bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Current trends in the formation and development of insurance marketing in Ukraine
Authors: Kniazieva Tetiana V. , Shevchenko Anna V. , Shevchenko Anna V. , Yaroshenko Oleg M. , Inshyn Mykola I. , Yakovlyev Oleksandr A.
Published: August 2021

The relevance of the article due to the fact that the insurance industry of Ukraine at the present stage is developing in the global financial, economic and CORONA crisis, which deepens a number of unresolved problems: increases the risk of insurance companies, reduces demand for insurance products; distrust of insurance on the part of potential insurers has increased, increasing competition between insurers for the sphere of influence and customers. The purpose of the articles is to prepare theoretical foundations and develop practical recommendations for the introduction and improvement of the use of modern insurance management in the activities of Ukrainian insurers. The result of this studying is deepening and improvement of modern theory in insurance marketing, and development of practical recommendations for improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Ukrainian insurers.
Current advances in transfusion medicine 2020: A critical review of selected topics by the AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee
Authors: Allen Elizabeth S. , Cohn Claudia S. , Bakhtary Sara , Dunbar Nancy M. , Gniadek Thomas , Hopkins Courtney K. , Jacobson Jessica , Lokhandwala Parvez M. , Metcalf Ryan A. , Murphy Colin , Prochaska Micah T. , Raval Jay S. , Shan Hua , Storch Emily K. , Pagano Monica B.
Published: August 2021

Background

The AABB Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee (CTMC) compiles an annual synopsis of the published literature covering important developments in the field of transfusion medicine (TM), which has been made available as a manuscript published in Transfusion since 2018.

Methods

CTMC committee members reviewed original manuscripts including TM‐related topics published electronically (ahead) or in print from December 2019 to December 2020. The selection of topics and manuscripts was discussed at committee meetings and chosen based on relevance and originality. Next, committee members worked in pairs to create a synopsis of each topic, which was then reviewed by two additional committee members. The first and senior authors of this manuscript assembled the final manuscript. Although this synopsis is extensive, it is not exhaustive, and some papers may have been excluded or missed.

Results

The following topics are included: COVID‐19 effects on the blood supply and regulatory landscape, COVID convalescent plasma, adult transfusion practices, whole blood, molecular immunohematology, pediatric TM, cellular therapy, and apheresis medicine.

Conclusions

This synopsis provides easy access to relevant topics and may be useful as an educational tool.
Effects of monetary policy shocks on exchange rate in emerging countries
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Lim Kuntae
Published: August 2021

This study empirically investigates the effects of monetary policy shocks on the exchange rate in six emerging countries (Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia). VAR models are used, wherein sign restrictions on impulse responses are imposed to identify monetary policy shocks. The empirical model reflects the small open emerging economy features. The estimation period is the recent period in which these countries adopted inflation‐targeting and more flexible exchange rate regimes based on the experience of advanced countries. The main findings are as follows: first, various puzzles such as the ‘exchange rate puzzle’, ‘delayed overshooting puzzle’ and ‘forward discount bias puzzle’ are frequently found in these countries; and second, more severe puzzles are found in these emerging countries than in small open advanced countries.
ILLUSION OR DELUSION? A RE‐EXAMINATION OF BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY OF PERSONAL IDENTITY
Authors: Panaïoti Antoine
Published: August 2021

In this article, I argue against the conventional view that Buddhist philosophy of personal identity regards the self as an illusion. Critically engaging the work of Miri Albahari, I defend the view that it is instead centered around the properly diagnostic claim that the overwhelming majority of human beings suffer from a delusion concerning the nature of the self. In the central section of the paper, I draw from contemporary work in philosophy of psychiatry to gain clarity on what delusions are and how they are distinct from illusions. On the narrative theory of delusions I thence develop, delusions are best understood as faulty and harm‐inducing self‐referential narrative constructions. Buddhist views on human beings’ confusion concerning the self, I then submit, consist of the diagnosis of a delusion in precisely this sense. At the end of the article, I argue that in addition to its intrinsic merits this interpretation has the added advantage of bringing into sharper focus the irreducibly therapeutic character of Buddhist philosophy of personal identity, and I discuss the implications of this for future cross‐cultural research on the problem of selfhood.
MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THERMOPLASTIC CORN STARCH
Authors: Zakaria Nazri Huzaimi , Jumaidin Ridhwan , Shaharuzaman Mohd Adrinata , Mohamad Zin Mohd Rody , Abdul Munir Fudhail
Published: August 2021

