bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive ablation study of near-IR femtosecond laser action on the titanium-based alloy Ti6Al4V: morphological effects and surface structures at low and high fluences
Authors: Milovanović Dubravka , Rajčić Boris , Petronić Sanja , Radulović Aleksandra , Radak Bojan , Gaković Biljana , Zamfirescu Marian , Albu Catalina , Savović Jelena
Published: January 2022

The surface of a titanium-based alloy Ti6Al4V was subjected to modifications by a near-IR femtosecond Ti:Sapphire laser, emitting at 775 nm pulses of 200 fs duration, in single-pulse and multi-pulse regimes, with up to 400 accumulated pulses, and pulse energies ranging from 2.5 to 250 $$\upmu $$
μ
J. The whole range of induced effects is presented, from gentle ablation and pattern occurrence to substantial crater formation. Very observable laser-induced parallel periodic surface structures are reported, appearing both within the damage spot area, with low fluences, and at the peripheries of the craters, with higher fluences—but also on crater walls, and inside the crater structures. Damage threshold fluences $$({F}_{\mathrm{th}})$$

(

F
th

)

and the incubation factor $$(\zeta )$$

(
ζ
)

were also determined.

Graphic abstract
Management-Oriented Upgrade and Construction of Urban Green Space Management System in Wuxi
Authors: Pan Xiajie
Published: January 2022

With the widespread application of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology in urban green space management system, the refinement of greening management puts forward the demand for upgrading the system. Taking the construction of urban green space management system in Wuxi as an example, this paper reverses the conventional operation of building database before system, and puts forward the method of management-oriented system upgrading. Through the research on the status quo of urban greening management, starting from the analysis of management requirements, the management requirements are transformed into system design requirements, so that the system upgrade is guided by the urban greening management requirements. It solves the problems of large amount of and time-consuming data input during the upgrading and construction of the system, which leads to long process and data lag when it is put into use. After the rapid upgrade, along with the refinement of daily management, the system has been continuously improved, and has received good results in the depth and breadth of data.
Multifactor Uncertain Chemical Reaction Equation
Authors: Tang Han
Published: January 2022

The previous uncertain chemical reaction equation describes the time evolution of single reactions. But in many practical cases, a substance is consumed by several different reaction pathways. For the above considerations, this paper extends the discussion to multiple reactions. Specifically, by taking the decomposition of [Formula: see text] as an example, parallel reactions with one reactant are analyzed with the multifactor uncertain differential equation. The derived equation is called the multifactor uncertain chemical reaction equation. Following that, the parameters in the multifactor uncertain chemical reaction equation are estimated by the generalized moment estimation. Based on the multifactor uncertain chemical reaction equation, half-life of reaction is investigated. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the usefulness of the multifactor uncertain chemical reaction equation.
Deep Transfer Learning & Beyond: Transformer Language Models in Information Systems Research
Authors: Gruetzemacher Ross , Paradice David
Published: January 2022

AI is widely thought to be poised to transform business, yet current perceptions of the scope of this transformation may be myopic. Recent progress in natural language processing involving
transformer language models (TLMs)
offers a potential avenue for AI-driven business and societal transformation that is beyond the scope of what most currently foresee. We review this recent progress as well as recent literature utilizing text mining in top IS journals to develop an outline for how future IS research can benefit from these new techniques. Our review of existing IS literature reveals that suboptimal text mining techniques are prevalent and that the more advanced TLMs could be applied to enhance and increase IS research involving text data, and to enable new IS research topics, thus creating more value for the research community. This is possible because these techniques make it easier to develop very powerful custom systems and their performance is superior to existing methods for a wide range of tasks and applications. Further, multilingual language models make possible higher quality text analytics for research in multiple languages. We also identify new avenues for IS research, like language user interfaces, that may offer even greater potential for future IS research.
Face Image Quality Assessment: A Literature Survey
Authors: Schlett Torsten , Rathgeb Christian , Henniger Olaf , Galbally Javier , Fierrez Julian , Busch Christoph
Published: January 2022

The performance of face analysis and recognition systems depends on the quality of the acquired face data, which is influenced by numerous factors. Automatically assessing the quality of face data in terms of biometric utility can thus be useful to detect low-quality data and make decisions accordingly. This survey provides an overview of the face image quality assessment literature, which predominantly focuses on visible wavelength face image input. A trend towards deep learning-based methods is observed, including notable conceptual differences among the recent approaches, such as the integration of quality assessment into face recognition models. Besides image selection, face image quality assessment can also be used in a variety of other application scenarios, which are discussed herein. Open issues and challenges are pointed out, i.a., highlighting the importance of comparability for algorithm evaluations and the challenge for future work to create deep learning approaches that are interpretable in addition to providing accurate utility predictions.
Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes and Robotics
Authors: Kurniawati Hanna
Published: January 2022

