bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal antigenic prediction of influenza A H3N2 using machine learning
Authors: Shah Syed Awais Wahab , Palomar Daniel , Barr Ian , Poon Leo , Quadeer Ahmed Abdul , McKay Matthew
Published: May 2023

Antigenic characterization of circulating influenza A virus (IAV) isolates is routinely assessed by using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays for surveillance purposes. It is also used to determine the need for annual influenza vaccine updates as well as for pandemic preparedness. Performing antigenic characterization of IAV on a global scale is confronted with high costs, animal availability, and other practical challenges. Here we present a machine learning model that accurately predicts (normalized) outputs of HI assays involving circulating human IAV H3N2 viruses, using their hemagglutinin subunit 1 (HA1) sequences and associated metadata. Each season, the model learns an updated nonlinear mapping of genetic to antigenic changes using data from past seasons only. The model accurately distinguishes antigenic variants from non-variants and adaptively characterizes seasonal dynamics of HA1 sites having the strongest influence on antigenic change. Antigenic predictions produced by the model can aid influenza surveillance, public health management, and vaccine strain selection activities.
An Intelligent-Based System for Detecting Depression on Social Media Platform
Authors: Ojo Oluwafolake , Adewuyi Inioluwa , Oni Oluwadolapo , Oyinloye Olufunke , Gbolade Idris , Ojo Abayomi
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The global quarantine measures implemented in response to the coronavirus outbreak have resulted in a surge of psychiatric issues, including but not limited to depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, which have placed a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The most efficacious prevention strategy for depression is the identification of its early warning symptoms. In recent times, the healthcare sector has increasingly embraced a technology-oriented strategy. The examination of social media content possesses the capability to significantly reduce the incidence of depression and, consequently, the number of suicides.
Methods: The present study introduces a computational method to detect social media users who exhibit symptoms of depression. The intelligent framework employs machine learning techniques to identify text in social media posts that pertain to depression. In this study, three distinct machine learning models, namely the bidirectional encoder representations from Transformers (BERT), the long short-term memory (LSTM), and the convolutional neural network (CNN) were subjected to 1 Springer Nature 2021 L A T E X template Article Title pre-processing and pre-training using data sets obtained from the Twitter API and the Reddit database. The ultimate goal of this study is to accurately distinguish between depressive and non-depressive content.
Results: According to the empirical analysis, the BERT model demonstrated a 92.4% accuracy rate and achieved the most optimal validation loss during the third epoch. Moreover, in comparison to the CNN and LSTM models, the BERT model exhibited greater efficiency across all performance indicators.
Conclusion: The BERT model performed exceptionally well in both text categorization and feature extraction when compared to the other pre-training models utilized in this investigation. The BERT model has been refined by the identification of these unique characteristics, making it better suited to the task of identifying depressive-related information in digital documents and social media posts.
Long-term impairment of social-related quality of life in COVID-19 pneumonia survivors: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Ando Takahiro , Shimada Sho , Sugihara Jun , Takayama Koji , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Miyashita Yoshihiro , Ito Tatsuya , Okayasu Kaori , Tsuyuki Shun , Ohba Takehiko , Doi Masafumi , Saito Hiroaki , Fujie Toshihide , Chiaki Tomoshige , Nakagawa Atsushi , Anzai Tatsuhiko , Takahashi Kunihiko , Shibata Sho , Tateishi Tomoya , Miyazaki Yasunari
Published: May 2023

Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 can affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We examined the long-term impact of COVID-19 on HRQOL and elucidated factors associated with low HRQOL. Discharged COVID-19 patients were assessed at 3 and 6 months after disease onset. The patients completed a medical examination and SF-36 questionnaire at the two time points and underwent pulmonary function testing at 6 months. All had undergone computed tomography (CT) imaging upon hospital admission. Of the 74 included patients, 38% reported respiratory symptoms at 3 months and 26% at 6 months. The aggregated SF-36 scores declined in the role/social component summary (RCS), a category related to social activity. Patients with respiratory sequelae or impaired pulmonary function had lower RCS scores. There was a negative linear relation between the RCS score and the CT score, which reflected the extent of COVID-19 pneumonia (3 months, P = 0.0024; 6 months, P = 0.0464). A high CT score (≥ 10 points) predicted a low RCS score at 6 months (P = 0.026). This study highlights the long-term impairment of RCS and its associations with respiratory sequelae. The study also emphasizes the importance of radiological findings in predicting long-term HRQOL outcomes after COVID-19.
Bearing capacity of centrically-vertically loaded strip foundations based on soil parameters: a classical earth pressure analysis problem
Authors: Pantelidis Lysandros
Published: May 2023

