bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese Trade Through Time
Authors: Aripin Wahyu Teri
Published: July 2022

China has a very long history of international trade. Silk road is the evidence of that long trading history. Naming the route as silk road one of them, was because the most wanted commodity during that time was silk. Even silk was used as the currency by then. Besides being used for trading, the silk road was also used for intercultural interactions among nations. Through those interactions, knowledge, thought and religion were transmitted. In the modern era, China has the lowest value in exports and imports compared to Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. But in 2020, China has turned into the highest exporter country compared to those countries. Correlations will also be discussed in this paper. Fifty years of historical data will be used to find that association among those countries. Commodities that were being exported and imported will also be discussed to open up the next topic of research on supply chain planning.
Cementless THA with femoral shortening osteotomy provides excellent results for patients with Crowe type IV hip dysplasia
Authors: EMRE Fahri , Uluyardımcı Enes , Tahta Mesut , Işık Çetin
Published: July 2022

IntroductionThis study aimed to present the clinical and radiological results and look for complications of total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed with subtrochanteric transverse femoral shortening osteotomy (STFO) for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).Materials and MethodsNinety-four patients who underwent STFO and THA for Crowe type IV DDH between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 40 months (range 25 to 55) and the mean operation time was 58 min (range 52 to 70). We examined the results of routine anteroposterior and lateral hip radiography. The time required for healing of the osteotomy line, preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS), limb length discrepancies, the level of limping and Trendelenburg tests were evaluated for all patients. All complications were noted.ResultsThe mean healing time was 5.4 months (range 4 to 10). The preoperative HHS improved from a mean of 52 points (range 42 to 61) to 84 points (range 75 to 96) after the operation (p<0.001). Only two patients had postoperative positive Trendelenburg tests. There were no cases of nonunion or sciatic nerve palsy. An interoperative femoral fracture was observed in one case.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excellent clinical outcomes can be achieved with no revisions, no nonunion, and minimal residual limping in patients who undergo shortening with STFO using a Wagner cone for the femur and a primary cup for the acetabulum.
Intrinsic Surface-Redox Sodium-Ion Storage Mechanism of Anatase Titanium Oxide toward High-Rate Capability
Authors: Wei Qiulong , Chang Xiaoqing , Butts Danielle , DeBlock Ryan , Lan Kun , Li Junbin , Chao Dongliang , Peng Dong-Liang , Dunn Bruce
Published: July 2022

Sodium-ion storage technologies are promising candidates for large-scale grid systems owing to the abundance and low cost of sodium. However, compared to well-understood lithium-ion storage mechanisms, sodium-ion storage remains relatively unexplored. Herein, we systematically determine the sodium-ion storage properties of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2(A)). During the initial sodiation process, a thin surface layer (~3 to 5 nm) of crystalline TiO2(A) becomes amorphous but still undergoes Ti4+/Ti3+ redox reactions. A model explaining the role of the amorphous layer and the dependence of the specific capacity on the size of TiO2(A) nanoparticles is proposed. Amorphous nanoparticles of ~10 nm seem to be optimum in terms of achieving high specific capacity, on the order of 200 mAh g-1, at high charge/discharge rates. Kinetic studies of TiO2(A) nanoparticles indicate that sodium-ion storage is due to a surface-redox, capacitor-like reaction mechanism that is not dependent on nanoparticle size in contrast to the lithiation of TiO2(A) which is a diffusion-limited intercalation process. The surface-redox properties of TiO2(A) result in excellent rate capability, cycling stability and low overpotentials. Moreover, the surface-redox mechanism is instrumental in enabling thick electrodes of TiO2(A) retain high rate properties, and represent a promising direction for high-power sodium-ion storage.
Reductive soil disinfestation promoted vegetable N uptake by regulating soil gross N transformations and improving the quality of degraded vegetable soils
Authors: zhang jinbo , Dan Xiaoqian , He Mengqiu , Chen Shending , He Xiaoxiang , Zhao Chang , Meng Lei , Cai Zucong , Müller Christoph
Published: July 2022

Aims
Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) has been widely applied to improve soil degradation, thereby enhancing vegetable N uptake and subsequently productivity. However, the effect of RSD on interactions between vegetable N uptake and soil gross N transformation remain unclear.
Methods
Two degraded vegetable soils were treated with RSD. Untreated soils served as control (CK). To quantify the effects of RSD on N cycling in vegetable-soil systems, 15N tracing pot experiments were conducted.
Results
Vegetable NH4+ and NO3− uptake rates were 1.0–6.5 times higher in RSD treatments than CK. Soil gross N mineralization rates (M) in RSD ranged from 0.83 to 13.00 mg N kg− 1 d− 1, and were significantly higher than in CK (0.21 to 8.71 mg N kg− 1 d− 1). Autotropic nitrification rates (ONH4) increased by 1.7–4.2 times after RSD. NH4+ immobilization rates (INH4) were significantly inhibited by RSD in the presence of vegetables. These induced decreasing (ONH4 + INH4)/M, increasing NH4+ retention times and production rates of soil NO3− after RSD treatment. Thus, RSD promoted N supply to vegetables and subsequently N uptake by vegetables on degraded soils. In addition, RSD improved the quality on degraded soils (i.e. increasing soil pH, and decreasing soil EC and NO3− contents and pathogen abundances), which could also be an important factor promoting vegetable N uptake.
Conclusion
Thus, RSD can promote vegetable N uptake by regulating soil gross N transformations and improving the quality of degraded vegetable soils. However, N fertilizer management still needs attention because of stimulated NO3− production rates after RSD, which may lead to more rapid NO3− leaching or gaseous N losses.
Using the Free Listing Technique to study consumers’ representations of the cultural domain of gastronomy in Argentina
Authors: Cuffia Facundo , Rojas-Rivas Edgar , Urbine Ayelén , Zaragoza-Alonso Jazmín
Published: July 2022

