bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiment for Improving the Manufacturing Process of Composite Material Made Serpentine Pipe Parts Using Ceramic Lost Foam Mold
Authors: Yang Shang-Kuo , Chen Lei-Hu , Chu Wen-Lin
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, composite materials are widely used in high-strength and low-weight parts, such as airborne structures, military equipment, sports devices, etc. Since most of the serpentine pipe parts have the requirement of one-piece forming and high strength, the material of serpentine pipe parts is still mainly metal. However, the parts cannot easily separate from the metal molds after autoclave curing is always a difficult problem in the manufacturing process, which results in failed products. The autoclave process is often long and expensive. Therefore, improving its manufacturing yield rate is very important. To solve this problem, this study employs a ceramic lost foam mold to replace the metal mold used in the autoclave process. By adjusting parameters of autoclave in different experiments and experienced several failed experiments, workable manufacturing processes and parameters are finally obtained such that the composite material made serpentine pipe parts are successfully produced. This paper detailed the causes of failed products and corresponding solutions. Moreover, the current study executed process reproducibility experiments to verify the reproducibility of the proposed method. All experiments have been performed in a real workshop.
Targeting ZDHHC9 enhances anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy efficacy by reprogramming the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Lin Zhiqing , Huang Keke , Guo Hui , Jia Manli , Liu Xin , Sun Qiuqin , Chen Xuhao , Wu Jianmin , Yao Qingqing , Zhang Peng , Vakal Sergii , Zou Zhengzhi , Gao Haiyao , Ci Lei , Chen Jiangfan , Guo Wei
Published: August 2022

Background
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy targeting the programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis has achieved considerable success in treating a wide range of cancers. However, most patients are still resistant to ICB and lack of optimal biomarkers to predict response. Thus, uncovering the underlying cellular and molecular determinants of ICB resistance is needed to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1/L1 therapy. Palmitoylation is mediated by a family of 23 S-acyltransferases, Asp-His‐His‐Cys type (ZDHHC) palmitoyltransferases, that precisely control various cancer-related protein functions, representing promising drug targets for cancer therapy. However, how specific ZDHHC palmitoyltransferases affect the tumour microenvironment (TME) and augment the therapeutic efficacy of ICB remains elusive.
Methods
Five syngeneic subcutaneous tumour models were used to demonstrate the anti-tumour activity of ZDHHC9 deficiency. Multispectral flow cytometry was used to characterize alterations in immune cell subsets. Two poorly immunogenic tumour models were used to evaluate the synergistic effect of ZDHHC9 deficiency and anti-PD-L1 therapy. A polymeric nanoparticle approach was developed for the in vivo delivery of ZDHHC9-siRNA to tumour tissues. The TGCA database was used to assess the expression pattern and immunological characteristics of ZDHHC9 in pan-cancers.
Results
We found that tumor cell-intrinsic “immuno-oncogene” Zinc Finger DHHC-Type Containing 9 (ZDHHC9) was overexpressed in various human cancers and associated with impaired anti-tumor immunity. In five syngeneic tumour models, the knockdown of ZDHHC9 expression in tumour cells was sufficient to suppress tumour progression and improve survival by reprogramming the immunosuppressive (‘cold’) to proinflammatory (‘hot’) TME. Furthermore, ZDHHC9 deficiency in tumour cells sensitized anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in CD8+ T cells dependent manner. Lastly, we employed the ZDHHC9-siRNA nanoparticle system to efficiently silence ZDHHC9 in tumours whilst potentiating anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy in non-immunogenic tumours.
Conclusion
Tumour-intrinsic S-palmitoylation regulator ZDHHC9 tumour expression is a mechanism of inhibition of host anti-tumour immunity and reprogramming of immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. Inactivating ZDHHC9 highlights an effective immunotherapeutic strategy and booster for anti-PD-L1 therapy.
Study of the fatigue delamination behaviour of adhesive joints in carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites, influence of the period of exposure to saline environment
Authors: Argüelles A. , Viña I. , Vigón P. , Lozano M. , Viña J.
Published: August 2022

This work analyses the fatigue delamination and fracture stress behaviour under mode I of adhesive joints made on an epoxy matrix composite material with unidirectional carbon fibre reinforcement and a commercial epoxy-based adhesive. DCB type tests (for mode I) were used with the aim to quantify the influence of the period of exposure to a degradation process in a salt spray chamber, to which the tested samples were subjected, on their fatigue behaviour. For this purpose and after a previous static characterisation of the material in which the critical values of the energy release rate for different exposure periods were determined, the levels of the energy release rate (ERR) to be applied in the fatigue tests and the exposure periods to be considered (no exposure, exposure during one week and twelve weeks) and a ratio of fatigue stress levels of R = Gmin/Gmax=0.1 were defined. From this experimental data, the G-N fatigue initiation curves and the G-da/dN growth curves were obtained. The experimental data obtained, in the fatigue initiation phase of the delamination process, have been treated by means of a probabilistic model based on a Weibull distribution, the application of models of these characteristics has allowed a better interpretation of the experimental results obtained. The most relevant result of the work is that, in general, the fatigue limits obtained for the adhesive joint, under mode I fracture, when subjected to a degradation process in a saline environment, do not translate into a relevant loss of its resistance capacity against this fatigue delamination phenomenon, in its initiation phase. On the other hand, the crack growth rates of the material subjected to different periods of exposure to a saline environment are similar and higher than those obtained for the material without exposure.
Effect of different durations of Shawkea DE-T1 administration on blastocyst obtained rate in women receiving IVF-ET treatment: A secondary analysis of a cohort study
Authors: SHAO Hui , NAKAMOTO Munehiro , YAMAGUCHI Yoji , NOZAKI Toshiaki , DONG Xi , YANG Dongzi , JIAO Shuang , DENG Weifen , KOKEGUCHI Shoji , SHIOTANI Masahide
Published: August 2022

