bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can government venture capital guidance funds promote urban innovation? Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Siying , Ma Shunyu , Lu Jingjing
Published: January 2022

Due to externalities and market failure, innovation activities are facing insufficient investment. Venture capital guidance funds (VCGFs) are an important policy implemented by China's government to guide private capital to participate in innovation and entrepreneurship activities, and it can have an important impact on scientific and technological innovation. Based on the panel data of 285 cities in China, this paper empirically analyzed the impact of VCGFs on innovation and its mechanism. VCGFs can significantly promote urban innovation and this role is sustained for three years following VCGF establishment. Further research shows that VCGFs do not have a direct impact on innovation but promote innovation by promoting the accumulation of innovative talent and capital, and the capital accumulation effect of VCGFs is the main path through which they promote urban innovation. Corruption is also a factor that restricts the effectiveness of an innovation policy. Thus, China's top‐down anticorruption campaigns can strengthen the ability of VCGFs to promote urban innovation. This paper opens the black box to show the mechanism through which VCGFs impact urban innovation, affirms the important role of the government in the regional innovation system, and clarifies the debate on government innovation policy.
Measuring BMI change among children and adolescents
Authors: Freedman David S. , Goodwin Davies Amy J. , Phan Thao‐Ly Tam , Cole F. Sessions , Pajor Nathan , Rao Suchitra , Eneli Ihuoma , Kompaniyets Lyudmyla , Lange Samantha J. , Christakis Dimitri A. , Forrest Christopher B.
Published: January 2022

Background

Weight control programs for children monitor BMI changes using BMI z‐scores that adjust BMI for the sex and age of the child. It is, however, uncertain if BMIz is the best metric for assessing BMI change.

Objective

To identify which of 6 BMI metrics is optimal for assessing change. We considered a metric to be optimal if its short‐term variability was consistent across the entire BMI distribution.

Subjects

285 643 2‐ to 17‐year‐olds with BMI measured 3 times over a 10‐ to 14‐month period.

Methods

We summarized each metric's variability using the within‐child standard deviation.

Results

Most metrics' initial or mean value correlated with short‐term variability (|r| ~ 0.3 to 0.5). The metric for which the within‐child variability was largely independent (r = 0.13) of the metric's initial or mean value was the percentage of the 50th expressed on a log scale. However, changes in this metric between the first and last visits were highly (r ≥ 0.97) correlated with changes in %95th and %50th.

Conclusions

Log %50 was the metric for which the short‐term variability was largely independent of a child's BMI. Changes in log %50th, %95th, and %50th are strongly correlated.
Postbiotics as potential promising tools for SARS-CoV-2 disease adjuvant therapy
Authors: Khani Nader , Abedi Soleimani Roya , Noorkhajavi Ghasem , Abedi Soleimani Azar , Abbasi Amin , Homayouni Rad Aziz
Published: January 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic defines the global health tension of our time. There are several continuous efforts to find a definitive cure in this regard. According to some adverse effects and problems of customary SARS-CoV-2 disease therapies, bioactive compounds, for example probiotics-derived metabolites (postbiotics) have been accomplishing supreme importance by investigators for adjuvant cures in patients with SARS-CoV-2. Postbiotics inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activity and stimulate the immune system. They also boost the SARS-CoV-2 disease treatment effectiveness and reduce its adverse effects in SARS-CoV-2 illness patients as a result of antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, postbiotics having unique features such as high safety, high shelf life and stability to the gastrointestinal tract can be utilized as hopeful instruments for both adjuvant and inhibition strategies in SARS-CoV-2 patients with no earnest unfavourable adverse effects. The concept of postbiotics and their biocompatible characteristics are comprehensively discussed in the present review while highlighting the bilateral relationship between postbiotic biometabolites and respiratory tract infection with a special look at the potential biological role in the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and reduction of related inflammatory pathways.
Genetic prediction of ICU hospitalization and mortality in COVID‐19 patients using artificial neural networks
Authors: Asteris Panagiotis G. , Gavriilaki Eleni , Touloumenidou Tasoula , Koravou Evaggelia‐Evdoxia , Koutra Maria , Papayanni Penelope Georgia , Pouleres Alexandros , Karali Vassiliki , Lemonis Minas E. , Mamou Anna , Skentou Athanasia D. , Papalexandri Apostolia , Varelas Christos , Chatzopoulou Fani , Chatzidimitriou Maria , Chatzidimitriou Dimitrios , Veleni Anastasia , Rapti Evdoxia , Kioumis Ioannis , Kaimakamis Evaggelos , Bitzani Milly , Boumpas Dimitrios , Tsantes Argyris , Sotiropoulos Damianos , Papadopoulou Anastasia , Kalantzis Ioannis G. , Vallianatou Lydia A. , Armaghani Danial J. , Cavaleri Liborio , Gandomi Amir H. , Hajihassani Mohsen , Hasanipanah Mahdi , Koopialipoor Mohammadreza , Lourenço Paulo B. , Samui Pijush , Zhou Jian , Sakellari Ioanna , Valsami Serena , Politou Marianna , Kokoris Styliani , Anagnostopoulos Achilles
Published: January 2022

