bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-related differences in calf muscle recruitment strategies in the time-frequency domain during walking as a function of task demand
Authors: Kim Hoon , Franz Jason R.
Published: September 2021

We use time-frequency analyses of calf muscle activation to quantify age-related differences in motor recruitment in walking. Gastrocnemius activation in older versus young adults was lower across all frequencies during midstance and in slow-to-middle frequencies during push-off, independent of speed, and shifted to slower frequencies with earlier timing as speed increased. Our results implicate gastrocnemius time-frequency content as a potential determinant of hallmark ankle push-off deficits due to aging, particularly at faster speeds.
Automatic Recognition Method of Letter Images in English Self-Learning Based on Partial Differential Equation Method
Authors: Zhao Yu , Du Shuping , Li Ran , Yue Hong
Published: September 2021

According to the current situation of knowledge popularization, students simply rely on the knowledge learned in the classroom that is far from adapting to the development of modern society; so, every student needs to have the consciousness and ability of independent learning. The research of the English self-help learning system based on partial differential equation method comes into being with information network technology as the foundation for survival and development. The existing partial differential equation recognition models based on average curvature motion are all edge-based and need to use the external force defined by the image gradient to attract the zero level set (evolution curve) to move to the target edge and finally stay on the target edge. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain ideal results when extracting fuzzy or discrete boundaries (perceptual boundaries), and it is very sensitive to the selection of initial contour and noise. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new recognition model of partial differential equations based on mean curvature motion. This overcomes some defects of existing edge models because it is region-based and does not require image gradient as a condition to stop evolution. The proposed model can avoid manual initial curve selection and allow stopping conditions to be set in the algorithm. In addition, in the numerical solution of partial differential equations, the existing model uses upwind difference scheme, and the semi-implicit additive operator separation method is adopted in this paper. Some other layers are added, and some hyperparameters are adjusted when the convolutional neural networks of inception PDEs are constructed by stacking the structure of inception PDEs. In the contrast experiment with the prototype, the software and hardware environment are the same, and the input is exactly the same. For the handwritten English alphabet data set, the variant structure can obtain more than 90% of the training accuracy and verification accuracy, which is better than the experimental accuracy of the prototype. In addition, because the inception PDE structure contains fewer parameters than the prototype, it is more computationally efficient and takes less training time per batch than the prototype.
Improved Strategy of Two‐Node Curved Beam Element Based on the Same Beam’s Nodes Information
Authors: Wang Yuquan
Published: September 2021

The curved beam with a great initial curvature is the typical structure and applied widely in real engineering structures. The common practice in the current literature employs two‐node straight beam elements as the elementary members for stress and displacement analysis, which needs a large number of divisions to fit the curved beam shape well and increases computational time greatly. In this paper, we develop an improved accurate two‐node curved beam element (IC2) in 3D problems, combining the curved Timoshenko beam theory and the curvature information calculated from the same beam curve. The strategy of calculating the curvature information from the same bean curve in the IC2 beam element and then transferring the curvature information to the two‐node straight beam element can greatly enhance the accuracy of the mechanical analysis with no extra calculation burden. We then introduce the finite element implementation of the IC2 beam element and verify by the complex curved beam analysis. By comparison with simulation results from the straight two‐node beam element in the MIDAS (S2‐MIDAS) and the three‐node curved beam element adopted in the ANSYS (C3‐ANSYS), the simulation results of the typical quarter arc examples under constant or variable curvature show that the IC2 beam element based on curved beam theory is a combination of efficiency and accuracy. And, it is a good choice for analysis of complex engineering rod structure with large initial curvature.
Compressed Sensing Reconstruction of Radar Echo Signal Based on Fractional Fourier Transform and Improved Fast Iterative Shrinkage‐Thresholding Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Rui , Meng Chen , Wang Cheng , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2021

The compressed sensing theory, which has received great attention in the field of radar technology, can effectively reduce the data rate of high‐resolution radar imaging systems and solve the problem of collecting, storing, and transmitting large amounts of data in radar systems. Through the study of radar signal processing theory, it can be found that the echo of radar LFM transmit signal has sparse characteristics in the distance upward; based on this, we can consider using the theory of compressed sensing in the processing of radar echo to optimize the processing. In this paper, a fast iterative shrinkage‐thresholding reconstruction algorithm based on protection coefficients is proposed. Under the new scheme, firstly, the LFM echo signal’s good sparse representation is obtained by using the time‐frequency sparse characteristics of the LFM echo signal under the fractional Fourier transform; all reconstruction coefficients are analyzed in the iterative process. Then, the coefficients related to the feature will be protected from threshold shrinkage to reduce information loss. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through simulation experiments and application example analysis. The experimental results show that the reconstruction error of this method is lower and the reconstruction effect is better compared with the existing reconstruction algorithms.
Mechanical Evaluation of Two Hybrid Locking Plate Designs for Canine Pancarpal Arthrodesis
Authors: Zderic Ivan , Varga Peter , Styger Ursula , Drenchev Ludmil , Gueorguiev Boyko , Asimus Erik , Saunders W. Brian , Kowaleski Michael , Boudrieau Randy J. , Dejardin Loic M.
Published: September 2021

