bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Big Data and Energy Security: Impacts on Private Companies, National Economies and Societies
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Komendantova Nadejda , Kroos Daniel , Unger Stephan , Yeganegi Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2021

The importance of energy security for successful functioning of private companies, national economies, and the overall society should not be underestimated. Energy is a critical infrastructure for any modern society, and its reliable functioning is essential for all economic sectors and for the well-being of everybody. Uncertainty in terms of the availability of information, reliable data to make predictions and to plan for investment as well as for other actions of stakeholders at the energy markets is one of the factors, which has the highest influence on energy security. This uncertainty can be connected with many factors such as the availability of reliable data or the actions of stakeholders themselves. For example, the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed negative impacts of uncertainty on decision-making processes and markets. At the time point when the market participants started to receive real-time information about the situation, the energy markets began to ease. This is one scenario where Big Data can be used to amplify information to various stakeholders to prevent panic and to ensure market stability and security of supply. In a fast-paced digital world characterized by technological advances, the use of Big Data technology provides a unique niche point to close this gap in information disparity by levering the use of unconventional data sources to integrate technologies, stakeholders, and markets to promote energy security and market stability. The potential of Big Data technology is yet to be fully utilized. Big Data can handle large data set characterized by volume, variety, velocity, value, and complexity. The challenge for energy markets is to leverage this technology to mine available socioeconomic, political, geographic, and environmental data responsibly as well as to provide indicators that predict future global supply and demand. This information is crucial for energy security and ensuring global economic prosperity.
The characteristics and factors of the internalizing and externalizing behaviours of children at high risk for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ding Ning , Ren Yanling , Jiang Jiying , Zhai Mengyao , Shao Huan , Fu Linyan , Li Chunyan , Gao Huiyun , Li Yu , Feng Min , Cui Xiwen , Qiu Nana , Jin Peiying , Ke Xiaoyan
Published: May 2021

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk of developing internalizing and externalizing problems. However, information on the early development of behavioural problems and the contributing role of parent-child interactions among infants at high risk for ASD is lacking. We tested whether parent-child interactions and parenting characteristics were associated with behavioural problems during the infant and toddler periods and examined the effects of the intervention on behavioural problems.Methods: This study collected data from 91 infants at high for risk ASD and 68 matched typically developing (TD) infants. At baseline, behavioural observation was performed during free play with all the enrolled families, and in the ASD group, a second behavioural observation was performed after 12 weeks of the Play-based Communication and Behavior Intervention (PCBI). The coding of parent-child interactions was based on the behaviour of parents and children during free play. These data included the child’s engagement with each parent and behavioural problems.Results: During free play, infants in the ASD group showed more internalizing behaviours (p<0.001) and externalizing behaviours (p<0.05) and less positive engagement (p<0.01) than TD infants. After 12 weeks of intervention, we found that infants at high for risk ASD had reduced internalizing behaviours (p<0.001), increased parent positive engagement (p<0.001), and improved parent-child interactions (p<0.001). In the regression analysis, we found that parenting stress had an impact on infants’ externalizing behaviours (△R2 = 0.215). Parent negative engagement had an impact on infants’ internalizing behaviours (△R2 = 0.451).Conclusions: The findings on the contribution of both parent negative engagement and parent-child interactions to behavioural problems suggests that the amelioration of parent negative engagement is an important factor for the mitigation of behavioural problems. The amelioration of parenting stress is associated with externalizing behaviours. Early intervention and parental factors are important for preventing behavioural problems and possible comorbidity problems in the future.
Dissociable Effects of Social and Non-Social Autistic Traits on Figure Disembedding and Mental Rotation in Women and Men
Authors: Conson Massimiliano , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Zappullo Isa , Baiano Chiara , Warrier Varun , group The LabNPEE , Raimo Simona , Rauso Barbara , Salzano Sara , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: May 2021

Recent data revealed dissociations between social and non-social domains both in autism and neurotypical population. In the present study, we investigated whether specific visuospatial abilities, as mental rotation and figure disembedding, are differently related to social and non-social autistic traits, also considering sex differences in dealing with visuospatial tasks. University students (N = 426) completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), mental rotation of two-dimensional figures and figure disembedding tasks. A two-factor model of AQ was used to differentiate social and non-social autistic traits. Mental rotation was affected by a significant interaction between sex, social and non-social traits. This implies that, when non-social traits were above the mean (+ 1 SD), no sex differences in mental rotation were found, whereas, below this value, sex differences depended on the social traits, with men outperforming women at middle-to-high social traits, and with a comparable performance, or even with women outperforming men, at lower social traits. Instead, only a small positive correlation between figure disembedding and social traits was observed in the overall sample. These results are interpreted using the hyper-systemizing framework of autism and contribute to the debate on individual differences in the cognitive style of autistic people and neurotypical people with autistic traits.
Cell aging-related genes can be used to characterize clinical prognoses and further stratify diffuse gliomas
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Xin , Han Hongbin , Sun Jianjun , Chen Suhua , Yang Chenlong , Ma Qianquan , Yang Jun
Published: May 2021

