bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health triage tools: A narrative review
Authors: Watson Tayler , Tindall Rachel , Patrick Amelia , Moylan Steven
Published: September 2022

Mental Health Triage (MHT) tools may be defined as any clinician administered scale that specifies psychiatric signs or symptoms, proposes a corresponding service response, and determines priority categories based on the level of perceived acuity. Multiple MHT tools are used across different jurisdictions and care settings. This article summarizes the literature on MHT tools, describes the available tools and the supportive evidence, evaluates the impact and clinical applications, and compares their strengths and weaknesses. This review utilized a systematic review process to identify articles examining MHT tools. Several benefits of using MHT tools are described; however, in general, the supportive evidence for their use is lacking. A modified Australasian Triage Scale has the strongest evidence base for use in emergency settings; however, further data are needed to establish improved outcomes. There is limited evidence for the use of MHT tools in ambulatory or primary care settings. No evidence was found supporting any one tool as effective in guiding service responses across the entire clinical spectrum. Future research could focus on developing and evaluating MHT tools that service all levels of illness presentation. Additionally, more robust studies are required to support the use of MHT tools in emergency settings. Finally, there is an impetus for the development and evaluation of MHT tools in ambulatory, community, and primary care settings.
Heuristic feeder‐bus operation strategy considering weather information: a chance‐constrained model
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Xu Hongli , Yu Xinlian , Zhou Jing
Published: September 2022

In this study, we present a heuristic strategy that makes use of weather information to improve feeder‐bus operation. First, the Bayes' rule is adopted to establish the relationship between the weather information and the expected passenger arrival rates. We then develop an optimization model that decides the headway and the vehicle capacity to minimize the weighted sum of passengers' waiting time cost and the feeder bus operating cost. In light of the randomness in passenger demand, a novel chance constraint is introduced to control the overloading risk, thereby guaranteeing a high level of service (LOS). The chance‐constrained model is solved efficiently via approximation and equivalence transformation. Based on the model, we propose a feeder‐bus operation strategy that heuristically adjusts the headway and capacity according to the weather forecast. It is proved that the heuristic strategy outperforms the traditional fixed strategy, and that the advantage originates from the economies of scale in transit service. Numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the merits of the proposed heuristic strategy. As observed, compared to the fixed strategy, the proposed heuristic strategy can simultaneously reduce the waiting time cost and the operating cost, thereby achieving a win–win situation. The numerical results also suggest that weather variability and forecast accuracy are two important factors impacting the performance of the heuristic strategy.
Effectiveness and safety of a time to isolation strategy of cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsiachris Dimitris , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Antoniou Christos‐Konstantinos , Pagkalidou Eirini , Zafeiropoulos Stefanos , Kordalis Athanasios , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A. , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , de Asmundis Carlo , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: September 2022

Aim

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized and observational studies with a control group to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a time to isolation (TTI)‐based strategy of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase) without language restrictions were searched. The intervention assessed was a TTI‐based strategy of CBA in the treatment of AF. TTI was defined as the time from the start of freezing to the last recorded pulmonary veins' potential. The comparison of interest was intended conventional protocol of CBA. The primary endpoint was freedom from atrial arrhythmia.

Results

Nine studies were deemed eligible (N = 2289 patients). Eight studies reported freedom from atrial arrhythmia and pooled results showed a marginally similar success rate between the two protocols (odds ratio [OR]: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.56). A prespecified subgroup analysis verified that a high dose TTI strategy (with >120 s duration of cryotherapy post‐TTI) compared to the conventional protocol could significantly increase the patients without atrial arrhythmia during follow‐up (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.05–1.83). TTI strategy could also significantly decrease total procedure time (SMD: −26.24 min; 95% CI: −36.90 to −15.57) and phrenic nerve palsy incidence (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29–0.84).

Conclusion

Moderate confidence evidence suggests that an individualized CBA dosing strategy based on TTI and extended (>2 min post‐TTI) duration of CBA is accompanied by fewer recurrences post‐AF ablation.
The effect of migration and variation on populations of Escherichia coli adapting to complex fluctuating environments
Authors: Selveshwari S. , Khaire Kaustubh Chandrakant , Kadam Aditee , Dey Sutirth
Published: September 2022

Migration, a critical evolutionary force, can have contrasting effects on adaptation. It can aid as well as impede adaptation. The effects of migration on microbial adaptation have been studied primarily in simple constant environments. Very little is known about the effects of migration on adaptation to complex, fluctuating environments. In our study, we subjected replicate populations of Escherichia coli, adapting to complex and unpredictably fluctuating environments to different proportions of clonal ancestral immigrants. Contrary to the results from simple/constant environments, the presence of clonal immigrants reduced all measured proxies of fitness. However, migration from a source population with a greater variance in fitness resulted in no change in fitness with respect to the no‐migration control, except at the highest level of migration. Thus, the presence of variation in the immigrants could counter the adverse effects of migration in complex and unpredictably fluctuating environments. Our study demonstrates that the effects of migration are strongly dependent on the nature of the destination environment and the genetic makeup of immigrants. These results enhance our understanding of the influences of migrating populations, which could help better predict the consequences of migration.
Research progress on the encapsulation and sustained controlled‐release of essential oils
Authors: Yi Fengping , Liu Yanfei , Su Chang , Xue Zhaoteng
Published: September 2022

