bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combating sarcopenia in geriatric rehabilitation patients: study protocol of the EMPOWER-GR observational cohort, sarcopenia awareness survey and randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Verstraeten Laure MG , van Wijngaarden Janneke P , Tol-Schilder Marina , Meskers Carel GM , Maier Andrea B
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in geriatric rehabilitation patients. Resistance exercise training (RET) combined with protein supplementation is recommended to increase muscle mass and strength in older adults. However, sarcopenia awareness, feasibility to diagnose and treat sarcopenia, and efficacy of treatment in geriatric rehabilitation patients remain to be established.

Methods and analysis

Enhancing Muscle POWER in Geriatric Rehabilitation (EMPOWER-GR) encompasses four pillars: (1) an observational cohort study of 200 geriatric rehabilitation inpatients determining sarcopenia prevalence, functional and nutritional status at admission; (2) a survey among these 200 patients and 500 healthcare professionals and semistructured interviews in 30 patients and 15 carers determining sarcopenia awareness and barriers/enablers regarding diagnostics and treatment; (3) a feasibility, single-centre, randomised, controlled, open-label, two parallel-group trial in 80 geriatric rehabilitation patients with sarcopenia. The active group (n=40) receives three RET sessions per week and a leucine and vitamin D-enriched whey protein-based oral nutritional supplement two times per day in combination with usual care for 13 weeks. The control group (n=40) receives usual care. Primary outcomes are feasibility (adherence to the intervention, dropout rate, overall feasibility) and change from baseline in absolute muscle mass at discharge and week 13. Secondary outcomes are feasibility (participation rate) and change from baseline at discharge and week 13 in relative muscle mass, muscle strength, physical and functional performance, mobility, nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and length of stay; institutionalisation and hospitalisation at 6 months and mortality at 6 months and 2 years; (4) knowledge sharing on sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical exemption was received for the observational cohort study, ethics approval was received for the randomised controlled trial. Results will be disseminated through publications in scientific peer-reviewed journals, conferences and social media.

Trial registration number

NL9444.
Qualitative study exploring barriers and facilitators to progression for female medical clinical academics: interviews with female associate professors and professors
Authors: Trusson Diane , Rowley Emma
Published: March 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to career progression for female medical clinical academics from the perspectives of female associate professors and professors, with a particular focus on women with caring responsibilities.

Design

An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted. Data from semistructured interviews conducted via video calls were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Two major universities in the East Midlands of England.

Participants

The sample consisted of 13 female medical clinical academic associate professors and professors representing a range of medical specialties.

Results

Female medical clinical academics experienced barriers and facilitators to progress at individual, interpersonal, institutional/procedural and societal levels.

Conclusions

Many barriers experienced at an individual level by female medical clinical academics are heavily influenced by their interpersonal relationships, the academic environment in which they work and broader institutional and procedural issues which, in turn, are influenced by stereotypical societal views on gender roles. Facilitating factors, including measures to increase the numbers of female leaders, may lead to a change of culture that is supportive to aspiring female clinical academics as well as enabling a healthy work/life balance for women and men with caring responsibilities.
Effectiveness and safety of bee venom pharmacopuncture for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sung Won-Suk , Kim Jung-Hyun , Lee Dong Hyuk , Kim Eun-Jung , Seo Byung-Kwan , Hong Seung-Ug , Baek Yong-Hyeon , Lee Kwang Ho , Kim Joo-Hee
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the common autoimmune disease with low quality of life. The representative treatment is medication and medication usage has improved through update of clinical guidelines, however, there are still limitations. Bee venom (BV) has been reported to have meaningful therapeutic effects and the possibility of alternative options for RA through several types of studies, but there is no well-organised and recent published systematic review (SR).

Methods

We will search randomised controlled trials about the BV on RA from the inception to 31 May 2022 in various databases, manual research and contacting authors. Electronic databases will include MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CiNii, J-STAGE, KoreaMed, Korean Medical Database, Korean Studies Information Service System, National Digital Science Library, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System. With screening and reviewing process, we will identify the eligible studies and extract the needed data. The primary outcome will be the disease activity scores indicating the improvement of RA symptoms (American College of Rheumatology response criteria 20, 50, 70), functions (Health Assessment Questionnaire, Disease Activity Score of 28 joints), joint (Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index), pain (Visual Analogue Scale, Numerical Rating Scale) and effective rate. The secondary outcomes will be the RA-related blood test levels and adverse events. We will perform a meta-analysis by Review Manager software, the assessment of risk of bias by Cochrane Collaboration ‘risk of bias’ and the determination of quality of evidence by Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

Our SR will suggest the clinical evidence of the use of BV for RA to patient, clinicians and policymakers. We will publish our results in a peer-review journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021238058.
Is there lower utilisation of hospice care services during end-of-life care for people living with HIV? A population-based cohort study
Authors: Chan Shang-Yih , Lai Yun-Ju , Ko Ming-Chung , Chen Yu-Yen , Tsai Yi-Fan , Hsu Li-Fei , Ku Po-Wen , Chen Li-Jung , Chuang Pei-Hung , Chen Chu-Chieh , Yen Yung-Feng
Published: March 2022

Objective

Hospice care could improve the quality of life among advanced HIV patients during end-of-life (EOL) treatment. However, providing hospice care services for people living with HIV (PLWH) is challenging due to HIV-related stigma. This nationwide cohort study aims to determine the utilisation of hospice care services among PLWH and HIV-negative individuals during EOL treatment.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

From 2000 to 2018, we identified adult PLWH from the Taiwan centres for disease control HIV Surveillance System. Individuals who had positive HIV-1 western blots were regarded as HIV-infected. Age-matched and sex-matched controls without HIV infection were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for comparison. All PLWH and controls were followed until death or 31 December 2018.

