bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Flexural Strength Data of Ice: How Useful Is Explainable Machine Learning?
Authors: Buil Patrik , Kellner Leon , Ehlers Sören , von Bock und Polach Franz
Published: October 2022

The climate crisis results in a rapid sea ice decline, making shipping routes accessible for longer durations throughout the year and therefore increasing maritime traffic. At the same time, ice-structure interaction is known to cause damage to ships and structures. In this context, the flexural strength is a key property of the ice. It is also an important factor in the process of the formation of ice ridges which then act as obstacles to marine transit.

Due to the complexity of natural materials, whose properties are often determined by many influencing variables, the development of a suitable material model for ice remains a major challenge. Many experimental studies on flexural strength have been done whose results can be used to draw conclusions about the material properties. However, a major drawback is that these experiments differ significantly regarding, e.g., test method, ice conditions, measured variables and testing boundary conditions, which makes a comparison as well as the derivation of general laws for material properties of ice challenging. Moreover, most studies investigate univariate relationships whereas in reality the behavior of ice is influenced by numerous factors.

In this paper an explainable machine learning approach to analyze data from various bending tests and to identify relevant features regarding the flexural strength of ice is presented. Using an approach similar to Kellner et al. [1,2], a database of flexural strength tests is established. The data is used to create machine learning models, whose predictions are interpreted with the explainable AI (XAI) method Shapley Additive exPlanaionts (SHAP). The goal is to show a new approach to investigate the flexural strength of ice and to get a better understanding of how suitable the use of XAI for this problem is.
Justice meets social science
Viral Justice
Ruha Benjamin
Princeton University Press, 2022. 392 pp.
A More Just Future
Dolly Chugh
Atria Books, 2022. 224 pp.
Authors: Jones James M.
Published: October 2022

A pair of authors urge readers to confront society’s shortcomings and build a better future
Creating a window into the mind
Authors: van Kerkoerle Timo , Cloos Martijn A.
Published: October 2022

A noninvasive imaging technique measures neuronal activity at a millisecond time scale
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Annotation of Fibrobacter succinogenes HC4, Isolated from the Horse Cecum
Authors: Froidurot Alicia , Jacotot Emmanuel , Julliand Véronique
Published: October 2022

Fibrobacter succinogenes
is a major cellulolytic bacterial species living in the large intestines of herbivores. This study reports the genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of
F. succinogenes
HC4 (DSM 33656), a strain isolated from horse cecal contents. The genome comprised a total of 3.74 Mbp, with a G+C content of 48.96%.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
VHProbi M14, Isolated from Cheese
Authors: Cui Hongchang , Wang Qian , Duan Zhi
Published: October 2022

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
VHProbi M14 is a proprietary probiotic strain that was isolated from cheese. Here, we investigate the whole-genome sequence of this bacterium. Its whole genome only contains a chromosome without a plasmid.
Experimental Evolution Reveals Unifying Systems-Level Adaptations but Diversity in Driving Genotypes
Authors: Kavvas Erol S. , Long Christopher P. , Sastry Anand , Poudel Saugat , Antoniewicz Maciek R. , Ding Yang , Mohamed Elsayed T. , Szubin Richard , Monk Jonathan M. , Feist Adam M. , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: October 2022

Understanding the mechanisms of microbial adaptation will help combat the evolution of drug-resistant microbes and enable predictive genome design. Although experimental evolution allows us to identify the causal mutations underlying microbial adaptation, it remains unclear how causal mutations enable increased fitness and is often explained in terms of individual components (i.e., enzyme rate) as opposed to biological systems (i.e., pathways).
Supplemental Material: Contemporaneous crust-derived I- and S-type granite magmatism and normal faulting on Tinos, Delos, and Naxos, Greece: Constraints on Aegean orogenic collapse
Authors: Lamont Thomas N. , al. et
Published: October 2022

Further method details and complete results for granite geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotope analysis, and U-Pb geochronology.
Combination of strategies to initiate clozapine for refractory schizophrenia in a patient with low neutrophil levels
Authors: Takanobu Keisuke , Hashimoto Naoki , Ishikawa Shuhei , Kusumi Ichiro
Published: October 2022

Clozapine is the only drug with confirmed efficacy for refractory schizophrenia; however, its use is restricted due to the risk of potentially life-threatening side effects, such as agranulocytosis. Although this restriction ensures safety against haematological risks, some patients with refractory schizophrenia who have low neutrophil levels may miss the opportunity to receive clozapine treatment. We herein report the case of a patient with refractory schizophrenia and low neutrophil levels who was successfully initiated on clozapine treatment after the use of several methods for increasing neutrophil levels. These strategies consisted of discontinuation of antipsychotics, treatment with lithium carbonate and adenine, and light exercise before blood testing. Combining these procedures may be an effective option in the treatment of patients with refractory schizophrenia whose neutrophil levels are not sufficient to initiate clozapine.
Analysis of e-cigarette warning letters issued by the Food and Drug Administration in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Schillo Barbara A , Bertrand Adrian , Briggs Jodie , Kierstead Elexis C , Silver Nathan A , Yoon Stephanie N , Diaz Megan C
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study analyses the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letters sent to e-cigarette companies from 1 January 2020 to 9 September 2021. Study results can inform regulation of e-cigarettes.