There is an unmet need of models for early prediction of morbidity and mortality of Coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19). We aimed to a) identify complement‐related genetic variants associated with the clinical outcomes of ICU hospitalization and death, b) develop an artificial neural network (ANN) predicting these outcomes and c) validate whether complement‐related variants are associated with an impaired complement phenotype. We prospectively recruited consecutive adult patients of Caucasian origin, hospitalized due to COVID‐19. Through targeted next‐generation sequencing, we identified variants in complement factor H/CFH, CFB, CFH‐related, CFD, CD55, C3, C5, CFI, CD46, thrombomodulin/THBD, and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS13). Among 381 variants in 133 patients, we identified 5 critical variants associated with severe COVID‐19: rs2547438 (C3), rs2250656 (C3), rs1042580 (THBD), rs800292 (CFH) and rs414628 (CFHR1). Using age, gender and presence or absence of each variant, we developed an ANN predicting morbidity and mortality in 89.47% of the examined population. Furthermore, THBD and C3a levels were significantly increased in severe COVID‐19 patients and those harbouring relevant variants. Thus, we reveal for the first time an ANN accurately predicting ICU hospitalization and death in COVID‐19 patients, based on genetic variants in complement genes, age and gender. Importantly, we confirm that genetic dysregulation is associated with impaired complement phenotype.
Insider–Outsider Labor Markets, Hysteresis, and Monetary Policy
Authors: GALÍ JORDI
Published: January 2022

I develop a version of the New Keynesian model with insider–outsider labor markets and hysteresis that can account for the high persistence of European unemployment. I study the implications of that environment for the design of monetary policy. The optimal policy calls for strong emphasis on (un)employment stabilization which a standard interest rate rule fails to deliver, with the gap between the two increasing in the degree of hysteresis. Two simple targeting rules are shown to approximate well the optimal policy. The properties of the model and effects of different policies are analyzed through the lens of the labor wedge and its components.
Activation of Annexin A2 signaling at the blood–brain barrier in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tezuka Kenta , Suzuki Masayoshi , Sato Risa , Kawarada Shohei , Terasaki Tetsuya , Uchida Yasuo
Published: January 2022

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is a fundamental cause of multiple sclerosis and identifying the molecules that are responsible is an urgent matter. Protein expression was comprehensively quantified at the BBB of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, a model of multiple sclerosis, using the SWATH method. Concerning tight junction molecules, the level of expression of Claudin‐5, which, in a previous immunohistochemical analysis, was confirmed to be down‐regulated by EAE, remained unchanged, but the expression of Claudin‐11 and Occludin was decreased by 0.69‐ and 0.62‐fold, respectively, in brain capillaries isolated from EAE mice. A number of other cell–cell junctional molecules including ESAM, CADM1, CADM2, CADM3, CADM4, and HEPACAM were also down‐regulated. The levels of expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), which directly mediate the infiltration of lymphocytes across the BBB, were increased in EAE mice by 3.3‐ and 2.6‐fold, respectively. The expression of CXADR, which possibly facilitates the adhesion of migrating cells, was also increased by 3.5‐fold. Interestingly, various members of the Annexin A (ANXA) family were also up‐regulated in brain capillaries that were isolated from EAE mice. In a pathway associated with cell infiltration and tight junction disruption, a series of molecules that are involved in ANXA2 signaling (ANXA2, PTP1B, Ahnak, S100A11, CD44, Kindlin2, Integrin α5, Fibronectin, Fibrinogen) were up‐regulated. ANXA2 is selectively and abundantly expressed in endothelial cells in the brain. The daily administration of an ANXA2 inhibitor (LCKLSL peptide) significantly suppressed the development of EAE in mice. In summary, the activation of ANXA2 signaling at the BBB appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of EAE.

image
Topical formulation containing peptides and vitamin C in ampoules improves skin aging signs: Results of a large, international, observational study
Authors: Akulinina Iuliia , Stefanaki Irene , Pavlíčková Elizabeth , Maiolino Monica , Hajduk Soňa , Sápy Mónika , Mertin Birgitt , Rijo Helena , Tekeli Ömür , Valois Audrey , Delva Catherine , Kerob Delphine
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Peptide‐C ampoules (PC) contain peptides, 10% of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water.

Aims

To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of PC.

Patients and Methods

An observational study conducted in 9 countries in women ≥30 years old with signs of facial skin aging (grade >0 for forehead and/or crow's feet wrinkles and bothered by skin quality). Investigator assessments and subject questionnaires were performed at initial visit and Day 30 after application of PC twice daily for 28 days. Tolerance was assessed throughout the study.

Results

Effectiveness and safety were analyzed in 1382 and 1742 subjects, respectively. Most subjects (mean age 48.5 ± 8.6 years) had skin phototype II or III (91.7%) and dry or combination skin (63.9%). PC was used as a standalone care or prior to a planned procedure (70%), or after a procedure (30%).