The bearing capacity of shallow foundations is one of the major fields of soil mechanics and foundation engineering. Since 1920, when Prandtl suggested the well-known failure mechanism with the three zones and 1943, when Terzaghi, based on this mechanism, suggested his famous equation with the three N-factors, numerous bearing capacity methods for the basic problem of centrically-vertically loaded strip footings have been proposed in the literature, mainly focusing on better defining the Nγ factor. It is mentioned that although Terzaghi considered the vertical balance of forces, he indirectly relied on the theory of earth pressure, calculating three earth pressure coefficients (for the self-weight and cohesion of the soil and for the lateral surcharge), which worked in the vertical direction. The purpose of the present paper is to suggest a completely new approach to the above-mentioned problem. It is shown that the problem in question is a classical earth pressure analysis problem, with a virtual wall dividing the failure mass into an active and a passive Rankine failure zone. Also, it is shown that it is not the Nγ factor which prevents us from having better prediction for the bearing capacity of footings, but the various non-effective depth factors. The solution to the problem demands a unique depth factor to be applied to all three bearing capacity terms. In this paper, this depth factor derives from extensive regression analysis. Moreover, since, as known, the dilatancy of soils affects the bearing capacity value, the proposed method has been calibrated against non-associated finite element models with ψ=0°. Thus, the proposed method is on the safe side.
Evaluation of a digitally enhanced cardiac auscultation learning method: results of a controlled study
Authors: Bediang Georges , Zock Agnès Baran à , Doualla Fred-Cyrille Goethe , Nganou-Gnindjio Chris Nadège
Published: May 2023

Background
Cardiac auscultation is an efficient and effective diagnostic tool, especially in low-income countries where access to modern diagnostic methods remains difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a digitally enhanced cardiac auscultation learning method on medical students’ performance.
Methods
We conducted a double-arm parallel controlled trial, including newly admitted 4th -year medical students enrolled in two medical schools in Yaoundé, Cameroon and allocated into two groups: the intervention group (benefiting from theoretical lessons, clinical internship and the listening sessions of audio recordings of heart sounds) and the control group (benefiting from theoretical lessons and clinical internship). All the participants were subjected to a pretest before the beginning of the training, evaluating theoretical knowledge and recognition of cardiac sounds, and a post-test at the eighth week of clinical training associated with the evaluation of satisfaction. The endpoints were the progression of knowledge score, skills score, total (knowledge and skills) score and participant satisfaction.
Results
Forty-nine participants (27 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group) completed the study. The knowledge progression (+ 26.7 versus + 7.5 ; p ˂0.01) and the total progression (+ 22.5 versus + 14.6 ; p ˂ 0.01) were higher in the intervention group with a statistically significant difference compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of skills progression (+ 25 versus + 17.5 ; p = 0.27). Satisfaction was higher in general in the intervention group (p ˂ 0.01), which recommended this method compared to the control group.
Conclusion
The learning method of cardiac auscultation reinforced by the listening sessions of audio recordings of heart sounds improves the performances (knowledge and global – knowledge and skills) of medical students who find it satisfactory and recommendable.
Trial Registration
This trial has been registered the 29 November 2019 in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.pactr.org) under unique identification number PACTR202001504666847 and the protocol has been published.
Explaining the Gender Gap in Labor Supply of Married Peoplein South Korea
Authors: Kim Anna , Hahn Youjin
Published: May 2023

Despite an increase in female labor force participation over the last decade, the gender gap in labor supply between married men and women has persisted in South Korea. We examine the gender gap in labor supply with a focus on education and spousal earnings in explaining the gap using decomposition analysis. Endowment differences in education between married men and women increase the gender gap. However, its adverse effect has decreased over time with Korean women acquiring either equal or higher access to education. We also highlight spousal earnings as an important explanation for the unchanged gender gap in labor supply. Our result implies that intrahousehold equality in earnings may lead to gender equality in labor supply and vice versa. Consistent with other studies focusing on Asian countries, a large portion of South Korea’s gender gap in labor supply remains unexplained.
JEL classification: J16, J21, J22
Urban Localization using Robust Filtering at Multiple Linearization Points
Authors: Gupta Shubh , Mohanty Adyasha , Gao Grace
Published: May 2023

We propose a robust Bayesian filtering framework for state and multi-modal uncertainty estimation in urban settings by fusing diverse sensor measurements. Our framework addresses multi-modal uncertainty from various error sources by tracking a separate probability distribution for linearization points corresponding to dynamics, measurements, and cost functions. Multiple parallel robust Extended Kalman filters (R-EKF) leverage these linearization points to characterize the state probability distribution. Employing Rao-Blackwellization, we combine the linearization point distribution with the state distribution, resulting in a unified, efficient, and outlier-resistant Bayesian filter that captures multi-modal uncertainty. Furthermore, we introduce a gradient descent-based optimization method to refine the filter parameters using available data. Evaluating our filter on real-world data from a multi-sensor setup comprising camera, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) demonstrates improved performance in bounding position errors based on uncertainty, while maintaining competitive accuracy and comparable computation to existing methods. Our results suggest that our framework is a promising direction for safe and reliable localization in urban environments.
Surgical resection of the primary tumor improves survival in patients with locoregional stage T1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a propensity score-based matched analysis
Authors: Zuo Huifang , Li Min-Min
Published: May 2023

