bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheological behavior of a magnetorheological shear-thickening fluid (MRSTF) and dynamic characteristics of an MRSTF damper
Authors: Sanfeng Yang , Huang Xiangming , Yang Ming , Wei Li , Qing Zeng
Published: April 2022

In this study, a magnetorheological shear-thickening fluid (MRSTF) containing nano-grade fumed silica and polyethylene glycol mixed with different iron powder mass fractions was first evaluated, and the rheological behavior of the MRSTF was analyzed. The viscosity amplitude of thickening with the MRSTF decreased with increasing magnetic field strength. When the magnetic field strength of the MRSTF reached 197 mT, the thickening effect was eventually eliminated. An increasing content of carbonyl iron powder effectively increased the viscosity of the fluid under a weak magnetic field environment. And then magnetorheological shear-thickening damper (MRSTD) was designed and its dynamic characteristics were studied using an MTS809 fatigue testing machine. The results indicated that the damping force of the MRSTD changed with the vibration frequency, amplitude, and magnetic field strength. Finally, according to the mechanical characteristics of the MRSTD, linear and nonlinear damping models were established based on the energy storage stiffness and energy dissipation stiffness, respectively. And the results of the two fitting functions were compared with those of the experiments. The nonlinear damping model was found to better replicate the nonlinear stiffness, nonlinear damping, and shear rate-related characteristics of the MRSTD. The results of this study provide guidance for future theoretical and applied research into MRSTDs.
Energy-saving and Punctuality Combined Velocity Planning for the Autonomous-Rail Rapid Tram with Enhanced Pseudospectral Method
Authors: Wang Jinxiang , Han Dongming , Yan Yongjun , Liu Neng , Sun Ning , Yin Guodong
Published: April 2022

Autonomous-rail Rapid Transit (ART) is a new medium-capacity rapid transportation system with punctuality, comfort, convenience, but low-cost construction. Combined velocity planning is a critical approach to meet the requirements of energy-saving and punctuality. An ART velocity pre-planning and re-planning strategy based on the combination of dynamic programming (DP) and pseudospectral (PS) method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the longitudinal dynamics model of ART is established by a multi-particle model. Secondly, the DP algorithm with global optimal characteristics is adopted as the pre-planning strategy. A model for determining number of the optimal collocation points of the real-time PS method is proposed to improve the energy-saving effect while ensuring the computation efficiency. Then the enhanced PS method is utilized to design the velocity re-planning strategy. Finally, simulations are conducted in typical scenario with sloping roads, traffic lights, and intrusive of pedestrian. The simulation results indicate that the ART with the proposed velocity trajectory optimization strategy can meet the punctuality requirement, and obtain better economy efficiency compared with the constant speed strategy.
Path Tracking Controller Design of Automated Parking Systems via NMPC with an Instructible Solution
Authors: Chen Liang , Qin Zhaobo , Hu Manjiang , Bian Yougang , Peng Xiaoyan
Published: April 2022

Parking difficulties have become a social issue that people have to solve. Automated parking system is practicable for quick parking operations without a driver which can also greatly reduces the probability of parking accidents. The paper proposes an Lyapunov-based nonlinear model predictive controller embedding an instructable solution which is generated by the modified rear-wheel feedback method (RF-LNMPC) in order to improve the overall path tracking accuracy in parking conditions. Firstly, A discrete-time RF-LNMPC considering the position and attitude of the parking vehicle is proposed to increase the success rate of automated parking effectively. Secondly, the RF-LNMPC problem with a multi-objective cost function is solved by the Interior-Point Optimization, of which the iterative initial values are described as the instructable solutions calculated by combining modified rear-wheel feedback to improve the performance of local optimal solution. Thirdly, the details on the computation of the terminal constraint and terminal cost for the linear time-varying case is presented. The closed-loop stability is verified via Lyapunov techniques by considering the terminal constraint and terminal cost theoretically. Finally, the proposed RF-LNMPC is implemented on a self-driving Lincoln MKZ platform and the experiment results have shown improved performance in parallel and vertical parking conditions. The Monte Carlo analysis also demonstrates good stability and repeatability of the proposed method which can be applied in practical use in the near future.
Z-RNA and the flipside of the SARS Nsp13 helicase
Authors: Herbert Alan , Poptsova Maria
Published: April 2022

We present evidence that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) non-structural protein 13 (Nsp13) modulates the Z-RNA dependent regulated cell death pathways [1]. We show that Z-prone sequences (called flipons [2]) exist in coronavirus and provide a signature (Z-sig) that enables identification of the animal viruses from which the human pathogens arose. We also identify a potential RIP Homology Interaction Motif (RHIM) in the helicase Nsp13 that resembles those present in proteins that initiate Z-RNA-dependent cell death through interactions with the Z-RNA sensor protein ZBP1. These two observations allow us to suggest a model in which Nsp13 down regulates Z-RNA activated innate immunity by two distinct mechanisms. The first involves a novel ATP-independent Z-flipon helicase (flipase) activity in Nsp13 that differs from that of canonical A-RNA helicases. This flipase prevents formation of Z-RNAs that would otherwise activate cell death pathways. The second mechanism likely inhibits the interactions between ZBP1 and the Receptor Interacting Proteins Kinases RIPK1 and RIPK3 by targeting their RHIM domains. Together the described Nsp13 RHIM and flipase activities have the potential to alter the host response to coronaviruses and impact the design of drugs targeting the Nsp13 protein. The Z-sig and RHIM domains may provide a way of identifying previously uncharacterized viruses that are potentially pathogenic for humans.
Multimorbidity among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mosli Mahmoud , Alsahafi Majid , Alsanea Mohammad N , Alhasani Faisal , Ahmed Mohammad Salah , Saadah Omar
Published: April 2022

