bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolvable Hardware-Based Data Security System Using Image Steganography Through Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration
Authors: Krishna B. Murali , Santhosh Chella , Suman Shruti , Shireen SK. Sadhiya
Published: August 2021

A highly secure communication method is essential for end users for the exchange of information which is not interpreted by an intruder. Cryptography plays a crucial role in the current and upcoming digital worlds, for secure data transmission in wired and wireless networks. Asymmetric and symmetric cryptographic algorithms encrypt data against vulnerable attacks and transfer to authenticated users. Steganography is a method for providing secure information with the help of a carrier file (text, video, audio, image, etc.). This paper proposes Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)-based asymmetric algorithm which is used to encrypt the patient’s secret information and its performance is compared with ElGamal, RSA and Diffie–Hellman (DH) cryptographic algorithms. The proposed asymmetric algorithm is applied to image steganography which is used for encrypting and concealing the patient’s secret information in a cover image. The proposed method consumes less hardware resources with improved latency. Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration (DPR) allows to transform a selective area rather than complete shutdown of the entire system during bitstream configuration. Cryptosystem with DPR is designed, synthesized in Xilinx Vivado and simulated in Vivado simulator. The design is targeted at Basys3, Nexys4 DDR and Zync-7000 all-programmable SOC (AP SoC) architectures and programmed with secure partial bit files to avoid vulnerable attacks in the channel.
Were strong inflaton field fluctuations the cause of the big bang?
Authors: Bellini Mauricio
Published: August 2021

In this paper, I propose a model to describe the birth of the universe taking into account back reaction effects produced by the inflaton field fluctuations, with self-interactions included. These fluctuations [Formula: see text] would have been very important at the Planck scales and their self-interactions could have been the fuel to the primordial expansion of the universe.
Gravitational lensing study of cold dark matter-led galactic halo
Authors: Ghosh Samrat , Bhadra Arunava , Mukhopadhyay Amitabha
Published: August 2021

In this work, the spacetime geometry of the halo region in spiral galaxies is obtained considering the observed flat galactic rotation curve feature, invoking the Tully–Fisher relation and assuming the presence of cold dark matter in the galaxy. The gravitational lensing analysis is performed treating the so-obtained spacetime as a gravitational lens. It is found that the aforementioned spacetime as the gravitational lens can consistently explain the galaxy–galaxy weak gravitational lensing observations and the lensing observations of the well-known Abell 370 and Abell 2390 galaxy clusters.
Investigation on infrared electroluminescence from Er3+-doped Tb2O3 light-emitting diodes
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Shenwei , Bai Liyuan , Ou Kai , Zhang Yanwei , Zhang Kexin , Yi Lixin
Published: August 2021

Tb2O3:Er light-emitting diodes were prepared by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method and the EL performance of the devices were studied. The crystal structure and morphology of the annealed films were investigated by XRD and SEM, respectively. The EL spectrum was achieved and the EL principle was discussed. Six emission peaks of Er[Formula: see text] located at 402, 517, 548, 649, 691, and 1,538[Formula: see text]nm were observed, achieving energy transfer from Tb[Formula: see text] to Er[Formula: see text]. In order to study the effect of Er+ doping concentration, the doping concentrations of Tb2O3:Er films were from 5[Formula: see text]at.% to 20[Formula: see text]at.%. The effect on electroluminescence intensity of doping concentration was investigated and the optimal doped concentration was 15[Formula: see text]at. %.
A Novel Two-Stage Structural Damage Identification Method Based on Superposition of Modal Flexibility Curvature and Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Huang Minshui , Cheng Xihao , Zhu Zhigang , Luo Jin , Gu Jianfeng
Published: August 2021

A novel two-stage method is proposed to properly identify the location and severity of damage in plate structures. In the first stage, a superposition of modal flexibility curvature (SMFC) is adopted to locate the damage accurately, and the identification index of modal flexibility matrix is improved. The low-order modal parameters are used and a new column matrix is formed based on the modal flexibility matrix before and after the structure is damaged. The difference of modal flexibility matrix is obtained, which is used as a damage identification index. Meanwhile, based on SMFC, a method of weakening the “vicinity effect” is proposed to eliminate the impact of the surrounding elements to the damaged elements when damage identification is carried out for the plate-type structure. In the second stage, the objective function based on the flexibility matrix is constructed, and according to the damage location identified in the first stage, the actual damage severity is determined by the enhanced whale optimization algorithm (EWOA). In addition, the effects of 3% and 10% noise on damage location and severity estimation are also studied. By taking a simply supported beam and a four-side simply supported plate as examples, the results show that the method can accurately estimate the damage location and quantify the damage severity without noise. When considering noise, the increase of noise level will not affect the assessment of damage location, but the error of quantifying damage severity will increase. In addition, damage identification of a steel-concrete composite bridge (I-40 Bridge) under four damage cases is carried out, and the results show that the modified method can evaluate the damage location and quantify 5%–92% of the damage severity.
THE EFFECTS OF DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILITY EXERCISE ON THE SCOLIOSIS AND PAIN CONTROL IN THE YOUTH BASEBALL PLAYERS
Authors: PARK ILBONG , PARK CHANHEE , KIM KYOUNGTAE , CHA YOUNGJOO
Published: August 2021

