bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Split-Type Two-Axle Vehicle Model for Bridge Indirect Measurement
Authors: Zhu Jinsong , Shi Teng
Published: July 2023

A split-type two-axle vehicle for bridge indirect measurement is proposed to address the deficiencies of single-axle and conventional two-axle vehicles. At first, the conceptual design of the split-type two-axle vehicle is put forth, and the analytical solution for the vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI) system response is derived. After that, the regularity of the vehicle frequency response function is studied, and the numerical analysis method is utilized to validate the analytical solution. Based on the theoretical findings, the vehicle frequency and speed are studied to investigate their impacts on extracting bridge frequencies from vehicle responses. The results indicate that a peak will form in the frequency response function (FRF) curves when the input frequency is near to the vehicle frequency. The single peak phenomenon will occur when the zero-point condition of the FRF from the contact point to the vehicle body is remarkably close to the second vibration frequency of the vehicle. It is preferable for the first frequency of the vehicle to be higher than that of the bridge since this helps to extract the bridge frequency. On the other hand, at low speeds ([Formula: see text] 43.2km/h), higher vehicle speeds will result in a greater distance between the peaks of the left- and right-shifted frequencies of the bridge, wider frequency bands, and lower spectral resolution, which is not conducive to bridge frequency identification.
Multinomial Naïve Bayes Classifier for Sentiment Analysis of Internet Movie Database
Authors: Dewi Christine , Chen Rung-Ching , Christanto Henoch Juli , Cauteruccio Francesco
Published: July 2023

Sentiment analysis (SA), also known as opinion mining, is a natural language processing (NLP) technique used to determine the sentiment or emotional tone behind a piece of text. It involves analyzing the text to identify whether it expresses a positive, negative, or neutral sentiment. SA can be applied to various types of text data such as social media posts, customer reviews, news articles, and more. This experiment is based on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) dataset, which comprises movie reviews and the positive or negative labels related to them. Our research experiment’s objective is to identify the model with the best accuracy and the most generality. Text preprocessing is the first and most critical phase in an NLP system since it significantly impacts the overall accuracy of the classification algorithms. The experiment implements unsupervised sentiment classification algorithms including Valence Aware Dictionary and sentiment Reasoner (VADER) and TextBlob. We also examine the supervised sentiment classifications methods such as Naïve Bayes (Bernoulli NB and Multinomial NB). The Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) model is used to feature selection and extractions. The combination of Multinomial NB and TFIDF achieves the highest accuracy, 87.63%, for both classification reports based on our experiment result.
ICP-RL: Identifying Critical Paths for Fault Diagnosis Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Xiao Jie , Ge Yingying , Wang Ru , Lou Jungang
Published: July 2023

Identifying the critical paths is crucial to reducing the complexity of performance analysis and reliability calculation for logic circuits. In this article, we propose a method for identifying the critical path in a combination circuit using a reinforcement learning framework to enhance its applicability and compatibility. Initially, we configured the learning environment of the model based on circuit structure information to provide valuable information for decision-making on time. Subsequently, the upper confidence bound applied to trees (UCT) algorithm is employed to construct the behavior decision strategy of the model, which avoids invalid traversal and reduces computing costs. Then, a goal-oriented reward and punishment function is constructed based on the distance from the circuit primary outputs. Finally, based on the parallel computing strategy, we construct an adaptive training method to improve the model’s prediction accuracy by using finite sampling, which speeds up the convergence speed and enhances the quality of the model. Experimental results on benchmark circuits show that, with the functional timing analysis method as the reference, the average accuracy of the proposed method is as high as 99.39% and the single average calculation speed is 18.07 times faster than that of the reference method. Compared with the Monte Carlo model, the proposed method has a higher critical path hit rate, and the average calculation speed is 928.75 times faster.
Telomerase Upregulation Induces Progression of Mouse BrafV600E-Driven Thyroid Cancers and Triggers Nontelomeric Effects
Authors: Landa Iñigo , Thornton Caitlin E.M. , Xu Bin , Haase Jacob , Krishnamoorthy Gnana P. , Hao Jingzhu , Knauf Jeffrey A. , Herbert Zachary T. , Martínez Paula , Blasco María A. , Ghossein Ronald , Fagin James A.
Published: July 2023

Mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene are the paradigm of a cross-cancer alteration in a noncoding region. TERT promoter mutations (TPM) are biomarkers of poor prognosis in cancer, including thyroid tumors. TPMs enhance TERT transcription, which is otherwise silenced in adult tissues, thus reactivating a bona fide oncoprotein. To study TERT deregulation and its downstream consequences, we generated a Tert mutant promoter mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 engineering of the murine equivalent locus (Tert−123C>T) and crossed it with thyroid-specific BrafV600E-mutant mice. We also employed an alternative model of Tert overexpression (K5-Tert). Whereas all BrafV600E animals developed well-differentiated papillary thyroid tumors, 29% and 36% of BrafV600E+Tert−123C>T and BrafV600E+K5-Tert mice progressed to poorly differentiated cancers at week 20, respectively. Tert-upregulated tumors showed increased mitosis and necrosis in areas of solid growth, and older animals displayed anaplastic-like features, that is, spindle cells and macrophage infiltration. Murine TPM increased Tert transcription in vitro and in vivo, but temporal and intratumoral heterogeneity was observed. RNA-sequencing of thyroid tumor cells showed that processes other than the canonical Tert-mediated telomere maintenance role operate in these specimens. Pathway analysis showed that MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling, as well as processes not previously associated with this tumor etiology, involving cytokine, and chemokine signaling, were overactivated. These models constitute useful preclinical tools to understand the cell-autonomous and microenvironment-related consequences of Tert-mediated progression in advanced thyroid cancers and other aggressive tumors carrying TPMs.

Implications:

Telomerase-driven cancer progression activates pathways that can be dissected and perhaps therapeutically exploited.
Effect of the First-Line Therapy with Osimertinib for a Metastatic Choroidal Tumor in Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Umeda Ikuko , Kitamura Yuta , Yokouchi Hirotaka , Baba Takayuki
Published: July 2023

Although the advent of molecular-targeted drugs has improved the prognosis of various cancers, the long-term prognosis and side effects as the first-line therapy for metastatic choroidal tumors remain unclear. We describe a case in which the first-line therapy of osimertinib has shown long-term successful and minimum side effect responses for metastatic choroidal tumors in a patient with advanced-stage lung cancer. The patient was a 62-year-old man who complained of foggy vision and visual field defects in his left eye for 1 month. When he visited his local doctor, a serous retinal detachment was noted in the left eye, and he was referred to our hospital for further examination. The patient had no history of systemic disease. A fundus examination of his left eye showed a slightly elevated choroidal lesion along with the superior retinal vascular arcade. Optical coherence tomography showed a serous retinal detachment around the lesion. Fluorescein angiography showed that the site of the lesion had spotty and mottled hyperfluorescence in the early phase and ring hypofluorescence in the late phase. We suspected a metastatic choroidal tumor and performed a whole-body computed tomography scan, which indicated lung cancer and metastasis to the left iliac bone. The patient was referred to the department of respiratory medicine of our hospital, and after a thorough examination, a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (stage IV-B, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] gene mutation positive) was made. Treatment with osimertinib was initiated, and shrinkage of the primary tumor was observed. The elevated choroidal lesion and serous retinal detachment resolved after 2 months of treatment, and no recurrence was observed during the 20 months of treatment. The use of osimertinib as primary treatment for EGFR mutation-positive lung cancer was found to significantly reduce the size of metastatic choroidal tumors and to have a relatively long-lasting antitumor effect without serious ocular complications.
Financialization and top incomes in emerging economies: A comparative distributional analysis of the financial wage premium in the BRIC
Authors: Roberts Anthony J , Casey Emma , Hodges Baylee
Published: July 2023

Prior studies on emerging economies contend that increasing returns to human capital has contributed to the growth of wage inequality over the last few decades. However, this explanation fails to account for an important dynamic of contemporary wage inequality: the growth of top labor incomes. Research on advanced economies show the emergence of a wage premium in the financial sector increased top labor incomes, but studies have yet to investigate whether a financial wage premium is contributing to the growth of top labor incomes in emerging economies. The present study addresses this theoretical and empirical gap by conceptualizing and measuring the financial wage premium across the distributions of labor income in the most important subset of emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC). Drawing on harmonized labor force data from the Luxembourg Income Study, we utilize unconditional quantile regression modeling and treatment effect estimation to examine the financial wage premium across the distributions of labor income in the BRIC before and after the Great Recession. Consistent with studies on advanced economies, we find a substantial wage premium among top earners in the financial sectors of the BRIC, which has grew in the post-recession period. However, we find significant variation in size and growth of the financial wage premium because of the variegated nature of financialization across the BRIC. We conclude by suggesting that subsequent studies should explore the heterogeneous effects of subordinate and state financialization on wage dynamics in emerging economies.
Delving Into Feminine Stereotypes: Female CEOs and the Corporate Social (Ir)Responsibility–Firm Performance Relationship
Authors: Mui Rachel , Hill Aaron D.
Published: July 2023

