bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Low Frequency Triggered Electromagnetic Signatures in Potentized Homeopathic Medicine
Authors: Bhargaw Hari N. , Nambison Nisanth , Gupta Manoj , Sharma Mohit , Srivast Avanish , Baghel Prabhat , Ahmed Meraj , Jadhav Mahendra , Gavel Khushwant
Published: December 2021

In the present work, a novel experimental tool was developed to precisely measure the potency levels in various homeopathic medicines, under various excitation frequencies. Electromagnetic responses (output voltages) are detected from the homeopathic medicines in different potencies. These unique electromagnetic responses were captured using an electromagnetic coil at 300 Hz and 4.8 kHz for each potency level developed in-house. Different potencies of Homeopathic medicine Ferrum Metallicum (FM-1X to FM-6X), prepared with α‑lactose monohydrate as its base, exhibited significant and distinct electromagnetic signals. At high excitation frequency, the output signal voltage from high homeopathic potencies had a better resolution compared to the signal obtained at lower frequency. The electromagnetic signal of various homeopathic medicines was also measured, and a distinct output voltage corresponding to each potency level was detected. Our experimental results confirmed that each homeopathic medicine has characteristic electromagnetic signals under excitation/resonance frequency. The results not only provide scientific evidence to easily classify the homeopathic medicine potency but, also helps to understand the science behind the curative action in terms of photon emission of homeopathic medicines.
Determination of Genome Size Differentiation and Ploidy Levels in Some Citrus Rootstock Populations
Authors: POLATÖZ Sefa , Seker Murat , KAYA Çağlar
Published: December 2021

In plants, knowing the ploidy level of plant material used in breeding studies, and especially for biotechnology applications, carries great importance. The presence of a rapid variety of dynamics in citrus fruits allows their use as rootstock and varieties ensuring adaptability to various climate and soil conditions with different breeding methods. A variety of appropriate rootstocks are used for commercial citrus species. This study investigated the genome sizes and ploidy levels in citrus rootstocks commonly used around the world with flow cytometry in seedling populations. The study used Gou-Tou, C-35, Troyer Citrange, Taiwanica, Citremon, Yuzu, Sunki mandarin, Flying Dragon, Yuma Citrange, Macrophylla and Chinese orange rootstocks. Fresh leaf tissues were mixed with the triploid Tahiti lime leaf tissue, used as standard species, and cell nuclei were isolated. Cells stained with propidium iodide were read with flow cytometry and histograms and cytograms were obtained. According to the obtained results, all seedlings of species had diploid genome volumes. In terms of genome volume, there were differences found between species. Yuzu seedlings were determined to be the species with largest genome volume (0.808 pg/2C), while Flying Dragon trifoliate had smallest genome volume (0.700 pg/2C).
Research on Clean Combustion Technology of EGR-based Flameproof Diesel Engine
Authors: Xiao WANG
Published: December 2021

In view of the serious pollution of NOx emissions from flame-proof diesel engines used in coal mines and its direct and indirect hazards that cannot be ignored, the combustion process of flame-proof diesel engines is analyzed and a combustion mathematical model is established. Subsequently, the clean combustion method based on exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is adopted, and an EGR clean combustion device is designed, which meets the requirements of the coal mine standard Safety Regulations on Coal Mine . The design content involves: (i) Composition and structure design of EGR system meeting the requirements of flame-proof standards; (ii) The closed forced cooling cycle design of the EGR system. Specifically, the clean combustion process of flame-proof diesel engine based on EGR system is simulated and analyzed by fluid simulation analysis software, and the effects of EGR system on the performance and emission of flame-proof diesel engine under 15 operating modes of three rotational speeds and five loads are obtained. Then, the control strategy and control program of the EGR system of flame-proof diesel engine are compiled based on the mathematical model and simulation results. In addition, the bench test of the flame-proof diesel engine equipped with EGR device is carried out by using this control program in the laboratory, and the control program of EGR system is modified by analyzing the experimental data. Finally, the optimized bench test is carried out by selecting the control program that optimal matches the flame-proof EGR device and the flame-proof diesel engine. The test results suggest that: (i) Under the external characteristic working mode: after installing the EGR system, the power of the flame-proof diesel engine is 58.9kW under the optimized EGR opening, and the highest output torque is 252.3 Nm, and the power performance is slightly lower than that of the original engine; (ii) Under eight operating mode: after installing the EGR system, the weighted average CO emission of the flame-proof diesel engine under the optimized EGR opening is 0.0045%, and the volume concentration is increased by 0.0045% compared with that without the EGR system; the weighted average NOx emission of the flame-proof diesel engine under the optimized EGR opening is 93.35ppm, which is 56.17% lower than that without the EGR system, indicating that the EGR system technology has significantly improved the reduction of NOx emissions of the flame-proof diesel engine; (iii)Under eight operating mode: after installing EGR system, the HC emission of flame-proof diesel engine under optimized EGR opening is basically unchanged compared with that without EGR system, and the soot emission is slightly increased; and (iv) The EGR system meets the requirements of the coal mine standard, and this method and technology can improve the basis for reducing the NOx emission from the tail gas of the underground vehicles in the coal mine.
Weakened Interannual Variability in the Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Verona Laura Sobral , Silva Paulo , Wainer Ilana , Khodri Myriam
Published: December 2021