Background Surgery at the primary site of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of surgery in patients with stage T1N0-3M0 NPC.Methods We reviewed 1803 patients with newly diagnosed stage T1N0-3M0 NPC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for the period 2004–2015. The Kaplan-Meier method and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to compare cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) between surgery groups and no-surgery groups. Restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) was used to assess the relationship between age and the hazard ratio of mortality. Independent risk factors associated with OS and CSS were identified by Cox ratio hazard regression analysis employing a backward stepwise method, which was used to develop prognostic nomograms for locoregional T1 NPC patients. The correlation index and calibration curves were used to assess the performance of the model. An online dynamic nomogram for CSS was also developed to assist the clinic in better using the predictive model.Results The study examined 1803 patients, of whom 242 received surgery, and the remaining 1561 did not receive surgery. Before PSM, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that OS and CSS were significantly longer in the surgery group than in the non-surgery group (P < 0.001). After 1:1 matching, similar results as above could be observed, that is, patients in the surgical group had significantly better OS (P < 0.001) and CSS (P = 0.0018) benefits. Subgroup analysis further showed that almost all subgroups undergoing surgery had superior OS and CSS, except for patients with tumor size > 30 mm and primary site located in the anterior wall of the nasopharynx. Finally, COX regression analyses showed that age, sex, marital status, histological type, N stage, tumor size, radiotherapy, and surgery were independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS.Conclusions This study indicated that surgery significantly improved the OS and CSS of patients with stage T1N0-3M0 NPC. The nomograms we established have satisfactory performance and may provide a reference for the clinic. Further prospective large studies are still needed to validate the results.
Experiences and Facilitators of Physical Activity Engagement: The Wearable Activity Technology and Action-Planning (WATAAP) Trial
Authors: Hardcastle Sarah J. , Douglass Emma , Wilson Bree , Maxwell-Smith Chloe
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study explored cancer survivors' experiences of participation in a wearable intervention and the dimensions that influenced intervention engagement and physical activity behaviour change.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews (n = 23) were conducted with intervention participants (mean age 65.8 (SD ± 7.1) and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Four main themes were identified; (i) Commitment, (ii) Accountability and monitoring, (iii) Routine (iv) Fitbit as health coach. Those that assigned a higher priority to PA were more likely to schedule PA and be successful in PA change. Those less successful presented more barriers to change and engaged in more incidental PA. The Fitbit acting as health coach was the active ingredient of the intervention.
Conclusions
Commitment evidenced through prioritising PA was the foundational dimension that influenced PA engagement. Interventions that foster commitment to PA through increasing the value and importance of PA would be worthwhile. Wearables holds great promise in PA promotion and harnessing the technique of discrepancy between behaviour and goals is likely a valuable behaviour change technique.
EasyModel: A User-Friendly Web-Based Interface Based on MODELLER
Authors: Arab Seyed Shahriar , Dantism Alireza
Published: May 2023

Background:Three-dimensional protein structures are invaluable sources of information for the functional annotation of protein molecules. Describing the function of a protein sequence is one of the most common problems in biology. Generally, this problem can be facilitated by studying the tertiary structure of proteins. In the lack of protein structures, comparative modeling often provides a useful three-dimensional model of the protein associated with at least one known protein structure. Comparative modeling predicts the tertiary structure of a certain protein sequence (target) mainly based on its homological sequence to the sequence of one or more proteins with known structures (templates). MODELLER is one of the most widely used tools for homology or comparative modeling of three- dimensional protein structures. However, most users find it challenging to start with MODELLER as it is a command line based and requires knowledge of basic Python scripting to use it efficiently.Results:In this study, a web-based interface has been designed to predict the tertiary structure of proteins based on Modeller, which does the comparative modeling automatically, and uses PHP and Python programming languages. This tool is called “EasyModel” and is available at http://bioinf.modares.ac.ir/software/easymodel/.Conclusion:EasyModel provides a straightforward graphical interface for Modeller that can be used in only one browser.
Should We Consider Sarcopenia in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease? A Preliminary Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Barbosa Ana Carolina , Brison Raquel S , Gomes Carolina C , Wilkinson Thomas J , Duarte Marvery P , Gruezo Nádia D , Ribeiro Heitor
Published: May 2023