Hybrid locking pancarpal arthrodesis plates were designed with either a round (RH) or an oval (OH) radiocarpal hole, the latter allowing varied screw positioning. Due to concerns about potential decreased structural properties of the OH design, our aim was to compare the mechanical behavior of the contrasting plates using combined finite element analysis (FEA) and mechanical testing. Pancarpal arthrodesis plates with RH or OH design were assigned to three fixation techniques (n = 6), prebent at 20°, and fixed to canine forelimb models with simulated radius and radiocarpal and 3rd metacarpal bones. OH plates were instrumented with a radiocarpal screw inserted either most proximal (OH‐P) or most distal (OH‐D). Specimens were axially loaded to 300 N over 10 ramped cycles at 0.5 Hz. Plate strains were measured with strain gauges placed at areas of highest deformations as predicted by FEA under identical loading conditions. FEA predicted the highest strains (μm/m) adjacent to the radiocarpal hole (2,500 [RH], 2,900 [OH‐P/OH‐D]) and plate bending point (2,250 [RH], 1,900 [OH‐P/OH‐D]). Experimentally, peak radiocarpal hole strains were not influenced by the OH screw position (3,329 ± 443 [OH‐P], 3,222 ± 467 [OH‐D]; P = 0.550) but were significantly higher compared to the RH design (2,123 ± 154; P < 0.001). Peak strains at the bending point were significantly lower for OH‐P (1,792 ± 174) and OH‐D (1,806 ± 194) versus RH configurations (2,158 ± 114) (P ≤ 0.006). OH plates demonstrated highest peak strains next to the radiocarpal hole and were associated with more heterogenous plate strain distribution. Structural weakening associated with radiocarpal OH plate design could result in decreased fixation strength and increased risk of plate fatigue failure.
Online Semisupervised Learning Approach for Quality Monitoring of Complex Manufacturing Process
Authors: Weiwei Weng , Pratama Mahardhika , Ashfahani Andri , Yapp Kien Yee Edward
Published: September 2021

Data‐driven quality monitoring is highly demanded in practice since it enables relieving manual quality inspection of the product quality. Conventional data‐driven quality monitoring is constrained by its offline characteristic thus being unable to handle streaming nature of sensory data and nonstationary environments of machine operations. Recently, there have been pioneering works of online quality monitoring taking advantage of online learning concepts in the literature, but it is still far from realization of minimum operator intervention in the quality monitoring because it calls for full supervision in labelling data samples. This paper proposes Parsimonious Network++ (ParsNet++) as an online semisupervised learning approach being able to handle extreme label scarcity in the quality monitoring task. That is, it is capable of coping with varieties of semisupervised learning conditions including random access of ground truth and infinitely delayed access of ground truth. ParsNet++ features the one‐pass learning approach to deal with streaming data while characterizing elastic structure to overcome rapidly changing data distributions. That is, it is capable of initiating its learning structure from scratch with the absence of a predefined network structure where its hidden nodes can be added and discarded on the fly in respect to drifting data distributions. Furthermore, it is equipped by a feature extraction layer in terms of 1D convolutional layer extracting natural features of multivariate time‐series data samples of sensors and coping well with the many‐to‐one label relationship, a common problem of practical quality monitoring. Rigorous numerical evaluation has been carried out using the injection molding machine and the industrial transfer molding machine from our own projects. ParsNet++ delivers highly competitive performance even compared to fully supervised competitors.
Neuroblastoma Soft Tissue Metastasis in a 10-Month-Old Infant with a Right Thigh Mass
Authors: Taghipour Zahir Shokouh , Salemi Fateme
Published: September 2021

