bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A solid-to-solid metallic conversion electrochemistry toward 91% zinc utilization for sustainable aqueous batteries
Authors: Hou Zhiguo , Zhang Tengsheng , Liu Xin , Xu Zhibin , Liu Jiahao , Zhou Wanhai , Qian Yitai , Fan Hong Jin , Chao Dongliang , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: October 2022

The diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) of metal ion (M
n+
) during the repeated solid-to-liquid (StoL) plating and liquid-to-solid (LtoS) stripping processes intensifies fatal dendrite growth of the metallic anodes. Here, we report a new solid-to-solid (StoS) conversion electrochemistry to inhibit dendrites and improve the utilization ratio of metals. In this StoS strategy, reversible conversion reactions between sparingly soluble carbonates (Zn or Cu) and their corresponding metals have been identified at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm the superiority of the StoS process with accelerated anion transport, which eliminates the DLA and dendrites in the conventional LtoS/StoL processes. As proof of concept, 2ZnCO
3
·3Zn(OH)
2
exhibits a high zinc utilization of ca. 95.7% in the asymmetry cell and 91.3% in a 2ZnCO
3
·3Zn(OH)
2
|| Ni-based full cell with 80% capacity retention over 2000 cycles. Furthermore, the designed 1-Ah pouch cell device can operate stably with 500 cycles, delivering a satisfactory total energy density of 135 Wh kg
−1
.
Highly efficient and stable deep-blue organic light-emitting diode using phosphor-sensitized thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Authors: Kim Eungdo , Park Junha , Jun Mieun , Shin Hyosup , Baek Jangyeol , Kim Taeil , Kim Seran , Lee Jiyoung , Ahn Heechoon , Sun Jinwon , Ko Soo-Byung , Hwang Seok-Hwan , Lee Jun Yeob , Chu Changwoong , Kim Sunghan
Published: October 2022

Phosphorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been developed to overcome the low efficiency of fluorescent OLEDs. However, device instability, originating from triplet excitons and polarons, limits blue OLED applications. Here, we develop a phosphor-sensitized TADF emission system with TADF emitters to achieve high efficiency and long operational lifetime. Peripheral carbazole moieties are introduced in conventional multi-resonance–type emitters containing one boron atom. The triplet exciton density of the TADF emitter is reduced by facilitating reverse intersystem crossing, and the Förster resonant energy transfer rate from phosphor sensitizer is enhanced by high absorption coefficient of the emitters. The emitter exhibited an operational lifetime of 72.9 hours with Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage chromaticity coordinate
y
= 0.165, which was 6.6 times longer than those of devices using conventional TADF emitters.
Association of hyperopia with incident clinically significant depression: epidemiological and genetic evidence in the middle-aged and older population
Authors: Du Zijing , Zhang Xiayin , Hu Yijun , Huang Yu , Bulloch Gabriella , Shang Xianwen , Liang Yingying , Wu Guanrong , Wang Yaxin , Xiao Yu , Kong Huiqian , Lawali Dan Jouma Amadou Maman , Hu Yunyan , Zhu Zhuoting , Yang Xiaohong , Yu Honghua
Published: October 2022

Aims

To investigate the association between hyperopia and clinically significant depression (CSD) in middle-aged and older individuals. The effect of genetic determinants of hyperopia on incident CSD was also explored.

Methods

We included participants who had available data on mean spherical equivalent (MSE) and were free of depression at baseline from the UK Biobank. For the phenotypic association, hyperopia was defined as MSE of+2.00 dioptres (D) or greater, and was divided into mild, moderate and high groups. Diagnosis of CSD across follow-up was determined based on electronic hospital inpatients records. For the genetic association analysis, the association between hyperopia Polygenic Risk Score and incident CSD was assessed. Mendelian randomisation was assessed for causality association.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 11.11 years (IQR: 10.92–11.38), hyperopia was significantly associated with incident CSD independent of genetic risk (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.59) compared with emmetropia participants, especially in those hyperopic patients without optical correction (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.76). In addition, participants in the high degree of hyperopia were more likely to have incident CSD than participants in the mild degree of hyperopia (P for trend=0.009). Genetic analyses did not show any significant associations between hyperopia and incident CSD (p≥0.1).

Conclusions

Hyperopia was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident CSD. This was independent of genetic predisposition to hyperopia, emphasising the importance of regular vision screening and correction of hyperopia to reduce the risk of CSD regardless of genetic risk.
Impact of COVID-19 infection rates on admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions: nationwide difference-in-difference design in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Makoto , Shimizu Sayuri , Oishi Ai , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: October 2022

Objectives

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) has affected tertiary medical institutions and primary care. Admission for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) is an important indicator of primary care quality. However, no nationwide study, especially in Asia, has examined the association between admissions for ACSCs and local surges in COVID-19. This study aimed to examine how the number of admissions for ACSCs has changed in Japan between the areas with higher and lower rates of COVID-19 infection.

Design

This was a retrospective two-stage cross-sectional study. We employed a difference-in-difference design to compare the number of hospital admissions for ACSCs between the areas with higher and lower rates of COVID-19 infection in Japan.

Setting

The study used a nationwide database in Japan.

