bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IRPDP_HT2: A Scalable Data Pre-processing Method in Web Usage Mining using Hadoop-MapReduce
Authors: Srivast Mitali , Srivast Atul
Published: August 2022

Data preparation is a vital step in the Web usage mining process since it provides structured data for the subsequent stages. Raw server logs should be turned into user sessions in order to generate structured data for pattern discovery phase. In recent decade, popular websites' server log production has risen to many terabytes to petabytes each day. As a result, server logs have Big Data challenges including storage and processing. Data cleaning, user identification, and session identification are data-intensive and deemed-computation-intensive operations in the data pre-processing sub phases. In recent years, Google's MapReduce parallel programming framework for data-intensive applications has grown in popularity as it provides the facility of scalable, flexible, fault-tolerant, distributed, and data-intensive processing over a cluster of nodes. In this paper, we provide IRPDP_HT2, a parallel data pre-processing algorithm using MapReduce that comprises data cleansing, user identification, and session identification approaches. The relevance and scalability of IRPDP_HT2 are also assessed using real web server logs, and it is discovered that the presented approach is both efficient and scalable.
Balance Sparse Decomposition Method with Nonconvex Regularization for Gearbox Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Huang Weiguo , Wang Jun , Du Guifu , Wu Shuyou , Zhu Zhongkui
Published: August 2022

As an important part of rotating machinery, gearboxes often fail due to their complex working conditions and harsh working environment. Therefore, it is very necessary to effectively extract the fault features of the gearboxes. Gearbox fault signals usually contain multiple characteristic components and are accompanied by strong noise interference. Traditional sparse modeling methods are based on synthesis models, and there are few studies on analysis and balance models. In this paper, a balance nonconvex regularized sparse decomposition method is proposed, which based on a balance model and an arctangent nonconvex penalty function. The sparse dictionary is constructed by using Tunable Q-Factor Wavelet Transform (TQWT) that satisfies the tight frame condition, which can achieve efficient and fast solution. It is optimized and solved by alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm, and the non-convex regularized sparse decomposition algorithm of synthetic and analytical models are given. Through simulation experiments, the determination methods of regularization parameters and balance parameters are given, and compared with the L1 norm regularization sparse decomposition method under the three models. Simulation analysis and engineering experimental signal analysis verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Leveraging Big Data Analytics for Intelligent Transportation Systems: Optimize the Internet of Vehicles Data Structure and Modeling
Authors: Gebremeskel Gebeyehu Belay
Published: August 2022

An intelligent transportation system is an efficient and modern system to deal with big data, which is pertinent for a future smart city. It is the inherent challenge of data processing in classic vehicular systems. Therefore, we proposed Big data to optimize location-based operability and safety performances using federated sensor data. The data preprocessing and feature extraction process includes vehicle mobility, multi-source data acquisition, distributed computation, and multi-path data transmission in an analytical model to enhance performance and safety. The proposed approach is capable and scalable to manage large-scale sensor data from its source and line of information flow. The findings revealed the imperfect, complex, and challenging data transformation into actionable, safe, and usable information for the intelligent transformation system modernization and healthy digital ecosystems. Big data analytics for sensor data is complete and informative for the learning process of the physical systems in various situations and localizations. The experiment showed that leveraging big data technology is a systematic approach to enhancing safe and optimal vehicular system applications. It provides access to shared resources through connected devices and reduces costs using the response time and data structuring to the system stability and to accommodate future modifications in sensor technology.
Timing of Intubation and ICU Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Preplanned Retrospective Analysis of 4198 Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Manrique Sara , Claverias Laura , Magret Mónica , Masclans Joan Ramon , Bodi María , Trefler Sandra , Canadell Laura , Diaz Emili , Sole-Violan Jordi , Bisbal-Andrés Elena , Gonzalez Ruth , Albaya Antonio , Vallverdu Monserrat , Ballesteros Juan Carlos , Socias Lorenzo , Gordo Federico , Sancho Susana , Loeches Ignacio Martín , Rodriguez Alejandro , group SEMICYUC Working
Published: August 2022

