bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Sensor Local Linear Fusion Detection of Weak Pulse Signal in Chaotic Background
Authors: Su Liyun , Li Meini , Zhao Shengli , Xie Ting
Published: February 2021

This paper combines the distributed sensor fusion system with the signal detection under chaotic noise to realize the distributed sensor fusion detection from chaotic background. First, based on the short‐term predictability of the chaotic signal and its sensitivity to small interference, the phase space reconstruction of the observation signal of each sensor is carried out. Second, the distributed sensor local linear autoregressive (DS‐LLAR) model is constructed to obtain the one‐step prediction error of each sensor. Then, we construct a Bayesian risk model and also obtain the corresponding conditional probability density function under each sensor’s hypothesis test which firstly needs to fit the distribution of prediction errors according to the parameter estimation. Finally, the fusion optimization algorithm is designed based on the Bayesian fusion criterion, and the optimal decision rule of each sensor and the optimal fusion rule of the fusion center are jointly solved to effectively detect the weak pulse signal in the observation signal. Simulation experiments show that the proposed method which used a distributed sensor combined with a local linear model can effectively detect weak pulse signals from chaotic background.
A Collision Avoidance Method for Intelligent Ship Based on the Improved Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Xingzhong , Kou Xinghua , Huang Jinfeng , Tan Xianchun
Published: February 2021

The bacterial foraging optimization algorithm (BFOA) is an intelligent population optimization algorithm widely used in collision avoidance problems; however, the BFOA is inappropriate for the intelligent ship collision avoidance planning with high safety requirements because BFOA converges slowly, optimizes inaccurately, and has low stability. To fix the above shortcomings of BFOA, an autonomous collision avoidance algorithm based on the improved bacterial foraging optimization algorithm (IBFOA) is demonstrated in this paper. An adaptive diminishing fractal dimension chemotactic step length is designed to replace the fixed step length to achieve the adaptive step length adjustment, an optimal swimming search method is proposed to solve the invalid searching and repeated searching problems of the traditional BFOA, and the adaptive migration probability is developed to take the place of the fixed migration probability to prevent elite individuals from being lost in BOFA. The simulation of benchmark tests shows that the IBFOA has a better convergence speed, optimized accuracy, and higher stability; according to a collision avoidance simulation of intelligent ships which applies the IBFOA, it can realize the autonomous collision avoidance of intelligent ships in dynamic obstacles environment is quick and safe. This research can also be used for intelligent collision avoidance of automatic driving ships.
Ultrasound May Suppress Tumor Growth, Inhibit Inflammation, and Establish Tolerogenesis by Remodeling Innatome via Pathways of ROS, Immune Checkpoints, Cytokines, and Trained Immunity/Tolerance
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhang Ruijing , Tang Peng , Sun Yu , Johnson Candice , Saredy Jason , Wu Susu , Wang Jiwei , Lu Yifan , Saaoud Fatma , Shao Ying , Drummer Charles , Xu Keman , Yu Daohai , Li Rongshan , Ge Shuping , Jiang Xiaohua , Wang Hong , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: February 2021

Background. The immune mechanisms underlying low-intensity ultrasound- (LIUS-) mediated suppression of inflammation and tumorigenesis remain poorly determined. Methods. We used microarray datasets from the NCBI GEO DataSet repository and conducted comprehensive data-mining analyses, where we examined the gene expression of 1376 innate immune regulators (innatome genes (IGs) in cells treated with LIUS. Results. We made the following findings: (1) LIUS upregulates proinflammatory IGs and downregulates metastasis genes in cancer cells, and LIUS upregulates adaptive immunity pathways but inhibits danger-sensing and inflammation pathways and promote tolerogenic differentiation in bone marrow (BM) cells. (2) LIUS upregulates IGs encoded for proteins localized in the cytoplasm, extracellular space, and others, but downregulates IG proteins localized in nuclear and plasma membranes, and LIUS downregulates phosphatases. (3) LIUS-modulated IGs act partially via several important pathways of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reverse signaling of immune checkpoint receptors B7-H4 and BTNL2, inflammatory cytokines, and static or oscillatory shear stress and heat generation, among which ROS is a dominant mechanism. (4) LIUS upregulates trained immunity enzymes in lymphoma cells and downregulates trained immunity enzymes and presumably establishes trained tolerance in BM cells. (5) LIUS modulates chromatin long-range interactions to differentially regulate IGs expression in cancer cells and noncancer cells. Conclusions. Our analysis suggests novel molecular mechanisms that are utilized by LIUS to induce tumor suppression and inflammation inhibition. Our findings may lead to development of new treatment protocols for cancers and chronic inflammation.
Revisiting the Corneal and Blink Reflexes for Primary and Secondary Trigeminal Facial Pain Differentiation
Authors: Khan Zafar Ali
Published: February 2021

