bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-art of Variable Displacement Technologies for Radial Piston Hydraulic Machines
Authors: Darnet Justin , Bideaux Éric
Published: November 2022

The hydraulic motor is one of the main parts of hydrostatic transmission implemented in some off-road vehicles for instance. It uses hydraulic power to convey energy from the generator of the machine to the wheels and other actuators. As the hydraulic circuit may contain several hydraulic actuators, each of them needs to be controlled independently since the only control of the pump displacement may impact the entire circuit and all its actuators simultaneously.

To properly drive the vehicle, the hydraulic actuators have to be accurately controlled. This paper aims to present a state-of-the-art of the different ways of changing hydraulic pumps/motors displacement ratios because it is one of the most important parameter to control the torque/speed (resp. pressure/flow rate). Some hydraulic machines enable a continuous change of this displacement ratio thanks to their specific architectures, whereas other machines use hydraulic valves to pilot this ratio. Most of the technologies, from variable displacement axial solutions to new digitally modulated displacement machines will be presented and compared. Digital Displacement solutions and their valve timing control solutions will then be depicted. Finally, technological locks in Digital Displacement will be exposed based on the modeling of a radial piston motor.
Real-time joint ocean acoustics and circulation modeling in the 2021 New England Shelf Break Acoustics experiment (L)
Authors: DeCourcy Brendan J. , Lin Ying-Tsong , Zhang Weifeng Gordon , Ozanich Emma Reeves , Kukshtel Natalie , Siderius Martin , Gawarkiewicz Glen , Forsyth Jacob
Published: November 2022

During the spring of 2021, a coordinated multi-vessel effort was organized to study physical oceanography, marine geology and biology, and acoustics on the northeast United States continental shelf, as part of the New England Shelf Break Acoustics (NESBA) experiment. One scientific goal was to establish a real-time numerical model aboard the research vessel with high spatial and temporal resolution to predict the oceanography and sound propagation within the NESBA study area. The real-time forecast model performance and challenges are reported in this letter without adjustment or re-simulation after the cruise. Future research directions for post-experiment studies are also suggested.
An illustrated tutorial for logarithmic scales and decibels in acoustics
Authors: Robin Olivier , Plante Catherine
Published: November 2022

Acoustics is generally defined as the science that deals with the production, transmission, and reception of sound and the understanding and control of its effects. In fact, the fields of acoustics cover an especially broad range of subjects and domains, and comprehensive acoustics textbooks are usually quite thick as a consequence. While they are valuable resources for researchers, these books might appear a little daunting for a young audience or for people who are new to acoustics. This paper is an example of how educational comics can be designed and used to introduce one of the most commonly discussed topics when the basics of acoustics are taught: decibel level. Seven drawn pages constitute a visual support to explain the origin and history of the decibel, together with examples from acoustics and other domains on the use of logarithmic scales and classical decibel calculations. Several comments and comprehensive bibliographical references are also provided for each drawn page to enlarge the range of subjects or exercises that can be discussed in courses and foster further readings.
Viscoelasticity and rheological hysteresis
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Shankar V. , Joshi Yogesh M.
Published: November 2022

Rheological characterization of complex fluids subjected to cyclic shear-rate sweep often exhibits hysteresis. Since both viscoelastic and thixotropic materials show hysteresis loops, it is important to understand distinguishing features (if any) in the same shown by either. Lately, there has been substantial work that attempts to relate the area enclosed by the hysteresis loop with the manner in which shear rate is varied in the cycle, in order to infer thixotropic parameters of a material. In this work, we use the nonlinear Giesekus model to study its response to the application of cyclic shear-rate sweep. We find that this model produces each type of qualitatively similar hysteresis loop that has hitherto been ascribed to thixotropic materials. We also show that the area of the hysteresis loop for a viscoelastic material as a function of sweep rate shows bell-shaped/bi-modal curves as has been observed for thixotropic materials. This study illustrates that caution needs to be exercised while attributing hysteresis loops and associated features observed in a material exclusively to thixotropy. Another feature related to the hysteresis loop is the occurrence of shear banding instability. We find that viscoelastic hysteresis may not have any connection to shear banding instability.
Subnational implications from climate and air pollution policies in India’s electricity sector
Authors: Sengupta Shayak , Adams Peter J. , Deetjen Thomas A. , Kamboj Puneet , D’Souza Swati , Tongia Rahul , Azevedo Inês M. L.
Published: November 2022

Emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in India are important contributors to climate change and health damages. This study estimates current emissions from India’s electricity sector and simulates the state-level implications of climate change and air pollution policies. We find that (i) a carbon tax results in little short-term emissions reductions because there is not enough dispatchable lower emission spare capacity to substitute coal; (ii) moving toward regional dispatch markets rather than state-level dispatch decisions will not lead to emissions reductions; (iii) policies that have modest emissions effects at the national level nonetheless have disparate state-level emissions impacts; and (iv) pricing or incentive mechanisms tied to production or consumption will result in markedly different costs to states.
Seventy years of tunas, billfishes, and sharks as sentinels of global ocean health
Authors: Juan-Jordá Maria José , Murua Hilario , Arrizabalaga Haritz , Merino Gorka , Pacoureau Nathan , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: November 2022

