on the base of magnesium silicates obtained by two synthetic routes
Authors: Kravchenko Mycola V. , Khodakovska Tatiana A. , Kovtun Maria F. , Romanova Irina V.
Published: July 2022

In the present study three novel inorganic ion exchange materials on the base of magnesium silicates were synthesized by precipitation and hydrothermal sol gel methods with two reagents ratio. Physico-chemical properties of samples were characterized by thermogravemetric and differential thermal analyses, low temperature adsorption/desorption method and transmission electron microscopic studies. It was found that all sorbents were obtained in a form of amorphous layer-structure magnesium silicates with micro- and mesoporous structure. The ion exchange properties of these materials for Cs+, Sr2+ Cu2+, Co2+and Cd2+ removing from water solution investigated. Data obtained showed that magnesium silicates had the higher capacity toward the heavy metal cations compared to the radionuclides regardless the method used for synthesis. The sample synthesized with excess of metasilicate exhibited the higher efficiency of heavy metal cations sorption than the sample obtained using equimolar ratio of components. Amongst Langmuir and Freundlich models, Langmuir model fitted well for experimental data received on these adsorbents.
Neurological Type Wilson’s Disease: Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Kipker Nathaniel , Alessi Kaitlyn , Bojkovic Marko , Padda Inderbir , Parmar Mayur
Published: July 2022

Wilson's disease (WD) is a complex metabolic disorder caused by disruptions to copper regulation within the body, leading to an unregulated accumulation of copper within various tissues. A less understood organ affected by the collection of copper is the brain, which further leads to the generation of oxygen free radicals and resultant demyelination. Healthcare providers need to keep the neurological form of WD in their list of differentials when patients present with diverse neurological manifestations. Being able to distinguish the characteristic disease presentation with a thorough history and physical and neurological examination will be the initial step to diagnosis. A high clinical disease suspicion of WD should warrant further investigation by laboratory workup and imaging modalities to support the clinical findings and confirm the diagnosis of WD. Once a WD diagnosis is established, the healthcare provider should treat for the underlying biological process of WD and symptomatically. This review article discusses the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the neurological form of Wilson's disease, its clinical and behavioral implications, diagnostic features, and treatment modalities, further aiding healthcare professionals in an early diagnosis and management strategies.
Comparison of comorbidity incidences between hypokalemia and normokalemia primary aldosteronism patients
Authors: Zhang Qinghui , Chen Jie , wu Xian-xian , Kong De-Hui , Liu Xue , Yang Zhi-wei , Liu Min
Published: July 2022

Little information is available on apparent differences in comorbidities between hypokalemia and normokalemia in primary aldosteronism (PA) patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the differences regarding comorbidities of PA patients with different serum potassium levels. A total of 629 PA patients were enrolled and divided into hypokalemic and normokalemic types of PA. The general clinical characteristics and related biochemical parameters were collected in all subjects. The incidences of different comorbidities in hypokalemia and normokalemia PA patients were analyzed. Of the 629 patients (49.86 ± 11.66 years, range 18–79), 26.9% had hypokalemic PA. The systolic blood pressures (158.43 ± 2.35 vs. 150.84 ± 21.57 mmHg; P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressures (96.57 ± 15.51 vs. 91.98 ± 15.77 mmHg; P < 0.05) and plasma aldosterone concentration (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in hypokalemic PA patients than those in normokalemic PA patients. The hypokalemic PA patients had higher urinary microalbumin than normokalemic PA patients (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between serum potassium level and level of orthostatic aldosterone concentration and systolic blood pressure, The incidences of obstructive sleep apnea were higher in hypokalemic than those in normokalemic PA patients (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that high prevalence of comorbidities presented in patients with PA. The hypokalemic PA patients had higher incidence of obstructive sleep apnea than the normokalemic PA patients. Therefore, PA's early diagnosis and treatment, especially for the patients with hypokalemic PA, are essential.
The role of spatial shifting in El Niño/Southern Oscillation complexity
Authors: Thual Sulian , Dewitte Boris
Published: July 2022

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) represents the most consequential fluctuation of the global climate system, with dramatic societal and environmental impacts. Its general dynamics are reasonably well understood and they involve ocean-atmosphere interactions that modify the Walker circulation in the equatorial Pacific. However, some of its space-time features remain stubbornly elusive such as its event-to-event diversity and asymmetry. Here we show that the spatial shifting movements of the Walker circulation control the ENSO space-time complexity in a major way. We encapsulate these movements in a minimal model by simply reframing the general geometry of conventional recharge-discharge linear dynamics. With this modification alone, the model captures altogether the essential ingredients of ENSO diversity, asymmetry, nonlinearity, non-normality and leading principal components. It also manages to do so in substantially simpler fashion than previously considered, which improves our ability to address ENSO complexity. The present paradigm of spatial shifting participates towards a more unified understanding of the ENSO, with potentially far reaching implications down the lines of modelling and prediction.
Comparative Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes in Toona sinensis and Toona ciliata: Phylogenetic Relationship of Toona
Authors: Li Youli , Gu Min , Lin Jianna , Jiang Huier , Xiao Xingcui , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2022

