bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probability distributions of model parameters obtained by grid search – application to the geomagnetic anomaly source estimation problem
Authors: Ichihara Hiroshi , Kuwatani Tatsu , Tada Noriko , Nagata Kenji
Published: June 2023

Grid search is widely used in geophysical studies to determine model parameters that explain observed data. The residual between observed data and the model-predicted response, such as root mean square misfit, is usually used as a criterion to select the optimal model parameters. However, root mean square misfit is not a direct criterion for evaluating the reliability of a solution. In this study, we present a method to convert distributions of root mean square misfits obtained from a grid search into probability distributions to evaluate the results statistically based on a Bayesian framework. We applied the proposed method to synthetic geomagnetic anomaly datasets to evaluate the source position and magnitude of magnetic moments. The results are effectively visualized using marginal probability distributions for both well- and ill-posed problems, which are difficult for only root mean square misfits to evaluate. Then we applied the method to real geomagnetic anomaly data reflecting temporal magnetic variations due to volcanic activity in the Nishinoshima volcano. The resultant probability distributions indicate that the source must be in a narrow area northwest of the summit of the volcano with a large magnitude of demagnetization. The method is convenient and thus can be widely applied to multiple geophysical problems, including searches for the source locations of earthquakes, surface geodetic deformation, and magnetic change, and to their joint analyses. In addition, the method easily utilizes previous grid search results to evaluate the probability of model parameters.
Prognostic signature constructed of seven ferroptosis related lncRNAs predicts the prognosis of HBV related HCC
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Wang Lifen , Song Chunxia , Mu Tong , Hu Jinhua , Feng Hua
Published: June 2023

Background
Ferroptosis play crucial roles in cancer. Many lncRNAs were expressed aberrantly and regulated the tumorigenesis and progression of HCC. But the roles of ferroptosis related lncRNAs (FRLncs) in HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC) remain ambiguous.
Methods
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was applied to achieve gene expression profile and clinical data. The risk signature was constructed by FRLncs based on the univariate and multivariable cox regression analysis. The survival curve, cox regression analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was adopted to verify the independence and reliability of the signature. A nomogram was established. Immune infiltrating cells, immune functions and check points were also analyzed.
Results
A risk signature composed of 7 FRLncs (LINC00942, AC131009.1, POLH-AS1, AC090772.3, MKLN1-AS, AC009403.1, AL031985.3) was constructed. The signature divided HBV-HCC patients into high- and low-risk groups. Patients in high-risk group showed a poor prognosis. Even though compared to the stage (areas under curves (AUC) = 0.715), the risk score (AUC = 0.703) seemed not perfect enough, its long-term prediction effect is satisfactory. And the AUC of the risk score for 1-, 3-, 5-year was 0.703, 0.839 and 0.767, respectively. A nomogram composed of gender, stage, age, grade, and risk signature was established. The risk signature and nomogram displayed appreciable independence and reliability in HBV-HCC patients. The endothelial cell, stroma score, hematopoietic stem cell and microenvironment score were expressed differently significantly in the high- and low-risk group according to the XCELL algorithm. PDCD1 and CTL4 were expressed higher in the high-risk group of HCC patients, but no common target was found in the HBV-HCC group.
Conclusion
A 7-lncRNA signature was identified as a potential prognostic predictor for HBV-HCC patients. The current study may help provide new ideas for individualized and precise treatment of HCC, especially HBV-HCC.
Effectiveness of Citrus lemon juice's waste essential oil and aqueous phase as a preservative against Salmonella enteritidis in chicken meat
Authors: Chakoun Hanen , Alabdalall Amira H. , Ababutain Ibtisam , Alyami Reem , Debbabi Ahlem , Yangui Thabèt
Published: June 2023

Through hydro-distillation of industrial lemon juice waste, the study obtainedCitrus lemon's aqueous phase (AP) and essential oil (EO), with the EO yield at approximately 0.89% and a high monoterpene content (50.77% limonene), while the AP contained high total phenols (36.96 ± 1.2 mg g− 1). The EO and AP exhibited Strong bactericidal effects with minimal cidal concentrations values (MCC) ranging from 2.5 to 10 g mL− 1and 187.5 to 1500 g mL− 1, respectively. The inhibitory efficacy of various concentrations of the EO and AP against a foodborne pathogen belonging toSalmonella enteritidisinoculated in chicken meat showed that AP demonstrated a bacteriostatic effect of 0.25–0.5 and 1 mg AP g− 1meat. However, the bacterial count (> 102CFU/25 g meat) rendered it inedible for humans. Additionally, at the maximum concentration (1% v/w), the EO exhibited bactericidal action, but even at the minimum concentration (0.5 v/v EO/v box), the EO vapor action was still the most effective. Sensory analysis indicated that meat treated with the highest concentrations of EO and AP had an unpleasant taste and was discarded. Nonetheless, the study suggests that the AP and EO of lemon juice industrial waste could be a viable alternative to chemical preservatives in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Depletion of Natural Killer Cells improve cholestasis in a murine model of primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Zhaoyang , Liu Qixuan , zhao chenyang , Zang Bo , She Chunhui , yang Yifei , Han Yibing
Published: June 2023

