bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of structural ageism on greater violence against older persons: a cross-national study of 56 countries
Authors: Chang E-Shien , Monin Joan K , Zelterman Daniel , Levy Becca R
Published: May 2021

Objective

To determine the association between country-level structural ageism and prevalence of violence against older persons.

Design

Country-level ecological study.

Setting

Structural ageism data were drawn from the nationally representative World Values Survey 2010–2014 (WVS), global databases from the WHO, United Nations and the World Bank. Violence data were based on the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study 2017.

Participants

Analysis of 56 countries that represented 63.1% of the world’s ageing population aged 60 and over across all six of WHO regions.

Exposure

Structural ageism, following established structural stigma measures, consisted of two components: (1) discriminatory national policies related to older persons’ economic, social, civil and political rights, based on the four core components of human rights protection in Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging and (2) prejudicial social norms against older persons, measured by negative attitudes toward older persons in 56 national polls in WVS aggregated to country-level. These components were z scored and combined such that higher score indicated greater structural ageism.

Main outcomes and measures

Prevalence rates of violence per 100 000 persons aged 70 and over in each country was based on extensive epidemiological surveillance data, survey, clinical data and insurance claims in GBD and compiled by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington.

Results

There was a wide variation in levels of structural ageism across countries. As predicted, structural ageism was significantly associated with the prevalence rates of violence in multivariate models (β=205.7, SE=96.3, p=0.03), after adjusting for relevant covariates. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of our findings. That is, structural ageism did not predict other types of violence and other types of prejudice did not predict violence against older persons.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence of the association between higher structural ageism and greater violence against older persons across countries.
Effects of thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kwak Donghee , Ha Jane , Won Yousun , Kwon Yeongkeun , Park Sungsoo
Published: May 2021

Objectives

We assessed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression effects on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women who underwent thyroidectomy.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and SCOPUS were searched from inception to 24 February 2021.

Study selection

Case-control studies were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors independently reviewed the studies, extracted the data and performed meta-analysis of eligible studies.

Research design and methods

Studies evaluating BMD in postmenopausal women with thyroid cancer who had thyroidectomy and levothyroxine therapy were included. Differences in BMD were presented as standardised mean differences (SMDs). Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model.

Results

Analysis of 16 case-control studies (426 patients and 701 controls without thyroid cancer) showed that stringent TSH suppression (TSH <0.10 mIU/L) after thyroidectomy had deleterious effects on the BMD of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women compared with controls (SMD −0.55; 95% CI −0.99 to −0.10; I2=75.8%). There was no significant difference in patients with moderate TSH suppression (TSH 0.10–0.49 mIU/L). TSH suppression in postmenopausal women was not significantly associated with lower femoral neck BMD. Subgroup analysis of the lumbar spine showed that the association between stringent TSH suppression and lower BMD was consistent among studies with >10 years of follow-up (SMD −0.32; 95% CI −0.50 to −0.14). Subgroup analysis of the femoral neck showed that total thyroidectomy was related to detrimental effects on the BMD of the femoral neck (SMD −0.60; 95% CI −0.89 to −0.31; I2=90.4%), but near-total thyroidectomy was not (SMD 0.00; 95% CI −0.30 to 0.30; I2=55.6%).

Conclusions

Stringent TSH suppression had deleterious effects on the BMD of the lumbar spine after thyroidectomy in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to determine whether stringent TSH suppression after thyroidectomy increases the fracture risk.
Launching of the Anaemia Research Peruvian Cohort (ARPEC): a multicentre birth cohort project to explore the iron adaptive homeostasis, infant growth and development in three Peruvian regions
Authors: Montag Doreen , Delgado Carlos A , Quispe Consuelo , Wareham David , Gallo Valentina , Sanchez-Choy Jose , Sánchez Víctor , Anaya Ruth , Flores Elaine , Roca Lorena , Mamani Víctor , Rivera Medina Juan , Velasquez Pablo , Del Aguila Carlos , Prendergast Andrew , Palomino Julio
Published: May 2021

Background

Preventing infantile anaemia and ensuring optimal growth and development during early childhood, particularly in resource-constrained settings, represent an ongoing public health challenge. Current responses are aligned to treatment-based solutions, instead of determining the roles of its inter-related causes. This project aims to assess and understand the complex interplay of eco-bio-social-political factors that determine infantile anaemia to inform policy, research design and prevention practices.

