bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the of isothermal phases transformations and hardness measurements in SAF 2507 super duplex using Pulsed Eddy Currents
Authors: Santos Ygor T. B. , Queiroz João Carlos S. , Cavalcanti Luiz Antônio Pimentel , Farias Cláudia Teresa Teles , Silva Ivan Costa
Published: March 2023

Super duplex stainless steel (SDSS) is utilized in various industries, including offshore, chemical, petrochemical, and pulp and paper. Exposure to certain temperatures can cause degradation of this material, reducing its mechanical and chemical properties, and potentially leading to equipment failure. In order to determine the residual lifespan of equipment made of SDSS, microstructural changes must be analyzed. Non-destructive techniques are favored over destructive methods, as they allow for the analysis without compromising the material. The Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) technique, commonly used to detect corrosion under insulation, also has potential to determine mechanical properties of SDSS. The aim of this study was to investigate how the amount of ferrite in SAF 2507 steel samples, subjected to different heat treatments, affects the signal received by a PEC probe. Results showed that the signal amplitude is related to the amount of ferrite present. The findings were compared to those obtained through optical microscopy, hardness measurements and suggest the feasibility of using PEC for this purpose.
Analysis of /s/ sound acoustic characteristics and mandibular speech movements in aesthetic restoration: a case series evaluation
Authors: Liu Ruirui , Hu Anni , Wu Linyue , Niu Lin , Zhou Qin
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Although great attention has been paid to improve aesthetic and biological function in restorative dentistry, the pronunciation issues after anterior restoration still trouble patients. The aims were to evaluate the effect of different incisor overlaps on the /s/ acoustic characteristics and mandibular speech movement trajectory of patients for anterior aesthetic restoration.

Materials and Methods

Eight patients who required bilateral upper incisors restoration were selected without any other oral diseases or malocclusion. Five prostheses with different overlaps (P0: prosthesis with original overlap; P1, P2, P3: prosthesis with overjet of 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, respectively; Pf: final prosthesis with overlap by considering the normal aesthetic and functional restoration principles) were made for each patient. Then /s/ sound acoustic characteristics and mandibular speech movement trajectory were tested.

Results

The overlap for each patient changed after restoration (Pf) compared with the original value (P0). Patients’ acoustic features of /s/ sound and mandibular speech movement altered with overlaps change. Only noise peak and maximum closing speed both before and after restoration (P0-Pf) were statistically different and lower than that of individual normal occlusion (INO) (P < 0.05). A certain variational trend was found between overlaps and acoustic features of /s/ sound and mandibular speech movement.

Conclusions

Aesthetic anterior restoration may result in overlap changes, which may disturb normal acoustic characteristics of /s/ sound and mandibular speech movement. Clinical Relevance: Only with the harmonious preconditions as occlusion, aesthetics and pronunciation, can we achieve the goal of integrating aesthetics and function in restorative dentistry.
Clinical Relevance: Only with the harmonious preconditions as occlusion, aesthetics and pronunciation, can we achieve the goal of integrating aesthetics and function in restorative dentistry.
Fatty acids metabolism affects the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in tumor immune microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Hansen , Fu Liangmin , Cao Jiazheng , Chen Zhenhua , Lu Jun , Zhang Lizhen , Chen Wei , Li Xiaofei , Mumin Mukhtar Adan , Yao Gaosheng , Bao Jiahao , Zhao Yiqi , Liu Yujun , Zhu Jiangquan , Wang Yinghan , Shu Guannan , Chen Minyu , Luo Junhang , Zhou Xinwei , Chen Yuhang , Li Pengju , Xu Quanhui
Published: March 2023

Background：Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a highly invasive and metastatic subtype of kidney malignancy and is correlated with metabolic reprogramming for adaptation to the tumor microenvironment comprising infiltrated immune cells and immunomodulatory molecules. The role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their association with abnormal fatty acids metabolism in ccRCC remain poorly understood.
Method: Data from TGCA-KIRC, E-MTAB-1980, CheckMate-025, IMmotion150 and IMmotion151 cohort were obtained for subsequent analysis. After differential expression genes identification, the signature was constructed through univariate Cox proportional hazard regression and simultaneously the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) analysis and the predictive performance of our signature was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival analysis, nomogram, drug sensitivity analysis, immunotherapeutic effect analysis and enrichment analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), qPCR and western blot were performed to measure related mRNA or protein expression. Biological features were evaluated by wound healing, cell migration and invasion assays and colony formation test and analyzed using coculture assay and flow cytometry.
Results: Twenty fatty acids metabolism-related mRNA signatures were constructed in TCGA and possessed a strong predictive performance demonstrated through time-dependent ROC and KM survival analysis. Notably, the high-risk group exhibited an impaired response to anti-PD-1/ PD-L1(Programmed death-1 receptor/Programmed death-1 receptor-ligand) therapy compared to the low-risk group. The overall levels of the immune score were higher in the high-risk group. Additionally, drug sensitivity analysis observed that the model could effectively predict efficacy and sensitivity to chemotherapy. Enrichment analysis revealed that the IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway was a major pathway. IL4I1 could promote ccRCC cells’ proliferation, migration and invasion through JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway and M2-like macrophage polarization.
Conclusion: The study elucidates that targeting fatty acids metabolism can affect the therapeutic effect of PD-1/PD-L1 in tumor immune microenvironment as well as related signal pathways. The model can effectively predict the response to several treatment options, underscoring its potential clinical utility.
Genome-wide investigation of NLP gene family members in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): Evolution and expression profiles during development and stress
Authors: Yu Jinqiu , Yuan Yuying , Dong Linling , Cui Guowen
Published: March 2023

