bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryosphere changes drive an Arctic fox decline at the Arctic’s edge
Authors: Verstege Jacqueline S , Roth James
Published: September 2022

Responses of one species to changing climate may influence population dynamics of others, particularly in the Arctic where food webs are strongly linked. Specifically, changes to the cryosphere can limit prey availability for predators. We examined Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) and red fox (V. vulpes) population trends near the southern edge of the Arctic fox distribution using fox harvest data from Churchill, Manitoba from 1955–2014. Arctic fox harvest, corrected for trapping effort, declined over time, whereas the red fox harvest was stable. The positive relationship between the number of harvested Arctic foxes and red foxes suggested interspecific competition did not promote the Arctic fox decline. To investigate alternative mechanisms, we compared harvest estimates to climate, sea-ice phenology, and snowpack characteristics in a series of models using Akaike’s Information Criterion. We examined two time periods: the full 60 years (1955–2014) and the most recent 25 years when climate change has been most intense (1989–2014). The strongest influences on Arctic fox harvest were snow thickness in February (1955–2014) and the length of the summer ice-free period (1989–2014). Thicker snow may benefit lemmings, their primary year-round prey, by creating an insulated microclimate that promotes winter population growth. Earlier sea-ice breakup and later freeze-up on Hudson Bay may reduce access to seal carrion as an alternative winter food source when lemming densities decline. Predators have an important ecological role, so understanding the influence of changes in cryosphere on predator-prey interactions may better illuminate the broader influence of climate change on food-web dynamics.
Clinical correlates of craving among patients seeking treatment for substance use disorder
Authors: Cless Mallory M. , Courchesne-Krak Natasia S. , Bhatt Kush V. , Marienfeld Carla , Mittal Maria Luisa
Published: September 2022

Background
Craving has been implicated as a central feature of addiction and a predictor of relapse. However, a complete understanding of how craving varies across patient populations is lacking. This study aimed to better inform the effective and accurate use of craving as a clinical prognostic tool for patients with substance use disorders (SUD).
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilized information gathered on patients (n = 112) entering specialty treatment for a SUD. Craving in the prior 30 days was assessed with a single item with other intake questionnaires.
Results
Patients who reported Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity were less likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity (AOR = 0.28 [95% CI, 0.08–0.95], p-value = 0.04). Patients who reported substance use in the last 30 days were more likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report substance use in the last 30 days (AOR = 6.86 [95% CI, 2.17–21.7], p-value = 0.001). There was no association between craving and Adverse Childhood Events (OR = 1.03 [95% CI, 0.84–1.25], p-value = 0.81).
Conclusion
The association between recent substance use and craving supports previous findings. The observed variation in craving among patients who report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity is novel and suggests socio-cultural influences and genetic factors may influence reported craving amongst patients. Additional research is needed to further understand the underlying factors leading to this finding, in order for better utilization of craving as a clinical indicator across patient populations.
The COOL process – a holistic approach towards Lithium recycling
Authors: Mende Robert , Kaiser Doreen , Pavón Sandra , Bertau Martin
Published: September 2022

Lithium is a key element in reducing mobility-induced emissions. However, processes aimed at producing lithium from hard rock mining are based on the usage of large amounts of chemicals. Additionally, only a small quantity of the mined mineral concentrates is actually valorized. In contrast, the COOL process (CO2 Leaching process) is a process that makes use of water and carbon dioxide to leach lithium from any silicate mineral, making geopolymers from the residues. On the other hand, the COOL process enables the recovery of lithium from pretreated spent lithium-ion batteries.The leaching step has been investigated concerning the selective mobilization of lithium. Further attention was brought to the mobilization of potentially disturbing ions such as fluoride, aluminum, and silicon. It was found that the CO2 leaching step is indeed suitable for the selective mobilization of lithium. Up to 65 % of lithium mobilization was achieved without adding any additives and 78 % by adding Na2CO3. Fluoride and silicon mobilization could be addressed by heating zinnwaldite under a wet atmosphere respectively under the addition of a carbonate. Concerning secondary resources, up to 95 % of lithium could be leached from black mass, and the residue was then leached and the leach liquor separated by liquid-liquid extraction to yield the heavy metals in high recovery and selectivity. Overall, the COOL process enables the recovery of lithium from different feedstocks and valorizes the residues from the lithium leaching. This makes the COOL process a universal approach to lithium recovery.
Assessment of livestock production system and their constraints in smallholder dairy farmers in lowland and highland regions of Rwanda
Authors: Umunezero Olive , Gachuiri Charles Karuku , Mutimura Mupenzi
Published: September 2022

