bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graphene Oxide: Comparisons between Experimental and Computational Simulation of HR-TEM Images
Authors: Prias John , Mendoza Luis Mejía , Velasco Mónica , Perea Jose , Aspuru-Guzik Alán , Minoli Cesar Acosta 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) has been extensively employed in a wide range of applications, from flexible electronics to energy storage. However, an attempt to relate experimental and computational simulations of HR-TEM images has not been explored from an atomistic approach. This work conducted comparisons between experimental and computational simulations of HR-TEM images in GO, using molecular dynamics simulations and a many-body potential. We designed a heating-quenching procedure in a thermodynamic region to study a sample of 7,479 atomic arrangements produced at different densities, quench rates, and using graphene unit cells as precursor structures. The HR-TEM experiments were carried out at 5-nm scale. All simulated samples were numerically characterized through the calculation of the free volumes, surface areas, radial distribution functions, and structure factors. We found particularly useful how the reactive potential energy could disorder the GO structure. It was possible to identify the atomistic pattern formations of hydroxyl and epoxy bridges in GO. The experimental and simulated electron diffraction patterns exhibited polycrystalline structures with interactions of first and second neighbours, and a 64.68% coincidence between standard deviations/mean relations obtained from histogram analysis. These results suggest that our calculus, based on reactive potential, is compatible with available experimental data and potential applications of high-performance GO materials in electronics. In such case, our calculus is a reliable choice to produce GO structures with low computational cost.
Understanding Impacts of Chemistry on Oxidation of FeCrAl Alloys
Authors: Roy Indranil , Abouelella Hamdy , Umretiya Rajnikant V , Roychowdhury Subhrajit , Feng Bojun , Ravi Sandipp Krishnan , Ghosh Sayan , Rebak Raul B , Ruscitto Daniel M , Gupta Vipul , Hoffman Andrew 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Traditionally, FeCrAl alloys played an important role in high-temperature applications due to their ability to form a passive Al oxide film at temperatures above ~800°C. Recently, FeCrAl alloys became of interest for the application of accident tolerant nuclear fuel cladding. This study covers work done at GE Research for better understanding the role of Al, Cr, and Mo in oxidation kinetics and thermodynamics. Several models and commercial prototype alloys have been tested in hydrothermal corrosion autoclave loops, at low temperature steam exposure (~400°C), high temperature steam exposure (~1000°C or higher), and high temperature air exposures. The results provide insights on how chromium and aluminum play a significant role in both high temperature and low temperature oxidation of FeCrAl. Additionally, machine learning tools are used to gain further insights on both predicting future optimized chemistries for balancing the properties of hydrothermal corrosion, low and high temperature steam oxidation, and thermal aging (which is exacerbated due to radiation in a nuclear reactor environment). GE plans to use this framework to further optimize the FeCrAl alloy system for use in nuclear reactor environments.
Identifying the Role of NUDCD1 in Human Tumors from Clinical and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Han Bin , He Jinsong , Li Yuanting , Chen Qing , Yuan Min , Zeng Xi , Zeng Yan , He Meibo , Feng Dan , Ma Daiyuan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Cancer is a major public health condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality. NUDCD1 (NudC domain-containing 1) is abnormally activated in multiple tumors and has been identified as a cancer antigen. But there is still no pan-cancer analysis available for NUDCD1 in human cancers.
Methods
The role of NUDCD1 across multiple tumors was explored using data from the public databases including HPA, TCGA, GEO, GTEx, TIMER2, TISIDB, UALCAN, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, GSCA and so on.
Results
NUDCD1 was highly expressed in most tumors and its levels were associated with the prognosis of cancer patients. Multiple genetic and epigenetic features of NUDCD1 exist in different cancers such as uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma or kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma. NUDCD1 was associated with expression levels of recognized immune checkpoints (anti-CTLA-4) and immune infiltrates (e.g., CD4 + and CD8 + T cells) in some cancers. Moreover, NUDCD1 correlated with the CTRP and GDSC drug sensitivity and acted as a link between chemicals and cancers. The functional mechanisms of NUDCD1 included RNA metabolism- and protein processing-associated functions. Importantly, NUDCD1-related genes were enriched in several tumors (e.g., COAD, STAD and ESCA) and affected apoptosis, cell cycle and DNA damage cancer-related pathways. Furthermore, expression, mutation and copy number variations for the gene sets were also associated with prognosis.
Conclusions
NUDCD1 was involved in diverse biological processes and it influenced the occurrence and development of cancers through diverse underlying mechanism. This first pan-cancer analysis for NUDCD1 provides a comprehensive understanding about its roles across various cancer types.
