bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspirin does not Affect the Hematoma Volume and Growth in Severe Spontaneous Intracranial Hematoma
Authors: Yang Junhua , Wang Kaiwen , Mo Shaohua , Liu Qingyuan , Wu Jun , Yang Shuzhe , Guo Rui , Yang Yi , Zhang Jiaming , Liu Yang , Jiang Pengjun , Cao Yong , Wang Shuo
Published: May 2021

Baseline hematoma volume (HV) and hematoma growth (HG) affect the prognosis of spontaneous intracranial hematoma (ICH), but there is still a lack of evidence on the effects of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) on HV and HG in patients with severe ICH. This study retrospectively analyzed patients with severe ICH who met the inclusion and exclusion criterias in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University between January 1, 2015 and July 31, 2019. Severe ICH patients were divided into ASA group and nASA group according to ASA usage, and the effects of prior ASA on HV and HG were evaluated respectively. And possible risk factors for HG were screened. Totally, 221 patients with severe ICH were consecutively enrolled into this study. There were 72 (32.58%) patients in ASA group and 149 patients (67.42%) in nASA group. Although the baseline HV of the nASA group was significantly higher than that of the ASA group (45.51±29.76 VS 32.67±25.85, p=0.001), after adjusting for confounding factors, the prior ASA did not significantly affect the baseline HV (p = 0.057). Similarly, although the incidence of HG in nASA group was higher than that in ASA group (36.2% VS 25.0%, p = 0.095), ASA did not significantly affect the occurrence of HG (p =0.057). In addition, we found that admission high blood pressure and GCS were risk factors for HG. Prior ASA does not increase the baseline HV and the incidence of HG in severe ICH patients. In addition, admission high blood pressure and GCS were risk factors for HG.
Enthesopathy of the Bicipital Tuberosity of the Radius Treated Under Intraoperative Computed Tomography
Authors: Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Noguchi Takashi , Ando Maki , Yoshimoto Koichi , Sakamoto Diachi , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: May 2021

There is no report of the application of intraoperative computed tomography to the extremities, and its usefulness is not mentioned. We present a case of a patient with the elbow pain and loss of the forearm rotation due to the prominent bicipital tuberosity of the radius, which was diagnosed as enthesopathy. Surgical treatment to excise the prominent part of the bicipital tuberosity of the radius was recommended. However, it is difficult to perform the appropriate excision of the abnormal prominent part because of complications such as bicipital tendon rupture. The patient was successfully treated by surgical resection under the control of intraoperative computed tomography. Intraoperative computed tomography scan is a useful tool to assess the remaining volume of the abnormal bones.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of the New Bacillus Cereus Phage SWEP1
Authors: Ruan Chujin , Niu Xinyao , Xiong Guangzhou , Chen GuoWei , Wu Hanqing , Ma Zechao , Zhu Kun , Liu Ying , Wang Gang
Published: May 2021

A new Bacillus cereus phage SWEP1 was isolated from black soil. The host lysis activity of phage SWEP1 has a relatively short latent time (20 min) and a small burst size of 83 PFU. The genome of SWEP1 consists of 162,461 bp with 37.77% G+C content. The phage encodes 278 predicted proteins where 103 were assigned functionally. No tRNA gene was found. Comparative genomics analysis indicated that SWEP1 is related to Bacillus phage B4 (86.91% identity, 90% query coverage). Phenotypic and genotypic characterization suggesting that SWEP1 is a new member of a new species in the genus Bequatrovirus, family Herelleviridae.
Evaluation Wetlands Ecosystem Health using Geospatial Technology: Evidence from Lower Gangetic Flood Plain in India
Authors: Das Subhasis , Bhunia Gouri Sankar , Bera Biswajit , Shit Pravat K
Published: May 2021

The lower Gangetic flood plain of West Bengal occupies diversified riverine and floodplain wetlands. These wetlands played a significant role maintain ecosystem health and supports for human wellbeing. This paper presents the health of wetland ecosystem by comprising the wetland ecosystem health index (WEHI) in 2011 and 2018 at block level of Malda district, as a part of lower Gangetioc flood plain using pressure – state – response model (PSR model) and AHP method. A total number of six Landsat satellite images and statistical census data were used to determine the wetland. Wetlands are classified as very healthy, healthy, sub-healthy, unhealthy and sick category on the basis of wetland ecosystem health index score. Results showed the health of wetland ecosystem has slightly decreased from 2011 to 2018. 13.33% of blocks are fall under sick category in 2011. 26.67% block are comes under very healthy category in 2011 but it decrease to 20% in 2018. The heath of wetland ecosystem in Harischandrapur – II, Ratua-II, Maldah (Old), English Bazar, Bamongola, Habibpur, Chanchal-I and Kaliachak – II blocks are degrading from 2011 to 2018. This may be attributed to the increasing urbanization rate and associated growth of infrastructure. Developing local level institutions is useful measures to manage wetland resource; and protect biodiversity should be guided by the Government organization and NGOs for its mitigation measure.
Comparison Between Bivariate and Trivariate Flood Frequency Analysis Using the Archimedean Copula Functions, A Case Study of the Karun River in Iran
Authors: Klaho Mohamad Haytham , Safavi Hamid R. , Golmohammadi Mohamad H. , Alkntar Maamoun
Published: May 2021