Methods

This is a longitudinal birth cohort study including four components: (1) biological, will assess known blood markers of iron homeostasis and anaemia and stool microbiota to identify and genetically analyse the participants’ flora; (2) ecological, will assess and map pollutants in air, water and soil and evaluate features of nutrition and perceived food security; (3) social, which will use different qualitative research methodologies to explore key stakeholders and informants’ perceptions related to nutritional, environmental and anaemia topics, participant observations and a participatory approach and (4) a political analysis, to identify and assess the impact of policies, guidelines and programmes at all levels for infantile anaemia in the three regions. Finally, we will also explore the role of social determinants and demographic variables longitudinally for all study participants. This project aims to contribute to the evidence of the inter-related causal factors of infantile anaemia, addressing the complexity of influencing factors from diverse methodological angles. We will assess infantile anaemia in three regions of Peru, including newborns and their mothers as participants, from childbirth until their first year of age.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (Lima, Peru), CIEI-043-2019. An additional opinion has been granted by the Ethical Committee of Queen Mary University of London (London, UK). Dissemination across stakeholders is taking part as a continues part of the research process.
Parent values and preferences underpinning treatment decision making in poor prognosis childhood cancer: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Pearson Helen , Gibson Faith , Darlington Anne-Sophie Emma
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Parents of a child with cancer want to be involved in making treatment decisions for their child. Underpinning and informing these decisions are parents’ individual values and preferences. Parents of a child who has a poor prognosis cancer and who subsequently dies can experience decisional regret. To support parents, and potentially reduce decisional regret, identifying the values and preferences of parents who are making these treatment decisions may enhance the support that can be provided by healthcare professionals. An increased understanding will support future work in this area and identify research gaps that could strengthen support strategies in clinical practice. The aim of this scoping review is to explore parent values and preferences underpinning treatment decision making when their child is receiving cancer-directed therapy for a poor prognosis cancer.

Methods and analysis

The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology will be followed. An initial database search of CINHAL and MEDLINE will be conducted to analyse the keywords using subject headings and Medical Subject Headings terms. Articles will be initially screened on title and abstract. The reference and citation lists of the full-text articles to be included will be searched using Web of Science. Articles will be independently reviewed by two reviewers and any discrepancies discussed with a third reviewer. Data extracted will be presented in tabular, diagrams and descriptive summaries.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. This review will inform further research with parents to understand their values and preferences when making repeated treatment decisions when their child has a poor prognosis cancer. All outputs will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

This scoping review is registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/n7j9f).
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on asthma control among children: a qualitative study from caregivers’ perspectives and experiences
Authors: Jia Yuanmin , Bao Jingxian , Yi Mo , Zhang Zeyi , Wang Jingjing , Wang Haixia , Li Yizhang , Chen Ou
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To understand the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on asthma control in children based on caregivers’ perspectives and experiences.

Design

This was a qualitative study deploying face-to-face, semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis was carried out to analyse the data.

Setting

Paediatric respiratory clinics in three tertiary hospitals.

Participants

16 caregivers providing unpaid asthma-related care and assistance to children under 14 years who had been diagnosed with asthma for more than 1 year and were not only treated with short-acting β2-agonists.

Results

Six main themes were identified: (1) improved asthma control; (2) decreased willingness to seek medical care driven by fear; (3) increased adherence due to enhanced awareness of asthma control; (4) coping strategies for changes caused by COVID-19; (5) a new opportunity and (6) managing new challenges in asthma control.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 outbreak and the measures in response to it have had significant impacts on asthma control among children. Children with asthma are advised to continue good asthma management, take their prescribed asthma medications as normal, wash their hands regularly and wear face masks. Regularly supported self-management and remote consultations should be provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, supporting people financially, providing continued medical support and alleviating any fear and anxiety should be considered. We anticipate that our findings will inform health promotion interventions.
Estimating vaccine confidence levels among healthcare students and staff of a tertiary institution in South Africa: protocol of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Oduwole Elizabeth O , Mahomed Hassan , Ayele Birhanu T , Wiysonge Charles Shey
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The outbreak of novel COVID-19 caught the world off guard in the first quarter of 2020. To stem the tide of this pandemic, there was acceleration of the development, testing and prelicensure approval for emergency use of some COVID-19 vaccine candidates. This led to raised public concern about their safety and efficacy, compounding the challenges of vaccine hesitancy. The onus of managing and administering these vaccines to a sceptical populace when they do become available rests mostly on the shoulders of healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, the vaccine confidence levels of HCWs become critical to the success of vaccination endeavours. This proposed study aims to estimate the level of vaccine confidence and the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine among future HCWs and their trainers at a specific university in Cape Town, South Africa, and to identify any vaccination concerns early for targeted intervention.

