bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Burning Concern: Family Forest Owner Wildfire Concerns Across Regions, Scales, and Owner Characteristics
Authors: Danley Brian , Caputo Jesse , Butler Brett J.
Published: September 2021

While there is a large literature on how individual homeowners perceive location‐specific wildfire hazard, there is only one study specific to U.S. family forest owners. Using respondents from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service's National Woodland Owner Survey of family forest ownerships in the United States, we investigate the relationship between landowners’ wildfire concerns and biophysical wildfire hazard across the contiguous United States. As a measure of long‐term conditions for high intensity wildfire, we use the USDA Forest Service's Wildfire Hazard Potential Index as our key variable of interest. We test six ways of aggregating Wildfire Hazard Potential using 1‐, 10‐, and 100‐mile (1.6, 16, and 160 km) radii buffers with linear and logistic specifications for hazard potential. Results show the log of Wildfire Hazard Potential is the best fit for modeling wildfire hazard concerns. Respondents in the western United States have a higher baseline level of concern but are not necessarily more sensitive to the hazard spectrum compared to respondents in the north. Respondents in the southern United States have a lower sensitivity to the hazard spectrum compared to respondents in the north and west. Using predicted probabilities at the means, we also compute regional prevalence ratios to compare the impact of biophysical wildfire hazard to the relative impact of other important variables. Various property and owner characteristics not related to biophysical hazard potential, such as emotion, receiving information about wildfire, and the presence of a house on the property are determinants of wildfire concern in some, but not all regions of the United States.
Ideology Critique: A Deleuzian Case
Authors: Oh Keunchang
Published: September 2021

It is well‐known that Gilles Deleuze (and Félix Guattari) are critical of the notion of ideology. However, it is not very clear why they seem to be so dismissive of it. In what follows, I will begin my discussion by showing what Deleuze means by ideology and reconstructing why Deleuze thinks that ideology is a misused concept and that the misuse of the concept warrants its dismissal. In Anti‐Oedipus, the insufficiency or inadequacy of the concept of ideology can be understood in light of the opposition between production and representation. Next, I will show that—in A Thousand Plateaus—this very opposition between production and representation is relaxed in favor of the notion of assemblage. By looking at Althusser’s theory of ideology, I will argue that ideology is not merely a cognitive representation in the sense that it can be considered as having its own material existence. If so, the concept of ideology does not have to be too narrowly conceived. Rather, I propose that Deleuze and Guattari offer a different kind of ideology critique through noology and the critical analysis of microfascism. Finally, I will conclude by arguing that Deleuze is still enacting a novel form of ideology critique despite his dismissal of the very terminology.
Voting in a global pandemic: Assessing dueling influences of Covid‐19 on turnout
Authors: Constantino Sara M. , Cooperman Alicia D. , Moreira Thiago M. Q.
Published: September 2021

Objective

We investigate the impact of a global health crisis on political behavior. Specifically, we assess the impact of Covid‐19 incidence rates, and the impact of temporal and spatial proximity to the crisis, on voter turnout in the 2020 Brazilian municipal elections.

Methods

We use Ordinary Least Squares and Spatial Durbin Error models to evaluate sub‐national variation in municipal‐level Covid‐19 incidence and voter turnout. We include controls for political, economic, health, and state context.

Results

Ceteris paribus, increasing deaths in the month leading up to the election from 0.01 to 1 per 1000 people is associated with a 5 percentage point decrease in turnout; higher cases and deaths earlier in the pandemic are generally associated with higher turnout. Covid‐19 incidence rates in nearby municipalities affect local turnout in the same directions.

Conclusion

Higher Covid‐19 incidence near the time of the election decreases voter turnout, while incidence farther from the election increases voter turnout.
Identification and characteristics of a novel gland‐forming gene in cotton
Authors: Zang Yihao , Xu Chenyu , Xuan Lisha , Ding Lingyun , Zhu JianKun , Si Zhanfeng , Zhang Tianzhen , Hu Yan
Published: September 2021

The cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) pigment gland is a distinctive structure that functions as the main deposit organ of gossypol and its derivatives. It is also an ideal system in which to study cell differentiation and organogenesis. However, only a few genes that determine the process of gland formation have been reported, including GoPGF, CGP1, and CGFs; the molecular mechanisms underlying gland initiation are still largely unclear. Here, we report the discovery of the novel stem pigment gland‐forming gene GoSPGF by map‐based cloning; annotated as a GRAS transcription factor, this gene is responsible for the glandless trait specifically on the stem. In the stem glandless mutant T582, a point mutation (C to A) was found to create a premature stop codon and truncate the protein. Similarly, virus‐induced gene silencing of GoSPGF resulted in glandless stems and dramatically reduced gossypol content. Comparative transcriptomic data showed that loss of GoSPGF significantly suppressed expression of many genes involved in gossypol biosynthesis and altered expression of genes involved in gibberellic acid signaling/biosynthesis. Overall, these findings provide more insight into the networks regulating glandular structure differentiation and formation in cotton, which will be helpful for understanding other plants bearing special gland structures such as tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana), artemisia annua, mint (Mentha spp.), and rubber (Hevea brasiliensis).
What do multinationals do? The structure of multinational firms’ international activities
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Markusen James R.
Published: September 2021