Taking the chloroplast genomes of Toona sinensis (GenBank:OK572965) and Toona ciliata (GenBank:OK572964.1) as the research objects, the structural characteristics and phylogenetic relationship of their chloroplast (cp) genomes were researched. Here, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome sequence using Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology via a combination of annotations and simultaneously compared their cp genome structure features. Codon usage bias was aligned with the previously reported Azadirachta indica (KF986530), together with IR boundary analysis with other investigated relatives, and complete genome sequences were compared to each other to construct maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees. The results showed that (1) the chloroplast genomes of Toona sinensis and Toona ciliata exhibited typical quadripartite and circular structures that were relatively conserved in genomic structure and the synteny of gene order; both Toona sinensis and Toona ciliata annotated 125 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 29 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 8 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). (2) Fifteen and 13 palindromic repeats, 10 and 15 forward repeats and a single complementary repeat were detected in the chloroplast genomes of the two species. At the same time, 61 and 55 SSRs were identified, respectively, which were primarily located in the coding interval. There was a significant codon preference in the genome, with codons that end in A and T used much more frequently than synonymous codons. (3) IR boundary and sequence divergence analyse found some candidate fragments to identify the selected related species, such as trnH, ycf1,etc. (4) A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood (ML) method, and the results revealed that Toona sinensis and Toona ciliata clustered into a single independent branch with high support. This investigation has established a theoretical foundation for plant identification, molecular marker development, conservation efforts, population dynamics and further study of phylogenetic processes. The availability of chloroplast genomes provides valuable genetic information for accurate identification, taxonomy, and phylogeny and contributes to the exploration and utilization of plants.
Effectiveness of a Social-Emotional Learning Program on Developmental Assets and Subjective Well-being.
Authors: Aghatabay Rabea , Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed Mazloomy , Vaezi Aliakbar , Rahimi Mehdi , Fallahzadeh Hosein , Alizadeh Somayeh
Published: July 2022

Background
The present study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of SEL intervention designed based on social marketing on developmental assets and well-being of female adolescents in Yazd city.
Methods
This mixed-method quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2018–2019. 190 girl students were selected by multi-stage sampling from the female middle and high schools in Yazd City, Iran. Social-emotional learning (SEL) intervention designed based on social marketing principles was implemented among the parents and students of the intervention group. The control group did not receive any intervention. Quantitative data were collected in three stages: pre-test, post-test after 2 months, and follow-up after 6 months via developmental assets profile (DAP) and engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, and happiness (EPOCH) measure. A qualitative evaluation was also performed after the intervention
Results
Results of the Repeated-Measures test showed that the intervention significantly influenced social competence (sig = 0.02). Qualitative findings showed the effectiveness of the intervention on social competencies and positive identity.
Conclusions
The mixed-method evaluation of the SEL intervention conducted in the present study helped to understand the mutual nature of the effectiveness of SEL as well as identifying adherence and failure to complete the trained steps as the main reason to lower success in SEL.
Morphological relationships between external auditory canal and vital structures of tympanic cavity
Authors: Ohira Shinya , Komori Manabu , Nakamura Mitsuto , Matsumura Kentaro , Osafune Hiroshi , Kajiwara Riko , Wada Kota
Published: July 2022

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the morphology of the external auditory canal (EAC) using a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) scans of the temporal bone to corroborate and predict important anatomical structures involved in middle ear surgery based on the EAC morphology.Methods: Temporal bone CT from 62 patients (120 ears) was used to perform 3D reconstruction (maximum intensity projection), of which 32 patients (60 ears) had chronic otitis media and 30 patients (60 ears) had normal temporal bones. The anatomical morphology of the EAC, tympanic sinus, vertical portion of the facial nerve, and jugular bulb were measured, and the anatomical relationship between the EAC morphology and important structures of the middle ear was analyzed.Results: In ears with chronic otitis media, the overhang of the inferior wall of the EAC was significantly more than that in normal ears, and the antero-posterior length of the bony tympanic ring was short. Furthermore, the tympanic sinus was shallow, and vertical portion of the facial nerve tended to run outward. The EAC morphology correlated with the tympanic sinus depth and outward orientation of the vertical portion of the facial nerve.Conclusion: A severe overhang of the inferior wall of the EAC and short antero-posterior length of the bony tympanic ring indicates a higher possibility of a shallow tympanic sinus and an outward orientation of the vertical portion of the facial nerve. These findings aid in predicting the difficulty of tympanic sinus operation and reducing facial nerve damage risk during EAC excision.
Molecular insights into the distinct signaling duration for the peptide-induced PTH1R activation
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Zhai Xiuwen , Mao Chunyou , Shen Qingya , Zang Shaokun , Shen Dan-Dan , Zhang Huibing , Chen Zhaohong , Wang Gang , Zhang Changming , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2022

