bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of liver fibrosis score on the incidence of stroke: A cohort study
Authors: Xiong Shengjun , Yin Shizhang , Deng Wanshu , Zhao Yuanhui , Li Wenhang , Wang Pengbo , Li Zhao , Yang Hongmei , Zhou Ying , Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Sun Yingxian
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose was to explore the value of liver fibrosis scores (fibrosis‐4, BAAT score and BARD score) for incidence risk of stroke in a cohort study.

Methods

A total of 9088 participants without stroke history enrolled the follow‐up. Three liver fibrosis scores (LFSs) including FIB‐4, BARD score and BAAT score were adopted. The end point was stroke. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval. Kaplan–Meier curve was used to show the probability of stoke in different levels of LFSs. Subgroup analysis showed the association between LFSs and stroke under different stratification. Restricted cubic spline could further explore whether there is a linear relationship between LFSs and stroke. Finally, we used C‐statistics, Net Reclassification Index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) to assess the discriminatory power of each LFS for stroke.

Results

During a median follow‐up time of 4.66 years, 272 participants had a stroke. Through the baseline characteristics, we observed that the stroke incidence population tends to be male and older. It was shown by Kaplan–Meier that three LFSs were associated with stroke and high levels of LFSs significantly increase the probability of stroke. In the univariate Cox regression analysis, the HR of stroke risk was 6.04 (4.14–8.18) in FIB‐4, 2.10 (1.45–3.04) in BAAT score and 1.81 (1.38–2.38) in BARD score by comparing the high level with the low level at each LFSs. The adjusted HRs for three LFSs were 2.05 (1.33–3.15) in FIB‐4, 1.61 (1.10–2.35) in BAAT score and 1.54 (1.17–2.04) in BARD score by comparing the high group with low group. We found that multivariable‐adjusted HRs of three LFSs still increased for stroke when stratified by various factors in subgroup analysis. Moreover, after adding LFSs to original risk prediction model which consist of age, sex, drinking, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides, we found that new models have higher C‐statistics of stroke. Furthermore, we calculated Net Reclassification Index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) to show the ability of LFSs to predict stroke.

Conclusions

Our study showed that three LFSs were associated with stroke amongst middle‐aged populations in rural areas of Northeast China. Furthermore, it suggests that LFSs can be used as a risk stratification tool to predict stroke.
Photoperiod trait: Insight in molecular mechanism for growth and maturity adaptation of soybean (Glycine max) to different latitudes
Authors: Gupta Sanjay , Kumawat Giriraj , Agrawal Nisha , Tripathi Rachana , Rajesh Vangala , Nataraj Vennampally , Maranna Shivakumar , Satpute Gyanesh K. , Chandra Subhash , Ratnaparkhe Milind B. , Srivastava Manoj K. , Khandekar Nita , Jain Meeta
Published: July 2022

Soybeans cover a vast geographical region of 53°N to 40°S latitudes, but individual genotypes have a very narrow latitudinal adaptation of ~200 km due to photoperiodic limitations. Fourteen soybean maturity groups (MG0000‐X) of Northern America have genotypes adapted to very long (MG0000) to short (X) day length conditions. Photoperiod not only affects flowering but other agronomic traits also. Several maturity genes have been mapped, and 12 genes related to the photoperiodic network (E1, E2, E3, E4, J, FT2a, FT5a, Tof5, Tof11, Tof12, Tof16 and Tof18) have been functionally characterized. The role of the paralogues of functionally characterized genes (E1Ls, COs, PRRs, FULs, SOCs and FTs) is being recently elucidated. Allelic diversity at photoperiodic loci confers latitude specific adaptation. Molecular models (common allelic combination present in an MG) have been developed for different MG using E genes but require refining by the addition of other functionally characterized genes to fully explain the flowering and maturity, especially in MG V to X. Three interacting modules PHYA‐E1, GI‐CO and miRNA‐dependent have been developed to elucidate the flowering mechanism in soybean.
Tribulus terrestris can suppress the adverse effect of toluene on bovine and equine ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Fabová Zuzana , Tarko Adam , Harrath Abdel Halim , Alwasel Saleh , Kotwica Jan , Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: July 2022

Influence of oil‐related product toluene and herbal remedy puncturevine Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on female reproduction is known. Yet, mechanisms of their action on ovaries in different species and potential protective effect of TT against adverse toluene action remain to be established. We studied the effect of toluene, TT, and their combination on ovarian granulosa cells from two mammalian species (cows and horses). Viability, markers of proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (bax), steroid hormones, IGF‐I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin F (PGF) release were analyzed by trypan blue exclusion test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and EIA/ELISA. Toluene suppressed all analyzed parameters. In both species, TT stimulated proliferation and reduced progesterone, oxytocin, and PGF. In horses, TT inhibited testosterone and IGF‐I. In both species, TT supported toluene effect on viability, steroids, IGF‐I, and PGF, and inverted its action on apoptosis. In cows, TT promoted toluene effect on proliferation. In horses, TT supported toluene effect on oxytocin but suppressed its influence on proliferation. In both species, toluene induced inhibitory action of TT on viability, steroids, IGF‐I, and PGF, and prevented its stimulatory action on proliferation. In cows, toluene supported inhibitory action of TT on oxytocin and prevented its stimulatory action on apoptosis. In horses, toluene induced stimulatory effect of TT on apoptosis. Our results indicate potential toxic toluene effect on farm animal ovaries, applicability of TT as a biostimulator of farm animal reproduction and as a protector against the adverse influence of toluene on female reproduction.
Understanding International Price and Consumption Disparities
Authors: Vo Long Hai
Published: July 2022