Trigeminal neuralgia is often misdiagnosed at initial presentation due to close connotation with dental pain and is often over diagnosed for the very same reasons leading to numerous unnecessary surgical procedures such as peripheral neurectomy and alcohol injections, while the actual cause may remain elusive for decades. Evaluation of the neurosensory system may disclose the correct anatomical location of the etiology. The neurological examination may be clouded by the sensory deficits subsequent to previous peripheral surgical procedures. The corneal and blink reflexes are integral measures of the trigeminal and facial neurosensory assessment, and their abnormal function may facilitate the identification of intrinsic disease of the brain stem. These reflexes can be employed to discover pathological lesions including intracranial space-occupying trigeminal, lateral medullary, cerebral hemispheric lesions, and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Dental surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons should consider corneal reflex in neurological assessment of patient presenting with trigeminal neuralgia-like symptoms. Failure to evaluate corneal sensitivity may lead to delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and unsuitable or redundant treatment interventions. This simple noninvasive reflex can be performed by chair-side and may provide significant information regarding the origin of facial pain and is an invaluable part of clinical methods especially in remote and peripheral healthcare center practitioners where sophisticated radiographic investigations such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may not be available.
Axial Compressive Performance of Steel‐Reinforced Concrete Columns with Monosymmetric Cross‐Shaped Steel
Authors: Yu Jipeng , Zhou Tianhua , Zhang Yu , Li Yapeng
Published: February 2021

The axial compressive performance of steel‐reinforced concrete columns with monosymmetric cross‐shaped steel (SRCC‐MCS) was investigated in this study. Tests were conducted under pure axial compression to determine the effects of cross‐shaped steel eccentricity ratio, concrete strength, steel ratio, and stirrup spacing on the resulting failure mode, load‐strain curves, and load‐displacement curves. The results indicated that increasing the cross‐shaped steel eccentricity ratio reduced the axial capacity and ductility, increasing the concrete strength markedly enhanced the axial capacity but reduced the ductility, and increasing the steel ratio and reducing the stirrup spacing increased the axial capacity and ductility. Two calculation methods for determining the axial capacity of an SRCC‐MCS under axial compression were proposed considering the effective lateral confinement pressures provided by the stirrups and monosymmetric cross‐shaped steel. The proposed equations were compared with those in three extant codes and found to exhibit improved accuracy and consistency.
Activation of Nurr1 with Amodiaquine Protected Neuron and Alleviated Neuroinflammation after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: Chen Huaijun , Yu Xiaobo , Hu Libin , Peng Yucong , Yu Qian , Zhou Hang , Xu Chaoran , Zeng Hanhai , Cao Yang , Zhuang Jianfeng , Fu Xiongjie , Zhou Guoyang , Li Jianru , Yan Feng , Wang Lin , Chen Gao , Chen Jingyin
Published: February 2021

Background. Nurr1, a member of the nuclear receptor 4A family (NR4A), played a role in neuron protection, anti‐inflammation, and antioxidative stress in multidiseases. We explored the role of Nurr1 on subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) progression and investigated the feasibility of its agonist (amodiaquine, AQ) as a treatment for SAH. Methods. SAH rat models were constructed by the endovascular perforation technique. AQ was administered intraperitoneally at 2 hours after SAH induction. SAH grade, mortality, weight loss, neurological performance tests, brain water content, western blot, immunofluorescence, Nissl staining, and qPCR were assessed post‐SAH. In vitro, hemin was introduced into HT22 cells to develop a model of SAH. Results. Stimulation of Nurr1 with AQ improved the outcomes and attenuated brain edema. Nurr1 was mainly expressed in neuron, and administration of AQ alleviated neuron injury in vivo and enhanced the neuron viability and inhibited neuron apoptosis and necrosis in vitro. Besides, AQ reduced the amount of IL‐1β+Iba‐1+ cells and inhibited the mRNA level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and TNF‐α) and the M1‐like phenotype markers (CD68 and CD86). AQ inhibited the expression of MMP9 in HT22 cells. Furthermore, AQ reduced the expression of nuclear NF‐κB and Nurr1 while increased cytoplasmic Nurr1 in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion. Pharmacological activation of Nurr1 with AQ alleviated the neuron injury and neuroinflammation. The mechanism of antineuroinflammation may be associated with the Nurr1/NF‐κB/MMP9 pathway in the neuron. The data supported that AQ might be a promising treatment strategy for SAH.
Amauroderma rugosum Protects PC12 Cells against 6‐OHDA‐Induced Neurotoxicity through Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Effects
Authors: Li Jingjing , Li Renkai , Wu Xiaoping , Hoo Ruby Lai-Chong , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Cheung Timothy Man-Yau , Ho Bryan Siu-Yin , Leung George Pak-Heng
Published: February 2021

Amauroderma rugosum (AR) is a dietary mushroom in the Ganodermataceae family whose pharmacological activity and medicinal value have rarely been reported. In this study, the antioxidant capacity and neuroprotective effects of AR were investigated. The aqueous extract of AR was confirmed to contain phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and triterpenes. The results of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate (DPPH) and total antioxidant capacity assays revealed that AR extract scavenged reactive oxygen species. Moreover, AR extract decreased the cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). In addition, 6‐OHDA upregulated the expressions of proapoptotic proteins and downregulated the Akt (protein kinase B)/mTOR‐ (mammalian target of rapamycin‐) and MEK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase)/ERK‐ (extracellular signal‐regulated kinases‐) dependent signaling pathways. These effects of 6‐OHDA were abolished or partially reversed by AR extract. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of AR in 6‐OHDA‐treated PC12 cells were significantly abolished by Akt and MEK inhibitor. Thus, AR extract possesses neuroprotective effects, probably through its antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. These findings suggest the potential application of AR in the prevention or treatment of oxidative stress‐related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
MAF‐CNER : A Chinese Named Entity Recognition Model Based on Multifeature Adaptive Fusion
Authors: Han Xuming , Zhou Feng , Hao Zhiyuan , Liu Qiaoming , Li Yong , Qin Qi
Published: February 2021

