bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on ultrasonic cavitation intensity based on fluorescence analysis
Authors: Ye Linzheng , Chuai Shida , Zhu Xijing , Wang Dong
Published: May 2022

Ultrasonic cavitation effect has been widely used in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedicine, and many other fields. The quantitative characterization of ultrasonic cavitation intensity has always been a difficulty. Based on this, a fluorescence analysis method has been adopted to explore ultrasonic cavitation intensity in this paper. In the experiment of fluorescence intensity measurement, terephthalic acid (TA) was used as the fluorescent probe, ultrasonic power, ultrasonic frequency, and irradiation time were independent variables, and fluorescence intensity and fluorescence peak area were used as experimental results. The collapse of ultrasonic cavitation bubble will cause molecular bond breakage and release ·OH, and the non-fluorescent substance TA will form strong fluorescent substance TAOH with ·OH. The spectra of the treated samples were measured by an F-7000 fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results showed that the fluorescence intensity and fluorescence peak area increased rapidly after ultrasonic cavitation treatment, and then increased slowly with the increase of ultrasonic power, which gradually increased with the increase of irradiation time. They first decreased and then increased with the increase of ultrasonic frequency from 20 kHz to 40 kHz. This was due to the comprehensive influence of the changes of cavitation oscillation period, cavitation energy, and the number of cavitation bubbles caused by the variation of ultrasonic frequency. The irradiation time was the most influential factor, and the cavitation intensity of low frequency was higher overall. The fluorescence intensity and fluorescence peak area of the samples increased by 2-20 times after ultrasonic treatment, which could increase from 69.0 and 5238 to 1387 and 95451, respectively. After the irradiation time exceeded 25 min, the growth rate of fluorescence intensity slowed down, which was caused by the decrease of gas content and TA concentration in the solution. The study quantitatively characterized the cavitation intensity, reflecting the advantages of fluorescence analysis, and provided a basis for the further study of ultrasonic cavitation.
Clinical outcomes of root coverage using Porcine derived collagen matrix with modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) in multiple gingival recessions in smokers – a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mikkili Rajya Lakshmi , Gottumukkala Sruthima , Penmetsa Gautami S , KSV Ramesh , P Mohan Kumar , E Santosh vamsi , M Bindu Mounica
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVES: Root coverage(RC)is an integral part in management of gingival recessions. Unlike isolated recessions, treating multiple recessions is the most challenging scenario especially in smokers who have reported reduced RC in terms of quantity and stability. Modified coronally advanced tunnel(MCAT) technique due to its improved vascularity along with use of porcine-derived collagen matrix (PDCM)(Mucograft™) with its bilayered dense collagen matrix may be a predictable alternative to conventional gold standard subepithelial connective tissue graft(SCTG). The purpose of this study was to compare the results of RC achieved using PDCM and SCTG with the MCAT approach in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions in smokers.METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical study registered under clinical trial registry (CTRI no. CTRI/2020/03/024238) including 28 patients with 64 recession defects. Patients were randomized into SCTG and PDCM groups which were treated with SCTG using MCAT and PDCM using MCAT technique respectively. Recession depth(RD), Recession width(RW), Width of keratinized tissue(WKT), Thickness of keratinized gingiva(TKG), %RC, were assessed at baseline,3,6 months. Complete RC(CRC) at 3 and 6 months, RC esthetic scores(RCES) at 6 months.RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters. Intergroup comparison showed better performance of PDCM group in terms of RD,%RC,TKG,WKT,CRC(45.06%),RCES (p<0.001) compared to SCTG group. Time taken for surgical procedure and Visual Analog pain scores were significantly lesser in PDCM group.CONCLUSION: PDCM showed good predictable results in terms of all RC parameters compared to SCTG and thus may be used as a predictable alternative to SCTG for RC in smokers.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PDCM can be used as a potential alternative to gold standard Subepithelial connective tissue graft in smokers with better patient compliance.
Physicochemical and biological ageing processes of (micro)plastics in the environment: a multi-tiered study on polyethylene
Authors: Binda Gilberto , Zanetti Giorgio , Bellasi Arianna , Spanu Davide , Boldrocchi Ginevra , Bettinetti Roberta , Pozzi Andrea , Nizzetto Luca
Published: May 2022