This study proposes a new measure of the tradability of 120+ commodities based on price dispersion. This approach is used to construct price indices of tradables and non‐tradables for 150+ countries. The expenditure share of tradables is lower for richer countries, while the relative price of non‐tradables, which plays an important role in the determination of real exchange rates, is higher. Secondly, a common‐factor approach (based on principal components) is introduced to compress the large volume of information on prices and quantities consumed globally. We find that cross‐commodity correlations are higher for prices than for consumption. In addition, income is responsible for most of the variation in the first principal component of consumption but explains less of the first price component. This suggests consumption are driven primarily by domestic factors, while prices are determined by factors outside the country, along the lines of the Purchasing Power Parity theory.
Detection of the HLA‐B*40:416 allele in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: July 2022

Two nucleotide mutations in exon 1 of HLA‐B*40:01:01 result in the novel allele HLA‐B*40:416.
Radial Flow Field of Spiral Cochlea and Its Effect on Stereocilia
Authors: Zhao Z. , Yao W. , Wang M. , Wang J. , Zhang T.
Published: July 2022

The opening of the ion channels ultimately depends on the movement and energy conversion of the microstructural organization. But the role was not yet clear how the active sound amplification function is generated by the microstructure in the cochlear characteristic spiral shape. In this paper, an analytical model of the spiral cochlea is developed to investigate the radial flow field generated by the spiral shape of the cochlea and its effect on the outer hair cell stereocilia, and to analyze the effect of the spiral shape on the micromechanics of the cochlea. The results show that the spiral shape of the cochlea exerts a radial shear force on the hair cell stereocilia by generating a radial flow field, causing the stereocilia to deflect in the radial flow field, with the maximum deflection occurring at the apex of the cochlea. This finding explains from the microscopic mechanism that cochlear spiral shape can enhance low-frequency hearing in humans, which provides a basis for further studies on the contribution of the movement of stereocilia applied by the radial flow field of lymphatic fluid to activate ion channels for auditory production.
Strain-Dependent Diffusivity of Small and Large Molecules in Meniscus
Authors: Schwartz Gabi , Morejon Andy , Best Thomas M. , Jackson Alicia R. , Travascio Francesco
Published: July 2022

Due to lack of full vascularization, the meniscus relies on diffusion through the extracellular matrix to deliver small (e.g., nutrients) and large (e.g., proteins) to resident cells. Under normal physiological conditions, the meniscus undergoes up to 20% compressive strains. While previous studies characterized solute diffusivity in the uncompressed meniscus, to date, little is known about the diffusive transport under physiological strain levels. This information is crucial to fully understand the pathophysiology of the meniscus. The objective of this study was to investigate strain-dependent diffusive properties of the meniscus fibrocartilage. Tissue samples were harvested from the central portion of porcine medial menisci and tested via fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to measure diffusivity of fluorescein (332 Da) and 40 K Da dextran (D40K) under 0%, 10%, and 20% compressive strain. Specifically, average diffusion coefficient and anisotropic ratio, defined as the ratio of the diffusion coefficient in the direction of the tissue collagen fibers to that orthogonal, were determined. For all the experimental conditions investigated, fluorescein diffusivity was statistically faster than that of D40K. Also, for both molecules, diffusion coefficients significantly decreased, up to ∼45%, as the strain increased. In contrast, the anisotropic ratios of both molecules were similar and not affected by the strain applied to the tissue. This suggests that compressive strains used in this study did not alter the diffusive pathways in the meniscus. Our findings provide new knowledge on the transport properties of the meniscus fibrocartilage that can be leveraged to further understand tissue pathophysiology and approaches to tissue restoration.
Gut Microbiota and Transcriptomics Reveal the Effect of Human Norovirus Bioaccumulation on Oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Yang Min , Tong Lihui , Wang Shanshan , Liu Nan , Zhao Feng , Sun Yong , Sun Guohui , Zhou Deqing
Published: July 2022

The role of the oyster gut microbiota in HuNoV bioaccumulation is poorly understood. This study revealed, for the first time, the changes in gut microbiota and gene expression of oysters with HuNoV bioaccumulation. This study enriches the understanding of the impact of HuNoV bioaccumulation on oysters and provides a new direction for the study of the molecular mechanism of HuNoV bioaccumulation in oysters.
Effect of a new concussion substitute rule on medical assessment of head collision events in Premier League football
Authors: Tarzi Gabriel , Tarzi Christopher , Mirsu Diana , Patel Jay , Dadashi Eileen , El-Sabbagh Jana , Gerhart Austin , Cusimano Michael D
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the utilisation of additional permanent concussion substitutes (APCSs) and its efficacy with regards to rate and duration of medical assessment of head collision events (HCEs) in the 2020–2021 Premier League season. The present APCS rule allows players with a suspected concussion to be removed from a match without counting towards a team’s allocated substitutions.