The aims of this research are i) to use the free listing method to explore the cultural domain associated with Argentina’s gastronomy and ii) to establish methodological implications on its use in the study of gastronomic field. A survey was conducted in which 249 Argentines from the Littoral area were recruited. Through a free listing task, participants were asked to mention the main foods or dishes of Argentina’s gastronomy. The indexes of Smith and Borgatti [1] and Sutrop [2] were calculated to identify the cognitive and attitudinal importance of the participants towards their gastronomy. Twenty-eight foods, dishes or food categories were obtained that are part of the representations towards Argentina’s gastronomy. The results showed a strong connection between gastronomy and the representations of the consumers with "Asado" (CSI = 0.289, Smith = 0.613), the traditional and characteristic food of Argentina’s gastronomy. Through Cluster Analysis, three groups of consumers were identified, all of which presented differences in the frequency of representation (P < 0.05) of the products obtained through the free listing. Correspondence Analysis allows to corroborate the foods with the highest representation among the identified groups, which suggests that the free listing method combined with the statistical methods used can contribute to understanding food representations through the study of gastronomy. This work is pioneering for the study of the representations of gastronomy from the language of consumers through the free listing method. Future directions of the use of free listing in the gastronomic field are identified and discussed.
HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma in the combination antiretroviral therapy era: real-world outcomes and prognostication
Authors: Wang Chaoyu , Liu Jun , Li Jieping , Nan Yingyu , Liu Yao
Published: July 2022

We performed a retrospectively study to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of HIV-associated Burkitt’s lymphoma in Chongqing University Cancer Hospital (CUCH), southwest China, from March 2012 to February 2022. In the entire cohort, the median age was 36 years (range, 28–60 years), and more patients were male (82.4%). The median CD4+ T cell count was 214/μl (range, 54-601), of whom 47.1% had a CD4+ T cell count below 200/μl. Most patients had elevated LDH, elevated β2-MG, extranodal involvement and advanced Ann Arbor stage at diagnosis. With a median follow-up of 11.5 months (range, 1.6-94.9 months), the overall 1-year PFS and OS rates were 27.6% and 47.6% respectively. The 1-year OS times in the LDH<3 upper limit of normal and LDH≥3 upper limit of normal groups were 62.5% and 31.3%, respectively (p=0.008). The 1-year OS times in the received <4 cycles and ≥4 cycles groups were 0 and 77.8%, respectively (p<0.001). These results demonstrated that LDH<3 upper limit of normal and received ≥4 cycles chemotherapy were significantly associated with improved outcomes. However, rituximab administration was not significantly associated with improved outcomes.
The Paradox of Currency Competition and Currency Cooperation in East Asia: A New Perspective of the Regional Currency Cooperation Dilemma
Authors: LU Chang Rong , Fandi YU
Published: July 2022

After the Asian Financial Crisis, the regional multilateral financial cooperation mechanism soon took form under the active promotion by East Asian countries. The scope of cooperation is mainly centered on such areas of “functional cooperation” as perfecting emergency liquidity provision, local-currency bond market development and financial surveillance, without touching deeper monetary areas such as exchange rate linkage. Unlike common views concentrating on Area Optimum Currency and emphasize the lack of economic conditions as the main reason, this paper, based on the dynamic relationship between currency competition and cooperation, finds that the endogenous dilemma of regional currency cooperation in East Asia is the conflict between leader’s private interest and the common demands of followers, which essentially reflects the low efficiency of the current regional monetary resource allocation. This paper, thus, concludes that how to find the benefit balancing point between leaders and followers would become the breakthrough point to solve the dilemma of East Asia currency cooperation.
We hang on to social media to get information but we do not master it: Sub-Saharan African communities’ experiences and engagement with the COVID-19 pandemic and related control strategies in Antwerp, Belgium
Authors: Ddungu Charles , Manirankunda Lazare , Meudec Marie , Landeghem Ella Van , Vanhamel Jef , Katsuva Deogratias , Nöstlinger Christiana
Published: July 2022

