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Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most prevalent form of thyroid cancer. Methylation of some genes plays a crucial role in the tendency to malignancy as well as poor prognosis of thyroid cancer, suggesting that methylation features can serve as complementary markers for molecular diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a diagnostic model for PTC based on DNA methylation markers. A total of 142 thyroid nodule tissue samples containing 84 cases of PTC and 58 cases of thyroid adenoma (TA) were collected for reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and subsequent analysis. The diagnostic model was constructed by the logistic regression (LR) method followed by 5-cross validation and based on 94 tissue methylation haplotype block (MHB) markers. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.974 (95% CI, 0.964-0.981) on 108 training samples and 0.917 (95% CI, 0.864-0.973) on 27 independent testing samples. The diagnostic model scores showed significantly high in males (P = 0.0016), age ≤ 45 years (P = 0.026), high body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.040), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.00052) and larger nodules (P = 0.0017) in the PTC group, and the risk score of this diagnostic model showed significantly high in recurrent PTC group (P = 0.0005). These results suggest that the diagnostic model can be expected to be a powerful tool for PTC diagnosis and there are more potential clinical applications of methylation markers to be excavated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Touch pad based on triboelectric nanogenerator are attracting attention in the field of wearable electronics and human-machine interaction. However, it is still a challenge to realize touch pads combining large-area metamorphic stretchability, high power triboelectric sensing, intelligent free-sliding recognition and availability in extreme environments. Here, we fabricate an ultra-stretchable triboelectric touch pad by integrating liquid metal and high performance hydrogel-based triboelectric sensor arrays, which achieves Transformer-assisted gesture recognition for drone flight direction control. The internal hydrogel electrode has great stretchability, electrical conductivity and anti-freeze properties. Encapsulated in Ecoflex with sandpaper micro-surfaces, it endows high triboelectric power density and pressure sensitivity. With screen-printed liquid metal, the integrated touch pad is fully ultra-stretchable and large-area strain stability. Combining Internet of Things, we build a Transformer-assisted human machine interface. Notably, slide gesture signal peak deviation is reduced by integral processing. The random free-sliding gesture signals are parsed by the Transformer algorithm with 96.83 % accuracy. Multi-threaded signal processing improves the response speed and throughput of the system. The accurate real-time gesture recognition for drone flight direction control in extreme environment is realized. This human machine interface can facilitate development of next generation intelligent remote interactive platforms. [Display omitted] • Stretchable touch pad was developed by integrating TENG arrays and liquid metal. • High triboelectric sensing was realized by modifying sandpaper micro-surfaces. • Transformer algorithm enabled sliding gesture recognition with 96.83 % accuracy. • Real-time drone flight direction control was realized in extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Minimum Squared Error Method based on Modal Analysis for Source Location. • The microfiber coupler sensors are used to detect acoustic emission signals. • This method reduce the dependence of locating results on frequency selection. • This method automate the locating process of contour threshold modal analysis. • Both linear and planar location were performed on an aluminium thin plate. This study focuses on an improved modal analysis method to the source location using a microfiber coupler sensor (MFCS). This method uses the Minimum Squared Error(MSE) to reduce the dependence of locating results on frequency selection and automate the locating process of contour threshold modal analysis. First, the secondary enclosed package method of MFCS was studied to ensure that the signal detected by this sensor meets the requirements of the contour threshold modal analysis and can extend the MFCS working life as well. The MSE method was then presented detailed. Second, the directionality experiment of the MFCS was performed to determine the best layout method for sensors in planar localization. The planar source localization method with both two sensors and three sensors are then introduced. Last, both linear and planar location experiments were performed on an aluminium thin plate. The results indicate that the sensor packaged by cuboid glass tube is more suitable for practical ultrasonic testing; the location process is automated by valid contour extraction and initial frequency selection, and the linear error using this method is effectively reduced as well; the best arrangement of the sensor is to place the sensor at the corner of the planar, and the angle between the sensor and the horizontal line is 45°; compared with two sensors, the planar localization with three sensors provides a more accurate and high repeatability results. This study proved that the combination of the MFCS and the MSE method is quite feasible and can be applied to the planar localization in plate-like structures effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To subgroup Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) by K-means cluster analysis on clinical indicators, and to explore whether these subgroups represent different genetic features and calculated cardiovascular risks. The K-means clustering analysis was performed on two cohorts (n = 590 and 392), both consisting of Chinese participants with newly diagnosed T2D. To assess genetic risks, multiple polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and mitochondrial DNA copy numbers (mtDNA-CN) were calculated for all participants. Furthermore, Framingham risk scores (FRS) of cardiovascular diseases in two cohorts were also calculated to verify the genetic risks. Four clusters were identified including the mild age-related diabetes (MARD)(35.08%), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD) (34.41%), severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID) 19.15%, and severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD) 11.36% subgroups in the MARCH (metformin, and acarbose in Chinese patients as the initial hypoglycemic treatment) cohort. There was a significant difference in PRS for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) across four subgroups in the MARCH cohort (p < 0.05). Compared with the SIDD and SIRD subgroups, patients in the MOD subgroup had a relatively lower PRS for CVD (p < 0.05) in the MARCH cohort. Females had a higher PRS compared to males, with no significant difference in FRS across the four clusters. The MOD subgroup had a significantly lower FRS which was consistent with the results of PRS. Similar results of PRS and FRS were also replicated in the CONFIDENCE (comparison of glycemic control and b-cell function among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes treated with exenatide, insulin or pioglitazone) cohort. There are different CVD risks in diabetic subgroups based on clinical and genetic evidence which may promote precision medicine. • Individuals with type 2 diabetes have heterogeneity in metabolic features. • Type 2 diabetes can be classified into four subgroups with different cardiovascular risks. • The mild obesity-related diabetes subgroup has the lowest cardiovascular diseases risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We introduce an average-Value at risk (VaR) framework applying genetic algorithms. • The model with minimum lots of transaction for optimization is more efficient. • Our dynamic framework considers changes of investors' risk preferences. • Dynamic trading strategies are the best as they generate a highest Sharpe ratio. Sufficient description of stock returns is essential to generate an efficient model of portfolio optimization. Security returns are considered to be random variables where there exist sufficient data of historical returns. Nonetheless, uncertain variables may be applied to increase the effectiveness of security returns. The following research entails an optimization objective problem focusing on minimum lots of transaction in uncertain environments of dynamic trading. Also, the changing risk preference of the investor over the horizon of investment has been factored in the model. An average- Value at Risk (VaR) framework has been used to maximize wealth creation using genetic algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Partial discharge ultrasonic signals pattern recognition in transformer. • The application of microfiber coupler sensor (MFCS) in the field of transformer partial discharge fault diagnosis. • Optimized support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. • BSO-SVM classification algorithm. Detection and pattern recognition of different types of partial discharge (PD) signals in transformer are of great significance for the safe and stable operation of transformers. This paper demonstrates the application of microfiber coupler sensor (MFCS) to the pattern recognition of PD ultrasonic signals with an optimized support vector machine (BSO-SVM) algorithm. First, a PD ultrasonic detection system based on MFCS is built, compared with the traditional piezoelectric sensor, the MFCS can be directly implanted in the transformer oil to detect the PD signals, avoiding the attenuation of ultrasonic signals as they propagate to the transformer outer wall. Then, four kinds of PD ultrasonic signals are collected by the PD detection system, and feature extraction is carried out for the time domain and frequency domain characteristics of PD ultrasonic signals. Finally, a BSO-SVM classification algorithm is proposed, which uses the beetle antennae search (BAS) and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to jointly optimize the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The BSO-SVM classifier is used to classify four kinds of PD signals, the classification accuracy is 93%, and the number of convergence is 5. In addition, the BSO-SVM algorithm is compared with the GA-SVM and PSO-SVM algorithms. The results show that the BSO-SVM algorithm has higher recognition accuracy and faster convergence speed. The research results show that it is feasible to use MFCS combined with BSO-SVM to identify PD patterns of transformers, and it has certain significance for transformer fault diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be associated with oxidative stress, and antioxidants are commonly used in the treatment of young people with ASD. However, the evidence about the effectiveness of these interventions remains debatable. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of antioxidants on the symptoms of patients with autism. Data sources: PubMed and Web of Science databases. Study selection: We selected placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trials published until February 2021 to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant interventions on ASD. Data analysis: Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Developmental Behavior Checklist (DBC) and Clinical Global Impressions Severity scale (CGI S) were used to evaluate the 22 different symptom outcomes. The Hedges-adjusted g value was used to estimate the effect of each dietary intervention relative to the placebo. In this meta-analysis, we examined 13 double-blind randomized clinical trials, comprising a total of 570 patients with ASD: 293 in the intervention group and 277 in the placebo group. Antioxidants (N -acetylcysteine (NAC), other antioxidants) are more effective than placebos in improving the irritability among symptoms in the ABC and communication disturbance symptoms in the DBC. There was a good trend of improvement in the stereotypic behavior symptoms in the ABC. Treatment with NAC antioxidants showed a good trend of improvement in irritability in the ABC and symptoms of hyperactivity. The effect size was small, and there was a low risk of statistical heterogeneity and publication bias. Limitations: The number of studies in this meta-analysis was small and the sample size was small. This meta-analysis suggests that antioxidant intervention has a potential role in the management of some symptoms in patients with ASD, and indicates the feasibility of using antioxidants to treat autism in the