bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An mRNA-based anti-tick vaccine catches ticks red-handed
Authors: Kopáček Petr , Šíma Radek , Perner Jan
Published: November 2021

An anti-tick mRNA cocktail vaccine promotes tick detachment and prevents transmission of tick-borne infection in guinea pigs (Sajid
et al
).
Multispecies Populations of Methanotrophic
Methyloprofundus
and Cultivation of a Likely Dominant Species from the Iheya North Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Field
Authors: Hirayama Hisako , Takaki Yoshihiro , Abe Mariko , Imachi Hiroyuki , Ikuta Tetsuro , Miyazaki Junichi , Tasumi Eiji , Uematsu Katsuyuki , Tame Akihiro , Tsuda Miwako , Tanaka Keiko , Matsui Yohei , Watanabe Hiromi Kayama , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Takai Ken
Published: November 2021

The Iheya North deep-sea hydrothermal field in the mid-Okinawa Trough is characterized by abundant methane derived from organic-rich sediments and diverse chemosynthetic animal species, including those harboring methanotrophic bacterial symbionts, such as bathymodiolin mussels
Bathymodiolus japonicus
and “
Bathymodiolus
”
platifrons
and a galatheoid crab,
Shinkaia crosnieri
. Symbiotic methanotrophs have attracted significant attention, and yet free-living methanotrophs in this environment have not been studied in detail.
Adaptive Role of Cell Death in Yeast Communities Stressed with Macrolide Antifungals
Authors: Kireeva N. A. , Sokolov S. S. , Smirnova E. A. , Galkina K. V. , Severin F. F. , Knorre D. A.
Published: November 2021

Eukaryotic microorganisms harbor elements of programmed cell death (PCD) mechanisms that are homologous to the PCD of multicellular metazoa. However, it is still debated whether microbial PCD has an adaptive role or whether the processes of cell death are an aimless operation in self-regulating molecular mechanisms.
A Novel Strategy for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants Based on Multiplex PCR-Mass Spectrometry Minisequencing Technology
Authors: Zhao Fei , Lu Jinxing , Lu Bing , Qin Tian , Wang Xuemei , Hou Xuexin , Meng Fanliang , Xu Xiaona , Li Tianyi , Zhou Haijian , Zhang Jianzhong , Kan Biao , Huang Ying , Zhang Zehui , Xiao Di
Published: November 2021

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants is the key factor in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. An all-in-one SARS-CoV-2 variant identification method based on a multiplex PCR-mass spectrometry minisequencing system was developed in this study.
Coexisting Tetrahedrite–(Zn) and Sphalerite at the Teremki Gold-Ore Deposit (East Transbaikalia): Chemical Composition and Formation Conditions
Authors: Lyubimtseva N. G. , Prokof’ev V. Yu. , Bortnikov N. S.
Published: November 2021

Paragenetic associations of tetrahedrite-(Zn) and sphalerite are distinguished in the Teremki gold-ore deposit. The chemical composition of coexisting minerals of this association is determined. The Sb/(Sb + As) and Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratios in tetrahedrite-(Zn) vary from 0.66 to 0.97 and from 0.28 to 0.40, respectively. A negative correlation was established between Sb/(Sb + As) and Fe/(Fe + Zn) ratios. Contents of Fe in sphalerite change from 0.88 to 1.43 wt % (1.5–2.5 mol % FeS). Temperature and sulfur fugacity when precipitation of tetrahedrite-(Zn)–paragenesis were estimated: they range from 130 to 280°C and from 10–13.2 to 10–8.1 bars, respectively.
Networks of Micellar Chains with Nanoplates
Authors: Molchanov V. S. , Kuklin A. I. , Orekhov A. S. , Arkharova N. A. , Khudoleeva E. S. , Philippova O. E.
Published: November 2021

Nanocomposite networks of surfactant micellar chains and natural bentonite clay nanoplates are studied by rheometry, small-angle neutron scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that, in an aqueous medium in the presence of a small part of an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, the molecules of a biodegradable zwitterionic surfactant, oleyl amidopropyl dimethyl carboxybetaine, form micron-length living micellar chains which entangle and form a network possessing well-defined viscoelastic properties. It is found that addition of negatively charged clay nanoplates leads to an increase in viscosity and relaxation time by an order of magnitude. This is explained by the incorporation of the nanoplates into the network as physical multifunctional crosslinks. The incorporation occurs via the attachment of semispherical end-caps of the micelles to the surface of the particles covered with a surfactant layer, as visualized by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. As the amount of nanoplates is increased, the rheological properties reach plateau; this is associated with the attachment of all end parts of micelles to nanoplates. The developed nanocomposite soft networks based on safe and eco-friendly components are promising for various practical applications.
Vaginal examinations and mistreatment of women during facility-based childbirth in health facilities: secondary analysis of labour observations in Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria
Authors: Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Mehrtash Hedieh , Guure Chris , Maya Ernest , Vogel Joshua P , Irinyenikan Theresa Azonima , Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Balde Mamadou Dioulde , Adanu Richard , Bohren Meghan A , Tuncalp Özge
Published: November 2021

Background

Previous research on mistreatment of women during childbirth has focused on physical and verbal abuse, neglect and stigmatisation. However, other manifestations of mistreatment, such as during vaginal examinations, are relatively underexplored. This study explores four types of mistreatment of women during vaginal examinations: (1) non-consented care, (2) sharing of private information, (3) exposure of genitalia and (4) exposure of breasts.

