bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late Cretaceous Granitoids along the Northern Kuching Zone: Implications for the Paleo-Pacific Subduction in Borneo
Authors: Gan Chengshi , Qian Xin , Wang Yuejun , Feng Qinglai , Zhang Yuzhi , Asis Junaidi Bin
Published: May 2022

The EW-trending Kuching zone in Borneo is a target region for exploring the southern continuation of Paleo-Pacific subduction from South China, Vietnam to SE Asia. Previous studies mainly focused on mafic igneous rocks, and poor attention has been paid to the contemporaneous granitoids in this zone. This study presented detailed zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotope and whole-rock geochemistry analyses for late Cretaceous granitoids (granodiorites and granites) in the northern Kuching zone. These granitoids are dated at ~77.5-83.6 Ma with younger ages than the igneous rocks in the southern Kuching zone (~130-144 Ma). The granitoids have variable SiO2 (64.86-77.37 wt.%) and A/CNK (0.7-1.5) and are strongly enriched in LILE and depleted in HFSE with significant Ba, Nb, Sr, and Ti negative anomalies. They have variable (87Sr/86Sr)i (from 0.70656 to 0.71208), εNd(t) (from -4.4 to +0.9), and zircon εHf(t) (from -1.2 to +12.4) with high (206Pb/204Pb)i ratio of 18.78-19.74, suggesting derivation from a hybrid source involving meta-sedimentary and meta-igneous rocks. Combined with previously-published data, two episodes of Cretaceous (~77-98 Ma and ~130-144 Ma) magmatic activities are identified in the Kuching zone, showing a younging age trend from south to north. These episodes of Cretaceous igneous rocks and their spatial distribution in the Kuching zone can be totally comparable to those in South China and Vietnam. Thus, the Kuching zone was likely a part of the Paleo-Pacific subduction system during the Cretaceous, northerly linking to Vietnam and South China.
Theoretical Research in Laboratory and Field Trial of Micro-Nano-Oil Displacement System Conformance Control Technology
Authors: Sun Zhe , Wang Xiujun
Published: May 2022

In recent years, a series of field tests of a new micro-nano-oil displacement system (MNS) conformance control technology have been carried out in different oilfields, which can increase oil production and reduce water cut obviously. However, compared with its field application, the research on its performance evaluation and oil displacement mechanism is still in the initial stage. And it is urgent to carry out relevant research work. Therefore, this paper made a profound study on its physicochemical properties, reservoir adaptability, transport and deep fluid diversion ability, and oil displacement mechanism. Results show that MNS with a series of particle sizes in different sizes (from nanometer to micrometer) can be obtained. And it has good expansion ability. Through reservoir adaptability evaluation, the matching relationship between the size distributions of MNS particles and pore throat is given, which has important guiding significance for MNS particle size selection for target reservoir before field trial. Furthermore, MNS has strong transport ability. When migrating in the porous media, it shows the motion feature of “trapping, deformation, migration, retrapping, redeformation, and remigration,” which can obtain better oil incremental effect than traditional polymer flooding. Under the condition of the same agent type, composition, and slug size, the oil recovery rate can be further enhanced by 6.96%. In addition, MNS conformance control technology has obtained good technical and economic effect in the 8 oilfields, with the lowest input-output ratio of 1.67 and the highest of 14.37. The reason why MNS have the above-mentioned good performances depends on its advanced mechanism: the unique particle phase separation phenomenon. When transporting in porous media, MNS particles gather in the larger pore to form bridge blocking, and its carrier fluid displaces oil in the small pore. Working in cooperation, MNS can realize deep fluid diversion and expand macroscopic and microscopic swept volume.
Prevalence of symptoms, comorbidities, fibrin amyloid microclots and platelet pathology in individuals with Long COVID/ Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Venter Chantelle , Laubscher Gert Jacobus , Kotze Maritha J. , Oladejo Sunday , Watson Liam R. , Rajaratnam Kanshu , Watson Bruce W. , Kell Douglas B.
Published: May 2022

Background: Fibrin(ogen) amyloid microclots and platelet hyperactivation previously reported as a novel finding in South African patients with the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) and Long COVID/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), might form a suitable set of foci for the clinical treatment of the symptoms of long COVID/PASC. A Long COVID/PASC Registry was subsequently established as an online platform where patients can report Long COVID/PASC symptoms and previous comorbidities. Methods: In this study, we report on the comorbidities and persistent symptoms, using data obtained from 845 South African Long COVID/PASC patients. By using a previously published scoring system for fibrin amyloid microclots and platelet pathology, we also analysed blood samples from 80 patients, and report the presence of significant fibrin amyloid microclots and platelet pathology in all cases. Results: Hypertension, high cholesterol levels (dyslipidaemia), cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were found to be the most important comorbidities. The gender balance (70% female) and the most commonly reported Long COVID/PASC symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, loss of concentration and forgetfulness, shortness of breath, as well as joint and muscle pains) were comparable to those reported elsewhere. These findings confirmed that our sample was not atypical. Microclot and platelet pathologies were associated with Long COVID/PASC symptoms that persisted after the recovery from acute COVID-19. Conclusions: Fibrin amyloid microclots that block capillaries and inhibit the transport of O2 to tissues, accompanied by platelet hyperactivation, provide a ready explanation for the symptoms of Long COVID/PASC. Removal and reversal of these underlying endotheliopathies provide an important treatment option that urgently warrants controlled clinical studies to determine efficacy in patients with a diversity of comorbidities impacting on SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. We suggest that our platelet and clotting grading system provides a simple and cost-effective diagnostic method for early detection of long COVID/PASC as a major determinant of effective treatment regimens, including those focusing on reducing clot burden and platelet hyperactivation.
Comparative Study on Properties of Nanocellulose Derived from Sustainable Biomass Resources
Authors: Cheng Zheng , Li Jinpeng , Wang Bin , Zeng Jinsong , Xu Jun , Zhu Shiyun , Duan Chengliang , Chen Kefu
Published: May 2022

