bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of direct-current (DC) plasma processing for high efficient steel surface modification
Authors: Wei Xinyang , Xu Fangda , Bennett Adam , Swan Julian , Pulsford Jamie , Chen Guoda , Yu Nan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Nowadays, direct-current (dc) non-transferred arc plasma torch has drawn significant interest from both academia and industry due to the capability to process products in an efficient and convenient way. The core of this technology is to clarify and manipulate the arc behavior at the interior of the torch and produces ideal plasma jets for processing. To solve this problem, a quasi-steady axisymmetric model is built to simulate and compare the arc characteristics in different operating conditions and different nozzle structures. The results uncover distinct aspects of the study on arc characteristics, including the detection of the region of primary arc attachment, the effect of changing operating conditions, and the choking effect caused by torch structure. The thermal efficiency focused on processing substrate is also calculated in this paper. The results show that increasing mass flow rate brings better thermal efficiency, whereas improving the arc current value causes the opposite result. Meanwhile, two types of nozzle are discussed by thermal efficiency, and the wide nozzle is chosen for torch optimization due to its high power efficiency. The secondary arc attachment on the metal substrate is discovered, but its effect on the processing could be ignored for the extremely low electric current value.
Survivable SFC deployment method based on federated learning in multi-domain networks
Authors: Qu Hua , Wang Ke , Zhao Jihong 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In the multi-domain network scenario, in order to improve the survivability of service function chain in the face of network failure, most methods solve this problem through virtual network function backup mechanism. However, the traditional multi-domain SFC deployment method lacks a SFC partition mechanism for backup resource consumption, and does not consider the isolation and privacy requirements between different network domains. In view of the above problems, this paper proposes a reliability partition scheme based on reinforcement learning in SFC partition stage, which can ensure that VNF is backed up while maintaining good load balance and low inter-domain transmission delay, and improve the reliability of SFC. Then, this paper proposes a VNF backup mechanism with minimum resource fluctuation in the VNF mapping stage, and uses the ILP model to determine the backup scheme of each VNF, so as to ensure the minimum fluctuation of resource occupancy of the entire network. Finally, this paper proposes a multi-domain SFC deployment and backup algorithm based on Federated learning (FA-MSDB). Each domain is trained locally to improve the load balance of node resources and reduce the transmission delay in the domain, the global and local models are updated periodically to deploy and backup VNF requests. The experimental results indicate that compared with other three version of FA-MSDB and other three benchmark algorithms, FA-MSDB can effectively improve the survival rate of SFC, reduce the overall transmission delay, and ensure good inter-domain and intra-domain load balance.
Development and Validation of a Ferroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Fang Jianguo , Wang Duojun , Liu Cai , Lin Zaijun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground As a natural process of aging, intervertebral disc degeneration is more prone to degeneration, with limited repair ability, which is closely related to ageing and excessive manual labor. The main manifestations include the formation of fissures in the annulus fibrosus, the reduction of water in the intervertebral disc, and the decrease of elasticity. However, the molecular mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration is still unclear. Methods In this study, key biomarkers in intervertebral disc degeneration were identified through bioinformatics. GSE70362 and GSE56081 were downloaded from the GEO database, and then the two datasets were differentially analyzed and validated for their expression, immune infiltration analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and potential drug prediction through the Connectivity Map (CMap) database. Results A total of 352 and 9815 differential genes were identified by GSE70362, GSE56081, respectively. The up-regulated and down-regulated genes of the two datasets were intersected with ferroptosis genes to obtain five key genes that were significantly correlated with immune cell content, namely AKR1C3, CKB, KRT19, MT1G and MUC1. The ROC results showed that the five core genes could well predict the occurrence and development of the disease. In addition, the results of CMap suggested that four drugs, including 1-Phenylbiguanide, LY-2183240, Flubendazole and Penciclovir, have the potential to reverse intervertebral disc degeneration. Conclusion Exploring the expression levels of five key genes in intervertebral disc degeneration is conductive to providing new ideas for the prevention and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Moreover, Flubendazole and Penciclovir have the potential to provide options for clinical treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
Does maternal oxygen administration during non-reassuring fetal status affect the umbilical artery gas measures and neonatal outcomes?
