bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Comparison of Chol-siRNA Polyplexes and Chol-DsiRNA Polyplexes Targeting STAT3 in a Syngeneic Murine Model of TNBC
Authors: Ye Zhen , Abdelmoaty Mai Mohamed , Curran Stephen M. , Dyavar Shetty Ravi , Kumar Devendra , Alnouti Yazen , Coulter Don W. , Podany Anthony T. , Singh Rakesh K. , Vetro Joseph A.
Published: September 2021

RNA interference (RNAi) molecules have tremendous potential for cancer therapy but are limited by insufficient potency after i.v. administration. We previously found that polymer complexes (polyplexes) formed between 3’-cholesterol-modified siRNA (Chol-siRNA) or DsiRNA (Chol-DsiRNA) and the cationic diblock copolymer PLL[30]-PEG[5K] greatly increase RNAi potency against stably expressed LUC mRNA in primary syngeneic murine breast tumors after daily i.v. dosing. Chol-DsiRNA Polyplexes, however, maintain LUC mRNA suppression ~48 h longer after the final dose than Chol-siRNA Polyplexes, suggesting they are a better candidate formulation. Here, we directly compared the activities of Chol-siRNA and Chol-DsiRNA Polyplexes in primary murine 4T1 breast tumors against STAT3, a therapeutically relevant target gene overexpressed in many solid tumors including breast cancer. We found that Chol-siSTAT3 Polyplexes suppressed STAT3 mRNA in 4T1 tumors with similar potency (half-maximal ED50 0.3 mg/kg) and kinetics over 96 hours as Chol-DsiSTAT3 Polyplexes but with slightly lower activity against total Stat3 protein (29% vs. 42% suppression) and tumor growth (11.5% vs. 8.6% rate-based T/C ratio) after repeated i.v. administration of tumor-saturating doses every other day. Thus, both Chol-siRNA Polyplexes and Chol-DsiRNA Polyplexes may be suitable clinical candidates for RNAi therapy of breast cancer and other solid tumors.
Activation of Drosophila melanogaster TRPA1 isoforms by citronellal and menthol
Authors: Boonen Brett , Startek Justyna B. , Milici Alina , López-Requena Alejandro , Beelen Melissa , Callaerts Patrick , Talavera Karel
Published: September 2021

The Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) cation channels function as broadly-tuned sensors of noxious chemicals in many species. Recent studies identified four functional TRPA1 isoforms in Drosophila melanogaster (dTRPA1(A) to (D)), but their responses to non-electrophilic chemicals are yet to be fully characterized. Methods: We determined the behavioral responses of adult flies to the mammalian TRPA1 non-electrophilic activators citronellal and menthol, and characterized the effects of these compounds on all four dTRPA1 channel isoforms using intracellular Ca2+ imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Results: Wild type flies avoided citronellal and menthol in an olfactory test and this behavior was reduced in dTrpA1 mutant flies. Both compounds activate all dTRPA1 isoforms in the heterologous expression system HEK293T, with the following sensitivity series: dTRPA1(C) = dTRPA1(D) > dTRPA1(A) ≫ dTRPA1(B) for citronellal and dTRPA1(A) > dTRPA1(D) > dTRPA1(C) > dTRPA1(B) for menthol. Conclusions: dTrpA1 was required for the normal avoidance of Drosophila melanogaster towards citronellal and menthol. All dTRPA1 isoforms are activated by both compounds, but the dTRPA1(B) is consistently the least sensitive. We discuss how these findings may guide further studies on the physiological roles and the structural bases of chemical sensitivity of TRPA1 channels.
CasTabDetectoRS: Cascade Network for Table Detection in Document Images with Recursive Feature Pyramid and Switchable Atrous Convolution
Authors: Hashmi Khurram Azeem , Pagani Alain , Liwicki Marcus , Stricker Didier , Afzal Muhammad Zeshan
Published: September 2021

Table detection is a preliminary step in extracting reliable information from tables in scanned document images. We present CasTabDetectoRS, a novel end-to-end trainable table detection framework that operates on Cascade Mask R-CNN, including Recursive Feature Pyramid network and Switchable Atrous Convolution in the existing backbone architecture. By utilizing a comparatively lightweight backbone of ResNet-50, this paper demonstrates that superior results are attainable without relying on pre and post-processing methods, heavier backbone networks (ResNet-101, ResNeXt-152), and memory-intensive deformable convolutions. We evaluate the proposed approach on five different publicly available table detection datasets. Our CasTabDetectoRS outperforms the previous state-of-the-art results on four datasets (ICDAR-19, TableBank, UNLV, and Marmot) and accomplishes comparable results on ICDAR-17 POD. Upon comparing with previous state-of-the-art results, we obtain a significant relative error reduction of 56.36%, 20%, 4.5%, and 3.5% on the datasets of ICDAR-19, TableBank, UNLV, and Marmot, respectively. Furthermore, this paper sets a new benchmark by performing exhaustive cross-datasets evaluations to exhibit the generalization capabilities of the proposed method.
Pengaruh Penambahan Tepung Jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum) Terhadap Daya Terima Kerupuk Jengkol
Authors: Alsuhendra  , Persada Retno Agi , Ari Fadiati
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis research aimed to portray the effect of jengkol flour addition with different concentrations on consumer acceptance. This research was conducted at the Food Processing Laboratory, Culinary Education, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Jakarta from February 2018 to January 2019. This research used an experimental method. The acceptance test was conducted by 30 semi-trained panelist including aspects of color, taste, aroma, crispness, linear expansion, and thickness. The results of hypothesis testing using the Friedman test with α = 0,05 showed that there is an effect of jengkol flour addition with different concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%) on consumers acceptance, color, taste, aroma, linear expansion and thickness aspects. While, there is no effect of jengkol flour addition in the manufacture of jengkol crackers on crispness aspect. In conclusion, Jengkol crackers with 50% of jengkol flour addition is recommended as the best formula.

