bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic Mechanisms Underlying Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Moss Benjamin J. , Ryter Stefan W. , Rosas Ivan O.
Published: November 2021

The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) involves a complex interplay of cell types and signaling pathways. Recurrent alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury may occur in the context of predisposing factors (e.g., genetic, environmental, epigenetic, immunologic, and gerontologic), leading to metabolic dysfunction, senescence, aberrant epithelial cell activation, and dysregulated epithelial repair. The dysregulated epithelial cell interacts with mesenchymal, immune, and endothelial cells via multiple signaling mechanisms to trigger fibroblast and myofibroblast activation. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies of IPF lungs support the epithelial injury model. These studies have uncovered a novel type of AEC with characteristics of an aberrant basal cell, which may disrupt normal epithelial repair and propagate a profibrotic phenotype. Here, we review the pathogenesis of IPF in the context of novel bioinformatics tools as strategies to discover pathways of disease, cell-specific mechanisms, and cell-cell interactions that propagate the profibrotic niche.
[Retracted] Long‐Term Carbohydrate‐Containing Late‐Evening Snack Significantly Improves the Ratio of Branched Chain Amino Acids to Aromatic Amino Acids in Adults with Liver Cirrhosis due to Hepatitis B
Authors: Hou Wei , Lv Zheng , Yang Jing , Wu Jing , Wang Zhong-ying , Meng Qing-hua
Published: November 2021

Background. The liver is the primary organ for amino acid metabolism, and metabolic disorder of amino acids is common in liver disease. However, the characteristics of plasma amino acid profiles in patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis and the impacts of late‐evening snack (LES) on cirrhosis are unclear. Objectives. To investigate the characteristics of plasma amino acid profiles in patients with HBV‐related chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and the effects of late‐evening snacks on plasma amino acid profiles. Methods. 86 patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis and eighty patients with chronic hepatitis B were included in this study. The plasma amino acid profiles were measured by the amino acid analyzer. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, of which the liver cirrhosis group was to receive daily LES (n = 43) or non‐LES (n = 43) for 6 months. Plasma amino acid profiles and biochemical parameters were measured in both groups at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months. Results. Compared to healthy controls, the plasma concentration in the liver cirrhosis group of threonine, serine, glycine, glutamine, cysteine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, arginine, and methionine increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the ratio of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) to aromatic amino acids (AAA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05). A carbohydrate‐predominant LES treatment resulted in a significant increase in BCAA/AAA and decrease in the level of ammonia and glutamine compared with baseline after 6 months of supplementation (P < 0.05). Patients with Child‐Pugh B and C are more responsive to changes in amino acid profiles than those with Child‐Pugh A. Conclusions. The application of an LES carbohydrate module for six months in liver cirrhosis patients was associated with increased BCAA/AAA and decreased level of ammonia. Patients with Child‐Pugh B and C grades were the most beneficial population.
lncRNA TUG1 Facilitates Colorectal Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics and Chemoresistance by Enhancing GATA6 Protein Stability
Authors: Sun Junfeng , Zhou Hangyuan , Bao Xingqi , Wu Yue , Jia Haowei , Zhao Hongchao , Liu Guanghui
Published: November 2021

Background. Chemoresistance and tumor recurrence lead to high deaths in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to these pathologic properties, but the exact mechanisms are still poorly understood. This study identified that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TUG1 was highly expressed in CRC stem cells and investigated its mechanism. Methods. After the CD133+/CD44+ cells with cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics were isolated and identified by flow cytometry, lncRNA TUG1 expression was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. The lncRNA TUG1 function was further investigated using gain- and loss-of-function assays, sphere formation, Western blot, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and cell apoptosis detection. Moreover, the mechanism was explored by RNA pull-down assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and cycloheximide- (CHX-) chase assays. Results. lncRNA TUG1 was elevated in CD133+/CD44+ cells with CSC characteristics. Functionally, lncRNA TUG1 increased the characteristics and oxaliplatin resistance of CRC stem cells. Mechanically, lncRNA TUG1 interacted with GATA6 and positively regulated its protein level and the rescue assays corroborated that lncRNA TUG1 knockdown repressed the characteristics and oxaliplatin resistance of CRC stem cells by decreasing GATA6 and functioned in CRC by targeting the GATA6-BMP signaling pathway. Furthermore, the in vivo assay verified the lncRNA TUG1 function in facilitating the characteristics and oxaliplatin resistance of CRC stem cells. Conclusion. lncRNA TUG1 facilitated CRC stem cell characteristics and chemoresistance by enhancing GATA6 protein stability.
Development and Parametric Analysis of Vibration System Controlled by Hydraulic Shock Rotary Vibrator
Authors: Ren Qichao , Kou Ziming , Wu Juan , Li Tengyu , Yahya Waled
Published: November 2021