Climate variability in the Tropical Atlantic is complex with strong ocean-atmosphere coupling, where the sea surface temperature (SST) variability impacts the hydroclimate of the surrounding continents. We observe a decrease in the variability of the Tropical Atlantic after 1970 in both CMIP6 models and observations. Most of the Tropical Atlantic interannual variability is explained by its equatorial (Atlantic Zonal Mode, AZM) and meridional (Atlantic Meridional Mode, AMM) modes of variability. The observed wind relaxation after 1970 in both the equatorial and Tropical North Atlantic (TNA) plays a role in the decreased variability. Concerning the AZM, a widespread warming trend is observed in the equatorial Atlantic accompanied by a weakening trend of the trade winds. This drives a weakening in the Bjerknes Feedback by deepening the thermocline in the eastern equatorial Atlantic and increasing the thermal damping. Even though individually the TNA and Tropical South Atlantic (TSA) show increased variability, the observed asymmetric warming in the Tropical Atlantic and relaxed northeast trade winds after the 70s play a role in decreasing the AMM variability. This configuration leads to positive Wind-Evaporation-SST (WES) feedback, increasing further the TNA SST, preventing AMM from changing phases as before 1970. Associated with it, the African Sahel shows a positive precipitation trend and the Intertropical Convergence Zone tends to shift northward, which acts on maintaining the increased precipitation.
A Novel Hybrid Peptide Composed of LfcinB6 and KR-12-a4 With Enhanced Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Biofilm Activities
Authors: Ajish Chelladurai , Yang Sungtae , Kumar S. Dinesh , Kim Eun Young , Min Hye Jung , Lee Chul Won , Shin Sung-Heui , Shin Song Yub
Published: December 2021

Hybridizing two known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is a simple and effective strategy for designing antimicrobial agents with enhanced cell selectivity against bacterial cells. Here, we generated a hybrid peptide Lf-KR in which LfcinB6 and KR-12-a4 were linked with a Pro hinge to obtain a novel AMP with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities. Lf-KR exerted superior cell selectivity for bacterial cells over sheep red blood cells. Lf-KR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities (MIC: 4–8 mM) against tested 12 bacterial strains and retained its antimicrobial activity in the presence of salts at physiological concentrations. Membrane depolarization and dye leakage assays showed that the enhanced antimicrobial activity of Lf-KR was due to increased permeabilization and depolarization of microbial membranes. Lf-KR significantly inhibited the expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (NO and TNF-a) in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In addition, Lf-KR showed a powerful eradication effect on preformed multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA) biofilms. We confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy that a large portion of the preformed MDRPA biofilm structure was perturbed by the addition of Lf-KR. Collectively, our results suggest that Lf-KR can be an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm candidate as a pharmaceutical agent.
Boussinesq's Equations for (2+1)-Dimensional Surface Gravity Waves in an Ideal Fluid Model
Authors: Karczewska Anna , Rozmej Piotr
Published: December 2021

We study the problem of gravity surface wa\-ves for the ideal fluid model in (2+1)-dimensional case. We apply a systematic procedure for deriving the Boussinesq equations for a prescribed relationship between the orders of four expansion parameters, the amplitude parameter $\alpha$, the long-wavelength parameter $\beta$, the transverse wavelength parameter $\gamma$, and the bottom variation parameter $\delta$. We also take into account surface tension effects when relevant. For all considered cases, the (2+1)-dimensional Boussinesq equations can not be reduced to a single nonlinear wave equation for surface elevation function. On the other hand, they can be reduced to a single, highly nonlinear partial differential equation for an auxiliary function $f(x,y,t)$ which determines the velocity potential but is not directly observed quantity. The solution $f$ of this equation, if known, determines the surface elevation function. We also show that limiting the obtained the Boussinesq equations to (1+1)-dimensions one recovers well-known cases of the KdV, extended KdV, fifth-order KdV, and Gardner equations.PACS 02.30.Jr · 05.45.-a · 47.35.Bb · 47.35.Fg
Streams’ and Springs’ Biophysical Dynamics as Structuring Elements of Future Urban Development: Systemic Strategies for Spatial Planning - A Case Study in Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
Authors: Figueiredo-Cunha Julia , Tardin-Coelho Raquel
Published: December 2021

Historically, water bodies were gradually conditioned by unsustainable spatial planning practices, which led to conflicting and fragmented relationships between urban development and water dynamics. Streams and springs are more vulnerable to urban interventions and less identified as protagonists of urban structuring than rivers. However, they present the potential to guide urban development regarding their broad capillarity, easy manipulation and close relationship with urban fabrics, especially in developing country fast-urbanisation reality. Also, there is a demand for more holistic and practical approaches regarding water dynamics and urban development alternatives that can add value to water-centred initiatives focused on water management. This article proposes a methodological framework focused on formulating systemic spatial planning strategies (land-use and urban design guidelines) based on streams’ and springs’ spatially and functionally biophysical dynamics as structuring elements of future urban development towards composing one urban-eco system. The following principles guide the planning strategies: a) to guarantee water dynamics whole functioning as constraints to urban land-use definition; b) to promote potential functional and spatial integration between the urban fabric and water bodies that guide the configuration of urban fabrics according to the whole functioning of water dynamics. The spatial planning strategies show the potential to be systematically applied throughout a city, systemically addressing and integrating water dynamics and urban development issues towards a more sustainable and resilient reality, on a broader scale perspective and not only on-site symptoms.
Low-Temperature Plasma Short-Exposure to Decontaminate Peri-Implantitis-Related Multispecies Biofilms on Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Panariello Beatriz H. D. , Mody Drashty P. , Eckert George J. , Coelho Paulo G. , Duarte Simone
Published: December 2021