Participants

All patients were aged 20 years and above and were admitted due to ACSCs during the study period between March and September 2019 (before the pandemic) and between March and September 2020 (during the pandemic).

Results

The total number of ACSC admissions was 464 560 (276 530 in 2019 and 188 030 in 2020). The change in the number of admissions for ACSCs per 100 000 was not statistically significant between the areas with higher and lower rates of COVID-19 infection: 7.50 (95% CI −87.02 to 102.01). In addition, in acute, chronic and preventable ACSCs, the number of admissions per 100 000 individuals did not change significantly.

Conclusion

Although admissions for ACSCs decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant change between the areas with higher and lower rates of COVID-19 infection. This implies that the COVID-19 pandemic affected the areas with higher infection rates and the areas with lower rates.
Heterozygous pathogenic variants involvingCBFBcause a new skeletal disorder resembling cleidocranial dysplasia
Authors: Beyltjens Tessi , Boudin Eveline , Revencu Nicole , Boeckx Nele , Bertrand Miriam , Schütz Leon , Haack Tobias B , Weber Axel , Biliouri Eleni , Vinkšel Mateja , Zagožen Anja , Peterlin Borut , Pai Shashidhar , Telegrafi Aida , Henderson Lindsay B , Ells Courtney , Turner Lesley , Wuyts Wim , Van Hul Wim , Hendrickx Gretl , Mortier Geert R
Published: October 2022

Background

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare skeletal dysplasia with significant clinical variability. Patients with CCD typically present with delayed closure of fontanels and cranial sutures, dental anomalies, clavicular hypoplasia or aplasia and short stature. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2)is currently the only known disease-causing gene for CCD, but several studies have suggested locus heterogeneity.

Methods

The cohort consists of eight subjects from five unrelated families partially identified through GeneMatcher. Exome or genome sequencing was applied and in two subjects the effect of the variant was investigated at RNA level.

Results

In each subject a heterozygous pathogenic variant inCBFBwas detected, whereas no genomic alteration involvingRUNX2was found. ThreeCBFBvariants (one splice site alteration, one nonsense variant, one 2 bp duplication) were shown to result in a premature stop codon. A large intragenic deletion was found to delete exon 4, without affectingCBFBexpression. The effect of a second splice site variant could not be determined but most likely results in a shortened or absent protein. Affected individuals showed similarities withRUNX2-related CCD, including dental and clavicular abnormalities. Normal stature and neurocognitive problems were however distinguishing features.CBFBencodes the core-binding factor β subunit, which can interact with all RUNX proteins (RUNX1, RUNX2, RUNX3) to form heterodimeric transcription factors. This may explain the phenotypic differences betweenCBFB-related andRUNX2-related CCD.

Conclusion

We confirm the previously suggested locus heterogeneity for CCD by identifying five pathogenic variants inCBFBin a cohort of eight individuals with clinical and radiographic features reminiscent of CCD.
White supremacy culture and the assimilation trauma of medical training: ungaslighting the physician burnout discourse
Authors: Legha Rupinder K , Martinek Nathalie N
Published: October 2022

The physician burnout discourse emphasises organisational challenges and personal well-being as primary points of intervention. However, these foci have minimally impacted this worsening public health crisis by failing to address the primary sources of harm: oppression. Organised medicine’s whiteness, developed and sustained since the nineteenth century, has moulded training and clinical practice, favouring those who embody its oppressive ideals while punishing those who do not. Here, we reframe physician burnout as the trauma resulting from the forced assimilation into whiteness and the white supremacy culture embedded in medical training’s hidden curriculum. We argue that ‘ungaslighting’ the physician burnout discourse requires exposing the history giving rise to medicine’s whiteness and related white supremacy culture, rejecting discourses obscuring their harm, and using bold and radical frameworks to reimagine and transform medical training and practice into a reflective, healing process.
Retrodural space of Okada in the posterior ligamentous complex region: clinical and anatomical findings relevant to lumbar interlaminar epidural injection
Authors: Kim Shin Hyung , Cho Tae-Hyeon , Kim Hee Jung , Kwon Hyun-Jin , Kwak Hyun-Ho , Shin Kang-Jae , Lee Yong Suk , Yang Hun-Mu
Published: October 2022

Background

The retrodural space of Okada is a potential space posterior to the ligamentum flavum that allows communication with the bilateral facet joints. However, the actual anatomy of this space has not been clearly visualized to date. We sought to investigate the characteristics of patients showing contrast spreading to the facet joint space during epidural injection and to clarify the anatomical structures of the retrodural space and adjacent ligamentous tissues in cadaveric specimens.

Methods

Fluoroscopic images of patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided lumbar interlaminar epidural injection were assessed for contrast flow to the facet joints. Patient demographics, preprocedural imaging study findings, and epidural approaches were analyzed. The anatomical study included the sectional dissection, micro-CT imaging, and histological evaluation of lumbar spine specimens from 16 embalmed cadavers.

