bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrachromosomal DNA in the Apicomplexa
Authors: Wilson R J , Williamson D H
Published: June 2021

Malaria and related apicomplexan parasites have two highly conserved organellar genomes: one is of plastid (pl) origin, and the other is mitochondrial (mt). The organization of both organellar DNA molecules from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has been determined, and they have been shown to be tightly packed with genes. The 35-kb circular DNA is the smallest known vestigial plastid genome and is presumed to be functional. All but two of its recognized genes are involved with genetic expression: one of the two encodes a member of the clp family of molecular chaperones, and the other encodes a conserved protein of unknown function found both in algal plastids and in eubacterial genomes. The possible evolutionary source and intracellular location of the plDNA are discussed. The 6-kb tandemly repeated mt genome is the smallest known and codes for only three proteins (cytochrome b and two subunits of cytochrome oxidase) as well as two bizarrely fragmented rRNAs. The organization of the mt genome differs somewhat among genera. The mtDNA sequence provides information not otherwise available about the structure of apicomplexan cytochrome b as well as the unusually fragmented rRNAs. The malarial mtDNA has a phage-like replication mechanism and undergoes extensive recombination like the mtDNA of some other lower eukaryotes.
Arac/XylS family of transcriptional regulators
Authors: Gallegos M T , Schleif R , Bairoch A , Hofmann K , Ramos J L
Published: June 2021

The ArC/XylS family of prokaryotic positive transcriptional regulators includes more than 100 proteins and polypeptides derived from open reading frames translated from DNA sequences. Members of this family are widely distributed and have been found in the gamma subgroup of the proteobacteria, low- and high-G + C-content gram-positive bacteria, and cyanobacteria. These proteins are defined by a profile that can be accessed from PROSITE PS01124. Members of the family are about 300 amino acids long and have three main regulatory functions in common: carbon metabolism, stress response, and pathogenesis. Multiple alignments of the proteins of the family define a conserved stretch of 99 amino acids usually located at the C-terminal region of the regulator and connected to a nonconserved region via a linker. The conserved stretch contains all the elements required to bind DNA target sequences and to activate transcription from cognate promoters. Secondary analysis of the conserved region suggests that it contains two potential alpha-helix-turn-alpha-helix DNA binding motifs. The first, and better-fitting motif is supported by biochemical data, whereas existing biochemical data neither support nor refute the proposal that the second region possesses this structure. The phylogenetic relationship suggests that members of the family have recruited the nonconserved domain(s) into a series of existing domains involved in DNA recognition and transcription stimulation and that this recruited domain governs the role that the regulator carries out. For some regulators, it has been demonstrated that the nonconserved region contains the dimerization domain. For the regulators involved in carbon metabolism, the effector binding determinants are also in this region. Most regulators belonging to the AraC/XylS family recognize multiple binding sites in the regulated promoters. One of the motifs usually overlaps or is adjacent to the -35 region of the cognate promoters. Footprinting assays have suggested that these regulators protect a stretch of up to 20 bp in the target promoters, and multiple alignments of binding sites for a number of regulators have shown that the proteins recognize short motifs within the protected region.
Supplemental Material: A hidden Rodinian lithospheric keel beneath Zealandia, Earth’s newly recognized continent
Authors: Turnbull Rose , al. et
Published: June 2021

Detailed outline of analytical methods, raw data for all O-isotope and Lu-Hf-U-Pb isotope analyses for unknowns and standards, and sample location information.
Detrital zircon geochronology of modern river sediment in south-central Alaska: Provenance, magmatic, and tectonic insights into the Mesozoic and Cenozoic development of the southern Alaska convergent margin
Authors: Fasulo Cooper R. , Ridgway Kenneth D.
Published: June 2021

New and previously published detrital zircon U-Pb ages from sediment in major rivers of south-central Alaska archive several major episodes of magmatism associated with the tectonic growth of this convergent margin. Analysis of detrital zircons from major trunk rivers of the Tanana, Matanuska-Susitna, and Copper River watersheds (N = 40, n = 4870) documents major <250 Ma age populations that are characteristic of the main phases of Mesozoic and Paleogene magmatism in the region as documented from limited U-Pb ages of igneous rocks. Key points from our detrital record include: (1) Major magmatic episodes occurred at 170, 150, 118, 95, 72, 58, and 36 Ma. The overall pattern of these ages suggests that felsic magmatism was episodic with periodicity ranging between ~14 and 32 m.y. with an average of ~22 m.y. (2) Magmatism in south-central Alaska shows similar age trends with both the Coast Mountains batholith and the along-strike Alaska Peninsula forearc basin strata, demonstrating a spatial and temporal relationship of felsic magmatism along the entire northern Cordilleran margin. (3) Topography and zircon fertility appear to influence the presence and/or absence of detrital zircon populations in individual watersheds. Results from this study indicate that regionally integrated detrital zircon populations from modern trunk rivers are faithful recorders of Mesozoic and Paleogene magmatic events along a convergent margin, but there appears to be a lag time for major rivers to record Neogene and ongoing magmatic events.
Mechanism of the Antioxidant Activity and Structure–Activity Relationship of N-Monosubstituted Amino Acid Derivatives of Fullerene С60
Authors: Volkov V. A. , Voronkov M. V. , Sazhina N. N. , Kurilov D. V. , Vokhmyanina D. V. , Yamskova O. V. , Martirosyan Yu. Ts. , Atroshenko D. L. , Martirosyan L. Yu. , Romanova V. S.
Published: June 2021

