bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of genetically similar Flavobacterium columnare phages across aquaculture environments reveals a strong potential for pathogen control
Authors: Runtuvuori‐Salmela Anniina , Kunttu Heidi M. T. , Laanto Elina , Almeida Gabriel M. F. , Mäkelä Kati , Middelboe Mathias , Sundberg Lotta‐Riina
Published: January 2022

Intensive aquaculture conditions expose fish to bacterial infections, leading to significant financial losses, extensive antibiotic use and risk of antibiotic resistance in target bacteria. Flavobacterium columnare causes columnaris disease in aquaculture worldwide. To develop a bacteriophage‐based control of columnaris disease, we isolated and characterized 126 F. columnare strains and 63 phages against F. columnare from Finland and Sweden in 2017. Bacterial isolates were virulent on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and fell into four previously described genetic groups A, C, E and G, with genetic groups C and E being the most virulent. Phage host range studied against a collection of 227 bacterial isolates (from 2013 to 2017) demonstrated modular infection patterns based on host genetic group. Phages infected contemporary and previously isolated bacterial hosts, but bacteria isolated most recently were generally resistant to previously isolated phages. Despite large differences in geographical origin, isolation year or host range of the phages, whole‐genome sequencing of 56 phages showed high level of genetic similarity to previously isolated F. columnare phages (Ficleduovirus, Myoviridae). Altogether, this phage collection demonstrates a potential for use in phage therapy.
Respectability and boundary making on a superdiverse housing estate: The cross‐racial deployment of intra‐ethnic stereotypes
Authors: Rosbrook‐Thompson James , Armstrong Gary
Published: January 2022

This article examines how white British residents of a superdiverse London housing estate learn about—and subsequently deploy—the intra‐ethnic stereotypes used by their British Pakistani and British Bangladeshi neighbours/flatmates. Building on recent attempts to bring together conviviality and boundary making, along with insights into intra‐ethnic othering, we show how, for white British residents, these stereotypes offered the chance to add detail and authenticity to judgements about the “unrespectable” behaviour of British Asian residents and/or visitors. Ultimately, however, white British residents' inappropriate and/or imprecise deployment of these stereotypes in relation to British Bangladeshis and British Pakistanis led to the misidentification of low‐status people and the unfair extension of discrimination faced by low‐status individuals and families. Furthermore, the combination of clumsy application and the positioning of “respectable” British Bangladeshis and British Pakistanis as purveyors of “insider knowledge” about intra‐ethnic stereotypes led to the reinscribing of boundaries between racial groups. We conclude that studying the cross‐racial use of intra‐ethnic stereotypes allows for a subtler appreciation of the complex dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in superdiverse areas.
Seasonal variations in the composition and functional profiles of gut microbiota reflect dietary changes in plateau pikas
Authors: FAN Chao , ZHANG Liangzhi , JIA Shangang , TANG Xianjiang , FU Haibo , LI Wenjing , LIU Chuanfa , ZHANG He , CHENG Qi , ZHANG Yanming
Published: January 2022

Seasonal variations in gut microbiota of small mammals and how they are influenced by environmental variables are relatively poorly understood. We sampled 162 wild plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in 4 seasons over 2 and a half years and recorded the air temperature, precipitation, and nutrient content in edible vegetation at the sampling site. After conducting 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we found that the highest alpha diversity, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, and the simplest co‐occurrence network occurred in winter, whereas the highest relative abundance of Proteobacteria and the most complex network structure were observed in spring. The highest relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Spirochaetota was seen in summer and autumn, respectively. Air temperature, precipitation, and the contents of crude protein, crude fiber, and polysaccharide in vegetation had significant effects on the seasonal changes in gut microbiota. Diet contributed more to microbial variation than climatic factors. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the amino acid metabolism pathway and axillary activity enzymes were most abundant in summer, while abundance of carbohydrate‐binding modules and carbohydrate esterases was highest in spring. These microbial variations were related to the changes in dietary nutrition, indicating that gut microbiota of plateau pika contribute to the efficient use of food resources. This study provides new evidence of how external environmental factors affect the intestinal environment of small mammals.
Pixantrone in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: A real‐life, retrospective, multicenter trial on behalf of the “RTL” (Regional Tuscan Lymphoma network)
Authors: Cencini Emanuele , Mecacci Bianca , Rocco Melania , Innocenti Fabio , Ghio Francesco , Puccini Benedetta , Della Seta Roberta , Simonetti Federico , Mannelli Lara , Cuccaro Annarosa , Bocchia Monica , Fabbri Alberto
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Pixantrone is a novel aza‐anthracenedione with antineoplastic activity, currently approved for multiply relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), even if real‐life data are limited.

Methods

We investigated pixantrone efficacy and safety in clinical practice, as 3rd or 4th line therapy. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 37 R/R DLBCL patients managed in 8 Tuscan onco‐hematological centers. Pixantrone, 50 mg/m2, was administered on days 1, 8, 15 of a 28 days cycle for up to 6 cycles. Response to therapy was evaluated according to the Lugano 2014 classification.

