bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining Xenon-1T signal with FIMP dark matter and neutrino mass in a $$U(1)_{X}$$ extension
Authors: Khan Sarif
Published: July 2021

In the present work, we have extended the standard model by an abelian $$U(1)_{X}$$

U

(
1
)

X

gauge group and additional particles. In particular, we have extended the particle content by three right handed neutrinos, two singlet scalars and two vectors like leptons. Charged assignments under different gauge groups are such that the model is gauge anomaly free and the anomaly contributions cancel among generations. Once the symmetry gets broken then three physical Higgses are produced, one axion like particle (ALP), which also acts as the keV scale FIMP dark matter is produced and the remaining component is absorbed by the extra gauge boson. Firstly, we have successfully generated neutrino mass by the type-I seesaw mechanism for normal hierarchy with the $$3\sigma $$

3
σ

bound on the oscillation parameters. The ALP in the present model can explain the Xenon-1T electron recoil signal at keV scale through its coupling with the electron. We have shown that ALP can be produced from the right handed neutrino decay through the freeze in mechanism. Electron and tauon get masses from dimensional-5 operators at the Planck scale and if we consider the vevs $$v_{1,2} \simeq 10^{12}$$

v

1
,
2

≃

10
12

GeV then we can obtain the correct value of the electron mass but not the tauon mass. The vector like leptons help in getting the correct value of the tauon mass through another higher dimensional operator which also has a role in DM production by the $$2 \rightarrow 2$$

2
→
2

process, giving the correct ballpark value of relic density for suitable reheat temperature of the Universe. We have shown that the ALP production by the higher dimensional operator can explain the electron, tauon mass and Xenon-1T signal simultaneously whereas the decay production can not explain all of them together.
Probing the dark matter density evolution law with large scale structures
Authors: Bora Kamal , Holanda R. F. L. , Desai Shantanu
Published: July 2021

We propose a new method to explore a possible departure from the standard time evolution law for the dark matter density. We looked for a violation of this law by using a deformed evolution law, given by $$\rho _c(z) \propto (1+z)^{3+\epsilon }$$

ρ
c

(
z
)

∝

(
1
+
z
)

3
+
ϵ

, and then constrain $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
. The dataset used for this purpose consists of Strong Gravitational Lensing data obtained from SLOAN Lens ACS, BOSS Emission-line Lens Survey, Strong Legacy Survey SL2S, and SLACS; along with galaxy cluster X-ray gas mass fraction measurements obtained using the Chandra Telescope. Our analyses show that $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
is consistent with zero within 1 $$\sigma $$
σ
c.l., but the current dataset cannot rule out with high confidence level interacting models of dark matter and dark energy.
HYPERCHAOTIC DYNAMICS OF A NEW FRACTIONAL DISCRETE-TIME SYSTEM
Authors: KHENNAOUI AMINA-AICHA , OUANNAS ADEL , MOMANI SHAHER , DIBI ZOHIR , GRASSI GIUSEPPE , BALEANU DUMITRU , PHAM VIET-THANH
Published: July 2021

In recent years, some efforts have been devoted to nonlinear dynamics of fractional discrete-time systems. A number of papers have so far discussed results related to the presence of chaos in fractional maps. However, less results have been published to date regarding the presence of hyperchaos in fractional discrete-time systems. This paper aims to bridge the gap by introducing a new three-dimensional fractional map that shows, for the first time, complex hyperchaotic behaviors. A detailed analysis of the map dynamics is conducted via computation of Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, approximated entropy and [Formula: see text] complexity. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the approach illustrated herein.
Resampling in Fuzzy Regression via Jackknife-after-Bootstrap (JB)
Authors: Kashani M. , Arashi M. , Rabiei M. R.
Published: July 2021

In fuzzy regression modeling, when the sample size is small, resampling methods are appropriate and useful for improving model estimation. However, in the commonly used bootstrap method, the standard errors of estimates are also random because of randomness existing in samples. This paper investigates the use of Jackknife-after-Bootstrap (JB) in fuzzy regression modeling to address this problem and produce estimates with smaller mean prediction errors. Performance analysis is carried out through some numerical illustrations and some interactive graphs to illustrate the superiority of the JB method compared to the bootstrap. Moreover, it is demonstrated that using the JB method, we have a significant model, with some sense; however, this is not the case using the bootstrap method.
A Two-Dimensional Simulation Approach for Ranking Fuzzy Numbers by the Monte Carlo Technique
Authors: Zou Shu-Cai , Liu Fang , You Qi-Rui
Published: July 2021

The ranking of fuzzy numbers has an important position in fuzzy application models and systems. In this paper, a two-dimensional approach is proposed by the Monte Carlo simulation technique, and the simulation formula of the possibility degree is established. The algorithms for ranking interval numbers, triangular fuzzy numbers and trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are elaborated on. Moreover, the axiomatic properties of the possibility degree formulae are investigated. It is found that the simulation formula of the possibility degree is reasonable for the satisfaction of the considered axiomatic properties. Finally, by considering a set of fuzzy numbers and the effect of a viewpoint, some comparisons are reported by carrying out numerical examples. The observations reveal that the proposed simulation method is effective to reflect the uncertainty of fuzzy numbers and coherent with the human intuition.
Growth and characterization of efficient second-order nonlinear optical material: N-(2-chlorophenyl)-(1-propanamide)
Authors: Saravanan M.
Published: July 2021

