bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel framework for detecting non‐recurrent road traffic anomalies by combining a temporal graph convolutional network and hierarchical time memory detector
Authors: Liang Zhewei , Wang Jingyi , Ren Shuliang , Yu Yin , Guan Qingfeng
Published: January 2023

A non‐recurrent road traffic anomaly refers to a sudden change in the capacity of a road segment, which deviates from the general traffic patterns, and is usually caused by abnormal traffic events such as traffic accidents and unexpected road maintenance. Timely and accurate detection of non‐recurrent road traffic anomalies facilitates immediate handling to reduce the wastage of resources and the risk of secondary accidents. Compared with other types of traffic anomaly detection methods, prediction algorithms are suitable for detecting non‐recurrent anomalies for their potential ability to distinguish non‐recurrent anomalies from recurrent congestion (e.g., rush hours). A typical prediction algorithm detects an anomaly when the difference between the predicted traffic parameter (i.e., speed) and the actual one is greater than a threshold. However, the subjective setting of thresholds in many prediction algorithms greatly affects the detection performance. This study proposes a novel framework for non‐recurrent road traffic anomaly detection (NRRTAD). The temporal graph convolutional network (T‐GCN) model acts as the predictor to learn the general traffic patterns of road segments by capturing both the topological effects and temporal patterns of traffic flows, and to predict the “normal” traffic speeds. The hierarchical time memory detector (HTM‐detector) algorithm acts as the detector to evaluate the differences between the predicted speeds and the actual speeds to detect non‐recurrent anomalies without setting a threshold. In the experiments with traffic datasets of Beijing, NRRTAD outperformed other methods, not only achieving the highest detection rates but also exhibiting higher resilience to noise. The main advantages of NRRTAD are as follows: (1) adopting the T‐GCN with a weighted graph to integrate differentiated connection strengths of multiple types of topological relations between road segments as well as temporal traffic patterns improves the prediction performance; and (2) utilizing a flexible mechanism in the HTM‐detector to adapt to changing stream data not only avoids subjective setting of a threshold, but also improves the accuracy and robustness of anomaly detection.
Co‐action of COP1, SPA and cryptochrome in light signal transduction and photomorphogenesis of the moss Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Kreiss Melanie , Haas Fabian B. , Hansen Maike , Rensing Stefan A. , Hoecker Ute
Published: January 2023

The Arabidopsis COP1/SPA ubiquitin ligase suppresses photomorphogenesis in darkness. In the light, photoreceptors inactivate COP1/SPA to allow a light response. While SPA genes are specific to the green lineage, COP1 also exists in humans. This raises the question of when in evolution plant COP1 acquired the need for SPA accessory proteins. We addressed this question by generating Physcomitrium Ppcop1 mutants and comparing their visible and molecular phenotypes with those of Physcomitrium Ppspa mutants. The phenotype of Ppcop1 nonuple mutants resembles that of Ppspa mutants. Most importantly, both mutants produce green chloroplasts in complete darkness. They also exhibit dwarfed gametophores, disturbed branching of protonemata and absent gravitropism. RNA‐sequencing analysis indicates that both mutants undergo weak constitutive light signaling in darkness. PpCOP1 and PpSPA proteins form a complex and they interact via their WD repeat domains with the VP motif of the cryptochrome CCE domain in a blue light‐dependent manner. This resembles the interaction of Arabidopsis SPA proteins with Arabidopsis CRY1, and is different from that with Arabidopsis CRY2. Taken together, the data indicate that PpCOP1 and PpSPA act together to regulate growth and development of Physcomitrium. However, in contrast to their Arabidopsis orthologs, PpCOP1 and PpSPA proteins execute only partial suppression of light signaling in darkness. Hence, additional repressors may exist that contribute to the repression of a light response in dark‐exposed Physcomitrium.
Relative hyperbolicity of free-by-cyclic extensions
Authors: Ghosh Pritam
Published: January 2023

Given a finitely generated free group $ {\mathbb {F} }$ of $\mathsf {rank}( {\mathbb {F} } )\geq 3$, we show that the mapping torus of $\phi$ is (strongly) relatively hyperbolic if $\phi$ is exponentially growing. As a corollary of our work, we give a new proof of Brinkmann's theorem which proves that the mapping torus of an atoroidal outer automorphism is hyperbolic. We also give a new proof of the Bridson–Groves theorem that the mapping torus of a free group automorphism satisfies the quadratic isoperimetric inequality. Our work also solves a problem posed by Minasyan and Osin: the mapping torus of an outer automorphism is not virtually acylindrically hyperbolic if and only if $\phi$ has finite order.
Short exposure to high salt in drinking solution leads to a cardiovascular phenotype of hypertension without changes in the blood volume of rats
Authors: Gomes Paula Magalhães , Batista Julia Santos , Sá Renato Willian Martins , Antunes Vagner Roberto
Published: January 2023