Comparative analysis of repetitive DNA in Phaseolus beans and its impact on the karyotype evolution of the dysploid Leptostachyus group
Authors: Ferraz Maria Eduarda , Ribeiro Tiago , Nascimento Thiago , Sader Mariela , Pedrosa-Harand Andrea 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Structural karyotype changes result from ectopic recombination events frequently associated to repetitive DNA. Although most Phaseolus species have 2n = 22 and a relatively stable karyotype, the species cytogenetically studied so far that belong to the Leptostachyus group, as P. leptostachyus and P. macvaughii, show high rates of rearrangements, including a nested chromosome fusion which led to the dysploid chromosome number of the group (2n = 20). In this study, aiming to test the role of the repetitive landscape in the rearrangements of the Leptostachyus group, we used genome skimming to characterize the repeatome of a range of Phaseolus species in comparison to P. leptostachyus and P. macvaughii. LTR retrotransposons, especially the Ty3/gypsy lineage Chromovirus, were the most abundant elements in the genomes. Remarkable diferences in the abundance of Tekay, Retand and SIRE between P. macvaughii and P. leptostachyus reflected in the total amount of Ty3/gypsy and Ty1/copia in both species. The satellite DNA fraction was the most divergent among species, varying both in abundance and distribution even between P. leptostachyus and P. macvaughii. The rapid turnover of repeats in the Leptostachyus group might be associated with the several rearrangements observed in the group.
Fault Diagnosis for A Class of Nonlinear Systems Based on Reinforcement Learning and Deterministic Learning
Authors: Zhu Zejian , Wu Weiming , Chen Tianrui , Wang Cong 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper a novel fault diagnosis (FD) approach combing the rein-forcement learning (RL) and the deterministic learning theory (DLT)is proposed for a class of discrete-time nonlinear system with unknowndynamics. First, a bank of DLT-based dynamical neural network (NN)identifiers are utilized to achieve locally-accurate approximations ofthe unknown system dynamics along the normal and fault trajecto-ries. Based on this, a novel feature learning method combing the RLwith DLT is proposed to further adapt the NN weights to extract dis-criminative features. The extracted features are represented by constant NNs. Finally, constant NN-based dynamical estimators are constructedto achieve rapid FD. The novelties of the proposed methods are: 1)according to the DLT, the exponential convergence of the NN weightscan be rigorously analysed based on the Lyapunov stability theory;2) a new class of strategic utility function is designed based on theconcept of the synchronization error in DLT-based dynamical pat-tern recognition approach, which is different from other RL-based FDtechniques that penalise the future wrong FD decisions. Simulationresults shows the practical significance of the proposed FD method.
Beauty and the Beast: multiple effects of wild boar rooting on butterfly microhabitat
Authors: Labadessa Rocco , Ancillotto Leonardo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Wild boar is among the most abundant ungulates in Europe and its spread is locally creating concerns as a major threat to biodiversity conservation. However, through their rooting activity, wild boars could play an effective role in the creation of specific microhabitat resources for plants and animals. Here, we tested the hypothesis that wild boar affects the habitat suitability to threatened butterflies, by evaluating the influence of rooting on multiple key aspects of the biology and ecology of the Mediterranean endemic Zerynthia cassandra. Namely, we used Z. cassandra as a model to test the effects of wild boar rooting on adult foraging opportunities, host plant occurrence, and oviposition site selection. We found that herbaceous communities disturbed by wild boar rooting have a higher proportion of plants representing nectar resources for early-flying butterflies. We also discovered that wild boar rooting positively influences the occurrence and abundance of the larval host plant of Z. cassandra, as well as the butterfly site selection for egg-laying. Our results indicate that wild boars may locally prove beneficial to endangered butterflies by favoring habitat quality and availability, and their role as ecosystem engineers should thus be further investigated to improve species and habitat management and conservation actions.
Ageing Study and Solvent Resistance of a Polypropylene and Organoclay Nanocomposite
Authors: Bendjaouahdou Chaouki 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The objective of this research was to study the influence of thermal ageing and solvent resistance of a polypropylene (PP) and organoclay (OMMT) composite. This reinforced composite is a nanocomposite material and is generally used for the fabrication of automobile components and in the house construction parts. The loading of the organoclay was 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 wt %. The composites were prepared by calendering followed by melt extrusion and subjected to mechanical testing, thermal ageing, solvent (toluene) resistance and optical microscopy observations. The results obtained showed that, before thermal aging, at 3 wt % OMMT loading, the tensile strength and hardness are maximal and the elongation at break is minimal. After thermal aging, at 5 wt % organoclay loading, the tensile strength is maximal and the elongation at break is minimal. The resistance towards toluene dissolution is maximal at 3 wt % of OMMT loading. The optical microscopy indicates the apparition of cracks at the interfaces broken samples and debonded organoclay agglomerates from polypropylene matrix induced by thermal ageing.
