bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated multistage supply chain inventory model of multiple retailers with imperfect production and inspection systems
Authors: Lu Chi-Jie , Gu Ming , Lee Tian-Shyug , Yang Chih-Te
Published: April 2021

An integrated multistage supply chain inventory model containing a single manufacturer and multiple retailers is proposed to consider deteriorating materials and finished products with imperfect production and inspection systems. The main purpose is to jointly determine the manufacturer’s production and delivery strategies and the retailers’ replenishment strategies to maximize the integrated total profit. First, the individual total profit functions of the manufacturer and multiple retailers are established and are integrated to form the total profit function of the supply chain system. Then, to address the model complexity, an algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal solution. Several practical numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the solution procedure, and a sensitivity analysis is performed on the major parameters. From the numerical results, several findings that differ from those in the previous literature were observed. First, retailers with larger market scale, better cost control, and inspection capabilities guarantee higher integrated total profit. Second, increasing the deterioration rates of materials and finished products affect the order quantity of materials in various ways. Third, the manufacturer’s shipping strategy is rigid and not easily adjusted in the proposed model. The performance of the proposed model has several meaningful management implications.
Metagenomic profiling of gut microbiota in urban and rural rats: A comparative study
Authors: Gurbanov Rafig , Kabaoğlu Uygar , Yağci Tuba
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Blends of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and thermoplastic whey protein isolate: a compatibilization study
Authors: de Andrade Marina Fernandes Cosate , Loureiro Hugo Campos , Sarantopóulos Claire Isabel Grígoli de Luca , Morales Ana Rita
Published: April 2021

This work assesses the influence of the plasticizer polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the compatibilization of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and thermoplastic whey protein isolate (WPIT) blends. To prepare the blends, WPI was denatured at 90 oC, in the presence of PEG, to become a thermoplastic material. Dried WPIT was later mechanically blended with PBAT using a torque rheometer at 160 oC and 80 rpm. Two blends were prepared: 90% of PBAT/10% of WPIT (90_10) and 70% of PBAT/30% of WPIT (70_30). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed a homogenous blend morphology and good interaction between the dispersed phase and the matrix. Atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) showed PBAT and WPIT bands in all studied regions of both blends, which suggests that these materials presented partial miscibility. The viscosity ratio of the PBAT/WPIT system was less than 3.5 in the high shear rate region in complex viscosity curves, which indicates that droplet break-up of WPIT may occur by the drop fibrillation mechanism. The addition of WPIT reduced the degree of crystallinity of PBAT in the blends in comparison to pristine PBAT as shown by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical tests showed that blend tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with the addition of WPIT. Elastic modulus of the blends increased compared to pristine PBAT. Barrier properties were also evaluated showing that the oxygen permeability coefficient reduced by 20% for the blend with 30% of WPIT and vapor water permeability increased with the addition of WPIT.
Efficacy and safety of Yinxing Mihuan oral solution in the treatment of patients with post-PCI chest pain: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Xu Danping , Wu Bingxin , Yu Zikai , Lin Jinhai , Xu Haiyan , Lin Luoqi , Liu Qingrong , Zhong Biying , Ding Yining , Huang Zhiwei , Lin Miaoyang , Wu Yongjian
Published: April 2021

Background：Coronary artery disease (CHD) now accounts for approximately one third of all deaths globally and up to one-quarter of patients may have either continues or recurrent post-PCI chest pain. Yinxing Mihuan oral solution (YMOS) has been proven to bring clinical benefits for patients with CHD and Ginkgo biloba extract can relieve depression in mice. No high-quality randomized controlled trials on YMOS have been published. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yinxing Mihuan oral solution (YMOS) in the treatment of patients with post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) chest pain. This study also aimed to relieve the symptoms of chest pain as a primary outcome, improve the anxiety as a secondary outcome, assess therapeutic effects of YMOS on chest pain, and explore its effects on chest pain caused by psychological disorders after PCI.Methods: 320 patients with symptoms related to heart and a confirmed history of PCI for coronary heart disease (CHD) without the need to undergo selective coronary revascularization plan were recruited in this randomized controlled trial. The included participants were randomly assigned (at a ratio of 1:1) to experimental group and control group; patients in the experimental group received YMOS and standardized medical treatment, while those in control received placebo (10 ml) for three times/day for 12 weeks and standardized medical treatment regimen. The endpoints of the study included Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) score, Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA), Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD), Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina score, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, visual analogue scale (VAS), 12-Item short form survey (SF-12), frequency of angina-related symptoms per week, nitroglycerin discontinuation, and reduction rate of HAMA score.Discussion: This clinical trial can provide reliable evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of YMOS for patients with post-PCI chest pain.Trial registration: This research has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. ChiCTR2000028760) on January 1, 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=47528
Comparative Study on Morphological, Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of L-PBF Based Alsi10mg Parts with Conventional Stir Casted Al-10%Sic Composites
Authors: Kumar M. Saravana , Mohan E. , Robinson S. , ThivyaPrasad D.
Published: April 2021