While the presence of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) has been provided as an important component of the integrated spinal stabilization and associated abdominal stabilization prior to dynamic movement, no previous study has investigated the spinal mechanical effects scoliosis and pain control in youth baseball player with scoliosis. This study compared the effects of gymball exercise, with and without DNS core stability exercise, on spine kinematics and pain control in youth baseball player with scoliosis. A total of 28 participants with scoliosis were randomized into gymball exercise, with and without DNS core stability exercise. Clinical outcomes included the Cobb’s angle and visual analog scale (VAS). Two-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted at p < 0.05. Two-way repeated ANOVA showed that gymball with DNS showed superior effects, compared to gymball without DNS, on Cobb’s angle (P < 0.001), but not on VAS (P < 0.837). Our results provide novel, promising clinical evidence that DNS improved scoliosis kinematics as well as pain control in youth baseball player with scoliosis.
EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF VIETNAM BANKS USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: NHAN DO THI THANH , PHO KIM-HUNG , ANH DANG THI VAN , MCALEER MICHAEL
Published: August 2021

Efficiency is a topic of great interest because its applications are diverse and rich. It is applied greatly in all scientific disciplines, especially accounting for a very large proportion in economics, finance and accounting. The main objective in this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of banks in Vietnam. In order to investigate this issue, there are several implements to examine bank effectiveness where the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method is widely used. This paper presents details of the DEA method. Using the data collected from banks in Vietnam for the period 2014–2017, the approach is executed to investigate issues of technical efficiency, resource analysis and business efficiency of banks in Vietnam.
Designing Relevant Preclinical Rodent Models for Studying Links Between Nutrition, Obesity, Metabolism, and Cancer
Authors: Glenny Elaine M. , Coleman Michael F. , Giles Erin D. , Wellberg Elizabeth A. , Hursting Stephen D.
Published: August 2021

Diet and nutrition are intricately related to cancer prevention, growth, and treatment response. Preclinical rodent models are a cornerstone to biomedical research and remain instrumental in our understanding of the relationship between cancer and diet and in the development of effective therapeutics. However, the success rate of translating promising findings from the bench to the bedside is suboptimal. Well-designed rodent models will be crucial to improving the impact basic science has on clinical treatment options. This review discusses essential experimental factors to consider when designing a preclinical cancer model with an emphasis on incorporatingthese models into studies interrogating diet, nutrition, and metabolism. The aims of this review are to ( a) provide insight into relevant considerations when designing cancer models for obesity, nutrition, and metabolism research; ( b) identify common pitfalls when selecting a rodent model; and ( c) discuss strengths and limitations of available preclinical models.
Study of the Space Occupied by a Wheelchair User at Metro de Santiago Platforms by Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Valdivieso Joaquin , Seriani Sebastian
Published: August 2021

The objective is to study the space a wheelchair passenger would use in the preferential waiting areas of an urban railway platform. For this purpose, an analysis of the variables that interfere in the space occupied by a wheelchair user was carried out at Metro de Santiago platforms, to design a preferential prototype waiting area at the Human Dynamics Laboratory of the Universidad de los Andes (Chile). The prototype has a 3.0 m long and 2.5 m wide carriage, together with a preferential waiting area on the platform of the same length as the carriage, and 2.0 m wide. With this prototype defined, a detection method was developed using PeTrack software, to accurately identify the limits of the space occupied by a wheelchair user under two scenarios of different density levels in the preferential waiting area: medium-density (1.5 passengers/m2) and high-density (4.0 passengers/m2). It was observed that the space occupied by a wheelchair user decreased by 33% as the density increased from medium to high. On the other hand, for a high-density level, the space occupied by a wheelchair user was found to be 61% higher than that occupied by a passenger without reduced mobility. This variation occurred mainly because passengers increased their distance from the wheelchair user, which widened their area of influence. Further experiments are proposed as future research to extend this analysis using other density situations.
Comparison of Intercity Travel Network Structure during Daily Time and Holiday in China
Authors: Qi Runze , Pan Jinghu , Zhang Rong
Published: August 2021

