bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional variations in the acceptance and experience of intimate partner violence in Nigeria: Revisiting cosmopolitan-success and conservative-failure hypothesis
Authors: Alabi Tunde A. , Ramsden Mark J.
Published: December 2022

This study investigates regional variations in the factors associated with acceptance and actual experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) among married women in northern and southern Nigeria - two regions with distinct socio-cultural and economic differences. Data from the 2018 demographic and health survey are analysed to compare these two regions. The sample comprised married/living-with-partner women within the reproductive age of 15-49. Overall, a positive association exists between IPV experience and IPV acceptance, regardless of which is used as the outcome variable. Contrary to the notion that IPV is prevalent where its acceptance is high, this study finds that the reverse is true. IPV acceptance is significantly higher in the north than in the south (39.4% versus 14.7%), but the reverse is the case for the actual experience of IPV (20.1% versus 24.7%). Being employed and having access to the internet reduce the odds of IPV victimisation for women in the south, but increases the chances for northern women. Muslims in the north have significantly higher odds of IPV acceptance than their Christian counterparts in the same region, but the reverse is the case in the south. Regional differences also exist in the influence of decision-making, educational difference between spouses, and media exposure. While the cosmopolitan-success and conservative-failure hypothesis explains the regional differences in the acceptance of IPV, it fails to explain differences in the actual experience of IPV. The study provides alternative explanations for the regional differences in the experience of IPV and acceptance of it in Nigeria, and it points to the need for differing intervention programmes across regions. Notably, the study found that the association between justification of IPV and actual experience of it is bi-directional and suggests caution in making causal inferences.
A systematic study on 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult Clonorchis sinensis worms
Authors: Ma R.-h. , Wang X.-f. , Li Q. , Cai H.-y. , Luo X.-b.
Published: December 2022

Limited studies provide direct evidence of Clonorchis sinensis adults in the early stage of gallbladder stone formation. Our current research systematically studied 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult worms and shed light on the definite connection of C. sinensis infection with concomitant cholelithiasis. A total of 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult C. sinensis worms were systematically analysed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy spectrometry were used to analyse the composition and microstructure. Meanwhile, a histopathological examination of the stone was carried out. The 33 gallbladder stones resembling adult C. sinensis worms included nine calcium carbonate (CaCO3) stones, 12 bilirubinate stones and 12 mixed stones. Clonorchis sinensis eggs were found in 30 cases, including all CaCO3 and mixed stones. Parasite tissues were detected in 12 cases, which were mainly CaCO3 stones or bilirubinate–CaCO3 mixed stones. The outer layer of stones was wrapped with 12.88% calcium salt, as revealed by X-ray energy spectrometry, while surprisingly, many C. sinensis eggs were found in the inner part of these stones. Based on our current findings, we concluded that calcification and packaging occurred after C. sinensis adult entrance into the gallbladder, subsequently leading to the early formation of CaCO3 or bilirubinate–CaCO3 mixed gallbladder stones. This discovery highlights definite evidence for C. sinensis infection causing gallbladder stones.
Domain-general auditory processing as a conceptual and measurement framework for second language speech learning aptitude: A test-retest reliability study
Authors: Saito Kazuya , Tierney Adam
Published: December 2022

This article proposes a conceptual and measurement framework for postpubertal, L2 speech learning aptitude that is centered around domain-general auditory processing (i.e., representing spectral and temporal characteristics of sounds). To this end, we examine the construct and reliability of a battery of auditory processing tests by presenting the results of an empirical study wherein 100 participants took the tests twice. The findings showed (a) that the tasks tapped into multiple dimensions of auditory processing ability (e.g., perceptual acuity, audio-motor integration); and (b) that test-retest reliability ranged from “fair” to “excellent” (ICC (2,2) = .4–.8). Last, we introduce an offline version of the tests (deposited at L2 Speech Tools for Researchers & Teachers; http://sla-speech-tools.com/), provide a brief user manual, and invite researchers to use these tests to examine the role of auditory processing in various aspects of L2 speech learning (naturalistic vs. classroom, perception- vs. production-based practice).
On the way to an interpreter advantage in coordination: evidence from interpreting students across different training stages
Authors: Zhong Fei , Dong Yanping
Published: December 2022

Despite extensive discussions on interpreter advantages in nonverbal abilities/skills, the advantage in coordination remains underexplored, with little evidence from interpreting students across different training stages. To fill the gap, the present study conducted two experiments with the Psychological Refractory Period dual-task consisting of two discrimination tasks presented either alone or together. Smaller dual-task costs in Task 1 and/or Task 2 are considered indices for better coordination (with smaller costs restricted to Task 2 further suggesting better bottleneck coordination). Experiment 1, focusing on the intermediate training stage, revealed a bottleneck coordination advantage for interpreting students over controls, which differs from the task instantiation and/or bottleneck access advantage found for professional interpreters in Strobach et al. (2015). Experiment 2, focusing on the beginning stage, revealed no group differences between controls and interpreting students with less/more training (Experiment 2a/2b respectively), suggesting no evidence for an interpreter advantage in coordination. Developmental changes are discussed.
Learning by Doing: Seasonal and Diurnal Features of Tropical Precipitation in a Global‐Coupled Storm‐Resolving Model
Authors: Segura H. , Hohenegger C. , Wengel C. , Stevens B.
Published: December 2022

