bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of different transcranial magnetic stimulation current directions on the corticomotor control of lumbar erector spinae muscles during a static task
Authors: Desmons Mikaël , Rohel Antoine , Desgagnés Amélie , Mercier Catherine , Massé-Alarie Hugo
Published: September 2021

For the first time, anteroposterior and posteroanterior induced electric currents in the brain were compared when targeting back muscle representation with transcranial magnetic stimulation. The use of the anteroposterior current resulted in later response latency, larger inhibition probed by paired-pulse stimulation, and higher motor threshold. These important differences between current directions suggest that each of the current directions may recruit specific cortical circuits involved in the control of back muscles, similar to that for hand muscles.
The specificity of orientation-tuned normalization within human early visual cortex
Authors: Klímová Michaela , Bloem Ilona M. , Ling Sam
Published: September 2021

Neurons in the early visual cortex are subject to divisive normalization, but the feature-tuning aspect of this computation remains understudied, particularly in humans. We investigated orientation tuning of normalization in human early visual cortex using fMRI and estimated the bandwidth of the tuned normalization function across observers. Our findings provide a characterization of tuned normalization in early visual cortex that could help constrain models of divisive normalization in vision.
Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment for Connected Vehicles: A Survey
Authors: Luo Feng , Jiang Yifan , Zhang Zhaojing , Ren Yi , Hou Shuo
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of connected vehicles, people can get a better driving experience. However, the interconnection with the external network may bring growing accidents caused by cybersecurity vulnerabilities. As a result, automakers are paying more attention to cybersecurity and spending more cost on developing cybersecurity defense mechanisms. Threat analysis and risk assessment (TARA) is an efficient method to ensure the defense effect and greatly save costs in the early stage of vehicle development. It analyzes the threat of vehicle systems and determines the hierarchical defense and corresponding mitigations according to the potential threat to the system. This paper gives an overview of threat analysis and risk assessment in the automotive field. First, a novel classification of different TARA methods has been proposed. The existing methods have been analyzed and compared. Then, we have found some commonly used tools applied to TARA and compared their performance. After that, a concept named attack-defense mapping is proposed to figure out how to map the already found threats and vulnerabilities of the system to the appropriate mitigations. At last, the future development directions of TARA in the automotive domain have been discussed.
Knowledge of and Compliance with Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines among Anesthesiologists: A Nationwide Survey in China
Authors: Li Hui , Yu Xiangyang , Zhou Rui , Wang Ya , Zhang Xuedi , Song Shengwen , Chen Qinghua , Cheng Baoli , Fang Xiangming
Published: September 2021

We aimed to describe anesthesiologists’ knowledge of and compliance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines in the perioperative management of patients with sepsis in China. We designed a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey. We sent out online questionnaires during 2019 to evaluate whether anesthesiologists in China were familiar with and applied SSC guidelines in perioperative management. We also compared anesthesiologists’ knowledge of and compliance with the guidelines among different levels of hospital. In this study, we obtained 971 responses from anesthesiology departments across China. The survey responses showed that 39.0% of anesthesiologists rated their knowledge of the SSC guidelines as being “very familiar” or at least “somewhat familiar.” In total, 68.9% of respondents chose “Initial fluid resuscitation followed by frequent hemodynamic reassessment” as their therapy strategy for patients with septic shock; 62.0% of anesthesiologists chose lactate as a marker of initial resuscitation in clinical practice, and 39.1% thought bundle therapy needed to be started within 1 hour of sepsis diagnosis. A total of 37.1% and 27.1% of respondents chose hydroxyethyl starches and gelatins, respectively, as the preferred fluids for septic shock. As the first choice of vasopressors in patients with sepsis, 727 (74.9%) anesthesiologists chose the correct answer (norepinephrine). Anesthesiologists from tertiary hospitals (class A) had greater familiarity and compliance with the SSC guidelines than those from other hospitals (

P
<
0.001

). In summary, anesthesiologists in China have some knowledge of the SSC guidelines and tend to practice in keeping with these guidelines. However, for some items, anesthesiologists are not up to date with the latest version of the SSC guidelines. The popularity of these guidelines is not homogenous among different levels of hospital. Anesthesiologists must strengthen their knowledge of the SSC guidelines and update their practice in a regular and timely manner, especially in other tertiary and primary hospitals.
The Role of Change Rates of CYFRA21-1 and CEA in Predicting Chemotherapy Efficacy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Tongwei , Mao Guangyun , Chen Ming
Published: September 2021