The awareness to produce biodegradable composite has increased rapidly because of non-toxic and reachable. However, fully biodegradable composite production still low due to the matrix used in the composite is not biodegradable. Thus, this paper presents the study on mechanical and physical properties for the mixtures of corn starch (CS) with different weight percentages of glycerol as thermoplastics corn starch (TPCS) matrix. The selected glycerol contents were at 30, 35 and 40 wt%. The mixtures of CS and different weight percentages of glycerol were made using hot compression moulding at 165°C for 15 minutes to produce the TPCS samples. The mechanical and physical properties were done: the tensile test, hardness test, water absorption test, moisture content test and microstructure analysis under the Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM). Incorporating 30 wt% loadings of glycerol has increased the tensile strength and hardness. The results show that the addition of higher than 30 wt% loadings of glycerol has decreased the tensile strength and hardness of the TPCS. The physical test results for 30 wt% loadings of glycerol for water absorption test and moisture content show the lowest value than other TPCS samples. However, the density value for all wt% loadings of glycerol does not offer much difference. It reveals that 30 wt% loadings of glycerol in the mixture of CS have shown a good interaction in the TPCS mechanical properties. Based on this finding, the TPCS has huge potential to be used as a matrix to develop a fully biodegradable composite.
DESIGN CONSIDERATION OF CONTAINER SHELTER IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ling Philip Chie Hui , Tan Cher Siang , Lee Yeong Huei , Tu Yong Eng
Published: August 2021

Freight container can become a potential candidate for shelter provision to resolve the housing crisis from increasing refugee population. Currently the freight container is made in accordance with ISO standard, but for living purpose other consideration must be included, especially the requirement from local government. This paper aims to investigate the design consideration of container shelter from legislative perspective in Malaysia. Uniform Building By-Law 1984 was referred, and ventilation, structural and fire requirement of by-law were compared with ISO standard for freight container. Suggestions were made to ensure the structural and legal integrity of container shelter in Malaysia. Potential container building concept was proposed based on design suggestion.
GC-MS ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF STEREOSPERMUM FIMBRIATUM AGAINST SELECTED SKIN-ASSOCIATED PATHOGENS
Authors: Awang Anis Fadhlina Izyani , Sarker Zaidul Islam , Abdul Majid Fadzilah Adibah , Sheikh Hassan I.
Published: August 2021

Stereospermum fimbriatum (local name: “Chicha”) has been used traditionally to treat postpartum illness, stomachache, earache and itchy skin in Malaysia. This study was performed to investigate the phytochemical contents of S. fimbriatum (flowers, leaves, twig and stem bark) by phytochemicals screening and GC-MS analysis as well as to determine their antimicrobial potential against eleven skin-associated pathogens. The extraction was done by soxhlet extractor using n-hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol, successively. The antimicrobial activity of all extracts was screened by disc diffusion assay and selected active extracts were evaluated for their minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC & MBC). Phytochemicals such as steroids, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins were identified in different plant parts of S. fimbriatum. Hex and DCM extracts of stem bark were the most potent extracts especially against three susceptible pathogens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (13-15 mm), S. aureus (14-15 mm) and S. epidermidis (16 mm). The range of MIC values for Hex and DCM extracts was 0.4 to 0.8 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis of Hex and DCM extracts showed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds. The stem bark of S. fimbriatum was rich of bioactive compounds and exhibited potent antibacterial activity specifically against Staphylococci sp.
Scalable Gaussian Processes for Data-Driven Design Using Big Data With Categorical Factors
Authors: Wang Liwei , Yerramilli Suraj , Iyer Akshay , Apley Daniel , Zhu Ping , Chen Wei
Published: August 2021

Scientific and engineering problems often require the use of artificial intelligence to aid understanding and the search for promising designs. While Gaussian processes (GP) stand out as easy-to-use and interpretable learners, they have difficulties in accommodating big data sets, categorical inputs, and multiple responses, which has become a common challenge for a growing number of data-driven design applications. In this paper, we propose a GP model that utilizes latent variables and functions obtained through variational inference to address the aforementioned challenges simultaneously. The method is built upon the latent-variable Gaussian process (LVGP) model where categorical factors are mapped into a continuous latent space to enable GP modeling of mixed-variable data sets. By extending variational inference to LVGP models, the large training data set is replaced by a small set of inducing points to address the scalability issue. Output response vectors are represented by a linear combination of independent latent functions, forming a flexible kernel structure to handle multiple responses that might have distinct behaviors. Comparative studies demonstrate that the proposed method scales well for large data sets with over 104 data points, while outperforming state-of-the-art machine learning methods without requiring much hyperparameter tuning. In addition, an interpretable latent space is obtained to draw insights into the effect of categorical factors, such as those associated with “building blocks” of architectures and element choices in metamaterial and materials design. Our approach is demonstrated for machine learning of ternary oxide materials and topology optimization of a multiscale compliant mechanism with aperiodic microstructures and multiple materials.
Bone Ingrowth Around an Uncemented Femoral Implant Using Mechanoregulatory Algorithm: A Multiscale Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Mathai Basil , Gupta Sanjay
Published: August 2021