Increasing evidence has indicated that senescent cells are associated with the glioma development. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between the cellular senescence gene profile and the clinical prognosis of diffuse glioma. In total, 699 gliomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset were used as the training cohort and 693 gliomas from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset were used as the validation cohort. Bioinformatics statistical methods are used to develop the risk signature and to study the prognostic value of the risk signature. We identified a 14-gene risk signature and its risk score was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.001) in the validation dataset. The risk signature had better prognostic value than traditional factors for the 3-and 5-year survival rate. Importantly, the risk signature could further stratify gliomas in specific subgroups of World Health Organization (WHO) classification by the survival rate. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of genes involved in the cell cycle, cell division and other processes were significantly correlated with the risk score. Our study highlighted a 14-gene risk signature for further stratifying the outcomes of patients with gliomas with definite WHO subgroups. These results indicate the potential clinical implications of cell aging-related genes in gliomas.
Light Strands not Wave Interference: Clarification of the Double Slit Experiment
Authors: Dutt S. , Dutt N. , Dutt A.
Published: May 2021

Objective Modern understanding of light has fluctuated between particle and wave theory. The classic double slit experiment provided crucial support of wave theory with its description of wave interference fringe patterns. To our knowledge, no significant study has been performed on light propagation in free space after exiting the slit. To further understand the double slit results we analyzed light behavior in free space using novel visualization techniques.Methods A micro-particle environment was developed that remained transparent to visible light. Coherent light was observed in this environment in settings of diffraction, refraction, and reflection.Results Experimental generation of distinct light strands after diffraction through double slits is visualized. Definitive images of discrete light strands, not waves, were noted as light propagated through free space. Light strands were visualized directly creating the pseudo-interference fringe pattern, refuting the concept of wave interference.Conclusions Novel generation and visualization of light strands confirms the particle theory of light and counters two hundred years of wave doctrine. The finding that diffractive fringe patterns and other observations of light are due to the phenomena of discrete radiating strands, not wave interference, will have implications in physics, quantum mechanics, and technology.
A Mixed-Methods Study of Multi-Level Factors Influencing Mammography Overuse: Implications for De-implementation.
Authors: Austin Jessica D. , Tehranifar Parisa , Brotzman Laura , Rodriguez Carmen B. , Agovino Mariangela , Ziazadeh Danya , Moise Nathalie , Shelton Rachel C.
Published: May 2021

Background

There is growing concern that routine mammography screening is overused among older women. Successful and equitable de-implementation of mammography will require a multi-level understanding of the factors contributing to mammography overuse.
Methods

This explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods study collected survey data (n = 52, 73.1% Hispanic, 73.1% Spanish-speaking) from women ≥ 70 years of age at the time of screening mammography, followed by semi-structured interviews with a subset of older women completing the survey (n = 19, 63.2% Hispanic, 63.2% Spanish-speaking) and providers (n = 5, 4 primary care, 1 obstetrics and gynecology) to better understand multi-level factors influencing mammography overuse and inform potential de-implementation strategies. We conducted descriptive analysis of survey data and content analysis of qualitative interview data. Survey and interview data were examined separately, compared, integrated, and organized according to Norton and Chambers Continuum of Factors Influencing De-Implementation Process.
Results

Survey findings show that 87.2% of older women believe it is important to plan for an annual mammogram, 80.8% received a provider recommendation, and 78.9% received a reminder in the last 12 months to schedule a mammogram. Per interviews with older women, the majority were unaware of or did not experience overuse and intended to continue mammography screening. Findings from interviews with older women and providers suggest that there are multiple opportunities for older women to obtain a mammogram. Per provider interviews, almost all reported that overuse was not viewed as a priority by the system or other providers. Providers also discussed that variation in mammography screening practices across providers, fear of malpractice, and monetary incentives may be reasons for overuse. Providers identified potential strategies including patient and provider education around harms of screening, leveraging the electronic health record to identify women who may no longer benefit from screening, customizing system-generated reminder letters, and organizing workgroups to develop a standard process of care around mammography screening.
Conclusions

