bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equivalent frame discretisation for URM façades with irregular opening layouts
Authors: Morandini Chiara , Malomo Daniele , Penna Andrea
Published: January 2022

Researchers and practitioners widely employ simplified Equivalent Frame Models (EFM) for reproducing the in-plane governed response of unreinforced brick masonry (URM) structures, as they typically represent an acceptable compromise between numerical accuracy and computational cost. However, when considering URM structural systems with irregular opening distribution, the definition of the effective height and length of deformable components (i.e. pier and spandrel elements) still represents an open challenge. In this work, the influence of irregular distribution of openings on the predicted lateral response of full-scale URM façades was investigated. To this end, several geometrical combinations characterised by various degrees of irregularity were considered and idealised according to commonly employed EF discretisation approaches. Then, after a preliminary calibration process against experimental tests on both individual piers and a full-scale building façade, EFM results were compared with micro-modelling predictions, carried out within the framework of the Applied Element Method and used as a benchmark. Although in specific irregular configurations using some discretisation approaches, macro and micro-models converge to similar results, non-negligible differences in terms of initial lateral stiffness, base-shear and damage distribution were observed with other EF schemes or opening layouts, thus indicating that a careful selection of appropriate criteria is indeed needed when performing in-plane analyses of URM systems with irregular opening distributions. Finally, building on inferred simulated data, potential solutions are given to overcome typical EF discretisation issues and better approximate micro-modelling outcomes.
Optimizing the Performance of the Meso-Scale Continuous-Flow Photoreactor for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Water Over Pt/TiO2/RGO Composites
Authors: Nabil Samar , Shalaby Elsayed A. , Elkady Marwa F. , Matsushita Yoshihisa , El-Shazly Ahmed H.
Published: January 2022

Tuning the reaction parameters to maximize products yield is one of the major needs for any process. The goal of this research is to increase the reduction of CO2 with water by examining the operating parameters of a meso-scale continuous-flow type photochemical reactor over hydrothermally synthesized photocatalysts such as Pt/TiO2 and Pt/TiO2/RGO. Effects of catalyst type, weight of catalyst utilized, photochemical reactor temperature, retention time by variating the liquid water flow rate, and cocatalyst loading were investigated to increase the concentration of total organic carbon compounds including HCHO and CH3OH. The effect of titanium dioxide phase ratio (anatase: rutile) presence at the Pt/TiO2/RGO photocatalysts was also studied. The results revealed that the 0.3 wt.% Pt/TiO2/RGO5% photocatalyst which includes a phase ratio of 81:19 for anatase: rutile respectively has the superior photocatalytic activity to other studied photocatalysts. The physciochemical properties of different prepared photocatalytic samples were determined using various characterization techniques. Analyzing the liquid products on gas chromatography, it was found that CH3OH represents the major product whereas HCHO was the minor one. This reactor exhibits a great performance towards CO2 photocatalytic reduction under the optimized conditions.

Graphical Abstract
Ariel mission planning
Authors: Morales J.C. , Nakhjiri N. , Colomé J. , Ribas I. , García E. , Moreno D. , Vilardell F.
Published: January 2022

Automatic scheduling techniques are becoming a crucial tool for the efficient planning of large astronomical surveys. A specific scheduling method is being designed and developed for the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (Ariel) mission planning based on a hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm with global optimization capability to ensure obtaining satisfying results fulfilling all mission constraints. We used this method to simulate theArielmission plan, to assess the feasibility of its scientific goals, and to study the outcome of different science scenarios. We conclude thatArielwill be able to fulfill the scientific objectives, i.e. characterizing$$\sim$$∼1000 exoplanet atmospheres, with a total exposure time representing about 75–80% of the mission lifetime. We demonstrate that it is possible to include phase curve observations for a sample of targets or to increase the number of studied exoplanets within the mission lifetime. Finally, around 12–15% of the time can still be used for non-time constrained observations.
Antecedents to the Adoption of Mobile Payment in China and Italy: an Integration of UTAUT2 and Innovation Resistance Theory
Authors: Migliore Giacomo , Wagner Ralf , Cechella Felipe Schneider , Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco
Published: January 2022