Keywords: jengkol flour, jengkol crackers, consumer acceptance

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan tepung jengkol dengan konsentrasi yang berbeda terhadap daya terima kerupuk jengkol. Penelitian di lakukan di Laboratorium Pengolahan Makanan, Program Studi Pendidikan Tata Boga, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Negeri Jakarta sejak Februari 2018 hingga Januari 2020. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksperimen. Uji daya terima dilakukan kepada 30 orang panelis agak terlatih meliputi aspek warna, rasa, aroma, kerenyahan, daya kembang, dan ketebalan. Hasil pengujian hipotesis menggunakan uji Friedman dengan α = 0,05 menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh penambahan tepung jengkol dengan konsentrasi berbeda (30%, 50%, 70%) dalam pembuatan kerupuk jengkol terhadap daya terima kerupuk jengkol pada aspek warna, rasa, aroma, daya kembang, dan ketebalan, sedangkan pada aspek kerenyahan menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat pengaruh penambahan tepung jengkol terhadap daya terima kerupuk jengkol. Formula yang direkomendasikan adalah kerupuk jengkol dengan penambahan tepung jengkol 50%.

Kata-kata kunci: tepung jengkol, kerupuk jengkol, daya terima konsumen
The Effect Of Canna Starch Substitution (Canna Edulis Kerr) On The Sensory Quality Of Tartlet
Authors: Viona Monty Aprillya  , Guspri Devi Artanti  , Mariani
Published: September 2021

This study aims to the effect of canna starch substitutes (Canna Edulis Kerr) with the sensory quality of the tartlets skin senses devouring aspects of color, taste, aroma and texture. This research was carried out in the Pastry dan Bakery Laboratory, Food and Nutrition Program, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Jakarta. This research was conducted a tartlet laboratory test with the analysis of the properties of water content and ash content. Then the sensory quality assesment carried out organoleptic tests conducted on 45 rather trained panelists. This research is using experimental method. The population in this study was the tartlet with the canna starch subtitution, while the sample was the skin of tartlet substitution canna starch with the percentage of 20%, 40% and 30%. Based on deskriptive analysis, the results of the tartlet hypotesis test analysis with 40% canna starch substitution have the highest average of 4,9, which is the criteria for cream color. In the taste aspect, tartlet with a starch substitution of 20% and 30% has the highest average of 3,7, which is the criteria of sweet taste. In the aspect of aroma, tartlet with 40% canna starch substitution has the highest average of 4,1, which is in the criteria flavor not have a canna scent. And in the aspect of texture, tartlet with 30% dan 40% canna starch substitution has the highest average of 4,3, which is on crispy teksture. Kruskal Wallis Test results showed no significant substitution effect of canna starch on the sensory quality of tartlet.
Pengaruh Penambahan Tepung Daun Kelor Pada Pembuatan Cupcake Terhadap Daya Terima Konsumen
Authors: Mohammad Andi Abdillah Hakim  , Mutiara Dahlia  , Alsuhendra
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis pengaruh penambahan tepung daun kelor pada pembuatan cupcake terhadap daya terima konsumen berdasarkan aspek warna, rasa, aroma, dan tekstur. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Laboratorium Pengolahan Pastry dan Bakery Program Studi Pendidkan Tata Boga Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Dengan waktu penelitian dimulai pada bulan Mei 2019 hingga Desember 2019. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimen. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah cupcake dengan penambahan tepung daun kelor sebanyak 5%, 10%, dan 15% kemudian diujikan kepada 30 panelis agak terlatih yang menilai keseluruh aspek. Berdasarkan hasil uji hipotesis dengan menggunakan uji Friedman dan uji Tuckey pada aspek warna, rasa, dan tekstur menunjukan adanya pengaruh penambahan tepung daun kelor pada cupcake. Sedangkan pasa aspek aroma tidak terdapat pengaruh. Kesimpulan hasil penilaian organoleptik secara umum bahwa cupcake dengan penambahan tepung daun kelor yang paling disukai oleh konsumen dari aspek warna, rasa, aroma, dan tekstur terletak pada persentase penambahan 5%.
Комплексная биотехническая система скрининговой рискориентированной диагностики COVID-19 и постковидного синдрома
Authors: Савостьянов Владимир , Кобелев Александр
Published: September 2021