In this study, we advance a more nuanced view of gender-based stereotypes about female chief executive officers (CEOs) to shed light on the divergent findings about outcomes associated with their firms’ actions. We draw on gender stereotyping literature and its delineation between prescriptive and descriptive gender stereotypes— how women ought to be/act versus how they actually are/act—to theorize that not all female CEOs embody the same prescriptive feminine ideals and, thus, variance in how they are perceived may affect outcomes manifesting from certain firm actions. Specifically, we theorize that there also exists a “double-edged” sword among female CEOs such that the more a female CEO is seen as descriptively aligning with prescriptive ideals of feminine actions and perceptions, the stronger the associated outcomes for their firms will be, whether positive or negative. We test how perceptions of communality and attractiveness—the two most desirable prescriptive perceptions for how women ought to be—affect the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and irresponsibility (CSiR) to firm performance relationship, which align, or fail to align, respectively, with desirable prescriptive feminine actions of helping or hurting others and society. We find that the more a female CEO descriptively aligns with such communality and attractiveness prescriptions, the stronger the CSR and CSiR to firm performance relationship will be. The results of our study suggest that the gendered beliefs to which female CEOs are subjected are more nuanced and complex than the current literature explains, contributing to theory and practice alike.
From Ethnic Hatred to Religious Solidarity: The Rise and Fall of Russophobia in Greece, 1830–1924
Authors: Vovchenko Denis
Published: July 2023

After being dominant in the first two-thirds of the nineteenth century, the expectation of fellow Orthodox Russian saviours was then muted by the fears of Russian expansion but was never completely erased from the public discourse and popular memory. If ethnonationalism gradually sidelined religious identification among the educated, geopolitical changes brought it back to the fore. Subject to such contingencies, this kind of reversal does not support the accepted notion of the unstoppable disintegration of pre-modern religious communities into national ones.

After the Crimean War, the obsession with the Panslav threat increasingly prevailed in educated society and influenced Greek policymakers who often sought to ally their kingdom with England and even the Ottoman Empire. The Russians and their Bulgarian agents came to be seen as implacable barbarian aggressors. But just before and during the First World War, the Ottoman Turks became the main national enemy again, as in the early 1800s. The Russian revolutions of 1917 also helped Greek elites discover another common foe – radical socialism. As a result, Greek-Russian ethnic tensions diminished – while World War I certainly created new ethnic hatreds it also healed some old ones. From 1918 at least until the abolition of Greek monarchy in 1924 significant numbers of Russian émigrés did not suffer from Russophobia. As such, this article contributes to the study of national indifference and of the effects of the Great War in Eastern Europe. The article is based on Greek and Russian archival sources as well as on the unique pamphlet collection of the Gennadios Library in Athens.
Un exemple de combinaison de méthodes. Les enquêtes (Cevipof) sur « Les perceptions de la probité publique »
Authors: Lascoumes Pierre
Published: July 2023

Cet article rend compte de la combinaison de méthodes réalisées pendant 3 ans par une équipe du CEVIPOF (Sciences Po Paris). Il montre comment les apports des différentes démarches ont permis d’enrichir les autres. Il apporte des résultats de science sociale sur un sujet (la corruption) où les travaux empiriques sont rares.
COVID’s First and Second Waves in India: Lessons and Policy Implications
Authors: Srivastava D. K. , Bharadwaj Muralikrishna , Kapur Tarrung , Trehan Ragini
Published: July 2023

In this article, we argue that in a supply-deficient situation, a vaccination strategy that makes use of an analysis of the different stages of the COVID waves and the pattern of their geographical spread can prove to be far more effective than the current non-transparent mechanism of inter-state allocation of the vaccines. We divide the spread of the COVID waves into three stages: (a) seeding stage, (b) explosion stage and (c) subsiding and diffusion stages. In the seeding stage, two critical determinants of seeding the virus into the population are (a) the inter-state pattern of arrival of international passengers and (b) the inter-state pattern of the continuing active COVID-affected population from the previous wave. The explosion stage induces a policy response in the form of lockdowns which is followed by the wave starting to subside. But the lockdown also results in the migration of labour out of the state into the rural and less populated areas, leading to the diffusion stage. We advocate a vaccination strategy targeting universal coverage with strategic sequencing in which prioritisation is given to ‘saturation vaccination’ of high-density and high COVID-intensity urban areas. This would not only minimise the economic costs in terms of duration and spread of lockdowns but also the pressures on the inadequate health infrastructure in terms of availability of hospital beds, ambulances, oxygen and drugs. This strategy may be implemented in curbing the COVID’s subsequent waves which may hit India while its population is still only partially vaccinated.
Role of Personality on Psychological Well-being in Public Services: Theorizing the Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Mishra Himani , Mukherjee Tuheena , Venkatesan M.
Published: July 2023

Public services constitute an important aspect in government functioning. The well-being of such employees becomes increasingly important, as they play a crucial role in national level decisionmaking. The study is focused on two objectives, that is whether individual resources lead to positive organizational outcomes and whether the organizational outcomes lead to creating positive workplaces. In order to explore the above objectives, two hypotheses are drawn: (a) Individual personality variables (individual resources) will lead to a positive impact on organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and (b) OCB will mediate the relationship between personality and perceived well- being (PWB) (conceptualized as primary component to happy workplaces). Data were collected on 399 employees from the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The results showed that OCB fully mediated the relationship between agreeableness, conscientiousness and intellect, with PWB, while OCB partially mediated the relationship between extraversion and neuroticism, with PWB. The results are explained in juxtaposition with Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to provide a new theoretical perspective of eudemonic well-being in the public sector. The study highlights the importance of personality of the employees to be considered for selection in public services, which is an important determinant for their discretionary behaviour towards organization and their well-being.
Evaluation of a Novel Hospice-Specific Patient Decision Aid
Authors: Tate Channing E. , Mami Gwendolyn , McNulty Monica , Rinehart Deborah J. , Yasui Robin , Rondinelli Nicole , Treem Jonathan , Fairclough Diane , Matlock Daniel D.
Published: July 2023

