bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal Design of a Hybrid Solar PV-Wind-Battery Energy Storage for Standalone DC Microgrid Application
Authors: Juma Mwaka , Mwinyiwiwa Bakari M. M. , Msigwa Consalva J. , Mushi Aviti T.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a microgrid distributed energy resources (DERs) for a rural standalone system. It is made up of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) system, battery energy storage system (BESS), and wind turbine coupled to permanent magnet synchronous generator (WT-PMSG). The DERs are controlled by maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based proportional intergral (PI) controllers for both maximum power tracking and error feedback compensation. The MPPT uses the perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm for tracking the maximum power point of the DERs. The PI gains are tuned using the Ziegler-Nichol’s method. The developed system was built and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink under two conditions - constant load, and step load changes. The controllers enabled the BESS to charge even during conditions of varying load and other environmental factors such as change of irradiance and wind speed. The reference was tracked very well by the output voltage of the DC grid. This is a useful research for electrifying the rural islanded areas, too far from the grid.
Modeling the Influence of Certain Weather Parameters on Oil Palm Production in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Abubakar Ahmed , Ishak Mohd Yusoff , Uddin Md Kamal , Ponrahono Zakiah , Uba Murtala Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Oil palm is one of the most important crops in Malaysia. Lately, the production of oil palm has been reduced due to a variety of factors, including the weather and climate. Temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, sunshine, and rainfall distribution all have an impact on palm tree growth and development, which in turn has an impact on oil palm production. This paper aims to investigate the effects of some weather elements (temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, sunshine, and rainfall) on oil palm production in Peninsular Malaysia. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0 version), with descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression (MLR). The MLR model determined the strength of the relationship between oil palm yield (dependent variable) and the changing variables of temperature, sunshine, wind speed, relative humidity, and rainfall (independent variables). The findings revealed that temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, sunshine, and rainfall have a low impact on oil palm production and yield turnover. The R2 value of 0.202 shows that the independent variables explained only 20.2% of the fluctuation in palm oil production. The study recommends working within an integrated approach involving scientific research, planting, improving variety, improving regional academic leadership, and engaging private and public stakeholders, emphasized collaborative efforts with researchers in consumer countries, and strengthening the capacity of growers to best agroecological practices.
The Deposition of a Lectin from Oreochromis niloticus on the Surface of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Improve the Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Osteogenic Activity of Osteoblast-like Cells
Authors: dos Anjos Keicyanne Fernanda Lessa , da Silva Cynarha Daysy Cardoso , de Souza Mary Angela Aranda , de Melo Janaína Viana , de Mattos Alessandra Batista , Coelho Luana Cassandra Breitenbach Barroso , Machado Giovanna , de Figueiredo Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz
Published: August 2021

Titanium and its alloys are used biomaterials for medical and dental applications, due to their mechanical and physical properties. The surface modifications of titanium with bioactive molecules can increase the osseointegration by improving the interface between the bone and implant. Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2NTs) have excellent bioactivity inducing cell adhesion, spreading, growth and differentiation. In this work, TiO2NTs were functionalized with a lectin from the plasma of the fish Oreochromis niloticus aiming to favour the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells, improving its biocompatibility. The TiO2NTs were obtained by anodization of titanium and annealed at 400 °C for 3 h. The resulting TiO2NTs were characterized by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The successfully incorporation of OniL on the surface of TiO2NTs by spin coating was demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIE) and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectrum (ATR-FTIR). Our results showed that TiO2-NTs were successfully synthesized in a regular and well-distributed way. The functionalization of TiO2-NTs with OniL favoured adhesion, proliferation, and the osteogenic activity of osteoblast-like cells, suggesting its use to improve the quality and biocompatibility of titanium-based biomaterials.
Pathological T Helper Polarization Requires Pre-existing Cross-Reactive Memory T Cells
Authors: Usharauli David , Kamala Tirumalai
Published: August 2021

Naive CD4+ T cells engage cognate peptide MHC-II complexes (pMHC-IIs) to differentiate and acquire one of several T helper (Th) fates whose specific trajectories are guided by a dynamic cytokine milieu that develops in response to antigenic entity. This physiological process is often erroneously conflated with a pathological one termed Th polarization. Using the SPIRAL model, we argue here that unlike Th fate choice, innate signaling alone is insufficient to initiate Th polarization in naive CD4+ T cells, that it instead develops from pre-existing memory CD4+ T cells that express cross-reactive TCRs, and that it inevitably leads to immunopathology.
Legislation Impediments in Reorganising Government Bodies in Indonesia
Authors: Wijaya Mas Pungky Hendra , Ali Mohammad Zulfikar
Published: August 2021

This study identifies legislation constraints to reorganize government bodies in Indonesia. Most administrations continuously receive pressure to reform and transform. Reorganization is a logical step when the problems are structural. Large government has resulted in potential duplications, in part due to entrenchment in statutes. Reorganizing a ministry or an agency poses impediments due to the process required for statutory amendments. This article takes a qualitative approach to examine the legal impediment in conducting the reorganization of government bodies. This research is a socio-legal study that combines legal research in the area of administrative law, political science, and public policy and management.

