bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A practical approach to sample destination alternatives using machine leaning technique for applying dynamic activity-based travel demand model
Authors: Urata Junji , Zeeshan Muhammad , Abbasi Babar , Hato Eiji
Published: November 2022

This paper focuses on sequential and forward-looking behavior in destination choices of full-day. We can model the forward-looking behavior in the activity chain using a β-scaled recursive logit model that can not calculate future utility if the number of destination candidates is too large. Our primary objective is to construct a practical approach to sample destination alternatives. We propose a machine learning-based (ML) sampling approach by applying McFadden correction for choice set limitation to a β-scaled recursive logit model. Our supervised/unsupervised ML models are constructed using the activity history and enumerate among realistic alternatives considering the time-space prism constraint. We propose two sampling protocols: the supervised approach that samples using the decision tree rule constructed by observed choices by time and space; the unsupervised approach that samples from the constructed clusters using features of destinations. Our numerical test showed the estimability under the destination choice set by prism restriction and the proposed sampling. Our empirical case study using actual behavior data observed by smartphone-based GPS validated that our approaches improve the estimation stability of the time discount parameter. Our rule-based sampling protocol increased demand predictability compared to a simple random sampling protocol. The proposed method is practical because we can train the ML models using only observation data.
Early ascending growth is associated with maternal metabolomic profile during mid and late pregnancy and in cord blood
Authors: Sequeiros Elina Blanco , Tuomaala Anna-Kaisa , Tabassum Rubina , Bergman Paula , Koivusalo Saila , Huvinen Emilia
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
Intrauterine conditions and accelerating early growth are associated with childhood obesity. It is unknown, whether fetal programming affects the early growth and could alterations in the maternal-fetal metabolome be the mediating mechanism. Therefore, we aimed to assess the associations between maternal and cord blood metabolome and offspring early growth.
Methods
The RADIEL study recruited 724 women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 and/or prior GDM) before or in early pregnancy. Blood samples were collected once in each trimester, and from cord. Metabolomics were analyzed by targeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. Following up on offsprings’ first 2 years growth, we discovered 3 distinct growth profiles (ascending n = 80, intermediate n = 346, and descending n = 146) by using latent class mixed models (lcmm).
Results
From the cohort of mother-child dyads with available growth profile data (n = 572), we have metabolomic data from 232 mothers from 1st trimester, 271 from 2nd trimester, 277 from 3rd trimester and 345 from cord blood. We have data on 220 metabolites in each trimester and 70 from cord blood. In each trimester of pregnancy, the mothers of the ascending group showed higher levels of VLDL and LDL particles, and lower levels of HDL particles (p < 0.05). When adjusted for gestational age, birth weight, sex, delivery mode, and maternal smoking, there was an association with ascending profile and 2nd trimester total cholesterol in HDL2, 3rd trimester total cholesterol in HDL2 and in HDL, VLDL size and ratio of triglycerides to phosphoglycerides (TG/PG ratio) in cord blood (p ≤ 0.002).
Conclusion
Ascending early growth was associated with lower maternal total cholesterol in HDL in 2nd and 3rd trimester, and higher VLDL size and more adverse TG/PG ratio in cord blood.
Atmospheric sulfate formation from SO2 oxidation by NO2 is enhanced by charges at the air-aqueous interface
Authors: Wang Gehui , Zhang Si , Wu Can , Zhu Tong , Liu Shijie , Ge Shuangshuang , Xu Xinbei , Sun Haitao , Sun Zhenrong , Wang Jiaxin , Ji Yuemeng , Gao Jian , Ren Yanqin , Li Hong , Zhang Renyi , Zhang Fang , Wang Fanglin , Lv Shaojun , Liu Xiaodi
Published: November 2022

Heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 by NO2 on aerosol particles has recently been thought as one of the major formation pathways of sulfate in the polluted troposphere, but the underlying chemical mechanisms and kinetics remain uncertain. Here, we show that sulfate formation via NO2 oxidation is critically dependent on the charges at the air-aqueous interface by combining lab experiments, theoretical chemistry calculations, and atmospheric measurements. Our results reveal that the oxidation rate (k_(〖NO〗_2+〖HSO〗_3^- )) (2.1x108–7.0x109 M-1s-1) of SO2 by NO2 in the aerosol aqueous phase in Chinese haze periods is 3–4 orders of magnitude larger than the traditionally held value for the bulk phase due to the accumulation of chloride and carboxylic anions at the air-aqueous interface, which significantly accelerates the SO2 oxidation by enhancing the uptake of NO2 through interfacial electrostatic attraction. Atmospheric models not accounting for this aerosol interfacial process likely produce major misrepresentations of tropospheric sulfate aerosols under polluted conditions.
Time-scale synchronisation of oscillatory responses can lead to non-monotonous R-tipping
Authors: Swierczek-Jereczek Jan , Montoya Marisa , Robinson Alexander , Alvarez-Solas Jorge , Blasco Javier
Published: November 2022