Methods

Eighty Premier League matches, 40 prior to additional permanent concussion substitutes implementation (Pre-APCS) and 40 after (Post-APCS), were randomly selected and analysed by a team of trained reviewers for HCEs. Data on HCE incidence, rates of medical assessment, duration of medical assessment and return to play were collected for each match. Data for the Pre-APCS and Post-APCS groups were compared to analyse differences in assessment of HCEs.

Results

During the 2020–2021 Premier League season, three APCSs were used. There were 38 HCEs identified in the Pre-APCS group (0.95 per match, 28.79 per 1000 athlete-hours of exposure) and 42 in the Post-APCS group (1.05 per match, 31.82 per 1000 athlete-hours of exposure). Incidence of HCEs (p=0.657), rates of medical assessment (23.7% Pre-APCS vs 21.4% Post-APCS; p=0.545) and duration of medical assessment (median 81 s Pre-APCS vs 102 s Post-APCS; p=0.466) did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

The implementation of APCSs in the Premier League did not impact the rate or duration of medical assessement of HCEs. Despite the introduction of APCSs, the consensus protocols for HCE assessment were rarely followed. We recommend changes to APCS and its implementation that would be aimed at protecting player health.
Bi-allelic variants inWNT7Bdisrupt the development of multiple organs in humans
Authors: Bouasker Samir , Patel Nisha , Greenlees Rebecca , Wellesley Diana , Fares Taie Lucas , Almontashiri Naif A , Baptista Julia , Alghamdi Malak Ali , Boissel Sarah , Martinovic Jelena , Prokudin Ivan , Holden Samantha , Mudhar Hardeep-Singh , Riley Lisa G , Nassif Christina , Attie-Bitach Tania , Miguet Marguerite , Delous Marion , Ernest Sylvain , Plaisancié Julie , Calvas Patrick , Rozet Jean-Michel , Khan Arif O , Hamdan Fadi F , Jamieson Robyn V , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Michaud Jacques L , Chassaing Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Background

Pulmonary hypoplasia, Diaphragmatic anomalies, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia and Cardiac defects delineate the PDAC syndrome. We aim to identify the cause of PDAC syndrome in patients who do not carry pathogenic variants inRARBandSTRA6, which have been previously associated with this disorder.

Methods

We sequenced the exome of patients with unexplained PDAC syndrome and performed functional validation of candidate variants.

Results

We identified bi-allelic variants inWNT7Bin fetuses with PDAC syndrome from two unrelated families. In one family, the fetus was homozygous for the c.292C>T (p.(Arg98*)) variant whereas the fetuses from the other family were compound heterozygous for the variants c.225C>G (p.(Tyr75*)) and c.562G>A (p.(Gly188Ser)). Finally, a molecular autopsy by proxy in a consanguineous couple that lost two babies due to lung hypoplasia revealed that both parents carry the p.(Arg98*) variant. Using a WNT signalling canonical luciferase assay, we demonstrated that the identified variants are deleterious. In addition, we found thatwnt7bbmutant zebrafish display a defect of the swimbladder, an air-filled organ that is a structural homolog of the mammalian lung, suggesting that the function of WNT7B has been conserved during evolution for the development of these structures.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that defective WNT7B function underlies a form of lung hypoplasia that is associated with the PDAC syndrome, and provide evidence for involvement of the WNT–β-catenin pathway in human lung, tracheal, ocular, cardiac, and renal development.
Predictors of post-TAVI conduction abnormalities in patients with bicuspid aortic valves
Authors: Esposito Giulia , Kumar Niraj , Pugliese Francesca , Sayers Max , Chow Anthony WC , Kennon Simon , Ozkor Mick , Mathur Anthony , Baumbach Andreas , Lloyd Guy , Mullen Aigerim , Cook Andrew , Mullen Michael , Patel Kush P
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study evaluates predictors of conduction abnormalities (CA) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV).

Background

TAVI is associated with CA that commonly necessitate a permanent pacemaker. Predictors of CA are well established among patients with tricuspid aortic valves but not in those with BAV.

Methods

This is a single-centre, retrospective, observational study of patients with BAV treated with TAVI. Pre-TAVI ECG and CT scans and procedural characteristics were evaluated in 58 patients with BAV. CA were defined as a composite of high-degree atrioventricular block, new left bundle branch block with a QRS >150 ms or PR >240 ms and right bundle branch block with new PR prolongation or change in axis. Predictors of CA were identified using regression analysis and optimum cut-off values determined using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

CA occurred in 35% of patients. Bioprosthesis implantation depth, the difference between membranous septum (MS) length and implantation depth (δMSID) and device landing zone (DLZ) calcification adjacent to the MS were identified as univariate predictors of CA. The optimum cut-off forδMSID was 1.25 mm. Using this cut-off, lowδMSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS predicted CA, adjusted OR 8.79, 95% CI 1.88 to 41.00; p=0.01. Eccentricity of the aortic valve annulus, type of BAV and valve calcium quantity and distribution did not predict CA.