Background and ObjectivesInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory condition that debilitate the quality of life. Multimorbidity, a concept only beginning to emerge in IBD, is defined as two or more comorbidities present in the same individual. Multimorbidity is linked to decreased quality of life, poorer disease outcomes, increased hospitalizations, healthcare costs and polypharmacy complications. We aim to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity and to explore its impact on IBD patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all IBD patients registered in a validated web-based registry since February 2018. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, IBD and extraintestinal complications were obtained. We analyzed the date using univariate and bivariate analysis.ResultsAmong 767 IBD patients, 54.6% had Crohn’s disease (CD), 41.9% had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 3.5% had IBD unclassified. The median age at diagnosis was 22 years (IQR: 15–29). Males compromised 50.2% of patients. According to the Montréal IBD classification, most UC patients had moderate UC (47.8%) while most CD patients had non-stricturing non-penetrating CD (49.8%). Overall, 10.3% IBD patients had multimorbidity and 23.9% had at least one comorbidity. The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (4.9%) followed by essential hypertension (4%) and Iron deficiency anemia (3%). Female gender (P = 0.008) and UC (P = 0.005) were more likely to have multimorbidity. Multimorbid IBD patients were more likely to develop thrombosis than non-multimorbid peers (16.7% vs 1.6%; P < 0.000).ConclusionsMultimorbidity is not uncommon among IBD patients, especially females diagnosed with UC. Our findings indicate that future studies are needed to explore the effects of multimorbidity on IBD patients.
Food insecurity and low social support associated with the absence of breastfeeding in the immediate postpartum period in newborns from high-risk pregnancies.
Authors: Augusto Ana Lúcia Pires , Rodrigues Aléxia Vieira de Abreu , Salles-Costa Rosana
Published: April 2022

Food insecurity (FI) and low social support (SS) can be associated with adverse neonatal health conditions, including weaning at very early stages. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between FI and low SS in high-risk pregnant women with breastfeeding (BF) at birth. To achieve this goal, between 2017 and 2020, 142 pregnant women at clinical risk and her newborns, at a reference university hospital in the state of Rio de Janeiro were evaluated. In the first prenatal care visit, the household FI ​​situation was measured with the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (BFIS) and SS was measured with the Social Support Scale of the Medical Outcomes Study (USA). In addition, sociodemographic and pregnancy-related data and the presence or absence of breastfeeding (BF) on the first day of birth were investigated. To verify the relationship between FI, SS and BF, logistic regression models were used, and the odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated. Those associations with a p value less than 0.05 in the adjusted model were considered significant. A total of 57.1% of pregnant women were found to have FI, and the highest average score of social support was related to the dimension (89.8%). Most newborns received BF together with industrialized formula (46%). FI (OR = 7.1; 95% CI: 1.3–27.7), the existence of disease prior to pregnancy (OR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.2–28.6), alcohol consumption during pregnancy (OR = 13.9; 95% CI: 1.3–29.5) and newborn respiratory diseases (OR = 25.8; 95% CI: 3.9–50.8) increased the chance for the absence of breast milk consumption at birth. Based on these results, strategies for FI reduction, such as improving conditions of early access to prenatal care to improve gestational health conditions that interfere with breastfeeding, are recommended.
The Influence of Parameters on the Physical Properties of Pure Cellulosic Plain Weave Woven Fabrics.
Authors: Ahmed Shaharia
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to examine the physical characteristics of three different types of 100% cotton 1/1 plain woven fabrics. Fabrics like canvas, poplin, and voile are taken into consideration. These fabrics have a 60-inch width in common. Tear strength, tensile strength, weight (g/m2), cover factor, shrinkage, air permeability, Martindale pilling resistance, and Ultra-Violet Transmission were all tested on the fabrics. The experiments were carried out using the ASTM & AATCC Standards test procedure, which is mentioned further down in this document. In comparison to poplin and voile, canvas cloth has superior weight and strength qualities. In comparison to the other two textiles, voile fabric had a higher value of shrinkage and ultra-violet protection factors (UPF). The air permeability of canvas fabrics is higher. The research is based on exercise, and the findings support textile specialists. Researchers will be able to pursue this field further because of our investigation.
Clinical value and prediction efficiency of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte radio and D-dimer on admission for functional outcome in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Sun Rui , Yin Ge , Wu Wen , Ding Qichao , Gu Zhengsheng , Fan Cunxiu , Song Chenrui , Liang Meng , Liu Xiaobei , Bi Xiaoying
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUNDS:
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare subtype of stroke with a variety of clinical manifestations. This study aimed to explore the role of inflammatory factors and the changes of coagulation function at different stage in the prognosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).
METHODS
We assessed inflammation and coagulation factors in 137 CVST patients over a 12-year period (2010–2021). The short-term functional outcome was evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. Patients with CVST were divided into two groups, 102 patients with good functional outcome (mRS score 0–2) and 35 patients with poor functional outcome (mRS score 3–6). Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the potential independent risk factors for functional outcome of patients with CVST. The correlation between each indicator and mRS was assessed. We also use receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis to evaluate the discriminative ability of significant factors in predicting functional outcome.
RESULTS
Significantly higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and D-dimer levels on admission were observed in patients with poor outcome. After adjustments, NLR and D-dimer on admission remained a significant predictor for unfavorable functional prognosis in CVST patients (NLR: OR [95% CI] 1.243 [1.059–1.459], p = 0.008; D-dimer: OR [95% CI] 1.177 [1.021–1.356], p = 0.025). ROC curve of a prediction model showed that NLR ≥ 2.105 and D-dimer ≥ 0.845 could better predict the unfavorable outcome at discharge.
CONCLUSIONS
D-dimer and NLR on admission are independent predicators for short-term functional outcome in CVST patients and may be meaningful for better optimizing treatment decisions.
Cancer cell survival depends on collagen uptake into tumor-associated stroma
Authors: Hsu Kuo-Sheng , Dunleavey James , Szot Christopher , Yang Liping , Hilton Mary Beth , Morris Karen , Seaman Steven , Feng Yang , Lutz Emily , Koogle Robert , Tomassoni-Ardori Francesco , Saha Saurabh , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zudaire Enrique , Bajgain Pradip , Rose Joshua , Zhu Zhongyu , Dimitrov Dimiter , Cuttitta Frank , Emenaker Nancy , Tessarollo Lino , Croix Brad St
Published: April 2022

