bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat selection enables highly scalable methylome profiling in cell-free DNA for noninvasive monitoring of cancer patients
Authors: Cheruba Elsie , Viswanathan Ramya , Wong Pui-Mun , Womersley Howard John , Han Shuting , Tay Brenda , Lau Yiting , Gan Anna , Poon Polly S. Y. , Skanderup Anders , Ng Sarah B. , Chok Aik Yong , Chong Dawn Qingqing , Tan Iain Beehuat , Cheow Lih Feng
Published: September 2022

Genome-wide analysis of cell-free DNA methylation profile is a promising approach for sensitive and specific detection of many cancers. However, scaling such assays for clinical translation is impractical because of the high cost of whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. We show that the small fraction of GC-rich genome is highly enriched in CpG sites and disproportionately harbors most of the cancer-specific methylation signature. Here, we report on the simple and effective heat enrichment of CpG-rich regions for bisulfite sequencing (Heatrich-BS) platform that allows for focused methylation profiling in these highly informative regions. Our novel method and bioinformatics algorithm enable accurate tumor burden estimation and quantitative tracking of colorectal cancer patient’s response to treatment at much reduced sequencing cost suitable for frequent monitoring. We also show tumor epigenetic subtyping using Heatrich-BS, which could enable patient stratification. Heatrich-BS holds great potential for highly scalable screening and monitoring of cancer using liquid biopsy.
Fast acquisition of propagating waves in humans with low-field MRI: Toward accessible MR elastography
Authors: Yushchenko Maksym , Sarracanie Mathieu , Salameh Najat
Published: September 2022

Most commonly used at clinical magnetic fields (1.5 to 3 T), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) captures mechanical wave propagation to reconstruct the mechanical properties of soft tissue with MRI. However, in terms of noninvasively assessing disease progression in a broad range of organs (e.g., liver, breast, skeletal muscle, and brain), its accessibility is limited and its robustness is challenged when magnetic susceptibility differences are encountered. Low-field MRE offers an opportunity to overcome these issues, and yet it has never been demonstrated in vivo in humans with magnetic fields <1.5 T mainly because of the long acquisition times required to achieve a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we describe a method to accelerate 3D motion-sensitized MR scans at 0.1 T using only 10%
k
-space sampling combined with a high-performance detector and an efficient encoding acquisition strategy. Its application is demonstrated in vivo in the human forearm for a single motion-encoding direction in less than 1 min.
Transient RNA structures cause aberrant influenza virus replication and innate immune activation
Authors: French Hollie , Pitré Emmanuelle , Oade Michael S. , Elshina Elizaveta , Bisht Karishma , King Alannah , Bauer David L.V. , te Velthuis Aartjan J.W.
Published: September 2022

During infection, the influenza A virus RNA polymerase produces both full-length and aberrant RNA molecules, such as defective viral genomes (DVGs) and mini viral RNAs (mvRNAs). Subsequent innate immune activation involves the binding of host pathogen receptor retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG-I) to viral RNAs. However, it is not clear what factors determine which influenza A virus RNAs are RIG-I agonists. Here, we provide evidence that RNA structures, called template loops (t-loops), stall the viral RNA polymerase and contribute to innate immune activation by mvRNAs during influenza A virus infection. Impairment of replication by t-loops depends on the formation of an RNA duplex near the template entry and exit channels of the RNA polymerase, and this effect is enhanced by mutation of the template exit path from the RNA polymerase active site. Overall, these findings are suggestive of a mechanism involving polymerase stalling that links aberrant viral replication to the activation of the innate immune response.
Sensing of SARS-CoV-2 by pDCs and their subsequent production of IFN-I contribute to macrophage-induced cytokine storm during COVID-19
Authors: Laurent Paôline , Yang Chao , Rendeiro André F. , Nilsson-Payant Benjamin E. , Carrau Lucia , Chandar Vasuretha , Bram Yaron , tenOever Benjamin R. , Elemento Olivier , Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Schwartz Robert E. , Barrat Franck J.
Published: September 2022

Lung-infiltrating macrophages create a marked inflammatory milieu in a subset of patients with COVID-19 by producing a cytokine storm, which correlates with increased lethality. However, these macrophages are largely not infected by SARS-CoV-2, so the mechanism underlying their activation in the lung is unclear. Type I interferons (IFN-I) contribute to protecting the host against SARS-CoV-2 but may also have some deleterious effect, and the source of IFN-I in the lungs of infected patients is not well defined. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), a key cell type involved in antiviral responses, can produce IFN-I in response to SARS-CoV-2. We observed the infiltration of pDCs in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2–infected patients, which correlated with strong IFN-I signaling in lung macrophages. In patients with severe COVID-19, lung macrophages expressed a robust inflammatory signature, which correlated with persistent IFN-I signaling at the single-cell level. Hence, we observed the uncoupling in the kinetics of the infiltration of pDCs in the lungs and the associated IFN-I signature, with the cytokine storm in macrophages. We observed that pDCs were the dominant IFN-α–producing cells in response to the virus in the blood, whereas macrophages produced IFN-α only when in physical contact with infected epithelial cells. We also showed that IFN-α produced by pDCs, after the sensing of SARS-CoV-2 by TLR7, mediated changes in macrophages at both transcriptional and epigenetic levels, which favored their hyperactivation by environmental stimuli. Together, these data indicate that the priming of macrophages can result from the response by pDCs to SARS-CoV-2, leading to macrophage activation in patients with severe COVID-19.
Supplemental Material: From ka to Ma: A multi-timescale record of accelerating Cenozoic tectonic uplift between the Qilian Shan and Qaidam Basin, northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Zhimin , Liu Runchao , al. et
Published: September 2022

