bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in global research on sanitation: a 30-year perspective from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Huang Li , Zhou Mi
Published: November 2020

In the past three decades, the field of sanitation has attracted much academic attention, and a large volume of relevant research results have emerged. To explore the characteristics and trends of global sanitation research literature, this paper presents a bibliometric analysis of 9559 articles published between 1990–2019 and extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. With the rapid increase in the number of related publications, both the breadth and depth of sanitation studies have increased significantly in the 21st century. In terms of multiple criteria, the comprehensive research strength of developed countries is greater than that of developing countries. The field is highly interdisciplinary, meaning that collaborations between research institutions are increasing. Keyword clustering analysis shows that the main research topics in the domain of sanitation are: (i) drinking water, (ii) sustainability, (iii) biofilm, (iv) epidemiology, and (v) WaSH (water, sanitation and hygiene). Meanwhile, keyword burst analysis showed that the new research hotspots and frontiers mainly concentrated on: (i) sustainable development of sanitation services adapting to climate change, (ii) main determinants affecting child malnutrition, (iii) research based on global and multi-national data, and (iv) evaluations on various aspects of performance. This paper provides a better understanding of sanitation research trends that have emerged over the past 30 years and can serve as a reference for future research.
AdS black holes with higher derivative corrections in presence of string cloud
Authors: Dey Tanay K. , Mukhopadhyay Subir
Published: November 2020

We consider asymptotically AdS black hole solutions in Einstein Gauss Bonnet gravity in presence of string clouds. As in the case of black hole solutions in Gauss Bonnet gravity, it admits three black hole solutions in presence of string clouds as well within a region of the parameter space. Using holography, we have studied the quark–antiquark distance and binding energy in the dual gauge theory.
Double Higgs boson production and Higgs self-coupling extraction at CLIC
Authors: Roloff Philipp , Schnoor Ulrike , Simoniello Rosa , Xu Boruo
Published: November 2020

The Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) is a future electron–positron collider that will allow measurements of the trilinear Higgs self-coupling in double Higgs boson events produced at its high-energy stages with collision energies from $$\sqrt{s}$$

s

 = 1.4 to 3 TeV. The sensitivity to the Higgs self-coupling is driven by the measurements of the cross section and the invariant mass distribution of the Higgs-boson pair in the W-boson fusion process, $$\text {e}^{+}\text {e}^{-}\rightarrow {\text {H}\text {H}\nu \bar{\nu }}$$

e
+

e
-

→

HH
ν

ν

¯

. It is enhanced by including the cross-section measurement of ZHH production at 1.4 TeV. The expected sensitivity of CLIC for Higgs pair production through W-boson fusion is studied for the decay channels $$\mathrm{b}\bar{\mathrm{b}}\mathrm{b}\bar{\mathrm{b}}$$

b

b

¯

b

b

¯

  and $$\mathrm{b}\bar{\mathrm{b}}\mathrm{W}\mathrm{W}^{*}$$

b

b

¯

W

W

∗

  using full detector simulation including all relevant backgrounds at $$\sqrt{s}$$

s

= 1.4 TeV with an integrated luminosity of $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
 = 2.5 ab$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and at $$\sqrt{s}$$

s

= 3 TeV with $$\mathcal {L}$$
L
 = 5 ab$$^{-1}$$

-
1

. Combining $$\text {e}^{+}\text {e}^{-}\rightarrow {\text {H}\text {H}\nu \bar{\nu }}$$

e
+

e
-

→

HH
ν

ν

¯

and ZHH  cross-section measurements at 1.4 TeV with differential measurements in $$\text {e}^{+}\text {e}^{-}\rightarrow {\text {H}\text {H}\nu \bar{\nu }}$$

e
+

e
-

→

HH
ν

ν

¯

events at 3 TeV, CLIC will be able to measure the trilinear Higgs self-coupling with a relative uncertainty of $$-8\%$$

-
8
%

and $$ +11\%$$

+
11
%

at 68% C.L., assuming the Standard Model. In addition, prospects for simultaneous constraints on the trilinear Higgs self-coupling and the Higgs-gauge coupling HHWW are derived based on the $${\text {H}\text {H}\nu \bar{\nu }}$$

HH
ν

ν

¯

measurement.
Inflation near a metastable de Sitter vacuum from moduli stabilisation
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Lacombe Osmin , Leontaris George K.
Published: November 2020

We study the cosmological properties of a metastable de Sitter vacuum obtained recently in the framework of type IIB flux compactifications in the presence of three D7-brane stacks, based on perturbative quantum corrections at both world-sheet and string loop level that are dominant at large volume and weak coupling. In the simplest case, the model has one effective parameter controlling the shape of the potential of the inflaton which is identified with the volume modulus. The model provides a phenomenological successful small-field inflation for a value of the parameter that makes the minimum very shallow and near the maximum. The horizon exit is close to the inflection point while most of the required e-folds of the Universe expansion are generated near the minimum, with a prediction for the ratio of tensor-to-scalar primordial fluctuations $$r\simeq 4\times 10^{-4}$$

r
≃
4
×

10

-
4

. Despite its shallowness, the minimum turns out to be practically stable. We show that it can decay only through the Hawking–Moss instanton leading to an extremely long decay rate. Obviously, in order to end inflation and obtain a realistic model, new low-energy physics is needed around the minimum, at intermediate energy scales of order $$10^{12}$$