Background
Evidence shows that pre-existing racial/ethnic disparities in health, sustained by complex and intersecting socio-economic and structural inequities, have widened due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, little attention had been paid to the lived experiences of people in ethnic/racialised minority communities and to the web of causes and effects underlying COVID-19 related suffering. We conducted a study to explore Sub-Saharan African communities’ needs, perceptions, and different experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and its control measures in the Antwerp metropolitan area (Belgium), from the perspective of Sub-Saharan African communities in 2020.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study with an interpretative ethnographical approach. We used an iterative and participatory methodology: We set up a community advisory board which advised on different stages of the research process. Interviews and a group discussion were conducted online, using a secured web conference account, via telephone, and face-to-face. We analysed the data inductively using a thematic analytical approach.
Results
People in SSA communities, who mostly used social media for information, struggled with misinformation about the new virus and prevention measures. A big number were prone to misinformation about the origin of the pandemic, risk of infection with COVID-19, and the prevention measures such as testing, contact tracing, and future vaccination. SSA communities were not only affected by the epidemic, but to a larger extent by the control strategies, especially the lockdown. The combination of multiple social and economic disadvantages were significant in shaping people’s experience of the pandemic and its control measures. In turn, these experiences influences people’s perceptions and attitudes, and in some way impaired them to follow some public health COVID-19 prevention guidelines, leading to vicious cycles.
Conclusion
With the prolonged continuation of the COVID-19 epidemic and widening disparities, it is urgent and important it is to involve ethic/racialised minority communities in response strategies that not only address the needs of SSA communities, but also build on their strengths and agency. Findings from this study may inform future responses to epidemic outbreaks while considering input from ethnic/racialised minorities.
Prediction of Diagnostic Gene Biomarkers Associated with Immune Infiltration for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xie Dong , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wu Hongxuan , Ning Danmei , Cao Xianwei , Wan Chuan
Published: July 2022

Background
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a frequent tumor of the surface layer of skin or its accessories, and ranks first among the prevalence of skin cancer cases. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. The purpose of this analysis was to scientifically evaluate the role of mRNAs in the occurrence and progression of BCC and further elucidate their underlying potential molecular mechanisms of action.
Results
Twenty-seven DEGs were identified. Fifteen hub genes were screened in the protein-protein interaction network. These showed marked enrichment in the cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway. FGF20, KIF23, and NCAPG were identified as the diagnostic markers of BCC. Immune cell infiltration analysis suggested their significant association with T cells CD4 memory activated, macrophages M1, and natural killer (NK) resting cells. Two miRNAs and 12 lncRNAs were used to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network.
Conclusions
FGF20, KIF23, and NCAPG are potential diagnostic markers of BCC. Our findings may shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying BCC occurrence.
Diagnostic value of spiral CT energy spectrum imaging in lymph nodes metastasis around colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen， Wei-bin , Shi， Qian-qian , Li Ze-mao , Li Zhong-yao , Kang Li-qing
Published: July 2022

Objective: To evaluate the value of preoperative CT energy spectrum imaging in detecting lymph nodes metastasis around colorectal cancer.Methods: From 2019 September to 2021 November, a retrospective study was performed for the eighty-two patients with colorectal cancer through preoperative colonoscopy or surgical pathology confirmed in our hospital. The patients were divided into lymph node metastasis group and lymph node non metastasis group according to whether lymph node metastasis occurred. GE Revolution CT scanner was used to scan the patients with energy spectrum imaging, it measured and recorded the single energy CT values from 40kev to 140kev and various energy spectrum parameters of lymph nodes around the lesions in the arterial and venous phase. And statistically analyze the above indices.Result: In the arterial and venous phase: the single energy CT values of 40kev~140kev in the non metastatic group were higher than those in the metastatic group (all P<0.05); The parameter values of IC, NIC, λ, Eff-Z in the non metastatic group were higher than those in the metastatic group (all P<0.05). Further evaluation of ROC curve showed that the higher AUC of the single energy CT value of 50kev in the arterial phase was 0.889, among the energy spectrum parameters of IC, NIC, λ, Eff-Z, the NIC had the better diagnostic efficiency and the AUC of the NIC was 0.873, the highest AUC of the combination of NIC and λ was 0.885 when the energy spectrum parameters were combined. The higher AUC of the single energy CT value of 60kev in the venous phase was 0.853, among the energy spectrum parameters of IC, NIC, λ, Eff-Z, the λ had the better diagnostic efficiency and the AUC of the λ was 0.822, the higher AUC of the combination of NIC, λ and Eff-Z was 0.840 when the energy spectrum were combined.Conclusion: Single energy CT values from 40keV~140keV and IC, NIC, λ, Eff-Z spectral parameters for energy spectral CT imaging were of high value for evaluating whether lymph nodes around colorectal cancer metastasize, and provide clinicians with more reliable image information before surgery.
Weaning Habits and Nutritional Status Determinants Among Under-5 Children in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: AMORAN Olorunfemi Emmanuel , ADEBAYO Omowunmi Temitope , Soleye Olufolahan O , MAUTIN James G , SODEHINDE Kolawole O , EKUNDAYO Adeola A , Salako Albert A
Published: July 2022