Between baseline and Day 30, 63% and 64% of all subjects (N = 1360) had an improvement in forehead wrinkles and crow's feet wrinkles, respectively. Skin hydration improved in 67.3% of subjects. According to investigator and subject assessments, skin quality, skin radiance, skin aging signs, wrinkles, complexion, and skin pores significantly improved by Day 30. Similar results were observed for subgroup analyses when PC was used as standalone skin care or after a procedure. Tolerance of PC was rated as good to very good by 97.7% of subjects.

Conclusions

Peptide‐C ampoules is effective in reducing visible signs of skin aging, and well tolerated, when used alone or as an adjunct to anti‐aging procedures.
Topical hydrogen peroxide solution 40% in treatment of plane wart
Authors: Nouh Eman Ahmed Rashed , Obaid Zakaria Mahran , Aboelwafa Hany Othman
Published: January 2022

Background

There are various available therapies for plane warts; however, no specific therapy has been established as entirely effective.

Objective

The aim of work was to assess the effectiveness and safety of topically hydrogen peroxide (HP) 40% solution in treating the plane warts.

Subjects and methods

The study included 30 patients diagnosed clinically as plane warts. Topical HP 40% was applied with a single‐use wood end of a cotton swab soaked with the solution to minimize filtration of effective drug to the surrounding areas. Duration of the treatment was planned to be 4 sessions for each lesion with 2‐week interval and a 3‐month follow‐up period after treatment completion to detect any recurrence.

Results

Complete clearance of plane warts was observed in 27 (90%), and there was no recurrence of the lesions after a 3‐month follow‐up period.

Conclusion

HP solution especially the 40% concentration may be considered a promising line of treatment for non‐genital warts. It is a very effective, safe, cheap, and easy‐to‐use new topical treatment for non‐genital warts.
2021 SSSR Presidential Address: Religion as Social Location—Global and Comparative Perspectives
Authors: Kurien Prema
Published: January 2022

I argue that scholarship in the social scientific study of religion and its paradigms continue to be focused on the United States and Christianity, particularly on white U.S. Christians. This means that theoretical frameworks in the field tend to be limited and “parochial,” largely ignoring non‐U.S., non‐white, and non‐Christian contexts. I call for scholars to develop a global and comparative perspective on religion and to also examine its impacts on other dimensions of social life. To show how this can be done, I outline an argument about religion as social location, drawing from my research on five religious traditions (Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism) in three countries (India, the United States, and Canada). I demonstrate how religious background can shape social and structural location within societies and globally, in turn, affecting the manifestations of religion and how religion is imbricated with other dimensions of social life.
A long road: Patterns and prospects for social equity, diversity, and inclusion in public administration
Authors: McCandless Sean , Bishu Sebawit G. , Gómez Hernández Melissa , Paredes Eraso Érika , Sabharwal Meghna , Santis Esteban Leonardo , Yates Sophie
Published: January 2022

Public Administration, the field's oldest journal, is now 100 years old. Despite this centenary, it has only been relatively recently that scholars have examined questions of: (1) how diverse, equitable, and inclusive the field is; (2) how oppressive administrative structures marginalize groups; and (3) what principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mean globally. We seek to contribute to this conversation by reflecting on what is currently known about answers to these questions, especially from global perspectives. We do this by presenting five purposively selected vignettes, each on some dimension of DEI. We frame and analyze these vignettes using Gooden's “name, blame, and claim” framework. Reflections are offered regarding how the field can better center and achieve DEI.
Evaluation of native canine skin color by smartphone‐based dermatoscopy
Authors: Cugmas Blaž , Štruc Eva , Kovče Urška , Lužar Katja , Olivry Thierry
Published: January 2022

Background

Human skin color, predominantly determined by the chromophores of melanin, hemoglobin, and exogenous carotenoids, is often measured to serve various medical and cosmetic applications. Although colorimetry has been used to evaluate the skin erythema in allergic dogs, the native canine skin color remains unknown.

Methods

We measured the skin color in 101 healthy dogs using a calibrated optical system with a smartphone and a mobile dermatoscope DermLite DL1. The results were retrieved in the CIELAB color system and compared to the human color ranges.

Results

The lightness (L*) of canine skin ranged from 28.5 to 78.3, which is slightly broader than that of human skin. There was a difference of 3.9 in redness (a*) between canine and human skin, but this variation could be attributed to the similarly valued colorimetric error of the optical system. Nonetheless, the skin yellowness was significantly different for dogs and humans (respective median b* of 12.3 versus 16.6, p < 0.01). This difference might be due to canids not being able to accumulate typically yellowish carotenoids. Furthermore, the native canine skin color did not exhibit a typical dependence between the coordinates of lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*), known as the individual typology angle, °ITA.

