bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for faecal microbiota transplantation in irritable bowel syndrome: the MISCEAT study – a randomised, double-blind cross-over study using mixed microbiota from healthy donors
Authors: Hurych Jakub , Vejmelka Jiri , Hlinakova Lucie , Kramna Lenka , Larionov Vladyslav , Kulich Michal , Cinek Ondrej , Kohout Pavel
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Several studies have demonstrated dysbiosis in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, faecal microbiota transplantation, whose effect and safety have been proven in Clostridioides difficile infections, may hold promise in other conditions, including IBS. Our study will examine the effectiveness of stool transfer with artificially increased microbial diversity in IBS treatment.

Methods and analysis

A three-group, double-blind,randomised, cross-over, placebo-controlled study of two pairs of gut microbiota transfer will be conducted in 99 patients with diarrhoeal or mixed type of IBS. Patients aged 18–65 will be randomised into three equally sized groups: group A will first receive two enemas of study microbiota mixture (deep-frozen stored stool microbiota mixed from eight healthy donors); after 8 weeks, they will receive two enemas with placebo (autoclaved microbiota mixture), whereas group B will first receive placebo, then microbiota mixture. Finally, group C will receive placebos only. The IBS Severity Symptom Score (IBS-SSS) questionnaires will be collected at baseline and then at weeks 3, 5, 8, 11, 13, 32. Faecal bacteriome will be profiled before and regularly after interventions using 16S rDNA next-generation sequencing. Food records, dietary questionnaires, anthropometry, bioimpedance, biochemistry and haematology workup will be obtained at study visits during the follow-up period. The primary outcome is the change in the IBS-SSS between the baseline and 4 weeks after the intervention for each patient compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes are IBS-SSS at 2 weeks after the intervention and 32 weeks compared with placebo and changes in the number of loose stools, Bristol stool scale, abdominal pain and bloating, anthropometric parameters, psychological evaluation and the gut microbiome composition.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Thomayer University Hospital, Czechia (G-18-26); study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences and patient group meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT04899869.
Minimal clinical data sets for spine-related musculoskeletal disorders in primary care and outpatient settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mikhail Jérémie , Hofstetter Léonie , Côté Pierre , Tricco Andrea C , Pagé Isabelle , Hincapié Cesar A
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Lack of standardised clinical data collection may lead to reduced quality in musculoskeletal (MSK)-related clinical care and research. Little is known about the availability and characteristics of minimal clinical data sets for spine-related MSK disorders in primary care and outpatient settings and their utility for improving healthcare quality. Our objective is to undertake a scoping review aiming to identify and map current literature on minimal clinical data sets for measuring and monitoring health status in patients with spine-related MSK disorders in primary and outpatient healthcare settings.

Methods and analysis

The 2020 Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews will guide review conduct. The review will consider studies that describe and report on minimal clinical data sets for spine-related MSK disorders designed for primary care and outpatient clinical practice settings. Quantitative and qualitative study designs will be eligible, including consensus-based studies, interventional, observational, feasibility and linguistic validation studies. Studies published in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish will be included, with no limit on date of publication. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Index to Chiropractic Literature, MANTIS, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and medRxiv preprint repository will be searched from database inception to 25 July 2021. Two reviewers will independently screen identified titles, abstracts and relevant full-text records, and then extract data using review-specific data extraction forms. Findings will be synthesised and presented as a descriptive summary using PRISMA ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics review and approval is not required for this scoping review. Our target audience for this review will be clinicians, researchers, patients and other relevant stakeholders involved in the measurement and health status monitoring of patients with spine-related MSK disorders. Results will be shared through peer-reviewed publication and presentations at relevant conferences.

Protocol registration number

https://osf.io/fkw5b.
Development and validation of a tool for advising primiparous women during early labour: study protocol for the GebStart Study
Authors: Grylka-Baeschlin Susanne , Gross Mechthild M , Mueller Antonia N , Pehlke-Milde Jessica
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Pregnant women experience early labour with different physical and emotional symptoms. Early admission to hospital has been found to be associated with increased intervention and caesarean section rates. However, primiparous women often contact the hospital before labour progresses because they encounter difficulties coping with symptoms of onset of labour on their own. An evidence-based instrument for assessing the individual needs to advise primiparous women during early labour is currently missing. The study aims to develop and validate a tool to inform the joint decision for or against hospital admission.

Methods and analysis

A scale development and validation study will be conducted including following steps: (1) Generation of a pool with 99 items based on a scoping review and focus group discussions with primiparous women, (2) Assessment of content and face validity by an expert panel and item reduction to 32 items, (3) Multicentre data collection in six study sites in Switzerland, with application of the preliminary tool and the validation items with a target sample size of approximately n=400 women and (4), item reduction using exploratory factor analysis, factor loading and item-to-item correlation. Internal consistency of the tool will be assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and convergent validity computing correlations of items of the tool with the German versions of the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory and the Cambridge-Worry Scale. Analyses will be performed using Stata V.17.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained by the Ethics Committees Zurich and Northwestern and Central Switzerland (BASEC-Nr. 2021-00687). Results will be disseminated at the final study conference, at national and international congresses and by peer reviewed and not peer-reviewed articles in scientific and professional journals. Approved and anonymised data will be shared. The dissemination of the findings will have a contributable impact on clinical practice, scientific discussions and future research.

