bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF COMPRESSOR START-UP OF CONE DRILLING RIG WITH CURRENT LIMITING FUNCTION
Authors: Toropov Anton , Toropova Liliya
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the problem of investigation of the system "soft starter- induction motor" for compressing equipment of cone drilling machine. Also refined mathematical model of the system, taking into account the behavior of compressor load, as well as existing working algorithm of the stator current control block is developed. The problems of choice of starting mode of compressing equipment are considered, the necessity of full research of the electric drive system with the methods of numerical modeling is determined. The basic parameters which have to be specified and corrected by the designer of the electromechanical system of the compressor during equipment commissioning are determined. Further, an algorithm for firing angle control of power thyristors, which used in modern soft starters, produced by WEG Company, is implemented. After that, the simulation of the procedure for starting the compressor induction motor using thyristors soft starter with the stator current limiting function is performed. As a result of modeling using application Simulink of software environment ATLAB, the graphs of transients for the most important working parameters, such as stator windings current, shaft rotation speed, load torque and firing angle for thyristors are obtained. The analysis of the obtained results, as a result of which formulated the conclusions on the possibility of using soft starters for the cone drill rig compressors is made. It has been determined that in the case of almost linear behavior of compressor load, the motor starts with a smooth change of speed without significant fluctuations of electric motor stator currents. It is proposed to use the current limiting function for easy starting modes and current control functions with an initial kick of torque.
Economic Stabilization Policies in Latin America
Authors: Semenov V.
Published: May 2021

Seemingly, the experience of Latin American countries in the crisis period and before may be useful for Russia to address its highly essential tasks of the countercyclical policy improvement, investment climate enhancement, the reduction of state's direct participation in economy, raising of the banking system efficiency and competitiveness. Such experience will be significant to achieve optimal economic criteria for passing on to the inflation targeting principle.
Myanmar on the Way to Democracy
Authors: Simoniya A.
Published: May 2021

The power in Myanmar (former Burma) was under military control since 1962. Now, at last, things begin to change. One can see something looking more like democracy. The 2010 elections, however, resulted in nothing more than some modification of the facade. The military has reasserted its leading position, the generals are pulling the strings just like before. Nevertheless, the authorities made a bold and crucial step: a meeting was arranged between the State rulers and the political detainee number 1 Aung San Suu Kyi, the uncontested opposition leader. A limited amnesty of political prisoners was also announced. The point is that the military rulers are anxious to break out of the international isolation and to get rid of the crippling sanctions imposed on their country by the major world powers. The first steps on this long road appear rather successful.
Lamas, M. (2018). Acoso. ¿Denuncia legítima o victimización? Fondo de Cultura Económica, 182 pp. (Colec. Cenzaontle)
Authors: Espinoza Cid Claudia Esthela
Published: May 2021

En esta reseña se comenta el libro Acoso. ¿Denuncia legítima o victimización? publicado dentro de la colección Centzontle, del Fondo de Cultura Económica. A partir de la que refiere como urgencia ética para afrontar la grave situación de acoso en nuestro país, Marta Lamas se interesa por dilucidar acerca del discurso social hegemónico y los efectos negativos de poder ejercidos mediante la retórica de este problema. La obra se centra en la reciente visibilización del acoso, se destaca el movimiento de denuncia #Me too en los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica y que en México se diera a conocer a través de redes sociales con el hashtag #Mi primer acoso. Se analiza también una de las réplicas hacia #Me too, la misiva firmada por un grupo de actrices, académicas y activistas francesas, y que se tituló: <> (la traducción completa al español de este posicionamiento se incluye al final del texto). Su autora sostiene que aunque los contextos y procesos en Francia y Estados Unidos son distintos a los de México, la división feminista sobre las perspectivas de interpretación del acoso es un debate que también concierne a nuestro país, en particular por sus efectos políticos y jurídicos de poder.
How individual experiential backgrounds are related to the development of employability among university students
Authors: Eimer Andreas , Bohndick Carla
Published: May 2021

University students have different backgrounds and varied experiences. This diversity has frequently been examined with regard to performance in Higher Education. However, much less attention has been paid to its significance concerning employability. The investigation of this potential relationship is the focus of this study. In this research, 429 students at a German university were assessed on the strength of their employability, which here is defined as a multi-factorial construct. The Career Resources Questionnaire (CRQ) was used (Hirschi et al., 2019) which is a comprehensive instrument that analyses the self-assessed strength of twelve essential career resources amongst respondents. The results were then related to several individual preconditions: existing or non-existing commitment to voluntary work, sporting activity or sporting inactivity and being a first-generation student (FGS) or a continuing-generation student (CGS). These characteristics were chosen, because they are commonly represented in the student population. In addition, some socio-economic implications are discussed. Significant differences were found between the participant groups. Some results correspond with the findings of existing studies, others lead to new explanatory approaches. Based on the overall findings, recommendations for career counselling as well as for seminars in career orientation are given. For example, students' experiences outside the university environment can be used in career counselling to strengthen perceived employability or a supportive approach to first-generation students can lead to the development of career-related strengths.
Generation of Human Elongating Multi-Lineage Organized (EMLO) Gastruloids
Authors: Olmsted Zachary T. , Paluh Janet L.
Published: May 2021

