bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Twin-based Anomaly Detection with Curriculum Learning in Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Xu Qinghua , Ali Shaukat , Yue Tao
Published: February 2023

Anomaly detection is critical to ensure the security of
cyber-physical systems (CPS)
. However, due to the increasing complexity of attacks and CPS themselves, anomaly detection in CPS is becoming more and more challenging. In our previous work, we proposed a digital twin-based anomaly detection method, called ATTAIN, which takes advantage of both historical and real-time data of CPS. However, such data vary significantly in terms of difficulty. Therefore, similar to human learning processes, deep learning models (e.g., ATTAIN) can benefit from an easy-to-difficult curriculum. To this end, in this paper, we present a novel approach, named
digitaL twin-based Anomaly deTecTion wIth Curriculum lEarning (

LATTICE

)
, which extends ATTAIN by introducing curriculum learning to optimize its learning paradigm.
LATTICE
attributes each sample with a difficulty score, before being fed into a training scheduler. The training scheduler samples batches of training data based on these difficulty scores such that learning from easy to difficult data can be performed. To evaluate LATTICE, we use five publicly available datasets collected from five real-world CPS testbeds. We compare
LATTICE
with ATTAIN and two other state-of-the-art anomaly detectors. Evaluation results show that
LATTICE
outperforms the three baselines and ATTAIN by 0.906%-2.367% in terms of the F1 score.
LATTICE
also, on average, reduces the training time of ATTAIN by 4.2% on the five datasets and is on par with the baselines in terms of detection delay time.
Green Data Center Cooling Control via Physics-guided Safe Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Wang Ruihang , Cao Zhiwei , Zhou Xin , Wen Yonggang , Tan Rui
Published: February 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) has shown good performance in tackling Markov decision process (MDP) problems. As DRL optimizes a long-term reward, it is a promising approach to improving the energy efficiency of data-center cooling. However, enforcement of thermal safety constraints during DRL’s state exploration is a main challenge. The widely adopted reward-shaping approach adds negative reward when the exploratory action results in unsafety. Thus, it needs to experience sufficient unsafe states before it learns how to prevent unsafety. In this article, we propose a safety-aware DRL framework for data-center cooling control. It applies offline imitation learning and online post-hoc rectification to holistically prevent thermal unsafety during online DRL. In particular, the post-hoc rectification searches for the minimum modification to the DRL-recommended action such that the rectified action will not result in unsafety. The rectification is designed based on a thermal state transition model that is fitted using historical safe operation traces and able to extrapolate the transitions to unsafe states explored by DRL. Extensive evaluation for chilled water and direct expansion-cooled data centers in two climate conditions show that our approach saves 18% to 26.6% of total data-center power compared with conventional control and reduces safety violations by 94.5% to 99% compared with reward shaping. We also extend the proposed framework to address data centers with non-uniform temperature distributions for detailed safety considerations. The evaluation shows that our approach saves 14% power usage compared with the PID control while addressing safety compliance during the training.
Report on the 2nd Workshop on the Perspectives on the Evaluation of Recommender Systems (PERSPECTIVES 2022) at RecSys 2022
Authors: Zangerle Eva , Bauer Christine , Said Alan
Published: January 2023

Evaluation is a central step when it comes to developing, optimizing, and deploying recommender systems. The PERSPECTIVES 2022 workshop at the 16th ACM Conference on Recommender Systems brought together academia and industry to critically reflect on the evaluation of recommender systems. The primary goal of the workshop was to capture the current state of evaluation from different, and maybe even diverging or contradictory perspectives.

Date:
22 September, 2022.

Website:
https://perspectives-ws.github.io/2022/.
Simulation of Complex Biomolecular Systems: The Ribosome Challenge
Authors: Bock Lars V. , Gabrielli Sara , Kolář Michal H. , Grubmüller Helmut
Published: January 2023

Large biomolecular systems are at the heart of many essential cellular processes. The dynamics and energetics of an increasing number of these systems are being studied by computer simulations. Pushing the limits of length- and timescales that can be accessed by current hard- and software has expanded the ability to describe biomolecules at different levels of detail. We focus in this review on the ribosome, which exemplifies the close interplay between experiment and various simulation approaches, as a particularly challenging and prototypic nanomachine that is pivotal to cellular biology due to its central role in translation. We sketch widely used simulation methods and demonstrate how the combination of simulations and experiments advances our understanding of the function of the translation apparatus based on fundamental physics.
Elucidating the Role of Excess Li in the Electrochemical Performance of Li1+x[Ni0.5Mn0.5]1−xO2 Layered Oxides
Authors: Rathore Divya , Liang Chen , Zsoldos Eniko , Ball Mitchell , Yu Svena , Yang Chongyin , Wang Qingsong , Dahn J. R.
Published: February 2023