Background. Cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA21-1) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are effective prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer. This study investigated the predictive effects of change rates of CYFRA21-1 and CEA before and after the first cycles of chemotherapy on advanced IIIb/IIIc or IV stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods. Data of 103 NSCLC patients who received chemotherapy in Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from February 2018 to November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received platinum doublet chemotherapy for at least 2 cycles. CYFRA21-1 and CEA levels of patients were detected before and after the first chemotherapy cycle, respectively. After the second cycle, the efficacy was evaluated, and patients were divided into the disease control (DC) and progressive disease (PD) groups. The generalized linear model (GLM) and linear trend test assessed the relationship between change rates of CYFRA21-1 and CEA levels and chemotherapeutic efficacy before and after chemotherapy. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve determined the predictive value of change rates of CYFRA21-1 and CEA on chemotherapeutic efficacy. Results. After the second chemotherapeutic cycle, there were 92 patients in the DC group and 11 in the PD group. GLM and linear trend test both indicated that change rates of CYFRA21-1 and CEA were inversely correlated with chemotherapeutic efficacy for NSCLC. Change rates of CYFRA21-1 and CEA were used to predict area under the ROC curve of chemotherapeutic efficacy (0.87, 0.71-1.00), which is better than single index prediction of CYFRA21-1 (0.71, 0.49-0.94) or CEA change rate (0.85, 0.69-1.00) (

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Before and after chemotherapy of the first cycle for advanced NSCLC patients, combining serum CYFRA21-1 and CEA levels could increase sensitivity and specificity to predict the chemotherapeutic efficacy and guide the following therapy of advanced NSCLC patients.
Application of Choquet Integral-Fuzzy Measures for Aggregating Customers’ Satisfaction
Authors: Abdullah Lazim , Awang Noor Azzah , Othman Mahmod
Published: September 2021

Choquet integral is a type of aggregation operator that is commonly used to aggregate the interrelated information. Nowadays, this operator has been successfully embedded with fuzzy measures in solving various evaluation problems. Inspired from this new development, this paper aims to introduce a combined Choquet integral-fuzzy measures (CI-FM) operator that uses the Shapley value standard and interaction index to deal with the interactions between elements of information. The proposed operator takes into account not only the importance of elements or their ordered positions but also the interaction among criteria during the evaluation process. A case of customers’ satisfaction over two fast restaurants in Malaysia is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed aggregation operator. Based on three customers’ satisfaction criteria, restaurant 1 and restaurant 2 received CI-FM scores of 0.711011 and 0.704945, respectively. Interestingly, the criterion “services” constantly received the highest rating across both restaurants. In addition, the proposed aggregation operator successfully identified which restaurant is superior in the eyes of customers. Finally, this study offers some research ideas for the future.
MiR-490-5p Restrains Progression of Gastric cancer through DTL Repression
Authors: Li Jianjie , Xu Xiaoyue , Liu Chunhui , Xi Xiaoxue , Wang Yang , Wu Xiaotang , Li Hua
Published: September 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) accounts for a main cause of cancer-related deaths. This study sought for molecular mechanism of miR-490-5p/DTL axis in affecting GC progression, thus bringing new hope for treatment of GC. Expression data of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in GC tissue from TCGA database were analyzed. MiR-490-5p and DTL mRNA expression levels in GC were evaluated with qRT-PCR. Cell viability was confirmed with CCK-8 method. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed with flow cytometry. Cell migratory and invasive potential was proved with Transwell assay. The targeted relationship between DTL and miR-490-5p was analyzed with dual-luciferase assay. The results indicated a decreased miR-490-5p level in GC cells. MiR-490-5p upregulation hampered proliferation, migration, invasion and promote cell apoptosis. DTL was the target of and inversely associated with miR-490-5p, and it could remarkably induce the carcinogenesis of GC. MiR-490-5p mediated GC cell progression by DTL repression. In conclusion, miR-490-5p and DTL may be valuable in diagnosis and treatment for GC.
The Intestinal Dysbiosis of Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Its Impact on the Gut Microbiota of Their Newborns
Authors: Li Xinke , Yu Da , Wang Yushuang , Yuan Huimin , Ning Xixi , Rui Binqi , Lei Zengjie , Yuan Jieli , Yan Jingyu , Li Ming
Published: September 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as “diagnosed as impaired glucose tolerance for the first time during pregnancy,” which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes and produces divergent effects on mothers and newborns. In recent years, with the continuous expansion of obese people, GDM shows an upward trend. The abundant and diverse members of the human gut microbiota exert critical roles in the maintenance of human health. Studies have shown that GDM may be associated with disordered gut microbiota in both mothers and newborns. Taking into account the potential effects on maternal and consequently neonatal health, in this review, we analyzed the available data and discussed the current knowledge about the potential relationship between GDM and intestinal dysbiosis in mothers and newborns. In addition, we also discussed the influencing factors derived from GDM mothers on the gut microbiome of their newborns, including the vertical transmission of microbiota from mothers, the alteration of milk components of GDM mothers, and using of probiotics. Hoping that new insights into the role of the gut microbiota in GDM could lead to the development of integrated strategies to prevent and treat these metabolic disorders.
Enhanced Evaluation Model of Security Strength for Passwords Using Integrated Korean and English Password Dictionaries
Authors: Hong Ki Hyeon , Kang Un Gu , Lee Byung Mun
Published: September 2021