The original seismic section (Fig. S1) of seismic profile A–A'–A'' in Figure 1B, and the original photomosaic (Fig. S2) of trench wall DT1 in Figure 4D, which are provided to reviewers and readers to evaluate our interpretations.
Tetanus-induced rhythmic seizures mimicking the clinical and electroencephalographic presentation of status epilepticus
Authors: Lequain Hippolyte , Richard-Mornas Aurelie , Argaud Laurent , Dargent Auguste
Published: September 2022

We describe the case of a woman in her 60s admitted to the intensive care unit after a first generalised tonic-clonic seizure in the context of alcohol withdrawal. She was placed under invasive mechanical ventilation due to persistence of coma despite antiepileptic treatment. Despite continuous sedation with propofol, the frequency and intensity of seizure increased. Seizures were very similar to epileptic tonic-clonic seizures and were recorded with video and electroencephalogram (EEG). A diagnosis of tetanus was considered after a scalp wound was discovered. The patient’s husband revealed that a trismus had appeared a few days before hospital admission after a head trauma. EEG showed a pattern of diffuse spikes, which disappeared after a cisatracurium bolus. The diagnosis of tetanus was later confirmed by cultures from wound samples. Therefore, severe tetanus can mimic both the clinical and EEG features of status epilepticus and could be added to the differential diagnosis of epilepsy.
Deep neck space infection extending to the mediastinum that was treated conservatively
Authors: Devakumar Haran , Tailor Bhavesh , Law Sarah , Ioannidis Dimitrios
Published: September 2022

Deep neck space infections (DNSIs) are challenging to diagnose and manage. A female ex-smoker presented with difficulty breathing and chest pain. She was initially treated for exacerbation of emphysema with intravenous antibiotics. The ear, nose and throat team were later asked to review the patient for left submandibular swelling and odynophagia. CT of the neck was performed 10 days later, due to limited availability during COVID-19. It showed an extensive retropharyngeal collection from the level of the vallecula to just above the carina. Normally, a DNSI extending to the mediastinum would require prompt surgical management. However, the patient was clinically well once imaged, so the abscess was managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics.
Adapting the FAST-M maternal sepsis intervention for implementation in Pakistan: a qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Irfan , Khowaja Bakhtawar M Hanif , Barolia Rubina , Sikandar Raheel , Rind Ghulam Kubra , Khan Sehrish , Rani Raheela , Cheshire James , Dunlop Catherine Louise , Coomarasamy Arri , Sheikh Lumaan , Lissauer David
Published: September 2022

Objective

A maternal sepsis management bundle for resource-limited settings was developed through a synthesis of evidence and international consensus. This bundle, called ‘FAST-M’ consists of: Fluids, Antibiotics, Source control, assessment of the need to Transport/Transfer to a higher level of care and ongoing Monitoring (of the mother and neonate). The study aimed to adapt the FAST-M intervention including the bundle care tools for early identification and management of maternal sepsis in a low-resource setting of Pakistan and identify potential facilitators and barriers to its implementation.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, which is a tertiary referral public sector hospital in Hyderabad.

Design and participants

A qualitative exploratory study comprising key informant interviews and a focus group discussion was conducted with healthcare providers (HCPs) working in the study setting between November 2020 and January 2021, to ascertain the potential facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the FAST-M intervention. Interview guides were developed using the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of the individuals and process of implementation.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified, the hindering factors for implementation of the FAST-M intervention were: (1) Challenges in existing system such as a shortage of resources and lack of quality assurance; and (2) Clinical practice variation that includes lack of sepsis guidelines and documentation; the facilitating factors identified were: (3) HCPs’ perceptions about the FAST-M intervention and their positive views about its execution and (4) Development of HCPs readiness for FAST-M implementation that aided in identifying solutions to potential hindering factors at their clinical setting.

Conclusion

The study has identified potential gaps and probable solutions to the implementation of the FAST-M intervention, with modifications for adaptation in the local context

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17105658.
Hepatic encephalopathy is not a contraindication to pre-emptive TIPS in high-risk patients with cirrhosis with variceal bleeding
Authors: Rudler Marika , Hernández-Gea Virginia , Procopet Bogdan Dumitru , Giráldez Alvaro , Amitrano Lucio , Villanueva Càndid , Ibañez Luis , Silva-Junior Gilberto , Genesca Joan , Bureau Christophe , Trebicka Jonel , Bañares Rafael , Krag Aleksander , Llop Elba , Laleman Wim , Palazon Jose Maria , Castellote Jose , Rodrigues Susana , Gluud Lise Lotte , Noronha Ferreira Carlos , Canete Nouria , Rodríguez Manuel , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Mundi Jose Luis , Gronbaek Henning , Hernandez-Guerra Manuel , Sassatelli Romano , Dell’era Alessandra , Senzolo Marco , Abraldes Juan G , Romero-Gómez Manuel , Zipprich Alexander , Casas Meritxell , Masnou Helena , Larrue Hélène , Primignani Massimo , Nevens Frederik , Calleja Jose Luis , Schwarzer Remy , Jansen Christian , Robic Marie-Angèle , Conejo Irene , Martínez Gonzalez Javier , Catalina Maria Vega , Albillos Agustín , Alvarado Edilmar , Guardascione Maria Anna , Mallet Maxime , Tripon Simona , Casanovas Georgina , Bosch Jaume , Garcia-Pagan Juan-Carlos , Thabut Dominique
Published: September 2022