Analyses of multinational enterprises have generally shifted from a capital‐market perspective to viewing them as real production units. Yet, we still have difficulties in answering a basic question: What do multinational enterprises do? Here, we seek some broad, general answers about the structure of multinational firms’ international activities. By structure, we include (a) the geographic distribution of a firm's activities, (b) activities performed by various branches, (c) where do foreign affiliates sell their outputs and purchase their inputs and (d) interactions among establishments. Much of our analysis relates to which of two archetypes is dominant: (1) horizontal structures in which foreign affiliates replicate the firm's core activities and serve local and regional markets and (2) vertical structures in which foreign affiliates perform different activities and act as links in a global production chain. Examining this from a variety of perspectives, we find that horizontal replication dominates vertical fragmentation. The final section of the paper discusses intangible assets and other service flows between parents and affiliates. Smoking‐gun evidence suggests that these are large, particularly compared to intra‐firm trade in goods. Despite this, their importance is undervalued, likely due to severe measurement difficulties.
A generalization of the b-function lemma
Authors: Raskin Sam
Published: September 2021

We establish some cohomological bounds in $D$-module theory that are known in the holonomic case and folklore in general. The method rests on a generalization of the $b$-function lemma for non-holonomic $D$-modules.
Glial IL-33 signaling through an ST2-to-CXCL12 pathway in the spinal cord contributes to morphine-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance
Authors: Hu Xue-Ming , Yang Wei , Zhang Meng-Ting , Du Li-Xia , Tian Jia-He , Zhu Jian-Yu , Chen Yu , Hai Feng , Liu Shen-Bin , Mao-Ying Qi-Liang , Chu Yu-Xia , Zhou Hong , Wang Yan-Qing , Mi Wen-Li
Published: September 2021

Blocking opioid-induced chemokine release from astrocytes may improve long-term pain management.
Immunity elicited by natural infection or Ad26.COV2.S vaccination protects hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Tostanoski Lisa H. , Yu Jingyou , Mercado Noe B. , McMahan Katherine , Jacob-Dolan Catherine , Martinot Amanda J. , Piedra-Mora Cesar , Anioke Tochi , Chang Aiquan , Giffin Victoria M. , Hope David L. , Wan Huahua , Bondzie Esther A. , Mahrokhian Shant H. , Wrijil Linda M. , Bauer Katherine , Pessaint Laurent , Porto Maciel , Piegols Joseph , Faudree Andrew , Spence Brittany , Kar Swagata , Amanat Fatima , Krammer Florian , Andersen Hanne , Lewis Mark G. , Wegmann Frank , Zahn Roland , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Barouch Dan H.
Published: September 2021

Immunity from prior infection or Ad26.COV2.S vaccination protected hamsters from challenge with a heterologous strain of SARS-CoV-2 5 weeks later.
Adjunctive Rifampicin Increases Antibiotic Efficacy in Group A Streptococcal Tissue Infection Models
Authors: Bergsten H. , Palma Medina L. M. , Morgan M. , Moll K. , Skutlaberg D. H. , Skrede S. , Wajima T. , Svensson M. , Norrby-Teglund A.
Published: September 2021

Biofilm has recently been highlighted as a complicating feature of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) caused by
Streptococcus pyogenes
(i.e., group A
Streptococcus
[GAS]) contributing to a persistence of bacteria in tissue despite prolonged antibiotic therapy. Here, we assessed the standard treatment of benzylpenicillin and clindamycin with or without rifampin in a tissue-like setting.
Copper Resistance Promotes Fitness of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus during Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Saenkham-Huntsinger Panatda , Hyre Amanda N. , Hanson Braden S. , Donati George L. , Adams L. Garry , Ryan Chanelle , Londoño Alejandra , Moustafa Ahmed M. , Planet Paul J. , Subashchandrabose Sargurunathan
Published: September 2021

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an extremely common infectious condition affecting people throughout the world. Increasing antibiotic resistance in pathogens causing UTI threatens our ability to continue to treat patients in the clinics.
The Effector Domain of the Influenza A Virus Nonstructural Protein NS1 Triggers Host Shutoff by Mediating Inhibition and Global Deregulation of Host Transcription When Associated with Specific Structures in the Nucleus
Authors: Nacken Wolfgang , Schreiber André , Masemann Dörthe , Ludwig Stephan
Published: September 2021

We investigated the role of IAV nonstructural protein 1 NS1 in host gene shutoff—a central feature of IAV replication. We demonstrate that the effector domain of NS1 alone mediates host gene shutoff by inhibition of host transcription and by deregulation of the polyadenylation (polyA) signal-mediated 3′ termination of host transcription.
Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Polar Effects in Bacterial Gene Deletion Libraries
Authors: Mateus André , Shah Malay , Hevler Johannes , Kurzawa Nils , Bobonis Jacob , Typas Athanasios , Savitski Mikhail M.
Published: September 2021

