bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting disability progression and cognitive worsening in multiple sclerosis using patterns of grey matter volumes
Authors: Colato Elisa , Stutters Jonathan , Tur Carmen , Narayanan Sridar , Arnold Douglas L , Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia A M , Barkhof Frederik , Ciccarelli Olga , Chard Declan T , Eshaghi Arman
Published: April 2021

Objective

In multiple sclerosis (MS), MRI measures at the whole brain or regional level are only modestly associated with disability, while network-based measures are emerging as promising prognostic markers. We sought to demonstrate whether data-driven patterns of covarying regional grey matter (GM) volumes predict future disability in secondary progressive MS (SPMS).

Methods

We used cross-sectional structural MRI, and baseline and longitudinal data of Expanded Disability Status Scale, Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), from a clinical trial in 988 people with SPMS. We processed T1-weighted scans to obtain GM probability maps and applied spatial independent component analysis (ICA). We repeated ICA on 400 healthy controls. We used survival models to determine whether baseline patterns of covarying GM volume measures predict cognitive and motor worsening.

Results

We identified 15 patterns of regionally covarying GM features. Compared with whole brain GM, deep GM and lesion volumes, some ICA components correlated more closely with clinical outcomes. A mainly basal ganglia component had the highest correlations at baseline with the SDMT and was associated with cognitive worsening (HR=1.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.52, p<0.005). Two ICA components were associated with 9HPT worsening (HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.60, p<0.01 and HR=1.21, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.45, p<0.05). ICA measures could better predict SDMT and 9HPT worsening (C-index=0.69–0.71) compared with models including only whole and regional MRI measures (C-index=0.65–0.69, p value for all comparison <0.05).

Conclusions

The disability progression was better predicted by some of the covarying GM regions patterns, than by single regional or whole-brain measures. ICA, which may represent structural brain networks, can be applied to clinical trials and may play a role in stratifying participants who have the most potential to show a treatment effect.
Trial by Triad: substituted judgment, mental illness and the right to die
Authors: Appel Jacob M
Published: April 2021

Substituted judgment has increasingly become the accepted standard for rendering decisions for incapacitated adults in the USA. A broad exception exists with regard to patients with diminished capacity secondary to depressive disorders, as such patients’ previous wishes are generally not honoured when seeking to turn down life-preserving care or pursue aid-in-dying. The result is that physicians often force involuntary treatment on patients with poor medical prognoses and/or low quality of life (PMP/LQL) as a result of their depressive symptoms when similarly situated incapacitated patients without such depressive symptoms would have their previous wishes honoured via substituted judgment. This commentary argues for reconsidering this approach and for using a substituted judgment standard for a subset of EMP/LQL patients seeking death.
Strategies for embolization of direct arteriovenous shunts in brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Clarençon Frédéric , Shotar Eimad , Lenck Stéphanie , Aubertin Mathilde , Premat Kevin , Boch Anne-Laure , Sourour Nader-Antoine
Published: April 2021

Intranidal direct arteriovenous (AV) shunts are rarely observed in brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs).1 The endovascular treatment of such direct AV shunts may be challenging. Indeed, there is a significant risk of venous migration of the embolic agent used to occlude the AV shunt, leading to a subsequent risk of nidus bleeding due to impairment (slowdown or even occlusion) of the bAVM’s venous drainage.2

Various endovascular techniques have been developed to avoid the risk of such inopportune impairment of the venous drainage during attempts to occlude a direct intranidal AV shunt.3–5 We present in this Technical Video (video 1) different endovascular strategies to occlude such direct AV shunts using dual-lumen balloons with various liquid embolic agents, or using occlusion plugs.

Video 1
A lower admission level of interleukin-6 is associated with first-pass effect in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Mechtouff Laura , Bochaton Thomas , Paccalet Alexandre , Crola Da Silva Claire , Buisson Marielle , Amaz Camille , Derex Laurent , Ong Elodie , Berthezene Yves , Dufay Nathalie , Ovize Michel , Mewton Nathan , Cho Tae-Hee , Nighoghossian Norbert , Eker Omer F
Published: April 2021

Background

First-pass effect (FPE) defined as a complete or near-complete reperfusion achieved after a single thrombectomy pass is predictive of favorable outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. We aimed to assess whether admission levels of inflammatory markers are associated with FPE.

Methods

HIBISCUS-STROKE (CoHort of Patients to Identify Biological and Imaging markerS of CardiovascUlar Outcomes in Stroke) includes AIS patients with large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy following brain MRI. C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I, soluble form suppression of tumorigenicity 2, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), soluble P-selectin, and vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 were measured in admission sera using an ELISA assay. FPE was defined as a complete or near-complete reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale (TICI) 2c or 3) after the first pass. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess independent factors associated with FPE.

