bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compositional Programming
Authors: Zhang Weixin , Sun Yaozhu , Oliveira Bruno C. D. S.
Published: September 2021

Modularity is a key concern in programming. However, programming languages remain limited in terms of modularity and extensibility. Small canonical problems, such as the Expression Problem (EP), illustrate some of the basic issues: the dilemma between choosing one kind of extensibility over another one in most programming languages. Other problems, such as how to express dependencies in a modular way, add up to the basic issues and remain a significant challenge.

This article presents a new statically typed modular programming style called
Compositional Programming
. In Compositional Programming, there is no EP: It is easy to get extensibility in multiple dimensions (i.e., it is easy to add new variants as well as new operations). Compositional Programming offers an alternative way to model data structures that differs from both algebraic datatypes in functional programming and conventional OOP class hierarchies. We introduce four key concepts for Compositional Programming:
compositional interfaces
,
compositional traits
,
method patterns
, and
nested trait composition
. Altogether, these concepts allow us to naturally solve challenges such as the Expression Problem, model attribute-grammar-like programs, and generally deal with modular programs with
complex dependencies
. We present a language design, called
CP
, which is proved to be type-safe, together with several examples and three case studies.
Learning Sentence-to-Hashtags Semantic Mapping for Hashtag Recommendation on Microblogs
Authors: Cantini Riccardo , Marozzo Fabrizio , Bruno Giovanni , Trunfio Paolo
Published: September 2021

The growing use of microblogging platforms is generating a huge amount of posts that need effective methods to be classified and searched. In Twitter and other social media platforms, hashtags are exploited by users to facilitate the search, categorization, and spread of posts. Choosing the appropriate hashtags for a post is not always easy for users, and therefore posts are often published without hashtags or with hashtags not well defined. To deal with this issue, we propose a new model, called HASHET (
HAshtag recommendation using Sentence-to-Hashtag Embedding Translation
), aimed at suggesting a relevant set of hashtags for a given post. HASHET is based on two independent latent spaces for embedding the text of a post and the hashtags it contains. A mapping process based on a multi-layer perceptron is then used for learning a translation from the semantic features of the text to the latent representation of its hashtags. We evaluated the effectiveness of two language representation models for sentence embedding and tested different search strategies for semantic expansion, finding out that the combined use of BERT (
Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformer
) and a global expansion strategy leads to the best recommendation results. HASHET has been evaluated on two real-world case studies related to the 2016 United States presidential election and COVID-19 pandemic. The results reveal the effectiveness of HASHET in predicting one or more correct hashtags, with an average
F
-score up to 0.82 and a recommendation hit-rate up to 0.92. Our approach has been compared to the most relevant techniques used in the literature (
generative models
,
unsupervised models,
and
attention-based supervised models
) by achieving up to 15% improvement in
F
-score for the hashtag recommendation task and 9% for the topic discovery task.
Con&Net: A Cross-Network Anchor Link Discovery Method Based on Embedding Representation
Authors: Wang Xueyuan , Zhang Hongpo , Wang Zongmin , Qiao Yaqiong , Ma Jiangtao , Dai Honghua
Published: September 2021

Cross-network anchor link discovery is an important research problem and has many applications in heterogeneous social network. Existing schemes of cross-network anchor link discovery can provide reasonable link discovery results, but the quality of these results depends on the features of the platform. Therefore, there is no theoretical guarantee to the stability. This article employs user embedding feature to model the relationship between cross-platform accounts, that is, the more similar the user embedding features are, the more similar the two accounts are. The similarity of user embedding features is determined by the distance of the user features in the latent space. Based on the user embedding features, this article proposes an embedding representation-based method Con&Net(Content and Network) to solve cross-network anchor link discovery problem. Con&Net combines the user’s profile features, user-generated content (UGC) features, and user’s social structure features to measure the similarity of two user accounts. Con&Net first trains the user’s profile features to get profile embedding. Then it trains the network structure of the nodes to get structure embedding. It connects the two features through vector concatenating, and calculates the cosine similarity of the vector based on the embedding vector. This cosine similarity is used to measure the similarity of the user accounts. Finally, Con&Net predicts the link based on similarity for account pairs across the two networks. A large number of experiments in Sina Weibo and Twitter networks show that the proposed method Con&Net is better than state-of-the-art method. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve predicted by the anchor link is 11% higher than the baseline method, and Precision@30 is 25% higher than the baseline method.
KRAN: Knowledge Refining Attention Network for Recommendation
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Lei , Yang Dingqi , Yang Liu
Published: September 2021

Recommender algorithms combining knowledge graph and graph convolutional network are becoming more and more popular recently. Specifically, attributes describing the items to be recommended are often used as additional information. These attributes along with items are highly interconnected, intrinsically forming a Knowledge Graph (KG). These algorithms use KGs as an auxiliary data source to alleviate the negative impact of data sparsity. However, these graph convolutional network based algorithms do not distinguish the importance of different neighbors of entities in the KG, and according to Pareto’s principle, the important neighbors only account for a small proportion. These traditional algorithms can not fully mine the useful information in the KG.