Background Optimal time to intubate patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is controversial. Whereas some authors recommend trying noninvasive respiratory support before intubate, others argue that delaying intubation can cause patient-self-induced lung injury and worsen the prognosis. We hypothesized that delayed intubation would increase the risk mortality in COVID-19 patients.Methods This preplanned retrospective observational study used prospectively collected data from adult patients with COVID-19 and respiratory failure admitted to 73 intensive care units between February 2020 and March 2021. Patients with limitations on life support and those with missing data were excluded. We collected demographic, laboratory, clinical variables and outcomes. Intubation was classified as 1) Very early: before or at ICU admission; 2) Early: < 24 hours after ICU admission; or 3) Late: ≥24 hours after ICU admission. We compared the early group versus those intubated late, using chi-square tests for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U for continuous variables. To assess the relationship between early versus late intubation and mortality, we used multivariable binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results We included 4198 patients [median age, 63 (54‒71) years; 70.8% male; median SOFA score, 4 (3‒7); median APACHE score, 13 (10‒18)], and median PaO2/FiO2, 131 (100‒190)]; intubation was very early in 2024 (48.2%) patients, early in 928 (22.1%), and late in 441 (10.5%). ICU mortality was 30.2% and median ICU stay was 14 (7‒28) days. Although patients in the late group were younger [62 vs. 64, respectively, p<0.05] and had less severe disease [APACHE II (13 vs. 14, respectively, p<0.05) and SOFA (3 vs. 4, respectively, p<0.05) scores], and higher PaO2/FiO2 at admission (116 vs. 100, respectively, p<0.05), mortality was higher in the late group than in the early group (36.9% vs. 31.6%, p<0.05). Late intubation was independently associated with mortality (OR1.83; 95%CI 1.35‒2.47).Conclusions Delaying intubation beyond the first 24 hours of admission in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia increases the risk of mortality.Trial registration: clinical-Trial.gov (NCT 04948242)
Does participation in the Reanima European Trauma Course lead to new behaviours and organizational change?
Authors: Neutel Elizabete , Kuhn Sebastian , Driscoll Peter , Gwinnutt Carl , Moreira Zélia , Veloso Ana , Manso Maria Conceição , Carneiro António
Published: August 2022

Background
Medical educational courses can be successful from an immediate feedback perspective but not lead to new behaviour or organizational changes in the workplace. The aim of this study was to assess the self-perceived impact of the Reanima European Trauma Course (R-ETC) on trainees’ behaviour and organizational change.
Methods
A 40-item questionnaire based on Holton's Evaluation Model was used to evaluate the candidate's perceptions. Results were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using non-parametric tests with α = 0.05.
Results
Out of 295 participants, 126 responded to the survey. Of these, 94% affirmed that the R-ETC modified their approach to trauma patients and 71.4% described a change in their behaviour. Post-course responders changed their behaviour in their initial approach to trauma care in the non-technical skills of communication, prioritisation and teamwork. Being an R-ETC instructor strongly influenced the acquisition of new material and this group were able to implement changes in attitudes. Individuals with no previous trauma course experience identified lack of self-efficacy as a significant obstacle to introducing new work-based learning. In contrast, responders with ATLS training noted a lack of R-ETC colleagues as the main impediment for moving from conceptualisation to experimentation in the workplace.
Conclusions
Participation in the R-ETC led to behavioural changes in the workplace. However, the ability to influence others and bring about wider organizational changes was more difficult to achieve. Major factors were the status of the person, their experience and self-efficacy. National organizational impact was obtained which went far beyond our aspirations in acknowledging change in individual daily practice.
Molecular detection of Anaplasma marginale Theiler (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Uruguay
Authors: Rodrigues Gratchela Dutra , Lucas Martín , Ortiz Hadassa Gabriela , Gonçalves Laís dos Santos , Blodorn Eduardo , Domingues William Borges , Saravia Anderson , Parodi Pablo , Riet-Correa Franklin , Menchaca Alejo , Campos Vinicius Farias , Krolow Tiago Kutter , Kruger Rodrigo Ferreira
Published: August 2022

Anaplasma marginale is transmitted biologically by infected ticks or mechanically by biting flies and contaminated fomites. In tick-free areas, such southern Uruguay, horseflies could be the principal vectors of this pathogen to bovines, causing anaplasmosis occurrence. Therefore, the objective of this work was to detect the presence of A. marginale by MSP-5 PCR and Sanger sequencing in the most prevalent species of horseflies using different collection methods in the localities of Colonia, Taquarembó and Paysandú, Uruguay. Eight horsefly species were tested (Dasybasis missionum, Poeciloderas lindneri, Tabanus campestris, T. claripennis, T. fuscofasciatus, T. platensis, T. tacuaremboensis and T. triangulum); four species were found positive for A. marginale, with D. missionum and P. lindneri having the most frequent infections, while only one individual each of T. fuscofasciatus and T. tacuaremboensis was positive. Both D. missionum and P. lindneri were positive for A. marginale in tick-free areas, with implications that are discussed in this report.
Concept Design and Development of an Electric Go-Kart Chassis for Undergraduate Education in Vehicle Dynamics and Stress Applications
Authors: Hoster Josip , TUDIĆ VLADIMIR , Kralj Toni
Published: August 2022

This paper presents an approach to a go-kart chassis design, vehicle dynamics calculation, Li-ion battery capacity analysis, and electric motor choice for optimized vehicle performance. The chassis analysis shown in this paper was performed by a CAD/FEA software package, SolidWorks. Three highlights can be found in this paper: 1) an original design was implemented; the basic analysis was composed of chassis optimization using beam elements and modeling such an optimized chassis “locally” with solid elements for sub-modeling purposes. 2) The most stressed tube joint was sub-modeled to calculate the risk of tube wall stability. 3) Vehicle dynamics were calculated for the case of braking in a curved path and the case of a collision with the front tire on road imperfection. The authors intend to install a data acquisition system in the future to analyze the stress of local chassis tubes. The results of the SolidWorks analysis indicate a safety design of the chassis concept. The result for the sub-model stability (buckling) analysis show that the chosen tube wall thickness to diameter gives safety factor values ranging from 1.6 to 5.0. Based on the stress distribution, some improvement in the middle part of the chassis can be made from a half-a-millimeter thicker wall tube, or a larger diameter of the tube, by a few millimeters, to lower the stress. The latter will be described in the following paper.
Copy number variants from 4,800 exomes contribute to ~7% of genetic diagnoses in movement disorders, muscle disorders and neuropathies
Authors: Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Pennings Maartje , Meijer Rowdy , Gerrits Monique , Janssen Jannie , Pfundt Rolph , de Leeuw Nicole , Gilissen Christian , Gardeitchik Thatjana , Schouten Meyke , Voermans Nicol , de Warenburg Bart van
Published: August 2022