Participants

32 647 PLWH and 326 470 HIV-negative controls were analysed.

Primary outcome measures

Utilisation of hospice care services during the last year of life among PLWH and HIV-negative individuals.

Results

A total of 20 413 subjects died during the 3 434 699 person-years of follow-up. Of the deceased patients, 2139 (10.5%) utilised hospice care services during their last year of life, including 328 (5.76%) PLWH and 1811 (12.30%) controls. Adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, PLWH were less likely to receive hospice care services during the last year of life, compared with HIV-negative individuals (adjusted OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.75).

Conclusions

PLWH had significantly lower utilisation of hospice care services during the last year of life. Our results suggest that future hospice care programmes should particularly target PLWH to increase the optimal utilisation of hospice care services during EOL treatment.
A novel IgG-based FLT3xCD3 bispecific antibody for the treatment of AML and B-ALL
Authors: Mehta Naveen K , Pfluegler Martin , Meetze Kristan , Li Bochong , Sindel Isabelle , Vogt Fabian , Marklin Melanie , Heitmann Jonas S , Kauer Joseph , Osburg Lukas , Zekri Latifa , Bühring Hans-Jörg , Mueller Stefanie , Hörner Sebastian , Baeuerle Patrick A , Michaelson Jennifer S , Jung Gundram , Salih Helmut R
Published: March 2022

Background

In lymphoid malignancies, the introduction of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells and bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) has achieved remarkable clinical success. However, such immunotherapeutic strategies are not yet established for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common form of acute leukemia in adults. Common targets in AML such as CD33, CD123, and CLEC12A are highly expressed on both AML blasts and on normal myeloid cells and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), thereby raising toxicity concerns. In B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), bsAbs and CAR-T therapy targeting CD19 and CD22 have demonstrated clinical success, but resistance via antigen loss is common, motivating the development of agents focused on alternative targets. An attractive emerging target is FLT3, a proto-oncogene expressed in both AML and B-ALL, with low and limited expression on myeloid dendritic cells and HSCs.

Methods

We developed and characterized CLN-049, a T cell-activating bsAb targeting CD3 and FLT3, constructed as an IgG heavy chain/scFv fusion. CLN-049 binds the membrane proximal extracellular domain of the FLT3 protein tyrosine kinase, which facilitates the targeting of leukemic blasts regardless of FLT3 mutational status. CLN-049 was evaluated for preclinical safety and efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Results

CLN-049 induced target-restricted activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. AML cell lines expressing a broad range of surface levels of FLT3 were efficiently lysed on treatment with subnanomolar concentrations of CLN-049, whereas FLT3-expressing hematopoietic progenitor cells and dendritic cells were not sensitive to CLN-049 killing. Treatment with CLN-049 also induced lysis of AML and B-ALL patient blasts by autologous T cells at the low effector-to-target ratios typically observed in patients with overt disease. Lysis of leukemic cells was not affected by supraphysiological levels of soluble FLT3 or FLT3 ligand. In mouse xenograft models, CLN-049 was highly active against human leukemic cell lines and patient-derived AML and B-ALL blasts.

Conclusions

CLN-049 has a favorable efficacy and safety profile in preclinical models, warranting evaluation of its antileukemic activity in the clinic.
Fusion of geotechnical and geophysical data for 2D subsurface site characterization using multi-source Bayesian compressive sampling
Authors: Xu Jiabao , Wang Yu , Zhang Lulu
Published: March 2022

Subsurface site characterization is essential for geotechnical engineering applications (e.g., slope stability analysis and deep excavation design), which is usually achieved through geotechnical site investigation and might be supplemented by geophysical survey. Geotechnical and geophysical investigations are complementary in many aspects. Geotechnical investigation provides direct measurement data with high accuracy but only at limited locations. On the other hand, geophysical survey provides abundant two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional measurements, but the data are often indirect. In addition, geotechnical and geophysical data are usually correlated. Therefore, fusion of geotechnical and geophysical data during site characterization is beneficial. This paper proposed a novel data fusion method, called multi-source Bayesian compressive sampling, for fusion of geotechnical and geophysical data and statistical characterization of 2D subsurface profiles. The proposed method is data-driven and non-parametric, without the need for an empirical parametric function between geotechnical and geophysical data. The proposed method was illustrated and validated using both numerical and real-life examples. The results show that the proposed method not only properly characterizes 2D subsurface profiles but also explicitly quantifies the statistical uncertainty associated with the site characterization.
Lichens of ultramafic substrates in North America: a review
Authors: Mulroy Michael , Fryday Alan M. , Gersoff Amanda , Dart Jason , Næsborg Rikke Reese , Rajakaruna Nishanta
Published: March 2022