Methods

A secondary analysis of data from the WHO multicountry study ‘How Women Are Treated During Childbirth’ was conducted. The study used direct, continuous labour observations of women giving birth in facilities in Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to describe the different types of mistreatment of women during vaginal examinations and associated privacy measures (ie, availability of curtains).

Results

Of the 2016 women observed, 1430 (70.9%) underwent any vaginal examination. Across all vaginal examinations, 842/1430 (58.9%) women were observed to receive non-consented care; 233/1430 (16.4%) women had their private information shared; 397/1430 (27.8%) women had their genitalia exposed; and 356/1430 (24.9%) had their breasts exposed. The observed prevalence of mistreatment during vaginal examinations varied across countries. There were country-level differences in the association between absence of privacy measures and mistreatment. Absence of privacy measures was associated with sharing of private information (Ghana: adjusted OR (AOR) 3.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 8.9; Nigeria: AOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.9 to 12.7), genitalia exposure (Ghana: AOR 6.7, 95% CI 2.9 to 14.9; Nigeria: AOR 6.5, 95% CI 2.9 to 14.5), breast exposure (Ghana: AOR 5.9, 95% CI 2.8 to 12.9; Nigeria: AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.9) and non-consented vaginal examination (Ghana: AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.7; Guinea: AOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.38).

Conclusion

Our results highlight the need to ensure better communication and consent processes for vaginal examination during childbirth. In some settings, measures such as availability of curtains were helpful to reduce women’s exposure and sharing of private information, but context-specific interventions will be required to achieve respectful maternity care globally.
Empirical identification and validation of tumor-targeting T cell receptors from circulation using autologous pancreatic tumor organoids
Authors: Meng Qingda , Xie Shanshan , Gray G Kenneth , Dezfulian Mohammad H , Gandarilla Omar , Li Weilin , Huang Ling , Akshinthala Dipikaa , Ferrer Elizabeth , Conahan Catherine , Perea Del Pino Sofia , Grossman Joseph , Elledge Stephen J , Hidalgo Manuel , Muthuswamy Senthil K
Published: November 2021

Background

Tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells and T cell receptors are effective tools for cancer immunotherapy. Most efforts to identify them rely on known antigens or lymphocytes that have infiltrated into the tumor bed. Approaches to empirically identify tumor-targeting T cells and T cell receptors by exploiting all antigens expressed on tumor cell surfaces are not well developed for most carcinomas, including pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Autologous tumor organoids were stimulated with T cells from the patients’ peripheral blood for 2 weeks to generate the organoid-primed T (opT) cells. opT cell phenotype was analyzed by monitoring changes in the expression levels of 28 cell surface and checkpoint proteins. Expression of ligands of the immune checkpoints was investigated by immunohistochemistry staining. T cells were labeled with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and assayed by flow cytometry to monitor tumor-induced T cell proliferation changes. opT cell-mediated killing of three-dimensional organoids was measured using an M30 ELISA kit. T cell receptors (TCRs) were identified by deep sequencing of gDNA isolated from T cells, and the TCR specificity was confirmed by transferring TCRs to the T cell line SKW-3 or donor T cells.

Results

The co-culture was effective in the generation of CD8 + or CD4+opT cells. The opT cells killed autologous tumors in a granzyme B or Fas-Fas ligand-dependent manner and expressed markers of tissue-resident memory phenotype. Each patient-derived opT cell culture displayed a unique complement of checkpoint proteins. Interestingly, only NKG2A blockade showed a potent increase in the interferon-γ production compared with blocking programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) or TIM3 or TIGIT or LAG3. Importantly, TCR sequencing demonstrated a dramatic clonal expansion of T cells with a restricted subset of TCRs. Cloning and transferring the TCRs to heterologous T cells was sufficient to confer tumor cell recognition and cytotoxic properties in a patient-specific manner.

Conclusion

We report a platform for expanding tumor-targeting T cells from the peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic cancer. We identify the NKG2A-HLA-E axis as a potentially important checkpoint for CD8 +T cells for pancreatic cancer. Lastly, we demonstrate empirical identification of tumor-targeting TCRs that can be used for TCR-therapeutics.
Efficacy and safety of vedolizumab and infliximab treatment for immune-mediated diarrhea and colitis in patients with cancer: a two-center observational study
Authors: Zou Fangwen , Faleck David , Thomas Anusha , Harris Jessica , Satish Deepika , Wang Xuemei , Charabaty Aline , Ernstoff Marc S , Glitza Oliva Isabella C , Hanauer Stephen , McQuade Jennifer , Obeid Michel , Shah Amishi , Richards David M , Sharon Elad , Wolchok Jedd , Thompson John , Wang Yinghong
Published: November 2021

Background

Current treatment guidelines for immune-mediated diarrhea and colitis (IMDC) recommend steroids as first-line therapy, followed by selective immunosuppressive therapy (SIT) (infliximab or vedolizumab) for refractory cases. We aimed to compare the efficacy of these two SITs and their impact on cancer outcomes.