Pollution by plastic and microplastic impacts the environment globally. Knowledge on the ageing mechanisms of plastics in natural settings is needed to understand their environmental fate and interaction with biota. The study of physicochemical and biological ageing is gaining focus in the context of the environmental sciences. However experimental research has typically assessed individual ageing processes, isolating them from a more realistic and complex environmental context where multiple factors are simultaneously at play. An over-simplistic approach can limit the comprehension of the phenomenon and prevent ranking the prevalent processes. In this study we propose a multi-tiered approach to study the environmental ageing of polyethylene plastic fragments focusing on the combined assessment of physical and biological processes, in sequence. The ageing protocol included Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in air and in a range of water solutions, followed by a biofouling test. Changes in surface characteristics were assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. UV irradiation both in air and water caused a significant increase in the density of oxidized groups on plastic surface, whereby water solution chemistry influenced the process both by modulating surface oxidation and morphology. Biofouling too, was a strong determinant of surface alterations, regardless the prior irradiation treatments. This suggests that biological-driven alterations are not affected by the level of chemical-physical ageing and may represent, in real settings, a main driver of alteration of both weathered and pristine plastics. This work highlights the potential pivotal role of biofouling as a main process of plastic ageing, providing useful technical insights for future experimental works. These results also confirms that a multi-tiered experimental approach is necessary for a complete characterization of the environmental ageing of plastics.
The Personality of Effective Christian Education Teachers in Strengthening Character Learner
Authors: Simanjuntak Junihot M. , Simanjuntak Ferry , Haans Albert Leonarts Jantje
Published: May 2022

This study examines the personality of Christian education teachers in strengthening the character of students, based on the personality of Jesus Christ and based on the study of personality psychologists. 30 teachers from Christian schools in 10 provinces in Indonesia took part in this study. These participants were selected using a purposive sample (a teacher with 7 years of experience in the classroom). Qualitative data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. Coding, categorization and interpretation part of data analysis. The findings reveal 14 teacher characteristics that influence student character development, such as being friends, role models, discipline, respecting students, willing to help, respecting students, fair, patient, calm, lifelong learning, skilled in educating, good teachers, showing a happy attitude, and known to be friendly.
High-Quality Conformer Generation with CDPKit/CONFORT: Algorithm and Performance Assessment
Authors: Seidel Thomas , Permann Christian , Wieder Oliver , Kohlbacher Stefan M. , Langer Thierry
Published: May 2022

The majority of compounds in the drug-like chemical space show flexibility regarding their three-dimensional structure which, in solution, results in an equilibrium of multiple interconvertible conformational states. Knowledge of the putative bound-state conformation of a molecule is an essential prerequisite for the successful application of many computer-aided drug design methods that aim to assess or predict its capability to bind to a particular target receptor of interest. An established approach to predict bioactive conformers in the absence of receptor structure information is to sample the low-energy conformational space of the investigated molecules and derive representative conformer ensembles which can then be expected to comprise members that closely resemble possible bound-state ligand conformations. The high relevance of such conformer generation functionality led to the development of a wide panel of dedicated commercial and open-source software tools throughout the last decades. Several published benchmarking studies have shown that open-source tools lag behind their commercial competitors in many key aspects like accuracy in reproducing bioactive conformations, speed of processing, output ensemble size, range of applicability, stability and user-friendliness. In this work, we introduce the novel open-source conformer ensemble generator CONFORT, which builds upon proven concepts and algorithms and aims at delivering state-of-the-art performance for all types of organic molecules in the drug-like chemical space. The ability of CONFORT, and several well-known commercial and open-source conformer ensemble generators, to reproduce experimental 3D structures as well as their computational efficiency and robustness has been assessed thoroughly both for typical drug-like molecules and macrocyclic structures. For small molecules, CONFORT outperforms all other tested open-source conformer generators and is head-to-head with commercial generators, both in terms of processing speed and accuracy in the reproduction of bioactive conformations. In the case of macrocyclic structures, CONFORT is able to reproduce experimental 3D structures with clearly higher accuracy than all other tested generators. To our knowledge, CONFORT is the first open-source conformer ensemble generator that is able to truly keep up with commercial software in this field and thus represents a valuable addition to the open-source software toolbox for computer-aided drug design.
Herbal melanin modulates PGE2 and IL-6 gastroprotective markers through COX-2 and TLR4 signaling in the gastric cancer cell line AGS
Authors: El-Obeid Adila , Maashi Yahya , Alatar Ghada , Aljudayi Modhi , Al-Eidi Hamad , AlGaith Nouf , Khan Altaf Husain , Hassib Adil , Matou-Nasri Sabine
Published: May 2022

