bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol for a comparative effectiveness evaluation of abiraterone acetate against enzalutamide: a longitudinal study based on Swedish administrative registers
Authors: Johansson Per , Jonéus Paulina , Langenskiöld Sophie
Published: October 2021

Introduction

This paper presents a study protocol for a comparative effectiveness evaluation of abiraterone acetate against enzalutamide in clinical practice, two cancer drugs given to patients suffering from advanced prostate cancer.

Method and analysis

The protocol designs a comparative-effectiveness analysis of abiraterone acetate against enzalutamide. With the substantial number of covariates a two-step procedure is suggested in choosing relevant covariates in the matching design. In the first step, an exploratory factor analysis reduces the dimension of a large set of continuous covariates to nine factors. In the second step, we reduce the dimension of the covariates, interactions and second order terms for the continuous covariates using propensity score estimation. The final design makes use of a genetic matching algorithm. The study protocol provides a detailed statistical analysis plan of the analysis sample derived from the matching design. The analysis will make use of linear regression and robust inference adjusted for multisignificance testing.

Discussion

As in a randomised experiment the focus is on the design of the assignment to treatment. This allows the publication of this preanalysis plan before having access to outcome data. This means that the p values will be correct if the maintained assumption of uncounfoundedness is valid. Given that is p-hacking is substantial problem in empirical research, this is a substantial strength of this study. However, while design yields, balance on the observed covariates one cannot discard the possibility that unobserved confounders are not balanced. For that reason, sensitivity tests for the maintained assumption of uncounfoundedness are presented.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden (Dnr 2017/482). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and distributed to relevant stakeholders in healthcare.
Fraction of acute work-related injuries attributable to hazardous occupational noise across the USA in 2019
Authors: Shkembi Abas , Smith Lauren , Roberts Benjamin , Neitzel Richard
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The contribution of hazardous noise—a ubiquitous exposure in workplaces—to occupational injury risk is often overlooked. In this ecological study, the fraction of US workplace acute injuries resulting in days away from work in 2019 attributable to hazardous occupational noise exposure was estimated.

Methods

Using the NoiseJEM, a job exposure matrix of occupational noise, and 2019 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, the proportion of workers experiencing hazardous occupational noise (≥85 dBA) was estimated for every major US Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) group. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated for each major SOC group using the relative risk (RR) taken from a published 2017 meta-analysis on this relationship.

Results

About 20.3 million workers (13.8%) are exposed to hazardous levels of occupational noise. Nearly 3.4% of acute injuries resulting in days away from work in 2019 (95% CI 2.4% to 4.4%) were attributable to hazardous occupational noise, accounting for roughly 14 794 injuries (95% CI 10 367 to 18 994). The occupations with the highest and the lowest PAFs were production (11.9%) and office and administrative support (0.0%), respectively.

Discussion

Hazardous noise exposure at work is an important and modifiable factor associated with a substantial acute occupational injury burden.
Effect of a ‘tobacco-free nicotine’ claim on intentions and perceptions of Puff Bar e-cigarette use among non-tobacco-using young adults
Authors: Chen-Sankey Julia , Ganz Ollie , Seidenberg Andrew , Choi Kelvin
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Puff Bar disposable e-cigarettes are now marketed with a ‘tobacco-free nicotine’ claim. We assessed the effect of this claim on non-tobacco-using young adults’ perceptions of and intentions of using Puff Bar.

Methods

We conducted an online randomised between-subjects experiment among non-tobacco-using young adults (ages 18–29 years; n=1822). Participants viewed depictions of Puff Bar e-cigarettes with the claim that the product contains ‘tobacco-free nicotine’ (experimental group; n=909) or simply ‘nicotine’ (control group; n=913). Multivariable regressions were used to assess the associations between experimental conditions and Puff Bar use intentions, harm perceptions, use expectancies and perceived relative use of Puff Bar versus other e-cigarettes, controlling for participant characteristics.

Results

Compared with the control group, the experimental group who saw the ‘tobacco-free nicotine’ claim reported higher intentions of using Puff Bar (coefficient=0.17, p<0.001). The experimental group had a lower likelihood of perceiving Puff Bar use as ‘extremely or very harmful’ (OR=0.63, p<0.001) and ‘strongly or somewhat’ agreeing with the negative expectancy of using Puff Bar (OR=0.67, p<0.001). Additionally, the experimental group reported being ‘much more or more likely’ to use Puff Bar over other e-cigarettes (OR=1.67, p<0.001).

