bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Theoretical Exploration of In Situ Grown Fe3S4/Co3S4 Heterostructure as Efficient Catalyst for I3
− Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Jie , Gao Yuan , Zuo Xueqin , Yang Li , Yang Qun , Tang Huaibao , Yao Jixin , Yang Bo , Xu Haifeng , Li Guang
Published: November 2022

Evolving low-cost transition metal sulfides heterostructures using simple yet high-efficiency synthesis methods to be grown directly on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (FTO) as a counter electrode (CE) is an immense challenge for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, Fe3S4/Co3S4 heterostructures with urchin-like structures were uniformly deposited on FTO substrates by a two-step hydrothermal reaction. DSSC constructed with the Fe3S4/Co3S4 CE achieves high power conversion efficiency (8.43%), which is better than the pure Pt CE (7.60%) measured under the same circumstances. The high performance comes down to the fact that Fe3S4/Co3S4 grows directly on the surface of FTO and achieves the uniform film thickness, which is conducive to the full contact of the electrolyte and accelerates the charge transfer. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) indicates that the charge density changes at the interface of Fe3S4/Co3S4 enhance the interaction between Fe 3d orbitals and I 5p orbitals, thereby the synergistic effect between Fe3S4 and Co3S4 achieving outstanding catalytic performance for I ions. This work paves the way for direct growth of heterostructure materials on substrates as electrodes avoiding subsequent complex processing for energy-related fields.
Decreased adiponectin/leptin ratio relates to insulin resistance in adults with obesity
Authors: Castela Inês , Morais Juliana , Barreiros-Mota Inês , Silvestre Marta P. , Marques Cláudia , Rodrigues Catarina , Ismael Shámila , Araújo João R. , Ângelo-Dias Miguel , Martins Catarina , Borrego Luís Miguel , Monteiro Rosário , Coutinho Sílvia Ribeiro , Calhau Conceição , Martins Cátia , Faria Ana , Pestana Diogo , Teixeira Diana
Published: November 2022

Adiponectin/leptin ratio, triacylglycerols, and waist-to-hip ratio explained almost half of HOMA-IR variance in the context of obesity. This study provides evidence to support adipose tissue dysfunction as a central feature of the pathophysiology of obesity and insulin resistance. Early identification of individuals at higher risk of developing metabolic complications through adipose tissue dysfunction assessment and the staging of obesity and its transient phenotypes can contribute to improve therapeutic decision-making.
Independent repetition suppression in macaque area V2 and inferotemporal cortex
Authors: Williams Nathaniel , Olson Carl R.
Published: November 2022

When a complexly structured natural image is presented twice in rapid succession, neurons in inferotemporal area TE exhibit repetition suppression, responding less strongly to the second than to the first presentation. We have explored whether this phenomenon is confined to high-order areas where neurons respond selectively to such images and thus carry information relevant to recognizing a repeat. We have found surprisingly that repetition suppression occurs even in low-order visual area V2.
Movement variability can be modulated in speech production
Authors: Tang Ding-Lan , Parrell Benjamin , Niziolek Caroline A.
Published: November 2022

By implementing a novel auditory feedback perturbation that modulates participants’ perceived trial-to-trial variability without affecting their overall mean behavior, we show that variability in the speech motor system can be modulated. By assaying speech production, we expand our current understanding of variability to a well-practiced, complex behavior outside of the limb control system. Our results additionally highlight the need to incorporate the active control of variability in models of speech motor control.
Chronic, episodic nicotine exposure alters GABAergic synaptic transmission to hypoglossal motor neurons and genioglossus muscle function at a critical developmental age
Authors: Wollman Lila Buls , Flanigan Emily Gayle , Fregosi Ralph F.
Published: November 2022

Here, we provide a thorough assessment of the effects of nicotine exposure on GABAergic synaptic transmission, from the cellular to the systems level. This work makes significant advances in our understanding of the impact of nicotine exposure during development on GABAergic neurotransmission within the respiratory network and the potential role this plays in the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance that is thought to be an important mechanism underlying neonatal breathing disorders, including sudden infant death syndrome.
Object weight can be rapidly predicted, with low cognitive load, by exploiting learned associations between the weights and locations of objects
Authors: Zhang Zhaoran , Cesanek Evan , Ingram James N. , Flanagan J. Randall , Wolpert Daniel M.
Published: November 2022

We use a novel object support task using a three-dimensional robotic interface and virtual reality system to provide evidence that the locations of objects are used to predict their weights. Using location information, rather than the visual appearance of the objects, supports fast prediction, thereby avoiding processes that can be demanding on working memory.
Evolution Characteristics of Advanced Nonferrous Metal Industry Patent Cooperation Network in China from the Perspective of Multilayer Network
Authors: Wang Qingxiao , Zhu Wenqian
Published: November 2022