10
12

GeV. An attractive possibility is by introducing a “waterfall” field within the framework of hybrid inflation.
Hidden-bottom molecular states from $$\varSigma ^{(*)}_bB^{(*)}-\varLambda _bB^{(*)}$$ interaction
Authors: Zhu Jun-Tao , Kong Shu-Yi , Liu Yi , He Jun
Published: November 2020

In this work, we study possible hidden-bottom molecular pentaquarks $$P_b$$

P
b

from coupled-channel $$\varSigma ^{(*)}_bB^{(*)}-\varLambda _bB^{(*)}$$

Σ
b

(

∗
)

B

(

∗
)

-

Λ
b

B

(

∗
)

interaction in the quasipotential Bethe-Salpeter equation approach. In isodoublet sector with $$I=1/2$$

I
=
1
/
2

, with the same reasonable parameters the interaction produces seven molecular states, a state near $$ \varSigma _bB$$

Σ
b

B

threshold with spin parity $$J^P=1/2^-$$

J
P

=
1
/

2
-

, a state near $$\varSigma ^*_bB$$

Σ
b
∗

B

threshold with $$3/2^-$$

3
/

2
-

, two states near $$\varSigma _bB^*$$

Σ
b

B
∗

threshold with $$1/2^-$$

1
/

2
-

and $$3/2^-$$

3
/

2
-

, and three states near $$\varSigma _b^*B^*$$

Σ
b
∗

B
∗

threshold with $$1/2^-$$

1
/

2
-

, $$3/2^-$$

3
/

2
-

, and $$5/2^-$$

5
/

2
-

. The results suggest that three states near $$\varSigma _b^* B^*$$

Σ
b
∗

B
∗

threshold and two states near $$\varSigma _b B^*$$

Σ
b

B
∗

threshold are very close, respectively, which may be difficult to distinguish in experiment without partial wave analysis. Compared with the hidden-charm pentaquark, the $$P_b$$

P
b

states are relatively narrow with widths at an order of magnitude of 1 MeV or smaller. The importance of each channel considered is also discussed, and it is found that the $$\varLambda _b B^*$$

Λ
b

B
∗

channel provides important contribution for the widths of those states. In isoquartet sector with $$I=3/2$$

I
=
3
/
2

, cutoff should be considerably enlarged to achieve bound states from the interaction, which makes the existence of such states unreliable. The results in the current work are helpful for searching for hidden-bottom molecular pentaquarks in future experiments, such as the COMPASS, J-PARC, and the Electron Ion Collider in China (EicC).
Holomorphic vector field and topological sigma model on ℂP1 worldsheet
Authors: Jinzenji Masao , Kuwata Ken
Published: November 2020

Witten suggested that fixed-point theorems can be derived by the supersymmetric sigma model on a Riemann manifold [Formula: see text] with potential terms induced from a Killing vector on [Formula: see text].3. One of the well-known fixed-point theorems is the Bott residue formula9 which represents the intersection number of Chern classes of holomorphic vector bundles on a Kähler manifold [Formula: see text] as the sum of contributions from fixed point sets of a holomorphic vector field [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we derive the Bott residue formula by using the topological sigma model (A-model) that describes dynamics of maps from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], with potential terms induced from the vector field [Formula: see text]. Our strategy is to restrict phase space of path integral to maps homotopic to constant maps. As an effect of adding a potential term to the topological sigma model, we are forced to modify the BRST symmetry of the original topological sigma model. Our potential term and BRST symmetry are closely related to the idea used in the paper by Beasley and Witten2 where potential terms induced from holomorphic section of a holomorphic vector bundle and corresponding supersymmetry are considered.
Implementing Feedforward Neural Network Using DNA Strand Displacement Reactions
Authors: Zhu Siyan , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2020

The ability of neural networks to process information intelligently has allowed them to be successfully applied in the fields of information processing, controls, engineering, medicine, and economics. The brain-like working mode of a neural network gives it incomparable advantages in solving complex nonlinear problems compared with other methods. In this paper, we propose a feedforward DNA neural network framework based on an enzyme-free, entropy-driven DNA reaction network that uses a modular design. A multiplication gate, an addition gate, a subtraction gate, and a threshold gate module based on the DNA strand displacement principle are cascaded into a single DNA neuron, and the neuron cascade is used to form a feedforward transfer neural network. We use this feedforward neural network to realize XOR logic operation and full adder logic operation, which proves that the molecular neural network system based on DNA strand displacement can carry out complex nonlinear operation and reflects the powerful potential of building these molecular neural networks.
Knowledge Graph Driven Approach to Represent Video Streams for Spatiotemporal Event Pattern Matching in Complex Event Processing
Authors: Yadav Piyush , Salwala Dhaval , Das Dibya Prakash , Curry Edward
Published: November 2020

