bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Approach for Failure Mode and Effect Analysis Under Probabilistic Interval-Value Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Guo Jing , Li Wenfeng , Zhu Xianjun , Li Hui
Published: April 2023

To address the ambiguity, uncertainty, and imprecision inherent in failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) assessments, we propose a probabilistic interval-value term set (PIVTS) to express decision-makers’ evaluations. This approach allows decision makers to express their quantitative assessments using interval-value terms with probabilities, providing a more comprehensive and expressive representation of people’s preferences than exact numbers. In a probabilistic interval-valued environment, we propose an enhanced failure mode ranking method based on elimination and choice translating reality-III (ELECTRE III). Our ranking method includes a comprehensive computing framework for PIVTS to assess the importance of risk factors. Additionally, we provide rules for addition, subtraction, and division when comparing the disparity between two PIVTSs. Based on these rules, we also introduce the concordance index, discordance index, and outranking degrees. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we provide an example of its application to the steel production process. The advantages of PIVTS as a judgment technique and ELECTRE III as a decision method make our approach a better alternative for addressing complex uncertainties and determining the risk ranking of failure modes.
Design & Development of Hybrid Electric Fish-Harris Hawks Optimization-Based Privacy Preservation of Data in Supply Chain Network with Block Chain Technology
Authors: Viswanadham Yedida Venkata Rama Subramanya , Jayavel Kayalvizhi
Published: April 2023

Due to the expansion of privacy protection, and data sharing gets complicated and is known to be a hot issue in the research areas. Many business scenarios in the supply chain network have been highly important in research areas. Especially, blockchain technology ensures the essential solution in the supply chain network for securing information sharing. Yet, it is difficult to maintain security at every blockchain level, whereas it is suggested to use “public–private key cryptography.” The fundamental goal of this research work is to present new privacy preservation of data using hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms with blockchain technology. The secured supply chain network is built with blockchain technology. The privacy preservation of data sharing in blockchain technology is handled by the electric fish-Harris hawks optimization (EF-HHO). This new algorithm is utilized for the key generation phase of two processes like “data sanitization and restoration.” The optimal key generation follows a multi-objective problem is solved by the variables like “Hiding Failure (HF) rate, information preservation (IP) rate, and false rule (FR) generation, and degree of modification (DM)”. The result analysis shows the offered model provides effective performance when compared with existing conventional techniques.
ANALYZING INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL FLOWS TO DEVELOPING AND EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES USING A TWO-COUNTRY DYNAMIC STOCHASTIC GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM (DSGE) MODEL UNDER ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION STRUCTURE
Authors: MOHABATPOOR ROHOLLA , GOOGERDCHIAN AHMAD , AZARBAYJANI KARIM , NAZARI AZIM
Published: April 2023

In this study, in order to investigate the different forms of capital flow between developing and developed countries in the steady state, a two-country dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model, under asymmetric information, is developed. For simulating countries, the parameters of previous studies are used. The results showed that international risk-sharing can explain the Lucas paradox. In both symmetric and asymmetric information structures, net foreign assets in the forms of stocks in steady state are negative for developing countries. In other words, in the steady state, capital exits from the developing country in the form of bonds and enters these countries in the form of stocks. Besides, net capital inflows in the form of stocks and net outflows of capital in the form of bonds in the present model under asymmetric information are larger than that under symmetric information structure. Furthermore, impulse function results show that the two countries are highly correlated. So, the occurrence of a shock in one country changes the production and consumption of another country. But the impact of the shock on macro variables in the country itself is greater than in another.
Hyperparameter Optimization of a Parallelized LSTM for Time Series Prediction
Authors: Öztürk Muhammed Maruf
Published: April 2023

Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network has great potential to predict sequential data. Time series prediction is one of the most popular experimental subjects of LSTM. To this end, various LSTM algorithms have been developed to predict time series data. However, there are a few works considering the hyperparameter optimization of LSTM along with parallelization approaches. To address this problem, a parallelized classic LSTM is proposed to predict time series. In the preprocessing phase, it first replaces missing values with zero and then normalizes the time series matrix. The transposed matrix is divided into training and testing parts. Consequently, a core-based parallelism is established, thereby utilizing forking to split prediction into multiple processes. Derivative-free optimization techniques are also analyzed to find out what sort of hyperparameter optimization technique is much more feasible for a parallelized LSTM. Further, a state-of-the-art comparison is included in the study. Experimental results show that training loss is optimal when using Nelder–Mead. Employing effort-intensive optimization methods such as genetic algorithms results in a remarkable CPU time reduction in parallelized designs according to the results. Last, the proposed algorithm outperformed the comparison methods with respect to the prediction errors.
Candle Soot-Derived Stretchable Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Ren Wurong , Yao Honglin , Xue Haoyang , Zhong Haizhe , Lin Xiangnan , Li Baili
Published: April 2023

