bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust bounded control scheme for quadrotor vehicles under high dynamic disturbances
Authors: Betancourt J. , Castillo P. , Garcı́a P. , Balaguer V. , Lozano R.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, an optimal bounded robust control algorithm for secure autonomous navigation in quadcopter vehicles is proposed. The controller is developed combining two parts; one dedicated to stabilize the closed-loop system and the second one for dealing and estimating external disturbances as well unknown nonlinearities {inherent to the real system's operations}. For bounding the energy used by the system during a mission and, without losing its robustness properties, the quadratic problem formulation is used considering the actuators system constraints. The resulting optimal bounded control scheme improves considerably the stability and robustness of the closed-loop system and at the same time bounds the motor control inputs. The controller is validated in real-time flights and in unconventional conditions for high wind-gusts and LoE - Loss of Effectiveness- in two rotors. The experimental results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed controller in both scenarios.
Transient Crosslinking Mass Spectrometry: Taking Conformational Snapshots of Proteins
Authors: Yang Lei , Xie Yuxin , Wang Jiawen , Zou Guiqing , Ruan Xujun , Wang Yan , Xia Dandan , Sun Huiyong , Xu Xiaowei , Zheng Qiuling , Hao Haiping
Published: August 2022

Protein structural analysis at the very moment of target binding or sensing incoming stimuli sheds light on how protein functions diversely with time or pathological conditions. To understand it, we need to intercept and see the intermediate conformation. Although conventional methods offer high resolution structural analysis, they do not address puzzling dynamic conformational changes. Herein, we developed a transient crosslinking mass spectrometry involving a novel photoreactive crosslinker that can capture intermediate conformers. The designed non-specific reactivity increased the crosslinking site diversity, thereby enhancing the resolution and broadening the scope of mass spectrometric-based structural analysis. A time-resolved crosslinking strategy was developed to take conformational snapshots for calmodulin, an important calcium sensor, and revealed the structural basis of its dynamic conformational response to calcium binding and target interaction. Therefore, the designed transient crosslinking makes short-lived conformers visible, which has the potential to tackle the question how variations in protein’s conformation change functions.
Quantum adversarial metric learning model based on triplet loss function
Authors: Hou Yan-Yan , Li Jian , Chen Xiu-Bo , Ye Chong-Qiang
Published: August 2022

Metric learning plays an essential role in image analysis and classification, and it has attracted more and more attention. In this paper, we propose a quantum adversarial metric learning (QAML) model based on the triplet loss function, where samples are embedded into the high-dimensional Hilbert space and the optimal metric is obtained by minimizing the triplet loss function. The QAML model employs entanglement and interference to build superposition states for triplet samples so that only one parameterized quantum circuit is needed to calculate sample distances, which reduces the demand for quantum resources. Considering the QAML model is fragile to adversarial attacks, an adversarial sample generation strategy is designed based on the quantum gradient ascent method, effectively improving the robustness against the functional adversarial attack. Simulation results show that the QAML model can effectively distinguish samples of MNIST and Iris datasets and has higher robustness over the general quantum metric learning. The QAML model is a fundamental research problem of machine learning. As a subroutine of classification and clustering tasks, the QAML model opens an avenue for exploring quantum advantages in machine learning.
Investigating Long-term Prognostication of CT-based Radiomics for Subgroup of High-risk Localized Prostate Cancer Patients Treated by Whole-pelvic Radiotherapy
Authors: Leung Wan Shun , Lam Sai Kit , Wong Po Tsz , Ng Ka Yan , Tam Cheuk Hong , Lee Tsz Ching , Chow Kin Chun , Chow Yan Kate , Tam Victor CW , Lee Shara WY , Lim Mei Ying , Wu Q Jackie , Cai Jing
Published: August 2022

Background
To investigate capability of planning computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics for prediction of long-term prognostication, for the first time, in subgroup of high-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated by whole-pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT).
Methods
A total of 64 high-risk localized PCa patients [training cohort (n = 45) and validation cohort (n = 19)] were enrolled. The planning CT and clinical data were collected. The least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) was used for model training in conjunction with 3-fold cross validation. The predictive performance of the model was assessed using the Area-under-the-curve (AUC) values generated from receiver operating characteristic analysis. The resultant radiomics signature was used for calculation of radiomics score (Rad-score) for every patients. A cut-off of the Rad-score was suggested for classification of the risk of having progression within 6 years, based on the evaluation of model accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Results
The model incorporated 2 features: the run entropy of gray level run length matrix after Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG) filtering with a sigma value of 2 mm (RE-GLRLMσ2mm); and the small area emphasis of gray level size zone matrix after LoG filtering with a sigma value of 4.5 mm (SAE-GLSZMσ4.5mm). AUC values of the training and testing cohorts were 0.76 and 0.71, respectively. With the cut-off as the third-quartile value for stratification into high-risk and low-risk group, the respective accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the radiomics signature were 77.8%, 83.3% and 55.6% in the training cohort and 84.2%, 86.7% and 75% in the testing cohort.
Conclusions
Radiomics signature based on pre-treatment planning CT images can be used as a potential biomarker for differentiating the risk of 6-year disease progression in high-risk localized PCa patients treated with WPRT. Further development is warranted that may help to support clinical decisions about follow-up and treatment options in this subgroup of patients.
The protective effect of mushroom consumption on depressive symptom in Korean population
Authors: Park Sung Keun , Oh Chang-Mo , Ryoo Jae-Hong , Jung Ju Young
Published: August 2022

