bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior among nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic: Mediation of organizational commitment
Authors: Zeng Li , Feng fen , Jin Man , Li Xin , Peng Yihang , Wang Jialin
Published: November 2022

Background: Nurses' organizational citizenship behavior, a spontaneous "altruistic work behavior", may be affected by psychological capital and organizational commitment, but its mechanism is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and distribution of psychological capital, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior among nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic, and explore the mediating role of organizational commitment in psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior.
Methods: Across-sectional survey was conducted among 746 nurses from 6 designated hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 in China. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation model were used in this study.
Results: Nurses' psychological capital, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior scores were 103.12 ± 15.57, 46.53 ± 7.14 and 101.47 ± 12.14, respectively. Additionally, organizational commitment partially mediates between psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior.
Conclusions: Nurses' psychological capital, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior were at the upper middle level during the COVID-19 epidemic, which was affected by social-demographic variables. Moreover, psychological capital can affect organizational citizenship behavior through the mediating effect of organizational commitment. The findings call for the nursing administrationshould develop and excavate nurses' psychological capital, enhance nurses' organizational commitment, so as to promote nurses' organizational citizenship behavior.
Effects of Uniform/Periodic Magnetic Fields on the Nonlinear Stability of Double Interfaces Between Three Magnetic Fluids Saturated in Porous Media
Authors: Moatimid Galal , Sayed Aya , Zekry Marwa
Published: November 2022

The current manuscript tackles the interaction between three viscous magnetic fluids placed on three layers and saturated in porous media. Two of them fill half the spaces above and below a thin layer that lies in the middle region. All layers are laterally extended to infinity in both horizontal directions. All fluids move in the same horizontal direction with different uniform velocities and are driven by pressure gradients. The system is stressed by tangential stationary/periodic magnetic fields. The viscous potential theory (VPT) is used to simplify the mathematical procedure. The motion of the fluids is described by the Brinkman-Darcy equations, and Maxwell equations are used for the magnetic field. The nonlinear technique is typically relying on solving linear equations of motion and presenting the nonlinear boundary conditions. The novelty of the problem concerns the nonlinear stability of the double interface under the impact of periodic magnetic fields. Therefore, the approach has resulted in two nonlinear characteristic differential equations governing the surface displacements. Accordingly, the development amplitudes of surface waves are designated by two nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Stability is theoretically analyzed; the nonlinear stability criterion is derived, and the corresponding nonlinear stability conditions are explored in detail. Approximate bounded solutions of the perturbed interfaces are estimated. Additionally, the thickness of the intermediate layer as a function of time is plotted. The impact of different parameters on the stability profile is investigated. For the middle layer, it is found that magnetic permeability, as well as viscosity, have a stabilizing effect. By contrast, the basic streaming, as well as permeability, have a destabilizing influence. The analysis of the periodic case shows that the lower interface is much more stable than the upper one. Engineering applications like petroleum products manufacturing and the electromagnetic field effect can be used to control the growth of the perturbation and then the recovery of crude oil from the pores of reservoir rocks.
Trophectoderm biopsy is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes rather than neonatal outcomes
Authors: Ji Hui , Zhang Mian-Qiu , Zhou Qiao , Zhang Song , Dong Li , Li Xiu-Ling , Zhao Chun , Ding Hui , Ling Xiu-Feng
Published: November 2022

Background: With the wide application of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) with trophectoderm (TE) biopsy, the safety of PGT has always been a concern. Since TE subsequently forms the placenta, it is speculated that the removal of these cells was associated with adverse obstetrical or neonatal outcomes after single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT). Previous studies report contradictory findings with respect to TE biopsy and obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 720 patients with singleton pregnancies from single FBT cycles who delivered at the same university-affiliated hospital between January 2019 and March 2022. The cohorts were divided into two groups: the PGT group (blastocysts with TE biopsy, n=223) and the control group (blastocysts without biopsy, n=497). The PGT group was matched with the control group by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis at a ratio of 1:2. The enrolled sample sizes in the two groups were 215 and 385, respectively.
Results: Patient demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups after PSM. Patients in the PGT group had significantly higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (13.5 vs. 8.8%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–3.05, P = 0.043), gestational hypertension (6.0 vs. 2.6%, aOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.12–6.30, P = 0.027) and abnormal umbilical cord (13.0 vs. 7.8%, aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.05–3.17, P = 0.032). However, the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (12.1 vs. 19.7%, aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.93, P = 0.025) was significantly lower in biopsied blastocysts than in unbiopsied embryos. There were no significant differences in regard to other obstetric and neonatal outcomes between the two groups.
Conclusions: Trophectoderm biopsy is a safe approach, as the neonatal outcomes from biopsied and unbiopsied embryos were comparable. Furthermore, PGT is associated with higher risks of HDP, gestational hypertension, and abnormal umbilical cord but has a protective effect on PROM.
Classification and applicable conditions of water rights systems
Authors: Yuanyuan Sun , Shaofeng Jia , Ru Jia
Published: November 2022