Background. Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor that occurs more frequently in pediatric populations. It may originate from any part of the sympathetic nervous system, but it most commonly arises from the paraspinal sympathetic ganglia in the abdomen or mediastinum. Local lymphadenopathy and distant metastasis to the central nervous system, orbit, and liver might be detected; however, it rarely includes soft tissue or musculoskeletal involvement. Case Report. Here, we report a 10-month-old infant presented with a right thigh mass with an otherwise benign physical exam and medical history. MRI of the lower extremities suggested tumoral infiltration in the soft tissue of both thighs, predominantly on the right side. Surgical pathology of the lesion confirmed neuroblastoma. A large subhepatic mass and paraaortic lymphadenopathy in the abdominal CT scan and metaiodobenzylguanidine scan findings favored primary abdominal neuroblastoma that had spread to lower extremities. The patient has been in remission since the completion of chemotherapy. Conclusion. Neuroblastoma should be considered in infants with an abnormal mass in extremities. Due to its aggressive nature, most patients struggle with distant and local tumor spread at diagnosis. Therefore, any abnormal signs and symptoms, especially in younger pediatrics, warrant immediate evaluation to avoid tumor expansion.
Correlation Analysis between Mechanical Power and Lung Ultrasound Score and Their Evaluation of Severity and Prognosis in ARDS Patients
Authors: Xie Yongpeng , Liu Suxia , Mou Zhifang , Wang Yanli , Li Xiaomin
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective. During mechanical ventilation, the energy delivered by a ventilator to the respiratory system in one minute is defined as mechanical power (MP). It describes the combined effects of several mechanical factors, including tidal volume, driving pressure, transpulmonary pressure, flow rate, positive end‐expiratory pressure, and respiratory rate on lung ventilation. As such, MP may be useful for evaluating the severity and prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as improvements in pulmonary ventilation directly affect a patient’s prognosis. Recent advances in lung ultrasound technology make it possible to evaluate lung ventilation at the bedside. In this study, MP was monitored in ARDS patients, and its correlation with lung ultrasound scores (LUS) was evaluated. Further analysis also explored the value of MP in evaluating the severity and prognosis of ARDS. Methods. A total of 121 patients with moderate to severe ARDS admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from June 2017 to April 2020 and treated with invasive mechanical ventilation were sequentially included in this study. Their general information was collected, and MP was recorded at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after admission to the ICU. Professionally trained researchers performed the LUS assessments. Patients were divided into the death and survival groups according to their 28‐day prognosis. The trend of MP and LUS at the four time points was analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of MP and LUS scores at 0 h and 72 h for the prognosis (28‐day mortality rate) of patients with moderate to severe ARDS. Results. 121 patients were included in the analysis, of which 73 were male and 48 were female. When patients entered the ICU, their oxygenation index (t: 30885, P < 0.01), APACHE II score (t: 2.105, P < 0.05), and SOFA score (t: 4.134, P < 0.001) were higher in the death group than the survival group. The death group had significantly higher MP and LUS at each time point (0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h) compared to the survival group (all P < 0.05). There was a significant upward trend over time in the MP and LUS of the death group, contrasting to a significant downward trend in the survival group (all P < 0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that MP and LUS were significantly positively correlated at each time point (r values: 0 h: 0.3027; 24 h: 0.3705; 48 h: 0.3902; 72 h: 0.5916; all P < 0.01). The ROC curves showed that MP and LUS at 72 h were of significant value in predicting the prognosis of ARDS patients, with areas under the curve of 0.866 ± 0.032 and 0.839 ± 0.037, respectively. Conclusion. There was a significant correlation between the MP and LUS of ARDS patients at four time points from 0 to 72 h, which has a clinical value in evaluating severity and prognosis.
Effect of Uterine Arterial Chemoembolization Combined with Ultrasound-Guided Uterine Curettage on Cervical Pregnancy and Influencing Factors
Authors: Gong Xueqin , Qian Yulong , Zhang Liang , Zhang Liping
Published: September 2021

This is a retrospective study to analyze the efficacy of uterine artery chemoembolization (UACE) combined with ultrasound-guided curettage in the treatment of cervical pregnancy and the factors affecting the postoperative outcome. A total of 26 subjects were included in the study and were divided into a control group of 12 and an observer group of 14, all patients with cervical pregnancy diagnosed in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2020. Patients in the control group were treated with methotrexate injection (MTX) combined with ultrasound-guided curettage in our hospital, while the observer group was treated with UACE combined with ultrasound-guided curettage. The efficacy of the two groups was evaluated at 3 months postoperatively, and data on patients’ age, days of menopause, pregnancy frequency, and vaginal bleeding were collected retrospectively. Intraoperative bleeding, time to recovery of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), hospitalization time, time to return to normal menstruation, time to disappearance of gestational sac, pregnancy frequency, presence of endometrial inflammation, gestational week, maximum diameter of gestational sac, thinnest myometrium, endogenous-exogenous type, gestational sac size, and HCG level were recorded in both groups. Single-factor analysis and multifactor logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors influencing the surgical outcomes of patients. The results of the study showed that the overall efficiency of the observer group was significantly higher than that of the control group, while intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, time to return to normal menstruation, and time to disappearance of the gestational sac were all lower than those of the control group (

p
<
0.05

). The results of univariate and multifactorial analyses showed that endometrial inflammation, gestational week, maximum diameter of the gestational sac, thinnest myometrium, and endogenous-exogenous type could affect the patients’ postoperative recovery (

p
<
0.05

); gestational week, maximum diameter of the gestational sac, and thinnest myometrium were independent factors affecting the patients’ postoperative recovery (

p
<
0.05

). The above results suggest that UACE combined with ultrasound-guided uterine clearance for cervical pregnancy can significantly improve treatment efficacy, reduce intraoperative bleeding, and improve recovery time from postoperative related symptoms. The treatment efficacy of patients with cervical pregnancy was related to the gestational week, the maximum diameter of the gestational sac, and the thinnest muscle layer.
Exogenous Application of Ascorbic Acid Enhances the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Ocimum sanctum L. Grown under Salt Stress
Authors: Munir Neelma , Khilji Sheza A. , Shabir Maryam , Sajid Zahoor A.
Published: September 2021

Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi) is the most important medicinal plant that has antimicrobial, antioxidants, and anticarcinogenic effects on human health. Plants, when under stress, gather several antioxidants and osmoprotectants. The present work focuses on the abiotic stress response of Tulsi and its mitigation by the application of ascorbic acid. In addition to this, an enhancement of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity was also analyzed using ascorbic acid. During the present work, when plants were grown under NaCl stress and ascorbic acid (AA) was provided with foliar applications, it ascertained encouraging effects on growth; likewise, its effect remains stable under salinity stress. The enzymatic antioxidants activity showed a significant change in response to AA alone or in combination. The highest catalase activity was recorded in plants subjected to 0.5 mM AA in combination with 100 mM NaCl (0.65 units/mL of enzyme). Likewise, a similar trend was recorded for the superoxide dismutase activity of Tulsi plants. The highest activity of SOD was recorded in plants subjected to 0.5 mM AA in combination with 100 mM NaCl (66.1 units/mg of protein). Flavonoid content showed its highest amount (27.41 mg/g) when plants were treated with 0.5 mM AA + 100 mM NaCl while the highest phenolic content (1.88 mg/g) was analyzed in salt treated plants sprayed with 0.5 mM AA. In the case of antimicrobial activity, 0.5 mM AA treated plants gave the highest value for the Staphylococcus aureus as 2.15 cm and in Clostridium species was 2.1 cm in the plants treated with 1 mM AA alone. Hence, the findings of the present study may lead to the conclusion that AA has a significant role in defense mechanisms of plants in response to salt stress. Further, it enhances the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of Tulsi plants grown under salt stress.
Research on Pricing Strategy of Online and Offline Supply Chain Based on Channel Preference in the Context of New Retail
Authors: Wu Qingtong
Published: September 2021

In recent years, brick‐and‐mortar retail has continuously encountered setbacks in the context of the rapid development of the Internet, and many brick‐and‐mortar stores cannot withstand losses and were closed down. E‐commerce also seems to be able to intuitively understand the needs and preferences of consumers. With the continuous competition of online retail, the undifferentiated production of online retail has slowed down the development of e‐commerce. The rise of the new retail model has promoted the production of high‐quality products, which has greatly stimulated supply and demand. The new retail model is able to make better use of existing human and material resources and maximize the use of resources in today’s era of rapid technological changes. Online and offline network competition channels also exert different competitive advantages for different consumers. This paper studies the competition between physical retail and e‐commerce retail and combines centralized decision‐making and decentralized decision‐making for analysis. It also calculates the relative optimal pricing price of e‐commerce retail through numerical simulation calculations. Although the best pricing price is obtained after a series of calculations, it is still necessary to comprehensively consider and analyze multiple factors rationally to promote the long‐term development of the enterprise. Although supply chain pricing strategies can solve certain problems in market sales to a certain extent, comprehensive analysis and scientifically formulating corporate development strategies are the guarantee of sustainable business operations.
Impacts of Soil and Water Management Measures on Crop Production and Farm Income of Rural Households in the Damota Area Districts, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Masha Mamush , Yirgu Teshome , Debele Mulugeta
Published: September 2021

Improving crop productivity and farm income of rural households and ensuring food security through soil and water conservation (SWC) measures are one of the integral parts of sustainable livelihood approaches. The study aims to assess the impact of soil and water conservation measures on improving the rural livelihoods, which is measured in terms of annual crop production and farm income of rural households in the Damota area districts. The data was collected from 378 households (209 adopters and 169 nonadopters of SWC measures) using survey questionnaires, which were randomly chosen by using multistage sampling techniques. Descriptive and inferential statistics with propensity score matching (PSM) method were used to analyze the collected data. The propensity score matching method was used to assess the impacts of soil and water conservation measures by controlling unobserved heterogeneity and were matched with balanced observable characteristics. The result showed that the mean value of wheat production of adopter households was higher (654 kilograms per hectare) than that of nonadopters (496 kilograms per hectare). Similarly, the mean values of farm income of adopter households were higher (17372.67 Ethiopian Birr per year) than those of nonadopter households (13883.22 Ethiopian Birr per year). The result indicated that both crop production and annual farm income were more pronounced when farmers implemented sustainable soil and water conservation measures on their farming lands. This suggests that all rural households need to focus on the large-scale adoption, integration, and maintenances of damaged structures for better agricultural outcomes.
Antitumor Effect of Saikosaponin A on Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Cheng Tan , Ying Muying
Published: September 2021

