bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Bridge Modeling According to Time-varying Indoor Temperature for Dynamic Building Energy Simulation Using System Identification
Authors: Kim Heegang , Kim Jihye , Yeo Myoungsouk
Published: July 2022

It is not easy to dynamically analyze thermal bridges that require multidimensional analysis in building energy simulations, which are mostly one-dimensional platforms. To solve this problem, many studies have been conducted and, recently, a study was conducted to model the thermal bridge based on the data by approaching this in a similar way to steady-state analysis, showing high accuracy. This was an early-stage study, which is only applicable when the indoor temperature is constant. By extending this study, a thermal bridge model that can be applied even when the indoor temperature changes over time is proposed and validated. Since the governing equation, the heat diffusion equation, is linear, the key idea is to create and apply two thermal bridge transfer function models by expressing the heat flow entering the room as a linear combination of the transfer function for indoor temperature and the transfer function for outdoor temperature. For the proposed thermal bridge model, the NRMSE of the model itself showed a high accuracy of 99.9%, and in the verification through annual simulation using the model, the NRMSE showed an accuracy of 88.8%.
STRUKTUR PUISI KERENDAHAN HATI DAN BE THE BEST OF WHATEVER YOU ARE: KAJIAN SASTRA BANDING
Authors: Jiddan Muhammad Jayyid , Asmaradini Melinia , Hanissa Nevifah Bella , Syarifah Sayyidatus
Published: July 2022

This research is entitled Structure of Humility Poetry and Be The Best Of Whatever You Are: A Study of Comparative Literature. The purpose of this study is to describe the comparison of the physical structure and inner structure of the poem Humility and Be The Best Of Whatever You Are. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques documentation on the two poems. The results of the study indicate that there are similarities and differences in the physical structure and inner structure of the two poems. Similarities in physical structure are found in typography, enjabement, rhyme and rhythm, language style, concrete words, and imagery. The similarity of the inner structure is found in the theme, tone, and atmosphere. Meanwhile, the differences in the physical structure are found in the stanzas and lines, punctuation, and diction used. Furthermore, the difference in the inner structure is in the mandate
PENGUATAN STANDAR KOMPETENSI LULUSAN MEMBACA SASTRA MELALUI STRATEGI META-ANALISIS BAGI MAHASISWA JURUSAN BAHASA DAN SASTRA INDONESIA
Authors: Qomariyah U'um
Published: July 2022

At first, students' low literary reading experience became a thought to find effective strategies so that students were interested in reading and got the concept of learning experience by thinking critically. To achieve this kind of condition, students' familiarity with literary works accompanied by an understanding of critical reviews is absolutely necessary. Meta-analysis provides a strategy that can be used by lecturers to strengthen the Literature Reading Competency Standards (SKL). This study aims to reveal the use of meta-analysis strategies in strengthening SKL Reading Literature for students majoring in Language. This research uses descriptive analysis method. The data collection stage was carried out through literature study (critical review), interviews, and observations. The results showed that there was a correlation that could be correlated between the achievement of SKL Reading Literature through meta-analysis strategies. Furthermore, the meta-analysis learning design in Literature Reading SKL Achievement is carried out in four stages, namely determining the literary period (problem formulation), determining and selecting literary reading results, reading literary works, and presenting the literary reading meta-analysis report
When Occupational Self Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation Influence on Job Satisfaction and Job Performance
Authors: Dwi Lestari Unik
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of occupational self-efficacy on intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction and job performance. In addition, the influence of intrinsic motivation on job satisfaction and job performance. This research is a descriptive quantitative study made using the structural equational modeling (SEM) method. Data collection was used by distributing online questionnaires. The population of this study are employees of private companies in the areas of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek). The sampling method used is purposive sampling with criteria that have worked for 2 years and over. The results of this study prove that there is a positive influence between occupational self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction and job performance. Then it also proves that there is a positive influence between intrinsic motivation on job satisfaction but not on job performance.
Boletín de Noticias "Entre Patologos" de Alconpat Internacional (V4N2, 2022)
Authors:   Alconpat Internacional, Fuchs Hernández Humberto , Zozaya Ortíz Alexia Xiomara ,   Alconpat Internacional, Castro Borges Pedro ,   Alconpat Internacional
Published: July 2022

El Boletín de noticias de la edición de Julio, presenta la AGENDA ALCONPAT para el resto del año, también dos firmas de convenios internacionales con instituciones importantes, uno de Portugal y otro de Yucatán México. Se menciona el resultado de la 1era reunión con los delegados de los ALCONPATS nacionales. Luego se reitera la información de las actividades de las diferentes Direcciones de ALCONPAT, donde los Talleres de Recomendaciones Técnicas dan pautas al igual que los cursos próximos a dictarse, y de las ALCONPAT nacionales, destacando Brasil, México y la activación de la de Venezuela. Y por último e igual de importante las actividades de los socios mantenedores y colaboradores como PENETRON, HOLCIM Y RILEM.
Reconstruction Using a Fibular Autograft for Lumbosacral Spinal Deformity in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Kawamura Ichiro , Yamamoto Takuya , Tominaga Hiroyuki , Tokumoto Hiroto , Sanada Masato , Taniguchi Noboru
Published: July 2022

