bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of a queueing system based on working vacation with repairable fault in the P2P network
Authors: Wang Shunzhi , Ma Zhanyou , Wang Rong , Fang Wenming
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, P2P (Peer-to-Peer) absolutely dominates the Internet as a traffic in content distribution and sharing service, the issue of energy consumption has emerged as a hot issue. This paper combines the basic theoretical knowledge of queueing theory with the currently more popular hybrid P2P network structure model. In order to address the problem of wasted energy consumption generated by unnecessary online behavior of nodes, the working sleep mechanism for the serving nodes is introduced, and the synchronous multiple working vacation strategy is also adopted to decrease the system energy consumption. In the meantime, negative customer and feedback strategies are introduced. Then a queueing model with working vacation and repairable fault is built, which used to simulate the resource transmission process of P2P and to study the performance of P2P sharing system. The steady-state probability vector is derived by employing quasi-birth-and-death process (QBD) and matrix-geometric solution method. And the expressions for system performance indicators, such as the average delay, are obtained by employing Gauss-Seidel iteration method. Through numerical experiments, the performance indicators of the P2P resource sharing system are studied, which provides a theoretical basis to decrease online energy consumption of nodes in the P2P network system. And through employing Nash equilibrium and social optimal strategy, the value of the social maximum benefit under the social optimization is obtained.
Three Dimensional Evaluation of Skeletal Effects of Two Non- Compliance Appliances in the Treatment of Growing Skeletal Class Iii Patients (a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)
Authors: Abbas Bassant A. , Yousry Tarek N. , Marzouk Wessam W. , Abdullah Essam M.
Published: September 2022

Objective
Study was conducted to 3D evaluate skeletal effects of two different intraoral force application systems for treating skeletally growing ClassIII patients(RCT).
Material and Methods
33 patients recruited and randomly allocated between three groups: GroupI(n = 11)treated with CS2000(CSgroup/ pulling force), GroupII(n = 11)treated with reversed Forsus Fatigue Resistant(RFgroup/ pushing force) and GroupIII(n = 11)untreated control(negative control). A CBCT taken before treatment(T0) and after gaining a 2mm overjet or after observation period of 6months(T1). Skeletal measurements were assessed and compared between groups. Within group comparisons were done using Wilcoxon Sign Rank test.
Results
Sagittaly in RFgroup, OLp-Apt increased by3.60mm, OLp-Bpt decreased by-2.50mm and OLp-Pg decreased as well by-2.00mm(P < 0.0001). In the same sagittal dimension for CSgroup, OLp-Apt increased by3.10mm, OLp-Bpt decreased by-1.10mm and OLp-Pg decreased as well by-1.00mm. Wits appraisal was increased by5.00mm and5.50mm in RF and CSgroup accordingly(P < 0.0001). There was an increase in OLs-Apt in treatment groups by3.80mm in RFgroup and5.00mm in CSgroup(P < 0.0001). Vertically there was a statistical significant difference between two groups. The ANS-Me decreased in RFgroup by-0.70mm and increased in CSgroup by2.00mm. Both treatment groups demonstrated an increase in SNAangle(2.6°in RFgroup and2.5° in CSgroup), decrease in SNBangle − 1.00°in RFgroup and-2.00°in CSgroup, hence increase in ANBangle.(P < 0.0001)
Conclusions
CS2000 spring and reversed Forsus Fatigue Resistance device promoted forward maxillary advancement in average of 5months. Both appliances gave close effects to bone anchored maxillary protraction devices and functional appliances, removing compliance factor out of the equation.
Clinical relevance:
Short term correction of growing skeletal class III using either one of novel techniques give positive skeletal results.
Trial registration:
Registered in clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04825951) in 01/04/2019, taking the approval of institutional review board at the Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University protocol record 070320212.
The burden and trends of multiple myeloma worldwide from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Ou Zejin , Gao Yunxia , Yu Danfeng , Jiang Diwei , Cui Jiaxin , Zhang Yuxia , Tang Shihao , Duan Danping , Wang Zhi
Published: September 2022

Background
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common malignant disease of the bone marrow. The burden and trends of MM were systematically analyzed globally, which would inform health strategies.
Methods
Data of the MM burden was explored from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. Trends in the age-standardized rate (ASR) of the MM burden were calculated using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC).
Results
Globally, the incident cases of MM increased 136.10% since 1990, and reached 1556.88×102 in 2019. The overall incident ASR (/100,000 population) increased from 1.73 in 1990 to 1.92 in 2019, by an annual average 0.25% increase over the past thirty years (EAPC = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15 to 0.35). Increasing incident trends also occurred in most regions and countries, particularly Jamaica and Belarus, in which the respective EAPCs were 4.15 (95%CI: 3.41 to 4.90) and 3.25 (95%CI: 2.99 to 3.51). In 2019, MM caused 1134.74×102 deaths, and 24972.05×102 disability adjusted-life years (DALYs) globally. Trends in the overall ASR of DALYs minorly declined from 1990 to 2019 (EAPC = -0.16, 95%CI: -0.23 to -0.09), whereas that of death was relatively stable. Increasing trends in ASR of death and DALYs were observed in most regions and countries, except in high sociodemographic index (SDI) settings.
Conclusions
The MM burden was heterogeneous across regions and countries and its changing trends were associated with sociodemographic factors. Cost-effective measures will still be needed to reduce the MM burden.
The effect of chitosan-assembled graphene oxide on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the biodegradable polycaprolactone nanocomposites
Authors: Shahsavar Fahimeh , Babaei Amir
Published: September 2022