 

Keywords: Bureaucracy; Legislation; Politics; Administrative; Reorganisation.
Rapid tidal reconstruction with UTide and the ADCIRC tidal database
Authors: Torres Marissa , Nadal-Caraballo Norberto
Published: August 2021

The quantification of storm surge is vital for flood hazard assessment in communities affected by coastal storms. The astronomical tide is an integral component of the total still water level needed for accurate storm surge estimates. Coastal hazard analysis methods, such as the Coastal Hazards System and the StormSim Coastal Hazards Rapid Prediction System, require thousands of hydrodynamic and wave simulations that are computationally expensive. In some regions, the inclusion of astronomical tides is neglected in the hydrodynamics and tides are instead incorporated within the probabilistic framework. There is a need for a rapid, reliable, and accurate tide prediction methodology to provide spatially dense reconstructed or predicted tidal time series for historical, synthetic, and forecasted hurricane scenarios. A methodology is proposed to combine the tidal harmonic information from the spatially dense Advanced Circulation hydrodynamic model tidal database with a rapid tidal reconstruction and prediction program. In this study, the Unified Tidal Analysis program was paired with results from the tidal database. This methodology will produce reconstructed (i.e., historical) and predicted tidal heights for coastal locations along the United States eastern seaboard and beyond and will contribute to the determination of accurate still water levels in coastal hazard analysis methods.
Teori Transformasi dan Implikasinya pada Pengelolaan Lembaga Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Nasukah Binti , Winarti Endah
Published: August 2021

The purpose of articles is to discuss the emergence of the theory of transformation in education, and its implication for Islamic educational management. Departing from the challenges and demands of the need to generating heredity who are creative, innovative, productive and able to contribute to building society, to form a better world civilization, the administration of education requires a new perspective — that is, a transformative perspective. Using this type of literature review research, it was found that the transformative perspective in education was introduced by Mezirow in his theory of transformative learning. Through this theory, the theory of transformative learning develops towards the theory of transformative education in the context of facing globalization and the development of the 21st century. The implication for Islamic educational institutions is the need to focus on quality to become transformative educational institutions.
Centrifugal Gas Compressors Energy Optimization Initiatives: A Way to Save Valuable Energy at Upstream Operation
Authors: Alwani Mohammed Abdo , Soliman Mohammed Ahmad
Published: August 2021

The objective of this paper is to showcase successful and innovative means and techniques to improve and enhance centrifugal gas compressors (CGCs) performance, using methods to minimize power consumption, with no need for capital investment.

These techniques will assure, if effectively followed, considerable reduction of the consumed energy. CGCs are the most widely used equipment in the oil and gas industry to boost gas, mainly hydrocarbons, to satisfy process treatments and pipeline requirements. In addition, CGCs are one of the major energy consumers, and therefore present an exceptional opportunity for saving energy. Focusing on lowering inlet gas temperatures, considering suction throttling of discharge pressure instead of the traditional discharge throttling, will help to reduce energy consumption.

In this paper, a detailed analysis of factors aggravate or lead to undesired CGCs performance will be discussed along with solutions to minimize adverse impact. For example, operating the gas compressors at relatively high inlet temperature will result in higher energy consumption. After performing need analysis, results prove that we would save 3-7% of running compressors consumed energy. In addition, during compressor design phase, it was found that most motor driven compressor system uses discharge throttling, which incurs high-energy consumption. Instead, it is recommended to consider suction throttling to control discharge pressure, as will be explained. This paper will focus on a detailed case study in one of the running CGCs in an upstream gas-oil separation plant (GOSP-A).

This paper proves the effectiveness of the proposed techniques in reinstating the CGCs in GOSP-A, to ensure better performance and save energy. This innovative technique is based on extensive process data analysis — evaluating operating, design data, related performance curves, and reviewing international standards. It will be illustrated that this type of analysis and techniques is a valuable tool for saving energy, in most cases, at oil and gas industries
Climate change signal in global agriculture emerges earlier in new generation of climate and crop models
Authors: Jaegermeyr Jonas , Müller Christoph , Ruane Alex , Elliott Joshua , Balkovic Juraj , Castillo Oscar , Faye Babacar , Foster Ian , Folberth Christian , Franke James , Fuchs Kathrin , Guarin Jose , Heinke Jens , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Iizumi Toshichika , Jain Atul , Kelly David , Khabarov Nikolay , Lange Stefan , Lin Tzu-Shun , Liu Wenfeng , Mialyk Oleksandr , Minoli Sara , Moyer Elisabeth , Okada Masashi , Phillips Meridel , Porter Cheryl , Rabin Sam , Scheer Clemens , Schneider Julia , Schyns Joep , Skalský Rastislav , Smerald Andrew , Stella Tommaso , Stephens Haynes , Webber Heidi , Zabel Florian , Rosenzweig Cynthia
Published: August 2021

