bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Near-fault Pulse-type Ground Motions on High-speed Railway Simply Supported Bridge and Pulse Parameter Analysis
Authors: Zhou Tuo , Jiang Lizhong , Xiang Ping , Lai Zhipeng , Zhang Yuntai , Liu Xiang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Based on an innovative high-speed railway simply supported bridge (HSRSSB) model, this paper conducts the investigation of potential influence of near-fault pulse-type ground motions on a 49-span HSRSSB. To obtain target conclusion, 85 original records of near-fault pulse-type ground motions are collected and are imposed on the simulation model as excitation, dynamic responses including girder displacement, rail displacement, pier moment, bearing deformation, and residual displacement are gathered as well. Linear regression analysis reveals the relationship between dynamic response results mentioned above and intensity measures (IMs). Moreover, 6 typical ground motions are chosen from the 85 records as prototype for pulse parameter analysis. Through the artificial ground motions synthesis, the effects of parameters consisted with pulse amplitude, pulse period, and pulse number on HSRSSB are investigated and discussed. It is concluded that responses of HSRSSB are sensitive to acceleration-type IMs and have the strongest linear relationship with spectral IMs at fundamental period of structure. For pulse parameter, the HSRSSB dynamic responses show positive correlation relationship with pulse amplitude, but negative correlation with pulse period.
Predicting Outcome Of Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using STONE Nephrolithometry Score – A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Sigdel Bidhan , Shrestha Samir , Maskey Pukar 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective: To predict stone free rate and complication rate following mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (m-PCNL) using STONE nephrolithometry score.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Patan Hospital. All the patients undergoing m-PCNL were included. The cases were conducted in prone position, single tract less than 18 french was made and pneumatic lithotripsy was done. Stone free rates were assessed with plain X-ray kidney, ureter and bladder (X-ray KUB) at first post-operative day or at 15 days follow up. Complication within 30 days were graded using modified Clavien grading.Results: Total of 106 patients were included in the final analysis. The overall stone free rate was 83%. Among the individual variables, only staghorn calculus was associated with residual stone (p = 0.007). Patients who were rendered stone free had statistically significant lower STONE score than those with residual stone (p <0.001). The complication rate was 23%, majority were Clavien grade I complications. Higher STONE score had greater risk of having complications but was not statistically significant (p = 0.11).Conclusion: STONE nephrolithometry score can predict stone complexity pre-operatively and subsequent stone free status and thus helps in pre-operative surgical planning and counseling for possible outcomes following m-PCNL.
Toxoplasma and Toxocara Seroprevalence in children and adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Its relation to disease activity and Type of Therapies: Should We Screen Before Treatment?
Authors: Salem Doaa A. , Salem Nanees A. , Ismail Amira , Abdelrazek Eman , ghamdi Jameel Al 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
In children, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most frequently encountered autoimmune rheumatic disease. A relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. infections and a variety of autoimmune diseases has been reported. However, there are no studies on the epidemiology and impact of Toxoplasma and Toxocara infections in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Aim
To estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Toxocara in JIA children and adolescents and assess its relation to the disease activity and type of therapy.
Methods
A case-control study was designed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii and Toxocara infection in 43 JIA patients in comparison to 50 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
There was a significant difference between JIA patients and healthy control subjects as regard anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence (P = 0.02) and a non-significant difference in Toxocara seropositivity (P = 0.41). Demographic factors did not affect T. gondii and Toxocara infection prevalence. Seropositive anti-T. gondii IgG cases had a significantly higher disease activity score (JADAS)-27 than seronegative anti-T. gondii IgG cases (p = 0.05); with no significant differences regarding anti-Toxocara IgG (p > 0.05). The highest T. gondii infection seropositivity rate was detected in patients with extended oligoarthritis (4 cases in seropositive vs. two among seronegative, p = 0.34). There was a significant association between immunosuppressive including biological therapies, and T. gondii IgG seropositivity (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The findings of this study support a link between T. gondii infection and JIA, disease activity score, and biologic Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) therapies. As a result, a recommendation for screening tests for T. gondii infection among JIA patients is crucial prior to and during commencing biological therapies and closely monitoring early signs of infection.
