bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing the calculation methods of effective values of current and voltage for nonsinusoidal transient modes in electric power systems based wavelet transform
Authors: Arkhipova O V , Dolgikh N N , Kovalev V Z , Osipov D S , Paramzin A O , Tkachenko V A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The necessity to develop analysis and calculation methods of nonsinusoidal modes in electric power networks is conditioned by the increasing number of electrical receivers parental to non-linear distortions (variable-frequency electric drive, LED-based lightning and so on). Higher harmonic components increase power and efficiency loss in current carrying parts, result in overheating of conductors and intense insulation deterioration, can cause resonance overvoltage and automation equipment malfunctions. Due to digitalization of the electric power industry it is necessary to develop methods of receiving, processing and digital communication on system state variables (currents, voltage, power), including nonsinusoidal modes. Wavelet transform is wider applied to analyze complex harmonic processes in electric power industry in conditions of transient modes. The paper introduces calculation methods of integrated indexes of electric power system modes – currents, voltage and power in the presence of electrical receivers with non-linear current-voltage characteristics. The method is based on Parseval equality and allows calculating via wavelet coefficients received by transformation of the initial stream of transient values of currents and voltages. Herewith the issue of data compressing is solved when transmitting digital information. The method allows determining the variables of every frequency component, interpreting the data in the three-dimensional scale (peak values, frequency and time) which will be used in choosing activities for higher harmonics filtration to reduce the loss in current carring parts.
Non-universal scaling of thermoelectric efficiency in 3D and 2D thermoelectric semiconductors
Authors: Octavian Kevin , Hasdeo Eddwi H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We performed the first-principles calculation on common thermoelectric semiconductors Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, SiGe, and PbTe in bulk three-dimension (3D) and two-dimension (2D). We found that miniaturisation of materials does not generally increase the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) according to the Hicks and Dresselhaus (HD) theory. For example, ZT values of 2D PbTe (0.32) and 2D SiGe (0.04) are smaller than their 3D counterparts (0.49 and 0.09, respectively). Meanwhile, the ZT values of 2D Bi2Te3 (0.57) and 2D Bi2Se3 (0.43) are larger than the bulks (0.54 and 0.18, respectively), which agrees with HD theory. The HD theory breakdown occurs because the band gap and band flatness of the materials change upon dimensional reduction. We found that flat bands give a larger electrical conductivity (σ) and electronic thermal conductivity (κ
el) in 3D materials, and smaller values in 2D materials. In all cases, maximum ZT values increase proportionally with the band gap and saturate for the band gap above 10 k
B
T. The 2D Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3 obtain a higher ZT due to the flat corrugated bands and narrow peaks in their DOS. Meanwhile, the 2D PbTe violates HD theory due to the flatter bands it exhibits, while 2D SiGe possesses a small gap Dirac-cone band.
Invited Commentary: The Society for Epidemiologic Research—Striving for Equity in Our Own Backyard
Authors: Marchbanks Polly A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Using a bibliometric approach, Nobles et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2021;190(9):1710-1720) conducted a study to explore dimensions of participation at the annual meetings of the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER). Their findings suggested differences in representation by gender and affiliation in key presentation formats, which raises concerns about possible equity issues within the organization. In this commentary, I discuss the context, limitations, and strengths of the study, as well as reflections on interpretation and implications of the findings. Suggested next steps include: continuing the conversation; evaluating SER processes and making needed adjustments with equity in mind; and conducting ongoing surveillance and further research. Nobles et al. have provided a baseline for monitoring trends, as well as a starting point for future research efforts that should aim to refine methodologic aspects of the current study to obtain a more complete range of information. Although firm conclusions about possible determinants cannot be made at this time, the work of Nobles et al. can be expected to raise awareness of equity issues among SER members and the broader epidemiology community.
Preliminary Prospective and Randomized Study of Highly Purified Polynucleotide vs Placebo in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne Scars
Authors: Araco Antonino , Araco Francesco 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Managing acne scars is a challenge and therapies are divided into nonsurgical and surgical. Highly Purified Technology Polynucleotides (PN-HPT) is a compound that contains a mixture of DNA polymers of different lengths. Numerous studies have shown that PN-HPT also serves as an energy source, thus influencing cellular growth and cell vitality.