The primary fixation and long-term stability of a cementless femoral implant depend on bone ingrowth within the porous coating. Although attempts were made to quantify the peri-implant bone ingrowth using the finite element (FE) analysis and mechanoregulatory principles, the tissue differentiation patterns on a porous-coated hip stem have scarcely been investigated. The objective of this study is to predict the spatial distribution of evolutionary bone ingrowth around an uncemented hip stem, using a three-dimensional (3D) multiscale mechanobiology-based numerical framework. Multiple load cases representing a variety of daily living activities, including walking, stair climbing, sitting down, and standing up from a chair, were used as applied loading conditions. The study accounted for the local variations in host bone material properties and implant–bone relative displacements of the macroscale implanted FE model, in order to predict bone ingrowth in microscale representative volume elements (RVEs) of 12 interfacial regions. In majority RVEs, 20–70% bone tissue (immature and mature) was predicted after 2 months, contributing toward a progressive increase in average Young's modulus (1200–3000 MPa) of the interbead tissue layer. Higher bone ingrowth (mostly greater than 60%) was predicted in the anterolateral regions of the implant, as compared to the posteromedial side (20–50%). New bone tissue was formed deeper inside the interbead spacing, adhering to the implant surface. The study helps to gain an insight into the degree of osseointegration of a porous-coated femoral implant.
Effective Range Assessment of Lidar Imaging Systems for Autonomous Vehicles Under Adverse Weather Conditions With Stationary Vehicles
Authors: Abdo Jamil , Hamblin Spencer , Chen Genshe
Published: August 2021

Light detection and ranging (lidar) imaging systems are being increasingly used in autonomous vehicles. However, the final technology implementation is still undetermined as major automotive manufacturers are only starting to select providers for data collection units that can be introduced in commercial vehicles. Currently, testing for autonomous vehicles is mostly performed in sunny environments. Experiments conducted in good weather cannot provide information regarding performance quality under extreme conditions such as fog, rain, and snow. Under extreme conditions, many instances of false detection may arise because of the backscattered intensity, thereby reducing the reliability of the sensor. In this work, lidar sensors were tested in adverse weather to understand how extreme weather affects data collection. Testing setup and algorithms were developed for this purpose. The results are expected to provide technological validation for the commercial use of lidar in automated vehicles. The effective ranges of two popular lidar sensors were estimated under adverse weather conditions, namely, fog, rain, and snow. Results showed that fog severely affected lidar performance, and rain too had some effect on the performance. Meanwhile, snow did not affect lidar performance.
Correlates of the Adherence to a 24-hr Wrist-Worn Accelerometer Protocol in a Sample of High School Students
Authors: Lopes Marcus V.V. , da Costa Bruno G.G. , Malheiros Luis E.A. , Costa Rafael M. , Souza Ana C.C. , Crochemore-Silva Inacio , Silva Kelly S.
Published: August 2021

This study (a) compared accelerometer wear time and compliance between distinct wrist-worn accelerometer data collection plans, (b) analyzed participants’ perception of using accelerometers, and (c) identified sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of accelerometer compliance. A sample of high school students (n = 143) wore accelerometers attached to the wrist by a disposable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wristband or a reusable fabric wristband for 24 hr over 6 days. Those who wore the reusable fabric band, but not their peers, were instructed to remove the device during water-based activities. Participants answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and reported their experience wearing the accelerometer. We computed non-wear time and checked participants’ compliance with wear-time criteria (i.e., at least three valid weekdays and one valid weekend day) considering two valid day definitions separately (i.e., at least 16 and 23 hours of accelerometer data). Participants who wore a disposable band had greater compliance compared with those who wore a reusable band for both 16-hr (93% vs. 76%, respectively) and 23-hr valid day definitions (91% vs. 50%, respectively). High schoolers with the following characteristics were less likely to comply with wear time criteria if they (a) engaged in labor-intensive activities, (b) perceived that wearing the monitor hindered their daily activities, or (c) felt ashamed while wearing the accelerometer. In conclusion, the data collection plan composed of using disposable wristbands and not removing the monitor resulted in greater 24-hr accelerometer wear time and compliance. However, a negative experience in using the accelerometer may be a barrier to high schoolers’ adherence to rigorous protocols.
Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Hsp90 in Cytokinesis, Mitochondrial DNA Replication, and Drug Action in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Meyer Kirsten J. , Shapiro Theresa A.
Published: August 2021

Trypanosoma brucei
subspecies cause African sleeping sickness in humans, an infection that is commonly fatal if not treated, and available therapies are limited. Previous studies have shown that heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors have potent and vivid activity against bloodstream-form trypanosomes.
Biofilm Formation and Virulence of Shigella flexneri Are Modulated by pH of Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Chiang I-Ling , Wang Yi , Fujii Satoru , Muegge Brian D. , Lu Qiuhe , Tarr Phillip I. , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S.
Published: August 2021

Shigella
infection remains a public health problem in much of the world. Classic models of
Shigella
pathogenesis suggest that microfold epithelial cells in the small intestine are the preferred initial site of invasion.
Long-Distance Effects of H-NS Binding in the Control of
hilD
Expression in the Salmonella SPI1 Locus
Authors: Kalafatis Marinos , Slauch James M.
Published: August 2021