This research aims to investigate the adoption gap in mobile payment systems between Italy and China, focusing on users’ intention to adopt mobile payment. The theoretical framing considers both drivers and barriers when combines the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) with innovation resistance theory (IRT). To empirically verify the proposed model, this study gathers primary data through a web-based, self-administered survey. To analyze the data, we use structural equation modeling, and to test for significant differences between the two groups we run multi-group analysis. The respondents in Italy and China present different behaviors. Social influence plays a significant role in cultures with high uncertainty avoidance, such as Italy. The tradition barrier is the only significant barrier to the adoption of mobile payment.
Inhibition of harmful algal blooms caused by Aureococcus anophagefferens (Pelagophyceae) using native (Gracilaria tikvahiae) and invasive (Dasysiphonia japonica) red seaweeds from North America
Authors: Benitt Colin , Young Craig S. , Sylvers Laine H. , Gobler Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the pelagophyte Aureococcus anophagefferens have spread globally and are a threat to coastal ecosystems. Although some HAB mitigation techniques such as algal biocides can be effective, many such approaches can have negative consequences on the environment. Therefore, it is important to investigate alternative HAB mitigation approaches that are ecologically safe and commercially viable. Here, we examine the effects of two rhodophyte seaweeds, Gracilaria tikvahiae and Dasysiphonia japonica, on A. anophagefferens. During experiments, multiple A. anophagefferens strains were co-cultured with densities of seaweed encompassing a range of environmental and aquaculture settings (0.25–3.00 g L−1). The co-effects of nutrients, heterotrophic bacteria and pH were also assessed, and A. anophagefferens cell concentrations and photosynthetic efficiency were quantified. In nearly all experiments, G. tikvahiae and D. japonica significantly reduced A. anophagefferens cell concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, with the effectiveness of each seaweed depending primarily on both A. anophagefferens and seaweed densities. The algicidal effects of D. japonica were significantly stronger than G. tikvahiae and other algicidal seaweeds (e.g., Ulva spp.). Allelopathy was the most potent mechanism for inhibition of A. anophagefferens; heterotrophic bacteria, nutrient limitation and elevated pH appeared to have lesser co-effects. These findings, in conjunction with the well-known nutrient removal capacity of seaweeds, suggest that the temporal and spatial dynamics of these rhodophytes may influence brown tides in shallow estuaries and that the use of seaweeds such as G. tikvahiae in aquaculture may be a promising mitigation strategy for this and other HABs in coastal ecosystems.
Beyond the Problem of Bone Surface Preservation in Taphonomic Studies of Early and Middle Pleistocene Open-Air Sites
Authors: Pineda Antonio , Saladié Palmira
Published: January 2022

A commonly identified problem in open-air sites is the poor preservation of bone surfaces because of the multiple agents and processes that act on them. In these assemblages, surface modifications of anthropic origin can be scarce or null, and its activity is mainly inferred through the stone tools and evidence of anthropogenic breakage. Carnivore activity is also frequent. La Mina and El Forn (Barranc de la Boella), Isernia La Pineta, and Torralba are open-air assemblages from the Early and Middle Pleistocene that have contributed to our knowledge of the activities that Lower Paleolithic hominins developed in open spaces. These sites show poorly preserved bone surfaces, evidence of carnivore activity, and few indications of human use on the faunal remains, although stone tools recovered are unequivocal sign of a hominin presence at those sites. Here, we present a synthesis of the taphonomic conducted at these sites with the aim of describing how this kind of work can be conducted at Paleolithic open-air sites using several different proxies, considering the limitations commonly identified in assemblages with poorly preserved bone surfaces. The absence or scarcity of cut marks could be related to the poor preservation of the faunal remains. However, it is impossible to affirm that any such marks were originally present, as hominins may have performed activities not linked to animal carcasses. Anatomical profiles have been presented as a useful tool for reconstructing the paleoecological environments and for allowing inferences to be made about the levels of competition among large predators. The assemblages reflect similarities in the deposition type of the remains and the use of these open spaces by hominins at different times during the Lower Paleolithic.
Broadening the design space of engineering materials through “additive grain boundary engineering”
Authors: Seita Matteo , Gao Shubo
Published: January 2022

Grain boundary engineering (GBE) is one of the most successful processing strategies to improve the properties of polycrystalline solids. However, the extensive thermomechanical processes involved during GBE restrict its use to selected applications and materials. In this viewpoint paper, we discuss the opportunity provided by additive manufacturing (AM) technology to broaden the applicability of the GBE paradigm and, consequently, the design space for engineering materials. By integrating specially-designed thermomechanical processing within AM, it would be possible to produce bulk, near-net-shape parts with complex geometry and GBE microstructure. We discuss the major challenges in this endeavor and propose some possible strategies to achieve this goal, which we refer to as “additive-GBE”.
Well-Posedness for Stochastic Fractional Navier–Stokes Equation in the Critical Fourier–Besov Space
Authors: Yin Xiuwei , Wu Jiang-Lun , Shen Guangjun
Published: January 2022

The well-posedness of stochastic Navier–Stokes equations with various noises is a hot topic in the area of stochastic partial differential equations. Recently, the consideration of stochastic Navier–Stokes equations involving fractional Laplacian has received more and more attention. Due to the scaling-invariant property of the fractional stochastic equations concerned, it is natural and also very important to study the well-posedness of stochastic fractional Navier–Stokes equations in the associated critical Fourier–Besov spaces. In this paper, we are concerned with the three-dimensional stochastic fractional Navier–Stokes equation driven by multiplicative noise. We aim to establish the well-posedness of solutions of the concerned equation. To this end, by utilising the Fourier localisation technique, we first establish the local existence and uniqueness of the solutions in the critical Fourier–Besov space $$\dot{\mathcal {B}}^{4-2\alpha -\frac{3}{p}}_{p,r}$$