Results

A total of 151 patients were included. Among them, 43 (28.5%) patients had FPE. FPE was associated with low admission levels of IL-6, MMP-9, and platelet count, an older age, lack of hypertension, lack of tandem occlusion, a shorter thrombus length, and a reduced procedural time. Following multivariate analysis, a low admission level of IL-6 was associated with FPE (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.94). Optimal cut-off of IL-6 level for distinguishing FPE from non-FPE was 3.0 pg/mL (sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 42.3%).

Conclusion

A lower admission level of IL-6 is associated with FPE.
Diagnostic yield, accuracy, and complication rate of CT-guided biopsy for spinal lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Michalopoulos Giorgos D , Yolcu Yagiz Ugur , Ghaith Abdul Karim , Alvi Mohammed Ali , Carr Carrie M , Bydon Mohamad
Published: April 2021

Background

CT-guided biopsy is a commonly used diagnostic procedure for spinal lesions. This meta-analysis aims to investigate its diagnostic performance and complications, as well as factors influencing outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies reporting outcomes of CT-guided biopsies for spinal lesions. Diagnostic yield (ie, the rate of procedures resulting in a specific pathological diagnosis) and diagnostic accuracy (ie, the rate of procedures resulting in the correct diagnosis) were the primary outcomes of interest. Complications following biopsy procedures were also included.

Results

Thirty-nine studies with 3917 patients undergoing 4181 procedures were included. Diagnostic yield per procedure was 91% (95% CI 88% to 94%) among 3598 procedures. The most common reason for non-diagnostic biopsies was inadequacy of sample. No difference in diagnostic yield between different locations and between lytic, sclerotic, and mixed lesions was found. Diagnostic yield did not differ between procedures using ≤13G and ≥14G needles. Diagnostic accuracy per procedure was 86% (95% CI 82% to 89%) among 3054 procedures. Diagnostic accuracy among 2426 procedures that yielded a diagnosis was 94% (95% CI 92% to 96%). Complication rate was 1% (95% CI 0.4% to 1.9%) among 3357 procedures. Transient pain and minor hematoma were the most common complications encountered.

Conclusion

In our meta-analysis of 39 studies reporting diagnostic performance and complications of CT-guided biopsy, we found a diagnostic yield of 91% and diagnostic accuracy of 86% with a complication rate of 1%. Diagnostic yield did not differ between different locations, between lytic, sclerotic and mixed lesions, and between wide- and thin-bore needles.
Shape related features of intracranial aneurysm are associated with rupture status in a large Chinese cohort
Authors: Wang Yuting , Cheng Meixiong , Liu Sijie , Xie Guanglan , Liu Ling , Wu Xiao , Malhotra Ajay , Mossa-Basha Mahmud , Zhu Chengcheng
Published: April 2021

Background

To investigate the prevalence of small ruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms (sIA) in a Chinese cohort and to identify factors associated with rupture status of sIAs.

Methods

Consecutive patients with confirmed sIAs by DSA from January 2015 to July 2019 were included. Demographic and aneurysmal features, including maximal diameter, location, irregularity (lobulated or with blebs), and aspect ratio (AR, defined as height divided by neck width) were recorded and analyzed. Mixed effect logistic regression was used in multivariate analysis.

Results

We analyzed 1514 sIAs in a Chinese cohort of 1216 patients, including 651 ruptured and 863 unruptured sIAs. Median aneurysm size was 5.7 mm for ruptured aneurysms, with 66.1% <7 mm in maximal diameter, and 40.2% measuring <5 mm. The median PHASES score of ruptured sIAs was 5. In multivariate analysis, male sex, hypertension, locations other than the internal carotid artery, irregularity (lobulated or with blebs), and higher AR were independently associated with rupture status (OR for irregularity, 2.88, 95% CI 2.20 to 3.77, p<0.001; OR for AR, 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.24, p=0.036). However, maximal diameter was not significantly associated with rupture status (p=0.72).

Conclusions

In this cohort, ruptured sIAs were frequently smaller than 7 mm. Shape related features, such as irregularity and higher AR, were associated with the ruptured status of sIAs, irrespective of diameter. PHASES seems to be inadequate in sIA risk stratification. Shape related parameters may be further investigated in prospective studies.
Body mass index linked to short-term and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Rui , Ma Wen , Wang Zi-Chen , Huang Tao , Xu Feng-Shuo , Li Chengzhuo , Dai Zhijun , Lyu Jun
Published: April 2021

Purposes of study

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between obesity and short-term and long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by analysing the body mass index (BMI).

Study design

A retrospective cohort study was performed on adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with AMI in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. The WHO BMI classification was used in the study. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to show the likelihood of survival in patients with AMI. The relationships of the BMI classification with short-term and long-term mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

This study included 1295 ICU patients with AMI, who were divided into four groups according to the WHO BMI classification. Our results suggest that obese patients with AMI tended to be younger (p<0.001), be men (p=0.001) and have higher blood glucose and creatine kinase (p<0.001) compared with normal weight patients. In the adjusted model, compared with normal weight AMI patients, those who were overweight and obese had lower ICU risks of death HR=0.64 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.89) and 0.55 (0.38 to 0.78), respectively, inhospital risks of death (0.77 (0.56 to 1.09) and 0.61 (0.43 to 0.87)) and long-term risks of death (0.78 0.64 to 0.94) and 0.72 (0.59 to 0.89). On the other hand, underweight patients had higher risks of short-term(ICU or inhospital mortality) and long-term mortality compared with normal weight patients (HR=1.39 (95% CI 0.58 to 3.30), 1.46 (0.62 to 3.42) and 1.99 (1.15 to 3.44), respectively).

