bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong ground motion from the seismic swarms preceding the 2021 and 2022 volcanic eruptions at Fagradalsfjall, Iceland
Authors: Aguirre Victor Moises Hernandez , Rupakhety Rajesh , Ólafsson Simon , Bessason Bjarni , Erlingsson Sigurður , Paolucci Roberto , Smerzini Chiara
Published: March 2023

The Geldingadalir and Meradalir eruptions at Mt. Fagradalsfjall in the Reykjanes Peninsula on 19 March 2021 and 3 August 2022, respectively, were preceded by intense volcano-tectonic swarms. Eight earthquakes with M ≥ 5 were recorded by the Icelandic Strong Motion Network. We present an overview of the seismicity in Fagradalsfjall, and salient features of the strong ground motion caused by the swarms in the epicentral area. The largest recorded horizontal Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) was ~ 0.45g at Grindavík, which is the strongest PGA recorded in Iceland since the MW6.3 2008 Ölfus Earthquake. Recorded waveforms show a rich long-period energy content, with a burst of higher frequencies at the beginning of shaking. This leads to larger response spectral accelerations at long periods that those from typical shallow crustal earthquakes. Moreover, an empirical mixed-effects ground motion model for PGA was calibrated based on the available recordings. The attenuation rate of PGA from this model is similar to that introduced by Lanzano and Luzi (2020) which is based on data from volcanic events in Italy, but the magnitude scaling of our model is much lower. The overall results indicate that scaling and attenuation of ground motion from volcanic events and purely tectonic earthquakes in Iceland are likely very different. This is an important observation because seismic hazard in parts of the Reykjavik area and of the central highlands, where important hydroelectric power plants are located, could potentially be dominated by events of volcanic origin. Therefore, it is important to take these observations into account for seismic hazard and risk assessment in Iceland.
SEMA4A promotes prostate cancer invasion: involvement of tumor microenvironment
Authors: Liu Xiao , Tan Weiwei , Zhang Xiaofan , Feng Tingting , Wang Lin , Zhou Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

Semaphorin 4A (SEMA4A) belonged to a family of membrane-bound proteins that were initially recognized as a kind of axon guidance factors in nervous system. It was preferentially expressed on immune cells and has been proven to play a prominent role in immune function and angiogenesis.

Methods and results

SEMA4A expression was analyzed by IHC and it’s highly expressed in PCa tissues and correlated with Gleason scores and distant metastasis. SEMA4A could induce Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PCa cells and consequently promote invasion by establishing a positive loop with IL-10 in stromal cells as evidenced by Western blotting and Invasive assay. In vivo studies showed significantly more tumor cell dissemination in mice injected with SEMA4A-overexpressing cells in both mouse models and both the number and size of lung metastases were significantly increased in SEMA4A-overexpressing tumors. SEMA4A depletion by genetic means prevents lung metastasis in PCa xenograft models.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a crucial role of SEMA4A in PCa and that blockade of SEMA4A- represents an attractive approach to improving therapeutic outcomes.
Serum proteome profiling of naturally acquired Babesia rossi infection in dogs
Authors: Kuleš Josipa , Rubić Ivana , Farkaš Vladimir , Rafaj Renata Barić , Gotić Jelena , Crnogaj Martina , Burchmore Richard , Eckersall David , Mrljak Vladimir , Leisewitz Andrew L.
Published: March 2023

Babesiosis is a disease of significant veterinary importance with worldwide distribution. It is caused by intra-erythrocyte protozoal parasites, with Babesia rossi causing the most severe clinical signs of all the large Babesia parasites infecting dogs. The disease can be clinically classified into uncomplicated and complicated forms with a wide range of clinical presentations from a mild, subclinical illness to complicated forms and death. The aim of this study was to assess serum proteomic profiles from dogs with babesiosis and healthy dogs using a label-based proteomics approach. Altogether 32 dogs naturally infected with B. rossi (subdivided into 18 uncomplicated cases and 14 complicated cases of babesiosis) and 20 healthy dogs were included. There were 78 proteins with significantly different abundances between the three groups of dogs. Elucidation of proteins and pathways involved in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi have revealed key differences associated with haemostasis, innate immune system, lipid metabolism and inflammation. Shotgun proteomic profiling allowed identification of potential serum biomarkers for differentiation of disease severity in canine babesiosis caused by B. rossi. These findings may be applicable to the study of host-parasite interactions and the development of novel therapeutic targets.
Assessment and Comparison of Competencies, Attitudes and Knowledge of Palliative Care amongst Physicians, Advance Practice Providers, Residents, and Medical Students.
Authors: Kawai Tetsuyuki , Davis William , Weber Nancy
Published: March 2023