Using the global and coupled ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic model with the Sapphire configuration (ICON‐S) and a grid spacing of 5 km, we describe seasonal and diurnal features of the tropical rainbelt and assess the limits of ICON‐S in representing tropical precipitation. ICON‐S shows that, by resolving meso‐beta scale process, the rainbelt structure and its seasonality (zonal and meridional migration and enlargement) is reproduced, with better performance over land than over ocean and with a very high degree of agreement to observations. ICON‐S especially struggles in capturing the seasonal features of the tropical rainbelt over the oceans of the Eastern Hemisphere, an issue associated with a cold sea surface temperature (SST) bias at the equator. ICON‐S also shows that a perfect representation of the diurnal cycle of precipitation over land is not a requirement to capture the seasonal features of the rainbelt over land, while over the ocean, 5 km is sufficient to adequately represent the diurnal cycle of precipitation.
Impact of Cyclone‐Cyclone Interaction on Lake‐Effect Snowbands: A False Alarm
Authors: Cao Zuohao , Xu Qin , Zhang Da‐Lin
Published: December 2022

In this study, the impacts of two cyclone interactions with the environmental flow and with each other on a heavy winter snowfall event over the Great Lakes region are examined by applying a recently‐developed diagnostic tool to a lake‐effect snowstorm. This winter snowfall event was a false alarm by the Canadian operational model, in which the predicted lake‐effect snowfall at the lee side of Lake Erie doubles the observed. The false alarm involves the interactions of two cyclones, whose relative locations are poorly predicted, leading to inaccurate prediction of their induced winds and interactions over Lake Erie at both low and upper levels. In particular, at 1,000 hPa, the cyclone‐induced winds and their interactions over Lake Erie caused colder and drier air over warm‐moist open‐water lake surface that is favorable for more latent heat flux deriving from the lake in the model than in the real atmosphere. At 500 hPa, the location errors of the model predicted cyclones reversed the cyclone‐induced winds over Lake Erie from mainly southerly to northerly, especially during the intense snowfall period. An analysis of the conditional symmetric instability (CSI) index over Lake Erie reveals that the operational model systematically over‐predicts CSI, more significantly during the intense snowfall period. As a result, the operational model prediction makes a false alarm of a lake‐effect snowfall event with large errors in precipitation intensity. Future improvements in operational model predictions are also suggested.
Impact of Aerosols on Convective System Over the North China Plain: A Numerical Case Study in Autumn
Authors: Xiao Zhisheng , Yu Yang , Miao Yucong , Zhu Shaobin , He Hui , Wang Yongqing , Che Huizheng
Published: December 2022

The effects of aerosols on deep convective systems are highly uncertain. We used a coupled meteorology and chemistry model to investigate the effects of aerosols on a convective precipitation event that took place in North China from 7 to 10 October 2017. A higher concentration of aerosols can lead to more cloud condensation nuclei, which increases the condensation of water vapor and the formation of cloud droplets. Although the auto‐conversion from cloud droplets to rain can be inhibited due to the diminished effective radius of cloud droplets, more cloud droplets can be accreted by raindrops, resulting in a larger effective radius of raindrops and making them less likely to evaporate. Besides, aerosols can contribute to the vapor deposition of snow, and a larger number of cloud droplets can provide the resources needed for the riming growth of snow in the cloud, which eventually results in more and larger snow particles. Also, the net latent heat released by these microphysical processes can increase the vertical velocity and facilitate the development of the convective system. Thereby, the precipitation in North China during the study period was ultimately enhanced. We analyzed the influence of aerosols on this precipitation event from a microphysical perspective, which might improve our understanding of complex aerosol‐cloud‐precipitation interactions.
Synthetic Rain Models and Optical Flow Algorithms for Improving the Resolution of Rain Attenuation Time Series Simulated From Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Razavian Mojtaba , Oestges Claude , Vanhoenacker‐Janvier Danielle
Published: December 2022

New generation of satellite system communication is moving toward frequencies above 20 GHz and non‐geostationary satellites. In order to guaranty the quality of service, specific Fade Mitigation Techniques have to be applied, like Advanced Coding and Modulation (ACM). In order to accurately design ACM, time series of attenuation should be used. As there are no measurements available, the simulation of attenuation times series for non‐geostationary earth‐space links becomes critical. This paper presents a model consisting in a combination of a Numerical Weather Prediction model (Weather Research and Forecasting), a synthetic rain cell model MultiEXCELL and Optical Flow techniques. It gives an efficient method to generate more realistic rain attenuation time series. Long‐term CCDF statistics of simulated attenuation data are validated by comparison with the Alphasat measurement data over 2 years at Louvain‐la‐Neuve ground station.
The times they are a-changin’: a proposal on how brain flexibility goes beyond the obvious to include the concepts of “upward” and “downward” to neuroplasticity
Authors: Diniz Cassiano Ricardo Alves Faria , Crestani Ana Paula
Published: December 2022