The kinetic characteristics, mechanisms of activity, and relationship between the antioxidant activity and the molecular and supramolecular structure of fullerene C60 and some of its N-monosubstituted amino acid derivatives have been studied. The introduction of an amino acid substituent in the C60 fullerene molecule led to an increase in its antiradical activity in the free radical oxidation of a water-soluble target (fluorescein). The mechanism of the antioxidant activity of amino acid derivatives of fullerene is not associated with the hydrogen atom transfer, electron donation, or catalysis of peroxide decomposition. It was demonstrated that the structure of the amino acid substituent does not affect the antiradical properties, which are thus determined only by the effective total surface area of ​​the nanoparticles of the fullerene C60 derivatives and increase when their size decreases. This surface can be characterized as nanowalls on which the radical death occurs. A change in the concentration of the compounds in solution does not lead to a change in the relative antiradical activity and hence in the nanoparticle size. The results of this study are important for understanding the biological activity of this group of compounds.
Trial of aerosolised surfactant for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Jardine Luke , Lui Kei , Liley Helen G , Schindler Timothy , Fink James , Asselin Jeanette , Durand David
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the safety of an aerosolised surfactant, SF-RI 1, administered via nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and a prototype breath synchronisation device (AeroFact), to preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Design

Multicentre, open-label, dose-escalation study with historical controls.

Setting

Newborn intensive care units at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Brisbane, and Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia.

Patients

Infants 26 weeks through 30 weeks gestation who required nCPAP 6–8 cmH2O and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) <0.30 at <2 hours of age.

Interventions

In part 1, infants received a single dose of 216 mg/kg of aerosolised surfactant. In part 2, infants could receive up to four doses of aerosolised surfactant. Three historical control infants were matched for each enrolled infant.

Main outcome measures

Treatment failure was defined as Respiratory Severity Score (FiO2×cmH2O nCPAP) >2.4, nCPAP >8 cmH2O, arterial carbon dioxide >65 mm Hg, pH <7.20 or three severe apnoeas within 6 hours during the first 72 hours of life. Other outcomes included tolerance of the AeroFact treatment and complications of prematurity.

Results

10 infants were enrolled in part 1 and 21 in part 2 and were compared with 93 historical controls. No safety issues were identified. In part 2, 6 of 21 (29%) AeroFact-treated infants compared with 30 of 63 (48%) control infants met failure criteria. Kaplan-Meier analysis of patients in part 2 showed a trend towards decreased rate of study failure in the AeroFact-treated infants compared with historical controls (p=0.10).

Conclusion

The AeroFact system can safely deliver aerosolised surfactant to preterm infants with RDS who are on nCPAP.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001458325.
Triage and resuscitation tools for low and middle income countries: how to catch the killer?
Authors: Santhanam Indumathy , Moodley Prinetha , Jayaraman Balaji , Yock-Corrales Adriana , Cheema Baljit , Craig Simon , Jahn Haiko Kurt
Published: June 2021

Under-5 mortality rates in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) remain high. One major contributing factor is the failure to recognise critically unwell children when they first present to hospital. This leads to delayed or inadequate resuscitation and an increased risk of death.

Triage is a key skill in this setting to sort the queue and prioritise patients, even when staff and equipment are scarce. In LMIC, children generally present late in their illness and often have progressed to some degree of multiorgan dysfunction.

Following triage, a structured systematic primary survey is critical to ensure the detection of subtle signs of multiorgan dysfunction. Repeated physiological assessments of the child guide subsequent resuscitation management decisions, which depend somewhat on the resources available.

It is possible to achieve significant improvements in survival of critically unwell children presenting for emergency care in the resource-limited setting. The three key steps in the patient’s journey that we can influence in emergency care are triage, primary survey and initial stabilisation. Resources that address these steps have been developed for all settings. However, these resources were developed in a specific clinical context, and must therefore be adapted to local structures and processes. A systematic approach to triage and resuscitation saves lives.
Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia as a complication of etoposide therapy
Authors: Mendoza Maria Alejandra , Iyer Sunil , Camargo Jose F. , Benedetto Pasquale W.
Published: June 2021

Two patients receiving oral etoposide therapy developedPneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia during chemotherapy with significant lymphopenia without corticosteroid use. In this commentary we discuss cellular mechanisms by which etoposide induced CD4+ T lymphocyte dysfunction and reduced survival may lead to predisposition toP. jiroveciiinfection.
Lower extremity reamputation in people with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Rongqi , Petersen Brian J , Rothenberg Gary M , Armstrong David G
Published: June 2021