Multi-level factors contributing to mammography overuse are dynamic and reinforced. To ensure equitable de-implementation, there is a need for more refined theories, models, and frameworks for de-implementation with a strong patient-level component that considers the interplay between multilevel factors and the larger care delivery process.
A Clinicopathological Analysis on Diffuse Midline Glioma in Adults
Authors: Hu Xiao Mu , Nie Xiao Yu , Xu Kai Lun , Wang Yin , Tang Feng , Xiong Ji
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3K27M mutant is a new entity that has become widely recognized. However, studies concerning DMG in adult patients remains rare. We did a retrospective study covering the largest amount of patients to date to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of DMG in adult. Methods: We reviewed 117 cases of adult DMG, collected their clinical and imaging data along with pathological results including H3K27M. Summarized their features and the connection with overall survival in different age groups.Results: Among 117 cases, most tumors were located at the thalamus, 39 patients had H3K27M mutation, of whom 38 demonstrated down regulation of H3K27me3. The average overall survival of H3K27M-mutant gliomas was 13 months, while that of 78 H3K27M wild-type gliomas were 11.8 months. For young patients (age＜35), The median survival time of the H3K27M-mutant was 20.1 months, while that of the H3K27M wild-type was 39.5 months. For older patients (age≥35), the median survival time of the H3K27M-mutant was 22.3 months, while that of the H3K27M wild-type was 17.1 months. The OS of patients who received biopsies, subtotal resections, and total resections were 15.8, 17.6, and 11.6 months respectively. Conclusion: The DMG in adults mainly occurred in the thalamus. H3K27M mutations tend to happen more frequently in young adults, and this genetic alteration results in a worse outcome only in young patients. For old patients, age and the approach of surgery are independent prognostic factors. Patients received biopsy instead of total resection had a better prognosis.
Monosodium Glutamate Maintains Antioxidant Balance in the Neuro-Retinal Axis of Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Nalugo Halima , Ninsiima Herbert Izo , Kasozi Keneth Iceland , Nabirumbi Ritah , Osuwat Lawrence Obado , Nassan Mohamed A. , Matama Kevin , Ssempijja Fred , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: May 2021

Purpose Information on monosodium glutamate (MSG) safety in the eye-brain axis remains scarce. The objective of the study was to establish changes in calcium (Ca2+) concentrations, catalase activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and identify any major histological changes associated with parenteral and feed supplementation of MSG in male Wistar rats. This is important to guide policy on human consumption of food additives.Methods Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6) for a period of one month. Group I and IV were treated with MSG 6g/kg and 60 mg/kg subcutaneous, while groups II and III at 5% and 2% MSG feed supplement. Group V was the control group treated with normal saline (no MSG). The eye and brain were analyzed for Ca2+, catalase, MDA levels and histological analysis was done using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining.Results Calcium levels in the eye was reduced at high (6g/kg/day and 5% s.c) MSG treatments while in the brain these remained constant. Since Ca2+ plays a crucial role in catalase activity, levels of catalase were not affected in eye-brain axis. MDA levels were elevated at high MSG treatments and no structural changes in the retina of the eye and no damage were found in the brain.Conclusion MSG maintained catalase levels, Ca2+ and no structural changes were observed in the eye and brain.
Corticosteroids Had no Effect on 28-Days Mortality in Adult Patients with sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Huoyan , Song Heng , Song Gaofei , Li Hongyi , Ding Xianfei , Kan Quancheng , Sun Tongwen
Published: May 2021

Objective: Corticosteroids are a common option used in the treatment of sepsis. However, the efficacy and potential risk of corticosteroids in septic patients have not been well assessed. We performed this review to assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in sepsis patients.Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases from inception to March 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of corticosteroids on septic patients were included. The quality of outcomes in the included articles was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. The data were pooled by using relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD). The random-effects model were used to to eveluate the pooled MD or RR and 95% CI.Results: Fifty-three RCTs that included 12,310 patients with sepsis were identified. Corticosteroids were not associated with the mortality in 28-day (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.87–1.02; evidence rank, moderate), and long-term mortality (>60 d) (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.88–1.05) in septic patients (evidence rank, low). However, corticosteroids may exert a significant effect on the mortality in ICU (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80–0.98), in-hospital (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.99; evidence rank, moderate) in patients with sepsis or septic shock (evidence rank, low). Furthermore, corticosteroids probably achieved a very small reductions in the length of hospital stay and ICU. Corticosteroids were associated with an higher risk of hypernatremia and hyperglycemia; further, they appear to have no significant effect on superinfection and gastroduodenal bleeding.Conclusions: Corticosteroids had no significant effect on the 28 and long-term mortality; however, they decreased the ICU and hospital mortality. Further, corticosteroids could increase the risk of the hypernatremia and hyperglycemia in sepsis patients.
Prevalence and the Determinants of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine Use Among Breastfeeding Mothers in Shiraz, Iran: a Cross-section Study
Authors: Vardanjani Hossein Molavi , Salehi Zahra , Alembizar Faranak , Cramer Holger , Pasalar Mehdi
Published: May 2021

