bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-color emissive OLED with orthogonal polarization modes
Authors: Zhai Tianrui , Chen Ruixiang , Liang Ningning
Published: August 2023

Linearly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (LP-OLEDs) have become an appealing functional expansion in polarization optics and optoelectronic applications. However, this current LP-OLED generally presents comprehensively lower polarization performance, cost-prohibitive process and monochromatic modulation limit. Herein, a switchable dual-color OLED with orthogonal linearly polarization modes based on a dielectric/metal (D/M) nanograting-waveguide hybrid-microcavity geometry was first proposed, via the cost-efficient laser interference lithography and vacuum thermal evaporation methods. This acquired LP-OLED presented a reported transverse-electric/transverse-magnetic (TE/TM) polarization extinction ratio of 15.8 dB with a divergence angle of ± 30°, an excellent external quantum efficiency of 2.25%, and an orthogonal polarized colors from green to sky-blue. Detailed theoretical model illustrated that the rasterization of D/M-cathode further satisfied the momentum matching between waveguide and air mode. This diffracts both the targeted TE waveguide of sky-blue light that was localized furthest by modulating electron transport layer thickness and the off-confined green TM polarization light. Thereby, a polarization-encrypted colorful optical image was theoretically proposed. This work represents a significant step toward the low-cost LP-OLED with excellent polarization performance and toward the electrically-inspired polarization encryption for color images.
Preparation of sulfur self-doped coal-based adsorbent and its adsorption performance for Cu2+
Authors: Lei Dengke , Li Shulei , Gao Lihui , Hu Ming , Chai Na , Fan Jundi
Published: August 2023

The limited application of high sulfur coal (HSC) and the increasing severity of copper pollution in solution are two pressing issues. To alleviate such issues, a sulfur self-doped coal-based adsorbent (HSC@ZnCl2) was obtained by pyrolysis-activation (850 ℃, 60 min holding time) of HSC and ZnCl2 with a mass ratio of 1:0.5. Characterizations including scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that HSC@ZnCl2 exhibited part rough and part smooth surface, and sulfur in HSC could combine with Zn2+ to form the adsorption site ZnS. Cu2+ adsorption experiments indicated that the adsorption process followed the Sips isothermal adsorption model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with an adsorption capacity of 12 mg/g. Zeta potential and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of Cu2+ onto HSC@ZnCl2, which primarily involved complexation, electrostatic attraction and surface precipitation. Funding from this work indicate that preparation of sulfur self-doped coal-based adsorbent prepared from high sulfur coal are a promising method for its large-scale utilization.
The principal component-based clinical aging clock (PCAge) identifies signatures of healthy aging and provides normative targets for clinical intervention
Authors: Gruber Jan , Fong Sheng , Pabis Kamil , Latumalea Djakim , Dugersuren Nomuundari , Unfried Maximilian , Tolwinski Nicholas , Kennedy Brian
Published: August 2023

Clinical healthy aging recommendations are disease-centric and reactive rather than focusing on holistic, organismal aging. In contrast, biological age (BA) estimation informs risk stratification by predicting all-cause mortality, however current BA clocks do not pinpoint aging mechanisms, making it difficult to intervene clinically. To generate actionable BA clocks, we developed and validated a principal component (PC)-based clinical aging clock (PCAge) that identifies signatures (PCs) associated with healthy and unhealthy aging trajectories. We observed that by intervening in PC-specific space, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) normalize several modifiable clinical parameters involved in renal and cardiac function, as well as inflammation. Proactive treatment with ACE-I/ARBs appeared to significantly reduce future mortality risk and prevented BA acceleration. Finally, we developed a reduced BA clock (PC_mAge), based directly on PCAge, which has equivalent predictive power but is optimized for immediate application in clinical practice. Our Geroscience approach points to mechanisms associated with BA providing targets for preventative medicine to modulate biological process(es) that drive the shift from healthy functioning toward aging and the eventual manifestations of age-related disease(s).
Comparison of two ultrasound contrast agents for left ventricular opacification
Authors: Alhumaid Waleed , Mannani Nojan , Choy Jonathan , Paterson D. Ian , Pituskin Edith , Becher Harald
Published: August 2023

