bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preferential activation of proprioceptive and cutaneous sensory fibers compared to motor fibers during cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation: a computational study
Authors: de Freitas Roberto M , Capogrosso Marco , Nomura Taishin , Milosevic Matija
Published: April 2022

Objective. Cervical transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising technology that can support motor function recovery of upper-limbs after spinal cord injury. Its efficacy may depend on the ability to recruit sensory afferents, conveying excitatory inputs onto motoneurons. Therefore, understanding its physiological mechanisms is critical to accelerate its development towards clinical applications. In this study, we used an anatomically realistic cervical tSCS computational model to compare α-motor, Aα-sensory, and Aβ-sensory fiber activation thresholds and activation sites. Approach. We developed a 3D geometry of the cervical body and tSCS electrodes with a cathode centred at the C7 spinous process and an anode placed over the anterior neck. The geometrical model was used to estimate the electric potential distributions along motor and sensory fiber trajectories at the C7 spinal level using a finite element method. We implemented dedicated motor and sensory fiber models to simulate the α-motor and Aα-sensory fibers using 12, 16, and 20 µm diameter fibers, and Aβ-sensory fibers using 6, 9, and 12 µm diameter fibers. We estimated nerve fiber activation thresholds and sites for a 2 ms monophasic stimulating pulse and compared them across the fiber groups. Main results. Our results showed lower activation thresholds of Aα- and Aβ-sensory fibers compared with α-motor fibers, suggesting preferential sensory fiber activation. We also found no differences between activation thresholds of Aα-sensory and large Aβ-sensory fibers, implying their co-activation. The activation sites were located at the dorsal and ventral root levels. Significance. Using a realistic computational model, we demonstrated preferential activation of dorsal root Aα- and Aβ-sensory fibers compared with ventral root α-motor fibers during cervical tSCS. These findings suggest high proprioceptive and cutaneous contributions to neural activations during cervical tSCS, which inform the underlying mechanisms of upper-limb functional motor recovery.
Stability Analysis of Rotor with a Spline Coupling
Authors: Wang Tong , Wang Yankai , Liu Meiru , Zhong Zhicai
Published: April 2022

The spline coupling is widely used in aero-engines. Once the spline coupling fails, it will cause great damage to the engine. In this paper, the stability of a rotor with a spline coupling was studied. The internal damping instability model of the rotor with spline coupling is deduced, and the instability mechanism is explored. The stability boundary is analyzed by using the R-H criterion. The mechanism of rotor instability is analyzed by simulation. An experimental system of rotors with different structural parameters of spline coupling was built. The influence of the positioning surface clearance on the stability was analyzed. The modeling results show that the internal friction of the spline coupling will introduce additional damping and anti-symmetrical cross stiffness to the rotor, the additional damping will reduce the vibration response, and the anti-symmetrical cross stiffness will cause the rotor to become unstable. The simulation and experimental results show that the rotor system will not be unstable when the two positioning surfaces of the spline coupling are in an interference fit. When one of the positioning surfaces is a clearance fit and the other is an interference fit, the internal friction will cause the rotor to become unstable. The instability threshold speed is higher than the first-order critical speed. At the same time, due to the additional damping introduced by the sleeve tooth structure, there will be a transition stage of instability. At this time, the rotor will vibrate with sub-harmonic components, but the vibration amplitude of the rotor will decrease. When the two positioning surfaces are clearance fit, the rotor is unstable and the amplitude increases suddenly. The obtained instability characteristics of the rotor with spline coupling have important value for the instability fault diagnosis, and provide help for the stability control.
Research on drag reduction and heat prevention performance of spike with the channel concept for hypersonic blunt body
Authors: Wang Zi-yu , Fang Shu-zhou , Guo Jian , Ni Zi-jian , Xu Yang
Published: April 2022

To answer the difficulties of drag reduction and heat protection for hypersonic vehicles, a new type of a spike with a channel entrance at the head and a lateral outlet was devised. When contrasted to a solid spike, once the channel is added, the lateral exhaust pulls the separated shock wave away from the spike, reducing the strength of the reattached shock wave and dramatically enhancing heat resistance. In this study, the affecting features of the new idea model are investigated. The findings show that the larger the half-angle of channel convergence, the better the model’s overall drag reduction and heat prevention effectiveness. In the research range, the model with a 60° convergence half angle delivers the best overall advantage in terms of drag reduction and heat prevention. The total resistance of the model was reduced by 14.44 %, and the peak heat flux of the blunt-body wall was reduced by 33.84 % compared to the solid spike.
Design and Analysis of Sectional Crossbeam Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Chen Zhong-qing , Zhu Yi-sheng , Wang Yi-fei
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the problems such as high die cost and difficult casting of long span and super-long Span Crossbeam, this paper proposes to design and cast the crossbeam in sections. But whether the sectional beam can achieve the dynamic characteristics of the integral crossbeam is studied through the combination of experiment and finite element simulation, the results show that the dynamic characteristics of the sectional beam and the integral crossbeam tend to be the same.
Thermal stability measurement of terminal face relative pose for complex structure based on coordinate measuring machine
Authors: Tang Xiaojun , Liu Jialin , Yu Wentao , Hui Tianli , Han Jingzhen , Tian Xin
Published: April 2022