В настоящее время нет ни аппаратных, ни биохимических систем, позволяющих прижизненно оценить тяжесть постковидного синдрома. В основе аппаратного обеспечения предлагаемой биотехнической системы заложено рутинное реокардиографическое исследование в варианте трансторакальной реографии, позволяющее зарегистрировать частотные характеристики индивидуальной биоимпедансной реакции пациента на управляемом стрессорное воздействии, тем самым одномоментно зафиксировать характеристики его продуктивной работы сердца, состояния гемомикроциркуляторного русла, эффективности газотранспортной функции крови, а также достоверно оценить его персональную реактивность и адаптационный потенциал. Последующее математическое аппроксимирование полученных биометрических данных оригинальной нейросетью позволяет ранжировать полученные результаты и автоматически сгенерировать программу медицинской реабилитации конкретного пациента в зависимости от тяжести его постковидного синдрома.
Buku Ajar Al-Islam Dan Kemuhammadiyahan – 1 (AIK- 1)
Authors:   Muhlasin Amrullah, Nadlif Ainun
Published: September 2021

Al-Hamdulillahi Rabb al-„Alamin, Buku Al-Islam dan Kemuhammadiyahan (AIK I) ini dapat diselesaikan meskipun belum sepenuhnya memenuhi harapan dan keinginan pembaca. Namun buku Al-Islam dan Kemuhammadiyahan ini dengan cermat dan teliti serta diproses oleh penulis dengan dukungan penyelia sehingga dapat terbit dengan baik Sebagai penulis, mengucapkan terima kasih yang setinggi-tingginya kepada Pimpinan Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA) yang telah memberi Kepercayaan dan motivasi kepada penulis demi terselesaikan Buku Al-Islam dan Kemuhammadiyahan yang ada di tangan pembaca saat ini Dengan segala hormat dan penuh dedikasi, penulis mengucapkan terima kasih dan semoga Buku Al- Islam dan Kemuhammadiyahan ini memberi manfaat dan inspirasi bagi akademisi Muhammadiyah dan masyarakat luas di Indonesia.
Learning at Covid-19 Pandemic Era: Science Technology Engineering and Mathematic Competencies and Student Character
Authors: Rochman Chaerul , Pertiwi Catherien Suci Ramdhini
Published: September 2021

Distance learning or online learning is the recommended alternative form of learning. But it is still uncertain, what competencies are important to be mastered by students. This study aims to examine what important competency components need to be prioritized and how the relationships between these components. The research method used is a mixture of quantitative and qualitative descriptive. The subjects of this study were 32 junior high school students. This study concludes that students have the competence of Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), products, and characters that vary and the relationship between STEM and products is stronger than the character components.
The Dance Functional Outcome Survey: Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation in Italian (DFOS-IT)
Authors: Contri Angela , Breda Giorgio , Vanti Carla , Pillastrini Paolo , Bronner Shaw
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE: To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the psychometric characteristics of the Italian version of the Dance Functional Outcome Survey (DFOS-IT) in adult dancers. DESIGN: Clinical measurement study. METHODS: The DFOS-IT was forward translated, reconciled, backward translated,
and reviewed by an expert committee to establish optimal correspondence with the original English DFOS. We examined test-retest reliability in 58 dancers within a 10-day period, using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1). In a sample of 265 healthy and injured dancers, the following
were examined: 1) construct validity, comparing the DFOS-IT to SF-36 using Pearson correlations; 2) exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency; and 3) sensitivity, by generating receiver operating characteristic curves and determining area under the curve (AUC). In a subgroup of
44 dancers, we determined internal responsiveness across three time-points using repeated measures ANOVA (p<0.05). Injured dancers’ scores were analyzed for floor and ceiling effects. RESULTS: The DFOS-IT demonstrated very high test-retest reliability (ICC=0.98). Single-factor loading
in exploratory factor analysis supported unidimensionality of the scale, with high internal consistency (a=0.93). DFOS-IT total, activities of daily living (ADL), and Dance Technique scores had strong construct validity compared with scores on the SF-36 PCS (r=0.71). There was excellent sensitivity,
with high AUC values (AUC=0.80). There were significant differences across time for DFOS-IT scores (p<0.001), demonstrating responsiveness to change, and no floor or ceiling effects. CONCLUSION: The DFOS-IT is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool that can be used as an outcome and screening
measure for Italian adult ballet and modern dancers following lower extremity or low back injury.
ISLAMIC BANKING DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN OIC MEMBER COUNTRIES: THE MODERATING ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Kamalu Kabiru , Wan Ibrahim Wan Hakimah Binti
Published: September 2021

This study argues that the effect of Islamic banking development on financial inclusion is enhanced when there exist better quality institutions. A cross section dependency test, cointegration test, causality test, and system GMM (generalized method of moments) are applied to achieve this objective. Employing panel data from 30 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries over the period 2013-2018, the analysis suggests that Islamic banking promotes financial inclusion. Furthermore, it documents evidence which suggests negative and significant coefficients of the interaction between Islamic banking development and institutional quality.  This means that Islamic banking development works well in promoting financial inclusion in countries with low institutional quality.
MODES OF ISLAMIC FINANCING AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA
Authors: Arsyianti Laily Dwi , Puspitasari Fadiyah Hasta , Muthohharoh Marhamah
Published: September 2021