Water rights meta type is defined as the basic constitution element of water rights system, five water rights meta types are identified firstly based on the justice principles of water rights empowerment. Then it’s analyzed the hierarchical structure of water rights systems. The complex water rights systems in reality can be divided three levels - water rights meta type, unit water rights system and mixd water rights system. The water rights meta types are the most basic elements of water rights systems. And the unit water rights systems which are composed of water rights meta types are the smallest units that exist independently and are relatively stable and maintain the characteristics of the water rights system. While the mixed water rights systems are the mixed mosaic of different unit systems. Through collecting the data of influencing factors in research units, the threshold of influencing factors for each unit water rights system have been estimated. Meanwhile, it’s determined the applicable conditions of unit water rights systems quantitatively.
Comparisons of the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for central renal angiomyolipomas: A propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Zhu Qi-Qi , Li Zhi-Wei , Liu Ying , Liu Yi-Fu , Zhang Zhi-Cheng , Gong Bin-Bin , Sun Ting
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in the treatment of central renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs).
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 103 patients who were treated with either RAPN or LPN for central renal angiomyolipomas between January 2017 and June 2022. Propensity scores were matched according to sex, age, laterality, body mass index (BMI), symptoms, diameter of tumor, location of tumor distribution, RENAL score, preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative serum creatinine, preoperative glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), chronic disease, previous abdominal surgery, preoperative SAE, ASA score, and duration of follow-up, and after matching, perioperative and prognostic data of the two groups were compared.
RESULTS: A total of 57 patients underwent RAPN, and 46 patients underwent LPN. Before matching, there were more complex AMLs in the RAPN group, and RENAL scores differed between the two groups (10 versus 9, P<0.001). After matching, the median warm ischemic time (WIT) in the RAPN group was significantly shorter than that in the LPN group (21.5 min versus 28 min, P=0.034), while the median operating time in the RAPN group was longer than that in the LPN group (190 min versus 160 min, P=0.02). The other indicators were not significantly different between the groups.
CONCLUSION: RAPN has a shorter warm ischemia time but a longer operating time for central renal angiomyolipomas. RAPN did not show superiority over LPN in terms of safety and effectiveness; it is safe and feasible to apply either surgical approach in the treatment of central renal angiomyolipomas.
Engaging of the mTOR signaling pathway by miR100 and miR101 in de novo acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kargar Maryam , Farsani Mehdi Allahbakhshian , Garavand Javad , Gorji Mahnaz , Rafie Mohammad , Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2022

Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) affect carcinogenesis and tumor progression by changing numerous cellular functions. miR-100 and miR-101 have been presented to be aberrantly expressed in acute leukemia. This study focused on their expression level in acute myeloid leukemia and their possible targets in molecular networks.
Methods:miR-100 and miR-101 expression were analyzed in 21 patients with acute myeloid leukemia compared to 9 healthy controls by using quantitative RT-PCR in mononuclear cells of peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The target of miR-100 and miR-101 were predicted with TargetScan,miRDB, and miRanda. Finally, the relationship of these microRNAs with mTOR/AKT/PI3Ksignaling pathway genes was investigated.
Results: In this study, miR-100 was up-regulated (P value: 0.033; fold change: 6.8) whereas miR-101 (P value: 0.019; fold change : 0.61), mTOR (P value: 0.004; fold change: 0.56 ) and PI3KCA (P value <0.0001; fold change : 0.25) was downregulated in AML patients; there was a negative and positive correlation between the expression of miR-100 (r = -0.39, P value: 0.041) and miR-101 (r = 0.41, P value: 0.029) with the mTOR gene, while no meaningful correlation was seen between these miRs and the AKT1 and PI3KCAgenes.
Conclusion: These data showed tumor suppressor role for both miR-100 and miR-101 via mTOR/AKT/PI3K signaling pathway, therefore it can be a favorable therapeutic target beside other ones. More investigation of the miR-100 and miR-101 network with other signaling pathways in AML is recommended.
Expression pattern of Autophagy-related Genes and Immune Infiltration Landscape in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Zhu Haoyan , Wu Jiahe , Li Chenze , Hu Yushuang , Zhang Tong , Lei Zhe , Wang Qiongxin , Cai Huanhuan , Lu Zhibing
Published: November 2022