Planning under uncertainty is critical to robotics. The partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP) is a mathematical framework for such planning problems. POMDPs are powerful because of their careful quantification of the nondeterministic effects of actions and the partial observability of the states. But for the same reason, they are notorious for their high computational complexity and have been deemed impractical for robotics. However, over the past two decades, the development of sampling-based approximate solvers has led to tremendous advances in POMDP-solving capabilities. Although these solvers do not generate the optimal solution, they can compute good POMDP solutions that significantly improve the robustness of robotics systems within reasonable computational resources, thereby making POMDPs practical for many realistic robotics problems. This article presents a review of POMDPs, emphasizing computational issues that have hindered their practicality in robotics and ideas in sampling-based solvers that have alleviated such difficulties, together with lessons learned from applying POMDPs to physical robots.
Review—Nanomaterials Green Synthesis for High-Performance Secondary Rechargeable Batteries: Approaches, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Pakseresht Sara , Kuruahmet Deniz , Guler Aslihan , Duman Seyma Ozcan , Gungor Hatice , Cetinkaya Busra , Martynkova Grazyna Simha
Published: January 2022

Significant climate change and variable fossil energy prices are forcing us to minimize fossil fuel consumption and develop innovative energy conversion and storage systems capable of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Batteries are the most common form of alternative energy systems, and cathode materials are critical for their performance. Their low-rate performance and short lifespan severely hamper the efficiency of cathode materials. The adoption of nanotechnology is essential to improve the cathode life cycle and maintain capacity. Conventional synthetic techniques face serious problems in producing complex nanomaterials with precise design, high efficiency, and long life. Recent efforts have been made to utilize bio-inspired materials in a variety of applications, emphasizing the importance of biomimetics due to their unique advantages and excellent properties. This review examines the synthesis mechanism, properties, and advances of bioinspired materials in the production of nanomaterials in order to pave the way for the future study of rechargeable batteries. Subsequently, the solutions and problems encountered by cathode materials in the main categories of secondary rechargeable batteries are addressed. The aim of this study is to alert scientists toward this promising development trend in bio-inspired battery materials.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Biomass Porous Carbon Adsorption Congo Red
Authors: Xu Hui , Bao Yuanhai , Zuo Shasha , Chen Pengdong , Zhu Yuanqiang , Kong Xiuqin , Chen Yong
Published: January 2022

Biomass porous carbon has received widespread attention due to its application as electrode material for supercapacitors and adsorbent for difficult-to-degrade organic dyes. In this paper, biomass porous carbon KGL is prepared using ginkgo leaves as the precursor and KOH as the activator. Capitalizing on the adsorption property of porous carbon, an azo dye Congo red (CR) is confined into the nanopores of KGL to fabricate the KGL/CR electrode. The result suggests that KGL has good adsorption performance for organic dye and KGL/CR has excellent capacitance performance. When the CR concentration is 500 mg l−1, the adsorption capacity of KGL is 495 mg g−1. KGL/CR-500 displays elevated specific capacitance of 393 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and excellent rate performance (76.3% capacitance retention at 10 A g−1). The capacitance retention after 10000 cycles maintains 99%. The symmetric supercapacitor has power density of 699.8 W kg−1 at an energy density of 16.4 Wh kg−1 and can power a light emitting diodes (LED). Our work provides the information that one is the treatment of organic dye wastewater, the other is development of electrochemical energy-storage materials, and may be expanded to the resource-utilization of other versatile effluent containing the redox groups.
Cyclooxygenase-2 deficiency attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and acute lung injury in adult mice
Authors: Nelin Leif D. , Jin Yi , Chen Bernadette , Liu Yusen , Rogers Lynette K. , Reese Jeff
Published: January 2022

Many lung diseases are caused by an excessive inflammatory response, and inflammatory lung diseases are often modeled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) encoded by the Ptgs2 gene is induced in response to inflammatory stimuli including LPS. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that mice deficient in COX-2 ( Ptgs2-/-) will be protected from LPS-induced lung injury. Wild-type (WT; CD1 mice) and Ptgs2-/- mice (on a CD1 background) were treated with LPS or vehicle for 24 h. LPS treatment resulted in histological evidence of lung injury, which was attenuated in the Ptgs2-/- mice. LPS treatment increased the mRNA levels for tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the lungs of WT mice, and the LPS-induced increases in these levels were attenuated in the Ptgs2-/- mice. The protein levels of active caspase-3 and caspase-9 were lower in the LPS-treated lungs of Ptgs2-/- mice than in LPS-treated WT mice, as were the number of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells in lung sections. LPS exposure resulted in a greater lung wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) in WT mice, suggestive of pulmonary edema, while in LPS-treated Ptgs2-/- mice, the W/D was not different from controls and less than in LPS-treated WT mice. These results demonstrate that COX-2 is involved in the inflammatory response to LPS and suggest that COX-2 not only acts as a downstream participant in the inflammatory response, but also acts as a regulator of the inflammatory response likely through a feed-forward mechanism following LPS stimulation.
Overview of Microvascular Angina Pectoris and Discussion of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Authors: Yu Linghua , Lu Xiaoyan , Xu Chenxi , Li Tong , Wang Yanling , Liu Anxiang , Wang Yubi , Chen Li , Xu Huangyu
Published: January 2022

