bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying of Fuzzy Nonlinear Regression to Investigate the Effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Income Distribution
Authors: Ashraf Ganjoei Reza , Akbarifard Hossein , Mashinchi Mashaallah , Jalaee Esfandabadi Sayyed Abdol Majid
Published: June 2021

The main focus of this paper is to extend fuzzy regression and its application. Therefore, we used nonlinear modeling to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the Gini coefficient. Hence, we calculated the three borders upside, medium, and downside of the Gini coefficient. We found no evidence of reduced income inequality when decreasing the use of ICT goods. However, with the increased use of ICTs, income inequality decreases over time. Also, the results showed that the effect of ICT commodities on the Gini coefficient was the inverted U situation. Understanding this impact is very important from the perspective of planning and building infrastructure for poverty reduction.
Pathological Change and Whole Transcriptome Alternation Caused by ePTFE Implantation in Myocardium
Authors: Shan Yaping , Zhang Wenbo , Chen Gang , Shi Qiqi , Mi Yaping , Zhang Huifeng , Jia Bing
Published: June 2021

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is commonly used in cardiovascular surgery, but usually causes postoperation complications. Although great efforts have been done to relieve these complications or to understand their mechanism, there are no applicable strategies available and no understanding mechanisms, especially in the myocardium. Here, ePTFE membranes are implanted into the right ventricular outflow tract of rabbits, and the implant‐related myocardium is dissected and analyzed by histology and transcriptome sequencing. ePTFE implantation causes myocardium inflammation and fibrosis. There are 1867 differently expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs, 1107 upregulated and 760 downregulated) and 246 differently expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs, 110 upregulated and 136 downregulated) identified. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that the upregulated DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs are mainly involved in inflammatory, immune responses, and extracellular matrix remodeling, while the downregulated DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs are predominantly functioned in the metabolism and cardiac remodeling. Analysis of coexpression and regulatory relationship of DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs reveals that most DElncRNAs are trans‐regulated on the relevant DEmRNAs. In conclusion, ePTFE implantation causes severe myocardial tissue damages and alters the transcriptome profiles of the myocardium. Such novel data may provide a landscape of mechanisms underlying the adverse reactions caused by ePTFE implantation and uncover new therapeutic targets for inhibiting the ePTFE‐related complications.
Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Placental Inflammation and Local Immune Balance
Authors: Wang Zengfang , Yang Ruizhen , Zhang Jiaojiao , Wang Pingping , Wang Zengyan , Gao Jian , Liu Xue
Published: June 2021

Background. Pregnancy maintenance depends on the formation of normal placentas accompanied by trophoblast invasion and vascular remodeling. Various types of cells, such as trophoblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and adipocytes, mediate cell-to-cell interactions through soluble factors to maintain normal placental development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are diverse nanosized to microsized membrane-bound particles released from various cells. EVs contain tens to thousands of different RNA, proteins, small molecules, DNA fragments, and bioactive lipids. EV-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins regulate inflammation and trophoblast invasion in the placental microenvironment. Maternal-fetal communication through EV can regulate the key signaling pathways involved in pregnancy maintenance, from implantation to immune regulation. Therefore, EVs and the encapsulating factors play important roles in pregnancy, some of which might be potential biomarkers. Conclusion. In this review, we have summarized published studies about the EVs in the placentation and pregnancy-related diseases. By summarizing the role of EVs and their delivering active molecules in pregnancy-related diseases, it provides novel insight into the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Coupled Vibration Characteristics Analysis of Hot Rolling Mill with Structural Gap
Authors: Zhang Guangxu , Bao Jiahan , Li Wenhao , Wang Zhichong , Meng Xiangshuai
Published: June 2021

It is important to study the vibration of rolling mills to improve the stability of rolling production. A dynamic rolling process model is established by considering the elastic recovery of the exit strip and the influence of multiroll equilibrium, and the accuracy of the model is verified by experimental data. On this basis, based on the distribution of friction force in the deformation zone, the rolling force and rolling torque are nonlinearized. In addition, a rolling mill structure model is established by considering the structure gap and a piecewise nonlinear horizontal‐vertical‐torsional vibration model of the rolling mill is established by combining the structure model and dynamic rolling process model. Finally, the amplitude‐frequency characteristics of the work roll under different external excitation amplitude and the dynamic bifurcation characteristics of the work roll under different gaps are analyzed. The study indicates that, by reducing excitation amplitude and structure gap, the system vibration can be reduced. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for further exploration of the coupling vibration of hot rolling mills.
Preclinical Testing of New Hydrogel Materials for Cartilage Repair: Overcoming Fixation Issues in a Large Animal Model
Authors: Lotz Benedict , Bothe Friederike , Deubel Anne-Kathrin , Hesse Eliane , Renz Yvonne , Werner Carsten , Schäfer Simone , Böck Thomas , Groll Jürgen , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Richter Wiltrud , Hagmann Sebastien
Published: June 2021