Background

A pre-emptive transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (pTIPS) reduces mortality in high-risk patients with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C/B+active bleeding) with acute variceal bleeding (AVB). Real-life studies point out that <15% of patients eligible for pTIPS ultimately undergo transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) due to concerns about hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The outcome of patients undergoing pTIPS with HE is unknown. We aimed to (1) assess the prevalence of HE in patients with AVB; (2) evaluate the outcome of patients presenting HE at admission after pTIPS; and (3) determine if HE at admission is a risk factor for death and post-TIPS HE.

Patients and methods

This is an observational study including 2138 patients from 34 centres between October 2011 and May 2015. Placement of pTIPS was based on individual centre policy. Patients were followed up to 1 year, death or liver transplantation.

Results

671 of 2138 patients were considered at high risk, 66 received pTIPS and 605 endoscopic+drug treatment. At admission, HE was significantly more frequent in high-risk than in low-risk patients (39.2% vs 10.6%, p<0.001). In high-risk patients with HE at admission, pTIPS was associated with a lower 1-year mortality than endoscopic+drug (HR 0.374, 95% CI 0.166 to 0.845, p=0.0181). The incidence of HE was not different between patients treated with pTIPS and endoscopic+drug (38.2% vs 38.7%, p=0.9721), even in patients with HE at admission (56.4% vs 58.7%, p=0.4594). Age >56, shock, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score >15, endoscopic+drug treatment and HE at admission were independent factors of death in high-risk patients.

Conclusion

pTIPS is associated with better survival than endoscopic treatment in high-risk patients with cirrhosis with variceal bleeding displaying HE at admission.
Liver stiffness thresholds to predict disease progression and clinical outcomes in bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis
Authors: Loomba Rohit , Huang Daniel Q. , Sanyal Arun J , Anstee Quentin Mark , Trauner Michael , Lawitz Eric J , Ding Dora , Ma Lily , Jia Catherine , Billin Andrew , Huss Ryan S , Chung Chuhan , Goodman Zachary , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Okanoue Takeshi , Romero-Gómez Manuel , Abdelmalek Manal F , Muir Andrew , Afdhal Nezam , Bosch Jaime , Harrison Stephen , Younossi Zobair M , Myers Robert P
Published: September 2022

Objective

In retrospective studies, liver stiffness (LS) by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is associated with the risk of liver decompensation in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but prospective data in biopsy-confirmed cohorts with advanced fibrosis are limited. We aimed to establish thresholds for LS by VCTE that predict progression to cirrhosis among patients with bridging fibrosis and hepatic decompensation among patients with cirrhosis due to NASH.

Design

We used data from four randomised placebo-controlled trials of selonsertib and simtuzumab in participants with advanced fibrosis (F3–F4). The trials were discontinued due to lack of efficacy. Liver fibrosis was staged centrally at baseline and week 48 (selonsertib study) or week 96 (simtuzumab study). Associations between LS by VCTE with disease progression were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Progression to cirrhosis occurred in 16% (103/664) of participants with bridging fibrosis and adjudicated liver-related events occurred in 4% (27/734) of participants with baseline cirrhosis. The optimal baseline LS thresholds were ≥16.6 kPa for predicting progression to cirrhosis, and ≥30.7 kPa for predicting liver-related events. Baseline LS ≥16.6 kPa (adjusted HR 3.99; 95% CI 2.66 to 5.98, p<0.0001) and a ≥5 kPa (and ≥20%) increase (adjusted HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.20 to 3.26, p=0.008) were independent predictors of progression to cirrhosis in participants with bridging fibrosis, while baseline LS ≥30.7 kPa (adjusted HR 10.13, 95% CI 4.38 to 23.41, p<0.0001) predicted liver-related events in participants with cirrhosis.

Conclusion

The LS thresholds identified in this study may be useful for risk stratification of NASH patients with advanced fibrosis.
Hypophosphataemia following ferric derisomaltose and ferric carboxymaltose in patients with iron deficiency anaemia due to inflammatory bowel disease (PHOSPHARE-IBD): a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Zoller Heinz , Wolf Myles , Blumenstein Irina , Primas Christian , Lindgren Stefan , Thomsen Lars L , Reinisch Walter , Iqbal Tariq
Published: September 2022

Objective

Intravenous iron—a common treatment for anaemia and iron deficiency due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—can cause hypophosphataemia. This trial compared the incidence of hypophosphataemia after treatment with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) or ferric derisomaltose (FDI).