Results

Pixantrone was administered as 3rd or 4th line in 24/37 (64.9%) and 13/37 (35.1%) cases. Overall response rate and CR rate were 43.2% and 32.4%. After a median follow‐up of 6 months, 17/37 patients (46%) were alive, the main cause of death was progressive disease (14/37 cases, 37.9%).

Median PFS was 3 months, median DOR was 17.9 months, and median OS was 9.7 months. A significant proportion of patients achieved a long‐lasting response >12 months (8/37 cases). IPI>2 showed a trend toward inferior PFS.

Conclusion

In this real‐life setting, pixantrone demonstrated appreciable efficacy in a population with poor prognosis; in a small proportion of cases, it can be associated with long‐term remission.
Patients with low activation level report limited possibilities to participate in cancer care
Authors: Westman Bodil , Bergkvist Karin , Karlsson Rosenblad Andreas , Sharp Lena , Bergenmar Mia
Published: January 2022

Background

Cancer care trajectories are often complex, with potent multimodality treatments and multiple interactions with health care providers. Communication and coordination are challenging and the patients' responsibilities to take on more active roles in their own care are increasing.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate associations between patient activation level and participation in cancer care, sociodemographic characteristics, clinical data, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and helpfulness of received information.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional population‐based study, patients completed questionnaires on patient activation, perceived participation, HRQoL, helpfulness of received information and sociodemographic characteristics. Responses to the patient activation measures (PAMs) were classified into four levels (higher levels indicating more activation). Data on age, sex and cancer diagnosis were collected from the Swedish Cancer Register.

Results

Data from 682 patients were analysed. On comparing patients at PAM levels 1 and 4, the latter reported significantly higher possibilities to influence care decisions (46.6% vs. 20.8%) and to ask questions regarding treatment and care (93.4% vs. 68.4%). Patients at PAM level 4 reported wanting to influence decision‐making to a higher extent, compared with patients at other PAM levels, and reported clinically significantly higher HRQoL. No significant differences were found regarding sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusion

We found strong associations between perceived patient participation and activation levels, with limited possibility for participation among those with lower activation levels.

Patient or Public Contribution

Discussions with patient representatives have raised the importance of participation. The preliminary findings were presented and discussed in a workshop with representatives from 21 cancer patient advocacy groups.
Critical incident technique helps determine how health library and information services influence clinical decision making and patient care: A literature review
Authors: Sadeghi Halimeh , Nowkarizi Mohsen , Tajafari Masoumeh
Published: January 2022

Background

The Critical incident technique (CIT) has been used for decades in the assessment of the impact of library and information services on patient care and clinical decision making.

Objectives

The purpose of this article is to identify and review the studies that have used CIT approach to assess the impact of library and information services on patient care and clinical decision making.

Methods

Related articles were searched in the information resources of Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar and LISTA. Results: From among 1346 articles obtained, 22 met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of the articles indicated that CIT has been used for various purposes such as assessing the information value, assessing the information resources and librarians in their clinical practice and decision making, examining information‐seeking behaviour and analysing cost‐ benefits.

Discussion

Critical incident technique is a flexible approach for libraries and information services, based on individuals’ experiences of finding and using information to help resolve a perceived problem.

Conclusions

The studies identified in this review offer a variety of methods for using CIT that other libraries might consider for their own impact studies.
Nigrospora sphaerica causing leaf spot in a new host, Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy), in China
Authors: Qiu Chaodong , Liu Chen , Niu Taotao , Zhu Wenhui , Liu Zhenyu
Published: January 2022

Leaf spot symptom was observed in false daisy [Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., syn. Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.] in Dianjiang County, Chongqing, China, in August 2019. The isolated and purified fungus CQLC820 was confirmed as Nigrospora sphaerica based on cultural and morphological features and phylogram of combined sequences of gene fragments of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA and beta‐tubulin. Pathogenicity test revealed that isolate CQLC820 caused leaf spot lesions on false daisy, identical to those occurred naturally in the field. N. sphaerica was re‐isolated from the lesions and identified through morphological and sequence analysis. The causal agent of leaf spot of false daisy was identified as N. sphaerica. This is the first time to identify false daisy as a new host of N. sphaerica not only in China, but also in the world. There is a potential concern that N. sphaerica might have a threat on production of false daisy, a traditional herbal medicine with a long history of uses for treating haemorrhagic diseases in Asia and South America.
Imaging features of retroperitoneal extra‐adrenal paragangliomas in 10 dogs
Authors: Gombert Alexis , Diana Alessia , Hecht Silke , Nicoli Stefano , Fracassi Federico , Mortier Jeremy , Reyes‐Gomez Edouard , Pey Pascaline
Published: January 2022