We reported a gastric anti-ulcerogenic effect of the Nigella sativa (L.)-derived herbal melanin (HM) in rat models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the HM gastroprotective effect remain unknown. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-catalyzed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated interleukin-6 (IL-6) production and secretion play major roles in gastric mucosal protection. In the current study, we investigated the effect of HM on TLR4, COX-2, and on gastroprotective markers PGE2 and IL-6 expression, using the human gastric cancer cell line AGS. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a well-known inducer of gastroprotective marker expression, was used as a positive control. After cell exposure to HM and LPS, the cell lysates and supernatants were tested for COX-2, PGE2, and IL-6 production and secretion using Western blot technology and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Immuno-cyto-fluorescence staining was applied for COX-2 cellular localization and RT-qPCR for monitoring the gene expression levels of TLR4, COX-2, and mucin 4, an important gastroprotective glycoprotein. In this study, we showed that HM upregulated its main receptor TLR4 gene and protein expression. HM increased, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, the secretion of PGE2 and the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein, which was detected in the nucleus, cytoplasm and predominantly at the intercellular junctions. In addition, HM enhanced IL-6 production and secretion, and upregulated the mucin 4 gene expression, the hallmarks of gastroprotection. To check whether HM-induced PGE2 and IL-6 through TLR4 signaling and COX-2 generated, AGS cells were pre-treated with a TLR4 signaling inhibitor TAK242 and the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. An inhibition of HM-induced COX-2, PGE2 and IL-6 production was observed in TAK242 and NS-398-pre-treated AGS cells, confirming the role of TLR4 signaling and of COX-2 generated in the possible HM gastroprotective effects. In conclusion, our results showed that HM enhances TLR4/COX-2-mediated secretion of gastroprotective markers PGE2 and IL-6, and upregulates mucin 4 gene expression in the human gastric cancer cell line AGS.
Comparative environmental RNA and DNA metabarcoding analysis for ecological surveys of river algae and arthropods
Authors: Miyata Kaede , Inoue Yasuaki , Amano Yuto , Nishioka Tohru , Nagaike Tomohisa , Kawaguchi Takamitsu , Morita Osamu , Yamane Masayuki , Honda Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is widely used for species analysis, while the use of environmental RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding is more limited. We conducted comparative eDNA/eRNA metabarcoding of the algae and arthropods (aquatic insects) in water samples from Naka River, Japan to evaluate their potential for biological monitoring and water quality assessment. Both methods detected various algae and arthropod species, however, their compositions were remarkably different from those in traditional field surveys (TFSs), indicating a low sensitivity. For algae, the species composition derived from eDNA and eRNA metabarcoding was equivalent. While TFSs focus on attached algae, metabarcoding analysis theoretically detects both planktonic and attached algae. A recently expanded genomic database for aquatic insects significantly contributed to the sensitivity and positive predictivity for arthropods. While the sensitivity of eRNA was lower than that of eDNA, the positive predictivity of eRNA was higher. The eRNA of terrestrial arthropods indicated extremely high or low read numbers when compared with eDNA, suggesting that eRNA could be an effective indicator of false positives. Arthropod eDNA/eRNA metabarcoding analysis enabled water quality estimates from TFSs. The eRNA of algae and arthropods could thus be used to evaluate biodiversity and water quality and provide insights from ecological surveys.
Characterization of a novel GH10 alkali-thermostable xylanase from a termite microbiome
Authors: Mon Maria Laura , de Villegas Rubén Marrero Díaz , Campos Eleonora , Soria Marcelo A. , Talia Paola M.
Published: May 2022

In this study we report the biochemical and molecular structural characterization of a novel alkali-thermostable GH10 xylanase (Xyl10B) identified in termite gut microbiome by a shotgun metagenomic approach. This endoxylanase candidate (Xyl10B) was amplified, cloned, heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Xyl10B was active in a broad range of temperature (37–60 ºC) and pH (4–10) with optimum activity at 50 ºC and pH 9. Moreover, it activity remains at more than 80% of its maximum at 50°C for 8h. In addition, Xyl10B showed to be halotolerant and stable in the presence of several ions and chemical reagents frequently used in the industry. These characteristics makes this enzyme an interesting candidate in the paper bleaching of pulp and paper industries, since this industry requires enzymes with no cellulase activity and thermo-alkaliphilic to resist the high temperature and alkaline pH reached in the procedures. On the other hand, the xylan hydrolytic products (lower xylooligosaccharides, xylose and xylobiose) liberated by the action of Xyl10B could be suitable for application as prebiotic and in the production of bioethanol. Thus, the enzyme may be a useful candidate for other industrial application as well.
Intrathecal CAR-NK cells infusion for isolated CNS relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: YUAN Jing , WANG Zhen-zhen , REN Han-yun , WANG Fu-xu
Published: May 2022

A 24-year-old man with central nervous system (CNS) involvement of T-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia received sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). He developed isolated CNS relapse early post-SCT, while high-dose systemic chemotherapy, intrathecal (IT) triple infusion and IT donor lymphocytes infusion (DLI) all demonstrated effectiveness. We performed IT umbilical cord blood-derived CAR-NK cells infusion. After infusion, detection of cytokines revealed that interferon-γ, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 increased in CSF. He developed high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and a spinal cord transection with incontinence in a short time, whereas the ptosis and blurred vision improved completely. The bone marrow remained encouragingly complete remission and complete donor chimerism over 9 months after IT CAR-NK infusion. In conclusion, IT CAR-NK cells infusion is a potentially feasible and effective option for patients with CNS relapse, with limited neurological toxicity.
Accelerating Syngas-to-Aromatic Conversion via Spontaneously Monodispersed Fe in ZnCr2O4 Spinel
Authors: Tian Guo , Liu Xinyan , Zhang Chenxi , Fan Xiaoyu , Xiong Hao , Chen Xiao , Li Wenzheng , Yan Binhang , Zhang Lan , Wang Ning , Peng Hong-Jie , Wei Fei
Published: May 2022