The inaccessibility of scientific discovery to human development at post-implantation, including specialization and differentiation, necessitates sophisticated heterogenous 3D in vitro models. This protocol describes the generation and self-organization of human elongating multi-lineage organized (EMLO) gastruloids in suspension without the need for supplied extracellular matrix (ECM). EMLO gastruloids can be matured to large organoid states comprised of interconnected tissue microstructures of the trunk. These include correlates of the neuromesodermal progenitor-derived central nervous system, the neural crest cell-derived peripheral nervous system, the endoderm-derived primitive gut tube, and the mesoderm-derived splanchnic mesenchyme. Herein, we provide critical details for the reproducible generation of human EMLOs in vitro.
Optimum Composition of Developed Additive Based Insect Repellent Paint
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan , Hassan Faiza , Noor Sana , Ahmad Munir , Rashid Khalid
Published: May 2021

Active compounds of Cymbopogon winterianius, Cymbopogoncitratus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cedrus, and Eugenol, have been reported to have different insect repellant compounds. Control and development of natural insect repellent additive based decorative coating has driven this work to incorporate the essential oils with long chain fatty acids in water-based lab developed conventional paint. In this work, the Additive based Paint was formulated and its ability to repel different insects was determined. The optimum composition of developed additive based paint was determined by three standard paint analyses which were adhesion, elasticity and insect repellency. As per challenge of Pigment powder and Polymer use for such paint is achieved by testing on Latest instruments. The best composition of additive in paint was found to be 15%. Where it able to repel Pavement Ants, non-biting Flies, Mosquitoes and Black field ant with 80% efficiency. It is envisioned that the formulated paint is effectively function as insect repellent thus as an alternative way to reduce the insect-borne diseases.
A (hopefully) comprehensive solution to the Newcomb's problem
Authors: Lasserre Dimitri
Published: May 2021

The Newcomb's problem has been discussed in the philosophical literature for more than fifty years. So far quarrels mainly oppose causalism on the one hand, and evidentialism on the other hand. This paper wants to explain why causalists are right from a certain point of view, and why they should one-box --- instead of keeping two-boxing. The Newcomb's problem can be thought in terms of possible worlds. I assume here that this problem does not happen in our world, but it occurs in a world where causality and rationality obey different rules. But, in any cases, when the predictor is reliable, the player must one-box.
q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy N-Soft Aggregation Operators and Corresponding Applications to Multiple-Attribute Group Decision Making
Authors: Zhang Haidong , Nan TaiBen , He Yanping
Published: May 2021

In this paper, by integrating the q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS) with the N-soft set (NSS), we first propose a q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft set (q-ROFNSS). Based on the q-ROFNSS, then we explore the q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft weighted average (q-ROFNSWA) operator and q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft weighted geometric (q-ROFNSWG) operator, and investigate some properties of the q-ROFNSWG operator and q-ROFNSWG operator including idempotency, monotonicity and boundedness. Finally, two kinds of multiple-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) methods based on q-rung orthopair fuzzy N-soft aggregation operators are established. In addition, a practical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and correctness of the new decision-making approaches. Through comparison with existing methods, the advantages of our method are elaborated.
Development of a Mathematical Model to Calculate Accumulated Solid Waste: An Experiments and Statistical Sampling.
Authors: Alare Taiwo , Alare Kehinde
Published: May 2021

In newest development, waste is being refined into a biofuel or recycled. Waste management has being an important factor in community development. The transformation of waste into useful materials has received much work. Therefore, database must be developed to know the amount of waste accumulated or generated over a given period of time. Taken into consideration the burning and recycle reduction factor, incremental factor and degradable waste ratio. This paper look for a mathematical formula that can be used to generate data for amount of solid waste accumulated over time for geographical location in respect of mass.
Computational Determination of Toxicity Risks Associated with a Selection of Approved Drugs having Demonstrated Activity Against COVID- 19
Authors: Aminpour Maral , Miranda-Delgado Williams , Wacker Soren , Noskov Sergey , Houghton Michael , Tyrrell D. Lorne , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe emergence and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) at late 2019 has caused a devastating global pandemic of the severe pneumonia-like disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although vaccines have been and are being developed, they are not accessible to everyone and not everyone can receive these vaccines. Also, it typically takes more than 10 years until a new therapeutic agent is approved for usage. Therefore, repurposing of known drugs can lend itself well as a key approach for significantly expediting the development of new therapies for COVID-19.MethodsWe have been incorporated machine learning-based computational tools and in silico models into the drug discovery process to predict Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) profiles of 90 potential drugs for COVID-19 treatment identified from two independent studies mainly with the purpose of mitigating late-phase failures because of inferior pharmacokinetics and toxicity. ResultsHere, summarized the cardiotoxicity and general toxicity profiles of 90 potential drugs for COVID-19 treatment and summarize the risks of repurposing and propose a stratification of patients accordingly. We shortlist a total of five compounds based on their non-toxic properties.ConclusionIn summary, this manuscript aims to provide a potentially useful source of essential knowledge on toxicity assessment of 90 compounds for health care practitioners and researchers to find off-label alternatives for the treatment for COVID-19. The majority of the molecules discussed in this manuscript have already moved into clinical trials and thus their known pharmacological and human safety profiles are expected to facilitate a fast track preclinical and clinical assessment for treating COVID-19.
Phase II Trial of Brentuximab Vedotin in Relapsed/Refractory Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Ashkar Ryan , Feldman Darren R. , Adra Nabil , Zaid Mohammad Abu , Funt Samuel A. , Althouse Sandra K. , Perkins Susan M. , Snow Christin I. , Lazzara Kayla M. , Sego Lina M. , Quinn David I. , Hanna Nasser H. , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Albany Costantine
Published: May 2021

