bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excited states of holographic superconductors with backreaction
Authors: Wang Yong-Qiang , Li Hong-Bo , Liu Yu-Xiao , Zhong Yin
Published: July 2021

In this paper we investigate the model of the anti-de Sitter gravity coupled to a Maxwell field and a free, complex scalar field, and construct a fully back-reacted holographic model of superconductor with excited states. With the fixed charge q, there exist a series of excited states of holographic superconductor with the corresponding critical chemical potentials. The condensates as functions of the temperature for the two operators $${\mathcal {O}}_1$$

O
1

and $${\mathcal {O}}_2$$

O
2

of excited states are also studied. For the optical conductivity in the excited states, we find that there exist the additional peaks in the imaginary and real parts of the conductivity. Moreover, the number of peaks corresponding to n-th excited state is equal to n.
Dependence of charge-exchange efficiency on cooling water temperature of a beam transport line
Authors: Yamamoto Kazami , Hatakeyama Shuichiro , Saha Pranab Kumar , Moriya Katsuhiro , Okabe Kota , Yoshimoto Masahiro , Nakanoya Takamitsu , Fujirai Kosuke , Yamazaki Yoshio , Suganuma Kazuaki
Published: July 2021

The 3-GeV Rapid Cycling Synchrotron at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex supplies a high-intensity proton beam for neutron experiments and to the Main Ring synchrotron. Various parameters are monitored to achieve a stable operation, and it was found that the oscillations of the charge-exchange efficiency and cooling water temperature were synchronized. We evaluated the orbit fluctuations at the injection point using a beam current of the injection dump, which is proportional to the number of particles that miss the foil and fail in the charge exchange, and profile of the injection beam. The total width of the fluctuations was approximately 0.072 mm. This value is negligible from the user operation viewpoint as our existing beam position monitors cannot detect such a small signal deviation. This displacement corresponds to a 1.63 × 10− 5 variation in the dipole magnetic field. Conversely, the magnetic field variation in the L3BT dipole magnet, which was estimated by the temperature change directly, is 4.08 × 10− 5. This result suggested that the change in the cooling water temperature is one of the major causes of the efficiency fluctuation.
Global models for radio-frequency ion thrusters
Authors: Dietz Patrick , Reeh Andreas , Keil Konstantin , Holste Kristof , Probst Uwe , Klar Peter J. , Volkmar Chris
Published: July 2021

The emerging “new space” age strengthens the importance of rapid development and qualification procedures of electric engines and their peripheral devices. A key element is the reliable simulation of the thrusters and their supply units on short time scales. Global models seem to be well suited for this purpose. In this article, three variants of global models are presented and validated by comparison with experimental results. All models show excellent agreement with experiment, illustrating the strength of this modeling approach. Future developments of radio-frequency ion thrusters can be significantly accelerated with the help of these global models.
Design of Variable Pump Displacement Controller Based on FLSMC Method
Authors: xue Dabing , Chao Zhiqiang , Liu Xixia , Li Huaying , Han Shousong , Liu Xiangbo , Jin Ying , Ning Chuming , Tan Yongying
Published: July 2021

To reduce the effect of nonlinear factors and improve the tracking accuracy of the control system, a controller based on feedback linearization sliding mode control (FLSMC) method is proposed. This paper takes a variable displacement pump driven by a constant speed motor as the research object to verify the effectiveness of the designed controller. First, a high-order nonlinear model of the variable pump displacement control mechanism is established. Meanwhile, the load characteristic of the control cylinder is obtained by analyzing the swashplate control moment. Then the author uses the feedback linearization method to linearize the system model and designs a sliding mode controller to eliminate the impact of load parameter changes. Finally, the proposed FLSMC controller is used in simulation and experiment, and the PID controller is used as a comparison. Results show that the FLSMC controller can effectively improve the robustness of the pump control system.
Intelligent Optimization Design of the Cutting Unit’s Transmission System of a Shearer Based on Robustness
Authors: Gao Hongbin , Chen Junjun
Published: July 2021

To improve the robustness of the shearer cutting part and reduce the manufacturing cost, in this study, the gear transmission system of a shearer’s cutting unit can be divided into three basic components: single-gear-on-one-shaft form, the planetary reduction form, and double-gears-on-one-shaft form. The dynamic differential equations of each structure are established in this study, and the volume functions of the three basic components are obtained. The characteristics of the internal excitation of the gear transmission system are analyzed, and a scheme for solving the motion parameters of each component is formulated based on the harmonic balance method. Based on the parameters, such as tooth width, tooth number, and modulus, as optimized variables, a robust optimization method minimizing the multi-parameter evaluation function, which is weighted linearly by dimensionless vibration and volume of the gear transmission system, is presented. The gear transmission system of a sample shearer’s cutting unit is optimized using the proposed method. The results show that the transmission system’s size decreases by 5.4%, the drum’s maximum torsional acceleration decreases by 17.8%, and the first gear’s maximum torsional acceleration decreases by 9.6%. Thus, we conclude that the optimum design method decreases a shearer’s manufacturing cost and decreases the cutting unit’s failure rate.
GSTChain: A Blockchain Network Application for the Goods and Services Tax
Authors: Pasha S. Hasnain , Mehrotra Deepti , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei , Srivastava Gautam
Published: July 2021

