bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin, metformin, and statin use on the risk of gastric cancer: A nationwide population‐based cohort study in Korea with systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Seo Seung In , Park Chan Hyuk , Kim Tae Jun , Bang Chang Seok , Kim Jae Young , Lee Kyung Joo , Kim Jinseob , Kim Hyon Hee , You Seng Chan , Shin Woon Geon 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground/AimsAlthough several chemopreventive drugs against gastric cancer have been proposed, their effects have not been fully evaluated. We examined the impacts of aspirin, metformin, and statin use on gastric cancer development in a population‐based cohort in Korea.MethodsWe analyzed the association between potential chemopreventive drugs—aspirin, metformin, and statin—and gastric cancer through the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model‐based Korean nationwide cohort. Use of aspirin, metformin, and statin was defined by ≥365 days of prescriptions for each drug in the general population. To summarize the current evidence, we further performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the impact of aspirin, metformin, and statin on gastric cancer development.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, 31,839, 6764, and 10,251 subjects were observed for medians of 4.7, 4.2, and 4.2 years for aspirin, metformin, and statin analysis, respectively. Use of aspirin or statin was associated with lower risks of gastric cancer compared to their non‐use, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval [CI]]: aspirin, 0.72 [0.60–0.85], p < 0.01; statin, 0.67 [0.49–0.92], p = 0.01). However, no association was observed between metformin use and gastric cancer development (HR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.59–1.23], p = 0.40). A subgroup of subjects with diabetes mellitus showed a lower risk of gastric cancer development with statin use. The meta‐analysis showed the highest effect size of gastric cancer development for statin, followed by aspirin and metformin.ConclusionsStatin and aspirin use were associated with significantly reduced risks of gastric cancer development, while the use of metformin was not associated with the gastric cancer risk. The protective effect of statin against gastric cancer was also significant in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Modern Strategies for the Diversification of the Supply of Natural Compounds: The Case of Alkaloid Painkillers
Authors: Sousa João P. M. , Ramos Maria J. , Fernandes Pedro A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPlant‐derived natural compounds have been used for treating diseases since prehistorical times. The supply of many plant‐derived natural compounds for medicinal purposes, such as thebaine, morphine, and codeine, is primarily dependent on opium poppy crop harvesting. This dependency adds an extra risk factor to ensuring the supply chain because crops are highly susceptible to environmental conditions. Emerging technologies, such as biocatalysis, might help to solve this problem by diversifying the sources of supply of these compounds. Here we review the first committed step in the production of alkaloid painkillers, the production of S‐norcoclaurine, and the enzymes involved. The improvement of these enzymes can be carried out experimentally by directed evolution and rational design strategies, supported by computational methods, to create variants that produce the S‐norcoclaurine precursor for alkaloid painkillers in heterologous organisms, meeting the pharmaceutical industry standards and needs without depending on opium poppy crops.
Parametric Analysis of 1,1‐Diethoxybutane Synthesis in Fixed‐Bed Reactor and Distillation Column‡
Authors: Tikekar Ketaki , Singh Kailash , Upadhyaya Sushant 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA comparison of two processes of the synthesis of 1,1‐diethoxybutane (DEB) based on parametric analysis using Aspen Plus simulation has been investigated. DEB is an acetal which is a promising bio‐based additive for biofuels and their blends with conventional fuels. The thermodynamic limitations due to reversibility of the reaction can be overcome by continuously removing the by‐product water. The simulation and a parametric study of two different synthesis processes of DEB using a catalytic fixed‐bed reactor and distillation column are described. The process with three reactors and three separators in series showed better results with respect to reactor temperature, productivity of DEB, and stages of distillation column than the one with a single reactor and separator.