Rate-induced tipping (R-tipping) describes the fact that, for multistable dynamic systems, an abrupt transition can take place not only because of the forcing magnitude, but also because of the forcing rate. In the present work, we demonstrate through the case study of a piecewise-linear oscillator (PLO), that increasing the rate of forcing can make the system tip in some cases but might also prevent it from tipping in others. This counterintuitive effect is further called non-monotonous R-tipping (NMRT) and has already been observed in recent studies. We show that, in the present case, the reason for NMRT is the peak synchronisation of oscillatory responses operating on different time scales. We further illustrate that NMRT can be observed even in the presence of additive white noise of intermediate amplitude. Finally, NMRT is also observed on a van-der-Pol oscillator with an unstable limit cycle, suggesting that this effect is not limited to systems with a discontinuous right-hand side such as the PLO. This insight might be highly valuable, as the current research on tipping elements is shifting from an equilibrium to a dynamic perspective while using models of increasing complexity, in which NMRT might be observed but hard to understand.
Fast Mining High Utility Itemsets with Multiple Minimum Utility Thresholds
Authors: Guo Shiming , Wei Hongqiang
Published: November 2022

High utility itemset mining (HUIM) is a hot research topic andhas been extensively studied in the literature. In this paper,we study the problem of HUIM with multiple minimum utility thresholds, and develop an efficient algorithm named FHUIM. A comprehensive empirical study shows that FHUIM significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithm MHUI in terms of runtime, memory consumption and number of candidates.
Tracing the geographical origin of raw wheat flour in prepared mix containing milk and/or egg by analyzing the electrophoretic band patterns and stable isotope ratios of glutenin fractions
Authors: Suzuki Yaeko , Miura Yuya , Iijima Ken , Yamakawa Hirohito , Satoh Rie
Published: November 2022

To trace the origin of raw wheat flour in prepared mix for bread and confectionery, the electrophoretic band patterns and stable isotope ratios of glutenin fractions extracted from prepared mix powders, including milk and/or egg were analyzed. The presence of auxiliary materials, such as sugar, salt, non-fat dry milk powder, emulsifier, thickener, and yeast, had little influence on the protein composition and the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of the wheat glutenin fractions extracted from the prepared mix. On the other hand, the electrophoretic band patterns and the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of glutenin fractions extracted from the prepared mix containing dried whole-egg powder were different from those extracted from wheat flour. However, in the presence or absence of auxiliary materials containing skimmed milk powder and/or dried whole egg powder, the electrophoretic patterns of the glutenin fraction had some characteristic bands. The results revealed the presence of characteristic protein bands depending on the wheat flour variety. Moreover, the glutenin fraction extracted from the prepared mix for confectionery was divided into high-molecular-weight (HMW-GS) and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (LMW-GS) fractions. The LMW-GSs was observed to reduce the effect of egg-derived proteins on electrophoretic band patterns, and stable isotope ratios. The carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of LMW-GSs extracted from Japanese flour were significantly lower compared to wheat flour from US. Therefore, our study suggests that the electrophoresis of the glutenin fractions and the stable isotope ratios of LMW-GSs would be useful tool for discriminating varieties of wheat flour and prepared mix samples including milk and egg.
Nutrient profiling of Lablab bean [(Lablab purpureus L.) Sweet] accessions from Northeast India: Diversity exploration leading to mitigation of nutritional vulnerability
Authors: Pandey Dileep Kumar , Singh Siddhartha , Dubey Shanatnu Kumar , Mehra Tara Singh , Mounika Vadde , Dixit Sreenath , Sawargaonkar Gajanan
Published: November 2022

Lablab purpureus, one of the most significant yet neglected and underutilized legume vegetable crops, has tremendous genetic variability in its traits, including growth habit, stem pigmentation, and pod color. Retrospectively, L. purpureus's systematic crop improvement efforts received less attention from researchers. In the current study, 11 local accessions of L. purpureus that were collected from various locations in Arunachal Pradesh-a global biodiversity hotspot, and their morphological and biochemical characteristics were examined. The conventional procedure for analyzing nutritional and anti-nutritional components found considerable variations for each of the characters under the study. The length, width, and pod color differed significantly across the eleven genotypes examined in the study. All accessions had good nutritional content and very low anti-nutritional elements, particularly the phytic acid was extremely low (1.77–2.43 mg/100gm) in the tender pod when compared to the lablab accessions of south Indian states as well as of common leguminous vegetables. The low phytate content assumes significance for enhanced mineral bioavailability, making its immature pods the potential functional food, thus, carving the pathways for mitigating the nutritional vulnerability in developing countries. These local accessions of lablab also represent an agronomically and nutritionally important pool for L. purpureus improvement/breeding.
Parametric Study of Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Interaction with Carbon- nanotube Composite Bipolar plate for PEMFCs
Authors: Musse Dawit , Lee Dongkyoung
Published: November 2022

