bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring a combined biomarker for tuberculosis treatment response: protocol for a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Kloprogge Frank , Abubakar Ibrahim , Esmail Hanif , Hack Vanessa , Kunst Heinke , McHugh Timothy D , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Surey Julian , Tiberi Simon , Lipman Marc
Published: July 2021

Introduction

An improved understanding of factors explaining tuberculosis (TB) treatment response is urgently needed to help clinicians optimise and personalise treatment and assist scientists undertaking novel treatment regimen trials. Promising outcome proxy measures, including sputum bacillary load and host immune response, are widely reported with variable results. However, they have not been studied together in combination with antibiotic exposure. The aim of this observational cohort study is to investigate which antibiotic exposures correlate with sputum bacillary load and which with the host immune response. Subsequently, we will explore if these correlations can be used to inform a candidate combined biomarker predicting cure.

Methods and analysis

All patients aged ≥ 18, diagnosed with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB (culture or molecular test), eligible for standard anti-TB treatment, at selected London, UK TB Services, will be invited to participate in this observational cohort study (target sample size=210). Patients will be asked to give blood for host transcriptomics and antibiotic plasma exposure, in addition to standard of care sputum samples for bacillary load. Antibiotic plasma concentrations will be quantified using a validated liquid chromatograph triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) assay and sputum bacillary load by mycobacterial growth incubator tube time to positivity. Expression from a total of 35 prespecified host blood genes will be quantified using NanoString®. Antibiotic exposure, sputum bacillary load and host blood transcriptomic time series data will be analysed using nonlinear mixed-effects models. Correlations between combinations of longitudinal biomarkers and microbiological cure at the end of treatment and remaining relapse free for 1 year thereafter will be analysed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models.

Ethics and dissemination

The observational cohort study has been approved by the UK’s HRA REC (20/SW/0007). Written informed consent will be obtained. Results will be disseminated via publication, presentation and through engagement with institutes/companies developing novel anti-TB treatment combinations.
Mindful gratitude journaling: psychological distress, quality of life and suffering in advanced cancer: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tan Ting Ting , Tan Maw Pin , Lam Chee Loong , Loh Ee Chin , Capelle David Paul , Zainuddin Sheriza Izwa , Ang Bin Ting , Lim Min Ai , Lai Natalie Zi , Tung Yu Zhen , Yee Hway Ann , Ng Chong Guan , Ho Gwo Fuang , See Mee Hoong , Teh Mei Sze , Lai Lee Lee , Pritam Singh Ranjit Kaur , Chai Chee Shee , Ng Diana Leh Ching , Tan Seng Beng
Published: July 2021

Context

Numerous studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and improve quality of life.

Objective

Our study aimed to examine the effect of mindful gratitude journaling on suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

We conducted a parallel-group, blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Ninety-two adult patients with advanced cancer, and an overall suffering score ≥4/10 based on the Suffering Pictogram were recruited and randomly assigned to either a mindful gratitude journaling group (N=49) or a routine journaling group (N=43).

Results

After 1 week, there were significant reductions in the overall suffering score from the baseline in both the intervention group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−2.0, 95% CI=−2.7 to −1.4, t=−6.125, p=0.000) and the control group (mean difference in overall suffering score=−1.6, 95% CI=−2.3 to −0.8, t=−4.106, p=0.037). There were also significant improvements in the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (mean difference=−3.4, 95% CI=−5.3 to −1.5, t=−3.525, p=0.000) and the total Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being score (mean difference=7.3, 95% CI=1.5 to 13.1, t=2.460, p=0.014) in the intervention group after 7 days, but not in the control group.

Conclusion

The results provide evidence that 7 days of mindful gratitude journaling could positively affect the state of suffering, psychological distress and quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.

Trial registration number

The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN1261800172191) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Endarterectomy for symptomatic non-stenotic carotids: a systematic review and descriptive analysis
Authors: Larson Anthony , Nardi Valentina , Brinjikji Waleed , Benson John C , Lanzino Giuseppe , Savastano Luis
Published: July 2021

Objective

To systematically analyse prior reports of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed in cases of ≤50% carotid stenosis in order to understand patient tolerance and potential benefit.

Methods

A systematic review and descriptive analysis was performed in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. An English-language search was performed of online databases using librarian-selected search terms. Abstracts were reviewed for relevance which included mention of carotid endarterectomy and stenosis. Prospective or retrospective observational cohort studies that reported series of patients who underwent endarterectomy for minimal (≤50%) luminal stenosis with reported outcomes were included.

Results

Six studies (which included our institutional series) with a total of 143 patients met the inclusion criteria. The weighted mean age at the time of CEA was 72.3 years; 113 (79.0%) were male. 55.8% of patients with available data had recurrent ipsilateral ischaemic events despite medical therapy. Two patients out of 129 with available perioperative data (1.6%) had perioperative MRI findings of acute ischaemic stroke, both within the hemisphere contralateral to the side of CEA. Of the 138 patients with available follow-up (mean, 36 months), none had recurrent ipsilateral ischaemic events.