Objectives
The authors aimed to assess the improvement in dermal quality and acne scars after PN-HPT vs placebo according to Antera 3D and the patient responses to the patient satisfaction questionnaire after a comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment photographs at 1 and 3 months.

Methods
Included were women aged 30 to 50 years with grade 3 to 4 moderate-to-severe atrophic scars according to the Goodman classification; nonsmokers; and had not had active acne during the past 5 years. Ten patients (PN-HPT group) were treated with 4.0 mL of PN-HPT, and 10 patients (control) were treated with 4.0 mL of normal saline. All medical treatments were performed in a double-blinded manner; neither the injection doctor nor the patient knew if the PN-HPT or the placebo was being administered.

Results
Twenty women who fit the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Only patients in the PN-HPT group improved significantly at 1 and 3 months after treatment compared with baseline.

Conclusions
This prospective and randomized study showed that PN-HPT in monotherapy was safe and effective treatment for atrophic scar acne compared with placebo. Prospective and randomized studies will be necessary to investigate the clinical effectiveness in a larger cohort of patients and for a longer follow-up.

Level of Evidence: 2
The Aging Surgeon: Evidence and Experience
Authors: Asserson Derek B , Janis Jeffrey E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
With doctors in short supply and a strong demand for surgeon services in all areas of the United States, urban and rural, there are pressures to remain in active practice for longer. Even with an older workforce, there are currently no requirements for when a surgeon must retire in the United States.

Objectives
The aim of this article was to highlight the importance of the aging surgeon to the medical community and to provide an evidence-based overview of age-related cognitive and physical issues that develop during the later stages of a surgeon’s career.

Methods
A search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database was performed for the phrase “aging surgeon.” Inclusion criteria were applied to include only those articles related to surgeon age or retirement. Additional reports were handpicked from citations to substantiate claims with statistical evidence.

Results
The aging surgeon contributes extensive experience to patient care, but is also prone to age-related changes in cognition, vision, movement, and stress as it relates to new techniques, surgical performance, and safety measures. Studies show that although surgeons are capable of operating well into their senior years, there is the potential of decline. Nevertheless, there are proven recommendations on how to prepare an older surgeon for retirement.