Historically, severe floods have caused great human and financial losses. Therefore, the flood frequency analysis based on the flood multiple variables including flood peak, volume and duration poses more motivation for hydrologists to study. In this paper, the bivariate and trivariate flood frequency analysis and modeling using Archimedean copula functions is focused. For this purpose, the annual flood data over a 55-year historical period recorded at the Dez Dam hydrometric station were used. The results showed that based on goodness of fit criteria, the Frank function built upon the couple of the flood peak-volume and the couple of the flood peak-duration as well as the Clayton function built upon the flood volume-duration were identified to be the best copula families to be adopted. The trivariate analysis was conducted and the Clayton family was chosen as the best copula function. Thereafter, the common and conditional cumulative probability distribution functions were built and analyzed to determine the periodic "and", "or" and "conditional" bivariate and trivariate flood return periods. The results suggest that the bivariate conditional return period obtained for short-term periods is more reliable than the trivariate conditional return period. Additionally, the trivariate conditional return period calculated for long-term periods is more reliable than the bivariate conditional return period.
Hydrotropic Root Behavior in Water-Saving Cultivation: A High-Resolution Monitoring Study of Soil Water Dynamics
Authors: Li Qichen , Sugihara Toshiaki , Shibusawa Sakae , Li Minzan
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSubsurface irrigation has been confirmed to have high water use efficiency due to it irrigating only the crop root zone. Hydrotropism allows roots to grow towards higher water content areas for drought avoidance, which has research interests in recent years. However, most hydrotropism studies focused on a single root and were conducted in air or agar systems. The performance of hydrotropism in subsurface irrigation is not clear. ResultsWe developed a method to observe and analyze hydrotropism in soil under water-saving cultivation. A wet zone was produced around the whole root system based on using subsurface irrigation method and micro soil water dynamics were observed using high-resolution soil moisture sensors. This method enabled the observation and analysis of plant water absorption activities and the hydrotropic response of the root system. In the analysis, we first applied a high-pass filter and fast Fourier transform to the soil water dynamics data. The results indicated that the plant’s biological rhythm of photosynthetic activities can be identified from the soil moisture data. We then observed root growth in response to the dynamics of soil water content in the wet zone. We quantified root distribution inside and outside the wet zone and observed the shape of the root system from the cross-section of the wet zone. The results showed that the root hydrotropic response is not uniform for all roots of an individual plant. ConclusionsThis study verified the feasibility of using high-resolution soil moisture sensors to study root hydrotropic responses in soil during water-saving cultivation. To further evaluate a plant’s hydrotropic ability, it is necessary to use statistical analysis and/or a non-deterministic approach. Future studies may also explore developing an automated experimental system and robotic manipulations for getting steady repeatable observation of hydrotropism in water-saving cultivation.
Enhanced Removal of Mercury and Lead by a Novel and Efficient Surface-functionalized Imogolite with Nanoscale Zero-valent Iron Material
Authors: Martinis Estefanía , Denardin Juliano , Calderón Raul Calderón Raul , Flores Cristóbal , Manquián-Cerda Karen , Maldonado Tamara , Arancibia-Miranda Nicolás
Published: May 2021