Fishing activity is closely monitored to an increasing degree, but its effects on biodiversity have not received such attention. Using iconic and well-studied fish species such as tunas, billfishes, and sharks, we calculate a continuous Red List Index of yearly changes in extinction risk over 70 years to track progress toward global sustainability and biodiversity targets. We show that this well-established biodiversity indicator is highly sensitive and responsive to fishing mortality. After ~58 years of increasing risk of extinction, effective fisheries management has shifted the biodiversity loss curve for tunas and billfishes, whereas the curve continues to worsen for sharks, which are highly undermanaged. While populations of highly valuable commercial species are being rebuilt, the next management challenge is to halt and reverse the harm afflicted by these same fisheries to broad oceanic biodiversity.
Enhanced T cell effector activity by targeting the Mediator kinase module
Authors: Freitas Katherine A. , Belk Julia A. , Sotillo Elena , Quinn Patrick J. , Ramello Maria C. , Malipatlolla Meena , Daniel Bence , Sandor Katalin , Klysz Dorota , Bjelajac Jeremy , Xu Peng , Burdsall Kylie A. , Tieu Victor , Duong Vandon T. , Donovan Micah G. , Weber Evan W. , Chang Howard Y. , Majzner Robbie G. , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Satpathy Ansuman T. , Mackall Crystal L.
Published: November 2022

T cells are the major arm of the immune system responsible for controlling and regressing cancers. To identify genes limiting T cell function, we conducted genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens in human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Top hits were
MED12
and
CCNC
, components of the Mediator kinase module. Targeted
MED12
deletion enhanced antitumor activity and sustained the effector phenotype in CAR- and T cell receptor–engineered T cells, and inhibition of CDK8/19 kinase activity increased expansion of nonengineered T cells.
MED12
-deficient T cells manifested increased core Meditator chromatin occupancy at transcriptionally active enhancers—most notably for STAT and AP-1 transcription factors—and increased
IL2RA
expression and interleukin-2 sensitivity. These results implicate Mediator in T cell effector programming and identify the kinase module as a target for enhancing potency of antitumor T cell responses.
Structures of a mobile intron retroelement poised to attack its structured DNA target
Authors: Chung Kevin , Xu Ling , Chai Pengxin , Peng Junhui , Devarkar Swapnil C. , Pyle Anna Marie
Published: November 2022

Group II introns are ribozymes that catalyze their self-excision and function as retroelements that invade DNA. As retrotransposons, group II introns form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes that roam the genome, integrating by reversal of forward splicing. Here we show that retrotransposition is achieved by a tertiary complex between a structurally elaborate ribozyme, its protein mobility factor, and a structured DNA substrate. We solved cryo–electron microscopy structures of an intact group IIC intron-maturase retroelement that was poised for integration into a DNA stem-loop motif. By visualizing the RNP before and after DNA targeting, we show that it is primed for attack and fits perfectly with its DNA target. This study reveals design principles of a prototypical retroelement and reinforces the hypothesis that group II introns are ancient elements of genetic diversification.
Inhibiting creep in nanograined alloys with stable grain boundary networks
Authors: Zhang B. B. , Tang Y. G. , Mei Q. S. , Li X. Y. , Lu K.
Published: November 2022

Creep, the time-dependent deformation of materials stressed below the yield strength, is responsible for a great number of component failures at high temperatures. Because grain boundaries (GBs) in materials usually facilitate diffusional processes in creep, eliminating GBs is a primary approach to resisting high-temperature creep in metals, such as in single-crystal superalloy turbo blades. We report a different strategy to inhibiting creep by use of stable GB networks. Plastic deformation triggered structural relaxation of high-density GBs in nanograined single-phased nickel-cobalt-chromium alloys, forming networks of stable GBs interlocked with abundant twin boundaries. The stable GB networks effectively inhibit diffusional creep processes at high temperatures. We obtained an unprecedented creep resistance, with creep rates of ~10
–7
per second under gigapascal stress at 700°C (~61% melting point), outperforming that of conventional superalloys.
Good and bad news for ocean predators
Authors: Burgess Matthew G. , Becker Sarah L.
Published: November 2022

Some tunas and billfishes are recovering, but sharks continue to decline
Hydraulic failure as a primary driver of xylem network evolution in early vascular plants
Authors: Bouda Martin , Huggett Brett A. , Prats Kyra A. , Wason Jay W. , Wilson Jonathan P. , Brodersen Craig R.
Published: November 2022