Methods

We performed a two-center, retrospective observational cohort study of patients with IMDC who received SITs following steroids from 2016 to 2020. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and overall survival data were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 184 patients (62 vedolizumab, 94 infliximab, 28 combined sequentially) were included. The efficacy of achieving clinical remission of IMDC was similar (89% vs 88%, p=0.79) between the two groups. Compared with the infliximab group, the vedolizumab group had a shorter steroid exposure (35 vs 50 days, p<0.001), fewer hospitalizations (16% vs 28%, p=0.005), and a shorter hospital stay (median 10.5 vs 13.5 days, p=0.043), but a longer time to clinical response (17.5 vs 13 days, p=0.012). Longer durations of immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment (OR 1.01, p=0.004) and steroid use (OR 1.02, p=0.043), and infliximab use alone (OR 2.51, p=0.039) were associated with higher IMDC recurrence. Furthermore, ≥3 doses of SIT (p=0.011), and fewer steroid tapering attempts (p=0.012) were associated with favorable overall survival.

Conclusions

Treatment with vedolizumab as compared with infliximab for IMDC led to comparable IMDC response rates, shorter duration of steroid use, fewer hospitalizations, and lower IMDC recurrence, though with slightly longer time to IMDC response. Higher number of SIT doses was associated with better survival outcome, while more steroid exposure resulted in worse patient outcomes.
Modeling Global and Local Interactions for Online Conversation Recommendation
Authors: Zeng Xingshan , Li Jing , Wang Lingzhi , Wong Kam-Fai
Published: November 2021

The popularity of social media platforms results in a huge volume of online conversations produced every day. To help users better engage in online conversations, this article presents a novel framework to automatically recommend conversations to users based on what they said and how they behaved in their chatting histories. While prior work mostly focuses on post-level recommendation, we aim to explore conversation context and model the interaction patterns therein. Furthermore, to characterize personal interests from interleaving user interactions, we learn (1)
global interactions
, represented by topic and discourse word clusters to reflect users’ content and pragmatic preferences, and (2)
local interactions
, encoding replying relations and chronological order of conversation turns to characterize users’ prior behavior. Built on collaborative filtering, our model captures global interactions via discovering word distributions to represent users’ topical interests and discourse behaviors, while local interactions are explored with graph-structured networks exploiting both reply structure and temporal features. Extensive experiments on three datasets from Twitter and Reddit show that our model coupling global and local interactions significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art model. Further analyses show that our model is able to capture meaningful features from global and local interactions, which results in its superior performance in conversation recommendation.
Uncertainty Theory Based Partitioning for Cyber-Physical Systems with Uncertain Reliability Analysis
Authors: Chen Si , Xie Guoqi , Li Renfa , Li Keqin
Published: November 2021

Reasonable partitioning is a critical issue for
cyber-physical system (CPS)
design. Traditional CPS partitioning methods run in a determined context and depend on the parameter pre-estimations, but they ignore the uncertainty of parameters and hardly consider reliability. The state-of-the-art work proposed an uncertainty theory based CPS partitioning method, which includes parameter uncertainty and reliability analysis, but it only considers linear uncertainty distributions for variables and ignores the uncertainty of reliability. In this paper, we propose an uncertainty theory based CPS partitioning method with uncertain reliability analysis. We convert the uncertain objective and constraint into determined forms; such conversion methods can be applied to all forms of uncertain variables, not just for linear. By applying uncertain reliability analysis in the uncertainty model, we for the first time include the uncertainty of reliability into the CPS partitioning, where the reliability enhancement algorithm is proposed. We study the performance of the reliability obtained through uncertain reliability analysis, and experimental results show that the system reliability with uncertainty does not change significantly with the growth of task module numbers.
Role of excretion in manganese homeostasis and neurotoxicity: a historical perspective
Authors: Gurol Kerem C. , Aschner Michael , Smith Donald R. , Mukhopadhyay Somshuvra
Published: November 2021

The essential metal manganese (Mn) induces incurable neurotoxicity at elevated levels that manifests as parkinsonism in adults and fine motor and executive function deficits in children. Studies on Mn neurotoxicity have largely focused on the role and mechanisms of disease induced by elevated Mn exposure from occupational or environmental sources. In contrast, the critical role of excretion in regulating Mn homeostasis and neurotoxicity has received less attention although 1) studies on Mn excretion date back to the 1920s; 2) elegant radiotracer Mn excretion assays in the 1940s to 1960s established the routes of Mn excretion; and 3) studies on patients with liver cirrhosis in the 1990s to 2000s identified an association between decreased Mn excretion and the risk of developing Mn-induced parkinsonism in the absence of elevated Mn exposure. Notably, the last few years have seen renewed interest in Mn excretion largely driven by the discovery that hereditary Mn neurotoxicity due to mutations in SLC30A10 or SLC39A14 is caused, at least in part, by deficits in Mn excretion. Quite remarkably, some of the recent results on SLC30A10 and SLC39A14 provide explanations for observations made ∼40–50 years ago. The goal of the current review is to integrate the historic studies on Mn excretion with more contemporary recent work and provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of Mn excretion and its role in regulating Mn homeostasis and neurotoxicity. A related goal is to discuss the significance of some of the foundational studies on Mn excretion so that these highly consequential earlier studies remain influential in the field.
Inspired oxygen: present, past, and future
Authors: West John B.
Published: November 2021