Reinforced hydrogels represent a promising strategy for tissue engineering of articular cartilage. They can recreate mechanical and biological characteristics of native articular cartilage and promote cartilage regeneration in combination with mesenchymal stromal cells. One of the limitations of in vivo models for testing the outcome of tissue engineering approaches is implant fixation. The high mechanical stress within the knee joint, as well as the concave and convex cartilage surfaces, makes fixation of reinforced hydrogel challenging. Methods. Different fixation methods for full-thickness chondral defects in minipigs such as fibrin glue, BioGlue®, covering, and direct suturing of nonenforced and enforced constructs were compared. Because of insufficient fixation in chondral defects, superficial osteochondral defects in the femoral trochlea, as well as the femoral condyle, were examined using press-fit fixation. Two different hydrogels (starPEG and PAGE) were compared by 3D-micro-CT (μCT) analysis as well as histological analysis. Results. Our results showed fixation of below 50% for all methods in chondral defects. A superficial osteochondral defect of 1 mm depth was necessary for long-term fixation of a polycaprolactone (PCL)-reinforced hydrogel construct. Press-fit fixation seems to be adapted for a reliable fixation of 95% without confounding effects of glue or suture material. Despite the good integration of our constructs, especially in the starPEG group, visible bone lysis was detected in micro-CT analysis. There was no significant difference between the two hydrogels (starPEG and PAGE) and empty control defects regarding regeneration tissue and cell integration. However, in the starPEG group, more cell-containing hydrogel fragments were found within the defect area. Conclusion. Press-fit fixation in a superficial osteochondral defect in the medial trochlear groove of adult minipigs is a promising fixation method for reinforced hydrogels. To avoid bone lysis, future approaches should focus on multilayered constructs recreating the zonal cartilage as well as the calcified cartilage and the subchondral bone plate.
Optimal Control Approach of Discrete Mathematical Modeling of the Spread of Gaming Disorder in Morocco and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Kada Driss , Khajji Bouchaib , Balatif Omar , Rachik Mostafa , Houssine Labriji El
Published: June 2021

We highlight and study in this paper the phenomenon of the spread of addiction to electronic games, where the addict goes through stages before reaching the degree of addiction. In order to model this phenomenon, we have divided people into four groups, which are potential gamers, engaged gamers, addicted gamers, and gamers who have recovered from addiction. We propose a discrete mathematical model with control strategies using three controls that represent, respectively,

u

k

, which represents awareness of the dangers of electronic games through written and visual media;

v

k

, which represents the effort to direct children and adolescents to educational and entertaining alternative means; and

w

k

, which represents creating rehabilitation centers for addicts to quit electronic game addiction. To characterize optimal controls, we use Pontryagin’s maximum principle and the system of optimality solved by an iterative method. Finally, numerical simulations are presented with and without controls. Using a cost-effectiveness analysis, we will show that the control that represents the creation of rehabilitation centers for gaming addicts is the most cost-effective strategy to control the spread of gaming addiction.
A Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Persicaria lanigera Possesses Antinociceptive Activity through Cytokine and Glutamatergic Pathways In Vivo
Authors: Obese Ernest , Ameyaw Elvis O. , Biney Robert P. , Henneh Isaac T. , Jackson Nora , Anokwah Daniel , Brah Augustine , Oppong Esther E. , Adakudugu Emmanuel A.
Published: June 2021

Persicaria lanigera is used traditionally to treat pain. The antinociceptive properties of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera (PLE) were evaluated in rats and mice. Mice were pretreated orally with PLE (30, 100, and 300 mg kg−1) and evaluated for antinociceptive effects in the acetic acid-, glutamate-, and formalin-induced nociception models. Additionally, mechanical hyperalgesia models were used to evaluate PLE’s influence on TNF-α- and IL-1β-induced hyperalgesia in rats. In the acetic acid-induced nociception model, 100 mg kg−1 PLE exhibited the highest antinociceptive activity of 95.13 ± 9.52% at

p
<
0.0001

, followed by the 300 mg kg−1 (85.44 ± 5.75%;

p
<
0.0001

) and then the 30 mg kg−1 (67.95 ± 18.55%;

p
<
0.01

), compared to morphine 3 mg kg−1 i.p. (86.97 ± 9.52;

p
<
0.0001

). PLE (30, 100, and 300 mg kg−1) also showed significant (

p
<
0.05

) antinociceptive effect in phase two of the formalin-induced nociception with % inhibitions of 66.88 ± 12.17, 75.12 ± 9.01, and 89.12 ± 4.32%, respectively, compared to 3 mg/kg morphine (97.09 ± 2.84%). Similarly, PLE (30, 100, and 300 mg kg−1) significantly reduced pain in the glutamate-induced nociception model with % inhibitions of 79.28 ± 8.17, 90.54 ± 5.64, and 96.49 ± 1.43%, respectively, whereas ketamine (5 mg/kg i.p.) reduced nociception to be 59.94 ± 18.14%. All doses of PLE significantly reduced nociceptive scores in TNF-α- and IL-1β-induced mechanical hyperalgesia (

p
<
0.01

). Similarly, PLE significantly inhibited bradykinin-induced nociception. The hydroethanolic extract of Persicaria lanigera has antinociceptive effects; this is the first scientific report providing evidence to validate its traditional use for the management of pain.
Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Aerva javanica Leaf Extract and Their Characterization and Investigation of In Vitro Antimicrobial Potential and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Amin Fozia , Fozia  , Khattak Baharullah , Alotaibi Amal , Qasim Muhammad , Ahmad Ijaz , Ullah Riaz , Bourhia Mohammed , Gul Anadil , Zahoor Saira , Ahmad Rizwan
Published: June 2021

