bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy Between Quantum Circuits and Tensor Networks: Short-cutting the Race to Practical Quantum Advantage
Authors: Rudolph Manuel , Miller Jacob , Chen Jing , Acharya Atithi , Perdomo-Ortiz Alejandro
Published: October 2022

While recent breakthroughs have proven the ability of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to achieve quantum advantage in classically-intractable sampling tasks, the use of these devices for solving more practically relevant computational problems remains a challenge. Proposals for attaining practical quantum advantage typically involve parametrized quantum circuits (PQCs), whose parameters can be optimized to find solutions to diverse problems throughout quantum simulation and machine learning.
However, training PQCs for real-world problems remains a significant practical challenge, largely due to the phenomenon of barren plateaus in the optimization landscapes of randomly-initialized quantum circuits.
In this work, we introduce a scalable procedure for harnessing classical computing resources to determine task-specific initializations of PQCs, which we show significantly improves the trainability and performance of PQCs on a variety of problems. Given a specific optimization task, this method first utilizes tensor network (TN) simulations to identify a promising quantum state, which is then converted into gate parameters of a PQC by means of a high-performance decomposition procedure. We show that this task-specific initialization avoids barren plateaus, and effectively translates increases in classical resources to enhanced performance and speed in training quantum circuits. By demonstrating a means of boosting limited quantum resources using classical computers, our approach illustrates the promise of this synergy between quantum and quantum-inspired models in quantum computing, and opens up new avenues to harness the power of modern quantum hardware for realizing practical quantum advantage.
Synthesis of Azo-linked Porous Organic Polymers for Pipette Tip Solid-Phase Extraction of Sedative Residues from Animal Tissues Samples
Authors: Li-Juan Yuan , Jian-Jun Xiang , Qie-Gen Liao , Da-Wen Zhang , Lin-Guang Luo
Published: October 2022

Azo-linked porous organic polymers (APOPs) were synthesized by a simple azo reaction, with 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine and 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene as the monomers. The preparation process was mild, green and environmental-friendly, avoiding the use of high temperature, metal catalysis and harmful organic reagent. The obtained APOPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller. With the prepared APOPs as adsorbent, a method of pipette tip solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detection (PTSPE-LC-MS/MS) was proposed for the analysis of target sedatives in animal tissues. Furthermore, the parameters for the extraction of five sedatives, including the amount of adsorbent, pH value, ion strength, elution solvent and volume, were investigated. Under the conditions optimized, the linear dynamic range was found from 0.1 µg kg− 1 to 10.0 µg kg− 1, and the limits of detection were ranged from 0.02 µg kg− 1 to 0.1 µg kg− 1. The method was assessed by the analysis of target sedatives in animal tissues, and the recoveries for the spiked pork samples and egg samples were 84–102% and 83–101%, respectively. The results show that the developed method of PTSPE-LC-MS/MS with APOPs as adsorbent is efficient for the analysis of trace sedatives in animal tissues.
Conservation of traditional water bodies; A study of Gopal Sagar and Roop Sagar, Deeg, Rajasthan
Authors: Kaur Harshita , Choudhary Sanjay , Kumar Nand , Jat Mahesh Kumar
Published: October 2022

The decline of traditional water bodies in India needs to be addressed for a sustainable water management system in both urban and rural context. Traditional water conservation practices have been overpowered by the growing urbanisation can still reduce environmental stress. Deeg, known as the "city of water palaces," still maintains a number of water storage facilities that several kings over the course of centuries erected to address summertime water shortages in semi-arid zones of India. This research study was undertaken to give empirical evidence to revive and utilise one such traditional waterbody of Gopal Sagar and Roop Sagar in Deeg palace. By assessing the water quality of the water bodies, the paper tries to gauge the immediate impact of such water bodies on the surroundings. Through conversations with technical staff, field observations, and resident interviews, numerous analysis methodologies have been practiced to comprehend the long-term viability of these certain measures. The paper also examines the hydrological system of the associated water body and discusses the conservation practices that can be implemented for the research setting. The comprehensive study has enhanced understanding of the spatio-temporal behaviour of the water bodies which can also be useful in the future for policymakers and authorities in designing or improving similar traditional water bodies anywhere in the India. In order to keep these vital water sources from going extinct in the cities where water is already scarce, it is crucial to monitor, control, prevent, and most importantly educate the public and grassroots institutions.
The linkage between autumn Barents-Kara sea ice and European cold winter extremes
Authors: Cai Di , Lohmann Gerrit , Chen Xianyao , Ionita Monica
Published: October 2022