A novel strategy was developed to prepare stretchable superhydrophobic surface by deposition of candle soot on PDMS film without using complicated facilities or environment-unfriendly fluorides. The superhydrophobic film shows excellent water-repellent property and stretching capability due to the rough structure of candle soot layer and elastic property of PDMS layer. The film can be stretched for more than 100% without destroying the rough structure of candle soot layer.
Clinical and Radiological Outcome of Osteoscopic-Assisted Treatment of Enchondroma in Hand with Artificial Bone Substitute or Bone Graft: A 7-Year Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: YUNG Wai Tat Bernard , KOO Siu Cheong Jeffrey Justin , MAK Chu Kay Michael , YU Wai Ping Fiona , TSE Wing Lim , HO Pak Cheong
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aims to look at the intermediate-term clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of patients with enchondroma in hand treated with osteoscopic-assisted curettage and artificial bone substitute or bone graft. The addition of osteoscopy allows direct visualisation of the bone cavity during and after curettage of tumour tissue without the need of creating a large opening in the bone cortex. This could lead to better clearance of tumour tissue and lower risk of iatrogenic fracture.

Methods: A total of 11 patients who received surgery from December 2013 to November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All cases had histological diagnosis of enchondroma. Patients with a follow-up period of less than 3 months were excluded. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.9 months. For the clinical outcome, we measured the total active motion (TAM) and graded with Belsky score grip strength. For the functional outcome, the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) score was used. For the radiological outcome, we evaluated the X-ray for bone cavity filling defect, new bone formation according to the system proposed by Tordai.

Results: The mean TAM of patients was 257º. A total of 60% patients had Belsky score grading excellent, 40% patients had Belsky score grading good. The mean percentage of grip strength compared with the contralateral side was 86.2%. The mean QuickDASH score was 7.7. For the wound aesthetic rating by patients, 81.8% patients reported as excellent. For the radiological outcome, the postoperative X-ray of all patients showed bone filling defect less than 3 mm. The mean time to complete bone consolidation was 3.8 months. None of the patients showed any radiological signs of recurrence.

Conclusions: Our study showed that patients with enchondromas in hand treated with this minimally invasive method demonstrated good functional and radiological outcome. Its application may also be extended into treating other benign bone lesions in hand.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Single-Centre Experience Regarding the Use of Fibular Graft for Reconstruction after Resection of Grade III GCT of Distal Radius
Authors: SAHITO Badaruddin , ALI Sheikh Muhammad Ebad , SUKAINA Mahnoor , SHAHID Shehroz , HUSSAIN Nauman , KATTO Muhammad Soughat
Published: April 2023

Background: A giant cell tumour (GCT) is a locally invasive benign tumour of bone in young adults. Treatment includes surgical resection as first-line or denosumab pharmacotherapy in inoperable patients. However, surgical resection of distal radius GCT has produced debatable functional outcomes. Here we study the use of fibular grafts for reconstruction of surgically resected GCT of the distal radius.

Methods: A total of 11 patients having Grade III GCT of the distal radius were recruited for a retrospective single-centred study. Five underwent arthrodesis with fibular shaft graft and six received arthroplasty with the proximal fibula. Functional outcomes at 6 weeks, 6 and 12 months were measured by Mayo wrist score (MWS) (>51% = good) and Revised Musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score (>15 = good).

Results: At 6 weeks, mean MSTS score and MWS were 23.64 and 58.64% respectively, and the length of the fibular graft was a predictor for both MSTS score (p = 0.014) and MWS (p = 0.006). At 6 months, the mean MSTS and MWS were 26.36 and 76.82%, respectively. At 6 months, the surgical procedure was a predictor in MSTS score (p = 0.02) while MWS was predicted by length of graft (p = 0.02). At 12 months, MSTS score was 28.73, and MWS remained 91.82%. Length of the fibular graft was an insignificant predictor, but a significant risk factor was surgical procedure for MWS (p = 0.04) at 12 months. No variable was found significant for MSTS score.

Conclusions: Resection along with reconstruction of Grade III GCT of the radius with fibular graft was found an optimal treatment option. Also, use of the fibular head grafts and shorter length grafts are predictors for better outcomes after surgery.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Cutaneous Cryptococcus Infection and Suspected Kaposi Sarcoma of the Hand in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: BECKER Jacob , WOLDE-SEMAIT Henock , WOLLSTEIN Ronit
Published: April 2023

Cryptococcal infection is well-documented in immunocompromised individuals. Cutaneous manifestations are not as common and are often difficult to diagnose due to variable presentations. Furthermore, there have been reports of coexisting cutaneous Cryptococcus and malignancy. We describe a patient that presented with a fast-growing mass (suspected sarcoma) in the hand that was ultimately treated for a Cryptococcus skin infection. We believe familiarity with the possibility of coexistence of these two conditions in an immunocompromised host could have brought about earlier diagnosis and possibly more effective treatment.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Reconstructing sediment distribution in meandering river deposits through a simplified numerical modelling approach, with applications to the Holocene deposits of the Venetian Plain (Italy)
Authors: Sgarabotto Alessandro , Bellizia Elena , Finotello Alvise , D'Alpaos Andrea , Lanzoni Stefano , Boaga Jacopo , Cassiani Giorgio , Ghinassi Massimiliano
Published: May 2023

