bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer Extreme Learning Machine with Output Weight Alignment
Authors: Zang Shaofei , Cheng Yuhu , Wang Xuesong , Yan Yongyi
Published: February 2021

Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) as a fast and efficient neural network model in pattern recognition and machine learning will decline when the labeled training sample is insufficient. Transfer learning helps the target task to learn a reliable model by using plentiful labeled samples from the different but relevant domain. In this paper, we propose a supervised Extreme Learning Machine with knowledge transferability, called Transfer Extreme Learning Machine with Output Weight Alignment (TELM‐OWA). Firstly, it reduces the distribution difference between domains by aligning the output weight matrix of the ELM trained by the labeled samples from the source and target domains. Secondly, the approximation between the interdomain ELM output weight matrix is added to the objective function to further realize the cross‐domain transfer of knowledge. Thirdly, we consider the objective function as the least square problem and transform it into a standard ELM model to be efficiently solved. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by classification experiments on 16 sets of image datasets and 6 sets of text datasets, and the result demonstrates the competitive performance of our method with respect to other ELM models and transfer learning approach.
Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization Extraction Algorithm Based on Quantum Chaos Encryption
Authors: Li Chao , Shi Mengna , Zhou Yanqi , Wang Erfu
Published: February 2021

Considering the highly complex structure of quantum chaos and the nonstationary characteristics of speech signals, this paper proposes a quantum chaotic encryption and quantum particle swarm extraction method based on an underdetermined model. The proposed method first uses quantum chaos to encrypt the speech signal and then uses the local mean decomposition (LMD) method to construct a virtual receiving array and convert the underdetermined model to a positive definite model. Finally, the signal is extracted using the Levi flight strategy based on kurtosis and the quantum particle swarm optimization optimized by the greedy algorithm (KLG‐QPSO). The bit error rate and similarity coefficient of the voice signal are extracted by testing the source voice signal SA1, SA2, and SI943 under different SNR, and the similarity coefficient, uncertainty, and disorder of the observed signal and the source voice signal SA1, SA2, and SI943 verify the effectiveness of the proposed speech signal extraction method and the security of quantum chaos used in speech signal encryption.
Factors Influencing Job Burnout and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Coal Miners in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Authors: Deng Huijun , He Dingsheng , Li Fuye
Published: February 2021

Background. Work-related musculoskeletal diseases (WMSDs) have been associated with job burnout. Currently, few studies have investigated the relationship between job burnout and WMSDs among coal miners. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 1,325 staff were selected from 6 coal mining companies using a stratified cluster sampling method. The Chinese version of “Musculoskeletal Questionnaire” and “Occupational Burnout Scale” were used to investigate the link between WMSDs and job burnout. Logistic regression was conducted to analyze the factors influencing WMSDs. Results. A total of 1,500 questionnaires were distributed, with a response rate of 88.33%. The prevalence of WMSDs in coal miners was 65.58%, while the prevalence of total, mild, moderate, and severe burnout were 90%, 39.77%, 43.77%, and 6.49%, respectively. The average score for job burnout was 50.78 ± 11.93. The prevalence of WMSDs among coal miners varied significantly with the length of service (

χ

2

=
14.493

,

P
=
0.001

), type of work (

χ

2

=
11.438

,

P
=
0.022

), shift system (

χ

2

=
6.462

,

P
=
0.040

), and annual income (

χ

2

=
6.315

,

P
=
0.043

). The proportions of male coal miners with moderate and severe burnout were 45.1% and 6.8%, respectively, which were higher compared with 28.6% and 2.9%, respectively, for women. The proportion of male coal miners with mild burnout was 38.1%, which was lower compared with 59.0% for women

P
<
0.05

. Coal miners who work more than two shifts had the highest burnout, while those who work day shifts had the lowest burnout

P
<
0.001

. The prevalence of WMSDs in the severe burnout group and in 9 body locations was significantly higher than that in other burnout groups

P
<
0.001

. Logistic regression results showed that length of service, type of work, annual income, and burnout level are associated with WMSDs among coal miners

P
<
0.05

. Conclusions. The prevalence of job burnout and WMSDs among coal miners in Xinjiang is relatively high. Job burnout is a risk factor for WMSDs among coal miners.
A New Density Model of Quartz Solubility in H2O-CO2-NaCl Ternary Systems up to High Temperatures and High Pressures
Authors: Deng Weiping , Wei Qing , Liu Xuan
Published: February 2021

