bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of β - Ga2O3 based MOSFETs for Depletion and Enhancement Mode Operation
Authors: Kachhawa Pharyanshu , Chaturvedi Nidhi
Published: May 2021

This paper reports on TCAD-simulation of beta-gallium oxide ( β - Ga 2 O 3 ) MOSFET with the channel recessed into a 1 µ m thick Si-doped (1 × 10 18 cm - 3) epitaxial layer. We optimized gate recess thickness to achieve both, depletion and enhancement mode operation. The simulated β - Ga2O3 MOSFET structures show optimum depletion-mode and enhancement-mode characteristics for 150 nm and 15 nm active channel thickness, respectively. A comparative study is also done to analyze the thermal and electrical effects by simulating hetero-epitaxial β - Ga 2O3 layer on sapphire substrate and homoepitaxial β - Ga2O3 layer on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrate. MOSFET devices based on β - Ga 2 O 3 layers on sapphire substrates show improved performance compared to devices based on β - Ga2O3 layers on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrates in terms of drain current, trans-conductance and breakdown voltage. β - Ga 2 O 3 epitaxial layers on sapphire substrates exhibit a drain current density of 77.7 mA/mm with a peak trans-conductance of 2.28 mS/mm for D-mode operation and 27.3 mA/mm drain current density with a peak trans-conductance of 3.92 mS/mm for E-mode operation. In contrast, MOSFET devices based on β - Ga 2 O 3 epitaxial layers on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrates show a drain current density of 64.1 mA/mm for D-mode operation and 22.2 mA/mm drain current density with 3.2 mS/mm peak trans-conductance for E-mode operation. MOSFET devices based on β - Ga 2 O 3 epitaxial structures on sapphire and on β - Ga 2 O 3 substrates show reliable switching properties with sub-threshold swing of 95.98 mV/dec and 87.05 mV/dec respectively as well as a high I on =I off ratio of 10 11 . These simulation results show potential of laterally scaled β - Ga 2 O 3 MOSFETs for power switching applications.
Real-Time Particle Size Analysis Using Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement as a Process Analytical Technology Tool for a Continuous Microencapsulation Process
Authors: Muhaimin Muhaimin , Chaerunisaa Anis Yohana , Bodmeier Roland
Published: May 2021

The online real-time particle size analysis of the microencapsules manufacturing process using the continuous solvent evaporation method was performed using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM). In this paper, we use FBRM measurements to investigate the effects of polymer type and compare the size distributions to those obtained using other sizing methods such as optical microscope and laser diffraction. FBRM was also utilized to measure the length-weighted chord length distribution (CLD) and particle size distribution (PSD) online during particle solidification, which could not be done with laser diffraction or nested sieve analysis. The chord lengths and CLD data were taken at specific times using an online FBRM probe mounted below the microparticle. The timing of the FBRM determinations was coordinated with the selection of microparticle samples for particle size analysis by optical microscope and laser diffraction calculation as a reference. For all three produced batches tested, FBRM, laser diffraction, and sieve analysis yielded similar results. Hardening time for the transformation of emulsion droplets into solid microparticles occurred within the first 10.5, 19, 25, 30, and 55 minutes, according to FBRM results. The FBRM CLDs revealed that a larger particle size mean resulted in a longer CLD and a lower peak of particle number. The FBRM data revealed that the polymer type had a significant impact on microparticle CLD and the transformation process.
Lymphocyte Disturbance in The [Asp521Asn] ZAP70 Mutation and An Overview of All Phenotype/Genotype
Authors: Lee Wen-I , Lin Yung-Feng , Ho Ching-Huang , Chen Shih-Hsiang , Hsu Mei-Hsin , Wu Ren-Chin , Lee Wan-Fang , Jaing Tang-Her , Jing-Long Huang , Tsai Shih-Feng
Published: May 2021