Sigmoidal-shaped Colour Discrimination Functions of the Humming Bird Hawkmoth (Macroglosum Stellatarum)
Authors: Garcia Jair E. , Dyer Adrian G. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The hummingbird hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is a diurnal, visually oriented insect that has become an important animal model for comparative studies. Hawkmoths use colour information to find and identify profitable flowers, and they are major pollinators in various regions of the world. Recent research on other flower visiting animals including bees, hoverflies and birds shows that their respective colour choices for target-distractor stimuli of varying similarity can be reliably modelled using sigmoidal-type continuous functions, as postulated by von Helversen 50 years ago. We formally test if colour choices by M. stellatarum can also be reliably explained by these sigmoidal functions that are important for modelling plant-pollinator interactions in other animals. We fit multiple formulations of sigmoidal functions selecting those which best fit the observed data. We show that colour vision in hawkmoths varies across various regions of colour space. Our results are consistent with theories that colour choices are principally mediated by higher level neural processes in the animal brain, since it is at this level physiological signal modulation varies with stimulus modulation in a probabilistic fashion. These functions thus enable important insights into how to model how animals interact with colour stimuli like flowers in complex environments.
A Case Study of a Small Ovarian Teratoma: Histological and Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Teshima Shinichi , Sakurai Urara , Kishi Hirohisa , Itoh Junko , Yanai Hiroyuki , Yano Ryo , Onuma Kazuya , Noguchi Masayuki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Ovarian teratomas are ovarian tumors composed of three germ layers. They are rarely detected early, and the early stages have neither been reported often nor well characterized.Case presentation: We describe a teratoma measuring 2 × 0.8 mm, one of 1254 consecutive ovarian teratomas diagnosed at three institutions. This is the smallest ovarian teratoma reported in the available literature in English. The teratoma bud contained primitive glandular structures, mesoderm-like cells, cord- and sinus-like structures, and surface cells that were flat-to-cuboidal. To characterize this small teratoma, RNA sequencing was performed; 60 RNAs involved in embryonic morphogenesis were detected. The genes SHH, SOX2, and SOX9, which are involved in maturation and differentiation of the early embryo, were expressed in the tumor and evaluated with RNA in situ hybridization. We found distinct expression patterns corresponding to the histological components of the teratoma bud that were identified in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections.Conclusions: The results of the histological and molecular analyses indicated that ovarian teratomas contain rudimentary organ-like features in the early stage of development, and as the tumor grows, these components differentiate into well-developed somatic tissues through the co-expression of RNAs involved in embryonic morphogenesis.
Successful Surgical Treatment of Congenital Tracheal Stenosis Combined with Tracheal Bronchus and Left Pulmonary Artery Sling : A 10-Year Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Harumatsu Toshio , Shimojima Naoki , Tomita Hirofumi , Shimotakahara Akihiro , Komori Koji , Ieiri Satoshi , Hirobe Seiichi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Radical surgery for congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is technically demanding. CTS combined with tracheal bronchus (TB) and pulmonary artery (PA) sling is a particularly challenging condition. We herein report our successfully modified surgical techniques for CTS combined with TB and PA sling. Methods: Nine patients treated at our institution from July 2010 to December 2020 for CTS with TB and PA sling were enrolled. The patients’ characteristics, operative results, and clinical outcomes were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Results: The mean age at the operation and body weight were 8.0±4.4 months old and 6.5±0.8 kg, respectively. The mean tracheal diameter and length of stenotic lesion were 3.2±1.0 mm (mean stenosis rate: 46.2%) and 25.4±4.9 mm, respectively. All cases were complicated with PA sling at bifurcation stenosis with tracheobronchomalacia. All patients underwent modified posterior-anterior slide tracheoplasty with an inverted Y-shaped incision at the bifurcation and repositioning of the PA. The mean postoperative intubation period was 25.0±32.1 days. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The mean hospital stay was 92.2±73.4 days. All patients were discharged home without tracheostomy or oxygen support.Conclusion: Our slide tracheoplasty technique for CTS with TB and PA sling achieved excellent outcomes.
The Anatomy of the Obturator Nerve and Its Branches in a South African Cadaver Population
Authors: Tshabalala¹ Zithulele N. , Human-Baron René , Walt Soné , Louw Elizabeth M. , Schoor Albert-Neels 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Several surgical and clinical procedures are performed in the area of the medial compartment of the thigh. This places the obturator nerve and its branches in potential danger of injury. This study aimed to provide a clear description of the anatomy and course of the obturator nerve and its branches to assist surgeons and clinicians in the safe performance of various pelvic procedures. Methods: One hundred and one (101) formalin-fixed were dissected. Dissections were performed just lateral to the lumbar vertebra to describe the origin of the obturator nerve. The course of the nerve, with its relations, was observed and recorded until it terminated in the medial thigh. The location of the obturator nerve within the obturator foramen was quantified by measuring the distance from three bony landmarks of the obturator foramen to the nerve. Findings: Variations were observed in the root origins of the obturator nerve, its course in the abdomen, bifurcation patterns and the innervation patterns of its terminal branches. Conclusion: The results of this study may be used in the pre-operative preparation of surgeons that are to perform surgery in the area of the obturator foramen. The study serves to assist in expanding the knowledge on the anatomy of the obturator nerve and its branches in a South African context. These results should be verified in a clinical setting.
