bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roboustness of Hydrogen Bonding in the Construction of Supramolecular Architechures in Protonated Perchlorate Salts
Authors: Sathya D. , Karthikeyan N. , Padmavathy R. , Jagan R. , Saminathan K. , Akilan R.
Published: December 2021

Five new multicomponent salts of perchloric acid with a series of substituted anilines and N-heterocyclic amines namely Diphenylaminium perchlorate (DPAPC) (1), 2, 5-dichloroanilinium perchlorate (25DAP) hydrate (2), 4-Methylanilinium perchlorate (4MAPC) (3), 4-diamino-6-methyl-1, 3, 5-triazin-1-ium hydrogen perchlorate (24DAMTHP) (4) and 8-hydroxyquinolinium hydrogen perchlorate (8HQP) (5) were prepared and structurally characterized. The entire complexes were subjected to FTIR and elemental analysis. A vast family of intermolecular contacts N-H…O, O-H…O, N-H…N and C-H…O were observed, which are key ingredient in the generation of privileged supramolecular self-assemblies appeared as one-dimensional chain, two-dimensional ladder and helix. Cambridge structural Database (CSD) analysis of 52 hits revealed the perchloric acid display higher propensity of ladder architectures. Molecular stability of the complexes were studied by quantum chemical calculations using DFT/B3LYP method with 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Further their relative charge distributions were identified using molecular electrostatic potential map. The use of Hirshfeld surfaces in combination with fingerprint plots was visualized in order to study the closer contacts within the molecule. The relative contribution of whole percentage of interactions associated is highlighted.
Opioid use in Older Orthopedic Rehabilitation Inpatients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bilek Aaron Jason , Cullen Stephanie , Tan Carolyn Michelle , Li Qixuan , Huszti Ella , Norman Richard E
Published: December 2021

Background: While there is much evidence about pain management for orthopedic patients in the immediate perioperative setting, little is known about how opioids are used during inpatient rehabilitation in the days and weeks that follow, particularly in older adults. A safe upper limit of 50 oral morphine equivalents (OME) is frequently cited in guidelines. This study’s objective is to characterize the use of opioids in an older adult population undergoing orthopedic rehabilitation. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of adults aged ≥50 years old admitted for orthopedic rehabilitation between November 2019 and June 2021 at an academic rehabilitation hospital in Toronto, Canada. Acute care admissions preceding rehabilitation were for either a surgical or non-surgical orthopedic indication. Participants were divided into opioid-naïve individuals who received opioids, opioid-naïve individuals who did not receive opioids, and pre-existing chronic users of opioids. Demographic, clinical, and medication administration data were collected through the electronic health record and manual chart review. Average daily opioid dose for the first seven days of each stay was characterized using OME. Linear regression was used to assess for variables independently associated with opioid dose. Results: A total of 643 patients undergoing orthopedic rehabilitation were included: 125 (19.4%) involved chronic opioid users, 416 (64.7%) were opioid-naïve patients who received opioids, and 102 (15.9%) were opioid-naïve patients who did not receive opioids, with median age respectively of 72, 79, and 83. Median daily OME over the first week for chronic users was 30.3 and for opioid-naïve users was 6.9. Opioid dose was significantly positively associated with reported pain as defined by day 3 pain score and knee replacement; it was inversely associated with admission for a non-surgical indication and age. Conclusions: Opioids are frequently but heterogeneously used in older adults undergoing orthopedic rehabilitation. Median OME use in this cohort of older adults was substantially lower than the 50 OME threshold suggested in guidelines. Dedicated guidance for opioid use is warranted for this unique patient population.
The Impact of the Serotonin Transporter Gene Promoter DNA Methylation on Anorexia Nervosa：A Preliminary Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chen Jue , Xiao Zeping , He Qianqian , Kang Qing , Yu Shunying , Peng Sufang , Chen Han , Lin Zhiguang
Published: December 2021

BackgroudThe serotonin system has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa (AN). The promoter region of serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), also called 5-HTTLPR, responsible for serotonin reuptake, has received much attention, especially 5-HTTLPR methylation, which was associated with abnormal eating behaviors. The study was aimed to explore the association between 5-HTTLPR methylation and AN, as well as its predictive effect on therapeutic response.Methods91 AN patients and 87 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Only 30 patients completed the 12-week follow-up. 5-HTTLPR methylation levels and clinical symptoms were assessed at baseline for all participants, at the fourth and the twelfth week for follow-up patients. 5-HTTLPR methylation was measured by MassArray methods and clinical symptoms were mainly evaluated by the EDE-Q6.0 scale. ResultsAN patients had higher methylation at CpG 11, CpG 24.25, CpG 31.32 and CpG_mean than healthy controls (P=0.039, 0.042, 0.018, 0.001). Furthermore, it was the binge/purging subtype that revealed significant hypermethylation at CpG4 and CpG_mean (P=0.027, 0.031). However, it failed to discover significant differences between AN-R and AN-BP groups at all units. Besides, CpG 11 methylation level was positively correlated with EDEQ-6.0 total score in patients (r=0.226, P=0.047). The methylation level of CpG11, CpG26.27.28, CpG31.32, CpG33.34.35.36 and CpG_mean decreased after treatment, but not significantly. 5-HTTLPR methylation was not significantly different between the two groups after treatment.ConclusionsOur study provided preliminary evidence that 5-HTTLPR methylation played vital roles in AN pathogenesis. The characteristic of 5-HTTLPR among untreated AN patients was hypermethylation. However, whether it is the biomarker to distinguish the subtypes and therapeutic response of AN needs further investigation.
Ontogeny of Adenohypophyseal Cells, Pituitary Gland Development and Structure in Adults of Astyanax Lacustris (Teleostei, Characidae): an Emerging Neotropical Fish Species
Authors: Branco Giovana Souza , De Jesus Lázaro Wender O. , Cassel Monica , Chehade Chayrra , Camargo Marília de Paiva , Dias Gisele C. M. , Borella Maria Ines
Published: December 2021