Peri-implantitis is a bacteria-initiated infection that as yet has no effective treatment. A novel approach to treat peri-implantitis is the use of low-temperature plasma (LTP). LTP disrupts the biofilm while conditioning the surrounding host environment for bone growth around the infected implant. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of LTP on newly formed (24-h) and mature (7-days) peri-implant-related biofilms. Biofilm was composed of Actinomyces naeslundii (ATCC 12104), Porphyromonas gingivalis (W83), Streptococcus oralis (ATCC 35037), and Veillonella dispar (ATCC 17748). They were cultivated in brain heart infusion supplemented with 1% yeast extract, hemin (0.5 mg/mL), and menadione (5 mg/mL) and kept at 37⁰C in anaerobic conditions for 24-h. The species were mixed for a final concentration of ~105 colony forming units (CFU)/mL (OD=0.01), and the bacterial suspension was transferred to 24-well plates containing titanium specimens. Biofilms were treated with LTP for 1, 3, and 5 min at 3 or 10 mm from plasma-tip to sample. Controls were no treatment (Negative control=NC) and argon-flow at the same LTP conditions. Positive controls were 14 g/mL amoxicillin and 140 µg/mL metronidazole individually or combined, and 0.12% chlorhexidine. Biofilms were evaluated by CFU, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH). Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were applied (α = 0.05). Bacterial growth was observed in all no-treatment groups corroborated by FISH. LTP treatment significantly reduced all bacteria species when compared to the NC in both tested periods and in all treatment combinations (p≤0.016), these results were corroborated by CLSM. There were no significant differences during biofilm development, between 24-h, 3, and 7 days within each LTP treatment, or among the bacteria within each LTP treatment (p≥0.05). LTP application is effective to reduce peri-implantitis-related multispecies biofilms on titanium surfaces.
Closed-Wound Negative Pressure Therapy Dressing After Loop Ostomy Closure.
Authors: Curchod P. , Clerc D. , J.Jurt  , Hubner M. , Hahnloser D. , Demartines N. , Grass F.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Closed-wound negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings were recently introduced with the purpose to reduce incisional surgical site infections (iSSI) in high-risk wounds.The aim of this study was to compare iSSI rates in patients after ostomy closure with and without additional application of a closed-wound NPWT dressing.Methods: Single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing ileo- or colostomy closure over an 8-year period (January 2013 - January 2021). Intradermal absorbable sutures were used in all patients. Since November 2018, all patients (study group) received a NPWT device for a maximum of 5 days postoperatively (PICO® Smith and Nephew).Primary outcome was iSSI rate within 30 days of surgery. Data was retrieved from the institutional enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) database, with standardized complication assessment by trained abstractors.Results: In total, 85 patients (25%) in the study group were comparable with 252 (75%) patients in the control group regarding demographics (age, gender, body mass index, ASA score), ostomy type and anastomotic technique (all p>0.05). Median time to NPWT removal was 4 (IQR 3-5) days. Incisional SSI were observed in 4 patients (4.7%) in the study group and in 27 patients (10.7%) in the control group (p=0.097).Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest a potential benefit of systematic application of the NPWT device after loop ostomy closure. A randomized controlled study is needed to confirm these findings.
A Pragmatic Pharmacophore Informatics Strategy to Discover New Potent Inhibitors Against Pim-3
Authors: Peddi Sudhir Reddy , Kundenapally Ramalingam , Sivan Sree Kanth , Somadi Gururaj , manga vijjulatha
Published: December 2021

Pim-3 (proviral integration site moloney murine leukemia virus-3) is an oncogene which encodes proteins belonging to serine/threonine kinase family, and PIM subfamily. It is generally over expressed in epithelial and hematological tumors. It is known to involve in numerous cellular functions such as cell growth, differentiation, survival, tumorigenesis and apoptosis. It also plays a crucial role in regulation of signal transduction cascades. Therefore it emerged as a hopefultherapeutic target for cancer treatment. In current study, indole derivatives having potent inhibitory activity against Pim 3 were taken and pharmacophore based virtual screening was carried out. A five point pharmacophore hypothesis with one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor and three aromatic rings i.e., ADRRR was developed with acceptable R2and Q2 values of 0.913 and 0.748 respectively. It was employed as a query and screening was conducted against Asinex and Otava lead library databases to screen out potent drug like candidates. The obtained compounds were subjected to SP, XP docking using 3D model of pim-3 which was constructed through comparative homology modelling and finally binding free energies were calculated for top hits. The docking and binding free energy studies revealed that six hit molecules showed higher binding energy in comparison to the best active molecule. Finally, MD simulations of the top hit with highest binding energy was carried out which indicated that the obtained hit N1 formed a stable complex with pim-3. We believe that these combined protocols will be helpful and cooperative to discover and design more potent pim-3 inhibitors in near future.
Critical Metabolic Pathways And Genes Cooperate For Epoxy Fatty Acid-Enriched Oil Production In Developing Seeds of Vernonia Galamensis, An Industrial Oleaginous Plant
Authors: Sun Yan , Liu Baoling , Xue Jinai , Wang Xiaodan , Cui Hongli , Jia Xiaoyun , Li Run-Zhi
Published: December 2021

