bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of prognostic model performance in the presence of competing risks using a cause-specific hazards approach
Authors: Mozumder Sarwar , Booth Sarah , Riley Richard D , Rutherford Mark J , Lambert Paul C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Calibration is assessed on absolute risks to determine the agreement between predicted risks from the model and the observed risks. For competing risks data, correct specification of more than one model may be required to ensure well-calibrated predicted risks for the event of interest. Furthermore, interest may be in the predicted risks of the event of interest, competing events and all-causes. Therefore, calibration must be assessed simultaneously using various measures.
Methods: In this paper, we focus on the development of prediction models using the cause-specific hazards approach. We propose that miscalibration for cause-specific hazards models is assessed using net probabilities of each event alongside the assessment of calibration of the cause-specific cumulative incidence functions. We simulated a range of scenarios to illustrate how to identify which model(s) is mis-specified, both in an internal and external validation setting. Calibration plots are presented alongside performance measures such as the Brier Score and Index of Prediction Accuracy. We propose using pseudo-values to calculate observed risks and we generate a smooth calibration curve with restricted cubic splines. We fitted flexible parametric survival models to the simulated data in order to flexibly estimate baseline cause-specific hazards for prediction of individual risk.
Results: Our simulations illustrate that miscalibration due to a mis-specified covariate functional form in the prediction model, or changes in the baseline cause-specific hazards in external validation data are better identified using net probabilities of death. A mis-calibrated model on one cause, could lead to poor calibration on predicted risks for each cause of interest, including the all-cause absolute risk. This is because prediction of a single cause-specific absolute risk is impacted by effects of variables on the cause of interest and competing events.
Conclusions: If accurate predictions for both all-cause and each cause-specific absolute risk are of interest, this is best achieved by developing and validating models via the cause-specific hazards approach. For each cause-specific model, researchers should evaluate calibration plots on net probabilities for each event to reveal the cause of any miscalibration. Pseudo-values are also proposed as a means to obtain observed individual risk and smoothed calibration curves.
A practical method for determining the dead time in a single-photon avalanche diode with a weak laser beam
Authors: Rahmanpour Mahdi , Erfanian AliReza , Afifi Ahmad , Khaje Mahdi , Fahimifar MohammadHossein 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Dead time refers to a time in which the single photon detector cannot detect a new photon due to the effects caused by the incoming photon detection and the reset process. Due to the importance of dead time in limiting the detection frequency of single photon avalanche detectors and limiting the exchange rate in various systems, such as quantum key distribution, measuring this characteristic in single photon detectors is essential. In the proposed method of this research, A weak continuous laser beam can use to determine the dead time. An FPGA chip is proposed to measure the dead time in single photon detectors. The suggested FPGA model XC3S400 belongs to the Spartan family of Xilinx company.
Aneurysmatic Patient Presenting with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Role of Multimodality Imaging in Emergency Setting – a Case Report
Authors: Fikri Yusuf Ananda , Mulia Eka Prasetya Budi , Nugroho Faris Wahyu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Aortic dissection with concurrent ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rarely reported. As the proportion of myocardial infarction is higher in the emergency setting compared to aortic dissection, the diagnosis of aortic dissection may be overlooked, and it can be potentially fatal. By using bedside available information, detailed history taking and multimodality imaging in the emergency setting, it is possible to avoid a mistaken diagnosis. Here we present a case of aortic aneurysm presenting with anterior STEMI.
Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with decreased consciousness. Shortly before the patient went unconscious, she had a short episode of dyspnea. Her ECG showed marked ST elevation in the anterior leads. However, her chest radiograph revealed mediastinal widening and a prominent aortic knob. Due to suspicion of aortic dissection from the chest radiograph and loss of consciousness, which may be a sign of malperfusion syndrome of aortic dissection, bedside handheld echocardiography was then performed. It revealed hypokinesis of anterior and anteroseptal walls, pericardial effusion, and dilated aortic root to ascending aorta with severe aortic regurgitation. The presence intimal flap can not be clearly excluded. Based on her imaging and clinical findings, aortic dissection was suspected and thrombolysis was postponed. The patient proceeded to undergo triple-rule-out computed tomography, from which the finding of ascending aortic aneurysm was noted, along with multiple stenosis of LAD (moderate-to-severe) and LCx (moderate), and there was no presence of false lumen.