Background Several ultrasound contrast agents have been approved and used for measurement of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). However, there has been no direct comparison between these agents.Purpose To compare left ventricular imaging parameters between two widely used ultrasound contrast agents for LV opacification when imaged with a low power contrast specific imaging modality.Methods In this retrospective study of patients undergoing echocardiography during anti-cancer treatment were included who underwent follow-up echocardiograms (3 months) with two different ultrasound contrast agents - Definity® and SonoVue® - if there were only minor changes in the LV ejection fraction (EF) between the studies (< 5%). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the contrast effect was performed in apical four- and two chamber views (4CV,2CV). For quantitative analysis of the LV opacification, square regions of interest (ROI) were placed in the apical and basal ventricular lumen and the arithmetic mean and standard deviation of pixel intensity within each ROI was recorded throughout the entire loop. Qualitative visual assessment was performed using a visual score to assess the endocardial border delineation, basal attenuation and apical swirling.Results 41 female patients with a mean EF of 61 ± 9% (mean ± standard deviation, SD) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Both contrast agents provided intensive LV opacification in the basal and apical cavities. The video intensities (mean + standard deviation) in the apical and basal cavities were comparable across both contrast agents in the 2CV apical ROI (219.96 ± 21.42 vs 224.69 ± 20.23), the 2CV basal ROI (114.55 ± 42.02 vs 112.79 ± 42.57), the 4CV apical ROI (228.02 ± 17.80 vs 225.51 ± 20.37), and the 4CV basal ROI (100.05, 41.11 vs 92.84, 42.54). Visual assessment revealed no statistical difference between the contrast agents in terms endocardial delineation.Conclusion In patients with normal LV function both ultrasound contrast agents, no clinically relevant differences were found regarding LV opacification and endocardial border delineation.
Effect of physical and chemical activation methods on the structure, optical absorbance, band gap and urbach energy of porous activated carbon
Authors: Shahcheragh S.K. , Bagheri-Mohagheghi M. M. , Shirpay A.
Published: August 2023

In this study, activated carbon was synthesized using the hard almond shell and palm kernel by physical activation with water vapor and chemical activation with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) methods. Then, the structural and optical properties of the activated carbons were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The SEM images showed that in the raw sample of hard almond shell and palm kernel, there is no porosity and pores, but in the activated carbon samples, porosity and structural defects were clearly observed. The XRD patterns showed that porous and amorphous structure was formed in all samples synthesized with physical and chemical activation. The results of FTIR spectra of activated carbons showed that there are carbon functional groups in all samples. The optical absorption coefficient (α) of the activated carbon with physical and chemical activation methods was obtained in order of 105-106. The band gap measurement of porous nanostructures showed that the activated carbon synthesized with chemical and physical activation methods have energy gap (Eg) in region = 2.80 eV to 3.48 eV and urbach energy (EU) in region = 120 to 210 meV.
Iron rescues glucose-mediated photosynthesis repression during lipid accumulation in the green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis
Authors: Roth Melissa , Purvine Samuel , Nicora Carrie , McCombs Ryan , Upadhyaya Shivani , Stroumza Adrien , Whang Ken , Gallaher Sean , Dohnalkova Alice , Merchant Sabeeha , Lipton Mary , Niyogi Krishna , Jeffers Tim
Published: August 2023

Energy status and nutrients regulate photosynthetic protein expression. The unicellular green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis switches off photosynthesis in the presence of exogenous glucose (+Glc) in a process that depends on hexokinase (HXK1). Here, we show that this response requires that cells lack sufficient iron (−Fe). Cells grown in −Fe+Glc accumulate triacylglycerol (TAG) while losing photosynthesis and thylakoid membranes. However, cells with an iron supplement (+Fe+Glc) maintain photosynthesis and thylakoids while still accumulating TAG. Proteomic analysis shows that known photosynthetic proteins are most depleted in heterotrophy, alongside hundreds of uncharacterized, conserved proteins. Photosynthesis repression is associated with enzyme and transporter regulation that redirects iron resources to (a) respiratory instead of photosynthetic complexes and (b) a ferredoxin-dependent desaturase pathway supporting TAG accumulation rather than thylakoid lipid synthesis. Combining insights from diverse organisms from green algae to vascular plants, we show how iron and trophic constraints on metabolism aid gene discovery for photosynthesis and biofuel production.
The expression of the NPR1-dependent defense response pathway genes in Persea americana (Mill.) following infection with Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Backer Robert , Naidoo Sanushka , Berg Noëlani
Published: August 2023

A plant’s defense against pathogens involves an extensive set of phytohormone regulated defense signaling pathways. The salicylic acid (SA)-signaling pathway is one of the most well-studied in plant defense. The bulk of SA-related defense gene expression and the subsequent establishment of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is dependent on the nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related genes 1 (NPR1). Therefore, understanding the NPR1 pathway and all its associations has the potential to provide valuable insights into defense against pathogens. The causal agent of Phytophthora root rot (PRR), Phytophthora cinnamomi, is of particular importance to the avocado (Persea americana) industry, which encounters considerable economic losses on account of this pathogen each year. Furthermore, P. cinnamomi is a hemibiotrophic pathogen, suggesting that the SA-signaling pathway plays an essential role in the initial defense response. Therefore, the NPR1 pathway which regulates downstream SA-induced gene expression would be instrumental in defense against P. cinnamomi. Thus, we identified 92 NPR1 pathway-associated orthologs from the P. americana West Indian pure accession genome and interrogated their expression following P. cinnamomi inoculation, using dual RNA-sequencing data. In total, 64 and 51 NPR1 pathway-associated genes were temporally regulated in the partially resistant (Dusa®) and susceptible (R0.12) P. americana rootstocks, respectively. Furthermore, 42 NPR1 pathway-associated genes were differentially regulated when comparing Dusa® to R0.12. Although this study suggests that SAR was established successfully in both rootstocks, the evidence presented indicated that Dusa® suppressed SA-signaling more effectively following the induction of SAR. Additionally, contrary to Dusa®, data from R0.12 suggested a substantial lack of SA- and NPR1-related defense gene expression during some of the earliest time-points following P. cinnamomi inoculation. This study represents the most comprehensive investigation of the SA-induced, NPR1-dependent pathway in P. americana to date. Lastly, this work provides novel insights into the likely mechanisms governing P. cinnamomi resistance in P. americana.
Performance Analysis of Optical CDMA System with Coded Modulation Scheme
Authors: Liu Maw-Yang , Wang Ting-Lin , Wu Sung-Ju , Lin Zi-Ming
Published: August 2023