Authors: goda mayuko , Arakaki Tatsuya , Takita Hiroko , Tokunaka Mayumi , Hamada Shoko , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose:
To clarify whether maternal oxygen administration during vaginal delivery improves umbilical artery (UA) gas measurements and neonatal outcomes.
Methods:
Singleton pregnancies requiring operative vaginal delivery or emergency cesarean section (CS) due to non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS) during vaginal delivery at our hospital from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively investigated.
Intrapartum fetal wellbeing was evaluated based on the 5-tier fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern which is a delivery management method widely used in Japan. Operative vaginal deliveries or emergency CS were performed under integrated judgment in NRFS. Patients were divided into the oxygen group in which oxygen (10 L/min) was supplied by a facemask and the room air group. The umbilical artery (UA) gas measurements and neonatal outcomes were compared retrospectively. The oxygen administration was classified by conditions before and after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. As a secondary evaluation, stratification of FHR pattern levels was also examined.
Results:
A total of 250 patients required obstetric surgical delivery due to NRFS, including 140 (56%) and 110 (44%) in the oxygen and room air groups, respectively. No differences in maternal background factors were found between the oxygen and room air groups, except for maternal age. UA gas measurements and neonatal outcomes also showed no significant differences.
Conclusions:
Transmaternal oxygen administration for intrapartum NRFS did not affect neonatal cord blood gases and neonatal outcomes. Thus, routine oxygen administration for intrapartum NRFS may not always be necessary.
The Time and Grade of Hepatitis During and After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Use in 193 Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Survival Impact
Authors: Chi-Han Lin , Kuo Yung-Chia , Kuo Hsuan-Chih , Wang Ching-Ting , Lin Shi-Ming , Lee Chao-Wei Alan , Yu Ming-Chin , Lee Wei-Chen , Chen Chiao-Erh Cherry , Hsieh Jason Chia-Hsun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis often occurs after the initiation of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. The time and grade of hepatitis after ICI initiates and the prognostic role of immune-related hepatitis in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) remains unclear.
Methods: In this real-world analysis, we enrolled aHCC patients receiving ICIs, documented the highest level of liver enzymes during/after ICIs, and analyzed the survival impact of different hepatitis patterns.
Results: One hundred and ninety-three aHCC patients receiving ICIs were recruited. During ICIs, 88.6% of all patients experienced aspartate transaminase (AST) elevations (Grade III/IV: 7.8%). For alanine transaminase (ALT), 81.3% had elevated levels (Grade III/IV: 3.6%), and 41.5% of patients had elevated bilirubin levels (Grade 3/4: 6.7%). The median AST, ALT, and total bilirubin values significantly increased after ICI treatment initiated (all p < 0.001) and similarly, after excluding progressive disease ( p = 0.014, p = 0.002, p < 0.001). The median time of hepatitis occurrence is from the 4.0 th –15.9 th weeks. Multivariate analysis showed that patterns of liver enzyme change of AST and total bilirubin in patients receiving ICIs significantly correlate to overall survival (OS, p = 0.009 and 0.001, respectively). After ICI termination, patients with late elevated bilirubin ( p = 0.003) and AST ( p = 0.005) would indicate poor survival.
Discussion/ Conclusion: Hepatitis patterns in patients with aHCC under ICI therapy can predict OS. Close monitoring of hepatitis could help to promptly predict the outcomes of patients receiving ICIs.