A laser processing technique is proposed for the processing of a 2.5mm thick carbon nanotube (CNT) composite bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This study aims to understand laser interaction with the CNT composite plate experimentally, using a pulsed nanosecond laser. Penetration depth, top width, spatter width and overall physical morphologies are studied. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and 3D Scanning Confocal Microscope were used for observation and measurements. Based on that, a parametric investigation is conducted and reported systematically. Most importantly, the pulse repetition rate presents a unique nature of interaction that resulted in a critical repetition rate distinguishing three operational regimes. The physical and chemical properties of the regimes are further analyzed by Vickers microhardness testing and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analyses performed on the surface and cross-section of each specimen. The results reveal that the pulse repetition rate introduces changes in mechanical properties and chemical compositions in the vicinity of the processed region. In conclusion, lower pulse repetition should be favored for less impact on mechanical properties, chemical composition, and morphological aspects.
Fetal biometry and amniotic fluid volume assessment end-to-end automation using Deep Learning
Authors: Slimani Saad , Slimani Saad , Hounka Salaheddine , Mahmoudi Abdelhak , Laoudiyi Dalal , Saadi Hanane , Bouzyiane Amal , Lamrissi Amine , Jalal Mohammed , Bouhya Said , Rehah Taha , Bouyakhf Youssef , Badaoui Bouabid , Mhlanga Musa , Radgui Amina , Bouyakhf El Houssine
Published: November 2022

Fetal biometry (FB) and amniotic fluid volume (AFV) assessments are two crucial yet repetitive tasks of fetal ultrasound screening scans that help detect potential life-threatening conditions, however, they suffer from reproducibility and reliability issues. Advances in deep learning have led to new applications in measurement automation in fetal ultrasound, showcasing human-level performances in several fetal ultrasound tasks. However, most of the studies performed are retrospective “in silico” studies and few include African patients in their dataset.
Here we develop and prospectively assess the performance of deep learning models for an end-to-end FB and AFV automation from a newly constructed database of 172 293 de-identified Moroccan fetal ultrasound images in addition to publicly available datasets. They were tested on prospectively acquired video clips from 172 patients forming a consecutive series gathered at four healthcare centers in Morocco.
Our results show the 95% limits of agreement between the models and practitioners for the studied measurements were narrower than reported intra and inter-observer variability for human expert sonographers for all the studied parameters.
This means that these models could be deployed in clinical conditions, to alleviate time-consuming, repetitive tasks, and to make fetal US more accessible in limited resources environments.
Nutritional properties, determination of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential of Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) J.C. Sowerby petiole
Authors: de Loiola Sara Kethleen Soares , Kinupp Valdely Ferreira , Nunomura Sergio Massayoshi , Nunomura Rita de Cassia Saraiva , Muniz Magno Perêa , Junior Sergio Duvoisin , Bastos Lílian Macedo , Silva Rochelly Mesquita da , de Castro Lorena Mota , Hidalgo Patricia de Souza Pinto
Published: November 2022

This study reported for the first time the chemical profile of the petiole of Victoria amazonica (Poepp.) J.C. Sowerby, a non-conventional edible plant (NCEP), and demonstrated its nutritional and functional potential. Its proximate composition was determined by verifying the fiber, lipid, protein, ash, and carbohydrate contents in fresh samples. V. amazonica petiole has a high moisture content (97.62%), while has low amounts of protein, crude fiber and carbohydrates (3.10%, 1.81%, and 5.78%, respectively). At 19.5 kcal g− 1, this NCEP can be classified as a low-calorie food, especially due to low lipid content of 1.47%. Amongst the extracts and solvent-partitioned fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest total phenolic content (25.47 GAE mg 100 g− 1) and antioxidant potential (IC50: 13.67 µg mL− 1), which were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH methods, respectively. In comparison with well-known conventional fruits and plants, based on results obtained for the methanolic extract, the petiole showed a low total phenolic content (13.61 GAE mg 100 g− 1) and also an antioxidant potential (IC50: 50.12 µg mL− 1) that was 10-fold higher than the gallic acid reference standard. Five phenolic acids were identified by dereplication using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). Gallic, ferulic, p-coumaric and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids, as well the flavonoid quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, were identified in methanolic extract. As a low-carb and low-fat food, this unconventional edible plant can be incorporated into diets with dietary restrictions and can be classified as a functional food since it is a source of bioactive compounds.
Cuproptosis-Related lncRNAs Signature Predicts Prognosis and Chemotherapeutic Response of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Yipan , Deng Huiting , Wang Xiuyu , Chen Yi , Zhang Qiangzhe
Published: November 2022

Cuproptosis is a lipoylated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle proteins-mediated novel cell death. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in multiple cell death and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) process and might be as a signature to predict prognosis and therapeutic response of patients. However, the predictive performance of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CuRLs) is still unclear in LUAD. Here, we constructed a 13-cuproptosis-related-lncRNA signature (CuRLsig) through LASSO penalized Cox regression analysis to separate patients into low- and high-risk groups. The low-risk group has longer overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) compared to high-risk LUAD patients. The CuRLsig-derived risk score was independent of other clinical variables (age, gender, and stage) in predicting outcomes and further had better predictive ability to predict the prognosis of LUAD patients compared with other lncRNA model. Functionally, the high-risk group was associated with proteasome, spliceosome, respiratory chain and cyclin complex, p53 signaling pathway and DNA damage and repair pathways. Additionally, the CuRLsig-derived risk score can properly measure chemotherapeutic sensitivity to low- and high-risk LUAD patients. These results demonstrated that CuRLsig could be a powerful predictor and providing novel insights into the prognosis and treatment of LUAD patients.
WITHDRAWN: Identification of platelets related THBS1 as a critical gene in sepsis related thrombocytopenia via an integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Liu Yanjun , YU Kaijiang , Cheng Li
Published: November 2022