Negative frequency dependent prey selection by two generalist predators and its implications for the conservation of a threatened rodent in arid Australia
Authors: Sheldon Elizabeth L. , Feit Benjamin , Feit Anna , Letnic Mike 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Unprecedented anthropogenic changes to biodiversity and biogeography demand a greater understanding of the consequences of altered faunal composition for ecosystem functioning. Selective predation has important, yet poorly understood effects on ecosystem stability, and can be strongly influenced by the relative frequencies of different prey types in the environment. Yet, how predators adjust their selection for prey according to their environmental frequency is often overlooked. Here, we assessed frequency dependent selection of prey by dingoes and foxes in the Australian desert, biannually, across a nine-year period (2007-2016). Both predators exhibited potentially destabilizing, negative frequency dependent selection for prey. Foxes persisted to preferentially consume a threatened, native rodent (Notomys fuscus) when it was environmentally scarce. Bolstered by the observation that N.fuscus occurs at low densities in areas where foxes are common, our results suggest that N.fuscus is particularly vulnerable to predation by this predator; possibly because it is naïve and/or lacks adaptations to avoid or escape predation by the relatively recently introduced fox. Dingoes tended to consume reptiles when they were scarce; potentially constituting a conservation concern if selected reptilian taxa are threatened. Foxes avoided, thus were unlikely to control populations of overabundant kangaroos, while, both foxes and dingoes showed a preference for, and may therefore potentially control populations of invasive rabbits. The integration of our results into the relative suites of (de)stabilizing influences exerted by dingoes and foxes is important to provide a more dynamic insight into how each predator impacts their naturally fluctuating ecosystems.
Design of a Novel Recombinant Protein Vaccine Based on BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of SARS-CoV-2: An immunoinformatic and structural approach
Authors: Atapour Amir , Golestan Ali , Javadi Parisa , Jamali Kazem , Dashti Maryam Fadaie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Currently, many efforts have been made against Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) as a global outbreak. So far, several vaccines with different platforms are available in the market. Various variants of the SAR-CoV-2 virus have evolved over time. The emergence of variant of Concerns (VOCs), especially new subvariants of BA.4 and BA.5, which can neutralize the effect of current vaccines. Therefore, in this study, we used the bioinformatics approach to design an effective novel candidate vaccine against Variant of Concern (VOC) of COVID-19 (B.1.1.529 or Omicron) based on Spike (S1_ receptor-binding domain or RBD) protein sequence. Here, we employed bioinformatics tools to design a novel fusion protein construct containing the mutant sequence of Omicron Spike_S1_RBD region (as target antigen) and amino acid sequence of human β-defensin-2 as adjuvant molecule. Then, the mutant RBD and β-defensin-2 amino acid sequences were joined together by the suitable linker and novel vaccine construct was designed. Subsequently, immunological and structural evaluations such as antigenicity, allergenicity, physicochemical properties, 3D modeling, molecular docking, and fast flexibility simulations, immune responses simulation as well as in silico cloning were performed. Immunological and structural computational data showed that designed vaccine construct potentially has proper capacity for inducing immune responses against BA.4/5 subvariant of Omicron. Based on the preliminary results, in vitro and in vivo experiments are required for validation in the future.
Racial Effects on Masimo Pulse Oximetry: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Barker Steven J. , Wilson William C. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
PURPOSE: Recent publications have suggested that pulse oximeters exhibit reduced accuracy in dark-skinned patients during periods of hypoxemia. Masimo SET® (Signal Extraction Technology®) has been designed, calibrated, and validated using nearly equal numbers of dark and light skinned subjects, with the goal of eliminating differences between pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) values due to skin pigmentation. The accuracy concerns reported in dark-skinned patients led us to perform a retrospective analysis of healthy Black and White volunteers.METHODS: Seventy-five subjects who self-identified as being racially Black or White underwent a desaturation protocol where SaO2 values were decreased from 100% to 70%, while simultaneous SpO2 values were recorded using Masimo RD SET® sensors.RESULTS: Statistical bias difference (mean error) and precision (standard deviation of error) were -0.20 + 1.40% for Black and -0.05 + 1.35% for White subjects. Plots of SpO2 versus SaO2 appear nearly identical for both races throughout the saturation range from 70% to 100%. Box plots grouped in 1% saturation bins, from 89-96%, and plotted against concomitant SaO2 values, show that occult hypoxemia (SaO2 < 88% when SpO2 = 92-96%) occurred in only 0.2% of White subject data pairs, but not in any Black subjects. CONCLUSIONS: There were no clinically significant differences in bias (mean difference of SpO2-SaO2) found between Black and White subjects. Occult hypoxemia was rare and did not occur in Black subjects. Masimo RD SET® is highly accurate and can be used with equal assurance in people with dark or light skin.
