bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifield Environmental Analysis and Hazards Prevention of Steeply Inclined Deep Coal Mining
Authors: Lai Xingping , Dai Jingjing , Xu Haidong , Chen Xingzhou
Published: May 2021

Due to the different in‐situ stress level, mining stress state, and surrounding rock properties of steeply inclined deep coal mining, the mutation mechanism of underground engineering rock mass is complex. This paper studies the cause and control of mining disaster of steeply inclined deep coal resources in Wudong coal mine. The results show that the structural field is the key of multifield analysis, and particularly a large area of suspended roof is easy to expand energy and induce dynamic hazards. By means of borehole television‐ (BT‐) transient electromagnetic (TEM) detection, it is found that there are hidden dangers of roof safety and suspected water hazards in Wudong coal mine, and the roof above the detection area (+575 m south roadway to 2250–2600 m) is in a suspended state; there is a suspected water‐rich area in the range of 2320–2340 m and 2390–2400 m, and the lowest vertical height is +613.8–+615.5 m. Exploring and releasing the water in the aquifer effectively reduced the water pressure; in +575 m south roadway, +587 m measure roadway, and blasting chamber, the suspended roof blasting holes are constructed. Microseism‐ (MS‐) TEM monitoring shows that the apparent resistivity fluctuates significantly, the microseismic energy and events have been significantly reduced, and it is maintained at a low level for two consecutive weeks, confirming the effectiveness of the stable release of the high‐stress roof in the +575 m near stope area; at the same time, the safeguard measures for long‐term roof dynamic monitoring are constructed.
Hybrid LSTM Self‐Attention Mechanism Model for Forecasting the Reform of Scientific Research in Morocco
Authors: Fahim Asmaa , Tan Qingmei , Mazzi Mouna , Sahabuddin Md , Naz Bushra , Ullah Bazai Sibghat
Published: May 2021

Education is the cultivation of people to promote and guarantee the development of society. Education reforms can play a vital role in the development of a country. However, it is crucial to continually monitor the educational model’s performance by forecasting the outcome’s progress. Machine learning‐based models are currently a hot topic in improving the forecasting research area. Forecasting models can help to analyse the impact of future outcomes by showing yearly trends. For this study, we developed a hybrid, forecasting time‐series model by long short‐term memory (LSTM) network and self‐attention mechanism (SAM) to monitor Morocco’s educational reform. We analysed six universities’ performance and provided a prediction model to evaluate the best‐performing university’s performance after implementing the latest reform, i.e., from 2015–2030. We forecasted the six universities’ research outcomes and tested our proposed methodology’s accuracy against other time‐series models. Results show that our model performs better for predicting research outcomes. The percentage increase in university performance after nine years is discussed to help predict the best‐performing university. Our proposed algorithm accuracy and performance are better than other algorithms like LSTM and RNN.
Aerodynamic Characteristics Evaluation of a Cable‐Stayed Bridge Section with a New‐Type Hybrid Fairing
Authors: Lee Hoyeop , Moon Jiho
Published: May 2021

In this study, new‐type hybrid faring is suggested to improve the aerodynamic performance of the long‐span cable‐stayed bridge. The proposed fairing is developed by applying the concept of the multibox section to the normal faring. The proposed faring has void regions inside the faring so that wind passes through the gaps in the faring. As a result, the wind flow is changed and the forces to the bridge section are reduced. The efficiency of the proposed faring was verified by a series of wind tunnel test. From the test result, it can be found that aerodynamic performances, such as drag force and flutter resistance, are enhanced.
The Stability Factors’ Sensitivity Analysis of Key Rock B and Its Engineering Application of Gob‐Side Entry Driving in Fully‐Mechanized Caving Faces
Authors: Wang Hong-Sheng , Shuang Hai-Qing , Li Lei , Xiao Shuang-Shuang
Published: May 2021

To reveal the critical factors of the main roof influencing stability of surrounding rocks of roadways driven along goaf in fully‐mechanized top‐coal caving faces, this paper builds a structural mechanics model for the surrounding rocks based on geological conditions of the 8105 fully‐mechanized caving face of Yanjiahe Coal Mine, and the stress and equilibrium conditions of the key rock block B are analyzed, and focus is on analyzing rules of the key rock block B influencing stability of roadways driven along goaf. Then, the orthogonal experiment and the range method are used to confirm the sensitivity influencing factors in numerical simulation, which are the basic main roof height and the fracture location, the length of the key rock block B, and the main roof hardness in turn. It is revealed that the basic main roof height and its fracture location have a greater influence on stability of god‐side entry driving. On the one hand, the coal wall and the roof of roadways driven along goaf are damaged, and the deformation of surrounding rocks of roadways and the vertical stress of narrow coal pillars tend to stabilize along with the increase of the basic main roof height. On the other hand, when the gob‐side entry is located below the fracture line of the main roof, the damage caused by gob‐side entry is the most serious. Therefore, on‐site gob‐side entry driving should avoid being below the fracture line of the main roof. At last, industrial tests are successfully conducted in the fully‐mechanized top‐coal caving faces, 8105 and 8215, of Yanjiahe Coal Mine.
Premium Valuation of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation with Regime Switching
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Wei , Xie Lin , Yang Zhixin
Published: May 2021