Background and Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of NK cells and their phenotypes in xenobiotic induced murine model of primary biliary cholangitis （PBC）by eliminating NK cells.
Methods: C57BL/6 female mice were immunized with 2OA-BSA and poly I:C to develop the murine model of PBC. Serologic, histologic, and immunologic testing of PBC mice were analyzed by depleting NK cells with ASGM1 before (ASGM1+PBC group) or after immunization (PBC+ASGM1 group). The proportions of NK cells, CD62L+NK cells, CD4+, and CD8+T in liver were analyzed.
Results: ALT, AST and ALP in PBC mice was increased. In contrast to PBC mice, AST in ASGM1+PBC group was decreased. Moreover, TBIL was decreased in PBC+ASGM1 group. Notably, ALP and titer of AMA in mice treated with ASGM1 was decreased when compared with PBC mice. Comparing with HC, ASGM1+PBC or PBC+ASGM1 group mice, the ratio of CD4+T cells in liver declined in PBC mice. In comparison to HC and ASGM1+PBC group mice, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+T cells in PBC mice was lower. The frequency of CD62L+NK cells in the liver of PBC mice increased. However, there was no significant difference in histological scores among ASGM1+PBC, PBC+ASGM1 and PBC mice.
Conclusions: Eliminating NK cells could reduce the degree of cholestasis and improve the immune imbalance. NK cells were functionally involved in pathogenesis and disease progression, especially CD62L+NK cells in liver might aggravate the progression of PBC.
The association between violence against women and chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Uvelli Allison , Ribaudo Carola , Gualtieri Giacomo , Coluccia Anna , Ferretti Fabio
Published: June 2023

Violence against women is still a recurring phenomenon that involves at least 35% of women worldwide. Violence can be sexual, physical, and/or psychological, perpetrated by the partner, another family member, or a stranger. Violence is a public health problem because its consequences include higher morbidity, higher mortality, and short and long-term physical and psychological health diseases. Most studies prove an association between any type of violence and some chronic pain diagnoses but no one has done a complete collection of this evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether this association is statistically significant, including the largest number of studies. Through the inclusion of 37 articles, the association has been demonstrated. Compared with no history of violence, women who did experience violence showed increased odds of developing chronic pain. The impact of violence was significant also on fibromyalgia separately, but not on pelvic pain.
Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023425477
Assessing the causal associations of sleep apnea with mental health and socioeconomic status: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: WU Yuan , LI Zuming , WU Siyi , CHEN XUERU , Chen Hai , Li Jiqiang , Lu Yue , Chen Jiankun , Gan Kao
Published: June 2023

Objective
Traditional observational research has suggested a connection between socioeconomic position, mental health, and sleep apnea (SA), but the specifics of this connection are still unclear. Using the Mendelian randomization approach, we intended to evaluate the potential causal link between mental health, socioeconomic status, and SA.
Methods
Our research employed summary statistics data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on mental health, socioeconomic status, and SA. In the main study, the connection between mental health, socioeconomic status, and SA was examined using the inverse variance weighted approach. In addition, as a supplement, we also used other Mendelian randomization methods, including MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mold.
Results
The primary analysis showed that educational attainment, including longer years of schooling, college or university degree, and higher intelligence was associated with a lower risk of SA (OR = 0.750, 95%CI = 0.653–0.862; OR = 0.558, 95%CI = 0.423–0.735; OR = 0.871, 95%CI = 0.760–0.999, respectively), while social deprivation was associated with a higher risk of SA (OR = 1.821, 95%CI = 1.075–3.085). And the income was not associated with the risk of sleep apnea (OR = 0.877, 95%CI = 0.682–1.129). In mental health exposure, major depressive disorder was associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea (OR = 1.196, 95%CI = 1.015–1.409), while attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia were not associated with the risk of sleep apnea (OR = 1.064, 95%CI = 0.958–1.181; OR = 1.030, 95%CI = 0.942–1.127; OR = 0.990, 95%CI = 0.957–1.025, respectively). Reverse MR analysis failed to find a causal effect from SA to mental health and socioeconomic status.
Conclusions
This MR investigation offers proof of a possible causal relationship between SA, socioeconomic level, and mental health.
Investigating the Value of B-Mode and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Based Radiomics Features in Differentiating Chinese TI-RADS Category 4a and 4b Micro-nodules
Authors: Liu Dun , Wen Rong , Lin Peng , MMed Ruizhi Gao , Ye Wang , He Yun , Chen Junqiang , Yang Hong
Published: June 2023