The crystals N-(2-chlorophenyl)-(1-propanamide) (NCP) appropriate for nonlinear optical (NLO) and electro–optic appliances were grown full-fledged by the slow cooling method. The solubility and metastable zone width range of NCP specimen were studied. The specimen crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with noncentrosymmetric space group of P21. The crystal morphology study also elucidates supplementary excellence of the as-grown NCP crystal. The optical precision in the whole visible region was found to be superior for NLO claim. The crystallinity of the full-fledged crystal is determined by etching and HRXRD. Laser harm threshold and photoluminescence studies delegate the grown crystal comprises extremely less imperfections. The mechanical deeds of NCP sample at assorted temperatures were examined to decide the hardness solidity of the grown specimen. The piezoelectric behavior and the comparative second harmonic generation for assorted particle sizes of the material were also deliberate. The third-order nonlinear ocular possessions of NCP crystal specimen were determined by Z-scan method. The optical homogeneity of the solitary crystal was assessed using customized channel spectrum technique. The thermal structures of NCP solitary crystal have been studied using photopyroelectric method. The half-wave voltage of the full-fledged crystal was intended from the electro–optic experimentation. Photoconductivity nature of the grown crystal outlined consummate inducing dipoles due to strong incident radiation and further revealed the nonlinear deeds of the grown material.
Projective toric codes
Authors: Nardi Jade
Published: July 2021

Any integral convex polytope [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] provides an [Formula: see text]-dimensional toric variety [Formula: see text] and an ample divisor [Formula: see text] on this variety. This paper gives an explicit construction of the algebraic geometric error-correcting code on [Formula: see text], obtained by evaluating global section of the line bundle corresponding to [Formula: see text] on every rational point of [Formula: see text]. This work presents an extension of toric codes analogous to the one of Reed–Muller codes into projective ones, by evaluating on the whole variety instead of considering only points with nonzero coordinates. The dimension of the code is given in terms of the number of integral points in the polytope [Formula: see text] and an algorithmic technique to get a lower bound on the minimum distance is described.
Quantum and Randomised Algorithms for Non-linearity Estimation
Authors: Bera Debajyoti , Tharrmashastha Sapv
Published: July 2021

Non-linearity of a Boolean function indicates how far it is from any linear function. Despite there being several strong results about identifying a linear function and distinguishing one from a sufficiently non-linear function, we found a surprising lack of work on computing the non-linearity of a function. The non-linearity is related to the Walsh coefficient with the largest absolute value; however, the naive attempt of picking the maximum after constructing a Walsh spectrum requires Θ (2
n
) queries to an
n
-bit function. We improve the scenario by designing highly efficient quantum and randomised algorithms to approximate the non-linearity allowing additive error, denoted λ, with query complexities that depend polynomially on λ. We prove lower bounds to show that these are not very far from the optimal ones. The number of queries made by our randomised algorithm is linear in
n
, already an exponential improvement, and the number of queries made by our quantum algorithm is surprisingly independent of
n
. Our randomised algorithm uses a Goldreich-Levin style of navigating all Walsh coefficients and our quantum algorithm uses a clever combination of Deutsch-Jozsa, amplitude amplification and amplitude estimation to improve upon the existing quantum versions of the Goldreich-Levin technique.
Human Evolution in Asia: Taking Stock and Looking Forward
Authors: Lee Sang-Hee , Hudock Autumn
Published: July 2021

We review the state of paleoanthropology research in Asia. We survey the fossil record, articulate the current understanding, and delineate the points of contention. Although Asia received less attention than Europe and Africa did in the second half of the twentieth century, an increase in reliably dated fossil materials and the advances in genetics have fueled new research. The long and complex evolutionary history of humans in Asia throughout the Pleistocene can be explained by a balance of mechanisms, between gene flow among different populations and continuity of regional ancestry. This pattern is reflected in fossil morphology and paleogenomics. Critical understanding of the sociocultural forces that shaped the history of hominin fossil research in Asia is important in charting the way forward.
Mechanical Patterning in Animal Morphogenesis
Authors: Maroudas-Sacks Yonit , Keren Kinneret
Published: July 2021

Morphogenesis is one of the most remarkable examples of biological pattern formation. Despite substantial progress in the field, we still do not understand the organizational principles responsible for the robust convergence of the morphogenesis process across scales to form viable organisms under variable conditions. Achieving large-scale coordination requires feedback between mechanical and biochemical processes, spanning all levels of organization and relating the emerging patterns with the mechanisms driving their formation. In this review, we highlight the role of mechanics in the patterning process, emphasizing the active and synergistic manner in which mechanical processes participate in developmental patterning rather than merely following a program set by biochemical signals. We discuss the value of applying a coarse-grained approach that considers the large-scale dynamics and feedback and complements the reductionist approach focused on molecular detail. A central challenge in this approach is identifying relevant coarse-grained variables and developing effective theories that can serve as a basis for an integrated framework toward understanding this remarkable pattern-formation process.
Implications of New Physics Models for the Couplings of the Higgs Boson
Authors: McCullough Matthew
Published: July 2021