BackgroundCD-30 is highly expressed in some patients with non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors. Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate directed to CD-30. We report a phase 2 trial of brentuximab vedotin in patients with chemo-refractory GCT.Patients and Methods This is a single arm, two cohort phase 2 trial investigating brentuximab vedotin 1.8 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicities in patients with relapsed GCT who have no curative options. Patients with mGCT who progressed after first line cisplatin-based chemotherapy and after at least 1 salvage regimen (high-dose or standard-dose chemotherapy) were eligible. CD30 expression was assessed and two cohorts defined: CD30 positive and CD30 negative/unknown.Results18 patients were enrolled. Median age 34.7 (range, 23-56). All patients had non-seminoma. Median AFP 4.9 (range, 1-219,345) and hCG 282 (range, 0.6-172,064). Five patients had late relapse (>2years). Median number of previous chemotherapy regimens was 3 (range, 2-7). Ten patients received prior high-dose chemotherapy. Seven patients had positive CD30 staining. There were two grade 3 treatment-related adverse events. No partial or complete responses were observed. 6 patients achieved radiographic stable disease (range, 9-14.9 weeks), 5 had elevated AFP or hCG at trial entry and all 5 had transient >50% decline in baseline AFP/hCG: 4 had CD30 -ve and 2 had CD30 +ve staining; 10 patients had progression of disease as their best response; 2 were not evaluable for response.ConclusionBrentuximab vedotin does not appear to have clinically meaningful single-agent activity in patients with refractory GCT. Trial Registration Number: NCT02689219Date of registration: February 12, 2016
Dietary restriction and clock delay eye aging to extend lifespan in D. melanogaster
Authors: Hodge Brian , Meyerhof Geoffrey , Katewa Subhash , Lian Ting , Lau Charles , Bar Sudipta , Leung Nicole , Li Menglin , Li-Kroeger David , Melov Simon , Schilling Birgit , Montell Craig , Kapahi Pankaj
Published: May 2021

Many vital processes in the eye are under circadian regulation, and circadian dysfunction has emerged as a potential driver of eye aging. Dietary restriction is one of the most robust lifespan-extending therapies and amplifies circadian rhythms with age. Herein, we demonstrate that dietary restriction extends lifespan in D. melanogaster by promoting circadian homeostatic processes that protect the visual system from age- and light-associated damage. Disrupting circadian rhythms in the eye by inhibiting the transcription factor, Clock (CLK), or CLK-output genes, accelerated visual senescence, induced a systemic immune response, and shortened lifespan. Flies subjected to dietary restriction were protected from the lifespan-shortening effects of photoreceptor activation. Inversely, photoreceptor inactivation, achieved via mutating rhodopsin or housing flies in constant darkness, primarily extended lifespan in flies reared on a high-nutrient diet. Our findings establish the eye as a diet-sensitive modulator of lifespan and indicate that vision is an antagonistically pleiotropic process that contributes to organismal aging.
SP1 Initiates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of CTCs and Inhibits Metastasis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yang Mei , Liu Hui , Qiu Guo Ping , Gao Fei
Published: May 2021