The parathyroid hormone type 1 receptor (PTH1R) is a class B1 G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays critical roles in bone turnover and Ca2+ homeostasis via mediating the actions of two distinct peptides, PTH and PTHrP. The major difference between the two endogenous peptides or their drugs analog, Teriparatide (PTH) and Abaloparatide (ABL), is their marked duration distinctions of the downstream signaling, a key determinant that is responsible for their distinct physiological or pharmacological properties. However, the mechanistic details underlying the distinct signaling behaviors remain obscure. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of PTH and ABL–bound PTH1R-Gs complexes. Structural comparisons showed that the two structures adopt similar overall conformations yet with notable conformational differences in the ECD regions of the receptor and the C-terminal portion of the peptides. 3D variability analysis and site-directed mutagenesis studies uncovered that the long-acting peptides– (PTH and LA-PTH) bound PTH1R–Gs complexes display less motions and are more tolerant of mutations in affecting the receptor signaling than the short-acting ABL–bound complexes. In addition, we combined the structural analysis and signaling assays, along with prior studies to delineate the molecular basis of the differential signaling durations induced by these peptides. Collectively, these findings not only provide insights into the ligand recognition and specificity of the two distinct peptides but also deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms for their mediated prolonged or transient signaling.
Role of hsa_circ_0000280 in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell cycle and attenuating neointimal hyperplasia via ELAVL1
Authors: Wang Zunzhe , Wang Huating , Zhang Ya , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2022

The pathological proliferation of cells in vascular smooth muscle underlies neointimal hyperplasia development during atherosclerosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which represent novel functional biomarkers and RNA-binding proteins contribute to multiple cardiovascular diseases; however, their roles in regulating the vascular smooth muscle cell cycle remain unknown. Thus, we aimed to identify the roles of circRNAs in vascular smooth muscle during coronary heart disease (CHD). We identified CHD-related circRNAs by combining the sequencing results of circRNAs isolated from CHD samples and those that bound to human antigen R (ELAVL1). Interestingly, our results suggest that the CHD-related hsa_circ_0000280 inhibits cell proliferation and induces ELAVL1-dependent cell cycle arrest. In fact, gain/loss-of-function experiments and in vivo assays indicated that hsa_circ_0000280 acts as an endogenous scaffold that facilitates interactions between ELAVL1 and cyclin-dependent kinase suppressor 1 (CDKN1A) mRNA and the stabilization of this complex; the establishment of this interaction led to the arrest of the cell cycle at the G1/S checkpoint, inhibiting cell proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. Importantly, hsa_circ_0000280 reduced the neointimal thickness and smooth muscle cell proliferation in vivo. Altogether, findings reveal a novel pathway involving hsa_circ_0000280, ELAVL1, and CDKN1A mRNA. Therefore, the quantification and modulation of their expression may represent a potential diagnostic or therapeutic strategy for CHD.
A new R2R3-MYB transcription factor CmMYB42 improves low nitrogen stress tolerance of chrysanthemum
Authors: Ma Rui , Yang Sen , Liu Bowen , Geng Xi , Liu Yanhong , Sun Xia , Wang Wenli , Zheng Chengshu
Published: July 2022

In this study, a new R2R3-MYB TF CmMYB42 was cloned. Overexpression and transient silencing of CmMYB42 in chrysanthemum indicated that it could regulate the response to low nitrogen stress.
Non-SUMOylated alternative spliced isoforms of alpha-synuclein are more aggregation-prone and toxic
Authors: Hassanzadeh Kambiz , morrone castrese , Akhtari keivan , Gerhardt ellen , Outerio Tiago , feligioni marco
Published: July 2022

Background:
To date, four alternative splicing isoforms arising from exon skipping have been identified for α-Synuclein (α-Syn), the main constituent of the abnormal protein aggregation in Lewy bodies of Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast to the full length,140 amino acid α-Syn (α-Syn 140), little is known about the splice isoforms' properties and functions. Small ubiquitin-like modification, SUMOylation, is a post-translational modification that regulates α-Syn function, aggregation, and degradation. There is limited information about α-Syn isoforms, their SUMOylation, and whether SUMOylation modulates these proteins' activity and fate. Therefore, this study has aimed to characterize the SUMOylation of α-Syn isoforms and its impact on cell death and α-Syn aggregation.
Results:
In a cellular model of PD induced by rotenone, cell toxicity, SUMOylation, and α-Syn aggregation with or without isoforms overexpression were evaluated in SH-SY5Y cells. First, we found that rotenone induced cell toxicity and α-Syn aggregation, associated with a significant reduction of SUMOylation and autophagy. Interestingly, boosting the SUMOylation machinery by overexpressing SUMO-1 prevented the α-Syn aggregation and phosphorylation and recovered the autophagy activity. The findings also revealed that α-Syn 140 and α-Syn 126 (lacks exon 3) were SUMOylated while the other two isoforms, α-Syn 112 and 98, arise from exon 3 and exon 3, 5 skipping respectively were not. Moreover, overexpressing the isoforms showed that those lacking exon 5 were more toxic and induced more α-Syn aggregation. Their toxicity was exacerbated in the presence of rotenone and was not affected by boosting the SUMOylation.
Conclusions:
These results show that the non-SUMOylated isoforms of α-Syn are more toxic and they may shed light on the role of SUMOylation machinery in modulating α-Syn aggregation also as pharmacological target and may set the stage for understanding more about the behavior of α-Syn isoforms.
Reactive P/S/N-containing synergistic flame retardant towards eco-friendly durable flame-retardant cotton fabric: Flame-retardant property, durability and mechanism
Authors: Wang Peng , Tu Jiang , Zhao Qianyu , Guan Jinping , Xiao Hang , Wu Chunhong
Published: July 2022