A survey was conducted to assess livestock production systems and their constraints in smallholder dairy farmers in Lowlands and Highlands regions of Rwanda. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 247 and 145 households randomly selected in lowland (Rwamagana District) and highland (Musanze District), respectively. A Chi-square test was used to examine associations between categorical variables. Independent sample t-test was used to separate means. Excel Pivot table was used to rank raised constraints. Results showed that agro-ecological location had a significant influence (p<5%) on household characteristics; for gender of respondents (p=.019), gender of household head (p=0.012), age group of respondent (p=0.006), marital status of household head (p=.000), family members who live permanently in the household (p=0.025), education level of household head (p=0.003), primary activity of household head (p=.000) and source of dairy cattle (p=.000). It had a high significant influence (p<1%) on livestock production system; for feeding system (p=0.000); milking patterns (p=0.000); number of cattle per household (p=0.001); land allocation (p=0.005) and area for fodder production (p=.000). It had significant influences (p<5%) on the reproductive system; for the age at first artificial insemination (p=.000); number of calves born during the past 12 months (p=0.039) and average lactation length (p=0.043). It had a significant influence (p<5%) on sources of income; from cattle (p=.000); milk (p=0.034) and in farm yard manure (p=0.002). Farmers claimed fodder shortage as main constraint followed by land scarcity. They were challenged by high cost of inputs for milk production compared to the price of milk at farm gate and insufficiency of AI providers.
Studies of the Symmetric Binding Mode of Daclatasvir and Analogs Using a New Homology Model of HCV NS5A GT-4a
Authors: Saad Kholoud A. , Eldawy Mohammed A. , Elokely Khaled M.
Published: September 2022

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4a (GT-4a) is widespread in Egypt. Despite its high resistance, it received insufficient scientific attention. Since the crystal structure of full-length HCV NS5A has not yet been resolved, and the 3D structure of NS5A in complex with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) is a point of controversy, as seven groups present different interaction models to elucidate the NS5A binding site, there is currently no consensus on the NS5A binding site. Hence, homology modeling was used to construct a 3D model of HCV NS5A GT -4a, and dynamic simulation was used to validate the generated model. Intriguingly, the constructed model shows a new orientation of the AH relative to the domain I (D-I). Following this, docking was carried out for the approved NS5A inhibitors to understand their mechanism of action. The suggested model reveals for the first time the exact binding mode of daclatasvir and its analogs to HCV NS5A GT -4a. It also facilitates the design of novel NS5A-directed drugs, which may confer less resistance and/or a broader spectrum of efficacy against HCV.
Early relapse is an adverse prognostic factor for survival outcomes in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Results from a nationwide registry study
Authors: Tsai Chi-Ying , Wen Yu-Wen , Lee Shu-Ru , Ng Shu-Hang , Kang Chung-Jan , Lee Li-Yu , Hsueh Chuen , Lin Chien-Yu , Fan Kang-Hsing , Wang Hung-Ming , Hsieh Chia-Hsun , Yeh Chih-Hua , Lin Chih-Hung , Tsao Chung-Kan , Fang Tuan-Jen , Huang Shiang-Fu , Lee Li-Ang , Fang Ku-Hao , Wang Yu-Chien , Lin Wan-Ni , Hsin Li-Jen , Yen Tzu-Chen , Cheng Nai-Ming , Liao Chun-Ta
Published: September 2022

Background
To investigate whether the time interval between surgery and first relapse affects survival outcomes in Taiwanese patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). The prognostic significance of the relapse interval in patients with resected OCSCC is a matter of ongoing debate. To our knowledge, there are no published studies that have addressed this issue on a nationwide scale. This large-scale registry-based cohort study conducted in Taiwanese patients with OCSCC was specifically designed to address this issue.
Methods
To this aim, data made available by the Taiwan Health Promotion Administration as of 2004 were obtained. The study cohort consisted of patients included in the registry between 2011 and 2017. Disease staging was performed according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual, eight edition. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 13789 patients with OCSCC who received surgical treatment. We identified 2327 (16.9%) patients who experienced a first relapse. The optimal cutoff value for the relapse interval was 330 days when both 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) (≤ 330/>330 days, n = 1630/697) were taken into account. We also undertook a propensity score (PS)-matched analysis of patients (n = 654 each) with early (≤ 330 days) versus late (> 330 days) relapse.
Results
Compared with patients who experienced late relapse, those with early relapse showed a higher prevalence of the following adverse prognostic factors: pT4, pN3, pStage IV, poor differentiation, depth ≥ 10 mm, and extra-nodal extension. Multivariable analysis revealed that early relapse was an independent adverse prognostic factor for both 5-year DSS and OS (average hazard ratio [AHR]: 3.24 and 3.91, respectively). In the PS-matched cohort, patients who experienced early relapse had less favorable 5-year DSS: 58% versus 30%, p < 0.0001 (AHR: 3.10 [2.69 − 3.57]) and OS: 49% versus 22%, p < 0.0001 (AHR: 3.32 [2.89 − 3.81]).
Conclusions
After adjustment for potential confounders and PS matching, early relapse was an adverse prognostic factor for survival outcomes in patients with OCSCC. Collectively, our findings may have significant implications for risk stratification.
KCNQ3 normalizes hyperactivity of VTA-NAcLat circuit and attenuates methamphetamine addiction in mice
Authors: Liu E , Pang Kunkun , Liu Min , Tan Xu , Hang Zhaofang , Mu Shouhong , Han Weikai , Yue Qingwei , Comai Stefano , Sun Jinhao
Published: September 2022