Complex Event Processing (CEP) is an event processing paradigm to perform real-time analytics over streaming data and match high-level event patterns. Presently, CEP is limited to process structured data stream. Video streams are complicated due to their unstructured data model and limit CEP systems to perform matching over them. This work introduces a graph-based structure for continuous evolving video streams, which enables the CEP system to query complex video event patterns. We propose the Video Event Knowledge Graph (VEKG), a graph-driven representation of video data. VEKG models video objects as nodes and their relationship interaction as edges over time and space. It creates a semantic knowledge representation of video data derived from the detection of high-level semantic concepts from the video using an ensemble of deep learning models. A CEP-based state optimization — VEKG-Time Aggregated Graph (VEKG-TAG) — is proposed over VEKG representation for faster event detection. VEKG-TAG is a spatiotemporal graph aggregation method that provides a summarized view of the VEKG graph over a given time length. We defined a set of nine event pattern rules for two domains (Activity Recognition and Traffic Management), which act as a query and applied over VEKG graphs to discover complex event patterns. To show the efficacy of our approach, we performed extensive experiments over 801 video clips across 10 datasets. The proposed VEKG approach was compared with other state-of-the-art methods and was able to detect complex event patterns over videos with [Formula: see text]-Score ranging from 0.44 to 0.90. In the given experiments, the optimized VEKG-TAG was able to reduce 99% and 93% of VEKG nodes and edges, respectively, with 5.19[Formula: see text] faster search time, achieving sub-second median latency of 4–20[Formula: see text]ms.
Several New Integral Inequalities via Caputo k-Fractional Derivative Operators
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Özdemir M. Emin , Umar Muhammad , Çeli̇k Bariş
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we establish several new integral inequalities involving Caputo [Formula: see text]-fractional derivatives for [Formula: see text]-quasi-convex and [Formula: see text]-Godunova–Levin convex. In order to obtain our results, we use some classical inequalities such as Hölder’s inequality and its power mean and weighted versions.
Static workspace analysis of a multi-robot collaborative towing system with floating base
Authors: Su Cheng , Li Jinghang , Ding Wangcai , Zhao Zhigang
Published: November 2020

The static workspace of the multi-robot collaborative towing system with floating base was analyzed. The spacial configuration of the system was built, and the system was divided into three types according to the actuation. The kinematic and dynamic models of the floating base and the towing system were established, respectively, by using the Newton-Euler equation. Then the static workspace of the system was analyzed, and the specific steps to solve the workspace with the improved Monte Carlo method were obtained. Finally, the static workspaces of three types of systems were solved though actual simulation calculation, the simulation results show that the improved Monte Carlo method can get a workspace with higher precision compare to the traditional Monte Carlo method. Results of this study lay a basis for the subsequent trajectory plan, stability analysis and configuration optimization of the system.
Multilayer perceptron and Chebyshev polynomials-based functional link artificial neural network for solving differential equations
Authors: Panghal Shagun , Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2020

This paper discusses the issues of computational efforts and the accuracy of solutions of differential equations using multilayer perceptron and Chebyshev polynomials-based functional link artificial neural networks. Some ordinary and partial differential equations have been solved by both these techniques and pros and cons of both these type of feed-forward networks have been discussed in detail. Apart from that, various factors that affect the accuracy of the solution have also been analyzed.
Auto-UI
Authors: Janssen Christian P. , Schroeter Ronald , Bidwell Nicola J. , Ji Yong Gu , Alvarez Ignacio , Bao Shan , Jeon Myounghoon , Boyle Linda Ng , Donker Stella F. , Chuang Lewis L. , Ju Wendy , Kun Andrew L.
Published: November 2020

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.
Ecology and Neurobiology of Fear in Free-Living Wildlife
Authors: Zanette Liana Y. , Clinchy Michael
Published: November 2020

The ecology of fear concerns the population-, community-, and ecosystem-level consequences of the behavioral interactions between predators and prey, i.e., the aggregate impacts of individual responses to life-threatening events. We review new experiments demonstrating that fear itself is powerful enough to affect the population growth rate in free-living wild birds and mammals, and fear of large carnivores—or the human super predator—can cause trophic cascades affecting plant and invertebrate abundance. Life-threatening events like escaping a predator can have enduring, even lifelong, effects on the brain, and new interdisciplinary research on the neurobiology of fear in wild animals is both providing insights into post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and reinforcing the likely commonality of population- and community-level effects of fear in nature. Failing to consider fear thus risks dramatically underestimating the total impact predators can have on prey populations and the critical role predator-prey interactions can play in shaping ecosystems.
Sex differences in renal mitochondrial function: a hormone-gous opportunity for research
Authors: Sultanova Regina F. , Schibalski Ryan , Yankelevich Irina A. , Stadler Krisztian , Ilatovskaya Daria V.
Published: November 2020