Mushrooms are nutraceutical food with health benefit. However, data is still limited in identifying the protective effect of mushroom consumption on depressive symptom. In a cohort of 87,822 Korean, we longitudinally assessed the risk of depressive symptom according to mushrooms consumption. Study participants were categorized into 5 groups by the frequency of one serving size of mushrooms (30 g) as follows: rare/never, <1/month, 1/month-1/week, 1-3/week, ≥ 3/week. The development of depressive symptom was determined in Center for epidemiological studies-depression (CES-D) scale ≥ 16. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for depressive symptom (adjusted HR [95% CI]). Subgroup analysis was performed for gender and age. Compared with group with rare/never consumption, groups with mushrooms consumption ≥ one serving size/month had the significantly decreased levels in adjusted HR and 95% CI for depressive symptom (rare/never consumption: reference, < 1/month: 0.92 [0.83 - 1.02], 1/month-1/week: 0.88 [0.83 – 0.94], 1-3/week: 0.88 [0.82 – 0.94], ≥ 3/week: 0.86 [0.80 – 0.93]). This association was similarly observed in both gender and age subgroup analyses. However, women and participants ≥ age of 40 showed the more prominent association than men and participants < age of 40.
Tailoring of performance characteristics of green tyre tread formulation using thermally exfoliated graphite/ carbon black binary filler system via scalable and competent method
Authors: Bijina V , Jandas P J , Jose Jesvin , N Muhammad Ajnas , K Abhitha , John Honey
Published: August 2022

The present study is proposing an eco-friendly, green tyre tread formulation possessing excellent output properties in terms of abrasion resistance, mechanical, rolling resistance and heat buildup properties. A standard formulation was prepared with a nominal amount of carbon black (CB) filler and tried to reduce the filler loading to a minimum value without compromising the performance characteristics. The simultaneous reduction in aromatic oil content also tried to make the formulation eco-friendly. To compensate for the effect of changes in the formulation a binary hybrid filler system was prepared by the partial replacement of CB using graphite. To ensure the maximum dispersion, a filler masterbatch of graphite was prepared within natural rubber matrix (NR) as (50/50) composition and incorporated into the compound master batch. The effect of thermal exfoliation of graphite on the dispersion thereby the performance of the composite was also analyzed. The graphite was thermally treated for a sudden thermal shock for 15 minutes at various temperatures ranging from 400–550 ˚C. Rolling resistance and heat build-up were recorded 45% and 53% reduction respectively for the formulations with thermally exfoliated graphite in comparison with the standard formulation. Abrasion resistance showed 18% improvement and significant improvement in mechanical and thermal properties are also reported.
Induce male sterility by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mitochondrial genome editing in tobacco
Authors: Chang Yanzi , Liu Baolong , Jiang Yanyan , Cao Dong , Liu Yongju , Li Yun
Published: August 2022

Genome editing has become more and more popular in animal and plant systems following the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. However, target sequence modification by CRISPR/Cas9 has not been reported in the plant mitochondrial genome, mtDNA. In plants, a type of male sterility known as cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has been associated with certain mitochondrial genes, but few genes have been confirmed by direct mitochondrial gene-targeted modifications. Here, the CMS-associated gene (mtatp9) in tobacco was cleaved using mitoCRISPR/Cas9 with a mitochondrial localization signal. The male-sterile mutant, with aborted stamens, exhibited only 70% of the mtDNA copy number of the wild type and exhibited an altered percentage of heteroplasmic mtatp9 alleles; otherwise, the mutant was similar in phenotype to the CMS tobacco caused by disturbance of mtatp9. Transcriptomic analyses showed that glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, which are all related to aerobic respiration, were inhibited in stamens of the male-sterile gene-edited mutant. In addition, overexpression of the synonymous mutations dsmtatp9 could restore fertility to the male-sterile mutant. Our results strongly suggest that mutation of mtatp9 causes CMS and that mitoCRISPR/Cas9 can be used to modify the mitochondrial genome of plants.
OAGB with shortened excluded ileal loop as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the cases of Caucasian Men and Women with obesity of the first degree (BMI 30-35 kg/m2)
Authors: Jaworski Paweł , Binda Artur , Barski Krzysztof , Wawiernia Karolina , Kudlicka Emilia , Wąsowski Michał , Jankowski Piotr , Tarnowski Wiesław
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess long-term results of surgical treatment (One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass) of type 2 diabetes in patients with Io obesity. Material and Methods: The study included 25 patients with BMI 30-35 kg / m2 and diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 undergoing OAGB with excluded 150 cm of the small intestine (this is one of the innovative elements of this work).Results: There were no: deaths in the study group, bleeding during the postoperative period requiring reoperation, anastomotic leak/leakage of mechanical stitching. The mean HbA1C level 12 months after surgery is 6.16 ± 0.96%, the decrease was 2.29 ± 3.3%. In more than 85% of patients taking insulin before surgery, it was discontinued in the postoperative period. Additionally, the level of glycaemia was assessed in patients on the day of surgery (163 ± 58 mg%) and on the day of discharge from the hospital (4.7 ± 1.3 day) - it was lower by over 18% (133 ± 39.2 mg). Over the period of 12 months following OAGB: reduction in the mean BMI value from 33.5 ± 2 kg / m2 to 25.5 ± 2.5 kg / m2, improvement in lipid parameters and mean values of blood pressure.Conculsion: OAGB with excluded 150 cm of the small intestine has beneficial effect on resolution of T2DM in patients with BMI of 30-35kg/m2 and is associated with an acceptable level of complications. Achieved weight loss after surgery is satisfactory.
Towards roadmap to implement blockchain-oriented solution artifact for secured transactions: a remittance management perspective
Authors: Weerawarna Rashikala , Miah Shah J
Published: August 2022