Background
Palliative Care prevents and relieves burdensome symptoms and suffering in patients who have life-limiting or chronic illness. This is accomplished through the early identification and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial, or spiritual stressors. The creation of a new Palliative Care program at a county teaching hospital in late 2021 and the subsequent rapid expansion of its services generated the need for targeted education programs for medical staff. The first step was to determine Palliative Care competencies, attitudes, and knowledge among the medical personnel at the institution.
Methods
The purpose of this study was to collect and compare baseline self-assessed competencies, attitudes and knowledge of Palliative Care and its applications amongst Physicians/Advance Practice Providers (APPs), Residents/Fellows, and medical students. The email survey was distributed to 322 attending physicians/APPs, 301 resident/fellow physicians, and 447 medical students. 144 total responses were received, with 129 responses being complete, providing a total response rate of 13.5%.
Results
Overall knowledge score of Palliative Care was significantly lower in medical students (7.27 out of a possible maximum score of 12) when compared to attending physicians/APPs (9.64, p < 0.001) and resident/fellow physicians (9.38, p < 0.001). The vast majority of respondents acknowledged that Palliative Care would greatly benefit their own patient population or future patient populations [attending physicians/APPs 74.4%, resident/fellow physicians 94.9%, medical students 80.4%] and that their department/colleagues could benefit from Palliative Care education [attending physicians/APPs 74.4%, resident/fellow physicians 94.9%, medical students 88.2%].
Conclusion
Study findings suggest that medical students have less knowledge and confidence utilizing Palliative Care than practicing physicians/APPs. This suggests that providing Palliative Care Medical Education early in the medical school curriculums could ultimately improve patient care. Similarly, practicing physicians/APPs and trainees at all levels could benefit from further education in Palliative Care.
Presumptive Tax Regime to Shine Light on the Shadow Economy: A Scoping Study of Policy Design, Action, and Implications
Authors: Taufiq Muchamad Abdullah
Published: March 2023

The study examines the utilisation of presumptive taxation, a popular policy to address the shadow economy. Theoretically, presumptive taxation benefits both small businesses and tax authorities because it reduces compliance and administration costs. Using a scoping review from journals published in 1975-2022, the study found 27 journals of global experiences of the presumptive tax regime and its implications. These journals are then synthesised and analysed to study the policy design and implementation of the presumptive tax in the observed countries. Three main insights are inferred from the scoping study. Firstly, while presumptive tax regime may or may not induce formalisation; it potentially entails unintended consequences as a result of introducing a separate tax system for small businesses. Secondly, designing the presumptive tax regime can be a difficult task to balance simplicity, equity and efficiency, and also the presumptive tax regime likely becomes unstable and costly. Thirdly, the presumptive tax regime might even require more resources in its implementation. Therefore, the study suggests that those findings could inform policymakers about the costs and benefits of the presumptive tax regime in weighing policy options to address the problem of the shadow economy.
Remote sensing estimation of chlorophyll content in rape leaves in Weibei dryland region of China
Authors: Xia Liheng , Zhang Panpan
Published: March 2023

To explore the Hyperspectral Estimation Method for estimating the chlorophyll content of rape leaves, so as to provide a scientific basis for rapid and nondestructive monitoring of the chlorophyll content of rape crops in Northwest China.Taking the rapeseed crops in the northwest region as the research object, through the correlation analysis of the SPAD value and the spectral parameters of the rape leaves, the spectral parameters sensitive to SPAD were screened, and the single factor model,the partial least square regression model (PLSR) and BP neural network model optimized by genetic algorithm based on multiple linear stepwise regression based on the spectral parameters were constructed respectively and were compared.The results showed that: 1) The general trend of the spectral curve of rape leaves was the same, and the spectral reflectance decreased with the increase of chlorophyll content; 2) The correlation of seven spectral parameters involved in the modeling was above 0.770, all of which reached significant correlation at 0.01 level; 3) In each growth period, the BP neural network model optimized by genetic algorithm based on multiple linear stepwise regression is the optimal model. The modeling R2 is above 0.77, and the maximum can reach 0.91. It is verified that R2 is above 0.73, the maximum can reach 0.92, RMSE is between 1.32–3.22, RE is between 2.50% − 4.49%. BP neural network model optimized by genetic algorithm based on multiple linear stepwise regression is an inversion method which can estimate the SPAD value of rape leaves accurately and quickly.
In silico investigation of a novel anti EGFR Scfv –IL 24 fusion protein induces apoptosis in malignant cells
Authors: Zaroon . , yousaf Numan , Aslam Shakira , Qureshi Shahnila , Bashir Hamid
Published: March 2023