The improvement of the energy utilization rate of a hydraulic vibration‐excitation system is critical to the research and development of hydraulic vibration equipment. In this paper, a hydraulic vibration‐excitation system controlled by a new type of shock rotary vibrator is proposed. A system model considering the pipeline effect was established for the hydraulic shock phenomenon. In addition, the model was compared with the one that does not consider the pipeline effect. The effectiveness of the proposed model was verified experimentally. Finally, the shock phenomenon during the process of switching the working state of the vibrator and the influence of certain important parameters of the system on the vibration output were investigated based on the proposed model. The results showed that (1) the hydraulic shock phenomenon occurred when the working state of the hydraulic vibrator was switched and (2) the hydraulic shock wave could effectively improve the excitation force of the system. The excitation force increased with an increase in the oil supply pressure, spindle speed, and load. However, it was negatively correlated with the spring stiffness. The amplitude of the vibration waveform output was positively correlated with the oil supply pressure and negatively correlated with the spindle speed and load. The amplitude first increased and then decreased as the stiffness of the vibration spring increased. The only influence of the precompressed length of the spring on the system output was its alteration of the vibration center of the system output vibration.
Physiological Responses and Proteomic Analysis on the Cold Stress Responses of Annual Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) Branches
Authors: Zhou Junliang , Wang Lijuan , Xiao Tujian , Wang Zhuang , Mao Yongya , Ma Yuhua
Published: November 2021

In this study, the physiological response of the annual branches of three varieties of pitaya (Xianmi, Fulong, and Zihonglong) in cold stress was investigated using a multivariate statistical method. Physiological change results showed that cold stress could decrease the moisture and chlorophyll contents, on the contrary, increase the relative electric conductivity, the contents of malonadehyde, soluble protein, soluble sugar, and free proline, and enhance the enzyme activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Meanwhile, a comparative proteomic approach was also conducted to clarify the cold resistance-related proteins and pathways in annual pitaya branches. Proteomics results concluded that the cold tolerance of annual pitaya branches could be improved by modulating autophagy. Therefore, we hypothesized that an increased autophagy ability may be an important characteristic of the annual pitaya branches in response to cold stress conditions. Our results provide a good understanding of the physiological responses and molecular mechanisms of the annual pitaya branches in response to cold stress.
Recognition of Factors of Postoperative Complications of Knee Osteoarthritis Patients and Comprehensive Nursing Intervention
Authors: Dong Ying , Zhang Pei , Fan Lidan
Published: November 2021

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, cartilage exfoliation, osteophyte formation, and synovitis. It seriously affects the knee joint function and quality of life of patients. Total knee arthroplasty is now the most frequently used therapy for end-stage knee arthritis because it can successfully modify the line of lower extremities, restore knee joint function, alleviate pain, and enhance patients’ quality of life; nevertheless, it may cause significant trauma and bleeding. It can easily lead to infection and anemia. In this study, the control group chose total knee arthroplasty and the observation group chose total knee arthroplasty combined with PRP. The results showed that the knee joint function score, visual analog score, blood transfusion, total blood loss, total postoperative drainage, and complications in the observation group were superior to those in the control group. Total knee arthroplasty takes a long time and needs a lot of soft tissue incision, which leads to a lot of blood loss and can cause a variety of complications. Gel has been shown in studies to successfully decrease blood loss during and after total knee arthroplasty, enhance knee joint function recovery, and improve patient quality of life. In this paper, the complications and causes of knee osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty were studied. Combined with comprehensive nursing intervention for postoperative recovery, it helps to improve the formation of thrombin and calcium ion, which can effectively reduce blood loss, relieve pain, and promote the recovery of knee joint function. This study analyzed the application of total knee arthroplasty combined with gel in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Synthesis and Study of the Physical and Photovoltaic Properties of Novel Heteroleptic Ruthenium(II) Complexes Ligated with Highly π-Conjugated Bipyridine Ancillary and Phenanthroline Anchoring Ligand for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Hyejeong , Seo Jinhyung , Jeong Mingyeong , Na Seo Yeong , Park Byoungchoo , Kim Byeong Hyo
Published: November 2021

Six new heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes (JM1–JM6), each bearing a highly π-conjugated bipyridine ancillary ligand (a methoxy-substituted analog (L1) and a phenanthroline-type anchoring ligand (L2) (dcphen or dcvphen; [Ru(L)2(NCS)2][TBA]2; L1 = 4,4′-bis{2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethenyl}-2,2′-bipyridine (dmpbpy), 4,4′-bis{2-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4-ylethenyl}-2,2′-bipyridine (bpbpy), or 4,4′-bis{2-(4′-methoxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-ylethenyl}-2,2′-bipyridine (mbpbpy); L2 = 4,7-dicarboxy-1,10-phenanthroline (dcphen) or 4,7-bis(E-carboxyvinyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (dcvphen)) were synthesized, and their physical and photovoltaic properties were investigated. Various dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes. Ruthenium(II) complex JM1, ligated to dmpbpy (ancillary) and dcphen (anchoring) ligands, exhibited the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 3.40%, which was approximately 71% of the efficiency exhibited by the commercially available N719-sensitized solar cells. Ruthenium(II) complex JM5, ligated to mbpbpy (ancillary) and dcphen (anchoring) ligands, exhibited the second-best PCE value (2.52%), and ruthenium(II) complex JM3, ligated to bpbpy (ancillary) and dcphen (anchoring) ligands, exhibited a PCE value of 1.45%. It was observed that the PCE values of the DSSCs could be significantly improved by introducing the electron-donating methoxy group at proper positions of the ancillary ligands present in the heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes (such as JM1 and JM5).
Clinical Diagnostic Value of Quantitative Hepatitis B Virus Core Antibody Test in Chronic Viral Hepatitis B
Authors: Su Xi , Chen Huangping , Zhu Zifei , Xie Wanying , Peng Jianqiao , Ma Xinping , Jin Wenwen , Shi Wei , Deng Zhonghua , Li Cunyan
Published: November 2021