Members of the foodborne pathogen
Salmonella
rely on a type III secretion system to invade intestinal epithelial cells and initiate infection. This system was acquired through horizontal gene transfer, essentially creating the
Salmonella
genus.
Ecogeographic Units and Management Units of Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus keta of the Amur Zoogeographic Province
Authors: Zhivotovsky L. A. , Podorozhnyuk E. V. , Kulbachnyi S. E. , Shitova M. V. , Rakitskaya T. A. , Nikiforov A. I. , Rubtsova G. A. , Afanasyev K. I.
Published: August 2021

Abstract—

Using the example of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta in the Amur zoogeographic province, we review the principle of subdividing the species into population groups. On the basis of zoogeographic zoning and biological boundaries of chum salmon groups defined by the spawning areas, taking into account the distribution, migration, and reproduction, as well as estimates of their differentiation using microsatellite DNA markers, we identified eight ecogeographic units in the Amur province. In the Amur zoogeographic region of this province, these included the summer chum salmon of the Amur-Amgun ecoregion and the autumn chum salmon of the Lower Amur (Amur-Amgun and Amur-Ussuri ecoregions); in the Shantar zoogeographic region of the province, the Uda-Tugur and Ulban groups; in the Sakhalin part of the Amur province, groups from the northwestern and northeastern Sakhalin, as well as summer and autumn chum salmon from the Poronai River. These ecogeographic units can be considered as basic spawning management units of chum salmon for this part of the species distribution range.
Chemical Induction of Trophoblast Hypoxia by Cobalt Chloride Leads to Increased Expression of DDIT3
Authors: Knyazev E. N. , Paul S. Yu. , Tonevitsky A. G.
Published: August 2021

Choriocarcinoma cells BeWo b30 are used to model human placental trophoblast hypoxia using cobalt (II) chloride and hydroxyquinoline derivative (HD) as chemical inducers of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). In this study, it was shown that both substances activate the hypoxic pathway and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and inhibit the pathways of cell proliferation. However, CoCl2 caused activation of the apoptosis pathway, increased the activity of effector caspases 3 and 7, and increased the expression of the unfolded protein response target DDIT3. The mTORC1 pathway was activated upon exposition to CoCl2, while HD suppressed this pathway, as it happens during real trophoblast hypoxia. Thus, effect of CoCl2 on BeWo cells can be a model of severe hypoxia with activation of apoptosis, while HD mimics moderate hypoxia.
Prognostic value of different lymph node staging methods for node-positive cardia gastric cancer: a register-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qing , Bao Min , Zhang Cheng
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the prognostic efficacy of lymph node ratio (LNR) and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in node-positive cardia gastric adenocarcinoma (CGA).

Design

A registry-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Patients diagnosed with node-positive CGA in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2010 to 2015.

Participants

A total of 1038 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned (7:3) to the training set (n=723) or validating set (n=315).

Primary outcome measure

Cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

The baseline characteristics of the training and validation sets were similar. Based on the optimal cut-off values, LNR was classified into low (<0.09), medium (0.09~0.33) and high (>0.33) groups; LODDS was also classified into low (<−2.09), medium (−2.09~−0.65) and high (>−0.65) groups. CSS was significantly different across LNR and LODDS subgroups. The Harrell concordance index of the N stage was lower than that of the LNR or LODDS. The Akaike information criterion of the N stage was higher than that of the LNR or LODDS. Independent predictors included race, T stage, M stage and LNR (or LODDS), and they were incorporated into nomograms for 1-year, 2-year and 5-year CSS prediction. Calibration plots showed satisfactory results for internal and external validity of the nomogram.

Conclusions

LNR and LODDS staging methods have better prognostic efficacy than the traditional N staging method in CGA with node metastasis. Moreover, the two values are promising substitutes for N staging in nomogram development when other independent prognostic factors are incorporated.
Urine drug screen positive for cocaine and amphetamine is not an adverse risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity or mortality in trauma
Authors: Satish Sangeeta , Freeman Carl , Culhane John
Published: August 2021

Background

Urine drug screening (UDS) is a component of trauma workup and of perioperative risk evaluation. Illicit stimulant use has been associated with cardiovascular complications. This study investigates the impact of stimulant use and its interaction with surgery on cardiovascular complications in trauma patients.

Methods

Patients were identified from the 2017 National Trauma Data Bank. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the effect of amphetamine and cocaine on mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. We evaluated three subsets: all screened patients, those who underwent surgery, and those whose surgery was immediate. Significance was tested with χ2test for categorical variables, Student’s t-test for continuous variables, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis.

Results

317 688 (32.1%) patients underwent UDS. Multivariate analysis showed protective association between cocaine and mortality OR 0.9 (p=0.028). Cocaine was a non-significant predictor of MI and stroke: OR 0.63 (p=0.065) and 0.91 (p=0.502), respectively. Amphetamine was a non-significant predictor of mortality, MI, and stroke: OR 0.97 (p=0.405), 0.80 (p=0.283), and 1.02 (p=0.857), respectively.

