bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct and indirect cues can enable dual adaptation, but through different learning processes
Authors: Forano Marion , Schween Raphael , Taylor Jordan A. , Hegele Mathias , Franklin David W.
Published: September 2021

We present evidence that learning of context-dependent dynamics proceeds via different processes depending on the type of sensory cue used to signal the context. Visual workspace location enabled learning different dynamics implicitly, presumably because it directly enters the dynamic state estimate. In contrast, a color cue was only successful where learners were apparently able to leverage explicit strategies to account for changed dynamics. This suggests a unification for the previously inconclusive role of color cues.
Support Vector Regression Method for Regional Economic Mid‐ and Long‐Term Predictions Based on Wireless Network Communication
Authors: Dong Lingyu
Published: September 2021

In recent years, wireless sensor network technology has continued to develop, and it has become one of the research hotspots in the information field. People have higher and higher requirements for the communication rate and network coverage of the communication network, which also makes the problems of limited wireless mobile communication network coverage and insufficient wireless resource utilization efficiency become increasingly prominent. This article is aimed at studying a support vector regression method for long‐term prediction in the context of wireless network communication and applying the method to regional economy. This article uses the contrast experiment method and the space occupancy rate algorithm, combined with the vector regression algorithm of machine learning. Research on the laws of machine learning under the premise of less sample data solves the problem of the lack of a unified framework that can be referred to in machine learning with limited samples. The experimental results show that the distance between AP1 and AP2 is 0.4 m, and the distance between AP2 and Client2 is 0.6 m. When BPSK is used for OFDM modulation, 2500 MHz is used as the USRP center frequency, and 0.5 MHz is used as the USRP bandwidth; AP1 can send data packets. The length is 100 bytes, the number of sent data packets is 100, the gain of Client2 is 0‐38, the receiving gain of AP2 is 0, and the receiving gain of AP1 is 19. The support vector regression method based on wireless network communication for regional economic mid‐ and long‐term predictions was completed well.
Reduced‐Complexity LDPC Decoding for Next‐Generation IoT Networks
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Khan Wali Ullah , Afzal H. M. Rehan , Nebhen Jamel , Ullah Inam , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Kaabar Mohammed K. A.
Published: September 2021

Low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) codes have become the focal choice for next‐generation Internet of things (IoT) networks. This correspondence proposes an efficient decoding algorithm, dual min‐sum (DMS), to estimate the first two minima from a set of variable nodes for check‐node update (CNU) operation of min‐sum (MS) LDPC decoder. The proposed architecture entirely eliminates the large‐sized multiplexing system of sorting‐based architecture which results in a prominent decrement in hardware complexity and critical delay. Specifically, the DMS architecture eliminates a large number of comparators and multiplexors while keeping the critical delay equal to the most delay‐efficient tree‐based architecture. Based on experimental results, if the number of inputs is equal to 64, the proposed architecture saves 69%, 68%, and 52% area over the sorting‐based, the tree‐based, and the low‐complexity tree‐based architectures, respectively. Furthermore, the simulation results show that the proposed approach provides an excellent error‐correction performance in terms of bit error rate (BER) and block error rate (BLER) over an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel.
Influence of Waste Marble Dust on the Improvement of Expansive Clay Soils
Authors: Abdelkader Hassan A. M. , Hussein Mohamed M. A. , Ye Haiwang
Published: September 2021

The marble process industry from Shaq Al‐Thouban region, which is located in East Cairo, Egypt, produces a huge amount of marble wastes every day during the cutting and processing stages. Up to now, most of these wastes are dumping on open land which creates serious environmental problems. The amount of waste marble from the processing stage is about 20 to 25% of the total processed stone. Egypt also suffers from the problem of expansive soil that occupies a large area of its lands, especially in the new cities that are built on these lands. The primary purpose of this study is to use this waste material in the soil stabilization in point of view utilization of this waste as local low‐cost materials and elimination of their negative environmental impacts. The waste marble dust was mixed with expansive soil samples with various percentages of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by dry weight of soil. Different tests including Atterberg’s limits, standard Proctor compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), swelling percentage, linear shrinkage (LS) tests, and XRF and XRD analyses were conducted for natural and marble dust stabilized soils. The soil mixtures used for UCS, CBR, and swell tests were compacted at the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) using the standard Proctor compaction method and cured for 7 days. The results of the tests showed that there are significant effects in enhancing the properties of expansive soils. Also, the results showed that as the percentage of the marble dust increases the plasticity index, the swelling potential of the expansive clayey soil decreases. Furthermore, the optimum moisture content decreases, and the maximum dry density increases. Also, UCS, CBR, and the calcite content of the soil mixtures increase with the increase in marble dust content.
Construction of the Open Oral Evaluation Model Based on the Neural Network
Authors: Chen Zhixin , Zhang Xu , Li Zhiyuan , Li Anchu
Published: September 2021