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of radiomics features in differentiating Chinese Thyroid Imaging and Data System (C-TIRADS) category 4a and 4b thyroid micro-nodules using B-mode ultrasound (BMUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images.
Methods: Radiomics features were extracted from BMUS and CEUS images using Intelligence Foundry software. Three radiomics models (BMUS, CEUS, and BMUS+CEUS) were developed using machine learning algorithms. Diagnostic performance of these models and experienced radiologist's diagnosis were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) area under the curve (AUC). Delong test was used to compare diagnostic performance differences among these models.
Results: The BMUS+CEUS radiomics model exhibited the highest diagnostic performance in both the training (AUC=0.996, 95% CI, 0.966-1.000) and validation (AUC=0.897, 95% CI, 0.816-0.951) cohorts compared to the other two radiomics models. All three radiomics models demonstrated better diagnostic performance than the experienced radiologist's diagnosis, which achieved an AUC of 0.717 (95% CI, 0.634-0.791) in the training cohort and 0.692 (95% CI, 0.587-0.784) in the validation cohort.
Conclusion: A noninvasive model combining BMUS and CEUS radiomics features has the potential to accurately distinguish the nature of C-TIRADS category 4a and 4b thyroid micro-nodules preoperatively. The BMUS radiomics model could also be a good clinical choice when CEUS is absent.
Time since last drink is positively associated with heart rate variability in outpatients with alcohol use disorder: Further evidence of psychophysiological recovery in early alcohol use disorder recovery
Authors: Eddie David , Pietrzak Agata , Ham Jason
Published: June 2023

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a biomarker of psychological and physiological health with greater variability reflecting greater psychophysiological regulatory capacity. The damaging effects of chronic, heavy alcohol use on HRV have been well explored, with greater alcohol use associated with lower resting HRV. In this study we sought to replicate and extend our previous finding that HRV improves as individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) reduce or stop drinking and engage in treatment. With a sample of treatment engaged adults in the first year of a current AUD recovery attempt (N = 42), we used general linear models were used to explore associations between indices of HRV (dependent variables) and time since last alcoholic drink at study baseline assessed using timeline follow-back (independent variable), with checks for effects of age, medication, and baseline AUD severity. As predicted, HRV increased as a function of time since last drink, however, contrary to hypotheses, HR did not decrease. Effect sizes were largest for HRV indices fully under parasympathetic control, and these significant associations remained after controlling for age, medications, and AUD severity. Because HRV is an indicant of psychophysiological health, as well as self-regulatory capacity that may portend subsequent relapse risk, assessing HRV in individuals entering AUD treatment could provide important information about patient risk. At-risk patients may do well with additional support and may especially benefit from interventions like Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback that exercise the psychophysiological systems regulating brain/cardiovascular communication.
SEA-NET: Medical image segmentation network based on spiral squeeze-and-excitation and attention modules
Authors: Xiong Liangli , Chen Yi , Xiong Qiliang , Shaofeng Jiang
Published: June 2023

Background: Medical image segmentation is an important processing step in most of medical image analysis. Thus, high accuracy and robustness are required for them. The current deep neural network based medical segmentation methods have good effect on image with balanced foreground and background, but it will loss the characteristics of small targets on image with imbalanced foreground and background after multiple convolutions.
Methods: In order to retain the features of small targets in the deep network, we proposed a new medical image segmentation model based on the U-Net with squeeze-and-excitation and attention modules which form a spiral closed path,callled as Spiral Squeeze-and-Excitation and Attention NET (SEA-NET) in this paper. The segmentation model used squeeze-and-extraction modules to adjust the channel information to enhance the useful information and used attention modules to adjust the spatial information of the feature map to highlight the target area for small target segmentation when up-sampling. The deep semantic information is integrated into the shallow feature map by the attention model. Therefore, the deep semantic information cannot be scattered by continuous up-sampling. We used cross entropy loss + Tversky loss function for fast convergence and well processing the imbalanced data sets. Our proposed SEA-NET was tested on the brain MRI dataset LPBA40 and peripheral blood smear images.
Conclusions: On brain MRI data, the average value of the Dice coefficient we obtained reached 98.1%. On the peripheral blood smear dataset, our proposed model has a good segmentation effect on adhesion cells.
Results: The experimental results proved that the proposed SEA-Net performed better than U-Net, U-Net++, etc. in medical image segmentation.
An Ensemble Learning Voting Technique for Network Intrusion Detection Systems
Authors: Ding Weikang , Popoola Saheed
Published: June 2023

In the face of growing and complex network threats, intrusion detection systems are important to detect and mitigate these network threats. Existing research has shown that using a single machine learning classifier or traditional ensemble model for threat detection methods cannot adapt to today's complex network environment. To address the above problems, this paper proposes a novel voting model based on ensemble learning to handle hard-to-classify data such as complex network datasets. This model combines multiple voting mechanisms, and also supports human intervention for more complex data where the classification results may not be highly accurate. The model adopts a voting mechanism among seven base models which includes decision tree, LightGBM, linear discriminant analysis, logistic regression, random forest, gaussian naive bayes, and AdaBoost. The resulting ensemble model has been trained and validated on three popular datasets KDDCup99, UNSW-NB15, CIC-IDS2017 and an additional dataset namely “UC dataset” obtained from University of Cincinnati. We use the popular four metrics of accuracy, precision, recall and f1-score to measure the effectiveness of the model. The results show that the accuracy of the classifiers can be improved to more than 0.99. The model can also be used to effectively improve low-performing classifiers.
Study on the Mechanism and Response Law of Fracture Movement on the Super-High Position Hard-thick Strata
Authors: Zhang Guangchao , Zhou Guanglei , Wang Lei , Li You , Gu Yingshi , Qu Zhi , Zhao Xipo , Yin Maosheng , Wang Fangfang , zhang lingzhuo
Published: June 2023