Nanocellulose, a unique and promising nanosized cellulose fibers extracted from renewable biomass, has gained much attention from both the scientific and industrial communities due to abundant resources, good mechanical properties, distinct surface chemistry, and biological properties. Thus, nanocellulose is a appealing biomaterial for exciting applications, including super absorbent materials, electronic components, energy devices, and reinforcements. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), cellulose nanofibril (CNF), and bacterial cellulose (BC) are the three kinds of typical nanocellulose from different routes, thus the comprehensive comparison of CNC, CNF, and BC is highly desirable. In order to better understand their special characteristics, we have described detailedly of CNC, CNF (including TEMPO oxidized CNF and mechanically ground CNF), and BC in current work. Meanwhile, this study systematically compared their preparation method, morphologies, chemical structure, surface chemistry, degree of polymerization, thermal behavior, mechanical property, and so on, all these are good for understanding the structure-property-function relationships of nanocellulose. The systematic comparative study can help to develop the criteria for selecting proper nanocellulose as biobased nanomaterials for high value-added applications. We believe that these detailed information presented here have the potential to achieve true sustainable, economic, and tailored production of nanocellulose at large scale, thus contributing to advancement of biobased nanocellulose.
Regional Industrial Growth and Biopharma Patent Networks: Empirical Insights from the UK
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhu Zhen
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has once again brought the significance of biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors to the spotlight. Seeing that some of the most critical medical breakthroughs such as the speedy mRNA vaccine development were results of cross-border patenting collaboration, we have proposed in a previous work a new method to identify the cross-border collaborative regional centres in the patent networks, using on a clustering comparison approach based on adjusted mutual information (AMI). In this paper, we focus on the UK industrial landscape. We use the UK bioscience and health technology sector statistics from 2015 to 2020 and look into the regional growth of each postcode area. We compare the top growth regions with the cross-border collaborative centers identified using AMI comparison at the postcode area level, and find that both long-term and short-term AMI gains show an increase in the correlation with regional annual growth rates of firm numbers in the studies sectors from 2016 to 2020, and the increase is more consistent with the short-term AMI gain. Areas more central in the long-term cross-regional R&D collaboration tend to have more developed industrial settings with higher business numbers and, potentially more employment and turnover in the field.
New Formulas for the Trigonometry of Isosceles Triangles
Authors: King Noah
Published: May 2022

This paper discusses a new formula to solve for the angle of isosceles triangles given proportion of differentiated unequivalent edge length versus the always-equivalent edges. The equation is equal to the arcsine of (X/2) multiplied by two. This formula is to be called ‘isn^-1(x)’, short for inverse isosceles sine equivalent. Also discussed is the non-inverse ‘isn(x)’ which is the cyclic function which is determined to correspond as the equivalent of the classic sine formula to isosceles triangles. The formula set is clearly superior and powerful at calculating the angle and measure of any given obtuse or acute triangle of an unclassified type, as well as unifying a simplest-fit formula across all types of triangle. Also discussed are two transform approximation formulas, which help to analyze graphs and samples.
Characteristics and treatment of hospitalized pregnant women with Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19
Authors: Sekkarie PhD Ahlia , Woodruff PhD Rebecca , Whitaker MPH Michael , Kramer Michael R. , Zapata Lauren B. , Ellington Sascha R. , Meaney-Delman Dana M. , Pham MPH Huong , Patel MPH MBBS Kadam , Taylor Christopher A. , Chai  , Kawasaki MPH Breanna , Meek MPH James , Openo DrPH Kyle P. , Weigel MSW Andy , Leegwater MPH Lauren , Como-Sabetti MPH Kathryn , Ropp Susan L. , Muse MPH Alison , Bennett MD Nancy M. , Billing MPH Laurie M. , Sutton  , Talbot  , Hill MPH Mary , Havers  , Team COVID-NET Surveillance
Published: May 2022

