bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic detection of COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia on CT images with artificial intelligence
Authors: Liu Chenglong , Yuan Mingyuan , Wang Mengxing , He Peizhong , Wang Xiaoyang , Peng Wenxian
Published: July 2022

The outbreak of COVID-19 plunged the world into unprecedented difficulties, bringing life to a terrible standstill around the world and claiming thousands of lives. It seriously endangers human life and health. Thus, a high-efficiency COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) detection method based on computed tomography (CT) images were developed to combat the pandemic. Sixty-one confirmed COVID-19 cases were consecutively enrolled together with 27 confirmed community-acquired pneumonia patients and 87 normal control patients with no finding of COVID-19 and CAP from Ruian People’s Hospital, from January 2020 to March 2020. The final cohort of 175 patients (1611 CT slices) was divided into training and test sets in an 8:2 and equal ratio. Three senior radiologists assessed clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 patients and abnormalities in chest CT images independently. The proposed model, EfficientNet-B1 was applied for the classification task, which consists of 16 mobile inverted bottleneck convolutions (MBConv), 2 convolutional (Conv) layers, 1 global average-pooling layer, and 1 fully connected layer, obtained a test accuracy of 94.24% and 93.64% for binary and three-class classification, respectively. It also achieved a sensitivity of 92.35%, a specificity of 95.93%, a positive predictive value of 95.26%, negative predictive value of 93.39% with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.9414 for COVID-19 and CAP classification. Fever (58 [95.1%]) with a mean axillary temperature of 37.3 ± 0.8 °C, cough (52 [85.2%]), and sputum production (35 [57.4%]) are the most common symptoms of COVID-19 patients at the onset of illness. More importantly, more than 50% of COVID-19 images show ground-glass opacities. The proposed model achieves state-of-the-art performance and can be applied as a supplementary tool for radiologists, which is beneficial for pandemic control.
The tribological property of a-C:H coating with tribolayer by additive having glycerol and phosphate oxide structure
Authors: Tokoroyama Takayuki , Tanaka Kento , Kani Takumi , Murashima Motoyuki , Lee Woo Young , Umehara Noritsugu , Oshio Tadashi , Yagishita Kazuhiro
Published: July 2022

The tribological properties of a-C:H coating sliding against a SUJ2 ball, a SUJ2 roller, and an a-C:H coated roller were investigated under temperatures ranging from 20°C to 80°C in PAO with different additives. The additives had a glycerol and hydroxyl functional group in one molecule to enhance additive adsorption for mating with the a-C:H coating disk material and to build a phosphorus oxide tribolayer. Additives with different numbers of hydroxyl groups and primary or secondary-type C6H13O structures were also prepared. The tribolayer derived from each additive was analyzed via EDS, XPS, and ToF-SIMS. XPS depth analysis for the tribolayers revealed that additives were dissociated by friction and suggested C–O bond cleavage occurred.
Photon-counting statistics-based support vector machine with multi-mode photon illumination for quantum imaging
Authors: Kim Jin-Woo , Cho Jeong-Sik , Sacarelo Christian , Fitri Nur Duwi Fat , Hwang Ju-Seong , Rhee June-Koo Kevin
Published: July 2022

We propose a photon-counting-statistics-based imaging process for quantum imaging where background photon noise can be distinguished and eliminated by photon mode estimation from the multi-mode Bose-Einstein distribution. Photon-counting statistics show multi-mode behavior in a practical, low-cost single-photon-level quantum imaging system with a short coherence time and a long measurement time interval. Different mode numbers in photon-counting probability distributions from single-photon illumination and background photon noisecan be classified by a machine learning technique such as a support vector machine (SVM). The proposed photon-counting statistics-based support vector machine (PSSVM) learns the difference in the photon-counting distribution of each pixel to distinguish between photons from the source and the background photon noise toimprove the image quality. We demonstrated quantum imaging of a binary-image object with photon illumination from a spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) source. The experiment results show that the PSSVM applied quantum image improves a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) gain of 2.89dB and a structural similarity index measure (SSIM) gain of 27.7% compared to the conventional direct single-photon imaging.
Extramedullary Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the De Novo Setting: Clinicopathologic Characteristics, Molecular Analysis, and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Kuhlman Justin , McCormick Benjamin , Jiang Liuyan , Menke David , Badar Talha , KHARFAN-DABAJA Mohamed , Foran James , Rahman Zaid Abdel , Murthy Hemant
Published: July 2022

Extramedullary disease in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as myeloid sarcoma (MS), is an uncommon presentation of de novo AML. We analyzed medical records of patients in the Mayo Clinic database spanning between 1996 and 2021 who were diagnosed with de novo extramedullary AML. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazard models for univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively. With a median follow-up of 20.7 months, 83 patients with de novo MS were identified; 49 presented with synchronous MS and 34 with isolated MS. Next generation sequencing (NGS) revealed RTK-RAS pathway mutations in 44% of patients. Median overall survival (OS) was 25.3 months and 17.8 months in isolated and synchronous MS, respectively (p = 0.49). Variables associated with improved OS on univariate analysis included treatment with intensive chemotherapy (p < 0.001), normal or favorable risk karyotype (p = 0.001), age less than 60 years (p = 0.001), and a complete response to treatment at extramedullary sites (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, normal or favorable risk karyotype (p = 0.001), age less than 60 (p = 0.01), and a complete extramedullary response (p = 0.001) were associated with improved OS. Localized therapy did not provide added survival benefit in isolated MS. Genomic stratification, age, and extramedullary site response are predictive of survival outcomes.
Novel Image Cryptosystem Based on New 2D Hyperchaotic Map and Dynamical Chaotic S-box
Authors: Wang Xingyuan , Zhou Shuang , Qiu Yuyu , Zhang Yingqian
Published: July 2022