Regional expression of neuropeptides in the retina of the terrestrial slug Limax valentianus (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Limacidae)
Authors: Matsuo Ryota , Matsuo Yuko 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGastropods use lens‐bearing eyes to detect ambient light. The retina contains photoreceptors that directly project to the brain. Here, we identified the neurotransmitters that the retinal cells use for projection to the brain in the terrestrial slug Limax. We identified 12 genes encoding neuropeptides as well as a novel vesicular glutamate transporter, a marker of glutamatergic neuron, expressed in the retinal cells. Spatial expression profiles of the neuropeptide genes were determined by in situ hybridization. WWamide/MIP1/Pedal peptide2 were coexpressed in the neurons of the accessory retina. In the main retina, prohormone‐4 was expressed in the ventrolateral region. Clionin was expressed in the ventromedial region. Pedal peptide was expressed in the anterior region of the main retina and in the accessory retina. Enterin was expressed in many neurons, including the accessory retina, but not in the dorsal region. FxRIamide1 and 2 were coexpressed in the posterior region. Prohormone‐4 variant was uniformly expressed in many neurons but scarcely in the accessory retina. MIP2 was widely expressed throughout the dorsoventral axis in the posteriolateral region of the main retina. Myo1 was expressed in many neurons of the main retina but predominantly in the dorsal region. These expression patterns were confirmed by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies against the neuropeptides. Projections of these peptidergic retinal neurons were confirmed by immunostaining of the optic nerve. Our present study revealed regional differentiation of the retina with respect to the neurotransmitters that the retinal cells use.
Mitigating execution unit contention in parallel applications using instruction‐aware mapping
Authors: Serpa Matheus S. , Cruz Eduardo H. M. , Diener Matthias , Lorenzon Arthur F. , Beck Antonio C. S. , Navaux Philippe O. A. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryParallel applications running on simultaneous multithreading (SMT) processors naturally compete for execution units when their threads are mapped to the same core. This issue is further aggravated when such threads execute similar instructions that stress the same execution unit type, making their execution to behave very similarly as if the threads were running sequentially. This, in turn, will lead to performance degradation and underutilization of hardware resources. This work proposes a completely transparent framework (no modifications to the source code are necessary) that automatically maps threads of multiple parallel applications on SMT processors. The framework focuses on improving performance by mitigating the contention on execution units, considering each thread's instruction types, which are detected at runtime by our framework. Results show performance gains of 21% (geometric mean), compared to the native scheduler of the operating system.
Memristor ratioed logic crossbar‐based delay and jump‐key flip‐flops design
Authors: Wang Ziling , Wang Lidan , Duan Shukai 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMemristor has been widely explored in digital logic circuits where most of the works are focused on basic gate circuits, such as OR and AND logic gates or full adders while few involve flip‐flops. In fact, flip‐flops are also basic logic units with memory function for various digital systems. In this paper, we present circuit designs for Delay (D) and Jump‐Key (JK) flip‐flops based on memristor ratioed logic (MRL). The proposed circuit for D flip‐flop only needs five memristors and one NMOS transistor, and circuit for JK flip‐flop needs seven memristors and two NMOS transistors. Furthermore, the proposed circuits have been mapped into a hybrid memristor‐CMOS crossbar array. Compared with previous approaches, the quantity of MOSFET for each proposed circuit has been greatly reduced. Thus, the proposed designs have achieved simpler structure, smaller area, and lower power consumption benefiting from the memristor's nanoscale size and low power consumption. The circuit verification based on PSpice simulation is also provided.
Cerebrovascular stiffness and flow dynamics in the presence of amyloid and tau biomarkers
Authors: Rivera‐Rivera Leonardo A. , Eisenmenger Laura , Cody Karly A. , Reher Thomas , Betthauser Tobey , Cadman Robert V. , Rowley Howard A. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Chin Nathaniel A. , Johnson Sterling C. , Johnson Kevin M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionThis work investigated the relationship between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) markers and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers of amyloid beta deposition, and neurofibrillary tau tangles in subjects spanning the AD clinical spectrum.MethodsA total of 136 subjects participated in this study. Four groups were established based on AD biomarker positivity from positron emission tomography (amyloid [A] and tau [T]) and clinical diagnosis (cognitively normal [CN] and impaired [IM]). CVD markers were derived from structural and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging data.ResultsTranscapillary pulse wave delay was significantly longer in controls compared to AT biomarker–confirmed groups (A+/T–/CN P < .001, A+/T+/CN P < .001, A+/T+/IM P = .003). Intracranial low‐frequency oscillations were diminished in AT biomarker–confirmed groups both CN and impaired (A+/T–/CN P = .039, A+/T+/CN P = .007, A+/T+/IM P = .011). A significantly higher presence of microhemorrhages was measured in A+/T+/CN compared to controls (P = .006).DiscussionCerebrovascular markers indicate increased vessel stiffness and reduced vasomotion in AT biomarker–positive subjects during preclinical AD.