Conclusion

We reported the first dataset of the native canine skin color in the CIELAB color space. We discovered a similarity in skin lightness and a difference in skin yellowness. However, further studies are needed for a more precise comparison of skin redness.
Diversification in and around the Atlas Mountains: Insights into the systematics and biogeography of the genus Thalpomena (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Oedipodinae)
Authors: Dey Lara‐Sophie , Hochkirch Axel , Moussi Abdelhamid , Simões Marianna V. P. , Husemann Martin
Published: January 2022

The genus Thalpomena Saussure comprises nine species and four subspecies and is largely endemic to the Atlas Mountains (North Africa). Here, we used an evolutionary taxonomic approach to differentiate the species of the genus Thalpomena and to reconstruct their biogeographic history. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction based on five molecular markers revealed four distinct clades within the genus Thalpomena. These are not fully in line with the current taxonomy but rather seem to represent lineages defined by their distribution and hind wing banding patterns. All lineages are geographically separated and can be distinguished based on genetic, morphometric and ecological modelling data. Ancestral area reconstruction suggests an origin of the species in the southern regions of the Atlas Mountains (High Atlas to Aures Mountains). Molecular clock analysis promotes the glacial refugia theory, supporting the origin of Thalpomena in the Pliocene, followed by diversification events in the Pleistocene.
Challenges to dietary hypertension self‐management as described by a sample of African American older adults
Authors: Jones Lenette M. , Moss Karen O. , Mitchell Jamie , Still Carolyn , Hawkins Jaclynn , Tang Emily , Wright Kathy D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Hypertension rates are disproportionately higher among Black or African Americans (Black/African American) compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. However, research on self‐management strategies to control hypertension through healthy eating such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and ketogenic diets has underexplored the use of dietary strategies among older Black/African American adults. In reporting contemporary challenges with implementing dietary strategies targeting blood pressure control among Black/African American older adults living with hypertension, this study addresses a clear need.

Aims

Prior research has only partially addressed the challenges older Black/African Americans face in implementing and maintaining dietary strategies to control hypertension, therefore the current study aimed to address this gap by reporting contemporary challenges, as reported by a sample of Black/African American older adults living with hypertension.

Methods

Nineteen Black/African American older adults living with hypertension participated in a focus group. An interview guide with open‐ended questions on dietary approaches to self‐management hypertension was used to guide data collection. Responses were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and interpreted using qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

Study participants were 71.6 years (SD = 8.3), 87.1% were women, and all were self‐identified as Black/African American. Overall, participants shared that they were interested in improving their hypertension self‐management skills. They expressed uncertainty about dietary strategies related in part to a lack of knowledge about incorporating or excluding certain foods and adhering to complex dietary recommendations. Participants also related financial concerns about accessing the recommended foods to control hypertension and expressed confusion about how to manage hypertension alongside other comorbidities.

Linking Evidence to Action

This study highlights several barriers that Black/African American older adults face (lack of dietary knowledge, lack of financial resources, and unique barriers to managing multiple comorbid health conditions), which often pose simultaneous and intersecting barriers to managing hypertension using existing evidence‐based dietary strategies.
Aerobic Capacity Determines Habitual Walking Acceleration, Not Electromyography-Indicated Relative Effort
Authors: Pesola Arto J. , Rantalainen Timo , Gao Ying , Finni Taija
Published: January 2022

Objective: Habitual walking is important for health and can be measured with accelerometry, but accelerometry does not measure physiological effort relative to capacity. We compared accelerometer-measured absolute intensity and electromyography (EMG)-measured relative muscle activity between people with low versus excellent aerobic fitness levels during their habitual walking. Methods: Forty volunteers (19 women; age 49.3 ± 17.1 years, body mass index 24.0 ± 2.6 kg/m2; peak oxygen uptake 40.3 ± 12.5 ml/kg/min) wore EMG-shorts and a hip-worn accelerometer simultaneously for 11.6 ± 2.2 hr on 1.7 ± 1.1 days. Continuous gait bouts of at least 5-min duration were identified based on acceleration mean amplitude deviation (MAD, in milli gravitational acceleration, mg) and mean EMG amplitude, with EMG normalized to maximal isometric knee extension and flexion (EMG, in percentage of maximal voluntary contraction EMG). Peak oxygen uptake was measured on a treadmill and maximal strength in isometric leg press (leg press max). MAD and EMG were compared between age- and sex-specific fitness groups (low-average, good, and excellent) and in linear models. Results: During habitual walking bouts (4.1 ± 4.1 bouts/day, 0.9 ± 1.0 min/bout), the low-average fit participants had an approximately 28% lower MAD (245 ± 64.3 mg) compared with both good fit and excellent fit participants (313 ± 68.1 mg, p < .05), but EMG was the same (13.1% ± 8.42% maximal voluntary contraction EMG, p = .10). Absolute, relative to body mass, and relative to skeletal muscle mass peak oxygen uptake (but not leg press max) was positively associated with MAD independent of age and sex (p < .01), but there were no associations with EMG. Conclusions: People with low-average aerobic capacity habitually walk with a lower accelerometer-measured absolute intensity, but the physiological stimulus for lower-extremity muscles is similar to those with excellent aerobic capacity. This should be considered when measuring and prescribing walking for health.
The Secondary School Curriculum: Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Banville Dominique , Marttinen Risto , Rodrigues Alba
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the perspective of teachers and students within the same secondary schools on the physical education (PE) curriculum offered. Method: Semistructured interviews with secondary school PE teachers and a focus group with their students were conducted within a large school district located on the east coast of the United States. The collaborative qualitative analysis procedures suggested by Richards and Hemphill were used. Results: Three main themes were identified: (a) fitness with two subthemes of (i) what fitness means and (ii) fitness in PE, (b) the PE curriculum, and (c) curriculum decisions. Discussion/Conclusion: Teachers discussed wanting students to be active and improve their cardiovascular fitness and, from their own account and that of their students, acknowledged “rolling the ball out” so that students could play and not be bothered with drills and learning tasks. This lack of instruction, unfortunately, left low-skilled students more vulnerable.
A simple organic metal salt thermal decomposition method to prepare LiFePO4@Ni to enhance the high rate performance
Authors: Dai Shihang , Li Xuetian , Li Yunxiu , Zhang Jian , Shao Zhongcai
Published: January 2022