Methods and analysis

This proposed study is a cross-sectional survey study. An online questionnaire will be distributed to all current staff and students of the Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. No sampling strategy will be employed. The survey questionnaire will consist of demographic questions (consisting of six items) and vaccine confidence questions (comprising six items in Likert scale format). Log binomial models will be employed to identify factors associated with vaccine confidence and intention. The strength of association will be assessed using the OR and its 95% CI. Statistical significance will be defined at a p value <0.05.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained for the study from Stellenbosch University (Human Research Ethics Committee reference number S19/01/014 (PhD)). The results will be shared with relevant health authorities, presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Reducing antibiotic treatment duration for ventilator-associated pneumonia (REGARD-VAP): a trial protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Mo Yin , West Timothy Eoin , MacLaren Graeme , Booraphun Suchart , Li Andrew Yunkai , Kayastha Gyan , Lau Yie Hui , Chew Yin Tze , Chetchotisakd Ploenchan , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Cooper Ben
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICUs). Using short-course antibiotics to treat VAP caused by Gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria has been reported to be associated with excess pneumonia recurrences. The “REducinG Antibiotic tReatment Duration for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia” (REGARD-VAP) trial aims to provide evidence for using a set of reproducible clinical criteria to shorten antibiotic duration for individualised treatment duration of VAP.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised controlled hierarchical non-inferiority–superiority trial being conducted in ICUs across Nepal, Thailand and Singapore. The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of death and pneumonia recurrence at day 60. Secondary outcomes include ventilator-associated events, multidrug-resistant organism infection or colonisation, total duration of antibiotic exposure, mechanical ventilation and hospitalisation. Adult patients who satisfy the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network VAP diagnostic criteria are enrolled. Participants are assessed daily until fever subsides for >48 hours and have stable blood pressure, then randomised to a short duration treatment strategy or a standard-of-care duration arm. Antibiotics may be stopped as early as day 3 if respiratory cultures are negative, and day 5 if respiratory cultures are positive in the short-course arm. Participants receiving standard-of-care will receive antibiotics for at least 8 days. Study participants are followed for 60 days after enrolment. An estimated 460 patients will be required to achieve 80% power to determine non-inferiority with a margin of 12%. All outcomes are compared by absolute risk differences. The conclusion of non-inferiority, and subsequently superiority, will be based on unadjusted and adjusted analyses in both the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approvals from the Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee and the respective study sites. Results will be disseminated to patients, their caregivers, physicians, the funders, the critical care societies and other researchers.

Trial registration number

NCT03382548.
Coronary artery disease in East and South Asians: differences observed on cardiac CT
Authors: Chua Alexander , Adams Daniel , Dey Damini , Blankstein Ron , Fairbairn Timothy , Leipsic Jonathon , Ihdayhid Abdul Rahman , Ko Brian
Published: May 2021

Epidemiological studies have observed East Asians (EAs) are significantly less likely to develop or die from coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with Caucasians. Conversely South Asians (SAs) develop CAD at higher rate and earlier age. Recently, a range of features derived from cardiac CT have been identified which may further characterise ethnic differences in CAD. Emerging data suggest EAs exhibit less coronary calcification and high-risk, non-calcified plaque compared with Caucasians on CT, with no difference in luminal stenosis. In contrast, SAs exhibit similar to higher coronary calcification and luminal stenosis, smaller luminal dimensions and more high-risk, non-calcified plaque than Caucasians. Beyond demonstrating ethnic differences in CAD, cardiac CT may enhance and individualise cardiovascular risk stratification in EAs and SAs. While data thus far in EAs have demonstrated calcium score and CT-derived luminal stenosis may incrementally predict cardiovascular risk beyond traditional risk scores, there remains a paucity of data assessing its use in SAs. Future studies may clarify the prognostic value of cardiac CT in SAs and investigate how this modality may guide preventative therapy and coronary intervention of CAD in EAs and SAs.
Investigation of MgIn2O4 MSM UV Photodetector With Different Oxygen Flow Ratios and Post-Annealing Temperatures
Authors: Chang Sheng-Po , Chen Wei-De , Huang Wei-Lun
Published: May 2021

In this study, MgIn2O4 UV photodetectors with metal-semiconductor-metal structure were deposited by RF sputtering using a single MgIn2O4 target. The characteristics of deposited MgIn2O4 thin films as well as fabricated PDs with different oxygen flow ratios and annealing temperatures were explored. The as-deposited MgIn2O4 thin film is a transparent material with transmittance of over 75% in the visible region and the wide bandgap of above 3.9 eV, indicating MgIn2O4 is a potential candidate for UV-sensing applications. The MgIn2O4 PD with oxygen flow ratio of 2% and post-annealed at 300 °C shows the best performance due to the enhanced UV absorption and an extremely low dark current. Such device shows a dark current of 5.00 × 10−13 A, a comparable photo-to-dark current ratio of 1.82 × 107, the responsivity of 1.38 A W−1, and an UV-to-visible rejection ratio of 4.3 × 103.
Prediction of HFMD Cases by Leveraging Time Series Decomposition and Local Fusion
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Wang Zhijin , Lin Yingxian , Liu Jinming , Fu Yonggang , Zhang Peisong , Cai Bing
Published: May 2021

