bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DPLHD: A computational geometry based provision for coverage hole detection in critical Wireless Sensor Network Applications
Authors: Angelin Anitha Christy , Silas Salaja 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have quite an exceptionally significant effect in diverse fields correlated to surveillance in which coverage plays an essential role. In specific, the coverage holes are actually instigated by both randomized distribution of the wireless sensor nodes and the failure of nodes. Recharging or repairing the battery is difficult, and thus the collaborative identification and estimation of coverage holes and the reclamation of these holes has been considered significant. When organizing the sensor nodes in a large scale WSNs, it is indeed complicated to cover the target or the region of interest (ROI). Coverage quality is compromised by the occurrence of holes in the monitored area of surveillance. This paper proposes a collaborative distributed point location based coverage hole detection methodology to spot coverage holes in an energy efficient manner. Firstly, construct a polygon using a visibility estimation approach on the basis of neighborhood information. Then a point location based hole detection algorithm is used to diagnose whether coverage hole is existing or not in the ROI. Also, the extent of the coverage hole is estimated based on computational geometry based modified partitioning approaches which not only determines the exact region of the hole but also accurately detects the point where the node fails. The accuracy of the algorithm is evaluated here based on statistical proofs. Comparing current coverage hole detection approaches, the output results of the proposed framework surpasses existing algorithms in standings of coverage rate, energy efficiency and network lifetime.
Implementing Community Pharmacy-based Influenza Point-of-Care Test-and-Treat Under Collaborative Practice Agreement
Authors: Hohmeier Kenneth , McKeirnan Kimberly , Akers Julie , Klepser Michael , Klepser Stephanie , Chen Christe , Klepser Donald G. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objectives: Early and accessible testing for influenza with point-of-care testing (POCT) can be a critical factor for deciding to begin antiviral treatment. More than 10,000 pharmacies across the United States offer CLIA-waived POCT for infectious diseases, such as influenza A/B. Barriers and facilitators to large-scale POCT implementation may be useful in POCT for influenza test-and-treat services (Flu POCT). The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of pharmacists who were early adopters of point-of-care testing and treatment under collaborative practice agreement in community pharmacy settings. Study Design: Qualitative research design with in-depth, semi-structured telephonic interviews of licensed U.S. community pharmacists.Methods: Interview questions were derived from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviewees were selected via a purposeful sampling of pharmacists who were enrolled in a nationwide clinical trial involving pharmacy-based influenza test-and-treat under a CPA. A deductive analytic approach was used via constructs from the CFIR.Results: Demographics for interview respondents are listed in table 1. Interviews ranged from 28-70 minutes, with an average length of 46 minutes. Four broad themes emerged from the data, and each had corresponding subthemes and supporting quotes: Influence of the Flu POCT Service Characteristics on Pharmacy Implementation, Influence of Factors Outside of the Pharmacy Setting in Flu POCT Implementation, Factors Within the Pharmacy Setting Influencing Implementation, Process of Implementing Flu POCTConclusions: Implementation of community pharmacy-based flu POCT services is feasible; but, a thorough understanding of both barriers and facilitators to their implementation are needed to increase the spread and scale of these programs.
Prognostic role of an inflammation scoring system in radical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Meng , Ye Pu , Zhang Wei , Zhu Hong , Yu Huiming 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory markers can influence postoperative prognosis and outcome of malignant tumors. However, prognostic factors for surgical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are still debatable. The primary objective of this investigation has been to detect the preoperative blood fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in OSCC patients, and to determine the predictive validity of F-NLRs (the combined fibrinogen and NLR score).
Methods
A total of 421 patients with oral cancer after surgery were separated into three classes: F-NLRs of 2, with hyperfibrinogenemia (> 400 mg/dL) and high NLR (> 2.5); F-NLRs of 1, with only one higher index; and F-NLRs of 0, with no higher indices. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with three group F-NLRs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the prognosis.
Results
The preoperative F-NLRs showed relatively better predictive role in oral cancer prognosis than fibrinogen and NLR alone. Multivariate analysis revealed that the F-NLRs has the potential to be an independent predictor for OSCC outcome (P = 0.030). Patients with high scores have a relatively poor prognosis relative to those with low scores (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the blood F-NLRs may serve as an independent prognostic factor in OSCC patients.
Indirect Effects of Intense Pulsed Light in Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction--- A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Masked Trial
Authors: Cheng Yu , Song Wenjing , Yang Songlin , Yan Xiaoming 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study was designed to explore the indirect effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods
This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019160) on October 26th, 2018. Sixty participants with MGD were enrolled in a prospective randomized double-masked trial. Three IPL treatments were performed at distances of 3 mm (Group A) and 10 mm (Group B) from the lower eyelid margin at 3-week intervals. The meibomian gland yield secretion score (MGYSS) and tear film parameters were evaluated at baseline and at 3 weeks after each treatment. Symptomology and corneal nerves were assessed at baseline and at 3 weeks after the third treatment.