A novel hybrid nanomaterial, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI)-grafted imogolite nanotubes (Imo), was synthesized via a fast and straightforward chemical procedure. The as-obtained nanomaterial (Imo-nZVI) was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrophoretic mobility (EM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The prepared Imo-nZVI was superparamagnetic at room temperature and could be easily separated by an external magnetic field. Sorption batch experiments were performed in single- and multicomponent system and showed that Hg2+ and Pb2+ could be quantitatively adsorbed at pH 4.0 with maximum adsorption capacities of 62.3 and 73.8 mg·g− 1, respectively. It was observed that the functional groups in Imo-nZVI interact preferentially with analytes according to Misono Softness parameter. The higher performance of Imo-nZVI compared with Imo and nZVI is related to the increased adsorption sites in the functionalized nanomaterial. The sorption equilibrium data obeyed the Langmuir model, while kinetic studies demonstrated that the sorption processes of Hg2+ and Pb2+ followed the pseudo-second-order model. This study suggests that the Imo-nZVI composite can be used as a promising sorbent and provides a simple and fast separation method for the removal of Hg and Pb ions from contaminated water.
The Mechanism of Catalpol in Alzheimer’s Disease by Modulating Mitochondrial Function Through miR-124-Mediated STIM2
Authors: Lv Xin , Qiu Jun , Hao Tao , Zhang Haoran , Jiang Haiping , Tan Yang
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a dementia-related disease with cognitive deterioration and memory impairment. Catalpol was reported to relieve impairments in learning and memory. The present study assessed the functional mechanism of catalpol in AD via miR-124/STIM2-mediated mitochondrial function. Primary hippocampal neurons were isolated and cultured. AD cell model was induced by Aβ1−42 and treated with catalpol. APP/PS1 mouse model was established and treated with catalpol and miR-124 agomir. Aβ1−42 induced mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in AD cell model. Catalpol alleviated mitochondrial damage and reduced ROS generation in hippocampal neurons. miR-124 was highly expressed in AD cell model and catalpol inhibited miR-124 expression. Catalpol alleviated Aβ1−42 induced mitochondrial damage and ROS generation in hippocampal neurons by inhibiting miR-124 expression. miR-124 overexpression after catalpol treatment promoted mitochondrial damage and ROS generation in hippocampal neurons. miR-124 targeted STIM2. Silencing STIM2 after catalpol treatment promoted mitochondrial damage and ROS generation in hippocampal neurons. Catalpol slowed AD progression via the miR-124/STIM2 axis in vivo. The results of the present study indicated that catalpol alleviated mitochondrial damage and ROS generation and thus attenuated AD by regulating miR-124-mediated STIM2.
Three Different Mutations in the DNA Topoisomerase 1B in Leishmania Infantum Contribute to Resistance to Antitumor Drug Topotecan
Authors: Rosa-Teijeiro Chloe , Wagner Victoria , Corbeil Audrey , d'Annessa Ilda , Leprohon Philippe , Monte-Neto Rubens L do , Fernández-Prada Christopher
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe evolution of drug resistance is one of the biggest challenges in leishmaniasis and has prompted the need for new antileishmanial drugs. Repurposing of approved drugs is a faster and very attractive strategy that is gaining supporters worldwide. Different anticancer topoisomerase 1B (TOP1B) inhibitors have shown strong antileishmanial activity and promising selective indices, supporting the potential repurposing of these drugs. However, cancer cells and Leishmania share the ability to become rapidly resistant. The aim of this study was to complete a whole-genome exploration of the effects caused by exposure to topotecan in order to highlight the potential mechanisms deployed by Leishmania to favor its survival in the presence of a TOP1B inhibitor. MethodsWe used a combination of stepwise drug-resistance selection, whole-genome sequencing, functional validation, and theoretical approaches to explore the propensity of and potential mechanisms deployed by three independent clones of L. infantum to resist the action of TOP1B-inhibitor topotecan. ResultsWe demonstrated that L. infantum is capable of becoming resistant to high concentrations of topotecan without impaired growth ability. No gene deletions or amplifications were identified from the next-generation sequencing data in any of the three resistant lines, ruling out the overexpression of efflux pumps as the preferred mechanism of topotecan resistance. We identified three different mutations in the large subunit of the leishmanial TOP1B (Top1BF187Y, Top1BG191A and Top1BW232R). Overexpression of these mutated alleles in the wild-type background led to high levels of resistance to topotecan. Computational molecular dynamics simulations, in both covalent and non-covalent complexes, showed that these mutations have an effect on the arrangement of the catalytic pentad and on the interaction of these residues with surrounding amino acids and DNA. This altered architecture of the binding pocket results in decreased persistence of topotecan in the ternary complex. Conclusions﻿This work helps elucidate the previously-unclear potential mechanisms of topotecan resistance in Leishmania by mutations in the large subunit of TOP1B and provides a valuable clue for the design of improved inhibitors to combat resistance in both leishmaniasis and cancer. Our data highlights the importance of including drug-resistance evaluation in drug-discovery cascades.
A Three-Dimensional Fractal Contact Model for a Rough Friction Surface With Multiple-Scale Asperities
Authors: Liang Ao , Bian Yongming , Liu Guangjun
Published: May 2021

This paper describes a new fractal contact model for a rough three-dimensional friction surface considering scale dependence. The model predicts the total contact area as a function of contact load. The microcontact fractal model for asperities at multiple-scale levels is derived. The truncated area distribution function of asperities at multiple-scale levels is revised. The effects of each scale level and fractal parameters on the proposed model are evaluated by numerical simulations. Results obtained from the complex fractal model with several scales are accurate as demonstrated by comparing them to experimental results and models taken from literature. Friction and wear of rough surfaces can be further studied using the proposed model.
Diagnostic Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance in the Diagnosis of Difficult to Determine Renal Tumor by Enhanced CT
Authors: Qiao xuhua , Tan zhiyong , Li Ning , Zuo Yigang , Wang Huake
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo analyze and compare the efficacy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and magnetic resonance (MRI) in the diagnosis of difficult renal tumor with CT. MethodsA total of 136 patients with renal space occupying who received CEUS and MRI in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2013 to December 2020 after improved abdominal enhanced CT was difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant patients were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic results of the two examination methods were compared with the pathological examination results to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the two methods.Results61 cases were benign and 75 cases were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CEUS, MRI and combined examination for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant renal tumors difficult to be determined by CT were (CEUS:94.42%, 87.69%, 91.18%, 89.33%, 93.44%;MRI:81.63%, 91.84%, 85.29%, 94.67%, 73.77%;MRI+CEUS:94.67%, 93.44%, 92.65%, 94.67%, 93.44%). Comparison of the sensitivity of single and combined CEUS and MRI in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant renal tumors that were difficult to be identified by CT: χ2=11.34, P =0.001, there was statistical significance; χ2=0.86, P =0.35, there was no statistical significance; χ2=5.73, P =0.02, between MRI and CEUS +CEUS.CEUS with single and combined MRI examination of CT qualitative differential diagnosis of benign and malignant renal tumors ROC curve shows that applied to the differential diagnosis of benign versus malignant tumor CT is qualitative the MRI + CEUS is better than that of CEUS, CEUS is better than that of MRI, the area under the curve comparison(accurate):MRI compar-ed with CEUC no statistical significance (p = 0.26), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CEUS were compared with MRI + CEUS were statistically significant (p = 0.02, p = 0.01).Conclusion﻿Both CEUS and MRI can be used to distinguish between benign and malignant renal tumors that are difficult to be characterized by CT. However, CEUS alone has more clinical application value in the diagnosis of benign and malignant renal tumors that are difficult to be characterized by CT considering economic effects, indications and side effects.
The Effectiveness of a Nurse-led Behavioral Activation Intervention in Hospitalized Depressed Elderly: a Pragmatic Cluster-randomized Clinical Trial.
Authors: Clignet Frans , Straten Annemieke van , Cuijpers Pim , Meijel Berno van
Published: May 2021