In this study, we determined the reamputation-free survival to both limbs and to the contralateral limb only following an index amputation of any-level and assessed whether reamputation rates have changed over time. We completed a systematic search using PubMed and screened a total of 205 articles for data on reamputation rates. We reported qualitative characteristics of 56 studies that included data on reamputation rates and completed a meta-analysis on 22 of the studies which enrolled exclusively participants with diabetes. The random-effects meta-analysis fit a parametric survival distribution to the data for reamputations to both limbs and to the contralateral limb only. We assessed whether there was a temporal trend in the reamputation rate using the Mann-Kendall test. Incidence rates were high for reamputation to both limbs and to the contralateral limb only. At 1 year, the reamputation rate for all contralateral and ipsilateral reamputations was found to be 19% (IQR=5.1%–31.6%), and at 5 years, it was found to be 37.1% (IQR=27.0%–47.2%). The contralateral reamputation rate at 5 years was found to be 20.5% (IQR=13.3%–27.2%). We found no evidence of a trend in the reamputation rates over more than two decades of literature analyzed. The incidence of lower extremity reamputation is high among patients with diabetes who have undergone initial amputations secondary to diabetes, and rates of reamputation have not changed over at least two decades.
Caregiver-mediated interventions to support self-regulation among infants and young children (0–5 years): a protocol for a realist review
Authors: Finlay-Jones Amy , Ang Jetro Emanel , Bennett Elaine , Downs Jenny , Kendall Sally , Kottampally Keerthi , Krogh-Jespersen Sheila , Lim Yi Huey , MacNeill Leigha A. , Mancini Vincent , Marriott Rhonda , Milroy Helen , Robinson Monique , Smith Justin D , Wakschlag Lauren S , Ohan Jeneva L
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Self-regulation is a modifiable protective factor for lifespan mental and physical health outcomes. Early caregiver-mediated interventions to promote infant and child regulatory outcomes prevent long-term developmental, emotional and behavioural difficulties and improve outcomes such as school readiness, educational achievement and economic success. To harness the population health promise of these programmes, there is a need for more nuanced understanding of the impact of these interventions. The aim of this realist review is to understand how, why, under which circumstances and for whom, early caregiver-mediated interventions improve infant and child self-regulation. The research questions guiding this review were based on consultation with families and community organisations that provide early childhood and family services.

Methods and analysis

Realist reviews take a theory-driven and iterative approach to evidence synthesis, structured around continuous refinement of a programme theory. Programme theories specify context-mechanism-outcome configurations to explain what works, for whom, under which circumstances and how. Our initial programme theory is based on prior work in this field and will be refined through the review process. A working group, comprising service users, community organisation representatives, representatives from specific populations, clinicians and review team members will guide the evidence synthesis and interpretation, as well as the development and dissemination of recommendations based on the findings of the review. The review will involve searching: (i) electronic databases, (ii) connected papers, articles and citations and (iii) grey literature. Decisions to include evidence will be guided by judgements about their contribution to the programme theory and will be made by the research team, with input from the working group. Evidence synthesis will be reported using the Realist and MEta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this is a review. Findings will be disseminated to our working group and through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Review registration number

The protocol is registered with Open Science Frameworkhttps://osf.io/5ce2z/registrations.
Factors associated with the referral of children with severe illnesses at primary care level in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Beyene Habtamu , Kassa Dejene Hailu , Tadele Henok , Persson Lars , Defar Atkure , Berhanu Della
Published: June 2021

Context and objective

Ethiopia’s primary care has a weak referral system for sick children. We aimed to identify health post and child factors associated with referrals of sick children 0–59 months of age and evaluate the healthcare providers’ adherence to referral guidelines.

Design

A cross-sectional facility-based survey.

Setting

This study included data from 165 health posts in 52 districts in four Ethiopian regions collected from December 2018 to February 2019. The data included interviews with health extension workers, assessment of health post preparedness, recording of global positioning system (GPS)-coordinates of the health post and the referral health centre, and reviewing registers of sick children treated during the last 3 months at the health posts. We analysed the association between the sick child’s characteristics, health post preparedness and distance to the health centre with referral of sick children by multivariable logistic regressions.

Outcome measure

Referral to the nearest health centre of sick young infants aged 0–59 days and sick children 2–59 months.

Results

The health extension workers referred 39/229 (17%) of the sick young infants and 78/1123 (7%) of the older children to the next level of care. Only 18 (37%) sick young infants and 22 (50%) 2–59 months children that deserved urgent referral according to guidelines were referred. The leading causes of referral were possible serious bacterial infection and pneumonia. Those being classified as a severe disease were referred more frequently. The availability of basic amenities (adjusted OR, AOR=0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.96), amoxicillin (AOR=0.41, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.88) and rapid diagnostic test (AOR=0.18, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.46) were associated with less referral in the older age group.