Objective
We investigated sarcopenia and its traits in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease.
Methods
Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength (HGS) and the 60-second sit-to-stand (STS-60). Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance and anthropometry through mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Probable sarcopenia was considered as low HGS, whereas sarcopenia by adding low MUAC.
Results
Twenty-two patients were evaluated (11 ± 4 years and 59% boys). Sarcopenia prevalence was 50%. Low physical function by HGS and STS-60 was 59% and 100%, respectively, while low MUAC in 77%. HGS was positively associated with all body composition variables in the non-dialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups; on the other hand, the STS-60 was not significantly associated with any of the body composition variables.
Conclusion
Among pediatric patients with CKD, the prevalence of sarcopenia was high. Therefore, strategic interventions to body composition will likely confer positive benefits on HGS, but not on STS-60.
Multiphase CT scans findings for AI training in the differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma based on interobserver agreement of expert abdominal radiologist.
Authors: chiangmai Wittanee Na , Inmutto Nakarin , Chitapanarux Imjai , Pojchamarnwiputh Suwalee , Nimitrungtawee Natthapong , Inkeaw Papangkorn , Sri Patumrat
Published: May 2023

Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality used to evaluate liver nodule and differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The purpose of this study was to find out potential CT features in the differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with radiological and pathologically confirmed diagnosis of HCC and ICC between January 2013 and December 2015 were included. Two board certified diagnostic radiologists independently reviewed multiphase CT images. Most of HCC showed arterial hyperenhancement at 95.8%. Arterial enhancement in ICC was less often at 15.4% to 26.9%. Two readers showed a moderate agreement of cirrhosis appearance in both HCC and ICC. Cirrhosis appeared in HCC group more frequently than ICC group. Lymph node enlargement was more common seen in ICC than HCC and agreement between readers was almost perfect. Portal vein invasion in HCC was seen 14.6 % by both readers with a substantial agreement. We believed cirrhosis appearance and lymph node enlargement could be remarkable imaging feature in differentiated HCC and CCA.
Population characteristics of the endangered Barbary sheep in the Amassine nature reserve, Moroccan Western Atlas range
Authors: Bachiri Hakim , Znari Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Population characteristics of Atlas Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) were investigated 17 years following the 1999 introduction of 10 individuals into the fenced nature reserve of Amassine, High Atlas range, Morocco, for promoting wildlife watching and tourism. Population age-sex structure and density were determinate in late winter early spring during four consecutive years (2016–2019) by direct observation before dispersal of the herd. During 2017 the population age-sex structure and density were also investigated and determinate in mid-late spring while the herd is dispersed using the line transect-distance sampling method to have a comparison between the two methods (direct and indirect). Population size increased from 37 to 62 animals during the four-year study period; the maximal population size being 82 individuals recorded in 2006. An estimated population density ranged from 0.25 to 0.41 Barbary sheep/ha. The adult sex ratio varied from 91 to 67 per 100 ewes. The apparent birth rate was of 14 to 73/100 ewes. Juveniles and subadults comprised 27–43% of the population, adult rams 26–31% and, adult ewes 29–45%. The survival rate from birth to 1 year of age approximated 35%. For adult rams was estimated to average 69%/year. The obtained results would be helpful for developing a sustainable population management and habitat restoration plan, and assessing the feasibility of potential reintroduction/restocking in other areas of the Atlas range.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Surgical Benefit in Borderline Resectable and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Leiming , Yu Zehao , Jin Rong , Yang Xuanang , Ying Dongjian
Published: May 2023

Introduction Surgery represents a primary therapeutic approach for borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (BR/LAPC). However, BR/LAPC lesions exhibit high heterogeneity and not all BR/LAPC patients who undergo surgery can derive beneficial outcomes. The present study aims to employ machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify those who would obtain benefits from the primary tumor surgery.Methods We retrieved clinical data of patients with BR/LAPC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and classified them into surgery and non-surgery groups based on primary tumor surgery status. To eliminate confounding factors, propensity score matching (PSM) was employed. We hypothesized that patients who underwent surgery and had a longer median cancer-specific survival (CSS) than those who did not undergo surgery would certainly benefit from surgical intervention. Clinical and pathological features were utilized to construct six ML models, and model effectiveness was compared through measures such as the area under curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). We selected the best-performing algorithm (i.e., XGBoost) to predict postoperative benefits. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach was used to interpret the XGBoost model. Additionally, data from 53 Chinese patients prospectively collected was used for external validation of the model.Results According to the results of the 10-fold cross-validation in the training cohort, the XGBoost model yielded the best performance (AUC = 0.823, 95%CI 0.707–0.938). The internal (74.3% accuracy) and external (84.3% accuracy) validation demonstrated the generalizability of the model. The SHAP analysis provided explanations independent of the model, highlighting important factors related to postoperative survival benefits in BR/LAPC, with age, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy being the top three important factors.Conclusion By integrating of ML algorithms and clinical data, we have established a highly efficient model to facilitate clinical decision-making and assist clinicians in selecting the population that would benefit from surgery.
Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Green Tea Leaf extract and Evolution of Antibacterial activity
Authors: Kalakonda Parvathalu , Debbeta Naveen Kumar , Kathi Rajitha , Manduri Gopi Kishan , Bathula Naveen Kumar , Jadi Bhemarajam , Savu Ramu Naidu , L Merlinsheeba G , Mandal Pritam , Banne Sreenivas , Aitipamula Dayanand , Morampudi Vijay , Banavoth Murali , Eve Nainavinodini Sudarsanam , Podila Bala Bhaskar
Published: May 2023