Trial registration number

DRKS00025572, SNCTP000004555.
Factors involved in applicant interview selection and ranking for chronic pain medicine fellowship
Authors: Tieppo Francio Vinicius , Gill Benjamin , Hagedorn Jonathan M , Pagan Rosado Robert , Pritzlaff Scott , Furnish Timothy , Kohan Lynn , Sayed Dawood
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Applicants to chronic pain medicine fellowship programs often express confusion regarding the importance of various selection criteria. This study sought to elucidate program directors’ considerations in applicant selection for fellowship interviews and ranking and to correlate these criteria with match statistics to provide a guide for prospective candidates.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited chronic pain fellowship directors. The importance of various applicant characteristics were evaluated and compared with recent match data.

Results

Fifty-seven program directors completed the survey. The most important factors involved in applicant interview selection were perceived commitment to the specialty, letters of recommendation from pain faculty, scholarly activities, and leadership experiences. Although completion of a pain rotation was valued highly, experience with procedures was of relatively low importance. There was no preference if rotations were completed within the responders’ department. Variability was noted when considering internal applicants or the applicant’s geographic location. When citing main factors in ranking applicants, interpersonal skills, interview impression and applicant’s fit within the institution were highly ranked by most responders.

Discussion

Assessment of an applicant’s commitment to chronic pain is challenging. Most responders prioritize the applicant’s commitment to chronic pain as a specialty, scholarly activity, participation in chronic pain rotations, pain-related conferences and letters of recommendation from pain faculty. Chronic pain medicine fellowship candidates should establish a progressive pattern of genuine interest and involvement within the specialty during residency training to optimize their fellowship match potential.
The influence of age and cohort on the distribution of walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Stevenson Duane E. , Kotwicki Stan , Thorson James T. , Correa Giancarlo M. , Buckley Troy
Published: June 2022

The spatial distributions of marine fish populations are influenced by environmental conditions, intrinsic properties of the populations, and prior distribution. The influence of these factors may not be consistent across age classes. For this study, age composition estimates for walleye pollock ( Gadus chalcogrammus) collected on bottom-trawl surveys in the Bering Sea were used to estimate range correlation indices, population centers of gravity, and effective area occupied. Age-specific density maps suggested a circular ontogenic migration during the summer feeding season, with the youngest and oldest groups most broadly distributed. Range correlation analysis among age groups and year classes provided clear evidence of a population cohort effect in the spatial distribution of the population. Variance decomposition analysis indicated that the variance in the spatial distribution of age groups during summer was influenced by the initial distribution of that cohort as recruits. Model-based analyses showed that extrinsic temperature variables affected the youngest and oldest age classes the most, but provided no indication of age-related effects for intrinsic population factors. This study showed that both cohort and age-specific factors are important drivers of spatial distribution.
Complete complementarity relations for quantum correlations in neutrino oscillations
Authors: Bittencourt V. A. S. V. , Blasone M. , De Siena S. , Matrella C.
Published: June 2022

We analyze quantum correlations and quantum coherence in neutrino oscillations. To this end, we exploit complete complementarity relations (CCR) that fully characterize the interplay between different correlations encoded in a quantum system both for pure and mixed states. We consider the CCR for neutrino oscillations both in the case of plane-waves (pure state) and of wave packets (mixed state). In this last case we find a complex structure of correlations depending on the mixing angle, and we show the connection with the non local advantage of quantum coherence, a relevant quantifier of coherence.
Excess of tau events at SND@LHC, FASER$$\nu $$ and FASER$$\nu $$2
Authors: Ansarifard Saeed , Farzan Yasaman
Published: June 2022

During the run III of the LHC, the forward experiments FASER$$\nu $$
ν
and SND@LHC will be able to detect the Charged Current (CC) interactions of the high energy neutrinos of all three flavors produced at the ATLAS Interaction Point (IP). This opportunity may unravel the mysteries of the third generation leptons. We build three models that can lead to a tau excess at these detectors through the following Lepton Flavor Violating (LFV) beyond Standard Model (SM) processes: (1) $$\pi ^+ \rightarrow \mu ^+ \nu _\tau $$

π
+

→

μ
+

ν
τ

; (2) $$\pi ^+ \rightarrow \mu ^+ \bar{\nu }_\tau $$

π
+

→

μ
+

ν

¯

τ

and (3) $$\nu _e+\mathrm{nucleus}\rightarrow \tau +X$$

ν
e

+
nucleus
→
τ
+
X

. We comment on the possibility of solving the $$(g-2)_\mu $$

(
g
-
2
)