As earthlings, we take the oxygen in the air that we breathe for granted. Few people realize that this easy access to oxygen makes us unique in the whole universe. Nowhere else in our planetary system or in distant stars has stable oxygen ever been detected. However, the present plentiful supply of oxygen in our atmosphere was not always there. Long after the Earth was formed some 4.5 billion years ago, the Po2 in the atmosphere was near zero, and it remained so for millions of years. But about 2 billion years ago, the Po2 dramatically increased to as high as 200 mmHg during the Great Oxygen Event, due to the activity of microorganisms, the cyanobacteria. Subsequently, the oxygen level fell to the intermediate values that we have today. Here, we also look to the future, for example, the next 50 years. This period will be special because it will include the beginnings of human space exploration, initially to the Moon and Mars. Neither of these has atmospheric oxygen. Nevertheless, plans to visit and live on both of these are developing rapidly. We consider the fascinating problems of how to ensure that sufficient oxygen will be available for the groups of people. Although it is interesting to discuss these issues now, we can expect that major advances will be made in the next few years.
Rapid and persistent decrease in brain tissue oxygenation in ovine gram-negative sepsis
Authors: Okazaki Nobuki , Lankadeva Yugeesh R. , Peiris Rachel M. , Birchall Ian E. , May Clive N.
Published: November 2021

The changes in brain perfusion and oxygenation in critical illness, which are thought to contribute to brain dysfunction, are unclear due to the lack of methods to measure these variables. We have developed a technique to chronically measure cerebral tissue perfusion and oxygen tension in unanesthetized sheep. Using this technique, we have determined the changes in cerebral perfusion and Po2 during the development of ovine sepsis. In adult Merino ewes, fiber-optic probes were implanted in the brain, renal cortex, and renal medulla to measure tissue perfusion, oxygen tension (Po2), and temperature, and flow probes were implanted on the pulmonary and renal arteries. Conscious sheep were infused with live Escherichia coli for 24 h, which induced hyperdynamic sepsis; mean arterial pressure decreased (from 85.2 ± 5.6 to 71.5 ± 8.7 mmHg), while cardiac output (from 4.12 ± 0.70 to 6.15 ± 1.26 L/min) and total peripheral conductance (from 48.9 ± 8.5 to 86.8 ± 11.5 mL/min/mmHg) increased ( n = 8, all P < 0.001) and arterial Po2 decreased (from 104 ± 8 to 83 ± 10 mmHg; P < 0.01). Cerebral perfusion tended to decrease acutely, although this did not reach significance, but there was a significant and sustained decrease in cerebral tissue Po2 (from 32.2 ± 10.1 to 18.8 ± 11.7 mmHg) after 3 h and to 22.8 ± 5.2 mmHg after 24 h of sepsis ( P < 0.02). Sepsis induced large reductions in both renal medullary perfusion and Po2 but had no effect in the renal cortex. In ovine sepsis, there is an early decrease in cerebral Po2 that is maintained for 24 h despite minimal changes in cerebral perfusion. Cerebral hypoxia may be one of the factors causing sepsis-induced malaise and lethargy.
Phrenic afferent activation modulates cardiorespiratory output in the adult rat
Authors: Streeter Kristi A. , Sunshine Michael D. , Davenport Paul W. , Fuller David D.
Published: November 2021

Acute, inspiratory-triggered stimulation of phrenic afferents increases contralateral phrenic motor amplitude in adult rats. When small-diameter afferents are recruited, the amplitude response is accompanied by an increase in phrenic burst frequency, a transient decrease in mean arterial blood pressure, and a slight increase in heart rate. Repeated episodes of large-diameter phrenic afferent activation may also be capable of inducing short-term plasticity.
Research on Long Jump Posture in School Physical Education Teaching Based on Video Analysis
Authors: He Tianchang , Lv Danyang , Li Zehao
Published: November 2021

Based on video, the human movement can be analyzed to achieve scientific training and skill improvement. Specifically, according to the video data during the movement, the human body can be detected and tracked, and relevant trajectory data can be obtained. On this basis, key motion parameters can be obtained and quantitative analysis of motion can be achieved. This paper uses video processing technologies to analyze the long jump posture in physical education. According to the video sequences measured during the athlete’s long jump, the target detection and tracking algorithms are used to obtain the athlete’s trajectory after preprocessing. Afterwards, further processing is carried out to calculate speed, angle, posture, and other related information to assist scientific sports training. The experimental results based on the measured data show that the algorithm can realize the analysis of the long jump scene and complete the quantitative analysis of the key indicators of the athletes. The research results can effectively support school physical education and guidance training and also provide a reference for other competitive video analysis.
Adaptive Critic Learning‐Based Robust Control of Systems with Uncertain Dynamics
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zeng Qingliang , Guo Bin
Published: November 2021