The scientific society is exploiting the use of nanoparticles in nano-medicine, and biomedical applications. In the field of biomaterial and bio-nanotechnology, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are playing an important role due to their potential physical, chemical and biological properties ranging in activities from antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer treatment. Green synthesis technology is one of the most cost-effective, eco-friendly, and biologically safe methods. Green Tea leaf extract can reduce silver to AgNPs and enhance antibacterial activity. In this work, we demonstrate antibacterial activity effect employing green synthesis of AgNPs with green tea leaf extract. The UV-Vis and FTIR results showed confirming the formation of AgNPs and the presence of chemical groups enhancing the antibacterial activity of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs with green tea leaf extract were crystalline with a quasi-spherical shape with a diameter from 30 to 150nm. The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs in three different concentrations showed that 120mg/ml sample possesses higher ant-bacterial activity (significantly high killing ability) against E-coli than chemically produced AgNPs. These results confirm a more significant antibacterial effect of the biogenic AgNPs with low cytotoxicity than the AgNPs produced chemically. These findings can be used to treat chronic infections, diseases, and other biomedical applications.
Risk Assessment of Metal Contamination in Wastewater Drains of River Ghaggar in Punjab (India).
Authors: Kaur Harneet , Rajor Anita , Kaleka Amritpal Singh
Published: May 2023

Heavy metal contamination in surface water is a worldwide concern. The wastewater drains are a major source of river pollution as these drains carry agricultural and domestic waste into the rivers. The aim of the present study was to assess levels of heavy metals in wastewater drains of the Ghaggar River in Punjab (India). To carry out this work, the water samples were collected in five different seasons. The concentration of five metals (lead, cadmium, iron, aluminium, and nickel) was determined through Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES) technique. The data was interpreted through various environmental and human health risk assessments. The results of the current study revealed that lead, iron, and aluminium exceeded the permissible limit of the Central Pollution Control Board (India). The pollution indices such as the heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), water pollution index (WPI), and degree of contamination (Cd) suggested enormous heavy metal contamination in the study area. The human health risk assessment also revealed that people dwelling near these drains are highly prone to cancer disease and hazard quotients were observed above the threshold limit that poses high non-carcinogenic risks. On the basis of the current study, recommendations are made for water quality improvement in the wastewater drains of Punjab. These drains are further responsible for enhancing pollution in the main rivers in the State of Punjab and heavy metal pollution also poses several environmental and health risks. The compiled data during the present study provides a baseline model that can be helpful in resource management for government authorities of Punjab state.
Pyrogallol enhances the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell (A2780) to cisplatin and induced miR-15a upregulation
Authors: Shirani Azin , Reiisi Somayeh , Shabani Leila
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
Pyrogallol is a catechin compound, as an active ingredient extracted from Emblica officinalis, has anti-proliferative and antiapoptotic effects on a some of human cancer cells. Cisplatin is known as an effective chemotherapeutic agent against cancer by inducing DNA damage and apoptosis. However, the effect of pyrogallol alone and in combination with cisplatin on proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer has not yet been reported.
Methods
In the present study, ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 was cultivated, and the anticancer properties of pyrogallol and cisplatin determined by cell treatment of the two drugs separately and combination. Cell viability and apoptosis rate was investigated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The effects of the compounds in inhibiting colony formation and migration were measured by colony formation and scratch methods.
Results
The results of the present study revealed that pyrogallol significantly inhibited the proliferation of A2780 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The combination treatment of pyrogallol and cisplatin exhibited a prominent inhibitory effect on the growth, colony formation and migration, and increased the induction of apoptosis up to 2.5 times compared to single treatments. Also, the qPCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of miR-15a and a decrease in the expression of miRNA target genes under treatment with the drugs both separately and in their combination.
Conclusion
This study suggests that the combination treatment of pyrogallol and cisplatin significantly increases the death of ovarian cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Therefore, it can boost the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce its side effects. It is hoped that the findings of the present study can provide a new perspective for pyrogallol as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Effect of multiple recycling on thermo-mechanical and rheological behaviour of PP/EPDM thermoplastic vulcanizates
Authors: Burgoa Aizeti , Arriaga Alex , Schreier-Alt Thomas
Published: May 2023

