bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Healthcare Worker Infection Rate and Outcome during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Outbreak in Hong Kong
Authors: Zee Sze Tsing Jonpaul , Kwok Lam Fung , Kee Carmen Ka Man , Fung Ling Hiu , Luk Luke Wing Pan , Chan Chris Tsun Leung , Leung Alex Chin Pang , YU Bella Pik Wa , Hung Jhan Raymond L , SzeTo Kit Ying , Chan Queenie Wai Leng , Tang Bone Siu Fai , Lin Ada Wai Chi , Ma Edmond Shiu Kwan , Lee Koon Hung , Lau Chor Chiu , Yung Raymond Wai Hung
Published: July 2022

Immune escape is observed with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (Pango lineage B.1.1.529), the predominant circulating strain worldwide. Booster dose was shown to restore immunity against Omicron infection, however, real world data comparing mRNA (BNT162b2; Comirnaty) and inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac; Sinovac) homologous and heterologous boosting is lacking. A retrospective study was performed to compare the rate and outcome of COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs) with various vaccination regime during a territory-wide Omicron outbreak in Hong Kong. During the study period 1 Feb – 31 Mar 2022, 3167 HCWs were recruited, 871 HCWs reported 746 and 183 episodes of significant household and non-household close contact. 737 HCWs acquired COVID-19 which were all clinically mild. Time dependent Cox regression showed that, comparing with 2-dose vaccination, 3-dose vaccination reduced infection risk by 31.7% and 89.3% in household contact and non-household close contact respectively. Using 2-dose BNT162b2 as reference, 2-dose CoronaVac recipient had significantly higher risk of being infected (HR 1.69 P<0.0001). Three-dose BNT162b2 (HR 0.4778 P<0.0001) and 2-dose CoronaVac + BNT162b2 booster (HR 0.4862 P=0.0157) were associated with lower risk of infection. Three-dose CoronaVac and 2-dose BNT162b2 + CoronaVac booster were not significantly different from 2-dose BNT162b2. The mean time to achieve negative RT-PCR or E gene cycle threshold 31 or above was not affected by age, number of vaccine dose taken, vaccine type and timing of the last dose. In summary, we have demonstrated lower risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs given BNT162b2 as booster after 2 doses of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac.
Towards forecasting future Snow Cover Dynamics in the European Alps – The Potential of Long Optical Remote-Sensing Time Series
Authors: Koehler Jonas , Bauer André , Dietz Andreas J. , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: July 2022

Snow is a vital environmental parameter and dynamically responsive to climate change, particularly in mountainous regions. Snow cover can be monitored at variable spatial scales using Earth Observation (EO) data. Long-lasting remote sensing missions enable the generation of multi-decadal time series and thus the detection of long-term trends. However, there have been few attempts to use these to model future snow cover dynamics. In this study, we therefore explore the potential of such time series to forecast the Snow Line Elevation (SLE) in the European Alps. We generate monthly SLE time series from the entire Landsat archive (1985-2021) in 43 Alpine catchments. Positive long-term SLE change rates are detected, with the highest rates (5-8 m/y) in the Western and Central Alps. We utilize this SLE dataset to implement and evaluate seven uni-variate time series modeling and forecasting approaches. The best results were achieved by Random Forests, with a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.79 and a Mean Absolut Error (MAE) of 258 m, Telescope (0.76, 268 m), and seasonal ARIMA (0.75, 270 m). Since the model performance varies strongly with the input data, we developed a Combined forecast based on the best performing methods in each catchment. This approach was then used to forecast the SLE for the years 2022-2029. In the majority of the catchments the shift of the forecast median SLE level retained the sign of the long-term trend. In cases where a deviating SLE dynamic is forecast a discussion based on the unique properties of the catchment and past SLE dynamics is required. In the future, we expect major improvements in our SLE forecasting efforts by including external predictor variables in a multi-variate modeling approach.
A Comparative Study of Three Mathematical Models for the Interaction between the Human Immune System and a Virus
Authors: Munteanu Florian
Published: July 2022

In this paper it will be considered three deterministic models for the study of the interaction between the human immune system and a virus: the logistic model, the Gompertz model, and the generalized logistic model (or Richards model). A qualitative analysis of this models based on dynamical systems theory will be performed, by studying the local behavior of the equilibria and obtaining local dynamics properties from the linear stability point of view. Also, we will compare this models in order to understanding which is more appropriate to models the interaction between the human immune system and a virus. It will be obtained some natural medical interpretations which are available for all three models and can be useful to the medical community.
Phylogenomic Placement of American Southwest-Associated Clinical and Veterinary Isolates Expands Evidence for Distinct Cryptococcus Gattii VGVI.
Authors: Monroy-Nieto Juan , Bowers Jolene , Montfort Parker , Adame Guillermo , Taverna Constanza Giselle , Yaglom Hayley , Sykes Jane E. , Brady Shane , Mochon A. Brian , Meyer Wieland , Komatsu Kenneth , Engelthaler David M.
Published: July 2022