Previous research and treatment of coronary heart disease mostly focused on the large epicardial vessels, with limited research on the small endocardial coronary arteries or arterioles that could not be detected by coronary angiography, especially microvascular angina caused by microvascular stenosis or microcirculation dysfunction. Conventional Western medicine therapies have no specific efficacy, but traditional Chinese medicine has significant advantages in this regard. In particular, traditional Chinese medicine of supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation protects the vascular endothelium, relaxes coronary microvessels, reduces myocardial no-reflow after ischemia-reperfusion, increases myocardial hypoxia tolerance, constrains the aggregation of platelet, and increases the rate of blood flow. Moreover, these treatments can significantly improve patients’ symptoms through multitarget comprehensive intervention. Here, we analyzed the pathogenesis of microvascular angina pectoris, the treatment status of modern medicine, and the research on the multitarget intervention of traditional Chinese medicine to provide new research ideas for correctly identifying the role of coronary microcirculation in coronary artery disease to solve clinical problems and prevent cardiovascular events.
Three-Vector-Based Low Complexity Model Predictive Control for Soft Open Point
Authors: Wang Zhengqi , Zhou Haoyu , Huo Qunhai , Hao Sipeng
Published: January 2022

Soft open point (SOP) can improve the flexibility and reliability of power supplies; thus, they are widely used in distribution network systems. Traditional single-vector model predictive control (SV-MPC) can quickly and flexibly control the power and current at both ports of the SOP. However, SV-MPC can only select one voltage vector in a sampling time, producing large current ripples, and power fluctuations. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a three-vector-based low complexity model predictive control (TV-MPC). In the proposed control method, two effective voltage vectors and one zero voltage vector are selected in a sampling time. For the two-port SOP, methods are given to judge the sectors on both sides and select the voltage vectors. Furthermore, the calculation method of the distribution time is proposed as well. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by steady-state and dynamic-state simulation results compared with the SV-MPC.
A Review on Machine Learning Models in Injection Molding Machines
Authors: Selvaraj Senthil Kumaran , Raj Aditya , Rishikesh Mahadevan R. , Chadha Utkarsh , Paramasivam Velmurugan
Published: January 2022

One of the most suitable methods for the mass production of complicated shapes is injection molding due to its superior production rate and quality. The key to producing higher quality products in injection molding is proper injection speed, pressure, and mold design. Conventional methods relying on the operator’s expertise and defect detection techniques are ineffective in reducing defects. Hence, there is a need for more close control over these operating parameters using various machine learning techniques. Neural networks have considerable applications in the injection molding process consisting of optimization, prediction, identification, classification, controlling, modeling, and monitoring, particularly in manufacturing. In recent research, many critical issues in applying machine learning and neural network in injection molding in practical have been addressed. Some problems include data division, collection, and preprocessing steps, such as considering the inputs, networks, and outputs, algorithms used, models utilized for testing and training, and performance criteria set during validation and verification. This review briefly explains working on machine learning and artificial neural network and optimizing injection molding in industries.
Innovative Research on Teaching Method of Taekwondo in College Elective Courses under the Background of Big Data
Authors: Chang Yahui , Meng Su , Chao Hong
Published: January 2022

In the new stage of the new century, a new technological revolution is coming quietly. This revolution is represented by “data.” The application of “big data (B D A)” technology is causing changes in all walks of life, and the use of “B D A research methods” in the education field will inevitably become a trend. The purpose of this article is an innovative research on the teaching methods of Taekwondo based on the background of B D A in a college elective course. This paper first introduces the core technology of the database by summarizing the basic theory of the database. Based on the current situation of elective Taekwondo teaching in contemporary universities, analyze the current problems and deficiencies and conduct innovative research on college elective Taekwondo teaching methods combined with Beidou technology. This paper systematically expounds the practical connection, method innovation, and implementation path between BDA technology and college elective Taekwondo teaching methods and compares the traditional Taekwondo teaching methods based on BDA technology. Experimental research shows that compared with traditional Taekwondo teaching methods, the performance of university Taekwondo teaching based on data mining (D M I) in the context of B D A is more than 20% higher, which fully reflects its feasibility and the innovation of traditional Taekwondo teaching methods needs to be solved urgently.
Removal of Pathogens from Domestic Wastewater Using Small‐Scale Gradual Hydroponics Planted with Duranta erecta, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tibebu Solomon , Worku Abebe , Angassa Kenatu
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the treatment potential of gradual hydroponics planted with Duranta erecta in the removal of pathogens from domestic wastewater. Two experimental and control units were configured in series. Each unit contains three bioreactors and was arranged in a cascaded configuration. The two experimental units used both plant and media, but the two control units used only media to treat the wastewater. Gravel and polyester sponge were used as media. Experimental unit 1 and control unit 1 used gravel as media; however, experimental unit 2 and control unit 2 used polyester sponges as media. The experiment was operated at hydraulic retention times of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days in a continuous mode. The performance of the hydroponic system was evaluated by characterizing the influent and effluent quality using standard methods. At optimum hydraulic retention time (7 days), the average removal of experimental units 1 and 2 was 98.7% and 89.8% for heterotrophic bacteria, 96.2% and 86.8% for total coliform, and 92.9% and 84.0% for fecal coliform, respectively. Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two experimental and control units in removing pathogens, but no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between the two experimental units and between the two control units. Heterotrophic bacteria and coliforms were satisfactorily removed from domestic wastewater via a gradual hydroponic system. Hence, the hydroponic treatment system planted with Duranta erecta has a promising potential in the removal of pathogens from domestic wastewater in developing countries including Ethiopia.
Computation of Vertex Degree-Based Molecular Descriptors of Hydrocarbon Structure
Authors: Mufti Zeeshan Saleem , Anjum Rukhshanda , Abbas Ayesha , Ali Shahbaz , Afzal Muhammad , Alam Ashraful
Published: January 2022