The present study explores the effect of chitosan-assembled graphene oxide on the microstructure and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone nanocomposites. To this end, firstly, CS-assembled graphene oxide sheets were synthesized. Subsequently, the effect of adding various amounts of GO-CS nanohybrid and GO sheets on the rheological and mechanical performance of polycaprolactone (PCL)-based nanocomposites was investigated. It was observed that the incorporation of GO sheets caused dual roles based on the amount of addition: the motion-limiting role and the lubricating role. Additionally, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the PCL nanocomposite films containing GO-CS nanohybrid and GO sheets increased as compared to pure PCL, while its influence in terms of elongation at break was the opposite. Chitosan assembly to conventional nanoparticles (e.g., GO) was found as an interesting approach for the simultaneous enhancement of mechanical performance and processability of polymer matrices for a vast range of applications, especially in packaging and tissue engineering.
Synaptotagmin 4 supports spontaneous axon regeneration after spinal cord injury
Authors: Higuchi Kyoka , Tanabe Shogo , Kato Yuki , Uyeda Akiko , Kawahara Yukio , NARITA Minoru , Muramatsu Rieko
Published: September 2022

Injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) can cause severe neurological deficits. Axonal regrowth is a fundamental process for the reconstruction of compensatory neuronal networks after injury; however, it is extremely limited in the adult mammalian CNS. In this study, we conducted a loss-of-function genetic screen in cortical neurons combined with a web-resource-based phenotypic screen and identified synaptotagmin 4 (Syt4) as a novel regulator of axon elongation. Silencing Syt4 in primary cultured cortical neurons inhibits neurite elongation, with changes in gene expression involved in signaling pathways related to neuronal development. In a spinal cord injury model, inhibition of Syt4 expression in cortical neurons prevented axonal sprouting of the corticospinal tract, as well as neurological recovery after injury. These results provide a novel therapeutic approach to CNS injury by modulating Syt4 function.
CD9 exacerbates pathological cardiac hypertrophy through regulating GP130/STAT3 signalling pathway
Authors: Li Yue , Huang Kun , Kong Lingyao , Hao Zhenxuan , Zhou Yanjun , Shangguan Jiahong , Gao Lu , Wang Mingdan , Kang Yue , Li Xiangrao , Zhang Chao , Liu Zhibo
Published: September 2022

Pathological myocardial hypertrophy is a common cardiovascular disease that can progress to heart failure. At present, there is no ideal therapeutic drug in clinical practice. This study aimed to find new therapeutic targets for pathological myocardial hypertrophy. CD9 is a member of the tetraspanin protein family which is widely studied in inflammation and cancer, but has not been studied in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we found that the expression of CD9 increased in TAC myocardial tissue. Knockdown of CD9 can alleviate the damage of cardiac function in TAC model, and can reduce heart weight, cardiomyocyte size and degree of fibrosis; overexpression of CD9 can aggravate the damage of cardiac function in TAC model, and can increase cardiac weight, cardiomyocyte size and degree of fibrosis. Mechanistically, Co-IP results showed that CD9 and GP130 can bind to each other in cardiomyocytes, knockdown of CD9 can reduce the protein level of GP130 and phosphorylation of STAT3, and overexpression of CD9 can increase the protein level of GP130 and phosphorylation of STAT3 in vivo and in vitro. Knockdown of GP130 reversed the aggravating effect of CD9 on pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, we conclude that CD9 exacerbates pathological cardiac hypertrophy through regulating GP130/STAT3 signalling pathway and it may serve as a therapeutic target for pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
A combined technique of external fixation over an intramedullary nail in the treatment of bone defect caused by infection
Authors: Maimaiti Xiayimaierdan , Liu Kai , Liu Yanshi , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang , Xie Zengru
Published: September 2022