Design

This randomised, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted at 20 outpatient hospital clinics in Europe (Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, UK). Adults with IBD and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) were randomised 1:1 to receive FCM or FDI at baseline and at Day 35 using identical haemoglobin- and weight-based dosing regimens. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypophosphataemia (serum phosphate <2.0 mg/dL) at any time from baseline to Day 35 in the safety analysis set (all patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug). Markers of mineral and bone homeostasis, and patient-reported fatigue scores, were measured.

Results

A total of 156 patients were screened; 97 (49 FDI, 48 FCM) were included and treated. Incident hypophosphataemia occurred in 8.3% (4/48) FDI-treated patients and in 51.0% (25/49) FCM-treated patients (adjusted risk difference: −42.8% (95% CI –57.1% to –24.6%) p<0.0001). Both iron formulations corrected IDA. Patient-reported fatigue scores improved in both groups, but more slowly and to a lesser extent with FCM than FDI; slower improvement in fatigue was associated with greater decrease in phosphate concentration.

Conclusion

Despite comparably effective treatment of IDA, FCM caused a significantly higher rate of hypophosphataemia than FDI. Further studies are needed to address the longer-term clinical consequences of hypophosphataemia and to investigate mechanisms underpinning the differential effects of FCM and FDI on patient-reported fatigue.
Transcriptional and functional analyses of neoantigen-specific CD4 T cells during a profound response to anti-PD-L1 in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Church Candice , Pulliam Thomas , Longino Natalie , Park Song Y , Smythe Kimberly S , Makarov Vladimir , Riaz Nadeem , Jing Lichen , Amezquita Robert , Campbell Jean S , Gottardo Raphael , Pierce Robert H , Choi Jaehyuk , Chan Timothy A , Koelle David M , Nghiem Paul
Published: September 2022

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) often responds to PD-1 pathway blockade, regardless of tumor-viral status (~80% of cases driven by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)). Prior studies have characterized tumor-specific T cell responses to MCPyV, which have typically been CD8, but little is known about the T cell response to UV-induced neoantigens.

Methods

A patient in her mid-50s with virus-negative (VN) MCC developed large liver metastases after a brief initial response to chemotherapy. She received anti-PD-L1 (avelumab) and had a partial response within 4 weeks. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to determine potential neoantigen peptides. Characterization of peripheral blood neoantigen T cell responses was evaluated via interferon-gamma (IFNγ) ELISpot, flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Tumor-resident T cells were characterized by multiplexed immunohistochemistry.

Results

WES identified 1027 tumor-specific somatic mutations, similar to the published average of 1121 for VN-MCCs. Peptide prediction with a binding cut-off of ≤100 nM resulted in 77 peptides that were synthesized for T cell assays. Although peptides were predicted based on class I HLAs, we identified circulating CD4 T cells targeting 5 of 77 neoantigens. In contrast, no neoantigen-specific CD8 T cell responses were detected. Neoantigen-specific CD4 T cells were undetectable in blood before anti-PD-L1 therapy but became readily detectible shortly after starting therapy. T cells produced robust IFNγ when stimulated by neoantigen (mutant) peptides but not by the normal (wild-type) peptides. Single cell RNAseq showed neoantigen-reactive T cells expressed the Th1-associated transcription factor (T-bet) and associated cytokines. These CD4 T cells did not significantly exhibit cytotoxicity or non-Th1 markers. Within the pretreatment tumor, resident CD4 T cells were also Th1-skewed and expressed T-bet.

Conclusions

We identified and characterized tumor-specific Th1-skewed CD4 T cells targeting multiple neoantigens in a patient who experienced a profound and durable partial response to anti-PD-L1 therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of neoantigen-specific T cell responses in MCC. Although CD4 and CD8 T cells recognizing viral tumor antigens are often detectible in virus-positive MCC, only CD4 T cells recognizing neoantigens were detected in this patient. These findings suggest that CD4 T cells can play an important role in the response to anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.
Disruption of the topologically associated domain at Xp21.2 is related to 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis
Authors: Meinel Jakob A , Yumiceba Verónica , Künstner Axel , Schultz Kristin , Kruse Nathalie , Kaiser Frank J , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Claviez Alexander , Hiort Olaf , Busch Hauke , Spielmann Malte , Werner Ralf
Published: September 2022

Background

Duplications at the Xp21.2 locus have previously been linked to 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD), which is thought to result from gene dosage effects ofNR0B1(DAX1), but the exact disease mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

Patients with 46,XY GD were analysed by whole genome sequencing. Identified structural variants were confirmed by array CGH and analysed by high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C).

Results

We identified two unrelated patients: one showing a complex rearrangement upstream ofNR0B1and a second harbouring a 1.2 Mb triplication, includingNR0B1. Whole genome sequencing and Hi-C analysis revealed the rewiring of a topological-associated domain (TAD) boundary close toNR0B1associated with neo-TAD formation and may cause enhancer hijacking and ectopicNR0B1expression. Modelling of previous Xp21.2 structural variations associated with isolated GD support our hypothesis and predict similar neo-TAD formation as well as TAD fusion.