For optimizing the performance of asynchronous optical code-division multiple-access (CDMA) system, the use of coded modulation scheme is explored in this paper. As the leading causes of the negative impacts on optical CDMA systems are beat noise (BN) and multiple access interference (MAI), relieving such deleterious impacts can successfully raise the system performance accordingly. For the sake of such adverse impacts, optical CDMA systems will encounter error floor effect; boosting optical power cannot overcome this problem. Alternatively, making use of error correction technique is an appreciative approach to restrain this problem. In the system that we have suggested, the double equal weight orthogonal (EWO)-based coded modulation of error correction mechanism is applied. The signature sequence is represented by carrier-hopping prime code for which it is possible to establish double EWO signaling scheme due to the orthogonality of carrier-hopping prime code. As our numerical results present, the performance of our system can be enhanced dramatically, which is a feasible manner to be a broadband optical access network.
Enhancing laser brightness in a rare-earth-free system
Authors: Fan Chenchen , hao xiulu , Yao Tianfu , Wu Jian , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu
Published: August 2023

Multimode fibers, which support a complex mix of spatial and temporal nonlinear phenomena, have recently reemerged as a viable experimental platform for studying intricate physical processes. Additionally, their high-power handling abilities enable them widely used in applications beyond telecommunications. Within this research paper, we conducted a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the nonlinear dynamics involved in the process of Kerr effect-enhanced beam cleanup during stimulated Raman scattering in multimode graded-index fibers. Leveraging this nonlinear dynamic, and spectral synthesis technology to enhance the pump brightness, high-brightness radiation with previously unprecedented power is experimentally generated in a rare-earth-free and purely passive fiber-based system. This experimental achievement serves as compelling evidence for the immense capability of the localized Kerr effect-enhanced Raman beam cleaning as a highly efficient brightness converter. And this extraordinary contribution unveils invaluable and revolutionary insights that forge an entirely new frontier in the realm of laser design, delivering an unprecedented vantage point that transcends conventional boundaries. © The Author(s) 2023
Development of a Novel Electronic Record System for Documentation and Efficient Workflow for Community Health Workers
Authors: Acharya Harshdeep , Sykes Kevin J. , Neira Ton Mirás , Scott Angela , Pacheco Christina M. , Sanner Matthew , Ablah Elizabeth A. , Oyowe Kevin , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Greiner K. Allen , Corriveau Erin A. , Finocchario-Kessler Sarah
Published: August 2023

Community health workers (CHWs) can be a crucial extension of public health resources to address health inequities, but systems to document CHW efforts are often fragmented and prone to unneeded redundancy, errors, and inefficiency. We sought to develop a more efficient data collection system for recording the wide range of community-based efforts performed by CHWs. The Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) project is an initiative to address health disparities across Kansas, in part, through the deployment of CHWs. Our team iteratively designed and refined the features of a novel data collection systems for CHWs. Pilot tests with CHWs occurred over several months to ensure the functionality supported their daily use and to identify areas for improvement. At launch, the database had 60 active users in 20 counties. To our knowledge, this is one of the first single-platform systems allowing for the collection of information about partner organizations, community outreach events, client encounters, and progress toward client's goals. Documented client interactions begin with needs assessments (modified versions of the Arizona Self-sufficiency Matrix and PRAPARE) and continue with longitudinal tracking of progress toward goals. A user-specific automated alerts-based dashboard displays clients needing follow-up and upcoming events. Our database extends beyond conventional electronic medical records and provides flexibility for ever-changing needs. The COPE Database provides real-world data on CHW accomplishments, improving the uniformity of data collection to enhance monitoring and evaluation. This database can serve as a model for community-based documentation systems and be adapted for use in other community settings.
Adverse events profiles of liposomal and conventional doxorubicins: An updated comprehensive analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Li Zhengjun , Su Huiling , Jia Jing , Mao Yuxiang , Zhu Riran
Published: August 2023