Objective. Neuroblastoma (NB) is a highly metastatic tumor in children that develops in the sympathetic nervous system and has a low curative rate. Saikosaponin A (SSA), an active ingredient isolated from the root of Radix Bupleuri, is a natural compound with various pharmacological activities and shows good application prospects in antitumors. This study investigated the antihuman NB activity of SSA and underlying mechanisms associated with its actions. Materials and Methods. The MTT method was used to detect the activity of SSA in inhibiting human NB cell SK‐N‐AS proliferation. Cell morphology was observed. The flow cytometry technology was used in analyzing the cell apoptosis rate. The Transwell assay evaluated cell migration and invasion following SSA treatment, apoptosis‐related protein expression, and angiogenesis‐related protein expression, and EMT‐related proteins were detected by western blot analysis. Results. SSA showed an inhibitory effect on SK‐N‐AS cells with the IC50 values of 14.14 μM at 24 h and 12.41 μM at 48 h. Results indicated that SSA has proapoptotic activity, and its proapoptotic activity is positively correlated with the Bax/Bcl‐2/caspase‐9/caspase‐7/PARP pathway. Furthermore, SSA inhibited the invasion and migration of SK‐N‐AS cells via regulating the angiogenesis‐related VEGFR2/Src/Akt pathway and the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐ (EMT‐) related protein expression. Conclusion. SSA exerts an antihuman NB effect and thus provides foundations for NB treatment.
Design and Implementation of Embedded Real-Time English Speech Recognition System Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: He Lifang , Jin Gaimin , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: September 2021

This article uses Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) as a carrier and uses IP core to form a System on Programmable Chip (SOPC) English speech recognition system. The SOPC system uses a modular hardware system design method. Except for the independent development of the hardware acceleration module and its control module, the other modules are implemented by software or IP provided by Xilinx development tools. Hardware acceleration IP adopts a top-down design method, provides parallel operation of multiple operation components, and uses pipeline technology, which speeds up data operation, so that only one operation cycle is required to obtain an operation result. In terms of recognition algorithm, a more effective training algorithm is proposed, Genetic Continuous Hidden Markov Model (GA_CHMM), which uses genetic algorithm to directly train CHMM model. It is to find the optimal model by encoding the parameter values of the CHMM and performing operations such as selection, crossover, and mutation according to the fitness function. The optimal parameter value after decoding corresponds to the CHMM model, and then the English speech recognition is performed through the CHMM algorithm. This algorithm can save a lot of training time, thereby improving the recognition rate and speed. This paper studies the optimization of embedded system software. By studying the fixed-point software algorithm and the optimization of system storage space, the real-time response speed of the system has been reduced from about 10 seconds to an average of 220 milliseconds. Through the optimization of the CHMM algorithm, the real-time performance of the system is improved again, and the average time to complete the recognition is significantly shortened. At the same time, the system can achieve a recognition rate of over 90% when the English speech vocabulary is less than 200.
Research on Importance Evaluation of Complex Product Parts Based on Multilayer Complex Network
Authors: Yang Weiming , Li Congdong , Yu Yinyun , Zhong Mingsheng
Published: September 2021

The identification and evaluation of important parts play an important role in effective production arrangement and shortening the product development in the product design stage. In this paper, a complex product node importance evaluation method based on multilayer network is proposed to identify and evaluate importance parts faster. First, a complex product design expression network based on “function behavior structure (FBS)” multilayer complex network is established. Second, the evaluation index system of important design parts for complex products based on multilayer network is constructed. Third, a three-parameter grey relational model based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and the Gini coefficient method is proposed. Finally, this method is available and feasible through taking the large permanent magnet synchronous centrifugal unit as an example.
A New Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Refined Composite Multiscale Global Fuzzy Entropy and Self‐Organizing Fuzzy Logic Classifier
Authors: Ziying Zhang , Xi Zhang
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a new feature extraction method called refined composite multiscale global fuzzy entropy (RCMGFE) is proposed. Based on the proposed RCMGFE and self‐organizing fuzzy logic classifier (SOF), a new method for bearing fault diagnosis is proposed. Firstly, the fault features of the original bearing signal are extracted by using the proposed refined composite multiscale global fuzzy entropy, and the fault feature set of RCMGFE is constructed on this basis. Secondly, the extracted RCMGFE fault feature set is divided into an offline training sample set, an online training sample set, and a testing sample set. The offline training sample set and the online training sample set are, respectively, input into the offline training stage and the online training stage of the SOF for selecting representative samples and constructing fuzzy rules. Then, the testing sample set is input to the testing stage of the SOF for classification. Finally, the data of drive end bearing and fan end bearing provided by Case Western Reserve University are used to verify the validity of the proposed fault diagnosis method. The experimental results show that, compared with other methods, the proposed fault diagnosis method has a higher classification effect.
3D Spheroid Formation Using BMP-Loaded Microparticles Enhances Odontoblastic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Min Tae-Jun , Kim Min Ji , Kang Kyung-Jung , Jeoung Yeoung Jo , Oh Se Heang , Jang Young-Joo
Published: September 2021