Objective
To explore the appropriate duration of Shawkea DE-T1 use, and to provide a basis for the optimization of the Shawkea DE-T1 administration duration for different women.
Methods
Based on a previous retrospective cohort study, 1,014 patients aged ≥ 30 years who used in vitro fertilization (IVF) for conception at Hanabusa Women’s Clinic, Kobe, Japan, were included in this secondary analysis and were allocated to an Shawkea DE-T1-administration group (n = 712) and a control group (n = 302) based on their use of Shawkea DE-T1. All patients in the two groups received interventions following the guidelines of the Japanese Institution for Standardizing Assisted Reproductive Technology Intervention, and patients in the administration group were provided Shawkea DE-T1 as recommended by the Nutritional Supplement Support Center of Hanabusa Womens Clinic. The blastocyst obtained rate (percentage of patients who produced at least one blastocyst upon in vitro embryo culture relative to all patients in the same group) was compared between the two groups of patients following treatment durations of 1–3 months, 4–6 months, and > 6 months. Analysis was performed on the actual duration of Shawkea DE-T1 administration for all patients who achieved blastocyst in vitro according to their age level (≥ 30 and < 35 years of age; ≥35 and < 40 years; ≥40 and < 43 years; and ≥ 43 years of age).
Results
After a Shawkea DE-T1 administration of 1–3 months or 4–6 months, the blastocyst obtained rates in the administration group were significantly higher than those of the control group (83.27% vs. 55.31% for 1–3 months, P = 1.02×10− 10; 69.44% vs. 44.44% for 4–6 months, P = 4.70×10− 4), while no significant difference was uncovered between the two groups with > 6 months of administration (73.35% vs. 72.46%, P = 0.76). Analysis of the treatment duration of patients at different age levels who produced blastocysts showed that the treatment duration increased commensurate with patient age: i.e., 65.25% of women ≥ 30 and < 35 years of age achieved blastocyst after a Shawkea DE-T1 administration of 1–3 months; while only 19.75% of women ≥ 43 years of age successfully achieved in vitro development of embryos to blastocyst stage with a Shawkea DE-T1 administration of 1–3 months.
Conclusion
Shawkea DE-T1 use for 1–3 months and 3–6 months significantly improved the blastocyst obtained rate in women receiving IVF treatment. Appropriate extension of Shawkea DE-T1 administration duration also achieved a better effect in women of advanced reproductive age.
Improved in vitro propagation of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] – Confirmed with a wide range of genotypes
Authors: Vollmer Rainer , Espirilla Janeth , Sanchez Juan Carlos , Arroyo Lineo , Acosta Michel , Flores Gonzalo , Rojas Angel , Ellis David , Azevedo Vania
Published: August 2022

In vitro propagation of Plant Genetic Resources is a basic step for routine genebank and biotechnology research activities. Accelerating growth and rooting of in vitro plants contributes to an improvement in process efficiency and plant quality. In the present study the effect of supplemental thiamine and explant size on biometric variables, ion content in plant sap, chlorophyll content in leaves and moisture content in plants were assessed in a replicated trial on a group of seven in vitro sweetpotato accessions and validated in a set of other 45 accessions. It was shown that adding 0.1 mg L -1 of thiamine to modified Murashige and Skoog culture medium significantly increased plant height, root length, and number of nodes of in vitro sweetpotato shoot culture plants. No significant differences were observed for N0 3 - , K + , Na + and Ca ++ - ion content in plant sap, nor in leaf area, chlorophyll, or moisture content between plants grown with or without thiamine. Uninodal stem segments showed on thiamine-free medium a significantly lower root and plant growth, and reduced number of nodes, than plants grown from uni- and binodal segments on thiamine-supplemented medium. A subsequent experiment tested all the parameters above in a non-replicated screen with a set of 45 diverse sweetpotato accessions. With this diverse set of germplasm, the average plant and root length increased by 41 and 51%, respectively on thiamine-supplemented culture medium compared to the control treatment, confirming that supplemental thiamine is generally beneficial to sweetpotato in vitro shoot culture.
Preclinical evaluation of the effect of periodontal regeneration by carbonate apatite in a canine one-wall intrabony defect model
Authors: Takeuchi Shunsuke , Fukuba Shunsuke , Okada Munehiro , Nohara Kohei , Sato Ryo , Yamaki Daichi , Matsuura Takanori , Hoshi Shu , Aoki Kazuhiro , Iwata Takanori
Published: August 2022