According to the problem of low efficiency and low scoring accuracy of the traditional oral language scoring system, this study builds an open oral language evaluation model based on the basic principles of deep learning technology. Firstly, the basic methods of the convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network are introduced. Then, we combine the convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network to design an open oral scoring model based on CNN + LSTM, which divides the oral evaluation model into the speech scoring model and text scoring model and makes a specific implementation of two scoring models, respectively. An experimental environment is then built to preprocess the data, and finally, the model built in this study is trained and simulated. The experimental results show that the CNN + LSTM network evaluation model has a better comprehensive scoring performance, higher scoring efficiency, and higher accuracy and has feasibility and practicability.
Prediction of Urban and Rural Tourism Economic Forecast Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Zhou Wusheng
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of tourism, tourism revenue, as one of the important indicators to measure the development of the tourism economy, has high research value. The quasi-prediction of tourism revenue can drive the development of a series of related industries and accelerate the development of the domestic economy. When forecasting tourism income, it is necessary to examine the causal relationship between tourism income and local economic development. The traditional cointegration analysis method is to extract the promotion characteristics of tourism income to the local economy and construct a tourism income prediction model, but it cannot accurately describe the causal relationship between tourism income and local economic development and cannot accurately predict tourism income. We propose an optimized forecasting method of tourism revenue based on time series. This method first conducts a cointegration test on the time series data of the relationship between tourism income and local economic development, constructs a two-variable autoregressive model of tourism income and local economy, and uses the swarm intelligence method to test the causal relationship and the relationship between tourism income and local economic development, calculate the proportion of tourism industry, define the calculation result as the direct influence factor of tourism industry on the local economy, calculate the relevant effect of local tourism development and economic income, and construct tourism income optimization forecast model. The simulation results show that the model used can accurately predict tourism revenue.
Microstructural and Mechanical Behaviors of Friction Stir Welded Dissimilar AA6082‐AA7075 Joints
Authors: Vetrivel Sezhian M. , Giridharan K. , Peter Pushpanathan D. , Chakravarthi G. , Stalin B. , Karthick Alagar , Manoj Kumar P. , Bharani Murugesan
Published: September 2021

In this research, microstructural events and mechanical behaviors in dissimilar friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium (Al) alloy AA6082‐AA7075 joints have been evaluated to apply aerospace, defense, and military sectors. FSW parametric effects have a more significant impact on the mechanical performances and microstructure of produced joints. FSW tool rotational speed, welding speed, and tool plunge speed were chosen to make the weld joints. The rotational tool speeds of 1600 rpm and 2300 rpm, welding speeds of 40 mm/min and 60 mm/min, and tool plunge speeds of 20 mm/min and 30 mm/min were set as the upper and lower limits. A constant axial force of 5 kN was maintained throughout the joint fabrication process. A taper pin‐profiled tool was utilized to produce the butt welded joints. Mechanical properties of microhardness, tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and bending strength of the joints were analyzed. The response of the stir zone microstructure to processing parameters was evaluated using optical microscopy (OM) and fractographic analysis of a tensile specimen shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The weld joints produced at 2300 rpm, tool traveling rate of 40 mm/min, and tool plunge speed of 30 mm/min showed the greatest tensile strength of the 191 MPa hardness of 145 Hv at the weld center and also the maximum bending strength of 114.23 N/mm2 was achieved. The lowest bending strength of 25.38 N/mm2 was obtained at 1600 rpm with 60 mm/min due to inappropriate mixing of the base metals and poor joint quality. Furthermore, this study revealed that a higher tool plunge speed facilitates the formation of equiaxed grains in the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) on the advancing side (AS). Additionally, the increment in tool rotational speed significantly improved the tensile strength, weld joint quality, and joint efficiency.
The Association of Sleep Quality and Vitamin D Levels in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hejazian Seyyedeh Mina , Ahmadian Elham , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Faraji Gogani Leili , Farnood Farahnoosh
Published: September 2021

Background. To date, hemodialysis (HD) is the most common therapy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, it causes different complications such as sleep disorders. Sleep regulation is connected to vitamin D; hence, its deficiency might influence the quality and duration of sleep. This study is aimed at evaluating the correlation of sleep quality and vitamin D levels in 80 HD patients. Methods. This cross‐sectional study was performed on 80 hemodialysis patients admitted to 29 Bahman hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. Before beginning of dialysis, serum 25 (OH) D levels were assessed among patients and the sleep patterns and sleep quality of patients were accurately calculated by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) standard questionnaire. Results. Our results showed that 22 HD patients (27.5%) had severe sleep disorders. In addition, it was found that serum levels of vitamin D had significant correlation with sleep quality (r = −0.341, p = 0.002) in general, even after adjusting confounding factors such as calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. In poor sleepers (PSQI ≤ 5), a negative correlation was observed between the levels of vitamin D and PSQI score (r = −0.397, p = 0.004). PSQI scores in the normal range of PTH (r = −0.377, p = 0.006) and in >600 pg/ml of PTH (r = −0.675, p = 0.011) had a correlation with vitamin D levels. The level of vitamin D was the single independent predictor of sleep efficiency (β coefficient = −0.386, p = 0.001). Conclusion. The present project reported that the positive effect of vitamin D is associated with sleep disorder in HD patients. In future studies, normal levels of Ca and P should be considered along with normal vitamin D levels among the included patients.
Forecasting Variation Trends of Stocks via Multiscale Feature Fusion and Long Short-Term Memory Learning
Authors: Liu Yezhen , Yu Xilong , Wu Yanhua , Song Shuhong
Published: September 2021

