bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Structural Integrity Assessment of Ceramics using Supervised Machine Learning and Uncertainty-Based Rejection
Authors: Nunes Maria Lua , Barandas Marilia , Gamboa Hugo , Soares Filipe
Published: December 2022

Industry and Quality 4.0 pose the opportunity to integrate artificial intelligence-based technology into the quality management of products/services. Particularly, quality control procedures of tableware ceramics require a demanding and faulty human manual (visual and acoustic) inspection. In this paper, we propose an uncertainty-aware automated acoustic inspection using a supervised machine learning model based on a set of novel acoustic features to classify ceramic plates, as cracked and uncracked. We conducted experiments on a dataset of 31 ceramic plates (16 cracked and 15 uncracked), collected in the laboratory. Data quality check and augmentation strategies were also performed, resulting in 2900 samples. The main contributions of this paper are: 1) description of 192 features selected for the acoustic inspection of ceramic plates; 2) comparison of model calibration results regarding three different classifiers; 3) study of different sources of uncertainty for classification with rejection option, through uncertainty quantification measures, and the effect of feature selection on it. We performed two experiments that differ in the usage of a supervised feature selection method. We split the augmented dataset into train/test sets in a proportion of 90/10. The calibrated SVM was selected as the best classifier based on model calibration and cross-validation results and was used in the prediction on the test set. The uncertainty-based rejection improved the train and test sets' classification results. In the experiment with feature selection, the classification performance remained high, while the uncertainty about the predictions and the percentage of rejected samples decreased.
Experiences with Contrastive Predictive Coding in Industrial Time-Series Classification
Authors: Gamage Sunanda , Klopper Benjamin , Samarabandu Jagath
Published: December 2022

Multivariate time-series classification problems are found in many industrial settings; for example, fault detection in a manufacturing process by monitoring sensors signals. It is difficult to obtain large labeled datasets in these settings, for reasons such as limitations in the automatic recording, the need for expert root-cause analysis, and the very limited access to human experts. Therefore, methods that perform classification in a label efficient manner are useful for building and deploying machine learning models in the industrial setting. In this work, we apply a self-supervised learning method called Contrastive Predictive Coding (CPC) to classification tasks on three industrial multivariate time-series datasets. First, the CPC neural network (CPC base) is trained with a large number of unlabeled time-series data instances. Then, a standard supervised classifier such as a multi-layer perception (MLP) is trained on available labeled data using the output embeddings from the pre-trained CPC base. On all three classification datasets, we see increased label efficiency (ability to reach a goal accuracy level with less labeled examples). In the low data regime (10's or few 100's of labeled examples), the CPC pre-trained model achieves high accuracy with up to 15x less labels than a model trained only on labeled data. We also conduct experiments to evaluate the usefulness of CPC pre-trained classifiers as base models to start an active learning loop, and find that uncertainty sampling does not perform significantly better than random sampling during the initial queries.
CODEBench: A Neural Architecture and Hardware Accelerator Co-Design Framework
Authors: Tuli Shikhar , Li Chia-Hao , Sharma Ritvik , Jha Niraj K.
Published: December 2022

Recently, automated co-design of machine learning (ML) models and accelerator architectures has attracted significant attention from both the industry and academia. However, most co-design frameworks either explore a limited search space or employ suboptimal exploration techniques for simultaneous design decision investigations of the ML model and the accelerator. Furthermore, training the ML model and simulating the accelerator performance is computationally expensive. To address these limitations, this work proposes a novel neural architecture and hardware accelerator co-design framework, called CODEBench. It comprises two new benchmarking sub-frameworks, CNNBench and AccelBench, which explore expanded design spaces of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and CNN accelerators. CNNBench leverages an advanced search technique, Bayesian Optimization using Second-order Gradients and Heteroscedastic Surrogate Model for Neural Architecture Search, to efficiently train a neural heteroscedastic surrogate model to converge to an optimal CNN architecture by employing second-order gradients. AccelBench performs cycle-accurate simulations for diverse accelerator architectures in a vast design space. With the proposed co-design method, called Bayesian Optimization using Second-order Gradients and Heteroscedastic Surrogate Model for Co-Design of CNNs and Accelerators, our best CNN–accelerator pair achieves 1.4% higher accuracy on the CIFAR-10 dataset compared to the state-of-the-art pair while enabling 59.1% lower latency and 60.8% lower energy consumption. On the ImageNet dataset, it achieves 3.7% higher Top1 accuracy at 43.8% lower latency and 11.2% lower energy consumption. CODEBench outperforms the state-of-the-art framework, i.e., Auto-NBA, by achieving 1.5% higher accuracy and 34.7× higher throughput while enabling 11.0× lower energy-delay product and 4.0× lower chip area on CIFAR-10.
A Comparative Study of a:SiCN:H Thin Films Fabricated with Acetylene and Methane
Authors: Abdelal A. , Khatami Z. , Mascher P.
Published: December 2022