Background. Activated Zeta (ζ)-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70) phosphorylates the TCRαβ:CD3:ζ-complex to diversify the initial TCR signal. Patients with the ZAP70 mutations could present with the phenotype of immune dysregulation. Methods. We identified the first Taiwanese boy with the ZAP70 mutation, assessed downstream signaling, investigated lymphocyte disturbance and analyzed all available phenotype/genotype for optimal treatment.Results. With the [Asp521Asn]ZAP70 mutation, the infant who had hypogammaglobulinemia, eosinophilia, isolated CD8 lymphopenia, and impaired lymphocyte proliferation experienced recurrent pneumonia, refractory diarrhea, transient hematuria and autoimmune hepatitis. Decreased CD3/CD28 downstream phosphorylation of AKT, ZAP70 and Ca2+ influx related to the Th2-skewing T follicular helper cells, expanded transitional B, increased CD21-low B cells and lower Treg cells. To speculate clinical course for effective treatment, we overviewed 45 available published patients. Except for two asymptomatic post-transplant infants, common pathogens were oral candida (n=9), PJP (n=7), CMV (n=5), varicella (n=4), parainfluenza (n=3) and disseminated BCG (n=3). Their phenotypes of immune dysregulation mainly included IBD-like diarrhea (n=12), dermatitis (n=7), hepatosplenomegaly (n=3) and nephritic syndrome (n=3). Founder-effect or hot-spot mutations (32/90 alleles) involving the kinase domain clustered on intron 12 [1624-11G>A] (in 24) and exon 12[1520C>T] (in 8). Eleven died of sepsis (n=3), CMV pneumonitis (n=2), viral encephalitis, disseminated measles-vaccine infection, ARDS, HLH-like, EBV-lymphoproliferative disorder, and lymphoma each. Whatever developing opportunistic infections (p=0.2240), immune dysregulation (p=0.5268), or failure to thrive (p=0.5215), those who receiving HSCT had significantly better prognosis (p=0.0003). Conclusions. The Asp521Asn-ZAP70 hinders TCR-CD3 downstream phosphorylation and disturbs lymphocyte subgroup “profiles” leading to autoimmune/autoinlfmmation. The lymphocyte disturbance should be validated in large-scale studies. Receiving HSCT is a significantly better survival factor, rather than mutation types, opportunistic infections, or immune dysregulation.
Tumor Microbiome Diversity Influence Papillary Thyroid Cancer invasion
Authors: Bao Guoqiang , Yuan Lijuan , Yang Ping , Chen Songhao , Wei Gang , Lu Jianguo , Hu Xie , Yang Lin , He Xianli
Published: May 2021

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer with higher incidence, the difficulty considered in PTC therapeutic process could be the property. Therefore, it is so important to know the factors that may indicate the progression course of cancer. In this study, we dissect the PTC intra-tumor microbiota and its role in influencing the tumor progression by 16S RNA sequences. The role of the PTC intra-tumor microbiome composition in 80 PTC patients was explored in this study. Overall substantial abundance of microbiome in PTC tumors from all patients were detected. We found that PTC patients with advanced lesion (T3 or T4) had significantly higher tumor bacteria diversity than the patients with relative mild lesion (T1/T2). Importantly, we identified a signature of three tumor bacterial taxa (Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Sphingomonas) highly predictive of PTC tumor invasion status. These data suggest that microbial host factors, independent of the genomic composition of the tumor, may determine tumor behaviors and patients’ outcomes. Furthermore, the correlation between specific bacterial genus and thyroid hormones or autoimmune thyroid disease-related antibodies may also indicate the potential contribution of microbiome in the relation between autoimmune thyroid disease or the irregular thyroid function and PTC progression.
Identification of a Potential Alternative Splicing Prognostic Signature Associated With Immune Infiltrates of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Han Yue , Wang Xiaoyin
Published: May 2021

Background: The mortality rate of ovarian cancer (OC) ranks the first in gynecological tumors, which seriously threatens women's health and life. In recent years, alternative splicing (AS) has gradually been considered to play a key role in immune infiltrates of tumor. However, the prognostic significance of AS events related to immune infiltrates in OC remains unknow. The aim of our research was to investigate the potential prognostic value of AS events associated with immune infiltrates in OC.Methods: The RNA sequences (RNA-seq) and clinical data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The AS event data was obtained from TCGA SpliceSeq database. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was performed to calculate the abundance of 28 immune cell types in samples from TCGA-OV dataset. A consensus clustering algorithm was used to group the OC patients. Differential expression analysis was used to identify differentially expressed AS events (DEASs) between groups. Univariate Cox regression analysis was implemented to screen for AS events with prognostic value. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses was used to further narrow the AS events with prognostic value and construct an alternative splicing prognostic signature for predicting the prognosis of OC patients. Results: The OC patients from TCGA database were classified into two groups (cluster.A and cluster.B) based on the 28 types of TIIC using a consensus clustering algorithm. The patients in the cluster.A group had increased immune infiltrates compared with the cluster.B group. 3616 DEASs were acquired and 171 DEASs have prognostic value (p<0.05). 28 DEASs with prognostic value (p<0.001) were fitted into LASSO Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A prognostic signature with 18 DEASs was constructed to predict the prognosis of OC patients. Each patient obtained a riskscore and the patients were classified into high-and low-risk group using the median riskscore as a cutoff. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the patients in high-risk group have poor outcome. Conclusions: Collectively, our research identified an alternative splicing prognostic signature associated with immune infiltrates of OC, which may provide new directions for the immunotherapy of OC patients.
Performance Evaluation for Cooperative NOMA Using Combined Relay Selection Scheme
Authors: chaudhary Nidhi , Singh Niraj Pratap , Verma Gaurav
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant (Ozurdex) in the Treatment of Macular Edema: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Elgendy Hussein Mohamed Khairy
Published: May 2021