The level of CHB virus (HBV) core antibody (HBcAb) is different in four stages of chronic HBV infection and may be used for differential diagnosis of the natural history of chronic HBV infection. To address this question, we examined multiple blood biomarkers and assessed the efficacy to diagnose different stages of chronic HBV infection. The quantitative detection of HBcAb, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and platelet count (PLT) were determined in the serum of 73 cases of low-replicative phase (LR), 46 cases of immune-tolerant phase (IT), 44 cases of immune clearance phase (IC), and 57 cases of HBeAg-negative hepatitis (ENH). Differentiating performance of these serum protein levels was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Our results showed that the levels of HBcAb, ALT, and AST levels were significantly higher in IC and ENH than those in LR and IT (both

P
≤
0.001

). The levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg were higher in IC and IT than those in LR and ENH (both

P
≤
0.001

). Logistic regression models showed that HBcAb, HBsAg, HBV DNA, ALT, and AST were the independent variables, respectively, and when combined, they provided high diagnostic accuracy for the staging of CHB. To sum up, HBcAb quantification is a new index, which can reflect whether the liver is in the immune activation state of HBV infection, and is related to the inflammatory state of the host liver. The combined detection of HBcAb quantification and other indicators has showed promising efficiency for staging of IC and ENH and can assist the diagnosis and treatment of CHB.
Direction Curves Associated with Darboux Vectors Fields and Their Characterizations
Authors: Echabbi Nidal , Ouazzani Chahdi Amina
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we consider the Darboux frame of a curve

α

lying on an arbitrary regular surface and we use its unit osculator Darboux vector

D
¯

o

, unit rectifying Darboux vector

D
¯

r

, and unit normal Darboux vector

D
¯

n

to define some direction curves such as

D
¯

o

-direction curve,

D
¯

r

-direction curve, and

D
¯

n

-direction curve, respectively. We prove some relationships between

α

and these associated curves. Especially, the necessary and sufficient conditions for each direction curve to be a general helix, a spherical curve, and a curve with constant torsion are found. In addition to this, we have seen the cases where the Darboux invariants

δ

o

,

δ

r

, and

δ

n

are, respectively, zero. Finally, we enrich our study by giving some examples.
Influence of Flax Fibre Hybridization on Mechanical Behaviour of Sisal Fibre‐Polypropylene Composites Prepared with an Injection Moulding Machine
Authors: Jeffrey J. Allen , Sivakumar A. , Kumar R. Naveen , Anbazhagan A. , Manojkumar G. , Al Obaid Sami , Alfarraj Saleh , Sivakumar S. , Rajkumar S.
Published: November 2021

Due to their low weight, high specific strength, and low environmental impact, sisal fibre‐polypropylene composites have gained popularity. However, the material has a low modulus and poor moisture resistance, among other shortcomings. This study investigated how flax fibre hybridization affects the physical parameters of sisal fibre‐polypropylene composites. We used maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene to improve compatibility between fibres and polypropylene. Adding flax fibres to polypropylene‐silica composites resulted in increased tensile strength, flexibility, and impact strength, according to researchers. Water resistance was further improved by adding flax fibres. Tensile strength values of polypropylene‐sisal fibre composites filled with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% of flax fibres were 29.46, 30.56, 31.57, 33.12, and 34.64 MPa, respectively.
Sacral Insufficiency Fracture after Radiotherapy for Cervical Cancer: Appearance and Dynamic Changes on 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Ji Yu , Shao Chunchun , Cui Yong , Shi Dai , Su Na , Wang Yaru , Zheng Jingsong
Published: November 2021

