bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of HumanIn VitroData in Risk Assessments of Influenza A Virus Using the Ferret Model
Authors: Creager Hannah M. , Kieran Troy J. , Zeng Hui , Sun Xiangjie , Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A. , Holmes Katie E. , Johnson Anders F. , Tumpey Terrence M. , Maines Taronna R. , Beauchemin Catherine A. A. , Belser Jessica A.
Published: January 2023

Bothin vitroandin vivomodels are employed for assessing the pandemic potential of novel and emerging influenza A viruses in laboratory settings, but systematic examinations of how well viral titer measurements obtainedin vitroalign with results fromin vivoexperimentation are not frequently performed. We show that certain viral titer measurements following infection of a human bronchial epithelial cell line are positively correlated with viral titers in specimens collected from virus-inoculated ferrets and employ mathematical modeling to identify commonalities between viral infection progression between both models.
N-Glycosylation of Rotavirus NSP4 Protein Affects Viral Replication and Pathogenesis
Authors: Nurdin Jeffery A. , Kotaki Tomohiro , Kawagishi Takahiro , Sato Shintaro , Yamasaki Moeko , Nouda Ryotaro , Minami Shohei , Kanai Yuta , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: January 2023

Rotavirus is the main cause of gastroenteritis in young children and infants worldwide, contributing to 128,500 deaths each year. Here, we used a reverse genetics approach to examine the role of NSP4 N-glycosylation.
HIV-1 Vpr Induces Degradation of Gelsolin, a Myeloid Cell-Specific Host Factor That Reduces Viral Infectivity by Inhibiting the Expression and Packaging of the HIV-1 Env Glycoprotein
Authors: Fabryova Helena , Kao Sandra , Sukegawa Sayaka , Miyagi Eri , Taylor Louis , Ferhadian Damien , Saito Hideki , Schaal Heiner , Hillebrand Frank , Strebel Klaus
Published: January 2023

Despite dramatic progress in drug therapies, HIV-1 infection remains an incurable disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The virus establishes long-lasting reservoirs that are resistant to currently available drug treatments and allow the virus to rebound whenever drug therapy is interrupted.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Microbacterium oxydans and Microbacterium maritypicum Strains
Authors: Lenchi Nesrine
Published: January 2023

Microbacterium
spp. are a group of microbes that have been recovered from a wide variety of environments in nature. Here, I report the complete genomic data for
Microbacterium oxydans
and
Microbacterium maritypicum
type strains that are already present in public culture repositories.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Resists Phage Infection via Eavesdropping on Indole Signaling
Authors: Xuan Guanhua , Dou Qin , Kong Jiuna , Lin Hong , Wang Jingxue
Published: January 2023

Our finding is significant with respect to the study of the interactions between phage and host. Although the important roles of indole in bacterial physiology have been revealed, no direct examples of indole participating in phage-host interactions were reported.
Management of basal cell carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis
Authors: Fordham Samuel Achilles , Shao Emily Ximin , Banney Leith , Azer Mary , Dettrick Andrew
Published: January 2023

A man in his 50s presented with an ulcerative lesion within the left axillary fold that had progressively worsened over 18 months. Biopsy revealed an ulcerative basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which was surgically managed. CT chest scans done 7 months later assessed post-treatment of radiotherapy. This revealed pulmonary lesions, which were biopsy-proven metastatic BCC. Sonidegib, a hedgehog signalling inhibitor, was used for first-line treatment. Due to progressive disease, sonidegib was ceased. Cemiplimab, a checkpoint inhibitor, was used as second-line treatment based on a phase II trial demonstrating efficacy in the setting of metastatic BCC. CT reports were initially consistent with response but after 6 months of cemiplimab treatment, repeat CT chest scans revealed a decrease in size of the previously cited pulmonary lesions.

This is a rare case of BCC metastases which has limited treatment options. This case provides insight of the patient experience on such treatment.
Chronic ectopic pregnancy presenting as a suspected tubo-ovarian abscess: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Alao Abayomi Ibukun , Dasgupta Jaydip , Biswas Bivas
Published: January 2023

Though there is no definite agreement on diagnostic criteria or definition of chronic ectopic pregnancy (CEP), it could be deemed to be a variant of pregnancy of unknown location with non-specific clinical signs and symptoms. This was a case of a para 2+2 who presented with lower abdominal pain and bleeding per vaginum, and initial ultrasound was suggestive of a tubo-ovarian abscess/mass. With a further MRI scan and a diagnostic laparoscopy, she was found to have a CEP and had a laparoscopic salpingectomy for management. The diagnosis of CEP could be quite challenging as a result of the protracted symptoms, often negative/low serum B-HCG and ultrasound features mimicking a pelvic mass. A high index of suspicion is needed, and an MRI scan and diagnostic laparoscopy often aid in diagnosis and management.
Investigating the autoregulation of applied blood flow restriction training pressures in healthy, physically active adults: an intervention study evaluating acute training responses and safety
Authors: Jacobs Ewoud , Rolnick Nicholas , Wezenbeek Evi , Stroobant Lenka , Capelleman Robbe , Arnout Nele , Witvrouw Erik , Schuermans Joke
Published: January 2023

Objective

To examine the effects of autoregulated (AUTO) and non-autoregulated (NAUTO) blood flow restriction (BFR) application on adverse effects, performance, cardiovascular and perceptual responses during resistance exercise.