Developing eco-friendly durable flame-retardant cotton fabric not only expands its application area, but also caters to the healthy and environmentally friendly concept of consumers. Herein, a reactive P/S/N-containing synergistic flame retardant (PSN) was synthesized to prepare eco-friendly durable flame-retardant cotton fabric through chemical modifying method. ATR-FTIR and NMR data confirmed its successful synthesis of PSN. TGA data showed that PSN triggered the earlier degradation, while facilitated the char formation at high temperature of cotton fabric. Whiteness and tensile data demonstrated that the high-temperature acidic processing environment deteriorated the whiteness and tensile strength of cotton fabric. Flame-retardant data revealed that PSN conferred outstanding flame retardancy, fire safety and durability to cotton fabric. For treated fabric with the add-on of 14.2%, it achieved an LOI value of 36.5% and extinguished spontaneously even after 50 laundering cycles. PHRR, THR and FGI values of treated fabric decreased sharply in comparison with those of the control fabric. TG-FTIR, SEM and XPS analyses confirmed that PSN exhibited high-efficiency flame-retardant behavior because of the synergy between P, S and N elements.
Left atrial CT volume and CHA2DS2-VASc score predict pulmonary vein stump thrombus after left upper lobectomy
Authors: Takumi Koji , Nagano Hiroaki , Ueda Kazuhiro , Umehara Tadashi , Tokunaga Takuya , Kamimura Go , Sato Masami , Nakanosono Ryota , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to clarify the feasibility of left atrial (LA) volume measurement and CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting the development of pulmonary vein (PV) stump thrombus after left upper lobectomy (LUL). The study population comprised 50 patients who underwent LUL for pulmonary lesions. All patients were evaluated for the development of PV stump thrombus at 7 days after LUL. LA volume was measured using preoperative CT and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was evaluated. LA volume and CHA2DS2-VASc score were compared between patients with and without the development of PV stump thrombus using the Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of prediction of PV stump thrombus development. PV stump thrombus was detected in 17 (33.4%) of the 50 patients. LA volume was significantly greater in patients who developed PV stump thrombus than in those without thrombus (79.7±19.4 vs 66.6±17.0 mL, p=0.040). CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher in patients with PV stump thrombosis than in those without thrombus (3.4±1.5 vs 2.5±1.5, p=0.039). Area under the ROC curve values for predicting PV stump thrombus were 0.679, 0.676, and 0.714 for LA volume, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and their combination, respectively. In conclusion, LA volume measured using preoperative CT and CHA2DS2-VASc score may help predict the development of PV stump thrombus after LUL.
Luteolin can ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis-induced renal anemia through the SIRT1/FOXO3 pathway
Authors: Li Fei , Wei Ribao , Huang Mengjie , Chen Jianwen , Li Ping , Chen Xiangmei
Published: July 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Pathogenesis of plant-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Caenorhabditis elegans model
Authors: Ambreetha Sakthivel , Balachandar Dananjeyan
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa is a globally dreaded pathogen that triggers fatality in immuno-compromised individuals. The agricultural ecosystem is a massive reservoir of this bacterium, and several studies have recommended P. aeruginosa to promote plant growth. However, there were limited attempts to evaluate the health risks associated with plant-associated P. aeruginosa. The current study hypothesized that agricultural P. aeruginosa strains exhibit eukaryotic pathogenicity despite their plant-beneficial traits. ResultsWe have demonstrated that feeding with the plant-associated P. aeruginosa strains significantly affects C. elegans health. Out of the 18 P. aeruginosa strain tested, PPA03, PPA08, PPA10, PPA13, PPA14, PPA17, and PPA18 isolated from cucumber, tomato, eggplant, and chili exhibited higher virulence and pathogenicity. Correlation studies indicated that nearly 40% of mortality in C. elegans was triggered by the P. aeruginosa strains with high pyocyanin levels (>9 µg/ml). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that plant-associated P. aeruginosa could be a potential threat to human health similar to the clinical strains. Pyocyanin could be a potential biomarker to screen the pathogenic P. aeruginosa strains in the agricultural ecosystem.
DNA-PKcs regulates myogenesis in an AKT-dependent manner independent of induced DNA damage
Authors: Sutcu Haser , Ricchetti Miria
Published: July 2022