Cases:

We present 2 cases (19- and 40-year-old women) of lumbosacral spinal deformity with sacroiliac joint destruction. Reconstruction surgery using a fibular strut autograft was performed in both patients, and spinal reconstruction and fusion were successfully maintained without bone resorption for at least 7 years.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of reconstructive surgery using a fibular strut bone graft for lumbosacral deformity with destruction of the sacroiliac joint in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). These findings suggest that reconstruction with a fibular strut autograft is useful for lumbosacral spinal deformity that includes destruction of the sacroiliac joints in NF-1.
Recurrent Cervical Subdural Bleeding Because of Atlantoaxial Instability in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Esteller Gauxax Diana , Doncel-Moriano Antonio , Martínez-Anda Jaime Jesús , Cervera Ricard , Llull Laura , Combalia Andrés
Published: July 2022

Case:

Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is a frequent complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its involvement in intracranial bleeding is unclear. We present a young woman with history of systemic lupus erythematosus and RA who developed 3 episodes of subdural bleeding at the upper cervical spine and cranial level. Imaging tests showed signs of AAI with odontoid deformity. The case was interpreted as recurrent traumatic cervical subdural hemorrhage because of AAI. No new episodes occurred after surgical C1-C2 fixation.

Conclusion:

We report a case that had the association of hemorrhage and C1-2 instability in a patient with RA and lupus erythematosus.
Healing of a Large Bone Defect Secondary to Tuberculosis in an Infant
Authors: Shah Rahul Hemant , Gandbhir Viraj N. , Gujar Harshad
Published: July 2022

Case:

A 9-month-old male child presented with swelling over the distal radius that was debrided, and histopathology revealed tuberculosis. Curettage left a large bony defect in the distal radius metaphysis. The defect was not surgically addressed because near-complete spontaneous filling of the defect was seen at 3 months' follow-up. The patient was given antituberculous therapy for 12 months and had excellent outcomes at 24 months' follow-up.

Conclusion:

A large bony defect secondary to tuberculosis, in the distal radius metaphysis in an infant, regenerated spontaneously without the need for bone substitutes, bone grafting, or complex microvascular procedures.
The application of Engineering With Nature® principles in Colorado flood recover
Authors: Franz Sara Copp , Cohn Jessica , Mandel Randy , Haring Christopher , King Jeffrey
Published: July 2022

This technical note features river-based restoration projects that incorporate Engineering with Nature® (EWN®), Natural and Nature Based Features (NNBF) approaches in the Front Range of Colorado as part of a comprehensive flood recovery program to protect life and property.
Minimising Young Children’s Anxiety through Schools (MY-CATS): Statistical Analysis Plan for a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an online parent-led intervention compared with usual school practice for young children identified as at-risk for anxiety disorders
Authors: Jones Benjamin Gary , Reardon Tessa , Creswell Cathy , Dodd Helen F , Hill Claire , Jasper Bec , Lawrence Peter J , Morgan Fran , Rapee Ronald M , Violato Mara , Placzek Anna , Ukoumunne Obioha C
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe Minimising Young Children’s Anxiety through Schools (MY-CATS) trial is being conducted to determine whether an online evidence-based parent-guided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy intervention in addition to usual school practice is effective and cost-effective compared with usual school practice in reducing anxiety disorders in children aged 4-7 deemed ‘at risk’ of anxiety disorders. This update article describes the detailed statistical analysis plan for the MY-CATS trial and reports a review of the underpinning sample size assumptions.Methods and DesignThe MY-CATS study is a two-arm, definitive superiority pragmatic parallel group cluster randomised controlled trial in which schools will be randomised 1:1 to receive either the intervention (in addition to usual school practice) or usual school practice only. This update to the (published) protocol provides a detailed description of the study methods, the statistical principles, the trial population and the planned statistical analyses, including additional analyses comprising instrumental variable regression and mediation analysis.Trial Registration: ISRCTN 82398107. Prospectively registered on 14.1.2021. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN82398107
Comparison of high-flow nasal cannula and conventional oxygen therapy for high-risk patients during bronchoscopy examination: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: qin hao , Jing Guo-Qiang , Tan Wei , Wang Jun , Yin Yi-Nan , Chen Rong-Zhang , Zhang Wei , Li Jie
Published: July 2022