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. Only a few canine case reports are available with rare descriptions of their imaging features. The objectives of this multi‐center, retrospective case series study were to describe the diagnostic imaging features of confirmed retroperitoneal paragangliomas and specify their location. Medical records and imaging studies of 10 affected dogs with cytological or histopathologic results concordant with retroperitoneal paragangliomas were evaluated. Dogs had a median age of 9 years. Four of them had clinical signs and laboratory reports compatible with excessive production of catecholamines. Six ultrasound, four CT, four radiographic, and one MRI studies were included. The paragangliomas did not have a specific location along the aorta. They were of various sizes (median 33 mm, range: 9–85 mm of length). Masses had heterogeneous parenchyma in six of 10 dogs, regardless of the imaging modality. Strong contrast enhancement was found in all CT studies. Encircling of at least one vessel was detected in six of 10 masses, clear invasion of a vessel was identified in one of 10 masses. In five of 10 cases, the masses were initially misconstrued as lymph nodes by the on‐site radiologist. Retroperitoneal paragangliomas appear along the abdominal aorta, often presenting heterogeneous parenchyma, possibly affecting the local vasculature, and displaying strong contrast enhancement on CT. Clinical signs can be secondary to mass effects or excessive catecholamine production. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this tumor are suspected as they can be silent, of small size, or confused with other structures.
Modeling of Cube Array Roughness: RANS, Large Eddy Simulation, and Direct Numerical Simulation
Authors: Altland Samuel , Xu Haosen H. A. , Yang Xiang I. A. , Kunz Robert
Published: January 2022

Flow over arrays of cubes is an extensively studied model problem for rough wall turbulent boundary layers. While considerable research has been performed in computationally investigating these topologies using direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large eddy simulation (LES), the ability of sublayer-resolved Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) to predict the bulk flow phenomena of these systems is relatively unexplored, especially at low and high packing densities. Here, RANS simulations are conducted on six different packing densities of cubes in aligned and staggered configurations. The packing densities investigated span from what would classically be defined as isolated, up to those in the d-type roughness regime, filling in the gap in the present literature. Three different sublayer-resolved turbulence closure models were tested for each case: a low Reynolds number k–ϵ model, the Menter k–ω SST model, and a full Reynolds stress model. Comparisons of the velocity fields, secondary flow features, and drag coefficients are made between the RANS results and existing LES and DNS results. There is a significant degree of variability in the performance of the various RANS models across all comparison metrics. However, the Reynolds stress model demonstrated the best accuracy in terms of the mean velocity profile as well as drag partition across the range of packing densities.
New species and records of Metatarsonemus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from Central and South Americas
Authors: Sousa André Silva Guimarães , Rezende José Marcos , Lofego Antonio Carlos , Ochoa Ronald , Bauchan Gary , Gulbronson Connor , Oliveira Anibal Ramadan
Published: January 2022

The family Tarsonemidae (Acari: Prostigmata) exhibits a high diversity of feeding habits and morphological structures, which allow them to be successful in many habitats. In Costa Rica, the Mesoamerican forest is a biome that includes all tropical and subtropical natural plant formations with high biodiversity. In Brazil, Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) is cultivated under the canopies of larger trees, in a shaded plantation system called cabruca. Two new Metatarsonemus species are described from Brazilian cabruca agroforest. New records for the genus from Mesoamerica, Atlantic Forest and cabruca agroforest are presented. A key to the species of Metatarsonemus of the world is included.
Performance of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on six cotton varieties with varying degree of leaf pubescence
Authors: Sulek Nazife , Cakmak Ibrahim
Published: January 2022

In this study, we investigated the effect of leaf hairiness, based on non-glandular trichome density, of six cotton varieties (Gloria, Lima, Carla, DP-396, Edessa and ST-468) on the development, reproduction and population parameters of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) under controlled conditions. According to trichome densities (mean number/cm2) on the abaxial surface of cotton leaves: Edessa (583.8) and ST-468 (569.9) were grouped as high density; DP-396 (394.9) and Carla (367.5), medium density; Lima (20.4) and Gloria (13.3), low density. As a result, total development periods of T. urticae in Gloria, Lima, Carla, DP-396, Edessa and ST-468 varieties were 9.7, 9.8, 10.6, 10.6, 11.9 and 11.8 days, respectively. The developmental periods of immature stages and total preadults increased significantly with increasing leaf trichome density. The longest oviposition period of T. urticae was detected in Gloria (27.5 days) and Lima (25.1 days) and the shortest was in Edessa (16.4 days) and ST-468 (17.4 days). The highest total fecundity was determined in Gloria (135.6 eggs) and Lima (131.4 eggs) varieties. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (l) and net reproductive rate (R0) were obtained in Gloria, Lima, Carla and DP-396, the lowest in Edessa and ST-468 varieties. The longest mean generation time (T) was detected in Edessa (19.0 days) and ST-468 (18.6 days). The result of this study showed that cotton varieties with high trichome density negatively affected the development, reproduction and population parameters of T. urticae.
Simulating the acoustic response of cavities to improve microphone array measurements in closed test section wind tunnels
Authors: VanDercreek Colin , Avallone Francesco , Ragni Daniele , Snellen Mirjam
Published: January 2022