In this paper we present a comparative study of the properties of amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbonitride (SiCN:H) thin films deposited by electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (ECR-PECVD). The elemental composition, growth rate, density, and refractive index values of the SiCN:H thin films were analyzed as functions of flow rates of pure acetylene (C2H2) and methane (CH4) hydrocarbon precursors. The mechanical properties were studied with nanoindentation measurements to compare hardness and Young’s modulus of the SiCN:H thin films deposited with different carbon sources. Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE), elastic recoil detection (ERD), and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) were used to determine thin film properties. Higher carbon content in the thin films was achieved by acetylene compared to methane at the same flow rate due to its lower ionization energy during the deposition. Infrared (IR) absorption spectra of the thin films deposited with acetylene precursor were analyzed to determine the correlation between the hydrocarbon flow rate and the intra-molecular bond intensities in the thin films. We found that the major contribution to the hardness comes from hydrogen (H) in the SiCN matrix which makes the films less dense. Carbon improves the hardness, however, H introduced by the hydrocarbon reduces the mechanical strength.
A Dual-Drain Vertical Tunnel FET with Improved Device Performance: Proposal, Optimization, and Investigation
Authors: Das Diganta , Pandey Chandan Kumar
Published: December 2022

In this manuscript, a dual-drain Vertical Tunnel FET structure is proposed and investigated for the first time. The simulation outcomes clearly manifest that reduction in channel thickness, which has inadequate impact on the tunneling region, significantly improves numerous DC parameters of the proposed device including subthreshold swing, on-state current and current-switching ratio by enhancing the band-to-band tunneling of the charge carriers at source/channel interface caused by enlarged electric field. In order to make the proposed device suitable for low power applications, dielectric material is incorporated in between two drain/channel interfaces to reduce the subthreshold leakage current. A detailed investigation is carried out to determine the influence of varying device footprints on various electrical parameters and accordingly, the optimized device performance is achieved. TCAD-based simulation results reveal that a considerably low subthreshold swing of 18 mV decade−1 along with a high current-switching ratio of

1.6
×

10

13

can be achieved with optimum geometric dimension of design parameters i.e., gate-oxide, source and channel. Further, the performance of the proposed device is compared with various existing TFET structures and found to be superior in terms of current switching ratio, average subthreshold swing and turn-on voltage. The probable fabrication process flow is also discussed for the proposed device and based on the proper benchmarking, it is revealed that improvement in the parameters like low-output voltage, peak overshoot and rise time defining the switching characteristics of an inverter makes the proposed device more suitable for digital circuit-based applications.
Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid administration or soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition attenuates renal fibrogenesis in obstructive nephropathy
Authors: Noh Mi Ra , Jang Hee-Seong , Salem Fadi E. , Ferrer Fernando A. , Kim Jinu , Padanilam Babu J.
Published: December 2022

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cytochrome P-450‐dependent antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory derivatives of arachidonic acid, which are highly abundant in the kidney and considered renoprotective. We found that EET administration and/or soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition significantly attenuates oxidative stress, renal cell death, inflammation, macrophage differentiation, and fibrogenesis following unilateral ureteral obstruction. Our findings provide a mechanistic understanding of how EETs prevent kidney fibrogenesis during obstructive nephropathy and suggest that EET treatment may be a potential therapeutic strategy to treat fibrotic diseases.
Brown-Norway chromosome 1 mitigates the upregulation of proinflammatory pathways in mTAL cells and subsequent age-related CKD in Dahl SS/JrHsdMcwi rats
Authors: Chivers Jacqueline M. , Whiles Shannon A. , Miles Conor B. , Biederman Brianna E. , Ellison Megan F. , Lovingood Connor W. , Wright Marie H. , Hoover Donald B. , Raafey Muhammad A. , Youngberg George A. , Venkatachalam Manjeri A. , Zheleznova Nadezhda N. , Yang Chun , Liu Pengyuan , Kriegel Alison J. , Cowley Allen W. , O’Connor Paul M. , Picken Maria M. , Polichnowski Aaron J.
Published: December 2022

This study shows that the robust age-related progression of kidney disease in Dahl SS/JrHsdMcw rats maintained on a normal-salt diet is abolished in consomic SS.BN1 rats. Evidence that medullary thick ascending limb segments of SS/JrHsdMcw rats are structurally abnormal and enriched in proinflammatory pathways before the development of protein casts provides new insights into the pathogenesis of kidney disease in this model.
Changes in body mass, appetite-related hormones, and appetite sensation in women during 4 days of hypobaric hypoxic exposure equivalent to 3,500-m altitude
Authors: Gatterer Hannes , Roche Johanna , Turner Rachel , Vinetti Giovanni , Roveri Giulia , Schlittler Maja , Kob Michael , Walzl Anna , Dal Cappello Tomas , Debevec Tadej , Siebenmann Christoph
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the effects of hypoxia on appetite regulation in women while strictly controlling for diet, physical activity, menstrual cycle, and environmental conditions. In young women, 4 days of altitude exposure (3,500 m) decreases body weight and circulating acylated ghrelin levels while preserving leptin concentrations. In line with the hormonal changes, altitude exposure induces alterations in appetite sensation, consisting of a decreased feeling of hunger and prospective food intake and an increased feeling of fullness and satiety.
Effects of a concurrent training, respiratory muscle exercise, and self-management recommendations on recovery from post-COVID-19 conditions: the RECOVE trial
Authors: Jimeno-Almazán Amaya , Buendía-Romero Ángel , Martínez-Cava Alejandro , Franco-López Francisco , Sánchez-Alcaraz Bernardino Javier , Courel-Ibáñez Javier , Pallarés Jesús G.
Published: December 2022