Whole-genome sequencing has advanced our understanding of the population structure of the pathogenic species complex Cryptococcus gattii, which has allowed for the phylogenomic specification of previously described major molecular type groupings and novel lineages. Recently, isolates collected in Mexico in the 1960s were determined to be genetically distant from other known molecular types and were classified as VGVI. We sequenced four clinical isolates and one veterinary isolate collected in the southwestern U.S. and Argentina during 2012-2021. Phylogenomic analysis groups these genomes with those of the Mexican VGVI isolates, expanding VGVI into a clade and establishing this molecular type as a clinically important population. These findings also potentially expand the known Cryptococcus ecological range with a previously unrecognized endemic area.
Nutrients Composition Changes in Leaves of Quercus leucotrichophora from Different Seasons and Altitudes in the North-West Himalaya
Authors: Sharma Shalini , Puri Sunil
Published: July 2022

Quercus leucotrichophora leaves were collected for assessment of nutritive composition between four seasons i.e. spring season (March-April), summer season (June-July), autumn (September-October), winter December-January) respectively, in 2017. The experiment was conducted within the laboratory of Shoolini University campus. Leaves samples were collected from 12 different provenances starting from 1189 to 2578 m a.s.l. Crude protein, ash content, ether extract, phenol content, total sugar and tannin content were expressively higher within middle to higher altitudinal populations. Crude fiber, ether extract, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, saponin content were higher in winter month while crude protein, ash content, phenol content, tannin content were higher in autumn season. Total sugar was higher in summer season and nitrogen free extract was higher in spring season. Q. leucotrichophora leaves were harvested at the right stage of maturity (winter months) offers considerable potential as good quality forage for livestock to meet the deficiency of nutritive components.
Comparative Study of Convolution Neural Network with GLCM Approach and Superpixel based Spectral Clustering for Brain Tumor Detection
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Sharma Shivani
Published: July 2022

Extensive growth in the volume of irregular brain cells is known as brain tumor. Human brain is surrounded by stiff skull. There are various issues that occur due to the growth of any tumor inside this restricted space. The malignant and benign are two main categories of the brain tumor. The skull is pressurized to enlarge from inside in case of growth of any benign or malignant tumor. This tumor leads to harm in brain and it may be dangerous to life also. The brain tumor is divided into two kinds - primary or secondary. The brain tumor detection techniques have various phases. In this paper, comparative study of CNN with GLCM approach and superpixel based spectral clustering is done tumor. This work takes into account metrics like accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for drawing the comparison between both the techniques.
Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy of Human Umbilical Cord Tissue Allograft Pre and Post Processing: A Literature Comparison
Authors: Davis Justine , Martin Scott , Purita Joseph , Shou John , Barrett Tyler
Published: July 2022

One in four adults in the US suffer from cartilage degeneration of the Intervertebral Disc (DDD) or load bearing joints (DJD). Combined DDD and DJD leads to billions of dollars in surgical health care costs annually. Since cartilage is avascular, it has a limited regenerative capacity. Conventional non-surgical treatment modalities provide brief symptomatic relief, have sided effects, and do not address the actual structural tissue defect in the cartilage itself. As such, new alternatives are needed. Perinatal tissue allografts have emerged as a novel frontier for bio-mechanical cartilage engineering research. Birth product-specific therapeutic roles and clinical outcomes are actively being investigated. The tissues of interest include umbilical cord-derived Wharton’s Jelly (WJ). This study assessed WJ tissue samples via ZEISS Supra 55VP Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) at 100 and 300nm resolution scales. The captured images of pre and post-processed structural tissue matrices in WJ allografts were analyzed against themselves and peer-reviewed SEM images of articular cartilage, intervertebral disc cartilage, and muscle fascia. SEM images of post-processed WJ structural tissue matrices were analogous to structural tissue matrices in human articular cartilage, intervertebral disc cartilage, and muscle fascia. Relevant characteristics of pre- and post-processed structural tissue matrices in WJ allografts were comparable. This is the first study, that we are aware of, to utilize SEM to compare the pre-and post-processing relevant structural characteristics of WJ allografts and additionally demonstrate that structural collagen matrices in post-processed WJ allografts are analogous in structure to the cartilage in articular joints, intervertebral discs, and muscle fascia.
Holistic Systematic Review on Methodologies of Assessing Effectiveness Cybersecurity Awareness Program
Authors: Garba Adamu , Siraj Maheyzah , Othman Siti
Published: July 2022