Lichens are among the most prominent and successful life forms of metal-rich habitats, including ultramafic rocks and soils; however, research on lichens of ultramafic habitats is limited, especially on the North American continent. This review examines geographic and ecological patterns of ultramafic lichen assemblages by synthesizing published reports of lichens of ultramafic substrates in North America, and by creating a database characterizing the ecology and habitat (substrate type, pH affinity, geographic distribution) for all taxa recorded in the literature. This effort yielded a total of 437 lichen species and infraspecific taxa reported from ultramafic substrates in the published literature. Lichen assemblages of ultramafic substrates vary in composition and are dominated by acidophytic taxa with a minor, but consistent, basiphytic component. Species lists from ultramafic habitats in different geographic regions varied widely, suggesting that factors unrelated to substrate, such as climate, have a large effect on lichen assemblage composition. However, several studies showed clear differentiation between lichen composition on nearby or adjacent ultramafic and nonultramafic habitats, suggesting that ultramafic substrates harbor regionally unique lichen assemblages.
Effects of interspecific competition on early growth of genetically improved white spruce in mixedwood stands in northeastern Alberta
Authors: Luo Dawei , Comeau Phil G. , Thomas Barb R.
Published: March 2022

While deployment of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) from seed orchards is increasing in Alberta, genetic gain is only considered in pure spruce stands due to uncertainties in measuring yields in mixedwood stands. To better understand the performance of improved spruce in mixedwood stands, we compared the effects of interspecific competition on growth of improved (1.9% height gain at a 100-year rotation) and unimproved spruce in northeastern Alberta. By age 8 years the improved spruce showed no advantage over the unimproved spruce in either height (1.36 ± 0.36 m vs. 1.42 ± 0.38 m) or diameter (23.68 ± 7.33 mm vs. 25.65 ± 6.85 mm), and the largest diameter trees were found in a nutrient-poor subxeric site. A distance-independent Lorimer’s index including tree size ratio, combined with a power function, accounted for most of the growth variation in diameter and height from 2016 to 2017. The unimproved and improved spruce had different growth-competition curves across ecosites, and their height growth was less sensitive to competition than diameter growth. These results highlight several considerations for managing improved spruce, including (i) deploying higher genetic worth seedlots, (ii) developing realized gain trials with a good statistical design, and (iii) developing growth and yield functions for improved spruce in mixedwood stands.
The $$D_s^+ \rightarrow \pi ^+ K_S^0 K_S^0 $$ reaction and the $$I=1$$ partner of the $$f_0(1710)$$ state
Authors: Dai L. R. , Oset E. , Geng L. S.
Published: March 2022

We have identified the decay modes of the $$D_s^+ \rightarrow \pi ^+ K^{*+} K^{*-} , \pi ^+ K^{*0} \bar{K}^{*0}$$

D
s
+

→

π
+

K

∗
+

K

∗
-

,

π
+

K

∗
0

K

¯

∗
0

reactions producing a pion and two vector mesons. The posterior vector–vector interaction generates two resonances that we associate to the $$f_0(1710)$$

f
0

(
1710
)

and the $$a_0(1710)$$

a
0

(
1710
)

recently claimed, and they decay to the observed $$K^+ K^-$$

K
+

K
-

or $$K_S^0 K_S^0$$

K
S
0

K
S
0

pair, leading to the reactions $$D_s^+ \rightarrow \pi ^+ K^+ K^- , \pi ^+ K_S^0 K_S^0$$

D
s
+

→

π
+

K
+

K
-

,

π
+

K
S
0

K
S
0

. The results depend on two parameters related to external and internal emission. We determine a narrow region of the parameters consistent with the large $$N_c$$

N
c

limit within uncertainties which gives rise to decay widths in agreement with experiment. With this scenario we make predictions for the branching ratio of the $$a_0(1710)$$

a
0

(
1710
)

contribution to the $$D_s^+ \rightarrow \pi ^0 K^+ K_S^0$$

D
s
+

→

π
0

K
+

K
S
0

reaction, finding values within the range of $$(1.3 \pm 0.4)\times 10^{-3}$$

(
1.3
±
0.4
)

×

10

-
3

. Comparison of these predictions with coming experimental results on that latter reaction will be most useful to deepen our understanding on the nature of these two resonances.
Integrative Analysis of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolome in Obese Mice with Electroacupuncture by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and HPLC–MS-based Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Si Yuan-Cheng , Ren Chen-Chen , Zhang Er-Wei , Kang Zhao-Xia , Mo Xi-Ya , Li Qing-Qing , Chen Bo
Published: March 2022