Background: We tested a novel hospice-specific patient decision aid to determine whether the decision aid could improve hospice knowledge, opinions of hospice, and decision self-efficacy in making decisions about hospice. Methods: Two patient-level randomized studies were conducted using two different cohorts. Recruitment was completed from March 2019 through May 2020. Cohort #1 was recruited from an academic hospital and a safety-net hospital and Cohort #2 was recruited from community members. Participants were randomized to review a hospice-specific patient decision aid. The primary outcomes were change in hospice knowledge, hospice beliefs and attitudes, and decision self-efficacy Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate differences on the primary outcomes between baseline and 1-month. Participants: Participants were at least 65 years of age. A total of 266 participants enrolled (131 in Cohort #1 and 135 in Cohort #2). Participants were randomized to the intervention group (n = 156) or control group (n = 109). The sample was 74% (n = 197) female, 58% (n = 156) African American and mean age was 74.9. Results: Improvements in hospice knowledge between baseline and 1-month were observed in both the intervention and the control groups with no differences between groups (.43 vs .275 points, P = .823). There were no observed differences between groups on Hospice Beliefs and Attitudes scale (3.29 vs 3.08, P = .076). In contrast, Decision Self-Efficacy improved in both groups and the effect of the intervention was significant (8.04 vs 2.90, P = −.027). Conclusions: The intervention demonstrated significant improvements in decision self-efficacy but not in hospice knowledge or hospice beliefs and attitudes.
Co-Occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence Against Mothers and Maltreatment of Their Children With Behavioral Problems in Eastern Europe
Authors: Brühl Antonia , Ward Catherine L. , Lachman Jamie M. , Foran Heather M. , Raleva Marija , Baban Adriana , Heinrichs Nina
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the co-occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) against mothers and their risk of perpetrating child maltreatment (CM) in North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania. Risk factors for IPV, CM, and their co-occurrence were identified. Two samples ( N1  = 112, N2  = 701) of mothers with children with behavioral problems were assessed. IPV was reported by 64% of mothers, CM by 96%, and their co-occurrence by 63%. Mothers exposed to emotional IPV reported more physical and emotional CM. Mothers exposed to physical IPV reported more physical CM. Motheŕs own history of CM and offspring's behavior problems were associated with IPV and CM co-occurrence.
Not Just Another Trigger Finger
Authors: Effendi Maleeh , Yuan Frank , Stern Peter J.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Open A1 pulley release for trigger finger has generally been considered a minor procedure with infrequent complications. Most reported complications are minor, including scar pain and tenderness, mild extension lag, and recurrence of triggering. Rates of major complications, such as bowstringing, neurovascular bundle injury, and infection requiring reoperation, are less than 1% to 4%. We aimed to describe the potentially devastating sequelae of these major complications and the subsequent consequences.

Methods:

Three patients underwent open trigger finger release, which were all complicated by severe postoperative surgical site infection requiring multiple subsequent procedures. We review our initial management, subsequent reconstructive options, and outcomes with up to 19 years follow-up.

Results:

All 3 adult patients who underwent open A1 pulley release for trigger finger developed a surgical site infection, leading to flexor tenosynovitis requiring urgent operative debridement and multiple subsequent procedures. Two patients were poorly controlled diabetics, and the third patient was otherwise healthy. Each patient ultimately developed distinct consequences from their postoperative course—finger stiffness and contracture, disabling bowstringing requiring the use of a pulley ring, and flexor tendon rupture requiring staged tendon reconstruction, respectively. All 3 patients at final follow-up had a permanent functional deficit.

Conclusions:

Major complications after trigger finger release are infrequent. However, if left untreated, particularly in diabetic patients, there can be disastrous consequences, resulting in permanent loss of function. This case series highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis of postoperative infections and expedient treatment thereafter.
BMP5 contributes to hepcidin regulation and systemic iron homeostasis in mice
Authors: Xiao Xia , Xu Yang , Moschetta Gillian A. , Yu Yang , Fisher Allison L. , Alfaro-Magallanes Víctor M. , McMillen Shasta , Phillips Sydney , Wang Chia-Yu , Christian Jan , Babitt Jodie L.
Published: July 2023