Forecasting stock price trends accurately appears a huge challenge because the environment of stock markets is extremely stochastic and complicated. This challenge persistently motivates us to seek reliable pathways to guide stock trading. While the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network has the dedicated gate structure quite suitable for the prediction based on contextual features, we propose a novel LSTM-based model. Also, we devise a multiscale convolutional feature fusion mechanism for the model to extensively exploit the contextual relationships hidden in consecutive time steps. The significance of our designed scheme is twofold. (1) Benefiting from the gate structure designed for both long- and short-term memories, our model can use the given stock history data more adaptively than traditional models, which greatly guarantees the prediction performance in financial time series (FTS) scenarios and thus profits the prediction of stock trends. (2) The multiscale convolutional feature fusion mechanism can diversify the feature representation and more extensively capture the FTS feature essence than traditional models, which fairly facilitates the generalizability. Empirical studies conducted on three classic stock history data sets, i.e., S&P 500, DJIA, and VIX, demonstrated the effectiveness and stability superiority of the suggested method against a few state-of-the-art models using multiple validity indices. For example, our method achieved the highest average directional accuracy (around 0.71) on the three employed stock data sets.
Personalized Online Education Learning Strategies Based on Transfer Learning Emotion Classification Model
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Shi Zhengjie
Published: September 2021

Due to the epidemic, online course learning has become a major learning method for students worldwide. Analyzing its massive data from the massive online education platforms becomes a challenge because most learners watch online instructional videos. Thus, analyzing learners’ learning behaviors is beneficial to implement personalized online learning strategies with sentiment classification models. To this end, we propose a context-aware network model based on transfer learning that aims to predict learner performance by solving learners’ problems and improving the educational process, contributing to a comprehensive analysis of such student behavior and exploring various learning models in MOOC video interactions. In addition, we visualize and analyze MOOC video interactions, enabling course instructors and education professionals to analyze clickstream data generated by learners interacting with course videos. The experimental results show that, in the process of “massive data mining,” personalized learning strategies of this model can efficiently enhance students’ interest in learning and enable different types of students to develop personalized online education learning strategies.
Isolation and Screening of Microorganisms for the Effective Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Zhang Zichen , Shah Aabid Manzoor , Mohamed Hassan , Tsiklauri Nino , Song Yuanda
Published: September 2021

Lignocellulosic waste is the most abundant biorenewable biomass on earth, and its hydrolysis releases highly valued reducing sugars. However, the presence of lignin in the biopolymeric structure makes it highly resistant to solubilization thereby hindering the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose. Microorganisms are known for their potential complex enzymes that play a dominant role in lignocellulose conversion. Therefore, the current study was designed to isolate and screen potential microorganisms for their selective delignification ability for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. An extensive isolation and screening procedure yielded 36 desired isolates (22 bacteria, 7 basidiomycete fungi, and 7 filamentous fungi). Submerged cultivation of these desired microorganisms revealed 4 bacteria and 10 fungi with potent lignocellulolytic enzyme activities. The potent isolates were identified as Pleurotus, Trichoderma, Talaromyces, Bacillus, and Chryseobacterium spp. confirmed by morphological and molecular identification. The efficiency of these strains was determined through enzyme activities, and the degraded substrates were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Among all isolated microbes, Pleurotus spp. were found to have high laccase activity. The cellulose‐decomposing and selective delignification strains were subjected to solid‐state fermentation (SSF). SSF of field waste corn stalks as a single‐carbon source provides Pleurotus spp. better condition for the secretion of ligninolytic enzymes. These isolated ligninolytic enzymes producing microorganisms may be used for the effective pretreatment of lignocellulosic agricultural wastes for the production of high value‐added natural products by fermentation.
Effect of Mechanical Vibration with Different Frequencies on Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Lean Coal
Authors: Shen Maoliang , Chen Xuexi , Xu Yong
Published: September 2021