Evidence suggests that hypertension induced by high salt intake is correlated with an autonomic imbalance that favours sympathetic hyperactivity and an increase in vascular resistance, indicating a neurogenic component to this pathology. Although there are several animal models in which to study salt‐induced hypertension with prolonged exposure to a high‐sodium diet, here we sought to investigate whether the increase in arterial blood pressure of rats subjected to a short exposure to high salt, with 2% NaCl drinking solution instead of water, relies on changes in the circulating blood volume. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups: euhydrated (EU, n = 10), salt loaded (SL, n = 13) and water deprived (WD, n = 6). The SL rats exhibited a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure, with a large low‐frequency component of systolic arterial blood pressure variability, when compared with the EU group. Circulating blood volume did not differ between SL and EU rats, but it was lower in WD rats. Compared with EU rats, the [Na+] in cerebrospinal fluid was higher in SL rats and similar in magnitude to the WD rats. Plasma [Na+] did not differ between SL and EU rats, but it was higher in WD rats. Collectively, our data suggest that the hypertension induced by a short exposure to high salt intake closely resembles a neurogenic mechanism, but not a blood volume‐dependent mechanism, with cumulative [Na+] in the cerebrospinal fluid that could be associated with changes in the neurochemistry of autonomic nuclei, which are highly susceptible to osmotic stress related to high salt consumption.
Acoustic Black Holes in a Spinning Beam
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Cheng Li , Du Jingtao , Liu Yang
Published: January 2023

Through creating slow waves in structures, Acoustic Black Hole (ABH) shows promise for potential vibration control applications. However, it remains unclear whether such phenomena can still occur in a structure undergoing high-speed spinning, and if so, what is the interplay among various system parameters and what are the underpinning physical mechanisms. To address this issue, this work establishes a semi-analytical model for a spinning ABH beam based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory under the energy framework. After its validation, the model is used to reveal a few important vibration features pertinent to the spinning ABH beam through examining its dynamics, modal properties and energy flow. It is shown that the spinning-induced centrifugal effects generate hardening effects inside the structure, thus increasing the overall structural stiffness and stretching the wavelength of the modal deformation of flexural waves as compared with its counterpart at still. Meanwhile, energy flow to the ABH portion of the beam is also adversely affected. As a result, the ABH-induced overall damping enhancement effect of the viscoelastic coating, as observed in conventional ABH beam at still, is impaired. Nevertheless, the study confirms that typical ABH features, in terms of wave compression, energy trapping and dissipation, though affected by the spinning effects, are still persistent in a high-speed spinning structure. This paves the way forward for the embodiment of ABH phenomena in the design of high performance rotating mechanical components such as turbine blades.
Training Load and Acute Performance Decrements Following Different Training Sessions
Authors: Vermeire Kobe M. , Caen Kevin , Bourgois Jan G. , Boone Jan
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To examine the differences in training load (TL) metrics when quantifying training sessions differing in intensity and duration. The relationship between the TL metrics and the acute performance decrement measured immediately after the sessions was also assessed. Methods: Eleven male recreational cyclists performed 4 training sessions in a random order, immediately followed by a 3-km time trial (TT). Before this period, participants performed the time TT in order to obtain a baseline performance. The difference in the average power output for the TTs following the training sessions was then expressed relative to the best baseline performance. The training sessions were quantified using 7 different TL metrics, 4 using heart rate as input, 2 using power output, and 1 using the rating of perceived exertion. Results: The load of the sessions was estimated differently depending on the TL metrics used. Also, within the metrics using the same input (heart rate and power), differences were found. TL using the rating of perceived exertion was the only metric showing a response that was consistent with the acute performance decrements found for the different training sessions. The Training Stress Score and the individualized training impulse demonstrated similar patterns but overexpressed the intensity of the training sessions. The total work done resulted in an overrepresentation of the duration of training. Conclusion: TL metrics provide dissimilar results as to which training sessions have higher loads. The load based on TL using the rating of perceived exertion was the only one in line with the acute performance decrements found in this study.
Mental Fatigue Uniquely Influences Drop Landing Biomechanics for Individuals With a Concussion History
Authors: Shumski Eric J. , Kasamatsu Tricia M. , Wilson Kathleen S. , Pamukoff Derek N.
Published: January 2023

Context: Induced mental fatigue negatively impacts sport performance and neurocognition. However, it is unclear how induced mental fatigue influences landing biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of mental fatigue on drop landing biomechanics in individuals with and without a concussion history. Design: Crossover design. Methods: Forty-eight (24 per group) recreationally active individuals were matched on age (±3 y), sex, and body mass index (±1 kg/m2). All participants completed an experimental (30-min Stroop task) and control (30-min reading magazines) intervention on separate days separated by a minimum of 24 hours. Drop landings were performed before and after both interventions. Outcomes included peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), vertical loading rate (VLR), knee flexion angle, knee abduction angle, external knee flexion moment, external knee abduction moment, and initial ground contact knee flexion and knee abduction angles. Separate 2 (group) × 2 (intervention) between-within analyses of covariance compared drop landing outcomes. Each group’s average pre-Stroop and premagazine outcomes were covariates. Results: There was a significant interaction for vGRF (P = .033, ) and VLR (P = .0497, ). The vGRF simple effects were not statistically significantly (P range = .052–.325). However, individuals with a concussion history displayed a medium effect size for greater vGRF post-Stroop compared with their own postmagazine vGRF (mean difference (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.163 (–0.002 to 0.327) bodyweight (BW), p =.052, . In contrast, the control group displayed a small effect size (mean difference [95% CI] = 0.095 [–0.069 to 0.259] BW, p =.251, ). Individuals with a concussion history displayed greater VLR post-Stroop compared with controls (mean difference [95% CI], 26.29 [6.19 to 46.40] BW/s, P = .012, ) and their own postmagazine values (mean difference [95% CI] = 32.61 [7.80 to 57.42] BW/s, p =.011, ). Conclusion: Mental fatigue leads to greater VLR for individuals with a concussion history. Athletic competition and activities of daily living can increase mental fatigue. Training programs may seek to teach mental fatigue reducing strategies to athletes with a concussion history.
Characterization of Intracellular Precore-Derived Proteins and Their Functions in Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Hong Xupeng , Bianchini Emily N. , Wang Joseph Che-Yen , Hu Jianming
Published: January 2023