In the field of information security, passwords are a means of authenticating users. Passwords with weak security cannot perform the role of user authentication and personal information protection because confidentiality is easily violated. To ensure confidentiality, it is important to evaluate the strength of the password and choose a very secure password. Due to this fact, security evaluation models for various passwords have been presented. However, existing evaluation models evaluate security based on the English alphabet. Passwords depend on the memory of the user and are closely related to the language or environment used by the user. In this regard, there are limitations in applying the existing security evaluation models to passwords chosen by non-English speakers. We compose a non-English, Korean language-based password dictionary and propose a password security evaluation model based on this for Korean users. In addition, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, we conducted experiments to evaluate the security of Korean language-based passwords using a database of passwords that have been actually leaked. As a result, the proposed model showed 99.38% accuracy for Korean language-based leaked passwords. This is superior to the 80.06% accuracy shown by the existing model. In conclusion, the use of the Korean language-based password security evaluation model proposed in this paper will contribute to choosing more secure passwords for Korean language-based sites or users.
Pipelined Training with Stale Weights in Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Lifu , Abdelrahman Tarek S.
Published: September 2021

The growth in size and complexity of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is forcing the partitioning of a network across multiple accelerators during training and pipelining of backpropagation computations over these accelerators. Pipelining results in the use of stale weights. Existing approaches to pipelined training avoid or limit the use of stale weights with techniques that either underutilize accelerators or increase training memory footprint. This paper contributes a pipelined backpropagation scheme that uses stale weights to maximize accelerator utilization and keep memory overhead modest. It explores the impact of stale weights on the statistical efficiency and performance using 4 CNNs (LeNet-5, AlexNet, VGG, and ResNet) and shows that when pipelining is introduced in early layers, training with stale weights converges and results in models with comparable inference accuracies to those resulting from nonpipelined training (a drop in accuracy of 0.4%, 4%, 0.83%, and 1.45% for the 4 networks, respectively). However, when pipelining is deeper in the network, inference accuracies drop significantly (up to 12% for VGG and 8.5% for ResNet-20). The paper also contributes a hybrid training scheme that combines pipelined with nonpipelined training to address this drop. The potential for performance improvement of the proposed scheme is demonstrated with a proof-of-concept pipelined backpropagation implementation in PyTorch on 2 GPUs using ResNet-56/110/224/362, achieving speedups of up to 1.8X over a 1-GPU baseline.
Displacement Approach to Determine the Effective Tensile and Torsional Modulus of Nanowires
Authors: Fang Lin , Yuan Quan , Wu Bin , Li Honglin , Huang Mengyang
Published: September 2021

Surface elasticity and residual stress have a strong influence on the effective properties of nanowire (NW) due to its excessively large surface area‐to‐volume ratio. Here, the classical displacement method is used to solve the field equations of the core‐surface layer model subjected to tension and torsion. The effective Young’s modulus is defined as the ratio of normal stress to axial strain, which decreases with the increase in NW radius and gradually reaches the bulk value. The positive or negative surface residual stresses will increase or decrease Young’s modulus and shear modulus due to the surface residual strains. Nonzero radial and circumferential strains enhance the influence of surface moduli on the effective modulus.
Spoken Language Identification Using Deep Learning
Authors: Singh Gundeep , Sharma Sahil , Kumar Vijay , Kaur Manjit , Baz Mohammed , Masud Mehedi
Published: September 2021

The process of detecting language from an audio clip by an unknown speaker, regardless of gender, manner of speaking, and distinct age speaker, is defined as spoken language identification (SLID). The considerable task is to recognize the features that can distinguish between languages clearly and efficiently. The model uses audio files and converts those files into spectrogram images. It applies the convolutional neural network (CNN) to bring out main attributes or features to detect output easily. The main objective is to detect languages out of English, French, Spanish, and German, Estonian, Tamil, Mandarin, Turkish, Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Indonesian, Portuguese, Japanese, Latin, Dutch, Portuguese, Pushto, Romanian, Korean, Russian, Swedish, Tamil, Thai, and Urdu. An experiment was conducted on different audio files using the Kaggle dataset named spoken language identification. These audio files are comprised of utterances, each of them spanning over a fixed duration of 10 seconds. The whole dataset is split into training and test sets. Preparatory results give an overall accuracy of 98%. Extensive and accurate testing show an overall accuracy of 88%.
Roles of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Pathogenesis of Functional Constipation
Authors: Wang Jun-Ke , Yao Shu-Kun
Published: September 2021

