bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unified elastoplastic framework for the volumetric behavior of unsaturated soils during drained, undrained, and static compaction tests
Authors: Rojas Eduardo
Published: February 2022

When unsaturated soils are subjected to drained or undrained compression tests, they approach the saturated compression line with different slopes. During compression, four main phenomena occur in these materials: first, with the reduction in volume, the degree of saturation increases; second, with the reduction in the size of pores, the soil-water retention curve shifts on the axis of suction; third, these two phenomena produce an increase in the suction stress; and finally, this increase in suction stress produces a certain amount of collapse on the sample. In this paper, a unified elastoplastic framework is developed and coupled to a hydraulic model to simulate the volumetric behavior of unsaturated soils under different stress paths. This approach is based on a single equation with singled values for the compression and recompression indexes, resulting in a unified compression theory for soils. The comparison between experimental and numerical results shows the pertinence of the model.
On the “Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity in four dimension”
Authors: Cao Li-Ming , Wu Liang-Bi
Published: February 2022

To ensure the existence of a well defined linearized gravitational wave equation, we show that the spacetimes in the so-called “Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity in four dimension” have to be locally conformally flat.
Coupled micromechanical resonator for mass detection
Authors: Yu Hong , Wang Min , Mao Shihan , Chen Ying , Lei Shuangying
Published: February 2022

A resonator composed of two coupled doubly-clamped beams is fabricated and used as a mass sensor. Five mass blocks made of IP-L780 photoresist are printed on each resonator beam by 3D microprinting technology as mass loading. The minimum mass which the sensor can detect is as low as 10 ng. The experimental results show that the asymmetric resonant mode of this resonator has a higher Q factor than the symmetric mode when doing mass detection. The responsivity of the coupled resonator for the mass sensing reaches 58.5 Hz/ng.
Mechanisms of Behavior Change in Substance Use Disorder With and Without Formal Treatment
Authors: Witkiewitz Katie , Pfund Rory A. , Tucker Jalie A.
Published: February 2022

This article provides a narrative review of studies that examined mechanisms of behavior change in substance use disorder. Several mechanisms have some support, including self-efficacy, craving, protective behavioral strategies, and increasing substance-free rewards, whereas others have minimal support (e.g., motivation, identity). The review provides recommendations for expanding the research agenda for studying mechanisms of change, including designs to manipulate putative change mechanisms, measurement approaches that expand the temporal units of analysis during change efforts, more studies of change outside of treatment, and analytic approaches that move beyond mediation tests. The dominant causal inference approach that focuses on treatment and individuals as change agents could be expanded to include a molar behavioral approach that focuses on patterns of behavior in temporally extended environmental contexts. Molar behavioral approaches may advance understanding of how recovery from substance use disorder is influenced by broader contextual features, community-level variables, and social determinants of health.
From the Editor: Transitions and Interfaces
Authors: Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: February 2022

I am pleased and honored to serve as the new editor of Interface. In many respects, the challenges and responsibilities that come with the editorship of this magazine have been made easier by the hard work of my predecessors, Paul Kohl, Lee Hunt, and Jan Talbot.
Free Radicals: An Obituary for “Curiosity-Driven” R&D
Authors: Woodall Jerry
Published: February 2022

There has been a “death” in our family — our family of scientists and engineers. It has gone almost unnoticed. Unnoticed because it was slow (and tragic). Unnoticed even though there was much rhetoric associated with the circumstances surrounding its passage, including expressions like: need for relevance, need for market driven R&D, strategic R&D, etc.
Angiotensin receptor blocker alleviates liver fibrosis by altering the mechanotransduction properties of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Huang Zisheng , Khalifa Mahmoud Osman , Li Peilin , Huang Yu , Gu Weili , Li Tao-Sheng
Published: February 2022

Our ex vivo and in vivo experiments clearly indicated that low-dose losartan alleviated liver fibrosis, likely by modulating the mechanotransduction properties of HSCs. Uncovering the biomechanical signaling pathway of ARB treatment on liver fibrosis will be helpful to develop novel molecular targeting therapy for liver diseases.
Evaluation of oropharyngeal deglutitive pressure dynamics in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Szczesniak Michal. M. , Omari Taher I. , Lam Thomas Y. , Wong Marc , Mok Vincent. C. T. , Wu Justin C. Y. , Chiu Philip W. Y. , Yuen Margaret T. Y. , Tsang Raymond K. , Cock Charles , Sung Joseph J. , Wu Peter
Published: February 2022

In Parkinson’s disease, objective assessment of swallow function with high-resolution impedance manometry identifies upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction leading to increased flow resistance.
Molecular identification and postprandial regulation of glucose carrier proteins in the hindgut of Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stoutii
Authors: Weinrauch Alyssa M. , Clifford Alexander M. , Folkerts Erik J. , Schaefer Christina M. , Giacomin Marina , Goss Greg G.
Published: February 2022