The earliest vascular plants had stems with a central cylindrical strand of water-conducting xylem, which rapidly diversified into more complex shapes. This diversification is understood to coincide with increases in plant body size and branching; however, no selection pressure favoring xylem strand-shape complexity is known. We show that incremental changes in xylem network organization that diverge from the cylindrical ancestral form lead to progressively greater drought resistance by reducing the risk of hydraulic failure. As xylem strand complexity increases, independent pathways for embolism spread become fewer and increasingly concentrated in more centrally located conduits, thus limiting the systemic spread of embolism during drought. Selection by drought may thus explain observed trajectories of xylem strand evolution in the fossil record and the diversity of extant forms.
Response to Comment on “Models predict planned phosphorus load reduction will make Lake Erie more toxic”
Authors: Hellweger Ferdi L. , Schampera Charlotte , Martin Robbie M. , Eigemann Falk , Smith Derek J. , Dick Gregory J. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: November 2022

Huisman
et al
. claim that our model is poorly supported or contradicted by other studies and the predictions are “seriously flawed.” We show their criticism is based on an incomplete selection of evidence, misinterpretation of data, or does not actually refute the model. Like all ecosystem models, our model has simplifications and uncertainties, but it is better than existing approaches that ignore biology and do not predict toxin concentration.
Perennial rice could be a ‘game changer’
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: November 2022

Long-term study in China shows yields hold up and farmers save money and time
SARS-CoV-2 spike conformation determines plasma neutralizing activity elicited by a wide panel of human vaccines
Authors: Bowen John E. , Park Young-Jun , Stewart Cameron , Brown Jack T. , Sharkey William K. , Walls Alexandra C. , Joshi Anshu , Sprouse Kaitlin R. , McCallum Matthew , Tortorici M. Alejandra , Franko Nicholas M. , Logue Jennifer K. , Mazzitelli Ignacio G. , Nguyen Annalee W. , Silva Rui P. , Huang Yimin , Low Jun Siong , Jerak Josipa , Tiles Sasha W. , Ahmed Kumail , Shariq Asefa , Dan Jennifer M. , Zhang Zeli , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro , Snell Gyorgy , Posavad Christine M. , Iqbal Najeeha Talat , Geffner Jorge , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea , Sallusto Federica , Maynard Jennifer A. , Crotty Shane , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Simmerling Carlos , Grifantini Renata , Chu Helen Y. , Corti Davide , Veesler David
Published: November 2022

Numerous safe and effective coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines have been developed worldwide that use various delivery technologies and engineering strategies. We show here that vaccines containing prefusion-stabilizing S mutations elicit antibody responses in humans with enhanced recognition of S and the S
1
subunit relative to postfusion S as compared with vaccines lacking these mutations or natural infection. Prefusion S and S
1
antibody binding titers positively and equivalently correlated with neutralizing activity, and depletion of S
1
-directed antibodies completely abrogated plasma neutralizing activity. We show that neutralizing activity is almost entirely directed to the S
1
subunit and that variant cross-neutralization is mediated solely by receptor binding domain–specific antibodies. Our data provide a quantitative framework for guiding future S engineering efforts to develop vaccines with higher resilience to the emergence of variants than current technologies.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus epidermidis UMB7543, Isolated from a Female Patient with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Jablonska Sandra , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: November 2022

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a Gram-positive bacterium that is part of the normal human flora, found in multiple anatomical sites. Here, we present the 2.6-Mbp draft genome sequence of
S. epidermidis
UMB7543, isolated from a catheterized urine sample from a female patient with a documented diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection.
Genomic Assembly of Clinical Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata) Isolates Reveals within-Species Structural Plasticity and Association with
In Vitro
Antifungal Susceptibility
Authors: Stefanini Irene , Stoakes Emily , Wu Houdini H. T. , Xu-McCrae Li , Hussain Abid , Moat John , Dowson Christopher G. , David Miruna D. , Constantinidou Chrystala
Published: November 2022

The human pathogen
Candida glabrata
has become a global threat to human health, with infections characterized by high mortality and multidrug resistance. We have obtained nine fully assembled genomes from clinical isolates through a combination of short- and long-read sequencing approaches.
Molecular Characteristics and Pathogenicity of a Novel Recombinant Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Strain from NADC30-, NADC34-, and JXA1-Like Strains That Emerged in China
Authors: Liu Jiankui , Liu Chen , Xu Ye , Yang Yuan , Li Jiarui , Dai Ailing , Huang Cuiqin , Luo Manlin , Wei Chunhua
Published: November 2022

The pathogenicity of NADC34-like PRRSV has broad variations in virulence. Importantly, NADC34-like PRRSV has undergone complex recombination with local strains since it first emerged in 2017 in China.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, ZwfA, a Dual Cofactor-Specific Isozyme Is Predominantly Involved in the Glucose Metabolism of Pseudomonas bharatica CSV86
T
Authors: Shah Bhavik A. , Kasarlawar Sravanti T. , Phale Prashant S.
Published: November 2022

Pseudomonas bharatica
CSV86
T
metabolizes glucose exclusively via the intracellular phosphorylative Entner-Doudoroff pathway leading the entire glucose flux through Zwf as the strain lacks oxidative routes. This may lead to limiting the concentration of downstream metabolic intermediates.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Utility of Positive Intravascular Catheter Tip Cultures
Authors: Ulrich Patrizia , Lepak Alexander J. , Chen Derrick J.
Published: November 2022