Chaotic systems are widely used in image encryption due to their sensitivity to initial values. and many image encryption algorithms based on chaotic systems have been studied in the past few years. In order to obtain a simpler and faster encryption algorithm, this work firstly proposes a new two-dimensional discrete hyperchaotic map, which has a large chaotic interval and Lyapunov exponent, and then uses the map to generate two chaotic sequences, and use these sequences to generate three S-boxes, and combine them in pairs, and finally twelve S-boxes are obtained. Then, the elements of the plaintext image are grouped, each group of pixels is summed, and then modular operations are used to specify specific S-boxes. Next, each set of elements is bitwise XOR with the corresponding S-box. Finally, the cipher image is obtained by scrambling using chaotic signal. Experiments show that compared with some other encryption algorithms, the proposed S-box based encryption method has higher security, and it resists to common attack.
Structures, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Transition Metal Inserted W6O18 Clusters
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Wu Zi-hao , Li Zhi
Published: July 2022

Structures, electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal (TM) inserted W6O18 clusters have been investigated by using first principles. The results reveal that the Ti@W6O18, Ni@W6O18, Zr@W6O18, Rh@W6O18, W@W6O18 and Ir@W6O18 clusters are more structurally stable than their neighbors. The V@W6O18, Fe@W6O18, Zn@W6O18, Y@W6O18, Nb@W6O18, Pd@W6O18, Lu@W6O18, Re@W6O18, Hg@W6O18 clusters are more chemically stable than their neighbors. The mount of charge transfer between TM atoms and pristine W6O18 clusters decreases with the increase of the subgroup number except for subgroup number is equal to 11 and 12. The TM(d) states of the 3d TM@W6O18 clusters start to make the main contributions to Fermi level except for the Cu@W6O18 and Zn@W6O18 clusters. The spin densities of TM (TM=Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh and Ir) atoms of the TM@W6O18 clusters are maintained to some extent.
Serum SynCol as a new Biochemical Marker of Synovial Tissue Turnover in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gineyts Evelyne , Millet Marjorie , Borel Olivier , Coutant Frédéric , Rousseau Jean-Charles , Chapurlat Roland , Marotte Hubert , Garnero Patrick
Published: July 2022

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by synovium inflammation leading to joint destruction. No sensitive serum biochemical marker of synovial tissue activity is currently available. The aims of this study were to develop a new sensitive serum biochemical marker of synovium turnover and evaluate its performance in patients with RA.Methods We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure synovial collagen fragments in serum (SynCol) using an antibody recognizing a specific 11 amino acid sequence from the triple helical portion of human type III collagen. The specificity of the antibody was evaluated by competitive inhibition with several collagen-related peptides. Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize the SynCol fragments in RA synovium. Serum SynCol was measured in patients with RA (n=66, 73% women, mean age 62 years, median disease activity score 28 (DAS 28) 2.6) participating in randomized clinical trials and in sex and age matched healthy controls (n=70, 76% women, mean age 59 years). ResultsThe SynCol ELISA demonstrated adequate analytical performances. Competitive inhibition experiments showed that the antibody used in the ELISA recognizes a neoepitope resulting from the cleavage of type III collagen molecules and also the homologous sequences of type IV collagen, but does not cross-react with intact type III and IV collagens. Immunohistochemistry of synovial tissue from a RA subject showed staining of SynCol fragments in the lining layer where destructive fibroblasts are localized and around blood vessels which are rich in type IV collagen. SynCol staining co-localized with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) immunostaining. Serum SynCol levels were significantly increased in patients with RA compared to healthy controls (+ 247 %, p <0.0001). In RA patients, circulating SynCol levels correlated with DAS 28 (r=0.66, p <0.0001) and patients with active disease (DAS 28 > 3.2, n=20) had levels which were 888 % (p<0.0001) higher than in those with low activity (n=46). Conclusions The SynCol ELISA is a sensitive and precise assay measuring circulating type III and IV collagen degradation fragments originating from synovial tissue turnover. Serum SynCol levels are markedly increased in patients with RA, particularly in those with active disease. Trial Registration- Role of the ANS Dysregulation in the Persistence of Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Treated with Anti-TNF (ANSRA) NCT02475486- Bone MicroArchitecture Abatacept (BMA2) NCT02675218- Impact of the Persistence of Inflammation at Doppler Ultrasound Level on the Structural Evolution of Erosion in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Biotherapy. NCT02531061IRB for synovial tissue 2019-A02742-55 (Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud-Méditerranée I
Immune Checkpoint Blockade PD-1 Therapy for Primary Liver Cancer: Incidence and Influencing Factors of Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Wu Huili , Xiong Fang , Bao Xuli , Lu Jun
Published: July 2022