Topological indices are such numbers or set of numbers that describe topology of structures. Nearly 400 topological indices are calculated so far. The prognostication of physical, chemical, and biological attributes of organic compounds is an important and still unsolved problem of computational chemistry. Topological index is the tool to predict the physicochemical properties such as boiling point, melting point, density, viscosity, and polarity of organic compounds. In this study, some degree-based molecular descriptors of hydrocarbon structure are calculated.
Neuroprotective Effects of Probiotic-Supplemented Diet on Cognitive Behavior of 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: Tan Chenxi , Liu Yang , Zhang Huiyi , Di Cihan , Xu Dechao , Liang Chunming , Zhang Ningning , Han Bing , Lang Weiya
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is recognized as one of the most common types of senile dementia. AD patients first suffer memory loss for recent events (short-term memory impairment). As the disease progresses, they are deprived of self-awareness. This study aims to explore the effects of a probiotic-supplemented diet on the cognitive behaviors and pathological features of mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mice in the control group and the 3xTg-AD group were fed a regular diet and a probiotic-supplemented diet, respectively, for 20 weeks. Behavioral experiments like Morris’s water maze and Y maze were conducted. Then, feces of mice were collected for 16S sRNA gene sequencing for microorganisms. In the end, soluble and insoluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the hippocampus and cortex of mice in each group were quantitatively analyzed with a double-antibody Sandwich ELISA. The expression levels of tau protein and gliocyte in the hippocampus and cortex were detected using the Western Blot method. The result of the Morris water maze experiment indicated that, in the place navigation test, the mice in the 3xTg-AD group experienced a significant decline in the learning ability and a longer escape latency and in the space exploration test, the swimming time of mice in the 3xTg-AD group in the target quadrant decreased and after being treated with the probiotic diet, mice in the 3xTg-AD group had improved learning and memory ability. The result of Y maze showed that the probiotic diet can improve the spontaneous alternation accuracy of mice in the 3xTg-AD group. The result of 16s rRNA gene sequencing showed that, compared with mice in the WT group, those in the 3xTg-AD group experienced a change in the intestinal flora. The Western Blot result displayed a decreased expression level of tau (pS202) (

P
<
0.05

) and decreased expression levels of Iba-1 and GFAP (

P
<
0.05

). The result of the ELISA experiment showed decreased levels of soluble and insoluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 in 3xTg-AD mice (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, a probiotic diet can prevent and treat AD by improving the intestinal flora of 3xTg-AD.
Popularity-Guided Cost Optimization for Live Streaming in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: He Tao , Zhu Kunxin , Chen Zhipeng , Wang Ruomei , Zhou Fan
Published: January 2022

Live streaming service usually delivers the content in mobile edge computing (MEC) to reduce the network latency and save the backhaul capacity. Considering the limited resources, it is necessary that MEC servers collaborate with each other and form an overlay to realize more efficient delivery. The critical challenge is how to optimize the topology among the servers and allocate the link capacity so that the cost will be lower with delay constraints. Previous approaches rarely consider server collaborations for live streaming service, and the scheduling delay is usually ignored in MEC, leading to suboptimal performances. In this paper, we propose a popularity-guided overlay model which takes the scheduling delay into consideration and utilizes MEC collaboration to achieve efficient live streaming service. The links and servers are shared among all channel streams and each stream is pushed from cloud servers to MEC servers via the trees. Considering the optimization problem is NP-hard, we propose an effective optimization framework called cost optimization for live streaming (COLS) to predict the channel popularity by a LSTM model with multiscale input data. Finally, we compute topology graph by greedy scheme and allocate the capacity with convex programming. Experimental results show that the proposed approach achieves higher prediction accuracy, reducing the capacity cost by more than 40% with an acceptable delay compared with state-of-the-art schemes.
Control Rod Modeling and Worth Calculation for a Typical 1100 MWe Nuclear Power Plant Using WIMS/D4 and CITATION
Authors: Shahid Izza , Shaukat Nadeem , Ali Amjad , Bacha Meer , Ahmad Ammar , Siddique Muhammad Tariq , Khan Rustam , Tahir Sajjad , Jamil Zeeshan
Published: January 2022

