bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The foundation of the hyperunified field theory II — Fundamental interaction and evolving universe
Authors: Wu Yue-Liang 
Published: October 2021

In part I of the foundation of the hyperunified field theory, we have shown the presence of entangled hyperqubit-spinor field as fundamental building block with appearance of Minkowski hyper-space–time as free-motion space–time and emergence of inhomogeneous hyperspin symmetry as fundamental symmetry. In this paper as part II, we demonstrate by following along gauge invariance principle and scaling invariance hypothesis that the inhomogeneous hyperspin gauge symmetry and scaling gauge symmetry govern fundamental interactions and reveal the nature of gravity and space–time. With the fiber bundle structure of biframe hyper-space–time and emergence of noncommutative geometry, we explore methodically the gauge-geometry duality and genesis of gravitational interaction in locally flat gravigauge hyper-space–time. A whole hyperunified field theory in 19-dimensional hyper-space–time is established to unify not only all discovered leptons and quarks into hyperunified qubit-spinor field but also all known basic forces into hyperunified interaction governed by inhomogeneous hyperspin gauge symmetry. We present a systematic investigation on the hyperunified field theory by deriving the dynamics of fundamental fields as basic laws of nature and conservation laws relative to basic symmetries and showing Higgs-like bosons and three families of lepton–quark states. We provide a detailed analysis on inflationary early universe with evolving graviscalar field and a discussion on scaling gauge field as dark matter candidate and [Formula: see text]-spin scalar field as source of dark energy.
Assessing internet software engineering, encouraging competitions
Authors: Sukhov Andrei , Buzruk Vivek S. 
Published: October 2021

The
Communications
website, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
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Andrei Sukhov considers the potential for reducing international tensions through competitive events, while Vivek S. Buzruk looks at the evolution of teaching Internet software engineering.
Neuroprotective Effect of Moxibustion on Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Downregulating NR2B Expression
Authors: Di Zhong , Guo Qin , Zhang Quanai 
Published: October 2021

Objective. Stroke is a common and frequently occurring disease of the central nervous system, which is characterized by high mortality and a high disability rate. Moxibustion is a common method for treating stroke in traditional Chinese medicine, but its neuroprotective mechanism is unknown. N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunit 2B (NR2B) plays an important role in neuronal apoptosis. The objective of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of moxibustion on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury based on NR2B. Methods. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, I/R group, I/R + moxibustion group, I/R + Ro25-6981 (NR2B antagonist) group, and I/R + Ro25-6981 + moxibustion group. The cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Before the establishment of the model, the Ro25-6981 group received intraperitoneal injections of Ro25-6981, the moxibustion group received moxibustion, and the Ro25-6981 + moxibustion group received both interventions. The neurological dysfunction was evaluated by a neurological deficiency score (NDS). The infarct volume was examined by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining. The apoptosis rate of cerebral cells in the ischemic area was examined by TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) staining, and the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 was observed by western blot. NR2B and JNK were also observed by western blot. Results. Compared with the I/R group, moxibustion significantly decreased the neurological deficiency score (

P

< 0.05) and the infarct rate (

P

< 0.01) in I/R rats which were similar to those in the Ro25-6981 group. After moxibustion treatment, there was a significant decrease in the apoptosis rate (

P

< 0.001) and the protein expression levels of Bax, caspase-3, and JNK (

P

< 0.001) and an increase in the expression of Bcl-2 (

P

< 0.01). Compared with the I/R group, moxibustion downregulated the expression of NR2B and decreased the activity of NR2B in the cerebral ischemia area (

P

< 0.001). Conclusions. Moxibustion can improve neurological dysfunction and decrease infarction area and neuronal apoptosis caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Its neuroprotective mechanism may be related to downregulating the expression of NR2B.
BRD4 Regulates Transcription Factor ΔNp63α to Drive a Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype in Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Fisher Matthew L. , Balinth Seamus , Hwangbo Yon , Wu Caizhi , Ballon Carlos , Wilkinson John E. , Goldberg Gary L. , Mills Alea A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) plays a critical role in controlling the expression of genes involved in development and cancer. Inactivation of BRD4 inhibits cancer growth, making it a promising anticancer drug target. The cancer stem cell (CSC) population is a key driver of recurrence and metastasis in patients with cancer. Here we show that cancer stem-like cells can be enriched from squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and that these cells display an aggressive phenotype with enhanced stem cell marker expression, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. BRD4 is highly elevated in this aggressive subpopulation of cells, and its function is critical for these CSC-like properties. Moreover, BRD4 regulates ΔNp63α, a key transcription factor that is essential for epithelial stem cell function that is often overexpressed in cancers. BRD4 regulates an EZH2/STAT3 complex that leads to increased ΔNp63α-mediated transcription. Targeting BRD4 in human SCC reduces ΔNp63α, leading to inhibition of spheroid formation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. These studies identify a novel BRD4-regulated signaling network in a subpopulation of cancer stem-like cells, elucidating a possible avenue for effective therapeutic intervention.