Model uncertainties are usually unavoidable in the control systems, which are caused by imperfect system modeling, disturbances, and nonsmooth dynamics. This paper presents a novel method to address the robust control problem for uncertain systems. The original robust control problem of the uncertain system is first transformed into an optimal control of nominal system via selecting the appropriate cost function. Then, we develop an adaptive critic leaning algorithm to learn online the optimal control solution, where only the critic neural network (NN) is used, and the actor NN widely used in the existing methods is removed. Finally, the feasibility analysis of the control algorithm is given in the paper. Simulation results are given to show the availability of the presented control method.
Wireless Sensor Network Target Localization Algorithm Based on Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Delaunay Partitions
Authors: Shao Chenguang
Published: November 2021

The target localization algorithm is critical in the field of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and is widely used in many applications. In the conventional localization method, the location distribution of the anchor nodes is fixed and cannot be adjusted dynamically according to the deployment environment. The resulting localization accuracy is not high, and the localization algorithm is not applicable to three‐dimensional (3D) conditions. Therefore, a Delaunay‐triangulation‐based WSN localization method, which can be adapted to two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D conditions, was proposed. Based on the location of the target node, we searched for the triangle or tetrahedron surrounding the target node and designed the localization algorithm in stages to accurately calculate the coordinate value of the target. The relationship between the number of target nodes and the number of generated graphs was analysed through numerous experiments, and the proposed 2D localization algorithm was verified by extending it the 3D coordinate system. Experimental results revealed that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the flexibility of the anchor node layout and target localization accuracy.
Temporary Upregulation of Nrf2 by Naringenin Alleviates Oxidative Damage in the Retina and ARPE‐19 Cells
Authors: Chen Wenpei , Ye Yuxin , Wu Zhongrui , Lin Junli , Wang Yiting , Ding Qi , Yang Xinrong , Yang Wei , Lin Bingqing , Lin Baoqin
Published: November 2021

Dry age‐related macular degeneration (dAMD) is a chronic degenerative ophthalmopathy that leads to serious burden of visual impairment. Antioxidation in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is considered as a potential treatment for dAMD. Our previous studies have showed that naringenin (NAR) protects RPE cells from oxidative damage partly through SIRT1‐mediated antioxidation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the Nrf2 signaling is another protective mechanism of NAR on dAMD. NaIO3‐induced mouse retinopathy and ARPE‐19 cell injury models were established. Immunochemical staining, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were performed to detect the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO‐1. In addition, ML385 (activity inhibitor of Nrf2) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP, activity inhibitor of HO‐1) were applied to explore the effect of NaIO3 or NAR. The results showed that NAR increased the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO‐1 in the retinas in mice exposed to NaIO3 at the early stage. NAR treatment also resulted in a stronger activation of Nrf2 at the early stage in NaIO3‐treated ARPE‐19 cells. Moreover, inhibition of HO‐1 by ZnPP weakened the cytoprotective effect of NAR. The constitutive accumulation and activation of Nrf2 induced by NaIO3 led to the death of RPE cells. However, NAR decreased the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO‐1 towards normal level in the mouse retinas and ARPE‐19 cells exposed to NaIO3 at the late stage. Our findings indicate that NAR protects RPE cells from oxidative damage via activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Experimental Study on Static Performance of Deployable Bridge Based on Cable‐Strengthened Scissor Structures
Authors: Yu Xiaoming , Yang Yinghua , Ji Yanxia , Li Lin
Published: November 2021

The deployable bridge based on scissor structures is one of the effective methods to quickly restore traffic after natural and man‐made disasters. Scissor structures have the advantages of high storage rate, lightweight, and convenient storage and transportation. However, when scissor structures are used as load‐bearing structures, their stiffness and bearing capacity are low. In this study, a three‐dimensional deployable bridge based on the cable‐strengthened scissor structures was proposed. In addition to rapid expansion, steel cables were used to strengthen scissor structures to improve the stiffness and bearing capacity. Besides, the static loading comparative tests on cable‐strengthened scissor structures and traditional scissor structures (cable‐free scissor structures) were performed. The results show that the stiffness of the cable‐free scissor structure is small, the bending moment of members is large, and the stress distribution is uneven. The stiffness of cable‐strengthened scissor structure is significantly improved; the bending moment of members is significantly reduced; and the stress distribution in the member section is more uniform. It is proved that cables can be used to improve the stiffness and load‐bearing capacity of scissor structures without affecting the deployability.
A Survey of IoT Stream Query Execution Latency Optimization within Edge and Cloud
Authors: Abdullah Fatima , Peng Limei , Tak Byungchul
Published: November 2021

IoT (Internet of Things) streaming data has increased dramatically over the recent years and continues to grow rapidly due to the exponential growth of connected IoT devices. For many IoT applications, fast stream query processing is crucial for correct operations. To achieve better query performance and quality, researchers and practitioners have developed various types of query execution models—purely cloud‐based, geo‐distributed, edge‐based, and edge‐cloud‐based models. Each execution model presents unique challenges and limitations of query processing optimizations. In this work, we provide a comprehensive review and analysis of query execution models within the context of the query execution latency optimization. We also present a detailed overview of various query execution styles regarding different query execution models and highlight their contributions. Finally, the paper concludes by proposing promising future directions towards advancing the query executions in the edge and cloud environment.
Effect Analysis of Language Education Based on Computer and Network Sensors
Authors: Dandan Wang , Yufei Wu , Yanwei Zhu
Published: November 2021