Potential climate-related impacts on future crop yield are a major societal concern first surveyed in a harmonized multi-model effort in 2014. We report here on new 21st-century projections using ensembles of latest-generation crop and climate models. Results suggest markedly more pessimistic yield responses for maize, soybean, and rice compared to the original ensemble. Mean end-of-century maize productivity is shifted from +5 to -6% (SSP126) and +1 to -24% (SSP585) — explained by warmer climate projections and improved crop model sensitivities. In contrast, wheat shows stronger gains (+9 shifted to +18%, SSP585), linked to higher CO2 concentrations and expanded high-latitude gains. The ‘emergence’ of climate impacts — when the change signal emerges from the noise — consistently occurs earlier in the new projections for several main producing regions before 2040. While future yield estimates remain uncertain, these results suggest that major breadbasket regions will face distinct anthropogenic climatic risks sooner than previously anticipated.
Ruscogenin alleviates intestinal bleeding and blood flow induced by Dasatinib through ROCK/MLC pathway
Authors: Liu Yuankai , Dai Yujie , Xu Han , Zhou Qianliu , Li Fang , Yu Boyang , Zhang Yuanyuan , kou junping
Published: August 2021

As a second-generation broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Dasatinib has the antitumor effect of inhibiting tyrosine kinases such as BCR-ABL and SRC. It is mainly used to treat chronic and acute patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. However, Dasatinib has many side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory infections, and renal failure, and effective means to improve the side effects of drugs are lacking. The occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding is mainly due to the destruction of the vascular endothelial barrier by Dasatinib. For the first time, we administered a large dose of oral administration and monitored the intestinal bleeding with a laser Doppler flowmeter. We found that Ruscogenin (RUS) can improve dasatin Side effects caused by tinib. Through Doppler flowmeter detection, it was found that after Dasatinib was administered, blood flow in mice decreased, and intestinal Evans blue leakage increased. Western blot results showed that connexin (ZO-1, VE-cadherin, Occludin) is destroyed, the activation of ROCK increases, and the phosphorylation of MLC increases. Ruscogenin can reverse the above phenomenon and improve the side effects of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Dasatinib. In vitro, giving Ruscogenin in advance can protect the endothelial barrier damage caused by Dasatinib, reduce the remodeling of F-actin, and restore the expression of connexin (ZO-1, VE-cadherin), inhibit the activation of ROCK, and reduce Phosphorylation of MLC. This study provides a new direction for improving the side effects caused by clinical drugs.
Impact of the El Niño type and PDO on the winter sub-seasonal North American zonal temperature dipole via the variability of positive PNA patterns
Authors: Ge Yao , Luo Dehai
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the winter (from December to February, DJF) North American surface air temperature (SAT) anomaly in midlatitudes shows a “warm west/cold east” (WWCE) dipole pattern. To some extent, the winter WWCE dipole can be considered as being a result of the winter mean of sub-seasonal WWCE events. In this paper, the Pacific SST condition linked to the sub-seasonal WWCE SAT dipole is investigated. It is found that while the sub-seasonal WWCE dipole is related to the positive Pacific North American (PNA+) pattern, the impact of the PNA+ on the WWCE dipole depends on the El Niño SST type and the phase of Pacific decadal Oscillation (PDO). For a central-Pacific (CP) type El Niño, the positive (negative) height anomaly center of PNA+ is located in the west (east) part of North America to result in an intensified WWCE dipole, though the positive PDO favors the WWCE dipole. In contrast, the WWCE dipole is suppressed under an Eastern-Pacific (EP) type El Niño because the PNA+ anticyclonic anomaly dominates the whole North America.Moreover, the physical cause of why the type of El Niño influences the PNA+ is further examined. It is found that the type of El Niño can significantly influence the location of PNA+ through changing North Pacific midlatitude westerly winds (NPWWs). For the CP-type El Niño, the eastward migration of PNA+ is suppressed to favor its anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomaly appearing in the west (east) region of North American owing to reduced NPWWs. But for the EP-type El Niño, NPWWs are intensified to cause the appearance of the PNA+ anticyclonic anomaly over the whole North America due to enhanced Hadley cell and Ferrell cell.
Scheduling computations with provably low synchronization overheads
Authors: Rito Guilherme , Paulino Hervé
Published: August 2021

We present a Work Stealing scheduling algorithm that provably avoids most synchronization overheads by keeping processors’ deques entirely private by default and only exposing work when requested by thieves. This is the first paper that obtains bounds on the synchronization overheads that are (essentially) independent of the total amount of work, thus corresponding to a great improvement, in both algorithm design and theory, over state-of-the-art Work Stealing algorithms. Consider any computation with work T1 and critical-path length T1 executed by P processors using our scheduler. Our analysis shows that the expected execution time is O T1 P + T1 , and the expected synchronization overheads incurred during the execution are at most O ((CCAS + CMF ence) P T1), where CCAS and CMF ence respectively denote the maximum cost of executing a Compare-And-Swap instruction and a Memory Fence instruction.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Extraction of Glacial Lakes Using Ground Range Detected (GRD) Data: A Case Study from Hunza River Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Nazakat Hajra , Hassan Syed Najam ul , Khan Garee , ahmad Aftab , Qureshi javed Akhter , Ali Sajid
Published: August 2021