The advanced nonferrous metal industry is a national strategic emerging industry, and its innovation ability is crucial to the transformation and development of downstream industries such as aerospace, rail transit, electronic information, and automobiles to the high end of the industrial value chain. The research on the evolution characteristics of its cooperative network is beneficial to the research on the mechanism of improving the innovation capability of the industry. Based on the cooperative invention patent application data in 2002–2020, using the social network analysis method and Gephi 0.9.2 visualization to construct a patent cooperation network and knowledge network, this paper analyzes the overall characteristics and evolution law of the patent cooperation network in the advanced nonferrous metal industry. It is found that, first, the structure of the innovation network in China’s advanced nonferrous metals industry is becoming more and more complex. The scale of the cooperation network and knowledge network is increasing, and the small world is obvious. Second, some innovation subjects, as key nodes, play the role of “bridge” and grasp the general direction of technology. The structure of the key nodes in the network has changed, and the cooperative innovation network of industry-university-research has gradually evolved from enterprise-led to university-led. Third, the number of technical categories has increased and the depth of technology has been enhanced in China’s advanced nonferrous metal field. Hot technical fields are characterized by high intensity, wide range, and stable advancement. Based on the research findings, some suggestions and enlightenment are put forward to promote the development of the advanced nonferrous metal industry.
Similarities and Differences among Species Closely Related to Candida albicans: C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris
Authors: Satala Dorota , Juszczak Magdalena , Wronowska Ewelina , Surowiec Magdalena , Kulig Kamila , Kozik Andrzej , Rapala-Kozik Maria , Karkowska-Kuleta Justyna
Published: November 2022

Although Candida species are widespread commensals of the microflora of healthy individuals, they are also among the most important human fungal pathogens that under certain conditions can cause diseases (candidiases) of varying severity ranging from mild superficial infections of the mucous membranes to life-threatening systemic infections. So far, the vast majority of research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis has been focused on the most common species—Candida albicans. Meanwhile, other closely related species belonging to the CTG clade, namely, Candida tropicalis and Candida dubliniensis, are becoming more important in clinical practice, as well as a relatively newly identified species, Candida auris. Despite the close relationship of these microorganisms, it seems that in the course of evolution, they have developed distinct biochemical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations, which they use to fit to commensal niches and achieve full virulence. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current knowledge on C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris virulence factors, the formation of a mixed species biofilm and mutual communication, the environmental stress response and related changes in fungal cell metabolism, and the effect of pathogens on host defense response and susceptibility to antifungal agents used, highlighting differences with respect to C. albicans. Special attention is paid to common diagnostic problems resulting from similarities between these species and the emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. Understanding the different strategies to achieve virulence, used by important opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
A Pulsed Synchronous Linear Accelerator for Low-Energy Proton
Authors: Shen Yi , Liu Yi , Dong Pan , Ye Mao , Zhang Huang , Xia Liansheng , Shi Jinshui , Deng Jianjun , Margarone Daniele
Published: November 2022

A low-energy proton accelerator named pulsed synchronous linear
accelerator (PSLA) is proposed and developed at the Institute
of Fluid Physics, which is driven by unipolar-pulsed high
voltages. Pulsed-accelerating electric fields and low-energy ion beams are
precisely synchronized on temporal and spatial positions for continuous
acceleration. The operating mode and the features of the PSLA are
introduced. At present, the feasibility of a low-energy proton PSLA has been
verified in principle. An average accelerating gradient up to 3 MV/m for
protons is achieved.
Determination of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Factors and Their Association with Clinical and Demographic Factors in Kenya
Authors: Georges Martin , Odoyo Erick , Matano Daniel , Tiria Fredrick , Kyany’a Cecilia , Mbwika Daniel , Mutai Winnie C. , Musila Lillian
Published: November 2022

Background. Enterococci are clinically significant because of their increasing antibiotic resistance and their ability to cause severe infections due to an arsenal of virulence genes. Few studies in the developing world have examined virulence factors that may significantly impact patient outcomes. This study describes the antimicrobial resistance profiles and prevalence of five key Enterococcal virulence genes gelE, asa, cylA, esp, and hyl in forty-four clinical Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium isolates in Kenya and their association with patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics. Results. All E. faecium isolates were obtained from hospital-acquired skin and soft tissue infections. While E. faecalis was associated with community-acquired urinary tract infections. All isolates were resistant to erythromycin, whereas 11/44 (27.5%), 25/44 (56.8%), 28/44 (63.6%), 37/44 (84.1%), 40/44 (90.0%), and 43/44 (97.5%) were susceptible to tetracycline, levofloxacin, gentamicin, ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, and teicoplanin, respectively. All isolates were susceptible to tigecycline, vancomycin, and linezolid. There was little difference in the antibiotic resistance profiles between E. faecalis and E. faecium. The prevalence of the virulence genes among the 44 isolates were 27 (61.4%) for gelE, 26 (59.1%) for asa1, 16 (36.3%) for esp, 11 (25.0%) for cylA, and 1 (2.3%) for hyl. 72.9% of E. faecalis isolates had multiple virulence genes compared to 57% of E. faecium isolates with no virulence genes. The hyl gene was only detected in E. faecium, while cylA and asa1 were only detected in E. faecalis. A significant correlation was observed between the presence of asa1 and esp virulence genes and tetracycline resistance (

P
=
0.0305

and 0.0363, respectively). A significant correlation was also observed between the presence of virulence genes gelE and asa1 and nitrofurantoin resistance (

