bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal instability sensitizes patient breast tumors to multipolar divisions induced by paclitaxel
Authors: Scribano Christina M. , Wan Jun , Esbona Karla , Tucker John B. , Lasek Amber , Zhou Amber S. , Zasadil Lauren M. , Molini Ryan , Fitzgerald Jonathan , Lager Angela M. , Laffin Jennifer J. , Correia-Staudt Kayla , Wisinski Kari B. , Tevaarwerk Amye J. , O’Regan Ruth , McGregor Stephanie M. , Fowler Amy M. , Chappell Richard J. , Bugni Tim S. , Burkard Mark E. , Weaver Beth A.
Published: September 2021

Paclitaxel cytotoxicity in breast tumors depends on multipolar spindle maintenance and preexisting chromosomal instability.
Anti-latent TGFβ binding protein 4 antibody improves muscle function and reduces muscle fibrosis in muscular dystrophy
Authors: Demonbreun Alexis R. , Fallon Katherine S. , Oosterbaan Claire C. , Vaught Lauren A. , Reiser Nina L. , Bogdanovic Elena , Velez Matthew P. , Salamone Isabella M. , Page Patrick G.T. , Hadhazy Michele , Quattrocelli Mattia , Barefield David Y. , Wood Lauren D. , Gonzalez J. Patrick , Morris Carl , McNally Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2021

A high-affinity antibody to LTBP4 stabilizes muscle and promotes improved muscle function in mouse models of muscular dystrophy.
Type I Interferon Promotes Humoral Immunity in Viral Vector Vaccination
Authors: Zhong Chaojie , Liu Fengliang , Hajnik Renee J. , Yao Lei , Chen Kangjing , Wang Meirong , Liang Yuejin , Sun Jiaren , Soong Lynn , Hou Wei , Hu Haitao
Published: September 2021

Viral vectors, including MVA, are an important antigen delivery platform and have been commonly used in vaccine development. Understanding the innate host-viral vector interactions and their impact on vaccine-induced immunity is critical but understudied.
Correlated Transcriptional Responses Provide Insights into the Synergy Mechanisms of the Furazolidone, Vancomycin, and Sodium Deoxycholate Triple Combination in Escherichia coli
Authors: Olivera Catrina , Cox Murray P. , Rowlands Gareth J. , Rakonjac Jasna
Published: September 2021

Synergistic antibiotic combinations are a promising alternative strategy for developing effective therapies for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The synergistic combination of the existing antibiotics nitrofurans and vancomycin with sodium deoxycholate shows promise in inhibiting and killing multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
An Escherichia coli FdrA Variant Derived from Syntrophic Coculture with a Methanogen Increases Succinate Production Due to Changes in Allantoin Degradation
Authors: Kim Nam Yeun , Lee Yeon Joo , Park Ji Won , Kim Su Nyung , Kim E Young , Kim Yuseob , Kim Ok Bin
Published: September 2021

Here, we demonstrate the ability of
E. coli
to perform glycerol fermentation in coculture with the methanogen
M. formicicum
to produce succinate. We found that the production of succinate by
E. coli
significantly increased during successive cocultivation.
The Human Gut Resistome up to Extreme Longevity
Authors: Tavella Teresa , Turroni Silvia , Brigidi Patrizia , Candela Marco , Rampelli Simone
Published: September 2021

Antibiotic resistance is widespread among different ecosystems, and in humans it plays a key role in shaping the composition of the gut microbiota, enhancing the ecological fitness of certain bacterial populations when exposed to antibiotics. A considerable component of the definition of healthy aging and longevity is associated with the structure of the gut microbiota, and, in this regard, the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is critical to many pathologies that come about with aging.
Human Fecal Contamination Corresponds to Changes in the Freshwater Bacterial Communities of a Large River Basin
Authors: McClary-Gutierrez Jill S. , Driscoll Zac , Nenn Cheryl , Newton Ryan J.
Published: September 2021

Surface waters in highly developed mixed-use watersheds are frequently impacted by a wide variety of pollutants, leading to a range of impairments that must be monitored and remediated. With advancing technologies, microbial community sequencing may soon become a feasible method for routine evaluation of the ecological quality and human health risk of a water body.
Supplemental Material: New estimates of the magnitude of the sea-level jump during the 8.2 ka event
Authors: Obrist-Farner Jonathan , al. et
Published: September 2021

All sediment core data collected in this study.
Organoid and Primary Epithelial Cultures of Human Prostate Show the Key Role of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Generation of Tissue-Specific Stromal Cells
Authors: Ryabov V. M. , Georgieva A. O. , Voskresensky M. A. , Komyakov B. K. , Rogoza O. V. , Grozov R. V. , Murazov Ya. G. , Prokhorov D. G. , Popov B. V.
Published: September 2021