Conclusions

Endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid disease causing ≤50% stenosis may be a potentially beneficial strategy to prevent stroke recurrence. Studies with robust methodology are needed to draw more definitive conclusions in terms of the safety and efficacy of endarterectomy for minimal stenosis with vulnerable features relative to intensive medical therapy.
1,2-Dihydro-1,3,2-diazaborinine tautomer as an electron-pair donor in hydrogen-bonded complexes
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José , Del Bene Janet E.
Published: July 2021

Ab initio MP2/aug’-cc-pVTZ calculations have been carried out to investigate 1,2-dihydro-1,3,2-diazaborinine:HX complexes for HX = H+, HF, HCl, H2O, HCN, NH3, HCP, and HCCH. Most complexes are stabilized by linear, traditional hydrogen bonds except for those with H2O and NH3, which have bridging structures and nonlinear hydrogen bonds. H-atom transfer from N to B can occur in complexes with HF and HCl, with formation of a traditional F–H···N bond and a proton-shared Cl···H···N bond. The binding energies of the uncharged complexes range from 25 to 88 kJ mol−1. Spin-spin coupling constants have been used to characterize these hydrogen-bonded complexes.
Search for single production of vectorlike top partners through th channel at the HE-LHC and FCC-hh
Authors: Tian Xi-Yan , Du Liu-Feng , Liu Yao-Bei
Published: July 2021

The vectorlike top partners are potential signature of some new physics beyond the Standard Model at the TeV scale. In this paper, we propose to search for the vectorlike T quark with charge 2/3 in the framework of a simplified model where the top partners only couples with the third generation of Standard Model quarks. We investigate the observability for electroweak production of a vectorlike T quark in association with a standard model bottom quark through the process $$pp \rightarrow T\bar{b}j$$

p
p
→
T

b

¯

j

with the subsequent decay mode of $$T\rightarrow t(\rightarrow b W^+\rightarrow b \ell ^{+} \nu _{\ell })h( \rightarrow \gamma \gamma )$$

T
→
t

(
→
b

W
+

→
b

ℓ
+

ν
ℓ

)

h

(
→
γ
γ
)

, at the proposed High Energy Large Hadron Collider (HE-LHC) and Future Circular Collider in hadron-hadron mode (FCC-hh) including the realistic detector effects. The 95% confidence level excluded regions and the $$5\sigma $$

5
σ

discovery reach in the parameter plane of $$\kappa _{T}-m_T$$

κ
T

-

m
T

, are respectively obtained at the HE-LHC with the integrated luminosity of 15 ab$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and the FCC-hh with the integrated luminosity of 30 ab$$^{-1}$$

-
1

. We also analyze the projected sensitivity in terms of the production cross section times branching fraction at the HE-LHC and FCC-hh.
Calculation of a magnetic force acting on small superconducting celestial bodies
Authors: Tomkow Lukasz
Published: July 2021

Recent discoveries of superconducting phases in the samples of meteorites suggest the possibility of a natural occurrence of superconducting state in space. Superconductors are known to exhibit interesting behaviours when subjected to external magnetic fields, such as levitation. Similar force may act on a superconducting bit in space. The goal of this paper is to quantify this force and assess its effects. Several scenarios in which a superconducting bit can be produced and interact with a magnetic field in space are suggested. The force acting on a superconductor in different conditions is calculated with numerical simulations. The dependence on a magnetic flux density, its gradient, and the geometry and the properties of the superconductor are found. The empirical formulas are derived and used to calculate a magnetic force. The resultant force is extremely weak in all analysed scenarios. It is found that its strength decreases rapidly with the distance from the source of the magnetic flux. Its effect on trajectory of the superconductor is almost negligible. Some possibilities of increasing its strength and the effects are considered.
Geometrical particles and dualities related to curves in null de Sitter 3-sphere
Authors: Song Xue , Pei Donghe
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we confine the trajectory of geometrical particles to the de Sitter three-dimensional space–time, we model geometrical particles as spacelike tachyons. Using the Legendrian duality theory of pseudo-spheres and contact manifolds theory we establish the dual relationships between spacelike moving trajectory of geometrical particles and future nullcone hypersurfaces.
Effect of temperature and pressure on cavitation characteristics in RP-3 jet fuel
Authors: Qiu Chao , Chen Shuxian , Yan Feng , Fu Yaoming , Wei Wuguo
Published: July 2021