Objective
To explore the role of platelet related differentially expressed genes (plt-DEGs) THBS1 in sepsis through integrated bioinformatics analyses and in vivo mouse model.
Methods
Four GEO derived datasets and platelet related genes were downloaded and intersection was performed to obtain the plt-DEGs in sepsis, followed by GO and KEGG analysis, PPI network, prognostic model establishment and immune cell infiltration analyses. Finally, an LPS-challenged mouse model was established for THBS1 quantification.
Results
A total of 85 plt-DEGs were obtained, including 56 up- and 29 down-regulated plt-DEGs. Among them, 16 genes showed a significant correlation with survival statue and 10 genes, including PLA2G4A, GNAQ, PIK3CB, LHFPL2, SCCPDH, PRKCD, VEGFA, CCNA2, PRKDC and SLC9A3R1, were found with prognostic prediction ability in sepsis. Moreover, these 10 genes were found correlated with the immune cell infiltration and 9 genes except SLC9A3R1 showed upregulated trend in sepsis. Significantly decreased level of THBS1 was found in LPS-challenged mice and THBS1 was found to be involved in platelet degranulation, response to drug and activation of MAPK activity
Conclusions
plt-DEGs was found correlated with survival statue, immune cell infiltration and could be used as prognostic marker in Sepsis. Plt-DEG THBS1 could be further studied sepsis thrombocytopenia.
Electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted copolymer for selective and simultaneous determination of Ascorbic acid and Tyrosine
Authors: Karazan Zahra Mirzaei , Roushani Mahmoud
Published: November 2022

This study reported a novel electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for simultaneous and selective detection of Ascorbic acid (AA) and Tyrosine (Tyr). The MIP film was electropolymerized on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using of o-aminophenol (o-AP) and m-dihydroxy benzene (m-DB) as monomers and the dual analyte of AA and Tyr, and its electrochemical performance was evaluated. Influencing parameters such as the pH value, electropolymerization cycle numbers, and template/monomer ratio were optimized. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique was used for the simultaneous and individual determination of AA and Tyr in their binary mixture. The introduced sensor showed the linear concentration ranges of 0.1–300 µM for AA and 0.01–180 µM for Tyr and good limits of detection were 0.03 µM and 0.003 µM, respectively. The proposed sensor was successfully employed to detect AA and Tyr in real samples.
Bilateral exudative retinal detachment, unusual pattern of uveitis with Multiple sclerosis
Authors: Helal Rehab Sabry , Arya Saket , Sbeit Rami Abu , Elshafei Maha
Published: November 2022

MS associated uveitis used to have limited phenotypes. Bilateral exudative retinal detachment has never been recognized as a pattern of uveitis in such patients. We are here reporting a case of multiple sclerosis who presented initially with the usual pattern of intermediate uveitis and later developed bilateral exudative retinal detachment.
Factors Associated with Anxiety Caused by the Possibility of Infection with Monkeypox in Perú
Authors: Mamani-Benito Oscar , Fernandez Juan Pichén , Vinella-Arzubiaga Daniella , Armada José , Tito-Betancur Madona , Mejia Christia R.
Published: November 2022

Monkeypox is causing great concern due to its great infectious power and the possibility that it could become a new pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with the anxiety produced by the possibility of being infected with monkeypox in Peru. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted; a previously validated survey was used to measure concern about possible infection and its association with other sociodemographic variables. Of the 779 respondents, 5% mentioned that they were concerned almost all the time about the possibility of being infected with monkeypox. Women, those who always worry and cannot control it and those who are discouraged, depressed or without hope had more anxiety/concern about being infected; in contrast, those who lived on the coast and independent and dependent workers were less concerned. In conclusion, there were important factors that were associated with greater concern for this disease, especially among women and among those who were more anxious or depressed. The findings of this study should be evaluated in other populations to prevent the deterioration of mental health.
How does the 6-month abstinence period fare for patients seeking Liver transplantation? Lessons Learned from Game Theoretic Analysis
Authors: Andhavarapu Sanketh , Saposnik Gustavo , Swistak Piotr T.
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with alcoholic liver disease are often required to demonstrate a period of abstinence before being eligible for liver transplant. This is known as the 6-month rule. Early liver transplant has shown comparable outcomes in carefully selected patients, yet the 6-month rule is still used in transplant centers worldwide. We applied game theory to evaluate whether the 6-month rule is effective in distinguishing a relapsing patient from a non-relapsing patient during decisions for liver transplant for alcoholic liver diseases.

Methods

We used game theory to model the interactions between alcoholic liver disease patients and transplant physicians. We assumed that patients are either curable or refractory, but the physician does not know which. Patients can either abstain for 6 months or not, thereby signaling their type to the physician. We solved this model for the equilibria under different payoff assumptions.

Results

The equilibria for the models for both patient types resulted in the same equilibria, indicating that the 6-month rule is ineffective in separating the two types of patients. This finding held true for all probabilities of patient relapse and all payoff structures except the unlikely scenario where the cost of abstinence outweighs the benefits of transplant.