Stir casting plays a major role in production of Al-SiC10% composites for aero space and automobile applications. However, obtaining the composites with homogenous distribution of the SiC particles, low porosity and without clustering of reinforcement particles were still a major problem faced by the research community. These kinds of casting defects were overcome by the Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. In this research, AlSi10Mg parts were manufactured by Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) method, one of the AM techniques. The mechanical and morphological characteristics of AM samples were compared with the Stir Casted (SC) samples. The influence of print orientation on the mechanical properties was also evaluated. It was found that the AM samples printed along the XY directions shows 26.5% and 8.2%higher fracture toughness and shear strength than AM samples printed along the Z directions. Both AM and SC samples were analyzed for the porosity% using the Optical Microscope (OM). The result shows that the AM sample shows reduced porosity of 1.4%. Mechanical testing such as tensile test, hardness test, fracture toughness test and double shear stress were carried out. The results obtained from the tensile test AM samples show 14.6% higher tensile strength than the SC samples, from the hardness test AM samples show 18.6% higher hardness strength than the SC samples, from the fracture toughness test AM samples show 33.4% higher fracture toughness strength than the SC samples and from the double shear stress test prove that the AM samples show 24.6% higher shear stress than the SC samples. The outcome of this research, it was proved that additive manufactured AlSi10Mgsample shows enhanced mechanical and morphological properties when compared with the conventional stir casting process.
Influence of Back Contact Annealing Temperature in the mc-Si Solar Cell Fabrication Process
Authors: Gurusamy Aravindan , Sanmugavel S. , Nagarajan S. G. , Kesavan V. , Sriniv M. , Ramasamy P.
Published: April 2021

The boron doped multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) ingot was grown using the directional solidification process. Grown ingots were converted into bricks and then to wafers. We have fabricated silicon solar cells from the multi-crystalline silicon wafers. The minority carrier lifetime of the wafers is around 15-25 ms. Annealing was made after back and front contact during the fabrication process. The effect of back contact annealing temperature has been investigated. Annealing the device at 5830C for 5 sec gives better results. Typical open circuit voltage (Voc) of the devices is around ~540-550mV. The best cell had a power conversion efficiency of ~9 % with a typical acceptor doping density ~ 2.35 E+15 per cm3 (The devices reported here do not have AR coating layer, no passivation was done and the surfaces are also not textured).
Stability of Geared Systems with Linear Suspension in Permanent Contact Regime
Authors: Azimi Mohsen
Published: April 2021

Many experimental, analytical, and numerical works have investigated the dynamic characteristics of geared transmission systems under constant speed and lightly loaded operational conditions. In such a condition, the internal and external excitation terms can easily cause the separation of the gears in mesh, followed by free play mode and impact phases, which introduce strong nonlinearity to the system. This is while, limited works have used analytical approach to investigate the dynamic behavior of the geared systems under constant speed and heavy-load operational condition, where the governing equations of the system reduce to linear periodic time-varying system of equations and the parametric resonance is the main source of Instability. In fact, large oscillations of such a system lead into the separation of the teeth in mesh, where the permanent contact assumption is not valid anymore and the effect of the backlash, free play mode, and impact phases must be considered. Consequently, in this study, lumped parameter analysis method is used to formulate the generalized dynamic model of a one-stage spur gear pair with linear suspension. Poincare-Lindstedt method is used to determine the range of the parameters in which the primary and combined parametric resonance would not happen, where the amplitude of the vibration remains small and the permanent contact condition between the teeth in mesh is satisfied. Afterward, numerical integration along with Floquet theory is used to validate the analytical results.
Hydrocracking of Waste Cooking Oil into Biofuel Using Mesoporous Silica from Parangtritis Beach Sand Synthesis by Sonochemistry
Authors: Salamah Siti , Trisunaryanti Wega , Kartini Indriana , Purwono Suryo
Published: April 2021