Language talent education is an essential education in education, but today’s language talent education needs to be improved because of the influence of teaching methods and other factors. This paper puts forward an idea of sensor‐assisted education. The sensor is connected to the computer to help improve the language ability and information acquisition ability of the educated by means of network sensing and try to intelligently classify the relevant languages in language education, so as to reduce the time for the educated to process information, so as to realize the matching between language and reception. At the same time, the research also found that the sensors based on computers and networks have the function of intelligently strengthening the language, and the meaning of expression is simpler and more accurate. By studying the improvement of the effect of language education based on computer and network sensors, this paper provides a reference for the application of network sensors in the future.
Temporal and Quantitative Analysis of Aortic Immunopathologies in Elastase-Induced Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Tian Kangli , Xia Congcong , Liu Haole , Xu Boyu , Wei Panpan , Fu Weilai , Lu Ming , Li Yankui , Li Yafeng , Cheng Daxin , Liu Enqi , Zhao Sihai
Published: November 2021

Objective. Elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model is widely used for aneurysmal pathogenesis and translational research. However, temporal alternations in aneurysmal histologies remain unknown. This study is aimed at analyzing temporal immunopathologies of aneurysmal aorta following experimental AAA induction. Methods. Male C57BL/6J mice at the age of 10-14 weeks received intra-aortic infusion of elastase to induce AAAs. Aortic diameters at the baseline and indicated days after AAA induction were measured, and aortae were collected for histopathological analysis. Results. Aorta diameters increased from 0.52 mm at the baseline levels to 0.99 mm, 1.34 mm, and 1.41 mm at days 7, 14, and 28, respectively, corresponding 90%, 158%, and 171% increases over the baseline level. Average aortic diameters did not differ between days 14 and 28. Severe elastin degradation and smooth muscle cell depletion were found at days 14 and 28 as compared to the baseline and day 7. No difference in the scores of medial elastin and SMC destruction was noted between days 14 and 28. Consistent results were found for leukocyte accumulation, neoangiogenesis, and matrix metalloproteinase expression. Twenty-eight days after AAA induction, all aneurysmal pathologies showed an attenuated trend, although most histopathological parameters did no differ between days 14 and 28. Conclusion. Our data suggest that almost aneurysmal immunohistopathologies reach maximal 14 days following AAA induction. Analysis of day 14 histologies is sufficient for AAA pathogenesis and translational studies in elastase-induced mouse experimental AAAs.
Application of Traditional Graphic Elements Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Tactile Sensor Technology
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: November 2021

In today’s era, sensing technology has been very developed in the fields of machinery, medicine, safety monitoring, and so on. In order to be applicable to more fields, new sensing technologies are also evolving. Tactile and sensory states are two important indicators of human induction to external things. Based on the contact force information between fiber Bragg grating tactile sensor and human body, this paper uses a new fiber Bragg grating tactile sensing system to study the artistic elements of ink painting in modern graphic design. Subsequently, the structure and specific performances of the sensor experimental data are analyzed. With its small volume, low cost, high sensitivity, and good compatibility with the observed body, the new fiber Bragg grating tactile sensor will not be affected by external electromagnetic interference, various noise signals, complex integration, and other problems. According to the data observed by ink painters in this paper, the new tactile sensing technology of fiber Bragg grating can well control the external interference factors. In general, the technology is of great social and practical value.
Postoperative Complications in Genioplasty and Their Association with Age, Gender, and Type of Genioplasty
Authors: Khan Muslim , Sattar Nigam , Erkin Mahwish
Published: November 2021