Objectives To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of thyroid dysfunction(TD) in patients with primary liver cancer(PLC) induced by PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. Methods Clinical data were collected from 195 PLC patients treated with PD-1. They were divided into TD group and normal thyroid function(NTF) group, and further divided into TD subgroups, the differences between groups and subgroups were analyzed.Results A total of 113 of 195 (57.9%) PLC patients developed TD. The positive rate of thyroid antibody (20.6% vs. 0%, P = 0.041) and the median value of TSH (6.20 vs. 2.16 mu / L, P = 0.000) in TD group were higher than those in NTF group. Ten patients (8.8%) had the CTCAE grade of TD above grade 3, of which 2 patients died of liver failure. There were 20 patients (17.7%) in hyperthyroidism group and 93 patients (82.3%) in hypothyroidism group. The decompensated cirrhosis in hyperthyroidism group was lower than that in hypothyroidism group (33.3% vs. 65.6%, P = 0.010), and the proportion of patients who had previously received surgical treatment was higher than that in hypothyroidism group (35.0% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.003); The proportion of clinical hyperthyroidism was higher than that of clinical hypothyroidism (70.0% vs. 31.2%, P = 0.001), the proportion of decompensated liver cirrhosis in clinical hyperthyroidism group was lower than that in clinical hypothyroidism group (23.1% vs. 68.0%, P = 0.022), and the proportion of previous or combined surgical resection was much higher than that in clinical hypothyroidism group (42.9% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.018); The proportion of decompensated cirrhosis in primary TD group was lower than that in secondary TD group (36.5% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.002), and the proportion of patients using antitumor targeted drugs was higher than that in secondary TD group (73.1% vs. 45.0%, P = 0.014).Conclusion Patients with PLC had high incidence of TD after receiving PD-1 treatment, and primary and subclinical hypothyroidism was the main manifestation type, which was related to the degree of disease and treatment.
Enhanced Removal of Pb 2+ From Aqueous Solution Using Modified Extracts From Food Processing Wastes: Design of Experiments
Authors: Okoebor Eboseremen Sunday , Anyaogu Ikechukwu Daniel , Menkiti Mathew Chukwudi , Ejikeme Paul Madus
Published: July 2022

In this paper, biosorption of lead from aqueous solution on chitosan and modified chitosan from crab shells was investigated. Batch experiments have been carried out to find the effect of various parameters such as pH, temperature, sorbent dosage, heavy metal concentration and contact time on the biosorption of lead using these prepared adsorbents. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the process parameters. Based on the central composite design, quadratic model was developed to correlate the process variables to the response. The most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for the biosorption of lead were found to be as follows: pH:10, temperature: 55°C, sorbent dosage: 2 g, metal concentration: 50 mg/L and contact time: 150 min. At these optimized conditions the maximum removal of lead by the chitosan and modified chitosan were found to be 84.38% and 89.83% respectively. From the analysis, the model’s coefficient of determination (R2) of (0.84 and 0.87 respectively of chitosan and modified chitosan) and F-value of (14.01 and 17.25 respectively for chitosan and modified chitosan) obtained proved that the experimental design model is adequate and can be used to navigate the design space. The sorbents were characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. Freundlich and Lineweaver-Burk isotherm model well expressed lead biosorption onto the studied sorbent. The metal biosorption onto the sorbents correlated well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
Retinal & choroidal alterations in migraine patients compared to normal healthy controls
Authors: Conway Miriam Louise , Ctori Irene
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Migraine is an incapacitating neurovascular disorder which primarily affects the working age population. Researchers have postulated that the transient vascular alterations during each migraine attack, leads to ischemic damage in the eye which can be measured via optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: We recruited 29 volunteers: 13 migraineurs (mean age 28±8.8 years; 12 female and 1 male) and 16 age-matched controls (mean age 26.6±6.9; 9 female and 7 male). All individuals underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination by a qualified optometrist and a Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS test). The investigators were blind to the migraine diagnosis. Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) thickness, Retinal Thickness (RT), Ganglion Cell Complex (GCL), ranging from the inner-limiting membrane to the inner plexiform layer, and Choroidal Thickness (CT) were measured using the 3D OCT-1Maestro, Topcon, a Spectral Domain OCT (SD-OCT) device. Results: In the migraine population average RNFL was lower for several parameters however, results did not reach statistical significance. A significant decrease in the right eye inferior parafoveal ganglion cell layer in the migraine group of patients (mean = 25.15, SD = 4.08) compared to normal healthy controls (mean = 28.81, SD = 4.85; t = (27) = 2.17, p = 0.039) was documented. No other ganglion cell layer or choroidal thickness reached significance. No significant relationship between ocular thickness parameters and either MIDAS score, migraine duration or aura diagnosis was found.Conclusion: A significant decrease in the right inferior parafoveal ganglion cell layer for migraine patients was reported. All other parameters did not reach significance. This area of research would benefit from a systematic review and meta-analysis which includes the RNFL, GCL and choroidal thickness and examines the impact of migraine type and MIDAS score/grade is needed
Synthesis, spectroscopic and catalytic properties of FeO x /Al 2 O 3 nanopowders prepared by cw CO 2 laser vaporization
Authors: Baronskiy Mark G. , Kostyukov Anton I. , Zhuzhgov Aleksey V. , Zaitseva Nadezhda A. , Cherepanova Svetlana V. , Larina Tatyana V. , Snytnikov Valeriy N.
Published: July 2022