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infection that is common in children under 5 years old. This disease is not a serious disease commonly, but it is one of the most widespread infectious diseases which can still be fatal. HFMD still poses a threat to the lives and health of children and adolescents. An effective prediction model would be very helpful to HFMD control and prevention. Several methods have been proposed to predict HFMD outpatient cases. These methods tend to utilize the connection between cases and exogenous data, but exogenous data is not always available. In this paper, a novel method combined time series composition and local fusion has been proposed. The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method is used to decompose HFMD outpatient time series. Linear local predictors are applied to processing input data. The predicted value is generated via fusing the output of local predictors. The evaluation of the proposed model is carried on a real dataset comparing with the state‐of‐the‐art methods. The results show that our model is more accurately compared with other baseline models. Thus, the model we proposed can be an effective method in the HFMD outpatient prediction mission.
Identification of Generating Units That Abuse Market Power in Electricity Spot Market Based on AdaBoost-DT Algorithm
Authors: Sun Qian , Xie Yuting , Hu Xiuzhen , Lu En , Wang Yi , Wang Ning
Published: May 2021

The identification of generating units that abuse market power is an essential part of risk prevention in a spot market, especially in the early stage of the construction of the spot market. In this study, a model for identifying generating units that abuse market power is designed based on the AdaBoost-DT algorithm. It is targeted at the imbalance between samples of generating units that abuse market power and normal generating units in the spot market. First, the four main methods by which market power is abused by generating units in the spot market are described: collusion, economic withholding, physical withholding, and extreme quotation. Second, the specific characteristics of the four methods are analyzed, and the identification indexes for generating units that abuse market power are established. Thereafter, a sample set of generating units that abuse market power using different methods is constructed. Furthermore, a training set is formed with samples of normal generating units to construct a model based on the AdaBoost-DT algorithm, for identifying generating units that abuse market power. Finally, the spot market data of a certain region are used for an example analysis. The results show that the accuracy of model identification is 97%, which validates the method.
Shaking Table Test of High Pier and Small Radius Curved Bridge under Multi‐point Excitation
Authors: Yan Lei , Li Guo , An Kang , Yue Kefeng , Lin Zhi
Published: May 2021

The non‐uniform stratum and uneven surface have the complicated seismic spatial variability. The seismic response of high pier and small radius curved bridge caused by the seismic specificity of this kind of terrain has not been systematically studied. According to the multi‐point excitation theory of long‐span structures and the similar theory of shaking table test in model structures, a high pier with small radius curved girder bridge was used as the research object. The shaking table test of real bridge model was carried out to study the seismic response laws of this kind of bridge under multi‐point excitation. The results show that the designed seismic wave expansion device can meet the test requirements. The frequency of the model structure decreases rapidly and the damping ratio increases during the whole test process. The local terrain effect amplifies the seismic response of high pier and small radius curved bridge. The seismic response of high pier and small radius curved bridge is affected by different frequency spectrum seismic waves, and there is a big difference. Based on the above results, the impact of multi‐point excitation should be considered in seismic design of high pier with small radius curved bridge.
Formulation of Suppositories of Alum Produced from Bauxite Waste in Ghana for the Treatment of Hemorrhoid
Authors: Bartels Daniel A. , Johnson Raphael , Bayor Marcel T. , Ainooson George K. , Ossei Paul P. S. , Etuaful Rashid K. , Buamah Richard
Published: May 2021

The study sought to formulate and evaluate suppositories using a locally produced brand of alum (Aw) obtained from bauxite waste generated at Awaso bauxite mine in the Western-North region of Ghana, for use in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The suppositories were formulated using shea butter modified, respectively, with amounts of beeswax and theobroma oil. In another development, theobroma oil was modified with different concentrations of beeswax. Drug-base interactions were investigated using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The suppositories were prepared using the hot melt and trituration methods. Quality control checks were carried out on the formulations. The evaluated parameters included physical characteristics (texture, presence or absence of entrapped air, and contraction holes), weight uniformity, disintegration time, drug content, and in vitro release profile of the alum from the formulated suppositories. An in vivo analysis was carried out on the most suitable formulation to ascertain its efficacy on inflamed tissues using croton oil-induced rectal inflammation in a rat model. A critical examination of the ATR-FTIR spectra revealed no drug-base interactions. The suppository formulations passed all Pharmacopoeia stated tests. The in vivo study revealed the use of suppositories ameliorated the croton oil-induced hemorrhoid in the rectoanal region of the rats.
Experimental Study on Stress Uniformity and Deformation Behavior of Coals with Different Length‐to‐Diameter Ratios under Dynamic Compression
Authors: Yuan Qiupeng , Xie Guangxiang , Wang Lei , Jiao Zhenhua , Zou Peng , Liu Huaiqian , Khan Naseer Muhammad
Published: May 2021