Cyber-threat is now a global concern to all internet users, as the rate of crimes has tremendously changed from physical to virtual. Implementing awareness programs at various organization levels is required, Also there is a need to know the methodologies used in measuring cybersecurity awareness program effectiveness. The paper aims to review and explore the previous methodologies applied, target organizations, and application of Machine Learning techniques in the assessment of awareness programs. Systematic literature review techniques were used to conduct the search using pre-defined keywords and published papers from 2006 to 2019, the information was used in providing an answer to the research questions. The finding shows questionnaire was widely used as a method of evaluating cybersecurity awareness and also organizations implement more awareness programs, the gap found is the lack of using ML in assessing the effectiveness of design, and implemented cybersecurity awareness programs
Machine Learning Application in G.I.S. and Remote Sensing: An Overview
Authors: Upreti Anjeel
Published: July 2022

Machine learning (ML) is a subdivision of artificial intelligence in which the machine learns from machine-readable data and information. It uses data, learns the pattern and predicts the new outcomes. Its popularity is growing because it helps to understand the trend and provides a solution that can be either a model or a product. Applications of ML algorithms have increased drastically in G.I.S. and remote sensing in recent years. It has a broad range of applications, from developing energy-based models to assessing soil liquefaction to creating a relation between air quality and mortality. Here, in this paper, we discuss the most popular supervised ML models (classification and regression) in G.I.S. and remote sensing. The motivation for writing this paper is that ML models produce higher accuracy than traditional parametric classifiers, especially for complex data with many predictor variables. This paper provides a general overview of some popular supervised non-parametric ML models that can be used in most of the G.I.S. and remote sensing-based projects. We discuss classification (Naïve Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Decision Trees (DT)) and regression models (Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Linear and Non-Linear) here. Therefore, the article can be a guide to those interested in using ML models in their G.I.S. and remote sensing-based projects
Nutritional status of children with infantile cerebral palsy receiving gastrostomy tube feeding
Authors:   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, Titova O.N. , Taran N.N. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, A.V.Keleynikova A.V. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, E.V.Pavlovskaya E.V. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, A.I.Zubovich A.I. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, M.E.Bagaeva M.E. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, T.V.Strokova T.V. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2022

Objective. To assess the nutritional status, dietary intake, and effectiveness of nutritional support in children with infantile cerebral palsy (ICP) receiving gastrostomy tube feeding. Patients and methods. The study included 46 children with spastic ICP between 2 and 18 years of age. All children belonged to GMFCS level V and were fed by gastrostomy tube. Nutritional status, energy and macronutrient intake were evaluated. Body composition was determined by caliperometry (n = 46) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (bioimpedanceometry) (n = 18). Considering the disorders revealed, specialized formulas for enteral feeding were introduced into the diet. To assess the effectiveness of diet therapy, we observed 14 children for 6–9 months. Results. Weight loss was detected in 33 (71.7%) children: 14 (30.4%) children had mild weight loss, 1 (2.2%) child had moderate weight loss and 18 (39.1%) children had severe weight loss. Growth delay was observed in 5 (10.9%) children, in 3 (6.5%) of them the degree of delay appeared more severe. Protein-energy malnutrition by 17–50% from the recommended norm was detected in all children: all children had carbohydrate deficiency and 37 (80.4%) children had protein and fat deficiency. In the observational period against the background of diet therapy there were statistically significant positive dynamics of weight and height parameters, an increase in body fat mass (2.4 [1.6; 5.3] kg and 3.3 [1.3; 4.6] kg at the beginning and at the end of observation) and phase angle values (3.9 [3.5; 4.4] and 5.0 [3.6; 5.6], respectively); a decrease in body cell mass and skeletal muscle mass was revealed. Conclusion. The diet of children with ICP should meet their individual needs and correspond to their functional abilities. Key words: infantile cerebral palsy, gastrostomy, motor activity level, weight loss, nutritional support
Impacts of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) on erosion behavior of muddy sediment
Authors: Tarpley Danielle , Perkey David
Published: July 2022

Recent policy changes regarding the placement of dredged material have encouraged the USACE to increase its beneficial use (BU) of the sediments dredged from the nation’s navigation channels. A good portion of this material is fine grained (<63 μm), which traditionally has limited use in BU applications, in part due to its dispersive nature. A need exists to evaluate the potential of stabilizing and using fine-grained sediment (FGS) in BU projects. Previous studies have shown the addition of granular sand to FGS reduces the mobility of the bed. The potential of using Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), an amendment commonly used in environmental capping involving FGS, as a similar bed stabilizing material was explored in this study. A series of laboratory erosion tests using Sedflume were performed on FGS-GAC mixtures that ranged from 5% to 20% GAC by mass. Results suggested that GAC content ≤10% had no influence on the stability of the bed while GAC content ≥15% appeared to reduce both critical shear stress (τcr) and erosion rate (n). However, when compared to control cores, those without GAC, clear evidence of bed stabilization of FGS from the addition of GAC was not observed.
Leveraging production visualization tools in situ
Authors: Moreland Kenneth , Bauer Andrew , Geveci Berk , O'Leary Patrick , Whitlock Brad
Published: July 2022