IntroductionHigh-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been proven to improve oxygenation and avoid intubation in hypoxemic patients. It has also been utilized during endoscopy examination to reduce the incidence of hypoxia. However, little is known about the effects of HFNC versus conventional oxygen therapy (COT) on oxygenation during bronchoscopy examination via nasal route; particularly, no study has compared the use of HFNC with that of COT at similar FIO2 during bronchoscopy examination for patients who have high-risk factors of desaturation during bronchoscopy examination. Methods and analysisThis randomized controlled trial will be implemented in four centers. Patients who have high-risk factors including hypoxemia, hypercapnia, morbid obesity, and narrow airway will be enrolled to use HFNC or COT during bronchoscopy examination. In the HFNC group, the gas flow will be set at the maximal level that the patient can tolerate with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) at 0.45, with one prong of the nasal cannula occluded and left outside the nose; while in the COT group, oxygen flow will be set at 6 L/min via a single-prong nasal cannula. After 5 min pre-oxygenation, the bronchoscope will be inserted via nasal route. Vital signs, oxygenation (SpO2), and transcutaneous CO2 (PtCO2) will be continuously monitored. Incidence of hypoxemia, defined as SpO2 < 90% for 10 seconds during bronchoscopy examination, and the need for treatment escalation will be compared in the two groups. DiscussionHypoxia is a common complication of bronchoscopy, our study attempted to demonstrate that HFNC may reduce the probability of hypoxia during bronchoscopy in high-risk patients. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences.Trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn/: ChiCTR2100055038. Registered on 31 December 2021URL of the trial registry record：http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=146692
Landslide susceptibility prediction mapping with advanced ensemble models: Son La province, Vietnam
Authors: Bui QUYNH , Ha Hang , Thanh Dong Khuc , Nguyen Dinh Quoc , von Meding Jason , Nguyen Lam Phuong , Luu Chinh
Published: July 2022

Landslides are a serious geohazard in many mountainous areas of Vietnam during the rainy season. They directly threaten human lives and properties every year. Landslide susceptibility maps are useful tools for risk mitigation, land-use planning, and early warning systems for local areas. It is necessary to update these maps continuously because of the complexity of landslide events. This fact requires further extending the approach techniques with practical implications. Therefore, this study aimed to develop landslide susceptibility prediction maps based on advanced Machine Learning (ML) techniques. Five state-of-art hybrid ML models were developed: Bagging – MLP, Dagging – MLP, Decorate – MLP, Rotation Forest – MLP, Random SubSpace – MLP with Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) as a base classifier. Sixteen causative factors were collected to build landslide susceptibility maps based on the relationship between historical landslide locations and specific local geo-environmental conditions. The model performance was verified using various statistical indexes. Based on the Area Under ROC curve (AUC) analysis results of the testing dataset, the Rotation Forest – MLP model has the greatest predictive accuracy of AUC = 0.818. It is followed by the Decorate – MLP and Bagging – MLP (AUC=0.804), the Random SubSpace – MLP model (AUC=0.796), the Dagging – MLP (AUC=0.789), and the single MLP (AUC=0.698). The results of this study can be applied effectively to other mountainous regions to mitigate the risk of landslides.
A Study on the Financial Literacy and its Impact on Financial Inclusion (With reference to Undergraduate Students in Hyderabad City)
Authors: B Balanagalakshmi , Kumari Sukhavasi Santha , I Shyam Sundar
Published: July 2022