In this study, a uniaxial impact compression test was performed on coal samples with length‐to‐diameter (L/D) ratios of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1 using a Φ 50 mm split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system. This study researched the stress uniformity and deformation behavior of coal samples with different (L/D) ratios during dynamic compression, defined the stress equilibrium coefficient ξ, proposed a new method for determining whether a sample meets the stress uniformity hypothesis, and obtained the critical (L/D) ratio of 0.6 and the optimal (L/D) ratio of 0.3 or 0.4 for coal samples to obtain the stress equilibrium. The experimental results showed that the dynamic stress‐strain curve of coal had an elastic stage, a plastic stage, and a failure stage. As the (L/D) ratio increased, the proportion of the elastic stage to the prepeak curve of the samples declined progressively; with an increase in the (L/D) ratio, the peak part of the curve also changed from “sharp” to “stagnated,” while an increase in the plasticity led to strain softening. As the (L/D) ratio of the samples increased, the average strain rate decreased approximately as a power function, and the decreasing trend was gradually reduced from 296.49 s−1 (L/D=0.3) to 102.85 s−1 (L/D=1), with a reduction of approximately 65.31%. With an increase in the L/D ratio, the peak strain gradually decreased exponentially. This study concluded that the SHPB test protocol design is of a certain reference value for low‐density, low‐strength, heterogeneous brittle materials, such as coal.
Fractional-Order Hyperbolic Tangent Sliding Mode Control for Chaotic Oscillation in Power System
Authors: Zhu Darui , Zhang Wenchao , Liu Chongxin , Duan Jiandong
Published: May 2021

Chaotic oscillation will occur in power system when there exist periodic load disturbances. In order to analyze the chaotic oscillation characteristics and suppression method, this paper establishes the simplified mathematical model of the interconnected two-machine power system and analyzes the nonlinear dynamic behaviors, such as phase diagram, dissipation, bifurcation map, power spectrum, and Lyapunov exponents. Based on fractional calculus and sliding mode control theory, the fractional-order hyperbolic tangent sliding mode control is proposed to realize the chaotic oscillation control of the power system. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed method can not only suppresses the chaotic oscillation but also reduce the convergence time and suppress the chattering phenomenon and has strong robustness.
The Individualized Management Approach for Acute Poisoning
Authors: Al-Jelaify Muneera , AlHomidah Suliman
Published: May 2021

Acute poisoning is a widespread emergency that mandates early management decisions for optimal outcomes. An individualized approach is an ideal way to provide those outcomes. Promoting awareness among healthcare professionals managing acute poisoning about the importance of incorporating the pharmacokinetics and following certain criteria to consider interventions such as activated charcoal, antidote, or specific investigations may improve their risk assessment strategies and management plans. To address the main aspects that should be considered to develop a customized poisoning management plan, we conducted this review based on relevant publications recovered by a careful search in PubMed. Our opinions as experts from the King Saud University (KSU) Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) were considered in the review.
Target Tracking Algorithm for Table Tennis Using Machine Vision
Authors: Zhao Hongtu , Hao Fu
Published: May 2021

The current table tennis robot system has two common problems. One is the table tennis ball speed, which moves fast, and it is difficult for the robot to react in a short time. The second is that the robot cannot recognize the type of the ball's movement, i.e., rotation, top rotation, no rotation, wait, etc. It is impossible to judge whether the ball is rotating and the direction of rotation, resulting in a single return strategy of the robot with poor adaptability. In this paper, these problems are solved by proposing a target trajectory tracking algorithm for table tennis using machine vision combined with Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG). Real human-machine game’s data are obtained in the proposed algorithm by extracting ten continuous position information and speed information frames for feature selection. These features are used as input data for the deep neural network and then are normalized to create a deep neural network algorithm model. The model is trained by the position information of the successive 20 frames. During the initial sets of experiments, we found the shortcomings of the original SCG algorithm. By setting the accuracy threshold and offline learning of historical data and saving the hidden layer weight matrix, the SCG algorithm was improved. Finally, experiments verify the improved algorithm's feasibility and applicability and show that the proposed algorithm is more suitable for table tennis robots.
Profiling of Primary and Mature miRNA Expression in Atherosclerosis-Associated Cell Types
Authors: Moreau Pierre R. , Tomas Bosch Vanesa , Bouvy-Liivrand Maria , Õunap Kadri , Örd Tiit , Pulkkinen Heidi H. , Pölönen Petri , Heinäniemi Merja , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Laakkonen Johanna P. , Linna-Kuosmanen Suvi , Kaikkonen Minna U.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases. The main cell types associated with disease progression in the vascular wall are endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. Although their role in atherogenesis has been extensively described, molecular mechanisms underlying gene expression changes remain unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize microRNA (miRNA)-related regulatory mechanisms taking place in the aorta during atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results:

We analyzed the miRNA expression changes in primary human aortic endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, human aortic smooth muscle cells, and macrophages (CD14+) under various proatherogenic stimuli by integrating GRO-seq, miRNA-seq, and RNA-seq data. Despite the highly cell-type-specific expression of multi-variant primary miRNAs, the majority of mature miRNAs were found to be common to all cell types and dominated by 2 to 5 abundant miRNA species. We demonstrate that transcription contributes significantly to the mature miRNA levels although this is dependent on miRNA stability. An analysis of miRNA effects in relation to target mRNA pools highlighted pathways and targets through which miRNAs could affect atherogenesis in a cell-type-dependent manner. Finally, we validate miR-100-5p as a cell-type specific regulator of inflammatory and HIPPO-YAP/TAZ-pathways.