Results

Fluoroscopic images of 605 epidural injections were analyzed. Among them, 36 with inadvertent spread into the facet joints (5.9%) were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed that facet joint pathologies were significantly associated with inadvertent spread into the facet joints (OR 4.382; 95% CI 1.160 to 16.558; p=0.029). Micro-CT and histological findings consistently showed a retrodural space between the ligamentum flavum and interspinous ligament. Various anatomical communication routes in the posterior ligamentous complex leading to this space were observed in specimens with degenerative and pathological changes.

Conclusion

Degenerative and pathological facet joint changes were associated with a higher incidence of spread into the retrodural space during epidural injection. Our findings confirm anatomical evidence for a false loss of resistance before the needle enters the epidural space.
Autophagy in cell fate decisions: knowledge gained fromDrosophila
Authors: Lacarrière-Keïta Camille , Nassari Sonya , Jean Steve
Published: October 2022

Autophagy is an important process that maintains adult tissue homeostasis and functions by protecting cells in autonomous and non-cell-autonomous ways. By degrading toxic components or proteins involved in cell signaling pathways, autophagy preserves the balance among stem cells, progenitors, and differentiated cells in various tissues. In this minireview, we discuss recent studies performed in Drosophila that highlight new roles of autophagy in adult cell fate decisions, including quiescence, proliferation, differentiation, and death.
Current modulations of the metal-insulator phase transition in epitaxial thin films of Pr0.7Sr0.3MnO3
Authors: Jia Jikui , Liu Yunyun , Huang Chuanxin , Wang Meng , Wang Junbao , Zhang Bin , Zheng Yanbin , Tian Zhongjun , Lv Yiying , Gao Ju
Published: October 2022

Pr[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]MnO3 thin films were grown epitaxially on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 substrates by pulse laser deposition. X-ray diffraction spectra obtained on these films revealed good crystallinity and epitaxy. It was found that the oxygen deficiency and in-plane strain may affect the transport behavior and phase transition near Curie temperature in these Pr[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]MnO3 films. Also, the resistance and metal-insulator phase transition could be modulated significantly by the applied electric currents. The reduction ratio of the peak resistance reached −38% for a bias current [Formula: see text]A, demonstrating a remarkable electroresistance effect. The results are interpreted based on the spatial inhomogeneity related to the coexisted multi-phases with different electronic and magnetic properties.
A Robust Two-Step Modulus-Based Matrix Splitting Iteration Method for Mixed-Size Cell Circuit Legalization Problem
Authors: Zhou Chen-Can , Cao Yang , Shi Quan , Qiu Jie
Published: October 2022

As semiconductor manufacturing moves into the nanotechnology era, mixed-size standard cell circuit designs have become mainstream, but they also pose significant challenges to placement. To address the mixed-size standard cell circuit legalization problem, in this paper, we first formulate it as a quadratic programming problem with nonnegative constraints, resulting in an equivalent linear complementarity problem (LCP). In particular, the system matrix involved in the LCP is positive semi-definite, so we perturb it to a positive-definite matrix. Then, we cast the linear complementarity problem as an equivalent implicit fixed-point equation. To improve the convergence rate of the class of modulus-based matrix splitting iteration method (MMS), we develop a robust two-step MMS to solve the fixed-point equation. Finally, we analyze the convergence property and illustrate the approximation of the solution between the perturbed LCP and the original LCP. Numerical experiments for the legalization problem are provided, and the results reveal that our approach is competitive with the existing state-of-the-art methods for solving mixed-size cell circuit legalization problems.
Trust-Based Permissioned Blockchain Network for Identification and Authentication of Internet of Smart Devices: An E-Commerce Prospective
Authors: Babu Erukala Suresh , Kavati Ilaiah , Cheruku Ramalingaswamy , Nayak Soumya Ranjan , Ghosh Uttam
Published: October 2022

The Internet of Things refers to billions of devices around us connected to the wireless internet. These IoT devices are memory-constrained devices that can collect and transfer data over the network without human assistance. Recently, IoT is materialized in retail commerce, transforming from recognition service to post-purchase engagement service. IoT examples in retail commerce are smart refrigerators, smart speakers, smart washing machines, smart automobiles, and automatic re-purchase of groceries using RFID tags. Despite the rise, one of the significant inconveniences slowing rapid adaption is the “security” of these devices, which are vulnerable to various attacks. One such attack is Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks targeting offline or online sensitive data. Hence, a lightweight cryptographic mechanism needs to establish secure communication among IoT devices. This paper presents the solution to secure communication among IoT devices using a permissioned blockchain network. Specifically, in this work, we proposed a mechanism for identifying and authenticating the smart devices using the Elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC) protocol. This proposed work uses permissioned blockchain infrastructure, which acts as a source of trust that aids the authentication process using ECC cryptosystem. In addition, lightweight Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) technology is also used to securely store the device’s keys. Using this technology, the private keys need not be stored anywhere, but it is generated on the fly from the trusted zone whenever the private key is required.
Innovative Evaluation Method of Government Physical Education Training Quality Based on Fuzzy Mathematics
Authors: Peng Jiangui , Xu Jianzheng , Wang Yeni
Published: October 2022