Conclusions
Age-related trends in cognitive and physical decline must be counterbalanced with wisdom gained through decades of surgical experience.
DNA methylation and histone modifications are essential for regulation of stem cell formation and differentiation in zebrafish development
Authors: Marchione Alissa D , Thompson Zanshé , Kathrein Katie L 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe complex processes necessary for embryogenesis require a gene regulatory network that is complex and systematic. Gene expression regulates development and organogenesis, but this process is altered and fine-tuned by epigenetic regulators that facilitate changes in the chromatin landscape. Epigenetic regulation of embryogenesis adjusts the chromatin structure by modifying both DNA through methylation and nucleosomes through posttranslational modifications of histone tails. The zebrafish is a well-characterized model organism that is a quintessential tool for studying developmental biology. With external fertilization, low cost and high fecundity, the zebrafish are an efficient tool for studying early developmental stages. Genetic manipulation can be performed in vivo resulting in quick identification of gene function. Large-scale genome analyses including RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation and chromatin structure all are feasible in the zebrafish. In this review, we highlight the key events in zebrafish development where epigenetic regulation plays a critical role from the early stem cell stages through differentiation and organogenesis.
TAD boundary and strength prediction by integrating sequence and epigenetic profile information
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Liu Yaqi , Xu Qian , Xu Yao , Cao Kai , Deng Nan , Wang Ruimin , Zhang Xueying , Zheng Ruiqin , Li Guoliang , Fang Yaping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Topologically associated domains (TADs) are one of the important higher order chromatin structures with various sizes in the eukaryotic genomes. TAD boundaries, as the flanking regions between adjacent domains, can restrict the interactions of regulatory elements, including enhancers and promoters, and are generally dynamic and variable in different cells. However, the influence of sequence and epigenetic profile-based features in the identification of TAD boundaries is largely unknown. In this work, we proposed a method called pTADS (prediction of TAD boundary and strength), to predict TAD boundaries and boundary strength across multiple cell lines with DNA sequence and epigenetic profile information.
The performance was assessed in seven cell lines and three TAD calling methods. The results demonstrate that the TAD boundary can be well predicted by the selected shared features across multiple cell lines. Especially, the model can be transferable to predict the TAD boundary from one cell line to other cell lines. The boundary strength can be characterized by boundary score with good performance. The predicted TAD boundary and TAD boundary strength are further confirmed by three Hi-C contact matrix-based methods across multiple cell lines.
The codes and datasets are available at https://github.com/chrom3DEpi/pTADS.
miR-71 mediates age-dependent opposing contributions of the stress-activated kinase KGB-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ruediger Cyrus , Karimzadegan Siavash , Lin Sonya , Shapira Michael 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Studying the evolutionary processes that shaped aging offers a path for understanding the causes of aging. The antagonistic pleiotropy theory for the evolution of aging proposes that the inverse correlation between age and natural selection strength allows positive selection of gene variants with early-life beneficial contributions to fitness despite detrimental late-life consequences. However, mechanistic understanding of how this principle manifests in aging is still lacking. We previously identified antagonistic pleiotropy in the function of the Caenorhabditis elegans JNK homolog KGB-1, which provided stress protection in developing larvae, but sensitized adults to stress and shortened their lifespan. To a large extent, KGB-1’s contributions depended on age-dependent and opposing regulation of the stress-protective transcription factor DAF-16, but the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. Here, we describe a role for the microRNA miR-71 in mediating effects of KGB-1 on DAF-16 and downstream phenotypes. Fluorescent imaging along with genetic and survival analyses revealed age-dependent regulation of mir-71 expression by KGB-1—upregulation in larvae, but downregulation in adults—and showed that mir-71 was required both for late-life effects of KGB-1 (infection sensitivity and shortened lifespan), as well as for early life resistance to cadmium. While mir-71 disruption did not compromise development under protein-folding stress (known to depend on KGB-1), disruption of the argonaute gene alg-1, a central component of the microRNA machinery, did. These results suggest that microRNAs play a role in mediating age-dependent antagonistic contributions of KGB-1 to survival, with mir-71 playing a central role and additional microRNAs potentially contributing redundantly.
Conversion of a colorectal cancer guideline into clinical decision trees with assessment of validity
Authors: Keikes Lotte , Kos Milan , Verbeek Xander A A M , Van Vegchel Thijs , Nagtegaal Iris D , Lahaye Max J , Méndez Romero Alejandra , De Bruijn Sandra , Verheul Henk M W , Rütten Heidi , Punt Cornelis J A , Tanis Pieter J , Van Oijen Martijn G H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
The interpretation and clinical application of guidelines can be challenging and time-consuming, which may result in noncompliance to guidelines. The aim of this study was to convert the Dutch guideline for colorectal cancer (CRC) into decision trees and subsequently implement decision trees in an online decision support environment to facilitate guideline application.

Methods
The recommendations of the Dutch CRC guidelines (published in 2014) were translated into decision trees consisting of decision nodes, branches and leaves that represent data items, data item values and recommendations, respectively. Decision trees were discussed with experts in the field and published as interactive open access decision support software (available at www.oncoguide.nl). Decision tree validation and a concordance analysis were performed using consecutive reports (January 2016–January 2017) from CRC multidisciplinary tumour boards (MTBs) at Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC.

Results
In total, we developed 34 decision trees driven by 101 decision nodes based on the guideline recommendations. Decision trees represented recommendations for diagnostics (n = 1), staging (n = 10), primary treatment (colon: n = 1, rectum: n = 5, colorectal: n = 9), pathology (n = 4) and follow-up (n = 3) and included one overview decision tree for optimal navigation. We identified several guideline information gaps and areas of inconclusive evidence. A total of 158 patients’ MTB reports were eligible for decision tree validation and resulted in treatment recommendations in 80% of cases. The concordance rate between decision tree treatment recommendations and MTB advices was 81%. Decision trees reported in 22 out of 24 non-concordant cases (92%) that no guideline recommendation was available.