P
=
0.0175

and 0.0225, respectively) and ampicillin resistance (

P
=
0.0005

and 0.0008, respectively). Conclusion. The study highlights the high levels of erythromycin resistance in E. faecalis and E. faecium, the demographic factors influencing the species distribution among patients, and the accumulation of multiple virulence genes in E. faecalis. The significant association of gelE, asa1, and esp virulence genes with drug resistance could explain the pathogenic success of E. faecalis and provides a guide for future studies.
A Survey of Browser Fingerprint Research and Application
Authors: Zhang Desheng , Zhang Jianhui , Bu Youjun , Chen Bo , Sun Chongxin , Wang Tianyu
Published: November 2022

With the development of modern browsing, the convenience brought by rich browser features has also produced a large number of features, which are called browser fingerprints. This article surveys the latest research results on browser fingerprinting, hoping to provide a convenient navigation for newcomers to research or apply this technology in the future. This paper first briefly introduces the browser fingerprinting technology itself, then classifies the related research on browsers, and analyzes the development of different research directions of browser fingerprinting in detail. And through the analysis of the existing results, the problems faced by different research directions are pointed out. After that, this paper introduces the application of browser fingerprint technology in detail and discusses the application achievements and technical challenges of this technology. Next, this paper introduces the theoretical tools related to the research of browser fingerprinting technology and introduces the application of different theoretical tools and practical significance. Finally, the research achievements of browser fingerprint recognition are summarized, and the future development trend is pointed out.
Sudden Vision Loss Secondary to Optic Nerve Infiltration as a Presenting Symptom of Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shamim M. M. , Whaley M. , Rana H. , Jeffus S. K. , Bhatti S. , Sallam A. B.
Published: November 2022

Purpose. To report a rare case of left-sided metastatic optic nerve infiltration and right-sided choroidal mass with exudative retinal detachment caused by EGFR exon 19 deletion positive non-small-cell lung adenocarcinoma that responded to targeted therapy with osimertinib (EGFR-TKI). Our patient demonstrated an excellent response with reduced size of the metastatic choroidal mass of the right orbit and improved visual acuity, in addition to systemic disease control. Case. A 66-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and tobacco use presented with sudden vision loss in the left eye secondary to optic nerve infiltration and subacute vision loss in the right eye secondary to exudative retinal detachment from a choroidal metastasis. He was found to have a right lung mass, multiple metastatic pulmonary nodules, and liver and bone metastases. Biopsy from a mediastinal lymph node confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. He was found to have exon 19 deletion on next-generation sequencing. We treated him with local radiation therapy to the left eye and systemic osimertinib (EGFR-TKI). Conclusion. To our knowledge, our case is the first report of a patient who initially presented with acute vision loss and was found to have metastatic retrobulbar optic nerve infiltration in one eye and metastatic choroidal lesion with exudative retinal detachment in the fellow eye secondary to lung adenocarcinoma. Due to the rarity of this condition, literature regarding effective treatment is scarce. Our patient demonstrated significant improvement in visual acuity and resolution of exudative retinal detachment in the right eye following osimertinib treatment and radiation therapy to the left eye. Further investigation into the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and radiation therapy in treating intraocular metastasis involving the optic nerve is needed.
Predicting the Robustness of Large Real‐World Social Networks Using a Machine Learning Model
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Kim-Khanh , Nguyen Quang , Pham Hai-Ha , Le Thi-Trang , Nguyen Tuan-Minh , Cassi Davide , Scotognella Francesco , Alfieri Roberto , Bellingeri Michele
Published: November 2022

Computing the robustness of a network, i.e., the capacity of a network holding its main functionality when a proportion of its nodes/edges are damaged, is useful in many real applications. The Monte Carlo numerical simulation is the commonly used method to compute network robustness. However, it has a very high computational cost, especially for large networks. Here, we propose a methodology such that the robustness of large real‐world social networks can be predicted using machine learning models, which are pretrained using existing datasets. We demonstrate this approach by simulating two effective node attack strategies, i.e., the recalculated degree (RD) and initial betweenness (IB) node attack strategies, and predicting network robustness by using two machine learning models, multiple linear regression (MLR) and the random forest (RF) algorithm. We use the classic network robustness metric R as a model response and 8 network structural indicators (NSI) as predictor variables and trained over a large dataset of 48 real‐world social networks, whose maximum number of nodes is 265,000. We found that the RF model can predict network robustness with a mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.03 and is 30% better than the MLR model. Among the results, we found that the RD strategy has more efficacy than IB for attacking real‐world social networks. Furthermore, MLR indicates that the most important factors to predict network robustness are the scale‐free exponent α and the average node degree . On the contrary, the RF indicates that degree assortativity a, the global closeness, and the average node degree  are the most important factors. This study shows that machine learning models can be a promising way to infer social network robustness.
Triple Derivations of Trivial Extensions
Authors: Teng Fei , Li Xiaokui , Tian Ying
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we describe the structure of triple derivations of trivial extensions. We then apply our results to triangular rings.
Adaptive Fast Independent Component Analysis Methods for Mitigating Multipath Effects in GNSS Deformation Monitoring
Authors: Yuan Rong , Xie Shengli , Li Zhenni , He Zhaoshui
Published: November 2022