To fully release the power of KGs for building recommender systems, we propose in this article KRAN, a Knowledge Refining Attention Network, which can subtly capture the characteristics of the KG and thus boost recommendation performance. We first introduce a traditional attention mechanism into the KG processing, making the knowledge extraction more targeted, and then propose a refining mechanism to improve the traditional attention mechanism to extract the knowledge in the KG more effectively. More precisely, KRAN is designed to use our proposed knowledge-refining attention mechanism to aggregate and obtain the representations of the entities (both attributes and items) in the KG. Our knowledge-refining attention mechanism first measures the relevance between an entity and it’s neighbors in the KG by attention coefficients, and then further refines the attention coefficients using a “richer-get-richer” principle, in order to focus on highly relevant neighbors while eliminating less relevant neighbors for noise reduction. In addition, for the item cold start problem, we propose KRAN-CD, a variant of KRAN, which further incorporates pre-trained KG embeddings to handle cold start items. Experiments show that KRAN and KRAN-CD consistently outperform state-of-the-art baselines across different settings.
VRPDiv: A Divide and Conquer Framework for Large Vehicle Routing Problems
Authors: Mariescu-Istodor Radu , Cristian Alexandru , Negrea Mihai , Cao Peiwei
Published: September 2021

The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is an NP hard problem where we need to optimize itineraries for agents to visit multiple targets. When considering real-world travel (road-network topology, speed limits and traffic), modern VRP
solvers
can only process small instances with a few hundred targets. We propose a framework (VRPDiv) that can scale any
solver
to support larger VRP instances with up to ten thousand targets (10k) by dividing them into smaller clusters. VRPDiv supports the multiple VRP scenarios and contains a pool of clustering algorithms from which it chooses the ideal one depending on properties of the instance. VRPDiv assigns agents based on cluster demand and targets compatibility (i.e. realizable time-windows and capacity limitations). We incorporate the framework into the Bing Maps Multi-Itinerary Optimization (MIO)
1
online service. This architecture allows MIO to scale up from solving instances with a few hundred to over 10k targets in under 10 minutes. We evaluate our framework on public datasets and publish a new dataset ourselves, as large enough instances supporting real-world travel were impossible to find. We investigate multiple clustering methods and show that choosing the correct one is critical with differences of up to 60% in quality. We compare with relevant baselines and report a 40% improvement in target allocation and a 9.8% improvement in itinerary durations. We compare with existing scores and report an average delta of 10%, with lower values (<5%) in instances with low workload (few targets per agent), which are acceptable for an online service.
Prediction and Analysis of the Quality of Multimedia Professional Talents Combining Multiobjective Data Fuzzy Evolution
Authors: Luo Ao , Yang Yongfeng
Published: September 2021

In response to the relatively huge error, low efficiency, and low accuracy in the prediction and analysis data on the quality of multimedia professional talents at present, an analytical method for the prediction of the quality of multimedia professional talents based on the multiobjective data fuzzy evolutionary algorithm is proposed in this paper. The weights of the talent quality data are analyzed in detail mainly based on the multiobjective data fuzzy evolution algorithm to establish a prediction and analysis model for the quality of multimedia professional talents. This model can be used to implement the prediction and analysis of the comprehensive abilities of multimedia professional talents effectively. Finally, through a practical case study, it is verified that the method put forward in this paper has high efficiency and high accuracy in predicting and analyzing the quality of multimedia professional talents.
Application of Interaction Effect Multichoice Goal Programming in Project Portfolio Analysis
Authors: Zhai Su-Lan , Wu Xiao-Lan , Wang Sheng-Yuan , Zhao Tong
Published: September 2021

How to choose the optimal project portfolio based on the enterprise objectives is very important for the survival and development of an enterprise. However, the current portfolio analysis needs to be improved in the aspects of interaction effect analysis, multichoice target planning, and method simplicity and practicability. The method of portfolio selection proposed in this study takes into consideration the complex interaction within the portfolio, which makes up for the deficiency of the existing research on portfolio selection. This paper illustrates the application of the multichoice object programming method in the analysis of the combination of two-project and three-project interaction effects by a series of examples. The results show that the method is applicable in portfolio evaluation. The method of multichoice goal programming of the interaction effect provides the basis for enterprise to measure the complex relationship within the portfolio and also provides a new method and idea for the selection of the enterprise project portfolio.
Modulus Inversion Layer by Layer of Different Asphalt Pavement Structures
Authors: Cao Mingming , Huang Wanqing , Zou Yiwen , Liu Guomin
Published: September 2021

