bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Atypical Shiga Toxin Gene Sequences and Description of Stx2j, a New Subtype
Authors: Gill Alexander , Dussault Forest , McMahon Tanis , Petronella Nicholas , Wang Xiong , Cebelinski Elizabeth , Scheutz Flemming , Weedmark Kelly , Blais Burton , Carrillo Catherine
Published: February 2022

Shiga toxin (Stx) is the definitive virulence factor of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC). Stx variants are currently organized into a taxonomic system of three Stx1 (a, c, and d) and seven Stx2 (a, b, c, d, e, f, and g) subtypes.
Self-monitoring of the resting heart rate using a fitness tracker smartwatch application leads to an early diagnosis of large vessel vasculitis
Authors: Gkikopoulos Nikitas , Wenger Mathias , Distler Oliver , Becker Mike
Published: February 2022

Giant cell arteritis can involve both cranial and extracranial arteries. Isolated extracranial large vessel vasculitis more often manifests with non-specific constitutional symptoms, causing a diagnostic delay. We report the case of a 57-year-old Caucasian female patient presenting with persistently elevated resting heart rate, as revealed by a smartwatch healthcare application, and non-specific constitutional symptoms. Imaging revealed inflammation of the aorta, bilateral subclavian and axillary arteries, compatible with large vessel vasculitis. Treatment with glucocorticoids and tocilizumab led to a significant improvement of her symptoms and decrease in inflammatory parameters. In sum, an unexplained elevated resting heart rate may lead to an earlier diagnosis and treatment of large vessel vasculitis, especially when other manifestations are non-specific. The use of healthcare smartwatch applications may prove useful in the future and lead to an earlier referral of patients to a physician.
Combined endovascular and surgical management of a case of Cobb syndrome
Authors: Prasad Surya Nandan , Barman Bapi , Singh Vivek , Das Kuntal Kanti
Published: February 2022

Cobb syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterised by spinal and cutaneous vascular malformations in a metameric distribution. Managing such cases is a challenge for the interventionists and neurosurgeons as the results are often suboptimal. We describe a case of Cobb syndrome in a young male child who presented clinically with acute paraparesis and lower backache. On radiological workup, an intradural perimedullary complex spinal arteriovenous fistula was seen with presence of subarachnoid haemorrhage in the spinal canal and compressive myelopathy. There was a haemangioma in paraspinal muscles and a maculopapular cutaneous lesion in the lower back. He was treated with combined endovascular embolisation and surgical intervention and showed significant clinical improvement on follow-up.
A family with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 haploinsufficiency presenting with aplastic anaemia
Authors: Solhaug Terje Singsaas , Tjønnfjord Geir Erland , Bjørgo Kathrine , Kildahl-Andersen Odd
Published: February 2022

Acquired aplastic anaemia is a rare disease, and occurrence in more than one member of the same family is uncommon. With this case report, we wish to highlight the importance of searching for an underlying genetic cause when this occurs. It may have consequences for future generations in affected families. CTLA4 haploinsufficiency is a heterogeneous disease entity with severe systemic immune dysregulation associated with several autoimmune diseases including aplastic anaemia.
Tele-Active Rehabilitation for adolescents with concussion: a feasibility study
Authors: Shore Josh , Hutchison Michael G , Nalder Emily , Reed Nick , Hunt Anne
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Active rehabilitation involving subsymptom threshold exercise and education/support promotes recovery among adolescents with concussion, but is typically delivered in-person, which limits accessibility. This study explored the feasibility of a remotely delivered Tele-Active Rehabilitation (Tele-AR) intervention for adolescents with concussion.

Methods

A precase–postcase series design was used. Three adolescents (ages 14–17 years) experiencing postconcussion symptoms ≥2 weeks postinjury participated with a parent. The Tele-AR intervention was a 6-week programme supervised by a rehabilitation clinician through weekly videoconferencing appointments and included (1) aerobic exercise, (2) coordination drills and (3) comprehensive education and support. Feasibility indicators included rates of recruitment, retention, adherence, as well as adolescent and parent ratings of technology usability using an adapted Telehealth Usability Questionnaire and satisfaction using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8. Prechanges to postchanges in postconcussion symptoms, illness perceptions, and occupational performance and satisfaction were also assessed.

Results

Rates of recruitment (n=3/4) and retention (n=3/3) achieved success criteria. Adherence was high among all participants (77%–100%), and there were no adverse events. Participant ratings of technology usability and satisfaction approached 90%. All participants reported improvements in postconcussion symptoms and illness perception. Clinically significant positive changes were also observed in occupational performance and satisfaction.