Driven by the need to design sustainable polymeric materials that remain superior mechanical properties after recycling, this work is centred on the effect of multiple recycling of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). Among thermoplastic elastomers, TPVs combine several favourable characteristics such as damping, light weight, ease of processing by means of injection moulding, design flexibility and recyclability. Multiple processing of a commercially available PP/EPDM TPV by shredding and injection moulding was followed by analytical investigations on rheological and thermo-mechanical properties using melt rheological measurements, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and mechanical tests. The results show that key performance parameters of the TPV such as Young’s modulus, stress at 100% strain as well as stress and strain at break only change slightly. Stress at 100% strain can be used as a quality indicator as it decreases linearly with every recycling step. This study opens new opportunities to increase the content of recycled PP/EPDM TPV and even manufacture technical components with 100% recycled material.
Precise Estimation of Phase Center Variation of the Onboard GPS Antenna and Its Influence on POD for COSMIC-2
Authors: Kong Qiaoli , Chen Yanfei , Bai Qi , Han Jingwei , Wang Shi , Huang Yunqing
Published: May 2023

COSMIC-2 occultation meteorological observations can provide meteorological information at 50 degrees north and south latitudes to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting, especially for extreme weather (such as typhoon and rainstorm) forecasting. In order to ensure the smooth operation of COSMIC-2 satellite mission, it is necessary to achieve the precise orbit determination (POD) of COSMIC-2. In the processing of satellite borne GPS data, the error source of receiver antenna phase center error is very important. Based on GPS observation data, in orbit correction of the phase center variation (PCV) of the COSMIC-2 satellite borne GPS receiver antenna can improve the accuracy of satellite orbit determination. In this study, the PCV model is estimated in orbit using two methods, the direct method and the residual method, and the obits of COSMIC-2 satellites are determined by reduced dynamic method using the onboard GPS data. The orbit overlap comparison and the reference orbit comparison are used to evaluate the internal and external conformity accuracy, respectively, and the impact of the PCV model estimated by two methods on its precision orbiting are analyzed and compared. The results show that the orbit overlap validation accuracy is better than 1.27cm, 2.07cm and 1.05cm in radial (R), tangential (T) and normal (N) directions, respectively, and the root mean square (RMS) value in three-dimensional (3D) direction does not exceed 2.57cm without PCV model; the reference orbit comparison accuracy is better than 9.97cm, 13.34cm and 4.77cm in R, T and N directions, respectively, and the RMS value in 3D direction does not exceed 17.51cm. After adding the PCV models estimated by the direct method and the residual method, the RMS values of the orbit overlap comparison have the accuracy improvements of 2.5mm and 1.3mm in the 3D direction, and the RMS values of the reference orbit comparison are improved by 1.1mm and 2.1mm in the 3D direction, respectively.
Ferromagnetic Superconductivity in Two-dimensional Niobium Diselenide
Authors: Qu Tingyu , Jin Shangjian , Hou Fuchen , Fu Deyi , Huang Junye , Foo Chuan Darryl , Chang Xiao , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Lin Junhao , Adam Shaffique , Oezyilmaz Barbaros
Published: May 2023

The co-existence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity becomes possible through unconventional pairing in the superconducting state. Such materials are exceedingly rare in solid-state systems but are promising platforms to explore topological phases, such as Majorana bound states. Theoretical investigations date back to the late 1950s, but only a few systems have been experimentally identified as the potential host. Here, we show that atomically-thin niobium diselenide (NbSe2) intercalated with dilute cobalt atoms spontaneously displays ferromagnetism below the superconducting transition temperature (T_C). We elucidate the origin of this phase by constructing a magnetic tunnel junction that consists of cobalt and cobalt-doped niobium diselenide (Co-NbSe2) as the two ferromagnetic electrodes, with an ultra-thin boron nitride as the tunnelling barrier. At a temperature well below T_C, the tunnelling magnetoresistance shows a bistable state, suggesting a ferromagnetic order in Co-NbSe2. We propose a Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida exchange coupling mechanism based on spin-triplet superconducting order parameter to mediate such ferromagnetism. We further perform non-local lateral spin valve measurements to confirm the origin of the ferromagnetism. The Hanle precession signals show spin diffusion length up to micrometres below T_C, demonstrating an intrinsic spin-triplet nature in superconducting NbSe2. Our discovery of superconductivity-mediated ferromagnetism opens the door to the alternative design of ferromagnetic superconductors.
Hoarding titmice predominantly use Familiarity, and not Recollection, when remembering cache locations.
Authors: Smulders Tom Victor , Douglas Laura Jane , Reza Daniel , Male Lucinda Helen , Thrush Alexander , Alix Amélie , Dodd Alexander de Guzman , Read Jenny C.A.
Published: May 2023

