bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy in the management of chronic fecalith appendicitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis: The first human case report
Authors: Zulqarnain Muhammad , Cui Guangxing , Lyu Wen , Huang Haitao , Wang Xia , Abdi Hamse Mohamoud , Gu Lingfei , Fang Shijie , Liu Fangzhou , Ling Liqian
Published: January 2023

To assess the effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) as a new technique and method for chronic fecalith appendicitis complicated by active ulcerative colitis. A 46-year-old male patient was admitted with right iliac fossa pain, tenderness, and raised inflammatory markers. A computed tomography (CT) scan of his abdomen confirmed a dilated appendix, which is considered chronic fecalith appendicitis combined with active ulcerative colitis. He was treated with an endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy procedure. The patient recovered well after the ERAT procedure and was discharged from the hospital in two days. On follow-up one year later, there was no recurrence of pain in his abdomen. In conclusion, ERAT could be seen as a different approach and be favored as a safer and more effective option in treating UC patients with appendicitis, especially those who are later in the course of the disease. Because of the ERAT procedure, such cases can avoid surgery and surgery-related complications. More research and issues must be addressed to demonstrate the efficacy and effectiveness of ERAT in appendicitis combined with UC.
Behavior of the geotextile reinforced dykes on sand-overlying-clay deposit
Authors: Yang Shuaidong , Liao Wei , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhou Mi , Zhang Xihong , Zhuang Shengzhen
Published: January 2023

An extensive investigation on the performance of large geotextile mat dykes on stiff-over-soft soil deposits is carried out undertaken through numerical simulation in this paper. The large mat is reinforced by geotextiles with a new type of arrangement, i.e. non-uniform geotextile reinforcement. The numerical model is validated against centrifuge test data and other previously testing results, prior to conduct parametric study. It is found that large geotextile reinforced dykes on sand overlying clay fails through a global mechanism that the whole dam sank downwards together. It is found that the thickness of the sand layer, the width of the dyke base, and the shear strength of soft clay are the key influence factors on the stability of the dyke. A design flow chart is then proposed to quantity the performance of the geotextile mat dyke with non-uniform reinforcement, in terms of predicting allowable dyke fill height and the corresponding safety factor, which can be employed to provide refer for its design and construction.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for the prevention of postoperative delirium in elderly surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Kai-Yu , Liang Shuang , Chen Lei , Xu Yong-Yi , Grellet Antoine
Published: January 2023

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative delirium in elderly surgical patients.

Methods

PubMed, CENTRAL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang databases were searched for randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on preventing postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing any type of surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative delirium. The secondary outcome was the duration of postoperative delirium. All analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 13.0 software.

Results

Twelve trials with 991 participants were included, and most of them were at high/unclear risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium (RR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.29 to 0.55, p < 0.00001) and shorten the duration of postoperative delirium (MD = –0.97 days, 95%CI = −1.72 to −0.22, p = 0.01). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery and thoracic surgery, but not digestive surgery; transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation with dilatational wave and with continuous wave were both beneficial; and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation was favored when compared to blank and sham control.

Conclusion

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium and shorten the duration of postoperative delirium in elderly surgical patients. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to weak evidence. High-quality, large sample, and multi-center trials are needed to further confirm the preliminary findings.

Systematic review registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-7-0096/, identifier: INPLASY202270096.
Prognostic and predictive factors of secondary gliosarcoma: A single-institution series of 18 cases combined with 89 cases from literature
Authors: Liu Jinghui , Li Chen , Wang Yuan , Ji Peigang , Guo Shaochun , Zhai Yulong , Wang Na , Xu Meng , Wang Julei , Wang Liang
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Secondary gliosarcomas (SGS) are rare malignancies that are diagnosed subsequent to pre-existing glioma. Clinical features and optimal treatment strategies for SGS have not been conclusively established. This study aimed to assess the clinicopathological features and outcomes of SGS.

Methods

We assessed the clinicopathological features and outcomes of SGS via retrospective analysis of data for SGS patients at Tangdu Hospital. Data from SGS patients in prior publications were also analyzed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Eighteen SGS patients who had been treated at Tangdu Hospital between 2013 and 2020 were enrolled in this study. Additional 89 eligible SGS patients were identified from 39 studies. The median age for the patients was 53 years old, and the most common location was the temporal lobe. The most common initial diagnosis was glioblastoma (GBM) (72.0%). Radiology revealed enhanced masses in 94.8% (73/77) of patients. Ten patients (10/107, 9.35%) had extracranial metastases at or after SGS diagnosis. Patients with initial diagnosis of non-GBM and who were younger than 60 years of age were significantly associated with a long duration of disease progression to SGS. After SGS diagnosis, patients with initial non-GBM diagnosis, gross total resection and chemoradiotherapy exhibited prolonged survival outcomes. Patients who had been initially diagnosed with GBM and received both chemoradiotherapy and active therapy after disease progression to SGS, had a significantly longer overall survival than patients who did not.