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) provides insurance coverage for single-employer and multiemployer pension plans in private sector. It has played an important role in protecting the retirement security for over 1.5 million people since it was established about half a decade ago. PBGC collects insurance premiums from employers that sponsor insured pension plans for its coverage and receives funds from pension plans that it takes over. To address the issue of underfunded plans that the PBGC has, this work studies how to evaluate risk-based premiums for the PBGC. Inspired by a couple of existing work in which the premature termination of pension fund and distress termination of sponsor assets are analyzed separately, our work examines the two types of terminations under one framework and considers the occurrence of each termination dynamically. Given that market regime might have a big impact on the dynamics of both pension fund and sponsor’s assets, we thus formulate our model using a continuous-time two-state Markov chain in which bull market and bear market are delineated. We thus formulate our model using a continuous-time two-state Markov Chain in which bull market and bear market are delineated. In other words, the pension fund and sponsor assets are market dependent in our work. Given that this additional uncertainty described by regime switching makes the market incomplete, we therefore utilize the Esscher transform to determine an equivalent martingale measure and apply the risk neutral pricing method to obtain the closed-form expressions for premium of PBGC. In addition, we carry out numerical analysis to demonstrate our results and observe that premium increases according to the retirement benefit irrespective of the type of terminations. In comparison to the case of early distress termination of sponsor assets, the premium goes up more quickly when premature termination of pension funds occurs first due to the fact that pension fund is the first venue of retirement security. Furthermore, we look at how the premium changes with respect to other key parameters as well and make some detailed observations in the section of numerical analysis.
Genomic Island Prediction via Chi-Square Test and Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Onesime Mbulayi , Yang Zhenyu , Dai Qi
Published: May 2021

Genomic islands are related to microbial adaptation and carry different genomic characteristics from the host. Therefore, many methods have been proposed to detect genomic islands from the rest of the genome by evaluating its sequence composition. Many sequence features have been proposed, but many of them have not been applied to the identification of genomic islands. In this paper, we present a scheme to predict genomic islands using the chi-square test and random forest algorithm. We extract seven kinds of sequence features and select the important features with the chi-square test. All the selected features are then input into the random forest to predict the genome islands. Three experiments and comparison show that the proposed method achieves the best performance. This understanding can be useful to design more powerful method for the genomic island prediction.
A New GPT2w Model Improved by PSO‐LSSVM for GNSS High‐Precision Positioning
Authors: Zhang Xuanxuan , Dang Yamin , Xu Changhui
Published: May 2021

Tropospheric delay is an important error affecting GNSS high‐precision navigation and positioning, which will decrease the precision of navigation and positioning if it is not well corrected. Actually, tropospheric delay, especially in the zenith direction, is related to a series of meteorological parameters, such as temperature and pressure. To estimate the zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) as accurately as possible, the paper proposes a new fused model using the least squares support vector machines (LSSVM) and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve the precision and temporal resolution of meteorological parameters in global pressure and temperature 2 wet (GPT2w). The proposed model uses the time series of meteorological parameters from the GPT2w model as the initial value, and thus, the time series of the residuals can be obtained between the meteorological parameters from meteorological sensors (MS) and the GPT2w model. The long time series of meteorological parameters is the evident periodic signal. The GPT2w model describes its dominant frequency (harmonics), and the residuals thus can be seen as the short‐period signal (nonharmonics). The combined PSO and LSSVM model (PSO‐LSSVM) is used to predict the specific value of the short‐period signal. The new GPT2w model, in which the meteorological parameter value is obtained by combining the estimated meteorological parameters residuals and the GPT2w‐derived meteorological parameters, can be acquired. The GNSS network stations in Hong Kong throughout 2017‐2018 are processed by the GNSS Processing and Analysis Software (GPAS), which is developed by the Chinese Academy of Surveying & Mapping, to estimate the zenith tropospheric delay and station coordinates using the new GPT2w model. Statistical results reveal that the accuracy of the new GPT2w model‐derived ZTD was improved by 60% or more compared with that of the GPT2w‐derived ZTD. In addition, the positioning accuracy of the GNSS station has been effectively improved up to 44.89%. Such results reveal that the new GPT2w model can greatly reduce the influence of nonharmonic components (short‐period terms) of the meteorological parameter time series and achieve better accuracy than the GPT2w model.
[Retracted] Evolutionary Game Analysis of Knowledge Sharing in Low‐Carbon Innovation Network
Authors: Zheng Cuicui
Published: May 2021