Pituitary gland morphogenesis of the adenohypophyseal (AH) cells of Astyanax lacustris are presented herein. This Characiformes species show great ecological and commercial importance, and it has been increasingly used as a biological model. The first AH cells of A. lacustris were detected at 1 dah by the immunostaining of PRL producing cells. The morphology of the gland presented changes in shape throughout the development, starting elongated but more oval at the end. The neurohypophysis was differentiated at 3 dah, along with the identification of ACTH, MSH, TSH, and FSH producing cells. Identification of the immunoreactive cells to anti-LH, anti-SL, and anti-GH antibodies occurred at 5 dah. At 20 dah, an increase in pituitary size and the presence of the pituitary stalk were observed. At 60 dah, the pituitary already had the same shape seen in adults. The ontogeny of adenohypophyseal cells in A. lacustris corroborates the heterogeneity in the appearance of these cell types in teleosts and suggests that these hormones actively participate during the early development of this species. Our results collaborate with the understanding of the morphogenesis of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in South American teleosts, showing essential data for the development of future studies related to pituitary morphophysiology.
The Effect of Renewable Energy Development, Market Regulation, and Technological Innovation on CO2 Emission in BRICS Countries
Authors: Abbas Shah , Gui Peng , Ai Chen , Ali Najabat
Published: December 2021

The relationship between energy, environment, and economic growth has been received a lot of attention recently among scientific studies, but environmental sustainability remains a global issue. Renewable energy production, technological advancement, and regulatory policy mechanisms can all help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support environmental sustainability. The purpose of this study was to look at the influence of renewable energy development, market regulation, and technological innovation on carbon emissions in the BRICS countries. Renewable energy development is measured by the contribution of renewables to the total primary energy supply. The market regulation represents the measure of environmental regulation policies that the state administrative department uses to manage or limit pollution. Technological innovation is measured by environment-related technologies. To examine the symmetric and asymmetric relationship between study variables, we used a second-generation panel unit root test, linear and nonlinear co-integration tests, and linear and nonlinear ARDL. Using a symmetric approach, we found that renewable energy development, technological innovation, and market-based environmental regulation policies had a considerable positive impact on lowering carbon emissions (CE). Furthermore, the combined effect of market regulation and renewable energy development, as well as market regulation and technology innovation on CE is negative and significant. In the asymmetric specification, we found that positive and negative shocks are not uniform but vary according to ascending and descending movement in the primary variables. In nonlinear specification, the long run effects are higher than the short run. The study suggests renewable energy development, technical innovation, and market-based regulation environmental policies are the main mechanisms to reduce carbon emission in BRICS countries.
A Prediction Model for Cure of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Meng Lingfei , Yang Liming , Zhu Xueyan , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Li Xinyang , Cheng Siyu , Guo Shizheng , Zhuang Xiaohua , Zou Hongbin , Luo Ping , Cui Wenpeng
Published: December 2021

AimPeritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis (PDAP) is a severe complation of PD. And it is an important issue about whether it can be cured. At present, there is no available prediction model for peritonitis cure. Therefore, the present work aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model for peritonitis cure in PDAP patients.MethodsPD patients who developed PDAP from four dialysis centers in Northeast China were followed up. According to the region of PD, data were divided into training and validation datasets. First of all, a nomogram for peritonitis cure was established based on the training dataset. Later, performance of the nomogram model was assessed by discrimination (C-statistic), calibration and decision curves. ResultsIn total, 1063 episodes of peritonitis were included in the final analysis, including 806 in the training dataset and 257 in the validation dataset. During the follow-up period, 621 and 199 cases in the training and validation datasets, respectively, reported peritonitis cure. Predictors incorporated in the final nomogram model included PD duration, serum albumin, antibiotics prior to admission, and type of causative organisms. The C-statistic values were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72–0.80) in the training dataset and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70–0.84) in the validation dataset. The nomogram exhibited favorable performance in terms of calibration in both the training and validation datasets.ConclusionThis study develops a practical and convenient nomogram for the prediction of peritonitis cure in PDAP patients, which assists in the clinical decision-making.
Genetic Structure in Neotropical Birds with Different Tolerance To Urbanization
Authors: Rodríguez-Bardía Mauricio , Fuchs Eric J. , Barrantes Gilbert , Madrigal-Brenes Ruth , Sandoval Luis
Published: December 2021