Conclusions

Overweight and obesity were protective factors for the short-term and long-term risks of death in patients with AMI.
Development and reliability of a novel ultrasonographic joint-specific scoring system for synovitis with reference atlas for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Sande Nina Krafft , Bøyesen Pernille , Aga Anna-Birgitte , Hammer Hilde Berner , Flatø Berit , Roth Johannes , Lilleby Vibke
Published: April 2021

Objective

To develop an ultrasonographic image acquisition protocol and a joint-specific scoring system for synovitis with reference atlas in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to assess the reliability of the system.

Methods

Seven rheumatologists with extensive ultrasound experience developed a scanning protocol and a semiquantitative joint-specific scoring system for B-mode (BM) synovitis for the elbow, wrist, metacarpophalangeal 2–3, proximal interphalangeal 2–3, hip, knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal 2–3 joints. An ultrasonographic reference atlas for BM synovitis, divided in four age groups (2–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–18 years), and power Doppler (PD) activity was then developed. Reliability was assessed for all joints on still images and in a live exercise including 10 patients with JIA, calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted kappa.

Results

A scanning protocol and scoring system for multiple joints with reference atlas composed of images with four different score levels for BM and PD were developed. Still image scoring for BM synovitis on joint level showed good to excellent intra-reader reliability (ICC/kappa ranges: 0.75–0.95/0.63–0.91) and moderate to excellent inter-reader reliability (ICC/kappa ranges: 0.89–0.99/0.50–0.91). Still image scoring for PD activity showed excellent intra-reader and inter-reader reliability (ICC/kappa: 0.96/0.91 and ICC/kappa: 0.97/0.80, respectively). In the live scoring, inter-reader reliability (ICC/kappa) was moderate to excellent for BM synovitis (0.94/0.51) and PD activity (0.91/0.60).

Conclusion

An ultrasonographic image acquisition protocol and joint-specific scoring system with reference atlas were developed and demonstrated moderate to excellent reliability for scoring of synovitis in patients with JIA. This can be a valuable tool in clinical practice and future research.
Concrete-filled hollow structural sections. II: Flexural members, beam-columns, tension, and shear
Authors: Tousignant Kyle , Packer Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2021

This article reviews contemporary North American and international approaches to the design of concrete-filled hollow structural section (HSS) members for flexure, axial compression plus uniaxial bending, tension, and shear. Results from tests on concrete-filled HSS members under flexure and combined loading are compared to predicted strengths using current (CSA S16:19 and AISC 360-16) and recommended CSA S16 design equations (with limits of validity). A first-order reliability analysis of design provisions for flexure is performed in accordance with CSA S408-11, and recommendations are made for potential revision of CSA S16. Design examples are provided, and results are compared to the counterpart American code (AISC 360-16). This paper is Part II of a two-part series. Part I covers materials, cross-section classification, and concentrically loaded columns.
Money flow network among firms’ accounts in a regional bank of Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Yoshi , Inoue Hiroyasu , Yamaguchi Takayuki , Aoyama Hideaki , Tanaka Takuma , Kikuchi Kentaro
Published: April 2021

In this study, we investigate the flow of money among bank accounts possessed by firms in a region by employing an exhaustive list of all the bank transfers in a regional bank in Japan, to clarify how the network of money flow is related to the economic activities of the firms. The network statistics and structures are examined and shown to be similar to those of a nationwide production network. Specifically, the bowtie analysis indicates what we refer to as a “walnut” structure with core and upstream/downstream components. To quantify the location of an individual account in the network, we used the Hodge decomposition method and found that the Hodge potential of the account has a significant correlation to its position in the bowtie structure as well as to its net flow of incoming and outgoing money and links, namely the net demand/supply of individual accounts. In addition, we used non-negative matrix factorization to identify important factors underlying the entire flow of money; it can be interpreted that these factors are associated with regional economic activities. One factor has a feature whereby the remittance source is localized to the largest city in the region, while the destination is scattered. The other factors correspond to the economic activities specific to different local places. This study serves as a basis for further investigation on the relationship between money flow and economic activities of firms.
A microprocessor-aided platform enabling surface differential reflectivity and reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy
Authors: Bussetti Gianlorenzo , Ferraro Lorenzo , Bossi Alberto , Campione Marcello , Duò Lamberto , Ciccacci Franco
Published: April 2021

Surface differential reflectivity (SDR) and reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) [sometimes known as reflectance difference spectroscopy] are two well-known optical spectroscopies used in the investigation of surfaces and interfaces. Their adaptability on different experimental conditions (vacuum, controlled atmosphere and liquid environment) allows for the investigation not only of surface states and/or ultra-thin films but also of more complex interfaces. In these circumstances, the analysis of the sample with both techniques is decisive in view of obtaining a correct picture of the sample optical properties. In this work, we show a microelectronic hardware solution useful to control both a SDR and a RAS apparatus. We describe an electronic architecture that can be easily replicated, and we applied it to a representative sample where the interpretation of the optical properties requires an analysis by both SDR and RAS.