On univariate analysis, amphetamine showed a protective association with MI for all screened patients: relative risk (RR) 0.58 (p=0.005), and for surgical patients: RR 0.58 (p=0.019). Amphetamine showed a protective association with mortality for all three subsets: RR 0.83 (p<0.001), 0.78 (p<0.001), and 0.71 (p<0.001), respectively. Cocaine showed a protective association with MI for all screened patients: RR 0.45 (p=0.001), and for surgical patients: RR 0.44 (p=0.005). Cocaine showed a protective association with mortality for all three subsets: RR 0.76 (p<0.001), 0.71 (p<0.001), and 0.63 (p<0.001), respectively.

Discussion

UDS positive for cocaine or amphetamine is not an adverse risk factor in trauma, including trauma patients who underwent surgery. The apparent protective effects of illicit drugs warrant further investigation.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic/care management, level IV.
Influence of f(G) gravity on the complexity of relativistic self-gravitating fluids
Authors: Bhatti M. Z. , Yousaf Z. , Khan S.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we extend the notion of complexity for the case of nonstatic self-gravitating spherically symmetric structures within the background of modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity (i.e. [Formula: see text] gravity), where [Formula: see text] denotes the Gauss–Bonnet scalar term. In this regard, we have formulated the equations of gravity as well as the relations for the mass function for anisotropic matter configuration. The Riemann curvature tensor is broken down orthogonally through Bel’s procedure to compose some modified scalar functions and formulate the complexity factor with the help of one of the scalar functions. The CF (i.e. complexity factor) comprehends specific physical variables of the fluid configuration including energy density inhomogeneity and anisotropic pressure along with [Formula: see text] degrees of freedom. Moreover, the impact of the dark source terms of [Formula: see text] gravity on the system is analyzed which revealed that the complexity of the fluid configuration is increased due to the modified terms.
Infall time in the Eddington–Finkelstein metric, with application to Einstein–Rosen bridges
Authors: Koiran Pascal
Published: August 2021

Eddington–Finkelstein metric is obtained from the Schwarzschild metric by a change of the time variable. It is well known that a test mass falling into a black hole does not reach the event horizon for any finite value of the Schwarzschild time variable [Formula: see text]. By contrast, we show that the event horizon is reached for a finite value of the Eddington–Finkelstein time variable [Formula: see text]. Then we study in Eddington–Finkelstein time the fate of a massive particle traversing an Einstein–Rosen bridge and obtain a different conclusion than recent proposals in the literature: we show that the particle reaches the wormhole throat for a finite value [Formula: see text] of the time marker [Formula: see text], and continues its trajectory across the throat for [Formula: see text]. Such a behavior does not make sense in Schwarzschild time since it would amount to continuing the trajectory of the particle “beyond the end of time.”
Singular fibers of very general Lagrangian fibrations
Authors: Sawon Justin
Published: August 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a (holomorphic) Lagrangian fibration that is very general in the moduli space of Lagrangian fibrations. We conjecture that the singular fibers in codimension one must be semistable degenerations of abelian varieties. We prove a partial result towards this conjecture, and describe an example that provides further evidence.
FORMAN–RICCI CURVATURE FOR HYPERGRAPHS
Authors: LEAL WILMER , RESTREPO GUILLERMO , STADLER PETER F. , JOST JÜRGEN
Published: August 2021

Hypergraphs serve as models of complex networks that capture more general structures than binary relations. For graphs, a wide array of statistics has been devised to gauge different aspects of their structures. Hypergraphs lack behind in this respect. The Forman–Ricci curvature is a statistics for graphs based on Riemannian geometry, which stresses the relational character of vertices in a network by focusing on the edges rather than on the vertices. Despite many successful applications of this measure to graphs, Forman–Ricci curvature has not been introduced for hypergraphs. Here, we define the Forman–Ricci curvature for directed and undirected hypergraphs such that the curvature for graphs is recovered as a special case. It quantifies the trade-off between hyperedge (arc) size and the degree of participation of hyperedge (arc) vertices in other hyperedges (arcs). Here, we determine upper and lower bounds for Forman–Ricci curvature both for hypergraphs in general and for graphs in particular. The measure is then applied to two large networks: the Wikipedia vote network and the metabolic network of the bacterium Escherichia coli. In the first case, the curvature is governed by the size of the hyperedges, while in the second example, it is dominated by the hyperedge degree. We found that the number of users involved in Wikipedia elections goes hand-in-hand with the participation of experienced users. The curvature values of the metabolic network allowed detecting redundant and bottle neck reactions. It is found that ADP phosphorylation is the metabolic bottle neck reaction but that the reverse reaction is not similarly central for the metabolism. Furthermore, we show the utility of the Forman–Ricci curvature for quantification of assortativity in hypergraphs and illustrate the idea by investigating three metabolic networks.
Energy and angular momentum in D-dimensional Kerr-Ads black holes — New formulation
Authors: Altas Emel
Published: August 2021

