bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Electromagnetic Signals Based on the Spiking Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Tao Shifei , Xiao Shuai , Gong Shuaige , Wang Huifu , Ding Hao , Wang Hao
Published: June 2022

Feature extraction and recognition of signals are the bases of a cognitive radio. Traditional manual extraction for signals’ features becomes difficult in the complex electromagnetic environment. Although convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can extract signal features automatically, they have low accuracy in recognizing electromagnetic signals at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) due to the agility of signals. Considering the great potential of spiking neural networks (SNNs) in classification, a spiking convolution neural network (SCNN) for the recognition of electromagnetic signals is proposed in this paper. The SCNN effectively integrates the extraction ability of spatial features in CNNs and temporal features in SNNs. Since the SCNN is difficult to train, the strategy of surrogate gradient is proposed to train it. By taking the 2-dimensional time-frequency distribution of 6 signals as input, the SCNN can effectively identify different signals at low SNRs. The method proposed in this paper contributes to promote the research and application of SNNs in the recognition of electromagnetic signals.
Knowledge Management and Technology Management: The Use of YouTube among Preschool Teachers
Authors: Ali Zuraina , Abu Bakar Norsuhaily , Ahmad Tilwani Shouket , Ajanil Bemnet
Published: June 2022

Knowledge management is the term used to describe approaches that knowledge workers employ in fulfilling their assigned tasks. The use of technology eases the process of completing their work because it provides systematic methods of managing the process of applying knowledge. Therefore, the current study seeks to find answers on the use of YouTube regarding the type of content selected by the teachers when using the platform and the kind of activities that require them to use the channel for teaching and learning purposes. The study uses qualitative data inquiries to collect responses from 23 preschool teachers. Four themes are formulated as findings in the current study. They are “YouTube consolidates teaching and learning,” “use of YouTube for educational songs,” “use of YouTube to improvise teacher-made songs,” and “nonusage of YouTube.” It concludes that knowledge is transferred explicitly when preschool teachers use the platform as a resource for teaching and learning. The technology, that is, YouTube, has somewhat assisted them in teaching the preschoolers in their early literacy development by watching entertaining yet educational materials. The study implied that YouTube could be an educational resource that teachers can use in teaching young learners. Also, it suggested that it could be a source of information that teachers may use to find relevant materials for their classes.
Physical Education Resource Information Management System Based on Big Data Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Liu Guiyun
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, the combination of physical education and modern technology has become the development trend of today’s physical education. Especially in the context of the reform of the education system, the connection between artificial intelligence and physical education is getting closer and closer and it has penetrated into all aspects of physical education. In terms of sports management, the sports management method based on big data artificial intelligence has gradually replaced the traditional manual management method and promoted the development of physical education. Strengthening the information management of physical education teaching and providing high-quality and efficient physical education information for physical education managers and teachers are an important part of the current school physical education teaching work. The establishment of sports resource information big data platform is the key to the integration and sharing of sports resources. This paper discusses the relevant theories of artificial intelligence and studies the current status of the application of sports resources. A physical education resource information management system based on artificial intelligence is constructed. The feasibility of the system is verified by the number of system visitors and the distribution of user populations, and the real-time information, effectiveness, students’ learning initiative, and teachers’ teaching initiative of this system and the original system are compared and analyzed. The results show that the average score of the real-time information of the original system is 74.28 points, the average score of effective information is 82.29 points, the average score of students’ learning initiative is 74.97 points, and the average score of teachers’ teaching initiative is 82.98 points. The average score of real-time information in the new system is 92.05 points, the average score of information effectiveness is 93.34 points, the average score of students’ learning initiative is 82.69 points, and the average score of teachers’ teaching initiative is 90.46 points. The real-time information and information effectiveness scores of the new system are higher than those of the original system, and the scores of students’ learning initiative and teachers’ teaching initiative are higher than those of the original system.
Polypoid Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Nose Tip
Authors: Hirakawa Mutsuki , Ishikura Yuki , Futatsuya Taketoshi , Yamaguchi Reimon , Shimizu Akira
Published: June 2022

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is usually seen on the face as a pigmented nodule. We herein report a patient who presented with a polypoid BCC on the nose tip. Clinically, we suspected adnexal tumor; however, the findings of dermoscopy were consistent with that of BCC. Although the tumor was excised at the stalk, it was completely resected. Since the clinical manifestation was characteristic, we reviewed previously reported polypoid BCCs and found that this tumor can occur at any site, including the trunk and inguinal region, which are not preferential sites for ordinary BCC. There have been no reports of polypoid BCC on the nasal tip. The initial diagnoses varied, including adnexal tumors, and dermoscopic examinations proved useful for suspecting polypoid BCC. Histopathologically, the tumor cells in the resected specimens were within the polypoid area. Although BCC is a common tumor, polypoid BCC has distinct clinical features, and we should keep this rare subtype in mind.
A Micro Neural Network for Healthcare Sensor Data Stream Classification in Sustainable and Smart Cities
Authors: Wu Jin , Sun Le , Peng Dandan , Siuly Siuly
Published: June 2022