Intercity travel by residents promotes the regathering and dissemination of social and economic factors. Based on big data from Tencent’s location‐based service, 346 cities above the prefecture level in China were chosen as study objects, with 2018 as the study time node. To construct the intercity residents’ travel network, complex network analysis and GIS spatial analysis methods were used. Furthermore, when analyzing the structural characteristics and spatial differences of Chinese residents’ intercity travel from different time perspectives (the whole year, daily, Spring Festival travel rush, and special holidays), Gephi network analysis tools and ArcGIS spatial analysis software were used. The following are the major findings: daily and the whole year intercity travel by Chinese residents, as well as intercity travel during special holidays and the Spring Festival, all exhibit the “diamond” structure, with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou‐Shenzhen, and Chengdu‐Chongqing at the core. The distribution of lines in and around the “diamond” is large and concentrated from the perspective of the hierarchical nature of the residents’ intercity travel network. Significant increases in high‐intensity population flow lines within the “diamond” can be seen during Spring Festival travel and holidays. The number of cities involved in the inflow line is significantly greater than that involved in the outflow line, as demonstrated by the number of residents in the first point of travel, indicating that there is a difference between the central cities flowing into and out of the network. The first flow of the central city is the most visible during the Spring Festival travel period. Most cities in the resident intercity travel network have relatively low degrees of centrality, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality, and the number of cities with large values of the three is small, and they are concentrated in the apex and interior of the “diamond” structure.
Effect of Limestone Powder on Thaumasite Form of Sulfate Attack (TSA) of Cement‐Based Materials
Authors: Gao Yuxin , Luo Yaoling , Jia Lili , Yang Wen , Wang Chong
Published: August 2021

Limestone powder can cause the thaumasite form of sulfate attack (TSA) of cement‐based materials, but the relationship between the content of limestone powder and the degree of TSA is unclear. Hence, six different contents of limestone powder (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 30%, and 45%) were used to study the effect of the limestone powder content on the TSA of cement‐based materials according to appearance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and chemical analyses. The test results indicated that limestone powder could promote sulfate attack. The formation of ettringite and gypsum was accelerated when the content of the limestone powder was not more than 10%. The degradation degree of the TSA was the most severe when the content of limestone powder was 30%. A new product, hydrated calcium carboaluminate, was found when the content of the limestone powder was 45%, and the degradation of the TSA was also delayed.
Laterally Positioned Flap with Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft Modified One-Stage Procedure for the Treatment of Deep Isolated Gingival Recessions in Mandibular Incisors
Authors: Bosco Alvaro Francisco , de Almeida Juliano Milanezi , Retamal-Valdes Belén , Tavares Renata , Latimer Jessica M. , Messina Diego , Henke Matheus , Dias Laura Gantes Rodrigues , Martins Thiago Marchi
Published: August 2021

The laterally positioned flap (LPF) has been proposed as a promising treatment for isolated gingival recessions (GRs) in mandibular incisors. Several modifications have been proposed to reduce the risk of gingival recession (GR) at the donor tooth site. Therefore, the aim of this was to describe a modified one-stage procedure of performing the LPF associated with the subepithelial connective tissue graft (LPF + SCTG) with the modifications for the treatment of deep isolated GR in mandibular incisors. The modified one-stage technique (LPF + SCTG) is unique because it was presented being bilaminar with tunneled connective tissue graft (CTG) in the adjacent tooth and extended to the flap donor site, without a submarginal incision in the adjacent tooth, taking the entire band of the keratinized tissue (KT) into the flap. In addition, 3 clinical cases were described using this surgical technique. Three healthy patients with Cairo RT1 or RT2 GRs on teeth 31 or 41 were treated with the LPF + SCTG technique. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), complete root coverage (CRC), mean root coverage (MRC), recession depth (RD), and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed at baseline and in the follow-up periods of 18, 24, and 48 months, in the cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The LPF + SCTG with the modifications presented is a predictable approach for the treatment of deep isolated RT1 and RT2 GRs in mandibular incisors that are well positioned in the bone envelope with the presence of KTW adjacent to GR and adequate vestibule depth in the donor area of the flap.
Block Matching Pyramid Algorithm-Based Analysis on Efficacy of Shexiang Baoxin Pills Guided by Echocardiogram (ECG) on Patients with Angina Pectoris in Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Gao Junqing , Wang Xu , Li Lingyan , Zhang Hong , He Ruiqing , Han Bingyu , Liu Zongjun
Published: August 2021

This paper was aimed to explore the application of the block matching pyramid (BMP) algorithm in echocardiographic spot tracking in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and angina pectoris, as well as the effect of Shexiang Baoxin pills (a kind of drug containing musk, which is good for cardiac diseases) on blood lipids, cardiac function, and curative effect. 206 patients with CHD angina pectoris in the hospital from July 2018 to May 2020 were selected as the research subjects and were enrolled into the control (Ctrl) group (conventional treatment, n = 103) and the observation group (the Shexiang Baoxin pill was given on the basis of conventional treatment, n = 103) in random. Then, the patients’ echocardiograms were obtained, and the BMP algorithm was used to track the echocardiograms. At 12 months after treatment, the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were compared. Besides, the differences between left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), cardiac index (CI), cardiac output (CO), and LVEF were observed. Finally, the efficacy of angina pectoris and electrocardiogram was calculated. It was found that the BMP algorithm can track the echocardiograms and display the movement and displacement of the patients’ left ventricle. After treatment, in contrast with the Ctrl, the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in the observation group were obviously lower (