Low‐carbon technological innovation is the main means to develop a low‐carbon economy, and network knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation is an effective model for the development of low‐carbon technologies. First of all, this article adopts a decision‐making experiment and evaluation laboratory method and interpretation structure model, combines the two methods, extracts the advantages of the two, and discards the shortcomings of the two, thus constructing a new optimized and upgraded interpretation structure model. We give methods to explore the main influencing factors of collaborative innovation of low‐carbon technologies for online knowledge sharing. Based on the industrial network knowledge sharing and cooperation network environment, the network evolution game model of network knowledge sharing knowledge collaboration is constructed to study the rewards and punishments, the profit distribution rate, the knowledge potential difference, and the parameter pairing of the network knowledge sharing cooperation network structure in the process of network knowledge sharing and collaborative knowledge innovation. The influence of the network knowledge sharing cooperation strategy is obtained through simulation to change the size of the relevant parameters so that the network knowledge sharing cooperation agent chooses the network evolution game of the sharing strategy to realize the optimal evolutionary stable strategy. According to the simulation results, this article proposes suggestions from the following aspects, aiming to improve the overall knowledge synergy effect of the network knowledge sharing and cooperation network.
Whole-Exome Sequencing of Radiation-Induced Thymic Lymphoma in Mouse Models Identifies Notch1 Activation as a Driver of p53 Wild-Type Lymphoma
Authors: Lee Chang-Lung , Brock Kennedy D. , Hasapis Stephanie , Zhang Dadong , Sibley Alexander B. , Qin Xiaodi , Gresham Jeremy S. , Caraballo Isibel , Luo Lixia , Daniel Andrea R. , Hilton Matthew J. , Owzar Kouros , Kirsch David G.
Published: May 2021

Mouse models of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma are widely used to study the development of radiation-induced blood cancers and to gain insights into the biology of human T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Here we aimed to identify key oncogenic drivers for the development of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma by performing whole-exome sequencing using tumors and paired normal tissues from mice with and without irradiation. Thymic lymphomas from irradiated wild-type (WT), p53+/−, and KrasLA1 mice were not observed to harbor significantly higher numbers of nonsynonymous somatic mutations compared with thymic lymphomas from unirradiated p53−/− mice. However, distinct patterns of recurrent mutations arose in genes that control the Notch1 signaling pathway based on the mutational status of p53. Preferential activation of Notch1 signaling in p53 WT lymphomas was also observed at the RNA and protein level. Reporter mice for activation of Notch1 signaling revealed that total-body irradiation (TBI) enriched Notch1hi CD44+ thymocytes that could propagate in vivo after thymocyte transplantation. Mechanistically, genetic inhibition of Notch1 signaling in immature thymocytes prevented formation of radiation-induced thymic lymphoma in p53 WT mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate a critical role of activated Notch1 signaling in driving multistep carcinogenesis of thymic lymphoma following TBI in p53 WT mice.

Significance:

These findings reveal the mutational landscape and key drivers in murine radiation-induced thymic lymphoma, a classic animal model that has been used to study radiation carcinogenesis for over 70 years.
OCaMIR—A Noninvasive, Diagnostic Signature for Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Multi-cohort Retrospective and Prospective Study
Authors: Kandimalla Raju , Wang Wei , Yu Fan , Zhou Nianxin , Gao Feng , Spillman Monique , Moukova Lucie , Slaby Ondrej , Salhia Bodour , Zhou Shengtao , Wang Xin , Goel Ajay
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Due to the lack of effective screening approaches and early detection biomarkers, ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rates among gynecologic cancers. Herein, we undertook a systematic biomarker discovery and validation approach to identify microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer.

Experimental Design:

During the discovery phase, we performed small RNA sequencing in stage I high-grade serous ovarian cancer (n = 31), which was subsequently validated in multiple, independent data sets (TCGA, n = 543; GSE65819, n = 87). Subsequently, we performed multivariate logistic regression-based training in a serum data set (GSE106817, n = 640), followed by its independent validation in three retrospective data sets (GSE31568, n = 85; GSE113486, n = 140; Czech Republic cohort, n = 192) and one prospective serum cohort (n = 95). In addition, we evaluated the specificity of OCaMIR, by comparing its performance in several other cancers (GSE31568 cohort, n = 369).

Results:

The OCaMIR demonstrated a robust diagnostic accuracy in the stage I high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients in the discovery cohort (AUC = 0.99), which was consistently reproducible in both stage I (AUC = 0.96) and all stage patients (AUC = 0.89) in the TCGA cohort. Logistic regression-based training and validation of OCaMIR achieved AUC values of 0.89 (GSE106817), 0.85 (GSE31568), 0.86 (GSE113486), and 0.82 (Czech Republic cohort) in the retrospective serum validation cohorts, as well as prospective validation cohort (AUC = 0.92). More importantly, OCaMIR demonstrated a significantly superior diagnostic performance compared with CA125 levels, even in stage I patients, and was more cost-effective, highlighting its potential role for screening and early detection of ovarian cancer.

