bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of pattern quality with loss modulation: Applying plasmonic lithography in sub-20 nm technology node and beyond
Authors: Wei Yayi , Han Dandan , Ye Tianchun , Deng Sen 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Plasmonic lithography, which uses the evanescent electromagnetic (EM) fields to image beyond the diffraction limit, has been successfully demonstrated as a main candidate for recording integrated circuits (IC) with sub-10 nm resolution. However, as the feature size continuously down-scaling, the corresponding photoresist profile in general exhibits a very poor pattern fidelity due to the near-field optical proximity effect (OPE), far below the minimum requirement for nanofabrication. The importance of the near-field OPE formation and its minimization for nanodevice fabrication with high dense feature and fidelity necessitates a systematic study of the phenomenon and its origins. In this work, a point-spread function (PSF) generated by a plasmonic bowtie nanoridge aperture (BNA) is employed to account for all physical and chemical phenomena involved in the near-field patterning process. The achievable resolution of plasmonic lithography has successfully been enhanced to approximately 4 nm with numerical simulations. A field enhancement factor (F) as a function of gap size is defined to quantitatively evaluate the strong near-field enhancement effect excited by a plasmonic BNA, which also revels that the high enhancement of evanescent field is due to the strong resonant coupling between the plasmonic waveguide and the surface plasmon waves (SPWs). However, based on the investigation of the physical origin of the near-field OPE, and the theoretical calculations indicate that the evanescent-field-induced high-k information loss is the main optical contributor for the near-field OPE. Furthermore, an analytic formula is introduced to quantitatively analyze the effect of the rapidly decaying feature of the evanescent field on the final exposure pattern profile. Notably, a fast and effective optimization method based on the compensation principle of exposure dose is proposed to relax the pattern distortion by modulating the exposure map with dose leveling. The proposed pattern quality enhancement method can open new possibilities in the manufacture of nanostructures with ultrahigh pattern quality via plasmonic lithography, which would find potentially promising applications in high density optical storage, biosensors, plasmonic nanofocusing, and so forth.
Identification of stable sources of rate-reducing resistance to Septoria lactucae in lettuce germplasm
Authors: Perdomo David Nataren , Torres Tiago Bezerra , Santos Cleberly Evangelista , Cabral Cleia Santos , Reis Ailton , Boiteux Leonardo Silva 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Septoria leaf spot, caused by Septoria lactucae, is one of the major open-field diseases of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in tropical and subtropical regions. However, there are few available studies dealing with the identification of useful sources of resistance to this disease. Here, a genetically diverse collection of 42 lettuce accessions was evaluated for Septoria leaf spot reaction under open-field conditions (natural inoculum) during the rainy season. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications (16 plants each). Although no immunity-like source was detected, 21 accessions displayed superior levels of rate-reducing resistance with significant lower Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) values, encompassing seven accessions of the ‘Crispy green loose-leaf’, eight of the ‘Crispy purple loose-leaf’, two of the ‘Cos/Romaine’, two of the ‘Loose-leaf super crispy’, one accession of the ‘Butterhead’, and one accession of the ‘Iceberg’ morphotype. A subgroup of nine accessions with the highest levels of field resistance was also inoculated under greenhouse conditions with four S. lactucae isolates (collected in distinct geographic areas) in two assays at two distinct phenological stages. The cultivars ‘BRS Mediterrânea’ and ‘Vanda’ displayed lowest AUDPC values at the late vegetative/reproductive phenological phase. The remaining accessions displayed intermediate values of AUDPC, with the exception of the cultivar ‘Rubi’ (control), which exhibited moderate levels of susceptibility. The availability for lettuce breeding programs of genetic sources with higher and stable levels of resistance to S. lactucae will enable the development of more adapted commercial cultivars, increasing the sustainability of this crop across Neotropical regions.