Gene flow in birds can be affected by urbanization depending on natural history traits and adaptability to habitat change. Contrasting results can be expected when comparing species with opposite resilience to urbanization. In this study, we assessed genetic diversity and structure for two bird species, the urban avoider white-eared ground-sparrow, Melozone leucotis, and the urban dweller house wren Troglodytes aedon. We used seven microsatellite loci and sampled five locations with differing levels of urbanization in Costa Rica. We found considerably higher genetic structure in white-eared ground-sparrows than in house wrens. Circuit theory analyses proved a higher isolation from urban resistance for the white-eared ground-sparrow than for house wrens. These results support that urbanization is a significant barrier for gene flow in urban avoiders, in contrast to urban dweller species that showed little to no impact. Differences could be attributed to a higher plasticity in habitat and nesting site preferences in the house wren, and significant dispersal limitation for the white-eared ground-sparrow. These results emphasize the need for conservation strategies towards white-eared ground-sparrows and other urban avoider species whose habitat and connectivity have been reduced by the recent urban expansion.
Surgical Efficacy and Prognosis of 54 Cases of Spinal Metastases from Breast Cancer
Authors: weitao Yao , Zhehuang Li , Boya Zhang , Xinhui Du , Jiaqiang Wang , Peng Zhang , Xin Wang , Limin Niu , Min Yan , Xiaohui Niu
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE
To analyze the efficacy and complications of spinal metastasis surgery for breast cancer; to understand the survival and the influencing factors; and to verify the predictive ability of the currently used spinal metastasis cancer survival prediction scoring system on the 1-year postoperative survival rate.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted on 54 patients with spinal metastases from breast cancer who underwent open surgery after multidisciplinary consultation in our hospital from January 2017 to October 2020. Patient demographic-related variables, breast cancer-related variables, spinal disorders-related variables, and treatment-related variables were collected. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, one-way tests were performed using the Log-rank method for factors that might affect prognosis, and candidate variables were included in the Cox model for multifactor analysis. The Tomita score, modified Tokuhashi score, modified Bauer score, modified Katagiri score were examined by plotting the subject operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calculating the area under curve (AUC) The AUC was used to test the predictive ability of the SORG (Skeletal Oncology Research Group) original version, SORG line graph version, and SORG web version for 1-year postoperative survival in patients with spinal metastases from breast cancer.
RESULTS
The average age was 51.3±8.6 years in 54 patients. Twenty-one patients underwent vertebral body debulking surgery, 32 patients underwent palliative canal decompression, and 1 patient underwent vertebral en bloc resection, with an operative time of 229.3 ± 87.6 minutes and intraoperative bleeding of 1018.1 ± 931.1 ml. Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant pain relief and gradual recovery from nerve injury. Major surgical complications included cerebrospinal fluid leakage, secondary spinal cord injury, spinal tumor progression, and broken of fixation. The mean survival time was 32.2 months, including a 6-month survival rate of 90.7%, a 1-year survival rate of 77.8%, and a 2-year survival rate of 60.3%. Univariate analysis showed that pre-operation with neurological deficits, hormone-insensitive type, with brain metastases were potential risk factors for poor prognosis. Multifactorial analysis showed that hormone-insensitive type and concomitant brain metastasis were independent risk factors associated with poor prognosis. The SORG web version had good ability to predict 1-year postoperative survival in patients with spinal metastases from breast cancer.
Conclusion
Spinal metastasis from breast cancer has good surgical efficacy, low postoperative recurrence rate, and relatively long survival time after surgery. Patients with hormone-insensitive type, with brain metastasis have poor prognosis, and SORG web version can predict patients' 1-year survival more accurately.
MicroRNA Member TaMIR5062 in T. Aestivum Involves Plant Drought and Salt Acclimation via Regulating Physiological Processes Associated with Water Retention and ROS Homeostasis
Authors: Qiao Yuanjinzi , Wang Ling , Yu Zidi , Ni Chenyang , Li Tianjiao , Guo Chengjin , Xiao Kai
Published: December 2021