Objective
Describe the vaccination status, treatment, and outcomes of hospitalized, symptomatic pregnant women with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and estimate whether treatment differs by pregnancy status among treatment-eligible (i.e., requiring supplemental oxygen per National Institutes of Health guidelines) women.
Methods
During January–November 2021, the COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network completed medical chart abstraction for a probability sample of 2,715 hospitalized women aged 15–49 years with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of these, 1,950 women had symptoms of COVID-19 upon admission; 336 were pregnant. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates of demographic and clinical characteristics, vaccination status, and outcomes among pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19 upon admission. We used propensity score matching to estimate prevalence ratios (PR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of treatment-eligible patients who received remdesivir or systemic steroids by pregnancy status.
Results
Among 336 hospitalized pregnant women with symptomatic COVID-19, 39.6% were non-Hispanic Black, 24.8% were Hispanic or Latino, and 61.9% were aged 25–34 years. Among those with known COVID-19 vaccination status, 92.9% were unvaccinated. One-third (32.7%) were treatment-eligible. Among treatment-eligible pregnant women, 74.1% received systemic steroids and 61.4% received remdesivir. Among those that were no longer pregnant at discharge (n = 180), 5.4% had spontaneous abortions and 3.5% had stillbirths. Of the 159 live births, 29.0% were pre-term. Among a propensity score-matched cohort of treatment-eligible hospitalized women of reproductive age, pregnant women were less likely than non-pregnant women to receive remdesivir (PR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.97) and systemic steroids (PR 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.87).
Conclusion
Most hospitalized pregnant patients with symptomatic COVID-19 were unvaccinated. Hospitalized pregnant patients were less likely to receive recommended remdesivir and systemic steroids compared to similar hospitalized non-pregnant women. Our results underscore the need to identify opportunities for improving COVID-19 vaccination, implementation of treatment of pregnant women, and the inclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials.
Improving the normal tissue sparing using scripting in endometrial cancer radiation therapy planning
Authors: Yedekci Yağız , Gültekin Melis , Sari Sezin Yuce , Yildiz Ferah
Published: May 2022

Aim: The aim of this study is to improve the protection of the OARs, decrease the total planning time and maintain sufficient target doses by using scripting endometrial cancer EBRT planning. Materials and Methods: Computed tomography data of 14 endometrial cancer patients were included in this study. Manual and automatic planning with scripting were performed for each CT. Scripts were created in the RayStationTM (RaySearch Laboratories AB, Stockholm, Sweden) planning system using Python code. In scripting, seven additional contours were automatically created to reduce the OAR doses. The scripted and manual plans were compared with each other in terms of planning time, DVH parameters, and total monitor unit (MU) value.Results: While the mean total planning time for manual planning was 368±8 sec, it was 55±2 sec for the automatic planning with scripting (p<0.001). The mean doses of OARs decreased with automatic planning(p<0.001). In addition, the maximum doses (D2% and D1%) for bilateral femoral heads and the rectum were significantly reduced. It was observed that the total MU value increased from 1,146±126 (manual planning) to 1,369±95 (scripted planning).Conclusions: Scripted planning has significant time and dosimetric advantages over manual planning for endometrial cancer EBRT planning.
Inhibiting the glycogen synthase kinase-3β activity suppress mossy fiber sprouting and epileptogenesis in pentylenetetrazole kindling rat model of epilepsy
Authors: Zhang Chen , Tan Zheren , Huang Xia , Huang Wenjiao , Tian Fafa
Published: May 2022

Background
Epilepsy is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. Emerging data have implicated mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) as one of the most common pathological features of epilepsy. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), a multifunctional protein kinase, can phosphorylate tau at many sites. Its roles in MFS and epileptogenesis remain to be investigated deeply. Our research is to explore the effects of GSK-3β activity on MFS and tau phosphorylation sites in epileptogenesis.
Methods
The pentylenetetrazol-kindled rat model was established and the expression of P-tau(Ser396) was measured at 3 days and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the first PTZ injection. Then the GSK-3β activity was inhibited by injecting SB216763 into the lateral ventricle in pentylenetetrazol-treated rats. The epileptic-associated behavior, expressions of GSK-3β, P-GSK-3β(s9), P-tau(Ser396) and degree of MFS at several time points were measured in pentylenetetrazol-treated rats with intracerebroventricular injection of SB216763.
Results
Compared with control group, the expression of P-tau(Ser396) was up-regulated in PTZ group. The GSK-3β activity in pentylenetetrazol-treated rats was inhibited by intracerebroventricular injection of SB216763. With the administration of SB216763, increased expression of P-GSK-3β(s9), decreased expression of P-tau (Ser396) and lesser severity of MFS and seizure were observed in PTZ-treated rat.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate the GSK-3β activity contributed to formation of MFS and epileptogenesis and tau phosphorylation at the ser396 site may be involved in this process.
Determination of Radon Concentrations and Annual Average Effective Doses in Some Well Waters Near the Akşehir-Simav Fault System
Authors: Gümüş Ayla
Published: May 2022