High content of silica in beach sand can be synthesized into mesoporous silica (MS) using the sonochemistry method with dodecyl-amine (DDA) as a surfactant template. The preparation began by adding sodium silicate dropwise to DDA solution under the rotation speed of 120 rpm. The mixture was then added with H 2 SO 4 and sonicated at 37 Khz at a temperature of 35 ºC for 20 minutes. The product was then filtered, washed, and dried at 50 °C then calcined at 600 ºC for 5 h. After it was calcined, the sample was characterized by using FTIR, Surface Area Analyzer, XRD, SEM, and TEM as well as the acidity using pyridine vapor adsorption. The synthesized MS was then used as a catalyst in hydrocracking waste cooking oil in a semi-batch stainless steel reactor system at 450 ⁰C for 2 h, under 20 ml min -1 H2 flow rate. The hydrocracking product of the liquid fraction was analyzed using GC-MS. The results showed that the best performance of the MS1 was produced by using the DDA concentration of 0.1 M, had optimum acidity at 1.7 mmolg -1 , specific surface area of 233 m 2 g -1 , total pore volume of 0.4cc/g, and average pore diameter of 7.70 nm.The best MS1 catalyst produced liquid fraction with yield of 31.13 wt.% which consisted of 11.10 % diesel oil and 5.04 % gasoline.
Implementation of Low Voltage MOSFET and Power LDMOS on InGaAs
Authors: ADHIKARI MANOJ SINGH , Patel Raju , Verma Yogesh Kumar , Singh Yashvir
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a new low voltage MOSFET (LV MOSFET) and high voltage dual-gate MOSFET (HV DG MOSFET) have been proposed with concept of integration based on trench technology on InGaAs material. Junction isolation technique is used for the implementation of a low voltage MOSFET and a high power dual gate MOSFET in same InGaAs epitaxial layer side by side. The HV DG MOSFET consists of dual gate that are placed in drift region under the oxide-filled trenches. The proposed structure minimize on-resistance (R on ) along with increased breakdown voltage (V br ) due to enhanced RESURF effect, the creation of dual channels, and due to folding technique of drift region in vertical direction. In the HV DG MOSFET, the drain current (I D ) increases leading to enhanced transconductance (gm) by simultaneous conduction of channels with improved maximum oscillation frequency (f max ) and cut-off frequency (f t ). On the other side, the low voltage MOSFET consists of a gate placed in a centre of the structure within an oxide trench to create two n-channels in the p-base. The two channels are conducting in parallel and give substantial enhancement in peak g m , I D , f max and f t with more control over the short channel parameters. The design and performance analysis of low voltage MOSFET (LV MOSFET) and high voltage dual-gate MOSFET (HV DG MOSFET) are carried out on 2-D ATLAS device simulator.
Comparative Analysis of Different Figures of Merit for Algan/Gan and Si Surrounding-Gate Field Effect Transistors (SG-Fets)
Authors: Verma Yogesh Kumar , Mishra Varun , Adhikari Manoj Singh , Buddhi Dharam , Gupta Santosh Kumar
Published: April 2021

The combination of better transport properties of III-V group semiconductors along with excellent electrostatic control of surrounding gate is a promising option for the future low power electronics. Accordingly in this brief, the major figures of merit (FOM) including output current, output conductance (gd), transconductance generation factor (TGF), intrinsic gain (dB), and dynamic power dissipation are computed for surrounding-gate field effect transistors (SG-FETs) considering III-V group semiconductors and Si channel material respectively with respect to different device parameters. It is noticed that the center potential is higher in AlGaN/GaN SG-FET than Si for different values of channel length (CL), channel height (H), oxide thickness (tox), and doping concentration (Nd). The AlGaN/GaN SG-FET provides lower gd than Si for different values of CL, H, tox, and Nd as required for MOS analog circuits to achieve higher gain. The peak value of TGF and intrinsic gain is higher in AlGaN/GaN than Si SG-FET for different values of CL, H, tox, and Nd. In this work, we have analyzed the MOSFET structure for normally off operation of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) to reduce dynamic power dissipation (PD). The magnitude of PD is calculated to be lower in normally off AlGaN/GaN SG-FET than Si for different values of CL, H, and tox.
Piloting a Self-Reported Symptom Assessment Tool in Three Outpatient Oncology Palliative Care Clinics
Authors: Patel Mallikaben Bhanubhai , Bryant Ashley Leak , Mayer Deborah K , Winzelberg Gary
Published: April 2021

Background: Palliative care outpatient clinics should assess patients’ symptoms and quality of life prior to visits to guide care and response to treatments. We describe the implementation of a quality improvement initiative to increase symptom and quality of life screening in the outpatient oncology palliative care (OOPC) clinics of one National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Method: Our quality improvement project structure was based on the RE-AIM framework. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach, we focused on assessing effective implementation of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-r ) and one Quality of Life (QoL) question at each OOPC visit. At the end of each 3-week PDSA cycle, barriers and facilitators were recognized and addressed. The implementation’s effectiveness was determined by percentage of adherence using the following formula: [(number of ESAS-r +1 QoL forms completed per clinic/Number of OOPC completed patient appointments per clinic) x 100].Results: A total of 372 patient appointments were completed during the four PDSA cycles, with overall 59% adherence. The first PDSA cycle compliance was 69%, 58% in the second, 52% in the third, and 65% at the last PDSA cycle. The primary barrier was staff turnover.Conclusion: We were able to implement the ESAS-r + 1 QoL form in a complex clinical outpatient setting. We identified barriers for sustainability, including staff turnover. We addressed these barriers by providing robust instructions that outlined an overview of the clinic workflow and education for all staff members involved in the implementation process. Based on our experience, we suggest integrating this form into the electronic medical record to monitor patient outcomes in the outpatient oncology clinics.
Optical solitons and other soluions for Radhakrishnan–Kundu–Lakshmanan equation in birefringent fibers by an efficient computational technique
Authors: Bilal M. , Youins Mohammad , Seadawy Aly Ramadan , Rizvi S.T.R.
Published: April 2021