The coordinate measuring machine has high measurement accuracy, but it is only suitable for the precise measurement of the geometric size of the component in the normal temperature environment, and some complex structures need to assess the stability of the terminal face relative pose in the high and low temperature environment. In order to apply the high-precision measurement of the coordinate measuring machine to the thermal stability evaluation of the relative pose of the terminal face of complex structures, an extended temperature control method based on the coordinate measuring machine is proposed. The method realizes the loading control of the temperature environment of the specimen by the mobile temperature control module and the temperature control medium circulation module. The flexible connection mode is used between the temperature control module and the temperature control medium circulation module to reduce the influence of mechanical vibration on the measurement accuracy. The mixing fan and the temperature control medium dryer are installed in the pipeline to avoid frosting and dewing in the temperature control box and ensure the uniform distribution of the temperature field, so as to realize the accurate measurement of the relative pose of the terminal face of the complex structure under the high and low temperature environment by the coordinate measuring machine. The method is applied to the thermal stability test of the relative pose of the end face of a joint component, and the test results are good, which provides a new idea for the extended application of coordinate measuring machines.
Research on Abnormal Geometric Similarity Design Method of a Missile with Tail Rudder Model in High Speed Wind Tunnel
Authors: Chen Jianzhong
Published: April 2022

Geometric similarity is an important similarity laws for the experimental study on aerodynamic characteristics of wind tunnel models. General aspect the ratio of missile body length to rudder surface aspect length is large. The test model is designed according to the complete geometric similarity scale. It is often difficult to match the length aspect ratio size in the limited space of the wind tunnel test section. Based on this problem, the abnormal geometric similarity design method of the missile body under the condition of fixed tail rudder is studied by numerical simulation. The results show that When truncated to 0.625, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9 times the original projectile length, the change of the inflow conditions at the leading edge of the rudder surface is small, which can meet the research needs of the aerodynamic characteristics of the tail rudder, and lay a theoretical foundation for the design of relevant wind tunnel test models.
Research on guided wave propagation characteristics of C/C thermal protection structures
Authors: Lu Xulong , Qiu Lei , Yuan Shenfang , Zheng Hui
Published: April 2022

Thermal protection structures (TPS) are the key component in the design and manufacture of the reusable launch vehicle. The probability of failure of TPS in an aerodynamic thermal environment during reentry is much higher than that of ordinary structures. There is an urgent need to develop a structural health monitoring (SHM) method that can achieve rapid diagnostic for TPS to realize the high reliability and maintainability of the reusable launch vehicle. Hence, this paper aims at the typical TPS made of C/C composite material, the feasibility of SHM methods based on the active piezoelectric guided wave was studied and verified. And the propagation characteristics of guided wave in the TPS such as the multi-mode, the signal frequencies of monitoring and the effects of material anisotropy on the propagation characteristics of the guided wave were analyzed. Then, a guided wave monitoring experiment of C/C TPS with simulation damage was carried out, and the variation of a guided wave under different damage levels was analyzed from the aspects of amplitude, phase, damage scattering and damage index. The results show that the SHM methods based on active piezoelectric guided wave can effectively monitor the damage and damage expansion on the surface of C/C TPS.
Soft connection failure analysis and optimization design of transparent parts based on flexible force sensitivity
Authors: Kan Yan , Zhang Ping , Zhang Jian , Huang Renchang , Wang Pengfei
Published: April 2022

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to carry out macro and micro detection on the samples of soft bonding failure of aerial transparent parts. Combined with the observation results, a flexible force-sensing system was used to realize 2d and 3D imaging and data acquisition of the pressure distribution in the pressure process, and the relationship between the bonding strength and pressure of J-189 polyurethane adhesive was analyzed. The results show that there is a wide range of pressure out of tolerance in the pressure clamping process widely used in domestic industrial sectors. It will cause the debonding phenomenon of block and strip, etc. Finally, according to the analysis results, a pressure application scheme of using a manipulator automation device to replace the traditional mechanical fixture is proposed, which provides an improvement idea for improving the reliability and efficiency of the soft connection.
Automated Path Planning for unmanned aerial vehicle in Urban Dynamic Area
Authors: Ma Yinsong , Liu Guangcai
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the path planning and autonomous obstacle avoidance problem of UAVs in urban dynamic area. A flight path planning strategy for UAVs in complex urban environments is proposed.First, the A* algorithm is used to construct a desired global path in a 3D static environment, which is used as the static reference path for dynamic obstacle avoidance below.The environmental and the key points of algorithm are also elaborated. In this paper, the dynamic obstacles are divided into three categories, then, in order to avoid the collision between dynamic obstacles and static optimal paths, two strategies to achieve local online path adjustment are proposed. Finally, the seven order minimum snap trajectories generation based on piecewise polynomials is utilized to smooth the flight path.We can obtain a smooth trajectory based on UAV dynamics and safety. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed UAV path planning strategy in the dynamic and complex urban area.
Development of visual helicopter emergency rescue system
Authors: Hao JingLong , Wang YongHu , Zheng Ran
Published: April 2022