The brain circuit projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the lateral shell nucleus accumbens (NAcLat) has a key role in methamphetamine (MA) addiction. As different VTA dopamine (DA) neuronal subpopulations participate in different neuronal circuits, it is still a challenge to isolate these DA subtype cells. Using retrograde tracing, Patch-seq in MA-addicted mice, we isolated the DA neurons of the VTA-NAcLat circuit and profiled its gene expression. We found that in this circuit the KCNQ3 (Kv7.3) gene, encoding K+ channel protein, was among the differentially expressed genes. Injection of the Kv7.3 channels agonist ICA069673 or overexpression of Kv7.3 channels in the VTA-NacLat circuit could reverse MA addiction. Furthermore, enhancement of Kv7.3 channels activity decreased neural oscillation, neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and DA release in the VTA-NacLat circuit of MA-addicted mice. Activation of Kv7.3 channels in the VTA may become a potential novel treatment strategy for MA addiction.
Macrophages maintain mammary stem cell activity and mammary homeostasis via TNF-α-Cdk1/Cyclin B1 axis
Authors: Cai Cheguo , Zhou Yu , Ye Zi , Wei Wei , Zhang Mengna , Huang Fujing
Published: September 2022

Adult stem cell niche is a special environment composed of a variety stromal cells and signals, which cooperatively regulate tissue development and homeostasis. It is of great interest to study the role of immune cells in niche. Here, we show that mammary resident macrophages regulate mammary epithelium cell division and mammary development through TNF-α- Cdk1/Cyclin B1 axis. In vivo, depletion of macrophages reduces the number of mammary basal cells and mammary stem cells (MaSCs), while increases mammary luminal cells. In vitro, we establish a three-dimensional culture system in which mammary basal cells are co-cultured with macrophages, and interestingly, macrophage co-culture promotes the formation of branched functional mammary organoids. Moreover, TNF-α produced by macrophages activates the intracellular Cdk1/Cyclin B1 signaling in mammary cells, thereby maintaining the activity of MaSCs and the formation of mammary organoids. Together, these findings reveal the functional significance of macrophageal niche and intracellular Cdk1/Cyclin B1 axis for maintaining MaSC activity and mammary homeostasis.
112G baud sub pJ/bit integrated CMOS-silicon photonics transmitter
Authors: Li Ke , Thomson David , Liu Shenghao , Zhang Weiwei , Cao Wei , Littlejohns Callum , Yan Xingzhao , Ebert Martin , Banakar Mehdi , Tran Dehn , Meng Fanfan , Du Han , Reed Graham
Published: September 2022

A new design philosophy for integrated CMOS-silicon photonic transmitters is introduced where switching current is applied to the silicon Mach Zehnder Modulator (MZM) rather than operating in the traditional voltage driving mode. With this approach the total electrical energy can be selectively distributed to different frequency components by choosing appropriate inductance and near-end termination impedance values. 112G baud (112Gb/s OOK and 224Gb/s PAM-4) transmission has been experimentally demonstrated with a real power efficiency down to the sub pJ/bit regime without the requirement for power hungry pre-emphasis or signal shaping in the data source. A thorough investigation of the BER for different electrical and optical power conditions of our fully integrated optical transmitter at 100G baud + is performed including the electrical power consumption of the driver which is often neglected in other work.
Cyclic Expansion Microscopy: Expanding Biological Tissue through Multiple Cycles for Ultrastructure Imaging
Authors: Xu Huizhong , Xia Qin , Chen Lili , Wang Aidong , Liu Xiaolong , Chen Qiu , Lv Haijun , Cai Tianyu , Li Quan , Li Hangyuan , Yan Zhiyang , Lu Jingjing , Hao Shipeng , Lu Guoyuan , Qin Jie
Published: September 2022

Expansion microscopy allows super resolution imaging of cellular structures by fluorescence microscopy. However, current protocols achieving large expansion factors (near 8 and beyond), are only applicable to cultured cells and thin tissue slices, but not to bulk tissue in general. Here, we present a method that allows unlimited cycles of expansion of bulk tissue with high isotropy, which we term as Cyc-ExM. The protocol uses identical gel recipe and denaturation reagents in each expansion cycle, which provides ease to the procedure. Cyc-ExM expands biological tissues ~9 fold in each dimension from 7 cycles of expansion and 17-27 fold from 10 cycles. The covalent staining procedure was also optimized to reveal ultrastructural features. Besides, Cyc-ExM is compatible with antibody labeling and multi-scale 3D imaging. Despite volume dilution of signal during expansion, we developed a signal amplification method achieving 8-fold increase in signal, which greatly facilitates the resolution of sub-organelle structures within various tissues.
The Effect of new reduced form of Schiff-base Ligands on corrosion inhibition of API 5L in seawater
Authors: Jafari Hojat , Soltanolkottabi Fariba , Rezaeivala Majid , Berisha Avni , Ameri Elham
Published: September 2022