Results
MGYSS (of both upper and lower eyelids) and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) scores improved in both groups after three IPL treatments (all p < 0.05), changes of both of which did not differ between the two groups. Tear film parameters and corneal subepithelial nerve density were maintained in both groups at levels equal to baseline levels.
Conclusion
IPL improves the function of meibomian glands and relieves the symptoms of related dry eye to the same degree at different distances of the IPL beam’s proximity to the lower eyelid margin in the short term, which implies the probable existence of indirect effects of IPL.
DDX17 modulates the expression and alternative splicing of genes involved in apoptosis and proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: He Cheng , Zhang Gan , Lu Yanhong , Zhou Jingyue , Ren Zixue 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The DEAD-box RNA-binding protein (RBP) DDX17 has been found to be involved in the tumorigenesis of many types of cancers. However, the role of DDX17 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. We silenced DDX17 expression in A549 LUAD cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed to explore the functions of DDX17. Knockdown of DDX17 by siRNA significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in A549 cells. We used high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternative splicing (AS) events in DDX17 knockdown LUAD cells. DDX17 knockdown increased the expression levels of proapoptotic genes and decreased those of proproliferative genes. Moreover, the DDX17-regulated AS events in A549 cells revealed by computational analysis using ABLas software were strongly validated by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) and were also validated by analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUAD dataset. These findings suggest that DDX17 may function as an oncogene by regulating both the expression and AS of proliferation- and apoptosis-associated genes in LUAD cells. Our findings may offer new insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of LUAD and provide a new therapeutic direction for LUAD.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells loaded β-tricalcium phosphate promote lumbar intervertebral fusion: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Jie , Ding Baozhi , Wang Xin , Gan Yaokai , Sun XiaoJiang , Tian Haijun , Zhang Kai , Cheng Xiaofei , Zhao Changqing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundAs current stem cell tissue engineering always requires in vitro cell culture, it is subject to restrictions such as extra time cost, ethical problems, and contamination. A novel device named the bone mesenchymal stem cells screen-enrich-combine circulating system(SECCS) was designed to rapidly enrich stem cells and combine with β-tricalcium phosphate to immediately produce bioactive stem cells/β-tricalcium phosphate composites during surgery and implant them into the intervertebral space for intervertebral fusion. Methods37 patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery were included in this study and randomly divided into two groups. One group underwent decompressed laminal bone graft for intervertebral fusion, and the other was given SECCS-prepared β-tricalcium phosphate particles. Cells adhered to β-tricalcium phosphate were eluted for stem cell identification, including scanning electron microscope observation, ALP staining, flow cytometry analysis, and induction for three-line differentiation. Bone marrow was collected before and after enrichment for efficient enrichment analysis. The fusion rate, decrease in intervertebral height, and functional improvement, including Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Oswestry Disability Index scores, were compared between the two groups preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsThe cells eluted from the β-tricalcium phosphate after screen-enrich-combine circulating system possessed characteristics of stem cell, including fiber-like morphology, positivity for CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105, negativity for CD34, CD11b, CD19, CD45, and HLA-DR, and could been induced towards osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. The screen-enrich-combine circulating system selectively enriched approximately 84.1% stem cells from the bone marrow in 6 minutes and could be simultaneously implanted into the intervertebral space during operation. Higher early fusion rate, similar intervertebral height decreases, and functional improvement tendencies were observed when stem cells/β-tricalcium phosphate particles were used as fusion scaffolds.ConclusionsThe screen-enrich-combine circulating system could quickly enrich stem cells from bone marrow, and the β-tricalcium phosphate particles prepared by the system showed higher early osteogenic efficiency than autologous laminal bone when used in intervertebral fusion, which provided a new bone scaffold substitute to autologous bone. Trial registration:ChiCTR,ChiCTR-INR-17010805,Registered 6 March, 2017, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=18386
Assessing Self-Reported Core Competencies of Public Health Practitioners in Lebanon Using the WHO-ASPHER Validated Scale: A Pilot Study
Authors: Iskandar Katia , Haddad Chadia , Hajj Aline , Sacre Hala , Zeenny Rony M , Akel Marwan , Salameh Pascale 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region recommend the self-assessment of public health core competencies to strengthen the public health workforce proficiency and prepare them for future challenges. A framework for these competencies is lacking and highly needed in Lebanon. This study aims to validate the WHO-ASPHER self-declared scale and evaluate the perceived competency level of the different categories of the Lebanese public health of practitioners. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study conducted online between July and September 2021 involved 66 public health practitioners who graduated from different universities in Lebanon. Data were collected using the snowball technique via a self-report questionnaire that assessed public health proficiency, categorized into 1) content and context, 2) relationship and interactions, and 3) performance and achievements. The rotated component matrix technique was used to test the construct validity of the scales. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed after ensuring the adequacy of the models. Significance was set at a p-value<0.05.Results: The factor analysis for scale domains showed that the Barlett test sphericity was significant (p<0.001), high loadings of items on factors, and Cronbach’s alpha values of more than 0.9 in all three categories, showing an appropriate scale validity and reliability. The perceived level of competencies was significantly different between public health professionals and other health professionals with public health activities. All respondents scored low in most public health categories, mainly science and practice.Conclusion: Data findings showed variability of self-declared gaps in knowledge and proficiency, suggesting a need to review the national public health education programs. Our study offers a valuable tool for academia and public health professionals to self-assess the level of public health proficiency and guide continuous education needs for professional development.