Acupuncture has been used to treat numerous diseases such as obesity in China for thousands of years. Several mechanisms of acupuncture on obesity have been surveyed based on metabolomics, but the effects of acupuncture on the alterations in the gut flora are still unclear. In this study, an integrated approach based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) metabolic profiling was conducted to investigate the effects of acupuncture on high-fat-diet-induced obesity through the regulation of the relative abundances of gut microbiota and their relationships with biomarker candidates. A total of 10 significantly altered bacterial genera and 11 metabolites were recognized, which recovered to normal levels after electroacupuncture treatment. The relative abundances of the bacterial families Muribaculaceae,Lachnospiraceae,Desulfovibrionaceae,Helicobacteraceae, Prevotellaceae,Ruminococcaceae,Rikenellaceae,Deferribacteraceae,Bacteroidaceae andTannerellaceaewere remarkedly changed among the three groups. Potential biomarkers, including LysoPC(0:0/16:0) ([Formula: see text]1),PC(0:0/18:0) ([Formula: see text]2),Cholic acid([Formula: see text]3),LysoPC(16:0) ([Formula: see text]4), 3[Formula: see text],6[Formula: see text],7[Formula: see text]-Trihydroxy-5[Formula: see text]-cholanoic acid([Formula: see text]5), 5beta-Cyprinolsulfate([Formula: see text]6),PC(18:0/0:0) ([Formula: see text]7), 1-Nitro-5-hydroxy-6-glutathionyl-5,6-dihydronaphthalene([Formula: see text]8),Glycocholic acid([Formula: see text]9),[Formula: see text]-Arginine([Formula: see text]10) andGulonic acid([Formula: see text]11), were involved in several metabolic pathways, such as the glycerophospholipid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Interestingly, there was a strong correlation between the perturbed gut flora in Bilophila and Bifidobacterium and the altered intestinal metabolite of 3[Formula: see text],6[Formula: see text],7[Formula: see text]-Trihydroxy-5[Formula: see text]-cholanoic acid and Cholanoic acid and [Formula: see text]-Arginine. This finding suggested that the effects of electroacupuncture might change the proportions of Bilophila and Bifidobacterium by regulating the constituents of the functional metabolite of 3[Formula: see text],6[Formula: see text],7[Formula: see text]-Trihydroxy-5[Formula: see text]-cholanoic acid and Cholanoic acid and [Formula: see text]-Arginine. These results indicated that the effects of electroacupuncture focused on custom metabolic pathways as well as depend on the changes in the gut microbiota in obesity. These findings suggest that the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and HPLC–MS-based metabolomics approach can be applied to comprehensively assess the effects of traditional Chinese medicines.
Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Quality Control, Industrial Application, Pharmacokinetics and Network Pharmacology of Pogostemon cablin: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Xu Fangfang , Cai Wanna , Ma Ting , Zeng Huimei , Kuang Xiaolan , Chen Weiying , Liu Bo
Published: March 2022

Pogostemonis Herba (PH) is the dried aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth, which is mainly distributed and used in Asian countries. PH is an aromatic damp-resolving drug in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is usually used for the treatment of vomiting, chest tension, tiredness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache. In this review, the summary of chemical constituents in the aerial parts, biological activities, history of uses, quality control methods, industrial applications, pharmacokinetics and network pharmacology are reported. By collating the chemical constituents of various parts of PH, a total of 174 components were identified, including 66 terpenes, 6 pyrones, 40 flavonoids, 21 phenylpropanoids, 9 steroids, 4 polysaccharides and 28 others. Pharmacological research has found that PH possesses multi-pharmacological activities, including regulating the gastrointestinal tract, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and anti-inflammation, which provide more scientific interpretation for the clinical usage of PH. In addition, the shortcomings of the current research on PH and the recommendation of future studies on PH are analyzed. We hope this review can provide some insight for further research and applications of PH in future.
Dynamical analysis of charged fluid under nonminimally coupled gravity theory
Authors: Bhatti M. Z. , Yousaf Z. , Yousaf M. , Bamba Kazuharu
Published: March 2022