Skeletal muscle regeneration relies on muscle stem (satellite) cells. We previously demonstrated that satellite cells efficiently and accurately repair radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) via the DNA-dependent kinase DNA-PKcs. We show here that DNA-PKcs affects myogenesis independently of its role in DSB repair. Consequently, this process does not require the accumulation of DSBs and it is also independent of caspase-induced DNA damage. We report that in myogenic cells DNA-PKcs is essential for the expression of the differentiation factor Myogenin in an Akt2-dependent manner. DNA-PKcs interacts with the p300-containing complex that activates Myogenin transcription. We show also that SCID mice that are deficient in DNA-PKcs, and are used for transplantation and muscle regeneration studies, display altered myofiber composition and delayed myogenesis upon injury. These defects are exacerbated after repeated injury/regeneration events resulting in reduced muscle size. We thus identify a novel regulator of myogenic differentiation, and define a differentiation phase that does not involve the DNA damage/repair process.
Decreased susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to both dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine in northern Uganda
Authors: Tumwebaze Patrick , Conrad Melissa , Okitwi Martin , Orena Stephen , Byaruhanga Oswald , Katairo Thomas , Legac Jenny , Garg Shreeya , Giesbrecht David , Smith Sawyer , Ceja Frida , Nsobya Samuel , Bailey Jeffrey , Cooper Roland , Rosenthal Philip
Published: July 2022

Artemisinin resistance may facilitate selection of Plasmodium falciparum resistant to combination therapy partner drugs. We evaluated 99 P. falciparum isolates collected in 2021 from northern Uganda, where resistance-associated PfK13 C469Y and A675V mutations have emerged, and eastern Uganda, where these mutations are uncommon. With the ex vivo ring survival assay, isolates with the 469Y mutation (median survival 7.3% for mutant, 2.5% mixed, and 1.4% wild type) and/or mutations in Pfcoronin or falcipain-2a, had significantly greater survival; all isolates with survival > 5% had mutations in at least one of these proteins. With ex vivo growth inhibition assays, susceptibility to lumefantrine (IC50 14.6 vs. 6.9 nM, p < 0.0001) and dihydroartemisinin (2.3 vs. 1.5 nM, p = 0.003) was decreased in northern vs. eastern Uganda; 14/49 northern vs. 0/38 eastern isolates had lumefantrine IC50 > 20 nM (p = 0.0002). Targeted sequencing of 819 isolates from 2015-21 identified multiple polymorphisms associated with altered drug susceptibility, notably decreased susceptibility to lumefantrine with PfK13 469Y (p = 6x10− 8) and chloroquine with PfCRT mutations (p = 1x10− 20). Our results raise concern regarding activity of artemether-lumefantrine, the first-line antimalarial in Uganda.
Electrotaxis Behaviour of Droplets Composed of Aqueous Belousov-Zhabotinsky Solutions Suspended in Oil Phase
Authors: Back Oliver , Asally Munehiro , Wang Zuowei , Hayashi Yoshikatsu
Published: July 2022

Taxis is ubiquitous in biological and physical chemistry systems as a response to various external stimulations. We prepared aqueous droplets containing Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) solutions suspended on an oleic acid oil phase subject to DC electric field, and found that these BZ droplets undergo chemically driven translational motion towards the negative electrode under DC electric field. This electrotaxis phenomenon originates from the field-induced inhomogeneous distribution of reactants, in particular Br − ions, and consequently biased location of the leading centers towards the positive electrode. Chemical wave generated from the leading centre propagates passing the droplet centre of mass, and creates a gradient of interfacial tension when reaching the droplet-oil interface on the other side, resulting in a momentum exchange between the droplet and oil phases which drives the droplet move in the opposite direction of the electric field. A greater electric field strength renders stronger electrotaxis effect.
WITHDRAWN: Multi-Phase Study to Designing Sorter Machine with Focus on the Workstation Problems by Unify the QEC and Industrial Design Prototyping Techniques
Authors: Ipaki Baham , Molenbroek Johan , Merrikhpour Zahra , Faregh Seyed Ali
Published: July 2022

Workstations comprise a set of tools, machines, environments etc. This complicates the problem finding in the design process. A solution for it is good prototyping. Since each prototyping tool in design has advantages and disadvantages and minimal performance, combining and using it in a custom design process based on the existing conditions and design issues can give freedom for the designers to better understand engineering flaws for optimal design. This design study comprises two parts; Phase 1 focused on finding the problem when using the QEC tool, evaluating it and establishing an effective relationship between problem-solving and finding a solution in an apple sorting machine as a design case. In phase 2, based on problems listed from the initial phase, We, were designed a concept of the apple sorting machine evaluated by some industrial design prototyping techniques and QEC. This design study shows the benefits of using QEC as an ergonomic assessment tool for modelling the users' problems when interacting with anthropometric structure products and shows how issues extracted with the help of QEC can be translated into the design language.
Flow field reconstruction and shock train leading edge position detection of scramjet isolation section based on a small amount of CFD data
Authors: CHEN HAO , Tian Ye , Guo Mingming , Le Jialing , Ji Yuan , Zhang Yi , Zhang Hua , Zhang Chenlin
Published: July 2022