Financing is expected to positively support economic growth, especially using Islamic contracts, which are strictly obliged to link the monetary and real sectors. Crises can devastate the financial and economy sectors, and also shock the real sector. This study aims to analyse the effect of Islamic-based financing on economic growth in Indonesia using the ARDL method. Gross fixed capital formation, household expenditure, government expenditure, exports, imports and the consumer price index, together with Islamic financing, are analysed in terms of their effect on economic growth in Indonesia during the period 2003-2018, in which the 2008 crisis is set as a dummy variable. Musharaka financing, which is based on profit-loss sharing, has a relationship with economic growth in the short run, but not in the long run. Furthermore, mudaraba financing unpredictably shows a negative relationship with economic growth, while Murabaha does not have significant effect in either short- or long-run estimation. The results imply that the prevailing economy system, which accommodates household expenditure, leads to an increase in economic growth, so is recommended as a priority sector for development. This study supports the notion that the current traditional economic stance may not suit the measurement of Islamic finance implication towards economic growth. The Maqasid sharia inclusiveness measurement is considered as an alternative estimation of the effect of modes of financing on economic growth.
Experimental Study on the EOR Performance of Imbibition and Huff and Puff in Fractured Tight Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Zhang Zilin , Huang Bo , Zhang Liang , Zhou Guangqing , Liu Yanhui , Li Chenyang , Du Dianfa
Published: September 2021

Injection of imbibition fluids or CO2 during hydraulic fracturing is an effective stimulation method for tight oil reservoirs. Selecting appropriate agents is significant to optimize the integrated scheme of fracturing and production in tight oil reservoirs. In this study, a series of lab experiments, including spontaneous imbibition, dynamic imbibition, and huff and puff, were carried out using real tight cores, water absorption apparatus, and core flooding equipment. The EOR performances of imbibition fluids and CO2 in fractured tight cores were compared. The mass transfer of imbibition fluids and CO2 in tight oil reservoirs and its influence on the sweeping volume and EOR mechanisms were discussed. The results show that (1) the spontaneous imbibition rate of imbibition fluids in tight cores is slow, and the oil recovery factor by spontaneous imbibition in cracked cores is relatively high, up to 13.42%. (2) In the dynamic imbibition experiments, the final oil recovery by CO2 injection was significantly higher than that by injecting imbibition liquids. Because of the excellent miscibility effect of CO2, oil production by CO2 injection mainly occurred in the primary displacement stage. Comparatively, the EOR effect of imbibition fluids mainly played its role during production after well shut-in, which can increase the oil recovery factor by 7.35%-11.64%. (3) The influence of the huff and puff mode of CO2 on EOR performance is greater than that of imbibition fluids due to its more sensitive compressibility and mass transfer rate. Generally, a high oil recovery factor can be obtained if the depletion production is conducted first, and a huff and puff operation is followed. (4) Comprehensively understanding the mass transfer characteristics of CO2 and imbibition fluids in tight oil reservoirs can guide the fracturing parameter design, such as the order of fracturing fluid slugs, the optimal soak time, and fracture spacing.
Identification of cathelicidin gene from Hoplobatrachus rugulosus and the antioxidant capacity of PC29 peptide
Authors: Tankrathok Anupong , Karnmongkol Chutima , Punpad Arpaporn , Wiriyaumpaiwong Piyachat , Srisam Nattapong , Rattanavichai Wutti , Tanomtong Alongkod , Daduang Sakda , Klaynongsruang Sompong
Published: September 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A User-Friendly Tool For Cloud-Based Whole Slide Image Segmentation, With Examples From Renal Histopathology
Authors: Lutnick Brendon , Manthey David , Becker Jan , Ginley Brandon , Moos Katharina , Zuckerman Jonathan , Rodrigues Luis , Gallan Alexander , Barisoni Laura , Alpers Charles , Wang Xiaoxin , Myakala Komuraiah , Jones Bryce , Levi Moshe , Kopp Jeffrey , Yoshida Teruhiko , Han Seung Seok , Jain Sanjay , Rosenberg Avi , Jen Kuang-Yu , Sarder Pinaki , Project Kidney Precision Medicine
Published: September 2021

We have developed Histo-Cloud, a tool for segmentation of whole slide images (WSIs) that has an easy-to-use graphical user interface. This tool runs a state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) for segmentation of WSIs in the cloud and allows the extraction of features from segmented regions for further analysis. By segmenting glomeruli, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, and vascular structures from renal and non-renal WSIs, we demonstrate the scalability, best practices for transfer learning, and effects of dataset variability. Finally, we demonstrate an application for animal model research, analyzing glomerular features in murine models of aging, diabetic nephropathy, and HIV associated nephropathy. The ability to access this tool over the internet will facilitate widespread use by computational non-experts. Histo-Cloud is open source and adaptable for segmentation of any histological structure regardless of stain.
Study of Coliforms And Clostridium Bacteria Inactivation In Wastewaters By A Pilot Photolysis Process And By The Maturation Lagoons of A Low-Cost Nature-Based WWTP
Authors: García-Prieto Juan Carlos , Núñez-Núñez Cynthia Manuela , Proal-Nájera José Bernardo , Garcia-Roig Manuel
Published: September 2021