Conclusions

In BAV patients undergoing TAVI, shortδMSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS are associated with an increased risk of CA.
Impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on male urethritis syndrome services in South Africa
Authors: Dorrell Philip , Pillay Yogan , Maithufi Regina , Pinini Zukiswa , Chidarikire Thato , Stamper Nomawethu , Frank Derusha , Peters Remco P H
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Globally, there have been significant changes in utilisation of STI testing and treatment services during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 in countries that use syndromic STI management is not documented. This study used routine STI surveillance data to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on utilisation of STI syndromic management services during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa.

Methods

We conducted a time-trend analysis of male urethritis syndrome (MUS) cases reported through routine national STI surveillance in South Africa and COVID-19 data available through the national dashboard. We defined three time periods (prelockdown, lockdown and postlockdown) based on COVID-19 response levels. Trends in MUS reporting was compared between these time periods at national and provincial level and with the number of positive COVID-19 tests in a district.

Results

An overall reduction of 27% in the national number of MUS cases reported (monthly average from 27 117 to 20 107) occurred between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 lockdown periods (p<0.001), with a range of 18%–39% between the nine provinces. Postlockdown, case numbers returned almost to the prelockdown level (26 304; −3.0%). No significant difference was found in number of MUS cases between the prelockdown and postlockdown periods. A weak correlation (R2=0,21) was identified between the change in number of MUS reported and COVID-19 positive tests in a district.

Conclusions

A strong reduction in reported MUS cases for syndromic management was observed during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown across all provinces in South Africa. This is likely the result of various healthcare system and service delivery factors associated with lockdown measures. The observed return of MUS cases reported to prelockdown measures is reassuring.
In vivo bronchial epithelial interferon responses are augmented in asthma on day 4 following experimental rhinovirus infection
Authors: Farne Hugo , Lin Lijing , Jackson David J , Rattray Magnus , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan , Joshi Shilpy , Wilson Paul A , Williamson Rick , Edwards Michael R , Singanayagam Aran , Johnston Sebastian L
Published: July 2022

Despite good evidence of impaired innate antiviral responses in asthma, trials of inhaled interferon-β given during exacerbations showed only modest benefits in moderate/severe asthma. Using human experimental rhinovirus infection, we observe robust in vivo induction of bronchial epithelial interferon response genes 4 days after virus inoculation in 25 subjects with asthma but not 11 control subjects. This signature correlated with virus loads and lower respiratory symptoms. Our data indicate that the in vivo innate antiviral response is dysregulated in asthma and open up the potential that prophylactic rather than therapeutic interferon therapy may have greater clinical benefit.
Measuring the near-target neutron field of a D–D fusion facility with the novel NCT-WES spectrometer
Authors: Bedogni R. , Calamida A. , Fontanilla A. , Castro Campoy A. I. , Napolitano T. , Cantone C. , Mafucci E. , Monti V. , Altieri S. , Gomez-Ros J. M. , Pillon M. , Pietropaolo A.
Published: July 2022

A new directional neutron spectrometer called NCT-WES (Neutron Capture Therapy Wide Energy Spectrometer) was recently developed within the INFN ENTER_BNCT project. This device constitutes a more compact and portable alternative to state-of-the-art directional neutron spectrometers. The device was used for the first time to characterise the near-target field produced by an accelerator-driven D–D fusion neutron source. NCT-WES operates as a “parallelised” Bonner spheres spectrometer, embedding six semiconductor-based thermal neutron detectors in a cylindrical moderator. Owing on a cylindrical collimating aperture, the device exhibits sharply directional response. To account for the non-uniform irradiation condition experienced in the near-target field, a dedicated NCT-WES response matrix was developed. The neutron spectrum at 0$$^{\circ }$$

∘

from the D–D neutron target, determined by means of the FRUIT unfolding code, is coherent with that previously derived with Bonner spheres. NCT-WES proved to be a promising device for angular spectrometric characterisation of neutron-emitting targets.
A Hybrid Approach for Task Scheduling Based Particle Swarm and Chaotic Strategies in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Zeedan Maha , Attiya Gamal , El-Fishawy Nawal
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a hybrid approach based discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and chaotic strategies for solving multi-objective task scheduling problem in cloud computing. The main purpose is to allocate the summited tasks to the available resources in the cloud environment with minimum makespan (i.e. schedule length) and processing cost while maximizing resource utilization without violating Service Level Agreement (SLA) among users and cloud providers. The main challenges faced by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) when used to solve scheduling problems are premature convergence and trapping into local optimum. This paper presents an enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm hybridized with Chaotic Map strategies. The proposed approach is called Enhanced Particle Swarm Optimization based Chaotic Strategies (EPSOCHO) algorithm. Our proposed approach suggests two Chaotic Map strategies: sinusoidal iterator and Lorenz attractor to enhanced PSO algorithm in order to get good convergence and diversity for optimizing the task scheduling in cloud computing. The proposed approach is simulated and implemented in Cloudsim simulator. The performance of the proposed approach is compared with the standard PSO algorithm, the improved PSO algorithm with Longest job to fastest processor (LJFP-PSO), and the improved PSO algorithm with minimum completion time (MCT-PSO) using different sizes of tasks and various benchmark datasets. The results clearly demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach in terms of makespan, processing cost and resources utilization.
Generalized Rogers–Ramanujan expressions for some non-singlet twisted affine algebras
Authors: Gepner Doron R.
Published: July 2022