Background: Circulating tumor cells （CTCs）are the basis of cancer metastasis. Till now, the role of different subtypes of CTCs in metastasis is unclear. Methods: We used the CanpatrolTM technique to isolate CTCs from 102 prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The EMT markers of CTCs were detected by FISH and classified CTCs into Epethial (E-CTCs), Mesenchymal (M-CTCs) and Mesenchymal/Epethial-CTCs (M/E-CTCs). Further, the potential EMT related molecules regulators were predicted by bioinformatics software, and SP1 was identified as the key EMT regulator. Then overexpress SP1 of PCa cells to verify the effect of SP1 on the EMT regulation and PCa metastasis. Results: The count of Total-CTCs, E-CTCs, and M/E-CTCs in metastatic PCa was significantly higher than that in local PCa. Although M-CTCs was not significantly different between local and metastatic PCa, the ratio of M-CTCs/Total-CTCs in metastatic PCa was markedly lower than that in local PCa. We found that Total-CTCs is an independent risk factor for PCa metastasis. Overexpression of SP1 initiated EMT of PCa cells and enhanced the invasion in vitro. Injecting overexpression SP1 PCa cells via tail vein, generating M-CTCs in vivo, we found the ability of M-CTCs to form lung metastasis was significantly inhibited compared with that of the control PCa-CTCs. Conclusion: Our study suggested Total-CTCs >14 predict PCa metastasis. M/E-CTCs might facilitate to PCa metastasis; however, M-CTCs might not. SP1 is an EMT regulator, which has the potential role of regulating the EMT of CTCs, thus changing the proportion of subtypes of CTCs. It is a potential therapeutic target.（Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registered 30 JUNE 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/registry.aspx）
Estimation of the Global Number of Nicotine Vapers in 2020
Authors: Jerzyński Tomasz , Stimson Gerry V. , Shapiro Harry , Król Grzegorz
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe combustion of tobacco is the main cause of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Nicotine vaping products (NVP) are potentially disruptive innovations with considerable potential for population health. A key question is whether NVP are replacing tobacco cigarettes, which requires mapping uptake of NVP. Collecting information on nicotine use is difficult for many countries due to cost. The objective of this study was to derive a global estimate of vaping.MethodsSince 2018 we have collected information on the prevalence of NVP use. To estimate the prevalence of vaping in countries lacking information, we used the method of assumed similarity between countries in the same region and economic condition. Based on surveys, we calculated the average prevalence of vaping for each WHO region, World Bank income classification group and legal status of NVP. For each of these groups the average prevalence of vaping was calculated. These values were used as substitutes for the prevalence figures in the countries with absent data. The number of vapers was calculated by taking as the denominator the adult population. ResultsSurvey data on NVP users were available for 49 countries covering 2.8b of the adult population in 2018 and unavailable for 2.9b. Information on vaping was lacking for half of the world's population. We estimated a total of 58.1m vapers worldwide in 2018. By reference to market growth the data were adjusted to arrive at estimates for 2020. Results was fitted to revenue data at the 2018. For the year 2020, the projection is 68m vapers globally.ConclusionsMany global epidemiological studies use the method of assumed similarity between countries with shared characteristics in order to estimate missing data. The methodological limitations are likely to overestimate the global number of vapers. Our estimate of 68m nicotine vapers indicates considerable uptake given that NVP products have been available on most markets for only a decade, that there is either no support or opposition to vaping in many countries, and that countries which regulate NVP have controls over advertising and promotion. However, given the global scale of tobacco smoking at 1.1 billion, progress in adoption of alternative products is slow. Those using NVP are still a small fraction of those who smoke.
Efficacy and Safety of Apatinib Combined With S-1 in the Treatment of Advanced Gastric Cancer: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xu , He Xiao-dong , Zhang You-cheng , Yang Ke-hu , Tian Jin-hui , Chen Yao-long
Published: May 2021

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with S – 1 in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, in order to provide more evidence based medical evidence for the clinic.Methods: Randomized controlled trials of apatinib combined with S – 1 (experimental group) versus S - 1 (controlg roup) in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer were collected by computer literature search in Chinese and English databases, for the deadlines of March 21, 2021. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the literature using the Cochrane risk bias assessment tool. And the Meta – analysis was performed using Review Manager 5. 3 software almost.Results: A total of 20 articles were included, totaling 1,150 patients. Meta – analysis showed that the objective response rate [OR = 2.02, 95% CI (1.56, 2.63), P < 0.00001], disease control rate [OR = 3.10, 95% CI (2.30, 4.17), P < 0.00001], median overall survival [MD = 3.99, 95% CI (3.56, 4.43), P < 0.00001] of patients with apatinib combined with S – 1 group were higher than the S – 1 group, then the median progression – free survival had not significant differences [MD = 1.24, 95% CI (-1.19, 3.67), P = 0.32]. In the adverse reactions, only the incidence of hypertension [OR = 6.19, 95% CI (1.89, 20.23), P = 0.003] and the incidence of proteinuria [OR = 4.02, 95% CI (1.11, 14.62), P = 0.03] in the apatinib combined with S – 1 group were higher than the S – 1 group, and there was no significant difference in the other adverse reactions. In addition, the levels of IFN – γ and TNF – α in the apatinib combined with S – 1 group were higher than those in the S – 1 group, and the levels of IL - 10, IL – 4, TSGF, CA199 and CEA were lower than those of the S – 1 group.Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that apatinib combined with S - 1 can achieve higher objective response rate, disease control rate, median overall survival, less adverse reactions, and improve immune function, effectively reduce the level of tumor markers.
Laying Hen Performance and Yolk Iodine, Cobalt and Iron Content Increased by Dietary Supplementation of Potassium Iodide, Vitamin B12 and Ferrous Sulfate
Authors: Aghdashi Mir Nima , Nobakht Ali , Mehmannavaz Yousef
Published: May 2021

