bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinação das Cianobactérias de Subsuperfície de Sedimentos Marginais do Brejo do Pau Fincado do Complexo Lagunar de Araruama, RJ, Brasil
Authors: Silva Loreine Hermida da Silva e , Alves Siglia Andressa Pinto Monteiro do Nascimento , Magina Fernanda Campante , Gomes Sinda Beatriz Vianna Carvalhal , Delfino Deise De Oliveira , Lopes Frederico Alves dos Santos
Published: July 2021

Brejo do Pau Fincado is a natural aquatic body located at the Araruama's Lagoon Complex, presenting a great variability in salinity with range from hipersaline to brackish. Intending to add information to the distribuition and ecology of cyanobacterial taxons, this study shows a survey of the subsurface cyanobacteria in brejo do Pau Fincado. Within this objective, samples were collected monthly from december 2008 to october 2009, the period of ebb and flood tide. The taxonomic analysis processing involved the preparation of permanent and fresh slides, through optic microscope measurement, that allowed to observe its classic morphological characteristics. Based on optical microscopy analysis identified 19 species of cyanobacteria subsurface were conducted monthly collections of superficial water and the analysis were based in optical microscopy, and revealed 19 psammic cyanobacterial species. The genus Aphanothece is the most representative qualitatively with a frequency of 31,58%. The species Aphanothece stagnina, A. halophytica and Spirulina subsalsa were the most expressive visually, being well adapted to a high salinity gradient and they are also the species more halotolerants and eurihaline of this community.
Propostas Para a Preservação do Parque Paleontológico de São José de Itaboraí (Brasil) a Partir da Percepção Populacional
Authors: Santos Wellington Francisco Sá dos , Carvalho Ismar De Souza
Published: July 2021

The São José de Itaboraí Basin is considered a geological heritage due the richness of invertebrates and vertebrates fossils, specially the late Paleocene mammals, which spread through the Earth about 57 Ma ago, after the Late Cretaceous extinction events. The geological heritage of the area was first protected through the Parque Paleontológico de São José de Itaboraí (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil), established in 1995, which is currently being revitalized including the construction of a cultural center for scientific exposures. In this context, was analyzed the São José de Itaboraí public understanding about the paleontological park. The population of the area considers that the park lacks diffusion of the information and infrastructure. The public understanding is that the Parque Paleontológico de São José de Itaboraí is not efficient in the protection of the geological heritage or changing the perception of the local population about the importance of the area. This study analyzes geoconservation and musealization strategies for the geological heritage, territorial planning and management, educational programs and geotouristic activities.
Assembleia de Moluscos da Região do Pântano do Ramalho, Cabo Frio, RJ: Indicadores Biológicos de Variação do Nível Relativo do Mar Durante o Holoceno
Authors: Cunha Aline Meneguci da , Dias Fábio Ferreira , Fonseca Vera Maria Medina da , Castro João Wagner de Alencar
Published: July 2021

In the coastal plain of the Una river, county of the Cabo Frio, the northern coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, are found biological evidences of change in relative sea level during the Holocene, represented by dense accumulations and wide distribution composed predominantly of mollusk shells. This paper aims to describe a new occurrence of accumulation of mollusk shells in the region of Ramalho's marsh, coastal plain of the Una river. The study area is located within the Portal de Buzios condominium, Amaral Peixoto Highway (RJ-106) at Km 125 between the coordinates 42º03'29"W and 22 º44'53"S. The survey of altimetry database shells was performed by tracking DGPS Pro Mark 2. To perform the taxonomic analysis, paleoecological, and geochronological were collected approximately 1.75 dmÂ³ of mollusk shells in a trench of 0.50 cm, excavated at the edge of a small dam in the area of the Portal de Búzios condominium. Approximately 100 grams of the specie Anomalocardia brasiliana shells were sent to the absolute dating method radicarbon to Beta Analytic Inc., Miami - USA. Data obtained from a DGPS Pro Mark 2 show an altitude of 0,90 m above actual sea level. Only three species of mollusks were identified in this filing: Anomalocardia brasiliana, Lucina pectinata and Crassostrea rizophorae. A. brasiliana and L. pectinata have not joined infaunal habit, live in muddy or sandy bottoms. C. rizophorae epifaunal habit has stuck, living in rocky and gravel substrata. The three species have water depths ranging from 0 to 30 m depth. Most of the shells found present a low degree of fragmentation and corrosion, indicating little or none transportation. Some shells of L. pectinata and A. brasiliana are articulated, and the shells of C. rizophorae are embedded in the shells of other species. The conventional age of the deposit is 5780 À 70 years BP, calibrated by CALIB 5.0 program in 5997-6333 cal. years BP. These data are similar ages found in deposits along the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.
Atmosfera Versus Previsão do Tempo
Authors: Santos Isimar De Azevedo , Buchmann Julio
Published: July 2021

The present work deals with the controversy between the human understanding of the behavior of real atmosphere and the weather prediction in response to numerical models. Themes like the Chaos Theory, Eulerian and Lagrangian models, and atmospheric waves are considered, reviewed and criticized.
Experimental Study of Systems and Oils for Direct Cooling of Electrical Machine
Authors: Sindjui Ralph , Zito Gianluca , Zhang Shimin
Published: July 2021

