bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Fake Messages Using Two PKCs
Authors: Dissanayake W.D.M.G.M.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, two public key cryptosystems are presented and analyzed. The first cryptosystem is an improvement of RSA public key cryptosystem. The second cryptosystem is a novel public key cryptosystem. The encryption/decryption moduli of the introduced new public key scheme is quite different from widely used encryption/decryption moduli by other public key cryptosystems. The introduced new public key cryptosystem based on the exponentiation congruence and use an interesting, computer-friendly modulus:2𝑛. These primitives can be used in protocols for authentication, key exchanges and digital signatures. The introduced two public key cryptosystems are more suitable for highly confidential digital transactions. Both of the cryptosystems are strongly IND secure. The most important thing is, that the both of the public key cryptosystems can identify whether a message is fake or not. The introduced new public key cryptosystem is very collaborative with hash functions such as Whirlpool and SHA-512, because of the modulus 2𝑛.
FeCl3-Promoted Photocatalytic Cleavage of Cα–Cβ Bond in Lignin and Lignin Model to Aromatic Monomers
Authors: Liu Xinwei , Wang Liguo , Sun Fengxia , Sun Yujuan , Zhai Lianjing , Liu Zhanzhan , Liu Jianing
Published: April 2023

Because of the polymerization structure and inherent inert chemical activity of lignin, it is still challenging to depolymerize lignin to obtain valuable chemicals. Here, we present the FeCl3 promoted photocatalytic depolymerization strategy to realize Cα-Cβ oxidative cleavage of lignin model compounds at room temperature. The method generates benzoic acid and phenol compounds with high yield. In addition, the method is effective for the depolymerization of organosolv lignin and affords the corresponding cleavage products of Cα-Cβ bonds.This strategy provides a method of using economical photocatalyst to depolymerize lignin, and provides a reference for the industrial depolymerization of lignin.
A case of repeated in-stent restenosis of coronary artery as a primary manifestation of seronegative antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Authors: Fu Mingqiang , Chang Shufu , Ma Jianying , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2023

A 65-year-old female with effort chest pain was hospitalized for unstable angina in Janurary, 2015. Coronary angiography revealed sub-total occlusion of proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, where a drug-eluting stent was successfully deployed. The patient experienced multiple in-stent occlusion at LAD coronary artery and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery was advised. Subsequently, severe stenosis of left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery emerged, and the patient suffered persistent in-stent restenosis. Eventually, the patient was diagnosed with seronegative antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and salvaged by immunosuppressants.
Myrislignan Targets Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) and Modulates Mitochondrial Function to Dampen Osteoclastogenesis and Ovariectomy-i nduced Osteoporosis
Authors: Yang Tao , Chen Weiwei , Gan Kai , Wang Chaofeng , Xie Xiaoxiao , Su Yuangang , Lian Haoyu , Xu Jiake , Zhao Jinmin , Liu Qian
Published: April 2023

Background Numerous studies have confirmed that activated osteoclasts cause excessive bone resorption, disrupting bone homeostasis and leading to osteoporosis. Moreover, ERK signaling is the classical pathway related to osteoclast differentiation. Besides, reactive oxygen species (ROS) is mainly from mitochondria, which is closely associated with the differentiation of osteoclasts. Myrislignan (MRL), a natural product derived from nutmeg, has various pharmacological activities. However, its effect on the treatment of osteoporosis is unclear. Therefore, this study mainly investigated whether MRL could inhibit osteoclastogenesis and bone mass loss in ovariectomy (OVX) mice via suppressing mitochondrial function and ERK signaling.Methods Tartrate-resistant and phosphatase (TRAP) assay and bone resorption assay were used to observe the effect of MRL on osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, we added MitoSOX RED and tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining to test the inhibitory effect of MRL on mitochondria. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay detected whether MRL suppressed the expression of specific genes in osteoclasts. The impact of MRL on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) related proteins was evaluated by western blotting. Besides, a specific ERK agonist LM22B-10 (LM), was added to revalidate the inhibitory effect of MRL on ERK. Moreover, we established an OVX mouse model to assess the therapeutic effect of MRL on osteoporosis in vivo.Results MRL was proven to press osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption function, significantly reducing osteoclastic gene expression. Mechanistically, MRL inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK by suppressing the role of mitochondria, causing the downregulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) signaling. The experiment result of adding LM further clarified the targeted inhibition effect of MRL on ERK. The results of microscopic computed tomography (Micro-CT) and histology sections of the tibia in vivo indicated that OVX mice had lower bone mass and higher expression of ERK. However, after the MRL application, these results were significantly reversed, suggesting that MRL had a decent anti-osteoporosis effect.Conclusion We saw for the first time that MRL could inhibit ERK signaling by suppressing mitochondrial function, thus reducing OVX-induced osteoporosis. This novel finding could provide a broad prospect for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Long term administration of loquat leaves and their major component, ursolic acid, attenuated endogenous amyloid-β burden and memory impairment
Authors: Iwasa Kensuke , Yagishita Sosuke , Yagishita-Kyo Nan , Yamagishi Anzu , Yamamoto Shinji , Yamashina Kota , Haruta Chikara , Asai Masashi , Maruyama Kei , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Yoshikawa Keisuke
Published: April 2023

