bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Import Vertical Characteristic of Rain Streak for Single Image Deraining
Authors: Zhang Zhexin , Ding Jiajun , Yu Jun , Yuan Yiming , Fan Jianping 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Recently, deep convolutional neural networks show good effect for single image deraining. These networks always adopt the conventional convolution method to extract features, which may neglect the characteristic of rain streak. A novelty vertical module is proposed to focus on the vertical characteristic of rain streak. Such module uses 1 x X convolution kernel to extract the vertical information of rainstreaks and a X x X convolution kernel to keep relative location information. Use this module in the front of deraining network can better detach rain streaks from background. In addition, the contrastive learning is employed to improve the performance of the model. Extensive experimental results demonstrated the superiority of the deraining methods with the proposed methods in comparison with the base ones.
Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in the CCL family in the SKCM microenvironment
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Jin , Ji Chao , Pan Jue , Cai Mengjiao , Ma Jinlu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is one of the most common malignancies and is one of the most aggressive and dangerous types of skin cancer. CC chemokines in the tumor microenvironment can promote intercellular communication and modulate the transport of immune cells, thus exerting anti-tumor immune effects. The expression of CC chemokines in SKCM, their prognostic value and their relationship with immune cell infiltration are unclear.Methods: Studies were performed using GEPIA, UALCAN, cBioPortal, STRING, GeneMANIA, Omicshare, David 6.8, Metascape, TRRUST, LinkedOmics and Timer.Results: In SKCM we found that CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL8, CCL18 were highly expressed in tumor tissue, while a proportion of CC chemokines CCL14, CCL21, CCL22, CCL23, CCL27 were found to be expressed at low levels. The expression of CCL4, CCL5, CCL8, CCL23, CCL27 was closely related to the pathological stage of SKCM. High expression of CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL8, CCL15, CCL21, CCL22, CCL23 tended to correlate with a good prognosis for patients with SKCM. The functions of the differentially expressed CC chemokines are mainly Chemokine signaling pathway, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, Cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway. RELA and NFKB1 are key transcription factors for CC chemokines. We identified a number of kinases associated with differentially expressed CCL. Among them CASP7, SERPINE1, LCK and PRKAA1 are strongly correlated. We also found that expression of CC chemokines was significantly associated with infiltration of multiple immune cells.Conclusion: Our findings may provide new insights into the selection of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for patients with SKCM.
Green fabrication of Piper betle leaf extract assisted magnesium oxide nanoparticles with antioxidant potential
Authors: Periakaruppan Rajiv , Danaraj Jeyapragash 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The combination of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology is called as Bio-nanotechnology. Bio-nanotechnology is generally used to create nanomaterial utilizing biological method. In this paper, MgO nanoparticles were produced by utilizing extract of Piper betle leaf as bio-reducing agent. By employing the standard techniques namely UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis and thermogravimetric analysis to find out the physio chemical properties of green synthesized MgO NPs. All the outcome shows that the produced particles were spherical shape in the range of 18–20 nm, crystalline nature. The antioxidant activity of P. betle assisted MgO NPs were performed using DPPH assay. The DPPH assay of P. betle assisted MgO NPs could reach 88% at a concentration of 500 µg/ml, respectively. From the outcomes it was determined that the P. betle assisted MgO NPs have good antioxidant properties.
Evaluation of the upper airway growth patterns based on cervical vertebral maturation in Japanese: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ishida Takayoshi , Manabe Asuka , Ono Takashi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to calculate standard values of the cross-sectional area of the upper airway, evaluate the upper airway growth patterns, and assess the usefulness of the cervical vertebral maturation stage (CVMS) for growth assessment. Patients (n = 400) who visited the orthodontic clinic of Tokyo Medical and Dental University Dental Hospital were randomly selected. They were classified into five groups according to the CVMS. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained before treatment to measure the upper airway. Changes in the cross-sectional area of the airway during growth were analyzed by calculating the standard values for each cervical age group to further elucidate the growth pattern using the CVMS. Differences between males and females were also compared, and patients (40 each) were randomly selected from each group. The reliability of CVMS was confirmed by the weighted kappa coefficient (κ). The intra- and inter-evaluator agreement—κ—both showed almost perfect agreement. We found that the upper airway growth spurt occurs between CVMS II-III and CVMS III-IV in males at CVMS II-III in females. This study elucidated the gender-related growth patterns of the upper airway using cervical spine age. CVMS classification was a reliable indicator in assessing the naso- and oropharynx growth and development.