Cavitation usually appears in aircraft fuel system, which is significant for the operation of engine. Uncontrollable cavitation will cause cavitation erosion to the units of fuel system, while the controllable cavitation can enhance the turbulence of fuel and improve the engine performance. This work along with molecular dynamics was used to simulate the cavitation in RP-3 jet fuel with different temperatures and pressures. The influence of fuel temperature and pressure on cavitation characteristics was studied. It is indicated that the higher the temperature is, the more easily the RP-3 jet fuel cavitate. Furthermore, the influence of pressure on cavitation can be divided into two periods. The lower the fuel pressure is, the faster the occurrence and development of cavitation in RP-3 jet fuel. When the temperature and pressure of the RP-3 jet fuel are set at the region between the line [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]%, the cavitation erosion can be almost ignored, and the dispersion of fuel droplets is almost the best.
Effects of different Cu and N ratios on electronic and magnetic properties of (Cu, N) co-doped ZnO
Authors: Miao Jing , Fu Si-Lie , Wang Chun-An , Lei Tao , Wang Lin-Han
Published: July 2021

The electronic and magnetic properties of (Cu, N) co-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) with different Cu:N ratios of 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 have been studied based on the density functional theory. Mono-doping of Cu or N into ZnO keeps its direct band gap semiconductor nature and exhibits its [Formula: see text]-type conduction, half-metallic properties for valance band merging below the acceptor levels in a spin direction. However, co-doping of Cu and N into ZnO greatly enhances its conductivity of the system and makes it exhibit metallic properties, the metallic properties become more obvious as the ratio of Cu:N increases from 1:2 to 2:1. Furthermore, co-doping of Cu and N into ZnO can increase magnetic moment for the interaction among Cu [Formula: see text], N [Formula: see text] and O [Formula: see text]. ZnO:2Cu–N model is the most stable model in thermodynamics but it shows anti-ferromagnetism (FM) while ZnO:Cu–N system can achieve room-temperature FM, so Cu:N ratios of 1:1 may achieve better electronic and magnetic properties by comprehensive comparison.
Solitary wave solutions, fusionable wave solutions, periodic wave solutions and interactional solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional generalized shallow water wave equation
Authors: Zhou Ai-Juan , He Bing-Jie
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study exact solutions of the generalized shallow water wave equation. Based on the bilinear equation, we get [Formula: see text]-solitary wave solutions. For special parameters, we find [Formula: see text]-fusionable wave solutions. For complex parameters, periodic wave solutions and elastic interactional solutions of solitary waves with periodic waves are obtained. The properties of obtained exact solutions are also analyzed theoretically and graphically by using asymptotic analysis.
Cranking covariant density functional theory with a shell-model-like approach for the superdeformed band of 42Ca
Authors: Liu Lang
Published: July 2021

The superdeformed rotational band in 42Ca is studied with the cranking covariant density functional theory complemented by a shell-model-like approach for treating the pairing correlations. The microscopic and self-consistent description of the superdeformed rotational band is obtained. The calculated energy surfaces show local minimums at [Formula: see text] from rotational frequency [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV. The shape coexistence of spherical, normal deformation and superdeformation is found at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV. The single-particle levels and configurations are analyzed in details with the deformation. The configuration of the superdeformed band is figured out as [Formula: see text]. The single-particle Routhians indicate that the neutrons configuration plays a key role in the formation of the superdeformed band, and the change of the protons configuration at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV terminates the superdeformed band. The importance of pairing correlation to the superdeformed band is also studied in terms of the moments of inertia and the angular momentum.
A study of elliptic biquaternionic angular momentum and Dirac equation
Authors: Derin Zülal , Güngör Mehmet Ali
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we deal with the Dirac equation and angular momentum, which have an important place in physics in terms of elliptic biquaternions. Thanks to the elliptic biquaternionic representation of angular momentum, we have expressed some useful mathematical and physical results. We obtain the solutions of the Dirac equation with the help of Dirac matrices with elliptic biquaternionic structure. Then, we have expressed the elliptic biquaternionic rotational Dirac equation. This equation could be interpreted as the combination of rotational energy and angular momentum of the particle and anti-particle. Therefore, we also discuss the elliptic biquaternionic form of rotational energy–momentum and of the relativistic mass. Further, we express the spinor wave function by elliptic biquaternions. Accordingly, we also show elliptic biquaternionic rotational Dirac energy–momentum solutions through this function.
Fréchet-valued meromorphic extension along a pencil of complex lines
Authors: Lam Lien Vuong , Dai Nguyen Van
Published: July 2021

The aim of paper is to find the condition under which a Fréchet-valued function [Formula: see text] admitting meromorphic extension along some pencil of complex lines can be meromorphically extended to a neighborhood of [Formula: see text] Some auxiliary results concerning the domains of existence for Fréchet-valued meromorphic functions, Rothstein’s theorem, Levi extension theorem for meromorphic functions with values in a locally complete space, convergence of formal power series of Fréchet-valued homogeneous polynomials are also proved in this work.
Volatility morphology of asset value and credit spread puzzle
Authors: Hu Xiao , Tian Xinming , Wang Kuitai
Published: July 2021