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) leaves contain many bioactive components such as ursolic acid (UA) and amygdalin. We investigated the effects of loquat leaf powder and methanol extract in human neuroglioma H4 cells stably expressing the Swedish-type APP695 (APPNL-H4 cells) and C57BL/6J mice. Surprisingly, the extract greatly enhanced cellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) 42 productions in APPNL-H4 cells. Administration of leaf powder increased Aβ42 levels after 3 months and decreased levels after 12 months compared to control mice. Leaf powder had no effect on working memory after 3 months, but improved working memory after 12 months. Administration of UA decreased Aβ42 and P-tau levels and improved working memory after 12 months, similar to the administration of leave powder for 12 months. Amygdalin enhanced cellular Aβ42 production in APPNL-H4 cells, which was the same as the extract. Three-month administration of amygdalin increased Aβ42 levels slightly but did not significantly increase them, which is similar to the trend observed with the administration of leave powder for 3 months. UA was likely the main compound contained in loquat leaves responsible for the decrease in intracerebral Aβ42 and P-tau levels. Also, amygdalin might be one of the compounds responsible for the transiently increased intracerebral Aβ42 levels.
Comparison of Cognitive Workload and Surgical Outcomes between a Three-dimensional and Conventional microscope Macular Hole Surgery
Authors: Kelkar Aditya , S Natarajan , Kothari Akshay , Bolisetty Mounika
Published: April 2023

Background Performing a surgical task subjects the surgeon to multitudinal stressors, especially with the newer 3D technology. The quantum of cognitive workload using this modern surgical system in comparison to the Conventional microscope system remains unexplored. We evaluate the surgeon’s cognitive workload and the surgical outcomes of macular hole(MH) surgery performed on a 3D versus a Conventional microscope operating system.Methods 50 eyes patients with MH undergoing surgery using the 3D or Conventional microscope visualization system. Cognitive workload assessment was done by real-time tools(Surgeons' heart rate [HR] and oxygen saturation[SPO2]) and self-report tool(Surgery Task Load Index[SURG-TLX] questionnaire) of three Vitreoretinal surgeons. Based on the SURG-TLX questionnaire, was performed.Results Of the 50 eyes, 30 eyes and 20 eyes underwent surgery with the Conventional microscope and the 3D system, respectively. No difference was noted in the MH basal-diameter(p = 0.128), total surgical-duration(p = 0.299), internal-limiting membrane(ILM) peel time(p = 0.682), and the final VA(p = 0.515) between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvement in VA(p < 0.001) with a 90% closure rate at one-month post-surgery. Cognitive workload comparison, the intraoperative HR(p = 0.024), total workload score(P = 0.005), and temporal-demand dimension(p = 0.004) were significantly more in Conventional microscope group as compared to 3D group. In both the groups, the HR increased significantly from the baseline while performing ILM peeling and at the end.Conclusion The surgeon’s cognitive workload is markedly reduced while performing macular hole surgery with a 3D viewing system. Moreover, duration of surgery including ILM peel time, MH closure rates, and visual outcomes remains unaffected irrespective of the operating microscope system.
Fixed-Time Adaptive Fuzzy Control For Uncertain MIMO Nonlinear Systems With Preisach Operator
Authors: Huang Kai , Lai Guanyu , Zhang Yun , Liu Zhi , Wu Yuanqing , Chen C.L.Philip
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a fixed-time adaptive control strategy is developed for the uncertain MIMO nonlinear systems preceded by Preisach operator. For the existing approaches, it is difficult in determining the bound of setting time since unknown hysteresis and interconnected terms coexist in the analysis of stability. To tackle this difficulty, we present a robust fixed-time based approach by adopting the technique of adaptive fuzzy system. Benefiting from the proposed approach, bounded time-varying gains and disturbance-like terms which are from the decomposition of unknown Preisach operators and uncertainties with interconnected terms are accommodated. Furthermore, a type of special Lyapunov function is constructed to ensure that tracking errors converge to presettable intervals respectively, and the closed loop system is proved to be fixed-time stable. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach, a numerical simulation is conducted.
Avulsion of aortic valve commissure in Behcet's disease
Authors: Luo Xian , Yu Tao , Yin Li-Xue , Deng Yan , Zuo Ming-Liang
Published: April 2023

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown cause that is recognized worldwide. Cardiovascular system involvement is rare and the most common manifestation of endocardiac involvement in BD is aortic regurgitation (AR). The ultrasonic manifestations of BD- related AR such as echo-free spaces and vegetation-like lesions, can be misdiagnosed with infective endocarditis and bacterial vegetations [1]. This article presents a rare case of avulsion of aortic valve (AV) commissure associated with BD, who experienced hypotension and shock supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Hybrids of two destructive subterranean termites established in the field, revealing a potential for gene flow between species
Authors: Li Hou-Feng , Chen Guan-Yu , Huang Shih-Ying , Lin Ming-Der , Chouvenc Thomas , Ching Yung-Hao
Published: April 2023