Methodology

Warning letters retrieved from FDA’s website were coded for company type (retailer, manufacturer or distributor), location (domestic or international), infractions listed (PMTA (premarket tobacco product application), selling to minors, advertising to youth or packaging violation/mislabelling), product type (e-liquid, device or both), flavour (fruit, candy, tobacco, menthol/mint, concept flavour) and consequence (civil money penalties, product seizure and injunction, product detention and refusal of entry to the USA, no-tobacco-sales order, criminal prosecution).

Results

Of 303 coded letters (126 from 2020 and 177 from 2021), 97.4% were sent to small online retailers. Overall, 94.1% of the companies cited were located within the USA, 75.2% of the infractions were identified by reviewing a company’s website and 70.5% were PMTA violations. In 2020, 55.6% of infractions were PMTA violations; in 2021, nearly all infractions were PMTA violations. The letters cited 880 products; 92.2% of which were e-liquid products, with 32.4% fruit and 31.1% concept flavours.

Discussion

Warning letters targeted small online retailers rather than large e-cigarette brands or products most used by youth: pod mods and disposables. The focus of these enforcement actions comprises a small share of the market and the impact on use was likely minimal. With PMTA decisions pending for the largest brands of e-cigarettes, the FDA should use its enforcement powers to target manufacturers, distributors and sellers of the tobacco products that have the greatest impact on youth and products that provide no public health benefit.
Fish length back-calculation from scales: advancing methodology and correction of bias
Authors: Bailey Colin J. , Wilson Kyle L. , More O’Ferrall Mikayla , Moore Jonathan W.
Published: October 2022

Fish length back-calculation from hard structures (e.g., scales, otoliths, spines, etc.) is a commonly used method to reconstruct individual growth rates and sizes at age/stage in the absence of an intensive sampling–resampling timeseries. However, reliable estimates via these methods require the empirical validation of multiple assumptions about the growth of these hard structures. Here, we focus on reducing bias in scale-based back-calculations and validating proposed improvements using archived scales from a wild population of anadromous steelhead trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). We first describe a series of back-calculation problems and propose solutions that can be integrated into common back-calculation methods. We then compare back-calculation accuracy, precision, and bias between proposed solutions and traditional forms of two back-calculation methods: Fraser–Lee and Body-Proportional. We discovered that the assumption that rapid growth begins immediately after juvenile steelhead pass downstream of the fish fence (300 m upstream of the ocean) was invalid and required a correction factor to prevent overestimating fish length by an average of 14%. The proposed modified methods we described performed better than traditional back-calculation methods. Overall, these findings can improve estimates of fish length from scale-based back-calculations and illustrate the importance of validating key assumptions.
Artificial Intelligence Study of the System JCS-08-13-2022
Authors: Sprott J. C.
Published: October 2022

The subject system of this paper is of no particular interest or importance. Rather the intent is to illustrate how artificial intelligence (AI) might someday find new dynamical systems with special properties, analyze their behavior, and prepare a publication reporting the results. In fact, this entire paper was written automatically without human intervention using a template and computer program developed by the author.
Efficient Region of Interest Encryption Based on a New Chaotic Map
Authors: Kayani Maemoona , Mohsin Riaz M. , Ghafoor Abdul
Published: October 2022

The recent advances in digital imaging and transmission over network demand a secure and efficient image encryption system. Traditional cryptographic algorithms encrypt full image, however only some part of the image is important and needs complex encryption algorithm to provide security. To address this issue, we have proposed a novel encryption technique based on YOLOv2 object detection and proposed Gauss-Square Cosine (GSC) chaotic map. YOLOv2 is used to divide the image into region of interest (ROI) and noncritical region. SHA2-256 hash of scrambled noncritical region is then used as an initial value of GSC chaotic map to encrypt ROI. ROI encryption technique uses pixel permutation to decorrelate adjacent pixels and random substitution to change pixel values. Differential and statistical analysis demonstrate the complexity of proposed chaotic map and robustness of proposed technique against various security attacks. Thus the proposed encryption technique is secure and efficient for large-sized images.
Bifurcation and Chaos in a Phytoplankton–Zooplankton Model with Holling Type-II Response and Toxicity
Authors: Khan Abdul Qadeer , Alayachi Haza Saleh
Published: October 2022