Based on the breaking of hard-thick rock strata in Ordos area triggering large-energy and strong earthquake, a thick plate structural mechanical model of breaking hard-thick rock strata is established. And the evolution process of hard-thick rock strata are analyzed based on Vlasov theory. The large energy mining earthquake and surface subsidence data are used to verify the analysis. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) The hard-thick strata in the cretaceous system will not be broken during the advancing and mining process of the 221 upper 03 working face of Shilawusu coal mine. (2) Before the advancing of the 221 upper 03 working face reached "double square", no breakage occurred in the lower part of the hard-thick strata, because no separated space was formed. (3) When the 221 upper 03 working face was advanced to about 856m, vertical "O-X" breakage occurred in the hard-thick strata. As the working face continues to advance 138m, periodic breakage will continue to occur in the hard-thick strata. (4) No large-energy mine earthquake event has occurred during mining at 221 upper 03 working face, and the amount of surface subsidence is approximately 200mm. (5) In the mining at 221 upper 03 working face, two large energy mining earthquake occurred in 837m, 1153m away from the open-off cut, respectively, and the maximum amount of surface subsidence increased to 1397mm, which basically accords with the results of the first and periodic breaks calculated by theory. The research results of this paper are of guiding significance for the study of the breaking law of hard-thick strata under similar engineering geological conditions and disaster pre-control.
Evaluation of Particle Emissions Emitted from a Light-duty Diesel Vehicle Equipped with Retrofit Ceria and Platinum Partial Flow Diesel Particulate Filters
Authors: Thin MyatHsu , Cosh Plan Teekatasn , Thaeviriyakul Poonnut , Kanokkhanarat Phobkrit , Srilom Mek , Charoenphonphanich Chinda , Masomtob Manop , Saisirirat Peerawat , Srimanosaowa Sompong , Po-ngaen Watcharin , Kosaka Hidenori , Karin Preechar
Published: June 2023

With increasingly stringent emissions standards, the reduction of harmful exhaust gases and solid particles has become a primary concern for diesel vehicles. This study focuses on a light-duty vehicle equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder common rail direct diesel injection engine, evaluated on a chassis dynamometer under four urban driving cycles and one extra-urban cycle of the new European driving cycle (NEDC). The vehicle's emissions were assessed using B10, B20, and B100 fuels in two scenarios: without a retrofit partial filter diesel particulate filter (P-DPF) and with P-DPFs coated with ceria and platinum. Comparing the use of biodiesel, B100 demonstrated a significant reduction of approximately 50% in particulate mass (PM) and particulate number (PN). Furthermore, the results indicated that the utilization of the partial flow DPF led to a PM emissions reduction exceeding 60% and a particle number reduction of up to 45%. Additionally, the installation of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) resulted in reductions of total hydrocarbon (THC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by up to 59% and 81% respectively, compared to the baseline fuel emissions. However, the installation of the retrofit P-DPF and DOC did not have a significant impact on carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. In terms of catalytic coating, the ceria catalyst emerged as a promising and cost-effective alternative to platinum catalysts for reducing pollutant emissions from diesel vehicles. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of utilizing B100 biodiesel and the after-treatment system including P-DPFs and DOCs in mitigating particulate matter and certain gaseous emissions, emphasizing the potential of ceria catalysts as a viable option in emission reduction strategies for diesel vehicles.
Cardiac Arrhythmia Classification Using Photoplethysmography Database
Authors: Qananwah Qasem , Ababneh Marwa , Dagamseh Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Worldwide, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death. Patients at high cardiovascular risk require long-term follow-up for early CVDs detection. Cardiac arrhythmia detection through the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal has been the basis of many studies. This technique does not provide sufficient information in addition to a high false alarm potential. In addition, the electrodes used to record the ECG signal are not suitable for long-term monitoring. Recently, the photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal has attracted great interest among scientists as it provides a non-invasive, inexpensive, and convenient source of information related to cardiac activity. In this paper, the PPG signal (online database Physio Net Challenge 2015) is used to classify different cardiac arrhythmias, namely; tachycardia, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular flutter/fibrillation. The PPG signals are pre-processed and analyzed for feature extraction. A total of 41 features are used for cardiac arrhythmias' classification using four machine-learning techniques; Decision Trees (DT), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), and Ensembles. The results show a high-throughput evaluation with an accuracy of 98.4% for the KNN technique with a sensitivity of 98.3%, 95%, 96.8%, and 99.7% for bradycardia, tachycardia, ventricular flutter/fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, respectively. The outcomes of this work provide a tool to correlate the properties of the PPG signal with cardiac arrhythmias and thus the early diagnosis and treatment of CVDs.
Is Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Safe and Effective For 15–19 mm Tumors?
Authors: Jung Yunho , Hwangbo Young , Cho Young Sin , Choi Seong Woo , Jeon Seong Ran , Kim Hyun Gun , Ko Bong Min , Kim Jin-O
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The outcomes of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in 15–19 mm tumors are unclear. This study compared the effectiveness and safety of colorectal ESD for 15–19 mm tumors and tumors exceeding that size.
Methods
From August 2018 to December 2020, 213 cases of colorectal tumors removed by colorectal ESD at a tertiary hospital were enrolled in this study. The cases were divided into two groups according to the pathologically measured size of the resected lesion: an intermediate group (15–19 mm, n = 62) and a large group (≥ 20 mm, n = 151). The en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, and complications were investigated retrospectively.
Results
The en bloc resection rate was significantly higher in the intermediate than large group (100% vs. 94%, p = 0.049), and the mean total procedure time was shorter in the intermediate than large group (29.2 ± 12.6 vs. 48.4 ±28.8 min, p < 0.001). However, the mean procedure speed was significantly lower in the intermediate than large group (0.25 ± 0.10 vs. 0.28 ± 0.11 cm2/min; p = 0.031). The complete resection rate, post-procedural bleeding, and perforation rate were not significantly different between the two groups. In multivariate analyses, the total procedure time and mean procedure speed were significantly associated with lesion size.
Conclusion
Colorectal ESD of 15–19 mm lesions is effective, and has a shorter procedure time and higher en bloc resection rate than the same procedure for larger lesions.
Role of pinch in Argon impurity transport in Ohmic discharges of Aditya-U Tokamak
Authors: Shah Kajal , Ghosh Joydeep , Patel Sharvil , Chowdhuri Malay Bikas , Jadeja Kumarpalsinh , Shukla Gaurav , Macwan Tanmay , Kumar Ankit , Dolui Suman , Singh Kaushlender , Tanna Rakesh , Patel Kaushal , Dey Ritu , Manchanda Ranjana , Ramaiya Nilam , Kumar Rohit , Aich Suman , Yadava Nandini , Purohit Shishir , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Nagora Umeshkumar , Pathak Suryakumar , Atrey Praveen kumar , Mayya Balamurali Krishna
Published: June 2023