Hatayama et al. described generalized Rogers–Ramanujan (GRR) expressions for the string functions of the singlet representation of twisted affine algebras. We give here such GRR expressions for some non-singlet string functions. In the case of the algebra [Formula: see text], this gives all the string functions. We verify these expressions using Freudenthal–Kac formula.
Study of the Target Earthquake-Induced Track Irregularity Spectrum under Transverse Random Earthquakes
Authors: Yu Jian , Jiang Lizhong , Zhou Wangbao
Published: July 2022

Railway transportation, as an important lifeline during earthquake relief and post-disaster reconstruction, has an extremely significant role. The study of track irregularity caused by earthquakes is the basis for ensuring traffic safety after their occurrence. In this paper, a finite element model of a five-span simply supported high-speed railway beam bridge with the China Railway Track System (CRTS) II was established and an experimental verification was performed. Eighty arbitrarily selected seismic waves were extracted from the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) strong ground motion database and a nonlinear time-history analysis was performed on the finite element model. The frequency–domain distribution law of earthquake-induced track irregularities was studied. A stable target earthquake-induced track irregularity spectrum model was constructed, and its expression was fitted. According to the results, in the case of transverse earthquakes, the rails experienced noticeable alignment irregularity and cross-level irregularity, while the amplitude of the gauge and vertical irregularity were relatively small. The target irregularity spectrum has a higher amplitude in the low-frequency components. When peak ground acceleration (PGA) was low, earthquake-induced track irregularity was not obvious, but the deteriorating effects of earthquakes on track irregularities increased significantly with increasing PGA.
A Nonlocal IGA Numerical Solution for Free Vibration and Buckling Analysis of Porous Sigmoid Functionally Graded (P-SFGM) Nanoplate
Authors: Tran Minh Thi , Le Thanh Cuong
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work is to investigate the free vibration and buckling characteristics of sigmoid functionally graded (FG) nanoplate with the influence of porosity. The modified rule of the mixture is utilized to calculate the effective material properties of porous sigmoid functionally graded (P-SFGM) nanoplate. Three schemes of porosity distribution, including uniform, symmetric and nonsymmetric are investigated. The first-order shear deformation theory is utilized to simulate the displacement fields of P-SFGM nanoplate. Eringen’s nonlocal elastic theory and isogeometric analysis (IGA) are used to establish the governing equations for free vibration and buckling analysis of nanoplate structure with small size effect. By using NURBS as a basic function, IGA can fulfill the higher-order derivative requirement of governing equations. The accuracy of the presented solution is verified. By taking the nonlocal parameter into account, the stiffness of the plate is softened. Also, the effects of porosity distribution across the plate’s thickness, porosity parameter, material power index, boundary conditions (BCs) and aspect ratio on the frequency response of P-SFGM nanoplate are presented.
A Code-Type Method to Assess the Running Safety of Railway Vehicles on Bridges Shaken by Earthquakes Including Girder’s Torsional Motion
Authors: Jin Zhibin , Liu Weizhan , Pei Shiling
Published: July 2022

The safety of railway vehicles running on bridges needs to be evaluated in the seismic design of bridges. This study examined the spectral intensity calculated from the lateral vibration of the bridge deck during earthquakes, a Japanese code-based index to measure bridge vibration’s strength. In addition, the effect of the torsion of the bridge deck on vehicle derailment is investigated using a nonlinear vehicle–track–bridge model. The bridge deck torsion increases the derailment risk, especially for bridges with a low natural frequency. The reason lies in that the lateral and torsional deck motions are highly correlated for bridges with lower frequency. Based on this observation, a code-type formula was proposed to evaluate the vehicle running safety including both lateral and torsional motions of the bridge deck. The accuracy of the proposed formula was demonstrated by comparison with vehicle–track–bridge simulation excited by ground motion records. The new procedure overcomes the non-conservative assessment of derailment caused by ignoring bridge torsion.
On Thermally Induced Vibration Control of Hybrid Magnetostrictive Beams and Plates
Authors: Mirzavand B. , Javadi M. G. , Amiri Atashgah M. A.
Published: July 2022