Phytoplankton and zooplankton’s interconnection coordinate in various dynamical processes that occur in ecological population and make it a fascinating subject matter to explore. Time delay is an additional factor that plays an imperative part in the dynamical frameworks. For a stable aquatic ecosystem, the growth of both zooplankton and phytoplankton should be in steady state but in previous eras, there have been a universal explosion in destructive plankton or algal blooms. Many investigators used various mathematical methodologies to try to explain the bloom phenomenon. So in this paper, we studied dynamical characteristics of a discrete-time phytoplankton–zooplankton model with Holling type-II predational functional response and toxic substance distribution. More specifically, we studied local stability with topological classification at equilibrium solutions, periodic points and possible bifurcation analysis of the model under consideration. It is proved that at trivial and semitrivial equilibrium solutions the phytoplankton–zooplankton model does not undergo flip bifurcation but it undergoes Neimark–Sacker bifurcation at interior equilibrium solution. It is also proved that the interior equilibrium solution model does not undergo the fold bifurcation. We also studied chaos in the sense of feedback control strategy. Finally, extensive numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate theoretical results.
Limit Cycles of Planar Discontinuous Piecewise Linear Hamiltonian Systems Without Equilibria Separated by Nonregular Curves
Authors: Jimenez Johana , Llibre Jaume , Valls Claudia
Published: October 2022

The problem of determining the existence, maximum number and positions of the limit cycles of the planar discontinuous piecewise linear differential systems is an important problem in the qualitative theory of differential systems. In this paper, we study two families of piecewise linear Hamiltonian systems without equilibria in [Formula: see text] separated by a nonregular curve. We provide the maximum number of crossing limit cycles that each family can have and show when this maximum is reached. In this way we are solving for each family the extended 16th Hilbert problem.
Reflections of geodiversity–culture relationships within the concept of abiotic ecosystem services
Authors: Kubalíková Lucie , Coratza Paola
Published: October 2022

Relationships between geodiversity and culture are very close and frequent, and they are reflected in numerous and different areas, situations or levels. The purpose of this chapter is not to give an exhaustive overview of how geodiversity influences culture and vice versa (as this topic has already been thoroughly explored in numerous works), but it aims to analyse the relationship geodiversity–culture within the concept of abiotic ecosystem services (or geosystem services). This relationship is best visible and recognizable within the cultural and, eventually, knowledge services; however, other types of services (provisioning, supporting) are relevant too. Moreover, the relationship geodiversity–culture is reflected in everyday life, for example, in language; thus, a quick insight into these topics is also presented. Anchoring the geodiversity–culture relationships within the concept of abiotic ecosystem services may provide a framework for future interdisciplinary studies and may contribute to the better understanding of protection, conservation and sustainable use not only of geoheritage but of geodiversity as a whole.
Control of Multicarrier Energy Systems from Buildings to Networks
Authors: Smith Roy S. , Behrunani Varsha , Lygeros John
Published: October 2022

Cost, efficiency, and emissions concerns have motivated the application of advanced control techniques to multiple carrier energy systems. Research in energy management and control over the last two decades has shown that significant energy and CO2 emissions reductions can be achieved. Within the last decade, this work has expanded to the domain of interconnected energy systems. The interconnection control of multiple energy carriers, conversion devices, and energy storage provides increased flexibility and energy/CO2 reduction potential. The focus of this article is on outlining the control methods required for these systems over a range of energy consumption and timescales. Dynamic interactions between multicarrier systems occur over timescales ranging from 15 minutes to seasons. The constrained nature of the resulting control problems favors optimization-based approaches.
Evaporation of Sessile Droplets
Authors: Wilson Stephen K. , D'Ambrosio Hannah-May
Published: October 2022

The evaporation of a sessile droplet of liquid is a complex and multifaceted fundamental topic of enduring scientific interest that is key to numerous physical and biological processes. As a result, in recent decades a considerable multidisciplinary research effort has been directed toward many different aspects of the problem. This review focuses on some of the insights that can be obtained from relatively simple mathematical models and discusses some of the directions in which the field may move in the future.
Identifying Faulty Electrical Contact Points in Li-Ion Battery Packs
Authors: Yang Xulai , Yang Wenjing , Xue Rui
Published: October 2022

The cell-to-cell electrical contact resistance was investigated to estimate the effect of faulty electrical contact point(FECP) on the performance of battery packs. The temperature of the FECP in series circuit rises instantaneously compared to that of other normal points after the start of the current load, but the temperature of the FECP in parallel circuit rises just after the voltage turning point at the end of the charging/discharging process. The voltage difference between the highest voltage and the lowest voltage of the cells at the end of discharge stage increases apparently while the battery pack contains the FECPs, which is a typical feature during the decay of battery packs. In this study, the capacity retention of LiFePO4/C battery at room temperature reaches to 80% after 1260 cycles for a 1p3s pack, 1210 cycles for a 3p3s pack and 1510 cycles for a single cell, in which the average cell-to-cell connector impedance is 0.13 mΩ in the circuit. By contrast, the cyclic charge-discharge stops at 381st cycle for a 1p3s pack with a FECP(0.42 mΩ) in series circuit and at 1097th cycle for a 3p3s pack with a FECP(0.41 mΩ) in parallel circuit.
Perspective—Lithium Metal Nucleation and Growth on Conductive Substrates: A Multi-Scale Understanding from Atomistic, Nano-, Meso-, to Micro-Scales
Authors: Liaw Boryann , Pawar Gorakh , Meng Ying Shirley , Fang Chengcheng , Lu Bingyu
Published: October 2022