Background
NIN-like protein (NLP) transcription factors (TFs) compose a plant-specific gene family whose members play vital roles in plant physiological processes, especially in the regulation of plant growth and the response to nitrate-nitrogen. However, no systematic identification or analysis of the NLP gene family has been reported in alfalfa. The recently completed whole-genome sequence of alfalfa has allowed us to investigate genome-wide characteristics and expression profiles.
Results
53 MsNLP genes were identified from alfalfa and renamed according to their respective chromosome distributions. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that these MsNLPs could be classified into three groups on the basis of their conserved domains. Gene structure and protein motif analyses showed that closely clustered MsNLP genes were relatively conserved within each subgroup. Synteny analysis revealed 4 fragment duplication events of MsNLPs in alfalfa. The ratios of nonsynonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates of gene pairs indicated that MsNLP genes underwent purifying selection during evolution. Examination of the expression patterns of different tissues revealed specific expression patterns of MsNLP genes in the leaves, indicating that these genes are involved in plant functional development. Prediction of cis-acting regulatory elements and expression profiles further demonstrated that MsNLP genes might play important roles in the response to abiotic stress and in phytohormone signal transduction processes.
Conclusion
This study represents the first genome-wide characterization of MsNLP in alfalfa. Most MsNLPs are expressed mainly in leaves and respond positively to abiotic stresses and hormonal treatments. These results provide a valuable resource for an improved understanding of the characteristics and biological roles of MsNLP genes in alfalfa.
Synthetic PROTACs based on a depsipeptide macrocycle selectively degrade cyclophilin A and inhibit HIV-1
Authors: Gathmann Clara , Newton Lydia S. , Ridewood Sophie , Smith Robert J. , Hornsby Thomas W. , Reuschl Ann-Kathrin , Wijaya Andre , Morling Kate L. , Tan Ying Ying , Thorne Lucy G. , Ciulli Alessio , Jolly Clare , Towers Greg J. , Selwood David L.
Published: March 2023

We have designed and characterised PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) active against the human protein cyclophilin A (CypA), a viral cofactor required for efficient replication of a series of unrelated viruses. Our cyclophilin PROTACs have fully synthetic macrocycle warheads derived from Sanglifehrin A, which are structurally different from the classical Cyp inhibitor, cyclosporin A, and do not have immunosuppressive activity. They effectively degrade CypA, with selectivity over CypB, in a ubiquitin dependent manner and across a variety of cell lines and primary cells. Critically, CypA degradation underlies improved antiviral activity against HIV-1 in primary T cells compared to the non-PROTAC parental inhibitor. We propose that PROTACs targeting CypA to inhibit viral replication promise high antiviral potency, reduced evolution of viral resistance, and broad specificity for unrelated viruses.
Inviscid modeling of unsteady morphing airfoils using a discrete-vortex method
Authors: Martínez-Carmena Alfonso , Ramesh Kiran
Published: March 2023

A low-order physics-based model to simulate the unsteady flow response to airfoils undergoing large-amplitude variations of the camber is presented in this paper. Potential-flow theory adapted for unsteady airfoils and numerical methods using discrete-vortex elements are combined to obtain rapid predictions of flow behavior and force evolution. To elude the inherent restriction of thin-airfoil theory to small flow disturbances, a time-varying chord line is proposed in this work over which to satisfy the appropriate boundary condition, enabling large deformations of the camber line to be modeled. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to assess the accuracy of the low-order model for a wide range of dynamic trailing-edge flap deflections, up to δ = 45◦. By allowing the chord line to rotate with trailing-edge deflections, aerodynamic loads predictions are greatly enhanced as compared to the classical approach where the chord line is fixed. This is especially evident for large-amplitude deformations.
Ultrasonographic Examination of Masticatory Muscles in Patients with TMJ Arthralgia and Headache Attributed to Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Bae Hyung-Kyu , Chun Yang-Hyun , Lee Jung-Woo , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: March 2023