Conclusions
We successfully converted the Dutch CRC guideline into decision trees and identified several information gaps and areas of inconclusive evidence, the latter being the main cause of the observed disagreement between decision tree recommendations and MTB advices. Decision trees may contribute to future strategies to optimize quality of care for CRC patients.
Benefits and risks of non-slip socks in hospitals: a rapid review
Authors: Jazayeri Dana , Heng Hazel , Slade Susan C , Seymour Brent , Lui Rosalie , Volpe Daniele , Jones Cathy , Morris Meg E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Non-slip socks are sometimes used in an attempt to prevent falls in hospitals despite limited evidence of benefit. We critique the current literature on their risks, benefits and effects.

Methods
A rapid review was conducted following the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group Guidelines. To be included, studies needed to have data on single or multifactorial interventions that used non-slip socks in hospitals or their safety, risks or effects in a laboratory setting. Six electronic databases were searched: Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane, Allied and Medical Health Database (AMED) and Proquest Central.

Results
Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine used non-slip socks as an intervention in hospitals. Three assessed their effects in laboratory settings. Two reported risks in relation to bacterial transfer. Most studies that used non-slip socks to prevent hospital falls had negative or equivocal results and were of comparatively low method quality, with a high risk of bias. Two of the laboratory tests reported traction socks to be no safer than walking barefoot and to have similar slip resistance. The laboratory studies had a low risk of bias and showed that bacteria can sometimes be acquired from socks.