P
<
0.05

); the LVESV, LVEDV, and LVEF were obviously lower (

P
<
0.05

), the LVESD, LVEDD, CO, and CI were obviously higher (

P
<
0.05

), the total score of angina after treatment was obviously lower (

P
<
0.05

), and the total effective rates of angina pectoris and echocardiogram were obviously higher (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, echocardiographic spot tracking can realize the diagnosis of patients with CHD angina pectoris, and Shexiang Baoxin pill can regulate the blood lipid level and improve the echocardiographic indicators and the clinical efficacy is obvious.
Measuring the Impact of an AI-Enabled Mobile Application for University Students
Authors: Younes Sayed S. , Alharbi Abdulmohsin H. , Aboeldahab Mahmoud M.
Published: August 2021

This study developed an artificial intelligence- (AI-) enabled mobile application for smart services and measured the impact of its use on the quality of automatic services among Umm Al-Qura University students. The research instruments used measured the quality of automatic services. The results of the research indicated that the application has a number of advantages, including encouraging students to actively participate in the learning process and contribute to effective communication between faculty members and students, in addition to providing multiple methods of communication between students. The results also indicated that there were no statistically significant differences at the level of 0.05; this indicates that the faculty type variable did not affect the level of satisfaction of Umm Al-Qura University students with the application, and that gender did not affect the level of satisfaction with the mobile application.
Computational Analysis of Gly482Ser Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in PPARGC1A Gene Associated with CAD, NAFLD, T2DM, Obesity, Hypertension, and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Taghvaei Somayye , Saremi Leila , Babaniamansour Sepideh
Published: August 2021

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PPARGC1A) regulates the expression of energy metabolism’s genes and mitochondrial biogenesis. The essential roles of PPARGC1A encouraged the researchers to assess the relation between metabolism-related diseases and its variants. To study Gly482Ser (+1564G/A) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) after PPARGC1A modeling, we substitute Gly482 for Ser482. Stability prediction tools showed that this substitution decreases the stability of PPARGC1A or has a destabilizing effect on this protein. We then utilized molecular dynamics simulation of both the Gly482Ser variant and wild type of the PPARGC1A protein to analyze the structural changes and to reveal the conformational flexibility of the PPARGC1A protein. We observed loss flexibility in the RMSD plot of the Gly482Ser variant, which was further supported by a decrease in the SASA value in the Gly482Ser variant structure of PPARGC1A and an increase of H-bond with the increase of β-sheet and coil and decrease of turn in the DSSP plot of the Gly482Ser variant. Such alterations may significantly impact the structural conformation of the PPARGC1A protein, and it might also affect its function. It showed that the Gly482Ser variant affects the PPARGC1A structure and makes the backbone less flexible to move. In general, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) showed more flexibility in the native PPARGC1A structure. Essential dynamics (ED) also revealed that the range of eigenvectors in the conformational space has lower extension of motion in the Gly482Ser variant compared with WT. The Gly482Ser variant also disrupts PPARGC1A interaction. Due to this single-nucleotide polymorphism in PPARGC1A, it became more rigid and might disarray the structural conformation and catalytic function of the protein and might also induce type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), coronary artery disease (CAD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The results obtained from this study will assist wet lab research in expanding potent treatment on T2DM.
Restricted Use of Echocardiography in Suspected Endocarditis during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach
Authors: Hartley Adam , El-Sayed Ahmed , Abbara Aula , Henderson Jamie , Ghazy Anan , Davies Frances , Price James R. , Punjabi Prakash P. , Anderson Jon , Casula Roberto , Naderi Hafiz , Asaria Perviz , Sutaria Nilesh , Malik Iqbal S. , Pabari Punam A. , Rana Bushra S.
Published: August 2021

Background. Infective endocarditis (IE) is challenging to manage in the COVID-19 lockdown period, in part given its reliance on echocardiography for diagnosis and management and the associated virus transmission risks to patients and healthcare workers. This study assesses utilisation of the endocarditis team (ET) in limiting routine echocardiography, especially transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), in patients with suspected IE, and explores the effect on clinical outcomes. Methods. All patients discussed at the ET meeting at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust during the first lockdown in the UK (23 March to 8 July 2020) were prospectively included and analysed in this observational study. Results. In total, 38 patients were referred for ET review (71% male, median age 54 [interquartile range 48, 65.5] years). At the time of ET discussion, 21% had no echo imaging, 16% had point-of-care ultrasound only, and 63% had formal TTE. In total, only 16% underwent TOE. The ability of echocardiography, in those where it was performed, to affect IE diagnosis according to the Modified Duke Criteria was significant (

p
=
0.0099

); however, sensitivity was not affected. All-cause mortality was 17% at 30 days and 25% at 12 months from ET discussion in those with confirmed IE. Conclusion. Limiting echocardiography in patients with a low pretest probability (not probable or definite IE according to the Modified Duke Criteria) did not affect the diagnostic ability of the Modified Duke Criteria to rule out IE in this small study. Moreover, restricting nonessential echocardiography, and importantly TOE, in patients with suspected IE through use of the ET did not impact all-cause mortality.
Applications of Deep Learning in News Text Classification
Authors: Zhang Menghan
Published: August 2021