Conclusion

Here we present a general mechanism how deletions, duplications or inversions at theNR0B1locus can lead to partial or complete GD by disrupting the cognate TAD in the vicinity ofNR0B1. This model not only allows better diagnosis of GD with copy number variations (CNVs) at Xp21.2, but also gives deeper insight on how spatiotemporal activation of developmental genes can be disrupted by reorganised TADs causing impairment of gonadal development.
Deviations from tribimaximal and golden ratio mixings under radiative corrections of neutrino masses and mixings
Authors: Wilina Ph. , Shubhakanta Singh M. , Nimai Singh N.
Published: September 2022

The impact of renormalization group equations on neutrino masses and mixings at high-energy scales in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model is studied using two different mixing patterns such as Tribimaximal (TBM) mixing and Golden Ratio (GR) mixing in consistent with cosmological bound of the sum of three neutrino masses, [Formula: see text]. Magnifications of neutrino masses and mixing angles at low-energy scales are obtained by giving proper input masses, and mixing angles from the TBM mixing matrix and GR mixing matrix at high-energy scales. High-energy scales, [Formula: see text] such as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] GeV are employed in the analysis. The large solar ([Formula: see text]) and atmospheric ([Formula: see text]) neutrino mixing angles with zero reactor angle ([Formula: see text]) from both TBM mixing matrix and GR mixing matrix at high scale, can magnify the reactor angle ([Formula: see text]) at low-energy scale in 3[Formula: see text] confidence level. Both cases of normal hierarchy and inverted hierarchy are addressed here. In a normal hierarchical case, it is found that [Formula: see text] and that in an inverted hierarchical case is [Formula: see text] in both mixing patterns. Possibility of [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is observed at low scale. The analysis shows the validity of the two mixing patterns at a high-energy scale.
Rigidity results for Lie algebras admitting a post-Lie algebra structure
Authors: Burde Dietrich , Dekimpe Karel , Monadjem Mina
Published: September 2022

We study rigidity questions for pairs of Lie algebras [Formula: see text] admitting a post-Lie algebra structure. We show that if [Formula: see text] is semisimple and [Formula: see text] is arbitrary, then we have rigidity in the sense that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] must be isomorphic. The proof uses a result on the decomposition of a Lie algebra [Formula: see text] as the direct vector space sum of two semisimple subalgebras. We show that [Formula: see text] must be semisimple and hence isomorphic to the direct Lie algebra sum [Formula: see text]. This solves some open existence questions for post-Lie algebra structures on pairs of Lie algebras [Formula: see text]. We prove additional existence results for pairs [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is complete, and for pairs, where [Formula: see text] is reductive with [Formula: see text]-dimensional center and [Formula: see text] is solvable or nilpotent.
On the Arens regularity of Fréchet algebras and their biduals
Authors: Alimohammadi Z. , Rejali A.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study the concept of weakly almost periodic functions on Fréchet algebras. For a Fréchet algebra [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text]. We also show that [Formula: see text] is Arens regular if and only if both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are Arens regular. Finally, for a sequence of Fréchet algebras [Formula: see text], we prove that the Fréchet algebra [Formula: see text] is Arens regualr if and only if each [Formula: see text] is Arens regular.
Guided Graph Attention Learning for Video-Text Matching
Authors: Li Kunpeng , Liu Chang , Stopa Mike , Amano Jun , Fu Yun
Published: September 2022

As a bridge between videos and natural languages, video-text matching has been a hot multimedia research topic in recent years. Such cross-modal retrieval is usually achieved by learning a common embedding space where videos and text captions are directly comparable. It is still challenging because existing visual representations cannot exploit semantic correlations within videos well, resulting in a mismatch with semantic concepts that are contained in the corresponding text descriptions. In this article, we propose a new Guided Graph Attention Learning (GGAL) model to enhance video embedding learning by capturing important region-level semantic concepts within the spatiotemporal space. Our model builds connections between object regions and performs hierarchical graph reasoning on both frame-level and whole video–level region graphs. During this process, global context is used to guide attention learning on this hierarchical graph topology so that the learned overall video embedding can focus on essential semantic concepts and can be better aligned with text captions. Experiments on commonly used benchmarks validate that GGAL outperforms many recent video-text retrieval methods with a clear margin. As multimedia data in dynamic environments becomes critically important, we also validate GGAL learned video-text representations that can be generalized well to unseen out-of-domain data via cross-dataset evaluations. To further investigate the interpretability of our model, we visualize attention weights learned by GGAL models. We find that GGAL successfully focuses on key semantic concepts in the video and has complementary attention on the context parts based on different ways of building region graphs.
Sensitivity to Hand Offsets and Related Behavior in Virtual Environments over Time
Authors: Kohm Kristopher , Porter John , Robb Andrew
Published: September 2022

This work explored how users’ sensitivity to offsets in their avatars’ virtual hands changes as they gain exposure to virtual reality. We conducted an experiment using a two-alternative forced choice (2-AFC) design over the course of 4 weeks, split into four sessions. The trials in each session had a variety of eight offset distances paired with eight offset directions (across a two-dimensional plane). While we did not find evidence that users became more sensitive to the offsets over time, we did find evidence of behavioral changes. Specifically, participants’ head–hand coordination and completion time varied significantly as the sessions went on. We discuss the implications of both results and how they could influence our understanding of long-term calibration for perception-action coordination in virtual environments.
Intermediate-Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes Based on Cerium Ultraphosphate Composited with Polybenzimidazole
Authors: Zholobko Oksana , Hurley John , Wu Xiang-Fa , Aulich Ted , Thakare Jivan
Published: September 2022