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a member of HER receptor family is over expressed in various cancer cells. Using tumor-specific antibodies to deliver cytotoxic agents directly to the tumor cells is an effective treatment strategy. Targeted therapy by fusing anti-EGFR scfv with tumor specific cytokines promises the emergence of new era. We designed a novel immuno-apoptotic fusion protein, anti EGFR Scfv-IL-24, consisting of a specific cancer cell targeting antibody and recombinant cytokine IL-24 to explore its anti-cancerous potential. Amino acid sequences of both anti EGFR scfv and IL-24 were fused using specific rigid linker. In silico characterization of the designed fusion protein like to predict the primary, secondary, physiochemical properties, quality and structural validation using online bioinformatic tools. Newly designed fusion protein consists of 402 amino acids that showed good quality with predicted value of 76.7% having 81.5% residues in most favored region as predicted by ERRAT2 and Ramachandran plot analysis. Docking and simulation studies were performed using HDOCK and Desmond module of Schrodinger. All the parameters of quality, validity, interaction analysis and stability suggested that the fused molecule is fully operational and functional. The results of the study supports that the anti EGFR Scfv-IL-24 fused protein could be proved as a novel candidate to combat cancer.
Numerical and experimental investigations on residual stress evolution of multiple sequential cuts in turning
Authors: Weng Jian , Zhou Shengqiang , Zhang Yuhua , Liu Yang , Zhuang Kejia
Published: March 2023

Residual stress is of great importance on the fatigue life of components, nevertheless, most of the simulations of turning operation focus on the first cut and ignore the evolution of residual stress in sequential cutting. The present study aims to explore the surface residual stress profile along the feed direction during longitudinal turning, to understand the impact of sequential cuts on turning-induced residual stress. A Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL)-based three-dimensional (3D) numerical model is employed to stably predict the evolution of residual stress of multiple sequential cuts in turning integrated with complete material removal process of each cut. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model are verified though the good agreement between simulated and measured results. The results show that the surface residual stress gradually decreases with increasing cutting sequence under the condition of different tool nose radius and feed rates. It is also found that the main reason of this phenomenon is the initial stress state generated by the former tool path. For a single case, the drop of tensile residual stress from the first cut to the third cut can be more significant when a larger feed rate is employed.
Antimalarial Activity of Methyl Gallate and Palmatine Combination in the Presence of Piperine
Authors: Adegunloye A. P. , Adebayo J. O.
Published: March 2023

Artemisinin combination therapies have been recommended as first-line antimalarials in malaria endemic countries. However, treatment failures are already being reported in some countries. This has necessitated the search for novel compounds for combination therapy. Methyl gallate and palmatine have been reported to exhibit antiplasmodial activities but the antimalarial activity of their combination has not been evaluated. Therefore, the evaluation of the combination of methyl gallate and palmatine for antimalarial activity in vitro and in vivo in the presence of piperine was carried out. The inhibitory potential of methyl gallate and palmatine combination on β-hematin formation was studied in vitro. Also, the antimalarial activity of methyl gallate and palmatine combination with/without a bioenhancer (piperine) was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei NK65 infected mice. The results of β-hematin formation inhibition revealed that methyl gallate and palmatine in the ratio 3:2 had the highest inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.73 µg/mL), the compounds acting synergistically. The 3:2 combination of methyl gallate and palmatine exhibited no antimalarial activity in the absence of piperine but caused reduction in parasitemia that exceeded 30% in the presence of piperine at the dose of 25 mg/kg body weight on day 4 post-inoculation. These suggest that 3:2 combination of methyl gallate and palmatine in the presence of piperine exhibited antimalarial activity, with the compounds synergistically inhibiting β-hematin formation.
Solid Dispersions as a Tool to Enhance Solubility of Chlorzoxazone
Authors: Agarwal Nikunj , Gulam Mohd. , Mukerjee Alok , Tripathi Amitabh , Jain Aviral
Published: March 2023

Chlorzoxazone belongs to BCS class II with prominent diminished solubility. The drug owing to low solubility has a marked poor bioavailaibility as maximum of it is rendered to the metabolism byCYP2E1 enzyme in the liver. The main purpose of the work is to enhance the solubility of the drug through the formulation of solid dispersions. Various methods like Co-grinding, Co-precipitation, Fusion method, and Closed melting method were used to formulate the Solid Dispersions. The Solid Dispersions were characterized for in-vitro drug release for F1(Fusion 1),F2 (Fusion 2) C1 (Closed Melting 1),C2 (Closed Melting 2),Co-P (Co-precipitation),Co-G (Co-grinding). Based on drug release profile and solubility studies the formulation made by the F2(Fusion method) with the drug, polymer ratio (0.5:1.0) was obtained with bestresu;ts among all. The results showed that the dispersions has a negligible interation in transformation from crystalline to amorphous state.
Physical activity and exercise behavior of Japanese breast cancer survivors: A nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Shimizu Yoichi , Tsuji Katsunori , Narisawa Tomomi , Kuchiba Aya , Shimazu Taichi , Ochi Eisuke , Sakurai Naomi , Iwata Hiroji , Arai Hirokazu , Matsuoka Yutaka J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose
Physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis has been associated with lower mortality rates. However, the physical activity levels of breast cancer survivors in Japan remain unclear.
Methods
A population-based sampling method was used to select 52 facilities throughout Japan. Thereafter, self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 30 consecutive breast cancer survivors without recurrence or metastasis at each facility. We then determined their background information, physical activity levels using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and potential factors affecting physical activity.
Results
We ultimately analyzed 791 (77.5%) patients from 34 (65.4%) facilities. Among them, 50.5% satisfied the physical activity recommendations by the American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Cancer Society guidelines, whereas 61.8% were not physically active at all during their leisure time. Moreover, 37.7% engaged in regular exercise, among whom 68.0% satisfied the recommended activity level. Factors associated with satisfying guideline recommendations were higher self-efficacy [odds ratio (OR) per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.29–1.94], stronger perceived social support (OR per 1SD increase, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.26–1.89), lower household annual income (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.07–2.33), experience of any cancer-related symptom relief through physical activity (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.13–2.94), and urban location (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.03–2.20).
Conclusions
Physical activity levels of breast cancer survivors can be certainly be improved. There is need to encourage physical activity and disseminate appropriate information and support regarding the same throughout Japan, focusing particularly on self-efficacy and social support.
High speed mapping of surface charge dynamics via Spiral Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Checa Martí , Kelley Kyle , Sun Changhyo , Vasudevan Rama , Ziatdinov Maxim , Ivanov Ilia , Yun Seok Joon , Xiao Kai , SEHIRLIOGLU Alp , Kim Yunseok , Sharma Pankaj , Domingo Neus , Jesse Stephen , Collins Liam
Published: March 2023