The mechanical vibrations caused by underground operations can easily lead to coal and gas outbursts in coal mines. Using the MVGAD‐I experimental platform that we designed, the raw coal (0 Hz) was treated with vibration frequencies of 25, 50, 75, and 100 Hz, and the coal samples with different frequency vibrations were obtained. The total pore volume (TPV), specific surface area (SSA), pore size distribution, and the pore fractal dimension (PFD) of five coal samples were analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry and low‐pressure nitrogen adsorption data. We found that the TPV, SSA, and PFD of the coal samples fluctuate with the increase of vibration frequency. The changes of the TPV and SSA of coal samples treated with 25 and 75 Hz vibrations were significantly greater than those subjected to vibrations of 50 and 100 Hz. Compared with the raw coal (0 Hz), the TPV and SSA of macropores, mesopores, and micropores increased the most in 75 Hz vibration coal sample. Therefore, the 75 Hz vibration excitation can improve the permeability of a body of coal mass and is conducive to the diffusion and seepage of coalbed methane and its production.. The influence of 25 Hz vibration on the TPV and SSA of macropores and mesopores is not obvious, but the TPV and SSA of minipores and micropores decrease significantly, which is not conducive to gas diffusion and adsorption. In addition, 25 and 75 Hz vibrations obviously damaged the fractal characteristics of both mesopores and micropores, resulting in the change of gas adsorption and diffusion ability. The rational use of a 75 Hz vibration is beneficial to both the production of gas and the prevention of outbursts, while a 25 Hz vibration should be avoided. The results are expected to reveal the microscopic mechanism of a vibration‐induced outburst and provide theoretical guidance for employing the appropriate frequency of vibration to improve the rate of gas drainage and reduce the risk of outbursts.
EEG‐Based Personality Prediction Using Fast Fourier Transform and DeepLSTM Model
Authors: Bhardwaj Harshit , Tomar Pradeep , Sakalle Aditi , Ibrahim Wubshet
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a deep long short term memory (DeepLSTM) network to classify personality traits using the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is implemented. For this research, the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) model for predicting personality is used. There are four groups in MBTI, and each group consists of two traits versus each other; i.e., out of these two traits, every individual will have one personality trait in them. We have collected EEG data using a single NeuroSky MindWave Mobile 2 dry electrode unit. For data collection, 40 Hindi and English video clips were included in a standard database. All clips provoke various emotions, and data collection is focused on these emotions, as the clips include targeted, inductive scenes of personality. Fifty participants engaged in this research and willingly agreed to provide brain signals. We compared the performance of our deep learning DeepLSTM model with other state‐of‐the‐art‐based machine learning classifiers such as artificial neural network (ANN), K‐nearest neighbors (KNN), LibSVM, and hybrid genetic programming (HGP). The analysis shows that, for the 10‐fold partitioning method, the DeepLSTM model surpasses the other state‐of‐the‐art models and offers a maximum classification accuracy of 96.94%. The proposed DeepLSTM model was also applied to the publicly available ASCERTAIN EEG dataset and showed an improvement over the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Assessment of Participation within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF): The Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Participation Scale
Authors: Altuntaş Onur , Özkan Esma , Köse Barkın , Aran Orkun Tahir , Huri Meral , Akı Esra
Published: September 2021

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Participation Scale (P-Scale). Methods. A total of 152 students, with a mean age of20.27±2.19, participated in the study. Sociodemographic information (age, gender, and family income) was recorded; all participants completed the P-Scale twice with a 15-day interval. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were performed to analyze the validity and reliability of the P-Scale. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s alpha were used for scale reliability statistics and explanatory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis; Mardia’s multivariate normality and assumption tests were used for the validity of the scale. The factor extraction methods were minimum rank factor analysis in EFA and weighted least squares mean and variance adjusted estimator polychoric correlation matrix in CFA. Results. Internal consistency of the scale was found good with Cronbach’s alpha (0.852) and excellent with McDonald’s alpha (0.924). The EFA and CFA resulted in two-factored structure, with the explained variance found to be higher than 30%. Conclusions. Analysis demonstrated that the P-Scale had a satisfactory level of reliability and validity in Turkish university students.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan/Bentonite Composites for Cr (VI) Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Jia Junjie , Liu Yanjun , Sun Shujuan
Published: September 2021

Chitosan/bentonite composites (CSBT) prepared by physical gelation were tested for the adsorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions in this work. The composites were prepared at a mass ratio from 2 : 1 to 1 : 2, and a composite of 1 : 1 was found to be most suitable for efficient Cr (VI) removal. The influencing parameters, including temperature, adsorbent dose, and pH, were statistically optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for the removal of Cr (VI). The pH was found to be the limiting factor during the adsorption process, and under the optimal conditions, namely, adsorbent dose of 400 mg/L, [Formula: see text], and temperature of 298 K, 87.61% Cr (VI) would be removed expectantly. The mechanism of Cr (VI) removal by CSBT was discussed, and the protonation of amino groups on chitosan followed by the combination of -NH3 + and anionic hexavalent chromium was the primary driving force. In addition, the removal of Cr (VI) onto CSBT was monolayer adsorption with a maximum adsorption capacity of 133.85 mg/g by the Langmuir isotherm. CSBT follows a pseudosecond-order kinetic model, and within 1.5 h, adsorption was observed to reach equilibrium. The calculated thermodynamic functions clarified that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous below 312.60 K. CSBT could be regenerated after desorption by 0.5 mol/L NaOH solutions and exhibited superior reusability after six cycles. This study demonstrated composites of chitosan/bentonite as eco-friendly bioadsorbents for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous environments.
Practical KGC-Free Polynomial-Based Multiple Group Keys Agreement for IoT Health Care Systems
Authors: Cheng Qi , Zhao Zhuo , Hsu Chingfang , Zhang Maoyuan , Yang Qing , Wu Di
Published: September 2021