Conclusion

Initial diagnosis of GBM was a poor prognostic factor for SGS. Patients who underwent gross total resection and chemoradiation had better overall survival outcomes than those who did not. However, during treatment, clinicians should be cognizant of possible extracranial metastases.
The emerging role of MCPH1/BRIT1 in carcinogenesis
Authors: Alsolami Mona , Aboalola Doaa , Malibari Dolal , Alghamdi Tariq , Alshekhi Walaa , Jad Hind , Rumbold-Hall Rea , Altowairqi Ahlam S. , Bell Sandra M. , Alsiary Rawiah Abdullah
Published: January 2023

The MCPH1 gene, also known as BRCT-repeat inhibitor of hTERT expression (BRIT1), has three BRCA1 carboxyl-terminal domains which is an important regulator of DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints and chromosome condensation. MCPH1/BRIT1 is also known as a tumour suppressor in different types of human cancer. The expression level of the MCPH1/BRIT1 gene is decreased at the DNA, RNA or protein level in a number of types of cancers including breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer compared to normal tissue. This review also showed that deregulation of MCPH1/BRIT1 is significantly associated with reduced overall survival in 57% (12/21) and relapsed free survival in 33% (7/21) of cancer types especially in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and renal clear cell carcinoma. A common finding of this study is that the loss of MCPH1/BRIT1 gene expression plays a key role in promoting genome instability and mutations supporting its function as a tumour suppressor gene.
L-carnitine attenuated hyperuricemia-associated left ventricular remodeling through ameliorating cardiomyocytic lipid deposition
Authors: Yang Yang , Lin Cuiting , Zheng Qiang , Zhang Leqi , Li Yongmei , Huang Qinghua , Wu Ting , Zhao Zean , Li Lu , Luo Jian , Jiang Yanqing , Zhang Qun , Wang Xing , Xia Chenglai , Pang Jianxin
Published: January 2023

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is associated with left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and thereby causes the initiation and development of a large number of cardiovascular diseases. LVR is typically accompanied by cardiomyocyte energy metabolic disorder. The energy supply of cardiomyocytes is provided by glucose and fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Currently, the effect of HUA on cardiomyocytic FA metabolism is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that UA-induced cardiomyocyte injury is associated with cytoplasmic lipid deposition, which can be ameliorated by the FA metabolism-promoting drug L-carnitine (LC). UA suppresses carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B (CPT1B), thereby inhibiting FA transport into the mitochondrial inner matrix for elimination. LC intervention can ameliorate HUA-associated left ventricular anterior wall thickening in mice. This study showed that FA transport dysfunction plays is a critical mechanism in both cardiomyocytic injury and HUA-associated LVR and promoting cytoplasmic FA transportation through pharmacological treatment by LC is a valid strategy to attenuate HUA-associated LVR.
Targeted and untargeted metabolomics reveals deep analysis of drought stress responses in needles and roots of Pinus taeda seedlings
Authors: Wu Chu , Wang Yun , Sun Honggang
Published: January 2023

Drought stress is one of major environmental stresses affecting plant growth and yield. Although Pinus taeda trees are planted in rainy southern China, local drought sometime occurs and can last several months, further affecting their growth and resin production. In this study, P. taeda seedlings were treated with long-term drought (42 d), and then targeted and untargeted metabolomics analysis were carried out to evaluate drought tolerance of P. taeda. Targeted metabolomics analysis showed that levels of some sugars, phytohormones, and amino acids significantly increased in the roots and needles of water-stressed (WS) P. taeda seedlings, compared with well-watered (WW) pine seedlings. These metabolites included sucrose in pine roots, the phytohormones abscisic acid and sacylic acid in pine needles, the phytohormone gibberellin (GA4) and the two amino acids, glycine and asparagine, in WS pine roots. Compared with WW pine seedlings, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine significantly increased in needles of WS pine seedlings, but significantly reduced in their roots. The neurotransmitters L-glutamine and hydroxytyramine significantly increased in roots and needles of WS pine seedlings, respectively, compared with WW pine seedlings, but the neurotransmitter noradrenaline significantly reduced in needles of WS pine seedlings. Levels of some unsaturated fatty acids significantly reduced in roots or needles of WS pine seedlings, compared with WW pine seedlings, such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, myristelaidic acid, myristoleic acid in WS pine roots, and palmitelaidic acid, erucic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid in WS pine needles. However, three saturated fatty acids significantly increased in WS pine seedlings, i.e., dodecanoic acid in WS pine needles, tricosanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid in WS pine roots. Untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that levels of some metabolites increased in WS pine seedlings, especially sugars, long-chain lipids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. A few of specific metabolites increased greatly, such as androsin, piceatanol, and panaxatriol in roots and needles of WS pine seedlings. Comparing with WW pine seedlings, it was found that the most enriched pathways in WS pine needles included flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, ABC transporters, diterpenoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and flavonoid biosynthesis; in WS pine roots, the most enriched pathways included tryptophan metabolism, caffeine metabolism, sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. Under long-term drought stress, P. taeda seedlings showed their own metabolomics characteristics, and some new metabolites and biosynthesis pathways were found, providing a guideline for breeding drought-tolerant cultivars of P. taeda.
Impact of asthma control on health related quality of life in Islamabad, Pakistan: A correlational study
Authors: Razzaq Aisha , Sheraz Suman , Tariq Mohsana
Published: January 2023