Layered cathode materials comprising of Ni and Mn can possess comparable theoretical capacities to Ni-rich cathode materials. However, to draw upon this capacity, they need to overcome rate capability issues and operate to higher voltages. Incorporating excess Li during synthesis can allow much of this capacity to be accessed. This work compares the effects of excess Li on electrochemical properties of Li1+x[Ni0.5Mn0.5]1-xO2 layered oxides in the conventional voltage window as well as with higher upper cut-off voltages. Materials with different amounts of excess Li were systematically compared based on specific capacity, first-cycle irreversible loss, cycling stability, and rate capability in the voltage ranges of 3.0 V–4.3 V, 3.0 V–4.5 V, and 3.0 V–4.8 V. In all samples, excess Li improves the rate capability and cycling stability in all these voltage ranges while significant gains in specific capacity can only be attained when operating these materials at higher voltage cut-offs. The improved rate capability performance in presence of excess Li can be attributed to enhanced electronic conductivity and Li+ ion diffusion arising from reduced amounts of Ni in the Li layer.
The tumor-immune ecosystem in shaping metastasis
Authors: Gao Yang , Rosen Jeffrey M. , Zhang Xiang H.-F.
Published: January 2023

A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating cancer metastasis is critical to develop new therapies and decrease mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that the interactions between tumor cells and the host immune system play important roles in establishing metastasis. Tumor cells are able to recruit immune cells, which in turn promotes tumor cell invasion, intravasation, survival in circulation, extravasation, and colonization in different organs. The tumor-host immunological interactions also generate a premetastatic niche in distant organs which facilitates metastasis. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on how tumor cells and immune cells regulate each other to coevolve and promote the formation of metastases at the major organ sites of metastasis.
Interspecies and regional variability of alcohol action on large cerebral arteries: regulation by KCNMB1 proteins
Authors: Mysiewicz Steven , North Kelsey C. , Moreira Luiz , Odum Schyler J. , Bukiya Anna N. , Dopico Alex M.
Published: January 2023

Alcohol intake leading to blood ethanol concentrations (BEC) ≥ legal intoxication modifies brain blood flow with increases in some regions and decreases in others. Brain regions receive blood from the Willis’ circle branches: anterior, middle (MCA) and posterior cerebral (PCA), and basilar (BA) arteries. Rats and mice have been used to identify the targets mediating ethanol-induced effects on cerebral arteries, with conclusions being freely interchanged, albeit data were obtained in different species/arterial branches. We tested whether ethanol action on cerebral arteries differed between male rat and mouse and/or across different brain regions and identified the targets of alcohol action. In both species and all Willis’ circle branches, ethanol evoked reversible and concentration-dependent constriction (EC50s ≈ 37–86 mM; below lethal BEC in alcohol-naïve humans). Although showing similar constriction to depolarization, both species displayed differential responses to ethanol: in mice, MCA constriction was highly sensitive to the presence/absence of the endothelium, whereas in rat PCA was significantly more sensitive to ethanol than its mouse counterpart. In the rat, but not the mouse, BA was more ethanol sensitive than other branches. Both interspecies and regional variability were ameliorated by endothelium. Selective large conductance (BK) channel block in de-endothelialized vessels demonstrated that these channels were the effectors of alcohol-induced cerebral artery constriction across regions and species. Variabilities in alcohol actions did not fully matched KCNMB1 expression across vessels. However, immunofluorescence data from KCNMB1−/− mouse arteries electroporated with KCNMB1-coding cDNA demonstrate that KCNMB1 proteins, which regulate smooth muscle (SM) BK channel function and vasodilation, regulate interspecies and regional variability of brain artery responses to alcohol.
Adult skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ -related coactivator 1 is involved in maintaining mitochondrial content
Authors: Benefield Drue , Abdelmageed Yazeed , Fowler Jahmel , Smith Serenah , Arias-Parbul Kassandra , Dunning Courtney , Rowe Glenn C.
Published: January 2023

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family of transcriptional coactivators are regulators of mitochondrial oxidative capacity and content in skeletal muscle. Many of these conclusions are based primarily on gain-of-function studies using muscle-specific overexpression of PGC1s. We have previously reported that genetic deletion of both PGC-1α and PGC-1β in adult skeletal muscle resulted in a significant reduction in oxidative capacity with no effect on mitochondrial content. However, the contribution of PGC-1-related coactivator (PRC), the third PGC-1 family member, in regulating skeletal muscle mitochondria is unknown. Therefore, we generated an inducible skeletal muscle-specific PRC knockout mouse (iMS-PRC-KO) to assess the contribution of PRC in skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. We measured mRNA expression of electron transport chain (ETC) subunits as well as markers of mitochondrial content in the iMS-PRC-KO animals and observed an increase in ETC gene expression and mitochondrial content. Furthermore, the increase in ETC gene expression and mitochondrial content was associated with increased expression of PGC-1α and PGC-1β. We therefore generated an adult-inducible PGC-1 knockout mouse in which all PGC-1 family members are deleted (iMS-PGC-1TKO). The iMS-PGC-1TKO animals exhibited a reduction in ETC mRNA expression and mitochondrial content. These data suggest that in the absence of PRC alone, compensation occurs by increasing PGC-1α and PGC-1β to maintain mitochondrial content. Moreover, the removal of all three PGC-1s in skeletal muscle results in a reduction in both ETC mRNA expression and mitochondrial content. Taken together, these results suggest that PRC plays a role in maintaining baseline mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle.
Exploration of Immunogenic Cell Death-Associated Genes for Predicting Prognosis and Immunological Characteristics in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Kunyu , Chen Yiran , Zhang Yanan , Liu Shuanghuan , Ao Miao , Yang Huansong , Li Bin
Published: January 2023