The application of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) was still hindered by its poor high rate performance. Surface coating had proven to be an effective strategy to solve these problems. However, the previous surface coating method made the synthesis process more complicated. In this work, a simple organic salt decomposition method was developed to prepare LiFePO4@Ni cathode material (LFP@Ni). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed that a uniform nickel-coated composite structure had been successfully constructed without changing the crystal structure. The charge and discharge test showed that after 200 cycles at 5C, LFP@Ni maintained a discharge specific capacity of 65.02% and the exchange current density was 1.3 times that of LFP. Compared with LFP and LFP-Ni, the composite cathode LFP@Ni had better cycle capacity. This improvement was attributed to the good conductivity of nickel, which can quickly conduct electrons in the LFP cathode material, thereby improving the dynamic performance of the LFP cathode material.
Corresponding-states model for the correlation and prediction of the surface tension of hydrocarbons
Authors: Liu Xiaobing , Tian Jianxiang , Yang Shangguo
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a new corresponding state principle (CSP)-based model is proposed to calculate the surface tension of hydrocarbons based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database. This model requires the critical point temperature, the lowest temperature available for surface tension data and the corresponding maximum surface tension value as inputs. It includes two adjustable coefficients which are fitted by using NIST data of three hydrocarbons. To test the applicability of this model, we applied it to predict the surface tension values of other 16 hydrocarbons. For all the 19 hydrocarbons available in NIST database, the average absolute deviations of 16 hydrocarbons are less than 5%. We also compared this new proposed model with other three existing corresponding state models, and found that this model is the best in predicting the surface tension data of hydrocarbons.
A Joint Time-Domain Channel Estimation with Hybrid PAPR Reduction Scheme in UFMC Systems
Authors: Chintala Vijaya Durga , Sundru Anuradha
Published: January 2022

In this paper, pilot-based time-domain channel estimation (CE) along with peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction is proposed for universal filtered multicarrier (UFMC) system. The pilots that are inserted in time domain not only estimate the channel behavior but also can be used in the reduction of PAPR. For PAPR reduction, a linear companding scheme, which can treat amplitudes of the UFMC signal separately with a different scale, is proposed. The proposed companding scheme offers more design flexibility and better performance gains by using two inflexion points. However, the proposed companding scheme requires side information (SI) to perform de-companding at the receiver. The transmission of SI decreases the data efficiency, so a pilot-assisted UFMC system that can perform both data recovery and PAPR reduction without the requirement of SI transmission is proposed. In pilot-assisted UFMC system, the inserted time-domain pilots can enable SI cancellation inherently. Furthermore, a hybrid transform, which improves PAPR performance by employing clipping scheme to the linear companded signal, is proposed. Simulation results confirm that the proposed joint CE with linear companding scheme achieves an improved net gain of 6.5[Formula: see text]dB. Additionally, the proposed hybrid scheme with clipping threshold of 1.4 provides an improved PAPR reduction of 8.8[Formula: see text]dB and enhanced net gain of 7.3[Formula: see text]dB. Moreover, the proposed joint time-domain CE with hybrid PAPR reduction scheme of UFMC system is validated over real time by employing wireless open-access research platform (WARP) board.
HEDGING OF AMERICAN OPTIONS IN ILLIQUID MARKETS WITH PRICE IMPACTS
Authors: ROCH ALEXANDRE F.
Published: January 2022

We consider a setup in which a large trader has sold a number of American-style derivatives and can have an impact on prices by trading the underlying asset for hedging purposes. The price impacts are assumed to be temporary and decay exponentially with time. Due to the impact of trading on prices, the large trader may also be tempted to minimize the payoff of the derivative by manipulating the underlying asset. Since the option holders have the right to exercise the option at any time before expiry, we consider a robust optimization problem for the large trader, in which the underlying uncertainty is the exercise time. It is shown that the solution of this optimization problem can be described as the solution of a double obstacle variational inequality. The optimal strategy for the large trader and the worst-case exercise time for the option holder are obtained explicitly in terms of the value function. We conclude with a sensitivity analysis in which we compare the timing and size of trades by the large trader as well as the exercise region for the options holders for different levels of liquidity, and identify situations that may lead to potential price manipulation.
Some Fixed Points Results in
b
-Metric and Quasi
b
-Metric Spaces
Authors: George Reny , Aranđelović Ivan D. , Mišić Vesna , Mitrović Zoran D.
Published: January 2022