Introduction: High household income may not guarantee a satisfactory nutritional outcome of the children if households are lacking of care, dietary quality and health care access. Malnutrition will persist despite rapid income growth if more effective approach to combat the problem is absent. This study was carried out to determine the influence of correct feeding habits on the nutritional status among under-fives in an urban city in southwestern Nigeria.Methodology: This was a community based, cross-sectional, descriptive study, investigations such as dietary survey, anthropometry and clinical examination were done. A multistage sampling technique was used in the study. Data were collected via pretested, close ended, interviewer administered questionnaire. The questionnaires obtained from the study were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20) software programme.Result: A total of 407 participants with the mean age of 26.58 ± 10.10 months were recruited into the study. Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 39.8% of the mothers. About 56.5% of the mothers reported having given their babies the first milk (colostrum). The mean age of weaning off breast was 7.4 ± 1.5 months. Immunization coverage among the respondents were BCG- 82.1%, Oral polio = 81.3%, Pentavalent [DPT 3] = 87.2% and Measles = 88.7%. The mid upper arm circumference revealed 30(55.6%) of male were at greater risk of malnutrition than female 24(44.4%), while 45(56.1%) of males had severe malnutrition. Mean head circumference for age Z-score test between boys and girls in age group 13 to 24 months [p = 0.009, C.I= -0.27-0.19] and 25 to 36 months were significant statistically (p = 0.003, − 0.35 − 0.22). The value for age group 37–48 months was p = 0.53, C.I = 0.015–0.59 and p = 0.57, C.I = 2.59–1.70 for 49–60 months was not statistically significant.Conclusion: This study shows that the mean age of weaning was 7.4 ± 1.5 months. It also reported the mean values of head circumference to be significantly lower among girls than boys below 36months and this may have developmental and nutritional implications in Nigeria and other African countries.
Association of tumor burden with severe immune-related adverse events in nivolumab plus ipilimumab therapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sumi Toshiyuki , Sekikawa Motoki , Nagahisa Yuta , Matsuura Keigo , Shijubou Naoki , Kamada Koki , Watanabe Hiroki , Yamada Yuichi , Tanaka Yusuke , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: July 2022

Ipilimumab and nivolumab improve the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), albeit with a higher incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) than immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether baseline tumor burden is associated with the development of severe irAEs during treatment with ipilimumab plus nivolumab with or without chemotherapy. Consecutive patients with NSCLC receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab with or without chemotherapy were retrospectively examined at the Hakodate Goryoukaku Hospital between December 2020 and December 2021. Total tumor burden was measured according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. We defined irAEs as ICI therapy-related toxicities according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Tumor burden differed significantly between patients with and without severe irAEs (100 mm vs. 67.5 mm, p = 0.001). A high tumor burden correlated with severe irAEs, independent of the complementary chemotherapy. The multivariate odds ratio of severe irAEs and high tumor burden was 6.72 (95% confidence interval = 2.05–22.0, p = 0.0017). Baseline tumor burden is a potential risk factor for severe irAEs in patients treated with combination ICI therapy; thus, careful monitoring of adverse events is needed.
Snakes in the city: Spatial and temporal assessment of snake encounters in urban Delhi, India
Authors: Barhadiya Gaurav , Purkayastha Jayaditya , Saha Ashis Kumar , Ghosh Chirashree
Published: July 2022

Delhi, the capital city of India is, highly urbanized and surrounded by remnant forest, farms, ridges, and other green areas experience regular snake encounters in and around residential, institutional, and industrial areas. A total of 41 months of sampling from January 2019 to May 2022 was conducted wherein we, studied the snake assemblage in Delhi to determine the species composition, encounter frequency, seasonal activity patterns, and probable encounter sites in an urban setup. We documented 372 individuals belonging to 15 species from Seven families out of 23 species found in Delhi. Snakes were found inside forests, public parks, homes, drain networks, streets, office buildings, and even in school-college buildings. The most recorded species being Ptyas mucosa (37.37%, n = 139), Naja Naja (19.62%, n = 73), and Lycodon aulicus (13.44%, n = 50). The highest numbers of incidents were reported in the month of July (22.04%, n = 82) and August (19.89%, n = 74) during the peak monsoon season, for identifying high encounter sites, we used a geostatistical modeling tool, Ordinary kriging to identify places having more snake occurrences. We further used a statistical spatial method called average nearest neighbor distance to detect the pattern distribution of snake species. Ordinary kriging highlighted two areas having concentrated snake encounters. The results of the average nearest neighbour distance analysis showed three species having Clustered and two species having dispersed distribution. The incidence of snake encounters was found to be highly seasonal and appeared to be associated mainly with monthly rainfall, temperature, and humidity. Findings on snakes’ distribution patterns will not only help in the conservation of snakes but will also help the local population to understand snakes and co-exist with them.
Tribological and Corrosion Behavior of St37 Steel by Electrochemically Deposited Ni-Fe/Al 2 O 3 Coating
Authors: Yazdi Morteza Saghafi , Rezayat Mohammad , Zandi Mohammad Damous , Azami Aref
Published: July 2022