Discussion

Puff Bar’s tobacco-free nicotine claim may increase non-tobacco-using young adults’ intentions of using Puff Bar and reduce harm perceptions and negative expectancy towards using Puff Bar. The claim may also prompt the use of Puff Bar over other e-cigarette brands and types. These findings are concerning given the health effects and regulations for tobacco-free nicotine products are not immediately clear.
Taurine alleviates kidney injury in a thioacetamide rat model by mediating Nrf2/HO-1, NQO-1, and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Ghanim Amal M.H. , Farag Mahmoud R.T. , Anwar Mahitab A. , Ali Nada A.M. , Hawas Mohammed A. , Elsallab Hend M.E. , Elhendawy Walaa A. , Basyouni Lina A. , Refaey Ola A. , Zaki Khaled E. , Ali Noha A.M. , Metwaly Heba A.
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the molecular mechanisms by which taurine exerts its reno-protective effects in thioacetamide (TAA) – induced kidney injury in rats. Rats received taurine (100 mg/kg daily, intraperitoneally) either from day 1 of TAA injection (250 mg/kg twice weekly for 6 weeks) or after 6 weeks of TAA administration. Taurine treatment, either concomitant or later as a therapy, restored kidney functions, reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased renal levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reversed the increase of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) caused by TAA. Taurine treatment also led to a significant rise in nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) levels, with significant suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) gene expressions, and interleukin-18 (IL-18) and TNF-α protein levels compared with those in TAA kidney-injured rats. Taurine exhibited reno-protective potential in TAA-induced kidney injury through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Taurine antioxidant activity is accredited for its effect on Nrf-2 induction and subsequent activation of HO-1 and NQO-1. In addition, taurine exerts its anti-inflammatory effect via regulating NF-κB transcription and subsequent production of pro-inflammatory mediators via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling regulation.
Quark and lepton flavor model with leptoquarks in a modular $$A_4$$ symmetry
Authors: Nomura Takaaki , Okada Hiroshi , Orikasa Yuta
Published: October 2021

We propose a quark-lepton model via leptoquarks and modular $$A_4$$

A
4

symmetry. Since the neutrino mass is induced at one-loop level mediated by down quarks as well as leptoquarks, we have to explain lepton and quark masses and mixings with a single modulus $$\tau $$
τ
. Here, we find predictions for lepton and quark sectors with unified modulus $$\tau $$
τ
, and show several constraints originating from leptoquarks.
Cosmological evolution with quadratic gravity and nonideal fluids
Authors: Chakraborty Saikat , Gregoris Daniele
Published: October 2021

Some cosmological models based on the gravitational theory$$f(R)=R+\zeta R^2$$f(R)=R+ζR2, and on fluids obeying to the equations of state of Redlich–Kwong, Berthelot, and Dieterici are proposed for describing smooth transitions between different cosmic epochs. A dynamical system analysis reveals that these models contain fixed points which correspond to an inflationary, a radiation dominated and a late-time accelerating epoch, and a nonsingular bouncing solution, the latter being an asymptotic fixed point of the compactified phase space. The infinity of the compactified phase space is interpreted as a region in which the non-ideal behaviors of the previously mentioned cosmic fluids are suppressed. Physical constraints on the adopted dimensionless variables are derived by demanding the theory to be free from ghost and tachyonic instabilities, and a novel cosmological interpretation of such variables is proposed through a cosmographic analysis. The different effects of the equation of state parameters on the number of equilibrium solutions and on their stability nature are clarified. Some generic properties of these models, which are not sensitive to the particular fluid considered, are identified, while differences are critically examined by showing that the Redlich–Kwong scenario admits a second radiation-dominated epoch and a Big Rip Singularity.
Mapping class group representations from non-semisimple TQFTs
Authors: De Renzi Marco , Gainutdinov Azat M. , Geer Nathan , Patureau-Mirand Bertrand , Runkel Ingo
Published: October 2021

In [M. De Renzi, A. Gainutdinov, N. Geer, B. Patureau-Mirand and I. Runkel, 3-dimensional TQFTs from non-semisimple modular categories, preprint (2019), arXiv:1912.02063[math.GT]], we constructed 3-dimensional topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) using not necessarily semisimple modular categories. Here, we study projective representations of mapping class groups of surfaces defined by these TQFTs, and we express the action of a set of generators through the algebraic data of the underlying modular category [Formula: see text]. This allows us to prove that the projective representations induced from the non-semisimple TQFTs of the above reference are equivalent to those obtained by Lyubashenko via generators and relations in [V. Lyubashenko, Invariants of 3-manifolds and projective representations of mapping class groups via quantum groups at roots of unity, Comm. Math. Phys. 172(3) (1995) 467–516, arXiv:hep-th/9405167]. Finally, we show that, when [Formula: see text] is the category of finite-dimensional representations of the small quantum group of [Formula: see text], the action of all Dehn twists for surfaces without marked points has infinite order.
V-universal Hopf algebras (co)acting on Ω-algebras
Authors: Agore A. L. , Gordienko A. S. , Vercruysse J.
Published: October 2021