Graphic abstract
The volatility in financial time series based on granule complex network
Authors: Xueyi Liu , Chao Luo
Published: April 2021

The volatility is one of the essential characteristics of financial time series, which is vital for the knowledge acquisition from financial data. However, since the high noise and nonsteady features, the volatility identification of financial time series is still a challenging problem. In this paper, from a perspective of granule complex network, a novel approach is proposed to study this problem. First, numeric time series is structured into fuzzy information granules (FIGs), where the segments of time series in each granule would own similar volatility features. Second, by using the transfer relations among granules, granule complex network is to be constructed, which intuitively describes the transfer processes among the different volatility patterns. Third, a novel community detection algorithm is applied to divide the granule complex networks, where granules with frequent mutual transfers would belong to the same granule community. Finally, Markov chain model is carried out to analyze the higher level of transfer processes among different granule communities, which would further describe the larger-scale transitions of volatility in overall financial time series. An empirical study of the proposed system is applied in the Shanghai stock index market, where volatility patterns of financial data can be effectively acquired and the corresponding transfer processes can be analyzed by means of the granule communities.
τ-Tilting modules over triangular matrix artin algebras
Authors: Peng Yeyang , Ma Xin , Huang Zhaoyong
Published: April 2021

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be artin algebras and [Formula: see text] the triangular matrix algebra with [Formula: see text] a finitely generated ([Formula: see text])-bimodule. We construct support [Formula: see text]-tilting modules and ([Formula: see text]-)tilting modules in [Formula: see text] from that in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and give the converse constructions under some condition.
The AI Wars, 1950–2000, and Their Consequences
Authors: Dietrich Eric , Fields Chris , Sullins John P. , Heuveln Bram Van , Zebrowski Robin
Published: April 2021

Philosophy and AI have had a difficult relationship from the beginning. The “classic” period from 1950 to 2000 saw four major conflicts, first about the logical coherence of AI as an endeavor, and then about architecture, semantics, and the Frame Problem. Since 2000, these early debates have been largely replaced by arguments about consciousness and ethics, arguments that now involve neuroscientists, lawyers, and economists as well as AI scientists and philosophers. We trace these developments, and speculate about the future.
An Improved KNN-Based Efficient Log Anomaly Detection Method with Automatically Labeled Samples
Authors: Ying Shi , Wang Bingming , Wang Lu , Li Qingshan , Zhao Yishi , Shang Jianga , Huang Hao , Cheng Guoli , Yang Zhe , Geng Jiangyi
Published: April 2021

Logs that record system abnormal states (anomaly logs) can be regarded as outliers, and the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm has relatively high accuracy in outlier detection methods. Therefore, we use the kNN algorithm to detect anomalies in the log data. However, there are some problems when using the kNN algorithm to detect anomalies, three of which are: excessive vector dimension leads to inefficient kNN algorithm, unlabeled log data cannot support the kNN algorithm, and the imbalance of the number of log data distorts the classification decision of kNN algorithm. In order to solve these three problems, we propose an efficient log anomaly detection method based on an improved kNN algorithm with an automatically labeled sample set. This method first proposes a log parsing method based on N-gram and frequent pattern mining (FPM) method, which reduces the dimension of the log vector converted with Term frequency.Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) technology. Then we use clustering and self-training method to get labeled log data sample set from historical logs automatically. Finally, we improve the kNN algorithm using average weighting technology, which improves the accuracy of the kNN algorithm on unbalanced samples. The method in this article is validated on six log datasets with different types.
Multi-View Collaborative Network Embedding
Authors: Ata Sezin Kircali , Fang Yuan , Wu Min , Shi Jiaqi , Kwoh Chee Keong , Li Xiaoli
Published: April 2021

Real-world networks often exist with multiple views, where each view describes one type of interaction among a common set of nodes. For example, on a video-sharing network, while two user nodes are linked, if they have common favorite videos in one view, then they can also be linked in another view if they share common subscribers. Unlike traditional single-view networks, multiple views maintain different semantics to complement each other. In this article, we propose
M
ulti-view coll
A
borative
N
etwork
E
mbedding (MANE), a multi-view network embedding approach to learn low-dimensional representations. Similar to existing studies, MANE hinges on diversity and collaboration—while diversity enables views to maintain their individual semantics, collaboration enables views to work together. However, we also discover a novel form of
second-order
collaboration that has not been explored previously, and further unify it into our framework to attain superior node representations. Furthermore, as each view often has varying importance w.r.t. different nodes, we propose MANE