The advancement in technology is taking place with an accelerating pace across the globe. With the increasing expansion and technological advancement, a vast volume of text data are generated everyday, in the form of social media platform, websites, company data, healthcare data, and news. Indeed, it is a difficult task to extract intriguing patterns from the text data, such as opinions, summaries, and facts, having varying length. Because of the problems of the length of text data and the difficulty of feature value extraction in news, this paper proposes a news text classification method based on the combination of deep learning (DL) algorithms. In order to classify the text data, the earlier approaches use a single word vector to express text information and only the information of the relationship between words were considered, but the relationship between words and categories was ignored which indeed is an important factor for the classification of news text. This paper follows the idea of a customized algorithm which is the combination of DL algorithms such as CNN, LSTM, and MLP and proposes a customized DCLSTM-MLP model for the classification of news text data. The proposed model is expressed in parallel with word vector and word dispersion. The relationship among words is represented by the word vector as an input of the CNN module, and the relationship between words and categories is represented by a discrete vector as an input of the MLP module in order to realize comprehensive learning of spatial feature information, time-series feature information, and relationship between words and categories of news text. To check the stability and performance of the proposed method, multiple experiments were performed. The experimental results showed that the proposed method solves the problems of text length, difficulty of feature extraction in the news text, and classification of news text in an effective way and attained better accuracy, recall rate, and comprehensive value as compared to the other models.
Qualitative Behavior of a Nonlinear Generalized Recursive Sequence with Delay
Authors: Ibrahim Tarek F. , Khan Abdul Qadeer , Ibrahim Abdelhameed
Published: August 2021

Difference equations are of growing importance in engineering in view of their applications in discrete time-systems used in association with microprocessors. We will check out the global stability and boundedness for a nonlinear generalized high-order difference equation with delay.
Pathogenicity and Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from the Hospital Environment of CHU‐Z Abomey‐Calavi/Sô‐Ava (Benin)
Authors: Socohou Akim , Sina Haziz , Degbey Cyriaque , Adjobimey Tomabu , Sossou Edna , Boya Bawa , N’tcha Christine , Adoukonou-Sagbadja Hubert , Adjanohoun Adolphe , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: August 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen present on a third of the healthy population. The bacterium possesses an extensive arsenal of virulence factors. The pathogenicity is linked with S. aureus high plasticity and its exceptional ability to incorporate foreign genetic material. The aim of the present study was to perform molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from the clinical environment of the CHU‐Z Abomey‐Calavi/Sô‐Ava. Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus bacterium was performed on Chapman agar. Toxin production by isolated S. aureus strains was investigated using the radial immunoprecipitation technique. A colorimetric assay was used to evaluate Staphylococcus aureus lipase (SA‐Lipase) production. Finally, the expression of antibiotic resistance genes and genes encoding toxins production was investigated. Our data suggest that none of the isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains expressed the investigated toxin genes. Interestingly, SA‐Lipase was produced by 14.28% of our isolated S. aureus strains. The mecA gene was present in 57.14% of the isolated strains, while PVL and TSST‐1 genes were identified in 2.85 and 7.14% of S. aureus, respectively. Significant genetic diversity was observed along the hospital environment S. aureus strains. The present study reveals the level of virulence of S. aureus strains isolated in the different units of CHU‐Z Abomey Calavi/Sô‐Ava through the production of lipase, PVL, and epidermolysins. The molecular study has favored a genetic characterization within the isolated strains.
Condition‐Based Maintenance Modeling and Reliability Assessment for Multi‐Component Systems with Structural Dependence under Extended Warranty
Authors: Wang Rongcai , Cheng Zhonghua , Dong Enzhi , Rong Liqing
Published: August 2021

For engineering and production systems, due to the structural dependence between components, the disassembly operation caused by the replacement of components will affect the failure and degradation processes of other components in the system. In order to optimize the extended warranty (EW) cost of the multi‐component system with structural dependence, this paper described the structural dependence and modeled the disassembly operation impact, and then the failure rate model of the component considering the impact of disassembly operation under EW was developed. Combined with the actual situation, a condition‐based maintenance (CBM) strategy was employed to construct the EW cost model of the multi‐component system with structural dependence. Monte Carlo simulation was proposed to determine the optimal EW cost of the system and the optimal periodic inspection interval of the CBM strategy. Finally, a numerical example of the planetary gear train of an automobile generator is introduced to demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed model in EW cost optimization and the analysis of disassembly operation impact on the optimal maintenance strategy.
Prediction and Allocation of EDP Based on Gray Model and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
Authors: Zhou Jinhe , Wang Anlai , Su Xiangyuan , Zhang Caiya , Kang Xusheng
Published: August 2021