Hybridization between invasive pest species may lead to significant genetic and economic impacts that require close monitoring. The two most invasive and destructive termite species worldwide, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann), have the potential for hybridization in the field. A three-year field survey conducted during the dispersal flight season of Coptotermes in Taiwan identified alates with atypical morphology, which were confirmed as hybrids of the two Coptotermes species using microsatellite and mitochondrial analyses. Out of 27,601 alates collected over three years, 4.4% were confirmed as hybrid alates, and some advanced hybrids (>F1 generations) were identified. The hybrid alates had a dispersal flight season that overlapped with the two parental species 13 out of 15 times. Most of the hybrid alates were female imply that backcross mating opportunities beyond F1 may primarily be possible through female hybrids. However, the incipient colony growth results from all potential mating combinations suggest that only backcross colonies with hybrid males could sometimes lead to brood development. The observed asymmetrical viability and fertility of hybrid alates may critically reduce the probability of advanced-hybrid colonies being established in the field.
Environmental Impacts of Petroleum Emissions: an Exploration of TOR’s Exposures and Experiences
Authors: Arthur Jones Lewis , Owusu Edward , Amofah Kwaku , Arthur Sonny Davis , Nsiah-Gyabaah Kwasi , Kumah Kwaku
Published: April 2023

This research used the questionnaire to seek the views of 30 respondents from a target population of 200 workers of Tema Oil Refinery. The issues investigated centred on exposures and experiences of TOR's operations in the environment of nearby communities. Both the IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20 and SmartPLS software were used to calculate the composite reliability test, Cronbach’s alpha, rho A, and Average Variance Extracted (AVE). The analysis covered how item reliability, internal consistency, convergent validity and discriminate validity. R and f squares statistics and the structural equation models could explain the environmental impacts of emissions from refineries. The structural equation model was accessed to establish the relationship between the predictor and impact variables. Collinearity assessments were also done to assess the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) of the study. The major predictors of environmental impacts for the oil refinery are related to the management of oil storage facilities, the durability of storage tanks and the regularity of the internal inspection of tanks. The major impacts of the refinery activities on the environment were on the quality of air and water.
Online Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Program for Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Savaş Esra , Keleş Merve , Tin Ozlem
Published: April 2023

Purpose:Breast cancer is a challenging process that affects the diagnosed people and their social environment psychologically, physiologically, socially,and economically. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Online Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) for Cancer program, which is prepared for people diagnosed with cancer to develop coping methods that will enable them to cope with the stress they experience in a healthy and active way.The research question is, whether attending the CBSM program is effective on psychological well- being of breast cancer patients.Material and Method:The study was completed with a total of 35 people, 17 in the experimental group and 18 in the control group. The pretest-posttest results of the experimental and control groups formed according to cancer type and stages were analyzed. The independent sample t-test was used in the comparison of the two groups of experimental and control groups. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the pretest-posttest scores.Results:There was no significant difference in the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental and control groups in terms of mental adjustment to cancer. There was a significant difference observed between the experimental ,and control groups in the post-test measurements in terms of psychosocial adjustmentto illness, assessment of coping attitudes, depression, hope, state and trait anxiety (p<.001).Conclusion:It can be stated that the Online CBSM program for breast cancer patients can enable them to cope with the stress they experience in a healthy and active way.
Novel host plant use by a specialist insect depends on geographic variation in both the host and herbivore species
Authors: Michielini James , Yi Xianfeng , Brown Leone , Gao Shan Ming , Orians Colin , Crone Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

Understanding the circumstances under which insect herbivores will adopt a novel host plant is a longstanding question in basic and applied ecology. While geographic variation in host use can arise through both differences in herbivore preference and in plant quality, there is a tendency to attribute geographic variation to regional differences in herbivore preference alone. This is especially true for herbivores specialized on one or a few plant species. We compared the contribution of variation in herbivore preference versus host plant quality to regional differences in adoption of a non-native host by a highly specialized herbivore, Euphydryas phaeton. In parts of its range, E. phaeton uses only a native host, Chelone glabra, while in others it also uses an introduced host, Plantago lanceolata. We offered female butterflies from each region the non-native host plant sourced from both regions and compared their oviposition behavior. The non-native host was almost universally rejected by butterflies in the region where only the native plant is used. In the region where butterflies use both hosts, females accepted non-native plants from their natal region twice as often as non-native plants from the other region where they are not used. Acceptance differed substantially among individual butterflies within regions but not among plants within regions. Thus, both individual preference and regional differences in both the insect and non-native host contributed to the geographic variation in different ways. These results highlight that, in addition to herbivore preference, regional differences in plant quality may be important drivers of diet breadth.
Exploratory analysis of injury severity under different levels of driving automation (SAE Level 2-5) using multi-source data
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Ding Shengxuan , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Barbour Natalia , Wang Zijin , Zheng Ou
Published: April 2023