The outer skins of aerospace structures, which are frequently experiencing variations of temperature, are threatened by thermally induced vibration. Vibration in space has dangerous effects on the safety of structures and may result in structural failure. So, the construction of an active control system to suppress thermally induced vibrations is necessary. Active thermally induced vibration control of homogenous isotropic beams, and plates through magnetostrictive layers are presented here. Negative velocity feedback with a constant gain is employed to make appropriate strain in the magnetostrictive actuator layer. Ultimately, a closed-form solution is presented for thermally induced vibration control of the hybrid magnetostrictive-Aluminum beams and plates. Effects of material properties, thickness of magnetostrictive layers, and control gain on vibration suppression have been evaluated.
CNN Classification of Computed Tomography Images for Pancreatic Tumor Detection
Authors: Lakkshmanan Ajanthaa , Ananth C. Anbu , Tiroumalmouroughane S.
Published: July 2022

The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer (PC) is the lowest of any cancer kind, and it is the fourth greatest cause of cancer-related death, with a growing death rate. When it comes to cancer invasion, the most significant risk factors are: smoking; alcohol usage; diabetes; and prior pancreatitis. By using this method, we will be able to detect our PC, which is equipped with picture handling technology. Researchers used CT images as input in this study and preprocessed them to remove any noise in the images that had been learned using an adaptive Weiner filter. Preprocessing is followed by the use of a region grow ideal to segment the noise-free image. Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) is utilized once more to extract the tumor limits and principal component analysis (PCA) is used to enhance the retrieved structures to improve the types of pancreatic CT images. In order to activate the picture parameters, a convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier is used. In order to categorize an image as nonpancreatic cancer or pancreatic cancer, the test data were compared to the training data and the classified image was compared. MATLAB then initiates the entire process, and the most recent performance estimation approach is utilized, resulting in outstanding accuracy.
Is There an Authoritarian Advantage in Pandemic Response? A Comparative Case Study of China’s Responses to SARS-CoV-1 (2003) and SARS-CoV-2 (2019)
Authors: SCHWARTZ JONATHAN
Published: July 2022

Effective pandemic response has become an increasingly important focus for research in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are a number of variables that may be considered as influencing effective response, this paper focuses on the potential impact of an “authoritarian advantage” in achieving an effective response in the period prior to pharmaceutical interventions being available with China as a case study. In essence, this paper explores whether China enjoys an authoritarian advantage, and if so, how it functions.

This study compares China’s SARS-CoV-1 (2003) response with its SARS-CoV-2 (2019) response by exploring the impact of the authoritarian advantage on the state’s ability to effectively engage three key explanatory variables — centralized decision-making powers, public support and media engagement.
Quantum Fourier Convolutional Network
Authors: Shen Feihong , Liu Jun
Published: July 2022

The neural network and quantum computing are both significant and appealing fields, with their interactive disciplines promising for large-scale computing tasks that are untackled by conventional computers. However, both developments are restricted by the scope of the hardware development. Nevertheless, many neural network algorithms had been proposed before GPUs became powerful enough for running very deep models. Similarly, quantum algorithms can also be proposed as knowledge reserve before real quantum computers are easily accessible. Specifically, taking advantage of both the neural networks and quantum computation and designing quantum deep neural networks (QDNNs) for acceleration on the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) processors is also an important research problem. As one of the most widely used neural network architectures, convolutional neural network (CNN) remains to be accelerated by quantum mechanisms, with only a few attempts having been demonstrated. In this article, we propose a new hybrid quantum-classical circuit, namely, Quantum Fourier Convolutional Network (QFCN). Our model achieves exponential speedup compared with classical CNN theoretically and improves over the existing best result of quantum CNN. We demonstrate the potential of this architecture by applying it on different deep learning tasks, including traffic prediction and image classification.
Distension contraction plots of pharyngeal/esophageal peristalsis: next frontier in the assessment of esophageal motor function
Authors: Omari Taher I. , Zifan Ali , Cock Charles , Mittal Ravinder K.
Published: July 2022

Esophageal peristalsis consists of initial inhibition (relaxation) followed by excitation (contraction), both of which move sequentially in the aboral direction. Initial inhibition results in receptive relaxation and bolus-induced luminal distension, which allows propulsion by the contraction with minimal resistance to flow. Similar to the contraction wave, luminal distension has unique waveform characteristics in normal subjects; both are modulated by bolus volume, bolus viscosity, and posture, suggesting a possible cause-and-effect relationship between the two. Distension contraction plots in patients with dysphagia with normal bolus clearance [high-amplitude esophageal contractions (HAECs), esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), and functional dysphagia (FD)] reveal two major findings: 1) unlike normal subjects, there is luminal occlusion distal to bolus during peristalsis in certain patients, i.e., with type 3 achalasia and nonobstructive dysphagia; and 2) bolus travels through a narrow lumen esophagus during peristalsis in patients with HAECs, EGJOO, and FD. Aforementioned findings indicate a relative dynamic obstruction to the bolus flow during peristalsis and reduced distensibility of esophageal wall in the bolus segment of the esophagus. We speculate that a normal or supernormal contraction wave pushing bolus against resistance is the mechanism of dysphagia sensation in significant number of patients. Representations of distension and contraction, combined with objective measures of flow timing and distensibility are complementary to the current scheme of classifying esophageal motility disorders based solely on the characteristics of contraction phase of peristalsis. Better understanding of the distensibility of the bolus-containing segment of the esophagus during peristalsis will lead to the development of novel medical and surgical therapies in the treatment of dysphagia in significant number of patients.
Role of CB1 receptors in the acute regulation of small intestinal permeability: effects of high-fat diet
Authors: Cuddihey Hailey , Cavin Jean-Baptiste , Keenan Catherine M. , Wallace Laurie E. , Vemuri Kiran , Makriyannis Alexandros , MacNaughton Wallace K. , Sharkey Keith A.
Published: July 2022