Afyonkarahisar and its surroundings are located in the middle part of the Akşehir-Simav fault system (ASFS). This fault system is one of the most important tectonic elements of Southwest Turkey. In this study, radon concentrations were measured in four-well and spring water, which is used as drinking water, in the villages and districts of Afyonkarahisar province near ASFS for 24 month period, and the annual average effective dose amounts were calculated. In addition, the relationship between the average radon concentration results of potable water wells and the distance of the wells to the fault was examined for the first time in this region.Radon concentrations were measured between 0.11 ± 0.22 BqL-1 and 17.89 ± 0.58 BqL-1, and mean radon concentrations were measured between 1.87 ± 0.28 BqL-1 and 11.93 ± 0.48 BqL-1. The annual effective dose values were calculated between 10.99 ± 1.65 µSvy-1 and 70.11 ±2.82 µSvy-1 for infants, 4.03 ± 0.60 µSvy-1 and 25.69 ± 1.03 µSvy-1 for children and 4.78 ± 0.72 µSvy-1 and 30.48 ± 1.23 µSvy-1 for adults. In addition, the effect of the distance of the wells from the fault on the mean radon concentrations was also investigated. The regression coefficient (R2) was calculated as 0.85. The average radon concentration was observed higher in the water wells close to the fault. The highest mean radon concentration was measured in well 4, closest to the fault and 1.07 km away.
Role of Oral Fluid, Electrolytes and Energy in various pediatric illnesses beyondDiarrhea: An Indian Expert Panel Consensus Recommendation
Authors: Ghosh Apurba , Bavdekar Ashish , Wadhwa Nishant , Chakravarty Pavitra , Nagpal Rahul , A.R. Somashekar , Shankar Janani , Canday Eileen , Bathina Haritha , Tesado Christian , Thakor Priti , Malve Harshad , Chatterjee Ayan
Published: May 2022

Background: Dehydration in non-diarrheal illnesses often goes unnoticed and there are no consensus treatment recommendations for management of dehydration in non-diarrheal illnesses. Main Body: A multi-disciplinary committee of 10 experts from India gathered on a virtual advisory–board meeting on September 2020 to develop a consensus recommendation on current treatment strategies for managing oral fluid electrolyte and energy in pediatric patients during non-diarrheal illnesses and to identify unmet evidence-based needs and gaps. A pre-meeting questionnaire-based voting system was adopted to reach consensus followed by a discussion between panel members. In absence of consensus, the topic was opened for debate to arrive at an aligned recommendation. Key clinical challenges include identifying dehydration in acute illnesses and recommending appropriate quantity and type of oral fluids based on symptom severity. This consensus statement provides guidance on management of dehydration in non-diarrheal illnesses including recommendation on oral fluid, electrolyte and appropriate energy management in pediatric population.Conclusions: The group proposed the need for oral fluid, electrolyte and energy supplementation, which should be based on symptoms in acute non-diarrheal illness increased insensible losses and/or decreased intake. Oral rehydration fluids should be prescribed accurately and at the right-time for countering dehydration, ideally early in the course of illness. Prescribing pattern should be precise and similar to intravenous fluids. Carbonated drinks and canned juices should not be recommended. Plain water may not be optimal in replacing electrolytes especially for anorexic patients who can only tolerate fluids. These clinical practice statements provide guidance for oral fluid, electrolyte and energy recommendations for pediatric patients with various acute illnesses beyond diarrhea.
Wafer-scale and universal van der Waals metal semiconductor contact
Authors: Liu Yuan , Kong Lingan , Wu Ruixia , Chen Yang , Huangfu Ying , Liu Liting , Li Wei , Lu Donglin , Tao Quanyang , Song Wenjing , Li Wanying , Lu Zheyi , Liu Xiao , Li Zhiwei , Tong Wei , Ding Shuimei , Liu Songlong , Ma Likuan , Ren Liwang , Wang Yiliu , Liao Lei
Published: May 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors show great potential for high-performance electronic devices. With atomically thin 2D lattice, achieving high quality and reliable metal contact remains a critical challenge. van der Waals (vdW) contact geometry — in which metal electrodes are physically laminated onto 2D surface — has demonstrated reduced contact resistance with minimized Fermi level pinning effect. However, the vdW contact can only be applied a few choices of metals that can be peeled and laminated, and the manually transfer process is not scalable, greatly limiting this process for practical applications. Here, we report a wafer-scale and universal “low-energy” vdW metal integration strategy that can be readily applicable to different metals and semiconductors. By utilizing thermally decomposable polymer as the buffer layer, different metals could be directly evaporated in wafer-scale without damaging the underlayer 2D semiconductors. This industry compatible polymer buffer could be further dry-removed through a simple annealing process, leading to vdW metal-2D contact with atomic sharp and clean interface. With this technique, for the first time, various industry-compatible metals could be vdW and wafer-scale integrated as the contact of 2D transistors, including Ag, Al, Ti, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, Au, Pd, exhibiting improved electrical performance depending on the metal work functions. Finally, we demonstrate this vdW integration strategy is not only limited to 2D semiconductors, but could be well-extended to various bulk semiconductors with weakly couple vdW metal-semiconductor contact.
Identification of key immune-related genes in dilated cardiomyopathy using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Li Feng , Du Tong-Yue , Wu Li-Da , Zhang Lei , Liu Huan-Huan , Zhang Zhen-Ye , Zhang Jie , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Qian Ling-Ling , Hao Jian-Feng , Wang Ru-Xing
Published: May 2022

