bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of Grit and Grace: Negotiating Puberty, Surviving, and Succeeding in Professional Ballet
Authors: Mitchell Siobhan B. , Haase Anne M. , Cumming Sean P.
Published: June 2021

Experiences of puberty and how individuals adapt to puberty may be integral to success in ballet; however, there is a paucity of current research in this area. This study explores the lived experiences of nine professional ballet dancers to capture the journey of negotiating puberty in a ballet context. An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was employed with semistructured interviews utilized to gather rich, descriptive accounts from nine professional ballet dancers from the United Kingdom and United States. Lived experiences were characterized by conflict and struggle, coming to terms with physical changes and possessing grit and grace in order to successfully negotiate puberty, and to succeed and survive in professional ballet. Accepting physical and esthetic strengths and weaknesses and learning how to adapt or how to compensate for weaknesses was described as pivotal. Factors such as social support, the timing and extent of pubertal changes, dance teacher behaviors, and the ballet training context influenced the extent to which dancers experienced conflict and struggle and how easily they were able to come to terms with their adult physique. Further research is needed to explore the implications of maturing and developing within the context of ballet training and to develop strategies to better facilitate healthy development in ballet.
Development of next-generation tumor-homing induced neural stem cells to enhance treatment of metastatic cancers
Authors: Jiang Wulin , Yang Yuchen , Mercer-Smith Alison R. , Valdivia Alain , Bago Juli R. , Woodell Alex S. , Buckley Andrew A. , Marand Michael H. , Qian Li , Anders Carey K. , Hingtgen Shawn D.
Published: June 2021

Enhanced induced neural stem cell therapy shows superior efficacy in treating triple-negative breast cancer brain metastases.
Stable but not rigid: Chronic in vivo STED nanoscopy reveals extensive remodeling of spines, indicating multiple drivers of plasticity
Authors: Steffens Heinz , Mott Alexander C. , Li Siyuan , Wegner Waja , Švehla Pavel , Kan Vanessa W. Y. , Wolf Fred , Liebscher Sabine , Willig Katrin I.
Published: June 2021

STED microscopy uncovers a delicate balance of stability and volatility of stable spines in mouse cortex over 1 month.
Broadband infrared photodetection using a narrow bandgap conjugated polymer
Authors: Vella Jarrett H. , Huang Lifeng , Eedugurala Naresh , Mayer Kevin S. , Ng Tse Nga , Azoulay Jason D.
Published: June 2021

A conjugated polymer semiconductor enables room temperature infrared photodetection from the short- to long-wave infrared.
Combined tumor-directed recruitment and protection from immune suppression enable CAR T cell efficacy in solid tumors
Authors: Cadilha Bruno L. , Benmebarek Mohamed-Reda , Dorman Klara , Oner Arman , Lorenzini Theo , Obeck Hannah , Vänttinen Mira , Di Pilato Mauro , Pruessmann Jasper N. , Stoiber Stefan , Huynh Duc , Märkl Florian , Seifert Matthias , Manske Katrin , Suarez-Gosalvez Javier , Zeng Yi , Lesch Stefanie , Karches Clara H. , Heise Constanze , Gottschlich Adrian , Thomas Moritz , Marr Carsten , Zhang Jin , Pandey Dharmendra , Feuchtinger Tobias , Subklewe Marion , Mempel Thorsten R. , Endres Stefan , Kobold Sebastian
Published: June 2021

The combination of directed migration and immunosuppressive shielding enables effective T cell therapy in solid tumors.
Purification and Properties of a Novel Thermostable Galacto-Oligosaccharide-Producing (beta)-Galactosidase from Sterigmatomyces elviae CBS8119
Authors: Onishi N , Tanaka T
Published: June 2021

Volume 61, no. 11, p. 4028, column 1, line 37: "p-nitrophenyl-(beta)-d-galactopyranoside" should read "p-nitrophenyl-(beta)-d-glucopyranoside." Page 4028, column 1, line 38: "p-nitrophenyl-(beta)-l-arabinopyranoside" should read "p-nitrophenyl-(alpha)-l-arabinopyranoside." Page 4028, column 2, Table 2, last line: "PNP-(beta)-l-arabinopyranoside" should read "PNP-(alpha)-l-arabinopyranoside." Page 4028, column 2, Table 2, footnote a, line 4: "PNP-(alpha)-l-arabinopyranoside" should read "PNP-(beta)-l-arabinopyranoside." [This corrects the article on p. 4026 in vol. 61.].
Macular sensitivity assessment and fixation analysis using microperimetry in children with retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Ozen Tunay Zuhal , Idil Aysun
Published: June 2021

Background/aims

To investigate retinal sensitivity and fixation stability using microperimetry in children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

Observational case series. Totally 51 preterm children who had been followed for ROP were examined in three groups (n=17 in each group). The groups were defined as children without ROP (group 1), children with spontaneously resolved ROP (group 2) and children who had laser treatment for ROP (group 3). All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination. Macular Analyzer Integrity Assessment Microperimetry was used to analyse macular light sensitivity and fixation stability. The results were compared between groups. The measurements were also analysed according to age, gender, birth weight and gestational age.

