bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the molecular drivers of ALS-implicated missense mutations
Authors: Portelli Stephanie , Albanaz Amanda , Pires Douglas Eduardo Valente , Ascher David Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressively fatal, neurodegenerative disease associated with both motor and non-motor symptoms, including frontotemporal dementia. Approximately 10% of cases are genetically inherited (familial ALS), while the majority are sporadic. Mutations across a wide range of genes have been associated; however, the underlying molecular effects of these mutations and their relation to phenotypes remain poorly explored.

Methods

We initially curated an extensive list (n=1343) of missense mutations identified in the clinical literature, which spanned across 111 unique genes. Of these, mutations in genesSOD1,FUSandTDP43were analysed using in silico biophysical tools, which characterised changes in protein stability, interactions, localisation and function. The effects of pathogenic and non-pathogenic mutations within these genes were statistically compared to highlight underlying molecular drivers.

Results

Compared with previous ALS-dedicated databases, we have curated the most extensive missense mutation database to date and observed a twofold increase in unique implicated genes, and almost a threefold increase in the number of mutations. Our gene-specific analysis identified distinct molecular drivers across the different proteins, where SOD1 mutations primarily reduced protein stability and dimer formation, and those in FUS and TDP-43 were present within disordered regions, suggesting different mechanisms of aggregate formation.

Conclusion

Using our three genes as case studies, we identified distinct insights which can drive further research to better understand ALS. The information curated in our database can serve as a resource for similar gene-specific analyses, further improving the current understanding of disease, crucial for the development of treatment strategies.
Artificial intelligence aneurysm measurement tool finds growth in all aneurysms that ruptured during conservative management
Authors: Sahlein Daniel H , Gibson Daniel , Scott John A , DeNardo Andrew , Amuluru Krishna , Payner Troy , Rosenbaum-Halevi David , Kulwin Charles
Published: September 2022

Background

Cerebral aneurysm rupture is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Detecting aneurysms at high risk of rupture is critical in management decision making. Rupture risk has traditionally been associated with size—measured as a maximum dimension. However, aneurysms are morphologically dynamic, a characteristic ignored by large prospective aneurysm risk studies. Manual measurement is challenging and fraught with error. We used an artificial intelligence (AI) measurement tool to study aneurysms that ruptured during conservative management to detect changes in size not appreciated by manual linear measurement.

Methods

A single practice database with >5000 aneurysms was queried. Patients followed conservatively for an unruptured aneurysm were identified using appropriate diagnosis codes. This cohort was screened for subsequent rupture using procedure codes. Only patients with two vascular imaging studies before rupture were included.

Results

Five patients met the criteria. All patients had aneurysm enlargement, two of which were not detected from manual linear measurements, including adjudication and analysis, during a multidisciplinary neurovascular conference in a high volume practice. Maximum dimension increased at a minimum of 1.8% (range 1.8–63.3%) from the first scan to the last, and aneurysm volume increased at a minimum of 5.9% (5.9–385.5%), highlighting the importance of volumetric measurement.

Conclusions

AI-enabled volumetric measurements are more sensitive to changes in size and detected enlargement in all aneurysms that ruptured during conservative management. This finding has major implications for clinical practice and methods used for interval aneurysm measurement in patients being conservatively followed.
Early predictors of disability in paediatric multiple sclerosis: evidence from a multi-national registry
Authors: Sharmin Sifat , Malpas Charles B , Roos Izanne , Diouf Ibrahima , Alroughani Raed , Ozakbas Serkan , Izquierdo Guillermo , Eichau Sara , Horakova Dana , Havrdova Eva K , Patti Francesco , Terzi Murat , Boz Cavit , Yamout Bassem , Khoury Samia J , Onofrj Marco , Lugaresi Alessandra , Altintas Ayse , Prat Alexandre , Girard Marc , Duquette Pierre , Sá Maria José , La Spitaleri Daniele , Sidhom Youssef , Gouider Riadh , Mrabet Saloua , Soysal Aysun , Turkoglu Recai , Amato Maria Pia , Fragoso Yara D , Kalincik Tomas
Published: September 2022

Background

Early recognition of markers of faster disability worsening in paediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is a key requisite of personalised therapy for children with MS at the earliest possible time.

Objective

To identify early predictors of rapid disability accrual in patients with paediatric-onset MS.

Methods

Using the global MSBase registry, we identified patients who were <18 years old at the onset of MS symptoms. The clinico-demographic characteristics examined as predictors of future MS Severity Score (MSSS) included sex, age at symptom onset, absence of disability at the initial assessment, maximum Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, relapse frequency and presence of brainstem, pyramidal, visual or cerebellar symptoms in the first year. A Bayesian log-normal generalised linear mixed model adjusted for cumulative proportion of time on higher-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) was used to analyse the data.

Results

672 patients (70% female) contributing 9357 visits were included. The median age at symptom onset was 16 (quartiles 15–17) years. Older age at symptom onset (exp(β)=1.10 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.17)), higher EDSS score (1.22 (1.12 to 1.34)) and pyramidal (1.31 (1.11 to 1.55)), visual (1.25 (1.10 to 1.44)) or cerebellar (1.18 (1.01 to 1.38)) symptoms in the first year were associated with higher MSSS. MSSS was reduced by 4% for every 24% increase in the proportion of time on higher-efficacy DMTs (0.96 (0.93 to 0.99)).