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are the primary cells responsible for dentin regeneration. Typically, in order to allow for odontoblastic differentiation, hDPSCs are cultured over weeks with differentiation-inducing factors in a typical monolayered culture. However, monolayered cultures have significant drawbacks including inconsistent differentiation efficiency, require a higher BMP concentration than should be necessary, and require periodic treatment with BMPs for weeks to see results. To solve these problems, we developed a 3D-cell spheroid culture system for odontoblastic differentiation using microparticles with leaf-stacked structure (LSS), which allow for the sustained release of BMPs and adequate supply of oxygen in cell spheroids. BMPs were continuously released and maintained an effective concentration over 37 days. hDPSCs in the spheroid maintained their viability for 5 weeks, and the odontoblastic differentiation efficiency was increased significantly compared to monolayered cells. Finally, dentin-related features were detected in the spheroids containing BMPs-loaded microparticles after 5 weeks, suggesting that these hDPSC-LSS spheroids might be useful for dentin tissue regeneration.
Earthquake Response Spectra Analysis of Bridges considering Pounding at Bilateral Beam Ends Based on an Improved Precise Pounding Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Ruijie , Yan Lei , Yue Kefeng , Yin Junhong , An Kang
Published: September 2021

Asynchronous vibration was generated between the main bridge and approach spans or abutments due to differences in stiffness and mass during an earthquake, thus further leading to pounding at the bilateral beam ends. By taking a T‐shaped rigid frame bridge as an example, the bilateral pounding model was abstracted, and the earthquake response spectra considering pounding at the bilateral beam ends were studied, including the maximum displacement spectrum, the acceleration dynamic coefficient spectrum, the pounding force response spectrum, and the response spectrum for the number of pounding events. An improved precise pounding algorithm was proposed to solve the dynamic equation of the bilateral pounding model. This algorithm is based on the precise integration method for solving the second‐order dynamic differential equation and reduces the order thereof by introducing a new velocity vector and uses the series method to find the nonhomogeneous term. The system matrix is simpler, and the inversion of the system matrix can be avoided. On this basis, a multipoint earthquake‐induced pounding response spectrum program was developed. A total of 18 seismic waves from Class II sites were selected, and the response spectra of 18 waves were analyzed using this new program. Furthermore, the effects of structural stiffness, mass, stiffness of contact element, pounding recovery coefficient, and peak ground acceleration (PGA) on the earthquake response spectrum were studied. Through the analysis of earthquake response spectra and a parametric study, the phenomenon of earthquake‐induced pounding of bridges was clarified to the benefit of the analysis and engineering control of earthquake‐induced pounding of bridges.
[Retracted] MEC‐Driven Fast Deformation Monitoring Based on GNSS Signal
Authors: Li Bo , Chen Shangwei , Liu Yi , Xie Kan , Xie Shengli
Published: September 2021

In the deformation monitoring based on satellite positioning, the extraction of the effective deformation signal which needs plenty of computing resources is very important. Mobile‐edge computing can provide low latency and near‐edge computing agility for the deformation monitoring process. In this paper, we propose an edge computing network architecture to reduce the satellite observation time while maintaining a certain positioning accuracy. In such architecture, the state transition equation is established for monitoring, and the Kalman filter is used to reduce the error caused by the reduction of the observation time. At the same time, the method of determining the initial filter value and the filtering process are given. Through the actual monitoring of a certain section of railway track, the feasibility of the proposed method is proved.
Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Reductase-2 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression via Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Yin Feng , Huang Xiaoxia , Xuan Yi
Published: September 2021

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and underlying pathway of pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase-2 (PYCR2) on colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze PYCR2 expression levels and clinical information. Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony forming and EdU assay. Cell apoptosis rate was determined using flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were measured by performing a Transwell assay, and PYCR2, MMP-2, MMP-9, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, cleaved PARP, p-PI3K, PI3K, p-AKT, AKT, p-mTOR, and mTOR protein levels were detected by Western blot. Results. A review of the TCGA database revealed that PYCR2 was highly expressed in CRC patients and that high PYCR2 expression was associated with advanced stage, adenocarcinoma, nodal metastasis, and poor survival rate. Moreover, PYCR2 knockdown reduced cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis. Additionally, PYCR2 knockdown increased Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP levels and decreased Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR levels in CRC cells. Effects of silencing PYCR2 on proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in CRC cells were all reversed using a PI3K activator (740Y-P). Conclusion. PYCR2 was highly expressed in CRC, and its knockdown suppressed CRC tumorigenesis via inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This finding provides a new theoretical foundation for the treatment of CRC.
Effects of Number of Atoms, Shell Thickness, and Temperature on the Structure of Fe Nanoparticles Amorphous by Molecular Dynamics Method
Authors: Trong Dung Nguyen , Long Van Cao
Published: September 2021