Single-gene deletion libraries have allowed genome-wide characterization of gene function and interactions. While each mutant intends to disrupt the function of a single gene, it can unintentionally target other genes, such as those located in the same operon as the deletion.
Cryomicrobial Ecology: Still Much To Learn about Life Left Out in the Cold
Authors: Goordial Jackie
Published: September 2021

Studies from cryoenvironments on Earth have demonstrated that microbial life is widespread and have identified microorganisms that are metabolically active and can replicate at subzero temperatures if liquid water is present. However, cryophiles (subzero-growing organisms) often exist in low densities in the environment and their growth rate is low, making them difficult to study.
Undiagnosed pharyngeal perforation following a penetrating neck trauma in a 5-year-old child: a proposed treatment algorithm
Authors: Das Sauradeep , Lakshmanan Jijitha , Alexander Arun , Hansdah Rashmi
Published: September 2021

External penetrating wounds of the neck leading to pharyngeal perforations are relatively uncommon. The small area of the neck contains the vital vascular, aerodigestive and nervous structures, which are difficult to access surgically. Pharyngeal perforations are challenging to treat, especially in children, as primary wound inspection may be difficult, leading to life-threatening complications like retropharyngeal abscesses, mediastinitis or airway compromise. The following is a case report of a 5-year-old girl who had a road traffic accident causing a neck laceration with a pharyngeal tear, which was only identified during emergency neck exploration in the operating room. A review of known literature and a proposed algorithm for managing penetrating neck injuries with pharyngeal injury is described.
Ileal duplication cyst with giant polypoidal gastric heterotropia:
Authors: Israrahmed Amrin , Verma Vikrant , Ahmad Sarfraz , Yadav Rajanikant R
Published: September 2021

Enteric duplication cysts (EDCs) are congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. EDCs can present as tubular or spherical cystic lesions of the abdomen. The tubular variant of EDC arises as an outpouching from the bowel wall, whereas the spherical variant rarely shows bowel communication. EDCs are known to harbour heterotopic pancreatic parenchyma or gastric mucosa. We present a case of EDC of the ileum (tubular type) with heterotopic gastric mucosa in a 7-year-old child who came with malena and abdominal discomfort. CT revealed focal abnormal dilatation of the ileal loop with polypoidal mucosal thickening. Differential diagnosis of lymphoma, bowel polyps and Meckel’s diverticula with gastric heterotopia (GH) were considered. Subsequent surgery followed by histopathology revealed it to be EDC with GH. We discuss this case to familiarise radiologists with the atypical imaging features of EDC, to prevent misdiagnosis and initiate prompt treatment in appropriate clinical settings.
Evaluation and management of COVID-19-related severity in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Bowen , Glicksberg Benjamin S , Nadkarni Girish N , Vashishth Deepak
Published: September 2021

Introduction

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have an increased rate of hospitalization and mortality related to COVID-19. To identify ahead of time those who are at risk of developing severe diseases and potentially in need of intensive care, we investigated the independent associations between longitudinal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the impact of common medications (metformin, insulin, ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and corticosteroids) and COVID-19 severity in people with T2D.

Research design and methods

Retrospective cohort study was conducted using deidentified claims and electronic health record data from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse across the USA between January 2017 and November 2020, including 16 504 individuals with T2D and COVID-19. A univariate model and a multivariate model were applied to evaluate the association between 2 and 3-year HbA1c average, medication use between COVID-19 diagnosis and intensive care unit admission (if applicable), and risk of intensive care related to COVID-19.

Results

With covariates adjusted, the HR of longitudinal HbA1c for risk of intensive care was 1.12 (per 1% increase, p<0.001) and 1.48 (comparing group with poor (HbA1c ≥9%) and adequate glycemic control (HbA1c 6%–9%), p<0.001). The use of corticosteroids and the combined use of insulin and metformin were associated with significant reduction of intensive care risk, while ACEIs and ARBs were not associated with reduced risk of intensive care.

Conclusions

Two to three-year longitudinal glycemic level is independently associated with COVID-19-related severity in people with T2D. Here, we present a potential method to use HbA1c history, which presented a stronger association with COVID-19 severity than single-point HbA1c, to identify in advance those more at risk of intensive care due to COVID-19 in the T2D population. The combined use of metformin and insulin and the use of corticosteroids might be significant to prevent patients with T2D from becoming critically ill from COVID-19.
Effectiveness of at-home skin temperature monitoring in reducing the incidence of foot ulcer recurrence in people with diabetes: a multicenter randomized controlled trial (DIATEMP)
Authors: Bus Sicco A , aan de Stegge Wouter B , van Baal Jeff G , Busch-Westbroek Tessa E , Nollet Frans , van Netten Jaap J
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The skin of people with diabetic foot disease is thought to heat up from ambulatory activity before it breaks down into ulceration. This allows for early recognition of imminent ulcers. We assessed whether at-home monitoring of plantar foot skin temperature can help prevent ulcer recurrence in diabetes.

