bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duodenal Anaerobutyricum soehngenii infusion stimulates GLP-1 production, ameliorates glycaemic control and beneficially shapes the duodenal transcriptome in metabolic syndrome subjects: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study
Authors: Koopen Annefleur , Witjes Julia , Wortelboer Koen , Majait Soumia , Prodan Andrei , Levin Evgeni , Herrema Hilde , Winkelmeijer Maaike , Aalvink Steven , Bergman Jacques J G H M , Havik Stephan , Hartmann Bolette , Levels Han , Bergh Per-Olof , van Son Jamie , Balvers Manon , Bastos Diogo Mendes , Stroes Erik , Groen Albert K , Henricsson Marcus , Kemper Ellis Marleen , Holst Jens , Strauch Christopher M , Hazen Stanley L , Bäckhed Fredrik , De Vos Willem M , Nieuwdorp Max , Rampanelli Elena
Published: October 2021

Objective

Although gut dysbiosis is increasingly recognised as a pathophysiological component of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the role and mode of action of specific gut microbes in metabolic health remain elusive. Previously, we identified the commensal butyrogenic Anaerobutyricum soehngenii to be associated with improved insulin sensitivity in subjects with MetS. In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of A. soehngenii L2-7 on systemic metabolic responses and duodenal transcriptome profiles in individuals with MetS.

Design

In this randomised double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study, 12 male subjects with MetS received duodenal infusions of A. soehngenii/ placebo and underwent duodenal biopsies, mixed meal tests (6 hours postinfusion) and 24-hour continuous glucose monitoring.

Results

A. soehngenii treatment provoked a markedly increased postprandial excursion of the insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and an elevation of plasma secondary bile acids, which were positively associated with GLP-1 levels. Moreover, A. soehngenii treatment robustly shaped the duodenal expression of 73 genes, with the highest fold induction in the expression of regenerating islet-protein 1B (REG1B)-encoding gene. Strikingly, duodenal REG1B expression positively correlated with GLP-1 levels and negatively correlated with peripheral glucose variability, which was significantly diminished in the 24 hours following A. soehngenii intake. Mechanistically, Reg1B expression is induced upon sensing butyrate or bacterial peptidoglycan. Importantly, A. soehngenii duodenal administration was safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions

A single dose of A. soehngenii improves peripheral glycaemic control within 24 hours; it specifically stimulates intestinal GLP-1 production and REG1B expression. Further studies are needed to delineate the specific pathways involved in REG1B induction and function in insulin sensitivity.

Trial registration number

NTR-NL6630.
Cytomorphological characterisation of angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma: a case–control study
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Bal Amanjit , Rastogi Pulkit , Prakash Gaurav , Malhotra Pankaj , Dey Pranab , Srinivasan Radhika , Das Ashim
Published: October 2021

Aims

Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) is often misdiagnosed in cytology. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify the distinctive cytomorphological features of AITL in lymph node fine-needle aspirates (LN-FNA).

Methods

This was a 4-year retrospective case–control study. Cases included LN-FNAs from patients with histopathologically confirmed AITL. The controls included LN-FNAs from patients with histopathologically confirmed reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH; n=25). Eleven cytomorphological features were assessed in all the aspirates; the strength of association was determined by OR, Cramer’s V and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA).

Results

Of a total of 22 cases of AITL reported on histopathology, 19 adequate aspirates from 14 patients (63.6%) were available for review. On univariate analysis, 5 of 11 cytomorphological variables were found to be significant for AITL; however, on MCA, 3 of these parameters, viz absence of tingible body macrophages (OR=0.014; V=0.74), presence of atypical lymphoid cells (OR=10.8; V=0.41) and singly scattered epithelioid cells (OR=19.3; V=0.31), were found to be the strongest predictors of AITL.

Conclusions

The absence of tingible body macrophages, presence of atypical lymphoid cells and singly scattered epithelioid cells in polymorphic LN-FNAs are significant cytomorphological predictors of AITL in comparison with RLH. Knowledge of these diagnostic predictors, supplemented by clinicoradiological correlation and appropriate ancillary studies, can help diagnose AITL on aspiration cytology.
Prevalence and predictors of obesity among women in the fire service
Authors: Jahnke Sara A , Kaipust Christopher , Jitnarin Nattinee , Hollerbach Brittany S , Koeppel Maria D H , Haddock Christopher K , Poston Walker S C
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Firefighter health has received a great deal of increased attention over the past decade, but most work has been specific to men in the fire service due to small numbers of women, likely due to challenges with recruitment and retention of women in the fire service. While findings suggest men in the fire service struggle with high rates of overweight and obesity due to a number of occupational challenges, limited data are available on large samples of women firefighters.

Methods

Using snowball sampling techniques, we conducted an online survey of both career (N=2,398) and volunteer (N=781) women firefighters.