Conclusions:

Small RNA sequencing identified a robust noninvasive miRNA signature for early-stage serous ovarian cancer detection.
Darolutamide Potentiates the Antitumor Efficacy of a PSMA-targeted Thorium-227 Conjugate by a Dual Mode of Action in Prostate Cancer Models
Authors: Hammer Stefanie , Schlicker Andreas , Zitzmann-Kolbe Sabine , Baumgart Simon , Hagemann Urs B. , Scholz Arne , Haendler Bernard , Lejeune Pascale , Karlsson Jenny , Ellingsen Christine , Hennekes Hartwig , Nielsen Carsten H. , Juul Mark U. , Mumberg Dominik , Schatz Christoph A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Androgen receptor (AR) inhibitors are well established in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer and have recently shown efficacy also in castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Although most patients respond well to initial therapy, resistance eventually develops, and thus, more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is highly expressed in prostate cancer and presents an attractive target for radionuclide therapy. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and explored the mode of action of the PSMA-targeted thorium-227 conjugate (PSMA-TTC) BAY 2315497, an antibody-based targeted alpha-therapy, in combination with the AR inhibitor darolutamide.

Experimental Design:

The in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy and mode of action of the combination treatment were investigated in preclinical cell line–derived and patient-derived prostate cancer xenograft models with different levels of PSMA expression.

Results:

Darolutamide induced the expression of PSMA in androgen-sensitive VCaP and LNCaP cells in vitro, and the efficacy of darolutamide in combination with PSMA-TTC was synergistic in these cells. In vivo, the combination treatment showed synergistic antitumor efficacy in the low PSMA-expressing VCaP and in the high PSMA-expressing ST1273 prostate cancer models, and enhanced efficacy in the enzalutamide-resistant KUCaP-1 model. The treatments were well tolerated. Mode-of-action studies revealed that darolutamide induced PSMA expression, resulting in higher tumor uptake of PSMA-TTC, and consequently, higher antitumor efficacy, and impaired PSMA-TTC–mediated induction of DNA damage repair genes, potentially contributing to increased DNA damage.

Conclusions:

These results provide a strong rationale to investigate PSMA-TTC in combination with AR inhibitors in patients with prostate cancer.
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Bone Invasion: Possible Roles of E-Cadherin in Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Infiltration
Authors: Koyama Leonardo Kenji Sakaue , Nagano Cibele Pidorodeski , Vanini Jaqueline Vaz , Figueredo Jr. José Martins , Matos Leandro Luongo de , Cernea Claudio Roberto , Coutinho-Camillo Cláudia Malheiros , Lourenço Silvia Vanessa
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the oral cavity. When the tumor invades the bone tissue, the prognostic and survival rates decrease a lot, and the treatment becomes more aggressive, with several damages to the patient and health system. Many of the molecular mechanisms of bone invasion process are not understood yet, but it is already known that one of central processes of tumor evolution – adjacent tissues invasion and metastasis – is a large spectrum of phenotypic changes in epithelial cells to mesenchymal, in a process named as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Loss of E-cadherin, an important epithelial cell adhesion protein, is a hallmark of this phenomenon. The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the expression of E-cadherin protein, comparing its distribution with clinical characteristics of the patients and possibly relation to EMT. Methods: Sixty-two cases with respective clinical data were analyzed by comparing immunohistochemical, H and E staining, and clinical data, observing the tumor-bone interface (TBI) and the surrounding tumor that had no direct contact with the bone surface (ST). Results: Forty cases were positive for E-cadherin (64%) with a heterogeneous pattern. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the presence of E-cadherin expression and tobacco smokers. Also, the equal or weaker protein expression in the ST than TBI is related to a worse overall survival. No statistically significant difference in other prognostic factors was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the tumor cells that interact with the bone tissue could gain molecular changes, like partial EMT and osteoclastogenesis induction, which facilitate their migration and increase the bone resorption, resulting in a worse patient’s prognosis.
Neurofilament Light Chain Levels Are Associated with Disease Activity Determined by No Evident Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Szilasiová Jarmila , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Fedičová Miriam , Mikula Pavol , Urban Peter , Gdovinová Zuzana , Vitková Marianna , Hanes Jozef , Stevens Eva
Published: May 2021