Conclusions

The Tele-AR intervention appears feasible in a small group of adolescents with concussion, and positive changes were observed in postconcussion symptoms, illness perception and occupational performance. Further study is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of this approach, which may enable access to care that supports recovery in adolescents with concussion.
Comparison of tumor assessments using RECIST 1.1 and irRECIST, and association with overall survival
Authors: Manitz Juliane , D'Angelo Sandra P , Apolo Andrea B , Eggleton S Peter , Bajars Marcis , Bohnsack Oliver , Gulley James L
Published: February 2022

Background

Patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may experience pseudoprogression, which can be classified as progressive disease (PD) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) V.1.1 and could lead to inappropriate treatment discontinuation. Immune-response criteria were developed to better capture novel response patterns seen with ICIs.

Methods

We pooled data from 1765 patients with 12 types of advanced solid tumors treated with avelumab (an anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibody) monotherapy in the JAVELIN Solid Tumor and JAVELIN Merkel 200 trials, conducted a comparative analysis of tumor assessments by investigators according to RECIST 1.1 and immune-related RECIST (irRECIST), and evaluated the correlation between progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

In total, 147 patients (8.3%) had a best overall response (BOR) of PD by RECIST 1.1 but had immune-related disease control by irRECIST (defined as immune-related BOR (irBOR) of immune-related stable disease or better). This discordance was seen irrespective of PD-L1 status and observed across all tumor types. Overall, PFS and immune-related PFS showed similar imputed rank correlations with OS.

Conclusions

The use of irRECIST identified a subset of patients with a BOR of PD by RECIST 1.1 but an irBOR of immune-related disease control by irRECIST with a distinctive survival curve, thereby providing more clinically relevant information than RECIST 1.1 alone. However, as a surrogate endpoint for OS in the whole population, immune-related PFS by irRECIST did not show improved predictive value compared with PFS by RECIST 1.1.
Hydrogenation of pyridine and hydrogenolysis of piperidine over γ-Mo2N catalyst: a DFT study
Authors: Jaf Zainab N. , Miran Hussein A.
Published: February 2022

Increasing demands on producing environmentally friendly products are becoming a driving force for designing highly active catalysts. Thus, surfaces that efficiently catalyse the nitrogen reduction reactions are greatly sought in moderating air-pollutant emissions. This contribution aims to computationally investigate the hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) networks of pyridine over the γ-Mo2N(111) surface using a density functional theory (DFT) approach. Various adsorption configurations have been considered for the molecularly adsorbed pyridine. Findings indicate that pyridine can be adsorbed via side-on and end-on modes in six geometries in which one adsorption site is revealed to have the lowest adsorption energy (–45.3 kcal/mol). Over a nitrogen hollow site adsorption site, initial HDN steps proceed by the stepwise hydrogenation of pyridine into piperidine followed by the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism. The obtained findings are the first to theoretically model the hydrogenation pathways of pyridine to form piperidine and then the hydrogenolysis of piperidine producing C5H12 and NH3 over metal nitride. These paved the way for further investigations to better understanding such an important nitrogen removal reactions.
Thermodynamics and the origin of life
Authors: Marsh Gerald E.
Published: February 2022

Modern developments in nonequilibrium thermodynamics have significant implications for the origins of life. The reasons for this are closely related to a generalized version of the second law of thermodynamics recently found for entropy production during irreversible evolution of a given system such as self-replicating RNA. This paper is intended to serve as an introduction to these developments.
On the differential smoothness of 3-dimensional skew polynomial algebras and diffusion algebras
Authors: Reyes Armando , Sarmiento Cristian
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the differential smoothness of 3-dimensional skew polynomial algebras and diffusion algebras.
INFORMATION DIMENSION OF GALTON BOARD
Authors: ZHOU QIANLI , DENG YONG , PEDRYCZ WITOLD
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we relax the definition of Rényi information dimension. The power law of the Entropy-Layer in the Galton board is discovered and we calculate its information fractal dimension. When the Galton board is extended to bias or three-dimensional space, we get the same fractal features. In addition, according to the connection between Pascal’s triangle and the Poisson distribution, we find constrained Poisson distribution groups with the same information dimension. This is the first time the information entropy is utilized to explore the fractal features of the Galton board and Pascal’s triangle.
PROPERTIES AND INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES ARISING FROM THE GENERALIZED n-POLYNOMIAL CONVEXITY IN THE FRAME OF FRACTAL SPACE
Authors: XU LEI , YU SHUHONG , DU TINGSONG
Published: February 2022

First, we define what we named the generalized [Formula: see text]-polynomial convex mappings as a generalization of convex mappings, investigate their meaningful properties, and establish two Hermite–Hadamard’s-type integral inequalities via the newly proposed mappings in the frame of fractal space as well. Second, in accordance with the discovered identity with a parameter, we present certain improved integral inequalities with regard to the mappings whose first-order derivatives in absolute value belong to the generalized [Formula: see text]-polynomial convexity. As applications, on the basis of local fractional calculus, we acquire three inequalities in view of special means, numerical integrations, as well as probability density mappings, respectively.
AVERAGE GEODESIC DISTANCE OF SIERPIŃSKI-TYPE NETWORKS
Authors: ZENG CHENG , HUANG YUKE , XUE YUMEI
Published: February 2022