Various groups of neurological disorders, including movement disorders and neuromuscular diseases, are clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Diagnostic panel-based exome sequencing is a routine test for these disorders. Despite the success rates of exome sequencing, it results in the detection of causative sequence variants in ‘only’ 25–30% of cases. Copy number variants (CNVs), i.e. deletion or duplications, explain 10–20% of patients with multisystemic phenotypes, such as co-existing intellectual disability, but may also have a role in disorders affecting a single system (organ), like neurological disorders with normal intelligence. In this study, CNVs were extracted from clinical exome sequencing reports of 4,800 probands primarily with a movement disorder, myopathy or neuropathy. In 88 (~ 2%) probands, phenotype-matching CNVs were detected, representing ~ 7% of genetically confirmed cases. CNVs varied from involvement of over 100 genes to single exons and explained X-linked, autosomal dominant, or - recessive disorders, the latter due to either a homozygous CNV or a compound heterozygous CNV with a sequence variant on the other allele. CNVs were detected affecting genes where deletions or duplications are established as a common mechanism, like PRKN (in Parkinson’s disease), DMD (in Duchenne muscular dystrophy) and PMP22 (in neuropathies), but also genes in which no intragenic CNVs have been reported to date. Analysis of CNVs as part of panel-based exome sequencing for genetically heterogeneous neurological diseases provides an additional diagnostic yield of ~ 2% without extra laboratory costs. Therefore it is recommended to perform CNV analysis for movement disorders, muscle disease, neuropathies, or any other single-system disorder.
COVID-19 and Osteoporosis: Shared Mechanisms and Crosstalk via Vitamin D
Authors: Liu Fei , Song Chao , Cai Weiye , Chen Jingwen , Cheng kang , Guo Daru , Duan Dayue Darrel , Liu Zongchao
Published: August 2022

Recently accumulated evidence implicates a close association of vitamin D (VitD) insufficiency to the incidence and clinical manifestations of the COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2). Populations with insufficient VitD including patients with osteoporosis are more susceptible to SARS-COV-2 infection and patients with COVID-19 worsened or developed osteoporosis. It is currently unknown, however, whether osteoporosis and COVID-19 are linked by VitD insufficiency. In this study, 42 common targets for VitD on both COVID-19 and osteoporosis were identified among a total of 243 VitD targets. Further bioinformatic analysis revealed 8 core targets (EGFR, AR, ESR1, MAPK8, MDM2, EZH2, ERBB2 and MAPT) in the VitD-COVID-19-osteoporosis network. These targets are involved in the ErbB and MAPK signaling pathways critical for lung fibrosis, bone structural integrity, and cytokines through a crosstalk between COVID-19 and osteoporosis via the VitD-mediated conventional immune and osteoimmune mechanisms. Molecular docking confirmed that VitD binds tightly to the predicted targets. These findings support that VitD may target common signaling pathways in the integrated network of lung fibrosis and bone structural integrity as well as the immune systems. Therefore, VitD may serve as a preventive and therapeutic agent for both COVID-19 and osteoporosis.
GoMIC: Multi-view Image Clustering via Self-supervised Contrastive Heterogeneous Graph Co-learning
Authors: Fang Uno , Li Jianxin , Akhtar Naveed , Li Man , Jia Yan
Published: August 2022

Graph learning is being increasingly applied to image clustering to reveal intra-class and inter-class relationships in data. However, existing graph learning-based image clustering focuses on grouping images under a single view, which under-utilises the information provided by the data. To address that, we propose a self-supervised multi-view image clustering technique under contrastive heterogeneous graph learning. Our method computes a heterogeneous affinity graph for multi-view image data. It conducts Local Feature Propagation (LFP) for reasoning over the local neighbourhood of each node and executes an Influence-aware Feature Propagation (IFP) from each node to its influential node for learning the clustering intention. The proposed framework pioneeringly employs two contrastive objectives. The first targets to contrast and fuse multiple views for the overall LFP embedding, and the second maximises the mutual information between LFP and IFP representations. We conduct extensive experiments on the benchmark datasets for the problem, i.e.~COIL-20, Caltech7 and CASIA-WebFace. Our evaluation shows that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, including the popular techniques MVGL, MCGC and HeCo.
EHTT2022-Material removal characteristics of single crystal 4H-SiC based on varied-load nanoscratch tests
Authors: Tang Kun , Ou Wang-Ping , Mao Cong , Jie Liang , Zhang Mo-Ke , Zhang Ming-Jun , Hu Yong-Le
Published: August 2022