The inactivation processes of coliform bacteria (total and fecal) and sulphito-reducing Clostridium bacteria (vegetative species and spores) in water maturation lagoon of a low-cost Nature-based wastewater treatment plant using constructed wetlands and through processes of photolysis in a pilot photoreactor have been comparatively studied. The different inactivation mechanisms by photolysis of these bacteria have been studied following the criteria of different statistical and kinetic models. Clostridium disinfection treatments fit models in which two types of bacteria populations coexist, one sensitive (vegetative species) and the other (spores) resistant to the treatment, the sensitive one (94 %) with an inactivation rate of k = 0.24 ± 0.07 min-1 and the resistant one (6 %) with k = 0.11 ± 0.05 min-1. Total coliform photolytic disinfection also shows two populations with different physiological state. The time required to reduce the first logarithmic decimal cycle of the different types of bacteria (physiological states) are δ1 = 4.2 ± 0.9 and δ2 = 8.3 ± 1.1 minutes respectively. For fecal coliform photolytic disinfection only bacteria population, with k = 1.15 ± 0.19 min-1, is found. The results obtained confirm the photolytic disinfection processes and maturation lagoon are effective systems for Clostridia bacteria removal after water treatment by nature-based systems. Total removal of coliform bacteria is not achieved by maturation lagoons but their reduction is significant using low doses of cumulative radiation.
When Choosing the Best Subset Is Not the Best Choice
Authors: Hanke Moritz , Dijkstra Louis , Foraita Ronja , Didelez Vanessa
Published: September 2021

Background: Variable selection in linear regression settings is a much discussed problem. Best subset selection (BSS) is often considered as an intuitively appealing ‘gold standard’, with its use being restricted mainly by its N P-hard nature. Instead, alternatives such as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) or the elastic net (Enet) have become methods of choice in high-dimensional settings. A recent proposal represents BSS as a mixed integer optimization problem so that much larger problems have become feasible in reasonable computation time. This has been exploited to study the prediction performance of BSS and its competitors. Here, we present an extensive simulation study assessing, instead, the variable selection performance of BSS compared to forward stepwise selection (FSS), Lasso and Enet. The analysis considers a wide range of settings that are challenging with regard to dimensionality, signal-to-noise ratio and correlations between relevant and irrelevant direct predictors. As measure of performance we used the best possible F1 score for each method so as to ensure a fair comparison irrespective of any criterion for choosing the tuning parameters.Results: Somewhat surprisingly, it was only in settings where the signal-to-noise ratio was high and the variables were (nearly) uncorrelated that BSS reliably outperformed the other methods. This was the case even in low dimensional settings where the number of observations exceeded the number of variables by a factor of ten. Further, the FSS approach performed nearly identically to BSS. Conclusion: Our results shed a new light on the usual presumption of BSS being, in principle, the best choice for variable selection. More attention needs to be payed to the data generating process when considering variable selection methods. Especially for correlated variables, convex alternatives like Enet are not only faster but also appear to be more accurate in practical settings.
Modeling Cancer Immunoediting in Tumor Microenvironment with System Characterization through the Ising-model Hamiltonian
Authors: Rojas-Domínguez Alfonso , Arroyo-Duarte Renato , Rincón-Vieyra Fernando , Alvarado Matías
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective: Cancer Immunoediting (CI) describes the cellular-level interaction between tumor cells and the Immune System (IS) that takes place in the Tumor Micro-Environment (TME). CI is a highly dynamic and complex process comprising three distinct phases (Elimination, Equilibrium and Escape) wherein the IS can both protect against cancer development as well as, over time, promote the appearance of tumors with reduced immunogenicity. We present an agent-based model for the biological system in the TME, intended to simulate CI. Methods: Our model includes agents for tumor cells and for elements of the IS. The actions of these agents are governed by probabilistic rules, and agent recruitment (including cancer growth) is modeled via logistic functions. The system is formalized as an analogue of the Ising model from statistical mechanics to facilitate its analysis. The model was implemented in the Netlogo modeling environment and simulations were performed to verify, illustrate and characterize its operation. Results: Our model is capable of generating the three phases of CI; it requires only a couple of control parameters and is robust to these. We demonstrate how our simulated system can be characterized through the Ising-model energy function, or Hamiltonian, which captures the “energy” involved in the interaction between agents and presents it in clear and distinct patterns for the different phases of CI. Conclusions: The presented model is very flexible and robust, captures well the behaviors of the target system and can be easily extended to incorporate more variables such as those pertaining to different anti-cancer therapies. System characterization via the Ising-model Hamiltonian is a novel and powerful tool for a better understanding of CI and the development of more effective treatments.
Design of an integrated e-Telecom system for improving telecom systems on ships
Authors: Jungwoo Kim , Son Jooyoung
Published: September 2021

The advancement of communication technologies including satellites has been conducive to the ever-evolving ship management. The increasing needs for the accident prevention and the optimized shipping lead to a wide range of methods of ship management using the telecom systems onboard ships. Future ships including smart-ships will be equipped with telecom systems capable of dealing with the ship management and operation in collaboration with land stations. Yet, currently, the development and application of telecom systems onboard ships are nearly at standstill due to the maritime regulations set out decades ago which limit the technological development and translate new technologies as costly investments. Unlike the technological advancement of land-based telecom systems, the existing telecom systems onboard ships have not been integrated until now but installed and operated separately on board ships. Beyond new and/or reinforced features, future ships should consider both scalable and operational aspects. In the future, telecom systems onboard ships will manage all ship-related data and play pivotal roles in controlling ships anywhere in the world. In that respect, it is crucial to integrate the discrete communication systems for stability and efficiency of telecom systems onboard ships. The integration of telecom systems onboard ships will facilitate the availability of futuristic technologies such as unmanned vessels and maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). This paper proposes a method of designing an e-telecom system integrating the existing telecom systems onboard ships. Despite the proposed e-telecom system’s slower performance in latency resulting from additional devices, the results of the present experiment prove that there is no significant difference in its latency in data processing in comparison to the  existing telecom system.
Setting Up Geriatric Care in Subsaharan Africa : A 1-Year Experience in the Yaounde Central Hospital of Cameroon
Authors: Essomba Marie Josiane Ntsama , Nzana Victorine Bandolo , Njonnou Raoul Sylvain Simeni , Choukem Simeon Pierre , Ciaffi Laura , Paula Ginette , Zingui-Ottou Marylin , Sobngwi Eugène , Tabue-Teguo Maturin
Published: September 2021