The prostate gland (PG) is a small organ in the male reproductive system that is currently the focus of biomedical research due to its leading position in morbidity and mortality from the tissue-specific cancer prostate cancer (PC). The PG epithelium, which undergoes a cancerous transformation, is formed and functions under the control of androgens. At the beginning of the disease, epithelial cells produce an androgen receptor (AR) and are sensitive to androgen-deprivation therapy. However, such therapy inevitably leads to the transition of the disease to the castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which manifests itself in metastasis and rapid mortality. In CRPC, the cells of the prostate epithelium change their phenotype, that may be associated with AR mutation and loss the sensitivity to specific therapy. The mechanism of PG phenotypic transformation may be hidden in the interaction and formation of the stromal and epithelial cells, which are evident during the establishment of the primary cultures. The aim of this study was to investigate the generation of human PG stromal cells in primary stromal and organoid cultures. We found that, in contrast to the rapid appearance and formation of a homogeneous population of mesenchymal cells in primary stromal cultures of most tissues, human PG cell cultures are formed initially from epithelial cells. They appear in the second week of cultivation and produce cytokeratins (CKs). A homogeneous population of mesenchymal cells producing vimentin is formed only at the end of the fourth week of cultivation. It is accompanied by the disappearance of epithelial cells. At the same time, some epithelial cells simultaneously produce CKs and vimentin. In PG organoid cultures, there is often a concomitant growth of epithelial, but not mesenchymal, cells on culture plastic. During the cultivation of epithelial cells arising from the organoid cultures, they, like the cells of the primary epithelium, exhibit the ability to spontaneous transformation into mesenchymal cells and simultaneously produce CKs and vimentin. Our data suggest that in primary and organoid PG cultures, stromal cells can be formed from epithelium due to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The tendency of PG epithelium toward spontaneous EMT may contribute to the mechanism of high sensitivity of prostate tissue to malignant transformation and metastasis. Understanding this mechanism may contribute to the development of effective antitumor therapy of prostate cancer.
Small-Diameter Vessels Reconstruction Using Cell Tissue-Engineering Graft Based on the Polycaprolactone
Authors: Yudintceva N. M. , Nashchekina Yu. A. , Shevtsov M. A. , Karpovich V. B. , Popov G. I. , Samusenko I. A. , Mikhailova N. A.
Published: September 2021

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is widely applied for the construction of small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEGs) due to its biomechanical properties, slow degradation, and good biocompatibility. In the present study the TEG based on a tubular scaffold seeded with smooth muscle aortic cells (SMCs) in a rat abdominal aorta replacement model was tested. Polyester tubular scaffolds were generated by thermally induced phase separation and seeded with rat SMCs. To track the implanted SMCs in vivo, cells were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Histological evaluation of the migration of autologous endothelial cells (ECs) and formation of the endothelial lining was performed 4, 8, and 12 weeks after graft interposition. TEG demonstrated a high patency rate without any complications at the end of the 12-week period. The migration of ECs into the lumen of the implanted TEG and formation of the cell monolayer were already present at 4 weeks, as confirmed by histological analysis. The architecture of both neointima and neoadventitia were similar to those of the native vessel. SPION-labeled SMCs were detected throughout the TEG, indicating the role of these cells in the endothelization of scaffolds. The SMC-seeded scaffolds demonstrated improved patency and biointegrative properties when compared to the acellular grafts.
International expert consensus on electronic nicotine delivery systems and heated tobacco products: a Delphi survey
Authors: Berlin Ivan , Jacot-Sadowski Isabelle , Humair Jean-Paul , Cornuz Jacques
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To provide a consensus from a panel of international experts about electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and heated tobacco products (HTP).

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

A Delphi survey was conducted among international experts in tobacco control and smoking cessation. The first part addressed statements or recommendations about ENDS, the second about HTP, both divided into four categories: regulation, sale, use and general issues.

Setting

Experts from 15 countries.

Participants

Individuals with clinical, public health or research expertise in tobacco control and/or smoking cessation.

Results

268 experts were contacted, 92 (34%) completed the first, 55/92 (60%) the second round. Consensus for ENDS: components of e-liquids, an upper limit of nicotine concentration should be defined; a warning on the lack of evidence in long-term safety and addiction potential should be stated; ENDS should not be regulated as consumer products but either as a new category of nicotine delivery or tobacco products; ENDS should not be sold in general stores but in specialised shops, shops selling tobacco or in pharmacies with restriction on sale to minors; administration of illegal drugs is likely with ENDS. Consensus for HTP: HTP have the same addictive potential as cigarettes; they should be regulated as a tobacco product with similar warning messages as cigarettes; their advertisement should not be allowed. ENDS and HTP use should not be allowed in indoor public places; a specific tax should be implemented for ENDS, taxes on HTP should not be lower than those for cigarettes; use of cigarettes is more likely with both ENDS and HTP (dual use) than quitting smoking.

Conclusions

Experts in tobacco control and/or smoking cessation recommend differential regulation for ENDS and HTP. The results of this survey may be useful for health authorities, decision makers and researchers of the tobacco use and cessation field.
Outcomes for surgical procedures funded by the English health service but carried out in public versus independent hospitals: a database study
Authors: Crothers Hannah , Liaqat Adiba , Reeves Katharine , Watson Samuel I , Gallier Suzy , Khunti Kamlesh , Bird Paul , Lilford Richard
Published: September 2021

Background

The outcomes of elective surgery in public versus Independent Sector Healthcare Providers (ISHPs) are a matter of policy relevance and theoretical interest.