Structurally Stable Ni(OH)2 Composite with Super Long‐term Cycling Life for Aqueous High‐performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Huaiyan , Guo Chunli , Ren Xiaochuan , Zhang Yuyu , Shi QuanXin , Bai Zhongchao , Wang Nana 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe synthesized an electrochemical structurally stable composite electrode, containing Ni‐doped Co(CO3)0.5OH ⋅ 0.11H2O nanoneedles and nanoflake‐/nanofrustum‐like Ni(OH)2 with highly hydrophilic group, leading to enhanced rare performance. The electrode exhibits an outstanding ultra‐long cycle life of more than 140,000 cycles. Specially, the assembled aqueous hybrid supercapacitor presents more than 80 % capacity retention even after 170,000 cycles and high energy density of 44.5 Wh kg−1. This work highlights a feasible strategy to design and develop high‐efficiency electrodes via engineering on composition and nanostructure.
The influence of policy uncertainty on exchange rate forecasting
Authors: Smales Lee A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUsing the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index of Baker et al. (2016), we examine the influence of EPU on the characteristics of USD/JPY exchange rate forecasts. Our sample period, which spans two decades, incorporates a range of economic and political conditions for the USA and Japan. Consistent with higher EPU engendering a more complex information environment, that introduces noise into the forecasting process, our results clearly demonstrate that analyst forecast errors, and forecast dispersion, increase with EPU. The empirical findings are consistent across forecast horizons ranging from 1 month to 1 year. This has important implications for market participants who use exchange rate forecasts when making business and investment decisions.
Flowpath influence on stream acid events in tropical urban streams in Singapore
Authors: Ramchunder Sorain J. , Voutchkova Denitza D. , Estrada Elvagris Segovia , Chuah C. Joon , Evaristo Jaivime , Ng Daniel , Cai Yixiong , Koh Rachel Y. T. , Ziegler Alan D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe investigated processes contributing to periodic acidification events in headwater streams of Nee Soon Forest Catchment (NSFC) in Singapore by monitoring hydrochemical changes in response to rainfall inputs. Stream chemistry response to most rainfall events was characterized by decreases in pH from means ranging from 5.1 to 5.3 to below 4.8–5.0 and corresponding increases in specific electrical conductivity from baseflow values of 15–30 to 50–80 μS cm−1, indicative of low‐total dissolved solids in stormflow. The decreases in pH in the streams, which are typically acidic year‐round, were related to occasional highly acidic rainfall inputs (pH ~4.05) and likely the flushing of organic acids into the stream by shallow subsurface flow interacting with surface litter and/or organic‐rich soil horizons. The interaction of rainwater runoff with organic matter in the soil matrix possibly alters the chemical composition of stormflow, influencing pH. Decomposition of instream organic matter also reduces stream water pH. Leaching experiments revealed that the overland flow passing through organic matter and A horizon material has the potential to lower stream water pH by approximately a half unit or more, in part, by flushing nitrates that were produced by microbial decomposition of organic matter and/or precipitated sulphur that enterred the forest by wet or dry atmospheric deposition. The observed periodic acid events are a natural phenomenon in the stream system in this urban environment because of naturally acidic rainfall and granitic soils with low buffering potential. However, acid events are likely amplified in frequency and magnitude by anthropogenic pollution emissions of sulphur and nitrogen species (e.g., SO2and NOx) from local and regional sources that lower rainfall pH. Although, acid runoff events are typically short‐lived (<12–24 h), further longitudinal monitoring and experimental studies are needed to investigate the long‐term implications on sensitive taxa in the NSFC streams. Finally, understanding the flow pathways of stormflow water in the nested system was critical for deciphering the mechanisms driving stream acid events at the site.
