bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CPP‐ACP paste's effect on salivary conditions in patients with removable dentures
Authors: Curtis Colton , Qian Fang , Bowers Robert D.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Older adults with removable dentures experience high rates of both caries (when the natural dentition remains) and salivary gland dysfunction. While many commercial dental therapeutic agents target these two interrelated problems, none have been labeled for use on the fitting surface of removable dentures. Off‐label use of MI Paste (GC America, Alsip, IL), a dental therapeutic containing casein‐phosphopeptide‐amorphous‐calcium‐phosphate (CPP‐ACP), was investigated following its application to the fitting surface of complete denture(s) with subsequent effects on salivary conditions measured.

Materials and methods

Salivary flow rate and pH were recorded at baseline and 15 min following the application of 1 mL of CPP‐ACP paste to the fitting surface of each participant's denture through whole saliva collection. To assess buffering capacity, equivalent volumes of 0.01 M lactic acid were added to the collected saliva samples, and pH reduction was measured. Comparisons of salivary parameters between baseline and post‐CPP‐ACP paste application and between subjects with and without self‐reported xerostomia were conducted using a paired‐sample t‐test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, or two‐sample t‐test as appropriate.

Results

Of the 28 participants (mean age = 70.3 ± 13.7 years, 17 males), 11 reported xerostomia. CPP‐ACP‐paste application was associated with decreased pH reduction during acid challenge compared to baseline (0.95 ± 0.24 vs. 1.54 ± 0.53, p < 0.001), and a higher final pH following acid challenge (5.93 ± 0.34 vs. 5.40 ± 0.66, p < 0.001). While the flow rates observed at post‐CPP‐ACP paste application were greater than those at baseline, the difference was not statistically significant (0.67 ± 0.44 mL/min vs. 0.55 ± 0.34 mL/min, p = 0.053). No significant differences were found in any salivary parameters between participants with or without self‐reports of xerostomia.

Conclusions

The findings highlight potential positive effects on salivary conditions following the application of the CPP‐ACP‐containing product, MI Paste, to the fitting surface of a removable complete denture as a potential caries‐risk‐management tool when natural dentition remains. Determining the caries‐preventive clinical significance will require longer‐term trials.
Religious Ethics and the Human Dignity Revolution
Authors: Ilesanmi Simeon O.
Published: November 2023

Human dignity, even when analyzed through the lens of human rights, has received surprisingly little attention in the Journal of Religious Ethics, in contrast to a resurgent global interest in it. This article examines some possible reasons for this diminutive interest and makes a case for dignity's integration into the mainstream of religious ethics scholarship. A social conception of human dignity understands it as a conferment that entitles its holder to certain respectful treatments unavailable to those without it. As a naturalistic conception, human dignity assumes certain features to be inherent in human nature. An emancipatory theory of dignity offers a fuller accounting of the concept as it is informed by a grassroots human rights praxis and social movements across a spectrum of historical periods and cultural and political contexts.
Asymptotic Normality of Bias Reduction Estimation for Jump Intensity Function in Financial Markets
Authors: Song Yuping , Zhu Min , Qiu Jiawei
Published: November 2023

Continuous‐time diffusion models with jumps, especially the jump intensity coefficient, can depict the impact of sudden and large shocks to financial markets. It is possible to disentangle, from the discrete observations, the contributions given by the jumps and those by the diffusion part through threshold functions. Based on this threshold technique, we employ non‐parametric local linear threshold estimator for the unknown jump intensity function of a semimartingale with jumps. The asymptotic normality of our estimator is provided in the presence of finite activity jumps under certain regular conditions. The finite‐sample performance for the underlying estimator has been shown through a Monte Carlo experiment and an empirical analysis on high frequency returns of indexes in the USA and China.
When I say … global south and global north
Authors: Sims Danica Anne
Published: November 2023

In the latest "When I say…", Sims presents "global South and global North" as meta‐contexts to both highlight pragmatic difference and signal the reality of global knowledge production hierarchies.
The Impact of Eurasianism On Turkey's Role in the Ukraine War
Authors: Tüysüzoğlu Göktürk
Published: November 2023

Turkey's attempt to act as problem solver in the Ukraine crisis follows its hedging strategy. This approach, which creates strategic ambiguity, has been interpreted as Ankara's distancing itself from its Western allies. Since Turkey realizes that an escalation of the war would complicate its NATO relationships, it is trying to capitalize on its good relations with both Ukraine and Russia and play the role of mediator. This article argues that Turkey, despite its turn toward Eurasianism, is hedging to avoid taking sides in a great‐power rivalry. Ankara's preferences should not be expected to change in the medium term, regardless of electoral results.
Primary central nervous system extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type with CD20 expression: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Guan Jiexia , Lin Weizhen , Liu Weimin , Hui Dayang
Published: November 2023