Background: Asthma is a bronchial airways disease which is characterized by chronic inflammation and repetitive Asthma attacks. Quality of life is also affected by asthma control. Objective: The objective is to determine the correlation of the asthma control with the health-related quality of life in Asthma patients. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at N.I.H Islamabad and Federal General Hospital Islamabad. The asthmatic patients who had suffered from asthma for at least 6 months and were aged between 15-40 years, had received anti-asthmatic drugs and should have had residence at Islamabad/Rawalpindi were included. The subjects having cardiac, pulmonary or traumatic shortness of breath, any dermatological issues and those undergoing surgery were excluded from the study. The quality of life of asthmatic people was calculated using Urdu version of Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). The study was spread over 6 months and 100 asthmatic patients, calculated through G-Power, were selected in the survey through convenience sampling. Spearman's correlation statistics on SPSS was used to find relation between health related quality of life and control on asthma Results: Out of total patients, 31% asthma patients had uncontrolled asthma and 63% had partially control asthma symptoms and only 6% with controlled asthma. The correlational value of r = 0.886 shows a strong relationship between control on asthma and quality of life. P<0.05 so relationship is strong and significant. Quality of Life was poorer when the asthma was uncontrolled (2.12± 0.36) and it was better (5.46±0.30) when asthma was controlled. Conclusion: The study concluded that the patient's with controlled asthma had better quality of life as compared to the patients with poor control on asthma symptoms. These asthmatic patients had poor quality of life in all domains of emotional, environmental and activity limitation.
Perceived stress and sleep quality among health care faculty and postgraduate students during COVID- 19 pandemic lockdown
Authors: Rahim Amena , Farooq Fareeha , Ali Shabana , Nazir Shaikh Nabi Bukhsh
Published: January 2023

Background: Perceived Stress and quality of sleep are major determinants of physical and mental health. Objective: To determine perceived stress and sleep quality among medical, dental and rehabilitation sciences faculties and its association with age, discipline and designation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Islamic International Medical and Dental Colleges, and College of Rehabilitation Sciences of Riphah International University from July till September 2021. Two validated questionnaires Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered with informed consent using convenience sampling after ERC approval. Data was analyzed by SPSS 20. Spearman rank- order correlation test was used for correlation between variables. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 220 study participants, there were 119(54.1%) medical, 56(25.5%) dental and 45(20.5%) rehabilitation sciences professionals with 184 (83.6%) postgraduate residents and 40 (12.2%) consultants. Moderate stress was reported by 111 (93.3%) medical, 56 (100%) dental and 42 (93.3%) rehabilitation sciences professionals. Higher levels of stress were reported at ages 27-40 years (p=0.007), rehabilitation sciences (p=<0.001) and postgraduate students (p=<0.001). Poor sleep quality was found in medical and dental professionals (p=0.008) and post-graduate students (p=0.01). There was a positive intermediate correlation between stress and sleep disturbance (p<0.05). Sleep showed a weak negative correlation with discipline (p<0.05) and designation (p<0.05). Stress was weakly correlated with designation (p<0.05) and positively with age (p<0.05). Conclusion: A higher level of stress was detected in health care professionals in 27-40 years age groups, rehabilitation sciences and postgraduate students while poor sleep quality was reported more in medical and dental faculties and post graduate students' group.
Design and Manufacturing of the Multi-Layered Metamaterial Plate with Interfacial Crack-like Voids and Experimental-Theoretical Study of the Guided Wave Propagation
Authors: Golub Mikhail V. , Moroz Ilya A. , Wang Yanzheng , Khanazaryan Artur D. , Kanishchev Kirill K. , Okoneshnikova Evgenia A. , Shpak Alisa N. , Mareev Semyon A. , Zhang Chuanzeng
Published: January 2023

A novel kind of acoustic metamaterials (AMMs) with unit cells composed of two layers made of dissimilar materials with a crack-like void situated at the interface between bars is considered. Recently, the authors showed numerically that this novel kind of AMMs can provide unidirectional propagation of guided waves. Several AMM specimens (the finite stack of periodic elastic layers with and without voids) have been manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques and regular gluing. The details of the manufacturing process are discussed. In the experiment, the elastic waves have been excited by a rectangular piezoelectric wafer active transducer bonded at the surface of the specimen. Vibrations of the opposite side of the AMM specimen are measured via a piezoelectric sensor. The band gaps are observed in the experiment and values of their width and location correlate with numerically predicted ones.
Leaf Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry and Its Response to Geographical and Climatic Factors in a Tropical Region: Evidence from Hainan Island
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Liang Yongyi , Wang Guoan , Lin Xiaoyan , Liu Jiexi , Wang Hao , Chen Zixun , Wu Bingsun
Published: January 2023