Despite intense efforts to understand Arctic-midlatitudes linkages, there is no agreement on whether a causal relationship exists between sea ice reduction and the frequency of occurrence of mid-latitude weather extremes (e.g., cold spells, heatwaves, droughts). By tracking month-to-month variability based on observational data, we show that a reduced sea ice over the Barents-Kara Seas in autumn is the pacemaker for the large-scale atmospheric circulation rearrangement and the variations in blocking dynamics, steering the extreme cold winters of Europe. The European winter temperature change is a direct response to a stationary Rossby wave generated by the lower troposphere diabatic heat anomaly as a result of sea ice loss over the Barents-Kara Seas in autumn, which induces a tendency for a negative phase of North Atlantic Oscillation and an increase in the atmospheric blocking frequency over Greenland and the North Atlantic. The negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation and enhanced blocking are closely related and complementary, each of them being associated with and jointly shaping the spatial distribution of cold anomalies over the European continent. Our work has significant implicants for a better understanding of the Arctic-midlatitude linkage and resultant extreme cold events in mid-latitudes.
Income dynamics and risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Park Yong-Moon , Amick Benjamin C. , McElfish Pearl A. , Brown Clare C. , Su L. Joseph , Schootman Mario , Narcisse Marie-Rachelle , Choi Yoon Jin , Han Kyungdo
Published: October 2022

Evidence regarding the association between income and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is inconclusive. Furthermore, the relationship between income dynamics and CRC risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unknown.
Using nationally representative data from the Korean Health Insurance Service database, 1,672,811 adults with T2D aged 30 to 64 years and without a history of cancer were enrolled between 2009-2012. We determined income levels based on 20 quantiles of monthly health insurance premiums and assessed income quartiles annually for five years preceding participant enrollment. Hazard ratios(HRs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were estimated after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, CRC risk factors, and diabetes duration and treatment.
During follow-up (median, 7.8 years), 22,149 CRC cases developed at least 1 year after enrollment. Individuals with sustained low income (i.e., lowest income quartile) over five years had increased CRC risk (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18). In contrast, those with sustained high income (i.e., highest income quartile) had decreased CRC risk (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73-0.89), which was more pronounced for rectal cancer (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52-0.78) and distal colon cancer (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.86). Income declines (i.e., a decrease≥25% in income quantile) were associated with increased CRC risk (HR≥2 vs. 0 declines 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.16; p trend=0.0007). Among those with low income at 5 years pre-enrollment, CRC risk decreased linearly with increasing income levels over five years(p trend<0.0001).
Our findings highlight the need to better understand the mechanisms by which income dynamics impact CRC risk among individuals with T2D.
In situ estimation of phytoplankton community growth rate inside dialysis membrane bags: A microcosm experiment at a fish farm in the eastern Aegean Sea
Authors: Şener Betül Bardakçı , TIRASIN EYÜP MÜMTAZ
Published: October 2022

This study presents findings from an in situ microcosm experiment at a fish farm in the eastern Aegean Sea. Natural phytoplankton assemblages were incubated inside dialysis membrane bags for six days to observe effects of nutrients released to the water column from farm activities. 12 bags were filled with seawater filtered through 150-µm mesh, and another 12 with unfiltered seawater. The measured concentrations of nitrite + nitrate, orthophosphate and silicate in the ambient seawater compared with those inside the bags showed no significant temporal variation and were all within the range typically found in oligotrophic waters. Chlorophyll a concentrations measured in the ambient water were low. While there was no detectible phytoplankton net growth in the ambient seawater; the chlorophyll a content of the bags increased from the first day but the rise in phytoplankton cell numbers in the bags only became apparent after the second day of the experiment. The estimated growth rates of chlorophyll a concentrations and phytoplankton cell numbers inside the filtered and unfiltered bags were not statistically different. The species richness in the bags sharply decreased from 29–30 to 8 species. Three diatom species, Leptocylindrus danicus, Nitzschia longissimi and Cylindrotheca XXXlosterium proliferated exponentially inside all bags, exceeding the overall average growth rate. The grazing pressure on phytoplankton for both bags were similar because the filtration only eliminated the copepods, not the ciliates. The overall results confirm that under continuous nutrient releases from fish farms, high population growth rates can be achieved in oligotrophic environments when phytoplankton losses due to grazing, advection and sinking are eliminated.
A primate-specific (GCC) repeat in SMAD9 undergoes natural selection in humans and harbors unambiguous genotypes in late-onset neurocognitive disorder.
Authors: Alizadeh Samira , Khamse Safoura , Bernhart Stephan H , Vahedi M. , Afshar Hossein , Rezaei Omid , Delbari Ahmad , Ohadi Mina
Published: October 2022