A smart city is an intelligent space, in which large amounts of data are collected and analyzed using low-cost sensors and automatic algorithms. The application of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in electronic health (E-health) can efficiently promote the development of sustainable and smart cities. The IoT sensors and intelligent algorithms enable the remote monitoring and analyzing of the healthcare data of patients, which reduces the medical and travel expenses in cities. Existing deep learning-based methods for healthcare sensor data classification have made great achievements. However, these methods take much time and storage space for model training and inference. They are difficult to be deployed in small devices to classify the physiological signal of patients in real time. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes a micro time series classification model called the micro neural network (MicroNN). The proposed model is micro enough to be deployed on tiny edge devices. MicroNN can be applied to long-term physiological signal monitoring based on edge computing devices. We conduct comprehensive experiments to evaluate the classification accuracy and computation complexity of MicroNN. Experiment results show that MicroNN performs better than the state-of-the-art methods. The accuracies on the two datasets (MIT-BIH-AR and INCART) are 98.4% and 98.1%, respectively. Finally, we present an application to show how MicroNN can improve the development of sustainable and smart cities.
Parametric Optimization of Wire Electrical Discharge Machining in AA7075 Metal Matrix Composite
Authors: Raju K. , Balakrishnan M. , Priya C. B. , Sivachitra M. , Narasimha Rao Dasari
Published: June 2022

Aluminium 7075 metal matrix composite reinforced with silicon nitride was fabricated using the stir casting technique. Composite fabricated was machined and subjected to wire electrical discharge machining to study the significant process parameter. Taguchi design of experiment using L9 orthogonal array was selected with three factors, current, pulse ON time, and wire feed at three levels. Influencing process parameters were identified using analysis of variance. Pulse ON time of 130 μs, current of 20 A, and wire feed of 1 mm/min were identified as optimized parameters for higher material removal rate. For a good surface finish, the optimized parameter was identified as 130 μs pulse ON time, 20 A current, and wire feed rate of 2 mm/min. Pulse ON time was identified as an influencing parameter followed by the current in achieving better material removal rate with good surface finish, whereas wire feed has no influence on the output parameters. Results of experimentation showed improved machining characteristics for higher pulse ON time and current for machining the synthesized composite through the Taguchi design of the experiment.
Wound Healing Effects of Dracontomelon dao on Bacterial Infection Wounds in Rats and Its Potential Mechanisms under Simulated Space Environment
Authors: Wen Jianxia , Xu Zhuo , Ma Xiao , Zhao Yanling
Published: June 2022

Dracontomelon dao (D. dao) is the leaves of Dracontomelon duperreanum Pierre (D. dao auct. non (Blanco) Merr. and Rolfe; D. sinense Stopf.). As a valuable traditional Chinese medicine from Anacardiaceae, D. dao has a long history of treating bedsores, skin ulcers, and other infection diseases. In addition, the volatile oil from D. dao leaves exhibits antitumor effects. However, these reported studies only focused on evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy on model strains in vitro, without paying attention to the antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. This study was aimed to provide evidence of antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory and proangiogenesis activities of Dracontomelon dao (D. dao) on the skin of rats under simulated space environment. The weightlessness model of rats in space environment was established. Then, rats were given D. dao for 15 days. Wound healing effects of D. dao on histopathology and inflammatory cytokines in E. coli-induced wound infection in weightless rats were analyzed. Furthermore, the molecular biology technology was performed to evaluate the wound healing effects of D. dao on the relative protein level of NF-κB as well as PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Immunohistochemistry was used for the protein expression of VEGFA. The wound healing effects of D. dao on bacterially infected wounds in rats were manifested by lowering the size of the wound and significantly increasing the shrinkage rate of the wound. D. dao had effect on alleviating histological damage of skin tissue and downregulation inflammatory cytokines level. In addition, the results indicated that D. dao has a regulatory effect on inflammation and angiogenesis and could regulate the relative protein level of MAPK/NF-κB as well as PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. The current study highlighted the crucial role of D. dao in relieving skin tissue injury in E. coli-induced wound infection in weightless rats by regulating the MAPK/NF-κB as well as PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. This study could provide a new agent for the treatment of bacterial infected wounds in simulated space environment.
Seismic Response and Damage Analysis of Large Inverted Siphon Structure
Authors: Shi Yanke , Xu Lin , Hou Rongbin , Zhang Dekang , Zhang Duoxin
Published: June 2022