μ

anomaly and the $$\tau $$
τ
decay anomalies within these models. We study the potential of the forward experiments to discover the $$\tau $$
τ
excess or to constrain these models in case of no excess. We then compare the reach of the forward experiments with that of the previous as well as next generation experiments such as DUNE. We also discuss how the upgrade of FASER$$\nu $$
ν
can distinguish between these models by studying the energy spectrum of the tau.
On the perturbative formalism and a possible quantum Discrete spectrum for the Regge–Wheeler equation of a De Sitter spacetime
Authors: Viaggiu Stefano
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study the perturbative regime in the static patch of de Sitter metric in the Regge–Wheeler formalism. After realizing that perturbative regime in a de Sitter spacetime depicted in terms of usual spherical coordinates cannot be extended up to the cosmological horizon, we study perturbative equations, in particular the axial ones, in terms of the tortoise coordinate [Formula: see text]. We show that perturbative regime can be extended up to the cosmological horizon, provided that suitable boundary conditions are chosen. As an application, we explore the Regge–Wheeler equation at short distances by performing a Taylor expansion. In order to study some possible quantum effects at short distances, we impose to the equation so-obtained the same boundary conditions suitable for a quantum 3D harmonic oscillator. As a result, a discrete spectrum can be obtained. The aforementioned spectrum is analyzed and a relation with possible effects denoting quantum behavior of gravitons is suggested.
THE INFLUENCES OF TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY AND MARKET ORIENTATION TOWARD BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATIONS OF DIGITAL STARTUPS
Authors: SUSHANDOYO DEDY , KENCANASARI RETNA AYU MUSTIKARINI , PRASETIO EKO AGUS , MATSUURA YOSHIYUKI
Published: June 2022

Previous studies have addressed the importance of business model innovation (BMI) for established firms. However, there are limited studies on BMI in digital startups. Due to their characteristics, established firms differ from startups; thus, the findings of the previous studies cannot be applied straightforwardly to such startups. Because each startup experiences different types of BMI, they presumably possess varying types of technological capability and adopt market orientation differently. The links among technological capability, market orientation, and BMI, nevertheless, are not clearly articulated in the literature. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further investigations. Using four Indonesia’s digital startups as cases, two research questions are posed: (1) What kinds of technological capability and market orientation are needed for digital startups to conduct their BMI? (2) How can a set of technological capability and market orientation lead to different BMIs experimented by digital startups? The findings reveal that a certain type of BMI demanded startups possess a certain type of technological capability and adopt a peculiar type of market orientation. These refer to ecosystem- and specialisation-focused technological capability, and market orientation toward specialisation and ecosystem. Based on these findings, practical implications are presented at the end of this paper.
Vegetation Evolution: An Optimization Algorithm Inspired by the Life Cycle of Plants
Authors: Yu Jun
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we have observed that different types of plants in nature can use their own survival mechanisms to adapt to various living environments. A new population-based vegetation evolution (VEGE) algorithm is proposed to solve optimization problems by interactively simulating the growth and maturity periods of plants. In the growth period, individuals explore their local areas and grow in potential directions, while individuals generate many seed individuals and spread them as widely as possible in the maturity period. The main contribution of our proposed VEGE is to balance exploitation and exploration from a novel perspective, which is to perform these two periods in alternation to switch between two different search capabilities. To evaluate the performance of the proposed VEGE, we compare it with three well-known algorithms in the evolutionary computation community: differential evolution, particle swarm optimization, and enhanced fireworks algorithm — and run them on 28 benchmark functions with 2-dimensions (2D), 10D, and 30D with 30 trial runs. The experimental results show that VEGE is efficient and promising in terms of faster convergence speed and higher accuracy. In addition, we further analyze the effects of the composition of VEGE on performance, and some open topics are also given.
Molecular dynamic simulations of modeling aluminum-based composite nanoparticle in liquid Cellulose dinitrate decamer sol
Authors: Sun Ruochen , Qi Hui , Liu Pingan , Huang Shengye , Yin Yuhai , Tian Hao
Published: June 2022

Aluminum nanoparticle (ANP) in liquid Cellulose dinitrate decamer sol was investigated by ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanism of nitrocellulose (NC) single chain adsorption was researched as a chemisorption process. New Al–O bonds are formed by dehydrogenation and denitrification of the nitrate ester groups. The adsorbed part of the NC chain drags other parts to the surface as a horizontal adsorption state. We also simulated the processes of liquid Cellulose dinitrate decamer sol (ethanol, diethyl ether, and NC three components) coating the ANPs at different temperatures. The results indicate that the organic coating near surface is mainly consisted of ethanol and diethyl ether molecules. The NC chains are adsorbed on the ANPs surface in two states, including the horizontal adsorption or the nearly vertical adsorption. Heating can increase the coating rate without significantly changing the composition of the coating. Finally, the oxidation simulation shows that the organic layer can maintain good stability and oxidation resistance.
Student T-Based Maximum Correntropy Unscented Kalman Filter for UAV Target Tracking
Authors: Feng Xiaoxue , Li Shuhui , Wen Yue , Pan Feng
Published: June 2022