Conclusions:

This integrative approach allowed us to characterize miRNA dynamics in response to a proatherogenic stimulus and identify potential mechanisms by which miRNAs affect atherogenesis in a cell-type-specific manner.
Reversible Edema in the Penumbra Correlates With Severity of Hypoperfusion
Authors: Scheldeman Lauranne , Wouters Anke , Dupont Patrick , Christensen Soren , Boutitie Florent , Cheng Bastian , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Gerloff Christian , Muir Keith W. , Nighoghossian Norbert , Pedraza Salvador , Simonsen Claus Z. , Ringelstein Erich B. , Chamorro Angel , Grond Martin , Laage Rico , Schneider Armin , Thomalla Götz , Thijs Vincent , Lemmens Robin
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose:

We aimed to investigate fluid-attenuated inversion recovery changes in the penumbra.

Methods:

We determined core and perfusion lesions in subjects from the WAKE-UP trial (Efficacy and Safety of MRI-Based Thrombolysis in Wake-Up Stroke) and AXIS 2 trial (Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke) with perfusion- and diffusion-weighted imaging at baseline. Only subjects with a mismatch volume >15 mL and ratio >1.2 were included. We created voxel-based relative fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal intensity (rFLAIR SI) maps at baseline and follow-up. We studied rFLAIR SI in 2 regions of interest: baseline penumbra (baseline perfusion lesion−[core lesion+voxels with apparent diffusion coefficient <620 10
−6
mm
2
/s]) and noninfarcted penumbra (baseline perfusion lesion−follow-up fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesion) at 24 hours (WAKE-UP) or 30 days (AXIS 2). We analyzed the association between rFLAIR SI and severity of hypoperfusion, defined as time to maximum of the residue function.

Results:

In the baseline penumbra, rFLAIR SI was elevated (ratio, 1.04;
P
=1.7×10
−
13
; n=126) and correlated with severity of hypoperfusion (Pearson r, 0.03;
P
<1.0×10
−
4
; n=126). In WAKE-UP, imaging at 24 hours revealed a further increase of rFLAIR SI in the noninfarcted penumbra (ratio, 1.05 at 24 hours versus 1.03 at baseline;
P
=7.1×10
−3
; n=43). In AXIS 2, imaging at 30 days identified reversibility of the rFLAIR SI (ratio, 1.02 at 30 days versus 1.04 at baseline;
P
=1.5×10
−3
; n=26) since it was no longer different from 1 (ratio, 1.01 at 30 days;
P
=0.099; n=26).

Conclusions:

Penumbral rFLAIR SI increases appear early after stroke onset, correlate with severity of hypoperfusion, further increase at 24 hours, and are reversible by 30 days.

Registration:

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01525290. URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00927836.
Orange & Teal
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea
Published: May 2021

‘Orange & Teal’ has become the preferred ‘look’ of the Hollywood movie industry. Is this craze just another arbitrary fashion? Possibly not, because ‒ apart from the name ‒ this palette has been around for ages in the visual arts. It is variously known as ‘painting in cool and warm,’ drawing a trois croyons, use of a ‘limited palette,’ and so forth. This leaves open the question of whether there might be one or more fundamental reasons for the preference for this particular dichromatic pair. Why not yellow–blue, red–turquoise, or green–purple? Reasons might be sought in human anatomy/physiology, physics of surface scattering, or the ecology of the human Umwelt. An in-depth analysis reveals that all these factors cooperate to render the orange & teal complementary palette indeed special. It involves world, body and mind and has to be understood in a proper semiotical (biological) setting.
Digitalization and Enrichment of the Նոր Բառգիրք Հայկազեան Լեզուի: Work in Progress for Armenian Lexicography
Authors: Vidal-Gorène Chahan , Decours-Perez Aliénor , Queuche Baptiste , Ouzounian Agnès , Riccioli Thomas
Published: May 2021

The Nor Baṙgirk‘ Haykazean Lezui (1836–1837) is an unilingual dictionary of Classical Armenian, considered as the work of reference in the field of Armenian lexicography. In this paper, we introduce an ongoing project of digitization and enhancement of this work, in order to build a comprehensive and multilingual database for Classical Armenian. Our paper is focused on the methodology applied to update the content and the different process of “Character Recognition”, “Text Analysis” and the crowdsourcing of works. We define our work and outline the challenges we had to overcome to continue the work of erudition in Armenian lexicography.
Elżbieta Święcicka and her Affaire de Coeur with an Armenian Literary Figure and his Dictionary
Authors: Bakhchinyan Artsvi
Published: May 2021