It has been almost a decade since the first hints of the Higgs boson discovery began to emerge from CERN, making a review of our updated expectations for the Higgs boson properties, in light of New Physics models, timely. In this review I attempt to draw connections between modified Higgs boson couplings and the big questions that broad classes of New Physics models aim to answer. Questions considered include whether the Higgs boson is composite and whether a new space-time supersymmetry exists. The goal is to present these topics, framed in reference to the Higgs boson, in a conceptually driven manner and, to make them accessible to a relatively broad audience, without a great deal of technicality.
Virology in the Classroom: Current Approaches and Challenges to Undergraduate- and Graduate-Level Virology Education
Authors: Kushner David B. , Pekosz Andrew
Published: July 2021

The pervasive effects of the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic are but one reason for educators to refocus their efforts on virology teaching. Additionally, it is critical to understand how viruses function and to elucidate the relationship between virus and host. An understanding of current virology education may improve pedagogical approaches for educating our students and trainees. Faculty who teach undergraduate microbiology indicate that approximately 10% of the course content features viruses; stand-alone virology courses are infrequently offered to undergraduates. Fortunately, virology taught to undergraduates includes foundational material; several approaches for delivery of lecture- and lab-based content exist. At the graduate education level, there is growing appreciation that an emphasis on logic, reasoning, inference, and statistics must be reintroduced into the curriculum to create a generation of scientists who have a greater capacity for creativity and innovation. Educators also need to remove barriers to student success, at all levels of education.
Visual Remapping
Authors: Golomb Julie D. , Mazer James A.
Published: July 2021

Our visual system is fundamentally retinotopic. When viewing a stable scene, each eye movement shifts object features and locations on the retina. Thus, sensory representations must be updated, or remapped, across saccades to align presaccadic and postsaccadic inputs. The earliest remapping studies focused on anticipatory, presaccadic shifts of neuronal spatial receptive fields. Over time, it has become clear that there are multiple forms of remapping and that different forms of remapping may be mediated by different neural mechanisms. This review attempts to organize the various forms of remapping into a functional taxonomy based on experimental data and ongoing debates about forward versus convergent remapping, presaccadic versus postsaccadic remapping, and spatial versus attentional remapping. We integrate findings from primate neurophysiological, human neuroimaging and behavioral, and computational modeling studies. We conclude by discussing persistent open questions related to remapping, with specific attention to binding of spatial and featural information during remapping and speculations about remapping's functional significance.
The Effect of lncRNA SNHG3 Overexpression on Lung Adenocarcinoma by Regulating the Expression of miR-890
Authors: Kang Baojie , Qiu Caihong , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2021

The lncRNA small nucleolar host gene 3 (SNHG3) was discovered to play an important role in the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of SNHG3 in LUAD remains unclear. In the present study, SNHG3 expression levels in LUAD tissues and cell lines were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The effects of SNHG3 on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell chamber assays, respectively. The specific underlying mechanism of SNHG3 in LUAD was investigated using bioinformatics analysis and a dual luciferase reporter assay. The results revealed that SNHG3 expression levels were downregulated in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Functionally, SNHG3 overexpression suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells, while promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, microRNA- (miR-) 890 was identified as a potential target of SNHG3, and its expression was negatively regulated by SNHG3. Notably, SNHG3 was found to promote LUAD progression by targeting miR-890. In conclusion, the findings of the present study revealed that lncRNA SNHG3 promoted the occurrence and progression of LUAD by regulating miR-890 expression.
Experimental Study on Influence of Joint Surface Morphology on Strength and Deformation of Nonthrough Jointed Rock Masses under Direct Shear
Authors: Liu Yuanming , Chen Qingzhi , Chen Huiyu , Ou Xun , Wu Dafu , Tian Xingchao
Published: July 2021

Direct shear tests were carried out on nonthrough jointed rock masses (NTJRM) with three types of joints under five normal stresses. The strength characteristics of shear strength, initial crack strength, and residual strength and the deformation characteristics of tangential displacement and dilatancy displacement as well as the transformation of failure mode and the variation of shear parameters of rock mass with different joint morphology are studied. Under the same normal stress, with the increase of joint undulation, the shear strength of NTJRM increases, and the corresponding tangential displacement of NTJRM increases. Two typical failure modes are observed: TTTS mode and TSSS mode. TTTS model indicates that the initial failure, extension failure, and final failure of rock mass are caused by tensile action, while the failure mode of through plane is formed by shear action. The initial failure of TSSS mode rock mass is caused by tensile action, while the expansion and final failure are caused by shear action, and the failure mode of through plane is formed under shear action. When the joint undulation is small and the normal stress is small, NTJRM will fail in TTTS mode; when the joint undulation is large and the normal stress is large, NTJRM will fail in TSSS mode. The results show that the shear parameters of NTJRM are related to the joint morphology, the bond force increases with the increase of joint undulation, and the internal friction angle increases with the increase of joint undulation. The research results of direct shear test of nonthrough jointed rock mass can provide reference for related research.
An Attention Mechanism Oriented Hybrid CNN‐RNN Deep Learning Architecture of Container Terminal Liner Handling Conditions Prediction
Authors: Li Bin , He Yuqing
Published: July 2021