Large-scale inverted siphon is a key hydraulic structure for building a national water network and realizing the spatial balance of water resources, and its safety under the action of earthquakes has become the focus of trans-basin water transfer projects. In this paper, Xiazhuang inverted siphon of water diversion in Central Yunnan is taken as the research object. Viscoelastic artificial boundary was used to simulate seismic waves spread in the soil, which include the natural site seismic waves and the waves fitted manually according to the site conditions. A three-dimensional finite element model of soil-structure-fluid interaction was established by software of ABAQUS, in which the fluid-structure interaction was simulated by user-defined element (UEL) built on additional Mass Method. Seismic response and damage analysis of large inverted siphon structure are carried out by the model. The results show that the dynamic displacement of the inverted siphon pipe is mainly horizontal sloshing, and the dynamic response of the pipe increases due to the water in the pipe; even the dynamic stress value in some areas is close to the design value of the concrete tensile strength. The damage analysis of inverted siphon pipe shows that the plastic deformation and the damage area develop rapidly with the increase of the peak ground acceleration (PGA), and the tensile damage area is generally larger than the compression damage area. The damage factor of the pipe under the working condition of the water is obviously larger relative to the working condition of no water. Therefore, it is suggested that the damage effect of earthquake should be considered in the design of large inverted siphon in high-intensity area.
Long Noncoding RNA CASC2 Facilitated Wound Healing through miRNA‐155/HIF‐1α in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: He Minjie , Tu Liang , Shu Ruo , Meng Qi , Du Sicheng , Xu Zhao , Wang Shaoyun
Published: June 2022

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are among the serious complications which are closely linked to diabetes mellitus. However, there is still a lack of accurate and effective standard prevention and treatment programs for DFU. In this manuscript, we have investigated the function of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2)/miR‐155/hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) in the wound healing of DFU. We have analyzed lncRNA CASC2`s expression in the marginal tissues of ulcers in patients and mice with DFU. Additionally, the interaction relationship and mechanism between lncRNA CASC2, miR‐155, and HIF‐1α were determined, which proved the effects of lncRNA CASC2/miR‐155/HIF‐1α on fibroblasts apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. According to our study, the lncRNA CASC2’s expression was low in the tissues of ulcers of DFU mice and patients. lncRNA CASC2’s overexpression promoted fibroblasts migration, proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis and was beneficial for the healing of wounds, preferably in the DFU mice. In addition, lncRNA CASC2 directly targets miR‐155 and HIF‐1α functions as miR‐155’s target gene. Overexpression of miR‐155 abrogated the function of lncRNA CASC2. Similarly, HIF‐1α’s inhibition has reversed the effect of miR‐155 downregulation on fibroblasts. In general, overexpression of lncRNA CASC2 facilitated wound healing through miR‐155/HIF‐1α in DFU.
Sex Modified the Association between Sleep Duration and worse Cognitive Performance in Chinese Hypertensive Population: Insight from the China H-Type Hypertension Registry Study
Authors: Zhou Xinlei , Li Junpei , Yu Chao , Fang Wangsheng , Xie Yanyou , Wang Li , Shen Si , Zhou Wei , Zhu Lingjuan , Wang Tao , Huang Xiao , Bao Huihui , Tu Jianglong , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: June 2022

Objectives. Cognitive decline could be seen as the sign of preclinical phase of dementia, which was found to be sex differentiated. Previous studies had discovered that there might be some link between abnormal sleep duration and cognitive performance. Additionally, hypertension was found to be one of the important risk factors for cognitive decline and abnormal sleep duration was also a significant risk factor for hypertension. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate sex differences in the association of sleep duration with cognitive performance and to further explore potential effect modifiers that may exist. Methods. Data analyzed in this study was from the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study. Sleep duration was assessed with a sleep questionnaire and categorized as <5 hours, 5-8 hours, and ≥8 hours. Cognitive performance was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Result. A total of 9527 subjects were included. The average age was

63.7
±
9.8

years. Linear regression analyses showed that the association between long sleep duration (≥8 h) and MMSE score adjusting for pertinent covariables was stronger in female (

β
=
−
0.95

, 95% CI: -1.23 to -0.68,

P
<
0.001

) than in male (

β
=
−
0.29

, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.06,

P
=
0.013

). Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between sleep duration and age on cognitive performance only in female. Conclusion. In summary, this study found that long sleep duration (≥8 h) was associated with poorer cognitive performance. Furthermore, this association was more pronounced in female than in male, especially in older female.
Simulation-Based Neonatal Resuscitation Education for Undergraduate Anesthesia Students: A Pre- and Post-Evaluation of Knowledge and Clinical Skills
Authors: Yaregal Melesse Debas , Enyew Ashagrie Henos
Published: June 2022