Although nowadays lots of group key agreement schemes have been presented, most of these protocols generate a secret key for a single group. However, in the IoT HCS, more and more communications are involved in multiple groups and users can join multiple groups to communicate at the same time. Therefore, applying the conventional public-key-based one-at-a-time group key establishment protocols has heavy computational cost or suffer from security vulnerabilities. At the same time, in an IoT HCS, a trusted KGC is usually not available and so more flexible self-organized multigroup keys generation will be desired by all group members. In order to address this issue, a practical scheme for efficient and flexible KGC-free polynomial-based multigroup key establishments for IoT HCS is proposed. The proposed protocol can generate multiple group keys for all group members at once, instead of generating one key each time for a single group; more importantly, there is no need for a trusted KGC in the process of group keys establishment and each user can join multiple groups at the same time using only one reserved share. Meanwhile, the security of the proposed protocol is discussed in detail. Finally, we compare this protocol with the latest related group key distribution protocols in performance analysis. The results show that this efficient and flexible KGC-free polynomial-based multiple group keys establishment protocol is more suitable for practical group key agreement in IoT HCS.
A Novel Threshold Scheme for Reducing Spatial Intersymbol Interference in Vehicular Visible Light Communication Based on Image Sensors
Authors: Zhan Ling , Zhao Hong
Published: September 2021

LEDs can be used to communicate under the premise of satisfying illumination, which lays the groundwork for visible light communication (VLC). The application of outdoor VLC has drawn more attention, especially the application of vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) which can significantly improve traffic safety and information transmission efficiency. The image sensor has the characteristics of spatial separation, easily realizes MIMO, and does not need to be strictly aligned with the transmitter, so it is especially suitable for vehicular VLC. However, because of the diffuseness of LED and the small pixel size of the image sensor, it is easy to produce the blooming effects and interfering among symbols. When decoding at the receiving terminal, it will judge the status Off of LEDs to be the status On. By analysing the blooming effects caused by surrounding LEDs, a novel threshold scheme is proposed in this paper according to the probability distribution of the sum of the optical power of the LED itself and after interference. Experiments show that the proposed method has advantages in improving BER compared with the expected threshold method and the average method, especially with long‐distance communication (70 m), and the BER has been improved by 57% and 39%, respectively.
Application of a WiFi/Geomagnetic Combined Positioning Method in a Single Access Point Environment
Authors: Pan Hongbin , Xiang Yang , Xiong Jian , Zhao Yifan , Huang Ziwei , Xiao Xinghui
Published: September 2021

Because of the particularity of urban underground pipe corridor environment, the distribution of wireless access points is sparse. It causes great interference to a single WiFi positioning method or geomagnetic method. In order to meet the positioning needs of daily inspection staff, this paper proposes a WiFi/geomagnetic combined positioning method. In this combination method, firstly, the collected WiFi strength data was filtered by outlier detection method. Then, the filtered data set was used to construct the offline fingerprint database. In the following positioning operation, the classical k‐nearest neighbor algorithm was firstly used for preliminary positioning. Then, a standard circle was constructed based on the points obtained by the algorithm and the actual coordinate points. The diameter of the standard circle was the error, and the geomagnetic data were used for more accurate positioning in this circle. The method reduced the WiFi mismatch rate caused by multipath effects and improved positioning accuracy. Finally, a positioning accuracy experiment was performed in a single AP distribution environment that simulates a pipe corridor environment. The results proves that the WiFi/geomagnetic combined positioning method proposed in this paper is superior to the traditional WiFi and geomagnetic positioning methods in terms of positioning accuracy.
A Study on the Statistical Properties of the Prime Numbers Using the Classical and Superstatistical Random Matrix Theories
Authors: Abdel-Mageed M. , Salim Ahmed , Osamy Walid , Khedr Ahmed M.
Published: September 2021

The prime numbers have attracted mathematicians and other researchers to study their interesting qualitative properties as it opens the door to some interesting questions to be answered. In this paper, the Random Matrix Theory (RMT) within superstatistics and the method of the Nearest Neighbor Spacing Distribution (NNSD) are used to investigate the statistical proprieties of the spacings between adjacent prime numbers. We used the inverse