Results

Rates of obesity for both career (15.4%) and volunteer (31.6%) women firefighters were not only lower than men in the fire service (33.5% career and 43.2% volunteer), but also lower than the general population (41.1%). Women career and volunteer firefighters who engaged in heavy physical activity were less likely to be obese. Being a racial or ethnic minority firefighter was associated with being obese, as was serving more than 20 years in the fire service.

Conclusion

Findings highlight that women firefighters have been successful in overcoming the occupational risks, such as a challenging nutrition environment, inconsistent schedules, limited time for fitness, and the metabolic impact of shift work, that put firefighters at increased risk for obesity.
Inhaled gene therapy of preclinical muco-obstructive lung diseases by nanoparticles capable of breaching the airway mucus barrier
Authors: Kim Namho , Kwak Gijung , Rodriguez Jason , Livraghi-Butrico Alessandra , Zuo Xinyuan , Simon Valentina , Han Eric , Shenoy Siddharth Kaup , Pandey Nikhil , Mazur Marina , Birket Susan E , Kim Anthony , Rowe Steven M , Boucher Richard , Hanes Justin , Suk Jung Soo
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Inhaled gene therapy of muco-obstructive lung diseases requires a strategy to achieve therapeutically relevant gene transfer to airway epithelium covered by particularly dehydrated and condensed mucus gel layer. Here, we introduce a synthetic DNA-loaded mucus-penetrating particle (DNA-MPP) capable of providing safe, widespread and robust transgene expression in in vivo and in vitro models of muco-obstructive lung diseases.

Methods

We investigated the ability of DNA-MPP to mediate reporter and/or therapeutic transgene expression in lung airways of a transgenic mouse model of muco-obstructive lung diseases (ie,Scnn1b-Tg) and in air–liquid interface cultures of primary human bronchial epithelial cells harvested from an individual with cystic fibrosis. A plasmid designed to silence epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) hyperactivity, which causes airway surface dehydration and mucus stasis, was intratracheally administered via DNA-MPP to evaluate therapeutic effects in vivo with or without pretreatment with hypertonic saline, a clinically used mucus-rehydrating agent.

Results

DNA-MPP exhibited marked greater reporter transgene expression compared with a mucus-impermeable formulation in in vivo and in vitro models of muco-obstructive lung diseases. DNA-MPP carrying ENaC-silencing plasmids provided efficient downregulation of ENaC and reduction of mucus burden in the lungs ofScnn1b-Tg mice, and synergistic impacts on both gene transfer efficacy and therapeutic effects were achieved when DNA-MPP was adjuvanted with hypertonic saline.

Discussion

DNA-MPP constitutes one of the rare gene delivery systems providing therapeutically meaningful gene transfer efficacy in highly relevant in vivo and in vitro models of muco-obstructive lung diseases due to its unique ability to efficiently penetrate airway mucus.
Bifurcations in a Cancer and Immune Model with Allee Effect
Authors: Hernández-López Eymard , Núñez-López Mayra
Published: October 2021

Modeling the interplay between immune system components and cancer cells via immunotherapy is the purpose of this work. We present a simple mathematical model of interaction between tumor cells and the immune system’s effector cells. With rigorous mathematical analysis and numerical continuation, we study the generalized Hopf bifurcations (GH), known as Bautin bifurcation, including the Allee effect, presenting also Hopf bifurcation. The Hopf bifurcation indicates the existence of limit cycles. Bautin suggests two limit cycles; consequently, the model presents the equilibrium phase in immunoediting theory. Finally, the numerical continuation is performed to support the analytical results.
Dynamics of a Within-Host Virus Infection Model with Multiple Pathways: Stability Switch and Global Stability
Authors: Song Chenwei , Xu Rui , Bai Ning
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we consider an HIV infection model with virus-to-cell infection, cell-to-cell transmission, intracellular delay and mitosis of uninfected cells. The basic reproduction number is calculated by using the method of the next generation matrix. By comparison arguments, it is proved that when the basic reproduction number is less than unity, the infection-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. When the basic reproduction number is greater than unity, the existence of Hopf bifurcation and stability switch at the chronic-infection equilibrium of the model with or without intracellular delay is established. Further, by constructing Lyapunov functionals, sufficient conditions are obtained for the global asymptotic stability of the chronic-infection equilibrium when the cell-to-cell transmission is negligible. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the main theoretical results. The normal form is calculated to determine the bifurcation direction and stability, as well as amplitude and period of bifurcating periodic solutions when the intracellular delay is absent.
Modeling the Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species and CTL Immune Response on HIV Dynamics
Authors: Deng Qi , Guo Ting , Qiu Zhipeng , Rong Libin
Published: October 2021