Background. Nearly one in five hundred babies unexpectedly need resuscitation at birth, and the need for resuscitation is often unpredictable. A large majority of these deaths occur in low-resource settings and are preventable. Appropriate resuscitation techniques are crucial to the survival of newborn infants. Therefore, producing skilled health professionals in teaching institutions is mandatory to perform this activity. Objective. The study aimed a pre- and post-evaluation of knowledge and clinical skills performance of anesthesia students completing simulation-based neonatal resuscitation training at a Teaching Referral Hospital. Methods. A pre-post-intervention study was conducted on undergraduate final-year anesthesia students at Comprehensive and Specialized Teaching Referral Hospital, Ethiopia. We used a validated checklist to follow the students’ performance (American Heart Association, 2005, and Ogunlesi et al., 2012). The data were collected through this checklist. The collected data were analyzed with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Categorical variables were analyzed with chi-square test, and a

p

-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. A total of 51 students participated in the study. Twenty of them were females. The pre-intervention knowledge of the respondents about aspects of evaluation for neonatal resuscitation was 90.2%, and post-intervention was 94.1%; the knowledge of the respondents about aspects of appropriate actions at pre- and post-interventions was 73.4% and 83.1%, respectively. Conclusions and recommendations: This study showed that there was improvement of post-interventions knowledge and clinical skills of undergraduate anesthesia students for both aspects of evaluation and appropriate actions for neonatal resuscitation. We recommend that students who attached clinical anesthesia practice should take at least simulation-based training at skill laboratories timely.
Regional Agglomeration Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Evolution of Snow and Ice Sports Industry in Heilongjiang Province from the Perspective of Time and Space
Authors: Peng Di , Lian Hongye
Published: June 2022

There are great differences in the regional development of the ice and snow sports industry in China. Most scholars only pay attention to the labor-related data while ignoring the regional spatial differences when calculating the industrial agglomeration level. This study takes the development of the ice and snow sports industry in Heilongjiang Province as the research object, studies and analyzes the agglomeration characteristics and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the ice and snow sports industry in Heilongjiang Province, and takes the location quotient as the response index to optimize the agglomeration and spatial layout of the ice and snow sports industry in order to obtain the optimal scheme for ice and snow sports industrial agglomeration and spatial layout. The results show that the spatial Gini coefficient (SGC) has increased from 0.043 in 2005 to 0.062 in 2019, but the overall trend shows periodic agglomeration and relative dispersion. More than 90% of the ice and snow sports output is concentrated in Harbin, Qiqihar, and other four cities, and the industrial geographical concentration (IGC4) is as high as 94.90%; the location quotient (LQ) gradually increased with time. After 2010, the industrial agglomeration level of Harbin surpassed Qiqihar and always ranked first (LQmax = 3.412). From 2012 to 2019, the spatial correlation of industrial agglomeration continuously increased (

P
<
0.01

), and Moran’s I index showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing with time. The response surface model for optimizing the agglomeration and spatial layout of the ice and snow sports industry is R = 2.58 + 0.42A + 0.06B−0.17C + 0.17AB−0.03AC + 0.035BD + 0.28A2−0.2B2−0.28C2−0.26D2, and the optimal scheme is as follows: when the industrial ecological efficiency (IEE) is 0.9, the ratio of tertiary industry to primary industry (PI/TI) is 2.37, industrial pollution index (IPI) is 14.68, energy consumption index (ECI) is 0.57, and LQ can reach the maximum value of 3.386.
Research on Structuring a “Student-Centered” Training Model of Innovative and Entrepreneurial Graduates in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Chen Caiyan
Published: June 2022

“Student-centered” innovation and entrepreneurship education is a new perspective and new model of higher education concepts in the new century. At present, the talent training model of innovation and entrepreneurship education in Chinese universities has undesirable problems such as the lack of integration of content, the convergence of educational methods, the oversimplistic training method, and the quality of teachers to be improved, which directly affects the effect of innovation and entrepreneurship education. Constructing a student-centered innovation and entrepreneurship education model that effectively combines student development, student learning, and learning effects is a powerful manifestation to emphasize the dominant position of students in the school education system. Establishing a student-centered education concept, a teaching system, and a team of teachers with innovative and entrepreneurial qualities is an important guarantee for building a “student-centered” innovation and entrepreneurship education model. It is also the true embodiment of student-centered, student-based characteristics and the connotation of innovation and entrepreneurship education.
Optimal Energy and Pollution Management for Multimicrogrids Coalition Based on a Cooperative Game Theory Model
Authors: Srahaddi Seyede Mahsa , Soleymani Soodabeh , Mozafari Seyed Babak
Published: June 2022

In this manuscript, two issues of energy management as well as controlling the emission of pollution in multiple microgrids are followed. For this purpose, a three level optimization problem is developed for simultaneous energy and pollution management. In the proposed model, the combination of microgrids is modeled as a coalition that seeks to maximize the cumulative profits. On the other hand, in the proposed based on the game theory, participation in the pollution permit market is also considered. In the proposed model, it is assumed that the central operator is responsible for the optimal energy and pollution management of all microgrids. The problem facing the central operator is formulated in two levels. The bilevel model is formulated as an MPEC problem. The energy exchanged between the microgrids and upstream network and the share of each microgrid in the pollution permits are the output of the bilevel problem. On the other hand, an optimization problem (third level) is developed from each of the local operators’ points of view. In this problem, how to operate each of the microgrids is determined. The results of studies in this paper show that with the simultaneous management of energy and pollution, the total amount of pollution should be reduced by 8% compared to the case where only energy management is carried out. On the other hand, using the proposed model (three-level) compared to the two-level model, the cost of applying to the whole coalition is reduced by 5%.
The Central Role of mTORC1 in Amino Acid Sensing
Authors: Yue Shusheng , Li Guanya , He Shanping , Li Tingting
Published: June 2022