Significance:
This study identifies a signaling cascade driven by BRD4 that upregulates ΔNp63α to promote cancer stem-like properties, which has potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas.
Selection Heuristics on Semantic Genetic Programming for Classification Problems
Authors: Sánchez Claudia N. , Graff Mario 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Individual semantics have been used for guiding the learning process of Genetic Programming. Novel genetic operators and different ways of performing parent selection have been proposed with the use of semantics. The latter is the focus of this contribution by proposing three heuristics for parent selection that measure the similarity among individuals' semantics for choosing parents that enhance the addition, Naive Bayes, and Nearest Centroid. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that functions' properties are used for guiding the learning process. As the heuristics were created based on the properties of these functions, we apply them only when they are used to create offspring. The similarity functions considered are the cosine similarity, Pearson's correlation, and agreement. We analyze these heuristics' performance against random selection, state-of-the-art selection schemes, and 18 classifiers, including auto-machine-learning techniques, on 30 classification problems with a variable number of samples, variables, and classes. The result indicated that the combination of parent selection based on agreement and random selection to replace an individual in the population produces statistically better results than the classical selection and state-of-the-art schemes, and it is competitive with state-of-the-art classifiers. Finally, the code is released as open-source software.
Changes in MJO Characteristics and Impacts in the Past Century
Authors: Cui Jingxuan , Li Tim 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The changes of the MJO behavior and its impact on global precipitation, precipitation extremes, and high-frequency variability during the past century (1901–2010) were investigated using the NOAA-20CR dataset. It was found that the MJO amplitude was significantly strengthened, while its eastward phase speed hardly changed. The impacts of the MJO on precipitation in South China (SC), northern Australia (AU), and California (CA) were investigated. The anomalous rainfall in the regions was strengthened from the early to late twentieth century, with the percentage increase ranging from 67% in AU to 14% in CA. A moisture budget analysis indicated that the enhanced precipitation was primarily attributed to the effect of anomalous wind while the effect of the mean moisture change was small. The impact of the local meridional wind anomaly was critical in SC, while in AU and CA the zonal wind component dominated. The precipitation extremes had a significant increase from the early to late twentieth century. The cumulative extreme precipitation amount increased by 140%–150% in SC and AU and by 100% in CA, and the number of the extreme days increased by 110% in SC and AU and 70% in CA. Such increases are consistent with the strengthening of the high-frequency (HF; with a period less than 10 days) variability across the globe. The pattern of percentage increase of the HF variability resembles the pattern of percentage increase of MJO-scale precipitation. This implies that the MJO teleconnection pattern could exert a large-scale control on the HF variability and weather extremes.
Significance Statement
The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), a dominant mode of tropical intraseasonal oscillations, plays an important role in affecting global weather and climate. To understand to what extent the MJO and associated teleconnections change with global warming, this study adopts an alternative approach by analyzing a century-long reanalysis dataset rather than the outputs of climate models that consist of large uncertainties due to poor MJO simulations. We found that MJO-induced tropical and midlatitude precipitation and associated extremes and high-frequency variabilities were strengthened during the past century while the global mean surface temperature increases approximately by 1°C. The results derived from the present study provide a basis for assessing the future MJO behavior and associated climate impacts and for improving the extended-range prediction of severe weather and climate extremes.
The Use of Expert Elicitation among Computational Modeling Studies in Health Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cadham Christopher J. , Knoll Marie , Sánchez-Romero Luz María , Cummings K. Michael , Douglas Clifford E. , Liber Alex , Mendez David , Meza Rafael , Mistry Ritesh , Sertkaya Aylin , Travis Nargiz , Levy David T. 
Published: October 2021