Research design and methods

In this parallel-group outcome-assessor-blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial (7 hospitals, 4 podiatry practices), we randomly assigned people with diabetes, neuropathy, foot ulcer history (<4 years, n=295), or Charcot’s neuro-arthropathy (n=9) to usual care (ie, podiatric treatment, education, and therapeutic footwear) or usual care plus measuring skin temperatures at 6–8 plantar sites per foot each day (enhanced therapy). If ∆T>2.2°C between corresponding sites on the left and right foot for two consecutive days, participants were instructed to reduce ambulatory activity until this hotspot disappeared and contact their podiatrist. Primary outcome was ulcer recurrence in 18 months on the plantar foot, interdigital, or medial/lateral/anterior forefoot surfaces; secondary outcome was ulcer recurrence at any foot site.

Results

On the basis of intention-to-treat, 44 of 151 (29.1%) participants in enhanced therapy and 57 of 153 (37.3%) in usual care had ulcer recurrence at a primary outcome site (RR: 0.782 (95%CI 0.566 to 1.080), p=0.133). Of the 83 participants in enhanced therapy who measured a hotspot, the 24 subsequently reducing their ambulatory activity had significantly fewer ulcer recurrences (n=3) than those in usual care (RR: 0.336 (95% CI 0.114 to 0.986), p=0.017). Enhanced therapy was effective over usual care for ulcer recurrence at any foot site (RR: 0.760 (95% CI 0.579 to 0.997), p=0.046).

Conclusions

At-home foot temperature monitoring does not significantly reduce incidence of diabetic foot ulcer recurrence at or adjacent to measurement sites over usual care, unless participants reduce ambulatory activity when hotspots are found, or when aiming to prevent ulcers at any foot site.

Trial registration number

NTR5403.
Premature ventricular complexes and development of heart failure in a community-based population
Authors: Limpitikul Worawan B , Dewland Thomas A , Vittinghoff Eric , Soliman Elsayed , Nah Gregory , Fang Christina , Siscovick David S , Psaty Bruce M , Sotoodehnia Nona , Heckbert Susan , Stein Phyllis K , Gottdiener John , Hu Xiao , Hempfling Ralf , Marcus Gregory M
Published: September 2021

Objective

A higher premature ventricular complex (PVC) frequency is associated with incident congestive heart failure (CHF) and death. While certain PVC characteristics may contribute to that risk, the current literature stems from patients in medical settings and is therefore prone to referral bias. This study aims to identify PVC characteristics associated with incident CHF in a community-based setting.

Methods

The Cardiovascular Health Study is a cohort of community-dwelling individuals who underwent prospective evaluation and follow-up. We analysed 24-hour Holter data to assess PVC characteristics and used multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards models to identify predictors of a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decline and incident CHF, respectively.

Results

Of 871 analysed participants, 316 participants exhibited at least 10 PVCs during the 24-hour recording. For participants with PVCs, the average age was 72±5 years, 41% were women and 93% were white. Over a median follow-up of 11 years, 34% developed CHF. After adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular comorbidities, antiarrhythmic drug use and PVC frequency, a greater heterogeneity of the PVC coupling interval was associated with an increased risk of LVEF decline and incident CHF. Of note, neither PVC duration nor coupling interval duration exhibited a statistically significant relationship with either outcome.

Conclusions

In this first community-based study to identify Holter-based features of PVCs that are associated with LVEF reduction and incident CHF, the fact that coupling interval heterogeneity was an independent risk factor suggests that the mechanism of PVC generation may influence the risk of heart failure.
Cardiac myxomas: clinical presentation, diagnosis and management
Authors: Griborio-Guzman Andres G , Aseyev Olexiy I , Shah Hyder , Sadreddini Masoud
Published: September 2021

Cardiac myxomas (CM) are the most common type of primary cardiac tumours in adults, which have an approximate incidence of up to 0.2% in some autopsy series. The purpose of this review is to summarise the literature on CM, including clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, work-up including imaging modalities and histopathology, management, and prognosis. CM are benign neoplasms developed from multipotent mesenchyme and usually present as an undifferentiated atrial mass. They are typically pedunculated and attached at the fossa ovalis, on the left side of the atrial septum. Potentially life-threatening, the presence of CM calls for prompt diagnosis and surgical resection. Infrequently asymptomatic, patients with CM exhibit various manifestations, ranging from influenza-like symptoms, heart failure and stroke, to sudden death. Although non-specific, a classic triad for CM involves constitutional, embolic, and obstructive or cardiac symptoms. CM may be purposefully characterised or incidentally diagnosed on an echocardiogram, CT scan or cardiac MRI, all of which can help to differentiate CM from other differentials. Echocardiogram is the first-line imaging technique; however, it is fallible, potentially resulting in uncommonly situated CM being overlooked. The diagnosis of CM can often be established based on clinical, imaging and histopathology features. Definitive diagnosis requires macroscopic and histopathological assessment, including positivity for endothelial cell markers such as CD31 and CD34. Their prognosis is excellent when treated with prompt surgical resection, with postsurgical survival rates analogous to overall survival in the age-matched general population.
Prognostic significance of longitudinal strain in dilated cardiomyopathy with recovered ejection fraction
Authors: Merlo Marco , Masè Marco , Perry Andrew , La Franca Eluisa , Deych Elena , Ajello Laura , Bellavia Diego , Boscutti Andrea , Gobbo Marco , Romano Giuseppe , Stolfo Davide , Gorcsan John , Clemenza Francesco , Sinagra Gianfranco , Adamo Luigi
Published: September 2021