Limitations

Our model is based on assumptions, though these assumptions reflect real world preferences and scenarios. We also elected not to analyze other critical factors in the decision-making process for liver transplantation such as the patient’s clinical profile or the physician’s pre-existing biases.

Conclusions

Our game theoretic framework offers a mathematical explanation on why the 6-month abstinence criterion, although seemingly intuitive, is not an effective strategy for identifying LT candidates who would develop an alcohol relapse.
Construction of recombinant Lactococcus expressing thymosin and interferon fusion protein and its application as an immune adjuvant
Authors: Liu Zengqi , Zhang Suhua , Hu Hongjiao , Wang He , Qiu Yu , Dong Mingqi , Wang Muping , Cui Ziyang , Cui Hongyu , Wang Yunfeng , He Gaoming
Published: November 2022

In this study, recombinant food-grade Lactococcus lactis (r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN) expressing thymosin Tα1 and interferon fusion protein was constructed. In vitro interaction with macrophages showed that recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN could significantly activate both macrophage J774-Dual™ NF-κB signaling pathway and IRF signaling pathway. In vitro interaction with chicken, PBMCs showed that recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN significantly enhanced the expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, CD80, and CD86 molecules in chicken PBMCs cells. Animal experiments showed that injection of recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN could significantly activate the proliferation activity of T cells and antigen-presenting cells in chicken PBMCs, and the results of 16S analysis of intestinal microbiota showed that injection of recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN could significantly improve the structure and composition of chicken intestinal microbiota, with a significant increase in probiotic genera such as Lactobacillus spp. were significantly increased. The results of animal experiments using recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN as an immune adjuvant for inactivated chicken Newcastle disease vaccine showed that the serum HI antibody titers of the experimental group were extremely significantly higher than those of the vaccine control group, and the expression levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 were significantly higher than those of the vaccine control group, These results indicate that food-safe recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN has potential as a vaccine immune booster and immune adjuvant, and this study lays the foundation for the development of natural green novel animal immune booster or immune adjuvant.
Quality seed production to optimize the success of reforestation and agroforestry based on local indigenous forest species: case of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) and Parkia biglobosa (Fabaceae) in West Africa
Authors: Adji Beda Innocent , Letort Véronique , Kang Mengzhen , Wang Xiujuan , De Reffye Philippe , Jaeger Marc , Kouassi Kouadio Henri , Duminil Jérôme , Cilas Christian , Sabatier Sylvie , Akaffou Doffou Sélastique
Published: November 2022

Seed size is a key factor that can affect the regeneration process of plant populations. This study aims to identify efficient seeds that can optimise the cultivation of two overexploited native forest species in Côte d'Ivoire, namely Khaya senegalensis and Parkia bliglobosa. Sets of 1080 seeds per species were tested for their germination and seedling vigour in two distinct environments (dry and humid) in Côte d'Ivoire. The results showed that, for optimized germination, large seeds were preferable for Khaya senegalensis while for Parkia biglobosa, on the contrary, small and medium seeds were preferable. However, the most vigorous seedlings were generated by germinating large seeds regardless of species and study site. In this case, pre-treatment tests on large seeds in Parkia biglobosa are possible to improve their germination performance. Large seeds appear to be the best candidates for high quality, high performance seeds that can optimise the cultivation of Khaya senegalensis (0.25-0.37g) and Parkia biglobosa (0.25-0.37g) in Côte d'Ivoire. They can be provided to farmers to assist in the success of replanting programmes (reforestation and agroforestry) using the target species in Côte d'Ivoire. These results can contribute to the sustainable management of the target species and serve as a basis for restructuring forest regeneration policy in Côte d'Ivoire.
Estimating bank line migration of the Brahmaputra river in the Middle Brahmaputra floodplains of Assam, India using Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS)
Authors: Bhuyan Nirsobha , Sharma Yatendra , Sajjad Haroon , Ahmed Raihan
Published: November 2022

The process of erosion as an inevitable and disastrous mechanism has caused migration of bank lines of rivers globally. In its middle reaches, the Brahmaputra River has eroded many pockets of land, eventually leading to drastic bank line shifting. This study aims to analyze the bank line migration of the Brahmaputra river in the Middle Brahmaputra floodplains of Assam, India, over a period of 30 years (1990-2020) and forecast their future positioning. The study was carried out using digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS). End point rate (EPR) was used to estimate bank line migration over three decades (1990-2000, 2000-2010 and 2010-2020). Both end point rate (EPR) and linear regression rate (LRR) were used for calculating long-term migration from 1990 to 2020. The findings revealed that bank line migration was more prominent along the river’s south bank and the river channel was observed to be migrating in a southward direction. The average shift of the right bank of the river was around -8.15 m/y, 11.83 m/y and -4.5 m/y during 1990-2000, 2000-2010 and 2010-2020 respectively. The left bank of the river showed an erosive trend with an average positional shift of -57.02 m/y, -53.65 m/y and -38.66 m/y during 1990-2000, 2000-2010 and 2010-2020 respectively. The forecasting of the bank lines for 2030 and 2040 showed that the river would likely continue to erode its banks leading to channel widening. The study demonstrated the severity of riverbank erosion and bank line migration processes in the Middle Brahmaputra floodplains. This work might help policymakers find solutions to protect the invaluable lands and lessen the vulnerability of the affected population.
The Relationship between Long-term use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Kidney Function in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Koo Bon San , Hwang Subin , Park Seo Young , Shin Ji Hui , Kim Tae-Hwan
Published: November 2022