Surface coating process is one of the techniques that increase the performance and service life of parts by increasing the mechanical properties. In this study, compared to the layered coating, a composite coating was done by electroplating method on stainless steel grade st37. The aim of this study was to increase the mechanical properties of the surface base metal as well as the coating. Materials characterization tests such as X-ray diffraction tests and imaging were performed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, a Vickers microhardness test and wear resistance were performed. Chemical tests were done on the created coating, the results of which were presented as polarization and Varna quest diagrams. According to the results, the coating containing Ni-Fe/Al2O3 particles showed better mechanical properties so that by increasing the amount of alumina particles to 50 g/L, the hardness reached 750 (HV 0.5), which is 585 (HV 0.5) for the coating without alumina was reported. Varna quest chemical test reported that coat with alumina corroded 10 times less than st37 row material. The wear friction coefficient for row st37 was 0.21 however this amount after adding alumina to the coating structure reached 0.35.
Effects of folic acid supplementation on glucose metabolism disorders in male offspring induced by lipopolysaccharide exposure during pregnancy
Authors: Sun Wan-Xiao , Shu Yi-Ping , Chen Jing , Yu Ning-Ning , Zhao Mei
Published: July 2022

Adverse environmental factors in the early stage of life can change the gene phenotype of cells through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, and ultimately affect the occurrence and development of fetogenic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Folic acid (FA) is an important methyl donor in vivo and participates in DNA replication and methylation. The preliminary experimental results of our group demonstrated that low dose of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure during pregnancy could lead to the disorder of glucose metabolism of male offspring, but the effect of folic acid supplementation on the disorder of glucose metabolism of male offspring induced by LPS exposure remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of folic acid supplementation on glucose metabolism disorder in male offspring induced by LPS exposure during pregnancy and its potential mechanism. This study confirmed that FA supplementation of 5mg/kg in pregnant mice improved glucose metabolism of LPS-exposed offspring during pregnancy by regulating gene expression.
Towards a Biomarker for Acute Arterial Thrombosis Using Complete Blood Count and White Blood Cell Differential Parameters in Mice
Authors: Jang Hee Jeong , Schellingerhout Dawid , Kim Jiwon , Chung Jinyong , Kim Dong-Eog
Published: July 2022

There is no blood biomarker diagnostic of arterial thrombosis. We investigated if arterial thrombosis per se was associated with alterations in complete blood count (CBC) and white blood cell (WBC) differential count in a mouse model of thrombosis. Twelve-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice were used for FeCl3-mediated carotid thrombosis (n = 79), sham-operation (n = 72), or non-operation (n = 26). Monocyte count (/µL) at 30-min after thrombosis (mean ± SEM, 196 ± 13) was ~ 1.4-fold higher compared with 30-min after sham-operation (139 ± 14), and was about 2.6-fold higher compared with non-operated mice (75 ± 6). At day-1 and − 4 post-thrombosis, compared with 30-min, monocyte count decreased by ~ 21% (155 ± 2) and 39% (119 ± 9), which however were about 2.2-fold and 2.1-fold higher than in sham-operated mice at the corresponding time-points (71 ± 5 and 58 ± 5), respectively. Lymphocyte counts (/µL) at 1- and 4-days after thrombosis (3513 ± 253 and 2590 ± 192) were ~ 60% and ~ 116% lower compared with the time-points in sham mice (5630 ± 350 and 5596 ± 314), and were ~ 65% and ~ 124% lower compared with non-operated mice (5791 ± 264). Monocyte-lymphocyte-ratio (MLR) was substantially higher at all three time-points (0.050 ± 0.003, 0.046 ± 0.007, and 0.050 ± 0.005) than in sham mice (0.003 ± 0.003, 0.013 ± 0.001, and 0.010 ± 0.001). MLR was 0.013 ± 0.001 in non-operated mice. This is the first report on acute arterial thrombosis-related alterations in CBC and WBC differential count.
Resting-state functional connectivity disruption between the left and right pallidum as a biomarker for subthreshold depression
Authors: Okamoto Yasumasa , Sato Yosuke , Okada Go , Yokoyama Satoshi , Ichikawa Naho , Takamura Masahiro , Mitsuyama Yuki , Shimizu Ayaka , Itai Eri , Shinzato Hotaka , Kawato Mitsuo , Yahata Noriaki
Published: July 2022

Although the identification of late adolescents with subthreshold depression (StD) may provide a basis for developing effective interventions that could lead to a reduction in the prevalence of StD and prevent the development of major depressive disorder, knowledge about the neural basis of StD remains limited. The purpose of this study was to develop a generalizable classifier for StD and to shed light on the underlying neural mechanisms of StD in late adolescents. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 91 individuals (30 StD subjects, 61 healthy controls) were included to build an StD classifier, and eight functional connections were selected by using the combination of two machine learning algorithms. We applied this biomarker to an independent cohort (n = 43) and confirmed that it showed generalization performance (area under the curve = 0.84/0.75 for the training/test datasets). Moreover, the most important functional connection was between the left and right pallidum, which may be related to clinically important dysfunctions in subjects with StD such as anhedonia and hyposensitivity to rewards. Investigation of whether modulation of the identified functional connections can be an effective treatment for StD may be an important topic of future research.
Multi-residue Analysis of Eight Veterinary Drugs in Buffalo Milk using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Huang Xingchen , Zhu Pingchuan , Sun Qinqiang , Liu Runfeng , Hu Wei , Xu Huiyan , Lu Yangqing , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2022