Vehicles equipped with automated driving capabilities have shown the potential to improve safety and operations. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS) have been widely developed to support vehicular automation. Although the studies on the injury severity outcomes that involve automated driving systems are ongoing, there is limited research investigating the difference between injury severity outcomes of the ADAS and ADS vehicles using real-world crash data. To ensure comprehensive analysis, a multi-source dataset that includes the NHTSA crash database (752 cases), CA DMV crash reports (498 cases), and news outlet data (30 cases) is used. Two random parameters multinomial logit models with heterogeneity in the means and variances are estimated to gain a better understanding of the variables impacting the crash injury severity outcome for the ADAS (SAE Level 2) and ADS (SAE Levels 3-5) vehicles. We found that while 56 percent of crashes involving ADAS vehicles took place on a highway, 84 percent of crashes involving ADS took place in more urban settings. The model estimation results indicate that the weather indicators, traffic incident/work zone indicator, differences in the system sophistication that are captured by both– manufacture year and high/low mileage, type of collision, as well as rear and front impact indicators all play a significant role in the crash injury severity. The results offer an exploratory assessment of the safety performance of the ADAS and ADS equipped vehicles in the real-world environment and can be used by the manufacturers and other stakeholder to dictate the direction of their deployment and usage.
Incidence rates of treated mental disorders before and during the COVID-19 pandemic - a nationwide study comparing trends in the period 2015 to 2021
Authors: Jensen Pia , Engdahl Bo , Gustavson Kristin , Lund Ingunn Olea , Pettersen Johanne Hagen , Madsen Christian , Hauge Lars Johan , Knudsen Ann Kristin Skrindo , Reneflot Anne , Brandlistuen Ragnhild Eek , Ask Helga , Nesvåg Ragnar
Published: April 2023

Background:There is a concern that exposure to psychosocial stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to a higher incidence of mental disorders. Thus, this study aimed to compare trends in incidence rates of depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders in primary- and specialist health care before (2015-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021).Methods:We used aggregated population registry data to calculate incidence rates of mental disorders from primary (The Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursement Registry (KUHR)) and specialist (The Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR)) health care. The analyses included all Norwegian residents aged 18-65 during the study period. Incident cases were defined as having no previous registration with the same mental disorder in KUHR (from 2006) or NPR (from 2008). We used linear prediction models and mean models to compare incidence rates and test trends before and during the pandemic.Results:During the pandemic, the incidence rates among women were higher or as predicted for OCD in specialist care and for eating disorders in both primary and specialist care. Incidence rates for depression and phobia/OCD among both genders in primary care and phobic anxiety disorders among both genders in specialist care were lower or as predicted.Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic may have led to more women needing treatment for OCD and eating disorders in the Norwegian population. The decreased incidence rates for some disorders might indicate that some individuals either avoided seeking help or had improved mental health during the pandemic.
TACE sequential MWA guided by Cone-beam Computed Tomography in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma under the hepatic dome
Authors: Li Zhaonan , Xu Kaihao , Zhou Xueliang , Jiao Dechao , Han Xinwei
Published: April 2023

Purpose An assessment is being conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of using Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and microwave ablation (MWA) sequentially to treat small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) located in the hepatic dome.Materials and methods Fifty-three patients with small HCCs in the hepatic dome who underwent TACE combined with simultaneous CBCT-guided MWA were studied. Inclusion criteria were a single HCCs ≤ 5.0 cm or a maximum of three. The safety and interventional-related complications were monitored, and local tumor progression (LTP), overall survival (OS), and prognostic factors for LTP/OS were evaluated.Results The procedures were successfully accomplished in all patients. Adverse events and complications were mostly CTCAE Grade 1 or 2 (mild symptoms, no or local/noninvasive intervention indicated). Liver and kidney function and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels remained within a reasonable range after 4 weeks of treatment (both p < 0.001). The mean LTP was 44.406 months (95% CI: 39.429, 49.383) and the mean OS rate was 55.157 months (95% CI: 52.559, 57.754). The combination treatment achieved 1-, 3-, and 5-year LTP rates of 92.5%, 69.6%, and 34.5%, respectively; and 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of 100.0%, 88.4%, and 70.2%, respectively. Results from both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the tumor diameter (< 3 cm) and the distance to the hepatic dome (≥ 5 mm, < 10mm) had a significant impact on the patient's LTP and OS, and were related to better survival.Conclusion CBCT-guided TACE combined with simultaneous MWA was a safe and successful treatment of HCCs in the hepatic dome.
The expression of two immunosuppressive SIGLEC family molecules in papillary thyroid cancer and their effect on prognosis
Authors: Jin Tiefeng , Ge Luqi , Wang Wei , Li Xiang , Ge Minghua , Chen Long
Published: April 2023