Named entity recognition (NER) is a subtask in natural language processing, and its accuracy greatly affects the effectiveness of downstream tasks. Aiming at the problem of insufficient expression of potential Chinese features in named entity recognition tasks, this paper proposes a multifeature adaptive fusion Chinese named entity recognition (MAF‐CNER) model. The model uses bidirectional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM) neural network to extract stroke and radical features and adopts a weighted concatenation method to fuse two sets of features adaptively. This method can better integrate the two sets of features, thereby improving the model entity recognition ability. In order to fully test the entity recognition performance of this model, we compared the basic model and other mainstream models on Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA) and “China People’s Daily” dataset from January to June 1998. Experimental results show that this model is better than other models, with F1 values of 97.01% and 96.78%, respectively.
Low-Cost Carrier Passengers’ Willingness to Pay for the Seat Preselection Service: A Case Study on the Taiwan-Japan Route
Authors: Jou Rong-Chang , Chiu Yi-Chun , Kuo Chung-Wei
Published: February 2021

Due to the rising of consumer awareness, consumers not just pay more attention to leisure activities but also demand more on the related service quality. In recent years, low-cost carriers (LCCs) have continued to expand their routes, and traditional aviation is no longer the only choice for travel abroad. Different from the traditional way of operation, LCCs focus on reducing nonessential expenses. The concept of payment by service offers passengers the options for relatively low ticket price. To continuously operate in the highly competitive aviation industry, most airlines have introduced distinctive “value-added additional services” to attract air passengers. This study discusses the seat preselection, value-added service, and behavior of Taiwanese passengers who take low-cost flights to Japan. The results indicate that passengers who have experienced purchasing preselected seats are more willing to purchase this additional service and spend higher amount of money for that service. In addition, the result also indicates that younger people are more willing to accept novel services. These findings could be used as an importance reference for LCCs to guide managerial strategy in the future.
An Improved 3D Registration Method of Mobile Augmented Reality for Urban Built Environment
Authors: Wu Yong , Che Weitao , Huang Bihui
Published: February 2021

3D registration plays a pivotal role in augmented reality (AR) system. The existing methods are not suitable to be applied directly in the mobile AR system for the built environment, with the reasons of poor real-time performance and robustness. This paper proposes an improved 3D registration method of mobile AR for built environment, which is based on SURFREAK and KLT. This method increases the building efficiency of algorithm descriptors and maintains the robustness of the algorithms. To implement and evaluate the registration method, a smart phone-based mobile AR system for built environment is developed. The experimental result shows that the improved method is endowed with higher real-time performance and robustness, and the mobile AR 3D registration can realize a favorable performance and efficiency in the complex built environment. The mobile AR system could be used in building recognition and information augmentation for built environment and further to facilitate location-based games, urban heritage tourism, urban planning, and smart city.
Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Piezo1 Activated by Matrix Stiffness Regulates Oxidative Stress‐Induced Senescence and Apoptosis in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Wang Bingjin , Ke Wencan , Wang Kun , Li Gaocai , Ma Liang , Lu Saideng , Xiang Qian , Liao Zhiwei , Luo Rongjin , Song Yu , Hua Wenbin , Wu Xinghuo , Zhang Yukun , Zeng Xianlin , Yang Cao
Published: February 2021

Mechanical stimulation plays a crucial part in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, which is a crucial mechanical microenvironment of the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue, contributes to the pathogenesis of IDD. The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 mediates mechanical transduction. This study purposed to investigate the function of Piezo1 in human NP cells under ECM stiffness. The expression of Piezo1 and the ECM elasticity modulus increased in degenerative NP tissues. Stiff ECM activated the Piezo1 channel and increased intracellular Ca2+ levels. Moreover, the activation of Piezo1 increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression of GRP78 and CHOP, which contribute to oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, stiff ECM aggravated oxidative stress‐induced senescence and apoptosis in human NP cells. Piezo1 inhibition alleviated oxidative stress‐induced senescence and apoptosis, caused by the increase in ECM stiffness. Finally, Piezo1 silencing ameliorated IDD in an in vivo rat model and decreased the elasticity modulus of rat NP tissues. In conclusion, we identified the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in human NP cells as a mechanical transduction mediator for stiff ECM stimulation. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanism of mechanical transduction in NP cells, with potential for treating IDD.
Upregulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9 Protects against Sepsis‐Induced Acute Lung Injury via Promoting the Release of Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
Authors: Zhang Hui , Mao Yan-Fei , Zhao Ying , Xu Dun-Feng , Wang Yan , Xu Chu-Fan , Dong Wen-Wen , Zhu Xiao-Yan , Ding Ning , Jiang Lai , Liu Yu-Jian
Published: February 2021

Dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐ (MMP‐) 9 is implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). However, it remains controversial whether MMP‐9 improves or deteriorates acute lung injury of different etiologies. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. MMPs are known to mediate RAGE shedding and release of soluble RAGE (sRAGE), which can act as a decoy receptor by competitively inhibiting the binding of RAGE ligands to RAGE. Therefore, this study is aimed at clarifying whether and how pulmonary knockdown of MMP‐9 affected sepsis‐induced acute lung injury as well as the release of sRAGE in a murine cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. The analysis of GEO mouse sepsis datasets GSE15379, GSE52474, and GSE60088 revealed that the mRNA expression of MMP‐9 was significantly upregulated in septic mouse lung tissues. Elevation of pulmonary MMP‐9 mRNA and protein expressions was confirmed in CLP‐induced mouse sepsis model. Intratracheal injection of MMP‐9 siRNA resulted in an approximately 60% decrease in pulmonary MMP‐9 expression. It was found that pulmonary knockdown of MMP‐9 significantly increased mortality of sepsis and exacerbated sepsis‐associated acute lung injury. Pulmonary MMP‐9 knockdown also decreased sRAGE release and enhanced sepsis‐induced activation of the RAGE/nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway, meanwhile aggravating sepsis‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in lung tissues. In addition, administration of recombinant sRAGE protein suppressed the activation of the RAGE/NF‐κB signaling pathway and ameliorated pulmonary oxidative stress, inflammation, and lung injury in CLP‐induced septic mice. In conclusion, our data indicate that MMP‐9‐mediated RAGE shedding limits the severity of sepsis‐associated pulmonary edema, inflammation, oxidative stress, and lung injury by suppressing the RAGE/NF‐κB signaling pathway via the decoy receptor activities of sRAGE. MMP‐9‐mediated sRAGE production may serve as a self‐limiting mechanism to control and resolve excessive inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung during sepsis.
A Performance Comparison of Anaerobic and an Integrated Anaerobic-Aerobic Biological Reactor System for the Effective Treatment of Textile Wastewater
Authors: Kathawala Tasneem M. , Gayathri K. Veena , Senthil Kumar P.
Published: February 2021

The accumulation of recalcitrant azo dyes from untreated textile effluents has adversely impacted the ecosystem. The immense stability in their nature is conferred by the presence of azo bonds (N=N) in their structure. The reduction of this azo bond occurs exclusively under anaerobic conditions giving rise to colorless aromatic amines, which are carcinogenic. In the present study, a synthetic textile effluent containing mixed azo dyes such as Reactive Red, Reactive Black, and Reactive Brown, was treated using activated sludge under anaerobic conditions in a lab-scale anaerobic sequential batch reactor (An-SBR). At a concentration of 100 mg/L of mixed azo dyes, the An-SBR gave a maximum of 88% decolorization detected through UV-visible spectroscopy. Physicochemical analyses revealed 73% removal of BOD, 90% TDS removal, 69% COD removal, 4.05% TKN removal, 66% chloride removal, and 73% hardness removal. When the concentration of dyes was increased to 500 mg/L, the treatment showed a decrease in decolorization efficiency. This was then compared to a sequential anaerobic-aerobic treatment process performed in An-SBR and a laboratory-scale aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). The study revealed that the sequential process held more potential for commercial application than exclusively an anaerobic process. The metabolites formed during the treatment phase were extracted and analyzed by FT-IR and HPLC and identified through GC-MS analyses and were compared to those found in the untreated effluent. A phytotoxicity test was conducted on the remainder (secondary) sludge using Vigna unguiculata, and it was found to show a 50% reduction in germination and retardation in root and shoot length.
An Integral Boundary Value Problem of Fractional Differential Equations with a Sign‐Changed Parameter in Banach Spaces
Authors: Yang Chen , Guo Yaru , Zhai Chengbo
Published: February 2021

This paper is to investigate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for an integral boundary value problem of new fractional differential equations with a sign‐changed parameter in Banach spaces. The main used approach is a recent fixed point theorem of increasing Ψ − (h, r)‐concave operators defined on ordered sets. In addition, we can present a monotone iterative scheme to approximate the unique solution. In the end, two simple examples are given to illustrate our main results.
Reprogramming Transcription Factors Oct4 and Sox2 Induce a BRD-Dependent Immunosuppressive Transcriptome in GBM-Propagating Cells
Authors: Ma Tengjiao , Hu Chengchen , Lal Bachchu , Zhou Weiqiang , Ma Yongxin , Ying Mingyao , Prinos Panagiotis , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Lim Michael , Laterra John , Li Yunqing
Published: February 2021

A subset of stem-like cells in glioblastoma (GBM; GSC) underlies tumor propagation, therapeutic resistance, and tumor recurrence. Immune evasion is critical for GSCs to carry out these functions. However, the molecular mechanisms employed by GSCs to escape antitumor immunity remain largely unknown. The reprogramming transcription factors Oct4 and Sox2 function as core multipotency factors and play an essential role in the formation and maintenance of GSCs, but the roles of these transcription factors in GSC immune escape have not been well explored. Here we examine how Oct4/Sox2 coexpression contributes to the immunosuppressive phenotype of GSCs. Combined transcription profiling and functional studies of Oct4/Sox2 coexpressing GSCs and differentiated GBM cells demonstrated that Oct4 and Sox2 cooperatively induce an immunosuppressive transcriptome consisting of multiple immunosuppressive checkpoints (i.e., PD-L1, CD70, A2aR, TDO) and dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines that are associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, induction and function of BRD/H3k27Ac-dependent immunosuppressive genes played a role in the immunosuppressive phenotype of GSCs. Pan-BET bromodomain inhibitors (e.g., JQ1) and shBRD4 constructs significantly inhibited the immunosuppressive transcriptome and immunosuppressive biological responses induced by Oct4/Sox2. Our findings identify targetable mechanisms by which tumor-propagating GSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment in GBM.