Armenian Philologist, writer, and cultural Armenologist Artsvi Bakhchinyan interviews Polish researcher of Turkic languages at Uppsala University in Sweden, Elżbieta Święcicka. This interview takes place during the recent war waged attack on the people of Artsakh by the Azeri and Turkish governemnts in the fall of 2020. Bakhchinyan’s interview delves into significant questions around language, authorship, and translation as it connects to the intercultural relations between Armenians and Turks from the medieval to the contemporary period.
A catalog of the Lampyridae (Coleoptera) of the West Indies
Authors: KELLER OLIVER , BRANHAM MARC A.
Published: May 2021

The West Indies represents one of the world’s hotspots for beetles in the family Lampyridae and includes many endemic taxa. Nine out of 19 genera and 181 out of 186 species of the currently described firefly taxa present in the West Indies are endemic to the region. The objective of this catalog and bibliography is to generate an exhaustive list of firefly taxa present in the West Indies. A short discussion of previous efforts to catalog this fauna is presented, and all published distribution data is herein synthesized. This catalog serves as a starting point for systematic and taxonomic research on the fireflies of this region and provides a full bibliography for each species. The following species were deemed subspecific and unavailable: Callopisma rufa var. humeralis E. Olivier, Lucidota fulvotincta var. flavicollis Mutchler, and Robopus magnus var. turquino (Mutchler).
The Inhibitory Effect of Icariin Nanoparticles on Angiogenesis in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Sun Yuying , Tian Xiangtong
Published: May 2021

This study investigated icariin (ICA) nanoparticles on angiogenesis in rats with pulmonary fibrosis and its mechanism. First, icariin solid nanoliposomes (ICA-SLN) were prepared. The in vitrorelease of icariin nanoparticles was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, after
which the plasma concentration of icariin nanoparticles in rats was determined. The bioavailability of icariin nanoparticles was investigated, and the effect of icariin on angiogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis rats was re-observed. The results showed that the bioavailability of icariin in
vivo was enhanced after nanomodification, which indicated that icariin solid nanoliposome was a good choice for oral sustained-release nanocarrier materials. in vivo experiments showed that icariin could significantly inhibit angiogenesis in rats with pulmonary fibrosis, and the
inhibitory effect was related to the dose and time of action. Most importantly, this study provides the possibility of icariin as a targeted agent for future-targeted therapy.
Luminescence Properties of InGaN/GaN Green Light-Emitting Diodes with Si-Doped Graded Short-Period Superlattice
Authors: Cho ll-Wook , Lee Bom , Lee Kwanjae , Kim Jin Soo , Ryu Mee-Yi
Published: May 2021

The optical properties of InGaN/GaN green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with an undoped graded short-period superlattice (GSL) and a Si-doped GSL (SiGSL) were investigated using photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL spectroscopies. For comparison, an InGaN/GaN conventional LED
(CLED) without the GSL structure was also grown. The SiGSL sample showed the strongest PL intensity and the largest PL peak energy because of band-filling effect and weakened quantum- confined stark effect (QCSE). PL decay time of SiGSL sample at 10 K was shorter than those of the CLED and
GSL samples. This finding was attributed to the oscillator strength enhancement by the reduced QCSE due to the Coulomb screening by Si donors. In addition, the SiGSL sample exhibited the longest decay time at 300 K, which was ascribed to the reduced defect and dislocation density. These results
indicate that insertion of the Si-doped GSL structure is an effective strategy for improving the optical properties in InGaN/GaN green LEDs.
A Simple and Low-Cost Method for Fabrication of Polydimethylsiloxane Microfludic Chips
Authors: Sun Linlin , Zhang Likang , Yang Xue , Zhang Biyao , Yin Zhifu
Published: May 2021

The conventional fabrication methods for enrichment microfluidic devices require cleanroom, which are costly and time-consuming. Developing a facile and low-cost method to fabricate microfluidic chips could stimulate the progress of the applications of those chips. Here, we present
an easy method for fabrication of a complete PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) microfluidic chip used for ion and protein enrichment. The method consists of three main fabrication steps: PDMS microchannels ablation by co2 laser, nation membrane deposition, and oxygen plasma assist bonding
under pressure. To fabricate a desired microchannel, the laser ablation parameters, containing laser power and ablation speed, were analyzed. The parameters for oxygen plasma assist bonding were also investigated to improve the bonding quality of the chips (low dimension loss and high bonding
strength). The following Rhodamine B enrichment tests demonstrate that the presented method allows fabrication of microfluidic chips with precise dimensions and leakage free.
Hormones Nanofiltration in Carbon Nanotubes and Boron Nitride Nanotubes Using Uniform External Electric Field Through Molecular Dynamics
Authors: dos Santos Cavaleiro Rosely Maria , da Silva Arouche Tiago , Martins Tanoue Phelipe Seiichi , Sá Pereira Tais Souza , de Carvalho Junior Raul Nunes , Paranhos Costa Fabio Luiz , de Andrade Filho Tarciso Silva , dos Santos Borges Rosivaldo , de Jesus Chaves Neto Antonio Maia
Published: May 2021