This paper reports the rational fabrication and structural, thermal, mechanical and electrochemical characterization of a new type of intermediate-temperature (IT) polymer-inorganic composite (PIC) proton exchange membranes (PEMs) that are made of cerium ultraphosphate (CeP5O14—CUP) as the solid-state proton conductor composited with a high-temperature (HT) polybenzimidazole (PBI) as the polymeric binder. Flexible PBI-CUP PIC membranes with the thickness of ∼135 μm and CUP mass fraction of up to 75% were prepared by solution-casting without additional acid-doping (e.g., phosphoric acid). The proton conductivity of the fabricated IT-PIC-PEMs was up to 5.80 × 10−2 S cm−1 as measured from a prototype IT PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) operated at 200 °C in the humidified hydrogen and air environment. This type of IT-PIC-PEMs also demonstrated sufficient mechanical strength and flexibility, excellent thermal stability (up to 350 °C), and very good durability of the proton conductivity (within the test duration of 500 h). The present experimental study shows the promising future of the IT-PIC-PEMs for applications in various IT electrochemical processes including IT-PEMFCs, IT-electrolyzers, etc.
Voltammetric Behaviour and Electrodeposition of Samarium in 1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Ionic Liquid
Authors: Andrew Chrysanthus , Jayakumar Mani
Published: September 2022

Low-temperature electrodeposition strategies to obtain lanthanides in metallic form using ionic liquids are explored as sustainable substitutes to high-temperature molten salt electrolytes. Herein, we report the electrochemical behaviour of samarium(III) and the electrodeposition of samarium in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, ionic liquid. Raman spectroscopic analysis indicated the existence of

Sm
(
T

f

2

N

)

4

−

complex in as-prepared electrolyte. Trivalent samarium species undergoes two-step reduction via Sm(III)↔Sm(II) at –1.0 V and Sm(II)→Sm(0) at –2.1 V with the corresponding oxidation peaks observed at potentials ∼+1.0 V and +1.9 V vs Ag/Ag+, respectively, and attributed to the stripping of zero-valent samarium to Sm(II) which subsequently undergoes re-oxidation to Sm(III) species, respectively. Diffusion coefficient of Sm(III) species increases from 1.75 × 10−7 at 343 K to 6.27 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 at 373 K due to decrease in the electrolyte viscosity and activation energy (Ea) was determined to be 42 kJ mol−1. Samarium electrodeposited at −2.5 V vs Ag/Ag+ was ∼3-micron thick coating with visible crack. XPS analysis provided qualitative proof for elemental samarium in the deposit co-existing with its oxide film likely due to exposure to atmosphere during analysis. The present study demonstrates the possibility to electrodeposit samarium using [BMP][Tf2N] ionic liquid at near ambient conditions.
Electrochemical Pressure Impedance Spectroscopy for PEM Fuel Cells: Are the Measured Spectra Unique?
Authors: Kulikovsky Andrei
Published: September 2022

Pressure perturbation δ
p applied at the PEM fuel cell cathode channel leads to oscillating cell potential and current. Experimental spectra δ
V/δ
p reported so far have been obtained by measuring cell voltage response δ
V under fixed total current in the external load. A 1d+1d model for electrochemical pressure impedance of a PEMFC with the straight cathode channel shows that fixing a total current leads to a poorly defined problem which allows for multiple solutions depending on random fluctuations of local current. From experimental perspective it means that the measured spectra are, in general, not reproducible.
Role of Axl in target organ inflammation and damage due to hypertensive aortic remodeling
Authors: Chen Wei , Van Beusecum Justin P. , Xiao Liang , Patrick David M. , Ao Mingfang , Zhao Shilin , Lopez Marcos G. , Billings Frederic T. , Cavinato Cristina , Caulk Alexander W. , Humphrey Jay D. , Harrison David G.
Published: September 2022

In this study, a brief, 2-wk period of hypertension in mice led to progressive aortic remodeling, an increase in pulse wave velocity, and evidence of renal injury, dysfunction, and albuminuria. This end-organ damage was associated with persistent renal and aortic infiltration of CD8+ and γ/δ T cells. We show that this inflammatory response is likely due to GAS6/Axl signaling and can be ameliorated by blocking this pathway. We propose that the altered microvascular mechanical forces caused by increased pulse wave velocity enhance GAS6 release from the endothelium, which in turn activates Axl on myeloid cells, promoting the end-organ damage associated with aortic stiffening.
Tropical Cryptography Based on Multiple Exponentiation Problem of Matrices
Authors: Huang Huawei , Li Chunhua
Published: September 2022

Because there is no multiplication of numbers in tropical algebra and the problem of solving the systems of polynomial equations in tropical algebra is NP-hard, in recent years some public key cryptography based on tropical semiring has been proposed. But most of them have some defects. This paper proposes new public key cryptosystems based on tropical matrices. The security of the cryptosystem relies on the difficulty of the problem of finding multiple exponentiations of tropical matrices given the product of the matrices powers when the subsemiring is hidden. This problem is a generalization of the discrete logarithm problem. But the problem generally cannot be reduced to discrete logarithm problem or hidden subgroup problem in polynomial time. Since the generating matrix of the used commutative subsemirings is hidden and the public key matrices are the product of more than two unknown matrices, the cryptosystems can resist KU attack and other known attacks. The cryptosystems based on multiple exponentiation problem can be considered as a potential postquantum cryptosystem.
Impacts of Graphene Oxide on the Physical Property and Microstructure of Asphalt Material
Authors: Jiang Shuo , Fang Guotao , Zheng Qi , Chen Qian
Published: September 2022