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), a life-threatening cardiovascular disease, is considered a common cause of death in older individuals. Studies on the molecular mechanism of TAA are very limited. The aim of this study is to explore the expression pattern of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in TAA, and the related immune infiltration landscape, using bioinformatics analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GSE26155 and differentially expressed miRNAs in GSE110527 were screened by R software. GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on these DEGs. STRING database was employed for the PPI network establishment which was visualized by Cytoscape software. The differentially expressed ARGs were obtained by merging these DEGs with ARGs in autophagy databases HAMDb and HADb. The expression patterns of these differentially expressed ARGs are shown by violin diagram, correlation heatmap, PPI network and enrichment analysis. ROC analysis was used to evaluated the diagnostic value of these differentially expressed ARGs in TAA. Genes with area under the curve (AUC) > 0.7 were considered as TAA biomarkers. TargetScan, miRDB and miRWalk databases were used to predict miRNAs that target these ARGs. Intersection of predicted miRNAs and differentially expressed miRNAs to screen miRNAs that have a clear regulatory relationship with genes. Then a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. Following this, the immune infiltration landscape of TAA and the correlation between these ARGs and immunity were further analyzed. In this study, 15 differentially expressed ARGs were screened and the expression patterns of these ARGs were investigated. A miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. 13 genes with AUC>0.7 in these differentially expressed ARGs were recognized as TAA biomarkers. Finally, the immune infiltration landscape of TAA was shown.
The Relationship between Social Constrains, Social Isolation, Family Environment, Self-Efficacy, and Depressive Symptoms among Breast Cancer Patients in China
Authors: Gu ZhiHui , Li MengYao , Liu Li , Ban Yue , Wu Hui
Published: November 2022

Background: For female breast cancer patients, the psychological status after surgery, especially the social and family psychological related factors, deserves more attention. This study analyzed the influence of social constrain, social support, social isolation, family conflict, family emotion expression on depression. At the same time, this study conducted the relationship between the variables and the mechanism of action.
Methods: 522 breast cancer patients finished questionnaires consisting of Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Social Constraints Scale-5(SCS-5), Family Environment Scale(FES), and Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6). Multivariable Logical Regression was used to explore influencing factors. Pearson’s Correlation, Hierarchical Regression and Simple Slope Analysis were conducted to verify the role of self-efficacy.
Results: 71.6% of patients had depressive symptoms. Family contradiction (OR=10.086), social constrain (OR=2.522), social isolation (OR=2.507), and high blood glucose (OR=2.156) were risk factors of depressive symptoms. Family emotional expression (OR=0.480), family intimacy (OR=0.235), and self-efficacy (OR=0.246) were protective factors against depressive symptoms. The interactive items interpretation quantity was as follows: Contradiction*Self-efficacy (ΔR2=2.3%, P<0.001), Emotional expression*Self-efficacy (ΔR2=2.6%, P<0.001), Intimacy*Self-efficacy (ΔR2=1.0%, P=0.018), Social constrain*Self-efficacy (ΔR2=1.0%, P=0.008), Social networks*Self-efficacy (ΔR2=1.0%, P=0.010), Blood Glucose*Self-efficacy (ΔR2=0.6%, P=0.023). The influence of independent variables on depressive symptoms were gradually decreased in the low, mean and high groups of self-efficacy.
Conclusion: Postoperative Chinese breast cancer survivors reported higher depressive symptoms. Social, family, and physiological factors can affect depressive symptoms, in which self-factor played moderator roles.
Comparison of Chemical comstituents and content analysis in different parts of Eucommia ulmoides based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS and RP-HPLC
Authors: Gong Pin , Zhai Pengtao , Chen Xuefeng , Sun Wangyang , Wang Peipei , Guo Yuxi , Wang Zhineng , Li Nan , Zhai Wenjun , Zheng Benzhong
Published: November 2022

Eucommia ulmoides is a valuable tonic Chinese herbal medicine with a long history. It has the effects of tonifying liver and kidney, strengthening muscles and bones, regulating Chong and Ren channels, consolidating meridians and preventing miscarriage. Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated that Eucommia ulmoides has the pharmacological effects of lowering blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugar, preventing aging, and inhibiting oxidation. Currently, only the bark of Eucommia ulmoides can be utilized as a therapeutic component; the plant's overall consumption is still quite limited. The growth of Eucommia ulmoides bark is extremely sluggish, typically taking more than 12 years, and the greater technical needs of Eucommia ulmoides bark can easily result in the death of the tree, which is not favorable to the sustainable use of plant resources. In order to identify raw materials that can substitute Eucommia ulmoides bark, this experiment investigated the active components of different position of Eucommia ulmoides. Through ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, the chemical constituents of several Eucommia ulmoides parts were examined in this work (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). The identification of 119 compounds of twelve known and novel kinds. In this investigation, a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analyzing the quantity of active components in various Eucommia ulmoides parts was developed. The results showed that there were some differences in the components and contents of different parts of Eucommia ulmoides. The bark of Eucommia ulmoides included higher levels of geniposidic acid, pinoresinol diglucoside, and quercetin, whereas the leaves contained higher levels of chlorogenic acid, catechin, and rutin. The bark and Eucommia ulmoides had the highest concentrations of active components, followed by the remaining sections. Therefore, Eucommia ulmoides leaves can replace Eucommia ulmoides bark for anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and glucose and lipid metabolism regulation. This research presents a novel method for evaluating the quality of Eucommia ulmoides.
Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 questionnaires
Authors: Bergman Lina , Nilsson Ulrica , Dahlberg Karuna , Jaensson Maria , Wångdahl Josefin
Published: November 2022