In 2017, the Government of India launched the goods and services tax (GST), referred to as “one tax, one nation, one market”. This tax all Indian businesses are subject to this tax. GST was framed with the objective of bringing tax handling for all businesses onto a single platform and developing a transparent and effective system in which all businesses will pay taxes. This paper identifies and addresses GST implementation challenges and proposes a solution, GSTChain, using blockchain network technology. Currently, GST is collected at the sellers end and bifurcated between the Indian state and central governments. GSTChain is a blockchain system based on trust and autonomy with the objective of making taxpayers’ lives easy and tax collection efficient and transparent for the government.
ENHANCEMENT OF REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE BOLOMETRIC PHOTORESPONSE VIA ADDITION OF GRAPHENE QUANTUM DOTS
Authors: LAI S. , CHEN M. , KHANIN YU. N. , NOVOSELOV K. S. , ANDREEVA D. V.
Published: July 2021

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has attracted interest in its potential application in large area photodetectors owing to its ease of manufacture and wideband optical absorbance. Here, we report that thin rGO films produced via vacuum filtration of GO followed by reduction by immersion in L-ascorbic acid are capable of sensing light through a bolometric mechanism. The photoresponse of these rGO thin films can be further enhanced by dropcasting graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on the rGO surface. These GQDs were observed to increase the opacity of the rGO film and hence its absorptivity of light, thereby enabling a significant increase in the photoresponse of the device.
Dynamics Sensitivity Analyses of Functionally Graded Porous (FGP) Curved Beams with Variable Curvatures and General Boundary Conditions
Authors: Yu C. , Lu J. , Li S. , Xu W. , Chiu C.
Published: July 2021

A method is proposed to obtain the exact solution for the dynamic analysis of functionally graded porous (FGP) curved beams with general boundary conditions and variable curvatures. First, the model of a curved beam of variable curvature is constructed, and then the beam is divided into a number of free beam segments via a multi-segment segmentation (MSS) strategy. Second, the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is adopted to obtain the displacement fields of each segment, and then the kinetic energy and potential energy of the structure are expressed by the displacement field. Finally, the exact solution is obtained by the Hamilton principle. Using the springs to simulate various boundary conditions, the frequency parameters, modal shapes and forced vibration responses of the structure with elastic boundary conditions are calculated, with the convergence and correctness verified. Finally, effects of the FGP curved beams, such as porosity distribution types, porosity ratios, boundary condition types, geometry parameters and load types, are investigated in detail.
Digging into Big Provenance (with SPADE)
Authors: Gehani Ashish , Ahmad Raza , Irshad Hassan , Zhu Jianqiao , Patel Jignesh
Published: July 2021

Several interfaces exist for querying provenance. Many are not flexible in allowing users to select a database type of their choice. Some provide query functionality in a data model that is different from the graph-oriented one that is natural for provenance. Others have intuitive constructs for finding results but have limited support for efficiently chaining responses, as needed for faceted search. This article presents a user interface for querying provenance that addresses these concerns and is agnostic to the underlying database being used.
The Complex Genetic Basis and Multilayered Regulatory Control of Yeast Pseudohyphal Growth
Authors: Kumar Anuj
Published: July 2021

Eukaryotic cells are exquisitely responsive to external and internal cues, achieving precise control of seemingly diverse growth processes through a complex interplay of regulatory mechanisms. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a fascinating model of cell growth in its stress-responsive transition from planktonic single cells to a filamentous pseudohyphal growth form. During pseudohyphal growth, yeast cells undergo changes in morphology, polarity, and adhesion to form extended and invasive multicellular filaments. This pseudohyphal transition has been studied extensively as a model of conserved signaling pathways regulating cell growth and for its relevance in understanding the pathogenicity of the related opportunistic fungus Candida albicans, wherein filamentous growth is required for virulence. This review highlights the broad gene set enabling yeast pseudohyphal growth, signaling pathways that regulate this process, the role and regulation of proteins conferring cell adhesion, and interesting regulatory mechanisms enabling the pseudohyphal transition.
Cumulative oral examinations in undergraduate human physiology: process, student perceptions, and outcomes
Authors: Crecelius Anne R. , DeRuisseau Lara R. , Brandauer Josef
Published: July 2021

Assessment methods vary widely across undergraduate physiology courses. Here, a cumulative oral examination was administered in two sections of a 300-level undergraduate physiology course. Student performance was quantified via instructor grading using a rubric, and self-perceptions ( n = 55) were collected via survey. Overall, students affirmed that the oral examination assisted in their learning, specifically by leading them to begin preparation for their final written exam earlier than they otherwise would. The instructor considered the oral exam useful for student learning by providing a scaffold to the written final exam and a way to connect with students before a high-stakes final exam. Specific details of the examination format and suggestions and considerations for those considering this assessment approach are provided.
Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Curcumin-Containing Nanoscaffolds
Authors: Khezri Khadijeh , Maleki Dizaj Solmaz , Rahbar Saadat Yalda , Sharifi Simin , Shahi Shahriar , Ahmadian Elham , Eftekhari Aziz , Dalir Abdolahinia Elaheh , Lotfipour Farzaneh
Published: July 2021

