bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancytopenia –An Uncommon Presentation of an Inborn Error of Metabolism
Authors: Prakash Anand
Published: June 2021

Pancytopenia as a presenting feature of an Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) is rare. Two children with pancytopenia mimicking sepsis are presented here. Investigations revealed pancytopenia and metabolic acidosis. Both had previous episodes of encephalopathy. In view of the persisting pancytopenia, episodic encephalopathy and metabolic acidosis, despite therapy for sepsis, an underlying IEM was considered and further workup revealed organic acidemia. Both children were started on dietary modifications and supplements, to which they responded, however one of them succumbed to an intercurrent infection. IEM should be considered in children with episodic encephalopathy, metabolic acidosis and pancytopenia after ruling out sepsis. Timely intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality.
Impact OF Covid-19 on Several Industries in Context with the Dialysis Industry
Authors: Gujrathi Ashish
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) was recognized in late December in Hubei province of Wuhan city in China. This highly contagious disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is transmitted from humans to humans. After the first case in Wuhan, the disease rapidly spread to other parts of the globe. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) made an assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. Thus, social-distancing became an important measure to stop the spread of this disease. Various countries across the world adopted nationwide lockdowns. This led to a completely new scenario for the world, where every business in each industry faced new challenges and witnessed new opportunities. Similarly, the medical personal protective industry, a vital part of the healthcare sector, also witnessed new growth opportunities.
Two new Palaearctic species of the genus Bucculatrix (Lepidoptera: Bucculatricidae)
Authors: Baryshnikova S.V.
Published: June 2021

Bucculatrix malivorella sp. n. from Middle Asia and B. pectinifera sp. n. from the Far East of Russia are described.
1 000 jours pour changer l’avenir : ces signes précoces de troubles du neurodéveloppement permettant une prise en charge précoce
Authors: Farmer M. , Baille N. , Doublet C. , Kojayan R.
Published: June 2021

Durant les 1 000 premiers jours de sa vie (270 jours de grossesse et 730 jours de vie), le foetus, le nouveau-né puis le nourrisson, doit se construire pour acquérir l’autonomie nécessaire à la vie, rien de moins. Il est possible d’identifier des signes annonciateurs de troubles du neurodéveloppement (TND) dans les premiers mois de vie, ce qui nous permet de mettre en place une prise en charge précoce avec l’espoir de diminuer les conséquences fonctionnelles du TND. Nous avons construit cette démarche de repérage précoce en différenciant trois sphères : la motricité, la sensorialité et les interactions afin de rechercher les drapeaux rouges. La consultation en neuropédiatrie organique conventionnelle, enrichie par l’étude des mouvements généraux, et la prise en compte de la psychodynamique familiale abordée par le pédopsychiatre mettent en perspective l’importance de la prise en compte des trois sphères chevillées aux particularités de l’environnement physique et humain de l’enfant.
Evaluating China's Soft Power Discourse: Assumptions, Strategies, and Objectives
Authors: Mirza Muhammad Nadeem , Abbas Hussain , Nizamani Muhammad Qasim
Published: June 2021

China claims that it's rise is different from other great powers: a benign and responsible power striving for just order and peaceful development. This paper raises question that why has China resorted to soft power mechanisms? What are the strategies that it employs to project soft image? And finally, how is soft power helpful in portraying China as a power distinct from the status quo powers? While utilising qualitative content analysis, this study focuses upon the origins of soft power conception, characteristics of Chinese soft power discourse and strategies that it has adopted to attain its objectives. Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has paid a profound attention to soft power as a means to realise the 'China Dream'. China's efforts to enhance regional and trans-regional connectivity, infrastructure investment and formula for poverty alleviation have contributed to brilliance of China.
Institute of "cultural service" in the mechanism of public and legal support of the population with social and cultural services
Authors: Sobakar Andriy , Aksyutina Anastasiya
Published: June 2021

The article examines the problems of full provision of the population with socio-cultural services, using the necessary administrative and legal tools. A conceptual idea of the content of public law support for the development of the institution of "cultural service" and the process of providing quality socio-cultural services to the population, as well as the role of public administration in it. The important role in qualitative satisfaction of cultural needs of citizens of the state is emphasized, without support of which it is impossible to realize full social usefulness of cultural goods which significance is perceived by consumers by their value as an element of process of increase of cultural level of the population. The characteristic features of the cultural sphere as an object of public administration are clarified. The considered situation in the cultural sphere allowed to outline the modern determinants of in-hibiting the development of the institution of "cultural service" as a component of the mechanism of public law provision of quality and affordable cultural services, including: lack of equal conditions for Ukrainian citizens to access cultural services; devaluation of generally recognized cultural values and landmarks; insufficient use of the potential of cultural institutions, as well as low investment level of the cultural sector; lack of effective public control in the provision of cultural services to the population; constant legislative changes that prevent the achievement of the desired level of adaptation of the management system of cultural entities to environmental conditions, etc. It is concluded that the development of the institute of "cultural service" should be formed in the mechanism of public-law provision of social and cultural services, taking into account the basic principles formulated in the Concept of reforming the system of cultural services, with mandatory addition to the principles of independent quality assessment, information openness of cultural services, etc.
Concepts, principles and types of services of the National Police
Authors: Myronyuk Stanislava
Published: June 2021