Essential oils (EOs) are volatile aromatic compounds derived from spice plants and fragrant animals. Its insecticidal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, among others, have a significant research value. However, the unstable components severely restrict the applications of essential oils. Therefore, selecting the appropriate encapsulating material and the controlled‐release mechanism is crucial to provide the best bioavailability and stability of essential oils. At present, it has been reported that several encapsulating materials are being employed to release essential oils to alleviate the issue of instability and volatility. This study will summarize the frequently utilized encapsulating materials and controlled‐release methods for essential oils in recent years and give insight into the further design of encapsulating systems, development of bioactivity, and expansion of essential oil application sectors.

Novelty impact statement

Mesoporous silica and zeolites are being studied for use as encapsulating materials for essential oils.

Natural encapsulating materials have applicability in the food industry.

Light and temperature‐stimulating responses are suitable for sustained controlled‐release for essential oils.
Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for treatment of alopecia areata in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Behrangi Elham , Barough Mahdieh Shokrollahi , Khoramdad Malihe , Hejazi Pardis , Koltapeh Masoud Pourghahramani , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: September 2022

Background

Tofacitinib, a potent JAK inhibitor, has gained increasing interest, in recent years, among dermatologists for the management of refractory alopecia areata. Despite a growing number of studies on its safety and efficacy, there is still a lack of clarity, especially in the pediatric population, in treatment considerations such as proper dosage, treatment duration, side‐effect profile, and therapeutic strategies to guide clinicians.

Methods

Multiple databases were systematically searched. Following the PRISMA diagram, of a pool of 601 papers, seven met a checklist of inclusion criteria. These were observational studies including a total of 59 patients from four to 19 years of age.

Results

In the evaluated studies, tofacitinib was administered either orally at a 2.5 to 15 mg daily (mostly 5 mg twice a day) dosage for 2 to 38 months or in the form of a 2% topical solution for 3–17 months. Metanalysis showed that 49% (95% CI: 29%–69%, I2 = 59.94%) of patients experienced a reversal of alopecia after a minimum of 3 to 9 months of therapy. Fifty‐five percent (95% CI: 23%–86%, I2 = 75.07%) and 41% (95% CI: 23%–59%, I2 = 0.00%) showed Good/complete and partial response rates, respectively. Oral administration was significantly more efficacious than topical application (73% vs 23%, p‐Value = 0.04). Few side effects such as diarrhea and mild liver transaminases abnormalities were noted in several patients.

Conclusion

Results of this review suggest that tofacitinib at 2.5–15 mg daily (especially 5 mg twice daily) oral formulation or 2% topical solution can be regarded as a viable alternative or adjunct to the conventional treatment options for moderate to severe forms of alopecia areata in children owing to its acceptable efficacy and side‐effect profile. However, uncertainties continue to exist around treatment strategies including initial and maintenance dosages, route of administration, dose adjustments, the timing of tapering or discontinuation, and associated treatment modalities.
Attention‐Induced Trading and Returns: Evidence from Robinhood Users
Authors: BARBER BRAD M. , HUANG XING , ODEAN TERRANCE , SCHWARZ CHRISTOPHER
Published: September 2022

We study the influence of financial innovation by fintech brokerages on individual investors’ trading and stock prices. Using data from Robinhood, we find that Robinhood investors engage in more attention‐induced trading than other retail investors. For example, Robinhood outages disproportionately reduce trading in high‐attention stocks. While this evidence is consistent with Robinhood attracting relatively inexperienced investors, we show that it is also driven in part by the app's unique features. Consistent with models of attention‐induced trading, intense buying by Robinhood users forecasts negative returns. Average 20‐day abnormal returns are −4.7% for the top stocks purchased each day.
GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSES OF SEEP OILS IN THE SOUTHERN GAFSA BASIN, SW TUNISIA: REASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL
Authors: Dadi Kamel , Ahmadi Riadh , Mohamed Anis Belhaj , Khalfi Chaouki , Mbarki Najwa , Ouali Jamel Abdennaceur
Published: September 2022

The recent discovery of surface oil seeps in the Tamerza area in the west‐central Gafsa Basin (southern Tunisia) has prompted a re‐evaluation of the hydrocarbon potential of the region. In this paper, we report the results of analyses of seep oils by Rock‐Eval pyrolysis (n = 6) and gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (n = 4). The goals of the study were to assess the composition of the seep oils, to investigate the relationship between the seep oils and potential source rocks, and to highlight the significance of the seep oils for oil exploration in the region.

