bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tutorial on Support Vector Machines
Authors: Bridgelall Raj
Published: January 2022

The aim of this tutorial is to help students grasp the theory and applicability of support vector machines (SVMs). The contribution is an intuitive style tutorial that helped students gain insights into SVM from a unique perspective. An internet search will reveal many videos and articles on SVM, but free peer-reviewed tutorials are generally not available or are incomplete. Instructional materials that provide simplified explanations of SVM leave gaps in the derivations that beginning students cannot fill. Most of the free tutorials also lack guidance on practical applications and considerations. The software wrappers in many modern programming libraries of Python and R currently hide the operational complexities. Such software tools often use default parameters that ignore domain knowledge or leave knowledge gaps about the important effects of SVM hyperparameters, resulting in misuse and subpar outcomes. The author uses this tutorial as a course reference for students studying artificial intelligence and machine learning. The tutorial derives the classic SVM classifier from first principles and then derives the practical form that a computer uses to train a classification model. An intuitive explanation about confusion matrices, F1 score, and the AUC metric extend insights into the inherent tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity. A discussion about cross-validation provides a basic understanding of how to select and tune the hyperparameters to maximize generalization by balancing underfitting and overfitting. Even seasoned self-learners with advanced statistical backgrounds have gained insights from this tutorial style of intuitive explanations, with all related considerations for tuning and performance evaluations in one place.
The Increase of The Relative Amount of Nodular Calcification In Femoral Plaques is Associated With Milder Lower Extremity Arterial Disease
Authors: Azeez Mae , Laivuori Mirjami , Tolva Johanna , Linder Nina , Lundin Johan , Albäck Anders , Venermo Maarit , Mäyränpää Mikko I , Lokki Marja-Liisa , Lokki A. Inkeri , Sinisalo Juha
Published: January 2022

Vascular calcification exists in different forms that reflect variable clinical and histological implications. Categories of calcification have not been quantified in relation to the clinical presentation of lower extremity arterial disease. The study analyzed 51 femoral plaques collected during femoral endarterectomy, characterized by > 90% stenosis. The plaques were longitudinally sectioned, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and digitized for a deep learning platform for quantification of the relative area of nodular calcification to the plaque section area. Vessel measurements and quantity of each calcification category was compared to the clinical risk factors and outcomes. nodular calcification area proportion is associated with reduced risk of severely lowered toe pressure (< 30mmHg) (OR=0.910, 95%CI =0.835-0992, p<0.05), severely lowered ankle brachial index (<0.4), (OR=0.912, 95%CI=0.84-0.986, p<0.05), and semi-urgent operation (OR=0.882, 95%CI=0.797-0.976, p<0.05). The analysis was adjusted by age, gender, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Increase of the relative amount of nodular calcification in femoral plaques with over 90% stenosis is associated with protection against severe LEAD, identified by severely lowered toe pressure and ankle brachial index and semi-urgent operations. Nodular calcification may contribute to a slower obstruction, hence milder obstructive ischaemic presentation.
Striving for Performance Excellence: Ten Years’ Experience & Impact of Accreditation on Quality, Safety, and Overall Performance in King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) – A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Baksh Maram M. , Amer Yasser S. , Titi Maher , Jamal Diana , Al-Muammar Abdulrahman , El-Jardali Fadi
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has undergone a healthcare system transformation to improve healthcare delivery and quality and central to this is the accreditation for healthcare facilities. Hospitals in KSA have relied on international accreditation bodies and are now shifting to national accreditation boards. The objective of this paper is to assess long-term effects of national and international accreditation through measuring staff perception after ten years of participation in multiple accreditation surveys.MethodsThis mixed-methods study was conducted at the King Saud University Medical City. The quantitative tool was adapted from previous studies and was made available in both English and Arabic. Respondents were asked to evaluate their involvement in accreditation and hospital readiness for another accreditation survey using 11 subscales. ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in mean scores based on level of participation in accreditation surveys. A qualitative interview tool was also used to elicit input from key stakeholders, senior leaders, and managers from the university hospitals. ResultsA total of 630 respondents completed the survey. The subscale on Patient Safety scored highest with an average and those measuring Accreditation Impact, Quality Impact and Quality Management closely followed. ANOVA results showed a significantly increasing mean score with increasing involvement of respondents in accreditation with highest scores observed for the first accreditation survey. Linear regression results showed increases in selected outcomes when with increasing subscale scores for patient satisfaction, management and leadership and others. Findings from the qualitative component showed that accreditation supported improved and sustained quality of care. Despite some differences and challenges in implementing both international and national accreditation standards, there were areas of complementarity which supported quality improvement. Respondents also noted improvements in patient outcomes as a result of participation in accreditation.ConclusionThis study is the first to examine the long-term impact of accreditation over an extended period in KSA. The long-term assessment of accreditation conducted in this study revealed that staff perception about performance was highest during the first cycle and consistently decreased with consequent surveys. The slight and incremental decrease in scale scores reveal that the benefits of accreditation were retained.
Skeletal Muscle Atrophy is Exacerbated By Steatotic and Fibrotic Liver-Derived TNF-Alpha in Senescence-Accelerated Mice
Authors: Shirakami Yohei , Kato Junichi , Maeda Toshihide , Ideta Takayasu , Sakai Hiroyasu , Shimizu Masahito
Published: January 2022