In order to determine the effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the physical property and microstructure of the asphalt binder, GO material was selected to prepare GO-modified asphalt for analysis. Firstly, the surface/interface characterization and chemical analysis were performed on GO and GO-modified asphalt. The physical properties of GO-modified asphalt were investigated through softening point, ductility, and penetration tests. The impact of GO material on the rheological behavior of asphalt was characterized by Brookfield viscosity and dynamic shear rheological tests (DSR). Furthermore, the typical microstructure of GO inside asphalt material was also identified and analyzed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that the modifying effect of GO materials could promote the fusion between asphalt and GO. A modified GO could improve the high temperature of asphalt, but it would degrade the low temperature property of the asphalt binder. A modified GO could be integrated with asphalt and achieve a modifying effect on the asphalt material. This study would provide references for the application of graphene oxide in asphalt pavement materials.
miR-342-3p Inhibits Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression by Targeting SOX12
Authors: Wang Ying , Guo Xiaonan , Wang Lihua , Xing Lina , Zhang Xiaolei , Ren Jinhai
Published: September 2022

Background. It is well known that microRNAs (miRNAs) interfere with the progression of various human malignancies. This article is aimed at exploring the regulating role of miR-342-3p in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its mechanism. Methods. We used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to determine miR-342-3p differential expression patterns in AML patients’ plasma and cells as well as healthy individuals’ plasma and T cells. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed for plasma and cell miR-342-3p and SRY-related high-mobility-group box (SOX12) expression quantification, and cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry were used for the determination of AML cell growth, cycle, and apoptosis. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was further carried out to identify the targeted association between miR-342-3p and SOX12 mRNA 3

′

UTR after prediction by a bioinformatics website. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to analyze the connection between miR-342-3p and SOX12 expressions. The LinkedOmics database was utilized to explore the downstream pathways in which SOX12 was enriched. Results. Evidently downregulated plasma miR-342-3p and markedly elevated SOX12 were observed in AML patients versus healthy individuals. miR-342-3p mimics suppressed AML cell growth, enhanced apoptosis, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest; conversely, enhanced capacity of AML cells to proliferate, suppressed apoptosis, and accelerated cell cycle were observed after treatment with miR-342-3p inhibitors. SOX12 was confirmed as miR-342-3p’s target gene. Overexpressing or knocking down SOX12 reversed miR-342-3p’s impacts on AML cell growth, apoptosis, and cycle. Upregulated SOX12 was positively related to DNA replication and RNA polymerase signaling pathways. Conclusion. miR-342-3p affects apoptosis of AML cells and their ability to proliferate via targeted regulation of SOX12.
Advances in Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Biosensor Technologies for Cancer Cell Detection
Authors: Karki Bhishma , Uniyal Arun , Pal Amrindra , Srivastava Vivek
Published: September 2022

Efforts have been made to enhance the surface sensitivity of the conventional surface plasmon resonance biosensor. To improve the sensitivity, a unique two-dimensional heterostructure layer of titanium disilicide and black phosphorus layer has been deposited over the metal surface. The titanium disilicide (TiSi2) nanosheet is placed in between silver (Ag) and black phosphorus (BP) films in the Kretschmann arrangement. This biosensor executes better over a wide range of refractive index variations, including biological cell distribution in individual blood. It may become a fast method of detecting cancerous cells and the several variants of corona and other viruses that become pandemic. Using the finite element method-based simulation technique, the sensitivity obtained as 195.4 degree/RIU, 167.6 degree/RIU, 212.4 degree/RIU, 168.4 degree/RIU, 212.4 degree/RIU, 186.6 degree/RIU, 218.6 degree/RIU, 195.4 degree/RIU, 203.6 degree/RIU, 202.6 degree/RIU 203.6 degree/RIU, and 202.6 for basal (skin cancer), basal (normal cell), HeLa (cervical cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), HeLa (normal cell), Jurkat (blood cancer), Jurkat (normal cell), PCI-2 (adrenal gland cancer), PCI-2 (normal cell), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), MDA-MB-231 (normal cell), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and MCF-7 (normal cell), respectively, and other performance parameters such as detection accuracy, figure of merit, and full width and half maximum (FWHM) are also evaluated.
A Passive Vibration Control Method of Modular Space Structures Based on Band Gap Optimization
Authors: Zhu Juntao , Li Tuanjie , Li Bo , Tang Yaqiong , Wang Zuowei , Duan Qingjuan
Published: September 2022