Across numerous primate species and tissues, SMAD9 (SMAD Family Member 9) reaches the highest level of expression in the human brain. This gene contains a (GCC) short tandem repeat (STR) at the interval between + 1 and + 60 of the transcription start site, which is in the 1st percent of high-ranking (GCC)-repeats in respect of length. Here we sequenced this (GCC)-repeat in 396 Iranian individuals, consisting of late-onset neurocognitive disorder (NCD) (N = 181) and controls (N = 215). We detected two predominantly abundant alleles of 7 and 9 repeats, forming 96.2% of the allele pool. The ratio of the (GCC)7 and (GCC)9 alleles was in the reverse order in the NCD group versus controls (p = 0.005), resulting from excess of (GCC)7 in the NCD group (p = 0.003) and the 9-repeat in the controls (p = 0.01). Five genotypes, predominantly consisting of (GCC)7 and lacking (GCC)9 were detected in the NCD group only (p = 0.008). Those patients received probable diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease and/or cerebrovascular dementia. Five genotypes consisting of (GCC)9 and lacking (GCC)7 were detected in the control group only (p = 0.002). The group-specific genotypes formed approximately 4% of the genotype pool in human samples studied. In conclusion, we propose natural selection and a novel locus for late-onset NCD at the SMAD9 (GCC)-repeat in humans. Although the percentage of individuals harboring the specific genotypes in each group was modest, those genotypes represent an underappreciated feature, which may enhance the perspective of disorders that are considered to be complex, and yet may be linked to unambiguous genotypes at certain STR loci.
Analysis of pre-diagnostic values of leukocytes count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients who develop colorectal cancer
Authors: Turri Giulia , Caligola Simone , Ugel Stefano , Conti Cristian , Zenuni Silvia , Barresi Valeria , Ruzzenente Andrea , Lippi Giuseppe , Scarpa Aldo , Guglielmi Alfredo , Pedrazzani Corrado
Published: October 2022

Background: Emerging evidence is pointing towards a relevant role of immunity in cancer development. Alterations in leukocytes count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) seems to predict poor prognosis, but no data is available for the pre-diagnostic values.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery for CRC at our center (2005 – 2020). 334 patients with a complete blood count dating at least 24 months prior to diagnosis were included. Changes in pre-diagnosis values of leukocytes (Pre-Leu), lymphocytes (Pre-Lymph), neutrophils (Pre-Neut), and NLR (Pre-NLR) and their correlation with overall- (OS) and cancer-related survival (CRS) were analyzed.
Results: Pre-Leu, Pre-Neut and Pre-NLR showed an increasing trend approaching the date of diagnosis, while Pre-Lymph tended to decrease. The parameters were tested for associations with survival after surgery through multivariable analysis. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, Pre-Leu, Pre-Neut, Pre-Lymph and Pre-NLR resulted independent prognostic factors for OS and CRS. On sub-group analysis considering the interval between blood sampling and surgery, higher Pre-Leu, Pre-Neut, and Pre-NLR and lower Pre-Lymph were associated with worse CRS, and the effect was more evident when blood samples were closer to surgery.
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study showing a significant correlation between pre-diagnosis immune profile and prognosis in CRC.
A Nomogram to predict overall survival based on the log odds of positive lymph nodes for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shuai Jingliang , Huang Wei , Lu Yuan-Qiang
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to compare the prognostic efficiency of N stage from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, lymph nodes ratio (LNR) and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A nomogram based on LODDS was developed and validated to predict overall survival (OS) of patients with stage III NSCLC. A total of 2896 stage III NSCLC patients were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015 and divided into training and validation sets. The prognostic efficiency of N stage, LNR, and LODDS were compared using the Harrell concordance index (C-index), the Akaike information criterion (AIC), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). A multivariate Cox analysis was performed to determine the independent prognostic factors, and constructed a nomogram based on LODDS. LODDS showed a slight advantage in predicting OS for NSCLC among three lymph node staging systems. In the training set, the C-index of the LODDS-based model was 0.645, the AIC was 18383.43. The AUCs were 0.708, 0.675 and 0.671 for predicting 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS. The calibration plots showed the superior clinical applicability of the nomogram. These results were confirmed in the validation set. As an independent prognostic factor for stage III NSCLC, LODDS showed superior prognostic efficiency among the three lymph node staging systems. This LODDS-based nomogram demonstrated better performance than the AJCC tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system in predicting OS for stage III NSCLC.
Planning a water-constrained ecological restoration pattern to enhance landscape sustainability in drylands
Authors: Wang Chenxu , Liu Yanxu , Liu Xin , Qiao Wenguang
Published: October 2022