Hagfish are an excellent model species in which to draw inferences on the evolution of transport systems in early vertebrates owing to their basal position in vertebrate phylogeny. Glucose is a ubiquitous cellular energy source that is transported into cells via two classes of carrier proteins: sodium-glucose-linked transporters (Sglt; Slc5a) and glucose transporters (Glut; Slc2a). Although previous pharmacological evidence has suggested the presence of both sodium-dependent and -independent transport mechanisms in the hagfish, the molecular identities were heretofore unconfirmed. We have identified and phylogenetically characterized both a Slc5a1-like and Slc2a-like gene in the Pacific hagfish ( Eptatretus stoutii), the latter sharing common ancestry with other glucose-transporting isoforms of the Slc2a family. To assess the potential postprandial regulation of these glucose transporters, we examined the abundance and localization of these transporters with qPCR and immunohistochemistry alongside functional studies using radiolabeled d-[14C]glucose. The effects of glucose or insulin injection on glucose transport rate and transporter expression were also examined to determine their potential role(s) in the regulation of intestinal glucose carrier proteins. Feeding prompted an increase in glucose uptake across the hindgut at both 0.5 mM (∼84%) and 1 mM (∼183%) concentrations. Concomitant increases were observed in hindgut Slc5a1 protein expression. These effects were not observed following either of glucose or insulin injection, indicating these postprandial factors are not the driving force for transporter regulation over this timeframe. We conclude that Pacific hagfish utilize evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of glucose uptake and so represent a useful model to understand early-vertebrate evolution of glucose uptake and regulation.
Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain: a potential diagnostic biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Heckler Ilana , Venkataraman Iswariya
Published: February 2022

Neuroaxonal damage is a feature of various neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) is a cytoskeletal structural protein released as a result of axonal damage into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and subsequently into the blood. Due to high specificity for neuronal cell damage, pNfH is advantageous over other biomarkers, for ALS disease identification. Here, we review the structure and function of neurofilaments and their role in detection of various neurodegenerative conditions. In addition, a retrospective meta-analysis was performed to depict the significance of pNfH as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in ALS.
Learning Enhanced Feature Responses for Visual Object Tracking
Authors: Zhang Runqing , Fan Chunxiao , Ming Yue
Published: February 2022

Visual object tracking is an important topic in computer vision, which has successfully utilized pretrained convolutional neural networks, such as VGG and ResNet. However, the features extracted by these pretrained models are high dimensional, and the redundant feature channels reduce target localization and scale estimation precision, leading to tracking drifting. In this paper, a novel visual object tracking method, called learning enhanced feature responses tracking (LEFRT), is proposed, which adopts the target-specific features to enhance target localization and scale estimation responses. First, a channel attention module, called target-specific network (TSNet), is presented to reduce the redundant feature channels. Secondly, the scale estimation network (SCENet) is introduced to extract spatial structural features to generate a more precise response for the scale estimation. Extensive experiments on six tracking benchmarks, including LaSOT, GOT-10k, TrackingNet, OTB-2013, OTB-2015, and TC-128, demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the precision and speed of visual object tracking. LEFRT achieves 90.4% precision and a 71.2% success rate on the OTB-2015 dataset, improving the tracking methods based on the pretrained features.
Experimental Study of Measuring Algorithm Accuracy of the Electromagnetic Distance Measurement Anticollision Tool
Authors: Li Cui , Li Lei , Zhao Yuzheng , Zhang Ruichao , Sun Yuanwei
Published: February 2022

In order to prevent collision of complex structure well, accurate measurement of the distance of adjacent wells must be required during the development of the unconventional reservoir. The precision of the traditional survey tools and scanning software is not accurate enough. Based on the electromagnetic anticollision measuring calculation method, the electromagnetic anticollision detection tool was designed and simulation experiments were carried out. The influence of different position relations between sensor and casing on magnetic field strength detected by the sensor was analyzed. When the sensor and the casing were parallel and the distance of them was 0.5 m∼3 m, the tool could calculate accurately the distance and orientation of the adjoining well. When the angle between the sensor and the casing was within 50°, the calculation result was accurate. This research result validated the accuracy of the principle of the electromagnetic anticollision tool while drilling cluster well, and it could provide theoretical support for the development of electromagnetic detection tools.
Qufeng Xuanbi Formula Ameliorates Airway Remodeling in Asthmatic Mice by Suppressing Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation through MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Bohan , Tang Lingling , Shi Suofang , Yang Ying , Sun Xianhong , Zhang Xiaona , Liu Chunyang , Liu Li
Published: February 2022