Introduction: There is a need for blood biomarkers of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) and disease activity as defined by the concept three-domain no evident disease activity (NEDA-3). Methods: Levels of pNfL (SIMOA) were examined in 159 MS patients and analyzed in relationship to NEDA-3 status (absence of relapse, disability score worsening, and brain magnetic resonance activity) during the last 12 months. The accuracy of the proposed model was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. From the pNfL cutoff, we evaluated the NEDA-NfL status (no relapse, no Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] worsening, and pNfL below the cutoff value). Results: Levels of pNfL were significantly higher in MS patients than in healthy controls (p <  0.001). From a total of 159 patients, 80 (50.3%) achieved NEDA-3 status, while 79 (49.7%) patients showed evident disease activity (EDA) status. pNfL were significantly lower in the NEDA-3 group than in the EDA group (pNfL mean 7.06 pg/mL [standard deviation (SD) 2.37] vs. pNfL mean 13.04 pg/mL [SD 7.07]) (p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that pNfL predicts NEDA-3 status (sensitivity and specificity were 80.5 and 72.7%, respectively, p < 0.001), and NEDA-NfL predicts NEDA-3 status (sensitivity and specificity were 97.1 and 82.9%, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results show that pNfL levels are a useful biomarker of disease activity determined by NEDA status in patients with MS and could be an alternative to brain magnetic resonance investigation.
Appropriateness of Endoscopic Procedures: A Prospective, Multicenter Study
Authors: Leal Carina , Almeida Nuno , Silva Maria , Santos Antonieta , Vasconcelos Helena , Figueiredo Pedro
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Advances in endoscopy and open-access systems led to an increase in endoscopic procedures. However, overuse of endoscopy has been consistently reported. This study aims to assess the appropriateness of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy referral in the private and public setting. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective, multicenter study at 2 public and 5 private endoscopy units. Patients scheduled for elective EGD or colonoscopy were enrolled. Clinical data and endoscopy findings were recorded. Appropriateness of endoscopy was defined according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines (for EGD) and the European Panel on Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy II (for colonoscopy). Results: Regarding EGD: 215 patients enrolled (43.7% were males) with a mean age of 61.0 ± 15.1 years; 54.0% (n = 116) were in public hospitals. Referral by a gastroenterologist was made for 34.9% (n = 75). Appropriate indications were made for 62.3% (n = 134): 42.4% in private versus 79.3% in public endoscopy units (odds ratio [OR] 5.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.85–9.49; p < 0.01). Rate of appropriate EGD was 74.7% for gastroenterologist referral and 56.1% for other specialties (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.24–4.28; p < 0.01). Diagnostic yield for relevant findings was 47.9%. No association between indication appropriateness, gastroenterologist referral, and relevant endoscopic findings was found. Regarding colonoscopy: 287 patients enrolled (49.1% were males) with a mean age of 60.4 ± 14.4 years; 48.1% (n = 138) were in public hospitals. Referral by a gastroenterologist was made for 20.6% (n = 59). Appropriate indications were made for 70.0% (n = 201): 53.0% in private vs. 88.4% in public endoscopy units (OR 6.75; 95% CI 3.66–12.47; p < 0.01). Diagnostic yield was 57.1%. Relevant endoscopic diagnosis was associated with indication: 63.2% in the appropriate vs. 43.0% in the nonappropriate indication group (p < 0.05). Discussion: A significant percentage of endoscopies, mainly in the private setting, were performed without an appropriate indication. This influenced the diagnostic yield. The use of adequate criteria is fundamental for the rational use of an open-access system.
Loss of C2 Domain Protein (C2CD5) Alters Hypothalamic Mitochondrial Trafficking, Structure, and Function
Authors: Gavini Chaitanya K. , White Chelsea R. , Mansuy-Aubert Virginie , Aubert Gregory
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Mitochondria are essential organelles required for several cellular processes ranging from ATP production to cell maintenance. To provide energy, mitochondria are transported to specific cellular areas in need. Mitochondria also need to be recycled. These mechanisms rely heavily on trafficking events. While mechanisms are still unclear, hypothalamic mitochondria are linked to obesity. Methods: We used C2 domain protein 5 (C2CD5, also called C2 domain-containing phosphoprotein [CDP138]) whole-body KO mice primary neuronal cultures and cell lines to perform electron microscopy, live cellular imaging, and oxygen consumption assay to better characterize mitochondrial alteration linked to C2CD5. Results: This study identified that C2CD5 is necessary for proper mitochondrial trafficking, structure, and function in the hypothalamic neurons. We previously reported that mice lacking C2CD5 were obese and displayed reduced functional G-coupled receptor, melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) at the surface of hypothalamic neurons. Our data suggest that in neurons, normal MC4R endocytosis/trafficking necessities functional mitochondria. Discussion: Our data show that C2CD5 is a new protein necessary for normal mitochondrial function in the hypothalamus. Its loss alters mitochondrial ultrastructure, localization, and activity within the hypothalamic neurons. C2CD5 may represent a new protein linking hypothalamic dysfunction, mitochondria, and obesity.
MicroRNAs in Dopamine Agonist-Resistant Prolactinoma
Authors: Wan Xueyan , Yan Zisheng , Tan Zhoubin , Cai Zhi , Qi Yiwei , Lu Liang , Xu Yu , Chen Juan , Lei Ting
Published: May 2021