Spontaneous monodispersion of Fe species and their stabilization in reactive atmospheres remain a key challenge in catalytic syngas chemistry. In this study, we present a catalyst with spontaneously monodispersed Fe on ZnCr2O4, which shows remarkable performance in the syngas-to-aromatic reaction when coupled with a H-ZSM-5 zeolite. Monodispersed Fe increases the turnover frequency from 0.54 to 2.48 h−1 without sacrificing the record high selectivity total aromatic (80%–90%) at a single pass. This is enabled by the activation of CO and H2 at oxygen vacancy nearest to the isolated Fe site and the prevention of carbide formation. Atomic precise characterization and theoretical calculations shed light on the origin and implications of spontaneous Fe monodispersion.
Optimal timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy after conservative therapy for acute cholecystitis
Authors: Enami Yuta , Aoki Takeshi , Tomioka Kodai , Hakozaki Tomoki , Hirai Takahito , Shibata Hideki , Saito Kazuhiko , Nagaishi Shodai , Takano Yojiro , Seki Junichi , Shimada Shoji , Nakahara Kenta , Takehara Yusuke , Mukai Shumpei , Sawada Naruhiko , Ishida Fumio , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: May 2022

Background: Tokyo Guidelines 2018 recommend early surgery for acute cholecystitis. However, some elective surgery cases depend on complications or facility conditions. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the cases of elective surgery.Methods: This study included 345 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) at our hospital between January 2019 and December 2020. Eighty-three patients underwent LC four days or more after conservative treatment. The elective LC cases were divided into two groups: Early group (4-90 days after onset, n=36) and Delayed group (91+ days after onset, n=31). Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage cases (n=16) were excluded.Results: The operative times were significantly shorter in the Delayed group (91.2 min, p=0.0108) than the Early group (117 min). However, the amount of blood loss was not significantly different between the two groups. Furthermore, the length of hospital stay was shorter in the Delayed group (3.4 days, p=0.0436) than in the Early group (5.9 days).There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications or the rate of conversion; however, the rates of these two factors were reduced in the Delay group compared to the Early group.Conclusions: If it has become challenging to perform urgent/early LC within three days, due to prior conservative treatment for acute cholecystitis, the operative time and length of hospital stay could be reduced by delaying LC for more than 90 days after the onset. In addition, postoperative complications would not occur, and the conversion rate may be reduced to a low level.
Toxic effect of metal doping on diatoms as probed by Broadband Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Paturzo Melania , Sardo Angela , Orefice Ida , Qiucheng Yu , Rubano Andrea , Paparo Domenico
Published: May 2022

The global marine environment is increasingly affected by human activities, causing climate change, eutrophication, and pollution. These factors influence the metabolic mechanisms of phytoplankton species, such as diatoms. Among the other pollutant agents, heavy metals can have dramatic effects on diatom wellbeing. Therefore, a detailed knowledge of the interaction of diatoms with metals is essential from both a fundamental and applicative point of view. The existing gap of knowledge on metal-diatom interactions may be bridged by applying complementary spectroscopic techniques. To this aim we assess Time-Domain Terahertz Spectroscopy as a tool for sensing diatoms in their natural environment: seawater. Despite the strong absorption of terahertz radiation in water, we show that diatoms can be sensed by probing the water absorption enhancement in the terahertz range caused by the water-diatom interaction. We reveal that the addition of metal dopants affects this absorption enhancement, thus enabling the monitoring of the toxic effects of metals on diatoms by means of Terahertz Spectroscopy. In particular, we demonstrate that this technique is able to detect the detrimental effects of heavy metals earlier than conventional methods as microscopy, enzymatic assays and molecular analyses aimed at assessing the overespression of genes involved in heavy metal-stress response.
How can podiatrists contribute to reablement for older people: a qualitative study of Australian podiatrists perspectives
Authors: Mulquiny Lachlan , Oakman Jodi
Published: May 2022