Background: Approximately 10% of the elderly suffer from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led behavioral activation program (the Systematic Activation Method), in depressed elderly.Methods: A cluster-randomized clinical trial in which ten hospital units were randomized as either an experimental unit or control unit (care-as-usual). Data was collected at baseline (T0), eight weeks later (post intervention=T1), and six months later (follow-up=T2). Primary outcome was severity of depressive symptoms. For the analysis multilevel linear models were used. We calculated the size of the effects with Hedges’ g (and their 95% confidence intervals).Results: 55 patients were included (n=30 experimental, n=25 control). The results showed that there were moderate post-intervention effects of the Systematic Activation Program in the reduction of depressive symptoms (g=0.35), but these effects were not statistically significant.Conclusions: The inclusion of patients was lower than calculated in the power analysis. A more intensive focus on applying motivational techniques and tailored implementation strategies might increase treatment effects on the patients. Trial registration: Dutch Trial Register NTR 1809.
Presence and Maturation Dynamics of Mandibular Third Molars and Their Influence on Late Mandibular Incisor Crowding: Longitudinal Study
Authors: Žigante Martina , Pavlic Andrej , Morelato Luka , Vandevska-Radunovic Vaska , Spalj Stjepan
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the presence and dynamics of mandibular third molar development and the occurrence and amount of late mandibular incisor crowding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental plaster casts and panoramic radiographs of 72 orthodontically untreated subjects from the Nittedal growth study, Norway were analysed. The subjects were recalled for check-up at 12, 15, 18 and 21 years of age. Mandibular incisor crowding was assessed using the Little’s irregularity index and dental maturation of the third molars by the Cameriere’s index.RESULTS: The majority of the subjects (64%) had ≥1mm increase in irregularity; 22% experienced increase of 0.1-0.9mm and 14% had unchanged or decreased irregularity. Incisor irregularity increased with age, regardless of absence or presence of third molars. The amount of change in incisor irregularity from 12 to 21 years did not differ significantly between subjects with hypodontia of third molars, extraction and those with third molars present. No differences were observed between erupted, unerupted or impacted third molars. No correlation was found between the amount of change in irregularity and maturation of the third molars.CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence and amount of mandibular late incisor crowding is not significantly influenced by presence or development dynamics of mandibular third molars.
A Novel Approach of Fabricating Monodispersed Spherical MoSiBTiC Particles for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhou Zhenxing , Guo Suxia , Zhou Weiwei , Nomura Naoyoki
Published: May 2021

It is very challenging to fabricate spherical refractory material powders for additive manufacturing (AM) because of their high melting points and complex compositions. In this study, a novel technique, freeze-dry pulsated orifice ejection method (FD-POEM), was developed to fabricate spherical MoSiBTiC particles without a melting process. Elemental nanopowders were dispersed in water to prepare a high-concentration slurry, which was subsequently extruded from an orifice by diaphragm vibration and frozen instantly in liquid nitrogen. After a freeze-drying process, spherical composite particles with arbitrary composition ratios were obtained. The FD-POEM particles had a narrow size range and uniform elemental distribution. Mesh structures were formed within the FD-POEM particles, which was attributed to the sublimation of ice crystals. Furthermore, owing to their spherical morphology, the FD-POEM particles had a low avalanche angle of 42.6°, exhibiting good flowability. Consequently, the combination of FD-POEM and additive manufacturing has great potential for developing complex refractory components used in industrial applications.
How Does Empathy Modulate Susceptibility to False Memory?
Authors: Lo Shih-Yu
Published: May 2021