Helicopter rescue is an important part of emergency rescue syste m, an d is oft en ca r r ie d out under complex terrain and low-visibility meteorological conditions. In order to ensure the safety of helicopter flight and the timely and efficient implementation of emergency rescue, it is necessary to establish a visual emergency rescue system. This paper selects Chongqing as the reference city, and it is preliminarily planned to take “GeoSim” as the 3D simulation platform, combined with the secondary development technology of geographic information system (GIS). According to the current flight performance of helicopters, and through the analysis of obstacle crossing, the intelligent algorithm can realize the visual simulation demonstration of single helicopter rescue system and multi-helicopter rescue system along the optimized path and user-defined path, and give the quality evaluation of emergency rescue drills, as well as the suggestions of the best emergency rescue plan.
A Two-Stage Mass-to-drag Ratio Estimation Algorithm for Reentry Vehicles
Authors: Guo Xin , Chen Defeng , Cao Huawei , Zhang Shuo
Published: April 2022

Ballistic target tracking and identification is a key task for missile defense systems. A vital problem in ballistic target identification is how to estimate the target mass-to-drag ratio fast and accurately. The reentry phase of a ballistic missile is the last stage of its flight, and the reentry trajectory is significantly affected by the atmospheric drag. Based on the constraints of space flight dynamics, this paper proposes a two-stage algorithm to estimate the mass-to-drag ratio. This algorithm first estimates the position and velocity of the target in the free flight stage by using the least-squares method, and then estimates the mass-to-drag ratio of the target by using the radial range measurements from the reentry stage. Several trajectories of a ballistic target under different mass-to-drag ratios are simulated, and the proposed algorithm is verified using these simulated trajectories.
Effects of climate and soil properties on regional differences in nitrogen use efficiency and reactive nitrogen losses in rice
Authors: Cai Siyuan , Zhao Xu , Yan Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2022

Nitrogen (N) use efficiency worldwide varies greatly due to climate, agronomic, and soil factors. However, the information on individual effects of these factors on N use efficiency is crucial but has remained scanty. Given that climate cannot be regulated, understanding the relative importance of fertilizer and soil variations on regional differences in N use efficiency is critical. Here, we constructed a database of 302 studies from 1986 to 2020 in East and Northeast China to determine the effects of climate, soil properties, and fertilizer N (FN) rate on variations in N use efficiency (agronomic efficiency (AE), apparent recovery efficiency (RE), physiological efficiency (PE), N harvest index, partial factor productivity), N surplus, grain N content, and reactive N (Nr) losses (N2O emissions, NH3 volatilization, Nr leaching, and runoff). Rice yield was comparable between two regions under farmers’ N practices, yet the N input was considerably higher in East China. All indices of N use efficiency, except RE, are higher in Northeast China. Differences in AE were dominated by the ability of the plant to mobilize N (PE) rather than N uptake (RE), FN, or Nr loss. Soil properties and FN related to optimizable N management accounted for 29% (RE), 39% (PE), and 43% (Nr losses) of the variations, of which key factors as pH showed a negative effect while available N (AN) correlated positively to the N use efficiency. To realize high N use efficiency, pivotal effects of pH, AN, and FN on N use efficiency under certain climate zone should be considered.
Prediction and management of household solid waste generation during COVID-19 pandemic in Bandung City using system dynamics model
Authors: Sunaryani A
Published: April 2022

WHO declared a novel coronavirus in humans as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on February 2020, and Indonesia as well as Bandung City have been suffering from COVID-19 since the first case in March, 2020. Currently, the outbreak of COVID-19 has occurred for more than a year. The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the environment, like the enhancement of household solid waste as a result of work and school from home policies to decrease the rates of COVID-19 cases. This study aimed to predict the amount of household solid waste generation and analyze the waste management during COVID-19 in Bandung City using a system dynamics model. Data for model input was obtained from questionnaire to 200 respondents from Bandung spread across the sub-districts. The results revealed that the household solid waste generation was increased by 1.3 to 3.8% compared to the year before the COVID-19 pandemic. The composition of household solid waste was dominated by food and plastic waste, which have increased to 76.43% and 25.81%, respectively. The system dynamics model has predicted the household waste generation from three management scenarios for 30 years of model simulation. Scenario I: the household solid waste was totally managed by a local sanitary agency (existing condition); Scenario II: each household manage their waste by recycling; and Scenario III: the utilization of a local waste bank to manage the waste. The scenario III showed the most effective waste management to reduce the amount of household solid waste generation up to 24% by using waste bank. This scenario can be applied for more prolonged landfill operations up to 17 years.
Anti-corrosion, anti-bacterial and durable atmospheric weatherability of polydimethylsiloxane coating with intrinsic hydrophobicity
Authors: Qiao Mengying , Xu Weichen , Ji Guojun , Zhang Binbin
Published: April 2022