The well-known Sierpiński square is a fractal generated by iterated function system (IFS). In this paper, we focus on a class of fractal networks created by IFS. We show a universal approach to solve the average geodesic distance of these fractal networks.
FRACTAL NECKLACES WITH NO CUT POINTS
Authors: WEN FAN
Published: February 2022

The fractal necklaces in [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) introduced in this paper are a class of connected fractal sets generated by the so-called necklace IFSs, for which a lot of basic topology questions are interesting. We give two subclasses of fractal necklaces and prove that every necklace in these two classes has no cut points. Also, we prove that every stable self-similar necklace in [Formula: see text] has no cut points, whilst an analog for self-affine necklaces is false.
COMPOSITE FABRICATION OF EPOXY AND GRAPHENE OXIDE COATING TO ENRICH THE ANTICORROSION AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF CARBON-STEEL
Authors: KHAN AHSAN RIAZ , ZHAO TIANYU , ZHENG MAOSHENG
Published: February 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) concentrated slurry dispersion method was used to prepare the GO epoxy thermal insulation and anti-corrosion coating. Corrosion test was carried out in 3.5% NaCl solution at 50∘C, and a thermal testing device tested the thermal insulation performance. The results of the electrochemical corrosion test after 456[Formula: see text]h show that the low-frequency impedance of the coating with 0.5% GO-modified significantly improved, and the corrosion resistance of the coating is better than that of the coating without GO and 1.0% GO-modification. SEM analysis results show that surface morphology of the coating modified with GO 0.5% and 1.0% after 456 h of corrosion, there were no cracks and corrosion products at the substrate interface. In contrast, coatings without GO modification have apparent corrosion damage. Before corrosion testing, the thermal insulation performance of coating modified by 0.5%, 1.0% GO coating was not significantly different from that of the neat epoxy. The bonding strength is also reduced to 3.9, 2.3, and 1.0 MPa. The experimental results show that the coating with 0.5% GO modified is the best for corrosion resistance and insulation.
On simple-injective modules
Authors: Alagöz Yusuf , Benli̇-Göral Si̇nem , Büyükaşık Engi̇n
Published: February 2022

For a right module [Formula: see text], we prove that [Formula: see text] is simple-injective if and only if [Formula: see text] is min-[Formula: see text]-injective for every cyclic right module [Formula: see text]. The rings whose simple-injective right modules are injective are exactly the right Artinian rings. A right Noetherian ring is right Artinian if and only if every cyclic simple-injective right module is injective. The ring is [Formula: see text] if and only if simple-injective right modules are projective. For a commutative Noetherian ring [Formula: see text], we prove that every finitely generated simple-injective [Formula: see text]-module is projective if and only if [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is hereditary. An abelian group is simple-injective if and only if its torsion part is injective. We show that the notions of simple-injective, strongly simple-injective, soc-injective and strongly soc-injective coincide over the ring of integers.
Involutions of sl(2,k) and non-split, three-dimensional simple Lie algebras
Authors: Meyer Philippe
Published: February 2022

We give a process to construct non-split, three-dimensional simple Lie algebras from involutions of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a field of characteristic not two. Up to equivalence, non-split three-dimensional simple Lie algebras obtained in this way are parametrized by a subgroup of the Brauer group of [Formula: see text] and are characterized by the fact that their Killing form represents [Formula: see text]. Over local and global fields we re-express this condition in terms of Hilbert and Legendre Symbols and give examples of three-dimensional simple Lie algebras which can and cannot be obtained by this construction over the field of rationals.
Collision Reduction Walking for Lower Limb Exoskeletons
Authors: Zhang Long , Zou Chaobin , Song Guangkui , Cheng Hong , Huang Rui , Qiu Jing
Published: February 2022

Lower limb exoskeletons have received considerable interest in strength augmentation, rehabilitation, and walking assistance scenarios. For walking assistance, repetitive and excessive foot-ground impact makes the patient uncomfortable and even leads to secondary damage. In this paper, variable stiffness ankles are used for collision reduction walking, based on which the Step Length-depended Variable Stiffness Planner (SLVSP) is proposed for lower limb exoskeletons. In the SLVSP, ankle stiffness and step length are optimized to reduce the Collision Loss Of Transport (CLOT). In addition, the mechanical energy-based human intention estimator for continuous walking by the SLVSP is proposed. A dynamics simulation verifies the method’s performance, and the results show that the proposed approach is effective.
Future Direction of Designing Antioxidant Polymers in Modulating Protein Aggregation Process
Authors: Mondal Anushree , Khan Md Ezaz Hasan , Ghosh Pooja , De Priyadarsi
Published: February 2022