Background: Breastfeeding is highly important for a child's health, and the widespread use of herbal medicines as galactagogues has been reported. The present study was conducted to evaluate the use of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) and its determinants among breastfeeding mothers in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, mothers over 18 years who referred to neonatal clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. Using a structured interview, we explored the prevalence and of the use of TCIM products and its associated factors. Results: Out of 625 mothers who were approached, 483 agreed to participate (response rate: 77.3%). The average age was 27.3 ± 5.9 years. The prevalence of using TCIM products during current breastfeeding was 97.1%. There were 168 working mothers (44.9%); 163 mothers (34.1%) complaining of postpartum breastfeeding problems, and 327 mothers (68%) had no past history of breastfeeding. Recommendations of medical staff or relatives were the most frequent reasons for the consumption of TCIM products (64.9%). Only 27% of mothers disclosed the use of TCIM products to their doctor or healthcare provider, although 62% of mothers were asked about the use of such products. Notably, 438 mothers (95.8%) considered TCIM to increase their milk. Based on multivariable logistic regression, literacy and past use of TCIM galactagogues were independently associated with TCIM products use.Conclusions: The use of TCIM galactagogues is highly common among breastfeeding mothers in south of Iran, showing a diverse range of determinants. It is necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of common herbal galactagogues, and evidence-based studies must be designed to achieve standardized complementary medicine approaches in this regard.
Exploring The Mechanism of Action of Herbal Medicine (Gan-Mai-Da-Zao Decoction) For Post-Stroke Depression Based On Network Pharmacology And Molecular Docking
Authors: Ding Zhi-Cong , Xu Fang-Fang , Sun Qi-Di , Li Bin , Liang Neng-Xing , Chen Jun-Wei , Yu Shang-Zhen
Published: May 2021

Backgrounds: Post-stroke depression is the most common and serious neuropsychiatric complication occurring after cerebrovascular accidents, seriously endangering human health while also imposing a heavy burden on society. Even so, it is difficult to have drugs to contain the progression of the disease. It’s reported that Gan-Mai-Da-Zao decoction was effective to PSD, but it is unknown on its mechanism of action for PSD. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible mechanisms of action of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao decoction in the treatment of PSD using network pharmacology and molecular docking.Material and methods: We obtained the active components and their targets of all drugs from the public database TCMSP and published articles. Then, we collected the PSD-related targets from GeneCards and OMIM databases. Cytoscape 3.8.2 was applied to construct PPI and composite target disease networks. In parallel, the DAVID database was used to perform GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to obtain the biological processes involved in drug treatment diseases in vivo. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the association between the main active ingredients and the targets.Results: The network pharmacological analysis of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao decoction for PSD identified 107 active ingredients with important biological effects, including quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, isorhamnetin, etc. A total of 203 potential targets for drug treatment of diseases were screened, including STAT3, JUN, TNF, TPT53, AKT1, EGFR, etc. They were found to be widely enriched in a series of signaling pathways such as TNF, HIF-1, and the Toll-Like receptor. Meanwhile, molecular docking analysis showed that the core active components were tightly bound to the core targets, further confirming their anti-PSD effects.Conclusion: This is a prospective study based on the integration and analysis of large data, using the technology of network pharmacology to explore the feasibility of Gan-Mai-Da-Zao decoction for the treatment of PSD, and successfully validated by molecular docking. It reflects the multi-component and multi-target characteristics of Chinese medicine, and more importantly, it also brings hope to the clinical treatment of PSD.
Three-dimensional motion analysis of hip motions in ten common Asian sitting positions in daily living. Do gender and being overweight affect the range of hip motions?
Authors: Ganokroj Phob , Chaowalitwong Jirayu , Kerdsomneuk Pichitpol , Sudjai Narumol , Lertwanich Pisit , Vanadurongwan Bavornrat
Published: May 2021

Background Sitting involves many activities of daily life and requires most motion in the hip joint. Asians have more hip flexion and external rotation motions than Westerners owing to cultural and lifestyle differences. Being aware of the normal range of hip motion is essential in clinical practice. Limited research has focused on the hip motions of common sitting positions. The objective was to determine the hip motions of 10 common sitting positions, and to determine whether gender or being overweight affects the range of hip motions.Methods An experimental cross-sectional study was conducted to determine hip motions by using a standard, three-dimensional, motion-analysis system. Healthy subjects performed 10 sitting positions during 3 trials. All hip-kinematic data were measured on the dominant leg of each participant, except for the right- and left-monk positions (both hips were analyzed). Density plots were constructed and statistical analyses were performed to detect the differences between groups (male and female; non-overweight and overweight).Results The 48 participants comprised 24 males and 24 females. Most were right-leg dominant (45 participants; 93.8%). Of the 22 participants in the overweight group (body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2), 18 (75%) were male. Squatting showed the highest flexion angle (99.7º; 47.3º–122º). Cross-legged sitting had the highest abduction angle (28.9º; 9.9º–45.7º) and the largest external rotation angle (62º; 37.6º–81.7º). In the female group, there were trends toward a greater flexion angle (4 out of 10 sitting positions) and a smaller abduction angle (6 out of 9 positions), with P values < 0.05. As to body weight, the overweight participants had a smaller flexion angle but a greater abduction angle, with 5 out of 9 positions having a P value < 0.05. Kinematic data of the transverse plane revealed that the heterogeneity of the rotational angles depended on the sitting position.Conclusions This study provided the functional hip motions of common Asian sitting positions. The kinematic data can be utilized in clinical practice as reference values to determine safe positions. Gender and being overweight affected the hip angles in the sagittal and frontal planes.Trial registration: Number TCTR20181021004, retrospectively registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (http://www. clinicaltrials.in.th).
Genetic variation and structure of complete chloroplast genome in alien monoecious and dioecious Amaranthus weeds
Authors: Xu Han , Xiang Ning , Zhang Junhua , Zhang Yongjiang
Published: May 2021