The visualization community has invested decades of research and development into producing large-scale production visualization tools. Although in situ is a paradigm shift for large-scale visualization, much of the same algorithms and operations apply regardless of whether the visualization is run post hoc or in situ. Thus, there is a great benefit to taking the large-scale code originally designed for post hoc use and leveraging it for use in situ. This chapter describes two in situ libraries, Libsim and Catalyst, that are based on mature visualization tools, VisIt and ParaView, respectively. Because they are based on fully-featured visualization packages, they each provide a wealth of features. For each of these systems we outline how the simulation and visualization software are coupled, what the runtime behavior and communication between these components are, and how the underlying implementation works. We also provide use cases demonstrating the systems in action. Both of these in situ libraries, as well as the underlying products they are based on, are made freely available as open-source products. The overviews in this chapter provide a toehold to the practical application of in situ visualization.
CREDIT RISK AMID BANKING UNCERTAINTY IN VIETNAM
Authors: Dang Van Dan , Nguyen Hoang Chung
Published: July 2022

Using a new measure of micro uncertainty based on the cross-sectional dispersion of bank-level shocks, we analyze the impact of banking uncertainty on credit risk in Vietnam during the period 2007–2019. We document that a higher level of banking uncertainty may increase credit risk, and this unfavorable impact is mitigated at larger, better capitalized, and more liquid banks. As compared to private-owned banks, stateowned banks experience higher credit risk during periods of uncertainty. Further analysis supports the “search for yield” hypothesis and helps to better understand why credit risk increases amid uncertainty.
Pengaruh Pemilihan Metode Pengakuan Pendapatan Istishna’ Terhadap Return On Asset (ROA) (Studi PT BPR Syariah Mulia Berkah Abadi Periode Tahun 2017-2019)
Authors: Kiki Rismayati  , Shinta Maharani
Published: July 2022

In selecting the revenue recognition method for the distribution of Istishna's financing, the company must consider whether the percentage of completion method or the completed contract method is necessary because the choice of revenue recognition method affects the calculation of the company's Return On Assets (ROA). This study uses primary data from PT BPR Syariah Mulia Berkah Abadi obtained from financial reports from January 2017-December 2019. The result shows that (1) Profit distribution of istishna' financing with the recognition of income by the percentage of completion method does not significantly affect Return On Assets (ROA), with a tcount of -1,373. (2) Profit on istishna' financing distribution with the recognition of income from the completed contract method does not significantly affect Return on Assets (ROA), with a tcount of -0.865. (3) From the results of the tcount of profit, the recognition of istishna' income, the completed contract method has more effect on Return On Assets (ROA).
Analisis Tingkat Kesehatan Bank Pembiayaan Rakyat Syariah di Jawa Timur Sebelum dan Selama Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Fakaruzzaman Hidayatullah  , Shinta Maharani
Published: July 2022

East Java's economy is one of the main pillars of Indonesia's economic strength. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, almost all economic sectors are affected and the banking sector. This study aims to measure performance and determine whether there are significant differences in the performance of BPRS in East Java before and during the COVID-19 pandemic based on Financial Services Authority Regulation No. 20/ POJK.03/2019. This research uses two types of research: quantitative descriptive analysis and comparative quantitative research methods. Using the purposive sampling technique from 25 BPRS in East Java, the research sample obtained 23 BPRS. The results showed that BPRS in East Java experienced a decline in performance from before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is indicated by 13 BPRS that experienced a decrease in the composite rating of the bank's soundness level. Apart from that, the quality of productive assets and profitability have decreased, but the capital and liquidity factors are still maintained. The different tests showed a significant difference in the ratio of ROA variables before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, there was no difference in the balance of other variables (CAR, EAQ, NPF, REO and CR).
Comparison of sampling collection strategies for assessing airborne trichloramine levels in indoor swimming pools
Authors: Ahmadpour Elham , Halle Stephan , Valois Isabelle , Ryan Patrick Eddy , Haddad Sami , Rodriguez Manuel , Tardif Robert , Debia Maximilien
Published: July 2022