Since the brain was found to be somehow flexible, plastic, researchers worldwide have been trying to comprehend its fundamentals to better understand the brain itself, make predictions, disentangle the neurobiology of brain diseases, and finally propose up-to-date treatments. Neuroplasticity is simple as a concept, but extremely complex when it comes to its mechanisms. This review aims to bring to light an aspect about neuroplasticity that is often not given enough attention as it should, the fact that the brain’s ability to change would include its ability to disconnect synapses. So, neuronal shrinkage, decrease in spine density or dendritic complexity should be included within the concept of neuroplasticity as part of its mechanisms, not as an impairment of it. To that end, we extensively describe a variety of studies involving topics such as neurodevelopment, aging, stress, memory and homeostatic plasticity to highlight how the weakening and disconnection of synapses organically permeate the brain in so many ways as a good practice of its intrinsic physiology. Therefore, we propose to break down neuroplasticity into two sub-concepts, “upward neuroplasticity” for changes related to synaptic construction and “downward neuroplasticity” for changes related to synaptic deconstruction. With these sub-concepts, neuroplasticity could be better understood from a bigger landscape as a vector in which both directions could be taken for the brain to flexibly adapt to certain demands. Such a paradigm shift would allow a better understanding of the concept of neuroplasticity to avoid any data interpretation bias, once it makes clear that there is no morality with regard to the organic and physiological changes that involve dynamic biological systems as seen in the brain.
HPV status represents dominant trait driving delineation of survival-associated gene co-expression networks in head and neck cancer
Authors: Mehdi Ahmed M. , Zhou Chenhao , Turrell Gavin , Walpole Euan , Porceddu Sandro , Frazer Ian H. , Chandra Janin
Published: December 2022

Integration of high-dimensional tumor gene expression data with clinicopathological data can increase our understanding of disease diversity, enable retrospective patient stratification, and identify new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Using a systems biology approach, we provide a holistic overview of gene co-expression networks in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of HNSCC RNA sequencing data from 519 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to determine correlates of 5-year survival, using regression tree-based optimal threshold calculations. Survival-associated gene sets were transformed to gene set scores that were assessed for correlation with clinicopathological data. We identified 8 gene co-expression modules for HNSCC tumors, each of which contained co-expressed genes associated significantly with 5-year survival. Survival-associated co-expression gene signatures correlated dominantly with tumor HPV and p16 status. Network analysis identified that survival was associated with signaling networks of infection, immunity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), hypoxia, glycolysis, focal adhesion, extracellular matrix, MYC signaling, autophagy and transcriptional regulation. EMT-associated gene signatures were expressed dominantly in fibroblasts, and cancer-associated fibroblasts were inversely correlated with immune activity. Interestingly, a high Immune Suppression Score based on expression of 21 genes associated with immune inhibition and including immune checkpoints, cytokines and regulatory T cell factors, was also associated with increased survival probability, and was significantly higher in HPV+ HNSCC. Networks associated with HNSCC survival were further associated with survival in cervical cancer, melanoma and lung cancer. This study defines 5129 genes associated with HNSCC survival, organized into co-expressed networks, their correlation with clinicopathological data, and with gene expression data from other malignant diseases, and provides a source for the discovery of biomarkers and novel therapies for HNSCC.
High-precision mapping reveals rare N6-deoxyadenosine methylation in the mammalian genome
Authors: Chen Li-Qian , Zhang Zhang , Chen Hong-Xuan , Xi Jian-Fei , Liu Xue-Hong , Ma Dong-Zhao , Zhong Yu-Hao , Ng Wen Hui , Chen Tao , Mak Daniel W. , Chen Qi , Chen Yao-Qing , Luo Guan-Zheng
Published: December 2022

N6-deoxyadenosine methylation (6mA) is the most widespread type of DNA modification in prokaryotes and is also abundantly distributed in some unicellular eukaryotes. However, 6mA levels are remarkably low in mammals. The lack of a precise and comprehensive mapping method has hindered more advanced investigations of 6mA. Here, we report a new method MM-seq (modification-induced mismatch sequencing) for genome-wide 6mA mapping based on a novel detection principle. We found that modified DNA bases are prone to form a local open region that allows capture by antibody, for example, via a DNA breathing or base-flipping mechanism. Specified endonuclease or exonuclease can recognize the antibody-stabilized mismatch-like structure and mark the exact modified sites for sequencing readout. Using this method, we examined the genomic positions of 6mA in bacteria (E. coli), green algae (C. reinhardtii), and mammalian cells (HEK239T, Huh7, and HeLa cells). In contrast to bacteria and green algae, human cells possess a very limited number of 6mA sites which are sporadically distributed across the genome of different cell types. After knocking out the RNA m6A methyltransferase METTL3 in mouse ES cells, 6mA becomes mostly diminished. Our results imply that rare 6mA in the mammalian genome is introduced by RNA m6A machinery via a non-targeted mechanism.
The neglected role of micronutrients in predicting soil microbial structure
Authors: Peng Ziheng , Liang Chunling , Gao Min , Qiu Yu , Pan Yanjing , Gao Hang , Liu Yu , Li Xiaomeng , Wei Gehong , Jiao Shuo
Published: December 2022