Carrier-phase multipath is the main problem of GNSS deformation monitoring. Traditional methods usually adopt sidereal day filtering to mitigate the multipath. However, the necessity of presetting the session duration of the static baseline solution reduces the timeliness of the methods in real engineering. Moreover, these methods are not suitable for the systems that contain different types of GNSS satellites (e.g., BDS). To address the problems, this paper proposes an Adaptive Fast Independent Component Analysis (AF-ICA) method for mitigating multipath effects in GNSS deformation monitoring, which can effectively process the multi-GNSS data and separate several multipath signals. In the experimental study, compared with Sidereal Filtering in Observation Domain (SF-OD) method, AF-ICA method can improve both the positioning accuracy and peak-to-peak value. In GNSS deformation monitoring positioning accuracy, AF-ICA method can achieve the root-mean-square (RMS) of 1 mm horizon-tally and 2 mm vertically. Compared with the MSF method, the positioning accuracy of the AF-ICA method in the direction of ENU is improved by 44%, 14%, and 31%, respectively, and the corresponding peak-to-peak values increased by 36%, 17%, and 29%, respectively. Our proposed method can automatically get the monitoring information without estimating the orbit period in advance to realize automatic deformation monitoring. Through the automatic monitoring solution, the AF-ICA method in this paper can be applied to the natural disaster monitoring in the Internet of Things and provides real-time data monitoring information for disaster early warning.
Clinical Characteristics of Methanol-Induced Optic Neuropathy: Correlation between Aetiology and Clinical Findings
Authors: Sun Qiao , Sun Mingming , Zhang Yuan , Wang Song , Bai Wenhao , Wei Shihui , Xu Quangang , Zhou Huanfen
Published: November 2022

Purpose. To show the clinical characteristics, identify the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features, and observe the visual outcome of methanol-induced optic neuropathy. Methods. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from in-patients diagnosed with methanol-induced optic neuropathy in the Neuro-Ophthalmology Department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2016 to January 2021. Results. Eight patients were included in this study. The exposure time was 6–34 h for ingestion, 3-4 months for inhalation, and more than ten years for skin absorption. All patients demonstrated bilateral acute visual impairment. Seven of eight patients had other accompanying systemic symptoms. Seven of eight patients demonstrated optic nerve lesions in MRI, and five presented with a hyperintense T2 signal in a “central” type. OCT showed the macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (mGCL-IPL) thinning before the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thinning. The visual improvement was achieved transiently for seven of eight patients after treatment. One patient with a mitochondrial DNA mutation maintained a bilateral no-light perception (NLP) from the onset to the last visit. All patients had poor visual prognoses, with either light perception or NLP. Conclusions. Methanol-induced optic neuropathy is a rare bilateral optic neuropathy with a poor visual outcome. A centrally hyperintense T2 signal of the optic nerve is common in methanol-induced optic neuropathy. The thinning of the mGCL-IPL is more sensitive than that of the pRNFL for early diagnosis. A mitochondrial genetic defect may be a predisposing factor for methanol-induced optic neuropathy.
A Firefly Algorithm and Elite Ant System-Trained Elman Neural Network for MPPT Algorithm of PV Array
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Ya-jun , Li Han , Chang Jia-Bao , Yu Jia-qi
Published: November 2022

This article proposes a novel MPPT algorithm based on the firefly algorithm and elite ant system-trained Elman neural network (FA-EAS-ElmanNN). First, the position of fireflies is randomly initialized by the firefly algorithm (FA), meanwhile the firefly individuals with higher attractiveness degree value are selected as the optimal solution. Second, the extra pheromones are artificially released to boost the positive feedback effect and convergence rate of the elite ant system (EAS). Third, the weight and threshold of the Elman neural network (ElmanNN) are updated by the FA and EAS. Also, the trained ElamnNN is employed to acquire the maximum voltage of the photovoltaic (PV) array. At last, the PID controller and PWM technology are adapted to regulate the switch time of the boost converter. Furthermore, MATLAB/Simulink is adopted to acquire the datasets of irradiance, temperature, and maximum voltage and validate the reliability and superiority of the proposed algorithm under complex atmospheric conditions. The tracking characteristic, response speed, and efficiency of the proposed MPPT algorithm are contrasted with the particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization (ACO), ACO-artificial neural network (ACO-ANN), and PSO-RBF neural network (PSO-RBNFNN) algorithm via simulation. The efficiency of the FA-EAS-ElmanNN algorithm is 99.73%, compared with the ACO-ANN, PSO-RBFNN, PSO, and ACO algorithm, which is increased by 0.49%, 0.58%, 1.2% %, and 1.5%, respectively. Additionally, the experimental setup is built to demonstrate the tracking characteristic of the proposed MPPT algorithm.
Hartmann’s Reversal: Controversies of a Challenging Operation
Authors: Reali Claudia , Landerholm Kalle , George Bruce , Jones Oliver
Published: November 2022