Clinical presentation and associated factors of lower limb chronic venous insufficiency at a tertiary hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Komurembe Elizabeth , Kabweru Wilberforce , Majeme Peter , Odongo Robert , Magala John Paul 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Lower limb chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disorder associated with sequelae of changes that lead to varicose veins and skin trophic changes. There is limited data on potential associated factors from representative studies yet its burden and impact on the quality of life is quite significant. We evaluated the clinical presentation and associated factors of lower limb CVI among patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 104 consecutive participants with CVI aged ≥ 18 years attending the outpatient clinics of MNRH. Limbs of participants with history of surgery pertaining to CVI were excluded. We recorded information on demographics, relevant medical history, symptoms, lifestyle and clinical presentation. We described CVI using the clinical and anatomical components of the clinical-etiologic-anatomical and pathophysiologic (CEAP) scale. Data was analyzed at both bivariate and multivariate levels using Stata version 14.1
Results
Altogether, 104 participants were enrolled with a male: female ratio of 2:1, age range of 18 to 85 years and median age of 43 years. The commonest venous symptoms included; venous pain (96.2%), sensation of swelling (93.3%) and heaviness (79.8%). Of the 146 affected limbs, CEAP clinical class included; C0:59.6%, C1:40.4%, C2:80.8%, C3:88.5%, C4:73.1%, C5:30.8%, C6:51.9%. The anatomical class identified superficial veins in 138 (90.5%), deep veins in 46 (29.7%) and perforator veins in 122 (79.7%) affected limbs. Men had significantly higher proportions of skin trophic changes 88.7% vs 63.6% (p = 0.003) while females had significantly higher proportions of venous symptoms compared to men 57.6% vs 32.4% (p = 0.015). All participants with a smoking history had skin changes. Obese and overweight patients had higher proportions for venous symptoms 13 (54.2%) and 14(50%) respectively as compared to those who had a normal BMI 14(28.6%).
Conclusions
Most participants are symptomatic with advanced disease, young and predominantly male. Males had 4.5 times higher odds of having skin changes as compared to females. Although some associated factors such as age, gender are immutable, others can be modified, such as physical activity, cigarette smoking.
An Augmented Classical Least Squares Method for Solving Fuzzy Systems with Linear Equations
Authors: SEMMOURI Abdellatif , Jourhmane Mostafa 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Fuzzy sets theory is a newly emerging mathematical framework to deal with uncertainty problems. Thus, systems of linear equations with vagueness of some parameters play a major role in a large proportion of areas including economics, finance, engineering science and physics. The main purpose of this paper is to compute an approximate solution for the fuzzy systems of linear equations (FSLE) using the least squares method. For simplifying the presentation of the proposed approach, the triangular fuzzy numbers are considered both in algebraic and the parametric forms. According to the first form, the proposed method consists to transform a $n\times n$ fuzzy linear into $3n\times 3n$. Next, the second form requires a transformation into $2n\times 2n$.\\Finally, we illustrate our results via numerical experiments. Effectively, we provide an application of FSLE in economic field. Secondly, we investigate the same fuzzy model in a circuit analysis.
Postoperative Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Alterations After Carotid Body Tumor Excision: A Retrospective Study of 108 Cases
Authors: Chen Si , Xu Jingjing , Gu Guangchao , Zhang Yuelun , Zhang Jiao , Zheng Yuehong , Huang Yuguang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Arising from chemoreceptor cells, carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neoplasms associated with hemodynamics. Postoperative changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) are not completely understood.
Methods
This retrospective, observational, controlled study included all CBT patients from 2013 to 2018 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Postoperative changes in BP/HR within or between unilateral/bilateral/control groups were investigated. Perioperative details across Shamblin types were also assessed.
Results
This study included 108 patients (116 excised CBTs). The postoperative systolic BP and HR increased in both unilateral and bilateral CBT patients compared with the preoperative measures. Compared with control group, the postoperative systolic BP increased (difference in the alteration = 6.3, 95% CI 3.5 ~ 9.0, p < 0.001) in unilateral CBT patients; both systolic BP (difference in the alteration = 9.2, 95% CI 1.1 ~ 17.3, p = 0.027) and HR (difference in the alteration = 5.3, 95% CI 1.0 ~ 9.6, p = 0.016) increased in bilateral CBT patients. More CBT patients required extra antihypertensive therapy after surgery than controls (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.14 ~ 5.5, p = 0.024). Maximum tumor diameter, intraoperative vascular injury, continuous vasoactive agent requirement, total fluid volume/transfusion, estimated blood loss, operation duration, postoperative pathology, overall complications, and intensive care unit/hospital lengths of stay significantly varied among Shamblin types.
Conclusions
CBT excision may be associated with subtle postoperative hemodynamic changes. Perioperative management of CBT patients necessitates careful assessment, full preparation and close postoperative monitoring.