Understanding local dynamic charge processes is essential for developing advanced materials and devices, from batteries and microelectronics to medicine and biology. Continued progress relies on the ability to map electronic and ionic transport phenomena across different time and length scales, encompassing the intrinsic heterogeneities of the material itself (e.g., grain boundaries, domain walls, etc.). To address this challenge, we introduce high-speed Spiral-Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SS-KPFM), which combines sparse spiral scanning and image reconstruction via Gaussian process optimization. SS-KPFM enables functional sub-second imaging rates (≈ 3 fps), which represents a significant improvement over current state-of-the-art and several orders of magnitude over traditional KPFM methods. We apply it to study the spatiotemporal charge dynamics at a LaAlO3/SrTiO3 planar device and charge injection and diffusion dynamics in polycrystalline TiO2 thin films, providing full 2D Contact Potential Difference (CPD) maps of the surface charge dynamics in a fast and automated fashion.
Degradation of PET microplastic particles to monomers in human serum by designer enzymes
Authors: Lopez-Lorenzo Ximena , Hueting David , Bosshard Eliott , Syrén Per-Olof
Published: March 2023

Due to prolonged exposure, microplastic particles are found in human blood and other bodily fluids. Despite a lack of toxicity studies regarding microplastics, harmful effects for humans seem plausible and cannot be excluded. As small plastic particles readily translocate from the gut to body fluids, enzyme-based treatment of serum could constitute a promising avenue to clear synthetic polymers and their responding oligomers by degradation into monomers. Still, the activity of plastic degrading enzymes in serum remains unknown. Here we report how engineered PETases can depolymerize microplastic-like particles of the commodity polymer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its non-toxic monomer terephthalic acid (TPA) in human serum at 37°C. By developing an efficient method to depolymerize microplastics in vitro, our work takes a step closer to find a solution to the problem that microplastics in the bloodstream may pose in the future.
Exploiting Machine Learning Technologies to Study the Compound Effects of Serum Creatinine and Electrolytes on the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Liu Hsin-Hung , Wang Yu-Tseng , Yang Meng-Han , Lin Wei-Shu Kevin , Oyang Yen-Jen
Published: March 2023

Assessing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been a challenging issue for clinicians in an intensive care unit (ICU) as AKI could lead to many complications and even fatality. However, several early signs of AKI are non-specific and the current clinical practice monitors only the level of serum creatinine and the volume of urine output. Therefore, it is of great medical merit to identify all possible risk factors of AKI. In recent years, a number of studies have reported the associations between several serum electrolytes and AKI. Nevertheless, the compound effects of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and clinically relevant serum electrolytes have not been comprehensively investigated. Accordingly, we initiated this study aiming to develop machine learning models that not only illustrate how these factors interact with each other but also provide new insights for developing new clinical practices to assess AKI risk. Our analyses reveal that among the factors investigated the levels of serum creatinine, chloride, and magnesium are the major risk factors associated with the development of AKI in ICUs.
Activation of PKC affects the ventricular restitution properties and arrhythmogenesis through L-type Ca+ current
Authors: Zhang Feng , Lei Fuhua , Fan Jianing , Liu Tao , Qin Mu , Cheng Wenbo
Published: March 2023