Methods

Retrospective study of all National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and ISHPs in England that provided NHS-funded elective surgery. We used data from the England-wide Hospital Episode Statistics to study 18 common surgical procedures performed between 2006 and 2019. In-hospital outcomes included length of stay, emergency transfers to another hospital or death. Posthospital outcomes included readmission or death within 28 days. Outcomes were compared for each operation type by propensity score matching and survival analysis.

Results

The data set included 3 203 331 operations in 734 NHS hospitals and 468 259 operations in 274 ISHPs.

In-hospital outcomes: Across all 18 included operation types, length of stay was significantly longer for patients treated in NHS hospitals compared with ISHPs. Effect sizes ranged from a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.15 (95% CI 1.72 to 2.68) for total hip replacement to 1.07 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.09) for wisdom tooth removal; a mean difference of 2.49 and 0.02 days, respectively.

Postdischarge outcomes: Treatment at an ISHP was associated with a lower risk of emergency readmission compared with NHS treatment. HRs ranged from 0.36 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.46) for lumbar decompression to 0.75 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.85) for cholecystectomy; absolute risk differences of 1.5 and 1.3 percentage points. There was no difference in mortality.

Conclusion

Elective surgery in an ISHP is associated with shorter lengths of stay and lower readmission rates than treatment in NHS hospitals across 18 operation types. The data were matched on observable covariates, but we cannot exclude selection bias due to unobserved confounders.
West Greenland Rifted Margin Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element
Authors: Gregersen Ulrik , Knutz Paul C. , Hopper John R.
Published: September 2021

The West Greenland Rifted Margin Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element is composed of two distinct sedimentary accumulations: (1) pre-rift (pre-Cretaceous) and (2) synrift (Early Cretaceous–Danian), which represent individual tectono-sedimentary elements. The pre-rift tectono-sedimentary element includes the oldest and most poorly known offshore sedimentary basins, which mainly evolved in a cratonic platform setting with initial rifting. In contrast, Cretaceous–lower Paleocene sedimentary basins of the synrift tectono-sedimentary element are known from several wells, outcrops and seabed samples, and basins are mapped in most parts of the margin. This element is the most prospective part of the margin, where hydrocarbon shows occur in some wells and seeps are known from outcrops in central West Greenland.
Generalized Realizability and Basic Logic
Authors: Konovalov Aleksandr Yu.
Published: September 2021

Let
V
be a set of number-theoretical functions. We define a notion of absolute
V
-realizability for predicate formulas and sequents in such a way that the indices of functions in
V
are used for interpreting the implication and the universal quantifier. In this article, we prove that Basic Predicate Calculus is sound with respect to the semantics of absolute
V
-realizability if
V
satisfies some natural conditions.
Transneptunian Space
Authors: Gladman Brett , Volk Kathryn
Published: September 2021

We provide a nonspecialist overview of the current state of understanding of the structure and origin of our Solar System's transneptunian region (often called the Kuiper Belt), highlighting perspectives on planetesimal formation, planet migration, and the contextual relationship with protoplanetary disks. We review the dynamical features of the transneptunian populations and their associated differences in physical properties. We describe aspects of our knowledge that have advanced in the past two decades and then move on to current issues of research interest (which thus still have unclear resolution). ▪  The current transneptunian population consists of both implanted and primordial objects. ▪  The primordial (aka cold) population is a largely unaltered remnant of the population that formed in situ. ▪  The reason for the primordial cold population's current outer edge is unexplained. ▪  The large semimajor-axis population now dynamically detached from Neptune is critical for understanding the Solar System's history. ▪  Observational constraints on the number and orbits of distant objects remain poor.
Wave Dark Matter
Authors: Hui Lam
Published: September 2021

We review the physics and phenomenology of wave dark matter: a bosonic dark matter candidate lighter than about 30 eV. Such particles have a de Broglie wavelength exceeding the average interparticle separation in a galaxy like the Milky Way and are, thus, well described as a set of classical waves. We outline the particle physics motivations for such particles, including the quantum chromodynamics axion as well as ultralight axion-like particles such as fuzzy dark matter. The wave nature of the dark matter implies a rich phenomenology: ▪  Wave interference gives rise to order unity density fluctuations on de Broglie scale in halos. One manifestation is vortices where the density vanishes and around which the velocity circulates. There is one vortex ring per de Broglie volume on average. ▪  For sufficiently low masses, soliton condensation occurs at centers of halos. The soliton oscillates and undergoes random walks, which is another manifestation of wave interference. The halo and subhalo abundance is expected to be suppressed at small masses, but the precise prediction from numerical wave simulations remains to be determined. ▪  For ultralight ∼10−22eV dark matter, the wave interference substructures can be probed by tidal streams or gravitational lensing. The signal can be distinguished from that due to subhalos by the dependence on stream orbital radius or image separation. ▪  Axion detection experiments are sensitive to interference substructures for wave dark matter that is moderately light. The stochastic nature of the waves affects the interpretation of experimental constraints and motivates the measurement of correlation functions.