χ

2

distribution and the Brody distribution for investigating the regular-chaos mixed systems. The distributions are made up of sequences of prime numbers from one hundred to three hundred and fifty million prime numbers. The prime numbers are treated as eigenvalues of a quantum physical system. We found that the system of prime numbers may be considered regular-chaos mixed system and it becomes more regular as the value of the prime numbers largely increases with periodic behavior at logarithmic scale.
Two Different Upper Tract Urological Malignancies on Either Side
Authors: De Silva W. S. L. , De Almeida S. R. , Karunarathne G. D. B. J. , Samarathunga A. A. S. , Gannoruwa K. M. C. S. , Jayasundara J. A. S. B.
Published: September 2021

Introduction. The genitourinary system is a recognized site for multiple primary malignant neoplasms even without syndromic anomalies. However, to the best of our knowledge, a case of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with contralateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not reported in surgical literature so far. Case Presentation. A 52-year-old Sri Lankan male patient was found to have a right lower ureteric tumour and a left renal mass together upon investigating for painless visible hematuria. The right ureteric tumour measured

32
×
22
 
mm

resulting in moderate hydronephrosis and cortical thinning of the right kidney, and the left renal mass measured

43
×
38
 
mm

involving the lower pole. The biopsy of the right ureteric lesion revealed a high-grade transitional cell carcinoma with focal nested pattern and that of the left renal mass revealed a clear cell carcinoma. Right nephroureterectomy followed by a left partial nephrectomy was performed in six weeks’ interval. The histology of both the resected specimens confirmed the biopsy findings. Discussion. A high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma such as the right ureteric tumour of this patient required a nephroureterectomy which makes the management of the contralateral renal cell carcinoma more complex. An adequate functional renal remnant was ensured after offering oncologically sound surgical treatment for both the malignancies of this patient. Conclusion. A UTUC when associated with a contralateral RCC poses challenges in patient management. The preservation of renal excretory function has to be considered as an important determinant in addition to oncologically sound surgical resection when managing complex cases of genitourinary malignancies involving both sides of the upper urinary tract.
FSTL1 Secreted by Activated Fibroblasts Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis and Stemness
Authors: Loh Jia-Jian , Li Tsz-Wai , Zhou Lei , Wong Tin-Lok , Liu Xue , Ma Victor W.S. , Lo Chung-Mau , Man Kwan , Lee Terence K. , Ning Wen , Tong Man , Ma Stephanie
Published: September 2021

The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in maintaining the immature phenotype of tumor-initiating cells (TIC) to promote cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a unique disease in that it develops in the setting of fibrosis and cirrhosis. This pathologic state commonly shows an enrichment of stromal myofibroblasts, which constitute the bulk of the tumor microenvironment and contribute to disease progression. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) has been widely reported as a proinflammatory mediator in different fibrosis-related and inflammatory diseases. Here we show FSTL1 expression to be closely correlated with activated fibroblasts and to be elevated in regenerative, fibrotic, and disease liver states in various mouse models. Consistently, FSTL1 lineage cells gave rise to myofibroblasts in a CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model. Clinically, high FSTL1 in fibroblast activation protein–positive (FAP+) fibroblasts were significantly correlated with more advanced tumors in patients with HCC. Although FSTL1 was expressed in primary fibroblasts derived from patients with HCC, it was barely detectable in HCC cell lines. Functional investigations revealed that treatment of HCC cells and patient-derived 3D organoids with recombinant FSTL1 or with conditioned medium collected from hepatic stellate cells or from cells overexpressing FSTL1 could promote HCC growth and metastasis. FSTL1 bound to TLR4 receptor, resulting in activation of AKT/mTOR/4EBP1 signaling. In a preclinical mouse model, blockade of FSTL1 mitigated HCC malignancy and metastasis, sensitized HCC tumors to sorafenib, prolonged survival, and eradicated the TIC subset. Collectively, these data suggest that FSTL1 may serve as an important novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.

Significance:

This study shows that FSTL1 secreted by activated fibroblasts in the liver microenvironment augments hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy, providing a potential new strategy to improve treatment of this aggressive disease.
Clinical Trials Assessing Hypomethylating Agents Combined with Other Therapies: Causes for Failure and Potential Solutions
Authors: Zavras Phaedon D. , Shastri Aditi , Goldfinger Mendel , Verma Amit K. , Saunthararajah Yogen
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

Azacitidine and decitabine are hypomethylating agents (HMA), that is, both inhibit and deplete DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). HMAs are standard single-agent therapies for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myelogenous leukemias. Several attempts to improve outcomes by combining HMAs with investigational agents, excepting with the BCL2-inhibitor venetoclax, have failed in randomized clinical trial (RCT) evaluations. We extract lessons from decades of clinical trials to thereby inform future work.