Block chain has become a popular distributed ledger technology, which assists to store data in a secured, tamper proofed and immutable manner. In recent years, banks and remittance institutes have shown their interests increasingly to investigate the application design issues related to this disruptive technology, for instance, by evaluating the competitive advantage of using the applications over the tradition banking and remittance industry. Gaining opportunities of the block chain, however, is a challenge for international remittance due to the lack of relevant knowledge of business integration, security, regulatory requirements, technological improvements in mining hardware requirements and social trust.It is imperative to develop application design understanding that may be assistive to gain the actual benefit of the block chain in remittance management. Aiming to offer new knowledge for academics, researchers, business owners, government, FinTech companies and general public users elaborating interplaying business, technical and social requirements, this paper presents a design research approach that guides the development of a novel block chain-oriented remittance model for Australian remittance companies. This paper reports on a preliminary design which can be considered as a first proof-of-concept prototype. We identify key requirements of designing a secured, faster, user-friendly and responsive options for delivering secured transparency of financial transactions for stakeholders, which are to be complying with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
Risk factors of primary poor graft function after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with myeloid tumors
Authors: ZHANG Lin-Yi , XIONG Yi-Ying , LIAO Ming-Yan , Qing XIAO , TANG Xiao-Qiong , Xiao-Hua LUO , ZHANG Hong-Bin , Li WANG , Lin LIU
Published: August 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative therapy but can result in significant complications including poor graft function (PGF). Little is known about the risk factors of primary PGF occurring after allo-HSCT. We retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 146 patients with myeloid tumors who underwent allo-HSCT at our hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. The relevant clinical parameters affecting the occurance of primary PGF after allo-HSCT were selected for univariate and multivariate analysis. Then, the difference in overall survival (OS) between groups were analyzed. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis showed that CD34+ cell dose ＜5×106 /kg (P = 0.010) and the pre-transplant CRP ＞10 mg/L (P = 0.020) were independent risk factors for primary PGF after allo-HSCT. The primary PGF was an independent factor related to poor OS for patients with myeloid tumors (P = 0.046). In conclusion, monitoring the pre-transplant CRP and ensuring CD34+ cell dose ≥5×106 /kg in graft are effective measures to prevent the occurance of primary PGF after allo-HSCT. The occurance of primary PGF affects the overall survival of patients with myeloid tumors who underwent allo-HSCT and we should do a good job in prevention and treatment of primary PGF at an early stage.
Prediction of cancer driver genes through integrated analysis of differentially expressed genes at the individual level
Authors: Gao Bo , Zhao Yue , Li Guojun
Published: August 2022

Driver mutations are anticipated to change the gene expression of their related or interacting partners, or cognate proteins. We introduce DEGdriver, a novel method that can discriminate between mutations in drivers and passengers by utilizing gene differential expression at the individual level. Tested on eleven TCGA cancer datasets, DEGdriver substantially outperforms cutting-edge approaches in distinguishing driver genes from passengers and exhibits robustness to varying parameters and protein-protein interaction networks. We further show, through enrichment analysis, that DEGdriver is capable of identifying functional modules or pathways in addition to novel driver genes.
Snare and rubber band combined assisted traction ： a novel method for endoscopic submucosal dissection in treating early gastric cancer
Authors: bai Bing , Li Zhen , Mao Chongshan , Kuang Shengli , Zhou Bingxi
Published: August 2022

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection（ESD）has the advantages of high complete resection rate, less trauma and higher safety than open surgery. However, ESD has high technical requirements and is difficult to operate, especially when submucosal dissection fails to fully expose the submucosa. To create a good operational field of vision and achieve accurate cutting, a variety of endoscopic assisted traction methods have emerged. Our study team has invented a new traction method, that is, snare combined with rubber band assisted ESD in the treatment of early gastric cancer.Methods: Retrospective study was performed in 35 patients diagnosed as having early gastric cancer and received ESD assisted by snare and rubber band method from January 2016 to December 2018.The en bloc excision rate, procedure time, complication rate were analyzed. Results: All lesions received en bloc resection. The lesion size ranged ２～6ｃｍ.The median procedure time was 30min (ranging 25～45min). There was no bleeding or perforation occurred during and after the procedure.Conclusion: Snare-rubber band assisted traction method can provide good vision during the ESD procedure for early gastric cancer, and increase resection efficiency, reduce the operation time and complication rate.
Schooling, Migration and Social Violence in Colombia
Authors: Rodriguez Jhon James Mora , Cuandros-Menaca Andres
Published: August 2022