Global warming is accelerating the sea level to rise, which increases the risk of major coastal areas being submerged. Then, the residents may become environmentally displaced persons (EDP). A method of prediction and allocation of EDP is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the gray model is used to predict sea level and the amount of EDP. Then, the evaluation criterion for the responsibility ability of the EDP migration target countries is given based on the entropy and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. In addition, a two-way selection mechanism for EDP is constructed. Finally, the amounts of EDP for the next 10 years are predicted, and the allocation plan in 2030 is made by applying the proposed method.
Vitamin D Regulates the Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptors in Blood of Severe Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Mahboub Bassam , Al Heialy Saba , Hachim Mahmood Yaseen , Ramakrishnan Rakhee K. , Alzaabi Ashraf , Seliem Rania Medhat , Salameh Laila Ibraheem , Toor Sameen Masooma , Shendi Fathelrahman Salem , Al Ali Ola Mohamed , Safarini Basil Khalid , Erabia Wafa Taleb , Halwani Rabih , Hamid Qutayba
Published: August 2021

Purpose. Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is a significant public health concern in many areas around the globe and has been associated with many immune-mediated diseases, including asthma. Severe asthma has been linked to a decreased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) ratio (GR-α/GR-β ratio), indicating steroid hyporesponsiveness. Using a combination of in silico and in vivo approaches, we aimed to explore the immunomodulatory effect of VitD on asthmatic patients diagnosed with hypovitaminosis D. Methods. In silico tools were used to identify the regulatory effect of VitD supplementation on GR genes. We measured the expression levels of GR-α and the inactive isoform, GR-β, in the blood of adult asthmatics diagnosed with hypovitaminosis D before and after VitD supplementation. Moreover, the blood levels of inflammatory cytokines associated with asthma severity were determined. Results. Using an in silico approach, we identified specific genes commonly targeted by VitD as well as corticosteroids, the mainstay of asthma therapy. NR3C1 gene encoding GR was found to be significantly upregulated on Th2 CD4 cells and NK cells. Interestingly, blood expression level of NR3C1 was lower in severe asthmatics compared to nonsevere asthmatics and healthy controls, while the blood level of VitD receptor (VDR) was higher. Upon VitD supplementation of severe asthmatic patients, there was a significant increase in the blood levels of GR-α with no change in GR-β mRNA expression. VitD supplementation also suppressed the blood levels of IL-17F and IL-4. Conclusion. VitD may enhance steroid responsiveness by upregulating the expression of steroid receptor GR-α.
Genetic Testing in Natural History Studies: A Review of the Regulatory and Legal Landscape
Authors: Bevan Andrew , Saragoussi Delphine , Sayegh Laura , Ringo Moira , Kearney Fiona
Published: August 2021

Background: Natural history (NH) studies, using observational methods, are common in rare and orphan diseases (80% of which have a genetic component). There is profound interest in identifying genetic mutations driving these diseases in these studies to support the formulation of targeted precision medicines. The global regulatory classification of NH studies with novel molecular biomarker collection has not been clearly delineated, presenting researchers with the challenge of determining how these studies are classified and regulated across multiple geographies. Objective: The aim of this investigation was to conduct a review of regulations related to NH studies and genetic testing to elucidate regulatory pathways to inform clinical researchers in the field. Methods: Regulatory provisions for NH studies and genetic testing were obtained from Pharmaceutical Product Development (PPD)’s propriety regulatory intelligence database and by surveying the company’s country-specific regulatory experts. A literature search was conducted in the Google Scholar search engine and PubMed for supplementary information. Results: Nineteen countries were evaluated; 37% classified NH studies with biomarker collection as noninterventional and 26% required regulatory approval (increasing to 47% when molecular biomarker testing was introduced). No regulatory provisions for genetic testing could be identified in 32% of countries, and 58% did not have binding requirements for genetic counseling. Conclusion: Lack of harmonization of regulations governing NH studies with molecular biomarker collection contributes to the operational complexity of conducting multinational studies in orphan and rare diseases. A set of harmonized international guidelines for these studies would improve efficiency, and this may be on the horizon with the recent adaption of International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guideline E18.
Engineered Aging Cardiac Tissue Chip Model for Studying Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Budhathoki Sachin , Graham Caleb , Sethu Palaniappan , Kannappan Ramaswamy
Published: August 2021