Background: Health literacy is an important social determinant of health and affects the ability to make decisions and take action to manage one’s health. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically examine the Arabic versions of HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 and their response patterns among Arabic-speaking persons in Sweden.
Methods: By convenience sampling from a variety of settings, a total of 335 participants were invited to participate. The participants completed a self-assessment of comprehensive health literacy by answering the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire, also including the six items for Ar-HLS-EU-Q6. Statistical analysis was guided by The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments. Floor/ceiling effects, construct and criterion validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability were analysed.
Results: In total, 320 participants were included in the psychometric evaluation. Mean age was 42.1 (SD 12.5), 63 % (n=199) were females and 53% (n=169) had at least 10 years of education. No floor or ceiling effect were found for the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 or Ar-HLS-EU-Q6.
For both instruments, construct validity was confirmed in four out of five expected correlations (weak positive correlation to educational level, self-perceived health, and years in Sweden; moderate positive correlation with higher sum score on the Arabic electronic health literacy scale, and strong positive correlation to higher Ar-HLS-EU-Q16/Ar-HLS-EU-Q6). Criterion validity showed poor agreement between the two questionnaires with a Cohen κ 0.58 (p<0.001). Test-retest reliability showed a substantial agreement, Cohen's κ for Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 and Ar-HLS-EU-Q6 were both 0.89. The internal consistency of both versions was acceptable, Cronbach alpha for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q16 was 0.91 and for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q6, 0.79. Split-half reliability was 0.95 and 0.78, respectively.
Conclusion: The Arabic version of HLS-EU-Q16 shows good psychometric properties, validated in a Swedish setting. The findings can further inform and guide future validation studies in other settings worldwide. Furthermore, the results of the present study did not support criterion validity of Ar-HLS-EU-Q6.
Sorcin promotes migration and invasion in cancer by regulating the EGF-dependent EGFR signaling pathways
Authors: Tito Claudia , Genovese Ilaria , Giamogante Flavia , Benedetti Anna , Miglietta Selenia , Barazzuol Lucia , Cristiano Loredana , Carolini Sabatino , De Angelis Luciana , Masciarelli Silvia , Nottola Stefania Annarita , Familiari Giuseppe , Petrozza Vincenzo , Lauriola Mattia , Tamagnone Luca , Ilari Andrea , Calì Tito , Colotti Gianni , FAZI Francesco
Published: November 2022

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the main tumor drivers, and is an important therapeutic target for many cancers. Calcium is important in EGFR internalization and in EGFR signaling pathways. Sorcin is one of the most important calcium sensor proteins, overexpressed in many tumors, that promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, malignant progression and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. The present work elucidates an important mechanism that links calcium homeostasis to EGFR signaling in cancer. Sorcin and EGFR overexpression are significantly correlated in cancer patients. Sorcin directly binds EGFR in a calcium-dependent fashion and regulates calcium (dys)homeostasis linked to EGF-dependent EGFR signaling. Sorcin controls EGFR signaling, increases its recycling, activates the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade, and controls the RAS/ERK cascade, participating in the regulation of cellular migration and invasion. Sorcin expression leads to increased cell migration, invasion and EMT, via PI3K/AKT signaling; Sorcin silencing reverses these cancer features, synergistically with EGFR inhibitors.
Identifiability of Enzyme Kinetic Parameters in Substrate Competition: A case study of CD39/ENTPD1
Authors: McGuinness Anna , Tahir Aman , Sutton Nadia , Marquis Andrew D.
Published: November 2022

CD39 (ENTPD1 - ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1) is a membrane-tethered ectonucleotidase that hydrolyzes extracellular ATP to ADP and ADP to AMP. This enzyme is expressed in a variety of cell types and tissues and has broadly been recognized within vascular tissue to have a protective role in converting “danger” ligands (ATP) into neutral or “protective” ligands (AMP, adenosine). In this study, we investigate the enzyme kinetics of CD39 using a Michaelis-Menten modeling framework. We show how the unique situation of having a reaction product also serving as a substrate (ADP) complicates the determination of the governing kinetic parameters. Model simulations using values for the kinetic parameters reported in the literature do not align with corresponding time-series data. This dissonance is explained by CD39 kinetic parameters previously being determined by graphical/linearization methods, which have been shown to distort the underlying error structure and lead to inaccurate parameter estimates. Modern methods of estimating these kinetic parameters using non-linear least squares is still challenging due to unidentifiable parameter interactions. We propose a workflow to accurately determine these parameters by isolating the ADPase and ATPase reactions and estimating the respective ADPase parameters and ATPase parameters with independent data sets. Theoretically, this ensures all kinetic parameters are identifiable and reliable for future prospective model simulations involving CD39. These kinds of mathematical models can be used to understand how circulating purinergic nucleotides affect disease etiology and potentially inform the development of corresponding therapies.
Improving Mediator-based Information Integration to Resolve Syntactic Heterogeneity
Authors: Abid Muhammad Ali , Amin Farhan , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: November 2022