Background. The thyroid cancer (THCA) subtype that occurs more frequently is papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Despite a favorable postoperative outcome, traditional antitumor therapy does not offer ideal results for patients with metastasis, relapse, and radioiodine resistance. Recent studies demonstrated the remarkable effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors on solid tumors, of which the immunoglobulin superfamily member SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 act as novel immunotherapy targets for tumors. Nevertheless, their role in PTC prognosis is still indefinite.
Methods. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to examine the expression of SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 in 244 PTC tissue specimens. Then the expression correlation between the two was analyzed in normal tissues (NT), tumor cells (TC), and tumor stroma (TS), respectively. Then the retrospective data on patients with PTC were collected to examine whether the two immunosuppressive SIGLEC family members could affect their prognosis.
Results. We confirmed that TC expressed higher levels of SIGLEC10 than NT. However, SIGLEC10 was down-regulated in TS and predicted poor outcomes. Meanwhile, down-regulation of SIGLEC15 expression was both observed in TC and TS, indicating a favorable prognosis. PTC patients with both SIGLEC10-SIGLEC15+ expression in TC and TS had a significantly higher recurrence risk. The expression of SIGLEC10 in TS and SIGLEC15 in TC or TS was an independent predictor of PFS, and a positive correlation was shown between SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 expression in TS.
Conclusions. Therefore, our results indicate that SIGLEC10 and SIGLEC15 may be applied as significant prognostic markers for PTC and attractive targets for THCA immunotherapy.
Ultrasonographic Imaging of the Fetal Hippocampus
Authors: Toprak Erzat , Sayal Hasan Berkan
Published: April 2023

Objectives: To investigate whether fetal hippocampus can be visualized in the prenatal examination with two dimentional ultrasound.
Methods: This study was designed in cross-section. Healthy singleton pregnant women who applied to the Perinatology outpatient clinic for second-level ultrasound scanning between December 2022 and February 2023 were included in the study. Patients were screened consecutively. Women who have single, healthy pregnancies between 18-24 weeks of gestation were included. Demographic information of the participants was obtained and an ultrasound scan was performed. The fetal fornix - hippocampus' length and height were measured in the sagittal section. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, median (min, max), or number (percent).
Results: A total of 92 patients were included in the study. Fetal fornix and hippocampus measurements were taken in % 97,8 (90/92) patients. The mean of the fetal fornix – hippocampus length and fetal hippocampus height of 90 patients were measured as 35.6 ± 3.0 and 4.7 ± 3.9, respectively.
Conclusion: Fetal fornix and hippocampus can be visualized in easily with two dimentional ultrasound during anomaly scanning in the second trimester.
Drivers’ Behavior at Unsignalized Intersections. An Empirical Analysis and Derivation of Requirements for the European Regulation 1426/2022 concerning the type-approval of automated driving systems
Authors: Albano Giovanni , Mattas Konstantinos , Donà Riccardo , Vass Sandor , Suarez-Bertoa Ricardo , Galassi Maria Cristina , Ciuffo Biagio
Published: April 2023

Automated driving systems (ADSs) navigating intersections, on top of avoiding accidents, should respect the safety distances accepted by human drivers, especially in case they lack the right of way in an unsignalized intersection. Failing to properly handle this type of situations can result on the one side in a high perceived risk by the approaching human drivers, who could then harshly react and generate risks to themselves and other road users, and, on the other side, in reducing the throughput of the intersection with possible aggressive and risky maneuvers by the human drivers following the ADS. In order to support defining an acceptable separation between an ADS and other road users in the case of crossing and merging with privileged traffic at unsignalized intersections, the present work analyzes the actual minimum separation accepted by human drivers in these conditions. Real-world manoeuvres have been extracted from two large datasets concerning urban and sub-urban unsignalized intersections. Results show that the average level of accepted risk registered in the two datasets is comparable. Important differences are found only for the most aggressive or conservative drivers. The results of the present study have been used to define the requirements for intersection merging and crossing introduced by the European Regulation 1426/2022, on the type-approval of SAE J3016 Level 4 ADS.
Effect of Strouhal Number and Stokes Number on the Flow Behaviour of an Axisymmetric Synthetic Jet: A Numerical Study
Authors: Panda Samarendra , Gohil Trushar B , Arumuru Venugopal
Published: April 2023