The single crystal silicon carbides (SiC) have been widely applied in the extreme circumstances and conditions for their excellent physical and chemical properties. In order to obtain various components with high surface integrity and low surface damage, precision and ultra-precision machining methods were used to process single crystal SiC. However, as typical hard-to-machine materials, their good mechanical properties also resulted in the surface defects and subsurface damage. For improving the machining quality and prolonging the service life of components, the varied-load nanoscratch tests were systematically performed on single crystal 4H-SiC by a nanoindenter system with Berkovich indenter in this paper. The characteristics of material removal under different plane, indenter direction, normal loading rate and scratch interval were discussed. The surface morphology of nanoscratch grooves, the distribution of cracks, material deformations and fractures, and cross-section characteristics were analyzed by SEM and 3D profilometer. The mechanism of material removal and crack propagation of single crystal 4H-SiC were also studied. The results indicated that the Si-plane of single crystal 4H-SiC and indenter direction of edge forward were more suitable for material removal and machining. The normal loading rate had little effect on scratch depth, but the lower one would increase the ductile region and critical depth of transition. The increasing of scratch interval would postpone the greater fluctuation of depth-distance curves of second scratch, and curve changes showed high coincidence gradually. In addition, the propagation and interaction of radial, median and transverse cracks resulted in the material fractures and accumulation of chips. The proposed research provides the instruction to high efficiency and precision machining of single crystal SiC for the purpose of emission and carbon reduction.
Association between the mask-associated dry eye (MADE) and corneal sensations
Authors: Itokawa Takashi , Okajima Yukinobu , Iwashita Hiroko , Kakisu Koji , Suzuki Takashi , Hori Yuichi
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To determine the risk of mask-associated dry eye (MADE), we investigated the fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT), ocular surface temperature and blood flow, along with corneal sensitivity in mask wearers.Methods: We enrolled 60 mask wearers (mean age, 27.1±5.2 years) and then measured FBUT, corneal temperature and conjunctival blood flow without wearing masks (no mask), with masks, and taped masks. We defined MADE as the condition in which dry eye symptoms appeared and the FBUT with mask was less than 5 sec. Results: FBUT with mask was significantly shorter compared to the no mask and taped mask groups (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Corneal temperature difference and Conjunctival blood flow difference became significantly higher after wearing a mask compared to after wearing a taped mask (P<0.01). Of the 60 subjects, 13 were diagnosed as MADE. Pain sensitivity and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (P<0.05 and P<0.01) were significantly higher in the MADE group, with the FBUT without masks (P<0.05) significantly shorter versus the non-MADE group.Conclusions: MADE may be associated with corneal hypersensitivity. Wearing masks decreased FBUT and increased ocular surface temperature and blood flow. Taping the top edge of masks prevented these changes. Fitting masks properly may reduce MADE risk.
Comparison of repeat penetrating keratoplasty, DSAEK and DMEK for the management of endothelial failure of previous PK.
Authors: Roberts Harry , de Benito-Llopis Laura
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PK), Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (‘DSAEK-on-PK’) or Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (‘DMEK-on-PK’) for the management of endothelial failure of previous penetrating keratoplastyDesign: Retrospective, interventional consecutive case series. Participants: 104 consecutive eyes of 100 patients requiring a second keratoplasty for endothelial failure of their primary penetrating keratoplasty performed between September 2016 and December 2020Intervention: Repeat keratoplastyMain Outcome Measures: Primary failure rate, 12 and 24 month survival, visual acuity at 12 and 24 months, rebubbling rate and complication profile.Results: Repeat PK was performed in 61/104 eyes (58.7%), DSAEK-on-PK was performed in 21/104 eyes (20.2%) and DMEK-on-PK was performed in 22/104 eyes (21.2%). 6.6% of repeat PKs failed in the first 12 months compared to 19% of DSAEK and 36.4% of DMEK. Chances of 2 year survival were 79.4% for repeat PK, 69.4% for DSAEK and 58.7% for DMEK. Visual acuity at one year was logMAR 0.53±0.51 in the redo PK group, 0.25±0.17 for DSAEK and 0.30±0.38 for DMEK. 24 month outcomes were 0.34± 0.28, 0.08 ± 0.16, and 0.36 ± 0.36 respectively.Conclusions: DMEK-on-PK and DSAEK-on-PK are known to have greater primary failure rates than redo PK but have faster rehabilitation times. DMEK-on-PK may offer the best clinical outcome when successful but also has the greatest primary failure rate.
Association between excessive fetal growth and maternal cancer in Shanghai, China: a large, population-based cohort study
Authors: Qian Naisi , Yu Huiting , Chen Lei , Jin Shan , Qiao Jiaying , Cai Renzhi , Yang Qing , Wu Chunxiao , Gu Kai , Wang Chunfang
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of high birth weight or large for gestational age (LGA) infants is increasing, with increasing evidence of pregnancy-related factors that may have long-term impacts on the health of the mother and baby. Here, we aimed to determine the association between excessive fetal growth and subsequent maternal cancer. METHODS: We performed a population-based, prospective, cohort study to explore the association between excessive fetal growth, specifically LGA and macrosomia, and maternal cancer after childbirth. The data set was based on two registry systems: the Shanghai Birth Registry (SBR) and the Shanghai Cancer Registry (SCR), with medical records from the Shanghai Health Information Network (SHIN) as a supplement. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of macrosomia and LGA in women who developed cancer was higher than that in women who did not develop cancer. Having a LGA child in the first delivery was associated with a subsequently increased risk of maternal cancer (HR=1.08, CI: 1.04–1.11). Additionally, in the last and heaviest deliveries, there were similar associations between the birth of LGA and maternal cancer rates (HR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.04–1.12; HR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.05–1.12, respectively). Furthermore, a substantially increased trend in the risk of maternal cancer was associated with an increase in birth weight of over 2500 g. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided strong support for the association between LGA births and increased risks of maternal cancer. The risk for maternal cancer after birth of excessive fetal growth may need further consideration.
Development and validation of deep learning ECG-based prediction of myocardial infarction in emergency department patients
Authors: Gustafsson Stefan , Gedon Daniel , Lampa Erik , Ribeiro Antônio H. , Holzmann Martin J. , Schön Thomas B. , Sundström Johan
Published: August 2022