In this article, we are interested to discuss the exact optical soiltons and other solutions in birefringent fibers modeled by Radhakrishnan-Kundu-Lakshmanan
equation in two component form for vector solitons. We extract the solutions in the form of hyperbolic, trigonometric and exponential functions including solitary wave solutions like multiple-optical soliton, mixed complex soliton solutions. The strategy that is used to explain the dynamics of soliton is known as generalized exponential rational function method. Moreover, singular periodic wave solutions are recovered and the constraint conditions for the existence of
soliton solutions are also reported. Besides, the physical action of the
solution attained are recorded in terms of 3D, 2D and contour
plots for distinct parameters. The achieved outcomes show that the
applied computational strategy is direct, efficient, concise and can
be implemented in more complex phenomena with the assistant of
symbolic computations. The primary benefit of this technique is to develop a significant relationships between NLPDEs and others simple
NLODEs and we have succeeded in a single move to get and
organize various types of new solutions. The obtained outcomes show that the applied method is concise, direct, elementary and can be imposed in more complex phenomena
with the assistant of symbolic computations
Classification of Cognitive Ability of Healthy Elderly Individuals Using Resting-State Functional Connectivity Magnetic Resonance Imaging and An Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Yang Zekun , Ge Manling , Belkacem Abdelkader Nasreddine , Fu Xiaoxuan , Zhang Qirui , Chen Shenghua , Xie Chong , Song Zibo , Chen Chao
Published: April 2021

Purpose Quantitative determination of the correlation between cognitive ability and functional biomarkers in the elderly brain is essential. To identify biomarkers associated with cognitive performance in the elderly, this study combined an index model specific for resting-state functional connectivity (FC) magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) with a supervised machine learning method. Methods Performance scores on conventional cognitive test batteries and MRI data were obtained for 98 healthy elderly individuals and 90 healthy youth from two public databases. Based on the test scores, the elderly cohort was categorized into two groups: excellent and poor. An fcMRI index model was constructed for each elderly individual to determine the relative differences in FC among brain regions compared with that in the youth cohort. Brain areas sensitive to test scores could then be identified using the fcMRI indexes. To confirm the effectiveness of constructed model, the fcMRI indexes of these brain areas were used as feature matrix inputs for training an extreme learning machine. Classification accuracy was then tested in separate groups and confirmed by N-fold cross-validation. Results This learning study could effectively classify the cognitive status of healthy elderly individuals according to frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe FC values with a mean accuracy of 83.5%, which is substantially higher than that achieved using conventional correlation analysis. Conclusion This fcMRI classification study may facilitate early detection of age-related cognitive decline as well as help reveal the underlying pathological mechanisms.
Menopausal Transition and Its Association With the Sexual Quality of Life of Male Partners
Authors: ALIDU HUSEINI , Luuse Arnold Togiwe , Abaka-Yawson Albert , Kwadzokpui Precious Kwablah , Kortei Nii Korley , Koryo-Dabrah Alice , Bawah Ahmed Tijani , Amidu Nafiu
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSexual function in women is reported to decline with age. Menopausal transition is very important as the sexual function of women usually takes a down turn. Menopause has been associated with psychogenic factors such as anxiety, depression and stress. The decline in sexual function coupled with these psychogenic factors could trigger events that could lead to a poor sexual quality of life. The impact on the sexual function of women coupled with the onset of these psychogenic problems during menopause could affect the way women respond to sexual advances from their spouses and this could eventually compromise the sexual quality of life of their spouses.MethodsThe study recruited 96 postmenopausal and 20 premenopausal participants. These women had to be in a heterosexual relationship for at least 2 years. The male partners were followed up at their homes and interviewed to obtain data on their sexual quality of life.ResultsMenopausal women showed a decrease in domains of sexual function but their overall sexual function and their sexual quality of life was not affected. The sexual function of the postmenopausal women did not affect the quality of life of the male partner, nor did it affect the sexual quality of life of the partners in synergy with their menopausal status. However, menopausal status had a significant effect on the sexual quality of life of the male partners. Factors not directly linked to the sexual function of postmenopausal women but directly linked to events around their menopausal status was significantly involved in lowering the sexual quality of life of their male partners. Participant’s occupational and exercise habits were significantly associated with their menopausal status. Engagements in regular exercise amongst postmenopausal women could improve their general wellbeing. This could improve their self confidence and willingness to engage in sexual activity thereby contributing to salvaging the sexual quality of life of their male partners.ConclusionMenopausal status had an effect on the sexual quality of life of the male partners. Factors not directly linked to the sexual function of postmenopausal women but directly linked to events around their menopausal status was significantly involved in lowering the sexual quality of life of their male partners.