Purpose. Hartmann’s reversal is a complex operation with a high morbidity rate. Minimally invasive surgery has been used to reduce the impact of surgery on fragile patients. The aim of this comparative study is to look at the results of Hartmann’s reversal procedures with different approaches. Methods. All the patients who underwent Hartmann’s reversal were collected retrospectively (124 cases). Sixty-four patients (50.4%) had an open operation, 6 cases (5%) were treated with a conventional laparoscopic approach, 34 patients (28.1%) underwent single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), and 20 (16.5%) required other additional trocars. Results. SILS operations were slightly longer than the open procedures (175 min vs 150 min), with the same rate of postoperative complications and reoperations (p = 0.83 and p = 0.42), but with a shorter hospital stay (5 days p = 0.007). Age (p = 0.03), long operative time (p = 0.01), and ASA score (p = 0.05) were identified as independent factors affecting postoperative morbidity. The grade of adhesions caused a longer operative time (p = 0.001) and a higher risk of conversionp<0.001, and short rectal stump increased the risk of protective loop ileostomy (p = 0.008). Patients with grade 2-3 of adhesions had a longer length of stay (p = 0.05). Conclusions. Minimally invasive procedures had a shorter hospital stay and did not show any increase in morbidity rate when compared with open cases. Age, longer operative time, and ASA score increased the risk of postoperative complications. Furthermore, patients with a short rectal stump had a higher chance of having a defunctioning ileostomy.
A Mathematical Modelling and Analysis of COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics with Optimal Control Strategy
Authors: Gebremeskel Abadi Abay , Berhe Hailay Weldegiorgis , Abay Adugna Temesgen
Published: November 2022

We proposed a deterministic compartmental model for the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 disease. We performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the deterministic model concerning the local and global stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. We found that the disease-free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number is less than unity, while the endemic equilibrium point becomes locally asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number is above unity. Furthermore, we derived the global stability of both the disease-free and endemic equilibriums of the system by constructing some Lyapunov functions. If

R

0

≤
1

, it is found that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, while the endemic equilibrium point is globally asymptotically stable when

R

0

>
1

. The numerical results of the general dynamics are in agreement with the theoretical solutions. We established the optimal control strategy by using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. We performed numerical simulations of the optimal control system to investigate the impact of implementing different combinations of optimal controls in controlling and eradicating COVID-19 disease. From this, a significant difference in the number of cases with and without controls was observed. We observed that the implementation of the combination of the control treatment rate,

u

2

, and the control treatment rate,

u

3

, has shown effective and efficient results in eradicating COVID-19 disease in the community relative to the other strategies.
Application of 3D Printing Technology and Porous Nano-Ceramic Decorative Sheet in Interior Landscape Design
Authors: Qiu Baojin , Xu Xun
Published: November 2022

In order to solve the problems that the traditional ceramic method is difficult to form porous ceramics with complex structures, the mold production cycle is long, and the cost is high, the authors propose the application of 3D printing technology and porous nano-ceramic decorative sheet in interior landscape design. Based on the use of photocuring molding technology to make high-precision regular resin molds, optimize the low-viscosity, high-solid content alumina ceramic slurry required by the gel injection molding process and form alumina ceramic blanks by means of a vacuum pressure process, so as to realize the net shape of complex structural porous ceramic parts. In view of the filling problem of ceramic slurry in complex structure in the process, the effects of slurry pH value, dispersant dosage, and vacuum pressurization process on ceramic molding were studied, and parameters such as porosity and compressive strength of the green body were tested. Experimental results show the following. Under the conditions of pH value of 9, mass fraction of dispersant of 0.4%, and vacuum pressure of 90 min, alumina ceramics with a volume fraction of 52% can be prepared, the porosity is 51.5%, and the compressive strength is 40.1 MPa. The ceramic material prepared by this process has complete structure and smooth surface and can be used as a process for preparing porous ceramic parts with complex structure.
Effectiveness and Safety of Avatrombopag in Liver Cancer Patients with Severe Thrombocytopenia: Real-World Data and Challenges
Authors: Huang Ao , Chen Jia-Feng , Wu Jian-Zhang , Gao Zheng , Shi Ying-Hong , Fu Xiu-Tao , Zhang Xin , Liu Wei-Ren , Gao Qiang , Sun Hui-Chuan , Shi Guo-Ming , Fan Jia , Ding Zhen-Bin , Zhou Jian
Published: November 2022

Background. Avatrombopag has been approved in patients who have severe thrombocytopenia (<50 × 109/L) and chronic liver disease (CLD) while receiving invasive procedures. The real-world application and effectiveness of avatrombopag in the subgroup patients with liver cancer remain unknown. Methods. Liver cancer patients (including primary liver cancer and colorectal cancer liver metastasis) who had severe thrombocytopenia and received avatrombopag were retrospectively enrolled. Avatrombopag dose, peak and absolute platelet count increase, combination treatment with other thrombopoietic agents, responder (peak count ≥50 × 109/L with absolute increase ≥20 × 109/L) rate, and anticancer treatment effect were analyzed. Thrombosis and bleeding events were assessed. Results. In total, 93 patients were enrolled, with 72 and 21 in the CLD and non-CLD groups, respectively. Patients with CLD had hepatitis B or C, larger spleen volume, and a higher cirrhosis degree. Baseline platelet counts were similar between two groups (median, 37.0 × 109/L vs. 39.0 × 109/L;

P
=
0.594

), while patients without CLD had higher peak platelet (median, 134.0 × 109/L vs. 74.0 × 109/L;

P
=
0.015

) and absolute increase (median, 101.0 × 109/L vs. 41.0 × 109/L;

P
=
0.020

) after avatrombopag treatment. The responder rate was higher in patients without CLD (100% vs. 76.4%;