Current constraints and open questions, covering detection experiments and cosmological, galactic, and black hole observations, are discussed.
Anconeus motor unit firing rates during isometric and muscle-shortening contractions comparing young and very old adults
Authors: Kirk Eric A. , Gilmore Kevin J. , Rice Charles L.
Published: September 2021

Changes of neural drive to the muscle with adult aging, measured as motor unit firing rates during limb movements, are unknown. Throughout maximal voluntary efforts we found that, in comparison with young adults, firing rates were lower during isometric contraction in older adults but not different during elbow extension movements. Despite the older group being ∼33% weaker across contractions, their muscles can receive neural drive during movements that are similar to that of younger adults.
Loss of MeCP2 increases GABA uptake by astrocytes to suppress tonic inhibition of CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Milla Brenda M.
Published: September 2021

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized a spectrum of phenotypes affecting neuronal and glial populations. Recent work by Dong et al. (Dong Q, Kim J, Nguyen L, Bu Q, Chang Q. J Neurosci 40: 6250–6261, 2020) suggests that augmented GABA uptake by astrocytes diminishes tonic inhibition in the hippocampus and contributes to increased seizure propensity in RTT. Here, I will review evidence supporting this possibility and critically evaluate how increased expression of a GABA transporter might contribute to this mechanism.
Threshold Key Management Scheme for Blockchain-Based Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Zhou Tianqi , Shen Jian , Ren Yongjun , Ji Sai
Published: September 2021

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have always been an important application of Internet of Things (IoT). Today, big data and cloud computing have further promoted the construction and development of ITS. At the same time, the development of blockchain has also brought new features and convenience to ITS. However, due to the endless emergence of increasingly advanced types of attacks, the security of blockchain-based ITS needs more attention from industry and academia. In this paper, we focus on exploring the primitives in cryptography to guarantee the security of blockchain-based ITS. In particular, the authentication, encryption, and key management schemes in cryptography are discussed. Furthermore, we propose two methods for achieving the threshold key management in blockchain-based ITS. The proposed threshold key management scheme (with threshold

t

) enables various stakeholders to recover a secret if the number of participated stakeholders is at least

t

. It should be noted that the proposed threshold key management scheme is efficient and secure for multiple users in blockchain-based ITS, especially for the data-sharing scenario.
Polyaniline Supported Ag-Doped ZnO Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Characterization, and Kinetics Study for Photocatalytic Degradation of Malachite Green
Authors: Habtamu Fikradis , Berhanu Sintayehu , Mender Teshome
Published: September 2021

Ag-ZnO/PANI nanocomposite was prepared via the sol-gel technique following in situ oxidative polymerization of polyaniline (PANI). XRD, UV-Vis, and FT-IR spectroscopy were employed to study the crystal size, bandgap energy, and bond structure of as-synthesized nanocomposites. The mean crystallite size of the nanocomposite determined from XRD was 35.68 nm. Photocatalytic degradation of malachite green (MG) dye using as-synthesized photocatalysts was studied under visible light irradiation. The highest degradation efficiency was recorded for Ag-ZnO/PANI nanocomposites (98.58%) than Ag-ZnO nanoparticles (88.23%) in 120 min. The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of MG follows pseudo-first-order reaction with rate order of 1.16 10−2 min−1. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of Ag-ZnO/PANI nanocomposites was evaluated and compared with Ce-Cd oxide, electrospun P(3HB)-TiO2, and with other catalysts in the literature. The optimal conditions for photocatalytic degradation are as follows: the concentration of malachite green (0.2 g/l), pH (8), and the concentration of catalyst load (0.2 g/l) under visible light with an irradiation time of 120 min.
Development and Validation of Creatinine-Based Estimates of the Glomerular Filtration Rate Equation from 99mTc-DTPA Imaging in the Malaysian Setting
Authors: Md Ralib Azrina , Mohd Hanafiah Farah Nadia , Abd Rashid Iqbalmunawwir , Abd Rahim Mohamad Shahrir , Dzaharudin Fatimah , Mat Nor Mohd Basri
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Accurate assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is very important for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Clinically, GFR is estimated from plasma creatinine using equations such as Cockcroft–Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, and Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations. However, these were developed in the Western population. To the best of our knowledge, there was no equation that has been developed specifically in our population. Objectives. We developed a new equation based on the gold standard of 99mTc-DTPA imaging measured GFR. We then performed an internal validation by comparing the bias, precision, and accuracy of the new equation and the other equations with the gold standard of 99mTc-DTPA imaging measured GFR. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study using the existing record of patients who were referred for 99mTc-DTPA imaging at the Nuclear Medicine Centre, International Islamic University Malaysia. As this is a retrospective study utilising routinely collected data from the existing pool of data, the ethical committee has waived the need for informed consent. Results. Data of 187 patients were analysed from January 2016 to March 2021. Of these, 94 were randomised to the development cohort and 93 to the validation cohort. A new equation of eGFR was determined as 16.637 ∗ 0.9935Age ∗ (SCr/23.473)−0.45159. In the validation cohort, both CKD-EPI and the new equation had the highest correlation to 99mTc-DTPA with a correlation coefficient of 0.81 (

