bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partitioning of Diluted Anyons Reveals their Braiding Statistics
Authors: Heiblum Moty , Sim Heung-Sun , Oreg Yuval , Hong Changki , Lee June-Young , Alkalay Tomer , Schiller Noam , Umansky Vladimir
Published: November 2022

Correlations of partitioned particles carry essential information about their quantumness [1]. Partitioning full beams of charged particles leads to current fluctuations, with their autocorrelation (AC, shot noise) revealing the particles’ charge [2]. This is not the case when the partitioned particle beams are diluted. Bosons or fermions will exhibit particles antibunching (due to their discreteness) [3, 4]. However, when partitioning anyons, such as the quasiparticles in fractional quantum Hall states (FQH), the AC unveils an essential aspect of their exchange statistics: their ‘braiding phase’ [5]. Here, we describe detailed measurements of partitioning diluted anyonic edge modes of the FQH 1/3-state. The measured excess AC agrees with our theory of braiding in the ‘time-domain’ - with a braiding angle of 2θ=2π/3 - without any fitting parameters. Our work offers a relatively straightforward and simple method to observe the braiding statistics of other exotic states, such as non-abelian states, without resorting to complex interference experiments [6].
RPL22L1, a Novel Candidate Oncogene Promotes Temozolomide Resistance by Activating STAT3 in Glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Yunping , Guan Qing , Li Chenlong , Zhang Yangong , Xu Yinzhi , Zhou Chong , Guo Ying , Ma Yanan , Mu Yu , Zhao Meiqi , Ji Guohua , Liu Peng , Sun Donglin , Sun Haiming , Jin Yan , Wu Nan
Published: November 2022

Aggressiveness and drug resistant are major challenges in the clinical treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). Our previously research reported a novel candidate oncogene ribosomal protein L22 like 1 (RPL22L1). The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential role and mechanism of RPL22L1 in progression and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of GBM. Online database, tissue microarrays and clinical tissue specimens were used to evaluate the expression and clinical implication of RPL22L1 in GBM. We performed cell function assays, orthotopic and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models to evaluate the effects and molecular mechanisms of RPL22L1 on GBM. RPL22L1 expression was significantly upregulated in GBM and associated with poorer prognosis. RPL22L1 overexpression enhanced GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, TMZ resistance and tumorigenicity, which could be reduced by RPL22L1 knockdown. Further, we found RPL22L1 promoted mesenchymal phenotype of GBM and the impact of these effects was closely related to EGFR/STAT3 pathway. Importantly, we observed that STAT3 specific inhibitor (Stattic) significantly inhibited the malignant functions of RPL22L1, especially on TMZ resistance. RPL22L1 overexpressed increased combination drug sensitive of Stattic and TMZ both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Stattic effectively restored the sensitive of RPL22L1 induced TMZ-resistant in vitro and in vivo. Our study identified a novel candidate oncogene RPL22L1 which promoted the GBM malignancy through STAT3 pathway. And we highlighted that Stattic combined with TMZ therapy might be an effective treatment strategy in RPL22L1 high-expressed GBM patients.
Post-discharge light physical activity indicates recovery in acutely hospitalized older adults – the Hospital-ADL study
Authors: Terbraak Michel , Kolk Daisy , Vroomen Janet L. MacNeil , Twisk Jos W.R. , Buurman Bianca M. , Schaaf Marike
Published: November 2022

Background: Physical activity (PA) levels might be a simple overall physical marker of recovery in acutely hospitalized older adults; however cut-off values post discharge are lacking. Our objective was to identify cut-off values for post-discharge PA that indicate recovery among acutely hospitalized older adults and stratified for frailty.
Methods: We performed a prospective observational cohort study including acutely hospitalized older adults (≥70 years). Frailty was assessed using Fried’s criteria. PA was assessed using Fitbit up to one week post discharge and quantified in steps and minutes light, moderate or higher intensity. The primary outcome was recovery at 3-months post discharge. ROC-curve analyses were used to determine cut-off values, and logistic regression analyses to calculate odds ratios (ORs).
Results: The analytic sample included 174 participants with a mean (standard deviation) age of 79.2 (6.7) years of whom 84/174 (48%) were frail. At 3-months, 109/174 participants (63%) had recovered of whom 48 were frail. In all participants, determined cut-off values were 1369 steps/day (OR: 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–4.6) and 76 minutes/day of light intensity PA (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.6–5.8). In frail participants, cut-off values were 1043 steps/day (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3–8.4) and 72 minutes/day of light intensity PA (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.6–10.8). Determined cut-off values were not significantly associated with recovery in non-frail participants.
Conclusions:
Post-discharge PA cut-offs indicate the odds of recovery in older adults, especially in frail individuals, however are not equipped for use as a diagnostic test in daily practice. This is a first step in providing a direction for setting rehabilitation goals in older adults after hospitalization.
Water-land-food nexus for sustainable agricultural development in main grain-producing areas of North China Plain
Authors: Zhu Lijia , Bai Yuping , Zhang Lijin , Wu Genan , Si Wanyi , Wang Anni
Published: November 2022