microRNA members negatively regulate target genes via posttranscriptional cleavage or translation repression mechanisms, impacting on plant growth, development, and stress response. In this study, we characterized TaMIR5062, a miRNA member in T. aestivum, in mediating drought and salt responses. TaMIR5062 interacts with six target genes, including two encoding calmodulins, three coding for 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerases, and one for pumilio-family RNA binding domain protein. The TaMIR5062 transcripts were gradually upregulated in plants upon 27-h drought and salt treatments, whose induced expression under stress treatments was restored following the normal recovery condition. Tobacco (N. tabacum) lines transformed with TaMIR5062 modified growth traits under drought and salt treatments; the lines overexpressing miRNA (i.e., Sen 1 and Sen 2) improved growth traits (i.e., biomass, leaf area, and root length) whereas those with knockdown (Anti 1) alleviated growth features compared with wild type. These results suggested the critical role of TaMIR5062 in improving plant drought and salt tolerance. In line with growth traits in stress-challenged lines, improved leaf water retention (i.e., promoted stomata closing, water losing rate, and osmolytes) and ROS-associated parameters (higher SOD, CAT, and POD activities, etc.) were shown in Sen 1 and Sen 2 under stress conditions. Antioxidant enzyme (AE) genes NtMnSOD1, NtCAT, and NtPOD9 encoding SOD, CAT, and POD, respectively, enhanced transcription in Sen 1 and downregulated expression in Anti 1 challenged with drought and salt stress. These results suggested the improved ROS homeostasis mediated by TaMIR5062 associates modified expression of distinct AE genes. Quantities of genes functional into categories “biological process”, “cellular component”, and “molecular function” contribute to TaMIR5062-mediated osmotic stress adaptation by regulating distinct biological pathways (i.e., protein folding) and metabolisms (i.e., photosynthesis and isoprenoid biosynthesis), which impact on plant osmotic-regulation, ROS homeostasis, and stress defensiveness underlying miRNA regulation. TaMIR5062 is a valuable target for molecular breeding of drought-tolerant crop cultivars.
Highly coherent frequency-entangled photons based on parametric instability in active fiber ring cavity
Authors: Gao Lei , Li Ziwei , Ran Hongqing , Cao Yulong , Wabnitz Stefan , Xiao Zinan , Dai Shiyun , Wu Qiang , Kong Lingdi , Huang Ligang , Huang Wei , Zhu Tao
Published: December 2021

Highly coherent frequency-entangled photons at telecom band are critical in quantum information protocols and quantum tele-communication. Photon pairs generated by spontaneous parametric down-conversion in nonlinear crystals or modulation instability in optical fibers exhibit random fluctuations. Here, we demonstrate highly stable frequency-entangled photons based on parametric instability in an active fiber ring cavity, where periodic modulation of dispersion excites parametric resonance, and the characteristic wave number is selected by the periodic modulation of resonator. Background-free autocorrelation of single-shot spectra reveals that spectra of parametric instability sidebands possess high coherence. The quantum properties are tested by the Hanbury Brown-Twiss measurement and Hong-Ou-Mandel interference. We conform the frequency-entanglement of two parametric instability sidebands by a spatial quantum beating with a fringe visibility of 97.9%. Our results prove that the parametric instability in active fiber cavity is effective to generate highly coherent frequency-entangled photon pairs, which would facilitate subsequent quantum applications.
Associations of Sleep Problems with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Among Chinese Preschoolers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ma Ying , Tang Jie , Wen Yuqi , Hu Yan , Liang Jingjing , Jiang Lin , Xing Yanfei , Song Yanyan
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of sleep problems with asthma and allergic rhinitis among Chinese preschoolers.
Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Guangzhou, China. Children aged 3-6 years were selected from 32 kindergartens in 7 regions. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and sleep problem were evaluated by a valid questionnaire. Binary logistic regression models were employed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for asthma and allergic rhinitis according to short sleep duration, late bedtime and frequent nocturnal awaking.
Results

We included 4876 preschool children. Of these, 182 (3.7%) diagnosed as asthma, and 511 (10.5%) diagnosed as allergic rhinitis. Frequent nocturnal awakening was associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, adjusted OR were 1.49(95% CI: 1.05~2.13) and 1.59(95%CI: 1.27-1.99), respectively. Further subgroup analysis showed the association of frequent nocturnal awakening with asthma differed by gender. No significant associations of short duration and late bedtime with asthma/ and allergic rhinitis were identified.
Conclusions

Our data suggested that frequent nocturnal awakening was associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, and the association of frequent nocturnal awakening with asthma differed by gender. Further studies are warranted to address the causal relationship between nocturnal awaking and asthma and allergic rhinitis.
An Oxidative Stress Response Gene Model for the Prediction of Prognosis and Therapeutic Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: HONG Junjie , Cai Xiujun
Published: December 2021

BackgroundOxidative stress response genes are critical for the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Still, the predictive value for prognosis and treatment response of oxidative stress response genes needs further elucidation. Methods﻿We obtained the transcriptomic data and corresponding clinicopathological information of HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Oxidative stress response genes (OSRGs) were retrieved from the MSigDB database. LASSO Cox regression analysis was utilized to establish an integrated multi-gene signature in the TCGA cohort, and its prediction performance was validated in the ICGC cohort. The risk score of each patient ware determined by the multi-gene signature. The CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to evaluate the immune cell infiltration. Response rate to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy was assessed using a TIDE platform. Tumor mutation burden was estimated using VarScan processed somatic mutation data. The drug activity data from the Cancer Genome Project and NCI-60 human cancer cell lines were used to predict sensitivity to chemotherapy. Results﻿The gene signature comprises G6PD, MT3, CBX2, CDKN2B, CCNA2, MAPT, EZH2, and SLC7A11. Patients with high risk scores had shorter overall survival. The risk score was identified as an independent prognostic marker. The immune cell infiltration patterns, response rates to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy, and the estimated sensitivity of 89 chemotherapeutic drugs were associated with risk scores. Individual prognostic gene was also associated with the susceptibility of various FDA-approved drugs. Conclusion﻿Our study indicates that an integrated transcriptomic analysis may provide a reliable molecular model that better predicts diagnosis and forecasts the response of ICI therapy and chemotherapy.
Three-dimensional Deep-tissue Functional and Molecular Imaging by Integrated Photoacoustic, Ultrasound, and Angiographic Tomography (PAUSAT)
Authors: Li Mucong , Beaumont Nathan , Ma Chenshuo , Rojas Juan , Vu Tri , Harlacher Max , O’Connell Graeme , Gessner Ryan , Kilian Hailey , Kasatkina Ludmila , Chen Yong , Huang Qiang , Shen Xiling , Lovell Jonathan , Verkhusha Vladislav , Czernuszewicz Tomek , Yao Junjie
Published: December 2021