Amaranthus is a complex taxon with economic importance as well as harmful weeds. We studied the genetic variation and structure of the chloroplast genomes of 22 samples from 17 species of three subgenera. It was found that the length of the chloroplast genome of Amaranthus varied from 149,949 bp of A. polygonoides to 150,757 bp of A. albus. The frequencies of SNPs and InDels in chloroplast genomes were 1.79 % and 2.86 %, and the variation mainly occurred in the non-coding regions. The longest InDel was 387 bp, which occurred on ycf2, followed by 384 bp InDel on psbM-trnD. Two InDels in ndhE-I on the SSC make the three subgenera clearly distinguished. In LSC, SSC and IRs regions, there were four 30 bp forward and reverse repeats, and the repeats in SSC and LSC were in nearly opposite positions in circular genome structure, and almost divided the circular genome into symmetrical structures. In the topological tree constructed by chloroplast genome, species in subgen. Amaranthus and subgen. Acnida form monophyletic branches separately and cluster together. A. albus, A. blitoides and A. polygonoides were separated from subgen. Albersia, and the rest of subgen. Albersia were clustered into a monophyletic branch. The rpoC2, ycf1, ndhF-rpl32 were good at distinguishing most amaranths. The trnk-UUU-atpF, trnT-UGU-atpB, psbE-clpP, rpl14-rps19, and ndhF-D can distinguish several similar species. In general, the chloroplast genome is of certain value for the identification of the similar species of Amaranthus, which provides more evidence for clarifying the phylogenetic relationships within the genus.
Patient Health Monitoring and Inferencing Arrhythmia Using ECG_Data
Authors: Thakur Siddhant Thakur , Patel Devarshi Patel
Published: May 2021

Health and Fitness is becoming more of an integral part of human life. Being Healthy is crucial in the present fast-growing world. Most difficult aspect to maintaining health is keeping track of it especially for old people. So, we turn to technology, again, and came out with concept of ‘Smart Health Care’. It monitors patient health via IOT devices. It keeps track of EEG rate, Body Temperature, Bpm rate etc. This will not only help patient but also doctors to study their patients on daily basis with daily streaming data. Whenever a patient visits her/his doctors, the doctors would have data of ups and down or any uneven changes, anomalies and observed trends pertaining to the patient. IOT in many ways has transformed the Health Sector immensely. The tracking will be continuous with WIFI module correspondence. The proposed system will used WIFI module and will be constantly uploading patient’s data to cloud and keep track of ECG Rate. It will detect type of arrhythmia on bases ECG rate by CNN Deep Learning model. Data generated from this can be also used for research purposes for better and reliable future.
New Natural Compound Inhibitors of Checkpoint Kinase-1(CHK1) Based on Computational Study
Authors: Li Hui , Xi jianxin , Wang Zhenhua , Lu Han , Du Zhishan , Wu Bo , Zhong Sheng , Peng Yida , Mou Yonggao
Published: May 2021

As a malignant tumor of the ovary, the general treatment principle of ovarian cancer is surgical treatment, supplemented by chemotherapy, and some patients can use targeted drugs. Its treatment effect is relatively poor, so the prognosis is poor, the mortality rate is high. To contribute to drug design and refinement, ideal lead compounds with potential inhibitory effects on ATP-competitive CHK1 (Checkpoint kinase-1) inhibitors were downloaded from the drug library (ZINC15 database) and screened afterwards. The ATP-competitive CHK1 inhibitors were identified by using computer-aided virtual screening technology. We first calculated the LibDock score through the docking of proteins and molecules, and then analyzed the pharmacological and toxicological properties. Then, we performed precise docking of the small molecules selected in the above steps with CHK1 protein to analyze their docking mechanism and affinity. Next, we used molecular dynamics simulation to make a assessment if the ligand-CHK1 complex were stable in natural environment. As the result shown, ZINC000008214547 and ZINC000072103632 were proved to bind with CHK1 with a higher binding affinity and stability. Additionally, their toxicological analysis shows that they are less toxic and will not inhibit the activity of cytochrome P-450 2D6. In the simulation of molecular dynamics, we also found that ZINC000008214547-CHK1 and ZINC000072103632-CHK1 complexes’ potential energy were more favorable compared with reference ligand, Prexasertib. Not only that, the two complexes also showed better stability in the natural environment. So, all results elucidated that ZINC000008214547 and ZINC000072103632 were favorable lead inhibitors of CHK1 protein. ZINC000008214547 and ZINC000072103632 were safe and had the potential to inhibit CHK1 protein. They may contribute a solid foundation for the development of CHK1 target drug.
Optimization of Hybrid Amplifier Parameters for Improved Optical Link Performance
Authors: Verma Ragini , Janyani Vijay , Nanda Satyasai Jagannath
Published: May 2021