Results

The mean age was 10.84±0.97 years, and 27 children were female. Mean average threshold (AT) for macular sensitivity was 25.5±2.1 decibel in group 1, 26.8±3.8 decibel in group 2 and 26.3±3.0 decibel in group 3. These differences were not statistically significant between the groups (p=0.067), but AT was abnormal in 29% of the whole study population. Outputs about fixation stability were similar between the three groups but fixation was unstable in 27% of the subjects. Mean AT was better in children ≥11 years old compared with the younger ones (p=0.022).

Conclusion

Preterm children may have some abnormalities in macular light sensitivity and fixation stability. These abnormalities may be more prominent in children less than 11 years old. ROP itself or the laser treatment seems not to affect macular light sensitivity and fixation stability.
Postoperative low molecular weight heparin bridging treatment for patients at high risk of arterial thromboembolism (PERIOP2): double blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kovacs Michael J , Wells Philip S , Anderson David R , Lazo-Langner Alejandro , Kearon Clive , Bates Shannon M , Blostein Mark , Kahn Susan R , Schulman Sam , Sabri Elham , Solymoss Susan , Ramsay Tim , Yeo Erik , Rodger Marc A
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the efficacy and safety of dalteparin postoperative bridging treatment versus placebo for patients with atrial fibrillation or mechanical heart valves when warfarin is temporarily interrupted for a planned procedure.

Design

Prospective, double blind, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

10 thrombosis research sites in Canada and India between February 2007 and March 2016.

Participants

1471 patients aged 18 years or older with atrial fibrillation or mechanical heart valves who required temporary interruption of warfarin for a procedure.

Intervention

Random assignment to dalteparin (n=821; one patient withdrew consent immediately after randomisation) or placebo (n=650) after the procedure.

Main outcome measures

Major thromboembolism (stroke, transient ischaemic attack, proximal deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, peripheral embolism, or vascular death) and major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria within 90 days of the procedure.

Results

The rate of major thromboembolism within 90 days was 1.2% (eight events in 650 patients) for placebo and 1.0% (eight events in 820 patients) for dalteparin (P=0.64, risk difference −0.3%, 95% confidence interval −1.3 to 0.8). The rate of major bleeding was 2.0% (13 events in 650 patients) for placebo and 1.3% (11 events in 820 patients) for dalteparin (P=0.32, risk difference −0.7, 95% confidence interval −2.0 to 0.7). The results were consistent for the atrial fibrillation and mechanical heart valves groups.

Conclusions

In patients with atrial fibrillation or mechanical heart valves who had warfarin interrupted for a procedure, no significant benefit was found for postoperative dalteparin bridging to prevent major thromboembolism.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov
NCT00432796
.
Sudden death in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heilbrunn Emily S , Ssentongo Paddy , Chinchilli Vernon M , Oh John , Ssentongo Anna E
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Over 1 billion individuals worldwide experience some form of sleep apnoea, and this number is steadily rising. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can negatively influence one’s quality of life and potentially increase mortality risk. However, the association between OSA and mortality has not been reliably estimated. This meta-analysis estimates the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with OSA.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice databases were searched from inception through 1 January 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included observational studies assessing the association of sudden deaths in individuals with and without OSA.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers (AES and ESH) extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool. Data were pooled using the random-effects models and reported as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was quantified with I2statistic.

Results

We identified 22 observational studies (n=42 099 participants). The mean age was 62 years and 64% were men. OSA was associated with all-cause sudden death (RR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.10, I2=72%) and cardiovascular mortality (RR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.39 to 2.70, I2=32%). A marginally significant dose–response relationship between severity of OSA and the risk of death was observed (p for interaction=0.05): mild OSA (RR=1.16, 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.93), moderate OSA (RR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.67) and severe OSA (RR=2.87, 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.85). Meta-regression analysis showed that older age was a significant contributing factor in the relationship between OSA and mortality. The median study methodological quality was considered high.

Conclusions

OSA is a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality. Prevention and treatment strategies to optimise survival and quality of life in individuals with OSA are urgently needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020164941.
Effect of a narrative intervention on individual-level abortion stigma: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sackeim Maryl Goldberg , Lee Soo Young , Newton Sara , Lauderdale Diane , Gilliam Melissa
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a narrative intervention on individual-level abortion stigma in patients undergoing abortion.

Study design

This randomised controlled trial examined individual-level abortion stigma and psychological distress among patients undergoing outpatient abortion. Patients were randomised to a narrative intervention verus usual care. The intervention consisted of viewing a digital narrative and responding to a writing prompt. Abortion stigma was measured using the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale (ILAS) and psychological distress was assessed with a modified Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) at baseline and after 2 weeks. The primary outcome compared change in ILAS score from baseline to follow-up between groups. The secondary outcome compared change in the modified POMS-SF score.