Experimental Design:

Serial single-agent clinical trials were analyzed for mechanism and pathway properties of HMAs underpinning their success, and for rules for dose and schedule selection. RCTs were studied for principles, dos and don'ts for productive combination therapy.

Results:

Single-agent HMA trial results encourage dose and schedule selection to increase S-phase–dependent DNMT1 targeting, and discourage doses that cause indiscriminate antimetabolite effects/cytotoxicity, because these attrit myelopoiesis reserves needed for clinical response. Treatment-related myelosuppression should prompt dose/frequency reductions of less active investigational agents rather than more active HMA. Administering cytostatic agents concurrently with HMA can antagonize S-phase–dependent DNMT1 targeting. Supportive care that enables on-time administration of S-phase (exposure-time)–dependent HMA could be useful. Agents that manipulate pyrimidine metabolism to increase HMA pro-drug processing into DNMT1-depleting nucleotide, and/or inhibit other epigenetic enzymes implicated in oncogenic silencing of lineage differentiation, could be productive, but doses and schedules should adhere to therapeutic index/molecular–targeted principles already learned.

Conclusions:

More than 40 years of clinical trial history indicates mechanism, pathway, and therapeutic index properties of HMAs that underpin their almost exclusive success and teaches lessons for selection and design of combinations aiming to build on this treatment foundation.
Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction after Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: A Focus on Residual Spasms
Authors: Lee Jeong-A , Kong Doo-Sik , Kim Soo Jung , Lee Seunghoon , Park Sang-Ku , Park Kwan
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) experience improvement in symptoms after microvascular decompression (MVD); however, patient satisfaction is sometimes low. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between residual spasms and patient satisfaction, identify factors affecting satisfaction, and investigate the degree of improvement in spasms which result in patient satisfaction after surgery. Methods: 297 patients who completed a questionnaire after MVD for HFS between March 2020 and June 2020 were included. Information on surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction was collected using the questionnaire, and their relationships were analyzed. Results: Among the 297 patients, the mean residual spasm percentage and patient satisfaction score were negatively correlated with 14.0% and 8.8 points, respectively. In addition to residual spasms, discomfort caused by persistent spasms, psychological problem-solving, better social life, and interpersonal relationship improvement were associated with satisfaction. There was no significant association between the presence of complications and satisfaction. There was no significant difference in the satisfaction score at up to 30% residual spasm, and the patients with 0–30% residual spasm had a satisfaction score of 7 points or higher. Conclusion: Residual spasms and discomfort from residual spasms decreased patient satisfaction after MVD for HFS. It is then necessary to perform accurate surgical resolution to improve surgical outcomes and provide adequate management to reduce postoperative discomfort and anxiety, and ultimately to enhance satisfaction. Residual spasms of up to 30% compared with the preoperative severity can be considered a good outcome when evaluating surgical outcomes.
Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia with the KMT2A-Mixed Lineage Leukemia T10 Fusion: An Analysis of 10 Cases Showed Common Features and Frequent Mutations in the RAS Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cai Xiaohui , Wang Jinfei , Lu Jingtao , Jia Zhuxia , Chen Meiyu , Liu Jianfang , Lu Xuzhang , Chao Hongying
Published: September 2021

Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) T10 is a relatively rare partner for the KMT2A lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2A gene. The common features and coexisting mutations of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with KMT2A-MLLT10 remain unknown. In this study, 10 adult AML patients with KMT2A-MLLT10 fusions were picked up from 496 AML patients by using RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization, and then screened for mutations in the 49 genes panel with next-generation sequencing and PCR, followed by direct Sanger sequencing. Of the 10 unique individuals identified, 6 were male and 4 were female (M:F ratio, 1.5:1) with ages ranging from 19 to 52 years (median 39.5 years). Most (90%, 9/10) patients with KMT2A-MLLT10 were accompanied by additional mutations. Twelve mutated genes were detected, averaging 2.1 mutations per patient (range, 0–4). The most frequently mutated gene was NRAS (n = 5). Clinical and laboratory data pointed to common features: French American British-M5 subtype (n = 7), a high rate of relapse, and biomarkers CD33 (n = 10), CD117 (n = 9), CD13 (n = 8), and CD64 (n = 8). Overall, most patients harbored at least one mutation. A high incidence of mutations affecting the RAS signaling pathway or RAS regulating components was found in 50% (5/10) patients. The overall survival is about 12.0 months. Allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation trends to improve survival in selected patients.
Enhancing Cognitive Restructuring with Concurrent Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Transdiagnostic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Neacsiu Andrada D. , Beynel Lysianne , Powers John P. , Szabo Steven T. , Appelbaum Lawrence G. , Lisanby Sarah H. , LaBar Kevin S.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Emotional dysregulation constitutes a serious public health problem in need of novel transdiagnostic treatments. Objective: To this aim, we developed and tested a one-time intervention that integrates behavioral skills training with concurrent repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Methods: Forty-six adults who met criteria for at least one DSM-5 disorder and self-reported low use of cognitive restructuring (CR) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial that used a between-subjects design. Participants were taught CR and underwent active rTMS applied at 10 Hz over the right (n = 17) or left (n = 14) dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) or sham rTMS (n = 15) while practicing reframing and emotional distancing in response to autobiographical stressors. Results: Those who received active left or active right as opposed to sham rTMS exhibited enhanced regulation (ds = 0.21–0.62) as measured by psychophysiological indices during the intervention (higher high-frequency heart rate variability, lower regulation duration). Those who received active rTMS over the left dlPFC also self-reported reduced distress throughout the intervention (d = 0.30), higher likelihood to use CR, and lower daily distress during the week following the intervention. The procedures were acceptable and feasible with few side effects. Conclusions: These findings show that engaging frontal circuits simultaneously with cognitive skills training and rTMS may be clinically feasible, well-tolerated and may show promise for the treatment of transdiagnostic emotional dysregulation. Larger follow-up studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this novel therapeutic approach.
Management Landscape of Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Seivright Justine R. , Collier Erin , Grogan Tristan , Shih Terri , Hogeling Marcia , Shi Vivian Y. , Hsiao Jennifer L.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an understudied condition, and the literature describing the provider landscape for this disease is limited. We aim to characterize healthcare utilization in a cohort of pediatric HS patients at an academic institution. Methods: Patients diagnosed with HS before age 18 were identified via retrospective chart review using ICD-9/10 codes for HS. Data on demographics and HS providers were collected. Results: We found that half of the pediatric HS patients first presented to primary care with their HS symptoms. There was a mean delay in diagnosis of 2 years. Dermatologists and pediatricians were the principal HS care providers, and dermatologists most frequently prescribed treatment or procedures (63%). We also found a low rate of utilization of the HS specialty clinic (11%). Females, patients with more severe disease, and patients with earlier age of onset were more likely to be seen by a dermatologist. Conclusions: Dermatologists play a pivotal role in pediatric HS management as principal care providers for patients. Increasing HS awareness among primary care providers, including pediatricians, is critical for early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Post-Bulbar Ulcer Bleeding Compared to Bulbar Ulcer Bleeding in the Duodenum
Authors: Sekiguchi Hiromi , Shinozaki Satoshi , Takezawa Takahito , Osawa Hiroyuki , Miura Yoshimasa , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Yamamoto Hironori
Published: September 2021

Background: Duodenal ulcers are classified into bulbar and post-bulbar ulcers. The aim of this study is to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with post-bulbar ulcer bleeding and those with bulbar ulcer bleeding. Methods: A total of 272 patients with hemorrhagic duodenal ulcers requiring hospitalization were included. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: All patients were categorized as bulbar or post-bulbar bleeding ulcer groups. The post-bulbar ulcer group had more patients of advanced age, concurrent malignancy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cirrhosis, and chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. We performed long-term follow-up for an average of 2.6 years. The mortality rate during the follow-up period in the post-bulbar ulcer group was significantly higher than that in the bulbar ulcer group (p < 0.001). The PNED score was a better predictor of 30-day mortality compared to the complete Rockall score and the Glasgow-Blatchford Score. Predictors of mortality were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. In multivariate analysis, post-bulbar ulcer, concurrent malignancy, cirrhosis, antiplatelet/anticoagulant use, and transfusion were significant predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Patients with post-bulbar ulcers have a poorer prognosis than those with bulbar ulcers. After the diagnosis of hemorrhagic post-bulbar duodenal ulcer, close follow-up is necessary.
Effectiveness of School Dental Screening to Reduce Untreated Caries: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alayadi Haya , Bernabé Eduardo , Sabbah Wael
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dental screening plus referral to a specific treating facility (intervention arm) against screening plus advice letter to see a dentist (traditional screening, and control arm) on changes in untreated caries among primary schoolchildren. A cluster-randomized, assessor-blinded, controlled trial was conducted in 16 public schools in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Children aged 6–11 years without any compromising medical condition were eligible for inclusion. Children were examined for dental caries at baseline and 12 months later. Parents reported their socio-demographic characteristics and their child use of dental services at baseline and follow-up. Differences in the number of decayed primary and permanent teeth between trial arms were assessed using 3-level mixed-effects models to account for the clustering of children within schools and baseline demographic differences between arms. Data from 1,098 children (537 in the intervention and 561 in the control arm) were analysed. In the mixed-effect model, no differences in the increment of decayed primary and permanent teeth were found between the intervention and control arms (rate ratio: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.53–1.06). No differences between arms were found in the proportion of children visiting the dentist either (secondary outcome). The findings of this trial provided no support for the effect of post-screening referral to a specific dental hospital, compared to traditional screening, on changes in untreated dental caries among primary schoolchildren.