In patients with intravascular catheters who are febrile or have positive blood cultures and no other obvious sources of infection, catheter tip cultures are often obtained to evaluate potential catheter-related bloodstream infections. However, previous studies reported that the management of catheter-related bloodstream infection cases is entirely based on blood culture growth and susceptibilities and that catheter tip cultures have low diagnostic positive predictive value.
Ear magnetic discs to prevent cauliflower ear: a case gone wrong
Authors: Ang Wan Wei , Foley Gary , Laycock Juliet , McKay-Davies Iain
Published: November 2022

We present a case of pinna pressure necrosis secondary to the use of ear magnetic discs, used in the management of auricular haematoma. A man in his 20s sustained a left auricular haematoma while wrestling. His coach aspirated the haematoma and advised the use of commercially available compression magnets on either side of the pinna to prevent haematoma reaccumulation. 5 days later, he presented to accident and emergency with left ear pain and swelling. Perichondritis was evident on examination and the compression magnets were removed to reveal significant pressure necrosis of the pinna. The skin underlying the placement of magnets (both anteriorly and posteriorly) was black and necrosed, with erosion of the underlying cartilage. In addition to this, the haematoma had reaccumulated in the surrounding pinna. The haematoma was drained via an incision, and pressure dressing applied with dental rolls. The patient was given a course of oral antibiotics to manage the perichondritis. He was reviewed regularly in the ear, nose and throat emergency clinic to monitor wound healing. 3 months later, he was reviewed in the otology clinic; there was persistent helical rim deformity, and delayed cartilage augmentation was advised.

This case highlights the importance of prompt and effective management of auricular haematoma, to prevent long-term deformity. Commercially available pinna magnets for auricular haematoma should be used with caution, and patients should be counselled as such.
Recurrent haematospermia: an unusual presentation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Sood Vivek , Bhairavabhatla Viswanadh , Pattanayak Somali , Singh Vishal
Published: November 2022

Haematospermia, even though alarming, is usually benign and self-limiting, especially in a sexually active male. Nevertheless recurrent, refractory or painful haematospermia is troublesome and warrants thorough evaluation. In this context, we describe a rare case of recurrent haematospermia whereby evaluation revealed haemorrhage in seminal vesicle cysts and consequently established the aetiology of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma in struma ovarii: management after surgery
Authors: Chandran Chandriya , Lekprasert Patamaporn , Minimo Corrado , Win Kay
Published: November 2022

A woman in her 40s presented with a 3-month history of lower abdominal pain and intermenstrual bleeding. Ultrasound of the pelvis disclosed a 4 cm left adnexal mass. An MRI of the pelvis revealed a 2.2×3.6×2.4 cm solid, enhancing left ovarian mass. Due to high suspicion for malignancy, she underwent laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy and resection of the tumour. Histopathology revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma in the background of struma ovarii as confirmed by thyroglobulin and thyroid transcription factor-1 positivity on immunohistochemistry. BRAF mutation analysis was negative. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland showed two low-risk nodules. An iodine-123 whole-body scan showed normal uptake in the thyroid gland. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was 1.070 mcIU/mL (0.450–4.500), and thyroglobulin was 6.8 ng/mL (1.5–38.5). We risk-stratified this patient as low risk for recurrence. Risk stratification of malignant struma ovarii is essential to determine suitable thyroid targeting adjuvant therapy and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Homozygous truncating variant inMAN2A2causes a novel congenital disorder of glycosylation with neurological involvement
Authors: Mahajan Sonal , Ng Bobby George , AlAbdi Lama , Earnest Paul Daniel James , Sosicka Paulina , Patel Nisha , Helaby Rana , Abdulwahab Firdous , He Miao , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Freeze Hudson H
Published: November 2022

Background

Enzymes of the Golgi implicated in N-glycan processing are critical for brain development, and defects in many are defined as congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). Involvement of the Golgi mannosidase, MAN2A2 has not been identified previously as causing glycosylation defects.

Methods

Exome sequencing of affected individuals was performed with Sanger sequencing of theMAN2A2transcript to confirm the variant. N-glycans were analysed in patient-derived lymphoblasts to determine the functional effects of the variant. A cell-based complementation assay was designed to assess the pathogenicity of identified variants using MAN2A1/MAN2A2 double knock out HEK293 cell lines.

Results

We identified a multiplex consanguineous family with a homozygous truncating variant p.Val1101Ter in MAN2A2. Lymphoblasts from two affected brothers carrying the same truncating variant showed decreases in complex N-glycans and accumulation of hybrid N-glycans. On testing of this variant in the developed complementation assay, we see the complete lack of complex N-glycans.