Aim: This study used ultrasonography to compare the thickness and cross-sectional area of the masticatory muscles in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia and investigated the differences according to sex and the co-occurrence of headache attributed to temporomandibular disorders (HATMD).
Methods: The observational study comprised 100 patients with TMJ arthralgia (71 females; mean age, 40.01 ± 17.67 years) divided into two groups: group 1, including 86 patients with arthralgia alone (60 females; 41.15 ± 17.65 years); and group 2, including 14 patients with concurrent arthralgia and HATMD (11 females; 33.00 ± 16.72 years). The parameters of the masticatory muscles examined by ultrasonography were analyzed.
Results: The pain area (2.23 ± 1.75 vs. 5.79 ± 2.39, p=0.002) and visual analog scale (VAS) score (3.41 ± 1.82 vs. 5.57 ± 12.14, p=0.002) were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Muscle thickness (12.58 ± 4.24 mm) and cross-sectional area (4.46 ± 2.57 cm2) were larger in the masseter muscle than in the other three masticatory muscles (p<0.001). When examining sex-based differences, the thickness and area of the masseter and lower temporalis muscles were significantly larger in males (all p<0.05). The area of the masseter muscle (4.67 ± 2.69 vs. 3.18 ± 0.92, p=0.004) and lower temporalis muscle (3.76 ± 0.95 vs. 3.21 ± 1.02, p=0.049) was significantly smaller in group 2 than in group 1. An increase in VAS was significantly negatively correlated with the thickness of the masseter (r=-0.268) and lower temporalis (r=-0.215), and the cross-sectional area of the masseter (r=-0.329) and lower temporalis (r=-0.293).
Conclusion: The masseter and lower temporalis muscles were significantly thinner in females than in males, and their volumes were smaller in patients with TMJ arthralgia and HATMD than in those with TMJ arthralgia alone. HATMD and decreased masseter and lower temporal muscle volume were associated with increased pain intensity.
Age-period-cohort analysis of stroke incidence in China and India from 1990 to 2019 and predictions up to 2042
Authors: Ji Xincan , Tao Mengjun , Guo Hao-Yang , Wang Wei , Wang Peipei , Jin Lairun , Yuan Hui , Peng Hui , Ye Mingquan
Published: March 2023

Objective
To analyze the trend of stroke incidence in Chinese and Indian residents from 1990 to 2019, to discuss the effects of age, period, and birth cohort factors on the incidence of stroke in China and India, respectively, and to predict the future incidence trends to provide scientific reference for stroke prevention and control measures in China and India.
Methods
We downloaded the stroke incidence data of China and India residents from the GBD2019 database from 1990 to 2019 and fitted the trend of stroke incidence data of China city residents by using the Joinpoint regression model to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC). In addition, the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on the incidence of stroke were investigated by building an age-period-cohort model. Bayesian age-period-cohort models were used to predict stroke incidence by 2042.
Results
The overall trend in stroke incidence from 1990 to 2019 was downward in both China and India. Age-standardized incidence rates in China and India decreased from 221.51/100,000 and 121.35/100,000 in 1990 to 200.84/100,000 and 110.7/100,000 in 2019, respectively. Joinpoint regression models showed that stroke incidence in China declined by an average of 0.35% per year (AAPC = − 0.35%, P < 0.001), with the fastest decline occurring from 2005 to 2010 (AAPC = − 2.18%, P < 0.001), and that stroke incidence in India declined by an average of 0.32% per year (AAPC = − 0.32%, P < 0.001), with the fastest decline occurring from 1995 to 2000 (APC = − 1.57%, P < 0.001). Age-period-cohort models showed that the relative risk (RR) of stroke increased with age and period in both countries but decreased with birth cohort. Projections indicate a decreasing trend in the incidence of stroke in the Chinese population by 2042. The ASIR for men and women decreases to 186.87/100,000 and 161.97/100,000, respectively, while the incidence of stroke in the Indian population shows an upward trend, increasing to 133.85/100,000 and 209.16/100,000 for men and women, respectively.
Conclusion
The age-standardized incidence of stroke in both China and India showed a decreasing trend from 1990 to 2019. In both countries, the risk of stroke increased with increasing age and period and decreased with birth cohort. Increasing age is a key factor influencing stroke incidence in both countries, and stroke remains a major public health problem in both countries, especially because they are the two most populous countries in the world.
Role of cortical excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in autism spectrum disorders from a symptom severity trajectories framework: a study protocol
Authors: Colomar Laura , Cáceres Antonia San José , Álvarez-Linera Juan , González-Peñas Javier , Patón Abigail Huertas , de Blas Daniel Martín , Arrondo Ana Paloma Polo , Solís Andrea , Jones Emily , Parellada Mara
Published: March 2023