Since 1995, Hery’s trichloramine sampling procedure has been widely used to determine trichloramine exposure in indoor swimming pools. This method consists of pumping air at a 1 L/min flow rate for 2 hours through a Teflon prefilter and two quartz fibre filters. Modified Hery methods have been reported using different sampling pump flow rates and types of prefilters. Might the prefilter type or sample collection pump flow rate have influenced these studies' results. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different cassette assemblies and sampling flow rates on the levels of measured trichloramine. Laboratory tests were performed using a trichloramine production set-up designed for this study. Workplace measurements were carried out in four indoor swimming pools. Different prefiltering strategies were used: no prefilter, glass prefilter or Teflon prefilter in the sampling cassette, and an original separable prefilter cassette is presented in this study Laboratory tests indicated that in the situation of trichloramine concentrations higher than 1 mg/m³, the trichloramine percentage captured on the first filter could pass the value of 75%, which demonstrates the possible loss of material during the sampling. The investigation of the prefilter effect on sampling strategy using different cassette assemblies revealed that using a separable cassette assembly could prevent overestimating the trichloramine levels. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between measured TCA concentrations at different flow rates (from 0.5 L/min to 2 L/min) in swimming pools.
Subclinical High-Resolution Chest CT Scan Features In Psoriasis
Authors: Samrah Shaher M. , Qarqaz Firas , Obeidat Omar , Bataineh Zineb , Ramadan Anoud , Zubaidi Ghid Al , Alwani Mustafa , Abualnaaj Dina , Za’nouneh Fares J. Abu , Balas Hassan Al , Zoubi Khalid Al , Almomani Yassmen , Samrah Randa S. , Kubbara Aahd F. , Khassawneh Basheer Y.
Published: July 2022

Background: Although psoriasis is considered a systemic disease, no clear association has been established between psoriasis and lung diseases. This study aims to detect and describe subclinical pulmonary involvement in psoriasis patients with various degrees of cutaneous manifestations.Methods: Adult psoriasis patients with no known active pulmonary disease or respiratory symptoms were screened for subclinical pulmonary manifestations and possible parenchymal changes using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest. Patients were classified according to the severity of skin manifestations. The clinical characteristics and radiographic findings of these patients were evaluated.Results: Fifty-nine patients with psoriasis were included, among which 47 (79.7%) had abnormal HRCT scan features. Micronodules were the most common detected lung lesions (66.1%), followed by nonspecific interstitial changes (32.2%), including pleuro-parenchymal band/atelectasis, scarring, and focal ground-glass opacities. Other HRCT findings included emphysematous changes and calcified granulomas. Abnormal HRCT findings correlated with older age and duration of psoriasis but not with the severity of skin manifestations.Conclusions: Micronodules and minor focal nonspecific interstitial changes were the most detected lung alterations in patients with psoriasis. These findings of the pilot study highlight a possible pulmonary involvement in patients with psoriasis. Larger multicenter studies are needed to clarify these findings further.
Improving Venture Investment Tools: Neutralizing Financial risks and Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Matytsin Denis , Inshakova Agnessa , Anisimov Aleksey
Published: July 2022

This paper’s goal is to study the effect of venture capital investments on the financial risks of sustainable development, determine the change of the financial risks of implementing the SDGs (from the standpoint of venture capital investments) under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis, and to discover the perspectives of risk management. This paper’s originality lies in proposing and substantiating a new (additional) criterion of classification of venture capital investments from the standpoint of their consequences for the SDGs – the object of venture capital investments (a thematic block of the SDGs). This paper’s uniqueness is due to it allowing using the proposed new (particularly useful in practice) criterion to identify the financial risks of sustainable development, to quantitatively measure the change of the financial risks of implementing the SDGs (from the standpoint of venture capital investments) under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis, and determine the practical perspectives of risk management. Management implications are as follows: this paper forms a scientific basis for improving the implementation of the mechanism of venture investment to support the SDGs within the manifestation of corporate social responsibility in business. The practical significance of the authors’ conclusions is due to them allowing for the improvement of the practice of decision making regarding the placement of venture capital investments.
An Effective and Chemotherapy-free Strategy of All-trans Retinoic Acid and Arsenic Trioxide for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in All Risk Groups
Authors: Wang Huai-Yu , Gong Sha , Li Guo-Hui , Yao Ya-Zhou , Zheng Yin-Suo , Lu Xiao-Hong , Wei Su-Hua , Qin Wei-Wei , Liu Hai-Bo , Wang Meng-Chang , Xi Jie-Ying , Chen Limei , zhang mei , Zhang Xin-Xin , Zhang Hui-Yun , Zhang Cheng-Shang , Wald David , Zhu Hong-Hu , Liu Li , He Peng-Cheng
Published: July 2022

The combination of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been demonstrated to be at least equally effective to ATRA and chemotherapy (CHT) in non-high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the efficacy of ATRA-ATO compared to ATRA-ATO plus CHT in high-risk APL remains unknown. Here we performed a randomized multi-center non-inferiority phase III study to compare the efficacy of ATRA-ATO and ATRA-ATO plus CHT in newly diagnosed all-risk APL to address this question. Patients were assigned to receive ATRA-ATO for induction, consolidation and maintenance or ATRA-ATO plus CHT for induction followed by three cycles of consolidation therapy, and maintenance therapy with ATRA-ATO. In the non-CHT group, hydroxyurea was used to control leukocytosis. A total of 128 patients were treated. The complete remission rate was 97% in both groups. The 2-year disease-free, event-free survival rates in the non-CHT group and CHT group in all-risk patients were 98% v 97%, and 95% v 92%, respectively (P = 0.62 and P = 0.39, respectively). And they were 94% v 87%, and 85% v 78% in the high-risk patients (P = 0.52 and P = 0.44, respectively). This study demonstrated that ATRA-ATO had the same efficacy as the ATRA-ATO plus CHT in the treatment of patients with all-risk APL.
Glucose as a risk factor for periodontitis in kidney transplantation patients.
Authors: Young-Min Shin , Mun Kwang Ho
Published: July 2022