We develop a theory which unifies the universal (co)acting bi/Hopf algebras as studied by Sweedler, Manin and Tambara with the recently introduced [A. L. Agore, A. S. Gordienko and J. Vercruysse, On equivalences of (co)module algebra structures over Hopf algebras, J. Noncommut. Geom., doi: 10.4171/JNCG/428.] bi/Hopf-algebras that are universal among all support equivalent (co)acting bi/Hopf algebras. Our approach uses vector spaces endowed with a family of linear maps between tensor powers of A, called [Formula: see text]-algebras. This allows us to treat algebras, coalgebras, braided vector spaces and many other structures in a unified way. We study V-universal measuring coalgebras and V-universal comeasuring algebras between [Formula: see text]-algebras A and B, relative to a fixed subspace V of [Formula: see text]. By considering the case [Formula: see text], we derive the notion of a V-universal (co)acting bialgebra (and Hopf algebra) for a given algebra A. In particular, this leads to a refinement of the existence conditions for the Manin–Tambara universal coacting bi/Hopf algebras. We establish an isomorphism between the V-universal acting bi/Hopf algebra and the finite dual of the V-universal coacting bi/Hopf algebra under certain conditions on V in terms of the finite topology on [Formula: see text].
Black Women Speak: Examining Power, Privilege, and Identity in CS Education
Authors: Rankin Yolanda A. , Thomas Jakita O. , Erete Sheena
Published: October 2021

Despite the increasing number of women receiving bachelor’s degrees in computing (i.e., Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, etc.), a closer look reveals that the percentage of Black women in computing has significantly dropped in recent years, highlighting the underrepresentation of Black women and its negative impact on broadening participation in the field of computing. The literature reveals that several K-16 interventions have been designed to increase the representation of Black women and girls in computing. Despite these best efforts, the needle seems to have barely moved in increasing the representation or the retention of Black women in computing. Instead, the primary goals have been to recruit and retain women in the CS pipeline using gender-focused efforts intended to increase the number of women who also identify as members of racialized groups. However, these gender-focused efforts have fallen short of increasing the number of Black women in computing because they fail to acknowledge or appreciate how intersectionality (the overlapping social constructs of gender, race, ethnicity, class, etc.) has shaped the lived experiences of Black women navigating the computing pipeline. Without honest dialogue about how power operates in the field of computing, the push for racial equality and social justice in CS education remains an elusive goal. Leveraging intersectionality as a critical framework to address systemic oppression (i.e., racism, gender discrimination, power, and privilege), we interview 24 Black women in different phases of the computing pipeline about their experiences navigating the field of computing. An intersectional analysis of Black women’s experiences reveals that CS education consists of saturated sites of violence in which interconnected systems of power converge to enact oppression. Findings reveal three primary saturated sites of violence within CS education: (1) traditional K-12 classrooms; (2) predominantly White institutions; and (3) internships as supplementary learning experiences. We conclude the article with implications for how the field of CS education can begin to address racial inequality that negatively impacts Black girls and women, thus contributing to a more equitable and socially just field of study that benefits all students.
A new view of macula densa cell protein synthesis
Authors: Shroff Urvi Nikhil , Gyarmati Georgina , Izuhara Audrey , Deepak Sachin , Peti-Peterdi János
Published: October 2021

This study discovered the high rate of protein synthesis in macula densa (MD) cells by applying direct imaging techniques with single cell resolution. Physiological activation and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling played important regulatory roles in this process. This new feature is a novel component of the tubuloglomerular cross talk and glomerular hemodynamic regulatory functions of MD cells. Future work is needed to elucidate the nature and (patho)physiological role of the specific proteins synthesized by MD cells.
Fluid Geochemistry within the North China Craton: Spatial Variation and Genesis
Authors: Chang Lu , Ying Li , Zhi Chen , Zhaofei Liu , Yuanxin Zhao , Le Hu
Published: October 2021

The North China Craton (NCC) is a typical representative of the ancient destruction craton. Numerous studies have shown that extensive destruction of the NCC occurred in the east, whereas the western part was only partially modified. The Bohai Bay Basin is in the center of the destruction area in the eastern NCC. Chemical analyses were conducted on 122 hot spring samples taken from the eastern NCC and the Ordos Basin. The

δ

2

H

and

δ

18

O

in water,

δ

13

C

in CO2, and 3He/4He and 4He/20Ne ratios in gases were analyzed in combination with chemical analyses of water in the central and eastern NCC. The results showed an obvious spatial variation in chemical and isotopic compositions of the geofluids in the NCC. The average temperature of spring water in the Trans-North China Block (TNCB) and the Bohai Bay Basin was 80.74°C, far exceeding that of the Ordos Basin of 38.43°C. The average

δ
D

in the Eastern Block (EB) and the TNCB were −79.22‰ and −84.13‰, respectively. The He isotope values in the eastern region (TNCB and EB) ranged from 0.01 to 2.52, and the rate of contribution of the mantle to He ranged from 0 to 31.38%.