In this manuscript, the gain of the EDFA-Raman hybrid optical amplifier (HOA) is maximized using a popular nature inspired Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The dominating parameters of HOA, length of Raman amplifier and EDFA and its pump powers are optimized to get the maximum possible gain. Further, the performance of WOA is compared by using other metaheuristic techniques such as Real coded Genetic Algorithm, Differential Evolution, Particle Swarm Optimization, to optimize the same model of HOA. WOA proves to be a better optimization technique as it is able to find maximum gain, have a better convergence curve and box plot performance as compared to the other three techniques. Moreover, the gain flatness and noise figure performance of HOA is compared with EDFA and Raman amplifier.
Deploying a Smart Queuing System on Edge with Intel OpenVINO Toolkit
Authors: Dagli Rishit , Eken Süleyman
Published: May 2021

Recent increases in computational power and the development of specialized architecture led to the possibility to perform machine learning, especially inference, on the edge. OpenVINO is a toolkit based on Convolutional Neural Networks that facilitates fast-track development of computer vision algorithms and deep learning neural networks into vision applications, and enables their easy heterogeneous execution across hardware platforms. A smart queue management can be the key to the success of any sector.} In this paper, we focus on edge deployments to make the Smart Queuing System (SQS) accessible by all also providing ability to run it on cheap devices. This gives it the ability to run the queuing system deep learning algorithms on pre-existing computers which a retail store, public transportation facility or a factory may already possess thus considerably reducing the cost of deployment of such a system. SQS demonstrates how to create a video AI solution on the edge. We validate our results by testing it on multiple edge devices namely CPU, Integrated Edge Graphic Processing Unit (iGPU), Vision Processing Unit (VPU) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Experimental results show that deploying a SQS on edge is very promising.
The Prognostic Value of Plasma Complement Factor B (CFB) In Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Pu , Sun Wei , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2021

Background: Stromal and immune cells are major components of tumor microenvironment (TME) and affect the growth and development of thyroid carcinoma (THCA). However, data on the exact mechanisms that define the relationship between the TME and THCA remains scant.Results: Here, we calculated stromal and immune cells scores and the proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) by CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE based on the THCA gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). In addition, we evaluated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from high- and low-score groups and then preformed Gene Ontology (GO) as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Besides, we carried out protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and COX regression on the DEGs. Our data showed a significant correlation between plasma complement factor B (CFB) and PTC development and prognosis. In addition, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that the CFB was mainly enriched in immune response pathways. Further dissection showed that the expression of CFB was positively correlated with T cells CD8, Macrophages M1, Plasma cells, T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells follicular helper and T cells regulatory (Tregs), whereas negatively correlated with Eosinophils, Macrophages M0, Macrophages M2, Mast cells resting, T cells CD4 memory resting in the TME. Finally, the expression level of CFB was verified by other cohorts form Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Conclusions: Taken together, our data demonstrated that the CFB could be a prognostic marker for THCA and its expression influences the infiltration of immune cells.
Effects of Various Types of Modified Nanoclay on The Physical, Mechanical, and Viscoelastic Characteristics of Lignocellulosic Filler-Reinforced PVC Composites
Authors: Ghalehno Mohammad Dahmardeh , Kord Behzad , Adlnasab Laleh
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Evaluation of Mechanical and Tribological properties of Biowaste and Biowaste Based Silica Particulate Epoxy Composites
Authors: Pranay V. , Ojha S. , G Raghavendra , Dheeraj G. , Anjali A.
Published: May 2021

This paper reports the mechanical-erosion wear properties of extracted silica from Biowaste (rice husk) and pure rice husk-filled epoxy composites. A comparison is made on the influence of dispersed silica and rice husk particles on the properties of the epoxy composites. The composites are fabricated by hand lay-up process. The specimens are tested as per the ASTM standards for three different filler loadings of each silica and rice husk separately (2,4 and 6wt%). It is perceived that with the increase in the rice husk filler loading in epoxy, there is a decline in tensile, flexural, and erosion wear properties. It is also evident that, with the increase in silica content until 6%, the tensile and flexural strength have displayed consistent enhancement. Alongside, erosion results confirm that the properties of the pure epoxy had exhibited transition from semi-brittle to ductile nature due to the addition of silica fillers.
Interaction of H3K27me3 and Glutaminase 1 Expression on Breast Cancer Prognosis by Menopausal Status: a Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Meng , Chen Qianxin , Yang Yuanzhong , Liang Zhuozhi , Li Yuelin , Huang Ziyi , Weng Zijin , Zhang Xiaofang , Guan Jiexia , Tang Luying , Ren Ze-Fang
Published: May 2021