Based on the view that the function of empathy is to integrate one’s concepts of the self and others, we hypothesised that empathy facilitates memory by relating external events to self-related information. However, whether empathy’s facilitative effect on memory applied to misleading information was unknown. To test this, we used a misinformation paradigm on a sample of 51 participants aged 20–42. Participants were fed misleading information after watching videos that evoked different degrees of empathy. The results showed that the participants’ susceptibility to misleading information was lower for videos that provoked a high degree of empathy compared to videos that provoked a low degree of empathy. Based on our data, we conclude that empathy can prevent people from being misled by false information.
Mixed-dust Pneumoconiosis in a Dental Technician: A Multidisciplinary Diagnosis
Authors: Lorenzo Luigi Di , Pipoli Antonella , Manghisi Nicola Mariano , Cassano Filippo , Maiorano Eugenio , Longo Giosi , Attimonelli Rossella , Laviano Rocco
Published: May 2021

BackgroundExposure to crystalline silica in dental laboratories can occur during procedures that generate suspended mineral dusts, e.g. dispersion of mixing powders, removal of castings from moulds grinding and polishing castings and porcelain, and use of silica sand for blasting. Case presentationWe report a 55-year-old male dental technician who, after about 15 years of work, began to suffer from a dry cough and dyspnoea on exertion. The operations included in his job resulted in the generation of crystalline silica, aluminium, chromium, titanium dust. The worker did not regularly wear personal protective equipment and some of the above operations were not carried out in closed circuit systems.The Chest X-ray showed diffuse micronodulation in the lung interstitium in the upper-middle lobes bilaterally and a modest left basal pleural effusion, simple spirometry showed initial small airway obstruction, High Resolution Computerized Tomography of the chest showed bilateral micronodulation of a miliariform type, with greater profusion in the upper lobes, also present in the visceral pleura, bilaterally. Histological examination showed aggregates of pigment-laden macrophages forming perivascular macules or arranged in a radial pattern around a core of sclerohyalinosis. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry revealed several mineral particles, whose composition is characterised by the presence of aggregates of crystalline silica and metals. The ambient concentrations of total dust and its respirable fraction were all lower than the relative TLV-TWA - ACGIH, but did not negligible. ConclusionsThe above findings and a multidisciplinary assessment led to the diagnosis of mixed dust pneumoconiosis s/q with 2/2 profusion of occupational origin. This diagnosis in a dental technician was supported by environmental exposure analysis for the first time in the literature.
Altered Sympathetic Control of Myocardial Infarct Border Zones: High-Resolution Mapping with Automated Structure Detection
Authors: Zhu Ching , Rajendran Pradeep , Hanna Peter , Efimov Igor , Salama Guy , Fowlkes Charless , Shivkumar Kalyanam
Published: May 2021

Intramyocardial sympathetic nerve remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) has been implicated in adverse outcomes such as sudden arrhythmic death, yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We sought to examine microstructural remodeling of ventricular myocardium and cardiac sympathetic nerve fibers after chronic infarction and to correlate this remodeling with perturbations in electrical conduction. We developed a high-resolution pipeline for anatomically precise alignment of optical action potential maps with structural maps of myofiber and nerve fiber features detected by customized computer vision algorithms. Using this integrative approach in a mouse model of chronic MI, we identified distinct structure-function correlates of discontinuous electrical propagation to objectively define the infarct border zone. During sympathetic activation induced by tyramine administration, we also discovered regional patterns of altered impulse propagation directly associated with altered neuroeffector junction distribution, pointing to potential substrates for neurally mediated arrhythmogenesis. This study establishes a synergistic framework for examining structure-function relationships after MI with unprecedented spatial precision, which has implications for advancing our understanding of arrhythmogenic substrates and mechanisms.
Quantifying the regional stranded asset risks from new coal plants under 1.5°C
Authors: Edwards Morgan , Cui Ryna Yiyun , Bindl Matilyn , Hultman Nathan , Mathur Krinjal , McJeon Haewon , Iyer Gokul , Song Jiawei , Zhao Alicia
Published: May 2021

A global phaseout of unabated coal use is critical to meeting the Paris climate goals. This transition can potentially lead to large amounts of stranded assets, especially in regions with newer and growing coal fleets. Here we combine plant-level data with a global integrated assessment model to quantify changes in stranded asset risks across locations and over time. With new plant proposals, cancellations, and retirements over the past five years, global committed emissions in 2030 from existing and planned coal plants declined by 3.3 GtCO2 (25%). While these emissions are now roughly in line with near-term (2030) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, they remain far off track from longer-term climate goals. Building all proposed coal plants in the pipeline leads to a 24% (503 GW) increase in capacity and a 55% ($520 billion) increase in stranded assets under 1.5°C. Stranded asset risks fall disproportionately on emerging Asian economies with newer and growing coal fleets.
Thermo-physcial Properties and Characterization of TiO2 based Nanofluid Blended with Moringa Oleifera Oil
Authors: S RUBALYA VALANTINA , S Amsavahini , S Janani , G Monisha
Published: May 2021