In this study, we developed an analytical method for veterinary drug residues in buffalo milk using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The multi-residue method was established for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of eight common veterinary drugs, including metronidazole, salbutamol, atropine, trimethoprim, hydrocortisone, kitasamycin, roxithromycin and tylosin. The sample processing method for buffalo milk was compared and optimised. The precision, recovery and matrix effects of the method were validated. The precision and accuracy of all analytes ranged from 1.81% to 12.35% and 1.25% to 14.57%, respectively. The average recovery percentages varied between 93.59% and 114.57%, and the average matrix effect ranged from 87.12% to 103.76%. All eight analytes in buffalo milk exhibited stability under different treatment conditions. The developed method was successfully applied to laboratory analysis and routine sample analysis. The method was demonstrated to be rapid, sensitive and reliable for the rapid monitoring of veterinary drug residues in buffalo milk. The findings of this study contribute to the risk assessment of veterinary drug residues for preventing the human consumption of contaminated buffalo milk and its derivatives.
Interpersonal communication, cultural norms, and community perceptions associated with care-seeking for fever among under-fives in Magoé district, Mozambique
Authors: Hutchinson Paul , Zulliger Rose , Butts Jessica K. , Candrinho Balthazar , Saifodine Abu , Eisele Thomas P. , Yukich Josh
Published: July 2022

BackgroundMalaria is endemic throughout Mozambique, contributing significantly to the country’s burden of disease. Prompt and effective treatment for fevers in children can limit the mortality and morbidity impacts of the disease but many children in the country are not taken for formal care. Using an ideational model of behavior, this study assesses the magnitude of the relationships between potential drivers of care-seeking - interpersonal communication, malaria messaging, and ideational factors – and actual care-seeking behaviors for under-five children with fever in Magoé district, Mozambique.MethodsUsing data come from a 2019 household malaria survey for a random sample of women of reproductive age, multilevel random effects logistic regression models are estimated to test for associations between care-seeking behaviors and hypothesized behavioral determinants, including interpersonal communication (IPC), malaria messaging, ideational factors (e.g., norms, attitudes, beliefs, risk perceptions), and community characteristics.ResultsOverall, 18.5% of children under age five (N=300) were reported to have fever in the previous 2 weeks and, of these, 68.5% were taken to a formal sector health care provider. Multivariate models highlight significant roles for interpersonal communication; care-seeking was highest among mothers who spoke only with friends/community members about malaria (94.0%, p<.001), followed by those who spoke only with their husband (78.6%, p=.015), relative to 63.3% who spoke with no one. Care-seeking decisions made by a child’s grandmother were associated with a 25.0 percentage point (p=0.001) greater likelihood of seeking care relative to decisions made by the mother alone. Exposure to any malaria messaging was also positively associated with care-seeking (90.5% versus 62.7%, p<.001). In contrast, among all individual- and community-level ideational factors, only perceptions of self-efficacy to seek care are related to care-seeking behaviors. ConclusionsThese results suggest that social and behavior change interventions that focus on encouraging families and community members to talk about malaria and the need to promptly seek treatment for fevers in children may be particularly effective at increasing this behavior in this and similar settings. Such messaging and IPC should consider grandmothers as a target audience, as they appear to be perceived as highly influential in care-seeking decision-making in this community.
A Compact Novel SE-DGS Tapered-Fed Notched UWB Antenna Integrated with Ku/K band for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Ponnapalli V L N Phani , Karthikeyan S , Narayana J Lakshmi , Devana V N Koteswara Rao
Published: July 2022

A compact and novel semi-elliptical defected ground structure (SE-DGS) tapered microstrip line fed UWB antenna with band notched characteristics integrated with Ku and K band applications is proposed. The proposed SE-DGS UWB antenna is printed on a compact size of (15×18 mm2) and has an impedance bandwidth of 4.11-29.77 GHz, a fractional bandwidth of 152%, and both the down link of X- and ITU-8 bands are completely notched over a span of 6.86-9.09 GHz using a single C-structured reflector. The proposed antenna has a fluctuating gain of 1.7–4.82 dBi except for the gain at the notched band frequency, which is -12.25 dBi. The proposed antenna has a high radiation efficiency of 96.23%, stable radiation patterns over the UWB range, and a high rejection capability of the notched band, which is noticed from the high value of VSWR of 23.15, making it a potential candidate for UWB, Ku, and K band wireless applications with effectively suppressed downlink of X and ITU-8 bands. The developed antenna design simulates breast cancer tissue detection by comparing S21 outcomes, current densities, and specific absorption rates with and without tumour scenarios. These results suggest that the proposed radiator and system detect breast tumours efficiently.
Time-delayed modelling of the COVID-19 dynamics with a convex incidence rate
Authors: Babasola Oluwatosin , Oshinubi Kayode , Peter Olumuyiwa James , Onwuegbuche Faithful Chiagoziem , Khan Ilyas
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we investigate the SEIR epidemic model with a convex incidence rate incorporated with a time delay. We first discussed the epidemic model as a form of a classical ordinary differential equation and then the inclusion of a delay to represent the period in which the susceptible and exposed individuals became infectious. Secondly, we identify the disease-free together with the endemic equilibrium state and examine their stability by adopting the delay differential equation stability theory. Thereafter, we carried out numerical simulations with suitable parameters choice to illustrate the theoretical result of the system and for a better understanding of the model dynamics. We also vary the length of the delay to illustrate the changes in the model as the delay parameters change which enables us to further gain an insight into the effect of the included delay in a dynamical system. The result confirms that the inclusion of delay destabilises the system and it forces the system to exhibit an oscillatory behaviour which leads to a period solution.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Two-dimensional Metal-organic Framework by Using Bent Ditopic Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: Zhong Wen-Wu , Firuzabadi Fahimeh Dehghani , Zeng Xue , Feng Yuan-Jiao , Liu Kuan-Guan , Morsali Ali , Retailleaf Pascal
Published: July 2022