Sex differences (biological distinctions between males and females) present a complex interplay of genetic, developmental, biological, and environmental factors. More and more studies are shedding light on the importance of sex differences in normal physiology and susceptibility to cancer, cardiovascular and renal conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases. This mini-review is devoted to the role of sex dimorphisms in renal function, with a focus on the distinctions between male and female mitochondria. Here, we cover the aspects of renal mitochondrial bioenergetics where sex differences have been reported to date, for instance, biogenesis, reactive oxygen species production, and oxidative stress. Special attention is devoted to the effects of sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, on mitochondrial bioenergetics in the kidney in physiology and pathophysiology.
Gliding-Guided Projectile Attitude Tracking Controller Design Based on Improved Adaptive Twisting Sliding Mode Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Wenguang , Yi Wenjun
Published: November 2020

The finite-time attitude tracking control for gliding-guided projectile with unmatched and matched disturbance is investigated. An adaptive variable observer is used to provide estimation for the unmeasured state which contains unmatched disturbance. Then, an improved adaptive twisting sliding mode algorithm is proposed to compensate for the matched disturbance dynamically with better transient quality. Finally, a proof of the finite-time convergence of the closed-loop system under the disturbance observer and the adaptive twisting sliding mode-based controller is derived using the Lyapunov technique. This attitude tracking control scheme does not require any information on the bounds of uncertainties. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method which is able to acquire the minimum possible values of the control gains guaranteeing the finite-time convergence performs well in chattering attenuation and tracking precision.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differently Expressed and Methylated Genes in Preeclampsia
Authors: Xu Wenyi , Ru Ping , Gu Zhuorong , Zhang Ruoxi , Pang Xixia , Huang Yi , Liu Zhou , Liu Ming
Published: November 2020

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the mainly caused maternal and infant incidences and mortalities worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying PE remained largely unclear. The present study identified 1716 high expressions of gene and 2705 low expressions of gene using GSE60438 database, and identified 7087 hypermethylated and 15120 hypomethylated genes in preeclampsia using GSE100197. Finally, 536 upregulated genes with hypomethylation and 322 downregulated genes with hypermethylation were for the first time revealed in PE. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these genes were associated with peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation, skeletal system development, leukocyte migration, transcription regulation, T cell receptor and IFN-γ-involved pathways, innate immune response, signal transduction, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and hemopoiesis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis demonstrated that aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes were involved in regulating adherens junction, pluripotency of stem cell regulation, immune processing, T cell receptor and NF-κB pathways, HTLV-I and HSV infections, leishmaniasis, and NK-induced cytotoxicity. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified several hub networks and key genes, including MAPK8, CCNF, CDC23, ABL1, NF1, UBE2E3, CD44, and PIK3R1. We hope these findings will draw more attention to these hub genes in future PE studies.
Acupotomy Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sun Jigao , Zhao Yan , Zhu Ruizheng , Chen Qianglong , Song Mengge , Xue Zhipeng , Wang Rongtian , Chen Weiheng
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem, and currently, few effective medical treatments exist. Chinese acupotomy therapy has been widely used for the treatment of knee OA in China. We conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese acupotomy in treating knee OA to inform clinical practice. Methods. We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and four Chinese databases for articles published prior to June 2020. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used acupotomy therapy as the major intervention in adults with knee OA, were published in either Chinese and English, included more than 20 subjects in each group, and included pain and function in the outcome measures. Knee OA was defined by the American College of Rheumatology or Chinese Orthopedic Association criteria in all studies. We extracted the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score, the total effectiveness rate, the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) activities of daily living score, and Lysholm’s score. We calculated the mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) for all relevant outcomes. Meta‐analyses were conducted using random‐effects models when appropriate. Results. We identified 1317 potentially relevant studies, thirty‐two of which met the eligibility criteria and were conducted in China between 2007 and 2020. A total of 3021 knee OA patients (62.96% female, median age: 57 years, and median disease duration: 33 months) were included. The treatment duration ranged from 1 week to 5 weeks (median: 3 weeks). The typical acupotomy treatment involved releasing soft tissue adhesions and was performed once a week for 1–5 weeks until the pain was relieved. The control group treatments included acupuncture (8 studies), electroacupuncture (10 studies), sodium hyaluronate (8 studies), radiofrequency electrotherapy (1 study), and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, 5 studies). The results from the meta‐analysis showed that acupotomy led to superior improvements in the VAS pain score (MD = −1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.51 to −0.71; p < 0.00001) and WOMAC pain score (MD = −2.32; 95% CI, −2.94 to −1.69; p < 0.00001), a higher total effectiveness rate (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09–1.21; p < 0.00001), and superior improvements in the JOA score (MD = 6.39; 95% CI, 4.11–9.76; p < 0.00001) and Lysholm’s score (MD = 12.75; 95% CI, 2.61–22.89; p = 0.01) for overall pain and function. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion. Chinese acupotomy therapy may relieve pain and improve function in patients with knee OA. Furthermore, rigorously designed and well‐controlled RCTs are warranted.
Regression Analysis for Outcome-Dependent Sampling Design under the Covariate-Adjusted Additive Hazards Model
Authors: Pan Yingli , Liu Songlin , Zhou Yanli , Song Guangyu
Published: November 2020