In order to improve the accuracy of modulus inversion of the pavement structure layer, a layer‐by‐layer inversion method was proposed to be compared with the traditional inversion method by inverting the modulus of each structural layer of the inverted asphalt pavement and semirigid asphalt pavement. The results show that the influence of cushion modulus on the modulus of inverted subgrade and modulus of cement‐stabilized crushed stone is restricted by the cushion modulus and pavement structure characteristics, and the thicker cement‐stabilized crushed stone layer is beneficial for improving inverted modulus of subgrade; besides, for the inverted asphalt pavement, the modulus of the graded crushed stone transition layer has a significant influence on the modulus inversion of cement‐stabilized crushed stone. The modulus of the graded gravel transition layer inverted by these two methods is underestimated, the modulus of cement‐stabilized gravel is overestimated using the traditional inversion method, and the inversion result of the inverted asphalt pavement is more significantly affected by the inversion method than the semirigid base asphalt pavement. Moreover, the modulus of the pavement structural layer is determined by the material and structural characteristics, and its recommended empirical value or the value in the indoor test does not conform to the actual value of the site; by contrast, the inversion modulus obtained using the layer‐by‐layer inversion method is closer to the actual value, which can be used in the design of similar pavement structures to accumulate data for determining the material modulus or the pavement structure adjustment coefficient in the pavement structure.
Bioflavonoid Galangin Suppresses Hypertrophic Scar Formation by the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ru Zha , Hu Ying , Huang Shenghua , Bai Li , Zhang Kun , Li Yue
Published: September 2021

Background. Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a benign fibroproliferative skin disease resulting from an aberrant wound healing process and can cause aesthetic and functional damage to patients. Currently, there is no ideal treatment to treat this disease. Galangin, a natural active bioflavonoid compound, is suggested to inhibit fibrosis and proliferation in certain cells. Methods. In this study, we found Galangin could attenuate abnormal scar formation in an HS rabbit ear model. Additionally, the HE staining shows Galangin reduced scar elevation index (SEI) and Masson’s trichrome staining changed collagen deposition. Results. The expressions of type I collagen, type III collagen, and TGF-β1 were much lower under a proper dose of Galangin treatment, and Smad7 expression was also enhanced, which are examined by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Conclusion. Our data indicated that Galangin can alleviate dermal scarring via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway probably by upregulating Smad 7 expression and, thus, suppressing the expression of type I and type III collagens and TGF-β1.
Synergistic Protective Effect of Curcumin and Resveratrol against Oxidative Stress in Endothelial EAhy926 Cells
Authors: Zhou Xian , Afzal Sualiha , Zheng Yan-Fang , Münch Gerald , Li Chun Guang
Published: September 2021

Curcumin (C) and resveratrol (R) are two well-known nutraceuticals with strong antioxidant activity that can protect cells from oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the synergy of CR combinations in protecting human endothelial EAhy926 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and its related mechanisms. C and R as individual compounds as well as CR combinations at different ratios were screened for their protective effects against H2O2 (2.5 mM) induced cell death assessed by cell viability assays. The synergistic interaction was analysed using the combination index model. The effects of optimal CR combinations on caspase-3 activity, ROS level, SOD activity, NAD cellular production, expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, and Nrf2 translocation were determined. CR combinations produced a synergistic protection against that of H2O2-induced changes in cell viability, caspase-3 activity, and ROS production. The strongest effect was observed for CR with the ratio of 8 : 2. Further experiments showed that CR 8 : 2 exhibited significantly greater effects in increasing Nrf2 translocation and expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins, as well as SOD activity and total cellular NAD production, than that of C or R alone. The findings demonstrate that combination of C and R produced a strong synergy in activity against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in EAhy926 cells. The mechanism of this synergy involves the activation of Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway and promotion of antioxidant enzymes. Further studies on CR synergy may help develop a new combination therapy for endothelial dysfunction and other conditions related to oxidative stress.
Network Threat Detection Based on Group CNN for Privacy Protection
Authors: Xu Yanping , Zhang Xia , Lu Chengdan , Qiu Zhenliang , Bi Chunfang , Lai Yuping , Qiu Jian , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) contains a large amount of data, which attracts various types of network attacks that lead to privacy leaks. With the upgrading of network attacks and the increase in network security data, traditional machine learning methods are no longer suitable for network threat detection. At the same time, data analysis techniques and deep learning algorithms have developed rapidly and have been successfully applied to a variety of tasks for privacy protection. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are typical deep learning models that can learn and reconstruct features accurately and efficiently. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a group CNN models that is based on feature correlations to learn features and reconstruct security data. First, feature correlation coefficients are computed to measure the relationships among the features. Then, we sort the correlation coefficients in descending order and group the data by columns. Second, a 1D group CNN model with multiple 1D convolution kernels and 1D pooling filters is built to address the grouped data for feature learning and reconstruction. Third, the reconstructed features are input to shadow machine learning models for network threat prediction. The experimental results show that features reconstructed by the group CNN can reduce the dimensions and achieve the best performance compared to the other present dimension reduction algorithms. At the same time, the group CNN can decrease the floating point of operations (FLOP), parameters, and running time compared to the basic 1D CNN.
Research on Multiattribute Comprehensive Evaluation of Intelligent Judicial Decision System
Authors: Zhao Gang , Wang Jifa , Shi Huibin
Published: September 2021