Objective: This study aimed to histologically compare periodontal regeneration of one-wall intrabony defects treated with open flap debridement, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and CO3Ap in dogs.Materials and Methods: The mandibular third premolars of four beagle dogs were extracted. Twelve weeks after the extraction, a one-wall bone defect of 4 mm × 5 mm (mesio-distal width × depth) was created on the distal side of the mandibular second premolar and mesial side of fourth premolar. Each defect was randomly subjected to open flap debridement only (control group), β-TCP, or CO3Ap treatment. Eight weeks after the surgery, histologic and histometric analyses were performed.Results: No ankylosis, infection, or acute inflammation was observed at any of the experimental sites.　Newly formed bone and cementum were observed in all experimental groups. The ratio of the new bone area was significantly higher in the CO3Ap group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The mineral apposition rate of the alveolar bone crest was higher in the CO3Ap group than in the control and β-TCP groups. The bone contact percentage of the residual granules was significantly higher in the CO3Ap group than in the β-TCP group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: These findings indicate the safety and efficacy of CO3Ap for periodontal regeneration in one-wall intrabony defects in dogs, and CO3Ap is more integrated with bone than β-TCP.Clinical relevance: CO3Ap is compatible with the surrounding bone and provides favorable results for periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects.
Predicting the Activity of Molecules against SARS-CoV-2 using Machine Learning Techniques and Stacked Generalization
Authors: Gousiadou Chrysoula , Sarimveis Haralambos
Published: August 2022

As the pandemic caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 was rapidly evolving, efforts for the design of new, target-specific molecules active against the viral replication-related enzymes were intensified. On these grounds, the Covid-Moonshot project was launched in March 2020 as a worldwide scientific collaboration aiming to design strong inhibitors against the conserved coronavirus protease Mpro, and subsequently to measure their activity through High Throughput Screening (HTS) assays. As a result, more than 21000 structurally diverse molecules exploring a large chemical space were submitted to the Moonshot project’s website and approximately 10% were evaluated for their inhibitory potency against Mpro. In the present work, profiting from the large chemical space made available through the project and with the advantage of using activity data measured with consistent experimental protocols, we curated informative datasets with which we built and vigorously validated a QSAR stacked regression model as an ensemble of Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) and Neural Network (NN) algorithms for estimating the magnitude of the inhibitory potency of molecules against Mpro. The data used for model development and validation contained IC50 values measured with the Fluorescence assay and reported in the project’s on-line database. Our QSAR regression ensemble showed good predictive performance and generalization. Additionally, a set of 78 highly relevant features– including two new engineered - were identified and successfully linked to the inhibitory activity of the modelled compounds. Our findings further suggested that the presence of a halogen-acetamide moiety strongly affected the inhibitory potency of the molecules considered in the present study.
Observation of strong synergy in the interfacial water response of binary ionic and non-ionic surfactant mixtures
Authors: Sengupta Sanghamitra , Gera Rahul , Egan Colin , Morzan Uriel , Versluis Jan , Hassanali Ali , Bakker Huib
Published: August 2022

We have used heterodyne detected vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (HDVSFG) to probe the interfacial structure of binary mixtures of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and hexaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E6) surfactants. Our results show that in the presence of C12E6 at CMC (70 µM) the effect of SDS on the orientation of interfacial water molecules is strongly enhanced. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the adsorption free energy of DS− ions to a water surface covered with C12E6 is significantly more attractive by ~ 10 kBT compared to the adsorption energy of DS− to the surface of pure water. The simulations also show that the adsorption of DS− to a water surface covered with C12E6 induces a strong restructuring and enhanced orientation of the near-surface water layers, explaining the HDVSFG results.
Coconut endocarp shell ash (CESA): a non-conventional catalyst for green synthesis of 2- amino-4H-benzochromenes
Authors: Patil Sandip P. , Shinde Sachinkumar K. , Patil Suresh S.
Published: August 2022

In the present research, the coconut endocarp shell as a natural waste was converted into a valuable non-conventional catalyst by simple thermal treatment, namely coconut endocarp shell ash (CESA). The prepared CESA was characterized using several analytical techniques, including TGA, FT-IR, XRD, BET, SEM, and EDX. The catalytic property of the CESA was examined in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active 2-amino-4H-benzochromene derivatives via one-pot three component condensation of aldehydes, malononitrile, and α or β-naphthol in ethanol at room temperature. The most promising aspects of the presented approach are the high catalytic efficiency, short reaction time, excellent yield of products, operational simplicity, waste to wealth, and optimization with the design of experiment. Moreover, the CESA catalyst was recycled five times without any apparent loss of its catalytic activity.
The Integrated Fast Short-Circuit Protection Technique with Soft Turn-off for SiC MOSFET
Authors: Cao Jianwen , Zhou Zekun , Shi Yue , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the integrated fast short-circuit protection technique with soft turn-off is proposed for SiC (silicon carbide) MOSFET. Two short-circuit faults, HSF (hard switching fault) and FOF (flashover fault), can be judged by detecting EMI (electromagnetic interference) noises of SiC MOSFET. When there are short-circuit faults for SiC MOSFET, the soft turn-off is initiated to reduce EMI noises and protect SiC MOSFET. The proposed fast short-circuit protection technique is realized on the chip and is verified in a 0.18µm BCD process. Simulation results show that the proposed short-circuit protection has a fast response speed and then SiC MOSFET is turned off slowly when there are HSF and FOF. Therefore, the proposed fast short-circuit protection technique can be well applied for SiC MOSFETs, making SiC MOSFETs safely used in HV (high-voltage) and high current applications.
The Prognostic Significance of Further Axillary Dissection for Sentinel Lymph Node Micrometastases in Female Breast Cancer: A Competing Risk Analysis using the SEER Database
Authors: Zhou Yudong , Pu Shengyu , Jiang Siyuan , Li Danni , Li Shouyu , Liu Yang , Ren Yu , Hao Na
Published: August 2022