This paper provides a new insight into an economical and effective sampling design method relying on the outcome-dependent sampling (ODS) design in large-scale cohort research. Firstly, the importance and originality of this paper is that it explores how to fit the covariate-adjusted additive Hazard model under the ODS design; secondly, this paper focused on estimating the distortion function through nonparametric regression and required observation of the covariate on the confounding factors of distortion; moreover, this paper further calibrated the contaminated covariates and proposed the estimators of the parameters by analyzing the calibrated covariates; finally, this paper established the large sample property and asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators and conducted many more simulations to evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed method. Empirical research demonstrates that the results from both artificial and real data verified good performance and practicality of the proposed ODS method in this paper.
A Comparison of the Association of Fasting Plasma Glucose and HbA1c Levels with Diabetic Retinopathy in Japanese Men
Authors: Matsushita Yumi , Takeda Norio , Nakamura Yosuke , Yoshida-Hata Natsuyo , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Noda Mitsuhiko , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Mizoue Tetsuya , Nakagawa Toru
Published: November 2020

Introduction. The relationship between HbA1c and diabetic retinopathy is expected to differ between different races. This study was designed to verify whether HbA1c or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is more effective in detecting diabetic retinopathy in a Japanese population. Materials and Methods. The study subjects underwent health examinations between 2008 and 2009 with fasting. Of these participants, we analyzed the data for 2,921 Japanese men who had undergone an ophthalmologic examination. Retinopathy was classified into 7 categories according to a simplified diabetic retinopathy scale. The odds ratios of retinopathy according to the eight groups of FPG and HbA1c were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for age. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was used to evaluate each value associated with the presence or absence of retinopathy. Results and Discussion. The odds ratios (95% CI) of retinopathy for HbA1c level categories, in ascending order, were 1.0 (ref.), 0.88 (0.28-2.75), 1.27 (0.44-3.69), 1.52 (0.48-4.79), 1.89 (0.52-6.85), 2.70 (0.66-11.10), 4.10 (0.80-21.00), and 6.34 (2.37-16.97) where the odds ratios significantly increased with

HbA
1
c
≥
6.8
%

. The area under the curve (SE) for FPG and HbA1c was almost the same, at 0.668 (0.043) and 0.680 (0.043), respectively. Conclusions. It was clarified that the higher the level of HbA1c, the higher the prevalence of retinopathy, and there was no clear threshold. The detection ability of retinopathy was almost the same, suggesting that it is possible to detect the risk of retinopathy by HbA1c only.
Rab11a Is Overexpressed in Gastric Cancer and Regulates FAK/AKT Signaling
Authors: Du Jiang , Fu Lin , Hao Jie , Lin Xiumin , Dong Qianze
Published: November 2020

Dysregulation of Rab11a has been implicated in the progression of several cancers. However, there have been no such studies for human gastric cancers. In the current study, we examined Rab11a protein expression and found it was upregulated in 49 of 108 gastric cancer tissues and correlated with local invasion, nodal metastasis, and advanced stage. Rab11a protein was higher in gastric cancer cell lines than normal gastric cell line. We transfected Rab11a plasmid and siRNA in both MGC803 and AGS cell lines. Rab11a overexpression increased the cell growth rate, colony numbers, and invasion ability in both MGC803 and AGS cell lines. Downregulation of Rab11a using siRNA decreased the cell proliferation rate, colony numbers, and inhibited invasion. Rab11a overexpression also conferred cisplatin resistance. Annexin V/PI staining showed that Rab11a overexpression suppressed cisplatin-induced apoptosis, while Rab11a depletion promoted cell apoptosis. We also showed that Rab11a overexpression maintained mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis revealed that Rab11a increased protein expression of MMP2, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, p-FAK, and p-AKT, while Rab11a depletion showed the opposite effects. Blockage of FAK using inhibitor downregulated Bcl-2, cyclin D1, MMP2, and p-AKT expression and abolished the effects of Rab11a on these proteins. In summary, our data demonstrated that Rab11a is upregulated in human gastric cancers. Rab11a facilitated cell proliferation and invasion, as well as cisplatin sensitivity and mitochondrial membrane potential, possibly via the FAK/AKT signaling pathway.
Differential Expression of mRNAs in Peripheral Blood Related to Prodrome and Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Xue Weishuang , Li Jinwei , Fu Kailei , Teng Weiyu
Published: November 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the quality of life of elderly individuals, while the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. Based on the bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peripheral blood samples, we investigated genes related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD, and late‐stage AD that might be used for predicting the conversions. Methods. We obtained the DEGs in MCI, AD, and advanced AD patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A Venn diagram was used to identify the intersecting genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) were used to analyze the functions and pathways of the intersecting genes. Protein‐protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to visualize the network of the proteins coded by the related genes. Hub genes were selected based on the PPI network. Results. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that there were 61 DEGs in both the MCI and AD groups and 27 the same DEGs among the three groups. Using GO and KEGG analyses, we found that these genes were related to the function of mitochondria and ribosome. Hub genes were determined by bioinformatics software based on the PPI network. Conclusions. Mitochondrial and ribosomal dysfunction in peripheral blood may be early signs in AD patients and related to the disease progression. The identified hub genes may provide the possibility for predicting AD progression or be the possible targets for treatments.
Combination of Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 and Heart Rate Variability for Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Zhiyin , Ma Yujin , Fu Liujun , Li Liping , Liu Jie , Peng Huifang , Jiang Hongwei
Published: November 2020