Background. There is considerable evidence reporting an excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) cortical imbalance in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, previous findings on the direction of this imbalance and its relationship to ASD symptomatology are heterogeneous. Some factors contributing to these mixed results might be the methodological differences between studies assessing the E/I ratio and the intrinsic variability within the autistic spectrum. Studying the evolution of ASD symptoms and the factors that modulate it might help to explain and reduce this variability. Here we present a study protocol to explore the longitudinal role of E/I imbalance in ASD symptoms, combining different approaches to measure the E/I ratio and using the trajectories of symptom severity as a framework. Methods. This observational two time-point prospective study assesses the E/I ratio and the evolution of the behavioural symptoms in a sample of at least 98 participants with ASD. Participants are enrolled at 12 to 72 months of age and followed from 18 to 48 months after. A comprehensive battery of tests is applied to evaluate ASD clinical symptoms. The E/I ratio is approached from electrophysiology, magnetic resonance, and genetics. We will calculate the individual change for the main ASD symptoms and, based on that, we will define the trajectories of symptom severity. Then, we will investigate the correlation between measures of excitation/inhibition balance and autistic symptomatology cross-sectionally, as well as the ability of these measurements to predict changes in symptoms over time. Discussion. This study presents a robust multisystemic approach to the E/I imbalance theory in autism and its relation to divergent symptom trajectories. That setting will allow us to relate and compare the neurobiological information coming from different sources and its impact on behavioural symptoms while accounting for the high variability in ASD. The findings derived from this study could contribute to the ASD biomarkers research and might provide valuable evidence for the development of more personalized treatments in ASD.
Deep learning-based reconstruction: validation for treatment planning CT
Authors: Yasui Keisuke , Saito Yasunori , Ito Azumi , Douwaki Momoka , Ogawa Shuta , Kasugai Yuri , Ooe Hiromu , Nagake Yuya , Hayashi Naoki
Published: March 2023

Deep learning-based CT image reconstruction (DLR) is a state-of-the-art method for obtaining CT images. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of DLR in radiotherapy. Data were acquired using a large-bore CT system and an electron density phantom for radiotherapy. We compared the CT values, image noise, and CT value-to-electron density conversion table of DLR and hybrid iterative reconstruction (H-IR) for various doses. Further, we evaluated three DLR reconstruction strength patterns (Mild, Standard, and Strong). The variations of CT values of DLR and H-IR were large at low doses, and the difference in average CT values was insignificant with less than 10 HU at doses of 100 mAs and above. DLR showed less change in CT values and smaller image noise relative to H-IR. The noise-reduction effect was particularly large in the low-dose region. The difference in image noise between DLR Mild and Standard/Strong was large, suggesting the usefulness of reconstruction intensities higher than Mild. DLR showed stable CT values and low image noise for various materials, even at low doses; particularly for Standard or Strong, the reduction in image noise was significant. These findings indicate the usefulness of DLR in treatment planning using large-bore CT systems.
Novel aminopyridazine derivative of minaprine modified by radiolysis presents potent anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and DH82 macrophage cells
Authors: Jeong Gyeong Han , Lee Hanui , Woo So-Yeun , Lee Hong-Ki , Chung Byung Yeoup , Bai Hyoung-Woo W.
Published: March 2023

Radiation molecularly transforms naturally occurring products by inducing the methoxylation, hydroxylation, and alkylation of parent compounds, thereby affecting the anti-inflammatory capacities of those compounds. Minaprine (1) modified by ionizing radiation generated the novel hydroxymethylated hydropyridazine minaprinol (2), and its chemical structure was determined based on NMR and HRESIMS spectra. Compared to the original minaprine, the novel generated product showed a highly enhanced anti-inflammatory capacity inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 and DH82 macrophage cells. In addition, minaprinol effectively inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) at the protein level and pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10) production in macrophages.
Investigation of Resonant Properties of Metamaterial THz Modulators Fabricated from Vanadium Dioxide Thin Films
Authors: Zeybek Sehriban , Demirhan Yasemin , Noori Aileen , Tugay Halime , Altan Hakan , Sabah Cumali , Aygun Gulnur , Ozyuzer Lutfi
Published: March 2023

The metal to insulator transition (MIT) in vanadium dioxide (VO2) has played a key role in development of devices in the terahertz frequency range. In the present study, the use of VO2 patterned as a metamaterial surface or coupled as a homogeneous layer with a metallic metamaterial surface on top is investigated in terms of performance. High quality VO2 thin films were deposited on c-cut sapphire substrates by using the dc magnetron sputtering technique. A change in resistivity by a factor of 104 MIT in VO2 was observed allowing to investigate its use as a controllable metamaterial. The layer was patterned using a unique geometry (four-cross shaped) that operates in the THz frequency range. To understand its performance as a tunable THz filter, the four-cross structure fabricated from VO2 is compared to one fabricated from Au on VO2 bare film using UV lithography and ion beam etching techniques. The spectral performances of metamaterials was assesed using THz-Time Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and results were compared with simulations based on CST Microwave Studio. Absence of the resonant effects in the purely developed VO2 device while clear observation of the MIT behavior shows the strong dependency of the inductive and/or capacitive effets of the four-cross structure on conductivity of the surface metamaterial which is clearly observable for the Au-based device. In the latter case, the resonant transmittance of the filter can be effectively modulated by change in temperature.
Effect of methylphenidate on height in pediatric attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Duong Khanh Linh , Yang Bo Ram , Yun Hwi-yeol , Chae Jung-woo
Published: March 2023