Nanostructured powders xFe/nano-Al2O3 with the Fe loading of x = 0,0–5,0 wt% were obtained using laser vaporization by a cw CO2 laser. XRF, XRD, HRTEM, PL and UV-vis DRS techniques were employed to investigate physicochemical, structural and optical properties of the synthesized nanopowders with the average particle size of 9 nm. Nanopowders xFe/nano-Al2O3 as model catalysts were tested in isobutane dehydrogenation reaction. The results obtained were compared with similar data for the xFe/γPb-Al2O3 systems synthesized by the conventional sol-gel method. According to XRD and UV-vis DRS data, in the series of xFe/nano-Al2O3 samples a great part of Fe3+ ions is in the disordered environment of subsurface layers of Al2O3 nanocrystallites predominantly in tetrahedral coordination. In distinction to samples of the xFe/γPb-Al2O3 series, in the case of nanostructured xFe/nano-Al2O3 powders the formation of Fe2O3 phase does not occur at any concentrations of iron or conditions of testing. The analysis of the PL spectra of xFe/nano-Al2O3 powders also showed the presence of surface sites of Fe3+ ions, which were not detected for xFe/γPb-Al2O3. Catalytic testing of the xFe/nano-Al2O3 series samples in isobutane dehydrogenation revealed the formation of the iron active sites that ensure catalytic activity of the samples. Differences in the catalytic properties of FeOx/Al2O3 samples obtained by the sol-gel method and laser vaporization are related to different states of Fe3+ ions. Thus, the xFe/nano-Al2O3 nanopowders in contrast to xFe/γPb-Al2O3 contain a large amount of active Fe3+ sites. These sites involved in the dehydrogenation reaction are present predominantly on the surface of the nanopowders.
Contemporary Patterns of Local Ablative Therapies for Prostate Cancer at United States Cancer Centers: Results from a National Registry
Authors: Cole Alexander , Koelker Mara , Labban Muhieddine , Frego Nicola , Meyer Christian P. , Salomon Georg , Lipsitz Stuart , Withington John , Moore Caroline , Tempany Clare , Tuncali Kemal , George Arvin , Kibel Adam , Trinh Quoc-Dien
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: Local ablative therapies, a partial-gland treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa), offers targeted cancer treatment while minimizing side-effects. We aim to describe national-level patterns in its use for localized PCa in the United States (U.S.).METHODS:We retrospectively interrogated the hospital-based National Cancer Database (NCDB) for men with clinically localized PCa from 2010-2017. The main outcome was receipt of local tumor ablation with either cryo or laser-ablation, and other focal therapy including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Patient level, hospital level, and demographic variables were collected. A mixed effects logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify covariates and predictors on the patient- and hospital-level. RESULTS: Overall, 11 278 patients received ablative therapy. Cryotherapy was performed in 8 883 (78.8%), laser ablation in 1 755 (15.6%), and other focal therapy (HIFU) in 640 (5.7%) cases. On the patient-level, intermediate-risk PCa patients were more likely to be treated with ablative therapy (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 – 1.11, p=0.05) than low-risk PCa patients, as were men with Charlson Comorbidity Index >1 (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.29 -1.43, p<0.01), men between 71-80 years (OR 3.70, 95%CI 3.43-3.99, p<0.01), men with Medicare insurance (OR 1.38, 95% 1.31-1.46, p<0.01), and an income <$47 999 (OR 1.16, 95% 1.06-1.21, p<0.01). On the hospital-level, local ablative therapy was less likely to be performed in academic/research facilities (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32-0.64, p<0.01), while hospitals with a high annual caseload were more likely to perform local ablative therapies (2nd quartile, OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.12-1.35, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we report trends from 2010-2017, in utilization of local ablative therapies using a large national database of U.S. cancer centers. The technique is more commonly used in older men with comorbidities. The financial aspects of ablative therapy need to be addressed to avoid inequity in access to care.
Thermal pressure in the thermal equation of state for solid and a proposed substitute
Authors: Yan Jinyuan , Yang Shizhong
Published: July 2022