Considering that the Student T distribution has heavy-tailed non-Gaussian property, the heavy-tailed non-Gaussian noises induced by strong maneuvering target are modeled as the Student T distribution, and a cost function based on the Student T distribution as the kernel function is designed. On this basis, the Student T-based Maximum Correntropy Unscented Kalman filter (TMCUKF) is proposed based on the designed Student T distribution cost function together with the maximum correntropy criterion. In addition, the convergence condition and proof of the proposed method are also given. This algorithm has strong suppression ability to the heavy-tailed non-Gaussian noise, and has the ability to improve the tracking accuracy.
Ichnoassemblages from the Wilcox Formation in the Burgos Basin, northeastern Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Ocaña María I. , Torres de la Cruz Felipe , Chacón Baca Elizabeth , Eguiluz de Antuñano Samuel , Chávez-Cabello Gabriel
Published: June 2022

An ichnological analysis of the Paleocene–Eocene Wilcox Formation at San José de la Laja and La Curva localities within the Burgos Basin in northeastern Mexico revealed seven ichnogenera:
Chondrites
,
Diplocraterion
,
Ophiomorpha
,
Palaeophycus
,
Planolites
,
Sinusichnus
and
Skolithos
. The trace fossils were grouped into different ichnoassemblages, including a detailed facies analysis. These results show their apparent association with the
Skolithos
and
Cruziana
Ichnofacies in the two studied localities. The integrative analysis of trace fossils and lithofacies made it possible to infer plausible depositional environments for registered periods of fair-weather conditions in both localities of the Burgos Basin, which represent ecosystems characterized by low diversity and abundance. In San José de La Laja, the environment varies from storm affected to tidal setting. In La Curva, lithofacies and ichnology are modulated by storm events in a transitional shoreface, coastal bar and intertidal setting within a deltaic plain. Both localities indicate a shelf impacted by deltaic processes and storm events. Living conditions for most endobenthic organisms were harsh. These results support a long-term regression of the coastal zone during the Paleogene–Neogene and suggest a palaeoenvironment similar to this in the south of Texas during the Paleogene.
Using UAV Photogrammetric Technique for Monitoring, Change Detection, and Analysis of Archeological Excavation Sites
Authors: Ulvi Ali
Published: June 2022

The shrinkage of the sensors installed in unmanned aerial vehicles and the increase in data quality have provided great advantages to UAV users, especially in analysis and interpretation works. Archaeologists, in particular, can take full advantage of new opportunities to research and identify objects and artifacts, using remote sensing methods, by studying the past at excavation sites using modern technologies such as UAVs. These methods enable researchers to discover objects on the ground with the help of sensors. This study includes the UAV monitoring, documentation, and analyses of the excavation works that took place in 2014 (phase 1), 2017 (phase 2- phase 3), and 2020 (phase 4) at the Ancient Theatre of Uzuncaburç built in the Roman Empire. For this purpose, photos were taken with the UAV for each phase, and measurements were made from the excavation site's points with precision gauges (total-station and GNSS). 3D point cloud, orthophoto map,
Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
map, and 3D models of each phase were produced with the taken pictures. Since UAV photogrammetry was used in this study, each excavation phase was recorded precisely. This, unlike classical documentation techniques, enabled the deformations in the excavation areas to be revealed. The 3D position accuracy calculated for the
control point
(ChP)
used in the four excavation phases ranges from 5.8 mm to 33.5 mm. The most important feature of this study is the sensitive examination of the changes in the excavation area for many years with the UAV photogrammetry technique. At the end of the study, the excavation phases and the determination of the deformation points in the excavation area were recorded digitally.
Carbon Dioxide Triggers Carbon Nanotube Nucleation: Isotope Labeling Study on the Growth Process of Individual Nanotubes
Authors: Ishimaru Ryoya , Otsuka Keigo , Inoue Taiki , Chiashi Shohei , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: June 2022