Predicting the distribution patterns of soil microbial communities requires consideration of more environmental drivers. The effects of soil micronutrients on composition of microbial communities are largely unknown despite micronutrients closely relating to soil fertility and plant communities. Here we used data from 228 agricultural fields to identify the importance of micronutrients (iron, zinc, copper and manganese) in shaping structure of soil microbial communities (bacteria, fungi and protist) along latitudinal gradient over 3400 km, across diverse edaphic conditions and climatic gradients. We found that micronutrients explained more variations in the structure of microbial communities than macronutrients in maize soils. Moreover, micronutrients, particularly iron and copper, explained a unique percentage of the variation in structure of microbial communities in maize soils even after controlling for climate, soil physicochemical properties and macronutrients, but these effects were stronger for fungi and protist than for bacteria. The ability of micronutrients to predict the structure of soil microbial communities declined greatly in paddy soils. Machine learning approach showed that the addition of micronutrients substantially increased the predictive power by 9–17% in predicting the structure of soil microbial communities with up to 69–78% accuracy. These results highlighted the considerable contributions of soil micronutrients to microbial community structure, and advocated that soil micronutrients should be considered when predicting the structure of microbial communities in a changing world.
Dislocation-position fluctuations in solid 4He as collective variables in a quantum crystal
Authors: de Koning Maurice , Cai Wei
Published: December 2022

Quantum behavior at mesoscopic length scales is of significant interest, both from a fundamental-physics standpoint, as well as in the context of technological advances. In this light, the description of collective variables comprising large numbers of atoms, but nevertheless displaying non-classical behavior, is a fundamental problem. Here, we show that an effective-Hamiltonian approach for such variables, as has been applied to describe the quantum behavior of coupled qubit/oscillator systems, can also be very useful in understanding intrinsic behavior of quantum materials. We consider lattice dislocations – naturally occurring mesoscopic line defects in crystals – in the prototypical bosonic quantum crystal, solid4He. For this purpose, we map fully atomistic quantum simulations onto effective one-dimensional Hamiltonians in which the collective dislocation-position variables are represented as interacting, massive quantum particles. The results provide quantitative understanding of several experimental observations in solid4He.
Predicting stress response and improved protein overproduction in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Tibocha-Bonilla Juan D. , Zuñiga Cristal , Lekbua Asama , Lloyd Colton , Rychel Kevin , Short Katie , Zengler Karsten
Published: December 2022

Bacillus subtilisis a well-characterized microorganism and a model for the study of Gram-positive bacteria. The bacterium can produce proteins at high densities and yields, which has made it valuable for industrial bioproduction. Like other cell factories, metabolic modeling ofB. subtilishas discovered ways to optimize its metabolism toward various applications. The first genome-scale metabolic model (M-model) ofB. subtiliswas published more than a decade ago and has been applied extensively to understand metabolism, to predict growth phenotypes, and served as a template to reconstruct models for other Gram-positive bacteria. However, M-models are ill-suited to simulate the production and secretion of proteins as well as their proteomic response to stress. Thus, a new generation of metabolic models, known as metabolism and gene expression models (ME-models), has been initiated. Here, we describe the reconstruction and validation of a ME model ofB. subtilis,iJT964-ME. This model achieved higher performance scores on the prediction of gene essentiality as compared to the M-model. We successfully validated the model by integrating physiological and omics data associated with gene expression responses to ethanol and salt stress. The model further identified the mechanism by which tryptophan synthesis is upregulated under ethanol stress. Further, we employediJT964-ME to predict amylase production rates under two different growth conditions. We analyzed these flux distributions and identified key metabolic pathways that permitted the increase in amylase production. Models likeiJT964-ME enable the study of proteomic response to stress and the illustrate the potential for optimizing protein production in bacteria.
A repository for the publication and sharing of heterogeneous materials data
Authors: Gong Haiyan , He Jie , Zhang Xiaotong , Duan Lei , Tian Ziqi , Zhao Wei , Gong Fuzhou , Liu Tong , Wang Zongguo , Zhao Haifeng , Jia Weipeng , Zhang Lei , Jiang Xue , Chen Wencong , Liu Shilong , Xiu Hao , Yang Wenjin , Wan Jiawang
Published: December 2022

National Materials Data Management and Service platform (NMDMS) is a materials data repository for the publication and sharing of heterogeneous materials scientific data and follows the FAIR principles: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. To ensure data are ‘Interoperable, NMDMS uses a user-friendly semi-structured scientific data model, named dynamic container’, to define, exchange, and store heterogeneous scientific data. Then, a personalized yet standardized data submission subsystem, a rigorous project data review and publication subsystem, and a multi-granularity data query and retrieval subsystem collaboratively make data ‘Reusable’, ‘Findable’, and ‘Accessible’. Finally, China’s “National Key R&D Program: Material Genetic Engineering Key Special Project” has adopted NMDMS to publish and share its project data. There are 12,251,040 pieces of data published in NMDMS since 2018, under 87 categories and 1,912 user-defined schemas from 45 projects. The platform has been accessed 908875 times, and 2403,208 pieces of data have been downloaded. In short, NMDMS effectively accelerates the publication and sharing of material project data in China.
Combined analysis of PS-InSAR and hypsometry integral (HI) for comparing seismic vulnerability and assessment of various regions of Pakistan
Authors: Ramzan Uqba , Fan Hong , Aeman Hafsa , Ali Muhammad , A. A. Al-qaness Mohammed
Published: December 2022