Many present-day alluvial floodplains display traces of abandoned meandering channel belts developed during the past millennia (i.e. mid to late Holocene). Deposits of these ancient rivers represent preferential pathways for groundwater flows and related environmental issues, such as contaminant propagation or saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. However, since formative bankfull flows in such old and abandoned routes are hard to estimate, fossil meanders have not been commonly addressed by morphodynamic numerical models, and most of them have been investigated following classical sedimentological approaches based mainly on punctual data derived from sedimentary cores. This study aims at investigating the sediment distribution within different fossil bends on the southern Venetian Plain (NE Italy), and relating such distribution to numerically modelled bed shear stresses used herein as a proxy of sediment sorting patterns. For this purpose, formative flows in the studied palaeomeanders are first inferred from measured sediment grain size and estimates of bend widths. Then, shear stress distributions are computed along the studied palaeobends using a 2D linearized model. Model results are finally compared with conductivity distributions gauged directly in the field through electromagnetic induction investigations in the frequency domain. Our results suggest significant correlations between shear stress distributions and sediment sorting estimated from conductivity data. We deem that the integration between sedimentological reconstructions and state-of-the-art numerical modelling can provide a solid contribution to predicting the spatial distribution of sediment properties within ancient meandering channel belts, with relevant implications for the understanding of shallow aquifer dynamics and soil management.
Lower Cambrian magmatism in the SW Iberian sector of the African–Gondwana margin: geochemical and isotopic keys to incipient tectonic switching
Authors: Rojo-Pérez Esther , Arenas Ricardo , Fuenlabrada José M. , Novo-Fernández Irene , Sánchez Martínez Sonia , Moreno-Martín Diana , Díez Fernández Rubén
Published: May 2023

Aspects of the evolution of the Pan-African–Cadomian arc have been recognized in several European massifs. The Ossa–Morena Complex (SW Iberian Massif) is one of the best-preserved sections of this palaeo-Gondwana margin. In this domain, recent studies suggest that arc magmatism followed a cyclical pattern during the Upper Ediacaran and Lower Cambrian. However, its initial and more mature stages remain unclear. Upper Ediacaran magmatism (
c.
602 Ma) appears to be uninterrupted and driven by slab–mantle wedge–upper plate interactions. The early Paleozoic was a period of significant change along the Gondwana margin. In the Ossa–Morena Complex, the beginning of the Cambrian (
c.
541 Ma) is marked by a strong unconformity over the Ediacaran basement, which is linked to destabilization of the arc. However, subduction-related magmatism continued with increasing mantle input, driving the geochemistry to more alkaline compositions. This paper summarizes the geochemical and isotopic evolution of the peri-Gondwana arc preserved in SW Iberia during this period. These results highlight shifts in geochemistry related to a higher slab angle during each magmatic episode, suggesting a tectonic switch toward an extensional regime in this section of the Gondwana margin.
Disentangling Affordances of Online Collaboration Tools for Mutual Aid in Emergencies: Insights from the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Zeng Xiao , Ji David , Thadani Dimple R. , Li Boying , Pu Xiaodie , Cai Zhao , Chau Patrick Y. K.
Published: May 2023

With the uncertain trajectory of COVID-19 conditions worldwide, there lies the potential for emergencies to arise, abruptly yielding mass social and economic disruption. Gaining insight into how digital technologies may be leveraged for effective emergency response is therefore pertinent. Emergency-induced needs may prompt citizens to organize mutual aid initiatives where people give what they can and get what they need in response. An increasingly prominent technology used for emergency response, online collaboration tools (OCTs), enables the appropriate match between the supply of aid and its relevant demand in mutual aid initiatives by mediating information and interactions between participants. Through analysis of mutual aid cases during the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 lockdown, this study elucidates the benefits OCTs provide through the lens of affordance theory and identifies five key affordances of OCTs for emergency mutual aid: persistent accessibility, iterative modifiability, structured consolidation and retrieval, multisynchronous participation, and multichannel broadcasting. We illustrate how such affordances are actualized and how their enabling features work across information flow processes, specifically highlighting benefits of software minimalism with implications for practitioners and future software design in emergency situations. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on OCTs and affordances by disentangling its role in emergency responses.
Multiple Input Parsing and Lexical Analysis
Authors: Scott Elizabeth , Johnstone Adrian , Walsh Robert
Published: May 2023

This article introduces two new approaches in the areas of lexical analysis and context-free parsing. We present an extension, MGLL, of generalised parsing which allows multiple input strings to be parsed together efficiently, and we present an enhanced approach to lexical analysis which exploits this multiple parsing capability. The work provides new power to formal language specification and disambiguation, and brings new techniques into the historically well-studied areas of lexical and syntax analysis. It encompasses character-level parsing at one extreme and the classical LEX/YACC style division at the other, allowing the advantages of both approaches.
i-DarkVec: Incremental Embeddings for Darknet Traffic Analysis
Authors: Gioacchini Luca , Vassio Luca , Mellia Marco , Drago Idilio , Houidi Zied Ben , Rossi Dario
Published: May 2023

Darknets are probes listening to traffic reaching IP addresses that host no services. Traffic reaching a darknet results from the actions of internet scanners, botnets, and possibly misconfigured hosts. Such peculiar nature of the darknet traffic makes darknets a valuable instrument to discover malicious online activities, e.g., identifying coordinated actions performed by bots or scanners. However, the massive amount of packets and sources that darknets observe makes it hard to extract meaningful insights, calling for scalable tools to automatically identify and group sources that share similar behaviour.