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients with tibial bone defects treated by a combined technique of external fixation over an intramedullary nail (EFIN).
Methods: The clinical and radiographic data of patients with infected bone defects were documented and analyzed between May 2010 and January 2019. The bone and functional outcomes were evaluated according to the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of the Ilizarov (ASAMI) criterion, and postoperative complications were evaluated by Paley classification.
Results: A total of 15 patients were successfully managed by a combined technique of EFIN with a mean follow-up time of 31 ± 5.88 months. This cohort included 13 males and 2 females with a mean age of 41.13 ± 7.4 years. The mean duration of infection was 29.8 ± 5.73 months with a mean previous surgery of 2.6 per patient. Ten patients (76.9%) were infected with S. aureus and 3 patients (23%) with P. cuprina. The mean defect size (DS) was 5.68 ± 0.72 cm. Bone union was achieved in all patients, with a mean bone union time (BUT) of 6.72 ± 0.66 months. The mean external fixation time (EFT) and external fixation index (EFI) of this cohort were 2.13 ± 0.25 months and 0.37 ± 0.08 months/cm. Pin tract infection occurred in 2 patients, joint stiffness in one patient, and delayed union in one patient, which was defined as minor. Based on the ASAMI criteria, the bone grade was good in 14 patients, fair in 1 patient, and the function grade was good in 13 patients, fair in 2 patients.
Conclusions: The combined technique of EFIN was a valid alternative to manage the infected bone defects in lower limbs, which could effectively reduce the EFT, EFI and incidence of complications.
Characteristics of infant deciduous teeth of the Yangshao culture at the Yuhuazhai site in Xi'an, China
Authors: Lei Shuai , Guo Yi , Chen Liang , Zhai Linlin
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we observed and measured 168 infant deciduous tooth crowns from the early Yangshao culture (4500 ± BCE) excavated from the Yuhuazhai site in Xi'an, China, in an attempt to reveal the phenotypic characteristics of this population, as well as to complement the morphological characteristics and dimensions of the crowns of prehistoric Chinese deciduous teeth. Additionally, the Yangshao cultural population's formation factors of hereditary traits and their relationship with other groups were investigated using the deciduous teeth. The research methods we used were mainly the buccolingual diameters (BL) and mesiodistal diameters (MD) of the crowns of deciduous teeth with varied dental locations that were measured in addition to the obsevation and statistical analysis of the 11 most representative unmeasured features. Our results indicated the tooth crown shape of the Yuhuazhai infant's deciduous teeth is similar to that of the Northeast Asian population's "Sinodonty," and it also has a small percentage of the Southeast Asian population's "Sundadonty" traits. Additionally, compared to other Chinese groups, this group showed no change in the crown of deciduous teeth in varied dental locations, with the exception of the mandibular second deciduous molar crown, which was somewhat smaller than that of Homo erectus in China. Overall, the morphological traits of infant deciduous teeth in the group are essentially compatible with the genetic characteristics reflected in the skulls of other Yangshao culture populations. Furthermore, the similarity of deciduous tooth size in different Chinese populations may be connected to the continuity of human evolution in China.
LRRK2-G2019S Synergizes With Ageing and Low-Grade Inflammation to Promote Gut and Peripheral Immune Cell Activation That Precede Nigrostriatal Degeneration
Authors: Marchetti Bianca , Giachino Carmela , Tirolo Cataldo , Caniglia Salvatore , Serapide Maria Francesca , Francesca L'Episcopo , Bertoli Federico , Giuliano Claudio , Mearelli Marika , Jakobi Meike , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole , Deleidi Michela
Published: September 2022

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most frequent cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). The incomplete penetrance of LRRK2 mutations suggest that additional hits are required for disease onset. We hypothesized that chronic low-grade inflammation interacts with LRRK2 G2019S, the most frequent PD-associated mutation, to activate peripheral and central immune reactions and drive age-dependent neurodegeneration. We exposed wild-type and LRRK2 G2019S mice to a low chronic dose of lipopolysaccharide and performed a longitudinal analysis of central and peripheral immune reactions and neurodegeneration. Low-dose inflammation triggered nigrostriatal degeneration, peripheral monocyte infiltration, and astro-/microgliosis. LRRK2 G2019S mice showed an early dysregulation of peripheral cytokines as well as increased CD4+ T-cell infiltration and α-synuclein aggregation in the colon. Peripheral immune activation and colonic α-synuclein aggregation preceded brain inflammation and degeneration. Our study suggests an early role of the peripheral immune system and the gut in LRRK2 PD and provides a novel model to study early therapeutic immune targets and biomarkers.
Household Portfolios in Turkey: Results from Household Finance and Consumption Survey *
Authors: Ceritoğlu Evren , Cılasun Seyit Mümin , Küçükbayrak Müşerref , Sevinç Özlem
Published: September 2022

This paper analyzes the distribution of household portfolios in Turkey using a fresh data set, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey – Household Finance and Consumption Survey (CBRT-HFCS), which closes an important data gap by providing detailed data on households’ financial assets and liabilities. The empirical analysis concentrates on the motives behind household saving preferences and the distribution of household portfolios to financial instruments i.e. Turkish Lira and foreign currency denominated assets, gold, stocks and Individual Retirement Insurance funds. Moreover, the financial situation of households in Turkey is compared with selected European countries. We find that real assets and specifically housing wealth represents a larger share of total assets compared to financial assets in Turkey with respect to the Euro area. Another important finding is that the fraction of indebted households is higher, while households’ ability to save is significantly lower in Turkey. It is striking that the possibility of saving remains low even in the upper quintiles of household net wealth and income. Finally, the percentage of households with mortgage debt and the share of mortgage debt in total household liabilities are smaller in Turkey, suggesting that many households have to rely on their own funds or private loans to purchase homes. We can argue that households need to be encouraged to invest a larger share of their wealth in financial assets to raise household savings and to deepen financial markets in Turkey.
JEL Classification: C21, D12, D14, D31
Effects of diabetes mellitus on step length and minimum toe clearance adaptation
Authors: Martin Suzanne , Taylor Simon B. , Shideler Blynn L. , Ogrin Rajna , Begg Rezaul
Published: September 2022