Current sports training quality evaluation methods cannot accurately detect the integrity of training data, resulting in low accuracy of training quality evaluation. Considering the function of the government in providing public sports services and the role of the government in coordinating the sports training of all parties, this paper puts forward an innovative evaluation method of government physical education training quality based on fuzzy mathematics. First of all, the real-time data on sports training sensor signal is obtained by using
SiCN (Silicon Carbonitride)
sensor, and the real-time detection circuit and data amplification module are designed. Based on the core hardware for instant data detection of sports training sensor signal, a fuzzy support vector machine model is established to detect the integrity of government sports innovation training data, reconstruct the track of sports training action, and thus construct an innovative evaluation model of government sports training quality based on heredity and support vector machine. Experimental results show that compared with existing methods, the proposed method has higher accuracy in data integrity detection, better reconstruction effect in sports training action, with evaluation results reaching more than 90 points.
Impact of Carbon Binder Domain on the Performance of Lithium-metal Batteries
Authors: Boso Francesca , Li Weiyu , Um Kimoon , Tartakovsky Daniel M.
Published: October 2022

Pseudo-2-dimensional models are routinely used to predict the lithiation curves for energy storage devices, including lithium-metal batteries. The performance of such models is as good as their parameterization, which remains a challenge especially in the presence of carbon binder domain (CBD). We propose two alternative parameterization strategies, which explicitly account for the CBD volume fraction and physical properties. The first aggregates CBD with the electrolyte-filled pore space and expresses the Bruggeman exponent in terms of a solution of microstructure-specific closure problem. The second treats CBD and active particles as a composite solid phase, whose effective properties are computed (semi-)analytically via homogenization. We show that the latter strategy used to parameterize the Doyle-Fuller-Newman model provides an attractive middle ground between the model complexity and the prediction accuracy. Our modeling results suggest that the battery discharge time decreases as either the CBD volume fraction increases or the CBD ionic diffusivity decreases, and is insensitive to the CBD ionic conductivity. The quantitative nature of these observations can be used in the optimal design of porous cathodes.
Extraction of Distribution Function of Relaxation Times by using DRT-RBLM Tools: A New Approach to Combine Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm and Radial Basis Functions for Discretization Basis
Authors: Kunaver M. , Rojec Ž. , Subotić V. , Pereverzyev S. , Žic M.
Published: October 2022

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful tool for the analysis of different power sources and various materials. One of the methods used for studying EIS data is the distribution function of relaxation times (DRT). EIS data can be converted into a Fredholm integral of the first kind; and DRT extraction is known to be an inverse ill-posed problem. Herein, a new strategy to extract DRT by applying the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LMA) is proposed. The Jacobian matrix appearing in LMA is partially numerically approximated by applying the radial basis function as a basis for the discretization. DRT data are smoothed by the application of the finite difference matrix and the negative values are avoided by the limits application. The tests conducted with ZARCs/FRACs synthetic data show that the extracted DRT profiles correspond well to their analytical counterparts. The application of LMA in solving Fredholm integral equation of the first kind (i.e., DRT extraction) resulted in the automatic tuning of the regularization parameter. The aforementioned findings show that by modifying LMA it is possible to both solve the Fredholm integral equation of the first kind in a completely data-driven way and to obtain the applicable DRT data for general EIS study.
A Carboxylic Ester-Based Electrolyte with Additive to Improve Performance of Lithium Batteries at Ultra-Low Temperature
Authors: Lai Pengbin , Hua Haiming , Huang Boyang , Zhang Peng , Zhao Jinbao
Published: October 2022

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are the promising battery system to push energy density to high level at low temperatures. In this work, the linear carboxylic esters methyl propionate (MP)-based electrolyte with 4 wt% fluorinated ethylene carbonate (FEC) is reported. The low melting point and viscosity of MP makes it the candidate solvent for the low temperature field. Assisted with FEC, the optimized electrolyte shows quite high ionic conductivity and better compatibility with separator and lithium metal anode, resulting in stable cycling performance at room temperature. Besides, it keeps liquid state at −70 °C and exhibits lower binding energy with lithium ion, enabling the Li/LiCoO2 batteries to cycle at −40 °C for 60 cycles. Apart from that, this battery can retain 88.6% discharge capacity at −70 °C of that at room temperature, reaching the highest discharge capacity retention at this ultra-low temperature to the best of our knowledge. This work demonstrates a simple but effective way to design the electrolytes with excellent low temperature performance.
A Novel Ga2O3 Superjunction LDMOS Using P-Type Diamond with Improved Performance
Authors: Kong Moufu , Gao Jiacheng , Cheng Zeyu , Hu Zewei , Zhang Bingke
Published: October 2022