Hormones are a dangerous group of molecules that can cause harm to humans. This study based on classical molecular dynamics proposes the nanofiltration of wastewater contaminated by hormones from a computer simulation study, in which the water and the hormone were filtered in two single-walled
nanotube compositions. The calculations were carried out by changing the intensities of the electric field that acted as a force exerting pressure on the filtration along the nanotube, in the simulation time of 100 ps. The hormones studied were estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, ethinylestradiol,
diethylbestrol, and levonorgestrel in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride (BNNTs). The most efficient nanofiltrations were for fields with low intensities in the order of 10-8 au and 10-7 au. The studied nanotubes can be used in membranes for nanofiltration in water treatment plants
due to the evanescent field potential caused by the action of the electric field inside. Our data showed that the action of EF in conjunction with the van der Walls forces of the nanotubes is sufficient to generate the attractive potential. Evaluating the transport of water molecules in CNTs
and BNNTs, under the influence of the electric field, a sequence of simulations with the same boundary conditions was carried out, seeking to know the percentage of water molecules filtered in the nanotubes.
Characteristics of Thermosensitive and Targeted F127-Triethoxysilane/Gold Nanorod Combined with Photothermal Therapy in Tumor Model Mice
Authors: Hsia Chien-Chung , Chen Po-Jung , Weng Mao-Chien , Wang Mei-Hui
Published: May 2021

Even with all the recent technological improvements, cancer remains to be the disease with the highest impact on global health. Due to obviously disadvantages or limitations on traditional therapy, researchers are engaged to search for safely and effective methods in cancers’
therapy. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has been employed in treating cancers and several of other diseases. In this study, novel thermosensitive and targeting nanoparticle, C225-silane-F127/gold nanorod (C-SFGR) combined with PTT was investigated in EGFR-overexpressing xenografts mice model.
For better light to heat transformation exposed with 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser, the diameter of thermosensitive C-SFGR was designed at about 120 nm. To address the biocompatibility, the viability of A549 cell line was greater than 80% under high concentrations of C-SFGR (1,000 μg/mL),
indicating its low cytotoxicity. After intravenous injection of C-SFGR and combined with NIR treatment for 2 min in A549 bearing mice, tumors were almost completely shriveled after 2 weeks. For developing as theranostic agent, C-SFGR was then labeled with 67Ga, with radiochemical purity over
98%. These present results suggest that C-SFGR could be also applied as a SPECT-imaging agent and as an effective antitumor agent.
Fe-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Methylene Blue Degradation with Visible-Light
Authors: Bai Mao-Juan , Huang Xuan-Ye , Yin Han , N¡u De-Li , Wan Jun
Published: May 2021

In the present work, degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution through H2O 2and iron doped g-C3N4 (Fe-g-C3N4) was studied. The hybrid was fabricated by thermal polymerization with iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate
and melamine, and it was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope and Brunner-Emmet-Teller. The various experimental conditions such as doping amount, a dose of the
sample, solution pH, the addition of H2O2, and concentration of MB on the degradation of MB dye were optimized. The maximum extent of degradation of methylene blue was obtained at pH 5, doping amount of 2.7 wt% and dose of 0.07 g. The molar ratio of Fe:H2O2
is 1:1000 showed 99% of MB (30 mg/L) decolorization over 60 min. The hybrid showed good stability and recyclability after three cycles of use. Photo-Fenton reaction exhibited a higher synergetic effect than the combination of Fenton and photocatalytic process.
Analysis of Thermal Characteristics of AlGaN/GaN Heterostructure Field-Effect Transistors Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Yoo Jengsu , Chang Soo-Kyung , Jung Gunwoo , Kim Kyuheon , Kim Tae-Soo , Song Jung-Hoon , Cha Ho-Young , Han Sang-Woo
Published: May 2021

We investigated the heat dissipation in heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) using microRaman measurement of the temperature in active AIGaN/GaN. By varying the gate structure, the heat dissipation through the gate was clearly revealed. The temperature increased to 120 °C at the flat gate device although the inserted gate increased to only 37 °C. Our results showed that the inserted gate structure reduced the self-heating effect by three times compared to the flat gate structure. Temperature mapping using micro-Raman measurement confirmed that the temperature of the near gate area was lower than that of the near drain area. This indicated that the inserted gate electrode structure effectively prohibited self-heating effects.