Background: Adapt gait is abilities to adjust the leading foot in response to the requirement of dynamic environments during walking. Accurate adjustments of the minimum toe clearance (MTC) height and step length can prevent older people from falling when walking and responding to hazards. Although older diabetic patients fall more frequently than healthy older adults, none of the previous studies have quantified the abilities of adaptive gait. This study aimed to investigate the effects of diabetes mellitus on step length and MTC adjustments using a non-immersive virtual-reality system.
Methods: Sixteen young adults (26 ± 5, 7 females), 16 healthy older adults (68 ± 5, 6 females), and 16 older diabetic patients (70 ± 5, 6 females) completed adaptability tests while walking on a treadmill. A computer system visualised a continuous real-time signal of absolute step length and MTC on a monitor. Each person responded to four discrete subject-specific step length and MTC visual targets that presented on the same signal. Tasks were to match the peaks of interest on each signal to presented targets. Targets were 10% longer or shorter than the mean baseline step length, 2.5 cm, and 3.5 cm higher than the mean baseline MTC. When a target was displayed, it remained unchanged for 10 consecutive foot displacement adaptation attempts. Then the target was removed and a new target or the same target was present after 10 consecutive steps and remained for 10 steps. Each target was randomly presented three times (3 × 10). Average absolute and constant errors of step length and MTC adaptation were compared among groups.
Results: In adaptability tests, the diabetic group had a mean positive error during step shortening; they struggled to walk with shorter steps. The diabetic group also walked with steps shorter than step length targets. Compared with other groups, mean constant and absolute errors for step length and MTC adaptation in older adults with diabetes were significantly greater.
Conclusions: Impaired adaptive gait can increase the risk of falling in pathological populations. The presented virtual-reality system with visual feedback has merits for training gait adaptability.
High-temperature energy storage polymer composites via hybrid assembly engineering
Authors: Wen Fei , Li Lili , Jang Mengquan , Yang Ping’an , Wang Jiang , Zhang Lin , Wang Gaofeng , Li Wenjun , Wu Wei , Shen Zhonghui , Zhang Shujun
Published: September 2022

Dielectric film capacitors have many performances advantage and are widely used in field of smart grids and pulsed power sources. This kind of capacitors made by biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) has high energy efficiency, but low energy density of only 2.0‒3.0 J/cm3, while the inferior thermal stability restricts their high-temperature applications. In this work, hybrid assembly engineering is proposed to design tri-layer composites films with poly(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) (ABS) as the matrix, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) and Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 (NBT-SBT) as two different fillers for functional modification. The optimized composites exhibit excellent energy storage characteristics, with an energy density of 18.1 J/cm3 under 650 MV/m and efficiency above 85% at room temperature. The maximum energy density can reach 15.0 J/cm3 at 120 oC at 575 MV/m, which is 8 times that of BOPP, while the efficiency is maintained at 89%, far exceeding the performance of BOPP (< 70% at 120 oC). Based on phase field model, the introduction of BNNS nanofiller is mainly responsible for improving the thermal stability and breakdown strength of the composites, while NBT-SBT provide greater polarization. Together with their excellent cycling reliability (106 cycles) and thermal stability, demonstrating a great potential for high-temperature and high-power energy storage capacitors.
VEGF overexpressed mesoangioblasts enhance urethral and vaginal recovery following simulated vaginal birth in rats
Authors: Cunha Marina Gabriela Mori da , de Veer Bernard van , Giacomazzi Giorgia , Mackova Katerina , Cattani Laura , Koh Kian Peng , Velde Greetje Vande , Gijsbers Rik , Albersen Maarten , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Deprest Jan
Published: September 2022