Eight weeks of concurrent training, with or without inspiratory muscle exercise, was better than WHO “Support for Rehabilitation: Self-Management after COVID-19-Related Illness” recommendations or inspiratory muscle training alone to improve cardiopulmonary fitness, strength, and symptom severity, in a safe and effective manner. The RECOVE trial proved the benefits and utility of a supervised exercise program in people with post-COVID-19 conditions after mild COVID-19 in an ambulatory setting.
Differences in respiratory oscillometry measurements using mouthpiece, mouth, and nasal mask in healthy adults
Authors: Alshlowi Malak , Hakizimana Ali , Alraimi Afnan , Devani Pooja , Lundblad Lennart K. A. , Beardsmore Caroline S. , Gaillard Erol A.
Published: December 2022

This is the first study to compare the use of different interfaces: mouthpiece, mouth mask, and nasal mask, for oscillometry in an adult population. We report that using a mouth mask in oscillometry may provide a valid alternative to a mouthpiece in cohorts who may struggle to form the required tight seal that is typically required in oscillometry or spirometry.
Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Immunological Roles of FABP4 in Pancancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Xiaojing , Shao Yueqin , Zhou Hong , Pang Lijun , Zhu Wei
Published: December 2022

Background. Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is mainly involved in the regulation of systemic metabolism through various lipid signaling pathways. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the important factors in the development and progression of cancer. It has been recently reported that FABP4 is closely related to the development of cancer and may be involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. Methods. In this study, we explored the expression pattern of FABP4 in pancancer through TCGA and CPTAC. Using TCGA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and STRING databases, to explore its diagnostic and prognostic value, and function through GO/KEGG and GSEA. Then, using the TIMER2.0 database, we investigated the correlation between FABP4 expression and immune infiltration in cancers, especially stomach adenocarcinomas (STAD) and colorectal adenocarcinoma (COADREAD). Results. Compared with normal tissues, the expression of FABP4 in more than 10 tumor tissues was lower (

p
<
0.05

). Through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the diagnostic value was found higher in colorectal cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and lung cancer, with the area under the curve

AUC

>
0.9

. Through the K-M curve, FABP4 was found to correlate to the prognosis of various cancers. The results of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer are consistent. The low-expression group has a better prognosis than the high-expression group, and the expression of FABP4 in the early T and N stages of gastrointestinal tumors is lower. FABP4 highly expressed gene set is mostly enriched in extracellular matrix degradation and cell adhesion functions. Gastrointestinal tumors with high expression of FABP4 may have more immunosuppressive effects on macrophages and have a worse prognosis. Conclusion. FABP4 can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in pancancer, and its high expression in gastrointestinal tumors suggests poor prognosis. This may be correlated to the immune infiltration of macrophages and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Following Consistency of Energy‐Saving Operation for Urban Rail Trains Based on Event Triggering Mechanism
Authors: Xu Ruxun , Meng Jianjun , Zhang Juhui , Chen Xiaoqiang , Li Decang
Published: December 2022

To reduce the traction energy consumption of urban rail trains by regenerating energy, a train traction and braking model was designed based on algebraic graph theory and train dynamics theory and the following consistency model of energy‐saving operation of urban rail trains was constructed based on the conditions of the coordination coefficient and the operating condition conversion of trains. Not only to constantly update the consistency controller and save communication resources but also to optimize the energy‐saving effect, the consistency algorithm of event triggering was used to search for the optimal operating conditions of trains and the energy‐saving operation scheme for multiple trains was established. Taking the train diagram of a subway line in Jinan as an example, the energy‐saving control scheme of four trains was solved by MATLAB simulation. The simulation results show that the model can not only ensure parking accuracy and punctuality but also energy savings effectively; that is, the proportion of the total regenerative energy used by the follower train in the actual energy consumption is increased from 3.32% to 10.76%, and the actual total energy consumption of the train is reduced by 9.23%.
Response Surface‐Based Finite Element Model Updating of Steel Box‐Girder Bridges with Concrete Composite Decks
Authors: Xiong Cheng-Qi , Zhu Zhi-Wen , Jiang Jin
Published: December 2022