The study focusses on the response of a round synthetic jet (SJ) towards the Strouhal number and Stokes number An SJ is formed by issuing a stream of fluid into a low momentum region with the help of an oscillating boundary. The nature of the jet can be controlled by controlling the actuation frequency and amplitude of oscillation, and these two operating parameters are associated with the Strouhal number (St) and Stokes number (S) of the jet respectively. These non-dimensional numbers play a significant role in the effective utilization of SJs in controlling the flow, and heat transfer. The purpose of this article is to numerically investigate the flow behaviour of an SJ issued into a quiescent medium based on these two non-dimensional parameters. For analysis, a two-dimensional axisymmetric SJ is modelled using a finite volume solver integrated with openFOAM. The oscillating boundary resembles the motion of a diaphragm, and deforming mesh is enforced in the flow domain. Range of parameters within which the jet is operated: St – 0.13 to 0.16, and S – 23 to 36. The study highlights the strength, and spreading of the SJ based on St and S. Effect of St and S on the mean jet parameters such as centreline velocity decay, jet half-width, jet momentum flux, and entrainment rate are studied in detail, which can enhance the idea of operating an SJ effectively for better heat transfer and flow control. Time evolution of saddle point, and mean jet centreline decay profiles suggest the spacing between the orifice and a heated plate to be maintained for effective heat transfer. The jet should be operated at a low Strouhal number and high Stokes number for better impingement on a heated plate to be cooled. Low Strouhal number should be maintained to get high-velocity output, which is desirable for better flow control. These results are useful for the effective utilization of SJs for heat transfer, flow control, and other similar applications.
When does spatial clustering in caterpillars influence the relationship between population density and contact rates?
Authors: Carson Brendan David , Orians Colin Mark , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: April 2023

While interactions in nature are inherently local, ecological models often assume homogeneity across space, allowing for generalization across systems and greater mathematical tractability. Density-dependent disease models are a prominent example that assumes homogeneous interactions, leading to the prediction that disease transmission will scale linearly with population density. In this study, we examined how larval butterfly contact rates relate to population density in the Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton). Our study was partly inspired by a viral disease that is transmitted horizontally among Baltimore checkerspot larvae. First, we used multi-year larvae location data across six Baltimore checkerspot populations in the eastern U.S. to test whether larval nests are spatially clustered. We then integrated these spatial data with larval movement data. We used a Correlated Random Walk (CRW) model to investigate whether heterogeneity in spatially local interactions alter the assumed linear relationship between population density and contact. We found that all populations exhibited significant spatial clustering in their habitat use. Larval movement rates were influenced by encounters with host plants, and under many movement scenarios, the scale of predicted larval movement was not sufficient to allow for the “homogeneous mixing” assumed in density dependent disease models. Therefore, relationships between population density and larval contact rates were typically non-linear. We also found that observed use of available habitat patches led to significantly greater contact rates than would occur if habitat use were spatially random. These findings strongly suggest that incorporating spatial variation in larval interactions is critical to modeling disease outcomes in this system.
Enhancing anti-AML activity of venetoclax by isoflavone ME-344 through suppression of OXPHOS and purine biosynthesis
Authors: Baran Natalia , Hurrish Katie , Su Yongwei , Patel Shraddha , Ramage Cassandra , Carter Jenna , Edwards Holly , Buck Steven , Wiley Sandra , Hüttemann Maik , Polin Lisa , Kushner Juiwanna , Dzinic Sijana , White Kathryn , Bao Xun , Li Jing , Yang Jay , Boerner Julie , Hou Zhanjun , Al-Atrash Gheath , Konoplev Sergej , Busquets Jonathan , Tiziani Stefano , Matherly Larry , Taub Jeffrey , Konopleva Marina , Ge Yubin
Published: April 2023

Venetoclax (VEN), in combination with low dose cytarabine (AraC) or a hypomethylating agent, is FDA approved to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients who are over the age of 75 or cannot tolerate standard chemotherapy. Despite high response rates to these combination therapies, most patients succumb to the disease due to relapse and/or drug resistance, providing an unmet clinical need for novel therapies to improve AML patient survival. ME-344 is a potent isoflavone with demonstrated inhibitory activity toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and clinical activity in solid tumors. Given that OXPHOS inhibition enhances VEN antileukemic activity against AML, we hypothesized that ME-344 could enhance the anti-AML activity of VEN. Here we report that ME-344 synergized with VEN to target AML cell lines and primary patient samples while sparing normal hematopoietic cells. Cooperative suppression of OXPHOS was detected in a subset of AML cell lines and primary patient samples. Metabolomics analysis revealed a significant reduction of purine biosynthesis metabolites by ME-344. Further, lometrexol, an inhibitor of purine biosynthesis, synergistically enhanced VEN-induced apoptosis in AML cell lines. Interestingly, AML cells with acquired resistance to AraC showed significantly increased purine biosynthesis metabolites and sensitivities to ME-344. Furthermore, synergy between ME-344 and VEN was preserved in these AraC-resistant AML cells. These results translated into significantly prolonged survival upon combination of ME-344 and VEN in NSGS mice bearing parental or AraC-resistant MV4-11 leukemia. This study demonstrates that ME-344 enhances VEN antileukemic activity against preclinical models of AML by suppressing OXPHOS and/or purine biosynthesis.
A novel combined silica-coating and etching protocol for titanium for improved adhesion
Authors: Zakir Muhammad , Chu Chun H. , Tsoi James K. H. , Matinlinna Jukka P. , Daood Umer
Published: April 2023