Amyloids are highly ordered aggregates of misfolded proteins, related to a large number of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, type II diabetes and many other debilitating disorders. The misfolded proteins are most commonly [Formula: see text]-sheet rich fibrillar aggregates, and one of the most common therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these disorders is inhibiting the formation of fibrillar aggregates. To date, a myriad of compounds have been introduced for this purpose, however poor water solubility and low bioavailability are major restrictions to achieve this purpose. To overcome these limitations, polymeric materials could be a great choice because of their many unique properties. Furthermore, oxidative stress is a key factor associated with the aforementioned disorders. In this context, natural polyphenolic compounds are attracting attention due to their abundance, potential antioxidant activities and nontoxic nature. Considering the importance of antioxidant agents in preventing the protein aggregation process, the design of novel antioxidant polymers has become a challenging task nowadays. Based on these perspectives, this review aims to provide an overall idea about the protein misfolding process, mechanistic pathway, and therapeutic approaches. The main focus of this review is the use of antioxidant molecules and the integration of natural polyphenol-based antioxidants with polymers for designing next-generation potential anti-amyloidogenic agents.
Policy Note: Expanding Irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Balasubramanya Soumya , Lele Uma
Published: February 2022

Policymakers in Sub-Saharan Africa have placed considerable emphasis on expanding irrigated agriculture. This is in response to the subcontinent’s growing population pressure, coupled with production risks associated with declining and variable rainfall. Irrigation is viewed as an important strategy to improve food security and protect rural livelihoods, with small-scale irrigation identified as the preferred strategy. And yet, adoption of irrigation has been slow, and irrigation investments are often underutilized. Expanding irrigated agriculture through increases in cultivated area alone will not be sufficient for greater food security; land and water productivity of irrigated agriculture needs to be increased, and this may in fact help accelerate the adoption of irrigation. Shared irrigation investments among small farmers are going to be challenging to sustain as smallholder households diversify their livelihoods, and do not cultivate field crops every season. For individual irrigation technologies, many barriers exist in their adoption, especially the risks and ambiguities such as pestilence and borehole installation failures; and governments will have to invest significantly more than they currently do in research and extension efforts to ease these barriers. Finally, the expansion of irrigation, especially individual irrigation, will likely create environmental challenges such as aquifer depletion, water pollution, and soil degradation, which governments would also have to manage by coordinating the actions of individual smallholders. This paper identifies the kind of institutional infrastructure and policy support that African agriculture will need to have in place to expand irrigation beyond its current status.
Curvature-based Analysis of Network Connectivity in Private Backbone Infrastructures
Authors: Salamatian Loqman , Anderson Scott , Matthews Joshua , Barford Paul , Willinger Walter , Crovella Mark
Published: February 2022

The main premise of this work is that since large cloud providers can and do manipulate probe packets that traverse their privately owned and operated backbones, standard traceroute-based measurement techniques are no longer a reliable means for assessing network connectivity in large cloud provider infrastructures. In response to these developments, we present a new empirical approach for elucidating private connectivity in today's Internet. Our approach relies on using only "light-weight" ( i.e., simple, easily-interpretable, and readily available) measurements, but requires applying a "heavy-weight" or advanced mathematical analysis. In particular, we describe a new method for assessing the characteristics of network path connectivity that is based on concepts from Riemannian geometry ( i.e., Ricci curvature) and also relies on an array of carefully crafted visualizations ( e.g., a novel manifold view of a network's delay space). We demonstrate our method by utilizing latency measurements from RIPE Atlas anchors and virtual machines running in data centers of three large cloud providers to (i) study different aspects of connectivity in their private backbones and (ii) show how our manifold-based view enables us to expose and visualize critical aspects of this connectivity over different geographic scales.
Data-Driven Network Path Simulation with iBox
Authors: Ashok Sachin , Tiwari Shubham , Natarajan Nagarajan , Padmanabhan Venkata N. , Sellamanickam Sundararajan
Published: February 2022

While network simulation is widely used for evaluating network protocols and applications, ensuring realism remains a key challenge. There has been much work on simulating network mechanisms faithfully (e.g., links, buffers, etc.), but less attention on the critical task of configuring the simulator to reflect reality. We present iBox ("Internet in a Box"), which enables data-driven network path simulation, using input/output packet traces gathered at the sender/receiver in the target network to create a model of the end-to-end behaviour of a network path. Our work builds on recent work in this direction and makes three contributions: (1) estimation of a lightweight non reactive cross-traffic model, (2) estimation of a more powerful reactive cross-traffic model based on Bayesian optimization, and (3) evaluation of iBox in the context of congestion control variants in an Internet research testbed and also controlled experiments with known ground truth.
Data Convection
Authors: Khadirsharbiyani Soheil , Kotra Jagadish , Rao Karthik , Kandemir Mahmut
Published: February 2022