Collagen I, the most abundant protein in humans, is ubiquitous in solid tumors where it provides a rich source of exploitable metabolic fuel for cancer cells. While tumor cells were unable to exploit collagen directly, here we show they can usurp metabolic byproducts of collagen-consuming tumor-associated stroma. Using genetically engineered mouse models, we discovered that solid tumor growth depends upon collagen binding and uptake mediated by the TEM8/ANTXR1 cell surface protein in tumor-associated stroma. Tumor-associated stromal cells processed collagen into glutamine, which was then released and internalized by cancer cells. Under chronic nutrient starvation, a condition driven by the high metabolic demand of tumors, cancer cells exploited glutamine to survive, an effect that could be reversed by blocking collagen uptake with TEM8 neutralizing antibodies. These studies reveal that cancer cells exploit collagen-consuming stromal cells for survival, exposing an important vulnerability across solid tumors with implications for developing improved anticancer therapy.
Object-centered sensorimotor bias of torque control in the chronic stage following stroke
Authors: Schneider Thomas Rudolf , Hermsdörfer Joachim
Published: April 2022

BackgroundWhen lifting objects whose center of mass (CoM) are not centered below the handle one must compensate for arising external torques already at lift-off to avoid object tilt. Previous studies showed that finger force scaling during object lifting may be impaired at both hands following stroke. However, torque control in object manipulation has not yet been studied in patients with stroke.In this study, thirteen patients with chronic stage left hemispheric stroke (SL), nine patients with right hemispheric stroke (SR) and hand-matched controls had to grasp and lift an object with the fingertips of their ipsilesional hand at a handle while preventing object tilt. Object CoM and therewith the external torque was varied by either relocating a covert weight or the handle. The compensatory torque at lift-off (Tcom) is the sum of the torque resulting from 1) grip force being produced at different vertical finger positions (∆CoP x GF) and 2) different vertical load forces on both sides of the handle (∆Fy x w/2).ResultsWhen having to rely on sensorimotor memories, ∆CoP x GF was elevated when the object CoM was on the ipislesional-, but decreased when CoM was on the contralesional side in SL, whereas ∆Fy x w/2 was biased in the opposite direction, resulting in normal Tcom. SR patients applied a smaller ∆CoP x GF when the CoM was on the contralesional side. Torques were not altered when geometric cues were available. The sensorimotor spatial bias of ∆CoP x GF was more pronounced and translated to a bias of overall Tcom in SL patients with signs of apraxia (n = 3). ConclusionOur findings provide evidence for an object-centered spatial bias of manual sensorimotor torque control with the ipsilesional hand following stroke. While both intact finger force-to-position coordination and visuomotor control may compensate for the spatial sensorimotor bias in most stroke patients, it may result in a hampered manual torque control in patients with apraxia.
Does Plate Waste Matter? : A two-stage cluster survey to assess the household plate waste in the Philippines
Authors: Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda , Toledo Marvin , Zamora Jezreel Ann
Published: April 2022