Cavities placed along wind tunnel walls can attenuate the turbulent boundary layer (TBL) fluctuations as they propagate into the cavity. Placing microphones within the cavities can thus improve the signal-to-noise ratio of acoustic data. However, standing waves form within these cavities distorting the acoustic measurements. This work uses a finite element (FE) solver to evaluate how cavity geometry (depth, diameter, and wall angle) and wall material (hard-walled and melamine foam) affect the amplitude and eigenfrequency of standing waves when excited by an incident acoustic plane wave. Good agreement between predicted and measured acoustic transfer functions is shown. Compared to cylindrical cavities, countersunk and conical cavities improve the overall response, i.e., reducing the quality factor quantifying the resonance and damping characteristics. Stainless steel coverings also reduce the quality factor. A finding is that the shape of the external foam holder rather than the cavity shape drives the standing wave characteristics for the melamine foam cavities. The optimization problem of minimizing the acoustic response while also attenuating the TBL is thus decoupled by using the melamine foam. Consequently, these considerations can be addressed independently by optimizing the outer cavity shape for acoustics and the melamine foam insert for TBL attenuation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Isolate POC01, a Novel Anaerobic Member of the
Oscillospiraceae
Family, Isolated from Human Feces
Authors: Meslier Victoria , Plaza Oñate Florian , Ania Maryne , Nehlich Mélanie , Belotserkovsky Ilia , Bellais Samuel , Thomas Vincent
Published: January 2022

We report the isolation, culture, and genome sequencing of isolate POC01, a strictly anaerobic bacterium isolated from a healthy donor, representing a previously uncultured member of the
Oscillospiraceae
family.
Respiratory function monitoring to improve the outcomes following neonatal resuscitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Medeiros Sarah Marie , Mangat Avneet , Polglase Graeme R , Sarrato G Zeballos , Davis Peter G , Schmölzer Georg M
Published: January 2022

Importance

Animal and observational human studies report that delivery of excessive tidal volume (VT) at birth is associated with lung and brain injury. Using a respiratory function monitor (RFM) to guide VTdelivery might reduce injury and improve outcomes.

Objective

To determine whether use of an RFM in addition to clinical assessment versus clinical assessment alone during mask ventilation in the delivery room reduces in-hospital mortality and morbidity of infants <37 weeks’ gestation.

Study selection

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RFM in addition to clinical assessment versus clinical assessment alone during mask ventilation in the delivery room of infants born <37 weeks’ gestation.

Data analysis

Risk of bias was assessed using Covidence Collaboration tool and pooled into a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was death prior to discharge.

Main outcome

Death before hospital discharge.

Results

Three RCTs enrolling 443 infants were combined in a meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed no difference in rates of death before discharge with an RFM versus no RFM, relative risk (RR) 95% (CI) 0.98 (0.64 to 1.48). The pooled analysis suggested a significant reduction for brain injury (a combination of intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia) (RR 0.65 (0.48 to 0.89), p=0.006) and for intraventricular haemorrhage (RR 0.69 (0.50 to 0.96), p=0.03) in infants receiving positive pressure ventilation with an RFM versus no RFM.

Conclusion

In infants <37 weeks, an RFM in addition to clinical assessment compared with clinical assessment during mask ventilation resulted in similar in-hospital mortality, significant reduction for any brain injury and intraventricular haemorrhage. Further trials are required to determine whether RFMs should be routinely available for neonatal resuscitation.
Pregnancy with complete heart block
Authors: Swain Sasmita , Routray Satyanarayan , Behera Sandhyarani , Mohanty Swayamsiddha
Published: January 2022

Pregnancy with complete heart block is rare, its management is not streamlined and requires a multidisciplinary team approach involving the obstetrician, cardiologist, anaesthesiologist and neonatologist. High index of suspicion in a woman with slow heart rate and electrocardiographic examination will ensure the diagnosis of this condition. Such patient can be managed conservatively or may require temporary or permanent pacemaker implantation. We present a 26-year-old primigravida with complete heart block at term pregnancy. She was asymptomatic throughout her pregnancy with pulse rate between 50 and 60 beats per minute. Vaginal delivery was planned under continuous ECG monitoring. Isoprenaline drip and temporary pacemaker were kept stand-by. However, for obstetric reasons caesarean section was performed successfully under spinal anaesthesia without a pacemaker. Method of anaesthesia was planned to keep the haemodynamics stable and drugs causing bradycardia were avoided.
Socioeconomic deprivation, age and language are barriers to accessing personal health records: a cross-sectional study of a large hospital-based personal health record system
Authors: Chapman Rachel , Haroon Shamil , Simms-Williams Nikita , Bhala Neeraj , Miah Foyzal , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Ferguson James
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate barriers to accessing a hospital-based personal health record (PHR) system.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted in a large secondary and tertiary acute care trust in Birmingham, UK.