Methods

Fifty-six healthy participants underwent AUTO and NAUTO BFR resistance exercise in a randomised crossover design using a training session with fixed amount of repetitions and a training session until volitional failure. Cardiovascular parameters, rate of perceived effort (RPE), rate of perceived discomfort (RPD) and number of repetitions were investigated after training, while the presence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was verified 24 hours post-session. Adverse events during or following training were also monitored.

Results

AUTO outperformed NAUTO in the failure protocol (p<0.001), while AUTO scored significantly lower for DOMS 24 hours after exercise (p<0.001). Perceptions of effort and discomfort were significantly higher in NAUTO compared with AUTO in both fixed (RPE: p=0.014, RPD: p<0.001) and failure protocol (RPE: p=0.028, RPD: p<0.001). Sixteen adverse events (7.14%) were recorded, with a sevenfold incidence in the fixed protocol for NAUTO compared with AUTO (NAUTO: n=7 vs AUTO: n=1) and five (NAUTO) vs three (AUTO) adverse events in the failure protocol. No significant differences in cardiovascular parameters were found comparing both pressure applications.

Conclusion

Autoregulation appears to enhance safety and performance in both fixed and failure BFR-training protocols. AUTO BFR training did not seem to affect cardiovascular stress differently, but was associated with lower DOMS, perceived effort and discomfort compared with NAUTO.

Trial registration number

NCT04996680.
Role of precision medicine in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Liu Yu , Abdul Ghafoor Ali , Hajipour Mohammadreza , Ayas Najib
Published: January 2023

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a substantial clinical and public health problem because it contributes to harmful effects on quality of life, daytime symptoms, road traffic incidents, and cardiometabolic disease. Increasingly, obstructive sleep apnoea is recognised as a heterogeneous disease, and patients have varied susceptibility to long term complications and different responses to treatment. This narrative review summarises the current knowledge of precision medicine in obstructive sleep apnoea, particularly the role of symptom clusters, polysomnogram phenotypes, physiological endotypes, and circulating biomarkers in defining subtypes. In the near future, the prognostic accuracy of these measures in predicting long term complications in obstructive sleep apnoea will likely be improved, together with better matching of treatments to disease subtypes.
Metrics, baseline scores, and a tool to improve sponsor performance on clinical trial diversity: retrospective cross sectional study
Authors: Varma Tanvee , Mello Michelle , Ross Joseph S , Gross Cary , Miller Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Objective

To develop a measure for fair inclusion in pivotal trials by assessing transparency and representation of enrolled women, older adults (aged 65 years and older), and racially and ethnically minoritized patients.

Design

Retrospective cross sectional study.

Population

Sponsors of novel oncology therapeutics that were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration over 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017.

Data sources

Trial data from Drugs@FDA, ClinicalTrials.gov, and corresponding publications; cancer incidence demographics from US Cancer Statistics and the American Cancer Society.

Main outcome measures

Transparency measures assess whether trials publicly report participant sex, age, and racial and ethnic identity. Representation measures assess whether trial participant demographics represent more than 80% of the US patient population for studied conditions, calculated by dividing the percentage of study participants in each demographic subgroup by the percentage of the US cancer population with the studied condition per group. Composite fair inclusion measures assess average transparency and representation scores, overall and for each demographic group. Results are reported at the trial, product, and sponsor levels.

Results

Between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2017, the FDA approved 59 novel cancer therapeutics, submitted by 25 sponsors (all industry companies) on the basis of 64 pivotal trials. All 25 sponsors (100%) reported participant sex, 10 (40%) reported age, and six (24%) reported race and ethnicity. Although 14 (56%) sponsors had adequate representation of women in trials, only six (24%) adequately represented older adults, and four (16%) adequately represented racially and ethnically minoritized patients (black, Asian, Hispanic or Latinx). On overall fair inclusion, one sponsor scored 100% and the median sponsor score was 81% (interquartile range 75-87%). More than half of sponsors (13 (56%) of 25) fairly included women, 20% (n=5) fairly included older adults, and 4% (n=1) fairly included racially and ethnically minoritized patients in trials. 80% of product had pivotal trials that fairly included women, 24% fairly included older adults, and 5% fairly included racially and ethnically minoritized patients.

Conclusions

This novel approach evaluates trials, products, and sponsors on their fair inclusion of demographic groups in research. For oncology trials, substantial room was noted for improved inclusion of older adults and patients who identify as black or Latinx and transparency around the number of participants identifying as Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native. These measures can be used by sponsors, ethics committees, among others, to set and evaluate trial diversity goals to help spur progress toward greater research equity in the US.
Investigating the usefulness of Automated Check-in Data Collection in general practice (AC DC Study): a multicentre, cross-sectional study in England
Authors: Lawton Sarah , Mallen Christian , Muller Sara , Wathall Simon , Helliwell Toby
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To investigate the usefulness of using automated appointment check-in screens to collect brief research data from patients, prior to their general practice consultation.