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) has drawn remarkable attention for next generation power electronics applications. However, the development of Ga2O3 power devices is seriously restricted due to its inefficient p-type dopants and low thermal conductivity. In this article, a novel Ga2O3 superjunction (SJ) LDMOS (laterally-diffused metal-oxide semiconductor) device with introduction of a p-type diamond layer in the drift region is proposed and numerical investigated. The drift region of the proposed Ga2O3 device consists of n-type Ga2O3, Al2O3 and p-type diamond, which is not only increases the breakdown voltage (BV) and reduces the specific on-resistance (R
on,sp), but also improves thermal performance of the device. The simulation results show that the BV and R
on,sp of the proposed device are 23.22 mΩ·cm2 and 7000 V, which are improved by more than 82.3% and 133% compared with those the conventional gate-connected filed-plate Ga2O3 lDMOS with a R
on,sp of 131.43 mΩ·cm2 and a BV of 3000 V, respectively. Moreover, the thermal performance of the proposed Ga2O3 SJ LDMOS is also improved dramatically, although the power density of the proposed device is about 5.7 times higher than that of the conventional device.
Ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39) impacts TGF-β1 responses: insights into cardiac fibrosis and function following myocardial infarction
Authors: Novitskaya Tatiana , Nishat Shamama , Covarrubias Roman , Wheeler Debra G. , Chepurko Elena , Bermeo-Blanco Oscar , Xu Zhaobin , Baer Bradly , He Heng , Moore Stephanie N. , Dwyer Karen M. , Cowan Peter J. , Su Yan Ru , Absi Tarek S. , Schoenecker Jonathan , Bellan Leon M. , Koch Walter J. , Bansal Shyam , Feoktistov Igor , Robson Simon C. , Gao Erhe , Gumina Richard J.
Published: October 2022

We show that CD39 is a critical modulator of TGF-β1-mediated fibroblast activation and cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction via modulation of nucleotide signaling. TGF-β1-induced CD39 expression generates a negative feedback loop that attenuates cardiac fibroblast activation. In the absence of CD39 activity, collagen deposition is increased, elastin expression is decreased, and diastolic dysfunction is worsened. Treatment with ecto-apyrase attenuates the TGF-β1-induced profibrotic cardiac fibroblast phenotype, revealing a novel approach to combat post-myocardial infarction cardiac fibrosis.
Multisystem physiological perspective of human frailty and its modulation by physical activity
Authors: Taylor Joseph A. , Greenhaff Paul L. , Bartlett David B. , Jackson Thomas A. , Duggal Niharika A. , Lord Janet M.
Published: October 2022

“Frailty” is a term used to refer to a state characterized by enhanced vulnerability to, and impaired recovery from, stressors compared with a nonfrail state, which is increasingly viewed as a loss of resilience. With increasing life expectancy and the associated rise in years spent with physical frailty, there is a need to understand the clinical and physiological features of frailty and the factors driving it. We describe the clinical definitions of age-related frailty and their limitations in allowing us to understand the pathogenesis of this prevalent condition. Given that age-related frailty manifests in the form of functional declines such as poor balance, falls, and immobility, as an alternative we view frailty from a physiological viewpoint and describe what is known of the organ-based components of frailty, including adiposity, the brain, and neuromuscular, skeletal muscle, immune, and cardiovascular systems, as individual systems and as components in multisystem dysregulation. By doing so we aim to highlight current understanding of the physiological phenotype of frailty and reveal key knowledge gaps and potential mechanistic drivers of the trajectory to frailty. We also review the studies in humans that have intervened with exercise to reduce frailty. We conclude that more longitudinal and interventional clinical studies are required in older adults. Such observational studies should interrogate the progression from a nonfrail to a frail state, assessing individual elements of frailty to produce a deep physiological phenotype of the syndrome. The findings will identify mechanistic drivers of frailty and allow targeted interventions to diminish frailty progression.
GNAI2 Is a Risk Factor for Gastric Cancer: Study of Tumor Microenvironment (TME) and Establishment of Immune Risk Score (IRS)
Authors: Yu Han , Liu Sha , Wu ZuGuang , Gao FenFei
Published: October 2022

Purpose. Although the G protein subunit α i2 (GNAI2) is upregulated in multiple cancers, its prognostic value and exact role in the development of gastric cancer (GC) remain largely unknown. Methods. This study evaluated the effect of GNAI2 on the tumor microenvironment (TME) in GC, constructed an immune risk score (IRS) model based on differentially-expressed immune genes, and systematically correlated GNAI2 and epigenetic factor expression patterns with TME and IRS. Also, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting (WB), and transwell assays were carried out to explore the regulatory mechanism of GNAI2 in GC. Results. High GNAI2 expression was associated with poor prognosis. Cytokine activation, an increase in tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIIC), and the accumulation of regulatory T cells in the tumor immune cycle were all promoted by the TME, which was significantly associated with GNAI2 expression. Two different differentially expressed mRNA (DER) modification patterns were determined. These two DERs-clusters had significantly different TME cell infiltrations and were classified as either noninflamed or immune-inflamed phenotypes. The IRS model constructed using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) had great potential in predicting GC prognosis. The IRS model was also used in assessing clinicopathological features, such as microsatellite instability (MSI) status, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) status, clinical stages, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scores. Low IRS scores were associated with high immune checkpoint gene expression. Cell and animal studies confirmed that GNAI2 activated PI3K/AKT pathway and promoted the growth and migration of GC cells. Conclusion. The IRS model can be used for survival prediction and GNAI2 serves as a candidate therapeutic target for GC patients.
Using AAEHS-Net as an Attention-Based Auxiliary Extraction and Hybrid Subsampled Network for Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Zhao Shan , Wang Yibo , Tian Kaiwen
Published: October 2022