Myocardial infarction diagnosis is a common challenge in the emergency department. In managed settings, deep learning-based models and especially convolutional deep models have shown promise in electrocardiogram (ECG) classification, but there is a lack of high-performing models for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in real-world scenarios. We aimed to train and validate a deep learning model using ECGs to predict myocardial infarction in real-world emergency department patients. We studied emergency department patients in the Stockholm region between 2007 and 2016 that had an ECG obtained because of their presenting complaint. We developed a deep neural network based on convolutional layers similar to a residual network. Inputs to the model were ECG tracing, age, and sex; and outputs were the probabilities of three mutually exclusive classes: non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and control status, as registered in the SWEDEHEART and other registries. We used an ensemble of five models. Among 492,226 ECGs in 214,250 patients, 5,416 were recorded with an NSTEMI, 1,818 a STEMI, and 485,207 without a myocardial infarction. In a random test set, our model could discriminate STEMIs/NSTEMIs from controls with a C-statistic of 0.991/0.832 and had a Brier score of 0.001/0.008. The model obtained a similar performance in a temporally separated test set, and achieved a C-statistic of 0.985 and a Brier score of 0.002 in discriminating STEMIs from controls in an external test set. We developed and validated a deep learning model with excellent performance in discriminating between control, STEMI, and NSTEMI on the presenting ECG of a real-world sample of the important population of all-comers to the emergency department. Hence, deep learning models for ECG decision support could be valuable in the emergency department.
Improved strain engineering of 2D materials by adamantane plasma polymer encapsulation
Authors: Castellanos-Gomez Andres , Carrascoso Felix , Obrero-Perez Jose , Aparicio Francisco , Hao Li , Borras Ana , Island Joshua , Barranco Angel
Published: August 2022

Two-dimensional materials present exceptional crystal elasticity and provide an ideal platform to tune electrical and optical properties through the application of strain. Here we extend recent research on strain engineering in monolayer molybdenum disulfide using an adamantane plasma polymer pinning layer to achieve unprecedented crystal strains of 2.8%. Using micro-reflectance spectroscopy, we report maximum strain gauge factors of -99.5 meV/% and − 63.5 meV/% for the A and B exciton of monolayer MoS2, respectively, with a 50 nm adamantane capping layer. These results are corroborated with photoluminescence and Raman measurements on the same samples. Taken together, our results indicate that adamantane polymer is an exceptional capping layer to transfer substrate-induced strain to a 2D layer and achieve new heightened levels of crystal strain.
Puncturing Scheme for Polar Codes Based on Channel Reliability Estimation
Authors: Han Tianwei , Fu Meiyu , Zhang Meiling , Hu Guijun
Published: August 2022

The compiled code algorithms for polar codes, which were proposed by Arikan, are of low complexity, with excellent performance for a given code length. Consequently, it has attracted widespread attention and gained popularity since its inception. The construction of punctured polar codes allows for more flexibility in coding, making them suitable for a greater variety of scenarios. This paper proposes an improved puncturing scheme for polar codes. With the constraints imposed by conventional punctured polar codes, the error probability of each polarized sub-channel is then calculated on the basis of the channel reliability estimation methodology, so as to puncture the less reliable polarized sub-channels. Furthermore, to achieve better decoding performance, this scheme sets the initial log-likelihood rate (LLR) of the punctured bits to infinity (or negative infinity). The simulation outcomes indicate that the improved punctured polar codes as proposed in this paper perform better than the conventional punctured polar codes.
Comparative luminescence and archaeomagnetic dating of ancient kilns and gothic to baroque bricks from SE Poland
Authors: Nawrocki Jerzy , Standzikowski Karol , Łanczont Maria , Gancarski Jan , Kłosowicz Mateusz , Leszczyński Tomasz
Published: August 2022