Contribution of extracellular vesicles to human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell dysfunction in congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhou Jing-jing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of congenital heart disease (CHD). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small endosome- derived membrane microvesicles that play a prominent role in intercellular communication by carrying signaling molecules, such as proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs.Methods: We obtained peripheral blood from irreversible CHD-PAH group and reversible CHD-PAH group and normal control group, and then isolated EVs from peripheral blood (PB-EVs) and monocytes/ macrophages (MC-EVs). We compared the effects of PB-EVs and MC-EVs from above three groups on the proliferation using Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8), migration using the transwell chamber assay, and phenotypic transformation of HPASMCs via detecting the expression of contractile phenotype markers and synthetic phenotype markers of HPASMCs by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunoblotting assay.Results: In this study, PB-EVs or MC-EVs from the irreversible and reversible CHD-PAH groups each enhanced HPASMC proliferation and migration compared with PB- or MC-EVs from the normal control group, which was most pronounced for the irreversible CHD-PAH group. Besides, PB- or MC-EVs from the irreversible and reversible CHD-PAH groups showed increased expression of synthetic phenotype markers and migration-related molecules and decreased expression of contractile phenotype markers compared with PB- or MC-EVs from the normal control group, especially in the case of the irreversible CHD-PAH group. Moreover, the level of phosphorylation of p38 in HPASMCs co-cultured with PB- or MC-EVs from the irreversible and reversible CHD-PAH groups were markedly higher than those in HPASMCs co-cultured with PB- or MC-EVs from the normal control group. Conclusions: In summary, our results indicated that EVs from peripheral blood of CHD-PAH patients could promote switching of HPASMCs from a quiescent contractile to a proliferative, migratory, and synthetic phenotype.
Characteristics of DLC films doped with multi-element alloy
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Chen Chun-Sheng , Tsao Chung-Chen , Hu Chih-Chung , Chen Cihai , Hsu C.Y. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Multi-element alloy doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were coated using sputtering with a (AlCrNbSiTiV) target. TEM and XRD results indicated DLC film had an amorphous compound feature incorporating poly-crystalline phases around the face-center-cubic structure, which were embedded into the amorphous carbon matrix. The Raman spectra and mechanical characteristics of the DLC film sample were associated with concentration changes in the carbon and the multi-element alloy doped in the DLC films, which depended on the DC power. This investigation indicated that improved mechanical properties, including hardness and the elastic recovery rate, can be obtained from the multi-element alloy doped DLC film coated with proper DC sputtering power. These results demonstrated a proper DC power modifies the structure of multi-element alloy doped DLC film and improves its mechanical performance. This study should pave the way for the development of DLC film and elevate its application in various industries.
Full-State Time-Varying Asymmetric Constraint Control For Non-Strict Feedback Nonlinear Systems Based On Dynamic Surface Method
Authors: Yang Zhongjun , dong chuyan , Wang Guogang , zhang xinyu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We investigate the tracking control problem for the class of the non-strict feedback nonlinear system with external disturbance
and time-varying asymmetric full state constraints. Firstly, the unknown nonlinear term with external disturbance in the system
are estimated by fuzzy logic system. The backstepping method is applied to the design of adaptive fuzzy controller. However, to
prevent that the constraints are overstepped. By introducing novel tan-type time-varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function
(TABLF) in each step of backstepping design. Secondly, the dynamic surface control (DSC) is introduced in the algorithm
design to solve the complex problem of controller caused by the derivative of virtual control value. The proposed control
scheme can speed up the tracking speed of the system. Compared with the previous work, it is verifified that the combination of
DSC and TABLF can obtain good performance within the constraint range, and can ensure fast and stable tracking convergence
under external disturbance. Finally, two simulation examples verify the performance of the adaptive controller.