We present a fixed point result in quasi

b

-metric spaces. Our result generalizes recent fixed point results obtained by Aleksić et al., Dung and Hang, Jovanović et al., Sarwar, and Rahman and classical results obtained by Hardy, Rogers, and Ćirić. Also, we obtain a common fixed point result in

b

-metric spaces. As a special case, we get a result of Ćirić and Wong.
Computed Tomography‐Based Radiomic Analysis for Preoperatively Predicting the Macrovesicular Steatosis Grade in Cadaveric Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ding Shengnan , Yang Weimin , Sun Xiaodong , Guo Yan , Zhao Guangjie , Yang Jinzhu , Zhang Lei , Lv Guoyue
Published: January 2022

This study is aimed at determining the ability of computed tomography‐ (CT‐) based radiomic analysis to distinguish between grade 0/1 and grade 2/3 macrovesicular steatosis (MaS) in cadaveric donor liver transplantation cases. Preoperative noncontrast‐enhanced CT images of 150 patients with biopsy‐confirmed MaS were analyzed retrospectively; these patients were classified into the low‐grade MaS (n = 100, grade 0 or 1) and high‐grade MaS (n = 50, grade 2 or 3) groups. Three‐dimensional spherical regions of interest of 40 pixel (2.5 cm) in diameter were placed in the right anterior and left lateral segments of the liver. Thereafter, 300 regions of interest (ROIs) were segmented and randomly assigned to the training and testing groups at a ratio of 7 : 3. A total of 402 radiomic features were extracted from each ROI. For MaS classification, a radiomic model was established using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Clinical data, including age, sex, and liver function, were collected to establish the clinical model at the patient level. The performances of the radiomic and clinical models, i.e., the diagnostic discrimination, calibration, and clinical utilities, were evaluated. The radiomic model, with seven selected features, depicted a good discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.907 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.869–0.940) in the training cohort and 0.906 (95% CI: 0.843–0.959) in the testing cohort. The calibration curve revealed good agreement between the predicted and observed probabilities in the training and testing cohorts (both P > 0.05 in the H‐L test). Decision curve analysis revealed that the radiomic model was more beneficial than the treat‐all or treat‐none schemes for predicting the MaS grade. Alanine transaminase and gamma‐glutamyl transferase were used for building the clinical model, and the AUC was 0.784 in the total cohort. The CT‐based radiomic model outperforming the conventional clinical model could provide an important reference for MaS grading in cadaveric liver donors.
DTL Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression through Regulating the AKT/mTOR axis
Authors: Luo Yongwen , He Zhiwen , Liu Wei , Zhou Fenfang , Liu Tao , Wang Gang
Published: January 2022

Background. Denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase homolog (DTL) has been reported to be an important regulator for tumorigenesis and progression. Nonetheless, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of DTL in BCa remain elusive. Methods. We implemented integrative bioinformatics analysis to explore the diagnostic and prognostic values of DTL based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), ArrayExpress, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Then, we utilized qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry to verify the clinical significance of DTL expression according to clinical specimens and tissue microarray (TMA). Moreover, the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of DTL in BCa were investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results. Integrative bioinformatics analysis revealed that DTL was a key gene associated with BCa progression, and increased DTL expression was correlated with malignant biological behavior and poor prognosis. Experiments on clinical specimens and tissue microarray (TMA) further confirmed our findings. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that DTL could be associated with cell cycle- and DNA replication-associated pathways in BCa. The suppression of DTL inhibited BCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, DTL may promote BCa progression through the AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusions. Increased DTL expression was correlated with malignant biological behavior and poor prognosis of BCa patients, and it may promote BCa progression through the AKT/mTOR pathway. Our research provided a potential predictor and therapeutic target for BCa.
Secure Data Transmission Using Quantum Cryptography in Fog Computing
Authors: Mangla Cherry , Rani Shalli , Atiglah Henry Kwame
Published: January 2022

Fog computing’s idea is to bring virtual existence into objects used on a daily basis. The “objects” layer of fog architecture is also known as the smart object layer (SOL). SOL has provided the fog network with a strong platform to outperform. Although the fog architecture decentralizes data, uses more data centers, and collects and transmits it to adjacent servers for faster processing in fog networks, it faces several security challenges. The security problems of fog computing need to be alleviated for the exploitation of all benefits of fog computing in classical networks. This article has addressed the security challenges in fog computing, potential solutions via quantum cryptography, a use case portraying the importance of quantum cryptography in fog computing along future scope, and research directions.
Modulating Oxidative Stress in B Cells Promotes Immunotherapy in Food Allergy
Authors: Zeng Hao-Tao , Liu Yu , Zhao Miao , Liu Jiang-Qi , Jin Qiao-Ruo , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Li Yan , Liu Zhi-Gang , Feng Bai-Sui , Yang Pingchang
Published: January 2022