Significance:

This report identifies mechanisms by which the reprogramming transcription factors Oct4 and Sox2 function to drive the immunomodulatory transcriptome of GSCs and contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment in GBM.
Prospective Identification of Elevated Circulating CDCP1 in Patients Years before Onset of Lung Cancer
Authors: Dagnino Sonia , Bodinier Barbara , Guida Florence , Smith-Byrne Karl , Petrovic Dusan , Whitaker Matthew D. , Haugdahl Nøst Therese , Agnoli Claudia , Palli Domenico , Sacerdote Carlotta , Panico Salvatore , Tumino Rosario , Schulze Matthias B. , Johansson Mikael , Keski-Rahkonen Pekka , Scalbert Augustin , Vineis Paolo , Johansson Mattias , Sandanger Torkjel M. , Vermeulen Roel C.H. , Chadeau-Hyam Marc
Published: February 2021

Increasing evidence points to a role for inflammation in lung carcinogenesis. A small number of circulating inflammatory proteins have been identified as showing elevated levels prior to lung cancer diagnosis, indicating the potential for prospective circulating protein concentration as a marker of early carcinogenesis. To identify novel markers of lung cancer risk, we measured a panel of 92 circulating inflammatory proteins in 648 prediagnostic blood samples from two prospective cohorts in Italy and Norway (women only). To preserve the comparability of results and protect against confounding factors, the main statistical analyses were conducted in women from both studies, with replication sought in men (Italian participants). Univariate and penalized regression models revealed for the first time higher blood levels of CDCP1 protein in cases that went on to develop lung cancer compared with controls, irrespective of time to diagnosis, smoking habits, and gender. This association was validated in an additional 450 samples. Associations were stronger for future cases of adenocarcinoma where CDCP1 showed better explanatory performance. Integrative analyses combining gene expression and protein levels of CDCP1 measured in the same individuals suggested a link between CDCP1 and the expression of transcripts of LRRN3 and SEM1. Enrichment analyses indicated a potential role for CDCP1 in pathways related to cell adhesion and mobility, such as the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Overall, this study identifies lung cancer–related dysregulation of CDCP1 expression years before diagnosis.

Significance:

Prospective proteomics analyses reveal an association between increased levels of circulating CDCP1 and lung carcinogenesis irrespective of smoking and years before diagnosis, and integrating gene expression indicates potential underlying mechanisms.

See related commentary by Itzstein et al., p. 3441.
A Randomized Phase II Study of Coexpression Extrapolation (COXEN) with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer (SWOG S1314; NCT02177695)
Authors: Flaig Thomas W. , Tangen Catherine M. , Daneshmand Siamak , Alva Ajjai , Lerner Seth P. , Lucia M. Scott , McConkey David J. , Theodorescu Dan , Goldkorn Amir , Milowsky Matthew I. , Bangs Rick , MacVicar Gary R. , Bastos Bruno R. , Fowles Jared S. , Gustafson Daniel L. , Plets Melissa , Thompson Ian M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

Dose-dense methotrexate-vinblastine-adriamycin-cisplatin (ddMVAC) and gemcitabine-cisplatin (GC) are accepted neoadjuvant regimens for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to validate the score from a coexpression extrapolation (COXEN) algorithm–generated gene expression model (GEM) as a biomarker in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Patients and Methods:

Eligibility included cT2-T4a N0 M0, urothelial bladder cancer, ≥ 5 mm of viable tumor, cisplatin eligible, with plan for cystectomy; 237 patients were randomized between ddMVAC, given every 14 days for four cycles, and GC, given every 21 days for four cycles. The primary objective assessed prespecified dichotomous treatment-specific COXEN score as predictive of pT0 rate or ≤ pT1 (downstaging) at surgery.

Results:

Among 167 evaluable patients, the OR for pT0 with the GC GEM score in GC-treated patients was 2.63 [P = 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82–8.36]; for the ddMVAC COXEN GEM score with ddMVAC treatment, the OR was 1.12 (P = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.42–2.95). The GC GEM score was applied to pooled arms (GC and ddMVAC) for downstaging with an OR of 2.33 (P = 0.02; 95% CI, 1.11–4.89). In an intention-to-treat analysis of eligible patients (n = 227), pT0 rates for ddMVAC and GC were 28% and 30% (P = 0.75); downstaging was 47% and 40% (P = 0.27), respectively.