Scatter-hoarding birds relocate their caches using spatial memory and have an enlarged hippocampus. Relocating a cache site could be achieved using either Recollection (a discrete recalling of previously experienced information) or Familiarity (a feeling of “having encountered something before”). In humans, these two processes can be distinguished using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. ROC curves for olfactory memory in rats have shown the hippocampus is involved in Recollection, but not Familiarity. We test the hypothesis that food-hoarding birds, having a larger hippocampus, primarily use Recollection to relocate their caches. We validate a novel method of constructing ROC curves in humans and apply this method to cache retrieval by coal tits (Periparus ater). Both humans and birds mainly use Familiarity in relocating their caches, with lower contribution of Recollection. This contribution is not significantly different from chance in birds, but a small contribution cannot be ruled out. Memory performance decreases with increasing retention interval in birds. The ecology of food-hoarding Parids makes it plausible that they mainly use Familiarity in the relocation of caches. The larger hippocampus could be related to associating cache contents and temporal context with cache locations, rather than Recollection of the spatial information itself.
Modified Altemeier procedure for incarcerated rectal prolapse--A Case Series
Authors: Zhai Yuze , Wang Benjun , Han Weiwei
Published: May 2023

Background: Intrusive rectal prolapse is a rare emergency condition. Despite the numerous surgical options available, the clinical outcome is not promising.
Objective：To explore the efficacy of modified Altemeier procedure in the treatment of incarcerated rectal prolapse.
Design:We conducted a follow-up study of 12 patients with impaction rectal prolapse.
Settings:This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.
Patients:A total of 12 patients with impaction rectal prolapse were included in this study. All cases were treated with emergency surgery because of failed conservative treatment.A total of 12 patients, 11 males, and 1 female, were included in this study. Age was 24-82 (Med42.08±MD15.95) years, previous medical history was 3-40 (Med19.92±MD13.43) years, and time from onset to admission was 0.5-26 (Med7.96±MD8.03) h.
Interventions:Modified Altemeier procedure was performed in all cases.
Main outcome measures:The primary outcomes included Mortality, complication rates, time and severity of postoperative recurrence, changes in pre- and postoperative Wexner anal incontinence scores and ED-5Q-5L quality-of-life autonomy scores. Secondary outcomes included operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and length of hospital stay.
Results:During the 24-month follow-up period, no death or recurrence was observed in any of the patients. There was only one case of hemorrhage from the anastomosis on the fourth postoperative day, and the patient was discharged after receiving emergency suturing to control the bleeding. At the same time, all patients' quality of life scores dramatically increased and the postoperative Wexner anal incontinence scores were significantly lower.Finally,The intraoperative bleeding volume was 15-20 (Med20.83±SD7.71) ml; the operative time was 140-260 (Med172.50±SD57.70) min; and the hospital stay was 6-44 (Med16.75±SD9.61) d.
Limitation:First, embedded rectal prolapse has an acute onset and requires emergency surgery, so there is a lack of objective indicators such as preoperative and postoperative anal manometry; second, this disease is extremely rare and few cases were included in this study; finally, this study is a retrospective clinical study and may be biased.
Conclusions: The mortality, ecurrence rate, complication rates after the modified Altemeier procedure were better than the results of previous studies, which showed that this modified procedure was effective in reducing the mortality and complication rates of impaction rectal prolapse. At the same time, patients showed significant improvement in preoperative and postoperative anal function and quality of life, but the length of hospital stay was longer than previously reported in the literature.
Selfing species has greater genetic diversity and less structure than related outcrossing species due to seed dispersal and population history in Roscoea (Zingiberaceae)
Authors: Shao Guo-Jun , Sork Victoria , Wang Ya-Li , Li Li , Chen Hong-Fan , Wang Wen-Jing , Huang Mei-Yuan , Li Qingjun , Zhao Jian-Li
Published: May 2023

Mating system is a crucial factor shaping the amount of genetic diversity and the fine-scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS), with selfing species usually having less diversity and stronger FSGS than outcrossing species. Such general conclusions resulted from comparisons among distant species, often neglecting consideration of co-effects of the population history, microhabitat and seed dispersal in different habitats. This study is based on two species of the genus Roscoea (Zingiberaceae) with contrasting mating systems to explore the FSGS. Using thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found in outcrossing Roscoea cautleoides (RC) and selfing R. schneideriana (RS) located in different habitats from same region, we compared genetic diversity, FSGS and historical population dynamics using outlier (non-neutral) SNPs and neural SNPs, integrating with field observation of seed dispersal distance. Roscoea cautleoides has lower genetic diversity and showed stronger FSGS than RS, which conflicted with the general expectations. Outlier SNPs exhibited significantly larger genetic diversity and genetic differentiations among individuals within population suggested adaptive divergence to different microhabitats. Both RC and RS experienced bottlenecks that are consistent with the Last Glacial Maximum (~21 kyrs) and the last second Glacial Maximum (~150 kyrs), respectively. Field investigation indicated seeds of RS were transported from stock plants by ant significantly further than seeds of RC. Our results indicate that seed dispersal, different historical population dynamics, and environmental heterogeneity can over-ride the initial impact of mating systems. This study remind us that collection of plant germplasm resources and ex-situ conservation should consider environmental heterogeneity within a population.
Research on Calibration of Moisture Diffusion Coefficient for Wood Drying Based on Drying Simulation
Authors: Qiao JiBing , Meng ZhaoXin
Published: May 2023