Conclusion

Few children with severe illness were referred from health posts to health centres. Improving the health posts’ medicine and diagnostic supplies may enhance adherence to referral guidelines and ultimately reduce child mortality.
Complex systems models for causal inference in social epidemiology
Authors: Kouser Hiba N , Barnard-Mayers Ruby , Murray Eleanor
Published: June 2021

Systems models, which by design aim to capture multi-level complexity, are a natural choice of tool for bridging the divide between social epidemiology and causal inference. In this commentary, we discuss the potential uses of complex systems models for improving our understanding of quantitative causal effects in social epidemiology. To put systems models in context, we will describe how this approach could be used to optimise the distribution of COVID-19 response resources to minimise social inequalities during and after the pandemic.
T follicular helper cells: linking cancer immunotherapy and immune-related adverse events
Authors: Baumjohann Dirk , Brossart Peter
Published: June 2021

Cancer immunotherapy utilizing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of numerous cancer types. As the underlying mechanism of these treatments lies in the interference with inhibitory signals that usually impair potent antitumor immunity, for example, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1):programmed death-ligand 1/2 (PD-L1/2) pathway, it is not surprising that this could also promote exaggerated adaptive immune responses to unrelated antigen specificities. One of the side effects of ICI-based cancer immunotherapy that is increasingly observed in the clinic is immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including various types of autoimmunity. However, the precise etiology is incompletely understood. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells provide essential help to B cells for potent antibody responses and their tumor tissue presence is often correlated with a better outcome in several solid tumor entities. Importantly, these CD4+ T cells express very high amounts of PD-1 and other co-stimulatory and inhibitory receptors. Here, we address the hypothesis that targeting CTLA-4 or PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 critically impacts the function of Tfh cells in patients that receive these ICIs, thereby providing a link between ICI treatment and the development of secondary autoimmunity.
Adverse childhood experiences and asthma: trajectories in a national cohort
Authors: Pape Kathrine , Cowell Whitney , Sejbaek Camilla Sandal , Andersson Niklas Worm , Svanes Cecilie , Kolstad Henrik Albert , Liu Xiaoqin , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Wright Rosalind J , Schlünssen Vivi
Published: June 2021

Objective

Research has linked early adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with asthma development; however, existing studies have generally relied on parent report of exposure and outcome. We aimed to examine the association of early life ACEs with empirically determined trajectories of childhood asthma risk, using independent register information on both exposures and outcome.

Methods

Based on nationwide registries, we established a study cohort of 466 556 children born in Denmark (1997–2004). We obtained information on ACEs during the first 2 years of life (bereavement, parental chronic somatic and/or mental illness) and childhood asthma diagnosis or medication use from birth through age 10 years from the Danish National Patient and Prescription Registries, respectively. We identified asthma phenotypes using group-based trajectory modelling. We then used multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between early ACEs and asthma phenotypes.

Results

We identified four asthma phenotypes: non-asthmatic, early-onset transient, early-onset persistent and late-onset asthma. Girls with early-onset transient asthma (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24), early-onset persistent asthma (1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.48) or late-onset asthma (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.48) vs no asthma were more likely to have early life ACE exposure compared with girls without ACE exposure. Results were similar for boys who also had experienced early life ACEs with ORs of 1.16 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.25), 1.34 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.51) and 1.11 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.25), respectively.

Conclusion

In a nationwide-population study, we identified three childhood onset asthma phenotypes and found that ACEs early in life were associated with increased odds for each of these asthma phenotypes among both girls and boys.
Load transfer mechanism of a load distributive compression anchor installed in weathered rock layer
Authors: Shin Gyu-Beom , Jo Bum-Hee , Baek Sung-Ha , Kim Sung-Ryul , Chung Choong-Ki
Published: June 2021

The demand for a load distributive compression anchor (LDCA) in construction sites has been increasing, owing to its high bearing capacity and removable steel strands. As an LDCA comprises multiple anchor bodies and unbonded steel strands, the load applied to the strands generates a distributive compressive stress in the grout, preventing high concentration of grout–ground shear stress. Unlike in the conventional anchors, in an LDCA, independent load transfer of each anchor body induces interference effect between adjacent anchor bodies. Therefore, for an efficient design of an LDCA, it is necessary to investigate the load transfer mechanism considering the effect of multiple anchor bodies. In this study, a series of anchor pull-out field tests was conducted for LDCAs consisting of a single anchor body, and double and triple anchor bodies spaced by 1, 2, and 3 m. According to the test results, the LDCA showed a stiffer load–displacement behavior with an increase in the number and spacing of the anchor bodies. The multiple anchor bodies of the LDCA generated an overlapping of the grout axial load and induced its rapid dissipation, increasing the grout–ground shear stress. This interference effect was more clearly observed with a decrease in the anchor body spacing.
Effects of helix angle and feed per knife on cutting forces, noise, and power consumption produced during helical planing of sugar maple wood
Authors: Wellenreiter Paul , Hernández Roger E. , Cáceres Claudia B. , Blais Carl
Published: June 2021