The booming computational thinking and deep learning make it possible to construct agile, efficient, and robust deep learning‐driven decision‐making support engine for the operation of container terminal handling systems (CTHSs). Within the conceptual framework of computational logistics, an attention mechanism oriented hybrid convolutional neural network and recurrent neural network deep learning architecture (AMO‐HCR‐DLA) is proposed technically to predict the container terminal liner handling conditions that mainly include liner handling time (LHT) and total working time of quay crane farm (TWT‐QCF) for a calling liner. Consequently, the container terminal oriented logistics generalized computation (CTO‐LGC) automation and intelligence are established tentatively by AMO‐HCR‐DLA. A typical regional container terminal hub of China is selected to design, implement, execute, and evaluate the AMO‐HCR‐DLA with the actual production data. In the case of severe vibration of LHT and TWT‐QCF, while forecasting the handling conditions of 210 ships based on the CTO‐LGC running log of four years, the forecasting error of LHT within one hour is more than 97% and that of TWT‐QCF within six hours accounts for 89.405%. When predicting the operating conditions of 300 liners by the log of five years, the forecasting deviation of LHT within one hour is more than striking 99% and that of TWT‐QCF within six hours reaches up to 94.010% as well. All are far superior to the predicting outcomes by the classical algorithms of machine learning and deep learning. Hence, the AMO‐HCR‐DLA shows excellent performance for the prediction of CTHS with the low and stable computational consuming. It also demonstrates the feasibility, credibility, and realizability of the computing architecture and design paradigm of AMO‐HCR‐DLA preliminarily.
Babao Dan Reverses Multiple-Drug Resistance in Gastric Cancer Cells via Triggering Apoptosis and Autophagy and Inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling
Authors: Zhao Jinyan , Lan Weilan , Peng Jun , Guan Bin , Liu Jie , Zhang Min , Zhan Zhixue , Lin Jiumao
Published: July 2021

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a critical reason for cancer chemotherapy failure. Babaodan (BBD) is a famous traditional Chinese patent medicine reported to have antigastric cancer activity. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of the reversal of MDR of gastric cancer by BBD have not been well described until now. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate further the role of BBD in reversing the MDR of gastric cancer cells and its specific regulatory mechanism via in vitro experiments. To verify our results, MTT, Doxorubicin (DOX) staining, Rhodamin123 (Rho123) staining, DAPI staining, Annexin V-FITC, propidium iodide (PI), Cyto-ID, and western blot assays were performed. To determine whether BBD triggers apoptosis and autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, we also applied 3-methyladenine (3-MA), chloroquine (CQ), and 740Y-P (an activator of PI3K). The results showed that BBD reversed the MDR and induced apoptosis and autophagy of SGC7901/DDP cells. Pathway analyses suggested BBD inhibits PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity and subsequent apoptosis-autophagy induction. Inhibition of autophagy with 3-MA and chloroquine (CQ) was performed to confirm that BBD promoted autophagy. PI3K agonist, 740Y-P, further verified BBD inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation. In conclusion, BBD may reverse the MDR of gastric cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and promote autophagy via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Modeling of Moisture Content of Subgrade Materials in High‐Speed Railway Using a Deep Learning Method
Authors: Chen LiLei , Chen Jing , Wang Chao , Dai Yanhua , Guo Rongyan , Huang Qian
Published: July 2021

Moisture content of subgrade materials is an essential factor affecting frost heave deformation of high‐speed railway subgrade in a seasonally frozen region. Modeling and predicting moisture transport play an important role in analyzing the subgrade thermal and hydraulic conditions in cold regions. In this study, a long short‐term memory (LSTM) model was proposed based on subgrade material moisture in two sections during one winter and spring cycle from 2015 to 2016. The reliability of the model was verified by comparing the monitoring data with the model results. The results demonstrate that the LSTM model can be effectively used to forecast the dynamic characteristics of the moisture of subgrade materials. The data of simulated moisture content of subgrade materials have a root mean square error ranging from 0.17 to 0.47 in the training phase and from 0.20 to 10.5 in the testing phase. The proposed model provides a novel method for long‐term moisture prediction in subgrade materials of high‐speed railways in cold regions.
Discrete Integrity Assuring Slice‐Based Secured Data Aggregation Scheme for Wireless Sensor Network (DIA‐SSDAS)
Authors: Vinodha D. , Mary Anita E. A.
Published: July 2021