How state ownership affects corporate R&D: An inverted‐U‐shaped relationship
Authors: Fu Tong , Jian Ze , Li Youwei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe existing literature provides mixed evidence about the effect of state ownership on corporate research and development (R&D). As this article hypothesizes, state ownership has a positive institutional effect on the investment environment for R&D and a negative institutional effect on firm operations for innovation. With evidence from China, we confirm that state‐owned shares have an inverted‐U‐shaped causal effect on corporate R&D and that having the state as a minority shareholder is optimal for corporate R&D. We further document that, when a firm's R&D investment at least equals reinvestment of its profit, the threshold for state‐owned shares is larger than it would be otherwise. Therefore, we justify the contradictory institutional effects of state ownership with an inverted‐U‐shaped relationship, thereby enhancing understanding of institutions and state ownership for corporate finance.
Investigation of nonlinear photoacoustic microscopy using a low‐cost infrared lamp
Authors: Seong Myeongsu , Yang Wenzhao , Han Yujie , Zhou Jiasheng , Jing Lili , Chen Sung‐Liang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNonlinear photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is a novel approach to enhance contrast and resolution. In this study, a low‐cost infrared (IR) lamp as a simple approach for nonlinear PAM is demonstrated. Numerical simulations are first performed to verify the nonlinear photoacoustic effect under steady heating for two cases: (a) Differentiation of absorbers with different Grüneisen coefficients; (b) enhancement of photoacoustic amplitude. Then, sets of experiments are conducted to experimentally demonstrate our proposed approach: (a) Longitudinal monitoring of photoacoustic A‐line signals from two samples, porcine tissue ex vivo and hemoglobin and indocyanine green (ICG) solutions in tubes in vitro for demonstrating the above‐mentioned two cases; (b) PAM imaging of hemoglobin and ICG solutions in tubes before and after IR lamp heating. Different signal change and amplitude enhancement are observed in different demonstrations, showing the efficacy of the proposed approach. By virtue of cost‐effectiveness and decent performance, our work facilitates nonlinear PAM studies.
Low‐level gastrokine 2 promoted progress of NSCLC and as a potential biomarker
Authors: Yang Xiang , Shi Wenjing , Zhou Huixin , Huang Xiaolou , Hu Lijuan , Feng Jiang , Wang Yumin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundGastrokine 2 (GKN2) is significantly downregulated in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues than in normal tissues (NT), as assessed by mRNA microassay; however, the mechanism and clinical value of GKN2 is unknown in NSCLC.MethodsA total of 60 NSCLC samples and corresponding NT samples were prospectively collected GKN2 expression in NSCLC tissues was estimated. Also, the expression level of GKN2 promoter methylation and correlation with clinical data in NSCLC patients from public databases were analyzed. Cytology experiments were also carried out.ResultsThe GKN2 mRNA and protein expression level in NSCLC was significantly lower than that in the NT, and the GKN2 expression level in large tumors NSCLC was significantly lower than that in the small tumor group. Public data showed that expression of GKN2 in LUAD with P53 mutation group was lower than that of the P53 non‐mutation group, and GKN2 promoter methylation level of LUAD was significantly higher than its NT and close to age and clinical stage. Cell migration, invasion, and proliferation ability of GKN2 overexpressed were lower in A549 and PC9 groups than those in GKN2 overexpressed A549 and PC9 negative control groups, while the percentage of apoptotic cells increased in the GKN2 overexpressed A549 and PC9 groups. The DNMT3B mRNA expression levels were higher in PC9 and A549 cells than BEAS‐2B cells.ConclusionThe overexpression of GKN2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis. Low‐level GKN2 promoted the progression of NSCLC via DNMT3B and is expected to be a biomarker for NSCLC.