Background Expert elicitation (EE) has been used across disciplines to estimate input parameters for computational modeling research when information is sparse or conflictual. Objectives We conducted a systematic review to compare EE methods used to generate model input parameters in health research. Data Sources PubMed and Web of Science. Study Eligibility Modeling studies that reported the use of EE as the source for model input probabilities were included if they were published in English before June 2021 and reported health outcomes. Data Abstraction and Synthesis Studies were classified as “formal” EE methods if they explicitly reported details of their elicitation process. Those that stated use of expert opinion but provided limited information were classified as “indeterminate” methods. In both groups, we abstracted citation details, study design, modeling methodology, a description of elicited parameters, and elicitation methods. Comparisons were made between elicitation methods. Study Appraisal Studies that conducted a formal EE were appraised on the reporting quality of the EE. Quality appraisal was not conducted for studies of indeterminate methods. Results The search identified 1520 articles, of which 152 were included. Of the included studies, 40 were classified as formal EE and 112 as indeterminate methods. Most studies were cost-effectiveness analyses (77.6%). Forty-seven indeterminate method studies provided no information on methods for generating estimates. Among formal EEs, the average reporting quality score was 9 out of 16. Limitations Elicitations on nonhealth topics and those reported in the gray literature were not included. Conclusions We found poor reporting of EE methods used in modeling studies, making it difficult to discern meaningful differences in approaches. Improved quality standards for EEs would improve the validity and replicability of computational models. Highlights We find extensive use of expert elicitation for the development of model input parameters, but most studies do not provide adequate details of their elicitation methods. Lack of reporting hinders greater discussion of the merits and challenges of using expert elicitation for model input parameter development. There is a need to establish expert elicitation best practices and reporting guidelines.
Evaluation of Hospitalized Patient Outcomes in COVID-19 Infection for Continued versus Discontinued Use of Preadmission Antiplatelet Regimen
Authors: Antoniello Angela , Brophy Alison , Opsha Yekaterina 
Published: October 2021

Objective In SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, it is unclear if continuation of preadmission antiplatelet regimens upon hospitalization will improve hypercoagulability outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed adult patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection for a 6-week period from March 13, 2020, to April 27, 2020. Preadmission antiplatelet regimen continuation for less than 75% of admission was compared to continuation for at least 75% of admission. Pregnancy, either death or withdrawal of care within 24 hours of admission, and admission beyond the studied timeframe were excluded. The primary endpoint was difference in World Health Organization COVID-19 Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement values (World Health Organization [WHO] scores) between maximum score during admission to that upon discharge. Secondary endpoints were mechanical ventilation requirement, mortality, radiologically confirmed venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, and length of stay. Results: This study included 171 patients. Patients failing to continue antiplatelet regimens for at least 75% of admission (n = 76) had significantly worse WHO score differences than those who did (n = 95) (median −1 vs 2; P < .05). Mechanical ventilation requirement (57% vs 27%; P < .05) and mortality (58% vs 29%; P < .05) also favored antiplatelet continuation. All other endpoints were not significantly different. Conclusion: Significantly improved WHO scores, mechanical ventilation requirement, and mortality occurred in patients continuing preadmission antiplatelet regimens in COVID-19 infection. Future prospective studies of COVID-19 patients with consistently collected baseline hypercoagulability markers (platelets, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and coagulation studies) and similar severe disease risk factors are required to confirm potential benefits of antiplatelet therapy during hospitalization.
Bacteremia in systemic lupus erythematosus: Risk factors, clinical and microbiological characteristics, and outcomes in the largest single-center retrospective cohort in Japan
Authors: Kogami Masahiro , Abe Yoshiyuki , Shimada Yosuke , Hori Satoshi , Tada Kurisu , Yamaji Ken , Tamura Naoto 
Published: October 2021

Background In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), infections, especially bacteremia, can occur throughout the course of the disease and are often fatal. We evaluated the characteristics of patients with bacteremia and SLE. Methods In this retrospective single-center observational study, we analyzed bacteremia in 65 patients with SLE. We compared the group that survived to the group that died. To compare demographic and clinical characteristics between groups, the Mann–Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed variables. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results The median observation period was 39 (interquartile range: 6–74) months. The median age was 54 (43–64) years. Patients consisted of six males and 59 females. In 49 cases, the patient survived. In 16 cases, the patient died. The dead group was older, with lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores, higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores, and lower fibrinogen levels. Conclusion When physicians encounter patients with suspected bacteremia, they should pay attention to the consciousness assessment and SOFA score, and be aware of infections caused by common microorganisms and opportunistic infections.
Inclusion of Waste Pickers Into Municipal Waste Management Systems: A Comparison Between Colombia and Brazil
Authors: Calderón Márquez Ana Julieth , Silva de Souza Lima Cano Nathalia , Rutkowski Emília Wanda 
Published: October 2021

This article aims to identify and comprehend the challenges and strengths behind public policies on integrating waste pickers (WPs) within waste management systems in Colombia and Brazil. In both, WPs started to come together and found organisations and external agents such as NGOs began to support organised groups of WPs. After 10 years of judicial court actions in Colombia, WPs organisations were finally recognised in legislation, while in Brazil, they were recognised in 2007 in one of the national policies through lobby. Today, there are almost 700 WPs organisations formalised in Colombia and 1700 in Brazil. Their public policies’ main achievements and challenges are exposed to supply knowledge to other countries interested in this theme. A Roadmap for the organisation and formalisation of WPs within waste management systems was created. This constitutes a source of information for policymakers in other emerging economies to address this in their territories.
Union Rates of Talar Neck Fractures With Substantial Bone Defects Treated With Autograft
Authors: McMurtrie J. Thompson , Patch David A. , Frazier Mason B. , Wills Bradley W. , Prather John C. , Viner Gean C. , Hill Margie J. , Johnson Michael D. 
Published: October 2021