In the Karakoram Mountain range, glacial lakes are essential elements of the cryosphere. As a function of climate change and increasing temperature, these glacial lakes threaten downstream existence and the ecosystem by short time glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). Therefore, the Glacial Lake mapping technique is a vital task to observe GLOF hazards. In this study, microwave Sentinel-1 Ground Range Detected (GRD) data used. It has the dual-polarization capability (HH + HV or VV + VH) and the ability to penetrate even through clouds or any weather condition. The study objective is to explore the application of GRD data and evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of machine learning algorithms for the extraction of water bodies. The study method is based on two main procedures, GRD backscattering analysis and supervised Machine Learning classifiers. The most commonly used machine learning classifiers are Random Forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and Maximum Likelihood. Although both procedures show better results for glacial lakes mapping in the study area, the mean backscatter parameter has the best accuracy rate than others in the total backscattering analysis. Likewise, in the classification approach, accuracy assessment was executed by comparing the results obtained for each classifier with the reference data. For all experiments, KNN performed the best at given training samples (Accuracy = 93%, Error rate = 0.06%) for both classes, compared to RF (Accuracy = 92%, Error rate = 0.07) and Maximum Likelihood (Accuracy = 90%, Error rate = 0.09%). The high classification accuracy obtained to extract glacial lakes using our approach will be useful to determine the short time flood outburst and take future precautionary measurements.
Craniofacial And Dentoalveolar Morphology In Individuals With Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.
Authors: Vasconcelos Gisela , Stenehjem Jo , Axelsson Stefan , Saeves Ronnaug
Published: August 2021

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex multisystem genetic disorder with distinct genetic and clinical features. Among other clinical symptoms, PWS is characterized by severe infantile hypotonia with feeding problems, childhood onset hyperphagia, obesity, scoliosis, short stature combined with growth hormone deficiency and developmental delay. PWS is associated with facial dysmorphology, orofacial dysfunction, oral abnormalities, low salivary flow and subsequent severe tooth wear. Little is known about the craniofacial growth direction or dental and skeletal relationships in individuals with PWS in different ages. The purpose of this study was to assess the craniofacial and dentoalveolar characteristics and to investigate the craniofacial growth direction separately in children, young adults and adults with PWS, using a cephalometric analysis of lateral cephalograms. Results: Lateral cephalograms of 42 individuals with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of PWS were analysed and divided into three groups according to their age: Children (< 12 years), young adults (12 – 20 years) and adults (> 20 years). Cephalometric variables were compared between PWS patients and healthy age- and sex-matched controls.Significant deviations and distinct craniofacial patterns were found in children, young adults and adults with PWS compared with the control group. Children showed retrognatic mandible with a skeletal class II relationship, posterior growth direction and longer anterior face height. The young adults had smaller cranial base angle, a skeletal class II pattern and a higher anterior lower face than the control group. Adults with PWS had a prognathic mandible, skeletal class III relationship with anterior growth direction, more retroclined lower incisors and proclined upper incisors than the controls. Similar results were found when comparing the three groups with PWS; the adults had a prognathic mandible, skeletal class III pattern and anterior growth direction. Children had a retropositioned mandibula, skeletal class II relationship and posterior growth direction. Conclusion: This study may contribute to a better understanding of the craniofacial growth pattern in children, young adults and adults with PWS and may have a clinical importance when planning dental treatment, such as prosthodontics and/or orthodontics.
Application of 3-Dimensional Printing Guide Template and Pointed Lotus-Style Regulator in Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation for Thoracolumbar Fractures
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Jiayi , Fang Tao , Yan Jing , Wu Lungang , Zhou Quan
Published: August 2021

This study aims to analysis the efficacy of the 3D printing percutaneous guide template in combination with the pointed lotus-style regulator in percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.60thoracolumbar fractures patients receiving percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) were enrolled and randomly divided into 3 groups. Patients in Group A received traditional PPSF, while patients in Group B received PPSF with flat end lotus-style regulator and patients in Group C received PPSF with pointed lotus-style regulator. The experimental results showed that the highest number of pedicle screw successfully inserted by the first time was in group C, while lowest in group A (P<0.05). The total time of fluoroscopy and operation were lower in group C, and higher in group A (P<0.05). VAS and ODI scores were all lower after surgery than before surgery in 3groups. VAS and ODI scores were lower in group B and C, compared with group A at day 1 ,7 after surgery (P<0.05). KA decreased significantly in 3 groups after surgery and no difference in KA change between 3 groups (P>0.05). Taken together, Application of the 3D printing guide template in combination with pointed lotus-style regulator improved the accuracy of pedicle insertion.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04980131. Registered 18/07/2021.
Staff Experience of a Canadian Long-Term Care Home During a COVID-19 Outbreak: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hung Lillian , Yang Sophie C. , Guo Ellen , Sakamoto Mariko , Mann Jim , Dunn Sheila , Horne Neil
Published: August 2021