Background
Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first-line treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), their effect on kidney function remains unclear. This longitudinal study investigated the correlation between long-term NSAID use and kidney function in patients with AS using electronic medical records.
Methods
The electronic medical records of 1,280 patients with AS collected from a single center between January 2001 and December 2018 were reviewed. The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) NSAID Intake Score was used to determine the cumulative dose of all NSAIDs prescribed for a different time intervals. Each ASAS NSAID Intake Score was obtained for intervals of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years. The correlation between the ASAS NSAID Intake Score and final estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for each interval was investigated.
Results
The mean ASAS Intake Scores for 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year intervals were 55.30, 49.28, 44.84, 44.14, 44.61, and 41.17, respectively. At each interval, the pearson correlation coefficients were − 0.018 (95% CI: -0.031 ‒ -0.006, p = 0.004), -0.021 (95% CI: -0.039 ‒ -0.004, p = 0.018), -0.045 (95% CI: -0.071 ‒ -0.019, p = 0.001), -0.069 (95% CI: -0.102 ‒ -0.037, p < 0.001), -0.070 (95% CI: -0.114 ‒ -0.026, p = 0.002), -0.019 (95% CI: -0.099 ‒ 0.062, p = 0.645), respectively. There was a very weak negative relationship between ASAS Intake Score and eGFR at each interval.
Conclusion
Long-term NSAID use did not correlate with kidney function based on real-world data in patients with AS.
Radially Oscillating Incompressible Hyperelastic Multi-layer Tubes: Interface Effects and Energy Approach
Authors: Yucesoy Atacan , Pence Thomas
Published: November 2022

In the context of the extensively studied problem for finite amplitude radial motion of incompressible isotropic hyperelastic cylinders, we consider the effect of material property discontinuity on the response of finite thickness multilayer tubes. This enables explicit characterization of the effect of layer differences (density mismatch, constitutive parameter mismatch (e.g. shear moduli), and interface location). Example demonstration is given in terms of the phase-plane treatment for free oscillation of a two-layer Mooney-Rivlin tube. Equivalent results are then obtained by a fully independent energy treatment which proceeds with no mention of the concept of stress. The second order equation of motion emerges both by a Lagrangian treatment and also by Hamilton's principle.
Evaluation of CMIP5 Decadal Precipitation at Catchment level
Authors: Hossain Md Monowar , Anwar A. H. M. Faisal , Garg Nikhil , Prakash Mahesh , Bari Mohammed
Published: November 2022

The fidelity of the decadal experiment in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase-5 (CMIP5) has been examined, over different climate variables for different temporal and spatial scales, in many previous studies. Most of the studies were, however, for the temperature and temperature-based climate indices. A quite limited study was conducted on precipitation of decadal experiment and no attention was paid to a catchment level. This study evaluates the performances of eight GCMs (MIROC4h, EC-EARTH, MRI-CGCM3, MPI-ESM-MR, MPI-ESM-LR, MIROC5, CMCC-CM, and CanCM4) for the monthly hindcast precipitation of decadal experiment over the Brisbane River catchment in Queensland, Australia. First, the GCMs datasets were spatially interpolated onto a spatial resolution of 0.05o×0.05o (5 km×5 km) matching with the grids of observed data and then were cut for the catchment. Next, model outputs are evaluated for temporal skills, dry and wet periods, and total precipitation (over time and space) based on the observed values. Comparing the skills, models are divided into three categories (Category-I: MIROC4h, EC-EARTH and MRI-CGCM3; Category-II: MPI-ESM-LR and MPI-ESM-MR; and Category-III: MIROC5, CanCM4, and CMCC-CM). Three multi-model ensembles’ mean (MMEMs) are formed using the arithmetic mean of Category-I (MMEM1), Category-I and II (MMEM2), and all eight models (MMEM3). The performances of MMEMs are also assessed using the same skill tests and found MMEM2 performed best which suggests evaluating the models is an important step before the formation of MMEM using GCM models.
Is it meaningful to add mesh reinforcement to laparoscopic fundoplication for esophageal hiatal hernias?
Authors: Tsuboi Kazuto , Masuda Takahiro , Omura Nobuo , Hoshino Masato , Yamamoto Se-Ryung , Akimoto Shunsuke , Sakashita Yuki , Fukushima Naoko , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Takahashi Keita , Yano Fumiaki , Eto Ken
Published: November 2022