A novel density model for computing quartz solubility in H2O-CO2-NaCl hydrothermal fluids applicable to wide ranges of temperature and pressure is proposed. Based on the models of Akinfiev and Diamond (2009) and Wei et al. (2012), the effective partial molar volume of water (VH2O∗) is replaced by the partial molar volume of water (V¯H2O) by implementing an empirical correction, and water molar fraction (xH2O) is modified with water activity (aH2O), in addition to a series of changes to the model coefficient forms. The absolute values of averaged relative deviation of this model compared to the experimental data sets in pure water, H2O-CO2, and H2O-NaCl solutions are 5.74%, 6.69%, and 7.09%, respectively, which are better than existing models in the literature. The model can be reliably used for computing quartz solubilities in pure water from 0°C to 1000°C, from 0 bar to 20,000 bar, and in CO2- and/or NaCl-bearing solutions from 0°C to 1000°C, from 0 bar to 10,000 bar (with slightly lower accuracy at 5000-10,000 bar in H2O-NaCl systems) in the single liquid region. Moreover, the trends and overall ranges of this model may probably be more accurate in the H2O-CO2-NaCl fluid mixtures compared to the limited experimental data. In addition, a bisection algorithm for deriving the isopleths of quartz solubilities based on this new model is first proposed, and application perspectives are discussed for various geologic settings including subduction zone, lower crust-upper mantle, migmatite, pegmatite, porphyry, and orogenic deposits.
Haematococcus pluvialis Carotenoids Enrich Fractions Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis Induced by Thioacetamide in Rats: Modulation of Metalloproteinase and Its Inhibitor
Authors: El-Baz Farouk K. , Salama Abeer , Ali Sami I. , Elgohary Rania
Published: February 2021

Hepatic fibrosis is a consequence of chronic liver diseases. Metalloproteinase and its inhibitor have crucial roles in the resolution of liver fibrosis. The current relevant study is aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) extract, astaxanthin‐rich fraction, astaxanthin ester‐rich fraction, and β‐carotene‐rich fraction as well as their mechanisms of action in curing hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Liver fibrosis was induced using TAA (intraperitoneal injection, two times a week for 6 weeks), in a rat model and H. pluvialis extract (200 mg/kg), and other fractions (30 mg/kg) were orally administered daily for 4 weeks after the last TAA injection. Based on HPLC analysis, H. pluvialis extract contains β‐carotene (12.95 mg/g, extract) and free astaxanthin (10.85 mg/g, extract), while HPLC/ESI‐MS analysis revealed that H. pluvialis extract contains 28 carotenoid compounds including three isomers of free astaxanthin, α or β‐carotene, lutein, 14 astaxanthin mono‐esters, 5 astaxanthin di‐esters, and other carotenoids. H. pluvialis and its fractions reduced liver enzymes, nitric oxide, collagen 1, alpha‐smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor‐beta as well as elevated catalase antioxidant activity compared to the TAA group. Also, H. pluvialis extract and its fractions exceedingly controlled the balance between metalloproteinase and its inhibitor, activated Kupffer cells proliferation, and suppressed liver apoptosis, necrobiosis, and fibrosis. These findings conclude that H. pluvialis extract and its fractions have an antifibrotic effect against TAA‐induced liver fibrosis by regulating the oxidative stress and proinflammatory mediators, suppressing multiple profibrogenic factors, and modulating the metalloproteinase and its inhibitor pathway, recommending H. pluvialis extract and its fractions for the development of new effective medicine for treating hepatic fibrosis disorders.
Numerical Analyses of Fracturing Behavior and Strength of Specimens with Two Parallel Infilled Flaws under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Le Huilin , Wei Jihong , Sun Shaorui , Wang Wuchao , Fan Haotian
Published: February 2021

Grouting is a common method used to fill rock joints to improve the stability and integrity of rock mass in geotechnical engineering, and the filling has been observed to have an effect on crack behavior and mechanical property. To investigate this topic, a numerical study of crack behavior and mechanical property of rock samples with two parallel open flaws or infilled flaws under uniaxial compression was conducted in this research. The smooth joint model was proved to be suitable to simulate the interface between rock material and grout material. The occurrence of shear cracks at the interface between rock material and grout material as well as the occurrence of tensile cracks in the grouting material has been successfully simulated in this research. Numerical results indicate that grouting can reduce the tensile force near the flaws, suppress the generation of tensile cracks, and improve the initiation stress of the sample. The tensile force in the specimens with infilled flaws is smaller than that with open flaws, which lead to the improvement of the peak strength of the sample. Moreover, crack development and mechanical properties of samples are affected by bridge inclination angle and flaw inclination angle.
Model-Based Predictive Detector of a Fire inside the Road Tunnel for Intelligent Vehicles
Authors: Hruboš Marián , Nemec Dušan , Bubeníková Emília , Holečko Peter , Spalek Juraj , Mihálik Michal , Bujňák Marek , Andel Ján , Tichý Tomáš
Published: February 2021

The paper proposes a method for detection of a fire inside the road tunnel without direct view on the fire, using on-board vehicle technologies. The system is based on comparing the measured development of temperature and smoke with model scenarios precomputed for a given road tunnel. The fire scenarios are computed by HW/SW tool TuSim regarding the parameters of the real road tunnel and then the results are presented to the vehicles via car-to-infrastructure communication link. The proper detection of the fire allows early evacuation of the vehicle passengers, which will significantly increase chance of their survival. The computed scenarios also provide supporting information for the rescue teams.
Impact of Pathologic Complete Response following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy ± Trastuzumab in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Al-Tweigeri Taher , Elshenawy Mahmoud , Badran Ahmed , Omar Ayman , Suleman Kausar , Al Malik Osama , Anwar Ihab , Jastaniya Noha , Tulbah Asma , Al Shabanah Mohammad , Ajarim Dahish , Al Sayed Adher
Published: February 2021