In a wireless sensor network, data privacy with a minimum network bandwidth usage is addressed using homomorphic‐based data aggregation schemes. Most of the schemes which ensure the end‐to‐end privacy provide collective integrity verification of aggregated data at the receiver end. The presence of corrupted values affects the integrity of the aggregated data and results in the rejection of the whole data by the base station (BS) thereby leading to the wastage of bandwidth and other resources of energy constraint wireless sensor network. In this paper, we propose a secured data aggregation scheme by slicing the data generated by each sensor node deployed in layered topology and enabling en route aggregation. Novel encoding of data and hash slices based on child order is proposed to enable concatenation‐based additive aggregation and smooth extraction of slices from the aggregate by the BS. Elliptic curve‐based homomorphic encryption is adopted to ensure end‐to‐end confidentiality. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed scheme is the first which facilitates the BS to perform node‐wise integrity verification, filter out only the corrupted portion, and implement dynamic query over the received data. Communication‐ and computation‐based performance analysis shows the efficiency of the proposed scheme for varied network sizes. The scheme can resist eavesdropping attack, node compromising attack, replay attack, malleability attack, selective dropping attack, and collusion attack.
Estimates for the Norm of Generalized Maximal Operator on Strong Product of Graphs
Authors: Hussain Zaryab , Murtaza Ghulam , Mahmood Toqeer , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: July 2021

LetG=G1×G2×⋯×Gmbe the strong product of simple, finite connected graphs, and letϕ:ℕ⟶0,∞be an increasing function. We consider the action of generalized maximal operatorMGϕonℓpspaces. We determine the exact value ofℓp-quasi-norm ofMGϕfor the case whenGis strong product of complete graphs, where0<p≤1. However, lower and upper bounds ofℓp-norm have been determined when1<p<∞. Finally, we computed the lower and upper bounds ofMGϕpwhenGis strong product of arbitrary graphs, where0<p≤1.
Factors Predicting Outcome in Intensive Care Unit-Admitted COVID-19 Patients: Using Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiologic Characteristics
Authors: Abkhoo Aminreza , Shaker Elaheh , Mehrabinejad Mohammad-Mehdi , Azadbakht Javid , Sadighi Nahid , Salahshour Faeze
Published: July 2021

Purpose. To investigate the factors contributing to mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) and design a model to predict the mortality rate. Method. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records and CT images of the ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients who had an on-admission chest CT scan. We analyzed the patients’ demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings and compared them between survivors and nonsurvivors. Results. Among the 121 enrolled patients (mean age, 62.2 ± 14.0 years; male, 82 (67.8%)), 41 (33.9%) survived, and the rest succumbed to death. The most frequent radiologic findings were ground-glass opacity (GGO) (71.9%) with peripheral (38.8%) and bilateral (98.3%) involvement, with lower lobes (94.2%) predominancy. The most common additional findings were cardiomegaly (63.6%), parenchymal band (47.9%), and crazy-paving pattern (44.4%). Univariable analysis of radiologic findings showed that cardiomegaly

p
:
0.04

, pleural effusion

p
:
0.02

, and pericardial effusion

p
:
0.03

were significantly more prevalent in nonsurvivors. However, the extension of pulmonary involvement was not significantly different between the two subgroups (11.4 ± 4.1 in survivors vs. 11.9 ± 5.1 in nonsurvivors,

p
:
0.59

). Among nonradiologic factors, advanced age

p
:
0.002

, lower O2 saturation

p
:
0.01

, diastolic blood pressure

p
:
0.02

, and hypertension

p
:
0.03

were more commonly found in nonsurvivors. There was no significant difference between survivors and nonsurvivors in terms of laboratory findings. Three following factors remained significant in the backward logistic regression model: O2 saturation (OR: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84–0.97),

p
:
0.006

), pericardial effusion (6.56 (0.17–59.3),

p
:
0.09

), and hypertension (4.11 (1.39–12.2),

p
:
0.01

). This model had 78.7% sensitivity, 61.1% specificity, 90.0% positive predictive value, and 75.5% accuracy in predicting in-ICU mortality. Conclusion. A combination of underlying diseases, vital signs, and radiologic factors might have prognostic value for mortality rate prediction in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients.
Gleevec and Rapamycin Synergistically Reduce Cell Viability and Inhibit Proliferation and Angiogenic Function of Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Chen Ling , Dai Luping , Yan Dewen , Zhou Boya , Zheng Wei , Yin Jia , Zhou Tao , Liu Zehua , Deng Jianxin , Wang Rehua , Ding Xiaorong , Chen Junhui
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study investigates the synergistic effects of Gleevec (imatinib) and rapamycin on the proliferative and angiogenic properties of mouse bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Materials and Methods: EPCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow and treated with different concentrations of Gleevec or rapamycin individually or in combination. The cell viability and proliferation were examined using the MTT assay. An analysis of cell cycle and apoptosis was performed using flow cytometry. Formation of capillary-like tubes was examined in vitro, and the protein expression of cell differentiation markers was determined using Western blot analysis. Results: Gleevec significantly reduced cell viability, cell proliferation, and induced cell apoptosis in EPCs. Rapamycin had similar effects on EPCs, but it did not induce cell apoptosis. The combination of Gleevec and rapamycin reduced the cell proliferation but increased cell apoptosis. Although rapamycin had no demonstratable effect on tube formation, the combined therapy of Gleevec and rapamycin significantly reduced tube formation when compared with Gleevec alone. Mechanistically, Gleevec, but not rapamycin, induced a significant elevation in caspase-3 activity in EPCs, and it attenuated the expression of the endothelial protein marker platelet-derived growth factor receptor α. Functionally, rapamycin, but not Gleevec, significantly enhanced the expression of endothelial differentiation marker proteins, while attenuating the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling-related proteins. Conclusions: Gleevec and rapamycin synergistically suppress cell proliferation and tube formation of EPCs by inducing cell apoptosis and endothelial differentiation. Mechanistically, it is likely that rapamycin enhances the proapoptotic and antiangiogenic effects of Gleevec by promoting the endothelial differentiation of EPCs. Given that EPCs are involved in the pathogenesis of some cardiovascular diseases and critical to angiogenesis, pharmacological inhibition of EPC proliferation by combined Gleevec and rapamycin therapy may be a promising approach for suppressing cardiovascular disease pathologies associated with angiogenesis.
Simultaneous Reduction of Bilateral Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Following Nocturnal Hypoglycemia-Induced Convulsion Using the Boss-Holzach-Matter Technique
Authors: Leeuwerke Steven Johannes Georg , Keuning Martine Christine , Ek Jan Willem , van Beveren Jan
Published: July 2021

Bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation is rare. We describe the case of a 21-year-old male with bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation following a nocturnal, hypoglycemia-induced convulsion. The relatively uncommon Boss-Holzach-Matter technique provides an easy, atraumatic, and time-efficient self-reduction method to achieve simultaneous reduction of bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation, without the need for anesthesia or analgesia.
Role of Vitamin K in CKD: Is Its Supplementation Advisable in CKD Patients?
Authors: Grzejszczak Patrycja , Kurnatowska Ilona
Published: July 2021

Background: Patients with CKD are at an increased risk of developing vascular calcification (VC) and bone complications which translate into a higher morbidity and mortality. The dephosphorylated and uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) is considered to be an indicator of vitamin K2 status and correlates with markers of VC. It is activated by γ-glutamyl carboxylase that converts inactive MGP into an active form, and vitamin K2 is a cofactor of this reaction. The active form of MGP is a known inhibitor of arterial wall calcification and plays an important role in bone turnover. Recent studies show poor vitamin K2 status in CKD patients. We aimed to review the literature for the association between vitamin K2 status and calcification and bone disease risk and the efficacy of vitamin K2 supplementation in CKD population. Summary: Most CKD patients, including those on renal replacement therapy, have vitamin K2 deficiency. The dp-ucMGP level, a marker of vitamin K2 status, is decreased by vitamin K2 supplementation in CKD patients, but there is no unequivocal proof that it influences arterial calcification progression and bone complications. Key Messages: CKD population are at risk of vitamin K deficiency. Supplementation of vitamin K2 is safe and improves the serum markers of its deficiency. There is lack of strong evidence that vitamin K2 supplementation slows progression of calcification or reduces the frequency of bone complications. More prospective studies are needed.
The Relationship of Diabetes Mellitus to Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Jacobi Oded , Landman Yosef , Reinhorn Daniel , Icht Oded , Sternschuss Michal , Rotem Ofer , Finkel Inbar , Allen Aaron M. , Dudnik Elizabeth , Goldstein Daniel A. , Zer Alona
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are the new standard therapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC). Metformin, previously associated with improved chemotherapy efficacy in diabetic and nondiabetic cancer patients, was recently associated with increased ICI efficacy. In this study, we aimed to explore the correlations between diabetes mellitus (DM), metformin use, and benefit from ICI in mNSCLC patients. Methods: All mNSCLC patients treated with ICI in our center between February 2015 and April 2018 were identified. Demographic and clinical data were extracted retrospectively. Cox proportional hazards regression, t tests, and χ2 tests were employed to evaluate associations of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR), with DM status, metformin use, and HbA1c levels, as appropriate. Results: Of 249 mNSCLC patients treated with ICI, 57 (22.8%) had DM. Thirty-seven (64.9% of all diabetic patients) patients were treated with metformin. A significant negative correlation of DM with PFS and OS was demonstrated (HR 1.5 [1.01–2.06], p = 0.011, and HR 1.5 [1.08–2.08], p = 0.017, respectively). Metformin exposure had no significant correlation with PFS or OS in diabetic mNSCLC patients (HR 1.08 [0.61–1.93], p = 0.79, and HR 1.29 [0.69–2.39], p = 0.42, respectively). There were no differences between groups with respect to ORR and DCR. Conclusion: Our data show a potential negative relationship between DM and ICI efficacy in mNSCLC patients. In contrast to reports with chemotherapy, we found no positive relationship between metformin use and ICI therapy in diabetic patients with mNSCLC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of metformin in nondiabetic mNSCLC patients.
The Impact of Hypo- and Hyperglycemia on Cognition and Brain Development in Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Nevo-Shenker Michal , Shalitin Shlomit
Published: July 2021