Background
Plate waste is an urgent global research problem. Gaining better knowledge of the quantity and patterns of plate waste among households may give critical insights into resolving the greater problem of unnecessary plate waste. The study was conducted to determine the amount of plate wastage across food security levels of households and evaluate possible factors associated with plate waste.
Methods
This investigation analyzed the data from the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey. Food weighing, food inventory, and food recall were the methods used to collect household food consumption and plate waste. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used to identify levels of food security among households.
Results
The present study has revealed that rice-vegetables-fish/meat, or a combination of the two was the usual meal pattern observed among households. Rice, vegetables, and meat were the top 3 most wasted foods among Filipino households. Food secure households wasted more rice, fats and oils, cereals, fish, as well as maize and corn products than food insecure households. Too much meal portion size, greater number of household members and wealth increases the likelihood of rice, vegetable, and meat wastage.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that plate waste is a health policy issue as households are routinely purchasing large amounts of nutritious produce that they are not consuming; and hence, increasing the need for interventions aimed at reducing plate waste among households.
Study on comprehensive evaluation of Environmental pollution treatment effect in coal mine subsidence area: Taking Xinglongzhuang mining area of Yanzhou coal industry as an example
Authors: Han Xiuyan , Guo Pengyuan , Sun Fengqi
Published: April 2022

In order to explore the effective evaluation method of Environmental pollution treatment effect in China's coal mine subsidence areas, based on the literature review and analysis of current situation, combined with the reality of Environmental pollution treatment(EPT) in China's coal mine subsidence areas, this paper selected four categories,including a total of 21 evaluation indicators, and drew lessons from the latest research results in relevant fields to construct the spatial niche suitability model of comprehensive evaluation of Environmental pollution treatment effect in coal mine subsidence area. Taking the collapse area of Xinglongzhuang coal mine of Yanzhou coal industry as an example, the comprehensive evaluation and application of Environmental pollution treatment effect in coal mine subsidence area were studied. It is found that the Environmental pollution treatment effect of the mining area has increased from moderate pollution (level III) in 2012 to mild pollution (Level I) in 2020 within nine years. The Environmental pollution treatment effect has a rapid improvement relatively, but its growth rate has decreased year by year since 2016, and the environmental pollution indicator is still at a high level. Therefore, Environmental pollution treatment in the subsidence area is still a long-term task of Dongtan coal mine. The research results of this paper provide an effective quantitative analysis method for the evaluation of Environmental pollution treatment effect in coal mine subsidence area, which is conducive to the continuous improvement of Environmental pollution treatment effect in mining area.
Targeting Akt/PI3K /mTOR signaling pathway for complete eradication of keloid disease by sunitinib
Authors: Chen Yiqing , Chen Chunlin , Fang Junren , Su Kui , Yuan Qian , Hou Huan , Xin Huijuan , Sun Jianwu , Huang Chaohong , Li Shuyi , Yuan Zhengqiang , Luo Shengkang
Published: April 2022

Keloid disease is a nodular lesion, tumor-like but not cancerous, and characteristic of excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. This condition often causes itching, pain and cosmetic disfigurement, significantly reducing the quality of life in patients. To date there are no universally effective therapies available possibly due to the lack of good understanding of pathogenesis of keloid scarring. As an oral small-molecule inhibitor of some tyrosine kinase receptors, sunitinib has shown significant therapeutic effects in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). However, it has never been tested if keloid therapy can be effective for the management of keloids. This study thus aims to explore the potential of sunitinib for keloid treatment. Keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFs) were successfully isolated and cultured and they demonstrated proliferative advantage to normal skin-derived fibroblasts (NFs). Additionally, sunitinib showed specific cytotoxicity and inhibition of invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest and significant apoptosis in KFs. These effects were accompanied with complete suppression of ECM component expression including collagen type-1 and − 3, and significant downregulation of the Akt/PI3K/mTOR pathway. Moreover, a keloid explant culture model was successfully established and used to test the therapeutic efficacy of sunitinib on keloid in nude mice. Sunitinib was found to induce complete regression of keloid explant fragments in nude mice, showing significantly higher therapeutic efficacy than the most commonly used intralesional drug triamcinolone acetonide (TAC). These data suggest that sunitinib effectively inhibits keloid development through suppression of the Akt/PI3K/m-TOR pathway, and thus can be potentially developed as a monotherapy or combination therapy for the effective treatment of keloid disease.
Mediating role of impaired wisdom in the relation between childhood trauma and psychotic-like experiences in Chinese college students: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jiamei , Liu Zhening , Long Yicheng , Tao Haojuan , Ouyang Xuan , Wu Guowei , Chen Min , Yu Liuyu , Zhou Liang , Sun Meng , Lv Dongsheng , Cui Guangcheng , Yi Qizhong , Tang Hong , An Cuixia , Wang Jianjian , Wu Zhipeng
Published: April 2022