Conclusions:

Treatment-specific COXEN scores were not significantly predictive for response to individual chemotherapy treatment. The COXEN GEM GC score was significantly associated with downstaging in the pooled arms. Additional biomarker development is planned.
A Computational Systems Biology Approach Identifies SLUG as a Mediator of Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)
Authors: Subbalakshmi Ayalur R. , Sahoo Sarthak , Biswas Kuheli , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: February 2021

Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity comprises reversible transitions among epithelial, hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) and mesenchymal phenotypes, and underlies various aspects of aggressive tumor progression such as metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune evasion. The process of cells attaining one or more hybrid E/M phenotypes is termed as partial epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cells in hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can be more aggressive than those in either fully epithelial or mesenchymal state. Thus, identifying regulators of hybrid E/M phenotypes is essential to decipher the rheostats of phenotypic plasticity and consequent accelerators of metastasis. Here, using a computational systems biology approach, we demonstrate that SLUG (SNAIL2) – an EMT-inducing transcription factor – can inhibit cells from undergoing a complete EMT and thus stabilize them in hybrid E/M phenotype(s). It expands the parametric range enabling the existence of a hybrid E/M phenotype, thereby behaving as a phenotypic stability factor. Our simulations suggest that this specific property of SLUG emerges from the topology of the regulatory network it forms with other key regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Clinical data suggest that SLUG associates with worse patient prognosis across multiple carcinomas. Together, our results indicate that SLUG can stabilize hybrid E/M phenotype(s).
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Predicts and Promotes Vascular Calcification in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Jiang Liqiong , Yin Qing , Yang Min , Li Min , Pan Mingming , Han Yuchen , Zhao Zhen , Wang Zhi , Zhu Lili , Wei Qing , Tu Yan , Gao Min , Liu Hong , Zhang Xiaoliang , Liu Bi-cheng , Wang Bin
Published: February 2021

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Vascular calcification (VC) is dramatically accelerated and is strongly associated with CVD events and mortality in HD patients. VC coexists with osteoporosis in many studies. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) which is known as an adipocytokine is a new hypoglycemic strategy and is inversely related to bone mineral density. Methods: To evaluate the contribution of FGF21 to VC in HD patients, we detected circulating FGF21 levels and measured the whole thoracic aorta calcification scores (TACS) and calcification scores of the 3 segments of thoracic aorta, including ascending thoracic aorta (ATACS), aortic arch (AoACS), and descending thoracic aorta (DTACS) of our HD patients in this cross-sectional study. In addition, we pre-incubated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with FGF21 in the presence or absence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vitro. Results: The median serum FGF21 level in HD patients was 11-fold higher than that in healthy controls. Ln(FGF21) was positively correlated with Ln(TACS+1), Ln(ATACS+1), Ln(AoACS+1), and Ln(DTACS+1), respectively, in HD patients. Serum FGF21 was independently associated with TACS and ATACS, AoACS, and DTACS. FGF21 which was combined with age, calcium, and intact PTH demonstrated a high area under the curve of 0.84 with optimal sensitivity (84%) and specificity (71%) for the prediction of VC in HD patients. Our vitro results showed that FGF21 enhanced the calcification effect of PTH on HAECs by increasing calcium deposition and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Conclusions: Circulating FGF21 was notably higher and was a potential predictor and promoter of VC in HD patients.
Dynamic Analysis Of Two Link Robot Manipulator For Control Design Using PID Computed Torque Control.
Authors: Shah Jolly Atit , Rattan S S
Published: February 2021

Due to their advantage of high speed, accuracy and repeatability, robot manipulators have become major component of manufacturing industries and even now a days they become part of routine life.            

Two link robot manipulator is a very basic classical and simple example of robot followed in understanding of basic fundamentals of robotic manipulator. The equation of motion for two link robot is a nonlinear differential equation. For higher degrees of freedom, as the closed form solutions are very difficult we have to use numerical solution. Here we focused mainly on control of robot manipulator to get the desired position using combination of two classical methods PID and computed torque control method after deriving the equation of motion. For the same simulation is represented using MATLAB and compared with computed torque control method.
Optimization of PID controller parameters using PSO for two area load frequency control
Authors: Kumar Dubey Brijesh , K. Singh N. , Bhambri Sameer
Published: February 2021

In this paper, an evolutionary computing approach for determining the optimal values for the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller parameters of load frequency control (LFC) of two area power system is presented. The proposed approach employs a particle swarm optimization technique to find optimum parameters. The state space model of two area power system and an Eigen value based objective function is considered. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is compared with integral control. Simulation results justify the proposed approach in terms of damping the oscillations, improved settling time, less over/under shoots.
Gross Osteology and digital radiography of the common Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), Carl Linnaeus, 1766 for scientific and clinical application
Authors: Rosenfield Derek Andrew , Paretsis Nicole Fidalgo , Yanai Priscila Rocha , Pizzutto Cristiane Schilbach
Published: February 2021

Being able to study anatomical structures of wildlife species for science and clinical practice is of great importance. We aimed to describe the normal gross osteology of the common adult capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766), using macerated bone specimens and high-resolution digital radiography. The complete axial and appendicular skeleton was further compared with previously reported anatomical findings. For this purpose, we used three adult capybara cadavers (two females and one male), with a mean bodyweight of ±50 kg. Some H. hydrochaeris-specific morphological characteristics, especially in the skull region, show evidence of adaptation to aquatic life, such as an elongated head shape, with eyes, ears, and nose, located dorsally, to stay above water. Additionally, the entire bone structure demonstrates the size and weight support of the largest rodent and its adaptation with respect to foraging and locomotion behaviors. As a semi-aquatic herbivore, classified as cursorial (having limbs adapted for running), the authors believe it should be reclassified as cursorial-swimming/diving. Moreover, we argue to consider a differentiation between H. hydrochaeris silvestris to H. hydrochaeris synanthrope, due to substantial weight variation, in some cases > 100%. This inevitably has an impact on the development of bone structure, thus influencing habitual adaptation, and consequently, its clinical implications and animal handling. Radiography exams helped in the identification of bone structures, which otherwise were not observed in anatomical specimens, such as ossa sesamoidea, including the ossicle lunulae. Likewise, the radiographs were particularly helpful in overall better comprehension of the intubation and catheterization procedures. We believe this work can contribute as a reference to anatomical studies for students and professionals acting in clinic, surgery, and research.
Ontología del cine digital: la muerte del cine y la apertura a un cine menor
Authors: Escoffier Sebastian Jorge Morales
Published: February 2021