The orthotropic steel deck (OSD) using the steel‐steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) deck can be used in small and medium‐span bridges for its advantages of construction convenience and lower construction cost. The seismic performance of THESE steel box girder bridges in strong earthquake zones needs to be evaluated, and a reasonable finite element model is the important basis for an accurate evaluation of these bridges. Finite element analysis (FEA) and field measurements of the dynamic characteristics of steel box girder bridges were carried out in this study, and the finite element model was updated based on the response surface method. The studies show that the bridge modal parameters can be reasonably identified based on the measurements of the bridge under ambient excitation without artificial excitation; the first six orders of mode shapes in the FEA results are consistent with the measured ones, but there is a difference between the natural frequencies; the model updating found that the elasticity modulus, density, and thickness of the SFRC have some influence on the first six orders of natural frequency of the bridge, but the SFRC thickness has the most significant influence on the bridge frequency, and the influence of epoxy asphalt pavement on bridge frequency is small. The study concluded that the SFRC layer of the bridge deck is no longer the traditional bridge deck pavement without considering the stiffness, but it integrates with the OSD as a steel‐concrete composite structure. Therefore, the structure formed by the SFRC layer through the combination of shear studs and OSD shall be reasonably simulated in the finite element model so as to reasonably reflect the contribution of the SFRC layer in the composite structure of the bridge stiffness. The obtained updated finite element model gives results closer to the measured modalities, which provides a more reasonable bridge model for seismic analysis of bridges located in strong seismic zones and also demonstrates the effectiveness of the finite element analysis and the model updating method based on the response surface method in this study.
Antimicrobial Agents Based on Metal Complexes: Present Situation and Future Prospects
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Shukla Sudeep , Rattan Rohit , Fatima Musarrat , Goel Mayurika , Bhat Mamta , Dutta Shruti , Ranjan Rakesh Kumar , Sharma Mamta
Published: December 2022

The rise in antimicrobial resistance is a cause of serious concern since the ages. Therefore, a dire need to explore new antimicrobial entities that can combat against the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance is realized. Studies have shown that the activity of the strongest antibiotics has reduced drastically against many microbes such as microfungi and bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). A ray of hope, however, was witnessed in early 1940s with the development of new drug discovery and use of metal complexes as antibiotics. Many new metal-based drugs were developed from the metal complexes which are potentially active against a number of ailments such as cancer, malaria, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this review is an attempt to describe the present scenario and future development of metal complexes as antibiotics against wide array of microbes.
Clinical Significance of TUBGCP4 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Chuanjun , Zhang Jiaxi , Jiang Fusheng , Li Di , Huang Caimei , Guo Xuefeng , Zhu Xiaonian , Tan Shengkui
Published: December 2022

We aim to investigate the expression and clinical significance of the tubulin gamma complex-associated protein 4 (TUBGCP4) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mRNA expression of TUBGCP4 in HCC tissues was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Paired HCC and adjacent nontumor tissues were obtained from HCC patients to measure the protein expression of TUBGCP4 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and to analyze the relationship between TUBGCP4 protein expression and the clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of HCC patients. We found that TUBGCP4 mRNA expression was upregulated in HCC tissues from TCGA database. IHC analysis showed that TUBGCP4 was positively expressed in 61.25% (49/80) of HCC tissues and 77.5% (62/80) of adjacent nontumor tissues. The Chi-square analysis indicated that the positive rate of TUBGCP4 expression between HCC tissues and the adjacent nontumor tissues was statistically different (

P
<
0.05

). Furthermore, we found that TUBGCP4 protein expression was correlated with carbohydrate antigen (CA-199) levels of HCC patients (

P
<
0.05

). Further, survival analysis showed that the overall survival time and tumor-free survival time in the TUBGCP4 positive group were significantly higher than those of the negative group (

P
<
0.05

), indicating that the positive expression of TUBGCP4 was related to a better prognosis of HCC patients. COX model showed that TUBGCP4 was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. Our study indicates that TUBGCP4 protein expression is downregulated in HCC tissues and has a relationship with the prognosis of HCC patients.
The Role of Different Kinds of Outbound Open Innovation on Enterprise Innovation Performance with Mediating Role of Structural Hole
Authors: Meng Chaoyue , Wang Xiaoqin , Li Danhui
Published: December 2022

With the improvement of enterprise innovation ability, enterprises have accumulated a large number of innovation achievements. The transformation and utilization of these innovation achievements have become a problem that enterprises have to face. Therefore, outbound open innovation has gradually become the focus of enterprise practice and academic research. Based on the social exchange theory, this paper regards two different forms of outbound OI (FR and SA) as a process of social exchange and illustrates how they affect the innovation performance of enterprises by influencing the structure of their innovation networks. Using data from 196 firms in the Chinese market, this study empirically examines the impact of FR and SA on innovation performance and further examines the mediating effect of structural holes. The study found that FR has a significant positive impact on enterprise innovation performance, and the number of structural holes occupied by enterprises plays a mediating role. While the impact of SA on enterprise innovation performance is not significant, this is because SA will reduce the number of structural holes occupied by enterprises, which is an important source of enterprise’s innovation.
Elevated Methionine Flux Drives Pyroptosis Evasion in Persister Cancer Cells
Authors: El-Kenawi Asmaa , Berglund Anders , Estrella Veronica , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Min , Putney Ryan M. , Yoder Sean J. , Johnson Joseph , Brown Joel , Gatenby Robert
Published: December 2022