δ

13

C

ranged from −20.7 to −6.4‰ which indicated an organic origin. The chemical compositions of the gases in the EB showed that N2 originated mainly from the atmosphere. The EB showed characteristics of a typical gas subduction zone, whereas the TNCB was found to have relatively small mantle sources. The reservoir temperatures in the Ordos Basin and the eastern NCC (EB and TNCB) calculated by the K-Mg temperature scale were 38.43°C and 80.74°C, respectively. This study demonstrated clear spatial variation in the chemical and isotopic compositions of the geofluids in the NCC, suggesting the presence of geofluids from the magmatic reservoir in the middle-lower crust and that active faults played an important role in the transport of mantle-derived components from the mantle upwards.
Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Xiaokui Jiedu Decoction for Ulcerative Colitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Yang , Sun Jianhui , Zhang Nailin , Zheng Xiaojia , Liu Qiquan
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Network pharmacology is in line with the holistic characteristics of TCM and can be used to elucidate the complex network of interactions between disease-specific genes and compounds in TCM herbal medicines. Here, we investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Xiaokui Jiedu decoction (XJD) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods. The Computational Systems Biology Laboratory Platform (TCMSP) database was searched and screened for the active ingredients of all drugs in XJD. The Uniport database was used to retrieve possible gene targets for the therapeutic effects of XJD. GeneCards, PharmGKB, TTD, and OMIM databases were used to retrieve XJD-related gene targets. A herb-compound-protein network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed, and hub genes were screened for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed to validate the interrelationship between disease target proteins and active drug components. Results. A total of 135 XJD potential action targets, 5097 UC-related gene targets, and 103 XJD-UC intersection gene targets were screened. The hub gene targets of XJD that exert therapeutic effects on UC are RB1, MAPK1, TP53, JUN, NR3C1, MAPK3, and ESR1. GO enrichment analysis showed 741 biofunctional enrichments, and KEGG enrichment analysis showed 124 related pathway enrichments. Molecular docking showed that the active components of XJD (β-sitosterol, kaempferol, formononetin, quercetin, and luteolin) showed good binding activities to five of the six hub gene targets. Discussion. The active ingredients of XJD (β-sitosterol, kaempferol, formononetin, quercetin, and luteolin) may regulate the inflammatory and oxidative stress-related pathways of colon cells during the course of UC by binding to the hub gene targets. This may be a potential mechanism of XJD in the treatment of UC.
Numerical Calculation of Fracture Seepage in Rough Rock and Analysis of Local Pressure Drop
Authors: Chen Gang , Ma Ling , Gong Hongsheng , Luo Fengqiang
Published: October 2021

The seepage performance of a rock mass mainly depends on the rock fractures developed in it. Numerical calculation method is a common method to study the permeability properties of fractures. Seepage in rock fractures is affected by various factors such as fracture aperture, roughness, and filling, among which aperture and roughness are the two most widely influenced factors. The Navier-Stokes (NS) equation can be solved directly for the seepage flow in rock fractures with good accuracy, but there are problems of large computational volume and slow solution speed. In this paper, the fracture aperture space data is substituted into the local cubic law as an aperture function to form a numerical calculation method for seepage in rough rock fractures, namely, the aperture function method (AFM). Comparing with the physical seepage experiments of rock fractures, the calculation results of AFM will produce a small amount of error under the low Reynolds number condition, but it can greatly improve the calculation efficiency. The high efficiency of calculation makes it possible to apply AFM to the calculation of large-scale 3D rough fracture network models. The pressure drop of fluid in the fracture has viscous pressure drop (VPD) and local pressure drop (LPD). VPD can be calculated using the AFM. After analyzing the results of solving the NS equation for fracture seepage, it is concluded that the LPD includes the pressure drop caused by area crowding in the recirculation zone (RZ), kinetic energy loss in the RZ, kinetic energy loss in the vortices, and other reasons.
Study on Adaptive Excitation System of Transmission Line Galloping Based on Electromagnetic Repulsive Mechanism
Authors: Ruan Jiangjun , Zhang Li , Cai Wei , Huang Daochun , Li Jian , Feng Zhihui
Published: October 2021

Due to the uncontrollable weather conditions, it is difficult to carry out the controllable prototype test to study fatigue damage of transmission tower and armour clamp and the effect evaluation of antigalloping device under actual transmission line galloping. Considering the geometric nonlinearity of the transmission line system, this study proposed an adaptive excitation method to establish the controllable transmission line galloping test system based on the Den Hartog vertical oscillation mechanism. It can skip the complicated process of nonlinear aerodynamic force simulation. An electromagnetic repulsion mechanism based on the eddy current principle was designed to provide periodic excitation for the conductor system according to the adaptive excitation method. The finite element model, including conductor, insulator string, and electromagnetic mechanism, was established. Newmark method and fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta algorithm were used to complete the integrated simulation calculation. By comparing with the measured data record of the actual transmission line galloping test, the results show that the proposed adaptive galloping excitation system can effectively reconstruct the key characteristics of the actual transmission line galloping, such as amplitude, frequency, galloping mode, and dynamic tension, and make the galloping state controllable. Thus, a series of research about transmission line galloping with practical engineering significance can be carried out.
Quercetin Reduces Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis by Inhibiting HMGB1 and Its Translocation, Thereby Alleviating Liver Injury in ACLF Rats
Authors: Fang Peng , Dou Bo , Liang Jiajun , Hou Weixin , Ma Chongyang , Zhang Qiuyun
Published: October 2021