Human and experimental animal data suggest both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can lead to altered brain structure and neurocognitive function in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Young children with T1D are prone to extreme fluctuations in glucose levels. The overlap of these potential dysglycemic insults to the brain during the time of most active brain and cognitive development may cause cellular and structural injuries that appear to persist into adult life. Brain structure and cognition in persons with T1D are influenced by age of onset, exposure to glycemic extremes such as severe hypoglycemic episodes, history of diabetic ketoacidosis, persistent hyperglycemia, and glucose variability. Studies using brain imaging techniques have shown brain changes that appear to be influenced by metabolic abnormalities characteristic of diabetes, changes apparent at diagnosis and persistent throughout adulthood. Some evidence suggests that brain injury might also directly contribute to psychological and mental health outcomes. Neurocognitive deficits manifest across multiple cognitive domains. Moreover, impaired executive function and mental health can affect patients’ adherence to treatment. This review summarizes the current data on the impact of glycemic extremes on brain structure and cognitive function in youth with T1D and the use of new diabetes technologies that may reduce these complications.
Three-Layered Optic Disc Hemorrhages in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Sverdlichenko Irina , Micieli Jonathan A.
Published: July 2021

Papilledema related to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) may present with optic disc hemorrhaging. The significance and characteristics of these hemorrhages still remains to be clarified. Here, we present 2 unique cases with severe unilateral optic disc hemorrhaging in all 3 retinal layers (preretinal, intraretinal, and subretinal) and a good visual outcome. A 42- and a 44-year-old woman presented with signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. Visual acuity was normal and Humphrey visual field testing showed only mild vision loss with enlarged blind spots. Dilated fundus examination revealed moderate papilledema in both eyes with severe optic disc hemorrhaging in the left eye in the first patient and the right eye in the second patient. The optic disc hemorrhaging occurred in all 3 retinal layers (preretinal, intraretinal, and subretinal), and the fellow eyes had only minimal hemorrhage. All patients had normal magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance venography, and lumbar punctures revealed elevated opening pressures and normal cerebrospinal fluid contents. The papilledema resolved after 4 months in both cases with medical therapy. Optic disc hemorrhaging may be severe in patients with IIH, but this does not necessarily confer a poor visual outcome. The differential diagnosis of hemorrhages in all 3 retinal layers may be expanded to include IIH.
Maternal Diet During Pregnancy and COVID-19 Susceptibility of Offspring: The “Thrifty Phenotype Hypothesis” Connection
Authors:   Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Deocaris Custer , Alinsug Malona ,   Mindanao State University-General Santos City, Philippines
Published: July 2021

There is accumulating evidence suggesting that ACE2, the host cell receptor for the spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2, mediates viral entry and infection, is under epigenetic control. Here, we discuss studies suggesting a nutritional strategy for down-regulating ACE2 expression in tissues of offspring through the phenomenon of maternal epigenomic reprogramming mediated by maternal diet. The "thrifty hypothesis" was first proposed by Hales and Barker, which posits that specific genes are programmed based on early-life experience to promote efficient fat deposition and storage in adulthood. Our analysis of the proposed mechanism for "early life programming" in this paper via nutritional modulation of histone acetylation and DNA methylation goes beyond the physiological consequence of boosting the innate cellular resistance to a viral transmission. During the pandemic, where there is still no specific antiviral drug or a widely disseminated vaccine for COVID-19, we hypothesize that an epigenomic nutrition approach may be a practical approach to help mitigate viral transmission offspring.
Effect of alkaline protease produced from fish waste as substrate by Bacillus clausii on destaining of blood stained fabric
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Rathnavel Subramaniam College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, India. sarankumaribs@gmail.com., Kumari Saravana , R Reshma ,   Research Scholar, Department of Microbiology, Sree Narayana Guru College, Coimbatore, India
Published: July 2021

Alkaline protease or peptidases are the largest groups of enzymes in the biological industry with a variety of application in manufacturing units used in the process of substrate stabilization, dehairing, diagnosis, extraction, food production, destaining, etc., where the pH of the environmental conditions remain above neutral pH. Because of these wider applications of alkaline proteases in industries, their demand is increasing to compete with their chemical counterpart. An alkaline tolerant bacterial strain Bacillus clausii wasisolated from fish waste and used for mass production of alkaline protease using fish waste homogenate as media. Preliminary study on optimization of conditions for the mass production carried out. The optimum temperature for production ranges between 25°C and 35°C and pH determined as 9. The mass production of extracellular alkaline protease carried out using mobilized and immobilized cells of B. clausii at optimized condition using production media, the mixture of production media and fish waste homogenate and in nutrient broth. The recorded results showed that the maximum enzyme production obtained with immobilized cells in nutrient broth media and followed by fish waste homogenate media of 8900 U/ml and 8600 U/ml. Purification protease enzyme yielded 0.35 g/ml from the production media . Bloodstained cloth treated with immobilized enzyme removed the stain completely compared to treatment with non-immobilized enzyme and commercially used detergent. So, the current study suggests the usage of microbial alkaline protease in household detergents to replace the usage of synthetic detergents and save the environment from chemical pollutants.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) in Outcome Prediction After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and the Role of Machine Learning
Authors: Gaastra Ben , Barron Peter , Newitt Laura , Chhugani Simran , Turner Carole , Kirkpatrick Peter , MacArthur Ben , Galea Ian , Bulters Diederik
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Outcome prediction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is challenging. CRP (C-reactive protein) has been reported to be associated with outcome, but it is unclear if this is independent of other predictors and applies to aSAH of all grades. Therefore, the role of CRP in aSAH outcome prediction models is unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess if CRP is an independent predictor of outcome after aSAH, develop new prognostic models incorporating CRP, and test whether these can be improved by application of machine learning.