Signatures of Midsummer Droughts Over Central America and Mexico
Authors: Zhao Zijie , Han Meng , Yang Kai , Holbrook Neil J 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The annual cycle of precipitation over Central America and Mexico is climatologically characterized by a robust bimodal distribution, normally termed as the midsummer drought (MSD), influencing a large range of agricultural economic and public insurances. Compared to the studies focusing on the mechanisms underpinning the MSD, less research has been undertaken related to its climatological signatures. This is due to a lack of generally accepted methods through which to detect and quantify bimodal precipitation accurately. The present study focuses on characterizing the MSD climatological signatures over Mexico and Central Mexico between 1979 and 2017. This was completed using a new method of detection. The signatures were analyzed from three aspects, namely 1) climatological mean states and variability; 2) connections with large scale modes of climate variability (El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North Atlantic Subtropical High (NASH)); and 3) the potential afforded by statistical modelling. The development of MSDs across the region is attributed to changes of surface wind – pressure composites, characterized by anomalously negative (positive) surface pressure and onshore (offshore) winds during the peak (trough) of precipitation. ENSO’s modulation of MSDs is also shown by modifying the surface wind – pressure patterns through MSD periods, inducing the intensified NASH and associated easterlies from the Caribbean region, which induce relatively weak precipitation at corresponding time points and subsequently intensify the MSD magnitude and extend the MSD period. Building on previous research which showed MSDs tend to start/end in Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) phases 1 and 8, a fourth–order polynomial was used here to statistically model the precipitation time series during the rainy season. We show that the strength of the bimodal precipitation can be well modelled by the coefficient of the polynomial terms, and the intra-seasonal variability is largely covered by the MJO indices. Using two complete MJO cycles and the polynomial, the bimodal precipitation during the rainy season over Central America and Mexico is synoptically explained, largely contributing to our understanding of the MJO’s modulation on the MSD.
Literacy, Women’s Empowerment, and the Moderating Effect of Early Marriage in Afghanistan: Findings from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Bond Laura , Klein Elizabeth K. , Sharifi Farhad , Alemi Qais 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Women in Afghanistan have been historically disadvantaged in regards to accessing education. Although significant amounts of funding and political will have focused on women’s education over the past two decades, many barriers for achieving literacy remain. An examination of the relevant protective and risk factors can provide guidance to humanitarian agencies offering community-based education or other education programming to young women in Afghanistan.Methods: We used (weighted and unweighted) data from Afghanistan’s 2015 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) to examine protective factors against illiteracy. We hypothesized that women’s empowerment, as measured by their autonomy in making household decisions across various domains, would be associated with greater odds of being literate, after controlling for salient demographic characteristics along with provincial levels of conflict. We also used predicted probabilities and marginal effects to examine how age married moderates the impact of empowered decision-making on literacy. Results: In model 1, women who were empowered had 46% higher odds of being literate (95% C.I. 27% to 68%). An interaction term between age married and empowered household-decision making was added in model 2. In model 2, the odds of being literate increased to 234% (95% C.I. 51% to 639%). Results from multiple linear combinations indicate that age married moderates the impact of empowered decision-making on the odds of literacy for women who have median to higher levels of empowered decision-making. Conclusions: Young women who reported greater empowered household-decision making are more likely to be literate in Afghanistan. When women who are less empowered in their households marry at older ages, their odds of becoming literate are much higher. As women’s education remains threatened in Afghanistan, community-based programs may provide supportive services for women throughout the country. Educational initiatives in the country must not only prioritize literacy, but also work through community-based methods to support empowerment and work towards eliminating child marriage in order to support their literacy goals.
Quality of life and functional dependence in oncology patients: a comparative study
Authors: Meneguin Silmara , Camargo Heloiza Thaís Felipe , Honorio Heitor Marques , de Oliveira Cesar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives: To compare quality of life and functioning of oncology patients under palliative care to patients in treatment and those with no evidence of disease. Methods:A cross-sectional and comparative study was carried out in an outpatient oncology of the public hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were divided into three groups: patients under palliative care, those in treatment for the disease and those in post treatment follow-up with no evidence of disease. Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as the Palliative Performance Scale and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: The sample was composed of 300 patients, with a predominance of the female sex (51.3%), individuals with a partner (68%) and catholics (62%). The Palliative Performance Scale revealed a predominance of stable patients (score: ≥ 70 points) in all three groups. Overall, participants under palliative care had lower quality of life scores (median: 6.5points) compared to the other groups (p< 0.01). Age, palliative care, income, the male sex and pain control independently exerted influence on quality-of-life scores (p < 0.05). Age, time since diagnosis, being under palliative care, belonging to the Spiritism religion and income exerted an influence on palliative performance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Quality of life was poorer among the participants under palliative care. Functionally stable patients predominated in all three groups. An advanced age, being palliative care and low income exerted a negative influence on functioning and the perception of quality of life.