Understanding the corrosion resistance, microorganism suppression and real-world weatherability and application potentiality of intrinsically hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating is of great significance for developing multi-functional composite protective materials. In this paper, a pure PDMS coating was prepared through spray-coating technique on Q235 carbon steel. The surface morphologies, wettability, chemical compositions, corrosion resistance, bacteria adhesion and real-world atmospheric durability behaviors were investigated. The electrochemical assessment results show that the PDMS-coated Q235 carbon steel exhibits greatly enhanced charge transfer resistance (R
ct), positive movement of corrosion potential (E
corr), and extremely low corrosion current density (I
corr). Besides, the PDMS coating presents high anti-bacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp. adhesion. The real-world atmospheric weatherability, salt spray and abrasion resistance reveal that the PDMS coating can be considered as a superior and durable barrier against marine corrosion and biofouling invasion.
Development of a compact high-density blue core helicon plasma device under 2000 G magnetic field of ring permanent magnets
Authors: LU Zhikang , XU Guosheng , YIP Chi-Shung , CHEN Dehong , WU Xingquan , ZHANG Wei , HU Guanghai , JIN Chenyao , JIANG Di
Published: April 2022

A helicon wave plasma source in a tube of ring permanent magnets (PMs) has been constructed to study the effect of the configuration of the magnetic field with zero magnetic points on plasma parameters. This device also serves as an exploration platform for a simple, compact helicon wave plasma source adaptable to engineering applications. A small-diameter (26 mm) high-density (∼1018 m−3) blue core plasma is produced in ∼1 Pa argon by helicon RF (radio-frequency) discharge using a Nagoya III antenna under magnetic field (∼2 kG) of compact ring PMs (length ∼204 mm). Operational parameters, i.e. RF power and neutral gas pressure are scanned and plasma density is measured by an RF compensated probe to explore the operating characteristics of the device. Iconic feature of a helicon discharge, such as blue core plasmas and E-H-W mode transitions are well observed in the device, despite the wavelength calculated using the conventional dispersion relation of a bounded whistler waves (Chen 1991 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion
33 339) is order of magnitudes longer than the length of the plasma in this device which seems to suggest that such helicon device is impossible. Surprisingly, the wavelength calculated by the unbounded whistle wave dispersion formula in turn suggests the occurrence of a half wavelength resonance.
Biochemical and molecular characterization of sialylated cervical mucins in sheep
Authors: Abril-Parreño Laura , Morgan Jack , Krogenæs Anette , Druart Xavier , Cormican Paul , Gallagher Mary E , Reid Colm , Meade Kieran , Saldova Radka , Fair Sean
Published: April 2022

Sialic acid occupies terminal positions on O-glycans of cervical mucins, where they contribute to the increased viscosity of mucin thereby regulating sperm transport. This study characterized the sialylated cervical mucins from follicular phase mucus of six European ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates following cervical artificial insemination (AI) using frozen–thawed semen at both synchronized and natural estrus cycles. These were Suffolk (low fertility) and Belclare (medium fertility) in Ireland, Ile de France and Romanov (both with medium fertility) in France, and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) and Fur (both with high fertility) in Norway. Expression of mucin and sialic acid related genes was quantified using RNA-sequencing in cervical tissue from Suffolk, Belclare, Fur, and NWS only. Cervical tissue was also assessed for the percentage of cervical epithelial populated by mucin secreting goblet cells in the same four ewe breeds. Biochemical analysis showed that there was an effect of ewe breed on sialic acid species, which was represented by Suffolk having higher levels of Neu5,9Ac2 compared with NWS (P < 0.05). Suffolk ewes had a lower percentage of goblet cells than Fur and NWS (P < 0.05). Gene expression analysis identified higher expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B, ST6GAL1, and ST6GAL2 and lower expression of ST3GAL3, ST3GAL4, and SIGLEC10 in Suffolk compared with high fertility ewe breeds (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that specific alterations in sialylated mucin composition may be related to impaired cervical sperm transport.
Effects of prenatal and lactational exposure to iodoacetic acid on the F1 generation of mice
Authors: Gonsioroski Andressa , Plewa Michael J , Flaws Jodi A
Published: April 2022