B
˙

p
,
r

4
-
2
α
-

3
p

. Then, under the condition that the initial date is sufficiently small, we show the global existence of the solutions in the probabilistic sense.
A state of the art review on the use of fungi in biofiltration to remove volatile hydrophobic pollutants
Authors: Marycz Milena , Brillowska-Dąbrowska Anna , Muñoz Raúl , Gębicki Jacek
Published: January 2022

The physical/chemical abatement of gas pollutants creates many technical problems, is costly and entails significant environmental impacts. Biological purification of off-gases is a cheap and ecologically safe way of neutralization of gas pollutants. Despite the recent advances, the main technological challenge nowadays is the purification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of hydrophobic character due to their low solubility in water. Among all known biological methods of air purification, the most cost-effective biodegradation of hydrophobic VOCs is conducted by biotrickling filters. In this context, fungi have gained an increasing interest in this field based on their ability to biodegrade hydrophobic VOCs. In addition, biotrickling filtration using fungi can support a superior hydrophobic VOC abatement when compared to the bacterial biofilters. This paper aims at reviewing the latest research results concerning biocatalytic activity of fungi and evaluating the possibilities of their practical application in biofiltration systems to remove hydrophobic VOCs.
A systematic review of magnetic versus conventional ureteric stents for short term ureteric stenting
Authors: Lyons Louise , Kinnear Ned , Hennessey Derek
Published: January 2022

Ureteric stents play an essential role in urology. However, patients can suffer a range of stent-related symptoms with stent in situ and during removal. Conventional ureteric stents are removed using a flexible cystoscopy, whereas magnetic stents may be rapidly removed with a smaller catheter-like retrieval device. The primary aim of this systematic review was to compare the morbidity including pain associated with conventional versus magnetic ureteric stents. The secondary aim was cost comparison. Searches were performed across databases, including Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane. This review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search from the 5 databases returned a total of 358 articles. After duplicates were removed as well as the inclusion and exclusion criteria applied, a total of 6 studies were included in the final review. Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were used in most of the studies. All the studies reported that magnetic ureteric stents resulted in a reduction in the pain on the removal of magnetic ureteric stents, and no statistically significant difference with indwelling ureteric stents. Furthermore, majority of the studies reported a reduction in the cost associated with magnetic ureteric stents. There is no significant difference in pain from indwelling ureteric stents. There is a reduction in pain with the removal of magnetic ureteric stents compared to conventional removal via cystoscopy and an associated reduction in cost.
Pre-Reflective Self-Consciousness: A Meta-Causal Approach
Authors: Barnden John A.
Published: January 2022

I present considerations surrounding pre-reflective self-consciousness (PRSC), arising in work I am conducting on a new physicalist, process-based account of [phenomenal] consciousness. The account is calledthe meta-causal account(MCA) because it identifies consciousness with a certain type of arrangement of meta-causation. Meta-causation is causation where a cause or effect is itself an instance of causation (e.g., A’s-causing-B causes C). The proposed type of arrangement involves a sort of time-spanning, internal reflexivity of the overall meta-causation. I argue that, as a result of the account, any conscious process has PRSC. Hence, PRSC does not need to be taken as a stipulation or argued for on purely phenomenological grounds or as a necessary support for reflective consciousness. I also show how it is natural to the account that PRSC is not an additional, peripheral, sort of consciousness, but is intrinsic to all consciousness, thereby fitting claims about self-intimation and co-constitution by various authors, and also being amenable to an adverbial account. As part of this, consciousness of an external object is just the form that current self-consciousness takes, the meta-causal constitution of it being inextricably modulated by the causal relationship with the object. The article also discusses how MCA helps explore issues of for-me-ness, transparency of perceptual consciousness, and possible immediacy and non-relationality of self-consciousness.
Stable Zn Metal Anodes with Limited Zn-Doping in MgF2 Interphase for Fast and Uniformly Ionic Flux
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Liu Guicheng , Ardhi Ryanda Enggar Anugrah , Park Jihun , Kim Hansung , Lee Joong Kee
Published: January 2022

The practical applications of aqueous Zn metal batteries are currently restricted by the inherent drawbacks of Zn such as the hydrogen evolution reaction, sluggish kinetics, and dendrite formation. To address these problems, herein, a limitedly Zn-doped MgF2 interphase comprising an upper region of pure, porous MgF2 and a lower region of gradient Zn-doped MgF2 is achieved via radio frequency sputtering technique. The porous MgF2 region is a polar insulator whose high corrosion resistance facilitates the de-solvation of the solvated Zn ions and suppression of hydrogen evolution, resulting in Zn metal electrodes with a low interfacial resistance. The Zn-doped MgF2 region facilitates fast transfer kinetics and homogeneous deposition of Zn ions owing to the interfacial polarization between the Zn dopant and MgF2 matrix, and the high concentration of the Zn dopant on the surface of the metal substrate as fine nuclei. Consequently, a symmetric cell incorporating the proposed Zn metal exhibits low overpotentials of ~ 27.2 and ~ 99.7 mV without Zn dendrites over 250 to 8000 cycles at current densities of 1.0 and 10.0 mA cm−2, respectively. The developed Zn/MnO2 full cell exhibits superior capacity retentions of 97.5% and 84.0% with average Coulombic efficiencies of 99.96% after 1000 and 3000 cycles, respectively.
Citizenship in Hard Times
Authors: Goodman Sara Wallace
Published: January 2022