Conclusion: Acute aortic dissection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms suggesting acute coronary syndrome. A suspected case of acute aortic dissection should necessitate further imaging studies. Therefore, multimodality imaging plays a vital role in the emergency setting, as it may avoid fatal consequences of misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
In vitro modulation of mTOR and mGlur5 influence α-synuclein accumulation.
Authors: Xing Viktoria , Biggar Kyle , Ferguson Stephen S. G. , Hayley Shawn 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
One of the main hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is abnormal alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation which forms the main component of intracellular Lewy body inclusions. This short report used α-syn fibrils, as well as an A53T mutant α-syn adenovirus to mimic conditions of pathological protein aggregation in dopaminergic human derived SH-SY5Y neural cells. Since there is evidence that the mTOR pathway and glutamatergic signaling each influence protein aggregation, we also assessed the impact of the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin and the mGluR5 allosteric modulator, CTEP. We found that both rapamycin and CTEP induced a significant reduction of α-syn fibrils in SH-SY5Y cells and this effect was associated with a reduction in mTOR signaling pathway factors (consistent with enhanced autophagic activity). These data support the possibility that CTEP (or rapamycin) might be a useful pharmacological approach to target abnormal α-syn accumulation by promoting intracellular degradation or enhanced clearance.
Research on hydro-pressing of aluminum alloy double cavity profile components
Authors: Han Cong , Wang Yejie , Zhuang Yongpeng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In this paper, double-cavity profiles with variable cross-section characteristics formed by hydro-pressing are studied. The hydro-pressing forming law of aluminum alloy double-cavity profiles is investigated by numerical simulation and experimental methods, and the effects of process parameters on corner filling, height and width dimensions, flatness of rib plate and wall thickness distribution are analyzed. The results show that the lower corner radius of the middle section increases first and then decreases with the increase of the supporting pressure. The upper corner radius of the middle section and the upper and lower corner radius near the two ends of the section increase with the increase of the supporting pressure. With the increase of the clamping force, the size deviation of the component height decreases and the size deviation of the width increases. The double-cavity profiles formed under pressure within 0.25ps had the worst flatness of the rib plate. The use of teflon as lubricant has the best effect on the improvement of thickness distribution. The component with good dimensional accuracy and wall thickness distribution can be formed by using 0.5ps supporting pressure and teflon lubricant. The forming characteristics of double-cavity profiles are summarized, which provides reference for the selection of actual production process parameters.