Background: Vernonia galamensis, originated from Africa, is an annual oleaginous plant of Asteraceae family. As a newly-establishing industrial oil crop, this plant produces high level (> 70%) of vernolic acid (cis-12-epoxyoctadeca-cis-9-enoic acid), an unusual epoxy fatty acid (EFA) with multiple industrial applications. Here, transcriptome analysis and fatty acid profiling from developing V. galamensis seeds were integrated to uncover the critical metabolic pathways responsible for high EFA accumulation and identify the targets that could be used in assembly of EFA biosynthesis pathway in existing oilseed crops. Results: Based on oil accumulation dynamics of V. galamensis seeds, we harvested seed samples from three stages (17, 38, and 45 days after pollination, DAP) representing the initial, fast and final EFA accumulation phases, and one mixed sample from different tissues for RNA-sequencing, with three biological replicates at each sample. Using Illumina platform, we have generated a total of 265 million raw cDNA reads. After filtering process, de novo assembly of clean reads yielded 67,114 unigenes with an N50 length of 1,316 nt. Functional annotation resulted in the identification of almost all genes involved in diverse lipid-metabolic pathways, including the novel fatty acid desaturase/epoxygenase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and 2, and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferases. By comparison, we found that various genes associated with acyl editing, fatty acid β-oxidation, triacylglycerol assembly and oil-body formation had greater expression levels at middle developmental stage (38 DAP), which are consistent with the fast accumulation of EFA in V. galamensis developing seed, implying their fundamental roles in EFA production. Additionally, we isolated some transcription factors (such as WRI1, FUS3 and ABI4), which putatively regulated the production of V. galamensis seed oils. The transient assay of selected genes resulted in a synergistic increase of EFA-enriched TAG accumulation in tobacco leaves. Transcriptome data were further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR for twelve key genes in EFA biosynthesis. Finally, a comprehensive network for high EFA accumulation in V. galamensis seed was established.Conclusions: Our results are of significance with regard to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the natural epoxy oil production in this plant and provide valuable reference for developing other oilseeds with high level of valued epoxy oil.
New Physics II: Spin Picture, Particle Structure, and Fundamental Interactions
Authors: Kang China
Published: December 2021

Experimental data sometimes fails to render the expected truth, such as high-speed bullets smashing into pieces on a water surface cannot verify the water's hardness. By re-examining the essence underneath quantum phenomena and analyzing their relevance to universal classical theory, this study has thoroughly revealed the classical counterpart of spin. From now on, almost all quantum concepts (e.g., wave particle duality, quantum entanglement, and magnetic moment anomaly) can be understood classically, just as prominent physicists such as Planck, Einstein, and Schrödinger longed for back then. This paper can be considered a blueprint of the Theory of Everything (TOE).
Structural Optical Magnetic And Photocatalytic Properties of Ferromagnetic P-Type NiO: N-Type ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Kavitha G. , Arul K. Thanigai , Elayaperumal Manikandan
Published: December 2021

The semiconductor-transition conducting metal oxides (p-type NiO: n-type ZnO) nanocomposites (NCs) called (NZO) are successfully prepared by a simple wet-chemical route followed by the systematic sintering at different temperatures such as 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700 °C. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy (HR-SEM/TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) techniques. XRD analysis reveals that the average crystallite size of the NZO NCs was found to be in the range 16-18 nm. The synthesized sample discloses a ferromagnetic behavior. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B in an aqueous solution was superior at the NZO NC at 600 °C in comparison with other samples. Here, the NZO NCs display to be good candidates for magnetic and photocatalytic application.
Structural, Optical and Electrical Characterizations of Cr-doped CuO Thin Films
Authors: BATURAY Silan , CANDAN ilhan , OZAYDIN Cihat
Published: December 2021