Background. Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome of acute liver failure that occurs on the basis of chronic liver disease, which is characterized by a rapid deterioration in a short period and high mortality. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) may be involved in the pathological process of ACLF; its specific role remains to be further elucidated. Our previous studies have shown that quercetin (Que) exerts anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects by inhibiting HMGB1 in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Que on liver injury in ACLF rats. Methods. The contents of ALT, AST, TBiL, and PT time of rats in each group were observed. HE staining was used to detect liver pathology. The levels of oxidative stress indicators such as MDA, GSH, and 4-HNE in the rat liver were detected. TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptosis in rat hepatocytes. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis were performed to explore the protective effect of Que on ACLF rats and the underlying mechanism. Results. The results showed that Que could reduce the increase of serum biochemical indices, improve liver pathology, and reduce liver damage in ACLF rats. Further results confirmed that Que reduced the occurrence of oxidative stress and apoptosis of hepatocytes, and these reactions may aggravate the progress of ACLF. Meanwhile, the results of immunofluorescence and western blotting also confirmed that the expression of HMGB1 and extranuclear translocation in ACLF rat hepatocytes were significantly increased, which was alleviated by the treatment of Que. In addition, when cotreated with glycyrrhizin (Gly), an inhibitor of HMGB1, the inhibition of Que on HMGB1 and its translocation, apoptosis and oxidative stress, and the related proteins of HMGB1-mediated cellular pathway have been significantly enhanced. Conclusion. Thus, Que alleviates liver injury in ACLF rats, and its mechanism may be related to oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by HMGB1 and its translocation.
The Prognostic Value of LncRNA SLNCR1 in Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cong Lele , Sun Hongyan , Hao Miao , Sun Qian , Zheng Yang , Cong Xianling , Jiang Rihua
Published: October 2021

Objective. This meta-analysis was performed to identify the prognostic value of SLNCR1 in multiple cancer types. Methods. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Medline, BioMed Central, Springer, Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), were searched for relevant studies up to August 2021, and the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to assess the relationship between SLNCR1 expression and overall survival (OS). Results. 12 studies with a total of 1155 patients with 9 different types of cancers were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled HR indicates that high SLNCR1 expression represented poorer prognosis of cancer (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.59–2.80, I2 = 0%,

P
<
0.00001

). Additionally, high SLNCR1 expression was correlated with TNM stage (odds ratio (OR): 1.72, 95% CI: 1.08–2.74, I2 = 62%,

P
=
0.02

), lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR:2.42, 95% CI: 1.61–3.64, I2 = 55%,

P
<
0.0001

), and distant metastases (DM) (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.50–3.55, I2 = 27%,

P
=
0.0002

). However, no evidence was found for a relationship between SLNCR1 expression and clinical features such as tumor size (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 0.93–3.14, I2 = 71%,

P
=
0.09

), age (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.68–1.08, I2 = 0%,

P
=
0.19

), or gender (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.64–1.81, I2 = 55%,

P
=
0.79

). Conclusion. Our findings found that high SLNCR1 expression was associated with poor OS, advanced tumor stage, tumor size, LNM, and DM in multiple cancers, indicating that SLNCR1 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for cancer patients in China.
The Correlations between Clinical Features, Dermoscopic and Histopathological Findings, and Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Pitted Keratolysis
Authors: Pattanaprichakul Penvadee , Kulthanan Kanokvalai , Bunyaratavej Sumanas , Eimpunth Sasima , Rungruang Thanaporn , Chanyachailert Pattriya , Ongsri Punyawee , Patthamalai Poramin , Munprom Kanyalak , Leeyaphan Charussri
Published: October 2021

Background. Pitted keratolysis (PK) is a superficial bacterial infection diagnosed mainly by clinical manifestations. Current data on its dermoscopic and histopathological findings, and the correlation of those findings, are limited. Objectives. To evaluate the clinical manifestations, dermoscopic, and histopathological findings of PK and to determine the correlations. Methods. Forty naval cadets with PK and five cadets with normal feet were enrolled this cohort study and provided informed consent. Dermoscopy was independently applied and evaluated by 2 dermatologists. Shave biopsies were performed on 37 patients with PK. Results. Pits were the most common dermoscopic finding (88.1%). The dermoscope had more sensitivity for the detection of PK than the naked eye examinations. Apart from the pits and the presence of bacteria, the most common histopathological finding for PK was color alteration of keratin. The presence of bacteria correlated with interrupted dermatoglyphic lines and the color alteration of keratin. Moreover, the presence of bacteria at the base of pits was related to worse treatment outcomes. Conclusions. Dermoscopy is a useful tool for PK diagnosis. Color alteration of keratin is another histopathological finding for PK. The presence of bacteria is associated with worse treatment outcomes.
Aquiclude Stability Evaluation and Significance Analysis of Influencing Factors of Close-Distance Coal Seams: A Case Study of the Yili No. 4 Coal Mine in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liang Shuaishuai , Zhang Dongsheng , Fan Gangwei , Guo Wenhao , Gao Shouyang , Zhang Shuai , Fan Zhanglei , Yu Wei
Published: October 2021