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) in the management of macular edema (ME) of varied etiology, particularly in case of diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational, cohort study based on the data retrieved from the medical records of the patients with ME who were administered with dexamethasone intravitreal implant during 2013 to 2018. At baseline, a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, including measurement of visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) was performed for all patients in the clinic. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patients’ demographic and disease related data. Data were analyzed using XLSTAT statistical software for descriptive analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Results: A total 114 patients with ME were included in this study. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was found to be the main etiology (80%; 91 out of 114 patients) and systemic comorbidity (92 out of 114) and those patients were considered as diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. All 114 patients received dexamethasone intravitreal implant and then followed up for next six months. Furthermore, 20.2% (23/114) and 0.9% (1//114) patients received the second Ozurdex injection alone or in combination with anti-VEGF, respectively, during the follow-up period on PRN basis. The CRT significantly reduced from baseline (480 µm) to 320 µm (p=0.0001) during six-month period with maximum reduction occurring in first three months. The pre-treatment mean VA (0.92 LogMAR) also significantly improved to 0.75 LogMAR (p=0.01) following three months of treatment. Mean pre-injection IOP increased from 15 mmHg to 21 mmHg in patients receiving dexamethasone implant. However, with the use of anti-glaucoma medication, the IOP was reduced to the baseline value.Conclusions: Dexamethasone intravitreal implant can be considered as an effective and safe treatment modality for ME patients, particularly the DME patients.
Sol-Gel Auto-Combustion Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of GdCaAl3O7:RE3+(RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) Phosphors For Near-Ultraviolet Light-Triggered Indoor Illumination
Authors: Zhou Haoran , Chen Xin , Jiang L.W. , Wu Anhua , Luo Laihui , Chen Hongbing
Published: May 2021

The color-tunable GdCaAl3O7: RE3+ (RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) phosphors were synthesized via an ultrafast sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis method. The XRD (X-ray diffraction) patterns confirmed the forming of GdCaAl3O7 tetragonal phase, and the SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) images indicated that the obtained products presented honeycomb-like structure due to the gas releasing during the auto-combustion process. The EDS (Energy dispersion spectra) results suggest that Eu3+ and Tb3+ were well incorporated into the host matrices of GdCaAl3O7. The luminescent properties, concentration quenching mechanism, energy transfer mechanism, luminescent dynamics, thermal stability and product practicability of GdCaAl3O7: R3+ (RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) phosphors were investigated systematically. All the GdCaAl3O7: RE3+ (RE=Eu, Tb, Eu@Tb) products presented the characteristic emission of doped RE3+. Using GdCaAl3O7: 50% Tb3+@3.0% Eu3+ as yellow-emitting phosphors in combination with commercial BAM: Eu2+ blue-emitting phosphors and a NUV chip can successfully package a warm white LED device with high color rendering index (CRI, 86.3) and low correlated color temperature (CCT, 3348 K) that was very suitable for near-ultraviolet light-triggered indoor illumination.
Studies of a New-style Resonator on Electro-mechanical Coupling Bandgap Control of a Locally Resonant Piezoelectric/elastic Phononic Crystal Double-layer Nonlocal Nanobeam
Authors: Qian Denghui , Zhang Jian , Wang Jianchun
Published: May 2021

The paper proposed a model of a locally resonant (LR) piezoelectric/elastic phononic crystal (PC) nanobeam with periodically attached “spring-mass” resonator and additional spring between upper and lower nanobeams, as well as horizontal spring between mass and foundation. Euler beam theory and nonlocal piezoelectricity theory are coupled and introduced to plane wave expansion (PWE) method to calculate the band structures of such a model with different parameters. Numerical results and further analysis demonstrate that all the bands of double-layer nanobeam can be divided into symmetric and antisymmetric ones. Adding additional and horizontal springs play a role in control the symmetric and antisymmetric bands respectively, which make wider band gaps be opened than corresponding single-layer nanobeam. Moreover, the change of parameters of electro-mechanical coupling fields and resonator can be applied to effectively control the starting frequencies and widths of band gaps, which can provide a theoretical basis for active control of vibration. Effects of geometric and non-dimensional nonlocal parameters on band gaps are also discussed. All the studies are expected to be applied to actively control vibration propagation in the field of nano electro-mechanical system (NEMS).
Feasibility and efficacy of mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university using swab pooling and PCR
Authors: Warne Ben , Enright Jessica , Metaxaki Marina , Fuller Stewart , Samworth Richard J. , Weale Gillian , Holgate Jon , Samtani Vijay , Brierley Craig , Aggarwal Dinesh , Hilborne Sarah , Kahkeshi Mahin Bagheri , Berry Sarah , Douthwaite Julie A. , Orton Alexandra L. , Clarke Rebecca , Danaei Darius , Dyer Rory , Glew Rob , Lambson Oliver , Dahal Aastha , Margolis Ben , Murphy Edna , Russell Matthew , Braithwaite Vickie S. , Faulkner Kathryn , Wright Elizabeth , Chaudhry Afzal , Mactavous Lenette , Dhada Maharshi , Parlikad Ajith ,   University of Cambridge Asymptomatic COVID-19 Screening Programme Consortium, Greatorex Jane , Leslie Ian , Neely Andy , Rees Steve , Shaw Ashley , Vinnell Martin , Sheridan Linda , Watkins Emmeline , Baker Stephen , Goodfellow Ian G. , Lehner Paul J. , Liddell Kathleen , Clark Roger , Howes Rob , Weekes Michael P. , McFarlane Duncan , Maxwell Patrick H. , Matheson Nicholas J.
Published: May 2021