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the mainstay in the treatment of allergic diseases; its therapeutic efficacy is to be improved. Bacterial flagellin (FGN) has immune regulatory functions. This study investigates the role of FGN in promoting immunotherapy efficacy through modulating oxidative stress in regulatory B cells (Bregs). Blood samples were collected from patients with food allergy (FA) and healthy control (HC) subjects. CD19+ CD5+ Bregs were purified from blood samples by flow cytometry cell sorting. A murine FA model was developed with ovalbumin as the specific antigen. The results showed that peripheral Bregs from FA patients showed lower TLR5-related signals and higher apoptotic activities. The peripheral Breg frequency was negatively correlated with serum FGN levels in FA patients. Exposure to a specific antigen in culture induced antigen-specific Breg apoptosis that was counteracted by the presence of FGN. FGN diminished specific antigen-induced oxidative stress in Bregs. The STAT3/MAPKp38/NF-κB signal pathway was involved in the FGN/TLR5 signal-promoted superoxide dismutase expression in Bregs. Administration of FGN promotes the SIT efficacy in suppressing experimental FA. In summary, administration of FGN promotes SIT efficacy on FA, suggesting that the combination of FGN and SIT can be a novel therapy that has the translational potential to be employed in the treatment of allergic diseases.
The Study about Relationship of Direct Form of Topological Indices via M-Polynomial and Computational Analysis of Dexamethasone
Authors: Hussain Sabir , Afzal Farkhanda , Afzal Deeba , Thapa Dhana Kumari
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, all scientists are in the race to find a cure for COVID-19. This is a viral disease that is due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Different antiviral drugs are under investigation. Dexamethasone is being used for the treatment of COVID-19. In this article, the chemical structure of dexamethasone is explored using computational techniques such as topological indices. Proofs of a few closed formulas that describe the degree-dependent topological indices calculated from the M-polynomial of the graphs are also given in this article.
Intelligent Question Answering System by Deep Convolutional Neural Network in Finance and Economics Teaching
Authors: Chen Ping , Zhong JianYi , Zhu YueChao
Published: January 2022

The question answering link in the traditional teaching method is analyzed to optimize the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing question-and-answer (Q&A) machines and solve the problems of financial students’ difficulty in answering questions. Firstly, the difficulties and needs of students in answering questions are understood. Secondly, the traditional algorithm principle by the Q&A system is introduced and analyzed, and the problems and defects existing in the traditional Q&A system are summarized. On this basis, deep learning algorithms are introduced, the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network and convolutional neural network (CNN) are combined, and a Q&A system by long short-term memory-convolutional neural network (LSTM-CNN) is proposed, the gated recurrent unit (GRU) attention mechanism is introduced, and the algorithm is optimized. Finally, the design experiments to determine the nearest parameters of the neural network algorithm and verify the effectiveness of the algorithm are carried out. The results show that for the LSTM-CNN, the effect is the best when dropout = 0.5. After introducing the attention mechanism optimization, the effect is the best when dropout = 0.6. The test results of the comparison between the recommended algorithm and the traditional Q&A model algorithm show that the LSTM-CNN algorithm maintains the ability of the LSTM algorithm to arrange information in chronological order. After being combined with the CNN algorithm, the language features of the sentence can be extracted more deeply, the semantic feature information can be captured more accurately from the sentence, and better performance can be maintained when processing more complex sentences. The introduction of a BANet can simultaneously obtain the past and future information so that the algorithm can more appropriately combine it with the context to retrieve the semantic features, and the effectiveness of the model has been greatly improved. The research results have played an optimizing role in improving the Q&A effect of finance and economics teaching and provided a reference for research in related fields.
Four-Way Evolutionary Game Analysis of Government Project Bidding Collusion in a State of Limited Rationality Based on Prospect Theory
Authors: Ma Chongsen , Chen Yun , Nie Sirui
Published: January 2022

Controlling collusion in government bidding is a prerequisite for ensuring social justice and the smooth operation of projects. Based on the prospect theory, this article establishes a four-party evolutionary game model for tenderers, enterprises with higher willingness to collude, enterprises with lower willingness to collude, and supervising enterprises. The study uses replication dynamics to analyze the stability of strategy selection after the evolutionary game. The results show that higher project base returns increase the probability of collusion, while lower market competition, higher risk aversion, and stronger collusive regulation all reduce the probability of collusion. When regulators adopt a strong regulatory strategy, the remaining project participants tend to choose a noncollusive strategy.
Dynamic Alteration of the Gut Microbiota Associated with Obesity and Intestinal Inflammation in Ovariectomy C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Zhao Hui , Wang Qi , Hu Liqiu , Xing Shaojun , Gong Hui , Liu Zhe , Qin Panpan , Xu Jie , Du Jihui , Ai Wen , Peng Songlin , Li Yifan
Published: January 2022