Non-invasive small-animal imaging technologies, such as optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and x-ray computed tomography, have enabled researchers to study normal biological phenomena or disease progression in their native conditions. However, existing small-animal imaging technologies often lack either the penetration capability for interrogating deep tissues (e.g., optical microscopy), or the functional and molecular sensitivity for tracking specific activities (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging). To achieve functional and molecular imaging in deep tissues, we have developed an integrated photoacoustic, ultrasound and angiographic tomography (PAUSAT) system by seamlessly combining light and ultrasound in a non-invasive manner. PAUSAT can perform three imaging functions simultaneously with complementary contrast: high-frequency B-mode ultrasound imaging of tissue morphology, microbubble-enabled acoustic angiography of vasculature, and multi-spectral photoacoustic imaging of molecular probes. PAUSAT can provide three-dimensional (3D) multi-contrast images that are automatically co-registered, with high spatial resolutions at large depth. Using PAUSAT, we conducted proof-of-concept in vivo experiments on various small animal models: monitoring longitudinal development of placenta and embryo during mouse pregnancy, tracking biodistribution and metabolism of near-infrared organic dye on the whole-body scale, and detecting genetically-encoded breast tumor expressing photoswitchable phytochromes. These results have collectively demonstrated that PAUSAT has broad applicability in biomedical research, providing comprehensive structural, functional, and molecular imaging of small animal models.
Fractal, Diffraction-encoded Space-Division Multiplexing for FSO with Misalignment-Robust, Roaming Transceivers
Authors: Weng Xiaojing , Vuong Luat T.
Published: December 2021

With free space optical (FSO) communication systems, information is generally transmitted to minimize diffraction. Here, we demonstrate an alternate paradigm, "diffractal space-division multiplexing" (DSDM), in which the diffraction of fractals enable a wider cone for reception to support roaming transceiver. As a result, DSDM is robust to misalignment over longer-distance links. We examine the consequence of mid-field, non-far-field propagation and the result on kernel bit error rates. The sparse and redundant encoding of information in DSDM may be relevant to other FSO acquisition, pointing, and tracking.
Human pressure drives biodiversity–multifunctionality relationships in neotropical wetlands
Authors: Moi Dieison , Lansac-Tôha fernando , Romero Gustavo , Sobral-Souza Thadeu , Cardinale Bradley , Kratina Pavel , Perkins Daniel , de Mello Franco Teixeira , Jeppesen Erik , Heino Jani , Lansac-Tôha Fábio , Velho Luiz , Mormul Roger
Published: December 2021

Many studies have shown that biodiversity regulates a multitude of ecological functions that are needed to maintain the productivity and efficiency of a variety of types of ecosystems. What is not known is how human activities may change the ‘multifunctionality’ of ecosystems as they have both direct impacts on ecosystems and indirect effects on the biodiversity that serves to control ecological functions. Using a database on hundreds of lakes spanning four large neotropical wetlands, we demonstrate that species richness and the functional diversity of fish, macrophytes, microcrustaceans, rotifers, protists, and phytoplankton are positively associated with ecosystem multifunctionality, including nutrient concentrations, standing biomass, and ecosystem metabolism. However, we also found that the relationship between biodiversity and multifunctionality is weakened by human pressures and that part of this impact occurs through changes in biodiversity. Our results suggest that human activities may break down the biological controls needed to maintain the suite of ecosystem functions that sustain wetlands.
Effect of Scanning Mode on Temperature Field and Interface Morphology of Laser Joining between CFRTP and TC4 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Chen Weiwen , Liu Xiqin , Bu Hengchang , Wang Feiyun , Luo Jiebang , Zhan Xiaohong
Published: December 2021