P
=
0.010

). Combined avatrombopag with other thrombopoietic agents significantly increased platelet count; repeated use of avatrombopag produced similar effects with that of initial treatment. Concerning anticancer treatment effect, patients who responded to avatrombopag had a higher disease control rate. No thrombosis or hemorrhagic events were observed, even in patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis. Conclusion. Avatrombopag was safe and effective and ensured successful implementation of anticancer treatment in liver cancer patients with severe thrombocytopenia, accompanied with or without CLD.
Knockdown of lncRNA HOXD-AS2 Improves the Prognosis of Glioma Patients by Inhibiting the Proliferation and Migration of Glioma Cells
Authors: Chen Feng , Zhao Ru-Ru , Li Qian , Chen Zhen-Hua , Luo Chun
Published: November 2022

Objective. Increasing studies reported that long noncoding RNAs are involved in regulating glioma progression. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of lncRNAs in glioma remain unclear. Here, we sought to explore the functions of HOXD-AS2 in glioma progression. Methods. Gene expressions of lncRNAs in 5 normal brain tissue specimens and 5 glioblastoma tissue specimens were detected by gene expression profile chip technology. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to see whether differential expression of lncRNAs played any significant role in glioma occurrence and progression. The relationship between HOXD-AS2 level and clinical prognosis of the patients was analyzed. HOXD-AS2 was specifically interfered with by siRNA technology to observe its effects on U251 cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. Results. The expression level of HOXD-AS2 gene in glioma was significantly higher than that in the normal brain tissue, which was related to the tumor grade. The level of HOXD-AS2 gene in patients with high-grade glioma was higher than that in patients with low-grade glioma. High expression of HOXD-AS2 gene was a risk factor for poor prognosis of glioma patients. Knocking down the expression of HOXD-AS2 in glioma cell line U251 arrested the cell cycle and reduced the cell proliferation. Furthermore, it could significantly reduce the migration ability of the cells but had no significant effect on the invasion. Conclusion. HOXD-AS2 is an oncogenic lncRNA associated with the poor prognosis of glioma. Knockdown of HOXD-AS2 may reduce the growth of glioma, which may provide a new avenue for treatment.
Performance and Improvement Analysis of the Underwater WSN Using a Diverse Routing Protocol Approach
Authors: Sathish K. , Ravikumar C. V. , Srinivasulu Asadi , Rajesh A. , Oyerinde Olutayo Oyeyemi
Published: November 2022

The planet Earth is the most water-rich place because oceans cover more than 75% of its land area. Because of the extraordinary activities that occur in the depths, we know very little about oceans. Underwater wireless sensors are tools that can continuously transmit data to one of the source sensors while also monitoring and recording the physical and environmental parameters of their surroundings. An underwater wireless sensor network (UWSN) is the name given to the network created by the collection of these underwater wireless sensors. This particular technology is the most efficient way to analyse performance parameters. A network path is chosen to send traffic by using the routing method, a process that is also known as a protocol. The routing protocols ad-hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV), dynamic source routing (DSR), dynamic manet on demand routing protocol (DYMO), location-aided routing 1 (LAR 1), optimized link state routing (OLSR), source-tree adaptive routing optimum routing approach (STAR-ORA), zone routing protocol (ZRP), and STAR-least overhead routing approach (STAR-LORA) are a few models of routing techniques. By changing the number of nodes in the model and the maximum speed of each node, performance parameters such as average transmission delay, average jitter, percentage of utilisation, and power used in transmit and receive modes are explored. The results obtained using QualNet 7.1 simulator suggest the suitability of routing protocols in the UWSN.
New Bounds for the Generalized Distance Spectral Radius/Energy of Graphs
Authors: Ma Yuzheng , Gao Yubin , Shao Yanling
Published: November 2022

Let

G

be a simple connected graph with vertex set

V

G

=

v

1

,

v

2

,
…
,

v

n

and

d

v

i

be the degree of the vertex

v

i

. Let

D

G

be the distance matrix and

T

r

G

be the diagonal matrix of the vertex transmissions of

G

. The generalized distance matrix of

G

is defined as

D

α

G

=
α

T

r

G

+

1
−
α

D

G

, where

0
≤
α
≤
1

. If

λ

1

,

λ

2

,
…
,

λ

n

are the eigenvalues of

D

α

G

, then the generalized distance spectral radius of

G

is defined as

ρ

D

α

G

=

max

1
≤
i
≤
n

λ

i

. The generalized distance energy of

G

is

E

D

α

G

=

∑

i
=
1

n

|

λ

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The Research Progress in the Application of Ceramic Nanofibers in Antibacterial Textile Materials
Authors: Xi Miaoqing , Yang Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