Context:Ecological restoration is an important approach to improve landscape sustainability. However, ecological restoration in drylandsis strongly limited by water resources. Therefore, a technical route for ecological restoration in drylandsthat creates sustainable landscapes based on those water constraintsis needed.Objectives:In this study, we develop a spatially explicit frameworknamed "Constraint - Pattern - Benefit" to plan ecological restoration patterns in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, to demonstrate its applicability to sustainable landscape planning in drylands.Method:Based on a prediction of the ecosystem service (ES) increase under limited evapotranspiration as a water constraint, we constructed 5 landscape sustainability-related strategies with 100 ecological restoration scenarios, which considering fragmentation of restoration locations, distance to city, water consumption, and the allocation scale to determine the spatial arrangement of ecological restoration.Results:First, the ES increase potential of ecological restoration under water constraints is distributed in the center of Inner Mongolia. The multiple-objective scenario simultaneously achieves 59.1% water yield, 74.2% soil conservation, 57.2% sand fixation, and 52.8% carbon sequestration with 50% restoredlandscape. Second, considering the indicators of fragmentation, water consumption, and distance to city decreases the restored landscape fragmentation from 0.44 to 0.26, improves the restoration efficiency by 14.41%, and increases the beneficiary population by 35.5%, respectively. Third, the downscaling of the restoration area allocation can further increase the ES realization efficiency, which is on average 4.8% higher at the city scale than at the provincial scale.Conclusions:The technical route comprehensively considersnot only water constraints but also sustainability indicators such as ecological services and human benefits. Moreover, this approach focuses on the sustainable effect of the spatial arrangement on dryland landscapesat different scales, which provides methodological support for improving the sustainability of drylands.
Optimal control problem for unbounded bilinear systems and applications
Authors: Yahyaoui Soufiane , Ouzahra Mohamed
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we will investigate the optimal control problem for unbounded bilinear systems, with (p, q)-admissible control operators. We will first study the case of finite time-horizon with unconstrained or constrained endpoint. This result is further applied to build the optimal control for infinite time horizon. Finally, we solve the bilinear optimal control for the transport equation. Then we consider the fractional diffusion equation, for which we prove the strong stabilisation by an optimal time-varying feedback control.
“We know that our voices are valued, and that people are actually going to listen”: co-producing an evaluation of a young people’s research advisory group
Authors: Brady Louca-Mai , Miller Jacqueline , Mcfarlane-Rose Eleri , Noor Jasmine , Noor Rhianne , Dahlmann-Noor Annegret
Published: October 2022

Background
Children and young people’s (CYP) involvement is an increasing priority in healthcare and in heath research, alongside recognition that involving CYP in research requires different considerations to involving adults. Underpinned by children’s rights and a co-production ethos this paper, co-authored with young evaluators, explores the learning from a co-produced evaluation of eyeYPAG, a young persons’ research advisory group (YPAG) for eye and vision research based at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
Methods
A team of young evaluators, supported by the eyeYPAG facilitator, conducted focus groups and online surveys with young group members, their parents and carers, researchers, group facilitators and funders. Qualitative data was analysed using a collaborative reflexive thematic analysis approach. Quantitative data, limited by the small number of participants, was analysed in Excel and reported as descriptive data.
Results:
CYP valued the social and creative aspects of the group as well as learning about research and developing skills and confidence. Learning was a two-way process, with both researchers and facilitators reflecting on how much they had learnt from working with the YPAG. All participants talked about the importance of impact, feeling that CYP are making a difference to research, as well as CYP’s right to be involved.
Effective planning and facilitation were key to the success of the group, in relation to accessibility and the development and delivery of sessions both online and in-person. Resourcing and administration were key challenges to this, as was engaging researchers who were not already converted to the public involvement cause.
As the nature of a YPAG is that it primarily focuses on advising researcher-led projects, co-production was identified as something that the group was ‘working towards’, including through this evaluation. Co-producing with CYP involves building up knowledge, confidence and acknowledging power dynamics.
Conclusions:
Co-producing an evaluation enabled us to learn about the benefits and challenges of involving CYP in research, as well as how to involve them in the development of that evidence. An ethos of co-production and children’s rights helped to shift the balance of power and develop more engaging and inclusive ways of working.
Relationship Between Volumetric Capnography, Ventilation During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Return of Spontaneus Circulation in an Experimental Model of Pediatric Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Navazo Sara de la Mata , Manrique Gema , Fernández Sarah N. , Pérez Gema , Butragueño‑Laiseca Laura , García Miriam , Slöcker María , González Rafael , Herrera Laura , Mencía Santiago , Castillo Jimena del , Solana María José , Sanz Débora , Cieza Raquel , López Jorge , Martínez Alicia Rodríguez , Santiago María José , Urbano Javier , López‑Herce Jesús
Published: October 2022

Purpose
To study the relationship between volumetric capnography (VCAP) and arterial CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to analyze the ability of these parameters to predict the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a pediatric animal model of asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA).
Methods
Secondary analysis of a randomized study. Asphyxial CA was induced by muscle relaxation and extubation. CPR was started two minutes after CA occurred. Airway management was performed with early endotracheal intubation or bag-mask ventilation, according to randomization group. CPR was continued until ROSC or 24 minutes of resuscitation. End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), CO2 production (VCO2), and EtCO2/VCO2/kg ratio were continuously recorded.
Results
Seventy-nine piglets were included, 26 (32.9%) of whom achieved ROSC. EtCO2 was the best predictor of ROSC (AUC 0.72, p < 0.01 and optimal cutoff point of 21.6 mmHg). No statistical differences were obtained regarding VCO2, VCO2/kg and EtCO2/VCO2/kg ratios. VCO2 and VCO2/kg showed an inverse correlation with PCO2, with higher a correlation coefficient as resuscitation progressed. EtCO2 also had an inverse correlation with PCO2 from minute 18 to 24 of resuscitation.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that EtCO2 is the best VCAP-derived parameter for predicting ROSC. EtCO2 and VCO2 showed an inverse correlation with PCO2. Therefore, these parameters are not adequate to measure ventilation during CPR.
Label-Free Fluorometric Characterization of Fibre Cement: Unraveling Lignin Degradation via Multidimensional Fluorometry
Authors: Hoque Mahfuzul , Kamal Saeid , Raghunath Sreenath , Foster E. Johan
Published: October 2022