The sustainable two-echelon location-routing problem considering combined open and closed routes under uncertainty
Authors: Khalilzadeh Mohammad , Hajghani Masoud , Forghani Mohammad Ali , Heidari Ali , Kebriyaii Omid 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Location-routing is an extremely important problem in supply chain management. In the location-routing problem, decisions are made about the location of facilities such as distribution centers as well as the set of vehicle routes. Today, organizations seek to reduce the transportation cost by outsourcing which leads to a specific type of transportation problems called open routing. On the other hand, the growing concerns of environmental impacts have led to paying more attention to environmental issues and reducing the environmental impacts of logistics activities. To this end, in this paper, both open and closed routes are simultaneously addressed by developing a multi-objective mixed integer linear programming model that included three economic, environmental, and social responsibility aspects. The three objective functions of the proposed model encompass the minimization of total costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and the maximization of employment rate and economic development. Also, in this study, a different type of routing is considered in each echelon. A small-sized problem instance is solved using the Augmented Epsilon Constraint (AEC) method with the CPLEX Optimizer Solver for the validation of the proposed model. Due to the NP-Hardness of the problem, two efficient metaheuristic algorithms of Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and Multi-Objective Stochastic Fractal Search (MOSFS) are exploited to solve the medium and large size problems. The performance of the algorithms is compared in terms of time, MID, diversity, spacing, SNS, and RAS indexes. The results show that the MOSFS algorithm outperforms the NSGA-II based on several indexes.
TPPP3 Promote Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Snail1 in Glioblastoma
Authors: Xu Xu , Xiao Zumu , Long Niya , Hou Yunan , Yan Zhangwei , Xu Yuan , Lv Ying , Xiang Xin , Yang Hua , Qi Xiaolan , Chu Liangzhao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Glioma is a common primary malignant brain tumor. Accurate molecular typing is very important for glioma diagnosis, treatment, risk factors identification and prognosis judgment. With the advancement and innovation of molecular biology technology, scientists have discovered that cell movement in organisms is closely related to the regulation of cytoskeletal proteins and microtubule dynamics. We investigated the role and application value of TPPP3, a member of the tubulin polymerization family, in gliomas. The expression of TPPP3 in glioma was higher than that in normal brain tissue (NBT), and increased with the grade of glioma. Inhibition of TPPP3 expression in glioma could reduce the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells. TPPP3 affected the process of EMT by regulating the expression of Snail 1 protein. In clinical data analysis, we found a positive correlation between TPPP3 and Snail 1 protein expression levels in gliomas. Inhibition of TPPP3 expression leads to better survival expectations in glioma patients. The content of this study paves the way for further in-depth exploration of the role of TPPP3 in glioma in the future, and provides new treatment and research directions.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockdown Of BRCA1/2 Restores Response To Olaparib In Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Witz Andréa , Dardare Julie , Francois Aurélie , Husson Marie , Rouyer Marie , Demange Jessica , Gilson Pauline , Merlin Jean-Louis , Harlé Alexandre 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive diseases with a very poor outcome. Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, as maintenance therapy showed benefits in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma bearing germline BRCA1/2 mutations and that did not undergo progression during at least 16 weeks of a prior platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. However, germline BRCA mutation has been described in only 4 to 7% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: A CRISPR/Cas9-mediated system was used to knock-in the c.763G>T (p.Glu255*) and c.2133C>A (p.Cys711*) mutations in cell lines to obtain truncated BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins, respectively. A CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) was assembled for each mutation and transfected into two PDAC cell lines (T3M4 and Capan-2) and into a breast cancer cell lines (MCF7) as control. Expected mutations were detected using ddPCR assay. Results: Allelic frequencies of 85% for MCF7, 65% for T3M4 and 20% for Capan-2 were found for both BRCA mutations, proving the transfection efficiency of our CRISPR/Cas9 systems. Calculated olaparib IC50 were significantly reduced for all cell lines harbored BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations compared to wild-type BRCA1/2 cells (P < 0.01). Furthermore, we find that olaparib induces more apoptosis after 72h treatment in BRCA knockdown cells than in wild-type cells. Conclusions: The different CRISPR/Cas9 systems allow the in vitro induction of deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations by knock-in in different pancreatic cancer cell lines and increase their sensitivity to olaparib. This strategy might offer a new insight for the management of patients with pancreatic cancer and open new perspective based on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 strategy in vivo.