Leaf stoichiometry effectively indicates the response and adaptation of plants to environmental changes. Although numerous studies on leaf stoichiometry patterns have focused on the mid-latitudes and specific species of plants, these patterns and the effect of the climate change on them across a broad range of plants have remained poorly characterized in hot and humid regions at low latitudes. In the present study, leaf N, P, N:P, C:N, and C:P ratios, were determined from 345 plant leaf samples of 268 species at four forest sites in Hainan Island, China. For all plants, leaf N (3.80 ± 0.20 mg g−1) and P (1.82 ± 0.07 mg g−1) were negatively correlated with latitude and mean annual temperature (MAT) but were positively correlated with longitude. Leaf N was found to be positively correlated with altitude (ALT), and leaf P was positively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP). The leaf C:N ratio (278.77 ± 15.86) was significantly correlated with longitude and ALT, leaf C:P ratio (390.69 ± 15.15) was significantly correlated with all factors except ALT, and leaf N:P ratio (2.25 ± 0.10) was significantly correlated with ALT, MAT, and MAP. Comparable results were observed for woody plants. The results suggest that leaf stoichiometry on Hainan Island is affected by changes in geographical and climatic factors. In addition, the low N:P ratio indicates that plant growth may be limited by N availability. Moreover, the significant correlation between leaf N and P implies a possible synergistic relationship between N and P uptake efficiency in the plants of this region. This study helps to reveal the spatial patterns of leaf stoichiometry and their response to global climate change in a variety of plants in tropical regions with hot and humid environments, which may provide an insight in nutrient management in tropical rainforest.
Cotton-Based Rotation, Intercropping, and Alternate Intercropping Increase Yields by Improving Root–Shoot Relations
Authors: Lv Qingqing , Chi Baojie , He Ning , Zhang Dongmei , Dai Jianlong , Zhang Yongjiang , Dong Hezhong
Published: January 2023

Crop rotation and intercropping are important ways to increase agricultural resource utilization efficiency and crop productivity. Alternate intercropping, or transposition intercropping, is a new intercropping pattern in which two crops are intercropped in a wide strip with planting positions switched annually on the same land. Transposition intercropping combines intercropping and rotation and thus performs better than either practice alone. Compared with traditional intercropping or rotation, it can increase yield and net return by 17–21% and 10–23%, respectively, and the land equivalent ratio (LER) by 20% to 30%. In crop growth and development, a balanced root–shoot relation is essential to obtain satisfactory yields and yield quality. Intercropping, rotation, or the combination can alter the original root–shoot relation by changing the ecology and physiology of both root and shoot to achieve a rebalancing of the relation. The crop yield and yield quality are thus regulated by the root–shoot interactions and the resulting rebalancing. The review examines the effects of above- and belowground interactions and rebalancing of root–shoot relations on crop yields under cotton-based intercropping, rotation, and particularly alternate intercropping with the practices combined. The importance of signaling in regulating the rebalancing of root–shoot relations under intercropping, rotation, and the combination was also explored as a possible focus of future research on intercropping and rotation.
Preferences for Sustainable Residential Lawns in Florida: The Case of Irrigation and Fertilization Requirements
Authors: Knuth Melinda , Wei Xuan , Zhang Xumin , Khachatryan Hayk , Hodges Alan , Yue Chengyan
Published: January 2023

The American landscape is well defined by the presence of turfgrass. To maintain the lush, green carpet, irrigation, fertilizer, and other necessary inputs are required. When these inputs are excessively applied, which is not uncommon, they are harmful to the natural environment. To mitigate potential adverse impacts, local and state governments are interested in policies that incentivize homeowners to maintain their lawns sustainably. But are there homeowners who are environmentally conscious and are willing to minimize their use of fertilizers or water? In this study, we evaluate the Floridian homeowners’ preferences for high- and low-level inputs of irrigation water and fertilizer using latent class logit (LCL) regression models based on data collected from an online choice experiment survey. Results indicated that there are heterogeneous preferences for the level of irrigation water and fertilizer application by Floridian homeowners, including high-input users (33% of the sample), irrigation-conscious users (27%), fertilizer-conscious users (23%), and moderate-input users (17%). The policy and marketing implications for relevant stakeholders are discussed.
Long-Term Effects of a Short Juvenile Feeding Period with Diets Enriched with the Microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana on the Subsequent Body and Muscle Growth of Gilthead Seabream, Sparus aurata L.
Authors: Ayala María Dolores , Balsalobre Noemí , Chaves-Pozo Elena , Sáez María Isabel , Galafat Alba , Alarcón Francisco Javier , Martínez Tomás Francisco , Arizcun Marta
Published: January 2023