Stacked DRAMs have been studied, evaluated in multiple scenarios, and even productized in the last decade. The large available bandwidth they offer make them an attractive choice, particularly, in high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Consequently, many prior research efforts have studied and evaluated 3D stacked DRAM-based designs. Despite offering high bandwidth, stacked DRAMs are severely constrained by the overall memory capacity offered. In this paper, we study and evaluate integrating stacked DRAM on top of a GPU in a 3D manner which in tandem with the 2.5D stacked DRAM increases the capacity and the bandwidth without increasing the package size. This integration of 3D stacked DRAMs aids in satisfying the capacity requirements of emerging workloads like deep learning. Though this vertical 3D integration of stacked DRAMs also increases the total available bandwidth, we observe that the bandwidth offered by these 3D stacked DRAMs is severely limited by the heat generated on the GPU. Based on our experiments on a cycle-level simulator, we make a key observation that the sections of the 3D stacked DRAM that are closer to the GPU have lower retention-times compared to the farther layers of stacked DRAM. This thermal-induced variable retention-times causes certain sections of 3D stacked DRAM to be refreshed more frequently compared to the others, thereby resulting in thermal-induced NUMA paradigms. To alleviate such thermal-induced NUMA behavior, we propose and experimentally evaluate three different incarnations of Data Convection, i.e., Intra-layer, Inter-layer, and Intra + Inter-layer, that aim at placing the most-frequently accessed data in a thermal-induced retention-aware fashion, taking into account both bank-level and channel-level parallelism. Our evaluations on a cycle-level GPU simulator indicate that, in a multi-application scenario, our Intra-layer, Inter-layer and Intra + Inter-layer algorithms improve the overall performance by 1.8%, 11.7%, and 14.4%, respectively, over a baseline that already encompasses 3D+2.5D stacked DRAMs.
NURA
Authors: Darabi Sina , Mahani Negin , Baxishi Hazhir , Yousefzadeh-Asl-Miandoab Ehsan , Sadrosadati Mohammad , Sarbazi-Azad Hamid
Published: February 2022

Multi-application execution in Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), a promising way to utilize GPU resources, is still challenging. Some pieces of prior work (e.g., spatial multitasking) have limited opportunity to improve resource utilization, while other works, e.g., simultaneous multi-kernel, provide fine-grained resource sharing at the price of unfair execution. This paper proposes a new multi-application paradigm for GPUs, called NURA, that provides high potential to improve resource utilization and ensures fairness and Quality-of-Service (QoS). The key idea is that each streaming multiprocessor (SM) executes Cooperative Thread Arrays (CTAs) belong to only one application (similar to the spatial multi-tasking) and shares its unused resources with the SMs running other applications demanding more resources. NURA handles resource sharing process mainly using a software approach to provide simplicity, low hardware cost, and flexibility. We also perform some hardware modifications as an architectural support for our software-based proposal. We conservatively analyze the hardware cost of our proposal, and observe less than 1.07% area overhead with respect to the whole GPU die. Our experimental results over various mixes of GPU workloads show that NURA improves GPU system throughput by 26% compared to state-of-the-art spatial multi-tasking, on average, while meeting the QoS target. In terms of fairness, NURA has almost similar results to spatial multitasking, while it outperforms simultaneous multi-kernel by an average of 76%.
Hamiltonian and Lagrangian BRST Quantization in Riemann Manifold
Authors: Pandey Vipul Kumar
Published: February 2022

The BRST quantization of particle motion on the hypersurface

V

N
−
1

embedded in Euclidean space

R

N

is carried out both in Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formalism. Using Batalin-Fradkin-Fradkina-Tyutin (BFFT) method, the second class constraints obtained using Hamiltonian analysis are converted into first class constraints. Then using BFV analysis the BRST symmetry is constructed. We have given a simple example of these kind of system. In the end we have discussed Batalin-Vilkovisky formalism in the context of this (BFFT modified) system.
Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seid Abubeker Alebachew , Demirdel Ertugrul , Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Mohammed Ahmed Adem
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Guidelines endorse to implement an integrated and multidisciplinary team approach in the management of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there is no net and clear finding that shows the supremacy of multidisciplinary team interventions over conventional interventions for people with PD. Therefore, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the supremacy of multidisciplinary interventions for people with PD. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until May 2021. Randomized controlled trials comparing multidisciplinary intervention with conventional physiotherapy were included. The outcome measures were gait balance, disability status, quality of life, and depression level. The PEDro scale was used to systematically appraise methodological quality. Two reviewers screened, extracted, and performed a quality assessment of included studies independently. Review Manager V.5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration) software was used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was analyzed using I2 statistics, and a standardized mean difference with 95% CI andPvalue was used to calculate the treatment effect for outcome variables. Results. A total of 6 studies with 1260 participants were included. The average PEDro methodological quality score was 6.67. No statistically significant difference between multidisciplinary and conventional rehabilitation on functional capacity (SMD: 0.69; 95% CI: −0.13, 1.51;P=0.10), disability status (SMD: 0.65; 95% CI: −0.16, 1.46;P=0.11), and quality of life (SMD: 0.28; 95% CI: −0.31, 0.59;P=0.08) was found. However, there is a statistically significant improvement in caregivers' anxiety levels in the multidisciplinary group (SMD: 0.39; 95% CI 0.06, 1.73;P=0.02). Conclusion. This systematic review and meta-analysis show no significant difference between multidisciplinary and conventional rehabilitation on functionality, disability, and quality of life. Caregivers' anxiety levels show improvement following multidisciplinary interventions. However, large-scale studies with long-term follow-up were required for concrete and clinical recommendations.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α: The Next Marker of Stroke
Authors: Xue Yimeng , Zeng Xianwei , Tu Wen-Jun , Zhao Jizong
Published: February 2022