The article discusses the relationship between migration and schooling in social violence context. Migration stimulates the development and alleviates poverty by providing capital for household human capital investments in the migrant’s home country. However, in the context of social violence, the positive effects of migration may be offset or disappear entirely. Our findings suggest that living in a migrant household increases both the probability of reaching non-compulsory levels of education and the likelihood of completing high school. However, we show that exposure to social violence can mitigate the positive impact of migration on schooling disappears for children in unsafe (violent) neighborhoods.[1]JEL Codes: O15, F22, I25
Environmental impacts of large-scale Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) production in Hellisheidi geothermal park Iceland: life cycle assessment
Authors: Tzachor Asaf , Smidt-Jensen Asger , Ramel Alfons , Geirsdóttir Margrét
Published: August 2022

Spirulina algae (Spirulina platensis) cultivated in geothermally powered photobioreactors is here proposed as a potentially resource efficient, zero-carbon, and nutritious alternative to conventional beef meat. Employing a standard life cycle assessment, environmental impacts of large-scale Spirulina production in this facility are calculated. The production facility is sited in Orka náttúrunnar (ON Power) Geothermal Park, Iceland, and benefits from resource streams accessible through Hellisheiði (Hellisheidi) power station, including renewable electricity for illumination and power usage, hot- and cold-water streams for thermal management, freshwater for cultivation, as well as CO2 for biofixation. During cultivation, GHG-intensive ammonia-based fertilizers are replaced with macronutrients sourced from natural open mines. LCA results show that production of 1 kg of wet edible biomass in this facility requires 0.0378 m2 non-arable land, 8.36 m3 fresh water, and is carbon neutral with − 0.008 CO2-eq GHG emissions (net zero). Compared with conventionally produced meat from beef cattle, Spirulina algae cultured in the ON Power Geothermal Park, referred to in this study as GeoSpirulina, requires less than 1% land and water, and emits less than 1% GHGs. Considering food and nutritional security concerns, cultivation in a controlled environment agriculture system assures consistent nutritional profile year-round. Moreover, GeoSpirulina biomass assessed in this study contains all essential amino acids as well as essential vitamins and minerals. While keeping a balanced nutrition, for every kg beef meat replaced with one kg GeoSpirulina, the average consumer can save ~ 100 kg CO2-eq GHGs. It is concluded that environmental impacts of GeoSpirulina production in the Hellisheidi facility are considerably lower than those of conventionally produced ruminants.
Coumarin-derived imino sulfonate 5h ameliorates cardiac injury induced by myocardial infarction via activating Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Xueli , Shi Yangyang , Yu Qingwen , Peng Yajie , Zhao Fei , Cui Jing , Chen Yajing , Liu Lingxu , Zhang Yiran , Zhang Ji , Wei Bo
Published: August 2022

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an irreversible damage caused by ischemia and hypoxia in coronary arteries accompanied with elevated levels of catecholamine, leading to the accumulation of free radicals. Our previous study discovered coumarin-derived imino sulfonates as a novel class of potential cardioprotective agents possessing strong anti-oxidative effect in cardimyocytes. Therefore, the identification of the compound with the highest cardioprotective activity, 5h, and the mechanism involved was necessary. As a kind of catecholamine, isoproterenol can clinically induce myocardial infarction injury similar to the symptoms of myocardial infarction patients. Our experiments explored the underlying mechanism of this effect of compound 5h by assessing cardiac function, infarct size, histopathological changes, and downregulation of Sirt1 by transfection of adenovirus in vitro and by administering Ex527, a specific inhibitor of Sirt1, in vivo. Compound 5h exhibited strong cardioprotective actions in vivo and in vitro via improving cell survival, cardiac function and decreasing the cellular oxidative stress and cardiac infarct size against MI. Furthermore, compound 5h significantly enhanced cardiac expression of Sirt1, subsequently activating the Nrf2/NQO1 signaling pathway. However, adenovirus induced Sirt1 downregulation or Sirt1 specific inhibitor largely blocked such beneficial effects of 5h in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Taken together our results demonstrated, for the first time, that the cardioprotective action of 5h against MI was mediated by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis through the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our findings proposed novel insights in the development and evaluation of coumarin-derived imino sulfonate compounds as epigenetics-targeted drug therapy for MI.
Thermal Physiology integrated species distribution model predicts profound habitat fragmentation for estuarine fish with ocean warming
Authors: Harishchandra Akila , Xue Huijie , Salinas Santiago , Jayasundara Nishad
Published: August 2022

Species distribution models predict a poleward migration for marine ectotherms with ocean warming. However, a key limitation in current species distribution models (SDM) is that they do not account for population-specific heterogeneity in physiological responses to temperature change resulting from local adaptations and acclimatization. To address this gap, we developed a novel, Physiology Integrated BioClimate Model (PIBCM) that combines habitat-specific metabolic thermal physiological tolerance of a species into a bioclimate envelope model. Using a downscaling approach, we also established a fine-resolution coastal sea-surface temperature data set for 2050–2080, that showed a high degree of location-specific variability in future thermal regimes. Combining predicted temperature data with the PIBCM model, we estimated habitat distribution for a highly eurythermal intertidal minnow, the Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus), a species that likely presents a best-case-scenario for coastal vertebrates. We show that the killifish northern boundary shifts southwards, while distinct habitat fragmentation occurs in the southern sub-population (due to migration of adjacent fish populations to the nearest metabolically optimal thermal habitat). When compared to current SDMs (e.g., AquaMaps), our results emphasize the need for thermal physiology integrated range shift models and indicate that habitat fragmentation for coastal fishes may reshape nursery habitats for many commercially and ecologically important species.
Point-of-collection testing for screening of psychoactive substances among drivers of Kerala, India
Authors: M.S. Siva Prasad , C.V. Priyatha , Jayesh K Joseph , E.M. Aneesh
Published: August 2022

