bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Global Protected Areas for Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Duncanson Laura , Liang Mengyu , Leitold Veronika , Armston John , Moorthy Sruthi M. , Dubayah Ralph , Costedoat Sebastien , Enquist Brian , Fatoyinbo Lola , Goetz Scott , Gonzalez-Roglich Mariano , Merow Cory , Roehrdanz Patrick , Tabor Karyn , Zvoleff Alex
Published: December 2022

Forests play a critical role in stabilizing Earth’s climate. Establishing Protected Areas (PAs) represents one approach to forest conservation, but PAs were rarely created to mitigate climate change. The global impact of PAs on the carbon cycle, through avoided emissions and/or enhanced growth, has not previously been quantified due to a lack of accurate global carbon stock maps. Here we used ~412 million lidar samples from NASA’s GEDI mission to estimate a total of 19.7 +/- 1.8 Gt of additional Aboveground Biomass (AGB) associated with PA status. These higher C stocks are primarily attributed to avoided emissions, and are roughly equivalent to annual global fossil fuel emissions. The total measured PA AGB was 125.3 Gt (+/- 0.63), 26% of all mapped terrestrial woody AGB. These results underscore the importance of conservation of high integrity1, high biomass forests for avoiding carbon emissions and preserving future sequestration.
Evaluation of mitigation policies against Omicron BA.5 in Japan: Testing, quarantine, and isolation
Authors: Chiba Asako
Published: December 2022

During the outbreak of Omicron BA.5 in June 2022, strong mitigation policies were still in place in Japan. This paper presents counterfactual experiments regarding testing, the quarantine of positive cases, and isolation, to evaluate the impact of implemented policies. Simulations using an agent-based model showed that high dependence on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and low use of antigen tests exacerbated the outbreak. In addition, the required isolation periods for diagnosed cases were too long; that is, they could have been shortened from 10 to 7 days. Quarantine for those who have had contact with diagnosed patients lowered the epidemic curve; however, this was accompanied by a large number of uninfected quarantined individuals who could not work or go out, which led to economic and social losses. The size of the contribution of each mitigation policy depends on the abundancy of test opportunities. The high positive test rate over this period suggests scarce test opportunities, which led us to conclude that, even without contact tracing and with a shorter duration of isolation and wider use of low-sensitivity antigen tests, the impact of the outbreak could have been made milder.
Buried-in Interface with Two-terminal Functional Groups for Perovskite- based Photovoltaic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Zhenhua , Zhou Xinming , Li Xiaohui , Li Handong , Algadi Hassan , Zhang Putao
Published: December 2022

Interface plays an important role in determining the optoelectronic properties of perovskite film to access efficiency photovoltaic device. Herein, a functional molecular with two-terminal donor groups was deposited between the SnO2 electron transport layer and halide perovskite to manipulate the perovskite crystal growth and passivate defects at the interface. It’s found that isonicotinohydrazide (INHA) can anchor Pb2+ cluster in precursor against the harsh perovskite ingredient exhaustion, leading to a uniform nuclei distribution for crystal growth in the whole perovskite film. Growth manipulation give rise to confinement induced dynamical crystallization process leading a uniform perovskite film from bottom to top. As well, more analysis shows that interfacial modification can greatly reduce trap defects and therefore facilitate photogenerated carrier-transferring. The efficient electron transfer and reduced interface traps correlate well with the corresponding fill factors and open-circuit voltages (VOC) of working devices. The resulting perovskite solar cell exhibits striking improvements to reach the champion efficiency of 21.12%. The long-term stability is also significantly enhanced compared to pristine devices. This work highlights the origin of INHA/perovskite interfacial interaction and offer a growth model for further perfecting perovskite films.
Extraction of cellulose nanofibers from pineapple crown waste: Characterisation and evaluation in topical drug delivery
Authors: Bhatia Meenakshi , Rani Pooja , Verma Vikas
Published: December 2022

In the present study, cellulose nanofibers were extracted from pineapple crown waste by alkali treatment method and characterized by FT-IR, DSC, XRD, and SEM studies. Further, pineapple nanofibers (2% w/v) were incorporated in carbopol 934P (0.5%w/v) containing ampicillin (1%w/v) to prepare topical gel. The preferred gel formulation was evaluated for particle size (150 ±0.64nm), polydispersity index (0.303 ±0.02), and drug content (99.87 ±0.34%). The gel formulation was also evaluated for physiochemical characterizations: FT-IR, DSC, XRD and SEM studies. The in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation of the drug from gel formulation and the aqueous solution of drug was observed to be 34% and 100% (in 10 h) with flux rate of 3.9852 ±103 ug/cm2/h and 3.6254±412ug/cm2/h respectively. The antibacterial activity against E. coli exhibited controlled release of the drug as determined by zone of inhibition 9.3 mm (gel formulation) when compared to the ampicillin drug (14.4 mm) solution. Histopathological analysis displayed no signs of toxicity when observed after application of gel formulation on goat ear skin.
National Assessment of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Medicine Residents’ Experiences with CenteringPregnancy Group Prenatal Care
Authors: Place Jean Marie , De Griend Kristin Van , Zhang Mengxi , Schreiner Melanie , Munroe Tanya , Crockett Amy
Published: December 2022