Purpose. This study was designed to examine the relationship between breast cancer molecular subtypes and pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) ± trastuzumab, in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Methods. Female patients with LABC (T2–T4, N0–N2, and M0) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy + trastuzumab if HER2+ subtype, followed by surgery and radiotherapy ± hormonal therapy, were identified. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR) in the breast and axilla (ypT0/ypN0), with final analysis on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results. Six hundred eighty-one patients with a median age of 44 years, premenopausal: 70%, median tumour size: 7.0 cm (range 4–11 cm), stage II B: 27% and III A/III B: 73%, ER+/HER2−: 40.8%, ER−/HER2−: 23%, ER+/HER2+: 17.7%, and ER−/HER2+: 18.5%. Overall pCR (ypT0/ypN0) was 23%. The pCR rates based on molecular subtypes were ER+/HER2−: 9%; ER+/HER2+: 29%; ER−/HER2−: 31%; and ER−/HER2+: 37%. At median follow-up of 61 months, ER+/HER2+ and ER+/HER2− subtypes had the best 5-year DFS and OS; meanwhile, ER−/HER2+ and ER−/HER2− subtypes had the worst. Conclusion. Women with ER+/HER2− disease are the least likely to achieve pCR, with the highest rates in HER2+ and triple-negative subgroups. Degree of response is associated with OS; despite the comparatively higher likelihood of achieving pCR in ER−/HER2+ and triple-negative, these subgroups experience a survival detriment. We are consistent with the published data that patients who attain the pathological complete response defined as ypT0/ypN0 have improved outcomes.
Reproductive Diseases and Disorders of Female Camels: An Assessment and Pathological and Bacteriological Study in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Belina Dinaol , Eshetu Amare , Alemu Sisay , Shasho Bekyad , Mohammed Tajudin , Mohammed Ahmedin , Mummed Bahar , Regassa Dereje
Published: February 2021

Camels are the most efficient domesticated animals in arid and semiarid areas of the world. In Ethiopia, they are the main livestock kept to sustain the livelihoods of pastoralists, as camels are used for milk and meat production and also for transportation. However, she-camel reproductive diseases are one of the major constraints for camel-producing communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to December 2019 to identify and characterize pathological lesions and isolate possible bacteria associated with reproductive diseases and disorders in she-camels slaughtered at Dire Dawa and Babille municipal abattoirs. A total of 155 study animals were examined by recruiting all she-camels slaughtered during every abattoir visit. Overall, 562 reproductive organs, the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, and cervix, were examined through observation, palpation, and incision, and the animal- and organ-level pathological lesion prevalence were found to be 29% and 64.6%, respectively. Degenerative changes, inflammatory lesions (endometritis and salpingitis), growth disturbances (e.g., ovarian hypoplasia), and noninflammatory lesions (e.g., noninflammatory edema) were the identified pathological lesions. Occurrences of pathological changes among reproductive organs had differences where significantly the highest proportion (

p

 = 0.00) was observed in the uteri. Of the 119 microbiological samples processed, 77.3% were positive for single or mixed bacterial genera, from which 7 different bacterial isolates and 14 other unidentified Gram-negative bacteria were detected. E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated organisms with 28.2%, 26.9%, and 12.8% frequencies, respectively. The result of the questionnaire survey showed 74% of the respondents had culled the she-camel at productive age because of poor reproductive performance associated with refused mating, abortion, and repeat breeding (poor conception). On the other hand, a majority of camel herders had poor to no information and access to modern veterinary services; nevertheless, they had good indigenous knowledge on how to manage reproductive abnormalities. Considering the importance of camels in our study area, further research on camel reproductive diseases and abnormalities with wider sample and epidemiology need to be conducted using molecular and hormonal assay techniques.
Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Hypoxia‐Induced Synaptic Loss and Cognitive Impairment via Inhibition of Microglial NOX2 Activation in the Hippocampus of Neonatal Rats
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Chen Dongtai , Li Qiang , Wu Shuyan , Pan Jiahao , Liao Yanling , Zheng Xiaochun , Zeng Weian
Published: February 2021