Objective. Estrogen is a critical hormone that is mainly produced by the ovary in females. Estrogen deficiency leads to various syndromes and diseases, partly due to gut microbiota alterations. Previous studies have shown that estrogen deficiency affects the gut microbiota at 6–8 weeks after ovariectomy, but the immediate effect of estrogen deficiency on the gut microbiota remains poorly understood. Methods. To investigate the short time and dynamic effects of decreased estrogen levels on the gut microbiota and their potential impact on estrogen deficiency-related diseases, we performed metagenomic sequencing of 260 fecal samples from 50 ovariectomy (OVX) and 15 control C57BL/6 female mice at four time points after surgery. Results. We found that seven gut microbiota species, including E. coli, Parabacteroides unclassified, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 8_1_57FAA, Bacteroides uniformis, Veillonella unclassified, Bacteroides xylanisolvens, and Firmicutes bacterium M10_2, were abundant in OVX mice. The abundance of these species increased with time after OVX surgery. The relative abundance of the opportunistic pathogen E. coli and the Crohn's disease-related Veillonella spp. was significantly correlated with mouse weight gain in the OVX group. Butyrate production and the Entner–Doudoroff pathway were significantly enriched in the control mouse group, while the degradation of glutamic acid and aspartic acid was enriched in the OVX mouse group. As the time after OVX surgery increased, the bacterial species and metabolic pathways significantly changed and tended to suggest an inflammatory environment, indicating a subhealthy state of the gut microbiota in the OVX mouse group. Conclusions. Taken together, our results show that the dynamic gut microbiota profile alteration caused by estrogen deficiency is related to obesity and inflammation, which may lead to immune and metabolic disorders. This study provides new clues for the treatment of estrogen deficiency-related diseases.
Serum Orosomucoid Is Associated with Serum Adiponectin, Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance Index, and a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes in Young Normal Weight Japanese Women
Authors: Honda Mari , Tsuboi Ayaka , Minato-Inokawa Satomi , Takeuchi Mika , Kurata Miki , Takayoshi Tomofumi , Hirota Yushi , Wu Bin , Kazumi Tsutomu , Fukuo Keisuke
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Adipose tissue (AT) expandability may be facilitated by adiponectin and suppressed by orosomucoid, and reduced AT expandability may be associated with first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetes. We tested the hypothesis that orosomucoid may be associated not only with adiponectin and adipose tissue insulin resistance but also with a family history of type 2 diabetes (FHD). Research Design and Methods. Anthropometric and metabolic variables, adipokines, and measures of inflammatory and insulin resistance were cross-sectionally investigated in 153 young normal weight Japanese women. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify the most important determinants of orosomucoid. Results. Orosomucoid was higher in women with positive (

n
=
57

) compared to women with negative FHD and was associated positively with FHD (both

p
=
0.01

). Orosomucoid also showed positive associations with fasting glucose (

p
<
0.001

), free fatty acids (

p
=
0.001

), and HbA1c (

p
=
0.007

), whereas there was no association with fasting insulin and serum lipids. In addition, orosomucoid was associated inversely with adiponectin (

p
=
0.02

) and positively with adipose tissue-insulin resistance index (AT-IR, the product of fasting insulin and free fatty acids;

p
=
0.001

) but not with homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, leptin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In multivariate analyses, AT-IR (standardized

β

, 0.22;

p
=
0.003

), serum adiponectin (standardized

β

, -0.163;

p
=
0.032

), FHD+ (standardized

β

, 0.178;

p
=
0.029

), and HbA1c (standardized

β

, 0.213;

p
=
0.005

) emerged as independent determinants of orosomucoid and explained 15.2% of its variability. Conclusions. These results are the first to demonstrate that orosomucoid is associated not only with adipose tissue-insulin resistance and adiponectin but also with FHD.
Study of the Fractional-Order HIV-1 Infection Model with Uncertainty in Initial Data
Authors: Wu Yong , Ahmad Shabir , Ullah Aman , Shah Kamal
Published: January 2022

Uncertainty always lives with us. We cannot take exact measurement of initial conditions or parameters values in a mathematical model. As humans, we are remaining alive in an environment where the uncertainties lie in the modelling of physical phenomena. There might be some incomplete information or estimation of the parameter or initial values. To handle uncertainty, we use fuzzy operators rather than classical operators. In this paper, we study a model of HIV-1 infection by taking uncertainty in the initial data under Caputo fractional operator. We explore the existence and uniqueness of the results through fixed-point theory. We study the Ulam–Hyres stability of the considered model. By using the fuzzy Laplace Adomian decomposition method, numerical results are obtained for specific fuzzy initial conditions. To better understand the behaviour of the fuzzy solution, we present the obtained numerical results graphically for various fractional orders where the uncertainty lies in [0, 1].
Self‐Monitoring of Reinforced Concrete Beam Bending with Carbon Nanofiber Polyurethane Composite
Authors: Yang Nan , Yang Xiaolei
Published: January 2022

To examine the intelligent sensing properties of polyurethane cement mixed with carbon nanofiber and used as beam reinforcement material, 7 reinforced concrete T‐beams were made and reinforced with carbon nanofiber polyurethane cement material (CPUC). Four‐point bending tests were conducted. Reinforcing concrete beams with CPUC material might increase the yield load and ultimate load of beams significantly. The overall stiffness of the reinforced beam was enhanced. CPUC played a significant inhibitory role in the formation and development of beam cracks. A sudden change in the rate of CPUC resistance can be used to monitor the yield of a steel bar, and then, a safety warning for the components can be launched. By establishing a model of the relationship between the resistance change rate and the external load, the bearing capacity of the beam is evaluated in real time, and the dual effects of reinforcement and health monitoring of the beam are realized simultaneously.