Background. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has gradually entered the vision of researchers and is becoming a vital part of the occurrence of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). However, understanding the specific composition of TME still confront enormous challenges, particularly immune and stromal components. Methods. In this study, we performed an unsupervised cluster analysis to determine the immunogenic cell death-associated subtype of CSCC patients. The differences in immune status, genomic alteration, and clinical outcomes between each subtype were compared. Subsequently, we screened vital prognostic factors. The HPA database was employed to verify the protein localization and the expression level between cancer and adjacent tissues. Results. CSCC patients were divided into three subtypes according to the expression of immunogenic cell death-associated genes. Cluster C has the highest survival rate because of the lower activation of tumor-related pathways. The immune score and stromal score of patients with Cluster B were the highest, so it may be considered that stromal tissue inhibits the anti-tumor effect of immunocytes. In addition, we constructed a risk score based on immunogenic cell death-associated genes to screen for vital markers. We systematically revealed the genomic alteration of vital markers. Conclusions. We have established a novel immunogenic cell death-associated risk scoring system in CSCC, and the expression of immunogenic cell death-associated genes may be a valuable biomarker for immunotherapy strategies. Our work may contribute to the development of new immunomodulators and develop new precision immunotherapies for CSCC.
The Abundance and Function of Neutrophils in the Endometriosis Systemic and Pelvic Microenvironment
Authors: Wang Xinlei , Jia Yan , Li Danyang , Guo Xiaopin , Zhou Zhengjie , Qi Mingran , Wang Guoqiang , Wang Fang
Published: January 2023

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory illness in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity. Immune dysfunction is now widely acknowledged as the primary cause of endometriosis. The immune cell population represented by neutrophils is thought to play an essential role in the etiology, pathophysiology, and associated clinical outcome. There is growing evidence that neutrophils have a role in chronic and aseptic inflammatory diseases, and endometriosis patients have increased levels of neutrophils in plasma, peritoneal fluid, and ectopic endometrium. Here, we sought to review the function of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, with an emphasis on the role of neutrophils in regulating endometrial angiogenesis and the local inflammatory microenvironment.
Simvastatin Reduces NETosis to Attenuate Severe Asthma by Inhibiting PAD4 Expression
Authors: Chen Yun-Rong , Xiang Xu-Dong , Sun Fei , Xiao Bo-Wen , Yan Mu-Yun , Peng Biao , Liu Da
Published: February 2023

Objective. Patients with severe asthma respond poorly to corticosteroids, and their care accounts for more than 60% of the total costs attributed to asthma. Neutrophils form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which play a crucial role in severe asthma. Statins have shown anti-inflammatory effects by reducing NETosis. In this study, we investigate if simvastatin can attenuate severe asthma by reducing NETosis and the underlying mechanism. Methods. Mice were concomitantly sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), house dust mite (HDM), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during sensitization to establish a mouse model of severe asthma with neutrophil predominant inflammation (OVA+LPS mice) and treated with or without simvastatin. In inflammatory response, proportions of Th2, Th17, and Treg cells in lung tissue were detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of cytokines, dsDNA, and MPO-DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed by ELISA. Citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) and peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) in lung tissue were determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence imaging. PAD4 mRNA was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR). HL-60 cells were differentiated into neutrophil-like cells by 1.25% DMSO. The neutrophil-like cells were treated with or without LPS, and simvastatin was then stimulated with PMA. CitH3 and PAD4 expressions were determined. Results. Sensitization with OVA, HDM, and LPS resulted in neutrophilic inflammation and the formation of NETs in the lungs. Simvastatin treatment reduced the inflammation score, cytokine levels, total cells, and neutrophil counts in the BALF and reduced proportions of Th2 and Th17 but increased Treg cells in lungs of OVA+LPS mice. Simvastatin-treated OVA+LPS mice show reduced NET formation in BALF and lung tissue compared to control mice. Adoptive transfer of neutrophils was sufficient to restore NETosis and neutrophilic inflammation in simvastatin-treated OVA+LPS mice. Simvastatin reduced PAD4 mRNA and protein expression in lung tissues and neutrophils isolated from lungs of OVA+LPS mice and consequent NET formation. In vitro, simvastatin reduced LPS-induced PAD4 upregulation and NETosis in HL-60-differentiated neutrophil-like cells. Furthermore, PAD4-overexpressed lentiviral transduction was sufficient to restore PAD4 protein expression and NETosis in simvastatin-treated HL-60-differentiated neutrophil-like cells. Conclusions. Simvastatin reduces Th17-mediated neutrophilic inflammation and airway hyperreactivity by reducing PAD4 expression and inhibiting NETosis in a mouse model of severe asthma. Severe asthmatic patients with high levels of circulating NETs or sputum NETs may show improved responses to statin treatment.
Prognostic Factors of Gliosarcoma in the Real World: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Ziye , Zhou Zhirui , Xu Ming , Song Kun , Shen Jingjing , Zhu Wenhao , Wei Liqun , Xu Hongzhi
Published: January 2023