In scramjet, the position of shock train is affected by the change of back pressure. When the leading edge of the shock train is pushed out from the inlet of the isolation section, the engine will not start. Therefore, it is very important to detect the flow field structure in the isolation section and the leading edge position of the shock train. The traditional shock train detection method has low detection accuracy and slow detection speed. This paper describes a method based on deep learning to reconstruct the flow field in the isolation section and detect the leading edge of the shock train. Under various back pressure conditions, the flow field images of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data and the corresponding upper and lower wall pressure data were obtained, and a data set corresponding to pressure and flow field was constructed. By constructing and training convolution neural network, a mapping model with pressure information as input and flow field image as output is obtained, and then the leading edge position of shock train is detected on the output flow field image. The experimental results show that the average structure similarity (SSIM) between the reconstructed flow field image and the CFD flow field image is 0.902, the average peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is 25.289, the average correlation coefficient (CORR) is 0.956, and the root mean square error of shock train leading edge detection is 3.28mm. Finally, in order to improve the detection accuracy of the leading edge position, we fine tuned the model and obtained another detection method, which reduced the root mean square error of the detection results to 1.87mm.
Research on Abrasive Pool Machining Method Based on Gas-solid Two-phase Flow
Authors: Yuan Wei , Wang Wenhua , Guo Qianjian , Lv xuehu , Wang Xingcan , Chi Baotao
Published: July 2022

For complex curved difficult to machine parts, a new method based on pneumatic suspension abrasive pool bright finishing processing is proposed, using the mixing of pneumatic suspension abrasive, the workpiece surface and fluidized abrasive to produce relative motion velocity, so that the solid particles and workpiece surface microscopic two-body abrasive wear to achieve the effect of precision machining. The experimental test material is the widely used Q235 steel plate. The experimental parameters include workpiece shape (round tube, square tube, cylindrical), abrasive particle size (24, 80, 120 mesh count), gas-solid two-phase flow pattern (dispersion fluidization state, turbulent fluidization state, spurting fluidization state), abrasive particle shape (sphere, irregularity) and spindle speed (600, 900, 1200 rpm). An orthogonal test was designed according to the experimental parameters, and the degree of influence of each parameter on the processing of the abrasive cell was evaluated by the roughness of the workpiece surface together with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph of the workpiece surface, and the optimal combination of parameters was judged using the extreme difference method as well as the factor trend diagram. The results show that under the present experimental conditions, the workpiece surface roughness (Ra) can reach a minimum value of 0.4 µm. The feasibility of gas-solid two-phase flow processing is demonstrated from an experimental point of view, and the advantages of abrasive cell processing are explored.
New Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients with Left-Sided Bioprosthetic Heart Valves and Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Dong , Chang Peng , Zhang Hongliang , Wu Qiang , Bai Feng
Published: July 2022

Purposes: The aim of the present meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NOACs versus VKAs in patients with AF and left-sided BHV.Methods: We review literatures for data from Pubmed, Cochrane, ISI Web of Sciences and Embase comparing NOACs with VKAs among patients with left-sided BHV and AF. The efficacy outcomes of this meta-analysis are stroke and all-causes mortality, while major bleeding and any bleeding, as the safety outcomes, are also analyzed.Results: The analysis includes 13 studies enrolling 28,099 patients with AF and left-sided BHV. There are no differences in the incidence of stroke [Risk Ratio (RR) 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-1.31], all-cause mortality [RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.71-1.18] and any bleeding [RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.60-1.10], when NOACs significantly reduce the rate of major bleeding by 30% compared with VKAs [RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.56-0.87]. For patients younger than 80 years, NOACs may be more valuable in preventing brain embolism than VKAs [RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.35-0.87]. And NOACs may result in fewer bleeding events in patients without heart failure [RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.67-0.78].Conclusion: In patients with AF and left-sided BHV, NOACs correlate with a similar incidence of stroke, all-cause mortality and any bleeding as compared to VKAs, while may reduce the rate of major bleeding. Overall, there is at least comparable safety and efficacy between the using of NOACs and VKAs in this meta-analysis.
Underformed chip thickness and machined surface roughness in radial ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding process
Authors: Yue Yansong , Zhao Biao , Wu Bangfu , Ding Wenfeng
Published: July 2022

Particle reinforced titanium matrix composites have attracted increasing attention to fabricate key components in the aerospace field. Grinding process, as a precision machining method, has been widely adopted to guarantee the desired machining quality. However, poor machining quality and severe tool wear are inevitable for the conventional grinding (CG) process, resulting from the presence of reinforced particles and fibers. In addition, the material removal characteristics and ground surface quality are significantly affected by the undeformed chip thickness (UCT). In this case, a radial ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding (UVAG) device was fabricated, and the associated UCT model was established in views of the actual exposure height of grains, the number of dynamic grains, and the intermittent grinding of abrasive grains. The UCT model was then modified on the basis of ground surface roughness. Results showed that the maximum error of the UCT was 9.5% compared with the developed model and experimental value, and the UCT in UVAG reached 15–20 times compared with that in the CG process. Moreover, the influence of grinding depth on the UCT was not monotonous, and the UCT was the smallest when the grinding depth was approximately 60 µm.
Frost resistance investigation of fiber reinforced recycled brick aggregate cementitious materials
Authors: Ji Yongcheng , Zhang Hongrui
Published: July 2022