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease. The Qufeng Xuanbi formula (QFXBF), a Chinese herbal decoction, has shown efficacy in the management of asthma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of QFXBF in the treatment of asthma both in vitro and in vivo. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation and MTT assays were used to explore the effects of QFXBF on the proliferation of ASMCs. Moreover, 40 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, ovalbumin (OVA) group, high QFXBF group, low QFXBF group, and dexamethasone (DEX) group (n = 8 per group). A mouse allergic asthma model was established using the intranasally administered OVA sensitization method. Morphological changes in the lung tissue were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson’s trichrome staining. Finally, the protein expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-MEK1/2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK1/2), phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK1/2), and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in ASMCs and lung tissue were determined by western blotting and immunofluorescent staining assays. PDGF significantly increased the viability of ASMCs. Compared with mice in the control group, the airway walls and airway smooth muscle of mice in the OVA group were thickened, and the number of inflammatory cells around the bronchus significantly increased. Moreover, the administration of QFXBF markedly inhibited the proliferation of ASMCs and alleviated the pathological changes induced by OVA. Furthermore, the protein expressions of p-ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, PCNA, and α-SMA were significantly increased in OVA-treated mice and PDGF-treated ASMCs. Finally, treatment with QFXBF also significantly decreased the protein expression of p-ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, α-SMA, and PCNA. QFXBF inhibited the proliferation of ASMCs by suppressing MEK/ERK signaling in PDGF-induced ASMCs and OVA-induced mice.
Using Competitive Binary Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Matching Sensor Ontologies
Authors: Xiao Lei , Feng Junhong , Niu Xishuan , Wang Jian-Hong
Published: February 2022

Developing sensor ontologies and using them to annotate the sensor data is a feasible way to address the data heterogeneity issue on Internet of Things (IoT). However, the heterogeneity issue exists between different sensor ontologies hampers their communications. Sensor ontology matching aims at finding all the heterogeneous entities in two ontologies, which is a feasible solution for aggregating heterogeneous sensor ontologies. This work investigates swarm intelligence (SI)-based sensor ontology matching techniques and further proposes a competitive binary particle swarm optimization algorithm (CBPSO)-based sensor ontology matching technique. In particular, a guiding matrix (GM) is proposed to ensure the population’s diversity and a competitive evolutionary framework is presented. The experiment uses ontology alignment evaluation initiative (OAEI)’s benchmark and three real sensor ontologies to test CBPSO’s performance. The experimental results show that the competitive evolutionary framework is able to help CBPSO effectively optimize the alignment’s quality, and it significantly outperforms other SIs at 5% significant level.
A Parametric Analysis of the Effect of Hybrid Nanoparticles on the Flow Field and Homogeneous-Heterogeneous Reaction between Squeezing Plates
Authors: Jan Wajid Ullah , Farooq Muhammad , Khan Aamir , Alharbi Asma , Ali Shah Rehan , Jan Rashid , Ahmed Idris Sahar
Published: February 2022

Different strategies have been utilized by investigators with the intention of upgrading the thermal characteristics of ordinary liquids like water and kerosene oil. The focus is currently on hybrid nanomaterials since they are more efficient than nanofluids, so as to increase the thermal conductivity of fluids and mixtures. In a similar manner, this investigation is performed with the aim of breaking down the consistent mixed convection flow close to a two-dimensional unstable flow between two squeezing plates with homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction in the presence of hybrid nanoparticles of the porous medium. A sustainable suspension in the ethylene glycol with water is set by dissolving inorganic substances, iron oxide

Fe

3

O

4

and cobalt (Co), to form

Fe

3

O

4

−
Co
/

C

2

H

6

O

2

−

H

2

O

hybrid nanofluid. The numerical and analytical model portraying the fluid flow has been planned, and similitude conditions have been determined with the assistance of the same transformations. The shooting technique has been used to solve nonlinear numerical solution. To check the validity of the results obtained from the shooting mode, the Matlab built-in function BVP4c and Mathematica built-in function homotopy analysis method (HAM) are used. The influence of rising parameters on velocity, temperature, skin friction factor, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number is evaluated with the help of graphs and tables. It has been found in this work that to acquire a productive thermal framework, the hybrid nanoparticles should be considered instead of a single sort of nanoparticles. In addition, the velocities of both the hybrid nanofluids and simple nanofluids are upgraded by the mixed convection boundary, whereas they are decreased by the porosity. An augmentation in volumetric fraction of nanoparticles correlates to an increment in the heat transmission rate. It is also found that heat transfer rate for

Fe

3

O

4

−
Co
/

C

2

H

6

O

2

−

H

2

O

hybrid nanofluids (HNF) is better than that of the

Fe

3

O

4

−

C

2

H

6

O

2

−

H

2

O

of single nanofluids (SNF). This research shows that hybrid nanofluids play a significant part in the transfer of heat and in the distribution of nanofluids at higher temperatures.
Unraveling the Mystery of COVID-19 Postvaccination Myocarditis: A Systematic Review of Current Cases
Authors: Ghoshouni Hamed , Bagherieh Sara , Parvizinia Mohammad , Askari Mozhde , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: February 2022