When dealing with cases, judges must consult a large number of relevant materials and carefully consider before they can write the final judgment. So, we want to use intelligent systems to assist the judicial system in handling cases. The essence of the system is automatic text classification. The system can predict the judgment result according to the previous prediction and can also provide support for judicial judgment and individual litigation. Because the evaluation of intelligent judicial decision-making system has the characteristics of complexity and fuzziness, we establish a comprehensive evaluation model of intelligent judicial decision-making system with subjective and objective combination by introducing the TOPSIS model. In the experiment, firstly, we use nine multiattribute comprehensive evaluation index systems such as acquisition cost and use cost to grade the indexes. Secondly, AHP and entropy weight methods are used to calculate the subjective weight and objective weight of the index, respectively; the combined weight of the index is determined according to the expert forced scoring method, the attribute measurement function of a single index is constructed according to the classification of the index, the comprehensive attribute measurement is calculated, and the comprehensive evaluation grade is judged according to the attribute identification standard. Finally, taking the intelligent judicial decision-making system as the research object, combined with the system report and expert score, this paper makes a multiattribute comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the intelligent judicial decision-making system and analyzes the results. The final experimental results show that the evaluation results of the model are reasonable and consistent with the actual situation, which verifies the adaptability of the combined weighted attribute recognition model in the multiattribute comprehensive evaluation of intelligent judicial judgment system. This result provides ideas and theoretical follow-up work for the intelligent judgment of judicial cases and has certain significance for the development of the field of judicial judgment.
Effect of Aberrant Long Noncoding RNA on the Prognosis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Han , Wu Haixiao , Sun Peng , Zhu Desheng , Ma Min , Fan Wentao
Published: September 2021

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a kind of lethal cancer. Although there are mature treatment methods, there is still a lack of rigorous and scientific means for cancer diagnosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a kind of noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Recent studies find that alteration of lncRNA expression is related to the occurrence of many cancers. In order to find lncRNAs which can effectively predict the prognosis of ccRCC, RNA-seq count data and clinical information were downloaded from TCGA-KIRC, and gene expression profiles from 530 patients were included. Then,

K

-means was used for clustering, and the number of clusters was determined to be 5. The R-package “edgeR” was used to perform differential expression analysis. Subsequently, a risk model composed of 10 lncRNA biomarkers significantly related to prognosis was identified via Cox and LASSO regression analyses. Then, patients were divided into two groups according to the model-based risk score, and then, GSEA pathway enrichment was performed. The results showed that metabolism- and mTOR-related pathways were activated while immune-related pathways were inhibited in the high-risk patients. Combined with previous studies, it is believed that these 10 lncRNAs are potential targets for the treatment of ccRCC. In addition, Cox regression analysis was used to verify the independence of the risk model, and as results revealed, the risk model can be used to independently predict the prognosis of patients. In conclusion, our study found 10 lncRNAs related to the prognosis of ccRCC and provided new ideas for clinical diagnosis and drug development.
Construction of Rural Cultural Service System Based on Mobile Information System
Authors: Qu Xingfu , Zhu Fanqi
Published: September 2021

At present, the development of rural culture is gradually rising. Under the promotion of the sense of freedom and democracy, mobile information system also plays an important role in rural cultural services. This paper uses edge algorithm to build mobile information system, combined with rural cultural service elements, to carry out information construction for the people’s needs of tourism, information, and belief culture in the development of rural China. In this paper, with the county or township service projects as the research content and 200 residents of a community as the research object, using the way of questionnaire to survey the respondents, online questionnaire feedback results received 186, the effective rate of 93%. This paper investigates the project support of mobile information system for rural cultural services and the satisfaction degree of residents’ demand for various cultural resources. Research shows that the rural cultural service system based on mobile information system can improve the scope of cultural services. From the survey results, 65.53% of the people think that the cultural service system can reduce people's dependence on special cultural services, so as to obtain resources from the diversified information service system. 35.63% of the people said that the efficiency of cultural service system could be improved by more than 50% compared to that of offline cultural service. Others said that the rural cultural service system could basically meet their living needs. Therefore, whether from the perspective of cultural service or information system, the current rural cultural service mode and service process need to be constructed from the perspective of cultural service supply system reform.
Intercellular Interactions in Peripheral Venous Blood in Practically Healthy Residents of High Latitudes
Authors: Dobrodeeva L. K. , Samodova A. V. , Balashova S. N. , Pashinskaya K. O.
Published: September 2021