A conventional straight knife cutterhead and three helical knife cutterheads were tested for planing sugar maple wood (Acer saccharum Marsh.). Effects of helix angle and feed per knife (FK) on maximum cutting forces, sound level, and power consumption were evaluated. A 3-axis dynamometer, an array microphone, and a watt transducer were used to simultaneously record the forces, sound level, and power consumption during machining, respectively. Parallel (FP), positive and negative normal (FNP and FNN), lateral (FL), resultant (FR) forces, and sound level increased as FK increased. Helical tools produced lower FP, FNP, FNN, and FR. Parallel forces tended to decrease as helical angle increased. Differences among helical tools were not significant for normal forces. Helical tools produced higher FL at medium (2.9 mm) and high (4.7 mm) feeds per knife. FR decreased as helix angle increased. The impacts of these cutting forces on the appearance of surface defects and ways to reduce them were discussed. Helical cutterheads considerably generated lower sound pressure level, with a maximum difference of up to 8 dB(A). At low FK (1.3 mm), helical tools required slightly lower cutting power.
Accidental degeneracy of the hydrogen atom and its non-accidental solution in parabolic coordinates
Authors: Deshmukh P.C. , Ganesan Aarthi , Banerjee Sourav , Mandal Ankur
Published: June 2021

The degeneracy associated with dynamical symmetry of a potential can be identified in quantum mechanics, by solving the Schrödinger equation analytically, using the method of separation of variables in at least two different coordinate systems, and in classical mechanics by solving the Hamilton–Jacobi equation. In the present pedagogical review, the notion of separability and superintegrability of a potential, with profound implications, is discussed. In an earlier tutorial paper, we addressed the n2-fold degeneracy of the hydrogen atom using the Casimir operators corresponding to the SO(4) symmetry of the 1/r potential. The present paper is a sequel to that work, in which we solve the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom using separation of variables in the parabolic coordinate systems. In doing so, we take the opportunity to revisit some excellent works on symmetry and degeneracy in classical and quantum physics, if only to draw attention to these insightful studies, which unfortunately miss even a mention in most undergraduate and even graduate level courses in quantum mechanics and atomic physics.
Light neutrino masses from gravitational condensation: the Schwinger–Dyson approach
Authors: Barenboim Gabriela , Turner Jessica , Zhou Ye-Ling
Published: June 2021

In this work we demonstrate that non-zero neutrino masses can be generated from gravitational interactions. We solve the Schwinger–Dyson equations to find a non-trivial vacuum thereby determining the neutrino condensate scale and the number of new particle degrees of freedom required for gravitationally induced dynamical chiral symmetry breaking. We show for minimal beyond the Standard Model particle content, the scale of the condensation occurs close to the Planck scale.
How Chinese Herbal Medicine Prevents Epidemics: From Ancient Pestilences to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Xia-Qiu , Zhang Wei-Na , Hao Ming-Zhao , Liu Xi-Ping , Xiao Jing , Wang Teng-Fei , Dong Yi-Zhi , Zhao Jing
Published: June 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic calls for effective control and prevention. Chinese medicine (CM) has developed systematic theories and approaches for infectious disease prevention over 2000 years. Here, we review and analyze Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) used in infectious disease prevention from ancient pestilences to modern epidemics and pandemics to share cumulative preventive medical experience. A total of 829 formulas, including 329 herbs from 189 ancient books, 131 formulas with 152 herbs, and 13 Chinese patent medicines (CPM) from 30 official Chinese prevention programs used in ancient epidemics, SARS, influenza and COVID-19 prevention, were reviewed and analyzed. Preventive CHM mainly has four functions and can be taken orally or applied externally. CHM that kill pathogens (Realgar [Xionghuang], Cyrtomium Fortunei J. Sm[Guanzhong]) were commonly used externally for disinfection in ancient prevention while CHM tonifying Qi (Astragali Radix [Huangq], Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma [Gancao]) are used for modern prevention. Taking CHM that expel pathogens (Realgar [Xionghuang], Lonicerae Japonicae Flos[Jinyinhua]) and CHM eliminating dampness (Atractylodis Rhizoma [Cangzhu], Pogostemonis Herba[Guanghuoxiang]) have been commonly used from ancient times to COVID-19. Damp toxins are a common characteristic of infectious diseases such as SARS and COVID-19. Thus, taking CHM expelling damp toxins and tonifying Qi are the main methods for SARS and COVID-19 prevention. CHM with different approaches have been widely used in infectious disease prevention from ancient times to the present. Multiple CM prevention methods may provide new perspectives for future pandemics.
Active Components from Traditional Herbal Medicine for the Potential Therapeutics of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systemic Review
Authors: Nwafor Ebuka-Olisaemeka , Lu Peng , Liu Yiting , Peng Hui , Qin Huan , Zhang Kuibin , Ma Zhe , Xing Bin , Zhang Yukun , Li Jiawei , Liu Zhidong
Published: June 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a tumor-like disease, is a serious and fatal pulmonary inflammatory condition usually characterized by irreversible destruction of the lung parenchyma, excessive matrix accumulation, and decline in lung function. IPF still remains a great burden to the universe. At the moment, the available therapeutic regimens utilized for IPF such as non-pharmacological therapies (lung transplantation) and pharmacological therapies (drugs, nintedanib, pirfenidone, etc.) are normally accompanied by significant limitations, such as adverse reactions, low bioavailability, poor selectivity, low-tissue distribution, in vivo instability, systemic toxicity, inconveniency and unsafe usage. There is a need for the exploration and discovery of new novel remedies by researchers and scientists globally. Recent numerous preliminary studies have laid significant emphasis and demonstrated the antifibrotic importance, good curative actions (little or no adverse reactions), and multiple target sites of the active components from traditional herbal medicine (THM) against IPF, which could serve as a modern, alternative and potential therapeutics or drug candidates in treating IPF. This paper extensively summarizes the pharmacological actions and signaling pathways or mechanisms of active components obtained from THM for treating IPF. Moreover, the sources and modernization, markets, relevant FDA and CFDA studies (the USA and China), preclinical analysis, and various compositions of THM currently under clinical trials are also highlighted. Additionally, this present analytical data would be instrumental towards further drug progression or advancement of active components from THM for the potential therapeutics of IPF in the future.
DERIVATIVES BY RATIO PRINCIPLE FOR q-SETS ON THE TIME SCALE CALCULUS
Authors: ÇANKAYA MEHMET NİYAZİ
Published: June 2021