Objective. With the increasing application of radiotherapy for cervical cancer, the incidence of sacral insufficiency fracture (SIF) is increasing gradually. Incorrect or untimely treatment caused by misdiagnosis may lead to serious adverse clinical consequences. This study retrospectively analyzed SIF caused by radiotherapy regarding the appearance and dynamic changes in 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positive emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) images to improve the understanding of SIF. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively examined cervical cancer patients who underwent pelvic radiotherapy and 18F-FDG PET/CT between January 2014 and January 2021. Comparative analysis of the imaging performance and follow-up data was conducted. In total, 38 patients with ages ranging from 28 to 81 years (mean age 59.2 ± 10.6 y, median age 56 y) participated in the study. The respective characteristics of the 38 patients were summarized, and diagnosis was confirmed by follow-up changes. Results. Twenty-five (65.8%) of the 38 patients suffered from unilateral SIF, and 13 (34.2%) suffered from bilateral SIF. After receiving radiotherapy, SIF first appeared in 3–42 months (median, 13 months). The main 18F-FDG PET/CT manifestations of SIF were increased bone density (35/38, 92.1%), anterior sacral fracture line (28/38, 73.7%), and diffuse or linear uptake patterns parallel to the sacroiliac joint (37/38, 97.3%), with the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) ranging from 1.8 to 5.9 (average, 3.1). Follow-up lasted 3–59 months (mean, 14 months). The main changes in SIF were increases in the bone density and high-density range and decreases in the FDG uptake intensity and hypermetabolism range. Three patients had secondary sacral or sacroiliac joint infection (3/38, 7.9%), and 3 patients had secondary fracture and/or pelvic deformation (3/38, 7.9%). Conclusions. 18F-FDG PET/CT is an effective technique for diagnosing SIF. A small fracture line in the anterior sacrum and diffuse or linear areas of high density or metabolism parallel to the sacroiliac joint were the characteristic features of SIF. The main changes in SIF were increases in the bone density and high-density range and decreases in the FDG uptake intensity and hypermetabolism range.
The Photocatalytic Effects of Modified Hydrothermal Nanotitania Extraction on the Skin and Behavior of Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Harun Ahmad Mukifza , Awang Huzaika , Noor Nor Farid Mohd , Makhatar Nur Mohamad , Yusoff Mohamad Ezany , Affandi Nor Dalila Nor , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: November 2021

Background. Potential antibacterial substances, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), are being extensively studied throughout the research world. A modified hydrothermal nanotitania extraction was shown to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth in the laboratory. However, the toxicity effect of the extract on rats is unknown. In this study, we observed the effects of a modified hydrothermal nanotitania extraction on the skin and behavior of Sprague‐Dawley rats. Methods. Sprague‐Dawley (Rattus norvegicus) rats were used as the experimental animals. The skin around the dorsum of the tested animals was shaved and pasted with 0.1 mg and 0.5 mg of the nanotitania extraction. The color and condition of the pasted area and the behavior of the animals were observed. Results. 0.1 mg nanotitania extraction application on the dorsum of the rat produced no skin color changes at day 1, day 3, day 5, or day 7 postapplication. There were no changes in their behavior up to day 7 with no skin rashes or skin scratches seen or fur changes. However, 0.5 mg of nanotitania extraction resulted in redness and less fur regrowth at day 7. Conclusions. A 0.1 mg modified nanotitania extraction was observed to have no effect on the skin of Sprague‐Dawley rats.
The Effect of a Service Experience Cost on a Queueing System
Authors: Zhang Xuelu , Ma Qing
Published: November 2021

In this work, the authors consider the effect of a service experience cost (SE cost) on customer behaviour in the M/M/1 queueing system. Based on customer individual equilibrium strategy, social welfare is also analyzed in unobservable and observable cases. The SE cost decreases the equilibrium joining probability and social welfare in an unobservable case. However, there might exist multiple individual equilibrium thresholds in an observable case. Furthermore, numerical results show that the SE cost can be used as a feasible policy to make an incentive for customers and regulate the system for improved social welfare in some scenarios.
Gender Variations in the Oral Microbiomes of Elderly Patients with Initial Periodontitis
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhou Ying-Hui , Zhao Ya-Qiong , Feng Yao , Yan Fei , Gao Zheng-Rong , Ye Qin , Chen Yun , Liu Qiong , Tan Li , Zhang Shao-Hui , Hu Jing , Dusenge Marie Aimee , Feng Yun-Zhi , Guo Yue
Published: November 2021

Periodontitis is a globally prevalent disease that imposes a functional and aesthetic burden on patients. The oral microbiome influences human health. The aim of this study was at assessing gender variation in the subgingival bacterial microbiome of elderly patients with initial periodontitis and to determine the causes of this variation. Twelve males and twenty females (range 50–68 years old) with initial periodontitis provided subgingival plaque samples. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, QIIME-based data processing, and statistical analyses were carried out using several different analytical approaches to detect differences in the oral microbiome between the two groups. Males had higher Chao1 index, observed species, and phylogenetic diversity whole tree values than females. Analysis of β-diversity indicated that the samples were reasonably divided by the gender. The linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that the most representative biomarkers were the genus Haemophilus in males, whereas the dominant bacteria in females were Campylobacter. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that predicting changes in the female oral microbiota may be related to the immune system and immune system diseases are the main factor in males. These data suggest that gender may be a differentiating factor in the microbial composition of subgingival plaques in elderly patients with initial periodontitis. These results could deepen our understanding of the role of gender in the oral microbiota present during initial periodontitis.
A Hybrid Model for Short‐Term Traffic Flow Prediction Based on Variational Mode Decomposition, Wavelet Threshold Denoising, and Long Short‐Term Memory Neural Network
Authors: Yu Yang , Shang Qiang , Xie Tian
Published: November 2021