Hybrid components composed of CFRTP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Polymer) and TC4 titanium alloy are increasingly applied in the aerospace field. The scanning mode has a significant influence on the quality of laser joining joint between CFRTP and TC4 titanium alloy. Therefore, the laser joining between TC4 titanium alloy with surface microgrooves and CFRTP has been implemented under oscillating laser joining mode and linear laser joining mode respectively in the present research. The temperature distribution is qualitatively explored based on the established mathematical model of laser joining between CFRTP and TC4 titanium alloy. The interface morphology and the joining strength of CFRTP/TC4 titanium alloy lap joints under oscillating laser joining and linear laser joining are compared. The results indicate that the simulated temperature distribution shows good agreement with the experimental result. Compared with linear laser joining, the oscillating laser joining weakens the heat concentration and creates a heating zone with larger area and more uniform temperature distribution. The interface morphology of laser joining CFRTP/TC4 titanium alloy joints with better resin filling and fewer bubble defects is obtained by oscillating laser joining due to the temperature variation of the form of unequal amplitude oscillations, whereas there are a large number of large-size bubbles in the filling resin and small-sized fusion gaps distributed at the interface with the linear laser scanning mode. By adopting the joining method with oscillating laser scanning mode, higher quality joints can be obtained.
Particle Simulation of The Strong Magnetic Field Effect On Dust Particle Charging Process
Authors: Davari H. , Farokhi B. , Asgarian M. Ali
Published: December 2021

A particle-in-cell simulation is modeled and run on a dusty plasma to determine the effect of the magnetic field on the process dust-particle charging through electron-ion plasma. The electric field is solved through the Poisson equation, and the electron-neutral elastic scattering, excitation, and ionization processes are modeled through Monte Carlo collision method. The effects obderved from the initial density of the plasma, the initial temperature of the electrons, and the changing magnetic field are included in this simulation model. In the dust particle charging process, saturation time and saturation charge are compared. An increase in the magnetic field cannot reduce time to reach the saturation state. Determinig the magnetic field boundaries which depend on the physical properties of the plasma, which can be contributive in some areas of dusty(complex) plasma. The applications of the results obtaind here for fusion plasma conditions and space and laboratory plasmas are discussed. The results here can be applied in future simulation models with a focus on the dust particle movement and their effect on plasma, leading to the modeling of different astrophysical plasmas thorough laboratory experiments.
Study on the Influence of Rotational Speed and Pad Temperature of Pumped-Storage Set on Oil Mist Leakage of Thrust Bearing
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhang Yuquan , Zheng Yuan , Ge Xinfeng , Hong Yunlai , Fernandez-Rodriguez E.
Published: December 2021

The accumulation of oil mist in the thrust bearings compromises the safety of the unit and prompts financial and environmental losses. To discuss the strategies for limiting its impact, the model uses the VOF approach to calculate the air-oil-oil mist three-phase flow, combined with the Lee model, to solve the evaporation and mass transfer process between the oil and oil mist. Our attention is drawn into the influence of unit speed and pad temperature, on the occurrence of external and internal leaks from the oil tank. A comparison of cases is made with five unit speeds (100 to 500 rpm) at constant temperature (60°C), and with one unit speed (500 rpm) at different temperatures (56°C,60°C,62°C). With constant speed, the rise of pad temperature promotes the evaporation of the lubricating oil in an uneven manner, augmenting the occurrence of oil leaks. From findings, the increase of speed reduces the pressure change rate at the wall of the inner tank (external oil leaks) by 5.95 %, and of the oil slinger (internal leaks), by 44.64%. The present results might help to suggest courses of action to reduce the oil mist leakage.
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perceived Barriers Among Mental Health Professionals in Sudanese Psychiatric Hospitals Regarding COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Elhashimi Fajr , Ibrahim Mohammed , Taha Bhaga
Published: December 2021

Background: Since March 11, 2020, COVID-19 has been declared as a pandemic by WHO, it has caused substantial morbidity and mortality globally thus knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to the COVID-19 outbreak are one of the priorities in such a pandemic. KAP in a non-COVID facility, such as a psychiatric institution needs to be addressed. Aims: To assess mental health professionals knowledge, attitude, and practice working Sudanese in psychiatric facilitatesMethods: A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire targeting the whole population of mental health professionals(MHPs) which is 141, was conducted at three psychiatric facilities in Khartoum state , Sudan. 89 agreed to participate in the study consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses staff participated in the study. Results: 70.8% of MHP’s in this study had adequate knowledge of COVID-19 symptomatology, transmission, management, and preventive measures. 44.9% were not willing to take COVID19 vaccine. Good practices like maintaining quarantine during outbreak and wearing a medical mask were observed. The significant difference found in Spearman’s correlation was between knowledge and attitude which was negative correlation. Findings showed that MHPs (37.1%,N=33) had positive Practice,(57.3%,N=51) had positive attitude regarding COVID-19. MHPs perceived that lack of an official specialized in infection control ,overcrowding in psychiatric patients’ room and Lack of policy procedures of infection control practice were the major barriers to infection control. Inferential analysis indicated that Social workers showing higher knowledge (mean=57.95) than other MHPs (P=0.009) and psychiatrist showed higher attitude (62.63). Conclusions: This study found that MHPs in Sudan have good knowledge, and suggest a special need to scale up facilities’ infection control materials to meet the required good practice.
Probiotic Bifidobacterium Isolated from Chicken Intestine with PVP Showed Synergistic Effects on Reduction of AFB1
Authors: Aalipanah sorour , Fazeli Mohammad Reza , Sepahi Abbas Akhavan , Shariatmadari Farid
Published: December 2021