The definitions of derivatives as delta and nabla in time scale theory are kept to follow the notion of the classical derivative. The jump operators are used to transfer the notion from the classical derivative to the derivatives in the time scale theory. The jump operators can be determined by analyst to model phenomena. In this study, the definitions of derivatives in the time scale theory are transferred to ratio of function which has jump operators from [Formula: see text]-deformation. If we use [Formula: see text]-deformation as a subset of real line [Formula: see text], we can have a chance to define a derivative via consulting ratio of two expressions on [Formula: see text]-sets. The applications are performed to produce the new entropy functions by use of the partition function and the derivatives proposed. The concavity and convexity of the proposed entropy functions are examined by use of Taylor expansion with first-order derivative. The entropy functions can catch the rare events in an image. It can be observed that rare events or minor changes in regular pattern of an image can be detected efficiently for different values of [Formula: see text] when compared with the proposed entropies based on [Formula: see text]-sense.
Structure of sympathetic 3-Lie algebras
Authors: Yao Chenrui , Chen Liangyun
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we will introduce the concept of sympathetic 3-Lie algebras and show that some classical properties of semi-simple 3-Lie algebras are still valid for sympathetic 3-Lie algebras. We prove that every perfect 3-Lie algebra [Formula: see text] contains a greatest special sympathetic ideal [Formula: see text], and there exists a solvable ideal of [Formula: see text] denoted by [Formula: see text] which is the greatest among the solvable ideals [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text]. And we show that there exists a sympathetic subalgebra [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a sympathetic 3-Lie algebra if and only if [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we also study the ideals [Formula: see text] of a 3-Lie algebra [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a sympathetic 3-Lie algebra and investigate some properties about them.
Thermo-fluid–mechanical numerical simulations of surface subsidence at the site of underground coal gasification
Authors: Derbin Yury , Walker James , Khaba Liphapang
Published: June 2021

This work deals with modelling surface subsidence that aims to help industrialize underground coal gasification (UCG). UCG is a long-known, but poorly industrialized, method of energy extraction from coal. Risks of surface subsidence and groundwater pollution are two main hurdles that are affecting the potential industrialization of UCG. The particular challenge is the existence of groundwater because of implications to both its pollution and its influence on surface subsidence. Additionally, the coal combustion and the complex geometry of the UCG reactors impacts surface subsidence. To meet these challenges, the thermal and fluid analyses should be included in the model, and surface subsidence should be modelled in three dimensions to capture the collapsed shape of the UCG reactor. Based on the nature of these challenges and an earlier successful implementation, Itasca's commercial FLAC3D software with intrinsic thermal and fluid models was chosen to model surface subsidence. This study determines that the inclusion of fluid analysis improves the predictions of surface subsidence when compared with measurements at the highly watered Shatsk UCG site. In turn, thermal analysis mildly influences the modelled surface subsidence. The fluid analysis shows that the flow in the upper aquifer influences surface subsidence to a greater extent than the flow in the lower aquifers. High temperatures cause an upward flow in the lower aquifer located above the UCG reactor but does not change the flow pattern in the upper aquifer. The fluid analysis also reveals that if the UCG reactor is filled with water, surface subsidence does not occur.
On Polymorphic Sessions and Functions
Authors: Toninho Bernardo , Yoshida Nobuko
Published: June 2021