Conclusion

Our findings show that pathogenic variants in MAN2A2 cause a novel autosomal recessive CDG with neurological involvement and facial dysmorphism. Here, we also present the development of a cell-based complementation assay to assess the pathogenicity of MAN2A2 variants, which can also be extended to MAN2A1 variants for future diagnosis.
Rate advancement measurement for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma in asbestos-exposed workers
Authors: Azzolina Danila , Consonni Dario , Ferrante Daniela , Mirabelli Dario , Silvestri Stefano , Luberto Ferdinando , Angelini Alessia , Cuccaro Francesco , Nannavecchia Anna Maria , Oddone Enrico , Vicentini Massimo , Barone-Adesi Francesco , Cena Tiziana , Mangone Lucia , Roncaglia Francesca , Sala Orietta , Menegozzo Simona , Pirastu Roberta , Tunesi Sara , Chellini Elisabetta , Miligi Lucia , Perticaroli Patrizia , Pettinari Aldo , Bressan Vittoria , Merler Enzo , Girardi Paolo , Bisceglia Lucia , Marinaccio Alessandro , Massari Stefania , Magnani Corrado
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Few studies quantified the premature occurrence of these diseases in asbestos-exposed workers. Focus on premature disease onset (rate advancement or acceleration) can be useful in risk communication and for the evaluation of exposure impact. We estimated rate advancement for total mortality, lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma deaths, by classes of cumulative asbestos exposure in a pooled cohort of asbestos cement (AC) workers in Italy.

Method

The cohort study included 12 578 workers from 21 cohorts, with 6626 deaths in total, 858 deaths from lung cancer and 394 from pleural malignant neoplasm (MN). Rate advancement was estimated by fitting a competitive mortality Weibull model to the hazard of death over time since first exposure (TSFE).

Result

Acceleration time (AT) was estimated at different TSFE values. The highest level of cumulative exposure compared with the lowest, for pleural MN AT was 16.9 (95% CI 14.9 to 19.2) and 33.8 (95% CI 29.8 to 38.4) years at TSFE of 20 and 40 years, respectively. For lung cancer, it was 13.3 (95% CI 12.0 to 14.7) and 26.6 (95% CI 23.9 to 29.4) years, respectively. As for total mortality, AT was 3.35 (95% CI 2.98 to 3.71) years at 20 years TSFE, and 6.70 (95% CI 5.95 to 7.41) at 40 years TSFE.

Conclusion

The current study observed marked rate advancement after asbestos exposure for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma, as well as for total mortality.
Ordovician of the Bohemian Massif
Authors: Kraft Petr , Linnemann Ulf , Mergl Michal , Bruthansová Jana , Laibl Lukáš , Geyer Gerd
Published: November 2022

The lower Paleozoic succession of central Europe exposed in the Bohemian Massif is a classic area of geology with a long-standing tradition of research dating back to the eighteenth century. The Ordovician rocks form parts of sections in several units that sit on the Cadomian basement. These sedimentary and volcano-sedimentary fills of partial depressions in the basement are relics of the system of rift basins in the Gondwanan margin reflecting the rifting of the Rheic Ocean. The Ordovician sections are related to the subsidence period during the extensional regime accompanied by volcanism. They are underlain by Neoproterozoic or Cambrian rocks and continue up usually without breaks. After closure of the Rheic Ocean owing to the Gondwana–Laurussia collision, the Ordovician successions were incorporated into the Variscan Orogen belt and preserved in denudation relics such as the Bohemian Massif and its units. Ordovician strata with Gondwanan shelf affinities can be traced along the Variscans from Spain to central Europe, and are reflected in the regional stratigraphic scale based mainly on the succession in the Prague Basin. The Ordovician fill of this accumulation centre, together with relics of another preserved in the Schwarzburg Anticline, represents the main exposures in the Bohemian Massif. The individual features of the Ordovician successions, such as facies developments, fossil associations and volcanism, make them model areas both for understanding the palaeogeographic and geotectonic evolution of the peri-Gondwanan margin and a stratigraphic standard for a cool-water regime.
SDN-enabled Resource Provisioning Framework for Geo-Distributed Streaming Analytics
Authors: Mostafaei Habib , Afridi Shafi
Published: November 2022

Geographically distributed (geo-distributed) datacenters for stream data processing typically comprise multiple edges and core datacenters connected through
Wide-Area Network (WAN)
with a master node responsible for allocating tasks to worker nodes. Since WAN links significantly impact the performance of distributed task execution, the existing task assignment approach is unsuitable for distributed stream data processing with low latency and high throughput demand. In this paper, we propose SAFA, a resource provisioning framework using the
Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
concept with an SDN controller responsible for monitoring the WAN, selecting an appropriate subset of worker nodes, and assigning tasks to the designated worker nodes. We implemented the data plane of the framework in P4 and the control plane components in Python. We tested the performance of the proposed system on Apache Spark, Apache Storm, and Apache Flink using the Yahoo! streaming benchmark on a set of custom topologies. The results of the experiments validate that the proposed approach is viable for distributed stream processing and confirm that it can improve at least 1.64× the processing time of incoming events of the current stream processing systems.
Inspiratory muscle reflex control after incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: McNaughton Keith M. D. , Witherow Jessica L. , Dupuche Crystal B. , Peebles Karen C. , Elphick Tom G. , Hudson Anna L. , McCaughey Euan J. , Boswell-Ruys Claire L. , Butler Jane E.
Published: November 2022