When wood is dried below the fiber saturation point, moisture primarily undergoes non-steady-state diffusion. To establish a foundation for wood drying, this study employs the non-steady-state method. The moisture diffusion coefficient of birch wood was determined under specific experimental conditions, based on a drying reference. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was employed to validate the findings. The results show that under the combined influence of moisture content and temperature, the moisture diffusion coefficients of birch wood are 2.36×10− 5cm2/s,2.09×10− 5 cm2/s,1.88×10− 5 cm2/s and 1.63×10− 5 cm2/s. The integration of moisture diffusion coefficient calibration and wood drying simulation enables more precise prediction of moisture migration behavior in birch wood. The simulation results demonstrate that calibrating the moisture diffusion coefficients enhances the accuracy of wood drying simulation and offers valuable theoretical guidance for wood drying processes.
Single phase biotransformation of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol using recombinant Escherichia coli expressing cpsADH alcohol dehydrogenase
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: May 2023

Biotransformation of organic substrates into organic products typically perform better with a two-phase system where the organic solvent such as n-hexadecane helps to solubilize the substrate and product. This work sought to test out the alternative approach of using a single aqueous phase to perform biocatalytic transformation of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol via Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) expressing an ethanol utilisation pathway and cpsADH alcohol dehydrogenase. Ethanol is provided to the resting cells in 89 mM phosphate buffer to enable NADH cofactor regeneration needed by the cpsADH enzyme which converts acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol in one step with production of NAD+. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the samples taken at different timepoints of the experiment reveal successful conversion of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol based on peak area analysis. Specifically, there was progressive decline in acetophenone concentration and concomitant increase in 1-phenylethanol. Overall, the work provides initial observations suggesting the feasibility of single phase biocatalysis in enabling the biotransformation of acetophenone to 1-phenylethanol.
Arctic shipping trends during hazardous weather and sea-ice conditions and the Polar Code's effectiveness.
Authors: Müller Malte , Knol-Kauffman Maaike , Jeuring Jelmer , Palerme Cyril
Published: May 2023

The Arctic’s extreme environmental conditions and remoteness make it a complex and dynamic environment for maritime operators. We find that Arctic shipping has grown by 7% per year over the past decade, despite the hazardous weather and sea-ice conditions that pose risks to vessels operating in the region. As a result of a strong increase in winter sailing, the time ships operate in these extreme conditions has tripled in the past decade. To mitigate maritime risks, the Polar Code has been introduced. Among other things, it regulates Arctic shipping by specifying hazardous conditions with a sea-ice classification scheme and design temperature threshold. However, we argue that the Polar Code needs refinement through the integration of maritime warning systems and a broader description of hazardous conditions. This is supported by an analysis of shipping activity patterns in severe sea-spray icing conditions and a discussion of a recent sea-ice induced incident along the Northern Sea Route.
O Criminal Compliance e Seus Efeitos: Entre a Prevenção ao Cometimento de Crimes e o Afastamento e Mitigação da Responsabilidade Penal do Administrador
Authors: Vecchio Fabrizio Bon , Beck Francis Rafael
Published: May 2023

O compliance criminal representa um programa de a orientações normativas de natureza jurídico-penal desenvolvido, implementado e executado a partir de um sistema complexo de políticas, controles internos e rígidos procedimentos destinados a garantir que a organização se mantenha em um estado de integridade. Além de prevenir a ocorrência de delitos no âmbito da empresa, o criminal compliance também deve assegurar o afastamento ou a mitigação da responsabilidade penal do administrador, a partir da dogmática penal posta e de alterações normativas, tendo com pressuposto a existência de um programa efetivo.
PENGARUH LAYANAN PROMOSI TERHADAP MINAT MUZAKKI DALAM MEMBAYAR ZAKAT DI LEMBAGA AMIL ZAKAT
Authors: Mch Nur’l Yakin , Jannah Isnaeni Nurul , Yurista Dina Yustisi , Tulab Tali
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh layanan promosi terhadap minat muzakki dalam membayar zakat. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dan subjek penelitian ialah orang yang membayar zakat (muzakki) di Lembaga Amil Zakat Nurul Hayat. Metode pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang dibagikan ke 100 responden sedangkan metode analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis deskriptif dan analisis regresi. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat dijadikan pedoman bagi Badan Amil Zakat dan Lembaga Amil Zakat dalam membuat program-program guna meningkatkan jumlah muzakkI dan penerimaan dana zakat.