Traffic flow prediction plays an important role in intelligent transportation system (ITS). However, due to the randomness and complex periodicity of traffic flow data, traditional prediction models often fail to achieve good results. On the other hand, external disturbances or abnormal detectors will cause the collected traffic flow data to contain noise components, resulting in a decrease in prediction accuracy. In order to improve the accuracy of traffic flow prediction, this study proposes a mixed traffic flow prediction model VMD‐WD‐LSTM using variational mode decomposition (VMD), wavelet threshold denoising (WD), and long short‐term memory (LSTM) network. Firstly, we decompose the original traffic flow sequence into K components through VMD and determine the number of components K according to the sample entropy of different K values. Then, each component is denoised by wavelet threshold to obtain the denoised subsequence. Finally, LSTM is used to predict each subsequence, and the predicted values of each subsequence are combined into the final prediction results. In addition, the performance of the proposed model and the latest traffic flow prediction model is compared on the several well‐known public datasets. The empirical analysis shows that the proposed model not only has good prediction accuracy but also has superior robustness.
[Retracted] Design and Research on the Foul Detector of a Long Jump Jumping Line Based on a Vision Sensor
Authors: Yang Duo , Bian Xiguo
Published: November 2021

Long jump is one of the important events of modern track and field sports, and it is also one of the regular events of major events. Due to the complexity and technicality of the project, the determination of the results in a formal competition is also very complicated. It is easy for athletes to invalidate their results due to fouls by stepping on the jump line. Therefore, it is very necessary to detect fouls. This paper uses a visual sensor technology to design and develop a foul detector for the situation of athletes stepping on the jump line in a long jump, which can detect fouls well. In the formal competition process, because the long jump time is relatively short, the referee is interfered by many factors and it is easy to misread the movements of the athletes and cause misjudgment. Therefore, on this basis, in order to improve the fairness of the game and create a good competition environment, the design is designed. The long jump stepping line foul detector is studied, and the visual sensor technology is used, which can judge the long jump stepping fouls during the long jump based on the feedback data.
Controllability of Flow‐Conservation Transportation Networks with Fractional‐Order Dynamics
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhou Bo
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we adapt the fractional derivative approach to formulate the flow‐conservation transportation networks, which consider the propagation dynamics and the users’ behaviors in terms of route choices. We then investigate the controllability of the fractional‐order transportation networks by employing the Popov‐Belevitch‐Hautus rank condition and the QR decomposition algorithm. Furthermore, we provide the exact solutions for the full controllability pricing controller location problem, which includes where to locate the controllers and how many controllers are required at the location positions. Finally, we illustrate two numerical examples to validate the theoretical analysis.
Topological Sustainability of Crop Water Requirements and Irrigation Scheduling of Some Main Crops Based on the Penman-Monteith Method
Authors: Khan Waseem Asghar , Rahman Jamshaid Ul , Mohammed Mogtaba , AlHussain Ziyad Ali , Elbashir Murtada K.
Published: November 2021

The following method was used to apply the topology of the current study of evapotranspiration ETo, net irrigation demand, irrigation schedules, and total effective rain fall of different crop models: using the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) CROPWAT 8.0 standard software and the CLIMWAT 2.0 tool and the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith approach to examine the variable topology of evapotranspiration ETo. Due to high temperatures in summer with an annual mean of 6.33 mm/day, the topological demonstration of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) increases from 2.84 mm/day in January to a maximum of 9.61 mm/day in July. Effective rainfall fluctuates from 0 mm to 53.4 mm. Total irrigation topological indices requirements were 308.3 mm/dec, 335.9 mm/dec, 343.6 mm/dec, 853 mm/dec, and 1479.6 mm/dec for barley, wheat, maize, rice, and citrus, respectively. The physical topological indices due to low demand in winter and high demand in summer, the total net irrigation, and gross irrigation for clay loamy soils for wheat (210.6 mm and 147.4 mm), barley (176.6 mm and 123.6 mm), citrus (204.5 mm and 143.2 mm), and maize (163.9 mm and 114.7 mm), but not for rice. This topology demonstrates that wheat has 4, barley has 4, citrus has 12, maize has 4, and rice crop has 12 irrigation schedules in a year.
The Impact of Goodwill Recognition and Goodwill Impairment on the Increasing Holdings of Block Shareholders
Authors: Tan Xiaofang , Ge Xin , Liu Qinghua , Yuan Zhengjun
Published: November 2021

There is a large amount of goodwill recognition and goodwill impairment. These characteristics would trigger stock price fluctuation. Hence, stakeholders will increase holdings to mitigate the volatility of stock prices. According to the data in regard to the Chinese A‐share nonfinancial listed companies from 2007 to 2020, we study the reaction of block shareholders after goodwill recognition and goodwill impairment, respectively. Our findings are as follows: (1) goodwill recognition leads to increasing holdings of block shareholders; (2) goodwill impairment also leads to increasing holdings of block shareholders when there is a large amount of goodwill impairment. We also take state ownership into consideration: compared to state‐owned firms, private firms show a much stronger positive relation between goodwill recognition and level of increasing holdings of block shareholders, but there is no significant relation between goodwill impairment and increasing holdings of block shareholders in state‐owned firms. These empirical results provide us with abundant evidence that block shareholders would increase shareholdings when there is goodwill recognition due to private information of positive future expectation in M&A. Meanwhile, block shareholders would stabilize stock price via increasing shareholdings when goodwill is impaired.
Chronic Liver Disease in Ethiopia with a Particular Focus on the Etiological Spectrums: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Tesfaye Behailu Terefe , Feyissa Temesgen Mulugeta , Workneh Azmeraw Bekele , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Yizengaw Mengist Awoke
Published: November 2021