Individuals with incomplete cSCI were tested for the presence of a short latency reflex inhibition of inspiratory muscles, by brief airway occlusion. The reflex was 4.5 times more prevalent in this group compared with those with complete cSCI and is similar to the incidence in able-bodied people. Participants without this reflex all had untreated severe OSA, in contrast to those with an IR, who either had no, mild, or treated OSA. This work reveals novel differences in the reflex control of inspiratory muscles across the cSCI population.
Cross‐Breeding Improvement and Performance Analysis of Dominant Production Traits in Grazing‐Type Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: A Yun , Shi Shangli , Gong Wenlong , Zhang Jinqing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Jing
Published: November 2022

Rhizome‐rooted Medicago sativa L. “Qingshui” is an excellent germplasm for establishing grazing and ecological grasslands but inferior in yield, in which both high production and ecological values can be achieved by cross‐breeding. We have obtained valuable rhizome‐rooted hybrid strains (RSA‐01, RSA‐02, and RSA‐03) by crossing of Qingshui and the high‐yielding Medicago sativa L. “WL168.” In this study, the Qingshui plants with low production performance were crossed for improvement, and progenies with better production and higher quality than those of Qingshui were selected. The results reveal that the branch number, crude protein (CP) content, and relative feed value (RFV) of RSA‐01; the stem thickness, CP content, and ether extract (EE) content of RSA‐02; and the plant height, stem thickness, branch number, and dry hay yield of RSA‐03 were higher than those of Qingshui. Except for the leaf/stem ratio and plant height of RSA‐01, leaf/stem ratio of RSA‐02, and plant height of RSA‐03, the coefficient of variation (CV) of yield traits of the hybrid strains was lower than those of Qingshui, ranging from 0.1% to 4.28%. In addition to the lignin and acid detergent fiber content of RSA‐01 as well as EE content of RSA‐02 and RSA‐03, the CV of the nutritional traits of the hybrid strains was low, ranging from 0.60% to 3.43%. The tested samples were ranked as follows based on yield performance and nutritional values: WL168 > RSA − 03 > RSA − 01 > RSA − 02 > Qingshui and RSA − 01 > WL168 > RSA − 03 > Qingshui > RSA − 02, respectively. Compared with parental Qingshui, RSA‐01, RSA‐02, and RSA‐03 show better yield performance; meanwhile, RSA‐01 and RSA‐03 had higher nutritional traits. RSA‐01 shows heterosis in branch number, CP content, and RFV; RSA‐02 shows heterosis in stem thickness and RSA‐03 in plant height, stem thickness, branch number, fresh yield, dry hay yield, and CP content. Notably, the low production performance of Qingshui was improved after crossing it with WL168, substantially resulting in an abundant rhizome‐rooted germplasm resource for the establishment of grazing grasslands.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Patients Attending the Gastroenterology Department in Tertiary Care Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Tulasi , Laghu Ujjwal , Ratna Prem , Shrestha Rajani
Published: November 2022

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most pathogenic organisms that cause gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in humans. The main aim of this study was to determine the H. pylori infection among patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy and to compare the efficacy of the diagnostic method of H. pylori infection including invasive tests (biopsy-based tests like the rapid urease test (RUT), direct smear, and culture) and the noninvasive test (HpSA). A total of 100 stool samples and 200 gastric biopsy specimens were collected (2 samples from each patient) from June to November 2019. Stool samples were processed for the detection of an H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA) by a kit method. One biopsy specimen was processed for the RUT, and another was transported to the laboratory in an Eppendorf tube containing normal saline for preparation of the smear and culture. Out of 100 participants, 26% were found to be H. pylori positive by the RUT, 11% by the direct smear, 6% by the culture, and 17% by the stool antigen test. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be 14%, considering at least two of the three biopsy-based tests that gave positive results. H. pylori infection was found to be higher in the age group of 46–55 years. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was higher in gastric ulcer cases, followed by erosive pangastritis and gastroduodenitis. Tea drinking habits and the frequency of meal consumption more than twice a day were found to be significantly associated with H. pylori infection (P < 0.05). Hence, the RUT was found to be more efficient than the direct smear and the culture method for finding H. pylori in the biopsy sample. However, none of these methods can be considered to be the gold standard alone. Thus, the RUT combined with other tests is preferable for the detection of H. pylori.
Multidimensional Pain Modulation by Acupuncture Analgesia: The Reward Effect of Acupuncture on Pain Relief
Authors: Pan Sian , Wang Shaohua , Xue Xiao , Yuan Hanyu , Li Juan , Liu Yu , Yue Zenghui
Published: November 2022