Results

We randomised 215 participants. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Overall baseline stigma scores were low. The study groups did not differ significantly in the primary ILAS outcome (mean change=0.07 in both groups with score range 0 to 3.5, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.11, p=0.98). There was also no significant difference in the secondary modified POMS-SF outcome (mean change −0.64 for the intervention group and −0.65 for the control group with score range −8 to 8, 95% CI -1.10 to 1.12, p=0.98). Black participants, comprising the majority, demonstrated lower levels of individual-level abortion stigma and psychological distress at baseline than participants identifying with any other race (mean baseline ILAS score of 0.70 vs 1.00 and mean modified POMS-SF score of −3.00 vs −1.45, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.46 and 95% CI 0.28 to 2.01, p=0.001 and p=0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients who participated in a narrative intervention did not score lower on an individual-level abortion stigma scale compared with a control group at 2-week follow-up. Demographic characteristics may predict levels of individual-level abortion stigma and psychological distress among patients seeking abortion.
Study of N-doping in (Bi2MoO6, MoO3)/SnOx:N photocatalys in the degradation of RhB using visible light
Authors: Feng David Jui-Yang , Lai Chien-Yu , Shih Ming-Chang , Yang Millie , Lan Wen-How , Wang Mu-Chun , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: June 2021

Novel composites operating in visible light (VL) energy are an important issue in photon excited system. The (Bi2MoO6, MoO3)/SnO[Formula: see text]:N composite photocatalysts were prepared by the one-step spray pyrolysis method. The effect of N-doping in SnO[Formula: see text] layer with controlled N/Sn ratio in precursor to the photocatalystic ability of the composite was studied. The photocatalytic ability of the composites was evaluated by photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light emitting diode illumination. The composites were characterized by film optical absorption analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Film with suitable N-doping shows the improved visible-light photocatalytic ability with rate constant 0.019 min[Formula: see text]. With the electrical property of SnO[Formula: see text]:N films and the scavenger analysis of the composites, the photocatalytic mechanism was discussed.
Quantum generative adversarial networks for learning and loading quantum image in noisy environment
Authors: Ren Wanghao , Li Zhiming , Huang Yiming , Guo Runqiu , Feng Lansheng , Li Hailing , Li Yang , Li Xiaoyu
Published: June 2021

Quantum machine learning is expected to be one of the potential applications that can be realized in the near future. Finding potential applications for it has become one of the hot topics in the quantum computing community. With the increase of digital image processing, researchers try to use quantum image processing instead of classical image processing to improve the ability of image processing. Inspired by previous studies on the adversarial quantum circuit learning, we introduce a quantum generative adversarial framework for loading and learning a quantum image. In this paper, we extend quantum generative adversarial networks to the quantum image processing field and show how to learning and loading an classical image using quantum circuits. By reducing quantum gates without gradient changes, we reduced the number of basic quantum building block from 15 to 13. Our framework effectively generates pure state subject to bit flip, bit phase flip, phase flip, and depolarizing channel noise. We numerically simulate the loading and learning of classical images on the MINST database and CIFAR-10 database. In the quantum image processing field, our framework can be used to learn a quantum image as a subroutine of other quantum circuits. Through numerical simulation, our method can still quickly converge under the influence of a variety of noises.
Conductive Nanomaterials used in Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Goklany Sheba
Published: June 2021

Biofabrication for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field that incorporates bioprinting or bioassembly for the development of biologically functional products with structural organization using cells, bioactive molecules, and biomaterials. Bioprinting is a biofabrication technology that utilizes biomaterials, living cells, and supporting materials, called bioink, to generate three-dimensional tissue constructs. Bioprinting offers several advantages over traditional scaffolding and microengineering methods such as precise architecture control, high reproducibility, and versatility. The ideal bioink should possess appropriate structural, mechanical, gelation, rheological, chemical, biological, degradation, and biomimetic properties for the desired application of the final product. Several natural and synthetic bioinks have been developed and this review has focused on conductive nanomaterials that have been used in combination with hydrogel materials for bioink synthesis.
The seismic structure of the Antarctic upper mantle
Authors: Wiens Douglas A. , Shen Weisen , Lloyd Andrew J.
Published: June 2021

The deployment of seismic stations and the development of ambient noise tomography as well as new analysis methods provide an opportunity for higher-resolution imaging of Antarctica. Here we review recent seismic structure models and describe their implications for the dynamics and history of the Antarctic upper mantle. Results show that most of East Antarctica is underlain by continental lithosphere to depths of approximately 200 km. The thickest lithosphere is found in a band 500–1000 km inboard from the Transantarctic Mountains, representing the continuation of cratonic lithosphere with Australian affinity beneath the ice. Dronning Maud Land and the Lambert Graben show much thinner lithosphere, consistent with Phanerozoic lithospheric disruption. The Transantarctic Mountains mark a sharp boundary between cratonic lithosphere and the warmer upper mantle of West Antarctica. In the southern Transantarctic Mountains, cratonic lithosphere has been replaced by warm asthenosphere, giving rise to Cenozoic volcanism and an elevated mountainous region. The Marie Byrd Land volcanic dome is underlain by slow seismic velocities extending through the transition zone, consistent with a mantle plume. Slow-velocity anomalies beneath the coast from the Amundsen Sea Embayment to the Antarctic Peninsula are likely to result from upwelling of warm asthenosphere during subduction of the Antarctic–Phoenix spreading centre.
Interfacial Effects on Transport Coefficient Measurements in Li-ion Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Bergstrom Helen K. , Fong Kara D. , McCloskey Bryan D.
Published: June 2021