Durable adhesion between resin composite cement and Ti prostheses is critical for a long clinical life. A rough surface is a prerequisite for mechanical interlocking and silica-coating followed by silanation for chemical adhesion. Commercially pure grade-2 Ti specimens were modified by silica-coating and silanized with an experimental silane blend or two commercially available silane primers. Specimens were assigned randomly: Group-A (control; polished only Ti), Group-B (polished Ti + silica-coating + primers), Group-C (polished Ti + etching with HNO3 + with or without primers), Group-D (polished Ti + silica-coating + etching with HNO3 + with or without primers), Group-E (polished Ti + etching with HCl+H3PO4 + with or without primers), Group F (polished Ti + silica-coating + etching with HCl+H3PO4 + with or without primers). Next Ti specimens were analyzed for their atomic concentration by electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). BisCem™ resin cement was used to build up enclosed mold stubs onto the Ti specimens. Micro-shear bond strength (EM-µSBS) was measured after storage in distilled water for 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. A combined treatment employing silica-coating + HCl+H3PO4 had a more substantial effect on Ti surface roughness when compared to other surface pretreatments. Whereas, the highest EM-µSBS values were observed in Group-D from week 1 to week 8. A novel combined dual surface modification creates higher surface roughness on Ti, and this might significantly improve the durability of resin-Ti adhesion.
Effectiveness of different bathing methods on physiological indexes and behavioral status of preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Xing , Xu Jiayi , Zhou Ruhua , Liu Beibei , Gu Zejuan
Published: April 2023

Background: Bath is an external stimulus for preterm infants. Currently, three methods are used for preterm infants to bath. It is important to choose the best way for them. The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of different bath methods on physiological indexes and behavioral status of preterm infants.
Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses [PRISMA] guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO(CRD42022377657). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sino Med, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and Wan-Fang database were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials on the effects of different bath methods for preterm infants. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to February 2023. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the literature was screened, quality evaluated and the data was extracted. Reman Version 5.4 was used for meta-analysis and Stata 16.0 software for publication bias Egger’s test.
Results: A total of 11 RCTs with 828 preterm infants were included. The results of
meta-analysis showed that the body temperature and oxygen saturation of preterm infants in the sponge bathgroup were lower than those in conventional tub bath group, while the heart rates were higher than those in conventional tub bath group. Preterm infants’ body temperature and blood oxygen saturation of in swaddle bath group were higher than those in conventional tub bath group, respiratory rates were more stable compared with infants in conventional tub bath group. The crying duration, stress and pain scores of preterm infants in swaddle bath group were lower than those in conventional tub bath group. Egger's test showed no publication bias in body temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and crying duration.
Conclusion: Swaddle bath is better than conventional tub bath and sponge bath in maintaining physiological indexes and behavioral stability of preterm infants. It is the preferred bath method for preterm infants, and it is recommended that preterm infants with stable vital signs be implemented as soon as possible.
Trial registration: Prospero CRD42022377657.
Comparison of add-on medications for persistent storage symptoms after α-blockers in BPH patients – a network meta-analysis
Authors: Su Yi-Ting , Chen Hsiao-Ling , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Chan Vinson Wai-Shun , Wu Wen-Jeng , Lee Hsiang-Ying
Published: April 2023

Background Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) received α-blockers as first-line therapy to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but some individuals still experienced residual storage symptoms. Antimuscarinics, β3-agonists, and desmopressin are effective add-on medications. Nevertheless, currently there is no evidence for the appropriate choice of first add-on medication. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the clinical benefits of antimuscarinics, β3-agonists, and desmopressin added to α-blockers for persistent storage symptoms in BPH patients.Methods A comprehensive literature search of randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the efficacy of different add-on medications for BPH patients with persistent storage symptoms despite α-blockers treatment was conducted. The clinical outcomes included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS storage sub-score, nocturia, micturition, and urgency. Network meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effect size. Surface under cumulative ranking curves (SUCRAs) were used to rank the included treatments for each outcome.Results A total of 15 RCTs were identified. Add-on imidafenacin or mirabegron showed significant improvement across all outcomes assessed. Other add-on medications of desmopressin, tolterodine, solifenacin, fesoterodine, and propiverine showed positive benefits for most but not all outcomes. Based on the SUCRA rankings, add-on desmopressin was related to the best ranked treatment for IPSS and nocturia, and add-on imidafenacin was the best for IPSS storage sub-score and micturition.Conclusions BPH patients presented with persistent storage symptoms despite α-blockers administration are recommended to received additional treatment. Desmopressin and imidafenacin may considered to be high-priority add-on treatment due to the superior efficacy than other medications.
Formation mechanism of pore defects and surface ripples under different process parameters via laser powder bed fusion by numerical simulation and experimental verification
Authors: Duan Xianyin , Long Tao , Zhu kunpeng , Li Wei , Fuh Ying Hsi Jerry
Published: April 2023