COVID-19 Vaccination in the Gaza Strip: a Cross-sectional Study of Vaccine Coverage, Hesitancy, and Associated Risk Factors Among Community Members and Healthcare Workers
Authors: Majer Jennifer , Elhissi Jehad H. , Mousa Nabil , Kostandova Natalya 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The Gaza Strip, like other settings of complex humanitarian emergencies, faces immense challenges in vaccinating its population against COVID-19. This study was conducted in October 2021 and aimed to estimate coverage of COVID-19 vaccination, levels of vaccine hesitancy, and associations with risk factors among the adult population and healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: The study used a mixed methods design comprised of a cross-sectional survey of adults, purposive survey of HCWs, and qualitative discussions with key informants and community members. Quantitative data was summarized as univariable descriptive statistics with unweighted and weighted point estimates. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of risk factors with vaccination status and vaccine hesitancy.Results: A total of 1,075 individuals were reached in the survey, of whom 906 were community members. Population-weighted vaccine coverage was estimated to be 49.08% (95% CI: 43.10-55.08). 89.35% of HCWs were vaccinated. Population-weighted vaccine hesitancy was estimated to be 34.08% (95% CI: 28.14-40.56) among both vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents, and 67.24% (95% CI: 49.04-81.41) among the unvaccinated. In logistic regression vaccination was independently associated with male sex (aOR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.20-2.95), older age (40 or more years old) (aOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.73-2.13), higher education (aOR 2.19, 95% CI: 1.51-3.17), and confidence in the safety of the vaccine (aOR 13.8, 95% CI: 10.1-18.8). Risk factors for hesitancy were similar, however hesitant individuals were more likely to obtain vaccine information from family members (aOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00-1.67) and less likely to trust healthcare providers (aOR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49-0.68). Qualitative interviews corroborated the survey results, although skepticism expressed by HCWs interviewed raises the possibility of hidden hesitancy.Conclusions: The continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants reinforces the importance of achieving high levels of vaccination coverage globally – a uniquely challenging objective in Gaza. This study estimated half of Gaza’s adult population received at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine by October 2021, and the majority of unvaccinated individuals were hesitant. Disparities in vaccination across the territory’s demographic groups underscores the need for targeted outreach to these populations and messaging through community-based channels to permeate social networks of the unvaccinated.
Diversity of Endophytic Fungal Community in Huperzia Serrata from Different Ecological Areas and Their Correlation with Hup A Content
Authors: Pang Bo , Yin Dengpan , Zhai Yufeng , Qiu LinLin , Liu Qiao , Ma Nan , Shen Hongjun , Jia Qiaojun , Liang Zongsuo , Wang Dekai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Hup A has attracted considerable attention as an effective therapeutic candidate drug used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. However, till now, very few comprehensive studies are available on the biological diversity and structural composition of endophytic fungi and the effects of endophytic fungi on the Hup A accumulation in H. serrata. In this research, the composition and diversity of fungal communities were deciphered comparative sequence analysis of the ITS2 region of the fungal rRNA genes based on high-throughput sequencing technology. The correlation between endophytic fungal community and Hup A content was investigated as well. Results revealed that the richness as well as diversity of endophytic fungi was various according to different tissues and different ecological areas. The endophytic fungal communities of H. serrata exhibit specie-specific, ecological-specific and tissue-specific characteristic. This study will provide realistic basis and theoretical significance for understanding the biological diversity and structural composition of endophytic fungal communities in H. serrata, as well as providing novel insights into the interaction between endophytic fungi and Hup A content.
Energy Optimization Of Two-Level Quantum Otto Machines
Authors: Singh Satnam , Abah Obinna 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We present the quantum Otto machine under different optimization criterion when function either as a heat engine or a refrigerator. We examine the optimal performance of the heat engine and refrigerator depending on their efficiency, output power and maximum entropy production. For heat engine case, we obtain the expression for the upper and lower bounds efficiencies at maximum power and maximum ecological function. The optimal ecological performance is laying between the maximum efficiency and the maximum power output. On the other hand, the quantum Otto refrigerator coefficient of performance is optimized for three different criterion – cooling power, χ criterion(product of performance and power) and ecological function. We further study the dimen-sionless power loss to the cold reservoir when the machine is operating as a heat engine as well as its counterpart for the refrigerator case. We find that the maximum operation of the heat engine (refrigerator) cycle is when optimized with respect to hot (cold) reservoir frequency.