Conclusion
Non-slip socks have the potential to carry an infection control risk that requires careful management. There was no strong or conclusive evidence that they prevent hospital falls.
Replacing dietary antibiotics with 0.20% l-glutamine in swine nursery diets: impact on intestinal physiology and the microbiome following weaning and transport
Authors: Duttlinger Alan W , Centeno Martinez Ruth E , McConn Betty R , Kpodo Kouassi R , Lay Donald C , Richert Brian T , Johnson Timothy A , Johnson Jay S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Previous research demonstrates that supplementing 0.20% l-glutamine (GLN) in the diets of newly weaned and transported pigs improves growth rate to a similar extent as providing dietary antibiotics (AB). However, research comparing the effects of GLN vs. AB on intestinal physiology and the microbiome is limited. Therefore, the study objective was to compare the effects of supplementing nursery diets with GLN, AB, or no dietary antibiotics (NA) on intestinal physiology and the microbiome of pigs in a production environment following weaning and transport. Mixed-sex piglets (N = 480; 5.62 ± 0.06 kg body weight [BW]) were weaned (18.4 ± 0.2 d of age) and transported for 12 h in central Indiana, for two replicates, during the summer of 2016 and the spring of 2017. Pens were blocked by BW and allotted to one of the three dietary treatments (n = 10 pens/dietary treatment/replicate [8 pigs/pen]): AB (chlortetracycline [441 ppm] + tiamulin [38.6 ppm]), GLN (0.20% as-fed), or NA fed for 14 d. From day 14 to 34, pigs were fed common AB-free diets in two phases. On day 33, villus height:crypt depth tended to be increased (P = 0.07; 7.0%) in GLN and AB pigs vs. NA pigs. On day 33, glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) mRNA abundance was decreased (P = 0.01; 50.3%) in GLN and NA pigs vs. AB pigs. Crypt depth was increased overall on day 33 (P = 0.01; 16.2%) during the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. Villus height:crypt depth was reduced (P = 0.01; 9.6%) during the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate on day 33. On day 13, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and occludin mRNA abundance was increased (P ≤ 0.04; 45.9% and 106.5%, respectively) and zonula occludens-1 mRNA abundance tended to be greater (P = 0.10; 19.2%) in the spring replicate compared with the summer replicate. In addition, AB pigs had increased (P = 0.01; 101.3%) GLP-2 mRNA abundance compared with GLN and NA pigs. Microbiome analysis indicated that on day 13, dietary treatment altered the microbiota community structure (P = 0.03). Specifically, the AB pigs tended to be distinct from both the NA and GLN pigs (P = 0.08), and Lactobacillus was increased nearly 2-fold in AB compared with NA pigs (q = 0.04) and GLN pigs (q = 0.22). In conclusion, GLN supplementation tended to improve some morphological markers of intestinal health similarly to AB pigs, while the microbiome composition in GLN pigs was more similar to NA pigs than AB pigs.
Cholesterol metabolic enzyme Ggpps regulates epicardium development and ventricular wall architecture integrity in mice
Authors: Zheng Feng , Chen Zhong , Tang Qiao-Li , Wang Xin-Ying , Chong Dan-Yang , Zhang Tong-Yu , Gu Ya-Yun , Hu Zhi-Bin , Li Chao-Jun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
During embryonic heart development, the progenitor cells in the epicardium would migrate and differentiate into noncardiomyocytes in myocardium and affect the integrity of ventricular wall, but the underlying mechanism has not been well studied. We have found that myocardium geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (Ggpps), a metabolic enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis, is critical for cardiac cytoarchitecture remodelling during heart development. Here, we further reveal that epicardial Ggpps could also regulate ventricular wall architecture integrity. Epicardium-specific deletion of Ggpps before embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) is embryonic lethal, whereas after E13.5 is survival but with defects in the epicardium and ventricular wall structure. Ggpps deficiency in the epicardium enhances the proliferation of epicardial cells and disrupts cell‒cell contact, which makes epicardial cells easier to invade into ventricular wall. Thus, the fibroblast proliferation and coronary formation in myocardium were found enhanced that might disturb the coronary vasculature remodelling and ventricular wall integrity. These processes might be associated with the activation of YAP signalling, whose nuclear distribution is blocked by Ggpps deletion. In conclusion, our findings reveal a potential link between the cholesterol metabolism and heart epicardium and myocardium development in mammals, which might provide a new view of the cause for congenital heart diseases and potential therapeutic target in pathological cardiac conditions.
Two-stage Cox-nnet: biologically interpretable neural-network model for prognosis prediction and its application in liver cancer survival using histopathology and transcriptomic data
Authors: Zhan Zhucheng , Jing Zheng , He Bing , Hosseini Noshad , Westerhoff Maria , Choi Eun-Young , Garmire Lana X 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Pathological images are easily accessible data with the potential of prognostic biomarkers. Moreover, integration of heterogeneous data types from multi-modality, such as pathological image and gene expression data, is invaluable to help predicting cancer patient survival. However, the analytical challenges are significant. Here, we take the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathological image features extracted by CellProfiler, and apply them as the input for Cox-nnet, a neural network-based prognosis prediction model. We compare this model with the conventional Cox proportional hazards (Cox-PH) model, CoxBoost, Random Survival Forests and DeepSurv, using C-index and log-rank P-values. The results show that Cox-nnet is significantly more accurate than Cox-PH and Random Survival Forests models and comparable with CoxBoost and DeepSurv models, on pathological image features. Further, to integrate pathological image and gene expression data of the same patients, we innovatively construct a two-stage Cox-nnet model, and compare it with another complex neural-network model called PAGE-Net. The two-stage Cox-nnet complex model combining histopathology image and transcriptomic RNA-seq data achieves much better prognosis prediction, with a median C-index of 0.75 and log-rank P-value of 6e−7 in the testing datasets, compared to PAGE-Net (median C-index of 0.68 and log-rank P-value of 0.03). Imaging features present additional predictive information to gene expression features, as the combined model is more accurate than the model with gene expression alone (median C-index 0.70). Pathological image features are correlated with gene expression, as genes correlated to top imaging features present known associations with HCC patient survival and morphogenesis of liver tissue. This work proposes two-stage Cox-nnet, a new class of biologically relevant and interpretable models, to integrate multiple types of heterogenous data for survival prediction.