This study aims to study the effect of several structural factors, such as number of atoms (N), shell thickness (d), and temperature (T), on the structure of amorphous iron nanoparticle (amorphous nano‐Fe) by using the molecular dynamics (MD) method with Sutton–Chen (SC) dip interaction and free boundary conditions. The structural parameters of amorphous nano‐Fe include their size (D), energy (E), radial distribution function (RDF), coordination number (CN), and coordination number density (CNd). The results show that the glass temperature (Tg) and the first peak position (r) of radial distribution function (RDF) have the values of Tg = 900 K and r = 2.55 Å, respectively. Furthermore, the values of parameters D and E are always proportional to N−1/3 and N−1, respectively. Regarding the effect of number of atoms, shell thickness, and the temperature on the structure of amorphous nano‐Fe, we found that the increase in atoms number leads to decrease in the RDF height and increase in the coordination number (CN). However, increasing temperature leads to decreasing the shell thickness of amorphous nano‐Fe.
The First Korean Case of SLC12A3 Aberrant Skipping of Two Exons Detected by RNA Splicing Analysis
Authors: Ko Kiwoong , Kim Jong-Won
Published: September 2021

Gitelman syndrome is a salt-losing tubular disorder that is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. Variants in the SLC12A3 gene are found in the majority of Gitelman syndrome patients. A 26-year-old woman visited the genetic counseling clinic. Her fiancé was a known Gitelman syndrome patient who was previously diagnosed with 2 pathogenic variants in SLC12A3. In advance of marriage and future family planning, she wanted to perform genetic testing of SLC12A3. A silent exonic variant c.1050G>A was found, and multiple splice site in silico algorithms predicted this variant to have potential alteration of splicing. This variant was classified as “variant of uncertain significance,” and RNA splicing analysis was additionally performed. RNA splicing analysis showed aberrant splicing of exon 7–8 skipping. The result points out the potential pathogenicity of this variant, which should be considered a candidate of variant reclassification in the future. We highly recommend the performance of additional RNA splicing analysis, especially for silent variants predicted to have potential alteration of splicing.
The Many Faces of Sleep Disorders in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Update on Clinical Features and Treatment
Authors: Weber Franziska C. , Wetter Thomas C.
Published: September 2021

Sleep disorders and nightmares are core symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship seems to be bidirectional, and persistent disturbed sleep may influence the course of the disorder. With regard to sleep quality, insomnia and nocturnal anxiety symptoms, as well as nightmares and stressful dreams, are the most prominent sleep symptoms. Polysomnographic measurements reveal alterations of the sleep architecture and fragmentation of rapid eye movement sleep. In addition, sleep disorders, such as sleep-related breathing disorders and parasomnias are frequent comorbid conditions. The complex etiology and symptomatology of trauma-related sleep disorders with frequent psychiatric comorbidity require the application of multimodal treatment concepts, including psychological and pharmacological interventions. However, there is little empirical evidence on the effectiveness of long-term drug treatment for insomnia and nightmares. For nondrug interventions, challenges arise from the current lack of PTSD-treatment concepts integrating sleep- and trauma-focused therapies. Effective therapy for sleep disturbances may consequently also improve well-being during the day and probably even the course of PTSD. Whether early sleep interventions exert a preventive effect on the development of PTSD remains to be clarified in future studies.
Adjunct Use of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Achieves Negative Fluid Balance and Enhances Oxygenation Which Improves Survival in Critically Ill Patients without Kidney Failure
Authors: Thomas Jason M. , Dado David N. , Basel Anthony P. , Aden James K. , Thomas Sarah B. , Piper Lydia , Britton Garrett W. , Cancio Leopoldo C. , Batchinsky Andriy , Mason Phillip E. , Walter Robert J. , Sobieszczyk Michal J. , Biscotti Mauer , Lee T. Jake , Read Matthew D. , Sams Valerie G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Fluid overload in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients has been associated with increased mortality. Patients receiving ECMO and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) who achieve a negative fluid balance have improved survival. Limited data exist on the use of CRRT solely for fluid management in ECMO patients. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of 19 adult ECMO patients without significant renal dysfunction who received CRRT for fluid management. These patients were compared to a cohort of propensity-matched controls. Results: After 72 h, the treatment group had a fluid balance of −3840 mL versus + 425 mL (p ≤ 0.05). This lower fluid balance correlated with survival to discharge (odds ratio 2.54, 95% confidence interval 1.10–5.87). Improvement in the ratio of arterial oxygen content to fraction of inspired oxygen was also significantly higher in the CRRT group (102.4 vs. 0.7, p ≤ 0.05). We did not observe any significant difference in renal outcomes. Conclusions: The use of CRRT for fluid management is effective and, when resulting in negative fluid balance, improves survival in adult ECMO patients without significant renal dysfunction.
Impact of Gender on the Characteristics of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Included in the RaDiCo-ILD Cohort
Authors: Cottin Vincent , Gueguen Sonia , Jouneau Stéphane , Nunes Hilario , Crestani Bruno , Bonniaud Philippe , Wémeau-Stervinou Lidwine , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Israël-Biet Dominique , Cadranel Jacques , Marchand-Adam Sylvain , Quétant Sébastien , Hirschi Sandrine , Montani David , Gamez Anne-Sophie , Chevereau Marie , Dufaure-Garé Isabelle , Amselem Serge , Clement Annick ,   the OrphaLung and RespiFil Networks
Published: September 2021