Water disinfection can generate water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is one DBP, and it has been shown to be an ovarian toxicant in vitro and in vivo. However, it is unknown if prenatal and lactational exposure to IAA affects reproductive outcomes in female offspring. This study tested the hypothesis that prenatal and lactational exposure to IAA adversely affects reproductive parameters in F1 female offspring. Adult female CD-1 mice were dosed with water (control) or IAA (10, 100, and 500 mg/L) in the drinking water for 35 days and then mated with unexposed males. IAA exposure continued throughout gestation. Dams delivered naturally, and pups were continuously exposed to IAA through lactation until postnatal day (PND) 21. Female pups were euthanized on PND 21 and subjected to measurements of anogenital distance, ovarian weight, and vaginal opening. Ovaries were subjected to histological analysis. In addition, sera were collected to measure reproductive hormone levels. IAA exposure decreased vaginal opening rate, increased the absolute weight of the ovaries, increased anogenital index, and decreased the percentage of atretic follicles in female pups compared to control. IAA exposure caused a borderline decrease in the levels of progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and increased levels of testosterone in female pups compared to control. Collectively, these data show that prenatal and lactational exposure to IAA in drinking water affects vaginal opening, anogenital index, the weight of the ovaries, the percentage of atretic follicles, and hormone levels in the F1 generation in mice.
Downregulating HK2 inhibits proliferation of endometrial stromal cells through a noncanonical pathway involving phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in endometriosis
Authors: Hou Shuhui , Lei Shating , Peng Haiyan , Weng Lichun , Lv Siji , Li Mingqing , Zhao Dong
Published: April 2022

Background

Endometriosis is a benign gynecologic disease that causes chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and infertility and shares several characteristics with malignant tumors, afflicting women of reproductive age. Hexokinase 2 plays an essential role as the first rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolic glycolysis pathway, and its abnormal elevation in tumors is associated with tumor genesis and metastasis. However, the expression and role of hexokinase 2 in endometriosis remain unclear.

Methods

We sequenced the primary endometrial stromal cells from patients with endometrioma and utilized immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot to determine the expression of hexokinase 2. Then wound healing assays, cell invasion assays, and cell proliferation assays were performed to explore the functions of hexokinase 2 in endometrial stromal cells. Furthermore, mice models of endometriosis were used to observe the effects of hexokinase 2 inhibitors in vivo. Lastly, glycolysis metabolism detection and transcriptome sequencing were carried out in hexokinase 2-knockdown endometrial stromal cells to analyze the mechanism of hexokinase 2 affecting cell function.

Results

Endometrial stromal cells of endometrioma displayed active glycolysis metabolism and elevated expression of hexokinase 2. Downregulating hexokinase 2 reduced the migration, invasion, and proliferation capacity of endometrial stromal cells. Knockdown of hexokinase 2 induced upregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and their phosphorylation to attenuate the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells.

Conclusions

Hexokinase 2 is associated with the migration, invasion, and proliferation of endometrial stromal cells, which might provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of endometriosis.

Summary Sentence

HK2 is upregulated in ovarian endometrioma and knockdown of HK2 induced upregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and their phosphorylation to attenuate the proliferation of endometrial stromal cells.
Habitat Protection, Ideology and the British Nature State: The Politics of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Authors: Kelly Matthew
Published: April 2022

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was the most important piece of environmental legislation passed by a British government since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. It sought to enhance the protection of listed flora and fauna, prevent further damage to existing habitat and resolve issues that had arisen with respect to rights of public access to the countryside. Although the bill was long and complex, many of its provisions sought to rationalise existing statutes or extend existing provision rather than create new powers. Provisions seeking to protect habitat proved highly contentious. The proprietary interest resented what it saw as an unjustified interference in private property rights; statutory bodies were alarmed that the centralising aspects of the Act would empower ministers at the expense of their ‘scientific’ independence; and the emergent environmental lobby, increasingly frustrated by the cautious approach of the statutory bodies, was determined that the bill’s habitat protection provisions be strengthened. This article examines the lengthy and disputatious consultation and parliamentary process in terms of longer-term frustration with the apparent weakness of statutory protections and how it brought the environmental effect of agricultural intensification into mainstream political debate. This article contextualises the growing insistence that there was a public interest in the health of the natural environment and situates the argument with respect to what environmental historians have started to analyse as the history of the ‘nature state’, a distinct realm of state activity comparable to the welfare state, warfare state or security state.
Exome sequencing of hepatocellular carcinoma in lemurs identifies potential cancer drivers
Authors: Gunady Ella F , Ware Kathryn E , Hoskinson Plumlee Sarah , Devos Nicolas , Corcoran David , Prinz Joseph , Misetic Hrvoje , Ciccarelli Francesca D , Harrison Tara M , Thorne Jeffrey L , Schopler Robert , Everitt Jeffrey I , Eward William C , Somarelli Jason A
Published: April 2022

Background and objectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs frequently in prosimians, but the cause of these liver cancers in this group is unknown. Characterizing the genetic changes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in prosimians may point to possible causes, treatments and methods of prevention, aiding conservation efforts that are particularly crucial to the survival of endangered lemurs. Although genomic studies of cancer in non-human primates have been hampered by a lack of tools, recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of using human exome capture reagents across primates.