Background.
The association between childhood trauma (CT) and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) is well-established. Many previous studies have recognized wisdom as a protective factor for mental health, but its role in the relation between CT and PLEs remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the mediating effect of wisdom in the above association among Chinese college students.
Methods.
We conducted a nationwide survey covering 9 colleges across China and recruited a total of 5873 students using online questionnaires between September 14 and October 18, 2021. Convenience sampling was adopted. We employed the San Diego Wisdom Scale (SD-WISE), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), and the 15-item Positive Subscale of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-15) to measure the wisdom, CT and PLEs, respectively. Descriptive, correlation, and mediation analysis were utilized.
Results.
The positive correlation between CT and PLEs was well-replicated among college students (Pearson’s r = 0.30, p < 0.001). Wisdom was negatively associated with CT (Pearson’s r=-0.46, p < 0.001) and frequency of PLEs (Pearson’s r=-0.25, p < 0.001). Total wisdom score partially mediated the relationship between cumulative childhood trauma, neglect, abuse and PLEs, separately. The mediated model respectively explained 21.9%, 42.54% and 18.27% of the total effect of CT on PLEs. Our model further suggested that childhood trauma could be related to PLEs through decreasing the following wisdom components: decisiveness, emotional regulation and prosocial behavior.
Conclusions.
For the first time, our results suggested that impaired wisdom played a role in the translation from childhood adversity to subclinical psychotic symptoms, implicating wisdom as a possible target for early intervention for psychosis among young individuals. Longitudinal work is warranted to verify the clinical implications.
Parametric Quintic Spline for Time–Fractional Burger’s and Coupled Burgers’ Equations
Authors: Hammad D.A , Semary Mourad S. , Khattab Ahmed G.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the solutions of time–fractional Burger’s equation and time–fractional coupled Burgers’ equations are obtained using the parametric quintic spline method with a local truncation error of order eight. Moreover, the stability analysis of the present method is demonstrated using Von–Neumann method. Also, to show the accuracy of this method, some examples with different cases for Burger’s and coupled Burgers’ equations are presented and compared with the previous methods.
Removal of Cefotaxime Antibiotics from Hospital Wastewater using TiO2 and SiO2 Nanoparticles-Modified Polyethersulfone Membrane: Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Nikfarjam Zeinab , Heravi Mohammad Momen , Bozorgmehr Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2022

Antibiotics may be regarded as novel and harmful contaminants in the ecosystem because of their increased usage worldwide and presence in wastewater, endangering people's health and the environment even in small amounts. Among the adverse effects of the compounds are drug resistance and alteration in biological cycles. The present study aims to remove one of the cephalosporin antibiotics (cefotaxime) from hospital wastewater using synthetic modified membranes containing nanoparticles based on the in vitro and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study. To do so, first, Polyethersulfone (PES) polymeric membrane, silicon dioxide (SiO2), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthetic in the practical phase. Then, the impact of different factors, including pH, concentration, and contact time, was examined on the efficiency of wastewater treatment. Thermodynamic studies were also conducted to identify and analyze the adsorption isotherms of the PES polymeric membrane. The results indicate that the PES polymeric membrane achieved the maximum surface adsorption at 37 ° C, 180 min contact time, and pH = 5. The simulations were performed using Materials Studio and LAMMPS molecular dynamics simulator. The efficiency of simulations was assessed when the boundary conditions and force field were determined. At various temperatures, the best operating temperature, adsorption isotherms, and membrane morphology have all been studied. The adsorption isotherms were determined on the membrane surface in a low-pressure range from 1 kPa to 10000 kPa and at three different temperatures 21°C, 28°C, and 37°C. According to the results, the adsorption rate of cefotaxime on the membrane at 21°C and 28°C is approximately 2.6 times the adsorption rate at 37°C and a pressure of 1 kPa. The distribution of molecules at the given temperatures, the position of the occupied membrane, and the membrane cavities for trapping cefotaxime molecules were all observed in the analysis of the density of cefotaxime adsorbed on the membrane surface. Finally, a good agreement was achieved between the simulation and experimental results for wastewater treatment.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modified with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 are Superior in Ameliorating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lv Shasha , Liu Shanshan , Sun Yun , Cheng Jing , Dou Fulin , Xu Qiaoying , Wang Yinghui , Liu Qingzhen , Liu Gang
Published: April 2022

Background
The purpose of this study is to detect the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and investigate the underlying mechanism.
Methods
MSCs transduced with a lentiviral vector overexpressing ACE2 (MSCs-ACE2) were transplanted in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and cocultured with glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) following Ang II stimulation in vitro. Biochemical parameters were measured. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, inflammation, oxidative stress indicators and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) elements were detected. To explore possible molecular mechanisms, the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, and IκB-α in GMCs were measured by Western blotting.
Results
MSCs-ACE2 treatment significantly decreased urinary albumin excretion and ECM deposition in the mesangium, downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, decreased the production of ROS and MDA, increased the activity of SOD and the ratio of GSH to GSSG than MSCs treatment alone in vivo. In vitro, after MSC-ACE2 treatment, ACE2 expression in GMCs was significantly upregulated, and its product Ang1-7 correspondingly increased, the indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress were ameliorated by downregulation of Ang II expression in GMCs; moreover, the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and IκB-α protein were significantly downregulated.
Conclusions
Based on these results, we believed that MSCs modified with ACE2 therapy exhibited additional benefits on the progression of DN by inhibiting renal RAS activation and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. The possible mechanisms were potentially inhibition of p38 MAPK and NF-kB pathway activation.
Who may address older adults’ subjective memory complaints better as a community health worker? A cross sectional study
Authors: Gong De , Yang Tiantian , Peng Yan , Yang Yanni
Published: April 2022