A typical 1100 MWe pressurized water reactor (PWR) is a second unit installed at the coastal site of Pakistan. In this paper, verification analysis of reactivity control worth by means of rod cluster control assemblies (RCCAs) for startup and operational conditions of this typical nuclear power plant (CNPP) has been performed. Neutronics analysis of fresh core is carried out at beginning of life (BOL) to determine the effect of grey and black control rod clusters on the core reactivity for startup and operating conditions. The combination of WIMS/D4 and CITATION computer codes equipped with JENDL-3.3 data library is used for the first time for core physics calculations of neutronic safety parameters. The differential and integral worth of control banks is derived from the computed results. The effect of control bank clusters on core radial power distribution is studied precisely. Radial power distribution in the core is evaluated for numerous configurations of control banks fully inserted and withdrawn. The accuracy of computed results is validated against the reference values of Nuclear Design Report (NDR) of 1100 MWe typical CNPP. It has been observed that WIMS-D4/CITATION shows its capability to effectively calculate the reactor physics parameters.
(E)-9-Octadecenoic Acid Ethyl Ester Derived from Lotus Seedpod Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses by Regulating MAPKs and NF-κB Signalling Pathways in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Xie Chuanqi , Wang Shufen , Cao Mingyuan , Xiong Wei , Wu Lei
Published: January 2022

Inflammation is generally considered a key risk factor in the progress of several chronic diseases, such as arthritis, gastritis, and hepatitis. Natural products with anti-inflammatory ability have played a great role in the process of overcoming these inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of ten natural compounds derived from lotus seedpod and discovered (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester (E9OAEE) inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) optimally in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, we explored the effects of E9OAEE on inflammatory responses and the underlying mechanisms in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that E9OAEE significantly suppressed the production of NO, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in a dose-dependent manner. The protein expression and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) were inhibited by pretreatment of E9OAEE. Furthermore, E9OAEE restrained the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) family members, ERK, P38, and JNK stimulated by LPS-treated for 30 min and prevented the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) prompted by LPS-treated for 6 h in RAW264.7 macrophages. Taken together, we discovered an anti-inflammatory component from lotus seedpod and identified E9OAEE attenuated the inflammatory response in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages probably by regulating the activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signalling pathways, which would provide some base for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.
Differences in Outcome and Comparison of Stress and Immune Status in Patients with Recurrent Common Bile Duct Stones after Biliary Tract Surgery Choosing Three Procedures (ERCP, OCBDE, and LCBDE) for Treatment
Authors: Tan Dong , Zhang Yafei
Published: January 2022

Objective. To compare the effect of choosing ERCP, OCBDE, and LCBDE for the treatment of patients with recurrent common bile duct stones after biliary tract surgery. Method. 115 patients with recurrent common bile duct stones after biliary surgery in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three groups according to the procedure, 36 patients in the ERCP group, 38 patients in the OCBDE group, and 41 patients in the LCBDE group, and compared the efficacy, stress status, and immune status of the three groups. Result. The stone removal rates were 91.67%, 97.37%, and 97.56% in the ERCP, OCBDE, and LCBDE groups, respectively (

P
>
0.05

). There were statistical differences between the ERCP, OCBDE, and LCBDE groups in terms of operative time, postoperative recovery time of exhaustion, recovery time of defecation, recovery time of feeding, and hospitalization time (

P
<
0.05

). The postoperative complication rates were 8.33%, 10.53%, and 7.32% in the ERCP, OCBDE, and LCBDE groups, respectively (

P
>
0.05

). The recurrence rates within 1 year after surgery were 2.78%, 7.89%, and 2.44% in the ERCP, OCBDE, and LCBDE groups, respectively (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. ERCP has short operative time, short hospital stay, and rapid postoperative recovery. LCBDE has mild trauma, and OCBDE has a wide range of application. Each of the three procedures has its own advantages and shortcomings, and the most appropriate procedure should be selected on the basis of comprehensive evaluation.
LncRNA-XIST Promotes Proliferation and Migration in ox-LDL Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through miR-539-5p/SPP1 Axis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Tang Yong , Yan Jianhua
Published: January 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are untranslated transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides in length. Despite not being translated, they play a role in the regulation of transcription, translation, and other cellular processes and have been identified as key regulator in the progression of atherosclerosis. This study focused on the lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST), which participates in the regulation of X chromosome inactivation. XIST is produced by the XIST gene and is located on human chromosome Xql3.2. We also focused on discovering the possible role and mechanism of lncRNA XIST in oxidized low-density lipoprotein- (ox-LDL-) stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which could further help evalute its possible a role in the progression of atherosclerosis. XIST was overexpressed in ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs, while the expression of miR-539-5p was decreased. XIST knockdown hindered the proliferation and migration of ox-LDL-treated VSMCs. XIST inhibits the miR-539-5p expression through direct interaction. Besides, miR-539-5p inhibitors can partially reverse the effect of XIST depletion on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL stimulation. Further mechanistic analysis showed that secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is the target of miR-539-5p, and XIST acts as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-539-5p to enhance the expression of SPP1. In addition, miR-539-5p inhibitor exerts its proliferation and migration effects by activating the miR-539-5p/SPP1 axis in VSMCs stimulated by ox-LDL. In conclusion, our study findings show that XIST inhibition can inhibit the proliferation and migration of atherosclerosis vascular smooth muscle cells, which provides a new theoretical basis for atherosclerosis treatment.
Disrupted Dynamic Functional Connectivity of the Visual Network in Episodic Patients with Migraine without Aura
Authors: Wei Heng-Le , Tian Tian , Zhou Gang-Ping , Wang Jin-Jin , Guo Xi , Chen Yu-Chen , Yu Yu-Sheng , Yin Xindao , Li Junrong , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2022