Induction of cell death represents a primary goal of most anticancer treatments. Despite the efficacy of such approaches, a small population of “persisters” develop evasion strategies to therapy-induced cell death. While previous studies have identified mechanisms of resistance to apoptosis, the mechanisms by which persisters dampen other forms of cell death, such as pyroptosis, remain to be elucidated. Pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory cell death that involves formation of membrane pores, ion gradient imbalance, water inflow, and membrane rupture. Herein, we investigate mechanisms by which cancer persisters resist pyroptosis, survive, then proliferate in the presence of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Lung, prostate, and esophageal cancer persister cells remaining after treatments exhibited several hallmarks indicative of pyroptosis resistance. The inflammatory attributes of persisters included chronic activation of inflammasome, STING, and type I interferons. Comprehensive metabolomic characterization uncovered that TKI-induced pyroptotic persisters display high methionine consumption and excessive taurine production. Elevated methionine flux or exogenous taurine preserved plasma membrane integrity via osmolyte-mediated effects. Increased dependency on methionine flux decreased the level of one carbon metabolism intermediate S-(5′-adenosyl)-L-homocysteine, a determinant of cell methylation capacity. The consequent increase in methylation potential induced DNA hypermethylation of genes regulating metal ion balance and intrinsic immune response. This enabled thwarting TKI resistance by using the hypomethylating agent decitabine. In summary, the evolution of resistance to pyroptosis can occur via a stepwise process of physical acclimation and epigenetic changes without existing or recurrent mutations.

Significance:

Methionine enables cancer cells to persist by evading pyroptotic osmotic lysis, which leads to genome-wide hypermethylation that allows persisters to gain proliferative advantages.
The Cytidine Deaminase APOBEC3G Contributes to Cancer Mutagenesis and Clonal Evolution in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Liu Weisi , Newhall Kevin P. , Khani Francesca , Barlow LaMont , Nguyen Duy , Gu Lilly , Eng Ken , Bhinder Bhavneet , Uppal Manik , Récapet Charlotte , Sboner Andrea , Ross Susan R. , Elemento Olivier , Chelico Linda , Faltas Bishoy M.
Published: December 2022

Mutagenic processes leave distinct signatures in cancer genomes. The mutational signatures attributed to APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases are pervasive in human cancers. However, data linking individual APOBEC3 proteins to cancer mutagenesis in vivo are limited. Here, we showed that transgenic expression of human APOBEC3G promotes mutagenesis, genomic instability, and kataegis, leading to shorter survival in a murine bladder cancer model. Acting as mutagenic fuel, APOBEC3G increased the clonal diversity of bladder cancer, driving divergent cancer evolution. Characterization of the single-base substitution signature induced by APOBEC3G in vivo established the induction of a mutational signature distinct from those caused by APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. Analysis of thousands of human cancers revealed the contribution of APOBEC3G to the mutational profiles of multiple cancer types, including bladder cancer. Overall, this study dissects the mutagenic impact of APOBEC3G on the bladder cancer genome, identifying that it contributes to genomic instability, tumor mutational burden, copy-number loss events, and clonal diversity.

Significance:

APOBEC3G plays a role in cancer mutagenesis and clonal heterogeneity, which can potentially inform future therapeutic efforts that restrict tumor evolution.

See related commentary by Caswell and Swanton, p. 487
Building Practical Risk Prediction Models for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Screening with Patient Graph Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Anjun , Lu Roufeng , Han Ruobing , Huang Ran , Qin Guanjie , Wen Jian , Li Qinghua , Zhang Zhiyong , Jiang Wei
Published: December 2022

Background:

To expand nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) screening to larger populations, more practical NPC risk prediction models independent of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and other lab tests are necessary.

Methods:

Patient data before diagnosis of NPC were collected from hospital electronic medical records (EMR) and used to develop machine learning (ML) models for NPC risk prediction using XGBoost. NPC risk factor distributions were generated through connection delta ratio (CDR) analysis of patient graphs. By combining EMR-wide ML with patient graph analysis, the number of variables in these risk models was reduced, allowing for more practical NPC risk prediction ML models.

Results:

Using data collected from 1,357 patients with NPC and 1,448 patients with control, an optimal set of 100 variables (ov100) was determined for building NPC risk prediction ML models that had, the following performance metrics: 0.93–0.96 recall, 0.80–0.92 precision, and 0.83–0.94 AUC. Aided by the analysis of top CDR-ranked risk factors, the models were further refined to contain only 20 practical variables (pv20), excluding EBV. The pv20 NPC risk XGBoost model achieved 0.79 recall, 0.94 precision, 0.96 specificity, and 0.87 AUC.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated the feasibility of developing practical NPC risk prediction models using EMR-wide ML and patient graph CDR analysis, without requiring EBV data. These models could enable broader implementation of NPC risk evaluation and screening recommendations for larger populations in urban community health centers and rural clinics.