Growing long and high-density arrays of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes is the key to building high-performance electronics. From the growth process perspective, the density and length of carbon nanotubes are determined by their nucleation probability from individual catalysts, subsequent growth rates, and growth lifetime. Here, we study the effects of additive oxygen-containing species on the growth process at the individual nanotube level during alcohol chemical vapor deposition. When tracing the growth process by isotope labeling techniques, the growth rates are slowed down upon the addition of CO2 due to carbon removal from catalysts. This simultaneously leads to a noticeable extension of the growth lifetime, which has the overall effect of lengthening the nanotube arrays. According to the relationship between the timing of CO2 supply and the growth initiation time of each nanotube, we surprisingly find that the oxidants also trigger the growth initiation, leading to the improvement of nanotube density. As all these effects of the additive oxidants can be explained by the tuning of the supersaturation level of carbon on catalysts, our results suggest the importance of choosing the appropriate balance of carbon sources and oxidants for the simultaneous control of density and length of carbon nanotube arrays.
Mississippi INBRE Outreach Scholars program: adapting a summer scholars program to the virtual world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lemacks Jennifer L. , Greer Tammy , Aras Sermin , Iverson Caroline , Willis Darlene , Duplantis Tyler , Hickmon Fredrick L. , Gipson June , Elasri Mohamed O. , Madson Michael , Reese-Smith Jacqueline
Published: June 2022

The Mississippi INBRE Outreach Scholars program is a summer research program for Mississippi college students that was successfully adapted to a fully online environment amidst the coronavirus-19 pandemic.
“Seeing red” reflects hemoglobin’s saturation state: a discovery-based activity for understanding the science of pulse oximetry
Authors: Lujan Heidi L. , DiCarlo Stephen E.
Published: June 2022

Educators must go beyond teaching the facts and encourage students to think, investigate, and appreciate the subject matter in a broader framework. To achieve these goals, we used a simple and inexpensive experimental approach to introduce the physics of how a pulse oximeter detects and measures oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in blood. We approached this complex physics in a straightforward way while still providing an understanding of the fundamental concepts developed by Johann Lambert in 1760.
Male Marfan mice are predisposed to high-fat diet-induced obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver
Authors: Tiedemann Kerstin , Muthu Muthu L. , Reinhardt Dieter P. , Komarova Svetlana V.
Published: June 2022

Gene mutations in the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin-1 cause connective tissue disorders including Marfan syndrome (MFS) with clinical symptoms in the cardiovascular, skeletal, and ocular systems. Patients with MFS also exhibit alterations in adipose tissues, which in some individuals leads to lipodystrophy, whereas in others to obesity. We have recently demonstrated that fibrillin-1 regulates adipose tissue homeostasis. Here, we examined how fibrillin-1 abnormality affects metabolic adaptation to different diets. We used two MFS mouse models: hypomorph Fbn1mgR/mgR mice and Fbn1C1041G/+ mice with a fibrillin-1 missense mutation. When Fbn1mgR/mgR mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 wk, male mice were heavier than littermate controls (LCs), whereas female mice gained less weight compared with LCs. Female Fbn1C1041G/+ mice on an HFD for 24 wk were similarly protected from weight gain. Male Fbn1C1041G/+ mice on an HFD demonstrated higher insulin levels, insulin intolerance, circulating levels of cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins. Moreover, male HFD-fed Fbn1C1041G/+ mice showed a higher liver weight and a fatty liver phenotype, which was reduced to LC levels after orchiectomy. Phosphorylation of protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 ( Srebp1) in livers of HFD-fed male Fbn1C1041G/+ mice were elevated. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that male mice of both the MFS models are susceptible to HFD-induced obesity and diabetes. Moreover, male Fbn1C1041G/+ mice develop a fatty liver phenotype, likely mediated by a baseline increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. In contrast, female MFS mice were protected from the consequence of HFD.
Neutrophil granulocytes influence on extracellular matrix in cancer progression
Authors: Strøbech Jan E. , Giuriatti Pietro , Erler Janine T.
Published: June 2022

One in three persons will develop cancer in their lifetime (Siegel RL, Miller KD, Fuchs HE, Jemal A. CA Cancer J Clin 71: 7–33, 2021) and the majority of these patients will die from the spread of cancer throughout their body—a process known as metastasis. Metastasis is strongly regulated by the tumor microenvironment (TME) comprising cellular and noncellular components. In this review, we will focus on the role of neutrophils regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM), enabling ECM remodeling and cancer progression. In particular, we highlight the role of neutrophil-secreted proteases (NSP) and how these promote metastasis.
Voltage-dependent Ca2+ release is impaired in hypokalemic periodic paralysis caused by CaV1.1-R528H but not by NaV1.4-R669H
Authors: DiFranco Marino , Cannon Stephen C.
Published: June 2022