Pulp fibre as reinforcement in non-structural building material, such as fibre cement, could be a forerunner in mitigating the carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint of cement-based residential and commercial structures. However, one of the major bottlenecks in increasing the content of reinforcement in fibre cement has been their poor chemical stability in the strongly alkaline cement matrix. To date, probing the health of pulp fibre-cement is a lengthy and laborious process, requiring mechanical and chemical separations. In this study, we have demonstrated that it is possible to understand more of the chemical interactions at the fibre-cement interfaces by probing lignin, which could act as the indicator of the severity of the cement matrix’s alkalinity. Multidimensional fluorometry is shown here for the first time to be a highly sensitive and versatile platform technology to understand the lignin degradation in fibre cement.
Classification and spatial mapping of atmospheric corrosion of China
Authors: Han Yu , Hao Wenkui , Xu Lingling , Chen Xin , Jin Yan , Zhang Xinghui , Chen Yun , Huang Luyao , Yang Bingkun , Zhu Zhixiang , Wang Xiaofang
Published: October 2022

Atmospheric corrosion is ubiquitous in China but varies a lot among different regions covering the cold, temperate and tropical zones. Categorizing the atmospheric corrosivity and plotting precise atmospheric corrosion map remain key interest for a variety of industries. The present work proposed an atmospheric corrosion map of China for hot-dip galvanized steels, which was constructed by inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation algorithm based on both the measured corrosion rates of coupons exposed at 2393 inland test stations and calculated corrosion rates from a prevalent dose-response function in 2918 sites in coastal regions. When the corrosion category was used as the criterion, the IDW interpolation algorithm of power 2 performed best. Cross-validation results confirmed that the prediction accuracy of IDW interpolation reached 85.6%. Based on the corrosion map, the categories of atmospheric corrosivity of China could be determined. The atmospheric corrosion map shows C2 (50.07%) and C3 (44.14%) zones cover the vast majority of China. C4-CX categories (highly corrosive regions) account for 4.07% (390760 km2) of China.
Three novel marine species of the genus Fulvivirga, rich sources of carbohydrate-active enzymes degrading polysaccharides
Authors: Nguyen Tra T. H. , Vuong Tien Q. , Han Ho Le , Li Zhun , Lee Yong-Jae , Ko Jaeho , Nedashkovskaya Olga I. , Kim Song-Gun
Published: October 2022

Bacteroidota is a group of marine polysaccharide degraders, which play a crucial role in the carbon cycle in the marine ecosystem. In this study, three novel gliding strains, designated as SS9-22T, W9P-11T, and SW1-E11T, isolated from algae and decaying wood were proposed to represent three novel species of the genus Fulvivirga. We identified a large number of genes encoding for carbohydrate-active enzymes, which potentially participate in polysaccharide degradation, based on whole genome sequencing. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities among them were 94.4–97.2%, and against existing species in the genus Fulvivirga 93.1–99.8%. The complete genomes of strains SS9-22T, W9P-11T, and SW1-E11T comprised one circular chromosome with size of 6.98, 6.52, and 6.39 Mb, respectively; the GC contents were 41.9%, 39.0%, and 38.1%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with members in the genus Fulvivirga including the isolates were in a range of 68.9–85.4% and 17.1–29.7%, respectively, which are low for the proposal of novel species. Genomic mining in three genomes identified hundreds of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) covering up to 93 CAZyme families and 58–70 CAZyme gene clusters, exceeding the numbers of genes present in the other species of the genus Fulvivirga. Polysaccharide-degrading activities were found, highlighting that the three strains are rich sources of CAZymes of polysaccharide degraders for biotechnological applications. The phenotypic, biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics supported the proposal of three novel species in the genus Fulvivirga, for which the names Fulvivirga ulvae sp. nov. (SS9-22T = KCTC 82072T = GDMCC 1.2804T), Fulvivirga ligni sp. nov. (W9P-11T = KCTC 72992T = GDMCC 1.2803T), and Fulvivirga maritima sp. nov. (SW1-E11T = KCTC 72832T = GDMCC 1.2802T) are proposed.
Baseline Characteristics of the Korean Genetic Cohort of Inherited Cystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Cho Jeong Min , Park Hayne Cho , Lee Jin Woo , Ryu Hyunjin , Kim Yong Chul , Ahn Curie , Lee Kyu-Beck , Kim Yeong Hoon , Han Seungyeup , Kim Yaerim , Bae Eun hui , Kang Hee Gyung , Park Eujin , Jeong Kyungjo , Kang Seoon , Choi Jungmin , Oh Kook-Hwan , Oh Yun Kyu
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Identification of inherited cystic kidney disease genes in each case is necessary for precise treatment.
Methods: This is a 3-year prospective, multicenter cohort study including patients with more than three renal cysts from May 2019 to May 2022. Clinical and genetic characteristics were evaluated.
Results: A total of 725 adult patients were enrolled. Mean age was 46.2 ± 14.0 years, and 48.6% were male. Patients were categorized into typical ADPKD (560, 77.2%) and atypical PKD (165, 22.8%). Typical ADPKD based on Mayo imaging classification (MIC) I were classified as follows: (1) 1A 55 (9.9%), (2) 1B 149 (26.9%), (3) 1C 198 (35.8%), (4) 1D 90 (16.3%), and (5) 1E 61 (11.0%). Atypical PKD by MIC II included bilateral cystic with bilateral atrophic (31, 37.3%), lopsided (27, 32.5%), unilateral (9, 10.8%), segmental (8, 9.6%), bilateral cystic with unilateral atrophic (7, 8.4%), and asymmetric (1, 1.2%). Pathogenic variants were found in 57.3% of the patients using the ciliopathy-related gene panel. The typical ADPKD group demonstrated a higher discovery rate (62.3%) compared to atypical PKD group (41.8%).
Conclusion: We report the baseline and genetic characteristics of the nationwide genetic cohort for Korean hereditary cystic kidney disease prior to detailed molecular analysis.
Comparative study on high-pressure physical properties of monoclinic MgCO3 and Mg2CO4
Authors: Liu Zi-Jiang , Li Tian , Sun Xiao-Wei , Zhang Cai-Rong , Ju Jia-Qi
Published: October 2022