Merton model has provided a classic theoretical framework for explaining credit spreads. This paper extends Merton model by introducing morphology factor of asset value volatility in the model, and conducts empirical studies on the effect of asset volatility morphology on credit spreads in China’s bond market. The results show that asset volatility morphology is economically important and can explain credit spreads well. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the asymmetric influences of monetary policy on credit spreads and asset volatility morphology. This paper points out that the responses of credit spreads and asset volatility morphology to monetary policy are consistent in the tight liquidity environments. To this end, monetary policy and liquidity, which are two factors that have been ignored by classic Merton model but proved to have significant influences on credit spreads, play roles in influencing credit spreads by changing volatility morphology of asset value. Since asset volatility morphology can reflect the change of investors’ expectation on the default probability of asset, the argument mentioned in the credit spread puzzle that the fundamentals related to bond default probability cannot explain credit spreads needs to be reexamined.
SiFi
Authors: Guo Deke , Teng Xiaoqiang , Guo Yulan , Zhou Xiaolei , Liu Zhong
Published: July 2021

Due to the rapid development of indoor location-based services, automatically deriving an indoor semantic floorplan becomes a highly promising technique for ubiquitous applications. To make an indoor semantic floorplan fully practical, it is essential to handle the dynamics of semantic information. Despite several methods proposed for automatic construction and semantic labeling of indoor floorplans, this problem has not been well studied and remains open. In this article, we present a system called SiFi to provide accurate and automatic self-updating service. It updates semantics with instant videos acquired by mobile devices in indoor scenes. First, a crowdsourced-based task model is designed to attract users to contribute semantic-rich videos. Second, we use the maximum likelihood estimation method to solve the text inferring problem as the sequential relationship of texts provides additional geometrical constraints. Finally, we formulate the semantic update as an inference problem to accurately label semantics at correct locations on the indoor floorplans. Extensive experiments have been conducted across 9 weeks in a shopping mall with more than 250 stores. Experimental results show that SiFi achieves 84.5% accuracy of semantic update.
Enabling Service Cache in Edge Clouds
Authors: Huang Chih-Kai , Shen Shan-Hsiang
Published: July 2021

The next-generation 5G cellular networks are designed to support the internet of things (IoT) networks; network components and services are virtualized and run either in virtual machines (VMs) or containers. Moreover, edge clouds (which are closer to end users) are leveraged to reduce end-to-end latency especially for some IoT applications, which require short response time. However, the computational resources are limited in edge clouds. To minimize overall service latency, it is crucial to determine carefully which services should be provided in edge clouds and serve more mobile or IoT devices locally. In this article, we propose a novel service cache framework called
S-Cache
, which automatically caches popular services in edge clouds. In addition, we design a new cache replacement policy to maximize the cache hit rates. Our evaluations use real log files from Google to form two datasets to evaluate the performance. The proposed cache replacement policy is compared with other policies such as greedy-dual-size-frequency (GDSF) and least-frequently-used (LFU). The experimental results show that the cache hit rates are improved by 39% on average, and the average latency of our cache replacement policy decreases 41% and 38% on average in these two datasets. This indicates that our approach is superior to other existing cache policies and is more suitable in multi-access edge computing environments. In the implementation, S-Cache relies on OpenStack to clone services to edge clouds and direct the network traffic. We also evaluate the cost of cloning the service to an edge cloud. The cloning cost of various real applications is studied by experiments under the presented framework and different environments.
Modular and Distributed Management of Many-Core SoCs
Authors: Ruaro Marcelo , Sant’ana Anderson , Jantsch Axel , Moraes Fernando Gehm
Published: July 2021

Many-Core Systems-on-Chip increasingly require Dynamic Multi-objective Management (DMOM) of resources. DMOM uses different management components for objectives and resources to implement comprehensive and self-adaptive system resource management. DMOMs are challenging because they require a scalable and well-organized framework to make each component modular, allowing it to be instantiated or redesigned with a limited impact on other components.

This work evaluates two state-of-the-art distributed management paradigms and, motivated by their drawbacks, proposes a new one called
Management Application (MA)
, along with a DMOM framework based on MA. MA is a distributed application, specific for management, where each task implements a management role. This paradigm favors scalability and modularity because the management design assumes different and parallel modules, decoupled from the OS.

An experiment with a task mapping case study shows that MA reduces the overhead of management resources (-61.5%), latency (-66%), and communication volume (-96%) compared to state-of-the-art per-application management. Compared to cluster-based management (CBM) implemented directly as part of the OS, MA is similar in resources and communication volume, increasing only the mapping latency (+16%). Results targeting a complete DMOM control loop addressing up to three different objectives show the scalability regarding system size and adaptation frequency compared to CBM, presenting an overall management latency reduction of 17.2% and an overall monitoring messages’ latency reduction of 90.2%.
Parkinson's Disease Genetics and Pathophysiology
Authors: Vázquez-Vélez Gabriel E. , Zoghbi Huda Y.
Published: July 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta and by accumulation of α-synuclein in Lewy bodies. PD is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetic variants. These variants range from highly penetrant Mendelian alleles to alleles that only modestly increase disease risk. Here, we review what is known about the genetics of PD. We also describe how PD genetics have solidified the role of endosomal, lysosomal, and mitochondrial dysfunction in PD pathophysiology. Finally, we highlight how all three pathways are affected by α-synuclein and how this knowledge may be harnessed for the development of disease-modifying therapeutics.
Carotid sinus nerve transection abolishes the facilitation of breathing that occurs upon cessation of a hypercapnic gas challenge in male mice
Authors: Getsy Paulina M. , Sundararajan Sripriya , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: July 2021