This paper deals with stability analysis of anisotropic-charged cylindrical geometry coupled with [Formula: see text] modified gravity theory ([Formula: see text]). In this [Formula: see text], the Lagrangian is a varying function of traces of Ricci and stress tensors. In order to examine the stable behavior of the anisotropic cylindrical cosmic object under the electromagnetic effects, we calculated the modified equations of motion and equations of continuity. in the background of [Formula: see text] theory. By utilizing the perturbation technique, we constitute a modified collapse equation ([Formula: see text]), which contains geometrical and physical variables in the charged scenario. Our investigation continues under the nonminimally coupled function of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we investigate the dynamically stable phases of charged geometry at Newtonian [Formula: see text] and post-Newtonian ([Formula: see text]) epochs with the help of the rigidity parameter of fluid ([Formula: see text]) by imposing some constraints on physical parameters.
The Inverse Heat Transfer Problem of Malan Loess Based on Machine Learning with Finite Element Solver as the Trainer
Authors: Chen Qingbo , Niu Ruiping , Gong Yangqing , Li Ming
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes an efficient neural network both in solving process and time for inverse problem of determining thermophysical parameters of Malan loess. In this work, a finite element method (FEM) model is built for the direct solution of dynamic heat transfer problem in Malan loess, which is used to create the samples for the inverse network. Even more, a horn-like network Parm-Net is established, which takes the nodal temperatures of samples as the input data and the thermophysical parameter as the output data. Besides, the hyperparameters of Parm-Net (the number of neurons, the number of hidden layers, learning rate and batch size) are discussed in detail. Finally, intensive numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of our inverse network. The results show that the errors of multiple thermophysical parameters are smaller than the input noise, illustrating that Parm-Net is effective and stable with respect to noisy data.
Identifying Dimensions of Dynamic Technological Capability: A Systematic Review of the Last Two Decades of Research
Authors: Gheitarani Fatemeh , Guevara Ruben , Nawaser Khaled , Jahanshahi Asghar Afshar
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, technological innovation capabilities support competitive advantage, and the survival and development of modern organizations accordingly depend on the knowledge and applications of such innovations. Nevertheless, the link between various aspects of the dynamic technological capability of many organizations is not still clear. Meanwhile, the new trend of some research in the field of dynamic capabilities refers to its technological foundations, as a platform for strengthening and creating a competitive technological advantage in a scattered manner. In this regard, this paper systematically reviews the previous research on technological basis of dynamic capabilities using the systematic review approach, examining articles published during 2000–2021 in which the technological foundations of dynamic capabilities in terms of sensing, seizing, and deformation (i.e. cognitive, psychological and organizational) have been extracted. A framework for future research has also been presented. The recommended framework can partially bridge the gap in the literature on the technological foundations of dynamic capabilities in future studies and help the managers to identify the technological road map for gaining competitive technological advantages.
Contextual Ambidexterity: Tackling the Exploitation and Exploration Dilemma of Innovation Management in SMEs
Authors: Reischl Annika , Weber Sabrina , Fischer Stephan , Lang-Koetz Claus
Published: March 2022

In innovation management (IM), two perspectives typically come together, characterized with the term ambidexterity: a clear orientation towards the best possible use of resources (exploitation) and, at the same time, completely new ideas and novel approaches (exploration). We consider contextual ambidexterity suitable to address this dilemma in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on findings from five German SMEs, we argue that training and using ‘conventional’ IM for exploitation and ‘agile’ IM for exploration could be most feasible. We develop a generic conceptual model with high practical relevance for SMEs and their innovation projects.
Roles and Relationships Among Open-Access Ecosystem Actors
Authors: Osorio-Sanabria Mariutsi Alexandra , Jaime Astrid , Amaya-Fernández Ferney
Published: March 2022

We aim to establish the relationship between the stakeholders who are part of the Open-Access Ecosystem (OAE). The study was developed from an ecosystem approach, analyzing the actors and their relationships. As a result, we proposed a simplified view of the main components of an OAE and the relationships between them, which could be useful for understanding the roles of the different stakeholders and the implications that current and new policies and mandates could have for them.
On regularities of ordered semigroups
Authors: Tiprachot Nuchanat , Lekkoksung Nareupanat , Pibaljommee Bundit
Published: March 2022

In ordered semigroups, the notion of [Formula: see text]-ideals is a generalized concept of [Formula: see text]-ideals, where [Formula: see text]. We apply the notion of [Formula: see text]-ideals to characterize all regularities in ordered semigroups.
Multi-objective rescue path optimization for passenger ship accident under tilt
Authors: Zhu Tengbin , Zhang Hao , Xiao Yingjie
Published: March 2022

In order to research the rescue path problem in the accident of passenger ships under tilt, this paper establishes a multi-objective rescue path optimization model under tilt effect. By analyzing the fuzzy time and fuzzy risk, the objective functions of this model are optimal satisfaction function and optimal risk function. Related constraints are also described mathematically. The PSO-GA (particle swarm and genetic) hybrid algorithm is used to solve the model when designing the algorithm. Two-level planning is incorporated in the algorithm, the best solution in the lower-level planning is assigned to the upper-level, and the upper-level plan feeds back the result to the lower level, and finally the global optimal Pareto solution is obtained. Decision makers can choose appropriate solutions based on their preference. The simulation experiment compares the multi-objective rescue path optimization model with the traditional time-optimal model. Among the three optimal solution sets, solution 1 decreases by 3.36% in risk and the satisfaction rate increases by 69.44%. Solution 2 rose by 13.96% in risk, but the satisfaction increased by 87.93%, and the risk of solution 3 decreased by 11.41%, while the satisfaction increased by 52.41%. The results show that the established model is reasonable and the algorithm is feasible.
Identification of stream sediment geochemical anomalies in lithologically complex regions: case study of Cu mineralization in Hunan province, SE China
Authors: Sun Yaoyao , Hao Libo , Zhao Xinyun , Lu Jilong , Shi Yanxiang , Ma Chengyou , Li Qingquan , Wei Qiaoqiao
Published: March 2022