Background: Vaginal birth causes pelvic floor injury which may lead to urinary incontinence. Cell therapy has been proposed to assist in functional recovery. We aim to assess if intra-arterial injection of rat mesoangioblasts (MABs) and stable Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-expressing MABs, improve recovery of urethral and vaginal function following simulated vaginal delivery (SVD).
Study Design: Female rats (n=86) were assigned to either injection of saline (control), allogeneic-MABs (MABsallo), autologous-MABs (MABsauto) or allogeneic-MABs transduced to stably expressed VEGF (MABsallo-VEGF). One hour after SVD, 0.5x106 MABs or saline were injected into the aorta. Primary outcome was urethral (7d and 14d) and vaginal (14d) function; others were bioluminescent imaging for cell tracking (1, 3 and 7d), morphometry (7, 14 and 60d) and mRNAseq (3 and 7d).
Results: All MABs injected rats had external urethral sphincter and vaginal function recovery within 14d, as compared to only half of saline controls. Functional recovery was paralleled by improved muscle regeneration and microvascularization. Recovery rate was not different between MABsallo and MABsauto. MABsallo-VEGF accelerated functional recovery and increased GAP-43 expression at 7d. At 3d we detected major transcriptional changes in the urethra of both MABsallo and MABsallo-VEGF-injected animals, with upregulation of Rho/GTPase activity, epigenetic factors and dendrite development. MABSallo also upregulated transcripts that encode proteins involved in myogenesis and downregulated pro-inflammatory processes. MABsallo-VEGFalso upregulated transcripts that encode proteins involved in neuron development and downregulated genes involved in hypoxia and oxidative stress. At 7d, urethras of MABsallo-VEGF-injected rats showed downregulation of oxidative and inflammatory response compared to MABSallo.
Conclusion: Intra-arterial injection of MABsallo-VEGFenhances neuromuscular regeneration induced by untransduced MABs and accelerates the functional urethral and vaginal recovery after SVD.
Canal structure influences watersnake assemblage structure in an urban environment
Authors: Ljustina Oliver , Crother Brian I. , Doody Jeremiah S. , Fontenot Clifford L.
Published: September 2022

The precise manner in which vertebrate species utilize urban environments remains to be explored in a variety of taxa, with snakes in particular being poorly studied. Watersnakes (Genus: Nerodia) are semiaquatic snakes found throughout the eastern United States and are known to occur in urban systems. Four species of watersnake are commonly found in freshwater environments in southeastern Louisiana: Mississippi Green Watersnake, Plain-bellied Watersnake, Southern Watersnake, and Diamond-backed Watersnake. Plain-bellied Watersnake and Southern Watersnake preferentially feed on anurans, while Mississippi Green Watersnake and Diamond-backed Watersnake tend to be more piscivorous in their feeding habits. Water depth is important in structuring anuran and fish community structure, with shallower water bodies typically supporting higher anuran abundance and richness, and deeper waters supporting more fishes. We examined watersnakes in canal transects of varying depth in Kenner, Louisiana to test the hypotheses that species that feed on anurans would be more abundant in shallower canals, while species that preferentially feed on fishes would be more abundant in deeper canals. We found significant correlation between watersnake assemblage and anuran/fish community structure, with the Plain-bellied Watersnake most abundant in the shallowest canal transects, Mississippi Green Watersnake most abundant in transects of intermediate depth, and Diamond-backed Watersnake most abundant in the shallow transects. The former two species largely followed the hypothesized trends, while the Diamond-backed Watersnake did not.
Unsupervised direct generation of defect residual images forfabric defect detection
Authors: Cheng Haoming , Liang Jiuzhen , Liu Hao
Published: September 2022

When performing fabric defect detection, ground truth is required for training with supervisedlearning, more steps are required for training with unsupervised learning, and background noise isgenerated during the training process. To solve the above problems, we propose the fabric defectdetection model with unsupervised direct defect residual image generation (UDDGAN). The gener-ative adversarial network model architecture is used in the main body of the model, and we designthe patch structure such that the defect residual images can be generated directly. We use a gen-erator with block blocks and a double discriminator to make the generated image closer to thetarget image. We incorporate similar image loss when training the generator to minimize the gen-erated background noise, which ensures the accuracy of the detection results. We achieve betterresults on a benchmark dataset for fabric defect detection at Zhejiang University and compare itwith six methods. The experimental results show that our method works well on a variety of metrics.
Validity of ANOVA under Non-normality & Heterogeneity
Authors: Islam Tanweer Ul , Abbas Erum
Published: September 2022

Background

Performance of the F-test critically depends on the distributional assumptions and the choice of the robustness measures. The robustness of F-test to non-normality has been studied and validated in literature however, the assumption of homogeneity has not been given the due attention in literature. Regarding robustness measures, F-test is not evaluated against both the liberal and conservative criterion simultaneously. This study provides a systematic examination of F-test robustness to violations of normality and homogeneity in terms of Type I error, considering a wide variety of distributions commonly found in psychology, social and medical sciences.

Method

This study conducted Monte Carlo simulations to compute the Type-I error rates of F-test under non-normality and heterogeneity assumption. To assess the Type-I error rates, 100,000 samples were generated with 1900 scenarios to ensure reliable results. The manipulated parameters include shape and scale parameters of distributions, number of groups, equal and unequal sample sizes, total and average sample size, inequality in the sample size and variance ratio.