One of the important risk factors for road traffic crashes is driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). This study aimed to check the prevalence of drugs of abuse (DOA) among the goods carriage drivers associated with the southern state of India, Kerala. Roadside point-of-collection testing (POCT) of oral fluid collected from the participants on the major highways was done using the Evidence MultiSTAT DOA Oral Fluid II Assay kits and the Evidence MultiSTAT analyzer. Out of the total samples (n= 249), 53 (21.29%) were positive for one or more DOA. A high prevalence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (10.04%) and synthetic cannabinoids were detected in the samples. The use of ketamine, alpha-PVP, LSD, methamphetamine, opiate, 6-MAM, benzodiazepines I, methadone, PCP, tramadol, and amphetamine were also detected in oral fluid samples and their frequency of use was ranging between 4.02-0.80%. Confirmatory analysis using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed excellent agreement with the results of the screening test. This was the first qualitative study conducted among drivers in India for the detection of DOA. Scientific studies are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of strategies for reducing psychoactive substance use by drivers before or while driving.
Hadronic Interaction Model Dependence in Cosmic Gamma-ray Flux Estimation Using an Extensive Air Shower Array with a Muon Detector
Authors: Okukawa Sousuke , Katayose Yusaku , Anzorena Marcos , Asano Shunta , Condori Cesar , Fuente Eduardo , Gomi Asuka , Hibino Kinya , Hotta Naoki , Jimenez-Meza Ana , Kato Chihiro , Kato Sei , Kawashima Teruyoshi , Kawata Kazumasa , Koi Tatsumi , Kojima Hiroshi , Kurashige Daichi , Lozoya Jorge , Mayta Rosa , Miranda Pedro , Munakata Kazuoki , Nagaya Kaito , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Nakazawa Yuuki , Nina Carlos , Nishizawa Masaki , Ogio Shoichi , Ohnishi Munehiro , Oshima Akitoshi , Raljevich Mirko , Rivera Hugo , Saito Toshiharu , Sakakibara Yohei , Sako Takashi , Sako Takashi K. , Shibata Shoichi , Shiomi Atsushi , Subieta Martin , Tajima Norio , Takano Wakiko , Takita Masato , Tameda Yuichiro , Tanaka Koichi , Ticona Rolando , Toledano-Juarez Ivan , Tsuchiya Harufumi , Tsunesada Yoshiki , Udo Shigeharu , Yamazaki Katsuya , Yokoe Yoshichika
Published: August 2022

Observation techniques of high-energy gamma rays using air showers have remarkably progressed via
the Tibet AS$\gamma$, HAWC, and LHAASO experiments.
These observations have significantly contributed to gamma-ray astronomy in the northern sky's sub-Peta electron volts (PeV) region.
Moreover, in the southern sky,
the ALPACA experiment is underway at 4,740\,m altitude on the Chacaltaya plateau in Bolivia.
This experiment estimates the gamma-ray flux from the difference between the number of on-source and off-source events by real data, utilizing the gamma-ray detection efficiency calculated through Monte Carlo simulations, which in turn depends on the hadronic interaction models.
Even though the number of cosmic-ray background events can be experimentally estimated, this model dependence affects the estimation of gamma-ray detection efficiency.
However, previous reports have assumed that the model dependence is
negligible and have not included it in the error of gamma-ray flux estimation.
Using ALPAQUITA, the prototype experiment of ALPACA, we quantitatively evaluated the model dependence on hadronic interaction models for the first time.
We evaluate the model dependence on hadronic interactions as less than 3.6\,\% in the typical gamma-ray flux estimation performed by ALPAQUITA; this is negligible compared with other uncertainties such as energy scale uncertainty in the energy range from 6 to 300 TeV, which is dominated by the Monte Carlo statistics.
This upper limit of 3.6\,\% model dependence is expected to apply to ALPACA.
Predictors of Return to Sports at 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Non-elite Athletes
Authors: Zhou Lan , Xu Yihong , Guo Luqi , Zhang Jing , Zhou Tianping Zhou , Wang Siya , Wang Shaobai , Xu Weidong
Published: August 2022