We present experimental results of the trace argon impurity puffing in the Ohmic plasmas of Aditya-U tokamak performed to study the argon transport behaviour. Argon line emissions in visible and Vacuum Ultra Violet (VUV) spectral ranges arising from the plasma edge and core respectively are measured simultaneously. During the experiments, space resolved brightness profile of Ar1+ line emissions at 472.68 nm (3p44s 2P1.5 - 3p44p 2D1.5), 473.59 nm (3p44s 4P2.5 - 3p44p 4P1.5), 476.48 nm (3p44s 2P0.5 - 3p44p 2P1.5), 480.60 nm (3p44s 4P2.5 - 3p44p 4P2.5) are recorded using a high resolution visible spectrometer. Also, a VUV spectrometer has been used to simultaneously observe Ar13+ line emission at 18.79 nm (2s22p 2P1.5 - 2s2p2 2P1.5) and Ar14+ line emission at 22.11 nm (2s2 1S0 - 2s2p 1P1). The diffusivity and convective velocity of Ar are obtained by comparing the measured radial emissivity profile of Ar1+ emission and the line intensity ratio of Ar13+ and Ar14+ ions, with those simulated using the impurity transport code, STRAHL. Argon diffusivities ~ 12 m2/s and ~ 0.3 m2/s have been observed in the edge (ρ > 0.85) and core region of the Aditya-U, respectively. The diffusivity values both in the edge and core region are found to be higher than the neo-classical values suggesting that the argon impurity transport is mainly anomalous in the Aditya-U tokamak. Also, an inward pinch of ~ 10 m/s mainly driven by Ware pinch is required to match the measured and simulated data. The measured peaked profile of Ar density suggests impurity accumulation in these discharges.
Profiling the domestication hotspots for ear traits in two maize populations with teosinte gene introgression
Authors: Feng Xuanjun , Guan Huarui , Wen Ying , Zhou Hanmei , Li Yinzhi , Zheng Dan , Wang Qingjun , Zhang Weixiao , Xiong Hao , Hu Yue , Jia Li , Luo Shuang , Xing Xiaobin , Zhang Xuemei , Guo Wei , Wu Fengkai , Xu Jie , Liu Yaxi , lu yanli
Published: June 2023

Throughout the history of maize cultivation, ear-related traits have been domesticated. However, little is known about the domesticated genes involved in shaping the ear traits from those of the wild progenitor, teosinte, to those exhibited by modern maize. In this study, five ear traits (kernel row number [KRN], ear length [EL], kernel number per row [KNR], cob diameter [CD], and ear diameter [ED]) were investigated, and eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) hotspots were identified in two maize populations with teosinte gene introgression. We found remarkable enrichment of domesticated and ear-related domesticated genes in qCD1, qCD7, qCD13, qED1, qEL8, qEL10, qKNR11, and qKRN6, suggesting that these eight QTL are domestication hotspots involved in shaping the maize ear from teosinte to modern maize. By combining the QTL identified in this study with the results of the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of ear traits from two association panels, eight candidate domesticated genes related to KRN, KNR, CD, and ED were identified. Considering the expression patterns and sequence variations, Zm00001d025111 and Zm00001d033153, which encode WD40/YVTN and SMAD/FHA proteins, respectively, were proposed as positive regulators of KNR, whereas Zm00001d003083 and Zm00001d005866, which encode isocitrate dehydrogenase and protein disulfide isomerase, respectively, were proposed as negative regulators of KRN. This study presents a frame work for the genomic distribution of ear trait-related and domesticated loci. Several candidate genes with minor effects may be viable targets for further increases in the yield of modern maize.
Addressing the double burden of malnutrition among Thai school-aged children with a complex school nutrition intervention: A process evaluation
Authors: Pongutta Suladda , Ferguson Elaine , Davey Calum , Tangcharoensathien Viroj , Borghi Josephine , Chuejew Supika , Pangkariya Nattanicha , Lin Leesa
Published: June 2023