On the basis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, the aim of this study is to identify whether complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is actually required and has an impact on breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS) in breast cancer patients with micrometastases. We identified 13,848 women whose nodal status was micrometastases (pTxN1miM0) were classified into two groups: the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) only group and SLNB with complete ALND group. After the PSM, we found that the SLNB with complete ALND showed no significant difference in OS (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.84–1.28, P = 0.73) or BCSS (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.79–1.35, P = 0.82) compared to the SLNB only group. There was no statistically significant difference in the cumulative incidence of BCSD (Grey’s test, P = 0.819) or OCSD (Grey’s test, P = 0.788) for between the two groups either. Our results suggest that in early breast cancer patients with micrometastasis, complete ALND does not seem to be required and that SLNB suffices to control locoregional and distant disease, with no significant adverse effects on survival compared to complete ALND.
M-Health App for Tracking COVID-19 Infected People: A Case Study of Developing Countries
Authors: Alaiad Ahmad , Alzoubi Omar , Alyaseen Safa’a , Shatnawi Farah , Rawashdeh Saif
Published: August 2022

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the use of M-Health apps for tracking COVID-19 infected people.So, the aim of this study was to develop a model that explains the adoption of M-Health apps for tracking COVID-19 infected people in developing countries. We tested the model based on data collected using an online survey with 283 participants. For data analysis , the partial least squares technique was used. The results revealed that the intention to use the Aman application was positively influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, Aman application quality, perceived self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, and perceived credibility. Moreover, it was negatively influenced by the perceived financial cost and the effort expectancy. M-Health apps are found as an approach to fighting COVID-19. Therefore, it is imperative to address the reasons that prevent the use of these apps. The implications of this are discussed.
MMPD-Net: An Aircraft Deformation Prediction Network Based on Multimodal Fusion
Authors: Kong Zhihao , Mao JianHua , Wang Jun , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: August 2022

In the assembly process of aircraft manufacturing, the aircraft structural is flexible, it is easy to deform under the influence of material factors and working condition factors. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a deformation prediction model to timely find deformation problems. In recent years, with the development of artificial intelligence technology, deep neural network has been widely used in intelligent manufacturing. This paper combines deep neural network with aircraft deformation prediction, and proposes an aircraft deformation prediction network that based on multimodal fusion (MMPD-Net). We consider both the aircraft structure data and the working condition data on aircraft deformation prediction. MMPD-Net extracts the features of aircraft structure mode and working condition mode respectively. We propose a multimodal fusion network to fuse features, which include the algorithm of average pooling and Bayesian decision. Compared with the mainstream point cloud classification network, MMPD-Net achieves higher classification accuracy on aircraft deformation dataset.
Interface and domain dynamics in ecological models
Authors: Hunt Parker , Jayaprakash Ciriyam
Published: August 2022

Ecosystems are known to undergo large-scale changes in their states termed regime shifts. These arise in models with alternative stable states when small changes in parameters lead to abrupt shifts. We study two spatially extended models with noise to elucidate the spatio-temporal behaviors that determine the relative stability of coexisting stable states. Motivated by results of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanical models we study the dynamics of interfaces between states and of domains. We evaluate the velocity of the interface as a function of parameters such as rainfall in the interval in which bistability occurs. Domains of the stable state in an unstable background grow or shrink if their size is larger or smaller than a critical radius respectively. We have determined the critical radius that depends on curvature effects by numerical simulations. Thus, by studying a spatially explicit model, going beyond mean-field theory, we argue that regime shifts can occur before the deterministic (mean-field) bifurcation point depending on domain dynamics. Qualitative features are common to models with and without associated potentials. We study the effect of anomalous precipitation patterns with large deficits for a few years in a model with seasonal rainfall. We find a drastic decline of the vegetation followed by either collapse or recovery when the precipitation returns to normal. We find that domain dynamics and spatially averaged indicators such as variance can, at best, indicate relative resilience of states to large perturbations.
Development and Validation of Virtual Reality Combined with Shoulder Wheel Device for Active Rehabilitation Training
Authors: Hosaini Mohammad Reza , Sharini Hamid , Khabiri Hamid , Dehlaghi Vahab , Safarpoor Ali
Published: August 2022