The polycrystalline copper oxide (CuO) thin films have been produced using method of spin coating onto the soda lime glass (SLG) as well as substrate of p-type Si (1 0 0) wafers at 500 ºC in furnace. The obtained undoped and Cr doped thin films of CuO have been comprehensively characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–vis (UV–vis) spectroscopy, the current–voltage ( I – V ) and capacitance–voltage ( C – V ) characteristics for providing information on quality of the crystalline nature, change in energy band gap and electrical properties, respectively. Structural analysis results which obtained from XRD data demonstrate that CuO films conjunction with Cr doping indicated that all thin films have monoclinic polycrystalline nature, with two main peaks (002) and (111) with d hkl about 2.52 and 2.32 Å, respectively. The transmittance and energy band gap value of undoped and Cr doped thin films of CuO ranging in varying concentration ratio have been determined in the wavelength region of 300 to 1100 nm. UV–vis spectrum analysis results indicate that both transmittance value and energy band gap of the CuO films is changed with increasing Cr doping ratio in CuO solution at room temperature. The I–V and C–V characteristic of Cr:CuO/p-Si diodes were associated with the CuO/p-Si diodes. It is seen that doping of Cr had a significant change onv the obtained devices’ performance. Thus, the Cr:CuO/p-Si diodes generated by 1% Cr doping using spin coating method had the highest light sensitivity compared with those of the other diodes.
Comprehensive Characterization of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 1 in Stomach Adenocarcinoma Identifies a Prognostic Signature for Predicting Clinical Outcomes and Immune Infiltrates
Authors: He Yi , Zhang Haiyang , Zhang Yan , Wang Peiyun , Zhu Kegan , Ba Yi
Published: December 2021

Background: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is the common cancer and ranks third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. TGF‑β receptor 1 (TGFBR1), serving important roles in the TGF‑β family, the mechanisms whereby TGFβ2 governs tumor progression, immune cell infiltration and its correlation with tumor microenvironment (TME) in STAD remains unintelligible. Methods: First, we used the data in the TCGA, GEPIA, and HPA databases to explore the expression level of TGFBR1 in STAD, the correlation between TGFBR1 expression and the clinical features of STAD, its impact on the survival of STAD. Subsequently, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and nomogram were constructed and LASSO (the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator)-selected features were used to build the TGFBR1 prognostic signature. Moreover, GSEA enrichment analysis is used to find the potential molecular mechanism of TGFBR1 to promote the malignant process of STAD. Finally, we further explored the influence of theTGFBR1 expression on the immune microenvironment of STAD patients through the TIMER2.0 and GEPIA database.Results: In our study, TGFBR1 expression was significantly elevated in patients with STAD and positively co-expression with pathologic stage, lymph node metastases (LNM) stage and histopathological grade of STAD. LASSO-selected features were used to build the TGFBR1 prognostic signature. 9 factors with non-zero coefficients were identified. The corresponding risk scores were computed, according to the following formula: Risk score = (-0.2914) *DIXDC1+ (0.1113) *STON1-GTF2A1L+(0.3092) *FERMT2+(-0.0146) *BHMT2+(0.1798) *ABCC9+(0.068) *MSRB3+(-0.1007) *SYNC+(-0.0891) *SORBS1+(0.0828) *TGFBR1.Survival analysis revealed that patients with high TGFBR1 had shorter OS, FP, and PPS. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed TGFBR1 was an independent prognostic factor for OS in STAD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested high diagnostic value with the area under curve (AUC) of TGFBR1 was 0.739, and a prognostic nomogram involving age, T, N, M classification, pathologic stage, primary therapy outcome, histologic grade and TGFBR1 to predict the 1, 3, 5-year OS was constructed. GSEA revealed that high TGFBR1 expression was correlated with pathway in cancer, MAPK signaling pathway, NOTCH signaling pathway, focal adhesion and VEGF-C production. ssGSEA showed that TGFBR1 is correlated with NK cells, Tem and Th17 cells. Furthermore, elevated TGFBR1 expression was found to be significantly correlated with several immune checkpoint and immune markers associated with immune cell subsets. Conclusion: In summary, TGFBR1 could be a prognostic biomarker and an important regulator of immune cell infiltration in STAD. The present study revealed the probable underlying molecular mechanisms of TGFBR1 in STAD and provided a potential target for improving the prognosis.
SAMGEP: A Novel Method for Prediction of Phenotype Event Times Using the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Ahuja Yuri , Wen Jun , Hong Chuan , Xia Zongqi , Huang Sicong , ScD Tianxi Cai
Published: December 2021