This study presents a test campaign carried out at IFPEN aimed at understanding and characterizing the thermal behavior of electric motors incorporating direct oil cooling. Several cooling systems and oils are evaluated at different operating points, and the effect of parameter variations is investigated. Experimentations are defined and performed to understand and quantify the impact of different oils and direct cooling systems on the performances of the electrical machine. The test results make it possible to verify and quantify the gain on the thermal behavior obtained by adding an oil injection system directly to the active parts of the machine in addition to an indirect water jacket cooling. This gain is observed for a representative set of operating points and oil injection parameters. The impact of physicochemical properties of oils on direct cooling performance is assessed by a comparison of several oils. The viscous friction losses are also identified. The results presented include a repeatability and reproducibility study for speed values up to 14 krpm and continuous powers up to 60 kW.
Innovative Design, Structural Optimization, and Additive Manufacturing of New-Generation Turbine Blades
Authors: Pinelli Lorenzo , Amedei Andrea , Meli Enrico , Vanti Federico , Romani Benedetta , Benvenuti Gianluigi , Fabbrini Marco , Morganti Nicolò , Rindi Andrea , Arnone Andrea
Published: July 2021

The need for high performances is pushing the complexity of mechanical design at very high levels, especially for turbomachinery components. In this field, structural topology optimization methods together with additive manufacturing techniques for high-resistant alloys are considered very promising tools, but their potentialities have not been deeply investigated yet for critical rotating components like new-generation turbine blades. In this context, this research work proposes a methodology for the design, the optimization, and the additive manufacturing of extremely stressed turbomachinery components like turbine blade rows. The presented procedure pays particular attention to important aspects as fluid–structure interactions (forced response and flutter phenomena) and fatigue behavior of materials, going beyond the standard structural optimization approaches. The new design strategy enables a substantial reduction of the component mass, limiting the maximum stress and improving the vibrational behavior of the system in terms of eigenfrequencies, modal shapes, and fatigue life. Furthermore, the numerical procedure shows robustness and efficiency, making the proposed methodology an appropriate tool for rapid design and prototyping and for reducing the design costs and the typical time to market of this type of mechanical elements. The procedure has been applied to a low-pressure turbine rotor to improve the aeromechanical characteristics while keeping the aerodynamic performance. From the original geometry, mode-shapes, forcing functions (due to rotor/stator interactions), and aerodynamic damping have been numerically evaluated and used as input data for the subsequent topological optimization. Finally, the optimized geometry has been numerically and experimentally verified to confirm the improved aeromechanical design. After the structural topology optimization, the final geometries provided by the procedure have been properly rendered to make them suitable for additive manufacturing. Some prototypes of the new optimized turbine blade have been manufactured from aluminum alloy to be tested mechanically and in terms of fatigue.
State of Charge Estimation Algorithm Based on Fractional-Order Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter and Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Liu Weijie , Zhou Hongliang , Tang Zeqiang , Wang Tianxiang
Published: July 2021

Accurate estimation of state of charge (SOC) is the basis of battery management system. The fractional-order theory is introduced into the resistance-capacitance (RC)model of lithium battery, and adaptive genetic algorithm is used to identify the parameters of the RC model. Considering the changes of internal resistance and battery aging during battery discharge, the state of health (SOH) of the battery is estimated by unscented Kalman filter (UKF), and the values of internal resistance and maximum capacity of the battery are obtained. Finally, a novel estimation algorithm of lithium battery SOC based on SOH and fractional-order adaptive extended Kalman filter (FOAEKF) is proposed. An experimental system is set up to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that, compared with the traditional SOC estimation algorithms, the proposed method has higher estimation accuracy, with the average error lower than 1% and the maximum error lower than 2%.
Modeling and Analysis of Sustained Annular Pressure and Gas Accumulation Caused by Tubing Integrity Failure in the Production Process of Deep Natural Gas Wells
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lu Nu , Guo Yujie , Wang Qing , Cai Mengzhe , Lou Erbiao
Published: July 2021

Sustained annular pressure caused by tubing leakage seriously threatens the safe production of deep gas wells. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand the characteristics of sustained annular pressure and find potential methods to reduce risk. However, most models are about annular pressure caused by thermal expansion and cement integrity failure. Therefore, this paper establishes a model based on the energy conservation law, gas pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) properties, and volume consistency law, to study sustained annular pressure caused by tubing leakage. The results indicate that the pressure and gas volume in tubing-casing annulus increase simultaneously and gradually slow down after tubing leakage happens. The decrease of bottom-hole pressure can reduce the risk of annular pressure, which can be realized by a downhole choke. Other measures can also control the rising speed of annular pressure, including enhancement of production rate, increase of the initial length of the gas column and annular liquid with high compressibility, but the impact of formation energy and annular gas volume should be considered. Sustained annular pressure caused by shallow leaking point has a faster rising speed, longer rising period, and higher pressure value. Large leaking point leads to a remarkable increase of leaking rate and pressure rising speed. The integrity of the upper tubing string should be strengthened.
France halts prion research amid safety concerns
Authors: Casassus Barbara
Published: July 2021

Three-month moratorium called after two cases of a fatal brain disease, one of them linked to a lab accident
The overlooked superpower of mRNA vaccines
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: July 2021