Although liver diseases, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are associated with skeletal muscle atrophy, the mechanism behind their association has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of aging and NASH on the skeletal muscle and the interaction between the liver and muscle were investigated using a diet-induced NASH model in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). A total of four groups of SAM and its control mice were fed either an NASH-inducing or control diet. In the SAM/NASH group, the histopathology of NASH and markers of oxidative stress were significant. Skeletal muscles were also markedly atrophied. The expression of the ubiquitin ligase Murf1 in the muscle was significantly increased with muscle atrophy, while that of Tnfa was not significantly different. In contrast, the hepatic Tnfa expression and serum TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the SAM/NASH group. These results suggest that liver-derived TNF-α might promote muscle atrophy associated with steatohepatitis and aging through Murf-1. The metabolomic analysis of skeletal muscle indicated higher spermidine and lower tryptophan levels in the NASH-diet group. The findings of this study revealed an aspect of liver-muscle interaction, which might be important in developing treatments for sarcopenia associated with liver diseases.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus 3A hijacks Sar1 and Sec12 for ER remodeling in a COPII-independent manner
Authors: Lee Heng-Wei , Jiang Yi-Fan , Chang Hui-Wen , Cheng Ivan-Chen
Published: January 2022

Positive-stranded RNA viruses modify host organelles to form replication organelles (ROs) for their replication. Enteroviral 3A protein has been demonstrated to be highly associated with the COPI pathway, in which factors work on the ER-to-Golgi intermediate and the Golgi. However, Sar1, a COPII factor exerting coordinated action at endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites, rather than COPI factors, is required for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) replication. Therefore, we thought that deep understanding of FMDV 3A was the key to explaining the differences and to unlocking the secret of FMDV RO formation. In this study, FMDV 3A was confirmed as a peripheral membrane protein capable of modifying the ER into vesicle-like structures, which were neither COPII vesicles nor autophagosomes. When the C-terminus of 3A was truncated, it would be located at the ER without vesicular modification. This change was revealed by mGFP and APEX2 fusion constructs observed by fluorescence microscopy and electron tomography, respectively. Referring to other 3A truncation, the minimal region for modification was aa 42–92. Furthermore, we found that the remodeling was related to two COPII factors, Sar1 and Sec12. Both interacted with 3A, but their binding domains on 3A were different. Finally, we hypothesized that the N-terminus of 3A would interact with Sar1 as its C-terminus simultaneously interacted with Sec12, which possibly would enhance Sar1 activation. On the ER membrane, two active Sar1 were connected by 3A with regions of aa 42–59 and aa 76–92, causing curvature of the membrane. This mechanism is distinct from the traditional COPII pathway and should be crucial for FMDV RO formation.
Hydro-Geophysical Study for Well Design in Lower Reaches of Kasai River Basin, Eastern India
Authors: Sinha Ranjan , Shrivastava Shalivahan
Published: January 2022

Saltwater intrusion and up coning in coastal aquifer is a common phenomenon brought either due to flow of seawater into freshwater aquifer originally caused by groundwater abstraction near the coast or due to wrong casing design of water wells. This necessitates a study of aquifer disposition along with demarcation of fresh water saline water interface of Kasai River basin, Eastern India to determine the depth to freshwater and recommend the borehole design. In this study geophysical and hydrogeological techniques were employed to map to demarcate fresh and saline water interface. The phenomenon of saline water up coning is also noticed and accordingly water wells have been designed. For the said study, twenty two geophysical logs, sixty five lithological logs and hydrogeological data of eighty eight sites spread across Kasai River basin were utilized. The study shows that there are three regional aquifers exist in the area. It is recommended that water wells in the study area is to be constructed with artificial gravel packing of size 2-3mm and screen slot size is suggested to be 1.2mm. Since the sites are affected with saline water, hence isolation of zone is mandatory with proper cementing material or packer. This research work is able to develop a design model for the boreholes located in the area. The work as a whole will serve as a vital role in scientific management of groundwater resource and enable the rational planning in coastal aquifers so as to avoid fresh and saline water intermixing and up-coning.
Midface Resection And Reconstruction In Head And Neck Oncology: A 20 Years Single Institution Experience
Authors: Vakis G. , Kotrotsiou M. , Neamonitou F. , Papala D. , Stavrianos S.
Published: January 2022