In the Tamerza area, surface oil seeps have been recorded in numerous formations ranging between the Upper Cretaceous Abiod Limestone Formation and the lower Miocene Sehib Siltstone Formation. The results of this study showed that all the seep oil samples analysed in general had a similar geochemical fingerprint: for example, Pr/Ph values are lower than 1; a plot of Pr/n‐C17 (0.27‐ 0.36) versus Ph/n‐C18 (0.3‐0.8) indicates a marine source rock deposited under reducing anoxic conditions; and Ts/(Ts+Tm) ratios indicate that the source rock was thermally mature. Correlation studies suggest that the oils originated from Cenomanian‐Turonian shales corresponding to the informally‐named Bahloul equivalent formation. Oil expulsion from this source rock at the seep locations is inferred to have ended by middle Miocene time. However the main phase of folding occurred here in the Pliocene – early Quaternary, and the resulting anticlinal folds are not therefore prospective structural traps for hydrocarbons because they developed after migration had already ceased. Stratigraphic traps and salt structures in the region may be of greater exploration interest.

A surface oil seep sample was also recovered from the Quaternary upper Segui Formation at Jebel Orbata in the east of the Gafsa Basin. Analysis of this oil sample showed that it has similar geochemical characteristics to the seep oils from the Tamerza area, but that it appears to have had a much more recent migration history. In the eastern Gafsa Basin, Pliocene – early Quaternary anticlinal structures could therefore constitute effective structural traps charged by the same Bahloul equivalent formation source rock.
Impacts of malt protein removal on yeast fermentation efficiency
Authors: Xu Nan , Ma Fuhao , Yin Hua , Yu Wenwen , Zhang Cui , Zhan Shengnan , Huang Tao
Published: September 2022

The effects of malt protein removal by Neutrase using Canadian and French commercial malts (Malt 1 and Malt 2) on mashing efficiency, and production of violate compounds during fermentation were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), headspace‐solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (HS‐SMPE‐GC–MS). HPLC results showed that for Malt 1 containing lower free‐ and total‐β‐amylase but higher α‐amylase enzyme activity, Neutrase significantly increased the content of maltose, glucose and maltotriose, whereas for Malt 2, only glucose content increased. For Malt 1, the increased glucose/maltose ratio after Neutrase addition led to higher ethanol concentration than that with no Neutrase (4.06% vs. 2.09%), whereas for Malt 2, no significant differences were observed (2.92% vs. 3.09%). HS‐SPME‐GC–MS showed that for Malt 1 and Malt 2, Neutrase not influenced the violate compounds composition, whereas reduced their contents. This suggests that malt protein removal by Neutrase impairs the production of volatile compounds.
Effect of inhaled albuterol on whole blood potassium concentrations in dogs
Authors: Ogrodny Andrzej , Jaffey Jared A. , Kreisler Rachael , Acierno Mark , Jones Teela , Costa Renata S. , da Cunha Anderson , Westerback Emily
Published: September 2022

Background

Albuterol by inhalation (IH) is a common treatment for hyperkalemia in humans but its effect on blood potassium concentrations in dogs is unknown.

Objective

Determine whether albuterol (IH) decreases blood potassium concentrations in healthy normokalemic dogs and if effects are dose‐dependent.

Animals

Ten healthy dogs.

Methods

Prospective, crossover experimental study. Albuterol sulfate was administered at a low‐dose (90 μg) in phase I and, 7 days later, high‐dose (450 μg) in phase II. Blood potassium and glucose concentrations (measured via blood gas analyzer) and heart rates were obtained at baseline and then 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 360 minutes after inhaler actuation.

Results

Blood potassium concentrations decreased rapidly after albuterol delivery with a significant reduction compared to baseline within 30 minutes in both phases (P = .05). The potassium nadir concentration of phase I occurred at 60 minutes (mean, SD; 4.07 mmol/L, 0.4) and was significantly decreased from baseline, (4.30 mmol/L, 0.3; t(9) = 2.40, P = .04). The potassium nadir concentration of phase II occurred at 30 minutes (mean, SD; 3.96 mmol/L, 0.39) and was also significantly decreased from baseline, (4.33 mmol/L, 0.4; t(9) = 2.22, P = .05). The potassium nadir concentration decreased by 0.1 mmol/L for each 10 μg/kg increase in dose of albuterol (P = .01). Five dogs had ≥1 hyperglycemic measurement (ie, >112 mg/dL). No median heart rate was tachycardic nor was any mean blood glucose concentration hyperglycemic at any time point.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Albuterol IH decreases blood potassium concentrations in a dose‐dependent manner without clinically meaningful alterations to heart rate or blood glucose concentrations in healthy dogs. The mean decrease in potassium concentration at the high‐dose of albuterol was modest (0.38 mmol/L).
Implementing two national responsibilities of the revised UNICEF/WHO Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative: A two‐country case study
Authors: Mukuria‐Ashe Altrena , Klein Alyssa , Block Charlotte , Nyambo Kanji , Uyehara Malia , Mtengowadula George , Nyirongo Godwin , Mansimov Adil , Okenov Samat , Alvey Jeniece
Published: September 2022