Objective: To examine family medicine (FM) and obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) residents’ level of exposure to CenteringPregnancy (CP) group prenatal care (GPNC) as a correlate to perceived likelihood of implementing CP in future practice, as well as knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers to implementation.
Methods: We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study annually from 2017 to 2019 with FM and OB/GYN residents from 189 residency programs across 33 states in the United States licensed to operate CP. We applied crude and adjusted logistic regression models to identify predictors of intentions to engage withCP in future practice.
Results: Of 212 FM and 176 OB/GYN residents included in analysis, 67.01% of respondents intended to participate as a facilitator inCP in future practice and 51.80% of respondents were willing to talk to decision makers about establishing CP. Both FM and OB/GYN residents who spent more than 15 hours engaged withCP and who expressed a supportive attitude towardsCP were more likely to participate as a facilitator. FM residents who were more familiar withCP reported higher intention to participate as a facilitator, while OB/GYN residents exposed to multiple types of engagement withCP were more likely to report an intention to participate as a facilitator.
Conclusion: Engagement with and attitudes towardsCP during residency are key factors in residents’ intention to practiceCP in the future. In residency programs that provideCP for patients, program directors should consider the timing ofCP training and types of resident engagement with the model.
Design of a new polymeric matrix based on xanthan and polyurethane as support for the release of antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Anghel Narcis , Dimofte Alexandra , Spiridon Iuliana , Dinu Maria-Valentina , Stelian Vlad , Pertea Mihaela
Published: December 2022

The antifungal agent ketoconazole (K) and anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam (P) were incorporated into xanthan (Xn) or esterified xanthan with oleic acid (XnOA) and polyurethane (PU) matrix, targeting the development of delivery devices for the bioactive principles with possible applications as topical drug carriers. The drug encapsulation had an impact on the mechanical strength of the Xn-PU and XnOA-PU matrices. In contrast to those without bioactive compounds, which only demonstrated a compressive nominal stress of 32.18 kPa (sample Xn-PU) at 71.26% strain, the compressive strength of the biomaterials increased to roughly 50.04 kPa (sample Xn-PU-K) at 71.34% strain. The value of the compressive strength dropped to around 30.67 kPa when a second drug was entrapped inside the Xn-PU matrix (sample Xn-PU-P/K), while the maximum sustained strain increased to 87.21%. The Weibull model provided the best fit for the drug release kinetics. In contrast to the materials containing Xn-PU, those based on XnOA-PU released the active principles more slowly (the release rate constant displays low values). All materials display antimicrobial activity. Additionally, a higher amount of piroxicam is released from XnOA-PU-P (64%) than from Xn-PU-P (44%), which reveals a more pronounced anti-inflammatory activity of the former system (82.8% inhibition), compared to the latter (71% inhibition). According to the results, materials based on polyurethane and modified or unmodified xanthan could be used as topical drug carriers to release piroxicam and ketoconazole.
Comparison of various models for the estimation of heritability and breeding values
Authors: Hamadani Ambreen , Ganai Nazir Ahmad , Khan Nusrat Nabi , Shanaz Syed , Rather Mubashir Ali , Ahmad Haider Ali , Shah Ruksana
Published: December 2022

The exploration of additive genetic variance for the selection of animals is the central paradigm in quantitative genetics and it is important to use appropriate animal models considering important factors. This study compares various factor effects for heritability and breeding values estimations on data collected on the Corriedale. Overall, the heritability estimates were highest for birthweight. Both the additive genetic variance and the heritability got reduced upon adding more random effects. Year-effect as random reduced the heritability except for birthweight. The highest average accuracy for breeding values for birth, weaning, 6, 9, and 12-month-weights for were 0.656, 0.567, 0.519, 0.486, and 0.515. These were observed for models having sex or sex and parity as fixed effects. It is concluded that fixed and random factors have a significant effect on genetic-factors and breeding-value accuracies and should be considered during selection programs. Such farm-specific models shall make the selection program more effective.
Personality Traits and Climate Change Denial, Concern, and Proactivity: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cipriani Enrico , Frumento Sergio , Gemignani Angelo , Menicucci Danilo
Published: December 2022