Hepcidin is the master regulator of systemic iron homeostasis. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway is a critical regulator of hepcidin expression in response to iron and erythropoietic drive. Although endothelial-derived BMP6 and BMP2 ligands have key functional roles as endogenous hepcidin regulators, both iron and erythropoietic drives still regulate hepcidin in mice lacking either or both ligands. Here, we used mice with an inactivating Bmp5 mutation (Bmp5se), either alone or together with a global or endothelial Bmp6 knockout, to investigate the functional role of BMP5 in hepcidin and systemic iron homeostasis regulation. We showed that Bmp5se-mutant mice exhibit hepcidin deficiency at age 10 days, blunted hepcidin induction in response to oral iron gavage, and mild liver iron loading when fed on a low- or high-iron diet. Loss of 1 or 2 functional Bmp5 alleles also leads to increased iron loading in Bmp6-heterozygous mice and more profound hemochromatosis in global or endothelial Bmp6-knockout mice. Moreover, double Bmp5- and Bmp6-mutant mice fail to induce hepcidin in response to long-term dietary iron loading. Finally, erythroferrone binds directly to BMP5 and inhibits BMP5 induction of hepcidin in vitro. Although erythropoietin suppresses hepcidin in Bmp5se-mutant mice, it fails to suppress hepcidin in double Bmp5- and Bmp6-mutant males. Together, these data demonstrate that BMP5 plays a functional role in hepcidin and iron homeostasis regulation, particularly under conditions in which BMP6 is limited.
Metabolic bioprofiling of different Glycyrrhiza glabra solvent fractions for the identification of anti-adenoviral compounds using LC-HRMS/MS and in-vitro cytopathic assay coupled with chemometry
Authors: Mahrous Rahma SR. , Fathy Hoda , Ibrahim Reham S.
Published: July 2023

Human adenovirus type-7 (HAdV-7) is a common pathogen that may cause significant morbidity as well as severe complications. Currently, there is no approved drug for the treatment of HAdV-7 infections and the contemporary strategy mainly rely on nonspecific antivirals. Glycyrrhiza glabra; (licorice), is a well-recognized edible plant used in food and beverages. The plant is renowned for its pharmacological and biological activities including antiviral activities against wide range of viruses. The following study reported for the first time the anti-adenoviral activity of licorice extract using in-vitro cytopathic inhibitory assay. Different solvent fractions showed promising activity with IC50 reaching 1.431 μg/ml. Certain fractions had selectivity index (SI) greater than 10 indicating their efficacy together with relatively low cytotoxic effect. Metabolic profiling using LC-HRMS/MS resulted in identification of 41 compounds from licorice fractions. Chemometric modeling using Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures (OPLS) suggested the compounds; kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, violanthin, rhamnoliquiritin, isoliquiritigenin isomer, licoagroside B and liquiritin apioside as potential markers against (HAdV-7). Finally, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside was further confirmed via in-vitro adenovirus inhibitory assay to possess strong antiviral activity with IC50 and CC50 of 54.7 ± 1.93 μM and 655.7 ± 2.22 μM, respectively.
Efficacy of transarterial therapy combined with first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Lingbo , Lin Jiangying , Shi Xingpeng , Wang Aidong
Published: July 2023

Background

Transarterial therapies, including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), and selective internal radiation therapy, combined with first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are considered the standard therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, inconsistent results have been reported in various studies assessing different combinations of targeted agents.

Methods

A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed by including 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 6175 patients to investigate the efficiency of transarterial therapies in combination with different TKIs. Outcomes of interest included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), and tumor objective response rate (ORR). A random-effects consistency model was used in this Bayesian NMA. Hazard ratio and odd risks with a 95% credible interval were calculated and agents were ranked based on ranking probability.

Results

HAIC showed maximal OS and TTP and TACE plus lenvatinib showed maximal PFS, ORR, and disease control rate (DCR). HAIC and TACE plus lenvatinib were ranked highest based on their respective parameters, which were OS for HAIC and PFS, ORR, and DCR for TACE plus lenvatinib.

Conclusion

HAIC and TACE plus lenvatinib were relatively better choice for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, owing to the lack of statistically significant OS benefits among most agents, other agents should be considered as potential alternatives for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Role of tRNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs) in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumours
Authors: Mao Mingwen , Chen Weina , Huang Xingbiao , Ye Dong
Published: July 2023

Malignant tumours area leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 13% of all deaths. A detailed understanding of the mechanism(s) of the occurrence and development of malignant tumours and identification of relevant therapeutic targets are therefore key to tumour treatment. tsRNAs(tRNA-derived small RNAs)—also known as TRFs (tRNA-derived fragments), tiRNAs (tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs), tRNA halves, etc.—are a recently identified class of small noncoding RNAs that are generated from mature tRNA or tRNA precursors through cleavage by enzymes such as angiogenin, Dicer, RNase Z, and RNase P. Several studies have confirmed that dysregulation of tsRNAs is closely related to the tumorigenesis of breast cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, and so on. Furthermore, research indicates that tsRNAs can be used as clinical diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for cancer. In our review, we summarized the recent research progress on the role and clinical application of tsRNAs in tumorigenesis and progression.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided and palpation-inserted peripheral venous cannula in -patients before primary hip or knee arthroplasty: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hlasny Jakub , Alberty Roman , Hlavac Marian , Grgac Ivan , Grey Michael Teodor , Venglarcik Michal
Published: July 2023