To design and make new metal-organic frameworks with desired structure and consequently spatial properties, there need to choose both metal ion as a node and ligands as their linkers. In pillared metal-organic frameworks, the presence of two linkers make bifunctional MOFs. Here, a pillar two-dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF) with molecular formula [Zn(cba)(bpdb)].DMF (2DTMU-1) was obtained by the reaction of zinc(II) nitrate with 4,4'-methylenedibenzoic acid (H2cba) as the carboxylate linker and 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene (bpdb) as the N-donor pillar. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). 2DTMU-1 is based on a binuclear paddlewheel Zn(II) unit complexed by four bridging bidentate (dicarboxylate) V-shaped ligand, 4,4'-methylenedibenzoic acid (H2cba), this tetragonal array being connected by bpdb with a bridging azine group in the middle as a potential Lewis basic site, making two-dimensional metal-organic framework structure and shows a pore size of 18 × 12 Å2.
Health-related quality of life in parents of adolescents - A two-year longitudinal study
Authors: Rohde Gudrun , Helseth Sølvi , Skarstein Siv , Mikkelsen Hilde ET , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Haraldstad Kristin
Published: July 2022

Aim: For many adults, their role as a parent is a vital part of their life that may influence their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and vary with the age of their child. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare sociodemographic and psychological factors, pain and HRQOL in parents of adolescents assessed at baseline and 2 years later and to quantify the possible impact of gender, sociodemographic and psychological factors and pain on changes in HRQOL over time. Methods: A longitudinal study of 309 parents from the general Norwegian population was conducted. We used data collected at baseline (T1), when the adolescents were aged 14–15 years (2018/2019), and two years later (T2), in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing. HRQOL was assessed using RAND-36. Data were analysed using McNemar tests, paired samples t-tests and multiple linear regression analyses.Results: Of the participants, 82% were mothers and 18% fathers. From T1 to T2, the average pain score increased, 1.6 (95% CI [-1,4; 1.8]) vs 1.8 (95% CI [1,6; 2.0]), the pain interference emotion score increased, 1.6 (95% CI [1.3; 1.9]) vs 1.8 (95% CI [1.5; 2.1]), and a larger proportion reported pain duration >3 months (44% vs 50%, p = 0.014). The parents were more lonely, 12.8 (95% CI [12.3; 13.3]) vs 13.7 (95% CI [13.2; 14.2]), and reported lower RAND-36 mental component summary (MCS) scores, 52.2 (95% CI [51.3; 53.2]) vs 50.9 (95% CI [49.8; 52.0]). There were no significant associations between gender, sociodemographic factors, psychological factors, pain at T1 and changes in RAND-36 physical component summary (PCS). A positive change in MCS from T1 to T2 was predicted by working part time, B = 5.22 (95% CI [1.05; 9.38]) (ref no paid work) and older age, B = 0.24, (95%CI [-001; 0.42]), and there was a negative change with stress, B = -17.39, (95%CI [-27.42; -7.51]). Conclusion: The parents experienced more pain and were lonelier, and more reported reduced mental HRQOL. However, the changes appear to be of limited clinical significance, as the parents seemed to have resilience factors to cope, even during an ongoing pandemic.
Measurement and identification of generalised translational static stiffness in machining space of five-axis machine tool
Authors: Jastrzębska Joanna , Parus Arkadiusz , Jastrzębski Daniel , Pawełko Piotr
Published: July 2022

This work presents a measurement for the identification of translational quasi-static stiffness of machine tool using Stiffness Workspace System (SWS). The novelty of this work is a significant modification of the SWS. The changes in measurement procedure and data analysis as well as new technical solutions are described in detail. A methodology for generalised translational static stiffness determination is presented. The major purpose of this paper is to provide the information about quasi-static stiffness values that characterise a typical machine tool. The measurement procedure is implemented in a case study on a 5-axis machining centre. Measurement results were used to determine the generalised translational stiffness indicators of points in the workspace. Then, the static stiffness distribution on the XY plane over machining space was estimated. The obtained results confirm the importance of analyses of static stiffness distribution as they point out areas where some possible changes occur. In the conclusion of the paper the utility value of the information of translational static stiffness is emphasized.
Anti-cancer effect of recombinant PI-laterosporulin10 as a novel bacteriocin with selective cytotoxicity on triple negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Rafizadeh Bahare , Reiisi Somayeh , Saffar Behnaz , Taheri Forough , Farhadian Sadegh
Published: July 2022

Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) are important factors of the innate immune system which perform a comprehensive spectrum of biological activities. The present study aims to examine the expression, purification, and cytotoxic effects of recombinant PI-laterosporulin10 (LS10) a defensing-like peptide. PI is a transmembrane peptide that helps to increase penetration and specificity of peptide targeting. PI-LS10 sequence was optimized and fused to a Xa protease site to achieve higher levels of expression. Then Xa-PI-LS10 was cloned into the pET-32a (+) vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The fusion protein with a molecular weight of about 25.3 kDa was analyzed using the SDS-PAGE. The maximum expression was observed 8 hours post-induction. After enzymatic cleavage, the purity of PI-LS10 was >300 µg/ ml as the final yield. The recombinant PI-LS10 showed anti-cancer characteristics against breast cancer cell lines. MCF7 (non-triple negative) and MDA-MB-231 (triple negative) cells were treated with different concentrations of the PI-LS10 in order to evaluate their cytotoxic activity and efficiency in targeting triple negative cells. Our results suggest that PI-LS10 had a significant cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells in comparison to the normal cell line. Triple negative breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) proliferation inhibited higher in 72 hours after treatment compare MCF7 cells. In conclusion, the PI-LS10 peptide was produced successfully and its favorable anti-cancer activity against a breast cancer cell line was confirmed.
Topology and perception aware image vectorization
Authors: He Yuchen , Kang Sung Ha , Morel Jean-Michel
Published: July 2022

We propose a new color image vectorization method converting raster images to resolution-independent scalable vector graphics. Starting from a quantized raster image, the method builds a hierarchical structure to represent its discontinuity set. The lowest-level elements, called curve-elements separate exactly two colors, and end at T-junctions or X-junctions. The middle-level objects, called curvebases, are concatenations of curve-elements following perceptual rules and representing the apparent contours of objects. On the highest level, the jump set coincides with the discontinuity set of the quantized image input.A geometric filtering method removes pixelization effects by affine shortening of the curvebases while resolving the induced topological changes. All junctions are preserved, thus maintaining the highest level of perceptual fidelity even on tiny pixel art images. A single parameter controls the simplification of curves between two junctions.Theoretical bounds are given to guarantee the method's topological consistency. This allows the method to be iterated such that it yields a smoothing semi-group. In both qualitative and quantitative experiments, our method compares favourably to multiple state-of-art algorithms and software.
Zinc-solubilizing Pseudomonas strains accelerate the release of zinc from tire waste powder and improve maize growth and zinc nutrition
Authors: Nasirzadeh Azar , Hamidpour Mohsen , Abbaszadeh-Dahaji Payman , Akhgar Abdolreza , Kariman Khalil
Published: July 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Synthesis of a New Hydrophobic Coating Film from Stearic Acid of Buffalo Fat as By-product
Authors: Soliman Hanaa , Abdel-Wahhab Mosaad , Zahran Hamdy
Published: July 2022

In this work, pure stearic acid had been isolated from buffalo adipose tissue, and chemically converted to a waxy stearyl stearate, which was then used as a coating film for enhancing the shelf life of freshly harvested fruits. Where adipose tissue was minced, fat was extracted by dry rendering method, and then it was characterized. The extracted fat was hydrolyzed into a mixture of free fatty acids and glycerol. Supercritical CO2 extractor was used for stearic acid individual extraction in pure form from the free fatty acids mixture, and it was confirmed according to its melting point, elemental analysis, GC-MS and mass spectrometry (MS) of the corresponding methyl ester. The isolated stearic acid was used for synthesis of a new hydrophobic wax named as stearyl stearate, the chemical structure of the prepared compound was established according to its elemental analysis and spectral data. The new hydrophobic wax was used as a coating film to enhance the shelf life of freshly harvested tomato fruit. Therefore, stearyl stearate solution (2.00% w/v diethyl ether) was used for tomato coating, and compared to chitosan-coated tomatoes, where, weight loss, pH, fruit firmness, ascorbic acid concentration and total soluble solids were studied for a period of 15 days at 23±1°C and 65 ± 2% relative humidity. A sensory evaluation of the coated tomatoes was carried out. And the results revealed that coating with stearyl stearate solution (2.00% w/v diethyl ether), could delay tomatoes ripening during 15 days storing at 23±1°C and 65 ± 2% relative humidity. On the other hand, acute oral toxicity of stearyl stearate was achieved using albino mice of 21–25 g body weight to determine its safety.
A laboratory experiment for real-time sound source localization using Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360
Authors: Douaer Belgacem
Published: July 2022

Sound Source Localization (SSL) consists of estimating the position of an emitting sound source. Accurate SSL is an essential step in many research areas as well as practical applications in acoustic signal processing and wireless communications. The main contribution of this work is the simplification of the high performance of two-dimensional sound source localization (2D-SSL), in which only four microphones are required. Firstly, the Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) based method is applied to a linear array configuration of four acquisition USB microphones, which have been used in two pairs to mount the experimental setup. For each single pair, the Angle of Arrival (AOA) of the sound source is calculated. Then, the 2D-SSL is determined using the trigonometric identities. To implement such a schematic, we have used the microphone array incorporated into the Microsoft Kinect device to acquire sound waves in real-time. To validate the accuracy of our study, laboratory experiments of sound source localization at different sound intensity levels were performed. In terms of RMSE position, the experimental results indicate that the suggested solution can be used to accurately find a two-dimensional sound source location in the far-field.