The development of green technology is creating great interest for researchers towards low-cost and environmentally friendly methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) attracted many researchers due to their electric, catalytic, optical, textile, photonic, monofluid, and pharmacological activities that depend on the shape and size of the nanoparticles. This investigation aims copper oxide nanoparticles synthesis using Aerva javanica plant leaf extract. Characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized by green route was performed by three different techniques: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the crystalline morphology of CuO-NPs and the average crystal size obtained is 15 nm. SEM images showed the spherical nature of the particles and size is lying in the 15–23 nm range. FTIR analysis confirms the functional groups of active components present in the extract which are responsible for reducing and capping agents for the synthesis of CuO-NPs. The synthesized CuO-NPs were studied for their antimicrobial potential against different bacterial as well as fungal pathogens. The results indicated that CuO-NPs show maximum antimicrobial activities against all the selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Antimicrobial activities of copper oxide nanoparticles were compared with standard drugs Norfloxacin and amphotericin B antibiotics. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of copper oxide nanoparticles were 128 μg/mL against all selected bacterial pathogens. MIC of fungus and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of CuO-NPs were 160 μg/mL. Thus, CuO-NPs can be utilized as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized CuO-NPs suggested that toxicity was negligible at concentrations below 60 μg/mL.
College Physical Education Course Management System Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Ding Yu , Zhang Nian , Li Yupeng
Published: June 2021

With the continuous development of the Internet of Things technology, the latest information technology represented by the network, digital, and intelligence is changing people’s work, learning, and lifestyle and bringing new development space to education. The physical education curriculum management system in colleges and universities brings convenience to teachers and students, facilitates the centralized management of students by teachers, ensures the safety of students in physical education classes, and reduces the risk of injury to students in physical education classes. The innovative construction of college physical education curriculum is a systematic project, which aims to deepen educational reform, improve the physical condition of students, and enable students to experience advanced teaching methods. At the same time, university physical education teachers have a degree of higher education, provide information, and promote interaction with students. This improves the quality and ability of teachers and students themselves. The paper proposes related research on the design of college physical education curriculum management system based on the Internet of Things. Through the use of Internet of Things wireless channel technology and UWB indoor positioning technology, combined with the impact of the Internet of Things on cognition, the arrangement of physical education courses and student positioning and sign-in are designed, and the results of the system test are found. Compared with the previous system,. this system has improved the positioning and sign-in accuracy of physical education courses by 5–10%, and the efficiency of physical education courses has also increased by 2–5%.
Adaptive Adjustment Object Detection Algorithm under Multiple Mechanisms Based on GAN
Authors: Qiu Zemin , Wang Feng , Pan Zhihong
Published: June 2021

Target tracking is prone to problems such as target loss and identity jump when the target is occluded and the attitude is changed. In order to solve this phenomenon, this paper proposes the adaptive adjustment object detection algorithm under multiple mechanisms based on GAN. This algorithm introduces a gradient penalty mechanism to the discriminator and uses the relative discriminator structure to reconstruct the discriminator, so as to improve the discriminatory ability of the discriminator. Then, through the feedback mechanism, the obtained data is fed back to the generator network in time, and the genetic mechanism is used to speed up the positioning of the key areas of the image. Experimental results show that compared with other existing algorithms, this algorithm can effectively locate and distinguish under different environments. And, the target still maintains a high resolution. When the target is occluded, it can effectively avoid the phenomenon of target loss and identity jump.
Incentive Contract Design considering Fairness Preferences and Carbon Emission Reduction Multiobjective Tasks
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Zhu Shuzhen , Cao Xinyu
Published: June 2021

Considering the multitargets of corporate carbon emission reduction and the fairness preference psychology of the company, a government incentive model for corporate carbon emission reduction was constructed. The impact of corporate fairness preferences on government carbon emission reduction incentive strategies is studied. In addition, numerical simulation is used to analyze the impact of changes in correlation coefficients, fairness preference coefficients, and discount rates on the optimal enterprise effort coefficient and the government optimal incentive coefficient. Research shows that the degree of fairness preference of a company has a direct impact on the degree of corporate effort, while the discount rate will only have an impact on the company’s long-term effort. In order to improve corporate carbon emission reduction efforts, the government must not only consider the impact of fairness preference on corporate efforts but also flexibly adjust the incentive coefficient of long-term and short-term tasks based on the discount rate.
Early Use of Dinutuximab Beta in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Spasov Neofit , Spasova Mariya
Published: June 2021