The endocannabinoid system of the gastrointestinal tract regulates homeostasis by acting as brake on motility and secretion. Here we show that when exposed to a high fat diet, intestinal permeability is increased and activation of the CB1 receptor on the intestinal epithelium restores barrier function. This work further highlights the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating intestinal homeostasis when it is perturbed.
Obesity elicits a unique metabolomic signature in human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Xu Shengjie , Karmacharya Nikhil , Cao Gaoyuan , Guo Changjiang , Gow Andrew , Panettieri Reynold A. , Jude Joseph A.
Published: July 2022

Obesity can aggravate asthma by enhancing airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and attenuating response to treatment. However, the precise mechanisms linking obesity and asthma remain unknown. Human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells exhibit amplified excitation-contraction (EC) coupling and force generation in obesity. Therefore, we posit that airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells obtained from obese donors manifest a metabolomic phenotype distinct from that of nonobese donor cells and that a differential metabolic phenotype, at least in part, drives enhanced ASM cell EC coupling. HASM cells derived from age-, sex-, and race-matched nonobese [body mass index (BMI) ≤ 24.9 kg·m−2] and obese (BMI ≥ 29.9 kg·m−2) lung donors were subjected to unbiased metabolomic screening. The unbiased metabolomic screening identified differentially altered metabolites linked to glycolysis and citric acid cycle in obese donor-derived cells compared with nonobese donor cells. The Seahorse assay measured the bioenergetic profile based on glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, palmitate oxidation, and glutamine oxidation rates in HASM cells. Glycolytic rate and capacity were elevated in obese donor-derived HASM cells, whereas mitochondrial respiration, palmitate oxidation, and glutamine oxidation rates were comparable between obese and nonobese groups. PFKFB3 mRNA and protein expression levels were also elevated in obese donor-derived HASM cells. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of PFKFB3 attenuated agonist-induced myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in HASM cells derived from obese and nonobese donors. Our findings identify elevated glycolysis as a signature metabolic phenotype of obesity and inhibition of glycolysis attenuates MLC phosphorylation in HASM cells. These findings identify novel therapeutic targets to mitigate AHR in obesity-associated asthma.
Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Relevant Subtypes with Distinct Prognosis and Responses to Chemo- or Immunotherapies in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhou Yang , Li Gai , Li Hu , Lai Fuchong , Duan Pingguo , Cheng Ming
Published: July 2022

Objective. Currently, clinical classification of osteosarcoma cannot accurately predict the survival outcomes and responses to chemo- or immunotherapies. Our goal was to classify osteosarcoma patients into clinical/biological subtypes based on EMT molecules. Methods. This study retrospectively curated the RNA expression profiling of osteosarcoma patients from the TARGET and GSE21257 cohorts. Consensus clustering analyses were conducted in accordance with the expression profiling of prognostic EMT genes derived from univariate analyses. Immunological features were evaluated through immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and activity of cancer immunity cycle. Drug sensitivity was estimated with the GDSC database. WGCNA approach was adopted to determine the EMT-derived genes. Following univariate analyses, a multivariate cox regression model was developed and externally verified. Predictive independency was evaluated with uni- and multivariate analyses. GSEA was presented to uncover relevant molecular mechanisms. Results. Prognostic EMT genes across osteosarcoma patients were stratified into distinct subtypes, namely, subtypes A and B. Patients in subtype B presented desirable prognosis, high immune activation, and enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin. Meanwhile, patients in subtype A were more sensitive to gemcitabine. In total, 86 EMT-derived hub genes were determined, and an EMT score was conducted for osteosarcoma prognosis. Following external verification, this EMT score was reliably and independently predictive of patients’ survival outcomes. Additionally, it was positively linked to steroid biosynthesis. Conclusion. Overall, our findings proposed EMT-relevant molecular subtypes and signatures for predicting prognosis and therapeutic responses, contributing to personalized treatment and clinical implication for osteosarcoma.
Observation on the Nursing Effect of the Whole Process in Patients with Severe Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Su Zhongwei , Guo Wei , Luo Yun , Wang Yao , Du Yue
Published: July 2022