Background: Dementia has been a worldwide health issue, with an increasing focus on primary prevention. It is necessary for community health workers to detect early symptoms of dementia and deal with them correctly. However, few studies have explored how community health workers respond to older people with subjective memory complaints (SMC), and especially whether this response is appropriate.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the features of community health workers, based on their different types of responses to SMCs from older adults and explore the related influencing factors.Design: A cross-sectional studySettings: Online questionnaires were presented to doctors and nurses in four primary health care institutions from April to July 2020.Participants: Community health workers, including doctors and nurses, were recruited in this study.Methods: Questionnaires were provided through We-Chat. Participants were divided into three Types: Refer to specialists (Type A), perform cognitive screening (Type B), and ignore or change the subject (Type C). Thereafter, self-made measures were used to evaluate the knowledge and self-efficacy of community health workers. The differences in general characteristics, as well as the knowledge and self-efficacy scores for dementia prevention among the three Types, were analyzed.Results: This study’s participants included 268 community health workers: 127 were Type A, 122 were Type B, and 19 were Type C. Participants with different occupations, contact history with dementia patients, and history of receiving dementia-related training, as well as different levels of knowledge and self-efficacy, may have had different responses to individuals’ reported cognitive problems (all p< 0.05). In addition, the contact history with dementia patients (Odds ratio, 95%CI=2.090, 1.131–3.861) and self-efficacy scores (Odds ratio, 95%CI=1.055, 1.012–1.100) could be positive factors influencing community health workers’ choices to perform cognitive screening. Conclusion: This study explored different responses of community health workers to the SMCs of older adults. It found that participants who preferred to perform cognitive screening had higher related knowledge and self-efficacy levels. Further, participants’ contact history with dementia patients and self-efficacy scores may positively influence their choices to perform cognitive screening. These findings could be helpful to carry out targeted education and training to improve the willingness and ability of community health workers to prevent dementia, so as to strengthen the primary prevention of dementia.
Deciphering the Roles of CircRNAs on Hepatic Metastases in Early Tumor Stage Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Huang Maosen , Cheng Linyao , Ru Haiming , Wei Chunyin , Mo Xianwei , Yan Linhai
Published: April 2022

Objective: Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a specific type of non-coding RNAs, could regulate tumorigenesis and metastasis of various cancers though acting as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNAs).Methods: Performing next generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics methods, the profiles and the intricate roles of circRNAs were clarified in early stage colorectal cancer patients with hepatic metastases.Results: CircRNAs were predicted to be involved in CRC hepatic metastasis complex processes, such as p53 binding and ErbB excision repair. Intriguingly, we detected 19 significantly differentially expressed among CRC patients with or without hepatic metastases and found circFARSA was significantly upregulated. Besides, circFARSA was found to be potential ceRNAs and a triple regulatory network of circFARSA/hsa-miR-503-5p/CCND2 was set up, which describes the possible mechanisms of CRC hepatic metastasis.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that circFARSA acts as a promising biomarker in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The study provided a new perspective for targeting circFARSA in mCRC therapeutic treatment.
Circ_0000732 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and stemness by targeting COL11A1 through the regulation of miR-1253
Authors: Liu Xin , Ming Wenjian , Wu Yuanbo , Wang Fang
Published: April 2022

Background: Many studies have shown that abnormal circular RNA (circRNA) expression is associated with the malignant progression of breast cancer (BC), but the role of circ_0000732 in BC progression remains unclear.Methods: The expression of circ_0000732, microRNA (miR)-1253 and collagen XI alpha 1 (COL11A1) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and stemness were assessed by cell counting kit 8 assay, Edu assay, transwell assay and sphere formation assay. Western blot analysis was used to determine protein expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the interaction between miR-1253 and circ_0000732 or COL11A1. The effect of circ_0000732 on BC tumor growth was confirmed by animal experiments.Results: Circ_0000732 was overexpressed in BC tissues and cells, and its knockdown suppressed BC cell proliferation, metastasis and stemness. MiR-1253 could be sponged by circ_0000732, and anti-miR-1253 overturned the effects of circ_0000732 knockdown on BC cell progression. COL11A1 was targeted by miR-1253, and miR-1253 inhibited BC cell progression by targeting COL11A1. Circ_0000732 could sponge miR-1253 to upregulate COL11A1. Also, interference of circ_0000732 decreased BC tumor growth by miR-1253/COL11A1 pathway. Conclusion: Our data showed that circ_0000732 might be a potential target for BC treatment, which could enhance BC malignant phenotype through miR-1253/COL11A1 axis.
All-Dielectric Metasurface Lenses for Achromatic Imaging Applications
Authors: Li Menghan , Liu Muhan , Chen Yuxuan , Hu Zheng-Da , Wu Jingjing , Wang Jicheng
Published: April 2022