Results

The findings of this study show that the robustness of the F-test in terms of Type-I error rates depend on the choice of robustness measure, variance ratio, sample size, and equality of samples. The F-test is robust under a threshold value of variance ratio when evaluated against liberal criteria and non-robust against conservative criterion.
MSC Classification: 91-10, 62J10, 65C20
WITHDRAWN: Penile Injury: 4 Years’ Experience of A single Surgeon in A limited Resources Setting
Authors: Alzubier Mosab A.A
Published: September 2022

Background
Penile injuries are uncommon with difficult management of more severe cases. This study aims to review their causes and to present experience in their management according to the limited available facilities in a limited resources hospital.
Materials and methods
A four-year experience with penile injury in a limited resources hospital in the east of Sudan was recorded. Records of 32 cases of emergency penile surgical conditions between January 2016 to March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, of them only 17 cases of significant penile injuries were included in the study, they were divided into a pediatric and adult group according to age with further subdivision of each group according to the nature of the injury.
Results
Seventeen patients with penile injuries were treated during this period. Pediatric group (n = 4), all of them are victims of traditional circumcision, 2 of them presented with glans penis amputation, one with gangrenous glans, and the fourth one with mild glans injury. The adult group was subdivided into 3 subgroups, the first one is the group of penile fracture (n = 8), the second one is the group of degloving penile injury (n = 2), and the last one is the group of penile amputation injury (n = 3). Management included a variety of surgical techniques that were tailored to individual patients. The outcome of the intervention was presented case by case.
Conclusions
severe penile injuries should be managed as a case-by-case policy. The field of reconstructive penile surgery needs to be developed to improve the outcome of surgical intervention. Community orientation and work safety measures should be applied to avoid penile injuries that may result from traditional circumcision and machinery trauma.
Inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway increases radiotherapy sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Chen Miaomiao , Lin Yan , Song Yang , Du Hongmei , Tang Meiyue , Wang Siliang
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic cancer is a gastrointestinal cancer with high mortality. Radiotherapy is an important pancreatic cancer therapy; however, cancer cell resistance to radiotherapy is the major reason for treatment failure. The JAK2／STAT3 (Janus kinase signal transducers 2 and activator of transcription 3) signaling pathway is closely related to the incidence and development of pancreatic cancer, and may be associated with pancreatic cancer resistance to radiotherapy. This study investigated the differences in JAK2 expression in pancreatic cancer irradiated with different doses, also researched the differences in the expression of molecules in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway between pancreatic cancer parental cells and radiotherapy-resistant cells, determined the impact of X-ray irradiation on this signaling pathway, and evaluated enhanced sensitivity to radiotherapy by the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor, AG490, in pancreatic cancer cells. We show that JAK2 protein expression increased followed an increase in irradiation dose. Compared with parental cells, JAK2 and pSTAT3 were up-regulated in radiotherapy-resistant cells, whereas SOCS3 was down-regulated, X-ray irradiation can activate the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway; the combination of siJAK2 transfection with radiotherapy markedly increased cancer cell apoptosis, improving radiotherapy sensitivity of resistant pancreatic cancer cells;AG490, a JAK2-specific inhibitor, decreased radioresistance of pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In summary, inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway increases the sensitivity of radiotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer cells in vitro.
Unintended cation crossover influences CO2 reduction activity in Cu-based zero-gap electrolysers
Authors: El-Nagar Gumaa A. , Haun Flora , Gupta Siddharth , Stojkovikj Sasho , Mayer Matthew T.
Published: September 2022

Gas-diffusion anion exchange membrane electrode assemblies enable CO2 reduction at industrially relevant rates, yet their long-term operational stability is often limited by the formation of solid precipitates in the cathode pores. This is a consequence of unintended cation crossover from the anolyte, and a detailed understanding of the factors enabling this crossover is lacking. Here we show that the anolyte concentration governs the flux of cation migration through the membrane, and this substantially influences the behaviors of copper catalysts in catholyte-free CO2 electrolysers. Systematic variation of the anolyte ionic strength (using aqueous KOH or KHCO3) correlated with drastic changes in the observed product selectivity – most notably, below a threshold ionic strength, Cu catalysts produced predominantly CO, in contrast to the mixture of C2+ products typically observed on Cu. Cation (K+) quantification at the zero-gap cathode revealed that the magnitude of K+ crossover depends on the anolyte concentration, but becomes significant only above the aforementioned threshold which closely correlates with the onset of C2+ product formation, suggesting cations play a key role in C-C coupling reaction pathways. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy and quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to study how the catalyst is affected by operation conditions. Cu surface speciation was found to show a strong dependence on the anolyte concentration, wherein dilute anolytes or pure H2O resulted in a mixture of Cu+ and Cu0 surface species, while concentrated anolytes led to exclusively Cu0 under similar testing conditions. Overall, our results show that even in catholyte-free cells, cation effects (including unintentional ones) can significantly influence reaction pathways, which must be considered in future development of catalysts and devices.
Role of Magnetic Defects and Defect-engineering of Magnetic Topological Insulators
Authors: Islam Farhan , Lee Yongbin , Pajerowski Daniel , Tian Wei , Yan Jiaqiang , Ke Liqin , McQueeney Robert , Vaknin David
Published: September 2022