Due to the rapidly growing number of older people worldwide and the concomitant increase in cardiovascular complications, there is an urgent need for age-related cardiac disease modeling and drug screening platforms. In the present study, we developed a cardiac tissue chip model that incorporates hemodynamic loading and mimics essential aspects of the infarcted aging heart. We induced cellular senescence in H9c2 myoblasts using low-dose doxorubicin treatment. These senescent cells were then used to engineer cardiac tissue fibers, which were subjected to hemodynamic stresses associated with pressure-volume changes in the heart. Myocardial ischemia was modeled in the engineered cardiac tissue via hypoxic treatment. Our results clearly show that acute low-dose doxorubicin treatment-induced senescence, as evidenced by morphological and molecular markers, including enlarged and flattened nuclei, DNA damage response foci, and increased expression of cell cycle inhibitor p16INK4a, p53, and ROS. Under normal hemodynamic load, the engineered cardiac tissues demonstrated cell alignment and retained cardiac cell characteristics. Our senescent cardiac tissue model of hypoxia-induced myocardial infarction recapitulated the pathological disease hallmarks such as increased cell death and upregulated expression of ANP and BNP. In conclusion, the described methodology provides a novel approach to generate stress-induced aging cardiac cell phenotypes and engineer cardiac tissue chip models to study the cardiovascular disease pathologies associated with aging.
Does the Management of Visual and Audible Motion Information during an Immersive Virtual Reality Timed Up and Go Test Impact Locomotor Performance in the Elderly?
Authors: Muhla Frédéric , Duclos Karine , Clanché Fabien , Meyer Philippe , Maïaux Séverine , Colnat-Coulbois Sophie , Gauchard Gérome C.
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims: Falling among the elderly is a major public health issue, especially with the advancing age of the baby boomers. The fall risk assessment tests for many lack a context that would bring them closer to everyday life. Thus, immersive virtual reality, which makes it possible to simulate everyday situations, could make it possible to strengthen the quality of the assessment of the risk of falls. However, it is necessary to understand how the use of a virtual reality device influences the motor control of elderly participants. If vestibular physiotherapists use VR to virtualize their tools, what impact would a visual simulation of movement have on motor control in a locomotor task, if this simulation were plausible? Methods: Sixty-two elders (70.8 ± 6.7 years old) completed a Timed Up and Go task under 3 conditions: real, virtual reality, and virtual reality with visual and sound movement information. The virtual reality task takes place in a train either stationary at a station or in uniform linear motion. The time and number of steps were recorded using video, and comparisons between conditions were made using Friedman’s test. Results: The results show a significant increase in the time and number of steps in “virtual reality” condition compared to the “real” condition. They do not show significant differences between the 2 virtual conditions. Conclusion: The use of a running virtual train to provide plausible movement is particularly distinguished from vestibular physiotherapy applications with first a fixed visual support partially obscuring the optical flow. This visual aid coupled with the attention dedicated to the task inhibits the effect of the moving environment on locomotion. However, the visual optical flow will potentially have an effect in people with fear of falling. Virtual reality shows great potential for the simulation of realistic environments for the assessment of the risk of falls and opens up avenues for the development of tests.
Neuroinflammation in Late-Onset Schizophrenia: Viewing from the Standpoint of the Microglia Hypothesis
Authors: Monji Akira , Mizoguchi Yoshito
Published: August 2021

Schizophrenia develops mainly in adolescence, but late-onset schizophrenia (LOS) is not uncommon. According to the international consensus, schizophrenia which develops over 40 years old is called LOS and psychosis which develops over 60 years old is called very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (VLOS). Compared to early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) that develops before the age of 40 years, LOS and VLOS are reported to be more common in women, and there are clinically clear differences such as less involvement of genetic factors than EOS. This review outlines the abnormalities of the neuroimmune system in the pathophysiology of LOS, especially focusing on the role of microglia.
Does the Side Matter? A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Left and Right Pure Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomies
Authors: Zeuschner Philip , Stöckle Michael , Peters Robert , Miller Kurt , Liefeldt Lutz , Halleck Fabian , Budde Klemens , Hennig Linda , Friedersdorff Frank
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (RLDN) is no longer regarded inferior to left LDN (LLDN). However, this knowledge is based on many studies suffering from inherent learning curves, center-specific imbalances, and different laparoscopic techniques. Methods: Pure LDNs at a high-volume referral center from 2011 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient, graft characteristics, outcomes of LDNs, and corresponding open kidney transplantations were compared between LLDN and RLDN including a follow-up. Results: 160 (78.4%) LLDNs and 44 (21.6%) RLDNs only differed regarding graft characteristics, as more right grafts had multiple veins (34.1 vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001) and worse scintigraphic function (44 vs. 51%, p < 0.001). RLDNs were shorter (201 vs. 220 min, p = 0.032) with longer warm ischemia time (165 vs. 140 s, p < 0.001), but left grafts were transplanted faster (160 vs. 171 min, p = 0.048). Recipients of right kidneys had more postoperative complications (grade 3: 25.6 vs. 11.3%, p = 0.020). At a follow-up of 45 (range 6–79) months, neither the kidney function, nor death-censored graft (5-year: LLDN 89 vs. 92%, p = 0.969) and patient survival (5-year: LLDN 95 vs. 98%, p = 0.747) differed. Conclusions: Pure LLDN and RLDN can have different outcomes at high-volume centers, especially higher complications for recipients of right grafts. However, long-term function and graft survival are the same irrespective of the chosen side.
A Multicenter Study of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Allergic Rhinitis in Primary School Children in 5 Cities of Hubei Province, China
Authors: Tong Xiaoting , Tong Huan , Gao Ling , Deng Yuqin , Xiang Rong , Cen Ruixiang , Zhao Yan , Wang Pengju , Li Guo , Shen Jingqiu , Xu Bisheng , He Benchao , Kong Yonggang , Tao Zezhang , Xu Yu ,   Hubei Medical Quality Control Center for Allergic Disease
Published: August 2021