The Effect of Maternal Body Mass Index on In Vitro Fertilization-Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Treatment: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Inal Zeynep Ozturk , Inal Hasan Ali
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To evaluate whether or not maternal body mass index (BMI) has an effect on pregnancy rates following in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) treatment.Methods: A total of 869 patients who had undergone IVF-ICSI treatment between 2012 and 2017 were included in this study. The participants were stratified according to maternal BMI as Group 1 (BMI<25 kg/m2; n=394), Group 2 (25 kg/m2<BMI <30 kg/m2; n=303), and Group 3 (BMI>25 kg/m2; n=172). Basal parameters and IVF-ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups.Results: While there were no differences between the groups in terms of age, smoking status, etiology of infertility, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin levels, antral follicle count, and stimulation protocol (p>0.05), there was significant statistical difference (p<0.05) in terms of BMI, duration of infertility, baseline follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol (E2), duration of stimulation, total gonadotropin dose required, peak E2 levels, progesterone levels, endometrial thickness on hCG administration, and cycle cancellation rate. In addition, the numbers of MII and 2PN oocytes retrieved and the rates of clinical pregnancy, live births, and miscarriages were also different between the groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: Our data suggest that there is an inverse impact of increased BMI on laboratory and reproductive outcome parameters of IVF-ICSI treatment. Taking cost-effectiveness into consideration, weight loss should be suggested before ovulation is induced.
SARS-CoV-2 evasion from ADAR hyper-editing is both genome-encoded and sustained by the virus replication strategy
Authors: Bortoletto Enrico , Venier Paola , Shapiro Maxwell , Leonardi Andrea , Rosani Umberto
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is threatening the human society because of its capability to subvert antiviral defenses, causing cytokine hyper-activation and prolonged damage in multiple tissues with unpredictable outcomes in the mid-long term. Here, we evaluated the role of ADAR, an interferon-stimulated gene able to control the activation of the immune system and to directly modify exogenous dsRNAs, during in-vivo infection by SARS-CoV-2. After accurate analysis of 863 RNA-seq samples from different species, we identified ADAR-mediated hyper-editing of SARS-CoV-2 only in 49 human datasets at a low level (0.036‰ hyper edited reads on average) and preferentially on ORF6. Conversely, in mouse datasets we found abundant hyper-editing of viral reads (up to 1.16‰). The analysis of dinucleotide frequency along the ORFs of α, β, δ and γ coronaviruses highlighted the evolutionary pressure of ADAR enzymes, suggesting that the SARS-CoV-2 resistance to hyper-editing is both genome-encoded and supported by the viral transcription strategy.
The association of oxidative stress biomarkers with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Banik Sujan , Ghosh Antara
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Although the exact etiologies of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are not well defined, the effect of oxidative stress is considered an important factor in the development of T2DM. However, there are controversial outcomes in the association between oxidative stress biomarker levels and T2DM. The present study was aimed to critically examine the association of oxidative stress biomarkers with T2DM.Methods: We systematically searched different electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science to find relevant articles up to 31 December 2019. The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to define the variation between the study groups. Results: A total of 22 case-control studies with 2853 subjects (1667 diabetic patients and 1186 healthy controls) were selected for this meta-analysis. The pooled results of meta-analysis showed a significant difference in the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels [SMD (95% CI): 2.27 (1.62, 2.91)], nitric oxide (NO) levels [SMD (95% CI): 1.40 (0.00, 2.81)], glutathione (GSH) levels [SMD (95% CI): -1.76 (-2.94, -0.59)], and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels [SMD (95% CI): -1.40 (-2.28, -0.51)] between patients group and controls. Whereas, there was no significant difference observed in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels [SMD (95% CI): -1.20 (-2.55, 0.15)] and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels [SMD (95% CI): 0.07 (-2.80, 2.94)].Conclusion: The current meta-analysis suggests that oxidative stress might have a potential role in the pathogenesis of T2DM in humans. Further studies should be needed to elucidate the possible mechanism and strengthen this evidence.
Anti-hypertensive effect of Korean fermented soybean paste (Doenjang) through regulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in male rats fed with high-fat and/or high-salt diet
Authors: Woo Hayoung , Park Jung Eun , Cha Youn-Soo
Published: April 2021