Background. Perinatal hypoxia is a universal cause of death and neurological deficits in neonates worldwide. Activation of microglial NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) leads to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which may contribute to hypoxic damage in the developing brain. Dexmedetomidine has been reported to exert potent neuroprotection in several neurological diseases, but the mechanism remains unclear. We investigated whether dexmedetomidine acts through microglial NOX2 to reduce neonatal hypoxic brain damage. Methods. The potential role of microglial NOX2 in dexmedetomidine‐mediated alleviation of hypoxic damage was evaluated in cultured BV2 microglia and neonatal rats subjected to hypoxia. In vivo, neonatal rats received dexmedetomidine (25 μg/kg, i.p.) 30 min before or immediately after hypoxia (5% O2, 2 h). Apocynin‐mediated NOX inhibition and lentivirus‐mediated NOX2 overexpression were applied to further assess the involvement of microglial NOX2 activation. Results. Pre‐ or posttreatment with dexmedetomidine alleviated hypoxia‐induced cognitive impairment, restored damaged synapses, and increased postsynaptic density‐95 and synaptophysin protein expression following neonatal hypoxia. Importantly, dexmedetomidine treatment suppressed hypoxia‐induced microglial NOX2 activation and subsequent oxidative stress and the neuroinflammatory response, as reflected by reduced 4‐hydroxynonenal and ROS accumulation, and decreased nuclear NF‐κB p65 and proinflammatory cytokine levels in cultured BV2 microglia and the developing hippocampus. In addition, treating primary hippocampal neurons with conditioned medium (CM) from hypoxia‐activated BV2 microglia resulted in neuronal damage, which was alleviated by CM from dexmedetomidine‐treated microglia. Moreover, the neuroprotective effect of dexmedetomidine was reversed in NOX2‐overexpressing BV2 microglia and diminished in apocynin‐pretreated neonatal rats. Conclusion. Dexmedetomidine targets microglial NOX2 to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and subsequently protects against hippocampal synaptic loss following neonatal hypoxia.
Keeping an Eye on Bisphosphonate Therapy in Myeloma: A Case Report of Ocular Inflammation Postzoledronic Acid Infusion
Authors: Faryal Rehman , Hayat Amjad
Published: February 2021

Bisphosphonates have evolved over the past decades from oral to more potent intravenous preparations. Along with significant paradigm shift in the management of myeloma over the past years, stronger nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, due to their antiresorptive action on the bones, have found their way as a key and integral part in the management of bone disease in myeloma. Multiple randomized controlled trials have established efficacy of bisphosphonates in reducing skeletal-related events in myeloma. Some well-documented adverse events include acute-phase reactions, esophageal irritation, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Across all clinical indications, the incidence of inflammatory eye reactions after bisphosphonate infusion ranges from 0.046% to 1%. However, data from myeloma patients are extrapolated from few reported cases in literature with varying management strategies including discontinuation, switching to different forms, and rechallenging with steroid cover. Inflammatory eye reactions can vary from self-limiting conjunctivitis and episcleritis to serious uveitis and vision-threatening orbital inflammation. We present a similar case of a patient with IgG kappa myeloma who developed flu-like symptoms followed by severe orbital inflammation within 48–72 hours after receiving zoledronic acid infusion. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous methyl prednisolone followed by oral tapering dose of steroids and discontinuation of further bisphosphonate therapy. A complete recovery was noted in a week’s time.
Functional and Therapeutic Relevance of Rho GTPases in Innate Immune Cell Migration and Function during Inflammation: An In Silico Perspective
Authors: Dipankar Pankaj , Kumar Puneet , Dash Shiba Prasad , Sarangi Pranita P.
Published: February 2021

Systematic regulation of leukocyte migration to the site of infection is a vital step during immunological responses. Improper migration and localization of immune cells could be associated with disease pathology as seen in systemic inflammation. Rho GTPases act as molecular switches during inflammatory cell migration by cycling between Rho-GDP (inactive) to Rho-GTP (active) forms and play an essential role in the precise regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics as well as other immunological functions of leukocytes. Available reports suggest that the dysregulation of Rho GTPase signaling is associated with various inflammatory diseases ranging from mild to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the step-by-step activation and inactivation of GTPases and the functioning of different Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) and GTPase-Activating Proteins (GAPs) that regulate the conversion of GDP to GTP and GTP to GDP exchange reactions, respectively. Here, we describe the molecular organization and activation of various domains of crucial elements associated with the activation of Rho GTPases using solved PDB structures. We will also present the latest evidence available on the relevance of Rho GTPases in the migration and function of innate immune cells during inflammation. This knowledge will help scientists design promising drug candidates against the Rho-GTPase-centric regulatory molecules regulating inflammatory cell migration.
Research on Recognition of Motor Imagination Based on Connectivity Features of Brain Functional Network
Authors: Luo Zhizeng , Jin Ronghang , Shi Hongfei , Lu Xianju
Published: February 2021

Feature extraction is essential for classifying different motor imagery (MI) tasks in a brain-computer interface. To improve classification accuracy, we propose a novel feature extraction method in which the connectivity increment rate (CIR) of the brain function network (BFN) is extracted. First, the BFN is constructed on the basis of the threshold matrix of the Pearson correlation coefficient of the mu rhythm among the channels. In addition, a weighted BFN is constructed and expressed by the sum of the existing edge weights to characterize the cerebral cortex activation degree in different movement patterns. Then, on the basis of the topological structures of seven mental tasks, three regional networks centered on the C3, C4, and Cz channels are constructed, which are consistent with correspondence between limb movement patterns and cerebral cortex in neurophysiology. Furthermore, the CIR of each regional functional network is calculated to form three-dimensional vectors. Finally, we use the support vector machine to learn a classifier for multiclass MI tasks. Experimental results show a significant improvement and demonstrate the success of the extracted feature CIR in dealing with MI classification. Specifically, the average classification performance reaches 88.67% which is higher than other competing methods, indicating that the extracted CIR is effective for MI classification.
CUB and Sushi Multiple Domains (CSMD1) Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibilities to Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease in Northern Chinese Han Population: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Bai Xinling , Jin Jianing , Li Shanshan , Wang Huimin , Xie Anmu
Published: February 2021