Stable and sustainable food production is an important guarantee for national security, economic development, and social stability. Water and land resources are key elements of grain production. Moreover, their unbalanced distribution will threaten sustainable agricultural development and regional food security. The main grain-producing areas in North China are important grain production bases in China, and it is vital to investigate the water-land-food nexus in order to promote sustainable regional grain production and sustainable use of land and water resources. Therefore, this study adopts the Gini coefficient and the water-land matching coefficient for exploring the water-land nexus in the main grain-producing areas of North China from 2000 to 2020. The water-land-food nexus considering grain crop production structure is further explored from spatial and temporal multi-scales. The results show that: (1) the Gini coefficient presents an increasing trend in the main grain-producing areas in North China from 2000 to 2020, indicating an increasing imbalance of the matching degree of agricultural water and land resources among inter-regions, with the most balance in Jiangsu Province, whereas the most imbalance in Anhui Province. (2) There are significant differences in WL nexus and WLF nexus among regions, showing a spatial pattern of "worse in the north and better in the south". Regarding on the WLF nexus, 60.8% of the municipalities are mismatched or mildly mismatched. (3) The cities such as Hengshui, Cangzhou and Suzhou belonged to the low WL-low WLF and high WL-low WLF should be considered as key targets when formulating policies. Adjusting the wheat-maize biannual system, optimizing the grain cultivation structure adapting to water resources distribution, promoting semi-dryland farming, reducing the intensity of irrigation water use and developing low water-consuming and high-yielding crop varieties are important for these regions. (4) In addition, improving field water-saving irrigation facilities, utilizing transit surface water resources reasonably and adhering to water conservation and water use target control are also essential measures for agricultural water management in North China Plain.
Performance of four centralized statistical monitoring methods for early detection of an atypical center in a multicenter study
Authors: Niangoran Serge , Journot Valérie , Marcy Olivier , Anglaret Xavier , Alioum Ahmadou
Published: November 2022

Background
The quality of the data collected is essential for the credibility of the results of clinical trials. Centralized statistical monitoring (CSM) has been proposed to quickly identify one study center in which the distribution of a variable is atypical, prompting on-site confirmation of the problem and correction as necessary. The ideal CSM method should allow early detection of a problem and therefore involve the fewest possible participants.
Methods
We simulated clinical trials and compared the performance of four CSM methods (Student, Desmet, Hatayama, Distance) to detect whether the distribution of a quantitative variable was atypical in one center in relation to the others, with different numbers of participants and different mean deviation amplitudes.
Results
The Desmet and Distance methods had low sensitivity for low mean-deviation values but very high specificity for detecting all deviations of the mean (including small values). The Student and Hatayama methods had higher sensitivity for low mean-deviation values but very low specificity for detecting all deviations of the mean. Increasing the number of participants in the atypical center, or increasing the ratio of the number of participants in the atypical center to the number of participants in the study, did not fundamentally alter the findings.
Conclusion
Although the Student and Hatayama methods are more sensitive, their low specificity would lead to too many alerts being triggered, which would result in additional unnecessary control work to ensure data quality. The Desmet and Distance methods have low sensitivity when the deviation from the mean is low, suggesting that the CSM should be used alongside other conventional monitoring procedures rather than replacing them. However, they have excellent specificity, which suggests they can be applied routinely, since using them takes up no time at central level and does not cause any unnecessary workload in investigating centers.
Assessing resident needs and faculty perceptions to improve training in rheumatology
Authors: He Lauren , Saygin Didem , Leverenz David , Quimson Laarni , Martin Shannon , Ko Kichul
Published: November 2022

Background
Internal medicine (IM) residents lack confidence in rheumatology. Due to the wide variety of topics in rheumatology, identifying the most important subjects to learn during training is vital to create future interventions to increase confidence and knowledge. The preferred teaching modality for both attendings/fellows and residents is not known.
Methods
An electronic survey was distributed to all IM residents, rheumatology fellows, and rheumatology faculty at the University of Chicago during the 2020–2021 academic year. Residents reported self-confidence levels on 10 rheumatology topics, while rheumatology attendings/fellows were asked to rank these from most to least important to learn during IM residency. All groups were asked preferred teaching modality.
Results
Median confidence level [interquartile range] among residents for caring for patients with rheumatological conditions was 6 [3.6–7.5] for inpatient and 5 [3.7–6.5] for outpatient settings (10 being very confident). Attendings and fellows identified the most important topics to learn during the rheumatology rotation as ordering and interpreting autoimmune serologies and musculoskeletal exam. Both attendings/fellows and residents preferred bedside teaching in the inpatient setting and case-based learning in the outpatient setting.
Conclusions
While some disease-specific topics such as autoimmune serologies were identified as important rheumatology topics for IM residents to learn, more practical topics like musculoskeletal exam skills were also deemed important. This highlights the need for comprehensive interventions that focus on more than standardized exam topics alone to improve rheumatology confidence in IM residents. There are different preferences of teaching styles in various clinical settings.
Medical Image Captioning via Generative Pretrained Transformers
Authors: Selivanov Alexander , Rogov Oleg , Chesakov Daniil , Shelmanov Artem , Fedulova Irina , Dylov Dmitry V.
Published: November 2022