An emerging approach that addresses data heterogeneity challenges is the mediator-based architecture allowing transparent access to the data stored in many sources. Due to the growing diversity of data sources, the data integration process becomes a performance and administrative bottleneck. When dealing with decentralized heterogeneous data sources, the mediator-based technique is typically used to integrate the data. It describes a collection of applications that follow a number of data sources. The importance of analyzing and synthesizing the collected data has lately increased for academics researching autonomous and heterogeneous software systems. This study uses a mediator-based information integration model to improve pattern-based reasoning and overcome grammatical problems with integrating diverse information from web sources (IATs). The main goal of this study is to improve the mediator design for usage in the mediator-based information integration paradigm in order to address the problems caused by syntactic heterogeneity. Using our recommended methodology and enhancement strategy, the proposed technique would choose the pertinent domain from a variety of vendor-related data sources and antiquated file systems and deliver the necessary information set from heterogeneous data sources. Our suggested extended design functions well in the online bookstore as well, where there are several data sources and antiquated file systems. Future applications of this research include providing a thorough syntactic method that must be used to integrate data from various sources within the same organization into any Executive Support System (ESS).
Primary Cardiac Angiosarcoma With Pulmonary Metastasis in a Young Female: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kordjazy Nastaran , Taheri Piroozeh , Parkhideh Roya , Nakhaee Akram , Badkoubeh Roya Sattarzadeh , Naseri Azadeh Sadat , Foroumandi Morteza , Najafi Atabak , Mojtahedzadeh Mojtaba , Shahrami Bita
Published: November 2022

Background: Sarcomas are the most prevalent type of malignant primary cardiac tumor. Clinical presentation differs according to the size and location of the tumor and involvement of other structures.Case presentation:In this article, we present a 38 years old lady as a case of primary cardiac angiosarcoma with a huge challenge in diagnosis and management of the disease. On the 4thof June 2020, she emergently presented to the hospital with the chief complaint of cough and tachypnea, diarrhea, and malaise, and a history of blunt chest trauma three weeks ago. Based on the presentation and transthoracic echocardiography which was compatible with cardiac tamponade, emergent pericardiocentesis was performed. The first imaging showed bilateral pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and no significant parenchymal lung involvement, which was not compatible with rheumatologic diseases or COVID-19. Based on cardiac CT angiography and evidence of dye entrance to the peri-right atrial area, right atrial free wall rupture was suspected as the cause of the massive pericardial effusion. Following multidisciplinary consensus, she underwent cardiac surgery; in addition to the 3*3 cm right atrium free wall rupture repair, concomitant sampling from the lung nodules, lymph nodes, pericardium, and also the surrounding tissue of the right atrium ruptured defect was performed. Based on immunohistochemistry, the diagnosis was compatible with cardiac angiosarcoma with metastasis to the lung. Due to the advanced stage of the tumor, oncologists advised against chemotherapy or radiotherapy and she went through palliative care. Finally, after a 53-day ICU stay and due to right-sided heart failure, the patient unfortunately died.Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has brought diagnostic challenges regarding differentiating SARS-CoV-2 infection from other diagnostic entities. On the other hand, due to the rarity and fatality of primary cardiac angiosarcomas, early diagnosis and possible management seem crucial for prolonged survival. Involving cardiac angiosarcoma in the initial differential diagnosis could warrant timely diagnosis and assessment of various therapies for cure or palliative care.
Plasmonic Slot Waveguide Propagation Analysis
Authors: Pati Amrita , Gordon Reuven
Published: November 2022