Background: Korean fermented food, doenjang, is questioned due to its high salt content, although it has been reported an abundance of beneficial effects. Therefore, we investigated its impact on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) hypertension using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and male Sprague-Dawley rats.Results: Among the rats fed with normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), high-fat diet with 8% table salt (HDS), or high-fat diet with doenjang containing 8% table salt (HDJ) for 13 weeks, the HDJ group showed significantly lower blood pressure, lesser body weight, and reduced levels of serum angiotensin II and aldosterone, compared to the HD and HDS groups. In addition, mRNA expressions levels of angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensin II receptor type 1, and angiotensin II receptor type 2 were downregulated in epididymal fat of the HDJ group.Conclusions: In spite of its high salt content, Doenjang appears to inhibit obesity-induced hypertension through modulation of RAS by blocking the angiotensin converting enzyme, even with high fat intake.
Pancreas-Specific ARID1A Deficiency Promotes Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia and Elevates Interleukin-6 Expression in Experimental Pancreatitis Model
Authors: Zhang Liming , Li Zhaoyun , Zhou Yong , Zhu Jie , Jin Chong , Mo Jing-gang
Published: April 2021

Background: Although role of ARID1A in pancreatic homeostasis and tumorigenesis has been recently described using genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models, whether ARID1A plays a role in pancreatic inflammation and regeneration remains to be explored.Methods: Pancreas-specific Arid1a-deficient GEM model (Arid1adef) was generated by Ela1-Cre/ERT2 mice crossing with Arid1afl/fl mice and characterized histologically. In physiological and inflammatory conditions, serum amylase and lipase activity were measured to investigate effects of Arid1a deficiency on pancreatic secretion function. Histology analysis of pancreas was used to evaluate pancreatic lesions and recovery. Ex vivo primary acinar cell culture was employed to study acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) process. In HPNE cells, ARID1A knockdown and histone acetyltransferases inhibitors were used to explore epigenetic regulation on interleukin-6 (IL6) expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to analyze on IL6 promoters.Results: Arid1a deficiency promoted formation of ductal cysts characterized as silenced acinar genes and activated duct genes. Arid1a-deficient acinar cells were more inclined to trans-differentiation to ductal cells in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) model. Expression analysis of proinflammatory cytokines reveals that ARID1A deficiency led to increased IL-6 expression in mice acinar cells and HPNE cells. ARID1A-associated histone acetylation partially involved in epigenetic regulation of IL-6. Conclusion: These results demonstrate ARID1A is involved in cerulein-induced AP development by mediating pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and suggest that ARID1A-containing SWI/SNF complex is an epigenetic regulator of acute pancreatitis.
A Method of Real-temporal Object Tracking Combined the Temporal Information and Spatial Information
Authors: Jia XiaoShuo , Li Zhihui , Li Kangshun , Zeng Shangyou
Published: April 2021

The purpose of single target tracking is to accurately and continuously locate a specific object when it is moving. However, when the objects encounter with fast movement, severe occlusion, too small size, and the same local features, the tracking algorithm which based on correlation filter or convolutional neural network will appear the positioning error phenomenon. Aiming at the above problems, this paper designs a single target tracking algorithm: relative temporal spatial network (RTSnet). RTSnet is a multi-thread network that composed of Relative temporal Information Network (RTInet) and Relative Spatial Information Network (RSInet). RTInet is designed on the basis of LSTM, and it has the predictable characteristics of temporal. It mainly obtains the relative temporal information between the frames before and after the target. RSInet, an improved twin network based on the Triplet Network, has the effect of similarity determination which can to obtain the spatial information between the frames before and after the target. In the experiments, the RTSnet is trained by using LASOT data set and verified by using the LASOT test set and The OTB100 data set. In the test set of LASOT, the accuracy of RTSnet reaches 85.5%, StruckSiam reaches 50% and STRCF reaches 54%. Meanwhile, its tracking speed reaches 120fps due to the RTSnet adopts dual-thread operation. On the OTB100 data-set, the accuracy of RTSnet is 81.1%.
Multidimensional Effects Decomposition of Urbanization on Energy Consumption based on a Modified LMDI Model
Authors: Yan Xiang , Huang Yongchun
Published: April 2021

Urbanization is important for population transfer, it triggers the coordination and adaptation process among population, space and industries, which in turn have multiple effects on energy consumption (EC). This paper conducted multidimensional effects decomposition of EC change in China (1998–2017) based on a modified LMDI model. The findings revealed that urbanization has a greater pulling effect on EC of production side over life side. Household consumption effect is the leading factor stimulating the increase in EC at production side. The convergence of urban and rural residents' consumption behaviors has increasingly contributed to EC fluctuation at life side, and become the handicap for energy sustainable development with population expansion. Unreasonable land utilization from space aspect has intensified EC, however, the scale effect produced by population agglomeration negatively caused fluctuation of living EC. The transformation and upgrading of traditional energy-driven industries and technological progress have alleviated energy pressure, and the consumption inhibiting effect has an inverted U-shaped effect on EC (promote first, decrease later). Thus, this paper further proposed that when the development from industry aspect encounters bottleneck, more attention should be paid to improve residents' consumption habits at population aspect, and release resource allocation momentum from space aspect to reduce EC.
Expression of ZjPSY, A Phytoene Synthase Gene from Zoysia Japonica Leads to Leaf Yellowing and Plant Dwarfing in Arabidopsis Thaliana
Authors: Dong Di , Teng Ke , Tan Penghui , Liu Zhuocheng , Yang Zhuoxiong , Wang Mengdi , Li Shuwen , Li Yinreuizhi , Han Liebao , Chao Yuehui
Published: April 2021

Phytoene synthase (Psy) is a key limiting enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway by regulating phytoene synthesis. In this study, ZjPSY was isolated and identified from an important lawn grass species, Zoysia japonica. ZjPSY cDNA was 1230 bp in length, corresponding to 409 amino acids. ZjPSY showed higher expression in young leaves and were down-regulated after GA3, ABA, SA, and MeJA treatments, exhibited a sensitivity to hormones. By analysis of cis-regulatory elements in ZjPSY promoter region, ZjPSY exhibited be regulated of light and multiple hormones. To investigate the functions of ZjPSY, the plant expression vector was constructed to obtain transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. Overexpression of ZjPSY protein led to carotenoid accumulation and altered expression of genes involved in carotenoid contents. ZjPSY expressing Arabidopsis thaliana exhibited yellowing and dwarfing phenotypes and contained more carotenoids than the wild type. Yeast two-hybrid screening identified a novel interacting partner of ZjPSY, ZjJ2 (DNAJ homologue 2), which encodes heat-shock protein 40 (HSP40). Taken together, this study suggests that ZjPSY plays an important role in carotenoid synthesis, leaf color development and hormone response in transgenic plants. These results broadened the understanding of carotenoid synthesis pathways and laid a foundation for the exploration and utilization of PSY gene.
ASG Version of Integral Sliding Mode Robust Controller for AV Nonholonomic 2D Models Avoiding Obstacles
Authors: Vargas Hector , Meda Jesús Alberto , Poznyak Alexander
Published: April 2021