Chronic hepatitis B remains a worldwide public health issue. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) precore protein is not essential for HBV replication but may facilitate viral persistence.
Efficient Recovery of Candida auris and Five Other Medically Important
Candida
Species from Blood Cultures Containing Clinically Relevant Concentrations of Antifungal Agents
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Menchinelli Giulia , Ivagnes Vittorio , Cortazzo Venere , Liotti Flora Marzia , Falasca Benedetta , Fiori Barbara , D’Inzeo Tiziana , Spanu Teresa , De Angelis Giulia , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: January 2023

While echinocandins remain the preferred antifungal therapy for candidemia, bloodstream infections caused by
C. auris
,
C. glabrata
, or, at a lesser extent,
C. parapsilosis
may be difficult to treat with these antifungal agents. This is in view of the high propensity of the above-mentioned species to develop antifungal resistance or tolerance during treatment.
Ophthalmology service recovery with ‘general anaesthesia to local anaesthesia conversion’ or GALA initiative: a new surgical service pilot
Authors: Putri Christine A , Tan Jennifer HY
Published: January 2023

We report on the establishment of “general anaesthesia (GA) to local anaesthesia (LA) conversion" or GALA initiative at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Through GALA initiative, long waiters for cataract surgery under GA or LA with intravenous sedation were counselled for LA surgery. With careful surgical planning and personalised solutions to LA barriers, LA-converted patients reported good visual and surgical experience outcomes. The GALA initiative reduced cataract surgery waiting times of participants by 11 weeks and increased GA list capacity by three to four theatre lists in its four months of pilot run. This initiative did not limit training opportunities for ophthalmology trainees whose training was affected significantly during the pandemic.
Generation of novel oncolytic vaccinia virus with improved intravenous efficacy through protection against complement-mediated lysis and evasion of neutralization by vaccinia virus-specific antibodies
Authors: Lee Namhee , Jeon Yun-Hui , Yoo Jiyoon , Shin Suk-kyung , Lee Songyi , Park Mi-Ju , Jung Byung-Jin , Hong Yun-Kyoung , Lee Dong-Sup , Oh Keunhee
Published: January 2023

Background

Oncolytic virus immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy by efficiently inducing both oncolysis and systemic immune activation. Locoregional administration has been used for oncolytic virus therapy, but its applications to deep-seated cancers have been limited. Although systemic delivery of the oncolytic virus would maximize viral immunotherapy’s potential, this remains a hurdle due to the rapid removal of the administered virus by the complement and innate immune system. Infected cells produce some vaccinia viruses as extracellular enveloped virions, which evade complement attack and achieve longer survival by expressing host complement regulatory proteins (CRPs) on the host-derived envelope. Here, we generated SJ-600 series oncolytic vaccinia viruses that can mimic complement-resistant extracellular enveloped virions by incorporating human CRP CD55 on the intracellular mature virion (IMV) membrane.

Methods

The N-terminus of the human CD55 protein was fused to the transmembrane domains of the six type I membrane proteins of the IMV; the resulting recombinant viruses were named SJ-600 series viruses. The SJ-600 series viruses also expressed human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to activate dendritic cells. The viral thymidine kinase (J2R) gene was replaced by genes encoding the CD55 fusion proteins and GM-CSF.

Results

SJ-600 series viruses expressing human CD55 on the IMV membrane showed resistance to serum virus neutralization. SJ-607 virus, which showed the highest CD55 expression and the highest resistance to serum complement-mediated lysis, exhibited superior anticancer activity in three human cancer xenograft models, compared with the control Pexa-Vec (JX-594) virus, after single-dose intravenous administration. The SJ-607 virus administration elicited neutralizing antibody formation in two immunocompetent mouse strains like the control JX-594 virus. Remarkably, we found that the SJ-607 virus evades neutralization by vaccinia virus-specific antibodies.