Background:Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the left ventricular dilatation and impaired myocardial systolic dysfunction with high mortality and morbidity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.Methods:Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was performed using two expression profiles from GSE3585 and GSE8479. Enrichment analysis to explore the potential mechanisms underlying DCM was conducted. A total of four algorithms were used within Cytoscape to identify the hub genes. Correlation analysis between hub genes and infiltrated immune cells to identify potential immune-related genes. The expression analysis and diagnosis value analysis of potential immune-related genes were performed. Finally, the expression analysis with GSE57338 and relationship analysis with the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) were performed for identification of the key immune-related genes in DCM. Results:A total of 80 DEGs were screened for DCM. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in immune-related pathological process. Immune infiltration analysis indicated a potential immune response abnormal in DCM. Four up-regulated genes, including COL1A2, COL3A1, CD53, and POSTN, were identified as potential immune-related genes. Finally, three genes (COL1A2, COL3A1, and POSTN) were determined as the key immune-related genes in DCM via expression analysis with a validation set (GSE57338) and relationship analysis with CTD.Conclusions:Our study suggested that the upregulated COL1A2, COL3A1, and POSTN might be the key immune-related genes for DCM. Further studies are needed to validate the underlying mechanisms.
Identification of RT-qPCR reference genes suitable for gene function studies in the pitaya canker disease pathogen Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Zhouwen , Wei Shuangshuang , Xie Jun , Huang Jiaquan , Li Dongdong , Hu Wenbin , Li Hongli , Tang Hua
Published: May 2022

Background
Neoscytalidium dimidiatum is the main causal agent of pitaya canker. Most studies of virulence and pathogenicity genes have measured expression levels using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Suitable reference genes are essential for ensuring that estimates of gene expression levels by RT-qPCR are accurate. However, no reference genes can be robustly applied across all contexts and species. No studies to date have evaluated the most effective reference genes for normalizing gene expression levels estimated by RT-qPCR in N. dimidiatum.
Results
In this study, RT-qPCR data for individual candidate reference genes were analyzed using four different methods: the delta Ct method and the geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper algorithms. We evaluated the utility of eight candidate reference genes (18S rRNA, Actin (1), Actin (2), Actin, GAPDH (1), GAPDH (2), UBQ, and Tubulin) for normalizing expression levels estimated by RT-qPCR in N. dimidiatum at different developmental stages, at different temperatures, and during interaction with pitaya.
Conclusions
All candidate reference genes were suitable for gene expression analysis except for Actin (2). Tubulin and Actin (1) were the most stably expressed reference genes under different temperatures. Actin (1) and Actin were the most stably expressed reference genes in N. dimidiatum at different developmental stages. Tubulin and UBQ were the most stably expressed reference genes during interaction with pitaya. Actin is the most stably expressed across all experimental conditions. Subsequently, Tubulin and UBQ were further investigated in analyses of pectinase expression during the pitaya–N. dimidiatum interaction. Our results provide insights that will aid future RT-qPCR studies of gene expression in N. dimidiatum.
RETRACTED: Modulation of global fire emission by Madden-Julian Oscillation
Authors: Yang Young-Min , Wang Bin
Published: May 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Anticancer effects of sanguinarine in triple-negative breast cancer cells via apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Messeha Samia S. , Noel Sophie , Zarmouh Najla O. , Womble Tracy , Soliman Karam
Published: May 2022

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are typically treated with non-targeted chemotherapeutic agents, and the late disease stages are known to be resistant to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is necessary to develop novel therapeutic agents that are safer and more effective for enhancing the outcomes of chemotherapeutic agents. The natural alkaloid sanguinarine (SANG) is a quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloid that has demonstrated synergistic therapeutic effects when combined with various chemotherapeutic drugs. SANG can also induce cell cycle arrest and trigger apoptosis in various cancer cells. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying SANG activity in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells, as two genetically different models of TNBC. SANG decreased the viability of both cell lines, but MDA-MB-468 cells were more sensitive to SANG than MDA-MB-231 cells. SANG affected cell cycle progression in both cell lines. Further, S-phase cell cycle arrest-mediated apoptosis was found to be the primary contributor to cell growth inhibition in MDA-MB-231 cells. SANG-treated TNBC cells showed significantly upregulated mRNA expression of 18 genes associated with apoptosis, including eight members of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), three members of the BCL2 family, and two members of the caspase (CASP) family in MDA-MB-468 cells; in MDA-MB-231 cells, two members of the TNF superfamily and four members of the BCL2 family were affected. In conclusion, these results indicate that SANG shows markedly different anticancer effects and apoptosis-related gene expression changes in the two cell lines. Thus, SANG demonstrates potent anticancer effects in TNBC cell lines, suggesting its potential as a single or adjunct therapeutic agent against TNBC.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Detecting Attention in Children with Autism Using Machine Learning
Authors: Banire Bilikis , Thani Dena Al , Qaraqe Marwa
Published: May 2022