InSAR-based deformation analysis and the geomorphic hypsometric integral (HI) technique are powerful tools for assessing the susceptibility and comparison of seismic sites to earthquakes. Therefore, this paper mainly focuses on surface deformation analysis associated with the Mw 5.0 earthquake (2019) in Mach and Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. Sentinel-1 IW data was used to perform PS-InSAR time series analysis. SRTM DEM of 30 m spatial resolution was utilized for the geomorphic Hypsometry Integral (HI) method. The obtained results of the Interferogram indicate the changes in velocity and vertical displacement during pre-seismic, co-seismic, and post-seismic activity. Integral values were calculated using Hypsometry curves delineating the future probability and comparison of vulnerable seismological sites in Mach, Quetta, Ghazaband, Chamman and surroundings of Balochistan region. The combined results of HI and PS-InSAR revealed that Mach and Quetta regions are in between two lines known as the mature stages. Class 1_moderate (0.35 ≤ HI ≤ 0.52); with an integral value of HIMach = 0.398 and HIQuetta = 0.435 with a modest seismic forthcoming rate in future and susceptible to both erosion/uplifting with a vertical displacement rate more than existing ± 55 mm/year. Class 2_high (HI ˃ 0.53) with the younger and more tectonically active region surrounded by Chaman fault, which possesses a future susceptible tendency towards subsidence more than an existing velocity rate ~ 8 mm/year and Ghazaband fault towards uplifting more than 5–6 mm/year. No region of the study area was found at Monadnock: class 3_Low (HI ˂ 0.35) stabilized condition, all sites are unstable and tectonically active. Therefore, obtained results through combined PS-InSAR and HI techniques can be used for the identification of most vulnerable seismic sites and can ascertain future safe metropolitan planning.
Structure optimization of new tumor-selective Passerini α-acyloxy carboxamides as Caspase-3/7 activators
Authors: Ayoup Mohammed Salah , Wahby Yasmin , Abdel-Hamid Hamida , Abu-Serie Marwa M. , Teleb Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Selective elimination of tumors has always been the mainstay of oncology research. The on-going research underlying the cellular apoptotic mechanisms reveal caspases activation, especially the key effector caspase-3, as a personalized tumor-selective therapeutic strategy. Our continued research protocol has exploited new optimized Passerini α-acyloxy carboxamides as efficient apoptotic inducers via caspase-3/7 dependent mechanism with highly selective anticancer profiles. The adopted design rationale relied on excluding structural alerts of previous leads, while merging various pharmacophoric motifs of natural and synthetic caspase activators via optimized one-pot Passerini reaction conditions. The prepared compounds resulting from Passerini reaction were screened for their cytotoxic activities against colorectal Caco-2 and liver HepG-2 cancer cells compared to normal fibroblasts utilizing MTT assay. Notably, all compounds exhibited promising low-range submicromolar IC50 against the studied cancer cell lines, with outstanding tumor selectivity (SI values up to 266). Hence, they were superior to 5-fluorouracil. Notably, 7a, 7g, and 7j conferred the highest potencies against Caco-2 and HepG-2 cells and were selected for further mechanistic studies. Caspas-3/7 activation assay of the hit compounds and flow cytometric analysis of the treated apoptotic cancer cells demonstrated their significant caspase activation potential (up to 4.2 folds) and apoptotic induction capacities (up to 58.7%). Further assessment of Bcl2 expression was performed being a physiological caspase-3 substrate. Herein, the three studied Passerini adducts were able to downregulate Bcl2 in the treated Caco-2 cells. Importantly, the mechanistic studies results of the three hits echoed their preliminary MTT antiproliferative potencies data highlighting their caspase-3 dependent apoptotic induction. Finally, the in silico predicted physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles, as well as ligand efficiency metrics were drug-like.
Endotracheal tube biofilm in critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic : description of an underestimated microbiological compartment
Authors: Maldiney Thomas , Pineau Valentin , Neuwirth Catherine , Ouzen Linda , Eberl Isabelle , Jeudy Géraldine , Dalac Sophie , Piroth Lionel , Blot Mathieu , Sautour Marc , Dalle Frédéric , Abdulmalak Caroline , Ter Schiphorst Romain , Pugliesi Paul-Simon , Poussant Thomas , Ogier-Desserrey Agathe , Fournel Isabelle , de Giraud d’Agay Melchior , Jacquier Marine , Labruyère Marie , Aptel François , Roudaut Jean-Baptiste , Vieille Thibault , Andreu Pascal , Prin Sébastien , Charles Pierre-Emmanuel , Hamet Maël , Quenot Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2022

Biofilm (BF) growth is believed to play a major role in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care unit. Despite concerted efforts to understand the potential implication of endotracheal tube (ETT)-BF dispersal, clinically relevant data are lacking to better characterize the impact of its mesostructure and microbiological singularity on the occurrence of VAP. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective observational study during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, between March and May 2021. In total, 64 ETTs collected from 61 patients were included in the present BIOPAVIR study. Confocal microscopy acquisitions revealed two main morphological aspects of ETT-deposited BF: (1) a thin, continuous ribbon-shaped aspect, less likely monobacterial and predominantly associated with Enterobacter spp., Streptococcus pneumoniae or Viridans streptococci, and (2) a thicker, discontinuous, mushroom-shaped appearance, more likely characterized by the association of bacterial and fungal species in respiratory samples. The microbiological characterization of ETT-deposited BF found higher acquired resistance in more than 80% of analyzed BF phenotypes, compared to other colonization sites from the patient’s environment. These findings reveal BF as a singular microbiological compartment, and are of added clinical value, with a view to future ETT-deposited BF-based antimicrobial stewardship in critically ill patients.