Conclusions

A relatively later onset of MS in childhood, higher disability and pyramidal, visual or cerebellar symptoms during the first year predicted significant worsening in disability in patients with paediatric-onset MS. Persistent treatment with higher-efficacy DMTs was associated with a reduced rate of disability worsening.
CD4+T-cell cooperation promoted pathogenic function of activated naïve B cells of patients with SLE
Authors: Wangriatisak Kittikorn , Kochayoo Piyawan , Thawornpan Pongsakorn , Leepiyasakulchai Chaniya , Suangtamai Thanitta , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Khaenam Prasong , Pisitkun Prapaporn , Chootong Patchanee
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore cooperation between activated naïve (aNAV) B cells and CD4+T cells in the pathogenesis of SLE through autoantibody production, T-cell differentiation and inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples were obtained from 31 patients with SLE and used to characterise phenotype of aNAV B cells (n=14) and measured the phosphorylation of B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling molecules (n=5). Upregulation of T-cell costimulatory molecules after BCR and toll-like receptor (TLR)-7/TLR-8 stimulation was detected in cells from four subjects. To explore the role of these cells in SLE pathogenesis via T cell-dependent mechanisms, four subjects were analysed to detect the promotion of CD4+T-cell activation and antibody-secreting cell (ASC) differentiation after CD4+T-cell–B-cell cocultures. The aNAV B cells from four patients were used to assess cytokine secretion.

Results

The aNAV B cells of patients with SLE had increased expression of surface CD40, HLA-DR and interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R) and FCRL5 molecules. With BCR stimulation, these cells greatly increased PLCγ2 phosphorylation. Integrated BCR and TLR-7/TLR-8 signals induced overexpression of CD40, CD86, IL-21R and HLA-DR on lupus aNAV B cells. In T-cell–B-cell cocultures, lupus aNAV B cells (with upregulated costimulatory molecules) promoted CD4+T-cell proliferation and polarisation toward effector Th2and Th17cells. Importantly, in this coculture system, CD4+T-cell signals enhanced aNAV B-cell differentiation into auto-ASCs and produced anti-DNA antibodies. The interaction between CD4+T cell and aNAV B cell increased production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and IL-23).

Conclusion

Cooperation between aNAV B cells and CD4+T cells contributed to SLE pathogenesis by promoting both differentiation of pathogenic T cells (Th2and Th17) and autoantibody secretion.
Prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using the revised EWGSOP2 and the FNIH definition
Authors: Dietzel Roswitha , Wiegmann Sabine , Borucki Diana , Detzer Christian , Zeiner Kim Nikola , Schaumburg Désirée , Buehring Bjoern , Buttgereit Frank , Armbrecht Gabriele
Published: September 2022

Objective

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic inflammation can enhance the development of sarcopenia with a depletion of muscle mass, strength and performance. Currently, a consensus definition for sarcopenia and solid results for the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with RA are lacking.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 289 patients ≥18 years with RA were recruited. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was performed to measure appendicular lean mass. Assessment of muscle function included grip strength, gait speed and chair rise time. Prevalence of sarcopenia was defined using the updated European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) definition. In addition, the RA study population was compared with existing data of healthy controls (n=280).

Results

4.5% of patients (59.4±11.3 years) and 0.4% of controls (62.9±11.9 years) were affected by sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 definition. Body weight (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97), body mass index (BMI) (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.87), C reactive protein (CRP) (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10), disease duration (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.36), current medication with glucocorticoids (OR 5.25, 95% CI 2.14 to 24.18), cumulative dose of prednisone equivalent (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.86) were associated with sarcopenia in patients with RA. In contrast, the prevalence was 2.8% in patients compared with 0.7% in controls when applying the FNIH definition, and body height (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.88), BMI (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41), CRP (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11) and HAQ (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.17 to 6.59) were associated with sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia is significantly more common in patients with RA compared with controls using the EWGSOP2 criteria. The FNIH definition revealed sarcopenia in individuals with high BMI and fat mass, regardless of the presence of RA.

Trial registration number

It was registered at the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS) as well as WHO Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP) (DRKS00011873, registered on 16 March 2017).
Differentiation of malignant from benign pleural effusions based on artificial intelligence
Authors: Wang Sufei , Tan Xueyun , Li Piqiang , Fan Qianqian , Xia Hui , Tian Shan , Pan Feng , Zhan Na , Yu Rong , Zhang Liang , Duan Yanran , Xu Juanjuan , Ma Yanling , Chen Wenjuan , Li Yan , Zhao Zilin , Liu Chaoyang , Bao Qingjia , Yang Lian , Jin Yang
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to construct artificial intelligence models based on thoracic CT images to perform segmentation and classification of benign pleural effusion (BPE) and malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

Methods

A total of 918 patients with pleural effusion were initially included, with 607 randomly selected cases used as the training cohort and the other 311 as the internal testing cohort; another independent external testing cohort with 362 cases was used. We developed a pleural effusion segmentation model (M1) by combining 3D spatially weighted U-Net with 2D classical U-Net. Then, a classification model (M2) was built to identify BPE and MPE using a CT volume and its 3D pleural effusion mask as inputs.