The physical properties of Mg-carbonate at high temperatures and pressure are crucial for understanding the deep carbon cycle. Here, we use first-principles calculations to study the physical properties of MgCO3-C2/m and Mg2CO4-P21/c under high pressure. The research shows that the structure and the equation of state of MgCO3-C2/m are in good agreement with the experimental results, and the phase transition pressure of Mg2CO4 from pnma to P21/c is 44.66 GPa. By comparing the elastic properties, seismic properties, and anisotropy of MgCO3-C2/m and Mg2CO4-P21/c, it is found that the elastic modulus and sound velocity of Mg2CO4-P21/c are smaller than those of MgCO3-C2/m, while the anisotropy is larger than that of MgCO3-C2/m. These results indicate that Mg2CO4-P21/c exists in the deep mantle and may be the main reason why carbonate cannot be detected. The minimum thermal conductivity of MgCO3-C2/m and Mg2CO4-P21/c is the largest in the [010] direction and the smallest in the [001] direction. The thermodynamic properties of MgCO3-C2/m and Mg2CO4-P21/c are predicted using the quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA) method.
Targeting EphA2 and DDR signaling can overcome the BRAF and MEK inhibitors acquired resistance in melanoma cell lines
Authors: Belli Valentina , Napolitano Stefania , De Falco Vincenzo , Suarato Gabriella , Perrone Alessandra , Guerrera Luigi Pio , Martini Giulia , Corte Carminia Maria Della , Martinelli Erika , Morgillo Floriana , Turano Mimmo , Furia Maria , Argenziano Giuseppe , Ciardiello Davide , Ciardiello Fortunato , Troiani Teresa
Published: October 2022

The BRAF and MEK inhibitors combined strategies have dramatically changed the outcome of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma patients. However, despite the initial promising results, the onset of primary or acquired resistance occurs in nearly half of the patients at about 1 year from the diagnosis. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance to these inhibitors is therefore critical for planning more effective therapeutic strategies able to improve patient outcomes. To this aim we generated BRAF and MEK inhibitors resistant melanoma cells starting from the SAN and A375 lines, both harboring the most common BRAF-V600 mutation and sensitive to these drugs. The obtained double-resistant cell lines were characterized by MTT cell proliferation, migration, invasion assays, phosphoarray and western blot analysis. Here we report that the overexpression of several Tyrosine Kinase Receptors (TKRs), such as EphA2 and DDRs, drives the resistance to these drugs and that this resistance can be overcome by treatment with ALW-II-27-41 multikinase inhibitor. ALW-II-27-41 blocks not only TKRs expression, but also the related downstream AKT and MAPK signaling pathways and its efficacy is documented by decreased cell viability and reduced cell invasion/migration of the resistant cells. Our results can delineate a novel promising therapeutic approach to overcoming the drug resistance occurring in BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma.
Prediction of Organic Compound Aqueous Solubility Using Interpretable Machine Learning- A Comparison Study of Descriptor-Based and Topological Models
Authors: Tayyebi Arash , Alshami Ali , Rabiei Zeinab , Yu Xue , Ismail Nadhem , Talukder Musabbir J , Power Jason
Published: October 2022