The paper presents the results of studying the immunological parameters of 369 people who were practically healthy at the time of the survey, 298 women and 71 men, of which 216 people are living in the European North of the Russian Federation (173 women and 43 men) and 153 are residents of the Arctic (125 women and 28 men). The study was carried out in the morning (08:00–10:00 am). The study included the determination of the aggregation of erythrocytes, platelets, neutrophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes, hemogram study, hematological analysis, enzyme immunoassay, and flow cytometry. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the Statistica 7.0 software package (StatSoft, USA). It was found that the activity of aggregation of cells of peripheral venous blood in Arctic residents is 1.5–1.7 times higher than that in people living in more favourable climatic conditions. The frequency of registration of aggregation of erythrocytes and platelets is actually 2 times higher than the aggregation of leukocytes. Aggregation of erythrocytes is associated with an increase in the concentrations of transferrin and receptors for this transport protein. The frequency of detection of platelet aggregation is accompanied by an increase in transferrin concentrations; in cases of aggregation of nonnuclear blood cells, the content of NO2 in the blood serum is increased. Aggregation of neutrophilic granulocytes and lymphocytes is associated with an increase in the content of free adhesion molecules. Aggregation of erythrocytes and platelets is in evidence when it is necessary to trigger reactions of changes in the hemodynamics of microcirculation to increase the efficiency of oxygen and trophic supply of tissues. The adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium determines the secretion of biologically active substances that contribute to a change in microcirculation and an increase in the migration of leukocytes into tissues for the implementation of phagocytic and cytolytic functions.
Osteochondroma Arising from the Thyroid Cartilage: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Miller Jessa E. , Azar Shaghauyegh S. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Osteochondromas are relatively common benign bone tumors often located at the metaphyseal ends of long bones; however, they are rare in the head and neck region. The objective of this study is to present a case of an osteochondroma arising from the thyroid cartilage causing insidious dysphonia and to present a literature review. Methods. The medical record of a patient treated for osteochondroma of the thyroid cartilage was reviewed. A literature search on osteochondromas was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. The epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of osteochondromas were reviewed. Results. A 50-year-old female presented with nine months of dysphonia and aphonic voice breaks. Laryngovideostroboscopy revealed a left false vocal fold fullness, glottal gap, and vibratory phase asymmetry. A CT neck demonstrated a well-circumscribed 5 × 8 × 9 mm mass arising from the left thyroid cartilage lamina with a thin calcified rim and a heterogeneous decreased attenuation center. The tumor was excised surgically. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated hyaline cartilage overlying lamellar bone with fatty bone marrow, consistent with osteochondroma. English language literature review revealed no cases of osteochondroma of the thyroid cartilage. The presenting features of osteochondroma may depend on the size and location of the lesion. It is critical to differentiate between benign and malignant bone tumors, and physicians must rely on their clinical examination, radiographic findings, and histopathologic analysis to make the correct diagnosis. Conclusions. Osteochondromas of the laryngeal framework are extremely rare, and to our knowledge, there have been no reports in the literature of this tumor arising from the thyroid cartilage. Dysphonia may be the presenting symptom in a patient with a thyroid cartilage mass causing restricted mobility of the true vocal folds.
A New Numerical Technique for Solving Volterra Integral Equations Using Chebyshev Spectral Method
Authors: Khidir Ahmed A.
Published: September 2021

In this work, we propose a new method for solving Volterra integral equations. The technique is based on the Chebyshev spectral collocation method. The application of the proposed method leads Volterra integral equation to a system of algebraic equations that are easy to solve. Some examples are presented and compared with some methods in the literature to illustrate the ability of this technique. The results demonstrate that the new method is more efficient, convergent, and accurate to the exact solution.
Unilateral Giant Hydronephrosis Secondary to Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in a Middle-Aged Woman
Authors: Dino Masresha S. , Hassen Seid M. , Tufa Tesfaye H.
Published: September 2021

Background. Giant hydronephrosis is a rare urologic problem defined as a collection of more than one liter of urine in the collecting system. The radiologic appearance may mimic benign cystic disease of the kidney. We report a case of giant hydronephrosis in a 32-year-old female who presented with progressive abdominal swelling of two-year duration, caused by ureteropelvic junction obstruction with more than nine liters of urine in the collecting system. Conclusion. Giant hydronephrosis is a rare differential diagnosis for cystic intra-abdominal mass in adults with progressively increasing abdominal swelling. CT and MRI are important in confirming the diagnosis by localizing the origin of the swelling. Management depends on the underlying cause and appearance of the diseased kidney.
A Novel Antagonistic CD73 Antibody for Inhibition of the Immunosuppressive Adenosine Pathway
Authors: Wurm Melanie , Schaaf Otmar , Reutner Katharina , Ganesan Rajkumar , Mostböck Sven , Pelster Christina , Böttcher Jark , de Andrade Pereira Bruna , Taubert Christina , Alt Isabella , Serna Garazi , Auguste Aurelie , Stadermann Kai B. , Delic Denis , Han Fei , Capdevila Jaume , Nuciforo Paolo G. , Kroe-Barrett Rachel , Adam Paul J. , Vogt Anne B. , Hofmann Irmgard
Published: September 2021