Owing to the strong control bedrock geology may exert on the chemical composition of stream sediments, the determination of stream sediment geochemical anomalies is always affected by the lithology background in areas with variable lithologies. In this study, the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm was used to separate lithologies of different chemical compositions in a 1: 200 000 scale regional geochemical data set of stream sediments in a lithologically complex region in Hunan province, SE China. The data set included 1024 minerogenic stream sediment samples which were analysed for Cu, La, Li, Be, Cr, Ni, Sr, V, Th, Ti and Zr. A comparison between Cu anomalies determined with and without taking into account the separation of lithologies was carried out. The result shows that stream sediment geochemical anomalies in lithologically complex regions can be determined in a more reasonable way by application of the EM clustering method. Strong but false or meaningless anomalies can be eliminated, and weak but important or meaningful anomalies are more clearly revealed.
Dual Discriminator GAN: Restoring Ancient Yi Characters
Authors: Chen Shanxiong , Yang Ye , Liu Xuxin , Zhu Shiyu
Published: March 2022

In China, the damage of ancient Yi books are serious. Due to the lack of ancient Yi experts, the repairation of ancient Yi books is progressing very slowly. The artificial intelligence is successful in the field of image and text, so it is feasible for the automatic restoration of ancient books. In this article, a generative adversarial networks with dual discriminator (DDGAN) is designed to restore incomplete characters in the ancient Yi literature. The DDGAN integrates the deep convolution generative adversarial network with an ancient Yi comparison discriminator. Through two training stages, it could iteratively optimizes the ancient Yi character generation networks to obtain the text generator According to the loss of comparison discriminator, DDGAN mode could be optimized. The DDGAN model can generate characters to restore the missing stroke in the ancient Yi. The experiment shows that the proposed method achieves a restoration rate of 77.3% when no more than one third of the characters are missing. This work is effective for the protection of Yi ancient books.
A Comprehensive Report on Machine Learning-based Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease using Multi-modal Neuroimaging Data
Authors: Sharma Shallu , Mandal Pravat Kumar
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
is a devastating neurodegenerative brain disorder with no cure. An early identification helps patients with AD sustain a normal living. We have outlined
machine learning (ML)
methodologies with different schemes of feature extraction to synergize complementary and correlated characteristics of data acquired from multiple modalities of neuroimaging. A variety of feature selection, scaling, and fusion methodologies along with confronted challenges are elaborated for designing an ML-based AD diagnosis system. Additionally, thematic analysis has been provided to compare the ML workflow for possible diagnostic solutions. This comprehensive report adds value to the further advancement of computer-aided early diagnosis system based on multi-modal neuroimaging data from patients with AD.
Current and Potential Distribution in Two-Phase (Gas Evolving) Electrochemical Reactors by the Finite Volume Method
Authors: Colli A. N. , Bisang J. M.
Published: March 2022

A solver was developed and implemented in the OpenFOAM framework in order to predict the current distribution in gas evolving electrochemical reactors. The solver takes into account both liquid and gas flows under turbulent conditions and assumes a bubble population balance with a range of bubble sizes. The possibility of coalescence and breakup of bubbles is also considered. The comparison between experimental results of gas fraction and current distribution, from this research and from previous ones, demonstrates that the solver is able to predict the behavior of this kind of electrochemical systems. The model presented is supplied as a free source code.
Ion Chromatography and Combustion Ion Chromatography Analysis of Fuel Cell Effluent Water During Open Circuit Voltage
Authors: Yandrasits Michael A. , Marimannikkuppam Sudha , Lindell Matthew J. , Kalstabakken Kyle A. , Kurkowski Michael , Ha Phuc
Published: March 2022

Open circuit voltage tests were conducted on sixteen 3M Ionomer and eight Nafion™ NR211 membranes. Lifetime distributions were determined, and ion chromatography (IC) techniques were used to measure fluoride, sulfate, trifluoro acetate, and oxalate ions. Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) was used to determine the total organic fluoride (TOF) associated with water soluble membrane degradation fragments. The ratio of these products relative to the fluoride release rates were used to infer the likely degradation mechanism for each membrane. Peroxide attack at the sulfonic acid side chain was determined to be the least relevant reaction pathway while the long-proposed polymer chain end unzipping appears to be the dominant mechanism. Abstraction of the tertiary fluorine in the NR211 backbone and side chain is evident by organic fluoride release rates higher than can be explained by unzipping alone.
On-Surface Reactivity of Disubstituted-Bianthryl Molecules on Cu(111) and Au(111) Surfaces
Authors: Geagea Elie , Jeannoutot Judicael , Palmino Frank , Chérioux Frédéric
Published: March 2022

On-surface π-conjugated 1D polymers, like graphene nanoribbons, have emerged as a class of promising materials. On-surface chemical properties of 9,9′-bianthryl molecules are widely developed as they can be used as starting building blocks to provide graphene nanoribbons. Here, we propose to investigate the chemical behavior of 10,10′-disubstituted-9,9′-bianthryl molecules on Cu(111) and Au(111) surfaces by using scanning tunneling microscopy under ultra-high vacuum. We demonstrated that the balance between molecule-molecule interaction, molecule-substrate interaction, and molecular rearrangement, drastically alter the chemical properties of the adsorbed molecule by thermal annealing.
βENaC and ASIC2 associate in VSMCs to mediate pressure-induced constriction in the renal afferent arteriole
Authors: Lu Yan , Stec David E. , Liu Ruisheng , Ryan Michael , Drummond Heather A.
Published: March 2022