Purpose. Gliosarcoma is a histopathological variant of glioblastoma, which is characterized by a biphasic growth pattern consisting of glial and sarcoma components. Owing to its scarcity, data regarding the impact of available treatments on the clinical outcomes of gliosarcoma are inadequate. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze the prognostic factors of gliosarcoma. Methods. By screening the clinical database of neurosurgical cases at a single center, patients with gliosarcoma diagnosed histologically from 2013 to 2021 were identified. Clinical, pathological, and molecular data were gathered founded on medical records and follow‐up interviews. Prognostic factors were derived using the Cox proportional hazards model with backward stepwise regression analysis. Results. Forty‐five GSM patients were included. Median overall survival was 25.6 months (95% CI 8.0–43.1), and median relapse‐free survival was 15.2 months (95% CI 9.7–20.8). In multivariable analysis, total resection (p = 0.023, HR = 0.192, 95% CI 0.046–0.797) indicated an improved prognosis. And low expression of Ki‐67 (p = 0.059, HR = 2.803, 95% CI 0.963–8.162) would be likely to show statistical significance. However, there might be no statistically significant survival benefit from radiotherapy with concurrent temozolomide (n = 33, 73.3%, log‐rank p = 0.99) or adjuvant temozolomide (n = 32, 71.1%, log‐rank p = 0.74). Conclusion. This single‐center retrospective study with a limited cohort size has demonstrated the treatment of gross total resection and low expression of Ki‐67 which are beneficial for patients with GSM, while radiotherapy or temozolomide is not.
Effects of Intensive Glycemic Control on Serum Exosome miR‐126‐3p and miR‐125b‐1‐3p Levels and Wound Healing in Patients with Diabetic Ulcers
Authors: Wang Lin , Zheng Aitian , Zeng Na , Li Zheng , Tang Lizhu , Long Caidan , Wu Biaoliang
Published: January 2023

Objective. Intensive glycemic control and exosomal miRNAs have both been reported to improve wound repair in diabetic ulcers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of intensive glycemic control on serum exosome microRNA‐126‐3p (miR‐126‐3p), microRNA‐125b‐1‐3p (miR‐125b‐1‐3p), and wound healing in patients with diabetic ulcers. Methods. Herein, 45 diabetic patients with an ulcer, aged 35–75 years old, were randomly assigned to the intensive glycemic control group (n = 21) and the conventional glycemic control group (n = 24). Serum exosomes were extracted in the laboratory and assessed by Western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The expression of miR‐126‐3p and miR‐125b‐1‐3p was validated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The wound healing of each diabetic ulcer patient was measured and imaged; additionally, clinical and follow‐up data were collected. Finally, the clinical and laboratory data were combined for statistical analysis. Results. Intensive glycemic control was significantly more conducive to wound healing and infection control than conventional glycemic control (P < 0.05). Serum exosomal miR‐126‐3p was negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose levels (r = 0.34, P < 0.05) and positively associated with the wound healing rate (r = 0.45, P < 0.01). The level of miR‐126‐3p in the intensive glycemic control group was significantly higher than that in the conventional glycemic control group (P < 0.01). Serum exosomal miR‐125b‐1‐3p was not correlated with blood glucose levels (r = 0.03, P > 0.05) and was positively associated with the wound healing rate (r = 0.33, P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the level of miR‐125b‐1‐3p between the intensive and conventional glycemic control groups. Regarding the prognosis of diabetic ulcers, the intensive glycemic control group was better than the conventional group (Z = −2.02, P < 0.05). Conclusion. Serum exosome (miR‐125b‐1‐3p and miR‐126‐3p) levels are correlated with wound healing in diabetic ulcers. Intensive glycemic control increases the serum exosomal miR‐126‐3p level, which might be one of the mechanisms that promotes wound healing in diabetic ulcers.
Stress Distribution in 5-Unit Fixed Partial Dentures with a Pier Abutment and Rigid and Nonrigid Connectors with Two Different Occlusal Schemes: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ebadian Behnaz , Fathi Amirhossein , Tabatabaei Shivasadat
Published: February 2023