Despite some impressive clinical results with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the majority of patients with cancer do not respond to these agents, in part due to immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. High levels of adenosine in tumors can suppress immune cell function, and strategies to target the pathway involved in its production have emerged. CD73 is a key enzyme involved in adenosine production. This led us to identify a novel humanized antagonistic CD73 antibody, mAb19, with distinct binding properties. mAb19 potently inhibits the enzymatic activity of CD73 in vitro, resulting in an inhibition of adenosine formation and enhanced T-cell activation. We then investigated the therapeutic potential of combining CD73 antagonism with other immune modulatory and chemotherapeutic agents. Combination of mAb19 with a PD-1 inhibitor increased T-cell activation in vitro. Interestingly, this effect could be further enhanced with an agonist of the adenosine receptor ADORA3. Adenosine levels were found to be elevated upon doxorubicin treatment in vivo, which could be blocked by CD73 inhibition. Combining CD73 antagonism with doxorubicin resulted in superior responses in vivo. Furthermore, a retrospective analysis of rectal cancer patient samples demonstrated an upregulation of the adenosine pathway upon chemoradiation, providing further rationale for combining CD73 inhibition with chemotherapeutic agents.

This study demonstrates the ability of a novel CD73 antibody to enhance T-cell function through the potent suppression of adenosine levels. In addition, the data highlight combination opportunities with standard of care therapies as well as with an ADORA3 receptor agonist to treat patients with solid tumors.
Translational Strategies for Repotrectinib in Neuroblastoma
Authors: O'Donohue Tara J. , Ibáñez Glorymar , Coutinho Diego Ferreira , Mauguen Audrey , Siddiquee Armaan , Rosales Nestor , Calder Paul , Ndengu Andoyo , You Daoqi , Long Matthew , Roberts Stephen S. , Kung Andrew L. , Dela Cruz Filemon S.
Published: September 2021

Limited clinical data are available regarding the utility of multikinase inhibition in neuroblastoma. Repotrectinib (TPX-0005) is a multikinase inhibitor that targets ALK, TRK, JAK2/STAT, and Src/FAK, which have all been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma. We evaluated the preclinical activity of repotrectinib monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy as a potential therapeutic approach for relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. In vitro sensitivity to repotrectinib, ensartinib, and cytotoxic chemotherapy was evaluated in neuroblastoma cell lines. In vivo antitumor effect of repotrectinib monotherapy, and in combination with chemotherapy, was evaluated using a genotypically diverse cohort of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of neuroblastoma. Repotrectinib had comparable cytotoxic activity across cell lines irrespective of ALK mutational status. Combination with chemotherapy demonstrated increased antiproliferative activity across several cell lines. Repotrectinib monotherapy had notable antitumor activity and prolonged event-free survival compared with vehicle and ensartinib in PDX models (P < 0.05). Repotrectinib plus chemotherapy was superior to chemotherapy alone in ALK-mutant and ALK wild-type PDX models. These results demonstrate that repotrectinib has antitumor activity in genotypically diverse neuroblastoma models, and that combination of a multikinase inhibitor with chemotherapy may be a promising treatment paradigm for translation to the clinic.
Measuring Spatial Ability for Talent Identification, Educational Assessment, and Support: Evidence from Adolescents with High Achievement in Science, Arts, and Sports
Authors: Budakova Anna V. , Likhanov Maxim V. , Toivainen Teemu , Zhurbitskiy Alexey V. , Sitnikova Elina O. , Bezrukova Elizaveta M. , Kovas Yulia
Published: September 2021