Role of interleukin-8 as a molecular indicator in the pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)
Authors: Singh Vivek , Pandey Sandeep , Singh Ranjana , Habib Nimra , Kushwaha Rashmi , Verma Shailendra Prasad , Tripathi Anil Kumar , Mahdi Abbas Ali 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of a large number of diseases, such as atherosclerosis myocardial infarction (MI), sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the association of IL-8 in T-ALL patients. IL-8 levels have been estimated in 52 individuals, out of which 26 were healthy and disease-free volunteers. IL-8 was found to be relatively higher in the T-ALL patients than in the healthy volunteers. Here, the results revealed that IL-8 is positively correlated with T-ALL patients at the genomic and proteomic levels. Elevated serum IL-8 levels were related to the highly advanced disease stage of the clinicopathological parameters. Our results indicate that monitoring IL-8 has a role in modulating disease sensing in T-ALL and may hold the key for targeting innovative diagnostic and advanced therapeutic strategies.
Induction and Genetic Verification of Haploid-Derived Plants Using Anther culture of Citrus Aurantium L. (Sour Orange)
Authors: Jin Seong Beom , Kim Min Ju , Choi Cheolwoo , Yun Su Hyun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to genetically verify whether Citrus aurantium L. (sour orange) plants grown using anther culture were obtained from somatic embryos or haploids. The ploidy of the individuals was assessed using ploidy measuring instruments and simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The anthers of sour oranges were cultured onto a medium supplemented with 0.44 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.8 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.43 mg/L Zeatin, 0.44 mg/L Kinetin, 0.2 mg/L a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 0.2 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 500 mg/L malt extract. Somatic embryos and callus were obtained using dentin in N6 medium supplemented with malt extract (500 mg/L) and N6 liquid medium supplemented with spermidine (200 µM), and gibberellic acid (GA3, 1 mg/L) was added to the anther surface. Regenerated plants were obtained from Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L TDZ, 1.0 mg/L GA3 (or single use 0.5 mg/L) and 500 mg/L malt extract. For the genetic verification of the obtained plants, haploid-derived plants were investigated by polymerase chain reaction using two SSR markers. In addition, verification with a ploidy meter confirmed that approximately 80–90% of the regenerated plants were triploids, and two plants among the investigated plants were haploids. This study was the first to report these results among haploid and triploid studies obtained from an anther culture of sour oranges. The study findings suggested that the anther culture technique can produce seedless triploid cultivars of domestic citrus varieties.
Vitamin C rescues high-fat diet-induced predisposition to metabolic dysregulation in GLUT10 deficient mouse model
Authors: Jiang Chung-Lin , Tsao Chang-Yu , Lee Yi-Ching 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly influenced by complex interactions between genetic and environmental (dietary and lifestyle) factors. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) has been considered as a complementary nutritional treatment for T2DM. However, evidence for the significance and beneficial effects of AA in T2DM is thus far inconclusive. We hypothesize that combined genetic and dietary factors may influence AA effects on metabolism. PurposeWe aimed to explore whether AA effects on metabolism are influenced by the combination of genetic and dietary factors. MethodsWe investigated the impacts of AA on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysregulation in wild type (WT) and GLUT10G128E mice. We have previously showed that genetic polymorphisms in glucose transporter 10 (GLUT10) gene are associated with a T2DM intermediate phenotype in non-diabetic population, and GLUT10G128E mice (carrying human orthologous GLUT10G128E variant) are highly sensitive to HFD-induced metabolic dysregulation. ResultsHere we show that AA has greater metabolic impacts on HFD-fed GLUT10G128E mice than HFD-fed WT mice. Remarkably, AA rescues defective epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) development in GLUT10G128E mice at early developmental stages. Furthermore, AA attenuates the predisposition of GLUT10G128E mice to HFD-triggered eWAT inflammation, adipokine dysregulation, ectopic fatty acid accumulation, metabolic dysregulation and body weight gain, as compared with WT mice. ConclusionsTaken together, AA has greater metabolic impacts on HFD-fed GLUT10G128E mice than HFD-fed WT mice. AA plays an important role in improving WAT development and HFD-induced metabolic dysregulation in GLUT10G128E mice. Our results suggest that proper WAT development is essential for metabolic regulation later in life. Furthermore, when considering the usage of AA as a complementary nutrition for prevention and treatment of T2DM, an individual’s genetics and dietary patterns should be taken into account.