Metasurface can use artificial microstructures to manipulate electromagnetic waves more accurately and flexibly. All-dielectric metalens have a wide range of materials and low cost so it has a wide application prospect. Herein, we propose a all-dielectric achromatic metalens that can operate over a broadband of wavelengths in the visible region. It controls the wavefront of light through the Pancharatnam-Berry phase and propagation phase to eliminate the chromatic aberration. Meanwhile, we also use Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm and its improved algorithm to iterate over multiple design wavelengths and obtain holographic phases suitable for broadband. Thus, both the metalenses and holographic metasurfaces can achieve achromatic broadband in the visible light range, which provides a new method for the development of meta-optical imaging devices.
Adaptive consensus control of second-order nonlinear multi-agent systems with event-dependent intermittent communications
Authors: Sun Jian , Guo Chen , Liu Lei , Shan Qihe
Published: April 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Identification and annotation of peptide allergens in Prunus dulcis
Authors: Singh Arshwinder , Upadhyay Atul Kumar
Published: April 2022

Approximately, 10% of the world population is facing the challenge of food allergy in direct or indirect way. In this study, a genome-wide identification and annotation of the novel putative allergen from Almond is performed. Initially, the whole proteome of Almond (31,000 proteins) was scanned by Allergenonline, a publically available database of already reported allergens from different sources. The detailed analysis suggests that there are 430 putative allergens which reduced to 45 on motif-based screening using AllFam database. These predicted allergens are annotated for their function by using PFAM, GO databases and orthology analysis. To validate our prediction, we have used structural insights of allergen and antibody interactions for one of the predicted putative allergen protein, homologous to Pru ar 3.0101allergen from Apricot. The structure of putative allergen was modeled and molecular docking studies were performed against the antibody. The best docked conformation was subjected to molecular simulation studies to confirm the stable binding of these two molecules. This detailed analysis suggests that the identified allergen will show cross reactivity similar to Pru ar 3.0101 allergen from Apricot. This is one of the first report of identifying and annotating the homologous of Pru ar 3.0101 allergen in Almond.
Influence of Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi species on growth and water status of Para rubber seedlings under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions
Authors: OGBEBOR Nicholas Obehi , Adekunle Adefunke Temitayo , Ohiocheoya Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi spores from soil samples collected from mature rubber plantations were isolated and multiplied in pot cultures with Zea mays. The VAM fungi culture where designated N4 and OP9 and GD (Glomus deserticola). The plants were laid out in a completely randomized format. Drought stress was induced for four months before the start of the experiment. Leaf water potential (Ψ), Leaf Relative Water Content (RWC) and Water deficit were evaluated. The RWC and water deficit did not show any significant different among the VAM fungi evaluated (p < 0.05). Stressed seedlings of RRIC 45 in the VAM treatments OP9/NS and GD/NS in the drought regime recorded RWC and water deficit that were comparable to their replicates from the wet regimes. More replicates from GT 1 seedlings recorded higher Ψ compared to those from the wet regime. Similarly, Higher RWC and water deficit was exhibited by more replicates of GT 1 seedlings from the drought regime. The interdependent of VAM fungi N4 and roots of seedlings of RRIC 45 resulted in the highest drought tolerance (Ψ and RWC) clone. Similarly, interdependent of VAM fungi with roots of seedlings of GT 1 demonstrated that VAM fungi GD and OP9 are better VAM fungi for drought tolerance GT 1 clone compared. The improvement of replicates under drought regime is attributed to the fact that the VAM fungi a vital role. This study recommends the use of VAM fungi as bio-inoculants in sustainable rubber trees production in marginal rubber growing regions.
PDIA3P1 Promotes Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma by Inhibiting C/EBPβ Degradation to Facilitate Proneural-to- Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Gao Zijie , Xu Jianye , Fan Yang , Qi Yanhua , Wang Shaobo , Zhao Shulin , Guo Xing , Xue Hao , Deng Lin , Zhao Rongrong , Sun Chong , Zhang Ping , Li Gang
Published: April 2022