Background: COVID-19 has significant impact on long-term care (LTC) residents and staff. The purpose of this paper is to report the data gathered during a COVID-19 outbreak in a Canadian LTC home regarding staff experiences, challenges, and needs, to offer lessons learned and implications. Methods: A total of 30 staff from multiple disciplines participated in the study, including nurses, care workers, recreational staff, and a unit clerk. Focus groups (n=20) and one-on-one interviews (n=10) were conducted as part of a larger participatory action research (PAR) in a Canadian LTC home. All data collection was conducted virtually via Zoom, and thematic analysis was performed to identify themes.Results: Four main themes were identified: We are Proud, We Felt Anxious, We Grew Closer to Residents and Staff Members, and The Vaccines Help.Conclusions: This research details the resilience that characterizes staff in LTC, while highlighting the emotional toll of the pandemic, particularly during an outbreak. LTC staff in this study found innovative ways to connect and support residents and this resulted in stronger connections and relationships. Leadership and organizational support are pivotal for supporting team resilience to manage crisis and adapt positively in times of COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the period of outbreak.
Prognostic Value and Immune Characteristics of RUNX Family in Human Cancers: A Pan-cancer Analysis
Authors: Zhao Han , Chen Yun , Shen Peijun , Gong Lan
Published: August 2021

Background: Runt‑related transcription factors (RUNX) are involved in numerous fundamental biological processes and play crucial parts in tumorigenesis and metastasis both directly and indirectly. However, the pan-cancer evidence of RUNX gene family is no available. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the potential association between RUNX gene family expression and patient’s prognosis, immune cell infiltration, drug response, and genetic mutation data across different types of tumors using based on The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, and Oncomine database. Results: The results showed that the expression of the RUNX family varied among different cancer types, revealing its heterogeneity in cancers, and that expression of RUNX2 was lower than that of RUNX1 and RUNX3 across all cancer types. RUNX family gene expression was related to prognosis in several cancers. Furthermore, our study revealed a clear association between RUNX family expression and ESTIMATE score, RNA stemness, and DNA stemness scores. Compared with RUNX1 and RUNX2, RUNX3 showed relatively low levels of genetic alterations. RUNX family genes had clear associations with immune infiltrate subtypes, and their expression was positively related to immune checkpoint genes and drug sensitivity in most cases. Conclusions: These findings will help to elucidate the potential oncogenic roles of RUNX family genes in different types of cancer and it can function as a prognostic marker in various malignant tumors.
Efficacy of Dexamethasone in the Management of Malignant Small Bowel Obstruction in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jones Antonia PM , McGauran Monica FG , Jagasia Nisha , Hiscock Richard J , Hyde Simon , Grant Peter
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Malignant small bowel obstruction (MSBO) occurs in up to 50% of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) causing symptom burden and distress to women and their families, particularly in the terminal stages of the disease. Corticosteroids are used to promote symptom resolution in malignant small bowel obstruction (MSBO) related to EOC, with little published data on their efficacy, optimal dosing and duration of treatment.Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone in achieving symptom control in women with advanced EOC presenting with MSBO, assess dexamethasone dosing and efficacy over subsequent presentations, and examine differences in dexamethasone responsiveness between platinum resistant and platinum sensitive patient. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of women presenting with MSBO due to advanced EOC over a 12-year period from January 2005 to December 2016 in a single tertiary hospital.Results: Ninety-one women with MSBO were administered dexamethasone over 154 admissions with 89% of women initially achieving partial or complete symptom control. Dexamethasone responsiveness did not change with recurrent admissions and platinum responsive patients were more likely to respond to dexamethasone than platinum resistant patients (OR 3.6 [95%CI 1.1 to 12.2, p = 0.04]). 15.6% of patients required additional measures to control symptoms of MSBO and 44.8% had adequate symptoms resolution to allow them to remain on or commence further treatment for EOC. Conclusion: Dexamethasone therapy is a useful adjunctive therapy in the management of symptoms associated with MSBO in women with EOC.
Neonatal Screening Program of Congenital Hypothyroidism: How Can We (Still) Improve?
Authors: Costeira Maria José , Martins Andreia , Reis Raquel , Vilarinho Laura , Palha Joana
Published: August 2021