Background
Climate Change is a global issue which touches the lives of all human beings, each with different outlooks and motivations. The high degree of complexity which emerges from the involvement of such a large number of people might be better understood through the lenses of their individual differences.
Methods
We performed a pre-registered systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022364726) following PRISMA guidelines. We searched keywords on Web of Science™ and Scopus®, including peer-reviewed articles which quantitatively examined correlations between personality and climate attitudes, published from inception to October 26, 2022.
Findings
109 articles were assessed. 54 were included in our review. Meta-analyses show that Climate Change Denial is positively correlated with Social Dominance Orientation (n = 31505; r = 0.40; p < 0.001) and Right-Wing Authoritarianism (n = 22037; r = 0.45; p < 0.001), and negatively with Openness (n = 10326; r = -0.15; p < 0.001), Neuroticism (n = 7030; r = -0.06; p <0.001), Consideration of Future Consequences (n = 1662; r = -0.32; p < 0.001) and Actively Open-Minded Thinking (n = 2116; r = -0.40; p < 0.05). Concern for Climate Change correlates with Openness (n = 19951; r = 0.15; p < 0.001), Consideration of Future Consequences (n = 1573; r = 0.29; p < 0.001), and negatively with Social Dominance Orientation (n = 4027; r = 0.36; p < 0.001). Finally, Proactivity towards Climate Change correlates positively with Consideration of Future Consequences (n = 1573; r = 0.29; p < 0.01), and negatively with Social Dominance Orientation (n = 2615; r = -0.25; p < 0.001) and Right-Wing Authoritarianism (n = 1345; r = -0.30; p < 0.001). Moderation analysis shows geographical variations in the Social Dominance Orientation and Climate Denial relationship.
Interpretation
Personality’s involvement in Climate Change is significantly different from other environmental issues. Future targeted research, policies, and communication campaigns should take these peculiarities into account.
Fundings
Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) as part of the PON 2014-2020 (DM MUR 1061/2022).
Predictors of the observed high prevalence of loss to follow-up in ART-experienced adult PLHIV: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study in the Tanga Region, Tanzania
Authors: Mushy Stella Emmanuel , Mtisi Expeditho , Mboggo Eric , Mkawe Simon , Yahya-Malima Khadija I. , Ndega John , Ngalesoni Frida , Muya Aisa
Published: December 2022

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs have expanded rapidly, and they are now accessible free of charge, yet "loss to follow-up, LTFU" is still a national public health issue. LTFU may result in treatment failure, hospitalization, increased risk of opportunistic infections and drug-resistant strains, and shortening the quality of life. This study described the rates and predictors of LTFU among adult PLHIV on ART in the Tanga region, Tanzania.
Methods: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted between October 2018 and December 2020 in Tanga's care and treatment health services facilities. The participants were HIV adult PLHIV aged 15 years and above on ART and attended the clinic at least once after ART initiation. LTFU was defined as not taking ART refills for three months or beyond from the last attendance of a refill and not yet classified as dead or transferred out. Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to identify risk factors for LTFU. P values were two-sided, and we considered a p<0.05 statistically significant.
Results: 57173 adult PLHIV were on ART, where 10394 (68.78%) were females and 4717 (31.22%) were males. After two years of follow-up, 15111 (26.43%) were LTFU. Factors independently associated with LTFU involved age between 15-19 years (HR:1.85, 95% CI 1.66 – 2.07), male sex (HR:2.00 95% CI 1.51 – 2.62), divorce (HR:1.35, 95% CI 1.24 – 1.48), second-line drug type (HR:1.13, 95% CI 1.09 – 1.18), poor drug adherence (HR:1.50, 95% CI 1.23 – 1.75), unsuppressed viral load (HR: 2.15, 95% CI 2.02 – 2.29), not on DTG-related drug (HR: 7.51, 95% CI 5.88 – 10.79), advanced HIV disease WHO stage III & IV (HR: 2.51, 95% CI 2.32 – 2.72). In contrast to cohabiting, ART duration <1 year, and being pregnant showed a reduced likelihood of LTFU
Conclusion: A high prevalence of LTFU was observed in this study. Young age, not using DGT drugs, WHO clinical stage IV, poor drug adherence, male sex, unsuppressed viral load, divorcee, and second-line regime were independently associated with LTFU. To reduce LTFU, evidence-based interventions targeting the identified risk factors should be employed.
Simulation optimization and experimental research on three-stage stamping of micro-channels with titanium ultra-thin sheet used for PEM fuel cell bipolar plates
Authors: Zhong Qi , Hua Risheng , Wang Chunju , Cheng Lidong , Ma Zhenwu , He Haidong , Chen Feng
Published: December 2022

To reduce the weight and volume, and extend the life of the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) which is considered as a kind of near zero emission green energy, titanium ultra-thin sheet is selected to fabricate the core components- bipolar plates for its smaller density and high corrosion resistance. In order to break through the bottlenecks in the manufacture of micro channels with big ratio of depth and width, a kind of three-stage stamping was investigated for its characters such as high productivity and low cost, etc. FE simulation and optimization of three-stage stamping was carried out considering the reduction of thickness by analyzing the effect of the radius of punch and female die corner, punch displacement and ratio of rib and channel width, etc. Then, the mold was designed, and experiments were performed using a servo drive machine. The arc design of punch end in the first stage can decrease the reduction of thickness from 47–22%. The best ratio between rib and channel width is 0.4–0.6, and radius of final channel corner is 0.15mm. Experimental results of three-stage stamping show that the max. reduction of thickness is about 24%, which is similar with that obtained from FE simulation. Microstructure with uniform small grain size and high surface quality are both helpful for improving the properties of bipolar plates required by PEMFC. This means that the developed three-stage stamping process is very suitable for massive manufacturing the bipolar plates with titanium ultra-thin sheet.
Risk factors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Lei Ying , Tong JinYan , Su YanYan , Wang YuQu , Zhong BiXian , Wang Qi , Zhang YunFang
Published: December 2022