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP) is a channelopathy of skeletal muscle caused by missense mutations in the voltage sensor domains (usually at an arginine of the S4 segment) of the CaV1.1 calcium channel or of the NaV1.4 sodium channel. The primary clinical manifestation is recurrent attacks of weakness, resulting from impaired excitability of anomalously depolarized fibers containing leaky mutant channels. Although the ictal loss of fiber excitability is sufficient to explain the acute episodes of weakness, a deleterious change in voltage sensor function for CaV1.1 mutant channels may also compromise excitation-contraction coupling (EC-coupling). We used the low-affinity Ca2+ indicator Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-5N (OGB-5N) to assess voltage-dependent Ca2+-release as a measure of EC-coupling for our knock-in mutant mouse models of HypoPP. The peak Δ F/ F0 in fibers isolated from CaV1.1-R528H mice was about two-thirds of the amplitude observed in WT mice; whereas in HypoPP fibers from NaV1.4-R669H mice the Δ F/ F0 was indistinguishable from WT. No difference in the voltage dependence of Δ F/ F0 from WT was observed for fibers from either HypoPP mouse model. Because late-onset permanent muscle weakness is more severe for CaV1.1-associated HypoPP than for NaV1.4, we propose that the reduced Ca2+-release for CaV1.1-R528H mutant channels may increase the susceptibility to fixed myopathic weakness. In contrast, the episodes of transient weakness are similar for CaV1.1- and NaV1.4-associated HypoPP, consistent with the notion that acute attacks of weakness are primarily caused by leaky channels and are not a consequence of reduced Ca2+-release.
Integration of Genetic and Immune Infiltration Insights into Data Mining of Multiple Sclerosis Pathogenesis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Song Ying , Chen Xiao , Zhuang Xiaojia , Wei Zhiqiang , Yi Li
Published: June 2022

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. MS pathogenesis is closely related to the environment, genetic, and immune system, but the underlying interactions have not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to unveil the genetic basis and immune landscape of MS pathogenesis with bioinformatics. Methods. Gene matrix was retrieved from the gene expression database NCBI-GEO. Then, bioinformatics was used to standardize the samples and obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The protein-protein interaction network was constructed with DEGs on the STRING website. Cytohubba plug-in and MCODE plug-in were used to mine hub genes. Meanwhile, the CIBERSORTX algorithm was used to explore the characteristics of immune cell infiltration in MS brain tissues. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between genes and immune cells, and the correlation between genes and different types of brain tissues was also analyzed using the WGCNA method. Results. A total of 90 samples from 2 datasets were included, and 882 DEGs and 10 hub genes closely related to MS were extracted. Functional enrichment analysis suggested the role of immune response in MS. Besides, CIBERSORTX algorithm results showed that MS brain tissues contained a variety of infiltrating immune cells. Correlation analysis suggested that the hub genes were highly relevant to chronic active white matter lesions. Certain hub genes played a role in the activation of immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells. Conclusions. Our study shall provide guidance for the further study of the genetic basis and immune infiltration mechanism of MS.
Knocking Out of CEACAM1 Can Reduce Oxidative Stress and Promote Cell Proliferation in the HPMVECs under Hypoxia
Authors: Li Zhixuan , He Xiaokang , Zhang Xueting , Zou Junhua , Li Hao , Wang Jing
Published: June 2022

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) induced by hypoxia is common in clinical practice and often suggests a poor prognosis. The oxidative stress and proliferation of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells caused by hypoxia are the major mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of PH. It has been reported in recent years that the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) promotes angiogenesis. In this study, normal human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) and HPMVECs with stable knockout of CEACAM1 by CRISPR-Cas9 were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to induce hypoxic conditions. JC-1, ROS, and cell cycle profile were analyzed for each cell line and controls, using flow cytometry. A tube formation assay was used to detect angiogenesis, along with expression levels of CEACAM1, TNF-α, VEGF, VEGFR-2, p-P38/P38, and CyclinD1 proteins (to distinguish profiles of angiogenic growth and cell proliferation). We observed increased expression of CEACAM1 in HPMVECs after OGD/R, while ROS production was reduced and mitochondrial membrane potential was increased after OGD/R in CEACAM1-/- HPMVECs. Furthermore, we observed increased cell division in CEACAM-/- HPMVECs, accompanied by enhanced angiogenesis and reduced TNF-α protein expression and increased VEGF, VEGFR-2, and CyclinD1 expression. Together, these data suggest that upregulation of CEACAM1 in HPMVECs under hypoxic conditions may damage cells by increasing oxidative stress and inhibiting cell proliferation.
Anomaly Detection of Pipeline Leakage Based on Electric Field Component Imaging Using Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Yang Yang , Du Zhiyuan , Li Yanan , Zhang Tianyu , Liu Lu , Iqbal Ibrar , Peng Sanxi
Published: June 2022