Development of Li+-containing electrolytes with improved transport properties requires reliable, reproducible, and ideally low volume techniques to rigorously understand ion-transport with varying composition. Precisely measuring the complete set of transport coefficients in liquid electrolytes under battery-relevant operating conditions is difficult and the reliability of these methods are sparsely described in electrolyte transport literature. In this work, we apply a potentiostatic polarization-based transport characterization approach typically used for polymer electrolytes to liquid electrolyte systems in an attempt to fully measure all transport coefficients (conductivity, total salt diffusion coefficient, thermodynamic factor and transference number) for the model system of LiPF6 in an ethylene carbonate—ethyl methyl carbonate (EC:EMC) mixture. Using systematic timescale and statistical analyses, we find that transport coefficients measured using potentiostatic polarization of Li-Li symmetric cells exhibit strong correlation to Li electrode interfacial resistance, indicating that such methods are probing both bulk and interfacial phenomena. This reveals a major roadblock in characterizing electrolyte systems where the interfacial resistance is significantly larger than ohmic electrolyte resistance. As a result, we find that methods that rely on potentiostatic Li metal stripping/plating do not readily result in reliable liquid electrolyte transport coefficients, unlike similar methods for solid polymer electrolytes, where interfacial resistances are typically smaller than electrolyte resistances at the elevated temperatures typically of interest for such electrolytes.
CD47 and thrombospondin-1 regulation of mitochondria, metabolism, and diabetes
Authors: Roberts David D. , Isenberg Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2021

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is the prototypical member of a family of secreted proteins that modulate cell behavior by engaging with molecules in the extracellular matrix and with receptors on the cell surface. CD47 is widely displayed on many, if not all, cell types and is a high-affinity TSP1 receptor. CD47 is a marker of self that limits innate immune cell activities, a feature recently exploited to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Another major role for CD47 in health and disease is to mediate TSP1 signaling. TSP1 acting through CD47 contributes to mitochondrial, metabolic, and endocrine dysfunction. Studies in animal models found that elevated TSP1 expression, acting in part through CD47, causes mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction. Clinical studies established that abnormal TSP1 expression positively correlates with obesity, fatty liver disease, and diabetes. The unabated increase in these conditions worldwide and the availability of CD47 targeting drugs justify a closer look into how TSP1 and CD47 disrupt metabolic balance and the potential for therapeutic intervention.
State-dependent entrainment of cerebellar nuclear neurons to the local field potential during voluntary movements
Authors: Baumel Yuval , Cohen Dana
Published: June 2021

We studied the interaction between single neurons and the LFP in the cerebellar nuclei of freely moving rats. We show that during movement, the neurons oscillated in the theta frequency band contingent on the concurrent LFP oscillation power in the same band; the neurons oscillated primarily when the LFP power was either high or low. We are the first to demonstrate a nonlinear, state-dependent entrainment of single neurons to the LFP.
Hand pose selection in a bimanual fine-manipulation task
Authors: Yao Kunpeng , Sternad Dagmar , Billard Aude
Published: June 2021

We study hand poses selection in bimanual fine motor skills. To understand how roles and control variables are distributed across the hands and fingers, we compared two conditions when unscrewing a screw from a watch face. When the watch face needed positioning, role distribution was strongly influenced by hand dominance; when the watch face was stationary, a variety of hand pose combinations emerged. Control of independent task demands is distributed either across hands or across distinct groups of fingers.
Classification of Shellfish Recognition Based on Improved Faster R-CNN Framework of Deep Learning
Authors: Feng Yiran , Tao Xueheng , Lee Eung-Joo
Published: June 2021

In view of the current absence of any deep learning algorithm for shellfish identification in real contexts, an improved Faster R-CNN-based detection algorithm is proposed in this paper. It achieves multiobject recognition and localization through a second-order detection network and replaces the original feature extraction module with DenseNet, which can fuse multilevel feature information, increase network depth, and avoid the disappearance of network gradients. Meanwhile, the proposal merging strategy is improved with Soft-NMS, where an attenuation function is designed to replace the conventional NMS algorithm, thereby avoiding missed detection of adjacent or overlapping objects and enhancing the network detection accuracy under multiple objects. By constructing a real contexts shellfish dataset and conducting experimental tests on a vision recognition seafood sorting robot production line, we were able to detect the features of shellfish in different scenarios, and the detection accuracy was improved by nearly 4% compared to the original detection model, achieving a better detection accuracy. This provides favorable technical support for future quality sorting of seafood using the improved Faster R-CNN-based approach.
A Sustainable Design Strategy Based on Building Morphology to Improve the Microclimate of University Campuses in Cold Regions of China Using an Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Shuo , Cui Peng , Mei Hongyuan
Published: June 2021