The article is analyzed of the legislatively meaningful and potential types of service services, which are based on the reasons of the National Police. It is imperative to provide, as to indicate the need for the expansion of the normative consolidation of service services, as it is possible to press on the components of the National Police, introduced by the understanding and the principle of the support. The article clarifies the need to develop an effective and scientifically sound national model for the implementation of the service function of the National Police. The own concept of service activity of the National Police as defined by law and regulated by law activities for the provision of administrative services aimed at realizing the rights of individuals and legal entities and meeting the needs of means of communication with the National Police is proposed. The following principles of service activity of the National Police are singled out and disclosed: single window, debureaucratization (non-interference), increase of efficiency, availability and openness of information on activity of public body on service provision, availability of criteria for quality assessment of public services, availability of public services, prevention and counteraction corruption in the provision of services, saving time, appealing the procedure for providing the service. It was found that the services of the National Police can be divided into the following types: related to the issuance of permits for firearms, ammunition and other items; in the field of traffic; in the field of security activities (protection of property of citizens, organizations, as well as objects subject to mandatory protection, etc.); in the field of admission to driving. It is proved that the implementation of these services should be carried out on the basis of compliance with the unified princes of administrative services, and on the basis of information cards for each service to be developed to meet the requirements of the Law "On Administrative Services", approved by the Order of the National Police. available to consumers of such services.
Institutionelle Beteiligungsgelegenheiten für junge Menschen in der Heimerziehung in Deutschland: Ein quantitativer Blick auf die vergangenen 20 Jahre aus der Sicht von Einrichtungen
Authors: Pluto Liane
Published: June 2021

Im Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, ob es vor dem Hintergrund der gesetzlichen und fachlichen Weiterentwicklungen empirische Hinweise gibt, dass sich in den letzten 20 Jahren die Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten für Kinder und Jugendliche in stationären Einrichtungen verbessert haben. Dazu werden quantitative Daten aus fünf Befragungen von stationären Einrichtungen zu den Gelegenheitsstrukturen für Beteiligung herangezogen. Abschließend wird diskutiert, wie die geringen Veränderungen eingeordnet werden können.
AS1 expression in prostate cancer and its effects on proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Li Yuxin , Zhuang Xiaohong , Zhuang Li , Liu Hongjian
Published: June 2021

This paper aimed at investigating AS1 expression in prostate cancer (PCa) and its effects on the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells (PCCs). The prostate tissues and the matched adjacent normal prostate tissues excised and preserved during radical prostatectomy in our hospital were collected. The LncRNA NCK1-AS1 expression was detected. PCa patients were followed up for three years to analyze their prognosis. The correlation of LncRNA NCK1-AS1 expression with clinicopathological features was analyzed. Human normal prostate cells and human PCCs were selected, in which LncRNA NCK1-AS1 expression was tested to screen and then transfect the cells. Cell proliferation, invasion and migration were detected. Cell cycles and apoptosis were analyzed. Compared with the adjacent normal tissues, LncRNA NCK1-AS1 was highly expressed in the prostate cancer tissues. Its expression was remarkably different in those with different stages of TNM and with lymphatic metastasis or not. The prognosis of patients with high LncRNA NCK1-AS1 expression was remarkably poorer than that of those with low expression. Compared with the human normal prostate cells, LncRNA NCK1-AS1 expression in the human PCCs remarkably rose, with the greatest difference in 22Rv1 cells. Compared with the Blank group, cell proliferation and the number of plate cloned cells remarkably reduced in the sh-NCK1-AS1 group. Additionally, in this group, the number of invasive and migratory cells remarkably reduced; the expression of invasion-related protein E-cadherin remarkably rose but that of MMP-2 remarkably reduced; cell cycles were arrested and the expression of cycle-related proteins (CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1) remarkably reduced; the apoptotic rate and the expression of apoptosis-related protein Bax remarkably rose. LncRNA NCK1-AS1 is highly expressed in PCa, so its down-regulation can inhibit PCCs from proliferating and reduce the number of invasive cells.
POM121 promotes proliferation and metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer through TGF-β/SMAD and PI3K/AKT pathways
Authors: Guan Lirong , Zhang Lingli , Wang Tengqi , Jia Lizhou , Zhang Ning , Yan Huishan , Zhao Kun
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: Nuclear pore membrane protein 121 (POM121) is a novel biomarker involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, little is known about the role of POM121 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to detect the expression of POM121 in NSCLC and its relationship with clinicopathologic feature and cell biological behavior, and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The expression of POM121 in NSCLC tissues and para-carcinoma tissues was compared by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. The relationship between POM121 protein and clinicopathological characteristics in NSCLC was investigated. Roles of POM121 in NSCLC cells were investigated by CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, and in vivo experiments. Variations of signaling pathways were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The POM121 expression in NSCLC tissues was significantly higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues, both at the mRNA and protein level. The POM121 expression was related to sex, advanced differentiation, tumor diameter, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, venous invasion, and perineural invasion in NSCLC. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that NSCLC patients with high POM121 expression had poor overall survival. Downregulation of POM121 inhibited cell proliferation, clone formation, migration and invasion. TGF-β/SMAD and PI3K/AKT pathways were involved in POM121-induced functional changes in NSCLC cells. CONCLUSION: POM121 plays an oncogenic role in NSCLC through TGF-β/SMAD and PI3K/AKT pathways. POM121 expression is a potential independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.
Wireless point-of-care ultrasound: First experiences with a new generation handheld device
Authors: Jung E.M. , Dinkel J. , Verloh N. , Brandenstein M. , Stroszczynski C. , Jung F. , Rennert J.
Published: June 2021