Conclusion

Our new oncolytic vaccinia virus platform, which expresses human CD55 protein on its membrane, prolonged viral survival by protecting against complement-mediated lysis and by evading neutralization by vaccinia virus-specific antibodies; this may provide a continuous antitumor efficacy until a complete remission has been achieved. Such a platform may expand the target cancer profile to include deep-seated cancers and widespread metastatic cancers.
Urinary markers differentially associate with kidney inflammatory activity and chronicity measures in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Akhgar Ahmad , Sinibaldi Dominic , Zeng Lingmin , Farris Alton B , Cobb Jason , Battle Monica , Chain David , Cann Jennifer A , Illei Gábor G , Lim S Sam , White Wendy I
Published: January 2023

Objective

Lupus nephritis (LN) is diagnosed by biopsy, but longitudinal monitoring assessment methods are needed. Here, in this preliminary and hypothesis-generating study, we evaluate the potential for using urine proteomics as a non-invasive method to monitor disease activity and damage. Urinary biomarkers were identified and used to develop two novel algorithms that were used to predict LN activity and chronicity.

Methods

Baseline urine samples were collected for four cohorts (healthy donors (HDs, n=18), LN (n=42), SLE (n=17) or non-LN kidney disease biopsy control (n=9)), and over 1 year for patients with LN (n=42). Baseline kidney biopsies were available for the LN (n=46) and biopsy control groups (n=9). High-throughput proteomics platforms were used to identify urinary analytes ≥1.5 SD from HD means, which were subjected to stepwise, univariate and multivariate logistic regression modelling to develop predictive algorithms for National Institutes of Health Activity Index (NIH-AI)/National Institutes of Health Chronicity Index (NIH-CI) scores. Kidney biopsies were analysed for macrophage and neutrophil markers using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

In total, 112 urine analytes were identified from LN, SLE and biopsy control patients as both quantifiable and overexpressed compared with HDs. Regression analysis identified proteins associated with the NIH-AI (n=30) and NIH-CI (n=26), with four analytes common to both groups, demonstrating a difference in the mechanisms associated with NIH-AI and NIH-CI. Pathway analysis of the NIH-AI and NIH-CI analytes identified granulocyte-associated and macrophage-associated pathways, and the presence of these cells was confirmed by IHC in kidney biopsies. Four markers each for the NIH-AI and NIH-CI were identified and used in the predictive algorithms. The NIH-AI algorithm sensitivity and specificity were both 93% with a false-positive rate (FPR) of 7%. The NIH-CI algorithm sensitivity was 88%, specificity 96% and FPR 4%. The accuracy for both models was 93%.

Conclusions

Longitudinal predictions suggested that patients with baseline NIH-AI scores of ≥8 were most sensitive to improvement over 6–12 months. Viable approaches such as this may enable the use of urine samples to monitor LN over time.
Unveiled materials and techniques in wall paintings hidden for centuries in the church of San Francesco del Prato (Parma, Italy)
Authors: Fornasini Laura , Raneri Simona , Legnaioli Stefano , Palleschi Vincenzo , Casoli Antonella , Simeti Silvia , Bersani Danilo
Published: January 2023

The church of San Francesco del Prato in Parma (Italy) is a masterpiece of the Gothic style, dated back to the 13th century. However, its historical and monumental value could not be appreciated for a long time, especially due to the transformation of the building into a city jail. The recent restoration works brought back to light valuable frescos and wall paintings belonging to different periods. An in situ campaign was performed on the 15th-century wall paintings adorning the vault and the walls in the church apse, by using mobile Raman and X-ray fluorescence equipment. The characterization of the art pieces was further carried out with micro-Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses. Overall, a quick and thorough identification of the colours palette of the wall paintings was successfully obtained through the in situ measurements. Laboratory analyses corroborated the understanding of the techniques through the identification of pigments and binders. In addition, micro-Raman analyses highlighted the presence of degradation products. Interestingly, a pigment hierarchy has been noted in relation to the painted contents, enhancing the preciousness of holy figures and their distinctive details.
Reachability Analysis of Self Modifying Code
Authors: Touili Tayssir , Ye Xin
Published: January 2023

A Self modifying code is code that modifies its own instructions during execution time. It is nowadays widely used, especially in malware to make the code hard to analyse and to detect by anti-viruses. Thus, the analysis of such self modifying programs is a big challenge. Pushdown systems (PDSs) is a natural model that is extensively used for the analysis of sequential programs because they allow to accurately model procedure calls and mimic the program’s stack. In this work, we propose to extend the PushDown System model with self-modifying rules. We call the new model Self-Modifying PushDown System (SM-PDS). A SM-PDS is a PDS that can modify its own set of transitions during execution. We show how SM-PDSs can be used to naturally represent self-modifying programs and provide efficient algorithms to compute the backward and forward reachable configurations of SM-PDSs. We implemented our techniques in a tool and obtained encouraging results. In particular, we successfully applied our tool for the detection of self-modifying malware.
Wave propagation and soliton solutions of the Allen–Cahn model
Authors: Tariq Kalim U. , Zubair Muhammad , Inc Mustafa
Published: January 2023