The microclimate affects the quality and efficiency of outdoor spaces of campuses, especially in the cold regions of China. In this paper, we propose a multiobjective optimization method to improve the thermal comfort of the outdoor environment of university campuses in severe cold regions. We used morphology data from 41 universities in the cold region of China to create a layout prototype of a campus cluster. Multiobjective optimization was used, and the effects of sunlight, solar radiation, and wind on the outdoor thermal comfort in winter were considered. A parameterized platform was established for the multiobjective optimization of the microclimate of the simplified model of the campus. A multiobjective optimization based on an evolutionary algorithm was used to obtain 108 groups of nondominated solutions. The optimum outdoor microclimate of the campus was obtained at a building density of 0.21–0.23, a plot ratio of 1.51–1.88, and a road width of 11–14 m. We recommend that buildings are designed based on the wind direction in winter and that the space between buildings is increased.
miR-302d Competitively Binding with the lncRNA-341 Targets TLE4 in the Process of SSC Generation
Authors: Zhang Yani , Zhang Wenhui , Hu Cai , Wang Yingjie , Wang Man , Zuo Qisheng , Elsayed Ahmed Kamel , Li Yi , Li Bichun
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential factors in the reproductive process of poultry. Here, we found miR-302d is a potential differentiation and negative factor of chicken embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs). The competition mechanism was carried out for the preliminary exploration to determine the relationship among miR-302d, lncRNA-341(interacting with miR-302d), and target gene TLE4. The results showed that lncRNA-341 can competitively bind to miR-302d to decrease the targeted binding of miR-302d and TLE4 which promotes the differentiation of chicken SSCs. Moreover, it is suggested that miR-302d may participate in the Wnt signaling pathway through TLE4.
A Novel Group Decision‐Making Method Based on Generalized Distance Measures of PLTSs on E‐Commerce Shopping
Authors: Wang Juxiang , Yuan Jian , Zhang Jiajing , Tang Miao
Published: June 2021

In multiattribute group decision‐making (MAGDM), due to quantity, fuzziness, and complexity of evaluation linguistic information on commodities, traditional distance measures need to be extended to the integration of evaluation information under a multigranular probabilistic linguistic environment. A more reasonable method is proposed to deal with the missing value in the evaluation information. On the basis of the generalized distance measures and filling in the missing evaluation information, some novel distance measures between two multigranular probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) are presented in this paper. Based on these distance measures, three extended decision‐making (DM) algorithms based on TOPSIS, the extended TOPSIS, and VIKOR are proposed, which are MGPL‐TOPSIS, MGPL‐ETOPSIS, and MGPL‐VIKOR, respectively. The case analyses on purchasing a car are provided to illustrate the application of the extended multiattribute group decision‐making (MAGDM) algorithms. Then, sensitivity analyses based on PT are proposed as well. In particular, the extended TOPSIS method is presented. These results demonstrate the novelty, feasibility, and rationality of the distance measures between two multigranular PLTSs proposed in this paper.
Laboratory Study on the Effect of Fluid Pressurization Rate on Fracture Instability
Authors: Wang Xinyao , Gao Quanchen , Li Xiao , Liu Dianzhu
Published: June 2021

Fluid injection-induced earthquakes have been a scientific and social issue of wide concern, and fluid pressurization rate may be an important inducement. Therefore, a series of stepwise and conventional injection-induced shear tests were carried out under different fluid pressurization rates and effective normal stresses. The results show that the magnitude of fluid pressure is the main factor controlling the initiation of fracture slipping. The contribution of fluid pressure heterogeneity and permeability evolution on the initiation of fracture slipping is different with the increase of fluid pressurization rate. When the fluid pressurization rate is small, permeability evolution plays a dominant role. On the contrary, the fluid pressure heterogeneity plays a dominant role. The increase of fluid pressurization rate may lead to the transition from creep slip mode to slow stick-slip mode. Under the laboratory scale, the fluid pressure heterogeneity causes the coulomb failure stress to increase by about one times than the predicted value at the initiation of fracture slipping, and the coulomb stress increment threshold of 1.65 MPa is disadvantageous to the fracture stability.
Prevalence of Postoperative Infection after Tooth Extraction: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yue Yi Elaine Kueh , Siew Ying Annabelle Lai , Mohan Mandakini , Menon Rohit Kunnath
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to identify the postoperative infection rates after tooth extraction in a university dental clinic and to identify the factors associated with an increased risk for postoperative infection. A retrospective study of case records of patients who underwent tooth extractions at the International Medical University’s Oral Health Centre (IMU-OHC) over a span of 6 years was conducted. Data on demography, patient-related factors, and treatment-related factors were extracted from the case records. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the odds ratio of a patient having a postoperative infection or not, comparing it with each variable. A total of 1821 extractions, including simple and complex extractions, were performed over 6 years. Only 25 (1.4%) of the cases were reported to have a postoperative infection. The complexity of the extraction was the only variable that significantly affected the occurrence of postoperative infection after extraction; more complex extractions were reported with higher rates of infection (binary logistic regression, OR = 2.03,

p

 = 0.004). None of the other factors, including antibiotic prescription, had a significant influence on the occurrence of postoperative infection. The prevalence of postoperative infection after dental extractions was low in IMU-OHC, and prescribing antibiotics had no added advantage in the prevention of postoperative infection.
Experimental Study of H‐Shaped Honeycombed Stub Columns with Rectangular Concrete‐Filled Steel Tube Flanges Subjected to Axial Load
Authors: Ji Jing , Yang Maomao , Xu Zhichao , Jiang Liangqin , Song Huayu
Published: June 2021