Background: Various factors including diabetes and oxidative stress are associated with periodontal inflammation. In patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) lead to various systemic abnormalities, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic abnormalities, and infection. Even after kidney transplantation (KT), these factors are known to be associated with inflammation. Our study, therefore aimed to study risk factors associated with of periodontitis in KT patients. Methods: Patients, who visited Dongsan Hospital, Daegu, Korea, since 2018, of whom have undergone KT were selected. As of November 2021, 923 participants, with full data including hematologic factors were studied. Periodontitis was diagnosed based on residual bone level in panoramic views. Patients were studied by the presence of periodontitis.Results: From 923 KT patients, 30 were diagnosed with periodontal disease. Fasting glucose levels were higher in patients with periodontal disease, while total bilirubin levels were lower. When divided by fasting glucose levels, high glucose level showed increase of periodontal disease with odds ratio (OR) of 1.031 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004-1.060). After adjusting for confounders, results were significant with OR 1.032 (95% CI 1.004-1.061). Conclusions: Our study have shown that KT patients, of whom uremic toxin clearance has been revolted, are yet at risk of periodontitis by other factors, such as high blood glucose levels.
Measuring melatonin via fast-scan cyclic voltammetry: differentiation of melatonin and by-product matrices to enable long term recording
Authors: Lumsden Susannah , Cakmak Yusuf , Clarkson Andrew , Hyland Brian , Fuller Justine
Published: July 2022

Melatonin, a hormone involved in regulating multiple bodily functions, is a potential therapeutic target in several conditions. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) measures electroactive substances in discrete body locations in real-time with high temporal resolution. However, in long term experiments a fouling substance develops and generates an oxidation peak in the voltammograms, making it difficult to infer pure melatonin current for analysis. We report a method for constructing melatonin and by-product matrices to circumvent this problem. Sweeps prior to fouling peak development provide a pure melatonin waveform. For each of five calibrations of increasing melatonin aliquots, this waveform was scaled to map it onto sweeps during stable melatonin concentration. The scaled waveform for melatonin (the melatonin matrix) was subtracted from the composite waveform to isolate the signal of the fouling substance (by-product matrix). The isolated melatonin and by-product matrices were applied to principal components regression analysis of in vitro experiments. We examined the quantification of melatonin and distinction from noradrenaline (NA), N-acetyl serotonin (NAS), 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) and serotonin (5-HT). Results confirmed excellent interpretation of melatonin concentration changes over a six-minute period, better selectivity for melatonin, and more accurate measurement of the known concentration, compared with using the original composite voltammograms.
Sampling Frequency Thresholds for Quantum Advantage of Quantum Approximate Optimization
Algorithm
Authors: Lykov Danylo , Wurtz Jonathan , Poole Cody , Saffman Mark , Noel Tom , Alexeev Yuri
Published: July 2022

In this work, we compare the performance of the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) with state-of-the-art classical solvers such as Gurobi and MQLib to solve the combinatorial optimization problem MaxCut on 3-regular graphs. The goal is to identify under which conditions QAOA can achieve “quantum advantage” over classical algorithms, in terms of both solution quality and time to solution. One might be able to achieve quantum advantage on hundreds of qubits and moderate depth p by sampling the QAOA state at a frequency of order 10 kHz. We observe, however, that classical heuristic solvers are capable of producing high-quality approximate solutions in linear time complexity. In order to match this quality for large graph sizes N, a quantum device must support depth p > 11. Otherwise, we demonstrate that the number of required samples grows exponentially with N, hindering the scalability of QAOA with p ≤ 11. These results put challenging bounds on achieving quantum advantage for QAOA MaxCut on 3-regular graphs. Other problems, such as different graphs, weighted MaxCut, maximum independent set, and 3-SAT, may be better suited for achieving quantum advantage on near-term quantum devices.
The pyroptosis related signature predicts prognosis and influences the tumor immune microenvironment in dedifferentiated liposarcoma.
Authors: Jin Jinji , Zhuang Xiaopeng , Chen Wenjing , Cai Yiqi , Zhu Guanbao , Wang Pengfei , Tu Jianxin
Published: July 2022