The thermal equation of state (TEOS) for solids is a mathematic model among pressure, temperature and density, and is essential for geophysical, geochemical, and other high P-T researches. However, in the last few decades, there has been a growing concern about the accuracy of the pressure scales of the calibrants, and efforts have been made to improve it by either introducing a reference standard or building new thermal pressure models. The existing thermal equation of state, P(V, T) = P(V, T0) + Pth(V, T), consists of an isothermal compression and an isochoric heating, while the thermal pressure is the pressure change in the isochoric heating. In this paper, we demonstrate that, for solids in a soft pressure medium in a diamond anvil cell, the thermal pressure can neither be determined from a single heating process, nor from the thermal pressure of its calibrant. To avoid the thermal pressure, we propose to replace the thermal pressure with a well-known thermal expansion model, and integrate it with the isothermal compression model to yields a Birch-Murnaghan-expansion TEOS model, called VPT TEOS. The predicted pressure of MgO and Au at ambient pressure from Birch-Murnaghan-expansion VPT TEOS model matches the experimental pressure of zero (0) GPa very well, while the pressure prediction from the approximated Anderson PVT TEOS exhibit a big deviation and a wrong trend.
Large-volume and deep brain imaging in rabbits and monkeys using COMPACT two-photon microscopy
Authors: Lu Yuqing , Wei Xiangzan , Li Wei , Wu Xujun , Chen Chao , Li Ge , Huang Zhongqiang , Li Yunfeng , Zhang Yu , Gan Wen-Biao
Published: July 2022

In vivo imaging has been widely used for investigating the structure and function of neurons typically located within ~800 μm below the cortical surface. Due to light scattering and absorption, it has been difficult to perform in-vivo imaging of neurons in deep cortical and subcortical regions of large animals with two-photon microscopy. Here, we combined a thin-wall quartz capillary with a GRIN lens attached to a prism for large-volume structural and calcium imaging of neurons located 2 mm below the surface of rabbit and monkey brains. The field of view was greatly expanded by rotating and changing the depth of the imaging probe inside a quartz capillary. Calcium imaging of layer 5/6 neurons in the rabbit motor cortex revealed differential activity of these neurons between quiet wakefulness and slow wave sleep. The method described here provides an important tool for studying the structure and function of neurons located deep in the brains of large animals.
RNA Sequencing Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Reveals a Novel Pathway Associated with COVID-19 Deterioration
Authors: Ikemachi Mami , Ogura Rina , Miyagawa Kazuya
Published: July 2022

The severity of COVID-19 depends on the host immune cell response. Most patients with COVID-19 had mild disease, but up to 30% of patients developed a severe disease. Risk factors associated with severe diseases such as age, smoking, and comorbidities are known, while molecular signatures that predict the disease progression are still emerging. Here, we investigated gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with COVID-19 using RNA-sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) based on the hypothesis that deteriorating patients have a unique molecular signature in PBMCs at an early stage of the disease. Twelve patients were included in RNA-seq (deteriorated vs. nondeteriorated, each n = 6). RNA-seq demonstrated 156 differentially expressed genes, and pathway analysis showed that “Nucleosome assembly” was the most important pathway, with 24 HIST1 cluster genes upregulated in the deteriorated group. In silico prediction of upstream transcription factors exhibited protein inhibitors of activated STAT 4 (PIAS4) as the most significant. TP53, STAT1, and IKBKG associated with COVID-19 pathophysiology are predicted to interact with PIAS4. Our results show that elevated HIST1 cluster gene expression predicts COVID-19 deterioration, which may induce histone-mediated lung injury and coagulopathy. The molecular mechanism could involve PIAS4-mediated transcriptional regulation and inflammatory signal transduction.
LIN28B Promotes Cancer Progression by Regulating the Warburg Effect via PFKP in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wang Simin , Wu Yong , Guo Xueqi , Guo Qinhao , Chen Siyu , Wu Jiangchun , Ha Xinyu , Wen Hao , Wu Xiaohua
Published: July 2022

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most aggressive and fatal malignancies in women, especially high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which has a mortality rate of 90% and a five-year survival rate of only 31%. LIN28B is an evolutionarily RNA-binding protein that is aberrantly activated in cancer, leading to the dysregulation of posttranscriptional gene expression. However, the possible roles and mechanisms of LIN28B in OC have not been fully explored.Results: Expression of LIN28B was upregulated in ovarian cancer and significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Cox analysis revealed that high expression of LIN28B was an independent predictor of overall survival among late-stage OC patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that LIN28B overexpression promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation and invasion, while knockout did the opposite. Xenograft tumour model indicated that overexpressing LIN28B promoted tumour growth in mice. Metabolic analysis revealed that LIN28B modulated mitochondrial respiration and glycolytic processes. Mechanistically, LIN28B bound and stabilized PFKP mRNA to facilitate the Warburg effect, rescue functional and metabolic assays further confirmed this phenomenon.Conclusions: Our study reveals a novel pathway independent of the LIN28/let-7 axis by which LIN28B promotes ovarian cancer progression by stabilizing PFKP mRNA to mediate the Warburg effect. LIN28B may be used as a prognostic predictor and a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
Complementary use of multi-model climate ensemble and Bayesian Model Averaging for projecting river hydrology in the Himalaya
Authors: Ahsan Shafkat , Bhat M. Sultan , Alam Akhtar , Farooq Hakim , Shiekh Hilal A.
Published: July 2022