Background. In Ethiopia, chronic liver disease (CLD) is the 7th leading cause of death, accounting for about 24 deaths per 100000 populations in 2019. Despite its burden, there is a lack of compiled pieces of evidence on CLD in the country. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis is intended to provide the pooled estimates of CLD etiologies and mortality rate in CLD patients in Ethiopia. Method. PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, institutional repositories, national digital library, and the bibliography of the eligible articles information were the source of data for the present review. The keywords “hepatitis, chronic” [Mesh], “end-Stage Liver Disease” [Mesh], “chronic liver disease”, “liver cirrhosis” [Mesh], and “Ethiopia” were used for the searches. Overall, we retrieved 199 records and 12 were included in this review. We used the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models to perform the meta-analysis. We conducted subgroup and meta-regression analyses to account for the heterogeneity of the estimates. Result. Hepatitis B virus, alcohol, and hepatitis C virus are the three most common etiologies of CLD in Ethiopia accounting for a pooled estimate of 40.0% [95% CI: 29.0, 51.0, I2 = 96.3,

p
<
0.001

], 17.0% [95% CI: 9.0, 25.0, I2 = 96.7,

p
<
0.001

], and 15.0% [95% CI: 9.0, 21.0, I2 = 95.8,

p
<
0.001

], respectively. Unidentified etiology report has a substantial contribution accounting for an estimated pooled proportion of 45% [95% CI: 34.0, 56.0%, Q = 32.08,

p
<
0.001

, I2 = 87.53] of the CLD cases in the country. On the other hand, the overall hospital mortality rate in CLD patients is 25.0% [95% CI: 2.0, 47.0, I2 = 94.6,

p
<
0.001

] in Ethiopia. Conclusion. Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and alcohol are the three most common contributors to CLD cases in Ethiopia. The authors warrant routine screening and strengthening of preventive and treatment programs for viral hepatitis B and C, further enhancing the alcohol policy of the country.
Studying the Role of Personality Traits on the Evacuation Choice Behavior Pattern in Urban Road Network in Different Severity Scales of Natural Disaster
Authors: Mohajeri Fatemeh , Mirbaha Babak
Published: November 2021

The study of evacuation behavior in response to disaster is necessary for emergency traffic management. As decision‐making is not exclusively dependent on observable variables, in this research, it is attempted to study the evacuation choice behavior pattern in emergency response to earthquake disaster by considering both physical and behavioral factors. Personality traits are measured as behavioral latent factors by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the short form of NEO‐Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI). A revealed preference survey with more than 700 samples was conducted in Qazvin city (Iran) which was based on real‐life earthquake experience and the stated preference survey was conducted for six designated scenarios with different severities and times of earthquakes. Analysis of evacuation behavior is conducted by 3 types of discrete choice models (traditional binary logit model (TBLM), hybrid binary logit model (HBLM), and random parameters/mixed binary logit model (MBLM)). First, TBLM is estimated to study the effect of observable variables on response of people to earthquake disaster. Then, by adding the personality traits to modeling structure and constructing HBLM, the correct prediction percentage of the model increased. This study also considers heterogeneous mixtures of population in terms of income, family size, and five factors of personality traits by MBLM. The MBLM captures the heterogeneous responses of the respondent. By considering these variables as random parameters, the Log Likelihood function and pseudo square (ρ2) of the model increased.
Ensemble Classification Approach for Sarcasm Detection
Authors: Godara Jyoti , Batra Isha , Aron Rajni , Shabaz Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Cognitive science is a technology which focuses on analyzing the human brain using the application of DM. The databases are utilized to gather and store the large volume of data. The authenticated information is extracted using measures. This research work is based on detecting the sarcasm from the text data. This research work introduces a scheme to detect sarcasm based on PCA algorithm,

K

-means algorithm, and ensemble classification. The four ensemble classifiers are designed with the objective of detecting the sarcasm. The first ensemble classification algorithm (SKD) is the combination of SVM, KNN, and decision tree. In the second ensemble classifier (SLD), SVM, logistic regression, and decision tree classifiers are combined for the sarcasm detection. In the third ensemble model (MLD), MLP, logistic regression, and decision tree are combined, and the last one (SLM) is the combination of MLP, logistic regression, and SVM. The proposed model is implemented in Python and tested on five datasets of different sizes. The performance of the models is tested with regard to various metrics.
A Relevant Customer Identification Algorithm Based on the Internet Financial Platform
Authors: Yangyudongnanxin Guo
Published: November 2021