Results

The average Dice similarity coefficient, Jaccard coefficient, precision, sensitivity, Hausdorff distance 95% (HD95) and average surface distance indicators in M1 were 87.6±5.0%, 82.2±6.2%, 99.0±1.0%, 83.0±6.6%, 6.9±3.8 and 1.6±1.1, respectively, which were better than those of the 3D U-Net and 3D spatially weighted U-Net. Regarding M2, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity and specificity obtained with volume concat masks as input were 0.842 (95% CI 0.801 to 0.878), 89.4% (95% CI 84.4% to 93.2%) and 65.1% (95% CI 57.3% to 72.3%) in the external testing cohort. These performance metrics were significantly improved compared with those for the other input patterns.

Conclusions

We applied a deep learning model to the segmentation of pleural effusions, and the model showed encouraging performance in the differential diagnosis of BPE and MPE.
New exact solutions for nonlinear fourth-order Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur water wave equation by the improved tanh(φ(ξ) 2 )-expansion method
Authors: Rani Mehwish , Ahmed Naveed , Dragomir Silvestru Sever
Published: September 2022

In this paper, abundant exact wave solutions of fourth-order Ablowitz–Kaup–Newell–Segur water wave (AKNS) equation have been investigated by using the innovative and efficient method called improved [Formula: see text]-expansion method (IThEM). The obtained solutions for AKNS equation are in the form of hyperbolic, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic functions that are completely new and distant from previously derived solutions. To have the knowledge of dynamical physical characteristics of this equation, some important solutions have been discussed graphically in the form of two and three-dimensional along with contour plots by selecting suitable parameters with the aid of Maple program. The achieved outcomes exhibit that this new method is efficient, direct, and provides different classes of families. This technique can solve many nonlinear differential equations having importance in different field of sciences.
Generation of the second harmonic during propagation of an extremely short optical pulse in a medium with chiral carbon nanotubes
Authors: Konobeeva N. N. , Alhousen G. Almohammad , Belonenko M. B.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the propagation of electromagnetic pulse in the medium of single-walled carbon nanotubes (chiral type) is investigated. The existence of the second harmonic generation mode, which was not observed at the initial time, is revealed. A high second harmonic output is set, as well as the dependence of the second harmonic output on the problem parameters. It is proposed to use this effect to generate entangled photons.
Impact of higher-order chemical reaction with generalized Fourier and Fick law on a Maxwell nanofluid flow past a rotating cone with variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Shaheen Naila , Ghazwani Hassan Ali S , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Saleel C Ahamed
Published: September 2022

This paper studies a chemical reactive Maxwell nanofluid flow in porous media with generalized Fourier and Fick laws in the presence of temperature-dependent thermal conductivity and robin conditions past a spinning cone. The characteristics of the fluid flow are examined using the Buongiorno nanofluid model. The equations that regulate the flow are highly nonlinear and are simplified using similarity transformations. Numerical solution is obtained by employing the bvp4c technique. The characteristics of various parameters on tangential and azimuthal velocities, heat, and mass transfers are depicted graphically. An opposing behavior on the tangential and azimuthal velocity fields is depicted in elevating the Deborah number. The solutal field upsurges on increasing the order of the reaction. The mass flux strengthens by augmenting the Schmidt number and solutal relaxation time. The validation of the proposed model in the limiting case is also given.
Hydrothermal features of the magnetite nanoparticles on natural convection flow through a square conduit by using the finite element method
Authors: Nazir M. Waqas , Nazeer Mubbashar , Javed Tariq , Ali Nasir , Al-Basyouni Khalil , Khan M. Ijaz
Published: September 2022