The diverse pleiotropic pharmacological effects of curcumin nanoformulations have turned it into an attractive natural compound in different health-related problems. A great body of evidence has shown the impact of curcumin and its nanoformulations on the differentiation of stem cells. The current review highlights cellular and molecular mechanisms connected with the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the scaffolds benefiting from the presence of nanocurcumin pointing toward the role of inhibitory or stimulant signal transduction pathways in detail. Moreover, the effects of different concentrations as well as the structural modifications of curcumin on the differentiation of MSCs have been addressed.
Unusual Variant of Unicystic Ameloblastoma with CEOT-Like Areas: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Oruganti Venkata Ramanand , Sanjeevareddygari Shylaja , Munisekhar Manay Srinivas , Eppalapalli Sharath Kumar Reddy , Vishwakarma Raghu Vamshi , Ganji Kiran Kumar , Halkai Kiran R. , Halkai Rahul
Published: July 2021

Ameloblastoma is an epithelial odontogenic neoplasm with clinical and histological diversity. They are locally invasive tumors with 3 clinical variants such as solid, unicystic, and peripheral ameloblastomas, and the unicystic variant constitutes only 13%. Histologically, it shows diverse microscopic patterns that may occur isolated or in combination with other patterns. The granular cell variant accounts for 3.5% of all ameloblastoma cases. The eosinophilic granules seen in the cytoplasm of the tumor are thought to be lysosomes and presumably contribute to the pathogenesis of the tumor. Although such a phenomenon is rare in unicystic ameloblastoma, granular cell differentiation in solid multicystic ameloblastoma is a well-established phenomenon. In this paper, we present a unique case of unicystic ameloblastoma with granular cell differentiation with a brief review.
lncRNA TSPEAR-AS2, a Novel Prognostic Biomarker, Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Upregulating PPM1A via Sponging miR-487a-3p
Authors: Xia Yi-chao , Cao Jun , Yang Jing , Zhang Ying , Li Yong-sheng
Published: July 2021

Background. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) critically impacts the modulation of tumor developments and progressions. Our study is aimed at investigating the expressing patterns, clinical significance, and biological roles of lncRNA TSPEAR-AS2 (TSPEAR-AS2) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material and Approach. The expressing states achieved by TSPEAR-AS2 were examined in OSCC specimens and cell lines by RT-PCR. The clinical significance of TSPEAR-AS2 was statistically analyzed. OSCC proliferating, invading, and migrating processes were examined with the use of wound healing assays, transwell, colony formation, and cell counting kit-8. Additionally, the downstream molecular mechanism of TSPEAR-AS2 in OSCC was explored. Results. TSPEAR-AS2 was overexpressed in OSCC tumors and cells. High TSPEAR-AS2 was associated with advanced TNM stage. Patients with high TSPEAR-AS2 expression displayed a shorter disease-free survival and total survival of OSCC patients than those with low TSPEAR-AS2 expressing level. It was found that knockdown of TSPEAR-AS2 could inhibit the proliferating, invading, and migrating processes pertaining to OSCC cells. Luciferase reporter tests and RNA pull-down results revealed that TSPEAR-AS2 enhanced the expressions of PPM1A by regulating miR-487a-3p, and TSPEAR-AS2 could be adopted as a miR-487a-3p sponge to inhibit PPM1A expression. Conclusion. Our study highlighted the significance of the TSPEAR-AS2/miR-487a-3p/PPM1A axis within OSCC progression and offered a novel biomarker and novel strategies for OSCC treatments.
Efficacy of Aqueous Extracts from Syzygium aromaticum, Tephrosia vogelii, and Croton dichogamus against Myzus persicae on Brassica oleracea in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Mpumi Nelson , Mtei Kelvin M. , Machunda Revocatus L. , Ndakidemi Patrick A.
Published: July 2021

The effectiveness of 1, 5, and 10% w/v of aqueous extracts of Croton dichogamus, Tephrosia vogelii, and Syzygium aromaticum and their mixture (2.5 and 5%) was evaluated against Myzus persicae on Brassica oleracea under field conditions. The synthetic chemical insecticide, chlorpyrifos, was used as positive control, and water and water plus soap were used as negative controls. Aqueous extracts significantly (

P
≤
0.05

) lowered M. persicae population compared with negative controls. The 5% of the aqueous extract from mixed plants and 10% of each plant used in this study significantly (

P
≤
0.01

) reduced aphid, M. persicae population comparable to chlorpyrifos in 2019 and 2020. However, the 1 and 5% concentrations of aqueous extracts of C. dichogamus, T. vogelii, and S. aromaticum and 2.5% of aqueous extracts from the mixed plants significantly lowered the population of M. persicae compared with negative controls in 2019 and 2020 wet seasons. The weekly observations revealed that, at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after application of treatments, the population of M. persicae differed significantly (

P
≤
0.05

). Also, the aqueous extracts from the mixed plants at 5% concentrations significantly (