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 without symptoms is well described, and may be mitigated by mass testing. Nonetheless, the optimal implementation and quantitative real-world impact of this approach remain unclear. During a period of rising SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, students at the University of Cambridge were enrolled in a voluntary programme of weekly PCR-based asymptomatic screening. Swab pooling by household reduced the total testing capacity required by five-fold, without affecting laboratory workflows or compromising test sensitivity. Participation remained >75% throughout the study period. 299/671 (45%) of students diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 were either identified or pre-emptively quarantined because of the screening programme. After a negative screening test, the risk of developing COVID-19 over the following 7 days was decreased by 51%. Modelling transmission using parameters from our study suggests a reduction in R0 of up to 31% attributable to weekly screening. We therefore demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of regular, voluntary mass testing for COVID-19.
Mismatch negativity as an index of target engagement for excitation/inhibition-based treatment development: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-dose cross-over study of the serotonin type-3 receptor antagonist CVN058
Authors: Sehatpour Pejman , Javitt Daniel , De Baun Heloise , Carlson Marlene , Margolin David , Carlton Mark , Brice Nicola , Kantrowitz Joshua
Published: May 2021

Serotonin type-3 receptor (5-HT3R) antagonists show potential as a treatment for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. CVN058, a brain-penetrant, potent and selective 5-HT3R antagonist, shows efficacy in rodent models of cognition and was well-tolerated in Phase-1 studies. We evaluated the target engagement of CVN058 using mismatch negativity (MMN) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Subjects were stable outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder treated with antipsychotics. Subjects were not permitted to use other 5-HT3R modulators or serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Each subject received a high (150mg) and low (15mg or 75mg) oral dose of CVN058 and placebo in a randomized order across 3 single-day treatment visits separated by at least 1 week. The primary pre-registered outcome was amplitude of duration MMN. Amplitude of other MMN deviants (frequency, intensity, frequency modulation and location), P50, P300 and auditory steady state response (ASSR) were exploratory endpoints. 19 of 22 randomized subjects (86.4%) completed the study. Baseline PANSS scores indicated moderate impairment. CVN058 150mg led to significant improvement vs. placebo on the primary outcome of duration MMN (p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.48). A significant treatment effect was also seen in a combined analysis across all MMN deviants (p < 0.001, d = 0.57). Effects on location MMN were independently significant (p < 0.007, d = 0.46). No other significant effects were seen for other deviants, doses or EEG measures. There were no clinically significant treatment related adverse effects. These results show MMN to be a sensitive target engagement biomarker for 5-HT3R, and support the potential utility of CVN058 in correcting the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in schizophrenia. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03669250
Space-Time Cluster’s Detection and Geographical Weighted Regression Analysis of COVID-19 Mortality Impacts on Texas Counties
Authors: Zhang Jinting , Wu Xiu , Chow T. Edwin
Published: May 2021

As COVID-19 run rampant in high-density housing sites, it is important to use real-time data tracking the virus mobility. Emerging cluster detection analysis is a precise way of blunting the spread of COVID-19 as quickly as possible and save lives. To track compliable mobility of COVID-19 on a spatial-temporal scale, this research is appropriately analyzed the disparities between spatial-temporal clusters, expectation Maximization clustering (EM) and hierarchical clustering (HC) analysis on Texas county-level. Then, based on the outcome of clustering analysis, the sensitive counties are Cottle, Stonewall, Bexar, Tarrant, Dallas, Harris, Jim hogg, and Real, corresponding to South-east Texas analysis in GWR modeling. The sensitive period took place in the last two quarters in 2020. We explored Postgre application to portray tracking Covid-19 trajectory. We captured 14 social, economic, and environmental 14 impact’s indices to perform Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality and minimize multicollinearity. By using the PCA, we extracted five factors related to mortality of COVID-19, involved population and hospitalization, age structure, natural supply, economic condition, air quality and medical care. We established the GWR model to seek the sensitive factors. The result shows that population, hospitalization, and economic condition are the sensitive factors. Those factors also triggered high increase of COVID-19 mortality. This research provides geographical understanding and solution of controlling COVID-19, reference of implementing geographically targeted ways to track virus mobility and satisfy for the need of Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
Estimating District HIV Prevalence in Zambia Using Small Area Estimation Methods (SAE)
Authors: Mweemba Chris , Hangoma Peter , Fwemba Isaac , Mutale Wilbroad , Masiye Felix
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a very devastating impact at a global level, with the Eastern and Southern African region being the hardest hit. The considerable geographical variation in the pandemic means varying impact of the disease in different settings, requiring differentiated interventions. While information on the prevalence of HIV at regional and national levels is readily available, the burden of the disease at smaller area levels, where health services are organized and delivered, is not well documented. This affects the targeting of HIV resources. There is need for studies to estimate HIV prevalence at appropriate levels to improve HIV related planning and resource allocation. MethodsWe estimated the district level prevalence of HIV using Small-Area Estimation (SAE) technique by utilizing the 2016 Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Survey (ZAMPHIA) data and auxiliary data from the 2010 Zambian Census of Population and Housing and the HIV sentinel surveillance data from selected antenatal care clinics (ANC). SAE Models were fitted in R Programming to ascertain the best HIV predicting model. We then used the Fay-Herriot (FH) model to obtain weighted, more precise and reliable HIV prevalence for all the districts.ResultsThe results revealed variations in the district HIV prevalence in Zambia, with the prevalence ranging from as low as 4.2% to as high as 23.5%. Approximately 35% of the districts (n=26) had HIV prevalence above the national average, with one district having almost twice as much prevalence as the national level. Some rural districts have very high HIV prevalence rates. ConclusionsHIV prevalence in Zambian districts is driven by population mobility Districts located near international borders, along the main transit routes and adjacent to other districts with very high prevalence, tend to have high HIV prevalence. The variations in the burden of HIV across districts in Zambia points to the need for a differentiated approaches in HIV programming in Zambia. HIV resources need to be prioritized towards districts with high population mobility.
Study on Fenton-like degradation of bisphenol A by α-MnO2 and α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w)
Authors: You Junqing , Zhang Xihui , Chen Jinglei
Published: May 2021