Dopamine agonists (DAs) are preferred for the treatment of prolactinomas and are usually very effective. Nonetheless, 20–30% of bromocriptine- and approximately 10% of cabergoline-treated individuals exhibit resistance to DAs. In addition, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains elusive. In this study, we summarize the major findings regarding the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of DA-resistant prolactinoma (DARP). Currently available evidence suggests that miRNAs are usually dysregulated in DARP and that, although controversial, the dysregulated miRNAs target the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, dopamine 2 receptor (D2R), or estradiol (E2)/estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathways to mediate the therapeutic effect of DAs. These findings provide new incentives for research on innovative strategies for predicting patients’ responsiveness to dopamine therapies and for developing treatment approaches. Unfortunately, recent studies tended to focus exclusively on the differential miRNA expression profiles between DARP and dopamine-sensitive prolactinoma, and no definitive consensus has been reached regarding the role of these miRNAs in the modulation mechanism. Therefore, current and future efforts should be directed toward the exploration of the mechanism underlying the dysregulation of miRNAs as well as of the target proteins that are affected by the dysregulated miRNAs. Furthermore, the modulation of the expression of dysregulated miRNAs, which target the D2R, TGF-β, or E2/ER signaling pathways, might be a promising alternative to treat patients with DARP and improve their prognosis.
Prevalência, severidade e fatores associados à depressão em estudantes universitários
Authors: Santos Larissa Barreto dos , Nascimento Karina Gomes do , Fernandes Andréia Guedes Oliva , Raminelli-da-Silva Talita de Cássia
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: identificar a prevalência, a severidade e os fatores associados à depressão entre estudantes universitários no Distrito Federal. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 521 estudantes universitários, com idade entre 18 e 60 anos. Os sintomas depressivos foram avaliados através da escala Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Utilizou-se estatística descritiva e o teste do qui-quadrado. Resultados: dentre os 521 indivíduos estudados, houve predomínio do sexo feminino. A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi de 521 (96,6%) estudantes universitários, sendo 31,3% com depressão suave, 23,4%, depressão mínima,  13,1% depressão moderadamente grave, 9,6% depressão grave e 9,2% depressão moderada. A renda familiar e o semestre cursado são fatores associados para a severidade da depressão. Conclusão: a prevalência da depressão no ambiente  universitário é comum, sendo uma proporção alta e preocupante. É crucial o rastreamento da depressão, sua severidade e seus fatores associados, a fim de estimular reflexão sobre a temática e pensar em estratégias de intervenção para a prevenção e promoção da saúde mental.
CAVA (Ultrasound‐Accelerated Catheter‐Directed Thrombolysis on Preventing Post‐Thrombotic Syndrome) Trial: Long‐Term Follow‐Up Results
Authors: Notten Pascale , de Smet André A. E. A. , Tick Lidwine W. , van de Poel Marlène H. W. , Wikkeling Otmar R. M. , Vleming Louis‐Jean , Koster Ad , Jie Kon‐Siong G. , Jacobs Esther M. G. , Ebben Harm P. , Coppens Michiel , ten Cate Hugo , Wittens Cees H. A. , ten Cate‐Hoek Arina J.
Published: May 2021

Background

The CAVA (Ultrasound‐Accelerated Catheter‐Directed Thrombolysis Versus Anticoagulation for the Prevention of Post‐Thrombotic Syndrome) trial did not show a reduction of post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after additional ultrasound‐accelerated catheter‐directed thrombolysis in patients with acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis at 1‐year follow‐up. This prespecified analysis of the CAVA trial aimed to determine the impact of additional thrombolysis on outcomes of PTS at long‐term follow‐up.

Methods and Results

Patients aged 18 to 85 years with a first‐time acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis were included and randomly assigned (1:1) to either standard treatment plus ultrasound‐accelerated catheter‐directed thrombolysis or standard treatment alone. The primary outcome was the proportion of PTS (Villalta score ≥5 on 2 occasions ≥3 months apart or venous ulceration) at the final follow‐up visit. Additionally, PTS according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) consensus definition was assessed to allow external comparability. Major bleedings were the main safety outcome. At a median follow‐up of 39.0 months (interquartile range, 23.3–63.8), 120 patients (79.8%) participated in the final follow‐up visit: 62 from the intervention group and 58 from the standard treatment group. PTS developed in 19 (30.6%) versus 26 (44.8%) patients, respectively (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.26 to 1.15 [
P
=0.11]), with an absolute difference between groups of −14.2% (95% CI, −32.0% to 4.8%). Using the ISTH consensus definition, a significant reduction in PTS was observed (29 [46.8%] versus 40 [69.0%]) (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19–0.84 [
P
=0.01]) with an absolute difference between groups of −22.2% (95% CI, −39.8% to −2.8%). No new major bleedings occurred following the 12‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

The impact of additional ultrasound‐accelerated catheter‐directed thrombolysis on the prevention of PTS was found to increase with time. Although this study was limited by its sample size, the overall findings indicate a reduction of mild PTS without impact on quality of life.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00970619.
Therapeutic Challenges and Emerging Treatment Targets for Pulmonary Hypertension in Left Heart Disease
Authors: Lteif Christelle , Ataya Ali , Duarte Julio D.
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) attributable to left heart disease (LHD) is believed to be the most common form of PH and is strongly associated with increased mortality and morbidity in this patient population. Specific therapies for PH‐LHD have not yet been identified and the use of pulmonary artery hypertension‐targeted therapies in PH‐LHD are not recommended. Endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors, guanylate cyclase stimulators, and prostacyclins have all been studied in PH‐LHD with conflicting results. Understanding the mechanisms underlying PH‐LHD could potentially provide novel therapeutic targets. Fibrosis, oxidative stress, and metabolic syndrome have been proposed as pathophysiological components of PH‐LHD. Genetic associations have also been identified, offering additional mechanisms with biological plausibility. This review summarizes the evidence and challenges for treatment of PH‐LHD and focuses on underlying mechanisms on the horizon that could develop into potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
Between Two Poles: Barukh Mitrani between Moderate Haskalah and Jewish Nationalism
Authors: Karkason Tamir
Published: May 2021