The behavior of H‐shaped honeycombed stub columns with rectangular concrete‐filled steel tube flanges (STHCCs) subjected to axial load was investigated experimentally. A total of 16 specimens were studied, and the main parameters varied in the tests included the confinement effect coefficient of the steel tube (ξ), the concrete cubic compressive strength (fcu), the steel web thickness (t2), and the slenderness ratio of specimens (λs). Failure modes, load‐displacement curves, load‐strain curves of the steel tube flanges and webs, and force mechanisms were obtained by means of axial compression tests. The parameter influences on the axial compression bearing capacity and ductility were then analyzed. The results showed that rudder slip diagonal lines occur on the steel tube outer surface and the concrete‐filled steel tube flanges of all specimens exhibit shear failure. Specimen load‐displacement curves can be broadly divided into elastic deformation, elastic‐plastic deformation, and load descending and residual deformation stages. The specimen axial compression bearing capacity and ductility increase with increasing ξ, and the axial compression bearing capacity increases gradually with increasing fcu, whereas the ductility decreases. The ductility significantly improves with increasing t2, whereas the axial compression bearing capacity increases slightly. The axial compression bearing capacity decreases gradually with increasing λs, whereas the ductility increases. An analytical expression for the STHCC short column axial compression bearing capacity is established by introducing a correction function (w), which has good agreement with experimental results. Finally, several design guidelines are suggested, which can provide a foundation for the popularization and application of this kind of novel composite column in practical engineering projects.
Discrimination of Fresh Tobacco Leaves with Different Maturity Levels by Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy and Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Yi , Bin Jun , Zou Congming , Ding Mengjiao
Published: June 2021

The maturity affects the yield, quality, and economic value of tobacco leaves. Leaf maturity level discrimination is an important step in manual harvesting. However, the maturity judgment of fresh tobacco leaves by grower visual evaluation is subjective, which may lead to quality loss and low prices. Therefore, an objective and reliable discriminant technique for tobacco leaf maturity level based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with a deep learning approach of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is proposed in this study. To assess the performance of the proposed maturity discriminant model, four conventional multiclass classification approaches—K-nearest neighbor (KNN), backpropagation neural network (BPNN), support vector machine (SVM), and extreme learning machine (ELM)—were employed for a comparative analysis of three categories (upper, middle, and lower position) of tobacco leaves. Experimental results showed that the CNN discriminant models were able to precisely classify the maturity level of tobacco leaves for the above three data sets with accuracies of 96.18%, 95.2%, and 97.31%, respectively. Moreover, the CNN models with strong feature extraction and learning ability were superior to the KNN, BPNN, SVM, and ELM models. Thus, NIR spectroscopy combined with CNN is a promising alternative to overcome the limitations of sensory assessment for tobacco leaf maturity level recognition. The development of a maturity-distinguishing model can provide an accurate, reliable, and scientific auxiliary means for tobacco leaf harvesting.
Correlation Analysis between the Viral Load and the Progression of COVID-19
Authors: Chen Wenyu , Xiao Qinfeng , Fang Zhixian , Lv Xiaodong , Yao Ming , Deng Min
Published: June 2021

Objectives. This study is aimed at exploring the relationship of the viral load of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and investigating the dynamic change of patients’ viral load during the conversion from mild COVID-19 to severe COVID-19, so as to clarify the correlation between the viral load and progression of COVID-19. Methods. This paper included 38 COVID-19 patients admitted to the First Hospital of Jiaxing from January 28, 2020, to March 6, 2020, and they were clinically classified according to the Guidelines on the Novel Coronavirus-Infected Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment. According to the instructions of the Nucleic Acid Detection Kit for the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), respiratory tract specimens (throat swabs) were collected from patients for nucleic acid testing. Patients’ lymphocyte count and neutrophil count were determined by blood routine examination, and CRP was measured by biochemical test. Results. The results of our study suggested that the cycle threshold (Ct) value of Nucleocapsid protein (N) gene examined by nucleic acid test was markedly positively correlated with lymphocyte count (

p
=
0.0445

,

R

2

=
0.1203

), but negatively correlated with neutrophil count (

p
=
0.0446

,

R

2

=
0.1167

) and CRP (

p
=
0.0393

,

R

2

=
0.1261

), which indicated that patients with a higher viral load tended to have lower lymphocyte count but higher neutrophil count and CRP. Additionally, we detected the dynamic change of Ct value in patients who developed into a severe case, finding that viral load of 3 patients increased before disease progression, whereas this phenomenon was not found in 2 patients with underlying diseases. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated that viral load of SARS-CoV-2 is significantly negatively correlated with lymphocyte count, but markedly positively correlated with neutrophil count and CRP. The rise of viral load is very likely to be the key factor leading to the overloading of the body’s immune response and resulting in the disease progression into severe disease.
Prediction of Financial Time Series Based on LSTM Using Wavelet Transform and Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Tang Qi , Shi Ruchen , Fan Tongmei , Ma Yidan , Huang Jingyan
Published: June 2021