Functional constipation (FC), a condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms (infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, excessive straining, or a sense of incomplete evacuation), is prevalent over the world. It is a multifactorial disorder and can be categorized into four subgroups according to different pathological mechanisms: normal transit constipation (NTC), slow transit constipation (STC), defecatory disorders (DD), and mixed type. Recently, growing evidence from human and animals has pointed that there was a strong association between gut microbiota and FC based on the brain-gut-microbiome axis. Studies have reported that the main characteristics of gut microbiota in FC patients were the relative decrease of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, the relative increase of potential pathogens, and the reduced species richness. Gut microbiota can modulate gut functions through the metabolites of bacterial fermentation, among which short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile salts (BAs), and methane occupied more important positions and could trigger the release of gut hormones from enteroendocrine cells (EECs), such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), peptide YY (PYY), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Subsequently, these gut hormones can influence gut sensation, secretion, and motility, primarily through activating specific receptors distributed on smooth muscle cells, enteric neurons, and epithelial cells. However, research findings were inconsistent and even conflicting, which may be partially due to various confounding factors. Future studies should take the associated confounders into consideration and adopt multiomics research strategies to obtain more complete conclusions and to provide reliable theoretical support for exploring new therapeutic targets.
Air Emergency Transport under COVID-19: Impact, Measures, and Future
Authors: Li Zhun
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 dominated the year 2020 and has an unprecedented impact on global air transport. This paper tries to make an overall review on the interaction of air transport and the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the confirmed cases were first reported in China, the origin of the pandemic remains uncertain. China was the first country to control the COVID-19 pandemic, and domestic air traffic recovers at a fast pace. Compared to 2019 level, world scheduled capacity, passengers carried, and revenues for 2020 were reduced by 50%, 60%, and $371 billion, respectively. Compared with domestic passenger traffic, international passenger traffic reduces more seats, passengers, and revenues. Because air transport contributes to economic growth, many countries or regions provide aviation bailout. The US provides most direct aid, while China mostly provides policy measures. In the post-COVID-19 period, IATA suggests that accepting vaccinated passengers is the best practice to reopen borders. Air cargo will play an important role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Meanwhile, air transport should be more digitalized, sustainable, and responsible in the future.
Research on Classification of Fine‐Grained Rock Images Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Liang Yong , Cui Qi , Luo Xing , Xie Zhisong
Published: September 2021

Rock classification is a significant branch of geology which can help understand the formation and evolution of the planet, search for mineral resources, and so on. In traditional methods, rock classification is usually done based on the experience of a professional. However, this method has problems such as low efficiency and susceptibility to subjective factors. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish a simple, fast, and accurate rock classification model. This paper proposes a fine‐grained image classification network combining image cutting method and SBV algorithm to improve the classification performance of a small number of fine‐grained rock samples. The method uses image cutting to achieve data augmentation without adding additional datasets and uses image block voting scoring to obtain richer complementary information, thereby improving the accuracy of image classification. The classification accuracy of 32 images is 75%, 68.75%, and 75%. The results show that the method proposed in this paper has a significant improvement in the accuracy of image classification, which is 34.375%, 18.75%, and 43.75% higher than that of the original algorithm. It verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm in this paper and at the same time proves that deep learning has great application value in the field of geology.
Huangkui Capsule Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Macrophage Activation by Suppressing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice
Authors: Deng Jinfang , He Zhenpeng , Li Xiuru , Chen Wei , Yu Ziwen , Qi Ting , Xu Shuangyi , Xu Zhengxin , Fang Lei
Published: September 2021

Background. Huangkui capsule (HKC) comprises the total flavonoid extract of flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medicus. This study aimed to explore the effects of HKC on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, histopathology, spectrophotometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used for the assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance. Results. LPS significantly increased lung inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and oxidative stress and downregulated lung miR-451 expression. Treatment with HKC dramatically, reduced the total cell count in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and inhibited myeloperoxidase activity in the lung tissues 24 h after LPS challenge. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that HKC attenuated LPS-induced tissue oedema and neutrophil infiltration in the lung tissues. Additionally, the concentrations of tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α and interleukin- (IL-) 6 in BALF and IL-6 in the plasma reduced after HKC administration. Moreover, HKC could enhance glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities and upregulate the expression of miR-451 in the lung tissues. In vitro experiments revealed that HKC inhibited the production of nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. Additionally, HKC downregulated LPS-induced transcription of TNF-α and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions. These findings suggest that HKC has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects that may protect mice against LPS-induced ALI and macrophage activation.
Private Data Aggregation Based on Fog-Assisted Authentication for Mobile Crowd Sensing
Authors: Wang Ruyan , Zhang Shiqi , Yang Zhigang , Zhang Puning , Wu Dapeng , Lu Yongling , Fedotov Alexander
Published: September 2021