Background
Dedifferentiated liposarcoma, a member of malignant mesenchymal tumors, has a high local recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Pyroptosis, a newly discovered programmed cell death, is tightly connected with the progression and outcome of tumor. However, the role of pyroptosis in Dedifferentiated liposarcoma remained unclear.
Methods
We obtained the RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases to identify different pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) expression patterns. An unsupervised method for clustering based on PRGs was performed. Clinical outcomes and immune microenvironment varied with the clusters according to the result of cluster analysis. The differentially expressed genes between the two clusters were used to develop a prognosis model by LASSO Cox regression method, followed by the performance of functional enrichment analysis and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis(ssGSEA). All of the above results were validated in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset.
Results
Forty-one differentially expressed PRGs were found between tumor and normal tissues. DDL patients were classified into two clusters using consensus clustering analysis based on PRGs. Cluster 2 showed a better outcome, higher immune scores, stronger immune cells abundances, and elevated expression levels in numerous immune checkpoints compared with Cluster 1. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between clusters were identified. A total of 5 gene signature was built based on the DEGs and divided all DDL patients of the TCGA cohort into low-risk and high-risk groups. The low-risk group indicated greater inflammatory cell infiltration and better outcome. External validation verified significant differences of survival and immune landscape again between two risk groups of GEO cohort. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves implied that risk model could exert its great value in predicting DDL patients’ prognoses.
Conclusion
Our findings revealed the clinical implication and key role in tumor immunity of pyroptosis-related genes in dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The risk model is a promising predictive tool, which could provide a fundamental basis for future studies and individualized immunotherapy.
Embedding Ceramic Components in Metal Structures with Hybrid Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Feldhausen Thomas , Yelamanchi Bharat , Gomez Alexander , Du plessis Anton , Saleeby Kyle , Fillingim Kenton , Post Brian , Love Lonnie , Cortes Pedro , MacDonald Eric
Published: July 2022

The combined benefit of both additive and subtractive manufacturing within the same gantry system enables hybrid directed energy deposition to create complex geometries with smooth surface finish and superior dimensional accuracy. Moreover, with layer-by-layer access to the structure during both the addition and subtraction of material, the insertion of components is now possible, assuming the components can survive the high temperatures associated with the subsequent metal deposition. Ceramic inserts are of interest for a variety of reasons including: (1) to create complex interwoven ductile / brittle composites for ballistics, or (2) to integrate high temperature strain or temperature sensors protected within ceramic substrate subsumed into a larger metal structure. In this work, steel substrates were machined to create an internal cavity for insertion of a ceramic component. During the investigation of several different over-the-ceramic deposition strategies, components were inserted and different sequences were continued to envelop the inserted ceramic with varying success. Unmelted powder served as both a thermal buffer and to provide a flush surface upon which the laser cladding could continue. Subsequent depositions were attempted with both dry and wet powder (addition of machining coolant to wet) providing stability and minimizing displacement caused by the gas flow. Finally, the use of an oblique angle for laser cladding allowed for the redirection of some fraction of the introduced thermal energy away from the ceramic, and consequently, improved the survival of the inserts. With this combination of techniques, ceramic inserts survived full embedding within a complex steel structure.
Optimum Toolpath Planning Strategy Prediction using Machine Learning Technique
Authors: Kukreja Aman , Pande Sanjay S
Published: July 2022

Finding the best toolpath planning strategy for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining requires a trial-and-error approach. One needs to follow a number of steps, viz., generate the toolpath, perform simulations/machining, measure various parameters to quantify the quality of the toolpath, and then select the best toolpath. This conventional iterative approach is time-consuming and often error-prone. This paper presents a novel Machine Learning based system for choosing the best toolpath planning strategy for CNC machining (finishing) of complex freeform surfaces directly from the CAD model. Three tool path planning strategies are considered, viz. Adaptive planar, Iso-scallop, and Hybrid. At first, a novel toolpath analysis module is presented to evaluate the quality of the toolpath considering performance parameters such as the surface finish, toolpath length, and smoothness. The toolpath analysis module was extensively tested for robustness and accuracy. This quality measurement technique is then used to analyze and label a large number of CAD models to create a dataset for supervised learning for the three toolpath strategies. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model is designed to predict the best toolpath planning strategy. Results show that the proposed data-driven model achieved 96.8% test accuracy.
Use of ramucirumab for various treatment lines in real-world practice of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kanogawa Naoya , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Maruta Susumu , Iino Yotaro , Obu Masamichi , Ishino Takamasa , Ogawa Keita , Yumita Sae , Iwanaga Terunao , Unozawa Hidemi , Nakagawa Miyuki , Fujiwara Kisako , Sakuma Takafumi , Fujita Naoto , Kojima Ryuta , Kanzaki Hiroaki , Koroki Keisuke , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Inoue Masanori , Kiyono Soichiro , Nakamura Masato , Kondo Takayuki , Saito Tomoko , Nakagawa Ryo , Nakamoto Shingo , Muroyama Ryosuke , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Itobayashi Ei , Koma Yoshihiro , Azemoto Ryosaku , Kato Jun , Kato Naoya
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Ramucirumab was shown to be effective as a second-line treatment after sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with alpha-fetoprotein levels >400 ng/mL in a worldwide phase 3 trial. Ramucirumab is used in patients pretreated with various systemic therapies in clinical practice. We retrospectively examined the treatment outcomes of ramucirumab administered to advanced HCC patients after diverse systemic therapies.Methods: Data were collected from patients with advanced HCC who received ramucirumab at three institutions in Japan. Radiological assessments were determined according to both Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1 and modified RECIST and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 was used to assess adverse events.Results: A total of 37 patients treated with ramucirumab between June 2019 and March 2021 were included in the study. Ramucirumab was administered as second, third, fourth, and fifth-line treatment in 13 (35.1%), 14 (37.8%), eight (21.6%), and two (5.4%) patients, respectively. Most patients (29.7%) who received ramucirumab as a second-line therapy were pretreated with lenvatinib. The median progression-free survival of patients treated with ramucirumab was 2.7 months (95% confidence interval, 1.6–7.3). There were no notable adverse events and no significant changes in albumin bilirubin score during ramucirumab treatment.Conclusion: Although ramucirumab is used for various lines of treatment other than second-line immediately after sorafenib, its safety and efficacy were not significantly different from the findings of the REACH-2 trial.
Comparative evaluation of accuracy of the multiple methods of heatstroke risk model including time-stratified case-crossover analysis
Authors: Nemoto Mio , Hirabayashi Satoshi , Sato Seisho , Fujii Akihiro , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Ihara Tomohiko
Published: July 2022