Pain is an intrinsically unpleasant experience with features that protect an organism by promoting motivation and learning. Pain relief, a negative reinforcement of pain, is considered a reward and activates the brain’s reward system. The reward circuit in the brain involves reward and pain. Acupuncture has a multidimensional and comprehensive regulating effect on chronic pain. However, the reward effect of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain and the mechanism of the brain reward circuit involved in acupuncture analgesia are not thoroughly studied. In this article, we have reviewed the definition of pain abnormalities and negative emotions in patients with chronic pain, the conceptual characteristics of analgesic reward, and the new progress in studying brain reward circuits and functions. Moreover, we have expounded on the critical clinical and scientific significance of studying the reward effect of acupuncture analgesia and related brain reward circuits, the pain mechanism obtained from human neuroimaging studies, and the survey results on the effects of acupuncture on reward/motivation circuits. Some viewpoints and suggestions on the reward effect of acupuncture analgesia and related reward circuits have been put forward to clarify the multidimensional characteristics and benign regulation of acupuncture analgesia. Studies on the reward effect of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain and the regulating effect of the brain reward loop on acupuncture analgesia help to deepen the clinical understanding of acupuncture analgesia, innovate the research concept of acupuncture analgesia, and provide help for further studies on the central mechanism of acupuncture in improving chronic pain in the future.
A Lamin Family-Based Signature Predicts Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yongyu , Xiao Wang , Liu Ruoqi , Gao Lei , Chen Junzhang , Kan Heping
Published: November 2022

Background. Lamin family members play crucial roles in promoting oncogenesis and cancer development. The values of lamin family in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response remain largely unclarified. Our research is aimed at comprehensively estimating the clinical significance of lamin family in hepatocellular carcinoma and constructing a novel lamin family-based signature to predict prognosis and guide the precise immunotherapy. Methods. The expression features and prognostic value of LMNA, LMNB1, and LMNB2 were explored in the TCGA and GEO databases. The biological functions of LMNB1 and LMNB2 were validated by in vitro assays. A lamin family-based signature was built using the TCGA training set. The TCGA test set, entire TCGA set, and GSE14520 set were used to validate its predictive power. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the independence of the lamin family-based signature from other clinicopathological characteristics. A nomogram was constructed using the lamin family-based signature and TNM stage. The associations of this signature with molecular pathways, clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy response were analyzed. Results. Lamin family members were upregulated in HCC. Upregulation of LMNB1 and LMNB2 promoted HCC proliferation, migration, and invasion. The predictive signature was initially established based on LMNB1 and LMNB2 which could effectively identify differences in overall survival, immune cell infiltration, and clinicopathological characteristics of high- and low-risk patients. The nomogram showed high prognostic predictive accuracy. Importantly, the lamin family-based signature was correlated with immune suppression and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Conclusions. The lamin family-based signature is a robust biomarker to predict overall survival and immunotherapy response in HCC. High-risk score patients have a poorer overall survival and might be more sensitive to immunotherapy. This signature may contribute to improving individualized prognosis prediction and precision immunotherapy for HCC patients.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Juglone Derivatives against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Silico and In Vitro Approach
Authors: Niaz Falak , Faheem Muhammad , Khattak Mutiullah , Khawaja Iqra Anam , Ahn Mi-Jeong , Sarker Umakanta , Jamal Syed Babar , Ullah Riaz , Khalil Atif Ali Khan
Published: November 2022

Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram‐positive bacterium that is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. E. faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a number of invasive and noninvasive infections. The emergence of multidrug resistance and biofilm formation by the bacterium have rendered the treatment of E. faecalis infections very difficult. Due its high rate of resistance and biofilm formation, there are very few options of treatment. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial and biofilm activities of juglone derivatives such as 2‐methoxy‐6‐acetyl‐7‐methyljuglone and 2‐ethoxy‐6‐acetyl‐7‐methyljuglone against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) and biofilm‐producing strains of E. faecalis. Agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activities. Biofilm attachment and preformed biofilm inhibition were determined using crystal violet staining assay. Both juglone derivatives displayed promising antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against E. faecalis. Among these compounds, 2‐ethoxy‐6‐acetyl‐7‐methyljuglone possessed better inhibitory activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 9.7 ± 3 μM as compared to 2‐methoxy‐6‐acetyl‐7‐methyljuglone (MIC, 19.5 ± 2 μM). Additionally, 2‐ethoxy‐6‐acetyl‐7‐methyljuglone also showed stronger antibiofilm activity than 2‐methoxy‐6‐acetyl‐7‐methyljuglone. Furthermore, both the ligand molecules were docked into the binding site of the enterococcal surface protein, and the results revealed that both the molecules are actively binding in the target site. Based on these findings, juglone derivatives may be considered useful for the treatment of E. faecalis infections; however, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action.
The Influence of Vertical Velocity Distribution on the Calculation of Suspended Sediment Concentration
Authors: Quan Xiufeng , Li Ruijie , Li Yuting , Luo Feng , Fu Xiaoyan , Gou He
Published: November 2022

Based on the advection‐diffusion equation of suspended sediment, a general formula of vertical distribution of suspended sediment concentration was derived by considering the influence of vertical velocity. The new formula was tested against over 3000 sets of field data and obtained a reasonable agreement. Comparing with the Rouse equation of concentration, the accuracy of the new formula increases significantly, and the shortcoming of the underestimation of the Rouse profile in practical application is revised. Through the analysis of the new formula with different vertical time‐averaged velocity coefficients m, it was found that vertical velocity does have an impact on the accurate estimation of sediment concentration, and the extent of which is related to the value of sediment concentration. Utilizing the regression analysis, it was found the vertical time‐averaged velocity coefficient m increases with the height above the bed.
Effectiveness of Moxibustion Combined with Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold-Type Gastroparesis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Gan Qingwen , Lian Zerong , Zheng Lilan , Feng Qifan , Wei Lihua , Wang Ying
Published: November 2022