Currently, microalgae are used in fish diets, but their long-term growth effect is unknown. In this experiment, juvenile seabream specimens were fed with microalgae-enriched diets for three months, and then transferred to a microalgae-free diet for 10 months to assess long-term effects up to commercial size (≈27 cm and ≈300 g). The juvenile diets contained Nannochloropsis gaditana at 2.5 or 5% inclusion levels, either raw (R2.5 and R5 groups) or cellulose-hydrolyzed (H2.5 and H5 groups). The body length and weight were measured in 75 fish group−1 at commercial stage. The size, number, and fibrillar density of white muscle fibers and the white muscle transverse area were measured in nine fish group−1 at commercial stage. The results showed the highest body weight in H5 at commercial stage. The white muscle transverse area and the white fibres hyperplasia and density also showed the highest values in H5, followed by H2.5. In contrast, the highest hypertrophy was observed in C and R2.5, being associated with the lowest muscle growth in both groups. These results showed a microalgae concentration-dependent effect in hydrolyzed diets as well as an advantageous effect of the hydrolyzed versus raw diets on the long-term growth of Sparus aurata.
New Validation Methodology of an Adaptive Wing for UAV S45 for Fuel Reduction and Climate Improvement
Authors: Salinas Manuel Flores , Botez Ruxandra Mihaela , Gauthier Guy
Published: January 2023

New knowledge in multidisciplinary methodology is presented in this article for the design, aerodynamic optimization, and model validation of an adaptive wing prototype. The optimization framework integrates the design, the finite element analysis, and the model validation. A computational fluid dynamics model of the adaptive wing and the flow in its vicinity was developed and validated with experimental metrics, such as the lift, the drag, and the lift-to-drag ratio. A new genetic algorithm strategy was chosen to find the optimized airfoil shapes for the prototype’s upper surface. The reliability of the proposed methodology was investigated through the design, manufacture, and testing of a wing prototype proposed for the UAV S45. The experimental and simulated results have shown a low drag production and a high lift-to-drag ratio of the adaptive wing prototype that will translate into a reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in cruising flight range and therefore into climate improvement.
Numerical Analysis on the Stability of Sandstone-Covered Mudstone Cutting Slopes Considering Rainfall Infiltration
Authors: Guo Ying , Du Yating , Shan Wei , Liu Mengdi , Zhang Chengcheng
Published: January 2023

Landslide caused by rainfall are easily produced when excavating conduct in sandstone-covered mudstone strata. The expansion project of the Heishan Village to Jixi section of Dan-A Highway is used as an example to study the formation and damage mechanism of rainfall-induced landslide in sandstone-covered mudstone cutting slope. Finite element numerical is used to analyze the stability of the slope by using Geo-Studio and ANSYS software for the three different rainfall-influencing factors of rainfall intensity, duration and rainfall form. The study indicates that rainfall time and intensity will decrease the stability of the cutting slope, and that the effect of rainfall on the slope is lagging behind. When rainfall intensity is 80 mm, rainfall duration is 1 d, and stagnation is 5 h, the slope instability is in the critical state. The front slope toe is the first unstable part in the process of slope instability. Rock and artificial construction are important reasons for this phenomenon.
Effect of Admixtures on Selected Properties of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Composites
Authors: Stankiewicz Natalia
Published: January 2023

This research was carried out to expand our knowledge of the effects of different admixtures on the properties of fly ash-based geopolymer composites. Three admixtures were used: a liquifying admixture based on stabilized polycarboxylates, a plasticizing admixture, and a liquifying admixture based on modified polynaphthalenes. The effect of variable activator content relative to the binder was also tested. The most favorable flexural and compressive strengths as well as water absorption were obtained in the series with a liquifying admixture based on stabilized polycarboxylates and an activator to fly ash ratio of 0.5 or 0.6. An increase in flexural and compressive strengths of 11% and 32%, respectively, was obtained compared to the series without admixtures. No positive effect was found for plasticizing admixtures or those based on modified polynaphthalenes.
Admission-Based Reinforcement-Learning Algorithm in Sequential Social Dilemmas
Authors: Guo Ting , Yuan Yuyu , Zhao Pengqian
Published: January 2023

Recently, the social dilemma problem is no longer limited to unrealistic stateless matrix games but has been extended to temporally and spatially extended Markov games by multi-agent reinforcement learning. Many multi-agent reinforcement-learning algorithms have been proposed to solve sequential social dilemmas. However, most current algorithms focus on cooperation to improve the overall reward while ignoring the equality among agents, which could be improved in terms of practicality. Here, we propose a novel admission-based hierarchical multi-agent reinforcement-learning algorithm to promote cooperation and equality among agents. We extend the give-or-take-some model to Markov games, decompose the fairness of each agent, and propose an Admission reward. For better learning, we design a hierarchy consisting of a high-level policy and multiple low-level policies, where the high-level policy maximizes the Admission reward by choosing different low-level policies to interact with environments. In addition, the learning and execution of policies are realized through a decentralized method. We conduct experiments in multiple sequential social dilemmas environments and show that the Admission algorithm significantly outperforms the baselines, demonstrating that our algorithm can learn cooperation and equality well.
Cloud-MobiNet: An Abridged Mobile-Net Convolutional Neural Network Model for Ground-Based Cloud Classification
Authors: Gyasi Emmanuel Kwabena , Swarnalatha Purushotham
Published: January 2023