Transmission of systemic blood pressure to delicate renal microvessels is a primary determinant of vascular injury in chronic kidney disease progression to end-stage renal disease. Here, we identified two degenerin family members, with an evolutionary link to mechanosensing, that interact biochemically and functionally to regulate systemic blood pressure and renal injury. Thus, degenerin proteins may serve as a target for the development of therapies to prevent or delay renal disease progression.
Whole genome sequencing identifies a deletion mutation in the unknown-functional KCNG2 from familial sick sinus syndrome
Authors: Sun Chen , Li Ning , Wang Qian-Qian , Yan Lu-Yi , Ba Shuai-Kang , Zhang Shan-Shan , He Qiu-Xia , Chen Xi-Qiang , Gong Wei-Li , Zhu Qing , Liu Ke-Chun
Published: March 2022

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a term used for a variety of disorders defined by abnormal cardiac impulse formation and by abnormal propagation from the heart’s sinoatrial node. In this study, we present a case from a Chinese family in which two closely related individuals had the symptoms and electrocardiographic evidence of SSS. We hypothesized that multiple individuals affected by the disease in the family was an indication of its genetic predisposition, and thus performed high-throughput sequencing for the participants from the family to detect potential disease-associated variants. One of the potential variants that was identified was a KCNG2 gene variant (NC_000018.9: g.77624068_77624079del). Further bioinformatic analysis showed that the observed variant may be a pathogenic mutation. The results of protein-protein docking and whole cell patch-clamp measurements implied that the deletion variant in KCNG2 could affect its binding the KV2.1 protein, and finally affect the function of Kv channel, which is an important determinant in regulation of heartbeat. Therefore, we inferred that the variable KCNG2 gene may affect the function of Kv channel by changing the binding conformation of KCNG2 and KV2.1 proteins and then adversely affect propagation from the sinoatrial node and cardiac impulse formation by changing the action potential repolarization of heart cells. In summary, our findings suggested that the dominant KCNG2 deletion variant in the examined Chinese family with SSS may be a potential disease-associated variant.
Scalp Electroacupuncture Promotes Angiogenesis after Stroke in Rats by Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signal Pathway
Authors: Shi Shuai , Wang Mingye , Liu Xiaofang , Han Shengwang , Zhu Pengyu
Published: March 2022

Background. Scalp acupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture method based on the fundamental theories of traditional acupuncture, which has been widely used in patients with stroke in China. However, the effectiveness is controversial due to lack of solid experimental evidence. Methods. In this study, a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) was established by the middle cerebral artery occlusion/recirculation. The efficacy of scalp acupuncture against CIRI was evaluated by the mNSS scores, TTC staining for brain slices, and laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Immunohistochemical staining for angiogenetic factors indicated the vascularization after CIRI, including VEGF, Ang2, and bFGF. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and p-GSK3β (ser9)/VEGF pathway in the injured brain tissues was assessed by western blotting and qRT-PCR. Results. On the 7, 14, and 21 days after CIRI, scalp acupuncture could reduce the mNSS scores, decrease the cerebral infarction area, and accelerate the recirculation of ischemic brain tissues. VEGF, FLK1, bFGF, and Ang2 were upregulated on both the mRNA and protein levels in the ischemic brain tissues of the AC group, suggesting that the recirculation might result from angiogenesis, which was also confirmed with the IHC staining in the angiogenetic markers of VEGF, Ang2, and bFGF. Moreover, Wnt3a, β-catenin, and cyclin D1 were also upregulated on both the mRNA and protein levels in the ischemic brain tissues of the AC group on day 7, 14, and 21, indicating that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was activated after the treatment of scalp acupuncture. In contrast, dikkoppf-1 (DKK1) pretreatment, a specific inhibitor for the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, inactivated the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway and exacerbated the infarct size induced by the cerebral IR injury on day 7. Conclusion. Together, our findings demonstrated a mechanism whereby scalp acupuncture led to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, promoting angiogenetic factor expression and restoring blood perfusion in the ischemic zone.
Research Progress on Targeted Antioxidant Therapy and Vitiligo
Authors: Zhang Jingzhan , Hu Wen , Wang Peng , Ding Yuan , Wang Hongjuan , Kang Xiaojing
Published: March 2022

Vitiligo is a common acquired depigmenting disease characterized by the loss of functional melanocytes and epidermal melanin. Vitiligo has a long treatment cycle and slow results, which is one of the most difficult challenges for skin diseases. Oxidative stress plays an important role as an initiating and driving factor in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Antioxidant therapy has recently become a research hotspot in vitiligo treatment. A series of antioxidants has been discovered and applied to the treatment of vitiligo, which has returned satisfactory results. This article briefly reviews the relationship between oxidative stress and vitiligo. We also describe the progress of targeted antioxidant therapy in vitiligo, with the aim of providing a reference for new drug development and treatment options for this condition.
Analysis of Tear Function Outcomes following Collagen Cross-Linking Treatment in Ectatic Corneas
Authors: Wang Xiu , Bai Xue , Jin Chengcheng , Zhao Liqiong , Wei Ruihua
Published: March 2022