Objective: To develop and validate the rehabilitation system based on virtual reality to increase patients' time of active rehabilitation during exercises.Methods: Thirty stroke patients admitted to rehabilitation clinics, who met the inclusion criteria, were selected after the initial evaluation performed by a physiotherapist. All patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group was treated with common shoulder wheel therapy combined with virtual reality, and the control group was treated only with shoulder wheel therapy. Both groups received routine shoulder rehabilitation exercises for four weeks. Clinical assessments (action research arm test and Fugl-Meyer assessment) and functional testing (torque) were performed three times in a 15-day interval, and also a reaction rate-test for one time, at the end of rehabilitation.Results: Results showed that parameters of reaction rate and functional torque tests, clinical evaluations of action research arm test, and Fugl-Meyer assessment increased in both virtual reality and control groups during the treatment. Torque and reaction rate, as well as the Fugl-Meyer assessment functional test were significantly (p <0.05) higher in the intervention group than the control group. Although this difference indicated the relative superiority of virtual reality-based rehabilitation, there was no significant difference in action research arm test assessments (p >0.05).Dissuasion and Conclusion: A rehabilitation system based on virtual reality was designed and developed for stroke patients' shoulders and was evaluated clinically. Results indicate the influential role of virtual reality in improving shoulder functions and increasing active rehabilitation time in stroke patients.
Mechanisms behind large-scale inconsistencies between regional and global climate model-based projections over Europe
Authors: Taranu Ioan Sabin , Somot Samuel , Alias Antoinette , Boé Julien , Delire Christine
Published: August 2022

Important discrepancies in the large-scale summer climate change projections were recently detected between the global and regional climate models (RCM/GCM) in the EURO-CORDEX ensemble for several variables including surface temperature, total precipitation, and surface solar radiation. In this study, we use a new experimental framework inspired by the Big-Brother-Little-Brother protocol to explore the mechanisms responsible for generating large-scale discrepancies in future projections between GCM/RCM pairs over Europe in summer. Starting from past and future simulations with a perfect GCM/RCM pair (same resolution, same physics, same forcings), we then disentangle the role of potential sources of GCM/RCM inconsistency by carrying out targeted sensitivity studies. We show that by following such a perfect approach, it is possible to obtain a GCM/RCM pair without statistically significant inconsistencies in projected climate change. Such discrepancies are mainly generated by differences in aerosols representation and atmospheric physics. The role of plant physiology is limited and unlikely to be the dominant factor in the detected discrepancies. Finally, it is unlikely that the discrepancies in the EURO-CORDEX ensemble projections are a result of the upscaled added value, as we show that the effect of increased resolution is not strong enough and mostly limited to areas with complex topography. These findings raise important questions about the current practices in regional climate modelling. In the short term, implementing RCM external forcings consistent with the driving GCM can significantly improve the situation at low cost. In the long term, adopting a seamless strategy in developing the GCM/RCM models should be questioned.
Determination of the length of water function transition zones of braided rivers
Authors: YUAN Yu-liang , CHAO Li-qiang , REN Shuang , LI Ran , FENG Jing-jie , LIANG Si-zhen
Published: August 2022

Water environment function zones are designated for water environment management, among which transition zones are set to connect between different zones that implement different water quality standards. The method by which we effectively set the length of each transition zone is crucial for most rivers, particularly for complex topographic conditions, such as braided rivers. In this study, using the water transition zone of the Lhasa River, a depth-averaged planar two-dimensional hydrodynamic water quality model was established to simulate hydrodynamic conditions and pollutant transportation under different discharge rates. The length of the transition zone was then analyzed. Our results showed the river braid index changed with different discharge rates. When discharge increased from 41.8 to 273 m3/s, the exposed beach area decreased by approximately 36% and the braid index decreased by approximately 20%, from 3.63 to 2.90, resulting in the length of the transition zone to increase by 109% (from 11 to 23 km). Further analysis showed that the length of transition zone increases exponentially with the increase in flow and decreases logarithmically with the increase in braid index.
Human Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Suppresses NF-ĸB Activity and Extends Lifespan in Adult Drosophila
Authors: Yuan Ye , Belkum Max , O’Brien Alana , Garcia Alain , Troncoso Karla , Elshikha Ahmed , Zhou Lei , Song Sihong
Published: August 2022

Human alpha 1 antitrypsin (hAAT) is a multifunctional protein, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cellular protective properties. While previous studies demonstrated the antiaging potential of hAAT, the mechanism(s) underlying the antiaging effect remain elusive. In this study, we performed a detailed analysis of transcriptomic data, which indicated that NF-ĸB-targeted genes and NF-ĸB-regulated-pathways were selectively inhibited by hAAT treatment. We further showed that the first detectable impact of hAAT treatment was the inhibition of the nuclear activity of NF-ĸB. Subsequently, hAAT treatment suppressed the mRNA levels of NF-ĸB targeted genes, as well as NF-ĸB itself (P65 and P50) in human senescent cells. Using Drosophila models, we further examined the impact of hAAT on locomotor activity and endurance. Finally, using an adult-specific promotor, we demonstrated that overexpression of hAAT in late stage of life significantly extended the lifespan of transgenic flies. These results extended the current understandings of the anti-inflammation function of hAAT.
Venetoclax plus “2 + 5” modified intensive chemotherapy with daunorubicin and cytarabine in fit elderly patients with untreated de novo acute myeloid leukemia: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Huafeng , Yao Yiyi , Mao Liping , Lou Yinjun , Ren Yianlin , Ye Xingnong , Yang Min , Ma Liya , Zhang Yi , Zhou Yile , Huang Xin , Wang Yungui , Xu Huan , Tong Hongyan , Zhu Hong-Hu , Jin Jie
Published: August 2022