Background. Visual symptoms are common in patients with migraine, even in interictal periods. The purpose was to assess the association between dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of the visual cortex and clinical characteristics in migraine without aura (MwoA) patients. Methods. We enrolled fifty-five MwoA patients as well as fifty gender- and age-matched healthy controls. Regional visual cortex alterations were investigated using regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). Then, significant regions were selected as seeds for conducting dFC between the visual cortex and the whole brain. Results. Relative to healthy controls, MwoA patients exhibited decreased ReHo and ALFF values in the right lingual gyrus (LG) and increased ALFF values in the prefrontal cortex. The right LG showed abnormal dFC within the visual cortex and with other core brain networks. Additionally, ReHo values for the right LG were correlated with duration of disease and ALFF values of the right inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus were correlated with headache frequency and anxiety scores, respectively. Moreover, the abnormal dFC of the right LG with bilateral cuneus was positively correlated with anxiety scores. Conclusions. The dFC abnormalities of the visual cortex may be involved in pain integration with multinetworks and associated with anxiety disorder in episodic MwoA patients.
Regulatory T Cells Contribute to Sexual Dimorphism in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Beckmann Lucia , Obst Stefanie , Labusek Nicole , Abberger Hanna , Köster Christian , Klein-Hitpass Ludger , Schumann Sven , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Hermann Dirk M. , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Bendix Ivo , Hansen Wiebke , Herz Josephine
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose:

Neonatal encephalopathy caused by hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a major cause of death and disability in newborns. Clinical and experimental studies suggest a sexual dimorphism in HI-induced brain injury and therapy responses. A major hallmark of HI pathophysiology is the infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the injured brain. However, the specific role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in neonatal HI is still unknown.

Methods:

Nine-day-old mice were exposed to HI by ligation of the right common carotid artery followed by 1 hour hypoxia (10% oxygen). Using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and microarray analyses, Tregs were investigated in the brain, spleen, and blood 24 hours post HI. The functional role of Tregs was evaluated by acute Treg depletion in depletion of regulatory T cells transgenic mice. Brain injury, neuroinflammatory responses, and vascular injury were analyzed via immunohistochemistry and Western blot 48 hours and 7 days after HI. Functional outcome was assessed 3 days and 5 weeks after HI.

Results:

Female mice revealed an increased cerebral Treg infiltration, coinciding with elevated chemokine receptor expression. Treg depletion in females aggravated HI-induced brain tissue injury, short-term motor deficits, and long-term deficits in exploratory activity, paralleled by an increased microglia and endothelial activation and leukocyte infiltration. Treg depletion in male mice reduced HI-induced brain injury, short-term motor, and long-term cognitive deficits, associated with reduced vascular injury. Ex vivo isolated female Tregs displayed an increased immunosuppressive activity on effector T cell proliferation and an increased gene enrichment in pathways related to enhanced Treg activity.

Conclusions:

Tregs from neonatal female mice provide endogenous neuroprotection, whereas Tregs from male mice increase secondary neurodegeneration. As potential mechanisms, we identified intrinsic transcriptional differences associated with enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of female Tregs. Our study emphasizes the urgent need for sex-stratified clinical and preclinical analyses.
A new species of Corallana Dana, 1852 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Corallanidae) from the Andaman Islands, northern Indian Ocean
Authors: ANIL PATHAN , BRUCE NIEL L. , JAYARAJ K.A.
Published: January 2022