Background: The ageing of Australia’s population is placing significant pressure on health and social aged care services due to an increasing demand for services and a relative decrease in the healthcare workforce. Reablement has been introduced by the Australian Commonwealth Government and is aimed at increasing older people's independence to age in place and decrease dependency on aged care services. To date research on reablement practice has focussed on interventions from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nurses, with no data available on podiatrist involvement. The aim of this research was to explore how Australian podiatrists can align their practice with the reablement model in aged care. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with podiatrists from a diverse range of clinical settings. An interview guide was utilised which focussed on podiatrists’ current clinical practice when working with older people and to discuss how they believed the reablement model might work in the podiatry discipline. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke's approach to thematic analysis.Results: 14 podiatrists were interviewed. Using thematic analysis, three themes emerged; (i) It’s not what I was taught, “I am just a podiatrist”, (ii) Reconciling practice with competing pressures, (ii) Funding influences on podiatry practice and reablement. Podiatrists revealed that they deliver their care through a biomedical model and lack knowledge and skills in the application of the reablement model of care. Rather than finding practice examples that demonstrate involvement by podiatrists in older peoples reablement, our analysis identified a series of systemic barriers which predominantly inhibit the implementation of reablement from the podiatry discipline. Conclusions: Australian podiatrists considered their role in reablement for older people was limited. Some factors to improve podiatrists’ involvement in older peoples reablement could be addressed through training of of podiatrists in the application of holistic models of care such as reablement. However, factors such as inadequate funding arrangements involve wider health system reform and are seemingly more intractable.
Does Financial Inclusion Promote Women Empowerment with Economic Growth: A Bibliometric Approach with databases (Scopus, WOS)
Authors: KUMAR SUSHIL , ANNU ANNU , TRIPATHI RAVINDRA
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe study reports on the relationship among these main three keywords the financial inclusion, women empowerment, and economic growth. This study gives a pathway to a researcher in the field of this area to research with all three keywords together.Design/ Methodology/ ApproachFor the study, a Bibliometric approach has been adopted with the timespan 1997–2022 of 300 documents after extracting and cleaning the data from Scopus and Web of Science databases. ‘R’ studio and VOS viewer software have taken for the bibliometric analysis process. “The study made use of Biblioshiny, a web-based tool contained in the Bibliometrix package written in R (Ariaa and Cuccurullo, 2017)”. These are the user-friendly software for descriptive and network analysis regarding documents, authors, journals, institutions with thematic maps & three fields plot. To more exploration about the data, the paper also contains the Dimensions database’s data.Findings & ConclusionThe findings indicate about these three keywords are used frequently in this area of research but not together. Various studies found on financial inclusion and economic growth similarly women empowerment and economic development. Through this analysis, it has been found that it is also a point to research by taking all three keywords together and this study encourages the researcher to research to shed the light on issues that require additional exploration.JEL Classification: B26, E44, P43
m1A Regulator ALKBH1 and TRMT10B as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers and Related to Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jiahao , Li Luohong , Huang Sike , Zhang Zhen
Published: May 2022

Background N1-methyladenosine (m1A) RNA methylation is crucial in the carcinogenesis and tumorous molecular pathogenesis. However, the detailed pathogenic mechanism of m1A regulators in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) has not been comprehensively researched. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of m1A in PAAD prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME).Methods The relationship between m1A regulators and the PAAD prognosis was analyzed with cBioportal database. RNA-seq transcriptome was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases for differential expression analysis. The role of m1A regulators in the PAAD TME was analyzed with TISIDB database and R software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed by The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID).Results In PAAD, we discovered 10 m1A regulators correlated to poor prognosis and were all upregulated. While up-regulated ALKBH1 and TRMT10B were associated with a better prognosis in PAAD patients. Further research found that ALKBH1 and TRMT10B significantly upregulated the infiltrating level of immune cells, especially CD4+ T cells. Additionally, they also affected the expression of immunomodulators, including CD276, TMEM173, TNFSF9, etc. Finally, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis proved that ALKBH1 and TRMT10B influenced the PAAD development by regulating the RNA polymerase II.Conclusion Promoted expression of ALKBH1 and TRMT10B was significantly related with a better prognosis in PAAD, the possible mechanism of which might associate with the alternation of the TME. ALKBH1 and TRMT10B were potential prognosis biomarkers and possible immunotherapeutic targets for PAAD.
Role of Subjacent Plasmon Layer in Improving Photoelectrochemical Response of Metal Oxide Photoelectrodes
Authors: Srivas Anupam , Biswas Neeraj Kumar , Saxena Sakshi , Verma Anuradha , Srivast Abhishek , Dass Sahab
Published: May 2022

This report brings out the role of Au plasmons as the subjacent layer below TiO2 in PEC water splitting for hydrogen generation. Au was deposited on an ITO sheet using DC sputtering with 5 nm and 20 nm thickness and annealed at 300oC for 20 minutes in the N2 atmosphere. TiO2 in the form of the thin film was coated on the already deposited Au layer using a sol-gel spin coating method. Thin films were characterized using tools such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and optical absorption spectroscopy. The presence of Au as the subjacent layer in TiO2 shows enhanced absorption (visible region) due to the plasmonic properties displayed by Au nanoparticles. TiO2 with subjacent Au layer (5 nm thickness) was found to exhibit eight times higher photoresponse than the pristine sample at 1.0 V/SCE which can be ascribed to the plasmonic effect of gold nanoparticles extending absorption in the visible region of sunlight.
Extraovarian granulosa cell tumor with Call-Exner body-like microfollicular arising from ileum: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Zeng Rong , Huang Wei , Hu Peng , Guo Fang , Zhang Huifeng
Published: May 2022