The mTOR is a master regulator of cell growth that controls cell homeostasis in response to nutrients, growth factors, and other environmental cues. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of lysosomes as a hub for nutrient sensing, especially amino acid sensing by mTORC1. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the amino acid–mTORC1 signaling axis and the role of mTORC1 in cancer.
Genomic Profiling of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Lung Cancer
Authors: Nair Viswam S. , Hui Angela Bik-Yu , Chabon Jacob J. , Esfahani Mohammad S. , Stehr Henning , Nabet Barzin Y. , Zhou Li , Chaudhuri Aadel A. , Benson Jalen , Ayers Kelsey , Bedi Harmeet , Ramsey Meghan , Van Wert Ryan , Antic Sanja , Lui Natalie , Backhus Leah , Berry Mark , Sung Arthur W. , Massion Pierre P. , Shrager Joseph B. , Alizadeh Ash A. , Diehn Maximilian
Published: June 2022

Genomic profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples may be useful for tumor profiling and diagnosis in the clinic. Here, we compared tumor-derived mutations detected in BAL samples from subjects with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to those detected in matched plasma samples. Cancer Personalized Profiling by Deep Sequencing (CAPP-Seq) was used to genotype DNA purified from BAL, plasma, and tumor samples from patients with NSCLC. The characteristics of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from BAL fluid were first characterized to optimize the technical approach. Somatic mutations identified in tumor were then compared with those identified in BAL and plasma, and the potential of BAL cfDNA analysis to distinguish lung cancer patients from risk-matched controls was explored. In total, 200 biofluid and tumor samples from 38 cases and 21 controls undergoing BAL for lung cancer evaluation were profiled. More tumor variants were identified in BAL cfDNA than plasma cfDNA in all stages (P < 0.001) and in stage I to II disease only. Four of 21 controls harbored low levels of cancer-associated driver mutations in BAL cfDNA [mean variant allele frequency (VAF) = 0.5%], suggesting the presence of somatic mutations in nonmalignant airway cells. Finally, using a Random Forest model with leave-one-out cross-validation, an exploratory BAL genomic classifier identified lung cancer with 69% sensitivity and 100% specificity in this cohort and detected more cancers than BAL cytology. Detecting tumor-derived mutations by targeted sequencing of BAL cfDNA is technically feasible and appears to be more sensitive than plasma profiling. Further studies are required to define optimal diagnostic applications and clinical utility.

Significance:

Hybrid-capture, targeted deep sequencing of lung cancer mutational burden in cell-free BAL fluid identifies more tumor-derived mutations with increased allele frequencies compared with plasma cell-free DNA.

See related commentary by Rolfo et al., p. 2826
Optical Coherent Tomography for in vivo Determination of Changes in Hair Cross Section and Diameter during Treatment with Glucocorticosteroids – A Simple Method to Screen for Doping Substances?
Authors: Lademann J. , Shevtsova J. , Patzelt A. , Richter H. , Gladkowa N.D. , Gelikonov V.M. , Gonchukov S.A. , Sterry W. , Sergeev A.M. , Blume-Peytavi U.
Published: June 2022