Financial inclusion is an essential concept of finance that creates numerous financial products and services easy to get to and reasonable to all people and businesses, specifically those excluded from the formal financial arrangement. Financial literacy is the main and fundamental factor that affects ability of people to access financial services. This study explored the impacts of financial literacy on financial access over and done with banking access and fin tech using the data collected from questionnaire through undergraduate students in Hyderabad city. Researcher has employed regression model to scrutinize whether financial literacy significantly affects financial accessibility for the undergraduate students. The experiential findings exhibited that knowledge regarding various financial services factors had significant impacts on getting financial access. Variables such as age, income level of parents, knowledge regarding depositing and withdrawing money, and knowledge regarding interest rate, FT account, FT training, FT bill pay, FT software use etc. affected the overall access to finance.
Glucose levels are not the same for everyone: A real-world big data study evaluating glucose levels by sex and age among children
Authors: Ziv Carmit Avnon , Banon Tamar , Tov Amir Ben , Chodick Gabriel , Gabay Linoy , Auerbach Adi , Hirsch Harry J. , Khademi Floris Levy
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Understanding the normal range of laboratory values as pertained to different age groups and males or females is paramount in health care delivery. We aimed to assess the distribution of glucose levels by age and sex in the general population of children using a large-scale population-based cohort.Methods: A retrospective study with real-world de-identified data from a large, state mandated health fund in Israel among children aged 2 to 18 years old between 2006 and 2019. Age, sex, and BMI differences in mean glucose levels were evaluated using 3-way Anova.Results: Study included 130,170 blood samples from 117,411 children, 53.3% were female. After adjusting for age boys had higher glucose levels than girls, with a mean of 89.21 ±8.66 mg/dL vs. 87.59 ±8.35 (p<0.001). Compared to the 15 to 18 year-olds (88.49 mg/dl ±7.63), 2 to 5 year-olds had lower glucose levels (84.19 ±10.65, (p<0.001)), 11 to 14 year-olds had higher glucose (90.40 ±7.42 (p<0.001)) and 6 to 10 year-olds showed no difference (88.45 ±8.25). Among our cohort, 33.0% (n=42,991) had a BMI percentile record the same year as their glucose test result. There was a weak yet significant positive association between blood glucose levels and BMI (Pearson coefficient <0.1).Conclusions: Our large cohort indicates that boys have higher glucose levels than girls, as do adolescents compared to younger children. This finding is important for the delivery of adequate health care, screening for illness and avoiding unnecessary investigations and tests.
Serum cholesterol-riched apolipoprotein-B (apoB) containing lipoproteins predict the response to immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) : A retrospective analysis
Authors: Hu Zixin , Zheng Yumin , Zheng Jiabin , Wang Yan , Liao Jiangquan , Lu Xingyu , Yu Yixuan , Liu Zhening , Li Jia , Dong Huijing , Cui Huijuan
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Lipid metabolism alternations reprogrammed tumor microenvironment (TME) to influence the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Body mass index (BMI) and apolipoproteins B (apoB) including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and remnant cholesterol (RC) reflect the lipid metabolism status. The associations between BMI, lipoproteins, and clinical outcome of ICIs are far from clear. Methods: A retrospective case-control analysis of 99 NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy plus ICIs regimens in the department of oncology and lung cancer center of China-Japan Friendship Hospital was performed. The prognostic value of the BMI, serum lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins were assessed. Efﬁcacy was evaluated by the ICIs response (durable clinical beneﬁt [DCB] / non-durable benefit [NDB]), best response (active/ non-active) and progression-free survival (PFS). The validation test and the mechanism exploration were performed with public data using bioinformatic methods. Results: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was a risk indicator for NDB, non-active response to ICIs, shorter PFS with the confounders adjusted (OR= 6.06, 95% CI 2.05 - 19.89, p.val = 0.002; OR = 4.37, 95% CI 1.64 - 12.43, p.val = 0.004; HR = 3.08, 95% CI 1.63 - 5.82, p.val < 0.001). High apoB containing lipoproteins were risk factors for poor ICIs response. Low RC predicted the better ICIs response and the best response with the satisfied discriminative ability and the well-fitting calibration curves (OR = 0.12, 95%CI 0.02 - 0.63, p.val = 0.017; OR = 0.22. 95%CI 0.05 - 0.96, p.val = 0.047). Serum LDL-C predicted the longer PFS of ICIs with the added value to the BMI containing model (HR = 0.43, 95%CI 0.22 - 0.86, p.val = 0.016). Bioinformatic exploration showed that the LUAD samples with high APOB were infiltrated by elevated fibroblasts and other immune-suppressive cells. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the acquired ICIs resistance might be through the LRP6/5-Wnt-TGF-β axis which required laboratory experiments to verify. Conclusions: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, the elevated apoB containing lipoproteins indicated poor response to the combination of chemotherapy and ICIs in the in the NSCLC population. Further large-scale validations and experimental explorations are needed.
Time distance effect of damming on the degree of hydrological and ecological alteration in floodplain river and wetland
Authors: Pal Swades , Khatun Rumki , SARDA RAJESH , Debanshi Sandipta
Published: July 2022

Usually, the effects of any episodic incident minimize overtime. The time distance effect of hydrological alteration in the river on the ecological condition of a river and the hydrological and ecological conditions of the riparian wetland was examined in this present study. For doing this, an investigation of the degree of hydrological alteration in the river and at 30 × 30m pixel scale water richness (WWR) mapping using weighted overlaying was carried out along with assessing its degree of alteration. Periodicity of river flow at season scale was performed following wavelet transform model. Similarly, the degree of ecological alteration was measured using the range of variability approach (RVA), and flow duration curve (FDC) in three phases (pre-dam (up to 1992), post-dam phase 1 (1993–2012), and phase 2 (2013–2020). From the analysis, it was revealed that after damming, the monthly flow failure rate ranged from 70 to 96%. Eco-deficit in the river was aggravated to some extent with increasing time distance. As a consequence of this, wetland water richness maps of different phases exhibited continuous wetland loss from the poor WWR parts and continued degradation of WWR in post-dam phases. Eco-deficit condition of the wetland was also weakened in post-dam phase 1 and it was continued in the next phase. So, this study clarified that time distance minimizing the effect of damming on rivers and wetlands was not found rather its trend was like a positive feedback mechanism, the wave of impact radiated after damming has been continuing. The study output would be instrumental for river and wetland management and precautions on manmade hydrological modification. The study recommends carrying out similar works with more post-dam length to establish a reliable theory in this regard.
How does the North Pacific Oscillation affect tropical variability? Part II: Intermodel diversity in the NPO-ENSO relationship
Authors: Kug Jong-Seong , Zhao Jiuwei , Park Jae-Heung , Sung Mi-Kyung , Luo Jing-Jia
Published: July 2022