Background. Granulosa cell tumors(GCTs) arising outside the ovary are extremely rare. Only 7 cases were reported previously. The clinical characteristics, surgery, therapy, prognosis, pathology and origin are unknown. This is the first case reported of extraovarian GCT arising from ileum. Case presentation: A 44-year-old nulliparous Chinese female presented with weight loss, anorexia and hiccups for 3 months. Surgeries revealed a 8 x7 x6cm, solid mass arising from distal ileum, separating from the adnexa and uterus of normal appearance. Postoperative pathology confirmed the primary extraovarian GCT of ileum. Only one month of disease-free after four cycles of postoperative chemotherapy was remained when metastatic tumor developed in liver. Conclusion. GCTs can arise from tissues other than ovary, may be with poor prognosis, and origin from mesenchymal tissues of embryologic genital ridge.
Exact Boolean matrix factorization based on concept lattice factors and its application in RBAC
Authors: Wu Qiang , Wang Tao , Xie Liping
Published: May 2022

Boolean matrix factorization methods provide representations of an object-variable data matrix by a product of two different matrices, one describing a relationship between objects and factors, and the other describing a relationship between factors and the original variables. The objective of this paper is to use indiscernibility matrix finding the matrices based on formal concept factors, and design an RBAC(Role Based Access Control) using formal concept analysis. For this purpose, we derive a formal context from the access control matrix that represents role-based access permission. We demonstrate the proposed method on an electronic medical record system of a hospital and some synthetic data, real world datasets. The analysis indicates that the proposed method can make the number of role mining relatively small and follows the RBAC constraints: static separation of duties and role hierarchy.
Small grains from Ryugu: handling and analysis pipeline for Infrared Synchrotron Microspectroscopy
Authors: Rubino Stefano , Dionnet Zélia , Aléon-Toppani Alice , Brunetto Rosario , Nakamura Tomoki , Baklouti Donia , Djouadi Zahia , Lantz Cateline , Mivumbi Obadias , Borondics Ferenc , Lefrançois Stephane , Sandt Christophe , Capitani Francesco , Héripré Eva , Troadec David , Matsumoto Megumi , Amano Kana , Morita Tomoyo , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Yabuta Hikaru , Naraoka Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kanako , Tachibana Shogo , Watanabe Seiichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: May 2022

Sample-return missions allow the study of materials collected directly from celestial bodies, unbiased by atmospheric entry effects and/or Earth alteration and contamination phenomena, using state-of-the-art techniques - but only if the collected material stays pristine. The scarcity of outer-space unaltered material recovered until now makes this material extremely precious. To maximize the scientific output of current and future sample-return missions, the scientific community needs to plan for ways of storing, handling, and measuring this precious material while preserving their pristine state for as long as the ‘invasiveness’ of measurements allows. In July 2021, as part of the Hayabusa2 (JAXA) “Stone” preliminary examination team, we received several microscopic particles from the asteroid Ryugu, with the goal of performing IR hyper-spectral imaging and IR micro-tomography studies. Here we describe the sample transfer, handling methods and analytical pipeline we implemented to study this very precious material while minimizing and surveilling their alteration history on Earth.
An Analysis of “Stress Factors” among Dental Students
Authors: Alhedyan Faisal Suliman , AlKhalaf Ahmed Zayed , Mahmood Shahid , shahid arslan , Shahid Usman
Published: May 2022

Background:The objective of the study was to assess the perceived stress and its severity, sources, and determinants among a group of dental students belonging to different universities in Saudi Arabia.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the perceived stress and its severity, sources and demographic variables were studied in 677 dental students (464 males, 213 females) of Saudi Universities, who agreed to participate. The students (Ist year to Vth Year) were contacted to fill out the forms online form. A self-administered valid and reliable questionnaire including demographic details and 27 questions based on Dental Environment Stress proforma were placed online. The questions were organized in four categories: personal and administrative, theoretical, pre-clinical and clinical. The level of stress was calibrated against a range from 1-to 4. The relationship between the demographic variables and students’ academic performance with the investigated items was also assessed. Simple arithmetical tests were used to find out the value of the stress for different factors, while Pearson’s t-test was used to find out the statistical significance of differences based on gender and the year of the study (P<0.05).Results: Saudi dental students showed high levels of perceived stress. The clinical training issues imposed the highest level of stress on the students. There were significant relationships between the investigated variables and the level of perceived stress were found.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that most of the dental students had perceived stress. Female students had higher mean overall problem scores compared to male students, and second-year students showed lower perceived problems compared to other students.
Comparing amorphous silica, short-range-ordered silicates and silicic acid species by FTIR
Authors: Ellerbrock Ruth , Stein Mathias , Schaller Jörg
Published: May 2022