p
<
0.0001

). However, the new equation had the least bias and was the most precise (mean bias of −3.58 ± 12.01) and accurate (P30 of 64.5% and P50 of 84.9%) compared to the other equations. Conclusion. The new equation which was developed specifically using our local data population was the most accurate and precise, with less bias compared to the other equations. Further study validating this equation in the perioperative and intensive care patients is needed.
The Application of Tree-Based Algorithms on Classifying Shunting Yard Departure Status
Authors: Minbashi Niloofar , Bohlin Markus , Palmqvist Carl-William , Kordnejad Behzad
Published: September 2021

Shunting yards are one of the main areas impacting the reliability of rail freight networks, and delayed departures from shunting yards can further also affect the punctuality of mixed-traffic networks. Methods for automatic detection of departures, which are likely to be delayed, can therefore contribute towards increasing the reliability and punctuality of both freight and passenger services. In this paper, we compare the performance of tree-based methods (decision trees and random forests), which have been highly successful in a wide range of generic applications, in classifying the status of (delayed, early, and on-time) departing trains from shunting yards, focusing on the delayed departures as the minority class. We use a total number of 6,243 train connections (representing over 21,000 individual wagon connections) for a one-month period from the Hallsberg yard in Sweden, which is the largest shunting yard in Scandinavia. Considering our dataset, our results show a slight difference between the application of decision trees and random forests in detecting delayed departures as the minority class. To remedy this, enhanced sampling for minority classes is applied by the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to improve detecting and assigning delayed departures. Applying SMOTE improved the sensitivity, precision, and F-measure of delayed departures by 20% for decision trees and by 30% for random forests. Overall, random forests show a relative better performance in detecting all three departure classes before and after applying SMOTE. Although the preliminary results presented in this paper are encouraging, future studies are needed to investigate the computational performance of tree-based algorithms using larger datasets and considering additional predictors.
Rainfall Erosion Predictions for Artificial High‐Filled Embankment with Reinforcement
Authors: Wu Shangwei , Wu Dongming , Jing Xiaofei , Chen Xuanyi , Wang Yijun , Ye Luhua
Published: September 2021

In recent years, rainstorm disasters caused by global warming have frequently occurred in China. It has caused serious damage to artificial high embankments. In this paper, the influence of rainfall intensity, slope, and reinforced layers on the erosion and destruction of the artificial high embankment is deeply analyzed. Through the model test, the rainfall erosion prediction model is established. The results show that (1) the gully width, depth, and erosion amount increased with the increase in rainfall intensity and slope and decreased with the increase in reinforcement layers; (2) the final ditch shape of the embankment is influenced by steel bars; and (3) according to the model test data, the mathematical model of dike scouring is established. Rainfall intensity and the coupling between slope and reinforced layers are considered in the model. It can be used for predicting erosion during rainfall.
Improving the Quality of Left-Behind Children’s Participation in Sports through Wireless Network Monitoring
Authors: Zhao Jinjin
Published: September 2021

Urbanization is the process that people shift from rural to urban areas, which has led to large numbers of left-behind children in China. The left-behind children stay in rural regions of China while their parents work in urban areas. The left-behind children have few opportunities to participate in sports due to the lacking of concern, and it is not of high quality even though they participate in sports. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of left-behind children's sports participation through wireless network monitoring. Wireless network monitoring transmits high-definition (HD) video streaming in real time to facilitate feedback timely. This paper studies the two-dimensional (2D) integer discrete cosine transform (DCT) and analyzes the reason for image distortion, then an improved DCT coefficient quantization approach is proposed for long-distance real-time transmission of HD video streaming, and a noise processing with a zero-mean noise processing is added in optimized approach to solve the image distortion problem. The experimental results show that the proposed improved approach has a good performance in reducing the blocking artifacts, and within the image reconstruction, the proposed approach improves the subjective video quality.
Exploring the Pleiotropic Genes and Therapeutic Targets Associated with Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease by Integrating metaCCA and SGLT2 Inhibitors’ Target Prediction
Authors: Li Huanqiang , Mai Ziling , Yu Sijia , Wang Bo , Lai Wenguang , Chen Guanzhong , Zhou Chunyun , Liu Jin , Yang Yongquan , Chen Shiqun , Liu Yong , Chen Jiyan
Published: September 2021