Detecting the attention of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is of paramount importance for desired learning outcome. Teachers often use subjective methods to assess the attention of children with ASD, and this approach is tedious and inefficient due to disparate attentional behavior in ASD. This study explores the attentional behavior of children with ASD and the control group: typically developing (TD) children, by leveraging machine learning and unobtrusive technologies such as webcams and eye-tracking devices to detect attention objectively. Person-specific and generalized machine models for face-based, gaze-based, and hybrid-based (face and gaze) are proposed in this paper. The performances of these three models were compared, and the gaze-based model outperformed the others. Also, the person-specific model achieves higher predictive power than the generalized model for the ASD group. These findings stress the direction of model design from traditional one-size-fits-all models to personalized models.
Predictors of capecitabine-induced hand-foot syndrome: a single-institution, retrospective study
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Taguchi Tetsuya , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takayama Koichi
Published: May 2022

This retrospective study was conducted to identify predictors for developing hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and to determine new strategies for improving quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Between April 2014 and August 2018, we enrolled 165 cancer patients at our outpatient chemotherapy center who were undergoing capecitabine chemotherapy. Variables related to the development of HFS were extracted from the clinical records of patients for use in regression analysis. HFS severity was assessed at the time of completing capecitabine chemotherapy. The degree of HFS was classified in accordance with the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the development of HFS. Significant predictors for the development of HFS included concomitant use of a renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor (odds ratio [OR] = 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–6.79; P = 0.018), body surface area (BSA) (high) (OR = 12.7, 95%CI = 2.29–70.94; P = 0.004) and albumin (low) (OR = 0.44, 95%CI = 0.20–0.96; P = 0.040). In conclusion, concomitant use of RAS inhibitor, high BSA, and low albumin were identified as significant predictors for the development of HFS.
MobileNetv3-CenterNet :A target recognition method for avoiding missed detection effectively based on a lightweight network
Authors: Li Yajing , Xin Wenbin , Huang Jiahai , Hao Huimin
Published: May 2022

To solve the problems in online target detection on the embedded platform, such as high missed detection rate, low accuracy, and slow speed, a lightweight target recognition method of MobileNetv3-CenterNet is proposed. This method combined the anchor-free Centernet network with the MobileNetv3 small network and trained on the UA-DETRAC and PASCAL VOC07 + 12 standard datasets. While reducing the scale of the network model, the MobileNetv3-Centernet model shows a good balance in the accuracy and speed of target recognition and effectively solves the problem of missing detection of dense and small targets in online detection. To verify the recognition performance of the model, it is tested on 2683 images of the UA- DETRAC and PASCAL VOC 2007 datasets, and compared with the analysis results of CenterNet-DLA34, CenterNet-ResNet18, CenterNet-MobileNetv3-large, YOLOv3, MobileNetv2-YOLOv3, SSD, MobileNetv2-SSD and Faster R-CNN models. The results show that the MobileNetv3-CenterNet model accurately recognized the dense targets and small targets missed by other methods, and obtains a recognition accuracy of 99.4% with a running speed of FPS53. The comprehensive detection effect of MobileNetv3-CenterNet is better than other methods. The MobileNetv3-CenterNet lightweight target recognition method will provide effective technical support for the target recognition of deep learning networks in embedded platforms and online detection.
Spousal Communication in Decision Making During Pregnancy in Northern Ghana
Authors: Dakura James , Yidana Adadow
Published: May 2022

Background: Despite all the interventions put in place to improve maternal and child health, little has been done on spouses' communication during pregnancy and how it impacts maternal health decision-making. The study sought to unravel the influence of spousal communication when they are pregnant on maternal health decision-making. Methodology: The study used a mixed-method approach involving 218 pregnant women, six midwives, and village health volunteers from three communities and three health facilities in the district, respectively were interviewed. In-depth interviews with the midwives and village health volunteers was selected purposively; interviews were conducted with pregnant women at the three health facilities selected using stratified sampling. Results: From the study, 96.8% indicated that they often discuss issues concerning their health with their husbands, while only 3.2% did not. Again, 97.2% stated they often discuss their pregnancies with their husbands, while 2.3% did not, and 0.5% did not remember whether they did. From the study, issues such as quarrels, shyness, and husbands' jobs responsibility, making them have little time to communicate, were some of the barriers to spousal communication. About 64% scored high in male involvement in maternal health decision-making during the antenatal care period, while about 36% of males scored low in maternal health decision-making. Male involvement in maternal health decision-making was found to be influenced by age. Conclusion: Though some fathers communicate with their wives, the number is not encouraging. The District Health Management Team must take practical steps to encourage and support the formation of father-to-father support groups in the district, just as there is mother to mother support groups, and ensure that such groups are sustainable and functioning.
Ultra-broadband polarization-independent perfect absorber based on phase change material (Ge2Sb2Te5 or GST) for the visible and infrared regions
Authors: pour Saeed Zolfaghary , Arik Kamalodin
Published: May 2022