Primary central nervous system (PCNS) extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL), is an exceedingly rare tumor. To the best of our knowledge, only 27 cases and only one reported aberrant CD20 expression have been documented in the literature. Here we present a second case of PCNS ENKTCL with aberrant CD20 expression in a 43‐year‐old immunocompetent Chinese female. The patient presented with tremors, weakness in the right upper limb, and a slow reaction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple brain lesions. A histological examination revealed a diffuse distribution of intermediate‐sized pleomorphic lymphocytes with angiocentric growth. The tumor cells expressed CD2, CD3, CD56, T‐cell intracellular antigen‐1, granzyme B, and Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded RNAs (EBERs), with additional partial and weak CD20 and CD30 expression. Despite a confirmatory pathological diagnosis, the patient refused treatment and was discharged, ultimately dying from the disease. In the literature review, the clinical, immunohistochemical, EBERs, treatment, and prognostic features of PCNS ENKTCL were summarized. Although PCNS ENKTCT is extremely rare, it does occur and should always be included in differential diagnoses. CD20 expression should be evaluated routinely with relevant markers. The accumulation of cases is crucial for developing an effective treatment strategy for this rare and aggressive malignancy.
Talent denied: Equity and excellence gaps in STEMM
Authors: Ziegler Albert , Stoeger Heidrun
Published: November 2023

In principle, there could be STEMM talent everywhere if there were sufficient and adequate opportunities and learning resources everywhere. The reality, however, is that the likelihood of developing one's talent in STEMM is tied to membership in social groups. In this contribution, we explore the implications of this statement with multiple examples for different social groups and for different stages of talent development. We propose an educational framework model for analyzing equity gaps in STEMM talent development that identifies and systematizes the unequal and inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities as the proximal cause of the emergence of such equity gaps. Furthermore, we discuss important aspects for closing equity gaps in STEMM talent development. We argue that—similar to public health approaches—the focus in establishing equity in STEMM talent development should be on prevention rather than intervention. We discuss the importance of the cooperation of societal subsystems and argue for the use of adequate methods of disparity detection for creating equal opportunities. We also outline why preventive strategies are crucial for the creation of resource parity and explain why outcome standards should be considered obligatory.
A case of antenatally undiagnosed laryngeal atresia with tracheo‐esophageal fistula with airway obstruction at birth and its management
Authors: Soni Lipika , Prasad Ganga , Kaur Manpreet
Published: November 2023

Laryngeal atresia is a rare congenital anomaly that is usually diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound, however, if undiagnosed presents with desaturation after birth. A term neonate presented with airway obstruction after birth with multiple failed attempts at intubation and was rescued by proseal laryngeal mask airway (LMA). An esophagoscopy using an Ambuscope utilizing a modified connector assembly revealed an opening on the anterior wall of the esophagus with no esophageal atresia, leading to a diagnosis of H‐type tracheo‐esophageal fistula (TEF) with laryngeal atresia. The ability to ventilate the neonate via LMA with an absent glottic opening raised the possibility of TEF.
Dermatologic complications in pediatric patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease
Authors: Dignum Tessa , Burroughs Lauri , Mallhi Kanwaldeep , Brandling‐Bennett Heather A.
Published: November 2023

Dermatologic complications are common following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but dermatologic complications among pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of sickle cell disease have been poorly characterized. In this case series of 17 patients (<21 years old) with sickle cell disease who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, 16 (94.1%) experienced one or more dermatologic complications after transplant, with the most common complications including acute or chronic mucocutaneous graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (34.1% of complications), skin eruptions of unknown origin (15.9% of complications), infections (15.9% of complications), and chemotherapy‐related pigmentary changes (11.4% of complications). Patients who developed acute or chronic skin GVHD were significantly older at the time of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These findings highlight the need to closely monitor for dermatologic complications in pediatric patients who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease and underscore the importance of involving dermatology early on when skin complications occur, although further research with a larger multicenter study could help clarify the risk for dermatologic complications and help identify potential ways to mitigate this risk.
Incidence and genetic diversity of cucurbit viruses in the Spanish Mediterranean area
Authors: López‐Martín María , Sifres Alicia , Gómez‐Guillamón Maria Luisa , Picó Belén , Pérez‐de‐Castro Ana
Published: November 2023

Viral infections on cucurbit fields can cause major economic losses. Monitoring of the main producing areas is essential to identify both prevalent and emerging viruses. For two consecutive years (2019–2020), the presence and molecular diversity of nine aphid‐ and whitefly‐transmitted viruses in the main cucurbit‐producing areas of the Spanish Mediterranean basin and other important regions were studied. In analyses of symptomatic plants, watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) were found to be prevalent in all the monitored areas, regardless of the crop and the farming conditions. Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV) and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) were also found at lower rates, mainly in mixed infections with WMV. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine the molecular variability of the different isolates. Whereas the sequences of CABYV, MWMV and ToLCNDV isolates all clustered within their corresponding Mediterranean clade, new viral variants of WMV and CMV were found. Seven new WMV profiles and a reassorting CMV isolate (IB‐IB‐IA) were observed. Moreover, the complete genome of the newly described WMV isolates was sequenced. Further studies should be done to determine if these new variants spread to new areas and if they can overcome the previously described resistances.
A prediction model for classifying maternal pregnancy smoking using California state birth certificate information
Authors: He Di , Huang Xiwen , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Walker Douglas I. , Jones Dean P. , Ritz Beate , Heck Julia E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Systematically recorded smoking data are not always available in vital statistics records, and even when available it can underestimate true smoking rates.