The formation mechanism of the pore defects and the surface ripples takes an crucial position in the quality control of laser powder bed fusion process. This paper developed the melt pool evolution in LPBF process, and revealed the effects of flow state and temperature field distribution of the melt pool with various process parameters, from which the formation mechanism of pore defects and surface ripples had been clarified by computational fluid dynamics methodology. The discrete element method was applied to reproduce the powder bed with a set of processing parameters. Then free surface of the melt pool was calculated employing the volume of fluid method. It was found that surface ripples of the melt pool and irregular pore defects in the lap joints appeared due to the lack of fusion at a laser energy density of 32 J/mm3 under the pre-set conditions. As the laser scanning speed dropped to 600 mm/s, keyholes generated inside the melt pool due to the recoil pressure. Similar phenomenon of pore defects and surface ripples were observed in the experiments. The measured and simulated average widths of the molten track showed good agreement with the relative errors of less than 6%, which verified the accuracy of simulated formation. Our work shed new light on quality control of LPBF fabricated parts for future.
Pm57 from Aegilops searsii encodes a novel tandem kinase protein conferring powdery mildew resistance in bread wheat
Authors: Liu Wenxuan , Zhao Yue , Dong Zhenjie , Miao Jingnan , Liu Qianwen , Ma Chao , Tian Xiubin , He Jinqiu , Bi Huihui , Yao Wen , Li Tao , Gill Harsimardeep , Zhang Zhibin , Cao Aizhong , Liu Bao , Li Huanhuan , Sehgal Sunish
Published: April 2023

Powdery mildew is a devastating disease that affects wheat yield and quality. Despite wheat wild relatives being a valuable source of resistance genes, their incorporation into wheat improvement is constrained by their adverse effects on agronomic traits, difficulty in isolating genes and poor understanding of the resistance mechanisms. Here, we report cloning of Pm57, the first gene isolated from Aegilops searsii. It encodes an unusual wheat tandem kinase (WTK) protein with putative kinase-pseudokinase domains followed by a von Willebrand factor A (vWA) domain, designated WTK7-vWA. The resistance function of Pm57 was validated by independent mutants, gene silencing, and transgenic assays. Stable Pm57 transgenic wheat lines showed high levels and all-stage resistance against diverse isolates of Bgt fungus with no adverse effects on agronomic traits. Our findings highlight the emerging role of kinase fusion proteins in plant disease resistance and provide a powerful gene for wheat breeding.
Using immunoinformatic and reverse vaccinology approach epitope-based Vaccine design for three Vibrio sp
Authors: Baradia Hrithik , Mukherjee Koel
Published: April 2023

Aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry both in India and globally. After Carps, Tilapia is the most cultured fish in the industry. Due to stress and overexploitation of the aquatic ecosystem, there has been rise and propagation of variety of diseases which is a major bottleneck for the industry. Bacterial diseases particularly Vibriosis caused by V. vulnificus, V. harveyi and V. alginolyticus is of great concern as it causes severe illness in humans along with the aquatic organisms. Using reverse vaccinology technique, arranging the epitopes present in OMPs of V. vulnificus, V. harveyi and V. alginolyticus with respect to MHC-I, MHC-II, T-cell and B-cell with the help of advanced bio-computational techniques, it is predicted that YTSTDNFAV, QSIQGNTMN and SQLCIAISL might be potential vaccine candidates elucidating both humoral and cell-mediated immune response. A multi-epitope vaccine is also designed to target the three microbes together by linking the peptide sequences using amino acid linker GPGPG. The cholera toxin B subunit was added in the adjuvant in the N-terminal side using EAAAK linker. Analysis of the multi-epitope vaccine candidate showed that it has all the properties of a potential robust vaccine including antigenic, immunogenic, soluble and thermostable.
Machining deformation control methods and analysis of a thin-wall gear spoke plate
Authors: Huan Haixiang , Zhang Ke , Xu JiuHua , Xu WenQiang , Wang MengXiong
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses the problems of easy deformation, difficult dimensional control, and difficult accuracy assurance during the production of thin-walled gears for helicopter spoke cutting, It uses finite element simulation technology, metal cutting principles, process optimization and other design and manufacturing technologies to reveal the causes of cutting deformation, effectively predict the deformation of parts during cutting, and develop reasonable deformation control strategies. This study explores the effects of cutting force, residual stress and clamping method on gear machining deformation. The deformation of the spoke plate is analysed by finite element simulation. Abaqus software,is adopted to establish a finite element model for 2-D turning simulation to predict the machining residual stresses and cutting forces during gear turning machining with different cutting parameters. The simulated cutting forces are compared with the residual stresses and experimentally measured values to verify the accuracy of the finite element model and provide a theoretical basis for model construction in the next simulation study. With Abaqus software, the effect of different cutting forces on the deformation of the spoke plate is simulated, and the effect of the superposition of cutting and clamping forces on the deformation of the spoke plate is simulated using life and death cell technology to simulate the machining of the workpiece. Then, a corresponding fixture is designed to realise the corresponding clamping position for machining experiments, and the deformation of the spoke plate is measured by CMM(Coordinate Measuring Machine) to verify the realism of the simulation. This research provides scientific theoretical guidance and process support for aerospace thin-walled gear spoke plate turning.