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, accounting for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. High-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) is a particularly difficult-to-treat form of the disease that requires aggressive multimodality therapy, including induction chemotherapy, consolidation therapy with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant, and maintenance therapy with dinutuximab beta. Despite treatment advances, the prognosis of these patients remains poor. As a better response to induction therapy has been associated with prolonged survival in patients with HRNB, we hypothesized that early use of dinutuximab beta—post-induction chemotherapy—may improve patient outcomes. We describe here our experience of administering at least one cycle of dinutuximab beta post-induction and prior to surgery in three children with HRNB who did not demonstrate a complete response to induction chemotherapy. All three patients achieved complete remission. Early use of dinutuximab beta may therefore have the potential to improve outcomes in patients with HRNB.
Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Patients with Polymicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Song Feizhen , Zhang Kai , Huang Jianjiang , Qian Zhenhua , Zhou Hongwei , Cai Jiachang , Zheng Cheng , Zhou Feifei , Cui Wei , Zhang Gensheng
Published: June 2021

Background. Polymicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection (KP‐BSI) has been reported to account for more than 10% of all KP‐BSI, but few studies have characterized polymicrobial KP‐BSI. Our study investigated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of polymicrobial KP‐BSI by comparing with monomicrobial KP‐BSI. Methods. We conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of patients with KP‐BSI from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018 and collected the clinical data by reviewing electronic medical records. Results. Of the 818 patients with KP‐BSI recruited, 13.9% (114/818) were polymicrobial KP‐BSI. The severity of illness in polymicrobial and monomicrobial KP‐BSI was similar, while the rate of resistance to carbapenems was obviously higher in polymicrobial KP‐BSI (78.1% vs. 65.6%, p = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, hospitalization in burn ward (odds ratio (OR) 6.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00‐18.76, p = 0.001) and intensive care unit (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.05‐5.43, p = 0.038) was independently associated with polymicrobial KP‐BSI. Gram‐negative bacteria accounted for the highest proportion (68.9%) among copathogens of polymicrobial KP‐BSI, whereas gram‐positive bacteria (22.9%) and Candida (8.2%) ranked the second and the third, respectively, with Acinetobacter baumannii being the most common (23.0%). Patients with polymicrobial KP‐BSI had longer hospital days after BSI onset and total hospital days than patients with monomicrobial KP‐BSI (median (interquartile range (IQR)), 19 (5, 39) vs. 12 (6, 25), 37 (21, 67) vs. 29 (16, 53), respectively, p < 0.05). The mortality did not differ between polymicrobial KP‐BSI and monomicrobial KP‐BSI (all p > 0.05). Conclusions. It was observed that polymicrobial KP‐BSI accounted for a significant proportion among all KP‐BSI in the current study. Hospitalization in burn ward and intensive care unit was an independent risk factor for the development of polymicrobial KP‐BSI. The patients with polymicrobial KP‐BSI had a higher rate of carbapenem‐resistant K. pneumoniae and might have poor outcomes compared to monomicrobial KP‐BSI.
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis in Adolescence: Two Distinct Presentations
Authors: Figueiredo Rafael , Pires Duro Inês , Marinho António , Mota Conceição , Guedes Margarida , Zilhão Carla
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare disease in pediatric age. We report two cases with distinct presentations. Case Reports. A seventeen-year-old male with prolonged febrile syndrome, cough, and constitutional symptoms. CT-scan showed cavitated lesions of the lung and bronchial biopsy a necrotizing inflammatory process. The remaining investigation revealed hematoproteinuria and positive C-ANCA and anti-PR3. Complications: Bilateral acute pulmonary thromboembolism, splenic infarction, and extensive popliteal and superficial femoral deep vein thrombosis. He was treated with corticosteroids, immunoglobulin, rituximab, and anticoagulation. Rituximab was maintained every six months during the first two years. Control angio-CT was performed with almost complete resolution of previous findings. In a twelve-year-old female with inflammatory signs of the limbs, investigation showed myositis of the thigh and tenosynovitis of the wrist, normocytic normochromic anemia (Hg 9.4 g/dL), mild elevation of inflammatory markers, and high creatine kinase. During hospitalization, she presented an extensive alveolar hemorrhage associated with severe anemia and positive C-ANCA and anti-PR3. Clinical deterioration prompted intravenous methylprednisolone pulses and plasmapheresis. Induction therapy with rituximab and prednisolone showed good results. Rituximab was maintained every six months, for 18 months, with gradual tapering of corticoids. Discussion. GPA is a systemic disease with variable clinical presentation and severity. Pediatric patients have similar clinical manifestations to adults but different frequencies of organ involvement; constitutional symptoms are also more common. We highlight the different presentation of these two cases, as well as the need for an individualized approach. Rituximab has been used for both induction-remission and maintenance therapy, with good results, particularly in young patients.
Phylogeny and Comparative Analysis for the Plastid Genomes of Five Tulipa (Liliaceae)
Authors: Li Juan , Price Megan , Su Dan-Mei , Zhang Zhen , Yu Yan , Xie Deng-Feng , Zhou Song-Dong , He Xing-Jin , Gao Xin-Fen
Published: June 2021