The clinical application of doxorubicin (DOX) is constrained by its side effects. Liposomal doxorubicin was developed to mitigate these limitations, showing improved toxicity profiles. However, the adverse events associated with liposomal doxorubicin and CDOX have not yet been comprehensively evaluated in clinical settings. The FAERS data from January 2004 to December 2022 were collected to analyze the adverse events of liposomal DOX and CDOX. Disproportionate analysis and Bayesian analysis were employed to quantify this association. Our analysis incorporated 68,803 adverse event reports related to liposomal doxorubicin and CDOX. The relative odds ratios (RORs, 95%CI) for febrile neutropenia associated with CDOX, Doxil®/Caelyx®, and Myocet® were 42.45(41.44;43.48), 17.53(16.02;19.20), and 34.68(26.63;45.15) respectively. For cardiotoxicity, they were 38.87(36.41;41.49), 17.96(14.10;22.86), and 37.36(19.34;72.17). For Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE), the RORs were 6.16(5.69;6.68), 36.13(32.60;40.06), and 19.69(11.59;33.44). Regarding onset time, significant differences adverse events including neutropenia, PPE, pneumonia and malignant neoplasm progression. This study indicates that the use of CDOX warrants careful monitoring for cardiotoxicity, PPE, and interstitial lung disease, especially with Doxil®. Additionally, the onset time of febrile neutropenia, malignant neoplasm progression, and pneumonia associated with liposomal doxorubicin merits particular attention. Continuous surveillance, risk evaluations, and additional comparative studies between liposomal doxorubicin and CDOX are recommended.
Genomic characteristics and comparative analysis of chloroplast genome in Magnoliaceae
Authors: Ma Fei , Fu Chun
Published: August 2023

Magnoliaceae is a relatively primitive angiosperm, which is of great significance for the study of long chain of biological evolution. In this study, the chloroplast genome of Magnoliaceae was analyzed, and the codon usage pattern preference of Magnoliaceae chloroplast genome was analyzed by CondonW1.4.2 and EMBOSS. The chloroplast genome content of 63 Magnoliaceae plants was lower than 50%, and the NC value was higher than 35, indicating that the chloroplast genome codon use was weak. Based on the analysis of ENC-plot, it is indicated that the main factor affecting the use bias of chloroplast genome codon in Magnoliaceae is the influence of base mutation. There is A preference for A or T in the use of codons. The analysis of the genome structure of Magnoliaceae showed that Magnoliaceae has a typical four-segment ring structure of angiosperms, including a single copy region, a large copy region and a reverse repeat region, and the IR region of Magnoliaceae chloroplast genome showed a non-significant expansion trend. In this study, the chloroplast genome structure and codon preference of Magnoliaceae were analyzed to provide scientific basis for the accurate identification of species and germplasm resources of Magnoliaceae. The phylogenetic tree of 63 species of Magnoliaceae was established by using the maximum likelihood method to explore the phylogenetic relationships among species, and to provide scientific basis for further research on the phylogenetic relationships of Magnoliaceae.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Followed by Two Years of Post-transplant Therapy for Older Patients With Multiple Myeloma: A Prospective Phase II Trial
Authors: Strouse Christopher , Mott Sarah , Smith Brian , Magalhaes-Silverman Margarida , Farooq Umar , Zhan Fenghuang , Jethava Yogesh , Tricot Guido
Published: August 2023

High dose melphalan and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a standard treatment for eligible patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Intensified transplant regimens, if safe, may improve patient outcomes. Thus, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of intensified conditioning with HSCT followed by a two-year triple agent maintenance in patients aged ≥65 with recently diagnosed multiple myeloma MM.

The induction therapy was dexamethasone, cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide infusion. This was followed by conditioning with bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone and high dose melphalan with HSCT. Post-transplant maintenance was given for 24 months, consisting of cycles of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone followed by cycles of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone.

We enrolled 41 patients. Median age was 68 years. The best overall response was stringent complete response (sCR) in 85% of patients. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 76.4 months. The 48-month PFS and overall survival rates were 64% and 83%, respectively. One patient died from transplant related toxicity (2.4%).

The high rate of CR, favorable median PFS, and good safety profile demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of this regimen in older transplant-eligible patients. The study highlights that HSCT should be entertained and is probably the treatment of choice in eligible patients.
Epigenetic memory of radiotherapy in dermal fibroblasts impairs wound repair capacity in cancer survivors
Authors: Landén Ning Xu , Piipponen Minna , Bian Xiaowei , Liu Zhuang , Sangsuwan Traimate , Maselli Monica , Diaz Candice , Luo Lihua , Archambault Louis , Haghdoost Siamak , Fradette Julie , Sommar Pehr , Halle Martin
Published: August 2023

Long-term toxicities caused by cancer treatments have recently gained increasing recognition due to a steadily growing population of cancer survivors. Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment known to unintentionally harm surrounding normal tissuesincluding the skin, hindering wound healing even years after treatment. Our study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these late-onset adverse effects caused by RT. By comparing paired skin biopsies from previously irradiated (RT+) and non-irradiated (RT−) sites in breast cancer survivors who underwent RT years ago, we discovered compromised wound healing capacity and impaired fibroblast functions in the RT+ skin. By employing ATAC-seq, we identified altered chromatin landscapes in RT+ fibroblasts, pinpointing THBS1 as a crucial epigenetically primed wound repair-related gene. Further confirmation of THBS1's significance during wound repair came from single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomic analysis of human wounds. Remarkably, heightened and sustained THBS1 expression was observed in RT+ fibroblasts in both mouse and human radiation wound models, leading to impaired fibroblast motility and contractility. Encouragingly, our study found that treatment with anti-THBS1 antibodies promoted ex vivo wound closure in RT+ skin from breast cancer survivors. These findings indicate that dermal fibroblasts retain a long-term radiation memory recorded in the form of epigenetic changes. Targeting this maladaptive epigenetic memory shows promise for mitigating the late-onset adverse effects caused by RT, offering potential solutions to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors.
Resilience through the Lens of Optimism, Self-Esteem, Life Satisfaction, and Virtues: Hierarchical Regression Analysis
Authors: Kim Jeong Han , Ntinda Kayi , Mora Elaine , Salinas Analynn , Rangel Gabriela , Lopez Jacqueline Mercado , Livingston Tori , Lee Dong Hun
Published: August 2023