What do citizens do in response to threats to democracy? This book examines the mass politics of civic obligation in the US, UK, and Germany. Exploring threats like foreign interference in elections and polarization, Sara Wallace Goodman shows that citizens respond to threats to democracy as partisans, interpreting civic obligation through a partisan lens that is shaped by their country's political institutions. This divided, partisan citizenship makes democratic problems worse by eroding the national unity required for democratic stability. Employing novel survey experiments in a cross-national research design, Citizenship in Hard Times presents the first comprehensive and comparative analysis of citizenship norms in the face of democratic threat. In showing partisan citizens are not a reliable bulwark against democratic backsliding, Goodman identifies a key vulnerability in the mass politics of democratic order. In times of democratic crisis, defenders of democracy must work to fortify the shared foundations of democratic citizenship.
Array Signal Processing on Distributed Acoustic Sensing Data: Directivity Effects in Slowness Space
Authors: Näsholm Sven Peter , Iranpour Kamran , Wuestefeld Andreas , Dando Ben D. E. , Baird Alan F. , Oye Volker
Published: January 2022

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) involves the transmission of laser pulses along a fiber‐optic cable. These pulses are backscattered at fiber inhomogeneities and again detected by the same interrogator unit that emits the pulses. Elastic deformation along the fiber causes phase shifts in the backscattered laser pulses which are converted to spatially averaged strain measurements, typically at regular fiber intervals. DAS systems provide the potential to employ array processing algorithms. However, there are certain differences between DAS and conventional sensors. While seismic sensors typically record the directional particle displacement, velocity, or acceleration, the DAS axial strain is inherently proportional to the spatial gradient of the axial cable displacement. DAS is therefore insensitive to broadside displacement, for example, broadside P‐waves. In classical delay‐and‐sum beamforming, the array response function is the far‐field response on a horizontal slowness (or wavenumber) grid. However, for geometrically non‐linear DAS layouts, the angle between wavefront and cable varies, requiring the analysis of a steered response that varies with the direction of arrival. This contrasts with the traditional array response function which is given in terms of slowness difference between arrival and steering. This paper provides a framework for DAS steered response estimation accounting also for cable directivity and gauge‐length averaging – hereby demonstrating the applicability of DAS in array seismology and to assess DAS design aspects. It bridges a gap between DAS and array theory frameworks and communities, facilitating increased employment of DAS as a seismic array, while providing building blocks for the development of DAS array design tools.
What Conditions Accompanied the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction?
Authors: Trumbore Susan
Published: January 2022

The second-largest mass extinction in Earth’s history took place in a period of stresses from non-sulfidic anoxia in shelf areas, together with glacioeustatic sea-level change and climatic cooling.
Introducing the New Editor in Chief of Earth and Space Science
Authors: Caprarelli Graziella
Published: January 2022

Find out about the person taking the help of Earth and Space Science and her vision for the coming years.
Climate Scientist Reflects as Doomsday Clock Stays at 100 Seconds to Midnight
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: January 2022

On the 75th anniversary of the Doomsday Clock, major threats against the world have not waned, say organizers.
The Surprising Reach of Tonga’s Giant Atmospheric Waves
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: January 2022

Results are beginning to pour in: Scientists around the globe explain the massive atmospheric waves that emanated from the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption.
Characterisation of progression of macular oedema in the initial stages of diabetic retinopathy: a 3-year longitudinal study
Authors: Lobo Conceição , Santos Torcato , Marques Inês P. , Madeira Maria H. , Santos Ana Rita , Figueira João , Cunha-Vaz José
Published: January 2022

Background/objectives

To characterise the prevalence and three-year progression of centre-involving diabetic macular oedema (CI-DMO) in minimal to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and measurements of retinal fluid using tissue optical reflectivity ratios (OCT-Leakage).

Methods/methods

Seventy-four eyes from 74 patients were followed in a 3-year prospective longitudinal observational cohort of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCT-Angiography (OCT-A) and OCT-Leakage (OCT-L). Eyes were examined four times with 1-year intervals. Sixteen eyes (17.8%) were excluded from the analysis due to quality control standards. Retinal oedema was measured by central retinal thickness and retinal fluid by using optical reflectivity ratios obtained with the OCT-L algorithm. Vessel density was measured by OCT-A. Thinning of the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers (GCL + IPL) was examined to identify retinal neurodegenerative changes. Diabetic retinopathy ETDRS classification was performed using the seven-field ETDRS protocol.