Comparing the performance of Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm in allocating and scheduling fire stations for dispatching forces to a fire/accident (A Case study: the Region 19, Tehran, Iran)
Authors: Kheirdast Afrasyab , Jozi Seyed Ali , Rezaian Sahar , Tehrani Mahnaz Mirza Ebrahim 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Considering the importance of "time" in the process of dispatching forces to reach the fire or accident site, GA or PSO models can be used as artificial intelligence alternatives. Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSOA) models can be used. This research shows which of these two models is more appropriate in this case study. With the hypothesis that GA and PSOA have positive effects on the allocation and scheduling of the stations, this research seeks to compare them in order to find which one of these two methods is more appropriate to shorten the time to reach fire/incident site in the Region 19 of Tehran. This is an applied type of research. Data analysis was carried out using NFPA standards and MATLAB software. The statistical population includes 8 fire stations and 250 personnel of the stations selected in a simple way, and the sampling volume was obtained using Morgan's table (n = 148). At first, the algorithm of dispatching forces to reach the site of fire/incident was designed and implemented based on PSOA, GA and the time to response the incident according to NFPA1720 standards. After writing the assumptions of the problem and running the mathematical model from nonlinear to linear, the data was entered into the MATLAB software, and finally by comparing the performance improvement of PSOA and GA, appropriate results were obtained. In order to efficiently assign and schedule fire stations to arrive at the site, a linear numerical programming model was presented with the aim of minimizing the arrival time and taking into account the effect of firemen's fatigue (α = 0.1). The findings of the research showed that the operation processing time (of fire extinguishing) had a normal distribution with a mean of 40 minutes and a variance of 10 minutes, independent of the severity of the incident. Also, fatigue coefficient was calculated 0.1 by analyzing the sensitivity of the solution time of the algorithm with changes [0–1]. The initial standard travel time, with an average speed of 47 km/h and a density factor of 1.24, was 5min:20s. Solving the problem in large and small dimensions showed that the initial power effect of each fire station is 0.36 according to the fatigue level of the forces. Based on the obtained results, GA performs better in terms of problem solution time, and the improved PSOA also has higher quality answers.
Measuring Effectiveness of Treatments in Rare Disorders, Evidence from Clinical Trials in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Steenbergen Adam V. , Minhas Amrita , Lin Tony , Kaur Manpreet , Bolduc Francois V. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It results from mutations of the FMR1 gene and the subsequent loss of Fragile X mental disorder 1 protein (FMRP). FXS has been the focus of intense preclinical research leading to several clinical trials. Effect sizes compare the effectiveness of treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as FXS. This paper reviews effect sizes of different drug treatments in clinical trials for FXS to understand potential issues with the designs of current trials which could affect efficacy detectability. We searched for "Fragile X Syndrome" query in PubMed and filtered the clinical trials and downloaded the list of all publication IDs. PubMed's API was then utilized to collect the abstract's content into a spreadsheet. Studies were narrowed down to those with sufficient statistics data to calculate effect size relative to placebo. Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for arbaclofen and one trial for L-acetylcarnitine reported large effect sizes. No significant findings were present between placebo and treatment groups. Studies without a placebo group reported larger treatment effect sizes. Small sample sizes, scarcity of studies, and outcome measures based on caregiver reports prevented us from drawing conclusions.
In-situ multicore fibre-based pH mapping through obstacles in integrated microfluidic devices
Authors: Chandrasekharan Harikumar K. , Wlodarczyk Krystian L. , MacPherson William N. , Maroto-Valer M. Mercedes 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Microfluidic systems with integrated sensors are ideal platforms to study and emulate processes such as complex multiphase flow and reactive transport in porous media, numerical modeling of bulk systems in medicine, and in engineering. Existing commercial optical fibre sensing systems used in integrated microfluidic devices are based on single-core fibres, limiting the spatial resolution in parameter measurements in such application scenarios. Here, we propose a multicore fibre-based pH system for in-situ pH mapping with tens of micrometer spatial resolution in microfluidic devices. The demonstration uses custom laser-manufactured glass microfluidic devices (called further micromodels) consisting of two round ports. The micromodels comprise two lintels for the injection of various pH buffers and an outlet. The two-port system facilitates the injection of various pH solutions using independent pressure pumps. The multicore fibre imaging system provides spatial information about the pH environment from the intensity distribution of fluorescence emission from the sensor attached to the fibre end facet, making use of the cores in the fibre as independent measurement channels. As proof-of-concept, we performed pH measurements in micromodels through obstacles (glass and rock beads), showing that the particle features can be clearly distinguishable from the intensity distribution from the fibre sensor.
Assessing the Impact of Mineral Based Nutrient Sources and Nano-Fertilizers on Root Growth, Soil Health, and Nutrient Availability in Wheat Crop
Authors: Jayara Alok Singh , Kumar Rajeew , Singh Ajay Veer , Shukla Anil , Pandey Priyanka , Bhatt Manoj , Singh Narendra Kumar , Singh Ajeet Pratap 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aim
Utilizing mineral based nutrient source (IMBP) in tandem with nano fertilizers can promote nutrient release and soil microbiological parameters.