In order to further overcome the difficulties of the existing models in dealing with the nonstationary and nonlinear characteristics of high-frequency financial time series data, especially their weak generalization ability, this paper proposes an ensemble method based on data denoising methods, including the wavelet transform (WT) and singular spectrum analysis (SSA), and long-term short-term memory neural network (LSTM) to build a data prediction model. The financial time series is decomposed and reconstructed by WT and SSA to denoise. Under the condition of denoising, the smooth sequence with effective information is reconstructed. The smoothing sequence is introduced into LSTM and the predicted value is obtained. With the Dow Jones industrial average index (DJIA) as the research object, the closing price of the DJIA every five minutes is divided into short term (1 hour), medium term (3 hours), and long term (6 hours), respectively. Based on root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and absolute percentage error standard deviation (SDAPE), the experimental results show that in the short term, medium term, and long term, data denoising can greatly improve the stability of the prediction and can effectively improve the generalization ability of LSTM prediction model. As WT and SSA can extract useful information from the original sequence and avoid overfitting, the hybrid model can better grasp the sequence pattern of the closing price of the DJIA.
Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Investigate the Molecular Targets of Rhubarb for Treating Cancer
Authors: Jiang Lan , Shi Zhongquan , Yang Yi
Published: June 2021

Background. As a traditional Chinese medicine, rhubarb (also named Dahuang) is used to treat various diseases. Objective. To explore the possible antitumor mechanism of rhubarb by using network pharmacology and molecular docking in this study. Methods. Bioactive ingredients and related targets of rhubarb were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. And the gene names corresponding to the proteins were found in the UniProt database. Then, the tumor-related targets were screened out from GeneCards and OMIM databases. Key antitumor targets of rhubarb were acquired by overlapping the above targets via the Venn diagram. The antitumor targets network of rhubarb active components was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.6.0 software. The protein interactions network was constructed using the STRING database. The GO and KEGG pathways involved in the targets were analyzed by using the DAVID database. Autodock Vina software was used to verify the molecular docking of rhubarb components and key targets. Results. Through screening and analysis, 10 active ingredients and 58 antitumor prediction targets were obtained and constructed a compound-target network. The targets such as CASP3, JUN, MYC, TNF, and PTGS2 may play a crucial role. These targets are involved in cancer pathway, calcium signaling pathway, cell apoptosis, small-cell lung cancer pathway, p53 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. The docking results indicated that the rhein binding with the CASP3 showed the highest binding energy. Conclusion. Based on the network pharmacology, the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway of rhubarb were discussed, which provided a scientific basis for explaining the mechanism in treating cancer and new ideas for further research.
60 Years Young: The Evolving Role of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Cieri Nicoletta , Maurer Katie , Wu Catherine J.
Published: June 2021

The year 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to E. Donnall Thomas for the development of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) to treat hematologic malignancies and other blood disorders. Dr. Thomas, “father of bone marrow transplantation,” first developed and reported this technique in 1957, and in the ensuing decades, this seminal study has impacted fundamental work in hematology and cancer research, including advances in hematopoiesis, stem cell biology, tumor immunology, and T-cell biology. As the first example of cancer immunotherapy, understanding the mechanisms of antitumor biology associated with allo-HSCT has given rise to many of the principles used today in the development and implementation of novel transformative immunotherapies. Here we review the historical basis underpinning the development of allo-HSCT as well as advances in knowledge obtained by defining mechanisms of allo-HSCT activity. We review how these principles have been translated to novel immunotherapies currently utilized in clinical practice and describe potential future applications for allo-HSCT in cancer research and development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Bispecific Immunomodulatory Antibodies for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Blanco Belén , Domínguez-Alonso Carmen , Alvarez-Vallina Luis
Published: June 2021

The recent advances in the field of immuno-oncology have dramatically changed the therapeutic strategy against advanced malignancies. Bispecific antibody-based immunotherapies have gained momentum in preclinical and clinical investigations following the regulatory approval of the T cell–redirecting antibody blinatumomab. In this review, we focus on emerging and novel mechanisms of action of bispecific antibodies interacting with immune cells with at least one of their arms to regulate the activity of the immune system by redirecting and/or reactivating effector cells toward tumor cells. These molecules, here referred to as bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies, have the potential to improve clinical efficacy and safety profile and are envisioned as a second wave of cancer immunotherapies. Currently, there are more than 50 bispecific antibodies under clinical development for a range of indications, with promising signs of therapeutic activity. We also discuss two approaches for in vivo secretion, direct gene delivery, and infusion of ex vivo gene-modified cells, which may become instrumental for the clinical application of next-generation bispecific immunomodulatory antibodies.
Ibrutinib Restores Tumor-specific Adaptive Immunity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Zent Clive S.
Published: June 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by early and profound immune suppression and reversal of these effects is essential to improve patient outcome. Targeted therapy with small-molecule inhibitors such as ibrutinib is highly effective and tolerable. Emerging data suggest that patients with CLL responding to ibrutinib therapy can recover anti-CLL adaptive immune cytotoxicity.