Objective

To develop a prediction model for maternal tobacco smoking in late pregnancy based on birth certificate information using a combination of self‐ or provider‐reported smoking and biomarkers (smoking metabolites) in neonatal blood spots as the alloyed gold standard.

Methods

We designed a case–control study where childhood cancer cases were identified from the California Cancer Registry and controls were from the California birth rolls between 1983 and 2011 who were cancer‐free by the age of six. In this analysis, we included 894 control participants and performed high‐resolution metabolomics analyses in their neonatal dried blood spots, where we extracted cotinine [mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z) = 177.1023] and hydroxycotinine (m/z = 193.0973). Potential predictors of smoking were selected from California birth certificates. Logistic regression with stepwise backward selection was used to build a prediction model. Model performance was evaluated in a training sample, a bootstrapped sample, and an external validation sample.

Results

Out of seven predictor variables entered into the logistic model, five were selected by the stepwise procedure: maternal race/ethnicity, maternal education, child's birth year, parity, and child's birth weight. We calculated an overall discrimination accuracy of 0.72 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77, 0.84) in the training set. Similar accuracies were achieved in the internal (AUC 0.81, 95% CI 0.77, 0.84) and external (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.64, 0.74) validation sets.

Conclusions

This easy‐to‐apply model may benefit future birth registry‐based studies when there is missing maternal smoking information; however, some smoking status misclassification remains a concern when only variables from the birth certificate are used to predict maternal smoking.
Bicarbonate and BSA increase the capacitation pattern and acrosomal exocytosis in boar sperm after 120 min of incubation
Authors: Dudkiewicz Sylwia , Peris‐Frau Patricia , Nieto‐Cristóbal Helena , Santiago‐Moreno Julián , de Mercado Eduardo , Álvarez‐Rodríguez Manuel
Published: November 2023

Sperm capacitation is a crucial step towards the acquisition of fertilizing capacity. Despite the attempts to mimic the in vivo situation, there is still a lack of standardization in vitro techniques. Bicarbonate and serum albumin (BSA) are routinely used, although controversial results are reported regarding the optimal concentration of each compound. In addition, whether caffeine is needed on in vitro capacitation media in boar sperm remains to be elucidated. Here, 18 boar commercial artificial insemination doses were used to test different concentrations of bicarbonate (19, 37 or 56 mM) in experiment 1, BSA (1.5, 3, 4.5 mg/mL) in experiment 2 and the presence or absence of caffeine (5.15 mM) experiment 3. We analysed at 0, 30 and 120 min of incubation at 38.5°C, 5% CO2: Total motility (TMOT), membrane integrity (VIAB), acrosomal exocytosis (rAcro; H33342/PI/PNA), capacitation status (chlortetracycline staining CTC) and mitochondrial membrane potential (JC‐1). The higher concentrations of bicarbonate (37 and 56 mM) decreased TM and VIAB (p < .01) but increased rAcro (p < .01) after 120 min of incubation compared to the fresh control. In contrast, only the BSA concentration of 3 mg/mL reduced the VIAB at 120 min, but all the concentrations tested increased the average of JC‐1 and decreased TM (p < .01) throughout incubation compared to the fresh control. Finally, in experiment 3, when boar sperm were incubated in the capacitating media with bicarbonate, BSA and with or without caffeine, the capacitated pattern measured by the CTC technique and rAcro increased after 120 min of incubation (p < .01) compared to fresh control, either in the presence or in the absence of caffeine. In summary, our results suggested that the combination of capacitating components, like bicarbonate and BSA, contributed to increasing the proportion of capacitated boar spermatozoa, mitochondrial membrane potential as well as acrosomal exocytosis. However, caffeine did not significantly influence in vitro sperm capacitation in this species.
Intergenerational relations in childhood anxiety: A network approach
Authors: Baartmans Jeanine M. D. , van Steensel Bonny F. J. A. , Kossakowski Jolanda J. , Klein Anke M. , Bögels Susan M.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Family factors are assumed to play a central role in the development of childhood anxiety disorders. How child and parental anxiety symptoms are intertwined on a symptom and family level has not yet been examined. Such knowledge may lead to a more detailed understanding of the intergenerational relation in anxiety problems. The current study investigated the relation between anxiety in children and their parents at a symptom level using a network approach.

Method

Parents of 1,452 clinically referred children in the Netherlands completed questionnaires on anxiety about their children and themselves. We examined relations on a symptom level both within persons and between parents and children. In addition, we also compared the relations between parental and child anxiety symptoms in families with children with an anxiety disorder (n = 350) versus families with children who displayed other psychiatric diagnoses (n = 1,102).