Background: As the share of the older population is growing worldwide, health systems in developing countries need a policy shift to address the challenge of the optimization of healthcare across age groups. Many older people in resource-limited countries will seek specific care due to multimorbidity and frailty, as the burden of non-communicable diseases is getting heavier. Methods: Over a one-year period, we trained healthcare workers and developed new procedures of care in the geriatric unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital in Cameroon, using the Acute Care for Elders (ACE) model. This model of care in Geriatrics is based on a patient-centered approach and is focused on preventing functional decline in acutely ill older patients. Results: During the implementation of the ACE model, 202 patients were hospitalized in the unit, of whom 60.9% (n=123) were female; the mean (SD) age was 79.3 (8.8) years. A multidisciplinary team was brought together, including a geriatrician, two general practitioners, two geriatric nurses, two advanced practice nurses and a social worker. After a thorough examination of the care procedures, nurses were given complementary missions, such as assessing functional status and providing therapeutic education to the patients and their family members. All hospitalized and ambulatory patients were offered a comprehensive geriatric assessment at the outpatient clinic.Conclusion: It was possible to establish a comprehensive model of care for older patients in our hospital with few trained personnel. Further actions are needed to improve the care of older people in resource-limited settings.
Identification of All-to-All Protein-Protein Interactions Based on Deep Hash Learning
Authors: Jiang Yue , Shen Lin , Lin Jie
Published: September 2021

Background: Protein-protein interaction (PPI) is vital for life processes, diseases treatment and new drugs discovery. The computational prediction of PPI is well accepted for its inexpensive and efficient nature comparing to the wet-lab experiment. When a new protein comes, one try to find whether there is any PPI relationship between this new protein and existing proteins, the current computational prediction methods usually compare this new protein to existing proteins one by one in pairwise. This is time comsuming. Results: We proposed an more efficient model, Deep Hash Learning Protein-and-Protein Interaction (DHL-PPI) model, to predict all-to-all PPI relationship on a database. First, DHL-PPI encodes a protein sequence into a binary Hash code based on the features extracted from sequences by using deep learning technique. This encoding scheme enables the PPI discrimination problem to be a much simpler searching problem. A protein with a binary code can be regarded as a number. In the prescreen of PPI prediction stage, the string match problem of searching a string against a database with M proteins can be turned into a much more simpler problem: to find a number inside an sorted array with length M. This prescreen process narrows down proteins inside the whole database into a much smaller candidate set for further confirmation. At last, DHL-PPI uses the Hamming distance to determine the final PPI relationship. Conclusions: The experimental results confirmed that DHL-PPI is feasible and effective. Using a dataset with strictly negative PPI examples of four species, DHL-PPI is superior or competitive to the other state-of-the-art methods in terms of precision, recall or F1 score. Furthermore, in the prediction stage, the proposed DHL-PPI decrease the usual time compexity of O(M2 ) to O(MlogM) for predicting all-to-all PPI interactons between any pairs in M proteins on a database. A protein database can be stored in the proposed encoding scheme and waited to be searched, which is a potential novel encoding scheme to cope with current searching problem for a large volume of database.
Machine learning model of the catalytic efficiency and specificity of acyl-ACP thioesterase variants generated by natural and in vitro directed evolution
Authors: Jing Fuyuan , Chen Keting , Yandeau-Nelson Marna , Nikolau Basil
Published: September 2021