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic reliability of a new generation wireless point-of care ultrasound device for abdominal and thoracic findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 patients (16 females, 24 males 19 –80 years, on average 56.1 years) were scanned by an experienced examiner using the new wireless Vscan Air device for abdominal and thoracic findings. The probe frequencies were 2–5 MHz (convex probe) and 3–12 MHz for the linear probe. As a reference standard, all patients were also examined using high-end ultrasound (LOGIQ E9/LOGIQ E10). Results were interpreted independently by two examiners in consensus, also with regard to the image quality (0–4, from not assessable = 0, to excellent 4). RESULTS: In all 40 patients (100%) examination with conventional high-end ultrasound and the Vscan Air ultrasound device was feasible. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of abdominal and thoracic findings were 63.3%, 100%, 100%, and 40%, respectively. Most main diagnostic findings were detected using the mobile device compared to the high-end ultrasound. Limitations were found regarding characterization and classification of hepatic and renal tumorous lesions. Image quality revealed mostly minor diagnostic limitations for the mobile device, mean 2.9 (SD ± 0.300) and was excellent or with only minor diagnostic limitations for conventional high-end ultrasound, mean 3.25 (SD ± 0.438). CONCLUSION: Due to its easy application and its high diagnostic reliability, point-of-care ultrasound systems of the latest generation represent a valuable imaging method for the primary assessment of abdominal and thoracic findings, especially in patients on intensive care units or in emergency situations.
A bibliometric analysis of race-related research in LIS
Authors: Mongeon Philippe , Brown Alison , Dhaliwal Ratna , Hill Jessalyn , Matthews Amber
Published: June 2021

This special issue on race relations and racial inequity in Library and Information Science (LIS) is a response a recent wave of advocacy, activism, and protests. Its explicit purpose is to address the lack of research on race and inequity within our field. The purpose of this contribution to the issue is to substantiate that statement by performing a bibliometric analysis of the last 40 years of LIS scholarship to quantify the amount of attention given to race and racial inequality over that period. We find that despite an important increase in BIPOC-related research in LIS, the numbers remain quite low with approximately 2% of LIS publications containing terms related to racial inequality and BIPOC communities, and this research also tends to be less cited than the average LIS papers in the same area. We also find that this research is present in several areas of the field, although unevenly distributed across them. The trends presented in this paper may help when discussing sensitive issues regarding systematic discrimination, help create and sustain momentum towards change, and address the persistent lack of diverse perspectives and approaches across LIS scholarship and practice.
Immunogenicity of biologics used in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis
Authors: Patel Visha , Efimov Alex , Baker David , Kang Angray S.
Published: June 2021

The number of biologic drugs available for the treatment of psoriasis continue to expand. However, being biological proteins and thus potentially immunogenic, there is evidence that anti-drug-antibodies develop against the various therapeutic proteins currently being utilised. Although chimeric antibodies that contain elements of the parental rodent monoclonal antibodies are immunogenic, anti-drug antibodies occur even if the biologic is a fully human protein and these can impact on clinical efficacy and safety. However, there is a wide variation in the reported level of anti-drug-antibodies for the same and different treatments that is highlighting issues with various assays used in anti-drug antibody detection. Here we review the available data on the occurrence of anti-drug antibodies in people with psoriasis treated with biologic agents.
Geo-AI to aid disaster response by memory-augmented deep reservoir computing
Authors: Demertzis Konstantinos , Iliadis Lazaros , Pimenidis Elias
Published: June 2021