The TL, OSL and archaeomagnetic ages obtained from two ancient kilns and from gothic to baroque bricks in the SE of Poland, were compared to their presumed historical ages and discussed. The archaeomagnetic and OSL data indicates that the ancient kilns were last used ca. 200 AD. This age corresponds well to the lower limit of the postulated age of fragments of Roman type storage vessels found in the filling of kilns. The TL ages obtained from these kilns (4938 ± 238 BC, 6650 ± 396 BC) are significantly older and may be related to the time of deposition of silt in which the kilns’ chambers were dug. The sampled bottom parts of kilns were heated to a relatively low temperature, insufficient to reset the TL signal. Most of archaeomagnetic data isolated from the bricks and linked with their historical ages corresponds well with the reference archaeomagnetic curves for Central Europe. On the other hand, however, most TL ages obtained from the same bricks do not correlate with their historical ages. Unknown and most probably varied brick moisture contents in sampled ground floor walls and cellars does not allow to precisely date these bricks using the TL method.
Flame retardant sisal rope: Combustion properties and characterization
Authors: Basak S. , Bhowmick M. , Sengupta S.
Published: August 2022

A new mechano-chemical formulation has been developed for making flame resistant sisal fibre rope with lower amount of chemical loading. Sisal yarn was treated with different formulation of ammonium sulfamate (AS) (50 and 100g/L) and the detail fire retardant property has been measured. Treatment has been carried out by dipping process at room temperature by maintaining the material to liquor ratio of 1:20. Treated sisal yarn has provided LOI value 28–32 and self-extinguishment after vertical flammability test. Forced combustion results revealed that AS treated sisal yarn has exhibited 50% less heat release rate as compared to the control sisal yarn. Sisal yarn based rope was prepared by following braiding technique, using different combinations (made by 3 yarns) of untreated and treated sisal yarn. Fire retardant sheath yarn has been used to cover the untreated sisal yarn in the core by twisting or braiding. Detail flame retardant properties of the developed ropes were measured and it exhibited LOI value range in between 30–40. Besides, a new method of simultaneous dyeing and flame retardant finishing of sisal rope also has been proposed. Physical properties of the ropes also have been measured and it was found that the extent of strength loss is negligible. Thermal stability of the AS treated sisal yarn has been measured by thermo-gravimetry analysis. Charring behaviour, another important phenomenon of the final product was examined in detail by using microscopic images and by using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, detail mechanism lies behind the flame retardancy also has been revealed in the context with the help of XRD, FTIR analysis techniques.
Clinical significance of down-regulated LPCAT1 expression in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chen Qin , Xu Zijun , Lin Jiang , Deng Zhaoqun , Qian Jun , Qian Wei
Published: August 2022

Background Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) overexpression has been found in various solid cancers and promoted the progression, metastasis, and recurrence of these diseases. However, the expression pattern of LPCAT1 in acute myeloid leukemia was unclear. This study aimed to assess expression status of LPCAT1 and its clinical relevance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods and Results LPCAT1 expression was significant lower in AML than controls predicted by public databases. Also, a significantly down-regulated of LPCAT1 of bone marrow in AML compared with controls was validated by real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) [0.056 (0.000-0.846) vs 0.253 (0.031-1.000)]. The DiseaseMeth version 2.0 and The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis showed LPCAT1 promoter was hypermethylated in AML and a strongly negative correlation was found between LPCAT1 expression and methylation (R=-0.610, P<0.001). RQ-PCR revealed the frequency of LPCAT1 low-expression in FAB-M4/M5 subtype was lower than other subtypes (P=0.018). The ROC curve revealed LPCAT1 expression might serve as a potential diagnostic marker for differentiating AML from normal with an area under the ROC curve of 0.819 (95% CI 0.743-0.894, P<0.001). In cytogenetically normal AML, the overall survival in patients with LPCAT1 low-expression was significantly longer than that in those without LPCAT1 low-expressed group (median 19 versus 5.5 months, P=0.036). Conclusion LPCAT1 is downregulated in bone marrow and LPCAT1 expression can be as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and evaluating prognosis in AML.
Influence of prognostic nutritional index and controlling nutritional status on the prognosis of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qiang , Lin LU , Zhong Dian , Ke Zhen-Yong , Cheng Si
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to define the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI), and to discuss the value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status (COUNT) score in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute tSCI.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 75 patients with acute tSCI. The optimal cutoff value was obtained through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), and the value of PNI and COUNT score were 45.05 and 3.5 respectively. Patients were divided into high PNI groups and low PNI groups, high COUNT groups and low COUNT groups respectively based on cutoff values. The differences of outcome indexes such as American spinal injury association impairment scale (AIS), exercise score, Bathel index score and light touch score were analyzed, and the prognostic factors of tSCI patients were analyzed. A improved outcome was defined as improvement of AIS grade ≥ 1.Results: Compared with the improvement group, the non-improvement group had lower serum albumin and PNI, higher COUNT score, longer hospital stay and higher postoperative infection rate (P < 0.05). PNI and COUNT score were closely related to the AIS grade (r = 0.629, P < 0.001; r = -0.855, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, the odds ratios of PNI and COUNT score for predicting improved outcomes in patients with acute tSCI were 1.396 (95%CI: 1.141-1.709） and 0.284 (95%CI: 0.136-0.0.594）, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of PNI and count scores for predicting improved outcomes were 0.752 (95% CI: 0.641 ~ 0.862, P < 0.001) and 0.766 (95% CI: 0.654 ~ 0.879, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: PNI and count scores may be independent predictors of improved outcomes in patients with acute tSCI.
Desorption and degradation of fenobucarb in paddy soil with the presence of pH, dissolved organic carbon, and sodium dodecyl sulphate in irrigation water
Authors: Trinh Ha Thu , Le Giang Truong , Dao Yen Hai , Duong Hanh Thi , Dang Mai Thi , Strobel Bjarne W.
Published: August 2022