Growing literature shows the vaccines are shutting down even asymptomatic viral invasion
Draft Metagenomes of Endolithic Cyanobacteria and Cohabitants from Hyper-Arid Deserts
Authors: Murray Bayleigh , Dailey Micah , Ertekin Emine , DiRuggiero Jocelyne
Published: July 2021

Cyanobacteria are essential to microbial communities inhabiting translucent rocks in hyper-arid deserts. Metagenomic studies revealed unique adaptations of these cyanobacteria, but validation of the corresponding metabolic pathways remained challenging without access to isolates. Here, we present high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes for cyanobacteria, and their heterotrophic companions, isolated from endolithic substrates.
Genome Sequence of VanLee, a Singleton Actinobacteriophage That Infects Multiple
Gordonia
Strains
Authors: Franco Vanessa , Barnhill Kaylee , Biggs Abbigail , Bland Jackson , Choudhary Harris , Crogan Trey , Finocchiaro Alyssa , Fuller Thomas , Hanwacker Christopher , Howard Zoe , Iqbal Mohammed , Mathew Ann , Miller Sydney , Padhye Shivani , Rainey Emily , Rodriguez Arianna , Stewart Emma , Chase Michael , Otero Louis , Pollenz Richard S.
Published: July 2021

VanLee is a singleton phage that was isolated from soil in Florida using
Gordonia rubripertincta
NRRL B-16540 as the host. The genome is 84,560 bp and has a GC content of 67.8%. VanLee has 164 predicted protein-coding genes and one tRNA. VanLee can infect
Gordonia terrae
with the same efficiency as
G. rubripertincta
.
Draft Genome Sequence of a
bla
KPC-2
-Carrying Citrobacter braakii Isolate from Pediatric Hospital Wastewater in Peru
Authors: Salvatierra Guillermo , Dávila-Barclay Alejandra , Ayzanoa Brenda , Cuicapuza Diego , Santillán-Salas Carlos , Tsukayama Pablo
Published: July 2021

Here, we report a draft genome sequence of a
bla
KPC-2
-carrying
Citrobacter braakii
isolated from pediatric hospital effluent. Genome CF248 represents a multidrug-resistant
C. braakii
isolate derived from a clinical environment in Peru.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Harboring Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
Type IX, Isolated from a Fatal Bacteremic Pneumonia Case
Authors: Chopjitt Peechanika , Wongsurawat Thidathip , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Boueroy Parichart , Kamjumphol Watcharaporn , Hatrongjit Rujirat , Kerdsin Anusak
Published: July 2021

Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strain harboring staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) type IX, isolated from a fatal sepsis case. Genomic analysis revealed that the isolate was sequence type 9 and
spa
type t3446, carrying multiple antimicrobial-resistant genes comprising
mecA
,
blaZ
,
aac(6′)-aph(2″)
,
aadD
,
ant(6)-Ia
,
lsa
(E),
dfrG
,
tet
(M),
fexA
, and
lnu
(B).
Primary soft tissue sarcoma: stage IV extranodal T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Christy Joshua , Kandah Emad , Kesari Kavitha , Peram Venkatasiva
Published: July 2021

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) presenting as a soft tissue sarcoma is rare, occurring at a rate of 0.11%. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas comprise 4% of all NHLs. We report the case of a 49-year-old Caucasian man who presented with a mass in the medial aspect of the thigh. Ultrasound showed a complex subcutaneous mass. MRI demonstrated a superficial complex skeletal mass affecting the sartorius muscle with other lesions involving the femur and the gluteus maximus. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed diffuse pulmonary metastases with no involvement of nodes, liver, spleen with high suspicion of advanced sarcoma. Core biopsy revealed a T-cell NHL, and staining was positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. The patient received six cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide and prednisone. Repeat PET-CT showed reduction in the mass, with no fluorodeoxyglucose-avid uptake. Latest MRI showed near-normal intensity. Further PET-CTs determine disease remission or progression.
Incentivising doctor attendance in rural Bangladesh: a latent class analysis of a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Angell Blake , Khan Mushtaq , Islam Mir Raihanul , Mandeville Kate , Naher Nahitun , Hutchinson Eleanor , McKee Martin , Ahmed Syed Masud , Balabanova Dina
Published: July 2021

Objective

Doctor absenteeism is widespread in Bangladesh, and the perspectives of the actors involved are insufficiently understood. This paper sought to elicit preferences of doctors over aspects of jobs in rural areas in Bangladesh that can help to inform the development of packages of policy interventions that may persuade them to stay at their posts.

Methods

We conducted a discrete choice experiment with 308 doctors across four hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Four attributes of rural postings were included based on a literature review, qualitative research and a consensus-building workshop with policymakers and key health-system stakeholders: relationship with the community, security measures, attendance-based policies and incentive payments. Respondents’ choices were analysed with mixed multinomial logistic and latent class models and were used to simulate the likely uptake of jobs under different policy packages.

Results

All attributes significantly impacted doctor choices (p<0.01). Doctors strongly preferred jobs at rural facilities where there was a supportive relationship with the community (β=0.93), considered good attendance in education and training (0.77) or promotion decisions (0.67), with functional security (0.67) and higher incentive payments (0.5 per 10% increase of base salary). Jobs with disciplinary action for poor attendance were disliked by respondents (−0.63). Latent class analysis identified three groups of doctors who differed in their uptake of jobs. Scenario modelling identified intervention packages that differentially impacted doctor behaviour and combinations that could feasibly improve doctors’ attendance.