The 2018 implementation guidance for the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) recommends institutionalising the ten Steps through nine national responsibilities for universal coverage and sustainability. As countries adapt BFHI programmes to this paradigm shift away from traditional designation programmes, documenting and sharing policy and programme experience are critical and currently sparse. This qualitative case study included desk reviews of published and grey literature on BFHI programming, national plans and policy documents specific to the selected national responsibilities for universal coverage and key informant (KI) interviews across a range of actors. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the case study explored responsibility 5, development and implementation of incentives and/or sanctions, and responsibility 6 in Malawi, providing technical assistance (TA). In both countries, the three sustainability responsibilities (national monitoring [7] communication and advocacy [8] and financing [9]) as they relate to the universal coverage of the targeted responsibilities were also explored. Thirty‐eight respondents in the Kyrgyz Republic described approaches that were used in the health system, including BFHI designation plaques, performance‐based financing and financial sanctions. However, currently, there are no formal incentives and sanctions. In Malawi, TA was utilised for national planning and to introduce quality improvement processes. Forty‐seven respondents mostly described provisions of TA in building and strengthening the capacity of providers. More programmatic evidence to demonstrate which types of incentives or sanctions can be effective and sustained and more documentation of how TA is provided across multiple aspects of implementation are needed as countries institutionalise BFHI.
Domestication‐associated PHYTOCHROME C is a flowering time repressor and a key factor determining Setaria as a short‐day plant
Authors: Wang Hailong , Jia Guanqing , Zhang Ning , Zhi Hui , Xing Lihe , Zhang Haoshan , Sui Yi , Tang Sha , Li Mingzhe , Zhang Haijin , Feng Baili , Wu Chuanyin , Diao Xianmin
Published: September 2022

Phytochromes play vital roles in the regulation of flowering time, but little is known in Panicoideae species, especially the C4 model Setaria.

Here, genomic variations of PHYTOCHROME C (PHYC) between wild and cultivated Setaria gene pools were analysed and three SiphyC mutants were identified. The function of SiPHYC was verified by CRISPR‐Cas9 approach and transcriptome sequencing. Furthermore, efficiency of indoor cultivation of SiphyC mutants were systematically evaluated.

An extreme purified selection of PHYC was detected in wild to cultivated domestication process of Setaria. SiphyC mutants and knockout transgenic plants showed an early heading date and a loss of response to short‐day photoperiod. Furthermore, variable expression of SiFTa, SiMADS14 and SiMADS15 might be responsible for promoting flowering of SiphyC mutants. Moreover, SiphyC mutant was four times that of the indoor plot ratio of wild‐type and produced over 200 seeds within 45 d per individual.

Our results suggest that domestication‐associated SiPHYC repressed flowering and determined Setaria as a short‐day plant, and SiphyC mutants possess the potential for creating efficient indoor cultivation system suitable for research on Setaria as a model, and either for maize or sorghum as well.
Genetic analyses of root traits: Implications for environmental adaptation and new variety development: A review
Authors: Mathew Isack , Shimelis Hussein
Published: September 2022

The root system is vital for anchorage, mobilizing water and nutrients and symbiosis with soil microbes, which influence adaptation and crop performance. However, root traits are not widely used in crop variety development because root phenotyping is difficult and there is limited understanding of the genetics of root traits. The available genetic variation and emerging root phenotyping and genotyping technologies present opportunities for integrating root traits in breeding. Selection efficiency for root traits can be enhanced by integrating shovelomics, digital imaging, crop modelling and gene sequencing systems. Therefore, the objectives of this review are to discuss critical root traits and their vital functions, genetic variation present for root traits, opportunities and challenges in root phenotyping and integration of genomic tools in breeding for improved root systems. The information presented in the paper will guide crop breeders in developing a new generation of crop varieties with desirable yield and root traits.
The influence of ecocultural contexts on Grandmaternal caregiving and Grandmother–Grandchild relationships
Authors: Schmidt Wiebke Johanna , Keller Heidi , Rosabal‐Coto Mariano
Published: September 2022

This study examines the cultural concept of grandmothers as caregivers and potential attachment figures for their grandchildren in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Specifically, we examined the influence of the grandmaternal co‐residence with grandchildren on their caregiving involvement and on the dyad's relationship formation. Semi‐structured interviews with 19 grandmothers of 14–28 months old infants were conducted. Findings revealed close grandmother–grandchild relationships and high grandmaternal involvement in child care, ranging from regular babysitting to functional parent roles. Co‐residing grandmothers shared most caregiving responsibilities with mothers and can represent important attachment figures for their grandchildren. Non‐co‐residing grandmothers were less involved and reported distributed responsibilities between grandmother and parents with clearly defined caregiving tasks and times. The results demonstrate the importance of the context when defining children's caregiving and attachment networks.
Ceratocystis lukuohia‐infested ambrosia beetle frass as inoculum for Ceratocystis wilt of ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha)
Authors: Hughes Marc A. , Roy Kylle , Harrington Thomas C. , Brill Eva , Keith Lisa M.
Published: September 2022