Objective

Patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM) may experience a normalisation in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Although this correlates with improved prognosis, it does not correspond to a normalisation in the risk of death during follow-up. Currently, there are no tools to risk stratify this population. We tested the hypothesis that absolute global longitudinal strain (aGLS) is associated with mortality in patients with NICM and recovered ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

We designed a retrospective, international, longitudinal cohort study enrolling patients with NICM with LVEF <40% improved to the normal range (>50%). We studied the relationship between aGLS measured at the time of the first recording of a normalised LVEF and all-cause mortality during follow-up. We considered aGLS >18% as normal and aGLS ≥16% as of potential prognostic value.

Results

206 patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 53.5 years (IQR 44.3–62.8) and 56.6% were males. LVEF at diagnosis was 32.0% (IQR 24.0–38.8). LVEF at the time of recovery was 55.0% (IQR 51.7–60.0). aGLS at the time of LVEF recovery was 13.6%±3.9%. 166 (80%) and 141 (68%) patients had aGLS ≤18% and <16%, respectively. During a follow-up of 5.5±2.8 years, 35 patients (17%) died. aGLS at the time of first recording of a recovered LVEF correlated with mortality during follow-up (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.99, p=0.048 in adjusted Cox model). No deaths were observed in patients with normal aGLS (>18%). In unadjusted Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, aGLS <16% was associated with higher mortality during follow-up (31 deaths (22%) in patients with GLS <16% vs 4 deaths (6.2%) in patients with GLS ≥16%, HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 9, p=0.03).

Conclusions

In patients with NICM and normalised LVEF, an impaired aGLS at the time of LVEF recovery is frequent and associated with worse outcomes.
The active fragments of ghrelin cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the brain to produce antinociceptive effects after systemic administration
Authors: Fan Bao-wei , Liu Yong-ling , Zhu Gui-xian , Wu Bing , Zhang Min-min , Deng Qing , Wang Jing-lei , Chen Jia-xiang , Han Ren-wen , Wei Jie
Published: September 2021

G (1-5)-NH2, G (1-7)-NH2, and G (1-9) are the active fragments of ghrelin. The aim of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive effects, their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, and the receptor mechanism(s) of these fragments using the tail withdrawal test in male Kunming mice. The antinociceptive effects of these fragments (2, 6, 20, and 60 nmol/mouse) were tested at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after intravenous (i.v.) injection. These fragments induced dose- and time-related antinociceptive effects relative to saline. Using the near infrared fluorescence imaging experiments, our results showed that these fragments could cross the brain–blood barrier and enter the brain. The antinociceptive effects of these fragments were completely antagonized by naloxone (intracerebroventricular, i.c.v.); however, naloxone methiodide (intraperitoneal, i.p.), which is the peripheral restricted opioid receptor antagonist, did not antagonize these antinociceptive effects. Furthermore, the GHS-R1α antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (i.c.v.) completely antagonized these antinociceptive effects, too. These results suggested that these fragments induced antinociceptive effects through central opioid receptors and GHS-R1α. In conclusion, our studies indicated that these active fragments of ghrelin could cross the brain–blood barrier and enter the brain and induce antinociceptive effects through central opioid receptors and GHS-R1α after intravenous injection.
Berberine on the Prevention and Management of Cardiometabolic Disease: Clinical Applications and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Cao Richard Y. , Zheng Yuntao , Zhang Ying , Jiang Lingling , Li Qing , Sun Wanqun , Gu Wenqin , Cao Weifeng , Zhou Linyan , Zheng Hongchao , Yang Jian
Published: September 2021

Berberine is an alkaloid from several medicinal plants originally used to treat diarrhea and dysentery as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years, berberine has been discovered to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities in the treatment of diverse diseases ranging from cancer and neurological dysfunctions to metabolic disorders and heart diseases. This review article summarizes the clinical practice and laboratory exploration of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic and heart diseases, with a focus on the novel insights and recent advances of the underlying mechanisms recognized in the past decade. Berberine was found to display pleiotropic therapeutic effects against dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure. The mechanisms of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease involve combating inflammation and oxidative stress such as inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) activation, regulating electrical signals and ionic channels such as targeting human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) currents, promoting energy metabolism such as activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, modifying gut microbiota to promote transforming of berberine into its intestine-absorbable form, and interacting with non-coding RNAs via targeting multiple signaling pathways such as AMPK, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), etc. Collectively, berberine appears to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical practice, especially for those who are intolerant to statins. Knowledge from this field may pave the way for future development of more effective pharmaceutical approaches for managing cardiometabolic risk factors and preventing heart diseases.
Intelligent computing for the dynamics of entropy optimized nanofluidic system under impacts of MHD along thick surface
Authors: Raja M. Asif Zahoor , Shoaib M. , Tabassum Rafia , Khan M. Ijaz , Gowda R. J. Punith , Prasannakumara B. C. , Malik M. Y. , Xia Wei-Feng
Published: September 2021