Background: This study evaluated the union rate of talar neck fractures with substantial bone defects treated acutely with autologous tibial bone graft during primary osteosynthesis. Methods: A case series at a level 1 trauma center was performed to identify consecutive patients who underwent operative fixation of talar neck fracture with autograft ( Current Procedural Terminology codes 28445 and 20902) between 2015 and 2018. “Substantial bone defect” was defined as a gap greater than 5 mm in the sagittal plane and greater than one-third of width of the talar neck in the coronal plane. Postoperative foot computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained for all patients. Primary outcome was union, and secondary outcomes were malunion, avascular necrosis (AVN), post-traumatic arthritis (PTA), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Results: Twelve patients with 12 fractures were included in the series, with an average length of follow-up of 26 months (range: 7-55) The average age was 34 years (17-59), and the most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash. The Hawkins classification of the fractures was 4 type II (2 type IIA and 2 type IIB) (33%) and 8 type III (67%). Four fractures (33%) were open fractures. Union was achieved in 11 patients (92%). There was 1 malunion (8%). AVN was identified on postoperative CT scans in 11 patients (92%). Three of these 11 eventually showed collapse. Ten patients (83%) had radiographic evidence of some degree of ankle PTA, and 12 patients (100%) had radiographic evidence of some degree of subtalar PTA. Average Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–Short Form score was 37 (32-45) and average Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living and sports subscale scores were, respectively, 61 (31-87) and 31 (0-71), respectively. Average visual analog scale score was 5 (0-10), and average Foot Function Index was 49 (7-89). SF-36 scores showed fair to poor outcomes in the majority of patients. Conclusion: In this relatively small series, tibial autograft in primary osteosynthesis of comminuted talar neck fractures with substantial bone defects is associated with excellent union rates and low malunion rates. Despite high union rates, secondary outcomes of AVN with or without collapse, ankle and subtalar PTA, and relatively low PROs were common. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
The Feline Cardiomyopathies: 2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kittleson Mark D , Côté Etienne 
Published: October 2021

Practical relevance: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of feline cardiomyopathy observed clinically and may affect up to approximately 15% of the domestic cat population, primarily as a subclinical disease. Fortunately, severe HCM, leading to heart failure or arterial thromboembolism (ATE), only occurs in a small proportion of these cats. Patient group: Domestic cats of any age from 3 months upward, of either sex and of any breed, can be affected. A higher prevalence in male and domestic shorthair cats has been reported. Diagnostics: Subclinical feline HCM may or may not produce a heart murmur or gallop sound. Substantial left atrial enlargement can often be identified radiographically in cats with severe HCM. Biomarkers should not be relied on solely to diagnose the disease. While severe feline HCM can usually be diagnosed via echocardiography alone, feline HCM with mild to moderate left ventricular (LV) wall thickening is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means there is no definitive test for HCM in these cats and so other disorders that can cause mild to moderate LV wall thickening (eg, hyperthyroidism, systemic hypertension, acromegaly, dehydration) need to be ruled out. Key findings: While a genetic cause of HCM has been identified in two breeds and is suspected in another, for most cats the cause is unknown. Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve (SAM) is the most common cause of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DLVOTO) and, in turn, the most common cause of a heart murmur with feline HCM. While severe DLVOTO is probably clinically significant and so should be treated, lesser degrees probably are not. Furthermore, since SAM can likely be induced in most cats with HCM, the distinction between HCM without obstruction and HCM with obstruction (HOCM) is of limited importance in cats. Diastolic dysfunction, and its consequences of abnormally increased atrial pressure leading to signs of heart failure, and sluggish atrial blood flow leading to ATE, is the primary abnormality that causes clinical signs and death in affected cats. Treatment (eg, loop diuretics) is aimed at controlling heart failure. Preventive treatment (eg, antithrombotic drugs) is aimed at reducing the risk of complications (eg, ATE). Conclusions: Most cats with HCM show no overt clinical signs and live a normal or near-normal life despite this disease. However, a substantial minority of cats develop overt clinical signs referable to heart failure or ATE that require treatment. For most cats with clinical signs caused by HCM, the long-term prognosis is poor to grave despite therapy. Areas of uncertainty: Genetic mutations (variants) that cause HCM have been identified in a few breeds, but, despite valiant efforts, the cause of HCM in the vast majority of cats remains unknown. No treatment currently exists that reverses or even slows the cardiomyopathic process in HCM, again despite valiant efforts. The search goes on.