Background: There is growing evidence of gender-specific phenotypic differences among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which may affect patient outcomes. Objectives: We present the characteristics of patients with IPF at inclusion in the French Rare Disease Cohort – Interstitial Lung Disease (RaDiCo-ILD) with the aim of characterizing gender-specific phenotypic differences. Methods: Patients with IPF who were enrolled in the national, multicentre RaDiCo-ILD cohort were included. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, pulmonary function, chest imaging, and IPF treatment were collected at inclusion and described by gender. Results: The cohort included 724 patients with IPF (54% of RaDiCo-ILD cohort), of whom 82.9% were male. The proportion of male and female patients with a prior history of smoking was 75.0% and 26.8%, respectively. Emphysema was present in 17.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.0, 24.0) of men and 5.4% (95% CI: 1.2, 9.6) of women. At inclusion, females had poorer HRQoL than males based on St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire scores (48.5 [95% CI: 43.9, 53.0] and 41.5 [39.4, 43.6], respectively). The mean forced vital capacity per cent predicted was 77.7% (95% CI: 76.2, 79.3) and 87.4% (83.4, 91.4) for males and females, respectively. Honeycombing on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was present in 70.8% (95% CI: 61.0, 80.6) of males and 45.8% (95% CI: 35.1, 56.5) of females. Conclusions: This analysis of patients with IPF at inclusion in the RaDiCo-ILD cohort provides evidence that comorbid emphysema, lung volume reduction, and honeycombing on HRCT are more common characteristics of males than females.
Urine Alpha-1-Microglobulin Levels and Acute Kidney Injury, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Events following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Amatruda Jonathan G. , Estrella Michelle M. , Garg Amit X. , Thiessen-Philbrook Heather , McArthur Eric , Coca Steven G. , Parikh Chirag R. , Shlipak Michael G. ,   for the TRIBE-AKI Consortium
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Urine alpha-1-microglobulin (Uα1m) elevations signal proximal tubule dysfunction. In ambulatory settings, higher Uα1m is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular (CV) events, and mortality. We investigated the associations of pre- and postoperative Uα1m concentrations with adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. Methods: In 1,464 adults undergoing cardiac surgery in the prospective multicenter Translational Research Investigating Biomarker Endpoints for Acute Kidney Injury (TRIBE-AKI) cohort, we measured the pre-and postoperative Uα1m concentrations and calculated the changes from pre- to postoperative concentrations. Outcomes were postoperative AKI during index hospitalization and longitudinal risks for CKD incidence and progression, CV events, and all-cause mortality after discharge. We analyzed Uα1m continuously and categorically by tertiles using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for demographics, surgery characteristics, comorbidities, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin, and urine creatinine. Results: There were 230 AKI events during cardiac surgery hospitalization; during median 6.7 years of follow-up, there were 212 cases of incident CKD, 54 cases of CKD progression, 269 CV events, and 459 deaths. Each 2-fold higher concentration of preoperative Uα1m was independently associated with AKI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.14–1.62), CKD progression (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.46, 1.04–2.05), and all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.19, 1.06–1.33) but not with incident CKD (aHR = 1.21, 0.96–1.51) or CV events (aHR = 1.01, 0.86–1.19). Postoperative Uα1m was not associated with AKI (aOR per 2-fold higher = 1.07, 0.93–1.22), CKD incidence (aHR = 0.90, 0.79–1.03) or progression (aHR = 0.79, 0.56–1.11), CV events (aHR = 1.06, 0.94–1.19), and mortality (aHR = 1.01, 0.92–1.11). Conclusion: Preoperative Uα1m concentrations may identify patients at high risk of AKI and other adverse events after cardiac surgery, but postoperative Uα1m concentrations do not appear to be informative.