Reversible lithium (Li) deposition and stripping on conductive substrates like copper is vital for long-life high-energy rechargeable Li batteries. The reversibility is believed hindered by solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and Li dendritic growth. Via in situ, operando cryo-microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation, we discovered amorphous Li before a disorder-order phase transition to bcc phase. The kinetics plays a significant role in Li nucleation and morphology evolution. This perspective on Li nucleation and growth from atomistic to nano- (<20 nm), meso- (20–100 nm), and micro-scales (>100 nm) provides a practical guidance on regulating dense Li deposits reversibly for long life performance.
Inspiratory and leg muscle blood flows during inspiratory muscle metaboreflex activation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Hammer Shane M. , Bruhn Eric J. , Bissen Thomas G. , Muer Jessica D. , Villarraga Nicolas , Borlaug Barry A. , Olson Thomas P. , Smith Joshua R.
Published: October 2022

Respiratory muscle dysfunction is thought to contribute to exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In the present study, patients with HFpEF had greater increases in leg muscle vascular resistance index and greater decreases in leg muscle blood flow index compared with controls during inspiratory resistive breathing (to activate the metaboreflex). Furthermore, respiratory muscle blood flow index responses normalized to pressure generation during inspiratory resistive breathing were exaggerated in HFpEF compared with controls.
Negative-pressure-assisted ventilation lowers driving pressure and mechanical power in an ARDS model
Authors: Rohrs Elizabeth C. , Bassi Thiago G. , Nicholas Michelle , Wittmann Jessica , Ornowska Marlena , Fernandez Karl C. , Gani Matt , Reynolds Steven C.
Published: October 2022

Combining temporary transvenous diaphragm neurostimulation with volume-control ventilation on every breath, called negative-pressure-assisted ventilation, improved gas exchange and alveolar homogeneity in a preclinical model of moderate ARDS. Transpulmonary driving pressure, mechanical power, and mechanical work reductions were observed and resulted in lower lung injury scores and tissue cytokine concentrations in the every-breath-neurostimulation group compared with volume-control ventilation only. Negative-pressure-assisted ventilation is an exciting new potential tool to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury in patients with ARDS.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a regulator of synaptic transmission in the adult visual thalamus
Authors: Van Hook Matthew J.
Published: October 2022

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important regulator of neuronal development and plasticity. In the visual system, BDNF is transported along retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons to the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), although it is not known how it influences mature dLGN function. Here, BDNF enhanced thalamocortical relay neuron responses to signals arising from RGC axons in the dLGN, pointing toward an important role for BDNF in processing signals en route to the visual cortex.
A Study on Cough Sensitivity and Airway Inflammation in Patients with Sinobronchial Syndrome
Authors: Wang Shengyuan , Niu Shanshan , Wen Siwan , Zhang Mengru , Shi Cuiqin , Qiu Zhongmin , Yu Li , Xu Xianghuai
Published: October 2022

Objective. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of cough-reflex sensitivity and airway inflammation in patients with sinobronchial syndrome (SBS). Methods. 39 patients with SBS, 53 patients with upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) induced by rhinitis, 33 patients with chronic sinusitis without cough, and 39 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled between January 2013 and December 2018. All participants underwent a capsaicin cough-sensitivity test and cytology of induced sputum. The concentration of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGPR), histamine, prostaglandin (PG) E2, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in induced sputum were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results. The lowest concentration of capsaicin solution that induced ≥5 coughs (C5) was decreased markedly in patients with UACS induced by rhinitis compared with SBS patients (1.95 ± 2.92 vs. 31.2 ± 58.6 mol/L,

P
<
0.001

), indicating higher cough-reflex sensitivity among UACS patients induced by rhinitis. However, there was no difference of these threshold between SBS patients and patients with sinusitis without cough and HCs. The percentage of neutrophils in sputum was increased remarkably in patients with SBS compared with HCs (40.0 ± 48.5% vs. 5.5 ± 9.0%,

P
<
0.001

). A higher concentration of CGPR, histamine, and PGE2 was observed in induced sputum from patients with UACS induced by rhinitis than that in controls, and the ECP level was increased significantly in UACS induced by rhinitis compared with that in the other three groups. Conclusions. Cough-reflex sensitivity and airway inflammation in patients with SBS were different in patients with UACS induced by rhinitis. Thus, the mechanism of cough in those two patient populations might differ. Our study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Register (https://www.chictr.org.cn/) as ChiCTR-TRC-00000152.
Unsafe Behavior Analysis and Risk Measurement of Traffic Accidents in Mountainous Highway Tunnel
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxiang , Huang Chengfeng , Zhou Yixiang
Published: October 2022