Background. Previous studies have shown that heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have common genetic mechanisms, overlapping pathophysiological pathways, and therapeutic drug—sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Methods. The genetic pleiotropy metaCCA method was applied on summary statistics data from two independent meta‐analyses of GWAS comprising more than 1 million people to identify shared variants and pleiotropic effects between HF and CKD. Targets of SGLT2 inhibitors were predicted by SwissTargetPrediction and DrugBank databases. To refine all genes, we performed using versatile gene‐based association study 2 (VEGAS2) and transcriptome‐wide association studies (TWAS) for HF and CKD, respectively. Gene enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses were used to explore the potential functional significance of the identified genes and targets. Results. After metaCCA analysis, 4,624 SNPs and 1,745 genes were identified to be potentially pleiotropic in the univariate and multivariate SNP‐multivariate phenotype analyses, respectively. 21 common genes were detected in both metaCCA and SGLT2 inhibitors’ target prediction. In addition, 169 putative pleiotropic genes were identified, which met the significance threshold both in metaCCA analysis and in the VEGAS2 or TWAS analysis for at least one disease. Conclusion. We identified novel variants associated with HF and CKD using effectively incorporating information from different GWAS datasets. Our analysis may provide new insights into HF and CKD therapeutic approaches based on the pleiotropic genes, common targets, and mechanisms by integrating the metaCCA method, TWAS and VEGAS2 analyses, and target prediction of SGLT2 inhibitors.
Numerical Model on the Dynamic Behavior of a Prototype Kaplan Turbine Runner
Authors: Zhang Ming , Chen Qing-Guang
Published: September 2021

Experimental and numerical investigations of the modal behavior of a prototype Kaplan turbine runner in air have been conducted in this paper. The widely used roving accelerometer method was used in the experimental modal analysis. A systematic approach from a single blade model to the whole runner has been used in the simulation to get a thorough understanding. The experimental results show that all the detected modes concentrate their displacements on the impacted blade. The numerical results show that the modes of the single blade form different mode families of the runner, and each mode family corresponds to a narrow frequency band. Harmonic response analysis shows that, at the response peak point, the single blade excitation can only get mode shapes with concentrations on the exciting blade due to the superposition of the close modes in each mode family, which explains the experimental results well, while the mode superposition can be avoided by the order excitation method. With the reduction of the connection stiffness between the blades and hub/control system, the frequencies of most modes change from insensitive to more and more sensitive to the connection stiffness change, which results in a sensitive area and an insensitive area. Through comparison with the experimental results, it is indicated that the natural frequencies of the runner can probably be predicted by merging the runner into a whole body.
Scales to Assess Knowledge, Motivation, and Self-Efficacy for HIV PrEP in Colombian MSM: PrEP-COL Study
Authors: Mueses-Marín Héctor F. , Alvarado-Llano Beatriz , Torres-Isasiga Julián , Camargo-Plazas Pilar , Bolívar-Rocha Maria C. , Galindo-Orrego Ximena , Martínez-Cajas Jorge L.
Published: September 2021

Objective. We evaluated the construct validity Spanish version of knowledge, stigma, norms, and self-efficacy scales regarding PrEP in MSM. Methods. Sample of 287 MSM. Exploratory confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory were used to validate the constructs. Correlations and confidence interval-based estimation of relevance analyses were conducted to correlate the scales with willingness and intention to use PrEP. Results. Attitude, stigma, and descriptive and subjective norms scales showed good construct validity and were related to intention and willingness to use PrEP. However, the knowledge scale and self-efficacy scales require further refinement. Conclusions. The study provides useful information for assessing information, motivation, and self-efficacy related to PrEP use. Our results could be used to test the scales and the theoretical model in other contexts to confirm their usefulness.
Salubrinal Regulates the Apoptosis of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells via the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Lili , Liang Chunfeng , Huang Xuemei , Deng Xiujun , Jiang Jiming , Luo Zuojie
Published: September 2021

The protein-kinase-R- (PKR-) like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) signaling pathway is a well-known promoter of cell apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to determine whether salubrinal (Sal), a selective activator of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), can induce apoptosis of human adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cell via activating the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling pathway, and the potential mechanisms of this action were explored. The ACC cell lines, including SW-13 and NCI–H295 R, were used. 3-(4,5)-Dimethylthiazol(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, cell scratch experiments, flow cytometry, and JC-1 staining assays were performed to detect the cell viability, cell migration, and cell apoptosis. The expression of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling-pathway-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins was detected by western blot (WB). Intracellular Ca2+ ion concentration was determined by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results showed that Sal inhibited the migration and proliferation of ACC cells. Sal remarkably increased the influx of Ca2+ ion and the apoptosis rate of ACC cells in vitro. Furthermore, the expression levels of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were upregulated in the treatment of Sal. The research demonstrated that Sal reduces the cell viability, increases the intracellular calcium concentration, and promotes the apoptosis of ACC cells in vitro through increasing the phosphorylation level of eIF2α and activating the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling. PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 is expected to act as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma.
A Reconstruction Attack Scheme on Secure Outsourced Spatial Dataset in Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Ren Qing , Tian Feng , Lu Xiangyi , Shen Yumeng , Wu Zhenqiang , Gui Xiaolin
Published: September 2021