Barukh Mitrani was an Ottoman maskil who wandered between the Balkans, Istanbul and Palestine. While living in Edirne, Mitrani established his first periodical, Carmi (Pressburg 1881). Carmi’s issues were an ongoing maskilic sermon, drawing on a deep acquaintance with the Jewish bookshelf. This paper examines selections from the fifth article in Carmi, ‘Our Nationhood.’ Influenced by the moderate Haskalah, Mitrani idealized a ‘Golden Mean,’ which sought to balance the agendas of ‘the two poles’: insular Ultra-Orthodox Jews on the one hand, and secularized ‘Westernizers’ on the other. Mitrani also espoused a Jewish nationalism which had affinities with the Hebrew ‘republic of letters’ and the national resurgence in the Balkans. He perceived every Jew as part of three circles: the individual, the family, and the nation. Yet his nationalism was not separatist; he obliged Jews to remain loyal Ottoman citizens and promote the Sultanate while also settling in Palestine.
Oxynoemacheilus isauricus, a new nemacheilid loach from Central Anatolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: YOĞURTÇUOĞLU BARAN , KAYA CÜNEYT , ÖZULUĞ MÜFİT , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: May 2021

Oxynoemacheilus isauricus, new species, from the Lakes Beyşehir and Suğla basins in Central Anatolia is distinguished from all other species of the O. angorae group by having a very slender caudal peduncle (its depth 2.2–2.6 times in its length). The new species is further distinguished by having a short head (head length 21–24% SL), and a midlateral series of irregularly shaped blotches on the flank. Oxynoemacheilus isauricus is also distinguished by a minimum K2P sequence divergence of 7.5% and 8.0% in the mtDNA-COI barcode region from O. eregliensis and O. atili, its closest relatives.
Evaluating the Conservation of Energy Variables in Simulations of Deep Moist Convection
Authors: Peters John M. , Chavas Daniel R.
Published: May 2021

It is often assumed in parcel theory calculations, numerical models, and cumulus parameterizations that moist static energy (MSE) is adiabatically conserved. However, the adiabatic conservation of MSE is only approximate because of the assumption of hydrostatic balance. Two alternative variables are evaluated here: MSE − IB and MSE + KE, wherein IB is the path integral of buoyancy (B) and KE is kinetic energy. Both of these variables relax the hydrostatic assumption and are more precisely conserved than MSE. This article quantifies the errors that result from assuming that the aforementioned variables are conserved in large-eddy simulations (LES) of both disorganized and organized deep convection. Results show that both MSE − IB and MSE + KE better predict quantities along trajectories than MSE alone. MSE − IB is better conserved in isolated deep convection, whereas MSE − IB and MSE + KE perform comparably in squall-line simulations. These results are explained by differences between the pressure perturbation behavior of squall lines and isolated convection. Errors in updraft B diagnoses are universally minimized when MSE − IB is assumed to be adiabatically conserved, but only when moisture dependencies of heat capacity and temperature dependency of latent heating are accounted for. When less accurate latent heat and heat capacity formulae were used, MSE − IB yielded poorer B predictions than MSE due to compensating errors. Our results suggest that various applications would benefit from using either MSE − IB or MSE + KE instead of MSE with properly formulated heat capacities and latent heats.
FIRST GROUND−BASED DOAS MEASUREMENTS OF NO2 AT KINSHASA AND COMPARISONS WITH SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Yombo Phaka Rodriguez , Merlaud Alexis , Pinardi Gaia , Mahieu Emmanuel , Hendrick François , Friedrich Martina M. , Fayt Caroline , Van Roozendael Michel , Djibi Buenimio Lomami , Bopili Mbotia Lepiba Richard , Phuku Phuati Edmond , Mbungu Tsumbu Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2021

We present the first ground-based remote sensing measurements of NO2 made in Kinshasa. They were performed from 2017 to 2019. The motivation of making observations on air pollution in Kinshasa comes from its geographical location, its demography, its climatic conditions and the many different sources of NO2 existing in its surroundings. A method for recovering the vertical density of the NO2 tropospheric column (VCDtropo) based on the Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) applied to observations at the zenith and 35° elevation angle is described. The mean value of VCDtropo observed in Kinshasa is 3 × 1015 molecules cm−2. We further present first comparisons with the OMI and TROPOMI satellite observations. When comparing OMI data with our observations and using a linear regression analysis, we find a slope of 0.34 and a correlation coefficient of 0.50 for 51 days of coincidences over 2017−2019. Similar comparisons with TROPOMI for 44 days show a slope of 0.41 and a correlation coefficient of 0.72. This study opens up perspectives for further air quality related studies in Kinshasa and central Africa.
Fuzzy logic and Gagné learning hierarchy for assessing mathematics skills
Authors: Tang Wei-Ling , Tsai Jinn-Tsong , Chen Yao-Mei
Published: May 2021