The automatic clinical caption generation problem is referred to as proposed model combining the analysis of frontal chest X-Rayscans with structured patient information from the radiology records. We combine two language models, the Show-Attend-Telland the GPT-3, to generate comprehensive and descriptive radiology records. The proposed combination of these models generates a textual summary with the essential information about pathologies found, their location, and the 2D heatmaps localizing each pathology on the original X-Ray scans. The proposed model is tested on two medical datasets, the Open-I,MIMIC-CXR, and the general-purpose MS-COCO. The results measured with the natural language assessment metrics provetheir efficient applicability to the chest X-Ray image captioning.
High selectivity of frequency induced transcriptional responses
Authors: Givre Alan , Colman-Lerner Alejandro , Ponce-Dawson Silvina
Published: November 2022

Cells detect changes in their environment and generate responses. Often, gene expression is modified. In this paper we use information theory and a simple transcription model to analyze whether the resulting gene expression serves to identify extracellular stimuli and assess their intensity when they are encoded in the amplitude, duration or frequency of a transcription factor’s nuclear concentration. We find, for all cases, that about three ranges of input strengths can be distinguished and that maximum information transmission occurs for fast and high activation threshold promoters. The three input modulation modes differ in the sensitivity to changes in the promoters parameters. Frequency modulation is the most sensitive and duration modulation, the least. This is key for signal identification: there are promoter parameters that yield a relatively high information transmission for duration or amplitude modulation and a much smaller value for frequency modulation. The reverse situation cannot be found with a single promoter transcription model. Thus, pulses of transcription factors can selectively activate the “frequency-tuned” promoter while prolonged nuclear accumulation would activate several promoters simultaneously. Frequency modulation is therefore highly selective and better suited than the other encoding modes for signal identification without requiring other mediators of the transduction.
CubeSat in-orbit validation of in situ performance by high fidelity radiation modelling
Authors: Lenart Arpad , Sivasankaran Srihari , Hidding Bernhard , Oi Daniel , Ling Alexander , Neilson Peter
Published: November 2022

Space based quantum technologies are essential building blocks for global quantum networks. However, the optoelectronic components and devices used are susceptible to radiation damage. The SpooQy-1 CubeSat mission demonstrated polarization-based quantum entanglement correlations using avalanche photodiodes for single-photon detection. While predicting instrument performance remains a challenging part of space missions, here, we report on how in-situ dark count rate trends of two silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APD) may be predicted using high-fidelity radiation modelling techniques. This aids the diagnosis of unexpected trends in instrument performance as we were able to support the claim that differences in radiation shielding was a major contributor to the observed in-orbit data. While low-fidelity modelling is limited to lifetime predictions, implementing high-fidelity radiation modelling can have applications beyond this for low-earth orbit CubeSats.
Simple live-imaging method for viewing the first cleavage of mouse embryos that does not require genetic manipulation
Authors: Okabe Motonari , Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Goto Mayumi , Iwasawa Takuya , Sakaguchi Taichi , Fujishima Akiko , Onodera Yohei , Makino Kenichi , Miura Hiroshi , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Takahashi Kazumasa , Terada Yukihiro
Published: November 2022

Time-lapse incubators have become increasingly popular in assisted reproductive technology, allowing for the observation of the developmental process, which may be useful in the selection of human embryos suitable for transplantation. Dynamic morphological changes of chromosomes and the cytoskeleton occur during early embryonic development, including in humans, and abnormalities such as embryonic chromosomal aneuploidy occur when development does not proceed normally. Chromosome and cytoskeletal dynamics are difficult to observe with time-lapse bright field monitoring. However, in recent years, live-cell imaging techniques have been used to analyse these dynamics by injecting fluorescently labelled cytoskeletal proteins or mRNA encoding fluorescein probes. These require complicated procedures and necessitate mechanical invasion of cells. Here, we introduced a fluorescence-labelled probe with cell-membrane permeability that specifically adheres to DNA and to the cytoskeleton as imaged in an incubator-integrated time-lapse confocal laser microscope observation system. This platform enabled us to analyse, in detail, the dynamics of chromosomes, microtubules, and microfilaments from the fertilized pronuclear zygote, through first cleavage, to 2-cell stage embryo. This method is simple and does not require genetic manipulation, and its application can be expected to provide novel insights into embryonic development in many mammals, including humans.
UV radiation: plant responses and an in-depth mechanism of sustainability under climatic extremities
Authors: Bera Kuntal , Ball Kakan , Ghosh Subir , Sadhukhan Sanjoy , Dutta Puspendu
Published: November 2022