Aquiclude stability is vital for the realization of water-preserving coal mining. And its evaluation, influencing factors, and their significance analysis are quite topical for the ecosystem conservation. The purpose of this paper was to establish an evaluation index system of weakly cemented aquiclude stability. An evaluation index system was built based on three evaluation factors (subsidence, seepage, and deformation), three subfactors (subsidence gradient, seepage rate, and horizontal deformation), and four evaluation criteria (unstable, weakly stable, medium stable, and stable). The evaluation method was applied to evaluate the index for the case study of Yili No. 4 Coal Mine in Xinjiang, China. Based on the geological conditions of the close-distance coal seams in the mine under study, the main influencing factors and subordinate functions of evaluation index

S
t
a

were analyzed. The above three factors’ weights were assessed as 0.1095, 0.3090, and 0.5815, respectively, and the proposed evaluation method’s feasibility was verified by the water level variation in the observation hole. The range and variance analyses were performed to assess the significance of the mining heights of the upper and lower coal seams and the coal seam spacing. The results showed that the aquiclude stability negatively correlated with the mining heights and positively correlated with the coal seam spacing. The decreasing order of influence significance on the aquiclude stability was as follows: upper coal seam mining height, lower coal seam mining height, and coal seam spacing. Water protection mining was an effective measure to control the

S
t
a

, and the findings provided a reference value and academic significance for the ecosystem conservation.
Driving Safety Assurance Method in Work Zone Crossovers of Highway Reconstruction and Expansion Project
Authors: Lv Lu , Sheng Yanting , Song Cancan , Li Yongqing , Guo Zhongyin
Published: October 2021

Work zone crossover is an important area in highway reconstruction and expansion projects because it profoundly impacts the traffic safety and efficiency of the construction sites. This research sets the different median opening widths in the driving simulation experiment, collects the vehicle control signal parameters during entrance by-pass and exit by-pass, and analyzes the driving characteristics in these sections. Comparison of the driving features between the simulation experiment and the actual driving under the same median width has been also made. We should set the median width separately because the results show that driving behaviors significantly differ between entrance by-pass and exit by-pass. When the median opening width is 70 m, the driving simulation experiment and actual driving characteristics are quite different. However, both show that driving factors of the entrance and exit by-pass are not the same. When there are two lanes in the traffic control zone and the speed limit is 60 km/h, we should set the median width at 90 m to ensure transportation safety.
Image Retrieval Model Analysis of Digital Library Based on Texture Characteristics
Authors: Zhao Yu
Published: October 2021

A new document image retrieval algorithm is proposed in view of the inefficient retrieval of information resources in a digital library. First of all, in order to accurately characterize the texture and enhance the ability of image differentiation, this paper proposes the statistical feature method of the double-tree complex wavelet. Secondly, according to the statistical characteristic method, combined with the visual characteristics of the human eye, the edge information in the document image is extracted. On this basis, we construct the meaningful texture features and use texture features to define the characteristic descriptors of document images. Taking the descriptor as the clue, the content characteristics of the document image are combined organically, and appropriate similarity measurement criteria are used for efficient retrieval. Experimental results show that the algorithm not only has high retrieval efficiency but also reduces the complexity of the traditional document image retrieval algorithm.
The Effect of Introducing Infographic Pattern on Developing Cognitive Understanding by Using AI Technology for University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Samra Emad M.
Published: October 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this study sought to determine the impact of AI-supported infographic templates (static versus animated) on academic achievement, visual thinking skills, and willingness to learn among a sample of university students. The researcher created two distinct AI-supported instructional infographic templates to determine the effect of such an independent variable on his three other primary dependent variables, namely, academic accomplishment, visual thinking skills, and willingness to learn, in order to meet his study goals. An achievement exam, a visual thinking test, and a willingness to learn scale were among the research methods used. The quasiexperimental method was used to provide the research instruments, and experimental therapy was used to a select group of students at Umm Al-Qura University. According to the findings, AI-assisted static and animated infographic templates had a favorable impact on the development of all learning aspects studied. AI-assisted animated infographics, on the other hand, had a more significant impact than AI-assisted static infographics. In light of this, the researcher concluded his research by making a number of recommendations and suggesting additional research, such as maximizing the use of AI emerging technologies and their practical application in an adaptive manner suitable for education.
Attenuated Structural Transformation of Aconitine during Sand Frying Process and Antiarrhythmic Effect of Its Converted Products
Authors: Wang Yu-Jie , Tao Pei , Wang Yan
Published: October 2021