This study presents the first evidence that carotid body chemoafferents play a key role in initiating the ventilatory responses such as increases in frequency of breathing, tidal volume, and minute ventilation that occur in response to a hypercapnic gas challenge in freely moving C57BL6 mice. Our study also demonstrates for the first time that these chemoafferents are essential for the expression of the ventilatory responses that occur upon return to room air in these mice.
Polypeptide Globular Adiponectin Ameliorates Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury by Inhibiting Both Apoptosis and Necroptosis
Authors: Zhu Kaiyi , Guo Jia , Yu Xiaoxue , Wang Que , Yan Chao , Qiu Quan , Tang Weiqing , Huang Xiuqing , Mu Hongna , Dou Lin , Bian Yunfei , Han Qinghua , Shen Tao , Li Jian , Xiao Chuanshi
Published: July 2021

Adiponectin is a small peptide secreted and a key component of the endocrine system and immune system. Although globular adiponectin protects myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiomyocyte injury, the protective mechanisms remain largely unresolved. Using a neonatal rat ventricular myocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation model, we investigated the role of its potential mechanisms of necroptosis in globular adiponectin-mediated protection in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injury as compared to apoptosis. We found that globular adiponectin treatment attenuated cardiomyocyte injury as indicated by increased cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase release following hypoxia/reoxygenation. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting demonstrated that both necroptosis and apoptosis were triggered by hypoxia/reoxygenation and diminished by globular adiponectin. Necrostatin-1 (RIP1-specific inhibitor) and Z-VAD-FMK (pan-caspase inhibitor) only mimicked the inhibition of necroptosis and apoptosis, respectively, by globular adiponectin in hypoxia/reoxygenation-treated cardiomyocytes. Globular adiponectin attenuated reactive oxygen species production, oxidative damage, and p38MAPK and NF-κB signaling, all important for necroptosis and apoptosis. Collectively, our study suggests that globular adiponectin inhibits hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced necroptosis and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes probably by reducing oxidative stress and interrupting p38MAPK signaling.
Implications of Contract-Bargaining Mechanisms for Coordination and Profit Sharing in a Distribution Channel
Authors: Modak Nikunja Mohan , Panda Shibaji , Sinha Sudipta , Ghosh Dipankar
Published: July 2021

The present work models a three-level distribution channel that has a manufacturer, multiple distributors, and multiple retailers under each distributor to analyze channel members’ cooperative, semicooperative, and noncooperative decisions for an arbitrary replenishment cycle other than the first in the infinite time horizon. It uses two sequential bargaining processes: forward contract-bargaining (FCB) and backward contract-bargaining (BCB) to eliminate channel conflict and allocate additional profit among channel members. We successfully implement a hybrid contract mechanism that combines wholesale price discount (WPD) and subsidy on holding cost for channel coordination. The concept of Nash bargaining is applied for additional profit sharing. The proposed hybrid contract can fully coordinate the tree-like supply chain and enrich the entire profit of the supply chain at its best. The manufacturer provides WPD to each distributor separately, and each distributor provides a subsidy to each of its retailers independently. Both the sequential bargaining processes are designed in such a way that an upstream channel member always has the opportunity to account for different reservations for its different downstream members. Although each bargaining process eliminates the channel conflict, finds win-win ranges, and distributes surplus profit, the distributors prefer BCB, whereas the manufacturer and the retailers prefer the FCB. Also, without receiving WPD, the distributors have the ability to coordinate the supply chain and find win-win profits by subsidizing the retailers’ holding costs. A numerical case is presented to explain the findings of the work.
Motor Fault Diagnosis Algorithm Based on Wavelet and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Yan Yong , Liu Qiang , Gao Xiao qin
Published: July 2021

In order to improve the maintenance efficiency of the motor and realize the real‐time fault diagnosis function of the motor, a motor fault diagnosis algorithm based on wavelet and attention mechanism is proposed. Firstly, the motor vibration signal is decomposed by wavelet transform, and the high‐frequency signal is denoised to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Secondly, the frequency band and time dimension after wavelet decomposition are taken as input data, the convolution neural network is used to fuse the frequency band features of data, and the bidirectional gated loop unit is used to fuse the time series features. Then, the attention mechanism is used to adaptively integrate the features of different time points. Finally, motor fault diagnosis and prediction are realized by classifier recognition. Experimental results show that, compared with the existing deep learning fault diagnosis model, this method has higher diagnosis accuracy and can accurately diagnose the running state of the motor.
The Combination of Electroacupuncture and Massage Therapy Alleviates Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Blunt Trauma-Induced Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Na , Liu Bo , Liu Si-Wen , Zhang Wei , Li Hua-Nan , Pang Geng , Luo Xiong-Fei , Wang Jin-Gui
Published: July 2021