Background The Dekthai Kamsai programme, a complex school nutrition intervention implemented in Thailand, demonstrated favourable outcomes in reducing the risk of developing obesity and stunting. This article aims to describe the intervention, contextual factors, and their interactions influencing the outcomes. Methods We conducted a process evaluation using data obtained from 14 focus group discussions held with 69 school staff from 14 intervention schools and 4 control schools, from January to February 2022, and a document analysis. Results Perceived strengths of the programme included: 1) its multi-component design targeting both diet and physical activity using food and physical activity guidelines for children, close monitoring of students’ anthropometric outcomes for ongoing nutrition improvements, and complementary components that synergistically enhanced and sustained its outcomes; and 2) a multi-sectoral support system to build schools’ capacity and facilitate programme implementation. Perceived limitations were no adequate effort to address wasting and suboptimal fidelity. Regarding contextual factors, child nutrition and well-being were not a priority for the education sector, which resulted in limited resources and the willingness of school staff to adopt and implement the programme. Schools in higher socio-economic urban neighbourhoods tended to receive greater external support and benefit more from better infrastructure of urban areas. The programme’s impact in urban schools tended to be offset by urban obesogenic environments. School staff having interest in children’s well-being tended to adopt and implement the programme intensively. A healthier food culture tended to enhance the intervention success. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of 1) providing multifaceted interventions; 2) making child nutrition and well-being a priority of the education sector; and 3) improving school contexts notably policy, leadership, capacity, social capital, social and physical environments.
Magnetic resonance biomarkers for timely diagnostic of radiation dose-rate effects
Authors: Zagrean-Tuza C. , Suditu M. , Popescu R. C. , Bacalum M. , Negut D. , Vasilca S. , Hanganu A. , Fidel I. , Serafin D. , Tesileanu O. , Chiricuta I. C. , Sadet A. , Voda M. A. , Vasos P. R.
Published: June 2023

Diagnostic of radiation effects can be obtained within hours from delivery relying on spectroscopic detection of cell metabolite concentrations. Clinical and pre-clinical studies show that radiation delivery with elevated dose-rates can achieve tumor suppression while minimizing toxicity to surrounding areas. Diagnostic biomarkers detected on short timescales are needed to orient high dose-rate radiation delivery. We have designed an 1H magnetic resonance approach to observe metabolite concentrations, in particular Choline, Creatine, and Lactate, in order to detect radiation dose and dose-rate effects within hours from radiation delivery. The results of our metabolic profiling method in glioblastoma cells are consistent with observations from clinical studies guided by magnetic resonance spectroscopy for radiotherapy of head tumors. At 5 Gy/min we have observed increases in lactate concentrations and decreases in [Cho]/[Cr] ratios at increasing radiation doses. An increase of the radiation dose-rate to 35 Gy/min is correlated with an increase of [Cho]/[Cr] consistent with a reduction in radiation-induced oxidative effects at high dose-rates. The observed biomarkers can be translated for radiation pulse sequences optimization.
A Rare Tumor in the Sellar Region: Ganglioglioma, a Case Report and a General Overview
Authors: Erkan Buruc , Demir Suat , Akpinar Ebubekir , Akkurt Tuce Soylemez , Tanriverdi Osman , Gunaldi Omur
Published: June 2023

Gangliogliomas are rare mixed neuronal-glial tumors of the central nervous system. They constitute less than 2% of intracranial neoplasms. Gangliogliomas are slow-growing, well-differentiated, and partly calcified tumors. Sellar-suprasellar gangliogliomas are very rare [1]. Although many studies have included only cerebral hemisphere gangliogliomas, the tumor could not be classified according to its location because of the small number of patients in most studies [2].
Herein, a rare case of a pediatric ganglioglioma in the sellar and parasellar region is presented with a histopathological diagnosis of ganglioglioma from a centre with an annual series of 150 endoscopic skull base surgeries and 900 endoscopic skull base surgeries.
Computer-Aided design for the preparation of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for recognition of ethyl carbamate
Authors: Hu Xujia , Li Hongyuan , Cui Hongwei , Wu Yue
Published: June 2023