While there exist numerous methods to identify binary phenotypes (i.e. COPD) using electronic health record (EHR) data, few exist to ascertain the timings of phenotype events (i.e. COPD onset or exacerbations). Estimating event times could enable more powerful use of EHR data for longitudinal risk modeling, including survival analysis. Here we introduce Semi-supervised Adaptive Markov Gaussian Embedding Process (SAMGEP), a semi-supervised machine learning algorithm to estimate phenotype event times using EHR data with limited observed labels, which require resource-intensive chart review to obtain. SAMGEP models latent phenotype states as a binary Markov process, and it employs an adaptive weighting strategy to map timestamped EHR features to an embedding function that it models as a state-dependent Gaussian process. SAMGEP’s feature weighting achieves meaningful feature selection, and its predictions significantly improve AUCs and F1 scores over existing approaches in diverse simulations and real-world settings. It is particularly adept at predicting cumulative risk and event counting process functions, and is robust to diverse generative model parameters. Moreover, it achieves high accuracy with few (50-100) labels, efficiently leveraging unlabeled EHR data to maximize information gain from costly-to-obtain event time labels. SAMGEP can be used to estimate accurate phenotype state functions for risk modeling research.
The Relationship Between Serum Levels of lncRNA H19, GAS5, HAR1B, LINC01783 and Clinical Signs of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ozdilek Betul , Kaya Ibrahim Alper , Demircan Berna , Tombul Temel , Ankarali Handan
Published: December 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are highly expressed in brain and alterations in their levels have been shown in many neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence has shown that lncRNAs play role in the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and it can be used as a potential therapeutic target for the disease. In this study, we aimed to detect whether the serum expression levels of four candidate lncRNAs; H19, GAS5, HAR1B and LINC01783 are related with the clinical findings and treatment of PD or not. 83 patients and 50 healthy controls, matching in age and gender, are included in this study. We assessed how severe the disease is, by using the Hoehn Yahr (HY) staging and the Unified PD rating scale (UPDRS). Venous blood samples were taken from the participants. Serum samples were centrifuged and stored at -80°C until analysis. Expression levels of these lncRNAs were analyzed by a real-time PCR instrument in the laboratory. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS program. There was no significant difference between the PD patients and healthy controls in these lncRNAs serum levels. Age, gender, education level, presence of hypertension, type of onset of the disease and predominance of the right and left side, disease duration and treatment did not differ in lncRNA expression levels. Solely, there was a significant negative correlation between GAS5 and HY and UPDRS scores. Patients with family history had significantly higher levels of LINC01783. This is the first comprehensive study on lncRNAs in Turkish patients with PD. If any altered expression levels of these four lncRNAs were shown in the serum, it would provide an easy way to analyze underlying pathogenesis of the disease and contribute the possible biomarkers of PD.
GPD1L Suppresses Colon Adenocarcinoma Via Repressing TGFβ1/EMT
Authors: Li Yunqi , Liu Minghao , xiang zhu , Yang Xuhui , Liu Hui
Published: December 2021

Colon adenocarcinoma is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors in human beings. Hence, the identification of valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets is vital for improved treatment and patient outcomes. The role of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like (GPD1L) in several tumors has been achieved in recent years. However, the underlying mechanisms of GPD1L in colon adenocarcinoma remain elusive. In this study, we identified that GPD1L was associated with better prognosis in colon adenocarcinoma patients using gene expression omnibus (GEO) and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. In addition, knockdown of GPD1L promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion and reversed by re-expression GPD1L in colon adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. According to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), GPD1L is closely correlated with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway in colon adenocarcinoma. Moreover, GPD1L downregulates epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins via TGFβ1 due to Western blot analysis. These findings demonstrate that GPD1L inhibits the growth of colon adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting EMT induced by TGFβ1. GPD1L may be a promising molecular target for the treatment of colon adenocarcinoma patients.
Personality Traits, Type of Motivation and Diet Duration Are Associated With the Risk of Orthorexia Nervosa in Vegetarians – a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pasztak-Opilka Agnieszka , Pawlak Maria , Zachurzok Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

Objectives: There are reports that vegetarians, due to the specificity of their diet, may be at risk of orthorexia nervosa (ON), although researchers' opinions are not consistent. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the motivation to use vegetarian diet and the personality traits as well as the tendency to ON. Methods: The study group comprised 480 vegetarians aged 18-40 years (414 women) divided into 3 groups: G1 - semi-vegetarians (n=60), G2 - lacto-ovo-vegetarians, ovo-vegetarians, lacto-vegetarians (n=238) and G3 - vegans, raw foodists and fruitarians (n=182). The questionnaire determining the motivation for vegetarian diet, Neuroticism-ExtraversionOpenness - Five Factor Inventory Personality Inventory and Bratman Test of Orthorexia were used. Results: No significant differences in the level of ON risk were observed between the groups. BMI was significantly lower in G3 than in G1 and G2. In G3 vegetarian diet was used for the longest time, and the highest level of ethical and health motivation to undertake this diet compared to the other respondents was seen (p<0.0001). The study revealed the lowest level of agreeableness in the G1. The neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness and ethical motivation to diet were positive predictors of ON, while agreeableness and experience with diet were its negative predictors (F=9.26, p<0.001, R2=0.12).Conclusion: It is concluded that personality traits, type of motivation to undertake a vegetarian diet and diet duration are associated with the risk of ON in vegetarians.Level of Evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study
A Novel Bi2O3 Modified C-Doped Hollow TiO2 Sphere Based On Glucose-Derived Carbon Sphere With Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Chai Fengjin , Meng Fuliang , Liu Shuai , Zhang Yu , Yang Tao , Jia Yufei , Li Songjun , Yuan Xinhua
Published: December 2021