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, had been previously reported to have therapeutic effects on skeletal muscle contusions. However, the recovery mechanisms on skeletal muscles after blunt trauma via the combination of electroacupuncture (EA) and massage therapy remain unclear. In the present study, a rat model of the skeletal muscle fibrosis following blunt trauma to rat skeletal muscle was established, and the potential molecular mechanisms of EA + massage therapy on the skeletal muscle fibrosis were investigated. The results suggested that EA + massage therapy could significantly decrease inflammatory cells infiltration and collagenous fiber content and ameliorate the disarrangement of sarcomeres within myofibrils compared to the model group. Further analysis revealed that EA + massage therapy could reduce the degree of fibrosis and increase the degree of myofibroblast apoptosis by downregulating the mRNA and protein expression of transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Furthermore, the fibrosis of injured skeletal muscle was inhibited after treatment through the normalization of balance between matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP). These findings suggested that the combination of electroacupuncture and massage therapy could alleviate the fibrotic process by regulating TGF β1-CTGF-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation and MMP-1/TIMP-1 balance for extracellular matrix production.
Multiteam Competitive Optimization Algorithm and Its Application in Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Zheng Bo , Gao Huiying , Ma Xin , Zhang Xiaoqiang
Published: July 2021

A novel multiteam competitive optimization (MTCO) algorithm has been proposed to diagnose the fault patterns of bearings. This algorithm is inspired by competitive behaviors of multiple teams. It is a three-level organization structure; thus, more potential optimal areas can be searched. By imitating human thinking, such as the betrayal and replacement behavior along with the introduction of an acceptable vector, new strategies within the MTCO are designed to increase the diversity and guide jumping out of location suboptimal areas. In addition to this, a kernel function has been introduced to reduce the recognition errors caused by data which are nonlinearly distributed in original space. The obtained experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MTCO is globally stable and optimal decision performance. After that the MTCO is applied for the fault diagnosis of bearings, and it has also been compared with other commonly used methods. The comparison indicates that the proposed algorithm has higher recognition accuracy.
Action Mechanism and Model of Cross-Border E-Commerce Green Supply Chain Based on Customer Behavior
Authors: Zhang Xiaheng , Liu Sukun
Published: July 2021

In recent years, China’s cross-border e-commerce has flourished, and the transaction volume has increased year by year. Cross-border e-commerce has become a favorable breakthrough point for China's foreign trade. This article mainly studies the action mechanism and model of cross-border e-commerce green supply chain based on customer behavior. Green supply chain partners select 24 secondary indicators of the evaluation system as the input vector. The historical data of each index is collected by field investigation as sample data and brought into the neural network for training. The output vector of the only output layer of the network is used as the evaluation result of the supplier. This paper divides the operation mode of green supply chain into four stages and puts forward improvement tools for the functional modules in each stage. Enterprises can use the tools in the modules to improve the operation efficiency of green supply chain. According to the green level evaluation demand of green supply chain, this paper uses the hierarchical method to evaluate it. According to the survey results, this paper uses arithmetic average method to deal with the operation and establishes a secondary index after decomposition. Finally, this paper uses confirmatory factor analysis to test the measurement model and further uses analysis of variance to test the relationship between the two types of social cues and behavioral willingness. The data shows that the orderly fluctuation range of the east, middle, and west cross-border logistics subsystems basically remains at around 0.2 to 0.6. The results show that the establishment of the green supply chain model has a very positive significance for the implementation and development of the green supply chain in China’s manufacturing industry. Through the research of profit and profit distribution in the green supply chain, it provides guidance for the green supply chain to effectively select the supply chain members to cooperate and calculate and distribute the profit reasonably, so that the green supply chain management can be widely used in reality.
MicroRNA‐103a‐3p Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer Cells through Akt Pathway by Targeting PTEN
Authors: Li Haixun , Huhe Muren , Lou Jiaxin
Published: July 2021