Methodology

In this proof-of-principle study, we applied human exome capture reagents to tumor–normal pairs from five lemurs with hepatocellular carcinoma to characterize the mutational landscape of this disease in lemurs.

Results

Several genes implicated in human hepatocellular carcinoma, including ARID1A, TP53 and CTNNB1, were mutated in multiple lemurs, and analysis of cancer driver genes mutated in these samples identified enrichment of genes involved with TP53 degradation and regulation. In addition to these similarities with human hepatocellular carcinoma, we also noted unique features, including six genes that contain mutations in all five lemurs. Interestingly, these genes are infrequently mutated in human hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting potential differences in the etiology and/or progression of this cancer in lemurs and humans.

Conclusions and implications

Collectively, this pilot study suggests that human exome capture reagents are a promising tool for genomic studies of cancer in lemurs and other non-human primates.

Lay Summary

Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs frequently in prosimians, but the cause of these liver cancers is unknown. In this proof-of-principle study, we applied human DNA sequencing tools to tumor–normal pairs from five lemurs with hepatocellular carcinoma and compared the lemur mutation profiles to those of human hepatocellular carcinomas.
Efficacy and safety of same-day discharge after atrial fibrillation ablation compared with post-procedural overnight stay: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Pok Tin , Davies Mark , Bashir Yaver , Betts Timothy R , Pedersen Michala , Rajappan Kim , Ginks Matthew R , Wijesurendra Rohan S
Published: April 2022

Aims

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has historically required inpatient admission post-procedure, but same-day discharge (SDD) has recently been reported. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of SDD compared with overnight stay (OS) post-ablation.

Methods and results

We performed a systematic search of the PubMed database. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy (successful SDD) and safety (24 h complications, 30-day complications, 30-day re-admissions, and 30-day mortality) of a SDD AF ablation strategy. Fourteen non-randomized observational studies met criteria for inclusion, encompassing 26488 patients undergoing AF ablation, of whom 9766 were SDD. The mean age of participants was 61.9 years, and 67.9% were male. Around 61.7% underwent ablation for paroxysmal AF. The pooled success rate of SDD was 83.2% [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 61.5–97.0%, I2 100%]. The risk of bias was severe for all effect estimates due to confounding, as most cohorts were retrospectively identified without appropriately matched comparators. There was no significant difference in 30-day complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% CI: 0.65–1.40, I2 53%] or 30-day re-admission (OR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.49–1.89, I2 82%) between groups. There were insufficient data for meta-analysis of 24 h complications and 30-day mortality. Where reported, no re-admissions occurred due to 24 h complications after SDD. Two deaths (0.04%) were reported in both SDD and OS groups.

Conclusion

Same-day discharge after AF ablation appears to be an effective and safe strategy in selected patients. However, the available evidence is of low quality, and more robust prospective studies comparing SDD to OS are needed.
Aftershock distributions, moment tensors and stress evolution of the 2016 Iniskin and 2018 Anchorage Mw 7.1 Alaskan intraslab earthquakes
Authors: Drolet Doriane , Bostock Michael G , Plourde Alexandre P , Sammis Charles G
Published: April 2022

We present a detailed study of two Mw 7.1 intraslab earthquakes that occurred in southern Alaska: the Iniskin earthquake of 24 January 2016, and the Anchorage earthquake of 30 November 2018. We have relocated and recovered moment tensors for hundreds of aftershocks following both events, and inverted for stress histories. The aftershock distribution of the Iniskin earthquake suggests that the rupture propagated updip along a fault dipping steeply into the Pacific Plate and terminated at a stratigraphic horizon, inferred to be either the interface or Moho of the subducting slab. In addition, four earthquakes ruptured the main fault in the preceding two years and had similar moment tensors to the mainshock. This evidence suggests that the mainshock likely reactivated a pre-existing, outer-rise fault. The Anchorage earthquake sequence is complex due to its location near the boundary of the subducting Yakutat and Pacific plates, as evidenced by the aftershock distribution. Aftershock hypocentres form two main clusters that appear to correspond to orthogonal, conjugate faults, consistent with the two nodal planes of the dominant focal mechanisms. Both geographic groups display many focal mechanisms similar to the mainshock, which could indicate simultaneous rupture on conjugate planes. The time dependence in stress ratio for the Iniskin sequence can be interpreted in terms of pore-pressure evolution within the mainshock fault zone. In particular, our observations are consistent with a dehydration-assisted transfer mechanism where fluids are produced during rupture through antigorite dehydration and raised to high pore pressures through matrix collapse and/or thermal pressurization. The Anchorage sequence exhibits a more complex stress ratio evolution that may be associated with stress adjustments within a distributed fault network, or reflect a strongly heterogeneous stress field.
Does calculation method matter for targeting vancomycin area under the curve?
Authors: Chang Jack , Patel Dhara , Vega Ana , Claeys Kimberly C , Heil Emily L , Scheetz Marc H
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To assess differences in vancomycin AUC estimates from two common, clinically applied first-order pharmacokinetic equation methods compared with Bayesian estimates.