Plasmonic slot waveguides provide extreme light confinement with the benefits of having naturally present electrodes for switching and high thermal conductivity of the metal layers to remove excess heat. Past works relied on numerical computation for these structures, which is time-consuming and lacks physical insight. Here we present an analytical model of plasmonic slot waveguides to determine the modal properties based on single-mode matching to continuum. The model is accurate to within 3% of rigorous numerical simulations. The theory provides rapid design and physical insight into mode propagation in plasmonic slot waveguides for information processing, optical manipulation, and sensing applications.
Euthymia scale as a predictor of depressive symptoms: a one-year follow-up longitudinal study
Authors: Sasaki Natsu , Nishi Daisuke
Published: November 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether a high score on the euthymia scale (ES) predicts a low incidence of depressive symptoms one year later.
Methods: The baseline online survey was conducted in February 2020, and a follow-up survey was done in February 2021. Japanese over 20 years old were enrolled. Respondents who answered both baseline and follow-up, and without depressive symptoms at baseline were included in the analysis. The euthymia scores at baseline was measured by the 10 items of the Japanese version of the ES. Depressive symptoms at follow-up were determined if participants showed either depressive feelings or anhedonia. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, marital status, educational attainment, and clinical visit for depressive episode before the baseline survey.
Results: The total of 624 participants were analyzed. A total of n=63 (10.1%) presented depressive symptom at follow-up. A high ES score significantly predicted a lower incidence of depressive symptoms, after adjusting for covariates (aOR=0.81 [95% confidence interval: 0.72 – 0.89]). Using the cutoff score retrieved from this data, a high ES score (7 or more) showed the same tendency, compared to a low ES score (< 7) (aOR=0.46 [0.25 – 0.83]).
Conclusions: This study suggests the predictive usefulness of euthymia for subsequent depressive symptoms. Further investigation is needed by employing rigid diagnostic criteria.
Rheological property for nutrients prediction of Korla pear
Authors: Wang Jiaping , Wang Chao , Mo Xiaoming , Wu Jie
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of predicting nutrients of Korla pear using stress relaxation and creep parameters. Creep-recovery test and stress relaxation test were performed on the pear using a TA-XT plus Texture Analyzer. Creep and stress relaxation properties of pear were characterized by a generalized Kelvin-Voigt model (six elements) and Maxwell model (seven elements), with coefficients of determination R2 of 0.992 and 0.998, respectively. The partial rheological parameters of the two models were significantly correlated with total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and solid acid ratio (RTT) of pear(p < 0.05). Hence, the constructed stepwise multiple linear regression models can effectively predict three nutrients (correlation coefficient r of prediction model > 0.7). The RMSE value of each nutrients prediction model based on the creep parameters was smaller than that of the prediction models based on the stress relaxation parameters. Therefore, the models constructed using creep parameters are more stable and reliable for predicting the nutrients of Korla pear.
Material classification using basis material decomposition from spectral x-ray CT
Authors: Jumanazarov Doniyor , Alimova Asalkhon , Poulsen Henning F. , Olsen Ulrik L. , IOVEA Mihai
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Spectral CT exploits advanced MultiX ME 100 photon counting detectors (PCD) to measure a material’s spectrally resolved linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) with the simultaneous spectral acquisition at multiple energy thresholds. We present a method for material classification using spectral x-ray Computed Tomography (CT).
Methods: The method employs a basis material decomposition model and estimates the effective atomic number (Zeff ) from the spectral LAC measurements. Basis material decomposition builds on the fact that the LAC of any material can be well approximated by a linear combination of equivalent thicknesses of basis materials, with known and typically Zeff values at the extremes of the relevant Zeff range. Spectral distortions of the energy spectrum due to the physical interactions between photons and the multi-energy-bin PCD such as charge sharing and photon pileup are corrected by a spectral correction algorithm. The validation of the method has been performed with experimental data acquired with a custom laboratory instrument for spectral CT, examining “real life” phantoms with materials in the range of 6 ≤ Zeff ≤ 15.
Results: With optimized parameters the data was collected from 12 projections and rebinned from 128 into 15 energy bins, two basis materials were used for the decomposition. In that case the classification method gives a relative deviation of 2.4% for Zeff , while this deviation is 5.2% when spectral correction is not used.
Conclusion: The classification method is now ready for use in security screening where modern spectral CT systems are employed.
The impact of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio on mortality in patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Jeon You Hyun , Lee Sung Woo , Jeon Yena , Choi Ji-Young , Cho Jang-Hee , Jung Jiyun , Lee Jangwook , Park Jae Yoon , Kim Yong Chul , Ban Tae Hyun , Park Woo Yeong , Kim Kipyo , Kim Hyosang , Kim Kyeong Min , Lim Jeong-Hoon , Jung Hee-Yeon , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Chan-Duck , Kim Yong-Lim
Published: November 2022

The C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is a prognostic marker in various diseases that represents patients’ inflammation and nutritional status. We investigated the prognostic value of CAR in critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We retrospectively collected data from eight hospitals in Korea. The patients were divided into quartiles according to CAR levels at the time of CRRT initiation. Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the effect of CAR on in-hospital mortality. Among 3995 patients who underwent CRRT, the in-hospital mortality rate was 67.3% during the follow-up period. The 7-day, 30-day, and in-hospital mortality rates increased toward higher CAR quartiles. After adjusting for confounding variables, the higher quartile groups had an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (quartile 3: aHR, 1.15, 95% CI, 1.02–1.30, P=0.023; quartile 4: aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.18–1.50, P<0.001). CAR combined with APACHE II or SOFA scores significantly increased the predictive power compared to each severity score alone for the area under the curve, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. A high CAR is associated with increased in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients requiring CRRT. The combined use of CAR and severity scores provides better predictive performance for mortality than the severity score alone.
m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns are involved in immune microenvironment regulation of ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zheng Peng-Fei , Hong Xiu-Qin , Liu Zheng-Yu , Zheng Zhao-Fen , Chen Lu-Zhu , Liu Peng
Published: November 2022