Food contamination with aflatoxin is one of the most important concerns of health professionals. One of the best ways to reduce aflatoxin content in food is to use probiotics. Therefore, this study was performed to isolate Bifidobacterium from the chick's intestine and its probiotic activities and also its application with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to reduce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxin in the medium were investigated. Samples were isolated from the chicken intestine. After preparing the samples, Bifidobacterium was isolated and identified using biochemical and molecular methods. To measure probiotic activities, pH, bile, and salt tolerance tests were used. Then, the antimicrobial activity of isolate against gastrointestinal pathogens and the antibiotic susceptibility test were done. Then, the effect of selected isolate and PVP on reducing AFB1 in the medium was studied using ELISA and HPLC. Biochemical and molecular evaluations indicated isolation of B. bifidum strain from chicken intestine. The selected strain showed antimicrobial activities on S. enterica, E. coli, and P. vulgaricus and was found to be resistant against Amikacin, Ampicillin, Erythromycin, and Ceftazidine antibiotics. The selected strain showed the ability to reduce the concentration of AFB1 in the medium (50% reduction) and when used in combination with PVP showed the synergistic effects in reducing the concentration of AFB1 from the medium (up to 90%). In conclusion, it was found that selected B. bifidum strain together with PVP could have synergistic effects in reducing AFB1 toxin in medium up to 90%.
A Deep Learning Nomogram for the Prediction of Early Recurrence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Surgery
Authors: Yan Meng , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Bin , Geng Zhijun , Xie Chuanmiao , Yang Wei , Zhang Shuixing , Qi Zhendong , Lin Ting , Ke Qiying , Li Xinming , Wang Shutong , Quan Xianyue
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The accurate prediction of post-hepatectomy early recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for decision-making regarding postoperative adjuvant treatment and monitoring. We aimed to develop and validate a deep-learning (DL) nomogram based on MRI for predicting early recurrence in HCC after curative resection. Methods: We retrospectively included 285 HCC patients who underwent Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI within one month before curative resection. Deep features were extracted from images of the arterial phase (AP), portal venous phase (PVP), and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) using VGGNet-19. Pearson’s correlation was firstly used to exclude redundant features. Three feature selection methods and five classification methods were combined to construct the DL signature. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors for the early recurrence, which were incorporated into the DL nomogram. Results: Microvascular invasion (P = 0.039), tumor number (P = 0.001), and three-phase-based DL signature (P<0.0001) were independent risk factors for early recurrence. The DL nomogram integrating the DL signature and clinical risk factors outperformed the clinical nomogram which combined clinical risk factors, in the training set (AUC: 0.949 vs. 0.751; P<0.0001) and validation set (AUC: 0.908 vs. 0.712; P = 0.002). Excellent calibration was achieved for the DL nomogram in both training and validation sets. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical usefulness of the DL nomogram. Conclusions: The proposed DL nomogram was superior to the traditional clinical nomogram in predicting early recurrence for HCC patients after curative resection.
The Validity and Accuracy of 3D-printed Patient-specific Instruments for High Tibial Osteotomy: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Miao Zhuang , Li Songlin , Luo Desu , Lu Qunshan , Liu Peilai
Published: December 2021

Objective High tibial osteotomy (HTO) has been used for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, the successful implementation of HTO requires precise intraoperative positioning, which places greater requirements on the surgeon. In this study, we aimed to design a new kind of 3D-printed patient-specific instrument (PSI) for HTO, including a positioning device and an angle bracing spacer, and verify its effectiveness using cadaveric specimens.Methods This study included ten fresh human lower limb cadaveric specimens. Computed Tomography(CT) and X-ray examinations were performed to make preoperative plans. PSI was designed and 3D-printed according to the preoperative plan. Then, the PSI was used to guide HTO. Finally, we performed X-ray and CT after the operation to verify its validity and accuracy.Results The PSI use process was adjusted according to the pre-experimental procedure in 1 case. Hinge fracture occurred in 1 case. According to X-rays of the remaining 8 cadaveric specimens, no statistically significant difference was noted between the preoperative planning medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and postoperative MPTA (P > 0.05) or the preoperative and postoperative posterior slope angle (PSA) (P > 0.05). According to the CT of 10 cadaveric specimens, no statistically significant difference was noted between the design angle and actual angle, which was measured according to the angle between the osteotomized line and the cross-section (P > 0.05). The gap between the designed osteotomy line and the actual osteotomy line was 2.09(0.8~3.44) mm in the coronal plane and 1.58(0.7~2.85) mm in the sagittal plane.Conclusion This 3D-printed PSI of HTO accurately achieves the angle and position of the preoperative plan without increasing the stripping area. However, its use still requires a certain degree of proficiency to avoid complications, such as hinge fracture.
Flow Resistance in Lowland Rivers Impacted with Distributed Aquatic Vegetation
Authors: Okhravi Saeid , Schügerl Radoslav , Velísková Yvetta
Published: December 2021