Evidence has shown that the CUB and Sushi Multiple Domains (CSMD1) gene is an inhibitor of the complement activation pathway and is also involved in central nervous system inflammation. Previous studies have revealed that the CSMD1 gene is related to familial Parkinson’s disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CSMD1 gene and susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease in population of northern China. A case-control study was performed on 423 Parkinson’s disease patients and 465 healthy controls matched for age and sex. DNA from enrolled subjects were extracted from the peripheral blood, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs12681349 (C＞T), rs10503253 (C＞A), and rs1983474 (T＞G) within CSMD1 gene were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Genotype frequency of rs10503253 (CA versus CC : OR = 1.554, 95% CI = 1.169–2.066,

p
=
0.002

) and rs1983474 (GG versus TT : OR = 0.599, 95% CI = 0.401–0.895,

p
=
0.012

) was significantly different between PD cases and controls, but not for rs12681349. Comprehensive and subgroup analysis indicated that rs10503252 showed significant statistical differences in the dominant model (AA + CA versus CC : OR = 0.677, 95% CI = 0.517–0.886,

p
=
0.004

), late-onset cohort (CA versus CC : OR = 1.570, 95% CI = 1.159–2.126,

p
=
0.004

), and the female cohort (CA versus CC : OR = 0.687, 95% CI = 0.497–0.952,

p
=
0.023

), compared with the matched control group. The difference of recessive model of rs1983474 (GG versus TT + TG : OR = 1.837, 95% CI = 1.287–2.620,

p
=
0.001

) was significant in Parkinson’s disease. According to the subgroup analysis, results indicated that late-onset cohort (GG versus TT : OR = 0.643, 95% CI = 0.420–0.985,

p
=
0.042

), male cohort (TG versus TT : OR = 2.160, 95% CI = 1.162–4.016,

p
=
0.015

), and female group (GG versus TT : OR = 0.418, 95% CI = 0.234–0.746,

p
=
0.003

) of rs1983474 were significantly associated with Parkinson’s disease susceptibility. In both genotype and subgroup analysis, we failed to find any relationship between rs12681349 polymorphism and Parkinson’s disease risk. Our results indicate that the rs10503253 and rs1983474 gene polymorphism may be associated with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease susceptibility in Chinese population. Nevertheless, these conclusions need to be further verified by more studies.
[D-Ala2, D-Leu5] Enkephalin Inhibits TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Protects Rat Brains against Focal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Fu Danyun , Liu Haitong , Zhu Jiang , Xu Hongjiao , Yao Junyan
Published: February 2021

Background. Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main cause of acute brain injury, which is a life-threatening disease due to the lack of effective treatments. [D-Ala2, D-Leu5] enkephalin (DADLE) is a synthetic delta-opioid receptor agonist that is reported to confer neuroprotective effect; however, the underlying mechanism is still being explored. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether DADLE administrated intracerebroventricularly could attenuate the cerebral I/R injury, to determine if this is through inhibiting the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and therefore inhibiting neuroinflammation in an ischemic stroke model. Methods. Rats were subjected to 120 minutes of ischemia by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). At 45 minutes after ischemia, DADLE or control vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, ACSF) was given to the rats intracerebroventricularly. Neurological deficit, cerebral infarct volume, and histopathological changes were assessed at 24 hours after reperfusion. Brain inflammation was assessed by measuring tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the ischemic penumbra by ELISA. The expression of TLR4 was determined by immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting. The expression of NF-κB was investigated by western blotting. Results. Compared with the vehicle-treatment (ACSF), DADEL improved neurological deficit (

9.6
±
2.1

versus

13.8
±
1.9

), reduced cerebral infarct volume (

18.74
±
3.30
%

versus

10.57
±
2.50
%

), and increased the number of normal neurons (

29.72
±
8.53
%

versus

51.37
±
9.18
%

) after cerebral I/R injury in rats (all

P
<
0.05

). Expressions of inflammatory molecules including TNF-α and IL-6 were highly expressed in the vehicle-treated rats, whereas treatment with DADLE downregulated these expressions (

P
<
0.05

). Additionally, cerebral I/R injury significantly increased the TLR4 and NF-κB expression in vehicle-control group, which was markedly inhibited by DADLE (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusions. DADLE, administrated intracerebroventricularly at 45 minutes after cerebral ischemia, significantly ameliorated I/R-induced brain damage in rats. This kind of neuroprotective effect appears to be related to the downregulation of TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Confining on the Development of Fire in a Closed Compartment
Authors: Meskeoule Vondou Fidel , Ngayihi Abbe Claude Valery , Zaida Justin Tégawendé , Mvogo Philippe Onguene , Mouangue Ruben
Published: February 2021