In order to solve the problem of environmental pollution caused by construction waste, one typical waste of red bricks was selected as raw materials in recycled concrete. This study presented recycled concrete by substitution some natural aggregates with treated red brick aggregates to study and analyze the mechanism degradation law of recycled brick aggregates concrete in the cold region. Total fifteen categories specimens and three experimental parameters were considered, which included numbers of freeze-thaw cycles (0, 50, and 100), steel fiber admixtures (0%, 1%, and 2%), and brick aggregate substitution rates (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), respectively. The quick freeze-thaw test method was selected to investigate the degradation law of mass loss rate and relative dynamic elastic modulus of recycled concrete under various freeze-thaw cycles. The digital microscope and SEM were used to observe the internal microstructural changes of the specimens under different freeze-thaw times. In addition, the microscopic damage morphology and damage mechanism of the specimens were analyzed. Finally, the flexural strength of the frost-damaged specimens was tested to analyze the mechanical deterioration of the recycled concrete, and the numerical model corresponding to steel fiber dosing and recycled aggregate replacement rate was presented. The gray correlation analysis was used to quantify the influence of each experimental variable on the corresponding experimental indexes under various freeze-thaw cycles. Results showed that the specimen's mass decreased after freeze-thaw cycles, and the mass loss exerted the most serious for the specimens at 50% and 75% brick substitution rates. In addition, the specimens showed the best relative dynamic modulus and the maximum flexural strength when the steel fiber doping was 1%. The numerical model agreed with experimental data and effectively predicted the specimens' mass loss rate, relative dynamic modulus, and flexural strength after freeze-thaw cycles. The gray correlation analysis showed that the steel fiber contents had a maximum correlation with the flexural strength, the brick substitution rates for the relative dynamic modulus, and mass loss controls the freeze-thaw cycles.
Grassland versus forest dwelling rodents as indicators of environmental contamination with the zoonotic nematode Toxocara canis
Authors: Krupińska Martyna , Antonová Daniela , Tołkacz Katarzyna , Strachecka Aneta , Goll Aleksander , Nowicka Joanna , Baranowicz Karolina , Bajer Anna , Behnke Jerzy M. , Grzybek Maciej
Published: July 2022

Small mammals are suspected of contributing to the dissemination of Toxocara canis and helping with the parasite's survival during periods when there is a temporary absence of suitable definitive hosts. While the primary aim of the current study was the assessment of seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infections in wild rodents in Poland, we also explored the role of intrinsic (sex, age) and extrinsic factors (study site, year of study) influencing dynamics of this infection to ascertain whether grassland versus forest rodents play a greater role as indicators of environmental contamination with T. canis. We trapped 577 rodents belonging to four species (Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, Alexandromys oeconomus) in north-eastern Poland. Blood was collected during the parasitological examination, and serum was frozen at -80°C until further analyses. A bespoke enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibodies against T. canis. We found T. canis antibodies in the sera of all four rodent species with an overall seroprevalence of 2.8% [1.9-4.1]. There was a significant difference in seroprevalence between vole species, with the grassland species (M. arvalis, M. agrestis, and A. oeconomus) showing a 16-fold higher seroprevalence (15.7% [8.7-25.9]) than the forest-dwelling, M. glareolus (0.98% [0.5-1.8]). We hypothesise that the seroprevalence of T. canis differs between forest and grassland rodents because of the higher contamination of grasslands by domestic dogs and wild canids. Our results underline the need for wide biomonitoring of both types of ecosystems to assess the role of rodents as indicators of environmental contamination with zoonotic pathogens.
Inclination controls CO2 and N2O fluxes, but not CH4 uptake, from a temperate upland forest soil
Authors: Triches Nathalie Ylenia , Gillespie Lauren Michelle , Abalos Diego , Finke Peter , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Glatzel Stephan , Díaz-Pinés Eugenio
Published: July 2022

Inclination and spatial variability in soil and litter properties influence soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, but their relationship in forest ecosystems is poorly understood. To elucidate this, we explored the effect of inclination, distance to a stream, soil moisture, soil temperature, and other soil and litter properties on soil-atmosphere fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) with automated static chambers in a temperate upland forest in Eastern Austria. We hypothesised that soil CO2 emissions and CH4 uptake are higher in sloped locations with lower soil moisture content, whereas soil N2O emissions are higher in flat, wetter locations. During the measurement period, soil CO2 emissions were significantly higher on flat locations (p < 0.05), and increased with increasing soil temperature (p < 0.001) and decreasing soil moisture (p < 0.001). The soil acted as a CH4 sink, and CH4 uptake was not significantly related to inclination. However, CH4 uptake was significantly higher at locations furthest away from the stream compared to at the stream (p < 0.001), and positively related to litter weight and soil C content (p < 0.01). N2O fluxes were significantly higher on flat locations and further away from the stream (p < 0.05), and increased with increasing soil moisture (p < 0.001), soil temperature (p < 0.001) and litter depth (p < 0.05). Overall, this study underlines the importance of inclination and the resulting soil and litter properties in predicting GHG fluxes from forest soils.
Post COVID-19 condition diagnosis: A population-based cohort study of occurrence, associated factors, and healthcare use by severity of acute infection
Authors: Hedberg Pontus , Granath Fredrik , Bruchfeld Judith , Askling Johan , Sjöholm Daniel , Fored Michael , Färnert Anna , Naucler Pontus
Published: July 2022