Ferrofluids are made through the suspension of magnetic nanoparticles which are commonly used for the treatment of hyperthermia, malignant tumor treatment, magnetic cell separation, etc. These nanoparticles provide satisfactory results for the heat transport phenomena. Motivated by the applications of these nanoparticles, this study is performed for water-based nanofluid with a different type of magnetic nanoparticles for renewable energy and the development of the advanced cooling process of the radiator. Further, this study also talks about the impact of magnetized nanoparticles on natural convection flow occupied in a square cavity. The nanosized magnetic particles are mixed up in water to make a more convective flow. In this computational study, the momentum equation is updated with magnetohydrodynamics terms. The mathematical problem is achieved in the form of nonlinear complex partial differential equations which are simulated by using the renowned Galerkin finite element technique. The numerical code is validated with the previous study on the natural convection flow of viscous fluid in a square cavity and the verification procedure verified the good accuracy of the applied developed numerical code. The impact of the Hartmann number, Rayleigh number and the volume friction coefficient is discussed through contours and graphs. It is observed that nanofluids have more capacity to store energy as compared to regular fluids due to superior thermal transport properties. Moreover, the cobalt oxide (Co3[Formula: see text] nanoparticles provide a greater heat transfer rate due to greater thermal conductivity as compared to other nanoparticles cobalt ferrite (CoFe2[Formula: see text], magnetite (Fe3[Formula: see text] and manganese–zinc–ferrite (Mn–Zn–Fe2[Formula: see text]. The heat transfer rate is increased by 30% for cobalt oxide, 18% for magnetite, 15% for manganese–zinc–ferrite and 12% for cobalt ferrite, respectively. Hence, the cobalt oxide nanoparticles which have a greater heat transfer rate can contribute to solar energy engineering and the advanced cooling process of the radiator.
Dynamics of optical pulses in fiber optics with stimulated Raman scattering effect
Authors: Younas Usman , Sulaiman T. A. , Ren Jingli
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we discuss the propagation of optical pulses in the nonlinear optical fibers. The generalized higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) is under consideration as a governing model. The studied model is composed of group-velocity dispersion, self-phase modulation, third-order dispersion, self-steepening and stimulated Raman scattering. Researchers have been studying a wide range of natural phenomena in depth, and nonlinear science has gradually become a part of people’s consciousness. We have extracted the optical pulses in different forms like bright, dark, singular and combined solitons by assistance of recently developed integration tool, namely the new extended direct algebraic method (NEDAM). Moreover, the solutions for the hyperbolic, periodic and trigonometric functions are retrieved. Using proper parameters in numerical simulations and physical explanations, it is possible to demonstrate the importance of the findings. It is proposed that the offered method can be utilized to support nonlinear dynamical models applicable to a wide variety of physical situations. We hope that a wide spectrum of engineering model professionals will find this study to be beneficial.
Spectral relaxation computation of Maxwell fluid flow from a stretching surface with quadratic convection and non-Fourier heat flux using Lie symmetry transformations
Authors: Bhatti M. M. , Shahid A. , Sarris Ioannis E. , Anwar Bég O.
Published: September 2022

A mathematical model for nonlinear quadratic convection with non-Fourier heat flux in coating boundary layer flow of a Maxwell viscoelastic fluid is presented. Nonlinear quadratic thermal radiation and heat source/ sink effects are also considered. The transformations of Lie symmetry are employed. The resultant nonlinear differential equations with defined boundary conditions are numerically solved using the spectral relaxation technique (SRM), a robust computational methodology. Graphical visualization of the velocity and temperature profiles is included for a range of different emerging parameters. For skin friction and the Nusselt number, numerical data are also provided. There is a very strong correlation between the outcomes of this study and those published in the literature. Higher values of the nonlinear thermal radiation, mixed convection, thermal conductivity, nonlinear convection and heat source/ generation parameters increase temperature as well as the thickness of the thermal boundary layer. However, a higher Prandtl number, thermal relaxation parameter and heat sink/ absorption parameter all reduce temperature. Deborah number causes velocity to be raised (and momentum boundary layer thickness to be lowered), whereas raising nonlinear mixed convection parameter causes velocity to be decreased (and momentum boundary layer thickness to be increased), and a velocity overshoot is calculated. The models are applicable to simulations of high-temperature polymeric coatings in material processing.
Novel computational simulation of the propagation of pulses in optical fibers regarding the dispersion effect
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: September 2022

In this study, the integrability conditions on mixed derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equations are the focus of this work. A. Rangwala mathematically defined these effects and dubbed this form the Rangwala–Rao equation ([Formula: see text]) in 1990. Using innovative soliton wave solutions and their interactions, we hope to better understand how dispersion affects the electric field and pulse propagation in optical fibers. Generalized Khater (GKhat.) provides unique solitary wave solutions to the [Formula: see text] problem. The pulses’ dynamical behavior through optical fibers is seen in these numerical simulations. The originality of the paper’s conclusions may be seen by contrasting our findings with those of other researchers.
2.4 GHz LoRa Wireless Technology for Internet of Things: An Experimental Study
Authors: Luo Haibo , Ruan Zhiqiang , Xiao Lianghui
Published: September 2022

LoRa is a new low data-rate modulation technology for wireless communication, which uses spread spectrum communications to increase transmission distance. At present, sub-GHz LoRa is mainly used to build LoRaWAN and is applied to the monitoring and data collection of the Internet of Things (IoT). Focusing on the latest 2.4 GHz LoRa technology, this study introduces the characteristics of 2.4 GHz LoRa in the physical layer and experimentally analyzes the basic performance of communication, energy consumption, and ranging. Meanwhile, for the deficiencies of time on air in the evaluation of effective data rate, this study proposes the concepts of time on PHY and time of transmission (ToT). Then, the ToT duration of 2.4 GHz LoRa under different parameter configurations is calculated. Finally, combined with the physical-layer characteristics of 2.4 GHz LoRa, four potential networking topologies of the 2.4 GHz LoRa are listed, and their characteristics and application scenarios are analyzed. Compared with sub-GHz LoRa, 2.4 GHz LoRa is more applicable for building self-organized networks and worldwide IoT solutions.
Prediction of Elephant Movement Using Intellectual Virtual Fencing Model
Authors: Vasanth R. , Pandian A.
Published: September 2022