Design

A descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Nine general practices in the West Midlands, UK. Recruitment commenced in Autumn 2018 and was concluded by 31 March 2019.

Participants

All patients aged 18 years and above, self-completing an automated check-in screen prior to their general practice consultation, were invited to participate during a 3-week recruitment period.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The response rate to the use of the automated check-in screen as a research data collection tool was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included responses to the two research questions and an assessment of impact of check-in completion on general practice operationalisation

Results

Over 85% (n=9274) of patients self-completing an automated check-in screen participated in the Automated Check-in Data Collection Study (61.0% (n=5653) women, mean age 55.1 years (range 18–98 years, SD=18.5)). 96.2% (n=8922) of participants answered a ‘clinical’ research question, reporting the degree of bodily pain experienced during the past 4 weeks: 32.9% (n=2937) experienced no pain, 28.1% (n=2507) very mild or mild pain and 39.0% (n=3478) moderate, severe or very severe pain. 89.3% (n=8285) of participants answered a ‘non-clinical’ research question on contact regarding future research studies: 46.9% (n=3889) of participants responded ‘Yes, I’d be happy for you to contact me about research of relevance to me’.

Conclusions

Using automated check-in facilities to integrate research into routine general practice is a potentially useful way to collect brief research data from patients. With the COVID-19 pandemic initiating an extensive digital transformation in society, now is an ideal time to build on these opportunities and investigate alternative, innovative ways to collect research data.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN82531292.
Comparison of medication adherence to different oral anticoagulants: population-based cohort study
Authors: Ingason Arnar B , Hreinsson Jóhann P , Lund Sigrún H , Ágústsson Arnar S , Rumba Edward , Pálsson Daníel A , Reynisson Indriði E , Guðmundsdóttir Brynja R , Önundarson Páll T , Björnsson Einar S
Published: January 2023

Objective

Previous observational studies have yielded conflicting results on whether medication adherence differs between patients receiving warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Importantly, no study has adequately accounted for warfarin dosing being continuously modified based on INR values while dosing of DOACs is fixed. We aimed to compare non-adherence between new users of apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and warfarin in a population-based cohort.

Methods

New users of apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban and warfarin from 2014 to 2019 living in the Icelandic capital area were included. Non-adherence was defined as proportion of days covered below 80%. Inverse probability weighting was used to yield balanced study groups and non-adherence was compared using logistic regression. Factors associated with non-adherence were estimated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 1266 patients received apixaban, 247 dabigatran, 1566 rivaroxaban and 768 warfarin. The proportion of patients with non-adherence ranged from 10.5% to 16.7%. Dabigatran was associated with significantly higher odds of non-adherence compared with apixaban (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.04, p<0.001), rivaroxaban (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.89, p=0.005) and warfarin (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.15, p<0.001). The odds of non-adherence were similar for apixaban, rivaroxaban and warfarin. Apart from the type of oral anticoagulants (OACs) used, female sex, hypertension, history of cerebrovascular accident and concomitant statin use were all independently associated with lower odds of non-adherence.

Conclusion

Dabigatran was associated with higher odds of non-adherence compared with other OACs. Non-adherence was similar between apixaban, rivaroxaban and warfarin users. Female sex and higher comorbidity were associated with better medication adherence.
Reporting clinically relevant genetic variants unrelated to genomic test requests: a survey of Australian clinical laboratory policies and practices
Authors: Tudini Emma , Haas Matilda A , Mattiske Tessa , Spurdle Amanda B
Published: January 2023

Approaches to reporting clinically important genetic findings unrelated to the initial test request vary internationally. We sought to investigate practices regarding the management and return of these findings in Australia. Australian clinically accredited genetic testing laboratories were surveyed in 2017 and 2020 regarding their opinions on issues relating to the return of clinically important genetic findings unrelated to the initial test request. Responses were collated and analysed for 15 laboratories in 2017, and 17 laboratories in 2020. Content analysis was also performed on seven laboratory policies in 2020. Analysis showed that overall there was a lack of consensus about the terminology used to describe such findings and reporting practices across different testing contexts. A clear exception was that no laboratories were actively searching for a list of medically actionable genes (eg, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics secondary findings gene list). Laboratory policies showed little consistency in the documentation of issues related to the handling of these findings. These findings indicate a need for Australian-specific policy guidance that covers all aspects of clinically important genetic findings unrelated to the initial test request. We present recommendations for consideration when developing laboratory policies.
Assistive technology in palliative medicine: equipment needs
Authors: Kelly Renae , Manning Bridget , Broome Kieran
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Most people prefer to die at home. Timely and appropriate provision of assistive technology can support people to remain at home in the palliative phase. A state-wide palliative care equipment programme (PCEP) was established in Queensland, Australia, to support coordinated assistive technology provision. The objective of this study was to identify population-wide palliative care equipment needs and their relationship to primary diagnostic categories.

Method

A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of equipment provided over a 19-month period was conducted. This included types of equipment provided and characteristics of the participants such as rurality, age and diagnostic category.

Results

There were 13 764 approved equipment requests, with a median time between equipment application and death being around 35 days. There were significant differences in the types of equipment typically required across diagnostic categories.