The North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), a primary atmospheric variability over the midlatitude, is a well-known trigger for ENSO events. Based on observational analyses, it has been suggested that the NPO-related wave activity flux (WAF) could directly induce the equatorial wind anomalies in both upper and lower levels. In this study, we further substantiate the impacts of the WAF on tropical circulations using climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phases 5 and 6 (CMIP5/6). We found that the intensity of the southward WAF over the central Pacific is closely related to the simulated NPO–ENSO relation in the inter-model space. By classifying the models into two groups of strong and weak meridional WAF (MWAF), we reveal that the strong MWAF models simulate stronger upper- and lower-level equatorial winds and precipitation anomalies that facilitate the ENSO in subsequent winter. In addition, we demonstrate that the magnitude of the MWAF is closely related to the model’s climatological meridional wind and meridional shear of climatological zonal wind, emphasizing the role of systematic bias on the ENSO simulation.
Efficacy and safety of mucous fistula refeeding in preterm infants: An exploratory randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Eun Sun , Kim Ee-Kyung , Shin Seung Han , Jung Young Hwa , Song In-Gyu , Kim Yoo-Jin , Kim Hyun Young , Choi Young-Hun , Moon Kyung Chul , Kim Bohyun
Published: July 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate whether mucous fistula refeeding (MFR) is safe and beneficial for the growth and intestinal adaptation of preterm infants with enterostomies.Methods: This exploratory randomized controlled trial enrolled infants born before 35 weeks’ gestation with enterostomy. If the stomal output was ≥ 40 mL/kg/day, infants were assigned to the high-output MFR group and received MFR. If the stoma output was < 40 mL/kg/day, infants were randomized to the normal-output MFR group or the control group. Growth, serum citrulline levels, and bowel diameter in loopograms were compared. The safety of MFR was evaluated.Results: Twenty infants were included. The growth rate increased considerably, and the colon diameter was significantly larger after MFR. However, the citrulline levels did not significantly differ between the normal-output MFR and the control group. One case of bowel perforation occurred during the manual reduction for stoma prolapse. Although the association with MFR was unclear, two cases of culture-proven sepsis during MFR were noted.Conclusions: MFR benefits the growth and intestinal adaptation of preterm infants with enterostomy and can be safely implemented with a standardized protocol. However, infectious complications need to be investigated further.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT02812095, retrospectively registered on June 6, 2016.
Investigation of physicochemical effects and the possibility of eutrophication by implementing a water transfer project from Nargesi Dam to Parishan Wetland , Iran
Authors: Tavabe Kamran Rezaei , Kuchaksaraei Bahareh Samadi
Published: July 2022

Parishan International Wetland in Fars Province, Iran, has been dried up since 2009. The restoration plan is underway by transferring water from Nargesi dam. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical effects of water transfer from and the possibility of eutrophication in Parishan Wetland. Sampling was done from the active springs and Shirinrood river (behind Nargesi dam). Physicochemical parameters were measured and compared with wet years of the wetland. The average EC of Nargesi Dam and the average EC of wetland water after water transfer, were calculated with an annual input of 15 million m3. The results showed, with the entry of water from Nargesi dam in rainy months, after 7–10 years of EC, salinity, hardness and TDS of the wetland will reach the long-term period of the wetland in wet times. After this period, if water input from the dam continues, the water of the wetland will be saltier at the rate of 0.25–0.27 g/l per year, and after 10 years, the salinity will be 2.5–2.7 g/l, which does not create ecosystem contradictions and due to the euryhaline nature of Parishan wetland aquatic animals, it will not have negative ecological effects on the inhabitants. Despite the concentration of nitrate and phosphate in the two water sources, due to the high pH and alkalinity of the wetland water, as it was in the wet years, these two nutrients are not limiting factors for production, but due to the high pH and high alkalinity, eutrophication will not occur.
Tetraaza dibromide/SBA15 as a New Optical Sensing Materials for Copper Ion Detection
Authors: Ariffin Eda Yuhana , Sulaiman Siti Syahraini , Jilani Nur Aisyah Kadir , Nokarajoo Devika , Razak Nurul Hidayah Abd , Derawi Darfizzi , Hasbullah Siti Aishah
Published: July 2022

A novel of sensitive and selective optical sensor for copper(II) ion sensor based on tetraaza dibromide, 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-7,14-dienium dibromide (TL) immobilized on Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) has been successfully developed. The inner and outer space of SBA15 allowed a high capacity of TL compound to immobilise onto it. FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis was performed to confirm the cylindrical shapes and large pores of SBA-15. Binding study of TL compound towards Cu2+ ion was performed via UV -vis solution study and binding titration. The binding constant value, Kb of TL towards Cu2+ ion was 59.87 ± 1.62 M− 1. The optical sensor demonstrated a linear response over a wide Cu2+ ion concentration range 1×10− 7 M to 2×10− 5 M with a low detection limit (LOD) of 1.01664×10− 7 M (R2 = 0.99). The developed optical sensor showed high reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) obtained at 0.47%. The developed sensor is reusable up to five consecutive Cu2+ ion by using 0.1 M EDTA, pH 6 as a regeneration solution with a reversibility RSD value of 0.79%. This optical sensor provides a highly sensitive and selective tools for copper(II) ion detection in teabag samples and the result is align with those obtained by ICP-OES standard method.
MYC and MET cooperatively drive hepatocellular carcinoma with distinct molecular traits and vulnerabilities
Authors: Sequera Célia , Grattarola Margherita , Holczbauer Agnes , Dono Rosanna , Pizzimenti Stefania , Barrera Giuseppina , Wangensteen Kirk , Maina Flavio
Published: July 2022