P
≤
0.01

) reduced M. persicae population as compared with other treatments. It was as effective as synthetic chemical pesticide (chlorpyrifos). Also, 1 and 5% of C. dichogamus, T. vogelii, and S. aromaticum and the 2.5% of aqueous extracts from the mixed plants significantly reduced the population of M. persicae for all 6 weeks of study compared with negative controls. Therefore, these pesticidal plants can be recommended to smallholder farmers for the control of M. persicae in B. oleracea crops.
Synchronization of Chaotic Systems with Dead Zones via Fuzzy Adaptive Variable‐Structure Control
Authors: Huangfu Yongbing , Xue Kaijuan
Published: July 2021

This work is devoted to solving synchronization problem of uncertain chaotic systems with dead zones. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorems, by using fuzzy inference to estimate system uncertainties and by designing effective fuzzy adaptive controllers, the synchronization between two chaotic systems with dead zones is realized and a fuzzy variable‐structure control is implemented. The stability is proven strictly, and all the states and signals are bounded in the closed‐loop system. A simulation example is presented to test the theoretical results finally.
A Genome‐Wide Association Study of Age‐Related Hearing Impairment in Middle‐ and Old‐Aged Chinese Twins
Authors: Duan Haiping , Song Wanxue , Wang Weijing , Cao Hainan , Wang Bingling , Liu Yan , Xu Chunsheng , Wu Yili , Pang Zengchang , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: July 2021

Background. Age‐related hearing impairment (ARHI) is considered an unpreventable disorder. We aimed to detect specific genetic variants that are potentially related to ARHI via genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Methods. A sample of 131 dizygotic twins was genotyped for single‐nucleotide polymorphism‐ (SNP‐) based GWAS. Gene‐based test was performed using VEGAS2. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted by PASCAL. Results. The twins are with a median age of 49 years, of which 128 were females and 134 were males. rs6633657 was the only SNP that reached the genome‐wide significance level for better ear hearing level (BEHL) at 2.0 kHz (P = 1.19 × 10−8). Totally, 9, 10, 42, 7, 17, and 5 SNPs were suggestive evidence level for (P < 1 × 10−5) BEHLs at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 kHz and pure tone average (PTA), respectively. Several promising genetic regions in chromosomes (near the C20orf196, AQPEP, UBQLN3, OR51B5, OR51I2, OR52D1, GLTP, GIT2, and PARK2) nominally associated with ARHI were identified. Gene‐based analysis revealed 165, 173, 77, 178, 170, and 145 genes nominally associated with BEHLs at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 kHz and PTA, respectively (P < 0.05). For BEHLs at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz, the main enriched pathways were phosphatidylinositol signaling system, regulation of ornithine decarboxylase, eukaryotic translation initiation factor (EIF) pathway, amine compound solute carrier (SLC) transporters, synthesis of phosphoinositides (PIPS) at the plasma membrane, and phosphatidylinositols (PI) metabolism. Conclusions. The genetic variations reported herein are significantly involved in functional genes and regulatory domains that mediate ARHI pathogenesis. These findings provide clues for the further unraveling of the molecular physiology of hearing functions and identifying novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of ARHI.
Improved Height Estimation Using Extended Kalman Filter on UWB‐Barometer 3D Indoor Positioning System
Authors: Li Ji , Wang Yepeng , Chen Zhuo , Ma Linlin , Yan Suqing
Published: July 2021

Indoor 3D positioning system requires precise information from all three dimensions in space, but measurements in the vertical direction are usually interfered by sensors properties, unexpected obstructions, and other factors. Thus, accuracy and robustness are not guaranteed. Aiming at this problem, we propose a novel sensor fusion algorithm to improve the height estimation for a UWB‐barometer integrated positioning system by introducing a pseudo reference update mechanism and the extended Kalman filter (EKF). The proposed fusion approach effectively helps with sensing noise reduction and outlier restraint. The results from numerical experiment investigations demonstrate that the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method achieved better improvement in height determination.
Application of a Supervised Learning Machine for Accurate Prognostication of Hydrogen Contents of Bio-Oil
Authors: Xu Binghui , Chen Tzu-Chia , Ahangari Danial , Alizadeh S. M. , Elveny Marischa , Makhdoumi Jeren
Published: July 2021

This paper deals with modeling hydrogen contents of bio-oil (H-BO) as a function of pyrolysis conditions and biomass compositions of feedstock. The support vector machine algorithm optimized by the grey wolf optimization method has been used in modeling this end. Comprehensive data for this purpose were aggregated from previous sources and reports. The results of various analyses showed that this algorithm has a high ability to predict actual results. The calculated values of R2, MRE (%), MSE, and RMSE were obtained as 0.973, 1.98, 0.0568, and 0.241, respectively. According to the results of various analyses, the high performance of this model in predicting the output values was proved. Also, by comparing this model with the previously proposed models in terms of accuracy, it was observed that this model had a better performance. This algorithm can be a good alternative to costly and time-consuming laboratory data.
Characteristics Associated with Early Worsening of Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed with Retinopathy at Their First Visit: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Sugawa Sayaka Wakabayashi , Yoshida Yoko , Hikima Yusuke , Sato Haruhiko , Shimada Akira , Noda Mitsuhiko , Kushiyama Akifumi
Published: July 2021