Objective
To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in action potential duration (APD) restitution and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VA).
Methods and results
Rabbits hearts were isolated and prepared for Langendorff perfusion technique. The S1-S2 method and dynamic S1 pacing protocol were performed to construct APD restitution and to induce APD alternans or VA, respectively, at 10 sites throughout the ventricular chamber. Administration of PMA (100 nM) (n = 15) greatly steepened the restitution curves (Smax>1) (P < 0.01) at each site compared to the control group (n = 15). Furthermore, treatment with PMA also induced larger spatial dispersions of Smax (P < 0.05) and decreased the thresholds of the VA and APD alternans (P < 0.01). However, perfused with the PKC inhibitor, BIM (500 nM) (n = 10), reversibly flattened the APD restitution curves at each site (Smax< 1), decreased the spatial dispersions of Smax, and increased the thresholds of APD alternans and VA. According to the results of patch-clamp, peak amplitude of L-type Ca2+ current was significantly increased by addition of PMA compared with CTL group (P < 0.05). Antagonize this current with verapamil (n = 10) can fully inhibited the PMA induced increasing of Smax and inducibility of VA and alternans.
Conclusion
PKC activation increased the dispersion of APD restitution and thus led to occurrence of VA, which possibly related to the increased Ca2+ influx.
Health related quality of life and psychological parameters in Chinese women first diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Yan , zheng Jinxia , Dong Yueyan , Wang Ke , Bai Jie , Chen Miaoxin , Zheng Dehu , Jiang Hui
Published: March 2023

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with high level of psychological implications and detriments to patients’ Quality of Life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, and anxiety in Chinese women first diagnosed with PCOS.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 patients who were first diagnosed with PCOS. They were asked to fill out two questionnaires—the Modified Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (MPCOSQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive statistics was used to report basic personal information of the participants. Inferential statistics was used to report the differentiation, association, and correlation of the variables.
Results: The total score of MPCOSQ (155.08; 95% CI 130.42-179.68), and the mean score of all the 30 items in MPCOSQ (5.17,95% CI 4.35-5.99) were obtained from this study. The HRQoL dimensions from low score to high are infertility, irregular menstruation, hirsutism, weight etc. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI, occupation, the total score of HADS were the main contributing factors of HRQoL in women first diagnosed with PCOS (P<0.05). The total score of the HADS is (6.67; 95% CI 2.87-10.47); 25 participants’ scores are equal to or above 11, and the incidence of depression and anxiety is 15.2%. Significant differences were observed among the total score of HADS, the scores of the subscales and the total score of MPCOSQ.
Conclusion: The level of anxiety and depression in patients first diagnosed with PCOS is higher than that of the normal population, and the level of HRQoL needs to be improved, especially in the dimensions of infertility and irregular menstruation. There are negative correlations between the total score of HADS with the scores of its subscales and the total score of MPCOSQ, so the patients’ QoL can be improved by reducing the anxiety and depression level.
First-Principles investigation of the thermal properties of the XO (X = Be, Mg and Sr) nanosheet
Authors: Abdullah Botan Jawdat
Published: March 2023

The electronic structures and thermal characteristics of hexagonal XO nanosheets (where X = Be, Mg, and Sr) are investigated using the density functional theory. The electronic structures, including band structure and partial density of states are investigated, and it is found that BeO is an insulator, whereas MgO and SrO are semiconductors, according to the energy gap range of these three nanosheets. Thermal properties including as entropy, enthalpy, free energy, and heat capacity for XO nanosheets are identified and investigated in this study. Due to differences in the electronegativity and bonding nature of XO nanosheets, the thermodynamic parameters change dramatically with a similar trend as function of temperature. Enthalpy and entropy increase with temperature whereas free energy falls, owing to a change in the binary oxide internal energy of the system and the electron density distribution. Thermal energy is absorbed by lattices at low temperatures, and they grow until the point at which all of the lattices are enhanced and the system starts to produce lattice unharmonicity of the linear dependence. Varied ranges for the XO nanosheets’ parameters can be advantageous for thermoelectric nanodevices.
Semi-automated Extraction of Road Networks From Remotely Sensed Images Using Morphology Based Approach
Authors: A. Rishikeshan C. , S. Venkatraman , V. Maria Anu , P. Kuppusamy , M. Monica K. , M. Mohan
Published: March 2023