In order to investigate the application effect of ceramic nanofibers in antibacterial textile materials and improve the comprehensive use efficiency of antibacterial textile materials, ceramic nanofibers were introduced firstly and their fabrication methods and specific functions were discussed. Then, the antibacterial textile materials were introduced and their main uses and contributions were discussed. Finally, the application of ceramic nanofibers in antibacterial textile materials was investigated based on CiteSpace software. The results showed that the research on ceramic nanofibers had increased rapidly since 2000. Also, the number of the foreign literature retrieval was about 9,200 at most and 6,300 at least. The number of Chinese literature was about 6,000 at most and 1,000 at least. It can be seen that the current research of ceramic nanofibers is quite mature. But the quantity of the research on ceramic nanofibers in the application of antibacterial materials is relatively small. In the foreign literature retrieval, the number of the literature was about 1,300 at most and about 220 at least. In the Chinese literature retrieval, the number of the literature was about 600 at most and about 30 at least. It can be seen that the current domestic research on the application of ceramic nanofibers in antibacterial textile materials is not mature, but the foreign research is relatively good. The research not only provides a reference for the further research of ceramic nanofibers but also contributes to the improvement of antibacterial textile materials.
Immunotherapeutic Targeting and PET Imaging of DLL3 in Small-Cell Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chou Jonathan , Egusa Emily A. , Wang Sinan , Badura Michelle L. , Lee Fei , Bidkar Anil P. , Zhu Jun , Shenoy Tanushree , Trepka Kai , Robinson Troy M. , Steri Veronica , Huang Jiaoti , Wang Yuzhuo , Small Eric J. , Chan Emily , Stohr Bradley A. , Ashworth Alan , Delafontaine Brant , Rottey Sylvie , Cooke Keegan S. , Hashemi Sadraei Nooshin , Yu Brian , Salvati Mark , Bailis Julie M. , Feng Felix Y. , Flavell Robert R. , Aggarwal Rahul
Published: November 2022

Effective treatments for de novo and treatment-emergent small-cell/neuroendocrine (t-SCNC) prostate cancer represent an unmet need for this disease. Using metastatic biopsies from patients with advanced cancer, we demonstrate that delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) is expressed in de novo and t-SCNC and is associated with reduced survival. We develop a PET agent, [89Zr]-DFO-DLL3-scFv, that detects DLL3 levels in mouse SCNC models. In multiple patient-derived xenograft models, AMG 757 (tarlatamab), a half-life–extended bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) immunotherapy that redirects CD3-positive T cells to kill DLL3-expressing cells, exhibited potent and durable antitumor activity. Late relapsing tumors after AMG 757 treatment exhibited lower DLL3 levels, suggesting antigen loss as a resistance mechanism, particularly in tumors with heterogeneous DLL3 expression. These findings have been translated into an ongoing clinical trial of AMG 757 in de novo and t-SCNC, with a confirmed objective partial response in a patient with histologically confirmed SCNC. Overall, these results identify DLL3 as a therapeutic target in SCNC and demonstrate that DLL3-targeted BiTE immunotherapy has significant antitumor activity in this aggressive prostate cancer subtype.

Significance:

The preclinical and clinical evaluation of DLL3-directed immunotherapy, AMG 757, and development of a PET radiotracer for noninvasive DLL3 detection demonstrate the potential of targeting DLL3 in SCNC prostate cancer.
Association of Urinary Biomarkers of Smoking-Related Toxicants with Lung Cancer Incidence in Smokers: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Cigan Shannon S. , Murphy Sharon E. , Stram Daniel O. , Hecht Stephen S. , Marchand Loïc Le , Stepanov Irina , Park Sungshim L.
Published: November 2022

Background:

While cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, the majority of smokers do not develop the disease over their lifetime. The inter-individual differences in risk among smokers may in part be due to variations in exposure to smoking-related toxicants.

Methods:

Using data from a subcohort of 2,309 current smokers at the time of urine collection from the Multiethnic Cohort Study, we prospectively evaluated the association of ten urinary biomarkers of smoking-related toxicants [total nicotine equivalents (TNE), a ratio of total trans-3′-hydroxycotinine (3-HCOT)/cotinine (a phenotypic measure of CYP2A6 enzymatic activity), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1–3-(pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA), 3-hydroxypropyl mercapturic acid (3-HPMA), phenanthrene tetraol (PheT), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene (PheOH), the ratio of PheT/PheOH, cadmium (Cd), and (Z)-7-(1R,2R,3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxy-2-[(E,3S)-3-hydroxyoct-1-enyl]cyclopenyl]hept-5-enoic acid (8-iso-PGF2α)] with lung cancer risk (n = 140 incident lung cancer cases over an average of 13.4 years of follow-up). Lung cancer risk was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

After adjusting for decade of birth, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, self-reported pack-years, creatinine, and urinary TNE (a biomarker of internal smoking dose), a one SD increase in log total 3-HCOT/cotinine (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06–1.66), 3-HPMA (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.07–1.85), and Cd (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.18–1.79) were each associated with increased lung cancer risk.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates that urinary total 3-HCOT/cotinine, 3-HPMA, and Cd are positively associated with lung cancer risk. These findings warrant replication and consideration as potential biomarkers for smoking-related lung cancer risk.

Impact:

These biomarkers may provide additional information on lung cancer risk that is not captured by self-reported smoking history or TNE.