Trial registration NCT04926493. Retrospectively registered 15 June 2021.
A novel strategy for process optimization of a natural gas liquid recovery unit by replacing Joule–Thomson valve with supersonic separator
Authors: Shoghl Sina Nabati , Naderifar Abbas , Farhadi Fatola , Pazuki Gholamreza
Published: December 2022

The natural gas liquid recovery is an important process in a gas plant to correct hydrocarbon dew point and earn profit. In this study, a natural gas liquid recovery unit operated based on the Joule–Thomson process was investigated and its performance was optimized. To improve the system performance, the plant configuration and intermediate pressure ratio were defined as the variables and maximization of the natural gas liquid recovery rate and maximization of exergy efficiency were defined as the objective functions. To improve the plant performance, the amount of natural gas liquid recovery rate should be increased. To achieve this goal, several scenarios for the intermediate pressure ratio and three new configurations were proposed for the investigated gas plant. In the proposed configurations, the supersonic separators with optimized structures were used instead of the Joule–Thomson process. It was observed that all three proposed configurations improved the natural gas liquid recovery rate compared to the existing configuration. For example, by installing two supersonic separators instead of second and third stage Joule–Thomson valve + low temperature separator, at the optimal operating condition, the natural gas liquid recovery rate increased about 390%. The influence of the intermediate pressure ratio on the phase envelope diagram, exergy efficiency, dew point depression and natural gas liquid recovery rate was also investigated. By comparing the influence of intermediate pressure ratio and modifying the plant configuration on the objective functions, it was observed that the system performance can be further improved by modifying the plant configuration.
Mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of duplex stainless steel weldment using novel electrodes
Authors: Omiogbemi Ibrahim Momoh-Bello , Yawas Danjuma Saleh , Das Atanu , Afolayan Matthew Olatunde , Dauda Emmanuel Toi , Kumar Roshan , Gorja Sudhakar Rao , Chowdhury Sandip Ghosh
Published: December 2022

Mechanical and corrosion properties of welded duplex stainless steel (DSS) structures are of paramount consideration in many engineering applications. The current research investigates the mechanical properties and corrosion integrity of duplex stainless-steel weldment in a simulated 3.5% NaCl environment using specially developed novel electrodes without the addition of alloying elements to the flux samples. Two different types of fluxes having basicity indexes of 2.40 and 0.40 were used to coat E1 and E2 electrodes respectively for DSS plate welding. The thermal stability of the formulated flux was evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis. The chemical composition, using optical emission spectroscopy, and the mechanical and corrosion properties of the welded joints were evaluated as per different ASTM standards. X-ray diffraction was used to find out the phases present in the DSS welded joints while a scanning electron equipped with EDS was used for microstructural examination of the weldments. The ultimate tensile strength of welded joints made using the E1 electrode was in the range of 715–732 MPa and that of the E2 electrode was found to be 606–687 MPa. The hardness was increased with increased welding current from 90 to 110 A. The welded joint with E1 electrode coated with basic flux has better mechanical properties. The steel structure in 3.5% NaCl environment possesses substantial resistance to corrosion attack. This validates the performance of the welded joints made by the newly developed electrode. The results are discussed on the basis of the depletion of alloying elements such as Cr and Mo observed from the weldments with the coated electrodes E1 and E2 as well as precipitation of the Cr2N in the welded joints made by E1 and E2 electrodes.
The interaction effect of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and dispatcher CPR on outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Sohn Youdong , Cho Gyu Chong , Cho Youngsuk
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and dispatcher-assisted CPR (DA-CPR) on outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We conducted a prospective observational study using the Korean Cardiac Arrest Research Consortium registry database and enrolled adults aged > 20 years who sustained OHCA. The study population comprised 13,864 patients from October 1, 2015, to June 30, 2021. All enrolled patients were transported to the emergency room and resuscitated by the emergency medical personnel. Patients with terminal illnesses, pregnancy, “do not resuscitate” cards, and insufficient recorded information were excluded. Good neurologic outcomes were noted in 6.5%, 9.9%, and 9.6% of patients in the “no bystander”, “standard bystander”, and “compression-only bystander” CPR groups, respectively, and differed significantly (p < 0.001). Survival to discharge differed significantly (p < 0.001) between groups at 10.8%, 13.1%, and 13.2%, respectively. In a multivariable model, the interaction between “compression-only” and DA-CPR showed a positive effect on good neurological outcomes and survival to discharge with an odds ratio of 1.93 (Confidence interval, CI 1.28–2.91, p = 0.002) and 1.74 (CI 1.24–2.44, p = 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, the interaction between compression-only CPR and DA-CPR is significantly associated with good neurological and survival outcomes after OHCA. Education for bystanders and dispatchers should adhere to the current guidelines to improve outcomes among OHCA victims.
Drug sensitivity profiling of 3D tumor tissue cultures in the pediatric precision oncology program INFORM
Authors: Peterziel Heike , Jamaladdin Nora , ElHarouni Dina , Gerloff Xenia F. , Herter Sonja , Fiesel Petra , Berker Yannick , Blattner-Johnson Mirjam , Schramm Kathrin , Jones Barbara C. , Reuss David , Turunen Laura , Friedenauer Aileen , Holland-Letz Tim , Sill Martin , Weiser Lena , Previti Christopher , Balasubramanian Gnanaprakash , Gerber Nicolas U. , Gojo Johannes , Hutter Caroline , Øra Ingrid , Lohi Olli , Kattamis Antonis , de Wilde Bram , Westermann Frank , Tippelt Stephan , Graf Norbert , Nathrath Michaela , Sparber-Sauer Monika , Sehested Astrid , Kramm Christof M. , Dirksen Uta , Kallioniemi Olli , Pfister Stefan M. , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Jones David T. W. , Saarela Jani , Pietiäinen Vilja , Jäger Natalie , Schlesner Matthias , Kopp-Schneider Annette , Oppermann Sina , Milde Till , Witt Olaf , Oehme Ina
Published: December 2022