There is increased interest in the terrestrial silicon cycle in the last decades as its different compounds and species have large implications for ecosystem performance in terms of soil nutrient and water availability, ecosystem productivity as well as ecological aspects such as plant-microbe and plant-animal feedbacks. The currently existing analytical methods are limited. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis is suggested being a promising tool to differentiate between the different Si species. We report here on the differentiation of varying Si-species/Si-binding (in synthetic material) using FTIR-analyses. Therefore, we collected FTIR-spectra of five different amorphous silica, Ca-silicate, sodium silicate (all particulate), a water-soluble fraction of amorphous silica and soil affected by volcanic activity and compared their spectra with existing data. A decrease of the internal order of the materials analyzed was indicated by peak broadening of the Si-O-Si absorption band. Peak shifts at this absorption band were induced by larger ions incorporated in the Si-O-Si network. Additionally, short-range ordered aluminosilicates (SROAS) have specific IR absorption bands such as the Si-O-Al band. Hence, SROAS and Si phases containing other ions can be distinguished from pure amorphous Si species using FTIR-analyses.
Underwater Image Restoration Based on Wavelet Fusion and Reweighted Graph Total Variation Prior
Authors: Bai Fuyao , Wang Congzheng , Feng Chuncheng , Gong Wanqi , Liu Lei , Zeng Ke , Feng Chang
Published: May 2022

To solve the problems of color distortion and blur in underwater images, the paper compensates the loss of the red channel after color correcting process, and uses the image information itself as the basis to estimate the fuzzy kernel to restore the final image. Firstly, stretch image gray value range to correct color cast and improve contrast. The redundant noise in red channel of the image is removed by median filtering to reduce interference. Subsequently, the pre-processed red channel and green channel of the image are split into high frequency and low frequency components by using SYM4 as the wavelet basis, and then the fusion is performed respectively. The new red channel after information compensation is obtained by reconstruction based on inverse wavelet transform. Then, the algorithm of the reweighted graph total variation prior combined with multi-resolution image pyramiding strategy is used to obtain the fuzzy kernel estimation. Finally, the image is restored by using a non-blind recovery algorithm based on ring suppression, which effectively suppresses the ringing effect while adequately preserving details. The simulation results of the proposed algorithm and several classical algorithms show that the proposed algorithm can effectively remove blur and improve image clarity while enhancing image and correcting color deviation.
Spatiotemporal analysis of human ovarian aging at single-cell resolution
Authors: Wang Shixuan , Wu Meng , Tang Weicheng , Chen Ying , Wu Chuqing , Zhu Xiaoran , Sun Chaoyang , Li Yan , Zhang Jinjin , Dai Jun , Zhou Su , Xue Liru , Chen Dan , Xiong Jiaqiang , Yu Jing , Li Hongyi , Zhao Yunfei , Guo Yican , Huang Yibao , Zhu Qingqing , Wei Simin , Gao Junbao , Wu Mingfu , Li Ya , Xiang Tao
Published: May 2022

Our understanding of how aging affects the cellular and molecular components of the human ovary and contributes to age-related fertility decline is still limited. Here, we link single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to characterize human ovarian aging. Changes of the molecular signatures of eight types of ovarian cells during aging were defined. We combined single cell types with their spatial location information to divide ovarian granulosa cells into three subtypes and theca & stroma cells into five subtypes. Further analysis revealed increased cellular senescence with age and characterized the transcription factor FOXP1 as a master regulatory gene during ovarian aging. Inhibition of FOXP1 in ovarian cells increased cellular senescence which was alleviated by pharmacological treatment with quercetin or fisetin. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal variability of human ovarian aging, providing resources for developing new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies against ovarian aging.
Modulation of function and structure of stratum corneum in sphingomyelin synthase 2-deficient mice
Authors: Honma Nozomi , Hatta Ichiro , Okazaki Toshiro , Tokudome Yoshihiro
Published: May 2022

The effects of sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) deficiency on stratum corneum (SC) barrier function (skin permeability of the hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds) and SC lamellar structure are unknown. Skin permeability of the hydrophilic compound increased significantly for SMS2-KO mice when compared with that of WT mice. In contrast, no difference was observed in the penetration of lipophilic compounds in the skin of both SMS2-KO and WT mice. In SC of SMS2-KO mice, two sharp SAXS peaks were observed due to the lamellar structure with a repetition period of 4.8 nm. The WAXS revealed that the intensity ratio R0.42/0.37 of the 0.42 nm peak at 2.4 nm− 1 to the 0.37 nm peak at 2.7 nm− 1 was smaller in the SMS2-KO mouse than in the WT mouse. Due to the temperature dependence of the WAXS, the peaks of 2.4 and 2.7 nm− 1 remained until the higher temperatures in SMS2-KO mouse SC than those in WT mouse SC. The results of X-ray diffraction suggest that deficiency of SMS2 may cause the appearance of highly ordered structures of SC, which in turn may reduce the barrier function of SC.
Non-uniform machining allowance planning method of thin-walled parts based on workpiece deformation constraint
Authors: Zhang Zhengzhong , Cai Yonglin , Xi Xiaolin , Wang Haitong
Published: May 2022