Magnetic defects play an important, but poorly understood, role in magnetic topological insulators (TIs). For example, topological surface transport and bulk magnetic properties are controlled by magnetic defects in Bi_2Se_3-based dilute ferromagnetic (FM) TIs and MnBi_2Te_4 (MBT)-based antiferromagnetic (AFM) TIs. Despite its nascent ferromagnetism, our inelastic neutron scattering data show that a fraction of the Mn defects in Sb_2Te_3 form strong AFM dimer singlets within a quintuple block. The AFM superexchange coupling occurs via Mn-Te-Mn linear bonds and is identical to the AFM coupling between antisite defects and the FM Mn layer in MBT, establishing common interactions in the two materials classes. We also find that the FM correlations in (Sb_{1-x}Mn_{x})_2Te_3 are likely driven by magnetic defects in adjacent quintuple blocks across the van der Waals gap. In addition to providing answers to long-standing questions about the evolution of FM order in dilute TI, these results also show that the evolution of global magnetic order from AFM to FM in Sb-substituted MBT is controlled by defect engineering of the intrablock and interblock coupling.
Unsupervised Learning Approach for Detection and Localization of Structural Damage using Output-only Measurements
Authors: GÜNEŞ Burcu
Published: September 2022

Interrogation of the vibration data collected from the sensors embedded throughout the structure without relying on a finite element model of the system for monitoring the health of structural systems has received significant attention in the recent years especially with the current advancements in sensor technology. The data-driven methods explored within this context falls into the realm of statistical pattern recognition field requiring extraction of damage detection features and a statistical decision-making process for identification of damage. Machine learning algorithms provide statistical means for making such decisions. In this study, an unsupervised machine learning approach, one-class support vector machine (OC-SVM), requiring training data only from the undamaged state of the structure is explored for damage detection purposes. The coefficients of the autoregressive (AR) model are extracted as damage sensitive features and used as the required training data. The trained classifier is then used with the data obtained from the same structure at different damage states for classification. Damage detection in the form of recognizing outliers or anomalies not belonging to the target class, is followed by damage localization within the given sensor resolution using statistical means. Numerical simulations are performed on a truss and a beam structure with several damage scenarios illustrating the capabilities and the limitations of the proposed approach.
Experimental investigation of damping characteristics of sandwiched engine isolators using two-way isolator excitation method (TWIEM) and performance evaluation
Authors: Bhende Amit
Published: September 2022

Dynamic properties of engine isolators are of significant importance in determining the performance of the isolator and precise prediction of the dynamic behavior at the design stage. Unfortunately, the damping property can not be deduced deterministically from other structural properties because it is highly dependent on dynamic shear properties such as frequency and temperature of material under application. Generally damping properties are determined from experiments conducted on the desired setup. Many times, designers use the damping property data available in literature. Such data may not be recommended for development of predictive models for dynamic behavior. This paper presents a novel method of determination of damping property of the engine isolator. The method is called two-way isolator excitation method (TWIEM). The damping property is determined by excitation of the isolator for active and passive transmissibility. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the vibration isolation by checking the transmissibility ratio for various engine isolators. Sandwiched engine isolators are designed to blend the good properties of different isolation materials to make it more efficient. The experimentation was carried out using three different isolator designs and compared the performance of the isolator on the basis of isolation percentage. Mild steel plates, polymer foam sheets and natural rubber materials are used as Isolator materials. The results show that low damping ratio isolating material is more effective in isolating the vibration source.
Propuesta de negocio para producción de larvas de moscas soldado negro utilizando residuos orgánicos provenientes de bancos de alimentos
Authors: Márquez-Fontalvo Guillermo Antonio
Published: September 2022

Este artículo surge de la necesidad de generar propuestas de negocio relacionadas con procesos de economía circular, aprovechando los residuos orgánicos que no son aptos para el consumo humano, producto de las actividades de limpieza, selección y disposición final en los diferentes bancos de alimentos. La prueba piloto se realizó durante el primer semestre del año 2021 en el Banco Arquidiocesano de Alimentos de Barranquilla. El estudio desarrollado fue cuantitativo, descriptivo, experimental y transversal. Inicialmente se trabajó con una población aproximada de 15 000 larvas de moscas soldado negro (MSN) como prueba experimental del estudio. Para esta investigación se analizó detalladamente el comportamiento del cultivo y se buscó implementar y conocer el proceso de viabilidad de la propuesta de negocio de producción de larvas y algunos subproductos. Se estudiaron los factores que intervinieron en la eficiencia del estudio, se dieron a conocer aquellas variables más acertadas a favor de la iniciativa productiva propuesta y se realizaron proyecciones sobre el retorno de la inversión y márgenes de utilidades. De igual manera, se exploró el comportamiento de la producción de insectos MSN en busca del escenario ideal para el desarrollo de la presente propuesta de negocio.
Classical and Nonclassical Antifolates as Potential Antitumor, Antipneumocystis and Antitoxoplasma Agents
Authors: Gangjee Aleem , Elzein Elfatih , Kothare Mohit , Vasudevan Anil
Published: September 2022