Three synthesized Schiff base named 2,2’- (((2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)disphenol (I1), 4,4’- (((2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)bis(2-methoxyphenol) (I2) and 6,6’- (((2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)bis(2-methoxyphenol) (I3) were evaluated as corrosion inhibitors for API 5L grade B steel in the artificial seawater by electrochemical impedance, polarization and Quantum chemical calculations methods. The results showed that all three compounds act as good inhibitors for carbon steel, but the I3 has the best inhibition efficiency of about 58% at 1mg/L. The results of density functional theory method were consistent with the experimental results.
Regulation of the macrolide resistance ABC-F translation factor MsrD
Authors: Fostier Corentin , Ousalem Fares , Leroy Elodie , Ngo Saravuth , Soufari Heddy , Innis Axel , Hashem Yaser , Boël Gregory
Published: September 2022

Antibiotic resistance ABC-Fs (ARE ABC-Fs) are translation factors currently proliferating among human pathogens that provide resistance against clinically important ribosome-targeting antibiotics. Here, we combine genetic and structural approaches to determine the regulation of streptococcal ARE ABC-F gene msrD in response to macrolide exposure and also demonstrate that MsrD twin-ATPase sites work asymmetrically to mediate the dynamic of MsrD interaction with the ribosome. We show that cladinose-containing macrolides lead to insertion of MsrDL leader peptide into an undocumented conserved crevice of the ribosomal exit tunnel concomitantly with 23S rRNA rearrangements that prevent peptide bond formation and preclude accommodation of release factors. The stalled ribosome obstructs formation of a Rho-independent terminator which prevents msrD transcriptional attenuation. This stalled ribosome is rescued by MsrD, but not by MsrD mutants which do not provide antibiotic resistance, showing evidence of equivalence between MsrD function in antibiotic resistance and its action on this complex.
The construction and analysis of m6A-related ceRNA network and patterns of immune infiltration in calcified aortic valve disease
Authors: Dai Feng , Xu XianZhi , Liao GeGe , Tian ZhaoXuan , Shi XiangXiang , Xuan HaoChen , Wang ChaoFan , Li XiaoQun , Wang LiLi , Li DongYe , Chen JunHong , Xu TongDa
Published: September 2022

Background
Despite being the most prevalent valve heart disease among the elderly, calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is not adequately addressed based on its current mechanisms. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is increasingly being studied in cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, the biological role of m6A in CAVD remains to be determined.
Methods
We obtained the differentially expressed m6A based on difference analysis, and identified the target genes regulated by key m6A through co-expression analysis and m6A2Target database. The enrichment analysis of targeted genes was performed via Metascape. Immunocyte infiltration analysis was performed by R-package. The tools such as miRDB, Targetscan, miRTarBase, and Cytoscape were applied for the construction of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) network. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to verify whether the expression of components in the ceRNA network is consistent with the public database.
Results
The ceRNA network consists of one m6a (KIAA1429), one mRNA (ZC3H12C), three miRNAs (miR-17-5p, miR-20b-5p and miR-137), and two lncRNAs (HCG11 and PRICKLE2-AS3). KIAA1429 is a down-regulated methyltransferase in CAVD. The genes modified by KIAA1429 were primarily enriched in the metabolic process of RNA, viral process, and immune system process et al. There was a rising infiltration of macrophages m0, and a decreasing infiltration of macrophages m2, dendritic cells resting in CAVD. KIAA1429 was negatively correlated with macrophages m0 and positively correlated with macrophages m2. KIAA1429(m6a), ZC3H12C (mRNA), and HCG11(lncRNA) showed lower expression levels in CAVD than those in normal tissue, whereas miR-17-5p, miR-20b-5p (miRNA) showed higher expression levels.
Conclusion
Potential pathways associated with KIAA1429 in CAVD were identified, in which ZC3H12C and miR-20b-5p might participate in CAVD progression via the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway.
A novel mineral composition increases soybean crop yield by mitigating stress induced from ultraviolet-A and -B radiation
Authors: Abreu André L. , Gratão Priscila L. , Rodriguez Carlos A.V. , Junior Gilmar S. Sousa
Published: September 2022

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is an important environmental abiotic stress which affects yield potential of agricultural crops, and few practical solutions are available for protecting large scale field cultivation from it. The present study assessed the protective effect of a novel mineral composition principally based upon microparticles of crystal and insoluble quartz sand applied over the top of plants, to mitigate the stress effects of UV-A or UV-B radiation. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) plants were cultivated under three alternative UVR exposure scenarios (No UV, +UV-A, +UV-B) to compare Treated and Untreated plants with that composition. Measurements of malondialdehyde acid (MDA) and proline content demonstrated the effects of + UV-A and + UV-B on plants and the effectiveness of the foliar treatment to mitigate the stress. Biometric assessment showed that root weight, foliar biomass, and number of pods of Untreated plant were negatively impacted by both + UV-A and + UV-B, whereas in Treated plants the damages for both + UV-A and + UV-B were almost entirely mitigated. The results of this study endorse the use of a promising tool for growers to achieve sustainable yield in soybeans and potentially other field crops in the face of increasing challenges due to climate change.
Pharmacophore based virtual screening for identification of effective inhibitors to compact HPV 16 E6 a triggered cervical cancer
Authors: Mohan Anbuselvam , Schwenk Gregory , Jeeva Anbuselvam , Feng Eric , Ji Hai-Feng
Published: September 2022