In this experiment, 320 laying hens of HyLine W-36 strain were used in a 2 🞩 2 🞩 2 factorial arrangement with 8 treatments with 8 birds in each pen,including 0 and 400 mg.kg of iron salt (Fe), 0 and 450 mg.kg of iodide (I) and 0 and 0.1 mg.kg of vitamin B12 in 5 replicates and replicate in from 26 to 39 weeks in a completely randomized design. Dietary experiments had significant effects on the performance of laying hens at the end of the experiment period (P < 0:05). The use of I, B12 and Fe salts had significant effects on the content of these microelements of egg yolks in the main effects and interactions (P < 0:05). In the interaction of Fe and I, the use of 450 mg.kg of I and 0 level of Fe increased the I content of egg yolks (P < 0:05). In 400 mg.kg of Fe combined with I, or the use of 400 mg.kg of Fe with 0 level of iodine salt caused a sharp decrease in the I content of eggs (P < 0:05). Supplementation of laying diets with Fe and I had no significant effects on egg yolk content of Fe and Cobalt (Co) (P > 0:05). However, I content in yolk was significantly reduced (P < 0:05). In the interaction of treatments containing Fe and vitamin B12, the lowest amount of Co and the highest level of I were observed at the 0 level of both of these supplements (P < 0:05) whereas, the combined use of Fe and vitamin B12 increased the level of cobalt and decreased the iodine content of eggs (P < 0:05). Interactions of I and vitamin B12 showed the lowest levels of I and cobalt at 0 levels of these two salts in hens' diets, while the combined use of these salts increased the iron, cobalt and iodine content of eggs (P < 0:05). In the three-way effects between these salts, iron content, cobalt of eggs increased and the highest amount of iodine was observed in the third treatments which contained iodine without vitamin B12 and iron (P < 0:05). Treatments had no significant effects on cobalt content of eggs (P < 0:05). Overall results showed that the use of iron, iodine, and vitamin B12 salt supplements has improved the performance of hens, as well as the egg content, including iron, iodine, and cobalt, and improved some of the economic characteristics of hens.
Gastric polypoid lesions detected on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Matsuki Mitsuru , Numoto Isao , Hamakawa Takefumi , Ishii Kazunari , Otani Tomoyuki
Published: May 2021

Background: On magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using a negative oral contrast agent, the gastric lumen appear dark, and gastric polypoid lesions can be seen. To our knowledge, there are no reports examining gastric polypoid lesions detected on MRCP.We exained the characteristics of gastric polypoid lesions detected on MRCP and discussed the management of the lesions.Material and Methods: MRCP images using a negative oral contrast agent were retrospectively evaluated in 1128 cases, and gastric polypoid lesions detected were investigated.Results: Gastric polypoid lesions were detected in 17 of the 1128 cases (1.5%) on MRCP. The mean patient age and gender were 66.7 years (range: 48-85 years) and 7 males / 10 females. A single lesion was detected in 4 cases, 2 to 4 lesions were detected in 6 cases, 5 to 10 lesions in 3 cases, and 11 or more in 4 cases. In 4 cases, the upper, middle, and lower portions of the stomach were occupied with polypoid lesions, in 4 cases, the upper and middle portions were occupied, in 1 case, the middle and lower portions were occupied, and in 8 cases, only the upper portion was occupied. One lesion was detected in 4 cases, 2 to 4 lesions were detected in 6 cases, 5 to 10 lesions in 3 cases, and 11 or more in 4 cases. The mean maximum diameter of the polypoid lesions was 7.8 mm (range: 4-16 mm). An upper endoscopy and forceps biopsy were performed in 9 of the 17 cases. The histological diagnosis was fundic gland polyps in 6 cases and hyperplastic polyps in 3 cases.Conclusion: Gastric polypoid lesions can rarely be detected on MRCP. The polypoid lesions were histologically fundic gland polyps or hyperplastic polyps. In the future, we will prospectively review more cases and examine indication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to gastric polypoid lesions detected on MRCP.
Large Antenna Array with Hybrid Beamforming System for 5G Indoor Communication Network Deployments
Authors: P Jeyakumar , E Malar , S Srinitha , P Muthuchidambaranathan , Ramesh Arvind Ramesh
Published: May 2021