Methylphenidate (MPH), a first-line treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) management, has been the focus of debate for decades regarding its effect on growth. The aim of this PRISMA meta-analysis was to determine the effect of MPH on height in children/adolescents with ADHD, along with factors predictive of this effect. Available full-text articles were systematically reviewed to identify clinical studies of pediatric ADHD patients with height Z-score (HZS) data for monotherapy MPH-treated and non-treated groups. We estimated standardized mean differences (SMDs) of HZS or its changes from baseline (ΔHZS) between groups, then identified associated factors through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. For before-after treatment studies, the paired standard errors of ΔHZS were re-estimated to demonstrate in the forest plot. Risk of bias was analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Among the 29 eligible studies, 26 before-after studies reported ΔHZS with self-control groups, whereas 11 compared ΔHZS or absolute HZS to other external (healthy/non-medicated) controls. A significant reduction was observed in the post-medicated group compared to the pre-medicated group, with high heterogeneity (SMD = -0.40; 95% confidence interval = [-0.54; -0.27]; I2 = 91%). The study region, ADHD subtype, and stimulant-naïve status of patients at baseline may modify the effect on HZS. Because of the high clinical heterogeneity in observational studies, clinicians should consider the negative effect of MPH on height in ADHD patients by determining whether patients fulfill appropriate high-risk criteria. Further investigations are needed to identify the mechanism and the impact of reduction on the height reached in adulthood.
Sortilin-mediated translocation of ACSL1 impairs non-shivering thermogenesis
Authors: Chen Yong , Yang Min , Zhu Zengzhe , He Rui , Li Danpei , Wang Zhihan , Xie Yuyu , Wang Huanyu , Deng Hongyan , Liu Jiadai , Yu Xuefeng , Pan Ruping , Maretich Pema , Kajimura Shingo
Published: March 2023

Obesity and its related metabolic disorders are caused by an imbalance between homeostatic energy consumption and expenditure. Brown and beige adipose tissues have been shown to be protective against these diseases due to their critical roles in non-shivering thermogenesis; additionally, adrenergic innervation of these cells promotes lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation1. A key enzyme promoting fatty acid oxidation in adipose tissues, particularly in response to cold-stimulus, is mitochondrial acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1(ACSL1)2 However, the regulatory mechanism of the subcellular localization of ACSL1 in adipocytes remains poorly understood. Here, we identify an endosomal trafficking component sortilin (encoded by Sort1) in adipose tissues that facilitates the translocation of ACSL1 from mitochondria to lysosome for further degradation. In brown and beige adipose tissues, sortilin is downregulated upon adrenergic stimulation but its levels are restored to baseline after the stimulus is withdrawn. Depletion of Sort1 in adipocytes results in an increase in whole body energy expenditure. Moreover, mice with adipose-specific Sort1 depletion are resistant to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Collectively, our findings identify sortilin as a promising therapeutic target that negatively regulates non-shivering thermogenesis in adipocytes by promoting the translocation of ACSL1 from the mitochondria to lysosome.
Bank Loan Classification of Imbalanced Dataset Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Babo Soreti Bekele , Beyene Asrat Mulatu
Published: March 2023

Before giving loans to borrowers, banks decide whether the borrower is bad (defaulter) or good (non-defaulter). The prediction of borrower status whether the borrower will be a defaulter or a non-defaulter is not an easy task to the loan providing entity. In machine learning, building an automated loan default classification system is an optimization problem with an ultimate objective of improving loaner classification in loan decision making. However, this problem becomes difficult when there is a profile of imbalanced data since the classifier may misclassify the rare samples from the minority class. To solve this problem, we used a Modified Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (MSMOTE). It is an oversampling technique where synthetic data of the minority class is generated to balance with the majority class. This is combined with ensemble classifier technique to further improve the performance of bank loan prediction systems. MSMOTE is a variant of Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) algorithm. Bagging- and boosting- based ensemble techniques are applied on the imbalanced dataset to improve the performance of loan prediction. The dataset is gathered from Kaggle to validate the proposed scheme. Experimental results show that, among others, the proposed model, MSMOTE, when combined with adaptive boosting resulted in 95% of precision and accuracy. Whereas, MSMOTE combined with Bagging and Random Forest resulted in 99% of precision and accuracy.
TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Targets of Andrographolide on LPS-induced Liver Injury
Authors: shihao ge , Lian Wenqi , Bai Yongjiang , Wang Linzheng , Zhao Fuwei , Li Houmei , Wang Dongliang , Pang Quanhai
Published: March 2023