Individuals infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are under oxidative stress due to the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and elimination. This paper presents a mathematical model with the cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) immune response to examine the role of ROS in the dynamics of HIV infection. We classify the equilibria of the model and study the stability of these equilibria. Numerical simulations show that incorporating ROS and CTL immune response into the model leads to very rich dynamics, including bistable phenomena and periodic solutions. Although the current antiretroviral therapy can suppress viral load to the undetectable level, it cannot eradicate the virus. A high level of ROS may be a factor for HIV persistence in patients despite suppressive therapy. These results suggest that oxidative damage and anti-oxidant therapy should be considered in the study of HIV infection and treatment.
Reverse Analysis of Surface Strain in Elasto-Plastic Materials by Nanoindentation
Authors: Long Xu , Shen Ziyi , Lu Changhen , Jia Qipu , Guan Cao , Chen Chuantong , Wang Haodong , Li Ye
Published: October 2021

In this study, nanoindentation technology is utilized to investigate the in situ mechanical behavior of small-sized packaging materials. Rather than the ideal cases with unprestressed materials which have been intensively studies, this paper focuses on the effect of surface stress by prestressing the materials to be indented by a Berkovich indenter. The loading process until the maximum penetration depth is simulated by finite element (FE) models. With elastoplastic materials as described by a power-law model, extensive FE predictions are performed with the wide ranges of Young’s modulus, yield strength and hardening exponent with and without pre-strain. FE results show that with different prestress values, the applied load-penetration depth responses vary in a highly consistent manner. The residual indentation profiles are found to be closely related with the stress state due to the pre-strain values. On the basis of FE simulations, a dimensionless function is therefore derived and a reverse algorithm is proposed to estimate the constitutive parameters and also the surface stress of elastoplastic materials. With one of the most commercialized lead-free solder materials in electronic packaging structures, the proposed reverse algorithm is utilized to estimate the residual stress based on the nanoindentation response of solder samples with different annealing conditions.
Data Dissemination for Industry 4.0 Applications in Internet of Vehicles Based on Short-term Traffic Prediction
Authors: Chen Chen , Liu Lei , Wan Shaohua , Hui Xiaozhe , Pei Qingqi
Published: October 2021

As a key use case of Industry 4.0 and the Smart City, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) provides an efficient way for city managers to regulate the traffic flow, improve the commuting performance, reduce the transportation facility cost, alleviate the traffic jam, and so on. In fact, the significant development of Internet of Vehicles has boosted the emergence of a variety of Industry 4.0 applications, e.g., smart logistics, intelligent transforation, and autonomous driving. The prerequisite of deploying these applications is the design of efficient data dissemination schemes by which the interactive information could be effectively exchanged. However, in Internet of Vehicles, an efficient data scheme should adapt to the high node movement and frequent network changing. To achieve the objective, the ability to predict short-term traffic is crucial for making optimal policy in advance. In this article, we propose a novel data dissemination scheme by exploring short-term traffic prediction for Industry 4.0 applications enabled in Internet of Vehicles. First, we present a three-tier network architecture with the aim to simply network management and reduce communication overheads. To capture dynamic network changing, a deep learning network is employed by the controller in this architecture to predict short-term traffic with the availability of enormous traffic data. Based on the traffic prediction, each road segment can be assigned a weight through the built two-dimensional delay model, enabling the controller to make routing decisions in advance. With the global weight information, the controller leverages the ant colony optimization algorithm to find the optimal routing path with minimum delay. Extensive simulations are carried out to demonstrate the accuracy of the traffic prediction model and the superiority of the proposed data dissemination scheme for Industry 4.0 applications.
Data-Driven Prediction and Optimization of Energy Use for Transit Fleets of Electric and ICE Vehicles
Authors: Ayman Afiya , Sivagnanam Amutheezan , Wilbur Michael , Pugliese Philip , Dubey Abhishek , Laszka Aron
Published: October 2021

Due to the high upfront cost of electric vehicles, many public transit agencies can afford only mixed fleets of internal combustion and electric vehicles. Optimizing the operation of such mixed fleets is challenging because it requires accurate trip-level predictions of electricity and fuel use as well as efficient algorithms for assigning vehicles to transit routes. We present a novel framework for the data-driven prediction of trip-level energy use for mixed-vehicle transit fleets and for the optimization of vehicle assignments, which we evaluate using data collected from the bus fleet of CARTA, the public transit agency of Chattanooga, TN. We first introduce a data collection, storage, and processing framework for system-level and high-frequency vehicle-level transit data, including domain-specific data cleansing methods. We train and evaluate machine learning models for energy prediction, demonstrating that deep neural networks attain the highest accuracy. Based on these predictions, we formulate the problem of minimizing energy use through assigning vehicles to fixed-route transit trips. We propose an optimal integer program as well as efficient heuristic and meta-heuristic algorithms, demonstrating the scalability and performance of these algorithms numerically using the transit network of CARTA.
Inferring and improving street maps with data-driven automation
Authors: Bastani Favyen , He Songtao , Jagwani Satvat , Park Edward , Abbar Sofiane , Alizadeh Mohammad , Balakrishnan Hari , Chawla Sanjay , Madden Sam , Sadeghi Mohammad Amin
Published: October 2021