Cervical cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer-related death among women in the world, has been linked to the presence of a particular oncoprotein that is predominantly transferred through sexual contact with an infected host. In 90% of cervical cancer deaths, a correlation has been found with the expression of the viral genome of HPV16 E6. As a result, HPV16 E6 has emerged as an optimistic therapeutic drug target for the treatment of cervical cancer. In order to develop a drug that is capable of disturbing the genome expression activity of HPV16 E6, it is imperative to identify the key chemical features of its known inhibitors. In this study, we present an investigationon identifying potential inhibitors of HPV16 E6 by utilizing pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, ADME prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation. In the initial stage, we generated a ligand-based pharmacophore model based on the features of four known HPV16 E6 inhibitors (CA24, CA25, CA26, and CA27)via the PHASE module implanted in the Schrödinger suite. We constructedfour-point pharmacophore features, which consists of three hydrogen bond acceptors (A) and one aromatic ring (R). The common pharmacophore features further employed as a query for virtual screening against the ASINEX database via the Schrödinger suite. The pharmacophore-based virtual screening filtered out top 2000 hits, based on the fitness score. We applied the molecular docking studies for further compound filtration using Glide which provide three ligand filtering phases, namely HTVS, SP, XP. Initially, 1000 compounds were obtained from HTVS docking. Based on the glide score, they were further filtered to 500 hits by employing docking in standard precision mode. Finally, the best four hits were identified using docking in XP mode. The four compounds were then further subjected to ADME profile prediction by engaging the Qikprop module. The ADME properties of the four fell within a satisfactory range and the compounds exhibited anticipated pharmacokinetic properties. These compounds were further investigated to determine the binding stability of the protein-ligand complex at a different time scale (100 ns) by using the desmond package for a molecular dynamics simulation. These molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that theCYS 51 and GLN 107 proteins are residues of HPV 16 E6 binding sites, and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) values for these residues were also found to be within satisfactory ranges and suggest a crucial role in enhancing the stability of the protein-ligand complex during the simulation. From these computational investigations, we concluded that the four potential compounds are appropriate for further study, and potential clinical investigation, as HPV16 E6 inhibitors.
Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score as a prognostic marker for gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Sui Chao , Lin Chen , Tao Tingting , Guan Wenxian , Zhang Haoran , Yu Heng , Tao Liang , Wang Meng , Wang Feng
Published: September 2022

Background: The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, regarded as the effective indicator of patient nutrition, has been demonstrated to be related to prognosis of numerous tumors. Nevertheless, the significance of CONUT for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) remains unclear. This study intended to clarify the association between CONUT and the prognosis of GISTs.Methods: 355 patients with GISTs undergoing surgical resection at our center were retrospectively assessed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to help determine the cut-off value of CONUT score. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. Prognostic factors for RFS and OS were examined by Cox proportional hazards models.Results: A total of 355 patients were enrolled in this study. Areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.638 for CONUT score, and the cut-off value of CONUT was shown to be three. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that high CONUT score was linked to poorer RFS and OS. Univariate and multivariate analyses ultimately revealed that CONUT was a risk factor for RFS and OS, independent of demographics and clinicopathological tumor characteristics.Conclusions: CONUT score was an effective and novel predictor for prognosis of GIST patients treated with surgery, indicating its potential as a prognostic marker in the overall management.
An Error Identification and Compensation Method for Cartesian 3D Printer Based on Specially-Designed Test Artifact
Authors: Li Tian-Jian , Li Jungang , Ding Xiaohong , Sun Xizhi , Wu Tao
Published: September 2022

The printing accuracy is one of the most important metrics to evaluate the additive manufacturing (AM) machine. In this paper, an error identification and compensation method for Cartesian 3D printer is presented based on a specially-designed test artifact to improve printing accuracy. The relationship between the geometric errors of the printed object and the kinematic errors of the printer axes is established based on the theory of the multi-body system. A series of formulas are derived to separate the kinematic errors of each axis from the geometric errors. To extract the geometric errors required for the mathematical calculations, an artifact with the special features is proposed and printed. The geometric errors of the characteristic points on the artifact is measured by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). From the measured geometric errors, kinematic errors of the printer can be identified, and can be further compensated by adjusting the CAD model of the object. Two compensated algorithms are established; one uses the fitted curves of the kinematic errors, and the other uses the average kinematic error values. Printing tests and case studies are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can improve printing accuracy of the Cartesian 3D printer.
Dynamic 18F-Pretomanid PET imaging reveals excellent brain penetration in animal models of TB meningitis and first-in-human studies
Authors: Mota Filipa , Ruiz-Bedoya Camilo , Tucker Elizabeth , Holt Daniel , De Jesus Patricia , Lodge Martin , Erice Clara , Chen Xueyi , Bahr Melissa , Flavahan Kelly , Kim John , Brosnan Mary Katherine , Ordonez Alvaro , Peloquin Charles , Dannals Robert , Jain Sanjay
Published: September 2022