Eighty percent of hair follicles are in the growing phase. They grow approximately 0.3 mm/day. The hair follicles are surrounded by a close network of capillaries, which supplies them with nutrients. It is well known that substances which influence the metabolic processes of humans also influence hair growth. Steroids, which are used for doping in sport, are among these substances. In the present paper, optical coherent tomography is used for the analysis of changes in the hair structure during the application of steroids for the treatment of patients suffering from auto-immune diseases. Significant differences in the hair cross section could be detected during treatment, while the shape of the hairs was not influenced. It could be demonstrated that optical coherence tomography is a suitable, non-invasive and low-cost measuring technique that can be applied for doping control and screening. As a result of this screening process, only those athletes who show abnormalities in hair parameters would need to be investigated by classical analytical methods. The results presented in this study are not only important for doping controls, but also for several clinical applications, such as therapy and compliance control in cases where the applied substances induce changes in the hair structure.
HIF-1α Stimulators Function Equally to Leading Hair Loss Agents in Enhancing Dermal Papilla Growth
Authors: Bukowiecki Julia , Pförringer Dominik , Thor Dominik , Duscher Dominik , Brett Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) occurs due to progressive miniaturization of the dermal papilla (DP). During this process the hair follicle loses nutrition over time and eventually dies, causing the hair to fall out. Recent evidence suggests that hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1α) modulation may counteract hair loss. This study aims to evaluate the proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) under the influence of a selection of commercially available topical hair loss drugs, compared to HIF-1α-stimulating agents. Materials and Methods: Using the hanging drop method, DPCs self-organized into spheroid shape, mirroring the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the DP in vivo. DP analogs were treated with established substances against AGA (minoxidil and caffeine) compared to HIF-1α-stimulating agents (deferoxamine [DFO] and deferiprone [DFP]), at 10 mM doses. DP analogs were simultaneously stained with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to evaluate impact of drug compounds on DP daughter cell production. Concurrently, fluorescent microscopy visualization of migration of daughter cells after 48 h in culture was performed. Results: DPC proliferation within the spheroid structure was significantly enhanced by caffeine, minoxidil, and the HIF-1α-stimulating agent DFP when compared to control. Highest proliferation was seen in the DFP-treated DP analogs. Migration of peripheral DP daughter cells was highest in control and DFO groups. Conclusion: Here we demonstrate a significantly enhanced proliferative activity for both established substances against AGA (minoxidil and caffeine) and the HIF-1α-stimulating agent DFP in a 3D DPC spheroid culture model with equal results for DFP and minoxidil. These favorable characteristics make such compounds potential water-soluble alternatives to minoxidil.
Comparison of Computed Tomography Perfusion and Multiphase Computed Tomography Angiogram in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Tan Zefeng , Parsons Mark , Bivard Andrew , Sharma Gagan , Mitchell Peter , Dowling Richard , Bush Steven , Churilov Leonid , Xu Anding , Yan Bernard
Published: June 2022

Background:

In patients with acute stroke who undergo endovascular thrombectomy, the relative prognostic power of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters compared with multiphase CT angiogram (mCTA) is unknown. We aimed to compare the predictive accuracy of mCTA and CTP parameters on clinical outcomes.

Methods:

We included patients with acute ischemic stroke who had anterior circulation large vessel occlusion within 24 hours of onset in Melbourne Brain Centre at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. All patients underwent CTP for endovascular thrombectomy, and the mCTA collateral score was determined using CTP-reconstructed mCTA images. The primary outcome was 90-day functional outcomes defined by modified Rankin Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models analyzed associations between mCTA and CTP parameters and 90-day functional outcomes. The ability to discriminate 90 days-functional outcomes was compared between mCTA collateral score and CTP parameters using receiver operating curve analysis and C statistics.

Results:

One hundred and twenty patients were included. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range, 60–79), the median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14 (interquartile range, 9–19). The baseline ischemic core volume, defined by CTP-based relative cerebral blood flow <30%, was associated with excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1; odds ratio, 0.942 [−0.897 to −0.989];
P
=0.015) and poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 5–6; odds ratio, 1.032 [1.007–1.056];
P
=0.010) at 90 days in the analysis of multivariable regression. There was no significant association between the mCTA score and excellent functional outcome (
P
=0.58) or poor functional outcome (
P
=0.155). The relative cerebral blood flow <30%-based regression model best fit the data for the 90-day poor functional outcome (C statistic, 0.834).

Conclusions:

The CTP-based ischemic core volume may provide better discrimination for 90-day functional outcomes for patients with acute stroke undergoing endovascular thrombectomy than the mCTA collateral score.
The global neuronal workspace as a broadcasting network
Authors: Wajnerman Paz Abel
Published: June 2022

A new strategy for moving forward in the characterization of the global neuronal workspace (GNW) is proposed. According to Dehaene, Changeux, and colleagues (Dehaene, 2014, pp. 304, 312; Dehaene & Changeux, 2004, 2005), broadcasting is the main function of the GNW. However, the dynamic network properties described by recent graph theoretic GNW models are consistent with many large-scale communication processes that are different from broadcasting. We propose to apply a different graph theoretic approach, originally developed for optimizing information dissemination in communication networks, which can be used to identify the pattern of frequency and phase-specific directed functional connections that the GNW would exhibit only if it were a broadcasting network.
A Note on GA 2311
Authors: Lincicum David
Published: June 2022

This short note presents an update about the status of GA 2311. After having passed into private possession, it has now been acquired by the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, where it is catalogued as Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame, Hesburgh Library, cod. graec. a. 2.
Crucifixion Practices
Authors: van Wingerden Ruben
Published: June 2022

Ancient crucifixion has been the subject of some major studies in the last twenty years. However, they remain silent on how the patibulum was attached to the vertical post or stipes, either with or without an individual. This issue is addressed in this article. The author describes modern approaches to this issue and suggests that there is evidence that nails were used in attaching the patibulum to the crux/stipes. Moreover, the author suggests that the crux/stipes was not imagined to be always already erected before the patibulum was attached, contrary to what is usually related. The Gospel of Peter implies that both beams were attached to each other on the ground before being raised up, and this practice is attested with similar capital punishments in Antiquity as well.
The Global Refuge: The Huguenot Diaspora in a Global and Imperial Perspective
Authors: Van Ruymbeke Bertrand , van der Linden David , Schnakenbourg Eric , Marsh Ben , Banks Bryan , Stanwood Owen
Published: June 2022