Robust, practical and comprehensive analysis of soft compression image coding algorithms for big data
Authors: Xin Gangtao , Fan Pingyi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
With the advancement of intelligent vision algorithms and devices, image reprocessing and secondary propagation are becoming increasingly prevalent. A large number of similar images are being produced rapidly and widely, resulting in the homogeneity and similarity of images. Moreover, it brings new challenges to compression systems, which need to exploit the potential of deep features and side information of images. However, traditional methods are incompetent for this issue. Soft compression is a novel data-driven image coding algorithm with superior performance. Compared with existing paradigms, it has distinctive characteristics: from hard to soft, from pixels to shapes, and from fixed to random. Soft compression may hold promise for human-centric/data-centric intelligent systems, making them efficient and reliable and finding potential in metaverse and digital twins, etc. In this paper, we present a comprehensive and practical analysis of soft compression, revealing the functional role of each component in the system.
PTSD Specific Deficits in Default Mode Network Strength: At Baseline and Following Experimental Stress
Authors: Averill Christopher L. , Averill Lynnette A. , Akiki Teddy J. , Fouda Samar , Krystal John H. , Abdallah Chadi G. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Reductions in default mode (DMN) connectivity strength have been reported in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the specificity of DMN connectivity deficits in PTSD compared to major depressive disorder (MDD), and the sensitivity of these alterations to acute stressors are not yet known. 52 participants with primary diagnosis of PTSD (n = 28) or MDD (n = 24) completed resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging immediately before and after a mild affective stressor. A 2x2 design was conducted to determine the effects of group, stress, and group*stress on DMN connectivity strength. Exploratory analyses were completed to identify the brain region(s) underlying the DMN alterations. We found 13% reduction in DMN strength in PTSD compared to MDD (p = 0.04). There was significant group*stress interaction (p = 0.03), reflecting stress-induced reduction in DMN strength in PTSD (p = 0.02), but not MDD (p = 0.50). Nodal exploration of connectivity strength in the DMN identified regions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the precuneus contributing to DMN connectivity deficits. The findings indicate distinct, disease-specific, patterns of connectivity strength reduction in the DMN in PTSD, especially following an experimental stressor. The identified stress-induced dynamic shift in functional connectivity underscores the potential utility of the DMN connectivity and raises the question whether these disruptions are inversely affected by antidepressants known to treat both MDD and PTSD psychopathology.
SPATS2 is correlated with cell cycle progression and immune cells infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yan Jia , Lin Jing , Deng Xiu ling , Wang Changshan , Wang Hai sheng 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The spermatogenesis associated serine rich 2 (SPATS2) is a member of RNA-binding protein in which the abnormal expression is linked with carcinogenesis in serval types of cancer. However, there is no systematic study on the differential expression, prognostic significance, epigenetic regulation, immune infiltration of SPATS2 in HCC. In the present study, we investigated the expression, prognosis, epigenetic regulation, and immune cell infiltration of SPATS2 in HCC. We found that the elevated expression of SPATS2 was unfavorably associated with the clinical pathological stage and prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that SPATS2 associated with cell cycle, apoptosis and cancer cell metastasis processes in HCC. Our results confirmed that knockdown of SPATS2 will affect cell cycle, apoptosis and invasion of HCC cell lines. Moreover, the expression of SPATS2 is upregulated by epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, m6A and histone modification in HCC. In addition, SPATS2 expression was positively correlated with immune cell or gene markers of immune infiltration in HCC. Taken together, our data demonstrated that SPATS2 was associated with progression and immune infiltration, and could serve as a prognostic biomarker for HCC. In conclusion, these results highlight the potential of SPATS2 to be used as a therapeutic target for HCC.