Aims/Introduction. To investigate whether the occurrence of early worsening of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes diagnosed with simple or preproliferative diabetic retinopathy at their first visit differed according to HbA1c reduction and/or treatment intensification. Materials and Methods. Our study design was a retrospective observational study. Subjects with type 2 diabetes diagnosed with either simple or preproliferative diabetic retinopathy by ophthalmologists at their first visit and followed up for 6–18 months thereafter were included and divided into worsening and nonworsening groups. Thereafter, baseline characteristics and changes in HbA1c and therapy over a year were investigated. Results. Among the 88 subjects with simple diabetic retinopathy, 16% improved to no retinopathy, 65% retained their simple diabetic retinopathy, 18% worsened to preproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and 1% worsened to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Among the 47 subjects with preproliferative diabetic retinopathy, 9% improved to simple diabetic retinopathy, 72% retained their preproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and 19% worsened to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients with simple diabetic retinopathy had an odds ratio of 1.44 for worsening retinopathy with a 1% increase in baseline HbA1c. Meanwhile, the odds ratios for worsening retinopathy with a 1% decrease in HbA1c from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 months were 1.34, 1.31, and 1.38, respectively. Among patients with simple diabetic retinopathy, significantly more new interventions were introduced in the worsening group than in the nonworsening group. Conclusions. Increased baseline HbA1c, a substantial decrease in HbA1c, and intensified therapy were identified as risk factors for early worsening of diabetic retinopathy in patients with simple diabetic retinopathy at the first visit. Patients should therefore be intimately followed for retinopathy after their first visit.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Prevalence, Causal Agents, and Their Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Bizuwork Ketema , Alemayehu Haile , Medhin Girmay , Amogne Wondwossen , Eguale Tadesse
Published: July 2021

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASBU) is an important health problem among pregnant women, particularly in low-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ASBU and potential risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care centers in Addis Ababa. It also aimed to identify causal bacterial pathogens and to assess their antimicrobial susceptibility. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2019. Urine samples from a total of 281 pregnant women with no symptoms of urinary tract infection were tested for ASBU. Women whose urine samples carried greater than or equal to 105 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria per milliliter of urine when grown on plate count agar were considered positive for ASBU. Bacterial pathogens were isolated from urine samples of women with ASBU using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was investigated using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method on Muller–Hinton agar plates. Of 281 pregnant women examined, 44 (15.7%) were positive for ASBU. Logistic regression analysis of the putative risk factors tested in the current study showed that none of them were significantly associated with the occurrence of ASBU (

p
>
0.05

). The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Escherichia coli 17 (30.2%), Proteus 13 (23.2%), and Enterococcus 11 (19.6%). All of the E. coli, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella isolates and 84.6% of Proteus were resistant to ampicillin. All bacterial isolates were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobials tested. Resistance to three or more antimicrobials was detected in 15 (88.2%) of E. coli, 13 (100%) of Proteus, and 8 (72.7%) of Enterococcus isolates. Resistance to as many as 7 antimicrobials among E. coli, 8 antimicrobials among Proteus, and 7 antimicrobials among Enterococcus isolates was recorded. Detection of ASBU in a substantial number of pregnant women in this study warrants the need for a detailed study on possible risks of developing symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) and associated complications. Multidrug resistance to several antimicrobials was observed in the majority of bacterial isolates. Regular assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens to commonly prescribed antimicrobials and implementation of prudent use of antimicrobials are recommended.
Flow Cytometry Detection of Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Apoptotic Markers in the Semen of Infertile Males
Authors: Omran Huda Mossa , Bakhiet Moiz , Ehemann Volker
Published: July 2021

The effect of sperm molecular defects on fertilization and pregnancy outcome after assisted reproductive therapy (ART) is widely documented by both research and clinical societies. Sperm DNA fragmentation and abnormal chromatin condensation represent critical causes of male infertility. Advanced androgenic techniques for accurately identifying molecular defects help in selecting an appropriate treatment strategy. Additionally, specific markers of apoptosis are increasingly important in predicting male infertility. The ability of flow cytometry to estimate the quantity of sperm with DNA fragmentation or damage and multifactor measurements in immotile sperm have made this developed technique essential in fertility centers. The study is aimed at assessing the level of DNA fragmentation and apoptosis by measuring flow cytometry using new techniques. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a varying degree of DNA damage. It was able to quantify the degree of impairment even in samples with minimal DNA fragmentation. DNA damage was observed even in samples that were considered normal with a routine semen analysis. Flow cytometry was sensitive to changes in sperm apoptosis. Elevated p53 activity levels were associated with high DNA fragmentation. Meanwhile, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) activities showed a different pattern. In conclusion, flow cytometry for sperm DNA fragmentation and markers of apoptosis can be a valuable tool in assisted reproductive centers.
Electrochemical Behavior and Electronucleation of Copper Nanoparticles from CuCl2·2H2O Using a Choline Chloride-Urea Eutectic Mixture
Authors: Phuong Thao Dao Vu , Phi Thuy-Linh , Phi Bui Huu , Van Hieu Nguyen , Tang Nguyen Son , Le Manh Tu
Published: July 2021