Corallana mishrai sp. nov. collected from dead mangrove roots at Kodiyaghat, South Andaman, Andaman Islands, India is described and illustrated in detail. Corallana mishrai sp. nov. the first definitive record of the genus from India, is characterized by: frontal lamina with short straight (or very weakly convex) lateral margins and the anterior margin forming a strong acute median point; pleotelson length 0.76 greatest width, posterior margin with 5 robust setae; uropodal exopod 7 times longer than greatest width, extending beyond endopod by one fourth of its length; endopod lateral margin slightly convex with 4 RS and PMS, apex forms a slightly obtuse angle with long simple setae, mesial margin weakly convex with 2 RS and PMS; mandible bidentate; transverse row of 6 tubercles present on pereonite 1 and pleonites 2, 3 and 4 lacking lateral tubercles. The status of the genus and its species are reviewed, and two species are transferred to new combinations: Argathona kulai (Bruce, 1982) comb. nov. and Tachaea bidentata (Jones et al. 1983) comb. nov.
“The Fans of Michael Jackson v Wade Robson and James Safechuck”: Forensic Fandom and the Staging of a Media Tribunal
Authors: Keidl Philipp Dominik
Published: January 2022

This essay analyses fan reactions to the sexual abuse allegations brought forward against Michael Jackson in Leaving Neverland ( Dan Reed, 2019 ). In particular, it focuses on fans’ production of nonfiction media produced in defense of Jackson, trying to restore the artist’s reputation by discrediting his accusers. Based on textual and content analysis of videos by The Michael Jackson Innocent Project (MJIP) and its wider network, this essay positions these videos within the context of documentaries and nonfiction programs produced on the singer. Arguing that the videos represent a form of “forensic fandom,” the essay maintains that fans stage a “media tribunal” against Jackson’s accusers to defend the singer. Because of their biased argumentation, however, fans reinforce myths about disingenuous allegations of sexual violence.
Is Yoga Associated With Improved Sleep Amongst Breast Cancer Survivors?
Authors: Jiwani Sara , Chagpar Anees B.
Published: January 2022

Background

Breast cancer survivors may experience sleep disturbances that can affect their physical and mental well-being. We sought to determine the association, if any, between yoga and sleep among breast cancer survivors in a population-based cohort.

Methods

The National Health Interview Survey is designed to be representative of the US civilian non-institutionalized population. We evaluated breast cancer survivors in the 2017 cohort to determine the association between yoga and self-reported quality of sleep.

Results

Of the 25,905 people surveyed, representing 238,738,039 in the population, 1.59% reported a previous history of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors were less likely to report having practiced yoga in the preceding 12 months, compared to those without a history of breast cancer (9.98% vs 13.78%, P = .011). In addition, they were more likely to report having had trouble falling asleep (44.64% vs 36.32%, P = .002), staying asleep (53.72% vs 39.43%, P < .001), and using sleep medication on at least 1 day within the previous week (23.80% vs 13.49%, P < .001) than those without breast cancer. Among breast cancer survivors, there were no significant differences in difficulty falling asleep (39.16% vs 44.98%, P = .482), difficulty staying asleep (61.17% vs 52.70%, P = .305), and needing sleep medication (19.03% vs 24.53%, P = .395) between those who practiced yoga and those who did not. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, there remained no association between yoga and difficulty falling or staying asleep among breast cancer survivors.

Conclusion

There is no direct association between yoga and sleep quality in breast cancer survivors.
Effects of Reversal Technique for Neuromuscular Paralysis on Time to Recovery of Bowel Function after Craniotomy
Authors: Deljou Atousa , Soleimani Jalal , Sprung Juraj , Schroeder Darrell R , Weingarten Toby N.
Published: January 2022

Background

Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade can be reversed with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate or sugammadex. We test the hypothesis that sugammadex is associated with earlier postoperative recovery of bowel function (first bowel movement, BM).

Methods

In adult patients undergoing craniotomy from 2016 to 2019, we identified time of first postoperative BM after receiving neostigmine/glycopyrrolate or sugammadex to reverse neuromuscular blockade. Logistic and proportional hazard regression, with and without inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), were used to assess whether sugammadex is associated with earlier recovery of bowel function.

Results

Seven hundred and thirty-one patients underwent craniotomy, 323 (44.2%) received neostigmine/glycopyrrolate, and 408 (55.8%) sugammadex. From logistic regression analysis, the proportion of patients having a BM within the first 24 and 48 hours was higher in sugammadex group (unadjusted OR [95% CI]) 1.79 [1.16 to 2.77] P = .009; and 1.45 [1.08 to 1.94] P = .014; IPTW adjusted OR [95% CI]) 1.58 [.95, 2.61] P = .078; and 1.38 [.95 to 2.02] P = .095 for 24 and 48 h, respectively). From proportional hazards regression, sugammadex was associated with improved bowel function recovery (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI] 1.35 [1.08, 1.68], P = .008; IPTW adjusted HR 1.29 [.97 to 1.71], P = .076).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing craniotomy who had neuromuscular blockade reversed with sugammadex may have earlier recovered bowel function compared to patients reversed with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate.
Collusion, Co-Optation, or Evasion: The Politics of Drug Trafficking Violence in Central America
Authors: Blume Laura R.
Published: January 2022