Objective. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence of postoperative complications associated with different kinds of genioplasties done with or without concomitant orthognathic surgeries. Materials and Methods. Patients in whom facial asymmetry was corrected by genioplasty with age ranging from 16 to 55 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were included in the study. Patients with facial asymmetry due to congenital problems were excluded. Results. 59 patients were included, of which 38 were males and 21 were females with the age range of 16–55 (mean: 27.3729, Std. deviation: 4.70472). Advancement genioplasty was performed in 15.3%, reduction genioplasty was done in 16.9%, and advancement genioplasty with rotation was performed in 67.8% cases. In 28.8% cases, genioplasty was performed as an adjunct procedure with orthognathic surgery, and in 71.2% cases, genioplasty was performed alone. 3.4% patients developed infection, 8.5% had hematoma, and 6.8% had temporary numbness. Postoperative complications were seen more in men than in women. Correction of chin asymmetry by rotation/advancement showed the highest number of complications (84%). Conclusion. Temporary neurosensory disturbance of the inferior alveolar nerve is the most common complication that occurs after genioplasty. Patients shall be counselled preoperatively, and informed consent shall be obtained prior to surgery.
Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Dependence and Association with Concurrent Use of Cocaine, Alcohol, and Cannabis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Berndt Sarah , Rosenkranz Moritz , Martens Marcus-Sebastian , Verthein Uwe
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) are the second most commonly used class of illegal substances in Europe. Although concurrent substance use has been subject to research, little is known about associations between concurrent use of cocaine, alcohol, or cannabis and ATS dependence. We expect that the concurrent use of any of the substance, especially cannabis and cocaine, is associated with ATS dependence. Methods: Cross-sectional data were gathered within the European ATTUNE study in 2018/2019. Participants (N = 721) were asked about their consumption patterns and social, psychological, and economic situation. Multivariate logistic regressions were carried out for associations between ATS dependence and use combinations of frequent cocaine, alcohol, or cannabis, with the reference group of no frequent concurrent use (model 1). Model 2 calculated associations for ATS dependence with lifetime methamphetamine use for respective use combinations. Results: The study population was on average 28.9 years old (SD = 7.7), with the majority being male (63.5%). In model 1, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for frequent alcohol use was 0.70 (confidence interval [CI] 0.41–1.20). Similar results were shown for model 2 (aOR 0.82, CI 0.42–1.62). Frequent cannabis use significantly reduced the chance for ATS dependence by 50% in adjusted model 1 (aOR 0.50, CI 0.28–0.89) and by 62% in model 2 (aOR 0.38, CI 0.18–0.82). For frequent cocaine use, models 1 and 2 report an aOR at 1.37 (CI 0.58–3.25) and 2.39 (CI 0.77–7.43), although not statistically significant. Frequent users of all 3 substances had a significant 3-fold chance for ATS dependence (model 1: aOR 2.98, CI 1.16–7.63; model 2: aOR 2.95, CI 1.02–8.58). Discussion: Against initial hypotheses, frequent concurrent use of alcohol or cannabis generally decreased chances for ATS dependence. An explanation could be the study population, which consists of many irregular users of ATS, who mainly consume alcohol or cannabis. Cocaine generally increased chances, although results were not significant. The frequent use of all 3 substances together with ATS in the last year was significantly associated with dependence, thus reporting important information for treatment services. Further research is needed for disentangling causal relationships underlying these associations and for pinpointing consequences for relapse prevention and retention success.
Investigating a Potential Causal Relationship Between Maternal Blood Pressure During Pregnancy and Future Offspring Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Wang Geng , Bhatta Laxmi , Moen Gunn-Helen , Hwang Liang-Dar , Kemp John P. , Bond Tom A. , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Brumpton Ben , Evans David M. , Warrington Nicole M.
Published: November 2021

Observational epidemiological studies have reported that higher maternal blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy is associated with increased future risk of offspring cardiometabolic disease. However, it is unclear whether this association represents a causal relationship through intrauterine mechanisms. We used a Mendelian randomization (MR) framework to examine the relationship between unweighted maternal genetic scores for systolic BP and diastolic BP and a range of cardiometabolic risk factors in the offspring of up to 29 708 genotyped mother-offspring pairs from the UKB study (UK Biobank) and the HUNT study (Trøndelag Health). We conducted similar analyses in up to 21 423 father-offspring pairs from the same cohorts. We confirmed that the BP-associated genetic variants from the general population sample also had similar effects on maternal BP during pregnancy in independent cohorts. We did not detect any association between maternal (or paternal) unweighted genetic scores and cardiometabolic offspring outcomes in the meta-analysis of UKB and HUNT after adjusting for offspring genotypes at the same loci. We find little evidence to support the notion that maternal BP is a major causal risk factor for adverse offspring cardiometabolic outcomes in later life.
Cigarette Smoking and Competing Risks for Fatal and Nonfatal Cardiovascular Disease Subtypes Across the Life Course
Authors: Khan Sadiya S. , Ning Hongyan , Sinha Arjun , Wilkins John , Allen Norrina B. , Vu Thanh Huyen T. , Berry Jarett D. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Sweis Ranya
Published: November 2021

Background

Cigarette smoking is significantly associated with premature death related and not related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether risk associated with smoking is similar across CVD subtypes and how this translates into years of life lost is not known.

Methods and Results

We pooled and harmonized individual‐level data from 9 population‐based cohorts in the United States. All participants were free of clinical CVD at baseline with available data on current smoking status, covariates, and CVD outcomes. We examined the association between smoking status and total CVD and CVD subtypes, including fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and other CVD deaths. We performed (1) modified Kaplan–Meier analysis to estimate long‐term risks, (2) adjusted competing Cox models to estimate joint cumulative risks for CVD or noncardiovascular death, and (3) Irwin’s restricted mean to estimate years lived free from and with CVD. Of 106 165 adults, 50.4% were women. Overall long‐term risks for CVD events were 46.0% (95% CI, 44.7–47.3) and 34.7% (95% CI, 33.3–36.0) in middle‐aged men and women, respectively. In middle‐aged men who reported smoking compared with those who did not smoke, competing hazard ratios (HRs) were higher for the first presentation being a fatal CVD event (HR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.68–1.92]), with a similar pattern among women (HR,1.82 [95% CI, 1.68–1.98]). Smoking was associated with earlier CVD onset by 5.1 and 3.8 years in men and women. Similar patterns were observed in younger and older adults.