Isolation of Enterococcus faecium and determination of its mechanism for promoting the growth and development of Drosophila
Authors: Li Yujuan , Pan Lei , Gao Yongheng , Gao Fuguo , Wang Lei , Chen Jian , Li Pengcheng , Li Zhichao , Gong Yumei , Jin Faguang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Intestinal symbiotic microorganisms have a strong capacity to regulate the physiological functions of their host, and Drosophila serves as a useful model. Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) is a member of the normal intestinal flora of animals. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as E. faecium can promote the growth and development of Drosophila, but the mechanism of regulation of Drosophila is poorly understood. In this study, we found that E. faecium used a carbon source to produce probiotic acids. E. faecium is a symbiotic bacterium for Drosophila, and adult flies passed on parental flora to offspring. E. faecium promoted the growth and development of Drosophila, especially under poor nutritional conditions. E. faecium shortened the developmental process for Drosophila and accelerated the transformation from larva to pupa. Finally, E. faecium promoted the growth and development of Drosophila through TOR and insulin signalling pathways.
Neuron-derived exosomes trigger a PD-L1-mediated broad suppression of T cells in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Zhichun , Xu Chongchong , Li Guanglu , Wen Zhexing , Liu Jun , Mao Zixu 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Adaptive immunity plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Multiple lines of evidence indicate a significant decrease in peripheral T cells in PD patients. Although this suppression impacts both overall immune and neuroimmune response in Parkinson’s disease, there is currently no mechanistic explanation for this important phenomenon reported by many clinical studies.
Methods
The exosomes were isolated from culture media of cell lines overexpressing α-synuclein A53T mutant (A53T-syn), plasma of transgenic mouse expressing A53T-syn, and dopaminergic neuron-specific organoid derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of familial PD patients carrying A53T-syn mutation (termed neuron-derived exosomes or NDEs). Western blot was used to measure the expressions of exosome markers and transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the morphology of purified exosomes. The CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were purified from mouse spleen using a negative selection method and the effects of NDEs on the cytokines production, activation, and proliferation of purified CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Purified naïve CD4 + T cells were used to examine the effects of NDEs on CD4 + T cell differentiation.
Results
Exosomes derived from all three sources suppressed IL-4 and INF-γ production by both purified CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and inhibited T cell activation and proliferation. The suppressed phenotype of T cells induced by NDEs was accompanied by a reduction of Th1-promoting transcription factor T-bet and Th2-promoting transcription factor GATA-3 in T cells. Consistently, NDEs isolated from plasma of A53T-syn mice and dopaminergic neuron-specific organoid carrying A53T-syn mutation also suppressed Th1 and Th2 differentiation of naïve CD4 + T cells. Mechanistically, the suppressed phenotype induced by NDEs isolated from PD models was associated with altered programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) level in T cells. Blocking PD-L1 with an anti-PD-L1 antibody or a small molecule inhibitor BMS-1166 reversed T cell suppression induced by A53T-syn exosomes.
Conclusions
Our study reveals the key role of neuron-derived exosomes in mediating the broad suppression of T cells observed in PD and provides the basis for exploring peripheral T cells in PD pathogenesis and as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the disease.
Rapid Prototyping of High-resolution Large Format Microfluidic Device Through Maskless Image Guided In-situ Photopolymerization
Authors: Paul Ratul , Zhao Yuwen , Coster Declan , Qin Xiaochen , Islam Md Khayrul , Wu Yue , Liu Yaling 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Microfluidic devices have been widely used in mechanical, biomedical, chemical, and materials research. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important to have a cheap, fast, and reliable method for rapid microfabrication. However, prototyping of microfluidic devices typically suffers from the high initial cost, low resolution, rough surface finish, and long turn-around time. Here we present a strategic approach to closed-loop control of deterministic fabrication process based on in-situ image analysis called image-guided in-situ maskless lithography (IGIs-ML). Using the closed-loop control along with flush-flow functionality and leveraging the swelling behavior of the photocurable polymer, we demonstrate the fabrication of sub-micron high aspect ratio channels (800 nm width and >10 µm height) close to the light diffraction limit. This outperforms any reported rapid prototyping platforms which can typically reach tens of µm in channel width. Such dimensional capability is even comparable to some of the most advanced fabrication methods currently available. Dynamic image analysis simultaneously provides superior repeatability of densely packed patterns across a large area and multiple devices. A general and robust approach is established to fabricate a wide variety of microfluidic devices. This resolves the critical over-curing issues and size limitations in rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices, enabling affordable and reliable exploration of design space beyond the resolution of traditional photolithography.