The international precision oncology program INFORM enrolls relapsed/refractory pediatric cancer patients for comprehensive molecular analysis. We report a two-year pilot study implementing ex vivo drug sensitivity profiling (DSP) using a library of 75–78 clinically relevant drugs. We included 132 viable tumor samples from 35 pediatric oncology centers in seven countries. DSP was conducted on multicellular fresh tumor tissue spheroid cultures in 384-well plates with an overall mean processing time of three weeks. In 89 cases (67%), sufficient viable tissue was received; 69 (78%) passed internal quality controls. The DSP results matched the identified molecular targets, including BRAF, ALK, MET, and TP53 status. Drug vulnerabilities were identified in 80% of cases lacking actionable (very) high-evidence molecular events, adding value to the molecular data. Striking parallels between clinical courses and the DSP results were observed in selected patients. Overall, DSP in clinical real-time is feasible in international multicenter precision oncology programs.
A standalone incompatible insect technique enables mosquito suppression in the urban subtropics
Authors: Zeng Qin , She Lingzhi , Yuan Hao , Luo Yuying , Wang Renke , Mao Wei , Wang Weifeng , She Yueting , Wang Chaojun , Shi Mengyi , Cao Ting , Gan Renxian , Li Yongjun , Zhou Jiayi , Qian Wei , Hu Shixiong , Wang Yong , Zheng Xiaoying , Li Kuibiao , Bai Lianyang , Pan Xiaoling , Xi Zhiyong
Published: December 2022

The strong suppression of Aedes albopictus on two Guangzhou islands in China has been successfully achieved by releasing males with an artificial triple-Wolbachia infection. However, it requires the use of radiation to sterilize residual females to prevent population replacement. To develop a highly effective tool for dengue control, we tested a standalone incompatible insect technique (IIT) to control A. albopictus in the urban area of Changsha, an inland city where dengue recently emerged. Male mosquitoes were produced in a mass rearing facility in Guangzhou and transported over 670 km under low temperature to the release site. After a once-per-week release with high numbers of males (phase I) and a subsequent twice-per-week release with low numbers of males (phase II), the average numbers of hatched eggs and female adults collected weekly per trap were reduced by 97% and 85%, respectively. The population suppression caused a 94% decrease in mosquito biting at the release site compared to the control site. Remarkably, this strong suppression was achieved using only 28% of the number of males released in a previous trial. Despite the lack of irradiation to sterilize residual females, no triple-infected mosquitoes were detected in the field post release based on the monitoring of adult and larval A. albopictus populations for two years, indicating that population replacement was prevented. Our results support the feasibility of implementing a standalone IIT for dengue control in urban areas.
One-pot synthesis of cyclic-aminotropiminium carboxylate derivatives with DNA binding and anticancer properties
Authors: Palai Bibhuti Bhusana , Patel Saket Awadhesbhai , Sharma Nagendra K. , Dixit Manjusha
Published: December 2022

Tropolone, a nonbenzenoid aromatic molecule, is a constituent of troponoid natural products possessing a wide range of bioactivities, including anticancer. This report describes the one-pot synthesis and mechanistic studies of fifteen fluorescent Caryl-Nalkyl-substituted cyclic-aminotroponiminium carboxylate (cATC) derivatives by unusual cycloaddition and rearrangement reactions. Herein, the biochemical studies of four cATC derivatives reveal a non-intercalative binding affinity with DNA duplex. In vitro/in vivo studies show strong anti-tumor activity in three cATC derivatives. These derivatives enter the cells and localize to the nucleus and cytoplasm, which are easily traceable due to their inherent fluorescence properties. These three cATC derivatives reduce the proliferation and migration of HeLa cells more than the non-cancer cell line. They induce p38-p53-mediated apoptosis and inhibit EMT. In xenograft-based mouse models, these cATC derivatives reduce tumor size. Overall, this study reports the synthesis of DNA binding fluorescent Caryl-Nalkyl-cyclic-aminotroponiminium derivatives which show anti-tumor activity with the minimum side effect.
Evidence of entropy cascade in collisionless magnetized plasma turbulence
Authors: Kawamori Eiichirou , Lin Yu-Ting
Published: December 2022