Objectives. This study aimed to assess stress distribution in 5-unit fixed partial dentures (FPDs) with a pier abutment and rigid (RC) and nonrigid connectors (NRCs) with the canine rise and group function occlusal schemes by finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods. In this FEA study, a geometrical model of the maxilla with natural teeth and periodontal ligament (PDL) was three-dimensionally designed and meshed by ANSYS and Pro/Engineer software programs. A 5-unit FPD was then designed to replace the lost first premolar and first molar teeth; the second premolar served as a pier abutment, and the canine and second molar served as terminal abutments. Two FPDs were designed with RC and NRC. Each FPD was analyzed with the canine rise and group function occlusal schemes (a total of 4 models). The first and second molars (180 N), premolars (120 N), and canine (80 N) teeth were subjected to progressive vertical and oblique (12-degree) loads, and maximum von Mises stress and strain in teeth and connectors were calculated for each model. Results. The models had 73704 elements and 137732 nodes. The connector design and occlusal scheme had significant effects on stress distribution in FPDs. The highest von Mises stress (73.035 MPa) was recorded in FPD with RC and group function occlusal scheme. The lowest von Mises stress (0.004 MPa) was recorded in FPD with NRC and canine rise occlusal scheme. Conclusion. Oblique forces created greater stress, and FPD with NRC and canine rise occlusal scheme decreased stress in FPD and increased stress in the tooth crown.
QiHuangYiShen Granules Modulate the Expression of LncRNA MALAT1 and Attenuate Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Kidney of Diabetic Nephropathy Rats
Authors: Yuan Li-sha , Du Hua , Ren Qiu-yue , Yang Rong-lu , Liu Shi-wei , Liu Shi-yi , Shi Kai-feng , Wang Bo , Meng Xiang-fei , Li Tong-xia , Zhang Ning
Published: January 2023

Background. QiHuangYiShen granules (QHYS), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula, have been used in clinical practice for treating diabetic kidney disease for several years by our team. The efficacy of reducing proteinuria and delaying the decline of renal function of QHYS has been proved by our previous studies. However, the exact mechanism by which QHYS exerts its renoprotection remains largely unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that lncRNA MALAT1 is abnormally expressed in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and can attenuate renal fibrosis by modulating podocyte epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Objective. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether QHYS could modulate lncRNA MALAT1 expression and attenuate the podocyte EMT as well as the potential mechanism related to the Wnt/β‐catenin signal pathway. Methods. SD rats were fed with the high‐fat‐high‐sucrose diet for 8 weeks and thereafter administered with 30 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneally to replicate the DN model. Quality control of QHYS was performed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. QHYS were orally administered at 1.25, 2.5, and 5 g/kg doses, respectively, to the DN model rats for 12 weeks. Body weight, glycated haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, 24‐h proteinuria, and kidney index were measured. The morphologic pathology of the kidney was evaluated by Hematoxylin‐eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. The expression level of lncRNA MALAT1 was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the expression levels of podocyte EMT protein markers and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway proteins in renal tissues were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results. The results showed that QHYS significantly reduced 24‐h proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, kidney index, and ameliorated glomerular hypertrophy and collagen fiber deposition in the kidney of DN rats. Importantly, QHYS significantly downregulated the expression level of lncRNA MALAT1, upregulated the expression of nephrin, the podocyte marker protein, downregulated the expression of desmin and FSP‐1, and mesenchymal cell markers. Furthermore, QHYS significantly downregulated the expression levels of Wnt1, β‐catenin, and active β‐catenin. Conclusion. Conclusively, our study revealed that QHYS significantly reduced proteinuria, alleviated renal fibrosis, and attenuated the podocyte EMT in DN rats, which may be associated with the downregulation of lncRNA MALAT1 expression and inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Electromyography of the External Anal Sphincter during Micturition and Electrophysiological Bulbocavernosus Reflex in Healthy Spayed Female Canines
Authors: Mongkolrat Nicha , Akatvipat Areerath , Saenubol Phitchaya , Pornnimitara Pachara , Boonyayatra Sukolrat , Tongprasert Siam
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to find methods and interferences and illustrate the pattern of external anal sphincter (EAS) electromyography (EMG) during micturition and to determine reference intervals of electrophysiological bulbocavernosus reflex (EBCR) by using robust statistical methods in healthy spayed female canines. Ten healthy spayed female canines (no breed restriction) with a body weight of 11.3–18 kg were enrolled. EAS EMG during micturition and the EBCR test were performed under light general anesthesia. Altogether 25 out of 34 EAS EMG showed a similar pattern, including low‐amplitude high‐frequency bursting pattern before voiding, medium‐ or high‐amplitude low‐frequency bursting pattern at the beginning of voiding, oscillate medium‐ and/or high‐amplitude low‐frequency bursting with a low‐amplitude high‐frequency bursting pattern during voiding, and high‐amplitude high‐frequency bursting pattern at the end of voiding. An average of 100 consecutive stimulations of EBCR for one cycle were performed in each dog and another cycle was repeated to ensure reproducibility. The lower and upper limits of the reference interval of EBCR onset latency values and EBCR mean amplitude values were calculated using both standard and robust methods with untransformed and transformed Box‐Cox data. The EBCR onset latency was between 13.85 and 27.44 milliseconds, whereas the EBCR mean baseline to peak amplitude was not transformed with Box‐Cox transformation. All EBCR compound muscle action potentials started with a negative sharp wave, which tapers from the baseline in the upward direction, showing an upturned bell‐shaped curve. In conclusion, this study was possibly the first to examine the method and provide the electrographic pattern of EAS EMG during micturition and reference intervals of EBCR onset latency in spayed female dogs, which may serve as baseline information to help veterinarians differentiate healthy from diseased dogs. Further studies should compare normal dogs and dogs with lower urinary tract abnormalities at different lesion locations.
Convolutional Neural Network Knowledge Graph Link Prediction Model Based on Relational Memory
Authors: Shi Ming , Zhao Jing , Wu Donglin
Published: January 2023