Nanoparticle TiO2 was synthesized by the co-precipitate method and was dispersed in palm oil blended with Moringa oleifera seed oil (Enriched palm oil-EPO). Structural and compositional analysis of TiO2 nanoparticles was carried out using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and FTIR analysis (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy). Using the analytical method, particle dimension, crystallite size by Debye Scherrer’s equation and vibrational energy of the molecule was investigated. Palm oil was blended with synthesised Moring oil to enhance its oxidative stability. TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed at different volume fraction in EPO to analyse the temperature dependent physical properties. Bio-degradable lubricant nature of TiO2 based nanofluid was investigated by the variation of viscosity and density with temperature (30 to 60˚C). The amphiphilic properties of fatty acids in blended oils can contribute better lubrication compared to mineral oils. Experimented viscosity and density values with temperature was fitted to a non-linear equations, and was pragmatic that quadratic equation exhibits a best fit R2 > 0.999. Theoretical value of the viscosity was predicted using Einstein, Batchelor, and Wang mathematical model and was compared with the experimental value. Brownian motion of the particle in the oil was studied through the diffusion constant, diffusion time, and Brownian velocity. The present study could be used to synthesis nanofluid with desired volume fraction, viscosities and densities, so as work as a suitable bio degradable lubricant in many industrial applications.
How Great is Greater Tuberosity? – A Analysis by CT Multiplanar Reconstruction
Authors: Li Zhiyao , Ma Lifeng , Yin Wei , Wu Yingjie , Qi Zhengrong , Yang Bo , Zhang Jingxin , Li Qiang , Guo Ai
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study was designed to explore the precise size of the greater tuberosity of humerus in Chinese population.Methods: The radiologic study was performed on 66 CTs of shoulder from the hospital’s CT scan database of out-patient department from December 2018 to February 2020. This study designed a method to measure the size of the greater tuberosity (GT). The width, height and thickness of the greater tuberosity were measured on CT image multiplanar reconstructions (MPR), which was independently conducted by two observers.Results: 66 intact shoulders CT scans were analyzed, including 26 women and 40 men with a mean age of 36.79 ± 9.17 years, with 41 right and 25 left shoulders. There were no significant differences in GT width, GT height, GT thickness and PH thickness between two observers. The ICC for the GT width measurements taken by CT was 0.872. The ICC for the GT height was 0.810. The ICC for the GT thickness was 0.777. The ICC for the PH thickness was 0.971. For male cases, the total PH thickness was 51.06±2.30 (45.70-55.20) mm for female cases, the total PH thickness was 45.79±2.57 (41.40-51.25) mm. Gender have a significant impact on the results, man had a larger GT than woman.Conclusions: The method was an applicable way the measure the size of greater tuberosity, it showed good reliability. The size of GT in male cases was larger than female. These data provides important information for further research and clinical practice.
Characterization and Reverse Genetic Establishment of Cattle Derived Akabane Virus in China
Authors: Chen Dongjie , Wang Di , Wei Fang , Kong Yufang , Deng Junhua , Lin Xiangmei , Wu Shaoqiang
Published: May 2021

Background: Akabane virus (AKAV) is an important insect-borne virus which is widely distributed in the tropical and temperate zones of Asia and Africa and is considered as a great threat in herbivores.Results: An AKAV defined as TJ2016 was firstly isolated from the serum of cattle in China in 2016. Sequence analysis of the S and M segments suggested that the isolated TJ2016 was closely related to the strains JaGAr39 and JaLAB39, which belonged to genogroup II. To further study the pathogenic mechanism of AKAV, the full-length cDNA clone of TJ-2016 S, M, and L segment was separately constructed into the TVT7R plasmid under the control of T7 promoter which named as TVT7R-S, TVT7R-M, and TVT7R-L, respectively. Then, the three constructed plasmids were transfected into the BSR-T7/5 cells simultaneously with a ratio of 1:1:1 to rescue AKAV. Compared with the parental wild type AKAV (wtAKAV), the rescued virus (rAKAV) was proved to have similar cytopathic effects (CPE), plaque sizes and growth kinetics in BHK-21 cells.Conclusion: We successfully isolated a AKAV strain TJ2016 from the serum of cattle and established a reverse genetic platform for AKAV genome manipulation. The established reverse genetic system is also a powerful tool which can be used for further AKAV pathogenesis and even vaccine studies.
Vascular Risk Factors Decrease the Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Tianmi , Wei Qianqian , Li Chunyu , Cao Bei , Ou Ruwei , Hou Yanbing , Zhang Lingyu , Chen Yongping , Shang huifang
Published: May 2021

Background

The disease-modifying effects of diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia, and overweight on risk and prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have gained significant attention in recent years. However, whether these well-known vascular risk factors increase the cognitive burden in patients with ALS remains unclear. We aim to evaluate the association between vascular risk factors (including hypertension, DM, hyperlipidemia, overweight and smoking) and cognitive function in patients with ALS.
Methods

Patients with ALS were consecutively recruited between June 2012 and November 2019 from a tertiary referral center for ALS at the West China Hospital. Vascular risk factors were confirmed based on clinical data, while cognitive function was evaluated by the Chinese version of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-revised. Case-control design to investigate the association between vascular risk factors and cognitive impairment in ALS. With careful confounder adjustment, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed separately (for each factor) and accumulatively (based on the sum of factors) to determine the association between cognitive impairment and vascular risk factors in ALS.
Results