The millimeter-wave multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology is the frontier for 5G communication systems. This work contributes a large antenna array with a limited number of radio frequency chains using the hybrid beamforming (HBF) technique that overcomes extreme path loss in the mmWave system to improve spectral efficiency. The link budget analysis is given for the target data rate of 11.3 Gbps for the point-to-point communication. The number of antenna elements required for the proposed antenna array is determined via link budget analysis. The proposed system includes single element patch antenna configuration, array factor analysis, and beam steering capability. The transmit and receive antenna gain specifications minimize the path loss and improve the system throughput. Combiners and hybrid precoders are designed together in an iterative way for reducing the cost function of the weighted minimum mean squared(WMMSE) error. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed HBF algorithm performance is highly effective and performs closer to the fully digital beamforming technique. The proposed large antenna array with HBF uses the New York University Simulator (NYUSIM) to perform omnidirectional and directional power delay profile analysis with the most potent power. The proposed large antenna array with HBF methodology provides an optimal approach to indoor point-to-point communication deployments.
Enhanced Endogenous Amino Acids and Energy Metabolism Level for cAMP Biosynthesis by Arthrobacter sp. CCTCC 2013431 with Citrate as Cosubstrate
Authors: Li Zhigang , Chen Baofeng , Gu Yang , Tan Hai , Zhang Zhonghua , Chang Jingling
Published: May 2021

Objectives In our previous study, citrate was used as auxiliary energy substance for improving cAMP fermentation performance, however, the regulation mechanism of citrate on improved cAMP contents was not clear. To elucidate the regulation mechanism, cAMP fermentations with/without citrate addition were conducted in a 7 L fermentor using Arthrobacter sp. CCTCC 2013431 and assays on key enzymes activities, energy metabolism level, amino acids contents and peroxidation level were performed. Results With 3 g/L-broth sodium citrate added, cAMP concentration and conversion yield from glucose reached 4.34 g/L and 0.076 g/g which were improved by 30.7% and 29.8%, respectively, when compared with those of control. Citrate changed carbon flux distribution among different routes and more carbon flux was directed into pentose phosphate pathway beneficial to cAMP synthesis. Meanwhile, energy metabolism together with precursor amino acids levels were improved significantly owing to strengthened metabolic intensity of tricarboxylate cycle by exogenous citrate utilization which provided energy and substance basis for cAMP production. Moreover, higher glutamate synthesis and oxidative stress caused by citrate addition consumed excessive NADPH derived from pentose phosphate pathway by which feedback suppression for pentose phosphate pathway was relieved efficiently.Conclusion Citrate promoted cAMP fermentation production by Arthrobacter sp. CCTCC2013431 due to enhanced precursor amino acids, energy metabolism level and relieved feedback suppression for pentose phosphate pathway.
Genetic Findings in a Cohort of Patients with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome
Authors: Wang Wencui , Zheng Sichang , Zhao Yu , Wan Zhihan , Han Rulai , Qi Yan , Ning Guang , Sun Shouyue , Ye Lei , Wang Weiqing
Published: May 2021

Background: Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare X-linked recessive inherited disorder caused by mutations in AR, a gene encoding androgen receptor. The aim of this study was to expand genetic spectrum of AIS.Methods: We performed a retrospective study on consecutive patients diagnosed as AIS from 2010 to 2020 in a single tertiary center. Variant analysis of AR gene was performed by PCR-Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of novel variants was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay and immunofluorescence of AR protein in vitro. Results: A total of 19 unrelated 46,XY patients were enrolled, 14 with complete insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and 5 with partial insensitivity syndrome (PAIS). We identified 19 AR variants: 12 (63.2%) were missense variants and 7 variants (36.8%) resulted in premature stop codon. Eight AR variants were novel, including P15Afs*69, S258Efs*47, W435Gfs*44, C560F, C577W, C580Afs*46, K718X and V819G. Dual-luciferase reporter assay found residual transcription activity of approximately 1% in six novel variants, which may explain the CAIS phenotype. The AR mutant protein (V819G) showed transcription activity of 59%, consistent with mild clinical features in one PAIS patient. Interestingly, another AR mutant protein (K718X) related to CAIS showed increased transcription activity but impaired nuclear localization. Conclusions: We identified eight novel AR variants related to AIS. Both residual transcription activity of AR and nuclear localization of AR protein were associated with the severity of AIS.
Dynamic Hyperchaotic Key Generation Using Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing-based Visible Light Communication Networks
Authors: Alresheedi Mohammed , AL-MOLIKI YAHYA , Al-Harthi Yahya , Alqahtani Ali
Published: May 2021

This paper introduces an optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based hyperchaotic key generation encryption approach that can improve confidentiality in visible light communication (VLC) networks. Using a hyperchaotic four-dimensional method, the bipolar real-valued OFDM signal can be used for constructing dynamic cypher keys modified at every frame over the communication time, resulting in a superior degree of protection against statistical and correlation attacks. In accordance with our findings, this approach decreases the ratio of peak-to-average power of the transmitted signal, and enhances the bit error rate efficiency and secrecy capacity of the OFDM-based VLC network, which improves confidentiality.
Probiotic Supplementation and Systemic Inflammation in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ahmad , Nematollahi Shima , Husain Durdana , Banaei-Jahromi Nasrin , Majdinasab Nastaran , Rahimlou Mehran
Published: May 2021