A knowledge graph is a collection of fact triples, a semantic network composed of nodes and edges. Link prediction from knowledge graphs is used to reason about missing parts of triples. Common knowledge graph link prediction models include translation models, semantics matching models, and neural network models. However, the translation models and semantic matching models have relatively simple structures and poor expressiveness. The neural network model can easily ignore the overall structural characteristics of triples and cannot capture the links between entities and relations in low‐dimensional space. In response to the above problems, we propose a knowledge graph embedding model based on a relational memory network and convolutional neural network (RMCNN). We encode triple embedding vectors using a relational memory network and decode using a convolutional neural network. First, we will obtain entity and relation vectors by encoding the latent dependencies between entities and relations and some critical information and keeping the translation properties of triples. Then, we compose a matrix of head entity encoding embedding vector, relation encoding embedding vector, and tail entity embedding encoding vector as the input of the convolutional neural network. Finally, we use a convolutional neural network as the decoder and a dimension conversion strategy to improve the information interaction capability of entities and relations in more dimensions. Experiments show that our model achieves significant progress and outperforms existing models and methods on several metrics.
Silymarin and Vanillic Acid Silver Nanoparticles Alleviate the Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats
Authors: El Rabey Haddad A. , Alamri Eman S. , Alzahrani Othman R. , Salah Nouran M. , Attia Eman S. , Rezk Samar M.
Published: February 2023

Natural copolymer (e.g., chitosan-loaded) and synthetic (e.g., silver nitrate-loaded) nanopolymers have many medical applications in drug delivery research for enhancing the effectuality of traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective activity of vanillic acid, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of vanillic acid, and silymarin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Rats were divided into five groups; the first group (G1) was a negative control, and the other rats were treated intraperitoneally with CCl4 to induce kidney toxicity twice weekly, and then divided into four groups, G2 was a positive control and left without treatment, the third group was treated with vanillic acid, the fourth (G4) was treated with vanillic acid-AgNPs, and the fifth (G5) was treated with silymarin. In G2, renal function indices (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) showed elevated levels indicating renal toxicity. Na, K, and Ca ions were decreased, whereas Cl− was increased. Antioxidants (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reduced, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were decreased, whereas lipid peroxidation was increased in the kidney tissue homogenate. IL1 was increased, whereas CYP-450 was decreased. In the treated group, all biochemical and renal tissue texture were alleviated as a result of treatment with vanillic acid in G3, vanillic acid AgNPs in G4, and silymarin in G5. Vanillic acid AgNPs and silymarin treatment in G4 and G5, respectively, were more efficient than vanillic acid in G5 in protecting the kidneys against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity.
Development and Evaluation of BLE‐Based Room‐Level Localization to Improve Hand Hygiene Performance Estimation
Authors: Hadian Kimia , Fernie Geoff , Roshan Fekr Atena
Published: January 2023

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection transmission. However, current electronic monitoring systems are not able to identify adherence to all hand hygiene (HH) guidelines. Location information can play a major role in enhancing HH monitoring resolution. This paper proposes a BLE‐based solution to localize healthcare workers inside the patient room. Localization accuracy was evaluated using one to four beacons in a binary (entrance/proximal patient zone) or multiclass (entrance/sink/right side of the bed/left side of the bed) proximity‐based positioning problem. Dynamic fingerprints were collected from nine different subjects performing 30 common nursing activities. Extremely randomized trees algorithm achieved the best accuracies of 81% and 71% in the binary and multiclass classifications, respectively. The proposed method can be further used as a proxy for caregiving activity recognition to improve the risk of infection transmission in healthcare settings.
Novel Approaches to Identify Clusters Using Independent Components Analysis with Application
Authors: Afzal Saima , Iqbal Muhammad Mutahir , Afzal Ayesha , Bakouch Hassan S. , Aljeddani Sadiah M. A.
Published: January 2023