Metrosideros polymorpha (‘ōhi‘a) trees in Hawaiʻi are dying from two distinct diseases, collectively referred to as rapid ‘ōhi‘a death (ROD), caused by Ceratocystis lukuohia and Ceratocystis huliohia. Boring dust (frass) released when ambrosia beetles attack and colonize infected trees has been suspected as a transmission source. We sampled ambrosia beetle frass from six locations on Hawaiʻi Island and screened samples for Ceratocystis DNA and fungal viability. Ceratocystis DNA was detected in 79% of frass samples and 61% were viable. To assess the infectivity of C. lukuohia‐colonized frass, M. polymorpha seedlings were wound‐inoculated with frass in growth chamber trials. Wilt incidence was 40% in the first trial and 15% in the second. Frass particles naturally infested with C. lukuohia were treated with a cytoplasmic stain and microscopically examined; thick‐walled chlamydospores were found in all samples. The chlamydospores appeared to be derived from aleurioconidia. Ceratocystis survival in frass was assessed in a baiting experiment conducted under varying environmental regimes; viability decreased with increasing temperature, frass age and decreasing humidity. After 6 months, 90% of the samples exhibited viable C. lukuohia at the lowest temperatures. Results confirmed that C. lukuohia chlamydospores are the fungal inoculum within ambrosia beetle frass and can induce wilt when introduced to M. polymorpha wounds. Although ambrosia beetles or other insects may serve as vectors, the present work supports the hypothesis that Ceratocystis species may be dispersed in frass, which can inform ongoing efforts to manage ROD across Hawaiʻi's native forests.
Internet use and consumption diversity: Evidence from rural China
Authors: Vatsa Puneet , Li Junpeng , Luu Phong Quoc , Botero‐R Julio Cesar
Published: September 2022

The Internet is integral to modern living. While the Internet is ubiquitous in China's urban areas, its uptake is still lagging in the country's rural regions—the development potential of the Internet remains untapped, and despite China's steep economic growth during the 21st century, the living standards in its rural regions remain low. The Internet can accelerate rural development in China. This study is focused on analyzing whether and to what extent Internet use affects consumption diversity, an indicator of the quality of life, in rural China. To this end, we employ the instrumental‐variable‐based two‐stage endogenous treatment regression model to analyze the 2018 China Family Panel Studies survey data. The modeling approach allows us to account for the endogeneity of Internet use. The results show that consumption diversity is positively associated with Internet use. Furthermore, it rises with household income, household size, and wealth. Whether the Internet is accessed via smartphones or computers has no bearing on household consumption diversity. We also find that education, household income, and wealth increase one's predicted probability of using the Internet. The results also point to regional differences in consumption diversity and the likelihood of using the Internet.
Burn depth assessment by dual‐wavelength light emitting diodes‐excited photoacoustic imaging in rats
Authors: Tsunoi Yasuyuki , Sato Naoto , Nishidate Izumi , Ichihashi Fumiyuki , Saitoh Daizoh , Sato Shunichi
Published: September 2022

Accurate burn depth assessment is crucial to determine treatment plans for burn patients. We have previously proposed a method for performing burn depth assessments based on photoacoustic (PA) imaging, and we have demonstrated the validity of this method, which allows the successful detection of PA signals originating from the blood under the bloodless burned tissue, using rat burn models. Based on these findings, we started a clinical study in which we faced two technical issues: (1) When the burn depth was shallow, PA signals due to skin contamination and/or melanin in the epidermis (surface signals) could not be distinguished from PA signals originating from the blood in the dermis; (2) the size of the system was too large. To solve these issues, we propose a burn depth diagnosis based on dual‐wavelength light emitting diodes (LEDs)‐excited PA imaging. The use of LEDs rendered the system compact compared to the previous one that used a conventional solid‐state laser. We replicated human burned skin by applying a titrated synthetic melanin solution onto the wound surface in albino rat burn models and measured their burn depths by PA excitation at 690 and 850 nm, where melanin and haemoglobin show greatly different absorption coefficients. As a result, the surface signals were eliminated by subtracting the PA signals at 690 nm from those at 850 nm. The resultant estimated burn depths were strongly correlated with the histological assessment results. The validity of the proposed method was also examined using a burn model of rats with real melanin.
ANTIOXIDANT ROLE OF DJ-1 PROTEIN IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Authors: Mussakhmetov A. , Utepbergenov D. , Khassenov B.
Published: September 2022

Parkinson's disease is a progressive age-related neurodegenerative disease, and oxidative stress is an important mediator in its pathogenesis. Loss of neurons in the midbrain region (Substantia nigra) causes dopamine deficiency and leads to the formation of intracellular inclusions containing α-synuclein aggregates. Both of these phenomena are considered neuropathological features of Parkinson's disease. Although the clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of bradykinesia and other major motor signs, Parkinson's disease is associated with many non-motor symptoms that contribute and complicate the disease. The underlying molecular pathogenesis involves several pathways and mechanisms: α-synuclein proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, disturbances in calcium homeostasis, and neuroinflammation.