Background

More than 2 billion peripheral vascular cannulas are introduced globally each year. It is the most frequently performed invasive procedure in medicine worldwide. There is a group of patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA). In experts’ hands, ultrasound-guided vascular access appears to be a significantly better method. Investigators hypothesize that UGVA is superior also in short-term patency of cannula and even for blood draw through cannula. Repeated cannula pricks in the operating room setting not only puts a lot of stress on the patient and medical staff, but they also waste OR time.

Methods

This investigator-initiated prospective randomized monocentric controlled trial is designed to randomly allocate 200 patients undergoing elective primary total joint arthroplasty of hip or knee to one of two groups as follows: Group C (control group) – peripheral venous cannula insertion by palpation or Group USG (intervention) – cannula insertion by ultrasound-guided vascular access. Our primary endpoint is to compare the number of attempts for ultrasound-guided insertion of the peripheral venous cannula with common palpation insertion of the peripheral venous cannula in overweight/obese patients (BMI ≥ 25). The secondary endpoint is a failure rate of the peripheral venous cannula to administer intravenous therapy up to 5 days postoperatively. Tertiary endpoints include a portion of long PVCs that are able to ensure blood draw up to 5 days postoperatively, time needed to insert PVC in each group, number of needle tip redirections in both groups, and reinsertion of PVC needed in both groups for any reason.

Discussion

This study is pragmatic and is looking for clinically relevant data. After completion, it will answer the question of whether it is clinically relevant to use ultrasound-guided vascular access in the context of not only short-term benefit of insertion, but also up to 5 days after insertion. Also, if this method can ensure blood draw through a peripheral vein cannula, it can save resources in the perioperative period — valuable especially considering the ongoing shortage of medical staff worldwide. If this hypothesis is confirmed, this finding could contribute to more widespread implementation of ultrasound-guided peripheral vascular access in the perioperative period.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05156008. Registered on 13.12.2021.
Allometric models for above-ground biomass, carbon and nutrient content of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees in agroforestry systems
Authors: Schindler Zoe , Seifert Thomas , Sheppard Jonathan P. , Morhart Christopher
Published: July 2023

Key message

We provide a set of allometric models for wild cherry trees (Prunus avium L.) established in agroforestry systems. A total of 70 trees in southwestern Germany were surveyed using terrestrial laser scanning and analysed using quantitative structure models. The derived allometric models provide a stable base for biomass estimation in comparable agroforestry systems. Our biomass model, based on volume estimates converted to biomass, shows no significant differences to a previous study in the same region on the same species, although it was conducted on agroforestry trees under a different management regime.

Context

Wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a common tree species in agroforestry systems (AFS). Utilised for either fruit production or for high-value timber production, it is a highly relevant species, yet even basic allometric models are lacking.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop a set of allometric models for wild cherry trees in AFS. Within this context, we present an innovative non-destructive approach to estimate bark and wood volume separately by applying bark thickness models to 3D models of trees. To assess model applicability to different AFS, we compared our allometric model for above-ground biomass with a previous biomass model for wild cherry trees under different management in the same region.

Methods

Wild cherry trees (n = 70) located within AFS in southern Germany were scanned with a terrestrial laser scanner. Quantitative structure models were used to derive tree dimensions and above-ground volume per tree. Using additional auxiliary data, the target variables were derived, and corresponding allometric models were fitted.

Results

The allometric models estimating above-ground volume, oven-dry biomass, carbon content and nutrient content based on diameter at breast height (DBH) showed excellent fits (R2adj ≥ 0.97). The comparisons with a similar study conducted in the same region suggested that management practices such as pruning have only a minor influence on the relationship between DBH and above-ground tree biomass. The nutrient content in the trees decreased in the order Ca > N > K > Mg > P.

Conclusions

The derived allometric models provide valuable information on this important agroforestry tree species. Our findings can both inform management practices in AFS and advance ecological understanding of these systems. Future research should focus on developing allometric models for other tree species relevant to AFS.
Reduction to the pole near the equator with a Fourier-domain equivalent dipole layer
Authors: Luo Yao , Wu Meiping
Published: July 2023