Objective
To investigate the risk factors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.
Method
We retrospectively collected data from 363 hemodialysis patients whose dialysis ages were over 3 months at our center before January 2020. According to the echocardiogram results, these patients were divided into left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) group and non-LVDD group. The differences in basic data, cardiac structure and functiona between the two groups were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in MHD patients.
Results
Compared with the non-LVDD group, patients in the LVDD group were older, with an increased proportion of coronary heart disease, more prone to chest tightness, shortness of breath. Simultaneously, they had a significantly increased (p < 0.05) proportion of cardiac structural abnormalities such as left ventricular hypertrophy, left heart enlargement and systolic dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of LVDD was significantly increased in elderly MHD patients older than 60 years (OR = 3.86, 95%CI 1.429–10.429), and left ventricular hypertrophy was also significantly associated with LVDD (OR = 2.227, 95% CI 1.383–3.586).
Conclusion
Age and left ventricular hypertrophy are independent risk factors for LVDD in MHD patients. Early intervention LVDD will be beneficial to improve the quality of dialysis and reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events in MHD patients.
Using Stable Isotope Analysis to Guide Management of Stranded Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: Glen Joshua J , Buelow Christina A , Campbell Max D , Day Joanna , Meagher Phoebe , de Merwe Jason P van , Pearson Ryan M
Published: December 2022

Gaining a better understanding of the foraging ecology of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in different regions can improve the effectiveness of conservation and management strategies. New South Wales (NSW), in eastern Australia, has been identified as a region requiring improved information on foraging ecology and habitat use by green turtles. This study used stable isotope ratios of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S from macrophytes collected along the NSW coastline from -35.722585°S, 150.230674°E through to -28.537292°S, 153.555205°E, between March- June 2021, and stored epidermis tissue from stranded green turtles found along the NSW coastline from 1998-2020. The aim of the study was to investigate diet composition and foraging behaviour of green turtles stranded along the NSW coastline. Mixing model analyses demonstrate that stranded turtles had been feeding in food-webs predominantly supported by algae (74.8%), then seagrass (19.2%), and trivial amounts of mangrove material (6%). Enriched δ15N values indicate the majority of sampled turtles feeding two to three trophic levels above primary producers within algal-based food webs. High variation was present in δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S values of macrophyte sources along the NSW coastline, limiting the potential to infer the foraging behaviour of stranded green turtles. The results show green turtles stranded along the NSW coastline feed primarily in algae-dominated food-webs, with evidence of omnivory. This novel finding demonstrates the importance of algae-dominated habitats for green turtle conservation in eastern Australia. These findings may reflect opportunistic foraging behaviour of stranded green turtles, with algae being the dominate macrophyte in NSW waters.
Impact of confrontation to patient suffering and death on wellbeing and burnout in professionals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Anne-Catherine Delafontaine , Anders Royce , Bernard Mathieu , Salathé Cornelia Rolli , Putois Benjamin
Published: December 2022

Background:Palliative care and oncology generate a risk of burnout and psychological distress in professionals. This study aims to identify both psychopathological and positive factors related to work mental health. The aims of the study were (i) to explore the extent to which these professionals are confronted with suffering, illness, and death; and the prevalence of psychological distress and/or burnout, (ii) to identify potential determinants of burnout and psychological wellbeing at work, (iii) to develop an integrative model of mental health and to identify frequency and impact of confrontations with death, and (iv) to identify profiles of professionals are at risk of developing a mental health disorder or, conversely, characterized by wellbeing.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in palliative care and oncology with questionnaires evaluating confrontations with death, coping, burnout, psychological distress, personality, self-esteem, well-being and meaning at work. Regressions, clustering, and structural equation modelling analyses were performed.Results:109 professionals participated (58% from oncology and 42% from palliative care, 79% were female, 65% were between 30 and 49 years old).Aim i: 30% witnessed an intolerable suffering at least 9 times a month, 45% reported moderate to high level of burnout, 39% anxiety and 11% depression.Aim ii: the determinants of burnout are conscientiousness (b=0.18, p=.040), neuroticism (b=0.23, p=.002), work meaning (b=-0.25, p=.020) and wellbeing (b=-0.25, p=.020) (R2=0.44). The determinants of wellbeing are work meaning (b= 0.46, p<.001), depersonalization (b= 0.18, p=.006), self-esteem (b=0.14, p=.010), fulfilment (b=0.15, p=.020) emotional exhaustion (b=- 0.23, p<.001) (R2=0.71).Aim iii: the integrative model includes both well-being (self-esteem, conscientiousness) and psychopathology (neuroticism, anxiety) parameters, and strongly satisfied the standard SEM goodness of fit indices (e.g., CFI, IFI, and TLI ≥ 0.95).Aim iv: three profiles were identified: (a) a “distressed profile” with a majority of professionals at the patient's bedside, (b) a “disengaged profile” with professionals working as second-line consultants, (c) a “wellbeing profile” with the administrative and research teams.Conclusions:An integrative approach is essential to understand the full range of mental health issues for professionals. Meaning at work is a key factor in an interventional perspective that should primarily affect front-line professionals with limited experience.
Correlation of MZT2A Expression with Immunity and Prognosis in Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: zhan Shizhang , Wang Wenping , Yan Minghu , Li Dan , Liu jing , Fan Xinyuan , Zhang Qi , Liu Shu-an , Li Ruoran
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Mitotic spindle tissue protein 2A(MZT2A) has the properties of the core subunit of the γ-tubulin ring complex ( γ-TuRC ) and is involved in mediating the formation of bipolar spindles in mitosis. The lack of MZT2A will weaken the nucleation activity of microtubule ( MT ) and slow down the rate of cell proliferation. Although there is evidence that the expression of MZT2A plays a crucial role in the development of some tumors, there is still no research on MZT2A in pan-cancer. Therefore, we aim to explore the prognostic value of MZT2A in a variety of cancer types and to study its potential immune function.
Methods
This study was conducted with datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, the Cancer Cell Lineage Encyclopedia, Genotype Tissue Expression and the Human Protein Atlas. Bioinformatic methods were used to analyse the correlation between MZT2A expression levels in different tumours and survival prognosis, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, immune regulatory genes, tumour mutational load (TMB), tumour neoantigens, homologous recombination defects (HRD), microsatellite instability (MSI), tumour stemness score and enrichment analysis regarding MZT2A.
Results
MZT2A was highly expressed in most tumours and was positively or negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients with different tumours. MZT2A was also found to be negatively correlated with the immune microenvironment, immune infiltrating cells, and immune-related genes in most tumours, and was strongly correlated with TMB in 11 tumours, MSI in 10 tumours, tumour neoantigens in 5 tumours, and HRD in 12 tumours, and MZT2A expression was significantly correlated with RNA stemness score (RNAss) in 24 tumours and DNA stemness score (DNAss) in 12 tumours. The results suggest that MZT2A can be used as a target or predictor of tumour therapy. the immunosuppressive effect of MZT2A in TME suggests that anti-MZT2A immunotherapy may be a new direction in cancer treatment.
Conclusion
MZT2A is involved in tumour development and can be used as a prognostic marker for a variety of tumours and as a target or predictor for tumour immunotherapy.
STK4, a novel prognostic biomarker, correlated with immune infiltrates in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bai Zi-Yuan , Peng Lu-Shan , Li Run-Qi , Peng Xian-Chu , Yang Zhe
Published: December 2022