It is a fact that natural disasters often cause severe damage both to ecosystems and humans. Moreover, man-made disasters can have enormous moral and economic consequences for people. A typical example is the large deadly and catastrophic explosion in Beirut on 4 August 2020, which destroyed a very large area of the city. This research paper introduces a Geo-AI disaster response computer vision system, capable to map an area using material from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). SAR is a unique form of radar that can penetrate the clouds and collect data day and night under any weather conditions. Specifically, the Memory-Augmented Deep Convolutional Echo State Network (MA/DCESN) is introduced for the first time in the literature, as an advanced Machine Vision (MAV) architecture. It uses a meta-learning technique, which is based on a memory-augmented approach. The target is the employment of Deep Reservoir Computing (DRC) for domain adaptation. The developed Deep Convolutional Echo State Network (DCESN) combines a classic Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), with a Deep Echo State Network (DESN), and analog neurons with sparse random connections. Its training is performed following the Recursive Least Square (RLS) method. In addition, the integration of external memory allows the storage of useful data from past processes, while facilitating the rapid integration of new information, without the need for retraining. The proposed DCESN implements a set of original modifications regarding training setting, memory retrieval mechanisms, addressing techniques, and ways of assigning attention weights to memory vectors. As it is experimentally shown, the whole approach produces remarkable stability, high generalization efficiency and significant classification accuracy, significantly extending the state-of-the-art Machine Vision methods.
Plasma Levels of Amyloid-β Peptides and Tau Protein in Mexican Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Castillo-Mendieta Tzayaka , Arana-Lechuga Yoaly , Campos-Peña Victoria , Sosa Ana Luisa , Orozco-Suarez Sandra , Pinto-Almazán Rodolfo , Segura-Uribe Julia , Javier Rodríguez-Sánchez de Tagle Aldo , Ruiz-Sánchez Elizabeth , Guerra-Araiza Christian
Published: June 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes memory deficit and alterations in other cognitive functions, mainly in adults over 60 years of age. As the diagnosis confirmation is performed by a postmortem neuropathological examination of the brain, this disease can be confused with other types of dementia at early stages. About 860,000 Mexicans are affected by dementia, most of them with insufficient access to adequate comprehensive health care services. Plasma biomarkers could be a rapid option for early diagnosis of the disease. Objective: This study aimed to analyze some plasma biomarkers (amyloid-β, tau, and lipids) in Mexican AD patients and control subjects with no associated neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: Plasma amyloid-β peptides (Aβ40 and Aβ42), total and phosphorylated tau protein (T-tau and P-tau), and cholesterol and triglyceride levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in AD patients and control subjects. Results: In Mexican AD patients, we found significantly lower levels of Aβ42 (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. In contrast, significantly higher levels of P-tau (p < 0.05) and triglycerides (p < 0.05) were observed in AD patients compared to controls. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the severity of dementia and plasma P-tau levels, Aβ42/Aβ40 and P-tau/T-tau ratios, and triglycerides concentrations. This correlation increased gradually with cognitive decline. Conclusion: The detection of these plasma biomarkers is an initial step in searching for a timely, less invasive, and cost-efficient diagnosis in Mexicans.
Sensitive Measures of Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Klooster Nathaniel , Humphries Stacey , Cardillo Eileen , Hartung Franziska , Xie Long , Das Sandhitsu , Yushkevich Paul , Pilania Arun , Wang Jieqiong , Wolk David A. , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: June 2021

Background: Sensitive measures of cognition are needed in preclinical and prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to track cognitive change and evaluate potential interventions. Neurofibrillary tangle pathology in AD is first observed in Brodmann Area 35 (BA35), the medial portion of the perirhinal cortex. The importance of the perirhinal cortex for semantic memory may explain early impairments of semantics in preclinical AD. Additionally, our research has tied figurative language impairment to neurodegenerative disease. Objective: We aim to identify tasks that are sensitive to cognitive impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and that are sensitive to atrophy in BA35. Methods: Individuals with MCI and cognitively normal participants (CN) were tested on productive and receptive experimental measures of semantic memory and experimental tests of figurative language comprehension (including metaphor and verbal analogy). Performance was related to structural imaging and standard neuropsychological assessment. Results: On the experimental tests of semantics and figurative language, people with MCI performed worse than CN participants. The experimental semantic memory tasks are sensitive and specific; performance on the experimental semantic memory tasks related to medial temporal lobe structural integrity, including BA35, while standard neuropsychological assessments of semantic memory did not, demonstrating the sensitivity of these experimental measures. A visuo-spatial analogy task did not differentiate groups, confirming the specificity of semantic and figurative language tasks. Conclusion: These experimental measures appear sensitive to cognitive change and neurodegeneration early in the AD trajectory and may prove useful in tracking cognitive change in clinical trials aimed at early intervention.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurotransmitters, Cytokines, and Chemokines in Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Diseases
Authors: Lourenco Mychael V. , Ribeiro Felipe C. , Santos Luis E. , Beckman Danielle , Melo Helen M. , Sudo Felipe K. , Drummond Cláudia , Assunção Naima , Vanderborght Bart , Tovar-Moll Fernanda , De Felice Fernanda G. , Mattos Paulo , Ferreira Sergio T.
Published: June 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) are complex neurodegenerative disorders that have been associated with brain inflammation and impaired neurotransmission. Objective: We aimed to determine concentrations of multiple cytokines, chemokines, and neurotransmitters previously associated with brain inflammation and synapse function in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from AD and LBD patients. Methods: We examined a panel of 50 analytes comprising neurotransmitters, cytokines, chemokines, and hormones in CSF in a cohort of patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD, LBD, or non-demented controls (NDC). Results: Among neurotransmitters, noradrenaline (NA) was increased in AD CSF, while homovanillic acid (HVA), a dopamine metabolite, was reduced in both AD and LBD CSF relative to NDC. Six cytokines/chemokines out of 30 investigated were reliably detected in CSF. CSF vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly reduced in LBD patients relative to NDC. Conclusions: CSF alterations in NA, HVA, and VEGF in AD and LBD may reflect pathogenic features of these disorders and provide tools for improved diagnosis. Future studies are warranted to replicate current findings in larger, multicenter cohorts.
Education Moderates the Negative Effect of Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 on Response Inhibition in Older Adults
Authors: Chang Yu-Ling , Zhuo Yi-Yuan , Luo Di-Hua
Published: June 2021