The capability to navigate and orientate is crucially a significant factor to determine the survival of all migratory animals like elephants. The sustainability of animals is constrained with a limited amount of techniques available for analysis of complex animals’ behavioral responses. Various approaches are used to track animals’ movement like elephants crossing the railway track, roads have to be varied based on the degree of accuracy that is needed essentially. However, the existing approaches fail to trigger an alert in some cases. To overcome these limitations, a novel Intellectual Inertial Measurement Unit (IIMU) is proposed where the data are acquired from the aerial elephant dataset with a set of training and testing image samples. Data collected with these dataset are analyzed for triggering Virtual Fencing (VF) and to alert animals to avoid danger. This work attempts to validate that this IIMU installed with animals’ bodies can be used to evaluate patterns related to the animal’s movement. The collected data are provided for filtering using Levenberg Marquardt Algorithm to reduce the noise over the data and to enhance the prediction accuracy. The pattern set undergoes training with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and optimized with Elephant Optimization to evaluate the prediction accuracy. Based on the evaluation, the model shows better prediction accuracy in case of emergency and alert is triggered to save the life of elephants. Here, some performance metrics like accuracy, precision, F-measure, recall, ROC are evaluated to show the significance of EPO-ANN model. The model outperforms the existing standard SVM model and gives higher prediction accuracy.
On closed incompressible meridionally incompressible surfaces in knot and link complements
Authors: Lin Wei
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we give a necessary condition for detecting (possibly punctured) closed incompressible meridionally incompressible surfaces in knot or link complements. This condition provides us a method to determine whether an arbitrary link is split or non-split based on the link diagram. We also prove that, up to isotopy, there only exist finitely many such surfaces in non-split prime almost alternating link complements. Finally, we demonstrate an application of the necessary condition by showing elementary by-hand proofs that some certain knots are small knots.
Emergent gravity at all scales
Authors: Das Saurya , Sur Sourav
Published: September 2022

It has recently been shown that any observed potential can in principle be generated via quantum mechanics using a suitable wave function. In this work, we consider the concrete example of the gravitational potential experienced by a test particle at length scales spanning from the planetary to the cosmological, and determine the wave function that would produce it as its quantum potential. In other words, the observed gravitational interaction at all length scales can be generated by an underlying wave function. We discuss implications of our result.
NUMERICAL MODELING OF A NOVEL STOCHASTIC CORONAVIRUS
Authors: CHU YU-MING , ZAFAR ZAIN UL ABADIN , INC MUSTAFA , JAVEED SHUMAILA , ALI ABU SAFYAN
Published: September 2022

The aim is to study the dynamics of Coronavirus model using stochastic methods. Threshold parameter [Formula: see text] is obtained for the model. Afterwards, both the disease-free equilibrium (DFE) and endemic equilibrium (EE) points are acquired and the stability of the model is discussed. Both the equilibrium points are locally asymptotically stable. Euler–Maruyama, stochastic Euler scheme (SES), stochastic fourth-order Runge–Kutta scheme (SRKS) and stochastic non-standard finite difference technique (SNFDT) are applied to solve the model equations. Euler–Maruyama, SES, SRKS fail for large time step size, while, SNFDT preserves the dynamics of the proposed model for any step size. Numerical comparison of applied methods is provided using different step sizes.
Novel Square Error Minimization-Based Multilevel Thresholding Method for COVID-19 X-Ray Image Analysis Using Fast Cuckoo Search
Authors: Naik Manoj Kumar , Swain Monorama , Panda Rutuparna , Abraham Ajith
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus outbreaks in 2019 (COVID-19) have been a huge disaster in the fields of health, economics, education, and tourism in the last two years. For diagnosis, a quick interpretation of the COVID-19 chest X-ray image is required. There is also a strong need to find an efficient multiclass segmentation technique for the analysis of COVID-19 X-ray images. Most of the threshold selection techniques are entropy-based. Nevertheless, these techniques suffer from their dependencies on the spatial distribution of grey values. To tackle these issues, a novel non-entropic threshold selection method is proposed, which is the primary key contribution having found a new source of information to the biomedical image processing field. The firsthand Square Error (SE)-based objective function is suggested. The second key contribution is the new optimizer called Fast Cuckoo Search (FCS), which is useful and brings novel ideas into the subject, used to optimize the suggested objective functions for computing the optimal thresholds. To ensure a faster convergence with a quality optimal solution, we include extra exploitation together with a chance factor. The FCS is validated using the well-known classical and CEC 2014 benchmark test functions, which shows a significant improvement over its predecessors—Adaptive Cuckoo Search (ACS) and other state-of-the-art optimizers. Further, the SE minimization-based optimal multilevel thresholding method using the FCS, coined as SE-FCS, is proposed. To experiment, images are considered from the Kaggle Radiography database. We have compared its performances with Tsallis, Kapur’s, and Masi entropy-based techniques using well-known segmentation metrics and achieved a performance increase of 2.95%, 5.51% and 10.50%, respectively. The proposed method shows superiority using Friedman’s mean rank statistical test and ranked first.
SUCCESSFULLY PREPARING DAUGHTERS AS SUCCESSORS IN FAMILY FIRMS
Authors: CATER JOHN JAMES , YOUNG MARILYN
Published: September 2022