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex inflammatory disease in which demyelination occurs in the central nervous system affecting approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. Intestinal microbiome changes play an important role in the etiology of chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation on systemic inflammation in patients with MS.Methods: A twenty-four-week double-blind clinical trial study was designed and seventy patients with MS were randomly divided into two groups receiving probiotics and placebo. Patients in the intervention group received two capsules containing multi-strain probiotics daily and patients in the control group received the same amount of placebo. Factors associated with systemic inflammation were assessed at the beginning and end of the study.Results: Sixty-five patients were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of baseline variables except for the duration of the disease (P>0.05). At the end of the study, probiotic supplementation compared to the placebo caused a significant reduction in the serum levels of CRP (-0.93± 1.62 vs. 0.05 ± 1.74, P=0.03), TNF-a ( -2.09 ± 1.88 vs. 0.48 ± 2.53, P=0.015) and IFN-γ (-13.18± 7.33 vs. -1.93± 5.99, P<0.001). Also, we found a significant increase in the FOXP3 and TGF-β levels in the intervention group (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results of our study showed that supplementation with probiotics can have beneficial effects on serum levels of some factors associated with systemic inflammation.Trial registration: Approved by the Ethics Committee of the Ahwaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. This study was registered within Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) ( http://www.irct.ir) under the number IRCT20181210041918N2.
Terahertz Photoconductive Antennas based on Arrays of Metal Nanoparticle Structures
Authors: Gholami Saeid , Bahari Ali
Published: May 2021

In this study, in order to amplify the radiation at Terahertz (THz) photoconductive antennas, metal nanoparticles are used in semiconductor layers based on plasmonic principles. The use of nanoparticles between antenna electrodes and semiconductor layers not only enhances the THz radiation intensity but also changes the radiation frequency peak. The changes of electric charge carriers versus the strike of laser pulses and the production of an electric current on the antenna surface are simulated with the COMSOL Multiphysics software through the FEM method. The changes of the electric current at the semiconductive surface generate electric field radiation. This has been simulated using the CST STUDIO software through the FDTD method.
Exploring Conflict, War and HIV/AIDS on Health of the Internally Displaced Persons living in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Bala Nalah Augustine , Azman Azlinda , Singh Paramjit Singh Jamir
Published: May 2021

Background: Conflict and war poses severe threat to the health and psychosocial well-being of every nation. It increases population displacement and high risk-behaviours thereby making the Internally Displaced Persons vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The IDPs, therefore, need a collaborative community-based approach and social support system by the government, healthcare providers and the international organizations to tackle the impact of conflict and the post-conflict activities on vulnerability of HIV/AIDS among people living in IDPs camps. Methods: This qualitative study explores and analyses the psychosocial issues identified to increase the risk of HIV among IDPs. Twenty participants aged 18 to 57 years purposively selected from 6 camps in Benue and Nasarawa States participated in the face-to-face semi-structured interview from June to November 2020. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti8 software analyses the data collected by transcribing and coding the interview transcripts into themes and sub-themes. The findings calculated through thematic network analysis and presented in a graphical and word cloud analysis. Results: The study findings reveals that conflict and post-conflict activities by the armed bandits, refugees/IDP camps, children and women, family relations, and the uniform personnel increase the risk of contracting HIV among people living in IDP camps. Conclusion: Most victims who settle for IDP camps and family relations became victims of rape, sexual transaction, drug abuse, child abuse, prostitution, and banditry activities which possess major threat to the health and psychological well-being of the victims.Trial Registration: The study emphasized a collaborative effort of the government and the healthcare providers through a community-based approach to organize social support programmes on vocational skills acquisition and HIV education for the internally displaced persons and family relations. Also, the study recommended that the military, especially the younger uniform personnel, receive training on HIV/AIDS prevention.
Bacterial Distribution On The Ocular Surface of Patients With Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Kim Yong Chan , Ham Bak Noon , Kang Kui Dong , Yun Jun Myeong , Kwon Man Jae , Kim Hyun Seung , Hwang Hyung Bin
Published: May 2021