From the early stages of the pandemic, the development and mass production of a safe and effective vaccine seemed like the greatest tool, to win the fight against the virus. In the present study, we comprehensively conducted a systematic review of all current cases worldwide to better understand whether there is a link between COVID-19 vaccination and one of the most devastating complications, cardiac Inflammation. Our search retrieved over 250 results, of which 130 met the inclusion criteria, and their respective data were extracted. The results suggest that postvaccination myocarditis and pericarditis are more likely to be seen in male, younger, and mRNA-vaccinated individuals. Most affected patients experienced symptoms following the second shot, and complaint of chest pain was the most prevalent presentation. Currently, no direct link can be drawn between the vaccines and the risk of cardiac inflammation.
A Novel Artificial Neural Network-Based Biomechanical Research on Elbow Injury of Tennis Serve
Authors: Zhu Jiaju , Zhang Meng
Published: February 2022

Tennis is a sport with a large age span. Its technology is complex. Factors such as tennis racket and service position will affect the effect of players holding the ball, but often the service posture and strength will affect the players’ elbow tendon. Once the service posture is wrong or the strength is too strong, it will cause irreversible damage to players. Therefore, the study of artificial neural network training on tennis elbow injury is of great significance. Based on artificial neural network, this paper studies the biomechanics of elbow injury in tennis service. Firstly, this paper expounds the concept and characteristics of tennis service technology and studies the injury of tennis players’ elbow. Then this paper studies the artificial neural network technology and uses the experimental comparison method to test the force generated by the two groups of tennis players from different angles. The results show that, in the professional group, the forearm is in the internal rotation state before and after hitting the ball, while the beginner group is generally in the external rotation state. It can be inferred that, under the constant collision force, the reversal force absorbed by the beginner group in the swing process is greater than that of the professional group, which will increase the load of the supinator muscle on the antipronation, which will damage the supinator muscle, which is also one of the causes of the “tennis elbow” disease.
Prediction of Computer Network Security Situation Based on Association Rules Mining
Authors: Xue Rixin , Tang Peng , Fang Shudong
Published: February 2022

Traditional NSSA (network security situational awareness) systems have significant equipment limitations, poor data fusion capabilities, and a low level of analysis and evaluation, making them difficult to adapt to large-scale and complex network environments. This paper proposes the study of computer NSS (network security situation) prediction technology based on AR (association rules) mining to solve this problem. The support-confidence framework is improved by introducing an interest evaluation standard, and the value of AR is re-evaluated, based on a discussion of traditional concepts and algorithms related to AR mining. The MFP-interest algorithm proposed in this paper is a combination of alarm AR template and interest degree. The MFP-interest algorithm was put to the test. We discovered that the MFP-interest algorithm can effectively predict NSS and indicate its development trend when run in a real-world network environment. Most time points have a relative error range of less than 0.035.
An Effective Route for the Growth of Multilayer MoS2 by Combining Chemical Vapor Deposition and Wet Chemistry
Authors: Almohaimeed Ziyad M. , Karamat Shumaila , Akram Rizwan , Sarwar Saira , Javaid Asad , Oral Ahmet
Published: February 2022

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is an actively pursuing material of the 2D family due to its semiconducting characteristics, making it a potential candidate for nano and optoelectronics application. MoS2 growth from molybdenum and sulphur precursors by chemical vapor depositions (CVD) is used widely, but molybdates’ conversion into MoS2 via CVD is overlooked previously. Direct growth of MoS2 on the desired pattern not only reduces the interfacial defects but also reduces the complexities in device fabrication. In this work, we combine the wet synthesis and chemical vapor deposition method where sodium molybdate and L-cysteine are used to make a solution. With the dip coating, the mixture is coated on the substrates, and then, chemical vapor deposition is used to convert the chemicals into MoS2. Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of oxysulphides (peaks number value) other than

A

1
g

and

E

2
g

1

, where heat treatment was performed in the presence of Ar gas flow only. On the other hand, the films reducing in the presence of sulphur and argon gas promote only

A

1
g

and

E

2
g

1

peaks of MoS2, which confirms complete transformation. XRD diffraction showed a very small change in the diffraction peaks and value of strain, whereas SEM imaging showed the flakes formation for MoS2 samples which were heated in the presence of sulphur. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is also performed for the chemical composition and to understand the valence state of Mo, S, and O and other species.
Throughput Fairness for Wireless Powered Cognitive Hybrid Active-Passive Communications
Authors: Fu Shuang , Ding Chenyang , Jiang Peng
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we consider a backscatter communication (BackCom)-based cognitive network that consists of one primary transmitter, one primary receiver, multiple secondary transmitters (STs), and one secondary receiver (SR). Each ST operates in the BackCom or energy harvesting model. Our goal is to jointly optimize the energy harvesting and backscatter time, the transmit power of the primary transmitter, and the power reflection coefficient of each ST to maximize the sum throughput of all the STs under a nonlinear energy harvesting model while satisfying multiple constraints, i.e., the energy causality of each ST, the quality of service of the primary transmitter, etc. The formulated problem is nonconvex due to the coupled variables and is hard to solve. In order to address this problem, we decouple partially coupled variables by using the properties of the objective function and constructing auxiliary variables, and the remaining coupled variables are decoupled via successive convex approximation (SCA). On this basis, a SCA-based iterative algorithm is developed to solve the formulated problem. Simulation results are provided to support our work.
Sesame Oil Ameliorates Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Fatty Liver Grade in Women with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Undergoing Low-Calorie Diet: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Atefi Masoumeh , Entezari Mohammad Hassan , Vahedi Hamid , Hassanzadeh Akbar
Published: February 2022