, an
attention
-based extension of MANE, to model node-wise view importance. Finally, we conduct comprehensive experiments on three public, real-world multi-view networks, and the results demonstrate that our models consistently outperform state-of-the-art approaches.
Intelligent System of Game-Theory-Based Decision Making in Smart Sports Industry
Authors: Bhatia Munish
Published: April 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) technology backed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques has been increasingly utilized for the realization of the Industry 4.0 vision. Conspicuously, this work provides a novel notion of the smart sports industry for provisioning efficient services in the sports arena. Specifically, an IoT-inspired framework has been proposed for real-time analysis of athlete performance. IoT data is utilized to quantify athlete performance in the terms of probability parameters of Probabilistic Measure of Performance (PMP) and Level of Performance Measure (LoPM). Moreover, a two-player game-theory-based mathematical framework has been presented for efficient decision modeling by the monitoring officials. The presented model is validated experimentally by deployment in District Sports Academy (DSA) for 60 days over four players. Based on the comparative analysis with state-of-the-art decision-modeling approaches, the proposed model acquired enhanced performance values in terms of Temporal Delay, Classification Efficiency, Statistical Efficacy, Correlation Analysis, and Reliability.
Mechanisms of Vertebrate DNA Interstrand Cross-Link Repair
Authors: Semlow Daniel R. , Walter Johannes C.
Published: April 2021

DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs) covalently connect the two strands of the double helix and are extremely cytotoxic. Defective ICL repair causes the bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome, Fanconi anemia, and upregulation of repair causes chemotherapy resistance in cancer. The central event in ICL repair involves resolving the cross-link (unhooking). In this review, we discuss the chemical diversity of ICLs generated by exogenous and endogenous agents. We then describe how proliferating and nonproliferating vertebrate cells unhook ICLs. We emphasize fundamentally new unhooking strategies, dramatic progress in the structural analysis of the Fanconi anemia pathway, and insights into how cells govern the choice between different ICL repair pathways. Throughout, we highlight the many gaps that remain in our knowledge of these fascinating DNA repair pathways.
Ketamine and xylazine effects in murine model of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Melinda , Gorelick Fred Sanford
Published: April 2021

Ketamine and xylazine anesthetic agent administration before acute pancreatitis induction in mice lead to changes in pancreatitis responses independent of acute pancreatitis induction. Future studies should consider the potential effects of anesthesia administration when studying disease processes associated with inflammation and injury.
Larazotide acetate: a pharmacological peptide approach to tight junction regulation
Authors: Slifer Zachary M. , Krishnan B. Radha , Madan Jay , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: April 2021

Larazotide acetate (LA) is a single-chain peptide of eight amino acids that acts as a tight junction regulator to restore intestinal barrier function. LA is currently being studied in phase III clinical trials and is orally administered to adult patients with celiac disease as an adjunct therapeutic to enhance intestinal barrier function that has been disrupted by gliadin-induced immune reactivity. Mechanistically, LA is thought to act as a zonulin antagonist to reduce zonulin-induced increases in barrier permeability and has been associated with the redistribution and rearrangement of tight junction proteins and actin filaments to restore intestinal barrier function. More recently, LA has been linked to inhibition of myosin light chain kinase, which likely reduces tension on actin filaments, thereby facilitating tight junction closure. Small (rodent) and large (porcine) animal studies have been conducted that demonstrate the importance of LA as a tight junction regulatory peptide in conditions other than celiac disease, including collagen-induced arthritis in mice and intestinal ischemic injury in pigs.
Inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a therapeutic target in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rats
Authors: Luo Yifeng , Yi Hui , Huang Xinyan , Lin Gengpeng , Kuang Yukun , Guo Yubiao , Xie Canmao
Published: April 2021

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) inhibition can attenuate pulmonary fibrosis, but the antifibrotic mechanism is unclear. Here we investigated the antifibrotic effect of MIF knockdown in rats with bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The results showed that MIF inhibition attenuated lung injury and extracellular matrix deposition; significantly reduced the levels of cytokines including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), hydroxyproline (hyp), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1); and inhibited the expression of CD68, F4/80, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein. MIF inhibition is associated with reduction of proinflammatory mediators and macrophage infiltration in lungs. In addition, MIF knockdown in the day 14 group was significantly better than MIF knockdown in day 1 group in terms of the above mentioned cytokines TGF-β1, IL-17, TNF-α. MIF knockdown in day 14 group showed a better trend than MIF knockdown in day 1 group in inhibition of hyp and α-SMA formation. Furthermore, MIF inhibition downregulated the FGF23, Spp1, anti-integrin alpha 10 (Itga10), laminin subunit alpha 1 (Lama1), thrombospondin 2 (THBS2), and Serpin family B member 5 (SERPINB5) mRNA levels and the p-Smad2/3 protein level. MIF knockdown may inhibit fibrosis through the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. In addition, MIF inhibition protects against vascular remodeling via Thbs2 and Serpinb5 signaling. In summary, our study showed that knockdown of MIF can significantly inhibit lung inflammation and fibrosis in rats with BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The future development of inhibitors targeting MIF may contribute to the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Calculation of Binding Energy and Wave Function for Exotic Hidden-Charm Pentaquark
Authors: Sharahi F. Chezani , Monemzadeh M.
Published: April 2021