Semantic segmentation based on deep learning has undergone remarkable advancements in recent years. However, due to the neglect of the shallow features, the problems of inaccurate segmentation have persisted. To address this issue, a semantic segmentation network-attention-based auxiliary extraction and hybrid subsampled network (AAEHS-Net) is suggested in this study. To extract more deep information and the shallow features, the complementary and enhanced extraction module (CEEM) is utilized by the network. As a result, the edge segmentation of the model is improved. Moreover, to reduce the loss of features, a hybrid subsampled module (HSM) is introduced. Meanwhile, global max pool and global avg pool module (GAGM) is designed as an attention module to enhance the features with global and important information and maintain feature continuity. The proposed AAEHS-Net is evaluated on three datasets: the aerial drone image dataset, the Massachusetts roads dataset, and the Massachusetts buildings dataset. On the three datasets, AAEHS-Net achieves 1.15%, 0.88%, and 2.1% higher accuracy than U-Net, reaching 90.12%, 96.23%, and 95.15%, respectively. At the same time, our proposed network has obtained the best values for all evaluation metrics in three datasets compared to the currently popular algorithms.
Downregulation of miR-146a-5p Promotes Acute Pancreatitis through Activating the TLR9/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway by Targeting TRAF6 In Vitro Rat Model
Authors: Deng Dehai , Su Zhou , Wei Biwei , Zhou Jie , Yang Huiying , Liang Zhihai
Published: October 2022

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is mainly caused by acinar cells releasing various inflammatory factors, causing inflammatory storms and leading to severe pancreatitis. Detection methods and treatment targets for pancreatitis are lacking, raising the urgency of identifying diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for AP. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been identified as molecular markers for various biological processes such as tumors, immunity, and metabolism, and the involvement of miRNAs in inflammatory responses has been increasingly studied. To explore the role of miRNAs in AP is the primary objective of this study. By using qPCR on our cerulein-induced pancreatitis cell model, it is worth noting that the change of miR-146a-5p expression in inflammation-related miRNAs in AP was predominant. Next, ELISA, CCK8, and flow cytometry were used to inspect the impact of miR-146a-5p on pancreatitis. BiBiServ bioinformatics anticipated binding ability of miR-146a-5p and 3

′

-untranslated region (3

′

UTR) of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and the dual-luciferase assay verified the combination of the two. TRAF6 knockdown verified the effect of TRAF6 on the progression of pancreatitis. Finally, rescue experiments verified the capability of miR-146a-5p and TRAF6 interaction on the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway and cell function. The expression of miR-146a-5p decreased in cerulein-induced AR42J pancreatic acinar cells. Functional experiments verified that miR-146a-5p facilitated the proliferation of AR42J pancreatic acinar cells and inhibited their apoptosis. Bioinformatic predictions and dual-luciferase experiments verified the actual binding efficiency between miR-146a-5p and 3

′

UTR of TRAF6. Our study confirmed that knockdown of TRAF6 restrained the progression of pancreatitis, and knockdown of TRAF6 rescued pancreatitis caused by miR-146a-5p downregulation by the TLR9/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Therefore, downregulation of miR-146a-5p in the induced pancreatitis cell model promotes the progression of pancreatitis via the TLR9/TRAF6/NLRP3 signaling pathway. There is potential for miR-146a-5p to serve as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic nucleic acid drug for AP.
A New Decision-Making GMDH Neural Network: Effective for Limited and Fuzzy Data
Authors: Hong Xiaofeng , Zhao Yonghui , Kausar Nasreen , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Pamucar Dragan , Al Din Ide Nasr
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a new approach to solve multi-objective decision-making (DM) problems based on neural networks (NN). The utility evaluation function is estimated using the proposed group method of data handling (GMDH) NN. A series of training data is obtained based on a limited number of initial solutions to train the NN. The NN parameters are adjusted based on the error propagation training method and unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The designed DM is used in solving the practical problem, showing that the proposed method is very effective and gives favorable results, under limited fuzzy data. Also, the results of the proposed method are compared with some similar methods.
Effects of the Targeted Regulation of CCRK by miR-335-5p on the Proliferation and Tumorigenicity of Human Renal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zuo Xiaojia , Lu Chaojun , Zheng Yanjun , Lai Donglin , Liu Dingsheng , Wan Guoqing , Lu Changlian , Gu Xuefeng
Published: October 2022

Cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) is most closely related to cyclin-dependent protein kinase, which may activate cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and is associated with the growth of human cancer cells. However, the expression and function of CCRK in the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC) are unclear. Herein, this research aimed to explore the potential mechanism of the targeted regulation of CCRK by miR-335-5p on the proliferation and tumorigenicity of human ccRCC cells. The results showed that CCRK was significantly overexpressed in ccRCC tissues and cells, and knockdown of the CCRK expression by shRNA inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro, which indicated that CCRK could be a potential target for antitumour drugs in the treatment of ccRCC. Moreover, miR-335-5p was found to bind directly to the 3′ untranslated region of CCRK, was expressed at markedly low levels in ccRCC cells, and was closely associated with the tumour stage. The overexpression of CCRK partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-335-5p on the cell growth of ccRCC, which implied that miR-335-5p could serve as a promising tumour inhibitor for ccRCC. In summary, CCRK could serve as an alternative antitumour drug target, and miR-335-5p could be a promising therapeutic tumour inhibitor for ccRCC treatment.
Treatment of Gout with TCM Using Turmeric and Corn Silk: A Concise Review Article and Pharmacology Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Jiang Huizhong , Zhao Mengya , Xu Yan , Liang Jiabin , Ye Yufeng , Chen Hanwei
Published: October 2022