This article examines entropy production (EP) of magneto-hydrodynamics viscous fluid flow model (MHD-VFFM) subject to a variable thickness surface with heat sink/source effect by utilizing the intelligent computing paradigm via artificial Levenberg–Marquardt back propagated neural networks (ALM-BPNNs). The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) of MHD-VFFM are transformed into ODEs by applying suitable similarity transformations. The reference dataset is obtained from Adam numerical solver by the variation of Hartmann number (Ha), thickness parameter [Formula: see text], power index ([Formula: see text], thermophoresis parameter (Nt), Brinkman number (Br), Lewis number (Le) and Brownian diffusion parameter (Nb) for all scenarios of proposed ALM-BPNN. The reference data samples arbitrary selected for training/testing/validation are used to find and analyze the approximated solutions of proposed ALM-BPNNs as well as comparison with reference results. The excellent performance of ALM-BPNN is consistently endorsed by Mean Squared Error (MSE) convergence curves, regression index and error histogram analysis. Intelligent computing based investigation suggests that the rise in values of Ha declines the velocity of the fluid motion but converse trend is seen for growing values of [Formula: see text]. The rising values of Ha, Nt and Br improve the heat transfer but converse trend is seen for growing values of [Formula: see text]. The inclining values of Nt incline the mass transfer but it shows reverse behavior for escalating values of Le. The inclining values of Br incline the EP.
Comparison of the mean field and Bohmian semi-classical approximations to the Rabi model
Authors: Deckert Dirk-André , Kellers Leopold , Norsen Travis , Struyve Ward
Published: September 2021

Bohmian mechanics is an alternative to standard quantum mechanics that does not suffer from the measurement problem. While it agrees with standard quantum mechanics concerning its experimental predictions, it offers novel types of approximations not suggested by the latter. Of particular interest are semi-classical approximations, where part of the system is treated classically. Bohmian semi-classical approximations have been explored before for systems without electromagnetic interactions. Here, the Rabi model is considered as a simple model involving light-matter interaction. This model describes a single mode electromagnetic field interacting with a two-level atom. As is well-known, the quantum treatment and the semi-classical treatment (where the field is treated classically rather than quantum mechanically) give qualitatively different results. We analyze the Rabi model using a different semi-classical approximation based on Bohmian mechanics. In this approximation, the back-reaction from the two-level atom onto the classical field is mediated by the Bohmian configuration of the two-level atom. We find that the Bohmian semi-classical approximation gives results comparable to the usual mean field one for the transition between ground and first excited state. Both semi-classical approximations tend to reproduce the collapse of the population inversion, but fail to reproduce the revival, which is characteristic of the full quantum description. Also an example of a higher excited state is presented where the Bohmian approximation does not perform so well.
Flexible Mixed-Criticality Scheduling with Dynamic Slack Management
Authors: Dong Xinyang , Chen Gang , Lv Mingsong , Pang Weiguang , Yi Wang
Published: September 2021

Mixed-criticality (MC) system has attracted a lot of research attention in the past few years for its resource efficiency. Recent work attempted to provide a new MC model, the so-called Flexible Mixed-Criticality (FMC) task model, to relax the pessimistic assumptions in classic MC scheduling. However, in FMC, the behavior of MC tasks is still analyzed in offline stage. The run-time behavior such as dynamic slack has not yet been studied in FMC scheduling framework. In this paper, we present a utilization-based slack scheduling framework for FMC tasks. In particular, we monitor task execution on run time and collect dynamic slacks generated by task early completion. And these slacks can then be used either by high-criticality tasks to reduce mode-switches, or by low-criticality tasks so that less suspensions are triggered with more execution time, and thus quality of service is improved. We evaluate our approach with extensive simulations, and experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Performance Evaluation of Effective Multi-Structure Controllers for KY Negative Output Boost Converter
Authors: Ramesh P.
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses on the design of multi-structure controllers (MSCs) for KY negative output boost converter (KYNOBC) functioned in continuous current mode (CCM) for low-power source applications. KYNOBC is one of the topologies of DC–DC converter that performs the positive DC input supply voltage into a negative output voltage. Dynamic behavior of KYNOBC is nonlinear in nature because of its time-changing operation. The single loop control does not regulate the multi-parameters of KYNOBC during the line and load variations owing to that it produces poor transient and dynamic analyses. With the aim of controlling the multi-parameters of KYNOBC such as inductor current and output voltage, enriching the transient and dynamic analysis, the MSCs are recommended in this paper. In our study, MSCs for KYNOBC consist of two loops such as inner proportional (P) controller inductor current loop for modulating the converter current and outer fuzzy logic controller (FLC)/proportional integral (PI) controller voltage loop for regulating the output voltage. The P and PI values are determined from the mathematical modeling of KYNOBC and the fuzzy rules are framed based on its performance without modeling equations. The behaviors of the KYNOBC with MSCs are validated at various zones by making the MATLAB/Simulink simulations and prototype model. The controller parameters are realized in prototype field programmable gate array (FPGA). The responses are recorded to indicate the dexterous of the MSCs for it.
ON THE COMPLEX MIXED DARK-BRIGHT WAVE DISTRIBUTIONS TO SOME CONFORMABLE NONLINEAR INTEGRABLE MODELS
Authors: CIANCIO ARMANDO , YEL GULNUR , KUMAR AJAY , BASKONUS HACI MEHMET , ILHAN ESIN
Published: September 2021