Ultrasound-Based Nomogram for predicting the Risk of Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Authors: Duan Sensen , Wei Gang , Chen Songhao , Hu Xi’e , Bao Guoqiang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Although Prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection (CLND) can reduce thyroid cancer recurrence, it can also cause surgical complications. Previous studies examining this issue have focused on papillary thyroid carcinoma rather than papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and lacked external validation, thus limiting their clinical applications. In this research, we retrospectively assessed independent predictors to produce a nomogram that can quantify the risk of central compartment lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with PTMC to determine which patients should undergo CLND.
Objective
In this study, we intend to develop and validate a machine learning-based nomogram to predict the risk of central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and provide surgical recommendations to clinicians.
Methods
Patients with PTMC who received cervical lymph node biopsy at the Tangdu Hospital were included in the study sets. Demographic characteristics, ultrasonography results, and biochemical indicators were assessed. Multiple logistic regression was adopted as the basis for the nomogram. Concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate the nomogram’s distinguishability, accuracy, and clinical availability.
Results
In our univariate logistic regression analysis, young age, large tumor size, calcification, aspect ratio ≥ 1, multifocality, indistinct lymphatic hilus, high free thyroxine (FT4), and low thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were independent risk predictors for CLNM. Combining these predictors, the nomogram shows strong predictive capacity with C-index and accuracy of 0.784 and 0.713 in the training set and 0.779 and 0.709 in the validation set. DCA indicated that the nomogram had a well clinical application value.
Conclusions
We established a reliable, inexpensive, reproducible, and non-invasive preoperative prediction model that provides a potential tool for reducing the overtreatment of patients with PTMC.
MYOC/p.G367R mutation induces cell dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork and retina via impairment of the protein degradation mechanism
Authors: Zhu Yihua , Zhou Biting , Chen Xiaole , Yao Yihua , Zeng Yuping , Zhang Jingjin , Cao Zongfu , Ye Qin , Zhang Nanwen , Yang Juhua 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
MYOC mutations are the leading genetic causes of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We previously identified a recurrent Gly367Arg mutant myocilin (MYOC/p.G367R) associated with juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) in a large Chinese family, but the pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. The MYOC/p.G367R carrier presented a high intraocular pressure and typic POAG phenotype, including an open anterior angle, a thinning retina nerve fiber layer, and a tubular visual field. Trabecular meshwork (TM) cell lines (iHTMCs) and primary TM cells (pHTMCs) expressing wild-type or mutant (G367R) myocilin were constructed to further verify the disease-causing roles of MYOC/p.G367R mutation in the TM. The G367R mutant had no effect on cytoskeletal arrangement or fibronectin production. Consistently, the combination of G367R-myocilin with the chaperones Grp94 and CRYAB impaired the intracellular degradation mechanism and caused aggregation of myocilin in the ER. The excessive accumulation of mutated myocilin in the ER resulted in chronic ER stress, and apoptosis. Moreover, autophagy plays an essential role in regulating the pathogenesis of MYOC mutations. Rapamycin activated autophagy and decreased intracellular myocilin accumulation. Chloroquine inhibited autophagy and promoted intracellular myocilin retention, exacerbating ER stress and oxidative stress in TM cells. Meanwhile, the retinal cell line 661W was used to study the effect of MYOC/p.G367R mutation in retinal cells. Similar to TM cells, the autophagic activity of 661W cells expressing G367R-myocilin was inhibited. In addition, MYOC/p.G367R mutation induced mitochondrial dysfunction and promoted superoxide onion generation in 661W cells. Together, our findings suggest that G367R mutant myocilin induces cell dysfunction of the TM and retina through excessive intracellular accumulation of mutant myocilin caused by impairment of protein clearance mechanisms. Furthermore, autophagy may serve as a therapeutic target to promote the degradation of mutant myocilin and alleviate cell dysfunction.