Objective. This work aimed to study the compounds, targets, and pathways of turmeric and corn silk for gout and to explore the mechanism of “the same disease with different treatments” based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods. We used the TCMSP, PubChem, and SEA databases to screen the compounds and targets of turmeric and corn silk, gout-related proteins through TTD, Drugbank, DisGeNET, GeneCards, OMIM, and PharmGkb, and used Cytoscape to construct a “compound-target-disease” network. Then, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and used Metascape to perform GO and KEGG analysis. Finally, molecular docking (SYBYL) was used to verify the degree of binding between key targets and compounds. Results. We found bisacumol, campesterol, and stigmasterol to be the main turmeric compounds that exerted a marked effect on gout treatment by targeting protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum through the HSPA1B, HSP90AB1, and STUB1 proteins. The main corn silk compound, Mandenol, treated gout by targeting the Hippo signaling pathway through the CTNNB1, YWHAG, and YWHAZ proteins. Conclusion. Turmeric and corn silk can treat the same disease, gout, through different pathways and targets. The scientific connotation of “same disease with different treatments” can be preliminarily clarified by analyzing targets and pathways.
Electric Discharge Machining of AZ91 Magnesium Hybrid Composites under Different Dielectric Mediums
Authors: Prakash T. , Ranjith R. , Krishna Mohan S. , Venkatesan S.
Published: October 2022

In this work, an attempt was made to machine the AZ91/5B4C/5Gr hybrid composites in a castor oil electric discharge medium with an objective of attaining green environment. The hybrid composites were produced using stir casting technique in a protective environment. Experiments were conducted by varying dielectric fluid (castor oil and hydrocarbon oil), tool materials (copper, graphite, and brass), polarity, current, pulse-on time, and gap distance in Al2O3 mixed dielectric medium. L36 Taguchi approach was adopted for the design of experiments, and machining performance was accessed in terms of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and surface roughness (Ra). Because of castor oil’s high thermal conductivity, high kinematic viscosity, and lower dielectric strength, the specimen exhibits 5% higher MRR than EDM oil. When the electrodes were connected to the negative polarity, the Ra was 1.72 μm and 3.66 μm at positive polarity; however, at negative polarity, the TWR was higher than the MRR. The high density and specific heat of castor oil facilitate flushing and uniform heat distribution; as a result, the composite had a Ra of 2.52 μm compared to 2.86 μm when machined with conventional EDM oil. Surface topography showed the specimen machined with hydrocarbon dielectric medium proffers black spots, which were eliminated in castor dielectric medium. Best parametric combination was selected by the Relative Index Method optimization technique.
Red Blood Cell Membrane-Camouflaged Gold Nanoparticles for Treatment of Melanoma
Authors: Zhao Lei , Xie Hongfu , Li Ji
Published: October 2022

Background. Patients with melanoma have poor response and low long-term survival to conventional cisplatin (CP). Recently, biomimetic nanoparticles have played a significant role in tumor therapy. The purpose of this study was to mechanistically evaluate the effect of red blood cell membrane camouflaged gold nanoparticles loaded with CP (RBCm@AuNPs-CP) on enhancing chemotherapy in melanoma. Methods. Treated B16-F10 cells with RBCm@AuNPs-CP, the antimelanoma effect in vitro was explored by detecting cell viability, apoptosis rate, level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and singlet oxygen. RBCm@AuNPs-CP was injected into the melanoma-bearing mice via tail vein, and the target-ability, therapeutic effect, and toxicity were detected in melanoma tumor-bearing mice. Results. RBCm@AuNPs-CP had an antiproliferation and apoptosis-inducing effect on B16-F10 cells, which might be mediated by oxidative stress of ROS, and its effect was significantly enhanced compared with the CP treatment group. In vivo experiments suggested the same outcome, with better target-ability of RBCm@AuNPs-CP. Conclusion. The erythrocyte camouflage nanosystem RBCm@AuNPs-CP exhibited well passive tumor target-ability and promoted apoptosis of melanocytes by inducing ROS. RBCm@AuNPs-CP as a novel safe and effective targeted drug delivery system may provide a promising choice for the treatment of melanoma.
A Systematic Review of Pharmacist-Led Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Otieno Phanice Ajore , Campbell Sue , Maley Sonny , Obinju Arunga Tom , Otieno Okumu Mitchel
Published: October 2022