Although there is no shortage of research on the markers for stroke, to our knowledge, there are no clear markers that can meet the needs of clinical prediction and treatment. The inflammatory cascade is a critical process that persists and functions throughout the stroke process, ultimately worsening stroke outcomes and increasing mortality. Numerous inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are involved in this process. These inflammatory factors play a dual role during stroke, and their mechanisms are complex. As one of the representatives, TNF is the primary regulator of the immune system and plays an essential role in the spread of inflammation. In researches done over the last few years, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has emerged as a potential marker for stroke because of its essential role in stroke. This review summarizes the latest research on TNF-α in stroke and explores its potential as a therapeutic target.
Clinical Epidemiology Characteristics and Antibiotic Resistance Associated with Urinary Tract Infections Caused by E. coli
Authors: Nguyen Sang Ngoc , Thi Le Huyen Thanh , Tran Tam Duc , Vu Lam Tung , Ho Tho Huu
Published: February 2022

Introduction. In individuals with urinary tract infections, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an ubiquitous causative agent and antibiotic resistance is on the rise throughout the world. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate choice of antimicrobials are essential. The purpose of our study is to describe some of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the laboratory test results of children treated in our hospital for urinary tract infections caused by E. coli. Methods. The study included 128 patients from 2 months to 15 years of age with urinary tract infections caused by E. coli and treated at the Haiphong Children’s Hospital during the periods of 2011–2013 and 2018–2020. Results. During the two study periods, 57 and 71 cases, respectively, were included. The most common clinical symptom was fever in 40 and 46 cases, respectively. The proportion of E. coli’s resistance to ampicillin increased from 85.3% in 2011–2013 to 97.1% in 2018–2020. In 2011–2013, 70.5% of E. coli isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole, which increased to 81.4% during 2018–2020. During both periods, E. coli was highly sensitive to amikacin, at 87% and 95.5%, respectively. In 2018–2020, carbapenems (meropenem and imipenem) and piperacillin were also effective against E. coli. Conclusion. Our study revealed that high fever was the most prevalent clinical characteristic in urinary tract infections caused by E. coli in children and E. coli was mostly resistant to ampicillin, nalidixic acid, and cotrimoxazole but was highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin, amikacin, piperacillin, meropenem, and imipenem.
Broad Echo State Network with Reservoir Pruning for Nonstationary Time Series Prediction
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Bai Yuting , Jin Xuebo , Wang Xiaoyi , Su Tingli , Kong Jianlei
Published: February 2022

The nonstationary time series is generated in various natural and man-made systems, of which the prediction is vital for advanced control and management. The neural networks have been explored in the time series prediction, but the problem remains in modeling the data’s nonstationary and nonlinear features. Referring to the time series feature and network property, a novel network is designed with dynamic optimization of the model structure. Firstly, the echo state network (ESN) is introduced into the broad learning system (BLS). The broad echo state network (BESN) can increase the training efficiency with the incremental learning algorithm by removing the error backpropagation. Secondly, an optimization algorithm is proposed to reduce the redundant information in the training process of BESN units. The number of neurons in BESN with a fixed step size is pruned according to the contribution degree. Finally, the improved network is applied in the different datasets. The tests in the time series of natural and man-made systems prove that the proposed network performs better on the nonstationary time series prediction than the typical methods, including the ESN, BLS, and recurrent neural network.
[Retracted] Evaluation of Novel Tranexamic Acid/Montmorillonite Intercalation Composite, as a New Type of Hemostatic Material
Authors: Ma Fei , Sui Shujing , Yang Zhiyuan , Ye Tong , Yang Lei , Han Peng , Gan Hui , Wu Zhuona , Gu Ruolan , Zhu Xiaoxia , Li Fei , Meng Zhiyun , Jiang Zhiping , Dou Guifang
Published: February 2022