We here present i-DarkVec, a methodology to learn meaningful representations of Darknet traffic. i-DarkVec leverages Natural Language Processing techniques (e.g., Word2Vec) to capture the co-occurrence patterns that emerge when scanners or bots launch coordinated actions. As in NLP problems, the embeddings learned with i-DarkVec enable several new machine learning tasks on the darknet traffic, such as identifying clusters of senders engaged in similar activities.

We extensively test i-DarkVec and explore its design space in a case study using real darknets. We show that with a proper definition of
services
, the learned embeddings can be used to (i) solve the classification problem to associate unknown sources’ IP addresses to the correct classes of coordinated actors and (ii) automatically identify clusters of previously unknown sources performing similar attacks and scans, easing the security analyst’s job. i-DarkVec leverages a novel incremental embedding learning approach that is scalable and robust to traffic changes, making it applicable to dynamic and large-scale scenarios.
A Review of and Roadmap for Data Science and Machine Learning for the Neuropsychiatric Phenotype of Autism
Authors: Washington Peter , Wall Dennis P.
Published: May 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a neurodevelopmental delay that affects at least 1 in 44 children. Like many neurological disorder phenotypes, the diagnostic features are observable, can be tracked over time, and can be managed or even eliminated through proper therapy and treatments. However, there are major bottlenecks in the diagnostic, therapeutic, and longitudinal tracking pipelines for autism and related neurodevelopmental delays, creating an opportunity for novel data science solutions to augment and transform existing workflows and provide increased access to services for affected families. Several efforts previously conducted by a multitude of research labs have spawned great progress toward improved digital diagnostics and digital therapies for children with autism. We review the literature on digital health methods for autism behavior quantification and beneficial therapies using data science. We describe both case–control studies and classification systems for digital phenotyping. We then discuss digital diagnostics and therapeutics that integrate machine learning models of autism-related behaviors, including the factors that must be addressed for translational use. Finally, we describe ongoing challenges and potential opportunities for the field of autism data science. Given the heterogeneous nature of autism and the complexities of the relevant behaviors, this review contains insights that are relevant to neurological behavior analysis and digital psychiatry more broadly.
Toward a Theoretical Foundation of Policy Optimization for Learning Control Policies
Authors: Hu Bin , Zhang Kaiqing , Li Na , Mesbahi Mehran , Fazel Maryam , Başar Tamer
Published: May 2023

Gradient-based methods have been widely used for system design and optimization in diverse application domains. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in studying theoretical properties of these methods in the context of control and reinforcement learning. This article surveys some of the recent developments on policy optimization, a gradient-based iterative approach for feedback control synthesis that has been popularized by successes of reinforcement learning. We take an interdisciplinary perspective in our exposition that connects control theory, reinforcement learning, and large-scale optimization. We review a number of recently developed theoretical results on the optimization landscape, global convergence, and sample complexityof gradient-based methods for various continuous control problems, such as the linear quadratic regulator (LQR), [Formula: see text] control, risk-sensitive control, linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control, and output feedback synthesis. In conjunction with these optimization results, we also discuss how direct policy optimization handles stability and robustness concerns in learning-based control, two main desiderata in control engineering. We conclude the survey by pointing out several challenges and opportunities at the intersection of learning and control.
Dynamic In Situ Microscopy in Single-Atom Catalysis: Advancing the Frontiers of Chemical Research
Authors: Gai Pratibha L. , Boyes Edward D.
Published: May 2023

Most heterogeneous catalytic processes occur between combinations of gases, liquids, and solids at elevated temperatures. They play a critical role for society in energy production, health care, a cleaner environment, industrial products, food, fuel cells, battery technologies, and photocatalysis. Dynamic gas–solid catalyst reactions take place at the atomic level, with active catalyst structures forming, and often also progressively and competitively deactivating, under reaction conditions. There is increasing evidence that single atoms and small clusters of atoms can act as primary active sites in catalytic reactions. Understanding and directing the reactions at the atomic level under controlled operating conditions are crucial for the development of improved materials and processes. We review advances in dynamic in situ microscopy for directly probing heterogeneous catalysis at the atomic level in live action and real time. Benefits include new knowledge and improved management of process fundamentals for greater efficiency and sustainability.
Structures and Mechanisms of Nonsegmented, Negative-Strand RNA Virus Polymerases
Authors: Ouizougun-Oubari Mohamed , Fearns Rachel
Published: May 2023