Light is the primary element that plants need to grow, and UV rays, the harmful part of solar radiation, can decrease plant growth by slowing down the metabolic rate of photosynthesis. There are three different types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, each with a distinct waveband: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (280 nm). Wavelength, intensity, and exposure to light have a big impact on plant quality and growth. Photoreceptors such as UV Resistance Locus 8 (UVR8), which promotes adaptation to UV-B stress, control how plants interact with UV radiation. While it is well established that UV in large amounts can harm production and quality metrics, some studies suggest that UV in moderate doses may promote biomass growth and the creation of beneficial chemicals that primarily absorb UV. It is well known that UV radiation causes differences in plant architecture, which are significant in ornamental crops and raise their economic value. Increased resistance to insects and diseases and a reduction in postharvest quality depletion are two effects of abiotic stress brought on by UV exposure. This review emphasises how UV may affect plant quality, growth, photomorphogenesis, and resistance to abiotic and biotic stress.
The unrecognized role of fidelity in effectiveness-implementation hybrid trials: simulation study and guidance for implementation researchers
Authors: Trutschel Diana , Blatter Catherine , Simon Michael , Holle Daniela , Reuther Sven , Brunkert Thekla
Published: November 2022

Background

Effectiveness-implementation hybrid designs are a relatively new approach to evaluate efficacious interventions in real world settings while concurrently gathering information on the implementation. Intervention fidelity can significantly influence the effectiveness of an intervention during implementation. However little guidance exists for applied researchers conducting effectiveness-implementation hybrid trials regarding the impact of fidelity on intervention effects and power.

Methods

We conducted a simulation study based on parameters from a clinical example study. For the simulation we explored parallel and stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials (CRTs) and hypothetical patterns of fidelity increase during implementation: slow, linear and fast. Based on fixed design parameters, i.e. the number of clusters (C = 6), time points (T = 7) and patients per cluster (n = 10) we used linear mixed models to estimate the intervention effect and calculated the power for different fidelity patterns. Further, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to compare outcomes based on different assumptions for the intracluster-correlation coefficient and the cluster size.

Results

Ensuring high fidelity from the beginning is central to achieve accurate intervention effect estimates in stepped-wedge and parallel CRTs. The importance of high fidelity in the earlier stages is more emphasized in stepped-wedge designs than in parallel CRTs. In contrast, if the increase of fidelity is too slow despite relatively high starting levels, the study will likely be underpowered and the intervention effect estimates will also be biased. This effect is more accentuated in parallel CRTs, here reaching 100% fidelity within the next measurement points is crucial.

Conclusions

This study discusses the importance of intervention fidelity for the study`s power and highlights different recommendations to deal with low fidelity in parallel and stepped-wedge CRTs from a design perspective. Applied researchers should consider the detrimental effect of low fidelity in their evaluation design. Overall, there are fewer options to adjust the trial design after the fact in parallel CRT as compared to stepped-wedge CRTs. Particular emphasis should be placed on the selection of contextually relevant implementation strategies.
Transrectal versus transperineal prostate biopsy in detection of prostate cancer: a retrospective study based on 452 patients
Authors: Lu Mengxin , Luo Yi , Wang Yongzhi , Yu Jingtian , Zheng Hang , Yang Zhonghua
Published: November 2022

Background Transrectal (TR) ultrasound guided prostate biopsy and transperineal (TP) ultrasound guided prostate biopsy are the two most commonly used methods to detect prostate cancer, the detection rate of the two biopsy approaches may differ in patients with different clinical characteristics. Here we aimed to compare the prostate cancer detection rate and positive rate of biopsy cores between TR and TP prostate biopsy in patients with different clinical characteristics.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed and compared the clinical data of 452 patients underwent TR or TP prostate biopsy in our hospital from June 2017 to September 2021. And patients were stratified according to several clinical characteristic (serum PSA level, prostate volume, PSA density, PI-RADS score, T stage and ISUP grade), cancer detection rate and positive rate of biopsy cores were compared in different stratified groups.
Results There was no significant difference in age, PSA level, prostate volume, and PSA density between the TR and TP groups. TR group had a higher overall cancer detection rate and positive rate of biopsy cores than TP group. Further subgroup analysis showed that TR group had a higher cancer detection rate in patients with PI-RADS score of > 3, prostate volumes > 30 mL, and that the TR group had a higher positive rate of biopsy cores among the patients with T3-T4 stages, while TP group had a higher positive rates of biopsy cores among the patients with T1-T2 stages.
Conclusions TR approach may have advantage in patients with PI-RADS score of > 3, prostate volumes > 30 mL and T3-T4 stages, while TP approach may have advantage in patients with T1-T2 stages.
Parametric and Non-parametric Analysis on RHMFO based Optimal Detection of BorderGateway Protocol Anomalies
Authors: Mala Sunita. , Chairperson India Department of ISE Sharnbasava University Kalaburgi Suj
Published: November 2022