Conclusion

Bangladeshi doctors have strong but varied preferences over interventions to overcome absenteeism. We generated evidence suggesting that interventions considering the perspective of the doctors themselves could result in substantial reductions in absenteeism. Designing policy packages that take account of the different situations facing doctors could begin to improve their ability and motivation to be present at their job and generate sustainable solutions to absenteeism in rural Bangladesh.
Aetiology of acute respiratory infection in preschool children requiring hospitalisation in Europe—results from the PED-MERMAIDS multicentre case–control study
Authors: Kohns Vasconcelos Malte , Loens Katherine , Sigfrid Louise , Iosifidis Elias , Epalza Cristina , Donà Daniele , Matheeussen Veerle , Papachristou Savvas , Roilides Emmanuel , Gijon Manuel , Rojo Pablo , Minotti Chiara , Da Dalt Liviana , Islam Samsul , Jarvis Jessica , Syggelou Aggeliki , Tsolia Maria , Nyirenda Nyang’wa Maggie , Keers Sophie , Renk Hanna , Gemmel Anna-Lena , D’Amore Carmen , Ciofi degli Atti Marta , Rodríguez-Tenreiro Sánchez Carmen , Martinón-Torres Federico , Burokienė Sigita , Goetghebuer Tessa , Spoulou Vana , Riordan Andrew , Calvo Cristina , Gkentzi Despoina , Hufnagel Markus , Openshaw Peter J , de Jong Menno D , Koopmans Marion , Goossens Herman , Ieven Margareta , Fraaij Pieter L A , Giaquinto Carlo , Bielicki Julia A , Horby Peter , Sharland Michael
Published: July 2021

Background

Both pathogenic bacteria and viruses are frequently detected in the nasopharynx (NP) of children in the absence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the aetiological fractions for ARI hospitalisation in children for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus and to determine whether detection of specific respiratory pathogens on NP samples was associated with ARI hospitalisation.

Methods

349 children up to 5 years of age hospitalised for ARI (following a symptom-based case definition) and 306 hospital controls were prospectively enrolled in 16 centres across seven European Union countries between 2016 and 2019. Admission day NP swabs were analysed by multiplex PCR for 25 targets.

Results

RSV was the leading single cause of ARI hospitalisations, with an overall population attributable fraction (PAF) of 33.4% and high seasonality as well as preponderance in younger children. Detection of RSV on NP swabs was strongly associated with ARI hospitalisation (OR adjusted for age and season: 20.6, 95% CI: 9.4 to 45.3). Detection of three other viral pathogens showed strong associations with ARI hospitalisation: influenza viruses had an adjusted OR of 6.1 (95% CI: 2.5 to 14.9), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) an adjusted OR of 4.6 (95% CI: 1.8 to 11.3) and metapneumoviruses an adjusted OR of 4.5 (95% CI: 1.3 to 16.1). Influenza viruses had a PAF of 7.9%, PIVs of 6.5% and metapneumoviruses of 3.0%. In contrast, most other pathogens were found in similar proportions in cases and controls, includingStreptococcus pneumoniae, which was weakly associated with case status, and endemic coronaviruses.

Conclusion

RSV is the predominant cause of ARI hospitalisations in young children in Europe and its detection, as well as detection of influenza virus, PIV or metapneumovirus, on NP swabs can establish aetiology with high probability. PAFs for RSV and influenza virus are highly seasonal and age dependent.
Prognostic significance of serum cytokines during acute exacerbation of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias treated with thrombomodulin
Authors: Arai Toru , Matsuoka Hiroto , Hirose Masaki , Kida Hiroshi , Yamamoto Suguru , Ogata Yoshitaka , Mori Masahide , Hatsuda Kazuyoshi , Sugimoto Chikatoshi , Tachibana Kazunobu , Akira Masanori , Inoue Yoshikazu
Published: July 2021

Background

Acute exacerbation (AE) has been reported to herald a poor prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and is now thought to do so in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs). However, the pathophysiology of AE-IIPs is not sufficiently understood. In our previously reported SETUP trial, we found better survival in patients with AE-IIPs treated with corticosteroids and thrombomodulin than in those treated with corticosteroids alone. In that study, we collected serum samples to evaluate changes in cytokine levels and retrospectively examined the prognostic significance and pathophysiological role of serum cytokines in patients with AE-IIPs.

Methods

This study included 28 patients from the SETUP trial for whom serial serum samples had been prospectively obtained. AE-IIPs were diagnosed using the Japanese Respiratory Society criteria. All patients were treated with intravenous thrombomodulin and corticosteroids from 2014 to 2016. Serum levels of 27 cytokines were measured using Bio-Plex. The high-resolution CT pattern at the time of diagnosis of AE was classified as diffuse or non-diffuse.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that higher serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-9, IL-12, IL13, basic fibroblast growth factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-γ inducible protein-10, platelet-derived growth factor and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) at AE were significant predictors of 90-day survival. The HRCT pattern was also a significant clinical predictor of 90-day survival. Multivariate analysis with stepwise selection identified a higher serum RANTES level at AE to be a significant predictor of 90-day survival, including after adjustment for HRCT pattern. Multivariate analysis with stepwise selection suggested that a marked increase in the serum IL-10 level on day 8 could predict 90-day mortality.