Background. The type and amount of dietary fats play an important role in fat accumulation in the liver. Sesame oil (SO) is a good source of monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Objective. This trial aimed at examining the effect of SO consumption on the levels of liver enzymes and the severity of fatty liver in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) undergoing a weight loss diet. Methods. This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to the SO group (n = 30) and sunflower oil (SFO) group (n = 30), each person consuming 30 grams of oil per day for 12 weeks. All the participants received a hypocaloric diet (−500 kcal/day) during the study. Fatty liver grade and liver enzymes were assessed at pre- and postintervention phases. Results. 53 patients completed the study. Significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and fatty liver grade were observed in both groups (

P
<
0.05

). Following SO, significant decreases in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT) were observed. After adjusting for confounders, ALT, AST, and fatty liver grade of the SO group were significantly reduced compared to the SFO group (

P
<
0.05

). However, the changes in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were not significant (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusions. The desired effects of weight loss were reinforced by the consumption of SO through improving fatty liver severity and serum ALT and AST levels in NAFLD patients. Moreover, low-calorie diets may lead to favorable outcomes for NAFLD patients through mitigation of obesity and fatty liver grade.
Identification of Synovial Fibroblast-Associated Neuropeptide Genes and m6A Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Single-Cell Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Xiao Jianwei , Cai Xu , Wang Rongsheng , Zhou Weijian , Ye Zhizhong
Published: February 2022

Objectives. Synovial fibroblasts (SFs) play an important role in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the pathogenic mechanism of SFs remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate how neuropeptides and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) played an important role in the underlying pathogenic processes of SFs that contribute to the development of RA. Methods. Single-cell RNA sequencing data were examined using single-cell analysis and machine learning. SF subgroups were identified based on the clustering and annotation results of the single-cell analysis. Moreover, cell–cell communication was used to analyse neuropeptide-related receptor and ligand pairs on the surface of SF cell membranes. Machine learning was used to explore the m6A factors acting on these neuropeptide genes. Results. NPR3, GHR, BDKRB2, and CALCRL, four neuropeptide genes, were shown to be differently expressed among SF subgroups. Further investigation of receptor–ligand interactions found that NPR3 (in conjunction with NPPC, OSTN, NPPB, and NPPA) and GHR (in conjunction with GH1 and GH2) may have a role in SF interactions. As predicted by machine learning, IGFBP2 and METTL3 were identified as key factors regulating m6A of NPR3 and GHR. The expression levels and enrichment pathways of METTL3 and IGFBP2 were different among SF subgroups. Conclusions. Single-cell analysis and machine learning efficiently identified neuropeptide genes and m6A factors that perform important regulatory functions in RA. Our strategy may provide a basis for future studies to identify pathogenic cell subpopulations and molecular mechanisms in RA and other diseases.
Prospective Longitudinal Characterization of the Relationship between Diabetes and Cardiac Structural and Functional Changes
Authors: Chowdhary Amrit , Jex Nicholas , Thirunavukarasu Sharmaine , MacCannell Amanda , Haywood Natalie , Almutairi Altaf , Athithan Lavanya , Jain Manali , Craven Thomas , Das Arka , Sharrack Noor , Saunderson Christopher E. D. , Sengupta Anshuman , Roberts Lee , Swoboda Peter , Cubbon Richard , Witte Klaus , Greenwood John , Plein Sven , Levelt Eylem
Published: February 2022

Objectives. In a cohort of type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients who underwent baseline cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and biomarker testing, during a median follow-up of 6 years, we aimed to determine longitudinal changes in the phenotypic expression of heart disease in diabetes, report clinical outcomes, and compare baseline clinical characteristics and CMR findings of patients who experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) to those remaining MACE free. Background. T2D increases the risk of heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular mortality. The long-term impact of T2D on cardiac phenotype in the absence of cardiovascular disease and other clinical events is unknown. Methods. Patients with T2D (n = 100) with no history of cardiovascular disease or hypertension were recruited at baseline. Biventricular volumes, function, and myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were assessed by CMR, and blood biomarkers were taken. Follow-up CMR was repeated in those without interim clinical events after 6 years. Results. Follow-up was successful in 83 participants. Of those, 29 experienced cardiovascular/clinical events (36%). Of the remaining 59, 32 patients who experienced no events received follow-up CMR. In this cohort, despite no significant changes in blood pressure, weight, or glycated hemoglobin, significant reductions in biventricular end-diastolic volumes and ejection fractions occurred over time. The mean ECV was unchanged. Baseline plasma high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was significantly associated with a change in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. Patients who experienced MACE had higher LV mass and greater LV concentricity than those who remained event free. Conclusions. T2D results in reductions in biventricular size and systolic function over time even in the absence of cardiovascular/clinical events.
A UAV Detection and Tracking Algorithm Based on Image Feature Super-Resolution
Authors: Li Bin , Qiu Shi , Jiang Wei , Zhang Wei , Le Mingnan
Published: February 2022