Background: Studies have reported that apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ɛ4) has adverse effects on executive functions (EFs) in late adulthood. However, the results have been inconsistent. Insufficient measurements of executive functioning, uncontrolled clinical and demographic confounders, and moderation effects from other environmental factors are suspected to account for the inconsistency. Objective: This study used aggregate measures to examine the effects of APOE ɛ4 on four components of EFs, namely switching, working memory, inhibition, and reasoning. We further investigated whether high educational attainment, a proxy measure for cognitive reserve, moderates the adverse effects of ɛ4 on EFs. Methods: Cognitively unimpaired older participants were divided into groups based on APOE genotype and into subgroups based on educational attainment level. The demographic and clinical variables were matched between the groups. Four core components of the EFs were measured using a relatively comprehensive battery. Results: The results revealed that although no main effect of the APOE genotype was observed across the four EF components, the potentially adverse effects of ɛ4 on inhibition were alleviated by high educational attainment. A main effect of education on the reasoning component was also observed. The moderation analysis revealed that for older adults with 12 years of education or fewer, the relationship between the APOE ɛ4 genotype and inhibition performance became increasingly negative. Conclusion: This study highlights the distinctive role of response inhibition in the gene–environment interaction and underlines the importance of considering factors of both nature and nurture to understand the complex process of cognitive aging.
Salivaomics as a Potential Tool for Predicting Alzheimer’s Disease During the Early Stages of Neurodegeneration
Authors: François Maxime , Karpe Avinash , Liu Jian-Wei , Beale David , Hor Maryam , Hecker Jane , Faunt Jeff , Maddison John , Johns Sally , Doecke James , Rose Stephen , Leifert Wayne R.
Published: June 2021

Background: The metabolomic and proteomic basis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is poorly understood and the relationships between systemic abnormalities in metabolism and AD/AMCI pathogenesis are unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the metabolomic and proteomic signature of saliva from cognitively normal and patients diagnosed with MCI or AD, to identify specific cellular pathways altered with the progression of the disease. Methods: We analyzed 80 saliva samples from individuals with MCI or AD as well as age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Saliva proteomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted utilizing mass spectrometry methods and data combined using pathway analysis. Results: We found significant alterations in multiple cellular pathways, demonstrating that at the omics level, disease progression impacts numerous cellular processes. Multivariate statistics using SIMCA showed that partial least squares-data analysis could be used to provide separation of the three groups. Conclusion: This study found significant changes in metabolites and proteins from multiple cellular pathways in saliva. These changes were associated with AD, demonstrating that this approach might prove useful to identify new biomarkers based upon integration of multi-omics parameters.
Central Obesity, Cardiometabolic Risk, and Cognitive Change in the Study of Latinos – Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging
Authors: Stickel Ariana M. , Tarraf Wassim , Gonzalez Kevin A. , Isasi Carmen R. , Kaplan Robert , Gallo Linda C. , Zeng Donglin , Cai Jianwen , Pirzada Amber , Daviglus Martha L. , Goodman Zachary T. , Schneiderman Neil , González Hector M.
Published: June 2021