Background Andrographolide is a diterpenoid derived from Andrographis paniculate, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and hepatoprotective activities. Gram-negative bacterial infections can cause varying degrees of liver injury in chickens, although andrographolide has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver, its underlying mechanism of action and effects on liver proteins are not known. Methods The toxicity of andrographolide on the viability of LMH cells at different concentrations and times was analyzed by CCK-8 assays. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in the culture supernatants were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer to evaluate the protective effect of androscopolide on LPS-induced injury of LMH cells. Subsequently, TMT proteomics analysis were performed on the NC, LPS, and LPS-Andro groups, and bioinformatics analysis was performed on the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Results It was found that andrographolide reduced ALT and AST levels in the cell supernatant and alleviated LPS-induced injury in LMH cells. Proteomic analysis identified 50 and 166 differentially expressed proteins in the LPS vs NC group and LPS-Andro vs LPS group, respectively. Andrographolide may be involved in steroid metabolic processes, negative regulation of MAPK cascade, oxidative stress, and other processes to protect against LPS-induced liver injury. Conclusions Andrographolide protects against LPS-induced liver injury, HMGCS1, HMGCR, FDPS, PBK, CAV1, PRDX1, PRDX4, and PRDX6, which were identified by differential proteomics, may be the targets of andrographolide. Our study may provide new theoretical support for andrographolide protection against liver injury.
A single cell atlas of in vitro multi-systems uncovers in vivo lineage trajectory and cell state in the human lung
Authors: Kim Jong-Il , Lee Woochan , Lee Seyoon , Yoon Jung-Ki , Lee Dakyung , Kim Yuri , Han Yeon Bi , Kim Rokhyun , Moon Sungji , Park Young Jun , Park Kyunghyuk , Cha Bukyoung , Choi Jaeyong , Kim Juhyun , Ha Na-young , Kim Kwhanmien , Cho Sukki , Cho Nam-Hyuk , Desai Tushar , Chung Jin-Haeng , Lee Joo-Hyeon
Published: March 2023

We present an in-depth single cell atlas of in vitro multi-culture systems on human primary airway epithelium derived from normal and diseased lungs of 27 individual donors. Our large-scale single cell profiling identifies new cell states and differentiation trajectories of rare airway epithelial cell types in human distal lungs. By integrating single cell datasets of human lung tissues, we discover immune primed subsets enriched in lungs and organoids derived from patients with chronic respiratory disease. To demonstrate the full potential of our platform, we further illustrate transcriptomic responses to various respiratory virus infections in in vitro airway models. Our work constitutes a single-cell roadmap for the cellular and molecular characteristics of human primary lung cells in vitro and their relevance to human tissues in vivo.
A posterior inferior cerebellar artery of C2 transverse foramen level origin that entered the spinal canal via the C1/2 intervertebral space demonstrated by computed tomography angiography
Authors: Uchino Akira , Kakehi Yoshiaki
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To describe a case of a posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) of C2 transverse foramen level vertebral artery (VA) origin that entered the spinal canal via the C1/2 intervertebral space.
Case report: A 48-year-old man with posterior neck pain underwent computed tomography (CT) angiography and selective left vertebral angiography. Arterial dissection was found at the distal V2 segment of the left VA on subtracted CT angiography. The left PICA arising from the VA at the level of C2 transverse foramen was identified on CT angiography with bone imaging. This PICA of extracranial origin entered the spinal canal via the C1/2 intervertebral space, just like a PICA of C1/2 level origin.
Discussion: The origins of PICAs show several variations. PICAs originating at the extracranial C1/2 level VA are relatively rare, with a reported prevalence of approximately 1%. Our patient had a left PICA arising from the VA at the level of the C2 transverse foramen. No similar cases have been reported in the relevant English-language literature. We speculated that the proximal short segment of the PICA arising from the C1/2 level VA regressed incidentally and that the distal segment of the PICA was supplied by the muscular branch of the VA arising from the level of the C2 transverse foramen.
Conclusion: We reported the first case of PICA arising from the C2 transverse foramen level VA. CT angiography with bone imaging is useful for identifying a PICA arising from the extracranial VA.
Correlations between phenotype and gene region-specific episignatures in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome and Menke-Hennekam syndrome
Authors: Tang Yanan , Ye Xiantao , Zhan Yongkun , Zhang Kaichuang , Qiu Wenjuan , Yang WenQing , Gu Xuefan , Yu Yongguo , Xiao Bing , Sun Yu
Published: March 2023