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has severe and irreversible neurological consequences for the child if treatment is not readily initiated, which justifies fast diagnosis. Screening of CH is a universal procedure well established in Portugal. It is based on measuring the pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone. The physiology of maturation of the pituitary-thyroid axis is incomplete at delivery in preterm and very-low birth weight babies (VLBW), which raises concerns with respect to the standard timing of CH diagnosis.The Portuguese Neonatal Screening Program recommends testing preterm/VLBW babies at three time points. The purpose of this study was to assess compliance of these guidelines.Methods: Questionnaires were sent to neonatal care units (NCU) and to general practitioner community health units in two time periods.Results: All NCU have written guidelines and the great majority follows the recommendations. Few NCU still postpone the first collection for newborns with protein intake restrictions, some retest new-borns in special circumstances, and a great number still use iodine disinfectants.Conclusions: This study shows that performing the metabolic screening is a well standardized procedure that can still be improved: not delaying the first collection, retesting sick and medicated babies, and avoiding iodine disinfectants.
Sarcopenia and Charlson Comorbidity Index are Risk Factors for Short-Term Postoperative Prognosis of Elderly Patients with Gastrointestinal Tumor: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Jiaqiu , Xu Liqian , Huang Shunmei , Hui Quan , Shi Xuexue , Zhang Qin
Published: August 2021

Background Sarcopenia is one of the most common syndromes in the older adults. Gastrointestinal tumor is a malignant disease with high incidence. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of sarcopenia in older adults with gastrointestinal tumor, the prognostic indicators of and short-term outcomes after resection for gastrointestinal tumor, and to explore the relationship between sarcopenia and short-term postoperative prognosis.Method A total of 247 older patients with gastrointestinal tumors who underwent radical resection in 2019 were included in this study. Relevant indexes were calculated using L3 slice image of computed tomography (CT) to evaluate sarcopenia. Short-term postoperative complications and length of stay were considered as short-term outcome of this study.Results Advanced age, lower higher body mass index (BMI), lower hemoglobin, having history of abdominal surgery and higher visceral fat index (VFI) were risk factors of sarcopenia, while higher BMI and lower subcutaneous fat index (SFI) were protective factors of sarcopenia. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that having history of abdominal surgery, advanced age and lower BMI were independent risk factors. Sarcopenia and higher Charlson comorbidity index were independent risk factors of short-term postoperative complications in the elderly with gastrointestinal tumor. Higher Charlson comorbidity index gave rise to longer length of stay.ConclusionsSarcopenia and higher Charlson comorbidity index predict poor short-term prognosis of older patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection.
Reduction in Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency and Increase in Central Precocious Puberty Diagnoses During COVID 19 Pandemics
Authors: Peinkhofer Martina , Bossini Benedetta , Penco Arturo , Giangreco Manuela , Pellegrin Maria Chiara , Vidonis Viviana , Vittori Giada , Grassi Nicoletta , Faleschini Elena , Barbi Egidio , Tornese Gianluca
Published: August 2021

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate differences in pediatric endocrine stimulation tests after the advent of COVID-19 pandemics.Methods: Retrospective study with data collection for pediatric endocrine stimulation tests performed in 2019 e 2020 in a tertiary center.Results: Overall, 251 tests were performed on 190 patients in 2020, compared to 278 tests on 206 patients in 2019 (-10% tests; -8% children evaluated). A significant reduction was found in tests to diagnose growth hormone deficiency (GHD) (-35%), while LHRH tests increased (+22%). A reduction of 30% in GHD diagnosis was observed. Diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) increased by 38% compared to 2019, mainly in females. Conclusion: This study found a significant reduction of tests investigating GHD during COVID-19 pandemics. It also showed a clinically meaningful increase in cases of CPP in girls. These results suggest the need for families and pediatricians to monitor children's growth during isolation and enlighten new perspectives towards conditions associated with lockdown restrictions as increased screen time, social isolation, and children's anxiety as possible triggers of CPP.
Locality and evolution to equilibrium
Authors: Gazdzicki Marek , Gorenstein Mark , Pidhurskyi Ivan , Savchuk Oleh , Tinti Leonardo
Published: August 2021

Quantum statistics and non-locality are deeply rooted in quantum mechanics and go beyond our intuition reflected in classical physics. Quantum statistics can be derived using statistical methods for indistinguishable particles - particles of quantum mechanics. Violation of strong locality - colloquially called the ghostly action at a distance - is one of the most amazing properties of nature derived from quantum mechanics. An intriguing question is whether the non-local evolution of indistinguishable particles is needed to reach the equilibrium state given by quantum statistics. Motivated by the above and similar questions, we developed a simple framework that allows us to follow space-time evolution of assembly of particles. It is based on a discrete-time Markov chain on countable space for indistinguishable particles. We summarise well-known and introduced new constraints on the transition matrix that grant space-time symmetries, locality of particle-transport, strong locality, and equilibrium state. Then, within the framework, several important cases are considered. First, we show that the simplest transition matrix leads to equilibrium but violates particle transport and strong localities. Furthermore, we construct a simple matrix that leads to equilibrium obeying particle-transport locality and violating strong locality. This resembles the properties of quantum mechanics. Finally, we demonstrate that it is also possible to reach equilibrium by obeying both particle-transport and strong localities. Thus, within this framework, the violation of a strong locality is not needed to reach the equilibrium of indistinguishable particles. However, to obey strong locality, a complex structure of the transition matrix is needed. In addition, we comment on distinguishable particles and, in particular, show that their evolution seen by an observer blind to particle differences may look like the evolution of indistinguishable particles with the properties of quantum mechanics. We hope that this work may help to study the relation between symmetries, localities and the evolution to equilibrium for indistinguishable and distinguishable particles.
Predict the hospitalization in covid-19: magic is in the air
Authors: SAHOO JYOTI PRAKASH , Goutam Siddhartha , Parida Muktikanta , Sahoo Satyabrata
Published: August 2021