Purpose. To analyze tear function outcomes following collagen cross-linking (CXL) treatment in ectatic corneas. Methods. Fifty-seven eyes of 34 patients were included, and patients with keratoconus who underwent epithelium-on (epi-on) or epithelium-off (epi-off) CXL were evaluated. The following tests were performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum keratometry value (Kmax), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, slit-lamp examination, tear meniscus height, first noninvasive Keratograph breakup time (1st NIKBUT), average NIKBUT, and bulbar redness. Results. BCVA improved in both epi-on and epi-off groups at most follow-up points, but was not significantly different between groups. At 12-month follow-up, Kmax in the epi-on and epi-off groups improved after CXL, but there was no significant difference between the groups. The OSDI in both groups decreased after operation compared with before surgery, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Comparing the two groups, only the change in the tear meniscus height at 6 months postoperatively was statistically significant, and the pre- and postoperative values of the two groups were within the normal range (>0.20 mm). The change was small and had no clinical significance. There was no change in the 1st NIKBUT and average NIKBUT between the epi-on and epi-off groups. A change in bulbar redness was significantly better in the epi-off group than in the epi-on group at 3 months postoperatively. Comparing the effects at 1 year postoperatively, both groups had positive results in OSDI, NIKBUT, tear meniscus height, and bulbar redness. Conclusion. Both epi-on and epi-off CXL can control the progression of keratoconus, although epi-off CXL is more effective. Both methods have a positive effect on dry eye, which can improve the condition of the tear film and reduce dry eye symptoms in patients with keratoconus.
The Role of Autophagy in Tumor Immune Infiltration in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Bian-fang Yu , Dong-ning Wu , Dan Teng , Jian-yu Shi , Shi-yi Wang , Ben-jun Wang , Xin Dong , Wen-wen Zhao , Qing-feng Wang , Yan Zhao
Published: March 2022

Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the association between autophagy and tumor immune infiltration (TII) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods and Materials. We downloaded the transcriptome profiling and clinical data for CRC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and obtained the normal colon transcriptome profiling data from Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) database. The list of autophagy-related signatures was obtained from the Human Autophagy Database. We isolated the autophagy-related genes from the CRC gene expression matrix and constructed an autophagy-related prognostic (ARP) risk model. Then, we constructed a multiROC curve to validate the prognostic ability of the ARP risk model. CIBERSORT was used to determine the fractions of 22 immune cells in each CRC sample, and the association between these TII cells and CRC clinical variables was further investigated. Finally, we estimated the association of 3 hub-ARP signatures and 20 different types of TII cell distribution. Results. We classified 447 CRC patients into 224 low-risk and 223 high-risk patients using the median ARP risk score. According to the univariate survival test results, except for gender (

P
=
0.672

), age (

P
=
0.008

), cancer stage, and pathological stage T, M, and N were closely correlated with the prognosis of CRC patients (

P
<
0.001

). Multivariate survival analysis results indicate that age and rescore were the only independent prognostic indicators with significant differences (

P
<
0.05

). After merging the immune cell distribution (by CIBERSORT) with the CRC clinical data, the results indicate that activated macrophage M0 cells exhibited the highest clinical response, which included cancer stage and stage T, N, and M. Additionally, six immune cells were closely associated with cancer stage, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), gamma delta T cells, follicular helper T cells, activated memory CD4 T cells, activated NK cells, and resting dendritic cells. Finally, we evaluated the correlation of ARP signatures with TII cell distribution. Compared with the other correlation, NRG1 and plasma cells (↑), risk score and macrophage M1 (↑), NRG1 and dendritic cell activated (↑), CDKN2A and T cell CD4 memory resting (↓), risk score and T cell CD8 (↑), risk score and T cell CD4 memory resting (↓), and DAPK1 and T cell CD4 memory activated (↓) exhibited a stronger association (

P
<
0.0001

). Conclusions. In summary, we explored the correlation between the risk of autophagy and the TII microenvironment in CRC patients. Furthermore, we integrated different CAR signatures with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and found robust associations between different levels of CAR signature expression and immune cell infiltrating density.
Digital Finance, Financing Constraint and Enterprise Financial Risk
Authors: Wang Zhaolin
Published: March 2022

With the rapid development of the digital economy, digital finance, as a financial innovation combining Internet information technology with traditional finance, plays an essential role in the financial risk of microenterprises and macroeconomic operations. In this paper, the digital financial inclusion index at the provincial level is matched with the microdata of listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets. And, the panel data from 2011 to 2020 are set up from the theoretical and empirical analysis of digital finance on the impact of enterprise financial risk and its mechanism. Firstly, the development of digital finance in China has significantly reduced enterprise financial risk. In order to control the endogeneity, the Bartik instrumental variable is used to select the instrumental variable. Secondly, financing constraint is the function mechanism of digital finance to reduce enterprise financial risk. Thirdly, for enterprises with low debt levels and enterprises located in the eastern region, digital finance plays a more critical role in reducing financial risk.