The transformation pathways of diterpenoid alkaloids have been clarified in the boiling and steaming process. Aconitine, a famous diterpenoid alkaloid, is successively transformed into benzoylaconine and aconine during the processes of boiling and steaming, but the transformation pathway remains to be determined in the sand frying process. The present study aims at investigating the transformation pathways of aconitine in the process of sand frying, as well as assessing the cardiotoxicity and antiarrhythmic activity of aconitine and its converted products. The parameters of temperature and time for the structural transformation of aconitine were confirmed by HPLC. The converted products were further separated and identified by column chromatography, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. Furthermore, by observing the lead II electrocardiogram (ECG) changes in rats under an equivalent dose, the cardiotoxicity of aconitine and its converted products were compared. Ultimately, the antiarrhythmic effect of the converted products was investigated by employing the model of aconitine-induced arrhythmia. Consequently, the structure of aconitine was converted when processed at 120°C–200°C for 1–40 min. Two diterpenoid alkaloids, a pair of epimers, namely, pyroaconitine and 16-epi-pyroaconitine, were further isolated from processed aconitine. 0.03 mg/kg aconitine induced arrhythmias in normal rats, while the converted products did not exhibit arrhythmias under an equal dose. In the antiarrhythmic assay, 16-epi-pyroaconitine could dose-dependently delay the onset time of VPB, reduce the incidence of VT, and increase the arrhythmia inhibition rate, demonstrating comparatively strong antiarrhythmic activity. Conclusively, compared with the prototype compound aconitine, the converted products exhibited lower cardiotoxicity. Further investigations on the cardiotoxicity indicated that pyroaconitine with β configuration had a stronger cardiotoxicity than 16-epi-pyroaconitine with α configuration. Furthermore, 16-epi-pyroaconitine could antagonize the arrhythmogenic effect caused by the prototype compound aconitine; the antiarrhythmic effect of 16-epi-pyroaconitine was stronger than lidocaine and propafenone, which had the potential to be developed as antiarrhythmic drugs.
Opinion Texts Clustering Using Manifold Learning Based on Sentiment and Semantics Analysis
Authors: Jahanbakhsh Gudakahriz Sajjad , Eftekhari Moghadam Amir Masoud , Mahmoudi Fariborz
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, opinion texts are quickly published on websites and social networks by various users in the form of short texts and also in high volumes and various fields. Because these texts reflect the opinions of many users, their processing and analysis, such as clustering, can be very useful in a variety of applications including politics, industry, commerce, and economics. High dimensions of the text representation decrease efficiency of clustering, and an effective solution for this challenge is reducing dimensions of texts. Manifold learning is a powerful tool for nonlinear dimension reduction of high-dimensional data. Therefore, in this paper, for increasing efficiency of opinion texts clustering, by manifold learning, dimensions of the represented opinion texts are reduced based on sentiment and semantics, and their intrinsic dimensions are extracted. Then, the clustering algorithm is applied to dimension-reduced opinion texts. The proposed approach helps us to cluster opinion texts with simultaneous consideration of sentiment and semantics, which has received very little attention in the previous works. This type of clustering helps users of opinion texts to obtain more useful information from texts and also provides more accurate summaries in applications, such as the summarization of opinion texts. Experimental results on three datasets show better performance of the proposed approach on opinion texts in terms of important measures for evaluating clustering efficiency. An improvement of about 9% is observed in terms of accuracy on the third dataset and clustering based on sentiment and semantics.
Study on Conventional and Rheological Properties of Corn Stalk Bioasphalt/PPA Composite Modified Asphalt
Authors: Wang Fuhai , Huang Tuo , Xin Gongfeng , Mu Minghao , Shen Quanjun
Published: October 2021

As a new type of pavement material, bioasphalt has received more and more attention. However, the high‐temperature behavior of bioasphalt is poor after blending with asphalt binder. In order to solve this problem and facilitate the waste utilization and resource conservation, the corn stalk bioasphalt/PPA composite modified asphalt was proposed. The conventional performance tests and rheological tests were conducted to evaluate high‐temperature and low‐temperature behavior. Fourier transform infrared reflection (FTIR) test was undertaken to analyze the mechanism of modified asphalt. The results indicated that blended asphalt penetration and ductility gradually decrease with the PPA content increasing. The softening point and viscosity of the modified asphalt increased, which led to an improvement of blended asphalt’s rigidity. The PPA increased the rutting index of corn stalk bioasphalt/PPA composite modified asphalt. However, bioasphalt had a negative effect on its high‐temperature performance. The corn stalk bioasphalt/PPA composite modified asphalt could meet the specification requirement at −18°C considering the creep rate and stiffness modulus, indicating it had outstanding crack resistance. When the PPA and bioasphalt respect to the weight of neat asphalt were 6%–8% and 10%–16%, respectively, the corn stalk bioasphalt/PPA composite modified asphalt performance was optimal. However, shear time and shear rate merely affected the proposed modified asphalt performance. The bioasphalt did not affect the chemical structure of asphalt. However, PPA generated new functional groups (P‐O single bond, phosphate (RO)3P = O, and P=O double bond) causing a chemical modification in the asphalt binder. This study can provide a basis for applying bioasphalt, making road engineering more economical and environmentally friendly.
Different Effects of Hematoma Expansion on Short‐Term Functional Outcome in Basal Ganglia and Thalamic Hemorrhages
Authors: Deng Lijing , Chen Kai , Yang Liu , Deng Zhaoxu , Zheng Haijun
Published: October 2021