future. • Integrating various symptom outcomes to evaluate antioxidant effects on ASD children. • Antioxidants have a potential role in improving the symptoms of patients with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The N × N trigonometric matrix P(ω) whose entries are appears in connection with the design of finite impulse response (FIR) digital filters with real coefficients. We prove several results about its eigenvalues; in particular, assuming we prove that has one positive and one negative eigenvalue when is an integer, while it has two positive and two negative eigenvalues when is not an integer. We also show that for not being an integer and a sufficiently large N, the two positive eigenvalues converge to and the two negative eigenvalues to , where . Furthermore, an equivalent transformation diagonalizing P(ω) is described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a typical waste, used cigarette filters (UCFs) are difficult to biodegrade and harmful to the environment. The direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell (DC-SOFC) is an energy conversion device that can utilize carbon directly, including biochar, as fuel. We report a superior DC-SOFC powered by Fe-loaded UCF biochar in this paper. The microstructure and composition are characterized, indicating that the UCF biochar is micron-sized and contains metal elements such as K and Ca that are beneficial to the performance of DC-SOFC. The peak power density of the cell fueled by pure UCF biochar is 308 mW cm−2 and increases to 341 mW cm−2 after loading Fe as the catalyst, which is comparable to that of the cell with Fe-loaded activated carbon (368 mW cm−2). It proves the feasibility of the UCF biochar as fuel for DC-SOFCs, providing a theoretical basis and technical demonstration for the disposal and transformation of solid waste. • A biochar derived from the used cigarette filters is applied as fuel in DC-SOFCs. • DC-SOFC output increases from 308 to 341 mW cm−2 at 850 °C by Fe catalyst. • Accumulated elements in used cigarette filters char acts as catalyst for Boudouard reaction. • Fe-loaded UCF biochar is a promising fuel for DC-SOFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Based on the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM), the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) was developed to measure patients' perceptions of their chronic medical illness. Such a measure does not exist for dental conditions. This study describes psychometric properties of the IPQ-R for Dental (IPQ-RD) for parent/caregivers of children under 6 years of age.Methods: Parent/caregivers (n=160) of children aged <6 years attending a pediatric dental clinic completed the IPQ-RD and a questionnaire assessing their socio-demographics, dental anxiety, oral health self-efficacy, and child's preventive dental visits. Dental charts were abstracted for child's decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) information. The 33-item IPQ-RD was tested for internal (construct, discriminant) and external validity (concurrent, convergent, discriminant) and reliability (internal consistency).Results: Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the eight-factor model in accordance with the CSM framework (identity, consequences-child, consequences-caregiver, control-child, control-caregiver, timeline, illness coherence, emotional representations) had good construct validity based on significant factor loadings and acceptable to excellent model fit (RMSEA=0.078, CFI=0.951). Concurrent validity was demonstrated by significant negative correlations and higher mean factor scores for five constructs for children without dental visits indicating inaccurate caregiver perception of cavities. Discriminant validity was suggested by non-relationship with external measures (dental anxiety, self-efficacy). Internal consistency of six IPQ-RD constructs was excellent (Cronbach's alpha >0.74).Conclusion: The IPQ-RD is a valid and reliable measure to assess parent/caregivers' representation of young children's cavities with potential to be a valuable risk assessment tool for oral health behavioral research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To evaluate the tolerability of escalating doses of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for primary treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in poor surgical candidates. Patients and methods Eligible patients included those with clinically staged radiographic and or pathologically confirmed RCC who had not undergone previous abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy. All patients had comorbid medical conditions which precluded surgery. Median (range) patient age was 77.6 years (range 59–89) years and all patients had Karnofsky Performance Status of ⩾60. Median tumor volume was 57.9 cm 3 (range 13.8–174.7 cm 3 ). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 3 or worse gastrointestinal/genitourinary toxicity by Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (version 4). Tumor response was assessed by imaging results using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) measurement and percutaneous biopsy. Results A total of 19 patients (13 men and 6 women) were treated on protocol from June 2006 through August 2011. Groups of 3–6 patients received 24, 32, 40, and 48 Gy in 4 fractions. Median (range) follow-up was 13. 7 months (5.9–34.7 months). For possibly treatment-related acute toxicities, one patient developed grade 2 fatigue and one developed grade 4 duodenal ulcer. For possibly treatment-related late toxicities, 2 patients experienced grade 3 renal toxicity (worsening chronic kidney disease), one reported grade 2 urinary incontinence and one developed grade 4 duodenal ulcer. Among the 15 patients with evaluable response, 3 and 12 had partial response and stable disease, respectively, utilizing RECIST criteria. Among the 11 patients who had post-SBRT biopsy, only one (9%) was negative on first biopsy and an additional one (9%) turned negative without further therapy on second biopsy. Conclusions Dose escalation to 48 Gy in 4 fractions has been achieved successfully without dose-limiting toxicities. A planned extension of this phase I trial is currently underway treating patients to 60 Gy in 3 fractions to further evaluate this experimental therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]