Traffic accidents in mountainous highway tunnels have resulted in significant negative effects and losses. Among the potential hazards that can lead to fatal injuries, human-related hazards have been recognized as the leading cause. Determining the risk management effectively and prioritizing unsafe human behavior are the basis for preventing and controlling traffic accidents in mountainous highway tunnels. Therefore, hazards that could potentially cause highway tunnel traffic accidents were identified by using a tail-biting fish diagram combined with the fault tree method. A risk assessment model was constructed based on probability, degree of importance, and loss. Furthermore, the probability can be calculated by assessing the degree of unreliability, which can be obtained by assessing the degree of importance of unsafe behavior in the fault tree, and the loss can be acquired from the authority. The case of 8–10 traffic accidents that occurred in the Qinling No. 1 Tunnel of the Ankang section of the Beijing-Kunming expressway was studied, and the values of the unsafe behaviors were assessed. According to the risk values, the priority for controlling unsafe behaviors can be acquired and tailored measures can be taken to prevent and control the risks, which provides a theoretical basis and new method for the effective control of mountainous highway tunnel traffic accidents.
A Parallel Spiking Neural Network Based on Adaptive Lateral Inhibition Mechanism for Objective Recognition
Authors: Fu Qiang , Dong Hongbin
Published: October 2022

Spiking neural network (SNN) has attracted extensive attention in the field of machine learning because of its biological interpretability and low power consumption. However, the accuracy of pattern recognition cannot completely surpass deep neural networks (DNNs). The main reason is that the inherent nondifferentiability of spiking neurons makes SNN unable to be trained directly by the gradient descent algorithm, and there is also no unified training algorithm for SNN. Inspired by the biological vision system, this paper proposes a parallel convolution SNN structure combined with an adaptive lateral inhibition mechanism. And, a way of dynamically evolving the time constant with the training of SNN is proposed to ensure the diversity of neurons. This paper verifies the effectiveness of the proposed methods on static datasets and neuromorphic datasets and extends it to the recognition of breast tumors. Experimental results show that the SNN has obvious advantages in dynamical datasets. For breast tumors, it is also an edge-based task, because the edge of a medical image contains the most important information in the image. This kind of information can provide great help for the noninvasive and accurate diagnosis of diseases. The Experimental results show that the proposed method is very close to the recognition results of DNNs on static datasets, and its performance on neuromorphic datasets exceeds that of DNNs.
Privacy-Preserving Vertical Collaborative Logistic Regression without Trusted Third-Party Coordinator
Authors: Yu Xiaopeng , Zhao Wei , Tang Dianhua , Liang Kai
Published: October 2022

Collaborative learning is an emerging distributed learning paradigm, which enables multiple parties to jointly train a shared machine learning (ML) model without causing the disclosure of the raw data of each party. As one of the fundamental collaborative learning algorithms, privacy-preserving collaborative logistic regression has recently gained attention from industry and academia, which utilizes cryptographic techniques to securely train joint logistic regression models across data from multiple parties. However, existing schemes have high communication and computational overhead, lose the ability to deal with high-dimensional sparse samples, cut down the accuracy of the model, or exist the risk of leaking private information. To overcome these issues, considering vertically distributed data, we propose a privacy-preserving vertical collaborative logistic regression (

P

2

VCLR) based on approximate homomorphic encryption (HE), which enables two parties to jointly train a shared model without a trusted third-party coordinator. Our scheme utilizes batching method in approximate HE to encrypt multiple data into a single ciphertext and enable a parallel processing through single instruction multiple data (SIMD) manner. We evaluate our scheme by using three publicly available datasets, the experimental results indicate that our scheme outperforms existing schemes in terms of training time and model performance.
Construction and Application of the Financial Early-Warning Model Based on the BP Neural Network
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Wu Xuefeng , Wang Xi
Published: October 2022

In order to further improve the early-warning effect of enterprise financial crisis management and reduce the occurrence of enterprise financial crisis, by taking listed companies as examples and combining the operating conditions of listed companies, a financial crisis early-warning indicator system was built from five aspects of profitability, debt-paying ability, development ability, operation ability, and cash flow ability. In addition, a financial management early-warning model based on the BP neural network algorithm was built. Through the experimental prediction, it is showed that the financial crisis early-warning model of listed companies based on the BP neural network algorithm for crisis prediction accuracy was more than 75%. The accuracy of the first three years of model prediction was 93.33% and 72.34%, respectively. The accuracy of model prediction in the first two years was 94.67% and 82.98%, respectively. In the first year, the accuracy rate increased to 100% and 89.36%. Compared with the prediction accuracy of the logistic model (50%), it is fully reflected that the financial early-warning model proposed in the research had a good crisis prediction ability.
Multimodal Brain Image Fusion Based on Improved Rolling Guidance Filter and Wiener Filter
Authors: Lin Hairui , Song Yuhang , Wang Hua , Xie Luoxin , Li Dongfen , Yang Guocheng
Published: October 2022