Recently, it was shown that the conserved charges of asymptotically anti-de Sitter spacetimes can be written in an explicitly gauge-invariant way in terms of the linearized Riemann tensor and the Killing vectors. Here, we employ this construction to compute the mass and angular momenta of the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Kerr-AdS black holes, which is one of the most remarkable Einstein metrics generalizing the four-dimensional rotating black hole.
Cell Mechanics and Signalization: SARS-CoV-2 Hijacks Membrane Liquid Crystals and Cytoskeletal Fractal Topology
Authors: Binot Christiane , Sadoc Jean-François , Chouard Claude-Henri
Published: August 2021

We highlight changes to cell signaling under virus invasion (with the example of SARS-CoV-2), involving disturbance of membranes (plasma, mitochondrial, endothelial-alveolar) and of nanodomains, modulated by the cytoskeleton. Virus alters the mechanical properties of the membranes, impairing mesophase structures mediated by the fractal architecture initiated by actomyosin. It changes the topology of the membrane and its lipid composition distribution. Mechano-transduction, self-organization and topology far from equilibrium are omnipresent. We propose that the actomyosin contractility generates the cytoskeletons fractal organization. We focus on three membranar processus: The transition from lamellar configuration in cell and viral membranes to a bi-continuous organization in the presence of ethanolamine (the energy for this transition is provided by change of the folding of the viral fusion protein from metastable to stable state). The action of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein on the external mitochondrial envelope in contact with mitochondrial-associated membranes, modified by viral endoribonuclease, distorting innate immune response. The increased permeability of the epithelial-alveolar-pulmonary barrier involves the cytoskeleton membranes. The pulmonary surfactant is also perturbed in its liquid crystal state. Viral subversion disorganizes membrane structure and functions and thus the metabolism of the cell. We advocate systematic multidisciplinary exploration of membrane mesophases and their links with fractal dynamics, to enable novel therapies for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion alters renal glucose metabolism and exacerbates renal injury after ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Osada Yuika , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Ishibe Kanako , Takao Shota , Shimazaki Aimi , Itohara Kotaro , Imai Satoshi , Yonezawa Atsushi , Nakagawa Takayuki , Matsubara Kazuo
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to determine the impact of antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion (AIMD) on renal glucose metabolism in mice. This is the first report confirming that AIMD is associated with decreased levels of pyruvate, a key intermediate in glucose metabolism, which may have been caused by activation of renal gluconeogenesis. We hypothesized that AIMD can increase the susceptibility of the kidney to ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Experimental nephrotic syndrome leads to proteolytic activation of the epithelial Na+ channel in the mouse kidney
Authors: Bohnert Bernhard N. , Essigke Daniel , Janessa Andrea , Schneider Jonas C. , Wörn Matthias , Kalo M. Zaher , Xiao Mengyun , Kong Lingsi , Omage Kingsley , Hennenlotter Jörg , Amend Bastian , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Artunc Ferruh
Published: August 2021

This study demonstrates that murine experimental nephrotic syndrome leads to aprotinin-sensitive proteolytic activation of the epithelial Na+ channel at both the α- and γ-subunit, most likely by urinary serine protease activity or proteasuria.
Prognostic and Immunological Role of THBS2 in Colorectal cancer
Authors: Deng Bin , Liu Xiu-Ping , Wang Xiong
Published: August 2021

Objective. Thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) acts as oncogenic or tumor suppressive gene in diverse cancers. Here we studied the prognostic and immunological role of THBS2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) using bioinformatic analysis. Methods. The genetic and protein expression of THBS2 in CRC were explored across several databases, including ONCOMINE, GEPIA2, TIMER 2.0, UALCAN and HPA databases. Correlation between THBS2 expression and clinical features in CRC was assessed using UALCAN tool. Prognostic analysis was performed using GEPIA2 and PrognoScan. Immune infiltration correlation with THBS2 in CRC was investigated with TIMER 2.0 and TISIDB. THBS2 binding and correlated genes were analyzed using String, GEPIA2, and TIMER 2.0. Results. THBS2 was significantly higher in CRC across multiple databases. Age and histological subtype were correlated with THBS2 level. High THBS2 expression correlated with short overall and disease‐free survival. THBS2 expression was positively correlated with immune infiltrates in CRC. Moreover, extracellular matrix structural constituent and organization, PI3K‐Akt pathway, were involved in the functional mechanisms of THBS2. Conclusions. THBS2 correlates with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in CRC. THBS2 may act as a prognostic and immunological biomarker for CRC.
Supply Chain Risk Prevention and Control Based on Fuzzy Influence Diagram and Discrete Hopfield Neural Network
Authors: Su Xin , Zhong Maohua
Published: August 2021

Efficient and reasonable supply chain management helps enterprises improve their efficiency, reduce costs, shorten cash flow times, and reduce enterprise risks. Risk prevention and control is a safety symbol for supply chains. To explore different influence degrees of multirisk factors and multilinks on enterprises, we propose a supply chain risk prevention and control model based on a fuzzy influence diagram and Hopfield neural network. Using the model that both calculates the risk size and occurrence probability of the supply chain and allows identifying various risk prevention and control levels, the supply chain risk is evaluated both objectively and fairly. We analyzed the theoretical and practical properties of supply chain risk prevention and control models and used it in the H company to illustrate this model.
Exercise Therapy Using the Lumbar-Type Hybrid Assistive Limb Ameliorates Locomotive Function after Lumbar Fusion Surgery in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Yasunaga Yoshihiro , Miura Kousei , Koda Masao , Funayama Toru , Takahashi Hiroshi , Noguchi Hiroshi , Mataki Kentaro , Asada Tomoyuki , Wada Keiji , Sankai Yoshiyuki , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: August 2021