Methods
Developing IMBP by incubation of minerals with organic matter which along with nanofertilizers were evaluated under field conditions in comparison to recommended fertilizers. Experiment laid out in strip plot with three horizontal factors (Recommended P & K; IMBP + Nano DAP; IMBP + Nano K) and four vertical factors (Control; 3 sprays of Nano urea only; Basal+ 2 sprays of nano urea; Recommended dose of nitrogen).
Results
IMBP was multinutrient source. Root length density, roost surface area density and root dry weight were 20-21%, 14-19% and 25-29% higher, respectively with IMBP and nano fertilizers compared to recommended P & K, and with RDN. Significant population of bacteria (73-74 ×105 CFU/g soil), and actinomycetes (49.7-49.8 ×105 CFU/g soil), dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatase activity were reported with IMBP + nanofertilizers. Higher values of microbial population, and enzyme activity were reported with basal + 2 sprays of nano urea, at par with RDN. Available nitrogen (245-246 kg/ ha), sulphur (16.3 kg/ ha) and silicon (71-78 mg/ kg soil) after harvest recorded significantly higher values for the IMBP, whereas phosphorus and potassium was comparatively higher where their nano forms were applied. These values were significantly higher for RDN, except available silicon which was highest for control.
Conclusion
The results indicate that mineral based products along with nano fertilizers can replace the existing recommended dose of fertilizers through synthetic fertilizers.
STAT3 combined with Y27632 to treat glaucoma by promoting axon growth of Müller differentiated retina ganglion cells
Authors: Zhang Wulong , Wang Yujue , Feng Lemeng , Zhang Cheng , Zhu Weiming , Li Xin , He Ye , Song weitao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Müller differentiated RGCs have potential therapeutic value for glaucoma. However, axonal regeneration of differentiated RGCs has been a difficult problem. Retinal stem cells were differenticated from rat retinal Müller cells. The stem cells were randomly divided into five groups (control group, AAV-STAT3 group, shSTAT3 group, Y27632 group and AAV-STAT3 + Y27632 group). Stem cells in different groups were injected into rat model of glaucoma. The length of axon regeneration in STAT3 combined with Y27632 group was significantly longer than that in other experimental groups. The AAV-STAT3 transfected RGCs treated with Y27632 significantly increased the mRNA levels of Esrrb, Prdm14, Sox2, and Rex1, while decreasing the mRNA levels of Nestin, Eomes, Mixl1, and Gata4. Meanwhile, Socs3, Pten, Klf9, and Mdm4 were significantly lowered, while Dclk2, Armcx1, C-MYC, and Nrn1 were elevated. After injecting differentiated RGCs into the glaucoma model rat eyes, the axon length, RGC layer thickness and the electrophysiology were superior to the glaucoma model group. These findings suggested that STAT3 combined with Y27632 can significantly improve the axonal growth level of Müller differentiated RGCs, and reveal the potential mechanism to induce pluripotency of RGCs.