BackgroundResistance to temozolomide (TMZ) is a major obstacle to prevention of recurrence after surgery for glioblastoma (GBM). Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play wide roles in GBM, the lncRNAs that regulate TMZ resistance have not been elucidated clearly. This study aims to identify lncRNAs that may affect TMZ treatment sensitivity and to explore novel therapeutic strategies to overcome TMZ resistance in GBM.MethodsThe lncRNAs associated with TMZ resistance were explored based on Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) dataset and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) dataset. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PRC) was used to detect the expression of PDIA3P1 in TMZ-resistant and TMZ-sensitive GBM cell lines. Both gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies were used to assess the effects of PDIA3P1 on TMZ resistance through in vitro and in vivo assays. Glioma Stem Cells (GSCs) were used to determine the effect of PDIA3P1 on GBM subtype. The hypothesis that PDIA3P1 promotes proneural-to-mesenchymal transition (PMT) was established by bioinformatics analysis and functional experiments. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to examine the interaction between PDIA3P1 and C/EBPβ. The post-translational modification mechanism of C/EBPβ was verified using ubiquitination and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) experiments. The CompuSyn was leveraged to calculate the combination index (CI) and the antitumor effect of TMZ with Neflamapimod (NEF) was validated both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsWe identified a lncRNA, PDIA3P1, which was upregulated in TMZ-resistant GBM cell lines. Overexpression of PDIA3P1 promoted the acquisition of TMZ resistance, whereas knockdown of PDIA3P1 restored TMZ sensitivity. PDIA3P1 was upregulated in MES-GBM, promoted PMT progression in GSCs, and caused GBMs to be more resistant to TMZ treatment. Mechanistically, PDIA3P1 disrupted C/EBPβ-MDM2 complex and stabilized C/EBPβ protein by preventing it from MDM2-mediated ubiquitination. The expression of PDIA3P1 was up-regulated in a time- and a concentration-dependent manner after TMZ treatment. The TMZ-induced upregulation of PDIA3P1 was mediated by p38α-MAPK signaling pathway. NEF is a small molecule drug that specifically targets p38α with excellent blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. NEF could block TMZ-responsive PDIA3P1 upregulation and produced synergistic effects with TMZ at specific concentrations. The combination of TMZ and NEF exhibited excellent synergistic antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsPDIA3P1 promoted PMT through stabilization of C/EBPβ, thereby reducing the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ treatment. NEF could inhibit TMZ-responsive PDIA3P1 upregulation and NEF combined with TMZ could provide better anti-tumor effects.
Effect Of Thrombolytic Therapy On High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio In Predicting Stroke-Associated Pneumonia After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Liu-Zhu , Xia Hu-Wei , Zhan Lu-Qian , Lin Yi-Si , Xu Xue-Qian , He Jin-Cai , Luan Xiao-Qian
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose
In patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), there are few studies assessing the predictive effect of blood cell inflammatory markers on stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), short-term and long-term prognosis. In this study, we evaluated whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict SAP and functional prognosis in patients receiving IVT.
Methods
We assessed 388 patients undergoing IVT for acute ischemic stroke. Blood parameters were sampled before thrombolysis (within 30 mins after admission) and within 12–24 h after thrombolysis. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of SAP as well as the prognosis after IVT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between NLR and the occurrence of SAP. We also used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to assess the discriminative ability of NLR measured at different times in predicting SAP and prognosis. Further exploration of the correlation between NLR and baseline variables was conducted using Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression analysis.
Results
Among the total patients, SAP occurred in 60 (15%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that NLR was significantly associated with SAP (NLR before IVT: aOR = 1.288; 95%CI = 1.123–1.476; p < 0.001; NLR after IVT (aOR = 1.113, 95%CI = 1.007–1.23; p = 0.036). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the predictive ability of NLR after IVT was better than NLR before IVT (area under the curve [AUC] of NLR after IVT: 0.80, 95%CI = 0.74–0.86; p < 0.001; NLR before IVT: 0.72, 95%CI = 0.66–0.80; p < 0.001), not only in predicting the occurrence of SAP but also in predicting short-term functional outcomes and one-year mortality. Furthermore, NLR after IVT was significantly correlated with the initial NIHSS score (p < 0.001) and early neurological outcomes after IVT (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
We demonstrated that increased NLR has a significant predictive effect on the occurrence of SAP and can be used to predict functional dependence and one-year mortality. NLR measured within 12–24 h after IVT had better predictive validity than that measured before IVT.
Differential effects of positive and negative expectations on depressive symptoms
Authors: Kube Tobias , Herzog Philipp
Published: April 2022

Background
Recent research suggests that dysfunctional expectations are a particularly important subtype of cognitions in depression. However, it is unclear whether depressive symptoms are primarily related to the presence of negative expectations, the absence of positive expectations, or both.
Methods
Using hierarchical linear regression and mediation analyses, the present study examined the predictive value of positive situation-specific expectations, negative situation-specific expectations, and other cognitive factors on depressive symptoms eight weeks later in a non-clinical sample (N = 157).
Results
Cross-sectionally, depressive symptoms were more strongly associated with the presence of negative expectations than with the absence of positive expectations. In the regression analysis, negative expectations rather than positive expectations predicted depressive symptoms eight weeks later, but only if baseline depressive symptoms were not considered. Negative but not positive situation-specific expectations mediated the effects of both dispositional optimism and dysfunctional attitudes on depressive symptoms eight weeks later.
Conclusions
In non-clinical samples, the presence of negative expectations rather than the absence of positive expectations may be associated with depressive symptoms. The current results also provide further evidence for a cognitive mediational model, suggesting that the effects of dysfunctional global cognitions on depressive symptoms are mediated through dysfunctional situation-specific expectations.