Background The present study is to examine the effect virtues (courage, practical wisdom, integrity, committed action, emotional transcendence) in predicting resilience. Methods 595 adults participated in the study. At the first stage of regression analysis, resilience was predicted based on participants’ optimism, self-esteem, and life satisfaction scores. Then, five virtues that include courage, integrity, practical wisdom, committed action, and emotional transcendence were added in the second stage regression model, and changes in the Adjusted R2 were inspected via hierarchical regression analysis. Results In the first stage, 21% of the variance in resilience was explained by the combination of optimism, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. With the addition of virtue factors, the total variance of resilience explained was then improved to 56%. Conclusion Change in the Adjusted R2was 35%, indicative of virtue effect. Virtue was a popular concept in the early history of behavior science but became disfavored with the rise of empiricism as it was viewed as a moral and philosophical construct. The results of this study reassure that virtue can be studied empirically and findings necessitate additional research into the virtue effect in the context of resilience and adjustment to life's challenges.
CryoEM reveals the structure of an archaeal pilus involved in twitching motility.
Authors: Daum Bertram , Gaines Mathew , Sivabalasarma Shamphavi , Isupov Michail , Haque Risat , McLaren Mathew , Hanus Cyril , Gold Vicki , Albers Sonja-Verena
Published: August 2023

Amongst the major archaeal filament types, several have been shown to closely resemble bacterial homologues of the Type IV pili (T4P). Within Sulfolobales, member species encode for three types of T4P, namely the archaellum, the UV-inducible pilus (Uvp) and the archaeal adhesive pilus (Aap). Whereas the archaellum functions primarily in swimming motility, and the Uvp in UV-induced cell aggregation and DNA-exchange, the Aap plays an important role in adhesion and twitching motility. All previously solved Aap appear to have almost identical helical structures. Here, we present a cryoEM structure of the Aap of the archaeal model organism Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. We identify the component subunit as AapB and find that while its structure follows the canonical T4P blueprint, it adopts three distinct conformations within the pilus. The tri-conformer Aap structure that we describe challenges our current understanding of pilus structure and sheds new light on the principles of twitching motility.
Clinical evaluation of droplet digital PCR in the early identification of suspected sepsis patients in the emergency department: A prospective observational study
Authors: Jiang Sen , Zhao Dongyang , Wang Chunxue , Liu Xiandong , Yang Qian , Bao Xiaowei , Dong Tiancao , Li Gen , Gu Yi , Ye Yangqin , Sun Bingke , Xu Shumin , Zhou Xiaohui , Fan Lieying , Tang Lunxian
Published: August 2023

Background
Rapid and accurate diagnosis of the causative agents is essential for clinical management of bloodstream infections (BSIs) that might induce sepsis/septic shock. A considerable number of suspected sepsis patients initially enter the health-care system through an emergency department (ED), hence it is vital to establish an early strategy to recognize sepsis and initiate prompt care in ED. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical value of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay in suspected sepsis patients in the ED.
Methods
This was a prospective single-centered observational study including patients admitted to the ED from 25 October 2022 to 3 June 2023 with suspected BSIs screened by Modified Shapiro Score (MSS) score. The comparison between ddPCR and blood culture (BC) was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ddPCR for BSIs. Meanwhile, correlative analysis between ddPCR and the inflammatory and prognostic-related biomarkers were conducted to explore the relevance. Further, the health economic evaluation of the ddPCR was analyzed.
Results
258 samples from 228 patients, with BC and ddPCR performed simultaneously, were included in this study. The etiological diagnosis revealed that the ddPCR yielded 147 positive results, with a positive rate of 56.98%. In contrast, BC only detected 18 positives, 88.8% of which were identified by ddPCR. When considering BSIs with comprehensive microbiological testing, ddPCR shows an overall sensitivity of 91.73% and specificity of 81.6%, the optimal diagnostic power for quantifying BSI through ddPCR is achieved with a copy cutoff of 166. We further found that ddPCR exhibited a high accuracy especially in liver abscess patients. Among all the identified virus by ddPCR, EBV has a substantially higher positive rate with a link to immunosuppression. Moreover, the copies of pathogens in ddPCR were positively correlated with various markers of inflammation, coagulation, immunity as well as prognosis. With high sensitivity and specificity, ddPCR facilitates precision antimicrobial stewardship and reduces health care costs.
Conclusions
The multiplexed ddPCR delivers precise and quantitative load data on the causal pathogen, offers the ability to monitor the patient's condition and may serve as early warning of sepsis in time-urgent clinical situations as ED.
Factors Associated With Mental Health Outcomes Among Professional Athletes During the Social Isolation to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fernandes Isabelle A. , Costa Élida , Nicoliche Eduardo , Machado Caroline , Souza Erik , Ribeiro Pedro , Velasques Bruna
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on athletes' mental health has been significant, leading to concerns about their careers due to suspended training and competitions. Thus, understanding the psychological mechanisms involved is crucial to promote mental health in athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the pandemic on the mental health of high-performance athletes.
Methods: A total of 676 participants completed an online form during the early stages of the pandemic, providing demographic data and responding to four inventories measuring psychological variables.
Results: results indicated that women, young adult athletes, and those facing financial loss exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and distress. Athletes receiving psychological assistance showed increased distress levels, while isolation did not significantly influence symptoms.
Conclusion: the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of professional athletes, particularly those experiencing financial difficulties, women, and young adults. However, further research is necessary to comprehend these findings' mechanisms.
Addressing the missing mass problem in galaxy clusters that is found with MOND-type theories
Authors: Penner A. Raymond
Published: August 2023