UAV is difficult to detect by visual methods at a long distance, so a UAV detection and tracking algorithm is proposed based on image super-resolution. Firstly, a saliency transformation algorithm is built to focus on the suspected area. Then, a generative adversarial network is established on the basis of ROI to realize the super-resolution of weak targets and restore the high-resolution details of target features. Finally, the cooperative attention module is built to recognize and track UAV. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm has strong robustness.
[Retracted] Preparation of Ti Material Supported SBA‐15 Functionalized with Sulfonic Acid Environmental Friendly Catalyst: Application for Esterification Process
Authors: Kalakuntala Raju , Mekala Mallaiah , Chirra Suman , Narayanan Venkatathri , Kakara Vighneswara Rao , Suranani Srinath
Published: February 2022

Kinetics of catalytic esterification between propionic acid and n‐butanol has been studied in a batch reactor by using a Ti‐supported SBA‐15 catalyst with sulfonic acid. The synthesized catalyst is used to test the efficacy of catalyst for esterification reaction. The SBA‐15 acidity is tied to incorporation of Ti and ‐SO3H groups through and the use of Si/Ti with Si/S molar ratios. The results are mesoporous materials with a typical hexagonal structure of the Ti SBA‐15 and wide areas and high pore diameters that are operated with sulfonic groups. The addition of SBA to Ti leads mainly to catalytic materials with Bronsted and Lewis acid sites. Ti SBA‐15 is the most effective catalyst for sulfonic acid, with the highest consents of Lewis acid sites and deactivation resistance and low hydrophilicity. The effect of temperature, catalyst amount, and molar ratio on reaction kinetics has been studied. The conversion of propionic acid is found to be 91% at 115°C at a 2 : 1 ratio of n‐butanol to propionic acid molars with 2% of sulfonic acid supported Ti SBA‐15. The Eley‐Rideal kinetic model is used to fit the experimental data. The activation energy and kinetic factor are found to be 29.63 kJ mol–1 and ko 0.549 L2 g-1 mol-1, respectively.
Survival Estimation, Prognostic Factors Evaluation, and Prognostic Prediction Nomogram Construction of Breast Cancer Patients with Bone Metastasis in the Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor: A Single Center Experience of 8 Years in Tianjin, China
Authors: Xu Yao , Wu Haixiao , Xu Guijun , Yin Zhuming , Wang Xin , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Peltzer Karl , Li Shu , Li Huiyang , Zhang Jin , Ma Wenjuan , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2022

Purpose. Bone metastasis in breast cancer remains globally concerned. Accurate survival estimation would be beneficial for clinical decision-making, especially for the patients with potential indications of surgery. Based on a retrospective cohort from China, the study aimed to construct a prognostic prediction nomogram for breast cancer patients with bone metastasis. Methods. Breast cancer patients with bone metastasis diagnosed between 2009 and 2017 in our department were retrospectively selected. The total cohort was divided into construction and validation cohorts (ratio 7 : 3). A nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of survival, and the performance of model was validated. Results. A total of 343 patients were enrolled with 243 and 100 patients in construction and validation cohorts, respectively. The median overall survival for the total cohort was 63.2 (95% CI: 52.4–74.0) months. Elevated ALP (HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.16–2.51;

P
=
0.006

), no surgery for breast cancer (HR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.30–3.70;

P
=
0.003

), synchronous bone metastasis (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.22–3.22;

P
=
0.006

), and liver metastasis (HR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.20–2.37;

P
=
0.003

) were independent prognostic factors for worse survival. The independent predictors and other five factors (including age at diagnosis, ER status, PR status, Her-2 status, and the performance of bisphosphonate) were incorporated to construct the nomogram. The C-index was 0.714 (95% CI: 0.636–0.792) and 0.705 (95% CI: 0.705) in the construction cohort and validation cohort, respectively. All the calibration curves were close to the 45-degree line, which indicated satisfactory calibration. Conclusion. A retrospective study aiming at prognostic estimation of breast cancer patients with bone metastasis was designed. Four independent prognostic factors were identified and a prognostic nomogram was constructed with satisfactory discrimination and calibration. The model could be used in survival estimation and individualized treatment planning.
Use of Proton-Pump Inhibitor Is Not Associated with Adverse Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients: A Territory-Wide Cohort Study
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Chan Francis Ka-Leung , Lui Grace Chung-Yan , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Wong Sunny Hei , Mak Joyce Wing-Yan , Ng Siew-Chien , Hui David Shu-Cheong , Wong Grace Lai-Hung
Published: February 2022