In mobile crowd sensing (MCS), the cloud as a single sensing platform undertakes a large number of communication tasks, leading to the reduction of sensing task execution efficiency and the risk of loss and leakage of users’ private data. In this paper, we propose a spatial ciphertext aggregation scheme with collaborative verification of fog nodes. Firstly, the cloud and fog collaboration architecture is constructed. Fog nodes are introduced for data validation and slices transmission, reducing computing cost on the sensing platform. Secondly, a multipath transmission method of slice data is proposed, in which the user identity and data are transmitted anonymously by the secret sharing method, and the data integrity is guaranteed by hash chain authentication. Finally, a spatial data aggregation method based on privacy protection is presented. The ciphertext aggregation calculation of the sensing platform is realized through Paillier homomorphic encryption, and the problem of insufficient data coverage in the sensing region is solved by the position-based weight interpolation method. The security analysis demonstrates that the scheme can achieve the expected security goal. The simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Total Body Sodium Balance in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Martin Kylie , Tan Sven-Jean , Toussaint Nigel D.
Published: September 2021

Excess sodium intake is a leading but modifiable risk factor for mortality, with implications on hypertension, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review will focus mainly on the limitations of current measurement methods of sodium balance particularly in patients with CKD who have complex sodium physiology. The suboptimal accuracy of sodium intake and excretion measurement is seemingly more marked with the evolving understanding of tissue (skin and muscle) sodium. Tissue sodium represents an extrarenal influence on sodium homeostasis with demonstrated clinical associations of hypertension and inflammation. Measurement of tissue sodium has been largely unexplored in patients with CKD. Development and adoption of more comprehensive and dynamic assessment of body sodium balance is needed to better understand sodium physiology in the human body and explore therapeutic strategies to improve the clinical outcomes in the CKD population.
Measuring Latency Variations in Evoked Potential Components Using a Simple Autocorrelation Technique
Authors: Campbell Jackie , Leandri Massimo
Published: September 2021

Interpretation of averaged evoked potentials is difficult when the time relationship between stimulus and response is not constant. Later components are more prone to latency jitter, making them insufficiently reliable for routine clinical use even though they could contribute to greater understanding of the functioning of polysynaptic components of the afferent nervous system. This study is aimed at providing a simple but effective method of identifying and quantifying latency jitter in averaged evoked potentials. Autocorrelation techniques were applied within defined time windows on simulated jittered signals embedded within the noise component of recorded evoked potentials and on real examples of somatosensory evoked potentials. We demonstrated that the technique accurately identifies the distribution and maximum levels of jitter of the simulated components and clearly identifies the jitter properties of real evoked potential recording components. This method is designed to complement the conventional analytical methods used in neurophysiological practice to provide valuable additional information about the distribution of latency jitter within an averaged evoked potential. It will be useful for the assessment of the reliability of averaged components and will aid the interpretation of longer-latency, polysynaptic components such as those found in nociceptive evoked potentials.
Aerodynamic Performance of Propellers for Multirotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Measurement, Analysis, and Experiment
Authors: Zhu Hang , Jiang Zihao , Zhao Hang , Pei Siyu , Li Hongze , Lan Yubin
Published: September 2021

Analyzing the propeller aerodynamic performance is of vital importance for research and improvement of unmanned aerial vehicles. This paper presents the design requirements for a propeller for rotorcraft unmanned aerial vehicles and an analysis of a model for calculating propeller aerodynamic performance. Based on blade element momentum theory, the aerodynamic force of a blade element is analyzed and used. The symmetric airfoil NACA 0012 is used as an example to verify the validity of the model. An experimental system for propeller aerodynamic performance is designed and built to test the aerodynamic performance of six types of the propeller from a single manufacturer (APC). Data‐processing software is also developed to draw curves and perform single‐step calculations of three propellers’ parameters: airfoil resistance power, induced velocity, and efficiency. The results of the experiment indicate that both the thrust and torque of the propeller increase with rotational speed, propeller diameter, and propeller pitch. The research is of great significance to select more suitable propellers for unmanned aerial vehicles and the further improvement of the performance of unmanned aerial vehicles’ dynamical system.
Research on Information Security Risk Assessment Method Based on Fuzzy Rule Set
Authors: Cai Wentian , Yao Huijun
Published: September 2021