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with depressed myocardial mechanoenergetics
Authors: Ersoy İbrahim , Demir Fulya Avcı 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the association between the myocardial mechanoenergetic efficiency index (MEEi) and the Apnea‐Hypopnea Index (AHI) in the initial phase of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis.MethodsIn this cohort study, we included a total of 382 eligible participants without cardiovascular disease in a tertiary outpatient clinic between January 2013 and January 2015. We recorded demographic, clinical, polysomnographic and echocardiographic variables of the patients. In addition, myocardial mechanoenergetic efficiency (MEE) and MEEi were calculated by an echocardiography‐derived validated measurement.ResultsThe mean (±SD) age of the participants was 48.47 ± 12.13, and male/female ratio was 287/95. Comparing with non‐OSA, MEEi was significantly lower in OSA patients at all stages (0.35 ± 0.08 vs. 0.42 ± 0.05; p < .001). MEEi was negatively correlated with hypertension (r = −0.518, p < .001), body mass index (r = −0.382, p < .001), AHI (r = −0.656, p < .001), total apne (r = −0.525, p < .001), hypopnea (r = −0.415, p < .001), systolic pulmonary pressure (r = −0.318, p < .001), relative wall thickness (RWT; r = −0.415, p < .001), and positive correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (r = 0.586, p < .001). According to multiple linear regression analysis AHI (β = −0.625, p < .001), total apnea (β = −0.402, p = .001), hypopnea (β = −0.395, p = .001), LV ejection fraction (β = 0.478, p < .001) and RWT (β = −0.279, p < .001) have an independent relationship with MEEi.ConclusionsMEEi was lower in OSA patients. A reduced MEEi may reflect a disturbance in energy use of the myocardium. Consequently, our results may provide insight into the mechanisms leading to structural cardiac diseases in OSA patients.
Number of attempts required by emergency physicians to achieve competency in diaphragmatic ultrasound imaging
Authors: Puchongmart Chanokporn , Nakornchai Tanyaporn , Rittayamai Nuttapol , Monsomboon Apichaya , Prapruetkit Nattakarn , Limsuwat Chok , Ruangsomboon Onlak , Chakorn Tipa 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeThis research aimed to determine the number of attempts that emergency physicians need to become proficient in undertaking diaphragmatic ultrasound imaging.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted at the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary‐care university hospital. Sixteen emergency physicians were each required to obtain a set of images of the right hemidiaphragm of five dyspneic patients using both diaphragmatic excursion and thickness techniques. The images were subsequently reviewed by a specialist using American College of Emergency Physician guidelines. If the evaluations of a physician did not reach the expected standard, the physician was to be given feedback and requested to collect images from another five patients. The process was to be repeated until such time as the images obtained by the physician were deemed to be up to standard.ResultsEighty patients, twelve emergency medicine residents, and four attending physicians were enrolled. Following a didactic session on diaphragmatic ultrasound imaging and its interpretation, practicing on five patients proved sufficient to achieve an adequate level of competency in conducting diaphragmatic ultrasound examinations.ConclusionPracticing on five patients is sufficient for emergency physicians to achieve an adequate level of competency in conducting right‐sided diaphragmatic ultrasound examinations.
A 3‐year quantitative evaluation of interprofessional team‐based clinical education at an Australian dental school
Authors: Storrs Mark J , Henderson Amanda J , Kroon Jeroen , Evans Jane L , Love Robert M 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurpose/ObjectivesClinical educational challenges led to the Griffith University School of Dentistry and Oral Health (DOH) introducing interprofessional team‐based treatment planning (TBTP). This paper evaluates the interprofessional contribution made to student clinical learning and experience among dentistry, oral health therapy, dental prosthetics, and dental technology students.MethodsA mixed methodology approach targeting 845 students collected data annually employing a prevalidated online instrument from 2012 to 2014 to answer the question: “What is the contribution of interprofessional student team‐based processes on students’ perceptions of interprofessional practice at DOH?”ResultsA representative study sample with a 64.4% response rate (N = 544) reported TBTP creating a supportive environment for interprofessional clinical learning. Significant improvements in learning shared across disciplines indicated improvements in mutual respect, understanding roles, and constructive communication enhancing teamwork. There were increasing significant correlations between shared learning and positive clinical experiences from 2012 (r = .642, p < .000) to 2013 (r = .678, p < .000) and 2014 (r = .719, p < .000). A combination of TBTP predictors accounted for 53% of the variance in clinical learning and experience in 2014 compared to 40% in 2012.ConclusionLearning with other students, developing teamwork abilities, improved communication skills, and respect for other oral health professions were aspects of TBTP that positively impacted clinical learning and practice at DOH. Further study would assist to determine specific elements that made the greatest contribution to student learning experiences.