In this research paper, we implement the sine-Gordon expansion method to two governing models which are the (2+1)-dimensional Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation and the Caudrey–Dodd–Gibbon–Sawada–Kotera equation. We use conformable derivative to transform these nonlinear partial differential models to ordinary differential equations. We find some wave solutions having trigonometric function, hyperbolic function. Under the strain conditions of these solutions obtained in this paper, various simulations are plotted.
Multidirectional Anisotropic Total Variation and Its Application in the Tomography of the Surrounding Rock of Coal Mining Faces
Authors: Chen Bo , Zhu Guowei , Yang Zhenqiang
Published: September 2021

The computed tomography (CT) reconstruction algorithm is one of the crucial components of the CT system. To date, total variation (TV) has been widely used in CT reconstruction algorithms. Although TV utilizes the a priori information of the longitudinal and lateral gradient sparsity of an image, it introduces some staircase artifacts. To overcome the current limitations of TV and improve imaging quality, we propose a multidirectional anisotropic total variation (MATV) that uses multidirectional gradient information. The surrounding rock of coal mining faces uses principles of tomography similar to those of medical X‐rays. The velocity distribution for the surrounding rock can be obtained by the first‐arrival traveltime tomography of the transmitted waves in the coal mining face. Combined with the geological data, we can interpret the geological hazards in the coal mining face. To perform traveltime tomography, we first established the objective function of the first‐arrival traveltime tomography of the transmitted waves based on the MATV regularization and then used the split Bregman method to solve the objective function. The simulated data and real data show that the MATV regularization method proposed in this paper can better maintain the boundaries of geological anomalies and reduce the artifacts compared with the isotropic total variation regularization method and the anisotropic total variation regularization method. Furthermore, this approach describes the distribution of geological anomalies more accurately and effectively and improves imaging accuracy.
Improving the Comfort of the Vehicle Based on Using the Active Suspension System Controlled by the Double‐Integrated Controller
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: September 2021

When the vehicle moves on the road, many external factors affect the vehicle. These effects can cause oscillation and instability for the vehicle. The oscillation of the vehicle directly affects the safety and comfort of passengers. The suspension system is used to control and extinguish these oscillations. However, the conventional passive suspension system is unable to fully meet the vehicle’s requirements for stability and comfort. To improve these problems, these are much modern suspension system models that have been used in the vehicle to replace the passive suspension system. The modern suspension systems are used as the air suspension system, semiactive suspension system, and active suspension system. These systems which are controlled automatically by the controller were established based on the control methods. There are a lot of control methods which are used to control the operation of the active suspension system. These methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Almost, conventional control methods such as PID, LQR, or SMC are commonly used. However, they do not provide optimal efficiency in improving a vehicle’s oscillation. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a novel solution for the active suspension system control to improve the vehicle’s oscillation. In this paper, the method of using the double‐integrated controller is proposed to solve the above problem. The double‐integrated controller consists of two hydraulic actuators which are controlled completely separately. This is a completely novel and original method that can provide positive effects. This research focuses on establishing, simulating, and evaluating the novel control method (the double‐integrated control) for the active suspension system. The results of the research have shown that when the vehicle is equipped with the active suspension system which is controlled by the double‐integrated controller, the maximum values of displacement and acceleration of the sprung mass are significantly reduced. They reach only 6.25% and 9.10% (case 1) and 6.00% and 6.12% (case 2) compared to the conventional passive suspension system. Besides, its average values which are calculated by RMS are only about 3.91% and 4.67% (case 1) and 4.48% and 4.77% (case 2) compared to the above case. Therefore, the comfort and stability of the vehicle have been improved. This paper provides new concepts and knowledge about the double‐integrated control method which will become the trend to be used in the next time for the systems of the vehicle. In the future, experimental procedures also need to be conducted to be able to more accurately evaluate the results of this research.
Effect of Continuous Feeding of Ayu-Narezushi on Lipid Metabolism in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Nishida Takeshi , Tsuneyama Koichi , Tago Yasuhiko , Nomura Koji , Fujimoto Makoto , Nakajima Takahiko , Noguchi Akira , Minamisaka Takashi , Hatta Hideki , Imura Johji
Published: September 2021