This study aims to predictthe hydrology of the Jhelum basin under changing climatic scenarios based on Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). Six Global Circulation Models were dynamically downscaled for reliable climatic projections over the 21st century (2020–2080). To reduce the uncertainty associated with climate projections, multi-model ensemble estimations were refined using Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA). The assessment reveals that compared tothe baseline (1980–2010) values, the annual mean maximum temperature in the basin will rise by 0.41–2.31°C and 0.63–4.82°C and the mean minimum temperature will increase by 1.39–2.37°C and 2.14–4.34°C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5respectively. While as, precipitation is expected to decreases by 7.2–4.57% and 4.75–2.4 7% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 correspondingly. BMA ensemble projections were used inthe Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)to simulate the future hydrological scenarios of the drainage basin. With the changing climate, the discharge of rivers in the Jhelum basin is expected to witness reductions by about 23–37% for RCP4.5 and 19–46% for RCP8.5. Moreover, the water yield of the basin may also exhibit decreases of 17–25% for RCP4.5 and 18–42% for RCP8.5. The projected scenarios are likely to cause water stress, affect the availability of water for diverse uses, and trigger transboundary water sharing related conflicts. The impact of climate change on discharge demands early attention for the development of mitigation and adaptive measures at the regional level and beyond.
Comparison between conventional and compressed sensing cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance for left atrial volume and strain assessment
Authors: Chen Yang , Xu Panpan , Liu Wangyan , Zhu Yinsu , Zhou Xiaoyue , Xu Yi , Zhu Xiaomei
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of compressed sensing (CS) cine in quantifying left atrial (LA) volumes and strain assessments compared with conventional segmented cine.Methods: Segmented and CS cine sequences were acquired in 31 patients with LV diastolic dysfunction defined by echocardiography (21 males, age 51±15 years) and healthy volunteers (22 males, age 39±13 years) using an 3T MR scanner. LA volumes and strains were evaluated in both sequences. Results: There was excellent correlation for normalized LA volumes (ICCs ≥ 0.982), good correlation for LA EFs (ICCs ≥ 0.779) and moderate correlation for LA strains (ICCs ≥ 0.535) for both cines. Compared with segmented cine technique, LA passive EF from CS cine was not statistically different (segmented: 26.2 (10.7, 32.5) vs. CS: 24.9 (11.7, 35.4), p = 0.838), but radial and longitudinal strain derived by CS cine technique were markedly underestimated (all p < 0.001). The LA passive EF (EFpassive), passive radial and longitudinal strain values (Ere and Ele) from both cine techniques showed good diagnostic performance without significant differences in discriminating between patients and healthy controls (EFpassive, p=0.794; Ere, p=0.513; Ele, p=0.346).Conclusion: Compared with segmented cine, LA EFs obtained from CS cine were clinically comparable and LA strain parameters were underestimated. However, the performance of two cine methods to discriminate between patients with and without LV diastolic dysfunction is similar.
The right of access to healthcare: An analysis of how legal and institutional frameworks constrain or facilitate access to healthcare for residents in border areas in the East African Community
Authors: Ssengooba Freddie , Babirye Susan , Tuhebwe Doreen , Ssennyonjo Aloysius , Ssendagire Steven , Rutaroh Arthur , Mutesa Leon , Nangami Mabel
Published: July 2022

Background: Despite many countries working hard to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Health-related Sustainable Development Goals, access to healthcare services has remained a challenge for communities residing along national borders in the East Africa Community (EAC). Unlike the communities in the interior, those along national borders are more likely to face access barriers and exclusion due to low health investments and inter-state rules for non-citizens. This study explored the legal and institutional frameworks that facilitate or constrain access to healthcare services for communities residing along the national borders in EAC. Methods: This study is part of a broader research implemented in East Africa (2018-2020), employing mixed methods. For this paper, we report data from a literature review, key informant interviews and sub-national dialogues with officials involved in planning and implementing health and migration services in EAC. The documents reviewed included regional and national treaties, conventions, policies and access rules, regulations and guidelines that affect border crossing and access to healthcare services. These were retrieved from official online and physical libraries and archives. Results: Overall, the existing laws, policies and guidelines at all levels do not explicitly deal with cross border healthcare access especially for border residents, but address citizen rights and entitlements including health within national frameworks. There is no clarity on whether these rights can be enjoyed beyond one’s country. The review found examples of regionalization of health infrastructure and strategies to invest in shared specialized services (centers of excellence) although this was not addressing border resident communities. The regional EAC policies entail opportunities for increased collaboration and integration between EAC States. In practice, disease surveillance and epidemic control are the main formal collaborative undertakings among sub-national officials responsible for health and migration services. Tools like health insurance cards, national identification cards and travel documents were found to influence access to health services across the borders in EAC.Conclusion: In the era of UHC, there is need to take advantage of the EAC integration to revise legal and policy frameworks to leverage existing investments and facilitate cross-border access to healthcare services for communities residing along EAC borders.
Periodical propagation of torsion in polymer gels
Authors: Yamada Yuhei , Otsuka Yuji , Mao Zebing , Maeda Shingo
Published: July 2022