A reliable and practical determination of a chemical species’ solubility in water continues to be examined using empirical observations and exhaustive experimental studies alone. Predictions of chemical solubility in water using data-driven algorithms can allow us to create a rationally designed, efficient, and cost-effective tool for next-generation materials and chemical formulations. We present results from two machine learning (ML) modeling studies to adequately predict various species’ solubility using data for over 8,400 compounds. Molecular-descriptors, the most used method in previous studies, and Morgan fingerprint, a topological, circular-based hash of the molecules' structures, were applied to produce water solubility estimates. We trained all models on 80% of the total datasets using the Random Forest (RFs) technique as the regressor and tested the prediction performance using the remaining 20%, resulting in R2 test values of 0.88 and 0.82 for the descriptors and circular fingerprint methods, respectively. We interpreted the produced ML models and reported the most effective features for aqueous solubility measures using Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and thermodynamic analysis. Low error, ability to investigate the molecular-level interactions and compatible with thermodynamic quantities made fingerprint a distinct model compared to other available computational tools.
CRYAB exerts anti-tumor effect as a favorable prognostic factor in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Hu You , Wang Dongxing , Kang Yindong , Yang Qi , Chang Dehui
Published: October 2022

Background: CRYAB is closely related to apoptosis, invasion and migration of tumor cells. Nevertheless, the relationship between CRYAB, outcomes of prostate cancer (PCa), and the potential mechanisms have not been studied.
Material and Methods: The TPM format RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and methylation data on differential expression came from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. R software and packages were used to analyze the different expression of CRYAB in TCGA database, the correlation between gene expression and immune cell infiltration, receiver operating characteristic curve, cox regression, Kaplan-Meier curve, nomogram models and calibration curve. Then, the bio-function of CRYAB in prostate cancer cell lines was detected via cell counting kit‑8, invasion and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling assay.
Results: Compared to normal tissues, CRYAB was down-regulated in prostate cancer tissues based on the TCGA database, and was corrected with Gleason score. The promoter methylation level of CRYAB in PCa was significantly higher than that in normal. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed that the infiltration of all these immune cells except TReg was positively related to CRYAB expression. ROC curve and KM curve demonstrated that CRYAB had a meaningful diagnosis and prognostic value. Cox regression analysis indicated that higher T stage, N stage, PSA, Gleason score, and lower CRYAB expression were prognostic indicators of PCa. Cell function experiments suggested that up-regulated CRYAB can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells, and promote apoptosis.
Conclusion:We found that CRYAB was down-expressed in tumor tissues, and was related with anti-tumor function in PCa cells. We identified CRYAB had a significant diagnosis and prognostic value in PCa.
Choriocarcinoma syndrome of primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma after lung lobe wedge resection: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhao Qian , Li Yi , Liu Zhenjun , Ji Juan , Zhao Pei
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma (PPC) is extremely rare, especially in males. It is characterized by a poor response to therapy and shortened survival times. Here, we report a PPC case that was complicated by choriocarcinoma syndrome (CS) and present a review of the literature.
Case presentation: A 59-year-old man with a 30-pack-year smoking history was referred to our hospital because of haemoptysis and chest pain. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules and multiple metastases throughout the body. The patient underwent single-port thoracoscopic wedge resection of the right lung upper lobe. Histological and β-HCG examinations verified the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma. Three days after the operation, the patient developed massive haemoptysis. A bronchoscopic examination showed bleeding from the bilateral main bronchus. Despite management in the intensive care unit (ICU), the patient died two weeks after surgery.
Conclusions: PPC is highly malignant, progresses rapidly, often exhibits metastases and has a poor prognosis. Treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy may be predisposing factors for CS. Surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, based on the physical condition of the patient, may significantly to improve the prognosis of patients.
Pilot study: validity and reliability of textile insoles used to measure the characteristics of landing tasks during rehabilitation and artistic gymnastics
Authors: Schümperlin Delia , Schärer Christoph , Kalberer Luzia , Ferguson Stephen John , Lorenzetti Silvio René
Published: October 2022

Objectives: Artistic gymnastics is a sport where most athletes start at an early age and training volumes are high. Hence, overuse and acute injuries are frequent due to the load endured during landing tasks. During landing, the ground reaction force (GRF) is up to 15.8 times the body weight and therefore reliable GRF measurements are crucial. The gold standard for GRF measurements are force plates. As force plates are mostly used in a constrained laboratory environment, it is difficult to measure the GRF in representative training settings. Textile insoles (novel GmbH, Munich, Germany) exist, which can be used to measure dynamic GRF. Hence, the motivation of this study is to test the validity and reliability of these insoles during landing tasks. GRF was measured during four different exercises, in two test subjects and compared to concurrent force plate data.
Results: Twelve out of 16 statistical parametric mapping plots showed no significant difference between the measured force curves of insoles and force plates. Across conditions, the root mean square error of the maximal vertical GRF was 21N/kg and of impulse 0.4Ns/kg. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1) ranged from 0.02 to 0.76 for maximal vertical GRF and from -0.34 to 0.76 for impulse. Generally, the insoles underestimated the GRF and are only a valid measurement tool when analysing the impulse of a jump.
Estimation of Water Hyacinth Using Computer Vision
Authors: ADAMON Gildas David Farid , KONNON Miton Abel , RAYMOND Merscial , N’DEJI Rodolphe , AGONMAN Aime , GBAGUIDI Adonaï , GUIDI Tognon Clotilde , FAGBEMI Latif Adeniyi
Published: October 2022