Mutations in the PARK7 gene resulting in loss of function of the encoded DJ-1 protein have been identified as the cause of one of several forms of the inherited form of Parkinson's disease. The DJ-1 protein is attributed the role of an antioxidant based on experiments in cellular model systems. The active site of DJ-1 contains a highly reactive cysteine residue (Cys106) which is oxidized under oxidative stress. It is assumed that Cys106 plays a critical role in the biological function of DJ-1, regulating antioxidant protection depending on the oxidation state of Cys106, i.e. acts as a sensor of oxidative stress. Thus, the level of oxidized DJ-1 (oxDJ-1) may serve as a possible biomarker of oxidative stress.
THE USE OF MOLECULAR GENETIC METHODS BASED ON MLVA ANALYSIS TO CONFIRM THE UNIQUENESS OF COLLECTION STRAINS OF BRUCELLA
Authors: Berdimuratova K. , Shevtsova E. , Kairzhanova A. , Abdigulov B. , Karibayev T. , Berdikulov M. , Firsova S. , Shevtsov A.
Published: September 2022

Collections of pathogenic bacterial cultures are necessary for the storage of commercially valuable and typical strains for the purpose of patenting, production and testing of diagnostic and preventive drugs, as well as epidemiological strains isolated during the diagnosis of infectious diseases for detailed study and monitoring of changes in sanitary and epidemiological well-being. Collections are replenished with new unique strains, so it is very important that the characteristics of these strains should be carried out using highly discriminatory molecular genetic methods. This article presents the results of the evaluation of the genetic diversity of 36 collection strains of Brucella abortus and 57 strains of Brucella melitensis by the Multilocus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA-16). Generic identification and absence of contamination by other bacterial species was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. MLVA analysis allowed to establish contamination of 4 strains with different genotypes of brucella and to reveal that the deposited 36 strains isolated in 14 outbreaks of brucellosis are identical genotypes of the pathogen. Our studies have confirmed the presence of identical brucella strains in the collection. The use of MLVA-16 in testing isolated bacterial cultures from a single outbreak will allow differentiating unique strains for their subsequent deposition. Verification of deposited strains with MLVA characteristics with a detailed analysis of metadata about deposited strains will optimize the collection, in terms of preserving only unique strains, which will reduce economic costs and risks to ensure biological safety.
HYDROLYSIS OF PLANT BIOMASS USING RECOMBINANT ALPHA-AMYLASE FROM BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS AND XYLANASE FROM BACILLUS SONORENSIS
Authors: Kiribayeva A. , Silayev D. , Abdullayeva A. , Shamsiyeva Yu. , Ramankulov Ye. , Khassenov B.
Published: September 2022

With the reduction of fossil hydrocarbon sources and the increasing need for energy, chemical resources and food, the use of biomass as a renewable source is of great importance. This, in turn, necessitates efficient enzymes for bioconversion of biomass. Enzymes are important in industry because they are biocatalysts for complex chemical processes. The conversion of plant biomass into sugars requires a complex of enzymes whose composition must be adapted to the type of biomass and а pretreatment method. The efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis can be increased by optimizing the composition of the enzymatic complex, increasing the catalytic activity and stability of the enzymes included in it. A large number of microbial amylases are now commercially available, and they have almost completely replaced chemical starch hydrolysis in the processing industry. The use of bacterial xylanases is a key step in the conversion of lignocellulosic polysaccharides into fermentable sugars for the production of biofuels and value-added products. Enzyme complexes containing both α-amylases and xylanases have found applications in the pulp and paper industry and feed production.

Recombinant α-amylase and xylanase from Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus sonorensis, respectively, were obtained using recombinant DNA technology. These enzymes were purified by metal affinity chromatography from the lysate of induced cultures of recombinant strains. Enzymatic hydrolysis of potato starch and birch xylan with these recombinant enzymes was performed. The hydrolysis products of these polysaccharides were studied by thin-layer chromatography. It was found that the products of hydrolysis of potato starch using recombinant α-amylase were maltose and maltooligosaccharides and a small amount of glucose. Xylan was isolated from birch sawdust and hydrolyzed by recombinant xylanase. Detection of the hydrolysis products of xylan showed that xylan is hydrolyzed to oligoxylans with a degree of polymerization of at least 2 monomers. No xylose was detected among the hydrolysis products.  The results indicate that α-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis and xylanase from Bacillus sonorensis are endoenzymes.
Simulation and Property Characterization of Nanoparticle Thermal Conductivity for a Microscale Selective Laser Sintering System
Authors: Grose Joshua , Dibua Obehi G. , Behera Dipankar , Foong Chee S. , Cullinan Michael
Published: September 2022