Background
High temperatures in urban areas owing to climate change and urban heat islands have led to an increase in the number of heatstroke patients. To prevent heatstroke, accurate heatstroke patient prediction model should be used to predict and alert people to their risk. However, most previous models have not tested sufficient training data, although susceptibility to heatstroke is likely to be dependent on year-wise trends and is susceptible to training data. We investigated an accurate heatstroke risk model that is robust to the training data. By examining the factors affecting the accuracy and trade-off between the quantity and quality of adding old data to training data, the method of selecting training data for constructing an accurate model was also investigated.
Method
We compared the accuracies of three methods: multiple regression analysis (MR), generalized additive model (GAM), and time-stratified case-crossover analysis (TC). The training data for all combinations from 2012 were tested. By comparing the errors of each method, we identified the error influencing factors in the training data.
Results
The TC errors were the smallest (p < 0.005) and much less sensitive to the training data than others. Best accuracy odds ratios were 1.41–1.44. The error was significantly larger when the number of extremely hot days differed between the training and test data in MR and GAM (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). All three methods tended to increase accuracy up to a certain point and decrease from the middle of the year when adding past years retroactively from the most recent year in training data.
Conclusions
By using the odds ratios produced by TC with low sensitivity to training data, we can develop highly accurate heatstroke risk model that are robust to training data, which has not been possible with previous models. If data are to be included continuously, a model constructed from three or four years of data from the latest one is the most accurate.
Regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryo explant of Boswellia serrata Roxb. and detection of medicinal boswellic acid
Authors: Devikar Sandip Dattu , Naikawadi V. B. , Shirke H. A. , Aher R. K. , Nikam T. D. , Naikawadi Vikas Bandu
Published: July 2022

Boswellia serrata is an important source of medicinal oleo-gum resins and boswellic acid, a unique non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis drug. This experimental study describes the first time and in vitro direct somatic embryogenesis protocol and plantlet formation from immature zygotic embryos of B. serrata. The morphogenic potential of zygotic embryo was tested on MS medium fortified with cytokinins: 6-furfurylaminopurine [kinetin], N6-benzyladenine [BA], 1-Phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)-urea [TDZ], auxins: IAA [Indole-3-acetic acid], NAA [α-naphthaleneacetic acid] and 2,4-D [2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid] alone and in combination. MS medium containing 1mg/l TDZ + 0.50 mg/l 2,4-D + 200 mg/l PVP was effective for inducing direct somatic embryo in 89.63% of cultures. On the surface of the zygotic embryo observed, the globular, heart and cotyledonary stages of somatic embryo development. Better germination and conversion to plantlets (73.2 ± 1.6%) of somatic embryos were observed on subculture to GA3 alone containing medium. The survival of plantlets under ex-vitro conditions was about 72%. Flow cytometry (FCM) confirmed the stable ploidy level in regenerated plantlets. In leaf samples of somatic embryo-derived plantlets, boswellic acid isomers are detected by using UPLC-UV-MS analysis and the content of isomer 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-Boswellic acid (AKBA) was 0.13 µg/gm dry weights. The propagation protocol described here provides an important micropropagation technique for this valued plant. Nevertheless, this described propagation method can be used for genetic transformation and medicinally important bioactive boswellic acid production.