Enhanced activity of Trichoderma asperellum introduced in solarized soil and its implications on the integrated control of strawberry-black root rot
Authors: Elshahawy Ibrahim , Saied Nehal , Abd-El-Kareem Farid , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

An effective method for maintaining the activity and longevity of microorganisms in adverse conditions is microencapsulation. In the present study, synthetic alginate pellets were developed as carriers for the biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum. In two field experiments, solarization was applied for three weeks to loamy clay soil that was naturally infested with strawberry-black root rot fungi (Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Machrophomina phaseolina). Following solarization, T. asperellum-based alginate pellets and/or spore suspension based- T. asperellum were added to the soil. Data reveal that,three weeks solarization of irrigated soil increased its maximum temperature reached by 11–14.2°C (1–10 cm depth), 11.6–13.1°C (11–20 cm depth) and 10.1-12.2°C (21–30 cm depth). In either trial, solarization also successfully lowers the vitality of strawberry-black root rot fungi directly after the solarization phase. When compared to controls, strawberry-black root rot was substantially less common in solarized plots. In two field trials, soil solarization followed by inoculation with alginate pellets based on T. asperellum led to the greatest reductions in black root rot incidence (59.3 and 74.1%) and severity (72.5 and 75.2%), as compared to un-solarized control plots. In two field studies, this treatment dramatically boosted the activity of defensive enzymes (peroxidase and chitinase) and strawberry yield (60.5 and 60.0%, respectively), when compared to non-solarized control plots. In two field studies, the rhizosphere population of native Trichoderma spp. developed more in solarized soils after the application of alginate pellets based on T. asperellum (86.5 and 83.6%, respectively), compared to the un-solarized control.
Antagonistic potential of Trichoderma strains isolated from Musa paradisiaca cv. Malnad Rasbale grown farmyards against Foc race 4 pathogen.
Authors: Sadarahalli Ullas Prasanna , Venkatarangaiah Krishna 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Foc race 4 is a causative pathogen for Panama wilt disease of Musa Paradisiaca cv. Malnad Rasbale. The cost-effective measure to control rather than the usage of agrochemicals is still not available for this cultivar. Trichoderma strains act as an antagonistic agent against different phytopathogenic fungi, including many pathogenic races of Panama wilt-causing pathogens. An attempt has been made to recognize the mode of action of this antagonistic agent in in-vitro conditions, interaction between six Trichoderma strains and Foc race 4 was first investigated by dual plate culture method on PDA medium. This study revealed the potential of native strain KUVKU-TH02 for the biological control of Foc race 4 pathogen affected Malnad Rasbale cultivar in in-vivo conditions rather than native isolates KUVKU-TH01, KUVKU-TV01, and KUVKU-TV02. Observations revealed the lysis of hyphal ends in inhibited colonies of the fungal pathogen. Pure culture of isolated fungal strains incubated on Potato dextrose broth made a path to isolate DNA for identification and molecular characterization studies. Upon DNA sequencing native isolates sequences were deposited to NCBI genebank to gain accession IDs. The phylogenetic tree built showed the evolutionary relationship between the isolates and also the potency of native biocontrol isolates against procured isolates.
Self-assembly P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe 3+ photonic composites ink on cotton fabric for non-iridescent structure color
Authors: Qi Zhichuang , Chen Jingshan , Huang Zhangmi , Hu Chunyan , Liu Baojiang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Vat dyeing is the mainstream process of cotton fabric dyeing at present, but the high toxicity of the reducing agent and the high cost of dyeing waste liquid treatment make the process no longer meet the requirements of green and sustainable development of society. The photonic crystal structure color, which is made of nanoscale colloidal microspheres arranged in an orderly manner as structural units, is expected to be a new printing and dyeing technology, that provides a new way of thinking for dyeing cotton fabrics. However, the practical applications of photonic crystal structural colors on textile fabrics are hampered by their inadequate stability, muted color saturation, and weak mechanical properties. In this study, P(St-BA-MAA) nanospheres with a hard-core-soft-shell structure were prepared by soapless emulsion polymerization, and then P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ photonic composite inks were prepared by forming a dark-colored coating film on the surface of the microspheres through the complexation of gallic acid with Fe3+. It was found that the performance of the prepared P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ photonic composite ink was stable, and the dark metallic-polyphenol network film enabled the formation of vibrant non-iridescent structured colors on cotton fabrics, the soft shell of the seeded microspheres also significantly improved the adhesion between the ink and the fabrics, and the structural color fastness was greatly improved compared with the PS microspheres. The preparation of this photonic composite ink is facile, low-cost, and produces a bright color, providing practical value for the development of textile products that construct structural color effects on textile substrates.