The hydrothermal method was used to synthesize carbon sphere, and the hard template synthesis method was used to prepared C-doped hollow TiO2 sphere (CT). Bismuth nitrate was used as bismuth source to modify CT. The composite material was oxidized in air atmosphere at 450℃ to obtain Bi2O3 modified C-doped TiO2(BCT) hollow spheres. The morphology, elemental composition and photocatalytic degradation efficiency of tetracyclines (TC) by BCT hollow spheres were characterized by various measurements. Additionally, the possible transformation pathways and degradation mechanism of tetracycline were revealed via LC-MS and trapping experiments. The experimental results show that the Bi nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the BCT hollow spheres. The photocatalyst exhibits enhanced degradation rate of TC (98.4% under visible-light within 180 min and 99.4% under natural light within 50 min) for its structure and narrow bandgap (2.87 eV). After five degradation cycles, the photocatalyst still remains high removal rate of 96.4% for TC. The results indicate that the photocatalyst may be promising for degrading antibiotic residuals remains. According to the trapping experiment, ·OH and h+ have a certain role on the photodegradation process, while ·O2− is the main active species for degrading TC.
Characterization of Nanofluids Using Multifractal Analysis of a Liquid Droplet Trace
Authors: Augustyniak Jakub , Zgłobicka Izabela , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof Jan , Misiak Paweł , Wilczewska Agnieszka Zofia , Gluch Jürgen , Liao Zhongquan , Perkowski Dariusz Mariusz
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a novel approach to the analysis of nanofluids by using a nonlinear multifractal algorithm. Multifractal analysis allows to present detailed local descriptions of complex scaling behavior using a spectrum of singularity exponents. Nanoliquids prepared from nanoparticles of SiO2 (~0,01g) suspended in 100 ml of demineralized water and in 100 ml of 99,5% isopropanol were subjected to classical methods of analysis: determination of the contact angle, determination of the zeta potential, pH, and examination with a particle size analyzer. The obtained results show that the obtained nanofluid is stable and well prepared, while further nonlinear analyzes show that the usage of multifractal analysis for nanofluids can significantly improve both the process of analyzing this issue as well as its preparation, based on the multifractional spectrum.
Path Following Control for Miniature Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Under Uncertainties and Disturbances：A Two-Layered Framework
Authors: Wu Weinan , Wang Yao , Gong Chunlin , Ma Dan
Published: December 2021

In this paper a solution to the path following control problem for miniature fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle (MAV) in the presence of inaccuracy modelling parameters and environmental disturbances is presented. We introduce a two-layered framework to collaborate guidance level with control level. A modified vector fields based path following methodology is proposed in the kinematics phase to track a Dubins path with straight line segments and circle ones. Then a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller based on feedback linearization and gain scheduling techniques is designed such that the MAV can reject nonlinear dynamics, system uncertainties and disturbances by using a robust fuzzy control scheme. Eventually, by giving comparison test with control effort and track error as assessment metrics, both the practicality of the framework and the outperformance of the proposed algorithm are well demonstrated.
Evaluation of the Utility of the ‘Velocity Field Diagram’ and ‘Timed-Up-and-Go Test‘ as Fall Screening Tools Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Observational Study
Authors: Ibeneme Sam Chidi , Eze Joy , Okonkwo Uchenna Prosper , Ibeneme Goergian Chiaka , Fortwengel Gerhard
Published: December 2021

Background: Evidence from systematic reviews demonstrated that gait variables are the most reliable predictors of future falls, yet are rarely included in fall screening tools. It explains why most tools have higher specificity than sensitivity, hence may be misleading/detrimental to care. The diagnostic utility of a gait analytical tool-velocity field diagram (VFD), and “Timed-up-and-go test (TUG)’- commonly used in Nigeria, was therefore compared to a gold standard (known fallers) to evaluate their accuracy and utility in fall screening. Method: This is an observational study of 500 older adults (280 fallers and 220 non-fallers), recruited by convenience sampling technique at a community health forum on fall prevention. The number of steps and time they spent to complete a-7metre distance was determined and used to calculate the stride length, stride frequency, and velocity, which regression lines were used to form the VFD. TUG test was simultaneously conducted to discriminate fallers from non-fallers. The cut-off points for falls: TUG times ≥13.5 seconds; and VFD’s intersection point of the stride frequency, and velocity regression lines (E1) ≥3.5velots. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curves (AUC) was used to explore the ability of the E1≥3.5velots to discriminate between fallers and non-fallers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the VFD and TUG were determined. Alpha was set at p<0.05. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the VFD versus TUG is 71%, 27%, 72%, and 43%, versus 39%, 59%, 40%, and 43%, respectively. The ROC’s AUC were 0.74(95%CI:0.597,0.882, p=0.001) for the VFD. The optimal categorizations for discrimination between fallers/non-fallers were ≥3.78 versus ≤3.78 for VFD (fallers and non-fallers prevalence 60.71% versus 95.45%, respectively), with an accuracy of 0.76 unlike TUG with AUC=0.53 (95% CI:0.353, 0.700, p=0.762), and an accuracy of 0.68, and optimal characterization of ≥12.81s versus ≤12.81 (fallers and non-fallers prevalence = 92.86% versus 36.36%, respectively). Conclusion: The VFD demonstrated a fair discriminatory power and greater accuracy in identifying fallers than the TUG. Therefore, the VFD could serve as a primary tool in screening those at the risk of fall than the TUG.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Crosstalk Between ER and Mitochondria Contributes to Oligodendrocyte Cell Death and Demyelination
Authors: Rayilla Rahul Shankar Rao , Phanithi Prakash Babu
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveDemyelination is one of the manifestations of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mechanisms underlying oligodendrocyte cell death in white matter lesions have not been fully studied. In the present study our focus is to investigate how the pro-inflammation contributes to the ER stress, mitochondrial protein alteration leading to oligodendrocyte cell death that aggravates demyelination in TBI.Methods Weight drop method was used to induce the TBI. Immunohistochemical studies were done to understand the role of pro-inflammation in activating ER-stress leading to cell death and demyelination. Proteomic analysis of mitochondria was done using 2D-gel electrophoresis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was used to identify the mitochondrial functional protein changes and their role in cell death causing demyelination. Remyelination was assessed by treating with teriflunomide (TF). Results Histopathology studies revealed the infiltration of activated macrophages leading to cytokines secretion which initiates ATF6 activation by releasing BiP, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone binding protein and unfolded proteins at the site of ER lumen. Activated ER stress alters the mitochondrial functional proteins leading to oligodendrocyte cell death causing white matter lesions and demyelination. Treatment with TF inactivates the macrophages and reduces the cytokines secretion at the site of injury promoting recovery and remyelination. ConclusionOur findings confirm pro-inflammation activates the ER stress sensors. The cross-talk between ER and mitochondria leads to cell death followed by demyelination. TF acts as an anti-inflammatory drug promoting oligodendroglial precursor cells maturation for recovery and secretion of myelin.
Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion with 2D and 3D Sequences Alternating Every Heartbeat
Authors: Huang Qi , Tian Ye , Mendes Jason , Ranjan Ravi , Adluru Ganesh , DiBella Edward
Published: December 2021