This work exploits the logical foundation of session types to determine what kind of type discipline for the Λ-calculus can exactly capture, and is captured by, Λ-calculus behaviours. Leveraging the proof theoretic content of the soundness and completeness of sequent calculus and natural deduction presentations of linear logic, we develop the first
mutually inverse
and
fully abstract
processes-as-functions and functions-as-processes encodings between a polymorphic session π-calculus and a linear formulation of System F. We are then able to derive results of the session calculus from the theory of the Λ-calculus: (1) we obtain a characterisation of inductive and coinductive session types via their algebraic representations in System F; and (2) we extend our results to account for
value
and
process
passing, entailing strong normalisation.
A Novel Segmentation Method for Furnace Flame Using Adaptive Color Model and Hybrid‐Coded HLO
Authors: Zhang Pinggai , Fei Minrui , Wang Ling , Wu Xian , Peng Chen , Chen Kai
Published: June 2021

In recent years, the combustion furnace has been widely applied in many different fields of industrial technology, and the accurate detection of combustion states can effectively help operators adjust combustion strategies to improve combustion utilization and ensure safe operation. However, the combustion states inside the industrial furnace change according to the production needs, which further challenges the optimal set of model parameters. To effectively segment the flame pixels, a novel segmentation method for furnace flame using adaptive color model and hybrid‐coded human learning optimization (AHcHLO) is proposed. A new adaptive color model with mixed variables (NACMM) is designed for adapting to different combustion states, and the AHcHLO is developed to search for the optimal parameters of NACMM. Then, the best NACMM with optimal parameters is adopted to segment the combustion flame image more precisely and effectively. Finally, the experiment results show that the developed AHcHLO obtains the best‐known overall results so far on benchmark functions and the proposed NACMM outperforms state‐of‐the‐art flame segmentation approaches, providing a high detection accuracy and a low false detection rate.
Finite‐Time Impulsive Control of Financial Risk Dynamic System with Chaotic Characteristics
Authors: Ziyan Li , Ke Tao , Qing Xia , Chengrong Xie , Yuhua Xu
Published: June 2021

The control of financial risk has always been one of the important topics in financial research. Based on the theory of finance, this paper proposes a kind of financial risk dynamic system. By analyzing some properties of the dynamic system, the system shows obvious coexisting chaotic oscillations. In order to control the financial risk dynamic system effectively, this paper proposes a finite‐time impulse controller to control the financial risk dynamic system. Simulation results show that the finite‐time impulse controller has faster convergence speed than the impulse controller.
Research on Diagnosis Prediction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diseases Based on Improved Bayesian Combination Model
Authors: Zhang Zhulv , Li Jinghua , Zheng Wanting , Tian Shaolei , Wu Yang , Yu Qi , Zhu Ling
Published: June 2021

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinical intelligent decision-making assistance has been a research hotspot in recent years. However, the recommendations of TCM disease diagnosis based on the current symptoms are difficult to achieve a good accuracy rate because of the ambiguity of the names of TCM diseases. The medical record data downloaded from ancient and modern medical records cloud platform developed by the Institute of Medical Information on TCM of the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMC) and the practice guidelines data in the TCM clinical decision supporting system were utilized as the corpus. Based on the empirical analysis, a variety of improved Naïve Bayes algorithms are presented. The research findings show that the Naïve Bayes algorithm with main symptom weighted and equal probability has achieved better results, with an accuracy rate of 84.2%, which is 15.2% higher than the 69% of the classic Naïve Bayes algorithm (without prior probability). The performance of the Naïve Bayes classifier is greatly improved, and it has certain clinical practicability. The model is currently available at http://tcmcdsmvc.yiankb.com/.
Huang-Pu-Tong-Qiao Formula Ameliorates the Hippocampus Apoptosis in Diabetic Cognitive Dysfunction Mice by Activating CREB/BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ye Shu , Xie Dao-Jun , Zhou Peng , Gao Hua-Wu , Zhang Meng-Ting , Chen Da-Bao , Qin Yun-Peng , Lei Xin , Li Xin-Quan , Liu Juan , Cheng Ya-Xun , Yao Yong-Chuan , Cai Biao , Shen Guo-Ming
Published: June 2021