In order to improve the intelligent search capabilities of Internet financial customers, this paper proposes a search algorithm for Internet financial data. The proposed algorithm calculates the customers corresponding to the two selected financial platforms based on the candidate customer set selected from the seed dataset and combined with the restored social relationship. Moreover, it also calculates the similarity of each field between the pairs. Furthermore, this article proposes an entity customer classification model based on logistic regression. Through the SNC model, threshold propagation, and random propagation, the model is transformed into an algorithm that identifies the associated customers, eliminates redundant customers, and realizes associated user identification. Experimental results verify that pruning increases the accuracy of identifying related customers by 8.44%. The average sampling accuracy of the entire customer association model is 79%, the lowest accuracy is 40%, and the highest is 1. From the sampling results, the overall recognition effect of the model reaches the expected goal.
Plasticity in the Absence of NOTCH Uncovers a RUNX2-Dependent Pathway in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hong Deli , Knelson Erik H. , Li Yixiang , Durmaz Yavuz T. , Gao Wenhua , Walton Emily , Vajdi Amir , Thai Tran , Sticco-Ivins Maura , Sabet Amin H. , Jones Kristen L. , Schinzel Anna C. , Bronson Rod T. , Nguyen Quang-De , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Vivero Marina , Signoretti Sabina , Barbie David A. , Oser Matthew G.
Published: November 2021

Neuroendocrine to nonneuroendocrine plasticity supports small cell lung cancer (SCLC) tumorigenesis and promotes immunogenicity. Approximately 20% to 25% of SCLCs harbor loss-of-function (LOF) NOTCH mutations. Previous studies demonstrated that NOTCH functions as a SCLC tumor suppressor, but can also drive nonneuroendocrine plasticity to support SCLC growth. Given the dual functionality of NOTCH, it is not understood why SCLCs select for LOF NOTCH mutations and how these mutations affect SCLC tumorigenesis. In a CRISPR-based genetically engineered mouse model of SCLC, genetic loss of Notch1 or Notch2 modestly accelerated SCLC tumorigenesis. Interestingly, Notch-mutant SCLCs still formed nonneuroendocrine subpopulations, and these Notch-independent, nonneuroendocrine subpopulations were driven by Runx2-mediated regulation of Rest. Notch2-mutant nonneuroendocrine cells highly express innate immune signaling genes including stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and were sensitive to STING agonists. This work identifies a Notch-independent mechanism to promote nonneuroendocrine plasticity and suggests that therapeutic approaches to activate STING could be selectively beneficial for SCLCs with NOTCH2 mutations.

Significance:

A genetically engineered mouse model of NOTCH-mutant SCLC reveals that nonneuroendocrine plasticity persists in the absence of NOTCH, driven by a RUNX2-REST–dependent pathway and innate immune signaling.
Sun Exposure Is Associated with Reduced Breast Cancer Risk among Women Living in the Caribbean: The Atabey Study in Puerto Rico
Authors: Nazario Cruz M. , Rosario-Rosado Rosa V. , Schelske-Santos Michelle , Mansilla-Rivera Imar , Ramírez-Marrero Farah A. , Nie Jing , Piovanetti-Fiol Paola , Hernández-Santiago Johan , Freudenheim Jo L.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Though inconsistent, there is evidence that sun exposure is associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Previous studies have been conducted in geographical regions with seasonal variation in UV radiation, including periods of low to no exposure, and among participants mostly of European descent. Puerto Rico has no significant seasonal fluctuation, with continuous exposure to very high UV radiation.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based case–control study of breast cancer among women in metropolitan San Juan, Puerto Rico, examining a cumulative sun exposure index (SEI) based on a comparison of reflectance of sun-exposed and non-exposed skin. A chromameter was used to measure skin reflectance and estimate the difference between constitutive (unexposed) and facultative (exposed) skin pigmentation in 307 cases and 328 controls. Breast cancer risk factors were ascertained with interviewer-administered questionnaires. OR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with unconditional logistic regression.

Results:

Adjusted breast cancer odds were lower for the highest tertile of the SEI (ORadj = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29–0.74). Results were similar within strata of estrogen receptor status. In analyses stratified by constitutive skin pigmentation, among participants with darker skin color, breast cancer risk was lower with more sun exposure (ORadj = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.16–0.70).

Conclusions:

We found lower risk of breast cancer associated with greater sun exposure in a population living with high, continuous sun exposure. This beneficial finding should be placed in the context of other effects of sun exposure.

Impact:

Sun exposure is a modifiable factor that may contribute, directly or indirectly, to lower breast cancer risk.
STimulator of INterferon Genes Agonism Accelerates Antitumor Activity in Poorly Immunogenic Tumors
Authors: Perera Samanthi A. , Kopinja Johnny E. , Ma Yanhong , Muise Eric S. , Laskey Jason , Chakravarthy Kalyan , Chen Yiping , Cui Long , Presland Jeremy , Sathe Manjiri , Javaid Sarah , Minnihan Ellen C. , Ferguson Heidi M. , Piesvaux Jennifer , Pan Bo-Sheng , Zhao Shuxia , Sharma Sharad K. , Woo Hyun Chong , Pucci Vincenzo , Knemeyer Ian , Cemerski Saso , Cumming Jared , Trotter B. Wesley , Tse Archie , Khilnani Anuradha , Ranganath Sheila , Long Brian J. , Bennett David Jonathan , Addona George H.
Published: November 2021