methods
empirical relationships between yield and production indices calculated experimentally, structural parameters measured or calculated through specific experiments (not dynamic), etc. These methods lose precision depending on the type of plant, cultural methods and practices and the seasons. Then, it becomes urgent to develop a dynamic estimation method with a proven track record of reliability despite the inconsistency of the factors mentioned above. This article contributes to the improvement of aquatic biomass estimation by proposing a Computer Vision based solution for estimating fresh mass of water hyacinth. To achieve this goal, the morphology of the species is assessed and an XML classifier is developed. This model is then implemented in a mobile app facilitating its end use. The proposed algorithm demonstrated a mean average precision of 96.89%. Considering the recorded level of accurateness, the developed method can be used to estimate different types of biomass.
Effect of colorants on interfacial compatibility in wood flour/Poly (β-hydroxybutyrate valerate) composites
Authors: Feng Xiao , shaojie Huo , Lizhi Zhu , Haiyan Song , Lili Yu , Yanling Xie
Published: October 2022

To investigate the effect of three kinds of colorants on interfacial compatibility between wood and polymer in wood flour/Poly (β-hydroxybutyrate valerate) (PHBV) composites, three colorants are added to color the poplar wood flour/PHBV composites. The effects of the colorant on the interfacial compatibility of the wood plastic composites (WPCs) are studied. The result shows that the mechanical properties of the WPCs tend to increase first and then decrease with increasing colorant. The SEM micrographs of the WPCs show the surface, partially the cracks and grooves of the wood fiber are coated by the dispersed colorant. There are basically no new characteristic peaks in FT-IR spectra, which is proved that three colorants can only enable wood flour to be fully mixed with PHBV. Three colorants can improve the compatibility of wood fiber and PHBV, the mechanical properties of the WPCs, which is significantly increased compared to the WPCs without colorants.
Study of pulmonary fibrosis as a complication in COVID-19
Authors: Rasheed Modar Haj , Alahmadi Qusay , Shihabi Farah , albardan Husam
Published: October 2022

Background
Post covid pulmonary fibrosis is a seious complication that occurs in covid-19 patients where the normal lung tissue is replaced by a fibrous one due to long periods of disease. Admission into the ICU and severity of disease are most associated with development of post covid pulmonary fibrosis. We plan on investigating the most common risk factors in patients admitting to Damascus hospital
Methods
A cross sectional study involving 314 patients who were admitted to Damascus hospital in the periods between july 2020 to december 2021
Results
There was a statistically significant relationship between the severity of the disease and onset of fibrosis (p < 0.05). Regarding demographic variables such as age and sex we were unable to find any association with these factors
Conclusion
In order to prevent fibrosis in survivors, it is of utmost importance to provide clinical care especially those that have been admitted with severe manifestations or had chronic disease as they were at a risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis in the future.
‘Asking to use a condom with your wife is an admission of cheating while you were away on your fishing expedition’: HIV vulnerability and condom use among fishers at Elmina fishing community in Ghana
Authors: Kyei-Gyamfi Sylvester
Published: October 2022

Although evidence abounds about low condom use among fisherfolks, leading to high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in fishing communities, there is dearth of information about the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of fishers regarding the use of condom. This article is a follow-up to a cross-sectional study that used a mix-method design for data collection and analysis to examine the connection between mobility and the risk of contracting HIV among 385 fishers in the Elmina fishing community of Ghana. The Health Belief Model is utilized in the discussions to analyze attitudes and actions toward condom use among the fishers in Elmina. There is a general low perception of HIV susceptibility and severity resulting in the low condom usage among the fisherfolks according to the results. The paper urges civil society organizations in the study area to investigate ways to incorporate the provision of free condoms to fishers and at the numerous fishing destination sites along the coast of Elmina. The regular use of condoms in Elmina and the nearby fishing areas should also be emphasized through this outreach or mobile HIV service outlets.
Management of food cold chains traceability amid the COVID‑19 pandemic
Authors: Gorbunova N. A. , Kornienko V. N.
Published: October 2022

The present article considers the functioning of food supply chains and their major component — a continuous cold chain of perishable food products, including meat products, under the conditions of COVID‑19 pandemic. The issues of the impact of the pandemic on production, processing and commercial supply of meat and meat products in Russia and worldwide are being considered. The traceability of temperature fluctuations in meat processing plants is relevant; it becomes an increasingly important factor for efficient logistics to provide the best supply and to keep the food safe in the current conditions. Research data is presented here. The results of the research show that frozen foods serve as carriers and distributors of SARS-CoV‑2 infection without any contact between people. This conclusion highlights additional challenges in controlling the spread of COVID‑19 worldwide, and reveals the mechanism of the disease transmission, taking into account the peculiarities of temperature modes during storage and transportation of perishable meat products. The risks of food cold chains functioning under the conditions of pandemic, the adaptive strategies for their mitigation and logistical systems of tracking are considered, in particular, the application of various data technologies.