Objective. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common but severe problem of diabetes, which a timely diagnosis may have important clinical implications. This study was carried out to investigate the diagnostic performance of Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS 31) combined with heart rate variability (HRV) for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes. Methods. A total of 103 hospitalized subjects with type 2 diabetes were recruited in the study. All cases received clinical data collection, laboratory examination, and related complication examinations. Cardiovascular autonomic function was assessed using CARTs, COMPASS 31, and HRV analyses. A score of at least 2 based on CARTs was defined as CAN. Results. Of the 103 subjects with type 2 diabetes, 41.8% were diagnosed with confirmed CAN. Participants with CAN had considerably higher COMPASS 31 scores. The CAN group showed a significant decrease in all HRV indices. COMPASS 31 scores and HRV indices were closely correlated with CARTs (

P
<
0.05

). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve results showed that COMPASS 31 score identified CAN with an AUC value of 0.816, while the AUC values of HRV indices were 0.648 to 0.919, among which SDNN and LF had the best diagnostic value, with the AUC values of 0.919 and 0.865, respectively. When combining COMPASS 31 score with SDNN and LF, the AUC value increased to 0.958, with a sensitivity of 90.7% and a specificity of 86.7%. Conclusions. The combination of COMPASS 31 and HRV could improve the diagnostic performance of CAN in type 2 diabetes, which might be conducive to the diagnosis of CAN.
Direct Pars Defect Tubular Decompression and TLIF for the Treatment of Low-Grade Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: Surgical Challenges and Nuances of a Muscle-Sparing Minimally Invasive Approach
Authors: Roberti Fabio , Arsenault Katie
Published: November 2020

We present an illustrative report on the use of a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing, direct pars defect decompression with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and instrumentation for the treatment of low-grade adult isthmic spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis and discuss the surgical challenges and nuances associated with the technique.
Significant Association of rs2147555 Genetic Polymorphism in the EDNRB Gene with Hirschsprung Disease in Southern Chinese Children
Authors: Zheng Yi , Lan ChaoTing , Wang Ning , Xu Xiaogang , Hu Tuqun , Wu Qi , Xie Xiaoli , Wang Zhe , Zhang Yan , Li Cong
Published: November 2020

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a human birth defect at the clinical setting, usually characterized by an absent enteric nervous system (ENS) from the distal bowel. The majority of HSCR cases represent a complex disorder resulting from the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Genetic events have been described to be involved in the abnormal development of the enteric nervous system. Although variants in several genes like RET and EDNRB have been suggested to contribute major risks to HSCR, very little is known about their involvement in the onset of HSCR. Here, we studied a large Chinese Han cohort consisting of 1,470 HSCR patients and 1,473 non‐HSCR controls to further test whether there are more variants in EDNRB associated with HSCR. Our results provided the first evidence that rs2147555 in EDNRB confers a significant risk of HSCR in a Chinese Han population for both allelic frequencies (P = 4.16 × 10−3; OR = 1.29) and genotypic frequencies assuming either a dominant or recessive model (P = 0.011 and P = 0.027, respectively). When different subtypes of HSCR cases were analyzed, the association remained significant (OR = 1.33, P = 0.003 for short‐segment HSCR; OR = 1.34, P = 0.044 for long segment HSCR).
Elevated Levels of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Vascular Dementia
Authors: Ma Weibin , Zhang Jingjing , Xu Jialei , Feng Depeng , Wang Xiaoling , Zhang Fengyu
Published: November 2020

Objective. Vascular dementia (VaD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with cognitive decline caused by cerebrovascular factors. Despite the great progress made in the past decade, VaD still lacks effective treatments and peripheral blood biomarkers. In this study, we tested the level of peripheral blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) in VaD patients and explored its relationship with cognitive impairment. Method. A total of 176 study subjects including 80 normal controls (NC) and 96 VaD patients were included in our study. Upon admission, we collected clinical and biochemical characteristics of all research subjects. We also evaluate the Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA) scores of all subjects. The serum NfL level was measured by the single-molecule array (Simoa) method. Results. The years of education in the NC group and VaD group were (

11.65
±
3.04

) years and (

10.53
±
3.87

) years, respectively. Compared with VaD patients, the NC group has a higher level of education (

p
=
0.037

). Furthermore, the results of Simoa indicated that VaD subjects had higher serum NfL levels compared with the NC group [(

8.49
±
2.37

) pg/ml vs. (

19.26
±
4.71

) pg/ml,

p
<
0.001

]. In terms of other clinical and biochemical characteristics, there was no significant difference between VaD and NC. The Spearman correlation analysis indicated that educational years have a significant positive correlation with MoCA scores (

r
=
0.238

,

p
=
0.041

), while age and serum NfL levels have a significantly negative correlation with MoCA scores (age:

r
=
−
0.213

,

p
=
0.040

; NfL:

r
=
−
0.395

,

p
=
0.027

). However, further multiple regression analysis showed that only serum NfL level might serve as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in VaD (