Results

CI-DMO was identified in the first visit in 9% of eyes in ETDRS groups 10–20, 10% of eyes in ETDRS group 35 and 15% of eyes in ETDRS groups 43–47. The eyes with CI-DMO and subclinical CI-DMO showed a progressive increase in retinal extracellular fluid during the 3-year period of follow-up. The eyes with CI-DMO and increased retinal extracellular fluid accumulation were associated with vision loss.

Conclusions

The prevalence of subclinical CI-DMO and CI-DMO in the initial stages of NPDR occurs independently of severity grading of the retinopathy, showing progressive increase in retinal extracellular fluid and this increase is associated with vision loss (82% 9 out of 11 cases).
Rim-differentiated pillar[5]arene based nonporous adaptive crystals
Authors: Lu Bing , Yan Xin , Wang Jian , Jing Danni , Bei Jiali , Cai Yan , Yao Yong
Published: January 2022

An easy to operate and energy-saving adsorptive separation method using nonporous adaptive crystals of rim-differentiated pillar[5]arene (RDP[5]) was developed. The adaptive RDP[5] crystals separate dichloromethane from a halomethane mixture with 99.1% purity.
Multiphonon processes of the inelastic electron transfer in olfaction
Authors: Zhang Shu-Quan , Cui Yu , Li Xue-Wei , Sun Yong , Wang Zi-Wu
Published: January 2022

Multiphonon processes of inelastic electron transfer in odorant recognition are as quick as the single phonon process using the Markvart model.
First-principles study of point defects in U3Si2: effects on the mechanical and electronic properties
Authors: Li Menglu , Hu Jutao , Gong Hengfeng , Ren Qisen , Liao Yehong , Xiao Haiyan , Qiu Qihang , Feng Shan , Zu Xiaotao
Published: January 2022

Under a radiation environment, the created defects in U3Si2 remarkably affect its mechanical properties.
A novel 2D material with intrinsically low thermal conductivity of Ga2O3(100): first-principles investigations
Authors: Zhai Wenya , Li Lanwei , Zhao Mengmeng , Hu Qiuyuan , Li Jingyu , Yang Gui , Yan Yuli , Zhang Chi , Liu Peng-Fei
Published: January 2022

We report a new energetically stable 2D Ga2O3 (100), possessing extremely low thermal conductivity (0.71 W mK−1 at 300 K).
Moxifloxacin detection based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer from carbon quantum dots to moxifloxacin using a ratiometric fluorescence probe
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Zhang Jiyue , Sun Qiyao , Shi Wenwen , Tao Tingxian , Fu Yingqiang
Published: January 2022

With an increase in the MOX concentration, the fluorescence intensity of CQDs decreases, whereas the fluorescence intensity of MOX increases gradually.
Electronic and morphological dual modulation of NiO by indium-doping for highly improved xylene sensing
Authors: Zhang Zhankai , Liang Qihua , Li Jiayu , Liang Xiao , Yang Lan , Zhang Qi , Zou Xiaoxin , Chen Hui , Li Guo-Dong
Published: January 2022

Ultrathin indium-doped NiO nanosheets with simultaneously optimized nanostructures and electronic properties were developed to achieve a high response to a low concentration of xylene.
Effects of post‐exercise cold‐water immersion on resistance training‐induced gains in muscular strength: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Grgic Jozo
Published: January 2022

The aim of this review was to perform a meta‐analysis examining the effects of cold‐water immersion (CWI) coupled with resistance training on gains in muscular strength. Four databases were searched to find relevant studies. Their methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the PEDro checklist. The effects of CWI vs. control on muscular strength were examined in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Ten studies (n = 170; 92% males), with 11 comparisons across 22 groups, were included in the analysis. Studies were classified as of good or fair methodological quality. The main meta‐analysis found that CWI attenuated muscular strength gains (effect size [ES]: –0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.45, –0.01; p = 0.041). In the analysis of data from studies applying CWI only to the trained limbs, CWI attenuated muscular strength gains (ES: –0.31; 95% CI: –0.61, –0.01; p = 0.041). In the analysis of data from studies using whole‐body CWI, there was no significant difference in muscular strength gains between CWI and control (ES: –0.08; 95% CI: –0.53, 0.38; p = 0.743). In summary, this meta‐analysis found that the use of CWI following resistance exercise sessions attenuates muscular strength gains in males. However, when CWI was applied to the whole body, there was no significant difference between CWI and control for muscular strength. Due to the attenuated gains in muscular strength found with single limb CWI, the use and/or timing of CWI in resistance training should be carefully considered and individualized.
Effects of the electric field at the edge of a substrate to deposit a Ø100 mm uniform diamond film in a 2.45 GHz MPCVD system
Authors: AN Kang , ZHANG Shuai , SHAO Siwu , LIU Jinlong , WEI Junjun , CHEN Liangxian , ZHENG Yuting , LIU Qing , LI Chengming
Published: January 2022