Medical image fusion technology can integrate complementary information from different modality medical images to provide a more complete and accurate description of the specific diagnosed object, which is very helpful for image-guided clinical diagnosis and treatment. This paper proposes an effective brain image fusion framework based on improved rolling guidance filter (IRGF). Firstly, input images are decomposed into base layers and detail layers using the IRGF and Wiener filter. Secondly, the visual saliency maps of the input image are computed by pixel-level saliency value, and the weight maps of detail layers are constructed by max-absolute strategy and are further smoothed with Gaussian filter, the purpose of which is to make the fused image appear more naturally and more suitable for human visual perception. Lastly, base layers are fused by visual saliency map based fusion rule and the corresponding weight maps from detail layers are fused by the weighted least squares optimization scheme. Experimental results testify that our method is superior to some state-of-the-art methods in both subjective and objective assessments.
A GPU-Accelerated 3D Mesh Deformation Method Based on Radial Basis Function Interpolation
Authors: He Jiandong , Wu Chong , Jia Yining
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we developed a GPU parallelized 3D mesh deformation based on the radial basis function (RBF) interpolation using NVIDIA CUDA C++. The RBF mesh deformation method interpolates displacements of the boundary nodes to the whole mesh, which can handle large mesh deformations caused by translations, rotations, and deformations. However, the computational performance of RBF mesh deformation depends on the quantity of grids. For 3D mesh deformation, especially for mesh with large number of boundary nodes, RBF interpolation has been verified computationally intensive. By introducing GPU acceleration, the computational performance of RBF mesh deformation code improved significantly. Several benchmark test cases were carried out to show the feasibility and efficiency of GPU parallelization. In summary, the GPU parallelized RBF interpolation shows the potential to become an alternative way to deal with 3D mesh deformation problems in an efficient way.
Predicting Tunnel Groundwater Inflow by Geological Investigation Using Horizontal Directional Drilling Technology
Authors: Liu Xialin
Published: October 2022

To improve the prediction accuracy of tunnel excavation groundwater inflow, a prediction method based on a horizontal directional drilling geological survey is proposed. It relies on the monitoring and statistical analysis of groundwater inflow into a horizontal directional drilling survey borehole. Moreover, it is based on Goodman’s empirical back‐calculation for the surrounding rock penetration coefficient and uses the groundwater dynamics method to predict the amount of inflow into the tunnel excavation. On the basis of an analysis of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the following conclusions were obtained: the tunnel excavation groundwater inflow prediction method based on a horizontal directional drilling geological survey borehole can be used to obtain the permeability coefficient value of the surrounding rock, which can be used in the groundwater dynamics method to improve the prediction accuracy; the groundwater runoff modulus method and the atmospheric precipitation infiltration method underestimate the prediction results for tunnel groundwater inflow; and the groundwater dynamics calculation results based on the horizontal survey hole prediction method are more reliable. Goodman’s empirical formula was used to predict normal groundwater inflow within the 2,271 m length from the tunnel entrance: the normal groundwater inflow into the right tunnel was approximately 6,441 m3/d, and the maximum groundwater inflow was approximately 19,323 m3/d. When the tunnel crosses the fault zone, the groundwater inflow increases significantly. The normal groundwater inflow per unit footage is approximately 7.30 m3/(d·m), and the portion of the tunnel that crosses the fault zone is a medium to strong water‐rich section.
The Impact of ASCITIC Paracentesis on Symptomatic Outcomes in Palliative Patients: 3-Year Experience of a Melbourne Inpatient Palliative Care Unit Using Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration Assessments
Authors: Iyer Kiran , Kernick Lucy
Published: October 2022

Background. Ascites formation is a common occurrence in patients receiving palliative care. This is associated with symptoms that may respond to drainage. Aim. To review and quantify ascites-related symptoms pre- and post-paracentesis to evaluate its benefit in an inpatient palliative care setting. Methods. A retrospective audit of patients admitted to an inpatient palliative care unit who underwent paracentesis between November 2016 to June 2020 was performed. The primary outcome was a symptomatic benefit of paracentesis. Secondary outcomes assessed the associated complications as well as the alterations to functional status. Data were analysed using a paired T-test. Results. 43 instances of ascitic paracentesis were performed on a total of 26 patients. Three patients were excluded from the study due to the technical failure of their paracentesis procedure. There was a mean 0.16-point reduction in pain (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.33 to 0.65), a mean 0.03-point increase in dyspnoea (95% CI −0.51 to 0.46), and a mean 0.32-point reduction in nausea (95% CI −0.09 to 0.74). Conclusions. Ascitic paracentesis in the palliative setting may demonstrate some benefit in managing symptoms associated with ascites. Although the findings of this study did not achieve statistical significance, these results may be substantiated by future studies with larger sample size.
Phase Transition and Entropic Force in Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter Spacetime
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ma Yu-bo , Du Yun-zhi , Li Huai-fan , Zhang Li-chun
Published: October 2022

In this paper, thermodynamic properties of the Reissner-Nordström-de Sitter (RN-dS) black hole have been studied on the basis of the correlation between the black hole and cosmological horizons. It is found that the RN-dS black hole experiences a phase transition, when its state parameters satisfy certain conditions. From the analysis of the interaction between two horizons in RN-dS spacetime, we get the numerical solution of the interaction between two horizons. It makes us to realize the force between the black hole and cosmological horizons, which can be regarded as a candidate to explain our accelerating expansion universe. That provides a new window to explore the physical mechanism of the cosmic accelerating expansion.
BP Network Model Based on SCLBOA for House Price Forecasting
Authors: Ji Xudong , Ji Xiao-Fang , Wei Hongxing , Chen Youdong , Xue Wei
Published: October 2022

Butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) is a new swarm intelligence algorithm mimicking the behaviors of butterflies. However, there is still much room for improvement. In order to enhance the convergence speed and accuracy of the BOA, we present an improved algorithm SCLBOA based on SIBOA, which incorporates a logical mapping and a Lévy flight mechanism. The logical chaotic map is used for population initialization, and then the Lévy flight mechanism is integrated into the SCLBOA algorithm. To evaluate the performance of the SCLBOA, we conducted many experiments on standard test functions. The simulation results suggest that the SCLBOA is capable of high-precision optimization, fast convergence, and effective global optimization, all of which show that our method outperforms other methods in solving mathematical optimization problems. Finally, the BP network is optimized according to the SCLBOA (SCLBOA-BP) to further verify the availability of the algorithm. Simulation experiments prove the practicability of this method by building a Boston housing price prediction model for training.
A Study on the Impact of International Translation Levels Based on Multiple Correlation Analysis
Authors: Zheng WeiKang
Published: October 2022

Since my country’s accession to the World Trade Organization, the opening up of the financial industry has gradually deepened, and the banking industry has gradually developed into an international trend. In the development of international financial business, especially when banks carry out deposits and loans, international communication is a must. Indispensably, the international language of English is very important at this time. For the unique features of the language of financial English, the frequently used skills and common difficulties in Chinese-English translation are summarized in this paper, and financial English is analyzed from the aspects of laws and characteristics.
Intravitreally Administered Soluble VEGF Receptor-1 Variant Tested as a Potential Gene Therapeutic for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Lee Steven Hyun Seung , Lee Joo Yong , Kang Im Kyeung , Choi Jun-Sub , Kim Hee Jong , Kim Jin , Cha Seho , Lee Kyoung Jin , Woo Ha-Na , Park Keerang , Lee Heuiran
Published: October 2022

In addition to laser photocoagulation, currently used therapeutic interventions for diabetic retinopathy (DR) include relatively short-lived anti-VEGF drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The latter requires frequent administration via intravitreal injections to effect long-term VEGF suppression. However, due to the patient burden associated with this treatment modality, gene therapy may represent a preferable alternative, providing long-lasting yet patient-friendly effects. Here, we explore the therapeutic efficacy of rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1, a recombinant adeno-associated virus encoding a soluble variant of VEGF receptor-1, upon early DR processes. Bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF agent often prescribed off label to treat DR, was used as an experimental comparator. Administered by intravitreal injection to a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model, rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 was shown to effectively transduce the mouse retinas and express its transgene therein, leading to significant reductions in pericyte loss and retinal cell layer thinning, two processes that play major roles in DR progression. Acellular capillary formation, vascular permeability, and apoptotic activity, the latter being the cell death mechanism by which retinal neurodegeneration occurs, were also shown to be reduced by the therapeutic virus vector. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize that rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 has an effect on cell types important to DR pathophysiology, particularly the ganglion cell layer and glial cells. Combined with our previous work showing that the therapeutic virus vector reduces neovascularization, our current results reveal that rAAV2-sVEGFRv-1 addresses the early aspects of DR as well, thereby demonstrating its potential as a human gene therapeutic versus the condition as a whole.
Vaccination with Designed Neopeptides Induces Intratumoral, Cross-reactive CD4+ T-cell Responses in Glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Jian , Weiss Tobias , Neidert Marian C. , Toussaint Nora C. , Naghavian Reza , Sellés Moreno Carla , Foege Magdalena , Tomas Ojer Paula , Medici Gioele , Jelcic Ivan , Schulz Daniel , Rushing Elisabeth , Dettwiler Susanne , Schrörs Barbara , Shin Joo Heon , McKay Ron , Wu Catherine J. , Lutterotti Andreas , Sospedra Mireia , Moch Holger , Greiner Erich F. , Bodenmiller Bernd , Regli Luca , Weller Michael , Roth Patrick , Martin Roland
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The low mutational load of some cancers is considered one reason for the difficulty to develop effective tumor vaccines. To overcome this problem, we developed a strategy to design neopeptides through single amino acid mutations to enhance their immunogenicity.

Experimental Design:

Exome and RNA sequencing as well as in silico HLA-binding predictions to autologous HLA molecules were used to identify candidate neopeptides. Subsequently, in silico HLA-anchor placements were used to deduce putative T-cell receptor (TCR) contacts of peptides. Single amino acids of TCR contacting residues were then mutated by amino acid replacements. Overall, 175 peptides were synthesized and sets of 25 each containing both peptides designed to bind to HLA class I and II molecules applied in the vaccination. Upon development of a tumor recurrence, the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were characterized in detail both at the bulk and clonal level.