Automatic map inference, data refinement, and machine-assisted map editing promises more accurate map datasets.
Shaping ethical computing cultures
Authors: Shilton Katie , Finn Megan , DuPont Quinn
Published: October 2021

Lessons from the recent past.
Sex differences in the effect of acute intermittent hypoxia on respiratory modulation of sympathetic activity
Authors: Edmunds Jane S. , Ivie Clayton L. , Ott Elizabeth P. , Jacob Dain W. , Baker Sarah E. , Harper Jennifer L. , Manrique-Acevedo Camila M. , Limberg Jacqueline K.
Published: October 2021

Sex-related differences in respiratory modulation of sympathetic activity have been observed in rodent models of sleep apnea [intermittent hypoxia (IH)]. In light of sex disparities in the respiratory response to acute IH in humans as well as changes in respiratory modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in clinical sleep apnea, we examined sex-related differences in respiratory modulation of MSNA following acute IH. We hypothesized that respiratory modulation of MSNA would be altered in both male and female participants after IH; however, the respiratory patterning of MSNA following IH would be sex specific. Heart rate, MSNA, and respiration were evaluated in healthy male ( n = 21, 30 ± 5 yr) and female ( n = 10, 28 ± 5 yr) participants during normoxic rest before and after 30 min of IH. Respiratory modulation of MSNA was assessed by fitting polynomials to cross-correlation histograms constructed between sympathetic spikes and respiration. MSNA was elevated after IH in male (20 ± 6 to 24 ± 8 bursts/min) and female (19 ± 8 to 22 ± 10 bursts/min) participants ( P < 0.01). Both male and female participants exhibited respiratory modulation of MSNA ( P < 0.01); however, the pattern differed by sex. After IH, modulation of MSNA within the breath was reduced in male participants ( P = 0.03) but increased in female participants ( P = 0.02). Both male and female adults exhibit changes in respiratory patterning of MSNA after acute IH; however, this pattern differs by sex. These data support sex disparities in respiratory modulation of MSNA and may have implications for conditions such as sleep apnea.
Symbiosis Relationship and Symbiosis Quality Evaluation of Regional Tourism: A Case Study on the Greater Changbai Mountains Tourist Area
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Sun Baoding
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to fully tap the value of the tourism brand of Changbai Mountains scenic area, give play to the radiation effect of the brand, and create the Greater Changbai Mountains (GCM) tourist area, thereby enhancing the coordinated development of regional tourism. Specifically, symbiosis correlation and symbiosis density were adopted to recognize the tourism symbiosis units in the core region of GCM tourist area, and an evaluation model was established for the tourism symbiosis quality in the core region of GCM tourist area. Based on the evaluation results, the places within the core region were divided into multiple levels. The results show that the core region of GCM tourist area covers Yanji City, Dunhua City, Hunchun City, Antu County, Baishan City, Fusong County, Changbai County, and Tonghua City, and these places fall on three different development levels.
Influence of Dexmedetomidine on Diaphragm Function and Postoperative Outcomes in ICU Patients with Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Zhao Chengda , Huang Meihua , Wang Baiyun , Zhong Huanhui , Meng Wen
Published: October 2021

Objective. To probe into the influence of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on diaphragm function and postoperative outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods. 84 patients with mechanical ventilation (MV) in the ICU of our hospital were selected as the research participants, including 38 patients in the control group (CG) sedated with midazolam (MZ) and 46 patients in the research group (RG) with DEX sedation. Ramsay sedation score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and restlessness score (RS) were used to evaluate their state before sedation (T0), as well as 2 h (T1), 6 h (T2), and 24 h (T3) after sedation, and the alterations of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Serum cortisol (Cor), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured before and 24 h after sedation. The end-inspiratory diaphragm thickness (DTei) and end-expiratory diaphragm thickness (DTee) were measured within 2 h after the initiation of MV and 5 min after the spontaneous breathing test (SBT), and the diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) was calculated. Finally, the ventilator weaning, MV time, and the incidence of adverse reactions (ADs) of the two groups were counted. Results. T0 and T3 witnessed no distinct difference in Ramsay, VAS, and RS scores between the two arms (

P
>
0.05

), but at T1 and T2, RG had better sedation state and lower VAS and RS scores than CG (

P
<
0.05

), with more stable vital signs (

P
<
0.05

). After sedation, the contents of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in RG were lower, while DTee, DTei, and DTF were higher, versus CG (

P
<
0.05

). Moreover, RG presented higher success rate of first ventilator weaning, less MV time, and lower incidence of ADs than CG (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusions. DEX is effective in mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, which can protect patients against diaphragm function damage, improve the success rate of ventilator weaning, and benefit the postoperative outcome, with excellent and rapid sedation effect and less stress damage to patients.
Increased Death of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells after TLR4 Inhibition in Sepsis Is Not via TNF/TNF Receptor-Mediated Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Chu Chien-Ming , Chiu Li-Chung , Yu Chung-Chieh , Chuang Li-Pang , Kao Kuo-Chin , Li Li-Fu , Wu Huang-Pin
Published: October 2021