Current additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are typically limited by the minimum feature sizes of the parts they can produce. This issue is addressed by the microscale selective laser sintering system (μ-SLS), which is capable of building parts with single micrometer resolutions. Despite the resolution of the system, the minimum feature sizes producible using the μ-SLS tool are limited by unwanted heat dissipation through the particle bed during the sintering process. To address this unwanted heat flow, a particle scale thermal model is needed to characterize the thermal conductivity of the nanoparticle bed during sintering and facilitate the prediction of heat affected zones. This would allow for the optimization of process parameters and a reduction in error for the final part. This paper presents a method for the determination of the effective thermal conductivity of copper nanoparticle beds in a μ-SLS system using finite element simulations performed in ansys. A phase field model (PFM) is used to track the geometric evolution of the particle groups within the particle bed during sintering. Computer aided design (CAD) models are extracted from the PFM output data at various time-steps, and steady-state thermal simulations are performed on each particle group. The full simulation developed in this work is scalable to particle groups with variable sizes and geometric arrangements. The particle thermal model results from this work are used to calculate the thermal conductivity of the copper nanoparticles as a function of the density of the particle group.
Numerical Investigations on Gas Ingestion Mechanism Based on Flow Instabilities in Rim Seal and Cooling Characteristics of Endwall in a 1.5-Stage Axial Turbine
Authors: Cong Qingfeng , Zhang Kaiyuan , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: September 2022

The sealant flow and rim seal at the periphery of cavities formed between rotor and stator disks prevent the high-temperature gas from ingesting into disk cavities and reduce the use of secondary air bleeding from a compressor. The unsteady sealing performance of rim seal and the cooling characteristics of sealant flow on endwall of a 1.5-stage axial turbine are studied by solving the three-dimensional unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations via shear stress transfer (SST) turbulence model. Besides, mass transfer analogy is introduced to predict the sealant distribution which makes the numerical sealing effectiveness in front and aft cavities agree well with experimental data. The accuracy of the numerical method is verified. The sealing effectiveness in cavities and the flow field in rim seal clearance are analyzed, and the film cooling performance on endwall is explored. The results show that, compared with Φ0=0.0170, the area-averaged sealing effectiveness εc on stator face is increased by 19.05% when Φ0=0.500 in the front cavity, and compared with Φ0=0.0042, the area-averaged sealing effectiveness εc on stator face is increased by 9.82% when Φ0=0.096 in the aft cavity. The nonaxisymmetric pressure on the endwall near rim seal and Kelvin Helmholtz unstable vortices arise due to the circumferential velocity difference between main flow and cavity flow. The flow field in the rim seal clearance is jointly affected by these two factors. The flow pattern in the front rim seal clearance is mainly affected by unstable vortex while the flow pattern in the aft rim seal clearance depends on the circumferential pressure distribution. According to FFT, the most significant frequency of flow field variety is about 1200 Hz and 400 Hz (corresponding to two and six blades passing periods) in front and aft rim seals, respectively. The time-averaged cooling effectiveness increases with the increase of sealant flow on endwall and decreases gradually in the axial direction. The unsteady flow behavior of cooling effectiveness on endwall is also discussed in detail.
A Balance Between Odor Intensity and Odor Perception Range in Odor-Guided Flapping Flight
Authors: Lei Menglong , Li Chengyu
Published: September 2022

Insects rely on their olfactory system to forage, prey, and mate. They can sense odorant plumes emitted from sources of their interests with their bilateral odorant antennae, and track down odor sources using their highly efficient flapping-wing mechanism. The odor-tracking process typically consists of two distinct behaviors: surging upwind at higher velocity and zigzagging crosswind at lower velocity. Despite extensive numerical and experimental studies on odor guided flight in insects, we have limited understandings on the effects of flight velocity on odor plume structure and its associated odor perception. In this study, a fully coupled three-way numerical solver is developed, which solves the 3D Navier-Stokes equations coupled with equations of motion for the passive flapping wings, and the odorant convection-diffusion equation. This numerical solver is applied to resolve the unsteady flow field and the odor plume transport for a fruit fly model at different flight velocities in terms of reduced frequency. Our results show that the odor plume structure and intensity are strong related to reduced frequency. At smaller reduced frequency (larger forward velocity), odor plume is pushed up during downstroke and draw back during upstroke. At larger reduced frequency (smaller forward velocity), the flapping wings induce a shield-like air flow around the antennae which may greatly increase the odor sampling range. Our finding may explain why flight velocity is important in odor guided flight.
Investigation of Volume-of-Fluid Method to Simulate Melting-Solidification of CMAS Particles
Authors: Cavainolo Brendon , Kinzel Michael
Published: September 2022

The ingestion of CMAS (Calcium-Magnesium-Alumino-Silicate) particles into aircraft engines is an issue for both the safety and resilience of aircraft. CMAS ingestion process can erode compressor blades, erode/infiltration thermal barrier coatings, and lead to overheating and stall. To better understand the physical details, this paper presents a novel approach to exploring individual CMAS dynamics in the context of melting particles. The methodology was accomplished by resolving the details of a single CMAS particle using the volume-of-fluid method. To account for thermal properties of the flow and particle, melting-solidification modeling was implemented. The particle was initialized at a stagnant condition with a temperature under its solidus temperature. The flow around the particle was initialized at turbine relevant conditions, including high velocities and temperatures above the particle’s liquidus temperature. Transient conditions were explored in context of non-dimensional numbers (including slip Reynold’s Number, Weber number, and Ohnesorge number), as well as several ratios (ρs/ρg and Ts/T∞). For validation, sensitivity to mesh and input, as well as experimental comparisons were examined. The experimental comparison benchmarked the temperature ratio of particles at varying thermal Stokes numbers against the experimental correlation shown in Bojdo et al. [1].
Evaluation of Flow and Heat Transfer During Compression Stroke in a Porous Material Using MVCEF Solving Method
Authors: Marzougui Inès , Gheith Ramla , Hachem Houda , Aloui Fethi
Published: September 2022