Backdraft is a complex phenomenon which occurs during cases of confined fires. It appears by a fast deflagration which occurs after the introduction of oxygen into a compartment filled with hot gases rich in unburned combustible vapor. Practically, this situation could occur at the time of intervention of firemen who break the door or when a window breaks under the action of thermal stresses. Based on a strong experimental campaign, the present paper aimed to make a quantitative investigation of the effect of confining on a totally closed fire. With this focus, fire tests were carried out in a completely closed room of dimensions 1.20 m × 1.20 m × 1.02 m, with five sources of fire of different heat release rates. The same fire sources were also tested in a free atmosphere in order to get reference data. After a statistical study of data, a comparative analysis between both results has been done. Its outcome is that confining has a major impact on the quality of combustion and on the fire duration. More precisely, it has been noticed comparatively to fire tests in free atmosphere that confining increases the fire duration by 14.85 percent while it decreases the heat release rate by 21.72 percent.
Ordered-Theoretic Fixed Point Results in Fuzzy b-Metric Spaces with an Application
Authors: Javed Khalil , Uddin Fahim , Aydi Hassen , Mukheimer Aiman , Arshad Muhammad
Published: February 2021

The aim of this manuscript is to initiate the study of the Banach contraction in R-fuzzy b-metric spaces and discuss some related fixed point results to ensure the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point. A nontrivial example is imparted to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed methods. Finally, to validate the superiority of the provided results, an application is presented to solve the first kind of a Fredholm-type integral equation.
Prognostic Implications of ALDH1 and Notch1 in Different Subtypes of Oral Cancer
Authors: de Freitas Filho Silas Antonio Juvencio , Coutinho-Camillo Cláudia Malheiros , Oliveira Katia Klug , Bettim Bárbara Beltrame , Pinto Clóvis Antônio Lopes , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Oliveira Denise Tostes
Published: February 2021

Background. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and prognostic value of the immunoexpression of cancer stem cell markers, ALDH1 and Notch1, in subtypes of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods. The expression of ALDH1 and Notch1 in 63 patients with well and poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinomas and their subtypes, verrucous carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma, was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The semi-quantitative analysis of the ALDH1 and Notch immunoexpression levels, based on the capture of 10 microscopic fields, at 400X magnification, at the invasive tumor front was performed and associated with clinicopathological variables using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. The overall and disease-free survival rates were estimated according to the Kaplan–Meier method and the curves were compared using the log-rank test. The independent effects of variables were calculated using Cox’s proportional hazards regression model. Results. Strong ALDH1 and Notch1 expression was observed in 16 (25.4%) and 27 (42.9%) oral squamous cell carcinomas including their subtypes, respectively. Most tumors with strong immunoexpression of ALDH1 were basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (56.3%). Statistically significant associations were observed between the strong immunoexpression of Notch1 in poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma with perineural infiltration (

p

 = 0.011) and lymph node involvement (pN+) (

p

 = 0.034). The strong immunoexpression of ALDH1 was a prognostic factor associated with worse overall survival (

p

 = 0.040) for patients with oral cancer. Conclusion. The strong immunoexpression of Notch1 can contribute to identification of patients with poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma, who have perineural infiltration or lymph node metastasis. In addition, the strong immunoexpression of ALDH1 may help to identify a worse prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and their subtypes.
An Analytical Survey on the Solutions of the Generalized Double-Order
φ
-Integrodifferential Equation
Authors: Rezapour Sh. , Ntouyas S. K. , Iqbal M. Q. , Hussain A. , Etemad S. , Tariboon J.
Published: February 2021

We study the existence of solutions for a newly configured model of a double-order integrodifferential equation including

φ

-Caputo double-order

φ

-integral boundary conditions. In this way, we use the Krasnoselskii and Leray-Schauder fixed point results. Also, we invoke the Banach contraction principle to confirm the uniqueness of the existing solutions. Finally, we provide three examples to illustrate our analytical findings.
Levels of Cyclooxygenase 2, Interleukin‐6, and Tumour Necrosis Factor‐α in Fibroblast Cell Culture Models after Photobiomodulation at 660 nm
Authors: Shaikh-Kader Asma , Houreld Nicolette N. , Rajendran Naresh K. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: February 2021