Road networks are one of the major features that influence urban planning and development. Thus, road maps of urban areas have to be updated periodically. With advances in remote sensing technology and platforms more and more high quality and fine spatial resolution satellite images are available. Manual method of feature extraction from remote sensing imagery is a tedious and time-consuming process. Automated feature and road network extraction can drastically minimize the time and cost of data acquisition and database update. Thus, automated and replicable techniques play vital role in updating road network to evaluate the spatial and temporal evolution of urban sprawl especially for vastly growing urban areas. This research work presents a mathematical morphology (MM) based approach which is effective and useful for the extraction of road networks from satellite and aerial imageries with better accuracy and minimal turnaround time. Maintenance of actual size and shape of the road networks, runtime control over structuring elements, automation, faster processing and single band adaptability are features of this work. Accuracy of developed methodology has been assessed with ground truths of the area of interest.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly patients with colorectal cancer: a single-center observational study in Japan
Authors: Okamoto Kazuaki , Nozawa Hiroaki , Emoto Shigenobu , Murono Koji , Sasaki Kazuhito , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Adjuvant chemotherapy improves the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) following radical resection. The aim of the present study is to review appropriate chemotherapeutic regimens for elderly patients.
Methods: We examined 1243 Japanese patients who received adjuvant therapy for high-risk stage II, III, or IV CRC between July 2010 and June 2021 at our hospital. Patients were divided according to an age of 70 years. The efficacy of adjuvant therapy was analyzed in association with age and adjuvant chemotherapeutic regimens.
Results: A total of 544 patients (44%) were ≥70 years old. They were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (p<0.001) or palliative chemotherapy after recurrence (p<0.001) than patients aged <70 years. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) in stage III CRC patients was longer in the <70 years group than in the ≥70 years group (p=0.006); however, CSS by regimens did not significantly differ between these groups. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with the longer relapse-free survival of stage III CRC patients in the <70 years group (p=0.005). CSS in these patients was prolonged in both the <70 years group (p=0.019) and ≥70 years group (p=0.009) who received adjuvant chemotherapy..
Conclusions: Although adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a favorable prognosis regardless of age, the implementation rate of adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly CRC patients was low, which may explain shorter CSS in stage III CRC patients the ≥70 years group than in the <70 years group. Further studies are needed to establish an optimal adjuvant regimen for elderly patients.
Sustainable Hydrodynamic of Artificial Neural Networks and Logistic Regression Model to Lane Change Serious Conflict at Unsignalized Intersection on Malaysia’s Federal Route
Authors: Mustakim Fajaruddin , Aziz Azlan Abdul , Ahmad Mohammad Nazir , Jamian Saifulnizan B.
Published: March 2023

The neural network approach is used to resolve the interdependencies between inputs and outputs in a major conflict on the Malaysian Federal Route’s unsignalized intersection (UI).Two group of dataset being use in this study, they are right turning motor vehicle (RTMs) which consist eight hundred forty five data and serious conflict lane change model, consist three hundred sixty three dataset. The aim of the study are to develop serious conflict lane change model by using artificial neuron network (ANN) and logistic regression method (LRM) and to identify the risk of right turning motor vehicle (RTMs) behaviour. The input data consists traffic behaviour, type of gap, road geometry and traffic facilities. Subsequently the output data will be lane change serious conflict, the study utilize SPSS 26 statistic software. The first section of the study covers the neural network, while the second section describes the strategy utilised to analyse the scientific work. Third part cover the simple analysis of lane change serious conflict and analysis of gap types. Last part is comparison result between logistic regression method and artificial neuron network. This study reveals that lane change due angular conflict, speed limit 50kph, Gap 3 type, second passenger car, motorcycles, motorcycle stop near passenger car, traffic light and lane width were found significance in lane change serious conflict models. The study has determine that RTMs is motorcycle as vulnerable mode of transport. Besides, this study found that the combination between both method ANN and LRM sustainable hydrodynamic and complement each other especially on explaining the outcomes result.
Long-term outcomes of high-dose carbon-ion radiotherapy for central non-small cell lung cancer: a single-centre, retrospective study.
Authors: aoki shuri , Nakajima Mio , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Yamamoto Naoyoshi , Mori Shinichiro , Wakatsuki Masaru , Okonogi Noriyuki , Murata Kazutoshi , Murakami Motohiro , Mori Yasumasa , Yamada Shigeru
Published: March 2023

Background
The feasibility and efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) for central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain controversial owing to the increased risk of severe adverse events (AEs), including pneumonia, perforation of mediastinal organs (esophagus and trachea), and bleeding. Carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT) is an effective RT modality owing to its steep dose distribution and high biological efficacy. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of central NSCLC treated using CIRT.
Methods
Thirty patients who received CIRT with 68.4 Gy (RBE) in 12 fractions for pathologically proven central NSCLC between 2006 and 2018 were reviewed. The clinical stage was re-evaluated according to the UICC 8th edition, and adverse events were evaluated using CTCAE ver.5.0. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and local control (LC).
Results
The median age was 75 years (range 55–85). All patients had concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 20 (67%) were regarded as inoperable. At a median follow-up of 63 months in surviving patients, 14 patients died, but no treatment-related deaths were observed. The 3-year OS, DSS, and LC rates were 72.4, 75.8, and 88.7%, respectively. Two patients experienced grade 3 pneumonitis, representing 6.7% of the cohort, but no grade ≥ 3 AEs involving the mediastinal organs occurred.
Conclusions
CIRT using our dose fractionation is feasible and effective for central NSCLC and may be a secure treatment option for patients with central NSCLC who are unmet for other curative treatments.
Levels of neutralizing antibodies against resident farm strain or vaccine strain are not indicators of protection against PRRSV-1 vertical transmission under farm conditions
Authors: Martin-Valls Gerard Eduard , LI Yanli , Clilverd Hepzibar , Soto Jordi , Cortey Martí , Mateu Enric
Published: March 2023