In this study, computer-aided design of molecularly imprinted systems was carried out using the quantum chemistry software Gaussian. Based on density functional theory (DFT), the interaction energies of the template-monomer complexes were calculated under the B3LYP, 6-31G+(d,p) basis set, and the reaction sites and Imprinting ratio were predicted based on the electrostatic potential map and NBO charge transfer. The urethane magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (EC-MMIPs) were successfully prepared using surface molecular imprinting technique with Fe3O4 as the magnetic carrier. The polymers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results of isothermal adsorption and dynamic adsorption experiments showed that the EC-MMIPs had good adsorption performance, reaching the maximum adsorption amount (18.53 µg/mg) within 40 min. In competitive adsorption experiments, the speckle coefficient was 2.3. In addition, EC-MMIPs showed good adsorption efficiency even after five uses.
ZIF-67 derived 2D porous carbon nanosheets decorated with Co nanoflakes as bifunctional electrocatalysts toward effective overall water splitting
Authors: Liu Ru , Zhang Haixia , Song Yanhui , Liu Peizhi , Xu Bingshe , Liang Jianguo , Guo Junjie
Published: June 2023

ZIF-67 derived Co-N-C catalysts exhibit efficient water splitting performance and thus have attracted intense research interest. However, the serious Co agglomeration and loss of most N atoms due to the high-temperature pyrolysis limit the further improvement of their electrocatalytic performance. Herein, we report a ZIF-67 derived 2D porous N-doped carbon nanosheets decorated with Co nanoflakes catalyst (Co@NC/CC-500) for OER and HER by a facile pyrolysis method at the low temperature of 500°C. Benefiting from the ultrahigh N doping (12 at%) and uniformly dispersed Co nanoflakes on 2D porous carbon nanosheets, which lead to a high content of Co-N active sites, the Co@NC/CC-500 catalyst performs outstandingly for HER and OER with overpotentials of 95 and 183 mV at 10 mA cm− 2, respectively. Furthermore, the alkaline water electrolyzer using Co@NC/CC-500 as the cathode and anode catalysts can achieve the current density of 10 mA cm− 2 at the cell voltage of 1.52 V. This special low-temperature production method may be extensively utilized to create precisely defined monometals or bimetals nanoflakes decorated on 2D porous N-doped carbon nanosheets for diverse electrochemical energy applications.
Bibliometric analysis of HIV Nursing Research between 1999 and 2022
Authors: Hao Jiaqi , Zhang Qian , Du Xiaoyu , Wang Fan , Liu Jing , Chen Jia
Published: June 2023

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) nursing has become more prominent with the increase in chronic HIV infections. This study examined articles related to HIV nursing to determine how the profession has developed and its future direction.
Methods: HIV nursing-related articles published in the Web of Science core collection between 1999 and 2022 were searched. Microsoft Excel 2010 and VOSviewer were used to identify the contributions of countries, institutions, and authors in HIV related care. Collaborative maps, hot topics, and keywords trends were analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.
Results: A total of 1513 publications were extracted. A steady increase in articles published between 1999 and 2012 was observed. After 2012, the increase in the number of publications was relatively stable. However, since 2016, a downward trend in the number of publications has occured. The USA, South Africa, and the UK were the leading contributors to publications related to HIV nursing. The University of California (San Francisco, USA), the University of Cape Town (South Africa), and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) were three key contributing institutions. William L. Holzemer was the author with the most important publications. AIDS Care was the top prolific journal. "HIV-related stigma", "Antiretroviral therapy and adherence", "mental health", and "social support" were the main topics in HIV nursing research.
Conclusion: Research in HIV nursing has gradually shifted from "HIV infection", "risk factors", and "transmission routes" to "social support", "depression", and "public health".
Robust Segmented Regression: Application to Oxygen Uptake Plateau Identification
Authors: Sarnaglia Alessandro J. Q. , Molinares Fabio A. Fajardo , Azevedo Paulo H. S. M.
Published: June 2023

Recently, segmented regression has been utilized as a “working” model for a bootstrap test to detect true oxygen uptake plateau. This approach employs an iterative procedure based on least squares to fit the model. However, it is widely acknowledged that least squares is highly sensitive to outliers, often yielding inefficient estimates. This paper proposes an alternative iterative method by substituting the least squares step with a M-estimator step. Leveraging the robust features of M-estimators, the proposed method is expected to exhibit resilience against outliers. To empirically investigate the performance of the proposed method, a Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted. For comparison purposes, the classical iterative method is also considered. The results indicate that, in uncontaminated scenarios, both methods exhibit similar behavior, with the classical method presenting a slightly superior performance. However, in contaminated cases, the classical method is highly deteriorated, with significant bias and root mean squared error, while the proposed method demonstrates much better performance. Both methods are employed to fit the “working” 3-segment regression model and perform a plateau test on apparently contaminated oxygen uptake data. The results reveal that, due to the presence of outliers, the classical method produces inflated estimates for the error variance and larger standard errors for all parameters, in comparison to the proposed method. Moreover, the plateau test conducted using the classical (robust) method leads to the rejection (confirmation) of a plateau of oxygen uptake for the same data. Overall, these findings highlight the superiority of the proposed method in handling outliers.
Data mining using artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics analysis to detect HIV-1 reverse transcriptase RNase H activity inhibitor
Authors: Ghafoor Naeem Abdul , Kırboğa Kevser Kübra , Baysal Ömür , Süzek Barış Ethem , Silme Ragıp Soner
Published: June 2023