With the increasing complexity of the network structure and the increasing size of the network, various network security incidents pose an increasing threat to the security of computer systems and the network. Especially, in the network environment, the diversified intrusion methods and application environment make the security of the network more fragile. In order to improve information security, based on fuzzy rule sets, this paper proposes a fuzzy association rule mining algorithm based on fuzzy matrix and applies it to security event correlation. In addition, this paper combines the embedded system to construct an information security risk assessment system and sets the system performance based on the actual situation. Finally, this paper carries out experimental design to verify the performance of the system and analyzes the experimental results by mathematical statistics. From the experimental research, it can be seen that the system constructed in this paper has a certain effect.
Does Submandibular Gland Sacrificing Neck Dissection Decrease Salivary Output and Quality of Life?
Authors: Altuntaş Ozan Muzaffer , Özer Furkan , Kuşçu Oğuz , Süslü Nilda
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Our study aimed to quantify the impact of submandibular gland (SMG) resection during Level I neck dissection (ND) on stimulated salivary output (SSO) and xerostomia-related quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: A retrospective cohort was formed from 32 patients that underwent unilateral or bilateral Level I ND and a control group of 23 patients that had level II–IV ND. SSO (Saxon test) and University of Washington Quality of Life survey results for both groups were compared. Results: Mean SSO was 3.41 g in the SMG resection group and 3.86 g in the control group, with no significant statistical difference. There was no difference in mean SSO between patients with 2 SMGs, a single remaining SMG, or no glands. The mean SSO of SMG resection cases with a history of adjuvant RT was 2.61 g which was below the xerostomia threshold for the Saxon test (2.75 g) and control group patients with RT had a significantly higher mean SSO (4.07 g). The lowest UW-QoL saliva domain score average (53.8) was in the SMG-resected, RT-positive group. Conclusion: Results indicate unilateral or bilateral resection of SMG does not reduce SSO to a significant extent. Adjuvant radiotherapy and SMG resection are additive risk factors for xerostomia and the related loss in quality of life. SMG sparing may be necessary in HNC patients with higher risk for the need of adjuvant radiation.
Associations of Serum Tumor Biomarkers with Integrated Genomic and Clinical Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ahn Keun Soo , O’Brien Daniel R. , Kim Yong Hoon , Kim Tae-Seok , Yamada Hiroyuki , Park Joong-Won , Park Sang-Jae , Kim Seoung Hoon , Zhang Cheng , Li Hu , Kang Koo Jeong , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Serum α-fetoprotein (AFP), Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP (AFP-L3), and des-γ-carboxy­pro­thrombin (DCP) are useful biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, associations among molecular characteristics and serum biomarkers are unclear. We analyzed RNA expression and DNA variant data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) to examine their associations with serum biomarker levels and clinical data. Methods: From 371 TCGA-LIHC patients, we selected 91 seen at 3 institutions in Korea and the USA and measured AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP from preoperatively obtained serum. We conducted an integrative clinical and molecular analysis, focusing on biomarkers, and validated the findings with the remaining 280 patients in the TCGA-LIHC cohort. Results: Patients were categorized into 4 subgroups: elevated AFP or AFP-L3 alone (↑AFP&L3), elevated DCP alone (↑DCP), elevation of all 3 biomarkers (elevated levels of all 3 biomarkers [↑All]), and reference range values for all biomarkers (RR). CTNNB1 variants were frequently observed in ↑DCP patients (53.8%) and RR patients (38.5%), but ↑DCP patients with a CTNNB1 variant had worse survival than RR patients. TP53 sequence variants were associated with ↑AFP (30.8%) and ↑DCP (30.8%). The Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway was activated in the ↑AFP&L3, whereas liver-related Wnt signaling was activated in the RR. TGF-β and VEGF signaling were activated in ↑AFP&L3, whereas dysregulated bile acid and fatty acid metabolism were dominant in ↑DCP. We validated these findings by showing similar results between the test cohort and the remainder of the TCGA-LIHC cohort. Conclusions: Serum AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP levels can help predict variants in the genetic profile of HCC, especially for TP53 and CTNNB1. These findings may facilitate development of an evidence-based approach to treatment.
The Expression and Regulation of Na+-K+-ATPase in Nasal Epithelial Cells of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Ba Guangyi , Tang Ru , Mao Song , Li Zhipeng , Ye Haibo , Lin Hai , Zhang Weitian
Published: September 2021

Objective: Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) is essential in maintaining cell permeability, reserving potential energy, and preventing cellular edema. Nevertheless, how NKA expression is altered and regulated in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) remain uncertain. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the expression and regulation of NKA in CRSwNP. Methods: NKA immunolabeling was assessed by the immunohistochemistry method, NKA protein levels were detected with the Western blotting method, and mRNA levels of NKA and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) were assayed by real-time PCR in nasal tissues from CRSwNP and control subjects. The co-localization of NKA with inflammatory cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. In addition, human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were cultured and stimulated using various stimulators to evaluate the regulation of NKA. Results: We found significantly decreased NKA positive cells, NKA protein levels, and mRNA levels of NKA and AQP5 in nasal tissues from CRSwNP patients compared to control subjects, especially in eosinophilic CRSwNP. Furthermore, NKA mRNA levels in HNECs were downregulated by staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), inflammatory cytokine (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-1β. Conclusion: NKA and AQP5 expressions were decreased in CRSwNP. NKA in HNECs could be suppressed by SEB, LPS, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-1β. Impairment of NKA may contribute to the genesis and development of CRSwNP via inducing AQP5 downregulation and edema.
Biomarkers in the Prediction of Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Soumya , Singh Gurpreet , Jose K Jithu , Soman Biju , Foerch Christian , Kimberly W. Taylor , Millán Mónica , Świtońska Milena , Maestrini Ilaria , Bordet Régis , Malhotra Konark , Mechtouff Laura , Sylaja P.N.
Published: September 2021