Conclusions

A higher serum RANTES level at AE the time of diagnosis predicted a good survival outcome, and an elevated serum IL-10 level on day 8 predicted a poor survival outcome.

Trial registration number

UMIN000014969.
WDR5-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis regulates OPN expression to compensate PD-L1 function to promote pancreatic cancer immune escape
Authors: Lu Chunwan , Liu Zhuoqi , Klement John D , Yang Dafeng , Merting Alyssa D , Poschel Dakota , Albers Thomas , Waller Jennifer L , Shi Huidong , Liu Kebin
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite PD-L1 (Programmed death receptor ligand-1) expression on tumor cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes tumor infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, human pancreatic cancer stands out as one of the human cancers that does not respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy. Epigenome dysregulation has emerged as a major mechanism in T cell exhaustion and non-response to ICI immunotherapy, we, therefore, aimed at testing the hypothesis that an epigenetic mechanism compensates PD-L1 function to render pancreatic cancer non-response to ICI immunotherapy.

Methods

Two orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse models were used for chromatin immunoprecipitation-Seq and RNA-Seq to identify genome-wide dysregulation of H3K4me3 and gene expression. Human pancreatic tumor and serum were analyzed for osteopontin (OPN) protein level and for correlation with patient prognosis. OPN and PD-L1 cellular location were determined in the tumors using flow cytometry. The function of WDR5-H3K4me3 axis in OPN expression were determined by Western blotting. The function of H3K4me3-OPN axis in pancreatic cancer immune escape and response to ICI immunotherapy was determined in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse model.

Results

Mouse pancreatic tumors have a genome-wide increase in H3K4me3 deposition as compared with normal pancreas. OPN and its receptor CD44 were identified being upregulated in pancreatic tumors by their promoter H3K4me3 deposition. OPN protein is increased in both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in human pancreatic carcinoma and is inversely correlated with pancreatic cancer patient survival. OPN is primarily expressed in tumor cells and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs), whereas PD-L1 is expressed in tumor cells, M-MDSCs, polymorphonuclear MDSCs and tumor-associated macrophages. WDR5 is essential for H3K4me3-specific histone methyltransferase activity that regulates OPN expression in tumor cells and MDSCs. Inhibition of WDR5 significantly decreased OPN protein level. Inhibition of WDR5 or knocking out of OPN suppressed orthotopic mouse pancreatic tumor growth. Inhibition of WDR5 also significantly increased efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in suppression of mouse pancreatic tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

OPN compensates PD-L1 function to promote pancreatic cancer immune escape. Pharmacological inhibition of the WDR5-H3K4me3 epigenetic axis is effective in suppressing pancreatic tumor immune escape and in improving efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer.
Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score associated with survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Brown Jacqueline T , Liu Yuan , Shabto Julie M , Martini Dylan , Ravindranathan Deepak , Hitron Emilie Elise , Russler Greta Anne , Caulfield Sarah , Yantorni Lauren , Joshi Shreyas Subhash , Kissick Haydn , Ogan Kenneth , Nazha Bassel , Carthon Bradley C , Kucuk Omer , Harris Wayne B , Master Viraj A , Bilen Mehmet Asim
Published: July 2021

Background

The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) is a composite biomarker that uses albumin and C reactive protein (CRP). There are multiple immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combinations approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). We investigated the ability of mGPS to predict outcomes in patients with mRCC receiving ICI.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with mRCC treated with ICI as monotherapy or in combination at Winship Cancer Institute between 2015 and 2020. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were measured from the start date of ICI until death or clinical/radiographical progression, respectively. The baseline mGPS was defined as a summary score based on pre-ICI values with one point given for CRP>10 mg/L and/or albumin<3.5 g/dL, resulting in possible scores of 0, 1 and 2. If only albumin was low with a normal CRP, no points were awarded. Univariate analysis (UVA) and multivariate analysis (MVA) were carried out using Cox proportional hazard model. Outcomes were also assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

156 patients were included with a median follow-up 24.2 months. The median age was 64 years and 78% had clear cell histology. Baseline mGPS was 0 in 36%, 1 in 40% and 2 in 24% of patients. In UVA, a baseline mGPS of 2 was associated with shorter OS (HR 4.29, 95% CI 2.24 to 8.24, p<0.001) and PFS (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.01, p=0.006) relative to a score of 0; this disparity in outcome based on baseline mGPS persisted in MVA. The respective median OS of patients with baseline mGPS of 0, 1 and 2 was 44.5 (95% CI 27.3 to not evaluable), 15.3 (95% CI 11.0 to 24.2) and 10 (95% CI 4.6 to 17.5) months (p<0.0001). The median PFS of these three cohorts was 6.7 (95% CI 3.6 to 13.1), 4.2 (95% CI 2.9 to 6.2) and 2.6 (95% CI 2.0 to 5.6), respectively (p=0.0216). The discrimination power of baseline mGPS to predict survival outcomes was comparable to the IMDC risk score based on Uno’s c-statistic (OS: 0.6312 vs 0.6102, PFS: 0.5752 vs 0.5533).