The MOND-type theories of AQUAdratic Lagrangian (AQUAL) and GRavitational Anti- Screening (GRAS) are applied to galaxy clusters. It will be shown that treating the baryonic mass distribution of the intracluster gas as being continuous leads to neglecting an important contribution to the clusters overall gravitational field. This is the localized mass density distribution that falls out from the theory which surrounds the protons within the gas. Including this contributor leads to an additional boost of approximately 60% to the gravitational field of clusters, over what MOND-type theories have previously been taken to provide. This accounts for most, if not all, of the shortfall of gravity or mass that has been attributed to clusters when MOND-type theories are used.
Research on User Demand Determination Method and Marketing Strategy for Home Broadband Business Based on Data Mining
Authors: Yang Xingchang
Published: August 2023

With the increasing demand for internet access, operators have launched home broadband business marketing activities targeting home users. However, due to the serious homogenization of products in the market and the unreasonable design of marketing plans, the related marketing work has certain difficulties. To address the above issues, this study first utilized MR fingerprint algorithm to construct a positioning model to confirm the location of household users. Then, by designing demand recognition indicators and using decision arithmetic to construct a demand model, the user’s needs and preferences were extracted to form a multi-dimensional user profile. Finally, precise marketing strategies were developed in the form of gifts based on the user’s location and personal needs. It is verified that the MR localization model has a recall rate of 95.2% and an accuracy rate of 96.2%. The on-demand model has a coverage rate of 83.8%, an accuracy rate of 96.3%, and a model accuracy of 89.7%. The proposed precision marketing strategy can achieve a success rate of 13.3% for cross network customers and 31.3% for marketing, and the failure rate of precision marketing strategy is lower than that of traditional marketing strategy among different reasons for marketing failure. Therefore, the MR positioning model proposed in the article has certain application value, and the developed precise marketing strategy has good marketing effects.
Phenolic resin derivatized TiO 2 -walnut shell carbon hybrid materials for solar photocatalytic phenol removal
Authors: Li Tao , Zhou Shiping , Li， Fengchuan , Li Huijuan
Published: August 2023

In this study, phenolic resin modified TiO2 (PF/TiO2), TiO2/WSC (Walnut shell carbon) and PF/TiO2/WSC hybrid composites were successfully synthesized by sol-gel method. The obtained TiO2-based composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR and XPS techniques. The phase characterization results showed that TiO2 phase is anatase in PF/TiO2/WSC (300℃, 2h) composite material, also TiO2 was uniformly loaded on the surface of the WSC to make the binding energy of Ti shift. Ti–O–C bonds are formed in the prepared TiO2/WSC and PF/TiO2/WSC (300℃, 2h) photocatalyst. When the catalyst dosage was 2.0 g/L, the initial phenol concentration was 80 mg/L, 10%PF/30%TiO2/WSC composite showed the best activity and its degradation rate was 88.14% under sunlight for 150 min. The active centers of PF/TiO2/WSC photocatalytic degradation of phenol were ·OH and ·O2- , and the photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed. The synergistic system of WSC adsorption and the superior photocatalytic performance of phenolic resin modified TiO2 achieved high degradation efficiency of pollutants in water and provided a new idea for solar photocatalytic removal of pollutants.
The solid solution in the system NaMgAl(SO4)3-KMgAl(SO4)3
Authors: Jensen Peter Grouleff , Balic-Zunic Tonci , Nielsen Ulla Gro , Kofoed Philip Miguel
Published: August 2023