Background: While laparoscopic fundoplication is a standard surgical procedure for patients with esophageal hiatal hernias, the postoperative recurrence of esophageal hiatal hernias is a problem for patients with giant hernias, elderly patients, or obese patients. Although there are some reports indicating that reinforcement with mesh is effective, there are differing opinions regarding the use thereof.
Purpose: We investigated whether mesh reinforcement is effective for laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with esophageal hiatus hernias.
Patients and Methods: The subjects included 280 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication as the initial surgery for giant esophageal hiatal hernias, elderly patients aged 75 years or older, and obese patients with a BMI of 28 or higher, who were considered at risk of recurrent hiatal hernias based on the previous reports. Of the subject patients, 91 cases without mesh and 86 cases following the stabilization of mesh use were extracted in order to compare the postoperative course including the pathology, symptom scores, surgical outcome, and recurrence of esophageal hiatus hernias.
Results: The preoperative conditions indicated that the degree of esophageal hiatal hernias was high in the mesh group (p=0.0001), while the preoperative symptoms indicated that the score of heartburn was high in the non-mesh group (p=0.0287). Although the surgical results indicated that the mesh group underwent a longer operation time (p<0.0001) and a higher frequency of intraoperative complications (p=0.037), the rate of recurrence of esophageal hiatal hernia was significantly low (p=0.049), with the rate of postoperative reflux esophagitis also tending to be low (p=0.083).
Conclusions: Mesh reinforcement in laparoscopic fundoplication for esophageal hiatal hernias contributes to preventing the recurrence of esophageal hiatal hernias when it comes to patient options based on these criteria.
Cost-utility analysis of genomic profiling in early breast cancer in Colombia
Authors: Rojas Leonardo , Rojas-Reyes María , Rosselli Diego , Ariza Juan Guillermo , Ruiz-Patiño Alejandro , Cardona Andres F.
Published: November 2022

Background: In Colombia, the best strategy to establish indication for adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer (EBC) remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the cost-utility of Oncotype DX™ (ODX) or Mammaprint™ (MMP) tests to establish the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Methods: This study used an adapted decision-analytic model to compare cost and outcomes of care between ODX or MMP tests and routine care without ODX or MMP tests (adjuvant chemotherapy for all patients) over a 5-year time horizon from the perspective of the Colombian National Health System (NHS; payer). Inputs were obtained from national unit cost tariffs, published literature, and clinical trial database. The study population comprised women with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative, lymph-node-negative (LN0) EBC with high-risk clinical criteria for recurrence. The outcome measures were discounted incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR; 2021 United States dollar per quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained) and net monetary benefit (NMB).Probabilistic (PSA) and deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA) were performed.
Results: ODX increases QALYs by 0.05 and MMP by 0.03 with savings of $2,374 and $554 compared with the standard strategy, respectively, and were cost-saving in cost-utility plane. NMB for ODX was $2,203 and for MMP was $416. Both tests dominate the standard strategy. Sensitivity analysis revealed that with a threshold of 1 gross domestic product per capita, ODX will be cost-utility in 95.5% of the cases compared with 70.2% cases involving MMP.DSA showed that the variable with significant influence was the monthly cost of adjuvant chemotherapy. PSA revealed that ODX was a consistently superior strategy.
Conclusions: Genomic profiling using ODX or MMP tests to define the need of adjuvant chemotherapy treatment in patients with HR+ and HER2− EBC is a cost-utility strategy that allows Colombian NHS to maintain budget.
Primary care physicians and gender medicine: validation of the Italian version of Nijmegen Gender Awareness in Medicine Scale (N-GAMS)
Authors: Gattino Silvia , Molinengo Giorgia , De Piccoli Norma
Published: November 2022

Objective To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nijmegen Gender Awareness Scale – N-GAMS to the Italian context.
Methods The structure of N-GAMS was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and its invariance was tested with multigroup techniques The criterion-related validity of the measure was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient with physician empathy and ambivalent sexism
Results 431 Italian physicians (44.5% women; Mage = 50.1) completed the Italian version of N-GAMS along with measures of physician’s empathy and sexism. 311 were primary care physicians and 120 were medical students specializing in primary care. CFA showed that the N-GAMS consists of three factors: Gender Sensitivity (GS), Gender-Role Ideology toward Patients (GRI-P), and Gender-Role Ideology toward Doctors (GRI-D). Multigroup analysis showed that N-GAMS was invariant between women and men and between physicians in service and postgraduate medical students. Finally, N-GAMS showed satisfactory concurrent criterion‑related validity for both physician empathy and ambivalent sexism.
Conclusion This study provides an opportunity to extend current knowledge about the psychometric qualities of the N-GAMS for assessing gender awareness in physicians in training
Practice Implications The Italian version of the N-GAMS appears to be a robust psychological instrument for use in research and clinical settings.
Qos Aware Routing Protocol Using Robust Spatial Gabriel Graph Based Custering Scheme for Adhoc Network
Authors: T.B Sivakumar , Hussain Hasan , G Sugitha
Published: November 2022