Pretomanid is a nitroimidazole antimicrobial with potent activity against drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and approved in combination with bedaquiline and linezolid (BPaL) for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). However, the penetration of pretomanid into privileged sites such as the brain, as well as the efficacy of the BPaL regimen for TB meningitis, remain unknown. Importantly, there are no well accepted treatments for TB meningitis due to MDR strains, resulting in high mortality. We developed a new synthetic route to obtain 18F-pretomanid (chemically identical to the parent antibiotic) and performed cross-species positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to noninvasively measure intralesional pretomanid concentration-time profiles in the central nervous system (CNS). Dynamic PET in mouse and rabbit models of TB meningitis demonstrated excellent CNS penetration of pretomanid. Antibiotic levels were spatially compartmentalized and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels did not correlate with those in the brain parenchyma. Post-mortem autoradiography and mass spectrometry corroborated the imaging findings. The bactericidal activity of the BPaL regimen in the mouse model of TB meningitis was substantially inferior to the standard TB regimen, likely due to restricted penetration of bedaquiline and linezolid into the brain parenchyma. Finally, first-in-human dynamic 18F-pretomanid PET in six healthy volunteers demonstrated excellent penetration of pretomanid into the CNS, with significantly higher levels in the brain parenchyma versus CSF (P < 0.01). These data have important implications for developing new antibiotic treatments for TB meningitis.
Creation of a Favorable Antitumor Microenvironment by the Anti-Complement Factor H Antibody GT103
Authors: Saxena Ruchi , Bushey Ryan , Campa Michael , Gottlin Elizabeth , Guo Jian , Patz Edward , He You-Wen
Published: September 2022

Complement factor H (CFH) is an abundant serum protein regulating complement activation and protecting host cells from attack by the alternative pathway of complement mediated cytotoxicity. We previously identified an anti-CFH autoantibody in early stage NSCLC patients, and cloned from single peripheral B cells a lead therapeutic mAb, GT103, for cancer immunotherapy. Although GT103 has potent antitumor activities, the underlying antitumor mechanisms remain unknown. Herein we investigated GT103-mediated antitumor effects and demonstrate that GT103 enhances antitumor immunity through multiple pathways. GT103 treatment creates a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME) by decreasing immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells and enhancing antigen-specific effector T cells and has a synergistic antitumor effect with anti-PD-L1 mAb. Furthermore, the immune landscape of tumors from early stage patients expressing the anti-CFH autoantibody is associated with an immunologically active TME. Our results provide novel mechanistic insights into this promising human-derived immunotherapeutic agent, which is currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial in patients with NSCLC.
Chemical impacts of wildfire smoke on stratospheric chlorine and ozone depletion
Authors: Solomon Susan , Stone Kane , Yu Pengfei , Murphy Daniel , Kinnison Doug , Ravishankara A. R. , Wang Peidong
Published: September 2022

Extremes in stratospheric abundances of HCl (record low), ClONO2 (record high), and ozone (record low) were observed over southern hemisphere mid-latitudes following the 2020 Australian wildfires by satellite records spanning 15–20 years. These unprecedented changes suggest that wildfire aerosols pose a challenge to stratospheric chlorine and ozone depletion chemistry. Here we propose a wildfire smoke chemical mechanism linking data from the field and the laboratory, and test it by comparison of these extraordinary observations to model simulations. Aged wildfire aerosols likely contain a mix of oxidized organics. Laboratory data indicate that HCl is extremely soluble in such species at relatively warm stratospheric temperatures in mid-latitudes and Antarctic autumn. We find that the HCl solubility in oxidized organics, and associated enhancements in heterogeneous reaction rates in/on the aerosols, yield remarkable modelled changes in 2020 HCl, ClONO2, and HOCl abundances, in good agreement with observations. Our results indicate that wildfire smoke does not explain the record duration of the 2020 Antarctic ozone hole, but does yield an increase in its area, as well as 3-5% depletion of southern mid-latitude total column ozone. These findings increase concern that more frequent and intense wildfires could delay ozone recovery in a warming world.
Is there a role for magnetic resonance imaging for assessing anal pain in patients with monkeypox?
Authors: Ferreira Marcus Vinicius SIlva , Brunelli Julia Martins , Ferreira Felipe Ribeiro , Ramos Jessica Fernandes , Araujo-Filho Jose Arimateia Batista , Horvat Natally
Published: September 2022

30 years-old man with no skin lesions at physical exam, referred severe anal pain for 4 days. Rectal swab was positive for Monkeypox, and proctitis was diagnosed, with anorectal abscesses only characterized in magnetic resonance imaging. This is the first description of clinical and imaging presentation of anorectal disease related to Monkeypox virus infection in an unusual presentation without the typical cutaneous rash and presenting complicated anorectal abscesses.
Preparation of Fe3O4 -HNTs-polypyrrole nanocomposite for efficient adsorption of Cu(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution
Authors: Rouhi Mojtaba , Babamoradi Mohsen , Maleki Sajjad Tabar , Hajizadeh Zoleikha , Maleki Ali
Published: September 2022