See related article by Baptista et al., p. 4624
Targeting the T-Cell Lymphoma Epigenome Induces Cell Death, Cancer Testes Antigens, Immune-Modulatory Signaling Pathways
Authors: Scotto Luigi , Kinahan Cristina , Douglass Eugene , Deng Changchun , Safari Maryam , Casadei Beatrice , Marchi Enrica , Lue Jennifer K. , Montanari Francesca , Falchi Lorenzo , Qiao Changhong , Renu Nandakumar , Bates Susan E. , Califano Andrea , O'Connor Owen A.
Published: June 2021

The peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) could be considered the prototypical epigenetic disease. As a disease, they are uniquely sensitive to histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, both alone and in combination, are characterized by a host of mutations in epigenetic genes, and can develop spontaneously in genetically engineered murine models predicated on established recurring mutations in (RHOAG17V) and TET2, an epigenetic gene governing DNA methylation. Given the clinical benefit of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) and hypomethlyation agents alone and in combination in PTCL, we sought to explore a mechanistic basis for these agents in PTCL. Herein, we reveal profound class synergy between HDAC and DNMT inhibitors in PTCL, and that the combination induces degrees of gene expression that are substantially different and more extensive than that observed for the single agents. A prominent signature of the combination relates to the transcriptional induction of cancer testis antigens and genes involved in the immune response. Interestingly, TBX21 and STAT4, master regulators of TH1 differentiation, were among the genes upregulated by the combination, suggesting the induction of a TH1-like phenotype. Moreover, suppression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism and the matrisome were also identified. We believe that these data provide a strong rationale for clinical studies, and future combinations leveraging an immunoepigenetic platform.
Gene Expression Signature Correlates with Outcomes in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Everolimus Alone or with a Vascular Disrupting Agent
Authors: Yang Eddy S. , Nassar Amin H. , Adib Elio , Jegede Opeyemi A. , Alaiwi Sarah Abou , Manna Deborah L. Della , Braun David A. , Zarei Mahsa , Du Heng , Pal Sumanta K. , Naik Gurudatta , Sonpavde Guru P.
Published: June 2021

Everolimus monotherapy use for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has diminished due to recent approvals of immune checkpoint and VEGF inhibitors. We hypothesized that gene expression associated with everolimus benefit may provide rationale to select appropriate patients. To address this hypothesis, tumors from a phase I/II trial that compared everolimus alone or with BNC105P, a vascular disrupting agent, were profiled using Nanostring as a discovery cohort. A phase III trial (CheckMate 025) was used for validation. Clinical benefit (CB) was defined as response or stable disease for ≥6 months. A propensity score covariate adjustment was used, and model discrimination performance was assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). In a discovery cohort of 82 patients, 35 (43%) were treated with everolimus alone and 47 (57%) received everolimus + BNC105P. Median PFS (mPFS) was 4.9 (95% CI, 2.8–6.2) months. A four-gene signature (ASXL1, DUSP6, ERCC2, and HSPA6) correlated with CB with everolimus ± BNC105P [AUC, 86.9% (95% CI, 79.2–94.7)]. This was validated in 130 patients from CheckMate 025 treated with everolimus [AUC, 60.2% (95% CI, 49.7–70.7)]. Among 43 patients (52.4%) with low expression of an 18-gene signature, everolimus + BNC105P was associated with significantly longer mPFS compared with everolimus alone (10.4 vs. 6.9 months; HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.24–1.002; P = 0.047). These signatures warrant further validation to select patients who may benefit from everolimus alone or with a vascular disrupting agent.
Role of Immunotherapy in Pulmonary Angiosarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Nguyen Quang Tien , Pham Anh Tuan , Nguyen Thuy Thi , Nguyen Tam Thi Thanh , Van Le Ky
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary angiosarcoma is a rare clinical entity with a poor prognosis and no established therapeutic strategies. We present the first case to our knowledge of metastatic pulmonary angiosarcoma, treated with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, and have an excellent response. Until now, patient has been treated with immunotherapy for 1 year, and his disease is stable and well-tolerated.
Amor em tempos de aplicativo: entrevista com a antropóloga Larissa Pelúcio
Authors: Pelúcio Larissa Maués , Vasconcelos Mário Fellipe Fernandes Vieira
Published: June 2021

Entrevista com Larissa Pelúcio