Results

Anxiety symptom relations within persons were more intertwined than the symptom relations between family members. Between‐person relations were found among similar anxiety symptoms, suggesting specific intergenerational relations. The feeling of being fearful was found to be a central and connecting symptom in all family members (fathers, mothers, and children). The relations between parental and child anxiety symptoms were more specific (i.e., among similar symptoms) in families with children with an anxiety disorder than in families with children with other types of psychopathologies.

Conclusions

This study found that anxiety symptom associations are present within the family on a detailed (symptom) level. This stresses the importance of future studies to examine factors responsible for this family‐anxiety transmission.
Genomic data reveal new species and the limits of mtDNA barcode diagnostics to contain a global pest species complex (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae)
Authors: Doorenweerd Camiel , San Jose Michael , Geib Scott , Barr Norman , Rubinoff Daniel
Published: November 2023

The Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a global pest that can decimate regional fruit industries and elicit international quarantines, has been the subject of considerable taxonomic confusion. Previous phylogenetic work revealed that B. dorsalis is part of a monophyletic clade containing 12 species. We present restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) genomic data for 2,292 specimens, which unequivocally supports the delimitation of two new species, here described as Bactrocera borneoensis sp. n. Doorenweerd & San Jose and B. incognita sp. n. Doorenweerd & San Jose. We additionally obtained 1,985 Cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) sequences for a subset of the specimens to see which species can be diagnosed with this mtDNA marker and conclude that B. dorsalis, B. incognita, B. carambolae Drew & Hancock, B. raiensis Drew & Hancock, B. occipitalis (Bezzi) and B. kandiensis Drew & Hancock cannot be identified reliably using COI due to introgression—but the newly described species B. borneoensis can be identified using COI. The supposed innocuous species B. raiensis distribution is underestimated in Asia and Africa. Bactrocera kandiensis COI genotypes occur in African flies, but RAD‐seq data confirm that these are B. dorsalis with introgressed B. kandiensis COI. The phylogenomic dataset brings new light to the extent of the B. dorsalis s.l. clade and the morphological and molecular confusion based on COI. This will have ramifications for ecological data—including host and distribution ranges—associated with B. dorsalis s.l. clade species, pest identification protocols and our understanding of the economic importance of the various species in the clade.
The novel HLA‐B*54:01:12 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxy nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐qian , An Lin , Ding Pei‐pei , Li Yu‐xia , Li Li‐min
Published: November 2023

HLA‐B*54:01:12 differs from HLA‐B*54:01:01:01 by one nucleotide in exon 2.
On the criteria of the imitation for the artificial intelligent systems in the moral imitation game
Authors: Thomas Jolly
Published: November 2023

To assess the intelligence of machines, Alan Turing proposed a test of imitation known as the imitation game, famously known as the Turing test. To assess whether artificial intelligent (AI) systems could be moral or not, Colin Allen et al. developed a test of imitation in the context of morality, a test known as the Moral Turing Test (MTT), which I will, in this paper, call the moral imitation game. There are arguments against developing any type of MTT or moral imitation game. Rather than developing a moral imitation game, this paper proposes a criterion of imitation for AI systems in the moral scenario. To develop a criterion of imitation, I explore the notion of moral attribution in detail. Within the case of moral attribution, I introduce the subject‐ascriber distinction. The notion of moral attribution and the subject‐ascriber distinction is employed to address the following questions: (a) how is the assessment in MTT arranged?, (b) what is the role of the interrogator in the MTT?, and (c) what information is to be concealed from the interrogator? The first question deals with the aspect of assessment, the second question deals with the reordering of the role of the interrogator and the third one deals with the concealment aspect of the imitation game. After that, a criterion of imitation for AI systems is put forward. Using the subject‐ascriber distinction in moral attribution and David Lewis' Mad Pain and Martian Pain cases, it is argued that the notion of sentience is insignificant for the ascriber for moral attributions.
FvemiR160‐FveARF18A‐FveAP1/FveFUL module regulates flowering time in woodland strawberry
Authors: Luo He , Li Tianyu , Guan Yuhan , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Zihui , Zhang Zhihong , Li He
Published: November 2023

Flowering is an indicator of plant transformation from vegetative to reproductive growth. miR160 has been shown to have a significant effect on the growth and development of fruits, leaves, and roots of plants or their stress response to environment, but the participation of miR160 in regulating flowering time in plants is unclear. In this study, we found that two FvemiR160s (FvemiR160a/FvemiR160b) mature sequences in strawberry (Fragaria vesca) were consistent. It was displayed that the miR160 mature sequence is highly conserved in various species, and the miR160 mature sequence formed by the 5′ arm of the MIR160 precursor was more conserved. Three FveARFs in woodland strawberry were negatively regulated by FvemiR160a, among which FveARF18A was the most significant. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that FvemiR160 is closely related to apple (Malus domestica), grape (Vitis vinifera), and Arabidopsis thaliana, while FveARF18A is closely related to RcARF18. Subsequently, we demonstrated that FvemiR160a can target cutting FveARF18A to negatively regulate its expression by RLM‐5′ RACE, cleavage site mutation, and GFP fluorescence assay. Moreover, we observed that FveMIR160a overexpressed plants have advanced flowering, while mFveARF18A overexpressed plants have delayed flowering. We also verified that FveARF18A negatively regulates the expression of FveAP1 and FveFUL by binding their promoters by yeast one‐hybrid, LUC, and GUS assay, and FveAP1 and FveFUL transgenic Arabidopsis showed early flowering phenotype. In addition, the expression level of FvemiR160a was decreased obviously while that of FveARF18A was increased obviously by MeJA, GA and IAA. In conclusion, our study reveals the important role of the FvemiR160‐FveARF18A‐FveAP1/FveFUL module in the flowering process of woodland strawberry and provides a new pathway for studying flowering.
Role of trafficking protein particle complex 2 in medaka development
Authors: Zappa Francesca , Intartaglia Daniela , Guarino Andrea M. , De Cegli Rossella , Wilson Cathal , Salierno Francesco Giuseppe , Polishchuk Elena , Sorrentino Nicolina Cristina , Conte Ivan , De Matteis Maria Antonietta
Published: November 2023