Gel actuators have potential in soft robotics. Although there are many gel actuators that realize various motion like contraction, expansion, and bending motions, most of those reported to date require external inputs such as batteries and circuits. Herein we propose a periodical torsional motion hydrogel driven by chemical energy from the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. Our BZ gel system realizes autonomous motion without a battery. The elastic moduli of the redox states of the BZ gel are investigated using stress-strain analysis. We design an experimental system with integrating the BZ gel and two PDMS (dimethylpolysiloxane) rotators to evaluate the torsion angles and build a model of the rotary motion. Finally, the experimental pre-twist angle dependence of the rotary motion is compared with the theoretical model. The results should contribute to the development of soft actuators without external components.
Comparison of Different Correction Formulas and Measurement Methods for the Accurate Determination of Intraocular Pressure after SMILE and FS-LASIK Surgery
Authors: Yang Zhiqing , Miao Na , Wang Lixiang , Ma Ke
Published: July 2022

Background To compare the accuracy of non-contact tonometry, Pentacam, and corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST) for the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) or femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) surgery.Methods A total of 49 patients (98 eyes) undergoing FS-LASIK or SMILE surgery at West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January to March 2021 were enrolled in this prospective, comparative, self-controlled study. IOP values were measured with non-contact tonometer, Pentacam, and Corvis ST before surgery and 1 month after surgery. Pentacam-derived postoperative IOP values were corrected using five correction formulas (Ehlers, Shah, Dresden, Orssengo-Pye, and Kohlhaas), while Corvis ST-derived values were corrected using a single formula. Results In the SMILE group, no significant differences were observed between the IOP values corrected with the Shah formula before and after surgery (t = 0.17, P = 0.869), whereas postoperative IOP values corrected with the other formulas were significantly different from the corresponding preoperative measurements (P < 0.05). In the FS-LASIK group, postoperative IOP values corrected with the Ehlers, Shah, or Corvis ST formulas were significantly different from the corresponding preoperative IOP measurements (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed between pre- and postoperative IOP values corrected with the Dresden (t = −0.08, P = 0.941), Orssengo-Pye (t = −0.52, P = 0.604), or Kohlhaas (t = 1.22, P = 0.231) formulas. Conclusions Pentacam’s Shah correction formula seemed to be the most appropriate method for accurately measuring postoperative IOP in patients undergoing SMILE surgery, while the Dresden, Orssengo-Pye, and Kohlhaas correction formulas of Pentacam were identified as the most reliable methods for estimating IOP in patients after FS-LASIK surgery.
Mechanism of residual stress superposition in milling process of thin-walled parts and comprehensive deformation control method
Authors: Shi Zhemin , Li Beizhi , Sun Zhihong
Published: July 2022

The processing deformation of thin-walled parts is difficult to control under the traditional process method because of the small rigidity of the parts and the large amount of removal. Simulation research of various process parameter combinations and engineering test are carried out for the typical thin-walled parts with 2mm wall thickness and diameter-thickness ratio more than 850 to solve the problem of deformation. Based on the umbrella-shaped special tool of YG8 tungsten steel, the influence of process parameters on the important indexes and distribution law of residual stress of thin-walled structure parts were studied. Residual stress superposition mechanism of process parameter combinations of semi-precision milling and fine milling are revealed. A process design method considering the deformation control objective of thin-walled parts is proposed. The method includes the principle of high-speed machining, the design criterion of process allowance considering the location deviation, and the optimization design method of process parameters and their combinations based on the high-speed and allowance allocation criterion, in order to improve residual stress and its distribution, reduce cutting deformation and the long-term stability of the thin-walled structure. The relative cross-section size, thickness, roundness and concentricity of thin-walled parts with conical surface were measured by roundness meter and CMM. Result reveals that the use of high-speed milling and the optimized combination of process parameters can effectively control residual stress and deformation.
Network Intrusion Detection via Tri-Broad Learning System based on Spatial-temporal Granularity
Authors: Li Jieling , Zhang Hao , Liu Zhihuang , Liu Yanhua
Published: July 2022

Network intrusion detection system plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity and availability of sensitive assets. Network traffic data contains a large amount of time, space, and statistical information. Existing research lacks the utilization of spatial-temporal multi-granularity data features and the mutual support among different data features, thus making it difficult to specifically and accurately identify anomalies. Taking into account the distinctions among different granularities, we propose a framework called Tri-Broad Learning System (TBLS), which can learn and integrate the three granular features. In order to accurately explore the spatial-temporal connotation of the traffic information, a feature dataset containing three granularities is constructed according to the characteristics of time, space, and data content. In this way, we use broad learning basic units to extract abstract features of different granularities, and then express these features in different feature spaces to enhance them separately. We use the “He” instead of the original initialization method in BLS to initialize the weights of feature nodes and enhancement nodes to achieve better detection accuracy. We exhibit the merits of our proposed model on the UNSW-NB15, CIC-IDS-2017, and mixed traffic datasets. Experimental JOURNAL OF SUPERCOMPUTING results show that TBLS outperforms the typical BLS in terms of various evaluation metrics and time consumption. Compared with other machine learning methods, TBLS achieves better performance metrics.
3D printed cellular structural composites with continuous fiber reinforcement: A deep study on printing structural parameters and bending performance
Authors: Cui Ziying , Huang Xiayan , Panahi-Sarmad Mahyar , Dong Ke , Xiao Xueliang
Published: July 2022