The innate immune agonist STING (STimulator of INterferon Genes) binds its natural ligand 2′3′-cGAMP (cyclic guanosine-adenosine monophosphate) and initiates type I IFN production. This promotes systemic antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell priming that eventually provides potent antitumor activity. To exploit this mechanism, we synthesized a novel STING agonist, MSA-1, that activates both mouse and human STING with higher in vitro potency than cGAMP. Following intratumoral administration of MSA-1 to a panel of syngeneic mouse tumors on immune-competent mice, cytokine upregulation and its exposure were detected in plasma, other tissues, injected tumors, and noninjected tumors. This was accompanied by effective antitumor activity. Mechanistic studies in immune-deficient mice suggested that antitumor activity of intratumorally dosed STING agonists is in part due to necrosis and/or innate immune responses such as TNF-α activity, but development of a robust adaptive antitumor immunity is necessary for complete tumor elimination. Combination with PD-1 blockade in anti–PD-1–resistant murine models showed that MSA-1 may synergize with checkpoint inhibitors but can also provide superior tumor control as a single agent. We show for the first time that potent cyclic dinucleotides can promote a rapid and stronger induction of the same genes eventually regulated by PD-1 blockade. This may have contributed to the relatively early tumor control observed with MSA-1. Taken together, these data strongly support the development of STING agonists as therapy for patients with aggressive tumors that are partially responsive or nonresponsive to single-agent anti–PD-1 treatment by enhancing the anti–PD-1 immune profile.
Inverse Association of Serum Adipsin with the Remission of Nonalcoholic Fatty-Liver Disease: A 3-Year Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Gu Yingying , Luo Jing , Chen Qian , Qiu Yun , Zhou Yujia , Wang Xu , Qian Xiaoyun , Liu Yao , Xie Jiewen , Xu Zhongliang , Ling Wenhua , Chen Yuming , Yang Lili
Published: November 2021

Purposes: Adipokine alterations contribute to the development and remission of nonalcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD). Adipsin is one of the most abundant adipokines and is almost exclusively produced by adipocytes. However, data on adipsin in human NAFLD are limited and controversial. We performed this study to investigate the association between adipsin and the remission of NAFLD in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. Methods: Whether adipsin is associated with the remission of NAFLD in a 3-year community-based prospective cohort study was investigated. Baseline levels of adipsin were measured in serum samples collected from 908 NAFLD participants. NAFLD was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography. Logistic regression analysis and a multiple stepwise logistic regression model including different variables were conducted to evaluate the association between serum adipsin levels and the remission of NAFLD. Results: During a mean follow-up of 3.14 ± 0.36 years, 247 (27.20%) participants with NAFLD at baseline were in remission. At baseline, serum adipsin concentration was positively correlated with body mass index (r: 0.39, p < 0.001), insulin (r: 0.31, p < 0.001), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r: 0.31, p < 0.001) and was inversely associated with NAFLD remission with a fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.28 (0.16–0.48) (p trend < 0.001). In a multiple stepwise logistic regression model, circulating adipsin independently predicted NAFLD remission (OR: 0.284, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.172–0.471, p for trend <0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.751 (95% CI: 0.717–0.785) (p < 0.001) for the prediction model of NAFLD remission. Conclusions: We provide evidence for an association between serum adipsin levels and the remission of NAFLD in a community-based prospective cohort study. Serum adipsin can be a potential biomarker for predicting NAFLD remission.
PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9) Triggers Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence and Apoptosis: Implication of Its Direct Role in Degenerative Vascular Disease
Authors: Guo Yanan , Tang Zhihan , Yan Binjie , Yin Hao , Tai Shi , Peng Juan , Cui Yuting , Gui Yu , Belke Darrell , Zhou Shenghua , Zheng Xi-Long
Published: November 2021

Objective:

PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) plays a critical role in cholesterol metabolism via the PCSK9–LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) axis in the liver; however, evidence indicates that PCSK9 directly contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases through mechanisms independent of its LDL-cholesterol regulation. The objective of this study was to determine how PCSK9 directly acts on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), contributing to degenerative vascular disease.

Approach and Results:

We first examined the effects of PCSK9 on cultured human aortic SMCs. Overexpression of PCSK9 downregulated the expression of ApoER2 (apolipoprotein E receptor 2), a known target of PCSK9. Treatment with soluble recombinant human ApoER2 or the DNA synthesis inhibitor, hydroxyurea, inhibited PCSK9-induced polyploidization and other cellular responses of human SMCs. Treatment with antibodies against ApoER2 resulted in similar effects to those observed with PCSK9 overexpression. Inducible, SMC-specific knockout of
Pcsk9
accelerated neointima formation in mouse carotid arteries and reduced age-related arterial stiffness. PCSK9 was expressed in SMCs of human atherosclerotic lesions and abundant in the “shoulder” regions of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. PCSK9 was also expressed in SMCs of abdominal aortic aneurysm, which was inversely related to the expression of smooth muscle α-actin.

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrate that PCSK9 inhibits proliferation and induces polyploidization, senescence, and apoptosis, which may be relevant to various degenerative vascular diseases.