Identification of a VEGFR-3 binding peptide TMVP1 for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy against tumor lymphangiogensis
Authors: Fan Liangsheng , Cheng Teng , Li Fei , Zhang Zhenzhong , Dong Qingjian , Yuan Yuan , Chen Xi , Zhou Ying , Zhu Xiaohua , Ma Ding , Xi Ling , Luo Danfeng , Ma Xiangyi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
VEGFR-3 plays an indispensable role in lymphangiogenesis. Previous findings suggest that blocking the VEGFR-3 signaling pathway can inhibit lymph node metastasis effectively, thus reduce the incidence of distant metastasis. The development of new VEGFR-3 targeting drugs for early detection and effective treatments is, therefore, urgently requied. Here, in vitro biopanning of a phage-displayed peptide library was used to identify specific peptides binding to the extracellular domain of VEGFR-3. We obtained a novel VEGFR-3 targeting peptide TMVP1 (LARGR), our combined immunofluorescence and radiopharmaceutical studies revealed that FITC-TMVP1 and 99mTc-labeled TMVP1 specifically accumulated in VEGFR-3 positive lymphatic vessels of tumors after i.v administration in tumor xenograft models in vivo. The accumulation of the TMVP1 in lymphatic vessels was specific, because this accumulation can be significantly reduced by blocking experiments. To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs, we fused TMVP1 to a proapoptotic peptide D(KLAKLAK)2, the fusion peptide strongly inhibited tumor lymphangiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, and specifically suppressed lung metastasis in a 4T1 breast cancer xenograft model. Our results suggest that TMVP1 is a promising therapeutic strategy for the development of new diagnostic tracers or alternative anticancer agents for tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.
High Solid Alkyd Resin Coatings based on Soya Beans Fatty Acid with Improved Coating Performance; The Beneficial Effects of Fatty Acid Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes on their Water-Proofing and Biodegradability
Authors: Rafiemanzelat Fatameh , Shirini Ziba 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The environmental influence of the coating industry has led to the progress of lots of environmentally friendly products based on high solid alkyds. The problem of increasing viscosity in high solid coatings has tried to resolve by decreasing their molecular weight. However, this results in resins with inadequate properties. In our paper, we have tried to avoid this issue without changes in the chemistry of resin by the assisting of modified nano-materials in coatings. Thus a new medium oil alkyd resin based on soya beans fatty acid was synthesized. Then two differently surface modified Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with renewable soya-bean & stearic fatty acids were incorporated into the alkyd resin. Different properties of these nanocomposites including heat resistance, drying time, gel content, hardness, chemical resistance, contact angle, hydrophobicity and biodegradability were improved comparing with the pristine resin. Coatings prepared from the modified resins dried quickly, were waterproof and their characteristic were satisfactory for decorative applications. Their improved properties designate effective reinforcement of these high solid resins using bio-based modified CNTs. Interestingly in spite of their good hydrophobicity and improved waterproofness they showed increased hydrolyze-ability and biodegradability because of the presence of bio-based modified CNTs.
Evaluation of the anal canal using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with fiber tractography: prospective study of treated perianal fistula
Authors: Knaub Elies , Giraudeau Céline , Molière Sébastien , Venkatasamy AÏna , Gallix Benoit , Roy Catherine 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background:To prospectively evaluate the post-therapeutic aspects of the anal canal on MRI using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with tractography in healed perianal fistula.Methods:From September 2019 to August 2021, we included 21 patients referred for follow-up MRI of post-therapeutic anal fistulas. All patients were imaged at 3T including an additional DTI sequence. Our cohort was divided between normal and abnormal sphincters based on T2-weighted images. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured for four different muscular components. For the qualitative data, interobserver concordance was determined using quadratic Cohen weighted kappa statistics. For quantitative data we used the Mann-Whitney test for two independent groups and Kruskall-Wallis for several independent groups, with a significance level p<0.05. Results:The quality score of the 3D representation was satisfying with a substantial interobserver concordance. On the 3D color coded representation, we did not observe any disruption of fibers in the abnormal group. The circular configuration of the internal sphincter and puborectalis was clearly demonstrated. In both groups, there was no significant different between internal sphincter and puborectalis/external sphincters, (ADC values (p=0.38 and p=0.24; FA values (p=0.73 and p=0.27), respectively. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of DTI values between the normal and abnormal segments.Conclusion:In healed perianal fistula, minor sequalae (on T2-weighted images) did not appear to modify the DTI parameters or the 3D tractography. However, further studies with larger cohorts are required to confirm the potential clinical impact of this new noninvasive imaging method. Trial registration : This study was approved by the National Ethical Committee (CPP 19 04) and the Institutional Review Board of the US National Library of Medicine -ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier : NCT03881436 ; first posted registration date : 19/03/2019