Background. Apoptosis is one of the causes of immune depression in sepsis. Pyroptosis also occurs in sepsis. The toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) have been shown to play important roles in apoptosis and pyroptosis. However, it is still unknown whether TLR4 inhibition decreases apoptosis in sepsis. Methods. Stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with or without lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were cultured with or without TLR4 inhibition using monoclonal antibodies from 20 patients with sepsis. Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activities were measured. The expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and Bcl2-associated X (Bax) was measured. The cell death of PBMCs was detected using a flow cytofluorimeter. Results. After TLR4 inhibition, Bcl2 to Bax ratio elevated both in LPS and HMGB1-stimulated PBMCs. The activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 did not change in LPS or HMGB1-stimulated PBMCs. The cell death of LPS and HMGB1-stimulated CD8 lymphocytes and monocytes increased after TLR4 inhibition. The cell death of CD4 lymphocytes was unchanged. Conclusion. The apoptosis did not decrease, while TLR4 was inhibited. After TLR4 inhibition, there was an unknown mechanism to keep cell death in stimulated PBMCs in patients with sepsis.
The Associations between Blood and Urinary Concentrations of Metal Metabolites, Obesity, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, and Dyslipidemia among US Adults: NHANES 1999–2016
Authors: Swayze Sarah , Rotondi Michael , Kuk Jennifer L.
Published: October 2021

Background. Heavy metals are well known to be associated with cancer outcomes, but its association with obesity and cardiometabolic risk outcomes requires further study. Methods. Adult data from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES Continuous 1999–2016, n = 12,636 to 32,012) with data for blood or urinary metals concentrations and body mass index were used. The study aim was twofold: (1) to determine the association between heavy metals and obesity and (2) to examine the influence of heavy metals on the relationship between obesity and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Logistic regression was used to examine the main effects and interaction effects of metals and obesity for the odds of prevalent hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Models were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, physical active status, and poverty-income ratio, with additional adjustment for creatinine in models with the urinary measures of heavy metals. High-low concentration categories were defined by grouping metal quintiles with the most similar associations with obesity. Results. Blood lead had a negative linear association with obesity (odds ratio (OR)  = 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37–0.47). In those with obesity, high blood lead was associated with lower risk of prevalent dyslipidemia, while no association was found in those without obesity. The study observed a curvilinear relationship between urinary antimony and obesity with the moderate group having the highest odds of obesity (OR = 1.36, 1.16–1.59). However, the relationship between urinary antimony and prevalent hypertension and dyslipidemia risk was linear, positive, and independent of obesity. While not associated with prevalent obesity risk, high urinary uranium was associated with 30% (

P
=
0.01

) higher odds for prevalent type 2 diabetes. Conclusions. The impact of environmental factors on obesity and health may be complex, and this study reinforces the heterogeneous relationship between various metals, obesity, and obesity-related metabolic diseases even at levels observed in the general population.
Analysis of Fractal and Energy Consumption Characteristics of Concrete under Impact Loading
Authors: Li Yutao , Dang Faning , Zhou Mei , Ren Jie
Published: October 2021

In order to study the compressive deformation and energy evolution characteristics of concrete under dynamic loading, impact compression tests with impact velocities of 5, 6, and 7 m/s were carried out on concrete samples with aggregate volume ratios of 0, 32%, 37%, and 42%, respectively, using a split Hopkinson pressure bar test apparatus. The broken concrete pieces after destruction were collected and arranged. The fractal characteristics of fragmentation distribution of concrete specimens with different aggregate rates under impact were discussed, and the roughness of the fragment surface was characterized by the fractal dimension of the broken fragment and the crack surface energy was calculated. In addition, the analytical equation of the fractal dimension of the broken fragment and the crack surface energy was established. The relationship between the specimen energy absorption and the crack surface energy was compared and analyzed. The results show that the concrete specimens are mainly tensile split failure modes under different impact speeds. The fractal dimension, absorption energy, and crack surface energy all increase with the increase in impact speed and decrease with the increase in the aggregate rate. When the aggregate rate is different, the effective utilization rate of the absorbed energy is the largest when the aggregate content is 37%. The surface energy of the crack can be used to estimate the concrete dynamic intensity.
The Link between Circadian Clock Genes and Autophagy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Hu Yuedi , He Tiantian , Zhu Jie , Wang Xiaole , Tong Jiabing , Li Zegeng , Dong Jingcheng
Published: October 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive respiratory disease, is characterized by the alveolar epithelium injury and persistent airway inflammation. It is documented that oscillation and dysregulated expression of circadian clock genes, like Bmal1, Per1, and Per2, involved in COPD pathogenies, including chronic inflammation and imbalanced autophagy level, and targeting the associations of circadian rhythm and autophagy is promising strategies in the management and treatment of COPD. Herein, we reviewed the mechanisms of the circadian clock and the unbalance of the autophagic level in COPD, as well as the link between the two, so as to provide further theoretical bases for the study on the pathogenesis of COPD.
Design of Automatic Scoring System for Oral English Test Based on Sequence Matching and Big Data Analysis
Authors: Li Ping , Zhang Hua , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: October 2021