Easy synthesis of Fe3O4-HNTs-polypyrrole (FHP) nanocomposite was performed by in situ polymerization on the synthesized Fe3O4-HNTS by co-precipitation method. The adsorption properties of the nanocomposites for the heavy metal removal (Cu(II) and Cd(II)) were investigated. It was found that the adsorption efficiency percentage for Cd(II) and Cu(II) by 30 mg of adsorbent in 60 min was 77.2% and 82.8%, respectively. Also, the maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II) and Cd(II) is 74.7 mg/g and 66.3 mg/g, respectively. Adsorption parameters such as contact time, solution concentration, adsorbent dosage, and pH were also studied. The adsorption was investigated by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms as well as pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. SEM images show the surface morphology of the sample, its surface porosity, and the approximate size of the nanoparticles. FTIR, BET, VSM, and TGA analyses were used to investigate the magnetic and physical properties of the nanocomposite.
Firm growth in times of crisis
Authors: Yergabulova Aigerim
Published: September 2022

We use the full population of Belgian firms to examine the unequal impact of Covid-19 on firm growth. In doing so, we compare whether the response of firms to Covid-19 is different from the Great Recession of 2008. We find a significant decline in net employment growth during the first and second quarter of 2020, with an average loss of 4 and 19 percent in aggregate employment, respectively. We show that the aggregate picture masks significant heterogeneity among firms and that the Covid-19 crisis is different than the Great Recession. While small and medium-sized firms performed relatively well during the 2008 crisis, during the 2020 pandemic crisis they were hit harder compared to large firms. We find that the difference stems from the industry-specific effects of the shocks and the nature of the crises. Finally, consistent with the existing literature, we show that small firms tend to be low-wage firms and that low-wage firms are more cyclically sensitive to business cycles.JEL Codes: D22, E24, E32, L25
Nonlinear Stefan problem for one-phase generalized heat equation with heat flux and convective boundary condition
Authors: Nauryz Targyn
Published: September 2022

In this article we consider a mathematical model of an initial stage of closure electrical contact that involves a metallic vaporization after instantaneous exploding of contact due to arc ignition with power P0 on fixed face z = 0 and heat transfer in material with a variable cross section, when the radial component of the temperature gradient can be neglected in comparison with the axial component with heat flux and convective boundary conditions prescribed at the known free boundary z = α(t). The temperature field in the liquid region of such kind of material can be modelled by Stefan problem for the generalized heat equation. A similarity variable transformation is used to solve the problem, which enables us to reduce generalized heat equation to nonlinear ordinary differential equation and we have to determine temperature solution for the liquid phase and location of melting isotherm. Existence and uniqueness of the solution is proved by using the fixed point Banach theorem. The solution for two cases of thermal coefficients, in particular, constant and linear thermal conductivity are represented, existence and uniqueness for each type of solution is proved.Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 80A22, 80A05.
Is Helicobacter pylori infection the risk factor of metabolic associated fatty liver disease：A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zeng Yicheng , Jing Xubin , Wu Chaofen , Xie Yanchun , Chen Lingzi , Chen Yun , Li Haopeng , Hong Danmian , Cai Xianbin
Published: September 2022

Background: Recently, with new diagnosis criteria, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was introduced to replace the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Considering that there weren’t sufficient studies on MAFLD in China, we aimed to explore the relationship between MAFLD and H. pylori infection, as well as the potential risk factors of MAFLD.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 3449 subjects were enrolled from a Hospital Health Management Center of Shantou in China between July 2020 and October 2021. All participants included had underwent blood test, 13C urea breath test (13C-UBT) and abdominal ultrasound examination. The association between H. pylori infection and MAFLD were analyzed using logistic regression. Machine learning approach were applied to explore independent risk factors of MAFLD.Results: The overall prevalence of MAFLD was 39.4% in our study population. Of a total of 3449 participants, MAFLD was diagnosed in 1043 of 2254 males (46.3%) and 315 of 1195 females (26.4%). The prevalence of MAFLD increased with age and peaked at the 60-69-year age group (overall participants: 58.8%; male: 56.2%; female: 64.0%), and then declined slightly in the 70-above-year age group. The result of multivariable logistic regression revealed that H. pylori infection was not significantly correlated with MAFLD. Using logistic regression and LASSO regression, we identified age, overweight/obesity, T2DM, hypertension, UA, TG, HDL and ALT as independent risk factors of MAFLD.Conclusions: The prevalence of MAFLD in Shantou of south China was relatively high, and the prevalence was higher in males than in females. Our results showed that H. pylori infection wasn’t associated with the risk of MAFLD, when age, overweight/obesity, T2DM, hypertension, UA, TG, HDL and ALT were independent risk factors of MAFLD.
Development of softening and ballasted flocculation as a pretreatment process for seawater desalination through a reverse osmosis membrane
Authors: Suzuki Yoshihiro , Yadai Tomohiro
Published: September 2022