Participants

Data were collected from 28 637 patients who attended liver medicine, diabetes, renal medicine or endocrinology specialist outpatient clinics from 1 June 2017 to 31 May 2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was sign up to and activation of the PHR. The secondary outcomes were the use of the PHR, defined as the number of logons and frequency of access of specific PHR functions.

Results

8070 patients (28.2%) were signed up to the PHR and 4286 patients (53.1% of those signed up) went on to activate their PHR account. Patients aged 75 years and older were significantly less likely to be signed up (adjusted OR, aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.44) or to activate (aOR 0.39, 0.32 to 0.47) their PHR than patients aged 35–54. Patients who did not need an interpreter were more likely to be signed up (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.99) and to activate (aOR 3.16, 95% CI 1.96 to 5.09) their PHR. Patients living in the least deprived areas were more than twice as likely to be signed up (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 2.04 to 2.63), and were three times more likely to activate their PHR (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 2.40 to 3.71), than those in the most deprived.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic deprivation, older age and non-English language were significant barriers to accessing a hospital-based PHR. Strategies are needed to account for these factors to ensure that PHRs do not widen health inequalities.
Gene of the month: T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT)
Authors: Bolm Louisa , Petruch Natalie , Sivakumar Shivan , Annels Nicola E , Frampton Adam Enver
Published: January 2022

Immune modulators play a crucial role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression by impairing cancer cell-targeted immune responses. T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (TIGIT) regulates T-cell function and cancer cell recognition and was therefore identified as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. TIGIT is expressed in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and has three ligands: CD155, CD112 and CD113. CD155 binds TIGIT with the highest affinity and promotes direct and indirect downregulation of T-cell response. TIGIT signalling further inhibits NK function and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. An association between TIGIT expression and poor survival was identified in multiple cancer entities. Blocking TIGIT with monoclonal antibodies, and a combination of TIGIT and programmed cell death protein 1 blockade in particular, prevented tumour progression, distant metastasis and tumour recurrence in in vivo models. Inhibition of TIGIT is currently evaluated in first clinical trials.
Unbiased interpolated neutron-star EoS at finite T for modified gravity studies
Authors: Lope-Oter Eva , Llanes-Estrada Felipe J.
Published: January 2022

Neutron stars and their mergers provide the highest-density regime in which Einstein’s equations in full (with a matter source) can be tested against modified theories of gravity. But doing so requires a priori knowledge of the Equation of State from nuclear and hadron physics, where no contamination from computations of astrophysics observables within General Relativity has been built in. We extend the nEoS uncertainty bands, useful for this very purpose, to finite (but small) temperatures up to $$T=30$$

T
=
30

MeV, given that the necessary computations in ChPT and in pQCD are already available in the literature. The T-dependent band boundaries will be provided through the COMPOSE repository and our own website.
Dirac–Born–Infeld inflation under constant-roll conditions
Authors: Lahiri Sayantani
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we aim to generalize the constant-roll inflation in the noncanonical set-up, in the context of scalar Dirac–Born–Infeld (DBI) theory. Assuming the simplest case, when the speed of sound of scalar fluctuations is constant, we obtain exact inflationary solutions under constant-roll conditions. We finally provide an observational bound to constrain the DBI constant-roll parameter by using the values of scalar spectral index and speed of sound provided by Planck and WMAP data.
Eccentric connectivity coindex of bipartite graphs
Authors: Vetrík Tomáš , Masre Mesfin , Balachandran Selvaraj
Published: January 2022

The eccentric connectivity coindex of a graph [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the vertex set of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the edge set of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the eccentricity of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the degree of [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. We present lower bounds on the eccentric connectivity coindex for bipartite graphs of given order and vertex connectivity, order and matching number, order and odd diameter. The extremal graphs are presented as well. To the best of our knowledge, our extremal graphs of given order and vertex connectivity are not extremal graphs for any other research problem in graph theory.
SplitPlace
Authors: Tuli Shreshth
Published: January 2022

In recent years, deep learning models have become ubiquitous in industry and academia alike. Modern deep neural networks can solve one of the most complex problems today, but coming with the price of massive compute and storage requirements. This makes deploying such massive neural networks challenging in the mobile edge computing paradigm, where edge nodes are resource-constrained, hence limiting the input analysis power of such frameworks. Semantic and layer-wise splitting of neural networks for distributed processing show some hope in this direction. However, there are no intelligent algorithms that place such modular splits to edge nodes for optimal performance. This work proposes a novel placement policy, SplitPlace, for the placement of such neural network split fragments on mobile edge hosts for efficient and scalable computing.
An Imidazolium Type Ionic Liquid Functionalized Ether-Free Poly(terphenyl piperidinium) Membrane for High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Jin Yaping , Che Xuefu , Xu Yixin , Dong Jianhao , Pan Chao , Aili David , Li Qingfeng , Yang Jingshuai
Published: January 2022