Background Vertical transmission is key for the maintenance of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in endemic farms. In most cases, neutralizing antibodies (NAb) more effectively neutralize the homologous strain, but some reports indicate the existence of broadly NAb (bNAb). In vaccinated farms, where all breeders have some levels of immunity, vertical transmission can still occur. The present study correlates the age of sows and the amplitude of NAb with PRRSV-1 vertical transmission (VT) through sampling two vaccinated farms. Results The proportion of VT events in the two examined farms ranged from 18.9–23.0%. Young sows (parity 1–2) were 1.7 times more likely to have VT than older sows (p < 0.05). Despite higher ELISA S/P antibody ratios in younger sows (p < 0.05), NAb against the resident farm strain were at a similar level between sows delivering infected and healthy piglets although mostly with low titres (2–3 log2). The titres of NAb against the vaccine virus were also low, and no correlations with VT were observed. When a panel of another 4 strains (1 isolated in the 1990s, and 3 contemporary strains) were used for the neutralization test, most sows were not capable of neutralizing the contemporary strains. Conclusions Titres of NAb could not be correlated with the occurrence of PRRSV VT. The amplitude of NAb present in most vaccinated sows is limited with a considerable proportion unresponsive regarding NAb production.
Fate of Cryptosporidium and Giardia through conventional and compact drinking water treatment plants
Authors: Moussa Ahmed S. , Ashour Ameen A. , Soliman Mohammad I. , Taha Hoda A. , Al-Herrawy Ahmad Z. , Gad Mahmoud
Published: March 2023

During the past thirty years, there has been a significant increase in the contamination of drinking water by enteric pathogenic protozoa, particularly Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. Such microbial contamination has been responsible for disease outbreaks and increased background rates of disease in developed and developing countries worldwide. As such, controlling waterborne diseases is a critical aspect of public health policy and the primary objective of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Limited studies applied real-time PCR (qPCR) and/or Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for monitoring Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp., particularly in developing countries like Egypt. Samples of water from two conventional drinking water treatment plants and two compact units (CUs) were analyzed using both IFA and qPCR methods to detect Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The conventional DWTPs showed complete removal of Giardia and Cryptosporidium gene copies, whereas Mansheyat Alqanater and Niklah CUs achieved only partial removal. Specifically, Cryptosporidium gene copies removal rates were 33.33% and 60% for Mansheyat Alqanater and Niklah CUs, respectively. Niklah CU also removed 50% of Giardia gene copies, but no Giardia gene copies were removed by Mansheyat Alqanater CU. Conventional DWTPs were more effective than CUs in removing enteric protozoa. The contamination of drinking water by enteric pathogenic protozoa remains a significant issue globally, leading to increased disease rates. Infectious disease surveillance in drinking water is an important epidemiological tool to monitor the health of a population.
Comparative transcriptome analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify core in Musa acuminata sub-varieties infected by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense TR4
Authors: Lakshmi PTV , Kumar Amrendra , S. AJNA. A. , Raveendran Abitha P , Chaudhary Anjali , Shanmugam Adhitthan , Arunachalam Annamalai
Published: March 2023

Bananas a high-nutrient fruit crop that ranks fourth in terms of gross value production after rice, wheat, and maize. Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by fungal pathogens Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubensetropical race 4 (Foc TR4), is considered as the most destructive disease in the world and results in extensive damage of the crop leading up to complete productivity loss. These cavendish cultivars are vulnerable to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4. (Foc TR4). Benzothiadiazole (BTH) is a plant resistance inducer that can enhance the defensive mechanism of plants against this pathogen. However, the mechanism behind the defensive response is still unknown. In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to publicly available transcriptome data of multiple (Baragan, Brazilian, and Williams) cultivars of cavendish banana under Fusarium oxysporum on Benzathiadiasole (BTH) of Barzillian cultivar, which was further used for comparative transcriptome analysis. The widespread use of plant resistance inducers (PRIs) such as Benzathiadiasole (BTH) is a new strategy to stimulate the defence response in banana plants to protect against pathogen infection. The differential expression genes (DEGs) analyses with time series of cultivars were done, of which approximately 56.3 % (19835) genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed. The DEGs have been compared with genes found in modules of weighted gene co-expression network followed by the analysis of relevant (trait) cultivars to identify core genes, and it was found that 1110 genes were down regulated, and 671 were upregulated genes in Berangan cultivars 4 days Foc4 fungal infected samples, whereas in Brazilian cultivars one day Foc4 infections with BTH treated, 171 genes were upregulated and 125 genes were downregulated. Further, in pathway analysis, 20 pathways were identified under significant enrichment FDR, many proteins were also involved in different pathways, including sphingolipid metabolism, peroxisome, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and endocytosis in the roots of banana.
Depiction of an External Classical Field Effects on a Four-Level W-Configuration Atom Embedded in a Coherent Cavity Field
Authors: Ali Salama
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the dynamics of a W-configuration four-level atom in a quantized cavity field and the system driven by an external classical field. By applying some canonical transformations, we derive analytical solutions to the Schrdinger equation for the corresponding Hamiltonian. The effects of the external field parameters and detuning on the relative entropy of coherence, Wigner function, and Pancharatnam phase of the system are then analyzed. It is found that the external field parameter has a significant effect on the coherence of the system, while the detuning parameters may increase the maximum bounds of the coherence. In addition, the Wigner function is utilized to quantify the quantumness and classicality of the system in phase space. It is observed that the external field has a greater effect on the classicality of the system than the detuning parameters. Furthermore, the dynamics of the Pancharatnam phase displays rapid oscillations for large detuning values, whereas the external field diminishes the number of phase jumps.
Comparing the apical micro-leakage caused by various endodontic sealers in the presence and absence of moisture Single Author
Authors: Katta Prashanth Kumar
Published: March 2023