Impact:

These more practical NPC risk models could help increase NPC screening rate and identify more patients with early-stage NPC.
Predictive Intelligent Control of Oxygenation in Preterm Infants: A Two-Center Feasibility Study
Authors: Dijkman Koen P. , Goos Tom G. , Dieleman Jeanne P. , Mohns Thilo , van Pul Carola , Andriessen Peter , Kroon André A. , Reiss Irwin K. , Niemarkt Hendrik J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Supplemental oxygen therapy is a mainstay of modern neonatal intensive care for preterm infants. However, both insufficient and excess oxygen delivery are associated with adverse outcomes. Automated or closed loop FiO2 control has been developed to keep SpO2 within a predefined target range more effectively. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of closed loop FiO2 control by Predictive Intelligent Control of Oxygenation (PRICO) on the Fabian ventilator in maintaining SpO2 within a target range (88/89-95%) in preterm infants on different modes of invasive and noninvasive respiratory support. In two tertiary neonatal intensive care units, preterm infants with an FiO2 >0.21 were included and received an 8 h nonblinded treatment period of closed loop FiO2 control by PRICO, flanked by two 8 h control periods of routine manual control (RMC1 and RMC2). Results: 32 preterm infants were included (median gestational age 26 + 5 weeks [IQR 25 + 5–27 + 6], median birthweight 828 grams [IQR 704–930]). Six patients received invasive respiratory support, while 26 received noninvasive respiratory support (18 CPAP, 4 DuoPAP, and 4 nasal IMV). The time percentage within the SpO2 target range was increased with PRICO (74.4% [IQR 67.8–78.5]) compared to RMC1 (65.8% [IQR 51.1–77.8]; p = 0.011) and RMC2 (60.6% [IQR 56.2–66.6]; p < 0.001) with an estimated median difference of 6.0% (95% CI 1.2–11.5) and 9.8% (95% CI 6.0–13.0), respectively. Conclusion: In preterm infants on invasive and noninvasive respiratory supports, closed loop FiO2 control by PRICO compared to RMC is feasible and superior in maintaining SpO2 within target ranges.
The Challenging Management of Acute Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Pregnancy
Authors: Marques Bárbara , Nora Catarina , Coelho Daniela , Martinho Patrícia , Fidalgo Teresa , Gomes Marília , Ribeiro Letícia , Geraldes Catarina , Carda José Pedro
Published: December 2022

Thrombotic microangiopathy is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and end-organ injury. Pregnancy-associated thrombotic microangiopathy is a severe disorder with a high risk of maternal mortality and poor fetal outcomes. Preeclampsia/eclampsia and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome are the most common causes, and hemolytic uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are rare causes. Due to overlapping clinical findings, the differential diagnosis is challenging and should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman at 40 weeks of second gestation, admitted with thrombotic microangiopathy being the final diagnosis not immediately clear.
Combination of Two Behavioral Techniques Reduces Craving in Problematic Alcohol Consumption by One Third: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Göritz Anja S. , Kühn Simone , Gehlenborg Josefine
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Craving alcohol is a core symptom of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and an important target for treatment. A new line of treatment for AUD aims at overriding the urge to consume alcohol by changing implicit cognitions via approach bias modification (ApBM). In a prior study, we tested a variant of ApBM called imaginal retraining, which reduced craving. As addiction and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) share important symptoms (e.g., inability to resist urges), for the present study we merged imaginal retraining with a technique aimed at BFRB, called decoupling, to augment treatment effects. We hypothesized that the new technique, which is called 3P, would lead to a greater reduction in craving relative to (active) control conditions. Methods: The study was conducted online. Data from 227 participants were considered. Participants were randomized to 1 out of 5 conditions. Craving for alcohol before and after the brief intervention was the primary outcome. Results: Only the 3P condition lessened craving by approximately one third at an almost medium effect size (improvement: 34.5%, p = 0.003, d = 0.458). Effects were significantly larger relative to the wait-list control and two active control conditions (p’s < 0.02; greater reduction than imaginal retraining at a small but nonsignificant effect size). Discussion/Conclusion: If replicated, the combination of imaginal retraining and decoupling (3P) represents a promising, easy-to-implement self-help technique to reduce immediate craving. Long-term effects in participants with formally diagnosed AUD have not yet been investigated.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Efficacy of Endoscopic Variceal Ligation versus Endoscopic Tissue Adhesive Injection in the Treatment of Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Liu Wei , Xu Linxia , Xu Feng , Wang Jianchao , Deng Min , Zheng Hailun , Ma Zhenzeng , Xue Yongju , Wang Qizhi , Ke Xiquan
Published: December 2022