MANET (Mobile Ad hoc Network) comprises of a set of wireless mobile node connected in a self-healing and self-configured network devoid of any fixed infrastructure. The major challenge in this ad-hoc network is that the network should adapts the multicast interactions to the condition at which there is an occurrence of infinite flexibility and repeated failures. The cognitive radio (CR) in the MANET system has been developed for addressing this problem of spectrum congestion thereby enabling the cognitive users to utilize the spectrum that are underused in that way mitigating the interference among the users. Also, at the transmission process there is a problem of primary radio’s protection (PRs). In traditional approaches, the problem of transmission process is rectified by employing an optimal solution based on various algorithms and in turn reduces the PRs interference. However, the existing techniques failed to solves the complex convex problem of channel assignment. To address this issue, the proposed protocol is designed. In the proposed scheme, both primary user (PU) and secondary user (SU) are clustered initially based on the graph theory process. After that, in each cluster, formation of Robust spatial Gabriel Graph takes place at which the neighbouring nodes are predicted by estimating the weighted end-to-end delay approach. Once the multi path decision making condition is satisfied, the route path is established, and the communication takes place based on QoS constraint. This RS-GG can easily update their neighbouring list and is capable of adjusting the transmission power. This can lead to the improved rate of PDR, network connectivity maintenance and too enhances the network lifetime. The performance analysis of the proposed methods is carried out in terms of PDR, control overheads, energy consumption, and End-to-End delay and the analysis is compared with existing protocols to compare the variation and to prove the effectiveness of proposed protocol designed. The simulation outcomes illustrate that the suggested strategy performs well and improves the transmission of data with the best optimal solutions.
Association between vitamin D supplementation and fracture incidence in community-dwelling older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tu Hengjia , Zhang Yuzhuo , You Zhixuan , Zhang Xintian
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have reached different conclusions regarding the effect of vitamin D supplementation and the incidence of fractures in the elderly. As more and more high-quality studies are published, an updated Meta-analysis is needed. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases (from creation date to September 10, 2022) using the keywords vitamin D and fracture. We also searched at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ to search for unpublished clinical studies. Randomized clinical trials comparing vitamin D supplements with a placebo or no treatment for fracture incidence in community-dwelling adults older than 50 years was included. Hip fracture was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were total fracture, vertebral fracture, and nonvertebral fracture. The protocol is available in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022360619). A total of 15 randomized trials involving 53291 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Supplementing with vitamin D had no significant effect on reducing the incidence of hip fracture (RR = 1.18, [95% CI, 0.99 − 0.41]), total fracture (RR = 1.01, [95% CI, 0.92–1.11]), vertebral fracture (RR = 0.97, [95% CI, 0.54–1.77]), or non-vertebral fracture (RR = 1.04, [95% CI, 0.97–1.12]). On the contrary, taking high doses of vitamin D once a year may increase the incidence of hip fractures (OR = 1.44, [95% CI, 1.03–2.02]). Besides, being in a low-light environment increased the incidence of hip fractures (OR = 1.25, [95% CI, 1.01–1.55]). There were no significant findings from subgroup analyses based on sex, fracture history, calcium consumption, baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin levels, or trial durations. Vitamin D use in community-dwelling older adults does not reduce the risk of fracture. High doses of vitamin D at one-year intervals may even increase the risk of fracture. In addition, older adults in low sunlight exposure areas had a higher risk of fracture regardless of vitamin D use.
Cellular population dynamics shape the route to human pluripotency
Authors: Elvassore Nicola , Gagliano Onelia , Panariello Francesco , Luni Camilla , Grimaldi Antonio , Angiolillo Silvia , Qin Wei , Manfredi Anna , Annunziata Patrizia , Slovin Shaked , Vaccaro Lorenzo , Riccardo Sara , Bouche Valentina , Dionisi Manuela , Salvi Marcello , Martewicz Sebastian , Hu Manli , Cui Meihua , Stuart Hannah , Laterza Cecilia , Baruzzo Giacomo , Schiebinger Geoffrey , Camillo Barbara Di , Cacchiarelli Davide
Published: November 2022

Human cellular reprogramming to induced pluripotency is still an inefficient process and this has long hindered the study of the role of critical intermediate stages. We take advantage of high efficiency reprogramming in microfluidics and temporal multi-omics to identify and resolve distinct sub-populations and their interactions. The combination of secretome analysis and single-cell transcriptomics shows functional extrinsic pathways of protein communication between reprogramming sub-populations and the re-shaping of a permissive extracellular environment.
We pinpointed the HGF/MET/STAT3 axis as a potent enhancer of reprogramming, which acts via HGF accumulation within the confined system of microfluidics, and in conventional dishes needs to be supplied exogenously to enhance efficiency.
Our data integrate the notion of human cellular reprogramming as a transcription factor-driven process, with the concept that it is deeply dependent on extracellular context and cell population determinants.
Jointly Optimize Energy Harvest Time and Device Pairing for D2D Communications underlaying Cellular Network
Authors: Wang Chaochao , Yang Kun , Hu Jie , Mei Haibo , Wang Ping
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, to realize device sustainability and prolong device working time, energy harvest (EH) has been introduced into D2D communication networks that allow each D2D equipment (DUE) to harvest the radio frequency (RF) energy from the facilities in proximity. However, in such an EH-enabled D2D network, it is challenging to integrate EH with the device pairing mechanism that is critical to the performance of the network. To this problem, we propose an optimization algorithm in this paper that jointly optimizes the energy harvesting time and the pairing for each DUE in a close-form to obtain the maximum throughput of the EH-enabled D2D network. In the proposed algorithm, each DUE will go through two mutually influenced stages, i.e., EH stage and information transmit stage, in which the device pairing will take the energy status of the candidate DUEs into consideration. The numerical results demonstrate that the joint optimization algorithm has a significant increased throughput for the EH-enabled D2D network, compared with other benchmark solutions.