In this work, a new robust controller is designed and analysed providing an autonomous vehicle, moving within a 2D - plain, with the ability to avoid collision with a set of obstacles despite of the presence of uncertainties in the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) with nonholonomic dynamic. The state variables (2 plain coordinates and 3 angles) and their velocities are assumed to be measurable. The controller design is based on Integral Sliding Mode (ISM) concept, aimed to minimize a given convex (not obligatory strongly convex) function of the current state. The subgradient of this cost function is also supposed to be measurable online. An optimization type algorithm is developed and analyzed using ideas of the Averaged Subgradient (ASG) technique. The main results consist in proving the reachability of the desired regime (non stationary analogue of sliding surface) from the beginning of the process and obtaining an explicit upper bound for the cost function decrement, that is, a functional convergence is proven and the rate of convergence is estimated, providing multiple obstacle avoidance. A numerical example depicts a good performance of the suggested hereby method.
Multi-material Topology Optimization Based on Multiple SIMP of Variable Density Method
Authors: Jiao Hongyu , Li Ying
Published: April 2021

In this paper a multiple SIMP (solid isotropic material with penalization model) of variable density method is proposed to solve the problem of muli-material topology optimization. All candidate materials including void material are arranged in descending order of elastic modulus. The material conversion scheme of multiple SIMP is based on the elastic modulus of the candidate material after interpolation. Based on the guide-weight method, the iterative criterion of muti-material topology optimization is derived from the Kuhn-Tucker condition. Three examples show that the proposed method is effective and robust to solve the problem of muti-material topology optimization.
Did Negative News Regarding the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine end in Vaccine Hesitancy? A Repeated Cross-Section Event Study from the UK
Authors: Comerford David , Olivarius Olivia , Bell David , Dawson Alison , Brown Tamara , McGregor Lesley , Pemble Cath , McCabe Louise , Douglas Elaine
Published: April 2021

Vaccine hesitancy is influenced by perceived risk and benefits. On March 15th 2021 various countries suspended use of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19 following deaths arising from blood clots. The story became headline news and online search querying vaccine safety increased. What happened to Covid-19 vaccine intentions? We were collecting relevant data at the time. Our survey asked UK adults if they intended to get the vaccine and measured their attitudes towards it. Data collection from respondents before coverage of the story reached its peak (March 12th-15th; n = 241) was compared with responses after the peak (March 17th; n = 305). Our data show no reductions in intentions or attitudes. Our study is uniquely positioned to analyse real-world responses and indicates that media coverage of this story did not reduce intention to take up the vaccine in the UK.
A comparative analysis of heavy metals present in cigarette and cigarette leachate
Authors: Michal Maria , Maria Anu , Velayudhannair Krishnakumar , Vincent Xavier , Radhakrishnan Divya K.
Published: April 2021

Smoked cigarette and butts are the most common forms of litter globally. The local water bodies and their compartments have been severely polluted by the accumulation of these litters and the cumulative effect of many cigarette butts littered in a centralised area may present a significant threat to the living organisms. It is essential to study the leaching behaviour of cigarettes to understand how the heavy metals are leached out into the aquatic ecosystem. In this context, we determined the concentration of different metals (such as Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sn, Zn & Hg) leached from the different brands of unsmoked and smoked cigarette and cigarette butts by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results revealed that the amounts of heavy metal are higher in butt samples (USB and SB) of both cigarette and leachate irrespective of brands, compared to the tobacco part of the cigarette and the concentrations of certain toxic heavy metals in cigarettes were significantly different between cigarette brands tested. These results suggest that cigarette litter was found to be one of the major sources of metal contamination in the aquatic ecosystem and apparent leaching may increase the risk of toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Subthreshold Analytical Model of Asymmetric Gate Stack Triple Metal Gate All Around MOSFET (AGSTMGAAFET) for Improved Analog Applications
Authors: Ganesh Arvind , Goel Kshitij , Mayall Jaskeerat Singh , Rewari Sonam
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we have proposed a 2D analytical model for Asymmetric gate stack triple metal gate MOSFET(AGSTMGAAFET) and performed a comparative analysis with the simulation results obtained using the SILVACO 3D simulation software. Existing devices such as gate all around single metal (SMGAAFET), gate all around triple metal (TMGAAFET), gate stack single metal (GSSMGAAFET), gate stack triple metal (GSTMGAAFET) and asymmetric gate stack single metal (AGSTMGAAFET) have been compared with our proposed structure AGSTMGAAFET. Our device provides excellent performance in terms of drain current, transconductance, output conductance, current gain, maximum transducer power gain which shows our device’s suitability for various analog applications moreover the potential and electric field plots obtained have twostep profile and extremely low electric field near the drain region which ordains our device with the ability to suppress various SCE’s like DIBL and hot-carrier effect. The analytical model and simulation results show good convergence in values which validate the correctness of the proposed model.
Simple and Sensitive Multi-Components Detection Using Synthetic Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots Based on Soluble Starch
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Ji Wenxuan , Qiao Jinjuan , Li Heng , Zhang Yun , Luo Jun
Published: April 2021