Conclusion

The mGPS is prognostic in this cohort of patients with mRCC treated with ICI as monotherapy or in combination. These results warrant external and prospective validation.
Statewide vaping product excise tax policy and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems among US young adults, 2014–2019
Authors: Han Dae-Hee , Seo Dong-Chul , Lin Hsien-Chang
Published: July 2021

Objectives

An increasing number of US states have required a tax on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in the past few years. This study evaluated the effect of statewide vaping product excise tax policy on ENDS use among young adults.

Methods

We used the two recent waves (2014–2019) of the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. A total of 17 896 US young adults were analysed. Difference-in-differences approach along with weighted multilevel logistic regressions was used to evaluate the association of vaping product excise tax policy adoption with current ENDS use, accounting for the clustering of respondents within the same states.

Results

There was an increase in current ENDS use prevalence from 2014–2015 (3.4%) to 2018–2019 (5.4%). Respondents living in states with vaping product excise tax policy showed significantly lower increase in ENDS use prevalence during the study period (interaction between within-state changes and between-state differences: adjusted OR (AOR)=0.57, 95% CI=0.35 to 0.91), controlling for other state-level policies and sociodemographic characteristics. Additional stratified analysis with state-fixed effects by vaping product excise tax policy implementation status showed consistent findings.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that adopting a vaping product excise tax policy may help reduce ENDS use and suppress the increase of ENDS use prevalence among young adults. Considering that there are still a number of US states that have not implemented vaping product excise tax policy, wider adoption of such policy across the nation would likely help mitigate ENDS use prevalence.
Numerical Investigation of Thin Film Flow of a Third-Grade Fluid on a Moving Belt Using Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Heuristic Technique
Authors: Subhan Fazal , Malik Suheel Abdullah , Khan Muhammad Asghar , Aziz Muhammad Adnan , Uddin M. Irfan , Ullah Insaf
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a stochastic heuristic approach to solve numerically nonlinear differential equation (NLDE) governing the thin film flow of a third-grade fluid (TFF-TGF) on a moving belt. Moreover, the impact on velocity profile due to fluid attribute is also investigated. The estimate solution of the given NLDE is achieved by using the linear combination of Bernstein polynomials with unknown constants. A fitness function is deduced to convert the given NLDE along with its boundary conditions into an optimization problem. Genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to optimize the values of unknown constants. The proposed approach provided results in good agreement with numerical values taken by Runge–Kutta and more accurate than two popular classical methods including Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) and Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM). The error is minimized 10[Formula: see text] times to 10[Formula: see text] times.
ICLA Unit: Intra-Cluster Locality-Aware Unit to Reduce L2 Access and NoC Pressure in GPGPUs
Authors: Biglari Ardabili Siamak , Zare Fatin Gholamreza
Published: July 2021

As the number of streaming multiprocessors (SMs) in GPUs increases, in order to gain better performance, the reply network faces heavy traffic. This causes congestion on Network-on-Chip (NoC) routers and memory controller’s (MC) buffers. By taking advantage of cooperative thread arrays (CTAs) that are scheduled locally in clusters, there is a high probability of finding the same copy of data in other SM’s [Formula: see text] cache in the same cluster. In order to make this feasible, it is necessary for the SMs to have access to local [Formula: see text] cache of the neighboring SMs. There is a considerable congestion in NoC due to unique traffic pattern called many-to-few-to-many. Thanks to the reduced number of requests that is attained by our proposed Intra-Cluster Locality-Aware (ICLA) unit, this congested replying network traffic becomes many-to-many traffic pattern and the replied data goes through the less-utilized core-to-core communication that mitigates the NoC traffic. The proposed architecture in this paper has been evaluated using 15 different workloads from CUDA SDK, Rodinia, and ISPASS2009 benchmarks. The proposed ICLA unit has been modeled and simulated in the GPGPU-Sim. The results show about 23.79% (up to 49.82%) reduction in average network latency, 15.49% (up to 36.82%) reduction in average [Formula: see text] cache access, and 18.18% (up to 58.1%) average improvement in the instruction per cycle (IPC).
Shear-free conditions of a Chaplygin-gas-dominated universe
Authors: Abebe Amare , Al Ajmi Mudhahir , Elmardi Maye , Nandan Hemwati , ul Sabah Noor
Published: July 2021

In this work, we revisit the shear-free conjecture of general relativity and study the well-known shear-free condition in the context of the Chaplygin-gas cosmology. It had been shown in previous investigations that, in the general relativistic framework, the matter congruences of shear-free perfect fluid spacetimes should be either expansion-free or rotation-free. Our current investigation, however, indicates that a universe dominated by a Chaplygin-gas can allow a simultaneous expansion and rotation of the fluid provided that certain non-trivial conditions, which we derive and describe in what follows, are met. We also show that, in the appropriate limiting cases, our results reduce to the expected results of dust spacetimes which can only expand or rotate, but not both, at the same time.
The synthesis and characterization of ylideneisoindolinones
Authors: Schrage Briana R. , Farmer Colton A. , Nemykin Victor N. , Ziegler Christopher J.
Published: July 2021