In this study, pentaquark

P

c

4380

composed of a baryon

Σ

c

, and a

D

¯

∗

meson is considered. Pentaquark is as a bound state of two-body systems composed of a baryon and a meson. The calculated potential will be expanded and replaced in the Schrödinger equation until tenth sentences of expansion. Solving the Schrödinger equation with the expanded potential of Pentaquark leads to an analytically complete approach. As a consequence, the binding energy

E

B

of pentaquark

P

c

and wave function is obtained. The results

E

B

will be presented in the form of tables so that we can review the existence of pentaquark

P

c

. Then, the wave function will be shown on diagrams. Finally, the calculated results are compared with the other obtained results, and the mass of observing pentaquark

P

c

and the radius of pentaquark are estimated.
Adaptive Routing Strategy Based on Improved Double Q-Learning for Satellite Internet of Things
Authors: Zhou Jian , Gong Xiaotian , Sun Lijuan , Xie Yong , Yan Xiaoyong
Published: April 2021

Satellite Internet of Things (S-IoT), which integrates satellite networks with IoT, is a new mobile Internet to provide services for social networks. However, affected by the dynamic changes of topology structure and node status, the efficient and secure forwarding of data packets in S-IoT is challenging. In view of the abovementioned problem, this paper proposes an adaptive routing strategy based on improved double Q-learning for S-IoT. First, the whole S-IoT is regarded as a reinforcement learning environment, and satellite nodes and ground nodes in S-IoT are both regarded as intelligent agents. Each node in the S-IoT maintains two Q tables, which are used for selecting the forwarding node and for evaluating the forwarding value, respectively. In addition, the next hop node of data packets is determined depending on the mixed Q value. Second, in order to optimize the Q value, this paper makes improvements on the mixed Q value, the reward value, and the discount factor, respectively, based on the congestion degree, the hop count, and the node status. Finally, we perform extensive simulations to evaluate the performance of this adaptive routing strategy in terms of delivery rate, average delay, and overhead ratio. Evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can achieve more efficient and secure routing in the highly dynamic environment compared with the state-of-the-art strategies.
Modification Mechanism of Asphalt Modified with Rock Asphalt and Styrene‐Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
Authors: Deng Xiangming , Huang Hui , Wang Bin , Chen Jie
Published: April 2021

High‐performance asphalt binder plays an important role in the durable asphalt pavement. Asphalt modified by rock asphalt (RA) is one of the high‐performance modified asphalt materials. It was used in road engineering as a relatively environmentally friendly material, because rock asphalt takes some advantages of large reserves, easy treatment, and efficient modification. Moreover, the main component of rock asphalt is bitumen, which enables it to substitute part of the binder used in asphalt mixtures. On the other hand, the negative low‐temperature performance of RA modified asphalt impeded its application in cold regions. The object of this paper is to improve the low‐temperature performance of RA modified asphalt by compound modified with styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR). The 70‐penetration grade binder and the RA modified asphalt with 15% RA by weight were applied as the base binder. Five types of RA‐SBR modified asphalt were prepared, and the content of SBR was 2%, 4%, 5%, 6% and 8% by weight of BRA modified binder. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were utilized to illustrate the reasons for the poor low‐temperature performance of BRA modified asphalt and reveal the compound modification mechanism of BRA‐SBR modified asphalt. The Brookfield viscosity test, dynamic shear rheometer test, and bending beam rheometer test were adopted to reveal the variation patterns of rheological behavior and low‐temperature performance with mass contents of SBR. The test results indicated that the worse of low‐temperature performance was caused by the increase of asphaltene content and the stress concentration due to ash in RA modified asphalt. And the compound modification is a physical process. The addition of SBR has improved the low‐temperature performance of RA modified asphalt dramatically. And based on the rheological behaviors and low‐temperature performance of RA‐SBR compound modified asphalt, the optimum content of SBR was determined, which is about 4%∼5%.
An Application of Product of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Incidence Graphs in Textile Industry
Authors: Nazeer Irfan , Rashid Tabasam , Keikha Abazar
Published: April 2021