Modulating the catalytic activity of acyl-ACP thioesterase (TE) is an important biotechnological target for effectively increasing flux and diversifying products of the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway. In this study, a directed evolution approach was developed to improve the fatty acid productivity and fatty acid diversity of E. coli strains expressing variant acyl-ACP TEs. A single round of directed in vitro evolution, coupled with a high-throughput colorimetric screen, identified 26 novel acyl-ACP TE variants, which convey up to 10-fold increase in fatty acid productivity, and altered fatty acid profiles when expressed in a bacterial host strain. These in vitro generated variant acyl-ACP TEs, in combination with 31 natural variants isolated from diverse phylogenetic origins were analyzed with a random forest classifier machine learning tool, generating a quantitative model that identified 22 amino acid residues, which define important structural features that determine the substrate specificity of acyl-ACP TE.
Knowledge, Attitude And Preventive Behavior Towards Toxoplasmosis Among Kuwaiti Women With/Without Pregnancy Experience: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Iqbal Jamshaid , Khadadah Najat , Mohammed Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, with a worldwide distribution. T. gondii infection among pregnant women during the first trimester may transmit infection to the fetus with serious congenital consequences. No data is available on knowledge, attitude and preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Kuwait. This cross-sectional study evaluated knowledge, attitude, and preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis among women in Kuwait, and reviewed the situation in the Middle east.Methods: Data related to socioeconomic status, knowledge and attitude towards toxoplasmosis were collected from 326 adult female school/university students, and 86 pregnant women through a self-administered online questionnaire during 2019-2021. Participants were divided into two main groups: women with pregnancy experience (PEG) and never-pregnant group (NPG).Results: PEG (n=212) included 114 currently pregnant and 98 women with history of an earlier pregnancy. NPG included 200 subjects. All participants belonged to a medium-to-high social status and minimum high school education. Nearly 50% of PEG women had inadequate knowledge towards toxoplasma infection, and only 33 (15.6%) knew its mode of transmission compared to 35 (17.5%) in the NPG (P=0.597). A significantly higher number of women in PEG (97 of 212, 45.8%) knew it can be prevented compared to 66 of 200 (33%) in NPG (P= 0.008). Only 35 (16.5%) of PEG women knew about screening tests for toxoplasma infection, and their main source of information on toxoplasmosis was healthcare professionals and family/friends compared with NPG women who got information through newspapers/books. PEG Women exhibited enhanced preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis. Nearly 50% of all PEG participants lacked basic knowledge towards toxoplasmosis but >90% of them avoided most high-risk activities during their pregnancy. In addition, this is the first study in the Middle east conducted through an online survey to collect relevant information related to toxoplasmosis from pregnant women. Conclusions: This study highlights inadequate knowledge and preventive behavior towards toxoplasmosis among Kuwaiti women. Thus, health education on toxoplasmosis should be offered to all adult/pregnant women to reduce congenital toxoplasmosis.
Ge/Si Multilayer Epitaxy and Removal of Dislocations from Ge-nanosheet-channel MOSFETs
Authors: Chu Chun-Lin , Chang Jen-Yi , Chen Po-Yen , Wang Po-Yu , Hsu Shu-Han , Chou Dean
Published: September 2021

Horizontally stacked pure-Ge-nanosheet gate-all-around field-effect transistors (GAA FETs) were developed in this study. Large lattice mismatch Ge/Si multilayers were intentionally grown as the starting material rather than Ge/GeSi multilayers to acquire the benefits of the considerable difference in material properties of Ge and Si for realising selective etching. Flat Ge/Si multilayers were grown at a low temperature to preclude island growth. The shape of Ge nanosheets was almost retained after etching owing to the excellent selectivity. Additionally, dislocations were observed in suspended Ge nanosheets because of the absence of a Ge/Si interface and the disappearance of the dislocation-line tension force owing to the elongation of misfit dislocation at the interface. Forming gas annealing of the suspended Ge nanosheets resulted in a significant increase in the glide force compared to the dislocation-line tension force; the dislocations were easily removed because of this condition and the small size of the nanosheets. Based on this structure, a new mechanism of dislocation removal from suspended Ge nanosheet structures by annealing was described, which resulted in the structures exhibiting excellent gate control and electrical properties.
Aquifer Unit Management Plan (AUMP) For Groundwater Resources Management of Multi-layered Coastal Aquifer System
Authors: Gnanasundar Devadasan , Senthilkumar Mohanavelu
Published: September 2021

To address the vulnerability of coastal aquifer to over exploitation and sea water intrusion, a groundwater resources management plan titled as Aquifer Unit Management Plan (AUMP) is designed to provide valuable guidance for groundwater management of a multi-layered cuddalore coastal aquifer system located east coast of South India. The aquifer unit management plan is based on the summative examination of the aquifer unit disposition, response of hydraulic heads to recharge and discharge and effect of increased pumping on aquifer hydraulics. The safe hydraulic heads and annual exploitable potential were considered as the guiding factors to manage fresh groundwater resources of the coastal aquifer. The results show that the process of sea water intrusion has already started and with the present rate of pumping (1034.86 mcmy-1), the sea water intrusion risk has increased manifold all along the coast. The salient management strategies recommended are; restricting pumping to 695 mcmy-1, stepping up recharge activities in recharge zone, adopting water use efficiency methods and regulation in the coastal zone. AUMP is simple and can guide water managers to plan for sustainable groundwater withdrawal and safe guard the coastal aquifer from sea water intrusion and ensure sustainability of groundwater abstraction structures.
Preparation of Natural Silk Protein-Based Flame Retardant
Authors: Sun Zhihao , Li Zheng , Ma Zhongfei , Zheng Minxue , Zhan Wang
Published: September 2021

To counter paper flammability, SF-JR400/MP-SiO2 sourced from natural silk protein may be applied to the paper surface using layer-by-layer assembly (LbL). The microstructure and composition of the coating may be assessed using SEM, FTIR and XPS. Presence of the coating increases the paper combustion limiting oxygen index (LOI) from 20.4% to 38%. Compared to untreated DBP, TGA analysis shows that the initial decomposition temperature of DBP rises from 115˚C to 148˚C. Residual char yield increases from 11.3% to 38.8%. The formation of a surface char layer protects paper internal fibers from heat feedback and consequent thermal decomposition. Analysis using CONE indicates that a 25-layer assembly can reduce the peak and total heat dissipation by 88.4% and 54.7%, respectively analysis suggests that silk may function as an agent to accelerate the coating, formation of a protective.
Numerical Evaluation of a 70-m Deep Hydro-Power Station Foundation Pit Dewatering
Authors: Wang Jianxiu , Deng Yansheng , Wang Xiaobo , Liu Xiaotian , Zhou Nianqing
Published: September 2021