Background
Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 (MST1/STK4/KRS2) is a highly conservative serine/threonine kinase, as well as a a core member of the Hippo signaling pathway. STK4 has been reported play important roles in mutiple tumors. However, there has still been no systematic and comprehensive study on the role of the STK4 in ccRCC.
Methods
In this study, experiments including Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB), and quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) combined with bioinformatics analysis were used to integrate the analysis of the expression, prognostic value, and immune infiltration of STK4 in ccRCC.
Results
The findings from the TCGA database revealed that the expression of STK4 and its expression based on the tumor stage, tumor grade, and nodal metastasis status in ccRCC was increased. The results of IHC, WB, and RT-PCR further verified it. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to clarify the diagnositic value of STK4 in patients with ccRCC. According to the Timer database, we found that the high expression of STK4 has significant (p < 0.001) association with renal cancer (including ccRCC) patients survival, suggesting that STK4 is a reliable prognostic predictors. Then, GSEA was performed to explore the mechanism underlying the functions of STK4 in ccRCC. We found that STK4 may play roles in immunoregulatory interactions. Subsequently, STK4 were subjected to immune infiltration analyses. Results suggested that STK4 may play roles in the development of ccRCC by adjusting immune infiltration by influencing NK and pDCs cell.
Conclusions
STK4 may be prognostic markers in ccRCC and potential for finding novel strategies for the treatment of patients with ccRCC.
Comprehensive analysis of current leakage at individual screw and mixed threading dislocations in freestanding GaN substrates
Authors: Hamachi Takeaki , Tohei Tetsuya , Hayashi Yusuke , Imanishi Masayuki , Usami Shigeyoshi , Mori Yusuke , Sakai Akira
Published: December 2022

The electrical characteristics of Schottky contacts on individual threading dislocations (TDs) with a screw-component in GaN substrates and the structures of these TDs were investigated to assess the effects of such defects on reverse leakage currents. Micrometer-scale platinum/GaN Schottky contacts were selectively fabricated on screw- and mixed-TD-related etch pits classified based on the pit size. Current-voltage (I-V) data acquired using conductive atomic force microscopy showed that very few of the screw TDs generated anomalously large reverse leakage currents. An analysis of the temperature dependence of the I-V characteristics established that the leakage current conduction mechanisms for the leaky screw TDs differed from those for the other screw and mixed TDs. Specifically, anomalous current leakage was generated by Poole-Frenkel emission and trap-assisted tunneling via distinctive trap states together with Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, with the mechanism changing according to variations in temperature and applied voltage. The leaky TDs were identified as Burgers vector b = 1c closed-core screw TDs having a helical morphology similar to that of other screw TDs generating small leakage currents. Based on the results, we proposed that the atomic-scale modification of the dislocation core structure related to interactions with point defects via dislocation climbing caused different leakage characteristics of the TDs.
Combined space stressors induce independent behavioral deficits predicted by early peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Rienecker Kira D. A. , Grue Katherine , Paladini Maria Serena , Frias Elma S. , Frattini Valentina , Borlongan Mia C. , Chou Austin , Torres-Espin Abel , Krukowski Karen , Ferguson Adam R. , Rosi Susanna
Published: December 2022