The presence of pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in irrigation water for rice fields enhanced the release and biodegradation of fenobucarb in the soil-water system, contributing to the diminishing of fenobucarb and 2-sec-butylphenol in the soil and drain water. The fenobucarb-spiked soil was amended with pH 7, pH 9, 25 mg L− 1 DOC, and 1 critical micelle (2.4 g L− 1) SDS solutions, and the residual fenobucarb and 2-sec-butyl phenol were analysed in water and soil after each decomposition period. The disappearance of fenobucarb and the appearance of 2-sec-butylphenol were the result of biodegradation and hydrolysis, and these processes were influenced by the presence in the order of pH 9, DOC, pH 7, and SDS. In the presence of SDS in the solution, the desorption and biodegradation processes simultaneously affected the degradation of fenobucarb in the soil. However, fenobucarb biodegradation was inhibited, probably because of the preferential utilisation of SDS by fenobucarb degraders.
The effect of connective tissue graft or a collagen matrix on epithelial differentiation around teeth and dental implants: A preclinical study in minipigs
Authors: Stähli Alexandra , Párkányi László , Aroca Sofia , Stavropoulos Andreas , Schwarz Frank , Sculean Anton , Bosshardt Dieter D.
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To histologically evaluate the healing of coronally advanced flap (CAF) with either a superficial (SCTG) or deep palatal connective tissue graft (DCTG), or a collagen matrix (CM) to cover recession defects at teeth and implants.Material and Methods: One mandibular side of 6 miniature pigs received each 3 titanium implants 12 weeks after extraction. Eight weeks later, recession defects were created around implants and contralateral premolars and 4 weeks later randomly subjected to CAF+SCTG, CAF+DCTG, or CAF+CM. After 8 weeks block biopsies were histologically analyzed. Results: Pocket formation was seen at all teeth, around most implants with SCTG and DCTG, however not in the CM implant group. The connective tissue grafts showed hardly signs of degradation, whereas the CM was partly degraded and integrated in connective tissue. All teeth and implants exhibited a keratinized epithelium with no differences among the groups. The mean gain in gingival height was similar in all experimental groups (SCTG 3.89 ± 0.80 mm, DCTG 4.01 ± 1.40 mm, CM 4.21 ± 0.64 mm). Statistically significant differences were found in the height of the junctional epithelium between the control teeth and the connective tissue groups (p=0.009 and 0.044). Conclusions: In terms of keratinization no difference was observed between superficial and deep connective tissue grafts. Using a SCTG or DCTG (not CM) at teeth and implants showed pocket formation with subgingival calculus and inflammatory processes. Generally, CAF+SCTG/DCTG/CM resulted in a long JE that was even longer at implants.Clinical relevance: Deep/superficial palatal connective tissue graft yielded similar keratinization around teeth/implants.
Calreticulin promotes EMT in pancreatic cancer by enhancing endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced autophagy
Authors: Wu Hongjia , Tang Jingtong , Sun Jian , Tian Chen , Li Xin , Zhong Banghua , Ilmer Matthias , Wang Zixin , Dong Ming , Sheng Weiwei
Published: August 2022

Background
Our previous study showed that Calreticulin (CRT) promoted EMT in pancreatic cancer (PC) via mediating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).
Methods
In current study, we further investigate the association of CRT with ERS-induced autophagy in regulating malignant behavior of PC in vitro and vivo.
Results
We first found thapsigargin (TG)-stimulated ERS and subsequent UPR signaling specifically induced the late stage of autophagy in vitro following the activation of ATG5/ATG12/LC3II signaling, and the increase of autophagosome formation and autophagic flux. However, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated CRT silencing reversed ERS-induced autophagy via specifically inhibiting TG-stimulated PERK/eIF2a axis. Similarly, TG-stimulated ERS promoted cell mobility and Gemcitabine resistance in vitro via promoting autophagy, which was significantly reversed by CRT silencing and autophagy inhibitor Chloroquine (CQ). In vivo, CRT silencing and CQ treatment profoundly inhibited TG-induced pancreatic tumor size in situ and the number of distant liver metastasis following the same change of UPR and autophagy signaling as shown in vitro. Mechanistically, CRT was co-localized and co-immunoprecipitated with LC3 under TG treatment. GST pulldown showed a conserved but critical LC3-interacting region (LIR: WDFL) for the interaction between CRT and LC3, which is required for CRT-mediated augmentation of ERS-induced autophagy. The subsequent augmentation of ERS-induced autophagy profoundly promoted EMT in vitro, which was reversed by CRT silencing and CQ. Finally, a close relationship between CRT with critical markers of UPR and autophagy signaling was also observed in clinical PC samples, which coordinately promoted poor prognosis of PC patients.
Conclusions
CRT promotes EMT in PC via enhancing ERS-induced autophagy.
Compressive Property and Nano-mechanical Behavior of Aluminium Cenosphere Composite Foam Developed by Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Shukla Amarish Kumar , Mandal Dehipada , Majumdar jyotsna Dutta
Published: August 2022