Chemicals and signaling molecules released by injured cells at the beginning of wound healing prompt inflammation. In diabetes, prolonged inflammation is one of the probable causes for delayed wound healing. Increased levels of cyclooxygenase‐2 (cox‐2), interleukin–6 (IL‐6), and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) are associated with the inflammatory response and in diabetes, and increased levels of these contribute to chronic wounds that do not heal. Rising levels of cox‐2, IL‐6, and TNF‐α have also been associated with increased oxidative stress. Photobiomodulation (PBM) may impact wound healing processes by affecting the signaling pathways and molecules pertinent to tissue repair. In the present study, the effect of PBM (wavelength: 660 nm; energy density: 5 J/cm2) on levels of cox‐2, IL‐6, and TNF‐α was determined in fibroblast cell culture models. Four WS1 models (normal, normal wounded, diabetic, and diabetic wounded) were irradiated at 660 nm, and the culture media was collected at 0, 24, and 48 h postirradiation. Cells that were not irradiated (0 J/cm2) served as the controls. The following parameters were determined postirradiation: cell morphology using light microscopy, cell viability using the Trypan Blue exclusion assay, and levels of the inflammatory markers cox‐2, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were measured using ELISA. Cell migration increased in the wounded groups over the 48 h interval after PBM; viability improved postirradiation in the diabetic wounded groups at 0 and 24 h (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01, respectively); levels of cox‐2 decreased in normal and diabetic wounded groups at 0 h (P ≤ 0.001) and increased in the diabetic and diabetic wounded groups at 48 h postirradiation (P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01, respectively), while levels of IL‐6 decreased in the normal (P ≤ 0.01), diabetic (P ≤ 0.05), and diabetic wounded (P ≤ 0.001) groups at 24 h and in the diabetic and diabetic wounded groups at 48 h (P ≤ 0.05) postirradiation. TNF‐α was decreased in the normal wounded groups (P ≤ 0.05) at 48 h. Through its effect on decreased IL‐6 levels in diabetic cell models, PBM at 660 nm may be successful at decreasing oxidative stress; however, the present study also found an increase in cox‐2 levels at 48 h postirradiation.
Analysis of the Cracking Mechanism of an Elliptical Bipolar Linear‐Shaped Charge Blasting
Authors: Wu Bo , Wei Han , Xu Shixiang , Meng Guowang , Huang Zhen , Zhang Jinglong , Li Hualong
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the cracking mechanism of an elliptical bipolar linear‐shaped charge blasting via theoretical analysis, experimentation, and numerical simulation. The results show that in the shaped charge blasting, due to the effect of the shaped jet in the direction of the shaped energy, a certain initial crack length is formed. In the action phase of the stress wave, the energy accumulation direction reduces the load required for crack initiation and propagation. The crack propagation length generated in the energy accumulation direction is greater than the nonenergy accumulation direction. The load value of the initial shock wave in the shaped energy direction is significantly greater, by about 1.64 times than the nonshaped energy direction, and the peak load acting time is earlier than the nonshaped energy direction. A large amount of impact explosion energy is consumed in the area close to the charged energy explosion due to the crushing area, regardless of the charged or noncharged energy direction. In the energy accumulation direction, the shock wave attenuation rate is faster in the near explosion area and the stress wave attenuation rate is slower in the mid and far areas of the explosion. The difference in the explosion load in the mid and far areas is small. In the nonconcentrated direction, owing to the reflected compression wave, the second stress peak appears in the nonconcentrated direction. However, its value is smaller than that of the initial shock wave peak.
The Beneficial Role of Filipendula ulmaria Extract in Prevention of Prodepressant Effect and Cognitive Impairment Induced by Nanoparticles of Calcium Phosphates in Rats
Authors: Arsenijevic Natalija , Selakovic Dragica , Katanic Stankovic Jelena S. , Mihailovic Vladimir , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Milenkovic Jovana , Milanovic Pavle , Vasovic Miroslav , Markovic Snezana D. , Zivanovic Marko , Grujic Jelena , Jovicic Nemanja , Rosic Gvozden
Published: February 2021

Mineral components of dental composites are used in many medical and dental applications, including preventive, restorative, and regenerative dentistry. To evaluate the behavioural alterations induced by nanosized particles of novel dental composites, by means of depressive level and cognitive functions, experimental groups of rats were chronically administered with nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) with or without simultaneous application of Filipendula ulmaria L. (FU) methanolic extract. The significant prodepressant action was observed in groups solely treated with HA and ACP. Besides, prolonged treatment with ACP also resulted in a significant decline in cognitive functions estimated in the novel object recognition test. The adverse impact of calcium phosphates on estimated behavioural functions was accompanied by increased oxidative damage and apoptotic markers in the prefrontal cortex, as well as diminished specific neurotrophin (BDNF) and gabaergic expression. The results of our investigation showed that simultaneous antioxidant supplementation with FU extract prevented calcium phosphate‐induced behavioural disturbances, as well as prooxidative and apoptotic actions, with the simultaneous restoration of BDNF and GABA‐A receptors in the prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that FU may be useful in the prevention of prodepressant impact and cognitive decline as early as the manifestation of calcium phosphate‐induced neurotoxicity.
Experimental Investigation of Crack Initiation and Propagation in the Unreinforced Masonry Specimen Subjected to Vertical Settlement
Authors: Wang Junbo , Hu Weibing , Wang Xinyu , Liang Yaozhe
Published: February 2021

To study the cracking process of the wall caused by differential settlement under a uniformly distributed load on the top of the wall, a laboratory model experiment was carried out on large‐scale masonry specimens, and the acoustic emission (AE) technique and digital close‐range industrial photogrammetry were adopted to monitor the AE signals and displacement characteristics of the masonry specimens during loading in real time. The results show that, in the case of differential settlement with small settlement on both sides and large settlement in the middle, two main cracks appear on the left and right sides of the wall, extending obliquely from bottom to top. During the loading process, damage of the wall is aggravated due to the differential settlement, and both cumulative ringing count and energy count have different periods of steep rise. With the increase in the load and activation of the AE event, the AE event becomes active, and the cumulative ringing count and cumulative energy curve have an obvious turning point, where the slope of the curve is substantially higher than that before the turning point. By using digital close‐range industrial photogrammetry, it is observed that the main oblique crack on the left is mainly caused by the difference in the vertical deformation, while the main oblique crack on the right is caused by different displacements and deformation directions of the wall on both sides of the crack.
Analysis on Communication Influence of Official Microblogs
Authors: Chen Nan , Yu Dingguo , Zhou Yijie , Li Wenjuan
Published: February 2021