Background
Therapeutic options remain limited for elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) considering the poor tolerance to intensive chemotherapy. Venetoclax in combination with modified intensive chemotherapy has been shown achieved significantly improved efficacy in elderly AML patients.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of venetoclax plus daunorubicin and cytarabine induction chemotherapy (daunorubicin 60mg/m2 days 1–2, intravenously, cytarabine 100mg/m2 days 1–5, intravenously, and venetoclax 100mg day 3, 200mg day 4, 400mg days 5–10, orally, modified DAV regimen) in untreated fit de novo elderly AML.
Results
Twelve elderly patients who received a modified DAV regimen at our institution were enrolled from March 2021 to June 2022. Eleven of twelve (91.6%) patients achieved complete remission (CR), including 10 patients who achieved CR after one induction cycle and one patient who achieved CR after receiving a second repeated induction cycle. One patient with no response withdrew after one cycle of induction. All patients achieved measurable residual disease negativity detected by muti-parameter flow cytometry in responders. The median follow-up was 108 days. The median event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 398 days and not achieved separately, with an estimated 1-year EFS and OS rate of 75.0% and 100%, respectively. The most severe adverse events during induction therapy included 12 neutropenia (100%), 12 thrombocytopenia (100%), 12 anemia (100%), 5 febrile neutropenia (41.7%) and 4 pneumonia (33.3%). Myelosuppression recovered rapidly, without treatment-related deaths.
Conclusions
Our study showed the encouraging efficacy and good tolerability of the modified DAV regimen in untreated fit elderly AML patients.
Successful Retrieval of a Kinked Thermal Filament of a Swan-Ganz Catheter: a Case Report
Authors: Xie Yongguo , Du Xueke , Ming Shaopeng , Chen Lini , Ma Xiangfei , Qin Ke
Published: August 2022

Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheters enable continuous assessment of cardiac blood flow, left heart pressures, and oxygen delivery and consumption, with an uninterrupted view of cardiac function to facilitate proactive decisions in the most complex patients. However, complications of Swan-Ganz catheters have been continuously reported in clinical practice. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on prevention and treatment of Swan-Ganz catheter complications. This case presents successful management of an unusual complication, retrieval of a kinked thermal filament of a Swan-Ganz catheter in a 32-year-old male patient following liver transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a kinked thermal filament of a Swan-Ganz catheter. When the Swan-Ganz catheter was found to be difficult to withdraw, CT revealed that the Swan-Ganz catheter was kinked at the level of clavicle. Under X-ray guidance, the central venous catheter was first removed, followed by removal of the percutaneous introducer sheath, and finally the Swan-Ganz catheter was successfully withdrawn. This case report provides a successful procedure for the removal of the kinked Swan-Ganz catheter, and perspectives on the overall management, such as the possible need for CT examination when difficulty is encountered withdrawing a Swan-Ganz catheter.
Molecular approach of renal cell carcinoma using FISH method : a prospective study (23 cases) and state of the art
Authors: TAYEB Rafik BEN , Mzyiene Mohammed , BOUARDI Nizar , FARHANE Fatimazahra , BOUHAFA Touria , Bouguenouch Laila , MELLAS Nawfel , MAAROUFI Mustapha , FARIH Moulay Hassan , fatemi hinde el
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION: In Morocco, Kidney cancer is the 18th most common tumour and the 19th lethal cancer in 2020. The average age of diagnosis is 65 years and men are more affected. Molecular studies of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) allowed the detection of several genetic abnormalities in each histological subtype. These aberrations got different diagnostic value, prognostic implication and for some, therapeutic utility. The aim of our study is to evaluate the utility of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) in the diagnosis and the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included prospectively cases of RCC diagnosed after histological examination and immunohistochemistry analysis for some cases. The methodology consisted in highlighting by FISH method, molecular abnormalities for each histological subtypes using Zytolight® probes. Probes were chosen depending on the histological diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 23 case of RCC were included. Clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represented 47,8% (11 cases) followed by papillary RCC (pRCC) with 26%, chromophobe RCC (chRCC) with 13%, a case with uncertain diagnosis, ccRCC or pRCC (4,3%), one case of renal oncocytoma (RO) (4,3%), and a case of tubulo-cystic RCC (4,3%). FISH method supported the morphological diagnosis in all cases except in one biopsy diagnosed histologically as a ccRCC and this method allowed the diagnosis correction to pRCC by the detection of chromosome 17 polysomy described in this histological subtype. FISH can also be used in the prognostic categorization of patients by detecting of some genetic aberrations with a prognostic implication like CDKN2a loss which predict a worse evolution. CONCLUSION: FISH method got an implication in the diagnostic approach of RCC, especially in cases with non-conclusive histology and immunohistochemistry. It can also be used in the prognosis in addition to other histo-prognostic factors. This method will lead to more precision in diagnosis and better care management personalization.
Knowledge and attitudes towards breast milk donation and associated factors among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Demisse Henok , Ameya Gemechu , Alemayehu Tekletsadik , Estifanos Nathan
Published: August 2022