Background
The occurrence and healthcare use trajectory of post COVID-19 is poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate these aspects in SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals with and without a post COVID-19 condition diagnosis.
Methods
We conducted a population-based cohort study of adults in the entire Stockholm Region, Sweden, with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test from 1 March 2020 to 31 July 2021, stratified by severity of the acute infection. The study outcome was a post COVID-19 condition diagnosis registered any time 90 to 360 days after positive test. We performed Cox regression models to assess baseline characteristics associated with post COVID-19. Individuals with post COVID-19 were then propensity-score matched to individuals without post COVID-19 to assess healthcare use beyond the acute infection.
Findings:
Among 204 805 SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals, the proportion receiving a post COVID-19 diagnosis was 1% among individuals not hospitalized for their COVID-19 infection, 6% among hospitalized, and 32% among ICU-treated individuals. Female sex was associated with post COVID-19 among non-hospitalized and hospitalized individuals, with interactions between age and sex. Previous mental health disorders and asthma were associated with post COVID-19 among non-hospitalized [aHR 2·18 (95% CI 1·98 − 2·39), aHR 2·09 (95% CI 1·82 − 2·40)] and hospitalized [aHR 1·38 (95% CI 1·17 − 1·64), aHR 1·64 (95% CI 1·34 − 2·00)] individuals. Among individuals with post COVID-19, the monthly proportion with outpatient care visits after the infection compared to before the infection was substantially elevated up to one year after the acute infection, with substantial proportions of this care attributed to care related to post COVID-19.
Interpretation:
The differential association of age, sex, comorbidities, and healthcare use with severity of the acute infection indicates different trajectories and phenotypes of post COVID-19 condition, with incomplete resolution one year after infection.
Symbiont-driven niche expansion shapes the adaptive radiation of insects
Authors: Cornwallis Charlie , Padje Anouk van’t , Ellers Jacintha , Klein Malin , Jackson Raphaella , Kiers Toby , West Stuart , Henry Lee
Published: July 2022

For over 300 million years, insects have relied on symbiotic microbes for nutrition and defence1,2. However, it is unclear whether specific ecological conditions have repeatedly favoured the evolution of symbioses, and how this has influenced insect diversification1,3,4. Using data on 1849 microbe-insect symbioses across 402 insect families, we found that symbionts have allowed insects to specialize on a range of nutrient-imbalanced diets, including phloem, blood and wood. Across diets, the only limiting nutrient consistently associated with the evolution of obligate symbiosis was B vitamins. The shift to new diets, facilitated by symbionts, had mixed consequences for insect diversification. In some cases, such as herbivory, it resulted in spectacular species proliferation. In other niches, such as strict blood feeding, diversification has been severely constrained. Symbioses therefore appear to solve widespread nutrient deficiencies for insects, but the consequences for insect diversification depend on the feeding niche invaded.
Iron oxide/hydroxide – nitrogen doped graphene-like visible-light active photocatalytic layers for antibiotics removal from wastewater
Authors: Ivan R. , Popescu C. , Antohe V. A. , Antohe S. , Logofatu C. , Pino A. Pérez , György E.
Published: July 2022

Hybrid layers consisting of Fe oxide, Fe hydroxide, and nitrogen doped graphene-like platelets have been synthesized by an eco-friendly laser-based method for photocatalytic applications. The complex composite layers show high photodecomposition efficiency towards degradation of antibiotic molecules under visible light irradiation. The photodecomposition efficiency was investigated as a function of relative concentrations of base materials, Fe oxide nanoparticles and graphene oxide platelets used for the preparation of target dispersions submitted to laser irradiation. Although reference pure Fe oxide / Fe hydroxide layers have high absorption in the visible spectral region, their photodecomposition efficiency is negligible under the same irradiation conditions. The high photocatalytic decomposition efficiency of the nanohybrid layer, up to 80% of the initial antibiotic molecules was assigned to synergistic effects between the constituent materials, efficient separation of the electron-hole pairs generated by visible light irradiation on the surface of Fe oxide and Fe hydroxide nanoparticles, in the presence of conducting graphene-like platelets. Nitrogen doped graphene-like platelets contribute also to the generation of electron-hole pairs under visible light irradiation, as demonstrated by the photocatalytic activity of pure, reference nitrogen doped graphene-like layers. The results also showed that adsorption processes do not contribute significantly to the removal of antibiotic molecules from the test solutions. The decrease of the antibiotic concentration under visible light irradiation was assigned primarily to photocatalytic decomposition mechanisms.