In this study, uniform diamond films with a diameter of 100 mm were deposited in a 15 kW/2.45 GHz ellipsoidal microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition system. A phenomenological model previously developed by our group was used to simulate the distribution of the electric strength and electron density of plasma. Results indicate that the electric field in the cavity includes multiple modes, i.e. TM02 and TM03. When the gas pressure exceeds 10 kPa, the electron density of plasma increases and plasma volume decreases. A T-shaped substrate was developed to achieve uniform temperature, and the substrate was suspended in air from Ø70 to 100 mm, thus eliminating vertical heat dissipation. An edge electric field was added to the system after the introduction of the T-shaped substrate. Moreover, the plasma volume in this case was greater than that in the central electric field but smaller than that in the periphery electric field of the TM02 mode. This indicates that the electric field above and below the edge benefits the plasma volume rather than the periphery electric field of the TM02 mode. The quality, uniformity and surface morphology of the deposited diamond films were primarily investigated to maintain substrate temperature uniformity. When employing the improved substrate, the thickness unevenness of the Ø100 mm diamond film decreased from 22% to 7%.
LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS DELIVERY OF SURFACE LAYER PROTEIN A PROTECTS MICE FROM COLITIS BY RE-SETTING HOST IMMUNE REPERTOIRE
Authors: Sahay Bikash
Published: January 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by gastrointestinal inflammation comprised of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 1.3% of the population of the United States (approximately 3 million people) were affected by the disease in 2015, and the number keeps increasing over time. IBD has a multifactorial etiology, from genetic to environmental factors. Most of the IBD treatments revolve around disease management, by reducing the inflammatory signals. We previously identified the surface layer protein A (SlpA) of Lactobacillus acidophilus that possesses anti-inflammatory properties to mitigate murine colitis. Herein, we expressed SlpA in a clinically relevant, food-grade Lactococcus lactis to further investigate and characterize the protective mechanisms of the actions of SlpA[1] . Oral administration of SlpA-expressing L. lactis (R110) mitigated the symptoms of murine colitis. Oral delivery of R110 resulted in a higher expression of IL-27 by myeloid cells, with a synchronous increase in IL-10 and cMAF in T cells. Consistent with murine studies, human dendritic cells exposed to R110 showed exquisite differential gene regulation, including IL-27 transcription, suggesting a shared mechanism between the two species, hence positioning R110 as potentially effective at treating colitis in humans.
ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF NANOLIPOSOMES LOADED M13 MAY TREAT ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND COLITIS-ASSOCIATED CANCER WITHOUT CAUSING ANY SIDE EFFECTS
Authors: Long Dingpei , Yang Chunhua , Alghoul Zahra , Sung Junsik , Merlin Didier
Published: January 2022

Intestinal inflammation, especially chronic (such as inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]), is an indispensable participant in the colonic neoplastic process, fostering the proliferation, survival, and migration of colonic tumor cells. Molecularly targeted therapeutics (e.g. anti-TNF-α agents) that exploit the targets involved in the pathophysiology of inflammatory responses in IBD are the most potent drugs currently available to treat IBD, which may also present anti-colon cancer effects. Unfortunately, most of these drugs were administered systemically in a high dose, and their use is limited by severe side effects. There is an unmet need for a targeted carrier system capable of delivering drugs specifically and effectively to inflamed colonic regions over a prolonged period. Such a system could significantly reduce drug dosage and side effects that limit existing treatments. The goal of the present study is to engineer natural “nanoliposomes” from the lipids of ginger-derived-nanoparticles and load with an anti-inflammatory drug candidate (M13), test its anticancer activity, and evaluate its safety. MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay demonstrated that M13, a stable metabolite from 6-Shogaol as demonstrated by the incubation with intestinal microsomes, was more cytotoxic against cancerous intestinal cells (e.g. HCT-116, Caco-2/BBe, and human colon cancer stem cell) than normal intestinal cells (e.g. HIEC-6, FHC, and human colon stem cell). The results suggested that M13 has more a better ability to specifically target cancerous intestinal cells over normal intestinal cells. Protein point hybridization data showed that nanoliposomes-loaded M13 decreased the expression levels of proteins involved in colon cancer progressions such as Survivin, EGFR, and BCL-x in colon cancer cells. Further, orally administered nanoliposomes-loaded M13 presented potent wound-healing/anti-inflammatory effects in the DSS-induced mouse model of colitis and anti-cancer effects in the AOM/DSS-induced colon cancer model. We also demonstrated that nanoliposomes-loaded M13 treatment did not affect blood. In addition, we examined the anti-inflammatory activity of M13 on active ulcerative mucosal biopsies (Reprocell tissue protocol TPS-008) from a patient (42-year-old white male) undergoing therapeutic resection for ulcerative colitis. The results of the RT2 Profiler PCR Array demonstrated that M13 had very potent anti-inflammatory activity and reduced the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in IBD, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-23A, in the M13-treated human ulcerative biopsies compared to the untreated controls. Our proposed targeted therapy using nanoliposomes that deliver M13 to the colon might be used to treat ulcerative colitis and colitis-associated cancer without causing any side effects.
ADVERSE CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH CROHN’S DISEASE RECEIVING DIFFERENT SEQUENCES OF FIRST- AND SECOND-LINE BIOLOGIC TREATMENTS: FINDINGS FROM ROTARY
Authors: Cleveland Noa , Chastek Benjamin , Ghosh Tito , Candela Ninfa , Bancroft Timothy , Fan Tao , Umashankar Kandavadivu , Rubin David
Published: January 2022

INTRODUCTION

Following inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to a first-line biologic, patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) may switch treatment to a second-line biologic therapy. Data on the clinical outcomes of patients receiving two or more lines of biologic therapy are limited. We assessed the adverse clinical outcomes of patients with CD receiving different biologic treatment sequences.