This work presents a thorough study on the early stage of copper electrodeposition from a choline chloride-urea deep eutectic solvent (DES). Determination of possible species in DES containing Cu2+ ions as the electrolytes has been performed using UV-Vis measurements. Kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of copper electrodeposition on glassy carbon electrode from DES were thoroughly investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Both results from CA and CV have demonstrated that the copper electrodeposition could be performed directly from DES containing a small amount of water by the single potentiostatic step technique. Theoretical approach confirmed that the direct electronucleation of copper nanoparticles in the DES can be described by a model with two contributions, namely, (i) adsorption process and (ii) a three-dimensional (3D) nucleation and diffusion-controlled growth of copper nuclei, to the total current density transients. Kinetic parameters are important for controlling morphology and chemical composition of the obtained nanoparticles, which are verified by surface characterization techniques such as SEM and EDS.
Skin Cancer Detection Using Kernel Fuzzy C‐Means and Improved Neural Network Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Huaping Jia , Junlong Zhao , Norouzzadeh Gil Molk A. M.
Published: July 2021

Early diagnosis of malignant skin cancer from images is a significant part of the cancer treatment process. One of the principal purposes of this research is to propose a pipeline methodology for an optimum computer‐aided diagnosis of skin cancers. The method contains four main stages. The first stage is to perform a preprocessing based on noise reduction and contrast enhancement. The second stage is to segment the region of interest (ROI). This study uses kernel fuzzy C‐means for ROI segmentation. Then, some features from the ROI are extracted, and then, a feature selection is used for selecting the best ones. The selected features are then injected into a support vector machine (SVM) for final identification. One important part of the contribution in this study is to propose a developed version of a new metaheuristic, named neural network optimization algorithm, to optimize both parts of feature selection and SVM classifier. Comparison results of the method with 5 state‐of‐the‐art methods showed the approach’s higher superiority toward the others.
miR-100 Suppresses the Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Targeting CXCR7
Authors: Ge Yiman , Shu Jia , Shi Gang , Yan Fuguo , Li Yejing , Ding Hangliang
Published: July 2021

This study is to elucidate the functions of miR-100 in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Expression levels of miR-100 in normal-cancer hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The invasive and proliferative abilities of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines transfected with mimic-NC or mimic-miR-100 were measured using transwell, CCK-8, and colony formation assays. The binding sites between CXCR7 and miR-100 were determined using luciferase reporter assays. The correlation of CXCR7 and miR-100 in hepatocellular carcinoma progression was further confirmed by cotransfection assays. Our results showed that miR-100 was significantly lower expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and negatively associated with CXCR7 expression. Cell functional assays’ results found that upregulation of miR-100 inhibited the proliferative, invasive, and migrative abilities in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Luciferase reporter assay suggested that CXCR7 mRNA and miR-100 bound one another. Increasing CXCR7 expression reversed the inhibitive effects of upregulated miR-100 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Further study showed that miR-100/CXCR7 played a role in hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conclusively, miR-100 exerts antitumor effects on hepatocellular carcinoma. Overexpression of miR-100 attenuates the invasive and proliferative abilities of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting CXCR7.
Clinical Acupoint Selection for the Treatment of Functional Constipation by Massage and Acupuncture Based on Smart Medical Big Data Analysis
Authors: Sun Fengzhi , Liu Zhuolin , Zhang Wanli
Published: July 2021

With the development of society and economy, people’s lifestyle and eating habits have undergone great changes, such as spending a long time behind desks, sitting for a long time, drinking and staying up late, and emotional depression; functional constipation, a disease of the digestive system, has changed. It is extremely common, and the age of onset is gradually decreasing. The development of the medical and health industry is also accompanied by the rapid development of technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, which penetrates into all aspects of the medical and health field and has entered the stage of smart medical care. This article proposes a study on the clinical acupoint selection rules of massage and acupuncture treatment of functional constipation based on smart medical big data analysis. This article adopts a variety of methods such as literature data method and experimental research method to carry out related theoretical research and promotion of massage and acupuncture treatment under the background of smart medical big data and design a clinical experiment of massage and acupuncture treatment based on big data analysis for functional constipation. The advantages of big data algorithms, the law of selecting acupoints in massage and acupuncture treatment, and the comparison of CCS symptom score and PAC-QOL score are analyzed. From the frequency of acupuncture treatment of functional constipation, the top 5 acupoints are Tianshu, Shangjuxu, Dachangshu, Zusanli, and Zhigou. In this paper, the total effective rate of treatment in the experimental group reached 96.56%, while the total effective rate of treatment in the control group was only 75.02%. Tuina and acupuncture treatment of functional constipation has a good therapeutic effect and is worthy of extensive clinical application.
A Dirichlet Autoregressive Model for the Analysis of Microbiota Time‐Series Data
Authors: Creus-Martí I. , Moya A. , Santonja F. J.
Published: July 2021