Background: Midface tumors are relatively uncommon as midface comprises less than 1% of all malignant tumors and incorporate a distinct group of lesions, with a high variety of histological types and biological behavior. The purpose of the study is to present our experience in managing patients with advanced midface tumors for a 20-year period.Materials & Methods: From January 2000 to May 2020, we performed 72 excisions and reconstructions in 36 patients where their medical records were reviewed by the head and neck oncology clinic. The commonest anatomical site of the primary was the maxilla in 19 patients and bilaterally in 5 patients. In 15 patients there was an orbital and anterior fossa extension. In 6 patients there was a parotid and middle ear extension and in 1 patient there was a lip involvement.Results: Surgical resection included maxillectomy in the majority of the cases in combination with orbital exenteration or orbitectomy and anterior fossa resection. In 8 cases parotidectomy and mastoidectomy/ core petrosectomy was performed. One patient was subjected to total petrosectomy. Reconstruction was performed with radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap in 4 cases, latissimus with scapular bone flap in one case, lengthening temporalis myoplasty in 19 cases, rectus femoris in one case and anterolateral thigh flap in 5 cases in combination with temporalis and vastus lateralis in one case respectively and bilateral karapandzic flap in 1 case. The patients were followed-up from 2005 to 2020. To date, 23 patients (63.8%) are disease free with no recurrences of the disease and 4.4% of all patients presented disease recurrence during the follow-up period.Conclusions: In conclusion midface resections are safely performed with a combination of microvascular and dynamic reconstruction of the face offering our patients quality of life improvement.Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study
Factors Driving the Spatiotemporal Variation of Dissolved Organic Carbon Flux from Croplands in the Midwestern USA
Authors: Tian Yong Qian , Yu Qian , Carrick Hunter , Becker Brian , Confesor Remegio , Francek Mark , Anderson Olivia
Published: January 2022

Improving understanding of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) cycling from farmlands to rivers is a challenge due to the complex influence of farming practices, the hydrology of predominantly flat lowlands, and seasonal snowpack effects. Monthly field DOC concentrations were measured throughout the year at sub-basin scale across the Chippewa River Watershed, which falls within the Corn Belt of the Midwestern United States. The observations from croplands were benchmarked against the data sampled from hilly forested areas in the Connecticut River Watershed. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate daily soil water properties. This method tests for a framework for using the combination of new field data, hydrological modelling, and knowledge-based reclassification of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) to analyze the predictors of both the spatial and temporal changes of DOC over farmlands. Our results show: 1) DOC concentrations from cropland baseflow were substantially high throughout the year, especially for spring runoff/snowmelt scenarios, 2) gradient analysis with spatial factors only was able to explain ~82% of observed annual mean DOC concentrations, and 3) with both spatial and temporal factors: [Evapotranspiration, Soil Water, and Ground Water], the analysis explained ~81% of seasonal and ~54% of daily variations in observed DOC concentrations.
Daminozide Enhances Vigor and Steviol Glycoside Yield of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bert.) Propagated in the Temporary Immersion Bioreactor
Authors: Saptari Rizka Tamania , Esyanti Rizkita Rachmi , Putranto Riza Arief
Published: January 2022

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) contains sweet compound widely used as natural sweetener, steviol glycoside (SG). SG is a diterpenoid secondary metabolite synthesized from ent-kaurenoic acid, the same precursor of Gibberellin (GA). Therefore, in this study, a GA inhibitor, Daminozide (0, 10, 20 ppm) was used to block ent-kaurenoic acid conversion towards GA synthesis in attempt to increase SG content of stevia propagated in Temporary Immersion Bioreactor (TIB). Daminozide in 10 mg/L was observed to be the optimum concentration which increased biomass weight and SG content (stevioside and rebaudioside A) up to 40%. The treatment also increased transcripts accumulation of genes enrolled in SG biosynthesis, such as SrKA13H, SrUGT85C2, and SrUGT76G1, indicating SG pathway become more active due to the inhibition of GA pathway. Furthermore, the inhibition of GA was also indicated by the upregulated expression of GA biosynthesis gene (GA3ox) as the result of feedback regulation, and the downregulated expression of GA catabolism gene (GA2ox2) as the result of feed-forward regulation caused by inhibitor treatment.
Complete Response To Tislelizumab In A Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma After Surgery Associated With Tumor Mutational Burden High: A Case Report
Authors: Jin Jing , Yang Qidong , Yu Yangyang , Chen Lin , Pan Shouhua
Published: January 2022

Muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (MIUC) is a highly aggressive urothelial carcinoma. Radical cystectomy (RC) is standard of treatment, but still more than 50% patients with cancer invading the muscularis propria or involving the regional lymph nodes will have metastatic recurrence. In CheckMate274 study, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor nivolumab as adjuvant treatment has shown effective for patients with MIUC. Tislelizumab is an anti-human PD-1 monoclonal IgG4 antibody which was specifically engineered to minimize FcɣR macrophage binding to abrogate antibody-dependent phagocytosis. But there is no report of tislelizumab as adjuvant treatment in MIUC currently. Here, we report a case of MIUC in a patient with PD-L1-negative, microsatellite stable (MSS), high tumor mutational burden (TMB-H) obtained complete response (CR) receiving tislelizumab therapy after surgery. Progression-free survival (PFS) exceeded 6 months since tislelizumab treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MIUC patient with PD-L1-negative, MSS and TMB-H who responded well to tislelizumab as adjuvant treatment. However, we still need more studies to assess the efficacy of tislelizumab as adjuvant treatment in MIUC and to confirm that TMB is a predicted biomarker of tislelizumab for efficacy.
Structural Seismic Damage Assessment Method Based on Structural Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Wang Mingzhen , Gao Lin , Yang Zailin
Published: January 2022