Background: The relationships between obesity and cognitive decline in aging are mixed and understudied among Hispanics/Latinos. Objective: To understand associations between central obesity, cognitive aging, and the role of concomitant cardiometabolic abnormalities among Hispanics/Latinos. Methods: Participants included 6,377 diverse Hispanics/Latinos enrolled in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) and SOL-Investigation for Neurocognitive Aging (SOL-INCA). Participants were 45 years and older at the first cognitive testing session (Visit 1). Cognitive outcomes (z-score units) included global composite and domain specific (learning, memory, executive functioning, processing speed) measures at a second visit (SOL-INCA, on average, 7 years later), and 7-year change. We used survey linear regression to examine associations between central obesity (waist circumference≥88 cm and≥102 cm for women and men, respectively) and cognition. We also tested whether the relationships between obesity and cognition differed by cardiometabolic status (indication of/treatment for 2 + of the following: high triglycerides, hypertension, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Results: Central obesity was largely unassociated with cognitive outcomes, adjusting for covariates. However, among individuals with central obesity, cardiometabolic abnormality was linked to poorer cognitive function at SOL-INCA (ΔGlobalCognition =–0.165, p < 0.001) and to more pronounced cognitive declines over the average 7 years (ΔGlobalCognition = –0.109, p < 0.05); this was consistent across cognitive domains. Conclusion: Central obesity alone was not associated with cognitive function. However, presence of both central obesity and cardiometabolic abnormalities was robustly predictive of cognition and 7-year cognitive declines, suggesting that in combination these factors may alter the cognitive trajectories of middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos.
Impacts of the National Your Brain Matters Dementia Risk Reduction Campaign in Australia Over 2 Years
Authors: Talbot Louise A. , Thomas Margaret , Bauman Adrian , Manera Karine E. , Smith Ben J.
Published: June 2021

Background: The number of people living with dementia is rising globally due to population aging. Mass media campaigns which aim to reduce the risk of people developing dementia have been conducted across many countries, but few have reported evaluation findings. Objective: The present study investigated the impact of the Your Brain Matters dementia risk reduction campaign in Australia. Methods: The campaign was evaluated by observational cross-sectional surveys of 1000 Australian adults aged 18–75 years before and 24 months after delivery. The national campaign utilized multiple media channels to promote messages about the importance of brain health and reducing the risk of dementia. Dementia risk reduction knowledge, confidence, intentions and actions were measured at baseline and follow-up, and analyzed 2019–2020. Results: Earned television and radio were the most common exposure channels. The proportion of people who understood that it is beneficial to take action to reduce dementia risk before middle age increased (54.1% to 59.4%, OR 1.20 95% CI: 1.01–1.44). There was also an increase (28.5% to 32.8%, OR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.59) in the proportion who reported taking action to improve brain health. There was no improvement in knowledge about vascular risk factors, or confidence to reduce personal dementia risk. Conclusion: The findings showed some receptivity and positive responses to messages about the benefits of taking action to reduce the risk of dementia. The campaign demonstrated the potential for generating news coverage about this issue, which should highlight the preventive benefits of vascular health behaviors.
Relevance of Complaint Severity in Predicting the Progression of Subjective Cognitive Decline and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Pereiro Arturo Xosé , Valladares-Rodríguez Sonia , Felpete Alba , Lojo-Seoane Cristina , Campos-Magdaleno María , Mallo Sabela Carme , Facal David , Anido-Rifón Luis , Belleville Sylvie , Juncos-Rabadán Onésimo
Published: June 2021

Background: The presence of subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) is a core criterion for diagnosis of subjective cognitive decline (SCD); however, no standard procedure for distinguishing normative and non-normative SCCs has yet been established. Objective: To determine whether differentiation of participants with SCD according to SCC severity improves the validity of the prediction of progression in SCD and MCI and to explore validity metrics for two extreme thresholds of the distribution in scores in a questionnaire on SCCs. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-three older adults with SCCs participating in the Compostela Aging Study (CompAS) were classified as MCI or SCD at baseline. The participants underwent two follow-up assessments and were classified as cognitively stable or worsened. Severity of SCCs (low and high) in SCD was established by using two different percentiles of the questionnaire score distribution as cut-off points. The validity of these cut-off points for predicting progression using socio-demographic, health, and neuropsychological variables was tested by machine learning (ML) analysis. Results: Severity of SCCs in SCD established considering the 5th percentile as a cut-off point proved to be the best metric for predicting progression. The variables with the main role in conforming the predictive algorithm were those related to memory, cognitive reserve, general health, and the stability of diagnosis over time. Conclusion: Moderate to high complainers showed an increased probability of progression in cognitive decline, suggesting the clinical relevance of standard procedures to determine SCC severity. Our findings highlight the important role of the multimodal ML approach in predicting progression.
Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Predicts Cognitive Progression in Prodromal and Clinical Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Pilotto Andrea , Imarisio Alberto , Carrarini Claudia , Russo Mirella , Masciocchi Stefano , Gipponi Stefano , Cottini Elisabetta , Aarsland Dag , Zetterberg Henrik , Ashton Nicholas J. , Hye Abdul , Bonanni Laura , Padovani Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a marker of neuronal damage in different neurological disorders and might predict disease progression in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The study enrolled 45 controls and 44 DLB patients (including 17 prodromal cases) who underwent an extensive assessment at baseline and at 2 years follow-up. At baseline, plasma NfL levels were higher in both probable DLB and prodromal cases compared to controls. Plasma NfL emerged as the best predictor of cognitive decline compared to age, sex, and baseline severity variables. The study supports the role of plasma NfL as a useful prognostic biomarker from the early stages of DLB.
The Associations of Plasma/Serum Carotenoids with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qu Mingyue , Shi Hanxu , Wang Kai , Wang Xinggang , Yu Nan , Guo Baoshi
Published: June 2021