For secure and effective Internet access, the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) must be able to recognize and stop strange coincidences in real time. Regardless, over the past ten years, more study has focused on spotting BGP abnormalities; because of the rise of new bizarre behaviour from both hackers and network configuration errors, it continues to be more challenging. This work goes with the parametric and non parametric analysis of RHMFO based Optimal Detection of BGP Anomalieswith two major steps (i) Feature Extraction (ii) Anomaly Detection". Initially, extensive features such "statistical features, higher order statistical features, and correntropy features" are extracted during the feature extraction stage. For the detection process, an optimized DBN is proposed to define the presence of attack. Here, a hybrid optimization model known as RHMFO is introduced to fine-tune the weight of DBN in order to enhance the detection accuracy. The traditional Rider Optimization Method (ROA) and the MFO algorithm are conceptually combined to create the suggested RHMFO paradigm. Finally, in this paper, parametric and non-parametric analysis is performed. By varying the parameters of RHMFO, the performance of the suggested work is evaluated.
Towards Trustworthy Human Suspicious Activity Detection from Surveillance Videos Using Deep Learning
Authors: Buttar Ahmed Mateen , Bano Mahnoor , Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Gumaei Abdu H.
Published: November 2022

In today’s world suspicious or unusual activities express threat and danger to others. For the prevention from various security issues an automatic video detection system is very important. The study objective is to create an intelligent system that will take a video stream as input and detect what kind suspicious activity is happening in that particular video to reduce the time that consume on watching video. It is difficult to consecutively monitor cameras videos that recorded in public places for the detection any abnormal event so an automatic video detection system is needed for that purpose. For that purpose, deep learning-based model is the best approach. In this work we use three models Convolutional neural network (CNN) model GRU model and ConvLSTM model. These models are trained on the same dataset of 6 suspicious activities of humans that are (Running, Punching, Falling, Snatching, Kicking and Shooting). The dataset consist of various video related to each activity. Different deep learning techniques are applied in the proposed work that are preprocessing, data annotation model training and classification. The frames are extracted from the source video and then features are calculated through model known as Inception v3 which is a variant of Convolutional Neural Network. On the same dataset the CNN model attains 91.55% accuracy the ConvLSTM model attain 88.73% accuracy and the GRU model attain 84.01% accuracy. The performance of proposed models are evaluated using confusion matrix, f1-score, precision, and recall. The proposed model proved better than other models in terms of performance and accuracy. The findings of this study prove helpful unusual event by examining the abnormal behaviour of person.
Inferior vena cava distensibility from subcostal and trans-hepatic imaging using both M- mode or artificial intelligence: a prospective study on mechanically ventilated patients. Short Title: Subcostal vs transhepatic IVC evaluation
Authors: Sanfilippo Filippo , Via Luigi La , Dezio Veronica , Amelio Paolo , Genoese Giulio , Messina Antonio , Robba Chiara , Noto Alberto
Published: November 2022

Background: Variation of inferior vena cava (IVC) is used to predict fluid-responsiveness, but the IVC visualization with standard sagittal approach (SC, subcostal) cannot be always achieved. In such cases, coronal trans-hepatic (TH) window may offer an alternative, but the interchangeability of IVC measurements in SC and TH is not fully established. Further, artificial intelligence (AI) with automated border detection may be of clinical value but it needs validation.
Methods: Prospective observational study in mechanically ventilated patients with pressure-controlled mode. Primary outcome was the IVC distensibility (IVCd) in SC and TH imaging, with measurements taken both in M-Mode or with AI software. We calculated mean bias, limits of agreement (LoA), and intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient.
Results: Thirty-three patients were included. Feasibility rate was 87.9% and 81.8% for SC and TH visualization, respectively. Comparing imaging from the same anatomical site acquired with different modalities (M-Mode vs AI), we found the following IVCd differences: 1)SC: mean bias -3.1%, LoA [-20.1;13.9], ICC=0.65; 2)TH: mean bias -2.0%, LoA [-19.3;15.4], ICC=0.65. When comparing the results obtained from the same modality but from different sites (SC vs TH), IVCd differences were: 3)M-Mode: mean bias 1.1%, LoA [-6.9;9.1], ICC=0.54; 4)AI: mean bias 2.0%, LoA [-25.7;29.7], ICC=0.32.
Conclusions: In patients mechanically ventilated, AI software shows good accuracy (modest overestimation) and moderate correlation as compared to M-mode assessment of IVCd, both for SC and TH windows. However, precision seems suboptimal with wide LoA. The comparison of M-Mode or AI between different sites yields similar results but with weaker correlation.
Body composition predicts hypertension using machine learning methods: A Cohort Study
Authors: Nematollahi Mohammad Ali , Jahangiri Soodeh , Asadollahi Arefeh , Salimi Maryam , Dehghan Azizallah , Mashayekh Mina , Roshanzamir Mohamad , Gholamabbas Ghazal , Alizadehsani Roohallah , Bazrafshan Mehdi , Bazrafshan Hanieh , Drissi Hamed Bazrafshan , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: November 2022