1,3-Diiminoisoindoline (DII) and the closely related molecule, iminoisoindolinone are important precursors in the synthesis of macrocycles and chelates such as phthalocyanines, and bis(arylimino)isoindolines, as well as chromophores including aza-BODIPY dyes. A series of seven ylideneisoindolinones are presented in this report. The reaction of various organic CH acids and iminoisoindolinone produce compounds that show strong [Formula: see text]* transitions in the UV region. The chromophores have been characterized spectroscopically and the X-ray structures show electronic delocalization across the chromophore. Additionally, DFT and time-dependent DFT calculations confirm the lower energy absorbances are primarily HOMO-LUMO transitions.
Enhancement of the properties of a Beta-GA2 O3-based diode using fluorine-doped Ga2O3 films deposited by a liquid-phase method
Authors: Huang Cheng-Yi , Wang Ching-Yu , Houng Mau-Phon , Yang Cheng-Fu , Wang Na-Fu , Li Jian V.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this research is to investigate a low-cost liquid-phase deposition (LPD) method for preparing gallium oxide ([Formula: see text]-Ga2O[Formula: see text] films. This approach has the advantages of being easy and not requiring a vacuum, and it is suitable for large-area manufacturing. First, the LPD method was used to precipitate GaOOH particles below a pH of 8 and at 80[Formula: see text]C; these were used as the precursor for the gallium oxide ([Formula: see text]-Ga2O[Formula: see text] films. Ammonium fluoride (NH4F) with concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 M was added to the solution to form fluorine-doped (F-doped) GaOOH. The precipitated F-doped GaOOH powders were analyzed using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) on a field emission scanning electron microscope to identify elemental F, Ga, and O. We found that the concentration of F ions increased with the NH4F concentration. The deposited films were then annealed at 900[Formula: see text]C for 4 h to transform the F-doped GaOOH into F-doped [Formula: see text]-Ga2O3. EDS was used to analyze the F-doped [Formula: see text]-Ga2O3 films, and we found that their F[Formula: see text] ion concentration also increased with the NH4F concentration. XPS analysis was used to confirm the existence of F[Formula: see text] ions in the F-doped [Formula: see text]-Ga2O3 films. The analyzed results also showed that as the NH4F concentration increased, the electrical performance of F-doped gallium oxide improved. Finally, the F-doped [Formula: see text]-Ga2O3 films were used to fabricate F-doped [Formula: see text]-Ga2O3/p[Formula: see text]-Si junction diodes, and their J–V properties were thoroughly investigated. We found that the rectification characteristics of the F-doped [Formula: see text]-Ga2O3/p[Formula: see text]-Si diodes could be significantly improved.
Existence of the Dharwar–Bastar–Singhbhum (DHABASI) megacraton since 3.35 Ga: constraints from the Precambrian large igneous province record
Authors: Srivastava Rajesh K. , Ernst Richard E. , Söderlund Ulf , Samal Amiya K. , Pandey Om Prakash , Gautam Gulab C.
Published: July 2021

We propose a Precambrian megacraton (consisting of two or more ancient cratons), DHABASI in the Indian Shield, which includes the Dharwar, Bastar and Singhbhum cratons. This interpretation is mainly based on seven large igneous provinces (LIPs) that are identified in these three cratons over the age range of
c.
3.35–1.77 Ga, a period of at least 1.6 Ga. The absence of any subsequent break-up of DHABASI since 1.77 Ga suggests that this megacraton has existed for the past 3.35 Ga. In addition to their use in recognizing this megacraton, these LIP events may also provide likely targets for Cu–Ni–Cr–Co–platinum group element deposits. We suggest that the megacraton DHABASI was an integral part of supercontinents/supercratons through Earth's history, and that it should be utilized as a distinct building block for palaeocontinental reconstructions rather than using the individual Dharwar, Bastar and Singhbhum cratons.
Rural Uncommoning
Authors: Bidwell Nicola J.
Published: July 2021

Shared use of small-scale natural commons is vital to the livelihoods of billions of rural inhabitants, particularly women, and advocates propose that local telecommunications systems that are oriented by the commons can close rural connectivity gaps. This article extends insights about women's exclusion from such Community Networks (CNs) by considering ‘commoning’, or practices that produce, reproduce and use the commons and create communality. I generated data in interviews and observations of rural CNs in seven countries in the Global South and in multi-sited ethnography of international advocacy for CNs. Male biases in technoculture and rural governance limit women's participation in CNs, and women adopt different approaches to performing their communal identity while using technology. This situation contributes to detaching CNs from relations that are produced in women's commoning. It also illustrates processes that co-opt the commons in rural technology endeavours and the diverse ways commoners express their subjectivities in response.
The Predictable Execution Model in Practice
Authors: Forsberg Björn , Solieri Marco , Bertogna Marko , Benini Luca , Marongiu Andrea
Published: July 2021

Adoption of multi- and many-core processors in real-time systems has so far been slowed down, if not totally barred, due do the difficulty in providing analytical real-time guarantees on worst-case execution times. The Predictable Execution Model (PREM) has been proposed to solve this problem, but its practical support requires significant code refactoring, a task better suited for a compilation tool chain than human programmers. Implementing a PREM compiler presents significant challenges to conform to PREM requirements, such as guaranteed upper bounds on memory footprint and the generation of efficient schedulable non-preemptive regions. This article presents a comprehensive description on how a PREM compiler can be implemented, based on several years of experience from the community. We provide accumulated insights on how to best balance conformance to real-time requirements and performance and present novel techniques that extend the applicability from simple benchmark suites to real-world applications. We show that code transformed by the PREM compiler enables timing predictable execution on modern commercial off-the-shelf hardware, providing novel insights on how PREM can protect 99.4% of memory accesses on random replacement policy caches at only 16% performance loss on benchmarks from the PolyBench benchmark suite. Finally, we show that the requirements imposed on the programming model are well-aligned with current coding guidelines for timing critical software, promoting easy adoption.
Characterization of endothelium-dependent and -independent processes in occipital artery of the rat: relevance to control of blood flow to nodose sensory cells
Authors: Lewis Tristan H. J. , Getsy Paulina M. , Peroni John F. , Ryan Rita M. , Jenkins Michael W. , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: July 2021