The nonsegmented, negative-strand RNA viruses (nsNSVs), also known as the order Mononegavirales, have a genome consisting of a single strand of negative-sense RNA. Integral to the nsNSV replication cycle is the viral polymerase, which is responsible for transcribing the viral genome, to produce an array of capped and polyadenylated messenger RNAs, and replicating it to produce new genomes. To perform the different steps that are necessary for these processes, the nsNSV polymerases undergo a series of coordinated conformational transitions. While much is still to be learned regarding the intersection of nsNSV polymerase dynamics, structure, and function, recently published polymerase structures, combined with a history of biochemical and molecular biology studies, have provided new insights into how nsNSV polymerases function as dynamic machines. In this review, we consider each of the steps involved in nsNSV transcription and replication and suggest how these relate to solved polymerase structures.
Newly synthesized glycoprotein profiling to identify molecular signatures of warm ischemic injury in donor lungs
Authors: Ling Zihan , Noda Kentaro , Frey Brian L. , Hu Michael , Fok Shierly W. , Smith Lloyd M. , Sanchez Pablo G. , Ren Xi
Published: May 2023

This study developed and implemented a bioorthogonal strategy to chemoselectively label, enrich, and characterize newly synthesized (NewS-)glycoproteins during 4-h ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). Through this approach, the investigators uncovered specific proteomic signatures associated with warm ischemic injury in donor lung grafts. These signatures exhibit high biological relevance to ischemia-reperfusion injury, validating the robustness of the presented approach.
Porous Stainless Steel Microsphere Synthesis by a Nonconventional Powder Metallurgy Process Useful in the Cermet-Type Advanced Nuclear Fuel Fabrication
Authors: Sampaio Ribeiro Luciana , Javier Rios Francisco , Santos Armindo
Published: April 2023

The fabrication of SS (stainless steel)-UO2 cermet-type advanced nuclear fuel pellets suitable for use in power reactors depends on the development of metallic (SS), ceramic (UO2), and cermet (SS-UO2) microspheres with special characteristics. In this work, a nonconventional powder metallurgy process was developed to produce porous SS microspheres aiming to contribute to solve the bottlenecks found in the SS-UO2 cermet pellet manufacturing. SS, UO2, and SS-UO2 microspheres and SS-UO2 cermet pellets were fabricated and characterized (XRD, EDX, EDS, and SEM). Hard (153 ± 5 µm; 132.2 ± 24.7 MPa; 72% TD) and soft (216 ± 10 µm; 1.3 ± 0.4 MPa; 17% TD) SS, hard (176 ± 6 µm; 147.4 ± 25.0 MPa; 99% TD) UO2, and cermet (SS-UO2) microspheres were obtained. The soft porous SS microspheres did not micronize properly in situ, but their high compressibility favors the compaction of the green SS-UO2 cermet pellet; in this pellet, the UO2 microspheres behaved as rigid inclusions. This favored the obtainment of sintered SS-UO2 cermet pellets with high geometric densities (93% TD), excellent metal–ceramic interaction, and the preservation of the physical integrity of the UO2 microspheres. The usage of high fractions of the SS-UO2 cermet microspheres obtained mixed with low fractions of the said soft porous SS microspheres is already under development. This will enable the fabrication of SS-UO2 cermet pellets with a volume fraction greater than 42 vol% UO2, a homogeneous distribution of UO2 microspheres in the metallic matrix, and null connection between them. The oxide–metal reduction mechanisms were discussed. The applicability of the process is already being explored in the manufacture of porous NdFeB microspheres.
Identification of a New m6A Regulator-Related Methylation Signature for Predicting the Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment of Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zou Tianle , Shi Dan , Wang Weiwei , Chen Guoyong , Zhang Xianbin , Tian Yu , Gong Peng
Published: May 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system that has a bad prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in a wide variety of biological activities due to the fact that it is the most common form of mRNA modification in mammals. Numerous research has accumulated evidence suggesting that a malfunction in the regulation of m6A RNA modification is associated with various illnesses, including cancers. However, its implications in PC remain poorly characterized. The methylation data, level 3 RNA sequencing data, and clinical information of PC patients were all retrieved from the TCGA datasets. Genes associated with m6A RNA methylation were compiled from the existing body of research and made available for download from the m6Avar database. The LASSO Cox regression method was used to construct a 4-gene methylation signature, which was then used to classify all PC patients included in the TCGA dataset into either a low- or high-risk group. In this study, based on the set criteria of

cor

>
0.4

and

p

value < 0.05. A total of 3507 gene methylation were identified to be regulated by m6A regulators. Based on the univariate Cox regression analysis and identified 3507 gene methylation, 858 gene methylation was significantly associated with the patient’s prognosis. The multivariate Cox regression analysis identified four gene methylation (PCSK6, HSP90AA1, TPM3, and TTLL6) to construct a prognosis model. Survival assays indicated that the patients in the high-risk group tend to have a worse prognosis. ROC curves showed that our prognosis signature had a good prediction ability on patient survival. Immune assays suggested a different immune infiltration pattern in patients with high- and low-risk scores. Moreover, we found that two immune-related genes, CTLA4 and TIGIT, were downregulated in high-risk patients. We generated a unique methylation signature that is related to m6A regulators and is capable of accurately predicting the prognosis for patients with PC. The findings might prove useful for therapeutic customization and the process of making medical decisions.
Analysis of the Effect of Applied Load on Crevice Corrosion Behavior
Authors: Yang Fuqiang , Zhang Yue , Zhang Jianzhou
Published: May 2023