Objective. The goal of this study was to look at the clinical impact of the entire process of nursing care for patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage. Method. From January 2018 to December 2019, the clinical data of 160 patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage who were hospitalized to our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. They were separated into two groups based on their admission: routine and complete procedure. The routine group used routine emergency care, the whole process group was provided first aid care with whole process nursing. The diagnosis and treatment time, the success rate of emergency care, the incidence of adverse events, and the complaint rate were compared between the two groups. Results. The treatment time, emergency examination time, and preoperative rescue time of emergency patients in the whole process group were significantly shorter than those in the conventional group, with statistically significant differences (all

P
<
0.05

). The rescue success rate of emergency patients in the whole process group was 95.00% (76/80), and the rescue success rate of emergency patients in the routine group was 83.75% (67/80); the difference was statistically significant (

χ

2

=
4.378

,

P
=
0.034

). The complaint rate of emergency patients in the whole process group was 2.50% (2/80), while that in the routine group was 8.75% (7/80), with statistically significant difference (

χ

2

=
4.732

,

P
=
0.024

). The incidence of total nursing adverse events was 6.25% (5/80) in the whole process group and 17.50% (14/80) in the routine group; the difference was statistically significant (

χ

2

=
5.011

,

P
=
0.027

). Conclusion. The implementation of whole process nursing care for patients with severe intracranial hemorrhage can shorten the time-consuming first aid for patients with intracranial hemorrhage. And it also can improve the rescue success rate of patients and reduce the incidence of adverse events and complaints, which represents a significant clinical application effect.
Application Effect of New Material after Surface Modification of Zirconia Ceramics and Analysis of Patient Evaluation
Authors: Wang Dongjiang , Dong Wenjie
Published: July 2022

Objective. To explore the application effect of new material after surface modification of zirconia ceramics and patient evaluation. Methods. A total of 60 patients with tooth defect treated in our hospital from April 2020 to April 2021 were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into the control group and experimental group, with 30 cases each. The patients in the control group were treated with glass-ceramics, and those in the experimental group received LiSi surface treatment, so as to compare the application effect and patients’ evaluation between the two groups. Results. Between the two groups, no obvious differences in surface loss, adhesive strength, and transmittance at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were not observed (

P
>
0.05

); and after intervention, the score on dental aesthetics, hardness value, and occlusal force were obviously higher in the experimental group than in the control group (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. The new material enables forming an acid etchable coating on the zirconia surface, increases the adhesive strength, and achieves an aesthetic degree that is welcomed by the patients; meanwhile, after grinding, the edge is defect free and the tightness is higher. Further research will help to establish a better solution for patients.
[Retracted] Effect of New Nursing Team Management Mode on Self‐Efficacy, Compliance, and Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Chain Mediating Effect
Authors: Zheng Jie , Jing YueJuan , Guo AoHan , Wu ShuYan , Liu Rong , Zhai LinJun
Published: July 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the serious diseases that lead to a series of metabolic disorders, and its process is irreversible. In order to explore the intervention effect of the new nursing team intervention program in patients with CKD, 100 patients with CKD from May 2020 to May 2021 were randomly selected in this paper and divided into the traditional group and the combined group. The comparison of clinical nursing shows that the new nursing team management model improves the compliance, self‐management efficiency, and quality of life of patients with CKD, which is worth recommending in nursing practice.
Prevention of Severe Respiratory Tract Infection and Prognosis in Neurosurgical Patients with Severe Tracheotomy Based on 5E Rehabilitation Nursing Model
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wan Lei , Chen Qin , Li Chen , Wang Ningning , Wang Yang , Li Yuanyuan , Huang Jingjing , Hu Qin
Published: July 2022

Background. Continuous nursing based on 5E rehabilitation mode can improve the physiology and psychology of patients to some extent. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of continuous nursing of 5E rehabilitation mode on the prevention and prognosis of severe respiratory tract infection in patients with severe tracheotomy in neurosurgery. Objective. To explore the effect of 5E rehabilitation nursing model on the prevention of severe respiratory tract infection and prognosis in patients with severe tracheotomy in neurosurgery. Methods. The starting and ending time of this study is from February 2019 to July 2021. In this paper, 60 patients with severe tracheotomy were divided into the control group and research group according to random number table method. The former group received routine nursing, and the latter group received rehabilitation nursing model based on 5E. The patients’ satisfaction, oxygenation index, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen, SAS, SDS score, incidence of severe respiratory tract infection, and quality of life scores were compared. Results. The nursing satisfaction of the research group was higher than that of the control group (

P
<
0.05

). 24 hours after weaning, the oxygenation index and partial pressure of oxygen in the research group were higher than those in the control group, while the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the research group was lower than that in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). After nursing, the scores of self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale in the research group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The incidence of severe respiratory tract infection in the research group was significantly lower than that in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). After nursing, the scores of physiological function, psychological function, social function, and health self-cognition in the research group were lower than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The nursing program of neurosurgical patients with severe tracheotomy based on 5E rehabilitation model can effectively enhance patients’ nursing satisfaction, activities of daily living, anxiety, and depression and promote the prognosis.