See related commentary by Etemadi et al., p. 289
Human Bone Marrow Organoids for Disease Modeling, Discovery, and Validation of Therapeutic Targets in Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Khan Abdullah O. , Rodriguez-Romera Antonio , Reyat Jasmeet S. , Olijnik Aude-Anais , Colombo Michela , Wang Guanlin , Wen Wei Xiong , Sousos Nikolaos , Murphy Lauren C. , Grygielska Beata , Perrella Gina , Mahony Christopher B. , Ling Rebecca E. , Elliott Natalina E. , Karali Christina Simoglou , Stone Andrew P. , Kemble Samuel , Cutler Emily A. , Fielding Adele K. , Croft Adam P. , Bassett David , Poologasundarampillai Gowsihan , Roy Anindita , Gooding Sarah , Rayes Julie , Machlus Kellie R. , Psaila Bethan
Published: November 2022

A lack of models that recapitulate the complexity of human bone marrow has hampered mechanistic studies of normal and malignant hematopoiesis and the validation of novel therapies. Here, we describe a step-wise, directed-differentiation protocol in which organoids are generated from induced pluripotent stem cells committed to mesenchymal, endothelial, and hematopoietic lineages. These 3D structures capture key features of human bone marrow—stroma, lumen-forming sinusoids, and myeloid cells including proplatelet-forming megakaryocytes. The organoids supported the engraftment and survival of cells from patients with blood malignancies, including cancer types notoriously difficult to maintain ex vivo. Fibrosis of the organoid occurred following TGFβ stimulation and engraftment with myelofibrosis but not healthy donor–derived cells, validating this platform as a powerful tool for studies of malignant cells and their interactions within a human bone marrow–like milieu. This enabling technology is likely to accelerate the discovery and prioritization of novel targets for bone marrow disorders and blood cancers.

Significance:

We present a human bone marrow organoid that supports the growth of primary cells from patients with myeloid and lymphoid blood cancers. This model allows for mechanistic studies of blood cancers in the context of their microenvironment and provides a much-needed ex vivo tool for the prioritization of new therapeutics.

See related commentary by Derecka and Crispino, p. 263.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 247
Nature and Trends in Personal Payments Made to the Respiratory Physicians by Pharmaceutical Companies in Japan between 2016 and 2019
Authors: Murayama Anju , Hoshi Momoko , Saito Hiroaki , Kamamoto Sae , Tanaka Manato , Kawashima Moe , Mamada Hanano , Kusumi Eiji , Sapkota Binaya , Shrestha Sunil , Shrestha Rajeev , Bhandari Divya , Sawano Toyoaki , Yamashita Erika , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Ozaki Akihiko
Published: November 2022

Background: Financial relationships between healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies have historically caused conflicts of interest and unduly influenced patient care. However, little was known about such relationship and its effect in clinical practice among specialists in respiratory medicine. Methods: Based on the retrospective analysis of payment data made available by all 92 pharmaceutical companies in Japan, this study evaluated the magnitude and trend of financial relationships between all board-certified Japanese respiratory specialists and pharmaceutical companies between 2016 and 2019. Magnitude and prevalence of payments for specialists were analyzed descriptively. The payment trends were assessed using the generalized estimating equations for the payment per specialist and the number of specialists with payments. Results: Among all 7,114 respiratory specialists certified as of August 2021, 4,413 (62.0%) received a total of USD 53,547,391 and 74,195 counts from 72 (78.3%) pharmaceutical companies between 2016 and 2019. The median (interquartile range) 4-year combined payment values per specialist were USD 2,210 (USD 715–8,178). At maximum, one specialist received USD 495,332 personal payments over the 4 years. Both payments per specialist and number of specialists with payments significantly increased during the 4-year period, with 7.8% (95% CI: 5.5–9.8; p < 0.001) in payments and 1.5% (95% CI: 0.61–2.4; p = 0.001) in number of specialists with payments, respectively. Conclusion: The majority of respiratory specialists had increasingly received more personal payments from pharmaceutical companies for the reimbursement of lecturing, consulting, and writing between 2016 and 2019. These increasing financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies might cause conflicts of interest among respiratory physicians.
Rastros, ruínas e decadência: contribuições para uma antropologia dos arquivos
Authors: Triana Bruna
Published: November 2022

Neste ensaio, proponho pensar o arquivo como cidade e a cidade como arquivo. As análises formuladas ao longo desse itinerário de mão-dupla, que permeiam documentos e ruas, embasam-se em três imagens conceituais: rastro, ruína e decadência. A partir de Maputo, capital moçambicana, problematizo meu trabalho de campo mostrando como esse exercício afetivo e epistemológico de “caminhar-pesquisar” envolve um olhar duplicado sobre o arquivo e a cidade. Esse olhar me levou, de um lado, a analisar os meios de controle e de silenciamento que cercam histórias e memórias presentes em ambos os espaços; de outro, a escavar outros sentidos que ameaçam esses mecanismos. Meu argumento é que o arquivo, como a cidade, é um espaço vivo, repleto de tensões, hiatos e ambiguidades. Por isso, é preciso testar os limites de se pensar, conjunta e comparativamente, o arquivo institucional e o arquivo urbano. Com esse olhar duplicado, problematizo os rastros das histórias oficiais e como elas são negociadas e disputadas – em imagens guardadas pelo Estado ou em monumentos escondidos.
Ocupações, práxis espacial negra e brancopia: para uma crítica da branquidade nos estudos urbanos paulistas
Authors: Paterniani Stella Zagatto
Published: November 2022

Baseado em pesquisa etnográfica, este artigo traça a equivocação controlada de trabalhador a partir da crítica da branquidade da economia política da urbanização e nos estudos urbanos paulistas. Além disso, apresenta algumas contribuições para uma produção acadêmica antibranquidade, a partir do reconhecimento das ocupações de prédio e de terra, da circulação de corpos negros na cidade e da prática da imaginação e produção de vida como práxis negra e recusa ao confinamento da brancopia.