Background: Few data are available concerning the prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis (AR) in school children in Hubei Province which is located in the central part of China. This study investigated the epidemiological features of AR among school children in Hubei Province. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on AR in school children was carried out in 5 cities in Hubei Province by cluster sampling from June to September 2018. Questionnaires were filled out by children and their parents jointly. The diagnostic criteria of AR were according to the SFAR. Questions from the questionnaire were used to examine the pattern of AR. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for childhood allergies. Results: The total prevalence rate of AR was 16.16%, with 24.31% (Wuhan), 4.34% (Xiangyang), 4.31% (Tianmen), 10.92% (Jingmen), and 11.42% (Huangshi), respectively. The prevalence of AR was positively correlated with gross domestic product per capita (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that male, city of Wuhan, family history of allergy, food allergy, drug allergy, air purifier, exposure to dust, living in towns or urban area before 2 years old, maternal age for 26–35 years old, and frequent application of antibiotics increased the risk of AR, while daily outdoor time for 1–2 h, daily sleeping time >8 h, siblings, and breastfeeding for >6 months reduced the risk significantly. Conclusion: We found the apparent geographic variation of children allergies in Hubei Province. Both genetic and environment factors had impacts on the prevalence of AR in school children. Public policies should specifically target at the local risk factors for different areas.
A Case of a Rapidly Growing Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor-Producing Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Noda Haruna , Yamashita Michiko , Murakami Akari , Okujima Kumiko , Takemoto Kana , Takaoka Megumi , Kusakabe Erina , Aoki Reina , Taguchi Kana , Nishiyama Kanako , Kitazawa Riko , Kamei Yoshiaki , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: August 2021

A 34-year-old woman with a rapidly growing right breast mass visited our hospital. The mass was diagnosed as a right breast cancer (cT3N1M0 stage ⦀A). Her serum leucocyte count and C-reactive protein levels were high, and she had persistent fever. However, serum procalcitonin and β-D-glucan levels were normal, and no apparent infection focus was detected, although her serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) level was markedly elevated to 42.7 pg/mL. Therefore, a G-CSF-producing breast cancer was suspected. A pathological analysis of the surgical specimen revealed a squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (pT2N0 [i+] M0 stage ∥A). Right mastectomy (with the resection of the pectoralis major muscle), axillary lymph node dissection, and split layer grafting were performed. The leucocyte count and serum G-CSF level decreased on postoperative day (POD) 1 and normalized on POD 6. As adjuvant chemotherapy, 4 cycles of a combination chemotherapy with adriamycin and cyclophosphamide and 12 cycles of weekly paclitaxel were administered. After chemotherapy, the patient also underwent postmastectomy radiotherapy. Currently, 30 months after surgery, the patient is alive and well with neither progression nor distant metastasis. G-CSF-producing breast cancers tend to rapidly grow such as in the current case; thus, surgery should be performed immediately, followed by appropriate adjuvant treatment.
Visiones catastróficas e inspiraciones edificantes: Kant entre Bengel y Lessing
Authors: Cattaneo Ricardo
Published: August 2021

Para dar cuenta de una de las articulaciones posibles entre los conceptos de naturaleza e historia, nos proponemos revisar algunas ideas que presenta Immanuel Kant en un texto poco frecuentado pero muy interesante, a saber: “El fin de todas las cosas” (1794). Se trata de un ensayo que aborda ciertos temas de interés desde la perspectiva de una filosofía práctica. Particularmente, en relación con la comprensión histórica que supone cierta visión distorsionada de acontecimientos considerados como catastróficos y la dificultad que conlleva adoptar un pensamiento fundado en inspiraciones edificantes sobre el curso de las cosas. J. A. Bengel y G. E. Lessing representarían tales posiciones, planteos errados de los cuales busca mantenerse equidistante el filósofo de Königsberg con sus reflexiones incisivas e irónicas.