Background. Spatial ability (SA) is a robust predictor of academic and occupational achievement. The present study investigated the psychometric properties of 10 tests for measuring of SA in a sample of talented schoolchildren. Objective. Our purpose was to identify the most suitable measurements for SA for the purpose of talent identification, educational assessment, and support. Design. Our sample consisted of 1479 schoolchildren who had demonstrated high achievement in Science, Arts, or Sports. Several criteria were applied to evaluate the measurements, including an absence of floor and ceiling effects, low redundancy, high reliability, and external validity. Results. Based on these criteria, we included the following four tests in an Online Short Spatial Ability Battery “OSSAB”: Pattern Assembly; Mechanical Reasoning; Paper Folding; and Shape Rotation. Further analysis found differences in spatial ability across the three groups of gifted adolescents. The Science track showed the highest results in all four tests. Conclusion. Overall, the study suggested that the Online Short Spatial Ability Battery (OSSAB) can be used for talent identification, educational assessment, and support. The analysis showed a unifactorial structure of spatial abilities. Future research is needed to evaluate the use of this battery with other specific samples and unselected populations.
Elements of Sensory-Emotional Experience as an Integral Part of Forming Visual Meanings: the Role of Conceptual Abilities
Authors: Kholodnaya Marina A. , Sipovskaya Yana I.
Published: September 2021

Background. This article analyzes the relationship between sensory-emotional experience inthe process of semantic description of vague visual figures,and the level of conceptual (categorical and generative) abilities. Objective. The objective of our study was, first, to show the differences in the degree and features of activation of elements of sensory-emotional experience in the process of constructing the meanings of vague visual figures; and, second, to show the relationship of these differences with the level of categorical and generative abilities. Design.We studied 102 older adolescents ages 15-16 years. The research program included the following methods: 1) "Description of vague figures" (E.Yu. Artemyeva's technique change,1980; 1999); 2) "Generalization of three words" (Kholodnaya, 2012; Kholodnaya et al., 2019); and 3) "Conceptual synthesis" (Kholodnaya, 2012; Kholodnaya et al., 2019). Results. Our results showed that generative abilities play the leading role in determining the degree of severity and diversity of different modalities in forming visual meanings, as compared with categorical abilities. The transition simulation hypothesis explains the results. However, the embodied character of mental modeling (simulation) is not determined “bottom-up” by the individual’s bodily state or the activity of corresponding brain zones. On the contrary, conceptual (namely, generative) structures determine the form of the conceptual representations from the "top down." Conclusion. Generative abilities represent the highest level of organization of personal conceptual experience, which acquires a multimodal quality, due to the integral nature of conceptual (generative) structures.
News About Terrorism and Attitudes Toward Countries: The Role of Mortality Salience and Intergroup Threat
Authors: Prusova Irina S. , Gulevich Olga A.
Published: September 2021

Background. Media reports on armed fights or terror attacks introduce reminders of death into people’s daily lives. When people feel non-specific threats (mortality salience) or specific threats (intergroup threats), they may demonstrate unfavorable attitudes toward national outgroups. The issue is mostly analyzed today in line with Terror Management Theory and Intergroup Threat Theory. Objective. To examine such threats in the Russian context, and the impact of mortality salience (MS) on attitudes toward national outgroups that induced different levels of perceived intergroup threat. Design. In two studies, participants watched films and completed questionnaires about social distance, social thermometer, and trust toward “more or less threatening” countries. In Study 1, 120 Russian students were assigned to six groups via experimental design: 3 (MS: terrorist attacks in Europe, terrorist attacks in Russia, or a control group watching a video about dental treatment) x 2 (country: Ukraine and Belarus). In Study 2, 122 participants were similarly divided into six groups, evaluating attitudes toward the USA and China. Results. Study 1 showed that MS mostly increased unfavorable attitudes toward a country perceived as more threatening (Ukraine) than toward one perceived as less threatening (Belarus). Study 2 indicated the same effect on attitudes toward both more (the USA) and less (China) threatening outgroups. Conclusion. The results identified contradictory tendencies in MS effect, in line with Terror Management Theory and Intergroup Threat Theory. The findings could be used in improving relationships from an international perspective.
Free Will as a Paradox: Empirical Evaluation of the Construct of Everyday Consciousness
Authors: Dotsenko Eugeny L. , Pchelina Olga V.
Published: September 2021

Background. Free will belongs to the category of phenomena that are actively discussed in scientific discourse but are neither verified nor proven false. Free will is studied in philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology. We discuss this pluralism, multiplicity of perceptions, and the parties’ arguments in the theoretical part of this article. We approach the existing polemics from the point of view of a person who is in the moment of making a decision and taking responsibility for it. The usual paradoxes are mitigated if we consider free will through the concepts underlying everyday consciousness. Objective. Our aim is to introduce into the discussion of free will an understanding of its nature as a construct of everyday consciousness, one which acts as a factor in increasing the personal maturity of vital decisions. We also discuss the arguments of the various meta-positions in the dispute about free will. Design. Our empirical research was designed as a modification of the experiments on imposed attitudes. The sample consisted of 340 people ages 30–50 years. Results. The level of maturity of actions by the subjects who received the set for determinism was lower than that of the subjects who received the set for free will (U 5133; p = 0.014). Conclusion. Our study showed that the stronger a person’s belief in free will, the more personally mature that person’s choices – actions – are; and that the more active that belief in free will, the more effective are their efforts to overcome social pressure.
Psychological and Electrophysiological Correlates of Word Learning Success
Authors: Mkrtychian Nadezhda A. , Kostromina Svetlana N. , Gnedykh Daria S. , Tsvetova Diana M. , Blagovechtchenski Evgeny D. , Shtyrov Yury Y.
Published: September 2021