The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification pattern plays a key role in immunity. However, the role of m6A in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) remains unclear. This study first identified differential m6A regulators between ICM and normal samples and then systematically evaluated the RNA modification patterns mediated by differential m6A regulators in 118 ICM samples. Specifically, the effect of m6A modification on the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in ICM was explored, including infiltrating immune cells, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and HALLMARKS pathways. A total of seven key m6A regulators were identified by the random forest classifier. Compared with healthy samples, one m6A regulator, WTAP, was downregulated, and a total of 6 m6A regulators, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15 and YTHDF3, were upregulated in ICM samples. A diagnostic nomogram based on these seven key m6A regulators can effectively distinguish patients with ICM from healthy subjects. Two distinct RNA modification patterns (m6A cluster-A and -B) mediated by 7 key m6A regulators were identified. The cell infiltration patterns and the expression of 16 HLA genes were significantly different between the m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B groups. The m6A regulators YTHDF3, FMR1, ZC3H13 and RBM15 were significantly correlated with several immune cells. Moreover, differential HALLMARKS signalling pathways between the m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B groups were also identified. The current research suggests that m6A modification plays a key role in the complexity and diversity of the immune microenvironment of ICM. Seven key m6A regulators, WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15 and YTHDF3, may be novel biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of ICM. Immunotyping of patients with ICM will help to develop more accurate immunotherapy strategies for those with a significant immune response.
Active Loaded Source Coupled Logic: Circuit Design Techniques and Delay Modeling
Authors: Cini Ugur , Wang Shuai
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a single-ended source coupled logic family is introduced, based on active loaded differential pair as the core element. The circuit style is a member in the source-coupled logic family with single-ended output structure whereas conventional source-coupled circuit topology is fully differential. The proposed circuit style does not suffer from low noise margins and complicated routing structure, compared to other source coupled logic design techniques. The proposed logic family has advantages such as simple design methodology, analog friendly nature and better compatibility to electronic design automation tools when source coupled design is considered. In the paper, gates for the proposed logic family is developed and a delay-model is given for the initial calculations. To show the functionality and robustness of the structures, various SPICE circuit simulations are done for different technology nodes as 0.35μm and 0.18μm. The results show that the proposed circuit structure provides superior topological properties compared to the other single-ended source coupled logic design styles. The proposed logic family may be an advantageous logic design alternative especially for mixed-signal designs where low noise and analog-friendly design is desirable.
Investigating ethanol production using the Zymomonas mobilis crude extract
Authors: Aminian Amirhossein , Motamedian Ehsan
Published: November 2022

The cell-free system has emerged as a strong platform for producing chemical molecules and pathway debugging. However, cofactor regeneration in this system is also a challenge. To solve cofactor challenges and pathway debugging in the bioethanol pathway, we use the Zymomonas cell-free system to produce bioethanol and investigate cofactor challenges. First, to determine the ability of this system to produce bioethanol, different concentrations of glucose were added to the extract. At low glucose concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 M), the maximum theoretical yield of bioethanol produced was close to 100%, but with increasing glucose concentrations, this amount decreased. Next, sodium gluconate, as an intermediate component, in the ED pathway, was experimentally assessed. At 0.01 M of sodium gluconate, the maximum theoretical yield of 100%; was obtained. Then, to identify the ED pathway bottleneck, a systemic approach based on metabolic modeling was applied. A regulatory compound that controlled the bioethanol reaction was obtained from the BRENDA database. The regulator was added to the Zymomonas crude extract and its effect on bioethabol production was experimentally assessed. Then the effect of NAD+, at the concentration of 1 M glucose, was investigated, which does not affect increasing efficiency. Finally, by measuring ATP and glucose remaining in the culture medium, the imbalance ratio of ADP/ATP was found as the limiting step in producing bioethanol. This research demonstrated the highlighted role of cofactors in bioethanol production and the power of Zymomonas crude extract in reaching a high molar yield of bioethanol production.
Planar Substitutions to Lebesgue type Space-Filling Curves and Relatively Dense Fractal-like Sets in the Plane
Authors: Ozkaraca Mustafa Ismail
Published: November 2022

Lebesgue curve is a space-filling curve that fills the unit square through linear interpolation. In this study, we generalise Lebesgue’s construction to generate space-filling curves from any given planar substitution satisfying a mild condition. The generated space-filling curves for some known substitutions are elucidated. Some of those substitutions further induce relatively dense fractal-like sets in the plane, whenever some additional assumptions are satisfied.
Alveolar epithelial cells are competent producers of interstitial extracellular matrix with disease relevant plasticity in a human in vitro 3D model
Authors: Rosmark Oskar , Kadefors Måns , Dellgren Göran , Karlsson Christofer , Ericsson Anders , Lindstedt Sandra , Malmström Johan , Hallgren Oskar , Larsson-Callerfelt Anna-Karin , Westergren-Thorsson Gunilla
Published: November 2022