Background: Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) and Menke-Hennekam syndrome (MKHK) are two rare Mendelian disorders presented with variable degrees of intellectual disability and different facial dysmorphism. They are caused by loss-of-function (LOF) variants or missense/inframe deletion variants in the exon 30 and 31 of the CREBBP gene respectively, which is involved in histone modification and chromatin remodeling. Genetic defects in numerous genes have been found to disrupt epigenomic profiles including DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns (referred as episignature) in affected individuals. To further investigate the mechanism of CREBBPrelated disorders, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are applied to study the DNAm alteration.
Results: We presented RSTS and MKHK individuals with distinct clinical features. Detailed phenotype analysis showed that RSTS patients with nonsense-mediated mRNA decay evasion (NMD-evasion) variants had atypical facial dysmorphism and severer medical problems compared to the classical RSTS caused by LOF CREBBP variants. MKHK patients with variants in intrinsically disordered region (IDR) showed resemblant features. Further investigations elucidated these clinical conditions in methylation change. Genome-wide DNAm analysis of 9 RSTS and 8 MKHK patients and 33 controls identified two specific peripheral blood episignatures: RSTS and MKHK_IDR compared to matched normal controls. Methylation alterations in RSTS cases with NMD-evasion variants were mildly different from that of classical RSTS. MKHK subjects with variants outside the IDR did not obey the MKHK_IDR episignature. By interrogating DNAm in hiPSCs of 5 RSTS, 4 MKHK compared with 12 controls, we observed hypermethylated DNAm profiles of RSTS and MKHK in embryonic stage. Different methylation regions (DMRs) overlapping genes in hiPSCs of RSTS and MKHK play a role in embryonic development and organogenesis. Furthermore, DNAm patterns for hiPSCs of RSTS and MKHK were enriched for genes relevant for multicellular organismal homeostasis or transcriptional binding.
Conclusions:
We identified the type and locus of variants in the CREBBP gene as responsible for the RSTS and MKHK episignatures, consistent with phenotype analysis. DNAm profile analysis of hiPSCs revealed meaningful biological processes associated with embryonic development.
Surviving COVID-19 according to race: evidence by a Brazilian retrospective cohort
Authors: Pastura Danielle Cristina Lourenço dos Santos , Guimarães Raphael Mendonça
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic did not impact and still now does not impact people homogeneously. In Brazil, race shows itself as an important difference in health events, including COVID-19 outcomes. We observed, during the pandemic, a higher lethality pattern among black and brown populations. Considering the most important factor for the disease severity in Brazil are, in order of relevance, age, socioeconomic factors and, only then, comorbidities, and that black and brown Brazilians have much poorer socioeconomic conditions compared to white people, we can understand these populations as part of a group under greater risk of aggravation by COVID-19. Besides, it is known that black and brown people face more difficulties to access healthcare services, a way that sometimes they are not even aware of the comorbidities possessed, which can potentially aggravate COVID-19, or present fewer possibilities to control these diseases. Nonetheless, intrinsic, institutional, and structural racism, a health social determinant shown by many indicators such as mortality rates of black and brown populations, presents itself in all healthcare levels in Brazil. Thus, this study aims to analyze the racial differential for COVID-19 survival amongst hospitalized patients in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed a survival analysis from selected notifications of COVID-19-induced induced Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Rio de Janeiro from the date of the first death registered in Brazil to the end of the Public Healthcare Emergency of National Interest, in order to evaluate the times between the first symptoms and hospitalization; hospitalization and outcome (death); and first symptoms and outcomes (death), relating those to the variable of interest race and the covariables age; sex; presence or absence of major signs/symptoms; presence or absence of multimorbidities; resident of Rio de Janeiro or not; resident of urban/rural areas; ICU hospitalization or not. With that, we aim to characterize hospitalized COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables, describe the course between initial symptomatology and outcomes of the in-patients who utterly passed, analyze the survival probability of in-patients according to their race/skin color; relate social health determinants aspects to the survival rates of the hospitalized patients.
Standard Precipitation Index for drought severity assessment in Bharuch District, Gujarat, INDIA
Authors: Jariwala K. A. , Agnihotri P. G.
Published: March 2023

Drought is one of the adverse impacts of climate crisis and it operates on many different timescales. Droughts are occurring more often each year in different areas of India. Many negative effects on the environment, society, and the economy can result from drought. By determining the severity and length of the drought, drought assessment may be used to determine adaptation and mitigation strategies for addressing the climate problem. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is an indicator to measure the rainfall deficit over various periods, which is used to study drought in the particular location. Thus, it is crucial to evaluate the drought condition quantitatively. The outcome highlights the potential that SPI demonstrates in identifying droughts and making use of rainfall that is directly connected to the execution of drought relief policies and measures in the Bharuch area.
Refine the semantics and reinforce the perception of small object detection
Authors: Yuan Heng , Wang Jiali , Meng Qingjiao , Han Rongteng
Published: March 2023

For SSD (single-lens multi-box detector) algorithm, due to the lack of shallow feature semantic information and the imbalance of context information, a multi-layer feature fusion method is proposed to improve it. Firstly, deep separable convolution is added to the shallow network structure, and shallow semantic information is strengthened by channel convolution and point convolution; then the deep and shallow networks are refined by deconvolution and empty convolution to obtain more receptive fields and pay more attention to small targets; finally, attention mechanism is added to the deep network to improve the detection ability of small targets and improve the detection accuracy of small targets. The proposed feature refinement mechanism combined with enhanced semantic information after downsampling extends its resolution by deconvolution and improves the accuracy of small object detection. Experimental results show that the detection accuracy is improved by 5.56% and recall by 9.48% on the VOC2007 and 2012 datasets.
YOLO object detection models can locate and classify broad groups of flower-visiting arthropods in images
Authors: Stark Thomas , Stefan Valentin , Wurm Michael , Spanier Robin , Taubenboeck Hannes , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: March 2023