The Allen–Cahn equation (ACE), which has applications in solid-state physics, imaging, plasma physics, material science and other fields, is one of the most important models of the modern era for describing the dynamics of oil pollution, reaction-diffusion mechanisms, and the mechanics of crystalline solids. By using the [Formula: see text]-expansion method (GEM) and the Bernoulli sub-ODE schemes, some new traveling wave solutions for the governing model are created in this study (BSODE). The reduced integrable ordinary differential equation is produced using the traveling wave hypothesis. To better understand their behavior, the 3D, contour, and 2D graphs are displayed for a number of fascinating exact solutions. Additionally, we use numerical simulation to confirm the stability of the derived analytical solutions. It results the propagation of temporal soliton for long time of simulation. These results will be used to explain physical phenomenon in crystalline solids and others fields.
Design rules for oxoporphyrinogen (‘OxP’) as a versatile chromophore for efficient singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Hynek Jan , Chahal Mandeep K. , Payne Daniel T. , Liyanage Anuradha , D’Souza Francis , Hill Jonathan P.
Published: January 2023

Meso-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-oxocyclohexadienylideneporphyrinogen, OxP, is a versatile, highly colored chromophore with strong broad absorption in the visible range. It is derived from meso-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin by two-electron oxidation, and the OxP tetrapyrrole moiety exists in a saddle conformation. N-Alkylation of the OxP core nitrogen atoms can be used to functionalize the chromophore leading to a class of stable molecules with highly substituted peripheries. Substituted OxPs can act as singlet oxygen generators under light irradiation and the efficacy of this process is influenced by the multiplicity of N-substitution, and by the chemical identity of those substituents. Bromination of the macrocyclic [Formula: see text]-positions can also be used to control singlet oxygen generation by the relevant derivatives. We report the quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation for a series of differently substituted OxP derivatives whose metrics indicate that these compounds possess significant potential in the corresponding applications including photodynamic therapy, bacterial inactivation therapy, and organic transformations.
Incorporating Multiple Knowledge Sources for Targeted Aspect-based Financial Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Du Kelvin , Xing Frank , Cambria Erik
Published: January 2023

Combining symbolic and subsymbolic methods has become a promising strategy as research tasks in AI grow increasingly complicated and require higher levels of understanding. Targeted Aspect-based Financial Sentiment Analysis (TABFSA) is an example of such complicated tasks, as it involves processes like information extraction, information specification, and domain adaptation. However, little is known about the design principles of such hybrid models leveraging external lexical knowledge. To fill this gap, we
define
anterior, parallel, and posterior knowledge integration and
propose
incorporating multiple lexical knowledge sources strategically into the fine-tuning process of pre-trained transformer models for TABFSA. Experiments on the Financial Opinion mining and Question Answering challenge (FiQA) Task 1 and SemEval 2017 Task 5 datasets show that the knowledge-enabled models systematically improve upon their plain deep learning counterparts, and some outperform
state-of-the-art
results reported in terms of aspect sentiment analysis error. We discover that parallel knowledge integration is the most effective and domain-specific lexical knowledge is more important according to our ablation analysis.
Host Recovery from Respiratory Viral Infection
Authors: Wei Xiaoqin , Narasimhan Harish , Zhu Bibo , Sun Jie
Published: January 2023

Emerging and re-emerging respiratory viral infections pose a tremendous threat to human society, as exemplified by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Upon viral invasion of the respiratory tract, the host initiates coordinated innate and adaptive immune responses to defend against the virus and to promote repair of the damaged tissue. However, dysregulated host immunity can also cause acute morbidity, hamper lung regeneration, and/or lead to chronic tissue sequelae. Here, we review our current knowledge of the immune mechanisms regulating antiviral protection, host pathogenesis, inflammation resolution, and lung regeneration following respiratory viral infections, mainly using influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections as examples. We hope that this review sheds light on future research directions to elucidate the cellular and molecular cross talk regulating host recovery and to pave the way to the development of pro-repair therapeutics to augment lung regeneration following viral injury.
Stability Control of Position Flow Fuzzy Estimation in Swarm Intelligence Aware Privacy Protection
Authors: Yunxiang Zhang , Bin Wang
Published: January 2023

The group intelligence perception privacy protection model is a method to achieve the balance between user privacy and service requests through the cooperation between users using location services and has a good perception effect. In order to better protect the location privacy of network users and improve the stability control effect of fuzzy estimation of location flow, this paper designs a stability control method of fuzzy estimation of location flow in group intelligent perception privacy protection. This method uses the group intelligence aware privacy protection model to obtain the user network location coordinates in the group intelligence aware privacy protection. Taking the user’s network location coordinates as input, the location flow queue of multiple users in the group intelligence aware privacy protection network is obtained by the Lyapunov multiobjective location flow estimation queue model. After the fuzzy processing of the user location flow queue, the online control mechanism of location flow fuzzy estimation stability under different conditions is established. According to the online control mechanism, a stability control method based on access control and group intelligence aware task allocation is used to realize the stability control of location flow fuzzy estimation in group intelligence aware privacy protection. The experimental results show that the method can obtain 100% of the user location integrity in the group intelligence aware privacy protection, and the target location flow estimation queue is more accurate. It can effectively reduce the number of communication rounds of fuzzy estimation of location flow in the group intelligence aware privacy protection and has better stability control ability.
Pirfenidone Attenuates the EMT Process and the Secretion of VEGF in TGF‐β2‐Induced ARPE‐19 Cells via Inhibiting the Activation of the NF‐κB/Snail Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Hongsong , Wang Lijun , Shao Meilin , Ren Meimei , Zhang Wenyi , Zhou Jian , Wang Jianming
Published: January 2023