The seismic damage state of building structure can be evaluated by observing the fundamental period change of structure. Firstly, the fundamental period calculation formula that adapts to the deformation pattern and distribution mode of horizontal seismic action for reinforced concrete frame structure is derived. Secondly, the seismic damage assessment standard of building structure considering period variation is established. Then, the seismic damage assessment method of building structure is constructed. Finally, the seismic damage example is used to verify the established evaluation method. The results show that the established research method has high accuracy and good engineering practicability.
Sulfonated poly(arylene ether nitrile)-based composite membranes enhanced with Ca2+ bridged carbon nanotube-graphene oxide networks
Authors: Feng Mengna , Ma Yan , Chang JiaJia , Lin Jing , Xu Ying , Feng Yan , Huang Yumin , Hua Luoju
Published: January 2022

As the core component of proton exchange membrane fuel cell, proton exchange membranes (PEM) have attracted much attention of researchers. To trade-off the proton conduction, dimensional stability and anti-oxidation ability, graphene oxide (GO) and acidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using calcium ion as coordination bridge (GO-Ca2+-MWCNT) was synthesized, and then incorporating into sulfonated poly(arylene ether nitrile) (SPEN) to fabricate SPEN/GO-Ca2+-MWCNT organic-inorganic composite membranes by solution-casting method and explore the influence of varying loading on performances as PEM. It was found that the proton conductivity of the composite membranes was higher than that of SPEN, while maintaining better dimensional stability, excellent anti-oxidation ability and good mechanical properties. All of these were attributed to the formation of three-dimensional structure between GO and MWCNT bridged by Ca2+. Particularly, the SPEN/GO-Ca2+-MWCNT-1 composite membrane exhibited excellent tensile strength of 71.45 MPa, better thermal stability as well as high proton conductivity (0.054 S/cm at 30 ℃, and 0.193 S/cm at 90 ℃), above 10-2 S/cm, satisfying the requirement of fuel cells. All in all, the results indicate that the filler with three-dimensional network structure can effectively improve the performances of SPEN, and the prepared composite membranes show potential applications in many fields.
Seismic Collapse Probability and Life Cycle Cost Assessment of Isolated Structures Subjected to Pounding With Smart Hybrid Isolation System Using a Modified Fuzzy Based Controller
Authors: Rayegani Arash , Nouri Gholamreza
Published: January 2022

The possibility of pounding on isolated structures with surrounding moat walls is one of the concerns in the design of isolation systems, especially in pulse-type near-field earthquakes. This paper puts forward the seismic probability assessment of structures equipped with passive and smart hybrid isolation systems by considering pounding possibilities. This investigation is performed on isolated structures equipped with a high damper rubber bearing (HDRB) considering stiff moat walls around the structure. In the Hybrid isolation system, magnetorheological dampers (MR) are considered an adaptive dissipation energy device along with isolators using an optimized novel interval Type-2 fuzzy logic controller with adaptive red-zone function (IT2FS+RZF) to reduce pounding possibilities. The fragility curves of the building for various cases are determined using IDA analysis, and possible damage costs are evaluated by using exceedance probability in each damage level. This study concludes that the collapse probability of the isolated structures with restrains at the code-based distance is over the acceptable limit of ASCE 7-22. The smart additional damping system with the proposed controller reduces the possible damage cost of the building by about 64% compared to the uncontrolled system and puts the collapse probability of the structure in the acceptable range.
Synthesis Factors Dependence of Magnetic Properties of CoFe2O4 and CoFe2-xGdxO4 Semicrystalline Nanoparticles with desired Morphology through Hydrothermal Procedure
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Hamid , Oveisi Hamidreza
Published: January 2022

In the present study, CoFe2O4 and CoFe2-xGdxO4 nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal process. The CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized at different temperatures (70oC, 100oC, 150oC, and 200oC), molar ratio of CoCl2/ FeCl3 (0/2, 0.75/2, 1/2, 1.5/2, and 2/2). Gadolinium-doped cobalt ferrite (CoFe2-xGdxO4) nanoparticles have also been synthesized with Gd/Fe molar ratios of 0.18 and 0.53. The XRD patterns indicate that cobalt ferrite and Gadolinium-doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized without impurities with a medium degree of crystallinity. The XRD patterns show that by increasing the synthesis temperature from 70oC to 200oC, the size of the nanoparticles decreased from 50.49nm to 32.45nm while the morphology of the nanoparticles also changed from a shapeless and agglomerated state to a spherical shape. The XPS curve illustrated several peaks corresponding to Fe+3, Co+2, and O 1s. The binding energies for Co and Fe were consistent with Fe 2p and Co 2p binding energies for cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. The magnetic saturation value (Ms) increased from 17.253 emu/g to 54.438 emu/g with a rise in the synthesis temperature. The effects of FeCl3/CoCl2 molar ratio on the magnetic properties showed the highest value of Ms (54.438 emu/g) and the coercivity (HC) of 744.56 Oe for a 2/1 molar ratio. The addition of gadolinium to the composition resulted in a reducing of the magnetic properties of nanoparticles; accordingly, the amount of saturated magnetization was reduced to 22.469 emu/g. Another effect of gadolinium dopant in the composition was a change in nanoparticle morphology from spherical to rod shape. The final aim of this study was to investigate the possible utilization of CoFe2O4 and CoFe2-xGdxO4 nanoparticles in medical treatment in the near future.
Fragility Analysis of Structural Pounding Between Adjacent Structures Arranged in Series With Various Alignment Configurations Under Near-field Earthquakes
Authors: Ebrahimiyan Fahimeh , Hadianfard Mohammad Ali , Naderpour Hosein , Jankowski Robert
Published: January 2022