Electronic and optical spectroscopic insights into 2.3.4-trimethyl pentane conformations by long-range corrected DFT calculations, experimental low frequency Raman and IR temperature sensitivity and scaled vibrational assignment
Authors: Hachim Mouhi Eddine , Sadik Karima , Byadi Said , Tebbaai Hajar , Hamdani Naoual El , Aboulmouhajir Aziz 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Conformational, spectroscopic and electronic behaviors of the 2.3.4-trimethyl pentane (2.3.4-TMP) molecule were carried out based on density functional theory DFT calculations with the long-range dispersion correction through CAM-B3LYP and WB97XD levels at aug-cc-pvtz basis set. Electronic properties of this molecule, such as HOMO-LUMO, molecular static polarizability, hyperpolarizability parameters, and molecular electrostatic surface potential (MEP) are also investigated. Deep and multiple spectroscopic investigations were used to characterize and differentiate between the stable conformers of 2.3.4-TMP. The experimental Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra were recorded. The spectral temperature sensitivity and scaled vibrational assignment for all the five lowest conformers A-E were carried out. A good correlation between experimental and calculated frequencies was observed with a standard deviation (RMS) of 4 cm-1 below 1500 cm-1 and 6 cm-1 for all other frequencies.1H and 13C NMR spectra were simulated using GIAO-WB97XD/aug-cc-pvtz in Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent, and the observed results agreed well with their experimental counterparts. Electronic transitions were analyzed using TD-WB97XD/aug-cc-pvtz simulated to have the UV-Vis spectra of the five conformers.
BejaGNN: Behavior-based Java Malware Detection via Graph Neural Network
Authors: Feng Pengbin , Yang Li , Lu Di , Xi Ning , Ma Jianfeng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

As a popular platform-independent language, Java is widely used in enterprise applications. In the past few years, language vulnerabilities exploited by Java malware have become increasingly prevalent, which cause threats for multi-platform. Security researchers continuously propose various approaches for fighting against Java malware programs. However, the presence of complex hidden techniques, such as code obfuscation, makes identifying complicated Java malware become challenging. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new approaches for resisting hidden techniques. In this paper, we present BejaGNN, a novel behavior-based Java malware detection method using static analysis, word embedding technique, and graph neural network. Specifically, BejaGNN leverages static analysis techniques to extract ICFGs from Java program files and then prunes these ICFGs to remove noisy instructions. Then, work embedding techniques are adopted to learn semantic representations for Java bytecode instructions. Finally, BejaGNN builds a graph neural network classifier to determine the maliciousness of Java programs. Experimental results on a public Java bytecode benchmark demonstrate that BejaGNN achieves high F1 98.8% and is superior to existing Java malware detection approaches, which verifies the promise of graph neural network in Java malware detection.
Statins suppress cell-to-cell propagation of α-synuclein by lowering cholesterol
Authors: Min Joo-Ok , Ho Hoang-Anh , Lee Wonjae , Jung Byung Chul , Park Sung Jun , Kim Seokjoong , Lee Seung-Jae 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Cell-to-cell propagation of protein aggregates has been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying mechanism and modulators of this process are not fully understood. Here, we screened a small-molecule library in a search for agents that suppress the propagation of α-synuclein and mutant huntingtin (mHtt). These screens yielded several molecules, some of which were effective against both α-synuclein and mHtt. Among these molecules, we focused on simvastatin and pravastatin. Simvastatin administration in a transgenic model of synucleinopathy effectively ameliorated behavioral deficits and α-synuclein accumulation, whereas pravastatin had no effect. Because only simvastatin enters the brain effectively, these results suggest that inhibition of brain cholesterol synthesis is important in simvastatin effects. In cultured cells, accumulation of intracellular cholesterol, induced by genetic ablation of the NPC1 gene or by pharmacological treatment with U18666A, increased α-synuclein aggregation and secretion. In contrast, lowering cholesterol using methyl-β-cyclodextrin or statins reversed α-synuclein aggregation and secretion in NPC1-knockout cells. Consistent with these observations, feeding a high-fat diet aggravated α-synuclein pathology and behavioral deficits in the preformed fibril-injected mouse model, an effect that was also reversed by simvastatin administration. These results suggest that statins suppress propagation of protein aggregates by lowering cholesterol in the brain.