Herein, an upgraded fused deposition modeling (FDM) in a 3D printer was used to fabricate continuous fiber-reinforced composites (CFRCs) in various shape-filled cellular structures with Kevlar fiber and polylactic acid (PLA) as the reinforcement and matrix. The fruitful influences on the bending performance are printing path, fiber orientation, infill density, cell length, and layer thickness which have been systematically studied. A Finite Element (FE) model was established to compare with the experimental results. A three-point bending test revealed that, as the effective density increased, there was an undeniable rise in strength and stiffness of CFRCs with different infill structures. The structural parameters like cell length are greatly responsible for strengthening bending performance; this effect was evaluated by adjusting the fiber orientations along the stretching direction. The sample of the rhombus-filled cellular CFRCs with a layer thickness of 0.1 mm was found to have the highest bending strength and modulus of 53.61 MPa and 2728.41 MPa, respectively. Since the mechanical properties mostly depend on the core shape, cell length, and layer thickness, plenty of infill structures should be designed by a 3D printer to achieve the required bending strength and flexural modulus — this work is able to be a paradigm guide to reduce the number of printed samples.
Multistep synthesis, reactivity and X-ray structure of the anisole-terminated iron(II) polyhalogenoclathrochelates and their monoribbed-functionalized macrobicyclic derivatives
Authors: Limarev Ilya P. , Zelinskii Genrikh E. , Mosov Danila O. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Lazarenko Vladimir A. , Lebed Ekaterina G. , Voloshin Yan Z.
Published: July 2022

Multistep synthetic pathway towards a series of the anisoleboron-capped ribbed-functionalized iron(II) cage complexes was developed. Their hexachloroclathrochelate precursor was obtained by the template condensation of three dichloroglyoximate chelating ligand synthons with two molecules of 4-methoxyphenylboronic acid as a Lewis-acidic cross-linking agent on the iron(II) ion as a matrix. It easily underwent a stepwise nucleophilic substitution with S2- and O2-dinucleophilic aliphatic (ethanedithiolate) or aromatic (pyrocatecholate) agents, forming the stable X2 (X = S or O)-six-membered ribbed substituent(s) at a quasiaromatic cage framework. Performing of these reactions under the different reaction conditions (i.e., at various hexachloroclathrochelate-to-nucleophile molar ratios, a wide range of temperatures and a series of the solvents) allowed to control a predominant formation of its mono-, di- or triribbed-substituted macrobicyclic derivatives. Thus obtained iron(II) di- and tetrachloroclathrochelates can undergo their post-synthetic transformations with active nucleophilic agents. The latter complexes underwent a further nucleophilic substitution with the anionic derivative of n-butanthiol, thus giving the hexasulfide macrobicyclic compound with two functionalizing n-alkyl substituents in one of its three chelate a-dioximate fragments and two apical biorelevant anisole substituents. The obtained iron(II) clathrochelates, possessing a low-spin electronic d6 configuration, were characterized using elemental analysis, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, UV-vis, 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies, and by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments for the hexachloroclathrochelate precursor, its dichlorotetrasulfide macrobicyclic derivative and the monoribbed-functionalized hexasulfide cage complex. In all their molecules, the encapsulated iron(II) ion is situated in the centre of its FeN6-coordination polyhedron, the geometry of which is intermediate between a trigonal prism and a trigonal antiprism with the distortion angles φ from 21.4 to 23.4°. Halogen bonding between the polyhalogenoclathrochelate molecules in their crystals is observed.
Selective Extraction of Gold from Strong Acid E-waste Leachate Through H+-Triggered Cascade Reaction of Thiolated β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Yang Liming , Fang Difang , Yang Guang , Shao Penghui , Hua Zan , Bi Feihu , Wei Hanchen , Tu Yunyun , Chen Changli , Luo Xubiao
Published: July 2022

Recycling precious metals from the increasing amount of electronic waste (e-waste) is of great significance for the sustainability of strategic metal resources. However, there are rarely reports of technologies that can efficiently and highly selectively recover precious metals from strong acid e-waste leachates. Herein, we demonstrated a simply synthesized thiolated β-cyclodextrin (T-CD) that can recover gold with high selectivity from strong acidic medium. The material has an exceptional adsorption capacity, approaching 1890.98 mg gold/g of adsorbent, and a superior selectivity coefficient of about 5×104 for gold from multi-metal coexistence solutions at pH 2. Sulfhydryl groups, as the adsorption sites, are capable of selectively enriching gold to T-CD surfaces. Simultaneously, the acetal of T-CD can be hydrolyzed into hemiacetal by the initiation of H+ in acidic solution with a more energetically favorable reaction barrier (TS = -3.38 eV) than that in neutral solution (TS = 5.36 eV). Further, the serial transformation process of carbon structure and gold valence state (Au3+ to Au) induced by redox reaction of acetal carbon were confirmed by XPS and DFT. In addition, T-CD shows a remarkable ability to extract gold directly from actual complex waste printed circuit board leachate, which facilitates the recycling of the acidic solution up to five times. The concept of H+-assisted enhancement of adsorbent performance provides a new guidance for the direct recovery of rare and precious metals from strongly acidic actual wastewater.