Aim. Pirfenidone (PFD), an antifibrotic drug, has various beneficial functions such as antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anti‐inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying how PFD modulates retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells involved in neovascularization and subretinal fibrosis. Methods. ARPE‐19 cell lines were treated with transforming growth factor‐beta 2 (TGF‐β2) alone or in combination with PFD. RPE cell viability, as a consequence of PFD use, was determined by the CCK‐8 assay. Cell migration was assessed by the wound closure assay and quantified by the Image J software. Protein expression of the following markers was measured by the western blot analysis: an epithelial cell marker and E‐cadherin; mesenchymal cell markers, fibronectin, matrix metalloprotein‐9 (MMP‐9), and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA); a fibrotic marker and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF); an angiogenesis marker and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); NF‐κB/Snail. The mRNA levels of fibronectin and α‐SMA were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. VEGF was quantitatively measured by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The cell viability assay revealed that PFD had no significant cytotoxic effect on RPE cells at concentrations of less than 1 mg/mL. The cell scratch assay showed that TGF‐β2 stimulation significantly improved the migration of RPE cells and that PFD attenuated this effect. PFD significantly inhibited the TGF‐β2‐induced protein expression of E‐cadherin and increased the TGF‐β2‐induced protein expression of fibronectin, MMP‐9, α‐SMA, CTGF, and VEGF in ARPE‐19 cells. The mRNA expression of fibronectin and α‐SMA was inhibited by PFD in TGF‐β2‐inducedARPE‐19 cells. Additionally, the increased intracellular and supernatant expression of VEGF protein was suppressed by PFD. Mechanistically, RPE cells treated with PFD + TGF‐β2 exhibited a decrease in phosphorylation of the NF‐κB P65 subunit and activation of Snail, compared with the RPE cells treated with TGF‐β2 alone. Conclusion. PFD ameliorated TGF‐β2‐induced neovascularization and fibrosis by suppressing the NF‐κB/Snail signaling pathway. Therefore, PFD may be a potential drug in the treatment of age‐related macular degeneration.
Assessing Physiochemical Characteristics of Agricultural Waste and Ready Compost at Wadi Al-Far’a Watershed of Palestine
Authors: Al-Khatib Issam A. , Anayah Fathi M. , Al-Sari Majed I. , Al-Madbouh Suha , Salahat Jumana I. , Jararaa Baraa Y. A.
Published: January 2023

The Wadi Al-Far’a Watershed (WFW) is one of the most important agricultural lands in Palestine where considerable amounts of organic wastes are generated. Yet, mismanagement of agricultural waste, including random disposal and/or burning, is a prevalent practice in the WFW. Such a practice might result in greenhouse gas emissions and leachate penetration into underlying soil and groundwater. To encourage compost production in the WFW as an efficient way for organic agricultural waste treatment and emission reduction, this study aims at evaluating the quality of both raw organic agricultural waste and ready compost, locally produced or imported. The evaluation considers the physiochemical characteristics as well as the heavy metal contents. The analysis of 17 samples of raw organic agricultural waste showed a good potential for compost production due to the high content of organic matter and other nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The analysis of 15 ready compost samples, however, showed that compost quality is relatively low due to the high electrical conductivity and low moisture content measurements as well as the high levels of sodium, chloride, and potassium. Furthermore, heavy metal contents of both raw organic agricultural waste and ready compost samples are less than the limits specified by the Palestinian and international standards. Therefore, local farmers can safely use raw organic agricultural waste generated in the WFW for compost production. Composting will not only enhance soil reclamation and crop production but also protect human health and the environment and promote sustainable economic development.
Entomological Survey and Impact of Climatic Factors on the Dynamics of Sandflies in Central Morocco
Authors: El Omari Hajar , Chahlaoui Abdelkader , Talbi Fatima Zahra , Chlouchi Amina , El-Akhal Fouad , Lahouiti Khadija , Taroq Amal , Mrani Alaoui Meryem , El Ouali Lalami Abdelhakim
Published: January 2023

Sandflies are small insects belonging to the order Diptera, which make up the Phlebotominae subfamily within the Psychodidae family. In the fight against leishmaniasis in the prefecture of Meknes, Morocco, a study of the phlebotomist population was carried out during the period of activity of sandflies while studying the link between the abundance of these insects and climatic factors, namely, temperature, moisture, rainfall, and wind speed. A total of 958 phlebotomus were captured, 73% of which belong to Phlebotomus sergenti, a vector of Leishmania species causing human cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study also showed the existence of two months of risk in July and September with a positive correlation between temperature and abundance of sandflies and a negative correlation between abundance of sandflies and rainfall and moisture. Indeed, it is necessary to strengthen the means to fight this disease during periods of activity and to use medium-term climatological forecasts to develop an alert system for leishmaniasis.
Experimental Study on the Dynamic Characteristics of a New Long-Short Pile Composite Foundation under Long-Term Train Load
Authors: Zhu Zhao-rong , Guan Wei , Han Kan , Wu Hong-gang , Zhao Shou-quan , Liu Xu
Published: January 2023