Why do drug traffickers sometimes decide to use violence, but other times demonstrate restraint? Building on recent work on the politics of drug violence, this article explores how Central American drug trafficking organizations’ strategies impact their use of violence. I argue that three inter-related political factors—corruption, electoral competition, and the politicization of the security apparatus—collectively determine the type of relationship between traffickers and the state that will emerge. That relationship, in turn, determines the primary strategy used by traffickers in that country. Drawing on over two years of comparative ethnographic fieldwork in key transshipment points along the Caribbean coast of Central America, I show how co-optation strategies in Honduras have resulted in high levels of violence, evasion strategies in Costa Rica have produced moderate levels of violence, and collusion strategies in Nicaragua have generated the lowest levels of drug-related violence.
Situational Peer Dynamics and Crime Decisions
Authors: Barnum Timothy C. , Pogarsky Greg
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate how peer dynamics, specifically interpersonal conversations between a potential offender and a peer, contemporaneous with a crime opportunity, influence perceptions of sanction certainty and social costs.

Methods

Data are analyzed from randomized experiments and hypothetical vignettes embedded within a nationwide, online survey ( n = 1,275). Vignettes were presented for three distinct crime opportunities, drunk driving, fighting, and insurance fraud.

Results

The findings suggest that respondents adjust two core decision-making perceptions—the perceived certainty of being legally sanctioned and perceived social costs such as stigma or embarrassment—in accord with the content of verbal communications from peers. There is evidence for this both between and within subjects.

Conclusions

The study underscores the importance of accounting for both physical and social features of the situational context for crime in models of offender decision making. Implications are drawn regarding the social milieu for offender decision making, and the broader criminological relevance of choice principles.
The Relationship Between Urinary Symptom Severity And Functional Status İn Patients With Stroke
Authors: Özcan Fatma , Özişler Zuhal
Published: January 2022

Background

Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (LUTD) is a condition that is common in stroke patients and affects their quality of life and psychological state.

Aim

To determine the factors affecting LUTD severity in stroke patients and to evaluate its relationship with functional status.

Method

77 stroke patients were included in our study. Demographic and stroke characteristics of all patients were recorded. Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS) Questionnaire, Beck Depression Scale were administered to the patient. 33 of 77 patients had urodynamic study and these patients constituted the subgroup of the study. Patients were grouped according to type of disorder, type of detrusor and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) using urodynamic study findings.

Result

The mean CLSS of men was significantly higher than women ( P = 0.017). A significant positive correlation was found between age and CLSS ( P = 0.035 r = 0.24) and negative correlation was found between total FIM and all sub-parameter scores and mean of CLSS ( P = 0.001 r = -0.467).

Conclusion

LUTD is common in stroke patients and the presence of urinary symptoms is associated with poor functional status. No significant relationship was observed between urodynamic data except maximum flow rate and CLSS.
Successful management of complex scalp wounds with exposed calvarial bones by customized Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT): Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Zargar Haroon R , Mohsin Mir , Shah Raheeb A , Yasir Mir , Bhat Tanveer A , Wani Adil H
Published: January 2022

Scalp wounds with exposed calvarial bones continue to be a challenge especially when no local flap options are available and no microvascular flaps can be performed. Our prospective study looked at 19 patients (14 males) where customized negative pressure wound treatment was used till the complex scalp wounds, mostly from animal bites, were covered with healthy granulation and grafted. Scalp wounds ranged from 6 × 4 cm to 17 × 11 cm in size whereas the area of exposed bone ranged from 1 × 2 cm to 10 × 10 cm. No major complication was seen, and wounds were rapidly healed.
Otolaryngology residency program websites in a socially distanced application cycle
Authors: Tong Jane Y , Hartkorn Alyssa R , Sataloff Robert
Published: January 2022

Objective

To provide an updated evaluation of otolaryngology residency program websites during a socially distanced application cycle. Criteria were selected to evaluate for level of comprehensiveness, new content accommodating a virtual interview cycle, and stated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Study design

Review of otolaryngology residency program websites.

Setting

Online websites between December 2020 and January 2021.

Methods

Otolaryngology residency program websites were evaluated for selected criteria. Programs were categorized by geographic location, size, and Doximity rankings. Differences between groups were analyzed using Student’s t-test and analysis of variance with a significance level of P < .05.

Results

118 otolaryngology residency program websites contained a mean (SD) of 16.3 (4.7) of 31 criteria (52.6%). Fewer than one third included virtual/video tours of facilities or the surrounding area. Only 33% had a stated commitment to diversity and inclusion. There was no difference in number of criteria included when categorized by geographic location ( P = .22). Larger programs (17.9 vs 14.5, P < .001) and programs ranked in the top 50 by Doximity (17.7 vs 15.2, P = .003) included a significantly greater number of criteria.

Conclusion

While the comprehensiveness of otolaryngology residency program websites has improved, considerable room for improvement remains. Programs should strive to maintain updated websites that highlight training opportunities, program culture, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Programs also should consider prioritizing the development of new online resources that may be especially useful to applicants during a virtual interview cycle.