Drawing on insights from the family business succession and mentoring literature, we examined the preparation process for daughters as successors in family firms in the United States. In-depth interviews were conducted with eighteen daughters and their parent mentors (nine mothers and nine fathers) using a qualitative case study approach. We identified a reciprocal social exchange process between parent mentors who provided resources and daughters who acquired the knowledge to become successors in their family firms. Significant elements in the preparation process included: positive childhood experiences, choosing and earning a relevant college degree, the daughter’s autonomous decision to enter the family firm, guided on-the-job training, and counsel and advice to overcome the crucial issues of male gender bias and the burden of childcare responsibility. The significance is highlighted of differences that exist between mothers and fathers as mentors regarding understanding the daughters’ position in the firm and communication.
Are FDI Inflows Crucial for Environmental Protection in Various Asian Regions?
Authors: Nhuong Bui Huy , Quang Phung Thanh
Published: September 2022

The paper’s main goal is to investigate and contrast the impacts of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on environmental protection in various Asian locations. In order to achieve this end, the validity of the Halo/Haven pollution hypothesis is examined using a panel data framework for the annual data of 32 Asian economies over the period of 2000–2019. While the sign of squared Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is not statistically significant for low- and lower-middle-income group of Asian economies, which does not confirm the existence of EKC hypothesis in these countries, the main results showed that the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis exists in high- and upper-middle-income group of Asian nations. In the group of Asian nations with high- and upper-medium-incomes, there is the Halo hypothesis; in the group of nations with low- and lower-middle-incomes, there is the Haven pollution hypothesis. Important practical policies recommended by this research include promoting green finance methods, creating digital economic mechanisms, and revising laws and policies that encourage FDI in order to enhance their ability to attract foreign investors in the post-Corona era.
An Application of a TVP-VAR Extended Joint Connected Approach to Investigate Dynamic Spillover Interrelations of Cryptocurrency and Stock Market in Vietnam
Authors: Thanh To Trung , Ha Le Thanh , Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Ngoc Tran Anh
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we employ a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) in combination with an extended joint connectedness approach to study interlinkages between the cryptocurrency and Vietnam’s stock market by characterizing their connectedness starting from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021. We report that the COVID-19 health shocks impact the system-wide dynamic connectedness, which reaches a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. Net total directional connectedness suggests that the cryptocurrency market significantly impacts Vietnam’s stock market, especially those with the largest market capitalization like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This market can be held accountable for Vietnam’s stock market volatility. In encountering the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of the three cryptocurrencies reduced before 2020, around the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020. However, from the end of 2020–2021, while cryptocurrencies continued their roles as net transmitters for Vietnam’s stock market.
Cyclic Testing of a Modified Pull-Out Suture Repair Technique for Flexor Digitorum Profundus Avulsion in a Turkey Foot Model
Authors: SINCLAIR Sonia , CLOUT Andrew , PELTZ Tim S. , PELLETIER Matthew , SCOUGALL Peter , WALSH William R.
Published: September 2022

Background: Numerous repair techniques have been described for closed flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) avulsion. One option is a pull-out suture tied over the nail plate (Bunnell repair). We modified the Bunnell repair by incorporating a portion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint volar plate into the repair to improve strength and reduce gapping. The aim of this study is to compare gap formation and load to failure between the Bunnell repair and our modification in a turkey foot model.

Methods: Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric turkey feet were divided into two repair groups namely the conventional Bunnell pull-out suture technique and the modified Bunnell pull-out suture technique, incorporating the middle-third of the DIP joint volar plate into the repair. Both repairs were carried out with 3-0 prolene suture and underwent ex-vivo cyclic loading at 2-12 n in a sinusoidal wave for 100 cycles to simulate a passive range of motion (ROM) protocol. Subsequently, specimens were loaded to failure at 12 mm/minute. Gap formation and load to failure were measured.

Results: No repair ruptures occurred during cyclical testing. Mean gap formation was 9.2 mm (±1.49) in the Bunnell repair, and 3.5 mm (±1.19) in the modified Bunnell repair (p < 0.0001). The mean load to failure for the Bunnell repair was 35.4 n compared to 45 n for the modified repair (p = 0.0017).

Conclusions: Gap formation was reduced and load to failure increased by augmenting the Bunnell pull-out suture repair with the central portion of the DIP joint volar plate.
Biomechanical Study of Asymmetric Flexor Tendon Repair Using a 6-Strand 4-0 Supramid Suture Versus a 4-Strand 2-0 Tenoflex Suture
Authors: CHUANG Xue Ling , LIM Qian Ru REBECCA , WONG Yoke Rung
Published: September 2022

Background: Multi-strand repair of flexor tendons are important for increased strength but this may cause ischemia during the intrinsic healing process. In this study, we aim to compare the strength of the 4-strand modified Asymmetric repair using 2-0 Tenoflex® suture with the original description of the Asymmetric repair using a 6-strand 4-0 Supramid® suture under cyclic loading in a porcine tendon model. We hypothesise that the number of core sutures through the repair site can be reduced with advanced suture material.