Purpose. To investigate the impact of hematoma expansion (HE) on short‐term functional outcome of patients with thalamic and basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods. Data of 420 patients with deep intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) that received a baseline CT scan within 6 hours from symptom onset and a follow‐up CT scan within 72 hours were retrospectively analyzed. The poor functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin score (mRS) > 3 at 30 days. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for relative and absolute growth of HE were generated and compared. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of HE on the functional outcome in basal ganglia and thalamic hemorrhages. The predictive values for different thresholds of HE were calculated, and correlation coefficient matrices were used to explore the correlation between the covariables. Results. Basal ganglia ICH showed a higher possibility of absolute hematoma growth than thalamic ICH. The area under the curve (AUC) for absolute and relative growth of thalamic hemorrhage was lower than that of basal ganglia hemorrhage (AUC 0.71 and 0.67, respectively) in discriminating short‐term poor outcome with an AUC of 0.59 and 0.60, respectively. Each threshold of HE independently predicted poor outcome in basal ganglia ICH (P < 0.001), with HE > 3 ml and > 6 ml showing higher positive predictive values and accuracy compared to HE > 33%. In contrast, thalamic ICH had a smaller baseline volume (BV, 9.55 ± 6.85 ml) and was more likely to initially involve the posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) (85/153, 57.82%), and the risk of HE was lower without PLIC involvement (4.76%, P = 0.009). Therefore, in multivariate analysis, the effect of thalamic HE on poor prognosis was largely replaced by BV and the involvement of PLIC, and the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of HE was not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Though HE is a high‐risk factor for short‐term poor functional outcome, it is not an independent risk factor in thalamic ICH, and absolute growth is more predictive of poor outcome than relative growth for basal ganglia ICH.
Phenotype Discovery and Geographic Disparities of Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis across U.S. Counties: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Dong Weichuan , Bensken Wyatt P. , Kim Uriel , Rose Johnie , Berger Nathan A. , Koroukian Siran M.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Disparities in the stage at diagnosis for breast cancer have been independently associated with various contextual characteristics. Understanding which combinations of these characteristics indicate highest risk, and where they are located, is critical to targeting interventions and improving outcomes for patients with breast cancer.

Methods:

The study included women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2009 and 2018 from 680 U.S. counties participating in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. We used a machine learning approach called Classification and Regression Tree (CART) to identify county “phenotypes,” combinations of characteristics that predict the percentage of patients with breast cancer presenting with late-stage disease. We then mapped the phenotypes and compared their geographic distributions. These findings were further validated using an alternate machine learning approach called random forest.

Results:

We discovered seven phenotypes of late-stage breast cancer. Common to most phenotypes associated with high risk of late-stage diagnosis were high uninsured rate, low mammography use, high area deprivation, rurality, and high poverty. Geographically, these phenotypes were most prevalent in southern and western states, while phenotypes associated with lower percentages of late-stage diagnosis were most prevalent in the northeastern states and select metropolitan areas.

Conclusions:

The use of machine learning methods of CART and random forest together with geographic methods offers a promising avenue for future disparities research.

Impact:

Local interventions to reduce late-stage breast cancer diagnosis, such as community education and outreach programs, can use machine learning and geographic modeling approaches to tailor strategies for early detection and resource allocation.
Prevalence of Macroprolactinemia in Patients with Hyperprolactinemia Using Roche Elecsys Platform in a Large Tertiary Referral Center in UAE
Authors: Al Nuaimi Abdulla , Almazrouei Raya , Othman Yusra , Beshyah Salem , Aldahmani Khaled M.
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Macroprolactin (macroPRL) excess is an important cause of hyperprolactinemia. Several prolactin assays have high reactivity to macroPRL. However, macroPRL screening is not routinely performed in many labs. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of macroprolactinemia (MP) in patients with elevated prolactin using the Roche Elecsys assay in a large tertiary center in UAE. Materials and Methods: Consecutive samples of patients with elevated prolactin presenting to Tawam Hospital from June to August 2018 were evaluated for MP. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to precipitate macroPRL. Monomeric prolactin recovery cutoff ≤50% was used to determine the prevalence of MP. Results: A total of 180 patients with elevated prolactin were included in the study with a mean age of 33.1 ± 11.9 years. The majority were women (87.2%), and about 77.8% were newly diagnosed patients with hyperprolactinemia. The main indications for prolactin testing were menstrual irregularity (n = 121), infertility (n = 11), galactorrhea (n = 11), and sellar masses (n = 12). MP was present in 8.3% of the patients. The median (IQR) of total prolactin level was 740.5 (579–1,085) IU/m before PEG precipitation and was not significantly different between MP and true hyperprolactinemia cases. Three patients with MP had pituitary MRI evaluation, which was normal. Eight patients with MP were treated with cabergoline. Conclusion: One in 12 patients with hyperprolactinemia had MP on the Roche Elecsys assay defined as the cutoff recovery of ≤50% post-PEG precipitation. Physicians should be aware of the prolactin assay used in their labs, and we recommend routine macroPRL assessment in mild hyperprolactinemia samples in labs using the Roche Elecsys platform.