A case of epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma in the lung harboring EML4-ALK Fusion
Authors: Sun Ting , Wang Bo , Sun Ke 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma (EFH) is a rare benign fibrohistiocytic tumor, has traditionally been considered a morphologic variant of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma with prominent epit helioidcytomorphology. Indeed, besides characteristic epithelioid cytomorphology, several protein-expression and molecular genetic differences suggest that EFH may differ biologically from other variants. Most previously reported EFH caused by SQSTM1-ALK or VCL-ALK fusion gene. Herein, we report an EFH case of the lung harboring a rare EML4-ALK rearrangement other than in reported EFH.Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test were operated on formalin-fixation and paraffin-embedding (FFPE) tissues to help for pathological diagnosis. RNAseq was conducted to find out the partner gene of ALK.Results: Immunostaining showed that ALK staining of the lesional tumor cells were diffuse positive in a cytoplasmic and cell membrane staining and were also positive for histiocytic markers CD68 and CD163. While SMA, CK(pan), Desmin and CD4 were negative for staining. RNAseq further revealed that the tumor harbored an EML4-ALK fusion gene. FISH analysis demostrated that ALK gene breaked apart and fused with EML4 gene.Conclusion: In conclusion, this is the first EFH localized in the lung. And the oncogenic driver of the EFH was rare EML4-ALK fusion gene other than in reported EFH. In. This enriches the spectrum of EFH and enlarges the horizon for the study of EFH. ALK expression is not seen in other variants of fibrous histiocytoma, thus, IHC and FISH tests of ALK provide a useful diagnostic tool to distinguish epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma from most histologic mimics in our case. We recommend that every fibrous histiocytoma, no matter the location of lesions, should be tested for ALK expression and gene rearrangement because of the helpness of pathological diagnosis and potential efficacy of ALK inhibitor therapy in case of recurrence or metastasis.
An atomic frequency comb memory in rare-earth doped thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Dutta Subhojit , Zhao Yuqi , Saha Uday , Farfurnik Demitry , Goldschmidt Elizabeth , Waks Edo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Atomic frequency combs memories that coherently store optical signals are a key building block for optical quantum computers1 and quantum networks2. Current atomic frequency combs typically use bulk materials or waveguides with large cross-sections3–5, or rely on fabrication techniques not easily adaptable to wafer scale processing6. Integrating such memories into compact and chip-scale devices is essential for scalable quantum technology. We demonstrate a compact chip-integrated atomic frequency comb in rare earth doped thin-film lithium niobate. Our optical memory exhibits a broad storage bandwidth exceeding 100 MHz, and optical storage time of over 250 ns. The enhanced optical confinement in this device leads to three orders of magnitude reduction in optical power required for coherent control as compared to ion-diffused waveguides 7. These compact atomic frequency comb memories pave the way towards scalable, highly efficient, electro-optically tunable quantum photonic systems that can store and manipulate light on a compact chip3.
Differences in personality, cognitive abilities, illicit drug use, and white matter structural integrity between hallucinogen users and matched controls
Authors: Aharon-Almagor Aviv , Barrett Frederick S. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated potential therapeutic effects of hallucinogens, but little is known regarding enduring effects of hallucinogens on human brain structure. Preclinical findings suggest micro-scale structural neuroplastic changes after hallucinogen administration. The current study sought to investigate the association between hallucinogen use, macroscale brain structure, personality, cognitive ability, and illicit drug use in a naturalistic sample. Data from 53 subjects reporting ever having used hallucinogens and 53 approximately hallucinogen-naïve matched controls were drawn from the Nathan Kline Institute-Rockland Sample database. Participants had completed diffusion tensor imaging, psychological, behavioral, and psychiatric assessments. Groups were compared on measures of personality, cognitive ability, history of illicit drug use, and the density of white matter tracts determined from probabilistic tractography. Hallucinogen users reported greater lifetime use of illicit drugs than controls and scored higher on measures of openness to new experiences and cognitive ability. Hallucinogen users also had greater density of structural connectivity in white matter tracts that are thought to support cognition, emotion, and creativity. These findings are consistent with reports that hallucinogen use may lead to shifts in personality as well as multiple cognitive domains. These novel findings provide clues to potential neural mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of hallucinogens.