A major cause of local to total damages is related to structural pounding in a large number of past earthquakes. In general, these collisions take place as a result of differences in the dynamic characteristics of the colliding structures. To acquire a better perception of the behavior of structures, in this paper, three structures featuring different heights are modeled in series and with various configurations next to each other in OpenSees. To determine the collision effects of the structures, three different configurations of 4-, 8- and 12-story adjacent reinforced concrete special moment resisting frames were considered. Then, by conducting an incremental dynamic analysis, their structural seismic limit state capacities were assessed via 20 near-field record subsets recommended by FEMA-P695. At last, for the above adjacent buildings with various separation distances and configurations, the fragility curves were determined, and the probability of exceedance from the primary Hazus-MH failure criteria was estimated. In addition, the results were compared with those obtained when this phenomenon did not take place for buildings to have a better perception of the pounding phenomenon. The results of the analyses show that arranging adjacent structures in series greatly affects the collapse capacities of the colliding structures. In addition, in the case when the shorter structure is placed in the middle of two taller structures, it results in the most critical situation among all configurations, and in this case, a higher reduction is observed in the structural performance levels.
Characteristics of ZnO and Al Doped ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Sol Gel Method for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Bouacheria M.A. , Djelloul A. , Adnane M.
Published: January 2022

Pure and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films with different aluminium (Al) concentrations (Al: 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were prepared on p-type Si(100) substrate by a dip-coating technique using different zinc and aluminum precursors. The structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of these films were investigated using a number of techniques, including the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic force electron microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, photoluminescence(PL) spectroscopy and four-point probe technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results shown that the obtained (AZO) films were polycrystalline with a highly c-axis preferred (002) orientation, and the average crystallites size decrease from 28.32 to 24.61 nm with the increase in Al dopant concentration. The studies demonstrated that the ZnO film had a good transparency in the visible range with the maximum transmittance of 95% and the band gaps (Eg) varied from 3.16 to 3.26 eV by alumium doping. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the surface morphology of the films changed with increase of Al-doping. The photoluminescence spectra also showed changed with Al-doping.
Evaluation of Mechanical and Wear Properties of Ceramic and Inorganic compounds based Composite via PM route and Optimization through Robust design technique
Authors: P SURESHKUMAR , kumar suresh , Jagadeesha T. , Natrayan L. , Ravichandran M. , Veeman Dhinakaran , SM Muthu
Published: January 2022

The present research study investigates the Mechanical, Physical, and Tribological properties of powder metallurgy (PM) produced AA6063 alloy reinforced with silicon nitride (Si3N4) and copper nitrate (CuN2O6). Incorporation of Si3N4 & CuN2O6 reinforcement in matrix material ranged from 6 to 12 % Si3N4 in a 6-step interval and 2 to 6 %CuN2O6 in a two-step interval. The characterizations were made on the PM-produced specimens using OM, EDS, XRD, and Hardness. The reinforcement particles were uniformly distributed, which was attributed to a homogeneous mixer of matrix and reinforcements. The test findings show that as the reinforcing percentage of the ceramic and inorganic compound increases, properties such as hardness and density rise considerably and monolithically. The existence of phases such as Si3N4 and CuN2O6 reinforcement in the AA6063 matrix was ensured by X-ray diffraction. The hardness of AA6063/12%Si3N4/6%CuN2O6 increased by 88% over the base alloy due to a mismatch in thermal expansion between the Al matrix and reinforcement, which causes massive internal stress, causing the aluminium matrix to plastically deform to accommodate the reduced volume expansion of Si3N4 and CuN2O6 particles. The dry sliding wear test was determined using the Pin-on-Disc method, and the results show that the composite is more wear-resistant. An orthogonal array and analysis of variance were utilized to evaluate the solution, including parameters using the Taguchi robust design technique. The weight percentage of the Si3N4/CuN2O6 compound and the relationship between weight % of reinforcement and applied load had the most significant impact on composite wear resistance. The produced composite's wear morphology was studied using images from a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy.
Transcription Elongation Factor A (SII) -Like (TCEAL) Gene Family Member-TCEAL2: A Novel Prognostic Marker in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Sun Yu , Zhao Jun
Published: January 2022

Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. The mechanism is not fully elucidated and the therapeutic effect is also unsatisfactory. In our study, we aim to find new target gene in pan-cancer.Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was screened out in various types of cancers from GEO database. The expression of DEG (TCEAL2) in tumor cell lines, normal tissues and tumor tissues was calculated. Then the clinical characteristics, DNA methylation, tumor infiltration and gene enrichment of TCEAL2 was studied. Results: TCEAL2 expressions were down-regulated in most cancers. Its expression and methylation were positively or negatively associated with prognosis in different cancers. The tumor infiltration results revealed that TCEAL2 was significantly related with many immune cells especially NK cells and immune-related genes in majority cancers. Furthermore, tau protein and tubulin binding were involved in the molecular function mechanisms of TCEAL2. Conclusion: TCEAL2 may be a novel prognostic marker in different cancers and may affect tumor through immune infiltration.
Anatomical and Visual Effects of Implantable Phakic Contact Lens on Correction of Myopia
Authors: Ekram Mahmoud , Elshafei Ahmed Mohamed Kamal , Mohamed Asmaa Anwar , Abdelkader Mohamed Farouk Sayed Othman
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical effects of implantable phakic contact lens (IPCL) (Care Group, India) on anterior segment and its visual outcomes .Patients and methods: In a prospective interventional case series study, 60 highly myopic eyes of 32 patients were subjected to IPCL implantation in the Ophthalmology Department of Minia University Hospital, Egypt from January 2019 to June 2021. All patients had complete ophthalmic examination and were followed up for 1 year. Pentacam was used for preoperative and postoperative estimation of anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and IPCL vault in the 1st, 3rd, and 12th months. Assessment of corneal endothelium was done using specular microscope preoperatively and after 12 months. Preoperative and postoperative refraction and visual acuity were measured. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in ACD, ACA, and ACV. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative mean intraocular pressure (IOP) by the 12th month (P=0.163). The mean preoperative endothelial cell count (ECD) was significantly reduced from 2929.3±248 cells/mm2 to 2737.9±303 cells/mm2 at the 12th month (P<0.001). with a statistically highly significant improvement of mean Log Mar uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) from 1.48±0.19 preoperatively to 0.46±0.11 by the end of follow up (P<0.001) with insignificant difference between preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative UCVA (P=0.209). In the 12th month, the mean vault was 240±540 μm. No sight threatening complications occurred.Conclusion: Although IPCL induced anatomical changes, it was safe and effective for correction of high myopia.
Site-specific gains and losses of heterochromatin accelerate the age-related neurodegeneration through the cascading destruction of KDM3B-centered epigenomic network
Authors: An Mi-Jin , Kim Ji-Young , Park Jinhong , Kim Jinho , Kim Dae-Hyun , Shin Geun-Seup , Lee Hyun-Min , Jo Ah-Ra , Kim Chul-Hong , Kim Mi Jin , Kim Jeongkyu , Rhee Sangmyung , Seo Sang-Beom , Kim Jung-Woong
Published: January 2022

Epigenetic alterations explained by the “loss of heterochromatin” model have been proposed as a universal mechanism of aging, but the region-specific changes of heterochromatin during aging are unclear. Here, we examine age-dependent transcriptomic profiling of mouse retinal neurons to identify epigenetic regulators involved in heterochromatin loss. RNA sequencing analysis revealed gradual down-regulation of Kdm3b during retinal aging. Disruption of Kdm3b (Kdm3b+/-) in 12-month-old mouse retina decreased the number of cone photoreceptors and changed the morphology of cone ribbon synapses. Integration of transcriptome profiling with epigenomic analysis demonstrated gain of heterochromatin feature in synapse assembly and vesicle transport genes via the accumulation of H3K9 mono- and di-methylation. However, the loss of heterochromatin in apoptotic genes exacerbated retinal neurodegeneration. We propose that this KDM3B-centered epigenomic network is crucial for maintaining cone photoreceptor homeostasis via the modulation of gene-set specific heterochromatin features during aging.
Facial Nerve Involvement During Temporal Bone Resection: Overall Survival And Locoregional Recurrence Outcomes.
Authors: Gendre Adrien , Jones Holly , McHugh Alison , Hintze Justin , Martin Fiachra , O'Sullivan Barry , Walsh Rory McConn , O'Neill James Paul , Shine Neville
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Facial nerve resection is often required in lateral temporal bone resection for tumors extending to the lateral skull base. Limited data exists to guide facial nerve reanimation strategies. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing lateral temporal bone resection in a national referral center were included and divided into two groups: facial nerve preservation or resection. Survival and locoregional recurrence outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. Facial nerve reconstructive methods were collected.Results: 39 patients were included with 20 having facial nerve resection at surgery. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common pathology. 48% of patients died during follow-up. Mean overall survival (OS) was 27 months and mean time to locoregional recurrence (LRR) 23 months in the facial nerve preservation group. Mean OS was 16 months and mean time to LRR was 13 months in the facial nerve resection groups (logrank OS p=0.330 and LRR p=0.445). 75% of patients in the facial nerve resection group had static facial nerve reanimation using tarsorrhaphy, gold-weight eyelid implant and fascia lata sling. Middle ear cavity extension was a negative predictor of OS and LRR.Conclusion: Facial nerve resection during lateral temporal bone surgery is associated with poor overall survival and locoregional control outcomes. Multidisciplinary surgical management and static facial reanimation should be offered to maintain function and quality of life in this group of patients.
Clinical Features and Surgical Management of Pituitary Adenoma During Pregnancy: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Jia Xinyu , Guo Xiaopeng , Luo Mingjie , Yao Yong , Lian Wei , Xing Bing
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Although conservative treatment was recommended for pregnant patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs), surgical treatment is occasionally necessary for those with acute symptoms. However, surgical intervention among these patients is poorly studied.
Methods