Results:

The immune response of peripheral blood T cells to vaccine peptides, including natural peptides and designed neopeptides, gradually increased with repetitive vaccination, but remained low. In contrast, at the time of tumor recurrence, CD8+ TILs and CD4+ TILs responded to 45% and 100%, respectively, of the vaccine peptides. Furthermore, TIL-derived CD4+ T-cell clones showed strong responses and tumor cell lysis not only against the designed neopeptide but also against the unmutated natural peptides of the tumor.

Conclusions:

Turning tumor self-peptides into foreign antigens by introduction of designed mutations is a promising strategy to induce strong intratumoral CD4+ T-cell responses in a cold tumor like glioblastoma.
Comprehensive Molecular Characterization of Gallbladder Carcinoma and Potential Targets for Intervention
Authors: Giraldo Nicolas A. , Drill Esther , Satravada Baby A. , Dika Imane El , Brannon A. Rose , Dermawan Josephine , Mohanty Abhinita , Ozcan Kerem , Chakravarty Debyani , Benayed Ryma , Vakiani Efsevia , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K. , Kundra Ritika , Schultz Nikolaus , Li Bob T. , Berger Michael F. , Harding James J. , Ladanyi Marc , O'Reilly Eileen M. , Jarnagin William , Vanderbilt Chad , Basturk Olca , Arcila Maria E.
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is an uncommon and aggressive disease, which remains poorly defined at a molecular level. Here, we aimed to characterize the molecular landscape of GBC and identify markers with potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Experimental Design:

GBC samples were analyzed using the MSK-IMPACT (Memorial Sloan Kettering–Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets) platform (targeted NGS assay that analyzes 505 cancer-associated genes). Variants with therapeutic implications were identified using OncoKB database. The associations between recurrent genetic alterations and clinicopathologic characteristics (Fisher exact tests) or overall survival (univariate Cox regression) were evaluated. P values were adjusted for multiple testing.

Results:

Overall, 244 samples (57% primary tumors and 43% metastases) from 233 patients were studied (85% adenocarcinomas, 10% carcinomas with squamous differentiation, and 5% neuroendocrine carcinomas). The most common oncogenic molecular alterations appeared in the cell cycle (TP53 63% and CDKN2A 21%) and RTK_RAS pathways (ERBB2 15% and KRAS 11%). No recurrent structural variants were identified. There were no differences in the molecular landscape of primary and metastasis samples. Variants in SMAD4 and STK11 independently associated with reduced survival in patients with metastatic disease. Alterations considered clinically actionable in GBC or other solid tumor types (e.g., NTRK1 fusions or oncogenic variants in ERBB2, PIK3CA, or BRCA1/2) were identified in 35% of patients; 18% of patients with metastatic disease were treated off-label or enrolled in a clinical trial based on molecular findings.

Conclusions:

GBC is a genetically diverse malignancy. This large-scale genomic analysis revealed alterations with potential prognostic and therapeutic implications and provides guidance for the development of targeted therapies.
Ubiquitinated PCNA Drives USP1 Synthetic Lethality in Cancer
Authors: Simoneau Antoine , Engel Justin L. , Bandi Madhavi , Lazarides Katherine , Liu Shangtao , Meier Samuel R. , Choi Ashley H. , Zhang Hongxiang , Shen Binzhang , Martires Lauren , Gotur Deepali , Pham Truc V. , Li Fang , Gu Lina , Gong Shanzhong , Zhang Minjie , Wilker Erik , Pan Xuewen , Whittington Douglas A. , Throner Scott , Maxwell John P. , Chen Yingnan , Yu Yi , Huang Alan , Andersen Jannik N. , Feng Tianshu
Published: October 2022

CRISPR Cas9-based screening is a powerful approach for identifying and characterizing novel drug targets. Here, we elucidate the synthetic lethal mechanism of deubiquitinating enzyme USP1 in cancers with underlying DNA damage vulnerabilities, specifically BRCA1/2 mutant tumors and a subset of BRCA1/2 wild-type (WT) tumors. In sensitive cells, pharmacologic inhibition of USP1 leads to decreased DNA synthesis concomitant with S-phase–specific DNA damage. Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens identify RAD18 and UBE2K, which promote PCNA mono- and polyubiquitination respectively, as mediators of USP1 dependency. The accumulation of mono- and polyubiquitinated PCNA following USP1 inhibition is associated with reduced PCNA protein levels. Ectopic expression of WT or ubiquitin-dead K164R PCNA reverses USP1 inhibitor sensitivity. Our results show, for the first time, that USP1 dependency hinges on the aberrant processing of mono- and polyubiquitinated PCNA. Moreover, this mechanism of USP1 dependency extends beyond BRCA1/2 mutant tumors to selected BRCA1/2 WT cancer cell lines enriched in ovarian and lung lineages. We further show PARP and USP1 inhibition are strongly synergistic in BRCA1/2 mutant tumors. We postulate USP1 dependency unveils a previously uncharacterized vulnerability linked to posttranslational modifications of PCNA. Taken together, USP1 inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for BRCA1/2 mutant tumors and a subset of BRCA1/2 WT tumors.