Radiation enteritis—clinically manifested as diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and so on—is frequently caused when the body is exposed to radiation or radiotherapy because the intestine is radiation‐sensitive as an abdominal organ. Therefore, strategies to modulate intestinal hemostasis had inspired an important research trend in the process of preventing and treating radiation enteritis. Based on the structural characteristics of montmorillonite (MMT) and the hemostatic drug tranexamic acid (TXA) which was used clinically to treat enteritis, the tranexamic acid‐montmorillonite composite material (TXA‐MMT) was prepared through intercalation composite technology. According to the analysis of FTIR, XRD, TG‐DTG, SEM, and XRF, the prepared TXA‐MMT was verified that tranexamic acid could intercalate into layers of montmorillonite. To evaluate the biocompatibility, two experiments were conducted by in vitro hemolysis and in vitro cytotoxicity experiments and results showed that TXA‐MMT exhibited good visible biocompatibility. Activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and in vitro clotting time were adopted to determine the hemostatic effect of TXA‐MMT. Compared with other groups, TXA‐MMT revealed a significant decrease in clotting time variations, APTT, and PT. In addition, to investigate the preventive effect of TXA‐MMT by the intervention of radiation enteritis mice, inflammatory factors IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α and the content of endotoxin in the serum of mice were detected. It demonstrated that TXA‐MMT reduced the levels of these factors. Besides, the expression and the pathological changes of the small intestine tissue of mice were relieved. Our findings suggests that TXA‐MMT as a promising intercalation composite has a great potential for application in the field of intestinal hemostasis.
Shoulder Lesions Do Not Increase Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Glenohumeral Instability: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Yu Jonathan S. , Dare David M. , Edon Daniel , Sinatro Alec L. , Sarver Dylan C. , Rodeo Scott , Dines Joshua S. , Mendias Christopher L.
Published: February 2022

Circulating protein biomarkers have demonstrated utility as a diagnostic tool in predicting musculoskeletal disease severity, but their utility in the evaluation of shoulder lesions associated with shoulder instability is unknown. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study was to determine whether preoperative biomarkers of cartilage turnover and inflammation are associated with specific shoulder lesions in shoulder instability. Thirty-three patients (29.9 ± 9.4 years of age, 4.5 ± 4.7 dislocations) undergoing surgical treatment for shoulder instability were assessed for the presence or absence of associated shoulder lesions. Biomarkers including cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), C-reactive protein (HS-CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1b) were collected at the time of surgery. Patients with Hill-Sachs lesions had a 31% increase in COMP plasma levels (

p
=
0.046

). No other significant differences were observed for COMP, HS-CRP, IL-8, and MIP-1b with any shoulder lesion including Hill-Sachs lesions, capsular injuries, bony Bankart lesions, and SLAP lesions. In conclusion, inflammatory biomarkers including HS-CRP, IL-8, and MIP-1b were not associated with specific shoulder lesions, while biomarkers of cartilage turnover (COMP) were only elevated in Hill-Sachs lesions. These findings suggest that these biomarkers may have limited utility as prognostic indicators in patients with shoulder instability, though large-scale and longitudinal studies are still necessary.
Computational Modeling of Desiccation Properties (CW, LS, and VS) of Waste-Based Activated Ash-Treated Black Cotton Soil for Sustainable Subgrade Using Artificial Neural Network, Gray-Wolf, and Moth-Flame Optimization Techniques
Authors: Onyelowe Kennedy C. , Shakeri Jamshid , Amini-Khoshalan Hasel , Usungedo Thompson F. , Alimoradi-Jazi Mohammadreza
Published: February 2022

Artificial neural network (ANN), gray-wolf, and moth-flame optimization (GWO and MFO) techniques have been used in this research work to predict the effect of activated sawdust ash (ASDA) on the crack width (CW), linear shrinkage (LS), and volumetric shrinkage (VS) of a black cotton soil utilized as a subgrade material. Problematic soils or black cotton soils are not good pavement foundation materials except that they are pretreated in order to meet the basic strength characteristics required for roads in Nigeria. Due to this reason, there has been ongoing research to evaluate the best practices in which black cotton soils can be favorably utilized in earthwork construction. On the other hand, there is a huge concern on the solid waste management system in the wood processing environment and the recycling of sawdust into ash and its reuse as an alternative binder has offered a sustainable disposal system. The work tries to use AI-based techniques to predict the crack and shrinkage behaviors of BCS treated with saw dust ash activated with alkali materials. There was appreciable improvement in the shrinkage and crack parameters over the 30-day drying period due to the addition of ASDA. The intelligent model results showed that the three techniques successfully predicted the CW, LS, and VS with a performance accuracy above 90%, while ANN produced the minimal error in performance outperforming the other techniques. Sensitivity study showed that the drying time (T) was the most influential of the studied parameter. Hence, soil stabilization has shown its potential system of waste management in the wood processing industry.
Intelligent Classroom Learning Model of College English Based on Data Mining Technology in Mobile Edge Computing Environment
Authors: Wu Juanjuan
Published: February 2022

There are still a number of issues in college English classes, for example, the learning environment is relatively closed and some teachers lack a sense of innovation and reform, both of which have an impact on students’ ability to improve their English skills. The expansion and application of big data technology in education have piqued the interest of educational researchers, industry and application practitioners, and industry management and decision-makers. This study uses educational data mining technology to model in the mobile edge computing environment, analyze and process, and create an overall design from three levels: teaching design process, learning activity process, and learning results, all based on big data in the smart classroom. The results show that using the algorithm with the interest index, the number of strong rules obtained can be used to derive a concrete relationship between learning behavior factors and learning effect, which can help users improve their learning behavior.
LIN28B Polymorphisms Confer a Higher Postoperative Recurrence Risk in Reproductive-Age Women with Endometrial Polyps
Authors: Lu Mei-Yin , Li Xiao-Hong , Niu Jia-Li , Liu Bin
Published: February 2022