We synthesized six samples in the compositional field NaMgAl(SO4)3-KMgAl(SO4)3 in 20 mol% increments from pure Na to pure K compounds. We investigated them by Powder X-Ray Diffraction, 23Na, and 27Al Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. The results confirm NaMgAl(SO4)3 as a unique phase identical to a new mineral found in fumaroles of Eldfell and Hekla volcanoes in Iceland. It tolerates less than 10 mol% K substitution for Na. There exists a compositional gap to around Na0.65K0.35MgAl(SO4)3 from where a solid solution extends to KMgAl(SO4)3. The mineral koryakite [NaKMg2Al2(SO4)6] is a member of the latter solid solution series. The crystal structures of all (Na,K)MgAl(SO4)3 phases are akin to NASICON (NA Super Ionic CONductor). NaMgAl(SO4)3 has R-3c symmetry and a disordered distribution of Mg and Al among the octahedral sites with only one unique site for the alkali atom. The members of the solid solution have R-3 symmetry with ordered Mg-Al distribution and two unique alkali sites with different preference for Na and K. In the crystal structure, the coordination of Na or K are trigonal antiprismatic and these share bases with two octahedral Mg/Al coordinations. These polyhedra are arranged in rows parallel to [001] interconnected by SO4 tetrahedral groups. The alkali atoms from a row lie on approximately the same (001) layers as the octahedrally coordinated atoms from the three neighboring rows. On the same level, parallel to (001), there are gaps in the other three neighboring rows where channels containing Na+ or K+ ions are formed.
Regional Cross-Sectional Based Study and Associated Risk Factors of Porcine Circovirus 2 in Nigerian Pigs.
Authors: Afolabi Kayode O. , Amoo Olufemi S. , Onuigbo Tochukwu I. , Oraegbu Joy I. , Awoseyi Ayomikun A. , Fasina Folorunso O. , Adebowale Oluwawemimo O.
Published: August 2023

Aim
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is a swine viral pathogen of substantial economic importance in pig farming globally. However, large-scale surveillance is needed to determine its prevalence and associated risk factors in Nigerian pigs. We conducted a molecular-based surveillance and mapping of PCV2 in the southwest, Nigeria, to determine its prevalence and spatiality.
Methods and results
A total of 648 individual faecal samples were collected from different age groups of pigs from 67 farms in three southwest states. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used to screen the samples with a specific primer pair. The viral prevalence was determined at individual animal and farm levels. In total, 145/648 (22.4%) of the samples and 49/67 farms (73.1%) tested positive for PCV2. The highest prevalence of PCV2 was observed in Oyo State (63/185, 34.1%) and in growers (66/145, 45.5%). Restricting visitors’ entrance to the farm was found to be strongly protective for PCV2 (AOR 0.122; P = 0.007; 95% CI; 0.027–0.564), while not having a quarantine protocol (AOR 4.445; P = 0.041; 95% CI; 1.067–18.5280) and reporting coccidiosis as a common disease encountered (AOR 14.340; P = 0.007; 95% CI; 2.094–98.203) on the farm were significant risk factors identified to be associated with the presence of PCV2.
Conclusions
This study revealed a high prevalence of PCV2 in Nigerian swine herds than expected and presented significant spatial clustering of infection in the studied region. These findings underscore the need for a policy decision to promote PCV2 vaccination in Nigeria. The availability and use of PCV2 vaccine in the country will mitigate economic losses due to its infections.
Discerns the initial symptoms: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of individuals with patellofemoral arthritis in Gujarat, India
Authors: Patel Heta , Muruganantham Balaganapathy , Serasiya Bipin
Published: August 2023

Background
Patellofemoral arthritis is an under-recognized condition in developing countries such as India. Patellofemoral arthritis is one of the early causes of knee pain, and it is prevalent in 39% of the population aged > 30 years. However, the earlier measures to reduce the burden are limited.
Objectives
Using qualitative study design this study, we aimed to explore the early experiences of patellofemoral arthritis symptoms among Indian population.
Methods
Purposive sampling was used to recruit 14 participants with early patellofemoral arthritis aged between 40 to 65 years from the regional hospital of Gujarat, India. Expert orthopedic surgeons confirmed the diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and audio recorded. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using pen and paper. Data were analyzed using Inductive thematic analysis.
Results
The Mean age of the recruited participants were 48 years, and 64% were female out of n = 14 participants. The highlighted symptoms were occasional sounds from the knee during stair activity, going down to the floor, hurdling while sitting to stand, prolonged sitting in a chair, exposure to cold, anterior knee pain, more aggravated at night, limitation in activity than the previous episode such as squatting, rising from the floor, stair ambulation, prolong walking and kneeling. Therefore, we selected four domains: pain, Crepitus, stiffness, and difficulty in functional activity from the initial experiences reported by an individual with patellofemoral arthritis.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the initial symptoms of patellofemoral arthritis usual as knee pain. The mentioned symptoms reflect the individual experience of the Indian community; thus, it must be considered a prime concern for measurement to strengthen the preventive measure of the condition.
Optimal vaccination strategies for a heterogenous population using multiple objectives: The case of L1− and L2−formulations
Authors: Saldaña Fernando , Kebir Amira , Camacho-Gutíerrez José Ariel , Aguiar Maíra
Published: August 2023