The skeletal dysplasia spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDT) is caused by mutations in the TRAPPC2 gene, which encodes Sedlin, a component of the trafficking protein particle (TRAPP) complex that we have shown previously to be required for the export of type II collagen (Col2) from the endoplasmic reticulum. No vertebrate model for SEDT has been generated thus far. To address this gap, we generated a Sedlin knockout animal by mutating the orthologous TRAPPC2 gene (olSedl) of Oryzias latipes (medaka) fish. OlSedl deficiency leads to embryonic defects, short size, diminished skeletal ossification and altered Col2 production and secretion, resembling human defects observed in SEDT patients. Moreover, SEDT knock‐out animals display photoreceptor degeneration and gut morphogenesis defects, suggesting a key role for Sedlin in the development of these organs. Thus, by studying Sedlin function in vivo, we provide evidence for a mechanistic link between TRAPPC2‐mediated membrane trafficking, Col2 export, and developmental disorders.
In vitro evaluation of hyperosmotic canine plasma suitable for infusion
Authors: Edwards Thomas H. , Meledeo Michael A. , Peltier Grantham C. , Henderson Alice F. , Pompa Luis A. , Bynum James A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To determine the characteristics of canine freeze‐dried plasma (cFDP) as it is serially diluted with sterile water.

Design

In vitro experimental study.

Setting

Government blood and coagulation research laboratory.

Animals

cFDP from a commercial manufacturer.

Interventions

Ten units of cFDP were reconstituted to 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, and 40% of the recommended volume with sterile water. The resultant solutions were analyzed for coagulation factor activity (factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XII as well as antithrombin), fibrinogen concentration, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, viscosity, osmolality, and kaolin‐activated thromboelastography.

Measurements and Main Results

Viscosity, osmolality, and turbidity properties of plasma were increased in a reconstitution volume‐dependent manner, with the 40% suggested volume generating approximately 2‐fold increases in each. Similarly, factor activity levels and fibrinogen concentration increased by approximately 2‐fold over this range in a concentration‐dependent manner. Prothrombin time declined from 11.4 seconds at 100% volume to 10.9 seconds at 70% before increasing to 11.9 seconds at 40%. Activated partial thromboplastin time increased exponentially from 21.8 seconds at 100% rehydration to 100.0 seconds at 40%. R‐time on TEG increased from 3.1 to 13.9 minutes at 50% rehydration, while alpha angle declined from 61.3° to 24.7° over the same range, and the maximum amplitude initially increased from 13.2 mm at 100% water to 18.6 mm at 70% water before dropping back down to 14.6 mm at 50% water. No clotting was observed with 40% rehydration.

Conclusions

The creation of hyperosmotic plasma from cFDP appears feasible with preservation of concentrated coagulation factors, although there are some unexplained effects that happen to coagulation functions at the highest concentrations tested using only 40%–50% of recommended rehydration volume. Further studies are needed to evaluate the hyperosmotic product in vivo.
What is an equivalence in a higher category?
Authors: Ozornova Viktoriya , Rovelli Martina
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this survey is to present in a uniform way the notion of equivalence between strict ‐categories or ‐categories, and inside a strict ‐category or ‐category.
Energy Recovery Turbine in Cross Country Pipeline
Authors: Ibrahim Shiyas
Published: November 2023

The transportation of fluid in cross country pipelines involves the conversion of mechanical energy into pressure energy through the use of pumps at the mainline pump station. While designing the pipeline system, the pressure energy at originating and intermediate pump stations are designed taking into account the system losses to ensure the required flow right up to the end receipt station at the design pressure.