Reduction to the pole (RTP) transforms the phase of the observed total-field anomaly, making magnetic interpretation easier. However, RTP operations are notoriously unstable at low latitudes and produce singularities at the equator. The equivalent-source approach is an appropriate method to address the well-known difficulties of RTP at low latitudes. Although we routinely use equivalent-source RTP algorithms in the spatial domain, they consume massive computational resources. In contrast, the equivalent-source method in the Fourier domain is more efficient and also invalid for RTP because of the inevitable use of the RTP operator in the inversion. To overcome this problem, we introduce a simple approximation of the RTP operator instead and then develop a novel algorithm to calculate the magnetic moments of the equivalent dipole layer from the total-field anomaly near the equator. Because the calculations are mainly performed in the Fourier domain, this algorithm is more efficient than the conventional spatial-domain method. We also impose a nonnegative constraint on the dipole layer to improve the results and significantly reduce the undesired striation associated with the low-latitude RTP. We evaluate the effectiveness of our approach with synthetic data near the equator, and the results indicate that the algorithm can produce an RTP field that is an accurate representation of the real field at the pole, even when accounting for the existence of noise. The new approach is applied to field data collected near the geomagnetic equator in the South China Sea. In the central part of the anomaly, we obtain a robust spindle shape of the RTP field, which is identical to the shape of a basalt formation in that location. Recent 1:1,000,000 scale marine geologic mapping has confirmed this presence, proving that our solution is an applicable approach to the problem.
Testing evolutionary adaptation potential under climate change in invertebrates (mostly Drosophila): findings, limitations and directions
Authors: Hoffmann Ary A. , Sgrò Carla M. , van Heerwaarden Belinda
Published: July 2023

A (quite) large set of experiments has been undertaken to assess the potential for evolutionary changes in invertebrates under current and future climate change conditions. These experimental studies have established some key principles that could affect climate change adaptation, yet there remain substantial obstacles in reaching a meaningful predictive framework. This Review starts with exploring some of the traits considered in individuals and approaches used in assessing evolutionary adaptation relevant to climate, and some of the core findings and their substantial limitations, with a focus on Drosophila. We interpret results in terms of adaptive limits based on population processes versus fundamental mechanistic limits of organisms. We then consider the challenges in moving towards a predictive framework and implications of the findings obtained to date, while also emphasizing the current limited context and the need to broaden it if links to changes in natural populations are to be realized.
In vivo brain temperature mapping using polymer optical fiber Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Sui Kunyang , Meneghetti Marcello , Li Guanghui , Ioannou Andreas , Abdollahian Parinaz , Kalli Kyriacos , Nielsen Kristian , Berg Rune W. , Markos Christos
Published: July 2023

Variation of the brain temperature is strongly affected by blood flow, oxygen supply, and neural cell metabolism. Localized monitoring of the brain temperature is one of the most effective ways to correlate brain functions and diseases such as stroke, epilepsy, and mood disorders. While polymer optical fibers (POFs) are considered ideal candidates for temperature sensing in the brain, they have never been used so far in vivo. Here, we developed for the first, to the best of our knowledge, time an implantable probe based on a microstructured polymer optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor for intracranial brain temperature mapping. The temperature at different depths of the brain (starting from the cerebral cortex) and the correlation between the brain and body core temperature of a rat were recorded with a sensitivity of 33 pm/°C and accuracy <0.2°C. Our in vivo experimental results suggest that the proposed device can achieve real-time and high-resolution local temperature measurement in the brain, as well as being integrated with existing neural interfaces.
Improved efficiency of AlGaN-based flip-chip deep-ultraviolet LEDs using a Ni/Rh/Ni/Au p-type electrode
Authors: Liao Zhefu , Lv Zhenxing , Sun Ke , Zhou Shengjun
Published: July 2023

Here, we propose a thermally stable and high-reflectivity Ni/Rh/Ni/Au p-type electrode for AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) flip-chip light-emitting diodes (FCLEDs). We discover that the reflectance of Ni/Au electrode deteriorated significantly after rapid thermal annealing. Experiments show that Ni and Au agglomerate at high temperatures, and more incident photons traverse the gaps between the agglomerates, leading to a decrease in reflectance of Ni/Au after annealing. In contrast, the proposed Ni/Rh/Ni/Au p-type electrode shows remarkable thermal stability as a result of the suppression of Ni agglomeration by the Rh layer at high temperatures. Besides, due to the higher reflectivity of the Ni/Rh/Ni/Au electrode and its lower specific contact resistivity formed with p-GaN, the external quantum efficiency and wall-plug efficiency of a DUV FCLED with Ni/Rh/Ni/Au electrode are increased by 13.94% and 17.30% in comparison with the one with Ni/Au electrode at an injection current of 100 mA. The Ni/Rh/Ni/Au electrode effectively solves the long-standing dilemma of efficiency degradation of DUV FCLEDs with a Ni/Au electrode after high-temperature annealing.
Interpretable machine learning models to predict short-term postoperative outcomes following posterior cervical fusion
Authors: Karabacak Mert , Margetis Konstantinos
Published: July 2023