With the application of an automatic scoring system to all kinds of oral English tests at all levels, the efficiency of test implementation has been greatly improved. The traditional speech signal processing method only focuses on the extraction of scoring features, which could not ensure the accuracy of the scoring algorithm. Aiming at the reliability of the automatic scoring system, based on the principle of sequence matching, this paper adopts the spoken speech feature extraction method to extract the features of spoken English test pronunciation and establishes a dynamic optimized spoken English pronunciation signal model based on sequence matching, which could maintain good dynamic selection and clustering ability in a strong interference environment. According to the comprehensive experiment, the automatic scoring result of the system is much higher than that of the traditional method, which greatly improves the recognition ability of oral pronunciation, solves the difference between the automatic scoring of the system and the manual scoring, and promotes the computer automatic scoring system to replace or partially replace the manual marking.
Clinical Observation on the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Injury with Modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Hu Gangfeng , Li Zhennan , Li Haonan , Guan Hong
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we have evaluated the clinical efficacy of rotator cuff surgery combined with Chinese medicine Buyang Huanwu Decoction (adding medicine) in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff injury. For this purpose, sixty patients with rotator cuff injury and shoulder arthroscopic surgery were selected in this hospital (where 57 cases were finally screened). The patients were divided into a control group (28 cases) and a study group (29 cases) by the envelope method. The control group received conventional treatment after the operation, whereas the study group was combined with Buyang Huanwu Decoction after the operation. The clinical efficacy of the two groups, particularly after treatment, was compared in terms of self-care ability and Constant–Murley scores before and after treatment, that is, 4 w, 8 w, and 12 w. The total effective rate of treatment in the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group after 4 weeks of treatment (

P
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference in the FIM self-care scores of the two groups before treatment (

P
>
0.05

). In the study group patients, after treatment for 4 w and 8 w, the FIM self-care score was significantly improved (

P
<
0.05

). The FIM self-care score of the patients in the study group, after 12 w of treatment, had no significant difference compared with the control group (

P
>
0.05

). The Constant–Murley scores of the two groups were compared before treatment where no significant difference is observed (

P
>
0.05

) and the Constant–Murley score of the study group patients was significantly higher than that of the control group, after 4 w and 8 w treatment (

P
<
0.05

). Additionally, Constant–Murley score of the study group was not significantly higher than that of the control group after 12 w of treatment difference (

P
>
0.05

). The proposed combined treatment program has value of promotion and implementation in the clinical treatment of patients with rotator cuff injury.
Mangiferin Ameliorates HFD-Induced NAFLD through Regulation of the AMPK and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signal Pathways
Authors: Yong Zhang , Ruiqi Wang , Hongji Yao , Ning Ma , Chenzuo Jiang , Yu Zhou , Zhixuan Xia , Qiang Liu , Qibing Liu , Weiying Lu , Xiaopo Zhang
Published: October 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to glycolipid metabolism and liver inflammation. And there is no effective drug approved for its clinical therapy. In this study, we focused on mangiferin (Man) and explored its effects and mechanisms on NAFLD treatment based on the regulation of glycolipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory in vivo and in vitro. The results exhibited that Man can significantly attenuate liver injury, insulin resistance, and glucose tolerance in high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced NAFLD mice and significantly reduce fat accumulation and inflammation in hepatic tissue of NAFLD mice. The transcriptome level RNA-seq analysis showed that the significantly different expression genes between the Man treatment group and the HFD-induced NAFLD model group were mainly related to regulation of energy, metabolism, and inflammation in liver tissue. Furthermore, western blots, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry experiments confirmed that Man significantly activated the AMPK signal pathway and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in NAFLD mice. In in vitro cell experiments, we further confirmed that Man can promote glucose consumption and reduce intracellular triglyceride (TG) accumulation induced by free fatty acids in HepG2 cells and further that it can be blocked by AMPK-specific inhibitors. Western blot results showed that Man upregulated p-AMPKα levels and exhibited a significant AMPK activation effect, which was blocked by compound C. At the same time, Man downregulated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins and inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, alleviating cell pyroptosis and inflammation effects. These results indicate that Man anti-NAFLD activity is mediated through its regulation of glucolipid metabolism by AMPK activation and its anti-inflammatory effects by NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. Our study indicates that Man is a promising prodrug for the therapy of NAFLD patients.
Sharpness and Brightness Quality Assessment of Face Images for Recognition
Authors: Li Ke , Chen Hu , Huang Faxiu , Ling Shenggui , You Zhisheng
Published: October 2021