Background. Evidence regarding the use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) in COVID-19 patients remains elusive. Aim. To examine the potential effects of PPI use on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients in a territory-wide cohort. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from a territory-wide database in Hong Kong. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from 23 January 2020 to 1 January 2021 were identified by virological results. The primary endpoint was a composite of intensive care unit admission, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and/or death. PPI users were identified by PPI use within 12 months prior to their diagnosis of COVID-19. Results. We identified 8,675 COVID-19 patients (mean age 46 years, 49% male, 97.6% of all reported cases in Hong Kong), of which 579 (6.7%) patients had used PPI. PPI users were found to be older, more likely to have comorbidities, concomitant medications and unfavourable laboratory parameters than nonusers. Of the 8,675 COVID-19 patients, 500 (5.8%) developed the primary endpoint. After propensity score (PS) balancing for patients’ demographics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and use of medications, PPI use was not found to be associated with the development of primary endpoint in PS weighting (weighted hazard ratio (HR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–1.46,

P
=
0.529

), and PS matching analysis (weighted HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.56–1.13,

P
=
0.198

). Consistent nonassociation was observed after multivariable adjustment (adjusted HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67–1.06,

P
=
0.142

), and in subgroups of current and past PPI users. Conclusion. PPI use is not found to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The result remains robust after PS weighting, PS matching, and multivariable adjustment.
Effects of Resveratrol on Metabolic Indicators in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gu Wei , Geng Jianlin , Zhao Hang , Li Xiaolong , Song Guangyao
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims. Previous studies on the effects of resveratrol on metabolic indicators reported contradictory findings, and these indicators have not been frequently studied in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of resveratrol on metabolic indicators in a specific group of people with type 2 diabetes using the most recent literature. Methods. We used RevMan 5.4 and Stata 14.0 software to identify randomized controlled studies on the impact of resveratrol on metabolic indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes using relevant search terms and keywords such as “resveratrol” and “type 2 diabetes” in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. Data were expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. This meta-analysis included 19 studies involving 1151 patients with type 2 diabetes, including 584 patients treated with resveratrol and 567 patients who received placebo. Compared with the control data, large doses of resveratrol (≥1000 mg) reduced fasting blood glucose levels (WMD: −18.76 mg/dL, 95% CI: −23.43, −14.09;

P
<
0.00001

). Additionally, resveratrol reduced systolic blood pressure (WMD: −7.97 mmHg, 95% CI: −10.63, −5.31;

P
<
0.00001

) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: −3.55 mmHg, 95% CI: −5.18, −1.93;

P
<
0.00001

) in patients with type 2 diabetes but did not improve waist circumference (WMD: 0.05 cm, 95% CI: −1.77, 1.88;

P
=
0.95

), triglyceride levels (WMD: −4.49 mg/dL, 95% CI: −24.23, 15.25;

P
=
0.66

), or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (WMD: −1.05 mg/dL, 95% CI: −2.44, 0.33;

P
=
0.14

) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion. This systematic review and meta-analysis updated the most recent literature and provided new evidence, proving that resveratrol treatment can reduce systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. High-dose resveratrol can reduce fasting blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes, although it has no effect on waist circumference, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Disruption of DNA Repair and Survival Pathways through Heat Shock Protein Inhibition by Onalespib to Sensitize Malignant Gliomas to Chemoradiation Therapy
Authors: Xu Jihong , Wu Pei-Jung , Lai Tzung-Huei , Sharma Pratibha , Canella Alessandro , Welker Alessandra M. , Beattie Christine E. , Elder J. Brad , Easley Michelle , Lonser Russell , Jacob Naduparambil K. , Pietrzak Maciej , Timmers Cynthia M. , Lang Frederick , Sampath Deepa , Puduvalli Vinay K.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Proficient DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR) facilitates resistance to chemoradiation in glioma stem cells (GSC). We evaluated whether compromising HR by targeting HSP90, a molecular chaperone required for the function of key HR proteins, using onalespib, a long-acting, brain-penetrant HSP90 inhibitor, would sensitize high-grade gliomas to chemoradiation in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Design:

The ability of onalespib to deplete HR client proteins, impair HR repair capacity, and sensitize glioblastoma (GBM) to chemoradiation was evaluated in vitro in GSCs, and in vivo using zebrafish and mouse intracranial glioma xenograft models. The effects of HSP90 inhibition on the transcriptome and cytoplasmic proteins was assessed in GSCs and in ex vivo organotypic human glioma slice cultures.

Results:

Treatment with onalespib depleted CHK1 and RAD51, two key proteins of the HR pathway, and attenuated HR repair, sensitizing GSCs to the combination of radiation and temozolomide (TMZ). HSP90 inhibition reprogrammed the transcriptome of GSCs and broadly altered expression of cytoplasmic proteins including known and novel client proteins relevant to GSCs. The combination of onalespib with radiation and TMZ extended survival in a zebrafish and a mouse xenograft model of GBM compared with the standard of care (radiation and TMZ) or onalespib with radiation.