In the cloud-based vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET), massive vehicle information is stored on the cloud, and a large amount of data query, calculation, monitoring, and management are carried out at all times. The secure spatial query methods in VANET allow authorized users to convert the original spatial query to encrypted spatial query, which is called query token and will be processed in ciphertext mode by the service provider. Thus, the service provider learns which encrypted records are returned as the result of a query, which is defined as the access pattern. Since only the correct query results that match the query tokens are returned, the service provider can observe which encrypted data are accessed and returned to the client when a query is launched clearly, and it leads to the leakage of data access pattern. In this paper, a reconstruction attack scheme is proposed, which utilizes the access patterns in the secure query processes, and then it reconstructs the index of outsourced spatial data that are collected from the vehicles. The proposed scheme proves the security threats in the VANET. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate that our attack scheme can achieve quite a high reconstruction rate.
Ovarian Vein Thrombosis Complicated by Pulmonary Embolism after Cesarean Delivery in the Presence of a Large Fibroid: Case Report and Literature Review of Contributing Factors
Authors: Finianos Elie S. , Yacoub Stephanie F. , Chammas Mary F.
Published: September 2021

Ovarian vein thrombophlebitis is rare and mostly occurs during the puerperal period and in higher rates after a cesarean delivery. The objective of this case report and literature review is to highlight the rare occurrence of an ovarian vein thrombosis in a 37-year-old woman postcesarean delivery in the setting of a large uterine fibroid who subsequently developed a pulmonary embolism. The patient presented with severe abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Imaging showed a right ovarian vein thrombosis. Following initiation of anticoagulation therapy, she developed dyspnea and testing showed a subsegmental pulmonary embolism. Further investigation showed that the patient had an undiagnosed thrombophilia thus meeting the classic Virchow triad. Complete clinical recovery was observed, and anticoagulation therapy was continued for 1 year. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing ovarian vein thrombosis because of the risk of fatal complications such as pulmonary embolus. The presence of large fibroids should raise our awareness for OVT in the setting of abdominal pain and fever. The absence of complications in previous pregnancies should not alter our clinical suspicion.
Ethanolic Fruit Extract of Emblica officinalis Suppresses Neuroinflammation in Microglia and Promotes Neurite Outgrowth in Neuro2a Cells
Authors: Phochantachinda Sataporn , Chatchaisak Duangthip , Temviriyanukul Piya , Chansawang Anchana , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Chantong Boonrat
Published: September 2021

Inhibiting neuroinflammation and modulating neurite outgrowth could be a promising strategy to prevent neurological disorders. Emblica officinalis (EO) may be a potent agent against them. Although EO extract reportedly has anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages, there is limited knowledge about its neuroprotective activity by suppressing microglia-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production and inducing neurite outgrowth. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of EO fruit extract on the lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced neuroinflammation using microglial (BV2) and neuroblastoma (Neuro2a) cells. The results demonstrated that, in LPS-treated BV2 cells, EO fruit extract reduced nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and tumor necrotic factor-α production. It also enhanced the neurite length of Neuro2a cells, which was linked to the upregulation of TuJ1 and MAP2 expressions. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the ethanolic extract of EO fruits has promising neuroprotective potential to exhibit antineuroinflammation activity and accelerative effect on neurite outgrowth in vitro. Therefore, EO fruit extract can be considered a novel herbal medicine candidate for managing neuroinflammatory diseases.
Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Recombinant Human Glutathione Peroxidase 4 on Isoproterenol‐Induced Myocardial Ischemia Injury
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Bozhao , Yan Qi , Niu Shaopeng , Zhao Yiding , Xiong Changhao , Zhang Tianjiao , Wei Jingyan
Published: September 2021

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a cardiovascular disease with high fatality rate, and its pathogenesis is closely related to oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oxidative stress can lead to myocardial ischemia (MI) injury in many ways. Therefore, the application of antioxidants may be an effective way to prevent IHD. In recent years, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) has received increasing attention due to its antioxidant effect. In a previous study, we used the new chimeric tRNAUTuT6 to express highly active recombinant human GPx4 (rhGPx4) in amber‐less Escherichia coli. In this study, we established an isoproterenol‐ (ISO‐) induced MI injury model in rats and an in vitro model to research the protective effect and mechanism of rhGPx4 on MI injury. The results showed that rhGPx4 could reduce the area of myocardial infarction and ameliorate the pathological injury of heart tissue, significantly reduce ISO‐induced abnormalities on electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac serum biomarkers, protect mitochondrial function, and attenuate cardiac oxidative stress injury. In an in vitro model, the results also confirmed that rhGPx4 could inhibit ISO‐induced oxidative stress injury and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The mechanism of action of rhGPx4 involves not only the inhibition of lipid peroxidation by eliminating ROS but also keeping a normal level of endogenous antioxidant enzymes by eliminating ROS, thereby preventing oxidative stress injury in cardiomyocytes. Additionally, rhGPx4 could inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis through a mitochondria‐dependent pathway. In short, rhGPx4, a recombinant antioxidant enzyme, can play an important role in the prevention of IHD and may have great potential for application.
Parameter Estimation of Attribute Scattering Center Based on Water Wave Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Zhangkai , Li Yihan
Published: September 2021