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and endoscopic tissue adhesive injection (TAI) in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB). Methods: A total of 245 patients with EVB who attended the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from December 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively collected. The participants were divided into the esophageal EVL (E-EVL) + gastric EVL (G-EVL) group (n = 103) and E-EVL + gastric TAI (G-TAI) group (n = 142), according to the procedure, comparing and assessing the clinical characteristics, laboratory results, operation time, rebleeding rate, efficacy, and complications. Results: The E-EVL + G-EVL group had significantly less varicose vein diameter and operative time than the E-EVL + G-TAI group (p < 0.05). No statistical difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups was noted (p > 0.05). The total rebleeding rate in the E-EVL + G-EVL group was 9.7%, whereas that of the E-EVL + G-TAI group was 11.9%; no statistical difference between the two groups was noted (p > 0.05). The overall effective rate of the E-EVL + G-EVL group was 90.21%, whereas that of the E-EVL + G-TAI group was 92.81%; no statistical difference between the two groups was observed (p > 0.05). The postoperative ulcer in the E-EVL + G-EVL group was smaller and more superficial than that in the E-EVL + G-TAI group, and the wound surface was smoother. Conclusion: Both EVL and TAI have good therapeutic effects on EVB. Furthermore, owing to its effectiveness in preventing rebleeding, no reduction in efficacy and no increase in complications, shortened operative time, smaller and superficial ulcer, and smoother wounds, gastric EVL is worthy of further clinical promotion.
Increased Expression Levels of Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 Inhibit the Development of the Nervous System
Authors: Xu Xia , Liao Tingting , Jiang Rumeng , Ye Xu , Yan Jianying
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. At present, only limited options are available for the treatment of PE. Consequently, many patients need to terminate their pregnancies to relieve the disease. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is a decoy receptor of placental growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor which can promote angiogenesis. Throughout pregnancy, the expression level of sFlt-1 continues to increase in both the mother with PE and her offspring. Material and Methods: In this experiment, we generated a zebrafish line expressing high levels of sFlt-1 and investigated changes in behavior and development of the nervous system. Results: At 96 h post-fertilization (hpf), the brain volume area of zebrafish in the experimental group (zFLT1+CasRx) was significantly smaller after injection than in the WT group (p < 0.05) and the negative control group (CasRx) (p < 0.05). At 96 hpf, compared with the WT group, the cerebral blood vessels in the CasRx control group and experimental group (zFLT1-sgRNA+CasRx) were significantly lower after injection (p < 0.05). Compared with the CasRx control group, the track movement distance and the mean track speed of zebrafish in the experimental group (zFLT1-sgRNA+CasRx) after the 6th injection were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The increased expression levels of sFlt-1 in zebrafish inhibited the development of the cerebral blood vessels, influenced brain volumes, and inhibited behavioral activities. Our data suggest that the elevation of sFlt-1 in the pathological state of PE can inhibit the development of the nervous system in offspring.
Pan-HER Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Pyrotinib Enhances Radiosensitivity via ERK1/2 Pathway in HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer
Authors: Niu Qian , Liu Jiamin , Huang Tingting , Su Beibei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yuan Xianglin
Published: December 2022

Background: Radiotherapy has an unsatisfactory effect on gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pyrotinib, a highly effective human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family inhibitor, on the radiosensitivity of HER2-positive gastric cancer and its mechanism in vivo and in vitro. Methods: NCI-N87 and SNU-216 were HER2-positive gastric cancer cell lines; these cell lines were treated with or without 0.01 μM pyrotinib 12 h before irradiation. The proliferation capacity was determined by CCK8, and clone formation experiments were used to test the radiosensitization effect of pyrotinib. The expression of HER2, γ-H2AX, apoptosis protein, senescence-associated proteins, and AKT/ERK signaling pathway changes were determined by Western blot. Cell cycle and apoptosis were established by flow cytology. Immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression of HER2 and γ-H2AX. Senescence cells were stained by β-galactosidase staining method. Pathway enrichment analysis was tested by RNA sequencing. Next, a xenograft tumor model was constructed in nude mice for verification in vivo. Results: The clone formation experiment indicated the radiosensitivity of pyrotinib. The combined treatment can inhibit the entry of HER2 protein into the nucleus and reduce the phosphorylation of the ERK signaling pathway caused by irradiation. Pyrotinib also enhances DNA damage; induces apoptosis, G2/M phase arrest; and promotes senescence. In the xenograft model, the tumor inhibition rate was significantly stronger in the combined treatment group. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that pyrotinib can induce radiosensitivity in HER2-positive gastric cancer in vivo and in vitro. This effect is through reducing irradiation-induced HER2 entry into the nucleus and inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Clinical Outcomes of Metal-Ceramic vs Metal–Acrylic Resin Implant-Supported Fixed Complete Dental Prostheses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Estrin Nathan , Nam Kyung , Romanos Georgios , Saragossi Jamie , Iacono Vincent , Bassir Seyed
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of metal-ceramic vs metal–acrylic resin implant-supported fixed complete denture prostheses (IFCDPs). Materials and Methods: An electronic literature database search was conducted in the CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. A manual search of the literature was also performed. Studies conducted in edentulous human subjects comparing clinical outcomes of metal-acrylic IFCDPs to metal-ceramic IFCDPs were included if quantitative outcomes for the following variables were reported: implant failure, prosthetic failure, incidence of peri-implantitis, incidence of peri-implant mucositis, incidence of peri-implant mucosal recession, prosthetic complications, and/or patient-centered outcomes. Data from included studies were pooled to estimate effect size. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. A quantitative analysis was possible for risk of implant failure, prosthetic failure, and incidence of peri-implantitis. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences in the risk of implant and prosthetic failure between the two groups. However, a meta-analysis showed a significantly greater risk of developing peri-implantitis at the implant level in the metal-acrylic group when compared to the metal-ceramic group (risk difference = 0.069; 95% CI = 0.028 to 0.06; P = .001; fixed-effects model). Furthermore, descriptive analysis of the literature indicated a higher incidence of other biologic complications (such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implant mucosal recession) and prosthetic complications (such as abrasion and veneer fracture) in metal-acrylic IFCDPs compared to metal-ceramic IFCDPs. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that higher incidence of biologic and prosthetic complications, including a higher risk of peri-implantitis, present with metal-acrylic IFCDPs compared to metal-ceramic IFCDPs.
Is There "A Best" Centric Relation Record? Centric Relation Records, Condyle Positions, and Their Practical Significance
Authors: Utz Karl-Heinz , Lückerath Walter , Schwarting Peter , Noethlichs Wolfgang , Büttner Ralph , Grüner Manfred , Fuß Edgar , Stark Helmut
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To investigate if and how the positions of condyles in centric relation (CR) varied from each other using different CR records. Materials and Methods: Condylar positions in CR were repeatedly recorded by four licensed clinicians in 81 stomatognathically healthy, fully dentate subjects with six different types of CR records. The maxillary casts were mounted in articulators after individual facebow transfer, and the mandibular casts were mounted with a central bearing point (CBP) registration on the tip of the Gothic arch. Mean values from three registrations of the centric condylar positions with each of the six methods were calculated, and comparative calculations were made. Results: The median spatial distances of the condylar positions between the CBP and all other CR records was 0.73 ± 0.24 mm (0 to 3.19 mm). The median spatial values between the condylar positions of the different CR records ranged from 0.48 to 0.79 mm. Statistically, the positions of almost all types of registration were slightly different from each other. Conclusion: Different CR records reproduce slightly different positions of the mandible, which is especially true for CBP registration, whereas reproducibilities and SDs between registrations are similar. Unrefined wax-wafer registrations using bimanual manipulation have proven particularly successful with regard to precision and time requirements, as has CBP registration with regard to condylar position.
One Man’s Terrorist Is Another Man’s Political Prisoner: Human Rights Organisations, the State and the Persecution of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Russia
Authors: Shestopalets Denys
Published: December 2022