La instauración del digital ha llevado al cine a una crisis identitaria. Lo digital pone en cuestión los modos de producción, distribución y consumo del cine institucional o clásico. De ahí que algunos autores han proclamado la muerte del cine como se lo ha conocido a lo largo del siglo XX. El propósito de este artículo es discutir los alcances teóricos que implica la aceptación de esta crisis identitaria. Así, se revisitan los conceptos clásicos del cine a la luz de los cuestionamientos propuestos por el digital.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Slow Progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Mouse Models
Authors: Phie James , Thanigaimani Shivshankar , Golledge Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Objective:

There are no current effective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) drug therapies. An important limitation of most preclinical studies is that they test the effect of drugs on AAA formation rather than AAA progression. The aim of this study was to systematically review AAA mouse model studies that have tested the effect of interventions in limiting the progression of preestablished AAA.

Approach and Results:

The literature search identified 35 studies meeting eligibility, and 30 (n=935 mice) contributed to the meta-analyses. AAAs were induced with angiotensin II (n=745 mice), calcium chloride (n=91 mice), or elastase (n=99 mice). Anti-inflammatory drugs (standardized mean difference [SMD], 1.62 [95% CI, 0.93–2.30]), protease inhibitors (SMD, 1.23 [95% CI, 0.52–1.95]), stem cells (SMD, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.05–2.24]), antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs (SMD, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.63–1.22]), and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (SMD, 1.45 [95% CI, 0.58–2.33]) reduced AAA diameter. Interventions initiated soon after model induction commenced were more likely to reduce AAA diameter (R
2
, 16%;
P
=0.007). Funnel plots suggested possible publication bias. Most studies did not report blinding or sample size calculations, and the risk of bias was considered medium or high in 20 (57%) of the 35 studies.

Conclusions:

There is low-quality evidence that a range of drugs are effective in limiting AAA progression when administered early after AAA induction in mouse models. Some of these drugs, such as antiplatelet and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, have been reported to be ineffective in clinical trials.
Values of Baseline Posterior Circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score for Treatment Decision of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Sang Hongfei , Li Fengli , Yuan Junjie , Liu Shuai , Luo Weidong , Wen Changming , Zhu Qiyi , Chen Wenhuo , Lin Min , Qi Li , Zhong Yaoyi , Wang Zhen , Ling Wentong , Shi Zhonghua , Chen Huisheng , Liu Wenhua , Liu Zhensheng , Yao Xiaoxi , Xiong Feng , Zeng Guoyong , Hu Xiaogang , Dong Hui , Mao An , Yang Guoqiang , Huang Jiacheng , Chen Luming , Gong Zili , Tao Jian , Liu Hansheng , Wu Deping , Qiu Zhongming , Yang Qingwu , Zi Wenjie , Li Fangfei
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

This study aimed to analyze the impact of baseline posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score (pc-ASPECTS) on the efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy (EVT) for patients with acute basilar artery occlusion.

Methods:

The BASILAR was a nationwide prospective registry of consecutive patients with a symptomatic and radiologically confirmed acute basilar artery occlusion within 24 hours of symptom onset. We estimated the effect of standard medical therapy alone (SMT group) versus SMT plus EVT (EVT group) for patients with documented pc-ASPECTS on noncontrast CT, both as a categorical (0–4 versus 5–7 versus 8–10) and as a continuous variable. The primary outcomes included favorable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale ≤3) at 90 days and mortality within 90 days.

Results:

In total, 823 cases were included: 468 with pc-ASPECTS 8 to 10 (SMT: 71; EVT: 397), 317 with pc-ASPECTS 5 to 7 (SMT: 85; EVT: 232), and 38 with pc-ASPECTS 0 to 4 (SMT: 13; EVT: 25). EVT was associated with higher rate of favorable outcomes (adjusted relative risk with 95% CI, 4.35 [1.30–14.48] and 3.20 [1.68–6.09]; respectively) and lower mortality (60.8% versus 77.6%,
P
=0.005 and 35.0% versus 66.2%,
P<
0.001; respectively) than SMT in the pc-ASPECTS 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 subgroups. Continuous benefit curves also showed the superior efficacy and safety of EVT over SMT in patients with pc-ASPECTS ≥5. Furthermore, the prognostic effect of onset to puncture time on favorable outcome with EVT was not significant after adjustment for pc-ASPECTS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.94–1.02]).

Conclusions:

Patients of basilar artery occlusion with pc-ASPECTS ≥5 could benefit from EVT. The baseline pc-ASPECTS appears more important for decision making and predicting prognosis than time to EVT.