In this research article, we presented the idea of intuitionistic fuzzy incidence graphs (IFIGs) along with their certain properties. The number of operations including Cartesian product (CP), composition, tensor product, and normal product in an IFIGs are also investigated. The method to compute the degree of IFIGs obtained by CP, composition, tensor product, and the normal product is discussed. Some important theorems to calculate the degree of the vertices of IFIGs acquired by CP, composition, tensor product, and normal product are elaborated. An application of CP and composition of two IFIGs in the textile industry to find the best combinations of departments expressing the highest percentage of progress and the lowest percentage of nonprogress is provided. A comparative analysis of our study with the existing study is discussed. Our study will be beneficial to comprehend and understand the further characteristics of IFIGs in detail. Another advantage of our study is that it will be helpful to find the maximum percentage of progress and minimum percentage of nonprogress in different departments of universities, garment factories, and hospitals.
Research Progress of Stress Measurement Technologies for Optical Elements
Authors: Wei Shan , Pang Yajun , Bai Zhenxu , Wang Yulei , Lu Zhiwei
Published: April 2021

It is of great significance to measure the residual stress distribution accurately for optical elements and evaluate its influence on the performance of optical instruments in optical imaging, aviation remote sensing, semiconductor manufacturing, and other fields. The stress of optical elements can be closely related to birefringence based on photoelasticity. Thus, the method of quantifying birefringence to obtain the stress becomes the main method of stress measurement technologies for optical elements. This paper first introduces the basic principle of stress measurement based on photoelasticity. Then, the research progress of stress measurement technologies based on this principle is reviewed, which can be classified into two methods: polarization method and interference method. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of various stress measurement technologies are analyzed and compared. Finally, the developing trend of stress measurement technologies for optical elements is summarized and prospected.
PAR2 Promoter Hypomethylation Regulates PAR2 Gene Expression and Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Progression
Authors: Wu Kuan , Xu Lei , Cheng Ling
Published: April 2021

Objective. Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) also known as F2RL1 is a G protein-coupled receptor that intimately correlates with cancer occurrence. DNA methylation turns out a vital mechanism regulating gene expression, while PAR2 promoter methylation is proven to be involved in cancer development. Hence, this study attempted to clarify the molecular mechanism by which PAR2 mediates lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression, via identifying the effect of PAR2 promoter methylation on LUAD cell progression. Methods. Associations of PAR2 promoter methylation with PAR2 gene expression and prognosis of LUAD patients were analyzed via bioinformatics analysis. PAR2 promoter methylation and gene expression at the cellular level were measured using methylation-specific PCR, qRT-PCR, and Western blot assays. DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-AzadC was used to treat cells to assess PAR2 gene expression alteration. Cell biological behaviors upon PAR2 overexpression were characterized via MTT, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay. Results. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that PAR2 promoter methylation was negatively related to PAR2 gene expression, while PAR2 promoter hypermethylation and low gene expression indicated favorable LUAD prognosis. Besides, it turned out that PAR2 presented upregulated expression and hypomethylated promoter in LUAD cells. Moreover, PAR2 gene expression was elevated in cells treated with 5-AzadC, and the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of cells with 5-AzadC or high PAR2 gene expression were all enhanced. Conclusion. In sum, PAR2 promoter hypomethylation potentiates LUAD cell progression, in turn affecting the prognosis of LUAD patients.
Ulam-Hyers-Rassias Stability of Stochastic Functional Differential Equations via Fixed Point Methods
Authors: Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif , Mchiri Lassaad , Rhaima Mohamed
Published: April 2021

The Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stability for stochastic systems has been studied by many researchers using the Gronwall-type inequalities, but there is no research paper on the Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stability of stochastic functional differential equations via fixed point methods. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the Ulam-Hyers Stability (HUS) and Ulam-Hyers-Rassias Stability (HURS) of stochastic functional differential equations (SFDEs). Under the fixed point methods and the stochastic analysis techniques, the stability results for SFDE are investigated. We analyze two illustrative examples to show the validity of the results.
Optimal Crop Selection Using Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Cheema Sikander Singh , Singh Amardeep , Gritli Hassène
Published: April 2021

For the economic growth of the crop, the optimal utilization of soil is found to be an open area of research. An efficient utilization includes various advantages such as watershed insurance, expanded biodiversity, and reduction of provincial destitution. Generally, soils present synthetic confinements for crop improvement. Therefore, in this paper, a novel diversified crop model is proposed to predict the suitable soil for good production of the crop. The proposed model utilizes a quantum value-based gravitational search algorithm (GSA) to optimize the best solution. Various features of soil are required to be investigated before crop selection. These features are refined further by applying quantum optimization. The crop selection based upon the soil requirement does not require any additional fertilizers which will reduce the production cost. Thus, the proposed model can select the optimal crop according to the soil components using the gravitational search algorithm. Therefore, the gravitational search algorithm is applied to the quantum values obtained from the crop and soil dataset. Extensive experiments show that the proposed model achieves an optimal selection of crops.
Study on Change Rules of Factors Affecting Gas Loss during Coalbed Air Reverse Circulation Sampling
Authors: Chen Demin , Long Wei , Li Yanyan , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2021