Conclusions:

The results of this study demonstrate that targeting HR by HSP90 inhibition sensitizes GSCs to radiation and chemotherapy and extends survival in zebrafish and mouse intracranial models of GBM. These results provide a preclinical rationale for assessment of HSP90 inhibitors in combination with chemoradiation in patients with GBM.
Nuestros años Lefort. Notas sobre la recepción de Claude Lefort en la argentina de la transición a la democracia
Authors: Hilb Claudia
Published: February 2022

Esta breve presentación no tiene mucha mayor pretensión que la de constituir un homenaje a Claude Lefort, quien sin duda alguna marcó de manera absolutamente determinante mi trayectoria intelectual, y la de algunos pocos otros colegas en Argentina, a partir de principios de la década del ’80. Mi propósito se limita a reseñar de qué manera se produjo la recepción de la obra de Lefort en Argentina en esa década, quiénes, en qué condiciones, desde qué cruces o intereses, empezaron a leerlo, a prestarle atención, a pensar con él, o contra él, o a través de él, y lo incluyeron explícitamente o no tanto en sus textos, en sus referencias, en sus clases.
Claude Lefort, ação e crítica (o fio da meada)
Authors: Cardoso Sérgio
Published: February 2022

Uma breve trajetória de Claude Lefort.
Ad suum principium: o conceito de multitudo em Espinosa
Authors: David Antônio
Published: February 2022

Objetivamos examinar a centralidade do conceito de multitudo e, por conseguinte, do Tratado Político para a compreensão da maneira pela qual Espinosa concebe a gênese e a manutenção da vida comum. Para tanto, argumentamos haver no tratado três camadas do conceito de multitudo. A maneira como essas camadas se relacionam é uma chave de interpretação da vida comum e da história em Espinosa.
Responsive strategies of three sympatric small rodents to the altitudinal effects on microhabitats
Authors: Lee Jae-Kang , Eom Tae-Kyung , Bae Ho-Kyoung , Lee Dong-Ho , Rhim Shin-Jae
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated the effects of altitudinal gradients on small-rodent populations and microhabitat conditions. We selected three altitudinal bands: lowland, mid-land, and highland. We captured three small-rodent species, the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), the Korean field mouse (A. peninsulae), and the red-backed vole (Myodes regulus). A. agrarius preferred microhabitats with dense ground vegetation and sparse mid-story vegetation, basal area, downed trees, and stone coverage. A. peninsulae utilized ground vegetation, overstory vegetation, and downed trees. M. regulus occupied microhabitats with abundant stone coverage and little ground vegetation coverage. Ground vegetation coverage was higher in the mid-land. The lowland was characterized by high understory vegetation, bulky downed trees, and high stone coverage. A. agrarius mostly occupied the mid-land, whereas A. peninsulae and M. regulus mainly inhabited the lowland. Our results show that each small-rodent species had its own strategy for utilizing the key habitat factors in altitudinally affected microhabitats and for reducing competition among the populations. This finding contributes to improving knowledge of the ecological altitudinal features of microhabitat conditions, as well as the altitudinal distributions and abundances of three small-rodent species.
Amplitude of the daily pattern of rest – activity in different species of Leopardus kept in captivity
Authors: Giannetto Claudia , Cerutti Raul Delmar , Scaglione Maria Cristina , Sciabarrasi Antonio Alejandro , Pennisi Melissa , Piccione Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Closer examination of the diurnal or nocturnal nature of wildlife species improves the knowledge necessary for landscape identity and biodiversity preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the daily rhythmicity of total locomotor activity in wild felids of several species of Leopardus of similar body weight housed in captivity: Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) and margay (Leopardus wiedii). Twenty-four felids, six animals for each species, were housed under a natural light/dark cycle. The activity was recorded for thirteen consecutive days by means of an actimeter attached to a neck collar. Using cosinor rhythmometry, circadian rhythmic parameters (mesor, amplitude and acrophase) were assessed and compared among the several species. The daily and individual chronobiological variations of rest and activity showed a well-defined pattern. A nocturnal daily rhythmicity of locomotor activity was observed in Geoffroy’s cat, ocelot, oncilla and margay. The acrophase was observed shortly after midnight in margay and Geoffroy’s cat, and early at night in oncilla and ocelot. Our results improve the knowledge about the circadian system in wild animals. They can be a contribution to understanding the adaptive behaviour of wild felid species kept in zoological parks and rehabilitation agencies in providing the proper care for these animals
The Role of Technology in Increasing Competitiveness: An Examination of the Indian Garment Clusters
Authors: Ray Saon , Miglani Smita
Published: February 2022

In this article, we examine the Indian garment industry to examine the effect of clusters on the sales of this industry. The data has been collected through a primary survey in five garments clusters in India. The variable that is significant in explaining sales in most equations is technology proxied by imported machinery. It has been argued that inter-firm linkages and linkages between firms, service providers and institutions are crucial for competitiveness and this is best achieved through a cluster. Studies on clusters have shown that some clusters have been able to deepen their inter-firm division of labour, raise their competitiveness and break into international markets. The development of the cluster in India has followed the ‘top-down’ approach and the natural process through which linkages are developed are yet to occur in most clusters.

JEL Codes: F14, L67, L23