Background

Although pathogenesis and pattern of disease are still not completely understood, tactical management of overcrowding of hospitals and rational usage of resources is the need of the hour.
Material & Methods

Retrospective data of 6918 COVID-19 positive cases from SCB Medical College & Hospital, India, were obtained from the hospital records from March 2020 to January 2021. The patients' age, gender, symptoms, and comorbidities were analyzed against their hospital stay using R software (version 4.0.2).
Results

Elderly patients (> 65 years) had a higher rate (91.22%) of prolonged hospital stay as compared to others (47.61%). Frequently observed symptoms (in decreasing order) were fever (73.93%), cough (67.52%), myalgia (62.11%), dyspnea (49.59%), dizziness (47.38%), and anosmia (44.10%). The risk of prolonged hospitalization was highest with dyspnea [odds ratio: 2.29 (95 % confidence interval: 2.07–2.52)], followed by diarrhea [OR 1.98 (CI 1.77–2.21)], fever [OR 1.89 (CI 1.69–2.10)], anosmia [OR 1.86 (CI 1.69–2.05)], and dizziness [OR 1.46 (CI 1.32–1.60)]. The rate of hospitalization for more than seven days was highest with diabetes (86.80%), followed by respiratory illnesses (71.85%) and hypertension (71.28%).
Conclusion

These findings can help manage patients based on their symptoms and comorbidities before admission.
Comparison of physicochemical properties and selective catalytic reduction activities of CeMn/TiO2 catalysts with and without phosphorus additives
Authors: KESKİN Zeycan
Published: August 2021

Lubricant additives contain phosphorus, which has a fly ash effect. Phosphorus negatively affects catalyst activity. Determining the effects of phosphorus loading amount on the catalytic activity is important for the development of catalysts with high NOx reduction. This study focuses on the control of NOx emissions, one of the air pollutants released from the diesel engine. The catalysts used in the reduction of NOx emissions were synthesized by washcoating method. Ce and Mn contents of all catalysts were adjusted as 3%, while the phosphorus contents of poisoned catalysts were adjusted as 0.5% and 1%. For this purpose, cordierite with high surface area was used. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) analyzes. The NOx reduction activity of with and without phosphorus doped CeMn/TiO2 catalysts was investigated with the designed selective catalytic reduction system (SCR). NOx conversion ratios of the CeMn/TiO2 catalyst reached the high values of 84.6% at 280°C. After the phosphorus loading, the structure of the CeMn/TiO2 catalyst deteriorated, and the NOx conversion ratios decreased. 0.5P-CeMn/TiO2 and 1P-CeMn/TiO2 catalysts showed lower NOx conversion ratios compared to CeMn/TiO2 catalyst. CeMn-TiO2 catalyst was found highly active for SCR at all tests. Phosphorus loading caused deactivation of the catalyst and deactivation increased due to the increase in phosphorus loading amount.
Adipose tissue is a source of fibro-adipogenic progenitors for regenerating skeletal muscles
Authors: Sastourne-Arrey Quentin , Girousse Amandine , Bourlier Virginie , Monferran Sylvie , Gil-Ortega Marta , Murphy Enda , Laurens Claire , Varin Audrey , Christophe Guissard , Barreau Corinne , André Mireille , Juin Noémie , Marques Marie , Chaput Benoit , Moro Cedric , O’Gorman Donal , Casteilla Louis , Sengenes Coralie
Published: August 2021

Fibro adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) play a crucial role in skeletal muscle regeneration, as they generate a favorable niche that allows satellite cells to perform efficient muscle regeneration. After muscle injury, FAP content increases rapidly within the injured muscle, the origin of which has been attributed to their proliferation. Recently, single-cell RNAseq approaches have revealed phenotype and functional heterogeneity in FAPs. Here we report that FAP-like cells residing in subcutaneous adipose tissue (ScAT), the adipose stromal cells (ASCs), are rapidly released from ScAT in response to muscle injury. In parallel, we show in healthy humans that exercise-induced muscle stress response triggers the migration of human native ASCs. Additionally, we find that released ASCs infiltrate the damaged muscle, via a platelet dependent mechanism and that blocking ASC infiltration impairs muscle regeneration. Collectively, our data reveal that ScAT is an unsuspected physiological reservoir of regenerative cells that support skeletal muscle regeneration.
Adaptive Under-Actuated Control for Capacitive Micro-Machined Ultrasonic Transducer Based On An Accurate Nonlinear Modeling
Authors: Darbasi Sima , Mirzaei Mohammad Javad , Abazari Amir Musa , Rezazadeh Ghader
Published: August 2021