Background. Increasing evidence has suggested that microRNA‐ (miR‐) 103a‐3p is crucial for cancer progression. However, the specific mechanism of miR‐103a‐3p in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear until now. So, it is particularly urgent to clarify the mechanism between them. Methods. qRT‐PCR and western blot were used to measure the expression of miR‐103a‐3p, PTEN, Akt, and p‐Akt. Cell biology experiment was applied to detect the biological function of miR‐103a‐3p in NSCLC cell lines. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and functional complementation analysis were carried out to investigate the target gene. Results. miR‐103a‐3p was highly expressed in primary NSCLC samples and cell lines. miR‐103a‐3p mimics promoted the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells; miR‐103a‐3p inhibitor had the opposite effect. A double luciferase reporter gene experiment revealed that miR‐103a‐3p directly targets the PTEN mRNA 3 ′UTR region. siPTEN inhibited the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that both overexpression of miR‐103a‐3p and PTEN knockdown reduced the expression of the p‐Akt protein. Overexpression of PTEN partially reversed the cancer‐promoting effect of miR‐103a‐3p. Conclusion. miR‐103a‐3p promotes the progression of NSCLC via Akt signaling by targeting PTEN, highlighting the role of miR‐103a‐3p/PTEN/Akt signaling and suggesting miR‐103a‐3p as a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Energy Theft Detection in an Edge Data Center Using Deep Learning
Authors: Cheng Guixue , Zhang Zhemin , Li Qilin , Li Yun , Jin Wenxing
Published: July 2021

With the development of smart grid information physical systems, some of the data processing functions gradually approach the edge layer of end-users. To better realize the energy theft detection function at the edge, we proposed an energy theft detection method based on the power consumption information acquisition system of power enterprises. The method involves the following steps. In the centralized data center, K-means is used to decompose a large amount of data into small data and then input and train neural network parameters to realize feature extraction. We design a neural network named DWMCNN, which can extract features from the day, week, and month and can extract more accurate features. In the edge data center, the random forest (RF) algorithm is used to classify the extracted features. The experimental results show that the clustering method accords with the idea of edge computing-distributed processing and improves the operation speed and that the feature extractor has good convergence performance. In addition, compared with the methods based on various classifiers, this method has higher accuracy and lower computational complexity, which is suitable for the deployment of edge data centers.
Transcriptome Characterization and Identification of Molecular Markers (SNP, SSR, and Indels) in the Medicinal Plant Sarcandra glabra spp.
Authors: Xu Yanqin , Tian Shuyun , Li Renqing , Huang Xiaofang , Li Fengqin , Ge Fei , Huang Wenzhen , Zhou Yin
Published: July 2021

Sarcandra glabra has significant metabolically active bioingredients of pharmaceutical importance. The deficiency of molecular markers for S. glabra is a hindrance in molecular breeding for genetic improvement. In this study, 57.756 million pair‐end reads were generated by transcriptome sequencing in S. glabra (Thunb.) Nakai and its subspecies S. glabra ssp. brachystachys. A total of 141,954 unigenes with 646.63 bp average length were assembled. A total of 25,620 simple sequence repeats, 726,476 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and 42,939 insertions and deletions were identified, and the associated unigenes and differentially expressed genes were characterized. This work enhanced the molecular marker resources and will facilitate molecular breeding and gene mining in S. glabra spp.
Prolactin and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hathaway Cassandra A. , Rice Megan S. , Townsend Mary K. , Hankinson Susan E. , Arslan Alan A. , Buring Julie E. , Hallmans Göran , Idahl Annika , Kubzansky Laura D. , Lee I-Min , Lundin Eva A. , Sluss Patrick M. , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Prolactin is synthesized in the ovaries and may play a role in ovarian cancer etiology. One prior prospective study observed a suggestive positive association between prolactin levels and risk of ovarian cancer.

Methods:

We conducted a pooled case–control study of 703 cases and 864 matched controls nested within five prospective cohorts. We used unconditional logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between prolactin and ovarian cancer risk. We examined heterogeneity by menopausal status at blood collection, body mass index (BMI), age, and histotype.

Results:

Among women with known menopausal status, we observed a positive trend in the association between prolactin and ovarian cancer risk (Ptrend = 0.045; OR, quartile 4 vs. 1 = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.97–1.85), but no significant association was observed for premenopausal or postmenopausal women individually (corresponding OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 0.74–2.58; Ptrend = 0.32 and OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 0.93–2.13; Ptrend = 0.08, respectively; Pheterogeneity = 0.91). In stratified analyses, we observed a positive association between prolactin and risk for women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, but not BMI < 25 kg/m2 (corresponding OR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.56–4.59; Ptrend < 0.01 and OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.58–1.40; Ptrend = 0.98, respectively; Pheterogeneity < 0.01). Associations did not vary by age, postmenopausal hormone therapy use, histotype, or time between blood draw and diagnosis.

Conclusions:

We found a trend between higher prolactin levels and increased ovarian cancer risk, especially among women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.