Inhibition of folate metabolizing enzymes remains a viable goal in the treatment of cancer, of bacterial infections and of opportunistic infections in patients with immune compromized systems. The clinically useful antifolates methotrexate (MTX), trimetrexate (TMQ), trimethoprim (TMP), pyrimethamine and 2D1694 (tomudex) inhibit the enzymes dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) or thymidylate synthase (TS). The recent antitumor results obtained with tomudex and the antipneumocystis results with
TMQ along with leucovorin rescue have provided significant stimulus to the synthesis and biological testing of antifolates. In addition, X-ray crystallography studies of the enzymes with computer assisted molecular modeling have allowed for significant studies in the development of novel antifolates. This review highlights recent advances in the computer assisted rational design, synthesis and biological evaluation of substituted classical and nonclassical bicyclic 6-6 and 6-5 ring fused antifolates, tricyclic 6-6-6 and 6-5-6 ring-fused antifolates and tetracyclic 6-6-6-6 ring-fused antifolates as anticancer, antipneumocystis and antitoxoplasma agents.
Retinoids as Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Chandraratna Roshantha AS. , Nagpal Sunil
Published: September 2022

Retinoids, synthetic and natural analogs of retinoic acid, exhibit potent growth inhibitory and cell differentiation activities which account for their beneficial effects in cancer in ex vivo and in vivo models. These simple molecules with pleiotropic effects have shown potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer either alone or in combination with other agents. Retinoids regulate the growth of various cell types by directly modulating the expression of responsive genes through nuclear retinoid receptors (RARs and RXRs), which are ligand dependent transcription factors. The translo­
cation of RARCX in acute pro-myelocytic leukemia, decreased expression of RARP and reduced activity of the
•RARP promoter in various tumors and cancer cell lines, and restoration of retinoid sensitivity to cancer cells by RAR expression vector transfection, are all indicative of the direct involvement of RAR malfunction in the process of tumorigenesis and also suggest a role for RARs as ligand dependent tumor suppressors. The current use of retinoids in cancer is limited because of their associated toxicities and lack of efficacy at tolerated doses. In order to improve the therapeutic index of retinoids, various strategies are currently being employed, e.g., receptor selective retinoids, anti-AP! selective retinoids and combination therapies. The development of novel retinoids along with an increased understanding of the biological functions and mechanisms of action of retinoid receptors are likely to usher in a new era of retinoid therapy of cancers.
Clinical and Genetic Analysis in Pediatric Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Related Conditions: Focus on DR Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex
Authors: Galym Aigerim , Akhmetova Nazgul , Zhaksybek Madina , Safina Svetlana , Boldyreva Margaritha N. , Rakhimbekova Farida K. , Idrissova Zhannat R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

There are several diseases recognized as variants of MS: post-infectious acute disseminated encephalitis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Rasmussen leukoencephalitis and Schilder's leukoencephalitis and related, but separate neuroimmune condition – Neuromyelitis Devic’s. In Kazakhstan diagnosis of such diseases was rare and immune modified treatment was only admitted after the age of 18. Clinical and immunogenetic study of MS spectrum diseases in Kazakhstan would allow to justify early targeted treatment.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to investigate genes of the main complex of human histocompatibility (MHC) associated with diseases of MS spectrum in Kazakhstani population.

Methods:

Complex clinical, neuroimaging and immunogenetic studies were performed in 34 children (24 girls, 10 boys) aged 4 to 18 years. 21 children were diagnosed with MS (11 Kazakh origin and 10 – Russian; 4 boys, 17 girls), 7 with leucoencephalitis (all Kazakh, 5 boys, 2 girls) and 6 with Devic neuromyelitis optica (all Kazakh, 1 boy, 5 girls). Genotyping of HLA DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 genes was performed for all patients.

Results:

MS group was characterized by classical relapsing-remitting MS. Predominant haplotype as a linkage complex was DRB1*15:01~DQA1*01:02~DQB1*06:02 in 20 (47.6%) of 42 DR-alleles, in 16 (76.2%) patients. MS relative risk (RR) was 13,36 for ethnic Kazakhs and RR=5,55 in Russians.

Leukoencephalitis had 7 children, with 28.6% mortality rate. The haplotype DRB1*15:01~DQA1*01:02~DQB1*06:02 as a linkage complex was detected 3 patients (4 alleles), RR=5,88.

Devic’s neuromyelitis optica (NMO) clinical course was characterized by fast and prolonged progression. There was predominance of DRB1*14 allele with RR=3,38.

Conclusion:

Summarizing, in the Kazakh population the haplotype DRB1*15:01∼DQA1*01:02∼DQB1*06:02 as a linkage complex was associated with prediction to MS and leukoencephalitis, but not to Devic’s NMO. Our study highlights the importance of awareness of MS and related disorders diagnosis which allows to implement early admission of disease-modified treatment in pediatric MS in Kazakhstan.