Background. Huang-Pu-Tong-Qiao formula (HPTQ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used to improve cognitive impairment. However, the underlying neuroprotective mechanism of HPTQ treated for diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of HPTQ in DCD mice based on molecular docking. Methods. To investigate the neuroprotective effect of HPTQ in DCD, the Morris water maze (MWM), novel object recognition (NOR) test was used to detect the learning and memory changes of mice; hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to investigate the damage of hippocampal neurons; the western blot (WB) was used to examine the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of hippocampus. To investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of HPTQ in DCD, molecular docking was used to predict the possible target proteins of different active components in HPTQ and then the WB was used to verify the expression of key target proteins in the hippocampus of mice. Results. HPTQ improved the learning and memory ability, hippocampal neuron damage, and the level of BDNF in the hippocampus of the DCD model treated with HFD/STZ for 12 weeks. Besides, the results of molecular docking showed that the main chemical components of HPTQ could be well combined with the targets of Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma2 (Bcl-2) and caspase-3. The levels of Bax/Bcl-2 protein ratio and caspase-3 increased in the DCD model while the HPTQ inhibited it. In addition, HPTQ restored DCD-induced decline of p-CREB, BDNF, TrkB, and p-Akt in the hippocampus. Conclusions. These data indicated that HPTQ ameliorates the hippocampus apoptosis in diabetic cognitive dysfunction mice by activating CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.
Research on the Effect of Knowledge Network Embedding on the Dynamic Capabilities of Small and Micro Enterprises
Authors: Zheng Shuli
Published: June 2021

In the complex and dynamic economic environment, the growing pain of small and micro enterprises is long‐standing. It is urgent to strengthen the research on the endogenous growth mechanism of small and micro enterprises. Based on the background of the era of knowledge‐driven economy, this paper explores the relationship between knowledge network embeddedness and dynamic capabilities of small and micro enterprises with environmental munificence as the regulating variable. We have the structural equation empirical research with the data from 260 questionnaires of small and micro enterprises. The results show that structural embeddedness and relational embeddedness have a positive driving effect on the dynamic capability of small and micro enterprises, and environmental munificence plays a positive regulatory role in the positive impact of knowledge network embedding on the dynamic capability. The research conclusion is helpful for the small and micro enterprise to develop dynamic capacity and for the supportive policy making as well.
Supplemental N‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Limit A1‐Specific Astrocyte Polarization via Attenuating Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Cao Jun , Dong Lijun , Luo Jialiang , Zeng Fanning , Hong Zexuan , Liu Yunzhi , Zhao YiBo , Xia Zhengyuan , Zuo Daming , Xu Li , Tao Tao
Published: June 2021

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability for adults, which lacks effective treatments. Dietary intake of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) exerts beneficial effects on ischemic stroke by attenuating neuron death and inflammation induced by microglial activation. However, the impact and mechanism of n‐3 PUFAs on astrocyte function during stroke have not yet been well investigated. Our current study found that dietary n‐3 PUFAs decreased the infarction volume and improved the neurofunction in the mice model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Notably, n‐3 PUFAs reduced the stroke‐induced A1 astrocyte polarization both in vivo and in vitro. We have demonstrated that exogenous n‐3 PUFAs attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress and increased the mitophagy of astrocytes in the condition of hypoxia. Furthermore, we provided evidence that treatment with the mitochondrial‐derived antioxidant, mito‐TEMPO, abrogated the n‐3 PUFA‐mediated regulation of A1 astrocyte polarization upon hypoxia treatment. Together, this study highlighted that n‐3 PUFAs prevent mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby limiting A1‐specific astrocyte polarization and subsequently improving the neurological outcomes of mice with ischemic stroke.
Diagnosis Index System Setup for Implementation Status Management in Large-Scale Construction Projects
Authors: Wang Wan-Yu , Wang Yi
Published: June 2021

In order to scientifically set up the diagnosis index system for the implementation state of large-scale construction projects, this paper proposed a new method which takes into account the indicators in all level states. Different from the index system constructed by other methods, the indexes/indicators established in this paper are more systematically correlated, with a better hierarchical progression in all levels of the index system. The particular diagnosis index parameters of the management objects are firstly analysed through the mathematic model based on the Rough Set. Then, the representation of the periodical management problems is taken as the study object, and the detailed establishing process to form the index system is presented based on the evidenced theory and the Rough Set extraction. Finally, a case study is presented to validate the proposed method. It is shown that the index system set up by the proposed method can not only represent the systematic hierarchical relationships among all corresponding indexes but also diagnose the macroscopic, the mesostates, and the microstates effectively.
Th17/1-Biased Inflammatory Environment Involved in the Response of Epithelial Cells to Antigen Stimuli in Nasal Polyps
Authors: Xu Guangfu , Chen Silong , Dong Yuchun , Xiao Li
Published: June 2021

Several studies showed that IL-17A was significantly increased in nasal polyps (NPs). However, the source and characteristics of IL-17A-producing cells in NPs were not fully understood. We isolated mononuclear cells from NPs and uncinate tissues and analyzed them using flow cytometry. The results indicated that IL-17A was increased in NP tissues compared to uncinate tissues. The main IL-17A-expressing cells were CD3+ T cells in NP tissues, including Th17 cells, Tc17 cells, and γδT17 cells. Not similar to those in uncinate tissues, the majority of Th17 cells highly coexpressed IFN-γ in NP tissues, such as Th17/1 cells, which highly expressed CXCR3, CCR6, RORγt, and T-bet. Furthermore, Th17/1-biased environment increased the response of nasal epithelial cells to bacterial and viral stimuli, implying that Th17/1 cells play a greater role in the pathological development of NPs than Th17 or Th1 cells.