Background: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a complication that occurs spontaneously or after thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and can increase morbidity and mortality. The association of biomarkers with the risk of HT has been variably reported. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis and sought to compare blood biomarkers associated with HT and its subtypes by evaluating its predictability and correlation with outcome in AIS. Methods: The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020201334) and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Among 2,230 articles identified from Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, 30 quality-appraised articles were found eligible. Meta-analysis was conducted for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), cellular fibronectin (c-Fn), ferritin, S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). We also reviewed biomarkers for correlation with the functional outcome at 90 days from stroke onset (poor outcome modified Rankin scale >2). Results: The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DORpooled) was the highest for baseline c-Fn levels (299.253 [95% CI, 20.508–4,366.709]), followed by MMP-9 (DORpooled, 29.571 [95% CI 17.750–49.267]) and ferritin (DORpooled, 24.032 [95% CI 2.557–225.871]). However, wide confidence intervals for ferritin and c-Fn suggested lesser reliability of the markers. Patients with MMP-9 levels ≥140 ng/mL were 29.5 times at higher risk of developing symptomatic HT after AIS (area under the curve = 0.881). S100B (DORpooled, 6.286 [95% CI, 1.861–21.230]) and NLR (DORpooled, 5.036 [95% CI, 2.898–8.749]) had lower diagnostic accuracies. Among the markers not included for meta-analysis, caveolin-1, thrombin-activated fibrinolysis inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and soluble ST2 were highly sensitive. Elevated levels of MMP-9, ferritin, and NLR were found to be associated with poor functional outcomes and mortality. Conclusion: Of the 5 biomarkers, there was enough evidence that MMP-9 has higher diagnostic accuracy for predicting the risk of HT before thrombolysis. MMP-9, ferritin, and NLR also predicted poor short-term outcomes.
The Underestimated Role of Mast Cells in the Pathogenesis of Rhinopathies
Authors: Gelardi Matteo , Giancaspro Rossana , Cassano Michele , Ribatti Domenico
Published: September 2021

Mast cells (MCs) are involved in several biological processes, such as defense against pathogens, immunomodulation, tissue repair after injury, and angiogenesis. MCs have been shown to change from protective immune cells to potent pro-inflammatory cells, influencing the progression of many pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cancers. The role of MCs in the pathogenesis of rhinopathies has often been underestimated, since previous studies have focused their attention on eosinophils and neutrophils, while MCs were considered involved exclusively in allergic rhinitis. However, recent nasal cytology findings have shown the involvement of MCs in several rhinopathies, such as NARMA, NARESMA, and CRSwNP. These recent evidences highlight the crucial role that MCs play in orchestrating the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, through complex biological mechanisms, not yet fully understood. In this context, a better understanding of these mechanisms is fundamental for practicing Precision Medicine, which requires careful population selection and stratification into subgroups based on the phenotype/endotype of the patients, in order to guarantee the patient a tailored therapy. Based on this background, further studies are needed to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms involving MCs and, consequently, to develop targeted therapies aimed to obtain a selective inhibition of tissue remodeling and preventing MC-mediated immune suppression.
The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Carrier of Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical Research
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Troya María , Tierno Roberto , Zalduendo Mar , Alkhraisat Mohammad H.
Published: September 2021

Fibrin, as a physiological scaffold, presents many advantages compared to synthetic materials, such as controllable degradation, non-toxic byproducts, and excellent biocompatibility. The use of stem cells along with the biomimicking scaffolds and signalling factors would complete the triad of the tissue engineering approach. In this context, the aim of this narrative review is to compile the current evidence in vitro and in vivo regarding the combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) scaffolds and adult stem cells focusing on the regenerative medicine field according to the clinical application. A total of 1,832 articles were identified during the systematic literature search through three databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science). A total of 18 publications reaching the inclusion criteria were finally included in this review. According to the results, the combination of PRP and stem cells improved osteogenic and cartilage regeneration. However, regarding periodontal regeneration conflicting results were reported. Many other pathologies were also investigated, and even though no general conclusions were able to be obtained, most of them supported the superior performance of PRP-based scaffolds seeded with stem cells. Finally, the lack of a comprehensive description of the PRP composition makes it difficult to compare them and to draw robust conclusions. Therefore, an accurate and complete description of the product needs to be detailed in upcoming scientific publications.
Skin Eruptions in Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Young Children: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Bronz Gabriel , Rinoldi Pietro O. , Lavagno Camilla , Bianchetti Mario G. , Lava Sebastiano A.G. , Vanoni Federica , Milani Gregorio P. , Terrani Isabella , Ferrarini Alessandra
Published: September 2021