Impact:

This work supports a previous study linking higher prolactin with ovarian carcinogenesis in a high adiposity setting. Future work is needed to understand the mechanism underlying this association.
Anatomic Measurements of Distances from Lateral Surface of Cranium to Cochlea in Congenital Aural Atresia and Stenosis Patients
Authors: Xie Youzhou , Chen Keguang , Yin Dongming , Zhang Tianyu , Dai Peidong
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Studies have shown that higher response levels can be obtained when the bone conduction stimulation position is closer to the cochlea. However, the morphological characteristics of round window niche and posterior tympanum in congenital aural atresia (CAA) and stenosis (CAS) patients were different from the normal. These affected the position of the cochlea at the cranial base. It was still unknown whether the distances from the cranium of CAA and CAS patients to the cochlea were the same as those of normal patients or not. Objective: To measure distances from various points on the lateral surface of the cranium to the cochlea and the cranium thickness on these points among a CAA group, CAS group and normal control group, which may provide valuable information for the better position of bone conduction stimulation. Methods: CT images of CAA, CAS patients and these patients’ healthy sides were analyzed. Firstly, the Frankfurt horizontal plane (Pfrkt) was established. Secondly, a model of part of the cranium was three-dimensionally reconstructed. Then, the Pfrkt plane was rotated down 20, 30 and 40° according to the superior margin of the external auditory canal. At every angle, points 25, 30, 35 and 40 mm away from the superior margin of the external auditory canal were marked out on the surface of the model and recorded as P20A, P30A, P40A, P20B, etc. The spatial distances between the cranium and ipsilateral cochlea were defined as lengths of points on the surface of the model to the cochlea apex (CA), cochlear base (CB) and modiolus midpoint (MM), respectively, recorded as P20A/CA, P20A/CB, P20A/MM, P30A/CA, etc. Results and Conclusions: In all groups, the length of P20D/CA was the shortest compared to P30D/CA and P40D/CA (p < 0.05). The P20A/CB and P20A/MM were also the shortest (p < 0.05). When the Pfrkt plane was rotated down 30 and 40°, the results were the same as at 20° (p < 0.05). However, P20D, P30D and P40D were almost on the mastoid air cells. We suggest that the bone conduction stimulation position is placed closer to the ear, while avoiding the mastoid air cells in the CAA and CAS patients.
Colitis Induced by Colon-Cleansing Agent
Authors: Mehershahi Shehriyar , Ghazanfar Haider , Ashraf Shoaib , Shaikh Danial H. , Patel Harish
Published: July 2021

Constipation is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders and affects 20% of the general population. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that affects the large intestine and is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. We report a case of a 35-year-old African American man with a past medical history of IBS who presented to the clinic with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea for 1 week. The patient stated that he used a colon-cleansing agent because of persistent constipation. Computed tomography scan of the patient’s abdomen and pelvis with contrast was performed which showed diffuse contiguous segmental mural thickening and nodularity seen along the distal transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy showed moderate diffuse inflammation characterized by altered vascularity, erythema, and granularity from the rectum to the descending colon, and localized mild inflammation characterized by erythema was found at the ileocecal valve. The patient’s clinical condition improved with symptomatic management over 10 days. Patients with IBS should be advised to restrain from using a colon-cleansing agent without advice from their primary doctor as it can lead to various complications.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Distant Metastasis Cured by 20-Day Sorafenib Treatment
Authors: Kim Seok Bae
Published: July 2021

There are only 13 cases of complete remission after sorafenib use in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. We herein report a rarer case in which the patient was cured after only 20 days of sorafenib use. A 61-year-old male patient was diagnosed with a huge HCC. The mass occupied almost the whole of the right hepatic lobe and a portion of segment 4. We performed extended right hepatectomy for cure. However, 3.5-cm-sized subcarinal lymph node metastasis was detected at 15 months after operation. We prescribed sorafenib 400 mg bid for palliative treatment. The patient had severe fever, pain, and blisters on the hands and feet, so the patient stopped taking it after 20 days. Subcarinal lymph node disappeared on chest computed tomography after 3 months, and there was no evidence of recurrence for a year.
Multidrug Resistance and Flaring up of Manifestation in Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease after Surgery on a Perianal Lesion
Authors: Ali Abeer S. , Alhothali Omar S. , Hammoudah Abdulrahman A. , Kh Alsaede Abdullah , Alraddadi Ayman A.
Published: July 2021

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract with relapsing and remitting episodes. Abscesses and fistulas are the most common presentations of anorectal Crohn’s disease. Antibiotics and surgical incision and drainage have been successful in treating perianal disease. We present here a 48-year-old woman with known case of Crohn’s disease who presented with massive swelling in the perianal region with severe throbbing pain and high-grade fever, 38.2°C; the surgeon noted a large perianal abscess near the anal verge with redness, hotness, and tenderness. One and a half months from perianal abscess surgery, culture sensitivity was done due to delayed wound healing and passage of greenish discharge, and it revealed highly resistant bacteria Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococci. In conclusion, clinicians should be aware that abscess and fistula have a fair chance to develop in Crohn’s disease patients who are using immunomodulating and immunosuppressant therapy. In abscess and fistula cases, surgery should be determined as soon as possible, and close clinical monitoring should be performed. We recommend routine screening for enteric fistula and culture sensitivity of any discharge prior to the initiation of any antibiotic. Appropriate intervention should then be undertaken.