The turbulence of collisionless magnetized plasmas, as observed in space, astrophysical, and magnetically confined fusion plasmas, has attracted considerable interest for a long-time. The entropy cascade in collisionless magnetized plasmas is a theoretically proposed dynamics comparable to the Kolmogorov energy cascade in fluid turbulence. Here, we present evidence of an entropy cascade in laboratory plasmas by direct visualization of the entropy distribution in the phase space of turbulence in laboratory experiments. This measurement confirms the scaling laws predicted by the gyrokinetic theory with the dual self-similarity hypothesis, which reflects the interplay between the position and velocity of ions by perpendicular nonlinear phase mixing. This verification contributes to our understanding of turbulent heating in the solar corona, accretion disks, and magnetically confined fusion plasmas.
Anthropogenic sulfate aerosol pollution in South and East Asia induces increased summer precipitation over arid Central Asia
Authors: Xie Xiaoning , Myhre Gunnar , Shindell Drew , Faluvegi Gregory , Takemura Toshihiko , Voulgarakis Apostolos , Shi Zhengguo , Li Xinzhou , Xie Xiaoxun , Liu Heng , Liu Xiaodong , Liu Yangang
Published: December 2022

Precipitation has increased across the arid Central Asia region over recent decades. However, the underlying mechanisms of this trend are poorly understood. Here, we analyze multi-model simulations from the Precipitation Driver and Response Model Intercomparison Project (PDRMIP) to investigate potential drivers of the observed precipitation trend. We find that anthropogenic sulfate aerosols over remote polluted regions in South and East Asia lead to increased summer precipitation, especially convective and extreme precipitation, in arid Central Asia. Elevated concentrations of sulfate aerosols over remote polluted Asia cause an equatorward shift of the Asian Westerly Jet Stream through a fast response to cooling of the local atmosphere at mid-latitudes. This shift favours moisture supply from low-latitudes and moisture flux convergence over arid Central Asia, which is confirmed by a moisture budget analysis. High levels of absorbing black carbon lead to opposing changes in the Asian Westerly Jet Stream and reduced local precipitation, which can mask the impact of sulfate aerosols. This teleconnection between arid Central Asia precipitation and anthropogenic aerosols in remote Asian polluted regions highlights long-range impacts of anthropogenic aerosols on atmospheric circulations and the hydrological cycle.
Miniature optical fiber curvature sensor via integration with GaN optoelectronics
Authors: Shi Fan , Zhang Hao , Ye Ziqi , Tang Xianwu , Qin Feifei , Yan Jiabin , Gao Xumin , Zhu Hongbo , Wang Yongjin , Liu Yuhuai , Amano Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

Optical fiber curvature sensors have been considered as a promising option for human motion detection due to its good toughness, bending flexibility and anti-electromagnetic interference. However, for wearable devices, the miniature configuration is preferred, and a high integration of the light emitter, receiver and guided fiber is essential to configure the miniaturized sensing system. Here, we present a miniaturized curvature sensing system by integrating a GaN-based optoelectronic chip with the plastical optical fiber (POF). The light emitter and detector are fabricated on a GaN-on-sapphire wafer to form a tiny chip sized at 2.5 $$\times$$
×
 1.5 mm2. The on-chip photodetector (PD) effectively senses the reflected light intensity, extracting information on the fiber bending deformation. A compact curvature sensing system is demonstrated for finger motion detection with movement angles of 30–90° and frequencies of 0.4, 1, and 1.6 Hz. The results show that the monolithically integrated LED and PD chip can be combined with the POF with reliable operation. The demonstration of the monolithically integrated optoelectronic device suggests a promising potential technology for future wearable fiber optical sensor system.
In situ quantitative measurements on MMP-9 activity in single living cells by single molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Xintong , Ding Luoyu , Song Haohan , Yu Wenxin , Dong Chaoqing , Ren Jicun
Published: December 2022

MMP-9 activity in single living cells under different stimulation conditions was in situ quantitatively measured with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Duplex-immunoassay of ovarian cancer biomarker CA125 and HE4 based carbon dot decorated dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Zi-Xuan , Ding Shou-Nian
Published: December 2022

Duplex-immunoassay of CA125 and HE4 using DMSNs@CD560as a fluorescent probe.
An insight into the non-covalent interactions in the solid state structures of dinuclear cobalt(ii) complexes with N,O-donor ligands: application of the complexes in the fabrication of Schottky devices
Authors: Sarkar Rabi Sankar , Biswas Animesh , Ray Partha Pratim , Gomila Rosa M. , Drew Michael G. B. , Banerjee Snehasis , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: December 2022

Two new dinuclear cobalt(ii) complexes were synthesized using compartmental N,O-donor ligands. The optical properties of the complexes were studied with focus on the band gaps.
Photo-functionalized metal–organic frameworks for anti-counterfeiting applications
Authors: Li Meiling , Ren Guojian , Yang Weiting , Pan Qinhe
Published: December 2022

Photo-functionalized metal–organic frameworks with unique structures and rich fluorescent components exhibit different levels of optical anti-counterfeiting under various types of stimulation.
Computational NMR of the iron pyrazolylborate complexes [Tp2Fe]+ and Tp2Fe including solvation and spin-crossover effects
Authors: Pyykkönen Ari , Vaara Juha
Published: December 2022

State-of-the-art NMR computations of paramagnetic Fe complexes suggest reassignment of experimental signals and interpret the spin-crossover between low- and high-spin states.