This article explores the problem of persecution of Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami (HTI) in Russia through the lens of a clash between the state’s security agenda and the human rights defence agenda of civil society actors. It aims to shed more light on the dynamics of the securitization-desecuritization ‘tug of war’ between law enforcement agencies and human rights watch groups which manifested itself in their conflicting framings of this transnational Islamist movement in the context of Russia’s ongoing campaign against terrorism and extremism. Drawing on court documents, legislative acts and statements of public officials, this study looks into the discursive construction of HTI as a key terrorist threat to Russian society. At the same time, it demonstrates how the state policies of ‘maximising’ the danger coming from HTI were countered by major human rights organisations attempting to reduce the intensity of the movement’s securitization even despite its alleged links to terrorism.
Perceptions of Ethnic-Racial and Religious Diversity in Brazil and Argentina and Their Political-Legal Expressions
Authors: Montero Paula , Nicácio Camila Silva , Vaggione Juan Marco
Published: December 2022

This article focuses on the relationship between religious, racial and ethnic diversity and its scientific, political and juridical configurations. Our aim is to understand how dominant perceptions of ethnic-racial diversity, which can be apprehended through official instruments such as census surveys, are connected to the production of religious diversity and its political and legal governance in Brazil and Argentina. Our hypothesis is that race and ethnic demarcations are crucial in the political and legal process of definition of what can be categorized as a religious practice. We will analyze the constitutional framework historically given to religious freedom and ethnic-racial diversity to demonstrate this connection. How racial and religious diversity is perceived and categorized expresses itself in State responses to control it through State policies. We assume that the differences between these countries in dealing with religious and non-religious diversity strains in various ways the relations between freedom and equality regimes.
Allium jichouense (Amaryllidaceae), a new species of the section Sikkimensia from southwestern China
Authors: HUANG DE-QING , SUN HANG , MA XIANG-GUANG
Published: December 2022

Allium jichouense from Sichuan Province, southwestern China is described as a new species. It grows exclusively on alpine screes or gravelly slopes at higher altitudes of 4,300–4,500 m. Morphologically, it resembles A. sikkimense in bulb and floral features, but differs significantly in its falcate or curled, commonly reddish-purple pigmented leaves, scapes and spathe-valves. Phylogenetic analyses confirm that the new species belongs to A. sect. Sikkimensia and is nested within different populations of A. sikkimense. The possible scenarios are discussed for the embedded phylogenetic relationship of A. jichouense within A. sikkimense. A detailed morphological description, illustrations and habit features of the new species are given.
Canscora ciathula is not Canscora but rather belongs to the genus Phyllocyclus
Authors: SARAWGI ADITI , CHOUDHARY RITESH KUMAR
Published: December 2022

Canscora ciathula (Gentianaceae) was described by Averyanov from Laos. Examination of the type specimens revealed that it is conspecific with Phyllocyclus petelotii (Merrill) Thiv and reduced here to synonymy.