Species of Tulipa (Liliaceae) are of great horticultural importance and are distributed across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The Tien Shan Mountain is one of the primary diversity centres of Tulipa, but the molecular studies of Tulipa species from this location are lacking. In our study, we assembled four Tulipa plastid genomes from the Tien Shan Mountains, T. altaica, T. iliensis, T. patens, and T. thianschanica, combined with the plastid genome of T. sylvestris to compare against other Liliaceae plastid genomes. We focussed on the species diversity and evolution of their plastid genomes. The five Tulipa plastid genomes proved highly similar in overall size (151,691–152,088 bp), structure, gene order, and content. With comparative analysis, we chose 7 mononucleotide SSRs from the Tulipa species that could be used in further population studies. Phylogenetic analyses based on 24 plastid genomes robustly supported the monophyly of Tulipa and the sister relationship between Tulipa and Amana, Erythronium. T. iliensis, T. thianschanica, and T. altaica were clustered together, and T. patens was clustered with T. sylvestris, with our results clearly demonstrating the relationships between these five Tulipa species. Our results provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phylogenomics and comparative genomics of Tulipa.
The Impact of Comorbidities on the Outcomes of Egyptian COVID-19 Patients: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Albadawy Reda M. , Jadoon Bismeen A. , Mogahed Mysara M. , Ibrahim Mohamed E. , Essawy Tarek S. , Amin Ahmed M. A. , Abd-Elraouf Marwa S. , Elawady Mona A.
Published: June 2021

Objectives. This study evaluated the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 and adverse outcomes in patients with comorbidities (outcome: death). Methods. A comparative follow-up investigation involving 148 confirmed cases of COVID-19 was performed for a month (between April and May 2020) at Qaha Hospital to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes resulting from comorbidities. Participants were divided into two clusters based on the presence of comorbidities. Group I comprised cases with comorbidities, and Group II included subjects without comorbidity. Survival distributions were outlined for the group with comorbidities after the follow-up period. Results. Fever (74.3%), headache (78.4%), cough (78.4%), sore throat (78.4%), fatigue (78.4%), and shortness of breath (86.5%) were the most prevalent symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients with comorbidities. Such patients also suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome (37.8%) and pneumonia three times more than patients without comorbidities. The survival distributions were statistically significant (chi-square = 26.06,

p
≤
0.001

). Conclusion. Multiple comorbidities in COVID-19 patients are linked to severe clinical symptoms, disease complications, and critical disease progression. The presence of one or more comorbidities worsened the survival rate of patients.
Study on the Molecular Mechanism of the Herbal Couple Sparganii Rhizoma-Curcumae Rhizoma in the Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Dai Shuying , Zhang Gaochenxi , Zhao Fangmin , Shu Qijin
Published: June 2021

Background. Lung cancer has a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate, and patients may develop multidrug resistance. Sparganii Rhizoma-Curcumae Rhizoma (HCSC), the classic herbal drug combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is commonly used in treating tumors, but its molecular mechanism is still unclear. Method. We explored the possible mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of HCSC using network pharmacology. The bioactive components of HCSC and their targets were collected from the TCM Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and PharmMapper. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed; the GeneMANIA platform was used for the functional enrichment analysis of the core targets and their neighboring genes. Molecular docking was performed between the bioactive components and core targets. HCSC freeze-dried powder was prepared, and the bioactive components were verified by liquid chromatography- (LC-) mass spectrometry (MS). Human lung adenocarcinoma H1975 cells were cultured to verify in vitro the molecular mechanism of action of HCSC in treating lung cancer, as predicted by network pharmacology. Finally, we used the Symmap database to predict the relationship between the herb and TCM syndrome. Result. A total of seven bioactive components were identified by network pharmacological analysis. Through enrichment analyses, it was found that the mechanism of action mainly involved mitochondrial-mediated caspase-dependent cell apoptosis signaling pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that the bioactive components in HCSC have a good affinity with the target proteins (ALB, BCL2L1, ESR1, HRAS, MAP2K1, MAPK14, and SIRT1). LC-MS confirmed that formononetin and bisdemethoxycurcumin were present in the HCSC freeze-dried powder, consistent with the prediction. The results of in vitro experiments on NCI-H1975 cells confirmed that HCSC can upregulate the mitochondrial-mediated caspase-dependent apoptosis signaling pathway by inducing the cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, consistent with the network pharmacology prediction. Further, the qi deficiency and blood stasis associated with TCM syndrome can be treated with HCSC.
Activation of MEK1/2/Nrf-2 Signaling Pathway by Epstein-Barr Virus-Latent Membrane Protein 1 Enhances Autophagy and Cisplatin Resistance in T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Jia Xintao , He Qiuyu , Zeng Mei , Chen Yuhua , Liu Yan
Published: June 2021