The number of elderly people who undergo lumbar fusion surgery (LFS) has been increasing. Postoperative rehabilitation for them can be problematic due to lumbar stiffness. This is the first case report describing exercise therapy using the lumbar-type hybrid assistive limb (HAL) after multiple LFS in an elderly patient. An 83-year-old man underwent LFS at L4-S1. Additional fusion surgery at L2-3 for adjacent segment disease was performed 2 years after the primary surgery. Although the patient’s leg pain declined, he had severe locomotive dysfunction at 3 months after his final surgery. He started exercise therapy using the lumbar-type HAL including sit-to-stand training and squat training 4 months after his final surgery. He performed 3 sets of 20 sit-to-stand and 20 squat repetitions with adequate rests in between sets. The HAL training was safely conducted every day for 12 weeks without adverse event. Timed up and go test (TUG), 1-minute sit to stand test (1MSTS), one-leg stand test (OLST), and Berg balance scale (BBS) were assessed as locomotive function measurement. Before HAL therapy, TUG, 1MSTS, OLST, and BBS were 18.1 sec, 20 times, less than 1 sec, and 47, respectively. He could not walk without assistance. After the exercise therapy with the lumbar-type HAL, his locomotive function dramatically improved. TUG, 1MSTS, OLST, and BBS were 12.2 sec, 25 times, 3.9 sec, and 52, respectively. Moreover, the patient could walk 60 meters continuously without assistance. The unique characteristics of the lumbar-type HAL to prevent the lumbar overload and assist the voluntary hip joint motion during exercise therapy may be effective for this patient with lumbar stiffness after LFS. Sit-to-stand training and squat training using the lumbar-type HAL are promising options to improve locomotive function in elderly patients after LFS.
Uncertainty Quantification for a Hydraulic Fracture Geometry: Application to Woodford Shale Data
Authors: Gisler Batoul M.
Published: August 2021

Hydraulic fracturing enhances hydrocarbon production from low permeability reservoirs. Laboratory tests and direct field measurements do a decent job of predicting the response of the system but are expensive and not easily accessible, thus increasing the need for robust deterministic and numerical solutions. The reliability of these mathematical models hinges on the uncertainties in the input parameters because uncertainty propagates to the output solution resulting in incorrect interpretations. Here, I build a framework for uncertainty quantification for a 1D fracture geometry using Woodford shale data. The proposed framework uses Monte-Carlo-based statistical methods and is comprised of two parts: sensitivity analysis and the probability density functions. Results reveal the transient nature of the sensitivity analysis, showing that Young’s modulus controls the initial pore pressure, which after 1 hour depends on the hydraulic conductivity. Results also show that the leak-off is most sensitive to permeability and thermal expansion coefficient of the rock and that temperature evolution primarily depends on thermal conductivity and the overall heat capacity. Furthermore, the model shows that Young’s modulus controls the initial fracture width, which after 1 hour of injection depends on the thermal expansion coefficient. Finally, the probability density curve of the transient fracture width displays the range of possible fracture aperture and adequate proppant size. The good agreement between the statistical model and field observations shows that the probability density curve can provide a reliable insight into the optimal proppant size.
A Potential ceRNA Network for Neurological Damage in Preterm Infants
Authors: Huang Jin , Liang Xuejing , Cai Zhenyu
Published: August 2021

Objective. This study is aimed at identifying key genes involved in neurological damage in preterm infants and at determining their potential circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA regulatory mechanisms. Methods. Differentially expressed miRNAs, mRNAs, and circRNAs were downloaded from the GEO database. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to determine possible relevant functions of differentially expressed mRNAs. The TTRUST database was used to predict differential TF‐mRNA regulatory relationships. Then, CircMIR, miRDB, TargetScan and miRTarBase were then used to map circRNA/miRNA‐TF/mRNA interaction networks. Finally, GSEA enrichment analysis was performed on the core transcription factors. Results. A total of 640 mRNAs, 139 circRNAs, and 206 differentially expressed miRNAs associated with neurological injury in preterm infants were obtained. Based on the findings of Cytoscape and PPI network analysis, the hsa_circ_0008439‐hsa‐mir‐3665‐STAT3‐MMP3 regulatory axis was established. GSEA analysis revealed that suppressed expression levels of STAT3 were associated with upregulated oxidative phosphorylation pathways in the neurological injury group of preterm infants. Conclusions. The circRNA‐miRNA‐TF‐mRNA regulatory network of neurological injury in preterm infants can be used to elucidate on the pathogenesis of brain injury and help us with the early detection of brain injury in preterm infants.
Refinement of Multiparameters Overrelaxation (RMPOR) Method
Authors: Dessalew Gashaye , Kebede Tesfaye , Awgichew Gurju , Walelign Assaye
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present refinement of multiparameters overrelaxation (RMPOR) method which is used to solve the linear system of equations. We investigate its convergence properties for different matrices such as strictly diagonally dominant matrix, symmetric positive definite matrix, and M-matrix. The proposed method minimizes the number of iterations as compared with the multiparameter overrelaxation method. Its spectral radius is also minimum. To show the efficiency of the proposed method, we prove some theorems and take some numerical examples.
Distribution and Ecologica Risk of Sediment Heavy Metals in the Water-Level-Fluctuation Zone of the Shawan River Section of Yelang Lake
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhang Yutao
Published: August 2021