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective method that can be applied in pipeline leakage detection. However, when the distribution of the underground medium is complex, it becomes difficult to accurately identify the abnormal leakage area directly from the GPR data profile. In this paper, based on the characteristics of high water content in the abnormal leakage area and according to the relationship between the reflected wave coefficient and the dielectric constant, the electric field component imaging technology of GPR data is proposed. Next, the electromagnetic wave responses of geological models with different dielectric parameters are simulated by finite difference time domain (FDTD). It can be seen from the forward modeling results that the greater the difference is in the dielectric constants of the media on both sides of the interface, the stronger the reflected wave energy will be. Finally, the electric field component imaging technology of GPR data is applied to pipeline leakage detection in an industrial area. The test results show that the abnormal area of pipeline leakage appears as a high‐amplitude area in the electric field component map.
Adaptive Finite‐Time Sliding Mode Backstepping Controller for Double‐Integrator Systems with Mismatched Uncertainties and External Disturbances
Authors: Alinaghi Hosseinabadi Pooyan , Soltani Sharif Abadi Ali , Pota Hemanshu , Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian , Mekhilef Saad
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a novel adaptive finite‐time sliding mode backstepping (AFSMBS) control scheme is suggested to control a type of high‐order double‐integrator systems with mismatched disturbances and uncertainties. A robust sliding mode backstepping control method, adaptive control method, and finite‐time stability notion are incorporated to provide a better tracking performance over applying them individually and to use their benefits simultaneously. The concept of a sliding mode is used to define a new form of a backstepping controller. The adaptive control method is utilized to adaptively estimate the upper bounds of the disturbances and uncertainties and the estimated data are used in the control low. The notion of the finite‐time stability is incorporated with the suggested control scheme to ensure the system’s convergence within a finite time. The stability proof is obtained for the closed‐loop system in a finite time utilizing the Lyapunov stability theorem. Simulation results are obtained for an example of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with three degrees of freedom (3‐DOF) to demonstrate the efficacy of the suggested control approach.
Analysis of Diabetes Clinical Data Based on Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Lin Yuanyuan , Li Yueli , Huang Xuemei , Liu Li , Wei Haitao , Zou Xinyu
Published: June 2022

At present, diabetes is one of the most important chronic noncommunicable diseases, that have threatened human health. By 2020, the number of diabetic patients worldwide has reached 425 million. This amazing number has attracted the great attention of various countries. With the progress of computing technology, many mathematical models and intelligent algorithms have been applied in different fields of health care. 822 subjects were selected in this paper. They were divided into 389 diabetic patients and 423 nondiabetic patients. Each of the subjects included 41 indicators. Too many indicator variables would increase the computational effort and there could be a strong correlation and data redundancy between the data. Therefore, the sample features were first dimensionally reduced to generate seven new features in the new space, retaining up to 99.9% of the valid information from the original data. A diagnostic and classification model for diabetes clinical data based on recurrent neural networks were constructed, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) was introduced to optimise recurrent neural network’s hyperparameters to achieve effective diagnosis and classification of diabetes.
An Investigation for Heavy Metals’ Contamination in Farmers’ Fingernails: Case Study in Libya
Authors: Bobaker Aiman M. , Alakili Intisar , Elkhidir Elrashied E. , Sarmani Sukiman B. , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: June 2022

This study aims to assess the concentration levels of heavy metals, which are associated with health hazards: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) among Libyan farmers using fingernails as a biomarker. Factors that may contribute for accumulation of these toxic heavy metals in the farmers’ fingernails were also evaluated. This cross-sectional study involved 127 farmers and 25 high school teachers living in the same geographical area as the farmers (served as the control group). Fingernail samples of the participants were collected, treated, and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for As, Cd, and Pb contents after microwave acid digestion. Results of this study indicated that the concentration levels of the investigated heavy metals in fingernail samples of both participating farmers and control group were in order of Pb > Cd > As. Also, the results showed that As, Cd, and Pb levels in the farmers’ fingernails were found to be higher than in the control group by about 9-, 5-, and 2-fold, respectively. This difference for all heavy metals analyzed was found to be statistically significant

P
<
0.05

. As a conclusion, the results of this study clearly indicated that Libyan farmers have been exposed to high levels of toxic heavy metals as a result of their agricultural activities compared with the general population living in the same geographical area as farmers, which, in turn, pose a high risk to their health. Thus, toxicological, epidemiological, and clinical studies for the Libyan farmers are strongly recommended.
Mechanical Motion Trajectory Control Tracking System Based on Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Zhongyi , Wang Shenyu
Published: June 2022

Machine learning is a key problem in the field of artificial intelligence. It is the study of statistical learning methods. It enables computers to simulate the learning behavior of humans, accumulate experience, and continuously improve and perfect their performances. Mechanical motion has always been an important subject in the field of automation, and trajectory tracking control is an important technology for mobile robots. Therefore, its research has important theoretical and practical significance. This study proposes a research based on the machine learning algorithm applied to the control and tracking system of mechanical motion trajectory. It expounds the neural network model, support vector machine algorithm, clustering algorithm, and K-means algorithm. Zeroing in on the issue of mechanical movement direction following control, this study concentrates on the plan of the mechanical movement direction following regulator in view of the BP brain network in the AI calculation and checks the accuracy and plausibility of the regulator plan. The exploratory outcomes demonstrate the way that the ideal following direction can be acquired by taking ε = 5. It makes the tracking trajectory more accurate, and the error convergence speed is faster.
Stochastic Evolutionary Game Analysis on the Strategy Selection of Green Building Stakeholders from the Perspective of Supply-Demand Subject Populations
Authors: Yang Yaohong , Dai Jing , Li Zhiyong , Liu Ying , Zeng Yi
Published: June 2022