Introduction: We used machine learning methods to investigate if body composition indices predict hypertension.
Methods: Data from a cohort study was used, and 4663 records were included (2156 were male, 1099 with hypertension, with the age range of 35-70 years old). Body composition analysis was done using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA); weight, basal metabolic rate, total and regional fat percentage (FATP), and total and regional fat-free mass (FFM) were measured. We used machine learning methods such as Support Vector Classifier, Decision Tree, Stochastic Gradient Descend Classifier, Logistic Regression, Gaussian Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor, Multi-Layer Perceptron, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Histogram-based Gradient Boosting, Bagging, Extra Tree, Ada Boost, Voting and Stacking to classify the investigated cases and find the most relevant features to hypertension.
Results: FATP, AFFM, BMR, FFM, TRFFM, AFATP, LFATP, and older age were the top features in hypertension prediction. Arm FFM, basal metabolic rate, total FFM, Trunk FFM, leg FFM, and male gender were inversely associated with hypertension, but total FATP, arm FATP, leg FATP, older age, trunk FATP, and female gender were directly associated with hypertension. Ensemble methods such as voting and stacking had the best performance for hypertension prediction. Stacking showed an accuracy rate of 79%.
Conclusion: By using machine learning methods, we found that BIA-derived body composition indices predict hypertension with an acceptable accuracy.
CAG (cytarabine, aclarubicin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) regimen for core binding factor acute myeloid leukaemia with measurable residual disease
Authors: Shen Yao-jia , Zhang Yi , Chang Jie , Wang Hua-feng , Zhu Li , Ye Xing-nong , Jin Jie , Zhu Hong-hu
Published: November 2022

Background: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with t (8;21) or inv (16), called core binding factor (CBF) AML, has a favourable prognosis. However, some CBF-AML patients have persistent measurable residual disease (MRD) and are more likely to relapse after standard chemotherapy treatment. The CAG regimen, composed of cytarabine, aclarubicin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, has been proven to be effective and safe in treating refractory AML patients.
Method: We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of the CAG regimen to eliminate MRD detected by RUNX1::RUNX1T1 and CBFβ::MYH11 transcript levels by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) among 23 patients. Molecular response was defined as the ratio of fusion transcript after treatment to that before treatment greater than or equal to 0.5.
Result: The molecular response rate and median decrease ratio of fusion transcripts at themolecular level of the CAG regimen were 52.5% and 0.53, respectively. Among the 15 patients who had a poor molecular response to the high/intermediate-dose cytarabine regimen, the median decrease ratios of transcripts at the molecular level of high/intermediate-dose cytarabine and CAG were 1.55 and 0.53 (P=0.028), respectively, and 6 of 15 patients achieved amolecular response to CAG (40%). The median disease-free survival was 18 months, and the overall survival rate at three years among all patients was 72.7%±10.7%. The common treatment-related adverse events were nausea (100%), thrombocytopenia (39%) and neutropenia (37.5%).
Conclusion: The CAG regimen may have activity in CBF-AML patients and could provide a new option for patients who have a poor molecular response to high/intermediate-dose cytarabine.
Pathway Centric Analysis for single-cell RNA-seq and Spatial Transcriptomics Data with GSDensity
Authors: Liang Qingnan , Chen Ken
Published: November 2022

Advances in single-cell technology have enabled molecular cellular dissection of heterogeneous biospecimens at unprecedented scales and resolutions. Although cluster-centric approaches followed by gene-set analysis can reveal distinct cell types and states, they have limited power in dissecting and interpretating highly heterogenous, dynamically evolving data. Here, we present GSDensity, a graph-modeling approach that allows users to obtain pathway-centric interpretation and dissection of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics (ST) data without performing clustering. We show that GSDensity can not only accurately detect biologically distinct gene sets but also reveal novel cell-pathway associations that are ignored by existing methods. This is particularly evident in characterizing cancer cell states that are transcriptomically distinct but are driven by shared tumor-immune interaction mechanisms. Moreover, we show that GSDensity, combined with trajectory analysis can identify pathways that are active at various stages of mouse brain development. Finally, we show that GSDensity can identify spatially relevant pathways in mouse brains including those following a high-order organizational patterns in the ST data. We also created a pan-cancer pathway activity ST map, which revealed pathways spatially relevant and recurrently active across six different tumor types. GSDensity is available as an open-source R package and can be widely applied to single-cell and ST data generated by various technologies.
Effects of dopamine-based genetic risk score on dynamic low-frequency fluctuations in patients with first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia
Authors: Kang Yafei , Zhang Youming , Huang Kexin , Wang Zhenhong
Published: November 2022