Interplanetary space travel poses many hazards to the human body. To protect astronaut health and performance on critical missions, there is first a need to understand the effects of deep space hazards, including ionizing radiation, confinement, and altered gravity. Previous studies of rodents exposed to a single such stressor document significant deficits, but our study is the first to investigate possible cumulative and synergistic impacts of simultaneous ionizing radiation, confinement, and altered gravity on behavior and cognition. Our cohort was divided between 6-month-old female and male mice in group, social isolation, or hindlimb unloading housing, exposed to 0 or 50 cGy of 5 ion simplified simulated Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCRsim). We report interactions and independent effects of GCRsim exposure and housing conditions on behavioral and cognitive performance. Exposure to GCRsim drove changes in immune cell populations in peripheral blood collected early after irradiation, while housing conditions drove changes in blood collected at a later point. Female mice were largely resilient to deficits observed in male mice. Finally, we used principal component analysis to represent total deficits as principal component scores, which were predicted by general linear models using GCR exposure, housing condition, and early blood biomarkers.
An Enhanced Turbulent Flow of Water-based Optimization for Optimal Power Flow of Power System Integrated Wind Turbine and Solar Photovoltaic Generators
Authors: Zahedibialvaei Amir , Trojovský Pavel , Hesari-Shermeh Maryam , Matoušová Ivana , Trojovská Eva , Hubálovský Štěpán
Published: December 2022

This paper introduces a novel and efficient upgraded model of turbulent flow in water-based optimization (TFWO), specifically ETFWO, to achieve optimal power flow (OPF) in the electrical networks that use both solar photovoltaic (PV) units and wind turbines (WTs). The OPF formulation considers the magnitude of the voltage at the WT and PV buses as the control variable. Conversely, the dependent variable is the anticipated active power generation at WT and PV. Probabilistic models and real-time data on wind speed and solar irradiance are used to predict the power output of WT and PV producers. The OPF and solution methods are validated using the IEEE 30-bus network. By comparing ETFWO to other recent optimization techniques applied to the same groups of constraints, control variables, and system data, we can gauge the algorithm’s robustness and efficiency in solving OPF.
Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation After Cardiac Arrest for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Legionella: A Case Report
Authors: Grotberg John C. , Schulte Linda , Schumer Erin , Sullivan Mary , Kotkar Kunal , Masood Mohammad F. , Pawale Amit
Published: December 2022

Background:
Legionella remains underdiagnosed in the intensive care unit and can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiorgan failure and death. In severe cases, venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) allows time for resolution of disease with Legionella-targeted therapy. VV-ECMO outcomes for Legionella are favorable with reported survival greater than 70%. Rapid molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the lower respiratory tract aids in diagnosing Legionella with high sensitivity and specificity. We present a unique case of a patient with a positive COVID-19 test and ARDS who suffered a cardiac arrest. The patient was subsequently cannulated for VV-ECMO, and after lower respiratory tract PCR testing, Legionella was determined to be the cause. She was successfully treated and decannulated from VV-ECMO after 8 days.
Case Presentation:
A 53-year-old female presented with 1 week of dyspnea and a positive COVID-19 test. She was hypoxemic, hypotensive and had bilateral infiltrates on imaging. She received supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, broad spectrum antibiotics, and was transferred to a tertiary care center. She developed progressive hypoxemia and suffered a cardiac arrest, requiring 10 minutes of CPR and endotracheal intubation to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Despite mechanical ventilation and paralysis, she developed refractory hypoxemia and was cannulated for VV-ECMO. Dexamethasone and remdesivir were given for presumed COVID-19. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed with PCR testing was positive for Legionella pneumophila and negative for COVID-19. Steroids and remdesivir were discontinued and she was treated with azithromycin. Her lung compliance improved, and she was decannulated after 8 days on VV-ECMO. She was discharged home on hospital day 16 breathing room air and neurologically intact.
Conclusions:
This case illustrates the utility of rapid PCR testing to diagnose Legionella in patients with respiratory failure and the early use of VV-ECMO in this patient population. Moreover, many patients encountered in the ICU may have prior COVID-19 immunity, and though a positive COVID-19 test may be present, further investigation with lower respiratory tract PCR testing may provide alternative diagnoses. Patients with ARDS should undergo Legionella-specific testing, and if positive, early VV-ECMO should be considered in patients with refractory hypoxemia.
Growth and survival analysis of early stages in the pen shell Atrina maura during pilot-commercial production
Authors: Hoyos-Chairez Francisco , Chávez-Villalba Jorge
Published: December 2022

Hatchery spat of pen shells is difficult to obtain as production runs generally end in failure. We present a successful case of commercial pilot spat production of Atrina maura in hatchery, describing each phase in detail and determining growth of larvae and post-larvae using multi-model inference (MMI). Growth rates from D-larvae to umbo stage (D-larvae = 65 ± 5.1 µm height and 75 ± 5.1 µm length) increased from 4.33 µm/day up to 675.6 µm/day during post-larvae stage (spat = 10.9 ± 2.2 mm height and 28.1 ± 4.4 mm length). Survival presented a significantly daily decrease from 22.5% (beginning) to a final absolute survival of 0.042%; from 120 million D-larvae, 50,000 commercial spat were produced. MMI showed that the best models describing growth correspond to Gompertz model for shell length and exponential model for shell height. Critical phases are the transition from D-larvae to umbo stage (> 80% collapse of cultures) and high mortality during metamorphosis. Further studies are required to find solutions to these problems. The results of this study contribute to improving the management of pen shells in hatchery, as the production protocol is different of those for other bivalve species.
Entanglement and Correlation Measures for Quantum Multipartite Mixed States
Authors: Vesperini Arthur , Bel-Hadj-Aissa Ghofrane , Franzosi Roberto
Published: December 2022