Methods

A cohort of patients who received vancomycin and therapeutic drug monitoring was studied. First-order population pharmacokinetic equations were used to guide initial empirical dosing. After receipt of the first dose, patients had peak and trough serum levels drawn and steady-state AUC was estimated using first-order pharmacokinetic equations as standard care. We subsequently created a Bayesian model and used individual Empirical Bayes Estimates to precisely calculate vancomycin AUC24–48, AUC48–72 and AUC72–96 in this cohort. AUC at steady state (AUCSS) differences from the first-order methods were compared numerically and categorically (i.e. below, within or above 400–600 mg·h/L) to Bayesian AUCs, which served as the gold standard.

Results

A total of 65 adult inpatients with 409 plasma samples were included in this analysis. A two-compartment intravenous infusion model with first-order elimination fit the data well. The mean of Bayesian AUC24–48 was not significantly different from AUC estimates from the two first-order pharmacokinetic equation methods (P = 0.68); however, Bayesian AUC48–72 and Bayesian AUC72–96 were both significantly different when compared with both first-order pharmacokinetic equation methods (P < 0.01 for each). At the patient level, categorical classifications of AUC estimates from the two first-order pharmacokinetic equation methods differed from categorizations derived from the Bayesian calculations. Categorical agreement was ∼50% between first-order and Bayesian calculations, with declining categorical agreement observed with longer treatment courses. Differences in categorical agreement between calculation methods could potentially result in different dose recommendations for the patient.

Conclusions

Bayesian-calculated AUCs between 48–72 and 72–96 h intervals were significantly different from first-order pharmacokinetic method-estimated AUCs at steady state. The various calculation methods resulted in different categorical classification, which could potentially lead to erroneous dosing adjustments in approximately half of the patients.
The Committee of the Rights of the Child—Does Size Matter?
Authors: Winter Justice Renate
Published: April 2022

The Convention on the Rights of the Child celebrated its 30th birthday in November 2019. All Member States to the United Nations save one have ratified the convention during the 30 years of its existence. Three Optional Protocols were added to the Convention. In order to monitor and check progress, a treaty body was created, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, based in Geneva. This treaty body is regularly evaluating the reports of Member States. Concluding observations have to be drawn to assist Member States in upgrading the level of child protection in their respective countries. Treaty bodies have also to draft General Comments among other duties. Moreover, the Committee has to react to individual communications coming from children or persons acting on their behalf.
Proving properties of binary classification neural networks via Łukasiewicz logic
Authors: Preto Sandro , Finger Marcelo
Published: April 2022

Neural networks are widely used in systems of artificial intelligence, but due to their black box nature, they have so far evaded formal analysis to certify that they satisfy desirable properties, mainly when they perform critical tasks. In this work, we introduce methods for the formal analysis of reachability and robustness of neural networks that are modeled as rational McNaughton functions by, first, stating such properties in the language of Łukasiewicz infinitely-valued logic and, then, using the reasoning techniques of such logical system. We also present a case study where we employ the proposed techniques in an actual neural network that we trained to predict whether it will rain tomorrow in Australia.
Epidermal growth factor receptor as a potential target of momordin Ic to promote apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Senggunprai Laddawan , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Prawan Auemduan , Kongpetch Sarinya
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Strategies that induce apoptosis of malignant cells are recognized as effective cancer treatments. This study evaluated the apoptosis-inducing ability of momordin Ic against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells and the respective underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Quantification of apoptotic cells was performed using Annexin V/7-AAD double dye staining followed by flow cytometry. The effect of momordin Ic on the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream signalling molecules was determined via Western blot analysis. The RT2 Profiler PCR Array was used to determine the expression of cell death-associated genes. Expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were examined using an apoptosis antibody array.

Key findings

Momordin Ic potently limited the ability of CCA cells to thrive by promoting apoptotic cell death. This apoptosis-inducing activity was accompanied with suppression of expression of EGFR, p-EGFR, c-Myc and other downstream EGFR signalling-related molecules. Additional molecular analyses demonstrated that momordin Ic modified the expression profile of cell death-associated genes in CCA cells. Moreover, significant upregulation of apoptosis-activating proteins and downregulation of apoptosis-inhibiting protein were also observed after exposure to momordin Ic.