Background: Multiple lines of evidence indicate protective effects of carotenoids in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, previous epidemiological studies reported inconsistent results regarding the associations between carotenoids levels and the risk of AD. Objective: Our study aims to evaluate the associations of six major members of carotenoids with the occurrence of AD by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Ebsco, and PsycINFO databases was conducted, and the quality of each included studies was evaluated by a validated scoring systems. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined by using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistics. Publication bias was detected using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: Sixteen studies, with 10,633 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed significantly lower plasma/serum levels of lutein (SMD = –0.86, 95% CI: –1.67 to –0.05, p = 0.04) and zeaxanthin (SMD = –0.59; 95% CI: –1.12 to –0.06, p = 0.03) in patients with AD versus cognitively intact controls, while α-carotene (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI: –0.68 to 0.26, p = 0.39), β-carotene (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI: –0.57 to 0.65, p = 0.9), lycopene (SMD = –0.12, 95% CI: –0.96 to 0.72, p = 0.78), and β-cryptoxanthin (SMD = –0.09, 95% CI: –0.83 to 0.65, p = 0.81) did not achieve significant differences. Conclusion: Of six major members of carotenoids, only lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma/serum were inversely related to the risk of AD. More high-quality longitudinal studies are needed to verify these findings.
Decision-making technology based on knowledge engineering and experiment on the intelligent water-fertilizer irrigation system
Authors: Zhai Zhiyong , Chen Xing , Zhang Yubin , Zhou Rui
Published: June 2021

Although the irrigation technologies based on the Decision-making System (DMS) began in the late 1990s, while being merely embryonic from laboratory research into application in the agricultural irrigation areas, DMS based on intelligent algorithms have drawn much attention from the academia over the recent years. In this study, we have provided an overview of the decision-making technology based on knowledge engineering for intelligent irrigation system referred to as Knowledge-based Engineering (KBE). As the modern technical research and scientific theory on agricultural water saving is further developed, the water-fertilizer irrigation is becoming increasingly intelligent. We have put forward the concept of KBE intelligent irrigation system and its support to decision-making in the study, while adopting the techniques and methods of knowledge engineering. In addition, we have combined our research findings with the expert knowledge on the water-fertilizer irrigation in a system integrated with computer network, intelligent reasoning and artificial intelligence (AI), among other modern high-techs. We have set up the decision-making models and analytical methods of irrigation and fertilization for KBE by referring to the expert experience and data of fertilization. Moreover, we have taken into account the web crawler technology in irrigation and fertilization, and we have put forward novel methods of knowledge acquisition based on the web crawler. Correspondingly, we have established the knowledge base for the decision-making support system tailored to irrigation and fertilization. The experiment result shows that the recommended irrigation quota is compared with local cultivation technology experience to obtain a decision accuracy of 81.7%. And the water and fertilizer management plan obtained by the intelligent decision-making system has a thicker stem and higher plant height during the growth period than the crops obtained by local cultivation experience. The output of the decision-making system is 620 kg, which a relative increase of 5.08% is compared with the 590 kg obtained from local cultivation experience.
Advanced design and tests of a new electrical control seeding system with genetic algorithm fuzzy control strategy
Authors: Wang Sheng , Sun Yanhong , Yang Chen , Yu Yongchang
Published: June 2021

In the existing soybean breeding and planting machinery, the power source of the metering device adopts the ground wheel transmission method mostly. However, this power transmission method is likely to cause slippage during the planting operation, which will cause problems such as the increase of the missed seeding index and the increase of the coefficient of plant spacing. It is not conducive for scientific researchers to carry out breeding operations. Aiming at this problem, an electronically controlled soybean seeding system is designed, and the power of the seed metering device is derived from the motor. In order to improve the control accuracy of the electronically controlled seeding system, the precise control of the soybean seeding rate is finally realized. The electric drive soybean seeding system adopts closed-loop control, the motor model of the electric drive seeding system is established, and the transfer function of the motor is obtained. PID control based on a genetic algorithm is adopted, and the corresponding parameters are substituted into the control system simulation model established in MATLAB/SIMULINK. Field verification tests have been carried out on the conventional fuzzy PID control system and the electric drive soybean planter of the fuzzy PID control system based on a genetic algorithm. The result showed that the average of the repeat-seeding parameter is 1.30% better than the average of conventional seeding system (1.40%), the average of the miss-seeding parameter is 1.08% better than the average of conventional seeding system (2.09%) and the average of row-spacing variation parameter is 2.79% better than the average of conventional seeding system (2.34%). In conclusion, the new seeding system is robust obviously. Field trial results show that seeding with Genetic Algorithm Fuzzy control is better.
Construction of a multi-source heterogeneous hybrid platform for big data
Authors: Wang Ying , Liu Yiding , Xia Minna
Published: June 2021