Entanglement, and quantum correlation, are precious resources for quantum technologies implementation based on quantum information science, such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum interferometry. Nevertheless, to our best knowledge, a directly or numerically computable measure for the entanglement of multipartite mixed states is still lacking. In this work, ${\it i)}$ we derive a measure of the degree of quantum correlation for mixed multipartite states. The latter possesses a closed-form expression valid in the general case unlike, to our best knowledge, all other known measures of quantum correlation. ${\it ii)}$ We further propose an entanglement measure, derived from this quantum correlation measure using a novel regularization procedure for the density matrix. Therefore, a comparison of the proposed measures, of quantum correlation and entanglement, allows one to distinguish between quantum correlation detached from entanglement and the one induced by entanglement and, hence, to identify separable but non-classical states. Finally, we have tested our entanglement measure, on states well-known in literature: a general Bell diagonal state and the Werner states, which are easily tractable with our regularization procedure, and we have verified the accordance between our measures and the expected results for these states.
Accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography and ARFI elastography in the evaluation of the hip joint and hip musculature for the early and late diagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs
Authors: Carneiro Rafael Kretzer , Cruz Igor Cezar Kniphoff da , Gasser Beatriz , Lima Bruna , Aires Luiz Paulo Nogueira , Ferreira Márcio Poletto , Uscategui Ricardo Andres Ramirez , Giglio Robson Fortes , Minto Bruno Watanabe , Feliciano Marcus Antônio Rossi
Published: December 2022

Background: Canine hip dysplasia is common orthopedic disease in veterinary, characterized by hip instability in puppies and secondary degenerative joint disease in adult. Radiographic examination has been the main diagnostic method of hip dysplasia. Different radiographic studies, in addition to diagnosing joint laxity and degenerative joint disease, facilitate patient screening and selection of optimal treatment. However, radiographs do not allow for the assessment of capsular characteristics and adjacent muscles, which can be thoroughly evaluated using various ultrasound techniques. Radiographic examinations require anesthetic management, often causing discomfort in the patients and an inconvenience to owners. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in the evaluation of the joint capsule and periarticular musculature of dogs using the classification of the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) and the distraction index (DI) in the early and late diagnosis of hip dysplasia. This study sought to propose a protocol for the ultrasonographic evaluation of the structures involved in canine hip movement.
Results: Radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluations were performed on 108 hip joints of 54 dogs. Thirty dogs were older than 2 years and 24 were aged between 4 and 10 months. It was verified that an increase in pectineus muscle stiffness (cutoff value >2.77 m/s) by elastography and an increase in the thickness of the joint capsule (cutoff value >0.9 mm) in B-mode ultrasonography, were associated with a distraction index >0.5, with both having a positive correlation. In B-mode ultrasonographic evaluation, the presence of signs of degenerative joint disease, such as irregularities of the cranial edge of the acetabulum and femoral head, were associated with a distraction index >0.5 in canines, with a specificity of 94%. In adult dogs, the findings of degenerative joint disease on ultrasound were associated with a diseased OFA classification (P<0.05). Measurement of the joint capsule >1.10 mm was diagnostic for dysplasia in unhealthy dogs by OFA.
Conclusions: Ultrasound can be used as an adjuvant diagnostic modality in the diagnosis of hip dysplasia in association with radiographic evaluation in young and adult animals.
Covid-19: Introduction of a new lifestyle and diet among the Malaysians
Authors: Pitol Md. Najmus Sayadat , Sa Ana Shakirah Md
Published: December 2022

Background
The stay-at-home conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly alter the Malaysian lifestyle. All Malaysians faced difficulties adopting the new lifestyle, handling the virus transmission, and worrying about family and friends. A hypothetico-deductive technique has been conducted to find out the new lifestyle and the difficulties of adopting the new lifestyle of Malaysians. The findings of our study were reliable where the Cronbach's Alpha values were all above (0.70) with the sample, and the entire sample of 112 was sufficient to provide the value for the medium effect size for the computation of the F-tests.
Results
It seemed that the jobs traveling and outdoor sports time were somewhat reduced. In contrast, indoor sports activities, online games, physical exercises, and the number of staycations during the pandemic stayed the same. However, religious activities, Body Mass Index, online shopping, sleeping time, amount of anxiety, amount of caffeine, medical consumption, watching movies, and watching drama series during Covid-19 was somewhat increased. In addition, respondents' time spent on social media and online meetings during Covid-19 were much increased. We found no significant differences in the means of the dependent variables (Lifestyle of Covid-19) amongst all demographic characteristics except age and employment status.
Conclusions
In detail, the lifestyle of respondents aged 24 and below have significantly changed compared to their older counterparts. Besides, the lifestyles of unemployed, students and retirees have changed considerably compared to those who serve Government & Statutory Bodies. The results will help policymakers to make the right decisions about improving the quality of life after Corona.
Genetic diversity and recombination event in bovine parechovirus infecting Japanese cattle
Authors: Oba Mami , Obinata Shiho , Takemae Hitoshi , Kazama Kei , Oguro Masashi , Ito Kazuki , Kakinuma Seiichi , Ishida Hiroho , Murakami Hironobu , Sakaguchi Shoichi , Mizutani Tetsuya , Nagai Makoto
Published: December 2022