Methods:

This was an individual patient-level analysis of data from patients within 72 hours of aSAH from 2 prior studies. A panel of statistical learning methods including logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machines were used to assess the relationship between CRP and modified Rankin Scale. Models were compared with the full Subarachnoid Hemmorhage International Trialists’ (SAHIT) prediction tool of outcome after aSAH and internally validated using cross-validation.

Results:

One thousand and seventeen patients were included for analysis. CRP on the first day after ictus was an independent predictor of outcome. The full SAHIT model achieved an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.831. Addition of CRP to the predictors of the full SAHIT model improved model performance (AUC, 0.846,
P
=0.01). This improvement was not enhanced when learning was performed using a random forest (AUC, 0.807), but was with a support vector machine (AUC of 0.960,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

CRP is an independent predictor of outcome after aSAH. Its inclusion in prognostic models improves performance, although the magnitude of improvement is probably insufficient to be relevant clinically on an individual patient level, and of more relevance in research. Greater improvements in model performance are seen with support vector machines but these models have the highest classification error rate on internal validation and require external validation and calibration.
Prediction of Independent Walking in People Who Are Nonambulatory Early After Stroke
Authors: Preston Elisabeth , Ada Louise , Stanton Rosalyn , Mahendran Niruthikha , Dean Catherine M.
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

One systematic review has examined factors that predict walking outcome at one month in initially nonambulatory patients after stroke. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine, in nonambulatory people within a month of stroke, which factors predict independent walking at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Methods:

Prognostic factors: Any factors measured within one month after stroke with the aim of predicting independent walking. Outcome of interest: Independent walking defined as walking with or without an aid but with no human assistance.

Results:

Fifteen studies comprising 2344 nonambulatory participants after stroke were included. Risk of bias was low in 7 studies and moderate in 8 studies. Individual meta-analyses of 2 to 4 studies were performed to calculate the pooled estimate of the odds ratio for 12 prognostic factors. Younger age (odds ratio [OR], 3.4,
P
<0.001), an intact corticospinal tract (OR, 8.3,
P
<0.001), good leg strength (OR, 5.0,
P
<0.001), no cognitive impairment (OR, 3.5,
P
<0.001), no neglect (OR, 2.4,
P
=0.006), continence (OR, 2.3,
P
<0.001), good sitting (OR, 7.9,
P
<0.001), and independence in activities of daily living (OR 10.5,
P
<0.001) predicted independent walking at 3 months. Younger age (OR, 2.1,
P
<0.001), continence (OR, 13.8,
P
<0.001), and good sitting (OR, 19.1,
P
<0.001) predicted independent walking at 6 months. There were insufficient data at 12 months.

Conclusions:

Younger age, an intact corticospinal tract, good leg strength, continence, no cognitive impairment, no neglect, good sitting, and independence in activities of daily living in patients who are nonambulatory early after stroke predict independent walking at 3 months.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
; Unique identifier: CRD42018108794.
Australian Resource Reviews: Manganese Ore 2020
Authors: Summerfield Daisy
Published: July 2021

Statistics and commentary on Australia's manganese ore reserves and mineral resources, including information on current exploration, known deposits and operating mines.
An assessment on genus Laristania Amsel, 1951 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae) and a new species from Turkey
Authors: AKIN KESRAN , SEVEN ERDEM
Published: July 2021

Laristania beyarslani sp. nov., a new species of Phycitinae (Pyralidae) from Turkey, is described herein, and compared with other known species of the genus Laristania Amsel, 1951. The distribution area of all Laristania species and assessment on the morphology of some species are presented. Habitus, male and female genitalia of the new species are illustrated. The male genitalia of all species in the genus are compared. Besides, photos of adult, male and female genitalia of L. taftanella (Amsel, 1954), and adult and male genitalia of L. aspergella (Ragonot, 1887) are provided.
Benefaction, gratitude, and reciprocity within the Bible
Authors: Mohrmann Douglas C.
Published: July 2021

Gratitude as a response to benefactions is manifest variously in social interactions as remembered by biblical narratives. Attention to key vocabulary, which was particularly developed in the patron-client relationships of the Graeco-Roman cultures, is fruitfully joined with attention to gestures, postures, public settings, and other non-verbal modes of communication to witness how gratitude was an essential to these relationships. This article explores several stories from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to discern how the reciprocity of benefaction and gratitude operated. It will also describe how Divine benefaction and human gratitude shared significant similarities with these expressions of reciprocity.