This study developed a fuzzy logic and Gagné learning hierarchy (FL-GLH) for assessing mathematics skills and identifying learning barrier points. Fuzzy logic was used to model the human reasoning process in linguistic terms. Specifically, fuzzy logic was used to build relationships between skill level concepts as inputs and learning achievement as an output. Gagné learning hierarchy was used to develop a learning hierarchy diagram, which included learning paths and test questions for assessing mathematics skills. First, the Gagné learning hierarchy was used to generate learning path diagrams and test questions. In the second step, skill level concepts were grouped, and their membership functions were established to fuzzify the input parameters and to build membership functions of learning achievement as an output. Third, the inference engine generated fuzzy values by applying fuzzy rules based on fuzzy reasoning. Finally, the defuzzifier converted fuzzy values to crisp output values for learning achievement. Practical applications of the FL-GLH confirmed its effectiveness for evaluating student learning achievement, for finding student learning barrier points, and for providing teachers with guidelines for improving learning efficiency in students.
Evaluation of Cost‐effectiveness and Clinical Value of Routine Histopathologic Examination of Septoplasty Specimens
Authors: Ruffner Randall S. , Scordino Jessica W.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

During septoplasty, normal cartilage and bone are often sent for pathologic examination despite benign appearance. We explored pathology results following septoplasty from April 2016 to April 2018, examining clinical value and relevance, implications, and cost analysis.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Single‐institution academic medical center.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was compiled by using Current Procedural Terminology code 30520 for septoplasty for indication of nasal obstruction, deviated septum, and nasal deformity.

Results

A total of 236 consecutive cases were identified spanning a 2‐year period. Septoplasty specimens were sent for pathology evaluation in 76 (31%). The decision to send a specimen for histopathology was largely physician dependent. No cases yielded unexpected or significant pathology that changed management. The average total charges for septoplasty were $10,200 at our institution, with 2.2% of procedural charges accounting for pathology preparation and review, averaging $225. Nationally, this results in an estimated charged cost of $58.5 million. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement for septoplasty pathology charges was $46 in 2018, accounting for 1.3% of hospital‐based reimbursements and 2.2% of ambulatory center reimbursements. With CMS as a national model for reimbursement, $11.8 million is spent yearly for septoplasty histopathology. Given that CMS reimbursement is significantly lower than private insurers, national total reimbursement is likely considerably higher.

Conclusion

Routine pathology review of routine septoplasty specimens is unnecessary, unremarkable, and wasteful. Correlation of the patient’s presentation and intraoperative findings should justify the need for pathology evaluation. This value‐based approach can offer significant direct and indirect cost savings.

Level of evidence

4.
Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene foams via rotational molding
Authors: Dou Yao , Rodrigue Denis
Published: May 2021

In this work, polypropylene (PP) was foamed via rotational molding using a chemical blowing agent (CBA) based on azodicarbonamide over a range of concentration (0 to 0.5% wt.). The samples were then analyzed in terms of morphological, thermal and mechanical properties. The morphological analysis showed a continuous increase in the average cell size and cell density with increasing CBA content. Increasing the CBA content also led to lower foam density and thermal conductivity. Similarly, all the mechanical properties (tension, flexion and impact) were found to decrease with increasing CBA content. Finally, the efficiency of the rotomolding process was assessed by producing neat PP samples via compression molding. The results showed negligible differences between the rotomolded and compression molded properties at low deformation and rate of deformation indicating that optimal rotomolding conditions were selected.
Technical Problematisation: A Democratic Way to Deal with Contested Projects?
Authors: Barthe Yannick , Meyer Morgan , Sundqvist Göran
Published: May 2021

A strong social and technical divide is particularly visible in the predominant understanding of technological innovation in modern societies. The field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) aims to overcome this divide, by focusing on the continuously entwined relationships between the social and the technical, that is, sociotechnical combinations. In this article, we argue that while it is reasonable to state that the social and the technical are entangled, it should be acknowledged that some issues are dealt with solutions that are more technical than others. A technical problematisation (the definition of an issue as a problem that is treated via a technical solution) is different to a social problematisation (the definition of an issue as a problem that is treated via a social solution) of the same issue. Our discussion is built upon examples from nuclear waste management, where the social–technical divide has been strong. However, more recently there has been a push for more democracy in technical decision making in this area, with much experimentation on public participation taking place. The only way these activities will successfully support such a democratising process is for them to be integrated into a renewed and explicitly acknowledged technical problematisation of proposed solutions.
User-centred iterative design to develop an evidence-based communication application for maternity care
Authors: Stevenson Jean E , Oscarsson Marie
Published: May 2021

A record number of immigrants, many Arabic speaking, arrived in Sweden during the years 2015/2016. Immigrant women have a higher risk of pregnancy complications than native European women and cultural and communicative problems have been identified as a cause of such disparities. Maternity services are under pressure because of language and cultural barriers. Language translation programmes are sometimes used but these are not evidence-based so are not considered safe for use in maternity care. The aim of this research was to create an evidence-based app for communication with Arabic-speaking women in maternity care. User-centred iterative design was used to develop an evidence-based, fit-for-purpose app. Data were collected from midwives in a focus group interview, field observations and workshops. The iterative approach resulted in an evidence-based prototype that is currently being tested in the field.