A two-dimensional numerical model incorporating solid mechanics, electrochemistry, mass diffusion, and ion migration processes is developed to investigate the load effect on the crevice corrosion. The model is a transient model of crevice corrosion occurring in cracks of 304 stainless steel in a dilute NaCl solution, and the interaction between stress and electrochemical corrosion was considered. By solving the multiphysical coupling model in COMSOL, the effect of applied load on electrochemical corrosion in the crack tip region was calculated, and the local corrosion current density in the crack tip region with stress concentration within the crack was also calculated by using the Tafel relationship. The distribution of Fe2+ ion, Na+ ion, CL− ion, and H and O2 substance concentrations within the crack cavity is predicted by the equation analysis of substance transport. The results show that metal oxidation is more clearly affected by plastic deformation, the rate of hydrogen evolution reaction increases with stress enhancement, and the oxygen absorption reaction is not affected by stress strain. The distribution of iron ions, hydrogen, and oxygen within the crack is affected by the electrochemical reaction rate, and the distribution of iron ions, sodium ions, and chloride ions is affected by the electrolyte potential.
Labial Frenectomy using Laser: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dioguardi Mario , Ballini Andrea , Quarta Cristian , Caroprese Marino , Maci Marta , Spirito Francesca , Caloro Giorgia Apollonia , Alovisi Mario , Basile Elisabetta , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

Labial frenectomy is a surgical technique, that aims to remove the frenulum with its attachment to the underlying bone. Frenectomy, is indicated if the frenulum attachment causes midline diastema, gingival recession, hindrance in maintaining oral hygiene, or if it interferes with lip movements and for prosthetic needs. A labial frenectomy can be performed either by the routine scalpel technique, electrocautery, and most recently medical lasers. The aim of this study was to evaluate, whether the laser technique is more effective than the conventional surgical technique, and whether there are differences between the different types of lasers. The scoping review was conducted and prepared on the basis of the indications of the PRISMA guidelines (PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews, PRISMA-ScR) of PRISMA checklist, and nine papers were considered admissible to the qualitative analysis for the following outcomes: bleeding during intervention, use of sutures, duration of the intervention, and use of analgesic drugs in the days following the intervention. This review suggests that laser-performed labial frenectomy is faster and offers better intra- and postoperative management; however, due to the limited number of available papers, the final results of the present review are not absolute.
Using the Information Quantity Method to Assess the Regional Risk of Highway Slope to Improve the Level of Risk Management
Authors: Shao Mingli , Hou Shuai , Gao Junfeng
Published: May 2023

In recent years, there have been many studies on regional geological hazard risk assessment. However, most previous research focused on natural geological disasters such as landslides and debris flows. There were few special regional risk studies aimed at highway slopes influenced deeply by artificial factors. According to the characteristics of highway slope, based on the evaluation of regional natural influencing factors, the artificial influencing factors and geological engineering information of an individual slope are introduced in this paper. The information evaluation model, combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and ArcGIS spatial analysis, was used to evaluate the risk of disaster in the study area. Then, the risk assessment results and risk zoning map along the highway were obtained. By comparing and analyzing the data of the management unit, the research results were in good agreement with the actual slope. The results of this paper can effectively guide the maintenance and management of highway slopes and provide a reference for site selection of subsequent highway reconstruction and expansion projects. In general, this study can improve the level of geological risk management in highway engineering.
Factors Associated with Periodontitis in Patients with and without HIV
Authors: Pereira Luanderson Lopes , Veiga Siqueira Amorim Daniele , Brito Sampaio Willian , Almeida Cruz Azevêdo Thais , Bispo Pereira Cardoso Vanessa , Barreto Lemos Felipe , Silva Chang Andressa , Machado Fernanda , Pereira Lima Fernanda , Sampaio Neves Frederico , Leal Figueiredo Andreia Cristina
Published: April 2023

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare clinical periodontal conditions in HIV-positive people on HAART with an HIV-negative group, in addition to investigating factors associated with periodontitis in the entire sample. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected by oral clinical examination for the diagnosis of periodontitis, review of medical records, and application of a questionnaire containing personal data, deleterious habits, and oral hygiene habits for the other variables. The results were analyzed by Pearson’s χ2 test and Student’s t-test. A logistic regression model was constructed for the multivariate analysis and periodontitis was defined as a dependent variable. The analysis was performed on the entire sample (HIV+ and HIV−) and also on the group consisting of only people living with HIV. Results. Individuals older than 43 years old and with HIV were more likely to develop moderate and severe periodontitis (47.80 and 4.84 times, respectively). When analyzing only HIV+, in addition to age (OR = 2.795; CI = 1.080−7.233), the use of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) (OR = 2.841; CI = 1.135−7.112) was also associated with moderate and severe periodontitis. Conclusion. It was possible to observe a higher prevalence of periodontitis among individuals with HIV, showing an association between the virus, advanced age, and moderate or severe periodontitis.
Synthesis of Composite Hydrogel Made of Woven Fabrics Stitched with PVA Yarn
Authors: Ahmad Faheem , Azam Farooq , Butt Faaz Ahmed , Rasheed Abher , Nawab Yasir , Ahmad Sheraz
Published: May 2023