More than 60 percent of the global surface is covered by clouds, and they play a vital role in the hydrological circle, climate change, and radiation budgets by modifying shortwaves and longwave. Weather forecast reports are critical to areas such as air and sea transport, energy, agriculture, and the environment. The time has come for artificial intelligence-powered devices to take the place of the current method by which decision-making experts determine cloud types. Convolutional neural network models (CNNs) are starting to be utilized for identifying the types of clouds that are caused by meteorological occurrences. This study uses the publicly available Cirrus Cumulus Stratus Nimbus (CCSN) dataset, which consists of 2543 ground-based cloud images altogether. We propose a model called Cloud-MobiNet for the classification of ground-based clouds. The model is an abridged convolutional neural network based on MobileNet. The architecture of Cloud-MobiNet is divided into two blocks, namely the MobileNet building block and the support MobileNet block (SM block). The MobileNet building block consists of the weights of the depthwise separable convolutions and pointwise separable convolutions of the MobileNet model. The SM block is made up of three dense network layers for feature extraction. This makes the Cloud-MobiNet model very lightweight to be implemented on a smartphone. An overall accuracy success of 97.45% was obtained for the CCSN dataset used for cloud-type classification. Cloud-MobiNet promises to be a significant model in the short term, since automated ground-based cloud classification is anticipated to be a preferred means of cloud observation, not only in meteorological analysis and forecasting but also in the aeronautical and aviation industries.
A Rare Adult Primary Intracranial Sarcoma, DICER1-Mutant Identified by Epigenomic Profiling: A Case Report
Authors: Marinelli Alfredo , Cuomo Mariella , Franca Raduan Ahmed , Buonaiuto Michela , Costabile Davide , Pagano Cristina , Trio Federica , Montella Liliana , Del Basso De Caro Maria Laura , Visconti Roberta , Chiariotti Lorenzo , Della Monica Rosa
Published: January 2023

Diagnoses of primary malignant mesenchymal brain tumors are a challenge for pathologists. Here, we report the case of a 52-year-old man with a primary brain tumor, histologically diagnosed as a high-grade glioma, not otherwise specified (NOS). The patient underwent two neurosurgeries in several months, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We re-examined the tumor samples by methylome profiling. Methylome analysis revealed an epi-signature typical of a primary intracranial sarcoma, DICER1-mutant, an extremely rare tumor. The diagnosis was confirmed by DNA sequencing that revealed a mutation in DICER1 exon 25. DICER1 mutations were not found in the patient’s blood cells, thus excluding an inherited DICER1 syndrome. The methylome profile of the DICER1 mutant sarcoma was then compared with that of a high-grade glioma, a morphologically similar tumor type. We found that several relevant regions were differentially methylated. Taken together, we report the morphological, epigenetic, and genetic characterization of the sixth described case of an adult primary intracranial sarcoma, DICER1-mutant to-date. Furthermore, this case report underscores the importance of methylome analysis to refine primary brain tumor diagnosis and to avoid misdiagnosis among morphologically similar subtypes.
Cost and Material Quantities Prediction Models for the Construction of Underground Metro Stations
Authors: Antoniou Fani , Aretoulis Georgios , Giannoulakis Dimitrios , Konstantinidis Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

This paper addresses the gap in the scientific literature regarding construction cost estimates for the construction of underground metro stations. It provides preliminary cost estimation models using linear regression for use by the Greek underground metro public transport authority for planning future extensions to the Athens and Thessaloniki networks. At the same time, it contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing material quantity prediction models and presents a two-stage preliminary cost estimation model for the construction of civil engineering works of underground metro stations. Stage one uses the construction cost budgets of six metro stations in Greece to develop a multilinear regression equation for the prediction of the overall cost for construction of civil engineering works; stage two provides estimates of material quantities using linear regression, key quantity ratios, and artificial neural networks. The data analyzed are from the prior measurements of quantities for the construction of the Chaidari to Piraeus extension of the Athens Metro Line 3. After comparing the actual values of costs and quantities with the corresponding predictions, acceptable discrepancies are observed. All models provide estimates within ±25% discrepancies, which are acceptable at the conceptual planning phase in order to initiate project funding quests.
Profile of MicroRNAs Associated with Death Due to Disease Progression in Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Leite Ana Kober , Saito Kelly Cristina , Theodoro Thérèse Rachell , Pasini Fátima Solange , Camilo Luana Perrone , Rossetti Carlos Augusto , Cavalheiro Beatriz Godoi , Alves Venâncio Avancini Ferreira , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Pinhal Maria Aparecida Silva , Kimura Edna Teruko , Matos Leandro Luongo
Published: January 2023