Enhanced activation of the transcription factor MYC and of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET are among events frequently occurring in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Both genes individually act as drivers of liver cancer initiation and progression. However, their concomitant alteration in HCC has not been explored, nor functionally documented. Here, we analysed databases of five independent human HCC cohorts and found a subset of patients with high levels of MYC and MET (MYChigh/METhigh) characterised by poor prognosis. This clinical observation drove us to explore functionality of MYC and MET co-occurrence in vivo, combining hydrodynamic tail vein injection for MYC expression in the R26stopMet genetic setting, in which wild-type MET levels is enhanced following genetic deletion of a stop cassette. Results showed that increased MYC and MET expression in hepatocytes is sufficient to induce liver tumorigenesis even in the absence of pre-existing injuries associated with a chronic disease state. Intriguingly, ectopic MYC in MET tumours increases expression of the Mki67 proliferation marker, and switches them into loss of Afp, Spp1, Gpc3, Epcam accompanied by increased in Hgma1 transcript levels. We additionally found a switch in the expression of specific immune checkpoints, with an increase in the Ctla-4 and Lag3 lymphocyte co-inhibitory responses, and a decrease in the Icosl co-stimulatory responses of tumour cells. We provide in vitro evidence on the vulnerability of some human HCC cell lines to combined MYC and MET targeting, which are otherwise resistant to single inhibition. Mechanistically, combined blockage of MYC and MET converts a partial cytostatic effect, triggered by individual blockage of MYC or MET, into a cytotoxic effect. Together, these findings highlight a subgroup of HCC characterised by MYChigh/METhigh, and document functional cooperativity between MYC and MET in liver tumorigenesis. Thus, the MYC-R26Met model is a relevant setting for HCC biology, patient classification and treatment.
The Combination of Lactate Level, Lactate Clearance and APACHE II Score Better Predicts Short-Term Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Yongmei , Yao Sijia , Shang Jiawei , Ping Feng , Tan Qin , Tian Zijun , Huang Weifeng , Li Yingchuan
Published: July 2022

Background
The mortality rate is high in critically ill patients due to the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment. Thus, it is very important to explore the predictive value of different indicators related to prognosis in critically ill patients.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study in Intensive care unit (ICU) of the Sixth People’s Hospital in Shanghai, China. A total of 1465 ICU patients who had lactate values > 2.1 mmol/L at least once within 24 hrs of ICU admission and arterial blood gas monitored more than twice during the ICU stay.
Results
The predictive value of lactate clearance24hrs was not high, and the sensitivity and specificity were lower. The predictive value of the lactate level at baseline and the APACHE II score was higher than that of lactate clearance24hrs in critically ill patients. The predictive value of the lactate level at baseline combined with the APACHE II score was higher than that of the lactate level at baseline or the APACHE II score alone. In addition, the predictive value of lactate clearance24hrs combined with the APACHE II score was also significantly higher than that of lactate clearance24hrs or the APACHE II score alone. In particular, the area under the ROC reached 0.900, the predictive value was markedly higher than that of the ROC alone, and the sensitivity and specificity were better when these three indicators were combined.
Conclusions
The combination of lactate level, lactate clearance and APACHE II score better predicts short-term outcomes in critically ill patients.
Individual versus simultaneous estimation of two parameters in a correlated noisy environment
Authors: Guo Youneng , Chen Xiangjun , Yang Cheng , Xie Qin
Published: July 2022

Recently, the phase parametric estimation for a single qubit system driven by a phase noisy laser under non-Markovian dynamics has been reported. We here generalize the single-parameter estimation to the two-parameter scenario where a two-qubit system is influenced by correlated phase noisy laser, and compare the performances of two-parameter estimation in both individual and simultaneous strategies by using the quantum Fisher information and the quantum Fisher information matrix, respectively.Our results show the phase parametric estimation precision can be improved due to the memory effect arising from successive applications of the noisy laser. With the memory coefficient $\mu$ increasing, the precision of parameter estimation becomes more accuracy. Besides, the phase parameter estimation precision can be well enhanced by engineering the ratios of classical phase noisy laser rate and system-environment coupling strength dependent of Markovian or non-Markovian regions. What's more, we find the simultaneous estimation of two-phase parameters is not always advantageous over the individual strategy.
Global tradeoffs between prosperity, inequality, and the environment
Authors: Wu Tong , Rocha Juan , Berry Kevin , Chaigneau Tomas , Lindvist Emilie , Hamann Maike , Qiu Jiangxiao , Schill Caroline , Shepon Alon , Crépin Anne-Sophie , Folke Carl
Published: July 2022