Background
The structure of alveoli is critical for normal lung function and when maintenance of the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) that forms these delicate structures fails, patients may develop emphysema or lung fibrosis via pathological processes that are not fully understood. The alveolar walls are lined by alveolar epithelial cells (AEC), these cells have so far been implicated in pathological remodeling through signaling that alters the activity of mesenchymal and immune cells. We set out to examine the capacity of AEC to produce ECM and thereby directly contribute towards the ECM remodeling in chronic lung diseases.
Methods
Cryopreserved type 2 AEC (AEC2) isolated from healthy lungs and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) afflicted lungs were cultured in decellularized human lung slices over a period of 13 days. AEC2 from healthy lungs were treated with transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-β1) to evaluate the plasticity of their ECM production. Evaluation of phenotypic markers and expression of matrisome genes and proteins were performed by RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry.
Results
AEC2 in our model displayed an AEC marker profile similar to freshly isolated AEC2 throughout the 13 day culture period. Cultured COPD-derived AEC2 retained expression of known disease markers, as HLA-A. AEC2 expressed basement membrane components but also a complex set of structural proteins found in interstitial ECM. TGF-β1 stimuli of AEC2 from healthy lungs induced a change in ECM production from AEC2 resembling what has previously been documented in mesenchymal cells, without loss of specific AEC marker expression.
Conclusions
This study reveals a previously unexplored potential of AEC to directly contribute to ECM turnover, motivating a re-evaluation of the role of AEC2 in pathological lung remodeling.
Cosine-type apodized spiral zone plate to handle the topological charge of a vortex beam
Authors: Balanoji Seyyed Mojtaba Taheri , Sabatyan Arash , Rishakani Behnaz Javidi
Published: November 2022

By taking advantage of spiral petal-like zone plates, we have recently demonstrated that a spiral element's geometric shape impacts its charge. Keeping it in mind, we aim to control topological charge of a vortex by means of phase modification of an spiral zone plate without transforming its geometrical shape. This is achieved by apodizing a spiral zone plate having p spiral zones with a radial grating with spatial frequency m. Having implemented some radial gratings with different m, we realized that an optical vortex is produced whose topological charge and its handedness are dependent on p and m. Consequently, a constant phase replaces on-axis screw dislocation under the situation that p takes an odd multiples of m. Studies are carried out for both large and small pairs of (p,m) and various gaps between the couple.
Strain measurement method based on external symmetrical compensation bridge composed of strain gauges with four-wire configuration for a large- scale NbTi superconducting dipole magnet detector
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Xin Canjie , Gao Peifeng , He Tianhu , Guan Mingzhi
Published: November 2022

In this study, we present a strain measurement method based on an external symmetrical compensation bridge (ESCB) composed of strain gauges with a four-wire configuration. Unlike the traditional strain measurement methods, this method includes two features: first, utilising the four-wire configuration to eliminate measurement errors that occur due to large space-varying thermal and field imbalances of long signal wires during operation, and second, utilising two independent quarter-active sub-bridges with a four-wire configuration composed of ESCB to eliminate the errors that occur due to the large time-varying cryogenic temperature and magnetic field. This method was used on a large-scale NbTi superconducting dipole magnet detector during the cooling, excitation, and quench tests. The strains measured using the ESCB were compared with those measured using a traditional half-active compensation bridge. The results indicated that the new method can accurately detect the strain features of a large-scale superconducting magnet. In addition, using the proposed method, spectrum analysis of strain measurements was implemented during excitation, quench onset, and post-quench. A larger amplitude at a higher frequency was clearly observed at the onset of a quench than that observed during excitation and post-quench. Thus, the dynamic strain characteristics of a superconducting magnet structure could be a candidate for predicting the quench.
Ternary blends of thermoplastic starch (TPS) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate- co-adipate) (PBSA): design, processing and characterization of home compostable materials
Authors: Gisario A. , Aversa C. , Barletta M. , Cappiello G. , Koça N.
Published: November 2022

This paper studies ternary blends of thermoplastic starch (TPS) with bio-derived polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA). The compounds were obtained by means of a co-rotating twin screw extruder and were then reprocessed by cast extrusion and thermoforming in order to obtain, respectively, films and semi-rigid containers. Semi-finished products (compounds and films) and thermoformed products were characterized to evaluate their thermo-mechanical, physical and chemical properties. The films showed good mechanical strength, adequate stiffness / toughness compromise and fair impermeability to oxygen. Furthermore, experimental tests have shown a high disintegration rate of the designed material with considerable mass loss in ambient composting conditions. On the other hand, the thermoformed containers showed inadequate thermal resistance, failing to endure direct contact with hot liquids at 100 ° C.