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common neoplasm of the endocrine system and has an excellent long-term prognosis, with low rates of distant metastatic disease. Although infrequent, there are cases of deaths directly related to PTC, especially in patients with metastatic disease, and the factors that could be associated with this unfavorable outcome remain a major challenge in clinical practice. Recently, research into genetic factors associated with PTC has gained ground, especially mutations in the TERT promoter and BRAF gene. However, the role of microRNAs remains poorly studied, especially in those patients who have an unfavorable outcome at follow-up. This paper aims to evaluate molecular markers related to the different pathological processes of PTC, as well as the histological characteristics of the neoplasm, and to compare this profile with prognosis and death from the disease using an analysis of patients treated for metastatic disease in a single tertiary cancer center. Evaluation of microRNA expression in paraffin-embedded tumor specimens was carried out by quantitative PCR using the TaqMan® Low Density Array (TLDA) system. Metastatic patients who died from progression of PTC had higher expressions of miR-101-3p, miR-17-5p, and miR-191-5p when compared to patients with stable metastatic disease. These findings are of great importance but should be considered as preliminary because of the small sample.
Endemic Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Authors: Zeinaty Perla El , Lebbé Céleste , Delyon Julie
Published: January 2023

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a common neoplasm in Eastern and central Africa reflecting the spread of human gammaherpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), now considered a necessary causal agent for the development of KS. The endemic KS subtype can follow an aggressive clinical course with ulcerative skin lesions with soft tissue invasion or even bone or visceral involvement. In the latter cases, a thorough imaging work-up and better follow-up schedules are warranted. As KS is a chronic disease, the therapeutic goal is to obtain sustainable remission in cutaneous and visceral lesions and a good quality of life. Watchful monitoring may be sufficient in localized cutaneous forms. Potential therapeutic modalities for symptomatic advanced KS include systemic chemotherapies, immunomodulators, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and antiangiogenic drugs.
Caries-Free Prevalence among Schoolchildren in Malaysia—Time-Series Analysis of Trends and Projections from 1996 to 2030
Authors: Najihah Lokman , Husin Wan Zakiyatussariroh Wan , Jalal Tengku Mardhiah Tengku , Marhazlinda Jamaludin
Published: January 2023

This study assessed caries-free prevalence trends over two decades from 1996 to 2019 and projected the caries-free prevalence from 2020 to 2030 among schoolchildren in Malaysia. The study consisted of secondary data analysis of caries-free prevalence from 1996 to 2019 in six-, twelve- and sixteen-year-old schoolchildren obtained from Health Information Management System (HIMS) reports. Three time-series models were compared: double exponential smoothing (DES), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and the error, trend and seasonal (ETS) model, and the best model with the smallest error was chosen for univariate projection of caries-free prevalence of each age group until 2030. An upward trend of caries-free prevalence was observed for all age groups over the years. Caries-free prevalence was projected to increase with a different increment in each age group for the next decade, with a slightly damped trend noted in 16-year-old schoolchildren. Of all the age groups, the caries-free prevalence trend and projection demonstrated to be highest in 12-year-olds, followed by 16-year-olds, while 6-year-old schoolchildren revealed the lowest caries-free prevalence over three decades. The 16-year-old schoolchildren demonstrated the smallest predicted increment in caries-free prevalence. Future work can explore multivariate projections. Meanwhile, more resources and interventions could prioritise all age groups.
Analysis of Motile Gyrotactic Micro-Organisms for the Bioconvection Peristaltic Flow of Carreau–Yasuda Bionanomaterials
Authors: Nisar Zahid , Yasmin Humaira
Published: January 2023

Nanofluids are considered as an effective way to enhance the thermal conductivity of heat transfer fluids. Additionally, the involvement of micro-organisms makes the liquid more stable, which is important in nanotechnology, bio-nano cooling systems, and bio-microsystems. Therefore, the current investigation focused on the examination of the thermodynamic and mass transfer of a Carreau–Yasuda magnetic bionanomaterial with gyrotactic micro-organisms, which is facilitated by radiative peristaltic transport. A compliant/elastic symmetric channel subject to partial slip constraints was chosen. The features of viscous dissipation and ohmic heating were incorporated into thermal transport. We use the Brownian and thermophoretic movement characteristics of the Buongiorno nanofluid model in this study. A set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations are created from the partial differential equations that control fluid flow. The governing system of differential equations is solved numerically via the shooting technique. The results of pertinent parameters are examined through velocity, temperature, motile micro-organisms, concentration, and heat transfer rate.
Incorporating VR-RENDER Fusion Software in Robot-Assisted Partial Prostatectomy: The First Case Report
Authors: Yang Che-Hsueh , Chen Li-Hsun , Lin Yi-Sheng , Hsu Chao-Yu , Tung Min-Che , Huang Shih-Wei , Wu Chi-Hsiang , Ou Yen-Chuan
Published: January 2023