Modular space structure has become a research hotspot in the aerospace field. In the microgravity and weak damping space environment, modular space structures may continuously vibrate due to the transient excitation caused by satellite attitude adjustment or space debris impact, which will make the structure unstable. Therefore, a passive vibration control method based on band gap design is proposed for the modular space structures. Firstly, a modular spectral element model based on the super element is established, and the modular spectral element model is expanded into modular space structures. Then, band gap characteristics of the modular space structure are analyzed and optimized to improve the wave isolation ability. The numerical simulation shows that the elastic wave in the band gap can be effectively isolated and the band gap is significantly improved by optimizing structural parameters.
Effect of the Field of View Size on CBCT Artifacts Caused by the Presence of Metal Objects in the Exomass
Authors: Safi Yaser , Ghazizadeh Ahsaie Mitra , Jafarian Amiri Maede
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim. This study aimed to assess the effect of the size of the field of view (FOV) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) artifacts caused by metal objects in the exomass. Materials and Methods. In this in vitro experimental study, titanium implants, teeth with cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) intracanal posts, and teeth with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) amalgam restorations were placed in an empty socket of the extracted third molar of a human mandible. These metallic materials were differently arranged in the exomass (zone outside of the FOV). A polypropylene tube containing dipotassium phosphate was placed in the empty socket of the right canine tooth in a dry human mandible. CBCT scans were taken with a NewTom VGI (Verona, Italy) scanner using a 6 × 6 cm and an 8 × 8 cm FOV. The histogram tool of OnDemand software (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea) was used to select circles with a 1.5 mm diameter as the (ROI) at the center of the homogenous solution of dipotassium phosphate tube on the axial plane. The mean gray value (GV) and its standard deviation (SD) in the region of interest (ROI) were calculated (

P
>
0.05

). The data were analyzed by SPSS 26. Results. The reduction in the size of the FOV significantly decreased the mean GV (

P
<
0.001

). Metal objects in the exomass significantly decreased the mean GV (

P
<
0.001

), and minimum mean GV and maximum SD were recorded for amalgam, followed by Co-Cr intracanal posts, and titanium implants. The unilateral presence of a metal object was associated with a higher mean GV and lower SD (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Using a smaller FOV increases the size of the exomass, which may negatively affect the image quality. Metal objects in the exomass decrease the GV of CBCT scans and adversely affect the image quality.
Telematics Collaborative Resource Allocation Algorithm Based on Cloud Sidecar
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Shao Yanling , Liu Xing , Han Yibo
Published: September 2022

This paper provides an in-depth study and analysis of a distributed allocation algorithm for collaborative resources for cloud-edge-vehicle-based Telematics. The approach starts from the emerging application of urban environmental monitoring based on vehicular networking, with an integrated design of data sensing detection and transmission, and collaborative monitoring of vehicle swarm intelligence based on urban air quality collection to avoid redundancy of information and communication overload. A hybrid routing method with minimal delay for reliable data transmission is proposed. The power adjustment algorithm divides the channel into 3 states. When the CBR is less than 0.5, the channel is in an idle state, and when the CBR is greater than 0.5 and less than 0.8, the channel is in an active state. The algorithm designs redundancy strategies based on coding mechanisms to improve the reliability of data transmission, combines coding mechanisms with routing design, incorporates routing switching ideas, and performs probability-based routing decisions to minimize the delay. In straight-line road sections, a fuzzy logic prediction-based vehicle adaptive connectivity clustering routing algorithm is proposed to reduce the communication overhead during vehicle collaboration and ensure high network connectivity; at intersections, a probability-based minimum delay routing decision algorithm is proposed to reduce the information transmission delay. Experiments show that the proposed method effectively improves the efficiency of data-aware collection and transmission, and increases the reliability of transmission. With the explosive growth of video services, the problem of intelligent transmission of DASH-based video streams has become another research hotspot in mobile edge networks. Based on the edge container cloud architecture of vehicular networking, the resource constraints of microservices when deployed in the edge cloud platform were analyzed, and a multi-objective optimization model for microservice resource scheduling was established with the comprehensive performance objectives of shortest microservice invocation distance, highest resource utilization of physical machine clusters, and ensuring load balancing as much as possible.
Cuprotosis-Related Genes: Predicting Prognosis and Immunotherapy Sensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Xu Yingkun , Li Han , Lan Ailin , Wu Qiulin , Tang Zhenrong , Shu Dan , Tan Zhaofu , Liu Xin , Liu Yang , Liu Shengchun
Published: September 2022

Based on TCGA, GTEx, and TIMER databases and various bioinformatics analysis methods, the potential biological roles of cuprotosis-related genes in pancreatic cancer were deeply explored, and a predictive model for pancreatic cancer patients was constructed. We downloaded the RNA-Seq data and clinicopathological and predictive data of 179 pancreatic cancer tissues and 332 adjacent normal tissues from TCGA and GTEx databases. The differential expression of cuprotosis-related genes in pancreatic cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue was analyzed, and the LASSO regression algorithm was used to construct a prediction model and verify the validity of the model prediction. Based on the LASSO regression algorithm, a predictive model composed of three genes LIPT1, LIAS, and DLAT was screened. The corresponding survival curves showed that the constructed prediction model could significantly distinguish the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients, and the prognosis of patients in the high-risk group was worse (

P

 = 0.00557). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of the predictive model for predicting the 4-, 5-, and 6-year survival rates in pancreatic cancer was 0.816, 0.836, and 0.956, respectively. The AUC value of this risk model was significantly higher than 0.7, which could more accurately predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. This study determined a risk-scoring model of cuprotosis-related genes, which can provide an essential basis for judging the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.