Epstein-Barr virus-latent membrane protein 1 (EBV-LMP1) was associated with lymphoma, but its specific mechanism is still controversial. The study is aimed at studying the regulation of lymphoma resistance by EBV-LMP1 through the MEK1/2/Nrf-2 signaling pathway. First, LMP1 was knocked down in EBV-positive SNK-6 cells and overexpressed in EBV-negative KHYG-1 cells. First, we found that overexpression of LMP1 significantly promoted the resistance of KHYG-1 cells to cisplatin (DDP), which was related to increased autophagy in the cells. In contrast, knockdown of LMP1 expression in SNK-6 cells promoted cellular sensitivity to DDP and reduced the autophagy of cells after DDP treatment. Moreover, specific inhibition of autophagy in KHYG-1 cells significantly attenuated the resistance to DDP caused by overexpression of LMP1, but treatment with rapamycin in SNK-6 cells significantly promoted the autophagy in the cells. Subsequently, overexpression of LMP1 promoted the activation of the MEK1/2-Nrf2 pathway in KYHG-1 cells, whereas knockdown of LMP1 in SNK-6 cells inhibited the activation of the MEK1/2-Nrf2 pathway. Inhibition of MEK1/2/Nrf-2 blocked the promoting effects of LMP1 on lymphoma cell resistance. In conclusion, EBV-LMP1 promotes cell autophagy after DDP treatment by activating the MEK1/2/Nrf-2 signaling pathway in lymphoma cells, thus, enhancing the resistance of lymphoma cells to DDP.
A Case of Effective Mepolizumab Induction Therapy for Severe Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Diagnosed by Eosinophilic Cholecystitis and Interstitial Nephritis
Authors: Hattori Keita , Teramachi Yuri , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Ito Takeshi , Morinaga Takatoshi , Tamai Hirohumi , Yamamoto Yoshihiro
Published: June 2021

A 66-year-old man with a history of bronchial asthma and sinusitis was admitted with cholecystitis and peripheral neuropathy. The histopathological findings of the gallbladder revealed necrotic vasculitis and granulomatous inflammation with marked eosinophilic infiltration. Kidney biopsy also showed marked eosinophilic infiltration in the tubulointerstitial area and eosinophilic tubulitis. He was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and treated with corticosteroids. However, he showed no response. Therefore, he was administered mepolizumab 300 mg, which resulted in clinical improvement, including normalization of the eosinophil and CRP levels. We herein describe the first case of successful induction therapy of EGPA using mepolizumab.
Tongxie Anchang Decoction Relieves Visceral Hypersensitivity in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rats by Regulating the NGF/TrkA Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tan Xiang , Pei Wenjing , Xie Chune , Wang Zhibin , Liu Jiali , Cheng Yuan , Mao Tangyou , Shi Lei , Zhao Xingjie , Lu Qiongqiong , Sun Zhongmei , Kou Fushun , Jiang Hui , Li Junxiang
Published: June 2021

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by visceral hypersensitivity-related abdominal pain, in which diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) is the main subtype and has a high clinical incidence. Tongxie Anchang Decoction (TXACD) has been proved to significantly improve abdominal pain in patients with IBS-D, but its underlying therapeutic mechanism still remains unclear. In the present study, IBS-D model rats were induced by neonatal maternal separation (NMS) combined with restraint stress (RS). The therapeutic effect of TXACD was evaluated by fecal characteristics and abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. After 14 days of intragastric administration, the colonic tissues of rats were collected to detect the protein and gene level of the NGF, TrkA, and TRPV1 using Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively, and detect mast cells infiltration using toluidine blue staining. The abdominal aorta blood centrifuged was collected for detecting serum levels of SP, 5-HT, and CGRP with ELISA. The results revealed that TXACD could significantly improve visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats, reflected in the decrease of AWR score and the serum levels of SP, 5-HT, and CGRP. In addition, TXACD treatment could alleviate mast cells infiltration. Moreover, the expression levels of the NGF, TrkA, and TRPV1 were repressed by TXACD. The findings of the present study indicated that the therapeutic effect of TXACD on visceral hypersensitivity might be closely related to the downregulation of the NGF/TrkA signaling pathway, the reversal of TRPV1 expression and mast cells infiltration, and the decreased release of neuroendocrine factors SP, 5-HT, and CGRP.
Traversable Wormholes Existence in
f

R
,
T

Gravity Involving Trace-Squared Term with Nonexotic Matter
Authors: Zubair M. , Muneer Quratulien , Waheed Saira
Published: June 2021

In Einstein’s relativity theory, the existence of traversable wormholes requires the involvement of exotic matter which violates the null energy condition (NEC). Our aim, in this article, is to construct wormhole solutions with the nonexotic matter. To achieve this, we choose an interesting gravitational framework of

f

ℛ
,
T

theory which contains a quadratic term of energy-momentum tensor

T

i
j

trace and a well-known Starobinsky

f

ℛ

model in its extended form. We analyze the behavior of energy constraints in the framework of

f

ℛ
,
T

=
ℛ
+
α

ℛ

2

+
γ

ℛ

n

+
λ

T

2

(where

α

,

γ

, and

λ

are some random constants) model for the well-proposed shape function

S

r

=

r

0

r

0

/
r

ε

(where

ε

is a constant and

r

0

is the wormhole throat). A detailed analysis of validity regions is presented for some choices of coupling parameters along with the free parameter of EoS

β
,
m

. It is shown that, under this model, the existence of viable wormhole geometry is possible without requiring any exotic matter.
Pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging Predicts the KRAS/NRAS/BRAF Gene Mutational Status in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: He Peng , Zou Yuan , Qiu Jia , Yang Tianhong , Peng Lei , Zhang Xiangsong
Published: June 2021