Introduction:
The return to sports (RTS) is a primary goal after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for most elite and non-elite athletes. The predictors and kinematic factors associated with the RTS are unclear. This study aimed to explore the predictors of RTS and the difference of knee kinematics between the RTS and non-RTS (nRTS) group in non-elite athletes.
Methods
This study was conducted with 41 non-elite athletes who underwent ACLR. The isokinetic test, single and triple hop tests, three-dimensional knee kinematics and the administration of two questionnaires [International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and ACL-Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI)] were conducted 6months after surgery. One year post-operatively, an interview and Tegner score were used to assign patients to RTS and nRTS groups. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of the RTS.
Results
Thirty (73%) patients were allocated to the RTS group and 11 (27%) were allocated to the nRTS group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that significant predictors of RTS (odds ratio/10-unit increase, P, cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity) were the single hop LSI (1.714, P = 0.004; 84.4%, 0.867, 0.818), IKDC (1.486, P = 0.015; 84.5, 0.867, 0.727), ACL-RSI (1.262, P = 0.016; 53.8, 0.833, 0.818) and quadriceps LSI (1.137, P = 0.012; 90.4%, 0.700, 0.818). Compared with the uninvolved limbs, the involved limbs in the nRTS group had larger external rotation angles at initial contact (IC; P = 0.019) and maximum (P < 0.001), smaller flexion angle at IC (P = 0.01) and greater anteroposterior translation (P = 0.05) in stance phase. In the RTS group, only the flexion-extension range of motion differed significantly between limbs (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Single hop test LSI, IKDC score, ACL-RSI score and quadricep strength at 6 months after ACLR were related to a greater likelihood of nRTS at 1 year after surgery in non-elite athletes. The nRTS group also displayed more asymmetrical gait behavior.
Npp1 prevents external tooth root resorption by regulation of cervical cementum integrity
Authors: Choi Hwajung , Yang Liu , Liu Yudong , Jeong Ju-Kyung , Cho Eui-Sic
Published: August 2022

Tooth roots embedded in the alveolar bone do not typically undergo resorption while the bone continues remodeling in its physiological state. In this study, we analyzed genetically modified mice with the functional inactivation of nucleotide pyrophosphatase 1 (Npp1), encoded by ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (Enpp1). This mutation leads to the formation of ectopic cervical cementum vulnerable to external tooth root resorption. Cementoblasts with the inactivation of Enpp1 extensively expressed non-collagenous matrix proteins enriched with bone sialoprotein (Bsp), dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1), and osteopontin (Opn), which have roles in mineralization through nucleation and in cell adhesion through the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif. In cementoblasts with the inactivation of Enpp1, β-catenin was significantly activated and induced the expression of these non-collagenous matrix proteins. In addition, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the most preferred substrate of Npp1, accumulated extracellularly and autocrinally induced the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (Rankl) in cementoblasts with inactivated Npp1. Consequently, these results strongly suggest that functional Npp1 preserves thin and less-mineralized cementum integrity and supports the anti-resorptive properties of tooth roots through ATP homeostasis in the physiological state of cervical cementum.
Unsupervised machine learning based clustering and treatment planning strategy for reducing radiation dermatitis in IMPT of head and neck cancer
Authors: Noufal Manthala Padannayil , Sharma Dayananda Shamurailatpam , Nangia Sapna , Patro Kartikeshwar C , Gaikwad Utpal , Burela Nagarjuna
Published: August 2022

Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a major concern in intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) despite its demonstrated superiority over contemporary photon radiotherapy. In this study, dose surface histogram (DSH) data extracted from forty-four patients of HNC treated with IMPT was used to predict the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) of skin. Grades of NTCP-skin were clustered using the K-means clustering unsupervised machine learning algorithm (MLA). A new skin-sparing IMPT (IMPT-SS) planning strategy was developed with three major changes and prospectively implemented in twenty HNC patients. Across skin surfaces exposed from 10 (S10) to 70 (S70) GyRBE, the skin's NTCP demonstrated the strongest associations with S50 and S40 GyRBE (0.95 and 0.94). The increase in the NTCP of skin per unit GyRBE is 0.568 for skin exposed to 50 GyRBE as compared to 0.418 for 40 GyRBE. Three distinct clusters were formed, with 41% of patients in G1, 32% in G2, and 27% in G3. The average (±SD) generalised equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) for G1, G2, and G3 clusters was 26.54±6.75, 38.73±1.80, and 45.67±2.20 GyRBE. The corresponding NTCP (%) were 4.97±5.12, 48.12±12.72 and 87.28±7.73 respectively. In comparison to IMPT, new IMPT-SS plans significantly (p<0.01) reduced SX GyRBE, gEUD, and associated NTCP-skin while maintaining identical dose volume indices for target and other organs at risk (OARs). The mean NTCP-skin value for IMPT-SS was 37% lower than that of IMPT. The dose to skin in patients treated prospectively for HNC was reduced by including gEUD for an acceptable radiation dermatitis determined from the local patient population using an unsupervised MLA in the spot map optimization of a new IMPT planning technique. However, the clinical finding of acute skin toxicity must also be related to the observed reduction in skin dose.
A Comparative study of Posterior cingulate metabolism in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Parkinson’s Disease or to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Huang Mingming , Cai Xi , Zhang Yong , Pu Wei , Gao Bo , Yu Hui
Published: August 2022