The incoming pressure at intermediate tap-off receipt stations are higher than the required pressure, which is reduced within acceptable limits through the use of a Control Valve. The control valve used in pipeline systems consists of valves with actuators for throttling of the position based on the required set pressures. There is considerable loss of energy in the pressure control valves since pressure energy is dissipated as heat, noise and vibration. Installation of energy recovery units across the pressure control valve can be a solution to recover energy losses at the pipeline receipt stations. The energy is recovered by utilizing the excess pressure to run an Energy Recovery Turbine (ERT) which in turn runs a generator that produces electricity. This paper will discuss the applications of an ERT in cross country pipeline systems, including the benefits, working principle, and different types of ERT.
Evaluation of Pipeline Venting in Long Pipelines
Authors: Ghosh Pradeep Kumar , Agarwal Deepak , Amid Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Pipelines undergo elevated air pressures during construction and maintenance. The higher pneumatic pressures are used in caliper pigging and cleaning pigging. Pneumatic pressures are also required in special conditions during pipeline maintenance. Higher pneumatic pressures are usually released into the atmosphere through a small vent. Higher pneumatic pressure generally poses elevated risk related to safety. In the past, industry has experienced incidences where objects such as pigs are propelled due to air pressure resulting in untoward incidences.

The paper presents a theoretical approach to estimate the time required to vent the pipeline through an orifice. It is a known fact that the gas escaping through a vent has two different velocity regimes. At high differential pressure, the gas is escaped through a velocity which is known as choked or sonic velocity. The velocity usually depends upon the pressure and density of the air inside the container. At lower differential pressures, the gas escapes through a velocity known as non-choked velocity or sub-sonic velocity.

The gas escape velocity determines the rate of pressure variation inside the vessel. Similarly, the density which depends on pressure also changes. The switchover between gas velocity regimes also makes the problem significantly complex. The paper presents a detailed approach to ascertain the time of venting by solving the underlying equations. Considering the complexity of the problem, the equations are solved using numerical integration using Runge-Kutta method. The complete algorithm for solving the problem is provided in the paper. Additionally, a few cases are discussed in detail for venting of large pipelines.
Using Machine Learning As Part of External Corrosion Direct Assessment to Overcome Data Limitations
Authors: Barton Lewis , Carrell Steve , Ruiz Martinez Oscar , Palmer-Jones Roland
Published: November 2023

Operators need to keep their pipelines fit for purpose, maximise life and control costs. To achieve these aims, effective Integrity Management is essential, with a clear understanding of the relevant threats to the pipeline asset.

External corrosion is one of the main threats faced by operators, costing millions annually in identification, mitigation, and repair. ILI is widely used to identify and size external corrosion. Where in-line inspection (ILI) is not possible, knowledge-based models reliant on data and assumptions for multiple variables are used. Combining the variables that are believed to contribute to corrosion with above ground surveys, are used to identify corrosion “hotspots” for in-field investigation. The process is known as External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA). However, ECDA can present significant uncertainties, often requiring multiple iterations of costly excavations to obtain reasonable confidence in pipeline condition — a major limiting factor to the ECDA approach.

To improve data resolution, Virtual-ILI (V-ILI) has been used to incorporate data collected over many years by ROSEN ILI. The Virtual-ILI, when combined with other relevant data such as rainfall, soil type and coating, contains information of corrosion trends across thousands of pipeline segments. Through machine learning algorithms, trained on this historical data, the incorporation of V-ILI has the potential to substantially reduce uncertainty.
An Innovative Solution for Debris Mapping and Health Assessment of Oil and Gas Pipelines
Authors: Jha Pranab Narayan
Published: November 2023

India has a vast network of pipelines carrying crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas. To accelerate the pace of transformation in the energy sector, there is a need to indigenously develop and deploy sustainable technologies for oil and gas pipelines. The industry spends a significant amount of effort and money in dealing with unwanted debris and wax deposits in pipelines. Early detection of such deposits or blockages is important and useful for optimizing maintenance activities and for remedial actions to avoid catastrophic failures.

Bharat Flow Analytics is a startup that is developing innovative Industry 4.0 products and services that promote safe and reliable operations, energy efficiency, and reducing operating costs of transporting hydrocarbons through pipelines. iPTran, the solution for determining internal diameter changes in a pipeline due to debris and wax deposition resulting in partial or complete blockages, has been indigenously developed and currently undergoing field trials with pipeline operators.

iPTran uses a combination of pipeline hydraulics models, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors for data collection, analysis, and prognosis. It gives an advantage in accuracy and effort over traditional models and data acquisition systems. iPTran is a non-intrusive technology that can analyse hundreds of kilometres of pipeline sections quickly and provide near real-time status to the operator. A trial of iPTran was conducted on Indian Oil’s 148 km 28-inch diameter section (Viramgam to Koyali) with promising results.

This technology helps to determine the efficiency of transportation which directly impacts pumping costs. It also helps to reduce the risk of stuck pigs during inline inspection and can be utilized to improve the efficiency of the pigging program.
Maximizing the Value of Hydrogen Transportation Chain: A Practical Guide to Hydrogen Repurposing
Authors: Naib Sameera , Sandana Daniel , Gallon Neil , Ruiz Martinez Oscar , Singh Gaurav
Published: November 2023

The deployment of a hydrogen economy at an industrial scale requires pipeline transportation. Duty holders are willing to develop such pipeline infrastructure by taking advantage of the existing hydrocarbon assets. It is unreasonable to expect that pipelines designed for hydrocarbon service can be converted directly to hydrogen without due diligence and in consideration of the distinctive integrity challenges introduced by the transportation of gaseous hydrogen.