The RNA-binding protein LIN28B is an important factor for cell proliferation. Because LIN28B polymorphisms have been shown to be relative with the recurrence of some hyperplastic diseases, we hypothesized that genetic variants of LIN28B gene were associated with postoperative recurrence risk in reproductive-age women with endometrial polyps (EP). In a hospital-based cohort of 351 reproductive female patients underwent hysteroscopic polypectomies between May 2018 and Jan 2020, we genotyped two common polymorphisms in LIN28B gene (

rs
369065
 
C
>
T

and

rs
314280
 
A
>
G

) and analyzed their associations with the risk of postoperative recurrence in multiple Cox regression model. When followed up to Jun 2021, carries of rs369065 TT genotype had an increased risk of polyp recurrence (adjusting hazard ratio

HR

=
1.883

, 95% confidence interval

CI

=
1.033
−
3.434

) and had a shorter time to recurrence (median time 352 vs. 342 days, log-rank

P
<
0.01

), compared to the CC/CT genotype. Further stratification analysis showed that the increased risk of rs369065 TT genotype was more evident in patients who were older than 33 years (adjusted

HR
=
2.597

,

95
%
CI
=
1.037
−
6.505

), had a single polyp (adjusted

HR
=
2.545

,

95
%
CI
=
1.059
−
6.113

), and had smaller polyps (<1.2 cm, adjusted

HR
=
2.708

,

95
%
CI
=
1.042
−
7.043

). However, no significant association between

rs
314280
 
A
>
G

polymorphism and the risk of polyp recurrence was found. Our study suggests that rs369065 TT genotype of LIN28B gene is associated with an increased postoperative recurrence risk in EP patients, especially in those with fewer and smaller polyps. These findings implicate a precise choice of clinical counseling and decision making. Larger studies in different ethnic populations are warranted.
The Role of Environmental Law in Ecological Resources Protection under the Background of Wireless Communication and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Wu Junyan , Tang Wenjun
Published: February 2022

With the rapid development of China’s economy and the continuous improvement of people’s living standards, people pay more and more attention to environmental problems. It faces great challenges in energy, resources, and environmental protection. In recent years, people have realized that environmental pollution is a global problem. Therefore, the protection of ecological resources is an important topic in today’s society. Based on wireless communication and artificial intelligence, this paper studies the role of environmental law in the protection of ecological resources. Firstly, this paper explains and introduces the concept and purpose of environmental rule of law, then expounds the importance of ecological resource protection, studies the wireless communication and artificial intelligence technology, designs the wireless communication and framework and the structure of artificial intelligence system, and adopts the questionnaire survey method. This paper studies and investigates an ecological resource protection area in China, and tests wireless communication technology and artificial intelligence technology. Finally, the test results show that the resources in the ecological nature reserve are evenly distributed, but there are still problems of overexploitation of resources and poor management. Each module of the ecological resource protection system based on artificial intelligence operates normally, the delay time and operation time are between 1 and 3 s, and the amount of memory is normal. In addition, the feasibility, effectiveness, and real-time performance of each module are more than 90%. All these show that the system can meet the requirements of normal operation.
Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients with Discogenic Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ahmed Ishaq , Bandpei Mohammad Ali Mohseni , Gilani Syed Amir , Ahmad Ashfaq , Zaidi Faryal
Published: February 2022

Background Context. In recent times, the use of low-intensity lasers for physical therapy has been shown to significantly reduce pain with a variety of causes. Purpose. To determine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with discogenic lumbar radiculopathy and correlation among pain intensity, functional disability, and lumbar range of motion (LROM). Study Design/Setting. A double-blind RCT was conducted at physical therapy departments of different hospitals of Islamabad, Pakistan. The study period was March 2020 to August 2021. Patient Sample. The study comprised 110 patients with acute LBP and unilateral discogenic lumbar radiculopathy. Outcome Measures. The outcomes of the treatment were measured on the first day and then after 18 sessions from each patient’s pain intensity, functional disability, L-ROM, and straight leg raise by using visual analogue scale, Oswestry disability index, dual inclinometer, and straight leg raise test. Methods. A total of 110 participants with a mean age of 38 ± 7.4 years were randomly assigned into two groups of 55 each. The experimental group of 55 patients was treated with LLLT and conventional physical therapy. The control group of 55 patients was treated with conventional physical therapy alone. Both groups had received 18 treatment sessions. The data were analyzed through SPSS-21.0. Results. The results of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test score as well as Mann–Whitney U test indicated a statistically significant difference in values (

p

 < 0.05 in all instances) within the groups and between the groups, respectively. Conclusions. The LLLT is proved as an efficient adjunct therapy to conventional physical therapy for discogenic lumbar radiculopathy.