Long-short pile composite foundation (PC-LSPCF) composed of part-screw pile and cement-soil compaction pile is a new railway foundation treatment method, which has been widely used in high-speed railway construction projects in China. To explore the dynamic characteristics and deformation characteristics of railway PC-LSPCF under long-term train loads, the dynamic characteristics of long piles, short piles, and soil between piles under long-term train loads are tested by an indoor dynamic model test. The dynamic amplification of pile and soil under dynamic load and the temporal and spatial distribution of peak response are analyzed, and the stress and deformation development mechanism of PC-LSPCF under cyclic loading of large-cycle trains is revealed. The results show that the neutral point of the long pile is at 1/2 of the pile length and that of the short pile is at 3/8 of the pile length. The part-screw pile has a certain absorption effect on vibration energy. The deformation of a long-short pile composite foundation under long-term train loads can be divided into three stages: extreme growth, transition, and stability. The train speed is negatively correlated with the cumulative settlement of the long-short pile composite foundation. The higher the train speed, the smaller the cumulative settlement, and the smaller the number of cycles of the N-S curve entering the gentle period. As the number of train cyclic loads increases, the load-sharing relationship of the long pile-short pile-soil system will be redistributed. The research results have important reference significance for the optimization design of high-speed railway foundation treatment.
Evaluation of Different Spray Frequency Levels of Fungicides against Ascochyta Blight (Ascochyta fabae S) Diseases of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L) in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Habtu , Sintayehu Asefa , Teshome Zewdu , Alem Teferi
Published: January 2023

Ascochyta blight disease is a major problem in faba bean (Vicia faba L) production that causes 90% to 100% yield loss. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of three fungicides with three spray frequency levels against Ascochyta blight disease of faba bean varieties. For the assessment of disease management, a total of 21 treatments were used, which comprised three fungicides, three spray frequencies, two varieties, and control. The field experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with factorial combinations of variety, fungicide, and spray frequency levels in three replications. An analysis of variance was performed for disease, yield, and yield related and plant growth parameter data, using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2003) version 9.1.3 software. The economic data obtained from the field experiment was analyzed using the partial budget analysis method. The results showed that area under disease progress curve, percent severity index, disease progress rate, and percent disease incidence had strong mean significant differences (

p
<
0.01

) between treated and untreated plots. Application of fungicide significantly increased plant height, stem girth, pod per plant, grain yield, and harvesting index (

p
<
0.01

) over untreated plots. Greater total return (195,938 Ethiopian birr ha−1), net return (101,761.3 Ethiopian birr ha−1), and net benefit (34,768.17 Ethiopian birr ha−1) were obtained by EH00102-4-1 variety, in two times Mancolaxyl treatment. The linear regression analysis result (R2) indicated that the variation in average grain yield of EH00102-4-1 and local susceptible varieties, due to the mean area under the disease progress curve, was 64.50% and 68.64%, respectively. Therefore, the use of EH00102-4-1 variety, with two times Mancolaxyl spray frequency application, at early growth stage and the onset of the disease is suggested as an agronomic management option, in Northwestern Ethiopia.
Computed Tomography Imaging Features of Lung Cancer under Artificial Intelligence Algorithm and Its Correlation with Pathology
Authors: Han Fei , Qiu Pingfeng , Feng Kan
Published: January 2023

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the detection performance of an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm and pathology in chest computed tomography (CT) images. In this study, a new pulmonary nodule (PN) detection algorithm was designed and developed on the three-dimensional (3D) connected domain algorithm. The appropriate grayscale threshold of CT images was selected, the CT images were converted into black-and-white images, and the useless images were removed. Then, the remaining lung images were formed into a 3D black-and-white pixel matrix. Labeling statistics was carried out, and the size, property, and location of PN could be measured and determined. A self-built database of PNs undergoing chest multislice spiral CT examination was retrospectively selected, and 150 cases were randomly selected by SPSS 22.0. Image processing was performed according to the algorithm and compared with the PN detected by radiologists; finally, the detection results were counted. There were 560 benign and malignant PNs, 312 malignant, and 248 benign. The algorithm detected 498 cases, of which 478 cases were detected accurately, and the sensitivity was 95.98%. The radiologist detected 424 cases, 364 cases were accurate, and the sensitivity was 85.85%. Compared with the detection results of radiologists, the algorithm detection results of nodules in solid nodules and ground glass nodules were more accurate. The detection results of nodules in the pleural connection type, peripheral type, central type, and hilar type were more accurate and statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The malignancy, size, property, and location of different nodules could be accurately determined through CT images under this algorithm. It provided important support for the pathological research of lung cancer and prejudged the future development of PN in patients more accurately.
Clinical Evidence and Potential Mechanisms in Treating Radiation Enteritis with Modified Baitouweng Decoction
Authors: Wu Zihong , Yin Bei , Wang Ziming , Song Enfeng , You Fengming
Published: January 2023