Conclusion

The findings from the study can provide a benchmark for the development of population-wide PCEPs. For practitioners who are new to palliative care, typical trajectories of equipment needs by diagnostic group can help guide equipment planning.
A comprehensive study on the Hall mobility of an ohmic ensemble of two-dimensional electrons confined in a quantum well of a heterostructure at low lattice temperatures
Authors: Roy B. , Bhattacharyya S. , Bhattacharya D.P.
Published: January 2023

In the present study, the characteristic dependence of the Hall mobility upon the temperature of a degenerate ensemble of two-dimensional electrons in a well of heterostructure were calculated in broader detail, for the ohmic field region, at low temperatures. Apart from the electronic interactions with the remote ionized impurities and the surface roughness, the study also duly considered some factors that are often ignored for mathematical simplicity. These include the inelasticity of the electron–phonon collisions and the true phonon distribution. The results thus obtained for heterostructures such as AlGaAs/GaAs, AlGaN/GaN, and AlInSb/InSb show that the consideration of the above details significantly changes the overall characteristics, and makes them agree quite well with the experimental data.
Excited doubly heavy baryons production via Higgs decays
Authors: Ma Hong-Hao , Niu Juan-Juan
Published: January 2023

Through the interaction of Higgs with heavy quarks in standard model, we have systematically studied and predicted the production of excited doubly heavy baryons based on non-relativistic QCD theory. The decay widths, differential distributions, and major theoretical uncertainties of the excited doubly heavy baryons via the process $$H \rightarrow \langle QQ'\rangle [n] \rightarrow \Xi _{QQ'}+ \bar{Q'} + \bar{Q}$$

H
→

⟨
Q

Q
′

⟩

[
n
]

→

Ξ

Q

Q
′

+

Q
′

¯

+

Q

¯

are discussed in detail. The spin and color quantum number of the intermediate P-wave diquark state $$\langle QQ'\rangle [n]$$

⟨
Q

Q
′

⟩

[
n
]

can be $$\langle cc\rangle [^{1}P_{1}]_{\varvec{\bar{3}}}$$

⟨
c
c
⟩

[
1

P
1

]

3

¯

, $$\langle cc\rangle [^{3}P_{J}]_{\varvec{6}}$$

⟨
c
c
⟩

[
3

P
J

]

6

, $$\langle bc\rangle [^{1}P_{1}]_{\varvec{\bar{3}}/ \textbf{6}}$$

⟨
b
c
⟩

[
1

P
1

]

3

¯

/
6

, $$\langle bc\rangle [^{3}P_{J}]_{\varvec{\bar{3}}/ \textbf{6}}$$

⟨
b
c
⟩

[
3

P
J

]

3

¯

/
6

, $$\langle bb \rangle [^{1}P_{1}]_{\varvec{\bar{3}}}$$

⟨
b
b
⟩

[
1

P
1

]

3

¯

and $$\langle bb\rangle [^{3}P_{J}]_{\textbf{6}}$$

⟨
b
b
⟩

[
3

P
J

]

6

, with $$J=0, 1, 2$$

J
=
0
,
1
,
2

. The contributions from all summed P-wave states can be about $$3.05\%$$

3.05
%

, $$3.23\%$$

3.23
%

and $$2.19\%$$

2.19
%

of the S-wave states for the production of $$\Xi _{cc}$$

Ξ

cc

, $$\Xi _{bc}$$

Ξ

bc

and $$\Xi _{bb}$$

Ξ

bb

, accordingly. Therefore, there will be about 0.41$$\times 10^4$$

×

10
4

events of $$\Xi _{cc}$$

Ξ

cc

, 6.35$$\times 10^4$$

×

10
4

events of $$\Xi _{bc}$$

Ξ

bc

and 0.28$$\times 10^4$$

×

10
4

events of $$\Xi _{bb}$$

Ξ

bb

produced per year at the HL-LHC, and a smaller number of events would be produced at the CEPC or ILC but with a cleaner background to be measured by the experiments.
Fault-Tolerance of Star Graph Based on Subgraph Fault Pattern
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhou Shuming , Niu Baohua
Published: January 2023

Traditional fault tolerability is regularly measured by classical vertex or edge connectivity. Menger’s theorem shows that the number of (edge)-disjoint paths is closely related to (edge) connectivity. Clearly, disjoint paths not only provide alternative routings to tolerate faulty vertices but also avoid communication bottlenecks. Furthermore, disjoint paths can speed up the transmission time by distributing data among disjoint paths. In order to assess the fault tolerance of the network objectively, we aim to extend vertex or edge failures to substructure malfunction. In this paper, we show the maximum number of vertex (edge)-disjoint paths in star graph in the case of genetic substructure faults. Let [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) be a [Formula: see text]-dimensional substar of [Formula: see text]. We show that there exist [Formula: see text] vertex (edge)-disjoint paths to connect any two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the degree of vertex [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. In addition, we show that (edge) connectivity and [Formula: see text]-extra connectivity of [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively.
Excellent sensitivity of SnO2 nanoparticles to formaldehyde
Authors: Li Xiang-Bing , Luo Zhi-Hua , Zhang Yan , Dong Xu-Jie , Zhang Chun-Juan , Dang Wen-Qiang , Zhang Li-Jun , Zhao Yu-Xiang , Liu Xiao-Bin , Wang Yu-Ping , Zhao Li-Min , An Jian-Zhen , Kang Xue-Fu , Zhao Wen-Bo , Liu Qing
Published: January 2023