Six patients with PAs who underwent surgical treatment during pregnancy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1990 and June 2021 and another 35 pregnant patients profiled in the literature were included.
Results

All the 41 enrolled patients (mean age 29.8 ± 5.3 years) had acute symptoms including visual field defects, severe headaches, or vision loss requiring emergency pituitary surgeries. Mean tumor diameter was 2.16 ± 0.9 cm, and 92.6% were macroadenomas. PA apoplexies were found in 23 patients. The average gestation time at surgery was 25.1 ± 7.1 weeks; 55.9% of these patients underwent surgery in the second trimester of pregnancy. Multidisciplinary team was involved from before surgery to after delivery. Except one patient underwent an induced abortion, and one fetus died due to a nuchal cord, thirty-nine patients delivered successfully, and 37 of fetuses were healthy till the last follow-up. One fetus died of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and another had a low Apgar score after a cesarean section but survived.
Conclusion

PA surgery for pregnant patients with PAs is effective and safe during the second and third trimesters. Pregnant patients requiring emergency PA surgery need multidisciplinary evaluation and healthcare management. Cooperation of neurosurgery, endocrinology, obstetrics, anesthesiology, and neonatology is necessary for a successful surgical intervention for pregnant patients with PAs.
Machine Learning-Assisted Identification of Factors Contributing to the Technical Variability Between Bulk and Single-Cell RNA-Seq Experiments
Authors: Lipnitskaya Sofya , Shen Yang , Legewie Stefan , Klein Holger , Becker Kolja
Published: January 2022

Background: Recent studies in the area of transcriptomics performed on single-cell and population levels reveal noticeable variability in gene expression measurements provided by different RNA sequencing technologies. Due to increased noise and complexity of single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) data over the bulk experiment, there is a substantial number of variably-expressed genes and so-called dropouts, challenging the subsequent computational analysis and potentially leading to false positive discoveries. In order to investigate factors affecting technical variability between RNA sequencing experiments of different technologies, we performed a systematic assessment of single-cell and bulk RNA-Seq data, which have undergone the same pre-processing and sample preparation procedures. Results: Our analysis indicates that variability between gene expression measurements as well as dropout events are not exclusively caused by biological variability, low expression levels, or random variation. Furthermore, we propose FAVSeq, a machine learning-assisted pipeline for detection of factors contributing to gene expression variability in matched RNA-Seq data provided by two technologies. Based on the analysis of the matched bulk and single-cell dataset, we found the 3'-UTR and transcript lengths as the most relevant effectors of the observed variation between RNA-Seq experiments, while the same factors together with cellular compartments were shown to be associated with dropouts. Conclusions: Here, we investigated the sources of variation in RNA-Seq profiles of matched single-cell and bulk experiments. In addition, we proposed the FAVSeq pipeline for analyzing multimodal RNA sequencing data, which allowed to identify factors affecting quantitative difference in gene expression measurements as well as the presence of dropouts. Hereby, the derived knowledge can be employed further in order to improve the interpretation of RNA-Seq data and identify genes that can be affected by assay-based deviations. Source code is available under the MIT license at https://github.com/slipnitskaya/FAVSeq.
Impact of the Lorentz Force on Electron Track Structure and Early DNA Damage Yields in Magnetic Resonance-Guided Radiotherapy
Authors: Yachi Yoshie , Kai Takeshi , Matsuya Yusuke , Hirata Yuho , Yoshii Yuji , Date Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) has been developed and installed in recent decades for external radiotherapy in several clinical facilities. The Lorentz force modulates dose distribution by charged particles in MRgRT; however, the impact by this force on low-energy electron track structure and early DNA damage induction remain unclear. In this study, we estimated features of electron track structure and biological effects in a static magnetic field (SMF) using a general-purpose Monte Carlo code, Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) that enables us to simulate low-energy electrons down to 1 meV by track-structure mode. The macroscopic dose distributions by electrons above approximately 300 keV initial energy in liquid water are changed by both perpendicular and parallel SMFs against the incident direction, indicating that the Lorentz force plays an important role in calculating dose within tumours. Meanwhile, DNA damage estimation based on the spatial patterns of atomic interactions indicates that the initial yield of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is independent of the SMF intensity. The DSB induction is predominantly attributed to the secondary electrons below a few tens of eV, which are not affected by the Lorentz force. Our simulation study suggests that treatment planning for MRgRT can be made with consideration of only changed dose distribution.
Metal-Polymer Complexes as Antibacterial Agents: Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Metal-Polymer Nanocomposite Based on Copolymers of Polyethylene(Propylene)Glycolmaleates with Acrylic Acid
Authors: KHAMITOVA T.O. , BURKEEV M.ZH. , A.ZH.SARSENBEKOVA  , ISHMURATOVA M.YU. , G.K.MUKUSHEVA  , S.G.OSPANOVA
Published: January 2022