Ayu-narezushi, a traditional Japanese fermented food, comprises abundant levels of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and free amino acids. This study aimed to examine the potential beneficial effects of ayu-narezushi and investigated whether ayu-narezushi led to improvements in the Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetes (TSOD) mice model of spontaneous metabolic syndrome because useful LAB are known as probiotics that regulate intestinal function. In the present study, the increased body weight of the TSOD mice was attenuated in those fed the ayu-narezushi-comprised chow (ayu-narezushi group) compared with those fed the normal rodent chow (control group). Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the Ayu-narezushi group than in the control group at 24 weeks of age. Furthermore, hepatic mRNA levels of carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase, which related to fatty acid oxidation, were significantly increased in the ayu-narezushi group than in the control group at 24 weeks of age. In conclusion, these results suggested that continuous feeding with ayu-narezushi improved obesity and dyslipidemia in the TSOD mice and that the activation of fatty acid oxidation in the liver might contribute to these improvements.
A Rare Case of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis with Spontaneous Renocolic Fistula and IVC Thrombosis
Authors: Sforza Daniele , Siragusa Leandro , Ciancio Manuelli Matteo , De Luca Linda , Sensi Bruno , Grande Simona , Argirò Renato , Nezzo Marco , Villa Massimo , Grande Michele
Published: September 2021

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is a rare disorder affecting the kidney which can fistulise to the colon in exceptional cases. We herein report a case of XGPN with renocolic fistula and large vessel thrombosis presenting with sepsis and pulmonary embolism. Preoperative diagnosis and strategic planning resulted in successful management. A 64-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and a septic condition, corroborated by venous thromboembolism. Workup diagnosed a left renal abscess with calicocolic fistula. Scintigraphy confirmed a nonfunctioning left kidney. The patient underwent inferior vena cava filter placement and staged surgery. The first, damage control procedure was a loop ileostomy. Ten days later, when the patient’s conditions improved, she underwent left nephrectomy and left colectomy with primary anastomosis. Finally, a year later, the ileostomy was closed. At follow-up, the patient was well, with unremarkable renal function. Scrupulous diagnostics, multidisciplinary decision making, and staged intervention have been key to optimal outcome.
Regional Heterogeneity of Carbon Emissions and Peaking Path of Carbon Emissions in the Bohai Rim Region
Authors: Wang Chuanhui , Zhao Mengzhen , Gong Weifeng , Fan Zhenyue , Li Wenwen
Published: September 2021

Taking the Bohai Rim region as the research object and based on the relevant data of energy consumption, GDP, and energy structure from 2000 to 2019, the total carbon emissions of the provinces and cities from 2020 to 2050 were predicted. The carbon peak situation of each province and municipality in the Bohai Rim region was also analyzed. A comparative analysis of the peaks among the provinces and cities has been carried out. The results show the following: (1) it is predicted that Beijing will reach its carbon peak before 2025. Tianjin is predicted to reach its carbon peak before 2030. Renewable energy development and utilization technologies in the two municipalities are crucial to achieving carbon peaks when energy intensity is already low. (2) Shandong and Shanxi have a heavy energy structure, are coal-minded, and have high energy intensity, while the replacement rate of renewable energy is relatively low. Shandong and Shanxi are predicted to reach carbon peaks around 2030. Liaoning also has the problem of heavy industrial structure, and it is predicted to reach the carbon peak before 2027. (3) Hebei itself relies on Beijing, and its renewable energy utilization technology is relatively advanced. It is predicted to reach the carbon peak before 2026. The energy intensity of Inner Mongolia has decreased rapidly, and it is predicted to reach the carbon peak before 2029. Therefore, according to the forecast results and the analysis of the similarities and differences among the provinces and cities, some specific suggestions for the optimization of the energy structure and the development of renewable energy in each province and city have been proposed in order to promote the comprehensive realization of the regional carbon peak goal in the Bohai Rim region.
Differential Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs Reveals a Potential Biomarker for Intractable Pemphigus
Authors: Qu Peng , Huang Zixuan , Zhu Haiqin , Zheng Jie , Pan Meng
Published: September 2021

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in autoimmune diseases. However, the role of lncRNAs in pemphigus remains elusive. Objective. The study is aimed at investigating the expression profile in pemphigus patients to identify a circulating lncRNA as a novel biomarker for pemphigus. Method. A global lncRNA expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured by lncRNA microarray. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR). The functional and biological processes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs were analyzed by bioinformatics. Results. lncRNA ENST00000585297 in the PBMCs of pemphigus patients was highly expressed compared with those of HCs and BP patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.846 (95%confidence interval CI=0.7526to 0.9397). Intriguingly, we found that the expression of ENST00000585297 was upregulated in pemphigus patients whose symptoms could not be managed within four weeks compared to other patients whose symptoms could be managed in four weeks or less (P<0.05). In addition, ENST00000585297 expression in pemphigus patients was positively correlated with the dosage of prednisone needed to manage the disorder (r=0.4905,P=0.0094). A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed based on the ceRNA theory. Further verification demonstrated that silencing of ENST00000585297 increased the expression of miR-584-3p. Conclusions. Our study revealed for the first time the expression profile of lncRNAs in pemphigus patients. In addition, our study identified ENST00000585297 as a biomarker and indicator for the intractable course of pemphigus.