The room temperature gas sensors have always been an important research direction of the gas sensor, and the room temperature gas sensors without the assistance of the light is more valuable. The SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method, which showed good formaldehyde sensitivity, had the advantages of low test temperature, only [Formula: see text]C, good formaldehyde selectivity, and especially the good response to formaldehyde at room temperature. The nanostructure and gas-sensing properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, EDS mapping, nitrogen physical adsorption, and X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and WS-60B gas-sensing measurement system. Compared with the reported research results, we carefully discuss the physical mechanism of the SnO2 formaldehyde sensor with low operating temperature and good formaldehyde selectivity in this paper.
Studying the optical depth behavior of parametrized deceleration parameter in non-flat universe
Authors: Kundu Rownak , Debnath Ujjal , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: January 2023

In this work, we have assumed the non-flat FRW model of the universe. We probed the optical depth behavior of a few cosmological models, including the deceleration parameter’s parametrized form. We have considered ten such models and carried out a qualitative analysis graphically. We found that these particular lensing phenomena depend greatly on the various parametrization forms of deceleration parameter in the cosmological models. Then we compared these models to each other as well as with [Formula: see text]CDM model.
Aluminum Anodizing in an Aqueous Solution of Formic Acid with Ammonium Heptamolybdate Additive
Authors: Chernyakova Katsiaryna , Jasulaitiene Vitalija , Naujokaitis Arnas , Karpicz Renata , Matulaitiene Ieva , Klimas Vaclovas , Jagminas Arunas
Published: January 2023

Morphology, composition, and fluorescence properties of anodic alumina/carbon composites formed in an aqueous solution of formic acid with ammonium heptamolybdate additive at 60–80 V were studied concerning the amount and state of carbon embedded in the alumina structure. According to scanning electron microscopy studies, the composites possess a hierarchical structure with multi-branched pores with a dense, cracked cover layer on the film surface. On the reverse side (i.e., anodizing front), hexagonal-shaped cells with an average diameter of about 180 nm were formed. Linear sweep voltammetry and study of current transient curves demonstrated that the anodizing process is non-steady, which led to the generation of non-uniform current pathways and resulted in the formation of the multi-brunched porous structure. Thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy showed that the average carbon content is ca. 5.5 mass%, and the carbon embedded in the alumina is in the form of CO2, CO, carboxylate ions, and a-C:H. X-ray-induced Auger electron spectroscopy of the surface and reverse sides of the films proved that carbon is not only on the surface but also is homogeneously distributed through the oxide layer. According to fluorescence studies, alumina/carbon composites have a wide blue fluorescence in the wavelength range of 350–700 nm with a maximum at around 455 and 460 nm for surface and reverse sides, respectively. Our findings imply that the fluorescence spectrum dynamics is non-exponential and can be described as a superposition of several decay components. These can be different carbon-containing compounds and functional groups, such as OH, C=O, and COOH.
Physics-Based Reduced Order Model for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Garapati Vamsi Krishna , Dingari Naga Neehar , Mynam Mahesh , Rai Beena
Published: January 2023

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as promising energy storage systems. SIBs share similar chemistry and performance metrics with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the workhorse energy storage technology. Abundant availability of sodium and its even distribution across the globe make SIBs a better alternative to LIBs. Electrochemical models enabling simulation of batteries help study performance and various parameters of batteries for a variety of operating conditions. Reduced order electrochemical models can be used to study batteries to obtain quick insights, especially, at lesser computational cost. In this work, we present a reduced order model for SIBs based on the single particle assumption. We validate the single particle model (SPM) by comparing the results with experimental data and predictions of detailed pseudo-two-dimensional (P2D) model. The SPM shows good accuracy in predicting voltage profiles over a range of discharge current densities. We further discuss the regime of operation where the SPM predictions deviate from that of the P2D model. Our study suggests that the SPM can be used as a viable alternative to the P2D model to design and test SIBs.
Air Target Threat Assessment: A Kernel Extreme Learning Machine Based on a Multistrategy Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Song Ruiqi , Liu Bailin , Xue Suqin , Li Hong , Li Jingyi , Zhang Zehua
Published: January 2023