The incumbent industry codes do not offer a practical approach to holders of license to operate existing pipeline assets for repurposing it safely and economically for hydrogen transportation. The enforcement of dubious and undue conservatism could penalize the realization and the value of a hydrogen chain economy. This paper provides a guide for operators to repurpose pipelines safely from an integrity-led and holistic perspective. An emphasis is given to the safety and maximum utilization.

This guide is summarized by a ‘Pipeline Hydrogen Repurposing Roadmap’, which has been built from the research and practical experience of the authors in addressing the challenges of existing pipeline for hydrogen conversion.
Deep unsupervised adversarial domain adaptation for underwater source range estimation
Authors: Long Runling , Zhou Jianbo , Liang Ningning , Yang Yixin , Shen He
Published: November 2023

In this study, an underwater source range estimation method based on unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) is proposed. In contrast to traditional deep-learning frameworks using real-world data, UDA does not require labeling of the measured data, making it more practical. First, a classifier based on a deep neural network is trained with labeled simulated data generated using acoustic propagation models and, then, the adaptive procedure is applied, wherein unlabeled measured data are employed to adjust an adaptation module using the adversarial learning algorithm. Adversarial learning is employed to alleviate the marginal distribution divergence, which reflects the difference between the measured and theoretically computed sound field, in the latent space. This divergence, caused by environmental parameter mismatch or other unknown corruption, can be detrimental to accurate source localization. After the completion of the adaptive procedure, the measured and simulated data are projected to the same space, eliminating distribution discrepancy, which is beneficial for source localization tasks. Experimental results show that range estimation based on UDA outperforms the match-field-processing method under four scenarios of few snapshots, few array elements, low signal-to-noise ratio, and environmental parameter mismatch, verifying the robustness of the method.
Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene
Apc
synergizes with
H. pylori
to induce DNA damage in murine gastric stem and progenitor cells
Authors: He Jiazhuo , Nascakova Zuzana , Leary Peter , Papa Giovanni , Valenta Tomas , Basler Konrad , Müller Anne
Published: November 2023

Helicobacter pylori
infection is a major risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. The bacteria reside in close proximity to gastric surface mucous as well as stem and progenitor cells. Here, we take advantage of wild-type and genetically engineered murine gastric organoids and organoid-derived monolayers to study the cellular targets of
H. pylori
–induced DNA damage and replication stress and to explore possible interactions with preexisting gastric cancer driver mutations. We find using alkaline comet assay, single-molecule DNA fiber assays, and immunofluorescence microscopy of DNA repair foci that
H. pylori
induces transcription-dependent DNA damage in actively replicating, Leucine-rich-repeat containing G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 5 (Lgr5)–positive antral stem and progenitor cells and their Troy-positive corpus counterparts, but not in other gastric epithelial lineages. Infection-dependent DNA damage is aggravated by
Apc
inactivation, but not by
Trp53
or
Smad4
loss, or
Erbb2
overexpression. Our data suggest that
H. pylori
induces DNA damage in stem and progenitor cells, especially in settings of hyperproliferation due to constitutively active Wnt signaling.
Promotion of uterine reconstruction by a tissue-engineered uterus with biomimetic structure and extracellular matrix microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Long-mei , Da Lin-cui , Wang Rui , Wang Long , Jiang Yan-lin , Zhang Xiu-zhen , Li Ya-xing , Lei Xiong-xin , Song Yu-ting , Zou Chen-yu , Huang Li-ping , Zhang Wen-qian , Zhang Qing-yi , Li Qian-jin , Nie Rong , Zhang Yi , Liang Yan , Li-Ling Jesse , Xie Hui-qi
Published: November 2023

The recurrence rate for severe intrauterine adhesions is as high as 60%, and there is still lack of effective prevention and treatment. Inspired by the nature of uterus, we have developed a bilayer scaffold (ECM-SPS) with biomimetic heterogeneous features and extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment of the uterus. As proved by subtotal uterine reconstruction experiments, the mechanical and antiadhesion properties of the bilayer scaffold could meet the requirement for uterine repair. With the modification with tissue-specific cell–derived ECM, the ECM-SPS had the ECM microenvironment signatures of both the endometrium and myometrium and exhibited the property of inducing stem cell–directed differentiation. Furthermore, the ECM-SPS has recruited more endogenous stem cells to promote endometrial regeneration at the initial stage of repair, which was accompanied by more smooth muscle regeneration and a higher pregnancy rate. The reconstructed uterus could also sustain normal pregnancy and live birth. The ECM-SPS may thereby provide a potential treatment for women with severe intrauterine adhesions.
Teaching a single-arm robot to fold towels
Authors: Yashinski Melisa
Published: November 2023