In order to reduce the machining deformation of thin-walled parts during milling, a non-uniform allowance planning method for thin-walled parts based on workpiece deformation constraint with the idea of adding materials in reverse material removal sequence is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a cutting force threshold calculation method is proposed according to the finite element method. The cutting force threshold at different positions is calculated by obtaining the local stiffness characteristics at the cutter-contact (CC) point under the constraint of allowable deformation. And then, the maximum machining allowance at the CC point is calculated depending on the cutting force model. Considering that the stiffness of the workpiece is position-dependent and affected by material removal, the stiffness of the workpiece is updated by adding elements in the reverse cutting direction, and the stock of finishing is obtained by surface fitting. Experimental results show that compared with the traditional uniform allowance method, the error of the proposed method is reduced by about 83%, which can effectively reduce the deformation and improve the machining accuracy.
An increase in peripheral blood CD86-positive plasmacytoid dendritic cells is associated with immune-related adverse events after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Karayama Masato , Mizoguchi Yukihiro , Inoue Yusuke , Hozumi Hironao , Suzuki Yuzo , Furuhashi Kazuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Suda Takafumi , Kitano Shigehisa , Aoki Kazunori , Yamada Yasuhide
Published: May 2022

Background
The occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) after immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is unpredictable. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) profiles, representing host immune status, have potential for predicting irAEs.
Methods
PBMC subsets were measured using multicolor flow cytometry before and at weeks 2 and 8 after the initiation of ICIs in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Results
Sixteen evaluable patients were eligible for the analysis. The following irAEs occurred in 6 (37.5%) patients: diarrhea (n = 2), diarrhea and rash (n = 1), pneumonitis (n = 1), pituitary dysfunction (n = 1), and cholangitis (n = 1). Patients with irAEs demonstrated higher levels of CD86+plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) at baseline and weeks 2 and 8 after the ICIs than patients without irAEs (p = 0.005, 0.038, and 0.050, respectively). In patients with irAEs, the levels of CD86+pDCs decreased at weeks 2 and 8 compared with baseline (p = 0 .034 and 0.025, respectively) but did not change in patients without irAEs. Other PBMC subsets had no significant associations with irAEs. Higher levels of natural killer (NK) cells were significantly associated with overall objective response (p = 0.024).
Conclusions
Higher levels of CD86+pDCs at baseline and the reduction at 2 and 8 weeks after the ICIs were associated with the occurrence of irAEs. Higher levels of NK cells were associated with therapeutic efficacy. Measurements of PBMCs may be useful for predicting the efficacy and safety of ICIs.
How is physicians’ implicit prejudice against the obese and mentally ill moderated by specialty and experience?
Authors: FitzGerald Chloë , Mumenthaler Christian , Berner Delphine , Schindler Mélinée , Brosch Tobias , Hurst Samia
Published: May 2022

Background
Implicit prejudice can lead to disparities in treatment. The effects of specialty and experience on implicit obesity and mental illness prejudice had not been explored. The main objective was to examine how specializing in psychiatry/general medicine and years of experience moderated implicit obesity and mental illness prejudice among Swiss physicians. Secondary outcomes included examining the malleability of implicit bias via two video interventions and a condition of cognitive load, correlations of implicit bias with responses to a clinical vignette, and correlations with explicit prejudice.
Methods
In stage 1, participants completed an online questionnaire including a clinical vignette. In stage 2, implicit prejudice pre- and post- intervention was tested using a 4 x 4 between-subject design including a control group. In stage 3, explicit prejudice was tested with feeling thermometers and participants were debriefed. Participants were 133 psychiatrists and internists working in Geneva, hospital-based and private practice. Implicit prejudice was assessed using a Weight IAT (Implicit Association Test) and a Mental Illness IAT. Explicit feelings towards the obese and the mentally ill were measured using Feeling Thermometers. A clinical vignette assessed the level of concern felt for a fictional patient under four conditions: control, obese, depression, obese and depression. Linear regression was conducted to test for association of gender, experience, and specialty with responses to vignettes, pre-intervention IATs and explicit attitudes, and to test for association of interventions (or control) with post-intervention IATs and explicit attitudes. Reported effect sizes were computed using Cohen’s d. Two-tailed p < 0.05 was selected as the significance threshold.
Results
Compared to internists, psychiatrists showed significantly less implicit bias against mentally vs. physically ill people than internists and warmer explicit feelings towards the mentally ill. More experienced physicians displayed warmer explicit feelings towards the mentally ill and a greater level of concern for the fictional patients in the vignette than the less experienced, except when the patient was described as obese.
Conclusions
Specialty moderates both implicit and explicit mental illness prejudice. Experience moderates explicit mental illness bias and concern for patients. The effect of specialty on implicit prejudice seems to be based principally on self-selection.