Although carbon dots (CDs) as fluorescent sensors have been widely exploited, multi-component detection using CDs without tedious surface modification is always a challenging task. Here, two kinds of nitrogen-doped CDs (NCD-m and NCD-o) based on soluble starch (SS) as carbon source were prepared through one-pot hydrothermal process using m-phenylenediamine and o-phenylenediamine as nitrogenous dopant respectively. Through fluorescence “on-off” mechanism of CDs, NCD-m and NCD-o could be used as a fluorescence sensor for detection of Fe 3+ and Ag + with LOD of 0.25 and 0.5 μM, respectively. Additionally, NCD-m could be used for indirect detection of ascorbic acid (AA) with LOD of 5 μM. Moreover, fluorescence intensity of NCD-m also exhibited the sensitivity to pH change from 2 to 13. More importantly, Both NCD-m and NCD-o had potential application for analysis of complicated real samples such as tap water, Vitamin C tablets and orange juice. Ultimately, the small size of NCD-m could contribute to reinforcing intracellular endocytosis, which allowed them to be used for bacteria imaging.
Reconstruction of the Catastrophic Outburst Floods of the Diexi Ancient Landslide-Dammed Lake in the Upper Minjiang River, Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Junxue , Chen Jian , Cui Zhijiu , Zhou Wendy , Chen Ruichen , Wang Chengbiao
Published: April 2021

Landslide-dammed lake outburst floods (LLOFs) may pose serious safety threats to nearby residents and their livelihoods, as well as cause major damages to the downstream areas in mountainous regions. This study presents the Diexi ancient landslide-dammed lake (DALL) in the Upper Minjiang River at the eastern margins of the Tibetan Plateau, which was known to an estimated previous maximal lake area of 1.1 × 107 m2 and an impounded volume of 2.9 × 109 m3. Then, at approximately 27 ka BP, the ancient landslide dam failed and catastrophic LLOFs occurred. It was determined that the peak discharge of the Diexi ancient LLOFs could be reconstructed using regression, parametric, and boulder competence approaches. The reconstructed maximum peak discharge might be 72,232.66 m3/s, with an average velocity of 17.23 m/s, indicating that the Diexi ancient LLOFs were the most gigantic outburst floods to occur in the Upper Minjiang River Valley since the Late Pleistocene Period. The differences in the widths and slopes within the former and the later reaches of the dam indicated that the geomorphic influences on the river channel resulting from the DALL and its LLOFs have existed for tens of thousands of years. These findings were of major significance in deepening the understanding of the existence and disappearances of important river-knickpoints on a time scale of tens of thousands of years.
Material Basis and Mechanism of Chansu Injection for COVID-19 Treatment Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology
Authors: Xu Yong , Peng Wenpan , Han Di , Wang Zhichao , Feng Fanchao , Wu Qi , Zhou Xian-mei
Published: April 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging and rapidly evolving disease with no effective drug treatment. Traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used to treat COVID-19 in China. Chansu and its major active constituent, bufalin, exert broad-spectrum antiviral effects. Although the clinical efficacy of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment has been confirmed, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Objectives: In this study, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the potential material basis and mechanism of action of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment. Methods: The main components of Chansu injection were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The PharmMapper, SwissTargetPrediction, SEA, and TCMID databases were used to screen for the active ingredients and therapeutic targets of Chansu injection while the OMIM and GeneCards Suite databases were used to search for COVID-19-related targets. The STRING database was used for protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction and topological analysis while DAVID was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the core targets. Molecular docking of the three Chansu injection components (i.e., cinobufagin, resibufogenin, and bufalin) to angiotensin-converting enzyme II, spike (S) protein, 3CL protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase was also carried out. Results: The three Chansu injection compounds were identified using HPLC. A total of 236 drug-related targets and 16,611 disease-related targets were identified, and 77 common targets were determined through mapping. The PPI mapping results revealed 16 core targets obtained through topological analysis and screening. Further, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K and JAK–STAT signaling pathways are the major pathways regulated by Chansu injection in COVID-19 treatment. The molecular docking results suggest that the three Chansu injection components have high binding energies to the S protein. Conclusions: This study revealed that the potential mechanism of Chansu injection for COVID-19 treatment involves multiple targets and pathways, thereby providing a scientific basis for its clinical application and further research.