Air strikes are among the main means of attack in modern warfare. To improve air defense capabilities and aid military decision‐making, threat assessment models have been introduced. As the parameters of the kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) model need to be set individually, this study proposes a parameter learning strategy based on a multistrategy improved sparrow search algorithm (MISSA). First, a reasonable threat assessment model was established based on the capability and situation factors of air targets. Second, the sparrow search algorithm was improved in terms of population position initialization and position update strategy, incorporating tent chaos reverse learning, nonlinear inertia weights, a global search strategy, and adaptive t‐distribution. The effectiveness of the MISSA strategy was verified using nine common benchmark functions. The results show that the proposed MISSA finds an effective balance between global and local searches. Moreover, when the MISSA is applied to solve the tuning problem of KELM, the values of mean absolute percentage error, mean square error, root mean square error, and mean absolute error for MISSA–KELM in the air target threat assessment problem are 2.013 × 10−2, 1.282 × 10−4, 1.132 × 10−2, and 8.316 × 10−3, respectively, all of which are higher than that of the other metaheuristic algorithms (e.g., ACWOA‐KELM and HGWO‐KELM). Therefore, the method proposed in this study can be used as a parameter‐tuning tool for KELM, enabling KELM to perform better in practical applications.
Design of Real Network Hardware In-Loop Simulation Test Platform for Internet of Vehicles Testing
Authors: Yin Chengfeng , Zheng Qiang , Shen Xiaoqing
Published: January 2023

Based on the function and performance testing requirements of Internet of Vehicles, a design scheme for automatic simulation test and verification platform for the Internet of Vehicles based on cellular networks and real network in-loop is proposed. First, the overall structure of the simulation test platform and the specific function of each component are presented. The main and functional components of the real cellular network simulation subsystem are then discussed. Finally, two typical application test scenarios are designed and presented; namely, vehicle remote-startup delay test based on a cloud platform and Internet of Vehicles local performance test of different frequency cell switching in a dynamic scenario. Experimental results verify that the simulation test platform can meet the test verification, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting requirements of the Internet of Vehicles function. It is important to improve the application experience of intelligent connected vehicles and the Internet of Vehicles.
Manipulations of Oblique Pulling Affect Sacroiliac Joint Displacements and Ligament Strains: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Xu Zhun , Feng Ziyu , Zhang Zhaocong , Zhang Kunmu , Li Yikai
Published: January 2023

Objective. Clinical studies have found that manipulation of oblique pulling has a good clinical effect on sacroiliac joint pain. However, there is no uniform standard for manipulation of oblique pulling at present. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of four manipulations of oblique pulling on sacroiliac joint and surrounding ligaments. Methods. A three‐dimensional finite element model of the pelvis was established. Four manipulations of oblique pulling were simulated. The stresses and displacements of sacroiliac joint and the strains of surrounding ligaments were analyzed under four manipulations of oblique pulling. Results. Manipulation of oblique pulling F2 and F3 caused the highest and lowest stress on the pelvis, at 85.0 and 52.6 MPa, respectively. Manipulation of oblique pulling F3 and F1 produced the highest and lowest stress on the left sacroiliac joint, at 6.6 and 5.6 MPa, respectively. The four manipulations of oblique pulling mainly produced anterior‐posterior displacement. The maximum value was 1.21 mm, produced by manipulation of oblique pulling F2, while the minimal value was 0.96 mm, produced by manipulation of oblique pulling F3. The four manipulations of oblique pulling could all cause different degrees of ligament strain, and manipulation of oblique pulling F2 produced the greatest ligament strain. Conclusions. The four manipulations of oblique pulling all produced small displacements of sacroiliac joint. However, they produced different degrees of ligament strain. Manipulation of oblique pulling F2 produced the largest displacement of sacroiliac joint and the greatest ligament strain, which could provide a certain reference for physiotherapists.
Organelle-Specific Mechanisms in Crosstalk between Apoptosis and Ferroptosis
Authors: Wu Peiyao , Zhang Xiaoyue , Duan Dingyu , Zhao Lei
Published: January 2023

Apoptosis has been extensively studied, whereas ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of regulated cell death that involves iron-dependent accumulations of lipid hydroperoxides. While these two cell death mechanisms were initially believed to be mutually exclusive, recent studies have revealed cellular contexts requiring a balanced interaction between them. Numerous subcellular sites and signaling molecules within these sites are involved in both processes, either as modules or switches that allow cells to choose on how to proceed. The close relationships between apoptosis and ferroptosis, as well as the possibility of switching from one to the other, are described in this review. To understand the crosstalk between apoptosis and ferroptosis, various organelle-specific mechanisms must be analyzed and compared. The ability to switch apoptosis to ferroptosis by targeting cellular organelles has a great potential in cancer therapy.
Antibacterial, Antioxidant Potency, and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Dried Powdered Leaves and Flowers of Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense (Schweinf.)
Authors: Sengera Geoffrey Ogeto , Kenanda Evans Okemwa , Onyancha Jared Misonge
Published: January 2023

Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense is a plant mainly used to treat diarrhoea, rheumatism, nervous disorders, and wounds in African traditional medicine. The objective of the current work was to establish antibacterial, antioxidant potency, and chemical composition of essential oil from the leaves and flowers of Hypericum revolutum subsp. keniense. The oils were isolated by steam distillation. Antibacterial activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12393), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATTC 19606), Salmonella enteritidis (NCTC12023), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), and Haemophilus influenzae (ATCC 49766) was carried out by agar disk diffusion and microtiter broth dilution methods. Antioxidant activities of the essential oils were examined by different methods, DPPH, FRAP, and H2O2 assays. Chemical characterization was performed using gas chromatography interfaced with mass spectrometry, Fourier‐transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and quantification of phenolics and flavonoids by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium nitrate, respectively. The oils showed potential antibacterial activity with mean zone of inhibition ranging from 20.67 ± 0.33 to 32.00 ± 1.00 mm at 100% oil concentration against the tested bacteria. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in all the tested microorganisms were in the range from 250 to 15.6250 μg/ml. The essential oils derived from the leaves revealed varied antioxidant activity levels with the different methods of assay. The IC50 of values obtained from the three methods, DPPH, FRAP, and H2O2 were ˃1000 μg/ml, 0.31 μg/ml, and 12.33 μg/ml, respectively. Caryophyllene (22.1%) and 2, 3, 4‐trimethylhexane were the major chemical components of the essential oils derived from the leaves and flowers, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy of the essential oils from the leaves and flowers showed similarity at peaks for hydroxyl, unsaturated olefinic, and amine functional groups. Further findings indicated that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents essential oils derived from leaves were 130.4 6 ± 10.5 mg GAE/g dry weight and 0.911 ± 0.04 mg CE/g dry weight, respectively. It was therefore concluded that essential oils from the leaves and flowers of H. revolutum subsp. keniense have compounds that have antibacterial and antioxidant potency.
Activated Mast Cells Combined with NRF2 Predict Prognosis for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Guo Xinxin , Shen Weitao , Sun Mingjun , Lv Junjie , Liu Ran
Published: January 2023

Background. Esophageal cancer (EC) had the sixth-highest mortality rate of all cancers due to its poor prognosis. Immune cells and mutation genes influenced the prognosis of EC, but their combined effect on predicting EC prognosis was unknown. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the immune cell infiltration (ICI) and mutation genes and their combined effects for predicting prognosis in EC. Methods. The CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to analyse the ICI scape based on the TCGA and GEO databases. EC tissues and pathologic sections from Huai’an, China, were used to verify the key immune cells and mutation genes and their interactions. Results. Stromal/immune score patterns and ICI/gene had no statistical significance in overall survival (OS) (

p
>
0.05

). The combination of ICI and tumor mutation burden (TMB) showed that the high TMB and high ICI score group had the shortest OS (

p
=
0.004

). We recognized that the key mutation gene NRF2 was significantly different in the high/low ICI score subgroups (

p
=
0.002

) and positivity with mast cells (MCs) (

p
<
0.05

). Through experimental validation, we found that the MCs and activated mast cells (AC-MCs) were more infiltration in stage II/III (

p
=
0.032

;

p
=
0.013

) of EC patients and that NRF2 expression was upregulated in EC (

p
=
0.045

). AC-MCs combined with NRF2 had a poor prognosis, according to survival analysis (

p
=
0.056

) and interactive analysis (

p
=
0.032

). Conclusions. We presume that NRF2 combined with AC-MCs could be a marker to predict prognosis and could influence immunotherapy through regulating PD-L1 in the EC.
Dependent Task-Offloading Strategy Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Gong Bencan , Jiang Xiaowei
Published: January 2023

In mobile edge computing, there are usually relevant dependencies between different tasks, and traditional algorithms are inefficient in solving dependent task-offloading problems and neglect the impact of the dynamic change of the channel on the offloading strategy. To solve the offloading problem of dependent tasks in a dynamic network environment, this paper establishes the dependent task model as a directed acyclic graph. A Dependent Task-Offloading Strategy (DTOS) based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed with minimizing the weighted sum of delay and energy consumption of network services as the optimization objective. DTOS transforms the dependent task offloading into an optimal policy problem under Markov decision processes. Multiple parallel deep neural networks (DNNs) are used to generate offloading decisions, cache the optimal decisions for each round, and then optimize the DNN parameters using priority experience replay mechanism to extract valuable experiences. DTOS introduces a penalty mechanism to obtain the optimal task-offloading decisions, which is triggered if the service energy consumption or service delay exceeds the threshold. The experimental results show that the algorithm produces better offloading decisions than existing algorithms, can effectively reduce the delay and energy consumption of network services, and can self-adapt to the changing network environment.
MiR-100 rs1834306 A>G Increases Biliary Atresia Risk in Southern Han Chinese Children
Authors: Chang Jiaming , Liang Jiankun , Chai Chengwei , Liu Fei , Tao Boyuan , Wang Hezhen , Tong Yanlu , Wang Zhe , Xia Huimin
Published: January 2023

Background. Biliary atresia (BA) is a type of severe cholestatic childhood disease that may have a genetic component. miR-100 plays a key role in regulating cell apoptosis, proliferation, and inflammatory reactions. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism in miR-100 has been proven to modulate susceptibility to various diseases. Methods. We conducted a case‐control retrospective study to explore the correlation between miR-100 gene polymorphism (rs1834306 A>G) and biliary atresia susceptibility in 484 Chinese patients and 1445 matched control subjects. Results. Our results showed that rs1834306 A>G was correlated with a significantly increased risk for BA (GG vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95%confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–2.03, p = 0.041; and GG vs. AA/AG: adjusted OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.02–1.89, p = 0.036). Conclusions. Our results showed that the rs1834306 A>G polymorphism is associated with an increased risk for BA and contributes to BA susceptibility.
Identification of Smoking‐Associated Transcriptome Aberration in Blood with Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Huang FeiMing , Ma QingLan , Ren JingXin , Li JiaRui , Wang Fen , Huang Tao , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: January 2023