Alterations in dynamic intrinsic brain activity and neurotransmitter signaling, such as dopamine, have been independently detected in schizophrenia patients. Yet, it remains unclear whether the dopamine genetic risk variants have additive effects on brain intrinsic activity. We aimed to investigate the schizophrenia-specific dynamic amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (dALFF) altered pattern, and its association with dopamine genetic risk score in first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia (FES). Fifty-five FES and 53 healthy controls were included. A sliding-window method based on the dALFF was adopted to estimate the dynamic alterations in intrinsic brain activity. Subjects were genotyped, and a genetic risk score (GRS), which combined the additive effects of ten risk genotypes from five dopamine-related genes, was calculated. We used the voxel-wised correlation analysis to assess the effects of dopamine- GRS on dALFF. FES showed significantly increased dALFF left medial prefrontal cortex and significantly decreased dALFF in the right posterior cingulate cortex compared with healthy controls. Greater dopamine GRS in FES was associated with higher dALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus. Our findings indicate that cumulative dopamine genetic risk is associated with a known imaging phenotype for schizophrenia.
ATF6β deficiency elicits anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity under stress conditions
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Nguyen Dinh Thi , Kwankaew Nichakarn , Sumizono Megumi , Shinoda Reika , Ishii Hiroshi , Takarada-Iemata Mika , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Oyadomari Seiichi , Kato Nobuo , Mori Kazutoshi , Hori Osamu
Published: November 2022

Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-regulated transcription factor that induces expression of major molecular chaperones in the ER. We recently reported that ATF6β, a subtype of the ATF6, induced expression of calreticulin, a molecular chaperone in the ER with a high Ca2+-binding capacity, and promoted neuronal survival against ER stress and excitotoxicity. In the present study, we demonstrate that ATF6β deficiency in mice also decreases calreticulin expression and increases expression of glucose-regulated protein 78, another ER molecular chaperone, in the emotional brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala. Comprehensive behavioral analyses revealed that Atf6b-/- mice exhibited anxiety-like behavior in the light/dark transition test and hyperactivity in the forced swim test. Consistently, PFC and hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression was increased in Atf6b-/- mice, as was circulating corticosterone. Moreover, CRH receptor 1 antagonism alleviated anxiety-like behavior in Atf6b-/- mice. These findings suggest ATF6β deficiency elicits anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity in CRH receptor 1-dependent mechanism. ATF6β could play a role in psychiatric conditions in the emotional centers of the brain.
Scale-up Production and Immunological Assessment of Recombinant SARS- CoV-2 Spike RBD in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Raoufi Ehsan , Hosseini Fatemeh , Onagh Bahman , Salehi-Shadkami Mohammad , Mehrali Marjan , Mohsenzadegan Monireh , Farajollahi Mohammad M
Published: November 2022

With more than two years in COVID-19 pandemic, the underlying virus is mutating which indicates it is not over yet hence SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD is a potent candidate for immunological development purposes. Here, we produced a recombinant-RBD protein from micro- to macro-scale production by Pichia pastoris with high purity that was assessed by immunological tests. A recombinant-RBD compromising 283 residues (31kDa) was constructed after epitope analyses. The target gene was initially cloned into Escherichia coli Top10 genotype and transformed into Pichia pastoris CBS7435 muts for protein production. The production was scaled-up in a 10L fermenter after 1L shake-flask cultivation. The product was ultrafiltered and purified using ION-Exchange chromatography. IgG-positive human sera for SARS-CoV-2 were employed by ELISA test to evaluate the antigenicity and specific binding of the produced protein. Bioreactor cultivation yielded 4g/L of target protein after 160 hours fermentation, and ion-exchange chromatography indicated a purity of > 95%. Human serum ELISA test performed in four parts (1–4) and ROC curve area under curve (AUC) was > 0.96 for each part. The mean specificity and sensitivity of each part was (100, 91.5) respectively. In conclusion, the recombinant-RBD can be used for IgG-based serologic kit and preventive purposes for patients with COVID-19 infection.
Convergence in Gender Inequality and Gender Development: A Panel Data Evidence
Authors: Trofimov Ivan D.
Published: November 2022

The paper examined convergence process and outcomes in gender indicators (gender inequality and development indexes) for two global panels of 106 and 75 economies over the 1990-2013 period. The five convergence dimensions were considered: beta, sigma, gamma, stochastic, and club convergence. The statistical methods included cross-sectional regression, kernel density plots, panel unit root tests, the rank correlation, and Phillips-Sul club convergence algorithm. While there reduction in gender inequality and improvement in gender development across the panel, the convergence in most dimensions was observed only for the gender development. Formation of the clubs and the absence of convergence to a single level were common for gender inequality. Overall, the findings indicate that improvement in gender development indicators did not translate into higher gender equality, thereby suggesting corrective policy action at national and international levels.
A primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) of the oral cavity (cheek mucosa): description of a case report
Authors: Longo Raffaele , Colin Sebastien , Streiff Camille , Benichou Claire Gamelon , Wendel Chloé , Campitiello Marco , Plastino Francesca , Bastien Claire , Egea Julie
Published: November 2022