A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) due to many benefits is being considered as an imaging and therapeutic technology recently. The critical challenge here is to stabilize the system beyond the pull-in voltage considering imposed perturbations. The CMUT system, on the other hand, has a low range of travel and it is intrinsically unstable, which can result in a pull-in phenomenon. Consequently, in order to use the CMUT systems in a variety of medical applications that require high tuning ratio, a closed-loop control technique has been designed for these systems aims at increasing the maximum capacitance and enhancing tunability as well. In this study, using the closed-loop control, the resistance of micro plate against the pull-in phenomenon has been examined. Also, in the description of the system a more accurate nonlinear modeling has been considered in the presence of an under-actuated sliding model control strategy with finite convergence time. Beside, adaptive protocols with unknown upper bounds have been designed to compensate the effects of uncertainty, unmodeled dynamics and external disturbances. The performance of controller in terms of improving output pressure, stabilizing the CMUT and its robustness to imposed perturbations have been investigated. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the usefulness and applicability of the proposed control strategy.
CBFA2T3-GLIS2 oncogenic fusion is sufficient for leukemic transformation
Authors: Le Quy , Hadland Brandon , Smith Jenny , Leonti Amanda , Huang Benjamin , Ries Rhonda , Hylkema Tiffany , Castro Sommer , Tang Thao , Nourigat Cynthia , Perkins LaKeisha , Pardo Larua , Sarthy Jay , Beckman Amy , Williams Robin , Idemmili Rhonda , Furlan Scott , Ishida Takashi , Call Lindsey , Srivast Shivani , Loeb Anisha , Imren Suzan , Michael Loken , brodersen Lisa , Riddell Stanley , Tarlock Katherine , Bernstein Irwin , Loeb Keith , Meshinchi Soheil
Published: August 2021

Fusion oncoproteins are the initiating event in AML pathogenesis, although they are thought to require additional cooperating mutations for leukemic transformation. CBFA2T3-GLIS2 (C/G) fusion occurs exclusively in infants and is associated with highly aggressive disease1-4. Here we report that lentiviral transduction of C/G fusion is sufficient to induce malignant transformation of human cord blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (CB HSPCs) that fully recapitulates C/G AML. Engineered CB HSPCs co-cultured with endothelial cells undergo complete malignant transformation with identical molecular, morphologic, phenotypic and disease characteristics observed in primary C/G AML. Interrogating the transcriptome of engineered cells identified a library of C/G fusion-specific targets that are candidates for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. We developed CAR-T cells directed against one of the targets, FOLR1, and demonstrated the pre-clinical efficacy against C/G AML while sparing normal hematopoiesis. Our findings underscore the role of the endothelial niche in promoting leukemic transformation of C/G-transduced CB HSPCs. Moreover, this work has broad implications for studies of leukemogenesis applicable to a variety of oncogenic fusion-driven pediatric leukemias, providing a robust and tractable model system to characterize the molecular mechanisms of leukemogenesis and identify biomarkers for disease diagnosis and targets for therapy.
Intranasal delivery of human oligodendrocyte precursor cells enhances regenerative effects in premature rat brain following hypoxic–ischemic injury
Authors: Zang Jing , Yang Yinxiang , Guan Qian , Wang Xiaohua , Zhong Xin , Wang Zhaoyan , Wang Qian , He Ying , Ye Dou , Zhou Haipeng , Aisong Guo , Wu Youjia , Luan Zuo
Published: August 2021

Background
White matter injury is a common ischemic brain injury in premature infants and for which there is no effective treatment. Stem cell transplantation has emerged as a novel approach for replacing damaged brain tissues and promoting regenerative processes. Since intracerebral transplantation is not clinically feasible for premature infants, intranasal delivery of cells to the brain is a promising, noninvasive therapeutic approach for restoring the damaged brain. This study was conducted to investigate whether transplanted human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells exhibit neuroprotective effects in a rat model of WMI in premature infants.
Methods
SD rats aged 3 days were randomly divided into sham group, preterm white matter injury group and nasal transplantation group. Hypoxia–ischemia was induced in 3-day-old rat pups by right carotid artery ligation, followed by exposure to 6% oxygen for 90 min. Rats were intranasally administered the cell suspension (250,000 cells in 6 µL) twice in each nostril (1 × 106 cells total), and myelin basic protein immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to assess endogenous myelin growth in the right hemispheres. Behavioral tests, including the Morris water maze, adhesive-removal test, and cylinder rearing test, as well as a gait test, were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects at 12 weeks after transplantation.
Results
The cells transplanted from the nose can enter brain tissue of rats 3 days after transplantation. The myelin sheath structure was more compact and the myelin sheath thickness was increased. The nerve function defect was improved 12 weeks after transplantation.
Conclusions
The intranasal administration of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells had beneficial therapeutic effects on rehabilitation of the rat hypoxia-ischemia model. This technique is a potential strategy for applying oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in transplantation therapy against white matter injury.