Long‐term cigarette smoking causes various human diseases, including respiratory disease, cancer, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Alterations in gene expression and variable splicing processes induced by smoking are associated with the development of diseases. This study applied advanced machine learning methods to identify the isoforms with important roles in distinguishing smokers from former smokers based on the expression profile of isoforms from current and former smokers collected in one previous study. These isoforms were deemed as features, which were first analyzed by the Boruta to select features highly correlated with the target variables. Then, the selected features were evaluated by four feature ranking algorithms, resulting in four feature lists. The incremental feature selection method was applied to each list for obtaining the optimal feature subsets and building high‐performance classification models. Furthermore, a series of classification rules were accessed by decision tree with the highest performance. Eventually, the rationality of the mined isoforms (features) and classification rules was verified by reviewing previous research. Features such as isoforms ENST00000464835 (expressed by LRRN3), ENST00000622663 (expressed by SASH1), and ENST00000284311 (expressed by GPR15), and pathways (cytotoxicity mediated by natural killer cell and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction) revealed by the enrichment analysis, were highly relevant to smoking response, suggesting the robustness of our analysis pipeline.
Protective Effect of Bojungikki‐Tang against Radiation‐Induced Intestinal Injury in Mice: Experimental Verification and Compound‐Target Prediction
Authors: Kang Sohi , Lee A. Y. , Nam Hyun H. , Lee Soong-In , Kim Hyun-Yong , Lee Jeong M. , Moon Changjong , Shin In S. , Chae Sung-Wook , Lee Ji H. , Seo Yun-Soo , Kim Joong S.
Published: January 2023

Bojungikki‐tang (BJIT) is a traditional herbal medicine used in Korea, Japan, and China to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether BJIT has protective effects against radiation‐induced intestinal injury and to predict the underlying therapeutic mechanisms and related pathways via network pharmacological analyses. BJIT was injected intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg body weight) to C3H/HeN mice at 36 and 12 h before exposure to partial abdominal irradiation (5 Gy and 13 Gy) to evaluate the apoptotic changes and the histological changes and variations in inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in the jejunum, respectively. Through in silico network analysis, we predicted the mechanisms underlying BJIT‐mediated regulation of radiation‐induced intestinal injury. BJIT reduced the level of apoptosis in the jejunal crypts 12 h post 5‐Gy irradiation. Histological assessment revealed intestinal morphological changes in irradiated mice 3.5 days post 13‐Gy irradiation. Furthermore, BJIT decreased inflammatory cytokine levels following radiation exposure. Apoptosis, TNF, p53, VEGF, toll‐like receptor, PPAR, PI3K‐Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), were found to be linked to the radioprotective effects of BJIT against intestinal injury. According to our results, BJIT exerted its potential protective effects by attenuating histopathological changes in jejunal crypts and suppressing inflammatory mediator levels. Therefore, BJIT is a potential therapeutic agent that can treat radiation‐induced intestinal injury and its associated symptoms.
Feature Signature Discovery for Autism Detection: An Automated Machine Learning Based Feature Ranking Framework
Authors: Jacob Shomona Gracia , Sulaiman Majdi Mohammed Bait Ali , Bennet Bensujin
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder is the most used umbrella term for a myriad of neuro‐degenerative/developmental conditions typified by inappropriate social behavior, lack of communication/comprehension skills, and restricted mental and emotional maturity. The intriguing factor of this disorder is attributed to the fact that it can be detected only by close monitoring of developmental milestones after childbirth. Moreover, the exact causes for the occurrence of this neurodevelopmental condition are still unknown. Besides, autism is prevalent across individuals irrespective of ethnicity, genetic/familial history, and economic/educational background. Although research suggests that autism is genetic in nature and early detection of this disorder can greatly enhance the independent lifestyle and societal adaptability of affected individuals, there is still a great dearth of information to support the statement of proven facts and figures. This research work places emphasis on the application of automated machine learning incorporated with feature ranking techniques to generate significant feature signatures for the early detection of autism. Publicly available datasets based on the Q‐chat scores of individuals across diverse age groups—toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults have been employed in this study. A machine learning framework based on automated hyperparameter optimization is proposed in this work to rank the potential nonclinical markers for autism. Moreover, this study aimed at ranking the AutoML models based on Mathew’s correlation coefficient and balanced accuracy via which nonclinical markers were identified from these datasets. Besides, the feature signatures and their significance in distinguishing between classes are being reported for the first time in autism detection. The proposed framework yielded ∼90% MCC and ∼95% balanced accuracy across all four age groups of autism datasets. Deep learning approaches have yielded a maximum of 92.7% accuracy on the same datasets but are limited in their ability to extract significant markers, have not reported on MCC for unbalanced data, and cannot adapt automatically to new data entries. However, AutoML approaches are more flexible, easier to implement, and provide automated optimization, thereby yielding the highest accuracy with minimal user intervention.