Of 870 patients, 561 (64.5%) were men, the mean age at registeration was 54.1 (11.3) years and 266 had cognitive impairment. No cognitive burden from vascular risk factors was found in patients with ALS. On the contrary, we first observed that DM (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.98; P = 0.04) and hyperlipidemia (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26–0.97; P = 0.04) showed protective effects against cognitive decline in ALS, adjusted for age, sex, educational level, site of onset, Revised-ALS Functional Rating Scale score, predominant upper motor neuron phenotype, family history of ALS, and the remaining vascular risk factors. Furthermore, patients with > 2 vascular risk factors showed a significantly lower risk of cognitive impairment (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.07–0.48; P = 0.001). Sensitivity analyses of sex did not substantially reverse the risk estimates.
Conclusions

DM and hyperlipidemia decrease the risk of cognitive impairment in patients with ALS. The fitness hypothesis in ALS has been tested and expanded in our work.
New prognostic models in glioblastoma: based ferroptosis-related genes and immune scores
Authors: Li Xin-yu , Yang Xi-tao
Published: May 2021

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a high degree of malignancy and the clinical outcomes is dismal. Ferroptosis is critical to the development and progression of many diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and aging. This study was designed to establish a sensitive prognostic model based on ferroptosis-related genes and immune scores to predict overall survival (OS) in patients with GBM. Methods: The expression of genes and associated clinical parameters was obtained from the publicly available TCGA , CGGA and GEO database. According to the immune scores, patient samples were assigned into two groups. Their biological function analyses were performed through differently expressed genes. By means of LASSO, unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression analyses, this predictive signature was constructed and validated by external databases.Results: A total of 4 ferroptosis-related genes (HMOX1,HSPB1,STEAP3,ZEB1)were ultimately screened as associated hub genes and utilized to construct a prognosis model. Then our constructed riskScore model significantly passed the validation in the external datasets of OS (all p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted. Finding the area under the ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.82 at 1 years, 0.75 at 3 years, 0.67 at 5 years. Functional analysis revealed that immune related processes were different between two risk groups.We also explored its association with immune infiltration.Conclusion: Our study successfully constructed a prognostic model containing 4 hub ferroptosis-related genes for GBM, helping clinicians predict patients’ OS and making the prognostic assessment more standardized. Future prospective studies are required to validate our findings.
Optimization of 3d-Printer Enclosure Environment
Authors: May Thomas J. , Eslami Babak , Fouladi Kamran
Published: May 2021

Additive manufacturing has become a widely utilized process in industrial, academic, and household applications. Previous studies have demonstrated that non-optimum humidity conditions can adversely impact the print quality of parts printed from plastic filaments by changing their mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus and ultimate strength. This study utilized a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach and experimental testing to design a system that yields a more uniform humidity distribution in a 3-dimensional (3D) printer printing region. The study resulted in an optimized enclosure with significantly higher relative humidity (RH) uniformity in the print volume. The simulations predicted that the optimized enclosure would improve the uniformity by about 65%, while experimental testing pointed to even more significant improvement at about 75%. As a case study, tensile testing of 3D printed specimens made from NinjaFlex© filamenets under the optimum environmental conditions showed 11% higher ultimate strength and more elastic behavior than specimens printed using the baseline model.
Analysis of pupillometer results according to motor symptom severity in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: You Sooyeoun , Hong Jeong-Ho , Yoo Joonsang
Published: May 2021

We performed pupillometer testing on 132 patients with Parkinson’s disease, stratified into two groups according to the disease severity. Neurological examinations and pupillometry were performed in the ON state. Patients in the Hoehn and Yahr stages 1 and 2 comprised the early group, and patients in stages 3-5 formed the late group. We performed age- and sex-matched (2:1) propensity score matching to compensate for the effect of age on pupil light reflex. Eight pupillometer parameters were measured and compared between the two groups. After the propensity score matching, the early group had 64 patients and the late group had 32 patients. The late group had a longer disease duration and took a higher levodopa equivalent dose than the early group. The constriction velocity (P=0.006) and maximum constriction velocity (P=0.005) were significantly faster in the early group than in the late group. Pupil size, minimum diameter, and dilation velocity were similar in both groups. The pupillary contraction velocity decreased with the disease progression, suggesting that the progression of Parkinson’s disease could be identified by the pupil constriction velocity.
Association between ultrasonography echogenicity and heterogeneity and thyroid function in autoimmune diffuse thyroid diseases in children and adolescents
Authors: Park Ji Eun , Hwang Sook Min , Hwang Ji-Young , Moon Jin Hee , Yang Ik , Woo Ji Young , Lee Hye Jin
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the association between thyroid echogenicity and heterogeneity seen on ultrasonography (US) and thyroid function in pediatric and adolescent populations with autoimmune diffuse thyroid diseases (AITD).Methods: From 2000 to 2020, we reviewed thyroid ultrasound (US) images and thyroid function statuses in 133 children and adolescent AITD patients. Our review of the images focused on decreased echogenicity and heterogeneity, which were classified into four grades.Results: Among patients with overt hypothyroidism or overt hyperthyroidism, 94.2% (65/69) showed a US grade of 3 or 4. In patients with subclinical hyper/hypothyroidism or euthyroidism, 45.3% (29/64) showed grades 1 or 2. There were no overt hyper/hypothyroidism patients with US grade 1. When we compared US grades according to thyroid status, more severe thyroid dysfunction was significantly associated with higher US grade (p=0.047). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level differed significantly according to US grades when we evaluated hyperthyroid (p=0.035) and hypothyroid (p=0.027) states independently. 11 patients showed both US grade and thyroid function status changes on follow-up US.Conclusions: In children and adolescent AITD patients, there was an association between decreased echogenicity and heterogeneity on US and thyroid dysfunction.
Sublethal Effects of Bifenazate on Biological Traits and Enzymatic properties in the Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Xin Tianrong , Wang Jing , Zou Zhiwen , Zhong Ling , Xia Bin
Published: May 2021