As a statistical and computational technique, independent component analysis (ICA) is employed to separate the source variables into statistically independent components. ICA methods have received growing attention as effective data mining tools. In this paper, two novel ICA‐based approaches are proposed to identify the clusters of variables. The identified clusters reduce the dimensionality of the data in a natural way. The first approach, namely “Estimated Mixing Coefficients,” is based on the sum of squares of mixing coefficients, and the second approach, namely “Ranked ,” uses the ranking pattern of of the original and reconstructed series at predefined threshold levels. The proposed techniques are applied to financial time series data to validate their effectiveness. The main focus of the study is on the clustering of multivariate time series datasets using two new proposed approaches based on independent component analysis. The internal and external structures of clusters are also explored using different metrics. Both proposed techniques are compared with some existing clustering techniques. The experimental evaluation results show that the performance of the proposed techniques is better than the existing techniques.
The Influence of Pile-Beam-Arch Construction on the Stratum and Station Support Structure
Authors: Liu Nan , Tong Xiao , Chang Longfei , Lv Yong
Published: January 2023

The PBA construction method is suitable for urban subway construction in situations with dense traffic and many surrounding buildings and can effectively reduce surface disturbance and control surface subsidence. Based on field-measured data, this study creates numerical finite element models of 3D stratum-structure, studies the influence of each process conversion on the subsidence of the ground surface and the force of the station supporting structure during the construction of the PBA station, and clarifies the optimal construction parameters. The research results show that the consistency between the field monitoring data and the simulation data is more than 80%, which verifies the correctness of the model. It is concluded that the formation of the pile-beam-arch is the main part of the supporting structure and that digging the pilot tunnel and the formation of the beam arch are the control factors of surface settlement. Based on this, the best sequence of pilot tunnel excavation and arch buckle of the two-story two-span station is obtained, and the optimal pilot tunnel excavation scheme of first the middle and then the side, first the upper and then the lower, and the best arch buckle scheme of the synchronous arch buckle on both sides is determined. The results of the research can serve as a guideline when selection the construction parameters for similar PBA stations.
Experimental Study of the Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Degradation Mechanism of Red Sandstone in Acid Dry-Wet Cycles
Authors: Sun Wu , Du Bin , Cheng Qiangqiang
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the slit Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experiments were conducted to investigate the dynamic mechanical characteristics of red sandstone during acid dry-wet cycles. The appearance of the samples was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, and the process of red sandstone degradation under acid dry-wet cycles was examined. The results reveal that, as compared to neutral solution, acid solution enhances the degree of degradation induced by dry-wet cycles in red sandstone. The dynamic compressive strength and elastic modulus of red sandstone steadily decline as the number of dry-wet cycles increases, and the lower the pH of solution, the greater the reduction. The mechanism of degradation of red sandstone during acid dry-wet cycles may be explained in two ways. First, the chemical interaction between the mineral components in the sample, such as cement and feldspar, and H+ in the acid solution has accelerated the formation of secondary pores and fractures, resulting in a decrease in the cementation capacity between mineral particles. Second, partial breakdown of the major mineral particles softens the mineral skeleton.
The Potential Mechanism of Zishen Yutai Pills against Threatened Abortion: An Approach Involving Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Wang Jiazhen , Liu Xin , Zhang Yougang , Lin Shenghua , Ma Honglin , Lei Ting , Sun Chen , Liu Kechun , He Qiuxia
Published: January 2023

Threatened abortion (TA) is the most common complication in early pregnancy and is caused by anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Zishen Yutai Pill (ZYP) is a traditional herbal formula that is commonly used to treat TA. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effect of ZYP have yet to be elucidated. To disclose the mechanism of ZYP in the treatment of TA, first, we identified the chemical constituents of ZYP from multiple databases and then predicted the potential targets of TA by applying the GeneCards database. A protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed to allow the screening of hub targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGGs) enrichment analyses were also performed and the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery server was used to identify critical biological processes and signaling pathways. Cytoscape software was used to construct a Compound‐Target‐Pathway. Furthermore, we analyzed ZYP by UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS, then the RU486‐induced TA rat model was established, and the reliability of the network pharmacology prediction results was verified. Finally, the mechanisms responsible for the action of ZYP on TA were revealed by qRT‐PCR and molecular docking. Database screening identified a total of 161 active compounds in ZYP and 324 TA‐related targets. And, we identified 42 compounds from ZYP by UPLC‐Q‐TOF/MS. Inflammation and apoptosis were identified as the main biological processes. GO and KEGG analyses identified that the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways were the key functional pathways that respond to ZYP. The results showed that ZYP treatment significantly increased maternal weight, significantly increased the levels of estradiol and progesterone, and attenuated histopathological changes in a rat model of TA. Data indicated that ZYP treatment improved pregnancy outcomes in the rat model of TA. QRT‐PCR data showed that ZYP reduced inflammation and apoptosis by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, molecule docking results identified a range of key compounds, including Pik3a, Mapk14, Mapk1, Mapk3, Mapk8 Tnf, Il6, and Cas8. In summary, we performed network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation and identified that ZYP exerts an effect on TA by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways and by inhibiting the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and genes related to apoptosis.
New Psychoactive Substances: Major Groups, Laboratory Testing Challenges, Public Health Concerns, and Community-Based Solutions
Authors: Awuchi Chinaza Godswill , Aja Maduabuchi Patrick , Mitaki Nancy Bonareri , Morya Sonia , Amagwula Ikechukwu O. , Echeta Chinelo Kate , Igwe Victory S.
Published: February 2023