Background. A rich vocabulary supports human achievements in socio-economic activities, education, and communication. It is therefore important to clarify the nature of language acquisition as a complex multidimensional process. However, both the psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning language learning, as well as the links between them, are still poorly understood. Objective. This study aims to explore the psychological and neurophysiological correlates of successful word acquisition in a person’s native language. Design. Thirty adults read sentences with novel nouns, following which the participants’ electroencephalograms were recorded during a word-reading task. Event-related potentials in response to novel words and alpha oscillation parameters (amplitude, variability, and long-range temporal correlation dynamics) were analyzed. Learning outcomes were assessed at the lexical and semantic levels. Psychological variables measured using Amthauer’s test (verbal abilities), BIS/BAS scales (motivation), and the MSTAT-1 (ambiguity tolerance) and alpha oscillation parameters were factored. Results. Better recognition of novel words was related to two factors which had high factor loadings for all measured alpha oscillation parameters, indicating the role of attention networks and respective neural activity for enabling information processing. More successful learners had lower P200 amplitude, which also suggests higher attention-system involvement. Another factor predicted better acquisition of word meanings for less ambiguity-tolerant students, while the factor which pooled logical conceptual thinking ability and persistence in goal-reaching, positively correlated with acquisition of both word forms and meanings. Conclusion. The psychological factors predominantly correlated with word-learning success in semantic tasks, while neurophysiological variables were linked to performance in the recognition task.
Hall Effects on Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamic Flow of a Nanofluid Past an Oscillatory Vertical Rotating Flat Plate Embedded in Porous Media
Authors: Veera Krishna M. , Ameer Ahamad N. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: September 2021

In the current investigative paper, the impact of Hall current on an unsteady magnetohydrodynamic liberated convection revolving flow of a nanofluid restricted with a uniform absorbent medium over an oscillatory moving vertical smooth plate with convective as well as diffusive frontier conditions has been reviewed. The non-dimensionalized governing differential equations by the appropriate frontier conditions are resolved by the perturbations technique. The impacts of the physical constants on the flow as well as the heat transfer features are displayed graphically and analyzed for Cu as well as Al2O3nanoparticles. For the engineering industry, the skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, along with the Sherwood’s number are examined numerically in detail.
Heat Transfer in a Magnetohydrodynamic Boundary Layer Flow of a Non-Newtonian Casson Fluid Over an Exponentially Stretching Magnetized Surface
Authors: Aloliga Golbert , Ibrahim Seini Yakubu , Musah Rabiu
Published: September 2021

In this current paper, an investigation has been conducted on the magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow of non-Newtonian Casson fluids on magnetized sheet with an exponentially stretching sheet. The similarity approach has been used to transform the governing models for Casson fluid
to ordinary differential equations. We presented numerical results for momentum, energy and concentration equation parameters. Effects of the magnetized sheet and varying all the emerged parameters on the flow of Casson fluid with respect to the friction between the fluid and the surface,
temperature and concentration are presented in tables. As a result of the induced magnetization of the sheet, the thickness of the thermal boundary layer has been enhanced. This behaviour brings a considerable reduction to the heat transfer. The induced magnetized sheet has a similar influence
on the skin friction, Nusselt number and the Sherwood number. We however proposed incorporation of magnetized surfaces in MHD flows for controlling the flow rate of the fluid and heat transfer characteristics.
Mathematical Analysis of Thermal Energy Distribution in a Hybridized Mixed Convective Flow
Authors: Ahmad Shafiq , Nadeem Sohail , Rehman Aysha
Published: September 2021

The mixed convective flow of hybrid nanofluid (SWCNT-MWCNT/EG) containing micropolar fluid past a Riga surface embedded in porous medium is explored in detail throughout this study. In the momentum equation, the Darcy Forchheimer effect is used. The heat transfer phenomenon is exploited
with viscous dissipation and thermal stratification over a non-Fourier heat flux model. PDEs are transformed into the necessary governing equations using transformations. The numerical results of non-linear governing equations are collected using Matlab function bvp4c. Graphical representations
of the effects of relevant parameters on velocity, skin friction, and temperature are shown. The comparison of simple nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid is discussed in graphs. The temperature field is higher for hybrid nanofluid than simple nanofluid when solid volume fraction enhances. With
increasing solid volume fraction, porosity parameter, and mixed convection parameter, the axial friction factor rises. The momentum boundary layer is inversely proportional to the slip parameter, Hartman number, variable viscosity and the porosity parameter.