Huguenot refugees were everywhere in the early modern world. Exiles fleeing French persecution, they scattered around Europe and beyond following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, settling in North America, the Caribbean, South Africa, and even remote islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This book offers the first global history of the Huguenot diaspora, explaining how and why these refugees became such ubiquitous characters in the history of imperialism. The story starts with dreams of Eden, as beleaguered religious migrants sought suitable retreats to build perfect societies far from the political storms of Europe. In order to create these communities, however, the Huguenots needed patrons, and they thus ran headlong into the world of empires. The refugees promoted themselves as the chosen people of empire, religious heroes who also possessed key skills that would strengthen the British and Dutch states. As a result, French-Protestants settled around the world—they tried to make silk in South Carolina, they planted vines in South Africa; and they peopled vulnerable frontiers from New England to Suriname. Of course, this embrace of empire led to a gradual abandonment of the Huguenots’ earlier utopian ambitions. They realized that only by blending in, and by mastering foreign institutions, could they prosper in a quickly changing world. Nonetheless, they managed to maintain a key role in the early modern world well into the eighteenth century, before the coming of Revolution upended the ancien régime.
The Association Between High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio and Cardiovascular Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Chen , Zheng Yitian , Gao Jun , Liu Yu Peng , Wang Jing jia , Song Jing jing , Zhou Qing , Meng Xiangbin , Zhang Kuo , Wang Wenyao , Shao Chunli , Tang Yi-Da
Published: June 2022

Limited studies have focused on the impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Hence, the present study evaluates the association between CAR and cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. We consecutively enrolled 9375 CHD patients undergoing DES implantation. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to their CAR: tertile 1 (CAR ≤.02, n=3125), tertile 2 (.02.06, n = 3125). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the incidences of MACCE and MI increased with high tertiles of the CAR (MACCE: 8.7 vs 10.5 vs 12.3%, log-rank P < .001; MI: 3.3 vs 4.0 vs 4.7%, long-rank P = .015). Cox regression analysis suggested that CAR was an independent risk factors for MACCE (HR per standard deviation (SD) increase: 1.07, 95% CI, 1.01–1.14, P = .024), and MI (HR per SD increase: 1.11, 95% CI, 1.01–1.22, P = .028). In conclusion, the CAR is an independent predictor of MACCE and MI in CHD patients.
The act of (de/re)growing: Prefiguring alternative organizational landscapes of socioecological transformations
Authors: Ehrnström-Fuentes Maria , Biese Ingrid
Published: June 2022

How does transformative change that restructures humans’ relations to the Earth come into being? The proposal for degrowth calls for a drastic reorganization of societies in order to deal with the current planetary socioecological and climate crises. Yet, there is a lack of understanding of how such socioecological transformations are brought into being. In this article, we examine prefigurative processes of socioecological transformations. We introduce the concept of the act of (de)growing, a prefigurative practice in which individuals engage at a personal level as they disentangle from organizational spaces governed by growth (act of degrowing), while entangling with nonhumans (cows, sheep, plants and seeds) to consciously make something else grow (act of growing) in the place that they inhabit. Drawing on 10 personal stories of degrowth in the Nordics, we identify four interlinked dimensions of socioecological transformations that bring new degrowth inspired organizational landscapes into being (disentangling from growth; organizing with nonhumans in place; the emergence of novel subjectivities in place; and the formation of translocal networks of support). We discuss the implications that these dispersed situated forms of socioecological transformations have for breaking with the systemic inertia of societal institutions built on economic growth.
Towards Trustworthy AI in Dentistry
Authors: Ma J. , Schneider L. , Lapuschkin S. , Achtibat R. , Duchrau M. , Krois J. , Schwendicke F. , Samek W.
Published: June 2022

Medical and dental artificial intelligence (AI) require the trust of both users and recipients of the AI to enhance implementation, acceptability, reach, and maintenance. Standardization is one strategy to generate such trust, with quality standards pushing for improvements in AI and reliable quality in a number of attributes. In the present brief review, we summarize ongoing activities from research and standardization that contribute to the trustworthiness of medical and, specifically, dental AI and discuss the role of standardization and some of its key elements. Furthermore, we discuss how explainable AI methods can support the development of trustworthy AI models in dentistry. In particular, we demonstrate the practical benefits of using explainable AI on the use case of caries prediction on near-infrared light transillumination images.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Brain Health: A Systematic Review of Structural, Functional, and Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Investigations
Authors: Khalifeh Noor , Omary Adam , Cotter Devyn L. , Kim Mimi S. , Geffner Mitchell E. , Herting Megan M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic disorders that affects the adrenal glands and is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in children. In the past few decades, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been implemented to investigate how the brain may be affected by CAH. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate and synthesize the reported evidence of brain findings related to CAH using structural, functional, and diffusion-weighted MRI.