Panonychus citri, is a major citrus pest with a global distribution. But in Pest Management, the extensive use of insecticides has resulted in insecticide tolerance. Bifenazate, a novel acaricides with high biological activity against red mites, such as the T.urticae, P. citri. However, its sublethal effects on P. citri have not been reported. Therefore, in present study, P. citri exposed to sublethal concentration of bifenazate shows high biological activity, and causes great changes of population parameters and enzymatic activity. Life table technology was used to demonstrate sublethal effects on the growth and reproduction of P. citri. The results showed that the developmental duration of immature stage used sublethal concentration of bifenazate (LC10, LC30) were no difference than control. Nevertheless, compared with control group, the female adult duration, the fecundity and longevity were significantly decrease, but the pre-oviposition period was longer; In addition, the net reproductive rate (R0), the mean generation(T) were significantly decreased compared to those of the control, but the intrinsic rate of increase(r), the finite rate(λ) were decreased in LC30 group, however, the doubling time was increased with the increasing concentrations of bifenazate. Furthermore, Enzymatic tests showed that CAT, POD, and CarE activities were higher in LC10 and LC30 treatments than control. The SOD and GST activities were lower in LC30 treatment than control and LC10 treatment. Moreover, the CYP450 activity was decreased with the increasing concentrations of bifenazate. Based on these results, the sublethal concentration of bifenazate may have adverse effects on population growth of P. citri. This result provides certain significant guidance for the Pest Management. As well as that, further studies should be done to explore resistance mechanisms of P. citri exposure to a sublethal concentrations of bifenazate.
Real-Time Polarization Microscopy of Fibrillar Collagen in Histopathology
Authors: Keikhosravi Adib , Shribak Michael , Conklin Matthew , Liu Yuming , Li Bin , Loeffler Agnes , Levenson Richard , Eliceiri Kevin
Published: May 2021

Over the past two decades, fibrillar collagen reorganization parameters such as the amount of collagen deposition, fiber angle and alignment have been widely explored in numerous studies. These parameters are now widely accepted as stromal biomarkers and linked to disease progression and survival time in several cancer types. Despite all these advances, there has not been a significant effort to make it possible for clinicians to explore these biomarkers without adding steps to the clinical workflow or by requiring high-cost imaging systems. In this paper, we evaluate previously described polychromatic polarization microscope (PPM) to visualize collagen fibers with an optically generated color representation of fiber orientation and alignment when inspecting the sample by a regular microscope with minor modifications. This system does not require stained slides, but is compatible with histological stains such as H&E. Consequently, it can be easily accommodated as part of regular pathology review of tissue slides, while providing clinically useful insight into stromal composition.
Closeup exploration of the seafloor with an autonomous underwater helicopter
Authors: Zhou Jing , He Jiazhong , Huang Haocai , Wang Yingqiang , Si Yulin , Huang Shanhe , Xu Bo , Chen Ying
Published: May 2021

Closeup exploration of the seafloor requires new forms of underwater vehicles that are capable of taking off and landing on the seafloor and hovering at any attitude and that are equipped with cameras and sensors. Existing underwater vehicles do not provide an adequate platform for closeup in situ observations. This work presents the design, fabrication, control and testing of an autonomous underwater helicopter (AUH) that can perform spin turns, vertical rotation, free landing and take-off, making it the most agile underwater vehicle to date. Acoustic-optical navigation and gyroscopic stabilization systems were implemented to complete missions on a fixed route. With an underwater base station(helipad), the AUH can perform wireless power charging and data transmission. This work builds on previous generations of AUHs that were restricted to horizontal postures and lacked vectoring propulsion. Experimental results gathered from tests show that the AUH can successfully navigate along a preset route at depths ranging from 0 to 100 metres. Furthermore, with multidimensional attitude adjustment and vectoring propulsion, AUH is capable of diving into a rugged seafloor environment. This study advances what is currently achievable using traditional AUVs and ROVs, demonstrating methods that can be used in the future for studying marine science and seafloor exploration.