Bisphenol A is used in various industrial productions and large amounts of industrial wastewater containing bisphenol A is produced. Heterogeneous Fenton-like process in advanced oxidation technology can oxidize and degrade most organic compounds non-selectively, and it has become an effective method to treat bisphenol A. The aim is to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional Fenton method and synthesize catalysts by a simple method, which can help to degrade bisphenol A effectively under neutral conditions, with less catalyst and less H2O2 consumption. In this experiment, α-MnO2 and α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w) were synthesized by a simple method, and the degradation rate of bisphenol A by α-MnO2 and α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w) under different conditions were studied. The optimal conditions for the degradation of bisphenol A by the two materials were determined by single factor and orthogonal experiments. When the dosage of α-MnO2 catalyst is 6.5g/L and the concentration of H2O2 is 200 mg/L with pH = 4.5 at 328K, the degradation rate of 50mg/L bisphenol A can reach 91.02% within 70 minutes. When α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w) has a catalyst dosage of 1.5g/L, at 298K with no pH adjustment, the degradation rate of 50 mg/L of bisphenol A within 70 minutes can be reached 94.17%.
Carbon dioxide atmospheric concentration and hydrometeorological disasters
Authors: Fortunato Andres , Herwartz Helmut , López Ramón E. , Figueroa Eugenio
Published: May 2021

We study the long-run dynamic and predictive connection between atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and the probability of hydrometeorological disasters. For a panel of 193 countries over the period 1970-2016 we estimate the probabilities of hydrometeorological disasters at country levels by means of Bayesian sampling techniques. We then separate the effects of climatological and socio-demographic factors (used as proxies for exposure and vulnerability) and other country-specific factors, from a global probability of disasters (GPOD). Finally, we subject these global probability time paths to a cointegration analysis with CO2 concentration and run projections to year 2040 of the GPOD conditional on nine Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios. We detect a stable long-term relation between CO2 accumulation and the GPOD that allows to determine projections of the latter process conditional on the former. This way, we demonstrate that generally and readily available statistical data on CO2 global atmospheric concentrations can be used as a conceptually meaningful, statistically valid and policy useful predictor of the probability of occurrence of (global) hydrometeorological disasters.
Hepatic Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms: An Analysis of 16 Cases
Authors: Fu Yubin , Xue Jiahao , Ge Penglei , Guo Rufei , Li Lin , Li Chen , Feng Zhengkai , Li Chunbo , Wu Yang
Published: May 2021

Background: Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (Hepatic PEComa) is a rare type of mesenchymal tumor and its diagnosis and treatment are controversial. To investigate its clinical features and to guide the diagnosis and treatment of this tumor.Methods: Retrospectively analysing the clinical data of 16 patients with pathologically confirmed hepatic PEComa, who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from April 2014 to April 2020, and summarizing its clinical symptoms, Imaging features, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics, therapy and prognosis. Results: All 16 patients were female, aged from 23 to 65 years (mean, 44±12 years). Clinical manifestations, preoperative routine laboratory tests and imaging examinations were lack of specificity. Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive rates of HMB-45, Melan-A and SMA were 100% (16/16), 100% (16/16) and 81.3% (13/16) respectively. The negative rates of Hepatocytes and S-100 were 100% (16/16) and 75% (12/16), respectively. With regard to treatment, eleven patients had undergone “laparotomy for partial hepatectomy” or “laparoscopic partial hepatectomy”. Three patients had undergone “radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors”. One patient had undergone chemotherapy with the " gemcitabine + nedaplatin + apatinib " regimen. Twelve of sixteen patients were followed up for 6- 55 months (mean, 26±18 months), one case of an intrahepatic recurrent lesion was found 14 months after radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors, and the remaining 11 cases showed no enlargement of the primary lesion, and no new lesions, metastasis or death. Conclusions: Hepatic PEComa lacks specific clinical manifestations and imaging features. The diagnosis depends on histological and immunohistochemical characteristics. The positive of HMB-45, Melan-A, and SMA and the negative of S-100 are helpful in the diagnosis of hepatic PEComa. Most hepatic PEComas are benign lesions, and radical resection is the best treatment with a favorable prognosis.
LncRNA DLGAP1-AS2 Overexpression Associates with Gastric Tumorigenesis; A Promising Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Soltani Rogayeh , Amini Mohammad , Moghaddam Marziyeh Mazaheri , Jebelli Asiyeh , Ahmadiyan Sahar , Bidar Negar , Baradaran Behzad , MotieGhader Habib , Asadi Milad , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad
Published: May 2021