The study addresses the research concern that the employment of fixed value for bed roughness coefficient in lowland rivers (mostly ‌sand-bed rivers) is deemed practically questionable in the presence of a mobile bed and time-dependent changes in vegetation patches. To address this issue, we set up 45 cross-sections in four lowland streams to investigate seasonal flow resistance values within a year. The results first revealed that the significant sources of boundary resistance in lowland rivers with lower regime flow are bed forms and aquatic vegetation. Then, the study uses flow discharge as an influential variable reflecting the impacts of the above-mentioned sources of resistance to flow. The studied approach ended up with two new flow resistance predictors which simply connect dimensionless unit discharge with flow resistance factors, Darcy-Weisbach (f) and Manning (n) coefficients. A comparison between the computed and measured flow resistance values indicates that 87-89% of data sets were within the ±20% error bands. The flow resistance predictors are also verified against large independent sets of field and flume data. The obtained predictions using the developed predictors may overestimate flow resistance factors to about 40% for other lowland rivers. From a different view of this research, the findings on seasonal variation of vegetation abundance hint at the augmentation in flow resistance values, both f, and n, in low summer flows when the vegetation covers river bed and side banks. The highest amount of flow resistance was observed during the summer period, July-August.
Comprehensive Analysis to Identify the Vasohibin1 (VASH1) Emerges as a Novel Prognosis Biomarker in High-Risk Low-Grade Glioma
Authors: aili Yirizhati , maimaiti Aierpati , maimaitiming Nuersimanguli , qin Hu , Ji Wenyu , mahemuti Yusufu , liu Wen , wang Yongxin , Wang Zengliang
Published: December 2021

Background: Gliomas are complex and heterogeneous central nervous system tumors, with Low-grade Glioma (LGG)as the most common pathological type. But studies on the predictive effect of a single gene on LGG are limited. VASH1 is an epigenetic regulator with various tumors. However, the role of VASH1 in LGG remains confused. This is the first research focusing on the prognostic value and underlying mechanism of VASH1 in LGG.Methods: In this research, three independent datasets were used for mRNA-related analysis: two datasets from the TCGA and CGGA (CGGA-mRNA seq 693 and CGGA-mRNA seq 325). We analyzed and screened the clinical significance of VASH1 in overall survival and DSS of various cancers. TIMER and CIBERSORT algorithms were employed to investigate the effect of VASH1 on the tumor microenvironment. GSEA along with GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted to uncover the biological functions of VASH1. In addition, a LGG patient cohort (The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University) was utilized for analysis of cell infiltration by immunohistochemical, Western-blot, and qPCR; then to verify its function in regulating LGG progression in vitro.Result: In this study, the results of generalized cancer survival analysis showed that abnormal VASH1 expression was associated with poor prognosis (overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC), low-grade glioma (LGG), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) (P<0.05). Meanwhile, VASH1 was correlated with the immune invasion, immune score, immune checkpoint, and TBM of the above four tumors, and the correlation between VASH1 expression and LGG was the strongest. In addition, we found that VASH1-mediated changes in gene expression are closely related to cell cycle, P53, Notch, and TGF-β signaling pathways. In addition, immunostaining and RT-PCR were performed on our cohort, and the results showed that VASH1 expression was significantly higher than that of para-cancer tissues (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis results showed that VASH1 was associated with shorter survival (OS) and shorter DFS in high-risk LGG patients (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that high VASH1 expression was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of LGG patients (HR=1.65, P=0.02). Finally, a high level of VASH1 was found in U-251 cell lines by in vitro cell experiments, and the migration and invasion ability of U-251 cells were significantly improved after knockdown of VASH1 (P<0.01), which further confirmed the function of VASH1.Conclusion: In conclusion, this study preliminarily indicates that VASH1 can be used as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for LGG, and has important clinical application value.
Manipulating local environment of atomically dispersed Fe electrocatalyst for high energy and long cycle Li-S pouch cell
Authors: Lim Won-Gwang , Park Cheol-Young , Jung Hyeonjung , Kim Seoa , Kang Seok Hun , Lee Young-Gi , Jeong Yo Chan , Yang Seung Bo , Sohn Kwonnam , Han Jeong Woo , Lee Jinwoo
Published: December 2021

High-energy lithium-sulfur (Li-S) pouch cell are limited by the insufficient capacities and stabilities of their cathodes under practical electrolyte/sulfur (E/S), electrolyte/capacity (E/C), and negative/positive (N/P) ratios. Herein, we fabricated an advanced cathode comprising highly active Fe single atom catalysts (SACs) and porous carbon to attain 361.8 W h kg−1 Li-S pouch cells satisfying low E/S (2.0), E/C (1.9), and N/P (2.3) ratios with high sulfur loadings (8.4 mg cm−2). We designed high-activity Fe SACs by manipulating their local environments using electron exchangeable binding (EEB) sites. Introducing EEB sites composed of two different types of S species, namely, thiophene-like-S and oxidized-S, adjacent to Fe SACs, promoted the kinetics of the Li2S redox reaction by providing additional binding sites and modulating the Fe d-orbital levels via electron exchange with Fe. This desirable cathode electrocatalysis is maximized by the intimate contact of Fe SACs with the S species, confined together into porous carbon.