Currently, the active surveillance of men with favorable intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) is a longstanding controversy, in terms of their oncological outcomes, and radical prostatectomy would constitute a similar concern of overtreatment, regarding its functional outcomes. Thus, focal therapy could be considered in men belonging to favorable intermediate-risk group. Among all focal therapies, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was the most studied methodology in clinical trials. Although HIFU provided better functional outcomes than radical prostatecomy, the oncological outcomes were inferior in men with intermediate-risk localized PCa. Two articles have been published discussing the feasibility and clinical outcomes of robot-assisted partial prostatectomy (RAPP), and both the functional and oncological outcomes were superior than those with HIFU. However, the rate of positive surgical margins (PSMs) was reported as high in the literature. Here, we present a case of favorable intermediate-risk localized PCa with an isolated tumor at the anterior apex. After reconstructing a personal three-dimensional (3D) image, we utilized it in a 3D image-guided precise excise, followed by intraoperative frozen specimen review. We found that this method may present a resolution to the high PSM rate documented in the current literature regarding RAPP. This method merits further study with a well-designed prospective study.
Association among University Students’ Motivation, Resilience, Perceived Competence, and Classroom Climate from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Sanchez-De Miguel Manuel , Orkaizagirre-Gomara Aintzane , Izagirre-Otaegi Andrea , Badiola Iker , Ortiz de Elguea-Díaz Francisco Javier , Gomez-Gastiasoro Ainara , Ferriz-Valero Alberto , Goudas Marios
Published: January 2023

Self-determination theory (SDT) suggests that motivation can interact with resilience and perceived competence. The climate-related characteristics of the classroom can influence student motivation. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the differentiated motivation of theoretical and practical teaching, resilience, and perceived competence, considering the number of students per class and the profiles of the lecturers. A total of 789 students participated (mean age = 19.31; SD = 3.37) from Psychology, Nursing, and Education degrees from different Spanish universities. The BRS (resilience), PCNS (perceived competence), and PLOC-U (university student motivation) questionnaires were used with a new scale designed ad hoc to measure motivation in practical teaching. Student-to-class ratios and different levels of teaching experience were also recorded. A test–retest design was used to verify the stability of the measures before and after the examination of the subjects. Intrinsic motivation in practical teaching was significantly associated with resilience (r = 0.09, p < 0.03) and perceived competence (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), and in theoretical teaching, it was associated only with perceived competence (r = 20, p < 0.01). The factorial analysis of the new subscale of the PLOC-U for the measurement of motivation in practical teaching presented a good fit and reliability (α = 0.60 to 0.84) in the five factors. Test–retest analyses revealed good temporal stability. Students in small groups with more experienced lecturers scored higher on intrinsic motivation, particularly in practical classes. The stable and reliable measurement of the different types of student motivation allows their analysis and association with other variables of interest in university education, which could lead to significant improvements in teaching planning.
Interaction Effect of Stand Age and Diversity on Aboveground Wood Carbon Accumulation in Subtropical Mixed Forests of the Zhejiang Province (China)
Authors: Wang Gang , Xie Binglou , Lv Yulong , Yin Jiayang , Zhou Yufeng , Xu Lin , Shi Yongjun
Published: January 2023

Aboveground wood carbon (AWC) stocks in forest ecosystems are mediated by biotic and abiotic variables. Understanding the internal regulatory mechanisms of forests is important for future forest management and global climate change mitigation. However, how these factors affect AWC in subtropical mixed forests remains poorly understood. Using a database from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) from China, we observed the effects of climate variables (temperature and precipitation), stand structure indices (stand density and DBH coefficient of variation and diversity), stand diversity indices (taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity), and stand functional indices on coniferous mixed forests (CMF), coniferous–broadleaf mixed forests (CBMF), and broadleaf mixed forests (BMF). Meanwhile, we examined the AWC based on a linear mixed model and a structural equation model for each mixed forest. We found that both stand structure and stand diversity can affect the AWC through their indirect effects on the stand function, aligning with the niche complementarity effect. Stand age is an important factor affecting AWC because it interacts with stand structure and stand diversity. Our study highlights that AWC is dependent on the regulation of stand age and structure, which can be crucial for boosting high carbon stocks in subtropical forests.
Geomorphometric and Geophysical Constraints on Outlining Drained Shallow Mountain Mires
Authors: Burliga Stanisław , Kasprzak Marek , Sobczyk Artur , Niemczyk Wioletta
Published: January 2023

Long-term draining of peatlands results in transformation of vegetation and obliteration of their morphological features. In many areas, efforts are made to restore the original ecosystems and increase their water retention potential. Using combined analyses of a LiDAR-based digital terrain model (DTM), colour-infrared (CIR) imagery data, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data, we tested the applicability of these methods in outlining the extent and subsurface structure of drained mires located in the Stolowe Mountains National Park area, Poland. The LiDAR-DTMs enabled parameterisation of physiographic features of the mires and determination of their extent, runoff directions and potential waterlogging areas. CIR analysis enabled classification of vegetation types. GPR prospecting revealed the bedrock morphology, thickness and internal structure of the peat deposits, showing that this technique can also provide data on variability in the decomposition of phytogenic deposits. The obtained ERT sections indicate both the thickness of peat deposits and variability in the bedrock internal structure. The results show that integrated analyses of data obtained with different methods can be an effective tool in outlining the original extent of peatlands, with potential application in the planning of peatland ecosystem restitution.