Background: Acute hemorrhagic edema is a skin-limited small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis, which affects infants 4 weeks to 2 years of age and remits within 3 weeks. The diagnosis is made clinically in not-ill appearing children with acute onset of raised annular or nummular eruptions and edema. In this vasculitis, type, distribution, and evolution of the rash have never been systemically investigated. To address this issue, we employed the data contained in the Acute Hemorrhagic Edema Bibliographic Database, which incorporates all reports on acute hemorrhagic edema. Summary: Key features of rash were documented in 383 children. Annular eruptions in a strict sense, usually targetoid, were reported in 375 (98%) cases (many children also presented polycyclic or arciform eruptions). Nummular eruptions were also very common (n = 358; 93%). Purpuric eruptions and ecchymoses were reported in the vast majority of cases. Macules and wheals were described in a minority of cases. Edema, detected in all cases, was mostly painful, indurated and nonpitting. The following regions were affected, in decreasing order, by annular or nummular eruptions: legs, feet, face, arms, ears, trunk, and genitals. With the exception of feet, which were very often affected, the same distribution was reported for edema. The initial eruption was often a wheal or a macule that evolved into a nummular or an annular eruption. Nummular eruptions successively evolved into annular ones. Key Message: This study carefully characterizes type, distribution, and evolution of skin eruption in acute hemorrhagic edema. The data help physicians to rapidly and noninvasively make the clinical diagnosis of this vasculitis.
Vegetação e ensino de paisagismo: uma experiência de sensibilização
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Carolina Carmona
Published: September 2021

O presente trabalho é uma reflexão sobre um conjunto de experiências realizadas junto aos estudantes do curso de Arquitetura e Urbanismo do Instituto Federal de São Paulo, nas disciplinas de desenho artístico e paisagismo – experiências nas quais tentamos estabelecer uma abordagem de ensino ligada aos conceitos de Planejamento Ecológico e Infraestrutura Verde, ao invés de abordagens meramente ornamentais da arquitetura paisagística. O objetivo principal foi o de despertar nos alunos o interesse pelas dimensões biológicas, espaciais e sociais da vegetação, em um contexto em que a chamada Cegueira Vegetal (Plant Blindness) é cada vez mais comum. Tais experiências exploraram o desenho como ferramenta de apreensão das características das espécies e de superação da visão de que “todas plantas são iguais”. Foram propostos três eixos temáticos, cada um deles trabalhando questões específicas em relação à vegetação: em “As árvores e a cidade”, estudou-se a diversidade de árvores e palmeiras na arborização urbana de São Paulo; em “Plantas no jardim”, foi trabalhado o conhecimento prático sobre o plantio como fundamental para o paisagismo; já “Vegetação e biomas” propôs uma compreensão das plantas em seu ambiente natural e em suas relações com outros elementos bióticos e abióticos, assumindo a centralidade da perspectiva ecológica para o paisagismo. As principais ações envolvidas nessas experiências foram descobrir, reconhecer e experimentar o verde – promovendo uma relação mais sensível entre sujeito e objeto, na qual o engajamento permitiu aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a flora e surgiu como fator determinante para a formação dos futuros arquitetos paisagistas.
Sobre a tipologia de espaços fúnebres cemiteriais
Authors: Fuchs Felipe
Published: September 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir o reconhecimento e identificação dos espaços fúnebres cemiteriais. Há uma lacuna quanto à organização tipológica desses espaços, o que dificulta sua compreensão do ponto de vista da arquitetura, do paisagismo e do urbanismo. Propõe-se a adoção de termos específicos e a elaboração de um arranjo tipológico que abordem tanto aspectos relativos à composição formal, como questões vinculadas aos sentidos e relações constituídas nesses espaços. Com isso, este artigo busca a aproximação a uma leitura contemporânea do tema, aprofundando o debate sobre os espaços fúnebres e cemitérios que tem se tornado cada vez mais presente em estudos e pesquisas variados.
A Instrumentalina de Lídia Jorge e o veículo da mudança
Authors: Freitas Elisangela Aneli Ramos de
Published: September 2021

Uma onírica bicicleta, a Instrumentalina, será o objeto eleito pela narradora para embarcar em uma viagem à sua infância e a Portugal, a partir do relato da traumática partida de seu tio Fernando. Todos esses elementos fazem parte do universo diegético do conto A Instrumentalina (1992), como também são os componentes do romance A Manta do Soldado (1998), que na construção de uma narrativa que mostra, através das memórias pessoais da narradora, uma sociedade portuguesa rural e agonizante nos anos finais da ditadura de Salazar. O objetivo desta análise foi delinear a forma como a Instrumentalina constrói-se como símbolo, para falar da estagnação social vivida e experimentada em Portugal.