Broadband optical absorbers are increasingly in demand in various applications, including solar cells and radiative cooling systems. Among various types of structures, absorbers based on metamaterial structures have attracted much attention. However, they generally suffer from the issues of narrow bandwidth, high-cost fabrication, and high sensitivity to polarization changes. This paper presents a broadband, polarization-independent metamaterial absorber working in both infrared and visible frequency regimes. This structure is composed of a continuous phase-change material film (\ce{Ge2Sb2Te5}) separated between two thin spacer layers of \ce{SiO2}, and an array of amorphous Silicon particles located on the top of the structure. The proposed device was shown to exhibit remarkable absorptivity (more than 90 percent) within a broad range of frequencies starting from 250 THz to 1050 THz. In addition, thanks to the structural symmetry, the strong absorbance shows a considerable overlap between TM and TE modes over an extensive range of incident angles. The designing procedure for this absorber can be used as a guideline for designing similar metamaterial absorbers in any desirable frequency band.
Optimization of silver nanocrystals reduced from the functional molecules enriched Spirulina – A potent antibiotic against human and marine pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: S Raja , Anjali G. , Anitha Jaganathan , Ephsy Davis K. , Sahana Kesavan , Mohan Kuppusamy
Published: May 2022

Organic reduction of nanomaterials is an inexpensive and ecologically feasible method and the major challenge of this method is the optimization. The reduction of metal ions with the conjugation involves either by the extraction from natural materials like plants, algae, fungus, and bacteria or the micro-organisms, which includes the intracellular synthesis of these particles. The present investigation deals with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) reduced by Spirulina platensis. The reduced nanoparticle by the microorganism was materialized to inhibit the pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from the aquaculture system of Tamil Nadu. The highest distribution percentage of V. parahaemolyticus was recorded in the farm water collected from shrimp farms of Nagapattinam than in the Cuddalore district. The presence of secondary metabolites in qualitative estimation and in GCMS revealed the presence of 32 compounds in both acetone and methanol extract. The essential fatty acids eicosane was found to have antibiotic potency against shrimp infected with pathogenic bacteria. The synthesized Spirulina SNPs were characterized by a biophysical technique like UV-Vis spectrophotometer, EDAX, XRD, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The analysis revealed a spherical structure without any agglomerates whose reduction absorption was at 200–450 nm. The well diffusion method, it showed inhibition of human and marine pathogen V. parahaemolyticus, whose inhibitory zone was at 15.30 ± 2.21 and 15.19 ± 2.48 mm respectively. Thus, the Spirulina mediated silver nanoparticles are found to be a simple, economical, and eco-friendly biomaterial to be a potent antibiotic against the shrimp bacteria.
Observation on the clinical effect of axillary approach in the treatment of scapular fractures involving the glenoid
Authors: Sun Zhihuang , Jiang Jian , Wei Huahua , Xu Jiajia , Liu Guangwei , Li Jian , Zhang Hui , Lian Sheng , Wu Guobao
Published: May 2022

Objective
To compare the clinical efficacy of the axillary approach and the pectoralis deltoid approach in the treatment of scapular fractures involving the glenoid.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 37 cases of scapular fractures diagnosed and treated from 2017-09 to 2019-09, 15 cases were treated by axillary approach (axillary approach group), and 22 cases were treated by pectoralis major deltoid approach (pectoralis major). The deltoid approach group), and the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, and clinical efficacy at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups.
Results
Both groups successfully completed the operation and obtained complete follow-up. The follow-up time was 12–18 months, with an average of 15.2 months. All fractures healed at the last follow-up, and the fracture healing time was 2 to 6 months, with an average of 3.2 months. Compared with the pectoralis major deltoid approach group, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay in the axillary approach group were shorter than those in the pectoralis major deltoid approach group, and the incision length was shorter than that in the pectoralis major deltoid approach group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of the axillary approach group was higher than that of the pectoralis major deltoid approach group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The axillary approach in the treatment of scapular fractures involving the glenoid has the advantages of small incision, less intraoperative blood loss, short operation time, concealment, and stable curative effect, and is worthy of further promotion and application.
Development of larviculture protocols for the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum) and enhanced performance with diets containing the cryptophyte Rhodomonas lens
Authors: Pilnick Aaron R. , O’Neil Keri L. , DiMaggio Matthew A. , Patterson Joshua T.
Published: May 2022