Methods

We searched bibliographical databases through July 2021 for brain MRI studies in individuals with CAH.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were identified, including 13 case reports or series, 10 studies that recruited and studied CAH patients vs unaffected controls, and 5 studies without a matched control group. Eleven studies used structural MRI to identify structural abnormalities or quantify brain volumes, whereas 3 studies implemented functional MRI to investigate brain activity, and 3 reported diffusion MRI findings to assess white matter microstructure. Some commonly reported findings across studies included cortical atrophy and differences in gray matter volumes, as well as white matter hyperintensities, altered white matter microstructure, and distinct patterns of emotion and reward-related brain activity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest differences in brain structure and function in patients with CAH. Limitations of these studies highlight the need for CAH neuroimaging studies to incorporate larger sample sizes and follow best study design and MRI analytic practices, as well as clarify potential neurologic effects seen across the lifespan and in relation to clinical and behavioral CAH phenotypes.
Ulnar nerve decompression with osteocapsular arthroplasty for primary elbow osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Hyojune , Kholinne Erica , Kwak Jae-Man
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to suggest treatment guidline for primary elbow OA with ulnar nerve neuropathy or high-grade stiffness by evaluating the effect of ulnar nerve decompression on the outcome of osteocapsular arthroplasty.

Methods

A total of 30 patients who underwent primary osteocapsular arthroplasty for elbow OA were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical outcomes were evaluated for pain score (visual analog scale; VAS), range of motion (ROM), and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The ulnar nerve decompression was performed for (1) ulnar nerve neuropathy, and (2) high-grade stiffness of flexion, defined as the flexion angle, is <90°. Patients were categorized into the two groups: ulnar nerve decompression group (UD group, n = 11) and the non-decompression group (Non-UD group, n = 19). The surgical outcome was compared between the groups.

Results

Primary elbow OA with cubital tunnel syndrome or high-grade stiffness showed comparable improvement in MEPS, VAS, and ROM arc at final follow-up in the UD group compared with the non-UD group (UD group vs. non-UD group: MEPS 85.91 vs 86.84, p-value = 0.824, VAS 1.46 vs 1.16, p-value = 0.588, ROM arc 108 vs 109, p-value = 0.949). Improvement in ROM arc at 2 years follow-up was significantly higher in UD group (UD group vs. non-UD group: ROM arc difference, 42 vs 14, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Osteocapsular arthroplasty with ulnar nerve decompression for primary elbow OA with ulnar nerve neuropathy or high-grade stiffness provided improved motion arc and compatible clinical results.

Level of evidence

Level III, Retrospective comparative study
Optimization of rheological characteristics of bread dough supplemented with defatted wheat germ
Authors: Vidosavljević Strahinja , Zahorec Jana , Bojanić Nemanja , Stojkov Viktor , Rakić Dušan , Šoronja-Simović Dragana , Fišteš Aleksandar
Published: June 2022

Optimization of bread dough formulation with defatted wheat germ (DWG) in terms of dough rheological properties was the objective of this study. Fractional factorial design [Formula: see text] was applied in order to investigate influence of DWG granulation (<150 µm and 150−1000 µm), DWG content (10 and 20%), addition of gluten (0 and 5%), ascorbic acid (0.004 and 0.008%) and combined improver (0.1 and 0.3%) on farinograph and extensograph parameters. Responsive variables were water absorption and the degree of softening, obtained by farinograph, and resistance to extension and extensibility as well as their ratio, obtained by extensograph analysis. Gluten addition expressed dominant positive effect on water absorption and the degree of softening. The most pronounced negative effect on dough resistance exhibited DWG content (contribution of 57%). The combination of DWG with smaller particle size and 5% of gluten addition increased both resistance and extensibility, but R/E ratio was not affected. The optimal values for DWG granulation, DWG content, gluten content, ascorbic acid content and combined improver content were: < 150 µm, 14.24%, 4.83%, 0.004% and 0.1%, respectively, while predicted values for desired responsible variables were: water absorption 65.90%, degree of softening 84.05 FU, resistance 301.30 EU, extensibility 108.55 mm and R/E 2.5.
Two-party competition in the United States: Reversed growth trends
Authors: Straus Graham
Published: June 2022

Does two-party competition in the United States lead to improved human welfare spending? The debate over the merits of competition has gained traction yet again in the study of American politics. Gerald Gamm and Thad Kousser suggest that from 1880 to 1980 two-party competition led to desirable outcomes like increased education, transportation, and health spending. The modern panel data presented here suggest the spending effects do not persist beyond 1980 through 2020, and also, there is a negative effect on economic growth stemming from state-level partisan competition. The reversal of the historical trend is justified by predictions from existing formal models: at particularly high levels of baseline political competition, the effect of additional competition on growth is ambiguous.