The gas loss in sampling is the root of coalbed gas content measurement error. The pressure and particle size have a significant impact on the gas loss. Using the self‐developed coal particle pneumatic pipeline transportation experimental system, this study investigated the pressure and particle size changes in the sampling pipeline. It is found that the sampling process can be divided into four stages: no flow field stage, sample outburst stage, stable conveying stage, and tail purging stage. The extreme pressure in the sampling pipeline appears at the sample outburst stage; and the pressure in the pipeline has levelled off after sharp decrease in the stable conveying stage. It is also found that the extreme pressure increases first and then decreases with the increase of particle size. The duration of outburst stage is negatively correlated with particle size, and that of stable conveying stage is positively correlated with particle size. In addition, the results show that the loss rate of 1–3 mm particles is the smallest after the test but that particles less than 1 mm increase by about two times and particles greater than 3 mm decrease by more than three times. The study also shows that the particle size distribution of coal samples is a single peak with left skew distribution, and the gas reverse circulation sampling test does not change the location of the peak but makes it higher and sharper. The single size coal sample is more likely to collide than the mixture. This study can help to advance the understanding of impact factors on gas loss during reverse circulation sampling.
Pott’s Disease with Incidentally Discovered Multiple Brain Tuberculomas in a Previously Healthy 10-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Albarrak May , Alodayani Abdulrahaman , Al Otaibi Nasir , Albrikeet Yasser
Published: April 2021

Pott’s disease (PD) represents the most common form of spinal tuberculosis. Its association with brain tuberculomas is extremely rare. Herein, we report a previously healthy child with PD and concurrent multiple brain tuberculomas who was successfully treated with antituberculous therapy, surgical drainage of the paravertebral abscess, and adjuvant steroid therapy.
Exploring the Role and Mechanism of pAMPKα‐Mediated Dysregulation of Brf1 and RNA Pol III Genes
Authors: Wu Teng , Zhang Dongkun , Lin Mingen , Yu Lihong , Dai Ting , Li Shuai , Yu Fenghai , Lu Lei , Zheng Liling , Zhong Shuping
Published: April 2021

TF IIB‐related factor 1 (Brf1) is a key transcription factor of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) genes. Our early studies have demonstrated that Brf1 and Pol III genes are epigenetically modulated by histone H3 phosphorylation. Here, we have further investigated the relationship of the abnormal expression of Brf1 with a high level of phosphorylated AMPKα (pAMPKα) and explored the role and molecular mechanism of pAMPKα‐mediated dysregulation of Brf1 and Pol III genes in lung cancer. Brf1 is significantly overexpressed in lung cancer cases. The cases with high Brf1 expression display short overall survival times. Elevation of Brf1 expression is accompanied by a high level of pAMPKα. Brf1 and pAMPKα colocalize in nuclei. Further analysis indicates that the carcinogen MNNG induces pAMPKα to upregulate Brf1 expression, resulting in the enhancement of Pol III transcription. In contrast, inhibiting pAMPKα decreases cellular levels of Brf1, resulting in the reduction of Pol III gene transcription to attenuate the rates of cell proliferation and colony formation of lung cancer cells. These outcomes demonstrate that high Brf1 expression reveals a worse prognosis in lung cancer patients. pAMPKα‐mediated dysregulation of Brf1 and Pol III genes plays important roles in cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor development of lung cancer. Brf1 may be a biomarker for establishing the prognosis of lung cancer. It is a new mechanism that pAMPKα mediates dysregulation of Brf1 and Pol III genes to promote lung cancer development.
An Expedient SERS Strip Tactic for Rapid On‐Site Detection with Long‐Time Sensitivity and Repeatability
Authors: Wang Chen , Wan Yueqian , Su Yong , Cai Yafei , Xiong Shengjun , Yuan Ding , Xia Zheng , Zhu Jie
Published: April 2021

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has attracted lots of interest in academic and industrial fields in recent years. The improvement in long‐time sensitivity and repeatability is highly demanded by the on‐site applications. Herein, we present an expedient SERS strip tactic with these desired advantages. Specifically, the tactic utilized the outstanding stability of colloidal particles to maintain the SERS materials during the storage. Upon usage, the strip is rapidly prepared on‐site, and then the targets were sampled with a dip‐coating and heating method, which is designed to standardize the whole detection process with the sensitivity kept. Thanks to the tactic, only one‐third of SERS sensitivity decay was observed for rhodamine 6G after half a year. Besides rhodamine 6G, the SERS spectra of different animal blood samples were also investigated with the SERS strip tactic, and a species‐based discrimination capability was preliminarily demonstrated.
Existence of the Unique Nontrivial Solution for Mixed Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Liu Yujing , Yan Chenguang , Jiang Weihua
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we consider the differential equations with right-sided Caputo and left-sided Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives. Furthermore, the expression of Green’s function is derived, and its properties are investigated. By the fixed-point theorem for both

φ
−

h
,
e

-concave operators and mixed monotone operators, we get the existence and uniqueness of the solution, respectively. As applications, some examples are provided to illustrate our main results.