This work deals with CFD modeling method under Fortran 90 with dimensionless setting. A numerical study of flow and heat transfer inside a cylinder partially filled with a porous material and with two pistons is provided during compression stroke. Phase shift between the two pistons is about π/2. Air inside cylinder is considered as Newtonian perfect gas. The flow is supposed to be laminar and steady. The Brinkman-Forcheimer Lapwood theory is adopted to simulate transfer momentum in the porous media. Dimensional governing equations are solved using control volume with finite element method (MVCEF). The obtained results are in good agreement with literature numerical investigations. The effect of the porous media properties (length and porosity) and heat transfer on flow was investigated. Results show that the optimum heat convective flux is achieved for a porosity of 0.9 and a permeability of 0.7. Results show a close relationship between geometry parameters of the regenerator and the pressure drop. An optimum value of regenerator length is expected for each working condition.
FSI of a Cantilever Beam: FVM-FEM and Neural Network Analysis
Authors: Chijioke Clinton , Rodriguez Arturo , Enriquez Andres , Kumar Vinod , Tandon Vivek , Terrazas Jose , Villanueva Daniel , Kotteda V. M. Krushnarao
Published: September 2022

Fluid structure interaction (FSI) problems are becoming highly complex as it has wide range of applications, which assists to model many real-world problems. The finite volume method (FVM) enforces conservation of the governing physics over the designed control volume. Presently, the FVM is the most common discretization technique used within the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) domain. In this day, multiple techniques for simulating the strongly coupled fluid-structure systems numerically is constantly being researched as the CFD analysis approach evolves swiftly. We introduce a segmented neural network-based approach for learning of FSI problems. The FSI simulation domain is discretized into two smaller sub-domains, i.e., fluid (FVM) and solid (FEM) domains and utilize an autonomous neural network for each. A python based scientific library is used to couple the two networks which takes care of boundary data communication, data mapping and equation coupling. The coupled Ansys fluent-transient structural analysis data will be used for training the two neural networks. Changes in the geometrical and material properties of a solid structure such as: bluff/curved - corners/surfaces, physical dimensions, young’s modulus of elasticity and mass moment of inertia will affect the dynamics of the structure.
Effects of Process Parameters on Thin-Wall Substrate WAAM Deposition
Authors: Thien Austen , Goodwin Jesse , Saldana Christopher
Published: September 2022

Wire arc additive manufacturing can produce thin-walled components at much faster rates than conventional subtractive manufacturing processes. The as-built components have a poor surface finish, which requires post-processing via machining. However, tool reach limitations of cutting tools means that the desired component must be produced in sections, where the hybrid manufacturing process is conducted iteratively. A key aspect of this hybrid manufacturing process is the deposition of the first bead onto the previously machined component section, a thin-walled substrate. Since the deposition traverse speed and wire feed rate heavily impact geometry, and therefore the subsequent machining process, this work seeks to analyze the thin-wall substrate deposition geometry resulting from different deposition process parameters. Additionally, this work assesses the impact of the deposition geometry on subsequent machining by assessing the area of excess material which must be removed to achieve net shape geometry. Traverse speed was found to have the largest impact on bead morphology, with wire feed speed having an increased impact at higher traverse speeds. The penetration and remelting geometry of the samples was investigated and found to contribute to the relatively uniform bead height seen in the different samples.
Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Bone Tissue Scaffolds, Composed of Polyamide, Polyolefin, and Cellulose Fibers
Authors: Mandava Paavana Krishna , Joyce Robert , Day James B. , Salary Roozbeh (Ross)
Published: September 2022

The goal of this research work is to fabricate mechanically robust, porous, and biocompatible bone scaffolds with textured surfaces (for cell/tissue adhesion) for the treatment of osseous fractures. The objective of the work is to investigate the mechanical properties of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) bone scaffolds, fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing process, based on a medical grade composite composed of polyamide, polyolefin, and cellulose fibers. FDM has emerged as a high-resolution method for the fabrication of biological tissues and constructs. FDM allows for non-contact, multi-material deposition of functional materials for tissue engineering applications. However, the FDM process is intrinsically complex; the complexity of the process, largely, stems from complex physical phenomena and material-process interactions, which may adversely influence the mechanical properties, the surface morphology, and ultimately the functional characteristics of fabricated bone scaffolds. Consequently, physics-based material and process characterization would be an inevitable need. In this study, seven TPMS bone scaffolds were fabricated, based on the medical-grade polymer composite. The compression properties of the fabricated bone scaffolds were measured using a compression testing machine. The outcomes of this study pave the way for the fabrication of complex composite bone scaffolds with tunable medical and functional properties.