Spatial analysis of factors associated with subnational HIV prevalence among female adults aged 15-49 years in Cameroon, 2004-2018
Authors: Sui Zhining , Liu Xiaoyun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the world’s most serious health and development burdens and it is one of the most common causes of death in Cameroon. Women appear to be more vulnerable to HIV infection than men. Given that the women specific HIV/AIDS research literature is lacking in Cameroon, this study applied spatial random effects based on subnational regions to provide more accurate estimates on female HIV prevalence and related risk factors in Cameroon.
Methods
This study estimates trends in female HIV prevalence for 12 subnational regions in Cameroon using DHS surveys from 2004, 2011, and 2018. Direct weighted estimates of the female HIV prevalence from each survey are calculated for each region across 7-year periods. The region-specific estimates are smoothed using a Bayesian model to produce estimates that are more precise than the direct estimates for small areas. The data is fitted to both a non-spatial multivariate logistic model and a spatial random effect intrinsic conditional autoregressive (ICAR) model.
Results
After spatially smoothing, the subnational HIV prevalence among women have decreased consistently from 2004 to 2018, except for unexpected increments in North, South, and Douala in 2011. Also, the variations in the female HIV prevalence across regions decreased from 2004 to 2018. The non-spatial logistic analysis revealed that age, marital status, education attainment, and wealth quintile were significantly associated with the risk of being infected by HIV. According to the spatial analysis, the associations between HIV infection risk and both marital status and education attainment were generally consistent with the results from the non-spatial analysis. There was no generalizable pattern of the effects of age group, wealth quintile, employment, sexual activity, number of sexual partners, the presence of a STI or its symptoms in the past 12 month, and knowledge of HIV prevention methods over time.
Conclusions
The small-area estimates of female HIV prevalence can be used to identify regions where HIV prevention methods are required and prioritized. The change in effects of some risk factors over time are evaluated to decide the targeted population that requires reinforced interventions. Finally, more work can be done to improve the quality of dataset as well as the models proposed.
A case of an adolescent with antiphospholipid syndrome and persistently high PF4 levels with recurrent late thrombotic complications after mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
Authors: Haga Yoichi , Ohara Akira , Yakuwa Tsuneyoshi , Yamashita Akari , Udo Midori , Matsuoka Masaki , Yasumoto Atsushi , Takahashi Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease causing arteriovenous thrombosis in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Pediatric APS develops at less than 18 years of age. Various factors exacerbate pediatric APS. Herein, we report a case of a patient with pediatric APS who developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 6 months after second vaccination due to persistent platelet activation caused by exacerbation of APS after administration of the BNT162b2 vaccine.
Case presentation: A 17-year-old female developed DVT at the age of 6 years. She had no family history of thrombophilia. The thrombus was found in the right common iliac vein to the inferior vena cava, with concomitant left pulmonary infarction. After treatment with warfarin, the pulmonary infarction resolved, but the thrombus from the right common iliac vein to the inferior vena cava became organized and remained until now. The patient was treated with anticoagulants for 6 years after the onset of DVT and then without treatment for 5 years without recurrence of thrombosis. The first dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine was administered 1 week before a routine outpatient visit. However, PF4 levels were elevated after vaccination and even after 5 months, but without thrombotic symptoms. A second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine was administered; 6 months later, the patient developed recurrent deep vein thromboembolism in the right common iliac vein and was treated with direct oral anticoagulants.
Conclusions: The persistence of high PF4 levels after vaccination in a patient with DVT may indicate an association between the vaccine and DVT due to the exacerbation of APS by the BNT162b2 vaccine. After vaccination of patients with a predisposition to thrombosis, the state of coagulation, including platelet activation markers, should be monitored to prevent the development of DVT.