In this study, we developed a process to identify an HIV-1 protein target and a new drug candidate. Genomic analysis was conducted on HIV-1 genomes to identify a viable target for disrupting viral replication and the reverse transcriptase enzyme. Based on MAUVE analysis, we selected the RNase H activity of the reverse transcriptase as the potential target due to its low mutation rate and high conservation. We screened 94,000 small molecule inhibitors and performed virtual screening. Molecular dynamics simulations and MM/PBSA were used to validate hit compounds' stability and binding free energy. Phomoarcherin B, known for its anticancer properties, emerged as the top candidate, showing potential as an inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase RNase H activity.
Optical and spin-selective time-of-flight measurement of light-induced desorption of Rb from Fe3O4 surfaces
Authors: Asakawa Kanta , Tanabe Naoki , Kawauchi Taizo , Fukutani Katsuyuki , Hatakeyama Atsushi
Published: June 2023

Light-induced desorption of Rb atoms from a ferrimagnetic Fe3O4(001) surface was studied using a spin-selective optical　method. The results showed that the coverage dependence of the desorption intensity had a threshold at which the desorption　rate began to increase. The averaged magnetic quantum number of the desorbed atoms was small. These indicate that the light-induced desorption of Rb from an Fe3O4(001) surface occurs only in the high-coverage region and does not involve spin　transfer.
Elevated Aortic Stiffness After Pediatric Heart Transplantation
Authors: Coppola John-Anthony , Gupta Dipankar , Lopez-Colon Dalia , DeGroff Curt , Vyas Himesh V.
Published: June 2023

Background: In adults, arterial stiffness has been linked to the development of target end-organ damage, thought to be related to abnormal transmission of pulse pressure. Increased arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction have been hypothesized to contribute to the development of microvascular dysfunction and coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV), an important comorbidity after heart transplantation. However, little data exists regarding arterial stiffness in pediatric heart transplantation and its influence on development of coronary allograft vasculopathy is not well understood. We sought to assess aortic stiffness and distensibility in pediatric post-heart transplant patients.
Methods A prospective, observational study analyzing the ascending (donor tissue) and descending aorta (recipient tissue) using transthoracic echocardiographic M-mode measurements in patients aged <21 years was conducted. Descending and ascending aorta M-modes were obtained from the subcostal long axis view, and the parasternal long axis view 3-5mm above the sinotubular junction, respectively. Two independent reviewers averaged measurements over 2-3 cardiac cycles, and Aortic Distensibility (AD) and Aortic Stiffness Index (ASI) were calculated using previously validated methods.
Results We recruited 39 heart transplant (HT) patients and 47 healthy controls. Median end diastolic dimension of the ascending aorta (donor tissue) was significantly larger in the transplant group than the control group (1.92cm vs. 1.74cm, p=0.01). Ascending aortic distensibility in post-transplant patients was significantly lower than in the control group (4.87 vs. 10.53, p<0.001). Ascending aortic stiffness index was higher in the transplant patients compared to the controls (4.63 vs. 2.21, p<0.001). Among transplant patients taking statins, the absolute measurements of the descending aorta at end systole (p=0.04) and end diastole (p=0.04) were larger compared to non-statin users.
Conclusion There is evidence of altered ascending aortic distensibility and stiffness parameters in post-heart transplant patients. Further studies are required to assess its influence on complications like development of coronary artery vasculopathy.
Genome architecture of an exceptionally invasive copepod crossing salinity boundaries
Authors: Du Zhenyong , Gelembiuk Gregory , Moss Wynne , Tritt Andrew , Lee Carol Eunmi
Published: June 2023

Background: Copepods are among the most abundant organisms on the planet and play critical functions in aquatic ecosystems. Among copepods, populations of the Eurytemora affinis species complex are numerically dominant in many coastal habitats and serve as the food source for major fisheries. Intriguingly, certain populations possess the unusual capacity to invade novel salinities on rapid time scales. Despite their ecological importance, high-quality genomic resources have been absent for calanoid copepods, limiting our ability to comprehensively dissect the genomic mechanisms underlying this highly invasive and adaptive capacity.
Results: Here, we present the first chromosome-level genome of a calanoid copepod, from the Atlantic clade (Eurytemora carolleeae) of the E. affinis species complex. This genome was assembled using high-coverage PacBio and Hi-C sequences of an inbred line, generated through 30 generations of full-sib mating. This genome consisting of 529.3 Mb (contig N50 = 4.2 Mb, scaffold N50 = 140.6 Mb) was anchored onto four chromosomes. Genome annotation predicted 20,262 protein-coding genes, of which ion transporter gene families were substantially expanded based on comparative analyses of 12 additional arthropod genomes. Also, we found genome-wide signatures of historical gene body methylation of the ion transporter genes and significant clustering of these genes on each chromosome.
Conclusions: This genome represents one of the most contiguous copepod genomes to date and among the highest quality of marine invertebrate genomes. As such, this genome provides an invaluable resource that could help yield fundamental insights into the ability of this copepod to adapt to rapid environmental transitions.