The first bovine parechovirus (Bo_ParV) was reported in 2021 and only two nearly complete genomes of Bo_ParV were available. In this study, we detected Bo_ParVs in 10 out of 158 bovine fecal samples using real-time RT-PCR and Bo_ParVs were isolated from three of these samples using MA104 cells. Analysis of the P1 region revealed that Bo_ParVs shared high pairwise amino acid sequence identities (≥95.7%), suggesting antigenic similarity among Bo_ParVs, whereas nucleotide sequence identities were diverse (≥84.8%). A recombination break point was identified in the 2B region, which may influence the evolution of this virus.
Measurement of Microscopic Thermal Diffusivity Distribution for Ryugu Sample by Infrared Lock-in Periodic Heating Method
Authors: Ishizaki Takuya , Nagano Hosei , Tanaka Satoshi , Sakatani Naoya , Nakamura Tomoki , Okada Tatsuaki , Fujita Ryohei , Alasli Abdulkareem , Morita Tomoyo , Kikuiri Mizuha , Amano Kana , Kagawa Eiichi , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Yabuta Hikaru , Naraoka Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kanako , Tachibana Shogo , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: December 2022

The thermophysical properties of small Solar System bodies are essential to be determined, on which the thermal evolution of small bodies largely depends. The carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu is one of the small undifferentiated bodies formed in the early Solar System. Hayabusa2 explored the asteroid Ryugu and returned the surface samples in 2020 for detailed on-ground investigation, including measurements of thermal properties. Because the available sample amount was limited, this study developed a novel method to measure the thermal diffusivity of small and irregularly shaped samples of about 1 mm in diameter by combining lock-in thermography and periodic heating methods on the microscale. This method enables us to measure the thermal diffusivity of both flat-plate and granular shape samples by selecting the suitable detecting direction of the temperature response. Especially, when the sample has a flat-plate shape, the anisotropic distribution of the in-plane thermal diffusivity can be evaluated. This method was applied to six Ryugu samples, and the detailed anisotropic distribution of the thermal diffusivity was obtained. The measurement results showed that the samples show local thermal anisotropy caused by cracks and voids. The average thermal diffusivity among all samples was (2.8 − 5.8) × 10− 7 m2/s. Based on the density and specific heat of the samples obtained independently, the thermal effusivity was estimated to be 791 − 1253 J/(s1/2m2K), which is defined as the resistance of surface temperature to the change of thermal input. The determined thermal effusivity, often called thermal inertia in planetary science, is larger than the observed value of 225 ± 45 J/(s1/2m2K) of the asteroid Ryugu's surface, obtained from the diurnal temperature change of the rotating asteroid by a thermal infrared camera onboard Hayabuas2. This difference is likely to be attributed to the difference in the analytical scale between the sample and the surface boulders compared with the thermal diffusion length. Consequently, it was found that the present result is more representative of the thermal diffusivity and thermal inertia of individual Ryugu particles.
Biomechanical study of the ortho⁃bridge system used in bilateral fixation of type A3 distal femoral fracture
Authors: liu jianke , qi yubin , long yuntao , huang zhaozhao , wang wen
Published: December 2022

Background
To compare the biomechanical parameters of AO/OTA type A3 distal femoral fractures fixed bilaterally with an ortho-bridge system (OBS) and lateral locking compression plate + locking reconstruction plate (LCP + LRP).
Methods
Twelve A3 distal femoral fracture models with medial cortical defects of the distal femur were created using synthetic femoral Sawbones. OBS and LCP + LRP were used for bilateral fixation, with six in each group. Axial compression and torsion tests were performed on the two groups of fracture models to determine their stiffness during axial compression and the torsion angles during torsion tests. Axial compression failure tests were performed to collect the vertical loads of the ultimate failure tests.
Results
In the test conducted on the fixed type A3 distal femoral fracture models, the axial stiffness in the OBS group (group A) (1072.61 ± 113.5 N) was not significantly different from that of the LCP + LRP group (group B) (1184.13 ± 110.24 N) (t = 1.726, P = 0.115), the torsion angle in the group B (2.6° ± 0.03°) was higher than that in group A (2.36° ± 0.1°) (t = 5.746, P < 0.001), and the ultimate failure test of type A3 fracture model showed that the vertical load to destroy group A fixation (5290.45 ± 109.63 N) was higher than that of the group B (3978.43 ± 17.1 N) (t = 23.28, P < 0.05). Notably, intertrochanteric fractures occurred in the A and B groups.
Conclusions
In the fixation of type A3 distal femoral fractures, the anti-axial compression of OBS was similar to that of the LCP + LRP group, but the anti-torsion was better.