β
=
0.317

,

p
=
0.021

). Conclusion. The serum NfL levels in VaD subjects are significantly elevated, which may be used as a potential peripheral blood marker for predicting cognitive impairment in patients with VaD.
Comparative Study on the Outcome of Stroke Patients Transferred by Doctor Helicopters and Ground Ambulances in South Korea: A Retrospective Controlled Study
Authors: Lee Jeong Il , Lee Kang Hyun , Kim Oh Hyun
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) for its economic operations in South Korea. This study targeted stroke patients who were transported via HEMS or ground emergency medical services (GEMS) from the scene of an accident to a regional emergency medical center. From this patient population, stroke patients who traveled at least 50 km from the scene of the cerebral infarction to the hospital with analyzable outcome data were extracted and included in this study. This study included 26 HEMS and 102 GEMS stroke patients from a pool of 183 potential patients. The survival-to-discharge rate of patients transported via HEMS (96.2%; 25/26) was significantly higher than that of patients transported via GEMS (83.2%; 104/128) (

P
=
0.001

). The HEMS transfer was quicker with respect to the decision-making process because the emergency physician actively evaluates and communicates on-site and during in-transit travel to request an appointment immediately upon arrival at the emergency room. These results indicate that using HEMS increased discharge and survival rates and reduced in-hospital mortality of HEMS of stroke patients with a reduced admission time. This result association leads to reasonable cost-effectiveness and efficient estimates overall. In conclusion, HEMS indicate reduced time taken for stroke patients to be hospitalized and treated and decreased mortality after 24 hours. According to this result, HEMS transport can be more effective than GEMS in long-distance delivery of stroke patients.
Short Cantilever Rock Beam Structure and Mechanism of Gob-Side Entry Retaining Roof in Reuse Period
Authors: Wu Jingke , Dong Yun , Chen Jiarui , Zhang Chunlei , Yin Wei , Zhang JiHua , Cheng Yongzhen
Published: November 2020

In the reuse stage of a gob-side entry retaining, failure of the structure and stability of the main roof have a significant effect on the safety of the advanced support and ventilation space at the working face. In this study, field investigation, theoretical analysis, and industrial experimentation were performed to analyse the fracture characteristics and formation process of the gob-side entry retaining roof during the reuse period. A dynamic-equilibrium mechanical model of the main roof structure is presented and the formation mechanisms of different types of short cantilever rock beam structures are clarified. The following major conclusions are drawn: (1) Three types of short cantilever rock beam structures occur in the main roof of a gob-side entry retaining during the reuse period, namely, the “short cantilever-articulated rock beam” structure, “short cantilever step rock beam (type I)” structure, and “short cantilever step rock beam (type II)” structure. (2) The stability criterion for these three short cantilever rock beam structures was also determined; that is, when the sliding instability coefficient K ≥ 1, the short cantilever-articulated rock beam structure will form, and when the sliding instability coefficient K < 1, the short cantilever step rock beam (type I or II) will form. (3) The governing law for the thicknesses of the main roof, immediate roof, and coal seam of the short cantilever rock beam structure was clarified; namely, the K-value gradually increases with increases in the thickness of the coal seam, drops sharply and then decreases gradually with increases in the thickness of the main roof, and decreases slowly with increases in the thickness of the immediate roof. The research results were validated at the gob-side entry retaining project in the Huainan mining area and have theoretical significance and reference value for roadway support projects with similar conditions.
Iron Overload Impairs Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Higher-Risk MDS Patients by Regulating the ROS-Related Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Huang Lei , Liu Zhaoyun , Liu Hui , Ding Kai , Mi Fu , Xiang Chenhuan , Wang Guanrou , Guo Yixuan , Fu Rong
Published: November 2020

The bone marrow microenvironment plays important roles in the progression of the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The higher incidence of ASXL1 and TET2 gene mutations in our iron overload (IO) MDS patients suggests that IO may be involved in the pathogenesis of MDS. The effects of IO damaging bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from higher-risk MDS patients were investigated. In our study, IO decreased the quantity and weakened the abilities of proliferation and differentiation of MSCs, and it inhibited the gene expressions of VEGFA, CXCL12, and TGF-β1 in MSCs regulating hematopoiesis. The increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MSCs caused by IO might be inducing apoptosis by activating caspase3 signals and involving in MDS progression by activating β-catenin signals. The damages of MSCs caused by IO could be partially reversed by an antioxidant or an iron chelator. Furthermore, the MSCs in IO MDS/AML patients had increased levels of ROS and apoptosis, and the expressions of caspase3 and β-catenin were increased even further. In conclusion, IO affects gene stability in higher-risk MDS patients and impairs MSCs by inducing ROS-related apoptosis and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which could be partially reversed by an antioxidant or an iron chelator.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Sarcopenia: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Mikolasevic Ivana , Pavic Tajana , Filipec Kanizaj Tajana , Bender Darija Vranesic , Domislovic Viktor , Krznaric Zeljko
Published: November 2020