The average depth of Yamansu hydropower station foundation pit is 70 m. The foundation pit was excavated with five-level slopes. The lowering of groundwater level is significant for excavation. Drainage and pumping were adopted in dewatering. Pumping tests were performed to reverse hydraulic parameters and calibrate numerical models. Numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the dewatering scheme. In the first stage, powerhouse tailrace canal was excavated and utilized as a drainage channel to lower the groundwater level. The drawdown and hydraulic gradient were evaluated to prevent potential water inrush, erosion, piping, and slope failure. In the second stage, cutoff wall and pumping wells were evaluated to lower the groundwater level. The influences of depth, permeability, and thickness of the cutoff wall were evaluated. Dewatering scheme was revised accordingly based on the evaluation. The optimized dewatering scheme, which can be referred by similar engineering, was performed and verified successfully.
Impact of SOD2, PNPLA3, ABCC1, CBR1 And ABCG2 Variants Upon Toxicities of Induction Therapy In Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Aslam Sara , Ameer Sonia , NA Shabana , Ahmed Mehboob
Published: September 2021

Chemotherapy related toxicities have been the major factor limiting the success of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) induction therapy. Several factors, including the pharmacogenetics of asparagenase and anthracyclines, could contribute to difference in treatment outcome in ALL. We investigated the significance of variations in genes that are involved in hepatic toxicity and cardiotoxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Genotyping of SOD2 (rs4880), PNPL3 (rs738409) and ABCC1 (rs4148350), CBR1 (rs9024) and ABCG2 (rs2231142) was performed by Tetra-ARMS PCR-based technique to evaluate the genotype-phenotype correlation. Our results showed only the minor allele G of SOD2 rs4880 increase the risk of hepatic toxicity [OR=2.63 (1.42-4.84), P=<.05] while minor alleles of other SNPs showed protective impact. However, the genetic contrast analysis showed a recessive form of SOD2 rs4880 [OR=7.82 (3.86-15.85), P=<0.05] and PNPLA3 I148M [OR=5.82 (3.43-9.87), P=<0.05] variants whereas dominant genotype of ABCC1 rs4148350 [OR=2.52 (1.55-4.10), P=<0.05] significantly predisposes hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, heterozygous form of ABCG2 rs2231142 [OR=5.25 (1.84-14.95), P=<0.05] and recessive genotype of 3′UTR variant CBR1 rs9024 [OR=2.31 (1.31-4.07), P=<0.05] were strongly associated with cardiotoxicity. The information obtained from these genetic variations could offer biomarkers for individualization of therapeutic intervention in ALL.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia Secondary to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Weerasinghe Suneth , Karunathilake Parackrama , Ralapanawa Udaya , Jayalath Thilak , Abeygunawardena Shamali , Rathnayaka Manel
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease with many extra-articular manifestations. Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare manifestation of RA and is sparsely documented in the literature with a variable clinical outcome following immunosuppressive therapy. Case presentationA 63-year-old female presented with transfusion-dependent anaemia associated with deforming inflammatory arthritis, who also had leukopenia, right subclavian venous thrombosis, and generalized lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis of RA following initial clinical workup and additional blood and bone marrow investigations revealed PRCA as a secondary manifestation of RA after excluding other secondary causes, such as infections, thymoma, thrombophilic conditions and haematological malignancy. She responded well to oral prednisolone, cyclosporine A and hydroxychloroquine, where she attained complete recovery in two months. ConclusionPRCA is a disabling illness that may lead to transfusion-dependent anaemia, which may occur due to rare extrapulmonary manifestation of RA. The diagnosis of PRCA secondary to RA may be challenging where haematological investigations, including bone marrow biopsy, will aid in the diagnosis, and early diagnosis and treatment will bring about a better outcome.
Validation of a Computerized Decision Support System To Review Pharmacotherapy Treatment: Scheduling Guidelines
Authors: Zapelini Clávison Martinelli , Galato Dayani , Alano Graziela Modolon , Martins Karina Saviatto Carvalho , Trauthman Silvana Cristina , Soares Alessandra Sá , Trevisol Fabiana Schuelter , Trevisol Daisson José
Published: September 2021

Background

In the pharmacotherapy review process, the pharmacist needs to list various information about the patient and the set of medications he will use, information that is never available at the point of care.
Methods

The aim of the study was to validate an intelligent information system, which was developed to assist the scheduling activity in the pharmacotherapy review process. The system used the concept of Genetic Algorithms. To validate it, appointments of hypothetical cases (ten) were made by the system and by human specialists. These schedules were qualitatively evaluated by pharmaceutical specialists with clinical and research experience in the pharmacotherapy review process. The degree of agreement between the assessments of the appointments carried out by the pharmaceutical specialists and by the system were measured using the Kappa index with a 95% confidence interval.
Results

In detecting errors, propositions, the system was able to identify 80% of errors, with human specialists identifying between 20% and 70% of errors. In relation to the general evaluation, the system obtained 87,3% of the compared evaluations, with the human specialist who came closest to this index obtained 75,5%.
Conclusion

It can be concluded that with the methodology used, the investigation met the objectives and confirmed the initial hypothesis. There are indications that the system can help in the Pharmacotherapy review process, being able to find prescription errors as well as to establish times for the use of medications according to the patient’s routine.