Many studies have shown that gut microbial dysbiosis is a major factor in the etiology of autoimmune diseases but none have suggested that the ocular surface (OS) microbiome is associated with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). In this prospective study, we analyzed bacterial distribution on the OS in patients with primary SS. Among the 120 subjects included in this study, 48 patients (group A) had primary SS, whereas 72 subjects (group B) had dry eye symptoms that were unrelated to SS. We evaluated clinical dry eye parameters such as the OS disease index, ocular staining score, Schirmer’s test, and tear break-up time. Conjunctival swabs were used to analyze the microbial communities from the two groups. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and the data were analyzed using the QIIME 1.9.1 program. The Shannon index was significantly lower in group A than in group B microbiota. An analysis of similarity using the Bray–Curtis distance method found no difference in beta-diversity between the two groups. In group A, Actinobacteria at the phylum level and Corynebacteria at the genus level exhibited low abundance, but the differences were not statistically significant. SS apparently decreases the diversity of the OS microbial community and may affect the abundance of some bacterial strains at the phylum and genus levels. These observations may be important for the pathophysiology of SS and should be investigated in future studies.
In Silicon Design of Antimicrobial Oligopeptides Based on 3D-QSAR Modelling and Bioassay Evaluation
Authors: Li Guangping , Wang Yuxuan , Shen Yan , Guo Haiqiong , He Qingxiu , Hu Yong , Liu Haibin , Lin Zhihua , Wang Yuanqiang
Published: May 2021

The emergence of multi-drug resistance bacteria poses great health theat. Therefore, it is a crucial demand to obtain new antibacterial drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the characteristics of wide antimicrobial spectrum and lower drug resistance, hence, it is hopeful to substitute for classical antibiotics. In this study, two classic methods, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA), were used to analysis the structural feature of small AMPs against S. aureus or E. coli respectively. Subsequently, Three-Dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (3D-QSAR) models (for S. aureus, CoMFA: Q2 = 0.512, R2 = 0.943, F = 59.916; CoMSIA: Q2 = 0.645, R2 = 0.993, F = 339.242; for E. Coli, CoMFA: Q2 = 0.507, R2 = 0.913, F = 66.862; CoMSIA: Q2 = 0.573, R2 = 0.966, F = 96.84) with good predictability and stability were constructed. Seven novel small AMPs were designed and synthesized based on the theoretical model. The novel AMPs showed potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli without causing host toxicity. Our findings provide a potential therapeutic option using 3D-QSAR models guiding the design and modification of novel AMPs, to address the prevalent infections caused by MDR bacterial.
Validation and minimum important difference of the UCSD shortness of breath questionnaire in fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Chen Tao , Tsai Amy Po Yu , Hur Seo Am , Wong Alyson W. , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Fisher Jolene H. , Johannson Kerri A. , Assayag Deborah , Morisset Julie , Shapera Shane , Khalil Nasreen , Fell Charlene D. , Manganas Helene , Cox Gerard , To Teresa , Gershon Andrea S. , Hambly Nathan , Halayko Andrew J. , Wilcox Pearce G , Kolb Martin , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: May 2021

Rationale: The University of California, San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSDSOBQ) is a frequently used domain-specific dyspnea questionnaire; however, there is little information available regarding its use and minimum important difference (MID) in fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD). We aimed to describe the key performance characteristics of the UCSDSOBQ in this population. Methods: UCSDSOBQ scores and selected anchors were measured in 1933 patients from the prospective multi-center Canadian Registry for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Anchors included the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS), percent-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO%), and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Concurrent validity, internal consistency, ceiling and floor effects, and responsiveness were assessed, followed by estimation of the MID by anchor-based (linear regression) and distribution-based methods (standard error of measurement). Results: The UCSDSOBQ had a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.97), no obvious floor or ceiling effect, strong correlations with SGRQ, EQ-5D-5L, and EQ-VAS (|r|>0.5), and moderate correlations with FVC%, DLCO%, and 6MWD (0.3<|r|<0.5). The MID estimate for UCSDSOBQ was 5 points (1-8) for the anchor-based method, and 4.5 points for the distribution-based method. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the validity of UCSDSOBQ in a large and heterogeneous population of patients with fibrotic ILD, and provides a robust MID estimate of 5 to 8 points.
Information generation in interactions: the link between evolutionary game theory and evolutionary economics
Authors: Sengupta Nirmal
Published: May 2021

While criticizing the analytical settings of human interactions for their unrealistic nature many scholars have also suggested improvement measures. We incorporate those in the existing theories, whereupon the simple game theoretic settings change into those of countless decisions made by millions of individuals with diverse interests and abilities trying to interact in varieties of situations. By applying evolutionary game theory we are able to show that the evolutionary selection process steers the complexities away from chaos to orderly and resilient interaction systems. The information content of the emerging order is operationalized as norms, institutions, trust etc. It accompanies novel phenomena and co-evolves with physical, technical and cognitive systems. All these phenomena are evident in reality and are of considerable interest in economic and social studies. JEL No. : B41, D80, C65, C73, A12
The Space-evolution Frame as Alternative to Space-time
Authors: Du Xiaonan
Published: May 2021

As a alternative to Minkowski spacetime frame, this paper propose a four dimensional Euclidean space that combine three spacial dimension with evolution instead of time. It is called space-evolution, in which time is considered as world line length and is absolute. The space-evolution frame provide a new perspective for understanding of time, space and special relativity. The new frame is self-consistent without losing compatibility to special relativity, the Lorentz transform and its predictions could be derived geometrically by simple coordinate rotation.