The link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and sarcopenia has not been extensively studied, but it is evident that they share several common features. Crucial mechanisms involved in sarcopenia-nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) interplay are based on effects of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and crosstalk between organs by secretion of cytokines (hepatokines, adipokines, and myokines). Currently, published studies confirm the association of sarcopenia with the degree of NAFLD defined by liver histology. However, prospective studies that will give us information regarding the causal effect of NAFLD and sarcopenia are still needed. Furthermore, there is a need for a patient-friendly, noninvasive, low-cost method for detection of loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in the context of NAFLD. Moreover, potential treatment strategies such as physical exercise and nutritional supplementation, that are usually a part of management of sarcopenia, should also be investigated in NAFLD patients, especially given the fact that for now, we do not have a good treatment option for NAFLD. Therefore, future investigations should combine studies on NAFLD and sarcopenia in terms of physical activity and nutritional interventions such as vitamin D supplementation. This review aims to report recent evidence concerning the links between sarcopenia and NAFLD and methods to assess sarcopenia.
Delayed Yet Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy for Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens in a Limb with Severe Arterial Disease and May-Thurner Syndrome
Authors: Said Ahmad , Kraft Phillip , Sayed Luay
Published: November 2020

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare but life-threatening complication of acute deep venous thrombosis that lacks consensus regarding the approach to management. We present a case of PCD developing shortly after a spinal surgery and manifesting as acute swelling and discoloration in a leg with existing severe atherosclerotic arterial disease. The patient’s critical limb ischemia was completely and rapidly reversed by percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using the ClotTriever device despite a delay in treatment. An underlying iliac vein compression “May-Thurner” syndrome was discovered using intravascular ultrasound and treated with angioplasty. This case identifies mechanical thrombectomy using the ClotTriever system as a possible effective and safe treatment for PCD.
Efficacy and Safety of Sofosbuvir-Based Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents Treatment for Patients with Genotype 3/6 Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Mei Yong-yu , Chen You-ming , Wu Yuan-kai , Zhang Xiao-hong , Xu Wen-xiong
Published: November 2020

Aims. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir- (SOF-) based direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) treatment for patients with genotype (GT) 3/6 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods. Patients infected with GT 3/6 HCV and treated with SOF-based DAAs were enrolled in this prospective, open, single-center, and real-world study. Drugs included Sofosbuvir (SOF), Velpatasvir (VEL), Daclatasvir (DCV), and Ribavirin (RBV). The treatment regimens included SOF + RBV for 24 weeks, SOF + DCV ± RBV for 12/24 weeks, and SOF/VEL ± RBV for 12 weeks. Results. A total of 54 patients were included. Age was 42.5 ± 10.4 years. Baseline HCV RNA was 6.29 ± 0.89log10 IU/mL. The numbers of GT 3a, 3b, and 6a patients were 10, 12, and 32, respectively. The numbers of chronic hepatitis, compensated cirrhosis, and decompensated cirrhosis patients were 39, 9, and 6, respectively. In patients with chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis, sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) was 97.4% and 96.7%, respectively, and rapid virological response (RVR) was 75.0% and 57.1%, respectively. SVR12 of GT3a, GT3b, and GT6a was 100%, 83.3%, and 97%, respectively. ALT normality rate in chronic hepatitis group is higher than that in cirrhosis group at 4 weeks of treatment (89.7% versus 60.0%,

p

 = 0.033) and at 12 weeks after EOT (94.9% versus 66.7%,

p

 = 0.021). The overall incidence rate of adverse events was 44.4%, with fatigue being the most common (13.0%). Conclusion. SOF-based DAAs regimen can achieve ideal SVR12 for Chinese patients with both GT3a and GT6a HCV infection. The tolerance and safety of SOF-based DAAs regimen are good.
A Digital Twin for Unconventional Reservoirs: A Multiscale Modeling and Algorithm to Investigate Complex Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Yiteng , Cai Jianchao , Meng Qingbang , Sun Shuyu , Li Chenguang
Published: November 2020

The special mechanisms underneath the flow and transport behaviors in unconventional reservoirs are still challenging an accurate and reliable production estimation. As an emerging approach in intelligent manufacturing, the concept of digital twin has attracted increasing attentions due to its capability of monitoring engineering processes based on modeling and simulation in digital space. The application potential is highly expected especially for problems with complex mechanisms and high data dimensions, because the utilized platform in the digital twin can be easily extended to cover more mechanisms and solve highly complicated problems with strong nonlinearity compared with experimental studies in physical space. In this paper, a digital twin is designed to numerically model the representative mechanisms that affect the production unconventional reservoirs, such as capillarity, dynamic sorption, and injection salinity, and it incorporates multiscale algorithms to simulate and illustrate the effect of these mechanisms on flow and transport phenomena. The preservation of physical laws among different scales is always the first priority, and simulation results are analyzed to verify the robustness of proposed multiscale algorithms.