For the problem of attribute scattering center parameter estimation in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image, a method based on the water wave optimization (WWO) algorithm is proposed. First, the segmentation and decoupling of high-energy regions in SAR image are performed in the image domain to obtain the representation of a single scattering center. Afterwards, based on the parameterized model of the attribute scattering center, an optimization problem is constructed to search for the optimal parameters of the separated single scattering center. In this phase, the WWO algorithm is introduced to optimize the parameters. The algorithm has powerfully global and local searching capabilities and avoids falling into local optimum while ensuring the optimization accuracy. Therefore, the WWO algorithm could ensure the reliability of scattering center parameter estimation. The single scattering center after solution is eliminated from the original image and the residual image is segmented into high-energy regions, so the parameters of the next scattering center are estimated sequentially. Finally, the parameter set of all scattering centers in the input SAR image can be obtained. In the experiments, firstly, the parameter estimation verification is performed based on the SAR images in the MSTAR dataset. The comparison of the parameter estimation results with the original image and the reconstruction based on the estimated parameter set reflect the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, the experiment is also conducted using the SAR target recognition algorithms based on the estimated attribute parameters. By comparing the recognition performance with other parameter estimation algorithms under the same conditions, the performance superiority of the proposed method in attribute scattering center parameter estimation is further demonstrated.
An Analytical Solution for Seismic Interaction between Urban River‐Canyon Topography and Nearby Buildings
Authors: Jin Liguo , Liu Xujin , Zhou Zhenghua , Chen Su
Published: September 2021

The interaction between urban river‐canyon topography and the river‐side building is investigated by using a whole analytic model of a semicircle river‐canyon and a shear wall supported by a semicircle rigid foundation embedded in a homogenous half‐space. The closed‐form analytical solution for system response is presented based on the wave function expansion method. The analysis focuses on the effects of the canyon‐building interaction on system response. The strength of the interaction between the river‐canyon topography and the building changes periodically as the distance between the canyon and the structure increases, leading to the interaction having beneficial or harmful effects on the building’s seismic response. The foundation peak response of the building can be amplified by about 10%, and the peak of the building relative response can be amplified by about 40%. The distribution of canyon‐structure spacing with strong or weak interaction is closely related to the dynamic characteristics of the building and the incident angle of the wave. When designing buildings along the river, the building and canyon should be analyzed as a whole model to determine whether the location of the building is in a position with strong interaction with the river‐canyon. The model in this paper may be useful for obtaining insight into the effects of canyon‐structure interaction and interpreting the observed response in buildings and seismic response estimation in general.
Teledentistry as a Supportive Tool for Dentists in Pakistan
Authors: Subhan Rootab , Ismail Waleed A. , Musharraf Sadia , Khan Mylla , Hafeez Resham , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: September 2021

The current scenario of the COVID‐19 pandemic has forced dentists to seek different options for delivering healthcare services other than the in‐person direct examination in clinical practice. Teledentistry is one of the options for remote patient care and monitoring. Objective. The present survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of the dentists in Pakistan regarding teledentistry as an emergent supportive tool. Materials and Methods. A self‐administered, close‐ended, and prevalidated survey questionnaire was used, comprising 21 questions, and distributed electronically via e‐mail, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger to evaluate the knowledge and perception of dentists regarding teledentistry. The data collected was compiled in a systematic manner and analyzed in terms of frequency (yes/no). Results. Out of a total of 350 dentists, 325 responded to the questionnaire, and it was seen that 62.5% of them did not have knowledge about teledentistry prior to COVID‐19. 65.8% of dentists considered the practice of teledentistry in nonpandemic situations in the future. Conclusion. In the present study, it was observed that most of the dental professionals had inadequate knowledge about teledentistry before COVID‐19, but the awareness and perception regarding teledentistry were currently satisfactory among the dental professionals in Pakistan. This emerging trend gives a positive hope for the implementation of teledentistry in the healthcare setup of Pakistan in the near future, as it will prove to be beneficial for safe dental practice during times of pandemic and even after.
Research on Lightweight Mutual Authentication for the Product Authorization Chain
Authors: Ding Hanqing , Zhang Qing , Yin Yifeng , Gan Yong , Liu Weihua
Published: September 2021

With the development of the globalization economic integration in Internet of Things (IoT), it is very crucial to protect the wireless two-way authentication between users’ intelligent terminals and servers in the product authorization chain. In order to ensure that legitimate users connect to the wireless network correctly, a lightweight wireless mutual authentication scheme for the product authorization chain was proposed contrapose to the security defect of Kaul and Awasthi’s scheme, which easily suffered from offline password guessing attack. The improved scheme uses lightweight hash function and verifies the freshness of messages by using the send packet sequence number instead of timestamp, which can avoid strict clock synchronization between devices, and user passwords can be updated by themselves. Security analysis and cost and efficiency analysis show that the scheme presented in this paper has higher security, lower storage and communication costs, and lower computational complexity.