Testicular cancer knowledge amongst Lebanese university students and the effect of a social media awareness campaign
Authors: Kanbar Anthony , Abdessater Maher , Khoury Joey El , Halabi Rami , Assaf Serge , Mina Anthony , Breidy Sabine , Awad Toufic , Khoury Raghid El 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in men between 15–40 years. Testicular self-examination (TSE) leads to early diagnosis. We aimed, in this study, to evaluate the knowledge among young Lebanese male university students concerning TC and their practice of TSE. We also evaluated the use of social media (SM) for an awareness campaign.
Methods
Using an online survey, we evaluated male students' knowledge at our university and the factors associated with increased knowledge and practice of TSE. Then we conducted an entirely virtual awareness campaign using social media and an awareness video and evaluated its effect.
Results
Only 14% (N=115) had previously received awareness about TC, and 31% (N=254) previously had a testicular examination by a healthcare professional (HCP). Risk factors were identified correctly by 13% (N=160). Factors that were associated with the increased practice of TSE were medical studies (OR = 8.55, CI [3.93-19.50]), previous awareness about TC (OR=3.35, CI [1.90-5.92]), and high TC knowledge score (OR=1.38, CI [1.07-1.77]). Higher knowledge scores were associated with studying for seven years (OR=1.93, CI [1.23-3.05]) or more (OR=1.55, CI [1.09-2.19]). After the awareness campaign, 70% of the student practiced TSE, 15% talked with their HCP about TC, and 43% transmitted knowledge to others. About 4.6% of students discovered that they have risk factors for TC. The median amount of knowledge learned by the students was 8 over 10 (IQR 7-9). Most students (90%) had a good experience using social media for awareness.
Conclusions
Young university students in Lebanon have poor knowledge about TC and its risk factors. TSE is poorly practiced in non-medical students, especially in the most concerned men with risk factors. Education about TC increases the practice of TSE. The use of social media is an effective method for awareness campaigns and can improve health-related practices.
Effects of Cross-linking of Rice Protein with Ferulic Acid on Digestion and Absorption of Ferulic Acid
Authors: Ling Xiao , Zhang Jiajia , Teng Jian-Wen , Huang Li , Xia Ning 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Though rice proteins have been applied to improve the stability of phenolic compounds, the effects of rice proteins on the digestibility and bioavailability of phenolic acid have not been clear. This study devoted to understanding the effects of protein interaction with ferulic acid on the digestion and absorption of ferulic acid in gastrointestinal environment. Ferulic acid were formed complexes with rice proteins with and without the presence of laccase at room temperature. It was found that rice protein could protect ferulic acid from degradation in simulated oral fluid and remain stable in gastrointestinal fluids. With the hydrolysis of pepsin and pancreatin, rice protein-ferulic acid complexes degraded and released ferulic acid in gastrointestinal environment. The DPPH scavenging activity digested rice protein-ferulic acid complexed was maintained while that of digested ferulic acid was significantly decreased. Moreover, the permeability coefficient of ferulic acid was not affected by rice peptides. Thus, rice protein is a promising food matrix to protect ferulic acid in digestion tract and maintain the antioxidant functions of ferulic acid.
Limitation of life-sustaining therapies in critically-ill patients with COVID-19: a descriptive epidemiological investigation from the COVID-ICU study
Authors: Giabicani Mikhael , Terrier Christophe Le , Poncet Antoine , Guidet Bertrand , Rigaud Jean-Philippe , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Mamzer Marie-France , Pugin Jérôme , Weiss Emmanuel , Bourcier Simon 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Limitations of life-sustaining therapies (LST) practices are frequent and vary among intensive care units (ICUs). However, scarce data were available during the COVID-19 pandemic when ICUs were under intense pressure. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, timing, modalities, and factors associated with LST decisions in critically-ill COVID-19 patients.