Efficient desalination through a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane requires the prior removal of blockade-causing substances from raw seawater. We achieve ultrahigh-speed processing by combining traditional softening with ballasted flocculation (SBF) for Ca2+ and Mg2+ removal. A mixture of Ca(OH)2 and Na2CO3 alkaline agents was most suitable for removing t Ca2+ and Mg2+ by softening and reducing the amount of generated sludge. In addition, the softening treatment simultaneously removed the suspended solids and bacteria from actual seawater. The settling velocity of the suspended solids generated via seawater softening was extremely low. In case of SBF under optimum conditions for desalinating actual seawater using an anionic polymer flocculant and microsand, the settling velocity exceeded 3.5 cm/s, 833 times higher than the settling velocity of softening without ballasted flocculation. The silt density index of the treated seawater met the water-supply standard of RO membranes (i.e., < 3.0). Furthermore, the dewatering property of the SBF-generated sludge was considerably improved compared with that of the sludge obtained via conventional softening. SBF can efficiently and quickly remove the causative substances of RO membrane fouling from seawater, thereby improving the treatability of generated sludge. SBF provides a new pretreatment process for seawater desalination using RO membranes.
Sex-specific Dose-response Associations between Night Sleep Duration and Hypertension in Iran: A Population-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Asgari Samaneh , Najafi Arezu , Sadeghniiat-Haghighi Khosro , Najafi Farid , Safari-Faramani Roya , Behkar Atefeh , Akbarpour Samaneh
Published: September 2022

High blood pressure is a serious public health concern that significantly increases the risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Several studies suggested that sleep disorders have adverse effects on health. The current study aimed to evaluate the dose-response relationship between sleep duration and blood pressure in the Iranian large general population. A total of 9865 participants aged 35-65 were included. Night sleep duration was classified as ≤5 hours, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9- and ≥10-hour sleep duration. The relation between self-reported sleep duration and prevalent hypertension was examined using Logistic regression. Moreover, restricted cubic spline analysis showed the dose-response association between sleep duration and hypertension.The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 16.5%, 24.2%, and 20.5% in men, women, and the total population, respectively. Compared with reference sleep duration (7 hours) in the total population, the multivariate odds ratio (OR) for hypertension was 0.7 (95% CI: 0.55-0.88) for the group with 9-hour sleep duration and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.74-1.09) for the group with ≤5-hour sleep duration. However, there was no significant association between sleep duration and the prevalence of hypertension in the multivariable model. The age-adjusted cubic spline suggested a linear inverse association between sleep duration and prevalence of hypertension among men and the total population and a non-linear association among women. In conclusion, a 9-hour sleep duration has a negative association with prevalent hypertension. Moreover, an inverse linear association was found between night sleep duration and prevalent hypertension in the total population.
Data Driven Pathway Analysis and Forecast of Global Warming and Sea Level Rise
Authors: Song Jiecheng , Tong Guanchao , Chao Jiayou , Chung Jean , Zhang Minghua , Lin Wuyin , Zhang Tao , Bentler Peter , Zhu Wei
Published: September 2022

Climate change remains a top concern for the world, with its causes, pathways, and forecasts, still subject to debate. In this paper, we present a novel data driven pathway analysis framework to identify the key processes behind the mean global temperature and sea level rise, and to forecast the magnitude of the increases between now and 2100. Based on historical data and dynamic statistical modeling alone, we have confirmed the causal pathways from increased greenhouse gas emissions to increased global mean temperature and sea level, with its intermediate links including humidity, sea ice coverage and glacier volume, but not sunspot numbers. Our results indicate that, if no action is taken to rein in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, the global average temperature is estimated to be 2.79°C higher than its pre-industrial level and the global sea level is expected to be 604 mm above its 2021 mean by 2100. However, if the global community would adhere to the greenhouse gas emission regulations outlined in the 2021 United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26), the global temperature would increase to a less threatening 1.58°C above its pre-industrial level, while the sea level increase would reduce to 455 mm above its 2021 mean.
Thermodynamic performance judgment of organic Rankine cycle based on Gibbs free energy change
Authors: Bu Shujuan , Yang Xinle , Li Weikang , Wang Xin , Liu Xunan
Published: September 2022

Since Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) can judge the maximum ability of the system to do other useful work besides expansion work, ∆G was introduced into the general thermodynamic model of the ORC, the relationships between work, heat, exergy and ∆G were derived to judge the thermodynamic performance of ORC. And the ORC using pure fluid of R245fa and zeotropic mixture of R245fa/R227ea were selected as the study cases, analyzed the influence of different evaporation pressures, condensation pressures, heat source outlet temperatures and mass fractions of R245fa on the ∆G of the four thermodynamic processes to judge the ORC thermodynamic performances, the judgment results were compared with the calculation results. The results indicate that the change trends of net output power, thermal and exergy efficiencies judged by the ΔG are consistent with calculation results. The ability of ORC to do work increases with increase of Gibbs free energy change of heat absorption process (∆Ge), but the evaporator exergy destruction is affected by ∆Ge and working fluid entropy increase, its change depends on the specific working conditions; Output power is improved with increase of Gibbs free energy change of expansion process (∆Gt), but it will increase the turbine exergy destruction.