METHODS

ROTARY (Real-wOrld ouTcomes Across tReatment sequences in inflammatorY bowel disease patients) part B used data from the Optum Clinical Database and included adult patients diagnosed with CD who received at least two biologics successively between January 1, 2013 and February 29, 2020. This retrospective cohort study measured adverse clinical outcomes, including the incidences of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related hospitalization, IBD-related surgery, dysplasia, colorectal cancer (CRC), and infection during each line of therapy individually and for both lines of treatment overall. The start of the first line of therapy (LOT1) was defined as the date of first prescription or infusion of a biologic therapy. The start of the second line of therapy (LOT2) was defined as the first date of prescription or infusion of a second-line biologic therapy. LOT1 biologics included in the analysis were adalimumab (ADA), infliximab (IFX), ustekinumab (UST) and vedolizumab (VDZ). LOT2 biologics included were IFX and ADA.

RESULTS

Among all treatment sequences UST to IFX had the highest overall incidences of hospitalization, surgery, CRC, and infection. The overall incidences of hospitalization, surgery, and CRC were lowest for the VDZ to ADA treatment sequence. The overall incidences of infection and dysplasia were lowest for UST to ADA and UST to IFX, respectively; the second-lowest overall incidences for these outcomes were for VDZ to ADA (Figure 1). When comparing adverse clinical outcomes during LOT2, there were similar incidences of hospitalization, surgery, dysplasia, and infection with ADA following either VDZ or UST. In comparison, UST to IFX had higher incidences of hospitalization, surgery, and infection compared with VDZ to IFX (Table 1).

DISCUSSION

We identified that the VDZ to ADA biologic treatment sequence had the lowest real-world incidences of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CD. In patients who were unsuccessfully treated with either VDZ or UST during LOT1, ADA was associated with a lower incidence of adverse clinical outcomes during LOT2 than IFX. The adverse clinical outcomes for sequences including two anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies (ADA to IFX, IFX to ADA) were similar during LOT1, LOT2, and overall. These results, although they may be influenced by selection bias, provide potential guidance to clinicians choosing sequences of biologic treatments in patients with CD.
THE USE OF IMMUNOSTAINING IN BIOPSIES TO EVALUATE EXPRESSION PATTERN AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ROLES OF ONCOSTATIN M AND ITS RECEPTOR BETA IN PEDIATRIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Authors: Beri Jonathan , He Zhaoping , Chikwava Kudakwashe , Molle-Rios Zarela
Published: January 2022

INTRODUCTION

The mRNA expression of oncostatin M (OSM) in colonic tissue is raised in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is mplicated in anti-TNF treatment resistance. OSM has multiple homeostatic functions with both pathogenic and protective roles. Still, its function in IBD continues to be enigmatic. The aim of this study is to evaluate protein expression of OSM and its receptor-β (OSMR) using immunohistochemical staining, along with the tight junction protein occludin and immune cell marker CD45, to understand the possible mechanisms behind its pathogenic effects in inflammatory process.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted in pediatric patients. Patients’ clinical courses were stratified as groups: IBD (n=73) consisting of failed anti-TNF (n=19), quiescent on anti-TNF (n=36), anti-TNF naïve (n=18), and age matched non-IBD (n=29). OSM, OSMR, occludin and CD45 expression were measured by immunohistochemical staining and calculated as percent of staining over total tissue area in pre-treatment colonic tissue biopsies. The expression levels were compared among the three IBD groups and non-IBD control.

RESULTS

OSM and OSMR total expression (% of staining area/total tissue area) didn’t differ significantly between IBD and non-IBD patients or among IBD groups (p>0.05). When evaluating OSM/OSMR expression location, lamina propria vs epithelial, 71% IBD patients had staining in the lamina propria while the expression in non-IBD was restricted to the epithelial area with only 7% in the lamina propria (P<0.05). IBD group had significantly lower total expression of occludin at 37% compared to non-IBD at 48% but higher CD45 at 37% vs 27% (p<0.05). OSM positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with occludin in all study subjects (IBD or non IBD) except patients with failed antiTNF treatment (p=0.197, coefficient 0.309). In contrast correlation between OSM and CD45 was only observed in the failed antiTNF treatment group (p=0.003, coefficient 0.639), not in other IBD groups. Finally, total OSM, OSMR, and occludin expression levels were significantly lower in patients with Mayo score 3 compared to score 1 or 2.