Introduction:Drying of the canals before endodontic obturation is still up for debate despite the existence of hydrophilic sealers. This investigation compared the apical micro-leakage of the sealers AD Seal, RealSeal SE, EndoSeal MTA, and Tubli-Seal in both dry and moist root canals.
Materials and methods: On 90 maxillary canines that had been excised, an experimental study was conducted. The canals were prepared using rotary files. Under both dry and moist root canal conditions, root canals were filled with a single gutta percha cone using one of the four sealers (15 teeth in each group). Except for the positive control group, all root surfaces were painted with oil paint and orifices were sealed with adhesive wax. Teeth were put in methylene blue and then sliced longitudinally after ten days at 100% humidity. By using a stereomicroscope, blue color permeability was determined in micrometers. Using SPSS V.18 software, data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and Scheffe post hoc test at P 0.05.
Results: In the dry groups, the mean apical micro-leakage was considerably reduced (P 0.001). In AD Seal and ZOE, respectively, there was a minimum and maximum amount of microleakage. Between dry and damp conditions, EndoSeal MTA did not show a significant difference in apical microleakage (P > 0.05). The RealSeal SE groups had considerably more apical micro-leakage (P 0.001).
Conclusion: In dry conditions, AD Seal offered the least apical micro-leakage, whereas in moist conditions, Tubli-Seal had the maximum micro-leakage. Regardless of wetness, EndoSeal MTA provided a reliable apical closure.
Bone density of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine measured using Hounsfield units of computed tomography – results of 4350 vertebras
Authors: Simion George , Eckardt Niklas , Ullrich Bernhard , Senft Christian , Schwarz Falko
Published: March 2023

Introduction
The assessment of bone density has gained significance in recent years due to the aging population. Accurate assessment of bone density is crucial when deciding on the appropriate treatment plan for spinal stabilization surgery. The objective of this work was to determine the trabecular bone density values of the subaxial cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine using Hounsfield units.
Material and Methods
Data from 200 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced polytrauma computed tomography at a maximum care hospital over a two-year period were retrospectively analyzed. HUs were measured with an elliptical measurement field in three different locations within the vertebral body: below the upper plate, in the middle of the vertebral body, and above the base plate. The measured Hounsfield units were converted into bone density values using a validated formula.
Results
The mean age of the patient collective was 47.05 years. Mean spinal bone density values decreased from cranial to caudal (C3: 231.79 mg/cm³; L5: 155.13 mg/cm³; p < 0.001), with the highest values in the upper cervical spine. Bone density values generally decreased with age in all spinal segments. There was a clear decrease in values after age 50 years (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In our study, bone density decreased from cranial to caudal with higher values in the cervical spine. These data from the individual spinal segments may be helpful to comprehensively evaluate the status of the spine and to design a better preoperative plan before instrumentation.
Discrete modulation instability and localized waves of the coupled semi-discrete Hirota equation
Authors: Houwe Alphonse , Abbagari Souleymanou , Akinyemi Lanre , Doka Serge Yamigno
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we use the numerical simulation of the discrete Hirota equation to point out the localized modes and wave patterns. The discrete modulation instability is used to demonstrate how the nonlinear term generates unstable or stable modes when a little perturbation is introduced. We have also stated that for strong enough nonlinear terms, new bands emerge. Furthermore, by applying an external periodic force, we were able to push one end of the discrete Hirota model into the forbidden frequency gap. We established the threshold amplitude expression and the driven amplitude. According to one finding, the threshold of supratransmission decreases as the nonlinear term of the discrete Hirota equation increases. For specific times of propagation, we showed the propagation of the train of waves as well as the modulated wave patterns. We demonstrated the wave train traveling through the band gap, where energy jumps from the bottom to the top and vice versa, over a significant period of time. These findings will almost certainly pave the way for new nonlinear dynamics applications.