As an innovative way for government affairs disclosure, official microblogs have been widely used in information release, public opinion listening, and public services, which become a model of “Internet + government affairs.” The communication influence of official accounts is mainly related to the account’s attention, activity, and the posted articles. Based on AHP, we design a multi-hierarchy-rank model to filter the factors and determine the most important factors related to the influence of official microblogs. This study explores the communication influence of official microblog from the perspectives of breadth, depth, and intensity; then, a three-dimensional integration of government microblogs influence calculation model for radiation, activity, and interaction is built and a monitoring and analysis system for the communication influence of government microblog is developed; finally, about 2,800 official accounts and more than 1.5 million articles in Zhejiang Province are monitored and analyzed. According to microblog verification, our proposed calculation model not only quantifies the communication influence of official microblogs but also analyzes their dynamics and timeliness. Therefore, it helps government departments to promote the healthy and orderly development of government microblogs.
Vibration Response of the Crawler Combine Chassis Frame Excited by the Engine
Authors: Xu Taibai , Gao Dongju , Chen Yi , Zhang Weiwei , Xu Fei , Zhou Peng
Published: February 2021

There are many problems of vibration and noise in combine working. As the main power source and excitation source of a combine, the working state of an engine directly affects the reliability and stability of the whole harvester. In order to analyze the vibration response characteristics of a chassis frame under engine excitation, the vibration mechanism and theoretical excitation characteristics of an engine vibration source on a crawler combine harvester are analyzed in this paper, and the vibration response of chassis under engine excitation is tested and analyzed. After theoretical derivation, a two-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of an engine and chassis is established. The experimental results show that the up and down vibration generated by the engine is the main vibration source in the

Z

direction, and the main excitation frequency is the second-order firing frequency. This paper provides a theoretical reference and experimental basis for vibration reduction and noise reduction of combine and vibration characteristics of the chassis frame.
Comparative Efficacy of Phacotrabeculectomy versus Trabeculectomy with or without Later Phacoemulsification: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Afrouz , Kessel Line , Subhi Yousif , Bach-Holm Daniella
Published: February 2021

There is no consensus on the surgical management of coexisting cataract in patients who undergo glaucoma surgery. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of phacotrabeculectomy and trabeculectomy either alone or followed by later phacoemulsification. We systematically searched the literature databases PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central. Eligible studies were comparative trials of eyes with glaucoma that underwent either phacotrabeculectomy or trabeculectomy with or without later phacoemulsification. Our primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP) control closest to 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were efficacy closest to 12 months in terms of visual acuity, visual field, prevalence of complications, needling or revision, number of antiglaucomatous medications, and surgical success. We identified 25 studies with a total of 4,749 eyes. The IOP did not differ significantly between those who underwent phacotrabeculectomy versus trabeculectomy with (MD: 0.63, CI95%: −0.32, 1.59,p=0.19) or without later phacoemulsification (MD: −0.52, CI95%: −1.45, 0.40,p=0.27). However, phacotrabeculectomy was associated with lower risk of complications (RR: 0.80, CI95%: 0.67, 0.95,p=0.01) and better visual acuity corresponding to a 1.4-line difference (MD: −0.14, CI95%: −0.27, −0.95,p=0.03) compared to trabeculectomy. Other secondary outcome measures did not differ significantly (visual field, needling or revision, number of antiglaucomatous medications, and surgical success). In conclusion, postoperative IOP is comparable, and the number of complications is lower when phacotrabeculectomy is compared to trabeculectomy with or without later phacoemulsification in patients with coexisting glaucoma and cataract. However, our study also reveals that the level of evidence is low, and randomized clinical trials are warranted.
Clinical Utility of Preoperative Vitamin D3 Injection for Preventing Transient Hypocalcemia after Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Kim Kwangsoon , Lee Cho Rok , Kang Sang-Wook , Lee Jandee , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee-Hyun , Chung Woong Youn
Published: February 2021

Background. Postoperative transient hypocalcemia (TH) is a common complication of total thyroidectomy. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical utility of preoperative vitamin D3 injection for the prevention of TH after total thyroidectomy. Methods. We included 2294 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from January 2015 until October 2018 and retrospectively analyzed their data by complete chart review at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: vitamin D3 injection (VDI; n = 342) and vitamin D3 noninjection (VDN; n = 1952). TH was defined as serum calcium <8.2 mg/dL and signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia. Results. The mean preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels of the VDI group were significantly lower than those of the VDN group (16.5 ± 6.9 ng/mL vs 19.4 ± 8.7 ng/mL,

p

 < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the significant risk factors of TH include vitamin D noninjection (hazard ratio (HR): 1.717, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.282–2.300,

p

 < 0.001), male gender (HR: 1.427, 95% CI: 1.117–1.822,

p

 = 0.004), and capsular extension (HR: 1.273, 95% CI: 1.011–1.603,

p

 = 0.040). Conclusions. Preoperative vitamin D3 injection significantly contributed to the prevention of TH after total thyroidectomy. Further prospective or multicenter studies must be conducted to determine the effect of vitamin D3 injection.