Reinforcement learning was used to teach a one-armed robot to flatten and fold a towel.
Transcriptome-based identification of tumor-reactive and bystander CD8
+
T cell receptor clonotypes in human pancreatic cancer
Authors: Meng Zibo , Rodriguez Ehrenfried Aaron , Tan Chin Leng , Steffens Laura K. , Kehm Hannes , Zens Stefan , Lauenstein Claudia , Paul Alina , Schwab Marius , Förster Jonas D. , Salek Mogjiborahman , Riemer Angelika B. , Wu Heshui , Eckert Christoph , Leonhardt Carl-Stephan , Strobel Oliver , Volkmar Michael , Poschke Isabel , Offringa Rienk
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is generally refractory to immune checkpoint blockade, although patients with genetically unstable tumors can show modest therapeutic benefit. We previously demonstrated the presence of tumor-reactive CD8
+
T cells in PDAC samples. Here, we charted the tumor-infiltrating T cell repertoire in PDAC by combining single-cell transcriptomics with functional testing of T cell receptors (TCRs) for reactivity against autologous tumor cells. On the basis of a comprehensive dataset including 93 tumor-reactive and 65 bystander TCR clonotypes, we delineated a gene signature that effectively distinguishes between these T cell subsets in PDAC, as well as in other tumor indications. This revealed a high frequency of tumor-reactive TCR clonotypes in three genetically unstable samples. In contrast, the T cell repertoire in six genetically stable PDAC tumors was largely dominated by bystander T cells. Nevertheless, multiple tumor-reactive TCRs were successfully identified in each of these samples, thereby providing a perspective for personalized immunotherapy in this treatment-resistant indication.
Anaerobiosis, a neglected factor in phage-bacteria interactions
Authors: Hernández Villamizar Santiago , Chica Cárdenas Luis A. , Morales Mancera Laura T. , Vives Florez Martha J.
Published: November 2023

Phage therapy is a promising alternative in treating bacterial infections; however, understanding how bacteria and phages interact according to the environment is crucial. Although most phage therapy applications are intended for anaerobic environments (such as intestine or wounds), research on the effects of oxygen absence on the phage infection process is scarce . Here, we studied the effect of anoxic conditions in a
Salmonella
sp. – phage model, given the prevalence of this bacterial pathogen in anaerobic environments, and the potential of phage therapy for its control. Our results show that oxygen-deprived conditions affect the life cycle length of the phage and its capacity to control the bacterial population. Changes in host cell size associated with the FtsZ protein were observed, along with a modified emergence of resistance against the phage under different oxygen conditions. Interestingly, transcriptomic analyses revealed that phage infection in aerobic conditions triggers the expression of genes associated with nitrate reduction, an alternative pathway for anaerobic respiration. Meanwhile, uninfected anaerobic cultures displayed the upregulation of genes involved in a different anaerobic metabolic route comprising the transport of thiosulfate and sulfate. Altogether, our results provide insights into the importance of considering oxygen availability as an important factor for phage therapy when working with facultative anaerobic bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Many parameters affect phage-bacteria interaction. Some of these parameters depend on the environment in which the bacteria are present. Anaerobiosis effect on phage infection in facultative anaerobic bacteria has not yet been studied. The absence of oxygen triggers metabolic changes in facultative bacteria and this affects phage infection and viral life cycle. Understanding how an anaerobic environment can alter the behavior of phages during infection is relevant for the phage therapy success.
Salactin, a dynamically unstable actin homolog in Haloarchaea
Authors: Zheng Jenny , Mallon John , Lammers Alex , Rados Theopi , Litschel Thomas , Moody Edmund R. R. , Ramirez-Diaz Diego A. , Schmid Amy , Williams Tom A. , Bisson-Filho Alexandre W. , Garner Ethan
Published: November 2023

Across the domains of life, actin homologs are integral components of many essential processes, such as DNA segregation, cell division, and cell shape determination. Archaeal genomes, like those of bacteria and eukaryotes, also encode actin homologs, but much less is known about these proteins’
in vivo
dynamics and cellular functions. We identified and characterized the function and dynamics of Salactin, an actin homolog in the hypersaline archaeon
Halobacterium salinarum
. Live-cell time-lapse imaging revealed that Salactin forms dynamically unstable filaments that grow and shrink out of the cell poles. Like other dynamically unstable polymers, Salactin monomers are added at the growing filament end, and its ATP-bound critical concentration is substantially lower than the ADP-bound form. When
H. salinarum’s
chromosomal copy number becomes limiting under low-phosphate growth conditions, cells lacking Salactin show perturbed DNA distributions. Taken together, we propose that Salactin is part of a previously unknown chromosomal segregation apparatus required during low-ploidy conditions.

IMPORTANCE

Protein filaments play important roles in many biological processes. We discovered an actin homolog in halophilic archaea, which we call Salactin. Just like the filaments that segregate DNA in eukaryotes, Salactin grows out of the cell poles towards the middle, and then quickly depolymerizes, a behavior known as dynamic instability. Furthermore, we see that Salactin affects the distribution of DNA in daughter cells when cells are grown in low-phosphate media, suggesting Salactin filaments might be involved in segregating DNA when the cell has only a few copies of the chromosome.