CONCLUSION

OSM/OSMR expression in the epithelial area and its correlation with occludin in both IBD and non-IBD hints the physiological role of OSM in barrier function. However, the expression in the lamina propria along with increased CD45 expression in IBD indicates the pathogenic role of OSM in the inflammatory process. The lack of correlation between OSM and occludin in the antiTNF refractory patients further suggest dysfunction of OSM in IBD. Our data support both pathogenic and protective roles of OSM in IBD.
RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER IN PATIENT WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
Authors: Jakhar Ishaan , Singh Medha , Sahil Suman , Singh Annapoorna , Singh Daulath
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PC) is a 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the USA among men. We aim to investigate incidence, characteristics, and risk factors for PC in patients diagnosed with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using Cerner Health Facts, a national longitudinal database representing approximately 69 million patients.

METHODS

All male patients over 40 years of age with IBD were included in our analysis. Our primary endpoint was development of PC, specified by ICD coding. Patient characteristics were evaluated as potential risk factors for development of PC using multivariable regression built using all variables with p<0.1 on univariable analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 2.23% patients with IBD developed prostate cancer (992/44,551). Mean age was 59.7±12.7 years and 9.65% (04,297/44,551) of patients were obese. In terms of race, 82.9% (36,929/44,551) were white and 7.8% (3,470/44,551) were African American. 94.9% (41829/44,551) received care at an acute care facility and 83.7% (37,266/44,551) received care at an urban facility. On multivariable regression, the risk factors associated with higher risk of prostate cancer include diabetes (odds ratio OR 1.20), obesity (OR 1.22), age (OR 1.07), family history of prostate cancer (OR 6.04), African American race (OR 2.00), and married status (OR 1.43). Factors that decreased risk of pancreatic cancer include other race (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.53-0.92), and presentation at acute facility (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46-0.76). Factors not found to be associated with high risk of PC in our study includes sexually transmitted disease, alcohol use disorder, smoking, presentation at teaching facility, and facility size/type (Table 1). The most protective variable against PC was presentation at acute facility (OR 0.59), other-race (OR 0.70). Table 1 contains our univariable analysis and multivariable regression model with 95% confidence intervals; 6 variables were predictive for PC and 2 variables were protective against PC.

CONCLUSION

We describe risk factors for development of PC from IBD. In this longitudinal national database study of patient with diagnosed IBD – age, diabetes, obesity, married status, family history of prostate cancer, and African American race were noted to be associated with high risk of developing prostate cancer. Careful evaluation and follow up is advised for IBD patients.
DIET-ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Authors: DuBois Kelli , Blake Christine , Rudisill Caroline , Harrison Sayward , Hébert James
Published: January 2022

INTRODUCTION

Individuals diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) often seek complementary lifestyle methods, such as diet and physical activity, to self-manage disease symptoms and respond to the psychosocial challenges of living with chronic illness. The Energy Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DIITM) measures the inflammatory potential of one’s food intake and has never been studied among the UC population. This study aimed to test the associations between E-DII scores, physical activity, and UC related health outcomes.

METHODS

Data obtained from participants in the IBD Partners e-cohort who self-reported UC (n=2,052) were analyzed using a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis. Patients who had undergone UC-related surgery were excluded. Dietary data collected through a National Cancer Institute food frequency questionnaire were converted into an E-DII score. Physical activity data were collected using the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Activity Index. Outcome variables included the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ), and PROMIS domains of anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and satisfaction with social role. Multivariable regression models controlled for age, sex, BMI, race, education, diet, physical activity, smoking status, medication class, and disease duration.

RESULTS

A higher E-DII score (indicating pro-inflammatory dietary intake potential) was significantly associated with increased disease activity (β=0.166; p<0.001), reduced health-related quality of life (β= -0.056; p<0.001), increased anxiety (β=0.342; p=0.006), increased depression (β=0.408; p=0.004), increased fatigue (β=0.386; p=0.005), increased sleep disturbance (β=0.339; p=0.003), and decreased satisfaction with social role (β= -0.370; p=0.004). Leisure Time Activity was inversely associated with disease activity (β= -0.108; p<0.001), anxiety (β= -0.025; p=0.001), depression (β= -0.025; p=0.001), fatigue (β= -0.058; p<0.001), and sleep disturbance (β= -0.019; p=0.008), while positively associated with IBD-related quality of life (β=0.005; p<0.001) and satisfaction with social role (β=0.063; p<0.001). The benefit among health outcomes, excluding depression, was greater for strenuous exercise intensity than for moderate or mild intensities. For all outcomes, interaction effects between E-DII and physical activity were not significant.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that an anti-inflammatory diet and physical activity are each complementary lifestyle methods that may contribute to decreases in disease activity, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, as well as improvements in health-related quality of life, sleep, and satisfaction with social role. Such modalities may aid in managing systemic and localized inflammation associated with UC and reduce the burden of UC on daily living.