Background
- The majority of mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies, however, the problem with breastfeeding arises when the mother is unable to breastfeed due to numerous physical and emotional barriers to breastfeeding. In this case, providing the infant pastoralized donor human milk is vital. Little is known about pregnant mothers’ attitudes and knowledge about breast milk donation in primary health care facilities in Addis Ababa.
Objective
-To assess the knowledge and attitude towards breast milk donation and associated factors among pregnant mothers attending ANC at public health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.
Methods
-Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant mothers attending ANC in selected health centers in Addis Ababa. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pregnant mothers were interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were entered using Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to SPSS version 25 for cleansing and analysis. Bivariate logistic regression method was used and the statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence level.
Result
- Knowledge of breast milk donation among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care is 25.5%. Nearly half of the mothers have a positive attitude towards breast milk donation. Those who get a monthly income of 3000 and above are 3.2 times more knowledgeable than those who get less than or equal to 1500 birr [AOR (95% CI) 3.23(1.65, 6.34)]. Those mothers who received counseling about breastfeeding are 3.699 times more knowledgeable than those who didn’t receive [AOR (95% CI) 3.699(2.291, 5.973)]. Women who attend secondary education are 3.5 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards breast milk donation than those who never attend school [AOR (95%CI) 3.563(1.864, 6.811)]. Pregnant women who visited NICU were 3.55 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards breast milk donation than those who didn’t visit NICU [AOR (95%CI) 3.557(2.171, 5.829)].
Conclusion
-Our finding in this study about knowledge towards BMD is 25.5%, whereas nearly half of the study participants have a positive attitude towards breast milk donation. Partner occupation, counseling about breastfeeding, and history of delivering low birth weight or preterm infants was found to have a statistically significant association with knowledge about breast milk donation. Educational status, NICU visit, and history of caesarian section delivery were found to have a statistically significant association with attitudes towards breast milk donation.
Nomogram to Predict Left Atrial Appendage Flow Velocity in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Cui Kaijun , Han Shaojie , Jia Ruikun , Cen Zhifu , Guo Ran , Zhao Shenyu , Liu Ming , Li Hongwei
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The flow velocity of the left atrial appendage (LAA), which is closely linked to thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast of the LAA, is one of the significant risk factors for stroke. Therefore, a non-invasive and effective method for determining LAA flow velocity that is as accurate as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) would be of significant therapeutic value. The aim of this study was to construct nomograms for predicting lower LAA flow velocity by using non-invasive methods.Patients and methods: Data were obtained from 1910 non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients who underwent TEE. A nomogram was constructed by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. We calculated the area under the curve to determine how well the risk scores predicted outcomes. Furthermore, the nomogram's performance was evaluated using calibration.Results: In the training and validation groups, reduced LAA flow velocity was recorded in 344 (27.8%) and 302 (44.9%), respectively. Left atrial diameter, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, left ventricular ejection fraction, hypertension, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and non-paroxysmal AF was found to be independent factors for decreased LAA flow velocity in multivariate analysis, and a nomogram was created by using these variables. In the training and validation groups, the nomogram had strong concordance scores of 0.760 and 0.791 in predicting decreased LAA flow velocity.Conclusion: In this study, a nomogram was constructed that incorporated five characteristics of AF patients. The nomogram may be of great value to predicting LAA flow velocity and provide a new direction for the evaluation of LAA flow velocity or function
Copper Compounds Influence Deterioration of Burlap in Soil1,2
Authors: Kuhns Larry J. , Sydnor T. Davis
Published: August 2022

Treatment of burlap with copper sulfate (CuSO4) or copper naphthenate (Cu Nap) retarded its deterioration in soil. Deterioration of CuSC4-treated burlap was independent of treatment concentration while deterioration of Cu Nap-treated burlap was directly related to treatment concentration. Burlap treated with CuSC4 had a higher Cu content and lower initial break strength than burlap treated with Cu Nap. At 24°C, burlap treated with CuSC4 retained effective strength an average of 27 weeks, with Cu Nap, between 8 and 72 weeks. The rate of deterioration was significantly lower at 2°.
Inheritance of Viscosity Potential in Tomato1
Authors: Allen Stevens M.
Published: August 2022

Inheritance of the viscosity potential of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruits was studied using parents and F1, BCP1, BCP2, and F2 progeny from the crosses VF145-7879 × VF109 and VF145-7879 × 9039-M. Differences in viscosity from both crosses were controlled by 3 or fewer genes. In the VF145-7879 × VF109 cross there was bimodal distribution of BCP1 and F2 progeny which supports relatively simple inheritance. Partition analysis of the VF145-7879 × 9039-M cross supported the view that 3 or fewer genes were involved in viscosity difference. The heritability estimates were high for both crosses (0.75 and 0.68) and analysis of genetic variance showed that additive genic effects were most important. In the VF145-7879 × VF109 cross there was small, but significant, additive × dominance interaction whereas in the VF145-7879 × 9039-M there was no interaction but there were dominance effects. Study of the heritabilities of 5 components of the alcohol-insoluble solids did not clarify the genetic analysis of viscosity potential. Possible effects of competition for photosynthate on the genetic analysis are discussed.
Factors Influencing Low-temperature After-ripening in Seed of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.1
Authors: Hamilton D. F. , Carpenter P. L.
Published: August 2022