Background: Aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with the progression of human cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). The function of lncRNA DLGAP1-AS2, as an oncogene, has been identified in glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma but not in other malignancies. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the association of DLGAP1-AS2 with gastric tumorigenesis and beyond.Methods and Results: The expression level of DLGAP1-AS2 was prevaluated in GC datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Moreover, qRT-PCR experiment was performed on 25 paired GC and adjacent normal tissue samples. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were also analyzed for further validations. Consistent with data obtained from GEO datasets, qRT-PCR results revealed that DLGAP1-AS2 was significantly (p < 0.0032) upregulated in GC specimens compared to normal samples, which was additionally confirmed using TCGA analysis (p<0.0001). DLGAP1-AS2 expression level was also correlated with age (p =0.0008), lymphatic and vascular invasion (p =0.0415) in internal samples. Also, a significant correlation was found between DLGAP1-AS2 and YAP1 expression, as its valid downstream target, in GC samples. Besides, analysis of other prevalent tumor entities using TCGA illustrated the significant overexpression of DLGAP1-AS2 in lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, further indicating its promise as an oncogene. Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed the high accuracy of the DLGAP1-AS2 expression pattern as a diagnostic biomarker for gastric and colorectal cancers. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that DLGAP1-AS2 might display oncogenic property in gastric tumorigenesis and be suggested as a therapeutic and diagnostic target.
Three-Dimensional Modeling and Simulation of Muscle Tissue Puncture Process
Authors: lv zongkai , song qinghua , gao fan , liu zhanqiang , wan yi , jiang yonghang
Published: May 2021

Needle biopsy is an important part of modern clinical medicine. The puncture accuracy and sampling success rate of puncture surgery can be effectively improved through virtual surgery. Because fewer puncture existing three-dimensional(3D) model, it is impossible to guide the operation under complicated working conditions, which limits the development of virtual surgery. In this paper, 3D simulation of muscle tissue puncture process is studied. Firstly, the parameters of muscle tissue are measured. Considering the fitting accuracy and calculation speed, the M-R model is selected. Subsequently, an accurate 3D dynamic puncture model is established. The failure criterion is used to define the breaking characteristics of the muscle, and the bilinear cohesion model defines the breaking process. Experiments with different puncture speeds are carried out through the built in vitro puncture platform. The experimental results are compared with the simulation results. The accuracy of the model is verified by the high degree of agreement between the two curves. Finally, the model under different parameters is studied. Analyze the simulation results of different puncture depths and puncture speeds. The 3D puncture model can provide a more accurate model support for virtual surgery and help improve the success rate of puncture surgery.
Evaluate the Humidity Sensing Properties of a CNTs/Co3O4 Nanorods Composite
Authors: Taha Walaa M. , Morsy Mohamed , Nada Nadra A. , Ibrahim Medhat
Published: May 2021

For the development of humidity sensors, MWCNTs/Co3O4 nanocomposite has been prepared by precipitation method. in order to evaluate the prepared materials quality both of functionalized MWCNTs and decorated CNTs characterized by X- ray powder diffraction (XRD) ,High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) Thermal analysis (DTA and TGA) FTIR and finally Raman spectroscopy. Meanwhile the humidity sensing behavior has been also investigated. The proposed composite has been tested in the wide range in relative humidity and tesing frequency. The obtained results confirmed that the optimum testing frequency is 100 Hz. The MWCNTs/Co3O4 nanocomposite exhibited a good sensitivity toward humidity from11% up to 97% RH with reasonable response and recovery time. Also the sensor revealed a low hysteresis and good repeatability with increasing and decreasing of humidity levels.
On Steel Surface Modification via Embedment of ZnNPs@polystyrene Composite as Anti-corrosive Template
Authors: Naggar Ahmed M.A. El , Karim Mohamed I Abd el , Taha Mohamed H. , Ramadan Ahmed M. , B.Ahmed Hanan
Published: May 2021