In the present study, the mechanical properties in terms of nano and microhardness and compressive strength of aluminium cenosphere composite foam (CF) developed by powder metallurgy route was carried out. The CF was developed under a varied compaction pressure between 125 MPa and 375 MPa, and sintered by two step sintering (step 1: heating at 400 ºC for 1 hrs. and step 2: heating at 700ºC for 2 hrs.) with a cenosphere content varying from 5 vol.% to 50 vol.%. The effect of process parameters and cenosphere content on microstructure, porosity and its distribution, microhardness and nano mechanical properties was undertaken. Finally, the compressive behavior of the Al-cenosphere composite foam processed under varied compaction pressure and with varied cenosphere content was evaluated.
Changes in the tumor oxygenation but not in the tumor volume and tumor vascularization reflect early response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Pavlov Mikhail V. , Bavrina Anna P. , Plekhanov Vladimir I. , Golubyatnikov German Yu. , Orlova Anna G. , Subochev Pavel V. , Davydova Diana A. , Turchin Ilya V. , Maslennikova Anna V.
Published: August 2022

Background
Breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) allows assessing tumor sensitivity to systemic treatment, planning adjuvant treatment and follow-up. However, a sufficiently large number of patients fail to achieve the desired level of pathological tumor response while optimal early response assessment methods have not been established now. In our study, we simultaneously assessed the early chemotherapy-induced changes in the tumor volume by Ultrasound (US), the tumor oxygenation by Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy Imaging (DOSI) and the state of the tumor vascular bed by Doppler US to elaborate the predictive criteria of breast tumor response to treatment.
Methods
A total of 133 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of invasive breast cancer stage II to III admitted to NACT with following definitive breast surgery were enrolled, 108 of them completed the therapy. Tumor oxygenation by DOSI, tumor volume by US and tumor vascularization by Doppler US were determined before the first and before the second cycle of NACT. After NACT completion, patients underwent surgery followed by pathological examination and assessment of the pathological tumor response. On the basis of these data regression predictive models were created.
Results
We observed changes in all three parameters at the early time after the start of the treatment. However, a high predictive potential for early assessment of tumor sensitivity to NACT demonstrated only the level of oxygenation, ΔStO2, (ρ = 0,802, р≤0,01). The regression model predicts the tumor response with a high probability of a correct conclusion (89,3%). The “Tumor volume” model and the “Vascularization index” model did not accurately predict the absence of a pathological tumor response to treatment (60.9% and 58.7%, respectively), while predicting a positive response to treatment was relatively better (70.9% and 75.4%, respectively).
Conclusions
Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy Imaging appeared to be a robust tool for early predicting breast cancer response to chemotherapy. It may help identifying patients who need additional molecular genetic study of the tumor in order to find the source of resistance to treatment, as well as to correct the treatment regimen.
Aligning Fabry-specific treatment access with contemporary evidence: Considerations for the Australian setting
Authors: Nicholls Kathleen , Denaro Charles , Tchan Michel , Ellaway Carolyn , Bratkovic Drago , Fookes Megan , Campbell Sheridan , Thomas Mark
Published: August 2022

Background: Fabry disease is a rare, progressive, X-linked, lysosomal storage disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of heterogeneously progressive clinical phenotypes. In the absence of a cure, disease-specific therapy aims to improve symptoms, stabilize current disease and delay progression. In Australia access to available treatments requires patients to meet pre-specified criteria, which were established more than 15 years ago. To address this, a panel comprising two members of the patient association Fabry Australia and its Medical Advisory Committee conducted a review of the literature to help inform contemporary disease-specific treatment access for patients with Fabry disease in Australia. The findings from the literature were applied to develop consideration statements and recommendations for revised classification and treatment initiation criteria.Results: Access criteria for Fabry-specific treatment in Australia are not aligned with current clinical evidence. The current treatment access paradigm in Australia imposes disease-severity related restrictions on all patients. This prevents timely treatment initiation and compromises clinical outcomes. Recommendations include the definition of patient classification groups to accommodate classical and non-classical disease and a revised decision framework to establish treatment initiation criteria with more sensitivity to the different disease trajectories within these patient groups. Conclusions: It is hoped that the proposed consideration statements and recommendations will raise awareness of a wider range of clinical scenarios that could be considered to prompt the initiation of Fabry-specific disease therapy in Australia. Adoption of these recommendations could support more equitable and timely access to treatment and better align Australian practice with contemporary evidence and international guidelines.