Background. The misuse of antibiotics contributes significantly to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Higher treatment costs, longer hospital stays, and clinical failure can all result from AMR. According to projections, Africa and Asia will bear the heaviest burden of AMR-related mortalities in the coming years. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes are therefore critical in mitigating the effects of AMR. Pharmacists may play an important role in such programmes, as seen in Europe and North America, but the impact, challenges, and opportunities of pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship interventions in Sub-Saharan African hospitals are unknown. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the impact, challenges, and opportunities of pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship interventions in Sub-Saharan African hospitals. Methods. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines were used to search for peer-reviewed pharmacist-led studies based in hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa that were published in English between January 2015 and January 2021. The PubMed, Embase, and Ovid databases were used. Results. Education and training, audits and feedback, protocol development, and ward rounds were identified as primary components of pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The pharmacist-led antimicrobial interventions improved adherence to guidelines and reduced inappropriate prescribing, but were hampered by a lack of laboratory and technological support, limited stewardship time, poor documentation, and a lack of guidelines and policies. Funding, mentorship, guidelines, accountability, continuous monitoring, feedback, multidisciplinary engagements, and collaborations were identified as critical in the implementation of pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship programmes. Conclusions. These findings suggest that pharmacists in Sub-Saharan African hospitals can successfully lead antimicrobial stewardship programmes but their implementation is limited by lack of mentorship, accountability, continuous monitoring, feedback, collaborations, and poor funding.
The lncRNA KIF9-AS1 Accelerates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Recruiting DNMT1 to Promote RAI2 DNA Methylation
Authors: Yu Yong , Lu Xianghong , Yan Yang , Wang Yonggang , Meng Jiangyun , Tian Shufeng , Mu Jinsong
Published: October 2022

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common malignant tumor. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) enable discoveries of new therapeutic tumor targets. We aimed to study the role and potential regulatory mechanisms of the lncRNA KIF9-AS1 in HCC. Methods. CCK-8, scratch assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, respectively. Bax, Bcl-2, ERK, and pERK expression were measured by western blotting. StarBase predicted KIF9-AS1 expression in HCC and paracancerous tissues. RPISeq predicted the interaction score of KIF9-AS1 and DNMT1, and MethyPrimer revealed the CpG island distribution in the RAI2 promoter. MSP was performed to measure RAI2 methylation. RIP and ChIP were performed to examine lncRNA KIF9-AS1, DNMT1, and RAI2 interactions. Finally, the effect of KIF9-AS1 knockdown on HCC was verified with nude mice. Results. We found that KIF9-AS1 expression was increased in HCC tissues. KIF9-AS1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration, and facilitated the apoptosis of HCC cells. lncRNA KIF9-AS1-mediated RAI2 expression led to DNMT1 recruitment and regulated RAI2 DNA methylation. RAI2 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. KIF9-AS1 knockdown inhibited subcutaneous tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion. This study shows that KIF9-AS1 accelerates HCC growth by inducing DNMT1 promotion of RAI2 DNA methylation.
Dissolved Microbial Methane in the Deep Crystalline Crust Fluids–Current Knowledge and Future Prospects
Authors: van Dam Femke , Kietäväinen Riikka , Drake Henrik
Published: October 2022

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, of which most is produced by microorganisms in a process called methanogenesis. One environment where methanogenic microorganisms occur is the deep biosphere. The deep biosphere environment comprises a variety of ecosystem settings; marine habitats such as subseafloor sediments, rock pore volumes within subseafloor basalts, and terrestrial settings such as sedimentary rocks and crystalline bedrock fracture networks. Microbial methane formed in these environments influence the biological, chemical, and geological cycles of the upper crust, and may seep out of the deep into the atmosphere. This review focuses on the process of microbial methanogenesis and methane oxidation in the relatively underexplored deep crystalline-bedrock hosted subsurface, as several works in recent years have shown that microbial production and consumption occur in this energy-poor rock-fracture-hosted environment. These recent findings are summarized along with techniques to study the source and origins of methane in the terrestrial crust. Future prospects for exploration of these processes are proposed to combine geochemical and microbial techniques to determine whether microbial methanogenesis is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the crystalline crust across space and time. This will aid in determining whether microbial methane in the globally vast deep rock-hosted biosphere environment is a significant contributor to the global methane reservoir.
Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine Glioma Brain Tumor Detection and Classification Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Saravanan S. , Kumar V. Vinoth , Sarveshwaran Velliangiri , Indirajithu Alagiri , Elangovan D. , Allayear Shaikh Muhammad
Published: October 2022

The classification of the brain tumor image is playing a vital role in the medical image domain, and it directly assists the clinicians to understand the severity and to take an appropriate solution. The magnetic resonance imaging tool is used to analyze the brain tissues and to examine the different portion of brain circumstance. We propose the convolutional neural network database learning along with neighboring network limitation (CDBLNL) technique for brain tumor image classification in medical image processing domain. The proposed system architecture is constructed with multilayer-based metadata learning, and they have integrated with CNN layer to deliver the accurate information. The metadata-based vector encoding is used, and the type of coding estimation for extra dimension is known as sparse. In order to maintain the supervised data in terms of geometric format, the atoms of neighboring limitation are built based on a well-structured

k

-neighbored network. The resultant of the proposed system is considerably strong and subjective for classification. The proposed system used two different datasets, such as BRATS and REMBRANDT, and the proposed brain MRI classification technique outcome is more efficient than the other existing techniques.