Background: Glutaminase 1 (GLS) is a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer; although GLS inhibitors have been developed, only a few subjects responded well to the therapy. Considering that the expression of trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and menopausal status have been closely linked to the role of GLS, we tried to examine the modification effects of H3K27me3 and menopausal status on GLS to breast cancer prognosis, which would be helpful to identify the more suitable patients to the GLS inhibitors.Methods: Data for 963 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer between 2008 and 2015 were analyzed. H3K27me3 and GLS expression in tumors were evaluated with tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression models. The interaction was assessed on multiplicative scale by stratification analysis.Results: After a median follow-up of 70.6 months (interquartile range: 45.6-103.9), we confirmed the association between H3K27me3 and both outcomes (HR =0.57, 95% CI: 0.37-0.86 for OS; HR =0.66, 95% CI: 0.48-0.91 for PFS) and found that the prognostic roles of GLS were not statistically significant in the overall patients. There was a beneficial prognostic effect of GLS expression on OS for those with low H3K27me3 level (HR =0.50, 95% CI: 0.20-1.28) but an adverse prognostic effect for those with high H3K27me3 level (HR =3.90, 95% CI: 1.29-11.78) among premenopausal women, and the interaction was significant (Pinteraction =0.003). Similar pattern was further observed for PFS (HR =0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95 for low H3K27me3 level, HR =1.35, 95% CI: 0.74-2.48 for high H3K27me3 level, Pinteraction =0.024). The interaction didn’t occur among postmenopausal women.Conclusions: This study revealed the modification effects of H3K27me3 and menopausal status on GLS to breast cancer prognosis, which would help optimize the medication strategies related to GLS inhibitors.
Reduced Intensity Conditioning Before Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Complete Remission and Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Song Yanzhi , Yin Zhichao , Ding Jie , Wu Tong
Published: May 2021

BackgroundReduced intensity conditioning (RIC) before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) was reported had the same overall survival (OS) as myeloablative conditioning (MAC) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in complete remission (CR) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) but results in different studies are contradictory. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis according to the PRISMA 2009 guidelines to confirm the efficacy and safety of RIC vs. MAC for AML in CR and for MDS.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane central, related websites, major conference proceedings were searched, and related journals were hand-searched from Jan 1, 1980 to July 1, 2020 for studies comparing RIC with MAC before the first allo-HSCT in patients with AML in CR or MDS. Only RCTs were included. OS was the primary endpoint and generic inverse variance method was used to combine hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI.ResultsWe retrieved 7770 records. Six RCTs with 1413 participants (711 in RIC, 702 in MAC) were included. RIC had the same OS (HR = 0·95, 95% CI 0·64–1·4, P = 0·80) and cumulative incidence of relapse as MAC (HR = 1·18, 95% CI 0·88–1·59, P = 0·28). RIC reduced non-relapse mortality more than total body irradiation/busulfan based MAC (HR = 0·53, 95% CI 0·36–0·80, P = 0·002).ConclusionRIC also had similar long-term OS and graft failure as MAC. RIC is also a good choice for patients with AML in CR or MDS.
Analysis of immune cell components and immune-related gene expression profiles in peripheral blood of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Jian , Lu Yuanhua , Wang Bizhou , Jiao Ping , Ma Jie
Published: May 2021

Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by severe loss of pancreatic β cells. Immune cells are key mediators of β cell destruction. This study attempted to investigate the role of immune cells and immune-related genes in the occurrence and development of T1DM. Methods The raw gene expression profile of the samples from 12 T1DM patients and 10 normal controls was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Limma package in R. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) - support vector machines (SVM) were used to screen the hub genes. CIBERSORT algorithm was used to identify the different immune cells in distribution between T1DM and normal samples. Correlation of the hub genes and immune cells was analyzed by Spearman, and gene-GO-BP and gene-pathway interaction networks were constructed by Cytoscape plug-in ClueGO. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess diagnostic value of genes in T1DM. Results The 50 immune-related DEGs were obtained between the T1DM and normal samples. Then, the 50 immune-related DEGs were further screened to obtain the 5 hub genes. CIBERSORT analysis revealed that the distribution of plasma cells, resting mast cells, resting NK cells and neutrophils had significant difference between T1DM and normal samples. Natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 3 (NCR3) was significantly related to the activated NK cells, M0 macrophages, monocytes, resting NK cells, and resting memory CD4+ T cells. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was significantly associated with naive B cell and naive CD4+ T cell. NCR3 [Area under curve (AUC) = 0.918] possessed a higher accuracy than TNF (AUC = 0.763) in diagnosis of T1DM. Conclusions The immune-related genes (NCR3 and TNF) and immune cells (NK cells) may play a vital regulatory role in the occurrence and development of T1DM, which possibly provide new ideas and potential targets for the immunotherapy of diabetes mellitus (DM).
Expression of TRIP13, ZEB1, and E-cad in Infiltrating Urothelial Carcinoma of Bladder and Their Clinical Significance
Authors: Dai Changyuan , Zhang Yue , Zhou Lei
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose: Thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 13 (TRIP13) which plays a carcinogenic role in tumors belongs to AAA+ ATPase superfamily. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and epithelial cadherin (E-cad), the key biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which aberrant expression may promote tumor invasion and metastasis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of TRIP13, ZEB1, and E-cad in infiltrating urothelial carcinoma of bladder (IUCB) and their clinicopathological significance.Methods: The expression of TRIP13, ZEB1, and E-cad in 150 cases of IUCB samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Clinicopathological, demography, and follow-up data were also collected.Results: Positive rates of expression of TRIP13 and ZEB1 were significantly higher in IUCB samples when compared with the control bladder samples. And positive rate of expression of E-cad was significantly lower in IUCB than its expression rate in the control group. The positive expression of TRIP13 and ZEB1 were positively associated with tumor stages, local lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages. And E-cad expression was negatively associated with tumor stages, LNM, and TNM stages. The results of Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the patients with TRIP13 and ZEB1 positive expression had an unfavorable overall survival (OS) time when compared with patients with TRIP13 and ZEB1 negative expression. And patients with E-cad positive expression had a favorable OS time when compared with patients with E-cad negative expression. The COX regression analysis indicated that TRIP13, ZEB1, and E-cad, tumor stages, as well as TNM stages were independently factors for OS time in IUCB patients with postoperative therapy.Conclusions: TRIP13, ZEB1, and E-cad may be considered as potentially promising biomarkers for IUCB patients’ prognosis.
Identifying Psychological Intervention Points for Alexithymia Based on the Process of Emotional Expression
Authors: Yasuda Toshiko , Matsuoka Hiromichi , Sakamoto Ryo , Koyama Atsuko
Published: May 2021

Background: Alexithymia is a central concept in the field of psychosomatic disease. Patients afflicted with alexithymia have difficulties identifying feelings preventing them from responding well to psychotherapy. This study aims to evaluate in detail which steps of emotional expression (Steps 1–5) proposed by Kennedy-Moore et al. (Kennedy-Moore E and Watson JC. Expressing emotion. In: Salovey P, editor. Expressing Emotion. New York: Guilford; c1999. p. 8-18) are disrupted in alexithymia to enable the administration of effective treatment to such patients and identify appropriate methods of intervention for each step. Methods: To investigate the relationship between the Japanese version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (J-DERS) total score and subscales and the 20-item version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) subscales, multiple linear regression was performed using the former as dependent variables. The psychological examination records of eligible patients were retrospectively investigated. To evaluate the effect of alexithymia on each step of the process of emotional expression, the scores on the total and subscale J-DERS of the group that scored high on TAS-20 were compared with those of the group that scored low on TAS-20. Results: Of the 188 total subjects, 106 (56%) were included in the analysis. The median total J-DERS score was significantly different (p < 0.01) between the high-scoring group (defined as 52 points or higher) and the low-scoring group on the TAS-20, with a median score of 42.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 52.8 [upper limit]–31.0 [lower limit]) and 29.5 (IQR 37.3–23.0), respectively. Similarly, a significant difference was seen with each subscale (p < 0.01). Thus, disruption of the process of emotional expression in alexithymic patients is not only observed in Step 3 but also in Steps 4 and 5. Of the three TAS-20 subscales, only difficulty in identifying feelings correlated with the J-DERS total score and subscales (p < 0.01).Conclusions: The results indicate that, when dealing with alexithymic patients individually in a clinical setting, therapeutic intervention should be adapted to Steps 3, 4, and 5 as appropriate for the patient, and that assessing each step using J-DERS may be more clinically useful.
Robust Unified Granger Causality Analysis: A Normalized Maximum Likelihood Form
Authors: Hu Zhenghui , Li Fei , Cheng Minjia , Shui Junhui , Tang Yituo , Lin Qiang
Published: May 2021

Unified Granger causality analysis (uGCA) alters conventional two-stage Granger causality analysis into a unified code-length guided framework. We have presented several forms of uGCA methods to investigate causal connectivities, and different forms of uGCA have their own characteristics, which capable of approaching the ground truth networks well in their suitable contexts. In this paper, we considered comparing these several forms of uGCA in detail, then recommend a relatively more robust uGCA method among them, uGCA-NML, to reply to more general scenarios. Then, we clarified the distinguished advantages of uGCA-NML in a synthetic 6-node network. Moreover, uGCA-NML presented its good robustness in mental arithmetic experiments, which identified a stable similarity among causal networks under visual/auditory stimulus. Whereas, due to its commendable stability and accuracy, uGCA-NML will be a prior choice in this unified causal investigation paradigm.