Methods: We did an ancillary analysis of the European multicentre COVID-ICU study, which collected data from 163 ICUs in France, Belgium and Switzerland. ICU load, a parameter reflecting stress on ICU capacities, was calculated at the patient level using daily ICU bed occupancy data from official country epidemiological reports. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to assess the association of variables with LST limitation decisions.
Results: Among 4671 severe COVID-19 patients admitted from February 25 to May 4, 2020, the prevalence of in-ICU LST limitations was 14.5%, with a nearly six-fold variability between centres. Overall 28-day cumulative incidence of LST limitations was 12.4%, which occurred at a median of 8 days (3–21). Median ICU load at the patient level was 126%. Age, clinical frailty score, and respiratory severity were associated with LST limitations, while ICU load was not. In-ICU death occurred in 74% and 95% of patients, respectively, after LST withholding and withdrawal, while median survival time was 3 days (1–11) after LST limitations.
Conclusions: Prevalence of LST limitations in critically-ill COVID-19 patients was similar to data reported pre-pandemic and not increased by stress on ICU capacities.
A machine learning model for flank wear prediction in face milling of Inconel 718
Authors: Banda Tiyamike , Liu Yu-chen , Farid Ali Akhavan , Lim Chin Seong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Optimization of flank wear width (VB) progression during face milling of Inconel 718 is challenging due to the synergistic effect of cutting parameters on the complex wear mechanisms and failure modes. The lack of quantitative understanding between VB and the cutting conditions limits the development of the tool life extension. In this study, a Gaussian kernel ridge regression was employed to develop the VB progression model for face milling of Inconel 718 using multi-layer physical vapor deposition-TiAlN/NbN coated carbide inserts with the input feature of cutting speed, feed rate, axial depth of cut, and cutting length. The model showed a root-mean-square error of 30.9 (49.7) µm and R2 of 0.93 (0.81) in full fit (5-fold cross-validation test). The statistics along with the cross-plot analyses suggested that the model had a high predictive ability. A new promising condition at the cutting speed of 40 m/min, feed rate of 0.08 mm/tooth, and axial depth of cut of 0.9 mm was designed and experimentally validated. The measured and predicted VB agreed well with each other. This model is thus applicable for VB prediction and optimization in the real face milling operation of Inconel 718.
The standardized muscle contractive stiffness is correlated to physical performance in hospitalized older adults
Authors: Tang Xinyi , Huang Li , Yue Jirong , Qiu Li 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Shear wave elastography (SWE) can quantify muscle stiffness to reflect the muscle quality, and we explored the application of SWE in assessing physical performance in hospitalized older adults.
Methods
A total of 98 older adults, including 55 men and 43 women, were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Short physical performance battery (SPPB) and time-up-and-go (TUG) test were used to evaluate physical performance, and a dynamic SWE imaging for the flexor digitorum superficialis in the process of using grip strength meter was documented. The peak strength and peak shear wave velocities (SWV) were recorded, and the ratio of peak SWV to peak strength was defined as the standardized muscle contractive stiffness.
Results
For men, the peak SWV was negatively correlated to SPPB scores (r=-0.351 to -0.448, all P < 0.01) and positively correlated to TUG time (r = 0.299 to 0.369, all P < 0.05), and the standardized muscle contractive stiffness was significantly negatively correlated to SPPB scores (r== -0.501 to -0.532, all P < 0.01) and positively correlated to TUG time (r = 0.424 to 0.462, all P < 0.01). For women, the peak SWV was not correlated to physical performance, and the standardized muscle contractive stiffness was correlated to the TUG time (r = 0.312 for Cmax and 0.310 for Cmean, both P < 0.05). Those participants with decreased physical performance had significant higher standardized muscle contractive stiffness in both men and women (all P < 0.05).
Conclusion
SWE can be applied in evaluating muscle function and the muscle contractive stiffness standardized by grip strength can be a potential indicator.