By predicting short-term postoperative outcomes before surgery, patients who undergo posterior cervical fusion (PCF) surgery may benefit from more precise patient care plans that reduce the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes. We developed machine learning models for predicting short-term postoperative outcomes and incorporate these models into an open-source web application in this study. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent PCF surgery. Prolonged length of stay, non-home discharges, and readmissions were the three outcomes that were investigated. To predict these three outcomes, machine learning models were developed and incorporated into an open access web application. A total of 6277 patients that underwent PCF surgery were included in the analysis. The most accurately predicted outcome in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was the non-home discharges with a mean AUROC of 0.812, and the most accurately predicting algorithm in terms of AUROC was the LightGBM algorithm with a mean AUROC of 0.766. The following URL will take users to the open access web application created to provide predictions for individual patients based on their characteristics: https://huggingface.co/spaces/MSHS-Neurosurgery-Research/NSQIP-PCF. Machine learning techniques have a significant potential for predicting postoperative outcomes following PCF surgery. The development of predictive models as clinically useful decision-making tools may significantly improve risk assessment and prognosis as the amount of data in spinal surgery keeps growing. Here, we present predictive models for PCF surgery that are meant to accomplish the aforementioned goals and make them publicly available.
Understanding capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection systems
Authors: Redding Megan , Sharan Prashant , Yoon Tae Jun , Findikoglu Alp
Published: July 2023

Recently, there has been a significant increase in interest towardnon-invasive measurement techniques in experimental sciences and industrial processes. Contactless detection techniques solve major issues across a wide variety of scientific fields. Among many non-contact measurement techniques, capacitively coupled contactless conductivity (C4D) specifically has been utilized most often in regard to conventional electrophoresis ion separation techniques as well as for microfluidic electrophoresis.
Prioritization of Research Vessel Lubricating Oil System Equipment for Maintenance Purpose Using Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) Method. Study Case: RV. Baruna Jaya
Authors: Handoyo Tris , Handani Dhimas Widhi , Sudaryanto Agus , Prasetyo Dimas Fajar
Published: July 2023

Alongside the program, which requires research vessel operation, RV Baruna Jaya is needed to fill that requirement fully. RV Baruna Jaya reported many failures during the previous mission. Some failures need emergency maintenance. One of them is the problem with the lubricating oil system. The lubrication system of an engine supplies of lubricating oil to the various moving parts of the engine. Its main function is to form an oil film between moving parts, which reduces friction and wear. The lubricating oil is also used as a cleaner and, in some engines, as a coolant. During the survey Ina-TEWS in 2021, RV Baruna Jaya was ordered due high temperature of The Lubricating Oil System. The temperature exceeded the normal value, and due to safety considerations, the ME needed to be shut down. Because of this problem, the survey carried out by RV Baruna Jaya was delayed. So, it is important to maintain a lubricating oil system. In this analysis, to maintain the function and performance of the lubricating oil system, the FMECA is carried out. By prioritizing the lubricating oil system equipment using FMEA and Criticality Analysis, 6 pieces of equipment with 24 failure modes should be maintained. These equipment are lubricating oil cooler, lubricating oil pump, engine service oil tank, engine reserve oil tank, Engine lubricating oil standby pump, and lubricating oil transfer pump. The maintenance task is proposed to minimize the occurrence of failure mode, which could possibly happen in the equipment.
Analytical and clinical validation of a blood progranulin ELISA in frontotemporal dementias
Authors: Meda Francisco , Simrén Joel , Borroni Barbara , Cantoni Valentina , Archetti Silvana , Biasiotto Giorgio , Andreasson Ulf , Blennow Kaj , Kvartsberg Hlin , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Heterozygous mutations in the granulin (GRN) gene may result in haploinsufficiency of progranulin (PGRN), which might lead to frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In this study, we aimed to perform analytical and clinical validation of a commercial progranulin kit for clinical use.

Methods

Analytical validation parameters including assay precision, selectivity, measurement range, dilution linearity, interferences and sample stability were tested according to previously described procedures. For clinical validation, PGRN levels were measured in plasma from 32 cognitively healthy individuals, 52 confirmed GRN mutation carriers, 25 C9orf72 mutation carriers and 216 patients with different neurodegenerative diseases of which 70 were confirmed as non-mutation carriers.

Results

Among the analytical validation parameters, assay precision and repeatability were very stable (coefficients of variation <7 %). Spike recovery was 96 %, the measurement range was 6.25–400 μg/L and dilution linearity ranged from 1:50–1:200. Hemolysis did not interfere with progranulin levels, and these were resistant to freeze/thaw cycles and storage at different temperatures. For the clinical validation, the assay was capable of distinguishing GRN mutation carriers from controls and non-GRN mutation carriers with very good sensitivity and specificity at a cut-off of 57 μg/L (97 %, 100 %, respectively).

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate robust analytical and diagnostic performance of this commercial progranulin kit for implementation in clinical laboratory practice. This easy-to-use test allows identification of potential GRN mutation carriers, which may guide further evaluation of the patient. This assay might also be used to evaluate the effect of novel PGRN-targeting drugs and therapies.