Across communities worldwide, various new psychoactive substances (NPSs) continue to emerge, which worsens the challenges to global mental health, drug rules, and public health risks, as well as combats their usage. Specifically, the vast number of NPSs that are currently available, coupled with the rate at which new ones emerge worldwide, increasingly challenges both forensic and clinical testing strategies. The well-established NPS detection techniques include immunoassays, colorimetric tests, mass spectrometric techniques, chromatographic techniques, and hyphenated types. Nonetheless, mitigating drug abuse and NPS usage is achievable through extensive community-based initiatives, with increased focus on harm reduction. Clinically validated and reliable testing of NPS from human samples, along with community-driven solution, such as harm reduction, will be of great importance, especially in combating their prevalence and the use of other illicit synthetic substances. There is a need for continued literature synthesis to reiterate the importance of NPS, given the continuous emergence of illicit substances in the recent years. All these are discussed in this overview, as we performed another look into NPS, from differentiating the major groups and identifying with laboratory testing challenges to community-based initiatives.
Industrial Internet Sensor Node Construction and System Construction Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Zhou Jia Hong
Published: January 2023

The present industrial Internet platform (IIP) is subjected to numerous complex security issues, and thus technologies that focus on achieving data security of the IIP has become top priority. The data security crisis of IIP gets mainly reflected in the malicious deletion and theft of data, the random access of terminal devices, and the low security of traditional security authentication methods. Blockchain technology adopts distributed network architecture, wherein through asymmetric encryption mechanism, it helps to solve problems associated with single point of downtime and privacy data leakage of central management of industrial Internet. In addition, considering the accept of random access and deletion of industrial interconnection terminal equipment, this paper uses the role access control mechanism based on Hyperledger, thereby regulating user access according to the user’s role in the platform and management of terminal equipment through chain code. The paper includes the following contributions: (1) firstly, it expounds the research background and significance of the IIP and introduces the research status of the industrial Internet and blockchain at home and abroad. (2) Secondly, the IIP architecture is designed based on blockchain technology and implements a sensor node management and monitoring system. (3) Thirdly, the paper uses the gateway to preprocess the collected data, thereby reducing the data transmission delay and improving the real‐time and effectiveness of the data. The paper finally implements neural network to evaluate the construction quality of industrial Internet sensor nodes and obtains promising test results.
ZPA: A Smart Home Privacy Analysis System Based on ZigBee Encrypted Traffic
Authors: Li Rong , Zhang Wei , Wu Lifa , Tang Yunfei , Xie Xinguang
Published: January 2023

Currently, the ZigBee protocol is widely used in smart homes and provides convenience to people. However, smart home devices often carry a large amount of real physical world information, which may result in information leakage problems. In this paper, to reveal the privacy security issues existing in ZigBee-based smart home networks, we design a smart home privacy analysis system based on ZigBee-encrypted traffic, called ZPA. ZPA can extract ZigBee data features based on the device’s operating mode and time window and use state-of-the-art machine-learning models to identify the type and status of smart home devices that could leak users’ private information. Through the analysis of 20 different devices from 5 manufacturers, the results show that even if the ZigBee traffic is protected by encryption, the accuracy of the proposed method in device type identification and state inference can reach approximately 93% and 98%, respectively. The types and statuses of devices in smart homes will reveal the user’s activity information to a certain extent. The privacy security of ZigBee-based smart devices still needs to be further strengthened.
Microglial Activation in Metal Neurotoxicity: Impact in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Martínez-Hernández María I. , Acosta-Saavedra Leonor C. , Hernández-Kelly Luisa C. , Loaeza-Loaeza Jaqueline , Ortega Arturo
Published: January 2023

Neurodegenerative processes encompass a large variety of diseases with different pathological patterns and clinical features, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Exposure to metals has been hypothesized to increase oxidative stress in brain cells leading to cell death and neurodegeneration. Neurotoxicity of metals has been demonstrated by several in vitro and in vivo experimental studies, and most probably, each metal has its specific pathway to trigger cell death. As a result, exposure to essential metals, such as manganese, iron, copper, zinc, and cobalt, and nonessential metals, including lead, aluminum, and cadmium, perturbs metal homeostasis at the cellular and organism levels leading to neurodegeneration. In this contribution, a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms by which metals affect microglia physiology and signaling properties is presented. Furthermore, studies that validate the disruption of microglia activation pathways as an essential mechanism of metal toxicity that can contribute to neurodegenerative disease are also presented and discussed.