Registration:

URL:
http://www.chictr.org.cn
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800014759.
Public–Private Inquiries: Institutional Intermediaries and the Transparency Nexus in Global Resource Development
Authors: Kemp Deanna , Owen John R.
Published: February 2021

Privately commissioned public inquiries in extractive industries are an enormously rich source of data for scholars of global environmental politics. This untapped arena comprises a series of unconventional inquiries in response to contentious socioenvironmental events and incidents, whereby large resource companies commission studies, relinquish control over the process, and publicly release findings. These inquiries are an episodic but persistent feature of the resource governance landscape in the global mining industry—one of the world’s most contentious, environmentally disruptive, and influential sectors. We argue that there is a certain independence or autonomy associated with these inquiries, justifying their analytical separation from internal corporate governance. Above all, these inquiries provide opportunities for scholars of global environmental politics to consolidate their activist roots and connect local realities to global debates. We offer a set of preliminary of research questions and describe points of access for future research.
Species delimitation and taxonomic revision of Oxyopes (Araneae: Oxyopidae) of Taiwan, with description of two new species
Authors: LO YING-YUAN , CHENG REN-CHUNG , LIN CHUNG-PING
Published: February 2021

This study revised the spider genus Oxyopes Latreille, 1804 in Taiwan and delineated the species boundaries based on morphological and molecular characters. A total of seven Oxyopes spiders were recognized, including two newly described species, O. hasta sp. nov. and O. taiwanensis sp. nov. Oxyopes fujianicus Song & Zhu 1993 from Yilan County, Nantou County, and Kaohsuing City, and O. striagatus Song 1999 from New Taipei City, Taichung City, Nantou County, and Kaohsiung City were recorded for the first time in Taiwan. An identification key and a distributional map of Taiwanese Oxyopes species were provided. Partial COI sequences were obtained for molecular phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies, and DNA barcoding gap analysis supported morphologically defined species. However, molecular species delimitation based on Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), PID (Liberal), and generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) were incongruent in species assignment. The results showed that the interspecific genetic divergence between O. sertatus and O. taiwanensis was relatively low (1.28 ± 0.43%), and the intraspecific genetic divergence of O. striagatus was relatively high (1.69 ± 0.35%). Ecological data, additional samples and genetic loci are required to further examine the level of reproductive isolation and patterns of population genetic structure in Taiwanese Oxyopes.
Pairing of two highly sexually dimorphic species within the genus Lophocampa Harris, 1841 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiini)
Authors: LAGUERRE MICHEL , VINCENTCENT BENOIT
Published: February 2021

Two Lophocampa species previously known only by females are paired with morphologically highly different male specimens. This pairing was initiated after the discovery of a mosaic gynandromorph specimen and then confirmed using the mitochondrial COI gene (the so-called DNA barcode). Following the discovery of a labeling error by Rothschild during the original description of two species, two recombinations are proposed. Pairs for each species are illustrated and the male specimens are described for the first time.
Lasianobia nainysi, a new species from Sichuan, China (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Noctuinae)
Authors: SALDAITIS AIDAS , VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ZAHIRI REZA
Published: February 2021

A new species of the genus Lasianobia Hampson, 1905, Lasianobia nainysi Saldaitis, Volynkin & Zahiri, sp. nov. is described from highlands of western Sichuan Province of China. The new species is closely related to Lasianobia albilinea (Draudt, 1950). Adults, male and female genitalia as well as DNA barcode data of the new and related species are presented.
A new species of the genus Thespea Solovyev and four newly recorded species of Limacodidae from India (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea)
Authors: SINGH NAVNEET , AHMAD JALIL , CHANDRA KAILASH , SOLOVYEV ALEXEY V.
Published: February 2021

Thespea aka, sp. nov., is described as new from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Additionally, four species are recorded for the first time from India: Melinaria pseudorepanda kalawensis (Orhant, 2000) and Parasa julikatis Solovyev & Witt, 2009, recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, and Thosea lutea Heylaerts, 1890 and Mambarona congrua (Walker, 1862), recorded in Great Nicobar Island. Diagnosis and distribution are provided for all taxa listed and the males and their genitalia are illustrated.
Seborgia cavernicola sp. nov. from a submarine cave on Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Seborgiidae)
Authors: SHIMOMURA MICHITAKA , FUJITA YOSHIHISA
Published: February 2021

A new seborgiid, Seborgia cavernicola sp. nov. is described from a submarine cave in Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands as the first record of the family from Japan. This species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: body without microspinules; eyes fainted, without ommatidia; epimeral plates with posterodistal angle produced into pointed process; main flagellum of antennule 4-articulate; article 2 of main flagellum of antennule longest; propodus of gnathopod 2 as long as wide; gland cone of antenna directed anteriorly; maxilla bilobed; uropod 3 biramous; and telson without setae and setules. A key to species of the genus is provided.
Discovery of the digger wasp genus Argogorytes Ashmead, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae) in India and description of a new species
Authors: KUMAR P. GIRISH , DUBEY ANIL KUMAR
Published: February 2021

The digger wasp genus Argogorytes Ashmead, 1899 is newly reported from India with two species: A. pulawskii Girish Kumar & Dubey sp. nov. from Andaman Islands and A. tonkinensis (Yasumatsu, 1943) from the States of Chhattisgarh and Kerala. Argogorytes tonkinensis (Yasumatsu, 1943) is redescribed. A key to Argogorytes species reported from the Indian subcontinent is provided.