Methods: Two groups consisting of 10 porcine tendons each were repaired using the Asymmetric repair technique. One group underwent the original description using a 6-strand 4-0 Supramid® suture and the other group underwent a modified 4-strand technique using 2-0 Tenoflex® suture. The repaired tendons were subjected to a two-stage cyclic loading test. Survival rate and gap formation at the repaired site were analysed. The failure mechanism of each repair was also analysed. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of each strand of core suture used was also calculated.

Results: The 1st and 2nd stage survival rates were 90% and 30% for the 6-strand repair and 100% and 60% for the 4-strand repair respectively. The mean gap formation at the end of stage 2 was 1.79 mm (SD 1.57) for the 4-strand repair, which is comparable to that of the 6-strand repair (1.82 mm; [SD 1.20]). The total mean cross-sectional area of 2-0 Tenoflex® and 4-0 Supramid® suture strands were 0.078 and 0.086 mm2, respectively.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that despite having fewer core sutures, the 4-strand modified Asymmetric repair using 2-0 Tenoflex® may be a better option as compared to the original 6-strand Asymmetric repair using 4-0 Supramid®.
Migration of Broken Kirschner Wire to the Brachial Plexus after Fixation of Fracture Dislocation of the Acromioclavicular Joint
Authors: GALLEGO PALMERO Claudia , DE LA RED GALLEGO Maria De los Angeles , VELEZ GARCIA Olga Maria , GUTIÉRREZ OLIVERA Natalia
Published: September 2022

A complication of Kirschner (K) wire fixation is the migration of the wire. We report a patient who had undergone fixation of a right clavicle fracture associated with acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation 15 years ago. He presented with features of pain and dysaesthesia in the right ulnar nerve dermatome on the movement of the neck and shoulder. Radiographic investigations showed a broken K-wire that had migrated to the lower brachial plexus. He underwent surgical removal of the K-wire and recovered uneventfully. We summarise the literature on K-wire migration reported following clavicle and ACJ injuries.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Deep Learning-Based Downscaling of Temperatures for Monitoring Local Climate Change Using Global Climate Simulation Data
Authors: Gerges Firas , Boufadel Michel C. , Bou-Zeid Elie , Nassif Hani , Wang Jason T. L.
Published: September 2022

The impact of climate change on the environment has become increasingly visible today, and foreseeing future climate events, which involves long-term prediction of climate variables (e.g., temperature, wind speed, precipitation, etc.) at a local small scale in a local region, is crucial for disaster risk management. General Circulation Models (GCMs) allow for the simulation of multiple climate variables, decades into the future (often till the year 2100). GCM simulations, however, are at a global large scale (from 100 km to 600 km) and are too coarse to monitor climate change at the local small scale. Statistical downscaling approaches are often applied to the GCM simulations to allow the evaluation of the GCM outputs at the local scale. Machine learning-based techniques are popular approaches for statistical downscaling. In this paper, we provide an overview of GCM downscaling with machine learning and present a case study that leverages deep learning to downscale weekly averages of the daily minimum and maximum temperatures in the Hackensack–Passaic watershed in New Jersey.
Canadian Arctic Prograded Margin Tectono-Sedimentary Element, SE Canada Basin
Authors: Embry Ashton , Ricketts Brian , Stephenson Randell
Published: September 2022

The Canadian Arctic Prograded Margin Tectono-Stratigraphic Element (TSE) is located on the continental shelf and slope, which lie to the NW of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The TSE comprises a post-rift succession deposited on the eastern margin of the Amerasia Basin, and the strata range in age from Late Cretaceous to Pleistocene. Over much of the TSE, a major unconformity marks the base of the succession, and the underlying strata vary from Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous strata of the Canadian Arctic Rift Margin TSE to older Upper Paleozoic–Triassic strata of the Sverdrup Basin Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element. Sparse reflection and refraction seismic data indicate that the succession can be more than 10 km thick. The TSE is divided into three structural domains with deformation increasing to the NE. The Southern Domain is extensional and is characterized by listric growth faults with rollover anticlines and tilted fault blocks. The pre-Oligocene portion of the Central Domain is deformed by broad folds with extensional faults in the younger strata. The pre-Oligocene succession in the Northern Domain is likely to be strongly folded and cut by thrust faults of the Eurekan Orogeny with extrusive and intrusive igneous rocks occurring in the Upper Cretaceous strata. Petroleum source rocks, as well as abundant reservoir and seal strata, occur throughout the TSE, indicating good potential for the presence of petroleum resources. The remote and environmentally sensitive location of the TSE, however, makes it likely that it will never be a target for petroleum exploration.
PAV-SOD: A New Task towards Panoramic Audiovisual Saliency Detection
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chao Fang-Yi , Hamidouche Wassim , Deforges Olivier
Published: September 2022