Few comparative studies exist of metabolic brain changes in cognitive impairment among neurodegenerative illnesses. In this study, we compared posterior cingulate (PCC) metabolic abnormalities in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Thirty eight patients with idiopathic PD, including 20 patients with mild cognitive impairment (PDMCI), 18 patients with normal cognitive (PDN), 18 patients with probable mild cognitive impairment (ADMCI), and 25 healthy older controls (HC) underwent PCC1H-MRS scans. Compared with controls, patients with PDMCI exhibited significantly reduced concentration of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and total Creatine (tCr), While patients with ADMCI exhibited significantly increased concentration of myo-inositol (Ins), and reduced NAA/Ins ratio. There was reduced concentration of NAA, Ins and tCr in PDMCI compared with ADMCI. No significant metabolic alteration was found in PDN subjects. Besides, ROC analysis revealed that the concentration of tCr could differentiate PDMCI from PDN with an AUC of 0.71, and the level of NAA/Ins ratio could differentiate subjects with MCI from normal cognitive controls with an AUC of 0.74. Patients with PDMCI and ADMCI exhibited distinct PCC metabolic1H-MRS profiles. Findings suggest that cognitively normal PD patients with low NAA, tCr in the PCC might be at risk of preclinical PDMCI, and also the Ins and/or NAA/MI ratio in the PCC should be reconsidered as a possible biomarker of preclinical MCI in clinical practice. So, comparison of PCC1H-MRS profiles of cognitive impairment among neurodegenerative illnesses may provide useful information for better defining the disease process and elucidate possible treatment mechanisms.
Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenza in Iran; a Systematic review
Authors: Hatami Firouze , Nazhand Hadi Allahverdi , Ebadi Hadi , Zeininasab Amir Hossein , Gharehbagh Farid Javandoust , Shahrokhi Shahrzad , Rabiei Mohammad Mahdi , Lotfollahi Legha , Kazeminia Neda , Darazam Ilad Alavi
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Haemophilus. influenzae and Moraxella. catarrhalis are two common pathogens in respiratory tract infections. Antimicrobial resistance to these pathogens occurs over years. Therefore, we decided to carry out a systematic review to investigate the antibiotic resistance and sensitivity of these pathogens in Iran.Material and method: All recent original articles and studies related to the antimicrobial resistance in H. influenza and M. cattarhalis in Iran up to 2022 were investigated in English and Persian databases. Result: The prevalence of antibiotic susceptibility in H. influenza to levofloxacin (100%), cefotaxim (78.8%), clarithromycin (71.4%) and ceftriaxone (71.4-80%) was upmost. Resistances to ciprofloxacin were varied. In addition, about 50% of isolated had resistant to ampicillin. The prevalence of M. cattarhalis resistance in Iran including penicillin was 70-100%, erythromycin was 0%, and in three of our study of our studies, the resistance rate of ciprofloxacin was 0% whereas in one study 70% of isolated M.cattarhalis had resistance to ciprofloxacin also, resistances to amoxicillin/clavulanate were varied.Conclusion: According to the study, most isolates of H. influenzae are sensitive to levofloxacin, but resistance to macrolides and third generation cephalosporins are increasing; and the majority of M. cattarhalis was resistant to penicillin.
Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol on Defective Graphene Supported Cu Based Single-Atom Catalysts: A First Principles Approach
Authors: liu jing , zhao jun , li yang , liu chuangwei , Zayed Mohamed E
Published: August 2022

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction to clean fuels is recently regarded as one of the most promising routes to meet the global demand for energy and environmental riskiness. In this work, we explored and compared the mechanism of electrochemical reduction of CO2 to methanol by graphene (G)-supported single-atom-copper (Cu) catalysts. The free energies of the CO2 reduction intermediates in electrochemical reaction pathways were calculated by using density functional theory coupled with a computational hydrogen electrode approach. Moreover, the physical and electronic characteristics of the two catalysts were examined via binding energy, atomic distance, bader charge, band structure, and density of states calculations. The computational results show that the three coordinated single-copper atom (Cu-G3) is slightly oxidized, whereas the four coordinated single-copper atom (Cu-G4) is heavily oxidized. In particular, the Cu-G3 is the more suitable catalytic for the conversion of CO2 to CH3OH. Moreover, two various pathways (*HCOO and *COOH) on the two proposed catalysts (Cu-G3 and Cu-G4) are explored based on the initially produced intermediates. The Cu-G3/G4 catalysts robustly promote the HCOO* pathway with an energy barrier of 0.41 eV (*HCOOH → *CHO) and 0.50 eV (*CO2 → *HCOO). However, the rate-limiting step for the *COOH pathway on Cu-G3/G4 catalysts is (*CO → *CHO), with limiting potentials of 1.1 eV and 1.13 eV, respectively. Hence, the reduction of CO2 to methanol on graphene supported single-atom-copper highly prefers to *HCOO pathway. Lastly, we focus on the mechanism of the rate-limiting step (*CO → *CHO). The linear relationship between *CO and *CHO binding energy is broken by the single Cu atom. And the s-p electrons of copper have filled the antibonding orbital of Cu-G4 and weakened the binding with CHO, resulting in a slightly higher energy barrier for the Cu-G4 than Cu-G3. Conclusively, the current study provides a reference for non-noble metal monatomic catalysis of carbon dioxide to methanol with optimal product selectivity.
Effect of PCV-VG ventilation on intraoperative respiratory mechanics and pulmonary function during prolonged robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position
Authors: Rui Xing , Xiao Hao Meng , Sen Yang , Ye Mao , Hu Song Zhang , Hui Zhang , Ming Yan
Published: August 2022