Development of high temperature polymer electrolyte membranes is essential for advanced energy conversion and storage technologies. Herein, an imidazolium type ionic liquid (BPMIm) with a long side-chain of 5-bromopentyl is synthesized and employed as the quaternization reagent for ether-free poly(p-terphenyl-co-N-methyl-piperidine) (PTP). Grafting the flexible long side-chain imidazolium group into the ether-free polymer backbone not only improves the polymer solubility in organic solvents but also provides acid-base interaction sites for the following phosphoric acid doping that supports proton conductivity at above 100 °C. Compared with pure and iodomethane quaternized PTP membranes (i.e. PTP and PTP-Me), the prepared imidazolium ionic liquid grafted PTP membrane (i.e. PTP-PMIm) exhibits an enhanced phosphoric acid uptake and hence a superior anhydrous proton conductivity of 138 mS cm−1 at 180 °C. The technical feasibility of the PTP-PMIm membrane is demonstrated in H2-air fuel cells at temperatures from 160 °C–200 °C, which reaches a high peak power density of around 456 mW cm−2 at 200 °C at ambient pressure.
Performance of an Intermediate-Temperature Fuel Cell with a CsH5(PO4)2-Doped Polybenzimidazole Membrane
Authors: Li Yifan , Hu Jing , Li Haibin , Chen Li
Published: January 2022

CsH5(PO4)2-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes exhibit good proton conductivity and mechanical properties. However, their application in fuel cells is impeded by poor performance. In this study, a novel method is confirmed to greatly improve the performance of a fuel cell based on a CsH5(PO4)2-doped PBI membrane. By coating phosphoric acid (PA) on the surface of the catalytic layer of the gas diffusion electrode, the interfacial contact between the electrolyte membrane and catalytic layer is improved, thereby reducing the ohmic resistance and improving the fuel cell performance. The cell performance is improved by ∼700%. Moreover, the effects of humidity and temperature on the performance and resistance analysis of membrane electrode assembly with a CsH5(PO4)2—doped PBI membrane are studied. Testing under a temperature range of 160 °C–220 °C and humidity range from dry to 30% relative humidity, a maximum peak power density of 554 mW cm−2 is found at 200 °C and 20% relative humidity. A durability test of the membrane electrode assembly indicates that its performance remains stable in a humid atmosphere but gradually decreases in a dry atmosphere. This means for the long-term operation of the molten proton conductor electrolyte membrane, a humid atmosphere is necessary to inhibit the performance decay.
On a Unique Solution of the Stochastic Functional Equation Arising in Gambling Theory and Human Learning Process
Authors: Turab Ali , Bakery Awad A. , Mohamed O. M. Kalthum S. K. , Ali Wajahat
Published: January 2022

The term “learning” is often used to refer to a generally stable behavioral change resulting from practice. However, it is a fundamental biological capacity far more developed in humans than in other living beings. In an animal or human being, the learning phase may often be viewed as a series of choices between multiple possible reactions. Here, we analyze a specific type of human learning process related to gambling in which a subject inserts a poker chip to operate a two-armed bandit device and then presses one of the two keys. Through the use of an electromagnet, one or more poker chips are given to the individual in a container located in the apparatus’s center. If a chip is provided, it is declared a winner; otherwise, it is considered a loser. The goal of this paper is to look at the subject’s actions in such situations and provide a mathematical model that is appropriate for it. The existence of a unique solution to the suggested human learning model is examined using relevant fixed point results.
A Novel Tripartite Evolutionary Game Model for Misinformation Propagation in Social Networks
Authors: Li Xianyong , Li Qizhi , Du Yajun , Fan Yongquan , Chen Xiaoliang , Shen Fashan , Xu Yunxia
Published: January 2022

Misinformation has brought great challenges to the government and network media in social networks. To clarify the influences of behaviors of the network media, government, and netizen on misinformation propagation, a large number of influence parameters are proposed for the three participants. Then, a tripartite evolutionary game model for misinformation propagation is constructed. According to the proposed game model, the expected payoffs of three participants are analyzed when they adopt different strategies. The evolutionary stabilities of the game model are also analyzed theoretically. Finally, the impacts of different parameters on expected payoffs of three participants are analyzed experimentally. Meanwhile, coping strategies of three participants under different conditions are given. The experimental results show that the proposed tripartite evolutionary game model can properly describe the influence of network media, government, and netizen on misinformation propagation.
Downregulation of PIK3CB Involved in Alzheimer’s Disease via Apoptosis, Axon Guidance, and FoxO Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Zhike , Bai Jun , Zhong Shanshan , Zhang Rongwei , Kang Kexin , Zhang Xiaoqian , Xu Ying , Zhao Chuansheng , Zhao Mei
Published: January 2022