Objective. To investigate the association between KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations and metabolic parameters of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. A total of 85 patients with CRC were included in the study. PET/CT was performed in all the patients before surgery. The histopathological examination and analysis of the gene mutational status of the primary tumor were conducted. The associations among clinical features, PET metabolic parameters, and the gene mutational status were investigated. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor were generated along with analysis of the target tissue to nontarget tissue ratio (T/NT) for predicting the efficacy of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations in CRC. Finally, the corresponding area under the curve, the optimal cutoff value, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were obtained. Results. The mutation rate of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF was 54.12% (46/85). In addition, both SUVmax and T/NT were significantly higher in the KRAS/NRAS/BRAF-mutation groups compared to the wild-type group (15.88 ± 6.71 vs. 12.59 ± 5.79, 8.04 ± 3.03 vs. 6.38 ± 2.80;

P
=
0.012

and 0.004, respectively). Results from the ROC curve also showed that the cutoff values for T/NT and SUVmax were 5.14 and 12.40, respectively, while the predictive accuracy was 0.682 and 0.647, respectively. On the other hand, the sensitivity was 91.30% and 65.22% while the specificity was 43.59% and 64.10%, respectively. Moreover, univariate analysis showed that the KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation was not significantly associated with gender, age, lesion location, tumor length, pathological type, tissue differentiation, and UICC staging (all

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. T/NT ratio and SUVmax could be the potential surrogate imaging indicators to predict the KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutational status in CRC patients.
[Retracted] Synthesis, Mechanical, and Tribological Performance Analysis of Stir‐Casted AA7079: ZrO2 + Si3N4 Hybrid Composites by Taguchi Route
Authors: Jegan G. , Kavipriya P. , Sathish T. , Dinesh Kumar S. , Samraj Lawrence T. , Vino T.
Published: June 2021

Currently, the aluminum alloys are utilized more in level of all industries for different applications; furthermore, industries need high‐strength alloys for making innovative components. For those reasons, many researchers hope to prepare hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites at various composition levels. In this experimental work, we intended to prepare the hybrid metal matrix composites such as aluminum alloy 7079 with reinforcement of ZrO2 + Si3N4 through stir‐casting process. Major findings of this work, as to optimize the stir‐casting process, can be to continually conduct wear test and evaluate the microhardness of the stir‐casted specimens. Optimization of stir‐casting process parameters is a preliminary work for this research by Taguchi tool. The chosen parameters are % of reinforcement (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%), agitation speed (450 rpm, 500 rpm, 550 rpm, and 600 rpm), agitation time (15 min, 20 min. 25 min, and 30 min), and molten temperature (700°C, 750°C, 800°C, and 850°C). The prepared stir‐casted materials are tested by wear analysis and microhardness analysis, through Pin‐on‐Disc wear tester and Vickers hardness tester, respectively. Wear parameters are optimized, the minimum wear rate is evaluated, and also the wear worn‐out surfaces are examined through SEM analysis.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Some Fe(III) Complexes Bearing Unsymmetrical Salen-Type Ligands Derived from 2-Hydroxynaphthaldehyde and Substituted Salicylaldehydes
Authors: Nguyen Quang Trung , Pham Thi Phuong Nam , Van Tuyen Nguyen
Published: June 2021

Six Fe(III) complexes bearing unsymmetrical salen-type ligands derived from 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde and substituted salicylaldehydes were synthesized by coordinating the unsymmetrical salen-type ligands with FeCl3.6H2O. The synthetic complexes were characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS), effective magnetic moments (μeff), and infrared (IR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectra. The spectroscopic data are in good agreement with the suggested molecular formulae of the complexes. Their cyclic voltammetric studies in acetonitrile solutions showed that the Fe(III)/Fe(II) reduction processes are electrochemically irreversible. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the obtained complexes was screened on human cancer cell lines KB (a subline of Hela tumor cell line) and HepG2 (a human liver cancer cell line) and a normal human cell line HEK-293 (Human Embryonic Kidney cell line). The results showed that the synthetic Fe(III) complexes are highly cytotoxic and quite selective. The synthetic complexes bearing unsymmetrical salen-type ligands with different substituted groups in the salicyl ring indicate different cytotoxicity.
A New Estimate for the Homogenization Method for Second-Order Elliptic Problem with Rapidly Oscillating Periodic Coefficients
Authors: Liu Xiong , He Wenming
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we will investigate a multiscale homogenization theory for a second-order elliptic problem with rapidly oscillating periodic coefficients of the form

∂
/
∂

x

i

a

i
j

x
/
ε
,
x

∂

u

ε

x

/
∂

x

j

=
f

x

. Noticing the fact that the classic homogenization theory presented by Oleinik has a high demand for the smoothness of the homogenization solution

u

0

, we present a new estimate for the homogenization method under the weaker smoothness that homogenization solution

u

0

satisfies than the classical homogenization theory needs.
[Retracted] News Text Classification Method and Simulation Based on the Hybrid Deep Learning Model
Authors: Sun Ningfeng , Du Chengye
Published: June 2021