Growing interest in understanding microbiota dynamics has motivated the development of different strategies to model microbiota time series data. However, all of them must tackle the fact that the available data are high‐dimensional, posing strong statistical and computational challenges. In order to address this challenge, we propose a Dirichlet autoregressive model with time‐varying parameters, which can be directly adapted to explain the effect of groups of taxa, thus reducing the number of parameters estimated by maximum likelihood. A strategy has been implemented which speeds up this estimation. The usefulness of the proposed model is illustrated by application to a case study.
Nanoparticles of γ-Sitoesterol and Ag on Clinoptilolite Zeolites
Authors: Hernandez Miguel Angel , Salgado Martha Alicia , Portillo Roberto , Petranovskii Vitalii , Hernández Gabriela Itzel , Santamaria Deisy , Rubio Efrain
Published: July 2021

This work reports, the obtainment and stabilization of organic nanoparticles (γ-sitosterol) and Ag cations on the external area of Ca-clinoptilolite zeolite (Z17) are presented. The novelty of the present study lies in the formation and stabilization of nanoparticle organic molecules (γ-sitosterol) and inorganic cations (Ag) on the external area of Ca-clinoptilolite zeolite. The γ-sitosterol nanoparticles were obtained using Tournefortia hirsutissima and were later stabilized on the external area of Ca-clinoptilolite. The Ca-clinoptilolite-rich mineral as well as silver zeolitic minerals was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); elementary composition of the zeolitic mineral was determined by microanalyses (EDS) and high-resolution adsorption (HRADS) using N2 adsorption as a probe molecule. The EDS results about the exchange with Ag indicate the following sequence: Z17Ag03 > Z17Ag-09 > Z17Ag-06 > Z17Ag-01. The XRD studies indicate that only in the sample Z17Ag-03 there is an average crystal size of nanoparticles formed of 45.387 nm as determined by Sherrer’s equation. SEM images of clinoptilolite showed the presence of crystals with irregular and poorly defined box shapes that are typical for this type of zeolites. The nanoporosity of natural zeolites was studied by N2 adsorption; external areas were estimated through the De Boer and BET equations. The specific surface area calculated by BET equation,

A

SB

, presents the following sequence: γ-SZ17 > Z17 > Z17Ag09 > Z17Ag03 > Z17Ag01 > Z17Ag06, while for the values of the external area obtained by the

t

method, the sequence is

A

ST

: γ-Z17 > Z17 > Z17Ag03 > z17Ag09 > Z17Ag06 > Z17Ag01. For its part, the pore size distributions tell us that the sample Z17 exhibits a sharp multimodal distribution with pore size maxima happening at 1.262, 1.933, 3.824, and 4.282 nm. Z17Ag01 exhibits a bimodal distribution with pore size maxima occurring at 5.45 and 5.533 nm. The sample Z17Ag06 exhibits a sharp bimodal distribution with pore size maxima happening at 3.666 and 7.021 nm, and the sample Z17Ag09 exhibits a sharp trimodal distribution with pore size maxima happening at 1.853, 4.275 and 5.967 nm. Antibacterial activities of the exchanged samples with Ag on the external surface area were measured as a function of exchange level against Gram-positive bacteria (P. aureoginosa, K. pneumonie, and A. baumannii) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, S. saprophyticcus, S. aureus, and E. feacalis); the selectivity sequence of the clinoptilolite and antibacterial activity results are presented. Z17Ag09 clinoptilolite seemed to be a promising antibacterial material.
A Case of Retroperitoneal Synovial Sarcoma in Pregnancy Treated with Antepartum Doxorubicin plus Ifosfamide Chemotherapy
Authors: Sipe Bradley H. , Običan Sarah G. , Henderson-Jackson Evita , Riddle Nicole D. , Makanji Rikesh , Gonzalez Ricardo J. , Brohl Andrew S.
Published: July 2021

We report a case of a 25-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with a large, unresectable retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma. Successful neoadjuvant treatment with doxorubicin plus ifosfamide prepartum and continuing postpartum resulted in significant disease response allowing for later tumor resection. Following the first prepartum chemotherapy cycle, a decreased amniotic fluid index was noted, representing a potential complication of chemotherapy. Induction of labor was performed at 33 weeks gestation with excellent outcome in the newborn. This case highlights the complex medical decision-making process in the setting of cancer diagnosed during pregnancy, balancing oncologic and obstetric concerns, and to our knowledge is only the second reported case of synovial sarcoma treated with neoadjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy in the antepartum period.
Coherent Target Direction‐of‐Arrival Estimation for Coprime Arrays: From Spatial Smoothing Perspective
Authors: Wu Dongming , Liu Fangzheng , Li Zhihui , Han Zhenzhong
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we investigate the issue of direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation of multiple signals in coprime arrays. An algorithm based on multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and forward and backward spatial smoothing (FBSS) is used for DOA estimation of this signal caused by multipath and interference. The large distance between adjacent elements of each subarray in the coprime arrays will bring phase ambiguity issues. According to the feature of the coprime number, the ambiguity problem can be eliminated. The correct DOA estimation can be obtained by searching for the common peak of the spatial spectrum and finding the overlapping peaks in the MUSIC spectrum of the two subarrays. For the rank deficit problem caused by the coherent signal, the FBSS algorithm is used for signal preprocessing before the MUSIC algorithm. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively solve the rank deficiency and phase ambiguity problems caused by coherent signals and sparse arrays in the coprime arrays.
Statins for Prostate Cancer: When and How Much?
Authors: Murtola Teemu J. , Siltari Aino
Published: July 2021