Face image quality has an important effect on recognition performance. Recognition-oriented face image quality assessment is particularly necessary for the screening or application of face images with various qualities. In this work, sharpness and brightness were mainly assessed by a classification model. We selected very high-quality images of each subject and established nine kinds of quality labels that are related to recognition performance by utilizing a combination of face recognition algorithms, the human vision system, and a traditional brightness calculation method. Experiments were conducted on a custom dataset and the CMU multi-PIE face database for training and testing and on Labeled Faces in the Wild for cross-validation. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the false nonmatch rate by removing the low-quality face images identified by the classification model and vice versa. This method is even effective for face recognition algorithms that are not involved in label creation and whose training data are nonhomologous to the training set of our quality assessment model. The results show that the proposed method can distinguish images of different qualities with reasonable accuracy and is consistent with subjective human evaluation. The quality labels established in this paper are closely related to the recognition performance and exhibit good generalization to other recognition algorithms. Our method can be used to reject low-quality images to improve the recognition rate and screen high-quality images for subsequent processing.
Application of Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Based on Genetic Algorithm in Psychological Measurement
Authors: Chang Lijun
Published: October 2021

Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) is an artificial evaluation technique based on fuzzy mathematics, with real and accurate evaluation results that are extensively utilized in psychology and other fields. Hence, a technique is needed for assessing Likert scale data using fuzzy mathematics. This study examines the operators and weight distribution of the variables while individuals perform a complete and comprehensive evaluation and apply a genetic algorithm (GA) to determine the corresponding weight. Genetic processes based on population adaptation and evolution fundamentals have been hugely successful in solving problems and producing optimal solutions a long time ago. Furthermore, we measure psychological data from the Likert scale and analyze it using a fluid-based GA for a complete psychological assessment. Students of various genders used different compound operators and weight distribution to evaluate the instant noodle completely. This reflects the fact that the employment of a GA-based fuzzy comprehensive evaluation in psychological measurement and consumer psychology study is beneficial. The results show that the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method based on the GA can effectively analyze the psychological measurement data of the Likert scale.
Circulating Inflammation Markers and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Prospective Case-Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Ma Enbo , Shimazu Taichi , Song Minkyo , Charvat Hadrien , Sawada Norie , Yamaji Taiki , Inoue Manami , Camargo M. Constanza , Kemp Troy J. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Pinto Ligia A. , Rabkin Charles S. , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: October 2021

Background:

Previous prospective studies of associations between circulating inflammation-related molecules and pancreatic cancer risk have included limited numbers of markers.

Methods:

We conducted a case–cohort study nested within the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study Cohort II. We selected a random subcohort (n = 774) from a total of 23,335 participants aged 40 to 69 years who returned a questionnaire and provided blood samples at baseline. During the follow-up period from 1993 to 2010, we identified 111 newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer cases, including one case within the subcohort. Plasma concentrations of 62 inflammatory markers of chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors were measured by a Luminex fluorescent bead-based assay. Cox regression models were applied to estimate HR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pancreatic cancer risk for quartiles of marker levels adjusted for potential confounders.

Results:

The HR (95% CI) for the highest versus the lowest category of C–C motif ligand chemokine 8/monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (CCL8/MCP2) was 2.03 (1.05–3.93; Ptrend = 0.048). After we corrected for multiple comparisons, none of the examined biomarkers were associated with pancreatic cancer risk at P-value <0.05.

Conclusions:

We found no significant associations between 62 inflammatory markers and pancreatic cancer risk.

Impact:

The suggestive association with circulating levels of leukocyte recruiting cytokine CCL8/MCP2 may warrant further investigation.
Opportunistic Repression: Civilian Targeting by the State in Response
to COVID-19
Authors: Grasse Donald , Pavlik Melissa , Matfess Hilary , Curtice Travis B.
Published: October 2021

Across the globe, states have attempted to contain COVID-19 by restricting movement, closing schools and businesses, and banning large gatherings. Such measures have expanded the degree of sanctioned state intervention into civilians' lives. But existing theories of preventive and responsive repression cannot explain why some countries experienced surges in repression after states in Africa initiated COVID-19-related lockdowns. While responsive repression occurs when states quell protests or riots, “opportunistic repression” arises when states use crises to suppress the political opposition. An examination of the relationship between COVID-19 shutdown policies and state violence against civilians in Africa tests this theory of opportunistic repression. Findings reveal a large and statistically significant relationship between shutdowns and repression, which holds after conditioning for the spread and lethality of the disease within-country and over time. A subnational case study of repression in Uganda provides evidence that the increase in repression appears to be concentrated in opposition areas that showed less support for Yoweri Museveni in the 2016 elections. Opportunistic repression provides a better explanation than theories of preventive or responsive repression for why Uganda experienced a surge in repression in 2020 and in what areas. The results have implications for theories of repression, authoritarian survival, the politics of emergency, and security.
New long-horned caddisfly genus and species of Leptoceridae (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Brazil
Authors: HENRIQUES-OLIVEIRA ANA LUCIA , SILVA ANDRE LUÍS RAMOS , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA
Published: October 2021