The choice of the objective functional in optimization problems coming from biomedical and epidemiological applications plays a key role in optimal control outcomes. In this study, we investigate the role of the objective functional on the structure of the optimal control solution for an epidemic model that includes a core group with higher sexual activity levels than the rest of the population. An optimal control problem is formulated to find a targeted vaccination program able to control the spread of the infection with minimum vaccine deployment. Both $L_{1}-$ and $L_{2}-$objectives are considered as an attempt to explore the trade-offs between control dynamics and the functional form characterizing optimality. Our results show that the optimal vaccination policy for both the $L_{1}-$ and the $L_{2}-$formulation share one important qualitative property, that is, immunization of the core group should be prioritized by policymakers to achieve a fast reduction of the epidemic. Nevertheless, quantitative aspects of this result can be significantly affected depending on the objective weightings. Overall, our results suggest that the optimal control profiles are reasonably robust with respect to the $L_{1}-$ or $L_{2}-$formulation when the monetary cost of the vaccination policy is substantially lower than the cost associated with the disease burden but if this is not the case the optimal control profiles can be radically different for each formulation.
Greater trend and interannual variability in productivity of mangroves compared to terrestrial forests
Authors: zhang zhen , Luo Xiangzhong , Friess Daniel A. , Wang Songhan , Li Yi , Li Yangfan
Published: August 2023

Mangrove forests are highly productive ecosystems with important potential to offset anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Due to their location in the tidal environment and unique ecophysiological characteristics, mangroves are expected to respond differently to climate change compared to terrestrial forests. However, the difference remains largely elusive at the global scale, though the knowledge is critical to guide the forest conservation over coastal regions. Here we examine long-term trend and interannual variability of the productivity of global mangrove forests and their nearby terrestrial counterparts, the evergreen broadleaf forests (EBFs), over the past two decades using satellite observations. We find while both mangroves and EBFs experienced significant increases in their productivity, mangroves exhibited stronger trends and interannual variability in productivity than EBFs on 71.79% and 73.49% of their co-occurring coasts. The difference in NIRv trend is attributed to the stronger CO2fertilization effect on mangrove photosynthesis, while the discrepancy in interannual variability is attributed to the higher sensitivity of NIRv to variations in precipitation and sea level. Our results indicate that mangroves will have a faster increase in productivity than terrestrial forests in a CO2-rich future but may suffer more from deficits in water availability, highlighting a key difference between terrestrial and tidal ecosystems in their responses to climate change.
The Quest for Novel Drugs against COVID-19: In Silico Study
Authors: Prajapati Shalini , Zeenat Lubna , Sangeet Satyam , Khan Arshad , Pandey Khushhali Menaria
Published: August 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, since its beginning caused havoc around the world. The virus is responsible for employing components to critically infect the host cell and undergo rapid mutations inside its host. The N-Terminal Domain (NTD)- assisted opening of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the virus makes it more infective by increasing the binding affinity of the viral spike protein with the host receptor; Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). Spike protein and ACE2 have become the significant spaces of study and pulled in more extensive examination given their function as potential obnoxious elements for the spread of the infection. The highly conserved nature of RBD in SARS-CoV-2 makes it a potential target site for antiviral drugs to inhibit its interaction with the ACE2. The current study focuses on the in-silico examinations of phytochemicals from medicinal plants in order to screen out a potent drug candidate against the RBD domain. Molecular Docking studies exhibited the potential of top phytochemicals that actively and closely interacted with the key residues of the RBD. Further investigation using Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) and Pharmacological & Pharma toxicological studies revealed the phytochemicals that can be used as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. This study suggested the potential of screened phytochemicals to act as a potent antiviral candidate against SARS-CoV-2. The bioavailability and the Synthetic Score suggested the potency and the ease of synthesis of these phytochemicals The present study has supported the assumption that the phytochemicals have potentials and that they can be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
Phonotacticon: A cross-linguistic phonotactic database
Authors: Joo Ian , Hsu Yu-Yin
Published: August 2023

Phonotacticon is a cross-linguistic database that contains basic phonotactic information about spoken lects (linguistic varieties), including the possible forms of the onset, nucleus, and coda of each lect, as well as the phonemic and tonemic inventories. In this paper, we present Phonotacticon 1.0, which contains the phonotactic profiles of 516 Eurasian lects retrieved from descriptive literature. The later versions of Phonotacticon will extend beyond Eurasia and will ultimately cover most of the spoken lects that are spoken across the world. As an example of the research potential of this database in future studies, we have generated from Phonotacticon several descriptive visualizations, such as the distribution of the maximal onset length, to demonstrate the visually discernible areal distribution of certain phonotactic patterns.
Temporality of environmental policy and its effects on the location and abatement decision
Authors: PRADENAS FELIPE RIVERA , CARTES KATHERIN LÓPEZ , FORD JORGE ZAMORANO
Published: August 2023

This research analyzes the effects of the temporality of environmental policy on firm location and abatement decisions. Environmental policies are implemented by a benevolent regulator who is concerned about the welfare of society and environmental pollution. For this reason, it implements two instruments at the same time: the tax on emissions, which seeks to internalize environmental costs, and the subsidy to clean technologies, which encourages their adoption. In addition, the optimal levels of taxes and subsidies that maximize social welfare are studied, considering the impact of the timing of the decision (ex ante or ex post) on the competitiveness of the market. As for its resolution, a model of duopolistic firms competing in quantities in an emission-intensive sector is used. Among the main results, it is shown that in an ex post regime, firms prefer to locate in the country that offers a higher subsidy, even when they face higher tax levels compared to the ex ante regime.