Develoment of image recognition AI algorithms for flower-visiting arthropods has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor pollinators. Ecologists need light-weight models that can be deployed in a field setting and can classify with high accuracy. We tested the performance of three deep learning light-weight models, YOLOv5nano, YOLOv5small, and YOLOv7tiny, at object recognition and classification in real time on eight groups of flower-visiting arthropods using open-source image data. These eight groups contained four orders of insects that are known to perform the majority of pollination services in Europe (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera) as well as other arthropod groups that can be seen on flowers but are not typically considered pollinators (e.g., spiders-Araneae). All three models had high accuracy, ranging from 93% to 97%. Intersection over union (IoU) depended on the relative area of the bounding box, and the models performed best when a single arthropod comprised a large portion of the image and worst when multiple small arthropods were together in a single image. The model could accurately distinguish flies in the family Syrphidae from the Hymenoptera that they are known to mimic. These results reveal the capability of existing YOLO models to contribute to pollination monitoring.
The Arabidopsis SPL9 transcription factor modulates phosphate acquisition and miR399f expression under phosphate deficiency
Authors: An Guoyong , Lei Kaijian , Ren Jing , Niu Miao , Gu Dalu
Published: March 2023

Transcription factors have a crucial part in the signaling of Pi deficiency. We report here that the SPL9 of Arabidopsis modulates the phosphate (Pi) deficiency response. To investigate the above, the Pi uptake and content, rhizosphere acidification capacity and anthocyanin content of 35S:rSPL9 (the miR156-resistant form of SPL9) plants were determined. Yeast one-hybrid, transient transfection and ChIP assays were applied to investigate the SPL9 protein binds to the miR399f promoters. The phenotypes of 35S:SPL3 35S:SPL9 lines under Pi deficiency were also determined. The results show that the Pi uptake and content in 35S:rSPL9 plants increased in comparison to the wild-type plants. The decreased rhizosphere acidification capacity and reduced rhizosphere acidification phenotypes in 35S:rSPL9 transgenic plants were observed under the Pi-deficient conditions. The anthocyanin accumulation of 35S:rSPL9 plants was also decreased in response to low Pi stress. The SPL9 protein binds directly to the miR399f promoters at their GTAC motifs. We also found that SPL3 and SPL9 have redundant functions during Pi deficiency responses. These results suggest that SPL9 in Arabidopsis takes part in Pi deficiency response by regulating miR399f expression.
Hsa_circ_0013561 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor progression by regulating ANXA2 via miR-23b-3p in ovarian cancer
Authors: Qin Jinlong , Lv Jia , Zhang Yijun , Yang Mengying , Qiao Lianqiao , Wang Huihui , Jiang Huici , Fu Mingxu , Jin Mingming , Xu Shaohua
Published: March 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide and its tumorigenesis and progression are largely unknown. As an important class of endogenous regulatory non-coding RNAs, Circular RNAs play a critical role in various cancers. Our preliminary experiment discovered that hsa_circ_0013561 was aberrantly expressed in OC. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. The expression of hsa_circ_0013561 in OC cells and tissues was detected by RT-qPCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The effects of hsa_circ_0013561 on the proliferation and metastasis of OC were explored by functional experiments such as cell counting kit 8, transwell, and tumor xenograft models. To mechanistically understand the regulatory role of hsa_circ_0013561, bioinformatics analysis, Western blot, luciferase reporter assay, and a series of rescue experiments were applied. We found that the hsa_circ_0013561 expression was elevated in OC cells and tissues, and was correlated with metastasis formation. Downregulation of hsa_circ_0013561 suppressed the proliferation and migration of OC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Regarding the interactions of hsa_circ_0013561, luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-23b-3p and Annexin A2 (ANXA2) were its downstream targets. MiR-23b-3p inhibition or ANXA2 overexpression reversed OC cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) post-hsa_circ_0013561 silencing. Moreover, ANXA2 overexpression also reversed OC cell migration, proliferation, and EMT after miR-23b-3p upregulation. Our data suggest that hsa_circ_0013561 increases the expression of ANXA2 through regulating miR-23b-3p competitively, resulting in EMT and metastasis of OC. Thus, hsa_circ_0013561 may serve as a novel oncogenic biomarker for OC progression.
Identification of key immune biomarkers and key immune cells in lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Wen Huaichang , Wang Yi
Published: March 2023

Background
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a widespread orthopedic disease, with no proper treatment resolution. Hence, it is of great significance to identify key biomarkers for LDH patients.
Methods
We retrieved the transcriptome and clinical information of LDH patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential gene expressions (DEGs) were obtained via the limma package. Gene Set Enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted on the identified DEGs. Subsequently, key LDH-related module genes were selected using the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), and immune-linked DEGs (IRDEGs) were then acquired via the intersection of DEGs, key module genes, and immune-related genes. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was further performed to identify the diagnostic genes. Finally, we conducted immune infiltration analysis, and the association between key genes and core immune cells were further assessed.
Results
In all, we identified 38 IRDEGs, and 3 key genes, namely, STAT3, CSF3R, and IL1R1 were further identified via PPI network construction. ROC curves were employed to assess the diagnostic ability of key genes, and 2 key genes, namely, STAT3 and CSF3R were identified to be highly expressed among LDH patients. Lastly,our correlation analysis revealed that the STAT3 and CSF3R were directly associated with neutrophils, and inversely associated with CD8 T cells.
Conclusion
Herein, we successfully identified two key immune biomarkers, namely, STAT3 and CSF3R, and three key immune cells, namely, neutrophils,monocytes, and CD8 T cells. Together, our findings provide a new direction for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of LDH.