The article presents the results of the synthesis and study of the structure of metal-polymer complexes p-EGM: АА/Ag, p-EGM: АА/Ni, p-EGM:АА/Ag-Ni, p-PGM:АА/Ag, p-PGM:АА/Ni, p-PGM:АА/Ag-Ni based on copolymers of polyethylene(propylene)glycolmaleates with acrylic acid and metals, which have been characterized using microscopy, spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The antimicrobial activity of a new metal-polymer nanocomposite p-PGM/АА-Ag was studied, which is showing high efficiency against standard strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus.
Integrating Agricultural Diversification in China’s Major Policies for Sustainable and Resilient Crop Production
Authors: Wanger Thomas , He Xueqing , Weisser Wolfgang , Zou Yi , Fan Shenggen , Crowther Thomas
Published: January 2022

Agricultural diversification of intensified farming systems is being proposed as a solution for achieving both food security and agricultural sustainability, but so far there has been little implementation of such policy at a larger scale. In China, major policies promote the “High-standard farmland consolidation” (HSFC) strategy to improve productivity and reduce environmental degradation in the world’s largest food production areas by simplifying instead of diversifying landscapes on large instead of small fields. As China’s Central government is asking for scientific innovations to improve its sustainable development strategy, we argue that China can become a role model to integrate agricultural diversification in its major policies, if HSFC builds on five decades of diversification research to achieve the national food security and sustainable development goals. We use text mining to analyze the past 17 years of China’s most important agricultural policy, the No. 1 Central Documents (1CD) policy and show that agricultural diversification at the field and supply chain level has received limited attention. Based on global synthesis studies covering five decades of research, we provide practical recommendations of how to integrate agricultural diversification in the China’s major policies from the national (the National 5-Year Plan and 1CD) to the provincial level. We use the major agricultural commodities rice, tea, wheat, and rapeseed in Zhejiang province as a case study to discuss how diversification can help to reach China’s sustainable agriculture targets. Diversification of China’s major food production areas on small fields could be an important example globally of how scientific progress informs policy and facilitates the food system transition.
Effect of Percutaneous Electric Stimulation with High Frequency Alternating Currents on the Sensory-Motor System of Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Álvarez David Martín-Caro , Serrano-Muñoz Diego , Fernández-Pérez Juan José , Gómez-Soriano Julio , Avendaño-Coy Juan
Published: January 2022

BackgroundFormer studies investigated the application, both transcutaneous and with implanted electrodes, of high frequency alternating currents (HFAC) in humans for blocking the peripheral nervous system. The present trial aimed to assess the effect of HFAC on motor response, somatosensory thresholds, and peripheral nerve conduction, when applied percutaneously with ultrasound-guided needles at frequencies of 10 kHz and 20 kHz in healthy volunteers. MethodsA parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Ultrasound-guided HFAC at 10 kHz and 20 kHz and sham stimulation were delivered to the median nerve of 60 healthy volunteers (n=20 per group) for 20 minutes. The main assessed variables were maximum isometric flexion strength (MFFS) of the index finger, myotonometry, pressure pain threshold (PPT), mechanical detection threshold (MDT), and antidromic sensory nerve action potential (SNAP). Measurements were recorded pre-intervention, during the intervention 15 minutes after its commencement, immediately post-intervention, and at 15 minutes post-intervention.ResultsA decrease in the MFFS was observed immediately post-intervention compared to baseline, both in the 10 kHz group [-8.5 %; 95% confidence interval (CI) -14.9 to -2.1] and the 20 kHz group (-12.0%; 95%CI -18.3 to -5.6). At 15 minutes post-intervention, the decrease in the MFFS was -9.5% (95%CI -17.3 to -1.8) and -11.5% (95%CI -9.3 to -3.8) in the 10 kHz and 20 kHz groups, respectively. No changes over time were found in the sham group. The between-group comparison of changes in MFFS showed a greater reduction of -10.8% (95%CI -19.8 to -1.8) immediately post-intervention in the 20 kHz compared to the sham stimulation group. Muscle tone increased over time in both the 10 kHz and 20 kHz groups, but not in the sham group. The intergroup comparison of myotonometry showed a superior effect in the 20 kHz (6.7%, 95%CI 0.5 to 12.9) versus the sham group. No significant changes were observed in the rest of the assessed variables. ConclusionsThe ultrasound-guided percutaneous stimulation applying 10 kHz and 20 kHz HFAC to the median nerve produced reversible reductions in strength and increases in muscle tone with no adverse effects.