Conclusions

These results suggest that momordin Ic has a potential therapeutic opportunity for CCA treatment by acting as an EGFR suppressant.
Development of a comprehensive method based on quantitative 1H NMR for quality evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine injection: a case study of Danshen Injection
Authors: Li Wenzhu , Zhao Fang , Yang Jiayu , Pan Jianyang , Qu Haibin
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to establish a rapid and comprehensive method for quantitative determination of complex ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine injections.

Methods

A 1H quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance method was developed to simultaneously quantify comprehensive chemical components in Danshen Injection. Multivariate statistical analysis technique was applied to quality evaluation of multiple batches of Danshen injection.

Key findings

A complete signal attribution to the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of Danshen injection was developed and performed for the first time. A total of 32 chemical components were identified from Danshen Injection. Among them, 20 were quantified simultaneously, accounting for up to 80% (w/w) of the total solids and 95% (w/w) of total organic matter, representing success compared to the previous studies. The developed method was further applied to analyze 13 batches of Danshen Injection from three manufacturers to make a realistic analysis.

Conclusion

It was found that the comprehensive chemical information provides an adequate characterization for quality profiles among different commercial batches of Danshen Injection. The developed method further offered a guarantee for improving the consistency and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine injections.
Lianhuaqingwen alleviates p53-mediated apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells to prevent LPS-induced ALI
Authors: Yang Ruhao , Yang Haizhen , Li Wenqiang , Yue Fang , Chen Hao , Hao Yueying , Hu Ke
Published: April 2022

Background

Our previous study found that Lianhuaqingwen reduces lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice by suppressing p53-mediated apoptosis. To identify the type of lung cells affected by Lianhuaqingwen, we conducted a cell experiment.

Methods

C57/B6 mice and A549 cells were administered Lianhuaqingwen and LPS. A549 cells were transfected with p53 siRNA to inhibit p53. The degree of ALI in mice was validated by haematoxylin and eosin staining as well as measurement of IL-1β and MCP-1 levels. In A549 cells, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), DHE and TUNEL assays were used to assess cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the protein expression of p53, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3. Co-immunofluorescence was used to detect cytochrome C distribution.

Key findings

Lianhuaqingwen alleviated LPS-induced ALI in vivo. Lianhuaqingwen at 300 μg/ml increased cell viability, lowered ROS production and reduced apoptotic cells in vitro. Lianhuaqingwen enhanced Bcl-2 expression and reduced Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 expression as well as blocked cytochrome C release under LPS stimulation. Treatment with a combination of Lianhuaqingwen and p53 siRNA was more effective than treatment with Lianhuaqingwen alone.

Conclusion

Lianhuaqingwen inhibits p53-mediated apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells, thereby preventing LPS-induced ALI.
Outbreak: Contagion and Culture in the Victorian Era: Introduction
Authors: Krishnan Lakshmi , Nixon Kari
Published: April 2022

One can hardly read a Victorian text without encountering contagious diseases, those striving against them, or those marked by them: from the tuberculous resonances in Dracula (1897) to Jonathan Hutchinson’s (1828–1913) syphilography, Mary Seacole’s pioneering nursing and treatment of cholera in Panama (Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands, 1857), and finally Bleak House’s Esther, disfigured by smallpox. This Roundtable asks how the Victorians approached contagion, examining the ways in which it became such a central preoccupation for a society already fixated upon health and illness and the transactions between life and death. Through our analysis of the long nineteenth century, we hope to illuminate our own contagious transformations. As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to reveal our individual and communal interdependence, complicated navigation of information, panic, sickness, harm, and isolation, and as it underscores tensions between individual liberty and the collective good, Victorian understandings of contagion acquire fresh relevance to us. In Victorian studies, these interpretations remain a critical touchstone for thinking about medicine, history, narrative, and social and public policy.
Sleep Deprivation and Self-Harm Associated With Excessive Gaming: A Case Report
Authors: Hall Amanda M , Glass Stuart D , McDonald William A , Almond Nathaniel B , Doan Andrew P
Published: April 2022

Excessive gaming may be associated with sleep deprivation and self-harm. One active duty member committed self-injurious behavior to avoid work-related consequences. It was discovered that the patient participated in a video-gaming binge throughout an entire 72-hour weekend liberty. The patient experienced severe sleep deprivation to the point where he overslept and failed to report to work. He injured himself and fabricated a robbery and assault to avoid disciplinary consequences. Military health care providers should consider excessive gaming in patients presenting with sleep issues, self-harm, and disciplinary problems. As the prevalence of gaming increases, the military leadership should be aware that excessive gaming can degrade force readiness.