Corrosion is one of the serious problems countered in different industries as it dramatically causes strong impacting on the infrastructures. As an attempt for sorting out such problem, this approach investigated an innovative strategy for synthesis of corrosion inhibitor for steel surfaces based on composite of polystyrene and zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs@polystyrene composite). The successive immobilization of ZnNPs (size average of 4-50 nm) within polystyrene matrix (Mwt of 372.587 g/ mole and degree of polymerization equals 3582 repeat unit/ molecule) for clustering of the desirable ZnNPs@polystyrene composite (surface area of 33.62 m2/g, average pore diameter of 9 nm) was approved via several instrumental analyses of FT-IR, XRD, SEM, HRSEM, EDX, TEM and BET with estimation of total pore volume and average pore diameter for the prepared composite. Thermal stability of the prepared composite was affirmed via TGA analysis. Corrosion percentage via weight loss percent in three media of water, H2SO4 and diesel fuel was estimated to reach maximally to 25 % in case of H2SO4, while, corrosion inhibition efficiency (CIE) percentage estimated according to weight loss to reach 94.27, 88.18 and 85.05 % after 10 days of soaking the steel samples coated with the synthesized ZnNPs@polystyrene composite (800 ppm) at 25 ℃, while, elevation of temperature up to 45 ℃, resulted in non-significant effect on the estimated CIE to be diminished to 91.8, 85.2 and 81.1% after soaking in water, diesel fuel and sulfuric acid as corrosion media, respectively. CIE was estimated to be near 30% in case of coating steel samples with polystyrene polymer, to be significantly increased to near 80 % and formidably jumped to near 100% by coating with ZnNPs@polystyrene composite, with weight percent of 30 & 50% of ZnNPs, respectively. In addition to, Zeta potential was also detected to be - 9.67 in case of untreated steel samples, while, it became - 4.98 after coating of sample with ZnNPs@polystyrene composite. Eventually, from Arrhenius plots, activation energies and thermodynamic parameters of rate constant, enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) confirmed that the interaction is more taking place between the corrosion species and ZnNPs@polystyrene composite as corrosion inhibitor rather than with steel surface. Postulation of the reaction mechanism for the anticorrosive action of the synthesized ZnNPs@polystyrene composite was presented according to the illustrated instrumental analyses.
Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life among Older Adults after the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hubei China
Authors: Duan Yanping , Peiris D. L.I.H.K. , Yang Min , Liang Wei , Baker Julien Steven , Hu Chun , Shang Borui
Published: May 2021

BackgroundOlder adults’ quality of life (QoL) is facing huge challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. New normal lifestyle behaviors, including getting adequate physical activity (PA), consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables (FV) and enacting individual preventive behaviors (frequent hand washing, facemask wearing, and social distancing), as a significant determinant for QoL, have not been adequately addressed in older adults during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of QoL in Chinese older adults after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei China, to examine the associations of lifestyle behaviors with QoL, and to identify the moderating role of socioeconomic indicators in the associations. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Hubei, China, from June 15, 2020, to July 10, 2020. 516 older adults completed an online survey (mean age = 67.6 ± 6.6; 57.9% women). The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, covariates (chronic diseases and infected cases of acquaintances), lifestyle behaviors (PA stage, FV intake (FVI) stage and three preventive behaviors) and QoL. T-tests, ANOVA tests, hierarchical multiple linear regression models with simple slope analyses were used to test the hypotheses. ResultsQoL significantly differed in relation to economic situation, chronic diseases, marital status, education, living situation, age group and professional status. Participants’ economic situation (β average vs. below average = 0.17, p < 0.01; β above average vs. below average = 0.15, p < 0.01), chronic diseases (β yes vs. no = 0.19, p < 0.001), FVI stage (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) and preventive behaviors (β = 0.10, p < 0.05) indicated a significant association with QoL. Education level and economic situation significantly interacted with preventive behaviors on QoL respectively (β preventive behaviors x educational level = -1.3, p < 0.01; β preventive behaviors x economic situation = -0.97, p < 0.05). ConclusionsFindings emphasize the importance of enhancing FVI and preventive behaviors on QoL improvement in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults who are in a lower economic situation with lower education levels should be given priority when implementing interventions to improve preventive behaviors and QoL in older adults.
The Impact of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on the Growth Rate of New COVID-19 Cases: Evidence From Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Authors: Nanovsky Simeon , Arynov Zhanibek , Alzhanova Aigul
Published: May 2021

Background: This article explores the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs also know as quarantine restrictions) on the reduction of the growth rate in new COVID-19 cases in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It turns out that empirically NPIs gradually reduce the growth rate of new cases. This is theoretically backed by an epidemic growth model shown in the paper. Once this growth rate turns negative, it is only then that the actual levels of new cases begin to fall.Methods: The growth rate of new cases is regressed on NPIs. The contribution of NPIs is estimated via ordinary least squares. The paper is unique in that it uses the growth rate as the main dependent variable. Results: The regression results are able determine the impact of particular NPIs on the growth rate of new cases. In turns out that all types of NPIs are effective in reducing the growth rate. Conclusions: Interesting enough, comparing the results for the two countries, it appears that in the summer the partial-lockdown in Kyrgyzstan was just as effective as the full lockdown in Kazakhstan at reducing the growth rate. Therefore as a policy recommendation, and to avoid the economic impact of a full lockdown, these countries should stick with partial lockdowns. Lastly, a conservative counterfactual scenario indicates that total cases for 2020 would be 50% to 100% higher had the countries not imposed NPIs.
Quantitative Strength Prediction of Advanced Ceramics With Regular/Irregular Flaws in I-Mode Condition
Authors: Zhao Xinyuan , Wang Anzhe , Chen Yaoyu , Zheng Qihan
Published: May 2021