PurposeTo evaluate a myocardial perfusion acquisition that alternates 2D simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) and 3D stack-of-stars (SoS) acquisitions each heartbeat. MethodsA hybrid saturation recovery radial 2D SMS and a saturation recovery 3D SoS sequence were created for the quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF). Initial studies were done to study the effects of using only every other beat for the 2D SMS in two subjects, and for the 3D SoS in two subjects. Alternating heartbeat 2D SMS and 3D SoS were then performed in ten dog studies at rest, four dog studies at adenosine stress, and two human resting studies. 2D SMS acquisition acquired three slices and 3D SoS acquired six slices. An arterial input function (AIF) for 2D SMS was obtained using the first 24 rays. For 3D, the AIF was obtained in a 2D slice prior to each 3D SoS readout. Quantitative MBF analysis was performed for 2D SMS and 3D SoS separately, using a two-compartment model. ResultsAcquiring every-other-beat data resulted in 5-20% perfusion changes at rest for both 2D SMS and 3D SoS methods. For alternating acquisitions, 2D SMS and 3D SoS quantitative perfusion values were comparable for both the twelve rest studies (2D SMS: 0.68±0.15 vs 3D: 0.69±0.15 ml/g/min, p=0.85) and the four stress studies (2D SMS: 1.28±0.22 vs 3D: 1.30±0.24 ml/g/min, p=0.66).ConclusionEvery-other-beat acquisition changed estimated perfusion values relatively little for both sequences. 2D SMS and 3D SoS gave similar quantitative perfusion estimates when used in an alternating every-other-heartbeat acquisition. Such an approach allows consideration of more diverse perfusion acquisitions that could have complementary features, although testing in a cardiac disease population is needed.
A real-time spatiotemporal AI model analyzes skill in open surgical videos
Authors: Yeung Serena , Goodman Emmett , Patel Krishna , Zhang Yilun , Locke William , Kennedy Chris , Mehrotra Rohan , Ren Stephen , Guan Melody , Downing Maren , Chen Hao Wei , Clark Jevin , Brat Gabriel
Published: December 2021

Open procedures represent the dominant form of surgery worldwide. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to optimize surgical practice and improve patient outcomes, but efforts have focused primarily on minimally invasive techniques. Our work overcomes existing data limitations for training AI models by curating, from YouTube, the largest dataset of open surgical videos to date: 1997 videos from 23 surgical procedures uploaded from 50 countries. Using this dataset, we developed a multi-task AI model capable of real-time understanding of surgical behaviors, hands, and tools—the building blocks of procedural flow and surgeon skill—across both space and time. We show that our model generalizes across diverse surgery types and environments. Illustrating this generalizability, we directly applied our YouTube-trained model to analyze open surgeries prospectively collected at an academic medical center and identified kinematic descriptors of surgical skill related to efficiency of hand motion. Our Annotated Videos of Open Surgery (AVOS) dataset and trained model will be made available for further development of surgical AI.
Two- and Multi-bucket X-ray Free-Electron Laser at LCLS
Authors: Decker Franz-Josef , Bane Karl L. , Colocho William , Gilevich Sasha , Marinelli Agostino , Sheppard John C. , Turner James L. , Turner Joshua J. , Vetter Sharon L. , Halavanau Aliaksei , Pellegrini Claudio , Lutman Alberto A.
Published: December 2021

X-ray Free Electron Lasers provide femtosecond X-ray pulses with narrow bandwidth and unprecedented peak brightness. Special modes of operation have been developed to deliver double pulses for X-ray pump, X-ray probe experiments. However, the longest delay between the two pulses achieved with existing single bucket methods is less than 1 picosecond, thus preventing exploration of longer timescales dynamics. We present a novel Two-bucket scheme covering delays from 350 picoseconds to hundreds of nanoseconds in discrete steps of 350 picoseconds. Performance for each pulse can be similar to the one in single pulse operation. The method has been experimentally tested with LCLS-I and LCLS-II hard x-ray undulators.