In construction industry, the research and development (R&D) and application of green building technologies (GBTs) are crucial to promote the development of green buildings. From the perspective of supply-demand subject populations, this paper discusses the dynamic evolution process of strategy between individuals within construction enterprise populations and between construction enterprise populations and consumer populations. Firstly, based on Moran process, the stochastic evolutionary game model of construction enterprises adopting independent innovation strategy was constructed to obtain the conditions for the dominance of independent innovation strategy. Next, the bimatrix game model of construction enterprise populations and consumer populations was constructed to obtain the equilibrium frequency of the joint strategy. Then, the influence laws of the change of parameters on game were discussed through numerical simulations. The results show that (1) reducing the cost of independent R&D cost, reducing the spillover effect coefficient, increasing the loss of technology introduction, and increasing R&D subsidies for independent innovation construction enterprises are all conducive to IIS becoming an evolutionary stable strategy. (2) The marginal effect of IIS increases with the decrease in the spillover effect coefficient, the increase in the loss of technology introduction of construction enterprises, and the increase R&D subsidies. (3) The smaller the mutation rate is, the greater the cross-price sensitivity coefficient is, the greater the green sensitivity coefficient is, the greater the probability of government active encouragement is, and the more dominant (production of green buildings, purchase of green buildings) is. Finally, relevant measures and suggestions are proposed.
Downregulation of LRRC19 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Ya-Juan , Liu Man , Jiang Hui-Ying , Yu Yong-Wei
Published: June 2022

Objective. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is globally one of the most often diagnosed cancers with high mortality rates. This study aimed to explore novel biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. Methods. We collected 4 datasets about CRC in GEO and sought differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with GEO2R. Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 19 (LRRC19) expression was assessed through the Oncomine and TIMER database analyses, which was further confirmed by qRT-PCR of CRC samples. We used online survival analysis tools (GEPIA, PrognoScan, and Kaplan–Meier plotter) to examine the prognostic value of LRRC19 in CRC and other malignancies. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were employed to explore the biological functions of LRRC19. Finally, we conducted network prediction by STRING and further validation on the GEPIA to discover other molecules that might interact with LRRC19. Results. A total of 21 upregulated and 46 downregulated DEGs were identified from the 4 datasets. The TIMER and Oncomine online analyses showed lower mRNA of LRRC19 in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, which was validated by qRT-PCR in CRC patient samples. The survival analysis through the GEPIA and PrognoScan websites revealed that low LRRC19 expression was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. The Kaplan–Meier plotter survival analysis indicated that low LRRC19 expression was significantly associated with the disease progression of patients with ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. The enrichment analysis suggested that low expression of LRRC19 could be involved in the retinol metabolism and the zymogen granule membrane. Through STRING and GEPIA, it was found that LRRC19 is clearly associated with ZCCHC10, MOB3B, IMMP2L, and TRMT11. Conclusion. LRRC19 mRNA was prominently decreased in human CRC tissues and was significantly associated with shorter survival in CRC patients. LRRC19 might serve as a possible target for early diagnosis and prognosis assessment in CRC.
Vitexin Mitigates Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mastitis via Regulation of ROS/ER Stress/NF-κB/MAPK Pathway
Authors: Chen Yu , Yang Jing , Huang Zhi , Yin Baoyi , Umar Talha , Yang Cheng , Zhang Xiangqian , Jing Hongyuan , Guo Shuai , Guo Mengyao , Deng Ganzhen , Qiu Changwei
Published: June 2022

Mastitis, caused by a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, seriously threatens the safety and economic benefits of the dairy industry. Vitexin, a flavone glucoside found in many plant species, has been widely reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects. However, few studies have explored the effect of vitexin on mastitis. This study is aimed at exploring whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions of vitexin can improve Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis and its possible molecular mechanism. The expression profiles of S. aureus-infected bovine mammary epithelial cells and gland tissues from the GEO data set (GSE94056 and GSE139612) were analyzed and found that DEGs were mainly involved in immune signaling pathways, apoptosis, and ER stress through GO and KEGG enrichment. Vitexin blocked the production of ROS and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT) via activation of PPARγ in vivo and in vitro. In addition, vitexin reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and inhibited apoptosis in MAC-T cells and mouse mammary tissues infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, vitexin decreased the expression of PDI, Ero1-Lα, p-IRE1α, PERK, p-eIF2α, and CHOP protein but increased BiP in both mammary gland cells and tissues challenged by S. aureus. Western blot results also found that the phosphorylation levels of JNK, ERK, p38, and p65 were reduced in vitexin-treated tissues and cells. Vitexin inhibited the production of ROS through promoting PPARγ, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis by alleviating ER stress and inactivation MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathway. Vitexin maybe have great potential to be a preventive and therapeutic agent for mastitis.