This study demonstrates that the endothelium-dependent regulation of smooth muscle tone of occipital arteries is segment-dependent. Endothelial cells at the occipital artery-external carotid artery junction (entryway of blood flow to the nodose ganglia) more strongly influence vascular tone than those closer to the nodose ganglia. This differential endothelial regulation of occipital artery tone may control blood flow and access of circulating factors to the nodose ganglia.
Gaze control during reaching is flexibly modulated to optimize task outcome
Authors: Abekawa Naotoshi , Gomi Hiroaki , Diedrichsen Jörn
Published: July 2021

During visually guided reaching, our eyes usually fixate the target and saccades elsewhere are delayed (“gaze anchoring”). We here show that the degree of gaze anchoring is flexibly modulated by the reward contingencies of saccade latency and reach accuracy. Reach error became larger when saccades occurred earlier. These results suggest that early saccades are costly for reaching and the brain modulates inhibitory online coordination from the hand to the eye system depending on task requirements.
A novel gain-of-function sodium channel β2 subunit mutation in idiopathic small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Alsaloum Matthew , Labau Julie I. R. , Sosniak Daniel , Zhao Peng , Almomani Rowida , Gerrits Monique , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , Lauria Giuseppe , Faber Catharina G. , Waxman Stephen G. , Dib-Hajj Sulayman
Published: July 2021

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) often has no discernible cause, although mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel α subunits have been implicated in some cases. We identify a patient suffering from SFN with a mutation in the auxiliary β2 subunit and no other discernible causes for SFN. Functional assessment confirms this mutation renders dorsal root ganglion neurons hyperexcitable and upregulates tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium currents. This study strengthens a newly emerging link between sodium channel β2 subunit mutations and human pain disorders.
Saccharomyces boulardii Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Regulating NF‐κB and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Gao Hui , Li Yinzheng , Sun Jie , Xu Huzi , Wang Meng , Zuo Xuezhi , Fu Qiang , Guo Yanchao , Chen Zhenyan , Zhang Piwei , Li Xudong , Wang Niwen , Ye Ting , Yao Ying
Published: July 2021

Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a probiotic yeast that is widely used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. The present study is aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of S. boulardii on dextran sulfate sodium‐ (DSS‐) induced murine ulcerative colitis (UC) and illustrate the mechanisms of action. C57BL/6 mice were administered S. boulardii (105 and 107 CFU/ml, p.o.) for 3 weeks and then given DSS [2.5% (w/v)] for one week. Administration of S. boulardii prevented DSS‐induced reduction in body weight, diarrhea, bloody feces, decreased colon length, and loss of histological structure. Moreover, S. boulardii protected the intestinal barrier by increasing the levels of tight junction proteins zona occludens‐1 and Occludin and exerted immunomodulatory effects in DSS‐induced mice. Furthermore, S. boulardii suppressed the colonic inflammation by reducing the levels of Interleukin‐1β, Interleukin‐6, and Tumor necrosis factor alpha and restored myeloperoxidase activity in mice exposed to DSS. S. boulardii also mitigated colonic oxidative damage by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and heme oxygenase 1) and glutathione and decreasing malondialdehyde accumulation. Further studies identified that S. boulardii suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 subunit by decreasing IκKα/β levels, while promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) in DSS‐exposed mice. Collectively, S. boulardii possessed an appreciable therapeutic effect against the experimental mice model of UC. The protective mechanism of S. boulardii may involve inhibition of NF‐κB‐mediated proinflammatory signaling and activation of Nrf2‐modulated antioxidant defense in addition to intestinal barrier protective and immunomodulatory effects.
The Numerical Investigation of the Heat Transport in the Nanofluids under the Impacts of Magnetic Field: Applications in Industrial Zone
Authors: Adnan  , Khan Umar , Ahmed Naveed , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef , Khan Ilyas , Fayz-Al-Asad Md.
Published: July 2021

The dynamics of the nanofluid flow between two plates that are placed parallel to each other is of huge interest due to its numerous applications in different industries. Keeping in view the significance of such flow, investigation of the heat transfer in the Cu-H2O nanofluid is conducted between parallel rotating plates. For more significant results of the study, the squeezing effects are incorporated over the plates that are electrically conducting. The nondimensional flow model is then treated analytically (VPM), and the results are sketched against the preeminent flow parameters. The remarkable heat transfer in the nanofluid is noticed against the Eckert and Prandtl numbers, whereas the Lorentz forces oppose the fluid temperature. Furthermore, the shear stresses at the walls drop and the local heat transfer rate rises due to increasing flow parameters. Finally, to validate the study, a comparison is made with existing available science literature and noted that the presented results are aligned with them.