Object-level audiovisual saliency detection in 360° panoramic real-life dynamic scenes is important for exploring and modeling human perception in immersive environments, also for aiding the development of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications in fields such as education, social network, entertainment, and training. To this end, we propose a new task,
p
anoramic
a
udio
v
isual
s
alient
o
bject
d
etection, (

PAV-SOD

1

), which aims to segment the objects grasping most of the human attention in 360° panoramic videos reflecting real-life daily scenes. To support the task, we collect

PAVS10K

, the first
p
anoramic video dataset for
a
udio
v
isual
s
alient object detection, which consists of 67 4K-resolution equirectangular videos with per-video labels including hierarchical scene categories and associated attributes depicting specific challenges for conducting
PAV-SOD
, and 10,465 uniformly sampled video frames with manually annotated object-level and instance-level pixel-wise masks. The coarse-to-fine annotations enable multi-perspective analysis regarding
PAV-SOD
 modeling. We further systematically benchmark 13 state-of-the-art salient object detection (SOD)/video object segmentation (VOS) methods based on our
PAVS10K
. Besides, we propose a new baseline network, which takes advantage of both visual and audio cues of 360° video frames by using a new conditional variational auto-encoder (CVAE). Our
C
VAE-based
a
udio
v
isual
net
work, namely,

CAV-Net

, consists of a spatial-temporal visual segmentation network, a convolutional audio-encoding network, and audiovisual distribution estimation modules. As a result, our
CAV-Net
 outperforms all competing models and is able to estimate the aleatoric uncertainties within
PAVS10K
. With extensive experimental results, we gain several findings about
PAV-SOD
 challenges and insights towards
PAV-SOD
 model interpretability. We hope that our work could serve as a starting point for advancing SOD towards immersive media.
(Invited) Fan-out Wafer-Level Packaging: Opportunities and Challenges Towards Heterogeneous Systems
Authors: Coudrain Perceval , Garnier Arnaud , Castagné Laetitia , Plihon Aurélia , Vélard Rémi , Franiatte Rémi , Souriau Jean-Charles , Pignol Jeanne , Darrambide Célia , Ollier Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

This article describes opportunities and challenges towards heterogeneous systems integration by the so-called fan-out wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) technology. An introduction on the technology is given, before we describe specific developments built up at CEA-Leti. Recent assessments of a multi-chip SiP for 5G applications and scalable three-dimensional interconnects are presented.
Advances in In-situ Boron and Phosphorous Doping of SiGeSn
Authors: Frauenrath Marvin , Casiez Lara , Concepción Díaz Omar , Coudurier Nicolas , Gauthier Nicolas , N'hari Sidi-Mohammed , Nolot Emmanuel , Rodriguez Philippe , Buca Dan , Pauc Nicolas , Reboud Vincent , Hartmann Jean-Michel
Published: September 2022

Dopant concentrations higher than 1x1019 cm-3 are required to improve the performances of various GeSn based devices such as photodetectors, electrically pumped lasers and so on. In this study, the in-situ Boron and Phosphorous doping of SiGeSn was investigated, building upon recent studies on in-situ B or P doped GeSn. The surfaces of intrinsic and lowly doped pseudomorphic SiGeSn layers were rough. By contrast, a <110> cross hatch was recovered and surfaces as smooth as the Ge Strain-Relaxed Buffers underneath were obtained for the highest B2H6 or PH3 mass-flows. The surface Root Mean Square roughness and Zrange values were then as low as 0.36 nm and 2.86 nm for SiGeSn:B, and 0.47 nm and 4.60 nm for SiGeSn:P. In addition, Si contents as high as 25% were obtained, notably in SiGeSn:B layers. Dopants were almost fully electrically active in those SiGeSn:B and SiGeSn:P layers, with carrier concentrations as high as 2.0x1020 cm-3 and 2.7x1020 cm-3, respectively. For SiGeSn:P, the shortcoming of in-situ doped GeSn:P was overcome, that is the formation of electrically inactive SnmPnV clusters for high PH3 mass-flows. Such electrically active carrier concentrations will be beneficial for (Si)GeSn based devices, but also for all Group-IV based devices with extremely low thermal budget constraints.
Ge-on-insulator Platform for Mid-infrared Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Takenaka Mitsuru , Zhao Ziqiang , Ho Chong Pei , Fujigaki Takumi , Piyapatarakul Tipat , Miyatake Yuto , Tang Rui , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Takagi Shinichi
Published: September 2022

Since mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths have a great potential for optical communication, sensing, and quantum information, Si-based MIR photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have been developed by leveraging Si photonics technology for near-infrared wavelengths. However, the transparency wavelength window of Si is from 1.2 μm to 8 μm, limiting the available wavelengths in the MIR spectrum. Ge is emerging as a waveguide material to overcome this difficulty because Ge is transparent in the entire MIR spectrum. We have developed a Ge-on-insulator (GeOI) platform for MIR integrated photonics. The strong optical confinement in a GeOI waveguide enables an ultracompact MIR PIC. Using wafer bonding and Smart-cut, a GeOI wafer was successfully fabricated. As a result, we have demonstrated various Ge passive devices, thermo-optic phase shifters, modulators, and photodetectors on a GeOI platform.