Background
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) of the oral cavity is a poorly differentiated, high‐grade and very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis.
Case Description
A 64-year-old, Caucasian, smoker man consulted for an ulcero-necrotic, exophytic, lesion of the right retromolar trigone. Haed&neck CT scan showed a right tonsillar tumor lesion. The 18F-PET scan confirmed the presence of a right, highly hypermetabolic tonsillar lesion and two homolateral, cervical lymph nodes. Histology and immunohistochemistry were consisted with the diagnosis of a primary SCNC of the oral cavity. As the tumor was locally advanced and unresectable, the patient underwent a definitive radio-chemotherapy with a cisplatin/etoposide combined regimen (4 cycles). The treatment was well tolerated and led to a complete tumor response.
Conclusion
The particularity of this case relies on the rarity of the oral SCNC, its difficult and challenging diagnosis, and the complexity of its management that is not validated by large clinical trials, data being extrapolated from small cell lung cancer. In our case, the patient presenting a locally advanced tumor was treated by a combined radio-chemiotherapy leading to a complete tumor regression. The patient’s follow up is too short to assess the real benefit of this treatment on overall survival.
Detail design (DD), front end (FE), back end (BD) design of non-tactical deployable 20 GWh (17.20841 kilo ton TNT) plane wave lens configuration fusion device
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Musaddique Ali
Published: November 2022

A simple plane wave lens, using an inert central plastic wave shaper, has been designed. An experiment was done with a 4 in diam, zeroth order design. An iterative technique that uses measured time deviations to connect the next wave shape was developed. Two identical versions of the first iterated shape were fired. Arrival time deviations in these first iterates fell within 50 ns bonds. With greater care and further iterations, lenses bound by 10 ns deviations seem possible. An advanced and novel integration method is applied. It is shown that this technique bears significant advantage over prior methods and is meritorious.
Church Forests Diversity and Biomass Carbon Stock Along Urbanization Continuum in Dangila District, Awi-Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Sewagegn Geremew Bitew , Abate Dagm Fikir
Published: November 2022

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Churches plays a significant role for native species conservation, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. The study was conducted to determine woody species diversity and biomass carbon stock of church forests along urbanization continuum in Dangila Woreda, Awi-zone, Ethiopia. After a preliminary survey, the churches were grouped into urban, peri-urban and rural continuums. Then one church was purposively selected from each urbanization continuum based on age gradient for making up a total of nine sample churches. Tree height and DBH data was recorded from a 2m width systematically laid down Gentry transect lines; whereas, seedlings was counted from three plots of 2m×2m size at each transect line. The similarities along urbanization were computed using Sorenson’s similarity index. Further ANOVA were used to test differences among the continuum. Finally, a total of 91 woody species were identified in the church forest. The mean Shannon diversity in urban, peri-urban and rural church forests was 2.38, 2.67 and 2.90 respectively. The general pattern of woody species community structure along urbanization continuum shows an inverted J-shape. The biomass carbon stock along urban, peri-urban and rural continuum was 24.96, 77.38and 46.13 metric tons respectively. Therefore, church forests are playing an indispensable role for woody species conservation, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation at each urbanization continuum.
Biochar and legumes improve pastures in Brazil: environmental and socioeconomic analysis of three forage grasses in a field experiment
Authors: Latawiec Agnieszka E. , Rodrigues Aline F. , Korys Katarzyna Anna , Mendes Maiara S. , Rangel Marcio , Castro Ana , Teixeira Wenceslau , Valentim Judson F. , Araujo Ednaldo , de Moraes Luiz Fernando Duarte , Pacheco Vinicius , Mendes Marcos , Picolla Cristiano della , Strassburg Bernardo , Kubon Maciej , Drosik Adam , Gomes Fernanda , Reid Brian , Krieger Joana , Dib Viviane , Zarzly Dariusz
Published: November 2022

Pasturelands, often degraded, represent most of the converted lands globally. Here we present the results from a field experiment in Brazil where we tested the impact of different soil enhancers on soil quality and productivity of three tropical forages grasses: Brachiaria (Syn. Urochloa) brizantha cv. Marandu, Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, and Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás. Soil enhancers included: biochar - a carbon-rich product from biomass pyrolysis, moinha, a local charcoal residue, traditional fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, lime and forage peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo). Independent of treatment and Brachiaria cultivar, dry matter tended to be greatest in the first harvesting period, decreasing sharply in the second. Considering the total biomass produced over the experiment (sum of four harvests), the highest production (dry biomass) was for Piatã cultivar (14.07 Mg ha-1; treatment with the biochar application rate of 30 Mg ha-1). For Marandu and Piatã, the highest forage biomass increases were observed with the treatment that included biochar at the rate of 30 Mg ha-1. Marandu and Piatã yields generated an income of U$ 1,291 per year and U$ 1,183, respectively. For Paiaguas, the treatment that generated the greatest yield increase was forage peanut forage + 15 Mg ha-1 with its total income peak at U$ 991. The results reflected positive changes in soil characteristics such as improvement in cation exchange capacity, pH and nutrient contents. This research was developed in collaboration with the landowners within a bottom-up approach. Views of the landowners regarding land management are included in the discussion. Improved management of tropical pasturelands holds opportunity for more sustainable food production and also ecosystem services protection and recuperation, for example, biodiversity net-gain, water regulation and carbon sequestration.