Objective. To investigate the effectiveness of moxibustion combined with Chinese medicine in the treatment of spleen and stomach deficiency cold-type gastroparesis by meta-analysis and to provide the clinical basis for its treatment. Methods. A computer search of eight databases was performed for published and unpublished randomized controlled trials on moxibustion for spleen and stomach deficiency cold-type stomach pain from domestic and international clinical trial centers. The study was divided into a combination of a moxibustion and Chinese medicine group and a regular Western medicine group, and the outcome indicators were “effective” and “ineffective.” The relative risk (RR) was used as the effect indicator for the dichotomous data, and the meta-analysis was performed using Reviewer Manager 5.4 and Stata17.0 software. Results. A total of 8 randomized controlled studies with 729 patients were included, and all studies were analyzed for comparability of patients’ baseline information, with no statistically significant differences found (

P
>
0.05

). The meta-analysis results showed that the pooled effect size RR for the eight studies was 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.16–1.32), and the statistical significance test was Z = 6.69 (

P
<
0.05

), indicating that the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion. The meta-analysis concluded that the efficacy of moxibustion combined with Chinese medicine for the treatment of spleen and stomach deficiency cold-type gastroparesis was superior to that of regular Western medicine, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Production of Micron-Sized Particles of Bauxite by Circulating Pulverization Experiment
Authors: Yongbo Fan , Chun Feng , Shihai Li , Li Chen , Li Zhang , Genghao Zhang , Xingping Hou
Published: November 2022

A novel process involving the production of micron-sized particles of bauxite by circulating pulverization experiment is proposed. This method is through high-pressure gas infiltration, uniform and equal stress loading, and overcoming tensile strength between particles, which is different from the traditional ball milling based on overcoming compressive or shear strength. The circulating pulverization experiment is designed so that the coarse particles larger than 147 μm need to be repulverized or added to the new bauxite ores and repulverized under the same experimental conditions. The results of the first group of circulating experiments show that the proportion of particles less than 147 μm increases from 27% to 91%, which reveals that the coarse particles larger than 147 μm can be repowdered. The results of the second group of circulating experiments show that the powdering efficiency of particles larger than 147 μm is almost equivalent to the raw ore, and the proportion of particles less than 147 μm after four circulating pulverization experiments can reach 64.5%. The result is crucial for actual production because coarse particles will fill in the raw ore and be repulverized together, which can ensure continuous production and stable pulverization efficiency. Economic analysis reveals that the power consumption of the circulating pulverization experiment is estimated at 0.028$ per ton.
Improvement, Validation, and Analysis of Colles Fracture Treated with an Integrated Retainer Pad Splint
Authors: Meng Xianyu , Li Fengjiu , Zhang Xu , Zhao Donghui , Li Quan , Li Qiuhong , Wang Lei , Yang Ji , Dong Lijie , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2022

Objective. To observe the effectiveness and safety of the Colles fracture treated with the integrated retainer pad splint and to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the integrated retainer pad splint and the traditional bamboo curtain splint in the treatment of the Colles fracture. Methods. A total of 100 patients with Colles fractures were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group was fixed with the integrated retainer pad splint (IS), and the control group was fixed with the traditional bamboo curtain splint (TS).The range of wrist motion was measured at follow-up examinations, and volar inclination, ulnar deviation, and radial height were measured on radiographs. Regular follow-up wrist imaging examinations and functional examinations were performed before reduction, after reduction, and at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th weeks. The two groups were compared in terms of convenience, fracture healing time, X-ray data of volar inclination, ulnar deviation, radial height, and wrist joint function. The relevant data were analyzed with SPSS 25.0 statistical software. Results. There were no notable differences in gender, age, and injured side between IS and TS groups. In terms of operation time, IS was better than the TS group (

P
<
0.05

), and the operation time in the IS group was shorter. On the basis of X-ray data of volar inclination, ulnar deviation, and radial height measured on radiographs, the difference between the IS and TS groups was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

), which showed that the IS group was more stable in fracture fixation and had less reduction loss during the treatment process. At the 8th week of treatment, the wrist Gartland–Werley score of the two groups showed that the two fixation methods are equivalent in restoring wrist joint function (

P
>
0.05

); however, in terms of the excellent and good rate of wrist joint function, the IS group scored 96% was higher than the TS group (80%). Conclusion. Compared with the traditional bamboo curtain splint, the integrated retainer pad splint is more convenient and stable, and it has less reduction loss during the treatment. Repair of the Colles fracture using the integrated retainer pad splint with external fixation results in nearly normal return of function, which is significantly better than using the traditional bamboo curtain splint.