Sustainability is often framed as achieving prosperity, equality, and environmental integrity: in other words, high living standards, evenly-distributed, and low-impact. But what if there is a trilemma that inhibits the joint achievement of these three key goals? We analyzed synergies and tradeoffs between these dimensions of sustainability by investigating historical data on per-capita gross national income, the Gini coefficient for income distribution, and per-capita ecological footprint. We found that no country in the world successfully solved this trilemma, but there are typologies of countries that can help identify common barriers, and strategies to overcome them. Countries typically reduce inequality and then increase prosperity and environmental impact. Some countries are trapped in a high inequality space, while prosperous countries have reduced inequality only at the expense of increasing environmental impact. Escaping this trilemma to achieve ambitious sustainability goals will likely require economic redistribution and more urgent collective action for planetary stewardship.
Decoding of NB-LDPC Codes based on Multi-Layer Perceptual Neural Networks
Authors: Han Tianwei , Zhang Meiling , Wang Yuyan , Hu Guijun
Published: July 2022

Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes have been extraordinarily important in the field of communications because its error-correction approximates to Shannon limit. Binary LDPC codes have been applied in many fields, and relatively Non-Binary (NB) LDPC codes have recently attracted considerable attention on account of their better error performance. Common NB-LDPC codes decoding algorithm involves Belief Propagation (BP) algorithm, Fast Hadamard Transform-BP (FHT-BP) algorithm, etc. The decoding performance of each algorithm has a certain upper limit. In this paper, the code word structure of NB-LDPC codes is considered, and the decoding of LDPC codes under Galois Field(4) (GF(4)) is mainly indicated. On the basis of the FHT-BP algorithm, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural networks and bit flipping (BF) method are introduced for joint decoding. This method can improve the error performance of LDPC codes and achieve better decoding results.
An Ethical Trajectory Planning Algorithm for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Geisslinger Maximilian , Poszler Franziska , Lienkamp Markus
Published: July 2022

With the rise of AI and automation, moral decisions are being put into the hands of algorithms that were formerly the preserve of humans. In autonomous driving, a variety of such decisions with ethical impli-cations are made by algorithms for behavior and trajectory planning. Therefore, we present an ethical trajectory planning algorithm with a framework that aims at a fair distribution of risk among road users. Our implementation incorporates a combination of five essential ethical principles: minimization of the overall risk, priority for the worst-off, equal treatment of people, responsibility, and maximum acceptable risk. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first ethical algorithm for trajectory planning of autonomous vehicles in line with the 20 recommendations from the EU Commission expert group and with general applicability to various traffic situations. We showcase the ethical behavior of our algorithm in selected scenarios and provide an empirical analysis of the ethical principles in 2000 scenarios. The code used in this research is available as open-source software.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family carers of those with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities: Perspectives from UK and Irish Non-Government Organisations.
Authors: Linden Mark , Forbes Trisha , Brown Michael , Marsh Lynne , Truesdale Maria , McCann Edward , Todd Stuart , Hughes Nathan
Published: July 2022

Background: Family carers of people with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities (PMID) experienced a reduction in healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many subsequently turned to Non-Government Organisations who worked to support families. However, little research has sought to capture the experiences of family carers or identify effective interventions which might support them. To address these concerns we explored the views of Non-Government sector workers across the UK and Ireland who supported families people with PMID during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also sought to explore their views on the characteristics of online support programmes for family carers.Methods: This study employed a qualitative design using focus groups with participants (n=24) from five Non-Governmental Organisations across the UK and Ireland. Interview schedules included questions on challenges, supports, coping and resources which helped during lockdown restrictions. Focus groups were held online, were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The resulting transcripts were pseudonymised and subjected to thematic analysis. Findings: Four themes were identified (i) ‘mental health and well-being’, (ii) ‘they who shout the loudest’, (iii) ‘lack of trust in statutory services’ and (iv) ‘creating an online support programme’. Mental health and well-being emerged as the largest theme and included three subthemes named as ‘isolation’, ‘fear of COVID-19’ and ‘the exhaustion of caring’. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the vulnerability of family carers who were already experiencing difficulties in accessing services and supports for their families. While Non-Government Organisations have been a crucial lifeline there is urgent need to design services, including online support programmes, in partnership with family carers which adequately address their needs.
Diversity of gammacoronaviruses and deltacoronaviruses in wild birds and poultry in Russia
Authors: Marchenko Vasily , Danilenko Alexey , Kolosova Nataliya , Bragina Maria , Molchanova Marina , Bulanovich Yuliya , Gorodov Vladimir , Leonov Sergey , Gudymo Andrey , Onkhonova Galina , Svyatchenko Svetlana , Ryzhikov Alexander
Published: July 2022