Conclusions

Current smoking was associated with a fatal event as the first manifestation of clinical CVD.
Factors Affecting Human-Directed Aggression Resulting in Dog Bites: Contextual Aspects of the Biting Incidents
Authors: Gobbo Elena , Zupan Šemrov Manja
Published: November 2021

Using a web-based questionnaire with 29 close- and open-ended questions about 400 self-reported dog-biting incidents in Slovenia, this research investigated the contexts of dog bites, focusing on characteristics of the dogs and the descriptions of the situations to identify the main risk factors for the occurrence of dog bites. Even though it has been suggested that most dog bites occur during initially non-aggressive interactions with the dog (e.g., during petting, playing), in our study we discerned a wide variety of contexts, including those in which the person did not intend to interact with the dog. Most victims reported unprovoked bites during fast movements near the dog, while coming into close proximity, and during incidents without a reason. These incidents more likely occurred in public than private places and were associated with purebred dogs with a history of aggression.
Vodún/Vodu, Resistance, and North/South Relations in Undemocratic Togo
Authors: Montgomery Eric James
Published: November 2021

Vodún/Vodu have long served as a “way of life” and ontology for making sense of the world along the Bight of Benin, and in the Caribbean and Atlantic world where many slaves were brought. In Togo, the core ethnic groups, the Ewes, continue to turn inward toward Vodún/Vodu traditions as mechanisms of resistance against an autocratic and despotic rule of a northern regime. While the north remains underdeveloped regarding education, economics, and health care delivery—the majority southern Ewes remain locked out of a political process run by the Eyadema regime, who regularly cite north/south conflict as a justification for absolute one-party rule over all of Togo. Vodun/Vodu become motors of modernity through creative assimilation and adaptation to the most pressing geopolitical concerns of the day. This paper assesses the relationship between Vodun/Vodu and contemporary Togolese politics, and its resistance to state-sponsored terror and autocracy.
Homosexuality, Created Bodies, and Queer Fantasies in a Nigerian Deliverance Church
Authors: Richman Naomi
Published: November 2021

In recent years the use of ‘gay cure’ therapies by religions has become a major public controversy in the West. Deliverance, or exorcism, is pointed to as an example of a Christian practice used to try and change a person’s sexuality. Pentecostal churches specialising in deliverance have become particularly popular on the African continent in the last few decades, where beliefs that homosexuality is immoral and un-African are also widespread. At the same time, public discourse about African attitudes to sexuality in the West tends to misunderstand the way religion contributes to cultures of heteronormativity in Africa. This article analyses how African deliverance churches view same-sex relations by investigating a large Nigerian deliverance church publicly accused of practising conversion therapies. It argues that the church’s views on homosexuality derive from its theological understanding of human creation, and that there is more scope for queer expression than first appears.
Is Giriama Traditionalism a Religion? Negotiating Indigenous African Religiosity in ‘Interfaith’ Cooperation in Coastal Kenya
Authors: Meinema Erik
Published: November 2021

This article explores how Giriama elders represent their ‘traditional religion’ (dini ya jadi) through ‘interfaith’ cooperation with Christians and Muslims in the coastal Kenyan town of Malindi. Based on extensive ethnographic research, the article analyses how Giriama Traditionalism relates, in complex and ambivalent ways, to normative assumptions and ideals with regard to what religion entails, and in turn how Giriama elders seek recognition as representatives of a religion in this setting. Such claims are made in a context where Christians, Muslims, and state actors sometimes doubt whether Giriama Traditionalism is worthy of being called a ‘religion’ at all. The article demonstrates that although in the context of interfaith cooperation Christianity, Islam, and ‘Traditionalism’ are formally recognized as equal religions, this does not necessarily create a level playing field. Instead, it requires Giriama elders to appropriate terms, norms, and ideals that are not necessarily of their own making in order for Giriama Traditionalism to be recognized as a religion. Through this analysis, the article aims to contribute to theoretical debates about religious diversity in African contexts by demonstrating how negotiations about what properly counts as (good) religion in coastal Kenya are deeply informed by the copresence of Christianity, Islam, and indigenous African religiosity in one religious field.
Buddhist Endowments by Śaiva Kings under the Maitrakas of Valabhī in Western India (5th–8th Cent.) and the Yodhāvaka Grant of Dharasena iv, [Valabhī] Year 326
Authors: Schmiedchen Annette
Published: November 2021

The phenomenon of interreligious patronage on the Indian subcontinent in the pre-modern period is best attested in royal inscriptions recording religious endowments. It is striking that most pre-Islamic Indian rulers patronised priests, monks, ascetics, and religious establishments of multiple faiths. The personal religious affiliations of the kings often contrasted remarkably with the patronage patterns followed by them according to the testimony of their epigraphs. The strongest indication for the individual confessions of rulers is given by the religious epithets among their titles. While the ambivalent relationship between the personal beliefs of the kings and their donative practices has been repeatedly described as an expression of Indian religious “tolerance” or of the specific character of Indian religious traditions, this paper emphasises that there were several reasons for the dichotomy. This will be investigated on the basis of the epigraphic material of the Maitraka dynasty, which ruled in Gujarat from the 5th to the 8th centuries. The article also contains an edition and translation of the hitherto unpublished Yodhāvaka Grant of Dharasena iv.