Slow or nonexistent natural recovery of the Caribbean long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum) following a mass mortality event in 1983–1984 has prompted interest in hatchery-origin production and restocking to aid coral-reef restoration. A critical first step is the ability to propagate D. antillarum from gametes, at scale. However, a unique larval biology and difficult and lengthy culture period of ~ 40 days has resulted in inconsistent success over the past 20-plus years. The purpose of this study was to develop protocols for rearing D. antillarum within a novel 1800-L recirculating aquaculture system capable of scaled production. Five separate experiments investigated larval development in response to diet quantity, diet composition, and initial stocking density within 40-L replicate culture tanks. The initial experiment was used to develop a microalgae reference diet consisting of Tisochrysis lutea and Chaetoceros sp. and revealed similar growth and survival between high quantity (40.0×103 cells ml-1) and low quantity (10.0×103 cells ml-1) treatments at 21 DPF. Experiments 2–4 examined diet quality by comparing carbon-equivalent microalgae compositions. Mixed diets containing Rhodomonas lens outperformed the reference diet in multiple experiments and a tripartite diet containing all three species resulted in significantly higher survival at 42 DPF. The highest growth overall occurred from a monoalgal R. lens diet, which indicated that this species is critically important. Further observations of density-dependent growth dynamics revealed that initial stocking densities > 1 larvae ml-1 significantly reduced growth over 28 DPF. Data generated were used to establish fundamental larviculture protocols that have since led to the production of over 1,000 juveniles.
Reduced Frequency and Power Spectra of Wind Pressure of a Tall Building Having "Z" Shape in Plan
Authors: Paul Rajdip , Dalui Sujit Kumar
Published: May 2022

This study envisages a tall building model's dynamic behaviour with a 'Z' shape in plan and exposed to cyclonic wind tested using numerical simulation technique. The computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation tool of ANSYS-CFX is adopted in the present study. The geometric scale is considered as 1:300, whereas the velocity scale is taken to be 1:5. Wind streamlines under different wind occurrence angles on the building are displayed perceptibly, ensuring vortex shedding at the region of disturbed flow where the wind suction and pressure amalgamates. The peak wind pressures and suctions at building facets are presented under different wind angles. Again the features of normalized power spectra of wind pressure at the top part, main body, and bottom part of the building subjected to wind azimuths ranging from 0° to 150° are presented. It is found that at the bottom part of the building, the peak values of standardized power spectra occur in the low-frequency range, although, at the top part and main body of the building, the vortex shedding energy intensifies at relatively high reduced frequencies. The determination of reduced frequency is of paramount importance to evade resonance under wind tempted shakings of soaring buildings.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Dasatinib versus Imatinib in Pediatric Philadelphia Chromosome- Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients in China
Authors: Cao Wang , Yu Yuncui , Qiu Yingpeng , Liu Lu , Zhang Hao , Shi Liwei , Xiao Yue , Jia Lulu , Zhang Ruidong , Wang Xiaoling
Published: May 2022

Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are recommended for pediatric Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), and the one commonly used in China is imatinib. However, it's worth noting that clinical needs could not be met gradually with the increasing resistance of imatinib. Dasatinib, the second-generation TKI, has been proved by Food and Drug Administration because of the better efficacy and comparative safety. This study aims to supplement economic evidence for multi-dimensional value by comparing the cost-effectiveness between imatinib and dasatinib in treating pediatric patients with in China, and to help clinical rational drug use and drug policy adjustment. Methods: A decision tree model combined with a 10-year Markov model was established based on the published data and real-world cohort study. The main outcomes were incremental costs, which expressed in 2019 China yuan (CNY), and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), both were discounted at 5%. Cost-effectiveness analysis was used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between the two drugs in Chinese pediatric Ph+ ALL patients from the health system perspective. The Sensitivity analysis were conducted to assess the uncertainty and result robustness. The set willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was 1 times per capita GDP of China in 2019, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: The total costs were CNY 1,020,995.35 and CNY 1,035,788.50 in imatinib group and dasatinib group over the simulative course of a decade, and the total QALYs were 2.59 and 4.84. Compared with the imatinib treatment group, the ICER of dasatinib treatment was around CNY 6,575.78/ QALY, which was less than the set threshold. The sensitive analysis indicated the robustness of the results. Conclusions: The cost-effectiveness analysis shows that dasatinib has potential cost-effective advantages compared with imatinib for pediatric Ph+ ALL patients under the set WTP threshold, which indicates that those patients could achieve more QALYs by paying acceptable fee.
Length–weight relationships of 23 marine fish species from the southern coast of Black Sea associated with small-scale fisheries
Authors: Karadurmuş Uğur , Aydın Mehmet
Published: May 2022

This study presents the length-weight relationship (LWRs) estimates for 23 marine fish species belonging to 15 families from the southern coast of the Black Sea. The species were sampled using small-scale fishing gears such as gillnets and trammel nets at depths of 0-120 m in the period from 2010 to 2021. The LWRs were calculated by the linear regression of natural log-transformed data with respect to W = a × TLb. Growth type was evaluated according to Pauly's t-test. The slope (b-value) ranged between 2.564 and 3.640, corresponded to the commonly expected range (2.50–3.50) except for Salmo labrax and Spicara flexuosum. The values for the coefficient of determination (r2) were above 0.95, was considered reliable, except for Belone belone, Chromis chromis, Gobius niger, and Sardina pilchardus. This study targeted specimens from small-scale fisheries-related gears and therefore, the results are of prime interest to local fisheries management. The new LWR covers a substantially larger TLmax compared to any previous study and thus we can assume that all size classes of the species are properly reflected and the new LWRs are a more reliable and species-specific LWRs than any previous estimate. There are four species in the paper that offer new insights in LWRs. These are: Mesogobius batrachocephalus, S. labrax, S. flexuosum and Umbrina cirrosa.