Objective. To investigate the molecular function of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit beta (PIK3CB) underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods. RNA sequencing data were used to filtrate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AD/nondementia control and PIK3CB-low/high groups. An unbiased coexpression network was established to evaluate module-trait relationships by using weight gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Global regulatory network was constructed to predict the protein-protein interaction. Further cross-talking pathways of PIK3CB were identified by functional enrichment analysis. Results. The mean expression of PIK3CB in AD patients was significantly lower than those in nondementia controls. We identified 2,385 DEGs from 16,790 background genes in AD/control and PIK3CB-low/high groups. Five coexpression modules were established using WGCNA, which participated in apoptosis, axon guidance, long-term potentiation (LTP), regulation of actin cytoskeleton, synaptic vesicle cycle, FoxO, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathways. DEGs with strong relation to AD and low PIK3CB expression were extracted to construct a global regulatory network, in which cross-talking pathways of PIK3CB were identified, such as apoptosis, axon guidance, and FoxO signaling pathway. The occurrence of AD could be accurately predicted by low PIK3CB based on the area under the curve of 71.7%. Conclusions. These findings highlight downregulated PIK3CB as a potential causative factor of AD, possibly mediated via apoptosis, axon guidance, and FoxO signaling pathway.
Research on the Prediction of Aircraft Landing Distance
Authors: Zhao Ningning , Zhang Junchao
Published: January 2022

To prevent aircraft from running off the runway during landing, this paper uses a BP neural network model to predict the aircraft landing distance. In this study, based on the five main influencing factors of airport height, aircraft landing quality, airport runway slope, wind, and ambient temperature, the B737-800 was selected as the reference aircraft and the relevant operational data were collected using Boeing’s LAND software for the study. In addition, this study uses LM (Levenberg–Marquardt) algorithm and GA (genetic algorithm) to optimize the training process, accelerate the computation speed, and improve the shortage of local optimization of BP (back propagation) neural network model and then construct the GA-LM-BP neural network optimization model. Finally, it makes the BP neural network have the ability of global search for optimal solutions. The results show that the predicted landing data are in good agreement with the measured landing data. The maximum absolute error is within 6.66 m and the maximum relative error is within 0.038%.
Analysis of the Comprehensive Evaluation Model of Enterprise Technological Innovation Ability Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Rong Kuizhen
Published: January 2022

In an environment where technology is developing rapidly, product life cycles are constantly shortening, competition is increasing, and innovation resources are easily acquired by other competitors, it is particularly important for companies to successfully implement technological innovation. It is of great significance for companies to find the weak links of their technological innovation and prioritize improvement and enhancement of their technological innovation capabilities. As the main body of the agricultural machinery industry, private agricultural machinery enterprises are playing an increasingly important role. A correct understanding of the technological innovation activities of private agricultural machinery enterprises and the establishment of a reasonable evaluation index system for technological innovation capabilities are of great significance to the technological innovation management of private agricultural machinery enterprises. In accordance with the theory of technological innovation and the characteristics of private agricultural machinery enterprises, a technical innovation evaluation index system for private agricultural machinery enterprises has been established. The indicator system starts from the concept of private agricultural machinery enterprises, analyzes the status quo and development trend of the agricultural machinery industry, and takes private agricultural machinery enterprises in Heilongjiang Province as the research object. It summarizes the status quo and characteristics of technological innovation of private agricultural machinery enterprises and then establishes the private agricultural machinery enterprises. The system starts from the aspects of innovation resource input, innovation output, technology density, innovation effect, market realization, and innovation tendency, and selects 16 specific evaluation indicators. According to the established capability, projection pursuit is adopted. The method combined with the genetic algorithm and the genetic algorithm in MATLAB and the direct search toolbox were employed to comprehensively charge the capabilities of the five sample enterprises, and the evaluation results were objective and credible.
Circ-ADAM9 Promotes High Glucose-Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Injury in DR via Regulating miR-338-3p/CARM1 Axis
Authors: Liang Zeyu , Lu Chengzhe , Feng Tingting , Gao Xiang , Tu Yongfang , Yang Wenchao , Wang Yipeng
Published: January 2022

Background. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the regulation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell injury and are closely related to the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). More research is needed to confirm the role and mechanism of circ-ADAM9 in DR progression. Methods. High glucose (HG)-induced RPE cells (ARPE-19) were used to mimic the hyperglycemia condition. The expression of circ-ADAM9, microRNA (miR)-338-3p, and coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using MTT assay, EdU assay, and flow cytometry. The protein expression of apoptosis markers and CARM1 was examined by the western blot analysis. Also, MDA level and SOD activity were determined to assess cell oxidative stress. In addition, the interaction between miR-338-3p and circ-ADAM9 or CARM1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Results. The expression of circ-ADAM9 was upregulated in DR patients and HG-induced ARPE-19 cells. Silenced circ-ADAM9 could promote proliferation and inhibit inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in HG-induced ARPE9 cells. In terms of mechanism, circ-ADAM9 could sponge miR-338-3p to upregulate CARM1. The inhibitory effect of circ-ADAM9 knockdown on HG-induced ARPE9 cell injury could be reversed by an miR-338-3p inhibitor. As a target of miR-338-3p, CARM1 knockdown could alleviate HG-induced ARPE9 cells’ injury, and its overexpression also could reverse the negatively regulation of miR-338-3p on HG-induced ARPE9 cell injury. Conclusion. Circ-ADAM9 contributed to HG-induced ARPE9 cell injury by regulating miR-338-3p/CARM1 axis, which provided effective targets for DR treatment.
Epigenetic Changes and Functions in Pneumoconiosis
Authors: Li Yiping , Cheng Zhiwei , Fan Hui , Hao Changfu , Yao Wu
Published: January 2022