In this study, a new method to prepare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel-based woven fabric composite is presented. In this method, the woven fabric was first stitched with PVA yarn and then subjected to the borax solution for simultaneously dissolving and crosslinking PVA. The prepared PVA hydrogel-based woven fabric composite was chemically, mechanically, and thermally characterized. FTIR analysis was performed to confirm the crosslinking of PVA on the reinforced fabric surface. X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to investigate the crystallinity of the composite. An optical microscope was used to investigate the surface morphology of the composites. Moreover, a DSC analysis was done to investigate the thermal characteristics of the composite. The mechanical and fluid absorbency characteristics of the composite were analyzed to investigate the effect of the concentration of PVA yarn on the tensile strength and water absorbency of composites. The results showed that the tensile strength and rigidity of the composite increased by increasing the PVA yarn content in the composite.
Data from Genome-wide splicing QTL analysis identifies causal risk variants for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jin Meng , Liu Bo , Chen Can , Huang Yongbiao , Zhang Huixian , Chen Bingliang , Song Guoda , Zhao Dong , Duan Limin , Liu Wei , Yang Haizhen , Yue Fang , Liu Peijun , Yuan Xianglin , Chu Qian , Tian Jianbo , Hu Ke
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing is an essential mechanism linking genetic variation to human diseases. While the signals from genome-wide association studies(GWAS) have been linked to expression quantitative trait loci(eQTLs) in previous studies,further work is needed to better elucidate the relationship to other genetic regulatory mechanisms,such as splicing QTLs(sQTLs). Here,we performed a genome-wide sQTL analysis to identify variants that might affect RNA splicing in 1,010 non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA).The identified sQTLs were largely independent of eQTLs and were predominantly enriched in exonic regions,genetic regulatory elements,RNA binding protein(RBP) binding sites, and known NSCLC risk loci. Additionally, target genes affected by sQTLs(sGenes) were involved in multiple processes in cancer,including cell growth,apoptosis,metabolism,immune infiltration,and drug responses,and sGenes were frequently altered genetically in NSCLC. Systematic screening of sQTLs associated with NSCLC risk using GWAS data from 15,474 cases and 12,375 controls identified an sQTL variant rs156697-G allele that was significantly associated with an increased risk of NSCLC. The association between the rs156697-G variant and NSCLC risk was further validated in two additional large population cohorts. The risk variant promoted inclusion of GSTO2 alternative exon 5 and led to higher expression of the GSTO2 full-length isoform(GSTO2-V1) and lower expression of the truncated GSTO2 isoform(GSTO2-V2),which was induced by RBP quaking(QKI). Mechanistically,compared with GSTO2-V1,GSTO2-V2 inhibited NSCLC cells proliferation by increasing S-glutathionylation of AKT1 and thereby functionally blocking AKT1 phosphorylation and activation. Overall,this study provides a comprehensive view of splicing variants linked to NSCLC risk and provides a set of genetic targets with therapeutic potential.
Supplementary Table S2 from The Association of Neighborhood Characteristics and Frailty in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Schwartz Lindsay F. , Dhaduk Rikeenkumar , Howell Carrie R. , Brinkman Tara M. , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Delaney Angela , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Lanctot Jennifer Q. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Ness Kirsten K. , Henderson Tara O.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table S2 shows the results of bivariate analyses between individual-level participant variables and frailty status
The Impact of Improved Treatments on Survival of Adult U.S. Leukemia Patients: 1990–2018
Authors: Howlader Nadia , Sharon Elad , Bhattacharya Manami , Ehrlich Lori A. , Richardson Nicholas C. , Gormley Nicole J. , de Claro R. Angelo , Wood Amy E. , Mariotto Angela B. , Cronin Kathleen A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Molecularly targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are effective treatments for B-cell receptor (BCR)-ABL–bearing leukemias. We evaluated the impact of TKIs on historical chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) mortality trends compared with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL).

Methods:

Because mortality trends reflect combined effects of leukemia incidence and survival, we also evaluated the contribution of incidence and survival trends to mortality trends by subtypes. We used data from 13 U.S. (SEER) registries (1992–2017) among U.S. adults. We utilized histology codes to identify cases of CML, ALL, and CLL and death certificate data to calculate mortality. We used Joinpoint to characterize incidence (1992–2017) and mortality (1992–2018) trends by subtype and diagnosis year.