Big data is featured by multiple sources and heterogeneity. Based on the big data platform of Hadoop and spark, a hybrid analysis on forest fire is built in this study. This platform combines the big data analysis and processing technology, and learns from the research results of different technical fields, such as forest fire monitoring. In this system, HDFS of Hadoop is used to store all kinds of data, spark module is used to provide various big data analysis methods, and visualization tools are used to realize the visualization of analysis results, such as Echarts, ArcGIS and unity3d. Finally, an experiment for forest fire point detection is designed so as to corroborate the feasibility and effectiveness, and provide some meaningful guidance for the follow-up research and the establishment of forest fire monitoring and visualized early warning big data platform. However, there are two shortcomings in this experiment: more data types should be selected. At the same time, if the original data can be converted to XML format, the compatibility is better. It is expected that the above problems can be solved in the follow-up research.
Fatigue damage property of permeable friction courses under the water-temperature-load coupling action
Authors: Zhang Xingmei , Yang Datian , Wu Guoxiong
Published: June 2021

In order to investigate the fatigue damage property of permeable friction courses (PFC) under the coupling action of water, temperature and load, the PFC with length of 2.93 m, width of 1.10 m and thickness of 0.04 m was prepare in the laboratory and tested by the accelerated loading testing system MMLS3. The profilometer and the portable seismic properties analyzer (PSPA) was utilized to measured the rutting depth and modulus of the whole asphalt pavement, respectively. It is found that the PFC is compaction-type rutting. In the position 200 mm, the modulus first increases and then decreases. The excess pore water pressure is not measured in pavement. The results can provide beneficial references for the design, construction and fatigue damage analysis of PFC.
Enterprise distribution routing optimization with soft time windows based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Gao Kaixian , Yang Guohua , Sun Xiaobo
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development of the logistics industry, the demand of customer become higher and higher. The timeliness of distribution becomes one of the important factors that directly affect the profit and customer satisfaction of the enterprise. If the distribution route is planned rationally, the cost can be greatly reduced and the customer satisfaction can be improved. Aiming at the routing problem of A company’s vehicle distribution link, we establish mathematical models based on theory and practice. According to the characteristics of the model, genetic algorithm is selected as the algorithm of path optimization. At the same time, we simulate the actual situation of a company, and use genetic algorithm to plan the calculus. By contrast, the genetic algorithm suitable for solving complex optimization problems, the practicability of genetic algorithm in this design is highlighted. It solves the problem of unreasonable transportation of A company, so as to get faster efficiency and lower cost.
Intelligent restoration of ancient murals based on discrete differential algorithm
Authors: Li Hao
Published: June 2021

Many defects now appear in ancient murals due to both natural and man-made factors. To better repair the damaged ancient murals, this paper improves the existing intelligent restoration method. It identifies and marks the crack-producing area, categorizes the mural image into two types – texture area and flat area according to the local gradient features, decides the initial sample block and calculates the weight, analyzes the extracted pixel data and applies discrete differential algorithm to supplement image defects. Through experiments, the method is validated in meeting the needs of image continuity law and human vision. It can shorten the repair time and restore mural cracks in an intelligent way.
A new adaptive variable step size natural gradient BSS algorithm
Authors: Ji Junqing , Kong Xiaojia , Zhang Yajing , Xu Tongle , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2021

The traditional blind source separation (BSS) algorithm is mainly used to deal with signal separation under the noiseless model, but it does not apply to data with the low signal to noise ratio (SNR). To solve the problem, an adaptive variable step size natural gradient BSS algorithm based on an improved wavelet threshold is proposed in this paper. Firstly, an improved wavelet threshold method is used to reduce the noise of the signal. Secondly, the wavelet coefficient layer with obvious periodicity is denoised using a morphological component analysis (MCA) algorithm, and the processed wavelet coefficients are recombined to obtain the ideal model. Thirdly, the recombined signal is pre-whitened, and a new separation matrix update formula of natural gradient algorithm is constructed by defining a new separation degree estimation function. Finally, the adaptive variable step size natural gradient blind source algorithm is used to separate the noise reduction signal. The results show that the algorithm can not only adaptively adjust the step size according to different signals, but also improve the convergence speed, stability and separation accuracy.