This paper uses the database as the data source, using bibliometrics and visual analysis methods, to statistically analyze the relevant documents published in the field of text classification in the past ten years, to clarify the development context and research status of the text classification field, and to predict the research in the field of text classification priorities and research frontiers. Based on the in‐depth study of the background, research status, related theories, and developments of online news text classification, this article analyzes the annual publication trend, subject distribution, journal distribution, institution distribution, author distribution, highly cited literature analysis, and research hotspots. Forefront and other aspects clarify the development context and research status of the text classification field and provide a theoretical reference for the further development of the text classification field. Then, on the basis of systematic research on text classification, deep learning, and news text classification theories, a deep learning‐based network news text classification model is constructed, and the function of each module is introduced in detail, which will help the future news text classification of application and improvement provide theoretical basis. On the basis of the predecessors, this article separately studied and improved the neural network model based on the convolutional neural network, cyclic neural network, and attention mechanism and merged the three models into one model, which can obtain local associated features and contextual features and highlight the role of keywords. Finally, experiments are used to verify the effectiveness of the model proposed in this paper and compared with traditional text classification to prove the superiority of the network news text classification based on deep learning proposed in this paper. This article aims to study the internal connection between news comments and the number of votes received by news comments, and through the proposed model, the number of votes for news comments can be predicted.
Monte Carlo-Based Covariance Matrix of Residuals and Critical Values in Minimum L1-Norm
Authors: Suraci Stefano Sampaio , Oliveira Leonardo Castro de , Klein Ivandro , Rofatto Vinicius Francisco , Matsuoka Marcelo Tomio , Baselga Sergio
Published: June 2021

Robust estimators are often lacking a closed-form expression for the computation of their residual covariance matrix. In fact, it is also a prerequisite to obtain critical values for normalized residuals. We present an approach based on Monte Carlo simulation to compute the residual covariance matrix and critical values for robust estimators. Although initially designed for robust estimators, the new approach can be extended for other adjustment procedures. In this sense, the proposal was applied to both well-known minimum L1-norm and least squares into three different leveling network geometries. The results show that (1) the covariance matrix of residuals changes along with the estimator; (2) critical values for minimum L1-norm based on a false positive rate cannot be derived from well-known test distributions; (3) in contrast to critical values for extreme normalized residuals in least squares, critical values for minimum L1-norm do not necessarily tend to be higher as network redundancy increases.
Clinical Characteristics of Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy in Eyes with Retinal Vascular Occlusion Diseases in Chinese Patients
Authors: Zhang Zhengwei , Jiang Yunjia , Huang Xiaoli , Wu Zhifeng , Ke Bilian
Published: June 2021

Aim. To investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and its relationship with prominent middle limiting membrane (p-MLM) sign in eyes with retinal artery occlusion (RAO) or retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in a Chinese clinical setting. Methods. In this retrospective observational study from January 2015 to May 2020, multimodal imaging data of 807 eyes including 555 consecutive patients with RVO or 252 consecutive patients with RAO were reviewed. All patients were scanned using the spectrum-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and some of them underwent color fundus photography, fundus fluorescence angiography, en face OCT, and OCT angiography. Results. PAMM was detected in 49 eyes of 49 RAO patients and 29 eyes of 29 RVO patients. The mean ages at presentation were 64.49 ± 13.90 years and 54.00 ± 18.48 years in RAO and RVO patients (

P
=
0.006

), respectively. Eyes with RAO were more prone to develop PAMM (19.44% [49/252] vs. 5.23% [29/555];

P
<
0.001

). Of the 78 eyes with PAMM, 24 eyes (7 eyes with RVO and 17 eyes with RAO) were found with p-MLM sign. An interesting phenomenon that had been overlooked before was that the hyperreflective line of the p-MLM sign was usually continuous, regardless of the type of PAMM lesion. Conclusions. This series is the largest to date to describe the clinical characteristics of PAMM and p-MLM sign in Chinese patients. The incidence of PAMM and p-MLM sign in patients with RAO was relatively higher than that in patients with RVO. These signs alone probably represent milder ischemia and prompt us to carry out a comprehensive and meticulous examination to prevent the further development of the disease. In addition, the hyperreflective line of the p-MLM sign was usually continuous, which could support the totally venous nature of the retinal deep capillary plexus to some extent.
k‐Means Clustering Algorithm and Its Simulation Based on Distributed Computing Platform
Authors: Wu Chunqiong , Yan Bingwen , Yu Rongrui , Yu Baoqin , Zhou Xiukao , Yu Yanliang , Chen Na
Published: June 2021

At present, the explosive growth of data and the mass storage state have brought many problems such as computational complexity and insufficient computational power to clustering research. The distributed computing platform through load balancing dynamically configures a large number of virtual computing resources, effectively breaking through the bottleneck of time and energy consumption, and embodies its unique advantages in massive data mining. This paper studies the parallel k‐means extensively. This article first initializes random sampling and second parallelizes the distance calculation process that provides independence between the data objects to perform cluster analysis in parallel. After the parallel processing of the MapReduce, we use many nodes to calculate distance, which speeds up the efficiency of the algorithm. Finally, the clustering of data objects is parallelized. Results show that our method can provide services efficiently and stably and have good convergence.