Ibyacerina caparao new genus, new species (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) is described and illustrated from specimens collected at Serra do Caparaó, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The monotypic genus is characterized by tibial spur formula 0,2,2; preanal appendages originating from a single base with a median process; tergum X broad, heavily sclerotized, saddle-like, wider at apex, and upturned, bearing small stout setae; inferior appendages each 3-branched, setose; and phallic apparatus tubular, curved slightly ventrad, with pair of lateral processes. Phylogenetic Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses based on concatenated cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase (CAD) partial sequences (1,504 bp) including representatives of 38 leptocerid genera positioned Ibyacerina gen. nov. with good support within Leptocerinae. However, due to low branch support of most relationships among genera within the clade of Leptocerinae, except Mystacidini, Setodini, and Leptocerini, its close affinities and tribal placement are still unknown.
Adoption of Nano Titanium Nitride-Based Micro-Implant Anchorage in Adult Orthodontic Patients with Elongated Molars
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Gan Jiancheng , Jiang Chaoran , Fan Yu , Fang Shourong
Published: October 2021

To provide a good foundation for the application of micro-implant anchorage (MIA) in the orthodontic treatment of elongated molars, the micro-implant materials were characterized, and they were analyzed before and after X-ray irradiation. The titanium nitride nanoparticles of different
diameters were produced by the ammonia thermal reduction method under different voltages (10 V, 15 V) first. The silver nanoparticles were introduced into the titanium nitride nanoparticles then by the in-situ replacement method. The X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy was used for morphological
analysis. The hydrophilicity of the samples was tested before and after UV irradiation. Subsequently, the Live/Dead fluorescence staining method was used to detect the cytotoxicity of titanium nitride/nano silver micro-implants. The Staphylococcus aureus was cultured on the surface
of the micro-implant materials (1 d~5 d), and its antibacterial performance towards surrounding planktonic bacteria and adhesion bacteria was tested by the plate counting method. 15 adult orthodontics patients of elongated molar admitted to the hospital were selected as research subjects.
The prepared micro-implant material was applied clinically. In the study, the titanium nitride nanoparticles loaded with nano silver with a diameter of 20 nm were successfully prepared, which formed a more hydrophilic surface after ultraviolet irradiation, effectively inhibiting the adhesion
and proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus within 3 days. With the Ag particles content increasing, titanium nitride/silver nanoparticles can achieve long-term effective bacteriostasis, and promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. In clinical practice, micro-implants
promote the movement of the patient’s maxillary molars, and the bilateral molars are adjusted to class I occlusal relationship, while the soft and hard tissue and facial profile have been significantly improved.
Understanding Extremely Elevated Dizziness Handicap Inventory Scores: An Analysis of Predictive Factors
Authors: Wong Emily C. , Chiao Whitney , Strangio Blaze T. , Luong Katrina , Pasquesi Lauren , Allen Isabel E. , Sharon Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) measures impairment in quality of life due to dizziness, with higher scores indicating greater impairment. Little is known about the clinical features that predict extremely elevated DHI scores (eeDHI).

Objective:

To identify clinical features associated with eeDHI.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 217 patients with dizziness between October 2016 and April 2019. Patients with eeDHI had DHI scores 1 standard deviation higher than the mean. Analyses were performed to generate odds ratios (OR) for having eeDHI based on clinical features and exam findings.

Results:

The cut-off for eeDHI scores was 71. In total, 20.7% had eeDHI. Logistic regression identified 6 independent predictors for eeDHI scores: numbness in the face or body during dizziness (OR = 5.99, 95% CI 1.77-20.30), history of falls (OR = 4.37, 95% CI 1.74-10.97), female sex (OR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.18-6.66), caloric weakness (OR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.36-5.01), total number of diagnoses associated with dizziness (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.11-4.28), and total number of symptoms during dizziness (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.45).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that patients with eeDHI have severe disease and should be screened for falls. By understanding the drivers of high DHI scores, we can alleviate disease related suffering for vestibular disorders.
Model predictive control for the tracking of autonomous mobile robot combined with a local path planning
Authors: Li Jianhua , Sun Jianfeng , Liu Liqun , Xu Jiasheng
Published: October 2021

This article presents a model predictive control (MPC) coupled with an artificial potential field (APF) to resolve the trajectory tracking while considering the obstacle avoidance. In this article, the obstacle avoidance problem is solved by a local path planning based on the artificial potential field by constructing a virtual goal. A virtual goal is generated to produce an attractive force to guide the mobile robot to a collision-free space. The planned path is controlled by a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller to avoid collision. After arriving at the virtual goal, an off-line explicit MPC is calculated to obtain the optimal control inputs to track the reference trajectory. The simulation results show that the proposed method can be applied to control the mobile robot in the environment with one obstacle.