Objectives. To perform a meta‐analysis and network analysis identification to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of modified Baitouweng decoction (mBTWD) in the treatment of radiation enteritis. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Databases, SionMed, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mBTWD treating radiation enteritis. Rev.Man 5.3 and Stata 14.0 software are employed for meta‐analysis. The GRADE online tool is used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Network analysis and molecular docking approach are applied to predict the potential targets and ingredients of representative drugs in mBTWD for the treatment of radiation enteritis. Results. Seventeen studies are eventually included, covering a total of 1611 patients: (1) The clinical efficacy is significantly higher in mBTWD groups than in control groups (RR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.17, 1.32), P < 0.00001). (2) mBTWD has certain advantages in improving TCM syndromes (MD = −3.41, P < 0.00001). (3) mBTWD has a certain positive effect on the improvement of intestinal signs and symptoms (RR = 1.23, P = 0.0001; OR = 3.51, P < 0.00001). (4) Indexes including CRP, KPS, and OB, are better in mBTWD groups than in control groups (P < 0.00001, P = 0.002, P = 0.03), but the credibility is downgraded for a small sample size. Adverse events and recurrence rates require further confirmation with larger sample sizes. (5) Univariate meta‐regression for clinical efficacy shows none of the coefficients are significantly associated with the estimated risk ratio. The clinical efficacy overestimates about 4.9% from publication bias. The quality of the included studies is low according to GRADE evidence. (6) Quercetin, isorhamnetin, and beta‐sitosterol are the main ingredients from representative drugs in mBTWD and its key targets are MYC, TP53, and MAPK14/MAPK1. Conclusions. mBTWD may be effective in the treatment of radiation enteritis, but its long‐term benefits, safety, and molecular mechanisms remain unclear due to the poor quality of the evidence. Larger sample sizes, high‐quality studies, and basic research are essential in the future.
Estimating the Number of Men Living with Metastatic Prostate Cancer in the United States
Authors: Devasia Theresa P. , Mariotto Angela B. , Nyame Yaw A. , Etzioni Ruth
Published: January 2023

Background:

Metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) includes metastases detected at diagnosis (de novo) and those occurring after diagnosis with early-stage disease (recurrent). Cancer registries collect data only on de novo MPC, providing a partial picture of the burden of MPC. We use cancer registry data to estimate the number of men living with MPC in the United States including both de novo and recurrent cases.

Methods:

We apply a back-calculation method to estimate MPC incidence and prevalence from U.S. prostate cancer mortality and de novo MPC relative survival for cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 in 18 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries. We hold overall prostate cancer mortality and MPC survival constant for future prevalence projections.

Results:

On January 1, 2018, we estimated 120,400 U.S. men living with MPC (45% de novo, 55% recurrent). The age-adjusted prevalence in 2018 for Black men was over double that of White men (137.1 vs. 62.2 per 100,000 men). By 2030, 192,500 men are expected to be living with MPC, with the increase being driven by population growth projections.

Conclusions:

The number of men living with MPC in the United States exceeds 100,000 and represents a small fraction of the >3 million men living with a prior diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Impact:

Relatively similar fractions of de novo and recurrent MPC among prevalent cases highlight opportunities for management of localized disease in reducing the MPC burden. Changes in diagnostic technologies could lead to greater growth in MPC cases in the United States than projected.

See related commentary by Stopsack et al., p. 585
Independent Predictive Value of Elevated YKL-40 in Ischemic Stroke Prognosis: Findings from a Nationwide Stroke Registry
Authors: Qin Haiqiang , Liu Gaifen , Zhang Yijun , Zhang Jing , Wang Anxin , Yu Miaoxin , Zhang Runhua , Lin Jinxi , Liang Xianhong , Liu Li , Zhang Guitao , Zhao Xingquan , Wang Yongjun
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Elevated circulatory concentrations of YKL-40 have been reported in patients with ischemic stroke. This study further investigated the association of plasma YKL-40 concentrations at admission and short, long-term prognosis after ischemic stroke. Methods: Based on a prospective, nationwide multicenter registry focusing consecutive patients of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, plasma YKL-40 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at admission, and patients were stratified into percentile according to the plasma YKL-40 concentrations. The multivariate Cox or logistic regression model was used to investigate the association of YKL-40 concentration with death and functional outcomes at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after ischemic stroke, with potential confounders adjusted. Results: A total of 8,006 first-ever ischemic stroke patients, with the age of 61.7 ± 11.5, were included in this study. The mortality of 0–33%, 34–66%, 67–90%, and 91–100% groups at 12 months follow-up was 0.9%, 2.2%, 4.4%, and 9.4%, respectively (p < 0.0001), and the modified Rankin Scale 3–6 ratio was 6.8%, 10.5%, 15.7%, and 24.0%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, 91–100% group had higher risk of death (hazard ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.75–5.11)and modified Rankin Scale 3–6 (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.88) at 12 months since onset of ischemic stroke compared to the 0–33% group. Conclusions: The elevated YKL-40 at admission can potentially help predict death, functional prognosis after ischemic stroke, which may help further studies to explore the potential physiological and pathological mechanism including the effects of vulnerable plaque and collateral circulation.