With the aim of revealing the potential ecological risk and distribution characteristics of heavy metals on the surface sediment at the Shawan River section of Yelang Lake, the following three analyses were first performed: (1) analysis of grain-size composition on sediment samples collected at seven different sites in the water-level-fluctuation zone (WLFZ); (2) analysis of bulk sediment content of six heavy metals, namely, Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cu; and (3) the correlation analysis of grain-size composition and heavy metal content in the sediment. Afterwards, the approach of Hakanson potential ecological risk index was employed to analyze the risk of heavy metal pollution in sediments of seven WLFZ plots. The outcomes indicate that (1) the mean sediment grain size at each sampling site was generally >0.063 mm, with gravel grains (>1 mm) and sand grains (0.22–1 mm) accounting for the largest proportions; (2) the site-averaged mean sediment content of each of the six heavy metals was significantly higher than their respective geochemical background contents in the sediment of Guizhou Province, and the grain-size dependence of the bulk sediment content of heavy metals was not significant; (3) the distribution of Cr was relatively independent of other metals, which was in contrast to notable positive correlations observed between other metals; and (4) in accordance with the approach of Hakanson potential ecological risk index, for these heavy metals, their potential ecological risk reduced by the order of Zn < Cr < Cu < Pb < Cd, with Cd having a mean potential risk index (Ei) of 566.13, suggestive of a very high level of potential ecological risk, Zn, Cr, and Cu having a mild potential ecological risk, and Pb having moderate potential ecological risk. Cd largely contributes to the comprehensive ecological risk index RI is the largest, thereby having important environmental implications.
Meta-Analysis of Therapy of Cinobufacini Capsule Adjunct with First-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Advanced NSCLC
Authors: Peng Wenpan , Xu Yong , Feng Fanchao , Gu Cheng , Wang Zhichao , Han Di , Zhou Xianmei , He Hailang
Published: August 2021

Background. Cinobufacini capsule, an anticancer traditional Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used as adjunctive treatment to platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cinobufacini capsule combined with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC. Study Design. A systematic review and meta-analysis of eight outcome measures selected for this study were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in 7 electronic databases to identify all the relevant randomised controlled trials. Cochrane handbook 5.1.0 was applied to evaluate the quality of included trials, and the RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software were used to combine the trials for data analysis and assess the publication bias. Results. From the 19 studies reviewed, a total of 1,564 patients were included. Compared with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy alone, cinobufacini capsule combined with chemotherapy showed significant effects in improving ORR (RR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.33, 1.66)), 1-year survival rate (RR = 1.44, 95% CI (1.28, 1.63)), and 2-year survival rate (RR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.42, 2.22)), raising the percentages of CD3+ cells (SMD = 1.25, 95% CI (1.05, 1.45)), CD4+ cells (SMD = 1.52, 95% CI (1.33, 1.71)), and ratio of CD4+/CD8+ (SMD = 1.36, 95% CI (1.17, 1.54)), and reducing chemotherapy toxicity including leukopenia (RR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.51, 0.72)), thrombocytopenia (RR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.41, 0.67)), and vomiting (RR = 0.79, 95% CI (0.70, 0.88)). Conclusion. Cinobufacini capsule may increase the therapeutic effectiveness, improve cellular immune function, and reduce the toxicity of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC. These results require confirmation by further rigorously designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
The Impact of Smart City Construction on the Quality of Foreign Direct Investment in China
Authors: Ye Chong , Zhao Zhaoyang , Cai Jinlong
Published: August 2021

As a new model of urban development, it is important to scientifically analyze the impact of smart cities on the quality of foreign direct investment (FDI). This article constructs a difference in differences’ model to test the impact of foreign direct investment quality in smart city construction based on panel data of 226 prefecture‐level cities from 2006–2017. Study shows the following. (1) The construction of smart cities has significantly improved the quality of FDI utilized in pilot cities. (2) Heterogeneity analysis shows that smart city construction significantly contributes to the quality of FDI in the western city subsample and a subsample of cities with low natural resource dependence. After a series of robustness tests and placebo tests, the above conclusions still hold. The results of the study suggest that China should further promote the construction of smart cities to optimize the quality of foreign direct investment and promote high‐quality economic growth. The findings of the study also provide theoretical and practical references for the construction of smart cities in China and other countries around the world.