Objective To investigate the effect of applying pressure-controlled ventalition and volume-guaranteed (PCV-VG) ventilation on intraoperative respiratory mechanics and pulmonary function in patients in the Trendelenburg position during robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Methods Seventy-six patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic Trendelenburg position from April 2021 to May 2022 at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were selected and divided into PCV-VG group (group P ) and VCV group (group V ) using the random number table method. Observed indexes: intraoperative respiratory mechanics parameters such as peak airway pressure (Ppeak ), plateau pressure (Pplat ), pulmonary dynamic compliance (Cdyn), airway resistance(Raw). Respiratory function parameters: SpO2 , PaO2 , PaCO2 , SaO2 and calculate the oxygenation index (OI), alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference (PA-a DO2 ), intrapulmonary shunt (Qs /Qt ), respiratory index (RI); intraoperative hemodynamic index and postoperative complications. Results Compared with VCV, PCV-VG, a new ventilation mode, can better ensure the mechanical ventilation effect in patients with prolonged robotic head-down position without affecting hemodynamics, reduce peak airway pressure and plateau pressure, increase dynamic lung compliance, and optimize intraoperative respiratory function in pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position patients with Trendelenburg position duration over 2h.Conclusion: Compared to VCV, PCV-VG provided lower Ppeak with Pplat and improved Cdyn during robot-assisted laparoscopic Trendelenburg position surgery, better pulmonary oxygenation and gas exchange after pneumoperitoneum duration beyond 2h,better quality of recovery at 24h postoperatively. while there was no significant difference in hemodynamic variables.
Increasing population exposure to future heatwaves influenced by land-atmosphere interactions
Authors: Zhou Jingwei , Teuling Adriaan J. , Seneviratne Sonia , Hirsch Annette
Published: August 2022

Heatwaves have significant effects on ecosystems and human populations. Human habitability is impacted severely as human exposure to heatwaves is projected to increase, in which land-atmosphere interactions make a vital contributing factor. Future risk of heatwaves is substantial and imminent worldwide. Increasing heatwave trends have demonstrated the need of effective measures for adaptation to persistent hot temperature extremes and ambitious mitigation to limit further increases in heatwave severity. This study examines whether the projected intensification of land-atmosphere interactions contributes to projected increases in heatwave events and what this may mean for future population exposure to heatwaves. With the intensification of land-atmosphere interactions, heatwaves are found to increase by up to 40 days, intensify by up to 4.5 °C averagely in global land regions, with increasing frequency of 33% over most mid-latitude land regions by 2070–2100 under the RCP8.5 high emissions scenario. Furthermore, dry soil moisture conditions have a significant role in projected increases of multiple heatwave characteristics regionally compared with the global land area. Land-atmosphere interactions contribute as much as 35.7% to an average of 39.3% more of today’s global population exposure to heatwaves. Our results highlight contributions from land-atmosphere interactions on both heatwaves and their impacts on human population.
A Novel Diagnostic Scoring System for Pediatric Appendicitis Based on Age and Sex-Adjusted Hematological Parameters
Authors: Aydoğdu Bahattin , Azizoğlu Mustafa , Arslan Serkan , Aydogdu Gülay , Basuguy Erol , Salik Fikret , Ökten Mustafa , Okur Mehmet Hanifi
Published: August 2022

Objective
Our aim is to establish the importance of age and sex-adjusted NLR, PLR, and other hematological parameters in the prediction of acute appendicitis and describe a novel scoring system.
Methods
The consecutive medical records of 946 pediatric patients (between 5–18) hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis at our high-volume university hospital between January 2018 and December 2021 were retrospectively collected for analysis. The patients were divided based on perioperative findings into the negative exploration group (Group I) and the acute appendicitis group (Group II). This study developed a new scoring system based on “age and sex-adjusted” NLR, PLR, LMR, and CRP parameters.
Results
The mean age of Group I and II were 12.20 ± 2,31, and 11,56 ± 3,11, respectively. The white blood cell count (WBC) (p < .001), neutrophil percentage (p < .001), NLR (p < .001), PLR (p = .001), LMR (P < 0,001), and CRP (p < 0,001) were higher in the Group II compared with the Group I. The score was calculated between 0–8 points. 4.5 and above was determined as the best cut-off value for acute appendicitis with higher AUC (0,96), sensitivity (94%), specificity (86%), PPV (97,5%), NPV (65%), Accuracy (92,6%), and Misclassification Rate (7,4%).
Conclusion
Present scoring system calculated pertaining to patients' age and gender can be used to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Heat denaturation enables multicolor X10-STED microscopy at single-digit nanometer resolution
Authors: Saal Kim Ann , Shaib Ali H. , Mougios Nikolaos , Crzan Dagmar , Opazo Felipe , Rizzoli Silvio O.
Published: August 2022

Expansion microscopy (ExM) improves imaging quality by physically enlarging the biological specimens. In principle, combining a large expansion factor with optical super-resolution should provide extremely high imaging precision. However, large expansion factors imply that the expanded specimens are dim and are therefore poorly suited for optical super-resolution. To solve this problem, we present a protocol that ensures the 10-fold expansion of the samples through high-temperature homogenization (X10ht). The resulting gels exhibited relatively high fluorescence intensity, enabling the sample analysis by multicolor stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, for a final resolution of 6–8 nm. X10ht offers a more thorough homogenization than previous X10 protocols based on enzymatic digestion, and thereby enables the expansion of thick samples. The better epitope preservation also enables the use of nanobodies as labeling probes and the implementation of post-expansion signal amplification. We conclude that X10ht is a promising tool for nanoscale resolution in biological samples.