Both physical and metabolic events were found important in the dormancy-regulating mechanism of seed of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. Covering structures offered mechanical resistance to germination, but they did not restrict the flow of water to the embryo. Oxygen concentrations from 60 to 100% increased germination, indicating that the endocarp and seed coat may restrict gaseous exchange by the dormant embryo. Restricted gaseous exchange may compliment a germination-inhibiting substance found in dormant seed. Gibberellic acid decreased the stratification period, but kinetin and potassium nitrate were ineffective.
Inflorescence Development and Fruit Set in Ilex cornuta Lindl. et Paxt. cv. Burfordii as Influenced by Temperature and Photoperiod1
Authors: Wright R. D.
Published: August 2022

Inflorescence development and fruit set of ‘Burford’ holly was rapid at a day/night temperature of 26°/22°C and progressively slower at 22°/18° and 18°/14°. The number of flowers to set fruit, however, was increased at lower temperatures for both long photoperiod (LD = 9 hours + 3 hours dark interruption) and short photoperiod (SD = 9 hours). At 22°/18°, SD increased fruit set over LD. No significant temperature-photoperiod interaction was observed. A greater number of vegetative shoots developed as temperature increased and mean shoot length was correlated with the number of flowers to set fruit.
Inheritance of Interlocular Cavitation in a Six-parent Diallel Cross in Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)1
Authors: Park Hyo G. , Davis David W.
Published: August 2022

The inheritance of interlocular cavitation (IC), characterized by rupture of the soft, parenchymatous endocarp tissue between the seed locules in developing snap bean pods, was studied using 6 parental cultivars, all 30 possible F1 progenies grown in the greenhouse, and the 30 F2 families grown at various planting dates at 2 field locations.

IC appeared to be a highly heritable character conditioned by a predominantly additive polygenic system with partial dominance for resistance. Reciprocal effects were negligible. Neither epistasis nor transgressive segregation was detected. Order of susceptibility among genotypes was maintained over the wide range of environments. Genotype × environment interaction was significant, but was relatively small compared to total genetic variability. Association between greenhouse-grown F1 and field-grown F2 plants was high for degree of IC, suggesting that F1 performance might be informative in choosing superior crosses. Breeding progress appears to be feasible in a program designed to utilize the large amount of additive genetic variance.
Interspecific Hybridization between Brassica napus L. (Napobrassica group) and B. oleracea L. (Botrytis group)1
Authors: Honma Shigemi , Summers W. L.
Published: August 2022

A cross between rutabaga and cauliflower was achieved by crossing Brassica napus cv. York × B. oleracea cv. Greenball. The characteristics of the F1 differed from rutabaga and were for the most part intermediate between the two parents.
The Influence of Growing Temperature on the Amino Acid and Nucleic Acid Concentrations of Potato Tubers1
Authors: Vigue J. T. , Li P. H.
Published: August 2022

Seven experimental selections and one commercial cultivar of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were grown in moderate (22/18°C, day/night) and cool (11/7°, day/night) regimes to determine the influence of temperature on potato tuber nitrogen, amino acid, and nucleic acid levels. Tubers from low temperatures had higher percentages of rRNA and lower levels of alpha-keto acids. Moderate and cool grown tubers of the same genotype exhibited slightly different gel electrophoretic banding patterns in 88% of the samples, evidence that tuber protein composition was altered. Glutamate, from HCl hydrolysates, was higher in cool grown tubers. Most cool grown tubers were higher in Kjeldahl nitrogen, due in part to higher levels of glutamate family amino acids, i.e. glutamate, proline and arginine. The free amino acids, histidine and arginine were higher in the cool grown tubers. The essential amino acid scores of leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine and valine and the amino acid patterns of methionine were significantly lower in the cool grown tubers; consequently, the cool grown tubers were nutritionally inferior per unit of tuber nitrogen.
Postharvest Effect of Modified Levels of Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, and Oxygen on Disorders and Appearance of Head Lettuce1
Authors: Stewart Joseph K. , Uota M.
Published: August 2022

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) held in an atmosphere of 3% O2 plus 1.5% CO for 7 days at 3.3°C had a better appearance before and after the wrapper leaves were removed, than lettuce held in atmospheres with various other combinations of CO, CO2 and O2. Butt discoloration and pink rib also were inhibited by this atmosphere. These effects were no longer apparent after an additional 4-day holding period in air at 10°. Rusty brown discoloration was not affected by any of the atmospheres tested during the initial 7 days, but after 4 additional days in air, the incidence of objectionable rusty brown discoloration was higher in lettuce previously held in atmospheres with CO2 than in those without CO2.