Statins have plausible biological effects against prostate cancer cells and are associated with improved disease-specific mortality. In current randomized placebo-controlled trial, low-dose atorvastatin caused no difference in relapses after radical prostatectomy in Asian men. Future trials should study higher statin doses at later disease stages with survival as the endpoint.

See related article by Jeong et al., p. 5004
Genetic Screens Identify a Context-Specific PI3K/p27Kip1 Node Driving Extrahepatic Biliary Cancer
Authors: Falcomatà Chiara , Bärthel Stefanie , Ulrich Angelika , Diersch Sandra , Veltkamp Christian , Rad Lena , Boniolo Fabio , Solar Myriam , Steiger Katja , Seidler Barbara , Zukowska Magdalena , Madej Joanna , Wang Mingsong , Öllinger Rupert , Maresch Roman , Barenboim Maxim , Eser Stefan , Tschurtschenthaler Markus , Mehrabi Arianeb , Roessler Stephanie , Goeppert Benjamin , Kind Alexander , Schnieke Angelika , Robles Maria S. , Bradley Allan , Schmid Roland M. , Schmidt-Supprian Marc , Reichert Maximilian , Weichert Wilko , Sansom Owen J. , Morton Jennifer P. , Rad Roland , Schneider Günter , Saur Dieter
Published: July 2021

Biliary tract cancer ranks among the most lethal human malignancies, representing an unmet clinical need. Its abysmal prognosis is tied to an increasing incidence and a fundamental lack of mechanistic knowledge regarding the molecular basis of the disease. Here, we show that the Pdx1-positive extrahepatic biliary epithelium is highly susceptible toward transformation by activated PIK3CAH1047R but refractory to oncogenic KrasG12D. Using genome-wide transposon screens and genetic loss-of-function experiments, we discover context-dependent genetic interactions that drive extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) and show that PI3K signaling output strength and repression of the tumor suppressor p27Kip1 are critical context-specific determinants of tumor formation. This contrasts with the pancreas, where oncogenic Kras in concert with p53 loss is a key cancer driver. Notably, inactivation of p27Kip1 permits KrasG12D-driven ECC development. These studies provide a mechanistic link between PI3K signaling, tissue-specific tumor suppressor barriers, and ECC pathogenesis, and present a novel genetic model of autochthonous ECC and genes driving this highly lethal tumor subtype.

Significance:

We used the first genetically engineered mouse model for extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma to identify cancer genes by genome-wide transposon-based mutagenesis screening. Thereby, we show that PI3K signaling output strength and p27Kip1 function are critical determinants for context-specific ECC formation.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2945
A Case of Possible Loiasis Contracted in Cameroon and Diagnosed in Milan, Italy, and Review of Cases Published in Dermatological Journals
Authors: Lunardon Luisa , Romagnuolo Maurizio , Cusini Marco , Veraldi Stefano
Published: July 2021

Loiasis is an infestation of the skin and eyes caused by the nematode Loa loa. We report a case of loiasis in a woman who contracted the infestation in Cameroon. The clinical picture was characterized by Calabar swellings on the upper limbs and axillary lymphadenopathy. Laboratory tests revealed persistent leucocytosis with neutropenia, lymphopenia, and eosinophilia. The search for microfilariae was always negative. The patient was successfully treated with ivermectin and albendazole. Follow-up (5 years) was negative for both clinical manifestations and laboratory tests.
Subungual Onycholemmal Cysts: A Case Report
Authors: Lydrup Erika , Pedersen Pilt Anette , Schmidt Volker-Jürgen , Trøstrup Hannah
Published: July 2021

Subungual onycholemmal cysts (SOCs) are rare nail abnormalities. The clinical findings vary and include onychodystrophy, ridging, nail bed pigmentation, and thickening, but most often SOCs do not cause any symptoms and are accidental findings. In this case report, we present a case of a woman with pigmentation of the toenail, suspect for melanoma. Surprisingly, the histopathological examination showed SOCs. We discuss the histological features of SOCs, etiology, and differential diagnoses.
Myocardial Injury and Stroke after Attempted Suicide
Authors: Esmanhotto Bruno Bertoli , Vilar Carolina Rodrigues Laranjeira , Hecke Juliana Carla , Veroneze Bruna , de Lima Wolner Fernandes
Published: July 2021

Self-stabbing is an uncommon method of suicide and attempt of suicide, mostly chosen by young men and people with a psychiatric history. A curious case of suicide attempt by self-stabbing with a huge pointed knife in a 56-year-old man is presented which resulted in a myocardial injury and was evaluated with a stroke after cardiorrhaphy.