Coronaviruses of genera Gammacoronavirus and Deltacoronavirus are globally widespread and are found primarily in wild and domestic birds with established crossover from avian to mammalian reservoir. There is limited understanding of the diversity and geographical distribution of coronaviruses among birds. In this study, the surveillance of coronaviruses in birds in Russia performed in 2020 revealed the presence of coronaviruses in 12% of samples from birds. Targeted NGS approach was used for the evaluation of genetic diversity based on RdRp gene. While gammacoronviruses were found in both wild brids and poultry, deltacoronaviruses were found in wild birds only and represent the first detections for Russia. A number of cases with the simultaneous detection of gamma- and deltacoronaviruses in one bird was reported. Results of the study highlight the importance of further research of the spread and diversity of coronaviruses among birds on the territory of Russia and in the world.
A Multi-label CNN model for the automatic detection and segmentation of primary brain tumors using 18F-FET PET imaging
Authors: Rahimpour Masoomeh , Boellaard Ronald , Deckers Wies , Goffin Karolien , Koole Michel
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The aim of this study was to develop a CNN model for automatic detection and segmentation of primary brain tumors using 18F-fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine (18F-FET) PET.
Methods
Eighty-four patients who underwent a 40 min dynamic 18F-FET PET were retrospectively included. Ground truth labels for the lesions and background regions were defined by a nuclear medicine physician using MIM software. A multi-label CNN was developed to segment the lesion and background region using the 20–40 min static scan. In addition, a single-label CNN was implemented for lesion-only segmentation. Lesion detectability was evaluated by classifying 18F-FET PET scans as negative when no tumor was segmented and vice versa, while the segmentation performance was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the segmented tumor volume. The quantitative accuracy was evaluated using the maximal tumor to average background uptake (TBR).
Results
The multi-label CNN model achieved a sensitivity of 88.9% and precision of 96.5% for discriminating between positive and negative 18F-FET PET scans which was significantly improved compared to the single-label CNN model with the sensitivity of 35.3% and precision of 83.1%. In addition, it allowed the accurate extraction of the maximal lesion and the average background uptake, resulting in an accurate TBR estimation compared to the fully manual approach. In terms of lesion detectability, the multi-label CNN model equally performed as the benchmark CNN model with the DSC of 74.5 ± 23.1 vs 73.7 ± 23.2. When using the tumor segmentations obtained by the two CNN models, the estimated tumor volume closely approximated the tumor volume estimated by the manual segmentations.
Conclusion
The proposed multi-label CNN model detected positive 18F-FET PET scans with high sensitivity and precision. Once detected, an accurate tumor segmentation and estimation of background activity was achieved resulting in an automatic, accurate TBR estimation, such that user interaction and potential inter-reader variability can be minimized.
Empirical studies on the practice translation of ethical recommendations. Cross-sectional study on evaluation objects
Authors: Schwietering Johannes , Langhof Holger , Strech Daniel
Published: July 2022

Background: Empirical research can become relevant for bioethics in at least two ways. First, to inform the development or refinement of ethical recommendations. Second, to evaluate how effective, efficient, or valid ethical recommendations are translated into practice. This study aims to investigate the scope and objectives of empirical studies evaluating how ethical recommendations are translated into practice. Methods: A sample of the latest 400 publications from four bioethics journals was created and screened. All publications were included if they met one of the following three criteria: (1) evaluative empirical research, (2) non-evaluative empirical research and (3) borderline cases. For all publications categorized as evaluative empirical research we analyzed which objects (norms and recommendations) had been evaluated.Results: 234 studies were included of which 54% (n=126) were categorized as non-evaluative empirical studies, 36% (n=84) as evaluative empirical studies, and 10% (n=24) as borderline cases. The evaluation object reflected in five of all 84 evaluative empirical studies very broadly formulated aspirational norms, in 14 (16%) studies more specific norms and in 65 (77%) studies concrete best practices.Conclusions: This mapping study shows that empirical evaluative studies can be found at all stages in the translational process from theory to best practices. It thereby facilitates discussions on how to further develop and assure quality of the emerging field of empirical studies on the practice translation of ethical recommendations.Trial registration: The methodology used was described in a study protocol that was registered publicly on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/r6h4y/).
Interaction of amiodarone with azoles against Aspergillus planktonic cells and biofilms in vitro
Authors: Duan Zhimin , Tong Jianbo , Zheng Nana , Zeng Rong , Liu Yuzhen , Li Min
Published: July 2022

Aspergillus spp. is the most common clinical pathogen of invasive fungal infection with high mortality. Existing treatments for Aspergillus spp. infection are still inefficient and accompanied by drug resistance, so it is still urgent to find new treatment approaches. The antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone (AMD) has demonstrated antifungal activity against a range of fungi. This study evaluated the efficacy of AMD in combination with triazoles for Aspergillus spp. infection. We tested the combined effect of AMD and three triazole drugs, namely, itraconazole (ITR), voriconazole (VRC), and posaconazole (POS), on the planktonic cells and biofilms of 20 strains of Aspergillus spp. via a checkerboard microdilution assay derived from 96-well plate-based method. Our results reveal that the combination of AMD with ITR or POS against Aspergillus biofilms has synergistic fungicidal effects. By contrast, the combination of AMD with VRC exhibits no antagonistic and synergistic effects. In this way, the use of AMD in combination with ITR or POS could be an effective adjunctive treatment for Aspergillus spp. infection.