Flaws in ceramics have a significant impact on their strength. Realization of ceramic strength from qualitative statistical description to quantitative prediction is essential for the fields of fracture mechanics, materials science and engineering applications. In this study, two regular flaw-strength prediction models with clear physical meaning were established under I-mode failure according to the classic crack-strength model (Sato [17]) combined with two critical stress intensity factor Kc vs. tip radius r relationships (Gómez [18] and Yang [19]). Comparison with the data that reported in the literature proved that the Sato-Yang model was more accurate than the Sato-Gómez model. On the basis of finite element simulation and mathematical fitting, a simple coefficient that can reasonably described the complexity of flaw shapes was proposed, thus extending the regular flaw-strength model to solve the irregular flaw problem and passing the experimental verification at the same time.
The Morphological Characteristics of Choriocapillaris In the Fellow Eyes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.Co-authors
Authors: Wu Huajui , Sugano Yukinori , Itagaki Kanako , Kasai Akihito , Shintake Hiroaki , Sekiryu Tetsuju
Published: May 2021

To evaluate the morphological characteristics of the flow void (FV) in the fellow eyes of the unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). 52 eyes of PCV fellow eyes (PCVF) and 57 age-matched normal controls were recruited in this prospective study. The number of FV was analyzed according to the size which from 6×6-mm swept source optical coherence tomography angiography scans. We used indocyanine green angiography images to determine whether choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (CVH) has occurred. For the PCVF, the incidence of CVH was 70% (35 of 50. Two of participants were allergic to the dye.) The number of FV significantly lower in all sizes (P = .002), 400 ~ 500µm2 (P = .002), 525 ~ 625µm2 (P = .002) and 650 ~ 750µm2 (P = .005). And the distribution significantly different in all sizes (P = .002), 400 ~ 500µm2 (P = .001), 525 ~ 625µm2 (P = .002) and 650 ~ 750µm2 (P = .001) compared to the controls. And showed no differences in the size from 775 to 1125µm2 between two groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of PCVF with CVH and controls was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88 ~ 0.98) (P < .001). We found that the FV is a useful predictor for distinguishing the fellow eyes of PCV from normal eyes.
Corporate Default Risk and Environmental Deterioration (International Evidence)
Authors: Rehman Obaid Ur , Liu Xiaoxing
Published: May 2021

This study explores the impact of corporate default risk on environmental deterioration in the international context. We find that corporate bankruptcy is positively associated with CO2 emissions and its decomposed components. These findings are reliable in low-income and highly uncertain countries but weak in countries having more market competition. We also find that the negative impact of corporate default risk on environment is more robust in countries with more population density and less forest area thresholds. Using instrumental variable approach, we provide preliminary evidence that firm-level political risk (for U.S. and Canadian firms only) tend to increase corporate default risk leading to degrading environment. Our research will help environmental authorities to consider corporate-default risk as a determinant when formulating environmental-related strategies.
EDUCATIONAL MIGRATION AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF INTELLECTUAL MIGRATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Belozorova A. , Korovina N.
Published: May 2021

The article examines the relationship between educational and intellectual migration on the example of Ukraine. It is noted that usually educational migration is considered as a separate form of migration, it is associated with the stage of formation and accumulation of intellectual potential. While intellectual migration, traditionally understood as the relocation of workers of intellectual labor and creative intelligentsia, is associated with the stage of use of intellectual capital. Therefore, these two streams have so far been considered separately. In order to better understand the current role of educational migration, the processes of departure of Ukrainian students abroad and receiving educational services by foreign students in the domestic economy are considered. The paper also identifies the main directions and scales of educational migration flows in the country.
The role of universities as institutions for attracting the intellectual potential of foreign countries to recipient countries in order to increase their competitiveness in the further development of the knowledge economy in the global dimension is substantiated. Based on the analysis of assessments of the causes and factors of the outflow of young people from Ukraine to study, it is substantiated that the quality of education is not the main value that students are looking for. It is found that in the current conditions of economic, political and military crisis, their main motive is emigration to a permanent place of residence in more politically stable and economically successful countries.
The existence of a serious problem of lack of proper methods of data collection and statistical analysis in the field of educational and intellectual migration is emphasized, the data of official statistics are incomplete and do not reflect the whole picture of educational and intellectual migration. The benefits of educational immigration are identified and described, as well as the losses of the Ukrainian economy from the outflow of intellectual capital in the form of educational migration and the departure of highly qualified personnel. It is concluded that to change the situation it requires an effective migration policy, which should include the interests of the country's economy based on the acquired knowledge of migrants obtained abroad. The ultimate goal should be the introduction of an effective mechanism for the free movement of migrants and the transformation of irreversible emigration into temporary, because stopping migration in the context of globalization is an impossible phenomenon.