Pneumoconiosis is one of the most common occupational diseases in the world, and specific treatment methods of pneumoconiosis are lacking at present, so it carries great social and economic burdens. Pneumoconiosis, coronavirus disease 2019, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis all have similar typical pathological changes—pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix and remodeling of the lung tissue structure. Clarifying the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis plays an important guiding role in its treatment. The occurrence and development of pneumoconiosis are accompanied by epigenetic factors (e.g., DNA methylation and noncoding RNA) changes, which in turn can promote or inhibit the process of pneumoconiosis. Here, we summarize epigenetic changes and functions in the several kinds of evidence classification (epidemiological investigation, in vivo, and in vitro experiments) and main types of cells (macrophages, fibroblasts, and alveolar epithelial cells) to provide some clues for finding specific therapeutic targets for pneumoconiosis and even for pulmonary fibrosis.
Effect of an Intraorifice Barrier on Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of In Vitro Studies
Authors: Araújo Lucas Peixoto de , da Rosa Wellington Luiz de Oliveira , de Araujo Tiago Schlindvein , Immich Felipe , da Silva Adriana Fernandes , Piva Evando
Published: January 2022

The main cause of unsuccess in endodontically treated teeth (ETT) is due to bacterial recontamination. The placement of an intraorifice barrier (IOB) has been proposed for preventing this event in cases that the restoration is in an inadequate condition, enhancing the possibilities for predictable long‐term success in endodontic therapy. Objectives. To evaluate through a systematic review and meta‐analysis if it would be necessary to place an IOB in ETT. Materials and Methods. The present review is in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement and is registered in the Open Science Framework. Two blinded reviewers carried out a comprehensive search in four databases up to July 10th, 2021: MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were the ones which evaluated the use of an IOB in ETT in reducing microleakage with any material of choice and with any methods employed. Only in vitro studies published in English were included. Results. A total of thirty in vitro studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and seven of those were included in the quantitative analyses evaluating the following materials: bioceramic cement, glass‐ionomer cement (GIC), and resin‐based composite (RBC). Most of the included studies placed an IOB at a 3 mm depth. Reduction in microleakage was observed when an IOB was placed, regardless of the material employed (p ≤ 0.01). Among the materials, GIC and RBC performed similarly (p > 0.05), with the bioceramic subgroup being statistically superior to the GIC subgroup (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions. Although well‐designed randomized clinical trials are required, the placement of an intraorifice barrier can significantly reduce microleakage in endodontically treated teeth, and the use of bioceramics as IOB seems to be the best available material for this purpose.
The Prognostic and Molecular Landscape of Autophagy‐Related Long Noncoding RNA in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sun YuanLin , Cao XueYuan , Guo YuChen , Liu Bin , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2022

Current evidence suggests that autophagy is closely correlated with the pathogenesis and development of malignant tumors. This study is aimed at assessing the potential prognostic significance of autophagy‐related long noncoding RNA (ARlncRNA) in colorectal cancer (CRC). 3145 ARlncRNAs were obtained from autophagy‐related genes (ARGs) by Pearson correlation analysis, and we established a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network mediated by ARlncRNAs. A novel six‐ARlncRNA prognostic signature was constructed based on TCGA samples used as the training group. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and independent prognosis analysis were performed on the internal (training and test groups) and external validations (GEO datasets) to assess the accuracy and clinical practicability. Moreover, the nomogram combining the two independent prognostic factors (age and ARlncRNA‐risk score (ARlncRNA‐RS)) intuitively displayed overall survival. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) conducted on the prognostic signature revealed that the gene set of the high‐risk group was significantly enriched in the hallmark gene set “hypoxia” and the gene set of the low‐risk group was enriched in KEGG pathways, including “peroxisome,” “the citrate cycle (TCA cycle),” and “other glycan degradation.” Assessment of antineoplastic therapy susceptibility and microsatellite instability (MSI) analysis were performed on CRC samples based on the prognostic signature. Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted on the expression of six ARlncRNAs of the prognostic signature and cancer stem cell (CSC) index as well as the tumor microenvironment (TME). In conclusion, this study established a six‐ARlncRNA prognostic signature, which yielded favorable prognostic significance and demonstrated the correlation between ARlncRNAs and CRC progression.