Results:

For CML, mortality rates started declining in 1998 at an average rate of 12% annually. Imatinib was approved by the FDA for treating CML and ALL in 2001, leading to clear benefits for patients with CML. Five-year CML survival increased dramatically over time, especially between 1996 to 2011, 2.3% per year on average. ALL incidence increased 1.5% annually from 1992 to 2017. ALL mortality decreased 0.6% annually during 1992 to 2012 and then stopped declining. CLL incidence fluctuated during 1992 to 2017 while mortality decreased 1.1% annually during 1992 to 2011 and at a faster rate of 3.6% per year from 2011. Five-year survival increased 0.7% per year on average during 1992 to 2016.

Conclusions:

Survival benefit from TKIs and other novel therapies for treating leukemia subtypes has been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Impact:

Our study highlights the impact of molecularly targeted therapies at the population level.
Data from Microparticle-Delivered Cxcl9 Prolongs Braf Inhibitor Efficacy in Melanoma
Authors: Romano Gabriele , Paradiso Francesca , Li Peng , Shukla Pooja , Barger Lindsay N. , El Naggar Olivia , Miller John P. , Liang Roger J. , Helms Timothy L. , Lazar Alexander J. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Taraballi Francesca , Costello James C. , Kwong Lawrence N.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma show substantial responses to combined BRAF and MEK inhibition, but most relapse within 2 years. A major reservoir for drug resistance is minimal residual disease (MRD), comprised of drug-tolerant tumor cells laying in a dormant state. Towards exploiting potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of MRD, we established a genetically engineered mouse model of BrafV600E-driven melanoma MRD wherein genetic BrafV600E extinction leads to strong but incomplete tumor regression. Transcriptional time-course analysis after BrafV600E extinction revealed that after an initial surge of immune activation, tumors later became immunologically “cold” after MRD establishment. Computational analysis identified candidate T-cell recruiting chemokines as strongly upregulated initially and steeply decreasing as the immune response faded. Therefore, we hypothesized that sustaining chemokine signaling could impair MRD maintenance through increased recruitment of effector T cells. We found that intratumoral administration of recombinant Cxcl9 (rCxcl9), either naked or loaded in microparticles, significantly impaired MRD relapse in BRAF-inhibited tumors, including several complete pathologic responses after microparticle-delivered rCxcl9 combined with BRAF and MEK inhibition. Our experiments constitute proof of concept that chemokine-based microparticle delivery systems are a potential strategy to forestall tumor relapse and thus improve the clinical success of first-line treatment methods.
Timing's Influence on the Efficacy of Heritage Impact Assessment: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Fanit Souaad , Chabi Nadia
Published: April 2023

This study aims to emphasize the growing importance of Heritage Impact Assessment in managing world cultural heritage, as it faces various challenges posed by urban development policies. Heritage Impact Assessment is seen as a crucial tool for achieving the balance between preserving cultural heritage and fostering development. The study focuses on the outcomes of the application of Heritage Impact Assessment in five world cultural heritage sites, each facing unique development projects, located in different countries. A case study research method was adopted to provide an in-depth analysis within specific contexts. The results were obtained through a comparative qualitative analysis, which aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the correlation between the timing of implementation and its connection to the efficacy of the evaluation. The results showed that the timing of the implementation of Heritage Impact Assessment can have a significant impact on the final outcome of the evaluation but other factors also play a role, adequate methodology, contextual, and institutional factors. The results demonstrated the two-fold nature of heritage impact assessment, dependent on the time of application: proactive assessment, which helps enhance the world heritage's resilience and prepare it for future development initiatives, and curative assessment, which serves as a corrective measure for specific projects.
MANIFESTASI KLINIS DAN TATALAKSANA OPERATIF DEGENERASI KORNEA NODULAR SALZMANN
Authors: Nisa Viendri Firhand , Mustaram Arif
Published: April 2023

Introduction : Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND) is an idiopathic and degenerative noninflammatory condition of the cornea. SND is characterized by a grayish-white or blue-white subepithelial nodule. Mild symptoms may improve with lubrication and topical anti-inflammatory therapy. Visual disturbances may occur and surgery may be required. Purpose: To explain clinical manifestations and operative management of corneal Salzmann nodular degeneration. Case Report: A 63-year-old woman came with the chief complaint of a nodule in her left eye since 4 months ago. Complaints accompanied by blurry vision, watery eyes and glare. Ophthalmological examination revealed a regression of visual, a nodule in the corneal stroma was grayish white. After examination, the patient was diagnosed with Salzmann OS nodular degeneration and ODS immature senile cataract. Debridement keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) were performed as the management of this patient. Anatomical pathology results clinically support Salzmann's nodular degeneration. Discussion: Slow-progressive, yellowish-white nodules are characteristic of SND. SND can be asymptomatic, mild symptoms, or until there is a decrease in visual function. It depends on the location and depth of the nodule. Several treatment options can be done ranging from conservative with topical drugs to surgery. Surgical treatment options have the goal of reducing the worsening symptoms of nodule recurrence. Conclusions: A complete history, comprehensive ophthalmological examination can help establish the diagnosis of SND. The appearance of nodules causes complaints of foreign body sensation, decreased visual function and other accompanying symptoms. Treatment needs to be given according to the patient's condition and indications, especially the selection of surgical therapy.